#if i were to ever make a full fledged au it would be like a semi-gag au

[soosoosoup]

Do you have more headcanons about your critter trolls?

There's not much to it really, I just give them animal habits that I find cute lol.

Well first off they do make animal-like sounds. Purrs when content, in love, sometimes when a they're in pain. Growl when angry. Trollings make really high pitched squeaking sounds to voice a want/need.

They're more fluffy!!! Have a more condensed tuft on fur on their chests bc why not. When frightened, hair and fur puff out to appear bigger. Give baps on the head when upset (not serious) like a cat lol.

Scruffing I feel like is done more by older siblings or relatives that aren't the parents. Parents still predominatly use their hair. But they can scruff if their hands and hair are full. It's seen as a little childish (not in negative way), since it's big sibs that usually scruff (bc it's fun)!

Nests, love to sleep in a pile of blankets and pillows. Naps are a great way to bond w/ loved ones. A pretty special step for a new couple to take. Grooming too is important, reserved for parent & child, or between partners.

That’s all I can think of :)

[tetsuskei]

notes: repost from my old blog, based on an old post and brief convo w rei @/sir-kuroo. divider by the great remi @/cafekitsune <3

warnings: office au, self indulgent, reader is a few years younger than kuroo

“do you come here often?”

kuroo tetsurou, a colleague, slides up next to you in the breakroom. his personality is suave and carries an air of sharpness, yet warmth and comfort. he’s always gone out of his way to make those around him feel welcome, and you’re no short of that. if you could think of a household name for your company, it would be his. many speak of him but rarely do many actually see him.

you wonder what’s made him grace yourself with his presence—coincidence, or fate?

he grins boyishly, rocking his feet as he looks at you with the most shining (and pretty) hazel eyes.

you blink slowly, processing his words.

“um…i work here. we’re coworkers.” you answer slowly, nodding to your work badge before resuming your activity of making your daily coffee. your heart starts to race at being watched and you try not to spill anything.

you don’t blame kuroo for not knowing exactly who you are. you work in the art department while he does promotion. you’re like two ships sailing past each other in the night. you’ve crossed paths a few times during brainstorming sessions and kickoffs for projects, but you never fully interacted before. at least not directly. only short pleasantries have ever been shared between each other.

the man’s face pales, smile faltering as you unintentionally dismiss his—quite sad—attempt at getting with you. he quickly regains confidence, though.

you hear him laugh softly before he shifts his weight to his opposite foot. “well just as i thought. i guess that means we work together, huh?”

kuroo watches your nose crinkle cutely as you frown and then laugh nervously, “kuroo-san, i don’t mean to say this with any disrespect, but if you’re still confused, i can contact HR for you.” maybe because you’re new he doesn’t know you’re a full time employee. did he think you were a temp? a freelancer?

and as crushed as kuroo currently is, his heart flutters at the way you say his name. he doesn’t know how, but your obliviousness is endearing and wholesome. he only wishes to grab you by the shoulders and shake you, to make you see what he’s trying to say.

the reality is, he’s seen you around many times. only just now did he work up his own courage to start a full fledged conversation with you. you’re very cute. shy, he can tell. but that only makes him more intrigued and persistent in getting to know you. you remind him a lot of kenma, actually.

said best friend implied kuroo was being shy himself, but he’ll deny it to the grave. he’s too stubborn to take his advice on how to approach you.

and the result? an embarrassingly horrible joke he came up with due to word vomit. he didn’t expect to run into you, but by the grace of god, you’d been right where you are, and he did not want to miss this opportunity.

he rubs the back of his head. “ahh no. i don’t need that, but thanks. i appreciate it.” he says, ending his reply with your name.

your eyes widen in surprise. “you…know who i am?” you blink, tilting your head.

kuroo thinks he’s acquiring cute aggression.

he nods, “of course i do. i know the names of practically everyone here.”

“oh.” you say, deflating a little, hope dissolving from your heart. your fingers tap your mug in thought. “right. it was just that…it seemed like you didn’t know i worked here, so i was confused.”

he clears his throat, noticing your dejection, “no! i definitely do! sorry, i worded myself wrong earlier. i-it’s just that—never mind.” he runs a hand over his face, and you’re shocked to see how nervous he suddenly appears. he always seems so confident and sure of himself, you wonder what could be going on now.

“no worries or hard feelings.” you laugh, and his shoulder sag with relief. did you know your voice could be so calming?

the tall man exhales, releasing the rest of his nerves. “allow me to start over. hi, i’m kuroo tetsurou, i work in the promotion department.” he shakes your hand, “i’ve seen your work. it’s really impressive.”

you palm is clammy as you return the handshake and introduction, but the smell of his cologne makes you feel more at ease.

“it’s nice to formally meet you, kuroo-san. you work for the jva is nothing short of amazing.” you reply.

“oh,” he quickly becomes bashful, a humble smile on his face, “it was nothing, really.”

he changes the topic, “but enough about me. back to you. i’ve been meaning to tell you all of that for awhile, but never worked up the courage to. i really should have sooner, i appreciate all that you’ve done to make the jva as successful as it is.” he continues, smiling. he hopes and begs that you don’t see his cheeks turning red.

your expressions lifts again, and kuroo can’t help but notice the small dimple in your left cheek. “thank you! that’s very kind of you, kuroo-san! you didn’t have to thank me at all, i’m just doing my job.”

“that’s true, but you’re very talented. needed to at least acknowledge that.” he nods.

“i guess so! the last project did require a lot of late nights and hard work…” unbeknownst to yourself, you start to ramble about your process.

his perceptive nature looks over your features. he notes the way you hold yourself, fingers fiddling with the sleeves of your sweater–a pink one he’s always been able to identify you by. your eyes seem to travel when they hold contact with someone for too long. you purse your lips when you’re lost in thought. but when you’re comfortable, you use your hands to gesture, expressions surprisingly animated, which make you seem more animated than your usual reserved state.

noticing the way he stares at you, you quickly stop, feeling embarrassed.

“oh! i’m so sorry, i’ve been talking your ear off. you probably didn’t want to know all of that…i bet you’re busy anyways.” you say, bowing out of apology.

kuroo only shakes his head, “ah it’s not a problem at all! you’re truly mistaken! it’s nice listening to how you work. i don’t have a creative bone in my body, so it helps me to understand better. plus, you have a very nice voice.”

wide eyes blink up at him and another smile pops up on your face. you giggle, “thank you! you’re very kind!”

“no problem,” he steps back slightly, clearing his throat, “i know this is the first time we are really talking but…would you…like to get lunch sometime? to get to know each other better?”

you think about work and your connections. as a new employee this would be good for you, right? to build more healthy work relationships. the more people you can know, the better. especially across different departments.

a smile appears on your face and you nod. “why not? should we invite anyone else to join? i think—“

he laughs, shaking his head, “no sweetheart, just you and i.”

you’re stunned. “o-oh…”

“you can say no, i won’t be offended.” he assures.

panic resides in you and you frantically wave your hands. “it’s not that! i’d be more than happy to! i mean, i’ve been looking to get to know you better anyways!”

a hand flies to your mouth and your eyes widen once you realize what you just said.

“w-what i meant was…it’s better to get to know someone 1 on 1 anyways! yanno?” you correct, heart pounding out of your chest. you’re screwed. he’s going think you’re weird.

kuroo smirks, a small hum of appreciation escaping him as he nods, “right, of course. well, i’m glad to hear that. why don’t we exchange numbers ahead of time so we can talk details later?”

after typing each others numbers in, he notices you just entered your first name into his phone.

he softly says it out loud , and a weird, twisting feeling forms in your gut. a small part of you wishes he’d say it again.

“um…you can call me that if you want, but don’t feel pressured to.” you tell him. “i’m just not too big on formality.”

he shakes his head. “not a problem at all. it’s a very lovely name.”

“thanks, kuroo-san.” you beam.

“call me tetsurou. it’s only fair, right?” he winks, patting your shoulder. it shocks you how big his hand is, but you quickly peel your eyes away from it.

he steps back, pocketing his phone before looking at his watch. “well, i should be off now. but we’ll catch up later? i’d love to pick your brain about an upcoming idea.”

“s-sure!” you call, waving after him. “see you, tetsurou!”

he waves back, saying over his shoulder, “do me a favor, yeah?”

“what’s that?”

“remember it’s okay to be proud of your work. you worked hard, so own it.” he says, sending you a warm smile.

“right, i will!” you nod. your heart is full from his advice, and you cling onto his sentiment.

“‘tetsurou’, huh?” your coworker, kazuma, walks up besides you as soon as the rooster head is out of sight. “when did you start getting buddy buddy with the head to the promotion department?”

you raise a brow. “what do you mean? that’s the first time i’ve actually had a full conversation with him. i don’t know why i was so scared to! he’s a very nice guy!” you explain.

he laughs, nodding. “right, ‘nice guy’…”

you blink. “what? did he do something to someone?” you lean in, whispering, “did he like…beat someone up?”

kazuma rolls his eyes, sighing as he fixes his own coffee, “nothing of that sort. you’ll figure it out.”

before you can question him, he turns on his heel and leaves. you start after him, but he’s too fast for you so you give up.

“weird…” you mumble. you shrug before deciding as unfortunate as it is, you should get back to work.

throughout the entire duration of your walk back to your desk, you realize two things.

1, you left your coffee in the break room, and 2–

you notice that under the notes section of kuroo’s contact, he’s put, ‘prospective work husband’.

oh. shit.

that’s what it was.

kuroo was flirting with you the entire time.

reblogs and interactive appreciated!

[eights-world]

this is mainly an excuse to yap more about luvbug stuff but @/the-empress1z0 was referring to the little "love spell" affect thing i gave dogman n thought it be fun to just get out the rest of my thoughts bc i dont think ill ever actually follow through with my original idea i had for everything

so my initial idea with luvbug was to make it a full fledged au bc i thought itd be silly. i was gonna make like a few short comics here and there centering around petey tryna erase the love spell affects, then eventually (through a series of events and tomfoolery) theyd like end up together/kiss and then the spell would be broken!!!!! turns out dogman liked him all along without the love spell bullshit n the real solution was true loves kiss or something idkk

these were parts i was gonna put in this post but just didnt for some reason :/ anyway thas it

[topperscumslut]

Kiss Me With Your Eyes Closed (Sejanus Plinth x Reader)

Summary: (Y/N) is the victor of the 9th Hunger Games and the beloved girlfriend of Coriolanus Snow, though she’s secretly in love with his best friend (in this au the hunger games progressed more quickly, for example mentors were already present before the 10th games etc etc). title inspired by Hot Freaks’ Puppy Princess!

Warnings: not much rlly tbh, a wee bit of angst but mostly FLUFFY FLUFFFFF. might write a smutty sequel if this does well (or just if i feel like it lol) but even then it would be more fluffy smut, like sweet love making rather than getting absolutely railed lmao yk? (i probably will so stay tuned if u like this and lmk if u wanna be tagged!)

spoiler free apart from references to coriolanus x lucy gray!!

ok actually it is a pretty good amount of angst nvm lmao

Word count: 2k

You sigh as you run your fingers over the tattered poster, so shiny and new only a year before, reading the now barely legible words. (Y/N) (L/N) Victory Tour, In Honor of the 9th Hunger Games, Arriving Soon in Your District. You remember your victory tour all too well. Despite the traumas you had endured as a victor, you’re grateful for how far you’ve come. Sure, you still have nightmares of your games every now and again, yet even still you have the best fate a girl from District 3 could ever hope for - you had fallen in love with a boy from the Capitol.

From an outsider’s perspective, it was the perfect love story. A doomed romance from the beginning; star crossed lovers, one might say, a Capitol boy and a District girl. When you had arrived at the Capitol for the 9th Hunger Games, near certain you had no chance of winning, your dashing mentor Coriolanus Snow had immediately taken a liking to you. He took you under his wing and coached you through your games, and when you had miraculously emerged victorious and returned to the Capitol, he decided that he wanted you for his own, and who were you to say no? Not even a few weeks before, you were just another girl from District 3, completely unknown, barely scraping by. Now you had been thrust suddenly into a lavish lifestyle with a handsome suitor to boot, adored by all of Panem; the nation’s sweetheart. After your games, you could have left it all behind. Sure, you would never be granted total anonymity being a victor, but you could have gone back to your beaten down home in District 3 and lived a relatively quiet life. After all, it’s not like the Snows had the finances to buy your freedom from your district and turn you into a full fledged Capitol citizen.

But the Plinths did.

You never particularly enjoyed Strabo Plinth as a person, but you couldn’t help but be grateful to him for what he had done for you. You had, however, immediately taken a liking to his caring wife, as well as his juxtaposition of a son, Sejanus, who clearly took more after his mother. In contrast to your rugged, analytical lover, Sejanus was gentle, complex. The two of you had become fast friends while Coriolanus had helped you prepare for the games.

And so before you knew it, this was your new life. At first you were anxious, concerned that your becoming a Capitol citizen and Coriolanus associating so intimately with a girl from the Districts would be seen as an act of rebellion and put you both in danger. However Coriolanus assured you that the nation loved you, both as an individual and as a couple. Sure, it was unexpected, yeah, it broke the (admittedly unwritten) rules, but that’s what made it oh-so fun to watch. Because at the end of the day, the games weren’t a competition - they were a show, and everyone loved an underdog.

There was only one minor flaw. You had fallen in love with a boy from the Capitol, yes, but it wasn’t the one you had so publicly given your heart to.

Your relationship with Coriolanus was practical, and that was about the only positive thing you could truthfully say about it. Neither of you were particularly wealthy or powerful individually, but together, you had potential. If you could keep all of Panem tuned in to your epic love story, you could almost certainly ensure mutual survival. You offered Coriolanus the opportunity to be known as not only a mentor to a victor, but a lover as well. And though nearly a year later his eyes had started to wander, the dapper blond had been quite infatuated with you when the courtship had begun, and Coriolanus was notoriously possessive. While his family was in the midst of financial hardship at the current moment, becoming a Capitol resident gave you the opportunity to get by still much more comfortably than you had in your impoverished home district. And who knew what volatility Coriolanus was capable of if you had rejected his advances? You had been coaxed into this very moment and had no other option but to grin and bear it. After all, all the girls you knew back home would kill to be in your position. A handsome sweetheart, financial stability courtesy of the Plinths, and the whole country all but worshiping you. Coriolanus Snow had offered you not only fame and fortune, but more importantly, security. Safety, in return for your undying affection.

Coriolanus was sweet at first. Charming, for sure. He was certainly attractive, yet he had never really had much of an effect on you. Maybe it was simply intuition. Or maybe it was the fact that he could never compare to his best friend, Sejanus Plinth.

Kind, pure Sejanus. The type of boy that, unlike Coriolanus Snow, truly made your head spin. The chemistry between you and Sejanus was unspoken, yet undeniable. However, you had already reluctantly sworn yourself to Coriolanus, and knew running off with his best friend would certainly put both you and your not so secret admirer in a treacherous situation. Sejanus Plinth was a risk you simply couldn’t afford to take.

What stung the most was that in any other situation, it could have worked. Sejanus was certainly more wealthy and influential than Coriolanus, not that that was what truly mattered to you. If you had been just a bit more fortunate, you could have had the boy you truly loved as your mentor and still have the same security and more that you were now so gracefully granted, if you had simply found your way to Sejanus before Coriolanus had set his sights on you and claimed you as his own. But unfortunately for you, your current romantic relationship was one built upon the grounds of survival rather than love.

If you were fully honest with yourself, you never truly loved Coriolanus - well, not romantically, at least. There was once a time where you had loved him as a dear friend, but in the time you had known him, he had become cruel and vitriolic. You knew from the start that he had always had it in him to become this way, though you had always naively hoped that he wouldn’t, that he would control himself, but the poison within his soul had soon taken over his cold, uncaring heart. He had become hardened by the misfortune of his family and gradually more complaisant in the ways of the Capitol, as well as secretly resentful of the great fortune of his supposed best friend and honorary brother Sejanus.

Now just over a year since you had met, the 10th Hunger Games were nearing to start. You had heard the whispers of Coriolanus sneaking around with his newest mentee, your replacement in more ways than one, Lucy Gray Baird; however it never bothered you. Lucy Gray knew that your relationship with Coriolanus was nothing more than a facade, and the two of you had become unlikely friends. You weren’t sure just how much of his affections for Lucy Gray were genuine, or how much was motivated by a desire to flatter her in an attempt to gain another victor to further his own career. Though Coriolanus’s mood was recently heightened by his new lover, he was still resentful of being assigned such an impoverished district for two years in a row and was prone to fits of rage over this perceived insult. While your home of District 3 was never much of a spectacle, Lucy Gray’s District 12 was miraculously even more down trodden, the poorest district of them all. You couldn’t help but wonder if this assignment was actually made to compliment Coriolanus, to show that if he could made a diamond in the rough out of you, that perhaps he could do the same for Lucy Gray.

As you sit alone in Coriolanus’s bed, still running your fingers gingerly along the photograph, you hear a knock at the door.

“Sejanus?”

“Oh, hey. Is Coryo around?”

You shake your head. “He’s out right now.”

Sejanus’s jaw tightens at your response. “With her?”

You nod unenthusiastically and can see the disgust and anger wash over his face as he makes his way over to you.

“It’s not her fault, Sejanus. She’s actually really sweet.”

He sits down on the bed next to you, careful to leave enough space between the two of you as to not make you uncomfortable. “I know it’s not. It’s his. Does it really not bother you at all?”

“Not particularly.”

He chuckles to himself. “You’re better than me, (Y/N). I don’t know how you put up with it. If I truly loved someone, it would kill me to see them with someone else.” He’s subtle, but you can tell exactly what he’s implying.

“Well good thing I don’t have to see it.”

“Fair enough.”

Sejanus looks sympathetically at you for a second, blissfully unaware that his kind, beautiful brown eyes are making you melt, before noticing the poster in your hand.

“Is that-”

“Yep.” You shiver, remembering your games, the things you saw… “I don’t think it ever occurred to him, the things I had to do in there.”

“It occurred to me.” He gently places his shaky hand on your knee, carefully surveying your expression to make sure you’re okay with the contact, to which you nod slightly, nearly involuntarily. “Look, I’ll say it since no one else in this screwed up place will, I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

You bite your lip, feeling butterflies in your stomach once again as he gives you that look and it takes everything in you not to lean in and kiss him right then and there. Your boyfriend could come home any moment, after all, and you quickly compose yourself, breaking Sejanus’s gaze. “It’s okay. I won. It’s the Hunger Games. It’s an honor.”

He inches carefully closer to you before speaking up again, his deep voice barely above a whisper. “(Y/N), you don’t have to pretend around me.”

You shake your head in denial. “I’m not pretending.”

“Then why haven’t I seen that light in your eyes that I love so much since you’ve left the arena? Why don’t you care that he’s always off with Lucy Gray? Why are the rules different for you than they are for him?”

And suddenly it hits you all at once. Sejanus is right. If Coriolanus is sneaking around with your friend everyday, even when they aren’t training, then what’s to stop you from doing the same to him? What do you owe him when all he’s ever done is keep you like a bird in a cage?

You don’t stop yourself, you don’t even think as you lean in and kiss Sejanus. He gets over the initial shock quickly and melts into it, cradling your body in his arms and pulling you in by the small of your back. You both pull away at the same time, not quite sure what’s gotten into you, but whatever it is, you like it.

“Coriolanus has never kissed me like that.”

“Go figure.”

His nerves kick in once again as he starts to stutter an apology before you shut him up by kissing him softly again.

“Since I first got to the Capitol… Sejanus, nothing here has felt right, except for you.”

“I could say the same about you,” he muses as he leans in once again, kissing you slow, both of you pretending the moment could last forever. If only…

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

Do you think you could do like a characterization of the Familers?

Everytime I try to think about their personalities and how they would interact with each other, or M6, or Mc I just feel like I don't get it right. Like I've got like the very basics but that's like it

Malak is a crazy

Chandra is spoiled

Faust is a wildcard

Ianna is protective

Pepi is energetic

Idk Lucio’s familars ( i cant spell one of their names) but they are kinda like wild dogs, they do whatever they want

EVEN THEN, I still feel like some of these are wrong or don't cover most of their character or I'm mischaracterizing them on accident.

Could you maybe do some more Familers mini headcannons?

Like what do the Familers do when M6 is sad?

What do they do when Mc is sad?

How do they interact with each other on a day to day bases?

( I think you might have done one of these actually )

But I have more

What do they do when M6 or/and MC gets hurt?

What do they typically do during the day and/or What do they do when they aren't with M6?

How would they respond if M6/Mc was in a dangerous situation/attacked | How are they when M6/Mc is ill?

Some of these are probably answers in their routes but it's hard to remember/recall. I do wish they were in their respective routes just a little bit more than they are so I could get a could grasp of their personalities.

What I really want is just like a written out basis of what they are like? I don't even need the Mini headcannons ( but I do like them) Their personalities is just what I have a hard time grasping because it not like right in front of me or I'm not constantly reminded of it like the Li’s that I just forget or mischaracterize them.

So if you ever have the time and or patience, I would love if you could just write about their personalities or just more about them in general. They are right hand to the Li’s and I love them so much and I tried using the wiki but I don't trust it because apparently some of the info is just flat-out wrong. I love reading you headcannons and mini headcannons because I feel like you do the Li’s justice and this account is keeping the Arcana fandom alive. I'm very sorry that this is a really long ask and my grammar my be wrong in some areas.

I'd like to thank you if you've read through everything. I hope you keep making Arcana content in the future as me and many others really do enjoy your content and takes on the characters.

-🃏

Hi friend!! I hope you're ready for the full scale essay under the cut XD

(also, you are more than welcome to request some mini-hcs with the M6's familiars - please feel free to submit them individually so I can sort and try to answer them ^.^)

The devs don't go hugely into detail about how familiars work, exactly, but here's what we know: First, how in-tune to magic you are does affect how involved your bond is, but people still have familiars whether or not they have a lot of magical ability. Second, the bond makes the most sense if you think of it as being similar to a "soulmates AU" setup. The person and animal involved have a natural connection with the potential for a full-fledged familiar bond, but how that manifests changes depending on the effort and type of bonding that happens.

There's also a consistent pattern when it comes to vibes and personality, with the familiars being very similar to their respective humans. I'll go familiar by familiar from here ^.^

Malak:

Julian and Malak are (unfortunately) not very in touch with each other. Julian doesn't speak of him much beyond referring to him as "the raven", and while it's clear that they're more in sync than the average human and animal would be, Julian tends to find it more uncanny than comforting. Malak, in turn, tends to get quickly annoyed by this when his genuine attempts to help and protect and connect get consistently thwarted. He shares Julian's values and habits, constantly keeping watch (anxiously or otherwise) over his person and the people important to him, and often flying beak-first into situations that seem out of control with little regard for his own well being. Malak and Julian have the capacity to cover each other's blind spots. Julian is quicker at analyzing and navigating social situations that sometimes send the bird into a frenzy, while Malak is aware of magical happenings that Julian is completely blind to.

The two of them share an anxiety about the world being a constantly dangerous place and noble mindset focused around doing the right thing and protecting the people they love. The big difference is that Malak doesn't doubt his own abilities - as generally anxious as he acts with all his ruffling feathers and screeches, the raven doesn't hold himself back because he thinks someone else could do better. If anything, he's often pushing Julian to get over the self-deprecation and join him already. Unfortunately, neither of them has figured out how to listen to each other yet, which means more often than not they just get on each other's nerves. Given MC's ability to help Julian navigate things of a magical nature, they could very easily become the communication bridge between the two.

Faust

It's pretty heavily implied (if not canon) that Faust is the child of Asra's parents' familiars, Chimes and Flamel. She was given to Asra as an egg and hatched on one of their birthdays, and the two have been inseparable ever since. They have an incredibly strong bond, enough for them to send memories to each other, have conversations, communicate across long distances, and even share emotions. Faust loves Asra, herself, and MC almost equally, and in Asra's route she happily becomes MC's companion when Asra isn't around to do so. She also appears to have her own capacity for magic, frequently blipping from one realm to another as she pleases.

The best way (in my head) of describing her vibes are that one honorary younger sibling who is also the instigator best friend. While she's borne witness to Asra's toughest moments, she's received such excellent care and attention that she doesn't seem to have nearly the same levels of trauma - or maturity. Reading about her feels a lot like what I imagine reading about a teenaged Asra with a much kinder life would feel like - whimsical, mischievous, creative, impulsive, unpredictable, and carefree to the point of recklessness. She's still learning what it means to have limits (re: going off on an unannounced adventure, only to be caught and held hostage by the Devil) but when push comes to shove she's suprisingly dependable (re: sabotaging the ritual, right under the Devil's nose).

Due to her being so accessible to MC's character, she has a level of plot influence and general content that comes closer to a main character than the other familiars. It gives fan work more content to work with, but also less space to take its own creative liberty.

Chandra

Chandra is always hovering, and yet rarely directly involved. We know that Nadia used to be able to speak with her similarly to how Asra speaks with Faust, but she doesn't remember how. There's a wall between the two of them that they both seem to want to breach, but given the circumstances, they just haven't found the time and resources to do it yet. However, it's clear that they know how important they are to each other - Chandra seems to live at Nadia's beck and call, despite seeming so distant, and Nadia dedicates much of her personal time and interests to caring for her. They rely heavily on each other as allies in uncertain times (re: Nadia trusting Chandra in multiple routes to be her eyes and ears and carry her most important messages).

Chandra certainly has Nadia's independence, initiative, and desire for companionship. She's often seen on alert on the fringes and ready to step in and help take control of chaotic situations. However, where Nadia responds to a desire for companionship by initiating connection, Chandra is more reserved. She's present, she's paying attention, but she's not actively connecting until she's invited. She, like Nadia, has become accustomed to living in a Palace filled with with intrigue and uncertain loyalties, and it plays out in her reticence. She's much more likely to communicate interest by watching intently from a distance than by approaching and interacting. Over time, if MC is able to help Nadia find the way to communicate with Chandra again, they'll likely become her confidante in her efforts to be a good familiar.

Inanna

The best way to describe her and Muriel is trauma bonded. (Which, given Muriel's past, is arguably the bond that lets him receive the support he needs from her best.) They're both loners, both uninterested in connection until it's proven to be worthwhile, and both deeply distrusting of other people's motives. Inanna is Muriel's breaking point twice. First, when he's expected to kill her in the Coliseum (how they met), and second, when she's horribly injured trying to protect the heart of the forest. Both of those moments with her push Muriel to recognize his priorities and actually act on them. As a result, they have a deep mutual respect for each other - and a stubborn emphasis on still being their own people (or wolf). Muriel refers to her as his friend more easily than as his familiar.

Inanna as a character, however, seems to hold onto some of the traits that Muriel has buried under his trauma. She's more adaptable than he is, quicker to accept change, and considerably more hopeful and optimistic. She's faster to act (often the one prompting Muriel to follow through, when he'd rather continue thinking), and she's nosier. Where Muriel analyzes and then quietly judges while respecting someone's decision, Inanna analyzes and then does her best to assist any kind of good change. Whether that's leading MC to Muriel when he's injured and would rather be left alone, or expressing the affection towards them that he's still trying to hide, she acts like a big sister. Independent, a bit of a bully, fiercely protective, and loyal beyond measurement. She doesn't need to bond with MC through Muriel, she can do that herself.

Pepi

Portia met Pepi on Mazelinka's ship, as she was on her way to hunt down her older brother and beat some sense into him. The two of them bonded instantly, and when the time came for Portia and Mazelinka to part ways, Pepi gave up the life of a ship cat to stay by Portia's side. Portia doesn't seem to be fully aware of Pepi being her familiar and sees her as more of an uncannily well-bonded pet. At least, until her own route, where Pepi learns how to speak. Up until that point Portia just seems to see Pepi more as an unusually intelligent cat that she likes to talk to. The two of them are each other's family, Pepi always ready to lend a helping paw with unruly birds, and Portia always happy to spoil her with snuggles and treats.

Pepi has Portia's optimism, love of mischief, and dauntless attitude. However, they differ somewhat in how they view themselves. While Portia struggles to see herself as the main character of her own story, often fading into the background in order to support someone else, Pepi is more than happy to take center stage. This cat can and will prioritize her own needs and preferences if she thinks nobody else is going to do it, and it often lands her in trouble (re: stealing your heartsong festival gift, seeking out nap places that give her access to forbidden fishies, etc). She's quick to make her own friendships, and when you and Portia start your new life together, she'll consider you one of her family as well. Thanks to her retained ability to speak (upright ending) you'll never have to go without a conversation partner again.

Mercedes & Melchior

Lucio, unfortunately, didn't realize these two were his familiars until after he'd met you. While a large part of his menagerie building was his search for a familiar, he failed to notice how those two in particular were so attached to them. Thankfully, they're never on their own given how closely they stick to each other. Their lack of a strongly developed magical connection with Lucio doesn't really stop them from being able to communicate. They vibe with him on a similar act-first-think-later wavelength, having such little interest in impulse control that it's impossible not to know what they want. All you know is that they're hellbent on accomplishing it and on getting out of whatever consequences they invite with a pair of large, shining puppy eyes.

Besides their impulsiveness and chaotic nature, Mercedes and Melchior share Lucio's tendency to live in the moment and focus on life's pleasures. However, they also have the emotional intelligence and undying loyalty all good dogs do. When Lucio was "dead" they spent three years guarding his wing and trying to find help for him, and when you join him in his search for answers, they'll remain with you and empathize with you regardless of the dangers involved (re: one of them going with Lucio to get help, the other staying next to you and whining when Valdemar has you strapped to a gurney). They instinctively track your emotional state and are often the reason Lucio notices how you're doing as quickly as he does. For all their bratty behavior, their doggy bodies are overflowing with love for the people they care about and nothing makes them happier than being with them. Don't mistake love for respect, though - they take orders from nobody.

[crimeronan]

hang on, what ARE everyone's canon ages in the AU as of the last fic? I had it in my head they were over 18 now. (Gus notwithstadning)

luz is still 17! she's 16 at the very beginning of The Horrors (TM) and just about to turn 17 when she takes the throne; she's now been empress for about half a year. (unless my math is REALLY off.)

amity, vee -- and willow, whenever i drag her into the canon -- are all ~18ish, i'm hcing that amity is just a little older than luz & willow is just a few months older than her in turn. (if amity is still 17, it's like Right before her 18th birthday as of now.)

vee's Exact age is a mystery bc i don't think even SHE knows, she'd have no reason to know. but as far as legal documentation goes i think on-paper she's 18 and a freshman in college.

(don't ask me how camila secured her an official human identity, i don't know enough about the US legal system wrt undocumented children. camila would have tried to do it legally & then if she Couldn't, she would have done it illegally. "if we need to find a way, we'll find a way!")

that makes hunter 19. so HE gets to be a full-fledged adult who knows everything. and definitely does not need help from anyone else, ever.

but as far as LEGAL status goes, being empress sort of supersedes the age of adulthood. in real life kingdoms, oftentimes underage royals have to wait to assume the throne while a regent rules in their place -- but i don't think belos had any such stipulations about the empire. he was already planning to leave luz the kingdom before she turned 18 anyway. if anything, belos is More likely to leave huge responsibility to Actual Children, because they're more likely to Do As They're Told.

gross. leave them alone old man.

so. legally speaking, on the isles, luz can do whatever she wants whenever she wants, for any reason, forever, and no one on god's green earth can stop her. which is essentially adulthood but worse. and ALSO legally speaking, back in connecticut, camila would still have parental rights to her.

that camila has surrendered those rights & isn't pressuring luz to come home is a testament to how much she Genuinely Cares about luz's wellbeing.

[ccycloneblogging]

I keep forgetting to ask my questions now is the present I guess-

Well 1, love your work! This AU is so cute and full of potential trauma it makes my mind flow with ideas... one of them being REALLY trauma heavy that has me in a vice grip rn...

So anyways- your post where you showed how in your AU catnap removed dogdays legs... were the murders of the hour in the same way? Because I just- Imagining Catnap dropping an anvil on some poor soul and them getting crushed slowly after the initial impact while catnap watches in apathy- has not left my mind. It's just Saw death traps at that point.

And about the whole "Going back to the cartoon" thing catnap wanted... would that not be suicide? A fully fledged, free thinking being going back to being with a world bound by a script and it's existence only continues if it's makers wish for it seem like killing yourself with extra steps. Again- this Au has so much Trauma potential I just HMMMMMMMMMMM-

And Oc's... well who do you want to hear about? I got a few lying around... well only 2 poppy playtime ones at the moment (and like one is kinda hard coded for another AU)... not to mention all the ones I have not drawn up yet that lie within my mind.

I would not mind another reason for William posting- but I'll let you choose!

Thanks, man! :D

You have no idea how much I've had to edit the scripts and drawings I make for the blog, because I go too dark too quickly for this toon AU.

I'm gonna go on a long ramble. Bear with me.

Like - there's this one script I still need to rewrite. But the premise is that Angel and DogDay are in Home Sweet Home, striking up a conversation - though Angel is injured.

Angel: ...Do you ever just... Stop? *[Angel eyes DD, as DD is in the process of sniffing like an actual dog, walking along the walls]* DD: What do you mean? *[He pauses to look at them, his tail wagging]* Angel: This. *[They gesture to his whole self, which causes him to finally fall on to the ground with a yip]* Angel: We're being hunted by a monster, close to death, and you're acting all... *Looney*. DD: That's what I do, Angel. I was brought here to make people feel happy. Safe. *[His tail begins to wag again as he makes his way to Angel]* Angel: Great. *[Unamused]* At least we'll die laughing. DD: You know, laughter is stronger than you'd think. *[A little "Uh-huh" from Angel.]* No matter how bad things get, you just have to laugh! Even if you feel like you've lost all hope, unsure about tomorrow... Not knowing what you did wrong, wondering how the world collapsed around you... *[DD grabs on to an ear, his smile turning more upsetting. The background getting darker. Maybe emphasize some of the in game model]* DD: Knowing that deep down, it's your fault for their deaths and already missing your chains because you deserve them --- *[He immediately switches back, sunshine and smiles]* DD: A laugh can chase away the gloom! Angel: *[Disturbed]* ...You want to talk about it, Pup?

So, they're all thoroughly traumatized, that's for sure!

I plan on drawing a comic that takes place during the Hour Of Joy, but yes. CatNap has killed some humans with falling anvils, endless pits, trapping them in repeating hallways until they go insane. Humans cannot survive the same punishment a toon takes, you know. >u>

But you know, he's not entirely heartless. Just angy. A poor lil meow meow

Oh, it's just CatNap being unable to cope, being ripped out of his comfort zone and never being able to adjust with the horrible things going on in Playcare. Though the Critters in this AU are not the same as the In-Game Bigger Bodies, there's still been human experiments. CatNap would much rather take scripts and limited freedom over what he was given... You are right though. That is one of the themes I wanted to try and hit with him. Especially if I follow through with an ending of Angel adopting the Critters. Then the aftermath of the trauma can really sink in.

My man, pal, friend.

I love OCs. The floor is yours. Send 'em in!

[galaxythedragonshifter]

Hello!! First: I think calling your asks a mail box is so cute )::

Secondly: Are.. you a nightwing? Have you ever thought about mixing TDCA with WOF?? I personally see sun and moon as a nightwing sandwing hybrid who was cursed by magic to switch forms between the light and the dark ::3 but I would love to hear your thoughts!! (If you don’t care much for WOF still would love to hear your thoughts on dragon versions of sun and moon !!) - Muffiiee

TYSM!^^ I might change it eventually, as I had it like that because I was playing around with my phone notification sounds skkdjwjeej. I'll probably keep it for a while tho!

Also, the "I wonder who it's from!" in the gif immediately made me think of Blues Clues akdbdbdbdbbb

And no, I'm not a Nightwing. Dw tho! A lot of people get her confused! She actually has a separate WoF design (Rain/Night) that's on my TH!^^ Her regular design is non-wof.

And yes, I have! AKJSJSHSHHS i finally get to talk about them! I am currently working on the WoF!DCA lore (at least for my renditions).

Base by LotusMoon

They're separate dragons in mine, and they're brothers! They're Sand/night hybrids with just a biiit of Skywing heritage (hence Sunny's tail!)

They ended up working for Thorn in the Scorpion Den during the tail end of the war as caretakers, mainly caring for injured and orphaned dragonets.

After the war, they decide to start a daycare/orphanage, considering there were still many displaced dragonets during the war. (Mind you, they're still 17 or so in human years at this time, so probably 6-7 in dragon years and still considered dragonets. Around the same age as the DoD ig idk anymore lol)

I don't have their lore figured out much beyond that though-

(However, I have thought about pulling these two into my Ninjago Multiverse AU. Galaxy, (my sona) is the MC of that au and got dragged to the Pizzaplex to stop the virus via her Portals, and now works there. Sun and Moon have accidentally ended up on two adventures with her (Hunger Games and an MLP infection world). Maybe I'll add a third at some point, and DCA Sun and Moon end up dragons for a while ajdjdhjd)

I also have a few OCs I want to involve in their lore somehow. I was actually writing in that specific Google doc when I got this ask LMAO-

I can give you a few snippets if you want! :D (Some of it not Sun and Moon related specifically, but I might tie the other character's story into theirs later! (If I make full fledged fics, I'll probably post em in a similar style to the WoF books; one in Skyfrost's pov, one in Sun's, one in Moon's, ect. Although, I'm already working on two fnaf fics and many little smaller drabbles so it might be a while before I get anything very long XD)

[iqueenlost]

Part 3/5 of my Andreil fake dating au

Check Part 1 Part 2

Buckle up guys!

@dreamerthinker @folkit @lalalaets @julesghouls98 @tesadoraofphaedra @objectifymecaptain @holyshitthatsilegal @ourshadowstars @bumpingbees @madrasiiuvu @lillyndra @themundanemudperson

---------

In anticipation of the date he planned to take Andrew Neil didn't have a good night of sleep. Too much energy coursing through his body begging to be let out. So as soon as the sun began to peek on the horizon Neil got up and went on a run, hoping that it would make him less jumpy until Andrew was ready to get up. He planned to let him sleep in and rest from all the long nights he pulled in the last month. 

 After running almost the double of miles he usually did in the mornings and still having not wasted half of his energy, he stopped at the cat cafe to kill time until it was close enough to a reasonable hour to get Andrew out of bed. When it was almost nine he began to make his way back to the apartment after buying Andrew his favorite heart attack-inducing concoction.

The apartment was silent and dark and Andrew was still asleep when he stumbled in a few minutes later, so he busied himself with showering and having breakfast. He had just put on some music at a low volume and was scrolling through his social media for a while, checking what his friends and students were up to when his phone rang. 

“Shit, shit, shit.” Neil chanted while trying to pick up the call or just turn off the damn sound before Andrew woke up with all the noise. 

Uncle Stuart's name read on the screen. “Why are you calling so early?” Neil asked when he finally picked it up.

“Oh, I thought I would check on you. As I always do. On every Saturday. It’s not like you don't wake before sunrise anyway.” He said, sarcasm dripping from his rasping voice.

“Andrew’s sleeping,” Neil said in a hushed tone, as if he spoke in a normal volume Andrew would wake up, even though his room was on the far end of the corridor and the farthest from the kitchen.

“Are you in his bed perhaps?” Stuart wondered.

“What?” Neil squeaked, heat tracking down his neck. Just what the heck was Stuart thinking? “Of course not.”

“Of course,” He repeated dully. “Then it doesn't have any relevance.”

Neil clicked his tongue, his finger tapping on the counter in annoyance. “Good to know you’re still an arse.”

“It’s genetic, as you may know.”

That seemed in fact to be the case, Neil couldn't count the times he had relished in being difficult just for the sake of being difficult, and Stuart was one of his preferred victims. 

“I hate you,” Neil said, without any heat in his tone.

From the other side, Stuart sighed and Neil heard a door opening and closing.

“So you have said, multiple times. It’s almost like being back in time.”

“Did you want anything or just be a pain in the ass?” He asked as he crossed his arms, a frown settling between his brows.

“A little respect would be good.”

“Sorry, we’re out of those.” He smirked.

Stuart sighed and Neil's smirk transformed into a full-fledged smile.

“Anyway, Lisa wants to know if you are coming for Christmas.”

Lisa was Uncle Stuart’s platonic life partner, they have been living together since Neil’s senior year. They had met when Stuart traveled to Australia for a work conference and instantly hit it off. They were the closest thing to soulmates Neil had ever seen and the fact that they didn't need to have a sexual relationship to be happy together had once been a comfort to Neil.

“Christmas’ still weeks away.” Neil voiced in doubt.

“You know her and her infatuation with the damn holiday.” Neil could almost see the frown on Stuart's face from his tone. For all his grouchiness about Christmas, or any other holiday for that matter, he always went along with whatever Lisa wanted to do.

“Tell her I have to check with Andrew.”

Andrew used to go to England with Neil instead of spending the holiday with his brother, as Aaron spent Christmas with Katelyn's family. It had started before Nick moved back from Germany with Eric, so it was convenient for Andrew to make the trip down to Germany and spend the New Year with them. The last two years though since Nick had come back Andrew opted for not going and Neil had been a little less excited to visit Stuart and spent weeks away from him.

“You do know you can come without him, right? It’s you she wants to fawn over, not him.”

“I know–”

“Your codependency is getting worse and worse,” Stuart interrupted. “And you haven’t even won him over yet”

“I’m hanging up,” Neil announced, suddenly annoyed with the conversation.

He heard Stuart clicking his tongue as he complained. “It’s like you don’t even respect me anymore.”

“Never really did, it shouldn’t be a surprise.” Neil sassed back.

“Bog off, you prat.” He said, hanging up himself and Neil laughed.

Sometimes he really missed Stuart, even though when Stuart chose to go back to England in Neil’s sophomore year of college Neil had felt like he was gaining freedom. Stuart tended to worry and hover too much about him after they found their foot in their relationship and became closer. It had taken some time but by the time Neil was seventeen he and Uncle Stuart had developed a special bond. Neil was grateful Stuart had chosen to take him instead of dropping him in the foster system, even though he had to uproot his life in England to take care of him. Neil knew he would not have the life he had now had Stuart made a different choice back then. He would never have met Andrew or his other friends. He couldn't imagine the path his life would have taken then.

He got up to put his plate on the sink when Andrew’s voice came from behind him, making him jump a little. “You Uncle?”

Neil turned back smiling brightly at him. “You up! I thought you would sleep in today.”

“Uhm.” Andrew hummed before going for the coffee machine.

“I brought you coffee.” Neil pointed to the to-go cup on the counter. “Or should I call it dessert?” He grinned.

Andrew made a gimme gesture opening and closing his hand. He looked soft, having just woken up, with hair sticking up in all directions, eyes only half open and a sleep line running down his left cheek.

Neil could feel that he was smiling as he observed the softness on Andrew’s face and marveled at the domesticity of their life. A few years ago when they met –when Neil had just moved to Palmetto and started his sophomore year– if someone had told him he would fall in love with Andrew he would’ve laughed hard at them. At that time Neil could see no light in sight. Even one year after the trial his father’s shadow still blocked every little speck of light from reaching him and the fact that his mother cast him aside and fled their nightmare without him was still an oozing infected wound in his chest, impeding him from ever thinking of trusting someone again. To this day he still didn't know where she was and deep down he hoped she would never return, there was some hurt that time couldn’t heal.

He felt the smile on his face slip away at the prick of pain that shot to his heart. Andrew took a step in Neil's direction, gaze locked on him as he placed his now empty cup on the counter beside Neil “What is wrong?” He asked in a concerned tone that no one but Neil would have been able to perceive.

There it was again, Andrew's superpower was his ability to read Neil's microexpression. “Nothing, just thinking.” Neil smiled sadly. “About how time flies, it seems like it was yesterday you were threatening to kick me down the school’s roof.”

That’s where they met for the first time. Neil hiding from everyone and his hurt and Andrew skipping a class he thought was dreadful to smoke on the roof.

Andrew's nose wrinkled. “Don't get sentimental on me.”

“Oh, you know me. Love to reminisce.” Neil smiled wide at him. “Breakfast?” He changed the subject as he walked to the fridge. “We need to go grocery shopping sometime soon, can you on Monday? I have classes only in the morning.”

“Dick Dylan gave me a three-day leave, so I’m back only on Thursday.”

Dick Dylan, who was actually named Richard Dylan O'Connell, was what Andrew called his boss, the district attorney. They had started on the wrong foot when Andrew first got the job but although they now had a decent work relationship the nickname stuck.

“That's good,” Neil said. “Scrambled eggs?” He asked, already taking the egg carton out and looking back to see Andrews nod.

They worked together like a well-oiled machine to make Andrew’s breakfast as Neil had already eaten. Afterwards, they moved it plus armfuls of snacks and Andrew’s favorite flavor of ice cream to the living room to watch TV for the next few hours.

Neil dropped to the couch and put his feet on the coffee table getting comfortable. “What are we watching?” He asked as he turned the TV on with the remote. To his delight, Andrew chose to sit right beside him instead of moving to the end of the couch.

“Anime,” was Andrew's response so Neil chose a random anime from the most watched list from their streaming platform.

That was how they spent most weekends that Andrew didn't have to work. Jumping from show to show until they found something binge-worthy that led to hours in front of the TV. But today Neil had a plan. First, he had to flirt with Andrew and then convince him to go on a date. So, even though he felt like a teenager, halfway through the second episode of the bloody ghost horror anime they had landed on he stretched his arms out and put it on the backrest of the couch being careful to not touch Andrew as he gauged at his reaction.

Neil’s heart said goodbye to life when Andrew glanced at him for a minute before adjusting his position so he was now leaning a little into Neil’s arm, almost cuddling. He had to remind himself that he had been this close to Andrew before and that just because he was feeling different about it, it didn’t necessarily mean Andrew did as well.

Over the years Andrew had become more and more comfortable with touch. He still had days where he couldn't stand the feeling of someone close to him let alone putting their hands on his body, but there were days where he accepted a pat on the shoulder from Aaron or hugs from Nicky, Renee, and Bee. Neil was in another whole category, Neil was the only person Andrew ever let lay down next to him without moving away.

Sometimes Neil felt guilty, Andrew trusted him enough to let his guard down with him yet every time he did Neil thought about touching him or kissing him. Someday Neil felt dirty that he would even think of that while knowing everything Andrew went through, that he would even think of that when Andrew had no idea what he was imagining in his messed up mind. Although he would never hurt Andrew and he always asked if Andrew was okay when he touched him, he still felt guilty.

He tried telling himself that it was different. He loved Andrew, always had and always would, his feelings for him went above just lust or sexual attraction. He was pretty sure he only desired Andrew because he loved him. So he asked every time he wanted to take and never took what Andrew couldn't give him. That’s why he needed to confess, to see if Andrew also wanted him. Whatever Andrew wanted he would give without a second thought even if what he wanted was for Neil to go away.

“Can I touch your hair?” He asked when the credits of the episode rolled up. When Andrew looked up at him blankly he spoke again. “Yes or no, Andrew?”

“Yes.” Andrew breathed, voice so small and unlike his unapologetic and monotone way of speaking. As if he also felt the pent-up tension in the air. As if he also was bracing himself for what it all could mean. Neil asked himself if it was possible that Andrew finally caught up to what was really going on here.

Time seemed to slow down and the air between them crackled with electricity as Neil moved the arm around Andrew’s shoulder so he could slip his fingers into Andrew’s soft hair. Neil felt Andrew shudder when his fingernails scratched very lightly at his scalp. The whole time Andrew’s eyes never strayed from Neil’s. His intense golden eyes pierced through Neil as if reading Neil’s soul and figuring out all his secrets. After years of being invisible and overlooked, being known had an addictive thrill to it.

The loud opening music from the anime startled them out of the moment they were having and Andrew's gaze moved back to the TV, where it stayed glued to the screen. Neil bit down on his lower lip to avoid laughing out loud but his finger never stopped moving, feeling up and down the length of the locks on the top of Andrew’s head.

They watched two more episodes while Neil continued fondling Andrew’s hair before Neil finally proposed the idea to Andrew. “We’re going out today.” He said, barely containing his enthusiasm. “On a date.”

“Why would we?” Andrew asked, looking extremely cozy in his nest of blankets and cushions and head now fully placed on Neil’s shoulder. He had to turn his head to look up at Neil’s eyes. Their faces were close enough that if Neil bent his head a little their lips would touch.

“Because our friends are coming for dinner and we have to act like a couple so we should do coupley things,  like a date.” He said innocently, even when his mind supplied him with the memory of Allison telling him that the two of them already acted like a married couple.

But that wasn’t relevant now, today he would blow Andrew’s mind with an unforgettable date that would ruin all other dates for Andrew, making him completely captivated by only Neil and no one else. Then his only choice would be to date Neil. Bold statement, Neil was aware of it, but what he lacked in experience he made up in determination.

“That doesn't make any sense, and they’re your friends.” Andrew rebutted, sadly moving away from Neil's embrace.

“Renee’s coming,” He pointed out.  “And she’s been your friend and sparring buddy long before I even joined the group.”

“I still see no correlation,” Andrew stated seriously and a small smile blossomed on Neil’s lips. Renee was the only one Andrew never denied being friends with. It was cute actually, the bond between them.

“We’re going," Neil insisted, hitting Andrew with the best puppy eyes he could muster. “We can have breakfast food for lunch or a dessert feast, just like when we were in college.”

Andrew looked at him in silence before sighing. “You're paying.”

“Of course.” Neil grinned. “What kind of date would I be if I didn’t? I let you know I was raised right.”

He hadn’t and Andrew knew that but what was important was that he had a whole plan thought out, starting with lunch at a nice bistro that had opened recently and looked really good when he passed it on the way to work. It was right next to a used bookstore that was obscure enough that it would probably be almost empty and allow them to browse for books in peace after lunch. Then they would walk to a roller rink, where Neil would teach Andrew how to roller skate. It would be the perfect opportunity to get close and touch him without making Andrew uncomfortable. It was also a good opportunity to get Andrew to maybe kiss him. It was going to be perfect and by the end of the day, Andrew and him would be a true couple.

— — —

The truth was that things started to deviate from the plan the moment Andrew and Neil arrived at the bistro. The trip there was good, they talked and listened to Andrew's emo rock road trip playlist, and Andrew even sang along to the lyrics with Neil.  But when they were just about to enter the bistro a voice called out for Neil. “Yo, Mr. Josten.” The boy –that Neil recognized as being Ajax– hurrying over to them said cheerily. “Yo, Mr. Josten’s friend.” He added nodding at Andrew.

Neil did not want to meet someone from school right now, in fact, it was the last thing that he wanted to happen that day.

“Ajax,” Neil said flatly, sending daggers Ajax’s way in the hope he would get the memo and scram.

The little shit grinned with an evil glint in his eyes. Neil was sure he got the memo and didn't leave just to annoy him. “Are you guys going in? Can I join you guys? I haven’t eaten yet and I’m hungry.” He circled his arms over his belly dramatically.

Andrew shrugged and went into the bistro. Ajax sent Neil a little wink before following him in. Neil pinched the bridge of his nose, a vein pulsing in his temple. What the hell? He was sure some entity in hell was laughing at him right now but in the end, Neil had no other choice but to enter the bistro following behind Ajax and Andrew.

Neil had passed this bistro numerous times and always thought it looked good from the outside.  As for the inside, the first thing he noticed when he entered was that the place was really nice, with warm light wood flooring, cushioned chairs and cabinets in a mint color, dark wood tables, and a lot of plants distributed throughout the space. The windows that faced the street went up almost to the ceiling and allowed in plenty of natural light. Neil didn’t know much about decor but he liked the homey feeling of this place.

Andrew chose a table with four chairs on the far end of the room beside one of the windows and Ajax sat down on the chair on Andrew's left, backing the rest of the restaurant, so Neil chose to sit on the chair directly in front of Andrew.

He turned to Ajax as soon as he was seated trying his best to not sound too grumpy. “What are you doing here?”

“My father was supposed to spend the day with me but he left halfway through brunch because Tara called and said Eli didn’t feel so good. It’s probably a lie because she doesn’t like him spending time with us. I mean, me specifically, I look too much like my mother for her liking. 

Neil never met or saw a photo of Ajax's mother, she’d died when Ajax was seven, and apparently, his dad burned everything she owned and every photo in a fit of grief-stricken anger –at least that's what Jason had info dumped on Neil at the beginning of the school year. It was a fact though that Ajax was very different from the rest of his blonde-haired, green-eyed family. Ajax's hair was a mess of oak brown curls on top of his head and his baby blue eyes always looked bright with amusement, even when he was feeling down. His sharp features were all angles and almost no softness, making him look like a mischievous elf.

He was shorter than Neil, about Andrew's height but Neil could tell he had some growing up to do. He was ready to bet that next year Ajax would go through a growth spurt and come back to school much taller than Neil, it was all in the hands and feet, that were disproportionately large for his small body.

Neil cleaned his throat not knowing the appropriate way of reacting. If this was about one of his friends he could shit-talk the other party to his heart's content but Ajax was his student. He couldn’t very well talk like that about his students' parents even though some of them deserved it, so he chose to change the subject. “Ajax, this is Andrew.”

Ajax turned to observe Andrew with sharp eyes. “You the guy that picked up Mr. Josten yesterday.”

“Very observant of you,” Andrew replied and Ajax narrowed his eyes trying to determine if Andrew was mocking him.

“How do you know Mr. Josten?”

“From high school.”

“Are you a teacher as well? Don't look like it.”

“From when he was in high school.” Andrew clarified. “And what does a teacher look like?”

“Wow! That's ages ago.” Neil did not appreciate the jab, he was 26, and that was hardly old. “ And I don't know, boring?” Ajax shrugged.

“Hey!” Neil exclaimed, offended. First old and now boring? He did not look boring, not at all.

Andrew smirked a little. “Well, thank you.”

“So…” The boy asked as he placed his elbow on the table. “What do you do?”

“Is this 20 questions?” Neil was close to having an aneurysm. He glared at Ajax, forgetting that he had sympathized with him a moment ago, and begged the boy to take a hint in his mind. “And if yes it should be me asking, as this is my date.

“This is a date? I couldn’t tell.” He directed big, innocent doe eyes at them.

“Do you enjoy annoying me?” By the glint in Ajax's eyes, Neil was pretty sure the answer was yes.

“I'm just surprised you're interested in dating.” He turned back to Andrew as he explained. “When the year had just started a few girls asked Mr. Josten if he had a girlfriend. When he said no they asked if he had a boyfriend e do you know what he said?” Ajax inclined over the tabletop in Andrew’s direction with an eager expression, as if confiding a secret.

“Do tell me,” Andrew said and Ajax paused, unsure if he was really interested in hearing the story. It was clear Andrew's monotone was confusing to him, but still, he wouldn’t pass the chance to make fun of Neil. Maybe Neil should be more distant with his students but he enjoyed being the favorite teacher even though the least-liked teacher more often than not was the one who taught math. He liked being a contradiction.

“He said he didn’t swing.” Ajax laughed. “Do you believe it? I could hear their hearts breaking”

“He’s been saying that for years.” 

“Why did you even agree to go on a date with him?” He pointed at Neil with his head as if he couldn't fathom why Andrew would want to.

“He accosted me while we watched anime,” Andrew replied and Ajax nodded in understanding. He was just about to say something else when the waitress reached their table to take their order.

“My name’s Jenny and I will be your waitress for today. What can I get you guys?” She asked in a cheerful way and with a pleasant smile. 

She turned slightly to Neil and presented him with the menu along with a bat of her eyes but Neil didn't give her a second look and immediately passed the menu on to Andrew, who arched a brow at the situation before taking it

“Can you order something for us?” He asked before looking at Ajax. “Ajax, can I talk to you for a minute?”

Neil then led Ajax to a corner of the bistro close to the entrance. “Ajax, I like you a lot, kid, but God help me if you don't go away I’ll make sure you don't graduate from high school forever. I’m trying to do something here.”

“Relax, Mr. Josten. I didn’t intend to really crash your date with Loverboy anyway, I was just having some fun getting under your skin.

“Good, bye then.” Neil turned to go back to his and Andrew’s table but Ajax spoke again. “Make sure to say only good things to Jason at the next teacher-parents meeting. No bullying stuff to be mentioned.”

Neil made a face but at Ajax’s arched eyebrow, he nodded. It would depend on what the other kids were doing to Ajax when the time came. He was always a liar at heart anyway, one more, one less wouldn't make a difference at this point, so he promised away.

When he returned to the table Andrew glanced up from the menu. “You didn't need to send him away. It’s not like this is a real date.”

It hurt a little that Andrew was shrugging off every one of Neil's hints and not seeing this as a real date. Neil didn't know if Andrew was just that oblivious or if this was his way of letting Neil down gently. Was he not being clear enough that he wanted to get in Andrew in his pants? Better yet, he wanted Andrew’s heart because his heart had beaten only for Andrew’s for years now.

Neil forced a laugh before saying. “Ajax is a great kid, but I’m not sure how to act when I meet students out of school. Besides, this is our test drive.”

“Test drive?” Andrew arched an eyebrow at that.

“Yes, if we convince everyone we meet that we are a couple we can convince our friends too.”

“That’s a flawed logic.” Andrew pointed out. “Our friends have known us for years. Those people don’t know how we usually act.”

Neil gave Andrew his brightest smile. “Our friends,” he emphasized. “Thought we were a couple for years.”

Andrew's eyes narrowed and he crossed his arm, leaning back on the chair as he observed Neil like he was the weirdest creature on the planet. “Then what is the point of today?”

“You’ll know soon enough. Now, what did you want to order? Are we doing breakfast at lunch, just dessert, or what?”

In the end, they did not order breakfast food but had pasta instead, along with half the dessert menu. When they were getting ready to leave another unpredictable situation arose. Their waitress, who Neil had not given much thought to during their time there, thought it was a good idea to hit on Neil when he was clearly on a date.

They were preparing to leave and Neil had waived to her so she could bring them their bill when she passed him a note with her phone number and a kiss mark to him instead. “Call me if you want to have fun sometime?” She drawled out in what Neil thought was an attempt at a sultry voice. A poor one at that, 0 out of 10. Not attractive at all.

He gave her a polite closed-lip smile before saying as he nodded his head at Andrew. “I don't think my boyfriend would like that very much.”

“Oh, I'm not jealous, your boy can come too.” She chuckled lightly at her own joke as her hand went up to Neil’s arms and stroked it. Neil faltered at her lack of senses before he tried to shrink away from her touch. Yeah, Neil would not be coming back to this restaurant. What was a pity, he’d liked the ambiance and the food had been really good but staff that didn't get boundaries was a turnoff.

 Andrew's face got dark the second the blonde waitress put her hands on Neil and he slammed his fist at the table, growling when the waitress looked back at him with wide eyes. She was trembling, Neil noticed.

“I suggest you keep your hands to yourself if you don’t want to lose it.” He threatened. His expression was so vicious that he looked like an avenging angel passing on due judgment to an insignificant mortal. That Neil could attest was a turn-on.

“We would like the check now,” Neil informed the spooked waitress, he couldn't even remember her name. “If she acts like this with everyone who comes here for a date she’s not getting much tips.” He said out loud when she went away at an admirable speed.

“Don’t act like you don’t have a mirror at home,” Andrew said evenly, the cold anger in his eyes slowly disappearing.

“Is that your way of saying you think I'm pretty?” Neil asked, batting his eyelashes at Andrew. “Well, thank you, love.”

“Let's get the fuck out of here before I get indigestion.” He changed the subject without denying it, which made Neil immensely happy.

— — — 

After leaving the bisto they moved to the bookstore next door, that part of the date unfolded like Neil expected at least. The bookstore was almost empty and they spent their time there browsing the shelves and reading while laying on one of the couches. In the end, Andrew brought six books and Neil found two books that looked interesting so wrote down the titles so he could buy the audiobooks, as he hardly had the patience for reading but liked hearing the stories while he was running or working out at the gym.

“What did you buy?” He asked Andrew when they walked out of the store.

“Two thrillers, one fantasy book, one horror comic, and two books about legal matters regarding child and family law.”

When they reached the parking lot they stopped by the Maserati so Andrew could throw in the paper bag with his new books before continuing to walk to their next location as it was close enough. Neil looked at Andrew's hand intensely until Andrew sighed and offered it up to him. Neil smiled softly and held Andrew’s hand.

“I thought you weren't interested in child and family law,” Neil commented.

“Bee offered me a job at her non-profit.” He said. “It would be a step down in terms of pay, but–” He cut himself with a sigh. Neil could tell he was feeling conflicted about it.

Andrew had told Neil about Betsy's non-profit. She had always been involved in some kind of charity but last year she had begun her own dedicated to helping abused kids and or parents. They offered free counseling and basic medical help, legal counsel, and shelter to those who found themself in need.

“Are you sure you want to work there?” Neil asked in concern and Andrew scowled at him. “I’m serious Andrew, this last month was difficult, with Georgie's case and everything. Working at Betsy’s non-profit would put you in constant contact with children in home situations like that.”

“It’s a good cause,” was all he said, eyes cast down so Neil wouldn't get a good read at them. But Neil knew how to read Andrew even if he was avoiding his eyes.

“I know, and I think the work she’s doing is admirable –Hell, I was a kid in a difficult home situation once– but you have to think what is best for you. Can you cope with it without it triggering you, or hurting you? It’s not the time to be altruistic at the expense of yourself. You taught me that.”

“It would be good if I were to foster in the future.” He uttered.

Neil was so shocked by that statement that he tripped on his feet and would have fallen if Andrew hadn't pulled him back by the grip he had on Neil’s hand.

Neil looked at Andrew with wide eyes, mouth hanging up. “You want to foster?” He gulped while he waited for Andrew to respond. This had never been something Andrew had remotely alluded to before.

“I thought about it. I don't know if I could with– with my record, but hell if I know. People of worse history have become foster parents before.”

“You would be great at it, I'm sure.” Neil squeezed his hand. “You have always been a caregiver.”

Andrew scoffed but said nothing more.

They walked in silence for a little before Neil spoke again, “I’m going to support you in whatever you decide, you know that, right?” Andrew hummed. “I meant it Andrew, I'm here and I'm never going away as long as you want me here.”

Andrew looked down at their hands clasped together before nodding. Neil directed him a smile, hoping it would convey everything he couldn't say yet. He even allowed himself to imagine a life where he and Andrew fostered or adopted together. He loved Stuart and was immensely grateful for him but the time he spent in his care wasn't what he could call home, even when Lisa had come along. And Neil desperately wanted it, deep down he knew he wanted the picket fence dream, and he wanted it with Andrew. That thought made him even more determined to end this date on a high note.

He had high hopes when he walked into their last location, the roller rink. The place was new, only about six months since its inauguration. He had heard about it from a few people and Allison and Renee had a date there that Alisson described as one of their best ones yet. Neil waggered it would be a good place for their date, with good activities to do together, good junk food, and good music. It had a few points that could be counted as a con. 

As soon as Neil walked in he was hit with the smell of buttered popcorn and cotton candy that brought Neil back to the time he skipped summer school class to go to the amusement park with Andrew before Andrew went on his university tour trip with Aaron and Katelyn. They were going to visit about six schools even though they most probably would go to USC. At that time he was about to begin his junior year, but he was determined to graduate early so he could join Andrew’s college the next year.

Neil, Aaron, Katelyn, Andrew, and Kevin had decided to spend the day there before they all left the next day. It would have been almost like a double date if it wasn't for Kevin. Back then he had spent half the time angry and jealous of Andrew and Kevin's relationship even though it was clear they were just friends. The second half was better as he convinced Andrew to slip away to go to a haunted house and lose the rest of them.

“Doesn't this remind you of that time we went to the amusement park?” He tugged at Andrew's hand, aiming a cheeky smile at him.

“The one you spent half the time arguing with Kevin.”

“What can I say, he was a pain in the ass back then.”

“This implies he isn't one now.” 

Neil rolled his eyes at that and pointed to the counter next to the entrance. “Do you want to get us the skates?”

Andrew shrugged but walked over to the counter fishing his wallet from his tight skinny jeans’ pocket. Neil observed him go and tried to calm down a bit, now he needed courage and mentally prepared for what he needed to do. He was going to ask if Andrew wanted to kiss him any moment now.

“Oh, Mr. Josten,” A voice called out for him and Neil sighed. Please God, not now, he pleaded, but when he turned a middle-aged woman stood in front of him. “ What a surprise to see you here.” 

“Because us teachers never leave the school,” Neil mumbled under his breath, annoyed to meet yet another person who knew him. Is it too much to ask people to pretend they don't know teachers when they see them in a social setting off-school?

“What did you say?” She asked, oblivious to his annoyance.

“Nothing, it’s good to see you, Mrs. Johnson. How is your husband? And Kate?”

“Good, good, just there, on the rink.” She pointed to the man in the red long-sleeve jersey who could barely stand up in the skates and the teenage girl who was trying to hold him up amid a laughing fit. “Too much of an adventure for me, you see. I could never.” She let out a high-pitched giggle that went straight to Neil’s brain and caused a headache to begin to form. “Is this a friend of yours?” She pointed at Andrew who had returned to Neil's side with their skates frowning in judgment.

Off work, Andrew was very different from his put-together work look. He was wearing black skinny jeans with rips on both knees, a tight black short-sleeved t-shirt, and black combat boots. The tattoos on his forearms peeked out from beneath his black armbands, a pop of red from one of the roses, the only color on him aside from the strands of mussed light blond hair he didn’t bother to comb that morning after Neil’s finger had made it even more of a mess. He had also put on his many earrings, plus the black eyebrow piercing that stood out so much more due to the contrast with his blonde brows.

“You could say that,” Neil paused dramatically. “We’re roommates.” He snickered a little, almost a giggle, and raised an eyebrow at her but Mrs. Johnson didn't get the joke. Not a fan of BL fiction apparently.

Andrew rolled his eyes at Neil’s antics and didn't bother even saying anything to Mrs. Johnson. “Here your death-on-wheels.” He said passing one of the patins to Neil.

Neil directed another fake smile at Mrs. Johnson, who still observed them confused. “It was great seeing you, Mrs. Johnson, but we’re going to adventure ourselves on the rink.” With that, he offered his hand to Andrew who after shrugging took it in his.

“Thank God you came back,” Neil said in a hushed tone. “It’s the second time we met someone I know from school today. We should have snuggled on the couch and watched TV instead, at least it would be just the two of us.”

Neil was beginning to develop a hatred for small towns. They encountered someone at every corner. They stopped briefly at the entrance of the rink to put on their skates before joining the crowd, Neil taking to it with graceful ease and Andrew unsteadily managing to balance himself.

“Remember me, why the hell did I agree to do this?” He grunted.

“Because you think I'm charming.” Neil was starting to believe it to be true as Andrew always went along with his crazy ideas. 

“You’ll be the death of me, Josten.” He grumbled and held tight to Neil’s forearms as his legs threatened to give out on him.

“Come on. Hold on to me and everything’ll be fine.”

“I hate you.”

“You know, you've been saying that for years and I believe it less and less.” Neil chuckled.

 “I’ll kill you in your sleep someday.” He threatened.

Neil’s brows went up and down in a suggestive way. “It would be easier if we shared a bed.”

“Not happening.” Andrew scoffed at Neil.

“Don't knock it till you try it,” Neil said, bringing Andrew closer to him. “Maybe sleeping with me is just what’s been missing from your life.” He whispered softly against Andrew’s hair.

“Can you shut up and keep us from falling and cracking our heads?” Andrew's voice came out rough and Neil's stomach made a cartwheel, a giddy smile rising in his face.

“Don’t worry if you fall I’ll catch you or fall with you. I’ve heard that falling together it's the best feeling.” Cheesy, Neil knew it but he couldn't stop now.

“What has got into you lately?” Andrew frowned and tried to move away to look at Neil’s face but when his skates started to slip and he almost lost balance he clanged to Neil again. “You have been talking nonsense all your life but this is a new level even for you”

“I have never been more aware of what I say, Andrew. Every little word I'm saying right now means something and I would appreciate it if you pieced it together. But now put your hand on my waist.”

“Sorry, what?”

“Come on, we’re dancing, now pull me close like you meant it. Hold tight to me, darling.” He winked.

“There are parents here.” Andrew declared flatly. “And I sure as hell am not dancing on these things.” he motioned to the rollers.

“So? It’s not like just because I’m a teacher I can’t have a personal life. If I want to dance in public with my boyfriend I can very well do that and screw what everyone else thinks. 

“But I’m not,” he said evenly. “Truly your boyfriend.”

“For now I’m saying you are. You can act like that whenever you want, you can even kiss me.”

“That’s not funny, Neil.” Andrew's face grew cold as he peered at Neil.

“I thought we had already established that I don't have a sense of humor.”

“This fact becomes more and more evident.” He said, before mumbling so low that Neil almost didn't catch what he said. “Just like you becoming more and more cruel.”

Neil faltered for a moment. He couldn't understand what Andrew meant so he asked, “What does that mean?”

“Nothing for you to know.” Andrew dismissed with a flick of his hand.

Neil pondered over it for a moment but came to no conclusion, so he just whirled them around the rink to the rhythm of a disco song avoiding the crazed teenagers that flew past them. Andrew's hands held tight to Neil in apprehension as if Neil was the only thing keeping him standing– which he pretty much was.

Neil was having the time of his life as he moved backward smiling the whole time. When they stopped in the center of the rink and a new song came on, Neil took the initiative to bend his head in Andrew's direction until their foreheads were touching, breath coming short at their proximity, and heart pounding in his chest. He was going to kiss Andrew now. It would be magic, he could already tell just by the way fireworks ignited on his stomach and his heart somersaulted out of his chest cavity. His palms became humid with sweat and his mouth dried out, but he was going to do it anyway. 

He leaned in, his mouth approaching Andrew’s until it was a hair away, and waited for Andrew to pull away. When he didn’t, Neil went for it. Just as their lips were about to touch Neil heard a loud whistle above the music and a cacophony of voice yelling. “Get it, Mr. Josten.”

His head snapped back to where six of his students were pillowed on top of one another on the bleaches at one side of the rink laughing and pointing at him. He looked back at Andrew to find him with a vacant gaze, blank face two shades paler than usual, looking as if he was going to be sick or pass out.

To be honest Neil didn't remember the last time he cried but right now he wanted to cry from sheer frustration, he was so close. He just wanted this day to be about him and Andrew. But instead, he encountered someone who knew him from school in every location he had planned. This was supposed to be the day he made Andrew his and instead, he now had his school kids making fun of them and ruining their first kiss before it even happened.

“Let’s go home.” He sighed, at least at home it was just the two of them, well that is until Allison and the other arrived for dinner.

They scurried away from the rink still hearing the chant of the noisy teenagers and Neil vowed to make the rest of their senior year hell. He would squish every little spark of joy from them with surprise tests and impossible-to-complete assignments until they cried and begged for mercy.

The walk and drive back home were silent, a gloomy cloud of self-doubt and loathing hovering above Neil’s head that grew bigger with each passing minute. Why wasn’t Andrew saying anything? Neil was sure he noticed what he was going to do on the rink. Andrew hadn’t pushed him away or given any indication that he didn’t want Neil to proceed and kiss him. But maybe he had just been too shocked to react, he had looked the closest to terrified Neil had ever seen him after the kid began to goad them to kiss.

Neil waited in agony until they reached their apartment and stopped in the middle of the living room before turning back to Andrew and questioning him. “Do you like me? Like, like-like me?” He said, immediately regretting it. Way to sound stupid on the most exhilarating and yet terrifying moment of his entire life.

Andrew blinked at him for one long, excruciating second before crossing his bulging arms. “What are we, twelve or something?”

Neil glared at him, a deep scowl on his face. “Stop deflecting Andrew, I need to know. I'm tired of waiting and waiting for you to piece it together.” His heart tumbled on a beat as he stepped closer to Andrew. He was going to do it, let it all out in the open. “I like you, Andrew, I’m head over heels for you.”

“Since when?” Andrew asked in an even voice and for the first time in their friendship Neil could not for the life of him read Andrew's face.

“I realized it on the day you left for your university touring trip. I still had two years until I could join you and the thought of not seeing you every day, even though you would be just a few hours away, terrified me. That was the sole reason why I applied to graduate early. But again when I think about it I guess I liked you way before that, I just didn't know what the feeling was at the time. Maybe even from the very first time I saw you. You just intrigued me so much”

“You’re ace, Neil.”

“That doesn't change what I feel for you. Asexuality is a spectrum, Andrew. It has always been you for me.”

Andrew said nothing, his eyes panning around the room at everything but Neil. If this was a cartoon smoke would be coming out of his head. He was malfunctioning.

 “Are you going to say something, I feel like I’m dying right now.” Neil’s voice cracked but Andrew still didn't look at him.

“I think this would be a bad idea.” Andrew started and Neil's heart broke in a million little pieces. His chest became a hallowed black hole and he felt panic slamming over him like a wave threatening to drown him and lead him into nothingness. 

This was a rejection. He put his heart on Andrew's hand and, even though he was sure Andrew would never purposely hurt him, he had just squeezed and crushed it until it no longer had any pulse. And the worst thing was that Neil himself broke their friendship ‒just like Andrew was breaking his heart‒ the moment he fell for his best friend. Now things would never be the same. It would be awkward and none of the easy understanding they had between them would be left, because right now Neil couldn't even look at Andrew without dying a little more inside.

He had hoped. But the thing about hope is that people are so enthralled by it that they forget its destructive power. And Neil hoped and then he forgot he was unlovable.

Andrew opened his mouth to say something else when the doorbell rang like the cry of a dying animal in the silence of their home.

----------

— Don't hate me guys —

— What do you all think is going to happen next? What does Andrew mean? —

— This one here was ambitious, by the end I had a 13 page document more than the last two part together. I spent so much time adding and editing stuff out. I cogitated splitting it in two parts to update earlier but decided not to. I think it turned out okay. Let me know what you guy think —

Check Part 4

[hbyrde36]

Updated 10/23/2024

Fuggi Regal Fantasima

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Two days after they failed to defeat Vecna, after Max died and came back, after Eddie died—and didn’t. Two days after they were forced to leave his body behind in the Upside Down because everything had gone to shit, a bright yellow pizza delivery van that looked like it’d been through its own apocalypse pulled into the Wheeler's driveway. Jonathan, Mike, Will, and El finally made it home to Hawkins with the help of a friend. On day three, Max woke up. She’d have a long road to recovery, but the doctors seemed fairly confident she’d walk again. Though, no one could be sure how much of her eyesight would return, if any. The same day, in a twist no one saw coming, Joyce showed up, fresh off a plane from Alaska after escaping Russia—yes, Russia—with a miraculously alive and mostly well Jim Hopper. And four days after the world both did and didn’t end, the ghost of Eddie Munson appeared in Steve’s living room.

Midsummer Nights

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This summer they were eighteen, part of the graduating class of 1999, on the brink of college, and finally old enough to be hired as full fledged counselors with paychecks and days off and everything. Not that it paid much, but Steve wasn’t in it for the money. He was in it for the love of the place. Sunset Lake Camp had become a second home to him over the last decade of his life, his real home, and the people there like family. Robin was mainly in it for Steve, excited at the prospect of getting to spend the entire Summer with him for once instead of the single session, two short weeks, she was used to—all her folks had been able to afford each year growing up. It was poised to be the best summer of Steve’s life. Then he met Eddie.

Caught in the Undertow

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Against all odds, Steve Harrington saved Eddie Munson from certain death. And Eddie doesn’t think he’ll ever be able to forgive him for it.

Canon divergence - Eddie lives, suicidal ideation, sad with a happy ending, angst with happy ending, POV alternating, good uncle Wayne Munson

It's Only Forever

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Labyrinth AU | 43K | Mature | Mild Sexual Content

Little did Steve know that uttering the ridiculous phrase, “I wish the goblins would come and take you away,” would turn his world upside down, and buy him a one way ticket to a nightmare maze.

Thirteen hours, one for every year of Dustin’s life, was all the time he had to solve the Labyrinth, make it to the castle beyond the Goblin City, and save his little brother from being trapped there with the Goblin King forever

…The extremely hot Goblin King, who was maybe not quite what he seemed, but still tried to thwart Steve at every turn.

Teaser & snippet

“Goblins” Promo

"Helping Hands" Promo

No Vacancy

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When Eddie Munson arrived at the Buckingham Beach Motel to spend the summer with his best friend Chrissy and her business partner Robin, the absolute last person he expected to see hanging around in the lobby was former King of Hawkins High and renowned jock asshole, Steve fucking Harrington. To make matters worse, Eddie found that Steve's presence was just the tip of the iceberg—long story short? Mistakes were made and it turned out the motel was a little overbooked...

Who even goes on blind dates anymore?

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After several failed long-term relationships with fuckboys that weren’t worth his time and heartache, who ran the second things got real, he joined the apps—quickly realizing that most of the guys he found on there were only looking for sex. Which was fun and all, but Eddie wanted more. He was looking for romance, a spark, someone he could see spending his life with, who was also looking for a partner. Someone who wasn’t allergic to commitment. So, he’d quit the apps. And when Chrissy told him she had a guy she wanted him to meet he figured, fuck it, he’d tried everything else.

Times Like These

Anniversary Post

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When Eddie finds himself back in his living room, staring down a very alive Chrissy Cunningham, after just having bled to death himself in the middle of a nightmare world, he was rightfully very, very fucking confused. -Or- What happens when the new guy, who only just got inducted into the fucked up world of monsters and mayhem, gets stuck in a time loop and finds himself responsible for saving everyone?

I Don't Think We're In Hawkins Anymore, Big Boy

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After being run off the road in a freak accident during a terrible storm, Steve and Eddie find that not only have they committed vehicular manslaughter, but they’ve also somehow been whisked away to a strange land. The journey is rough and they are being hunted for revenge, but through it all Steve and Eddie grow closer than ever as they try and find their way home with the help of some new friends with familiar faces. -Or- Steddie Wizard of Oz

Hellfire Ink

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Written for the Stranger Things Reverse Big Bang 2023/2024

Not for the first time, Eddie was really regretting his decision to book a client on a Friday night, a new client at that. It wasn’t as if he had anything better to do, exactly. There were no dates on his calendar, and going out to random bars and clubs on the weekends to look for quick hook-ups had begun losing its appeal lately. But it’d been a long week, and he’d much rather be getting ready to plop down on the couch with Chrissy to split a bottle of red wine while they watched Drag Race, than preparing to do a cover up for some idiot who’d gotten their girlfriend’s name tattooed on his body, only to fall victim to—The Curse. Ask any tattoo artist and they’d be the first to tell you, there was no surer way to guarantee a breakup than to ink your significant other’s name on your body forever.

Life is a Game (and True Love is a Trophy)

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For years Eddie has been playing D&D with his cousin Dustin and his friends. It’s a crazy home brew campaign of his own design that plays fast and loose with the lore, weaving in heavily embellished events from their real lives. They play themselves, filling out a full cast of NPC’s with the likenesses of friends, family, and strangers. It’s been a wild ride. The game is set in Hawkins, but not quite their Hawkins. This manifestation of their hometown is full of dark secrets, including a shady government agency, evil scientists, and another dimension full of dangerous creatures hiding on the other side of reality. They’ve just wrapped their most recent session before spring break 1986. It was a bittersweet end to an epic part of the story. A blast to play through, but they didn’t beat the bad guy, and the party has been left in ruins. Eddie’s character is dead, one of their favorite NPC’s is in a coma, and the world has literally split apart at the seams. Honestly, Eddie’s not sure how they come back from this. - In 1983 Steve Harrington joined the search for a missing boy and found something he never bargained for. In 1984 Steve Harrington disappeared.

Honey, You're Familiar

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Written for the Stranger Things Writer's Guild Hozier Project, a collection of one-shots inspired by songs from Hozier's self titled album. The word count limit was 3,000 and I chose the song From Eden

🖤The Crawl

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Inspired by the VERY little information we have about the Stranger Things writer's plans for season 5 Time travel stories love to play with the idea that one small act can have an incredible impact on the future. What if, in a crazy twist of fate, Will Byers was rescued from the Upside Down a day early and with just a little knowledge of what was to come. Would it be enough to change everything?

POV Will Byers, POV Eddie Munson, POV Steve Harrington, time shenanigans, fix-it of sorts, angst with a happy ending, friends to lovers, falling in love, confessions, first kiss, character death, HAPPY ENDING

Steve Harrington: Vampire Hunter

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Steve Harrington is an animator. It’s a job that involves raising the dead; sometimes as a service for mourning relatives looking for closure, often as a tool for the courts to settle disputes. He is also a licensed vampire hunter. Two years ago, vampirism became legal in the United States, granting its undead population citizenship. With this new legal status comes a complication for Steve, as he finds himself tasked with helping the very creatures he is accustomed to killing. Speaking of complications, Steve struggles in more ways than one when he finds himself working closely with none other than Eddie Munson, an undeniably sexy several-hundred-years old master vampire. Or, The Anita Blake/Steddie mashup that nobody asked for but I’m having far too much fun with.

Modern AU, Vampire AU (Anita Blake AU/mashup),  aged up characters, enemies to lovers, slow burn, eventual smut, dream sex, vampires, wereanimals, zombies, other supernatural things eventually

Shelter In Place

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Written for Lex’s Spicy Six Summer Challenge! My prompt was : Hurricane

When a major Hurricane is projected to hit Hawkins (technically it’s more like the remnants of a hurricane, but the residents of Hawkins don’t really know the difference or care), Dustin is worried about his new friend and DM, Eddie Munson, who lives in a trailer, a structure not known for its resilience against severe weather. He invites the older boy to ride the storm out with him and his mom at home, unaware that she has made arrangements for them to stay with family that live far away from the storm's trajectory. Dustin doesn’t want to leave his friend high and dry, enter everyone’s favorite babysitter: Steve Harrington.

[strandnreyes]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

@rmd-writes @welcometololaland @three-drink-amy thanks for providing me with procrastination material <3

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

58

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

957,577. with the unpublished words of meet you after dark, I'll be very close to 1,000,000. I'm almost certain I'll hit it by the end of the year (at least that's my goal)

3. What fandoms do you write for?

911 Lone Star

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

anchor up to me, love (this being my top fic by kudos is so shocking to me lol it's just a 3x05 coda that I think I wrote the day after the episode aired, I really didn't think it was that special)

pushing boundaries

haunted by the ghost of you

one single thread

yours for the weekend

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Yes, I try to respond to them all! That being said, I've very behind right now but I promise I'll get back to you!

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

hold on - This is probably the only 'unhappy' ending I have, but it's more so just unresolved because it's a 3x01 coda written before any of the other episodes in that arc aired. and 3x01 is not a happy episode lol

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

they pretty much all do in general so I don't think I could pick one specifically that stands out

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Not really, but it has happened a few times

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Yes, but usually incorporated within a story, not as a standalone. I think the only PWP fic I wrote is when push comes to shove. and even that has some plot

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

No crossovers

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

As far as I'm aware, no

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

I don't think so

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Not officially

14. What’s your all time favorite ship?

Carlos and TK <3

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

idk if I can call this a WIP, but there's always been an idea in my mind about writing a fic inspired by the book Carlos was writing in as if you were a mythical thing. it's a 1970s camp counselor slasher murder mystery style fic that I wrote a little bit of for this prompt fill, but I don't know if a full au will ever come out of it. shame because the playlist and moodbord would slap

16. What are your writing strengths?

world building, banter, angst that feels like a punch in the gut, giving the happy ending room to breathe

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

smut I feel like. need to learn new ways to say the same exact thing

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

I think it makes total sense and feels authentic for it to be there every once in a while for non-crucial story details if a character speaks another language

19. First fandom you wrote for?

911 Lone Star

20. Favorite fic you’ve written?

I'm going to go with your first string. I think that has my most full-fledged character arcs and full circle storyline. It's my longest fic and I never really got sick of writing it, which is a pretty good indicator that I enjoyed it

no pressure tagging @reyesstrand @carlos-in-glasses @theghostofashton @orchidscript @freneticfloetry + anyone else!

[deviousfatestudio]

hi it's me with the copy and paste comment i realize i could of just copy and paste “BroZones talent in a bottle” part. anyway, i have questions so heres 6.

are the bros just evil or do they have guilt and stuff?

did the bros do something to grandma to you know keep branch?

will the bros ever break out of the crazy mindset the perfect harmony put them in?

i know you mention due to branch being so young when they manage to hit the perfect harmony, he not crazy, however come he not crazy like the bros in the future did they no use it at all during Thos 20 years?

does poppy make an appearance in this at all or is it just the bros?

how long was branch trapped in the bottle was it a few months like floyd was or years?

i have more but i cant think of anything.

IM SO EXCITED HELLOOOOO

You can just call it Bottle Branch au or bottle I’ll understand 😙

1) full fledged fuckers. Under the family stability rating they’re at -45% which means the brothers are not allowed anywhere NEAR their branch or any other. (Maybe…)

2) grandma is the reason branch knows of other trolls and becomes friends with them! She managed to get away with branch for a bit and that’s how he knows of poppy and the others. Creek is who tattles to the brothers about it. (Fuck creek. All my homies hate creek)

Grandma doesn’t make it through the winter. Branch blames himself

3) so by crazy mindset I mean they kinda act like canon!velvet. They go mad with fame and power and want more and they do not. At least how I have it currently. In the multiverse fic I have in mind they’re actually the main villains.

4) branch isn’t crazy because to him he just wanted to sing with his brothers. I’m realizing now what I meant was a bit misleading

More so- the perfect family harmony really pushes emotions to a high. The brothers were all thinking different things and different emotions. JD with perfection, Floyd with wanting to be famous, clay wanting to be taken seriously, and Spruce wanting to be cared for. The family harmony kinda made those go haywire but isn’t controlling them. It just pushed them over the edge they created for themselves. Think of it like drugs… kinda

Branch however was only thinking of playing with his brothers. This is one of the main reasons that even after nearly dying he still believes his brothers mean him no harm. That boy needs so much therapy.

More family harmony means more pushing those emotions and just making them sink deeper and deeper into that hole. Branch, by the time he’s the age of canon branch, quite literally obeys his brothers every command. Spruce has actually broken his arm on multiple occasions and branch apologizes to him.

5) she does! Grandma rosie puff would bring a young branch over to play. She warned poppy to not let branch’s brothers know. Poppy didn’t understand until she saw the brothers pick up branch. Branch was bruised.

6) it’s over the course of 10 years on and off. They plan to build up stock since they know too much all at once will kill branch. They also know that branch learning from other trolls boosts the talent he gives so they have him travel around. This is where some of the other trolls we know and love start noticing some shit. Especially 4 trolls branch had been super close with. (Kismet found family is a HILL I WILL FUCKING DIE ON)

By the end of it when veneer and velvet manage to save branch with the aid of p much every other troll branch is in bad shape. All the other branch’s tend to go visit him instead of him traveling around.

Branch came to full crystallization ( but reversed back like Floyd as the brothers knew how to time it) multiple times over the course of those 10 years and THAT led to a lot of damage. He usually feels cold and tired. His energy drains quickly and his singing voice, while still beautiful, is very weak. He can barely participate in dancing and singing. Most times he can walk but there are times he can’t at all. It’s bad and the slow realization his brothers actually did mean him harm makes him lose his colors possibly. Still working it out.

Kinda thinking of having viva be the whistle blower?? Or she could be fucked up like them. Not sure.

[novelizt]

Not yet done with the Lockwood Hogwarts AU so here's a snippet from the Folklore: Peace songfic I was working on as an apology 💙

On occasion, Lockwood forgot that there were people who lived outside of the psychical realm. It's all he'd ever known, really. So, it's like stepping into a whole new world when he had to do something as typical as getting flowers before visiting the cemetery.

Ardour Flower Shop was arguably the best place to get flowers. The owner, Mr. and Mrs. Valentine, had serviced flowers for Lockwood's parents and sister's funeral way back when. All for free.

Even if they made it clear that he didn't owe them anything, Lockwood made it a point to only ever visit them if he needed flowers.

The week before, he had become an adult. He thought it was right to visit his family and tell them how he felt about it.

He ducked under Ardour's striped awning and smiled when the golden bells above the door jingled. Mr. Valentine appeared at the counter in an instant, donning a smile that could put the world at ease.

"Anthony, how are you son?"

Lockwood hummed, allowing his eyes to take in the floral arrangement Mrs. Valentine changed every week.

"I'm doing alright, Mr. V. How are you and the missus?"

"Happier," the older man chirped. He had a pep to his step and more lucid eyes. "What can I get you today?"

"Hyacinths and lavender, as usual," Lockwood shoved his hand into his pockets to begin counting his coins. "What's happened this week to make you this smiley?"

Lockwood looked up from his countings and found Mr. Valentine fetching the flowers. The man looked softer somehow. The Valentines were always soft, but Lockwood could feel something special in the air that day.

Mr. Valentine fetched a foot of twine, brown paper, and white plastic wrapper before he answered. "Our daughter's come home."

Lockwood tried not to look surprised, but he was doing a rather bad job of it. He'd known the Valentines since he was ten, and he had no clue that they had a daughter.

He cleared his throat to push down the guilt. They had done so much for him, but he didn't know that important of a fact until then.

"Really?" Lockwood chuckled, finding his sense. "How long has she been away?"

"Nine years," Mr. Valentine sighed, like he couldn't believe it had been that long. "She's a scholar. Been traveling all over the place since her mentor took her under her wing."

Lockwood raised his voice when the crunch of plastic Mr. Valentine was wrapping around the hyacinths echoed in the little shop. "That's . . . a surprisingly long time. You must be enthralled that she's finally home."

"Not 'finally' just yet."

That's when Mr. V's hands slowed by a fraction. He had gotten tangled in his thoughts. Lockwood had never seen the man falter in the many years he had known him. To say that the hiccup was concerning was putting it lightly.

"Why is that?" Lockwood asked. Nine years of just study . . . he assumed that would make you a genius.

Mr. V smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "She's only here for half a year before she has to resume her studies."

"I see," Lockwood turned the coins in his palm, unsure of what to say next. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Don't worry yourself, Anthony. We're used to it, she's used to it. All I'm concerned about is her lack of enjoyment. Her teacher is a dementor, if I'd ever seen one." Mr. V wrapped up the lavender twice as fast, returning to his usual level of chipperness. "She's your age, you know. You've got George and Lucy with you. My girl doesn't have friends like that."

"Shame..."

"I know," Mr. V grinned even wider as he slid the finished bundles across the counter. "I was thinking that you could do me a favor, son."

Lockwood took the brown paper and plastic bundles before placing his money in Mr. Valentine's hands. "Anything, Mr. V."

Mr. Valentine deposited the cash into the register before turning to Lockwood will full-fledged attention. "Could you make friends with my girl? Just while she's here. I want her to feel normal. And don't tell her I asked. She's just like her mother in that sense — stubborn, refusing to accept help. It's cute, but they're too hard-headed for their own good sometimes."

Lockwood righted his smile, nodding lightly. "Will do, sir."

"I'll hold you to it then," Mr. V set his elbows on the counter, waving Lockwood goodbye. Before the bell jingled once more, he added, "She'll be manning the store on Friday!"

"I won't forget!"

[kanamori-kamper-moved]

🎶 aztecshipping?

NO BECAUSE I LOVE THIS ONE?? Alright this is just a thinly veiled excuse to show off my stupid au where Yuma is a prince and Trey is a knight. I WILL MAKE A FULL FLEDGED POST ABOUT IT SOON I SWEAR BUT ANYWAYS HOPE YOU ENJOY!!! This was the only idea I had so I hope you don’t mind </3

As always, transfem Trey, so she uses the feminine pronoun!

Ask game

-

Yuma has never liked his birthday. Sure, the cake and the gifts were nice, but he never liked the huge ball thrown for him every time it happened. It was too loud, too suffocating. Even when surrounded by people, he always felt so alone.

But, this year, Yuma had something to look forward to.

His knight, his protector.

His Trey.

It would be inappropriate to not invite her, after all she's done for him. He snuck out of the castle as he usually did, narrowly avoiding the guards and running off to her humble little cottage.

"Yuma, I like you, but be serious. They wouldn't let me in, no matter how much you fought for it.." She sighs, "What would they think if they saw the prince with a peasant girl? They wouldn't be happy, I'm sure."

"But you aren't a peasant, you're my knight."

"Yes, Yuma, but-"

"Look. Just come to the castle tomorrow night. I'll help you sneak in! And if we get caught, I'd rather spend the night with you than in that place."

She can't argue with Yuma. He's too persistent to even try to change his mind. And so she doesn't try, only left to pick out the nicest dress and a pair of shoes she has (which is, admittedly, just one). She's embarrassed, to be seen in such a thing. She'd much rather wear a suit, but she does it for Yuma. But, honestly, Yuma doesn't mind what she wears.

Trey has always been masculine, in every sense of the word. It was evident, considering she was a knight and only wore the bulky armor she was given. When he first met her, Yuma couldn't quite wrap his head around it. He'd only seen pretty girls wearing flowy dresses and heels, and shiny hairpins paired with earrings.

He couldn't help his curiosity, once asking, "I don't get it, shouldn't you be, like, wearing dresses or something like that?" Questioned Yuma, "You're a lady, after all. No offense, or anything!"

"It's a little complicated. And don't worry, no offense taken." Treys smile is soft, just as she always is. "I was once told that what is most beautiful in a woman, is what is masculine. And what is most beautiful in a man is what is feminine." Yuma's never heard such a thing, anyone else he knew would think it was simply preposterous, "You may be a prince, Yuma, but to me, you're my princess." And just those words alone make his face heat up.

But Yuma's sneaking Trey in, desperately trying to pull her up onto the balcony which is thankfully only occupied by them. There's soft music coming from the inside, which is filled with chatter and laughter and the sweet smell of cake.

"See? I told you I could sneak you in!" Yuma beams, hugging her tight, "Ahah, I guess you were right then!"

"You look gorgeous.." Yuma finally takes a moment to look at her outfit in its full glory. Treys nervous, she only had one dress after all. No one's ever seen her in a dress besides her brothers. "Really? Its kind of awkward.. I barely look like a lady in a dress, and I'm so muscular now..” Trey nervously squeezes her arms that were once frail and soft, but now bear the scars of being a protector.

"Why would you ever say that? You're beautiful." Treys chest is blooming with warmness, no one’s ever told her that she’s beautiful before. “Really, you are!”

Her mouth remains somewhat open with awe, but she doesn’t get to answer right away. Yumas stepped inside to fix himself a peice of cake, which hes come back with, “We could.. share..” Yuma looks away, partly flushed. “.. to take your mind off of it..”

“Sure.” Softly smiles Trey, she was ogling at the heaps of confectionery inside just a moment ago, anyway.

-

“I would’ve settled for something smaller, but at least the cake is nice,” Yuma sighs, stuffing his mouth full of the unreasonably frosted cake that was specially baked for him. “Are you sure? It’s too sweet for me, honestly,” She giggles. He’d just fed her a spoonful a moment ago, and just that was too much. Trey did have a delicate stomach, after all.

Yuma sets down his plate, already finished and sighing again. “I don’t wanna go back in. I would sooner die than dance with a girl in there..”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah, really! I dunno if I really like girls, or if I just haven’t found the right one..”

“You can worry about it later,” Trey stands up, “I’m sure I’ve gotten something to cheer you up, though.” And Yuma perks up, seeing Trey hold out her gloved hand towards him, “My prince, may I have this dance?” She asks, the moonlight almost makes her look more beautiful than she was a just a moment ago.

“Of course, my lady.” And so they dance. Yuma gets up from the railing, holding his hand in hers. It’s slow and their smiling the entire time. None of the two could be happier, softly smiling.

Yuma thinks to himself that maybe his birthday won’t be so bad.

[kitsunefyuu]

What do you think about the theory that AFO used to be a university professor before becoming a full fledged villain? This is based of of 369 where you can see the University of Tokyo in the background and would explain how he met Ujiko + gotten a lot of access to quirk research + maybe vulnerable youths to recruit.

Theory of a University Professor AFO??? I don't believe in that but that sounds like a great AU idea for the future. Great way to recruit disillusioned college students because honestly he be GREAT at it and I enjoy if it is true.

Tho the reason I'm skeptical. Is one, he's wearing a business suit even in flashbacks talking about his rise as a villain meaning if anything he PROBABLY was a businessman. Likely a reflection of Japan's terrible work environments in Black Companies that work you basically to death.

Those things were known for making businessmen suicidal because they just barely have time to go home. Even in the manga in his first appearance to the protagonist, he's hunched over. Given the image of being hanged, I do love imagery.

(Chapter 88)

Ujiko is a pariah, meaning both the government and Science community made a joke out of him. It would NOT be hard for AFO to seek him out as he seems attracted to those with nowhere to go. Ujiko could not continue his research when he was seen as a joke everywhere.

But also if want ideas on vulnerable youth I actually reference the idea in my fanfic Treasure Vault. As he apparently controlled orphanages way before Tomura or Touya. So it likely used it for recruiting before settling on Tomura as his vessel.

It was even mentioned that he thought he felt 'guilty' because kept seeing the quirks in his dreams which frightened him. But it was Ujiko that helped him find out more specifics and also All for One is shown to make him attracted to quirks. Kind of similar to how Toga can't HELP her admiration for blood he can't help admiring quirks.

Now imagine if your parents found out you are interested in these FREAKS of nature during the time when everyone was terrified of these people suddenly having powers. Trying to force him to be normal, have a normal job, normal life, likely dyed his hair-

Until clearly something happened since AFO said Yoichi was his ONLY family meaning either they abandoned them or died. Likely in a quirk-related incident.

Basically, AFO is a self-made man but not one that ever got the 'benefit' of higher education he worked his ass off constantly like a businessman. If was in fact taking care of his little brother, professors don't get paid too much compared to crimes while being very demanding. That is just my idea on his back story of course.

Also I've rp a teacher!AFO so I'm nostalgic now.

[kingofsummer93]

Ex Luna Scientia

Summary:

Lucien Vanserra, seventh son of the Minister for Magic, is as loved by his peers as he is hated by his family. But behind the charm and irreverence hides a secret, as dark and menacing as the scar on his face.

Elain Archeron, middle sister in a trio of muggle-born witches, has only one wish: for someone to truly see her. Because when she sleeps at night, she can see it all.

Or- an Elucien at Hogwarts AU.

Chapter 10: The First Trial - Pt 1

Ao3 Masterlist

The next few weeks passed by in a blur. Time had a way of doing that, Elain supposed- slugging along endlessly when you wanted something to happen, and speeding by when you dreaded what was coming.

Thankfully her increasingly demanding coursework had prevented her from focusing on the trials ahead- or, if she was honest with herself, on what had happened with Lucien. Every time she remembered their kiss she was hit with a fresh wave of embarrassment. He seemed as reluctant as she was to address what had happened, and they hadn’t so much as shaded a glance in the last two weeks. No doubt he must think she was insane, or flaky at best. But how to explain what had happened?

Oh sorry, I had a horrible vision while we were kissing, and after thinking about it for a few sleepless nights I came to the conclusion that it might be a clue about our upcoming trials? Oh, and also, I think my patronus materialized as a werewolf and I have no clue what to make of that?

She’d spent the last two weeks poring through textbooks and practicing every defensive spell she could think of, all the while refusing to believe Professor Spell-Cleaver would actually let them face off with a werewolf. Surely that wouldn’t fit within their new parameters of what was deemed safe?

Surely?

But then, how else to explain what she had seen? It was either a vision or a hallucination, and she had only ever experienced one of those before.

Elain hadn’t told anybody about her suspicions, and by the time the morning of the first trial rolled around her dim unease had grown into full fledged panic. Not to mention a gut-wrenching guilt at not warning any of the other champions. She’d had enough time to come up with a plan, but would the other champions be able to think quickly enough on their feet?

After hours of deliberation she had settled on using her patronus (also a werewolf- oh god) as a diversion technique. Hopefully the real werewolf would be so distracted that she’d be able to cast a stunning spell to incapacitate it.

Hopefully.

“You should eat something,” Nuala said gently as Elain sat at breakfast in a state of rising panic.

From her other side Cerridwen pushed a plate of buttered toast towards her, and Elain bit into one wordlessly. It tasted like ash in her mouth.

A head popped out of the center of the table, and the Fat Friar appeared, a wide grin on his face. “And how is our champion this morning!”

The ghost winced a little at whatever panic must be etched on her face. “Oh dear. A little case of the nerves, it seems!”

Before she could reply (or vomit, which seemed more likely) a flash of red caught her attention. Elain dropped her toast, her mind suddenly made up. “I’ll see you in class,” she told her friends before grabbing her bookbag and hurrying out of the Great Hall.

“Don’t worry dear!” the Fat Friar called after her. “You’ll do great, I can feel it!”

Elain scanned the crowded Entrance Hall, her heart dropping as she spotted another red-haired figure next to Lucien. Vassa was someone else she’d been avoiding these last few weeks. She had almost decided to turn straight around when Vassa spotted her walking towards them and poked Lucien hard in the ribs, nodding towards Elain.

Lucien’s smile slipped a little as he spotted her, and Elain again felt that now familiar wave of guilt. “Hey.”

“Hi.”

Vassa looked back and forth between them, her eyebrows raised so high they had practically disappeared into her hairline. “Well, I’m incredibly late for something very important. I will see you both later.” And with a wink at Elain and a rather stern look in Lucien’s direction she disappeared into the crowd.

Lucien looked at Elain expectantly, his hands shoved in his pockets. Right. The last time they’d been together she’d shoved him away and practically ran out of the room. She should probably be the one to start this conversation.

“Can we, um. Can we go somewhere to talk? Somewhere…quiet?”

Lucien’s expression was carefully neutral, though it looked like he was fighting back an amused grin. “Oh! Sure, um.” He looked around the crowded Entrance Hall and motioned for her to follow him up the marble staircase.

Elain followed as he led them up the stairs and then into a mostly deserted hallway. He peered into an empty classroom and held open the door for her. As she brushed past him his spicy, masculine scent assaulted her senses, and the memory of his lips on hers flashed in her mind.

Focus, she chided herself. She could agonize over that later. For now they had more pressing problems.

As the door clicked shut behind Lucien, Elain took a deep breath, not letting herself second guess the wiseness of what she was doing.

“So-”

“I think I know what one of our trials is going to be.”

Lucien blinked, his russet eye widening. “Really? How?”

Elain chose to ignore that part of now. “I’m pretty sure they’re going to have us fight a werewolf.”

The silence that fell was deafening. Lucien went wholly still, as if she had just stupefied him. Even his golden eye stopped its usual soft whirring as it fixed on her.

“What did you just say?” he choked out.

“A werewolf,” Elain repeated, wringing her hands.

“What…” Lucien swallowed thickly, his chest suddenly heaving from his ragged breathing. “What could possibly make you say that?”

His voice was strange, so strained it was almost unrecognizable. Elain almost felt bad for making him panic like this, but it was better that he knew so he could be prepared.

“Um…” She hadn’t had time to fully think this through. How would she explain this? “I heard some of the teachers talking about the trial.”

A choked noise came out of Lucien, half a laugh and half a groan. “You…” he cleared his throat, breathing deeply. “You heard some of the teachers say something about a werewolf at the tournament?”

“Yes.”

“Which ones?”

Elain stepped back at his sudden anger. “Um…I don’t remember.”

“Which teachers, Elain?!”

“I don’t know! What does it matter? Why aren’t you worried about having to fight a werewolf?”

Lucien whirled towards the door, as if to make sure it was still shut. “Keep your voice down!” he hissed.

Right. They weren’t supposed to help each other with the trials. But really, you’d think he’d be more grateful that she was helping him.

“We are not…” He let out another choked laugh. “We are not facing off with werewolves during the tournament, Elain. I can guarantee you that.”

Elain tampered her irritation. It was easy for him to say. He hadn’t been living with the memory of that vision for weeks now. “What makes you say that? I told you, I heard…”

“I don’t care what you think you heard, Elain, there is no way in hell that werewolves are part of any of the trials…”

“Why not? You said yourself we might have to fight some sort of magical creature…”

“Creature!” he ground out through gritted teeth. “I said we might have to fight a magical creature, Elain! Werewolves are not creatures! They’re people! They’re humans who lose control of their humanity once a month without being able to do anything about it. They’re not dragons or…or trolls, some stupid beasts who can be chained up and dueled for sport!”

Lucien’s hands had curled into fists, his anger so palpable he was almost shaking. Elain stared at him in shock, until something clicked in her memory. The article about his father, all those people being sent to Azkaban, Lucien setting the newspapers on fire and arguing with Briallyn Skeeter. Of course this would be a sore subject for him- he was fiercely against his father’s policies, it made sense that he wouldn’t want werewolves treated as mindless creatures to be fought against.

“But I saw it…” she mumbled, more to herself than to Lucien.

“You saw it? You saw what?” he asked in alarm.

Shit. How was she going to explain this now?

“You saw a werewolf?” he prompted, his voice strained.

“No! I mean, yes. But…not really.”

“Elain,” he choked out. “Please. Tell me exactly what you know.”

He looked so wretched that Elain hesitated. She had never told anybody about her visions. But then again, she’d shared other secrets with Lucien before, and he’d kept his word, hadn’t he? At least, as far as she knew.

“Fine,” she said, sagging slightly. “I’ll tell you. Just…promise me you won’t tell anyone?”

“Trust me, Elain,” he said with a strange laugh. “I won’t be telling anyone about this.”

Elain walked towards the rows of desks and sat down, if only to give herself a few moments to think of another way out of this. Lucien sat down next to her and looked at her expectantly.

“I, um…this is going to sound very strange.”

Lucien’s expression indicated he doubted anything she had to say could get any weirder.

“I know you think Divination is a bunch of bullshit, and that Seers aren’t real, but…it’s not bullshit. And they are real.”

“Ok…” Lucien said slowly, his brows furrowed. He looked completely baffled by the turn the conversation had taken, and she couldn’t blame him. “What does that have to do with…”

“I see things,” Elain blurted, cutting him off. “When I sleep. Well, usually when I sleep, once when I was awake, but usually it’s when I sleep. That’s why it’s hard to tell if it’s real or if I’m just dreaming.” She forced herself to slow down at the look of alarm on Lucien’s face.

“You…see things?”

Oh God. She sounded like an absolute nutjob.

“Visions. I have visions.”

Lucien’s mouth fell open but no sound came out. Elain fiddled with the cuffs of her robes, unable to keep looking at the baffled look on his face.

“It started when I was young. I would dream about things, specific things, and then they would happen. I’d see something on the news, or I’d hear about it. Eventually I realized that I was seeing the future. I didn’t have an explanation for it for a while, of course, but then Nesta got her Hogwarts letter and it all made sense. That’s when I knew that I was a witch, too.”

She chanced a glance at Lucien. He was still staring at her, thoroughly immobile as he had been earlier, almost unnaturally so. Like an animal assessing a threat.

“Say something,” Elain urged, loosening a breath.

Lucien seemed to rouse himself, shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts. “You’re…you’re a Seer.”

“Yes.”

“And you have visions.”

“Yes.”

He sounded like he was talking more to himself than to her. Like his brain couldn’t wrap itself around what she was telling him. Still, the fact that he hadn’t laughed at her or dismissed what she was saying made some of the tension ease from her shoulders.

“And these…visions, they usually come to you when you sleep.”

“That’s right. Except…except for one. Recently.”

Realization dawned on his face. He swallowed thickly, the movement making his throat bob. “And by any chance did this happen when I kissed you, and you panicked and said you had a migraine?”

Elain bit her lip, feeling herself flush at the mention of that kiss. “Yes.”

Lucien huffed a laugh, a relieved grin spreading across his face. “God, Elain, why didn’t you say so? I thought I upset you, I’ve been kicking myself for two weeks wondering what I did wrong.”

“So…you believe me?”

“Of course I believe you!” he replied fiercely. “Why wouldn’t I?” Something seemed to dawn on him then, and his grin was replaced by a look of pure horror. “Oh god, Elain. Are you saying that you had a…a vision about a werewolf?”

“Yes. I’ve been wanting to tell you, and the others, too, but I didn’t know how. I didn’t hear any teachers talking about it, I made that up…”

“Have you told anyone else?” he asked, voice filled with alarm.

“No,” Elain replied, once again baffled by his reaction.

“Not even Nesta? Or the twins?”

“No! I wanted to tell you first. Because of…you know. When it happened. I felt so bad, running out on you like that, I promise it had nothing to do with you…”

“Tell me exactly what you saw,” he demanded, cutting her off. “Every single detail.”

Elain frowned at his urgency, unnerved by his change in attitude. “Um. Not much, really. It was night, obviously. A full moon. There was a werewolf standing in front of the Whomping Willow. It…it almost looked like it was staring at me. But that’s how I know it was on school grounds, because of the Whomping Willow.”

“And that’s it? Nothing else, no other…animals?”

“No. Just that.”

Lucien seemed to sag slightly. “Ok. And you’re sure you haven’t told anybody else about this?”

“I told you already, I haven’t….”

“It’s important that you don’t tell anybody else about this, Elain.”

“But, Nesta and Rhysand…”

“Nesta and Rhysand do not need to know,” Lucien said firmly, “because it has nothing to do with the tournament.”

“How can you be so sure?” she pressed. “I don’t want to believe Professor Spell-Cleaver would do this, but…”

“He wouldn’t.” His tone did not invite further argument. “And besides,” he added with a strange smile, “it’s not even a full moon today.”

“Oh.” Elain immediately felt idiotic. Why hadn’t she checked that? “Well, maybe it’s the second trial…” But even as she said it uncertainty started to take hold where before she had been so certain.

She desperately wanted to believe Lucien, but if he was right, it would mean that at some point in the future there would be a werewolf roaming around the Hogwarts grounds unchecked. It was infinitely better than having to fight it, but still.

“Did you see any people anywhere near the werewolf? Any…I don’t know, audience?” Lucien asked with a slightly bitter laugh.

“No. Just the werewolf. By itself.”

“So it sounds like all you saw is a rogue werewolf loose on the Hogwarts grounds, at some point in the future. And if it was sniffing around the Whomping Willow, then it sounds like he’s going to learn his lesson about trespassing.” His russet eye shone with humor as he said this, and Elain gaped at him.

“Does this not bother you? That I saw a werewolf wandering around school grounds?”

Lucien gulped, some of the humor vanishing from his gaze. “Of course,” he said gently. “But…it sounds like there’s not much we can do about it. Professor Spell-Cleaver and the teachers will take care of it.”

“But…”

“As long as you don’t go wandering around outside during the full moon then there shouldn’t be any danger. Right?”

“Right,” Elain agreed, still uncertain. “Don’t you think I should tell someone, though?”

“Definitely not,” Lucien said quickly. “It’ll just raise more questions. They’d probably end up grilling you about your visions…”

“Definitely not, then. You’re right, I just…” How to explain this fear? “Don’t you find it strange that my patronus looked like…that, and then I have this vision right after? What if it means that I…”

“No,” he said firmly. “Don’t even finish that thought.”

“Then why?” she prompted.

He was looking at her strangely now, his expression completely unreadable. He stared at her for so long that Elain started to squirm.

And then the door to the classroom burst open as students started filing in, and the spell was broken. Elain jumped to her feet and hurried out of the classroom, the second years looking at them in awe as they walked past.

“Good luck with the first Trial!” one of them squeaked.

“Thanks!” Lucien grinned broadly and waved at the younger students, ever the showman.

Once they were back in the hallway he grabbed her gently by the elbow, his expression once again serious.

“Look,” he said, taking what sounded like a shaky inhale. “Let’s not worry about this right now, alright? Let’s focus on the first trial, and then we’ll figure this out.”

His use of we was somehow reassuring, and Elain found herself nodding, even if she knew for a fact she wouldn’t be able to let this go.

Especially as she watched him walk away, and it occurred to her that she hadn’t asked him how he had known so certainly that today wasn’t a full moon.

---

Somehow time seemed to speed up even more, Elain’s dread growing along with it. Whatever relief she had felt at not facing a werewolf was quickly replaced by panic as she realized that once again she had absolutely no idea what she would be facing. The only information she had been given was that the first Trial was to start at sundown (which, if she hadn't spoken to Lucien about her suspicions, likely would have made her panic even more).

At dinner that night she once again stared at an empty plate, unable to manage even one bite. Nuala and Cer had given up trying to get her to eat, settling for a few sips of pumpkin juice that immediately set her stomach churning.

Elain started as a gentle hand came to rest on her shoulder, so lost in thought she hadn’t heard anybody say her name. She turned and came face to face with Professor Alis, who looked like she was brimming with excitement.

“It’s time,” her Head of House said. “The champions are gathering on the grounds for the first trial.”

Elain’s stomach gave a spectacular lurch.

“Ok.” Her voice was somehow breathless and squeaky at the same time.

“Good luck!”

“You’ll do great! We’ll have snacks waiting for you after!”

“Thanks, guys…” Elain mumbled, letting her friends sandwich her in a sideways hug.

“At least beat Lucien,” Nuala whispered wickedly.

Elain let out a puff of laughter and stood on slightly shaky legs. Professor Alis wrapped an arm around her shoulders and escorted her out of the Great Hall. Heads turned as they walked by- some smiling encouragingly, others sneering.

As they passed by the end of the Slytherin table someone fell into a fit of violent coughing. Elain could have sworn she heard the word cheater through the coughs, but if Professor Alis heard, then she didn’t let on.

“Don’t worry about any of that, dear,” the teacher said fiercely. “Just do your best and prove to them you’re as much a champion as the others.”

Elain wasn’t convinced but she appreciated the vote of confidence all the same.

“Professor,” she started uncertainly as they walked down the front steps and into the darkening grounds, “is it very dangerous, what we’ll be doing?”

Professor Alis squeezed her shoulder. “Of course there’s an element of danger.” Elain’s stomach somersaulted again. “But you’ll all be monitored the entire time, and if you feel like you can’t complete the task, or you end up in a situation you can’t handle, a teacher will be there to remove you right away.”

“Remove us from what?” Elain asked in alarm. The more she asked the less she was reassured, she decided. But her Head of House only smiled, and they walked the rest of the way in silence.

As they rounded the Herbology greenhouses a shape loomed in the distance at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Elain realized they were stands, facing the edge of the woods.

They were going into the Forbidden Forest?

Professor Alis came to a stop in front of a tent that had been erected behind the stands. “Here you are,” she said brightly. “Eris Vanserra and Mr Koschei are inside, they’ll be filling you and the other champions in on the details. Good luck!”

Before she could ask anything else the teacher had given her shoulders another squeeze and had disappeared towards the stands. Elain took a shaky breath and walked into the tent. All three other champions were already assembled, though nobody spoke. Lucien was standing next to his brother, who winked at her as she walked in. Rhysand looked as unruffled as ever, though he seemed unable to stop pacing.

Nesta rushed over, her cheeks an uncharacteristic shade of grey. “I think they’re making us go into the forest,” she mumbled, swallowing thickly.

“I know,” Elain whispered back with a glance at the two ministry members. “Have they said anything?”

Nesta shook her head. “They’re waiting for the students to assemble first.”

It seemed to take an eternity. The sound of hundreds of footsteps and rumbling laughter trickled in through the tent, its occupants still standing in tense silence. Finally the noise faded towards the stands, and Eris came to stand in the center of the tent.

“Looks like the time has come!” he exclaimed, rubbing his hands together. “Everyone ready?”

“It would help if we knew what we had to do,” Nesta grumbled.

Elain reached for her hand and squeezed, as much to reassure Nesta as herself.

“Your first Trial,” Eris continued, “will test your problem solving skills, as well as ability to think calmly under pressure.”

Problem solving. That didn’t sound so bad- perhaps they wouldn’t have to duel anything after all…

“Your task is simple: you are to go into the Forbidden Forest and find a unicorn hair. Note that you will be judged not only on how quickly you complete your task, but also on how you deal with any obstacles you might encounter along the way.”

“That’s it?” Rhysand asked. “We just go in and find a unicorn hair?”

“What do you mean, that’s it?” Nesta spat. “Do you have any idea what lives in there?”

Elain silently agreed with her sister, though she liked this task infinitely more than the one she had been envisioning. She glanced at Lucien, standing uncharacteristically quiet behind Eris, and saw he seemed to be suppressing a smile.

“You’ll be going in staggered,” Mr Koschei cut in, ignoring the interruption. “We’ll be drawing names to determine the order.”

He retrieved a small velvet bag from his robes and held it out. “Ladies first.”

Elain heard Nesta gulp beside her as she reached into the bag, pulling out a small black marble with the number “1” etched into it.

“Well, less time to overthink it, I guess,” she said, setting her jaw in a determined line.

Elain reached in with slightly shaky fingers. Her own marble was a golden yellow, marked with a 4. She wasn’t sure whether to think of it as a blessing or a curse. Rhysand went next, picking out a blue marble marking him as second, leaving Lucien with a red marble and the second to last spot.

“There will be teachers on brooms monitoring the forest,” Eris continued. “If you find yourselves in trouble and wish to be rescued, simply send up red sparks and someone will come get you right away.”

She could do this. Just walk in, find some unicorn hairs, and walk out.

Right?

“You’ll be going into the forest ten minutes apart. Nesta, when you’re ready.” Eris held open the flap on the other side of the tent. Elain spotted the Forbidden Forest looming beyond it, silent and menacing and utterly, impenetrably dark.

“See you on the other side!” Nesta gave her hand one last squeeze, and then she was gone.

Rhysand went next, looking almost bored. And then it was just her and Lucien, with Eris looking back and forth between them with a wicked grin.

“See?” Lucien mumbled under his breath, flashing her a grin. “Told you it’d be something fun.”

Elain loosed a laugh. “If this is your idea of fun you need some new hobbies.”

A gust of wind blew open the opening to the tent, giving them another view of the eerie forest beyond. Elain shivered despite herself.

“Just remember,” Lucien whispered, so low she could barely hear him. “Unicorns prefer open spaces with fresh water. Look for a clearing or something with a stream or a pond.”

Elain blinked at him in surprise. “How do you know that?”

Lucien winked at her. “I pay attention in class sometimes.”

“You’re up, baby brother!” Eris called from the edge of the tent.

“One more thing,” Lucien whispered hurriedly. “If you need someone to light the way…just call Moony.” And with that he disappeared into the night.

If the last few weeks had flown by, then somehow the next ten minutes seemed to stretch on endlessly. There was nothing Elain could do but stand at the edge of the tent, shuffling nervously and wracking her brain for any knowledge about unicorns, the Forbidden Forest, or the many creatures that resided in it. The creatures that made it so dangerous that it was deemed Forbidden.

She could still back out. She could claim an illness, or say she couldn’t do it, and she would simply not receive any points. But then Hufflepuff House would once again be the losers, overlooked and mocked, and she’d be the coward who made it happen. The cheating coward, no less.

So Elain gritted her teeth, and when Eris held open the tent for her she walked out into the dark.