#just so people rely on me less. and maybe she'll stop talking to me as much

[meanderfall]

i actually do like my new manager, since she's friendly, and actually took control of managing the service unlike my previous two, but she tries to tell me she's proud of me for upselling these scratchies (im not actually i just pretend like i am so she'll leave me alone) or for having a better attitude this week and it is. grating.

[fatuismooches]

Arlecchino theater anon here, glad you liked that idea! I also thoroughly enjoyed the Arlie gf texts you made, particularly her and Bina putting together a list of banger plays to take reader to.

This time I'd like to talk about Sandrone, since I find it utterly risible how little love she gets. I HC that one of the reasons Sandrone is known for having a bad attitude is because she's only really talkative when it comes to her work, and as a massive perfectionist she's notoriously difficult to work with. She insists on building/repairing all her automations by hand instead of relying on mass production to maximize quality (notice how the factory in Liyue was Dottore's and not Sandrone's!). Having absolutely zero tolerance for incompetence, she'll likely prefer working alone whenever possible.

Now, imagine a reader who is well-versed in engineering (maybe a Kshahrewar student expelled for dabbling in mechanical lifeforms, or a Fontaine mechanic) drafted into a team to assist with Sandrone's work to speed up production a little. Everyone was ecstatic to collaborate with a genius of her caliber, but the experience was quite different from what you imagined. When it was time for everyone's work to be inspected, after just a once-over Sandrone launched into a tirade pointing out every last imperfection and the exact impacts they would have on automation performance, with no shortage of harsh words sprinkled in. The others looked like they either wanted to cry or argue back, but not you. You weren't even the most talented or driven of the bunch, but you instinctively understood this was the rightful arrogance of a master and also found her voice and angy face really nice. Thus, it was easy for you to smile and nod, and work on what she pointed out. As time went on, the others steadily resigned, unable to take the repeated hits to their egos from the scathing criticism. Only you remained, steadily improving in your craft. Was it just you, or were Sandrone's criticisms getting gentler as they became less frequent? You eventually came to miss them after you got to the point where they stopped completely, so you would intentionally make little, easily fixable errors just to hear her sweet voice more. She's far from stupid, and would catch on pretty quick.

"Spare me this foolishness. Such a frivolous error is unbecoming of your ability. What is the meaning of this?"

Knowing you were busted, you'd just bashfully smile and tell her that you love her voice. She'd probably short-circuit for a good 5 seconds or so, then turn around and continue working with ears cutely tinted red.

-🎭

HI ARLECCHINO THEATER ANON!! OR NOW 🎭 ANON!! <3 Hehe I'm so glad you enjoyed those texts you really inspired me 💓 And WOW my ears are wide open for Sandrone thoughts... mhm (Also i love what you did there- "utterly risible" Sandrone says that in the trailer 😭💞)

Now... I'M IN LOVE WITH YOUR HC. It makes sooo much sense considering how engrossed she is only with her research :) So it's own natural that she wants things to be done her way, since her way is the best way as she spends copious amounts of time on her Automatons. And when she has to work with people who don't have the same skill, interest, intelligence etc as her she gets rather annoyed since they're messing her work up 😭

Ahh yes, reader and the group of newbies, so naive and thrilled to be working with such a revered Harbinger and researcher. So excited to present their little inventions to her and hopefully impress her. Sure their creations may not be perfect, but it still something right? WRONG. Sandrone walks over to each and every person and points out every flaw, internal, external, and even aesthetic wise about their creation. It's enough to have some people on the verge of passing out before she got to them.

Yes it was harsh, but she was right- even the littlest mistake could have a detrimental impact. Which is why you admired her unwavering dedication and attention to detail for her craft. (And also the way she would close her eyes and scoff and huff at how lackadaisical these people were honestly kind of cute... not to mention how elegant she looked perched on her robot... like the queen she is 💝) So you stayed. You stuck through it. Others tried to follow your example, but the numbers dwindled until you were the only one left under her wing. Even though she could be cruel, it wasn't without reason. Sandrone could actually explain to you what you were doing wrong, how to fix it, ways to prevent it in the future, etc. She actively made you grow, in her own little Sandrone way.

It got to the point where she didn't even need to criticize you anymore, and if she did, it was not like the scalding tone from before. Now she would simply take a look at your work and give you a small nod. On very rare occasions you might even get a "Good work"! Which of course you were delighted that she was finally satisfied, but you wanted to hear her talk more! The lab was always dead silent, only the sound of metal and tools filling it. But damn messing up on purpose for that? You know that most people would die for doing something as dumb as that? Luckily Sandrone has a soft spot for you that she doesn't exactly realize yet but will soon discover quickly <33 Omg I can just imagine her face morphing into surprise, her jaw hanging open trying to form a response to that, but she just closes it and turns around to pretend nothing happened 🥺

Off-topic but I find it interesting trying to talk to Sandrone about stuff outside of her research. Like i can just imagine her realizing she really doesn't know what else to say since she absorbs herself in her work all the time. After she gets a crush on you would she get jealous at how other people can easily hold a conversation with you? 🤔 Would she try to learn about the art of "normal conversation" and then fail halfway? Well it's okay since you can talk enough for both people :)

[peterrparrkerr]

Hanahaki disease - read on ao3

Tagging: @lokitonypeter @just-things-things @thegreenmetblue @someonepostedart @andacheesyoneliner @bluestarker @lilcoffeecup @useless-fanfictions-for-mcu

*-*

Peter's known for a long time that he was in love with Tony. Since he was seven, and Ironman saved his life. Since he came home to Tony Stark on his couch, talking with his aunt.

Since the trip to Germany, and everything else leading up to now. The more time he spent with the older man, the more in love with him he became.

Peter never really thought he'd be the one to get sick. He thought he'd been immune. He's had crushes before, been in unrequited love before, and he never got sick.

But with Tony, it came on so suddenly. One day he was fine, and then the next, blue petals were in his sink after a coughing fit.

He'd been so shocked he'd stumbled back and almost hit his head on the bathroom door.

That was six months ago, and its not gotten better. He's been lucky enough to hide it from everyone.

With May's long hours at the hospital and his school's wacky scheduling, and the Avengers keeping Peter on the outskirts, its easy to hide the blue flowers.

He's read stories about people with the disease getting better on their own, or even learning to live with it for the rest of their lives.

He's also read about it killing people.

But he can't tell Tony how he feels. He just can't. Tony thinks of Peter as a kid. Plus, while the age difference doesn't bother Peter at all, it might bother Tony.

The man was old enough to be his dad anyway. So Peter decided to hide the flower petals. For as long as he could.

"Hey, Pete, you getting the popcorn or what?" Clint calls from the living room. Peter coughs again, hunched over the trashcan beside the kitchen island.

"Yeah!" He shouts, coughing again. He reaches into his mouth, picking the petals off his tongue before straightening. He glances down at the trash, covered in wet, wilty petals and feels his stomach roll.

He quickly grabs a bunch of paper towel, throwing them into the trash to cover them, then pushing it all down as far as it'd go.

After a second, he grabs the two bowls of popcorn and makes his way back into the living room.

"Sorry, I had to melt the butter," he excused, handing one bowl off to Clint -who would be sharing with Nat, Bruce and Steve.

Peter handed the other bowl off to Sam, who was in reach of Tony, Thor, Bucky and Peter.

"What are we watching again?" Peter asked, clearing his throat. It was always worse when Peter was around Tony.

"Halloween," Sam said, smirking over at Peter.

"Its August," Peter exclaims.

"Yeah, and we were going to watch A Walk To Remember but Tony doesn't do chick flicks, and the grandparents haven't seen it yet."

"Hey, Tony hasnt seen it either," Steve yelped, waving a hand at Tony, sitting at the corner of the couch, beside Sam.

Peter tried not to think about how close they'd be if Sam and him just switched places.

"That's because Halloween is a terrible series."

"It not!" Peter can't help interjecting. "Its right up there with Nightmare on Elm Street and  Friday the 13th."

"How do you even know what those movies are?" Clint asks, laughing on the other couch.

"I watch old movies," Peter shrugged, feeling the familiar sense of self-consciousness creep into his chest, tickling at his lungs.

"Old!" Tony barked. "Kid, the 80s aren't old."

Peter forces himself to laugh and shrug and make a joke about hanging out with people twice his age, and the conversation moves on.

But it just reminds Peter that Tony would never see him as an equal because of his age. There was no way he'd ever accept that Peter loved him. Or would love him back.

The movie plays, and Peter chews handfuls of popcorn to keep from coughing up a lung.

Bucky and Steve are on the edge of their seats, fully invested in the corny horror film when Tony starts coughing.

Everyone glances over in concern, but the man just waves his hand, mouth pressed into his elbow.

"Pop-corn-" he chokes out between coughs.

"You're supposed to chew it," Nat laughs. Peter tries not to outwardly show how worried he is when Tony's face grows red, the coughing so bad he has to get up and make his way to his bedroom down the hallway.

Everyone returns to watching the movie, but Peter can't help but wonder if Tony's okay, especially when he doesn't come back right away.

"Uh, I gotta take a leak," Peter lies, climbing to his feet.

"Thanks for sharing, little man," Sam huffed. Peter doesn't say anything else,just makes his way down the hallway.

Tony's bedroom is all the way at the end. The only people who live in the penthouse with him are Steve and Bucky, and Wanda and Vision -though they're out on a date for the night.

He passes the bathroom door, and his frown deepens when he hears Tony hacking in his bedroom.

He keeps light on his toes, reaching the bedroom door that's not all the way closed, and pushes it open just a little.

"Ton-" the sight before him cuts him off, and he ducks back a little, worried maybe the older man might've seen him.

He feels his chest tighten at the sight. Tony, leaned over with a bedside trash can between his knees, coughing up little pink flowers.

Peter's eyes widen when the man spits a glob of blood into the basket before continuing to cough.

Tears burn at Peter's eyes and he quickly backs up, rushing down the hallway and past the living room.

"Hey, where you going? Where's the fire?"

"I-I gotta go home aunt May- uh, I gotta go she wants me home," Peter shouts, snatching up his keys and phone on the way out.

He's in the elevator, and he can't stop the sobs from tightening his throat.

Tony's sick. Tony's in love with someone who doesn't love him back. Tony's in love with someone and its not Peter.

Be chokes on tears and petals all the way to the main floor, shoves the petals into his pocket and runs from the building.

He knew his love was unrequited. He knew there was no chance, but to see Tony so in love with someone else -it was like digging a knife into his heart and twisting.

He makes it to his bedroom and buries his face into his pillow, muffling his crying so May won't hear when she gets home. Hopefully she'll think hes still at the tower and won't check on him until the morning.

He cries himself to sleep, eyes gritty and heavy.

*-*

"Hey, kid, how's patrolling going?"

Peter jolts at the sudden sound of Tony's voice in his ear, momentarily forgetting he has a connection to the tower now. New upgrades.

"Uh, good," Peter huffed, swinging from building to building. "Stopped a mugging, and helped a couple people with the parking meters."

Tony chuckles over the coms. "You gotta stop showing people the coin on tape trick."

Peter can't help but smile through his mask. He clears his throat when he feels the familiar tickle at the back of his throat.

"Fuck capitalism, Mr. Stark," he says.

"You do know capitolism is kind of my job?"

"Its not," Peter countered. "I mean, it relied heavily on it in the beginning -what with the weapons and war profiteering- but you've come a long way! Sustainable energy and you're even recycling!"

Tony chuckles again, and Peter has a moment to regret his words -Tomy probably thinks he's just a dumb kid- before a coughing fit hits him out of nowhere.

It's so bad, Peter loses his momentum and drops onto a rough of a small cafe. Hes on his hands and knees, crawling from the edge of the roof as he coughs and hacks.

"Pete, you okay? What's wrong?" Comes Tony's worried voice.

Peter feels the petals coating his mouth with nowhere to go and frantically tugs on his mask. He's choking, suffocating.

He rips the mask off and heaves a mess of petals and blood onto the gravel roof.

Its never been this bad. Panic grips his chest when he coughs and wretches more than he can get a breath in. He's suffocating.

Tears burn his eyes as he struck less desperately to take a breath. Just one breath.

His head begins to spin, chest heaving and he drops from his knees to his hips, legs curled off to the side as he holds himself up with shaky arms.

There's so much blood and petals, Peter doesn't know where its all coming from.

He's too busy dying to notice the suit of armor that drops onto the  roof, or that Tony's suddenly rushing towards him.

"Jesus, kid!" He breathed.

Peter lets out a sob, blood and petals continuing to fall from his mouth. His stomach hurts from the heaving, his chest from lack of oxygen.

Tony grabs him by the arms, pulling him forward until he's away from the pile of bile, blood and blue wilting flowers, nearly cradling him in his arms.

"Its alright, you're okay, you're gonna be okay," Tony repeated, rocking Peter while he continued to cough and sob.

He shakes his head, even as exhaustion and lack of air flow has his eyelids drooping, body settling further into Tony's hold.

When he wakes up again, he's in a hospital bed. Theres an iv in the back of his hand, and a tube running down his throat from his nose.

He swallows around it and has to fight back panic at the strange feeling.

There's a heart monitor on his index finger, and a few on his chest -which is bare.

Peter moves shaky hands to the blanket and pulls it up just enough to see. Someone had taken his suit off, leaving him in his red boxers.

He blushes at that. Who had taken his suit off? Damn, he hoped it wasn't Clint or Sam.

He drops the blanket just as the door opens. He looks up to see Tony step inside and he wants the bed to swallow him whole.

"Hey, kid," he greeted, shutting the door behind him and making his way towards Peter's bed. "You had us all pretty worried."

Peter drops his eyes to the itchy white hospital sheet, picking at a loose thread and not saying anything. What was there to say?

Tony sighs as he settles down into the chair beside the bed.

"Your aunt May is in the middle of a shift, but she'll be stopping by when she's got a break to check up on you."

"Okay," Peter barely manages to murmur.

"The doctors had to pump your lungs," Tony continued. "But its not a cure, Pete. They'll come back."

Tears burn at his eyes and he quickly brushes them away, sniffling as he does so.

"I know," he said. "Its alright, I'm okay."

"Peter," Tony sighs, grabbing Peter's hand. He looks up then, seeing the concern in the older man's eyes. "You're not okay, you're really sick."

"People live with it all the time," Peter brushed off.

"Who is it?"

"What?" Peter asked, heart monitor matching his fast pulse.

"Who is it? How long have you been like this?"

and it must be because Peter is tired -exhausted and drained and so sick of being sick- because fresh tears bloom and he pulls his hand from Tony's.

"Long time," is all he can say as he presses his palms into his eyes, rubbing at the tears.

"Who," Tony presses.

Fuck it, Peter thinks. He's already dying, he's already humiliated. Why not just confess?

"You," he says, pulling his hands from his face. "I've-I've been in love with you for- for years."

He can't handle the shocked look that filters through Tony's features, so he looks down at the iv in his hand, lower lip trembling.

"And I know you don't think of me that way," he continues. "I know, so its okay, I'm fine, I'll get over it or, or get the surgery or something-"

"Peter," Tony interrupts, moving from the chair to the side of the bed. He grabs both sides of Peter's jaw, forcing him to look up at Tony. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because," he says on a wet breath. "Because you've always thought of me as a kid. You- I'm still just a kid to you, and thats okay, Mr. Stark, I'm-"

Tony's eyebrows furrow as Peter has to stop talking. He's getting to the point where he's babbling, not understandable.

"I don't think of you as a kid," Tony says.

"Yes, you do," Peter huffed, taking deep breaths to try and calm himself down. "You do, and thats okay, I promise, I've live this long with it, I'm okay."

"Has it always been that bad?"

Peter shakes his head.

"What made it worse?"

Peter's showing his hand already, he might as well expose the card up his sleeve too.

"I saw you," he murmured. "During the movie. You're sick too. I didn't mean to, I was just- checking to make sure you were okay but-"

"Peter, sweetheart," Tony interrupted, and Peter looked up at him, realizing suddenly the man's eyes are watering a little.

"I'm sick because of you."

Peter feels like someone punched the air from his lungs, and he blinks up at Tony, eyebrows drawing close as he tries to process what Tony's said.

"What?" He asks feebly. A small smile pulls at the corner of Tony's mouth and he leans forward, kissing Peter softly on the mouth.

It's a simple kiss, but it sucks the air from Peter's lungs.

"We're really bad at communicating, kid," Tony chuckled wetly, their noses brushing. Peter can't help but sniffle a laugh as well, his hands moving to grip the front of Tony's shirt.

"M'not a kid," he mumbles, pressing his forehead against Tony's. The older's hands are still cradling his face, thumbs brushing against his wet cheeks.

"No, you're not," Tony agreed.

[gay-otlc]

For The Honor Of The Moonlark- 2

Previous

Let's not talk about how I meant to have this chapter up yesterday haha

AO3

"Sophie?" Fitz asks, breaking the long silence that had held as the trio walked back to Bright Moon. Biana had mostly filled that time trying not to cry and/or run back to Maruca, so ae welcomes the distraction of the others' conversation. "How did you plan on telling Edaline about Biana? She'll be happy about Ae-Ra, but maybe a bit less thrilled about the Neverseen soldier part."

"Ex-Neverseen soldier," ae corrects, quietly.

"Right. Sorry."

Sophie stops in their tracks. "Oh. I... didn't think of that."

"She's gonna hate me," Biana groans.

Waving a dismissive hand, Sophie says "Don't worry. I'm sure it'll be fine. Just... maybe we should introduce you in Ae-Ra form?"

"One problem. I don't exactly know how to summon Ae-Ra." Until earlier today, ae had no idea that part of aer even exists. And now Sophie's mother liking aer relies on aer being able to figure it out, and fast. This is not good. This is very not good. All ae wants to do is not disappoint people, and leaving the Neverseen will definitely let Vespera down, not to mention Maruca, so ae would rather not mess this up with Queen Edaline too.

"I'm sure you'll figure it out- how hard can it be? You just hold up the sword and look cool and say the magic words."

"I guess." Ae gives the sword in aer hands an inquisitive look. "For the honor of the moonlark?"

Nothing happens.

Helpfully, Fitz offers "You have to sound more confident! Show that sword who's boss!"

"For the honor of the moonlark!"

Once again, nothing happens.

"I'm sure it's fine! How about you practice out here while I go get yelled at by my mom? Great, good luck."

True to their word, the moment Sophie walks into Havenfield, Edaline storms up to them, screaming "Sophay! What in Eternalia were you thinking? I ground you and expect you to stay in your room for at least one night, but no, you go running off to Ancients-know-where, leaving only the most vague note in existence and giving me a heart attack. Explain yourself!"

"Sorry, Mom," Sophie says, shuffling their feet.

"That is not an explanation."

They take a deep breath. "So, Fitz found this really cool piece of Ancients' technology in the wandering woods, and we went to go investigate, but while we were out there, we found something even better- you'll love this, I promise." Judging by Edaline's raised eyebrow, she does not believe their promise. They reach up to tug out an eyelash. "I know I scared you, but this is really good, I'm telling you."

"Alright. Show me."

Twisting their fingers together, Sophie admits "It might take a little while... in the meantime, breakfast?"

The look Edaline gives them proves full well that they are not off the hook. They hope Biana's ready soon.

Biana is not ready, nor will ae be soon. Ae's tried yelling "for the honor of the moonlark" in every voice ae can think of, every accent and pitch and heart-wrenching imitation of Maruca. It seems like even the horse, who ae has taken to calling Horsey in aer complaints, is judging aer failure. Not surprising. "Come on, Horsey, help me!" Biana yells. "Sword? Work? For the honor of the moonlark!?" The frustration in aer voice seems to have achieved something, because the sword sparkles, and then bright light fires at Horsey. Who neighs, rearing back as it grows... wings. Rainbow wings. And a horn.

Is this normal for Havenfield?

When Horsey begins running in a panic, it becomes clear that no, this is not normal for Havenfield. Biana follows, trying aer best to ignore the shocked gasps of the other Bright Moon citizens. Especially when they all notice the white eye, the Neverseen insignia, on the back of aer shirt. They know who ae is, but they don't, not quite- because they don't know ae left. They just see an enemy, and there's shouting, and ae just wants it to stop.

Horsey forgotten, Biana runs to the Wanderling Woods. Doesn't stop until ae stumbles upon a little cottage with an old woman outside, wearing a dress of pink and purple and red and orange. When she sees Biana, her face lights up. "Jolie!"

"...who's Jolie? Who are you?"

The woman laughs. "Jolie, don't tell me you don't remember Doctor Livvy!"

Ae opens aer mouth, closes it, and opens it again. "I'm sorry, I think you have me confused with someone else."

Livvy's face falls. "Oh. I suppose I do. It's not the right time for Jolie, ae's from the past. Or the future? I don't know. But you... you also have the sword."

"Lot of good it's doing me," Biana mutters, glaring.

"Come, pick berries with me."

"I- what?" Livvy's off before ae can stop her, and Biana still hasn't gotten any answers. So, ae follows. "Is that... an Ancients' ruin?"

Livvy nods. "Alluvaterre. It has good berries!"

And she's... climbing. Climbing up this scarily tall structure. Of course.

"Doctor Livvy? I don't think this is a good idea..."

"Nonsense!" The words are barely out of her mouth when she falls, and Biana dives to catch aer. Ae's expecting Livvy to be shaken, or something, but she jumps to her feet and dusts off her dress. "Thank you, Jolie. Follow me." Against aer better judgement, Biana obeys. "Look," Livvy orders, clearing a tree branch out of aer view. Ae sees broken houses and Neverseen weapons.

Not quite realizing ae's saying, or even thinking, the words, Biana whispers "This is wrong."

Livvy nods. "You're a lot like Jolie. Kind, and brave. But scared."

"I'm not scared," Biana insists, knowing full well it sounds like a lie. Mostly because it is.

"Of course you're scared! You asked the first crazy old lesbian in the woods for advice!"

Aer reply dies in aer throat, replaced with a cry of "Horsey!" as Biana sees the horse tied up by cloaked Neverseen soldiers. "For the honor of the moonlark!" This time, it works, and Biana is Ae-Ra again. There's barely time to marvel at it before ae runs off to save Horsey. It makes aer sick, that just yesterday ae was a part of something so awful. But now ae knows the truth, and ae's not going back. Biana screams and thrusts the sword and one soldier, than another.

Livvy jumps into the battle. This seems like a bad idea, but Biana is too busy to point this out. It seems like Doctor Livvy can hold her own, though, as she yells "Doctor Lesbian power!" and rainbow sparkles erupt around her. A soldier flies backwards, and finally, they retreat. Biana leans forward, panting, and Livvy smiles at aer. "It looks like you know what to do."

Maybe ae does. Biana looks at Horsey. "Could I get a ride back to Havenfield?" Ae doesn't say home. Messed up as it is, the Neverseen base is still aer home. Maruca is still aer home.

Barely holding back sobs, Maruca scratches out the little drawing of her and Biana, the B+M on the side of her bed. That was a lie. They don't go together anymore, Biana plus Maruca. They aren't a unit. They aren't anything, except now they're soldiers on opposite sides of the battlefield because Biana left. And Maruca hates aer. Worse, Maruca might still love aer. But Biana left, and Maruca just has a gaping hole where a girl used to be.

"Maruca." Vespera's voice is cold, in sharp contrast to this burning rage. "Pull yourself together. You have failed at your assignment, and I demand an explanation. Where. Is. Biana."

"Biana left!" Her scream slices through the air.

For once, Vespera is silent.

"Biana left, ae's our enemy now. And that might have been the right decision!"

She doesn't mean it- how could leaving Maruca have been the right decision?- but Vespera looks like she's been slapped. "I am bringing you to see Lord Brant!" she hisses. The walk is silent, Maruca fighting back hot tears because she won't cry over a traitor like Biana, especially not in front of Vespera, especially not in front of Brant. Once they arrive, she stays silent as Vespera explains the situation.

"It seems to me that you are short one force captain," Brant says finally.

"Yes, my lord, but we should have Biana back shortly, despite that one's failure-"

"No. We won't waste any more time on aer. Appoint this girl instead."

The first thing that comes out of her mouth for a long time is a near inaudible "I-"

"Rise, force captain Maruca."

Maruca is still frustratingly on aer mind as Horsey sweeps into the throne room of Havenfield. Queen Edaline, midway through lecturing Sophie about inviting Neverseen soldiers into the kingdom, cuts herself off. "Wha- Ae-Ra?"

"That's what Fitz and I were trying to tell you!" Sophie says. They smile at aer.

Ae can't quite return it, knowing the people here might not be quite so excited about Ae-Ra if they knew it was Biana holding the sword. Still, Edaline's warm smile seems more welcoming than Vespera's icy stares, so this isn't the most terrifying authority figure ae's ever had to approach. "Your majesty," ae says, "I've come to pledge myself to the Black Swan, but you should know that..." aer voice trails off, and ae lets the facade slip to reveal Biana. "I know the Neverseen does horrible things, and that's why I left them. I want to fight, if you'll let me."

Queen Edaline considers aer for a long, terrifying moment. Then finally, she says "Rise, Ae-Ra. Protector of Eternalia."

[punkscowardschampions]

Jac & Amelia

Jac: Can you believe this girl? Amelia: No, you're right, she's unbelievable! Jac: I can't believe she thinks so much of herself Jac: who told her she was so great and was it April fools when they lied to her face? Amelia: it'll be sir from now on and she'll be loving it Jac: As if she didn't get it just because she's so loud and he couldn't bother with the tantrum Amelia: he had no idea what to do when Ciara started crying, we all saw that Jac: Exactly, she just made him feel uncomfortable Jac: not cool Amelia: it's really not Jac: Not to mention not cool in the literal sense Jac: so lame Amelia: yeah Amelia: did you see how Connor and his friends looked at her? Amelia: I'm 😳 for her Jac: She has no shame Jac: It's no wonder Keeley doesn't want to be her friend any more Jac: I heard she like, ruined her last birthday party Jac: not surprised Amelia: showing off at the ice rink does sound like something she'd do Jac: Probably 😭 she wasn't the next Michelle Kwan Jac: she thinks she's good at EVERYTHING, which is cringe when you can't back that up Amelia: and when you put that much effort in, to impress sir of all people Amelia: he's not someone she should have a crush on Jac: Talk about daddy issues Amelia: my parents know everyone, they probably know hers Jac: OMG, I wonder what they're like Jac: she has a sister too, right? Jac: but she doesn't seem as nightmareish Amelia: I think she's in the year below but I've never heard anything about her Amelia: she must not be so Savannah-ish Jac: Poor thing is probably suffocated Jac: have to be so extra to get any attention with a sister like that Amelia: thank god I've never been to any family dinners at her house Amelia: who is she friends with now? Jac: You'll have to corner your mum, find out what their deal is Jac: I think she goes 'round with that Molly girl and her friends Jac: but I don't think they're like HER friends, you knoq Amelia: come over tonight, I've already sent her a text and it's totally fine Jac: Cool, I can sleep? Jac: anything to get away from my own annoying sister for the night Amelia: absolutely! Amelia: hopefully she'll have less boring gossip than when I asked her about that new girl last year Jac: Yay 😚 Jac: I'm sure she can be relied upon for the tea Jac: if not we'll look up their tragic old people socials Amelia: being on the board of school governors is such a middle aged in Amelia: that'll be where she knows Savannah's parents from if they are anything like her Jac: Why else would you do it? Jac: There's no funding to allocate 😂 Amelia: 😂 Jac: Though, your mum has to tell us in advanced for the next fundraiser, so we can actually get in there before Savannah just takes it all over Amelia: if people would pay her to 🤫🤐 that'd be a charitable act to us Jac: That's SUCH a good idea though actually Jac: watch her flop a sponsored silence 😂 Amelia: her sister would be 💔 Amelia: thinking it's her moment Jac: Awh 😬🤭 Amelia: oh god, I'm too stupid, I did not click her last name Amelia: her dad is a self proclaimed big deal, it all makes sense now Jac: Gross 😫 Jac: links? Amelia: they're like 🤑 Amelia: [links] Jac: She does have such wannabe richgirl vibes Jac: and she looks like him Amelia: she does 😬🤭 Jac: awkward Jac: also that there's barely any sign of her mum on these socials... Amelia: I wonder if he's flirted with my mum Amelia: she won't tell us Jac: but we'll know from what she DOESN'T say 😏 Amelia: this afternoon is going to drag so hard Jac: What even is social skills Jac: such a non-class, so dull 🙄 Jac: we should go to the shops before going to yours though, get snacks Jac: AND if we get dinner your mum will be thrilled with us 😇 Amelia: 💐! Amelia: you're onto something Amelia: do you think I should tint my lashes? Jac: I know 😋 Jac: Are you serious? but your hair is SO dark Amelia: exactly, they should be naturally thicker than this Jac: Okay but make sure you get a good kit Jac: Poppy Masters in the year above us got a cheap one and they all fell out Jac: her eyebrows too 😱 Amelia: oh no Jac: She's too ginger anyway, it would have looked ridiculous if it went right Amelia: is she the one who usually looks orange? Jac: Yeah...it's unfortunate 😬 Jac: she's not allowed to dye her hair because her mam reckons she'll regret spoiling her 'natural beauty' Amelia: her mum gets botox though Jac: Seriously? Jac: I thought she was a young mum too, like you know, had her TOO young young Jac: what a state Amelia: she thought my mum got it too and was asking her where and everything Amelia: because wherever she went cut her off for wanting to keep going like all the time Jac: The cheek of some people Jac: that's like Savannah levels of no shame Jac: your mum must've been SO embarrassed for her Amelia: I was standing right there and then she gave me a talk about our natural beauty, since I owe it to her, sorry dad Jac: Well you are super beautiful 🤷 Amelia: but yours was a model and you look just like her, neither of you are in people's faces about it Amelia: 😳 stop it please mother Amelia: I don't wanna turn into Savannah Jac: You could NEVER Amelia: have you seen her socials? She really loves herself Jac: I'll go look now Jac: I bet it's all selfies though Amelia: EVERYTHING she wears is designer Amelia: we get it 🤑💸 Jac: 🙄 like way to show you have no friends or real hobbies Amelia: does she do anything but shop and study? Amelia: 🥱 Jac: Clearly not Jac: She can't be that rich or she wouldn't go to our school Jac: or live in the catchment area even Amelia: maybe her invisible mum is trying to make her more humble Amelia: she goes on holiday constantly if this feed is anything to go by Jac: we might have to help her with that goal, honestly Amelia: what are you 🤔? Jac: Well, she needs teaching when to be quiet and when to just stop Jac: so we need to find something that she wouldn't wanna overshare Amelia: but now she's sir's favourite, aren't you worried we'd end up in trouble? Jac: it can't come from us, of course Jac: it won't be hard to just get out there Jac: anyway, how long is he actually going to be able to deal with how much she is Amelia: if you tell Is anything she'll spread it around Jac: and she never remembers where she heard it Jac: maybe we can think of something that will stop her being favourite Jac: hmm Amelia: like she's 😍🥰😘 for him Amelia: if he can't handle tears Jac: I mean, it isn't even a stretch Jac: we all saw her so Amelia: and the daddy issues are real Jac: Exactly Jac: like, it's not Sir's fault your dad is the worst Jac: do you wanna facetime her later? Amelia: should we? Jac: Is, I mean, obvs 😅 Jac: she might be a bit jealous she wasn't invited but she'll still be happy we called her Amelia: what if she wants to come over though? Jac: we'll have to pretend we've got somewhere to be after Jac: so she doesn't go on and on Jac: some club, a reservation with your parents 🤷 Jac: it'll be better to tell her, I'm not messaging it, I only trust you like that Jac: she could turn on us and say we were gossiping or whatever, some pettiness Amelia: I do wanna take you somewhere cool since my dad's working late Jac: That sounds fun Jac: do you have somewhere in mind already? is it a surprise? 😋 Amelia: it doesn't have to be a surprise but yeah, my cousin gave me the idea, so I know you'll like it Amelia: the one you met at my parents anniversary party Jac: I like surprises Jac: it sounds intriguing Jac: Isabelle is definitely not coming Amelia: follow my lead with my mum, okay? Amelia: she'd only say no if she knew where we were actually going Jac: Of course Jac: I know how to play it Amelia: I trust you Jac: ❤❤❤ Amelia: if Is feels left out she can come with us when we go to Savannah's 🏠 Amelia: I've worked out where it is Amelia: she seriously does overshare on socials Jac: As if Jac: you're as smart as she is dumb, seriously Jac: probably wants people to show up, so she can show off some more Amelia: yeah Amelia: Is wouldn't spy as subtly as us, maybe I'll uninvite her Amelia: before she like falls into their recycling bins Jac: 😂😂 Jac: Bless her Jac: she had a bit of salad stuck in her teeth ALL afternoon yesterday lunch Jac: it's like she never looks in a mirror sometimes Amelia: I can't believe Declan asked her out! Amelia: nobody's ever asked me Jac: I just hope for her sake she hasn't got a reputation with the boys already or he'll be expecting something Jac: loads of them fancy you though Jac: like Luke H Amelia: he cares more about French verbs than French kissing and he knows I'll let him copy a few of my answers Amelia: which is fine because unlike Isabelle I don't know how to 💋 Jac: It isn't hard Jac: can't be if she can master it, no offence Jac: and boys LOVE a teaching moment don't they 🙄🙄 Jac: don't want a girl who's clearly done it too many times already Amelia: that isn't a rep I want Amelia: so for now, maybe it's a good thing I freeze up around boys Jac: You're so cute Jac: the boys our age are so immature anyway, there is NO point Amelia: yeah, it's no wonder I can't think of any of them that I'd let 💋 me Jac: What about Leo? Jac: everyone fancies him Amelia: and he knows it Amelia: just like Savannah Jac: Yeah Jac: do you think she's even that pretty? Amelia: she is, but I think you're so much prettier Jac: you're just saying that 'cos you're my best friend Jac: but I appreciate it anyway 😚 Amelia: I could be her best friend instead but I'm not Jac: Imagine Jac: glorified bag holder sounds more legit Amelia: she'd hate where I'm taking you tonight Amelia: not enough mirrors and selfie lighting Jac: 😏 Jac: dark corners and 🚫📸 is way more fun Jac: that's why we're friends Amelia: best friends Jac: forever Amelia: and ever Amelia: do you wanna skip social skills? Jac: didn't you like, JUST get out of detention with Hilary? 🤔😆 Amelia: yeah Amelia: the timing's right Jac: to book yourself back in? Jac: I do HATE that lesson Amelia: we can say you're ill if you're worried about joining me in detention Amelia: Savannah's display was sickening Amelia: and you're 😇 enough to get away with it Jac: I hate that I can't escape her Jac: you know she's in EVERY one of my classes, literally Amelia: whenever you want to, we'll just go Jac: I will need to get an outfit Jac: as you're taking me somewhere Jac: I was going to ask to borrow your new top but this way, we can go shopping somewhere more exciting than just tescos for the dinner Amelia: my new top would look better on you but there'll be other dark corners for you to wear it in Jac: Not even, you looked so good in it on Friday Amelia: 😳 Amelia: I did feel good on Friday, we should do that again Jac: Definitely Jac: Where do you think Declan is gonna take Is out? Amelia: his sister works at the bowling alley, doesn't she? He'll use her discount Jac: the shoes are SUCH a look 🤭 Jac: guess she can't get burger and chips stuck in between her teeth though so that's a plus Jac: romantic ❤ Amelia: annoyingly, because I'm quite good at 🎳 Jac: Who's he friends with, you could make it a double date Jac: if you beat her though she'd be so mad 😠 she's the sporty one !!! Amelia: I'm not going unless you do too, who would you want? Amelia: Ross maybe Jac: He's not too annoying Amelia: did he get with that foreign exchange girl? Jac: He SAYS he did Jac: but I don't know if that's actually confirmed Amelia: still, I don't love that for you Jac: Hayden is part of that group too but he takes Classics and he's like, the male equivalent of Savannah Jac: he does not shut up, even though he's usually wrong 😒 Amelia: 🎤 drop Amelia: even if it makes me a bad friend, I'm not invested in Is' love life Amelia: there's a million things more fun than 🎳 we could be doing Jac: Yeah, it's not remotely worth it just to spy on her Jac: she'll tell us EVERY detail anyway 💁 Amelia: 😬 Amelia: I hate hearing about her boy drama Jac: maybe we'd care if there was more to it Jac: or she didn't always make herself look like a total idiot for some boring boy with nothing going for him Amelia: maybe Jac: or maybe not 😉 Amelia: I love her but I can't help feeling I loved her more when she wasn't so boy obsessed Amelia: but don't tell her I said that Jac: Of course I won't Jac: I know exactly what you mean Jac: it's like nothing else matters to her anymore Jac: she'll get over it though 🤞 Amelia: if she doesn't, I'm not going to have anything to ever talk to her about because it's the only thing she wants to Amelia: but that's probably true of most girls in our class anyway Jac: It's so tragic Jac: do you not have any ambitions of your own Jac: like it isn't the 50s Jac: not to mention boys think that's like, deeply unattractive anyway Amelia: at least you don't think I'm weird Amelia: or the tragic one Amelia: do you think the boys are obsessed with what we're doing? Jac: You're the coolest girl I know Jac: I'd be your friend no matter what Jac: like sometimes, I think I'm only friends with Is because I always have been Jac: like, I love her but Jac: what do we have in common now Jac: and no, boys fascination with girls starts and ends in the one place Amelia: I will be your friend no matter what Amelia: and if Savannah Moore or anyone else gets in your face like that again, I will be back in detention Amelia: would I risk it all for Is in the same way, not right now, no Jac: I'm glad I've got you on my side, Meels Jac: even if she's got Sir Jac: not for long, right Amelia: if she keeps this up she won't have anything Jac: 💪😍 Amelia: ❤❤❤ Jac: Okay, where do you wanna meet? Jac: I'm fake en-route to the sickbay now Amelia: [a location that makes sense] Jac: IOU a coffee Amelia: I should be treating you after everything that's happened today Amelia: you put in loads more work than she did Amelia: sir only recognises her big mouth Jac: But you've been so helpful and lovely, a per Jac: he's always been like that Jac: it's not my fault I don't like to shout out all the answers all the time Amelia: he didn't know you when you were younger and so shy Amelia: but I remember Jac: Clearly it'd be better if I was a loudmouth and said everything that came into my head though Amelia: for that lesson, but you don't have to go any more Amelia: we're only going to the ones we can be bothered to Jac: Sounds like a good idea but my grades would disagree Amelia: when Nessa was being bullied she didn't have to go to like any lessons Jac: Well I'm not being bullied though Jac: and I don't want her thinking I'm like, threatened by her Amelia: sir is close to the line, you don't have to mention her Jac: no, let's deal with it how we said first Jac: just her not being as smug will be enough Amelia: okay Jac: Trust me Jac: and you can still ditch as much as you want Jac: not gonna get in trouble with me Amelia: I'll ditch the lessons you're not in Amelia: I don't trust her and I'm not going to just leave you with her Jac: You're like half-girl half-pitbull Jac: not art though, you love art Amelia: maybe your mum and dad will adopt me and we can share a room instead of you having to deal with Jude Amelia: well then can I 🎨🖌 you? I've pushed this deadline extension as far as it'll go Jac: Ugh, don't even, that'd be the best Jac: she actually drives me insane sometimes Jac: you wanna 🎨🖌 me? Amelia: I'm thrilled my parents didn't make any 🧫🧪 siblings for me Amelia: and IVF is 💸💸 Amelia: yeah? if you'll let me Jac: You're so lucky tbh Jac: alright, but if I have to pose you can't make me laugh Amelia: 😏 Jac: You'll be the one that ends up with a dodgy painting if you do 😅 Amelia: if I asked Is to let me paint her with 🥑🥦🥬🥒 in her teeth then maybe Amelia: you're too good of a subject to mess up Jac: be so avant-garde Jac: the teacher would probably like that more Amelia: I don't care what she likes Amelia: not a teacher's pet like Savannah is Jac: you're only 🐶 part time Jac: and for a worthy cause, got it Amelia: for you, exactly yeah Amelia: 🦺🐶 Jac: what would I do without you? Amelia: you'd have less paint in your hair Amelia: 😂 Jac: Not very natural of me Jac: but I think I suit it Amelia: I think you do too Jac: I'm [different location] that nosy secretary was doing the rounds and I had to change direction Amelia: I'll be right there 🏃 Amelia: but let Is think she's the sporty one Jac: 🤐 Jac: be bit rude of you to take artistic and sporty Amelia: no way, you're good at everything Jac: but you don't think I'm unbearable like Savannah? Amelia: NEVER Jac: Good Amelia: she's pretending to know what she's doing anyway Amelia: all mouth and no talent Jac: You reckon? Jac: Probably Jac: if you're that showy, you're making up for something, anyway Amelia: even if I'm being unfair I guarantee she's not on your level Amelia: nobody is Jac: You're too nice to me Amelia: too nice like 🤫😳 or you don't think it's true? Jac: A bit of both, I suppose Jac: I do work hard but I don't need to shove that in everyone's face Amelia: you're the anti-Savannah Jac: getting into the uni I want is reward enough Jac: besides, not as if it's endearing to be a total know-it-all-show-off Jac: you don't have to dumb yourself down to be chill about it, you know Amelia: yeah, I'm chill about it, but still smart enough to follow everything she was saying Jac: Exactly Jac: all mouth no talent is not the lasting impression I wanna leave Amelia: me either Jac: not that I care what anyone here thinks Amelia: I know you don't think that about me so same Jac: I only think the best things about you, of course Amelia: you love me even though I don't have a uni picked out and I love you even though you do Jac: That's a pretty good summary, yeah Amelia: 🤓❤😎 Jac: I don't think I'd go that far 😏 Amelia: 😂 Jac: if I was such a 🤓 I wouldn't be waiting for you right now Amelia: maybe I'm that 😎 and persuasive Jac: really Jac: 👌 Amelia: you don't look like that in your glasses though, if we're being real Jac: Good to know Jac: don't need to have a makeover Amelia: I look like this 👧🏻 Amelia: I can't come for you or at you with a makeover Jac: Listen to your mother Amelia: NEVER Jac: okay, okay 😎 Amelia: [probably should actually show up gal so we can leave this here]