#for a while i thought the hair might hide a vision but since we get a chance to walk around i wedged my camera into uncomfortable places

[ipcearn]

I'm having a hard time getting what's so special about how the Pyro Archon gets chosen, beyond the higher turn over rate apparently

But what is the big difference between Celestia picking someone, at times feeling very arbitrary in their choices (at least for the first set), and a human proving themselves strong

Or are we to assume that none of the other archons were human before ascension?

We know Venti, Zhongli and Egeria (and Focalors) were non-human to begin with

But I did assume the Electro twins were human before, and Rukkhadevata was what, some Fey creature, but Layla too has the Fey ears, as do some of the new Natlan characters? (I guess the question there would be if she was the Avatar of Irminsul first, or if she became it after ascending)

The Tsaritsa is still a big question mark as well, obviously, but I guess next year we might get some answers there

Maybe it will become clearer the further I play, and the more of the Archon Quest gets released but right now I am just sitting here with "okay, and?"

(Furina after all is a human, that didn't age because of the gnosis and her pseudo-archon status, but ages now that the gnosis lost its power)

Mavuika does not seem to hold a Vision, so she does seemingly draw from the gnosis to some extent and/or from the Sacred Flame (which then prolly also draws from the gnosis to some degree) because I could not see Celestia giving Natlan a pass in a 'just because' situation, particularly not since Natlan has been doing it like this for centuries, so it also can't be a change that happened post Celestia stopping to give a crap

[msafterhours]

No Promises

Reader POV x Joo Kyulkyung (Zhou Jieqiong)

~2.7k words

“We were meant to be together sounded so much sweeter when it felt like we had forever.”

There's something beautiful about intentionally making the wrong decision. Like, sure, it sounds crazy to step into the line of fire and say yeah, come on universe; take your best shot, but it’s also kinda fun, no? Granted, soaring down the streets of Seoul with the wind whipping against your jacket and the rain pouring past your helmet is maybe a bit much, but you left any concerns you might have had in the dust long before the sun set. Besides, this is far from the first time you’ve acted with the type of reckless abandon reserved for those who have yet to live long enough to have something to lose.

That calculus changes when you re-enter Seoul: speed limits shift from suggestions to mandates. After a third red in a row rips an extended groan from your chest, you spend the moment inspecting the streets you’ve traversed a thousand times. You’re met by the familiar sight of Gangnam-gu’s glimmering lights, gleaming skyscrapers, and garish nightclubs each casting their own unique reflection onto the shimmering street below. On most nights, you’re able to let the mess of colors fade into the background, but tonight, it feels uncharacteristically gray. Even then, it’s all so loud, from the rainfall on the swarms of umbrellas to the downcast expressions of the faceless crowd—hell, even the red light you’ve been keeping an eye on seems washed out.

Right as you’re wondering if you’ve been transported back in time and cast in a 1940s sitcom, a sudden flash of color at the far edge of vision completely derails your train of thought. You turn and are met by a sight pulled straight from a modern drama: a student close to your own age wearing a soaked banana yellow top and skirt clinging to her legs as she hides under her highlighter pink backpack like it’s some shoddy umbrella. It’s … not a pretty sight.

Or at least it wouldn't be, if not for the rest of her. Her long, dark hair cascades down past her shoulders and clings to her face, obscuring your view of her finer features, yet every aspect of her from her posture to the placement of her steps projects a practiced poise that monopolizes your attention. Everyone else fades from your vision as the light turns green and she turns the crosswalk into her personal runway … though the effect is kinda ruined by the urgency with which she scurries through the rain.

A feeling from deep within urges you to act—that and the person behind you honking their horn since you’ve spent the four seconds since the light turned green frozen in place. You release the brake, accelerate forward, and veer your motorcycle to the side where you know she's heading. With a quick step onto the soaked pavement and a tug on the strap of your helmet, you greet the rain with the widest of smiles, then feel it shift into a smirk as you call out, “Ouch, aren’t you a sad sight to behold. Need some help with that?”

She turns and stares, mouth agape, as she processes the sight of you. Your first glimpse of her leaves you stuck mirroring her expression, mouth agape in disbelief because she's gorgeous, with a sharp jawline that contrasts perfectly against her soft skin. It’s a face sculpted to show on billboards … and one whose disbelief shifts into a smirk as she remains unaffected by your reaction. Your eyes travel upwards past those invitingly soft lips, along the bridge of her nose, all the way up and meeting her own, where you’re all too tempted to lose yourself in them. Eventually, she breaks the silence and asks, “What. The. Fuck. Are you doing? Are you trying to die?”

“Of course not, don’t you listen? I already told you, I’m trying to help,” you say back, smile widening as her skepticism refuses to fade whatsoever. “I just figured that while we’re both out in the rain, only one of us wants to be, yeah? I'd be doing something wrong if I didn't at least offer to get you there faster, so I ask again: do you want my help or not?”

As you offer her your helmet, you see the distrust finally start thawing, just enough for her to crack a smile of her own. “This is insane—you’re insane. But you also seem fun, so why not?”

You hand her the helmet and exchange names, and as the girl you'll come to know as Kyulkyung repeats yours back to you, you watch as her eyebrows relax and the distrust starts leaving her eyes. As you go through a brief crash course—how to wear a helmet, where to sit, etc.—her posture slips too, hints of comfort and fatigue settling in as her shoulders slump. Yet through it all, her eyes remain locked on yours, causing an unexpected pang in your chest as you turn to climb onto the bike. It fades slightly when you turn back to her, offer your hand, and ask, “Okay, you ready?”

Even as Kyulkyung shivers and shakes like a leaf in the wind, the fire in her eyes burns bright as she dismisses your hand and climbs atop the bike with ease. Her arms wrap around you, sending a shock of heat through your system and your heart rate into the stratosphere as she asks, “Do you happen to know where the PLEDIS building is?”

“Funnily enough, I do,” you tell her, smirking with sinister intent as inspiration strikes. “What’re you, a trainee or something?”

“No …” Kyulkyung murmurs, averting her eyes as she continues, “I just have a really good reason to want to be there before 11:00.”

“Sure. Yeah. Totally,” you say. Her eyebrows raise; yours respond in kind. Her bottom lip catches between her teeth. You continue. “You, the ‘School of Performing Arts’ student—in said uniform—strutting around Gangnam of all places. You’re gonna try and convince me you’re not a trainee, just that you happen to have a ‘really good reason’ to be at an agency before a very specific time of night.”

“Are you trying to say something?”

“Two things actually: you’re full of shit and you’re out past curfew.”

“You sound pretty sure of that.”

“Tell me I’m wrong.”

“Why would it even matter?”

“Because I like being right, and you apparently hate being wrong. Aside from that, if I need to get you back before curfew, we’re going to have to book it, run a few red lights, pray that we don’t get pulled over—”

“Alright, enough,” Kyulkyung interjects, eyes rolling with a gymnast’s grace. “You’re not wrong, but let’s just focus on getting me back in one piece, alright? I’m pretty sure they care more about me being alive than on time.”

“We’re not going anywhere until you say it,” you insist. “Go ahead, tell me I’m right.”

“You’re actually serious?” she mutters in disbelief. You opt to let the silence act as your confirmation.

“Fine. You’re right: I’m a trainee. Happy?” Kyulkyung grumbles, grimacing as a grin overtakes your expression. “What gave it away?”

“I dunno, you kinda just seem ‘that kind of pretty’,” you say with a shrug. “Something about the way you walk too … honestly, nothing about you comes off as normal.”

“Bit rich for you of all people to say that, don’t you think? I wouldn’t exactly call this a ‘normal’ way to spend a Friday night.”

“I wouldn't either,” you admit, smiling wide as you respond. “But are you—the trainee—really gonna be the one to lecture me about running headfirst towards an enticing risk?”

“No, I'm not,” Kyulkyung says, her grip on your ribs tightening. “Though I might not be so kind if you keep me out in this rain any longer.”

“Alright, alright, fine,” you wheeze out, struggling to catch your breath as you paint on your most dramatic pout. “You’re no fun … but you are kinda cute, so I guess I can cave just this once.”

“Good,” she replies, smiling in smug satisfaction. “Now, let’s get going! I’m cold.”

“As you wish, princess,” you say, revving the engine and speeding off before she gets the chance to respond.

You immediately lose any semblance of newfound confidence as the unfiltered brunt of the elements threatens to overwhelm you on your first time riding without a helmet. First, it’s the scent of rain. Then, it’s the rain pummeling your brow. Finally, it’s the noise. Your motorcycle roars and the cars passing you scream off into the night as they pass—it’s all just so fucking loud and every single sensation threatens to pull your focus away from the road. Yet even amongst the brutal weather of a stormy night, Kyulkyung’s thoughts resonate through your mind clear as day. You feel her heartbeat race as you accelerate out of a turn, feel her cling to you tighter at every hint of yellow in the stoplights above. Without fail, she wordlessly pleads for you to choose caution, and, without fail, you do whatever she asks.

At one such intersection, you ask a question of your own: you let go of the handlebar and place your hand atop hers. Kyulkyung's response is just as silent, but she needs no words to tell you yes as she intertwines her fingers with yours as you wait together. Even through the drenched material of your glove, the heat of her touch wards off the cold, sending a surge of warmth through your shivering body as you both stare ahead into the awaiting darkness. You revel in the sensation as long as possible, right up until the light turns to green and you’re forced to pull away.

As she embraces you once more and you accelerate forward, a realization cuts through the fog and arrives at the forefront of your mind: you just met this girl and you already know you’re never going to be able to say no to her. And that’s … okay?

Yes. There’s something about her that takes the tension out of the knots in your shoulders, makes you breathe just that bit easier—at least when she’s allowing you to do so. It’s all too easy to ease into her embrace, all too tempting to take your time weaving your way through the tangled web of your home suburb’s streets. The thought proves far too tempting and you choose to do so, desperate to preserve the sanctity of these seconds spent together.

Unfortunately, the night only lasts so long and the road only goes so far, so you’re soon met by the familiar sight of your destination. You force yourself to ease off the gas, allowing your momentum to carry you forward until you come to a stop across the street from the building in question. With a sigh and a swing of your leg, you step off the motorcycle and turn to face her as you offer her your hand. This time, Kyulkyung accepts, taking it and joining you on the sidewalk. After loosening the chin strap, you gently pull the helmet off her head, granting you a glimpse of her parted lips before revealing the excitement and expectation in her wide eyes.

“So, what’d you think? Kinda fun, right?” you ask, allowing your eyebrows to lift in expectation as you await her response.

“Maaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyyybbbbbeeee,” she says, drawing out that single syllable just long enough for smirks to overtake both your expressions.

“You know what? I’ll take it. And you—” you say, turning away for a moment as you unlock one of the side compartments of your bike and pull something out. “—should take this.”

Kyulkyung lets out the slightest squeak of surprise as she catches the umbrella you toss her, though the surprise is quickly replaced by the disdain and disbelief overtaking her expression. “Wait, you’re kidding. You have to be. You had this the whole fucking time?”

“Yep!”

“And you still felt the need to convince me to risk my life on that screaming metal death trap?”

“I thought it’d be a valuable experience,” you say, shrugging once more. “You can keep the umbrella by the way; it’s all yours.”

Kyulkyung’s sigh of resignation is all that keeps the street from falling into silence as you stand there, waiting for her to voice her thoughts. Eventually, she does so. “Give me your phone.”

“So greedy, honestly. I just gave you a ride and my umbrella, yet you’re still asking for more?” you scoff. Still though, you do as she asks, pulling it out of your pocket and unlocking it before handing it to her.

“It’s one of my toxic traits,” she replies as she taps away at the screen. “Everyone else seems to have gotten used to it, so I’m sure you’ll be fine, eventually.”

“Oh?” you ask, eyebrow arching as she piques your curiosity. “You hoping I’ll stick around?”

“No, I was just texting myself from your phone for the hell of it,” she says, sarcasm soaking her words like the rain-soaked streets as she finishes typing. “It totally wasn’t because I was gonna ask if I could get you coffee or something, as thanks for getting me home safe.”

Kyulkyung finally looks away from the screen, meeting your gaze with an infectious smile as she offers you your phone. “That’s unfortunate. I really like the thought of someone else paying for my drink.”

“Yeah?” she asks. A pause. Then, “Maybe we’ll just have to make it happen.”

“Maybe we will,” you agree. With that, you turn and remount your motorcycle. Before you go, you offer her one last smile as you bid her farewell. “I need to get back, but I hope you have a good night and good luck with—” you gesture wildly at the beautiful mess standing in front of you “—explaining everything I guess.”

“Thaaanks,” Kyulkyung grumbles, pouting as she shudders at the thought and ripping a warm laugh out from deep within your chest. As it echoes against the buildings’ frigid walls, her hints of a smile bloom into her own peals of laughter that harmonize with your own as they resonate as one.

“I hope you have a good night too,” she says softly after a short while. “Try not to die on the way home, alright?”

“No promises.”

Kyulkyung’s eyes roll once more, but there’s genuine gratitude in the nod she gives before turning away. As she disappears into the building’s darkened halls and vanishes from your sight, a chill courses through your veins, leaving you shivering as you adjust your helmet and take off down the road.

Barely a minute passes before you reach your apartment complex and the pale brick and light blue tones that define its color palette. After locking up your bike, you hike upstairs, step up to your door, turn the latch, and reveal … the silent darkness within. Empty, just like always. Muscle memory guides your hand to the switch, momentarily blinding you as the cool whites wash away the darkness to reveal the relaxing hues of your home.

While the sight normally instills a sense of calmness, it all seems to blur as the chill refuses to leave your body, rendering you seasick as your head swims. It remains even as you peel away your gloves and free yourself from the soaked leather of your jacket, leaving you shivering even as you turn on the shower and pray for it to heat quickly. As you wait, you decide to check your phone and see what message Kyulkyung sent herself.

You can’t help but scoff at the assumption, but it quickly shifts into a smile as you compose your response.

You (10:59 PM): When you read this, let me know if you got home safe.

I don’t want to put the time into making coffee plans if you’re not gonna show up

You (11:08 PM): You’re insufferable

You (11:08 PM): How’d everything go? Were you able to sneak back in?

Kyulkyung (11:09 PM): Oh, easily

You (11:09 PM): Not your first time pushing curfew?

Kyulkyung (11:09 PM): Definitely not

Kyulkyung (11:10 PM): And definitely not the last either

You (11:10 PM): Can't say I'm surprised lol

You (11:11 PM): I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend, even if the most interesting part has already happened

Kyulkyung (11:11 PM): Lol thanks, try not to get into too much trouble while I'm not there to supervise

You (11:12 PM): No promises

(My sincerest gratitude to @capslocked as always for their contributions towards bettering this fic. This was a draft I started a while ago that I didn't foresee myself finishing, but as I was editing it, I had the idea of posting little vignettes from the plot that I had written instead of making it a singular narrative. The plot I had in mind originally spanned something like 4 years, so just writing the highlights seems like a better fit (if there's interest for this story at all, I know it's an idol that's been away from the industry for a bit). Regardless, thank you so much for spending your time reading my work and I hope you enjoyed it!)

[artiststarme]

Baby, it's cold outside

@nburkhardt, you asked for a cute introspective fic, I hope this fits! I hope everyone likes it and please leave your thoughts in the comments!

~*~*~*~

Eddie Munson had always hated winter. He hated snow, sleet, frost, and hail. Unfortunately for him, that's all there was in Indiana between late November to early March. The nights grew darker, the trailer was always slightly too cold, and his loneliness seemed exacerbated. Unlike the peacefulness and solitude that he felt in autumn, empty nights in the trailer’s living room while Wayne was at work only served to make him feel alone… burdensome. 

It wasn’t like he could cry to his uncle about feeling lonely when he’d been pulling double shifts at the plant practically since Eddie had moved in with him. He couldn’t complain to his bandmates that hardly put up with him enough to call them friends. And it wasn’t like he had anyone else in the town that cared about him even remotely. 

Most of all though, Eddie hated how the winter reflected the frigidity of the town. He knew they hated him year-round but it seemed so much more prominent in the cold. Their malicious laughter when he slipped on ice, the hardly-visible sneers from underneath scarves, and cruel words seemed harsher. 

One winter day though, everything changed for Eddie. He’d chosen that day to avoid the stifling isolation at his trailer. Winter had only just begun but its effects were already visible. Eddie’s pale skin looked paler, the bags under his eyes were heavier, and the tip of his nose was almost permanently red. The weather was dreadful, softly snowing with the flakes sticking to the ground. Still, he had to leave the trailer park to keep his sanity, weather be damned. He sat on a low hanging swing at the elementary school playground, snowflakes stuck to his hair and a blunt between his lips. He was still alone but it wasn’t so unbearable out in the open. 

“Hey, uh. Mind if I join you?”

A sudden voice took away Eddie’s peace and he flailed like a cat electrocuted before he was able to regain his bearings and grip the swing chains with a vice grip. He choked on the smoke of his blunt and looked through leaking eyes up at the cause of his shock. 

“The fuck?” He hacked while trying to determine who’d bothered him.

“I’m sorry man, I really didn’t mean to scare you. I just… you looked lonely and I’m kinda lonely too so I thought we might as well be less lonely together,” the stranger’s voice seemed genuinely apologetic and it pulled the strings in Eddie’s heart. As soon as his vision cleared though, his system was flushed with ice.

“Harrington? What the fuck are you even doing here? You come all the way over here to pick on little ole me? Pathetic. Where are your cronies, hiding behind the bushes waiting for your signal so you all can jump me? Fuck you,” Eddie snarled before trying to get up from his place. He stopped only once Harrington’s hands landed on his shoulders and pushed him back down. 

Harrington looked gutted, “no man, I’m alone. I was just… trying to get out of the house when I saw you here. I’m sorry for bothering you, I’ll uh. I’ll see you around, Munson.”

Despite his words, he stayed still for a moment longer, eyes focused directly on Eddie’s. Upon closer inspection, he didn’t appear to be the King Steve he always was at school. He wasn’t confident here. His posture was slumped, his mouth was twisted in a grimace, and his perfect hair looked like he’d tried to pull it out himself. Most notably though were the angry bruises on his cheekbone and along his jaw. Eddie had seen more than enough abuse in his life and the aftermath left it like a scar. Hell, he saw it every day in the mirror. 

He couldn’t let Steve leave with this revelation. It seemed that the King and the Freak had more in common than they’d ever known. With a sigh, he pulled a fresh blunt out of his leather jacket pocket and handed it to Steve. 

“Here man, I could use the company. And I’m not sure I could finish this one alone.”

Steve’s grimace fell to reveal the most breathtaking smile Eddie had ever seen. “I’m sure you could Munson, but I’ll stick around. Thanks!”

They sat on the swings in the snow for what seemed like hours. They talked, they laughed, they sat in comfortable silence at times. When their hands got too frozen and their faces flushed, they stood awkwardly as if neither one wanted the night to end. 

“So uh, you want to come back to my place? It’s closer and I have hot chocolate,” Eddie muttered, his fingers twisting his rings in anxiety. He didn’t know what the fuck was happening here but he knew he didn’t want it to end. 

Steve ducked his head to hide a grin, but accepted nonetheless. “Lead the way, Munson.”

They spent the remainder of the night drinking hot cocoa, cuddling in Eddie’s small twin bed, and sleeping off what was a great night for them both. When they woke up, things weren’t awkward or stilted, it felt like they were just as they should be. Thus in the winter of 1983, King Steve and Eddie “the Freak” Munson became friends in the public eye. It caused quite the stir around both the school and the town alike but it didn’t bother them. And in the safety and privacy of their homes, they became more. They became more than strangers or friends and instead evolved directly into boyfriends that held hands, space heaters for each other in the cold of the trailer, and partners that they could each depend on. 

After what started off as a dreary night alone in an empty playground, Eddie’s life changed for the better. From that day forward, his hatred of the winter faded into a feeling of gratitude. The cold weather had guided two lost and lonely souls toward each other. After that, seeing snow or frost, or sleet always reminded Eddie of the day that he and Steve became each other’s person. They would never be alone again as long as they had each other. 

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[teatreeoilll]

|| Flustered (Geto Suguru X Reader) ||

(Reposted from my old blog which I don't have access to anymore (thanks Tumblr), if you liked it reblogs or likes would be appreciated to get me back on track since I've lost all my followers and half my work :(

in which reader has a big crush on Geto (don't we all?), just kind of me tapping into the funny post-credits vibes of jjk. notes: I even kept the small headlines I made for each part because it felt cute, might delete later.

w/c: 1.1 k

screenshot credits to user yutamayo.

-

The part where Geto Suguru likes seeing you flustered.

You were sure Geto Suguru hadn't the slightest idea of what he was doing. Because if he did, it would make him a devil.

He'd always sit patiently waiting for the end of class before coming up to you, just to place a large hand on your shoulder while you were still sitting in your seat, letting it linger there for far too long as he spoke.

"Be careful, yeah?" He heard passingly from Shoko about the mission you were about to take on with one of the older sorcerers.

"Always am." You smile, thinking that if he doesn't move his hand off of your shoulder soon, the warmth of his fingertips might burn through the fabric of your uniform.

"That's not what Shoko says," He gets down on his knees to face you and tilts his head lightly, a dark strand of hair grazing the side of his nose. It would be impolite to not look straight at him now - the eye contact he kept so easily made the blush creep to your cheeks. His hand moves to rest on your thigh. There's no chance in hell he doesn't know what he's doing.

"Huh?"

"Are you feeling okay? Your face looks red, you shouldn't go if you feel sick." He says.

"I'm - fine, I just -" Your chair scrapes the floor as you get up abruptly, "I don't want to keep Mei Mei waiting."

Did someone tell him that I have a crush on him? You thought while stumping down the hall, the only one who knows is Shoko, and there's no chance she'd do that. Damn it.

-

The part where you learn that if you ever ask for something of Mei Mei, be very specific.

It doesn't help to wipe the sweat. It just mixes with dirt and blood that covered you from head to toe, leaving your vision blurred and your moves sloppy. Mei Mei has it all under control - as she usually does, with her battleaxe swinging elegantly through numerous curses each instant, leaving their severed parts to rest on the dirty linoleum floors, but it doesn't mean she'd let you off easy.

"You should at least try to focus, or you wouldn't live long enough to have any chance of getting together with Geto."

huh?

"I'm sorry. I'll focus." you mutter shamefully.

The mission ends almost instantaneously when Mei Mei finds the curse responsible for the recent killings, her blows unwavering even at the horrid sight. You knew you weren't at your usual level on this mission, but Mei Mei's words have shifted your focus completely.

The car ride was silent except for the sound of your uniform's fabric brushing over the car seat every time your leg bounced restlessly, thoughts running back and forth through your mind.

"Mei-Mei, How'd you know that -"

She didn't even wait for your sentence to finish; "Gojo paid me to send a raven to pry on yours and Shoko's conversations."

"Oh," fuck, "wait, shouldn't it be a secret?"

"He paid me to snoop," a smile grazed her lips, "not to keep a secret."

-

The part where Gojo Satoru faces imminent death.

"I'll kill you, Satoru!" You shout, but Gojo only likes it more. He runs around the class pretending that all the things you're throwing at his direction will actually hurt him. He hides his tall figure poorly behind desks, giggling every time another part of school property passes his head by a few inches.

"And end a bloodline just like that?" He teases.

Shoko stands silently in the doorway, watching the scene unfold. She puts a cigarette in her mouth, ready to turn away from the class and leave you to deal with Gojo in any way that you see fit. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Geto approaching the classroom, oblivious to the new developments.

"Ieri - " He tries to say something, but she just slowly shakes her head "No".

"Wouldn't go in there if I were you." Shoko closes the door behind her, muffling the conundrum of threats and laughter coming out of the room.

In the hall, Gojo's mocking words could still be heard through loud thuds of heavy objects hitting the floor, "D'you really wanna' kill your boyfriends best friend?"

-

The part where Geto Suguru is so, so sorry.

Geto felt the guilt rush over him now that you knew that he had flustered you very much deliberately. You've ignored him for almost a week now, which by any means would be considered a feat, seeing that you've spent hours together in classes and practice almost every day. And even when he came to apologize, befitting a Jujutsu sorcerer, you stood before him in the hallway with an unholy amount of unwavering pride.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that, especially when I knew that you have a crush on me." He had stated the obvious, but still somehow managed to lie. He really wasn't sorry - his heart fluttered everytime he saw your face turn crimson under his touch.

"Had." You corrected.

"Had?"

"Yeah, had a crush on you."

"Oh, so you don't anymore?"

"No." You lied through your teeth, but you were rather convinced that if you'd just keep focusing on the anger you felt, the feeling will blow over eventually anyway.

"That's understandable," He says, taking a small step closer to you, just to test the waters. When you didn't move, he raised his arm slowly, pressing the palm of his hand to the side of your face, watching your body involuntarily eliciting the same response he longed for. On the tips of his fingers he clearly felt your jaw tense up slightly, and the heat gathering quickly in your cheeks, "But I just can't have that happen. You look so cute like this, you know?"

It was futile to resist his kiss, his whole body felt like it belonged to be pressed right against yours. Your pride melted against his tongue, his lips only stopping when he had to draw a quick breath. By the time his hand was entangled in your hair, it was too late to try and regain the last shreds of dignity, and so you opted to wrap your arms around him to press your bodies even closer.

[agatharkn3ss]

Thoughts on Teen's story (spoilers)

This is not a formed theory of any kind, I am still trying to make sense about Teen, so this is just a brain-dump of things I've noted so far.

I still think he's some form of Billy/Wiccan and that his parents died in that car crash mentioned in ep.1. Maybe even the body that is being investigated was Billy's mom and not Wanda, as we were made to believe. But what happened next? Why only release Agatha from her spell in 2026 if the crash was in 2023? How is he connected to Rio because I think they are working together? What triggered Nosey-Agnes to become Detective-Agnes?

The detail that has caught my eye is Agatha's house when she finally wakes up from the curse. Agatha still lives in the house she "borrowed" from Ralph Bohner (fake Pietro) in Wandavision. Surely, the house content and decor would largely stay the same as what she made it when she still had her purple powers? Wanda wouldn't change the house itself - even her own house plot didn't physically change.

But in the opening of ep.2 Agatha seems confused by things - e.g. she dislikes the coffee, then exclaims "whose shoes are these?!". But I brushed it off thinking maybe she's just finding items from her "Agnes" persona and still recovering from the spell. Or her neighbours got her wrong items (and someone must have built her that "car"!). But what if they really do belong to someone else?

We are made to believe that maybe Agatha kidnapped Teen, but what if he lived with her since the crash (or at least for a while)? And that's how he's learnt about Agatha and magic? Only she doesn't remember because she was in her Agnes-the-nosey-neighbour persona? Or because of the sigil?

The house is absolutely littered with books (and rabbit images - which is interesting, since in her detective reality rabbit was somehow linked to Nicholas Scratch items) and there are symbols and sketches everywhere - someone has been very busy looking for magic for sure. It couldn't be Agatha if she's trapped as Agnes? I imagine this is how Teen managed to create his spell book and fill with lots of info he found.

There are also lots of police files boxes and random photos are stuck to doors and walls etc. This could be because Agatha was in her "Agnes O'Connor" role and was hanging up what she thought was evidence. And I do think that to certain extent that might be the case - we see the same flower photos that Agatha originally thought were photos of the victim's body. But where would the boxes come from? There are so many of them and they look like the real deal and not made up. So was someone really investigating something?

And finally, there is this little detail... A kid's drawing?! Or maybe someone was trying to badly draw a vision of what they saw? Looks like a woman with rays coming out of her head?

This is not making any sense, somehow I can't see Nosey-Agnes and Teen playing happy family... But then again, it would explain the connection they have. When Teen wakes up from being injured on the Road, the very first thing he says is he asks Agatha if she was the one who put the sigil on him. I wonder if this is Teen testing Agatha how much she remembers from before. It feels like he wants to have a heart-to-heart with her, but doesn't know how much he can say yet.

Then there is the link to Rio. And the mystery of the locket. Rio was clearly very interested in it - she questioned "Agnes" about it - "Are you hiding evidence?". This was briefly followed by Teen breaking into the house and stealing the locket. I don't think that's a coincidence and Rio was probably trying to create distraction for Teen. There are soooo many possibilities, but I wonder if the locket was the one item that Teen needed to break Agatha from the spell - something that was her one connection to reality (as it remains so during the trials too) and close to her heart, because it contained her son's hair, and only Rio would know that. How did the locket get to the puddle in the "crime scene" in the first place though? Did Agatha have something to do with the crash?

As for the sigil, I wonder if it was Rio who placed it on Teen, knowing Agatha can't know too much about him because she wouldn't help Wanda's kid. Or she simply knew that keeping the mystery will intrigue Agatha enough to keep Teen close to her. The question is, why?

Oh, and another side-note - no matter who cast the sigil, it would hide Teen's identity from all witch-folk, including the witch who cast it. So when Rio says "That boy is not yours", it raises even more questions. Is Rio not a witchy person (because she's Death) so she's not affected by the sigil? I think unlikely, since she had to obey magic to join the coven after Sharon died. Or, she is affected by the sigil but she knows Agatha's son is dead (or somewhere else) so it can't be Teen? Or, she's lying. Either way - why?

Anyway... just a collection of random thoughts, because I am getting stir crazy waiting for the next episode! I hope they will answer at least some of these questions soon! (probably not until ep.6 though...)

[invisibleraven]

doing their makeup for them / rose & julie

Rose went over her checklist-food, flowers, music-all checked off. The decorations were all being put up, the staff working tirelessly to capture her vision for Julie's quinceanera.

Look, Rose's body might be being ravaged by cancer and chemo both, and she was more exhausted than anything, but she had vowed that she was giving her daughter a quinces to remember.

"Hey, time for a break?" Ray asked, easing the checklist from her grip.

"I just want it to be perfect," she whispered. "I don't know if this is the last birthday I'll get to see..."

"Don't talk like that," Ray admonished. "The chemo is working, You've got decades ahead of you."

"I wish I had your faith," Rose admitted, leaning into his arms. "I want Julie to have this one perfect night that every girl deserves."

"Well how about you help her get ready?" Ray suggested. "Instead of micromanaging here? You'll be too tired to enjoy it at this rate."

"I thought she and Flynn were getting ready together?"

"I'm sure she wouldn't mind some help from her mami."

Rose smiled, kissing him before heading home, finding the girls finishing up their hair and giggling together. She knocked gently on the door. "Hey, do you need any help?"

"Hi Mami," Julie waved her in. "We were about to do our make up and nails if you want to help-or I could do yours?"

Rose knew her skin had grown pale and sickly since she got diagnosed, hardly the healthy glow she used to sport. She didn't hide her illness, proudly sporting her bald head and pallid skin. Tonight she had planned for a wig and a touch of blush, just so the focus was off her, but that was all.

"Sure mija, just nothing too wild okay?"

Julie beamed, gathering her supplies, while Flynn motioned she was going to give them a moment and top up their snacks. Rose was grateful to her, wanting this moment with her daughter.

"You know, in the eyes of the community, today you become an adult. A heavy burden for fifteen."

Julie hummed as she gently applied concealer to her skin. "Is this the part where you tell me I'll always be your little girl?"

Rose snorted at that, giving Julie a gentle shove. "Meanie."

"Learned from the best," Julie replied, dusting powder next, then adding blush. "I feel like I've already become an adult. These past few months have sucked."

"They have," Rose surmised, then taking Julie's hands in hers, letting the tube of mascara fall to the bed. "And I'm sorry that you've felt you've had to step up or grow up too quickly. Even if I am so proud of the woman I can see you becoming."

Julie sniffled at that, swiping at her watery eyes. "I... thank you."

Rose squeezed her hands, then gave her the mascara back. "No eyelashes, so maybe we could do lips instead?"

Julie gave a wet little laugh and pulled out a few tubes, letting Rose pick a dusky mauve shade with a little shimmer. "So how many times do you think papi will step on my feet during our dance?"

Rose cackled at that. "Know how bad of a dancer your father is-a lot. I hope you have good shoes."

"Think Tia would faint if I wore my combat boots?"

They giggled over that, Flynn coming back and insisting they needed to get Julie's makeup done now so they could do the dress. Rose offered to do that if Flynn would tackle the nails.

They worked together, giving Julie''s face a soft golden glow with a dramatic lined eye and nude lip to compliment her sparkly black and gold dress while Flynn tackled the nails making them match the gold in the dress with black tips.

Flynn did her own face while Rose grabbed the dress, helping Julie into it-it wasn't nearly as voluminous as a traditional quinces dress, but it was gorgeous and made Julie light up like never before.

"Mija..."

"I know," Julie said, hugging her mother. "Thank you so much for planning this night. I'll make sure that your next birthday is just as grand."

Rose wanted to say she wasn't sure she had another birthday in her, give Julie advice for the years she wasn't sure she would be here for. But she didn't, she couldn't bring this evening down. Instead she offered her daughter a soft smile and tugged an errant curl back behind her ear.

"You two go on, I'm sure papi is waiting for some photos. I'm going to go get ready and meet you down there."

The girls took off, and Rose smiled, watching them go before shrugging on her own dress, adjusting the wig on her head. Looking so much like her old self that she had to let out a sob for all she had lost, and all she had left to lose.

She quickly gathered herself, fixing the smudged makeup and plastering a smile on her face. It was Julie's night, she wasn't going to bring it down.

And went off to make sure she got a few pictures with her family, so no matter what, the memory of tonight would stay with them as a happy one even if she wasn't there to remember it with them.

Though in the end? Rose got to show those pictures of her grandchildren, and none of them saw her illness-only commenting how pretty both she and Julie were. And asking if she would plan her granddaughter's quinces as well.

"Of course I will," Rose promised, and couldn't wait to recreate the photo with her family, all these years later.

[headfulloflettuce]

The Human Who Fooled All of Prythian

15. A Sweet Stench

“I still can't believe you don't know what business to open…” Ophelia stared at her eggs, in slight shock.

Please don't be like Feyre and start crying over them.

“I thought you had a plan…”

“I do.” Cosette munched on her oatmeal happily. 

“Recon work is not a plan!”

“Reconnaissance is how we find out what this city is lacking within businesses or where it's easiest to find a good job. Supply and demand.” Cosette explained.

Ophelia shook her head, “You make it sound easy.”

“It’s not. I just want us to consider all our options first, you know?”

Ophelia nodded meekly, chewing her bacon, while Cosette sipped the hot chocolate Blanche had kindly made her again.

It would be ideal for the job to have something to do with chemistry because otherwise, all my years of education would have gone completely to waste. All that tuition down the drain…

Suddenly a black tuft of hair appeared in Cosette’s peripheral vision. Turning around, she was faced with a fae child. He looked around 10, with his hair tips made into small braids, and a mischievous grin on his face.

“Hello!”

“Hello.” Cosette and Ophelia smiled back at him.

“I am the great Lord of Snowflakes! Behold my might!” The kid struck a pose, the blanket wrapped around him as if it were a cape, dragging along the floor.

Oh my God, that was adorable.

“Aww, how old are you little guy?”

“Fifty!”

Cosette nearly choked on her food.

You're almost twice my age?!

“Wow…you're so big.”

The kid puffed out his chest, proud.

“Fermin!” Blanche’s voice came from the kitchen.

The boy jumped, diving under Cosette’s and Ophelia’s table, hiding behind the tablecloth. A couple faes sitting near them chuckled at the scene.

“Fermin, get back here and finish your breakfast!” Blanche stepped out of the kitchen, walking past the eating area. Eventually, she returned, turning to the two women for assistance.

“Have you seen a child anywhere around here? Black hair?”

Cosette kept her face neutral despite the small giggles coming from under the table, “No I haven’t.”

“Not a soul.” Ophelia swore.

“Hmm, is that so?” Blanche eyed Cosette skeptically, glancing at the blanket that was poking out from under the table.

Amature mistake.

“Well…” Blanche sighed dramatically, “If the Lord of Snowflakes doesn’t finish his breakfast, then we’ll need to give away his portion of chocolate chip cookies…”

“No!” the child zoomed out from underneath the table, nearly tripping over his ‘cape’ on his way to the kitchen.

Blanche shook her head fondly, following the child.

“So then…what’s your plan for recon work?” Ophelia looked at Cosette, realizing she wasn’t going to change her friend’s mind.

“First, we go buy clothes since we certainly can’t keep wearing our current outfits.” Cosette finished her oatmeal, “Then we will walk around the city and see what’s popular.”

“It’s a start.” Ophelia agreed, some hesitancy still present in her voice.

“Are you two heading out?”

“Oh, Miss Blanche!” Ophelia smiled at the fae.

Blanche smiled back, dressed in a cute dark gray cloak with buttons and a bow in the front, Fermin close by her side, dressed in a miniature version of the cloak.

Cosette nodded, “We’re going out to explore the city.”

I want to get rid of this uniform, and Ophelia needs a better wardrobe besides prisoner robes.

“Would you like to go together? I have some tasks I need to take care of, it would be wonderful to have company.”

“Oh, that would be lovely.” Cosette said appreciatively. 

“Where are you two headed first?” Blanche led them out into the street, holding Fermin’s hand.

“Well, we wanted to go to a clothing store to buy Cosette a warmer cloak.” Ophelia said, following after the older woman.

“Perfect, I know just the place. We need to get this little guy some mittens.” Blanche ruffled the child’s hair.

Cosette had to admit that Winter Court was not everything she had imagined it to be during her travels. It was obviously beautiful. The streets were busy with yelling traders and faes shopping or commuting to work. The snow fall and glow of fires in hearths seemed to be everlasting. Yet, the small alleyways concerned her. The ones she noticed when she and Ophelia took breaks during their walk next to large outdoor fireplaces. The ones in which elders slaved away shoveling trash or young women cleaned windows under the harsh scrutiny of male bartenders. 

No place was a fairytale; Winter Court was no exception to that rule.

How many of these people were victims of the war with Hybern? How many were out on the street due to Amaranthe?

Ophelia nor Blanche paid much mind to this; a purposeful avoidance of the subject.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Wanting to fill the silence Cosette decided to clarify the obvious, “Is Fermin your son?”

“We were lucky to have been able to conceive…granted he’s getting to grow up during a very turbulent time.” Blanche answered.

Yeah, the kid had to grow up Under the Mountain. Yikes to say the least

“Oh, over here you will see one of the main streets of the capital.” Blanche led them down a heavily populated street. Carts and fae rushing from place to place. Stores and restaurants bustling with activity.

“We’re going to shop at a different place though. Apart from the three central avenues, there are a couple of shopping centers. Those tend to be more affordable, and in my opinion, have better food.” 

“Is it better because it’s cheaper?” Ophelia joked.

“Precisely.” Blanche looked at Ophelia knowingly, “Now, to get to the malls you usually use the central roads.”

Cosette nodded, staring at all the shops, holding Ophelia’s hand so as not to get separated. Blanche led them off the central street down a different road that led them to a series of interconnected buildings.

This felt eerily similar to the malls back on Earth.

Blanche led them through the mall; the clothing store they arrived at was much larger compared to the little place Cosette and Ophelia visited on the outskirts of the Court. Ophelia dragged her friend over to the section with cloaks and warm clothes, while Blanche and her child went to the accessories area, looking at the available mittens.

“We should also get some regular clothes.” Cosette looked at Ophelia.

“Agreed. I really need to get out of this…outfit.” Ophelia quickly began searching for simple day to day attire, while Cosette first focused on the warmer layers. She searched for warmer clothes but was only greeted with dresses, the pants being primarily reserved for the male section. Cosette eyed the dresses suspiciously, taking a closer look at them.

“Oh.”

“What is it?” Ophelia leaned over, holding a dress that she had picked out.

“I didn’t realize how many layers these dresses had!”

Ophelia smiled, “Well, how else did you think people kept warm?”

“But they don’t look that puffy even though there are at least five layers inside!”

“That’s because they use furs from bears and other native animals in Winter Court.” Blanche approached the two, her son playing with the newly bought mittens, “The animals evolved to have short furs, the fibers of which are extremely thick and don’t let heat escape easily.”

“That’s amazing.” Cosette was intrigued.

Eventually, Ophelia and Cosette settled on their selected outfits, in agreement that they were reasonably priced. After purchasing and changing into their new cloaks and dresses they resumed their tour, following Blanche to a grocery store. 

“Mama, can we get the choco cookies?” Fermin pointed to a packet of chocolate cookies on the shelf, tugging on Blanche’s dress.

“We can make them at home, Fermin.”

“Aww…” Fermin pouted, following his mother down the various isles.

Cosette stared in wonder at the various packages and products. It all felt so familiar yet distant at the same time.

“Do you guys often buy things from a grocery store rather than order items in bulk for the inn?” Ophelia asked.

“Oh, we do purchase things in bulk, this is just for our family. Fermin and Forrest are quite picky eaters.” Blanche laughed.

“I see.” Ophelia helped Blanche carry a basket, while Cosette looked through the shelves of food, curious as to what a fae ate and purchased daily. 

“Cosette…what are you doing?” Ophelia looked at her, concerned by her shenanigans; they were making her question if Cosette had ever seen a store before.

“Oh um, just looking.”

“At the eggs?”

What if the chickens in the fae lands were different from the chickens back home?

“Yes…”

“And the apple juice?”

What if the apples were different?!

“...yes.”

“Mama, can we buy the apple juice?” Fermin tugged on his Mom’s cloak again.

Blanche had a slightly sad expression for a second, “No honey, the apple juice has gotten expensive. Let’s buy it another time.”

Cosette rejoined the group, reigning in her desire to tear the store apart and overanalyze every product on display. Instead, she watched the other faeries purchase their food. There was a clear pattern of gravitating towards foods that would be used to cook. Things that would produce warmth, and thereby provide comfort.

Cosette offered to carry one of the two baskets filled with groceries, but Ophelia refused, holding both of them.

Blanche continued to lead them through the city, Fermin skipping beside her as she pointed out various landmarks.

“That is the oldest restaurant in the capital. This is the community library most faes frequent in the city. The largest library is in a side palace that only the High Lord and the nobility have access to.”

Way to monopolize knowledge.

“What about that monument?” Cosette pointed to a statue of a large polar bear covered in snow from head to toe.

“That is in honor of the great blizzard of August. It was long before the rulership of the current High Lord. At the time there were scuffles between Winter and Autumn concerning the mountain range between them. Autumn soldiers were supposed to march through the outskirts and into the main cities, but a heavy blizzard prevented their troops from advancing. This monument was made to commemorate that event.” Blanche sighed, “The Spirit of Winter was truly with us that day.”

Cosette nodded, listening to Blanche as they moved on. She was really happy with her acquired cloak with its additional layers since they actually kept her warm during their exploration. It wasn’t as comfy as she would have liked, but she wasn’t keeling over from the cold anymore. 

Fae sure knew how to advertise. Each shop they passed by had some sort of colorful sign or product on display that made Cosette want to stop and stare. She practically had to be pried off the window to a glassworks shop, where she had been watching a fae masterfully make beautiful glass pieces ranging from bottles to flowers using cooling magic and heat.

“You’re going to miss the tour!” Ophelia dragged Cosette away.

Dang, I really miss beakers and flasks.

Blanche slowly led them deeper into the capital..

“Here are the…colder districts.”

Is that code for a rich neighborhood?

Cosette’s thoughts were confirmed as she saw the jaw-dropping boulevard and park before them. Perfect, crystal-like trees. Clean sidewalks with cozy shops filled the space. Shops were placed around the sides of the area, beyond which Cosette could see large mansions. 

So this was where all the nobility stayed. 

Some upper middle class and noble faes were walking along the sidewalks, chatting. Others sat in cafes, drinking tea and gossiping. Guards were stationed around the area, observing the scene. One of them glanced at the group, eyeing them up and down but didn’t do anything.

Cosette wanted to laugh.

Whatever secret test there was to be able to enjoy this park, they had clearly passed.

As Blanche showed the group the various shops and spots in the area, Cosette stopped in front of one place titled ‘All things magic and mystic’.

Back in my world, this would be considered a scam, but here this is a legit business permitted in a rich neighborhood.

The palace was now much closer than before, its crystal-like towers reaching to the clouds, sections of it connected via clear sky bridges.

“Do you like the palace?” Blanche nudged Cosette out of her trance.

“Oh, um. Yes. It’s very pretty.”

“Hmm, it really is. Though, it’s not nearly as beautiful as the High Lord or his Lady. They really are the epitome of winter beauty.” Blanche murmured.

“Mama, you’re married.”

“Hush child.” Blanche chidded, “It’s a mere celebrity crush.” she looked at Ophelia and Cosette, “I swear I raised a snitch sometimes.”

Cosette laughed, “Can we go closer to the palace?”

“Not today unfortunately. They only permit visitors on certain days of the month.” Blanche explained.

Guess that made sense since it’s actively occupied. Doubt Kallias and Viviane wanted to deal with a horde of fans knocking down their doors every day.

Cosette spotted another large street adjacent to this boulevard. Tall buildings with floral patterns standing next to others that had darker, more brooding color schemes.

“What’s over there?”

“Oh.” Blanche’s expression fell, “That…is the perfumery street.”

“Perfumery?” 

Sensing Cosette’s piqued interest, Blanche quickly continued, “Yes, all the shops on it sell perfume.”

“Why are they all on one street?”

Seemed like a strange business model considering how the rest of the city wasn’t organized in such a way.

“It’s because the smell is so atrocious.”

Cosette raised an eyebrow, “It can’t be that bad.”

“Oh, it’s bad.” Blanche looked at her pointedly.

Cosette didn’t heed her warnings, walking towards the street anyway, Ophelia hesitantly trailing behind her.

“We’ll wait for you two here.” Blanche called out, an amused expression on her face.

“Mama, why is Cosette stupid?”

“Fermin! We don’t call people stupid! Even when they make questionable choices…” Blanche scolded her child, watching the two women at a safe distance.

Cosette wasn’t really sure what the issue was as she approached the street, other fae quickly rushing past it or even crossing to avoid it entirely. It was when her nostrils were assaulted by a strong, sweet scent, Cosette realized what was wrong. She quickly pinched her nose, but it did nothing to stop the smell from consuming her senses.

What the hell was that?

Ophelia coughed, wheezing as the air around her became thick with the revoltingly overwhelming smells.

“Is that the perfume?” Cosette coughed, staggering back to the main street.

“I think so.” Ophelia’s eyes watered, also pinching her nose.

The two managed to get back, doubling over on the side of the road as they caught their breath, Blanche approaching them.

“I told you so.”

“Oh my Go-Mother.” Cosette corrected herself, “Why-why do they make it smell-ugh like that?”

Blanche rubbed Cosette's back sympathetically as she coughed, “Winter Court often feels cold and empty. To compensate, faeries have tried to make it as warm as possible, and fill up that…void they feel at times.”

Are you trying to tell me this is supposed to combat seasonal depression?

“The strong, sweet scents create a presence around them, combatting the cold by making it feel less oppressive.”

The only thing this perfume is combatting is population growth.

“How are these stores still in business?” Cosette muttered, standing upright finally.

“Most people still view them as producers of the traditionally, and socially acceptable scents to wear. There are no other perfumers in the capital, and importing takes too much effort due to the bottles potentially breaking; so most faes continue to purchase that street's products, trying to modify or dilute the perfumes on their own time to improve their usability.” Blanche’s voice got quieter, “It doesn’t help that their prices are extremely high. It makes perfume an extremely luxurious good that the nobility and those with money can afford, making it further desired by everyone else as a symbol of status. Even when the product itself isn’t that great.”

Cosette shook her head in disbelief. Traditions were truly a scary thing at times. 

“How do people not throw up from smelling that all day?” Ophelia muttered.

“Some do.” Blanche noted gravely, “Due to the rigid view of perfumes, most perfumers don’t accommodate allergies, which only makes it worse.” 

“It’s so strong I could barely tell what I was supposed to be smelling.” Cosette said.

“It’s so bad because all of the buildings are next to each other, so their already strong scents get mixed together.” Blanche noted, “Usually the scents are meant to be of spices or flowers though.”

Yeah, the smell was so strong that no one would ever be able to identify what they were smelling. In fact no one would even be able to tell I was human if I wore that as a perfume.

Cosette froze.

Wait.

She smiled.

That’s it. It was perfect. A business that had a demand due to the lax and incompetent competition, that also protected my identity.

“Though, I would say people are ready for a change.” Blanche smiled hopefully, leading their group back to the inn, “Quite a few merchants are beginning to not purchase perfumes in Winter, choosing to try and travel to other Courts, or go on without perfume.”

As they say - be the change you want to see.

Cosette and Ophelia returned to their room, collapsing into bed with no food and no shower, too exhausted to move a muscle. The perfume’s scent took the remaining strength out of them. Blanche bid them goodnight, returning to her duties around the inn.

“Ophelia, I figured out what business I am going to open.”

“Hm?” Ophelia snuggled close.

“A perfumery.”

“I am too tired right now to explain why that is a terrible idea.” Ophelia sighed, quickly falling asleep.

In the morning, Ophelia was not too tired to explain why Cosette’s idea was in fact absolutely horrible.

“Cosette, I wouldn’t be surprised if Winter fae had a genetic predisposition to hating perfumes at this point.”

“You heard Blanche, they’re ready for a change. Everyone is just too scared to uproot the current norms.”

“Exactly, uprooting what exists is scary because traditions and norms are usually enforced by a law or a group of people in charge.”

“Well, I am not going to change everything that drastically.” Cosette argued.

“What do you mean?” Ophelia took her hand to not get separated from her friend on the busy street.

“Remember how we stopped by the grocery store? People targeted items that were associated with warmth and comfort. Blanche said that perfumes are meant to perform a similar function. All we have to do is create a more pleasant version of existing perfumes that also provides comfort while not destroying everyone’s nostrils within a mile radius. Innovation within the set parameters, you know?”

Ophelia looked at Cosette skeptically, “I think you’re underestimating a fae’s ability to be flexible.”

“Perhaps, but I think it’s worth a try.” Cosette said, “Besides, this is a great idea for how to temporarily mask my scent.”

“You want to smell like sour fruits?”

“I want to not smell like I had garlic for breakfast, lunch and dinner.”

In exchange for taking proper baths, Cosette had to take up eating foods with strong smells, that usually involved garlic. Banche had cast her a concerned expression that morning when Cosette poured a pile of pepper into her eggs and requested garlic for her toast.

“I will go in there myself if you don’t want to.” Cosette confidently approached the biohazard zone. Ophelia followed, not wanting to leave her friend by herself in an unfamiliar city.

“You’ll be the death of me.” Ophelia gritted her teeth, struggling against the scent, Cosette fairing no better.

Cosette quickly picked a random store and waltzed in, the scent becoming so strong she felt slightly dizzy. The goal was to see her competitors up close; find out the ingredients they used to make their products and compare their interior decorating to successful stores and salons within the city.

The place Cosette selected didn’t look like anything special, rows of shelves and tables were covered in various bottles, all organized by category. The overall color palette of the store was a muted pastel blue, with turquoise highlights. A silver haired fae perked up from behind the counter, smiling at them.

“Hello, are you here to pick up an order?”

“Just browsing.” Cosette responded, her voice nasally due to pinching her nose. She leaned over, examining the bottles; the designs were extremely detailed, some bottles taking on the shape of various animals or foods. Others just looked cool with their curves and stretched forms.

“See anything that has piqued your interest Miss?”

Cosette jumped at the man’s voice right in her ear, backing up slightly, “No, just curious as to what products you sell.”

Why do fae always gotta sneak up on people?

The man smiled, his silver hair practically sparkling like the snow outside. 

“What are the ingredients for the perfumes?” Cosette picked up one of the bottles, nothing on it besides a name label.

The employee chuckled, “That, Miss, is unfortunately secret.”

“Hm, what of the customer's right to know what they’re consuming?”

The fae tilted his head, confused.

“Nevermind.” Cosette waved her hand, looking at some of the other bottles, testing their samples. Trying scents ranging from cinnamon to roses, growing more disgusted by the minute.

Why make it so sweet and powerful? She couldn’t even sense any of the supposed nuanced sub flavors.

Ophelia watched the duo, standing closer to Cosette, weirded out by how closely the male fae was observing them.

“Would you like to see the newest line we released?” the silver haired man spoke again.

“Sure.” Cosette followed him to one of the front desks, looking at the bottles.

“The theme of this line is forbidden love.”

Curious title.

Cosette tried one of the perfumes, flinching away from the rancid smell.

“Do you like it?” the man grinned.

Cosette nodded, trying not to gag in front of him, “It’s nothing like I ever smelled before.”

To put it kindly.

“Hm, well I do love to experiment.” he smiled.

Respectfully, you should stop experimenting. For the betterment of society.

“You’ll have to excuse me sir but I have to go.”

“Oh? So soon?” he smirked, “But you just got here.”

“My mistress wouldn't want me out here for long.” Cosette lied, rushing outside with Ophelia.

The two coughed their lungs out once they made it to the clean air outside the street. The malodorous smell refused to leave their nostrils even after they put a good distance between themselves and the perfumeries.

“Did you even find out what you wanted?”

“Unfortunately, no. We’ll have to go back there again another day and try another store.”

Ophelia groaned.

Cosette shared the sentiment, but this was necessary. If the nobility were willing to pay these people so much, there must be something within those stores that draws them in.

After taking a short break the two got to work again. Besides learning about the opposing perfumers they wanted to investigate popular commercial locations, and see what popular features they shared.

Cosette handed Ophelia a piece of paper and pen, which the latter ignored in favor of simply observing her surroundings. Meanwhile, Cosette took notes as they visited the library, popular cafes and packed salons. From the decor, to the organization of products, to the behavior of service staff, Cosette steadily filled up her parchment with information. 

Returning back to the inn the two grabbed dinner, Cosette continuing to organize her ideas and plans into a neatly structured document.

“You sure write a lot.” Ophelia looked up from her food, eyeing Cosette’s barely touched plate.

Habit from working in a wet lab. Record literally everything.

“Hm.” Cosette hummed, concentrating.

Blanche approached them, setting a hot chocolate down next to Cosette. The human barely reacted.

“Wow, it’s like she’s in her own world.” Blanche giggled, looking at Ophelia.

“She definitely is.” Ophelia muttered, stabbing the meat on her plate, “She’s insisting on going back to that hell hole of a street.”

“You have my sympathies.” Blanche ruffled Cosette’s hair, “You should eat, dear. The notes can wait.”

Cosette nodded, begrudgingly putting her paperwork away, eating the food before her.

We’ll need to look at how much it costs to buy a building. Then take into account buying furniture, glassware and materials for producing perfume. How high do we price products? How big should the bottles be?

“What are you thinking about?”

“The logistics of opening a business.”

Ophelia laughed, “You look like you have steam coming out of your ears. I am scared to know what you have come up with inside that mind of yours.”

Cosette smiled, “Only good things.”

The following days the two women kept visiting the perfumery street. No matter how many times they visited the street the smell still made Cosette ill. The actual shops themselves remained pretty similar. The workers either couldn’t disclose the used materials or used extremely high concentrations of the listed materials. Cosette did conclude though, from the smell tests, that the produced perfumes were also potentially using materials that had already gone bad, as most of the sold perfumes had a sour smell. Alternatively, they weren’t throwing out expired perfumes, and selling those to customers. Cosette did eventually find a scent that didn't instantly make her feel ill and purchased it, using it to conceal her human scent, much to Ophelia's dismay. Cosette's heart went out to Ophelia's and everyone else's nostrils, but it was a sacrifice she was willing to make.

The decorations of the shops weren’t that impressive either, especially when compared to popular salons or cafes of the capital. Cosette left one shop nearly blinded due to the saturated color scheme.

Ophelia and Cosette had also begun searching for an appropriate building within the capital to set up a perfumery business in. The catch was it had to be outside of the perfumery street; if they set up shop there they wouldn’t get noticed. 

This goal proved difficult to complete, as most conversations with potential sellers went as followed;

‘We're so glad you’re looking to purchase! What business are you looking to open?’

‘A perfumery.’

‘Get out.’

This was to some extent an exaggerated retelling, but considering that one of the real estate agents quite literally threw an apple at Cosette when the word ‘perfume’ left her mouth the public’s message regarding this line of work was quite clear. Cosette wasn’t too surprised though. She wouldn’t want the atrocious smells of those perfumers spreading across the entire city either. It was funny, there was no law that stated the perfumeries had to be located in that specific space, but realtors basically ensured it remained that way.

A week had passed, Ophelia and Cosette were sitting on a bench, questioning their life choices. 

“Perhaps we could try finding a regular job first…?” Ophelia prodded.

Cosette nodded, considering how terrible the search for a single building was, seeking out a secure, steady source of income would be a good idea, “I agree, once we have a source of income we can figure out more details later.”

I was really hopeful I could have a job related to my strengths… 

Ophelia blushed as her stomach growled.

Cosette opened up the pouch of money, handing her twenty silvers, “Can you get us lunch?”

Ophelia nodded, standing up, “Come with me?”

Cosette shook her head, feeling a bit down.

Guess I should have had more realistic expectations for ourselves.

“Okay, if you get cold, come join me. I’ll be back in a jiffy.” Ophelia didn’t push, skipping off to a nearby bakery.

Cosette sat on the bench, snowflakes falling on her hair that was sticking out of the hood in the front. Winter fae left and entered buildings, avoiding conversation and contact when possible. 

If so cold and introverted, why absolutely gorgeous?

Cosette thought it a bit unfair that Winter fae, High and Lesser, looked like ethereal beings that had just happened to lose their angel wings, yet they were absolutely stone faced. Perhaps that was part of the allure though - the mystery, the intrigue. Cosette watched a group of kids run down the street with sleds, a man driving a cart yelling at them to get out of the way. 

Does the Winter Court have skiing resorts?

She smiled, imagining the wind in her face as she skied down a mountain with her friends and family-

“Sir please!”

“I will not hear any more of your whining!”

Cosette perked up at the sound of voices.

What was going on?

“You can’t do this!”

“You promised me money and you failed to deliver. What did you expect would happen?” a man wearing a fancy suit spoke with a calm, cold tone, looking down at a young fae male who had been dragged out of a worn down building by a group of tough men. A few of the men put large packages and boxes into a cart.

The young fae male glared back at the man, but his attention was focused on the elder beside him, struggling to stand upright.

“You can’t kick us out of our own home!”

“Theo, I can kick you out of a building that you have failed to pay off your loan for.”

“But we did everything you asked of us!”

“Not well enough.”

Building?

Cosette’s full attention was now on the scene before her. Several fae crossed the street purposefully to not get in the middle of the altercation.

The building itself wasn’t anything special, looking a little rough on the edges, sticking out of place in one of the central shopping centers of Winter Court. 

No wonder it was located on the edge of it rather than a proper park.

“How are we supposed to pay off our debts if you kick us out?”

“You’re artists, aren’t you?” the man turned to walk away, “Figure it out.”

“Excuse me.” Cosette interrupted, quickly walking over to the group, trying not to slip on the ice.

“What do you want, girl?” the man in the suit turned to her, annoyance seeping into his voice.

“Am I understanding this right; these two men have failed to pay off their debts on this building?” Cosette wasn’t phased by his aggression.

The businessman rolled his eyes, “Tsk, yes it is. They took out a loan to start a wood carving business and have failed to deliver on their debts. As per the contract, our company has the right to resize the building away from them.”

“Yet they still owe you?”

“Indeed.” the man looked at the two faes with disgust, “However, I highly doubt they’ll manage to pay off their debts at this rate. I have given them plenty of extensions, so I am taking the building back. How they pay me back is their problem now.”

“We have nowhere else to go.” the younger male pleaded, “How are we supposed to make money to pay you off if we have no place to run our business?”

So you are kicking them out of their only home when you know they have no other way to repay you? Damn that’s cold.

“You two are the ones who agreed to the contract.” the man raised his hands placatingly.

Cosette glanced sympathetically at the two men.

This is why you read a contract carefully.

“How much is the building?”

“Hm?” the man looked at her, slightly surprised.

“How much is the building?” Cosette repeated.

Lord, I look like an evil bitch.

The fae’s lips twitched into a hint of a smirk, breaking his neutral expression. The younger fae male stared at Cosette with a shocked expression.

“The building is 1000 gold.”

Okay, that was practically all they had, however, considering the store’s location this price was probably the best they were going to get without taking out a loan themselves.

The shadiness of this whole ordeal wasn’t lost on Cosette. The fact that the building was cheaper compared to the other prices they had seen, or the fact that this group reeked of trouble - it seemed like a gang wanting to get rid of a problem while making a quick bucik.

“Deal.” Cosette pulled out the necessary number of coins.

That necklace was worth a whole building. Insane.

“Pleasure doing business.” the fae whistled handing her a document of right of ownership, turning back to the two faes still on the ground, “Since I am in a good mood and am such a good person, I’ll be lenient and give you two the chance to pay off your debts until the second day after the Winter Solstice ends.'' The fae smiled as if he did something amazing, raising an eyebrow at Theo’s enraged expression, “What’s with that expression? You should be thanking me for my graciousness.”

‘You should be grateful I bought you.’

Cosette gritted her teeth, watching the group of men leave, the street slowly resuming its previously bustling state.

Perhaps she should have asked for their deb- No. If she had done that she wouldn't have leverage right now. The two men could have accepted her help and then turned around just as easily with nothing.

“Father, can you stand?”

“Theo you need to leave the capital.”

“I can’t leave you!”

“You must. I don’t want to see you get turned into a slave by those people, boy.”

Cosette turned to look at the two faes still in the snow. Theo met her gaze but quickly looked away.

“Father, we can run together.”

“I am too old Theo.”

Theo pulled his father up, “We need to get somewhere warm. You can’t be out here for lo-”

“Where are you going?”

Theo glared at Cosette, doing his best to smooth out his expression, “Somewhere else since you purchased our home. We need shelter, you know?”

“Yeah, I am not a sadist.” Cosette ignored his tone, crossing her arms, “I own the building now, but I am not planning on kicking you two out.”

Theo stared at her, confused, “What do you mean Miss?”

“I mean that I need workers for my business, and you need to pay off your debts.”

I promise to get you out of this situation, this all smells rather fishy to me.

“You can stay and live here as you did before until you pay off your debts to that man and decide to move on with your lives.”

“How can we trust you?” Theo glared, “For all I know you will leave the two of us hanging at the end of the two months with no money to our names.”

“You can’t.” Cosette smiled, “However, I don’t make promises I can’t keep.” 

Besides, neither of us has much choice at this point. I jumped into your sinking boat with all the tools necessary to fix it, throwing most of my money away in the process. 

There was no going back now.

Next: Chapter 16 - Open for Business

Back: Chapter 14 - Petty Coins

Masterlist

Tag list: @rcarbo1

[olivyh]

hi

can i request something familiar with ruggie x reader, but with leona x reader?

angst to comfort please

I should really write about leona more,,, he's such an interesting character and has basically an open backstory (we know a lot about him but also,,, we don't really know him). it's also nice to see a character with his type of personality every once in a while!! It's a little hard to get him right, though, so sorry if he might be ooc!!!!

TW: Mentions of assassination, little bit of blood but not a ton

Leona Kingscholar had grown up alone. 

It was not his fault, no. It was not his fault when he was first born and taken away by servants to be pampered and bathed while his mother recovered; His father was nowhere to be seen- away on a diplomatic trip with his elder brother in who-knows-where. He had spent his first night in a bassinet beside his mother, who held her soft hand atop his stomach that rose and fell with sharp breaths as he stirred in his sleep.

It was not his fault that those who saw his first steps were servants, and not his parents, nor Farena. He would learn over time to accept this fact- the fact that they would not be there for many of his milestones. Royal life was busy, and royal life did not fit the bill for normal family life.

His mother's assassination was not his fault. 

Leona thought otherwise, bearing the scar that had been carved atop his eye since he was young- proof of the attack, and his survival. His scar sent a warning, a message, a cruel reminder of what he had witnessed on that day and what he had lost. It carved his soft, round face and highlighted the angry, hurt green glow of his sharp eyes, sunken in and rounded with dark circles. 

Nobody could blame the young boy, the second-born prince who had just lost his mother with his father soon on his way to join the late Queen in the stars. His brother had been quickly taken in by councilmen, nobles, and advisors alike- his lessons being sped up in time for him to take the throne with now both the King and Queen absent. Leona had watched as Farena had been pulled from lesson to lesson, pampered by the members of the court as they fussed over whether or not he'd been eating well enough, or if he had been sleeping well. 

Nobody asked Leona. 

Nobody saw the heartbreak in his eyes and the way his heart sank when those same people would walk right past the small boy, rough bandages still patched over his eye to hide the injuries from the attack. The councilmen didn't stop, didn't ask him how his eye was (terrible, he would have told them. He spent nights in quiet panic over never being able to see again, or wondering if the injury would ever get better as every movement tore at the soft skin of his cheek and sent stabs of pain through his skull). They did not offer to help him, offer him any lessons so he could help his brother after his coronation. 

They would not see him as he hid under his mother's blanket in his room, weeping silently with only the soft moonlight that shone through the large windows to comfort him. 

The Afterglow Savannah royal family had seen it's fair share of injuries brutal injuries- accident or not. Leona remembered the one time his mother had told him about her father- his grandfather- and how he had fought in one of the wars all those years ago, the pictures of the beastman decorated with scars and maims alike always sent shivers down Leona's spine. The picture hung in the grand hall.

The servants saw it all the time so why, Leona wondered, why do they not look at him with the same awe? Did he not earn his scar? Did he not suffer enough to lose his parents and parts of his vision? Was he not heroic enough?

They would not listen to his cries for help, they would turn their heads when he would scream and cry and stomp his feet. 

Leona shouted, pulling at his hair as the servants sneered, trying to hide their annoyed expressions as he slammed his hand on a table, the firm wood giving away to specks of sand that cascaded to the floor. He would look up just in time to see, through his blurred, tear-filled vision, Farena's horrified expression and the way the man took a tentative step back. 

They finally listened. 

They no longer listened to the young boy for his imagination and wit, they no longer listened for the sake of playing nice to a child who was excited about a small thing he'd seen or heard that day. 

They listened out of fear. The fear that they would be turned to sand ran rampant throughout the halls, an echo of his brother's reaction mirrored throuout the castle- the same expression plastered on servant's faces and unsuspecting noblemen when he would sneak between them, the young beastman too close for anyone's comfort. 

Everyone held Leona at a distance, and he decided that he would do the same. He could no longer hold Farena's hand as he did when he was a scared child, he could no longer grab onto the maids' skirts when he wanted to talk to them, was watched as though he was a cub when he would hold the texts older than his kingdom in the Royal Library. 

On the day of Farena's coronation, Leona felt nothing. He thought he would be somewhat happy for his brother, but he only felt empty- as though the feeling of joy and celebration was stripped away to reveal the bitter envy that the lion man felt. 

His brother's wedding went about a similar way. He had only seen the soon-to-be-Queen in passing before the woman was ushered off to prepare for the wedding or to spend time training for her soon Royal position in court- as opposed to her mother's position. Leona stood beside his brother, face stoic as he watched the woman approach the altar. His mind blanked as the man droned on and on, casting a glance up at the balcony to see if he could catch a glimpse of his father watching over the scene. 

The lioness approached the teen after the ceremony, sitting beside him and smiling sadly. 

"I haven't been able to formally meet you, Leona," Leona frowned, looking away. "How have you been?"

Leona had not been asked that question in years, and the tones of it, the rising and falling of the words as they slipped off her tongue felt foreign to him as he cast a sad glance out over the kingdom from his position on the balcony. He could not bring himself to answer. 

He was fourteen now, and he felt as though he should know the answer, know the proper response. 

"I've been fine, ma'am," He mumbles, pushing down the annoyance at her expression for a moment- unreadable, but made clear enough that she knew he had been lying. She reaches her hand out for a moment, aiming towards his scar when he gasps and reaches his hand up to block it, staring at the woman wide-eyed. He doesn't realize until it's too late that he had been crying, and that the Queen had merely been trying to wipe his tears away comfortingly; In a manner that was all to similar to the way his mother had when he would get upset as a child. 

"Your majesty!" A lady-in-waiting called from the entrance, her ears falling flat against her head when she saw the scene before her. The bride simply stands and turns to Leona, smiling sadly. 

"We'll talk again soon, yes?" With that, she walks back into the large ballroom, shoes clicking against the stone. Leona barely catches what the other woman asks her. 

"You really shouldn't be around the prince," Her voice wavers, as though she was terrified of the teenager. "He's dangerous. It's rumored that he turns servants to sand when he's upset."

Leona wants to scream, to cry, to march up to the woman and tell her that she's wrong but he could only find the energy to rest against the pillar and close his eyes, drifting off to sleep. 

The day Cheka was born, a year later, Leona couldn't bring himself to hold the cub. For the first time in years, he had been too terrified to touch the child. The squirming, pinkish creature in front of him, with little ears and claws and a tail that swung around uselessly as it wailed set off a feeling of discomfort within him. Farena told Leona to hold him, showed him the proper way to hold the newborn cub, but Leona was frozen on the spot, mind racing with images of holding the new heir to the throne only to have the child falling to the ground in piles of sand seconds later. Leona knew the extent of his power, and he knew that one wrong move could end in a disaster. 

He scoffed and walked out of the room. 

Leona had not seen Cheka again until the next year. He would have his dinners delivered to his room, and then he was off to Night Raven College in the blink of an eye. By the time he returned to the palace, Cheka was now walking and babbling, pulling at curtains and servants and giggling when they would hand him treats, sitting on the ground and slobbering all over the cookie until he was bored and would toss it to the side to pull at something else. 

The child had followed him around the whole day. Leona did not spare him a passing glance, nor would he respond to his whines. The servants looked at him as though they were expecting this reaction, now used to the indifference of the second born prince. How? They asked. How could he be so cruel to ignore the new prince?

But whenever he thought about picking the baby up, he was haunted with images of the day his unique magic was discovered. The child did not care, was indifferent to the scar that acted as a warning and Leona's coldness that resulted in everyone keeping their distance. Leona felt annoyed- did he not understand that he just wanted to be left alone? Why now, after all these years, would he be bothered in such a way again? 

He went back to school, and returned the day before Cheka's second birthday. 

While the kingdom celebrated, the man napped in his room.

That night, he awoke to see the toddler curled into his chest, sleeping peacefully against his uncle. Leona lifted a tentative hand, feeling a lump form in his throat as tears welled in his eyes at the warmth, the love he felt coming from the child. He wrapped his hand in his blanket, and hugged the child close. 

Leona, now a grown man, freshly graduated from NRC with the person he swore to marry curled against his chest, smiles to himself. He places a hand against their forehead, feeling them stir and mumble something against him as he tries to relax further, his tail wrapping protectively around their leg. It was the early hours of the morning, and the sun of the savannah had yet to scare off the chill that hung in the air- leftovers of the cold night. The castle was silent, with the servants likely still resting. 

"Why're you up..." He hears the human mumble against him, their arms wrapping tighter around his abdomen as he smiles- a smile full of warmth and adoration, lacking the playful and snarky hints that it always held. 

"I should be asking you," He pokes them gently, running his claw from their hairline down their cheek, along their chin and tracing circles on their neck until they giggle and the sound echoes throughout his chest, spreading a fluttery feeling that makes him antsy and rids him of the fatigue that normally haunts him in his waking hours. 

"I asked first," They bury their face into the crook of his neck. "The sun's not even out yet, let's get back to bed." 

Leona hums before going silent and takes the time to stare at their face, continuing to rub his thumb down their neck until his hand rests on their shoulder as it rises and falls with the new wave of sleep that crashes over his human. He tries his hardest to treat them with the gentleness and care that they always do, holding their face in the same way they hold his as their fingers lightly trace over his features, running over his scar and bouncing across his tired face. 

He wants to treat them with the same love and affection they had given him- the love and affection that they had taught him to give. At the beginning of the relationship, Leona could admit that he acted coldly- the only affection being the occasion arm around their shoulder or the nudge he would give them when he sat beside him. With how intelligent he was, with all the words in his dictionary, he could not find the proper ones to use to tell them that he didn't know how to love. 

He was always alone, and nobody ever taught him how to do these things. 

It started small- he would mirror the things they did to him. They would play with his hair, he would play with theirs. They would trace shapes in his back, he would do the same. If they shared their food, he would share his (and then some, not that he would ever admit it.)

Leona would forever be grateful for this silly, brave little human who wandered into his life. This human who helped care for him when he didn't have the energy to get out of bed, who listened to him and put up with him when his annoyance rose to new rights and he snapped. 

The first person who held him and let him cry since his mother's passing. 

Leona holds the human closer, pressing a soft kiss to their forehead as he curls around them as tightly as possible, slamming his eyes shut in an attempt to block out the light of the rising sun. He buried his face into their hair, trying his hardest to internalize their comforting scent and the way their hands curled into his back, arms dangling loosely from his sides. He tried to memorize the way their heart felt as it beat against his chest, tried to imagine the song of their connected heartbeats as they pressed as close to one another as possible. 

He tried to remember the soft sounds of their breath as it came out in breezy puffs against his neck, to remember the wonderful things they'd told him and taught him using their lips that hung open softly. Leona tried to imagine all the amazing things they would say in the futureusing those same lips, that same breath; And all the things that he would finally have the courage to tell them in return, to watch as that breath get's caught in their throat as they gasp or blush or smile in the same way that turned his mind to mush and brought back that familiar, childlike roundness to his features as he softened around them, turned to putty in their hands.

With them, he was safe.

For that, he promised to protect them until the end of their days, the engagement ring on their finger being proof of his promise. 

[phoenixkaptain]

Wrote this a while ago, to expand on my vision of Bruce being fucking ancient, AKA de-aged Bruce with the Justice League

It was very shocking to all of them when the stick exploded in a blast of green smoke, robots clattering to pieces around them without being touched at the same time. Superman rushed to Batman’s side, concerned, only to find him gone.

Or, rather, replaced.

The boy was drowning in Batman’s costume, the gauntlets and pieces of armour and pants all drooping around him as he stood awkwardly in Batman’s chest piece. He tore off Batman’s cowl, confusion marring his features, revealing a head of ruffled black hair and bright blue eyes. He was incredibly tiny, compared to Batman’s looming figure, and seemed like a stiff breeze might knock him over.

“Oh no,” Superman said, since he was the only one who could see through the green fog.

The fog suddenly cleared, as quickly as it came. The boy looked around curiously, his body stiff and his posture speaking of his discomfort. Even the villain looked a bit concerned, in the face of his obvious distress that he seemed to desperately be trying to hide, and the Justice League Members present all felt a bit worried that this nervous boy had replaced Batman.

“Is this…” the boy murmured. He seemed to gather himself. “Is this a ransom demand?”

“Oh my God,” Flash said. “He’s baby Batman.”

“I’m just gonna-“ the villain said, then popped out of existence as she’d come, leaving the Justice League with their new problem.

It took a few minutes for everyone to calm down. The boy refused to move, resolutely, which made planning the next course of action rather difficult.

“Alfred said to stay where I am if I’m ever lost,” the boy stated resolutely. “He can’t find me if I’m wandering around while he’s looking for me. He was very clear.”

“If you would just tell us who Alfred is-“ Superman said, the tenth time.

“I told you,” the boy huffed. “Alfred is my butler. I’m not leaving without him.”

“Do you have a phone?” Flash suggested hopefully.

“Yes,” the boy responded, tilting his head.

“Is Alfred’s number on it? You could call him,” Flash said.

“On it?” the boy repeated. “Why would his number be on it? How would it be on it? Do you think we cover our phones in paper?”

“Handheld phones weren’t invented when he was a child,” Wonder Woman deduced aloud.

“Do you know Alfred’s number?” Superman suggested wearily.

“I do!” the boy exclaimed, excited. “I memorized it first, before anything else.”

He looked around curiously.

“Is there a payphone?” he asked.

There was a weary sigh from all members present.

It took Superman twenty minutes to get the child to input Alfred’s number on his phone. Mostly because he didn’t seem to understand the screen at all, which was slightly amusing, but he also kept dropping it, unsure how to hold the phone in one hand like Superman. For their benefit (and just in case this was a very poorly planned ransom after all) he asked Superman to put it on speaker (also he wanted to see what “speaker” did to the phone).

“Hello?” a posh voice answered the phone.

The boy flinched when the sound came out, then perked up in recognition.

“Alfred!” he exclaimed, carefully taking the phone from Superman’s palm and cradling it between his hands like it was a fragile bird. “This is Bruce.”

There was a moment of silence. It was nice to know the kid’s name, everyone thought. It would sure be nice if we knew Batman’s name, to know for sure if they’re the same person, everyone thought.

“Master Bruce,” Alfred said. “How old are you?”

“I’m twelve, Alfred,” Bruce replied, as though the question was completely normal.

“I see,” Alfred responded immediately. “May I speak to whomever found you?”

“Would you like to speak to Alfred?” Bruce asked Superman, his eyes big and hopeful.

“Sure,” Superman replied. Because he was a sucker.

It took a few minutes for Alfred to convince them that yes, Bruce was Batman, this small child grew up to be Batman, Batman is only human, that’s why he was small at the age of twelve, really, he is being serious, the pouting boy is Batman. He explained that they had a plan for this turn of events, but that it would have to be put off, because Poison Ivy escaped from Arkham and the streets would be too dangerous for a young boy as curious as Bruce. He asked very politely if they would keep him entertained at the Watchtower for a few days.

“I don’t think any of us are really that good with children,” Superman stated, watching as Flash tried to explain to Wonder Woman that she shouldn’t throw the kid in the air, no matter how much he asked, because she threw too hard.

“Master Bruce was always a remarkably easy child for babysitters,” Alfred told him. “If he does wrong, he usually gets too guilty at himself to do much other than apologize.”

“Alfred!” a voice screamed in the background. “Jason stole my cape!”

“You’re being a dick!” another voice exclaimed.

“You can’t keep using that just because my name is Dick!” the other roared.

“I have to go,” Alfred said, though he sounded remarkably calm. “Aside from Poison Ivy, Master Dick is visiting. I do not want him to try and teach his de-aged father anything bad.”

“What?” Superman questioned.

“Alfred!” the first voice whined.

“Alfie, tell ‘em he’s bein’ a jerk!” the second voice grumbled.

“Put Master Bruce on the phone,” Alfred ordered.

Superman gave Bruce the phone. Bruce cradled the device again, staring at it with large eyes.

“I have to go, Master Bruce,” Alfred told him. “Please be good for the Justice League.”

“Of course,” Bruce replied.

“Go to bed on time, even if they try to teach you bad habits,” Alfred ordered.

“I will, Alfred,” Bruce said, determinedly.

“Goodbye, Master Bruce. I’ll call you again at a more appropriate time and we can talk.”

Bruce hummed. There was a long moment of silence. It was a good thing Alfred hung up, because Bruce eventually looked up at Superman and asked, very politely, “How do I know if the call is disconnected?”

[tokiro07]

Cipher Academy ch.43 thoughts

[This Place About to Blow]

(Contents: Minor cast analysis, Iroha analysis)

Welp, Iroha's dead, series over I guess

So I'm admittedly disappointed that the dungeon doesn't seem to have monsters or enemies, just puzzles presented diegetically, though it's possible that Nisio just doesn't want to show his hand too early. For now, I'm going to assume that there's nothing fantastical until proven otherwise so I won't set myself up for further disappointment

I do really like that the aesthetic for the question boxes has changed to the glasses frames, that's a really nice touch and makes it feel like we're literally seeing from Iroha's perspective in that moment

I also like that even if there aren't enemies, the floors do have a pretty significant level of variety, including casino, mahjong parlor, aquarium, and overnight train. That last one in particular gives me hope since it means that the floors don't have to be stationary rooms. For all we know there could be a UFO floor or a floor the size of an entire town, but again, I'm getting ahead of myself

It's interesting seeing everyone planning their strategy, you need to have a clear approach when tackling a procedural game. Toshusai considering waiting for her group (strength in numbers) vs. speedrunning (getting experience, not sitting around) is the kind of question that only the frontrunner could have the luxury to consider. If she speeds ahead, she could get into trouble that she's not prepared for, but if she stays still, someone like Kubinashi could catch up and surpass her before her allies do

Speaking of, Yugata says she's planning to move ahead 25 floors to reach 175, where we know Kubinashi is waiting. Why is Yugata trying to get to Kubinashi and not Toshusai? I can't imagine she's plotting a betrayal, so if anything I'd wager she's either planning to snipe Kubinashi back to the first floor somehow or she has some pressing questions that she needs answered

Karigane notes that she can't leave messages behind or make any alterations that might help her trailing teammates, which implies that she was intending to do exactly that. Leave it to the mystery book fan to want to leave helpful codes behind

Meanwhile, Hanagoromo is checking to see if she can find any glitches or shortcuts, which makes sense for a member of the undercover ops Class E. Naturally, Hanagoromo's inclination is to check under the mahjong tables since she spends so much of her time under tables herself, but it also seems like a good place to look for glitches. Visual assets in games are often used to either obscure graphical errors (like Daisy's third eye under her hair in Melee) or to create optical illusions that give the impression that a visual looks how the designer wants, so in a room full of tables, there's a good chance that one of them is hiding some kind of unavoidable or possibly even deliberate error. I don't know if that error will be at all helpful for Hanagoromo, but hey, speedrunners break games in all kinds of novel ways, and I haven't got a single clue how they go about doing that in the first place, so godspeed to her

We cut to Nohime, Kogoe and Zakuroguchi acting as overseers of the game, each of them eating their signature food: Kogoe has a corndog with copius amounts of toppings, Nohime is sipping tea, and in the most shocking twist of all time, Zakuroguchi is eating a pomegranate (Zakuro meaning pomegranate). Man, this is making me want pomegranate...they're in season now, right?? Ah, but they're expensive...

ANYWAY!

We finally learn what Nohime meant went she said she lost her sight from a "dazzling code;" her vision was damaged while roaming the puzzle dungeon's prototype! The way they're talking about it, it sounds like they're saying that her eyes were physically damaged by the game, which implies to me that having the code projecting directly into her eyes by the glasses effectively fried her optic nerve or corneas the way that looking at the sun might. I can't imagine how much light is needed for a screen to recreate solar retinopathy, but I have to assume that the visual output of the glasses has been toned down to prevent that from happening again

Moving back to Iroha, he's joined by Koshibai who gave up her 100 floor advantage just so she'd be able to experience the entirety of the game. Even ignoring the fact that she just wants to have fun, I absolutely see the benefit in resetting: by skipping ahead so far, the player isn't just making up a lot of ground, they're being put in an inherently more difficult scenario without any clear baseline of what to expect. It's bound to be easier for a player starting at floor 200 to be killed by a lvl200 puzzle than it would be for a player whose had 200 floors to learn the ins-and-outs of the game as a whole, at least that's what I'd expect. Even if I'm technically smart enough to last at that skill level, I'd much prefer to work my way up so that I'm more familiar with the mechanics first

That said, we can be pretty sure that Iroha has the technical skill to be higher up, and yet he's having a lot of trouble on BF1, isn't he? He's getting way more flustered than he usually does, even considering that he has a ten second time limit. Hakanage's invisible ink puzzle was way harder than these ordnance puzzles, and he solved that quickly and calmly, but this is what's throwing him?

Well that's because, as Zakuroguchi points out, Iroha is already predisposed to having an aversion to ordnances. Astute readers may remember that Iroha told Yugata in the lipogram battle that he has an explosives handling license, which means that Iroha has experience with them. Despite having the license and skill to handle them, that doesn't necessarily mean that Iroha isn't afraid of them, and in fact is likely traumatized by them, either from a bad experience within the course he would have had to take to earn that license or from an event that prompted him to get his license in the first place. I still think some if not all of his cheer squad were killed in an explosion, hence why he also has trypophobia, and that trauma is giving him trouble dealing with this particular scenario

Koshibai encouraging Iroha to have fun with the game could be interpreted as her picking up on his insecurity, giving him the reassurance and grounding he needs to stop panicking and solve the final puzzle quickly. However, as we see with the explosion, it would appear that Iroha's newfound peace of mind did not allow him to find the right answer

Since Iroha was employing the right-hand technique to solve the maze (keeping your right hand on the wall to move along the perimeter and ensure you don't end up walking in circles), he missed the initial left turn that he was supposed to make. Because he took the wrong turn right at the beginning, it's hard to say how that affected the answers after the fact, but it's possible that they were trying to get him back on track, so maybe a few of the questions should technically be reversed?

Either that or the Xs don't refer to the shapes made by combining the arrows, but rather by overlaying the turns he was supposed to make themselves? If that's the case, then I think the answer should have been 3, as Iroha "crossed" over three times (1 to 2, 4 to 5, and 6 to 7, with 3 to 4 and 5 to 6 going in the same direction)

That, or Iroha DID notice something else (he did say "there's also this thing...") that gave him the hint he needed to solve the puzzle and the explosion we saw was what was supposed to happen, and Iroha and Koshibai are now moving down to the next floor through the opening created by the bomb

Honestly that's what I'm most expecting to happen, as knocking Iroha back to the start when he's at the start would most likely create needless padding, unless perhaps the stages change pretty significantly between visits. I suppose we'll find out soon enough, but that's my bet for now

[pastelbatfandoms]

Marvel dr memories and a shift!

3/22/24 Had some dr memories from Erik while I was meditating with him. First ones we're kinda all over the place bits and pieces of us fighting other villains then him and I protecting each other with our powers (Magneto was helping me turn my shadow and light into a protective barrier while he made it stronger by overlapping his magnetic shield around it,while he held my hands) Then us sharing drinks together outside while looking over the courtyard of the X mansion. Us meeting for the first time, him actually kissing my hand. Then us making out in his room. Then it turned into a full memory of me coming back after leaving Shield the second time, once they figured out I had powers, Erik wasn't happy seeing as how he thought I had died not knowing I could heal myself, I tried to explain things to him, how I thought it would just complicate things if I hadn't left. He did use his powers on me by pulling me towards him via my necklace, I thought he was going to choke me and he did wrap the chain lightly around my neck but then staring at me, he let me go. And left the mansion, that was when he went to prison for "killing the president" I stayed at the mansion for awhile but as things got worse, especially Xavier and our disagreements I took a page out of Raven and Erik's book and left.

4/2/24 I've been taking a break from my Marvel dr recently but I think I had a dream or minishift idk which I'm sick and not trying to focus on what it was right now. But anyway I was in this bed that was a bit bigger then a full sized had a couple pillows and a plaid blanket on it and the room was medium sized with wood floors, desks and dressers around the room with a bunch of clutter and boxes everywhere. It was messy. I got up and went over to this nightstand that was agaisnt a wall furtherest away from the bed, it had a medium sized mirror on top leaning agaisn't the wall. As well as a bunch of nail polish and makeup all over. I remember looking into the dirty mirror and being taken a back because it didn't look like me in my cr, I looked like Chloe Bennet or Daisy. So I must have been Lili since Daisy is my twin in that dr. I had hazel eyes, shoulder length lighter brown hair and bangs parted to the sides that I kept messing with. That's all I remember before I woke up. I think I might have been in Bucky's room when he wasn't there. It did feel real and I did feel disoriented after I woke up, like I slept too long. My friend Hannah confirmed that it is very likely that was an ungrounded full shift!

5/1/24 I've been taking a break with shifting but I did get a short memory with Bucky as The Winter Soldier, we were in Hydra because I was 15-16 years old and he was holding me in a very protective way. Trying to keep me away from the guards, then Zemo walked up and Strucker walked up behind Bucky. Bucky pointed a gun at Zemo who raised is hands and told Zemo to stay away from me. Then Strucker told them to grab Bucky and Zemo took me. They took control of Bucky and Zemo took control of me which I was not happy with.

5/7/24 Had really intense visions while meditating. They were of Zemo and I. He has been trying to protect me not just from Hydra but himself as well (the reason he said he didn't love me was cause he felt like I deserved better.) We were in the back of a black car with Reinhardt and I didn't want to comply anymore, so I ran off. Zemo stopped Reinhardt before he could get to me. Werner punched him then reminded Zemo what he could do if Zemo betrayed Hydra (though he does later) I kept seeing a theme of Zemo trying to defy their orders and getting beaten down, threatened with the super soldier serum or threatening to torture me instead. Then what I gather is the fall of HYDRA. Everything in rubble, Zemo is fighting at our side. I can't travel since there's no shadows close so Zemo grabs me up sheilding me then throws me to Bucky. Who runs with me in his arms. Then we hide behind a ruined wall as I hear gun shots and Zemo fighting off Hydra agents. I see Magneto hovering in the distance using his metal powers. He gives me a small smile and nods when he sees I'm okay. There's only so much Bucky can do with his metal arm and my shadows are useless here. Just then an artifical sheild appears out of no where with the literal SHIELD logo on it. I look up and see Coulson grinning down at me. "Dad!" "Hey sweetie. Need help? I see Quake lived up to her name here…" I nod a thanks then I jump out from behind the wall along with my widow sisters Nat and Lena as I see arrows fly from Hawkeye (both of them) Us Widow sisters fight back to back as they take out there batons. I take out my glass sword, Zemo sidles up to me still with his mask on and hands me his own sword a mischevious yet loving glint in his eyes as I take it and fight. That's all I got cause like I said it was really intense but at least I know how it ended for now. I also thought I saw Zemo or a form of him in my peripheral vision yesterday which was trippy. Zemo has been trying to get through to me through music (specifically the song 'I'll do better') for a couple days now.

[twoidiotwriters1]

Copycat: Genesis —(Marvel Fem!Oc)

A/N: Parker didn’t like how the turn tables -Danny

Words: 1,676

Phase Six Masterlist

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

Listen to: ‘Labyrinth’ -by Taylor Swift

vi: The Amazing Copycat

Cat woke up feeling happy. She stretched on the bed and opened her eyes a little, finding Parker face down and drooling on his pillow. "Ugh, men," she groaned. "Way to ruin the view..."

The mutant pushed the blankets off and dragged her feet until she reached the bathroom, making a beeline to the mirror. Of her injuries and bruises now there were only small and dispersed scars across the skin.

Behind her, hanging from the shower curtain, was her brand-new suit. She examined it intently: the old logo was there in red above the blue fabric, Parker had added his own style to it, now the claw marks were on the sides, making it look like a spider with thin, hairy legs.

She heard the young man stirring on the bed and Cat ran towards it, jumping over to make him bounce. He groaned in response. "Get up, sleepy head!" She tickled his ear with a lock of her hair. "You promised your aunt we'd have breakfast at her place!"

"What time is it?" He mumbled against the pillow.

"Eight? Maybe seven?" She looked at the clock on his nightstand. "Ah, six in the morning."

He whined, blinking away his sleepiness and trying to focus on her face. "You're not a morning person, why are you awake?"

"I can be a morning person if I want to."

"No. You've been sleeping till noon for weeks."

"I was depressed."

He buried his face in the pillow. "It's Sunday, C.C..."

"C.C?" She teased him. "Not Janie?"

"You're C.C. when you annoy me."

"C'moooon! You promised May!" She shook him.

Parker's grumble turned into a loud groan as he pushed himself up and threw a pillow at her, which she pushed away in disgust since it was the one he'd drooled all over. "If there is no coffee waiting for me once I get out of the shower," he warned her. "I'm turning your suit into swimming trunks."

Cat walked into the woman's home holding a box of doughnuts. "I hope you didn't cook a lot, 'cause we're eating the whole dozen today!"

"Hi, kiddos!" May welcomed her with a hug, her attention moved to the tall young man behind her. "Peter, you look exhausted!"

"I am tired. Jane woke me up by jumping on the bed like a kid on Christmas— two hours before it was even dawn!" He said grumpily.

"That is not true!" She laughed. "It wasn't dark outside, I swear!"

Cat was quick to take a seat while Parker and May cooked breakfast. Witnessing their interactions reminded her of Happy and her when she was in high school. Morgan was bound to have the same experience with her tutors.

"Jane?"

She gave a start. "Yes?"

"I asked if you wanted milk," Parker said with an inquisitive look.

"Milk. Yeah, thank you."

He nodded, brows still furrowed.

"Can't believe in all the years you've lived in New York, you've never been to the library!"

"Why would I? I don't go to school since I was a teen," she snorted. "Besides, Mouse always..." she wondered if Kate was still in possession of her A.I. and if they'd found Russo after she vanished. If Kurt was even alive...

Parker's face came into view, he waved a hand across her line of vision with a taunting smile. "You okay?"

Cat stared at him. "Yeah... sorry, I just... lost my train of thought."

Worry made itself present on the young man's face, and this time he didn't try to hide it. "We don't know what might happen if a person stays out of their universe for too long..."

"Hey," she said with a tremor in her voice. "You're not helping."

"Right. Sorry." He pulled her along. "Library. I'm showing you the erotica section, you'll love it."

Cat laughed, though it was weak.

"And that makes five!" Copycat stuck the pickpocketer to the brick wall proudly, she looked at the streetlight above. "Saw that? I didn't even have to touch him!"

"Police is coming," Spidey pointed ahead. "Time to go!"

"See you!" She waved at the stranger before teleporting.

Parker was swinging from one building to the other when Cat shouted "On your left!", the spider faced down, watching her appear out of thin air in a cloud of brimstone. He offered his hand to her and Cat took it without a second thought. Spidey pulled her up and wrapped one arm around her waist. Copycat put her arms around him and let out a joyful exclamation as they swung across the city.

"Hold tight!" Cat teleported the both of them to the top of the Empire State.

"Wooo!" The young man leaned against the tower. "Look at that..!"

"Looks so cool when it's snowing..." she said absently.

"Yeah, Christmas is getting close..."

"The last Christmas I celebrated was..." Cat tilted her head. "Was it last year? Oh, wow, I was fully expecting it to be years ago... dates are a little cluttered..."

"Been a long year, huh?"

Cat sighed. "Every year's a long year since Thanos snapped his chubby fingers."

"How long since that happened?"

"Eight years," she replied right away. "Most of my friends have been dead for three years."

He hummed. "How are ya holding up?"

"I miss them, I always will... I still can't say everything was worth it, I made mistakes, but at least some things were worth the trouble."

"Is this moment in your life worth the trouble?" He crouched, holding himself with one hand to avoid slipping.

"Yeah, because I have my friends," she looked at him. "Harley, Kate, and Kurt— and Peter and Happy—"

"And Matthew?"

"Oh... that's... that's someone."

"Uh-huh," he tilted his head. "That means..?"

"He's around."

"So are you going to look for him once you're back?"

"I know what you're doing, Parker."

"I'm asking a question."

Her mind drifted again to Kraven, he was out there with a personal vendetta against Nightcrawler and her. Why did he think Kurt was the one responsible for Dmitri's death? She'd been the one that slit his throat...

"You saw me kill those guys."

Parker tensed. "I won't tell you how to live your life, not knowing all you've been through."

"I just wanted them out of the way," she answered bluntly.

"They were shooting, I saw them."

"I could've just knocked them out..."

"What's your point?" He pressed. "That you're not a good person? That I should keep my distance?"

"I'm saying I have things to do and you're not on the list," she snapped. "So don't think you have a shot."

He got to his feet and got closer, towering over her by a few inches. "I don't believe you."

"Get it in your head," she felt cornered, "you'll never be the Peter I fell in love with."

She teleported back to Parker's apartment.

She heard him sneak into the bathroom more quietly than at other times, he was trying not to wake her. Cat froze, listening intently to all of his movements. Parker left the bathroom to find his home in complete darkness, like that one time she'd argued with Matthew. But this time she was going to speak her mind whether this man wanted to hear it or not.

She sat up abruptly, startling Parker when he was on his way to the couch. "You're the only friend I have here," she said in a shaky, hurt voice. "I don't want that to change," Cat looked for his face in the darkness, "I'm sorry for what I said. It was out of line."

"It's okay—"

"No, it's not okay," she insisted. "I've done this countless times before. To Matthew, Kate, Peter, and everyone else. I say cruel things so they leave me alone, and then I spent the rest of my time regretting them." She grabbed fistfuls of her hair. "And I don't know if they're alive, I just dropped everything on their shoulders— Kate had her next step all planned and I stomped all over it—"

"Jane—"

"And Kurt," her voice quivered. "For years I've done nothing but disappoint him—"

"Jane."

"And he almost died!" She was hyperventilating. "Because I was dropping names left and right thinking no one was paying attention... I almost got my best friend killed—"

"You're right, it's not okay," he interrupted her, making no attempts to approach. "You were a jerk and you made us hate you. And that's what really hurts, that you'd rather not have us around," he moved a little and a beam of moonlight landed on his face, he looked miserable. "You don't know the half of it."

"What do you mean?" Cat slowed down in confusion.

"I didn't go back to your universe just so I could prove a point," he replied with a tone of exasperation. "You were my only motivation to get better. You and Peter proved to me that I wasn't alone..." he gave a step forward. "I had to see you again."

Cat's attention was thoroughly on him. She'd met a god once, and Peter Parker's face under the moonlight looked a lot like one.

"I created an absurd machine just to spend a few minutes in your presence, and then I accidentally brought you here and I knew at some point you'd say things that would hurt, and that's the worse thing I've felt in years. Just knowing at some point you'd break my heart, not knowing exactly when. I don't want to feel that way about you, 'cause that's how Gwen..."

His voice broke, and he couldn't keep going. Cat moved out of the bed and found her way into the dark without trouble, Parker pulled her close.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled, her body relaxed at his touch. "I've endured so much pain, and even provoked it... but I've had enough. I have my memories back, I know who I can be, and this is not who I want to be."

"That makes two of us," his hand moved to the back of her head and kept her in place. "You're coming with me to the tunnels tomorrow. You think you can't help but I have faith in you, I know you have the answer."

She thought it was selfish, but at the same time, she didn't care. Being her was exhausting. Cat knew deep down she hadn't tried to participate in his research because she was enjoying her freedom too much to leave it behind.

"No more setbacks. You're going home."

"Okay," she said, not knowing what home even meant for her.

Next Chapter—>

Taglist.

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[plangentlyre]

There must be something wrong, Saki thinks as she flips through the pages of her dream journal, something dreadfully wrong going on. Her gaze flits through the glittery scribbles of her pen, her finger tracing the same words that she had written on every single night she recorded.

I saw a girl in white, trapped in the waters. She looked sad, I wish I could help her.

Ever since Leo/Need's last gig two weeks ago, strange dreams have been plaguing her mind. It had begun subtle at first with only the unnatural colors of what seems like the sea dragging her subconscious into its depths but when one week of restless sleep became two, Saki had procured a journal detailing her dreams.

Now, as she sits barely awake in her room, that quiet feeling of suspicion grows to worry. Before, the dreams were mere hazy mixtures of confusion. Recently however, she begins to see a girl's figure floating along with her in the waters.

Saki has never seen her face since her vision always blur when she tries, but something in her heart tells her that she's sad, sorrowful. She picks up her pen and writes,

It's the sound of her voice that I hear. Every time I get closer to her, she sings so mournfully. I wish there was something I could do...

She's aware that it is an odd thing for her to be concerned of someone that only exists in her mind, even more so when it's been disturbing her real life activities.

And her band... Saki chews her lips, she mustn't let everyone's efforts go to waste all because of her inability to sleep normally. Ichika has already started to take notice and if not for her consideration, Saki would've been forced to take a rest while they practice. Not to mention how everyone else might react when she tells them.

She clenches her hand. No, no... I shouldn't burden them so much, that's why...

"Saki-chan?"

Saki stills, snapping her head towards the door where she sees Honami standing there. She's wearing her casual clothes with her hair tied up in a bun meanwhile, Saki is still in her uniform.

Colorful, virtual triangles flutter along in the School Sekai as Honami carefully places her bag down on the nearest desk. She pulls out a bag of what seems to be full of snacks before walking towards her near the keyboard.

Instantly, Saki's eyes sparkle. "Oh, Hona-chan! Thank you so much!"

Honami giggles, "I thought you might be hungry, I'm glad you like it."

"Well~ You don't really have to. I bought some of my own anyway!" She gestures over to the piles of wrappers overflowing in her bag.

"Saki-chan..." Her stare softens, "I've heard from Shiho-chan and Ichika-chan that you've seemed really tired even now that you're still practicing. I was wondering, if you're alright?"

Saki visibly deflates. "Um, well..."

"You don't have to force yourself to say it if you don't want to." She grabs her hand, squeezing it comfortingly. "I'll be here every step of the way."

Her heart thumps. She knows she can't hide anything around her dearest friend especially when Honami cares for her so much.

"Hona-chan, the thing is..." Saki mumbles, restraining herself of the urge to tear up. "I-I haven't been sleeping well and it's, it's..." She trails off, still unsure of whether telling her the truth would be of consequence.

As expected, Honami takes lightly to her vague response. "Is that so? Would you like me to help you calm down?"

"R-Really?!"

"Mhm! Then..."

When the pair exited the Sekai, Saki unexpectedly realizes that Honami has come to visit her home despite the sun having already set. This is because immediately after she returns to her room, her brother has called out to her about Honami's arrival.

Her friend chuckles at her astonished expression. "If you don't mind, shall we have a sleepover together? Ichika-chan and Shiho-chan are already on their way. We thought you'd need the company."

Tears begin to shimmer on Saki's eyes, overwhelmed by the feelings of her childhood friends' thoughtfulness. Seriously, these guys are so... Ah, I love them so much.

Fortunately, for the first time since her last dream, Saki is surrounded by the fluffy feeling of Honami's firm and strong arms enveloping her body on the bed. There was none of the cold dread suffocating her under the invisible sea's depths nor the persistent worry over a figment of her imagination. At the moment, all that she feels is comfort.

She sighs, burying herself deeper in the cushions as Honami asks, "I heard that songs can easily soothe you away from nightmares. Maybe I can—"

"Yes, yes! Please sing me a song, Hona-chan!"

"Ehehe~" She flushes happily. "In that case... ♪~"

Honami's voice has always been a breathtakingly beautiful sound to hear and it merely takes Saki a few notes for her to succumb to slumber. For a while, the world is only empty with only the lullaby resounding in her mind and for a little while, Saki hopes for it to remain that way.

But then, the lullaby blurs and suddenly she's drowning. That dreaded dream is starting to resurface. Bubbles flow out of her mouth as Saki is stricken with panic when she becomes aware of the water rapidly rolling in her lungs.

Just as she is about to exhaust herself and lose any shred hope of surviving, a piece of white fabric floats above her face. Saki thinks it's a ray of light piercing her from the surface but when a pair of arms approach to hug her, she realizes that it is the girl from her dreams in front of her.

Before, the girl's face has remained unknown but now as the two of them sink further down the sea, forehead to forehead, Saki can now clearly examine her features.

A full face, soft cheeks, closed eyelids, a supposedly tranquil expression and yet her eyebrows furrow, her lips curl into a grimace, her skin wrinkles. It is as she expected, the girl is still sad.

At the back of her mind, Saki half-expected for the lullaby to disappear but instead, the song only loudens as the girl's mouth syncs along with its melody. Everything was starting to bewilder Saki as her head aches from both the water in her lungs and from the confusing events.

Then, as if reaching the limit, she chokes and she yells mutely in pain. Saki sobs from the forceful pressure crushing her body, shattering all semblance of strength from within her limbs as if she's still in that hospital room with its pungent smell and gray walls, stifling her cries at night from the miserable pain, lonely and so afraid.

This must be the end, it must be. Saki is going to die with some random girl singing to her as she drowns to her death. Saki is never going to achieve her dream with her friends. Saki is never going to see her brother reach the world's stage. Saki is never going to spill out her feelings to—

A pause.

The music silences and something soft plants on her mouth. It was a pair of lips. Like a goddess would to a piece of clay, the girl breathes life into Saki's body. Suddenly, oxygen starts to pump back in her lungs and her feeling of fear lightens into amazed relief.

When they part, the girl's eyes open and Saki startles at the familiar pair of vibrant, though slightly darkened, blue eyes staring straight at her. Her hair may be longer but there is no doubt that the girl in front of her, the girl that Saki has yearned to save in her dreams, the girl that she hopes to love and marry is—

...Honami?

[gamerkats]

Random Scene Writing Prompt Below Cut

(no explanation for why this popped immediately into our heads)

Shaggy: Like I dunno man, I thought masked mysteries went the way of the dodo when the calendar got into 2020 vision.

Scooby: Ye-ah, ex-schinct. Hee, hee, hee, hee, hee.

Shaggy: Right, Scoob, like what are we even gonna investigate? Recession?

Velma: There are a myriad of mysteries, you two. They might lack the pedantic theatrics of bioluminescent baddies and graviton manipulating aeronautical adversaries, but they're still worthy of being solved.

Scooby: *absolutely confused* Huh?

Shaggy: Like you said it, Scoob.

Velma: What I'm saying is, I think we should start working on cold cases.

Shaggy: Cold cases?! Well, now you're speaking our language, man! We love cold cases! Ham.

Scooby: Sa-wham-mi.

Shaggy: Smoked Turkey.

Scooby: Cho-ree-zo.

Velma: Oh, you two, that's not a cold case, that's cold cuts.

Shaggy: Like stop, man, we're already hungry! You're serving up mysteries your Uber Eats can't deliver, and I'm down to half a bottle of Tums in anticipation.

Scooby: Yeah. Anti-acid-ipation.

Daphne: Let me try, V. *looking at Shaggy and Scooby* Cold case is where you investigate a murder that happened so long ago the trail of evidence has gone cold. So they're much harder to solve and prove in court without serious sleuthing.

*Shaggy & Scooby give a wide eyed stare of understanding*

Velma: Thanks, Daphne. You always did know how to get through to them.

Daphne: *clasps her hands behind her back and pops on her feet a bit in prideful expression* It was nothing. You just have to look them straight in the eye and think, "Not food. You cannot eat this information." It unflavors your words to a state only their minds can digest.

Shaggy: M-m-murder? You mean like dead people who like didn't wanna be....*swallows hard and speaks high pitched* ...dead???? Zoinks.

*a loud groan ebbs from the hallway*

Scooby: Ghoooosts!

Shaggy: It's the cold cases! Like hide, man!

*the two dash about in place looking for somewhere to go*

Velma: *sighs* Oh, brother....

*the groaning gets louder as a large shadow creeps toward the room. Shaggy and Scooby dive behind the bright red couch*

Shaggy: *muffled* Like move over, Scoob. I haven't had to see my knees since America got Bush the sequel.

Scooby: You mooove over. Dish ish my hiding sp-awt.

Shaggy: Like no way man, this love seat is made for two! So share the love!

Velma: They might be right to hide. I didn't exactly make any friends at the Pharmaceutical rally, where I leaked the formulas to all those cancer curing drugs for free.

Daphne: I thought those were your formulas.

Velma: They were, but I made them by accident using their lab equipment while I was researching the regenerative unique-among-tetrapods traits, that recruit and migrate multiple cell types to build blastema programmed to reconstruct missing limbs.

Daphne: *smiles softly and fixes Velma's hair before leaning forward and kissing her; slow and sweet*

Velma: Jinkies. *she whispers against Daphne's lips, her eyes still closed as Daphne gives a butterfly touch of another affection*

Daphne: I thought you only said that when something surprised you. *her tone is gentle and warm* This isn't the first time I've kissed your brilliant mouth.

Velma: Every kiss with you is surprising, Daphne. Surprisingly perfect.

*the loud groan happens again as both women jump out of their reverie and into their readiness*

Daphne: Stay behind me, V. I got this. *she prepares herself into a fighting stance just as a person enters the room in a full white face mask glowing blue around the edges, pink oven mitts, and a frilly apron that reads, Ready Freddy*

Velma: Wait, that's no pharmaceutical corporates ghoul, that's- *goes over and helps pull the face mask off*

Everyone: Fred!?

Fred: Oh! Thank you! I was using my light therapy mask while baking lemon squares, and super gluing my Moroccan themed centerpiece, when I got glue in my oven mitts. So when I pulled out my squares, the heat sealed them over my hands, and I couldn't get my mask off. Thanks for the save, Velma. I was on therapy overdose for a minute.

Shaggy: You could say, he like, really saw the light, man.

Scooby: Hee, hee, hee, hee.

I think it’s time for scooby doo 3. if anything the first two movies have become even more popular / are headed towards cult classic status. the actors aren’t up to much so I think they have the time. but I want to be very specific — I don’t want “the gangs kids follow their parents footsteps and solve crimes”. no. that’s such a cheap and overused plot. I want middle aged mystery gang content. I want immortal non aging scooby doo. I want daphne going thru a patrick bateman skin care routine and teaching martial arts in a pink outfit. I want shaggy complaining about heart burn and downing a whole bottle of tums before every meal. fred being a male wife. velma cured cancer on accident. they all get together on the weekends to solve crimes. the plot is whimsical and our disbelief is fully suspended. the cgi is still terrible.

[teenandbeyond]

I hope you don't mind, but the Gohan x Baby!Reader melted my heart with cuteness, you captured Gohan's character perfectly! Just make me want more 😂 I liked how you have the reader is more on the quiet side. Can you do a Gohan x Baby!Reader where Gohan introduces them to everyone (Goku, Krillin, etc), especially to Pan?

Gohan x Baby. Reader [Pt. 2]

This is the prequel to Part 1! Edit: Now you all know where the nickname "Sweet Pea" came from xD

Want more from me? Master List 2

Part 1: Here.

☆*: .｡. .｡.:*☆☆*: .｡. .｡.:*☆

My Precious One (DBS or Dragonball Super)

Warning: Fluff, D and H word (Vegeta is a poor example for the baby)

Everyone's been begging to meet you, Gohan finally caves.

✨✨✨✨

“Hey, Pan. Come meet your new sibling!” Videl encourages after the now oldest child lets go of her father.

The girl inches closer to her mother and the bundle in her arms.

Pan blinks for a moment in surprise, “Oh, hi, there.”

Your gaze at your sister, taking her in for a moment before your gaze drifts away, not quite strong enough to focus completely yet.

Pan frowns in worry, “Are the baby’s eyes okay?”

Videl giggles, “Mhm. The baby’s a newborn, the eye muscles have to get stronger. The vision has to get better, too.”

“Oh, so there’s nothing wrong?” she glanced back down at you.

“No, a perfectly healthy baby.”

Pan brushes a finger against your jaw, smiling when you grab at it in curiosity.

“Did you name the baby yet?”

Gohan approached them, joining his daughter in giving the baby affection, “We actually went with the name you thought of, Pan.”

Her eyes sparkled, “Really? You went with [Name]?”

“Why not? You were the most excited out of all of us,” he smiled.

Videl ruffled her hair, “And you made sure to take such good care of me.”

Gohan chuckled, “Yes, you did! ‘Mom, be careful with that, don’t hurt the baby!’”

“I wasn’t that bad!”

“You were a little worry wart, but it was adorable, don’t worry.”

Videl raised a brow, “You weren’t that much better than her, sweetheart.”

Pan tickled your chin, “[Name]’s really quiet for a baby.”

“Like father, like child.”

Gohan crossed his arms, hiding a grin, “Says you, you and Pan are practically clones.”

“But it’s okay…that just means it my job to protect [Name], right?” Pan grinned with determination.

Gohan nodded, “That’s right—Yeeeow!”

He cringed at his red finger, holding it in agony.

Videl could only laugh, “Guess [Name]’s telling you they can protect themselves, Gohan.”

“Clearly…”

Once everyone hears Videl is home, they’re all eager to meet you.

But Gohan wants to wait, until bright lights or loud sounds won’t affect you as strongly…because his family can be loud.

Mainly, Goku and his Father-in-law.

Really, those are the only people he’s worried about.

But Piccolo is the first to meet you before anyone else.

First, that’s his father-figure…and he already would babysit Pan, so you got added to the deal.

Which was a big deal for you, since this was the first alien being you would see that didn’t look like the average human.

But honestly, you were more curious than startled like Gohan worried you might be.

Piccolo immediately had a liking for you, he enjoyed that you were quiet. It gave him a little break from the wildness of Pan’s adventurous side as a girl fresh out of toddler-ville.

Even though, you had a few moments of randomly powering up, you never got reckless.

He didn’t mind when you would play with his ears or randomly grab up his fingers.

He made sure to be gentle so he never poked you with his nails. But the one time he did, you only jumped, rather than break into tears like he’d expected.

There was a worry something was wrong when you didn’t cry for much, but the doctor assured them you were healthy, the noise might have just startled you, so you avoided it.

But then you did cry for the first time.

Piccolo was playing with you while Pan napped.

He would never admit how soft he was for the two of you.

But then Gohan came back and Piccolo thought he’d go ahead and go.

But you didn’t take your game being interrupted so well.

You bawled, crying out for the Namekian.

Gohan blinked in surprise, while Piccolo sighed and picked you up.

Your crying quieted after a moment and you begun to mess with the hand sitting loosely on your stomach.

“Looks like [Name] really likes you Piccolo,” Gohan smiled.

“Yeah, I noticed.”

This promoted the crew to get a little offended.

“How come Piccolo’s already met [Name] tons of times but all we’ve seen are pictures?” Bulma complained.

“I’m your Mother for goodness sakes!” Chi-Chi reasoned.

Gohan rubbed his neck, “Mom, no offense, but you on your own aren’t the quietest person, let alone when you’re with dad…”

It went like this until you were hitting close to being three months old.

“Fine, I’ll bring [Name] by the next time we all meet up.”

☆*: .｡. .｡.:*☆

“Aw…my grandbaby…” Chi-Chi cooed.

“So cute, definitely will be getting spoiled,” Bulma giggled.

“The little one is pretty quiet,” 18 observed.

Krillin chuckled, “Just like the dad.”

“Vegeta, come see the baby,” Bulma quietly called over.

“We’ve already had an exchange,” he crossed his arms.

✨✨✨✨✨

Vegeta scrutinized you from the temporary crib you laid in.

“So, you’re the little infant everyone’s been going crazy over? You look like any other child I’ve seen.”

“[Name], is it? I suppose the name isn’t terrible. I personally would have given you a name suitable of a Saiyan, but to each his own. You are also human after all.”

Your eyes flutter open at the foreign voice, you seem to take him in with a tilt of your head.

He glares at you, “What? Think I’m not worthy enough to be in your presence?”

But you simply smile at him and make a noise that was giggle-like.

“You think an…adorable smile will deter me, Prince Vegeta? What is your angle here?”

You find your finger more convincing than his intimidation and decide to taste the weird thing.

“Who am I kidding? You’re putting a damn finger in your mouth—But that power level…”

He chuckled, “Oh, Gohan’s going have a hell of a time with you during the terrible two’s.”

He gently moved your finger from your mouth, “You’ll get sick from all the germs there. I’m doing you a favor.”

Then you take interest in his finger, grabbing it quicker than he can pull away.

“Impressive reaction time. Ow, hey! That isn’t very polite.”

You give him an innocent look, squeezing his thumb harder, giggling again at the yelp he produced.

“You little brat. Let go! You’re definitely Kakarot’s grandchild…”

✨✨✨✨✨

“I like having all my fingers. So, I will keep my distance,” he gazed at you with distrust, while you babbled.

Chi-Chi blinked in confusion with the others.

“Well, your loss,” Bulma shrugged.

Gohan shivered, “Don’t worry, I understand completely, Vegeta.”

Trunks quickly took your attention and Goten joined him, “Hey, hurry and get big so we can play together, okay?”

“Take your time. Trunks might be a little too rough—Ow!” Goten gripped his bicep.

“Hey, don’t ruin my rep with [Name] already, we just met,” Trunks pouted.

“Not so loud, boys.”

“Sorry…”

Then you met Tien, which you seemed to like, then Yamcha, which you found confusing.

He made so many strange faces, which left you unimpressed and confused as to which one was his.

But perhaps you weren’t used to him yet, so that was why.

Then you met your maternal grandfather.

Now, he…startled you.

He had a loud approach to you, so you ended up pouting.

“Dad, quiet, please.”

“Sorry, Honey-pumpkin…”

Then Goku arrived, “Hey, guys! Sorry, I’m late, I—”

“Shhh!”

“Tough crowd.”

“Goku, be quiet before your grandchild loses their hearing!” Chi-Chi whisper shouted.

“Oh, [Name]’s here?”

You titled you head in curiosity, his face looked familiar, then you looked across from you to your father.

You made whining sound as your gaze switched between them in confusion.

Goku smiled and came closer, “Hey, there. It’s nice to meet ya’ [Name].”

You reached out in curiosity, surely a man that looked like the man you were most familiar with couldn’t be too scary, right?

“Please don’t drop the baby, Goku…” Chi-Chi watched, on edge as Goku held you.

“Sheesh, have a little faith in me, hun.”

You decided to explore his hair first, surprisingly gentle for an infant.

“You like it, huh?” he blinked when your other hand ran down his face, “Curious one, aren’t you?”

You gripped his hair in one hand and his head in the other, climbing up his head, “Whoa! Careful.”

He reached his arms up, holding you securely, “[Name]’s strong Gohan. Like Pan.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed.”

“Maybe I should get to training, [Name].”

“You are not about to train our--practically three-month-old--grandchild how to fight! You already have Pan, let [Name] get an education first!” Chi-Chi protested.

Sitting on Goku’s head, you fold over, meeting his eyes upside down.

“Hi!” he gently tickles your sides, earning a hearty giggle from you.

You reach down, grabbing something from the collar of his Gi.

“Hm? Oh, I don’t think that’ll taste very good.”

“Goku, [Name] can’t eat food yet.”

He attempted to take the pea from you, surprised by your grip.

“Goodness--wants the pea more than I do.”

Goku finally took the pea from your fingers, soothing your whines for it.

“You can’t have it yet. Don’t worry, I’ll save it for you.”

“Dad, you can’t save a pea for that long.”

[bubbledumbbinch]

Yanderes! Leona, Jack and Malleus in heat with their reader friend

HAHAHAHA EVIL LAUGHTER. Finally…. I’m getting around to this request….. i guess i might make this less “headcanon-y” and more ficlets? Scenarios? Idk? First time trying this out so here we go!

This piece of writing is purely for 18+ audiences only. Minors do NOT interact.

Pairings: Leona Kingscholar x Fem! Reader, Jack Howl x Fem! Reader, Malleus Draconia x Fem! Reader

Warnings: SMUT, yandere, dubcon/noncon elements, coercion, unhealthy relationships, breeding kink(?), talk of pregnancy, dark content

Leona Kingscholar

The botanical gardens was a usual hangout spot for you and your lazy friend Leona. However, when you arrived at his favorite napping spot under a specific tree, you felt something was off when he wasn’t there. You definitely knew he wouldn’t go to class unless there was some kind of exam. Was it something serious? ‘Where are you?’ You texted Leona and sent the message. After waiting a bit, your phone buzzed and Leona had replied. ‘Screw off. Leave me alone for a while.’ the text read on your screen had you feeling worried about the beastman. He was your friend - and you knew something had to be up.

The speed-walk from the gardens to Savanaclaw was a bit anxious, your body was starting to sweat as you worried about Leona. You didn’t even think to text his dorm mates like Ruggie or Jack to ask what was wrong. Once you finally made it through the mirror to his dorm, you rushed to eventually make it to Leona’s door and knocked. You were met with a loud snarl and a gruff voice. “Who the hell is it?! Go away.”

“Leona-san, I’m coming in!!” You quickly barged in, chest heaving up and down from the worry you felt. The door slammed behind you before you could even recognize what was going on in front of you. 

“Leona-san! Are you okay?! I- Oh…!” Your field of vision was immediately met with Leona sprawled on his bed with his shirt off and his blanket covering up to his waist. His hand was lazily pumping up and down his length from underneath the blanket and it was so painfully obvious. Leona was panting heavily and eyes were half lidded.

“You… what the fuck are you doing here, herbivore? I told you not to come!” Leona spat from across the room, making you recoil in fear from your spot. You gulped and blushed, turning away.

“I- I’m sorry,” stammering, the words just really seemed to have a hard time finding a way out of your mouth. “I just, I thought it was something I could help you with, so I’m gonna go now!! Sorry for interrupting!!”

You quickly tried to turn around and walk back out, but didn’t realize Leona was coming closer to you only seconds prior. Your wrist was grabbed harshly and you were being yanked until your back thudded onto something hard - Leona’s chest. It was so toned and warm, you were almost tempted to lean back into it.

“Hn, I change my mind. Maybe this is something you could help me out with, herbivore...” His low and sultry voice almost purred the words into your ears sending heat to your clothed cunt. As if on cue, Leona’s calloused fingers made their way to rub at the crotch of your pants, making you squeak involuntarily. 

“Leo-naa..!” you shrieked out his name, half of it turning into a moan. He growled at the noise of his name coming out of your mouth.

“Heh, it looks like you’re forcing me to do something a bit unforgivable.” The dark tone in his voice made you gulp hard. “Herbivore… I was really trying to hold back, find the perfect time to make you my mate, I even had preparations to take you away to stay with me. It was the perfect plan.” The weight of his words caused you to tense. Almost sensing your unease, Leona decided to dip his warm fingers into your pants and underwear to rub at your needy clit. You gasp and cover your mouth instantly, afraid of the noises Leona would pull out of you. Leona growled as his other hand slapped your arm away from your face.

“Don’t cover up your noises herbivore, if you know what’s good for you.” Leona  angrily muttered against your ear, sending waves of panic through your system. The wet squelching sounds were only growing louder as well as your moans. “Leona-saahn~ haaah,” you threw your head back into him as he plunged two fingers into your pussy. 

“Hm? Don’t tell me you love being talked to like that? Does it turn you on, slut?” Leona’s smooth voice invaded your senses and only spurred you on further. “Y-yes, Leona-san!!” you were now a moaning and squirming mess. Leona guided you to the foot of his bed and pulled his fingers out of you, pushing you onto the mattress.

“This is gonna be fun, herbivore. I really, really should have done this sooner...” Leona whispered, almost to himself. Your face was sweating and you stared up at Leona helplessly, feeling his large erection grazing your thighs as he caged your body with his own, like a predator rearing to devour his prey.

Jack Howl

Vargas’s outdoor gym sessions were always difficult - even more so since you couldn’t use magic. Wanting to utilize your skills to its capacity in his class, Vargas forced you to do more physical training than the other students. Those trainings always left you and your clothes hot and sticky with sweat. Being the only female student in the school, you were also the last person to use the locker rooms, with one of your first year friends near the door to protect you and your privacy. Today was Jack’s turn and everything was going smoothly, to your knowledge. As you were idly thinking about the ways you would prepare dinner tonight, you didn’t realize how much trouble you were really in.

The door to the locker room slowly creaked open as you peeled off the layers of your gym uniform. Heavy footsteps echoed and forced you to pause all of your activities. “J-Jack..?” you whimpered, worried about who was going to catch you half naked. As the steps came closer to your location you couldn’t help but start to shake in fear.

Jack’s white hair and ears peeked around the corner of the lockers making you jump and hide your body in your arms. “O-oh!! Thank goodness, it’s just you!” You sighed in relief. Jack could only grunt in a noise that sounded like approval. Jack didn’t look too good, his cheeks were red and he looked like he was panting - like he had just finished running a race. 

“Uhm, Jack, are you okay?” you shuffled uncomfortably in your spot as Jack’s gaze was still fixated on your body, your arms still covering yourself. 

“Listen, I uh, I have to change, Jack…” you trailed off and looked away, hoping he would get the idea. He didn’t.

Instead, Jack slowly sauntered towards your smaller form. You didn’t even realize you were walking backwards until your head and clothed backside touched the cool lockers behind you, the sound of locks and metal catching you off guard. Taking your moment of surprise as an opportunity, the beastman rutted his hips towards your sweaty body, the friction causing him to groan right in your ear. The noise sent heat down to your core, shame and fear filling your head as you gasped.

“You smell so good right now, Y/N…” Jack said lowly, his breath was so hot in your face it felt like a sauna. He dipped down to your neck and licked a long wet stripe up your skin.

“Aah! What are you doing, Jack?! Th- this isn’t like you!” You shrieked, hoping your voice would get to him somehow.

You yelped as Jack lifted you briefly, only to set you down on his lap to straddle him as he sat on the locker room bench. He grunted as your clothed cunt momentarily made direct contact with his erection that was still in the confines of his pants. You couldn’t help the moan that escaped your mouth, yet your beastman friend believed to sound like honey. Gold eyes bore into yours as he panted and lifted his hips back up to meet yours. “Nngh~!” You buried your face into his neck.

“I’m, haah, sorry, Y/N. I can’t, I can’t help it right now. I like you so much it hurts. I need to touch you, nnh- to make you feel good.” His confession was sudden as he guided your hips to grind on him, lewd moans and whines being forced out of your body with every movement. You couldn’t help but blush and grip onto him tighter, chasing your own inevitable release. 

“Mmh- Jack, please.” You whined into Jack’s ear. Your panties were soaked and he could feel the juices soaking into his uniform. “I’m gonna fill you up with my pups.” Jack growled into your ear as he was losing sight of his own self control.

Malleus Draconia

It was odd to receive a text from Lilia to come to Diasomnia’s dorm. Once he said it was an issue involving Malleus, you told him you’d be on the way immediately. Curiously enough, Lilia never answered your text about what was wrong with Malleus, he only mentioned that he requested you specifically. Reaching the dorm, you noticed the skies were particularly cloudy and grey, and green lightning bolts were littering the skies. You ran inside quickly to be greeted by none other than Lilia himself.

“Ah, Y/N, finally you’re here!” The bicolor haired student welcomed you warmly. His tone was much different than his serious one he used over text.

“I’m here, where is Malleus? What’s wrong with him?” You asked, looking around the dorm. It was seemingly more empty than usual.

“Oh don’t worry! Come, I’ll lead you to his room…” Lilia walked with you to Malleus’s dorm room, when he stopped in front of the door. Suddenly, a darkness had taken over his facial expressions. “I’m... sorry for what I’m about to do, Y/N.”

“What do you mean, Lilia?” You stood as stiff as a board in your spot, dumbfounded.

“Be safe.” Lilia’s words went over your head. Suddenly, the door was opened as he shoved you into Malleus’s room, promptly locking it once you were inside. You banged on the door with both fists. 

“Hey!! Lilia!? Let me out!!” Panicked, you felt the atmosphere in the room was… heavy. Looking behind you to Malleus’s bed, a large black mass had taken form on it.

“Child of man…” You could hear Malleus’s voice from every corner of the room, especially focused from the direction of that black mass. Suddenly, wings uncurled and revealed Malleus, or a creature that heavily resembled him. Along his face were black scales that focused on the edges of his face. A tail was swishing behind him aggressively. Malleus’s arms were now scaly and long nails replaced his short black polished ones. And with those black claws, he used an index finger to beckon you towards him. “Come closer.” He breathed.

You felt your body move on its own, as if you weren’t even controlling it. “Malleus, what’s wrong?” You whispered, not even sure if the words had come out of your mouth. Once in front of him, you stood awkwardly and fiddled with the sleeves of your uniform. “Is there something you need from me?” You breathlessly spoke, avoiding his piercing gaze.

“I requested you for a, specific, reason…” he cooed and pulled you into a tight and awkward hug you didn’t reciprocate. Then you felt it. Something hard and large was poking at your stomach, causing you to gasp suddenly in realization. “It seems like you’ve caught on. Well, my sweet Y/N, you don’t want to keep your prince waiting, do you?”

“Strip.”

“What..?” You asked dumbly.

“You heard me, I said strip. Now.”

“I, I heard you, I just-,” you stepped back, and began to take off your clothes slowly. You stopped at your simple bra and underwear, hoping that was enough to appease him. It didn’t - but it was something he could rip off later.

Grabbing your shoulders and bringing you in close, Malleus’s teeth latched onto your neck, biting hard enough to draw blood. You moaned unexpectedly and held onto his neck, unknowingly pulling him in closer. “Ah, M-Malleus, no..!” Your voice shook.

Instantly, Malleus threw you down onto the bed and straddled your lower half, pinning your wrists above your head. His wings extended above you as his green eyes pierced into yours. The fierceness alone took the words out of your mouth as you stared up in fear.

“Don’t even think about fighting me back. You will surely regret that choice and I don’t want to hurt you, unless you deserve it. So be a good girl for me, while I breed you over… and over… and over again.” You watched in horror as his tongue, now long and forked, laved over his bottom lip in hunger and excitement.

“Well now child of man, doesn’t that sound exciting? Let’s get started right away.”