#i made felt's ribbon bigger oof

[raechannau]

monday doodles i miss using this brush again after not using it for almost a year ;v;

[equinista]

(OOF-EDIT: I just made these but then saw someone else made their own set of ribbons JUST 18 hours ago and of course, theirs is much better than mine...i legit just saw their post RIGHT after i posted this... sigh. I'll probably just scrap my creation. But I will still be working on releasing the SSO dressage saddle without the attached saddle pad and with my own custom dressage pad) Ok sooo, making a little progress on my edit of the base-game award Ribbons. I wanted to make them a bit bigger/longer to look more like actual Horse Show ribbons and while I am very VERY new to blender I figured out a few things-enough to actually achieve making the ribbons longer AND I also figured out how to make them longer and also added another, uh, ribbon strand...tail..idk? So that where are now 3 of them instead of two, so as to also make them more like real horse show ribbons. Bear with me, this is still a huge early WIP as far as making the 3-strand ribbons look better, as I tried to recolor them to add realistic Champion/Reserve Champion ribbons and it's been very difficult as it gets so badly blurred & pixelated as soon as I put it into S4S. Idk how to fix that yet so that the image is clear :( As for the 2-strand ribbons tho, those are actually pretty much ready to be released soon (and I will do that sometime today!) since I am not editing/recoloring them.

The OTHER project I have been working on has finally started to work out as well. I wanted to separate the saddle pad from the Star Stable Online dressage saddle that was converted to TS4 because I wanted to add my own Dressage saddle pads to them (I felt that the saddle would like nicer with a bigger dressage pad and so far, I think i'm right) and I was able to delete the saddle pad and have added my own and well, i think as you can see by the photo above that my mare is looking very dapper in her new dressage saddle and pad combo <3 (still a few little tweaks i need to make tho before I release this-hopefully in the next few days tho!)

[kairi-chan]

Sweeter Than Chocolate - BoruSara, DYF AU

Genre: Romance / Fluff / Humor 

Rating: K 

Written for D3 for @borusaraweek2020: Boruto’s Birthday

… 

Her grip on the small pouch of pink tightened by the tiniest bit. Sarada bit her lower lip and took a shaky breath. 

Why am I so nervous? It’s just Boruto… 

She closed her eyes and listened. He was already at the clearing, running around a pile of gifts he had received for his birthday from the party his pack—and the entire village—threw for him. Boruto was chattering excitedly to himself, dragging out presents from the wagon he used to help them carry it all.

Tentatively, Sarada peeked from behind the tree and her eyes widened at the sheer amount. She leaned back on the tree and looked at the small pouch in her hands. She forced herself to wake up late in the afternoon to be able to have enough time to make these for him… her mother only ever made them once a year and would give it to no one else other than her father. 

Her papa hated sweets, but he always seemed so happy to eat them. Sasuke let her have a piece before when her mama wasn’t looking, and it was delicious, nothing like she had ever had before. Surely, Boruto hasn’t had these before, too. Her papa always said in all of his travels, no one ever made chocolates like her mama and they were simply the most special things in the world. 

She peeked at Boruto again and caught him opening a box of pastries. Judging by the smell of it, the baker probably gifted it to him. 

It was the baker’s profession to make sweets. And basing from the sweets that Boruto had brought her from their shop, they were all delicious. Her gaze dropped to the pouch in her hands again and she frowned. 

It took her three tries to get it right, and although her mama offered to help, Sarada was stubborn and refused. This was a gift from her for Boruto, for his birthday. One that she worked hard to make, just for him. It had to be special, and it was… wasn’t it? 

“Sarada?” Boruto called. “I can smell you, ya know?” 

She pouted and hid the pouch behind her back, under her coat. Her face stayed puckered even after she had stepped into the clearing. Now that she was closer, the mountain of gifts seemed even bigger and it made her pouch of chocolates feel even smaller and insignificant. What was she thinking, making him something when it wasn’t even a skill she had? Well, a skill that definitely wasn’t up to par with the baker’s at the very least. 

“You got cinnamon rolls from the baker?” Her eyes locked on them, wanting a bite. 

“Yeah!” Boruto grinned and picked up the box. His wolfie ears were upon his head, tail wagging. He presented the box to her expectantly. “He said I could have a box of anything I wanted in his shop and I asked him for these. They’re your favorite, right?” 

Sarada’s eyes widened. It was his birthday, he could have asked for the jelly tarts or meat pies that he liked from the baker… but he asked for cinnamon rolls for her? “Boruto…” 

His ears dropped and his tail stopped wagging abruptly upon seeing her forlorn expression. “W-what? Don’t you like cinnamon rolls?” He grimaced and whined. “I knew I should have asked for the strawberry shortcake instead!” 

Sarada brought a hand up to her mouth, an attempt to stop the fit of giggles from overtaking her. He was so silly. 

Boruto sniffed the air, ears perking up and tail slowly wagging. “What’s that smell?” He persisted on his quest to find what the new smell was, making him take tentative steps closer to Sarada. His nose poked at her hand, breath tickling her skin. “It’s coming from you.” Big blue eyes flicked to meet her dark ones. “What did you touch?” 

“N-nothing!” Her cheeks flooded with heat and she averted her gaze, hands flying to her back pocket, holding on to the pouch of sweets. The pouch suddenly felt ten times heavier. She never could hide anything from him. Darn him and his sharp werewolf senses! 

“You’re lying to me,” he deadpanned. “I can hear your heart beating faster.” 

Sarada released a short shout of frustration, face turning a deeper shade of red. “Ugh, fine!” She shoved the pouch into his hands. “H-Here! Just take it!” 

The young werewolf held on to the pouch, eyes wide and inquisitive. First, he held it up to look at it and then brought it closer to his face to smell. His tail started wagging, slowly at first, and then the speed picked up when he asked, “Did you make this for me? It smells good.” 

Her arms crossed across her chest, nose up in the air. “I did.” Although she wanted to appear proud, her heart was racing and the pink tint on her cheeks refused to leave. “Happy birthday.” 

A big, bright grin spread on Boruto’s face, whiskers curling and eyes forming half crescents. “Thank you, Sarada.” 

Although she was looking to the side, she peeked at him, watching as he unraveled the light pink ribbon and wound it around his wrist before sticking his index finger and thumb into the pouch. He pulled out a small piece and looked at it as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world. “What is it?” 

Chocolate was a rare commodity, but Sarada was also astounded he didn’t recognize the scent. Or perhaps, she didn’t cook it right and that’s why he didn’t know what it was. “It’s chocolate.” 

“Chocolate?” Boruto’s ears perked up. “I’ve seen and heard about it but I’ve never had it before.” 

“What?” Sarada blinked. “Why not?” 

“Yeah,” Boruto sat down on the grass and crossed his legs in front of him, still inspecting the little piece of chocolate and giving it a tentative lick. Instantly, his blue eyes went wide and a grin spread on his face. “It’s good!” Boruto flicked the entire piece into his mouth. And then another, and another, soon, he was emptying the pouch into his mouth, cheeks puffy and his eyes bright with delight. 

Sarada’s mouth twisted. “Y-you’re not supposed to eat it all in one go…” her father only ever had a piece every so often and would take a few days to finish it. Even if Sarada didn’t need food to survive, she liked taking little bits of sweets every now and then. 

“But it’s so good!” What he said was barely recognizable, as he was still chewing. Finally, he swallowed and his tongue licked around his lips, capturing every little bit left. “That was delicious, Sarada. Thank you!” He beamed. “I don’t understand why dad never let me have any. Or… anyone in the pack for that matter. We’re all missing out.” 

Sarada tipped her head to the side and walked over to sit on the grass next to him. “What do you mean your dad never gave you any?” That sounded awfully weird… and mean. Chocolates were good and Naruto seemed like the type of dad who wouldn’t hold back giving Boruto all the good things he could get his hands on. 

“I don’t know… he just never really did. Said something about it’s not good for me and like, he also doesn’t eat it, ya know?” Boruto shrugged. “But that was my first taste and you made it. It makes it even more special. Definitely the best gift I got, ya know?” 

Her lips parted and dark eyes went wide. “Best… gift?” 

“Yeah!” Boruto grinned brightly. “Thank you.” 

Sarada was feeling so happy that she didn’t mind when Boruto tightly wrapped his arms around her and peppered her face with kisses, and then, he was licking her. She laughed, asking him to stop but he kept on licking her face. Gradually, his small pink tongue felt rougher and a little wider. Boruto pushed her down on the ground and morphed into a wolf before her eyes. 

She giggled seeing him morph. It didn’t matter how many times she saw it, it still amazed her every single time. Sarada rested her hands on his warm muzzle, and Boruto settled for languidly licking her face and plopping down on the ground to nuzzle her. He sighed and a small content whimper escaped his throat. Sarada petted his head, and stroked down until his neck, her hand disappearing into his thick coat. 

‘Come on, Sarada!’ he gushed. ‘Come look at my other gifts, look at it!’ 

Although she heard him loud and clear in her mind, the large wolf was whining and barking in excitement, pushing his bum up in the air and wagging his tail furiously. 

“I don’t know if you want me to look at these gifts or play tag.” She laughed. 

‘Both! Yeah, both!’

“Whatever you want.” Sarada grinned and leaned her forehead on his. “It is your birthday, after all.” 

The two of them huddled over by the wagon, Sarada picking at the half-opened boxes and looking through Boruto’s presents, briefly wondering how heartwarming it would be to receive gifts from people on her birthday. She’s already had a few decades on her, and the only people who ever gave her gifts were her parents. To be fair, her family had been traveling and she barely made any friends. Unlike Boruto, who had lived in this town and grew up with people and a pack. He was always surrounded by others, unlike her. 

“Do you like them?” Boruto grinned, peeking over her shoulder. He turned back into a human, although his wolf ears remained on his head. 

“Me?” Sarada asked, looking back at him, faces mere inches apart. “W-Why me? They’re yours.” 

“They gave it to me, but I’m sharing it with you,” he shrugged. “That means they’re ours now.” 

“Why…” she gaped. “Why would you share it with me?” Boruto had never been stingy with sharing his belongings with her, but for him to tell her that they were as good as hers… it made her heart skip a beat. 

“Because what’s mine is yours,” he grinned.

Her cheeks flooded with heat. “Boruto…” 

Gruuuumble

Sarada blinked. “What was that?” 

Boruto looked down at his bare stomach with a puzzled look on his face. “Ummm….” 

Gruuuuumble

He gasped and held on to his stomach, suddenly feeling sick. “Oof. That hurts,” he winced and fell on the ground, rolling on his side, and getting into a fetal position. Boruto groaned and shuddered when a wave of pain hit him, tummy making more weird sounds, reverberating throughout his body. “I think I’m gonna be sick.” 

Sarada covered her mouth, scared and not knowing what to do. She had never seen Boruto get sick before, much less this in pain. “I-I’ll go get help!” 

.

.

.

Naruto carried Boruto to bed and chided him. “I told you to stay away from chocolates, Boruto. They’re poisonous for us, ya know?” 

Boruto groaned and held on to his tummy, face more green rather than its usual beautiful tan color. “You never told me!” 

Sakura placed a wet towel over his head and placed a concoction of herbs next to him. “And you ate the entire thing,” she giggled. “Who knew chocolates could make a werewolf fall on his knees.” 

Naruto chuckled and scratched the back of his head. “Kinda lame, I know. But it’s why the whole pack and I genuinely stay away. It won’t necessarily kill us but it does make us sick for a few days depending on how much we ate.” 

Sarada sat on the side of his bed, eyes downcast. It was her fault that Boruto got sick. It was her handmade chocolates that made him sick! 

“But it was so good,” Boruto mumbled and looked at Sarada, forcing a weak smile on his face. 

“I’m sorry…” she whispered. 

“At least now you know, darling.” Sakura stroked her hair and looked at Boruto. “I’ll come in to check on you a little later.” 

“Thanks, auntie Sakura,” Boruto muttered. 

Naruto showed her the way out, leaving the two in the room. 

“I’m sorry,” Sarada repeated again. 

“Don’t be sorry,” Boruto placed his hand on hers. “It was really good, and I loved my gift.” 

“But you’re sick!” Sarada screeched. “And on your birthday! This is all my fault.” 

“Hey,” Boruto looked at her pointedly. “I ate it all in one go, and you didn’t know. Besides, you made it for me. This is worth it.” He patted his stomach and smiled at her. “I’ll get better faster if you stay here and nurse me back to health, ya know?”

Sarada puffed her cheeks and averted her gaze. “Fine. It is your birthday after all.” 

Boruto made room for her to sit next to him in bed. “Read me something?” 

“Okay,” Sarada smiled and picked up the first book on his bedside table. She settled herself under the covers with him, immediately feeling so much warmer. She opened up the book and cleared her throat before she started reading aloud. 

Things might not have worked out exactly as she planned, but they got to spend more time together, and that’s all Boruto wanted for his birthday. 

... 

If you like my fics, please do visit my profile. I have links to my Masterpost, FFnet, Ao3, Twitter, and Ko-Fi there. :)  

[ai-katsuu]

Wonderland Ball (3/4)

Chapters: 1  2  3  4

previous chapter    next chapter

---

At the opposite end of the room, Queen Alice, finally done with greeting her audience members, sighed back on her throne in content. “This is the best outcome of any party Fairy Tale Island has had. I mean you’re amazing, Hatter!” she grinned at her dearest friend. 

“But of course, Alice dear.” he tipped his hat, “Throwing parties are my specialty after all.” 

“I was the one who brought the guests over,” the Cheshire Cat intervened. “Wasn’t easy, you know?” he smiled at the Hatter who only frowned back.

“Oh, yes. Tell me, how did you manage to get the Fearless Seven to come?” Alice excitedly asked him. 

“He transported them here without warning,” a short witch with a grey bun walked into the scene. “I saw the whole thing myself from my room.” she calmly mentioned. 

Alice gasped at the Cheshire Cat, who now had his tail in between his legs, “Is Zeniba telling the truth?” 

“Well, in a sense yes.” he mumbled. 

“He was also rude to Prince Jack’s wife.”

“Yea, called her a servant.”

“You know I don’t fancy you two being here.” the Cheshire Cat frowned at the twins who had just entered. 

“Cheshire, how could you?!” Alice scolded then turned to her friend in the white suit.  “Rabbit, could you call her for me please? I want to apologize on his behalf.” 

“Wife isn’t here, miss. He failed to include her in his transportation spell, just like how the F7 fails to be on time.” he grumbled. 

“You left her behind?” she stared at him. 

“I wouldn’t say left, more like, dis-included?” he looked sideways. “Alice, with all due respect she wasn’t even a princess. He married a commoner.” 

“Your point?” Alice challenged, “Royalty or not that is his family, now both of them will be apart from each other on Christmas Eve. I want you to write an apology letter to this woman and apologize to Prince Jack yourself. That’s an order.”

“Oooh, someones in trouble.” the Mad Hatter grinned. The Cheshire Cat glared at him before bowing at Alice,

“As you wish, Your Majesty.” 

“Your Majesty, Prince Howl is here,” Zeniba smiled, a young blonde man charmingly smiled at her. 

“I’ll take care of this. Hatter, make sure he follows through.” Alice told him before standing up and greeting the wizard. 

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

Once midnight had struck, the ball had come to an end, and the others went back to their suite. Exhausted from all the mingling and formalities, the group immediately fell apart when they got to their beds. 

“I think I might have bruised my arm when I threw Peter over the table.” Arthur examined his bicep. 

“Shut it, at least you weren’t chased around by two she-demons who want to put a dress on you.” Hans grumbled. 

“You think Papa sent Jiminy on purpose?” Noki asked.

“Please, I don’t want to think about it.” Kio responded. 

They all awoke the next morning and spent the day in the Wonderland Palace. They had high tea in their suite, played several games, and even got a chance to meet with Queen Alice herself. They were wrapping up the conversation when Alice stood up, 

“Prince Jack, may I speak to you?” 

“Of course, Your Majesty.” 

She pulled him off to the corner of the room and it took Jack by a great surprise when she bowed; not as a greeting but as an apology. “Your Majesty? Please raise your head!” he told her.

“Prince Jack, you have my deepest apologies for how my right hand man treated your wife. I’m sincerely sorry she could not be here. His actions do not reflect Wonderland’s beliefs and morals.” 

“Your Majesty, I am not upset with you. You weren’t the one who said those things after all. Though I would be lying if I said I was not disappointed with how he treated her.” he sadly told her. 

“Apologies are in order from him. Please, allow me to let you and your friends leave early.” she said. And that’s what happened. The Cheshire Cat appeared right beside her and waved his hand, the purple mist covering them as they were transported back to the gates to the White Palace. 

“I will never get used to that.” Briar said, holding her head. 

“Well at least we’re back. That was exhausting, not gonna lie.” Pino said, twisting his back. 

“Do you hear music?” Gwen asked them. The others nodded and followed the sound that echoed through the halls. It led to the doors of the ballroom they saw bright lights that's shone through its cracks. Briar opened them to see a sight that none of them would have expected.

Townspeople, man and woman, kids of different ages, running around, singing, dancing to their heart's content. Elders gave gifts to their grandchildren, grandchildren played around with ribbons that were attached to a large pole, adults ate and drank while watching the band perform. 

Somehow, snow was falling from the ceiling and people of all ages were making Snowmen, sledding, having snowball fights, or creating snow angels. It was full of laughter and fun, a different energy radiating from the Wonderland Ball. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

With the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you, be of good cheer!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

“What is this…?” Snow felt a small smile coming to her lips from the excitement and liveness everyone was exerting. 

“Are these all the people from Golden Goose?” Merlin questioned. 

“Why are they all here?” Hans looked around. 

“Oh, Your Highness'!” Isabella, in a lovely green dress, curtsied to the thirteen princes and princess’ “Welcome back!” she beamed. 

“Isabella, what is all this?” Jack asked her.

“Golden Goose's annual Christmas Eve Party, Miss Audrey had the suggestion of moving it to the palace ballroom so that it would be much bigger! She planned all the songs, the presents, and hosted the whole event.” 

“She did all this?” he looked around at the green and red festive lights. 

“You bet your high privileged ass she did.” Frost floated down to the group. “With my help and Isabella’s, this was all possible through her hard work.” he threw a snowball directly at him. A few sparkles appeared on his eyes before Jack started laughing, but quickly regained his composure. “Oof, tough one.” Frost laughed. 

“Where is Audrey?” Arthur asked. 

Frost smiled, leaning on his staff and gestured to the crowd behind him. 

There'll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting

And caroling out in the snow

They'll be scary ghost stories

And tales of the glories of Christmas's long, long ago!

Amongst the crowd Audrey was singing along with the band, playing with the children and dancing with adults. Her hair was up in a bun, loose hair stands out, and wore a red dress that extended just below her knees. Her see-through heels made it a bit difficult for her to walk, but Isabella made them just for her.  Not a trace of sadness or jealousy was on her face as she sang an unfamiliar song to them. 

“It’s a traditional song from the outside world.” Frost told the group, “She’s been playing a lot of Christmas carols from out there. Honestly much better than the ones they have here.” 

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

There'll be much mistletoeing and hearts will be glowing

When loved ones are near!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

The crowd applauded as the song ended, as did the group. Frost threw his staff up lightly after clapping, “Well your highness’ I have to help a big red man deliver his presents for Christmas and I’m already on the Naughty list. Probably,” he went to the nearest window and opened it, “later nerds.” the wind started blowing in his direction. 

“Snow Queen said hi by the way.” Jack called out.

“Wait, what?” Frost turned back, “No wait! Just when the conversation was getting interesting!” but was then blown away by the winds. 

The group had decided not to interrupt the party and went back to their rooms, hoping to greet Audrey after. After the party had ended, Audrey made her way to the parlor exhausted and removed her gloves. 

“I didn’t know you could sing. You always refused to.” 

Audrey turned around to see Jack smiling with his arms crossed. “Jack! You’re back!” 

Jack beamed as he welcomed her with open arms as she ran towards him. “I missed you so much, I’m so sorry you got left behind..” he buried his head on her shoulder, trying to make sure he didn’t ruin her hair. 

Audrey shook her hair, “It’s fine. I got to plan this party and meet everyone from Golden Goose. Oh Jack, they’re all so lovely and their traditions every Christmas are amazing!” 

Jack nodded, “I’m glad you enjoyed it, but it’s not okay. You should not have been left behind, that was rude of him to leave you out.” 

Audrey shrugged, “I guess, but at least something good came out of it.”

“Yes, you won’t have to spend Christmas with them next year, don’t worry.”

“What do you mean?” Audrey laughed.

“Spending the evening with commoners is hardly the right way to celebrate Christmas, there should be balls, and elegance.” he told her.

“Well, sure but there’s nothing wrong with their traditions.” Audrey’s smile thinned down. 

“It’s hardly fitting for someone married to nobility. You should be spending it with all of us at these balls.” he raised a brow.

“I’d love to spend it with all of you, but the traditions you just saw are not ‘hardly fitting’, they’re wonderful.” she frowned. 

Jack rolled his eyes, “Audrey please, why spend your holidays in the cold filthy streets when you can spend it warm and cozy in a palace.”

“There is nothing wrong with where they live.” she said now angry, “Their happiest memories are on those streets. And mine are too, wandering around several towns, I’ve seen the joy they all have.” 

“That’s impossible, no one can be truly happy there.” he firmly told her, “I don’t want you to live or be treated like a commoner, you deserve much more than that. For goodness sake, you’re married to a prince!” 

“What’s wrong with being a commoner? They’re the same as you, they just have a different lifestyle!”

 “Commoners don’t have all these riches you see around you. They’re not as well off as we are. We can easily afford anything we want. If we have the money then we can spend it, what’s wrong with that?!”

“Nothing! Nothing is wrong with the lifestyle of a noble but neither is the lifestyle of a commoner! They’re two different things but that doesn’t mean that either status is worth greater or less of value, they all deserve equal treatment!” Audrey stared him down, “Maybe if you actually experienced the life of one you see that we aren’t as pitiful or filthy as you think we are.”

That crossed the line for Jack as he looked at her one more time and stormed out of the parlor. The twelve people who had their ears pressed to the door heard footsteps coming and they quickly hid behind the large curtains. Jack pushed the door open with violence as he marched through the halls. Audrey on the other hand, not realizing the error both of them had made, made her way outside of the parlor and walked the opposite way.

Once the two were out of sight from each other, the twelve princes and princesses came out of the curtains. 

“That can’t be good…” Gwen frowned.

[written-prose-things]

Laptops, Chaos and Irritating Professors

Parkner Week prompt 3: “I am very small and have no money”

Read here on: AO3

SUMMARY:  Harley meets Peter on his first day of college. Peter wants to be friends, but Harley is extremely busy focusing on his research paper, scholarships and extra-curricular work, to pay him any attention.

That is, until Professor Stark pairs them up for the research project.

Harley realises that Peter isn't as bad as he seems.

Harley walked to class with a warm cup of coffee in his hands. His mind was whirring with thousands of thoughts on his first day of college.

Harley wondered if all his classmates felt weird, waking up in an unknown bed. Or was he the only one feeling out of place?

Though Harley didn’t want to focus on it, Harley knew that he was quite different from his classmates. The bed he’d woken up in, at the frat house was much bigger than the bed he had shared with Abby as a kid.

Harley sighed. Joining the frat had been the last thing he had wanted, but it had been the easiest way to cut down on accommodation charges. He didn’t want to be associated with the constant partying lifestyle of frats, but such was his life.

Harley stared at the building in front of him and took a deep breath. He dropped his empty cup in a trash can and walked in. This building was in the easternmost area of the campus, where his Introductory Dynamical Theory class would be held.

Harley tried to regulate his breathing as he walked towards room 208, He had no reason to be scared, he had gone over the course outline a week ago.

Professor Anthony Stark was teaching this course. Hw was one of the most renowned mathematicians in the world.

Harley opened the door slowly, peeking his head in. The class was mostly empty, a few students sat scattered around the room, busy staring into their phones or laptops.

Harley took a seat in the relative front of the class and sat down, pulling out his laptop.

Slowly, students began to trickle into the class. Harley kept his head down and stared at his laptop screen, a grainy photo of Abby grinning, with her crooked teeth smiled back at him.

They had taken the photo when she had won a blue ribbon at the science fair. Abby had claimed that she was going to become a scientist like him.

Harley was pulled out of his thoughts when a boy sat down next to him. Harley looked at the seats around him, which were all empty. Why did this boy sit next to him?

Against his better judgement, Harley turned to look at the boy. He was wearing brown trousers, a formal white shirt and a fluffy sweater with broad blue and green stripes.

It was the first class of the day, but the collar of the boy’s shirt was crumpled and the cuffs of his shirt were unbuttoned and poking out of his sweater.

The boy maintained their awkward eye contact as he took an obnoxious bite out of the green apple he was carrying. Harley stared at the boy, with his mouth hanging open, hoping that his blush wasn’t visible.

The boy then wiped his lips on his sweater’s arm, and Harley was grossed out of his stupor.

The boy swallowed his bite and extended his hand, “Peter. Peter Parker.”

Harley nodded jerkily, ignoring the boy’s hand, and faced his laptop again. The boy, Peter, nudged Harley in the ribs and said, “Usually, people introduce themselves in return.”

Harley barely suppressed the urge to wipe his shirt, where Peter had touched it; He only had a few clothes and didn’t want them to get apple stains.

Harley replied, “No thanks.”

Peter laughed, “That’s a unique name. Who chose it?”

Harley rolled his eyes. Before Peter could pester him more, Professor Stark walked in.

It was a strange experience for Harley to see the man outside a photo on the cover of a book. Harley attributed the feeling mostly to the fact that the professor had walked into class wearing jeans and a faded AC/DC shirt, with questionable marks on his face and arms.

Harley hadn’t been to any other class yet, but he assumed that this wasn’t the normal attire for a teacher.

Due to the professors unexpected attire, it took a moment for the class to notice him. Then a hush fell over the class.

The professor studied them all as he leaned his back against his table, his arms crossed over his chest.

He spoke as he gave them a once-over, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be late for our first class, but I got busy in the lab.”

Harley discreetly checked his watch as the professor spoke, “Anyway, let’s begin. This is Introduction to Dynamical Theory, I’m your professor. You can call me Tony.”

Harley realised that their professor, Tony, was almost 15 minutes late.

“I assume all of you have made yourselves familiar with the course material...” Tony asked an open-ended question.

After receiving a vague affirmative from the class, Tony continued, “Very well.”

He turned around and walked to the board, on which he wrote in block letters, “Birkinhoff Research Team”.

He faced them again and clapped his hands once to gain the attention of the few students who’s focus had wandered.

“The mathematics department has started a new research team this academic year, we will be taking on grad students as assistants. Which means all you have a chance. To be eligible for the position, you will have to submit a research report on one topic from our course work of this semester.”

The entire class erupted into excited whispers.

Harley wanted this badly. Working with Anthony Stark on a research project, even if as an assistant. He was going to get this. His eyes travelled subconsciously to the last topic in their course work, The Bifurcation Theory.

--x--

Harley walks into the library with purpose at the end of the day’s classes, his mind working over the different ways in which he can study The Choas Theory. He picks out all the books he thinks are necessary and sits down on a table in a secluded area of the library.

He starts opening the required pages in each book as his laptop switches on. A person blocks the light in front of him. Harley looks up from his book.

Peter Parker.

Harley rolls his eyes, “What do you want?”

Peter shrugs, “Your name.”

Harley squints at him, when Peter moves a little, and the light hits Harley’s eyes, “Why?”

Peter rests his hands on Harley’s table and leans across, “Because I want to be friends.”

Harley huffs, “No thanks.”

Peter looks a little unnerved which makes Harley feel quite content.

But the satisfaction evaporates when Peter walks around the table and sits down in the seat next to him.

“What are you doing?” Harley asks shortly.

Peter shrugs, “Studying.”

Harley groans and turns back to his laptop, to start writing. In his frustration, he gets easily irritated with his slow laptop. He clicks on his folder multiple times, as expected, the laptop hangs and promptly shuts down.

Harley rubs his temples with both his hands. His laptop is old and needs patience. Harley tries to calm down.

Peter’s presence doesn’t help. He whispers from next to Harley, “Oof, that’ rough buddy. Where’d you even get this laptop?”

Harley ignores Peter, which turns out, is worse than responding to him. Peter takes his lack of response as an invitation to poke around with the laptop.

Peter mumbles, “I could use some of its parts for my mechanics class.”

Harley whisks the laptop away from Peter, “Stay away from it. I know you rich kids don’t understand, but this is the only thing I can afford. Leave me alone.”

Without waiting for Peter’s response, Harley hauls his bag onto his shoulder and walks out of the library, leaving him to clean up the table and put the books away.

--x--

Over the next month, Harley fixes his routine. He does his work in the house, according to the chart, every morning. The heads to his classes or the library, before meeting his study group at lunchtime and finally spends an hour every alternate day, tutoring his classmates.

He strikes up a tentative friendship with the boys at his frat house and even talks to a few of his classmates. Part of his routine also includes interacting with Peter Parker, despite his best efforts. As it turns out, they share a lot of the same classes.

Monday morning, when Harley walks into class, Peter is already seated in the front of the class. Harley hopes that the shorter boy doesn't try to strike up a conversation. But his pleas are ignored by the gods above.

Peter grins at him, "What's got you in such a lovely mood today?"

Harley rolls his eyes and sits down, a couple of seats behind the aggravating boy. But on this day, with none of his friends around, Peter is bored enough to pursue Harley.

"No, seriously. At first, I thought you weren't a morning person, but how do you manage to maintain this shitty mood throughout the day?"

Harley is saved from answering when Tony walks into class, on time for once.

As it turns out, Anthony Stark is quite a weird teacher. He is always sleep-deprived and his erratic, coffee-induced behaviour is always the talk of the physics department. He regularly asks them to meet him in the lawns for classes.

"Alright, children," Tony says patronisingly, "I had asked for an overview of your research this weekend. And I realised, that quite a few of you have similar topics. So, I'm going to group all of you who have similar areas of focus."

Harley rolls his eyes. Great, a group project is exactly what he needs.

Tony claps his hands to gain their attention and says, "So the groups are..."

He hears Peter say in the front, "Oh great."

Of course, he's excited. Rich kids like Peter, who get in through donations, are more interested in making friends than they are in studying.

Harley watches as his classmates get grouped. Their excitement is palpable. Against his better judgement, Harley wonders how cool it would be if, he were able to make friends through this project.

His hopes get dashed before he can even properly start day-dreaming.

Tony adds, "Harley Keener on Bifurcation Theory with..." Tony scans his list, "Peter Parker."

For his part, Peter looks a little less enthusiastic at having been partnered with him.

--x--

Harley opens the door when the doorbell rings at their decided time. Peter smiles at him, "I didn't think you'd be a frat boy!"

Harley winces at his volume. Peter's lesser enthusiasm is still quite a lot for Harley to stomach.

Harley steps aside and lets Peter in. Outside, the sky rumbles. The rain has been sparse throughout the day, but the humidity is awful.

They walk into the house, Peter stopping to say hi to almost every housemate of Harley's.

When they finally reach Harley's room, Peter plops down on his bed, making himself very comfortable.

Harley closes the door and Peter quips, "Hey, I didn't get the memo for bedroom activities."

Harley turns around to see Peter wiggling his eyebrows, he scoffs, "Shut up."

Peter sighs, "Look I know that you aren't very fond of me, but we have to get this project done."

Harley feels uncomfortable at such honesty from Peter.

He pulls out his laptop and sits down on the bed next to Peter. Peter comments abruptly, "I didn't mean to make fun of your laptop. Sorry about it."

Harley nods. Peter's genuine comments are making him feel weird.

--x--

Harley and Peter spend the next few hours from lunch to dinner on their project, eating ramen, typing on their laptops, pulling out different reference articles and such.

Harley realises that Peter isn't exactly like he had assumed. The boy is whip-smart, quick enough to pick up the half-baked ideas Harley thinks of.

Of course, Peter is still snarky, over-enthusiastic jokester. Harley has to keep drawing the conversation back to their research at hand from whichever pokemon Peter starts ranting about.

As they finally finish outlining their draft, Harley's stomach rumbles. Peter checks his watch, "It's just 10, we can finish touching this up."

Harley grumbles, "No."

Peter looks up from his screen, a smile on his face, "Have I found your weakness, Harls?"

Harley rolls his eyes at the nickname. Peter's smile widens, "I think I'm going to stay."

Harley glares at him, "I have to sleep, go away."

Peter laughs, "Make me."

This is the easiest choice Harley has ever had to make. In under 4 minutes, Harley has dragged the shorter boy to the door of their frat. Each step he takes to the door brings him closer to the solitude he wants.

As expected, Harley's hopes go down the gutter when he opens the door. It's raining. The part of the pathway in front of the house, visible in the light of the porch, is submerged in water.

Peter looks at him. Harley averts his eyes from the shorter boy's face. He didn't know Peter could pull off such a good kicked puppy expression.

Peter whispers, "Don't make me go..."

Harley chances a glance at Peter's face. Peter uses the opportunity to lay on even more guilt, "I'm really small and have no money."

Harley rolls his eyes but lets go of Peter's hoodie.

The change in the shorter boy's mood makes Harley's head spin.

In a moment, Peter is running back up the stairs, whooping.

Harley walks to the kitchen and picks up whatever's left in the fridge before following Peter.

When Harley enters his room, Peter is already lying star-fished on his bed.

Harley sets down his food on the bedside table and shoves Peter out of the bed. Peter lets out a terrible groan, but Harley assures himself that the carpeted floor would have broken his fall. Just in case, he throws Peter two pillows and a blanket.

Maybe Peter isn't as bad as he seems...