#like if i had ever told anyone. i would've been put right. just talk to him! or you'll be in your midtwenties and regretting it!

[faithfromanewperspective]

i think my problem with i can do it with a broken heart is it cuts a little too close for me. that's been how i lived for a long time, feeling things then making a point of acting the opposite. right back to when i was a little kid and i'd have like. a monster cold of some kind and i would go to every length i could to hide it, i'd go off to school (making sure my parents didn't realise i was sick and stop me) when i should have been at home and then keep sneaking to the bathroom to blow my nose so it wouldn't run, pretend to be extra energetic when really i was so so tired. then as i got older it became, i'm anxious in this social situation but so is everyone else, so I gotta stay calm and help other people feel comfortable. i gotta be friendly when i'm feeling heartbroken. i gotta be the positive one cause no one's gonna deal with my emotions and this helps me deal with other people's. i lost the ability to be in touch with and simply accept how i was feeling that way. i still doubt my own ability to know it. because I CAN be positive and appear happy a lot, so much so that my brain has made permanent pathways from 'this sucks i feel this way' to 'how can we brainstorm ways of fixing it' to 'i have ALL THE ENERGY to solve this problem'.

the worst part is probably the second couplet of the chorus though. i'm so obsessed with him but he avoids me. like i get this, I get the need to have something to sing in this situation but had it come out ten years ago I'd have used it (and I did at the time with countless other songs from last decade) to convince myself this was going on when it really wasn't. when i could've just! talked to him! and found out he wasn't avoiding me, he was shy or he was tired or he was just distracted by something else or thought i was avoiding him. because as established, I never did be vulnerable with how i felt. I often acted (and therefore communicated) the exact opposite. but my sensitivity to rejection and my fears and my pride did obscure my intuition that knew sexual tension when I felt it. but i never did trust how i felt.

i'm glad it came out so I could realise all this about myself but i don't think i can just. listen to it. not until this all gets resolved one day and i can look back at it and laugh. but some chances you don't get back. and the best i can do is be kind to myself. let myself feel the grief for it and for the child who didn't ever feel safe and then still get up and keep going. like in dancing with a broken heart--a song that though thematically similar, vibe-wise to me feels a lot healthier and a lot more something that I aspire to rather than that conceptually brings me back to an experience that is traumatic.

[thevoidstaredback]

Enough Caffeine to Kill an Elephant

Listen. It was an accident. He didn't mean to! It just kinda happened.

So maybe he brought a drink with enough caffeine in it to kill an elephant within a few minutes, and maybe he forgot to put the sleeve on his cup so he could tell it apart from the others, but it's not his fault! He didn't think anyone else was going to have the exact same Yeti cup as him! It's not like he'd seen any of the others carry one before. Besides, he worked with superheros. They should be smart enough to check before drinking someone else's drink.

Danny had been summoned by the Justice League Dark a few years back in order to help with a world ending crisis and he just didn't leave. It's not like he could go anywhere anyway. His ghost half hadn't grown past fourteen and his human half had stopped visibly aging at eighteen. He'd had to leave town as Danny Fenton, but he'd stayed in Amity Park as Danny Phantom. When his parents died of old age, thank god, he'd closed down the portal, stuck around for a few more years, before traveling the world as Danny Fenton.

Anyway, he'd taken up residence in the House of Mysteries after the JLD had summoned him. Constantine, at first, had been wary, but he and the rest of the JLD had grown to accept him. He was an honorary member of the team.

At some point, just after Robin had become Red Robin, Danny had been introduced to the Justice League. He liked those guys, too, and worked with them sometimes. Though, he usually only went to bug them.

Red Robin had been very interested in the fact that his was fourteen and working with grown heros, like he was one to talk, but Danny hadn't explained anything other than saying that he had died and come back. The following conversation was an interesting one that lead to Danny knowing that Nightwing was the Batman he'd met and that Batman was lost somewhere. He'd confirmed that the man was not dead, but he hadn't offered to help look for him. He probably should have, in retrospect.

Back on topic! Everyone in the JLD knew not to touch Danny's drink. They'd all seen him make it before and had been horrified on varying degrees. It's not like it could kill him. He's already half dead! So long as he only drank this specific brew as Phantom, he'd be fine.

The Justice League, apparently, didn't get the memo. He blames Constantine because Zatanna and Raven can do no wrong. No, John, he's not biased.

The point is, Red Robin just had a sip of Danny's drink. The horror he now felt was akin to the fear he held when he'd told his parents he was Phantom. (An interaction that had gone very well, thank you very much.)

Danny knew the exact moment that the vigilante realized he grabbed the wrong drink. His eyes widened to an astonishing degree, and, if he'd been able to seen his eyes behind the mask, Danny knew that the man's pupils would've completely overtaken the irises. His hands started shaking, too. Oh, no. The man's already addicted to hellish amounts of coffee. This is only going to make it worse!

Quickly, and without drawing any attention, thank the Ancients, Danny rushed over. "You, um, you okay, man?" Obviously not, but he tends to talk when he's anxious and he was certainly anxious right now. He could've possibly just killed a man via poison!

"What the fuck is in this coffee?" Red Robin asked, going to take another sip.

Danny pulled the Yeti from his hand and gave him the proper one. "Enough caffeine to kill an elephant."

"Obviously not, seeing as I'm still alive."

"Yeah, I can't tell if that's a good thing or not."

"Excuse me?"

"I-I mean-! I didn't-! You know what I mean." Caffeine is poisonous in excess, and his drink was way beyond excess, but it's the only thing that works for him as a ghost! Superpowered metabolism and all that.

"Do I?" The laugh in his voice answered for him. He took a sip from his drink and frowned at it. "I don't think any coffee will ever be enough again."

"And that's my cue to get my drink very far away from you." Danny turned, fully intent on moving to the other side of the room. Besides, the meeting was going to start as soon as the Flash and Kid Flash arrived, which would be soon. Something about one of their Rouges getting out?

"What?" Red Robin asked, "Why?" If he was a little desperate to get another sip of that coffee, he'd rather not acknowledge it.

"Because you don't need anymore lethal coffee," he muttered, "The sip you took will already keep you awake for three days at least, and it probably jump started an addiction. Best to stop it now. Besides, I need to go have my crisis on how the hell you're still alive after even a sip of this stuff."

"Again, rude." The bird themed vigilante crossed his arms as best he could while holding his cup. "If it's so dangerous, why do you drink it?"

Danny took a deliberate sip as he locked eyes with the technically younger man. "I'm dead. I don't need to worry about my heart stopping or having a seizure."

"Excuses."

"No, it's not 'excuses'. I'm saving your life."

"You're a kid. If I can't have that coffee, then you shouldn't be having it."

"First, I'm older than you. Second, I already told you: I'm dead. This isn't going to hurt me. Third, you can't tell me what to do."

"There's no way you're older than me. You're like, ten."

"I'm thirty-eight!" He balked, "I only look fourteen because I died when I was fourteen. We've been over this."

Neither noticed the entire Justice League looking at them. The two they were waiting on had arrived a few minutes ago and everyone was ready to start the meeting, but they'd been distracted by the two's conversation. Was that true? Had Phantom really died so young? They'd all been made aware he was not living, but they didn't think he'd died so young! Though, that was probably the denial speaking.

The Justice League Dark had been fully aware of this and didn't really bat an eye. Though, someone should probably get this meeting started. A potentially world ending threat was the topic, and that was a pretty important thing to discuss.

Captain Marvel was the first to pull himself together, though that was only after Atlas and Zeus had mentally slapped him out of his stupur. "As, ah, riveting as this conversation is," he stepped between the two boys- er, boy and man? "we really need to start this meeting."

Batman did not clear his throat because he'd not lost his voice in the first place. "He's right. Everyone take your seats."

Storyboard Part 2

[romanoffsbish]

Clandestine Meetings

Natasha Romanoff x Fem!R

Prompts / Request

 “Go and lock the door for me.  I don’t want anyone to walk in while I’m balls deep.”

 “Go get one of your toys.  Let’s make this even better.”

“Is that gonna fit?”  “I’ll make it fit.”

Warnings: Jealousy, Emotionally Stunted Natasha

Smut: Natasha has a penis, Daddy(N), Detka/Whore(R), Nipple Clamps, Vibrating Egg, Oral(R), Unprotected Sex/Breeding, Choking, Edging/Teasing, Orgasm Denial.

18+ | Minors DNI

"I want love Nat, you just want a quick fuck."

The words you whispered to her over a month ago have been bouncing around her mind the entire time, plaguing her very soul. It got to the point where while away on her mission she couldn't even focus on the objective anymore.

Who were you to just come to a conclusion like that without so much as a conversation?

——

Not a, "Nat, we need to talk," or a "I'm not sure we want the same things Nat, correct me if I'm wrong here," and she would've corrected you. Because you were so far off base, all Natasha wanted was to love you, she just didn't know how to do that outside of worshipping you in deeply passionate moments that usually ended just as fast as they began, and left you alone.

Now here you lay on the compounds couch in your sleep shorts, a sight the redhead would love to see every morning in her own room. Waking up beside you would be a dream new experience, potentially challenging, but she knows that she'd grow to love the situation.

Natasha already loved you—desperately so.

The only obstacle here had been her inability to make her loving intentions clear to you. She'd always been a bit more on the vulgar side, and you seemed into it for awhile, but one random night you shoved her away and that was just it.

As soon as she figured herself out, she was going to make things right with you. But there was apparently a new obstacle, because right now your head was settled into another's lap.  Carol was listening to you ramble on while mindlessly stroking your cheek. Natasha envied the blonde's ability to offer such an intimate moment without any real effort.

When she saw how much the woman enjoyed your presence she felt her heart shattering into tiny, jagged pieces. With her jaw clenched she rushed out of the kitchen and went straight to her room where she allowed a stray tear to fall. Then she reached for her phone, and sent you a text message: Meet me in my room in 5 !

Carol smiled down at you knowingly when she heard the ding of your phone, "I told you to go after her Y/N, she didn't seem very pleased."

"Yeah, and I don't give a fuck," you huffed, arms crossing over your chest, and the blonde cackled wildly at the sign of faux indifference before she returned to a more serious state.

"Y/N, ever since she's been gone all you've done is mope around this place, but oh look, the day she's back you suddenly appear before me with a sunny disposition and expect me not to see right through it? Answer her text and maybe even go get laid, you're insufferable."

"Carol," you groaned, hands flying to your face to hide the mortification in your eyes at the brutal call out, "She doesn't want me," you pouted, "at least not in the way I want her to."

"Did she say that?" Carol asks while lazily drawing circles on your shoulder to calm you.

"She didn't have to say it out loud..."

"Oh Y/N," she tilted your head so you would be facing her, she caressed your cheek then spoke, "Natasha isn't exactly known for expressing her feelings in ways that make sense, so how about you put your big girl pants on, and force her to say the words she couldn't manage to before."

You huffed while glaring up at her, knowing she was right, but in the same breath you snatched your phone up, and read the message while rolling your eyes, a bitter chuckle leaving you as you saw the song that happened to have been softly playing at the time of arrival.

After a moment of soul searching you took off to her bedroom in a frenzied ball of nerves. Entering her space felt both comfortingly familiar, and extremely uneasy. Seeing her sat on the bed in sweats with her legs manspread, leaning back on her exposed muscular arms as she wore a cami without a bra you felt your body tingle with need, and your mouth go dry.

With a sly smirk, and a crook of her finger you made your way further into the room, but she left you to be blanketed in an awkward silence. It was clear she didn't actually expect you to be here, and now that you were she was weighing out her options, but just like usual, she was not able to articulate the right words like: I missed you, I love you, or please, don't leave again...

"Go and lock the door for me. I don't want anyone to walk in while I'm balls deep," the redhead commanded dryly, and though the thought of her inside you alone nearly brought you to your knees, you rolled your eyes instead and went to hurriedly walk away again.

Natasha ran after you, catching you by the wrist to prevent you from leaving, "Y/N, stop doing this okay," she pinched the bridge of her nose, and softly sighed, "I don't know how to do all of this, vulnerability isn't my strong suit, okay? Just let me show you instead..."

You furrowed your brows, and she sighed exasperatedly, "Give me a chance, please."

Saying no to her would be in vain, because it was all you wanted to finally be beneath her, so you nodded without really much hesitation.

Natasha leaned in to kiss you, the first time in your whole arrangement that she'd done it with any semblance of care present. Normally it's all teeth clashing, and tongues sloppily gliding over the other while she brought you to bliss.

Up until now Natasha has only ever offered you quick moments, with only her hands or mouth diligently bringing you over that glorious edge. Never had she actually shown you tenderness, but more importantly, she had yet to fuck you with the bulge poking you through her pants.

Natasha wasn't ready to give you all of her, it was actually something she'd never done with another person that she loved before. She's screwed girls before, usually as a means to an end, with their faces smushed into a mattress, but she couldn't bring herself to do it with you. No matter how desperate she was for release after hearing and seeing you come undone for her, or how prettily you'd beg to help her out each time, she just couldn't cross that line.

But now, she knew it was all she could do to make sure you understand, that you feel her in every sense possible, and feel her love for you.

"Na-Natasha," breathlessly you stuttered out her name as your hips reflexively canted into hers, "I need you daddy, please, fill me up."

Natasha groaned, pulling away from your lips she smirked devilishly, you could see the flicker of mischief in her gaze as she leaned down to suck a mark onto your smooth skin, "Go get one of your toys. Let's make this even better."

The knob twisted in her hands this time, she watched in amusement as you scurried across the hall to your room in your mussed up state.

"Look at how desperate you already are detka," she slammed you back into the door as soon as you crossed the threshold, the door slammed close with the impact and you moaned weakly.

Surveying the items in your hands she softly chuckled, "Oh, you're in for it now Y/N, gonna give you all of me so you can finally understand what my true intentions with you are."

This time when she kissed you it was with a bit of urgency, her hands contrastingly gripped your hips softly, and without ever breaking the kiss she walked your body over to the mattress. Natasha lowered you down gently, and as she rose back up she collected the nipple clamps and the vibrating bullet from your hands.

"May I?" Natasha gestured to your body, and you smiled gratefully, no matter how quickly she usually took you, she'd always been keen on hearing consent. "Please, do it already."

The sleep clothes were quickly discarded, and her lips latched onto your risen buds instantly. Her tongue rolled around your nipple slowly, causing your breath to shallow as you were overrun with pleasurable anticipation. After a moment she released your nipple with a pop, giving you only seconds to adjust to the chill on your wetted skin before she attached a clamp.

Natasha caught your hand before it could mindlessly tug the clamp off, "It's okay detka," she shushed you softly, tenderly smiling down at you as she slid her fingers between yours, "You're okay," she gently brushed her lips over your knuckles before laying your interlocked hands on top of the mattress. A whimper left you as you were overrun with a overdue sense of comfort from her, then you were moaning when her lips returned to your heated skin.

"I'm going to ruin you Y/N," she growled around your other nipple before she bit into the hypersensitive skin, "No one will ever touch you again after I leave a mark on what's mine."

"Say it," she growled as she hovered over you, but before you could even try she was clamping your sore bud, effectively making you wince.

"Oh shit," you gasped when she gave the chain a harsh tugging to ensure it was properly attached, the accompanying pain was dizzying.

"I asked you to say something," she leered over you, hand now wrapped around your throat in a way that not only intimidated you but left you absolutely dripping onto her expensive sheets.

Natasha watched your brainless eyes searching for a response, it took you a minute, but you were finally about to open your mouth, but all that came out was a lewd moan as she pressed the vibrating egg into your slicked up cunt.

"Come on now detka, you know I don't like to be made to wait," she tightened her hand around your throat, something that only ever adds to your pleasure, and she knew that, it was honestly her favorite, slowly draining the life from you as she brought your body to euphoria, only to spare you in the last second.

She was a bit of a sadist. You didn't mind...

Something about that control was exhilarating, seeing your eyes grow hazier with every second as you harshly choked never failed to make her cock twitch. Maybe it was the underlying way in which you trusted her to never go too far, it had her overwhelmed with unwavering joy.

After allowing you a moment of pure bliss she deemed it enough, so she tore it away from you, ripping the vibe out of you and watching in amusement as your eyes filled with tears, and your lip was now caught between your teeth, "Daddy no, please, I-I was so close."

Your whimpering always affected her greatly, she gets off to the memory of you begging all the time, so it's no surprise to her that her cock was painfully straining against her boxers.

"Whores that forgot how to speak don't get to cum!" Natasha spat, the underlying tone full of pain telling you she meant more than in this moment, your constant distancing hurt her.

"Natty," you tried to apologize, but she only grew angrier, her hand harshly gripped your face, and she hovered over you with a furious gaze, you hated to admit it but it sent a pang of arousal down to your already dripping cunt, "That's not my fucking name slut, try again."

"Daddy," you whimpered, and she softened momentarily as she leaned in to kiss your lips, "Better, but I no longer want to hear you, so lets shut that pretty brain of yours off," she pecked your lips once more before her lips trailed down your body in quick succession.

The sound of buzzing as she now faced your cunt left you with widened eyes, this new dynamic was throwing you off honestly. So used to a quick release this newfound joy of hers spurring from teasing you was alarming. You began to wonder if the loveless sex was better, but deep down you knew it wasn't, especially when she edged you so deliciously.

Natasha held the vibe just out of reach of your clit, a test of sorts that she wanted you to fail. "Daddy's gonna get a taste now detka," she murmured against the lush skin of your thighs as she moved to further mark her territory.

After minutes of torture, where she barely swiveled the egg over your bundle of nerves you finally caved and canted your hips up. Natasha bit harshly into your thigh, blaming you for moving as she moved to hover over your face, "There's a time and a place for your pleasure, and this isn't it, now stay still Y/N!"

"Sorry daddy," you sniffled wetly, drawing her back out of her lust driven haze, and the sight of you so broken was honestly picturesque, it brought a lopsided smirk to her plump lips.

Natasha usually moved only to please you, but in this moment, she wanted you desperate. So needy, hopelessly dependent upon her touch, this way you'll never look for anyone else again. Looking into your eyes now she saw that was already your truth, you were so lost in the pleasure that she was hardly giving, "It's okay detka, you know daddy will take care of you."

Natasha kissed you until you were breathless, then when you were reduced to a heaving mess she returned to your thighs, she placed a few soft kisses there before finally diving into you.

With the vibrator pressed firmly into your clit, and her tongue deep inside you it was all you could do to make a mess of her face, a scream of pleasure echoed off her walls, and Natasha pulled back with an accomplished smile. The sight of her as your slick was dripping down her chin made your body shiver, that unraveled coil started to retighten, and your hazy eyes slammed shut as you tried to calm down.

Natasha teasingly rutted her hips into yours, you could feel her straining against her boxers when she stilled, and you couldn't help but to squirm when she made no move to fuck you.

Natasha chuckled as she felt your desperation, she softly continued to push her sizable bulge down against your slit, the irritating fabric separating your sexes actually brought you a slice of pleasure when it grazed over your clit. It would never be enough though, your hips began to jerk up to meet hers, desperation fueling you, and Natasha could feel it wholly.

She truly loved teasing you, feeling the way your aromatic slick soaked through her boxers, it only became too much for her once you were whining pitifully in her ear, making her twitch without reprieve, so without much warning she jumped up, leaving you to cry at the loss of friction, but the protests died on your tongue when you saw her dick spring free, it was huge.

"Is that gonna fit?" you visibly gulped, wide eyes watching as the tip of her cock hit her abdomen as she slowly sauntered over to you with an obnoxiously hot smirk overtaking her face as she hovered over you, "I'll make it fit."

Her lips pressed to yours, instinctually yours parted, Natasha's tongue slid into your mouth as her tip pushed passed your entrance, and you latched onto her tongue as you moaned. A shiver ran down the redheads spine when your walls simultaneously squeezed her thick shaft making it near impossible for her to fill you up.

The way that your warmth enveloped her cock made her fearful that she'd bust without even thrusting as she bottomed out, "Fuck, you feel so good Y/N, you're taking me so well detka."

Her hand sought yours out for grounding, and when you felt her interlock her fingers with yours again your eyes fluttered open to see her deepened green pair staring back into yours. The eye contact was intense, and arousing, but incredibly hard to keep when you felt her begin to thrust slowly, and relatively deeply into you.

"Keep em open," Natasha panted, your eyes slowly fluttered back open, fighting against the insurmountable pleasure, "Wanna see you."

It was a struggle, but you somehow managed to keep your eyes partially open for the ferocious women pounding into you with strong hips. The brutal pace she set was building you up quick, you never knew how much you needed her until now, she felt too good, the way she stretched you out left you gasping, and with every thrust her bulbous tip drove you wild.

With her hand in yours, and eyes locked you were overwhelmed by a love you were truly convinced didn't exist. The one that pulsed inside you the closer she got to her release, the love she needed verbally reciprocated to finish, "Say it detka," Natasha whispered breathlessly just as she twitched inside of you, "Please..."

"I'm yours Nat," you dopily confirmed with an amused tone, the moment was however short lived as a scream was torn from your throat, your eyes rolled to the back of your head as she let go inside of you, hot spurts of white filled your womb to the brim, and your body trembled without reprieve. "I-I need you Y/N, please don't leave me again, I'll do better..."

"Nat," you managed to squeak out her name in between your pants, "If you don't run, I won't."

"I'll never run again detka," she pressed her lips to your cheek, then trailed them down until she was resting in the crook of your neck, "I promise, we'll learn how to love together."

"Oh, I know how to love," you teased with a deliberate clenching of your walls, "Shit Y/N."

You flipped your positions before she could even recover, harshly grinding down against her as you did, did the trick when you could feel the way her cock hardened once more.

"It's my turn to show you," you winked, and the redhead smirked, a long drawn out sigh leaving her lips as you began to grind down into her.

———

3,075 Words

❤️ Kaitlyn 😏

[nifflermini]

It's kind of hard not to look (Hajime Iwaizumi x Reader)

In which you wonder why Oikawa gets fangirls, and his hot best friend doesn't.

Also, I've been wanting to write for this guy, so my Iwa readers and writers, lemme know how I did, because this was very fun :)

Dividers by @anitalenia

Warning: Slight mention of blood, and A little rushed.

"Your lip is bleeding." My eyes shot up to my friend, who smirked at me as my focus soon drifted back over to the boy who I'd been harboring a secret crush on since our second year of middle school. My tongue flicked across my lip tasting the salty iron of blood, and pretending to focus on my notes. She sighed. “when are you finally gonna tell him? This is getting ridiculous, y’know. It’s been four years.” She said, turning back to her notes, and focusing way better than I ever could.

“it is fully logical, thank you very much!” I defended, eyes rolling, before cursing quietly as I realized I was just highlighting all over my notes, not actually paying attention to said notes.

“yeah, it’s perfectly logical to not talk to the guy you like.”

“wellI haven’t seen you try to make a move on Oikawa, what’s your excuse?”

“please.” She snorted. “Everyone wants a piece of that. His eyes, his hair, that intense look he gets in his eyes when he’s about to serve.” A soft sigh fell from her lips. But I saw the twitchy smile in her lips. “What I wouldn’t give…” she murmured, putting a dramatic hand to her forehead.

“Ew” I said, my nose scrunched as I nudged her.

“My point is, he has countless fangirls.” She said, looking down at her notes, and copying some from mine. "You know there's no room in that mess for a real relationship." She pointed out, sighing softly. Her face was turned away from mine, and I took the chance to steal a glance at Iwaizumi again. How can anyone look so cute when they're annoyed? My eyes darted to his best friend next, looking him over. He was cute I guess, but I didn't see the appeal in someone just being physically attractive. I saw Oikawa's eyes move over here and I froze. Crap. Did he see? I stayed looking over at him, before realizing it wasn't me, he was looking at. I felt a small smirk tug at my lips. I looked between Oikawa and the mess of a girl sitting next to me. I knew she had a crush on him, but now, something was telling me that it wasn't so one-sided anymore. What changed though? That's my question... She turned back to face me, cheeks a little pinker than usual.

"Your face is-"

“i know. We're not talking about it. Another point I'm trying to make is that I know is that your man is free. And has been single all of high school! Come on, just go talk to him!” She whisper-hissed just as the bell rung. My eyes shadowed his tall, unsurprisingly buff figure to his seat, a dopey smile on my face, before I felt a familiar sting against my arm. I glared at the snickering girl, turning back to face the teacher as he started the lesson.

Maybe one day I will go talk to him. For now, I’m just left to wonder why everyone goes for Oikawa when Iwaizumi is right there. With his quiet discipline, and attentiveness to almost every detail, wether it be in that trash panda Oikawa or in any one of Seijoh's matches. Plus, he has those olive eyes I would willingly wrap myself up in, that spiky hair that I would give anything to run my hand through just once. And those lips I would- He turned around to look at me and I looked back, surprised, and I think my heart actually skipped a beat, Who knew that was physically possible? He smiled at me and it's a good thing I'm standing because my legs would've turned to jelly.

I sat there smiling like an idiot until I felt the familiar thwack! against my arm, as well as noticing his subtle hints to pay attention to the teacher. My eyes trailed around the classroom. It's not just Iwaizumi who's looking at me, which means- I smiled sheepishly at the teacher, who was currently staring at me in that special disapproving way that told me if I didn’t answer soon, I was in trouble. I noticed movement in my peripherals, and my eyes fixated on that. Iwaizumi’s hand showing me numbers under his table. He repeated the same numbers again, and I glanced at the board before my eyes lit up, spotting the equation. Bleh. Math... wait. One... Four... oh wait! My eyes widened and I sat up straight. “Oh, uh, 14! X=14!” I said hopefully, and the teacher smirked, knowing full well that I wasn't paying attention, even subtly glancing between me and the object of my terrible crush.

"Nice save." The teacher commended, eyes subtly darting to Iwaizumi, before he turned back to the green chalkboard... Green... Iwa...My eyes drifted to the back of his head, occasionally writing down a stray phrase or two. However, after taking a small break ot take some actual notes, I spotted him looking back at me. Why is he looking at me? My stomach lurched with butterflies. Please don't be looking at me... I glanced back over. Instantly knew I was a goner. He wasn’t looking at me, thankfully, instead looking at the teacher (Lucky bastard.) like the good student he was....

but the way the sun streamed through the window? Yes, while it was blinding, also made him look that much more attractive. It brought out the green in his eyes, made his jawline look more pronounced. IS he smiling? My cheeks flushed warm when his eyes met mine, and my stomach flipped again, eyes darting back to my notebook. I felt another sting of pain looking to my friend with a slight murmur of annoyance.

“Told you shouldn’t ogle.” My friend whispered, poking me with a #2 pencil and grating on my nerves with a familiar 'Called it' smirk.

“i know… it’s just…" My eyes trailed back to his, heart skipping yet another beat when mine met his. "Its hard not to look…” I breathed.

Maybe that someday was a little closer than I thought. Sure he was hot, and yeah, it was a little intimidating. He was a little intimidating.

But a little intimidation, or even potential awkwardness...

It's worth it to get a good look, right?

[masonmount-vii]

It'll Make Sense One Day

Part One

april fifteenth

It's wedding season.

Y/N turns the blush pink envelope over and over in her hands, debating on whether or not to open.

Miss Y/N L/N is written in pretty, loopy cursive on the front, followed by your address. There's no return address, but you'd recognise your best friend's hand writing.

You already knows what it is.

"There's going to be a surprise from Scott and I in the post next week!" You remembered your best friend, Rachel chirping over the phone last week. "Oh silly me! I shouldn't have said that, because now you probably know what it is! Pretend i never told you!"

You, however, don't know why you are hesitant on opening the envelope.

Probably because then you'll have to acknowledge that all of your friends are getting married despite that you're still single, a voice that sounds suspiciously like your older sisters shrills.

You tear open the envelope and pull out the card inside. It isn't a card. necessarily, not one that opens or closes, like it would for a birthday.

Save The Date.

The glossy postcard-sized announcement reads in white script. Below is a picture of your best friend, Rachel, and her fiancé, Scott, on a mountain somewhere, a large expanse of valleys and sky behind them as they laugh. There's a rather large diamond ring on Rachel’s finger; you can't see it, you know it's there.

Rachel + Scott: 15/08/2024, the rest of the card says, and you take a moment to take it to the front of your fridge using a magnet to stick it on.

It's not like you are going to forget about this wedding; it's all Rachel has been talking about for the past month, ever since Scott proposed. At first, you had been enthusiastic; getting married is a big, exciting step, and you were genuinely excited for your girl.

But the more Rachel goes on about this wedding, the less you find yourself wanting to go. You know that all of your happily married friends are going to be there, and you're still single, have been for longer than you'd like to admit.

You wonder if you'll have to bring a plus one. If you do, It's not like you have anyone to bring.

Is there some sort of website people can use for this? Like a dating website, but for people who need plus one's for weddings?

You find yourself googling it and aren't too heartbroken when such a thing doesn't exist.

You'd known it would've been a long shot anyways.

Later on in the afternoon, you're making yourself dinner when your phone rings. You put it on speaker as you stir the pasta for your dinner.

"Hello?"

"Did you get our Save The Dates?" Rachel asks, straight to the point, her voice loud and excited on the other end.

You dare to laugh, despite feeling like that's the absolute last thing you want to be doing right now. "Yeah, I did. They're very cutesy. How does Scott feel about them?"

"Oh, I don't think he really cares. He just said that they could look like however I wanted to design them, as long as our families got them."

Does he care about anything when it comes to the wedding? You think, but there's no way in hell you'd ever say that.

"Do i need to bring a plus one?"

"You don't have to, but it would be nice. In fact, do you want me to set you up with a few guys in the months leading up to the wedding? That could be fun!"

"I'll pass," You tell her with a laugh.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

Rachel is her best friend, but before she met Scott, she was a little misguided when it comes to guys, and dating.

Not only when it came to guys, you think, but when it came to setting you up with guys, as well.

There was this one guy that Rachel set you up in our first year of university. His name was Nick and he refused to pay for your dinner in addition to his, so he basically expected you to pay for both of your dinners but you put your foot down and made a deal on paying for our own dinner. And to top it off he wouldn't even give you a ride home, so you had to call Rachel to come pick you up.

"Well, if you want to bring someone, you certainly can, Y/N," the future Mrs Hamilton is saying, and you don't know if that's a suggestion or something she's going to keep bringing up in future conversations.

You fight the urge to roll your eyes even though Rachel can't see you so it wouldn't be a big deal.

"The wedding isn't for another four months," you are gently reminded at the end of the phone call, so you know you have time to find a plus one.

It's just a matter of how.

And then, you get an idea.

-

The next morning you are woken up by your phone going off.

It's the kind of wake-up when you hear a noise and it's just the right volume to startle you awake, which you don't like.

You had forgotten to shut off your ringer last night, and the single ping must've been what woke you up.

TINDER: you have a message from Alex! the screen notifies you as you glance at it.

Who sends a message at seven in the morning? you speculate after seeing the time, and then you had pick up your phone anyway to see what Alex had said.

You had created a profile shortly before you fell asleep, in a stroke of genius so rare that you don't know where it came from or if it'll happen again. You had found four of your best pictures, typed out a relatively short bio (purposefully leaving out the reason why you had made the account in the first place: you didn't want people to think you were too weird), and then ser out to start swiping on guys.

Alex was 27 and he was the first guy you had matched with, except you couldn't figure out what to say.

Do you lead with the whole 'i need a date to best friends wedding so that all of my non-single friends could get off my back', or would that scare him off?

So, you decided to not say anything about it. While you weren't sure if he was the one, you didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable. Alex was average looking, with chesnut coloured hair that stuck straight up and he had dark brown eyes.

You know that you aren't looking for love, as most of the people on her are (well, not real love anyway). A fake boyfriend perhaps?

The point being, you didn't want to get too attached, because you aren't expecting anything.

Your eyes skim to Alex's message, and you try to decide if it deserves a reply.

I think your eyes are really pretty.

That's it? you think glumly. You'd always been a hopeless romantic, someone who believes in love at first sight (or, in this case, love at first swipe) and you feel somewhat let down when average Alex sends you an average message.

Then again, what did you expect, in all honesty? The perfect guy to send you the perfect message on the first try?

That's not likely to happen.

Thank you! You reply, and then you slightly regret it, because even though Rachel's wedding isn't until August, you really don't have time to waste, and you aren't sure that you want him to be your date.

Just give him a chance, Y/N. You're not agreeing to anything.

Plus, there's a small part of you that hopes you'll find something other than just a plus one to this wedding.

The next message Alex sends you is two days later, as you're sitting at your desk at work.

It's shortly after nine in the morning, and you're working on next weeks article for the fashion blog that you work for.

You forget about it until an hour and a half later when you're having your break.

Y/N, huh? Is that short for something? the message reads.

You laugh at first but then you stop when you realise that average Alex is serious, which prompts you to type back a no, Y/N isn't short for anything, only then wondering if you had been too harsh as you press end.

You spend the rest of your lunch break swiping on a few guys; it takes you a while to decide whether or not you'll swipe on them in the first place, because in order for this fake plus one thing to work, it has to be believable.

You aren't yet sure if you want Rachel to know that the way you are going to find a date to the wedding is through Tinder.

None of the guys that you swipe on match with you, but when you check your phone later that evening, you see that a few of them swiped right in the hours that you weren't looking at your phone.

One of them may even be the one you end up taking to the wedding, but neither of them know that yet.

-

Thank you so much for reading, I’m hoping you’ll continue to stick around 💓 next part will be 28/08/2024!

[whackk-kermitt]

Can I ask a request? How would the god of war characters confess their feeling the reader, please🥺

Confessing Their Love

Genre: Headcanons

Warnings: 🤷

≫ ────── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ────── ≪

Kratos

Kratos is a man of few words.

Emotions are hard.

When the day came he fully realized and accepted his growing love for you he struggled to come up with the right words to tell you.

You never knew it, but there were so many moments where he nearly said it but chickened out.

Moments while hunting, fishing, and tending to the wolves and land.

Moments when you two were alone, just talking, or saying nothing at all.

Moments spent watching you laugh and smile.

He wanted you to know but wasn't sure how to say it.

When he finally told you he loved you he didn't actually say it.

But you knew.

You knew by how he looked at you.

By how he held you.

And he knew you loved him just the same.

Atreus

Awkward and cute.

The king of stuttering and stumbling.

He'd asked his father how he and his mother took that step, hoping to glean some inspiration and courage from it.

Kratos wasn't much help.

Mimir didn't have advice suitable for a kid his age.

He planned to get you alone and basically serenade you.

But when you were face to face the adrenalin hit and he forgot everything he planned to say and do.

So he awkwardly handed you a flower and told you how nice you looked.

He was so nervous about messing it up that he was messing it up.

After a while, he realized you seemed just as nervous and you two had been dancing around it.

So he told you then that he loved you.

And when you reciprocated it he felt like he would throw up from the butterflies in his stomach.

He pitched himself.

Mimir

Before losing his body, he would've been shameless in chasing you down and swooning over you.

He'd court you and serenade you, showing you with gifts of flowers, wine, and treats so sweet.

He'd brag to anyone you had an ear about how he adored you so, even if you hadn't accepted him yet.

Afterwards. . .

The man is insecure.

How could he be your lover if he had nothing to give.

He'd wait his time until there was a moment when you two were alone.

A moment where he would confess his heart, despite not actually having one anymore.

His confession would almost feel like an apology.

Like he was becoming a burden to you like you would now have a weight on your shoulders.

But it was a weight he needed off his chest. . . metaphorically.

But then you smiled so sweetly and returned the gesture.

He thought you were making a fool of him for a moment, but only a moment.

The way you held him and pressed a kiss to his cheek told him you were honest.

He'd never been happier.

Heimdal

He wouldn't.

Not directly at least.

Not at first.

He's got an ego that won't sway even for the majesty that is you.

Instead of saying that he loves you, he'd confront that you love him first.

Teasing you for it and poking the subject until you catch on.

The first time he'd ever actually say it is after you'd begin to doubt it.

I mean, he never says it, so. . . maybe it's just pity?

How could you think that? Even if it is just a passing thought!

How could you ever think he wouldn't absolutely adore you?

Are you stupid?

So he said it.

And then again.

And again.

And every time you're alone because PDA is for losers.

If you're good enough for his picky tastes then you are worth more than anything.

You need to understand that or else.

Baldur

The man doesn't feel.

Driven mad but the numbness.

He just wants to feel the breeze in his hair, the sun on his skin.

He wants to feel the cold of the snow, and the pain of a cut.

But nothing.

His body is numb and he lives forever in agony.

Yet when he met you and knew you. . .

He can not feel his heart, even if you took a knife carved it out, and put it in his hands.

But something about you eased the madness and made him feel something again.

He wasted no time holding onto you and keeping you by him at all times.

It may not be to its fullest potential, not until the curse is broken, but he feels for you so deeply that it's borderline obsessive.

You are his and he adors you, worships you.

He will tell you he loves you just to see that smile, to feel that almost real warmth.

≫ ────── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ────── ≪

I might come back and add more characters later. I got bored. NOT PROOF-READ

•Kermitts Masterlist•

[cursedkeyboard]

Babies shouldn't grow up ☆ Jason Todd & GN!Reader (PT.6 FINAL)

What does Jason do after he secures his spot as your number one person and you slowly but surely grow up into an independent teen..? Wait, stop, you're not supposed to do that. You're his baby. [PART ONE ♤ PART TWO ♤ PART THREE ♤ PART FOUR ♤ PART FIVE ♤ PART SIX]

Pairings: Platonic Jason Todd & Child GN!Reader / Batfamily & Child GN!Reader

Okay, let's be honest here, Jason would hate how fast time flies

As busy as he'd be splitting his life between vigilante work and fatherhood, taking down crazy new villains, attending to your school events, catching up with his friends, going on family vacations, Jason would 100% still notice how fast you were growing

By the way he'd have to often buy you new clothes because of your growth spurt

And how the current mark on the wall where he measured your height was inches apart from the first one he made

You were spending more time with your friends, the things you were getting interested in made no sense to him, and you wouldn't go to him to take care of your hair as much as you used to

It fucking terrified Jason

He hated it, so much

While he was proud and absolutely thrilled that you were independent, confident, and a hell of a charmer, he also wanted his baby back

The little brat who barely came up to his elbows

The one who'd cling to his legs whenever he told you to clean your room and would get dragged around

Hell, he really missed how you'd fit so easily in his arms as he carried you around

You still fit, he was a big guy after all, but for you it'd be a bit embarrassing for your dad to carry you around like that

Teenagers and embarrassment, am I right?

Now in his late twenties and over all that anger inside him, Jason would probably whine about it to his family

"I mean, how can someone grow so fast? It makes no fucking sense!"

"Jason, it's been five years, kids grow."

"Thanks Captain Obvious, but mine shouldn't!"

"What? You wanted the kid to be eleven forever?"

"..."

"Jay..."

"Shut the fuck up."

Somehow, being so lonely and melancholic over watching you sprout and bloom, Jason would even end up bonding a little with Bruce

Think about it, at this point Bruce would already be in his sixties or something, so Cass would've taken over the mantle by then

I'd imagine he'd still work as intelligence for the League but with Cass as the Hero of Gotham and Tim as the CEO of Wayne Industries, the old bat would have a lot of time in his hands

Which he'd spend around his family and grandkid

And when Bruce noticed Jason's pouty and broody demeanor when you were texting a friend, he couldn't help but laugh

"Now you know how I feel."

"It's different. It's going too fast."

"Son, I watched all of you leave the manor in less than fifteen years, it's always too fast."

Begrudgingly, Jason listened to Bruce's advice, that same old anxiety rising up in his chest, leaving him vulnerable and restless

"The best thing you can do is talk to your kid. I learned it the hard way with all of you and I know things would've been different if I had reached out sooner."

Jason couldn't deny that, even if the look in his old man's face did make his chest hurt a little

It's not like he hadn't thought about it, to be honest, you two always had a very open and communicative relationship

That was the exact reason why you two trusted each other implicitly and barely ever had any fights

But he was scared, downright terrified that you would confirm his fears

Just imagining you saying "I'm fifteen, dad, of course I'm not gonna hang out as much with you anymore." already broke his heart

So after whining a little to anyone near him and almost getting stabbed by Damian for "being such a clueless moron", Jason decided to put his big, grown ass adult pants and talk to you

It would be during a late afternoon, when the sun is setting and you had decided to make dinner tonight while Jason set the table

He'd run his hand through his hair once, then twice, maybe even thrice, and ask without looking at you

"Are you embarrassed of me?"

You'd almost burn yourself by whipping your head so hard Jason thought you'd snap your neck

"What?"

Ok, so they were doing this

Cool. Cool cool cool.

It was now or never

"You've been spending a lot of time away, always on your phone, we– uh, we haven't matched or hung out in a while either so– I get it, kid, I know you wouldn't want to–"

"Wait, stop, are you serious?"

Uh, oh, you were using the same tone as Damian

Like you thought he was the dumbest being to walk on earth

Damn that little demon for corrupting you

"I was just wondering, okay? I understand if–"

"No– dad, what? I thought you were busy!"

"What?"

Let's rewind a bit

You'd always been pretty attached to Jason, always glued to his hip, mimicking his mannerisms and speech

Steph even called you "mini Red Hood" when you started to unconsciously copy the way your old man dressed and his slangs

It was terribly cute for everyone

And you were proud of it! You were!

Jason was your hero, your favorite person, your dad

You wanted to be like him and you weren't ashamed of it, not even when Damian tried making fun of you

Because he was a dirty Batman wannabe and nobody liked those

He was your best friend and confidant, the one adult you'd trust fully without questions, always by his side and supporting him through everything

Except for that one time playing monopoly but that was Cass's influence

You owned Red Hood merch, you liked spending weekends and holidays with him, you matched your tastes and likes to everything Jason liked because it was Jason and you wanted to be closer to him

Birthdays could end up being just the two of you and you'd still be thrilled to have your dad around (even if the other bats would never allow such sad little party)

You had around nine years of experience with shitty adults, so excuse you for being overjoyed that your real dad was someone worth loving fully and irrevocably

But everything changed when you turned fourteen and the kids in your class started acting... weird

"Urgh, my mom is so embarrassing."

"My dad keeps calling me little princess even though I told him to stop!"

"Why are parents so cringe."

Apparently, disliking your parents made you cool in middle school

But that's not what changed things

It was when your friends laughed at you for talking so much about Jason, asking you if your old man even had time to do other things when you kept clinging to him

Which... you had never thought about

In all honesty, being around your dad was so natural at that point, always in his field of vision, relating random things to him, texting one word messages just to check in, that you hadn't realized you've might have been hogging his attention too much

Some unease and insecurities wormed their way inside your vulnerable teen heart and you convinced yourself you had been taking too much of your father's time

You couldn't even remember the last time he hung out with his best friend

What if he became sick of you?

What if he was already annoyed?

That terrified you, it truly did

Long story short, you forced yourself to change a little, keeping a bit more distance, not being as needy or clingy

You even started doing your hair by yourself, which sucked so much ass

You never realized how much thought and care your dad put in taking care of you

It made you miss him even more, but you wanted to be a good kid and let your dad have some freedom

He was still in his 20s after all!

And with him a bit more involved with his vigilante side of life, going to the manor more often, and the rise in criminal activity, you had assumed he was busy being an adult

Which, eurgh, you missed him so bad

But you were being a good child!

So much for that

By the time you finished explaining your side of things, after the two of you stared at each other for long moments, Jason was left with his head in his hands

He made a noise akin to a deflating balloon, his shoulders slumping

Good god, the two of you were embarrassing

He loved you

So fucking much

Jason thought his heart would explode

He could've been a little upset that you didn't just... talk to him but then again, he also didn't talk to you

Like father, like kid

"You're so stupid!"

Your laughter warmed his heart as he grabbed you by the shoulders and wrapped you in a bear hug, squeezing you tightly

Yep, you still fit perfectly in his arms

"Says the one who listened to the words of fourteen year olds!"

"I was also fourteen!"

Even though you two bickered and grumbled, his sigh of relief in your hair was very telling

And so was the way you clung to him tightly

God, he had missed his kiddo so much

"Never do that to me again, okay? Babies shouldn't grow so fast."

"I'm fifteen, dad."

"And you're also cute and short, so you're still my baby."

"Everyone is short when you're six foot."

"Thank the pit for that."

"I don't think I will, actually."

That night, after the two of you ate your somewhat burnt dinner, Jason carried you to the couch despite your whining and cuddled you as you picked your movie of choice

You did grow, currently in that awkward teen phase with growing pains and longer limbs, but the way you tucked your head beneath his chin was still the same

The way you looked at him, eyes filled with happiness and adoration, was still the same

Your laugh and sharp words, how you still reacted the same way to certain scenes, your mannerisms, attitude, innocence

Sure, you were growing wonderfully

And you definitely mirrored him a lot more than you knew

But Jason had been a fool for thinking you were changing

You were still his baby, the mean kid with a soft heart, rough past, and dirty mouth he grew to love so much he didn't know what to do with himself

And to know that distance between you two had been manipulated and not purposeful ripped his anxiety right out of his chest

You wanted to be by his side just as much

You loved him just as much

And he couldn't ask for more

"You will let me do your hair tomorrow though, you fucking suck at it."

"Suck a bag of dicks, dad."

"Love you too, brat."

The end.

[rascalentertainments]

Wish Granted 🌟👩🏾🎶 (Wish Reimagined)

Chapter 7: Royal Pains

Chapter 6

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

"You didn't think you could get rid of me that easily, did you?" The queen playfully mocked the two of them. "Time to stop playing games."

"You wouldn't attack two of your citizens in broad daylight. Don't want to damage the precious image you've built up for yourselves." Asha retorted, standing her ground.

Sabor growled as he narrowed his eyes towards her.

"For your information, I don't plan on making a scene here. We can settle this matter quite easily." Amaya gestured to Star. "Hand over the star there and I'll let you return to wherever you came from. With your life intact." Her eyes flickered green as if posing a threat.

"You think I'm just going to give him to you? I'm not stupid, Amaya. You're going to have to go through me if you want him." Asha stood in front of Star, while Valentino bravely jumped in front of both of them. Sabor licked his whiskers as he eyes the goat.

Amaya sighed. "I was hoping I wouldn't have to waste my magic on killing you. But I'll try not to make a mess." she grabbed a small red vial with a skull on it.

Star realized that Amaya wasn't going to take no for an answer.

"WAIT!" exclaimed as he jumped between the two of them. He turned to Asha. "I'll go with her, just run away. Now." He told her. Then gave her a wink.

Asha hesitated for a moment, not sure what he was planning, but she trusted the star. The girl took a few steps back and then took off with Valentino on her heels.

"How sweet of you. Sacrificing yourself for someone you barely know. Its rather foolish, but I'll let it slide." Her voice dripped with fake sincerity.

The star raised his hands to signify his compliance. "All right, you got me. But I gotta ask, why do you need me? I mean, you guys seem pretty powerful. Don't know what you need a star for." He attempted to stall as long as he could.

"Magnifico needs you for something... special in mind for Rosas." Amaya responded, but wasn't telling him the whole story.

"Besides, its not like you're actually a real human." She saw the star's face twitch in reaction to the comment. She found a nerve to hit.

We quickly cut to Asha and Valentino, whom after being far away enough from the queen's view, they decided to sprint around the alley.

"Maaaah??" Valentino questioned Asha's actions.

"Of course I'm not leaving him. I just had an idea. Its a little basic, but I'm just making this up as I go." She admitted.

The two made it around back and Asha quietly sneaked against the wall. There were dozens of crates nearby. She could hear Star talking to Amaya, but he was running out of time.

"Look at yourself." She gestured to his disguise as she took a step forward. "You may look like one of us, and speak like us, but its all just a silly costume for you. You could never be human, or be enough for the girl." Her voice was callous.

Star looked down at his hands. They weren't glowing, but they were still yellow and cartoonish. Humans don't look like that. Or turn into animals.

"...I..." he found it difficult to speak.

She took a look at the crates and got an idea. Asha began to push The crates forward as best as she could, but she was concerned that it wouldn't fall in time.

Suddenly she heard whispering behind her. She turned and saw Gabo from earlier. He seemed rather for someone that was supposed to be being chased.

"Hey, weren't you the guy that was being chased?" She asked.

Gabo snorted. "That snoozer always falls asleep before he can catch me. He's off somewhere taking a nap probably." He waved a dismissive hand.

(Actually, he was.)

"Since you're here, you mind giving me a hand?" Asha usually wouldn't ask anyone in this city for help, but she was desperate.

Gabo took a look at what she was pushing, where it was going to fall and put the pieces together. "I like the way you think, stranger." He rubbed his hands together.

"That's something no amount of magic is ever going to change. You would've been better off in the sky." The woman raised her hand, preparing to throw a red vial at the star, when suddenly—

CRASH!! 💥📦

The large stack of crates crashed down on the woman, and the red vial fell from her hands and rolled away.

Sabor yowled in surprise and rushed to aid his master.

Star snapped out of his trance and he saw Asha and Gabo.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that!" Gabo laughed.

Asha was just relieved it worked. Maybe Star's spur of the moment ideas was rubbing off on her... "Thanks for your help, but we have to go. Like now!" She leaped over the crates and took Star with her.

"Hey, no problem! Need anymore help against these guys, you can count on me!" He said to them as they ran off together. The crates began to move and the guy ran off before the queen could get up or the non sleepy guards arrived.

Just in time, because a few showed up mere seconds later.

"Your majesty, are you all right? Who did this to you?" One of them asked as they pulled the crates off of her.

"I'm fine." She asserted as she snatched her arm away from a concerned guard. "The traitors are here and we need to alert the people. Go warn Magnifico. Now."

Perfect time for us check in on Magnifico:

"You think I'm a fool? You think I can't tell when my own apprentice is lying to me? You've been hiding something from me for far too long, and today I will have my answer." The tip of the king's staff grew a brighter green as he spoke. It was only mere inches from Flazino's face.

Flazino slowly raised his hand in defense. "I wasn't do anything, your Highness! I was just uh..." His voice trailed off, his mind going blank thinking of an excuse.

"You've taking independence with your magic lately. Hearing how you've spreading been it here and there to 'help' some of the citizens. All without my permission." The king continued, his eyes full of suspicion.

The apprentice was only slightly relieved. Magnifico wasn't talking about the Hamlet, but it was still a problem. The king never liked the idea of Flazino using his magic for anything outside of his lessons or demands.

"I was just being a good friend to the people. As you're supposed to be doing, sir." He responded. And we see a shot behind his back where he grabs an item off the table that looks like a magic wand.

"Don't get cocky with me, boy." Magnifico hissed and lowered his staff. He raised his left hand and and motioned for a wish orb from above. One gently came down and he presented it to Flazino. "Remember who holds your fate in their hands."

The image in the orb is fuzzy from a distance, but Flazino already knew it was his own wish: To learn magic and help others with it.

"So choose your next words carefully. Where have you been these past few nights?" He slowly put pressure on the orb as he asked the question.

Flazino could already feel the pressure on his heart. "N-nowhere...sir. I- just go straight h-home." His breathing was becoming slightly irregular and he struggled to get his words out.

Magnifico looked at him with annoyance. "Do you side with the traitors, Flazino?" A small crack appeared on the orb

"No. No....You know I would never side with a traitor of Rosas." His face began to sweat as the strain was growing.

*Knock knock* 🚪

"I am busy at the moment!" Magnifico yelled.

A guard burst through the door, out of breath. The king quickly threw the orb back up into the air and Flazino felt he could breathe again.

"I'm sorry, your majesty...*pant pant* but the queen has had a run in with the traitors." The guard explained.

The king's eyes widened. The star was here! "No need to apologize! I'm greatful to anyone who proves their loyalty to me." He eyed Flazino. "Call the citizens to an assembly. They need to know about this and help us catch them for the protection of Rosas."

He looked at his apprentice. "And you'll be coming with me. Just to keep an eye on you."

Flazino gulped.

We head back outside where Asha and Star had escaped as far as possible from the queen. "Okay, we're officially in crisis mode." Asha said as she pushed through the crowd. "Amaya knows we're here, and its only a matter of time before Magnifico knows too." Her voice sounded shaky.

"Well, I guess my planning skills end here, cause I'm all out ideas." Star shrugged. "And I really don't want to run into the queen again...but I'm sure I can handle Magnifico though." He assured her.

Asha tried to think of another idea, when she felt a tap on her. "Not now, Valentino. I'm trying to think of how to get inside." She shooed him away.

Valentino looked confused as he looked up at Asha.

Asha realized it wasn't her pet at all. She turned and saw the girl with glasses from earlier. Oh great, another problem...

"Hey. Hi. Sorry to bother you but I saw you earlier with your friend and wanted to ask. Is your name really Asha?" She asked, adjust her glasses.

Asha hesitated. "....Yes?"

The woman smiled and gave her a big hug. Asha was still getting used to be hugged by Star, but now this stranger(?) had the same habit too.

"Its me, Dhalia! Remember when you used to live here?" she beamed as she saw her face.

Asha's memories came back to to her. She pushed anything to do with Rosas from her mind since she was a kid.

"You really know her?" Star asked curiously.

"Of course she does! We were best friends when she lived here!" Dhalia answered for her.

Asha was slightly less enthusiastic. "Yeah, actually we were. I just never expected to see you still here." She couldn't admit it hurt to see her former friend still living under Magnifico's thumb.

"My family is greatful for the king and queen. We came here with nothing but a little food we hand cooked, and now were cooking v for royalty!" Dhalia continued. "He's such a kind king..." She sighed dreamily.

Now Asha understood why Flazino was partially stressed about having a crush on Dhalia.

Dhalia shook her head quickly. "I can't believe you're here! I need to know everything. Like, what happened to you and your family? When did you come back? And how did you get a boyfriend of all things?"

"BOYFRIEND?!" Asha exclaimed.

Star was so flustered he had to pull the hood over part of his face, with only his mouth showing. "You're moving so fast on me, Asha!" He nervously chuckled as a bright glow started to show from his face.

(Extra fact: When stars get embarrassed or flustered, their glow brightens and act as the equivalent of a human blush, showing intense emotion)

"For pete's sake..." she ran her hands down her face.

"Oh no, that's fine we were just-"

"I insist! I'm sure our wonderful King and Queen can help you find a place here. And we'll be able to catch up!"

Oh boy, this was going south.

The sound of fanfare trumpets suddenly filled the streets.

"That's the king's assembly call. It must be important. Please, please, come with me!" Dhalia took a reluctant Asha's arm and walked with her.

"By the way, what's your name?" She asked Star.

Star completely forgot he hadn't picked a name yet. "Uh.....Ast- no, Ori- no, Betel, I mean-" this poor guy struggled.

Asha covered for him. "Cosmo! His name is Cosmo."

Star sighed in relief. "Yeah, a completely a normal human name!"

"Oooo, you must be from an exotic country!" Dhalia pointed out.

As she went forward, Asha lightly hit him on the shoulder. "What was that? All those names you've learned and you couldn't pick one?" She whispered in an annoyed tone.

"Hey, I could've picked Betelgeuse. But I don't think I would've remembered that..." Star said in defense.

A crowd gathered outside the castle, completely packed with people from across the kingdom. The royals (and Sabor of course) stood before them, with Flazino far enough in the back.

"Now, now. Settle down everyone. We brought you here because we have an important announcement." Magnifico announced.

"Is it because of that light you did to help us sleep? Cause I really needed that." Simon asked. He really didn't look all that rested though.

"Yeah, I never had a sleep that restful!"

"It was wonderful, thank you your majesty!"

The citizens voices started to multiply as they agreed about last night's magical sleep. Star got a little bit of joy from hearing he helped others without knowing it.

Maginifco began to look annoyed. He took a deep breath. "Unfortunately, that wasn't my magic last night." He hated admitting that.

The crowd slowly stopped cheering.

"While that power came from a source I can't identify, it was quite clumsy and amateur compared to mine." He chuckled. "Its almost like a child did it."

Star was highly offended. "Amateur?! Why you-" he started in an angry whisper, but Asha shushed him before anyone noticed.

Amaya cleared her throat. "Despite this childish display, its also forbidden. Which can only mean one thing: there's a traitor lurking in Rosas."

A collective gasp and whispers emerged amongst the crowd.

"Yes, they used this magic to challenge us and put you all at risk to do it. They have no shame in who they hurt to get to us." Amaya pretended to look sorrowful.

Dhalia whispered to Asha. "Who would even want to hurt them?"

Asha and Star were dead silent.

"But don't you worry your pretty little heads!" Magnifico assured them and giving some positivity in it. "They're no match for us! We are the strongest sorcerers in the world! And I assure you, when they're caught..."

He put out his hand that two tiny figure made of green magic. With a quick clench of his hand, they turned to dust. "They'll be dealt with permanently."

As the crowd cheered, Asha and Star exchanged a nervous glance. They were in the Lion's Den now. Flazino was visibly sweating, but kept his composure.

"Tell us any news you have. Someone acting suspicious, strange magical sightings or even late night outings after curfew." Amaya advised the citizens. "Starting with you." she pointed to a woman in the front.

The woman looked around. "Me?" she questioned.

"Yes, you..." Amaya's voice trailed off trying to remember the woman's name.

"Wendy." Flazino coughed.

"Wendy, yes. Have you seen anything suspicious?"

Asha knew now was the time to leave before anyone questioned them, or worse yet, they were recognized.

"Oh, I just remembered, we have to go. There's a few things I haven't shown Sta- Cosmo around here, but we'll keep in touch." Asha lied through her teeth. She quickly grabbed Star and they made their way past the crowd.

"Um, sure, sure! Just keep your eyes peeled for those traitors!" She warned them.

Once they made it far away enough without being seeing seen. The two of them tried to come up with a way to get inside. Their options were pretty low at this point.

"Okay, I'll just go so fast that they won't see us coming through. I'll be like a blur!"

Asha raised an eyebrow. "Do you think that's actually going to work?"

Star paused. "Worth a shot right?"

He carried her in his arms in a bridal style while she held Valentino. "You better hang on, cause we're going to infinity and beyond! Well, maybe not that high, but you get what I mean." With that, he took off like lightning.

Magnifico or Amaya hadn't noticed anything, and neither had the citizens. Only Sabor felt something in the sir and looked around for it.

Asha was startled during the take off, but she slowly found herself having fun during the ride. And maybe the view of Star wasn't bad either.

(Screenshot from @orbitalmoonrat's animatic)

A few more moments and the two of them reached the top of the steps and touched the ground. "Wow....that was incredible!" Asha said nearly breathless.

Star gently put her down. "Aw, that was nothing. You should see me when I'm in the sky, I can do all sorts of tricks up there with the extra room!" He gestured upward.

"I'd like to see that, actually." She gave him a warm smile as she helped adjust the hood back on his head. The two of them shared a look for a few moments when they heard a tiny voice from behind them. They looked down and saw Valentino, shaking.

"Oh! Sorry, buddy. I guess I went a little to fast for you." He said sheepishly. 😅

"BAAAAAH!!" Valentino exclaimed in anger at Star.

Star put his hands on his hips. "Well, there's no need for name calling there..."

Asha pushed opened the heavy doors with both hands and they slammed against the walls once opened. In front of them was an unexpected sight. Magnifico's room was filled with artifacts and relics from other lands encased in glass. On the right side of the room was a miniature replica of Rosas. Apparently that caught Star's attention more. 😂

"Look at that! How did he shrink a kingdom down to this size?" Star flew over to get a better look. "And its got little people in it! How do humans do this stuff?" He admired it with curiosity as he picked up some of the figures.

"Star, stay focused here. We have to find the-" She stopped once she got closer to the objects. "No way...All of these are rare artifacts."

Star's pointed ears perked up. "Artifacts?" His curiosity immediately moved to the next thing as he put the little figures in his pockets and joined her.

Asha grabs her sketchbook and flips to a few pages with several random items drawn on each of them. The camera takes focuses on each object she announces. "There's Horvath's Hat, the Glass Slippers, the Enchanted Rose," she gasped at the fourth item, "The Sword of Fa Zhou! Flazino never told me that the king got his hands on any of these!"

"Huh. Finally something that Flazino doesn't know. Hey, what's that there?" He pointed to a golden lamp in another glass case.

"Now that's a genie lamp." Asha explained. "Legend says if you rub it, a magical being will come out and grant you three wishes!"

Star's eyes began to shine. "Wow! Wait, only three?"

Asha was going to respond when she shook her head. "What am I doing? We're supposed to be getting the wishes." She walked off, annoyed at herself.

She couldn't believe she let herself get sidetracked like that. She'd always been fascinated by historical artifacts, magic or otherwise, but she couldn't do that right now! Star's first one Asha's met to actually take an interest in it and she couldn't even enjoy it...

"The wish chamber should be close by, so we don't have far left to check."

Once they continued, they saw a huge black door standing between them and the wishes.

"All we have to do is get through here and we're set." Asha explained. "Flazino never got to tell us how to open this. Any ideas?"

Star stepped towards the door and could see his own reflection along with Asha's. He looked at the door carefully. "Maybe we just knock?" He knocked on the door three times.

Asha rolled her eyes. "It couldn't be that easy-"

The doors automatically opened.

"Oh my gosh, it was that easy..."

Once the doors opened, they finally entered the Wish Chamber. The room had a huge blue tint covering it. Within it were Amaya's potions and a small lab that was filled with all sorts beakers and tubes of different shapes and sizes.

To the left was a large bookcase filled with magic spell books and its histories on every shelf.

"Hey, what's that?" Star pointed to a large bookcase.

Before Asha could question his comment, she looked where he was pointing and saw the the center of the bookcase contained a large book locked up inside. It had a green dragon right in the center.

"I....don't know actually. I've never seen a book like that before, and trust me, I've read enough books to open my own library."

As she was talking, Star suddenly was very quiet. He could hear small whispers coming from the bookcase, they were slowly blocking out Asha's voice.

"Power."

"Give me your power."

"Release me."

The camera slowly zooms in on the book as the voices slowly grow louder, it cuts to Star's face who seems mesmerized by the voices, but still unsure if he should go forward. He felt something hit his leg and heard a different voice.

"STAR!" Asha's voice became so loud the whispers stopped. The star shook his head to come back to his senses. He looked down and saw Valentino had headbutt his leg, only this time it finally worked.

"Are you all right? Its like you were in some kind of trance." the girl asked with a look of concern.

Star blinked a few times. "Yeah, yeah. I'm fine. I think we need to stay away from that book though. Its the only thing I don't want to touch."

Asha agreed and the three of them walked away from the bookcase. The dragonmarked book's green glow slowly faded.

They walked to the center of the Wish Chamber and Asha flipped through a few pages of her journal.

"All right. The wishes should be over here. You can grab my saba's wish first."

Star nodded. "Sounds easy enough!" He gently floated upwards. "This thing will be a piece of..." His face changed to worry. "Oh boy..."

They both looked up and saw a nearly endless amount of wish bubbles floating around the room. It was like looking for one star amongst the entire galaxy!

"How many wishes do those two need?!" Star exclaimed, taken aback by the sight.

"They shouldn't have any of them." Asha explained. "This is what I was talking about, Star. All they do is take and we suffer for it."

"Seesh, how many are up here? A million?" Star asked, scratching his head.

"1,937." Asha answered rather quickly. Star looked down at her in surprise. The girl shrugged. "I-I've always been a fast counter." She cleared her throat and showed the star a picture of Sabino playing his mandolin.

"You should be able to see anyone's wishes once you look inside them. This is how my Saba's looks. He's wanted to inspire people with his music his whole life."

(Concept art by James Aaron Finch)

Star floated closer to get a better look. He admired how happy he looked in it.

Once he got a good mental image he floated back up to the wishes and began searching. "Say, what are you gonna do? This might take a while." He asked as searched the sky blue orbs.

Asha walked over to the large bookcase across the room. "I'll see what else I can find about the king and queen. There's so many books here, one of them has to have something showing a weak point in their magic. It can help us put a stop to them permanently."

As she took out a book, Valentino brayed, wanting to know his own role.

"You can watch the door and warn us if anyone is coming here." As Valentino trotted away to his ask, Asha looked the cover of the book raises an eyebrow. "What the heck are 'Heffalumps and Woozles"? she questioned.

We cut back outside of the castle, with the crowd not really giving the royals much of a lead they need. Magnifico's face was looking more irritated.

Sabor pawed at Magnifico's feet. "Not now, hairball." He hissed at the lynx, then continued. "Now sir, I assure you that magic isn't good- ack!"

He looked down and saw Sabor had sharply dug his claws into his leg. The lynx growled as he pointed up towards the tower.

The king looked up and saw a quick bright flash shine from it window. His eyes widened dramatically. The star is here!

"I'm sorry Mr...." he started.

"Peter, sir." Flazino told him.

"Yes, yes, whatever. I have an emergency I need to tend to!" Magnifico hurriedly said as he stepped backwards. "You can continue to ask my darling wife or even my young apprentice about anything you might have as well!"

He whispered to him, "Don't get any ideas, boy. Sabor will be watching you closely." He then darted off into the castle.

"Oh good, Flazino usually listens more anyway!" an elderly woman said.

Flazino bristled. "Hey, hey, Don't drag me into this, ma'am!"

Back inside, Star is looking at different wishes. As he touches each one, the color of the orbs turn from blue to yellow.

The orbs themselves have images that move in sand animation. (Think of it like the sandman from ROTG for the dreams)

Star felt connected to each person's wish as he looked. One displayed an elderly woman wishing to sail across oceans and meet other lands. Another one showed a man who wished to fly great heights. (Star really liked that one) A third showed a father wishing to be reunited with his two sons.

Star could feel everyone's desires. He began to feel something he hadn't before now, something stronger than joy. These wishes meant everything to the people, and they couldn't seven pursue their own desires.

He finally reached Sabino's wish, and the particles within the orb formed the man playing for a crowd of people. He looked blissful as he played. The star gently held this wish in his hands as he watched. He could feel all the love the old man had for music, and now he understood why Asha was so determined to get the wishes back.

Asha continued to look through the books. There were books on magic from all across the world, but none of them seemed to match what the royals used. "There has to be something were missing..."

"Asha! I found your saba's wish! Its beautiful!" Star announced from above, with a slight echo.

"Perfect! Bring it down, I just need to find one book that...." Her voiced trailed off once she saw a tattered book amongst the more immaculate ones. She quickly grabbed and opened the book.

Inside were sketches of constellations and variations of stars. Other pages included entries about connecting to the stars and how the man became inspired by them to continue his work. He felt a great power from them whenever he and his daughter looked upon them together.

"That lowlife." She seethed, her grip on the journal tightened. "He stole my father's work! All of it!" Her voice grew louder, no longer caring who heard. "I swear the next time I see him-"

Her threat was cut off when a pair of green hands had grabbed her around her waist.

Star felt something was wrong. "Asha? Are you all right?" Star began to float down when a green chain clasped around his leg. "Hey, hey, what's this?" He began to panic as he tried to pull the chain off.

"So you're that philosopher's daughter, Asha. My you've grown up to be quite a young woman. I hardly recognized you earlier." Magnifico said looking smug. Valentino had been caught as well, with the green magic wrapped around his snout to keep him quiet.

"I have to thank you, Asha. You brought the star right to me and I didn't even have to waste more magic trying to pull it down again!" He chuckled.

"I'll never let you have him! I've seen what you can do with too much magic, and you're not going to do the same to Star!" Asha hissed at him.

Unphased, the king responded, "We'll just see about that. Besides, you're not supposed to name it. Once you name it, you start getting attached to it."

Magnifico then slowly looked above him. "Now then....let's see what this star looks like up close." He used his staff to summon him. The chains slowly pulled down Star to the floor. As he floated down, the hood covered most of his face, making him look ominous. He still held Sabino's wish.

The king held his breath as the music swells. He had been waiting years for this moment, but he was anxious on what this creature could possibly look like, when it could quite literally be everything. "Show yourself!" He commanded.

Star slowly raised his hands and pulled the hood back, revealing his true face: a yellow glowing human(?) with bright white hair.

The music comes to a halt after the reveal, leaving Magnifico dumbfounded. The same stranger with Asha earlier was him? He narrowed his eyes at the star. "What is this?"

Star looked around, but saw nothing.

Magnifico shook his head. "No. No, you can't be a star!" He raised Asha up with his magic as she attempted to free herself. "This is what you called on?" He turned back to Star. "You're a child! I was really scared of a mere child?!"

Star crossed his arms, offended. "Hey! I just turned 18 last month. I'm far being a child, your highness. I could grow facial hair if I wanted to!"

Magnifico chuckled at first, and it slowly turned to laughter. "No wonder I couldn't find you, Amaya told me you could change forms, and you were right under my nose the whole time! I was scared of a boy! Ohhh, I needed that laugh." He wiped a tear from his eye as he finished.

He quickly jerked his staff and it dragged Star to him. He then grabs him by the collar. "At last my years of searching have come to an end. With you, we'll have all the power we desire. My wife and I will rule this world as the ultimate sorcerers!"

(Credit to @kirimanga's Magnifico animated for this shot)

"Yeah, that's not gonna happen." Star grunted as he tried to break the chains.

Magnifico growled. This thing was putting up a fight? Why bother? It had no right, it wasn't even human.

"There is one thing I don't understand. You have the power to be anything you want on Earth...and you pick this?" He gestured to Star's human form.

Star looked him straight the in eyes. "I want to look like this." he said through gritted teeth. "And Asha called me down here because she needed me."

Magnfico's smile faded. "Fine. If you don't want to show me your full power, you can stay weak. But first," He looked over at Asha. She was terrified of him, but she refused to let it show. "You can watch me kill your little friend before I absorb you."

A bright light appeared behind the king. Before he could turn around, Star had turned into a mouse and jumped right on the king's face. "What the devil are you doing?!" He shouted as he tried to knock him off.

"Just mousing around!" the star's tiny voiced squeaked as he scurried across the man's body.

(Trying to reference that Ratatoullie scene with Remy biting Linguini, this is the best image I could find to reference it. 😅)

The magic on Asha dissipated once his attention to her was gone. He was so frantic that for a moment, he didn't seem as intimidating.

She immediately rushed to grab her father's journal and catch Valentino before he fell to the ground.

"You okay, Val?" She asked her friend. Valentino nodded and licked her nose.

"Where's that darn cat when I need him?" The king finally got a hold of the mousey Star and threw him to the study desk.

Another bright flash and he had turned into a parrot and landed on a globe. "Come on, pretty boy. I'm right heeeere! Sqwuak!" He mocked him as he flew over his head.

"You little pest-" Magnifico started shooting green magic at Star, only for him to keep evading him. "Wasting your magic on becoming little beasts for fun!"

Asha ran to the desk and started grabbing anything that was important along with Sabino's wish and put it in her satchel. As she grabbed what looked like a wand, she looked up at the wishes. There had to be a way to get them all down.

As Magnifico kept blasting at Star, he kept changing animals with each missed shot just to mock him. He changed back to a human to deliver this: "Hey, Maggy! I've got some magic words for you: 🎵Meega, nala kweesta!"🎵 He mocked the king in a sing-song tone.

Magnifico was getting furious. "You dare mock me? I'm the most powerful man on Earth! You were just an accident. Called on by a desperate girl!"

Star's expression changed at that last remark.

Unfortunately for Star, the king took advantage of him being distracted. A chain wrapped around his foot and it yanked him from above. "Got you!" He exclaimed in victory.

With all his strength he flung him across the room like a ragdoll and the star crashed onto one of the desks, destroying some of the equipment.

"Its time to finally claim what's mine!" The king took the pointed end of his staff and stabbed Star in the right shoulder. He let out a painful scream. As the yellow magic was beginning to fill the staff.

"Star!" Asha exclaimed.

Her worried eyes turned to hate as she looked the king. The heat of the moment, she looked for anything to use against him. So when she aimed the wand at him, he was met with a burst of blue light at his face. The staff stopped absorbing the magic.

Asha looked down at the wand in her hand, the magic seemed to only have one shot in its reserve. "How did I-"

Magnifico's laugh sounded borderline maniacal. "Well, Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo! You can use magic too!" He then aimed the staff at Asha and the green hands grabbed her instead.

Valentino hid under the other desk to avoid getting caught again.

"I'm ending your little rebellion right here and now. I just need your wish."

Magnifico brought the girl closer until they were face to face. His eyes had a flash of anger in them. He put hid hand near her heart and waited for her wish to become physical.

But nothing happened. How??

"What is this? Why can't I find your wish?" He snapped, frustrated at his failure.

"So much for your threat." Asha smirked. She wasn't even sure how this happened but she was greatful.

The king growled. "Then I'll do this the old fashioned way." The green hands clasped around her began to tighten like a vice. Asha screamed as she could feel herself being crushed.

At the same time, Star was feeling that same tightness around himself. It was as if his heart was being squeezed to death. He weakly opened his eyes.

He was horrified at the sight: Asha was going to be killed right in front of his eyes. Those same eyes that suddenly flared a bright yellow.

"Say hello to Tomás for me." The man grinned wickedly.

A loud, thunderous boom echoed in the room. Magnifico thought it was outside, but it was only cloudy. The room itself turned dark and air chilled.

Maginifico stopped torturing Asha for a moment and slowly looked behind himself.

What stood before him was a large humanoid figure that nearly reached the ceiling. It was a mixture of black and gold with white sparkles within it. There were gold clouds surrounding it as the figure had furious yellow eyes.

"Mother of Gothel..." Magnifico whispered in awe.

Star quickly raised his hand and SMACK!

He hit Magnifico hard enough to send him flying, and crashed into the bookcase in the study, leaving a crack in the glass that contained the dark book. An avalanche of books fell on top of him as he lay unconscious on the floor.

Once the threat had passed, Star looked and saw Asha slowly picking herself up. His anger dissipated and the clouds swirled around him. In a moment he was back to his glowing yellow self. He quickly came to Asha's aid. Valentino was already by her side.

"Hey, are you okay?" he asked worried as he held her.

"Thanks to you, I am." she gave him a small smile. She then realized something. "Wait, what about you? You got stabbed!"

Star scoffed. "Oh that? That was nothing. I'm fit as a fiddle!" He lied.

Asha sighed in relief. "We need to get out of here. There's no way we can stay."

"What about the other wishes?"

"We'll have to save the rest of them later, we just need to go. Can you change into something that will get us out of here, fast?"

"You got it!" He placed Asha and Valentino on his back and started running towards the exit. As he passed through and picked up speed, he transformed into-

"AN ELEPHANT?!" Asha exclaimed, dumbfounded.

"Trust me, this is way faster!" he said as he ran though the halls. They could see a group of guards heading towards them, clearly responding to the commotion inside.

An idea sparked into her head. "Star, put some of your magic on the armor!"

"Omigosh, I love that idea!" Star trumpeted some his magic as they passed by and armor instantly came to life.

"Get em' fellas!" Asha commanded them with a grin.

The living armor followed commands and rushed after the Rosas guards. They started to combat each other.

They saw the sight before them and ran back down the stairs. "I feel like I'm going mad!" One of them shouts.

"We're all mad here!" Star answered them and laughed. He leaped over the guards by growing his giant ears big enough to glide over them.

As he flew down the stairs, he saw the doors were wide opened to the outside.

"I sure hope those doors are big enough!" Star exclaimed as he touched the ground and went full speed.

"Any other questions that aren't stup- I mean important?" Amaya asked the crowd.

A blonde teen raised his hand.

"Yes, Dario?"

"Yeah, um, you gonna talk about the elephant in the castle?"

Amaya raised an eyebrow. "You mean in the room?"

"No, I mean in the castle, there's one right behind you!" Dario frantically pointed behind him.

The apprentice started to feel a rumbling underneath his feet growing stronger. He turned and saw a giant yellow elephant stampeding towards him, with Asha on top barely hanging on.

"COMING THROOOOOOUGHHHHH!!!" Both of them exclaimed.

"HOLY- EVERYONE, RUN, NOW!!!" Flazino yelled at the crowd. It didn't take long for them to listen. The people scattered to get out of the way of the stampeding star. His trunk trumpeted as he cleared through the castle entrance and into the city. Not far behind him were a group of soldiers running after them.

Simon, who was slightly dozing off suddenly was wide awake when he saw the giant animal and ran the fastest he's ever ran before.

Bazeema was frozen with fear until Safi jumped in and saved her from being trampled.

Amaya gave a direct order to the guards. "Don't let them escape, you dolts! They're the traitors!" She then ran inside to find her husband.

"These guys just don't quit!" Star exclaimed, looking back at the group.

"STAR, WATCH OUT!!!" Asha warned him as she pointed ahead. Star looked forward only find himself tearing through many of the stalls along the path. Each one crumbled beneath his large feet. "Sorry! Sorry! I'm so sorry!" he kept apologizing with each one he destroyed.

We see Gabo laughing at the sight as Star ran. "Now that's what I'm talking about! Tear it all down!" He cheered on the two of them. He had no idea this was all one big accident.

Sabor was charging in to fight Star, but once he saw just how big Elephant!Star was and fast approaching, he screeched in fear and bailed out quickly. He went to look for Amaya instead.

As the people continued to run in fear, Flazino helped Dahlia get to safety since she couldn't run as fast as the others. "Flaz, what the heck is going on?! Its like the whole kingdom's gone crazy!" she demanded.

"I hate my job, I hate my job, I hate my job, I hate my job-" Flazino swore under his breath. He vowed he was going to quit the minute the royals lost their power.

Star continues to run and getting closer to the castle entrance. The few guards standing there at first stood their ground, but then scrambled to get away. "I'm not getting paid enough for this!" One of them exclaimed.

"Star, I'm not feeling so good." Asha said as she touched her forehead. She was feeling a bit dizzy. Valentino looks at her with concern while thunder was beginning to rumble in the distance.

"No problem, We'll go back to the forest. Just hang in there!" Star exclaimed as he continued his stampede through Rosas. He blew his trunk to warn the rest of the citizens to move. The people dove out of the way just in time. The guards from the castle got blocked by the debris Star left behind and could follow them anymore.

The trio finally made it out of the castle, they may have left a lot of damage in their path, but they were still alive.

The starboy began to feel tired and changed himself to a horse. He appeared to be going slower than he was as an elephant.

"Okay, where do we go now?" He asked, but there was no answer. He looked behind him and saw Asha was unconscious, Valentino was very worried.

His long face was in horror. "ASHA!" Star once again changed his form to a gorilla and continued, but was he was feeling even more tired. As if he'd been running for hours, he began to lose his breath. Rain began to drizzle down but none of them took notice.

Star then changed one more time to his human form and began to move even slower. He was struggling to carry Asha and fly. As they approached the forest, Star assured an unconscious Asha.

"Its...its all right, Asha. We're gonna...make it." He slowly desenced to the ground as his flight wore off and his vision began to blur. Valentino jumped in front of him and brayed.

"Nah. I'm good, buddy." Star sounded more out of breath, his feet dragging on the ground. "I just....need to....rest..." with that, Star had fallen to the ground with Asha still in his arms. The yellow glow around him faded as well and his hair from sparkling white to grey. He had landed at the edge of the forest away from Rosas.

Both of them lay unconscious on the ground as the rain started to fall harder. Valentino brayed with worry. Neither of them were moving no matter what he did. The little goat wanted to go get help, but would that put them in danger? He began to whimper as he gently nuzzled himself between Asha and Star.

After he closed his eyes, a shadow appeared over the three of them. The screen then fades to black.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

FINAL THOUGHTS

*Collapses on couch* My gosh, that was long! I promised so many things to come at the end of the last chapter, and I don't like not keeping promises, so I had a LOT to add here. This is probably my most busy one since "I'm A Star", and literally everything happens! 😂

I actually got a lot inspiration from other rewrites and even many of the classic Disney films I've been rewatching recently. The biggest inspiration for Wish Granted is actually Hercules, since its one of my all time favorite Disney films. I loved how all the Disney Renaissance films had tons of humor, which made the action and darker scenes even better to watch, so that's the vibe I'm going for here. Though I never thought I'd use a Monster's Inc. quote in a cruel way...😅 Also yes, I'm making a point that the royals keep referring to Star as "it" and "thing" while Asha is the only one who addresses him as a person with "he".

And with this chapter, it finally happened: Star and Asha have officially joined the angst club! 😂 (Flazino has had angst from DAY ONE) They both have been messed up by the royals one way or another, its just Star is feeling pain for the first time, while Asha's pent up anger towards Magnifico and Amaya has been building up for years. And now we get a glimpse of what Star looks like when he's angry/hurt without a filter. Mags here pushed him very close to the edge of rage. It was satisfying knocking Mags senseless though. I have a design for that form I'm working on, since it'll fully appear in the final battle/chapters.

One extra thing I decided to add is that Asha carries a little bit of a trait from Belle. Only instead of just reading a vast amounts of books, she's fascinated by artifacts and its history from other lands, magical or otherwise. I thought it would be fun to have her be a closeted fangirl for fairytale relics, and treated it like a Disney version of loving comics. Think of it as a similar thing with Po being a fanboy for Kung Fu history and figures. Or a parallel to Disney experts who grew up with the movies. (Disney objects = world artifacts in a nutshell)

There's going to be another long break before the next chapter, working on the aforementioned Star's rage form, as well as designs for the royals, Sabino and Sabor. And I'll do my best to get some of those art challenges done too.

Thanks for reading!

@signed-sapphire @oh-shtars @chillwildwave @tumblingdownthefoxden

@your-ne1ghbor @snackara @annymation @uva124

@kenihewa @ishadow246 @natsuki208 @cocoapowderpictures

@spectator-zee @gracebeth3604 @emptyblog7 @lazytitans-world

@mythartist21 @emillyverse @flicklikesstuff @cielos-pintados

[imaginechb]

Please, Please, Please

Connor Stoll x fem!aphrodite!reader

Synopsis: everyone thinks he's going to break your heart. You're hoping they're wrong.

When you told people that you were dating Connor, you were given... mixed reactions. Most people didn't understand why you'd even give him a chance; you were so beautiful inside and out, the closest one could be to a goddess without actually being immortal. Connor was a pest. Upsetting as people's opinions could be, even you had to admit that if someone told you a year ago that you'd be with the son of Hermes, you probably would've laughed in their face.

But nobody knew Connor like you did. He was sweet when he tried to be, and he always wanted to impress you. It was like he was painfully aware that he was playing out of his league, and he was trying in every way possible to make up for it. It usually worked. He'd always have you blushing and giggling (which he had decided was his number one goal in life).

But along with the strange looks came the concerned warnings. "He's going to hurt you," they all said. "It's only a matter of time." Obviously, you defended Connor. That was your boyfriend they were talking about! But at the same time, you knew they had some good points. Connor could be incredibly unserious, and as long as you'd known him, he'd never had a serious relationship. People were worried he'd treat you like just another joke, and sometimes you understood why.

"Connor, don't you dare," you said, not finding it funny. You were completely dressed, with socks and shoes on, your hair and makeup done perfectly, and he had been joking about pushing you into the lake. "What do you mean? I just want to hug my lovely girlfriend!"

You backed up, knowing that look in his eye. The mischievous glint would be unnoticeable to anyone who didn't know him so well, but you saw it. As he came closer to you, he began to smirk, and before you knew it you were lifted up and thrown over his shoulder before being submerged in the cold, cold lake.

You came up gasping for air, absolutely livid. "Fuck you!" You screamed at him. He only laughed, finding your anger funny.

It was moments like these that made you consider the possibility that maybe the other campers were right. You put a lot of care into your appearance, something he didn't seem to care about, no matter how many times you told him you didn't want to go in the water. He wasn't listening to you, even when you were completely serious.

You weren't new to heartbreak; if Connor did happen to break your heart, you'd recover. You were a child of Aphrodite, you'd bounce back like nothing ever happened. But the hit your ego would take if you gave Connor Stoll a chance and he embarrassed you like that? You couldn't handle that. Not that you necessarily thought low of Connor, but everybody knew you were way out of his league. Not to mention how you'd defended him. If they turned out to be right about him... that was something you don't think you could never recover from.

So you silently pleaded with him, staring into his eyes when he was being especially annoying. Please please please, don't prove them right, don't prove I'm right. Don't make me cry. If you're gonna be stupid, leave me out of it.

Sure, Connor was an idiot, but he seemed to care a lot. So like that day at the lake, if he messed up, he'd be right there to dry you off and apologize, and no matter how mad you were, you'd forgive him eventually. He'd still laugh at your angry face, but then he'd kiss it until you physically couldn't force yourself to pout anymore.

Maybe, just maybe, he heard your prayers. Maybe, just maybe, he'd prove everyone wrong.

[lxciferuss]

The Last Night

Summary: Learning about grief on the roof of the headquarters with a stranger was the last thing Levi expected to be on his yearly bingo card.

Warnings: Soldier!Levi x Fem!Soldier!Reader. Set after ACWNR. Angst. Smoking (don't fuck up your lungs, please), swearing, mentions of death. SFW!

No Regrets hurts me 'til this day, I just wanna hug soldier! Levi so bad. Ididn'tentirelylikethisbutohwell.

The smell of tobacco reached your nostrils everytime you pushed the smoke out past your lips, leaving a warm, tingly feeling dancing in your tongue. The chilling night engulfed your figure with its dark wrap, moonlight highlighting your skin.

Your feet dangled off the edge, heels of your boots lightly kicking against the wall under.

It was a lonely place, really. Barely anyone bothered to check up on the horse's cellar, as it was all full of hay and stinky horse-shit stains. It was the best hiding spot you found on your first year as a scout, and a great option to get away with smoking.

You were lost in tought while looking at the stars above you, recognizing a few constellations one of your roommates had told you about, when the sound of the door flying open made you jump in place, startled.

Your heart dropped to the pit of your stomach for a second, thinking that you had been caught by one of your superiors, or even a soldier who would've definetly snitched on you.

Instead, all you heard was a male scream, followed by constant kicks against the rotten—intended to be used for a fireplace, but ruined by rain—wooden planks laying forgotten on the floor.

He hadn't noticed you staring, full-on focusing on getting his foot impaled. Or so it looked like. He grunted with every hit, teeth gritting with anger.

"You'll break them into dust in no time." You laughed, sarcastic, lit cigarette staying between your index and middle finger. You weren't looking his way when he turned to the sound of your voice, body stiffening more than ever.

His chest moved with every rapid breath he took, struggling to get the air into his lungs. His frown deepened at both the fact you were making fun of him and daring to smoke on the job.

"You're one of the newbies, right?" Your eyes finally locked with his, filled with curiosity. "Erwin brought you here a few days ago, didn't he?" You took another long drag of smoke, enjoying the flavor on your taste buds for a good minute before parting your lips to let it vanish in the air.

He blinked once, twice. Lips curling with uneasiness. He closed one hand into a fist he tightened a few times, deciding on what to do.

"I heard what happened on your first mission. A shame, really." Your words came out muffled by the rolled piece of paper in your mouth, hands busy brushing back the strands of hair hitting your face.

He didn't talk, gulping once you raised an eyebrow at him. He hadn't talked to any other soldier since he first joined, spending every break alone. The only people who he got along with had died miserably in a place they didn't wish to be put in.

It sounded familiar to you.

"You can stay here if that's what you need, just don't throw shit my way. Don't worry about getting caught, nobody ever really comes up here." You shrugged your shoulders, turning back to admire the view you had grown so used to.

There were a few lights seeping out from bedroom and office windows. The biggest, and brighter one, belonging to the Commander's office. It seemed to rarely go out, as Erwin went by the whole night filling paperwork.

You heard light, shuffling sounds to your right, where the man had sat down in a pose similar to yours. One of his legs dangled down the roof, the other propped up for his forearm to rest against his knee.

He had a pretty side profile. His features where sharp, high cheekbones reflecting the moonlight. He had a nicely defined jawline and an undercut that suited his straight, raven hair.

The frown was pretty much permanent on his face, going all the way down to his lips. His smoky eyes didn't have the natural glow everybody else's did.

"Has your family ever died on a mission?" His voice was deeper than you thought, making your head snap towards him.

"Excuse me?" Family. Nobody was dumb enough to get themselves involved in the outside world, let alone people who had a somewhat decent job near Wall Rose.

He gulped again, still refusing to turn and look at you. The side of one of his hands pressed against the cobble under you, avoiding to touch the ground entirely.

"Have you ever lost...family, friends, while being here? He asked again, in a lower volume. He let out a shaky breath, looking up towards the moon.

"We all have. We all will." The last bit of ash fell on your pants, staining them grey, as your cigarette consumed itself away. You pressed the bud to the ground, making it blink dead.

"You can't really expect somebody to survive. Every night prior to a mission is full of silent goodbyes. Just in case."

"How did you deal with it?"

You took the pack of cigarettes out from the inside of your leather jacket, opening it up and offering one to him. His eyes shifted to the box, trailing up to yours.

He reluctantly took one, rolling it in between his long fingers.

You placed a new rolled paper on your mouth, enjoying the excuse to smoke another one. You lit up one of the many matches you always had on yourself, holding it close to your mouth and later moving it closer to him. He leaned in, waiting for the tail of his cigarette to catch in fire and start burning the leaves inside.

You shook your hand to turn off the match before the warmth reached your fingerpads.

"I didn't. I got used to living with the grief."

His movements stopped, lips parted, about to inhale the smoke. His eyes widened before breaking eye contact.

"There's not much you can do anyway, right?" You laughed, dry. "I mean- whether we cry ourselves to sleep or not, they aren't gonna come back." You cleared your throat after speaking, feeling the warm smoke reach the back of your tongue and drying your mouth.

'They were also able to leave this shitty world behind before it all got worse than we could ever imagine', you tought .

"What do you do then?"

"Remember them." Your answer was almost immediate. "I believe that forgetting someone is the only way they can truly die. Until then, they are alive in us and our memories."

It was weird opening up so much to somebody you had never spoken to before, but you weren't hating it. The both of you were in clear need of help.

He didn't say anything after that, calmly finishing his cigarette as midnight dawned upon you both. He got up an dusted his clothes off, standing a bit closer to you.

You were so lost in thought counting the stars, that you only heard him halfway through telling you something.

"Hm?" You looked up at him, blinking your eyes a few times.

"Levi. The name's Levi." He repeated.

Right. He had said it the morning Erwin introduced the trio to the corps.

"Y/N." You replied with a small side-smile before he left through the door he had kicked open just hours back, telling you to not get caught.

You didn't expect him to be there the week after. Nor three nights after that. And you never thought he'd beat you to the roof one time, sitting next to two porcelain cups steaming with tea.

"What's that for?" You chuckled, making him turn around to face you.

"Sit your ass down and drink it. You're gonna leave that nasty habit of yours and relax your body with something else." He reached for one of the cups, comfortably holding it by the rim. He nodded his head towards the other one, signaling you to take it.

And so you did. You sat criss-crossed besides him, a further back from the edge of the roof.

You rolled your eyes and huffed with a smile when he immediately snatched the pack of cigarettes as soon as you took it out. He placed them on the other side of his body, where you weren't gonna be able to reach them.

You hummed after sipping on the tea. It was black leaves mixed with a faint taste of honey and berries. It didn't taste bad at all, it was even more enjoyable than tobacco.

"Can I still do it when I'm too stressed tho?" You asked him, your voice resonating on the porcelain close to your lips.

"As long as you give me one." He shrugged.

Levi never told you how he actually preferred the cigarettes from outside rather than the ones from the underground, as they were always too dry and sometimes even racid.

He never spoke about how night was the favorite part of his day; not because he could look at the moon, but because he got to talk to you with no one else around. (And it absolutely wasn't because of how damn pretty he thought you looked under the moonlight).

And he would absolutely never tell you how you were the only person he could stand in the entirety of corps, just because 'that is not like him' .

He also never told you about how he was able to cope a little better with not only his friends, but his mother's death, after talking to you; and that was the last night he ever felt lonely.

[lucy90712]

Puppy- Pedri

Life has been a lot recently I moved away from my hometown and my parents to move in with my boyfriend after being long distance for nearly two years. Getting to live with him has been amazing I love Pedri so much and now we don't have to miss each other in between being able to visit one another. Moving from Tenerife to Barcelona has also meant I needed to find a new job which luckily didn't take long so I've just started at a new company and moved which is a lot all at once but so far it's been mostly good.

I do feel like I'm kind of just getting through each day I wake up and then I'm at work and then I come back home again. My life doesn't feel like my life anymore I had a whole routine back home but now everything is different and I don't have the little things in my routine that helped each day feel less mundane. The best part of my day is when Pedri gets home and we can cuddle on the sofa and watch a movie which has become a daily routine. Don't get me wrong I love my new life as I get to be with Pedri but it's a lot of change all at once and I feel like it's finally catching up to me and I'm starting to miss home a little. 

It's going to take some time to get used to being here but I'm sure eventually Barcelona will start to feel like home and I'll forget all about this time where I felt out of place. I know this is where I'm supposed to be as otherwise Pedri would've never come into my life and he's definitely the best thing that's ever happened to me. When we get used to living together and I get used to the city I'm sure it will all be perfect right now we are just going through an adjustment period. 

Pedri's POV

Like most days when Y/n got home she seemed stressed until she saw me then she put a fake smile on her face. I can tell she's faking it because the smile didn't reach her eyes like it always does when she's actually smiling. I know the move has been a lot on her we both knew the first few weeks would be hard but I can tell she's still struggling and that just breaks my heart. It's not that she doesn't want to be here as when we go places together she really enjoys herself but whenever I have to leave her or she goes to work the next time I see her she looks stressed and just generally unhappy. 

I should've known that moving so far from home and getting a new job all at the same time would be hard for her but I underestimated how big of a change that would be for her. I remember when I first moved here I didn't know anyone and it was my first time living alone it was scary and I missed home a lot and that must be how y/n feels as I know she is really close to her family so not being close to them distance wise anymore is difficult. I want to do something to make her feel more at home here but I have no idea what the right thing to do is as I can't just magically help her settle in. 

This has been on my mind for a few days and I can't decide the right thing to do so I've decided that I'm going to ask some of the other guys if they have any ideas. I've told Ferran about my dilemma but he was no use and the same goes for Gavi neither of them gave me any serious ideas they just joked around like they always do. Asking them made it clear that I need to talk to one of the older guys who might actually offer some sensible advice. 

"Hey Raphinha can I get your advice on something?" I asked 

"Of course man what's up" he said 

"You know y/n moved in with me a few months ago well I just feel like she hasn't fully settled in and I don't know what to do she just seems stressed and unhappy" I said 

"That's hard she must just miss home I know this isn't the answer your looking for but time is the best thing for that and just talk to her asking her how she feels will help you understand what you can do to take some of the stress away" he advised 

"Thanks man I'll definitely talk to her" I said 

"Wait Pedri did you say y/'s missing home" one of coaches said from across the hallway 

"Yeah she just seems to be lonely I guess she's only got me and anyone I've introduced her to so when we aren't around that's when she seems to be the worst" I said 

"This might not be the solution you're looking for but my brother found a puppy dumped in a bin last night maybe having something in the house would help y/n feel less lonely if you want to meet the puppy I'll give you my brothers number" he said 

"Actually that sounds like a great idea" I said 

Getting a puppy was definitely not something I'd planned on doing for a while as I'm not around as much as I would need to be to look after a dog and I didn't want to put that all on y/n as she's getting used to life here but maybe it would be good for her. Having a little puppy around the house to keep her company while I'm not around sounds like a great idea to me and she can meet new people taking the dog for a walk. 

~~~~~~~~~~

After seeing the puppy my mind was made up he was so sweet and he reminded me a lot of the family dog y/n has back home which seemed like a sign that this was the decision I needed to make. It took a few days to get everything sorted but finally today I picked up the puppy and brought him home to explore a bit before y/n got home from work. So far he's done just that he hasn't stopped running around and playing with the few toys I got him as well as my shoes but we will work on stopping that another day. 

Your POV

Today has been a long day we had a big presentation at work today and I had a few important meetings and now I'm just exhausted. When I pulled into the driveway Pedri's car was already there and that made me feel a little better as seeing him and cuddling with him sounds like it will make all my problems go away at least for tonight. As I entered the door I saw a little plastic ball on the floor which had me confused as I don't know why Pedri would have one of those or why it would just be on the floor. Then it all made sense when a tiny ball of black fluff ran towards me grabbed the ball and ran away again towards Pedri who picked up the puppy and brought it towards me. 

As soon as he placed the puppy in my arms I was in love it looked exactly like my parents dog back home which they got when I was little and we grew up together. Holding the puppy made me feel like I had a bit of home with me and it reminded me of my childhood and all of the photos I have with my parents dog. 

"Whose dog is this?" I asked Pedri 

"He's ours" he said 

"I have so many questions" I said 

"Well one of our coaches at the club overheard me talking to Raphinha about how I think you've been missing home and feeling lonely here and said that his brother found a puppy dumped in a bin so I went and met the puppy and instantly knew he'd be a perfect fit for us and I know we both have busy lives but I thought he'd keep you company while I'm away" Pedri explained 

"Who would dump this little cutie" I cooed to the puppy

"I do have one last question does he have a name yet?" He asked 

"I haven't properly named him yet as I didn't want to do it without you but I was thinking we could call him Nilo" he said 

"I like that welcome to our crazy household Nilo" I said 

Pedri took my bag off me while I took Nilo to the living room so I could sit and play with him to destress from my day. It didn't take long for Pedri to join us and we both threw the little ball across the room and watched little Nilo scamper after it. A puppy would've been the last thing I thought I wanted if you'd have asked me even just yesterday but I actually think Pedri is right Nilo is going to be great at keeping me company when no one else is here and having such a happy little thing here to greet me when I get home is definitely going to brighten my days. It feels like I've got a little bit of my life from back home here now that we have a dog and hopefully that will help make Barcelona feel like home. 

For the rest of the night we didn't take our attention off Nilo but eventually we had to go to bed now we had agreed that Nilo wouldn't sleep in the bed with us but that went out the window within two seconds. As soon as we saw him sitting on the floor in his bed whimpering and wanting our attention Pedri got up and put him on our bed which stopped his crying instantly. Nilo was quick to make himself comfy in my arms as Pedri put his arms around me and we settled down for the night as some sort of weird family.

"Thank you for getting Nilo just having him here has made me feel more at home" I said 

"There's no need to thank me I just want you to be comfortable here and honestly as soon as I saw him there was no way I was leaving without him he was just too cute" Pedri laughed 

"He certainly is cute you have competition now" I joked 

"I don't think I'm going to win that competition" he said 

"No you won't but I still love you" I said 

"More than Nilo?" He asked 

"Of course for now at least" I joked 

Pedri rolled his eyes but I know he feels the exact same way I do. 

[flowerwiththemachinegun]

Nsfw. dubcon/noncon, intoxicated reader, domestic violence, Angeal x reader, Sephiroth x reader, forced Angeal x Sephiroth

Angeal is such a lover, the only one of the three that will love you properly. The only one that deserves you. I just feel like that’s a man who really knows how to love. But unfortunately he’s stuck on the sidelines, watching the torment Sephiroth puts you through.

______________________________________

Angeal, who waits outside of your apartment door while listening to you and Sephiroth argue. Who gave you his number to call him whenever things started going too far left. He’s not eavesdropping, not trying to anyways, Angeal’s simply there to make sure you’re safe. Also making sure Sephiroth doesn’t do anything too regrettable, he hardly understands what a healthy relationship is with most people. Nature versus nurture Angeal assumed, perhaps it was both. It’s not like Sephiroth’s life has ever been particularly easy in the slightest and it has very clearly taken a toll on his mental wellbeing. It’s definitely not as though Sephiroth had many figures to look up to, nearly everyone only used him to accomplish their own goals. It’s not an excuse to tear down such a perfect being.

Angeal remembers every cruel word he’s heard Sephiroth say to you. Talking to you as though you’re disposable, as though you’re nothing more than the dirt under his feet. But Angeal’s always there to pick the shattered bits of you that Sephiroth leaves behind in the aftermath of his abuse. By now he’s sure he knows you better than your own boyfriend. With each time he pieces you back together; lifting you back up and restoring as much as your confidence as Angeal possibly can, getting closer to you.

Oh Angeal hates this.

Nevertheless, he’s still going to stay in the background, convincing you to stay with Sephiroth. Telling you that he will get better for you, Seph just needs time. A lot of time. Yet, Sephiroth just can’t seem to get it together, showing progress for a while but reverting back to toxic behavior. Angeal knows he gave him ample amount of time to start taking care of you the way he would. Everyone runs out of patience at some point, right?

*******************************************************

Sephiroth isn’t very fond of your friendship with Angeal but can’t explain to you why Angeal being protective of you is so utterly wrong. It has nothing to do with Sephiroth’s need to isolate you from everyone, no it can’t be that. Maybe it’s how you talk to Angeal. He can’t stand to see you interact with anyone, jealousy coursing through his veins whenever you treat someone with a shred of human decency. All of your attention, kindness, and time should be solely reserved for him. Had you not worked for Shinra, establishing a high level of value in the company as well, you would've certainly vanished without a trace of you left behind.

“So, do you call each other often?” You’re honest, undoubtedly there would be repercussions if you lied to him. Not that you would lie to Sephiroth, it’s not in you, countered with the knowledge that he would sense your deceit immediately. How often you talk to Angeal bothers him, no doubt. Mulling it over he chooses to wait before he delves deeper into the situation, not opting to trust you, more so to trust Angeal. He’s one of his best friends so why wouldn’t he trust him. You, however, he’s not so sure about.

Sephiroth does find it odd you stopped talking to everyone else but Angeal upon being questioned. You’ve seen the ugly side of Sephiroth when you don’t abide by his rules, experiencing his rage. It hurts, it hurts so much. Nonetheless, he hasn’t told you not to talk to Angeal yet. Hence why you simply don’t stop, he’s the only friend you have left after all. The only friend Sephiroth allows you to have.

***************************************************

It’s only a matter of time before Sephiroth’s mishandling of you grates at Angeal’s nerves. Constantly finding more and more open windows to secure time with you, wanting to show you what it’s like to be with someone who would never hurt you. If Sephiroth’s away on a mission, Angeal is conveniently finding his way at your doorstep. Even going as far as to schedule his lunch around yours if he realized Sephiroth wouldn’t be around.

It’s not as though Angeal’s efforts have gone entirely unnoticed by you. After time passes you can tell his timing isn’t just a coincidence. Perhaps at first sure, but you’re not exactly the most dense person in the world either. For some reason you can’t seem to ever turn down spending time with him, smiling in his presence and fully feeling at peace. It’s just so adorable the way he makes sure you don’t have to clean anything after cooking, the subtle gestures of kindness he offers to you. Showing up at your door to make sure you took care of yourself for the day, whether it be running a bath for you, cooking or ordering anything you’d like to eat, or just providing you with genuine human interaction for the day. Angeal knows how limited you are to the outside world and maybe he abuses that in his own way to be closer to you. But if he’s going to keep making a smile appear on your face he would do anything and Angeal means anything.

**********************************************************

Angeal knows he isn’t very discreet considering his actions. Genesis swiftly caught on, stating that “Every time he’s gone she’s wrapped around your goddamn arm.” He’s not going to tell, sure Genesis doesn’t know the deeper details of your relationship with Sephiroth. What he does know is that Angeal deserves you more(or it’s his pettiness towards Sephiroth), urging him to “at least have fun while it lasts.” Angeal doesn’t want just fun, doesn’t want his time with you to be temporary. Though he can’t help but see truth in Genesis words, maybe he should just enjoy you while he can.

Of all people to listen to it probably shouldn’t have been Genesis, when has he ever been the voice of reason? Now, Angeal finds himself at your doorstep, asking to take you out for the night. Heavens he looks so handsome, gray dress shirt unbuttoned to give you a slight view of his chest. Stepping into your apartment you can’t help but fully take him in, always so well put together, shirt tucked and—why does he smell so good?

You should know better, you certainly do know better. Even still you can’t help but wrap your arms around his neck, pulling him closer as he hugged you, burying your face into his chest. Pulling away to get some distance, hands still lingering on his shoulders, you question why he’s there so late and what’s the occasion for him to be dressed up. Claiming that he isn’t sure if you do much outside of work, which you don’t. It’s just work, Sephiroth, repeat. Urging you to get dressed so you could get some “fresh air and a night out” you can’t help but agree. Besides, it would be nice to get out for a change.

**********************************************************

Consequences be damned right, you’ll take that into consideration later. Currently, you’re too busy trying to unbutton Angeal’s shirt, trailing kisses from the exposed skin peeking out and up his neck. He tried to deny you, as weak as an attempt to shed you off of him as it was, he did try. The way you kissed him made Angeal so weak, your lips being as soft as he imagined paired with the sense of desperation. He could be imagining it and that would be just okay with him; it’s as though you’ve been craving him, just as much as he’s craved you.

Upon bringing you home Angeal tells himself he can’t go inside with you, that he should just make sure you make it through the door then head home. That’s what he told himself, you just seemed too drunk to navigate your own home. Making sure you get tucked into bed surely shouldn’t cause any harm. Though you keep touching him, telling him you need him, in turn Angeal starts convincing himself that he’s not taking advantage of you. Telling himself that this is okay because you want him too, that he’s been patient for so painfully long and he deserves a reward.

“I love you.” Whether you meant it right now or not didn’t matter so much, the only thing that matters is Angeal hearing those words slip past your lips as he’s bullying his cock deeper and deeper inside of you. It feels right, there’s not much you’re certain about in this life, but you’re absolutely, undoubtedly positive that this may be as good as it gets. If Angeal’s moans are anything to go by, you’d say he’s also having the time of his life.

Isn’t it sad though, the way you’re thinking about Sephiroth while Angeal is in you? It arouses you even more as you reflect on their friendship, they almost fuck the same. Angeal’s just so much more attentive and giving but he also fucks you equally as rough and is so greedy with your touches, not allowing your hands off of him for a second. There’s some shame in falling in love with and fucking your boyfriend’s best friend. This shame only helps tip you over the edge, locking your legs around Angeal so he has no choice but to cum in you.

***************************************************

It’s almost comical how you pictured the very moment Sephiroth found out about you and Angeal. How you imagined the way he’d drive his foot into your ribs, leaving you gasping for air, how he would choke you until you passed out. What’s a tad bit more amusing, in your fucked up world, is how you predicated the length of this beating. It’s been hours, only occasionally stopping to make sure Angeal’s attention was still on you.

What you didn’t predict was arriving at Sephiroth’s home, being greeted with a completely defeated Angeal. Bloody and bruised, you feel a pang of guilt rush to your chest as Sephiroth quite literally dumps him at your feet. You’re practically glued to the floor with fear, unsure if moving to check on Angeal would prove to be another mistake you’ve made. Why are you scared? Common sense should’ve at least told the two of you to cut ties after the first time you slept with him. In all reality common sense should’ve told you two to leave well enough alone from the moment you met. But you are scared despite putting yourself in this situation, you can’t help but be terrified as you look into Sephiroth’s eyes as he approaches you letting you know that, “it’s your turn.”

At some point Sephiroth had the consideration to grab Angeal from where he sits on the floor. Throwing him onto the couch and turning his attention back to you, ordering you to take off your clothes. He wants to see the reason you couldn’t keep your hands off of Angeal, something about fucking him must make you really goddamn stupid. It was foolish of both of you to think you could hide this from Sephiroth. You always knew he would find out, but when? The right question to ask might be, how long has he known?

Angeal’s refusal to look at you is laughable, eliciting a chuckle from Sephiroth. “You can’t bear to see her naked anymore? Does it bother you all of a sudden Angeal?” He doesn’t speak, when you think about it you haven’t heard Angeal say anything the entire time. That’s okay, Sephiroth doesn’t need him to talk. Moving next to Angeal he begins stripping him, eyes lingering over Angeal’s half hard member as he pulls his boxers down. Maybe he needs to feel what you feel.

“You like making her feel better right? Then make her feel good, Angeal.” Angeal isn’t sure what part of this situation is worse, but currently all he can feel is disgust. He’s so hard while you ride his dick, you’re a sobbing mess, and no he shouldn’t get off on this. Neither of you wanted to do this but it’s not as though Sephiroth is giving you a choice. Going so far as to grab your hips, helping you ride Angeal. “You can’t slow down, not when he’s this close.”

“Look what you’ve made me do, I can’t just let you go.” That’s how it started off as he forcibly bent Angeal over the couch, “Now you have no choice but to die by my side as well.” An invitation? No, more like a contract, he wants to keep both you and Angeal. It doesn’t sound like too bad of an idea, the two people in this world that know Sephiroth best under his ownership.

Angeal looked lifeless as Sephiroth fucked into him, trying disconnect himself entirely from the situation at hand. After being beaten into submission there wasn’t much he could do but take what was being given to him. You wanted to help considering the situation but even if you were in good enough shape you wouldn’t be able to take on Sephiroth. All you can do is beg for forgiveness so he would stop, trying to reason with him through your sniveling. “You would do anything to be forgiven, but would do nothing to prevent such a situation.”

The vile being within you is almost thankful he won’t let you look away, watching Angeal’s cock sway as he’s getting fucked, eyes following the precum dripping from him. He looked so betrayed by himself the first Angeal came, it was such a sight but you’re not supposed to be enjoying this.

Sephiroth reaches around, slowly stroking Angeal and rubbing his thumb over his tip. Is it wrong to enjoy watching this as much as you do? Probably, but Angeal is leaking so fucking much you just can’t look away, the way he’s trying to choke down his moans is sending you. “It’s okay to like it, Angeal. You don’t have to hold back.” Now Angeal is the one that’s crying because he does like it. Sephiroth is certainly going to keep you both, on the inside it excites you. Does this not benefit everyone in their own fucked up way?

_________________________________________

I would definitely stand in the middle of a busy highway if it meant I could get a chance at being sandwiched by these two. But at least it’s a throuple? Toxic, but hey it’s a hot one. Now where tf is Genesis, no man left unfucked.

[bidisaster-peanut-romano]

Throughout the entire game, who do you think are some of the most underrated or under-appreciated characters?

stumbling into the askbox whyyy hello there!!! it had been a while!!

OKAY SO. let's start from one fact: every. single. character has something special about them. so like the easy answer is... anyone, lmao. truth be told we (the whole community) has been around for llke, 18 years (WOAH) and some sides are completely unexplored. even just from the idea that... have you guys ever noticed how little content there is around about nerds and jocks, for exmple? and i don't only mean art but also writing, analysis, metas, thoughts and such. not to mention the townies, the townies, when, having some of them been given some actually adult attributes, there would be a lot to unpack.

i feel like this is a) mostly for the nerds, that the rightful fisgust for the horrible thing they did to mandy discourages a lot from engaging with them as characters too, and b) because they are quite overshadowed by the fan favorite preps and greasers. which, i mean, very legit. but i think that they do have a lot of potential, again, in terms of characterization and themes, and i feel like we are collectively missing out on a lot.

and there's also the fact that, even with the fan-favorites, there is so little tapping into the more serious and sometimes mature aspects. i wouldn't say christy is neglected by the fandom, but it's not often that i read someone talking about her repressed anger that explodes whenever she feels too much, that heirloom of her father that of curse she doesn't have, she isn't a problem boy like her brother, what do you mean with that, i could use this tie to strangle you goddammit! or vance, that we all love as the sunshine jokester of the greaser and heartbreaker queer icon, but how come none of us ever mention him having a canonical addiction, and what if his messy dating habits have to do with that, too? what if he's running from something inside himself, rushing to next best thing just so he can feel something?

but this is just me rambling as an introduction oops. so, just trying to list a couple of my favorites:

thad carlson (& dan wilson) (putting them together bc they're intrinsecally connected and while i do stand by the fact that he's wildly underappreciated in the fandom i would hit dan in the face with a brick): i would lterally give my first born for these two. they are what they actually wanted to write when they wrote about cain and abel. i'm not sure what is the exact reason why they have different last names, and i don't wanna enter headcanon territory here. what it does unavoidably indicate, though, is that they were doomed from the start. like it was written in their names. so, picture this: they were in the nerds together. they suffered the bullying, the abuse together. the humiliation tasted like blood in their mouths and shone like the stars they'd see with their heads smashed in a locker, but at least they knew their brother would've been there to hold them. there's something very visceral about suffering together with a brother. like the blood they share creates somewhat of a shell, one that can protect them from what is outside, that can give them the comfort that they will never be alone. whether they like it or not, their brother will forever be with them; it's inside them. except that thad had the rage of a wounded animal; dan had the fear of a small prey. so, while thad kept standing tall and proud and chin high against his bullies, dan started training and morphing until he could be accepted in the jocks. dan wasn't the bullied anymore. he was the bully. while his brother was still on the other side of the war- the side of the eternal losers, that is. the side that, no matter how many battles they will win, they will always be at a disadvantage. so thad has got all the hurt of having been betrayed by a half of himself, like the phantom pain of a lost limb. and the hurt makes him angrier and angrier and when he wants to take revenge on the jocks his brother is the first target he wants, because, see, he is the victim, his brother is cain who has killed abel. but also dan has got his head on backwards to look out for enemies and for anyone who might uncover him as the fraud he is, the way he just thought- they are just bullying me for what i am, so what if i become someone different? except that it's not like he didn't feel like a loser anymore, he just feels like a loser with a football sweater. so at that point you look at the direction of that violence, at where the anger and the resentment lies, and you stop there and wonder. who's cain there? who's gonna be the victim, who the executioner? like nathaniel orion said, "i want to kill him sometimes. i think sometimes he wants to die". i love them ur honor.

otto tyler: i have no literal idea why there is so so so little about him. admittedly, content about townies is in gnereal harder to track down, since they have... no last names.... for the most part. but the otto tag is absolutely desolated. this boy is what you'd call too angry to be this young. his first response to anything is extreme violence and fantasies of it. playing his audios you will be met with die, kill, die, kill, kill, die, die. and all of his vitriol is poured on the school, like they have all come together specifically to hunt him down. and he's been canonically hospitalized, as well; when you walk in the asylum for the first time (galloway away i believe) he tells you not to "anger the watcher"- but who is this watcher? the composition of the scene seems to implies it is the statue in the courtyard; the most coherent correspondence would be the orderlies you will have to avoid as you walk past them; maybe otto himself has just been told not to anger the watcher by the people who are supposed to take care of him, but that are just playing with his mind to make him too afraid not to behave. which, incidentally, doesn't sound too different from what he might have suffered at school. otto will ask you if you have ever punched a wall. he will swear he hates everyone in the school, that everyone in the school hated him, he will threaten to destroy it. otto is a landmine, he's an unstable kid who just needed some ground to stand on, and instead they placed him all alone on a shaking earth. all is anger is desperation, it's having spent too much time without a support system, too much time bound -to a chair, in a cell, in a straitjacket- surrounded by people who couldn't understand him. who stifled his expression instead of channeling all the feelings he had all the time, exploding and intense in an overwhelming and violent way. i like to think of him as an artist. he mentions tattoos; i like to imagine he's learning to do them himself. that he's finding that as an outlet for his expression. and yeah overall. i am a lot fond of otto, and i think he would have a lot to say.

mr. wiggins: look, this guy is super unlucky. he's the only teacher with no class minigame; he's only ever walking around, and if you saw him you probably mistook him for the more familiar mr. matthews. but believe me when i tell you he's a real one. example 1: when someone snithces to him, he says something along the lines of "thank you, but i will never be able to trust you again". BRO. let me tell you, in 1968 this guy was OUT on his college campus and he was MARCHING and RIOTING with workers and students. he even mentions having spent a night or two in JAIL. he will walk into class and say the nastiest things about reagan while he keeps saying that as a teacher he will have to be politically neutral as if he didn't just have a fight with hattrick about socialism.

[dufferpuffer]

First of all, I need to express my love for you and how grateful I am for your deep understanding of Lupin and Snape's characters. You're the first person I see that loves them both while also acknowledging their flaws and not trying to sugarcoat Lupin's toxicity (again, thank you)

Secondly, it is because of your great comprehension towards them that I'd like to see your opinion on this. We don't talk enough about Lupin's shitty and completely uncalled for behaviour towards Snape during PoA (and just how well Snape handles it, because God knows most people would have snapped, and he had more reasons than anyone to do so, but only intervened when CHILDREN'S safety was compromised)

What do you think would've happened in a world where, instead of taking Lupin's bullying and mocking during PoA, he returns it just as smoothly and doesn't just let the man walk over him? What of an alternative universe where Snape just says "you know what? Fuck it, I'm a loser but you're no better" and despite still being terrified afraid of Lupin, he also resents him and subtly puts him back in his place every time he pulls the usual shit? (While also keeping his distance because he doesn't want that man anywhere near him)

Would have Lupin gotten angry? Would he get cold feet and keep the distance too because he can't handle Snape actually fighting back? Would this turn into a toxic asf enemies to lovers dynamic with all the passive-agressive exchanges, backhanded compliments and constant fight for dominance in the situation?

Seriously, love your blog 💕 Hope you're well and thriving

Thankyou for the love :') I love the boys, and without their complex layers of toxicity and trauma the boys just wouldn't be The Boys anymore. Lupin's softness is nothing without his sharp edges after all. Its been awhile since I read PoA. Its the next one i'm reading to my boyfriend. But this is a really interesting fic idea!!! Such a small change - but potential big consequences...? Remus is a coward, but in PoA he was spoiled with getting his own way - and things generally went really well for him. I flicked through some of the chapters where they interact, so this isn't perfect - but what if Snape did snap back every time Remus tried to press him...? He was told to keep the werewolf's secret - not to allow himself to be bullied again. ((This this turned into a looooong look into their dynamic. Oopsy.))

Remus Lupin and the Nasty Man who Wont Let Things be Easy for Him

Chapter 7,

Remus arrives ~fashionably late~ to class so he can surprise the kids: 'only bring your wands (no lame textbooks) for a practical.' He is confident, a little playful - dealing with Peeves effortlessly. (His father specialized in things like poltergeists and boggarts, after all.) The kids think he is cool! He already knows all their names! He is glowing with pride just to be there. So adorable I love him. He has 100% been bouncing on his heels with nerves and excitement to teach this lesson. There is no way he was ACTUALLY late - he just wanted to appear aloof.

He wants to be cool - and fun - and comforting - and safe: Why else have the first lesson be getting the kids to face the scariest thing they can imagine under HIS warm protection...? Albus is definitely his role model - they have the same manipulation tactics. Very different to Snapes 'get it right or else' lesson beforehand. He is safe. He is SO safe. He is The Safest Man. He's learned all their names already, isn't that nice of him?? Now he can learn all their fears, too - and he can soothe them!!! How well planned, Mr Lupin… Warm, soft, fluffy Mr. Lupin. So capable and so sweet… He could NEVER be a monster! Nobody will EVER suspect he is a monster...

As Professor Lupin came in and made to close the door behind him, Snape said, ‘Leave it open, Lupin. I’d rather not witness this.’ He got to his feet and strode past the class, his black robes billowing behind him. At the doorway he turned on his heel and said, ‘Possibly no one’s warned you, Lupin, but this class contains Neville Longbottom. I would advise you not to entrust him with anything difficult. Not unless Miss Granger is hissing instructions in his ear.’ Neville went scarlet. Harry glared at Snape; it was bad enough that he bullied Neville in his own classes, let alone doing it in front of other teachers. Professor Lupin had raised his eyebrows. ‘I was hoping that Neville would assist me with the first stage of the operation,’ he said, ‘and I am sure he will perform it admirably.’ Neville’s face went, if possible, even redder. Snape’s lip curled, but he left, shutting the door with a snap.

Though Snape was still being nasty about the previous lesson - this was a HELPFUL comment more than it was a jeer at Neville. He almost didn't say anything at all - but turned on his heel at the last second. He knows Remus was irresponsible with danger in his youth and is new to teaching. So he gives him a tip: 'Longbottom is difficult to manage. Granger is capable and trustworthy. Pair them together if you must.'

...Honestly he was basically setting Lupin up to look good. Anything Remus said would have seemed lovely, even a terse "Yes, well, thankyou Professor. We will see about that." ...But Lupin politely and confidently spat back. Always politely. He wasn't rude to Snape, but the meaning was clear: 'Back off, Severus. I decide what my students can handle.'

Snape's lip curled. (That's his version of a sneering little smile) 'Oh yeah? Good luck with that.' The amount of body language these men talk through, both masters of hiding their intentions and emotions with masks - they fence with words and actions.

How could Snape snap back without seeming like he was lashing out...? Remus bullies by asserting dominance in a way that makes others seem like they're being mean to gentle widdle Wupin if they retaliate, or are being silly if they defend themselves. Remus is desperate for his students to have confidence in him. To think of him as their sweet savior. To soothe his worries of posing a danger to them, of being rejected, of being suspected…

Snape’s lip curled. "…Then I wish you good luck, Mr. Wolf." he drawled as he left, shutting the door with a snap.

…Maybe that treads the line of what he is allowed to say. Remus would scramble to Dumbledore's office in a panic, to get him to warn Severus not to play silly games... but he would have to do that later, in secret - away from the kids. In the immediate - he would stammer to remind them: "Of course, Lupin means 'Wolf' in French… Snape is just making a little joke!" But god, what a way to knock him off-balance-!

I don't think it will change how the lesson goes. If anything, Lupin will be more keen to push Neville to humiliate Snape via his Boggart. Especially knowing he will soon be seeing Snape's lip curl in triumph as he gets told off by Dumbledore - because Remus snitched. How humiliating, getting a 'teacher' involved. (They're little boys at heart.) There is nothing Snape likes more than humiliating a bully. Every time 'Boggart' is mentioned Snape has the sweet memory of seeing Lupin look so pathetic in-front of Dumbledore, his role model. Every time a kid calls him 'Mr Wolf' as a joke... Remus will have to pretend he 'doesn't mind much', but gently insist they use his real name, please. He will know to tread carefully around Severus.

Chapter 8,

Harry is at a low point emotionally. He is having a good chat with Lupin, who seems to understand him better than other teachers. Though, Lupin is still speaking vaguely, making allusions - much like Dumbledore.

'Sit down,’ said Lupin, taking the lid off a dusty tin. ‘I’ve only got teabags, I’m afraid – but I daresay you’ve had enough of tea leaves?’ Harry looked at him. Lupin’s eyes were twinkling. ‘How did you know about that?’ Harry asked.

If it didn't say 'Lupin' you'd 100% believe Albus said that - complete with twinkling eyes and an awestruck Harry. ((This is making me wanna do a whole thing comparing how Albus and Remus act)) Anyway - In this cozy atmosphere, where Remus is enjoying being the object of Harry's awe, and not telling him he was his parents' close friend...

He was interrupted by a knock on the door. ‘Come in,’ called Lupin. The door opened, and in came Snape. He was carrying a goblet, which was smoking faintly, and stopped at the sight of Harry, his black eyes narrowing. ‘Ah, Severus,’ said Lupin, smiling. ‘Thanks very much. Could you leave it here on the desk for me?’ Snape set the smoking goblet down, his eyes wandering between Harry and Lupin. ‘I was just showing Harry my Grindylow,’ said Lupin pleasantly, pointing at the tank. ‘Fascinating,’ said Snape, without looking at it. ‘You should drink that directly, Lupin.’ ‘Yes, yes, I will,’ said Lupin. ‘I made an entire cauldronful,’ Snape continued. ‘If you need more.’ ‘I should probably take some again tomorrow. Thanks very much, Severus.’ ‘Not at all,’ said Snape, but there was a look in his eye Harry didn’t like. He backed out of the room, unsmiling and watchful. Harry looked curiously at the goblet. Lupin smiled.

Aka. Severus walks into the beasts den and finds a pup. Have you ever seen Severus act so polite? So appeasing? So... dare I say... submissive? Even Harry knew something was up - worried Snape was acting meek because he was trying to POISON Remus. (Only in his dreams.)

And Remus-! All smiles! Harry is looking into the goblet? SMILE! 'I was showing HARRY, who is here in my office with us RIGHT NOW, my Grindylow! ...Oh, 'my' potion? Yes, yes... how kind. Lovely. Marvelous. Please and Thankyou and GET OUT.' Antsy. On edge. Calm twinkling eyes are now jaw-clenching smiles.

Lupin drained the goblet and pulled a face. ‘Disgusting,’ he said. ‘Well, Harry, I’d better get back to work. I’ll see you at the feast later.’

'How lovely Severus is to brew this innocent potion! I shall drink it now! Teehee, its a bit yucky~ Anyway Harry YOU SHOULD LEAVE.'

He just made the boy some tea, ready to have a heart-to-heart... and because Severus came in with his wolfsbane: screaming internally. On any other day, with any other person, Severus would have struck his pitchfork right into his chest and turned him over like hay. They are both defensive here. Cats circling each-other. Severus is SO spooked due to it being close to the Full Moon, entering a private room with Remus - and now having to speak carefully because The Lad is there - he just allows Remus to be the boss 'Yes, sir - on the desk? Of course...' He just wants to leave. No waxing gibbous werewolf temper. Adios.

...What about a Severus that see's Remus' fear of not being in control of the information in the room - of having Harry ask questions? How about he uses his own discomfort to fuel being a little bugger?

‘Come in,’ called Lupin. The door opened, and in came Snape. He was carrying a goblet, which was smoking faintly, and stopped at the sight of Harry, his black eyes narrowing. ‘Ah, Severus,’ said Lupin, smiling. ‘Thanks very much. Could you leave it here on the desk for me?’ Snape walked up to desk, his eyes curiously wandering between Harry and Lupin. ‘I was just showing Harry my Grindylow,’ said Lupin pleasantly, pointing at the tank. 'Right here would be marvelous.' He patted the the edge of the desk furthest from Harry with his fingertips. ‘...I rather think you should drink it now.’ said Snape, ignoring it completely. ‘Your little chat can wait till you recover, surely.’ ‘Yes, yes, I will-’ Lupin seemed a little flustered. His eyes darted to Harry's, and for a moment he thought he could see fear. Harry's stomach dropped a little as he peered curiously at the goblet. ‘I made an entire cauldronful,’ Snape continued. ‘Since you will be needing more than this for your... particular condition-’ ‘Yes, Thankyou, Severus.' Lupin spoke firmer now, cutting him off. Harry had never seen his gaze look so sharp. 'I'll take more tomorrow, then.’ There was an odd standoff between them. Snape's head tilted as he opened his hand for the goblet, but kept his distance. The edge of Lupin's smile strained for a moment before he tipped the strange, steaming brew back and started to drink. Harry had a mad urge to knock the goblet out of his hands. ‘Ugh... Pity sugar makes it useless...’ he almost choked taking one last hurried gulp, leaning to hand the smoking goblet over. ‘Indeed. A pity.’ said Snape, lip curling into a smug hook. There was a look in his eye Harry didn’t like. 'Potter - I highly recommend you leave the Professor alone now to rest.' He turned sharply, cloak flowing behind him as he left. The smoke left a funny smell in his wake. Harry looked to Lupin. There was so much to say he was tongue tied! Does he warn him that Snape wants his job? Does he ask about the potion? A part of him even wanted to comfort his teacher. Adults didn't usually have this much trouble with Snape... ‘Well, Harry, he is right - I’ve been feeling a bit off-colour recently. I’ll see you at the feast later.’ Lupin stood quickly, gesturing him to leave. ‘...Right,’ said Harry, putting his empty teacup down.

I think, if anything, Harry being there would have made Severus bolder. Remus, at the end of the day, can't bring himself to start fights. To refuse to drink the potion would make him look like a child. Rather than seeming like he has a foot up on Snape he now seems a little... pathetic. Infront of the boy he wanted to impress.

Severus is cornering Remus to drain his confidence. He isn't threatening to out him - but he is speaking as if he might, keeping Remus on his toes while staying completely innocent. He is playing Remus' game against him, and is better at it. He has the advantage of far less to hide - and far less to prove.

Chapter 14,

This is the one where Remus and Snape have their grand sparring match about the Marauders Map, but I wanted to add something to what Snape says to Harry beforehand:

‘What did you say to me, Potter?’ ‘I told you to shut up about my dad!’ Harry yelled. ‘I know the truth, all right? He saved your life! Dumbledore told me! You wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for my dad!’ Snape’s sallow skin had gone the colour of sour milk. ‘And did the Headmaster tell you the circumstances in which your father saved my life?’ he whispered. ‘Or did he consider the details too unpleasant for precious Potter’s delicate ears?’ Harry bit his lip. He didn’t know what had happened and didn’t want to admit it – but Snape seemed to have guessed the truth. ‘I would hate you to run away with a false idea of your father, Potter,’ he said, a terrible grin twisting his face. ‘Have you been imagining some act of glorious heroism? Then let me correct you – your saintly father and his friends played a highly amusing joke on me that would have resulted in my death if your father hadn’t got cold feet at the last moment. There was nothing brave about what he did. He was saving his own skin as much as mine. Had their joke succeeded, he would have been expelled from Hogwarts.’ Snape’s uneven, yellowish teeth were bared.

I think Snape would actually be surprised that Lupin hadn't told Harry anything about his father. That HE had told him more about James than ANYONE else had bothered to! He would have expected Harry would now know all sorts of stories where they humiliated him... Unless maybe that was part of a deal? He doesn't talk about werewolves - Remus doesn't talk about his past...? Regardless - I don't think Snape would think it too revealing to say this:

'I suppose your new favourite teacher's painted a very different image of your father. All the better to win your precious trust.'

I think he would be confused that Harry was confused - before getting him to turn his pockets out. It would plant a seed of doubt in Harry's mind: Lupin was keeping BIG things from him.

He strode across to his fire, seized a fistful of glittering powder from a jar on the fireplace, and threw it into the flames. ‘Lupin!’ Snape called into the fire. ‘I want a word!’ Utterly bewildered, Harry stared at the fire. A large shape had appeared in it, revolving very fast. Seconds later, Professor Lupin was clambering out of the fireplace, brushing ash off his shabby robes. ‘You called, Severus?’ said Lupin mildly. ‘I certainly did,’ said Snape, his face contorted with fury as he strode back to his desk. ‘I have just asked Potter to empty his pockets. He was carrying this.’ Snape pointed at the parchment, on which the words of Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs were still shining. An odd, closed expression appeared on Lupin’s face. ‘Well?’ said Snape. Lupin continued to stare at the map. Harry had the impression that Lupin was doing some very quick thinking. ‘Well?’ said Snape again. ‘This parchment is plainly full of Dark Magic. This is supposed to be your area of expertise, Lupin. Where do you imagine Potter got such a thing?’ Lupin looked up and, by the merest half glance in Harry’s direction, warned him not to interrupt.

First of all: "A large shape had appeared in it, revolving very fast." Excuse me? 'Revolving very fast?' What direction?? That's fucking hilarious

Severus knows that Lupin made this parchment. He recognized the nicknames. Snape is better with Dark Magic than Lupin, Harry especially suspects Snape is keen on Dark Magic - it is ridiculous to call Lupin there to inspect the map, and everyone knows it. Snape wants to corner Lupin (for once) and get him to slip up about letting Black into the castle. Remus, of course, puts on another mask so he doesn't react to anything - and shoots Harry an 'I've got this' glance. Which is all very well and good for a confident Remus that's had Severus under his heel all year... But OUR Severus? The Severus that's made Remus look (and feel) wimpy? ...I think they're both going to get a shock.

‘Full of Dark Magic?’ he repeated mildly. ‘Do you really think so, Severus? It looks to me as though it is merely a piece of parchment that insults anybody who tries to read it. Childish, but surely not dangerous? I imagine Harry got it from a joke-shop –’ ‘Indeed?’ said Snape. His jaw had gone rigid with anger. ‘You think a joke-shop could supply him with such a thing? You don’t think it more likely that he got it directly from the manufacturers?’ Harry didn’t understand what Snape was talking about. Nor, apparently, did Lupin. ‘You mean, from Mr Wormtail or one of these people?’ he said. ‘Harry, do you know any of these men?’ ‘No,’ said Harry quickly. ‘You see, Severus?’ said Lupin, turning back to Snape. ‘It looks like a Zonko product to me –’ Right on cue, Ron came bursting into the office. He was completely out of breath, and stopped just short of Snape’s desk, clutching the stitch in his chest and trying to speak. ‘I – gave – Harry – that – stuff,’ he choked. ‘Bought – it – in Zonko’s – ages – ago …’ ‘Well!’ said Lupin, clapping his hands together and looking around cheerfully. ‘That seems to clear that up! Severus, I’ll take this back, shall I?’ He folded the map and tucked it inside his robes. ‘Harry, Ron, come with me, I need a word about my vampire essay. Excuse us, Severus.’

To Harry - Lupin didn't seem to know what Snape was talking about. He is stunned as the teachers have their little battle - as Severus tries not to say too much, and Remus lies through his teeth about things he doesn't need to lie about. His name is written on it. Dumbledore would know who 'Moony' is. Given the chance to defend Lupin, Harry and the Weasleys would come clean on how they got it. But OUR Harry? He knows Lupin is keeping secrets. He cuts off conversations when he feels stressed, he stammers excuses for odd behaviour - and now Snape has suggested he knew James more intimately than just 'being friends at Hogwarts' - yet has told him nothing of note. He might be a little protective of Lupin, but he has never trusted any adult fully... and he is starting to smell the lies.

‘You mean, from Mr Wormtail or one of these people?’ he said. ‘Harry, do you know any of these men?’ ‘No,’ said Harry quickly. ‘You see, Severus?’ said Lupin, turning back to Snape. ‘It looks like a Zonko product to me –’ 'But you do, right? Professor?' Harry cut him off. The silence was palpable. Remus' soft smile was missing at he stared back, wide-eyed. Snape was just as speechless. He realized, with a sickening drop in his stomach, he had essentially just come to Snape's defense. Before anyone could say anything more, Ron came bursting into the office. He was completely out of breath, and stopped just short of Snape’s desk, clutching the stitch in his chest and trying to speak.

Harry does what Severus has done all year: Snapped back at Remus' attempts at bullshitting. It's Remus' fear: his student is suspicious of him. Severus is just plain confused. He never thought James Potter's son would jump in to take his side on anything... he hasn't had anyone on his side all year, either. Not that thats unusual. Is this history repeating? A Potter defending Severus from Remus...? Nah. Not quite. (Not posting the original quote - because it's long. Remus says he met the mapmakers, and that they would have wanted to lure Harry out - but otherwise just tells him off like a good little teacher - leaving Harry feeling guilty.)

Harry didn’t dare look at Snape as they left his office. He, Ron and Lupin walked all the way back into the Entrance Hall before speaking. Then Harry turned to Lupin. ‘So you do know them.’ Harry asked directly. 'That's why Snape called for you. Your name is on it.' Lupin looked pained for a moment, like he was sucking on a sherbert lemon. ‘That is correct.’ said Lupin shortly. He glanced around the empty Entrance Hall and lowered his voice. ‘I helped make the map. It was a long time ago. Last I knew of its whereabouts it was confiscated by Mr Filch.’ he said not looking any less pained about having to say it. Ron looked amazed, but Harry's expression hardened as Lupin continued. ‘I don’t want to know how it fell into your possession. I am, however, astounded that you didn’t hand it in. Particularly after what happened the last time a student left information about the castle lying around.’ Harry was too keen for explanations to let him continue. ‘Why did you lie?’ Harry asked sharply. 'If Snape knows one of the names was you, why lie about it?' ‘Because …’ Lupin hesitated, for longer than was comfortable. ‘because... I didn't want you thinking I was suspicious.' Lupin smiled, chuckling slightly as he continued. 'Theres a dangerous man about, Harry! One who wants to lure you out of school-’ ‘One of your friends.’ said Harry, correcting him - and getting more indignant. 'Is his name on the map too? What about my father?' ‘...You're quite sharp, aren't you.’ he said slowly, his smile falling as he looked at Harry more seriously than ever before. 'Yes, they are. It was a long time ago, as I said.' 'Give it back.' Harry snapped, reaching for the map - but Lupin snatched it away. 'I can’t let you have it back, Harry.' Harry's jaw stiffened. Ron looked almost disgusted. 'You said his dad's, yeah? He has a right to it!' ‘I have a right to it too, as one of its makers!' Lupin stopped himself, as if catching that he sounded ridiculously petty. '...I covered for you, Harry - at risk to myself. You can't expect me to do it again. I cannot make you take Sirius Black seriously. But I would have thought that what you have heard when the Dementors draw near you would have had more of an effect on you. Your parents gave their lives to keep you alive, Harry. A poor way to repay them – gambling their sacrifice for a bag of magic tricks.’ He walked away quickly, leaving no room for a response. Harry felt far worse than he had at any point in Snape’s office. 'Sounds more like he was covering for himself...' Ron mumbled, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder.

I wanted a Harry hurt by Remus' lies. Harry never quite see's his teachers bad qualities while he is at school - because he is only 13. But if Snape being a snappy little bugger has one consequence: It's eroding Remus' projection of a confident man without secrets. Harry can sometimes ignore things he isn't directly interested in, but he is interested in both Remus and Snape. He wouldn't miss that. With some added defensive Ron, because Ron is a good lad.

There are many ways to spin this to be more overt, I took a very soft-handed approach that hasn't ended up changing too much. Baseline, I think: Remus would bend the knee to Severus more often than not. His one true goal is to look good - and Severus' goal is to not let him do that. Snape is BETTER at these games than Remus is. Remus has Dumbledore on his side to stop Snape from getting too loose-lipped, but we all know Snape is clever, witty, petty and vindictive. He finds ways around the rules and does his best to get information to the children that will keep them safe. The only thing holding him back is a slight fear of Lupin. If Remus were to confront Snape, beyond dragging him into a Dumbledore meeting, it would be a 'pretending to be nice, full of backhanded-compliments and cheeky remarks' argument in private. In Snapes office, so Remus can leave rather than have to demand Snape leaves. Because the moment Snape actually becomes angry he would leave - with one last biting remark, so he can feel like he had the upper hand.

....Is this like.... what you wanted? I sorta fell off the deep end... I feel like I've been on some sort of bender...

[bonny-kookoo]

Jungkook

𝓜𝓮𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 : I can't save us

There are lessons in life no one should have to learn.

Tags/Warnings: Angst, hurt & Comfort, Idol!Jungkook, Hybrid!Reader, Cat Hybrid!Reader, mentions of depression and depressive thoughts, heartbreak, homelessness, it's a bit heavy sorry, mentions of mental abuse and manipulation, betrayal, slow burn, eventual smut, dead dove do not eat

Dead Dove do not eat: warning for potentially triggering content that can't be tagged without spoiling the story.

Length: 2.5k words

-> Masterlist

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"Have you informed police about it?" Yoongi wants to know, sitting on the youngest's couch, but the idol in question immediately shakes his head.

"They'll put her into a shelter, and she would stay forever in there due to the fact that you can't put a legal NDA on her- so the company told me she could never be adopted by anyone ever again- they, they'd make sure of it-" Jungkook rambles, holding his head, and Yoongi feels both confused and concerned over the entire situation. He himself never really knew why Jungkook suddenly gave his hybrid away back then- he never really talked about it, avoided the topic, so the rapper simply assumed you both broke up and decided to part ways. But from what he hears right now, Jungkook still very obviously still cares about you.

So what really happened?

"But if you care about her so much, why'd you give her away?" He wonders, looking at the younger Idol in front of him.

"When.. Jin-hyung got engaged, remember?" Jungkook tries to explain himself. "The stalking, the comments, the airport incident, the protests- I… got scared. I just wanted her to be safe, a-and when I saw everything happen to him, I just felt so awful because I never thought of that.." He rambles, making Yoongi nod in understanding.

"I mean, I won't lie and say it was a cakewalk-" Yoongi starts. "But they got through it, didn't they? No one really cares about it anymore." He shrugs.

Jungkook stays silent at that, looking at nothing in particular, while his hands hold the tri-colored dog plushy that belonged to you at some point. "Jungkook.. you're not fine." Yoongi tries to reason next to him. "And you won't be fine unless you either fix this, or close this chapter-" He attempts, but Jungkook shakes his head, letting his head hang low.

"There's no fixing anything, hyung." He sighs in defeat. "There's nothing left to fix." The idol simply says, seemingly having given up.

"You're not even trying-" Yoongi shakes his head, but Jungkook grows irritated at that, it seems like.

"I've tried!" He argues with teary eyes. "I've tried, I failed, and I can't accept it!" He sobs, fingers clenching the soft material of the plush toy. It's long lost any scent of you, and he feels terrible for it. He should've just left it in your room, where it would've waited loyally until he himself would man up and bring you back home. But was this even a home to you anymore?

He can't tell.

What's the point of anything if he completely fucked up not only his potential future, but yours as well? He's taken every chance of a happy life from you because of his own selfishness back then. Because he didn't think it through, didn't realize that there were issues at hand that he should've been able to foresee. But he had been blinded by his own love for you that he was convinced love alone would be enough down the line. That if he loved you enough, the world would protect you as well.

But it doesn't work like that.

"How about we go one step at a time?" Yoongi wonders from the side, careful not to rile the young man up again. "one step at a time, nothing more."

"But every step I take towards her will only make it worse.." Jungkook denies, shaking his head. His eyes are still red from crying, head aching from the force of his sobs. He can't deal with the fact that you're still outside, sleeping god knows where, probably running off further and further away from him. Maybe you're not even there anymore, maybe you've been hit by a car, run over by a train-

"Jungkook you're having a panic attack-" Yoongi worries, trying hard to calm his friend down. "We can get her back here, just for now, okay? We can bring her here where it's warm, where she's safe- Jungkook there's security here, no one will harm her here." He attempts to push through whatever train of thought is running through his friend's mind at the moment.

"And then what?!" Jungkook breaks out. "She hates me, she has to- I hate myself too.!" He confesses, and the producer nods in front of him.

"I know, Jungkookie." He nods in sympathy. "I know you do."

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"Come on tannie, do your business so we can go back inside!" Taehyung whines, watching his tiny dog roam around the streets, a rare break from the rain having given him a chance to have his dog go a little round outside to stretch his own legs as well for once. The weather is terrible, and he hopes that everyone's safe tonight.

His dog is yapping at something in the distance, before he seems to try and jump up at a person, a white cat tail peeking out from a little oversized dark blue coat. Similar to one Jungkook used to have, he thinks to himself, as the person bows down to pet the dog.

Wait.

Taehyung walks closer, can't see your face- but he knows it must be you. He doesn't know the entire story, or what's really going on- but he knows that Jungkook and you were together at some point, until you both broke up, the reason never declared to anybody. And he himself didn't ask- at the end of the day, he'd hoped his best friend would open up to him at some point himself, but he never really did. What were you doing back in Seoul? Last time he saw you, you'd taken a train.

"Hey- you should probably go inside soon, before the weather gets worse again." Taehyung tells you, picking up his dog. "I'm sorry he's barking so much. He doesn't like cats." He apologizes, and you just nod, smiling at the little dog. And much to his surprise, you reach out to pet him, something the Pomeranian eagerly accepts. "Oh? You're just excited?" He asks his dog, and you nod as if to answer for him.

He gets why Jungkook liked you. You seem very friendly, but also calm in nature- and from what he can see, you're very pretty as well.

"Hey- Jungkook asked about you a few days ago." Taehyung tells you, and you tense up at that, as if you just realize who he is. "He never really said what happened between you two?" He questions. "Though, it's fine if you don't wanna say. It doesn't really concern me, I was just wondering." He shrugs, and you don't answer. Ah yes- he remembers Jungkook once said something about you being really quiet. "Well-" He nods, bowing respectfully to you. "-take care, okay?" He offers, and you nod, before pointing at him as if to say 'you too'.

Before you leave, swallowed up by the night.

And he can't help but feel a bit weird.

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You're sure he just wants you to go back to Hanako.

You won't be doing that- Hanako doesn't want you, and shouldn't be forced to take care of you. You didn't even need to hear why he was there- his scent had immediately alerted you of his presence. You could never forget him at any point in your life. He's haunting you like a bad dream, constantly filling your mind. You were definitely stupid to even come to Seoul- but your transportation ticket has expired at this point, giving you no legal way of getting out of here.

You don't want to go back to Hanako. She should live her own life, and not spend it taking care of you. It's not fair.

You didn't sleep at all since yesterday- somehow now terrified of him finding you at any point, forcing you to go back where you came from. He's mad, isn't he? You didn't do what he said, even if he didn't even say anything at all. Will he send out authorities after you now? Has he told police you're missing yet? You can't trust anybody now, shouldn't- or maybe you should dye your hair and hybrid features, maybe that would help you at least a little not to stand out anymore. Maybe that'll help.

Maybe it'll make you a better ghost.

You're awfully tired today, but not as in sleepy. Your muscles feel weak, like you've done a horrible workout- but they're not hurting. It's more like they just won't work the way they're supposed to- and it's making you stumble and trip constantly, jeans already cut open by the pavement ground. You're also not sure anymore where exactly you are- you know you should remember these streets, but the memories are foggy, unclear, making you unsure and scared of your surroundings.

And your arm is hurting, skin tender and muscles below aching bad.

You know you shouldn't scratch it, but you can't help the irritating feeling of it bothering you to the point of tears. You've got no money for food left, nothing to really buy you anything- and in a way, it feels like the end.

Like you're about to become a real ghost.

Is Jungkook at home? He must be, considering its pretty late, and the weather is still pretty bad outside. No one really wants to be out in the rain like this, the wind constantly blowing your hair around, wet strands sticking to your face. It forces you somewhere more secluded, a parking lot belonging to an apartment complex- having you climb over a fence to get to it, a more tedious action than usual considering your physical state. You know something's wrong with you, but you can't really do much about it, can you? Going to a hospital would just lead you into a shelter, or worse, back to Hanako who's probably happy right now you're not with her.

You just want to sleep a little, right here, underneath the little roof for the bikes standing around. It's not dry at all, but it's at least something. It's a dark corner where no one will see you until tomorrow morning when everyone will start going back to work. It'll be alright until then.

You just need a little nap, you think, as you curl up in the very corner to close your eyes just for a moment.

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"Let's go." Yoongi offers suddenly, getting up.

"What?" Jungkook whines almost in protest, before his friend forces him up from the couch as well.

"Grab a blanket or something we can put in the back of my car. We're gonna go out, search for her, get her back home." He says.

"But what if it's not home for her anymore?" Jungkook weakly protests. "She-"

"One. Step. At. A. Time." Yoongi shakes his friend by the shoulders a little. "First, find her. Then, get her here, where she can warm up, where we can talk. Step after step Kook, no running this time." He scolds, and Jungkook weakly nods, walking into his bedroom to fetch a blanket.

Later in the car, it's silent for a moment- until Yoongis car alerts him that someone's calling his phone. A little annoyed, he declines it, instead turns towards his friend in the passenger seat.

"Where do you think she might've gone to?" Yoongi asks the Idol sitting next to him in the car. The rapper has put down the seats of his car in the back, making room for you to comfortably lay in in case they find you tonight- a thick blanket covering the interior of the backseats and trunk area.

"I don't know." He sighs in defeat, trying to keep an eye on everything passing by as they drive around the neighborhood you were last seen- but there's no sight of you. "She's probably hiding. Hyung, the weather is so bad-" He worries, watching how they have to drive a bit slower to not spray the water everywhere on people walking past them, and his fears only grow when the first lighting of the night rips through the sky above. It's barely seen amongst the tall buildings, and for the first time, he feels small, tiny, insignificant. Do you feel intimidated by the tall structures? He remembers when you first met, you told him he was scary because he was so much taller than you.

Tall things scare you. You've got a fear of heights, a fear of flying.

"I know it's scary, but focus." Yoongi offers, driving carefully. "She's smart though, isn't she?" He offers, and Jungkook nods almost on instinct. Of course you're smart. The smartest around, the smartest cat he's ever known. "Then she must've tried to find shelter around somewhere further away after she's noticed you. She wouldn't want to get caught in case authorities are after her- she doesn't know you didn't call anybody, right?" He asks, and Jungkook nods again. "See? So she probably wandered a bit further away, tried to find somewhere secluded, sheltered, where she could sleep for tonight."

Yoongi is right. But still, it worries Jungkook greatly that there's no trace of you, that he can't seem to figure out where you could've gone. He's lived together with you for years, has loved you- but right now, he's so unsure of everything he's done and doing and going to do, that he doesn't trust in anything his mind comes up with. It could all just make it worse, and he doesn't want to make it worse.

He's done that enough.

Taehyung calls again, and this time, Yoongi accepts, well aware that his friend won't stop until he's picked up the call.

"Taehyung- it's not a good timing right now." Yoongi says into the car's speaker system as he accepts the call from the younger singer.

"Yeah I know, but Jungkook isn't picking up his phone." He whines almost, in the background the sound of Yeontan's nails clicking on the floor. "Has he made up with his ex?"

"I'm in the car, what are you talking about?" Jungkook snaps almost irritated. He doesn't like that word, 'ex' all that much. It implies that you two broke up, which.. never actually happened. You were broken up by everyone around you, but you never chose to break up willingly. That's a huge difference to him.

"Oh, hey" Taehyung greets. "It's just- cause I saw her outside a few minutes ago, and-" He says, but immediately, both Yoongi and Jungkook try to interrupt him.

"Where?!" The youngest bandmember asks, leaning into the control console of the car as if that would make his friend answer quicker. "Taehyung, where the fuck did you see her?!" He presses.

"Uh, near your apartment, why?" He asks. "I thought she came from yours, that's why I thought you two made up or something.." He says, and one look towards Yoongi is all it takes.

His hands immediately setting the turn signal before he rushes back.

[thecasualqueer]

oooooohhhh def def agree with your addition! and just bc your addition got my brain tumbling, if I may add:

"So, I don't think this is something that TV Kara has ever admitted to anyone, to the point where even when being asked by someone close to her who has been through similar things she still can't admit it."

I sooo agree with this PLUS I think the expectations and pressure she felt all added to her not admitting it. Like in the start, she didn't have anyone to really talk to about her survivor's guilt who would really understand why it hurt so much. Someone who wouldn't pity and baby her if she mentioned it. Bc to the Danvers and even to Kal, Kara was just a kid. Not someone who would've been the youngest Kryptonian in the science guild, not someone who will never hear the harmony of prayers in Rao's Temple ever again, not a girl who didn't just lost her family but every single person she's ever met, too.

When Kara was younger (and even in the show, as an adult), the people around her could never fully grasp the depth and grief that Kara carried (which Kara is also infinitely grateful for, she wouldn't wish this pain on anyone), so she definitely kept it in. Both duty-bound to continue living for her parents who told her to, and for her new family who have sacrificed so much to keep her safe and alive. But for a long while, she definitely did not want to.

But what else could she do? Add another point of pain to the people who have already been through so much just to keep her with them?

You're so right in mentioning Kara's martyr-like approach in S1 and I think that applies to the way Kara never really talks about her darker thoughts too. She would martyr her emotions and thoughts if it meant keeping her loved ones from worrying about her. In her mind, and as taught to her way back on a planet that once was home, it is important to be "other-focused" and to show restraint towards things that would "unbalance" the peace.

Kara doesn't admit that she dreams of death bc she doesn't feel like she deserves it and because she doesn't feel like it's fair to share to her loved ones (who, to Kara, have sacrificed so much for her).

anywayysss sorry for the long ask-reply to your addition it just got my brain going brrrrrr 😂😅 I'd love to hear if you have any more additions or different thoughts though!

yes this ☝️☝️☝️

I also think this intense unspoken pain is also what draws her to Mon El. At the point when she meets him she has gone so long feeling this way and never being able to talk about it that when she thinks she has found someone who could finally understand she can't let that opportunity pass by (even if he is the biggest dick to walk the earth).

also... having to send him away after all this??? ie literally subjecting someone else to the the same trauma she's spent her entire trying to get away from, bc it's the only choice she has to save the world.

No wonder she has a mental breakdown and quits her job after!!!!

Also, also, this is one of the things that makes her relationship with Lena so special and unique, bc even though they have vastly different experiences Lena is probably the only person in her life who can relate to having trauma so deep that it cannot even be spoken about. Just like Kara, Lena has been through so much that she is practically bursting at the seems (mentally), and just like Kara, she has had to put on a brave face through all of it.

Like, look me in the eye and tell me that Kara does not put her trauma into little boxes!!!

Anyway, sorry it took so long for me to reply to this ask I've been really busy lately but I hope it was worth the wait.

👉original post (where it started)