#i still do sleep with my stuffed animals and try to pretend that they're people that love me

[coccinellaseptempunctata]

feeling. normal .

[obey-me-headquarters]

A/B/O Scent Headcanons

Some basic info about scenting in my au: scenting is a non-sexual and non-romantic act. It's basically just claiming someone as "mine," whether that be my lover, my friend, my kid, my older brother, etc. Scenting can also have a less clear relationship than those, sometimes when you scent someone just because you have strong fond feelings for them without defining what those fond feelings are.

Different relationship claims will also smell different. If someone claimed you as an older brother, it'll smell different than then claiming someone else as a lover. So it's obvious to others what the relationship is between the scented and the scenter. (Is scenter a word?)

People scent their pets or their favorite blanket or stuffed animal.

There's also different ways to scent someone, from hugging them to rubbing their head/ruffling their hair to shoulder checking them. When people scent, they give off more pheromones in the hopes that their scent will stick to whatever they're trying to scent.

This also means that it's pretty obvious when someone is scenting someone else. Usually. Some people are very sneaky and can scent someone without the other person realizing. This is usually done by only rubbing off a small part of their scent onto another person.

None of the brothers realize, but they're basically always smelling a bit like Lucifer. This is because Lucifer is constantly scenting them as his little brothers/pups (only when he's feeling snappy and a little drunk does he scent them as his kids). It's a parental instinct, as parents will commonly constantly scent their children.

Nobody notices this (besides Diavolo, Barbatos, and Simeon, who all tease him about it). If one of the brothers are alway from the Devildom/Lucifer for a while, they'll notice that they smell slightly different.

They can't tell why or how they smell different, but it makes them anxious. They feel like something is wrong, but they can't put their finger on what. They frequently complain about how off they feel. Until they arrive back home and Lucifer is there waiting at the door to ruffle their hair and scold them for being gone so long, subtly scenting them, and they instantly relax.

Besides that, only the twins openly scent each other as everyone else is the household is too emotionally represented to admit they care about each other. Beel and Belphie always smell like each other, and it's actually difficult to determine what they smell like on their own.

Beel took it really hard when when Belphie was locked in the attic and didn't let others come into their room in fear that they'll replace Belphie's scent. That's why he didn't want you sleeping in Belphie's bed when you stayed over.

Simeon and Luke often scent each other. Simeon says that he's scenting Luke like a friend, but he's totally scenting like Luke is his kid. Luke also pretends that he isn't scenting Simeon like a big brother (or a dad).

Barbatos doesn't scent Luke, no matter how much Diavolo teases him, too. But after their last baking lesson before the first year end to the exchange program, Luke hugged Barbatos goodbye, and Barbatos instinctively scented Luke. It was in a protégé/fondess way but Barbatos was still pretty embrassed as he didn't let his instincts overpower him like that. Luckily, if Luke noticed, he didn't say anything.

Since you don't have the same sense of smell as everyone else, you can't tell whose an Omega and whose an Alpha from scent alone. You also have a harder time telling apart scents and if you've been scented.

This causes an uproar in the house when you come home selling like Simeon after your weekly tea date.

Even though Solomon can't scent you the traditional with, he makes up with it the same way he fixes all (most) of his problems: magic! He created potions that increase his scent and give you long hugs afterward to mess with the brothers. It's his way of saying, "I'm here too. Just because I'm human, it doesn't mean I don't have a claim."

The brothers looooooove to scent you. Especially since you don't even realize that you're being scented/are scented. It allows them to be little tnusdere cowards.

Sometimes, random demons at RAD like to scent you too. At first, this was an intimidation thing. To try and scare you and claim you as "their" food. But as time passed and you got a few pacts, it became a way to get street cred. Like, 3 of the 7 Lords have pacts with them, and my scent is on them!

Some demons see scenting you as a power move against the brothers. Got your shit stolen by Lord Mammon? Did Lord Beelzebub eat your lunch? Did Lord Asmodeus sleep with your s/o? Override their scent with your own on their precious human!

This is seen as a very bold and very stupid thing to do by most of the student body. It doesn't matter if you and the demon aren't publicly mated. Don't override a Lord's claim! The only brother no demon would ever override (outside of his family and a very annoying human, angel, prince, and butler) is Lucifer. No petty grievance is worth becoming Cerberus' chew toy.

When you get a fan club (clut) of your own (otherwise know as the Human Appreciation Club) and demons start to respect you, secret admirers start scenting you. You just think that the Devildom is really touchy with how many surprise hugs and shoulder checks you get. It also helps that you don't seem to mind being scented, so the other demons assume you're fine with being scented.

The brothers absolutely despise this, especially when you come home smelling like a dozen other demons and not them. But they can't say anything, or they'll reveal that they've been secretly scenting you too.

Diavolo is a big fan of scenting, but he has to be careful. Him scenting someone he isn't publicly mated to will make the tabloids go crazy. So, no random scenting.... usually.

When you're not expected to be around the demon population, he gets a little bolder and is willing and excited to try scenting you. Like when you're in the Human Realm, for example.

He gets extremely excited about it, too. You think it's a little sad how excited Diavolo gets about a hug so you don't mention how long it is. Dia is luckily that you can't tell when something is scenting because he is SO obvious.

Barbatos thinks he's above such childish courtship rituals..... yet. You arrive home after a baking lesson with Barbatos and Luke smelling like a certain butler...

Belphie sents you constantly. Whenever you two nap together, he's cuddling up to you and rubbing his scent glands against you. Even when he's asleep, he unconsciously scents you. This causes quite a bit of infighting between the brothers as you'll go to sleep smelling like Levi and wake up only smelling of Belphie.

The time Belphie doesn't completely envelop you in his scent is when you're scented by Beel. Even when he's asleep, he will add his scent with his twin's but never overpower it.

Beel scents you before and after a Fangol game. Before because he feels like he plays better when he knows that you got his scent on him. And after because he gets so happy when he wins and wants to share the win.

Satan scents and claims all alley cats in the Devildom. Shop owners and residents know that if they come across a kitty that's been claimed by the Avatar of Wrath, they better treat it right and pamper it.

So when you come strolling through smelling like Satan, store owners are quick to give you similar treatment. You're surprised to see how generous the Devildom shop owners are. They're constantly offering you free samples, even when the store doesn't typically offer them, and discounts are constantly added to your purchase.

No shop owner wants to end up like that deli owner who kicked out one of Satan's claimed cats from his store.... collective shudder.

Satan gets very embarrassed if the shop owners do thus in front of him, and he pretends to have no idea why they're acting strangely. But he doesn't tell them to stop...

Levi doesn't think he's good enough to scent you himself before his room is kinda already covered in his scent on account of how many of his favorite items are in it. So after a long gaming session or anome binge, you end up smelling like Levi anyway.

Levi immediately blushes when he notices and retreats into his room without explaining. On one hand, Levi loves that you don't seem to notice that you're scented. Because in his mind, if you knew you'll be disgusted and immediately wash his scent off. But on the other, Levi so desperately wants everyone to know that you're claimed by him.

Levi also gets insanely jealous if you come into his room smelling like anyone else. He almost canceled your gaming sections when you came in smelling like Mammon. Once, when you were scented by Lucifer, Levi was pouting in his gaming chair. He knew he couldn't compete when the eldest, so he didn't see a point in throwing a fit.

It's only when you cuddle up to his Ruri-chan body pillow that smells like him, replacing Lucifer's scent, does Levi cheer up. In his mind, you chose him over Lucifer, even if it wasn't a conscious choice.

Asmo is incredibly shameless when it comes to scenting you. The moment he sees you, he's wrapping you in a hug and nuzzling unto your neck. He also pouts if you wash off his scent, even if you don't know what you're doing. He's the one out likely to spill the beans and tell you about scenting. His brothers will have to warn him about punishments for him, not to spill.

He likes to think of you not knowing like it's a little game, how bold can he be before you ask him what's he's doing? How long before you catch on?

When you come home smelling like some random demon who overrides his scent, he's pissed. His envy rivals Levi's and his rage rivals Satan's. How dare some no name, low level demon scum overscent his claim!!

[rumeysawrites]

INTERDIMENSIONAL BOOK 1: SEARCH FOR THE LEGENDARIES (CHAPTER 1 PREVIEW)

Chapter 1: Rosena #1

---

It was silent.

No noise of any cars passing by. No more of the sleep-talking of my siblings across the room. Not even the sound of the crows that lived on the single tree across the street.

It was all silent. Peaceful and nerve-wracking.

Except, the noisy thoughts, filling my head again. Thoughts I didn't want to deal with at that moment.

They made it impossible to close my eyes.

I had my final tests these two weeks. I had to rest up and prepare for them. Had to get high enough scores to leave this one. Possibly this place as a whole even.

But did I really have to leave?

Everyone left after all. Ella, Sky, even Tom...sort of. Why couldn't I?

Because it hurt? Or was it just my stubbornness?

I didn't know. Honestly, didn't want to think about it either.

I instead peeked my head through the covers, hugging Lily and Poppy close to my chest.

It was still kind of dark outside, but some of the early morning light came through, strong enough for me to notice.

I took my medallion out of my shirt, feeling its slight coldness. Then I held it out. The blue gem on it lightly shone, the same color as outside. It was beautiful, and felt cool, refreshing even.

I sighed.

Anytime now-

"Rose! Mira! Mather! Wake up kids! You're gonna be late for school!"

-She could cone...

It was my mom, Susane Freze.

Her impatient voice came from nearby. Too nearby actually.

I immeditially buried my head under the covers, as the door creaked open.

I shifted slightly, trying to hide my face.

I was already awake. Had been for awhile.

I was going to try and conince her that I couldn't to go to school today. I didn't want to. Exam days were one thing, I didn't have the energy or the patience for two more weeks besides them.

After all... What was the point? 

What was the point in trying and thinking things can be different, better even, when they didn't?

Everything was going to be the same. Those people, my classmates, "friends" even, were going to act the same way.

"I know you're awake, Rose."

I didn't respond. Maybe pretending to be sick would help convince her?

"Rose, I know it. You moved!" She repeated, and pulled my covers off my head.

"Noo! Please-"

My protests didn't work, as I had to try hiding my face with my stuffed animals, and stay still. Sadly, Poppy and Lily were too small, and she found me out.

"Good morning, Rose." Mom said in a quieter voice. "You get up and prepare. And I'll wake up the twins."

I weakly smiled and raised my head. Could a fake sneeze help?

How do you fake sneeze?

"Good morning too." I said with a yawn. "Can I....um...?"

Before I could speak another word, mom had moved over to my siblings' bunk beds.

"Mira! Mather! Mira!!! Mather!!!"

"Uhh...you gotta leave him, Ivy. Hmmnm! Do it for yourself!...."

"Ollie! Defend the tower!"

They won't wake up that easily. They're lost in TVland and Gameland. I can take sometime when she's busy with them, and...

I let my head fall back to the pillow.

The effects of sleeplessness always settled in when I least wanted. Why did it wait to weigh in until I made the slightest attempt of getting up but not when I was trying to sleep?

"Coming..." Mira's drowsy response came. "After sis..." 

No you did not!

"But Rose already-" My mom stopped. Her voice came from closer again. "Rose! You've to get up!"

"I'm not feeling well." I weakly said and tried to add realistic coughs.

"I see that." She said in a mix of tiredness and understanding in her voice. "You can rest and take your test tomorrow maybe?"

Test? What test? It was on Monday! Wasn't that- Today was supposed to be free! It's... It's Monday? Stupid me!

"I'll handle it." I said as weakly, as I threw myself out of the bed and got to preparing.

When I returned, I grabbed the clothes for my uniform from the top of the chair I left them on, and waited.

Mather wasn't up yet!

At least it sounded like Mira was going to shake him awake.

"Brooo! Wake up! Wake! Up! Bro! Wake!!! Up!!!"

"Ahhh! Alright alright sis." My brother yawned. "It's still early."

"Yeah. We've got the math test today!"

"...Can't we have it tomorrow?"

"I wish!!!"

No. Let's just get this over with. Please...

"But we can't." I sat back to my bed. "So can you let us dress up?"

"Fine!" Mather climbed down his bed, grabbed his clothes and left, as I also got to prepare in peace.

But I forgot a small detail. By "small detail" I mean my little sister's presence.

"You don't seem okay sis?" She asked, too close to my face for comfort. "What's up?"

"O-oh nothing! Nothing!" I backed away, hiding ny medallion under the cream white shirt of my uniform.

"It's not just tests, right?"

"They're not." I said with a deep sigh, hoping she'd stop prying. "I'm just...tired."

But of course, like most younger siblings I knew, she didn't. 

"Oh! what's tiring you so much?" She pressed. "Your friends? Mom and dad? Your power-"

"Miracate Freze!" I had no other chance but to raise my voice. "Don't bring that up."

"Okay okay! Sorry!" She agreed witb an small, awkward giggle. "So what did you think about yestrrday's episode? I'm so angry at Ivy! But also at Travis! Like what're they doing?"

"What...were they doing?" I obviliously asked as I packed my bag.

"You don't remember??"

"No?" I didn't really watch it though.

Mira and most of the girls at my class loved the romantic comedy series: Ivy And The Carnation. I watched a few episodes of it so I could have more to talk about with them. It was a lighthearted fun, but not much else. I wasn't supposed to be distracted by a silly show like that in the exams' week.

"Travis got mad! That Ivy went to a fashion show without telling him and Ivy left her passion! So he'd accept her again!" She passionately explained, while brushing her messy black hair. "Like! Like he'll accept you if you don't do it yourself! Get it togather girl!"

I half-heartedly listened her rant, feeling too tired to pay attention to her "too deep for her age" opinions about the show.

"Right!" I smiled at her while tying my brown hair. The ongoing sound of the turned on bathroom tap had stopped. "Now that Mather's out, we can talk more on breakfast."

"Oh he's out?" My sister stood up. "Alright. Should I just wash my face or hair too?"

"I mean you already tied your hair so.."

"Oh right! Right!" She giggled and left. I grabbed both of our bags and moved to the kitchen table, after leaving them by the enterance door.

The breakfast went mostly fine. I already expected that dad wouldn't show up. Why would he wake up so early when he taught his classes in the afternoon?

Did Mather have to make an unnecessary comment about my science test though?

"Not ready for science? Don't let Tom hear that, sis!"

"Not the time Mather."

I shushed him and pretended to stay calm. Pretended to not care.

But he was right, wasn't he? Tom would have probably been disappointed.

I tried to not let Mather's words or the thought of them being true into my head. But it was hard!

After eating, I brushed my teeth, brushing before breakfast makes no sense; and left with my siblings.

The sun had already risen. Thank the long summer days.

Out of habit, I kept my hand on Mira's arm for the entire way through. Even though I had gotten a sense of the direction after the eight years I've traced school road for, I couldn't be sure.

The weather was so warm and sunny. Where did the chill running up and down my body come from then? The coldness in my chest?

Before we arrived, I took out my medallion's gem again, and held it up with Mira next to me.

It was glistening in the sunlight. But also, but was cold? It was kind of where I expected the chills came from. But I didn't think it'd feel like holding an ice cube with bare hands.

How could this gem even make me feel things!

"What's up with it?" Mather asked, covering the school's view for us.

"It's cold!" Mira said and pulled back her hand. "Like sis' power-"

"Miracate!" I warned her again, more quietly than back home, as I put my medallion back under my shirt. "We don't talk about it!"

"Okay okay! Sorry again!" She finally agreed, but Mather...

"But why? Isn't having a super power cool?"

"No it's not!" I yelled and stormed off towards the school building.

Did they really think having a power was cool? Maybe something simple, like super strength or super speed could be. But not my power. Not when people thought I could freeze, melt or burn their items, or god forbid, them! At least the latter didn't come in outbursts.

They... They'd already made up their mind about me before I had a power, and it made things worse.

"Sis! That's the elementary school side!"

I flinched at Mather's voice and moved away when he tapped  on my shoulder. My breathing turned into quick gasls as I did.

I shouldn't have been acting like this! I should've known the direction! I should've stayed calm and not get carried away!

I swallowed a lump in my throat, as the chilling coldness left. In its place, there was a heavy, burning feeling inside me, tightening around my neck and chest. Choking.

"I know!" I said, more so breathlessly shouted.

I needed to lower my voice! Anyone could be seeing me panic! Any of my classmates! I didn't want to deal with them. Not now! Possobly never!

"I was just...walking around." I tried to say more calmly, taking quick breaths. If my clearly freaked-out voice could be called any "calm" that is.

Get it togather Rose! What are you doing? You're panicking about the smallest things!

I scolded myself, trying to steady my breathing as well, before Mira or Mather noticed.

"You okay sis?" But of course, Mira did. She asked, leaning over to come uncomfortably close to my face again.

"Yeah. Sorry." Mather said in an unsure voice, putting a hand on my shoulder, more gently.

They were probably trying to show concern and support, but it only came off as awkward and like something actually concerning had happened to me.

It was just a little freak-out, about an actually small mistake that shouldn't have made me even react, probably.

'It's...nothing." I softly said, and gave them a smile, or I hoped I did, to reassure them. "A...anyways, let's go..."

"Well, alright."

Mira grabbed my wrist and walked towards the other building in the schoolyard. Mather was right behind us.

I let my sister drag me inside, even if it was emberassing. Being hand-guided to the building I was supposed to know without needing to see after so many years. But I couldn't risk getting lost again or causing another scene.

Mira and Mather left soon after I entered my classroom. Though Mather stayed a moment longer, asking about Bill and Kevin. They probably weren't around yet, like I expected from the empty desk next to mine where Kevin was usually seated.

So Mather left quickly too.

How early were we though? There wasn't much of a noise in the class. Far less than thirty-five people would cause.

And even Miranda and her group, and the impossible-to-miss noise they brought along weren't around. They wouldn't miss a single test day, right? I kind of wished they did, but it was more than unlikely.

No sound of Olivia either, but I kind of expected that. It didn't really matter if she was giving up on the studies or coming to complete them. The result was going to be the same.

I wouldn't have minded if any of them didn't show up.

And as expected of my luck, they all came in one by one.

"You'll do amazing Miranda!"

"Yeah! You're so smart!"

"Can you give us some hints before the test?"

"I know that guys. And sure! Come in close."

Miranda's group walked in, chatting.

They weren't the "popular pretty cheerleaders" or the "rich girls". No, they were the "overly involved, overly competetive" types. The types who didn't accept any opposition in competitions, academic rivalries, and their perfected images. The ones who'd try to mentally wear you down if they saw you as an actual, serious obstacle.

Miranda and Rebecca sat their shared desk right behind me. I assuned the two Sarahs were behind her, and someome else, probably their friends Carrie and Beth, stood next to the desks. They were all whispering among themselves.

They were trying to be as quiet as possible once they settled. And I tried to avoid eavesdropping, but it was impossible not to!

"I worked so hard for this! I'll become the class number one this time and get accepted to the magnet highschool in the city. The best one."

"You got this Miranda."

"Yup! You're the smartest girl in class!"

"Yup! And the smartest in school with Nancy."

"Yeah. Nancy's great too!"

"Yeah. Did you see how she got back to Rose last week?"

"It was her mom though. Nancy's too nice to deal with someone like her."

"Right! Right!"

"Oh yeah! Like Mr. Martinez only gave her project an A because she can't see!'"

"Right? Olivia's computer model was the same amd she barely got a B-!"

"Yeah! And she listens to our answers before taking the tests!"

"Shhh! Don't let her hear that. She'll do that freaky ice thing again."

"What will she do? Freeze our pencils this tine?"

Too bad I heard it all! First of all! Olivia put too many unnecessary decorations on her project! And glitter! Who puts glitter on a computer model when Mr. Martinez said it was supposed to resemble a real computer?! Secondly! You know better than anyone Miranda, how my ears hurt from covering them because of you people in test weeks! And thirdly! Do you think I have any idea of what I'm doing with that power either?

There were far too many thoughts I wanted to yell at them, but I tried to keep it all quiet. I was planning to avoid them all day, unless they directly talked to me. There was no point in causing more drama.

But did Olivia and her "bestie" Mary have to show up and join in?

"So? What're you girlies talking about?" Olivia asked in almost a shout, followed by a fake laughter.

"Oh, hey!" Sarah Warren said, the Sarah with a higher-pitched voice. "We were just talking about the test."

"Yeah!" Miranda cheered. "We were saying how hard we studied for these the entire year!"

I know you did because you constantly talk about it, Miranda. But I don't know about the others.

Her voice was louder than usual, like she wanted for someone to hear. Not me this time probably, since I was right here. There'd be no need for such a noise.

"I mean we did." Mary agreed. "Right, Liv?"

"Yeah! We didn't even watch Ivy And Carnation at all past few weeks!" Olivia said again in sn overly loud and dramatic voice, like that was a huge sacrifice of some sort. "We don't get it easy, like someone!"

You know I'm the same there. Except I don't study on cheating tactics and still fail, Liv.

I quietly sighed and tried to not even utter a word, but they were making it harder.

Before anything could happen though, Bill, Kevin, and even, somehow, Jason and Carl finally showed up; closely followed by our teacher Mrs. Willis.

The early classes passed in a blur, as the teachers let us study as long as we stayed quiet.

I tried to whisper to my deskmate Kevin, to study togather. But it felt strange, to ask him to read what he was studying a bit louder in every class, especially when Miranda and Rebecca were behind me and the teachers specifically asked the class to be quiet. Kevin himself also sounded a bit unwilling at first. He probably wanted to study on his own, but was fine with helping out after.

Despite all that, the classes up to the science test went pretty well. Even the test itself went alright. Although I wished I was able to take the tests in an easier way. Even using the Braille alphabet would be fine instead of with a reader, having to take it after everyone. But then again, the teachers didn't know Braille, I couldn't expect them to know. And I couldn't read or write in regular text. They looked like tiny dots, if that even.

So having someone read the questions for me was the only way out. Except the teachers were so paranoid about the students cheating, something they already did, that they wouldn't read them to me while the others were taking  the tests, but instead have another student...possibly Miranda or Bill, read it to me in front of them when they either start teaching a new topic, or have the students quietly do their own thing.

It was the same in almost every single test. Except P.E and music of course, but the rest.

They were all the same! The same people, the same problems, the same way they were handled and following drama all of them kept causing, and the people who were acting in...ways because of unnecessary competition.

Still, I tried to power through the science test. I couldn't prove Mather right.

After helping me that many times, I couldn't make a mistake that'd disappoint Tom, especially not in his favorite topic: science.

Ah, I wished he hadn't left. Life would've been much essier with him around. He'd listen, give the most sensible advice, and try his best to help me without being in my face about it.

I knew he didn't want to leave, but Tania was right. It was for their own good.

The thought of them though, helped me focus on the test. Friday next week was the twins' birthday. We were going to meet for the first time since the Easter break. Third time ever since they moved last summer. And the only news I wanted to give Tom were good ones.

And I felt good about it when I finished the test.

The teacher, Mr. Wells left after I was done. The others were still chatting about it when I got back to my desk. They were discussing answers. And all of them besides Miranda and Bill, showed clear excitment at the hint of any right answer.

"Rose! Rose!" As soon as I sat down, Daniel came in, with more of slap than a tap on my shoulder. "What was the answer for question twenty-one?"

"Huh...?"

I blankly stared at him, and tilted my head to the side, with no eye contact as usual. Even if I could normally keep, I would've still broken it there.

Bold of you to think I know the questions' number order.

"Um, which one was it?"

I tried to stay polite and calm, so Daniel would leave soon, as usual. Him, and the small crowd forming behind him, were the people who only appeared in my life and talked to me during exam weeks. And only either to ask questions, or to give a snarky comment.

"The one about plant cell!"

"Oh, it was C." I casually said.

"What?"

"H-hey!" I raised my hands defensively at his more aggressive voice, and tried to explain. "Uh, the other organels are found in both animal and plant cells. But Chloroplast is only in plant cells."

"Ah okay." Daniel said and gave another slap-like pat on my shoulder which I hated. "What about question fourteen? Mike and I've been arguing about it for an hour now."

I still don't know which one that is... Also then why didn't you ask it first?!

"Um, again...? Which one?" I tried to ask, too tired of the process to care.

"The lightbulb one right?" Miranda chimed in from behind me with an aggressively loud tone, like she was talking through gritted teeth. "It was A: copper!"

"Oh? That one!" I blinked and turned my attention to her. I couldn't tell if she genuinely believed in her answer and it might be true, or if she was trying to confuse me like before. "Copper is good. But would't silver be a better option?"

"You mean silver's a better conductive than copper?" She asked with a bitter chuckle. "Glad I'd never give you a hint in the exams. Because I can't believe you're really like...this when you don't get support from the teachers hm?!"

It's just a question. Chill please?

"What...?" I stood up, still trying to be quiet. I turned my face away from her, to the blue painted window next to my desk.

She's trying to anger me. It's why she's overreacting. Like why do you care? She's the one who read the questions to me! What are you doing  Miranda? I need to keep calm and not get into trouble because of her! Especially fresh off a test. I need to stay lowkey! At least for these two weeks!

I kept staring at the window and smiled. The bright daylights barely came through the paint coating, but it still gave off a cool, dim blue light in this hot day.

"What are you smiling at?" Miranda tried to press on. I would've been fine ignoring her words, but of course she wouldn't be the only one.

"Y'know, I've had to hang out with her a few times, and you're right Miri." Olivia chimed in, probably from the other side of the class, because nothing else would explain or excuse her volume.

And knowing her, I braced myself for more personalized insults than Miranda's.

"For real! She never studies or does anything, and gets everything from others. And when we tell, she cries!" She then turned to me. "You know it too! That the teachers make tests easier for you just because you can't "see"!"

"If by "make it easier" you mean change the map based or geometric shape based questions, then yes..."  swallowed a lump in my throat as I looked in her general direction. I should've started counting to ten, but my head was getting too full to think about that. "If you mean anything else, no. I get less time than you. I have the noise of the class and teachers while I'm taking a test with someone reading out loud, I mean whispering. And did you know it's unhealthy to cover your ears so much like I have to?"

"Those are not our problems." Miranda said matter-of-factly, even I could see her dramatic hand waving. Weren't you talking about fairness though? "Our problem is that you're acting like this..."

"Acting like... What?" I asked, still keeping myself contained even though it was getting harder.

"Like you're some hero doing some impossible task when you're having it easier just because you can't "see"!" Olivia shouted and came closer. I knew from her long, curly mess of a hair. "And even that's a lie! You say you can't see just to have it easier, because I know you do. You can see!"

"I know you'll say "I didn't say I was blind, I said I can't see". But what's the difference?" Miranda added, with an annoying confidence.

"What?"

"Can she?"

"Was she tricking us all along?"

"Impossible!"

"Not only us but she tricked the teachers and everyone else too!"

What...? How dare you!

I couldn't say a word. I tried to speak, shout, scream at them even, but no sound came out.

My body felt like a stone. Still, unmoving, heavy, cold. And I couldn't do anything besides feel the tears welling up in my eyes and a ringing in my ears that blurred the scandalous chatter around me.

How dare they! What do they think they are? Experts in eye related disabilities? How dare they think they have the "right" to say I was lying about a condition that I went through myself! Not them!

Did they think people only either have to have perfectly healthy eyes, use glasses, or be blind they had had any vision problems? Didn't anything inbetween exist for them?

Besides, how dare they claim they knew my health better than I, myself! Can claim I was lying about it!

They had no idea what they were talking about! And wanted to break someone just because of petty competition!

Or else they wouldn't talk so carelessly!

Who cared about grades, the school play, sports, creativity contests, any rewards, or whatnot! Did it all really worth this?!

Did they know how it felt to hear their parents and other loved ones openly say their "news" upset them? Or have they ever heard their family say they expected much less from them?

Even passing by random kids on the street, have they heard things like "Look at her!" or "What happened to her eyes?"?

Have they had to wait hours on end in hospitals, knowing the doctors would say the exact same thing?

Have they had to read the same three short stories for their entire life, and ask someone to read out loud or help you find an audio of it?

Feeling like you have to memorize everywhere to not get lost on their own?

Feeling like they ask for help too much and wanting to stop? Or wanting to show what they can do themselves?

No

No they have not.

They didn't know how any of it felt. They didn't live through them like I did! They didn't know, but talked like they did! Like they lived the same life and had the same experiences as me!

Like they knew!

They always thought they knew everything! Even the lives of people different from them!

Who did they think they were?!

I felt a fire within me. Burning in my whole heart and overflowing out of it. My teeth gritted, and hands clemched into fists, as I felt a blaze of rage flowing through my body. My chest, face, arms, legs, even fingertips.

Then that fire vanished.

Instead, the icy wave of coldness from earlier came back, stronger. And rushed through my veins fast like a winter storm. Every hint of the burning rage in me, every ember; was replaced by the cold.

The distant, disillisioned, the cruel but gentle cold. Fearsome, but with a comforting familiarity.

It filled me, up to my fingertips again; and shot, no, flowed, out of me.

It felt a bit relieving, like I was letting go of the sudden flare-up of my anger. Relaxing.

Until my sense of hearing came back.

"Not to mention she- Wait! What are you doing?!! What?! Stop!!!" Miranda's scream brought me back to the real world, and Olivia's comment made me realize.

"Ice Princess, I tell ya."

"W-what?!" The coldness changed. It wasn't a relieving flow of a refreshing cold air anymore. It became a stoney chill running up and down my spine, echoing through my body. "W-what did I do?!"

"What did you do?!" Miranda yelled and raised her hand. Her, Olivia, and the others were inching away from me. "See?!"

I didn't see much of a difference from afar, but when I got to touch, I felt it.

Solid, hard, and freezing cold. Miranda's hand, was encased in ice?

"Did... Did I do that...?"

"Yes you did!!" Miranda yelled and raised her hand higher. "What do I do now? This was my writing hand too!!"

The air was heavy. Everyone else had fallen silent. Not even the sound of blowing wind from outside, or the noise of students or teachers' steps on the corridor.

The only things I felt; were the still air, the chill in my spine, and the gazes of my classmates I wish were still invisible to me.

"S-sorry..." I lowered my head, unable to say another word. What else could I even say?

This had never happened before! I thought freezing others was possible but I never thought it would happen! Especially now!

What did I even do?

Could Miranda's hand return to normal?

What if her hand stayed permanently frozen because of me? What if...she'd lose her habd because of me?

Could I help melt it? I didn't know but I could try! She probably won't let me.

How did I even do that?

What happened?

What did I do?

Could this day get any worse?

And it probably could, as the gem in my medallion got freezing cold again, shining so bright it was noticed even under my shirt.

---

(I know there might be some typos I've missed. I only read through it once more after finishing the writing. Anyways! Tagging for reviews (please): @dearunreliablenarrator @daishitheprofessionalfool @avalordream @author-a-holmes @heycerulean @the-ellia-west @seastarblue @literally-just-zay @the-letterbox-archives @sliceoflifeshepard @thecomfywriter @xyoonx @ominous-feychild @writeblrfantasy @yomikunp @illarian-rambling @distantflickering @the-golden-comet @leahnardo-da-veggie @imsoveryveryconfusedatlife @charbroiledchicken and I can't think of anyone else for now. Feel free to tag anyone else as well guys. I'm still hoping (desparate) for reviews. Thank you!💙

[deadmomjokes]

Do you have any new adventures with bean?

Not so much an "adventure" as a "We all knew this day was coming, but now what do we do about it?" moment, but have the story nonetheless. (Because it is occupying my thoughts nonstop, mostly because she won't let it go.)

Picture this: It is bedtime for a young girl who historically hates bedtime. Because of this, we have done up her room with what one would consider The Works--blackout curtains, white noise machine, specifically-requested rainbow nightlight, and a brand new Big Girl Bed with a fancy headboard full of cubbies, which house her many stuffed animals/bedtime buddies.

Every night, she chooses one of these friends to sleep with (which may or may not get swapped three or four times throughout the night, because she is my child after all and indecision runs in our veins like a wild horse through a dewy morning field). This particular night, I ask "Which toy would you like to sleep with?" and she cheerfully says, "Duck."

Not a toy duck, mind you. It is a plushy cat named Duck, whom she loves very very much. Her other toy cat is named Toast. She is very good at naming things. But moving on.

She snuggles up with Duck the Cat, and I prepare to tell a bedtime story as usual. But something is wrong. In the pastel-neon glow of her rainbow nightlight, I see her eyes begin to well up. Her forehead wrinkles. Her eyebrows crease over a nose that is rapidly turning red beneath its smattering of freckles.

I am as confused as I am concerned. The protests and sorrows don't usually begin until after story time, when kisses and night-nights have been deployed. More importantly, they're usually all performative. But this is genuine sorrow.

Before I can open my mouth to ask what is wrong, she turns her watery baby blues on me and chokes out, "Mama, I'm sad."

I ask, "Why are you sad, baby?"

She looks from me, to her precious Duck the Cat, lying silent and still beside her on the pillow, and places a tiny hand on the plush, overstuffed head.

"Duck is my pretend pet cat. I'm sad because there is not a real cat." And she once more fixes me with a weepy, heartbreaking look of soul-crushing despair and says the words I have long dreaded: "I want to have a real pet cat."

Y'all, her dad is allergic to cats.

I'm not talking "sneezes and sniffles" allergies, either. I'm talking "was rushed to the ER as a child," "breaks out in full-body hives," "has full-blown reactions from simply interacting with people who have recently held a cat" kind of allergies. His allergies are so severe and sensitized that he essentially functions as radar for cat owners: hug someone and wait for the sniffles and itchiness. It never fails. There is no way this man could ever coexist in a house with a cat for longer than a few hours while doped up on benadryl, even one of the "hypoallergenic" breeds (which is very misleading and dangerous misinformation, but that's a whole other post in itself).

I mean, it's not like we can have a pet right now anyway. We live in a no-animals housing situation. We're also likely to move cross-country by the end of the year or early next, which would be difficult on any animal. I'm working on finding the right meds for my ADHD, my husband is running around to post-op PT and followups, Bean is dealing with her own specialty appointments for her gastric issues. It's just not a great time to bring in a pet. But the one-- the only one-- we could never have in our house to begin with is the one that my daughter happens to catch a Pining for at a grand 3.5 years old, which is, perhaps, the worst possible age to try and explain the many reasons we should not/cannot have a pet right now. Especially the one she wants.

The wee one knows Dad can't be around cats. That's part of why she was so sad. But the Pack-Bond Longing has officially come upon her, and she wants a pet. Really, really wants a pet.

Unfortunately, she comes by it naturally. My husband and I are both Animal People to the core. We run the Slimy Critter Rescue Brigade when it rains. Despite crippling anxiety disorders, I once skipped classes and made 3 hours worth of phone calls (as well as sacrificed my favorite handmade jacket) to catch an injured seagull that tried to take my face off multiple times. Her dad can't resist petting a cat if it comes within his line of sight even though he knows good and well it will have severe consequences. I have broken housing rules multiple times to care for injured or orphaned animals, only some of which were domestic pet species.

So it's not just her. We are all in Deep Mourning at the moment. It doesn't help that our brilliant genius child remembers the kinds of animals that Dad is not allergic to. She tells us at least once a day that she really wants to have a pet, and it is okay that we cannot have a cat in our house because Dad is not allergic to lizards/some dogs/fishes/birds/snakes/guinea pigs (that appears to be in order of desire), so maybe we can have one of those animals for a pet.

Worse, any one of us technically qualifies for an ESA to bypass the housing issue.

As the adults, we're trying really hard to be strong and think of the best thing for an animal, which does not include entering into a household in transition and likely to uproot soon.

But she's right and speaks for all of us: "I want a real pet animal to be in my house." :(

[cutiepasta-thewriter]

Lullaby

Read at your own risk. I'm not telling you what to prepare for so just prepare.

Peter likes to sing but is embarrassed to do it. Puberty was supposed to cause his voice to change, but it barely lowered it. He had a natural falsetto voice. When he was in choir for a bit he found out his vocal range was closer to the girls because he had a high range. He got teased alot, especandially when he auditioned for the musical and didn't get a part because his voice was too high for a male part. May encouraged him to continue doing what he enjoyed.

Tony found out about Peter's talent from an old video he watched with May(she was so proud of her little star). He would try everything to get Peter to sing, like playing the kid's favorite songs and singing along to encourage him. It never worked.

But one stormy night Tony heard it. Peter was singing softly to himself in his room. Every so often the tune breaking with heavy sobs and deep breaths. The words weren't in English like he first thought but it had the familiar ring of Italian. The song was just a familiar, it was a lullaby called "Ninna Nanna".

Ninna nanna, ninna oh

Questo bimbo a chi lo dò ?

Se lo dò alla Befana,

Se lo tiene una settimana.

Se lo dò all'uomo nero,

Se lo tiene un anno intero.

Ninna nanna, ninna oh,

Questo bimbo me lo terrò.

Tony remembered when his mother sang him this song in their native tongue. Sometimes he forgot how much he missed that and was impressed Peter could sing the words so well,though doing it in tears.

Tony never knew what to do in these situations, Peter was a tough kid but he was also very sensitive. There was no telling what could set him off somedays and not everything could be solved with movies and icecream.

Still Tony stood outside the door and extended a figurative hand to the weeping teen.

He knocked gently on the door to avoid scaring Peter.

The sobs quieted and a rustle of blankets were heard. Tentative footsteps padded over to the door.

"Mr.Stark?" Peter asked sounding like a wounded puppy. On the other side he shifted from one foot to another anxiously.

"Yeah, it's me. Sorry, I just heard something and came to check on you." It wasn't a complete lie but it was true somewhat.

"Oh. Okay then. Sorry if I woke you." Peter sounded resigned in that moment as if hoping it was for something more.

"No, it's fine, I was awake anyway. But what are you doing up so late?" He starting to worry about the kid. He knew Peter was crying but the teen could open the door and let him in.

"I couldn't sleep either." Peter mumbled as he leaned on the door.

It was obvious the kid couldn't sleep, he was crying his eyes out just a moment ago.

"Alright, since we're both up late now about we grab some ice cream from the kitchen." Tony took a step back as the door open to reveal a very tried looking Peter.

His hair was messily curled and his eyes where red and raw. Tucked away in one arm was a red spider plushie, it was one of the many Tony had gotten the kid. The soft stuffed animals were comforting when he was overwhelmed.

He followed Tony to the kitchen and sat on the island.

Tony pulled out two pints of double chocolate chip ice cream and two spoons.

The two ate in silance as Peter slowly calmed down. The teen rubbed his red irritated eyes as he devoured the icy treat.

Tony gestured him to stop before he accidentally bruised himself touching his eyes.

Peter nodded moving his hand back to the plush sitting in his lap.

"Pete what's going on. You're up surprisingly late and I'm not trying to be that guy but you look terrible so I'm worried." Tony tired to put it gently knowing how sensitive Peter could get when it came to feelings.

The teen liked to pretend he didn't have any feelings aside from happiness and excitement but he couldn't fool Tony. He man could see a wide range of emotions flickering behind his eyes like a shifting battle with tides always changing. He's seen anger being forced down with indifference and fear drowned out with acceptance. The worst was telling Peter that he couldn't spend the weekend with him because of a business trip. The disappointment and sadness in his eyes was quickly covered up with feigned excitement as he pretended didn't care too much and wanted to hang out with his friends anyways.

Tony learned that Peter's words can't be taken at face value.

"I just couldn't sleep. That's it." Peter hid his defensive tone with an uncaring voice.

"Alright." Tony left it alone not wanting to push it, "That was a nice song you sang. Who taught you Italian?"

Peter's eyes caught the light for a moment as he looked up from his bowl of melting ice cream.

"Aunt May speaks Italian. She started teaching me when I was six. So it's my second language. She'd sing to me when I was upset." Peter wove his hands tightly against the soft faux fur of the plush as he stared down at the slowly melting ice cream.

Tony nodded almost sagely before speaking.

"My mother was Italian. She taught me at birth of course. She would hum and whisper it to herself as she cooked. I miss that."

Peter felt pinpricks of tears in his eyes as he sniffed.

"Yeah, me too. She'd do that when she cooks too even if it's not the best. It always makes me wonder if that's what it's like to have a mother." a burning tear fell from his eyelash, it fell to the countertop making a dull 'plop'. It mimicked the pitter patter of the midnight storm raging outside. " I know I already have a mother. May and Ben would remind me all the time but it's not- it's not..."

Peter studdard for a second then stopped, as if saying those words would curse him.

"The same." Tony finished for him, his eyes briefly flickered to the few photos he had on the wall.

"Its not. I feel awful about it but I don't remember them, my parents have been gone for so long. Uncle Ben made it clear that their love can't replace my parents, but I don't know what will. It hurts knowing I can never feel what they're describing."

Peter began sobbing quietly as he tried to hide his face from Tony. This was why he was crying, he was confused and hurting. He was doing what he knew would make him feel better.

Tony walked to the other side of the island and gently tugged Peter's hand away from his eyes. The kid was a mess, and he couldn't blame him.

"I understand. I know your aunt and uncle ment well. They wanted you to know how much your parents loved you but they are wrong. Your parents can't be replaced but there are people who love you just as much." Tony said pulling Peter into his arms without another word.

Peter gasped softly in shock. Tony never hugged him at least not on his own.

"Trust me, I love you just as much if not more and I'm sure they do too." Tony said kissing the boy on the top of his head.

Peter let out a weak whimper as he continued to choke back his tears. His heart hurt so badly it felt like it would burst. This was the first time someone said that to him. The first time someone didn't put a limit on how much love they could give. It was truly the unconventional love he thought only his parents could give.

And it was perfect.

Something tells me you weren't prepared. I told you to be prepared. You should know better then to trust me not to throw you a curve ball.