#it was a little short but this new area is properly challenging for sure!!

[blueberryspacemagic]

So how are we feelin, pop the lost crown fans?

[harryforvogue]

Part One | Chapter Two: Me And My Husband

Greenwich Village, New York

May 1919

Liberty Eagle Elementary lets out earlier than usual due to the heat wave. Parents gather outside the building, looking for their children. I walk out with two students, holding their hands reassuringly, and bring them out to the crowd. When they find their parents, they run to them, embracing as they always do because the 7 hours they've spent separated from one another are just cruel, and cruelly spent learning about things their little minds do not care for just yet.

My class is one of those, a tedious one no doubt, for children between the ages of 9 and 10. French is not an easy language to learn, and while I try my hardest to make the subject interesting, there will always be moments of frustration and exhaustion. The children surely complain about their horrible French teacher who forces them to make sounds they've never previously made, the sound of me echoing, "From the throat! From the throat, mes amies!" in their heads as they fall asleep at night.

The final child leaves and then I do as well, beginning the short walk home.

I do enjoy working with children, even though I complain about it often. Despite not being a very maternal person, I find children fun to be around. Their blunt way of speaking and frustrations are easy to share as an outsider in America. Children, I think, are outsiders after all, just learning to fit into the society of adults through the education they receive in these schools. They learn history, just as I did before arriving in New York, and they learn how to form proper sentences as I did when I was younger, my parents making sure I knew how to speak more than just French.

I'd like to be a close friend to these innocent children, but this may be because it's been a struggle to find my own adult friends during the two years I've been in America. New York, we researched, would be an area filled with strangers and people from all over, coming together to make a new culture, a new identity. Although I'm legally American now, I'm much more European in my ways and manner, the French in my culture.

I did insist when Harry proposed the idea of running away from England that it would take time to get used to a foreign place, but he welcomed the idea like a challenge while I worried at night.

Harry hasn't had the time to properly integrate himself into society yet, having just returned from France on Christmas last year. He was supposed to teach history in a high school just two miles from Liberty Eagle, but he's been failing his wellness examinations.

Harry and I run on a schedule on weekdays. At 7 in the morning, I wake up and get ready to go to school. Harry's normally already awake, eating his breakfast in the dining room. When I arrive downstairs, he'll pick his head up from the book he's reading and nod at the french press with the hot coffee. I'll sit across from him and sip at my coffee. I'll make small talk with him: "How did you sleep?" or "It was quite cold last night, wasn't it?" or "I think I'll be home a little late today." Harry nods and answers my questions and then tells me what he plans to make for dinner. I agree with him and then say goodbye. He follows me to the door and locks it behind me.

Weekends are trickier. I wake up later than usual and lazily move to the kitchen. Harry wakes at his usual time, this time sitting on the couch, reading his book. I make the same small talk, but this time I can't run away from the awkwardness between us. I sit there and try to continue the conversation with him. Then I do that for Sunday.

When I arrive home today, Harry's pacing in the living room, running a hand messily through his hair. It used to be longer than it is now, touching his shoulders, but since he had an evaluation today, he was forced to cut it. I can see his face much better this way and the white scar that cuts through his left eyebrow. His curls are healthy and dark, bouncing back as he continues to mess with them. The sound of the door closing causes him to look up, startled.

"Hi," I say, putting my bag down. I remove my shoes and open the collar of my shirt. "It's very hot outside. They let us out early."

Harry nods. His own collar is open. "It is hot."

"How did your evaluation go?"

"I didn't pass."

He's laid out the papers with the red slashes on the dining table. I pick up one sheet and peer at it, tackling all the red specifically. Harry continues to pace behind me, the wood floor creaking under his weight.

The comment at the bottom reads:

Although Mr. Styles has shown promise in his recovery, the Board of Administrations believes some more time would be suitable before allowing Mr. Styles to return. Mr. Styles' progression is impressive compared to previous evaluations, however, we cannot permit him to return to his post and continue working with children. We will reconvene and reevaluate Mr. Styles August 25, 1919.

I look through the rest of the documents. "They didn't even give a reason?"

"They said there's something off about me," Harry says, taking the paper from me. "Fuck's sake."

At first glance, Harry does seem recovered and collected, but when you hear him speak and spend time with him, you suspect he may be on the verge of a breakdown at any given moment. I don't reply, unsure whether or not to show my support of this evaluation. Time off has been good for Harry, I agree, and his condition shouldn't affect how he behaves with children.

Harry itches to return back to work. It's partially because he doesn't like the fact that I'm single handedly keeping our heads above water and partially because he chooses to ignore the impact of his military service on him.

"Annaliese," he says, leaning against the wall connecting our dining room and kitchen. He looks very attractive in his suit as opposed to his normal casual wear. "I don't know how much longer I can do this."

His eyelids are heavy, and he looks tired, shoulders falling from exhaustion.

"August 25 is only three months away," I tell him in an attempt to be optimistic. "You'll be back just in time for the reopening of schools."

"If I pass."

"I know you will." I smile at him, nodding firmly. "I believe it."

His eyes narrow, resting his head back against the wall. "You've said that the past two times."

It's true, but I know he's closer to passing this time. "We'll be alright, Harry. If you're worried about the money, it's not all that bad. We have savings and more than enough to keep us comfortable. That, plus what the government sends us for your service."

Harry pushes himself off the wall and gathers all the papers, tucking them into the manila folder. He sits down heavily and rubs his temple, taking a few deep breaths.

"Sit, Annaliese."

I do, watching him carefully.

He takes a moment to gather his thoughts. "I want to get out of here," he says, leaning in as if he's telling me a secret. "How about this weekend?"

A getaway? Now? "Harry, you can't keep running from your problems."

"It was your idea to run away the first time, Annaliese," he says dryly with a twitch of his scarred eyebrow. "You wanted to avoid the war."

Irritation pricks at my face. "And you wanted to run from your father."

Harry's jaw tenses as it always does his father is brought up in conversation, but he attacked first, so it's my turn. "I'm not running away from anything. And you'd be there too."

I lean back against the chair, surprised. "You'd want me to go with you?"

"Christ, you think I'd go by myself? Don't be ridiculous."

"Well, yes," I say sharply. "You're the type to do that."

"Maybe before I had a wife I would. So will you come?" He pauses and fixes his impatient tone. "I'm thinking of Atlantic City. You said your friend was there just last month."

My friend he's remembering is the neighbor. Her name is Alexandra, a mother of two, and the most insufferable woman I've ever met, but she's the only one who I've been able to speak to thanks to the close proximity. I always bump into her when she's walking to work in the same direction as me.

"Right, but I'd have to ask her how to get there and you know how much I hate talking to her. My life goal is to avoid her at all costs. Last time I went over for a recipe, she told me about her weird brother who threatened to kill his wife. Now, why the hell would I want to hear about that?"

"I know. I'd go if I could, but we need those directions soon. Pop in and get the directions, and leave."

"You know she's going to hold me hostage, Harry."

"I know. But it's better than blindly figuring it out ourselves. It's Wednesday. Is the weekend too soon for you?"

"No," I reply, thinking about my kids and how they could probably use a lighter lesson on Friday. "I should be good."

"Do you want to go?" From his voice, I can tell he's worried about him being my only company. I wish he'd look at me.

Of course I want to go, and the thought of being alone with just Harry and nowhere to run is exciting, but nerve wracking.

I recall the last time he said to me he wanted to just leave for a few days. It was only 3 years ago after he had a physical fight with his father and came back wounded and blind angry, seething with rage and the need to physically harm something else. After I ordered him to sit still so I could clean the blood spilling from his shoulder where his father's ring had cut him, he demanded we go someplace, just the two of us. It had been our first getaway, our first night alone from his family who I was staying with. Just the two of us, nervous young adults in a hotel room with one bed and barely enough space to pass each other.

This time is different. Instead of deciding for the two of us that we needed to leave our home for a weekend, he's asking. One proper glance at his face tells me he's growing more and more desperate with every passing second I spend not replying to him.

"I do," I tell him sincerely. "I'll go see Alexandra before dinner. Harry, are you sure this is what you want? When we come back, all of this will still be here. This anxiety about the evaluations, the need to return back to work when you're still unable to. It won't just go away while we do."

Harry nods, absentmindedly looking over my shoulder. "I know. But just for two days, I'll be alright."

"Is two days really enough? Shouldn't we work on this fear together? Here? We have to one day."

"Annaliese," Harry says, focusing back on me briefly, nervously messing with his sleeves. "I don't want to. I want to go away and come back with a clearer head. I don't care that it's not a long term solution. It'll help me for two days and that's more than I already get."

That's the thing about Harry: he's stubborn. I love him dearly, but he doesn't budge when he makes a decision until I argue with him about it. These days, we don't argue a lot. Albeit, we don't talk much either, and sometimes I miss those nights where we'd yell at each other, passionately arguing for ourselves and then reaching a common goal, returning to bed happily. It's the nature of our relationship and it has been for the years I've been with him. It's one of the things I love about him: how passionate he can be for the things he believes in. A part of me wants to go against my own wishes and argue with him about this proposed getaway, just to rile him and demand him to yell, fight for what he believes in instead of holding back and returning to his own room, leaving me alone in the dining room until I head back to my room. This is the irrational part of me.

The more rational part of me reminds myself that Harry has been through a lifetime worth of trouble and avoiding those kinds of arguments are best for his health, mentally and emotionally. I can't help but feel selfish when I want him to talk to me like he used to, touch me like he used to, and kiss me. He's rarely ever around me and when he is, he's rarely ever fully present.

"I'll talk to Alexandra today and we'll figure all of this out tonight."

He nods and then stands up, tucking the manila folder under his arm. "I'll start on dinner then."

Before he can leave, I stand up and quickly grab his sleeve, halting him in his steps. He looks at me and then glances down at my hand clutching his shirt.

"Can you stay in our room tonight?" I quickly ask before my confidence leaves me. "I'd really like that. It's been so long since we've slept together."

His eyes have darkened by the time he looks back at my face, jaw tense. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why not?" I press, stepping closer. I lay a hand on his torso and feel his stomach muscles tense. "Harry, it's been months."

"I don't want to. I want my own room--"

"But--"

"Annaliese, please don't argue with me right now. I have a headache."

"I don't mean you have to sleep with me. I don't mean sex. Just want you to sleep in the same bed as me. Like a normal married couple."

I let go of him when he doesn't reply, taking a step back. "I haven't even done anything to you. Why are you punishing me?" I demand.

Here come the fucking tears. God, I hate being weak. Desperate to hide them, I blink furiously and look at our feet, trying even out my voice. "If I've done something wrong, I'd like you to tell me so I can apologize and work on being better." Realizing my tears will not just dry up, I look back up to his stoic expression, demanding through my swimming vision, "What did I do?"

Harry watches a tear slide down my face and then my hand that angrily wipes it away. A muscle in his jaw jumps. "I didn't say you did anything. If anything, sleeping next to you is a punishment for me," Harry says quietly, stepping back, turning towards the kitchen. I reach out and quickly grab his shirt again, holding him in place.

"No. You don't get to walk away from this conversation. I've been trying to have it for months now. Why would it be a punishment for you? What have I done to you that's so bad, you can't find it in yourself to forgive me?"

"Christ, Annaliese. Let me go," Harry says coldly. He moves out of my grasp despite my strong hold on him and disappears into the kitchen. "Let me start on dinner and we can talk about this later."

We are not going to talk about it later. He's made excuses many times. I drag a hand over my face to catch any residue of my weakness. Helpless is what I feel now, and especially when he walks away from an important, long overdue conversation we must have. All I want is to be able to read his mind for a day, just to know what's troubling him the most. Instead of being helpful, I feel like a mother who can't get her child to sit still and just listen. Perhaps my help at the school feels rewarding because those children demonstrate that they've learned the lessons I've been teaching them. With Harry, it's like talking to a wall sometimes. It was never like that before.

I gather myself and then exit the house, walking across the street to Alexandra's house.

***

Alexandra never talks about anything positive, especially when it comes to gossip. She makes me write down the instructions on how to get to Atlantic City after getting the information from her husband, and then begins her usual gossip.

Then, to my horror, she makes me sit down for a cup of tea.

"My cousin's husband was diagnosed just last week," she starts, taking a sip of her tea.

I desperately look at the door, hoping someone will save me from this conversation, but nothing happens. I glance back at her and offer her a tight smile. "I hope everything is okay."

Alexandra has lived in America her whole life. Her grandparents came to America from Ireland in the early 19th century and lived in New York. Alexandra grew up in the south, in Georgia, and moved here to live with her husband who I rarely ever see. She's quite attractive with her long dark hair, blue eyes, and thin mouth, but as soon as she begins talking, all the beauty goes down the drain. More specifically, I want to pull my hair out.

She still talks with a slight southern accent which is very hard for me to understand at times because I've never heard it in my life. My accent isn't any easier for her to understand, but while I try to listen closely and not ask her to repeat often, she doesn't care about kind gestures and often asks me to repeat what I'm saying.

Since I've come here and people have told me that I'm barely understandable, I've tried to put on a bit of an American accent, trying to mimic their rude way of speaking and their lingo, but I can't always hide my natural accent. I don't know some words in English either. I always imagined that there would be more French speaking people in New York as I heard that there would be all kinds of people here, but I've yet to meet any. In the meantime, I stuck with the insufferable woman who insists on telling me about things I don't care about.

"He's got the disease everyone's talking about. You know..." she gestures to her gut, "down there."

"Oh," I say, swallowing the overly sweet tea. "I'm sorry to hear about that. I hope he recovers soon."

"Yeah, I doubt he will. It's just awful. It's terrible." Alexandra's eyes shine as they do whenever her evil mind thinks of something wicked to say or hear. "Maybe this vacation will be a perfect time to check if your husband is suffering too."

I choke on my tea and cough quickly, patting my chest. "Excuse me?" I demand.

She tucks her black hair back and shrugs innocently. "Aren't you curious? Maybe that's the reason he hasn't been sleeping with you." She catches the expression on my face. "Oh, Annaliese, I didn't mean to offend you!"

"Harry does not have... that!"

Alexandra hides behind her tea, blinking. "How do you know?"

"He just doesn't! Besides, you can tell from the symptoms!" And he'd tell me.

I stand up and put my tea down, grabbing my bag. Anger is coursing through me like a river. I'm not angry at the possibility of Harry being ill, but the nerve of her to disregard any respectful boundaries and reach into my life without a second thought. "My God. Thank you for the tea, but I must leave now. I...I have to pack."

She jumps up too. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry! You know I didn't mean to be rude!"

I ignore her, quickly walking away before I feel the need to physically maim her. I open the door, step out, and slam it behind me.

I hear her voice calling my name, but I need to remove myself from the situation. I've always had a bit of a temper when I was younger. Seems like it never went away. It's something Harry's always laughed about.

Back at home, Harry's cleaning the rice, straining it as he holds it under an open faucet. There is a boiling pot of water on the stove and he looks up at me when I stomp in, caught off guard. The expression on his face tells me I've frightened him with my loud noises. He looks out the window at Alexandra standing outside her porch with a frown on her face.

"Everything okay?" he asks uneasily. "What did you do to her?" He puts the strainer down. "Annaliese, don't tell me you hit her."

I shake my head, forcing my steps to be lighter. He rinses the rice one more time. "I didn't, but I swear one of these days I will."

"Oh, God."

"Harry," I say, reaching out to touch his sleeve. I immediately pull back before I touch the material of his shirt. "Sorry. Can I ask you something?"

"Sure." He wearily looks at my hand.

Harry slowly pushes the washed rice into the boiling water and then gives me his attention.

I'm not really about to ask him this, right? He waits for me to say something.

"Nothing," I dismiss, looking away embarrassed. Opening a drawer, I remove a wooden spoon and hold it out. "It's nothing. Here."

He takes it from me and confusedly begins stirring the rice. "Did Alexandra say something to you?"

"Yes and I got out of there before I punched her face in. It was a close call this time."

"Oh," he says, slightly amused. "That's quite like you. Did you get the directions?"

"I did." I produce the paper from my pocket and hold it out for him. He opens it and glances over it quickly while stirring.

"Well, that's simple, I'd say. Are you sure everything is alright?"

I nod, swallowing hard. "Yes. We should do laundry before we go and then pack."

"Okay," Harry says, looking away. The tension returns between us and it's so intense, I need to remove myself from this conversation immediately.

"I'll see you at dinner then."

Harry nods and quietly answers, "Bye."

I walk around him, half waiting for him to call me back. He doesn't.

[diymechanic]

How to Weather-strip a Door properly and Seal Door Gaps

Know how to set up door weather-stripping and you will put an end to energy-wasting drafts. When you look for areas to weatherize your house for winter season energy cost savings, door weather-stripping is a fantastic area to begin.

Weather Condition-Stripping Products and Tools

To set up weather-stripping for doors, collect your tools and pick amongst the kinds of weather-stripping. The most ideal weather-stripping for doors is developed particularly for this type of high traffic opening.

Tools Needed:

Sponge and rags

Ammonia or adhesive cleaner

Measuring tape

Scissors

Drill

Screwdriver

Caulk gun

Products Required:

Door sweep and screws

Weather-strip set

Caulk

How to Set Up Weather-Stripping on Your Doors (Detailed)

How to weather-strip a door properly is simpler than you imagine. Completely tidy the location to make sure your brand-new weather-stripping will stick. Setting up various kinds of weather-stripping might differ in the detailed information, nevertheless, these actions apply to all selections.

Action 1: Determine the door.

How much weather-stripping do you really need? You really want to have adequate weather-stripping to entirely seal around your door without spaces that might leave you with a breezy entrance.

Action 2: Cut the weather-stripping to size.

Cut the weather-stripping to almost the exact measurements of your entrance. Measure twice and make notes for accuracy. It is much better for your strips to be simply a little too long than too short. You can constantly trim the excess.

Action 3: Use the weather-stripping to the door.

Inspect the weather condition. The weather-stripping adhesive bonds much better on a day without rain or fog when it is at least 50 ° F (10 ° C) outdoors.

Start on top corner of the door opening and put your 1st piece of weather-stripping so it is flush against the door frame. Remove the adhesive support about a foot at a time and press it into place as you go. Line up each piece so that there are no spaces.

Action 4: Check the door.

Close the door and open to ensure it does not catch on the weather-stripping. You don't really want it to jam and damage it or for it to begin peeling.

Action 5: Readjust as required.

If required, readjust the door weather-stripping. You might wish to enhance the adhesive by utilizing staples or tacks. Try not to utilize the door for an hour or two to provide the adhesive an opportunity to truly stick and set.

Action 6: Set up a door sweep.

The last action in how to set up door weather-stripping is including a door sweep. It stops drafts, however still enables the door to swing easily.

Momentarily tape the sweep so that it covers the space at the bottom of your door, however does not scrape when the door swings. Drill little pilot holes in each screw hole.

How Do You Change Weather-Stripping Around a Door?

Changing old weather-stripping resembles how to set up door weather-stripping the 1st time.

Preparation is the most essential action when it comes to how to change weather stripping on a door. Eliminate the old weather-stripping and adhesive. Fix any holes in the surface area so that you have a tidy, dry, flat surface area for the brand-new weather-stripping to appropriately adhere.

Measure thoroughly so that you have enough brand-new weather-stripping to finish the task. Cut each piece for a constant strip along the top and each side of the door. You can cut off the additional. When in place, the door must fit firmly against the weather-stripping without being challenging to open.

How Do You Change Weather-Stripping on the Bottom of a Door?

Old weather-stripping on the bottom of the door ought to be changed with a door sweep. It is more resilient and will give much better security against drafts. Clean off the old adhesive and any staples or adds so that you have a flat, tidy surface area for the door sweep.

Tighten up the hinges of your door and analyze the limit. The sweep ought to give a seal along the bottom of the door. One method to seal door spaces is to caulk where the limit suits the flooring.

Measure the length of the door and seek a sweep that fits. Many basic alternatives save you from cutting to fit.

When the door swings, connect the sweep along the bottom of the door so that it covers the space against your limit without scraping. Drill little pilot holes in each screw hole with a drill bit that is relatively smaller sized than the screws. Put in and tighten up the screws, ensuring the sweep remains level.

Make sure that the door closes and opens quickly, and readjust if really needed.

Include Sound Proofing.

Including insulation does more than stop drafts, it stops some noise from entering your house. Increasing the solitude inside your home is well worth the effort to know how to set up door weather-stripping.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weather-Stripping a Door.

Weather-stripping a door is fairly easy, however you might still have some concerns. 

What's the most ideal weather-stripping for a door?

Choosing the best weather-stripping is half the fight. The sort of door, just how much traffic it gets and your budget plan will direct your options for the very best weather-stripping for doors in your home. 

Do door seals go on the outside or inside?

Put it inside your door jamb for optimal efficiency. Do not put weather-stripping straight on your door.

How frequently should you change door weather stripping?

The traffic through your door will likewise have an impact. Opening and closing a door frequently adds wear and tear.

Start saving money on energy by sealing door spaces.

Conserve energy by sealing door spaces. Of all the house energy saving things you can do, it is among the simplest and least pricey. Watch the following video below to learn more about how to weather-strip a door and seal door gaps.

[ineffableigh]

You know what? I never see posts about metoidioplasty so I'll be brave and hop in lol. Brain dump go!

I got metoidioplasty in 2020 and I go back and forth about whether I'm glad I got it done or not. Healing after a surgery, especially something complex like that, is complicated and difficult, and EXTREMELY non-linear. It took a very long time before everything was completely healed over, and trying to be patient through all of it was very challenging.

I have less sensation than I did before in some areas and get weird nerve pain periodically, but less and less as time goes on. I've had to learn different personal hygiene for the new configuration, which no one really warned me about.

At GRS Montreal the liability waiver forms say you 'won't have "female orgasms" anymore' after but that's just 'cause they assume you're getting a vaginectomy too after having had a hysto. I had neither of those so it didn't apply, but having to check that box was a bit scary. I reminded everyone I could along the way that I DID NOT WANT A VAGINECTOMY to make sure no one made a mistake and did one, especially since not a few weeks before we heard stories of a trans guy in the UK that got one because the doctor mixed him up with another trans guy coming in the same day.

Healing immediately after was probably the scariest part, since I didn't really know what was going on and I accidentally popped a stitch early on and had to deal with the Fear of whether that would close properly, but GRS Montreal did their best to follow up with my e-mails. This was in the dead middle of the pandemic so they def were short staffed, but they were still very kind. Having a handheld bidet at home was a godsend and I don't think I'd have healed as well if I didn't have it.

Also, if you tend to react badly to medical adhesive, you might have trouble with dissolvable stitches like I did, for both my top surgery and my meta. They took WAY longer to dissolve than normal and kept sprouting little infections which was very unnerving until I realized what was happening. Then I was just mad lol.

I do wish the nurses didn't keep asking me why I didn't get a vaginectomy and being SUPER surprised I didn't want it. Enby/agender info was rather lacking there at the time.

Ultimately I think I'm still happy I did it. My body feels at least a little less foreign to me now, especially now that I feel so secure in my agender self.

And pro tip - DON'T USE SCAR STRIPS ON AREAS WITH HAIR DON'T DO IT. You'll end up in a multi year fight with an ingrown hair like I did and that alone was the worst part of this entire process lol.

Also bring noise canceling headphones and a sleep mask for your overnight stay because the nurses have to come in every couple hours to check everyone and they turn ALL THE LIGHTS ON. You need all the rest you can.

Catheters suck, and get ready to be constipated for a few days after surgery. Hydrate aggressively and take those stool softeners lol.

Which now that I put it like that, speaks rather highly of it all, doesn't it? Like genuinely, that could happen with any surgery lol.

we should hype up bottom surgery more i think. both twitter transphobes and chronically online trans people really like to be disgusted at phalloplasty, vaginoplasty, ext. and i really think we should treat them as cool and sexy and neutral like top surgery scars or whatever

[tucanestours]

Exciting Water Rafting Adventure from Jaco with Tucanes Tours

Jaco, a vibrant coastal town in Costa Rica, is renowned for its beautiful beaches and thrilling adventure activities. Among the most popular adventures is water rafting from Jaco, where you can navigate through fast-flowing rivers surrounded by lush tropical landscapes. Tucanes Tours offers an unforgettable water rafting experience from Jaco, designed for all adventure enthusiasts—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rafter.

Why is Water Rafting from Jaco?

The unique location of Jaco, situated close to some of Costa Rica's best rivers, makes it a hotspot for white water rafting. The rivers in the region offer various levels of rapids, ensuring there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a heart-pounding adrenaline rush or a more relaxed ride through gentle waters, Jaco has it all.

Tucanes Tours has been organizing rafting trips from Jaco for years, providing well-trained guides and top-notch equipment to ensure the best and safest experience possible. By joining a tour with Tucanes, you’re not just going rafting—you’re embarking on a journey through some of the country’s most stunning natural scenery.

Types of Water Rafting Tours Offered

Beginner Rafting Tours: If you’re new to rafting, Tucanes Tours has you covered. The beginner rafting tours are designed for those who have little to no experience. You’ll start with basic instructions on rafting techniques and safety measures before you set out on the water. The rivers for beginners feature Class I and II rapids, which are gentle but still provide a fun and exciting experience.

Intermediate Rafting Tours: For those with some rafting experience, the intermediate tours offer a bit more excitement. With Class III rapids, you’ll get to experience a higher level of difficulty while still enjoying the beautiful surroundings. These tours are perfect for people who are looking for a bit more challenge but aren’t quite ready for the advanced rapids.

Advanced Rafting Tours: Are you an adrenaline junkie? Then the advanced water rafting tours are for you. Tucanes Tours takes you to rivers with Class IV and V rapids, which are sure to get your heart racing. These tours are designed for experienced rafters who want to take on the most intense and exhilarating challenges Costa Rica has to offer.

What to Expect on a Water Rafting Adventure

Your day starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Jaco, and you’ll head toward one of the best rafting rivers in the area. After a short safety briefing from your expert guide, you’ll be fitted with life jackets and helmets before hitting the water.

Once you’re on the river, the adventure begins! You’ll navigate through thrilling rapids, splash through waves, and feel the power of the river beneath you. Along the way, your guide will ensure that you stay safe and provide interesting information about the surrounding wildlife and landscape.

One of the highlights of rafting from Jaco is the stunning scenery. As you paddle down the river, you’ll be surrounded by lush rainforests, towering cliffs, and exotic wildlife. It’s a full sensory experience that combines the thrill of adventure with the beauty of nature.

Safety First with Tucanes Tours

Safety is the top priority for Tucanes Tours. Each rafting trip is led by experienced guides who are certified in first aid and water rescue. Before you even step foot in the water, the team will walk you through important safety guidelines, showing you how to properly use the equipment and what to do in case of an emergency.

In addition to safety gear, Tucanes Tours provides top-quality rafts and equipment. The rafts are designed to handle the challenging rapids, while the paddles, helmets, and life jackets are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they meet safety standards.

When is the Best Time to Go Water Rafting?

While water rafting can be enjoyed year-round in Costa Rica, the best time to go rafting from Jaco is during the rainy season, which runs from May to November. The increased rainfall means higher water levels in the rivers, leading to more exciting and faster rapids. However, if you prefer calmer waters, the dry season is also a great time to visit.

Why Choose Tucanes Tours?

Tucanes Tours is a trusted name when it comes to adventure tours in Costa Rica. They offer a range of water rafting tours tailored to different skill levels, ensuring that everyone can find a tour that suits their needs. With a strong focus on safety, customer satisfaction, and environmental sustainability, Tucanes Tours has built a reputation for providing unforgettable experiences.

Their knowledgeable guides not only ensure your safety but also enrich your trip with fascinating information about Costa Rica's ecosystems, rivers, and wildlife. Whether you’re a first-time rafter or an experienced adventurer, Tucanes Tours guarantees an exhilarating and enjoyable rafting experience from Jaco.

FAQs

Q: Is water rafting suitable for beginners? A: Yes, Tucanes Tours offers beginner-friendly rafting tours with gentle rapids and professional guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Q: What should I wear for the rafting tour? A: It’s best to wear quick-dry clothing, water shoes or sandals, and bring a change of clothes for after the tour. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat!

Q: How long does the rafting tour last? A: Depending on the river and tour, the rafting adventure typically lasts between 3-5 hours.

Q: Can children join the rafting tours? A: Yes, Tucanes Tours offers family-friendly rafting tours suitable for children aged 8 and above.

Q: Do I need to know how to swim? A: While knowing how to swim is beneficial, it’s not required. All participants will be fitted with life jackets, and the guides will be with you every step of the way.

Conclusion

Water rafting from Jaco with Tucanes Tours is the perfect way to add adventure to your Costa Rican vacation. With options for every skill level, breathtaking scenery, and professional guides who prioritize safety, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, a rafting trip is an excellent way to explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty while enjoying an adrenaline rush.

[milksnobs]

Breastfeeding Problems & Advice for New Moms: Conquering Common Hurdles

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby, but it can also present challenges, especially for new moms. Don't worry, you're not alone! Here at Milk Snob, we understand the frustrations that can come with breastfeeding, and we're here to offer support and advice to help you navigate this rewarding journey.

Common Breastfeeding Problems:

Latch Difficulties: Ensuring your baby latches on properly is crucial for successful breastfeeding. If your baby struggles to latch, a lactation consultant can assess your technique and provide personalized guidance. There are also helpful resources available online, and Milk Snob offers a wealth of articles on proper latching techniques.

Low Milk Supply: Many moms worry about having enough milk. Remember, your body is constantly working to establish and regulate milk production. Frequent feeding is key to stimulating supply. You can also consult your doctor or a lactation consultant for tips on boosting your milk production.

Sore Nipples: Breastfeeding shouldn't be painful. If your nipples are sore or cracked, it could be a sign of improper latch. Address latch issues and consider using nipple cream to soothe discomfort. Lanolin is a popular choice, but be sure to choose a brand free of additives and fragrances. Brands like Lansinoh and Medela offer safe and effective nipple creams.

Engorgement: Engorged breasts can be painful and make it difficult for your baby to latch. Apply a warm compress before feeding to help soften the breast tissue and express a small amount of milk for comfort.

Mastitis: This is an inflammation of the breast tissue that can cause fever, chills, and a red, tender area. If you suspect mastitis, contact your doctor immediately.

Advice for New Moms:

Seek Support: Don't be afraid to ask for help! Lactation consultants, breastfeeding support groups, and experienced moms can offer valuable advice and encouragement.

Be Patient: Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both you and your baby. It takes time and practice to establish a comfortable and successful routine.

Listen to Your Body: Don't push yourself too hard. Breastfeeding should be a positive experience for both you and your baby.

Take Care of Yourself: Prioritize your own health and well-being. Eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep, even if it's in short bursts.

Funny Advice for New Moms:

Leaks happen – embrace the boob bib! Invest in a stylish nursing cover like Milk Snob's signature design, for discreet feeding on the go. And remember, a little leak is a sign your body is doing a fantastic job!

Your baby may become a human vacuum cleaner. Don't be surprised by marathon nursing sessions – it's all part of establishing supply and demand.

By understanding common breastfeeding challenges and seeking support, you can navigate this journey with confidence. Milk Snob is here to be your one-stop shop for all things breastfeeding, offering expert tips, comfortable nursing essentials, and a supportive community of moms.

[asosyalinsantanesi]

Master the Kitchen with These Leading Cooking Articles

Are you all set to raise your culinary abilities and understand the kitchen area like a pro? Look no further! In this thorough guide, we have curated a listing of leading food preparation articles that will certainly take your food preparation video game to the next level. From understanding the art of cooking to discovering international tastes and obtaining creative with inspiring recipe ideas, these write-ups cover a variety of subjects to help you end up being a cooking rockstar.Let's begin with" The Art of Baking: Must-Read Articles. "Whether you're a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, these articles will certainly supply you with vital ideas and strategies to produce mouthwatering baked products that will excite even the most difficult movie critics. Find out how to perfect your bread abilities, grasp the art of bread-making, and uncover the secrets to producing decadent treats that will certainly have everybody returning for more.Next up," Boost Your Culinary Skills: Food Preparation Techniques Explored. "Dive deep into the world of cooking strategies with these insightful write-ups that cover every little thing from knife skills to sous vide food preparation. Whether you're looking to burn the excellent steak or emulsify a remarkable sauce, these posts will teach you all you require to recognize to take your food preparation abilities from amateur to expert in no time.If you're really feeling daring, why not "Check Out Global Flavors: International Cuisine Articles"? Traveling the globe from the convenience of your kitchen as you delve into short articles that display the varied and scrumptious flavors of global food. From spicy curries to delicate sushi rolls, these write-ups will inspire you to obtain creative with your food preparation and explore new taste sensations from around the globe.For those aiming to lead a much healthier way of life," Healthy Living Through Cooking: Nutritious Recipes and Tips "is the excellent location to start. Discover healthy dishes loaded with taste and find out beneficial pointers for including extra fruits, vegetables, and entire grains right into your diet. With these write-ups as your guide, eating well has never ever been simpler or more delicious.Of course, no culinary trip would certainly be total without" Grasping the Fundamentals: Necessary Food Preparation Understanding." Review essential cooking methods, learn just how to properly period meals, and recognize the importance of timing and temperature level in achieving cooking excellence. These posts are essential reading for anyone looking to construct a strong structure in the kitchen.Last yet definitely not the very least," Get Creative in the Kitchen: Inspiring Dish Concepts and Advancements "makes sure to trigger your imagination and ignite your interest for cooking. From special flavor mixes to cutting-edge cooking techniques, these posts will challenge you to believe outside the box and experiment with new components and techniques. Who knows- you may simply uncover your brand-new signature dish!So there you have it -a treasure trove of top cooking write-ups designed to aid you grasp the cooking area and unleash your inner cook. Whether you're a beginner chef or skilled pro, there's something for everybody in this collection of must-read culinary web content. Satisfied cooking! Article By Manzel Caudle And Associates.

How To Cook

[molsons112000]

So depending on your pigmentation. And yes, Irish people. They need less sunlight exposure. There's a reason why white people are white people. So the darker your skin, the more sunlight you need. But now they can come up with an app. You take a picture of your body.It records the color of your skin. And by looking at your skin through the camera again. It tells if your skin's gotten darker or lighter if it got darker too much sun, if it got lighter to little sun. So yes, an app that works with your camera to record your pigmentation. And then as you look at yourself in the camera every day, take a selfie.It will tell you if you're maintaining and getting enough sunlight or too little or at least once a week would be best. So don't make it every day once a week is good enough and at minimal once a month. But this I'll tell you if you're getting too much sun like people who live in florida. If you're going to darken your skin, then you need to do it very little Uber a long time and it can tell you how much the pigmentation has changed per day. And you want to adjust it slowly and one of the things with spray tan.It will prevent you from getting too much sun exposure. So if you're going to Florida, say as a white person or even a black person and you're gonna do over a mountain.The sun like construction workers construction workers should get spray tan. But they gotta make sure they clean their pores properly. So it doesn't matter your skin color if you're gonna get extremely high exposures in a short period of time meaning you're in a half to be outside and intense sunlight and spray tan is the easiest thing to help protect the skin... It doesn't wash off.It doesn't run so it can help protect the skin.They can build in UV protection into spray tan. Even astronauts can use spray tanning. And well, they're up there everyday or at least once a week.If it lessons they can put a new coat of spray tan on. So if you're running into high exposure areas sometimes spray tans would work

sk:n Clinics

https://www.sknclinics.co.uk › blog

What UV index is best for tanning?

May 16, 2022 — UVA radiation triggers the release of melanin within the skin itself, while UVB radiation stimulates your body to produce more

Also, they can come up with UV protection that blocks out UVA , UVB, or UVC or a mix of the 3 or all 3.

UCLA Health

https://www.uclahealth.org › news

How much sunshine do I need for enough vitamin D?

Mar 23, 2018 — As for people with darker skin, they have more melanin, so less UV light gets absorbed to create vitamin D3. They need more

So black people need 6 times the Sun. Exposure compared to a fair skin person. So this means they need at least get an hour to 2 hours of exposure a day. The minimum would be an hour the maximum of direct sunlight 2 hours. But it also depends on how dark your skin is.There's levels of black. So African type black where you got really dark skin then You need the two hours.....

How much sunlight do you need a day for dark skin?

“If you're already tanned or of Hispanic origin, you need maybe 15 to 20 minutes. Black skin may require six times the sun exposure to make the same vitamin D levels as a very fair-skinned person.”

https://lhsfna.org › protecting-yours...

Protecting Yourself from the Sun While Getting Enough Vitamin D - LHSFNA

This is why the weather caster, who is black?Married the fair skin white girl.They need different levels of exposure.Their children are fine.They're right in the middle because they're both an opposite ends. But he's not a very dark black person. He's a lighter dark black person. But again it's more necessary They pay attention to it then their children... So I Told you interracial marriage Challenge. So it's like me with Jen.She needed more exposure, but even within the race.There's fairest skin white people and darker skin White people like the italians that are from sicily. They tend to have a darker skin white.

So if they're not getting the right amount of sunlight, you're going to get a lot of injuries in sports because it stresses their body.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov)

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Colour Counts: Sunlight and Skin Type as Drivers of Vitamin D ...

by AR Webb · 2018 · Cited by 128 — Skin pigmentation, i.e., melanin, absorbs the UVR that initiates vitamin D synthesis, and hence decreases the vitamin D that is made for a given ...

So getting enough vitamin D is important. Because it helps you absorb the calcium into the bone. So people with bone issues or tendon issues or knee issues. They need to get a certain amount of calcium, but they also need to get a certain amount of sunlight to activate the bones for absorption. And yes, vitamin D supplement will help, but you need actual natural sunlight.And yes tanning beds do help but you still need actual sunlight as well....

Vitamin D promotes bone health in these ways: Helps absorb the calcium we get from food. Along with calcium, helps protects older adults from osteoporosis. Promotes healthy functioning of our muscles and immune system.May 1, 2023

https://www.niams.nih.gov › calciu...

Calcium and Vitamin D: Important for Bone Health | NIAMS

Pregnant women depending on it's a boy or a girl and depending on the size of the baby. If you're a small girl like Megan and you marry a very big guy like Aaron and you have boys or a girl. They're going to be bigger so you need to get more sun exposure because the size of the child also. Determines how much sun you need. So The bigger the baby the more sun exposure you need but you need to break it up throughout the day. Because you'll get too much in one exposure so you need to break it up throughout the day. And remember the morning sun is the best..

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate, which are important for bone strength. Vitamin D also helps regulate the body's calcium and phosphate metabolism, and may have anti-inflammatory effects. 



Versus Arthritis

Are you getting enough vitamin D?

May 16, 2022



ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The importance of vitamin D in the pathology of bone metabolism in ...

Oct 12, 2015 — Vitamin D causes an increase in the expression of RANKL in osteoblasts and inhibits the expression of OPG, thereby stimulating osteoclastogenesis [25]. Vitamin D has indirect action on bones by regulating the calcium and phosphate metabolism of the body.

Vitamin D helps the body in the following ways:

Calcium absorption: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from food, which gives bones strength and hardness.

Bone mineralization: Vitamin D promotes bone mineralization.

Osteoblastic activity: Vitamin D stimulates osteoblastic activity.

PTH levels: Vitamin D maintains physiologically healthy levels of PTH.

Joint pain: Vitamin D may have anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce joint pain, such as in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 

Low levels of vitamin D can increase the risk of osteoporosis and broken bones. A severe shortage of vitamin D can cause rickets and osteomalacia, which is soft, weak bones. 

The recommended daily amount of vitamin D for adults through age 70 is 600 IU, and 800 IU is recommended for people above age 70. 4,000 IU is considered to be the upper end of the tolerable intake level, and 10,000 IU is considered a megadose. 

The main source of vitamin D is sunlight. Most people can get enough vitamin D from a balanced diet and being out in the sun for short periods every day, especially during spring and summer. 

Yes, overdoing vitamin D can be damaging. Just like overdoing sun exposure can cause skin cancer.

Vitamin D and calcium are commonly believed to be the only nutrients needed for healthy bones, and can enhance the fracture healing process. Vitamin D controls calcium and phosphate levels in three ways: how much we absorb from our diet, how much is within our bones, and how much we excrete. Studies show that calcium and vitamin D together can build stronger bones in women after menopause. 



ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nutritional Aspects of Bone Health and Fracture Healing - PMC - NCBI

It is commonly believed that the only nutrients needed for healthy bones and, therefore, the only ones that can enhance the fracture healing process are vitamin D and calcium [58].



FootCareMD

How Vitamin D Affects Bone Health - FootCareMD

What is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is important for maintaining bone health. It affects bones by controlling the body's levels of calcium and phosphate, which are critical for building new bone. Vitamin D controls calcium and phosphate levels in three ways: how much we absorb from our diet. how much is within our bones. how much we excrete.



webmd.com

Vitamin D for Bones and Osteoporosis - WebMD

Jul 12, 2023 — Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from the food you eat. So the nutrient is important for people with osteoporosis. Studies show that calcium and vitamin D together can build stronger bones in women after menopause. It also helps with other disorders that cause weak bones, like rickets.

Your doctor may recommend up to 5000u Vitamin D3 daily during periods of bone healing. 

Other tips to make bone fractures heal faster include:

Maintaining a balanced diet

Taking dietary supplements

Exercise

Natural essential oils

Say no to certain drugs

Stay away from smoking and alcohol

Consult your doctor and adhere to the treatment plan

Try acupuncture 

The calculation for the loading dose is based on the formula published by van Groningen et al (2010) as follows: Vitamin D Loading dose (IU) = 45 multiplied by the desired rise in vitamin D level (target vitamin D level – starting vitamin D level in ng/mL) multiplied by body weight in pounds.Jul 31, 2020

https://www.grassrootshealth.net › n...

The Loading Dose Vitamin D*Calculator - GrassrootsHealth

See here, higher levels of vitamin D during pregnancy. Have better pregnancy outcomes. But it depends on if the baby is male or female and then the size of the baby. So if the baby is female, you need higher levels, but less higher levels than if the baby was male. Then if the baby's smaller you need less higher levels but if the baby's bigger you need more vitamin d. So doctors need to understand it changes with the size of the baby and you need the increase vitamin D from the first trimester to the second trimester to the third trimester. So the first 3 months you need one level of vitamin D the second 3 months.You need a higher level of vitamin d and the third three months you need the highest level of vitamin d. And this protects you as a mother from having any kind of physical structural problems as well. You must take enough for you and the baby...

National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › pmc

The role of maternal preconception vitamin D status in human ...

by AC Purdue-Smithe · 2021 · Cited by 14 — Higher vitamin D is associated with improved pregnancy and live birth rates, but its potential role in the

JAMA

So here is why vitamin D supplementation is deficient and you must get sunlight. You must have sunlight....

The sun's ultraviolet B (UVB) rays provide energy for the body to synthesize vitamin D from cholesterol in skin cells. Vitamin D supplements don't bind to DBP and circumvent the body's natural process for regulating vitamin D, so they aren't as effective for supporting systemic health as vitamin D from sunlight. 



Healthline

How to Safely Get Vitamin D From The Sun - Healthline

Apr 4, 2023 — The Sun Is Your Best Source of Vitamin D There's good reason why vitamin D is called “the sunshine vitamin.” When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it makes vitamin D from cholesterol. The sun's ultraviolet B (UVB) rays hit cholesterol in the skin cells, providing the energy for vitamin D synthesis to occur.

solius.com

Light Makes a Difference Make vs. Take - Solius

Because supplements circumvent the body's natural process for regulating vitamin D and do not correctly bind to DBP, they are not effective for supporting systemic health in the same way as vitamin D derived from sunlight.

The sun also provides other benefits, including:

Antibacterial: UV radiation inhibits the growth of certain bacteria and microbes, including tetanus, typhoid, TB, and staph.

Increased resistance to infection: The sun helps your immune system. 

However, too much UV radiation can cause skin damage, including sunburn, premature skin aging, eye damage, and DNA damage to skin cells. UVA rays can also cause skin aging, eye damage, and lower your body's ability to fight off illness. UVA rays also contribute to the risk of skin cancer. 

You can also get vitamin D from food, supplements, or vitamin D-fortified foods. The body stores vitamin D in fat cells until it's needed, and the liver and kidneys convert the stored vitamin D into calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D. Vitamin D3 is the bioidentical form of vitamin D that is formed in your skin when it is exposed to sunlight. 

So knowing that supplementation isn't good enough. This is good for Pools. This is good for beaches. This is good for outdoor recreation. 😀 So you need that exposure that natural sunlight exposure every day.

So the optimal time to be outdoors. They say they get the best sunlight.Is at noon. But they say the best sunlight is between 10 AM and 4 PM. But the optimal hour is noon. I've read different that early morning was best.

To get an optimal vitamin D supplement from the sun at a minimal risk of getting cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), the best time of sun exposure is noon.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › ...

At what time should one go out in the sun? - PubMed

Now here they go early morning is the best time. But I can see if you want the most intense sunlight over a short period noon would be best. But if you want to be out in the sunlight longer early morning is best and this is why in Arizona, they start construction at 3 and 4 in the morning. They start early in the morning so they can finish by noon. They don't want them to be outside at noon. This is why they take siesta's and then they come back after 2 PM. So they missed the most intense son because they're getting it on the Laden. So they take the middle off 2 hour lunch. They eat take a nap. It's best to eat take a walk then take a nap. But they do have it right in these hot climates taking from noon to 2 PM off.

"Morning is considered the best time for sun exposure to get vitamin D, as the skin produces more vitamin D in the early morning."

So in the winter time, they're right to start games at noon for football. It's best for the fans and it is best for the players.. But like the cubs should do early in the season at noon time and then once it gets into ma june and july and august one thirty and three p m starts would be better and night games would be better. But in april and early may they should be starting games at noon time. This allowed for maximum sun. Exposure for both the players and the fans. O sports needs to be scheduling things that are appropriate for both the fans and the players... So they should rethink.Game time starts and figuring out when it is best to put fans and players in the best position to stay healthy..... Getting the benefits of going to a sporting event.

 In fact, the body can produce all the vitamin D it needs for a day in about half the time it takes the skin to burn. However, the sun's rays vary in intensity throughout the day, and UV rays are strongest between about 10 AM and 4 PM. This means that your body will make more vitamin D in less time if you go outside during that interval than if you went out in the early morning or late afternoon. 



indianexpress.com

Vitamin D from the sun: Why exposing ourselves 10 minutes every ...

Feb 2, 2023 — This is so fast that the body can make all the vitamin D it needs for a day in about half the time it takes the skin to burn. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR SUN EXPOSURE? The skin produces more vitamin D in the early part of the day. If that seems punishing in hot weather, stay hydrated.



Everlywell

How Much Vitamin D Do You Get from the Sun? | Everlywell

Dec 20, 2023 — [4] Time of day – The sun's rays vary in intensity throughout the day. In most places, UV rays are strongest between about 10am and 4pm, when the sun is at its peak. [5] If you go outside during that interval, your body will make more vitamin D in less time than if you went out in the early morning or late afternoon.



NDTV

Benefits Of Morning Sunlight: Prevent Vitamin D Deficiency ...

May 26, 2023 — Morning is considered to be the best time for sun exposure. Sitting in the sun during morning hours for 10-20 minutes is considered sufficient. If you have sensitive skin, the exposure time should be minimum and you should consult a skin specialist.

However, early morning and early evening light only provide us with UVA sunlight (good for making nitric oxide), not UVB which is necessary for vitamin D production. UVB rays are blocked during the early and later parts of the day and most of the day during the winter. 

The amount of vitamin D that you get from the sun depends on its intensity, the amount of uncovered skin, your pigmentation and your ability to use the sunlight to create vitamin D. For example, people with darker skin may have trouble synthesizing vitamin D from the sun. 

Low vitamin D levels have been linked to serious health consequences, including osteoporosis, cancer, depression, muscle weakness, and death. 

So they need to talk within teams on what they think is acceptable pranking behavior. So everybody understands and going in and can speak whether they agree or disagree and they can opt in or opt out.

Reddit · r/nfl

10+ comments · 10 years ago

Framed picture of Walter Payton pulling a prank : r/nfl

Love that man! One of my favorites was when he would tie referees' shoe laces together when he was stuck in the pig pile of a large group ..

https://jamanetwork.com › fullarticle

High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation in Pregnancy ...

by L Sass · 2020 · Cited by 28 — Objective To determine whether high-dose vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy improves

[raitrolling]

Touch Up

[Easy reading version on Toyhou.se]

Velour had known for a while that he’d been pushing himself too hard again.

It started out small, a touch of magic to the fabrics he’d been using to sew his many Twelfth Perigee Ball orders to make the silks shimmer and change colours. First with the outfit he had made for his moirail, the interior of the cape and lining of the coat shifting between the shades of teal and blue Jamie held dear, and then Velour used the same technique for his own outfit.

But as he fell in love with the effect, two outfits became four, then four became eight, and then soon he’d been offering this new fabric option to all of his clients. Until he had mentioned it to Jamie, and the kookaburra troll had swiftly convinced him to stop before he burned out.

Velour was used to the burn out around this time of sweep, so working himself to the bone to ensure all his custom outfit orders were completed was practically a given. He’d even cut down the number of orders he took to suit his more relaxed schedule, but it was because of those extra breaks that he thought he could push his magic even further.

He’d been careful, but not careful enough. There was only so much fried tofu he could consume to replenish his magical energy, and so many naps he could take throughout the night without falling behind on his work. 

Jamie had noticed his obvious fatigue and made the kitsune troll promise to not use any more magic until the night of the ball; Jikiro and Hanabi had both noticed and cut his lessons short so he could rest more; even Viltau had gifted him some cupcakes which, while they had been sabotaged with a temporary caste colour-changing spell to prank him, were still decorated with the buttercream icing and white sugar snowflakes that Velour adored.

He appreciated the care his friends and quadrant showed towards him, but there was still one more challenge ahead of him before he could properly rest as he had promised: The Twelfth Perigee Ball itself.

Velour gripped the sink basin in the bathroom as he glanced into the mirror, trying to keep himself steady. It had only been a few hours at most, but his glamour was already starting to fade. The ‘facepaint’ he was wearing, intricately designed to resemble a Venetian mask, was nothing but an illusion as that many layers of real paint would be ruined the moment he broke out into a sweat.

And, right now, he was definitely sweating.

His other hand trembled as he brushed it over his face, rejuvenating the fading glamour with what little magic he had left. He hadn’t felt the magic start to wear off at first, but it was Viltau who had alerted him that he needed to freshen up before someone else noticed. His head was pounding and his eyelids felt heavy, but it was still very early on into the night.

He has to make it through at least a couple more hours, speak to a couple more people, take a couple more photographs, and fulfil his duties as a public figure before he can go home. But what if people notice? The weariness in his gaze, the exhaustion in his voice, the fatigue in his body language. Given the events this entire half-sweep, it would surely cause even more speculation about his health that he’d been trying to avoid. 

He leaned forward, wincing at the clink of the tip of his horns scraping against the mirror’s surface, and tried to focus on his breathing. His chest felt tight, which he knew was from the anxiety and not a side effect of his magic, but being aware of its source did nothing to ease his concerns. While the bathrooms in the VIP area had less traffic than the ones in the general public spaces of the establishment, there was still a risk that anyone could walk in and see him in this state. He just needed a few more minutes to get it together… To just breathe in, and breathe out…

Velour could have snapped his own neck with how quickly he looked over at the door when he heard the door creak open. 

Staring back at him was the equally-as-shocked face of one Sharle Casini, who clearly had not expected anyone to look at him so intensely.

… And he was wearing Jamie’s cape, which Velour could only assume his moirail had asked him to look after for whatever reason.

“Er, am I…” The falcon troll’s eyes briefly darted over to one of the unoccupied stalls, then back to Velour, “... Not a good time?” 

Velour manages a smile, and waves his hand.

“Oh, no, you’re fine, it’s not like I own the bathroo-”

Huh. He doesn’t look too well.

Velour froze. That- That wasn’t his own thought, and Sharle definitely did not say that out loud.

He felt a lump catch in his throat and brought a hand to his mouth, worried he was going to lose the ability to breathe, experience a sudden bout of nausea, or both at the same time.

How is-? But he thought-? Wasn’t that spell he cast some perigees ago supposed to fix this?

No, no, no, that can’t be, could it? Had he pushed his powers too far and developed his magic to the point where its side effects were stronger than the original spell? 

He- He could barely deal with the passive information absorption that came with a kitsune’s omniscience, there’s no way he could handle occasionally picking up someone’s thoughts as well! 

His face paled. The knuckles on his hand were turning white from how hard he was gripping the sink. His vision was swimming. He felt like he was going to hyperventilate.

Sharle looked at him curiously, unsure what he was meant to do. But he couldn’t just ignore Velour, though, he knew that much.

“Do you, er… Need some fresh air?” He pointed behind him out to the VIP area, and tilted his head slightly like an inquisitive bird.

Out there would be more people who would notice Velour, but it was also the only route to an outdoor exit. He couldn’t face anyone at the moment, not when the rumours would spark up instantly, not when he could possibly hear other people’s thoughts, not when he wasn’t even aware if he’d be capable of still walking in these heels, but… What choice did he have? Getting some fresh air outside, or breaking down and having a panic attack in a public bathroom?

He stared at the other troll for a moment, then shakily nodded.

“I- That… That would be nice, yes.”

The cuspblood loosened his grip on the sink, and attempted to make his way over to the door. He made it about two steps before his legs felt like they were going to give out, but Sharle was quick to catch him before he fell.

“Er, sorry. Usually I ask first,” Sharle admitted. He knew it would have been a bad look to just let the other troll hit the ground.

“No, it’s fine, it’s- I’ll- I’ll be fine, I might just-”

Velour felt like he was babbling, but it was the only thing stopping him from completely breaking down. He wrapped his arms around the blueblood’s shoulders, clinging onto him for support. Focus on his breathing, don’t think about what’s to come, don’t try to zero in on Sharle’s thoughts. Maybe it was just a fluke! A stray shared brainwave, or something. Maybe he’s just imagining things because he’s so tired. Maybe.

I guess I should call Jamie, since this is his moirail. He’ll know what to do.

No, not a fluke not a fluke not a fluke- 

In his panic, he let out an involuntary fox-like whine, and immediately flushed teal-blue in embarrassment. Thankfully, Sharle paid it no mind, instead just trying to figure out how to manoeuvre his way out the door and towards the outside patio with another troll clinging onto him.

“Er, you might need to lean on me if you can’t walk in those shoes,” he responded nonchalantly, tone lacking any sort of judgment towards Velour’s current state.

It was a reassuring sentiment, but Velour could not help but feel self-conscious about how much he was worrying in comparison to the troll helping him out. He had practically buried his face into the crook of Sharle’s neck by this point, walking agonisingly slowly and allowing the blueblood to guide him towards the exit. 

His ears pricked at every noise, expecting to hear non-stop speculation and hushed whispers as trolls all around would likely be wondering why the famous Velour with his infamous mental health issues was stumbling around and clinging to the man he was once rumoured to have been dating. The blasting carnival music befitting the ball’s theme was luckily drowning out most of the noise, but still some stray thoughts with no source drifted in.

What happened?

Is that Velour? He doesn’t look well.

Damn, where’s my phone? I need to get a photo of this!

Velour flinched hearing that last bit, gripping Sharle’s shoulders a little tighter, while the falcon troll simply pressed on, keeping to a slow pace so Velour wouldn’t unbalance himself. His ability to not care about what others are doing would have astounded Velour if he wasn’t busy focusing on not publicly breaking down.

The cuspblood kept his head down and stayed silent, hoping he could figure out how to drown out the excess noise until finally he felt the cool air from outside touch his face and gently tousle his hair. 

Sharle led him off to the side so they weren’t blocking the doorway, and pulled out his phone.

“I’ll, er, call your moirail.” He said with a nod as he dialled the other blueblood’s number, though he wasn’t sure if Jamie would even hear it over the music. Or want to pick up if he’s busy with his other friends. 

Velour nodded back, finally loosening his grip around Sharle’s shoulders, and then… Collapsed into a heap on the floor, suddenly breathing heavily. He buried his head in his hands, unable to keep himself calm any longer but feeling too exhausted to let the anxiety attack run its course. It just… Hung there, trapping him in place, just as he felt trapped by the new development to his magical abilities.

Sharle didn’t even check if the call had connected before his attention was pulled towards the more pressing matter.

“Er, shit, are you okay? Velour?”

[barkbliss]

The Key to a Well-Trained Dog is Consistency and Patience

Getting a new puppy is an exciting time. Their cute little faces, boundless energy, and unconditional love brighten up any home. However, those first few weeks and months with a new dog can also be frustrating if you aren't prepared for the responsibility. A new puppy needs training and discipline right from the start to learn good behaviors and discourage problem ones. Many new dog owners don't realize the time commitment and consistency required to properly train a dog. Without the proper foundation, you may end up with an unruly, disobedient dog.

Don't worry! With a positive attitude and a commitment to short, regular training sessions, you can train your new puppy or adult dog to be a model companion. The key is understanding your dog's unique temperament and using reward-based training techniques tailored to their personality. Training should always be a positive experience for both human and dog!

Supplies You'll Need for Effective Training Sessions

Before you start working with your dog on obedience training, make sure you have the proper supplies. At a minimum, you'll want high-value treats for reward, a comfortable leash and collar or harness, and some toys. Treats like small pieces of chicken or cheese are great for rewarding behaviors you want to reinforce. Make sure the leash and collar fit your dog properly and are comfortable. Toys can be used as rewards or to redirect negative behavior like biting or destructive chewing.

Choose the Right Training Environment

In the early stages of training, start in an environment with minimal distractions. This allows your dog to focus fully on the commands and lessons. A quiet room in your home works well, as does your fenced backyard if it's private. Don't start training in wide open spaces until your dog reliably obeys commands in calmer settings first. Stay patient and only progress to more challenging environments after your dog masters the basics.

Schedule Regular, Short Sessions

Dogs learn through consistency and repetition. Regular short sessions of 5 to 15 minutes once or twice a day are ideal. Trying to do too much in one long session will overwhelm both you and your dog. Keep training positive and be prepared to end on a good note if your dog loses focus. Limiting sessions prevents frustration for both parties.

Master the Essential Commands

Certain commands form the foundation of good obedience training. Mastering these will give you better control over your dog and correct problem behaviors. Always use positive reinforcement and reward with treats and praise when your dog correctly follows a command. The most important ones to start with are:

Sit - Teach your dog to plant their rear end on the ground on command. Reward and repeat.

Stay - After sitting, instruct your dog to remain in place until you release. Start with just a few seconds before rewarding and extending duration.

Down - Cue your dog to lay down, belly on the ground. Reward and repeat. Important for calming an excited dog.

Come - Call your dog to you and reward when they come. Essential for safety so your dog comes when called, not just when convenient.

Heel - Teach your dog to walk by your side without pulling on the leash, giving them treats as you walk together.

Start with just one or two commands per session. Your dog will pick them up quickly with regular practice!

Effective House Training Tips

House training your new puppy is often frustrating, but there are ways to make it easier on both of you:

Set a consistent schedule for feeding, watering, play and potty breaks. Puppies need to go out frequently until they can control their bladder.

Crate train your puppy and use the crate when you can't actively supervise. Dogs won't soil their sleeping area if possible.

Confine your puppy to a small space like a room or pen when inside and slowly grant more access as training progresses.

Reward your puppy immediately with praise and treats when they potty outside. Supervise closely inside and interrupt and redirect any indoor accidents.

Stay patient and consistent, and make sure to thoroughly clean any indoor accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors. Your dog will soon learn to only potty outside.

Correcting Unwanted Behaviors

You can correct common issues like barking, biting, jumping, or digging through training alternatives and denying reward for those behaviors:

For barking, teach your dog the quiet command and reward when they stop barking on command.

Discourage biting and chewing by redirecting to appropriate toys and withdrawing attention when it occurs.

Stop jumping by commanding your dog to sit and waiting until they are calm to give affection. Do not reward with attention if they jump.

Redirect digging by giving your dog designated areas they are allowed to dig and supervising outside time.

Tap into your dog's innate desire to please you by rewarding the good behaviors and, in a calm and consistent way, discouraging problem behaviors. Your dog will catch on quickly!

Where to Go From Here

I hope these training tips give you a solid starting point for working with your new puppy or dog! While the basics may seem simple, it takes time, patience and consistency to train a happy, obedient dog. I highly recommend you take your training to the next level with my online dog training course Train Your Dog the Right Way.

In just a few short weeks, you can have the skills and confidence to train your dog like a professional. My course will take all the frustration and guesswork out of training by giving you proven techniques tailored to your dog's unique temperament and behaviors. Gain a deeper understanding of canine psychology while building an incredible bond with your dog.

You'll be amazed at how a little bit of knowledge, consistency, and kindness will go so far in shaping your pup into a dog you can be proud to have in your life for years to come. So don't wait - check out the full course details at the link below and get started today! Your good dog is waiting to shine.

Course Link: tinyurl.com/ys4sfoo6

[seeklovenet]

Bumble Vs Eharmony 2023 Which One To Avoid?

Bumble Vs Eharmony 2023 Which One To Avoid?

The real distinction right here appears to be with the opposite classes mentioned that we’ll contact on more within the next section of which choice we like finest. My recommendations are based primarily by myself experiences within the online courting area as a woman, with some word-of-mouth impressions from friends thrown in for good measure. HER, an award-winning app made for queer women by queer women, is the proper place to go when you're tired of the one lesbian you understand being your ex-girlfriend. Even should you're brand new to online dating, you doubtless know that as you are served a sequence of photographs, you swipe proper if you like what you see and left if you do not. When you both point out curiosity in each other, you will get a notification that it is a match.

Despite the risks on locations like college campuses, there are nonetheless lots of people who desire a connection past frat events. Whether you are in search of love on campus or simply looking for the following hookup, make sure to approach it safely. Skip the constant inbox notifications with CMB's smaller user base and matches that the lady has already OK'd.

Historical Past Of Bumble And Eharmony

On the upside, the profiles are transient, which lets you make decisions shortly. The downside is that a short dating profile makes it harder to figure out what lots of people are looking for. Knowing very little about a person can even make initial messaging much more challenging. You'll need to wade via a sea of profiles, which makes it simple to pass over folks you may need given an opportunity underneath totally different circumstances. Whether you are on the lookout for an off-the-cuff hookup, potential date, friendship or an LTR ,Tinder has you coated. It's mainly the primary stop for these getting into the relationship world.

Wolfe calls this service a “feminist dating app”, by which she means that women are in charge. What reins they are given, might be mentioned in one of the sections under. She has been working in online romance and International relationship industry since 2012 and is enthusiastic about figuring out the romance rip-off and giving courting suggestions and hacks. Join Krystyna for the relationship service critiques and for finding methods to succeed with dating. My recommendation to you is to go with eHarmony if you are in search of the perfect relationship app.

Eharmony Vs Bumble Statistics

After you have filled within the extensive questionnaire, the system finds potential matches that are suitable with your results. You don’t must go through many profiles to find whom you could probably like. Actually, you haven't any method of seeing any profiles apart from the ones suggested to you. Before a match is established, you presumably can send a Reaction to a photo, bio, or a immediate on someone’s profile web page.

On the opposite hand, eharmony paid subscriptions begin at 6 months and prime out at two years. For individuals looking for serious relationships, eHarmony is the clear winner. If you’re looking for something casual, Bumble is the pick, though, there are another casual relationship options we'd recommend first. Relationship Goals – As we already alluded to, one of many greater points of the eHarmony vs. Bumble battle is the purpose of the connection. With eHarmony, it’s all about actual relationships, long-term, and more critical kind relationships. With Bumble, it’s going to be a blended bag of people in search of casual relationship, as properly as some in search of one thing extra serious.

Eharmony Vs Bumble: Which App Is Better?

However since eharmony focusses on severe and dedicated relationships, many Christians are drawn to it to find a devoted husband or spouse. Its enhanced matchmaking and compatibility options make it an excellent option to find a Christian companion. If you are looking for a critical relationship, then eharmony is the greatest option so lengthy as you're prepared to spend cash on online courting. Your experience on eharmony starts with a relationship personality quiz. This is an opportunity to reflect on your relationship targets and the type of person you need to be with. Unlike Bumble, eharmony doesn’t leave who you match with as much as luck.

However, if time within the connection is running out and you assume the woman could be the one for you, you possibly can prolong the connection for another 24 hours to give her extra time to textual content you. If you may be utilizing Facebook to signal up, you possibly can choose the images from Facebook and if not, you probably can select the photographs out of your gallery. You will then have to include a personal bio which ought to be 300 characters or much less. The name you give can be your official name but you might also decide a artistic and enjoyable name that may simply spark a conversation.

That doesn’t mean you can’t find the love of your life on Bumble. Anecdotal proof shows that many married couples have met on Bumble too. Both Bumble and eharmony add vital perks to their paid subscriptions. It’s just that Bumble is completely usable even for people eharmony 1 month trial with free accounts, eharmony requires you to pay to get basic functionality. While it’s clear that Bumble is cheaper than eharmony general, it’s price understanding what further options you get with each paid membership.

[bluejayblueskies]

oh if you did a little something for jonmartin and "hiding their face in the other’s neck" i would be so 🥺💕

touches prompt list

a little post-circus kidnapping hurt/comfort! cw for wounds/injury, mild blood, mentions of non-consensual touching, and mentions of kidnapping

.

There is a stranger’s elbow digging into Jon’s side.

He shifts from one foot to the other, trying to relieve some of the pressure on his side while surreptitiously giving the stranger a glare that he hopes adequately conveys his dislike of the current situation. The tube is packed, as it always is at this time of day, and there are… so many strange hands. An elbow, at least, is better than the hand that had pressed to his back as the individual it belonged to had instinctively tried to maintain their balance.

After all, Nikola didn’t touch him with her elbows.

Jon doesn’t want to think about that. He doesn’t want to think about any of it. He wants to lie down in a soft bed and get his first good night’s sleep in a month and finally have the space to process. Alone.

Instead, Martin stands next to him on the train. His hand rests just beneath Jon’s where it grips one of the metal poles, and Martin takes care not to brush against him despite how crowded the car is. Jon considered telling Martin, when they first got on the tube, that it was okay—that his touch would be… well, it wouldn’t be bad. But he’d stayed silent, allowing Martin to cultivate a careful space between them. They’ve been silent for the past twenty minutes as they’ve passed by station after station on their way to Martin’s flat in Brixton.

“I have a flat,” Jon had said uncomprehendingly when Martin had suggested (or rather, gently begged) that Jon come back to his flat with him. “It’s, um. It’s nice. Spacious. S-sturdy locks.”

“You… you don’t have to come if you don’t want to,” Martin had said, sounding and looking very much like he wished Jon would anyway.

“I’m fine.” Jon was not fine. But he could be fine until he got back to his flat. It was always good to have a short-term goal.

Martin gave him a look that clearly said that he thought Jon was full of shit. Jon was, but it was still unnecessary. He was just trying to keep it together. What did Martin want—him sobbing and crumpling to the floor right here in the Archives? No, that wouldn’t do at all.

“You were kidnapped. Twice now. I really don’t want it to happen a third time. Besides, I…” Martin trailed off and fluttered his hands at his sides. “I—I should take a look at your hand. And your, um. Wrists.”

Jon looked down at his arms. They were, indeed, quite red and raw and scabbed over and likely to scar. Nikola had been irritated when she’d seen that he’d been tied up so tightly, but she’d decided there was nothing to be done about it. She would just ‘make do with what she had.’ And, well. She had never stopped Breekon and Hope when they’d cinched the ropes just a little bit tighter each time.

“I have first aid supplies in my flat,” Jon lied. He was fairly certain that he had a backpack of What the Ghost merchandise and a single mattress to his name at the moment. “I can take care of it.”

“So can I.” Martin took a deep breath. “I just… I don’t want to see you hurt, Jon.” His cheeks were flushed a rosy pink, and he looked over Jon’s shoulder at the wall behind him. “J-just for tonight, at least? I want…” Martin swallowed. “I want to make sure you’re safe.”

And then Martin had turned those lovely blue eyes to his, and, well. Here they are.

Jon adds 24 hours onto his mental countdown of the time he has left until he’s allowed to break down and tells himself that he can manage. It’s… important to have long-term goals as well. He splits this one into steps.

Step one: get to Martin’s flat without crying. He achieves this easily enough. He finally escapes the cloying presence of strangers as Martin’s door shuts behind them, and then it’s blissfully quiet. Martin flips on a light, illuminating the space in pale yellow. It’s a little bit messy but otherwise spartan. The walls are painted a dull eggshell white, the floor made of cheap lino. Martin sits Jon down on the couch and disappears into the bathroom. Jon stares at the wall and focuses on breathing evenly and thinking about anything other than how smooth his skin feels when he slowly rubs his fingers together.

Step two: let Martin bandage his wounds without crying. This is… more challenging, if only because it hurts. Martin apologizes profusely as he wets a cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol and gently cleans the inflamed areas. Jon sucks his bottom lip between his teeth and bites down, focusing on anything other than the stinging, burning sensation in his wrists and hands. Funny—he’d thought that at this point, he would be used to the pain, but he’s not. All he knows now is what to expect.

Martin carefully wraps his hand and wrists in bandages. For a moment after he’s done, he delicately holds Jon’s hands in his like they’re porcelain. His hands are warm and soft, and Jon imagines how lovely they would feel against his cheeks. He thinks briefly that Martin is going to raise his unbandaged hand to his lips and lay a kiss across the back of it, but Martin doesn’t. Instead, he sets Jon’s hands back in his lap and stands, mumbling that he’s going to go make some tea.

Jon scrubs his uninjured hand across his eyes, just once.

Step three: sit on the couch with Martin and drink tea without crying. Martin presses a mug of steaming chamomile into his good hand and lays a plate of biscuits between them. “Th-they’re your favorite,” Martin says with a small, nervous laugh, like Jon’s not already staring at the plate with something choked sitting in the back of his throat. “I—I figured you probably haven’t really eaten today, and… I don’t really know what you’ve eaten lately. So, um. Yeah.”

Jon thinks of the things that Nikola had called food, then chooses not to think of them at all. He tucks the memory into a box next to cold hands and exposed skin and burning ropes and slams the lid before it can all come spilling back out again. “Thank you,” he says earnestly. He gingerly takes a biscuit in his stiff, aching hand that hasn’t had the time to heal properly and probably won’t get the chance to do so in the future and pops it into his mouth whole so he doesn’t get crumbs on Martin’s couch.

Step four: eat a biscuit that tastes like the best biscuit you’ve ever had and is the first palatable food you’ve had in weeks without crying.

“Jon?”

Jon blinks and comes back to himself. He’s staring blankly at Martin’s face, at eyebrows folded in concern and mouth curled into a small frown. Martin’s freckles are smudged into smears of tan, and the lines of his jaw waver like a mirage in front of Jon’s eyes. That’s odd, Jon thinks. Then, he feels something wet hit the top of his cheek.

Oh, no.

Quickly, Jon reaches up and scrubs the tears away from his eyes. As soon as he lowers his hand, more spring up in their place. He curses and sets his mug of tea down heavily on the table, taking one more look at Martin—whose eyes are now wide with worry—before turning away and attempting to pull himself together.

Step five: stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying.

(Stop crying, his grandmother says as he stands in the living room, hands and knees dirty and hair a mess. He’s managing to say words between his sobs, words like book and stole and spider. She’s frowning at him, but her voice is still patient and calm when she says, You’re not making any sense, Jonathan. Stop crying, please, and speak clearly. You had a nightmare?)

“Jon, what’s—” Martin catches himself, which Jon is thankful for. He thinks that if Martin had finished that question—asked him what’s wrong—Jon wouldn’t have been able to stop himself from saying, what isn’t? “What can I do to help?” he says instead, a hand hovering carefully in the air between them like he doesn’t know if he’s allowed to touch Jon or not.

“Don’t look,” Jon manages to say. He immediately feels ridiculous and follows with a quick: “S-sorry, it’s—I don’t k-know how to—I’m not—I’m n-not good at—”

“I’m not looking,” Martin says softly.

Jon cuts off, takes a breath, and turns his head back toward Martin. True to his word, Martin has his eyes closed, though his hand remains in the air between them. Jon presses his good hand to his mouth for a moment to hide how the sight rips a new, more ragged sob out of him. Then, tentatively, he reaches forward and takes Martin’s hand.

Martin inhales sharply. Jon almost lets go, but Martin curls his fingers around Jon’s hand and squeezes. He holds Jon’s hand tightly yet so achingly softly, and Jon could weep. (Or rather, is weeping.)

“Can I hug you?” Martin says abruptly, like he’d been fighting an internal battle about whether or not to say it and had just lost. His cheeks darken, but he doesn’t say anything else or take it back. His jaw shifts as he pinches his lips together and worries them back and forth.

Jon is… not the kind of person who initiates or seeks out hugs. He always makes them too stiff, or he holds on just a bit too long and makes them awkward, or he doesn’t know what to do with his hands and ends up just dangling them uselessly in the air. He’s also never really seen the point of them if he’s being honest. As a form of greeting, surely handshakes or waves or head nods get the point across just fine. Right now, though, there is truly nothing in the world that Jon thinks would make him feel safer than having Martin’s arms around him.

Jon nods, then remembers that Martin can’t see him and whispers, in as composed a voice as he can muster: “Please.”

Step six: hug Martin Blackwood without falling apart completely.

Martin’s arms are soft and warm around him. His chest is flush with Jon’s, and he’s holding him so close that Jon is practically on Martin’s lap. All Jon can think is that it’s been so long since he’s been held by something not made of sawdust or plastic. He grips the back of Martin’s jumper with lotion-soft hands and cries tears that have been collecting for a month into the fabric as he buries his face in Martin’s neck. Martin’s hands rub large circles across Jon’s back, and he’s whispering gentle words into Jon’s ear. Things about safe and okay and time and here.

By the time Jon feels thoroughly wrung dry, his cheeks are sticky and his head is throbbing and he’s desperately in need of a glass of water. He takes a few deep breaths, then carefully extracts himself from Martin’s arms. Martin lets him go easily, though his hands remain resting lightly on Jon’s elbows as if he can’t bear to let him go completely.

Jon thinks he knows the feeling.

Martin’s eyes are still closed, and Jon is hit with such a swell of affection he can hardly breathe around it. “Y-you can open your eyes,” he says, a bit sheepishly. Martin does, and if he’s affected by the state of Jon’s face, he doesn’t show any indication of it. “Sorry,” Jon mumbles, twisting his ring—now on his left middle finger instead of his right—around and around mindlessly. “I just…”

“You don’t have to explain yourself, Jon.” Martin squeezes Jon’s elbows gently. “I understand. Any time you need me to look away, I will. Okay? I just…” He takes a breath. “I’ll always be here. F-for you when you need me.”

If Jon weren’t thoroughly out of tears, that would make his eyes water. Instead, he nods and offers a small, weak smile. “I know. Thank you, Martin. It… just. Thank you.”

Step seven: fall asleep safe against Martin’s side in the bed that he insists is big enough for two, face pressed into Martin’s neck once again and hands curled loosely in Martin’s sleep shirt.

He’s so drained by the time they’re there, so wrung-out and empty and relaxed, that he manages to do so almost immediately. He thinks he hears Martin murmur, “Sleep well, love,” as he drifts off. But it disappears into the fuzzy border between sleep and wakefulness, slipping from Jon’s mind entirely as he fades to black.

[phr0gie]

sleep softly, love; genshin impact

synopsis: how i think certain genshin impact characters would fall asleep next to you for the first time :)

note: hihi! so i finally feel like i’m caught up enough in genshin lore that i can start actually writing for it!! yay!! anyways, i’m sorry if my portrayal of them is a lil ooc, i’m still getting used to writing for them. still, i hope you guys enjoy! :D

pairings: xiao x reader, diluc x reader

tw: mentions of nightmares and death in xiao’s, mentions of alcohol and suggestive themes in diluc’s, ooc characters, mostly j fluff, not proof read (oops)

wc: 2k 

masterlist

xiao:

the first few times you bring up sleeping next to him he’s probably going to turn you down

you see, xiao doesn’t really need to sleep, nor does he want to

he finds the idea of lying in a comatose state for eight hours in complete darkness to be “weird” and a “waste of time”

and his opinion on the matter doesn’t change for a while

that is, until you confess to him you’ve been having nightmares

these nightmares were like nothing you have ever had before

they shook you to your very core and, rather than the dream just leaving your mind after you woke up, they followed you around for days

once you confide in xiao about these terrors, he grows very concerned

in the past he’s known people who have been plagued with nightmares as a result of a dangerous curse that, more often than not, ended in death

the thought of you, the person he cares about most, succumbing to such a terrible fate frightens him more than anything — not that he’ll ever admit this to you.

and so, reluctantly, xiao agrees to spend the night with you

just this once, to protect you

You roll over to face him and for a moment he panics. To Xiao’s knowledge, couples who slept together often cuddled with each other. While he did occasionally enjoy a few close moments with you, Xiao couldn’t say he was very taken with the idea of physical contact — especially in a situation that left him so vulnerable. To his relief, however, you stay on your side of the bed. Your hand rests on top of your pillow and slowly, almost cautiously you maneuver it so it’s lying a bit closer to Xiao — a silent invitation to hold your hand, is what the adeptus recognizes it as. This gesture was not foreign to him, you did things like this often. You always kept your hand outstretched to him. Even if he were to pull away or turn his back, your hand was still there. You were still there.

You roll over to face him and for a moment he panics. To Xiao’s knowledge, couples who slept together often cuddled with each other. While he did occasionally enjoy a few close moments with you, Xiao couldn’t say he was very taken with the idea of physical contact — especially in a situation that left him so vulnerable. To his relief, however, you stay on your side of the bed. Your hand rests on top of your pillow and slowly, almost cautiously you maneuver it so it’s lying a bit closer to Xiao — a silent invitation to hold your hand, is what the adeptus recognizes it as. This gesture was not foreign to him, you did things like this often. You always kept your hand outstretched to him. Even if he were to pull away or turn his back, your hand was still there. You were still there.

You roll over to face him and for a moment he panics. To Xiao’s knowledge, couples who slept together often cuddled with each other. While he did occasionally enjoy a few close moments with you, Xiao couldn’t say he was very taken with the idea of physical contact — especially in a situation that left him so vulnerable. To his relief, however, you stay on your side of the bed. Your hand rests on top of your pillow and slowly, almost cautiously you maneuver it so it’s lying a bit closer to Xiao — a silent invitation to hold your hand, is what the adeptus recognizes it as. This gesture was not foreign to him, you did things like this often. You always kept your hand outstretched to him. Even if he were to pull away or turn his back, your hand was still there. You were still there.

“Xiao.”

Your gentle voice catches his attention immediately. As he looks into your eyes all he can see is admiration, his heart clenches at the feeling it gives him.

“Thank you,” you say softly, “for being here for me like this.”

Xiao simply nods his head at you in response.

“Sleep,” he whispers, his tone commanding yet soft, “I will be here when you wake.”

He desperately wants to say more. To let you know that he would always be there for you, that no challenge would ever be too difficult if it was for you, that he would rip the moon from the night sky if it meant that you would rest a little easier. Yet, the kind smile you give him shows that he need not continue. You know he loves you, you have never once doubted it. You are aware of the burden he carries and how it affects him. You know that one day he will be able to share with you the confessions of love and vulnerability that are buried deep inside him. For now, this is enough. He is enough. And so, with a content smile you snuggle even further into your pillow.

“Goodnight, Xiao.” You whisper before finally closing your eyes.

Xiao stares at your resting form for a while. It is not until your breathing evens out and he is sure you are asleep do his eyes flicker from your face to your hand lying closely to him. All of the sudden, an overwhelming urge to hold you in some way overtakes the adeptus. Again, Xiao was not the biggest fan of physical affection, however, something about you looking as peaceful as you do in this moment evokes something from him. And so, he decides to finally accept your invitation. As his palm meets yours in a tight hold — not tight enough to wake you, of course — Xiao allows himself to indulge in the warmth and safety you provide him, just this once.

Neither of you have any nightmares that night.

diluc:

you and diluc are in a fairly new relationship.

having just started seeing each other a few months ago, it’s only natural to not have done anything too domestic quite yet.

not to mention, our ever stoic winery owner is a bit shy when it comes to his affections.

the two of your were every content with your soft, simple touches.

hand-holding, hugging, and subtle kissing kept you both very satisfied.

until you decide to get drunk at dawn winery.

your work has been k i l l i n g you recently

commissions are beginning to pile up, hilichurls have invaded the area you were supposed to scout next, and you couldn’t help but think that you were getting a bit rusty with your weapon.

all and all, you are very stressed out.

you desperately want a chance to relax.

originally, you had planned on just having a drink or two and ranting to your ever so reliable boyfriend.

however, a drink or two turned into three, then four...

before you knew it you couldn’t remember how many you had and it was rather late.

being the gentleman that he is, diluc forces offers you his bed for the night

seeing as you were in no condition to return home on your own, he has no choice.

it’s the responsible decision.

however, he’s still very flustered about the whole ordeal

Dulic thinks you are a handful. Especially right now. 

He huffs as he attempts to open his bedroom door one-handed. The other appendage preoccupied with keeping you slumped against his side so that you don’t fall over. 

“I knew you shouldn’t have had that last glass of dandelion wine.” He mumbles, gently scolding you. 

You simply blink up at him, a bored expression on your flushed face. 

“You sayin’ I can’t hold my alcohol?” you hiccup, “I’ll show you…” 

You attempt to push off of him, but his hold on you tightens. 

“No,” he grunts, “You won’t.” 

Finally the door opens and Diluc lets out a sigh of relief. Swiftly he lifts you up — earning a small ‘woah’ and a giggle from you — and carries you over to his bed. He then sets you down and turns to his dresser to get you some clothes to sleep in. He picks out a large, white, long-sleeved undershirt and. Your lips curl into a suggestive smirk and you chuckle. 

“Oooh,” you tease, “Master Diluc how bold of you, are you going to dress me?” 

The pyro user looks absolutely mortified but you pay no mind to it, too busy laughing and hiccupping at your own joke. A prominent blush grows on Diluc’s face as he shuffles over to you. 

“Of course not!” he stutters, dropping the clothing article gently on your head. He then grabs a pile of his own clothes and makes a beeline to the door. Just as he is about to exit he turns to you. 

“Wait here,” he instructs, “and try not to fall asleep yet.” 

And with that, the Diluc dashes down the hall, presumably leaving you to get changed. You do just that, tugging off your shirt and removing your bottoms. You huff as you lift your boyfriend's shirt up and over your head. As soon as the garment falls over your shoulders and past your knees, you’re hit with the rich scent of chestnuts and mahogany — the scent of Diluc. His undershirt is so baggy and so warm that you cannot help but feel at ease, Diluc always did have a way of making you feel safe — whether it was the hand he always places on the small of your back when he guides you around town or the look in his eyes when he spots you across the room, so sure that you’re the one he’ll always search for. The red-head returns a moment later clad in a dark, short-sleeved undershirt, similar to the one he gave you, and a pair of soft pants. In one hand, Diluc holds a fresh glass of water and in the other a pillow that seems to be smaller than the ones laid out in his bed. Diluc gently sits on the edge of the bed and pats the spot next to him, beckoning you to sit next to him. As soon as the bed dips with your weight, Diluc is handing you a cup of water. 

“Drink,” he instructs once again, “so your hangover doesn’t kill you tomorrow.” 

You do as you're told, dutifully downing the refreshing liquid. The minute your lips leave the cup he takes it from you, setting it on his bedside table. Then, Diluc picks you up once more and positions you so you are laying properly on the bed. He pulls the covers out from under you and makes sure you’re tucked in well. 

“There,” he says finally, pulling the comforter up to your chin, “are you comfortable?” 

However, he does not receive an answer. You’re already half asleep, head slumped against the pillow, mouth hanging wide open. Diluc smiles in spite of himself. He should be mad at you, he knows he should. But, as you lay there with your hair a mess, wearing one of his shirts, in his bed, Diluc cannot help but fall even more hopelessly in love with you. Stroking your hair a few times, he finally leaves a light kiss on your forehead. Hesitantly, he gets up, being very careful not to jostle you. He’s about to head to his living room to sleep, but he can barely make it two steps away from the bed before a hand shoots out and grabs his wrist. He turns to see you, still snug in his bed, a pout adorning your features. 

“Where’re you goin?” You grumble out sleepily. 

Diluc looks at you curiously. 

“I’m going to let you sleep,” he whispers, “You need to rest.” 

He attempts to remove your hand but your grip only tightens. Suddenly you pull him down, your faces only inches apart. You wrap your arms around his neck and rest your forehead against his.

“Please,” you whisper, your voice soft — so soft that Diluc doesn’t think he would have heard it if he weren’t so close to you, “stay.”

The blush from earlier creeps back up Diluc’s neck and rests upon the apples of his cheeks. Hearing you plead for him like this evokes a sense of warmth within the pyro user. He’s never felt so wanted before you. Ultimately, Diluc gives in and indulges you — how can he not? Crawling into bed next to you, he stiffens when you rest your head on his chest and wrap your arms around his torso. Diluc stays up a little while after you doze off, admiring you. 

Diluc thinks you are a handful. However, he thinks he can handle it if at the end of every day he gets to hold you like this.

please do not steal or repost my work, thank you!

[dancingamongstdust]

MHA Scenarios - First Meeting (Part 1)

Cellophane

Despite the U.A.’s insistence that the hero course wasn’t a spectacle for the rest of the world to watch, often when there was some free time, many students flocked to areas where the classes were training. They would lean against trees or pretend to be doing homework while watching the show of fire, explosions, and acid.

You were one of those observers. With a textbook in your lap, you sat beneath a tree with your friends, and watched 1A train their quirks.

The grass tickled at your legs and the sun warmed your skin. It was such a beautiful day despite the sounds of fighting. Occasionally a wash of warmth would flood over you as a large attack went off but you mostly ignored it.

“I think the green-haired one is the cutest,” one of the girls with you said. “He’s super sweet and clearly he’s really strong.”

“Have you seen the Todoroki boy though?” another responded. “Cute and brooding.”

You laughed, making a comment to more agree with the latter though you wouldn’t be interested in anybody as cold as that. Rumours floated around that he never spoke, not even to his own classmates. Many also believed his temper was as bad as his father’s given his massive attacks during the sports festival.

But you didn’t listen all too much to gossip about the hero course. Instead, you just enjoyed watching them in action and running away when their teacher spotted you all.

Luckily, today Eraserhead seemed preoccupied at the end of their class so most of the other students could hang around longer. While he was busy lecturing two of his students, the rest began making their way to the change rooms.

Almost instantly, everybody took advantage of being spared his glare and watched the heroes-in-training.

Some seemed uncomfortable with the rest of the school’s presence while others relished in it. You watched as the shortest of the group winked at every girl, he made eye contact with, including yourself and laughed as a girl from general studies attempted to confess to the most explosive hero of the class.

But it was a specific member who caught your eye and she waved excitedly when she saw you, hurrying over. “Hey!” she greeted. “Were you guys watching us train?”

You stood, brushing grass off your clothing, and smiling. “Yeah, we were. Couldn’t see much of you though, you were almost completely hidden.”

Mina sighed. “It’s so sad how these things happen. My acid doesn’t stand out too much amongst this group.”

You hadn’t known Mina for very long but your friendship was pretty strong. She had attached herself to you due to your talent with making her photos perfect (something of a challenge thanks to her skin tone often contrasting with everything).

Your other friends slipped away, clearly wanting better looks at whomever was being lectured. That kind of gossip went for a high price.

Somebody called for Mina and she gestured them over. “These are the best people in the hero course aside from yours truly,” she said. “Kirishima, Kaminari, and Sero.” She gave them your name as well and you politely greeted them each.

“Your electricity is really impressive,” you told Kaminari. “Everybody talks about it when we’re watching the training.”

He smiled widely at that but Mina just groaned. “Of course, everybody notices the flashy quirk. Do you know how many people still think that my quirk is being pink?”

“It’s because they get distracted with bright lights and don’t notice the actual talent,” Sero told her playfully. “Don’t worry about it.”

You raised an eyebrow at him. “That’s not true.”

He chuckled. “It so is.”

“I mean, I notice your quirk all the time,” you said. “And it doesn’t have any lights. You’re just extremely smooth while fighting so you draw the eye.”

He seemed doubtful about that, acting as though you were complimenting him just for the sake of it. “Sure, sure. But when Bakugou unleashes a couple explosions, I bet your attention moves directly to him.”

“It doesn’t. I can prove it also.”

“How so?”

You gestured to the tree. “I’m always sitting right here. Keep an eye out for me next time – you’ll see whose fighting I favour watching.”

Chargebolt

It was a good day for there to be a pipe burst just outside of school.

The sun was shining, there was almost no wind, and there weren’t any large assignments due for almost a week. Overall, everything surrounding the day made it perfect for some rest and relaxation.

Your friend group finally made it up to the crest of the hill and stared around at the beautiful landscape. The view was magnificent. Almost as awe-inspiring as the school that you now stood across from. Every person knew about the hero school U.A. and now you had seen it in person.

“Imagine what it must be like to train to be a hero,” you mused. “I’m sure I would absolutely despise every second of it.”

Everybody laughed, jokes spreading about how they would be too lazy for constant workouts or how their hero names would just be too embarrassing. One girl whose quirk allowed her to pop her eyeballs out made a joke about how her entire career would surround traumatizing children.

“Why hello,” a very high-pitched voice greeted.

You startled, looking down at the small boy. He had bright purple hair and a cocky smirk on his face that just screamed trouble.

Luckily for you, his attention was more focused on others.

“I’m guessing you ladies are here to admire the toughest heroes in the country, right?” he said. “Well, luckily for you, you’re looking at one of the best in the entire school.”

You snorted. “Are you even old enough to be walking around without your parent?”

“Nobody was asking you,” he retorted. “I was speaking to the absolute beauties before me.”

Yourself and two girls that he was ignoring took steps away. They seemed interested in fighting however while you just enjoyed the show. It wasn’t the first time that your group had been annoyed by pervs and you each had different ways of dealing with it.

While he was busy screaming in shock as two eyeballs fell from a girl’s skull, somebody approached you, looking rather embarrassed.

“I’m sorry about him,” the blond said. He kept a confident smile on but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “He’s not well-versed in speaking to beautiful woman.”

You raised an eyebrow at him, willing to play along with somebody who made eye contact before staring at your boobs. Unlike his friend. “And I’m guessing that you’re much better at that?”

“Oh definitely,” he said, stretching. He wore his U.A. uniform still but carried little of the arrogance you had come to expect from the school.

“Well, show me your best line then,” you said, turning to face him properly.

He startled at that. For a second, he eyed you cautiously as though your response was some kind of prank. Then he cleared his throat and said, “You owe me a drink.”

You smiled at the cheesiness. “And why is that?”

“Because you spilled it – wait, no, because you’re so beautiful that you made me spill it.”

You brought your hand to your mouth, laughing at the world’s most common pickup line that still managed to fail somehow. “Points for trying,” you said. “Though, I’ll give you a hint. When you go and hit on your next target, you can start with your name. Makes you seem a little less forward.”

He blushed at that but pointed to himself regardless. “I’m Denki Kaminari,” he introduced himself.

You offered your name. “And you’re a U.A. student?”

“Yeah, I’m in the hero course.”

“Oh that’s why you look so familiar,” you said. “I’ve seen you in the news before. You’re the electricity guy, right?”

He clicked his fingers and a spark jumped between them. Unfortunately, you were standing close enough that it then moved to you. It wasn’t powerful enough to hurt but you still jumped at the unexpected jolt.

“Shit, sorry,” he said.

“No problem,” you replied with a smile. “It was nice meeting you Kaminari. I’m going to go and save your friend from being beaten up though. See you around!”

Creati

The rain was pouring down outside, whipping the trees around. It seemed to be desperate to reach where you stood beneath a roof outcropping. A few splashes landed on your shoes and you shuffled back further still.

Just one short run.

Holding your bag against your chest, you lowered your head and ran for it. The ground was slippery beneath your feet but you managed to keep your balance pretty well. At least, you did until somebody collided with you. Given how everybody was holding their heads down, it was inevitable.

You went down with a squelch into the mud, a sharp pain shooting through both knees and one arm. There was a yelp as the other person fell also.

Rain pounded on your heads. You glanced up to find another student sitting on her ass. She had been carrying her bag on her chest also which had saved it from the mud.

Your own was less lucky.

Cursing under your breath, you dragged yourself to your feet and held out a hand to her. You had to use your weaker one because it was the only part of you that wasn’t covered in mud.

“I’m so sorry,” you apologised.

“No, I am,” she said. “That was entirely my fault! I wasn’t looking where I was going and –“

A flash of lightning illuminated the sky and you both froze. Thinking at the same time, you put your apologies on hold to rush to the closest shelter, thankfully the entrance of the school that you were both heading into either way.

You looked down at your ruined uniform and groaned. It was going to be really difficult to clean and certainly wouldn’t be alright before class.

The girl was mud-splattered also. Flecks covered her face and the back of her high pony was dripping with the stuff.

“We’re making an awful mess…” you said, looking down at the floor.

Other students rushed past you guys, a few giving you curious looks.

“We can get slightly cleaned up in the bathroom,” she urged. “Come on.”

You followed her into the nearest bathroom and quickly went to work dropping your ruined bag in the corner and cleaning off your arms and legs. “I really am sorry,” you said when she let her hair down. “I didn’t mean to bump into you.”

She shook her head. “No, that really was my fault. I’m so sorry.”

“We’re both going to get into trouble with uniforms now though,” you said. “That’s not great. I was really hoping to fly under the radar today… what are you doing?”

She had lifted up the bottom of her shirt and her skin seemed to be glowing brightly. After a second, a perfectly folded skirt emerged. She took it and placed it in front of her before turning to you, “What size do you wear?”

“What?”

“I’ll make you some replacements quickly if you let me know what size you are.”

You raised an eyebrow. “You can do that?”

She nodded. “I’m going to make you another bag also so you can start taking all your stuff out.”

You rubbed the back of your neck awkwardly. “I really appreciate this but you don’t have to –“

“It doesn’t cost me anything,” she said with a smile.

Soon, you left the bathroom with a new uniform and bag. The only signs that you had even slipped was the occasional bit of mud that you had missed. She followed you out and the two of you soon came to a split in the corridors.

You reached out and rubbed some mud from her arm. “I should have known you were hero course,” you joked. “Thanks for everything and I really am sorry for running into you. Perhaps you can tell me your name? That way I can brag when you’re a famous hero one day.”

She blushed but held out her hand. “I’m Momo Yaoyorozu. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Deku

It all began in the early hours of the morning when the sun had just made its way over the horizon. Having arrived sooner than anticipated, you were standing outside with your friends and talking about various aspects of life. A topic that, inevitably, brought up quirks.

Everybody began messing around with their own. Some levitated their bags while others changed their hair colour – simple things that weren’t all too impressive but remained entertaining.

You played around with your own a little, relishing in the freedom that came with using it.

Something that always irritated you was the inability to use your quirk in public settings. Especially when it was something benign. For this reason, you adored your school more than most other locations. U.A. inspired a sense of relief due to its casual acceptance of pretty much anybody. No matter their size, quirk, or appearance.

By the time you had finished your conversation, you all had begun heading into the main building. You reached into your pocket to quickly realise that your phone was missing.

“See you guys in class,” you said to your friends, darting out to grab it again.

You exited the main door, scanning the area when somebody tapped your arm.

“Sorry, you left this outside.”

“Oh!” you said, taking your phone. “Thank you! I was just coming to look for this.”

The person who had helped you offered a cheery smile. He was recognisable in the way that all hero-course students were. They carried their personalities in their walks. Yet, his name completely escaped you.

“No problem,” he said. “I was really hoping I could find you instead of turning it in.”

The two of you walked back into the building alongside one another. “At least at a hero school, I don’t have to worry about it going missing,” you joked. “I feel like I should know your name but it’s just slipping from my mind, sorry.”

“Izuku Midoriya,” he said. “Why should you know my name?”

“Oh, come on. Like you don’t know that 1A are basically local celebrities.”

He blushed at that, coughing as he scrambled to regain his composure. “I don’t… well, I don’t know about being famous or anything. We’re just regular students, really.”

“Except you’re attacked by villains constantly.”

“Except for that, yes.”

You laughed, drawing unneeded attention from other students in the hall. They were all staring and trying to figure out if they could spread any kind of gossip about this interaction. The local soap opera that was class 1A had many students involved in the happenings of others’ lives.

“So, I noticed you were using your quirk earlier,” Midoriya said, bringing your attention back to him. His hair helped him to stand out with its fluffy, green nature but his voice remained soft. “Do you have any pro-heroes in your family?”

“One of my aunts,” you said. “She inspired me to come to U.A. in the first place.”

He surprised you by immediately saying her hero name. When you didn’t initially respond, he gave you a quizzical look.

“Yes, how did you know?”

“Your quirks are similar but not enough for immediate family,” he said. “Do you have the same limitations with your own? I know she has a weakness with it that many villains like to exploit which could be the reason why she’s never risen higher in the rankings… not that she isn’t a great hero, of course, but it’s a well-known flaw in her quirk.”

You chuckled at that. “I mean, well-known for a very small level hero,” you said. “The types of villains that she deals with hardly have the brain cells to remember their own names.”

“It doesn’t make her work any less important.”

You smiled at that, appreciative of the notion. “I don’t actually know much about her quirk,” you admitted. “My own is pretty lack-luster. I can experiment with it and let you know what I find out, if you really want to know.”

“Yeah! That would be great! I could – oh, wait, no that’s probably an odd thing to say…” he trailed off, looking lost in thought. “Well, just let me know?”

“Of course,” you said. “Bye! Have a great day.”

Your own classroom felt surprisingly uninteresting without him there. You looked around at all the familiar faces and smiled. It wasn’t like you wouldn’t see him again.

Dynamight

“What are you, a coward?”

You glanced up from your phone, the challenge lighting a spark in your eyes. “No,” you said. “I just don’t take bets that I know I’m going to lose.”

Sighing dramatically, your friend slumped back in her chair and toyed with the food in front of her. She huffed a stray strand of hair from her face. “You used to be fun,” she groaned. “What happened to the person who would take any dare, no matter how high the odds?”

“I just don’t see the point in wagering my daifuku, one of my favourite snacks by the way, on something pointless.”

“It’s not like you have to land a date, just talk to him for like a minimum of a minute.”

You glanced down at your dessert and contemplated her offer. The cafeteria was busy, as always, and you could hear almost four conversations going on at once. Most were unrelated to schoolwork but quite a few mentioned the infamous class 1A who were sitting on the opposite side of the room.

From where you were, you could make out a few of the more recognisable members, including the reason that everybody was discussing the class right now.

“I feel like you’re setting me up for failure,” you said. “He’s clearly in a bad mood already.”

“When is he not?”

Groaning, you stood up from the table and stretched a little. “If I come back uninjured, you have to double the payment, alright?”

Perhaps you had too much of a reputation already – or maybe people were just shameless eavesdroppers – but several perked up as you made your way toward the hero course’s regular tables. They were all prepared for some kind of show, be it from you or from the subject of your attention.

Class 1A’s personal explosive, Katsuki Bakugo had made a scene not too long ago, prompting the very dare that had you making you way over there.

His table hosted five people and you chose the pink girl’s seat to lean over once you arrived.

“Sorry to interrupt,” you greeted with a smile though your eyes held Bakugo’s.

He was agitated, that much was obvious, but you weren’t sure if it was the normal level or not. Your appearance definitely wasn’t a positive though.

“Who are you?” he snapped.

“An admirer,” you responded, allowing your attention to now rove over the other confused students. “Not just of you but of the entire hero course. I always wanted to apply but never quite got the marks so I was curious what its like. And you seem to be, by far, the most approachable of the lot.”

The girl you were standing beside snorted with laughter. “Good one,” she said, holding out her hand. “I’m Mina.”

You introduced yourself with a smile, keeping the majority of your attention on Bakugo. “I do know most of your names,” you said. “Though that’s not saying too much. You’re all over the school and the news most weeks.”

“Ugh, tell me about it,” she complained. “Do you want to sit with us?”

“I would love to,” you said, gladly taking a seat beside her and flashing Bakugo a bright smile. “Has anybody told you that your hair is adorable? Like it suits your whole aesthetic so well.”

“Fuck off.”

One of the other boys chuckled a little awkwardly but still responded with a shark-toothed grin. “Sorry, Bakugo doesn’t like compliments too much.”

“I don’t like them when they’re so clearly fake,” he scoffed, eyeing you up. “I know you morons struggle to understand but people don’t just come over to make friends. This is a dare of some kind, isn’t it?”

“That doesn’t mean I can’t make friends while winning some extra dessert,” you said.

“People dare each other to come say hi to us?” the blond electricity guy asked. He had a charger hanging from his mouth.

“Not all of you.”

Bakugo scoffed, standing up from his chair sharply. “Hope you lose,” he said, storming away from the table and disappearing into the crowd.

Earphone Jack

The words ‘joint class’ had seemed fun when it was first mentioned. It wasn’t often that you interacted with students outside of your course and many had presumed that it would be a simple way to split Present Mic’s focus between more people.

Unfortunately, you should have all seen the group project part coming.

“Working in the pro-hero industry will often have you alongside complete strangers,” it had been explained. “Whether on the battlefield or behind the scenes, you’re going to have some great times meeting new people and learning about your own limitations. I’ve chosen who I think you’ll get along with but I could be very wrong. We’ll have to see.”

You all groaned, already anticipating the lengthy assignment that would be coming up. It probably wouldn’t be as bad for the hero course students.

For the pairs, it was pretty expected. Nobody from the same course was working together and the majority of the pairs stuck to the same gender.

You understood why when you heard the small purple one start complaining about it being discriminatory or something.

Present Mic stood in front of your desk before you even knew it, a grin on his face.

Often, you thought that you were one of his favourites. You focused on his class and always actively engaged. Sometimes you would even see him outside of class and he would give you a great wave.

You really hoped that those kind sentiments carried over.

“You’re going to be working with Kyoka Jiro,” he announced. Then, leaning forward, he added, “The one with the purple hair and the audio jacks on her ears.”

Thankful that he hadn’t left you floundering, you stood up and took a deep breath. Going over and speaking to a new person shouldn’t be that hard but you really didn’t want to… still, it wasn’t optional.

“Hi,” you said when she looked up at your approach. “I believe we’re in a team. You’re Jiro, right?”

She rubbed the back of her head awkwardly but still smiled. “Yeah, that’s me. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

You sat down in the chair in front of her desk – vacant thanks to its occupant speaking to their own group member. “Present Mic said that he paired us up with people he thinks we’d get along with. Aside from my adoration of your hair, what else do we have in common?”

She reached up and touched her hair, laughing a little awkwardly. “Thank you. Maybe we both listen to the same music?”

“That could be it, what kind of things do you listen to?”

Jiro opened up at that question, immediately launching into a detailed conversation about her favourite and least favourite genres. You had heard of some of the bands that she mentioned but most were a little too obscure.

Then, you made a connection.

“Wait, your dad isn’t Kyotoku Jiro, is he?” you asked. “I used to listen to some of his old songs all the time.”

Jiro’s eyes lit up. “Really? He’s not extremely well-known so most people don’t know he even has songs but I’m super proud of my dad’s music. How did you find out about him?”

You were going to answer when Present Mic cleared his throat and you all turned your attention back to him.

“I’ll tell you about it later,” you whispered to Jiro.

The group project was actually far simpler than you had anticipated and probably could be done in the dedicated time you were provided with. Unfortunately, it seemed that Jiro and you were abysmally slow workers when together and so, you just had to spend more time together outside of class.

Even after it was handed in.

Froppy

Generally, you found that if you visited the pools just before lunch, there would be absolutely nobody there. It would be the perfect time to get some swimming done without worrying about interrupting anybody or feeling bad because you weren’t as fast as some of the hero course students.

You didn’t go every day but, when you had some spare time, you happily made your way to the pool.

About twenty minutes into your swimming though, you popped your head up to head up to hear somebody in the changing rooms. You knew that you shouldn’t get nervous. The pool was for everybody in the school and it was more than large enough that you could avoid social situations.

But still, your stomach churned.

You continued swimming, though now you were keeping your head up to watch for whoever came through the door. After what felt like forever, a small girl emerged with dark green hair.

She smiled when she saw you had noticed her and gave a friendly wave. “Hello.”

“Hi,” was your eloquent response.

She got in on the other side of the pool and you continued swimming your laps. For a while, you waited for her to start so that you could see how fast she swam but she just sat in the water with her eyes closed and her face turned to the sun.

You pulled yourself out of the pool to sit on the side, taking a brief break in your exercise. There was no need to be in pain tomorrow.

She opened her eyes and smiled at you. “You swim really well.”

“Oh,” you said, a blush igniting behind your cheeks. “Thank you. I’ve been doing it for a long time.”

Her voice was croaky but not in an awkward way. You actually really enjoyed the sound of it – enough that you willingly engaged in the conversation in order to hear her speak.

“Are you sunbathing?” you asked.

“Soaking,” she responded. “My skin is more amphibian-like so I really need to keep it hydrated. I’m Tsu, by the way.”

You smiled and told her your name. She repeated it and you quickly found out that you really liked the way she said it. “Which course are you in?” you asked, wanting to keep the conversation going.

“I’m in the hero course,” she said. “It’s fun but it gets quite dangerous from time to time.”

“I would guess so… hopefully nothing too bad though.”

She shrugged. “I’ve nearly died once because a villain with a disintegration quirk tried to grab my face. That was terrifying.”

Your eyes went wide. “What?”

“Thankfully our teacher can take quirks away if he looks at you,” she said. “And then All Might arrived so everything ended well. I’m lucky that my quirk doesn’t hurt me or anything because lots of my other classmates have those kinds of issues. It’s just a little inconvenient to have to lounge in the pool every now and then.”

“I would pay good money to have that kind of quirk,” you said with a sigh. “I would use it to get here during super boring classes.”

“That’s what I’m doing right now.”

You both laughed.

“I only managed to get here early due to being given some time to do an assignment. Because I got it done last night, I’m just relaxing a little before lunch,” you explained. You checked the time on the large clock. “Actually, it looks like I may need to go and get changed.”

Time had slipped by faster than you realised and you quickly changed back into your school uniform after giving Tsu a wave. You were actually a little disappointed to think that you had to go back to class instead of swimming.

But you weren’t expecting to see Tsu standing outside when you exited, already changed into her uniform.

“I thought you may want to sit with me and my friends today,” she offered. “They’ve got pretty cool quirks and experiences in the hero course.”

“Are you sure?”

“Why not? I can already tell that we’re going to be good friends so we may as well start now.”

You chuckled, covering your mouth to hide your slight blush. “Alright then. I’d love to.”

Ingenium

U.A. was a massive building with many corridors and even more classrooms. You had waited outside for half an hour before giving up and heading in by yourself. It hadn’t seemed like too bad of an idea at the time.

Perhaps you should have waited for your guide a little longer.

You walked the first and second floors twice, constantly looking for anybody who you recognised. The day before, you had been introduced to your class and the elected class president who promised to show you around. Except now you were wondering the corridors alone and hoping that you got to your main room on time.

When it didn’t look like that was going to happen though, you had to bite the bullet and ask somebody for help. Something you had been hoping to avoid.

Many students surrounding you looked extremely intimidating. They were all in their own groups and it would be extremely uncomfortable to approach anybody. So you chose the sweetest-looking girl that you could and made your way to her.

“Hi,” you greeted. “I’m so sorry to bother you but could you possibly tell me how to get to my class. I just transferred over and I’m completely lost.”

She was adorable with bright eyes and rosy cheeks. A massive smile appeared on her face. “Of course!” she said. “Where do you need to go?”

The other members of her small group were looking at you but none seemed too unfriendly so you relaxed a little. “I’m in 1G, the support department? My class president was meant to help me around but she just never showed up.”

At that, the tallest of the group – a guy with glasses and an extremely fancy look to his face – said, “That is unacceptable. They just left you waiting?”

You startled at the question and stared up at him. “Uh… yeah? It isn’t too bad –“

“It’s ridiculous for your class president to leave you standing alone! Their very job is to ensure that every member of the class is comfortable and knowledgeable about various aspects of the school. As class 1A’s president, I shall take you to your homeroom and discuss this with whoever is failing in their duties.”

You blinked, trying desperately to keep up with him. “If it’s not interrupting anything, then I’d definitely appreciate a guide.”

“Of course,” he said. “Follow me, I’ll take you directly there.”

You bid goodbye to the adorable girl and hurried to catch up with the guy who was practically marching his way down the hall. From behind, you could see that large pipes came from his calves. You wondered how his quirk worked.

“Thank you for this,” you said, speed walking to keep up. You gave him your name and asked for his own.

“I’m Tenya Iida,” he introduced himself. “And I’m sorry that you have been let down by your class.”

“I’m sure they were just busy.”

“Did they say that they would help show you around?”

“Well, yes.”

“Then they should have kept that in mind while planning the rest of their engagements,” he said. “There’s no excuse to cancel plans without even notifying the other person. You could have gotten in trouble for arriving to class late or not being able to show up at all.”

That was something you had been worried about. It was never a great way to start at a new school and you would have undoubtedly broken some record for getting a detention.

“Thank you for helping,” you said. “I really appreciate it. Are you in the hero course or something?”

He pushed his glasses up and nodded proudly. “I am indeed. Though I would have given you assistance without my hero training because it’s simply the right thing to do.”

Once around the next corner, he stopped so suddenly that you nearly walked into his back. “This is your classroom.”

A large ‘G’ covered a massive door. Relief washed over you and you opened your mouth to thank him but he was marching into the classroom, heading directly for your class president.

Lemillion

In all honesty, your stress was climbing to new heights. With a test looming and work taking a great deal out of you, it was like walking through tar to try and get things done. Plus there was the ever-present threat of forgetting something and causing trouble for everybody around you.

So you made your way to the library most days and found a comfortable chair to sit in. Once there, you would page through whatever book was needed and work to get as much done as possible.

It was a boring routine but it needed to be done.

Most of the people around you were ignorable, though you didn’t mean it in a cruel way. It was just that you didn’t have enough brain power to focus on them at the moment.

But eventually, you had to take a break when your mind was swimming from studies. You closed the book and took a deep breath.

“Alright, so I’m going to pop in just after she starts class, right? I’ll come through the whiteboard so she doesn’t see me at first, then I’ll hold up the egg and say ‘Wow, this class is really egg-sausting’.”

“Won’t Miss Midnight take offense to that?”

“It’s about her quirk though, not her class.”

“But what if she takes it the wrong way?”

You laughed as softly as you dared, a small snort escaping before you caught it. The group that were speaking sat at the table next to your own. They were a group of three although the one guy wasn’t really involved in the conversation – rather, a blue haired girl discussed the blond guy’s planned jokes.

“I think Midnight has a good sense of humour,” the guy was reasoning. “She’ll laugh at it. Most of the teachers understand my jokes.”

“Don’t you remember when you told Ectoplasm that he was a freak in the sheets?”

That one got a proper chuckle out of you but you managed to keep it quiet enough that they didn’t notice your eavesdropping. Their discussion was certainly lightening the mood.

The guy blushed bright red. “I didn’t think of the other ways that could have been taken,” he admitted. “I was just speaking about those ghost costumes that everybody wears during Halloween, you know… Probably should have just made the boo-berry pie joke and left it there.”

You decided against taking a sip of water, focusing on trying not to laugh at the awful puns you were hearing. Maybe the guy’s quirk was related to telling bad jokes or something.

Or maybe he just had the best worse sense of humour.

They continued speaking for some time and you found yourself giggling at almost every joke that was made. It was hard to concentrate on your work anymore but you surprisingly still got some done and enjoyed every second of it.

You were actually rather disappointed when the group stood up to leave. Two of them headed out of the main door but the blond didn’t follow. You considered glancing around to find him but decided you didn’t want to seem creepy.

And then his face appeared in the middle of your homework.

You yelped in fright and stumbled backwards, nearly falling out of your chair. The guy was half-melded with the table but he laughed and you couldn’t help but smile. His excitement was contagious.

“Hello,” he greeted, standing up and no longer phasing through any solid items. “I’m Mirio. I just wanted to say hi before we left.”

“Oh,” you said. “Um… hi.” You gave him your name and blushed, realising that your eavesdropping hadn’t gone completely unnoticed. Still, he didn’t seem to mind it so you didn’t worry too much.

“I’ll see you around,” he said as he left, waving enthusiastically the entire time.

Phantom Thief

Most days, you relished in the opportunities to speak to new heroes about support items and what they needed to better their quirks. You enjoyed discussing with them and learning about their abilities, and you knew that many in your class had similar sentiments.

After all, that was the very reason that you were studying.

These reason were why you remained confused when your classmates were busy drawing straws when you walked in. None of them bothered to even tell you what was happening, just gesturing for you to take your straw.

You grabbed the closest one in confusion and pulled it out, revealing that luck wasn’t on your side that day.

“Congratulations,” one of the girls said. “You get to talk to Monoma. All the rest of us will be able to choose whoever we want within class 1B once they arrive.”

That was when you realised.

You hadn’t ever had the opportunity to work with the loudest member of the class before and you didn’t envy many that had. The stories they shared about hinted at a mild insanity or, at the very least, obnoxiousness that went unmatched. You definitely weren’t looking forward to that for a good part of your day.

But alas, when 1B entered the room to discuss their options for support items, you made your way over to the blond and gave him your best smile. “Would you mind if I asked you about some support items that you may need?”

His grin was massive as he turned to you. “Ah, I see you’re extremely excited for the opportunity to work with such an amazing quirk, right?”

You smiled. “Of course.”

That clearly wasn’t the answer he anticipated and he faltered a little at it. “I’m sorry to burst your bubble but I don’t think there’s anything here that would suit me. My quirk works brilliantly on its own.”

“I wouldn’t say its your quirk that does it all,” you said. “Obviously it requires a talented wielder in order to use it properly.”

His eyes narrowed at the compliment and he began looking over your shoulders, clearly thinking that this was a setup of some kind. After making sure nobody was watching, he very carefully said, “I suppose you’re right. Anyway, as I was saying, I don’t need any support items right now.”

“I get that but, if you ever need something in the future, just let me know,” you said. “In the meantime, I can brainstorm some general stuff based off your quirk. You can copy things, right?”

“Obviously,” he chuckled.

You nodded and began walking away, happy that your unorthodox plan had worked in mellowing him out. It was a guess that he wouldn’t be used to praise but it worked like an absolute charm.

“Wait!” he said, suddenly appearing next to you. “How am I meant to tell you my ideas if I don’t even know your name?”

You chuckled nervously, not having expected him to care about that part of your conversation. Before you had even thought about it though, you told him your name and he smiled even wider at that, if it was even possible.

“I’ve been looking for somebody who understands how good of a quirk I have,” he said, throwing an arm over your shoulders unexpectedly. “And you seem to like it quite a bit.”

“Well, yes,” you said. “It’s nothing I’ve ever seen before.”

He stepped in front of you then and you watched as your own quirk manifested itself. “I like yours also,” he said. “It suits you.” For a split second, he smiled warmly.

You smiled at that, unable to help it as his expression became considerably more normal while he was using it. “Thank you. It’s not entirely impressive when you look at all the hero course’s quirks but I like it well enough.”

The quirk disappeared and his over-the-top smile reappeared. “Obviously it isn’t as good as mine,” he scoffed. “But don’t beat yourself up about that. Almost nobody can top me.”

For a second, the change confused you but then the class 1B president made her presence behind you known. She apologised and lectured Monoma on showing off instead of focusing but you didn’t entirely hear her. Your curiosity surrounding the blond had been piqued. How much of that arrogance was just a show for his class?

[narrators-journal]

Could I request a BSD lovecraft x short(4”11) female reader

Soulmate au

Fluff to smut plz

And could lovecraft use his ability in the smut part?

It's not exactly what you asked for, but I hope it's still enjoyable! It was a fun bit of a challenge for me, I enjoyed it. Also, thanks for sending in an ask for this, I appreciate you humoring my weirdness <3

CW: Tentacles, size difference, technically teratophilia

Tagged: @ravenina14

Checking the clock, you saw that it was nearly morning, sighing heavily at that fact. Part of you wanted to say fuck it and go through until the next night, but your stomach twisted and coiled like a spring about to pop, you were far too high strung from a mixture of energy drinks and stress to sleep at the moment. So, with a sigh, you ran a (s/c) hand through your (h/l), (h/c) hair and sat back in your desk chair.

For a moment, you just sat there in your room, thinking about all of the weirdness in your life instead of all of the college work you still had to do. First, you'd lived since the age of eighteen with the name 'Howard P. Lovecraft' stamped across your lower back, a soul mate mark, meaning that was the name of your forever partner. Second, the man assigned that odd name was equally odd. So, fate had assigned you to a man that you were pretty sure wasn't quite human, or at least he had a very out there ability, to spend your life with. Finally, you'd met said man when you saw him walk out of the ocean one day as you went to the store. Not exactly your usual meet-cute.

That wasn't to say your soul mate wasn't attractive, though. He had that same sort of charm one might find from Illumi Zoldyck, with long, wavy black hair, tired, dark eyes like the darkest parts of the ocean, and pale skin, he also could look a lot like the anime character. Though Lovecraft was likely taller than him, and a little more oblivious. Either way, he was cute, in an awkward way, so you weren't upset to have him as a partner, just amused by the oddity of the situation. In fact, remembering him had brought a good idea to your head.

So with that, you pushed yourself up from your chair to stretch before heading out to the living room, where Lovecraft laid on your couch like a corpse in a casket, watching the television in a stiff mimicry of what you showed him when teaching him how to relax there when the two of you had first begun to settle into your new normal.          "Lovecraft," you said, getting a mixture of a groan and a hum from the low energy man, "I need cuddles," Without a word, he lifted his lanky arms and let you flop onto his chest before laying his limbs back as they were, barely looking up from the ocean documentary on the television. Either way, the simple affection made you sigh as your tense body soaked up the comfort. However, the cuddles and the sounds of the documentary didn't seem to quite reach that knot of tension in your soul, much to your annoyance.

After a few attempts to get comfortable in your lanky boyfriend's arms on the couch, attempting to find the best possible position for comfort, you sighed, brushing your bangs from your face and just blandly watching what was on the television in defeat,           "Are you okay, (y/n)?" Lovecraft asked, turning his dark eyes to you at last, seeming to read your body language in a single, barely-blinking look since he began rubbing small circles into your back like you'd done to him a few times when he was grumpy after working with the Guild. And while you appreciated the gesture, it did little to help you relax as much as you needed.           "I'm a bit stressed out from college, but I can't seem to unwind enough to sleep." You admitted, dropping your head onto his shoulder sadly.          "I'm sorry about that," he muttered, his deadpan voice doing nothing to convince you that he was honest, which he likely wasn't, but you'd gotten used to his aloof manner, "Maybe you could take a bath? Those are said to be relaxing." he offered, but you simply skewed your mouth to the side at the idea. It wasn't like the idea was really off-putting, you just didn't want to get up and go through all that work. Though, it did give you an idea.

Turning your (e/c) eyes up to the pale, dark-haired man you called your soulmate, moving so you straddled him and tried to project as much seductive charm as your little body could produce,          "Y'know, there's another way to destress that I could try~" as you spoke, making your best bedroom eyes at the oblivious man, you toyed with the collar of his shirt. When he didn't take the hint, you gave him a swift kiss, swiftly moving your kisses from his mouth down to his neck, which seemed to clarify your meaning to the pale man.

He put a hand on your shoulder to stop you, encouraging you to sit up,            "I thought copulation was for breeding, and you didn't want a child." Copulation. You sometimes wanted to smack your soulmate with a book. But, you refrained, simply snorting instead,            "No, Lovecraft, sex can be for fun as well." You assured, "just don't cum inside me and no children shall be created." He hummed at your words, but you took the chance to slip your hands under his shirt, trying to maybe convince him to help you out, but he once again stopped your advances,            "While I wouldn't mind having fun, I'd prefer to not lose my clothing." He hummed, earning another huffy expression from you, but you sighed again, your expression of slight annoyance softening,           "Do you just not want to do anything? You can say so," You watched Lovecraft contemplate your question, then replied in his low energy, low voice,           "No, I don't mind having...sex," he tried, making you smile at the way he seemed to learn from you, "I just do not want to strip,"

After that, you laid back against him, contemplating what to do. Sex was likely the best way to exhaust yourself and relax in a timely manner, but Lovecraft kind of needed to be at least somewhat naked for that to happen. After a moment of thinking, you came upon a compromise, a coy smile returning to your (s/c) face as you turned back to Lovecraft with the biggest, most pleading doe eyes you could manage,         "Lovecraft," he simply hummed in response, "can you do that...thing you did a while back, partially activate your power or whatever you do?" He once again looked down at you, his dark eyes seeming to almost absorb the flickering light of the television, adding a small bit of sparkle to the deep sea color of them.

While he thought, you admired his eyes, coming back to reality when he spoke again,         "That is a creative solution," he admitted, his arms still loosely draped around you while you smiled,         "So will you help me?" He gave a careful nod, turning a bit pink it seemed, though you couldn't confirm in the darkness of the living room. Either way though, you took the compromise and pulled your clothes off, enjoying the way Lovecraft's dark eyes took in every inch of your (s/c) body as you stripped, staying in his lap as much as possible while you did. Then, you laid back on him and pressed your lips to his.

The dark-haired man still needed to perfect his kisses, but you didn't mind, the feeling of his altered arm coiling around your thigh, stroking the soft skin while you wriggled your hips and held the kiss until you needed air.

After that, you just laid on your partner's chest, raising your hips slightly so one of the thick tendrils could run along your entrance, sending a small ripple of electricity through you. The feeling increased when the appendage began to explore a bit, focusing its movements on the spots that got the most mewls and shudders out of you. Lovecraft might've been a bit oblivious to humanoid activities, but he sure did learn quickly.

Thankfully though, he didn't abuse that knew knowledge. He toyed with you, caressing your thigh and stroking you only until you were properly riled up into a panting mess of soft moans. Once you were gripping his shirt like you might burn up if you let go, he took the hint and gently pushed a tentacle into you.

The feeling of being full made you moan loudly, pushing yourself back onto him to drive him deeper to hit that sweet spot within you. He let you fuck yourself on him, watching you moan and mewl whenever he managed to hit those special spots.

Already, you were getting weak, each thrust of the tentacle sending a wave of heat through your body, clouding your mind with lust. The feeling increased when you felt a second appendage slither beneath you to grope at your breasts, another slipping between your slick-covered thighs to once again toy with that sensitive bundle of nerves that made you gasp and claw into his shirt tighter.

With so much attention to your sensitive areas, your body felt like it was on fire. Pleasure burned through your veins, turning your body to jelly. All the while, a bubble built in your stomach, increasing with each fresh wave of euphoria sent through you when Lovecraft hit your g-spot. Each wave continued to make you moan and hum lost in the tide of it until that bubble in your stomach finally burst, making you bury your face in your soulmate's neck as you came.

After that, the lightning bolts of pleasure ebbed, leaving your legs as stable as spaghetti noodles that gave out almost the moment Lovecraft retracted his tendrils. Without them, you let yourself turn into a puddle on his chest, quivering and completely satisfied after so long of working. So, without any other demands, you simply let your (e/c) eyes drift shut as grey light was beginning to seep in through the windows. It was a nice change of pace to fall asleep to the sounds of ocean documentaries as dawn approached.

[five-rivers]

Danger First

Chapter 7

@pocketramblr

.

"Hey, Midoriya?" asked Uraraka, after Aizawa passed out a costume revision assignment and feigned passing out.

"Yes?" said Midoriya, knowing that his eyes were preturnaturally wide and fine tremors were running through his body. He was a wreck.

"Are you okay? Why did you come to class with Mr. Aizawa?"

"And what's that you're holding onto?" asked Kaminari.

"Um," said Izuku. "I was sort of... abducted by the support department? But in a nice way... And they gave me this grappling hook."

"Wow, cool! I didn't know we could get stuff like that from the support department."

"You should really read the student handbook, Kaminari," said Iida, pushing up his glasses.

"But it's so long!"

Iida tsked and adjusted his glasses more vigorously. "You're a student! You should at least be familiar with what is expected of you! Speaking of which, Midoriya, do you know how to use that?"

As much as he could learn from a ten-minute crash-course. "... yes," said Izuku, but it was clear from Iida's face that he had hesitated too long.

"Midoriya! You shouldn't have something like that in the classroom without knowing how to use it!" Iida half stood up, and Izuku clutched the grappling hook closer to his chest.

"No! Mine!" Maybe he was too attached to something he'd only had for a little over an hour, but the support department hadn't been able to give him any smoke bombs or flash grenades due to 'new school regulations regarding explosives' and he'd gone through a lot this morning.

Distress washed over Iida's face, and Izuku wondered if he'd accidentally smacked into some old trauma.

"I wasn't going to take it!" he said, earnestly waving his hands. "I just wanted to make sure you knew where the safety-"

The door to the classroom slammed open. "Is that my little brother I hear?" asked a beaming man in a track suit. Without waiting for an answer, he bounded over to where Iida was sitting and clapped him on the back. "I have come to embarrass you horribly!"

From the expression on Iida's face, this venture was doomed to failure. "I thought you were joking when you said you'd see me today!" exclaimed Iida, beaming.

"Why... why would I joke about that?"

"You joke about a lot of things. Like knowing vigila-"

"Okay! Yes, haha, funny jokester, that's me! Now why don't you introduce me to your classmates?"

"Of course! I have been remiss in my duties as vice president." He stood and executed a ninety-degree bow. "Forgive me! This is my brother, Iida Tensei! Also known as the pro hero Ingenium!"

Izuku could almost see his classmates start to put together the puzzle pieces of Chibiida and extremely tall older brother. He was more concerned about whether or not it would be rude to ask Ingenium for his autograph... and to check his analysis page on Ingenium...

"That's me! And I'll be your special guest TA today! Now, where's Aizawa? You're supposed to have him for homeroom, right?"

As one, the class pointed to the giant yellow caterpillar in the corner of the room.

"Oh my gosh, Shouta, I thought you were joking-"

.

Ingenium was, to put it in a single word, cool. To put it in two words, he was unbelievably cool. So cool Izuku was almost able to forget the impending field-trip-related DOOM they were all facing.

But not quite.

So Izuku slogged through his classes, still thrilled to be there and waning to do his best, but unable to truly focus past the crushing weight of what might happen. His classmates and maybe-friends hovered at the periphery of his suffering, clearly wanting to help, but just as clearly unsure how, or what lines they could or couldn't cross, leading them to resort to painfully awkward normal small talk.

Until they sat down for lunch, that is, by which time Monoma and Iida had gotten into a conversational spiral about how amazing UA was, how awesome Ingenium was, and how UA was truly superior for being able to have pro-heroes like Ingenium come in as TAs on such short notice.

"Midoriya," said Uraraka, startling him out of his fourth or fifth 'Kacchan sweep.'

(It was still possible that his bad feeling was related to Kacchan hunting him down and blowing him up. He'd be mortified about making such a big deal over it if that was the case, but it would be preferable to, say, a terrorist attack.)

(Why did he keep coming back to terrorist attacks?)

"Are you... okay? You've just seemed really down today, and-"

"Invisible hug!" shouted Hagakure before grabbing Izuku and lifting him over her head.

There was a beat of whispering near-silence. Then Uraraka stood up, slamming both hands on the table and inadvertently making it float. "You have got to tell me your work out routine!"

Izuku agreed.

("Strawberry," someone whispered.)

.

"I generally say what's on my mind," said Asui as the Iidas had radically different reactions to the bus seating arrangement.

"Aha," said Izuku. The swaying of the bus plus the strain of probably-Danger-Sense was making him nauseous. "What is it, Asui?'

"Call me Tsuyu."

The first time a person his age let him call them by name since kindergarten, and he couldn't properly appreciate it. Figured.

"I was watching the videos of the battle trials I missed last night," Tsuyu continued, "and I realized, I don't think any of us know what your quirk is."

Izuku's first impulse was to lie or redirect the conversation. Years of quirklessness had left their mark. But on second consideration... was there really a reason to lie? He wasn't going to talk about One for All, obviously, but the rest of it was harmless and bound to come out eventually anyway.

"Well," said Izuku, adjusting the fit of his air filter self-consciously. "That's a good question, actually."

"If you're keeping it a secret, I won't press."

"No, no, that isn't it!" Yes, it was. "It's just that, um, it's really subtle? As in, so subtle I thought I was quirkless until recently. Haha."

"Oh, wow," said Kirishima, "that must have been hard. I mean, I got teased for having a boring quirk, I can't even imagine-"

"Your quirk isn't boring! It's more than enough to be a pro!"

"But what is your quirk?" asked Monoma.

"Um," said Izuku, "well, we're not entirely sure, but... We think it lets me sense things that are dangerous? But I've also got anxiety, so..."

Monoma was frowning, but before he could speak, one of Hagakure's gloves waved frantically in front of his face.

"Is that how you knew I was there?" she asked. "In the battle trial and the entrance exam?"

"Maybe? I think so?"

"You were kind of anxious this morning," said Uraraka, concerned. "Did something bad happen to you?"

"Not- not yet," said Izuku, weakly. "It- We still don't really know how it works, so it could just be the anxiety..." He trailed off. Everyone was kind of staring at him. He pressed back against his seat, wishing there was somewhere to hide.

"Well!" said Uraraka, suddenly pumped up. "We'll just have to keep an eye out! We're hero students, aren't we?"

There was a general cheer of consensus and Izuku managed a shaky smile. So, this was what it was like to have friends.

Eventually, Mr. Aizawa told them to calm down, but there was no heat in the scolding. Maybe, Izuku thought, past the ever-increasing buzzing in his head, today would be okay after all.

.

"Yeah," said Hikage, "there's really no chance of that."

.

The Unforeseen Simulation Joint was an incredible space!

Space Hero Thirteen was about a thousand times cooler in person than on TV!

All Might, in his golden age rescue-specialized costume, looked like he'd just stepped off the pages of a comic book!

But just like Tsuyu's name, Izuku didn't have the ability to appreciate it.

As the other students marveled over the USJ, Izuku watched the adults quietly talk to one another. It seemed to be something serious.

.

"Did you find anything else with the safety checks?" asked Shouta.

"A few of the areas had the difficulty set too high- apparently some of the third-years decided to get some practice in and their supervisor didn't reset everything. Other than that? Nothing." Thirteen shook their head. "No signs of structural failure, no security gaps. Everything seems, well, normal."

"Well," said All Might, "whatever happens, we're prepared!"

Aizawa seriously doubted they were prepared for anything, but the most obvious, most likely things? Yeah.

"What do you think, Ingenium?" he asked.

"Everything looks fine to me," said Tensei, shrugging. "But if it was something obvious, then it wouldn't be so much of a threat, right?"

"We're still not sure how Midoriya's quirk really works," said Shouta. "It could be a threat just to him." He sighed heavily.

Tensei smiled in a way that just about guaranteed Shouta would be teased about this later.

"Well, I'm going to start my speech now!" said Thirteen giving the others a thumbs up. "Wish me luck!"

.

As soon as Thirteen finished their (surprisingly moving) speech, all of Izuku's attention zeroed in on the air next to the fountain. A swirl of dark mist appeared next to it.

Izuku felt like he couldn't breathe.

"Mr. Aizawa-!" But he was already looking in that direction, already watching the man made covered in emerge from the dark hole, followed by a veritable horde of villains.

And Izuku didn't use the term villain idly here. Several of the people he saw were on wanted lists.

Ironically, now that he was faced with real danger, the panicked siren in his head eased off slightly. Evidently, at least some of the strain had been fear of the unknown, and now the threat was very, very known in the worst way, that particular stressor was gone.

"There he is!" cried the man covered in hands. "All Might! The one we've all come for! Nomu! Get him!"

A large villain with an exposed brain who practically sang with danger charged All Might, who grabbed him by the wrist and flung him away, towards the landslide zone. "Ha! That's not much of a challenge! You'll have to do better than that, villains!"

"Maybe," said a villain made of the same mist as the portal that had brought the others. The large villain came charging out of the landslide zone, none the worse for wear. "Maybe not."

"You might be an elite player, but can you fight the boss and protect the noobs you're powerleveling?"

The other villains surged forwards.

This is when Mr. Aizawa and Ingenium jumped into the fray, and everything immediately got more chaotic. Izuku rapidly lost track of the multiple battles occurring around him - except, wow, Mr. Aizawa was really mowing through villains, wasn't he - that Nomu guy had to have a regeneration quirk, there was just no way - he'd have to write down that villain's monolog as soon as they got out, it might have clues - Izuku had no idea that Ingenium could fly and wow that gave him some ideas for Iida-

Speaking of Iida-

"This is no time for analysis! Hurry up and evacuate!"

Right.

"I won't allow that."

Yeah the misty villain definitely had some kind of teleportation quirk, which made this whole thing even more gutsy. Quirks like that were always monitored by the government. These guys must not care about their identities.

"Greetings," he said, a metal colar slipping into place around his neck. "We are the League of Villains. Forgive our audacity, but... today we've come to-"

A gust of air from All Might's fight pushed the mist villain back. But the move had left him partially unguarded, and Izuku watched helplessly as Nomu pounded a fist into his exposed side-

Nomu knew about All Might's injury.

Oh, no.

Izuku didn't have time to process that, however, as Kirishima and Monoma jumped forward, attacking the mist villain.

The feeling of danger spiked, and Izuku barely registered Monoma's bewildered expression.

"Only students... but the best of the best... yes he was right to say you'd be a threat." Darkness spread like an ink stain from the villain's body. Darkness... and portals.

Izuku slammed into Tsuyu and Kaminari, pushing them out of the way of forming portals. He wasn't able to do the same for himself.

"Begone," intoned the mist villain, his voice echoing all around Izuku. "Writhe in torment until you breathe your last."

The next thing Izuku knew, he was in clear light and falling. From at least two stories up, over the flood zone.

And then he stopped.

.

The ghosts whipped their heads around to stare at Nana. She was sitting on a stool, hiding her face in her hands, though whether it was out of embarrassment or fear for Izuku was unclear.

"Nana..." said Yoichi, softly.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry I saw him falling and pani-"

"What did you do that for!" exclaimed Banjo. "He was only fifteen, twenty meters up! Into water!"

"That's twice as high as Olympic divers go! And they screw up their bodies all the time if they hit wrong!" shot back Nana, other emotions abandoned in favor of rage.

"Uh, guys...?" said Yoichi, weakly.

"Who still watches the Olympics?" muttered En.

"If we had to give him a new quirk, it should have been a combat one!"

"You're just jealous that he has Float and not Blackwhip!"

"So what if I am?" demanded Banjo. "If he had Blackwhip, he wouldn't need that stupid grappling hook gun!"

"So, you admit Blackwhip is just a glorified grappling hook?"

"Better than a glorified- glorified-" He puffed out his cheeks. "I'm going to give him Blackwhip right now!"

"NO!" shouted the other ghosts.

"Banjo," said En, "what do you remember about people who All for One gave three quirks to?"

Banjo went pale.

"Oh, hell," said Banjo. "I'm sorry, I got carried away."

"You can say that again," grumbled Nana.

"But," continued Banjo, "doesn't this mean we can't give him the stockpile?"

They turned to Yoichi, who was far and away the expert on the stockpile quirk. He held up his hands and offered a sick, shaky smile. "We've already started the process of giving him stockpile access. There's... there's really no way to stop it."

Nana started swearing, and even Second and Third looked tense.

"But that's borrowing trouble! Maybe he'll be compatable?"

"With three quirks?"

"It's possible!" protested Yoichi. "I mean, he's- um, he's got One for All? Maybe it's more like All for One than we thought?"

"Disgusting."

"No."

"Absolutely not."

"Never say that again."

"But, again, that's a future problem, unlike the villain attack, which is a now problem."

"I see what you're saying," said En, "but we can't do anything about the villain attack, but we could theoretically do something about quirk troubles. Unless you'd rather watch helplessly while our latest-possibly-last holder is murdered?"

Yoichi sighed. "Okay, yeah, let's take a look."

.

Izuku's first thought was that Uraraka must have tagged him, but he had been way too far away from her for her to do that. Unless she had run at him when he dove for Tsuyu? Tsuyu had maybe sort of been between them...

But, no, this didn't feel like Uraraka's quirk. He'd only experienced it a couple of times, but it felt like falling. This felt more like floating on the surface of a pool.

This was, he realized as he drifted helplessly upwards and slightly sideways, Shimura Nana's quirk.

It would be really, really cool if the circumstances were different or if he had any control over the quirk whatsoever. As it was, he didn't appreciate the way he was getting progressively higher. Hitting the water at his previous height would have sucked, but he probably would have survived. Now? Not so much. So, if the quirk decided to stop as suddenly as it had started, he was doomed.

Beyond doomed.

He'd be dead.

Wait! The grappling hook!

He pulled it carefully out of its holster, making sure to wrap the loop around his wrist. He could get back to the ground with the grappling hook, anchor himself at a decent height and make use of this, or even attack, but if he dropped it...

Well. Doom and all that.

His best bet was the top of the downpour zone. It was the closest structure by far. He lined up his sights, fired, and watched as the hook fell several meters short.

That was less than ideal.

He rolled over and looked up. He wasn't that far from the ceiling-

Danger Sense screamed at him, and he was falling, just in time to miss getting hit by a jet of water from below. Izuku, naturally, started screaming as well and fired the grappling hook blindly. He rejoiced as a metallic thunk told him it had hit something and immediately hit the stop button, almost wrenching his shoulders out of their sockets. However, his joy quickly turned to horror as he realized he was now headed toward the hard, unforgiving side of the downpour zone at a dangerously high speed. He squeezed his eyes shut.

Float turned back on.

Izuku let out a somewhat pathetic whine in relief, and hit the retract button on the grappling hook gun, letting it pull him up to the roof.

From here, he had an acceptable view of the rest of the USJ. He shaded his eyes to look back at the main plaza and entrance. He could see Eraserhead and Ingenium fighting back to back in the central plaza. All Might and Nomu were tearing up trees in one of the forested areas, and near the entrance he could see Thirteen, Iida, Uraraka, Shouji, Sato, Sero, and Ashido facing down the mist villain. Hopefully, with those numbers, they'd be able to get past him.

Looking elsewhere, Izuku had to assume Todoroki was in the landslide zone, with the spiky ring of ice in the middle of it. He must be holding back. He could make out a fight happening in the mountain zone, but couldn't tell who was involved.

That was more than half the class unaccounted for, including Tsuyu and Kaminari, who he'd thought he'd pushed away from portals. They were probably in the other zones, but...

He took a deep breath. Focus. Where would he do the most good? Danger Sense couldn't tell him that right now, with all these bright threats all around him. He had to decide on his own.

The fight in the mountain area wasn't going well. The number of visible villains was only increasing.

Could Izuku get there? He bit his lip as he contemplated the distance, then jogged back to the opposite side of the downpour zone roof.

Then he ran.

Then he-

-jumped-

-off the roof.

Float activated at the top of the arc of his jump, and his momentum sent him tumbling forward towards the mountain zone. As he approached and began to slow (air resistance still being a thing, apparently), he was able to see Yaoyorozu and Jiro fighting for their lives. Yaoyorozu did not look good.

This wasn't a great way to be proven right about her quirk having drawbacks.

He aimed the grappling hook at one of the larger, closer villains, not really caring about how much damage it would do, and fired.

.

"Wow," said En. "Kid definitely has a bit of a ruthless streak."

"Imagine how much better he'd do with Blackwhip."

"He wouldn't have been able to get there in the first place without Float."

"Honestly," continued En, "I don't get why Second and Third don't like him. They never shut up about Nana and Eighth being too soft, after all."

"What? They said that stuff about me, too?"

"Yeah, I think they're just unsatsifiable at this point. It's annoying."

"I was much more violent and ruthless than Toshi, though."

"I know."

"Yoichi," said Hikage. "I'm not seeing any sign of additional stress on Ninth's body."

"That's because Izuku is the best."

"Or," said En, "it's because he's only had Nana's quirk for, like, five, ten minutes, tops."

"Or because he's the best. Just look at how he's helped his friends defeat all those villains!"

"Compelling argument," said Hikage.

.

"What- what now?" asked Yaoyorozu, holding herself up with one of her staffs. The mountain zone was littered with various weapons and shrapnel from Yaoyorozu's quirk use. This included a canon. Which was really cool, but seemed a bit over the top... and maybe not the most efficient thing to make, considering Yaoyorozu's limitations.

"I don't know," admitted Izuku. He'd been flung around the field as a makeshift flail/bola by the girls a few times, and was a little dizzy.

He looked back out at the battles still taking place in the plaza. "I think... Maybe we should go down, and make our way around the edge to the entrance. We could pick up Todoroki and see if there's anyone in the ruins zone who needs help-"

Then he saw the hand villain step forward, facing down Eraserhead as Ingenium was lured away in defense of Tsuyu and Kaminari, who had just run out of the wooded area, trailing villains. Danger flared in his mind's eye, and, for the second time in his life, his body moved by itself.