#like around a few people im fine or a large group of people i know i can do

[greatandholypangolin]

am I wrong for saying “shoutout to asexuals”?

ok so recently, whenever a conversation has died or whatever, I’ll just say “shoutout to asexuals” and then move on, because, idk, it’s a bit funnygoofy and also I like my asexual friends. Anyway, I said it in front of my mother and she said not to do it anymore, because it could be seen as “othering” people with asexuality. I don’t see it that way at all, but I wouldn’t like to be accidentally homophobic, so I’m using a poll to get real asexual opinions

for reference, I’m bisexual, and my mother knows that, so I am part of the LQBTQ+ community, but I’m (maybe) not asexual. I’ve been thinking about things around the aro/ace spectrum, based on past experiences, but I feel as though I’m not sure enough to give myself any proper labels. My mother doesn’t know about that part.

so, my mother’s arguments:

It may seem like I’m “othering” the asexual community by saying that

its like being the a white girl in a room with a few black people in it and saying “shoutout to black people” - it feels weird to her

im not saying it because I genuinely want to support asexuals, I’m saying it as more of a verbal tic

my 2 asexual friends agreeing is not a large enough group, even if they both are fine with it, others may not be

and my arguments are:

Im saying it to include asexuals, because they can sometimes feel disregarded in LGBTQ+ spaces

its pride month, literally the best time to give random unprovoked asexuality shoutouts

Idk, I feel like asexual people wouldn’t really be offended by that

both of my asexual friends think it’s hilarious and encourage me to keep going

it’s like a cis person saying “yay trans pride” at random moments and being told not to because it’s making trans people feel more separate

im not othering asexual people, I’m celebrating them

also pls reblog this around I want the largest possible data set so I know if I’m problematic or not

[weebsinstash]

Omega Reader being one of the only if not THE only Omega in an entire Spider Society of Alphas and Betas 😩❤️

Alpha F! Reader in a Spider Society where you're the only female Alpha and Miguel is Having Confusing Feelings because oh shit you can get him Pregnant Pregnant? Like you're packing? Hmmm.... 😳

Reader who is a normal human and doesn't understand or is maybe like "curiosity killed the cat" about "oh wow Miguel can purr and growl? What else can he do 😳" and you're totally unaware he can like, TELL when you're ovulating and you cant even tell when he or anyone else scents you (imagine hobie scenting you to piss miguel off lmao) 💦

Reader who is one of the very few Omega in a Spider Society of normal people but your pheromones actually still affect everyone lol so like yeah some people are yandere already and others are like "you know i dont know what it is but Reader is looking real submissive and breedable and im usually not even into that shit" 😏

Reader being a "late bloomer" where you thought you were like, a normie who didnt present, and you're suddenly struggling to function because all these people you've been bonding with suddenly all have special smells that make your knees wobble sometimes and occasionally your boss gets a little bit of a growl in his voice and you're suddenly thinking, "could I fuck him raw and just take plan b. I really want an extra large super sized buffet style creampie from this man" (and also angst/possessiveness because maybe you're really upset and want to go back to "being the old normal you" and you start avoiding people who mysteriously want to spend more time with you now more than ever, and I'm also a sucker for 'new Omega wants actual surgery or drugs to not be an Omega anymore even if it's blackmarket shit that could kill them') 🙏

I'm also a fan of like. "You burned me or deserted me or I quit the group we were in together because of how you treated me and after some time has passed now that you want me back I'm actually a single mom now and here's my cute adorable little baby that I won't let you even sniff at even though the dad isn't even in the picture"

Like I'm not a parent obviously but there's some real visceral horror in the concept of like being pregnant and you're surrounded by people like unreasonably obsessed with the fact you're pregnant, like to an extremely nosey controlling "all but hijack your life" degree. You put your baby down for a nap and go to check on then 5 minutes later and they're FUCKING GONE and you start absolutely losing your mind and its like "oh no it's fine, Peter B just felt entitled to break into your place because he wanted Mayday to meet her new sibling and spend time with their Uncle Peter"

Reader is in their home dimension maybe even refusing to be a Spider anymore and you've STILL got people CONSTANTLY literally warping to your location and robbing you of any and all privacy. You get woken up in the middle of the night by your baby crying and suddenly abruptly it stops and you turn around PANICKED and. There's Miguel bottle feeding them "because you've been so tired, let me help you 🥰" and you're freaking out because, one, Miguel what are you doing in my bedroom, and two, is he giving your baby fucking formula instead of your milk without your consent. Like. They're constantly touching your kid and borderline kidnapping them and they're just like "oh my gosh look how flustered you are, what a good protective mom 🥰" meanwhile you're contemplating actual fucking murder

[dunmeshi-darlings]

this might be a really like niche thing if you are doing requests of course but what about a tiger beastman reader with marcille it can be sfw or nsfw either or its all good!

Nobody knew you were a beastkin at first, it was something you held in secret. After all, Beastmen are viewed in not the most pleasant of lights. When the party had seen your tiger tail they had assumed you were a beastkin like izutsumi, which you quickly said was the case. You weren't ready to tell them the truth yet, yes they treated izutsumi perfectly fine it was just...you were scared, beast man are viewed as either criminals that were punished or dangerous people that did this to themselves. you were planning on telling them just...just when you thought the time was right.

However that decision was made for you one day, The group had been travelling and had been ambushed by a particularly fierce monster. You all were fighting it as best you could but you watched it knock laios aside and charge Marcille. You knew you had to do something, you couldnt let her die...you couldnt let her get hurt. she had been so kind to you since you joined, always willing to help when you needed it. Talking to you about magic and how she could tell you had potential with magic she could feel it (she could sense the beastman magic but didnt realize it). You couldnt let anything happen to her.

You sprinted at the charging monster as you began to take your form, Bones shifting and popping into place, skin stretching and pulsing as it shifted, Your jaw extending as your teeth grew and pushed forward into fangs, nails extending into long sharp claws. Everyone's eyes were on the monster so nobody saw you at first, too focused on the monster that was about to attack marcille. However their attention was immediately drawn when a deep guttural roar rang out through the dungeon as a large figure slammed into the side of the monster which was only a mere few feet from marcille. The monster and this new being thrown to the other side of the dungeons room from the sheer force of this mystery attackers launch.

The fight may have only lasted a short moment, but that moment was a bloody and visceral one. Swinging claws and gnashing teeth, Blood, fur, scales, and viscera splattered in every direction around this violent brawl. Eventually the mysterious figure flipped the monster onto its back and sank its massive fangs into the monsters throat, it let out gurgling hisses as it tried to fight back, but the figure bit down harder and a muffled cracking was heard. The monster continued to fight even though the party could see it was slowing down its movements, however the figure gave on hard yank of its head and a loud snapping was heard and the monster fell limp in this beings jaws. It shook its head a few more times, smaller cracking noises resounded as it made sure its target was killed before it slowly let go of its throat and stood up, staring at the party who looked on in shock.

Standing before the rest of Laios party, Its muzzle dripping blood and scraps of flesh stood a massive humanoid tiger. Its Muscles rippling under its dense orange fur, twitching every few seconds, Like springs ready to launch this behemoth of claws and fur at its next target. But the being simply wiped the blood off its mouth as it began to speak. "i....im sorry...i wanted to tell you all...i promise i did..i just...i didnt know when it would be right." You spoke, slowly shifting back into your normal form as you prepared yourself for the worst. you expected them to berate you and be upset that you hid this from them and say they dont want you around. But it was izutsumi who spoke up first. "i knew you smelled like a cat." Catching you and everyone off guard as they couldnt help but chuckled.

Laios was perhaps the most excited of them all, He had stars in his eyes as he asked you question after question about your tiger form, asking how you got it and what its like. Chilchuck simply shrugged and said he didnt blame you for not talking about it, that it was a private matter and how he isnt the most forthcoming person either. Senshi scratched his chin, making comments about needing to adjust your portions of food since you have a much bulkier frame you need to keep fed hidden away. However it was marcilles reaction that had you the most curious, she had a blush on her face as she thanked you for saving her and she looked almost...nervous?

You tell her that its ok, that you couldnt just sit by and let her get hurt or worse. And that even if you got kicked out of the party, you had to make sure she was ok. This caused the elf to blush more, the tips of her pointy ears a crimson hue as they wiggled, her awkwardly giggling and saying thanks again. Of course she quickly shouted about your injuries, Sure your thick fur protected from alot of the attacks but some of them definitely got through and it was only now you were starting to feel the stings of various gouges and bite marks.

Marcille began tending to your wounds, using her magic to heal your wounds and make sure you were ok. Normally her healing magic, while fast, hurts almost as much as the wounds. But she was being particularly gentle this time, using the magic slowly and it felt almost like healing magic from the gnome school of magic. You asked her why she was doing it this way and another blush crossed her face, she smiled softly "well...i dont want to see you hurt either..so im taking my time with this and making sure it doesnt hurt to much...i just....ive been thinking about you lately, and especially after what you did earlier...risking yourself and exposing your identity like that to protect me...you mean alot to me." She says taking one of her hands and placing it softly onto your cheek, using her magic to heal a cut that had crossed your cheek all the way back to your ear. You felt the wound heal quickly as it was a shallow cut...but she didnt move her hand, it sat there for awhile. It felt like she didnt want to move her hand away, like she was treasuring this moment. And so you took a breath and put your hand over hers, tilting your head into her hand. Commenting how she means alot to you as well. The two of you staring lovingly into each others eyes for a moment before chilchucks voice quickly makes you two separate.

As night fell you began to settle in, making your cot as you got ready for sleep. However you stopped when marcille walked up with her pillow. "hey, do you mind if i sleep with you tonight?" she asked softly, a grin across her face as you grinned back and motioned for her to nestle in as she did so. You wrapped your arms around the elf woman and pulled her into a soft hug, she hummed softly and happily in your arms as you two lay together. "you know how chilchuck feels about in party relationships." you say jokingly causing the elf woman to roll her eyes. "oh that grump can deal with it, besides. Ill just say im sleeping here to make sure your wounds have healed properly thats all." She says with a wink, the two of you smiling as you nestled in for the night. Perhaps you could get used to this whole, being open and honest thing.

[imsotouchstarvedrn]

Sebastian Sallow Fic

A/N: I KNOW its bad, i wrote this last year and just wanted to see what people thought of it, please do not judge me, also, I'm pretty sure there's some loose ends I meant to tie up last year when writing this but never did, so I'm sorry about that. It is also very inaccurate time-wise, I think I even said madam pomfrey is the matron so I'm very sorry about that.

Summary: MC realises she has a crush on Sebastian and starts avoiding him out of fear of ruining their friendship

Word Count: 8092

Warnings: Swearing, horrible writing and grammar, lack of detail, cringe, fluff ig, I think that's it, lmk if im wrong

I'm sitting at the Hufflepuff table in the great hall when Poppy shakes my shoulder.

   "Y/N you're zoned out again? This is the third time today!"

   I blink a couple of times and take a look around. A few of the Hufflepuff's are staring at me, looking like they are trying not to laugh. I feel my face turn red. "Sorry, what did you say?" 

   The 7th year across from me gives a small laugh. "I asked if you're going to try out for the quidditch team this afternoon." 

   Quidditch. The one sport I enjoy. When I play I always play seeker, as I'm not involved in the action and I have a good eye. I've never played competitively though.

   "I dunno. Maybe." I shrug. I suddenly feel as if I'm being watched, my eyes scan the room and fall on Sebastian, who is sitting across from me at the far end at the Slytherin table. His eyes are locked on me. He looks away and goes back to reading whatever book he has. Ominis is sitting beside him, eating some chicken.

   "I think you should try it out. You would be a good seeker." Poppy smiles at me. 

   "Maybe, but I've never played in front of a large group, it's a lot of pressure and I’m not good with being at the center of attention." To avoid eye contact I take a couple bites of the pasta in front of me. Delicious.

   "Come on, I overheard some people talking about trying, but I know for a fact that none of them are as good as you." Luis, the Hufflepuff captain and keeper, pleads. "I need someone with skill on my team! There’s always so much going on during matches that not a lot of people would be focused on you anyway." 

   I laugh. Luis can get competitive when it comes to inter-house activities. He wants Hufflepuff to be recognized as a serious house.

   "Fine, I'll try it out. But you owe me a butterbeer." I pull my hair out of my face and fiddle with my quill. 

   He smiles. "Deal!" Luis then goes over to the Ravenclaw table to talk to one of his friends.

  Then it dawns on me what I'm about to do. The majority of the school watches quidditch matches. The seeker has a lot of pressure on them, needing to catch the snitch. I shrug off my worry. All I'm doing is trying out. It's not like I'll actually make it.

   I was gifted a Wind Whisp for my 16th birthday, and I'm clutching it with both of my sweaty hands. There are a few hufflepuffs around me, ages vary from 2nd years to 7th. They all bear a look of fear on their faces. I wonder if I look like them. I probably do.

   "Y/N Y/L/N you're up next." Luis' voice calls. 

   Reluctantly, I walk out onto the pitch, the bright sun blinding me. A couple of 6th years I recognized high five as they land on the ground. Luis is standing in the middle of the pitch beside the chest that holds the balls. 

   "Ok, I'm going to release the snitch," he holds up the golden ball. "And count to 30. When I reach 30 you are going to get the snitch with no obstacles or distractions in the way first, once you catch it I'll bring out some players to get in the way and we'll do it again. Got that?" 

   I barely have time to comprehend what he says before he releases the snitch. It flutters above us for a little while before flying off toward the stands.

  "7, 8, 9," 

   I try to keep an eye on the snitch, but it has flown off and I can’t find it.

   "14, 15, 16, 17,"

 I can't do this. I'm going to faint and fall off my broom. Why did I let them convince me to do this?

   "24, 25, 26,"

   Almost time.

   "30! You're good to-" 

   I don't give him time to finish. I've pushed off the ground and I start flying around the pitch. My brain is so muddled I can't focus. All I can see is a blur of colours. "Calm down, you can't find it if you're stressing about it," I say out loud. I take a few deep breaths before getting closer to the middle. I look around and - there it is. Right below me. I immediately start flying downwards. It's almost there, I just need to reach out. I lean my body forward and stretch my arm out. It keeps flying just out of reach. I stretch just a tad more. I have it.

   "Well done!" Luis claps as I step off my broom. His eyes are widened. "Now I'm going to get the new chasers and beaters to fly around while you look to make it more authentic. Come on out guys!" He shouts. 

   Several students dressed in the Hufflepuff outfits start to soar through the air just as Luis lets go of the snitch for a second time.

   Luis starts counting but I block him out. I can do this. All I need to do is catch the snitch and I can be done.

   "28, 29, 30!" 

   I get on my broom and start flying the pitch again. It is much harder with people flying around, but it's not like I haven't done it before, and sure enough, after a couple of minutes I catch a glimpse of gold next to one of the hoops. I fly over, avoiding the people flying, and catch it almost right away. I fly back down to the ground and I'm welcomed by Luis clapping his hands very enthusiastically and his mouth is partially open in awe.

   "Wow! Just wow!" He runs over to me. "I need to finish these tryouts, but I'll be damned if you don't make it." 

   I give a small smile and feel myself starting to blush. I walk over to the stands and sit down. The new seeker will be announced after everyone has tried out, so I'll just wait here and watch the rest of the group.

   After 10 or so minutes I'm fiddling with my cloak when I see some Slitherins over by the rest of the Hufflepuffs waiting to try out. I suddenly remembered that the Slytherin tryouts were right after ours. I watch as Sebastian notices me and comes up to join. 

   "Hey, you're trying for a spot on the team? Have you tried out yet?" He asks as he sits down beside me. 

   "Ya, I feel like I did pretty good. I might actually make it on the team." I laugh.

   "And you're surprised? I've seen you play, and you're good. If you can't see that, you're as blind as Ominis." He adjusts his cloak and I laugh so hard I start coughing, he looks at me with a growing concern.

   A 2nd year flies up to look for the snitch and crashes into a hoop. 

   "You don’t have much competition, do you?" Sebastian snorts. "You've got to make it, I know you will."

   "Well, I don't want to get cocky. Besides, if I think I'm going to fail and I end up getting it then it's a better surprise than if I were expecting it." I say as I shrug. 

   He nods in admiration. "Very wise. You should have been a Ravenclaw."

"Please, have you seen my grades?" Someone catches the snitch right before hitting the ground, hard. 

   Sebastian winces. "Ouch. That's gotta hurt." He looks back at me. "You know, you don't need to be good at school to be smart." I’m looking at him trying to process what he said when his name gets called by the Slytherin captain. "Well, I should go. Keep your fingers crossed for me!" He grabs his broom, gets up and leaves to go down to the pitch. As his captain is explaining how it's going to work Sebastian looks up at me, smiles, and winks. I'm surprised to feel my face burn. I look away and pretend to suddenly be distracted by my school bag to hide my face. When I know he’s no longer looking I turn my eyes back to him.

   Sebastian is good. I'm watching him fly and although he hasn't yet seen the snitch he flies well. He looks like he could be a professional. He then flies down toward the ground, it looks like he's going to hit it. If he doesn't lift soon he will. With milliseconds to spare he lifts and holds up the snitch for all to see. Wow. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Luis signalling for me to come down to hear the results. I grab my bag and broom and head toward him. 

   "Congratulations! You're the new Hufflepuff seeker!" He high-fives me. “You were the best by far.”

   I made it. I'm on the team. Sebastian starts running toward me after finishing his second trial. 

   "I made it! Seb, I'm the seeker!" I exclaim with a huge smile on my face. He smiles back.

   "I didn't doubt it for a second! Good job Y/N. I'm a seeker too! Imelda just told me!"  

   "No way! Congratulations!" He lifts his hand to high-five me and I hit it so hard he gives a small yelp before smiling again. Nothing could make me happier than this moment right here.

   "Have you told Ominis yet?" I ask Sebastian when I see him later in the great hall. 

   "Ya, he was bewildered. He could have at least pretended he wasn't so surprised." He pouts and I chuckle. 

   "I'm sure he was just pulling your chain. He's probably really happy for you." I fix my hair.

   He looks at me, as though trying to read my mind. I'm glad he can't, I can’t stop thinking about him.

   "What is it?" I ask.

   "Nothing,” He shifts in his seat. “Do you know what Hecat is doing today for D.A.D.A class?"

   "No," my bag starts digging into my shoulder so I take it off. "I think she was going to talk about the unforgivable curses but I'm not entirely sure."

   Sebastian ducks his head and gives a quiet laugh. "As if we don't already have enough experience with them." 

   "Shh!" I say, looking around in a panic. 

   "C'mon, nobody's here. Everyone is off in their classes or their common rooms. It's just us."

   "Well, you don't want to risk getting caught do you?" I smile a sly smile. "What we did last year was highly illegal and if anyone finds out what we did we'll be getting a one-way ticket straight to Azkaban." 

   He smiles, and oh fuck. My stomach feels like someone reached inside and twisted my guts. I'm afraid to open my mouth because I'm scared that if I do, a million butterflies will fly out. Why do I feel like this? I look away.

   "So um ... how's Anne doing?" I ask.

"She's really good, she's been talking about coming back to Hogwarts." He starts closing his bag and stands up. "Want to check on Ominis with me? He's in the undercroft trying to do his homework. I want to make sure he hasn’t done something stupid." 

   I give a questioning look. "Why is he doing homework in the undercroft? Why not your common room or the library?" I grab my bag and stand up.

   "The common room is too loud and the librarian keeps pestering him because he accidentally knocked over a vase a couple of times." 

   I shrug. "Makes sense."

We walk to the undercroft together and my heart is beating fast. Why is he making me feel this way? 

   When we arrive Ominis is pacing the floor reciting notes from a Charms textbook. He stops when he hears us.

   "Y/N? Sebastian? Is that you?" He reaches for his wand.

   "No. Just two people who look and sound exactly like the people you just mentioned. We are clones" I say, and Sebastian snorts. I smile in appreciation.

   "Haha, hilarious. Congratulations on becoming the Hufflepuff seeker by the way." He walks toward us. "Sebastian was telling me how he was glad to hear you were trying out." He gives a knowing smirk and I look at Sebastian. He's looking through his bag, apparently not having heard Ominis.

   "Well, I can't wait to play against him in a match. I think it would be rather fun."

   At this Sebastian's head snaps up. "We all know who's the better seeker here, honestly there's no competition." He says as he flicks at my hair. 

   "We'll see" I reply as I wink.

   Ominis is standing there watching, or, listening, with an expression on his face that I can't read. "So was there something you guys needed or...?"

   "We just wanted to check on you, make sure you haven't run into a wall or anything." Sebastian shrugs.

   "I've been blind my whole life, I'm not stupid." Ominis points his wand in Sebastian's direction in a playful yet threatening manner. Sebastian shrugs again and laughs. 

   "I'm only joking Ominis, geez. We honestly just wanted to make sure you're alright." He checks his watch. "Oh dang, I should probably turn in my essay before I get another owl pounding me to do my homework, I'll see you guys later." He waves as he leaves the undercroft. Ominis turns to me after Sebastian is out of earshot.

   "You like Sebastian don't you." He's not asking. My face burns as my brain panics.

   "No, why do you say that?" I give an awkward chuckle. He crosses his arms and starts pacing.

   "I may be blind but I'm more observant than you think. Don't worry, I know he likes you too." My stomach is filled with butterflies. 

   "No, he doesn't, I would have noticed. Besides, he is too busy with family drama to be concerned about girls." I fix my hair just to do something. Why are we even talking about this?

   "You are blinder than I am if you don't think he at least has the slightest interest in you." I roll my eyes. 

   "You know that's the second time someone has compared us today, and although it's funny, I unfortunately know he doesn't like me. And I don't like him."

Ominis raises an eyebrow. "'Unfortunately'?" He starts circling me. "You don't like him? Are you sure about that? Because me being blind has caused my other senses to heighten, and whenever you're with Sebastian and every time he's mentioned your heartbeat quickens." He smiles.

   "Listen you can't tell him. I don't even know what I'm feeling exactly." I blush.

   "Of course, your secret is safe with me." Ominis grins.

   After a bit of small talk, I leave the undercroft in a daze. Ominis knew I liked Sebastian even before I did. Could he be right about Sebastian liking me back? No, I’m sure he’s just teasing me.

   I know that I've zoned out again in my common room, but I can't zone back in. I keep thinking about Sebastian. Last year we were a duo, and I always had his back. I always assumed the rush I had when I saw him was just because I knew we would be having another adventure, but now the adventure is over and I still get that feeling when I look at him. Does he like me back? Does he think about me every night? Does his heart quicken when he sees me? I don't know. I doubt it.

   "Is she zoned out again?" I hear the 7th year from earlier ask.

   "Ya. Should we get madam pomfrey?" Poppy replies.

   I stand up. "I'm fine, just daydreaming," I grab my bag and head for the door. "I'm going to the library," I say before exiting. All I think about anymore is Sebastian. I'll go to the library and read, hopefully, that will get my mind off of him. I'm almost there when I run smack dab into - you guessed it - Sebastian. My bag falls to the ground and everything falls out and scatters across the floor.

   "Sorry about that, are you alright?" He asks as he bends down to pick up some of my books.

   "Yes sorry, I should have been paying attention." I managed to get out. I rush to put everything back in my bag so I can leave.

   "Is everything ok? You looked like you were in a rush and your face is flushed." He reaches out to help me up. Reluctantly I take his hand and stand up.

   "Yes, don't worry about it" I turn to walk away but he grabs my wrist, not forcefully, just to get me to stop.

   He gives me a questioning look, and I know he doesn't believe me. He looks around the corridor. "Are you going to the library? Is there something you need help with?" He asks. 

   "No, thank you." I pull my arm out of his hand, walk away and enter through the door without another word.

   I feel bad for running out on him but I might've thrown up if I spent another minute with him. My stomach is in knots. I'm sitting at a table trying to focus on the words on the page but all I can think about is Sebastian. He’s flooded my brain. I've been trying to read for an hour already and I'm barely through the first chapter. I stand up and put my books back in my bag. "I give up," I mumble to myself. 

   "Miss Y/L/N, make sure you go right to your common room. I want no dillydallying." The librarian calls.

   "Yes ma'am," I reply as I leave. I look at my watch. 8:30. I should head to my common room, I don’t want to get into trouble.

It's been a couple of weeks of avoiding Sebastian, talking to Ominis, and practicing for quidditch and now it's time for our first match. Of course, it's against Slytherin, meaning I'm going to be playing against Sebastian, which really sucks.

   "We've got this match. I know slitherins tend to play rough, just don't tick them off too much and we should be fine." Luis tells us before we out onto the pitch. 

   “Great pep talk.” Arthur Plummly, Chaser, says as he rolls his eyes. Luis ignores him. He turns to me. "You know the Slytherin seeker, right? Don't go easy on him." 

   "I know, Luis." I roll my eyes. "You can trust me, geez." He looks at me for a second then nods. 

   "Come on then, let's go." Leading us all to the pitch, I hear him mumbling under his breath, and I catch a few words that sound quite like ‘I need a raise.’

   There's a huge chunk of students rushing to fill the stands, and I start to feel queasy again. I look through the crowd and spot Ominis, who seems deeply confused. I give a small laugh under my breath before panicking again.  

   Everyone gets into position and I look across from me and see Sebastian. His eyes are locked on me, holding a strange determined look. He doesn't look away. 

   Before even realizing what happened everyone is up in the air and the balls are released. I start flying around the pitch immediately and look for the snitch. I fly a couple of laps around the pitch, circling the action. Luis just blocked a shot.

   Sebastian is flying near his end’s hoops, eyes searching hungrily. He does a couple of loops in the air before flying towards me. For a moment I think he's going to crash into me, but then he flies down, and fast. He's seen the snitch. I immediately follow him, the snitch is flying right in front of him, ahead by a couple of feet. I lean forward to speed up and end up beside Sebastian, a bludger just barely misses his head. He looks at me, smirks the smallest of smiles, and starts to get up. He's going to jump for it. If he jumps and catches it slitherin wins. He's getting into the position to jump, balancing himself, making sure his brom is sturdy beneath him. Right before he lifts off I bump his broom with my body as hard as I can, and he's lost his balance. He is still on his broom, but he's hanging on by his fingertips. I tear my eyes away from him and look back at the snitch. It's right there. I lean forward and stretch my arm as far as my body will let me, and I feel the small golden ball get trapped in my fingers. I have the snitch. I hear the crowd roaring with glee, and my teammates are flying towards me holding the biggest smiles.

   Sebastian has managed to get back on his broom and he high-fives me. "Great catch! You did well." He smiles.

   "You aren't upset you lost?" I ask sheepishly as I adjust my seating.

   "Well, if I was going to lose I'm glad it was to you. Besides, there are other matches." He winks and flies off.

   Butterflies fill my stomach. No. Nononono. I still like him. I can't like him. If I like him and he doesn't like me back then our relationship as friends is over. I watch as Seb flies over to where Ominis is sitting and high-fives him, laughing. I can't let our friendship end.

   I've been more cautious, avoiding him more, and staying away from the spots I know he visits. I stopped going to Hogsmeade, out of fear he would be there. I've even resorted to skipping classes where I know he will talk to me. My grades have been turning to crap because

of it. I've been skipping meals too, and eating later after I know for sure that he is gone from the great hall. The food is cold and hard, but it is worth it. 

   "You know, you can't avoid him forever," Ominis tells me when I go to the undercroft to study instead of the library. 

   "I know that I'm just staying away for a while until my feelings die down. Then we can go back to hanging out again." I reply as I flip the page of my charms textbook. "I'm sure my little crush will end soon."

   He sighs. "If you say so." Then he suddenly snaps his head up. "I almost forgot, you weren't in the great hall so you don't know, the school is having a Yule Ball this year. A date is required for entry though." 

   "Wait really? But, we aren't having a Triwizard Tournament?"

   "Professor Weasley convinced Professor Black that holding a ball may be fun, and could reward our strong start in the year grades-wise." Ominis leans forward in his chair. 

   "But it's already halfway through November, the ball takes place on Christmas, there is hardly any time for planning." 

   To this, Ominis just shrugs and flips the pages of his book. "Dunno, but it could be fun nonetheless." 

   We go back to reading, Ominis is of course using brail.

   Hogwarts has been dressed with Christmas trees and decorations, and all the students are talking about is the Yule Ball and who they are going to take. 

   "Are you going, Y/N?" Poppy asks me in our dorm room. She is sitting on her bed holding a Puffskein that she snuck into the school.

   "Dunno, I'd like to but I don't have a date. Do you?" The Puffskein wiggles on her bed, and she gives him a pet.

   "Yes, Garreth asked me! He told me he has been crushing on me all year!" She does a little celebratory dance, her bed squeaking to the movement.

   "That's great Poppy!" I smile. I want to go to the ball, but I can't go if I don't have a date, so I might not be able to join the fun. 

   We hear a shriek from downstairs and we run down to see what the commotion is about. 

   “Oh no! Not this!” One of the 5th years cried out. She suddenly runs up to her dorm room and the door closes with a loud thud. Arthur is giving a small, sad look as he watches the girl run to her room.

   “What is she so upset about?” Poppy asks, the Puffskein still in her arms.

   “Well, we were talking about going together to the ball when a…” He stops talking and looks down, his face red. “When a mistletoe grew above us. She asked how that happened because she is a muggle-born and didn’t know, and I told her how they grew over people who have chemistry. Then she shrieked and left.” He sighed. Poppy looked at him and pouted. 

   “Oh Art, I’m sorry, she is so cruel I’m surprised she’s not a Slytherin.” She goes up and hugs him. “Don't worry, you’ll find someone to go to the ball with.” He looked at her.

   “Well, she’s the one that asked me. I just don’t get why she ran away.” He sat in one of the sofas. “I thought she liked me.” I don’t really know what to do, I’m not the best problem solver in the world, but I might be able to understand why she did that.

 “I’ll go and talk to her. I’ll find out what she was doing.” Arthur nods and I go up the stairs to her dorm room. She is sitting on her bed clutching a pillow, face is flushed red. 

   “Go away, I don’t want to talk to you.” She snaps when I walk up to her bed. I notice she has a couple of pieces of paper stuffed under her pillow.

   “I’ll leave when you tell me what just happened downstairs. Artie is an awesome dude, why would you ask him out and then dump him after seeing a mistletoe form?” I ask as I cross my arms. She looks away.

   “I do like him, it’s just…” She blushes. “In divination, Professor Onai told me that my first kiss would take place in a garden, with stars sparkling above me and the perfect guy and music playing. When the mistletoe formed, I was scared that the prediction wasn’t going to come true.” Her face is now glowing with embarrassment. 

   “Oh, well, you know you could have handled the situation a lot better, right? Art is really upset downstairs, I think he thinks you hate him.” I raise my eyebrow. She looks away.

   “I don’t hate him, I really like him,” She sounds as if she is about to cry. “I just got scared.” She drops her head down to her pillow and I hear small sobbing. 

   “Well, I would apologize to him, and don’t worry too much about what happens in divination class.” She looks up and gives me a teary smile.

  I'm sitting at the Hufflepuff table eating my cold food and reading a book when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I look behind me and Sebastian is standing there, looking at me with concern. I jump in surprise.

   "You weren't in the great hall during lunch, are you ok?" He asks me. My face starts burning and I look away.

   "Yeah, I, uh, just had a nap and slept through it."

   He sits down beside me and I subtly slide away. 

   "You've been missing lunch and dinner for about a month now. Surely you haven't been napping and sleeping in every day." I see him glance at my soup, which is no longer steaming and is starting to get thicker.

   I move my arm so my book is blocking his view. "I'm fine, don't worry about it." 

   He looks at me in confusion then relaxes his face. "So, do you have a date to the ball?" 

   "No." Wait, is he going to ask me? That definitely won't help with my crush, and I know I would say something to mess it up. 

   "Well, we can't go unless we have a partner, do you maybe want to go with me? As friends, of course." He looks down.

   Crap. "Um...I don't know...can I think about it?" And without waiting for an answer I grab my bag and practically run out of the room. I wanted to say yes. I wanted to go together and dance and laugh, but it would only feed my delusions. I could ask Ominis if I could go with him, that way I won't be going with Sebastian and I'll still get to go to the ball. Yes, that's a perfect plan.

   I run to the undercroft and like always, he is sitting there on the floor. I rush to join him, and he gives a small jump, indicating that I startled him.

   "Ominis do you want to go to the ball with me? That way we can both go." 

   He turns red. "I'm sorry, I really am, but I'm going with someone else..." 

   Oh. "Really? That's great! Who is the lucky girl?" I feel my shoulders fall in disappointment. 

   His face goes even redder and he looks away.

   "I promised her I wouldn't tell anyone." 

   "That's alright. Well, it's nice that you can go. I’m probably just going to lock myself in my common room with a butt-load of butterbear and some books" I groan.

   "Why don't you just go with Sebastian? He asked you didn't he? He told me he would." He raises his eyebrow and adjusts the way he is sitting.

   "No, I can't. My feelings for him are only going to get worse. He'll find someone else to go with. Loads of girls like him." I sigh and pull my hair out of my face.

   Ominis pauses for a second. "But… do you want to see him with someone else?"

   I look away. I don't. I really, really don't. "I might not be going so I won't have to see him at all." 

   After a month of avoiding Sebastian, trying to study, and listening to everyone talk about the ball, I was ready to lock myself in my dorm room and never come out. Every time I saw Sebastian there was a large group of girls surrounding him and asking him if he's got a date. He always just shrugs and walks away, leaving all the girls in a fit of giggles. 

   There are two days before the ball and I don't have a date. I’m possibly the only person in all of Hogwarts who won’t be at the ball. I really want to go though. Really bad. So I'm going to do something I might regret. Red-faced, I walk up to Sebastian when his usual crowd of girls has left and tap him on his shoulder. He turns around and smiles when he sees me, adding more butterflies to my stomach.

   "Hey, um...I know this is really last minute but if you don't already have a date, I would like to go with you. As friends of course." I start fidgeting with my hands and I can’t stop. 

   He gives a small smile. "48 hours before the ball and you are asking me to go. Maybe I should think about it." He smirks. I give him a playful shove. 

   "I'm sorry! I should have asked you sooner. So do you have a date?" 

   "I do now. I'll see you there, Y/N." He smiles and walks off. My heartbeat quickens.

   I'm going to the ball. With Sebastian. 

   "You know, it's not going to be easy to avoid him if he's your date," Ominis tells me in the library after telling him what happened.  

   "It'll be okay, I'll dance with him once or twice and just make excuses the rest of the night!" I take a sip of my water. "So I won't really be with him, I mean, one dance is harmless enough."

   Ominis rubs his temple. "I don't see why you-"

   "Of course, you can't see." 

   "How original. I can't see why you don't just tell him how you feel. If he feels the same way that's a win and if he doesn't your feelings will fade and you guys can move on from it." He leaned back in his chair. Someone comes up behind him looks at us, and then walks off after making eye contact with me.

   "I just can't risk ending our friendship. He means too much to me." I say, barely above a whisper. 

   Ominis goes quiet for a moment. "I used to feel like that too, but when I thought I was going to lose her I told her how I felt and now we are going to the ball together, turns out she liked me back." He has the smallest of smiles on his face and his face has gone slightly pink.

   "Who is this mystery woman anyway? it's driving me insane not knowing." I lean forward in my chair, eager to change the subject.

   "You'll find out in less than 48 hours. You can survive until then." He laughs. "What are you wearing to the ball? You need to describe it in great detail so I can picture it."

   Oh no. Nonono. "I forgot to get a dress! It's way too late to get one from Hogsmeade now!" 

   "I'm sorry to barge in, but did you say you need a dress?" Natty comes up from behind me. "My date got sick so I won't be going to the Yule Ball, you can have mine."

   "Natty are you sure? It was probably really expensive."

   She nods. "Yes, it would be a shame for it to go to waste. I want you to have it. I can give it to you now, it's in my dorm room just give me a second and I’ll grab it for you."

   I'm standing in front of the mirror in the Hufflepuff common room 2 days later wearing the most beautiful dress I've ever seen. It looks like something worn in a fairytale. White at my shoulder blades, a light red at my chest and it fades to the colour of a dark rose at the waist until it reaches black at the bottom, it's long and loose, easy to move in. I am stunning.

   "Oh, woah," I mutter to myself. The ball starts in an hour, Sebastian will be meeting me at the entrance.

   "Oh my goodness, Y/N! Your dress is beautiful!" Poppy's voice says in awe. I turn around to see Poppy wearing a thin yellow dress that compliments her hair colour, and a black ribbon around her waist. 

   "Says you, you look amazing." 

   She smiles at me. "Garreth will be coming by the entrance of our common room in about half an hour to pick me up, I'm so nervous, I don't know what to do while I wait." She fidgets with her hands and I see in her eyes how anxious she is.

   "Well, you can help me with my hair, I can't curl it well on my own." 

   After 20 minutes of playing around with spells, charms, and gel, my hair has a nice wave to it, and it shines.

   "Thank you, Poppy," I hear the door knock. "I think Garreth is here." 

   Poppy waves at me and runs out of the room with a smile on her face. I still have a half hour, so I go and walk around the common room. Luis is wearing dark grey dress robes that have a slight frill at the collar and has combed his hair down. 

   “Hey Y/N, how are you?” His eyes scan my outfit. “Nice dress.”

   “Thank you, a friend of mine gave it to me. Who are you taking to the ball?” He lifts his head up and smiles a proud sort of smile. 

   “Imelda Reyes. Her date cancelled at the last minute so I stepped in and asked. She said yes!” He smiles. I don’t tell him she likely said yes just to go to the ball, his smile is too big for me to take it away. I checked my watch, 15 minutes left. I should start to go, I don’t want to be late and the castle is big.

   “I should go, I’ll see you later Luis.” I wave at him and exit through the door. A couple of students are making out under a mistletoe. I roll my eyes and walk past.  

   I encounter a couple of people on the way, we make polite conversation but I try to get away as fast as I can, the ball starts soon and I truly don’t want to be late. I turn down the stairs and Sebastian is at the bottom. He’s wearing a white undershirt with a dark grey vest with a green trim. His hair is combed and he’s wearing a dazed look on his face. His eyes are wide and his mouth is parted ever so slightly. It takes me a moment to realize that he is looking at me. I feel my face turn as red as my dress. I walk down the stairs and he bows at me.

   “Good evening Miss, you look absolutely stunning tonight.” He holds out his hand. I take it and curtsy. 

   “Why thank you, kind sir, you look very handsome,” I say back in a horrible British accent. I can play along too. He leads me toward the great hall, which has been decorated to the brim with snowflakes and lights. It looks gorgeous. There are a lot of people here, dancing mostly to an upbeat tune playing. I try to look for Ominis to see his date but the room is just too busy. Sebastian turns and looks at me. 

   “Would you like to dance? Or do you just want to wait and get a drink?” I search his face for any sign of laughter or insincerity, but there is none.

   “We can dance if you want to. I warn you that I’m not the best dancer.” I laugh. He smiles and shifts his stance.

   “Don’t worry, I’m not the best either. I’m sure you’ll do great.” My stomach turns. One dance, then I can go back to avoiding him. He takes my hand as the song changes to a slower one, more waltz-y-like. Sebastian leads me to the middle of the dance floor, where most of the guys have dragged their dates off. He puts his hands on my waist, causing me to feel like I’m going to melt. I rest my arms on his shoulders and we start spinning. He lied when he said he wasn’t a good dancer. He dances with such ease that he’s almost dancing for me. We start off slow, then he picks up momentum and starts moving us across the floor. He grabs my hand and twirls me, my dress does a little flutter. When he pulls me back to him he puts his arms around me again, pulling me closer than before, we’re so close I am practically hugging him when I put my hands back around his neck.

   “I can’t believe he’s with her, there are how many girls in this school and he picks a troll.” I hear Imelda’s voice say. I stumble at her words and trip over my feet. Sebastian catches me just before I hit the floor and helps me up. 

   “Are you ok?” He asks, his eyes sympathetic. I look around the room, the majority of the people are watching me. 

   “Yeah, just a little embarrassed that’s all.” I thought that one dance would be okay, but my heart is beating so hard and my stomach is in knots. I need to get away from him, now. “I’m just going to go the washroom, I’ll be right back.” He nods and I walk away. I’m walking as fast as I can and almost run into Ominis when I turn the corner. 

   “Sorry, I should be paying attention.” I say, grabbing the rose that fell out of his hand. Ominis gives me a smile and turns the most subtle shade of pink. “Oh yeah, who’s your date, can I see her now?” I ask as a pretty girl in a light green dress and soft brown hair comes behind him. It takes me a second to figure out who she is. “Anne? Oh wow, you look amazing!” It’s true, her eyes are no longer tired, her smile is no longer fake, and her cheekbones are no longer sunken. 

   “Thanks, you do too! Where is Sebastian? I wanted to surprise him with the news. I’m going to be at Hogwarts from now on!” She flashes me the biggest smile, and Ominis smiles at her enthusiasm. 

   “That’s great! He’s just in the great hall somewhere. Wait,” I look at the both of them. “Does he know about you two?” I ask. They both sort of turn red and look away. 

  “No, but I’ll tell him after I’ve told him I’m coming here,” Anne replies as she fixes her dress strap. “I should go tell him now before someone else does. See you later Y/N!” She smiles, takes Ominis’ hand and walks into the great hall. Sebastian would be happy to hear that his

sister is coming back, after all they have been through she is finally feeling good enough to join everyone at Hogwarts, and she seems truly happy about it. 

   I don’t know what to do, because I really want to be at the ball and dancing with him was fun, but I can hardly be in the same room with Sebastian without completely losing it. I walk around the castle for a little while, the people in the paintings talking about the Yule Ball and why I’m not there. When I come back 15 minutes has passed, and people are dancing, shouting, and just acting crazy. I’m pretty sure someone slipped fire whiskey into the drinks. I scan the room and I see Sebastian sitting down, looking kind of depressed, I’m guessing Anne hasn’t told him yet. Even though I want to help him, it’s just better if I avoid him. I turn and walk toward Arthur and the 5th year from earlier.

   “Y/N! She explained what happened! She told me she wasn’t feeling very good and didn’t want me to get sick! She likes me!” He says after she walks away to get more whiskey-punch. Her excuse was sort of weak, but it sounds like he fell for it. “She told me she’s getting sort of overwhelmed, so I’m going to take her out to the flower garden to get some air, do you think Weasley would get after us?” He asked with a look of concern growing on his face. Oh. Oh. 

   “No, I don’t think so. You’ll have time to get out of here without her noticing.” I try and hide my smile. “Go out and take her for some air.” He nods and when his date comes back he turns to her and says, 

   “Hey, It’s kinda crazy in here, do you want to go and get some air?” She looks at me and I smile and nod. She turns back to him.

   “Sure, thank you, Artie.” She takes his hand and together they walk out of the great hall. I smile to myself, knowing what is going to happen. I stand around awkwardly for a minute or two and then I go and sit down. This isn’t as fun as I had hoped.  I feel a tap on my shoulder.

   ‘Hey, can we go to the undercroft?” Sebastian says, he looks serious. “I need to talk to you about something.” He looks at me, waiting for my response.

   “Can’t- can’t it wait?” I ask as I fix my posture. He looks at me in the eyes and shakes his head. 

   “This is a conversation we should have had a while ago. I just thought things would be… different… tonight. “ Huh? What does he mean? I slowly stand up.

   “Okay, after you.” I gesture towards the door and we both leave the room. We don’t say a word the entire way there, though he keeps glancing my way. My heart is racing, what could he possibly want to talk about? Surely it’s not how I’ve been staying out of his way? Perhaps he is cocerned for Ominis? Though why would he be concerned?

    When we enter the undercroft he closes the door and immediately walks up to me. 

   “Why have you been avoiding me? Did I do something?” He walks closer to me. “I’ve missed you, it feels like every time I see you you just run away or make excuses.” My face burns. I slowly back up, hitting the wall.

   “No, I haven’t been avoiding you. Why would I do that?” I know my face is red. I’ve been caught. Maybe I could take a page from that fifth-year's book and pretend I’ve been sick. I’m about to tell him that when he steps up to me and puts his arm around my waist, making butterflies rapidly grow in my stomach.    “You left me at the ball. You lied to me when you said you would be right back. That hurt, Y/N/N.” His eyes are sad, his mouth in a slight frown. I think back to seeing him sitting down at

the ball, not dancing or having any fun with his friends. Was he waiting for me to come back? Was he really that affected by my disappearance?

   “I’m sorry, I didn’t think you would care if I left.” I look away and then look back to see his reaction. His eyes widen and he has a confused and angry look on his face.

   “I wouldn’t care? Of course, I would care! I care about you a lot Y/N!” He pauses for a second, puts his hand on the back of his head, and sighs. “I really like you. More than just a friend. I think about you all the time, Ominis is sick of hearing me talk about you, I want to be with you so bad it hurts.” His face turns red, and my stomach flips. The room seems so small now.

   “I like you too…” I whisper, unable to breathe. “I thought you wouldn’t like me back so I was going to avoid you until my feelings died down, that way our friendship wouldn’t end. You mean too much to me.” I feel the weight fall off my shoulders, it feels good to say all this out loud. He looks at me with his mouth slightly parted, eyes telling me that he is somewhat glad to know this. I hear a small sprouting noise and look above us and I see a mistletoe growing rapidly. It’s sprouting vines that twist and turn in all sorts of directions, its leaves almost glittering. I look back at Sebastian, whose eyes are locked on the mistletoe. He looks back at me and tightens his grasp on my waist. He pushes me harder against the wall and presses his lips against mine. He pulls back and sighs, running his fingers through his dark hair.

   “I shouldn’t-. I'm sorry”.

   I walk up to him and wrap my arms around his neck, feeling the best I have in a couple months. “You know, It’s a shame we didn’t get to dance more during the ball. It would have been fun” Now that I know he likes me too, dancing with him at the ball would have been like something out of a fairytale. He wraps his arms just above my hip.

   “Well, it’s not too late to dance now.” We start swaying and he gives me an occasional twirl. Even with no music, dancing here is almost better than in the great hall. Maybe it’s because I don’t feel wrong for feeling the butterflies in my stomach, or maybe it’s because I know he likes me back. Either way, I’m happier here.

[warnersister]

Chapter 14 - You're needed East

The Hangman Series | Chapter 13 | Chapter 15

you all had arrived in Sacramento some several weeks ago, and you'd gotten settled, Jake had organised you a plot of farmland for you to tend to the animals just like back in Miramar, Bob had re-established himself in his own practitioner's office and you finally felt as though things were starting to turn around and calm down, especially being able to sleep and wake up besides Jake every morning, his folks not blind to two people in love, and not strangers to your name either; and they were happy to set you up until your's and jake's new home as been build a little bit aways from their house.

it was a monday when you were nursing Falcon from his long ride up here, the poor boy nearly on his way our - any day now he was preparing to be with the rest of his family in that mighty field up North; that was what you'd liked to call it anyway. when the news spread around town. a visitor was in, some traveller from Eastern ways, had been traveling for some weeks now with Sacramento as his final destination. youd stood from where you were rested on your knees, heading to the road to see what all the fuss being kicked up was about. then you saw him, the gorgeous mare of Tomcat; and that only meant one thing with his rider atop of him:

Maverick.

you ran over to the man who'd stepped down from his seat, embracing him tightly as he'd offered you a large hug - having missed him for the months you'd been gone. "baby, its your dad" he begins and you eye him almost knowingly "he's dying, girl. for good this time, 'nd he wants to see y' before he goes" he says and you sigh, conflicted "i can't just up 'nd leave-" he says but he cuts you off "no, he dont just want you, he wants y'all back. you, jake, rooster, the lot of ya." he says "look if this is some elaborate plot-" you begin again and he shakes his head deniably "no girl, eight weeks Bates has given 'im, reckon he's only hanging on to see ya." he says, honestly "he asked me five times over to come 'nd get ya, i said no so many times. but he started to beg, honey. on his knees to go fetch ya. Nat told me where t'find ya, didn't want to bother ya but the look on his face was haunting" he recalls and you go to speak before a voice does before you.

"we'll leave at sunrise" Jake agrees, wrapping an arm around your waist and shaking Maverick's hand with his free. "good t'see ya, son" Maverick smiles, "you too, Mav". that evening, you went around the group, Bob and Coyote not really putting up much of a fight and willing to traverse back; Rooster, not so much. he refused a few times, arguing with Maverick, but when you approached and he realised that you were just as apprehensive as he was, he agreed "fine, but only f'her." he says after a while, shooing them off again so he could get his horse ready for another long travel.

the ride felt shorter on the way back then it did on the way to California, maybe it was because you were secretly excited for a fresh start, for unknowing. but really you knew it was because you were dreading heading back to Miramar, truthfully you had no intent of ever going back if you had the choice, but there you could see it, that dirtied up and faded all sign that read out the infamous name you'd loved for so long. "y'ready?" maverick asked and you shook your head honestly, looking at him "no, pete. im not" he sighs, continuing forward knowing you'd never truly be prepared to return to Miramar, but he also knew that Beau Simpson's time was cut very short. he wanted you to have piece of mind if anything, he'd rather be the one to bring you back than the one to bear the news of his passing. you shared a look and you nodded at him, riding into the town for the final time.

Chapter 13 | Chapter 15

[transgenderiddler]

I NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT CHANGELING RIDDLER PONY RN!!!!!!!!

im happy to share!! ive also drawn more pictures just for this ask since im delighted

i think changeling riddler works like. so extremely well. i like to embody the kind of suave and confident personality a lot of riddlers have in the public eye for this specifially. i think rather than feeding off of romantic love he feeds off of a large selection of other types of love- like admiration from people around, flirting with people briefly, awe and stuff like that. its honestly probably not enough 'food'(?) to fully sustain him but since the new changeling stuff about them not actually needing to steal love came out idgaf im having fun

i also like thinking rather than being in any sort of hive or group of changelings- he was kind of swapped with a real pony like how real life changeling faries work. a young changeling pretending to be a pony to steal parental love that ends up going terribly with all the, y'know. classic riddler child abuse that goes on.

so running away from that- i think he develops a very unique identity as a pony. i like to think that from almost always being in disguise he learns the ability to fine tune his appearance as pick different parts of different ponies to copy. which is where i think a classic red hair pony riddler would fit. peices of a loot of different ponies that he uses as a 'unique' identity he really struggles to actually find on his own. a lot of imposter system and self hatred stems from his inability to be a 'person' (or like pony i guess lmfao) without people hating him for being a changeling.

during his rogue career i like to think he almost eggagerates pony traits in an aim to seem more grand and powerful- like making his unicorn horn longer even though he cant actually use magic with it at all. i like the idea that changelings can only use their horns for small lights or other flashes like fireflies lol. so that would be the extent of his ability. hes also definately presenting as a unicorn because he thinks theyre the 'smarter' pony race

but after a while i think he does slip and ends up using his ability as a changeling to try outwit batman (pony?) that gets him revealed to be a changeling atleast to batman and a few of the other rogues.

in pony arkham imagine they wouldn't let him transform at all- just the changeling form once they find out.

thanks for the ask!!! feel free to ask anything else youre curious about :P ^_^

[bloodofgrapes]

May I ask what your top tips for appearing more masc are prior to hrt? No matter how basic, I want to hear them (im desperate) (esp voice-wise)

Well anon, as with all things, your mileage will vary. Are you looking to be fully stealth/cis passing? Do you want to simply feel more masculine? Think about what you really and truly want, not what your friends or society or anything else may tell you, but what YOU specifically would enjoy doing. There is no one way to be masculine, and what works for me may not work for someone else.

With all of that out of the way though, here are a few things that helped me specifically. I'm stealth in real life, and I prefer to be... more or less conventionally masculine. My partner put it aptly: "you look like a boring office worker."

Take fashion advice from cis men/cis oriented groups. No offense to my fellow trans masc/trans men, but taking fashion advice from them is often a case of the blind leading the blind, at least if your goal is to be cis passing. You can dress well and look presentable (I certainly do), but don't put male fashion on a pedestal, because even the best dressed cis men don't--this is just what they're familiar with and they're going about their day the same way you are.

Clothes can get you a good portion of the way there, because I was functionally stealth even prior to starting testosterone (though I will confess a large amount of genetic luck), but if you dress and act with confidence, most people won't put much more thought to you than what is immediately apparent.

Your hair will also massively help you: men tend to favor fairly plain and boring cuts. A traditional cut will help you look more masculine than anything that requires a blow dryer and copious amounts of gel. I'm a boring (and lazy) person, so this suits me just fine, but I know this can get dull really quick to a lot of people, but that's just the way it is. That said, always, ALWAYS get your sideburns and nape squared off rather than tapered, I swear it's like the only irl cheat code for masculinity. The little details are usually what count the most.

On voice, you're in luck. Far too much emphasis is put on having a deep baritone that would put James Earl Jones to shame. You don't need a deep voice to sound like a man, but you do need to consciously keep your speech patterns and the way you speak in mind. Pay attention to the cis men around you, not what you see in media--most of them really don't have voices that are particularly deep. But you'll notice that they don't pitch their voices and inflect the way that women are typically taught to. This has nothing to do with genes, these are purely social skills, and while it's a pain, they can very much be learned by anybody who works at it. Cis men tend to speak much more flatly and bluntly, and use fewer words to get their meaning across (which is a good skill to have no matter your gender, in my opinion). When I put on my Woman Voice™, it's not so much that I speak in a higher pitch (though I do), but that I draw out my words and speak a little more theatrically. A simple "hey, how are you doing?" becomes "Hiiii, it's SO good to see you again, how have you been!"

That's a pretty stark difference! And again, this is just what works for me. I have not cut out any parts of my personality or toned down who I am, not least of all because I'm a pretty flat and monotone person to begin with, but I do restrain certain aspects of how I present myself, particularly with people I'm not close to.

I'm sorry that this is a long winded way to say "dress appropriately, get a decent haircut, and flatten down the way you speak", but I do try to be cognizant of the fact that you can feel and present masculinely in more ways than there are grains of sand on earth. All of the above are things that help me feel better and more comfortable in my own skin, and are not necessarily what I would prescribe other people to do to feel right in theirs. Only you can know what works best for you, which is why I prefaced this with advising you to think long and hard about what would make you happy and comfortable.

That said, if any of the above appeals to you, do a little research. I enjoy browsing Reddit's Male Fashion Advice sub, not least of all because you see an enormous range of fashion that goes beyond t shirts and jeans. Look for men that have face shapes similar to yours to see what kind of haircuts flatter them, and study the way that the men in your life speak, gesticulate, and generally act. Study them like they are animals in a zoo and it's your life mission to document them, and you'll pick up a lot. I hope this helps!

[cowboyjen68]

Hi! I am a lesbian about to graduate and go off to college (I hope it’s okay I’m sending this). And was wondering if you had advice on safely navigating a new area as an lgbtq person, and how to not feel alone. I was lucky to grow up surrounded by accepting people, but I still feel like a sore thumb, and I am naturally a quiet unapproachable person. My fear is that I will go right back into hiding and maybe never stop. People say that it’ll be fine but it’s hard to believe them. I’m terrified.

It is ALWAYS ok to send me Ask. I say thay are always open and I mean it. I try very hard to get to them but right now I am behind and it truly bugs me. But we do what we can when we can and I am no exception to that rule.

I went to college is a small Missouri town, moving from a small midwest high school. Luckily it was pretty chill and liberal so while I met a lot of LGBT friends (or those exploring the notion) I was not ready to come out until after graduation. I had just moved to Iowa CIty to be closer to home and work and go to grad school. U of I is HUGE and sprawling and I was workng a new job (political fundraiser ie door knocker) that paid the bills AND gave me health insurance. It was 1991.

Even though I am outgoing and make friends easily it was a bit over whelming. I happen to move in with 5 gay men from my job and they introduced me to their world and friends. I had an "in" that eventually led me to have a larger friend circle. BUT here is my advice

FInd something you are interested in and join it. Theatre, yoga, Sci Fi, animal rescue volunteering. It does not have to be an offical club nor LGBT Centric. It also does not need to require a lot of time or money. Freshman year is a over whelming and exciting but making the time to do something you enjoy with others who enjoy it is a good way to at least form a circle of familiar faces around campus. Sad to say EVEN back in the 90's the "gay groups" I did attend (as an ally of course) were clique and awkward for me. I felt like the infringing new person. I hope that has changed, but I have my doubts.

There are some groups and activities that will have a concentration of LGBT people without that being the focus. Theatre, animal rescue, environmental, politics (be wary of echo chambers) and some intramural sports. Volley ball and softball, even coed will have a fair share of lesbians. But so might gaming clubs or frisbee golf. Dont forget about book clubs or Sci fi or Ren Fest groups. Once you make some connections with other who share some common ground with you, you might gain some confidence it making friends in the more narrow LGBT social or official groups.

What is really more important that a large friend group is a few people you can trust and get to know. Once you leave college many of your college friends will naturally navigate out of your life. That is normal and expected because it a time in life of drastic change and growth. But if you find that one or two who will be worth hanging on to you can work less on many people and put your energy into someone who does the same for ou. IF you befriend an extravert that is a bonus because she will make tsure you have social interactions whether you want them or not.

College people are just high schoolers a year or two down the road. Just people. Like you. Say "hello" and smile and ask to sit and chat. The worst they can say is "no" or "im not interested" but more often you will make at least an acquaintance . A familar face to see on campus as time moves on. Or you make a friend worth getting to know.

[biggestsimponhere]

Hii:) I'd like to request a pairing with one of the stranger things boys if you're still doing that?

I'm a quite tall girl, have shoulder length dirty blonde hair that's almost brown now, and blue eyes. I'm a sagittarius but honestly I think at first I come across more as a quite reserved person and then only later on, when I eventually feel more comfortable around people with time, come I out of my shell and reveal my "true" personality which is quite a lot to deal with, to be honest. I can be very short-tempered and can get annoyed really easily at the smallest things, which often results in me being passive aggressive towards everyone and I'm sure that can annoy the crap out of others. I'm really quick to change moods however and sometimes I go from this to the complete opposite quite fast. I've never had a large friend group and always preferred only a few close friends by my side that are willing to put up with all of this, but honestly sometimes I just feel like even them don't really like me? I'm sure that's not completely true and I'm working on changing my perspective, but still.

I've always thought I preferred modern things to vintage ones until my dad showed me some of his favourite songs/films from his childhood which I quickly grew to like. Honestly, I like various genre of music and can't name only one favorite artist, but Taylor Swift will always have a special place in my heart.

My favorite flowers are orchids, specifically the blue ones, and for favourite food I again can't name only one, but I definitely prefer salty to sweet, and I quite like spicy too.

Also, my hogwarts house is slytherin, if that helps anything:)

Thanks so much in advance!!

YOURE WELCOME ♥️ ALSO IM SO SO SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG. (NOTE: THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED BUT WHEN I REACH 1,000 FOLLOWERS THERE WILL BE ANOTHER SIMILAR EVENT)

I ship you with Steve harrington

A love relationship between Sagittarius and Gemini is a match made in heaven. Their signs come opposite each other in the zodiac astrology making their personality and perspectives intertwined with each other. Spontaneity and a little compromise are what this Gemini-Sagittarius couple needs.

I feel like you would compliment each other well physically and in personality

You’re both the same in the sense of having to open up first but once you do i think you would make a really solid match

Steve is fine with whatever you want to do whether you want to hang out in a small group or just alone together

even if he didn’t like what you listen to he would definitely still sit and listen

100 % would let you control the music in his car even if he didn’t like it (the kids prefer your music)

Would watch whatever show/movie you want to watch and try to pretend like he’s not completely invested

He would definitely try to find orchids but he doesn’t exactly know what they look like so he’d have to ask the woman at the flower shop who thought it was very sweet that he was doing that for you.

Would try to learn to cook for you but would mostly just pay for your meals out.

[stormco0l]

teleports to your immediate location, putting my hand against the wall next to you. I saw your post about oc relationship dynamics :3

uhm. ok. this is probably going to be a bit of a long-ass list. and probably largely modp related bcs im. normal. about them.

2 and 18 for lyric and ink

9 for lyric and matthew

20 for the umbrella quad

amd uhm. for some non mopd ones

8 for angel and issac

15 for mangrove and calie

yeehaw 🤠

HHIHIHII NOVA THANK YOY YO ARE . AMAZING

2. How long have these two characters known each other?

im not to sure of the exact time, but its been a good strong while. Definately longer than lim & jess have been in the rooms, but after she joined the m.e.g. around the early days of being in the m.e.g, witch was a While ago lmao

so, like. its a strong foundation.

18. Do they view their relationship as temporary or permanent?

ooh. ooh this ones hard. ink, i think, would like to view it as permernant, but they dont. theyre waiting for a tragic end, waiting for it to fall apart, waiting for lyric to leave them.

lyric views it as permerant, but hasnt really relaised that. she thinks shed be fine with leaving ink [shes always been good at leaving things behind]. she dosent understand why she cant think about it for to long without feeling sick.

lyric isnt going to be the one to leave.

9. What is one quality they have in common?

OHOHOHO BOY :) THIS IS A GOOD ONE. lyric would hate this question. btw.

one thing thats shared between them is their ability to be chill exept about around three things.

for lyric, she gets furiously mad about matheww, and really protextive of ink .one started bacause of the other, but if you remkved one from the equasion the other woukd still exist .shes also really, really, really obsessibely passionate about music

matthew is actually largely calm and easygoing when not being obsessively loyal to the m.e.g, or ansolutely furious about the continued existance if anuthing nonhuman. most people dont even know about how he gets about thise things and think lyrics exagerating.

20. What is their best memory together?

.ooh thjs is a tricky one! .hmm .they probably have quite a few good ones but the best one i think woild probably finding the umbrellas .cause that was the moment where they kinda cemeted as a group, yk?

.it was also the first like .truly positve moment they all shared .so yeah .not the happiest overall maybe but a very important memory that was positive. pronably the first thing that comes up when they think happy memory for them too :]

8. How do they communicate with each other? Are there any recurring phrases or gestures unique to their relationship?

.angel and issac have progressed to the stage of friendship where basically everything they say sounds uttery incomprihensible to everyone else. so many inside jokes and weird little movements that completely recontextualise things.

angel also jsut voes completely mask off around issac when talking so you get conversations where angel outwardly says basically Nothing but issac is just so used to reading her that half of their converaation is based around nonberbal stuff noone else can really pick up on.

so yeah theyre Normal <3

15. Do they trust each other? Why or why not?

ooh this is a really interesting one! i think not Yet. for very different reasons.

mangrove has been so, so hurt because of trust in the past. theyres still feeling tje effects of that. calie is interesting to them, and theyre willing to help out from time to time, but like. theres no trust theh wont end up with another knife digging into them

theyre also just. in a Massively fragile state. ots hard to place your trust into someone when youre still trying to figure out who you Are.

calie is scared of mangrove. not cause of their apperance [witch. they still think Isnt Real], but cause of the way mangrove acts. theyre not a familiar prescence and calie dosent trust someone who they cant read at All.

callie also dosent trust themself. and its really, really hard to trust other people when you cant even tell whats real and what isnt.

THANM YOUU THJS WAS REALLY FUN :DDD <33

my goobers :]

[razette]

Im really enjoying scarlet and violet. Our games have a lot of bugs, but none are game breaking. Only once have encountered an intense graphical error (a lot of unintended flashing) that i force resolved pretty quickly, fortunately, that I would count in the "hard unacceptable no" category of complaints about games.

Out of the three main paths (Gyms, Titans, and Team Star) interacting with Nemona, Arven, and Casseopia (and Clive lol) was pretty alright. I feel the stories were unpolished? in some places, but never out right bad and they all tied up fine.

I really enjoyed the endings of both games. Tho, I do think scarlet is better than violet ending wise. that guy is prolly gonna end up in some poor unsuspecting persons pool instead of on an adventure, but eh. by then itll probably be a non issue, right? If you already finished violets story, maybe you get me. None of that is spoilers, fyi for those that care about that stuff and havent finished the game. My complaints about the gyms below do contain a few spoilers, but none regarding plots.

I have two main complaints about the game. The first is mainly about graphics quality. SwSh was beautiful comparitively speaking and i feel like even Arceus was better. Graphics are shit. My day night cycle is broken in places, or maybe its only broken sometimes? its hard to tell. Weather is present but I feel like it took a major back seat this game. Its ignorable, not memorable at all, which is a shame because when I stop to actually focus on it it doesnt seem to be that bad. I feel like maybe the poor quality of the surrounding graphics makes the weather shine less. Also, my day night cycle is broken in places? or maybe its only broken sometimes? Or are some places not supposed to have the usual day night cycle. Unclear.

Also the cities are shit. I hate to compair everything to SwSh because it wasnt a perfect game, but the cities of that game had so much personality. They felt LIVED in, you know, because the filler in that game was the pokemon tried and true... npc homes! that you could enter! Paldea is a groups of strip malls centered around vast swaths of NOTHING. For a place thats supposed to be based off Spain, it sure feels a lot more like living in America, honestly. Its all shops! and high rises! and no homes at all! and you cant go into any of them. and the places you can go into are the same 5 chain restaurants, the latest gadget shop, eyeglass world, shoe carnival, Lids, a sock shop, a Ross with upgraded specialty shoes or regular gloves, and Tiffany's up the street selling you gummy bears with gold flakes.

No personality to these cities at all. Is it the end of the world? no. but it ties into my other complaint which is that...

i feel like because the gym tests of SWSH were really polarizing, you either really liked them or really hated them, they were received as some kind of net gain. An any attention is good attention kind of thing. So of course they were going to repeat that.

The problem is the cities are lifeless and the gyms arent at all important to every day modern life Paladea. In SwSh the gym test for the rock and ice type gyms focuses on SAFETY because they live on the a freaking mountain! The water gym test was a puzzle that made you go all over the map, but with purpose. The Paldean gym tests are... like everything that people hated about SHSH tests. What does this have to do with the gym? nothing. You COULD walk this giant balloon ALL OVER this field for no reason for however long that takes you, but there is ZERO incentive unless you just like walking all over large spaces with no real reward.

The gyms didnt feel a part of their communities. The trainers didnt feel like they were really interested in their pokemon, your training journey, or their communities. One lady loses a gym test battle against you and does the 5 year old crying animation? what?

I will say, I feel like there are a couple of acceptions. Brassius at the grass gym clearly fills he community with art, and I know lots of community centers often hold many free or low cost art programs (at least in my area.) I would very much imagine that Brassius uses art and connects with his community. Im not sure about what they were stereotyping with his character. I felt like i missed the joke there, but I liked him over all. Also while sunflora hide and seek itself is a bit tedious, I did get it.

I also felt like Rhym in montenerva was pretty cool. That community is small, the shows being put on are probably a big feature in what goes on there. From what I understand about black culture, music and community are both very important! Again the gym test was about introducing duos which, unlike in swsh, players havent done yet. the fact that youre part of the pre show seemed fun, especially since the actual earning of the gym badge was also part of the show.

And Grusha isnt in a community, he is at the top of a mountain. so theres nothing to complain about there, he can do what he wants. He clearly IS dedicated to that gym, since thats the only shelter up there.

Over all that part was pretty disappointing. The gym leaders themselves seemed nicely designed and varying degrees of interesting. Larry was pretty great. The electric gym was hilarious.

I dont hate the games, I just wish it was filled with more personality. In the mean time tho, I get to run around catching pokemon, and thats fine. Ill probably just go back to Arceus when Ive had my fill of vi and scarlet.

[zouisalmightie]

.

[utilitycaster]

You obviously care about my opinion enough to keep making burner blogs. You care deeply about what I think. In fact, I'd go so far to say as a pretty large number of the shippers care deeply about what I and the other people in the fandom who are not into the ship think, given that there's virtually no meta to be had that isn't in direct response to it.

If you are so starved of F/F content that the dry toast of this relationship is a meal then I pity you but no one is stopping you from eating. But the response within the fandom is honestly reminding me me most of how people usually act when their ship doesn't go canon. Somehow, the vibe feels much more unhappy and dissatisfied than it did prior.

It's nearly impossible to find meta for the ship that isn't either meaningless lists of Laura and Marisha's microexpressions and out-of-game statements (which has always been one of the greatest weaknesses of the ship for me- so much of it is based on 4-sided dive or interviews and very little on actual content) or borderline incoherent counterpoints to weeks or months-old meta by those who can actually write meta. I often only know it's addressing this meta because of the quotation marks around the word "stagnant" or "selfish." There's a pattern too - you'll get a wave of these arguments, with two or three people making essentially the same post with minimal variation, all at once (oh to be a fly on the wall in the server that brought us like five people in one day posting the uh, unique phrase "bone dry takes".)

Other meta is scarce, often contradicts itself, and lacks any cohesive vision of the ship (which again has been a problem from very early on). If Imogen's ability to read Laudna's mind and therefore trust her is the heart of the relationship, why is the fic everyone gushes about mostly AUs without any magic powers whatsoever? Are they each other's fluffy solace against a world where no one else understands them? Or are they well-integrated into the group? Or are they going to become monsterwives (and if so, against whom? How does this fit into a D&D narrative)? What does their future look like when it's not just the word "capable" and some grocery shopping for Zhudanna on loop? How do we address the utter lack of stakes and the fact that Imogen apparently thinks thoughtcrime is real and Laudna one of the few innocent of it?

I'm interested to see how the show answers, but it's odd that the fanon is almost exclusively focused on the past and so lacking in a vision for even the near future. And to be clear it's totally fine to like a ship and wish to explore the fanon rather than the canon...but the mythology of Im*dna was always primarily fanon and AUs and now there's actual canon to contend with and I think people are feeling a little bit like they opened the box and found that Schroedinger's cat was dead. I think they preferred their own imaginations and the potential to the concreteness of canon. Which only amplifies the emptiness that I feel from the actual canon.

It's not just the lack of meta, though. It's the (small) wave of harassment that you, warrior, seem to be spearheading. Trolls are an unfortunate fact of internet life, but particularly when it's for a ship that's canon? It seems like a really bad sign. I'm getting a sense that you aren't actually feeling that great from your ship "winning"; you seem more invested in watching other people lose, and the fact that the response from said 'losers' has been an overwhelming "yeah, it's not doing for me...so about Fearne and Teven" seems to be infuriating you. Which again is maybe the greatest indictment of the ship. Trolls are usually attacking because they're unhappy and see other people who seem happy; it feels like you're bitter because you were hoping for people to either sob "I was wrong, this is the greatest ship of all time" or leave in a huff (the way people left over the mere implication that the canon C2 ships were likely to happen), and neither of those things are happening.

Which has, again, always been a weakness of the fanon of the ship: fans positioned it as the heart of the campaign, but of the three scenes during that Jrusar party split? Ashton and FCG's conversation was a standout performance, and Orym, Chetney, and Fearne spoke with Ajit, had a fun and hilarious combat with Tuyen's bounty hunter, and had a vision of Vax courtesy of the Raven Queen. Unless you were already enamored with the mere concept of Imogen and Laudna getting together because you started shipping it the minute Matt asked everyone else to leave the table in episode 1, based on nothing more than "Laura and Marisha are playing women who know each other", the kiss isn't even the highlight of the episode in which it happened. I think deep down you and a lot of other people know that, and I think the dread is setting in.

The post above lays out one potential avenue for me to like the ship, but there are many ways it could become interesting - they just haven't happened in the past 67 episodes. But also, that's besides the point. I guess the point is: are you guys okay? I mean the people who are just like "yeah this ship cute and fun!" and getting on with their day appear to be having a good time (though even they're getting harassed for such controversial takes as "hey maybe do not send anon hate"...you might want to stop that btw) but I'm getting a profound sense of malaise for a canon ship and that sounds miserable. Anyway. I think this really is the last time I engage instead of a simple block because I should practice what I preach and not give you the time and space but so long as I keep getting harassment? I will know for certain this ship ain't shit. In fact here's a deal: if I don't see a single scrap of harassment whining about how we don't ship Im*dna directed at me or anyone else for a full week, starting right now - and that means everything: anon asks, replies, tags of posts - I'll say nothing about the ship whatsoever for a week. If you can keep it up for a month? I'll do the same for a month.

My controversial Critical Role opinion is that one of the most interesting things that Laura and Marisha could do with Laudna and Imogen's relationship is to have them break up. It doesn't have to be permanent, but having them realize that as much as they love each other, they don't really communicate or confront the issues they have with each other, and how this isn't conducive to a long-lasting romantic relationship (or having these things undermine the relationship without the characters realizing this) would be absolutely fascinating to me. It would also be a great avenue towards the characters building up a relationship with each other where they are more open to confrontation and conflict, be that relationship romantic or otherwise

[obsidiancreates]

AU Where Stede Is Just Inexplicably Yolked, Dude: Part 4; The Crew Piles On (Literally)

"What do you mean you can't do a push-up?" the cook is saying when Izzy walks on deck.

"I just can't." Oh god. Bonnet again. "I've never had to before."

"But you're fuckin' ripped," the large maybe-Irish one says.

"I wouldn't say ripped. My body isn't especially muscular."

"You can carry an entire man around like it's nothing," the scribe boy says from where he sits on that freaky little fanboy's lap, "But you can't do a push-up? I mean, I can't either, but I have like, normal human strength."

"It's not that unusual!" Stede bursts out. Izzy would beg to fucking differ, having been on the receiving end of one of Bonnet's punches. He crosses his arms and leans against the stairs, watching.

"Jim knows how to do them." The softie in the orange beanie nudges Jim. "Show 'im."

Jim sighs and rolls their eyes, but obliges. Izzy think their form is a little off, even though he's never done push-ups himself, but they do a few just fine.

"How am I supposed to do that with my jacket? And cuffs?"

"Take them off?" the cook shrugs. "Kinda obvious, Captain."

"Wh- I'd be shirtless!"

"So?"

Bonnet looks appalled by the idea. Izzy is both irritated at the stupid pretentious softness, and thankful that he won't have to see any more of Bonnet than he already has.

"I'll grab you a different shirt. This is going to be good." the scribe boy snickers a little as he runs into the lower decks, and returns with a shirt less fancy than Izzy has ever seen Bonnet wear. The scribe tosses it at Bonnet.

"... Alright. This is happening, then." Bonnet ducks away somewhere, and returns in a loose shirt with sleeves down to his elbows. Izzy suddenly feels very nervous, and very glad Ed isn't on deck.

Yet.

"Right, how did I lay again? Like this... am I doing this right? Okay, let's try it..."

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. The crew are all counting the push-ups aloud.

"Too easy," the annoying little fanboy says. "Let's up the stakes."

And he stands up.

And sits on Bonnet's back.

And Bonnet keeps going. Without flinching.

The cheers start getting rowdier. Izzy starts feeling glad it was just his nose that broke before.

"Hand me something!" the fanboy cheers. The crew scramble around and find a bag of heavy rope. They hand it to the fanboy, and Bonnet still! Keeps! Going!

"This is quite the arm workout," he says without strain in his voice. "We should make this a regular activity! Group exercises!"

Just as the maybe-swede one climbs atop Bonnet's back as well, footsteps come up behind Izzy. Izzy feels a chill up his spine.

"Is he doing push-up with two people sitting on his back?"

"Looks like it, boss." Please don't say anything, please don't-

"Think he could fit me on there too?"

Oh, god. "I wouldn't try it, Edwa- he's gone."

Ed sits on Bonnet's, erm, glutes, the only free spot left. Izzy watches in horror for a moment, and then notices a pleased sparkle in Bonnet's eyes.

He goes below deck and does vomit this time.

[im-in-vin-ci-ble]

Hello~ Can I request a Mark x fem reader who’s a lot like starfire and is very Powerful close to omni man and is also an alien princess but she lives on earth and they go to the same school and she’s also a solo hero who one day sees invincible fighting off a tough villain with the teenteam but is losing so she steps in to help and he recognizes her and starts getting all nervous since he has a crush on her and then after that they introduce themselves get to know each other and eventually work they’re way up to mark confessing and she says yes :3

(If possible can it be a slow burn im a sucker for slow burn tropes and stuff 😤)

A/N: I gotchu, this bout to be a lil long 😮‍💨 making the fem!reader a little more human, figured since she’s in an actual school for humans she’d need to adapt to the humor/culture so she doesn’t get suspicious

Pairing: Mark Grayson x Fem!Reader

Rating: M, some swearing and gross monster guts

Warnings: N/A

Summary: Mark is finally joined in battle by an alien princess who has caught his attention. Turns out she goes to the same high school, and if he can throw around 150-pound monsters across the street, surely he can confess his true feelings to a girl... right?

"Are you fucking kidding me right now?!" Rex Splode yelled as he wobbled up off the ground. "We've been on this thing for hours and it only has one damn cut!"

"Calm down Rex," Atom Eve said from behind, "You're gonna get even more tired from yelling."

The two watched as Dupli-Kate attempted to distract the scaly kaiju, replicating herself second after second to give space for Invincible to hit the monster by surprise. The kaiju's screech echoed throughout the city and shook the foundations of the surrounding buildings, forcing Rex, Atom Eve and Robot to move aside and save however many civilians they could.

"Invincible," Dupli-Kate shouted, "I can't keep up much longer!"

A sonic boom overcame the surrounding noise and Invincible appeared from the clouds. Dropping in at maximum speed, the young superhero balled his hand into a fist and took a deep breath. A loud battle cry escaped his mouth but it was cut short as the kaiju's heavy arm slapped him away just in time, throwing him through destroyed buildings until he landed on the pavement.

Out of breath, dizzy, and in a serious amount of pain, Invincible laid on the broken road for a second to regain his strength. The wind softly blew down on him as he focused his sight on a contrail leading towards him, and he watched as a girl in purple land right next to him.

She bent down and held him upright, "Invincible, are you okay?"

"Mmhmm," Invincible croaked with a defeated smile, "Totally fine."

His sight reverted back to normal and the first face he saw shocked him alive. It was her. They never talked in school and he was almost sure she didn't know his real name, but here she was, basically cradling him in her arms and calling him Invincible.

So she knows who I am. At least with the suit.

"Come on, that kaiju is about to be destroy the entire city," she said, helping him get back on his feet and flying away to the seemingly unbeatable figure.

He huffed, "Stay cool, Mark. She's here to help," and he followed suit.

This marked the first time he really interacted with the new superhero; he'd only ever see her on TV or read about how she saved people on the newspaper. He'd be lying if he said he didn't find her attractive — as do most guys his age — but watching her blast the kaiju with the green bursts of energy from her hands made her only even more appealing.

Invincible regrouped with the rest of the Teen Team. "I don't know what else we can do to this thing," Atom Eve admitted.

"I do," the girl spoke up. "Distract it as best as you can but stay far away from the stomach. When I tell you to take cover, make a run for it."

Robot replied, "That seems highly dangerous."

"Let's do it," Invincible quickly replied in a high-pitched voice.

Everyone looked over at him, surprised at the sudden change in his voice and just how fast he reacted in agreement. 

"Uh, it's a good plan," he nodded, causing the girl to shoot a warm smile his way. "I definitely think we should do it... if all of you... uh, think, we should."

Exhausted and out of options, the rest of the group followed her orders and took different corners of the monster. Dupli-Kate handled one leg, Rex Splode handled the other, Robot and Atom Eve took the arms, and Invincible went back to the head. The kaiju struggled to keep its focus on just one of the heroes, and while it remained preoccupied, the girl absorbed all the energy she could muster and flew straight for the stomach.

"Take cover, now!"

Invincible and the Teen Team moved away and they watched as the flying hero's eyes opened in a bright shade of neon green, both her arms extended out as a large ball of green formed around her hands. The rays exploded right through the kaiju and it shrieked in pain as she briefly disappeared into the stomach. The kaiju lost balance and slowly fell forward as the girl, her eyes still green, appeared on the other side and harshly fell down on the ground.

The kaiju landed on the street with a loud boom and the group ran towards the girl who was now covered in parts of the kaiju's digestive system.

"Okay, that's kinda gross," Rex Splode commented, to which Dupli-Kate quickly responded, "Shut up."

Invincible dropped down on his knees and wiped the blood and guts off her face. Subtly admiring her facial features up close, he couldn't believe (and almost felt stupid) that he never recognized her despite the fact that he almost saw her everyday.

The girl groaned in agony softly shook her head, her eyes fluttering open to the sight of Invincible's dark hair, goggles and yellow mask.

"Hey, hey," he whispered, "Are you alright?"

She sat up and hissed at her injuries, holding her head with her bloody hand. "Mmhmm," she gently nodded with a half smile, her eye one still shut. "Totally fine."

---

Mark had a hard time focusing on school. His body ached from yesterday's injuries and he suffered a few bruises from literally tearing through buildings. He made his way to his locker and rested his head on the metal door, dreading the fact that he still has an entire afternoon of classes to go. Closing his eyes in hopes to quickly recharge, his moment of peace was disrupted when a shoulder rammed into his chest and several books landed right on his toe.

"Oh god, I'm so sorry," a voice exclaimed.

Mark's head snapped up at the sound of the voice. It's her. He momentarily froze and watched the girl bend down to pick up her things, and when he finally regained movement a split second later, he also bent down to help her out. He kept quiet as he tried to think of the coolest possible response to make her think that he was actually the coolest guy in school, but all he could think of was how heavenly and badass she looked yesterday.

"Thanks," she said as he handed her the book. "I hope your foot doesn't bruise."

They both stood up and he shot her a nervous smile. "T-totally fine," he replied, clearing his throat afterwards.

She crossed her brows at his response and nodded, and a look of suspicion replaced her worried demeanor.

"I'm Mark, by the way," he cleared his throat again and reached out his hand, "Grayson."

"Mark... Grayson, huh?" she responded, scanning his face as her suspicion grew. Her eyes finally landed on the hand that was waiting, and she took one last look into his eyes before deciding to shake it. "I'm Y/N," she introduced herself with a skeptical smile, feeling his sweaty palm wrapped around hers. "I'll see you around, Mark Grayson."

She walked away and Mark's eyes followed her trail as far as he could see. He quickly pulled out his phone to send a text to Eve, who was actually watching their interaction a few classrooms down.

"Mark," Eve called out as she moved towards him. “So I’m assuming...”

"You knew?” he asked her in disbelief. “Why didn't you tell me Y/N was a superhero? I just introduced myself to her as Mark Grayson and I'm almost positive she knows I'm Invincible."

"First off, it's not my secret tell," she answered with a shrug. "Second, you guys didn’t trade secrets or whatever?”

Mark shook his head in a panic, "No, but I'm guessing she also knows that I know her secret the same way I know she knows my secret." He rested his forehead on the locker door once again and groaned, "Ugh, I'm so into her, it isn't even funny. And this whole superhero thing just made it even more awkward."

Eve laughed, "Look, I'm not going to force her to tell you if she isn't up for it, but if you want, I can ask her to hang out with us later. Maybe — emphasis on maybe — my presence will make her comfortable enough to admit who she is."

"Okay, okay," he sighed, turning around to rest the back of his head. "My insides are dying."

"After the kaiju yesterday, be thankful you don't mean that in a literal sense."

---

Where in the hell is Eve?

Mark pulled out his phone for the third time in 10 minutes. Still no call or response from Eve to his text. He was getting evidently nervous; his palms were sweaty again and it felt like someone turned up the heat in Burger Mart. His left leg jerked up and down in anxiety as he stared at his phone, looking at the seconds on the clock icon tick by. If he were left alone with Y/N, he'd have no idea what to say. What does she like? Should I bring up the kaiju yesterday and praise Invincible? No, she'll just think I'm full of myself.

"Hey Mark."

He jolted and saw Y/N standing by the corner of the booth. "Hi!" he replied in that irritatingly high-pitched voice. Mark's heart began to race and the thoughts in his head ran wild. "Um... Have a seat. Sorry Eve isn't here yet, she actually hasn't answered my calls or my messages. Teenage girls, huh? What can you do?"

She crossed her brows again and chuckled, "That's fine, we can wait for Eve. But I think I'm more concerned about you."

"What do you mean?"

Y/N chuckled again, "You seem... nervous.”

He faked an obnoxiously loud laugh, “Me? Nervous?”

She watched him from across the table in silence, waiting for him to regain his composure.

When Mark couldn’t hear Y/N laughing with him, he finally shut up and shook his head. “Yeah, I am nervous, sorry,” he admitted, shutting his eyes tight. 

She giggled, “Totally fine.”

Hearing her say those two words calmed his racing heartbeat. A smile crept on his face and she reciprocated, their eyes locking for a few seconds before both their phones buzzed.

“Oh, I just got a text from Eve,” Mark said. 

“Me too.” She opened the message and began to read it out loud, “Sorry, can’t make it tonight. Something came up.”

“Have fun, you two,” he followed, his voice faltering. He placed his phone, screen down this time, back on the table and sighed, “Sorry, guess you’re stuck with me. That is, if you do want to stay and... hang out, and stuff.”

"Why wouldn’t I?” she replied, her warm smile easing Mark back into a relaxed state. “It’s nice to have a friend who...” she trailed off, “understands.”

“Understands what?” he asked.

“This thing people like us call life,” she answered. “You know, it took me a long time to acclimate here. I didn’t think I ever would, then I met friends who made this place feel like home. And home is a feeling I hadn’t felt in a really long time.”

Mark rested his elbows on the table and leaned in closer, “Well, I’m always here. You know, a-as a friend... or an acquaintance, even. I don’t, I don’t want to push it.”

Y/N giggled again, “You’re a funny man, Mark Grayson. This planet is lucky to have someone like you.” She reached out and held his hand, “And I’m even luckier to have you as a friend, or an acquaintance.” 

He felt the heat rush to his face and he could swear his heart nearly jumped out of his chest. The afternoon flew by in a hurry as they engaged in lengthy conversations, fatty fast food, and childhood stories. While Mark was open to sharing every tiny detail — down to the color of the bleachers at the park where he played little league — Y/N kept hers pretty vague, leaving out descriptions of family members and even the places where these stories happened. 

Mark’s phone buzzed again, but the vibrating pattern indicated it was a phone call. He turned the screen over and saw the unknown number; it was time to suit up.

“Shit, I’m sorry Y/N, but I need to go,” he said in a rush. “I have a... uh, an emergency.”

You couldn’t have thought of anything more specific?

“It’s cool. Um, don’t worry about it,” she said, shaking her head with her eyes glued to the vibrating phone. 

Mark’s one leg was already out the booth before he decided to finally just go for it. Sitting back down with his now quiet phone in his hands, he took a deep breath.

“Y/N, I think you’re really cool. Can I maybe, like, call you sometime, or something?”

Her lips formed into smile that extended to her eyes, and it was enough for Mark to melt a little. “Of course. Yeah, sure,” she replied in excitement and typed down her number on his phone. She handed it back, “Now you know how to reach me if you’re getting your ass whooped again.”

His mouth fell open as his shaky hands grabbed his phone. “Wait—”

She smoothly slid out of the booth, “See you later, Invincible,” she winked, “Don’t get killed today.”

---

Luckily for Mark, no one got killed today. Maybe a few wounds here and there, but nothing painful enough that will land him in the GDA hospital. After spending an hour in the shower, he finally managed to lie down on his bed and rest his body. He sank into the mattress and closed his eyes, taking in the seconds of undisturbed peace that have become rare moments since he got his powers. 

As he replayed the events of today’s fights in his head, his mind drifted off to the hours he spent with Y/N. He pulled out his phone and mustered the courage to press the dial button, and the repeating sound of the ringing was making his pulse race. 

“Hello?”

“Oh good, you didn’t die today.”

Mark chuckled and sandwiched his hand between his head and the pillow. “It wasn’t that bad today, just took a few hits,” he explained. “So listen, Y/N, I was wondering, uh—”

She cut him off, “What are you doing right now?”

“What?”

“What are you doing right now?” she repeated.

“Um, nothing, just getting some rest” he sat up and looked around. “Why?”

“If you’re not too tired, do you maybe...”

Mark smiled, “Maybe...?”

“I don’t know, sneak out? My roof is pretty comfortable.”

Silently fist pumping, he fully stood up and nodded, “Text me the address.”

Just as quietly as he exited his room via the window, he softly landed on Y/N’s roof. Swiftly flying up and greeting him, she took the place next to him and crossed her legs. 

“You’re right, your roof is pretty comfortable,” Mark said.

She chuckled at his remark then noticed a gash by his right temple. Her brows furrowed in worry, “You have a wound,” she said, making sure not to touch it.

“Don’t worry about it,” he replied, softly holding her hand and placing it back down with his. “Totally fine.”

Those words brought her some sense of comfort as her eyes softened, causing her to unconsciously squeeze his hand. Mark’s eyes widened and he looked down at their tangled fingers, frozen for a moment.

“Is this... okay with you?” he asked.

She nodded. “Wanna lie down? Since my roof is so comfortable?” she asked with a smirk.

“Sure,” Mark chuckled, removing his hand from her’s and stretching his arm out as they lied down. Y/N rested her head on his shoulder, keeping her eyes up at the stars.

“Hey Mark?”

“Yeah?”

A moment of silence.

“Thank you for coming.”

He looked down at her as she met his eyes, “You’re welcome.” 

The two shared a smile, and Mark took a deep breath as he prepared himself for the words that were about to come out of his mouth.

It’s now or never, Mark. Now or never.

“Watching you kick ass yesterday was... really a sight to see,” he began. “You’re powerful and strong, but more importantly, brave. And you’re so fucking beautiful and kind and smart and...” Mark trailed off, sighing, “I never thought I would be in this position — with you next to me in a very comfortable rooftop under the stars.”

“Mark...”

“And I really like you. Like, really, really like you.”

“Mark.”

“It’s okay if you don’t feel the same way, but I just wanted to let you know. It’s important that you know—”

“Mark,” she cut him off. “I like you too. A lot.”

He breathed a sigh of relief and covered his eyes with his free hand. “Oh thank god. Thank god!” he exclaimed.

Y/N shushed him, “You’re gonna wake up the neighborhood, Invincible.”

“Sorry,” he giggled quietly, “I got excited.”

She laughed and faced her body towards him. They locked eyes again, and Mark didn’t know if it was gravity or just the adrenaline that pushed him, but he finally leaned down and met her lips. Static ran through his body as he deepened the kiss, and he felt an excitement that was even more exhilarating than the first time he flew.

She pulled away and Mark ran his hand through her hair, resting his hand on her cheek. “How was that?” he asked.

She smiled gently and placed her hand over his, “Totally fine.”

[yutaholic]

Jungwoo/Mark’s tweet earlier got me sooo mad I was heated again like so quick after the nj concert the very next day you’re like “back to koreaaaaa💚” like I’m upset bc i am into 2 other groups, all of which I’ve supported since their respective debuts (except for the fact that I’d been around and waited for neos since 2014 smrookies…since their fucking name sounded like a citation in a legal contract, SR14B! That’s right, all the way from Florida, I’ve been down for them since before THEY WERE EVEN “THEM”, THEIR DAMN SELVES!! I remember when Haechan spelled his birth name without a ‘c’ in it, you little muskrats, i— anyway ) but 80% of my attention time and money for the last few years has been to nct, including superm. First it was it was like 50-55%, then it progressed a couple years ago to 65-75, now here we are. To the point that I still care about my favs but all I talk about & most of I listen to & only I voted for, has been nct. On top of that, I’m Black. And was most active on Twitter. Do y’all know how hard it is to be a black ifan to these mfs for over half a decade, sometimes I wonder if im in my right mind cus part of me lookin in the mirror like “bitch u sure u good over there?🤨” 😭

The confidence…the gall, the audacity, the mf TEMERITY of these people to either not gaf enough about the majority of their fans that they’ll pussyfoot around and kiss the feet of Korean nctzens so much that they are actively disrespecting us. A few of them lurk, I know they do, esp Ty. ik cus he’s my bias & what he texts in bubble proves he knows things he wouldn’t be aware of without looking at our tweets. I am so upset with him & I have never been mad enough about anything he’s done as I am rn. If you’ve seen anything Tyongf have said, you know we are a little shocked and a lot disappointed. I’d planned to say sumn but that video showing he was insecure in his position came out so I used my allotted texts on that but the minute he sends smth (3 replies allowed per message of the artist) it’s ON, on.

I remember superhuman era quite well but what strikes me is how large the treatment gap has widened since then. There came to a time where we were lowered another peg (cus we knew we weren’t equal) to please and appease kfans. Then it’s gotten worse and worse when their fandom size jump quite a bit with Kick It but EXPONENTIALLY abroad with Sticker & favorite last year. But the acknowledgement has been less! How long does sm think we will sit & take this from them before we find another group that doesn’t mistreat their fans abroad lmao. One of those I’m into is BTS. Do you think I would’ve been calling radio stations regularly to get & then keep their songs on there, buying the albums in store to help with physicals and doing all the other projects if they treated intl army like NCT treats nctzens outside of Korea🧐?!?? Does NCT and sm think GRAMMY NOMINATIONS came to BTS twice by intl armys getting treated like second class citizens?! LMAOOO chile they have bumped their damn heads.

Atp I want Chris Lee and some other people’s heads on pikes!! Whoever make them type of decisions to shun us!! They really bending over backwards for people who tanked their entire era in anger bc American fans got fan service like taking pics with them on the street & shit?? That just shows how shallow they can be! Clown asses! Usually I’m like “Bubu don’t go on Twitter there aren’t good things there” but rn I’m sooo close to going off that it got me boutta text him to go on Twitter & exactly what to search if he wanna see whats really good in the fandom rn. I’m tired of being understanding & acting like I’m fine and is being the bigger person. I want to evoke emotions, I want them feel upset and worry and FEAR👹 It sounds unhinged and petty but I want them for even just a MINUTE, to have a bodily experience of fright and sadness and the realization that we very can leave in droves! But not boycotting an era and cursing them out, oh no, by legitimately just dropping them. That we CAN leave their asses silently and put another group on the map. We can drop not just the unit but the whole brand, ending that nct Hollywood bullshit RIGHT NOW if they don’t appreciate us being around. We don’t expect to be superior just at least toe the mf line??

It’s funny, they call us grass sometimes bc of our light sticks. I’m all about not feeling insecure or conflicted in the past but…These days? I’d thoroughly enjoy them having an “oh shit…” feeling of despair, and epiphany that if they don’t water ALL the “grass” in their yard, there WILL be noticeably large patches of nothing but dirt and dead plants.

I need you to know that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this ask. You have a way with words. I could feel the rage through my screen. I also felt like I was being scolded even though I did nothing wrong. You know how like when you're in the room and your friend is getting chewed tf out by their mom? That's how I felt for a hot minute lol

I said in an earlier ask that all this ncity discourse has me feeling like I'm on the couch with a bag of popcorn watching my bestie fight with her boyfriend. You are now that bestie and I will cheer you on while you read our men to filth. 👏 also hell yes kill nct hollywood early so we never gotta deal with that shit! hahahaha