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the-offside-rule · 8 months

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Drivers while their s/o studies

Just a mini series I felt like doing. : )

Charles Leclerc

Charles smiled as he entered the room, holding a tray with snacks and coffee for Y/n who had been sitting at her desk since that morning. "Hello mom cœur, I thought you might need a little pick-me-up while you work." He said, placing the tray on the table. Y/n looked up from her laptop, a grateful smile forming. "Oh what would I do without you?" She said as she held his face and peppered soft kisses onto it as he emptied the tray onto the desk. "Cry, maybe." He joked.

Charles sat down beside her and began eating a protein bar before Y/n continued on typing. "How's it going anyway?" he asked, genuinely interested. "It's a bit overwhelming, but I'll manage. Your snacks will definitely help." She replied, taking a sip of the coffee. Charles chuckled. "I believe in you. I'll leave you to it for a bit, though. I'm going to meet Lorenzo and Arthur in the gym. You know how it is."

Y/n nodde. "Yeah, go ahead. I'll be here when you get back." He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before heading out. "Take breaks, okay? Don't overwork yourself." He reminded her. "Of course, love. Have fun and give them my best!" As he left, Y/n couldn't help but smile. The small gestures made studying a lot more enjoyable, and she felt lucky to have Charles by her side.

Max Verstappen

Max woke up to an empty bed, the confusion evident on his face. Rubbing his eyes, he ventured into the living room, where he found Y/n engrossed in her laptop. Y/n spotted him from the corner of her eye and smiled at his sleepy face. "Morning, sleepyhead. Slept well?" She teased, looking up from her work. Max chuckled, and walked over to her. "Yeah, until I realized I was all alone." He placed a kiss atop of her head and peered over her shoulder. "What are you up to?"

"Got an assignment to finish, but you can keep me company." She suggested with a smile. Max raised an eyebrow. "Company? I was expecting a romantic morning, not a work session." Y/n laughed, "Well, I can't help it. University." He rolled his eyes. "I told you, you should have just gave in to being a stay-at-home girlfriend and now here we are with you leaving me I'm bed to work." Y/n chuckled at the light hearted joke. "Well if you loved me you would sit right here with me and keep me company, like a good temporary stay-at-home boyfriend?" Undeterred, Max decided to make the best of the situation. "Fine, but how about some breakfast first? I'll cook."

As Max prepared breakfast, they bantered back and forth, the kitchen filled with laughter. Sitting down on the sofa with their plates, Max linked his phone to the TV and began watching his race upcoming debrief that Red Bull had sent him. Y/n glanced at the screen every so often, finding it unbelievably distracting and whilst he had to watch it for work, why couldn't he just watch it on his phone?"Mind turning that off? I need to focus." Max pouted playfully. "Aw, come on. It's just background noise." She shook her head, "No, it's distracting. I need to concentrate."

A minor disagreement ensued, but Max, ever the compromiser, reached a resolution. "Fine, wear these," he said, handing her a pair of headphones. "You study, I watch my debrief." Y/n huffed, taking the headphones, "Deal. Just don't complain if I fail my exam because of this." Max grinned. "Deal, as long as you promise we actually so something romantic later on." Y/n grinned and connected her headphones to the laptop and began playing her music.

Lando Norris

Lando was deep into his online stream, enthusiastically commentating on his latest race in the virtual world. Meanwhile, Y/n diligently studied in the living room, trying to concentrate despite the growing noise. At first, it was fine because he only had Max on a voice call and then they started playing the F1 games and inviting drivers, and it all went to chaos.

The usual loudness was just about starting to sound normal until she heard a loud screeching from the streaming room. Y/n finally reached her limit. She threw her laptop to the side and stormed into the streaming room, wearing a bitter expression. Lando turned, smiling before the smile turned into a grim look. He...was...fucked. "Hi babe." He said quietly. "Lando, could you please keep it down a bit? I'm trying to study out here." She said calmly. She didn't want fans making up rumours about an argument.

Lando, still wearing his headset, looked guilty. "I will try, but Max is-" She cut him off. "Lando, you will be quiet. I cannot fail these exams. I just need you to be quiet. Understood?" He nodded. "I'm sorry, babe. I got carried away. I'll tone it down." The serious expression turned to a light hearted smile, before she looked to the computer, smiled and waved to greet the chat, before leaving.

Lando continued on playing, listening to the chaos on the call and not acting up. But the guilt lingered, and he suddenly had to leave the stream momentarily. "Hey, guys? I'll be right back. Just need to grab a drink, I'll be back in a sec. Promise." He announced to his fellow drivers and viewers before leaving the room. He rushed to the kitchen, returning to the living room with a peace offering of snacks and energy drinks for his girlfriend who sat on her bean bag with her study sheets sprawled across the coffee table. She looked up quickly before looking back to her work and continuing on typing. "I'm really sorry, Y/n. Here, I got you some goodies. Let me make it up to you." Lando said, kneeling down beside her and leaving a small plate of biscuits and sweets beside her. She looked between the plate and Lando, seeing the sincerity in his expression before she chuckled, accepting the snacks. "You're lucky you're cute when you're sorry. Just try to keep it down, okay?"

"Okay, I promise." He said, pecking her cheek and running back to the livestream with his can of Monster. Back in the streaming room, Lando continued his broadcast. He scrolled through the chat, noticing a comment from Y/n.

Thanks for the biccies, lovey <3 Good luck with your stream!

His fans erupted in supportive comments, finding the situation adorable. Lando couldn't help but smile, covering his face from how hard he was blushing. "You better leave me some 9f them biscuits, Y/n." Lando said into the camera. "Let's get back to the race, shall we?" The stream continued, with a more considerate Lando and a grateful Y/n watching from the sidelines.

Carlos Sainz Jr.

As the creatures and people of Madrid lay asleep in their beds, Y/n sat on her laptop working away beside her boyfriend who had just come back from a race weekend on the other side of the globe. Carlos stirred in his sleep, as the soft glow of Y/n's laptop pierced the darkness. "What are you doing?" He mumbled, rubbing his eyes. Y/n glanced at him, her fingers dancing across the keyboard. "Sorry, babe. Got a deadline. Can't sleep." He sighed, and turned his back so he would be able to get even a glimpse of sleep. "Alright, just keep it down, please." He whispered. "Yes sir, Mr Sainz." She yawns, still typing.

In the morning, Carlos awoke to Y/n still typing away in their bed, exhaustion evident in her eyes. She got a lot of work done and had work in three hours. "Morning." He whispered, kissing her hand before sitting up. "Morning. Did you sleep alright?" Y/n asked. "Other than that one time you woke me, yes. Did you sleep at all?" Carlos asked. Y/n shook her head. "You should get some sleep before work. Finish this when you get home, yeah?" Y/n sighed in defeat. She wouldn't be able to go to work if she was this tired. Maybe a two hour sleep wouldn't hurt? " Carlos nodded, taking her laptop, placing it on the bedside table and tucking her into bed, . "You need to rest." He insisted. "I will wake you before work, mi amor." She reassured her, kissing her hair and letting her fall asleep.

When Y/n awoke, she looked out to see that the sun was awfully bright for 8am. Then she turned and saw Carlos walking into the room with a tray of coffee and toast. "What are you doing?" Y/n asked, sitting up. Carlos paused and looked at her. "Breakfast?" He replied in a question. Y/n looked at her phone, her eyes wide. "Oh my god! It's half past 11. I'm so fucking late!" She said. "No you aren't." Carlos replied, placing the tray on his locker. "I had work two hours ago!" She protested.

Carlos shook his head. "I called your boss, said you were sick." Y/n's eyes widened to what he had said. "Why'd you do that?" She asked. "Because you needed it." He replied, pulling the duvet over them and putting his arm around Y/n. "Carlos, I cant-" He cut her off. "Should we watch Berlín? It's meant to be really good." He said, flicking through the Netflix. "Babe. I'm serious. I need to go to work." She said. "And I have said before; you could quit work and I'll take care of you. You won't quit but I am still gonna take care of you. Now stay with me in bed and help me pick a series for us to watch."

She stopped complaining and lay in his arms. "Yeah. Berlín sounds good." She mumbled quietly. "Good, now here's some toast."

George Russell

George had brought Y/n to race weekends before, but this time, she found herself confined to the team's hospitality area, engrossed in her upcoming exams. She looked up to the TV evey so often to see how her boyfriend was doing before turning her attention back to her laptop. Like an angel sent, George decided to check in on her in between sessions, finding her buried in textbooks and notes.

"Hey, how's it going?" he asked, pressing a kiss onto her head and leaning on the table. Y/n looked up, tired but determined. "Just trying to survive this study session. Well done on topping the session by the way." George grinned. "It's only the second practise. I think we know what strategy we're going for in qualifying though." He chuckled. "Have you eaten?" Y/n thinks for a moment and shakes her head. "You do know, you need to eat too."

She sighed, burying her head in her hands from exhaustion. "I know, I just lost track of time. Can you grab me something?" George smiled. "Of course." He replied, leaving momentarily and heading to the barista bar. He returned moments later with a croissant and a latte, placing them in front of her. "Fuel for the brain." he said with a smile. Y/n looked up at him appreciatively, "You're my hero, Mr Russell. Thank you so much."

"No problem. I know how important these exams are for you." He replied, sitting beside her. As she sipped the latte and nibbled on the croissant, George and her began talking. "Anything I can help with? Maybe a quick break to clear your mind?" Y/n smiled. "You being here is already a huge help. But maybe a motivational speech wouldn't hurt."

"Im not doing motivational speeches." They both burst into laughter, lightening the mood in the cozy hospitality space. George wrapped his arm around Y/n, offering comfort and support. "You're the best distraction," she admitted, leaning into him. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "And you're the best thing that ever happened to me."

Lance Stroll

Lance sighed as he opened the door to his bedroom after his return from the gym to find Y/n looking a bit frustrated. He arched a brow as he sipped from his water bottle and decided to approach her, concern evident in his eyes. "What's wrong, babe?" He asked, sitting down beside her. She sighed. "I'm not sure, but I just can't study. Maybe it's just because of how different it is from studying in my office back home." Lance thought for a moment."How about you use my office? It's quiet, and you'll have all the space you need." He suggested. "Oh no, I couldn't." She replied. "No, seriously. I never use it anyway."

Y/n's face lit up with gratitude as Lance led her to his office. The room was filled with shelves displaying Lance's collection of racing helmets and trophies. The large floor-to-ceiling window revealed a breathtaking snowy landscape of their estate. "This is perfect." Y/n whispered, finding the desk facing the wonderous view. Lance smiled, happy to help her. "If you need me just call. I'm just gonna hit the shower." He said, pressing a kiss onto her cheek. "Thank you, babe." She grinned, setting her stuff down. "Anytime." He shot back before leaving and making his way to his bathroom to shower.

Y/n had gotten a lot done since she sat down. The view was a perfect distraction but not too distracting that she couldn't focus. If anything, it was there to just calm her down before getting right back to it. An hour passed, and Lance returned with snacks, finding Y/n engrossed in her studies. "Hey, how are you getting on?" He asked, peering through the door. "Doing good, Lancelot. I am doing good." She smiled, still jotting down some notes. He walked in with a tray of snacks. In between him showering and him walking around the kitchen, he decided Y/n needed to take a break and made up a snack tray to bring her.

"Need a study break?" he asked, handing her a twix. Y/n grinned, "Definitely. Thanks for this, Lance. This office is amazing." Lance chuckled, "Well, it's only fair you get a taste of my world too. Plus, I like having you happy." As they enjoyed their snacks, the conversation turned from how everyone in the house has an office to the trophies and helmets on the walls.

"You know-" Lance began, taking down his Balu trophy from back in 2017. "This one's from my first podium. I was so excited that day." Y/n smiled as she sipped her cola. "I can see why. You've got an impressive collection of trophies, Lancey." He looked at her warmly. "But none of them compare to having my trophy girlfriend. I worked my ass off to even get you on a date." Y/n laughed. "I'm serious! You kept saying no!"

"You should've taken the hint." Y/n replied. "Then who would be sat in this office?" Lance asked. "I don't know. One of those weird models that throw themselves at you, I guess." She joked. "Yeah, but I prefer you." Lance said. There grew a comfortable silence before Lamce stood up, collecting the wrappers off the snacks and putting them back onto the tray. "I guess it's time for you to get back to studying." Lance said. "Thank you for the company." Y/n smiled as Lamce leaned down to give her a kiss. "How about we watch a movie later and order takeout? Sound good?" Lance suggested. Y/n nodded. You really are a dream."

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leclerced · 9 months

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Heyyy hope you have a good day, i come bearing new thots

Credit where credit’s due, the idea is an old and deleted roger Taylor fic and not from me.

HOWEVER. Im now obsessed with this scenario with either lando or oscar (ill let you choose <3)

Roommate!AU !!!

Imagine you’re friends and roommates with lando or oscar and he has to study for his upcoming biology exam at uni. The topic? Female reproductive organs🤭

He just genuinely struggles with understanding the anatomy of a vagina and that picture in his damn book is absolutely not recognisable.

And since him and reader are friends and she doesn’t think thoughts all the way through she offers him to look at hers. I mean hes seen her shirtless a million times its nbd.

And staring at her beautiful pussy really does help him - to an extend. Hes so into his studies he doesn’t really process that he asked her „can i touch it??“ and she just goes along with it bc it’s already lowkey awkward and theres no turning back now.

She tries to not make it more awkward by suppressing her moans when his finger brush over her clit all while hes just identifying parts with his thoughts oblivious to what he does to her.

And she cant keep in the moan when he pushes his fingern in and suddenly he realises what hes doing. But he sneakily keeps going until she cums and hes trying his best to keep up the ignorant act bc shes js too hot like that😩

Got damn it i need a full length version of this fic again 😭

-🫀

i want to write a full length version omfg this is incredible!!! pictured oscar immediately. kinda set in like the early 2000s in my head bc i wanted to mention dvd rentals One Time and that's not a thing anymore but that's the world i grew up in LMAO

sorry i like got too into this at first and forgot i made plans to game with my friend and rushed the ending im sorry. added read more bc it's just over 1k <3 i think i like this a lot other than the ending idk . lmk what u think i hope it meets the expectations set by the original

reader thinks oscar's an innocent idiot but he just probably shouldn't be in medical school because while he can find the clit, he certainly doesn't know the name of it.

Her roommate has been staring at the same page for half an hour, they're seated on opposite ends of the couch, leaning against the arms and facing each other. She has a Stephen King novel leaned on her propped up knees and Oscar has an open textbook balanced on one thigh and a notebook open to a blank page on the other. After another frustrated sigh leaves him, she drops her book on the coffee table and leans over to see what he's looking at. She almost laughs when she sees the miniature sketch of a vagina, "You know, the DVD rental place down the street has rated X movies."

Oscar snorts, "I'm trying to work, leave me alone. I'm supposed to learn all the anatomical names of a vagina, but the only drawing I have is in this stupid book."

She leans in further to the diagram and hums, "That's a horrible diagram, no wonder you're getting nothing done. How old is that that textbook?" He shrugs and stretches back over the arm of the couch, "Probably like thirty, the professor wrote it himself and he's ancient."

Her eyes get pulled to his hips as he reaches behind his head and groans, his shirt lifting the slightest to reveal soft skin before he drops his arms back down. She licks her lips as she directs her gaze up to his face, "I could show you mine, if you want." The swift inhale Oscar makes is audible, he keeps his gaze locked on the books in his lap as he says, "Really?" Instead of verbally agreeing, she just scoots back to where she was leaning moments before on the arm of the couch and shimmies her shorts down before she can think twice. She giggles at the look on Oscar's face as she kicks the shorts off her ankles and he takes in the sight of her panties, lacy and red. "Are you sure?"

She shrugs and teases, "Well it's not like they have 3D models. I'm sure, I wouldn't have offered otherwise. Are you sure?" He nods slowly and she tugs her panties down her thighs and smirks at the blush that creeps up his cheeks as she drops them on his lap. She doesn't know where the sudden confidence has come from, but she feels no shame as she opens her legs to him. She drops one foot to the floor and the other lifts to rest on the back of the couch. Oscar holds her eye for a moment before she watches his gaze drift down her body and he starts to lean in before pausing, "Can I get closer?" She nods at his question and answers, "As close as you want." Oscar lurches forwards, knocking the forgotten textbook to the floor as he fumbles to grab his pen and notebook to take notes.

She can't read his chicken scratch handwriting, so whatever he's scrawling about her pussy is undecipherable to her as she watches him analyze her. She's trying not to think about how this could be weird, how it is weird to offer to let your roommate use you as an anatomy dummy. It's not really the first time. He's done other things, like when he needed to practice IVs so she let him give her a banana bag the next time she was hungover. She liked teasing him about it, calling him Doctor Piastri when she let him listen to her heart with his stethoscope. Or when she comes down with a cold and she calls him into her room to diagnose and treat her, and he brings her cold medicine and soup from the deli down the street.

She's pulled out of her thoughts when he clears his throat and she meets his eyes before she hums quizzically. The pink tint that had spattered his cheeks turns into a bright red as he asks, "Can I touch you?"

She almost thinks she didn't hear him correctly, but there's no way he could have said anything else, so she tries to joke, "So you're a hands on learner, then?"

Oscar quickly counters, "Yeah, do you mind?"

It's her turn to lose her breath as she stupidly nods and blushes as she takes in the realization that he's about to touch her pussy. In the name of science, she agrees, "No, go ahead." Then, his hand is on her pussy and his focus is entirely on the space between her legs as he spreads her lips apart and she has to close her eyes and force her mind to other places as he tilts his had interestedly. She wishes she could stop her body from reacting to his touch, but she can't. Not when he pulls back the hood of her clit, she hears him writing something, then there's a soft pressure on her clit and she has to bite the inside of her cheek to not react. She tells herself not to make any sounds so it won't be weird, he's just trying to study, he's not doing anything to her really.

She can feel the wetness build under his fingers as he slips them down to her entrance and back up. She hears Oscar mutter something but she can't make it out over the blood rushing through her head as he presses his fingers back against her clit. "Is this... The labia?" The laugh she lets out is half a moan, "That's the- clit. Labia are the lips." He dips his fingers down and pinches one lightly, "This?"

She's somehow endeared by the curiosity, and sighs, "Yeah. That. Minora. The outer one is majora."

Oscar lets out a little huff, "How do you know the names? You're not even taking anatomy." His fingers find her clit again, this time lightly pinching it, and her thighs tense as he mumbles, "Clit." She hears his pen scratching across his paper and then dips his finger down to her entrance and presses inside. She wonders what he's thinking as he slowly thrusts his finger in and out of her, his other hand still writing on the paper. It's not until he slips a second finger inside of her and curls them as he suddenly presses his thumb to her clit that she breaks her silence, a whimper falling from her lips as the unexpected pleasure hits her. She somehow doesn't realize then that this isn't his first time like she thought when she saw the surprised look on her face. Then she flutters her eyes open and immediately realizes it because he's already looking up at her, a cocky smirk playing on his lips. She gasps, "You- you didn't really need help, did you?"

He shrugs innocently, "I still don't know the names, could you remind me?" She can't tell if he's being serious or not as he quickens his thumb on her clit and she's saved from responding as he pushes up her body and presses his lips to hers hungrily.

#ask #oscar piastri smut #oscar piastri #op81 #op81 smut #🫀anon

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auggieblogs · 1 year

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ugh, math!

Max Verstappen x reader

Summary: Overwhelmed by math exam anxiety, you were on the verge of despair. Max's comforting presence and soothing words were your saving grace.

Author's note: Oh my god, I absolutely love this prompt. Thank you so much, the anon who requested this. I really hope you enjoy this!

P.S.- I am not technically a woman in STEM so I don't know the struggles, but I have 12th grade math, and it is downright depressing for me. Again, I might have projected a little too much. Apologies in advance.

The weight of the upcoming math final pressed heavily on your shoulders, making your chest tight with anxiety. Tears welled up in your eyes, blurring the complex numbers and equations in your textbook. You deeply regretted taking this class, and an overwhelming sense of incompetence washed over you. You were about to give in to despair, convinced that you simply weren't smart enough for this. The more you tried to grasp the concepts, the more they seemed to slip through your fingers like sand.

Just when you thought you couldn't bear it any longer, the door opened, and Max walked into the room. His perceptive eyes immediately caught the distress etched on your face, and worry flashed across his features. Without hesitation, he rushed to your side, his voice filled with genuine concern.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Max asked softly, crouching down in front of you.

You looked up at him, your eyes brimming with tears, and it all became too much to bear. You broke down in front of him, your sobs escaping uncontrollably, your head buried in your trembling hands.

Max hated seeing you like this. He immediately wrapped his strong arms around you, pulling you close to his chest, and kissing your forehead gently as he whispered soothing words. His fingers ran through your hair in slow, calming strokes, offering comfort and reassurance.

You hiccupped between sobs, words tumbling out in a rush. "I can't do this, Max. It's so difficult, and I feel like giving up. I'm not smart enough for this, I just can't."

Max held you even closer, his voice unwavering and reassuring. "Listen, bub, you are incredibly smart, and you're not a quitter. I know you can do this."

His words gave you a glimmer of encouragement. Sniffling and wiping away your tears, you took a deep breath and returned to your study materials. Max remained by your side, not entirely understanding the complex math, but his presence was a source of comfort.

As you worked through the complex equations, Max fetched your favourite chocolate milk and prepared your go-to comfort sandwich. He knew that a touch of familiar comfort would help you feel better. Between study sessions, he quizzed you on formulas and cheered you on with a smile and encouraging words.

Hours upon hours passed in intense studying, but Max's belief in you never wavered. He could see your fatigue setting in as the night wore on. Gently, he suggested, "You've been working so hard, love. Maybe it's time to get some rest."

Reluctantly, you agreed, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling upon you. Max helped you tidy up your study materials and led you to the bedroom. He tucked you into bed, his fingers continuing to run soothingly through your hair.

"Try to relax," he whispered, his voice filled with tenderness. "You've got this"

After a night of restful sleep, you woke up early, refreshed and determined. Max's encouraging words from the previous night echoed in your mind, reminding you of your own capabilities. With newfound confidence, you revisited your formulas and reviewed the key concepts, ensuring you were as prepared as possible.

As you entered the exam room, your heart still raced with anticipation, but there was a newfound sense of self-assuredness within you. The questions on the paper no longer seemed insurmountable; you tackled them with determination and clarity.

Hours passed by in a blur of focused effort, and when you finally submitted your exam, you felt a sense of accomplishment wash over you. The exam went remarkably well, and you couldn't help but smile as you left the room.

Outside, Max was waiting for you, a proud and supportive grin on his face. His mere presence brought an extra layer of warmth to your already joyful heart. He enveloped you in a hug.

𓇼 ⋆｡˚ 𓆝⋆｡˚ 𓇼𓇼 ⋆｡˚ 𓆝⋆｡˚ 𓇼𓇼 ⋆｡˚𓆝⋆｡˚

The day the results were finally revealed was a day of both excitement and trepidation. Your heart raced as you logged into the exam portal, hoping beyond hope for a passing grade. As the page loaded, your eyes widened in disbelief, and a rush of pure elation surged through you – you hadn't just passed; you had aced the exam!

Unable to contain your excitement, you called Max immediately. His voice was filled with pride and joy as he exclaimed, "I knew you could do it, baby! I'm so incredibly proud of you!"

He couldn't wait to celebrate this incredible achievement with you. He suggested a celebratory dinner or date night. However, you were still feeling the exhaustion from your intense studying and the emotions of the past few days. You wanted nothing more than to stay in and unwind in the comfort of your own space.

Max decided to make the evening just as special at home. He ordered your favourite takeout, ensuring it was exactly what you were craving. He also brought home an assortment of your favourite ice cream flavours, knowing that dessert would be the perfect indulgence for this celebratory occasion.

As evening descended, you both snuggled on the couch, surrounded by pillows and blankets. The collection of your favourite movie, "The Princess Diaries," is played on the screen. Max's arm wrapped securely around you as he pulled you close, planting sweet kisses on your forehead. Laughter filled the air as you indulged in your ice cream, not caring about what was going on in the film but rather the ridiculous jokes Max was currently making.

With each passing minute, the exhaustion from the weeks of preparation began to catch up with you. Max noticed your eyelids growing heavy, and he couldn't help but smile at the sight of you, content and peaceful in slumber. He gently brushed a strand of hair from your face and took a picture, capturing the moment .

maxverstappen1 posted on their story

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leonw4nter · 8 months

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The Cotton Candy Haze Mirrors The Warmth Of Your Gaze

RE2R!Leon x F!Reader

Coming back home from working 4 shifts in a single day for the fifth time this week, you went home looking and feeling like a hot mess– ponytail looking like you got into a fight and lost, eyes sunken in with dark bags underneath them, and pimples breaking out in several spots in your face and back. Despite how much your body craved a deep and restful sleep, you couldn’t give yourself that because grad school, especially medical school, won’t pay its own tuition along with living expenses. Juggling 4 odd jobs, along with working overtime for the sake of getting extra pay is really taking a toll on you: you’ve been cranky lately and you haven’t found proper time to be studying for the upcoming board exams, resorting to bringing all your books and notes in your bags so you’ll have time to read in case you’re free while still at work. Hell, you haven’t even found time to take Leon on dates due to how hectic and overwhelming everything is; you’re certain that the last time you and Leon spent some quality time cuddling together was three months ago. An icky guilt seeps into your weary bones, especially since Leon’s also taking up some jobs on the side to help with your expenses and along with his police academy’s costs but he still manages to make you meals, remind you to drink water, and drive you to wherever you need to be. With a frustrated groan, you fumble through your bag to look for your keys but unfortunately you couldn’t find it and deduced it to your forgetfulness, having left it at the bowl by the door back inside.

“Fucking hell,” you bitterly hiss. You were just about to knock at a neighbor’s door for the spare key you handed them but then you suddenly remembered that you haven’t had the chance to give them an emergency spare key yet since you were procrastinating on it, much to your disadvantage now. Exasperation causes tears to flood your waterline, your vision going blurry as you reach to contact Leon to tell him that you’ve been locked out but you forgo it, thinking that he’s probably had a long day as well and that he doesn't need another thing to be bugging him. You sink down by the door, wiping your tears with the sleeve of your sweatshirt before taking your notes out to start reviewing again since you’re free and waiting for him to come home. A few minutes pass and you hear the pad of footsteps nearing you. Swiftly, you place your notebook back in your bag and sling it over your shoulder, getting up and dusting your legs before seeing Leon’s kind smile beaming down on you like the first few rays of the sunlight on a new day.

“Hey, baby.” you softly mumble as you place a kiss on his cheek.

“Hi,” he says as he pulls you in for a quick hug. “What are you doing here?”

“Got locked out. Forgot to bring the keys. I also didn’t ask the neighbors for the keys since I didn’t give them spares yet,” you quietly admit. You look down at your feet, shame creeping in. “Leon’s had a long day and here you are, worrying him even more. Great job, Y/N. Real girlfriend of the year,” you glumly think to yourself.

“Oh– I forgot to tell you this too but I already gave the spares to the neighbors. You’ve been really busy lately so I decided to do it instead,” he says. “Sorry about that. It just slipped from my mind.”

“No. It’s fine, it really is.” you say with a tired yet genuine smile.

Leon fishes out his key from his backpack before slotting it into the keyhole and unlocking the door, opening it and letting you head in first. You slip out of your work shoes, placing your bag on the couch and collapsing right beside your things with a loud sigh.

“I’m so tired with everything,” you loudly groan as you cover your face with both hands and proceed to groan a little more. Leon walks over to the back of the couch, wrapping his arms from behind you and placing comforting kisses to your hair.

“Tell me what’s going on. I’m just going to sit here and listen,” he softly whispers as he lightly pats your shoulder.

With a deep sigh, you ramble on about everything that’s bothering you. Tears prick your eyes again and there’s more than one occasion to your voice breaking. He stays quiet, arms still wrapped around as he nods to whatever you say, occasionally pressing his lips into your head as you vent about whatever.

“I can’t afford a review center and I don’t have time to study before the board. I’m going to fail, Leon. I won’t end up somewhere,” you finish. You recline back into his touch, feeling like a ton of bricks has been lifted from your shoulders. Leon unwraps his arms around you for a bit, walking over to your place on the couch before pulling you in for a more proper hug as he delicately sways you from side to side.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. It’s fine,” he softly mumbles. “You’ve been working and studying so hard. I can see all the effort you’re putting into making sure you reach your dreams and trust me, you will pass the board. You make time to study each day and I can see that you’ve got the drive to succeed, you can do this. Believe in yourself as much as I believe in you and your capabilities, okay?”

You sniffle, hugging back and staying silent for a bit before your shaky and slightly squeaky voice speaks up, the sound slightly muffled since you buried your face into the comforting scent of your boyfriend’s sweatshirt.

“But Leon, there’s more people who're smarter than me and they’re going to pass and I’m not going to. What if I’m not enough?” you say, which causes Leon to pull away from the hug and cup your cheeks in between his big and calloused hands.

“You’re going to pass. You’re smart, you’re my smart girl. There’s no way you’re not going to pass, okay? You will be a licensed nurse and you will reach your dreams. You’re more than enough for this and for me. Don’t let anyone and anything tell you that you’re not enough because you are. More than you’ll ever know.” He finishes with a small kiss to the tip of your nose before moving to your lips. Your own hand climbs up to lightly wrap around his wrists, maintaining comfortable eye contact.

“I’m sorry,” you softly tell him, your words coming out like a whisper.

“For what?” Leon says with a surprised smile. “You didn’t do anything wrong, love.”

“Yes I did, Leon.” you bashfully respond. “I haven’t been giving you much attention lately. You also do many things for me like driving me to school and doing my laundry but I don’t find the time to repay you. Just earlier, I got you worried because I was sitting just right outside the door when you already have a lot on your own plate. I’m just adding to that list of things that keeps you up at night and–”

Leon cuts you off by placing his index finger against your lips to shush you before gently moving you to be laying on his lap as he plays with your hair and scratches your scalp in the way he knows you love.

“Nope. I understand that you’ve gotta give a hundred percent of your attention to your studies, especially that your future job concerns human lives. I’m just doing my job by being here for you as your number one fan and making sure you still take care of yourself. I’m busy too but you’re not bothering me or causing me more stress, just the opposite actually. Now just lay on my lap and let me make you feel a lot better, yeah?” he softly says as he continues massaging your head, prompting your eyelids to drape over your eyes as you sigh in satisfaction.

“Unless you wanna have dinner first–”

“No. Let’s just stay like this for a bit.”

He continues to rake his fingers through strands of your hair, his fingers gently scratching your scalp and applying a good amount of pressure to your temples in order to effectively massage them. Most of the time, it’s you who’s giving Leon scratches and massages but it feels great to be at the receiving end of some pampering and loving from your boyfriend. He stops for a little bit, your eyes flying open to see Leon reach over to get a blanket to wrap you in it. Snuggling into the blanket, he continues his soothing ministrations to your head. You swear that if you were a cat and Leon was petting you in this way, you would purr so loud.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────

You finally finished taking your board exams about a month ago and ever since then, you would eagerly open up your laptop or phone just to look at whether or not you passed. Each time, your fingers would wobble and your palms would sweat to the point you frequently wipe them on your pants so your phone wouldn’t slip out of your grip. Your thoughts would shift between the confidence that you passed since you reviewed and studied and practiced so much and the fear of failure, the icky feeling of being a failure with no direction in life eroding at the happiness you built for yourself but luckily Leon was always there to keep those crusty, self-deprecating tendencies at bay.

“You passed!” Leon practically screeches. With quivering hands he shoves his phone back into his pocket and lunges at you, almost toppling over the tables as he wraps you around in one of the best hugs he’s ever given you.

“Huh? What?” is all you could muster in this state of shock and surprise.

He pulls away and opens up your laptop, going straight to your email and the school portal where they released the list of passers. Sure enough, your last name is listed.

“My girl is going to become a licensed nurse!” he shouts with the proudest, most vibrant smile you’ve ever seen him smile.

Tears of pure, unadulterated joy spilled from your waterline and flowed down your cheeks, a rush of adrenaline coursing through your veins whilst also feeling relief at the fact that you passed. Now it’s your turn to lunge at Leon, springing at him and tackling him with your arms tightly enveloped on his larger frame as you jump up and down, toppling over into the couch and hugging him even tighter due to the renewed sizzle of joy running through your person. After a few moments of laying on top of each other and smiling and pressing kisses into each other’s face, you get up and phone friends and family to tell them that you managed to pass the boards. Leon called up his own friends Ethan and Chris to tell them of your results, sending pictures. You hear Leon and his friends giggling on the other side of the room, squealing and giggling like school girls. His face, the tips of his ears, and neck are flushed a vibrant pink the more he talks about how proud he is of his girl. Many times he showed the email and your name on the passers list to his friends, cheers and congratulations being the reception whenever he did, much to his massive delight. Finally, you finish up phoning friends and family and go to Leon, pressing a passionate kiss to his soft baby lips upon his soft baby face. He could feel you grinning against him with each gentle smack; Leon quite never figured out if the beauty of your lips was more of their softness or their association with whatever words you spoke, which always pulled him under a spell he didn’t wish to surface from. You pull away, gazing deeply into eyes painted a soothing blue watercolor hue and not wanting to break this moment of peace, the sensations feeling intimate in a way more than the physical contact of bodies.

“I’m so proud of my girl. My smart, amazing, lovely, sweet girl who will be a nurse soon,” he softly whispers.

“I’m proud of myself too, Leon. Thank you for supporting me, helping me out, and being there for me when I needed you most. I couldn’t have done this without you,” you sincerely thank him.

“You’re a strong independent woman, Y/N. You don’t need anyone to get you somewhere because you carry yourself with an air of confidence and independence but I’m very thankful and lucky you let me in your life.”

“Gosh, Leon. You’re going to make me cry but thank you. I mean it so much. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“So… should we eat out? I’ve got some change to spare.”

“It’s on me. I’ve been saving up, I have a surprise for you but it won’t hurt to celebrate my Y/N’s passing.”

You smack his chest playfully, the blond laughing at his little joke.

“You made it sound like I died!”

“Oops. Looks like it might result in a grave misunderstanding.”

“God, let’s just get ready for dinner.”

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Leon's POV

I took her out to dinner that night, picking out a nice Korean grill for us to dine in since she enjoys Korean grills so much. Nothing felt more satisfying than seeing all her efforts pay off; all those readings and memorizations giving her the success she rightfully deserves. Right now, I’m seeing her devour her entire plate and in the blink of an eye she’ll get up to get seconds but I don’t mind; seeing her eat good food and indulge makes me feel happy. I feel satisfied, as if I don’t need to eat because her happiness is enough to keep me going for days on end. We’ve both decided to keep working some more jobs to be able to have more savings to add in our accounts so we could afford to move into a better place, probably nearer to Raccoon City since I’m going to be stationed there by next month. She doesn’t know this but I managed to prepare a little surprise for her, which is a 2 day camping get-away; deep in the forest, surrounded by trees, the stars shining above us, and the cold weather. She deserves a little break, we both do, so I planned this. I’m free for the next few days too so this is going to be perfect, I’m grinning just at the thought of it.

“What’re you smiling about?” she asks, but it comes out sounding a little difference since she’s got some food in her mouth.

“Nothing. You look beautiful tonight,” I respond, which isn’t exactly a lie. The buzz of glee just gives her this glow that makes me want to get on my knees and worship her like the goddess she is.

She gets back to eating, doing a little happy dance every now and then. She’s also insisted on feeding me, making sure I finish at least 3 plates because “one can never be too full”, which I appreciate since she just wants me to eat well and I want to have the energy to walk her around town tonight.

After dinner, we took a walk around town. I stopped by at a flower shop, getting her flowers as one of my many little gifts. It feels tempting to tell her about our little camping getaway coming up in a few hours but I want to build up an element of surprise and blissfully catch her off guard. The evening gets cold and a little quiet so I shrug off my jacket, draping it over her shoulders and making sure she’s all warm and toasty.

“You good?” I ask her.

“Yeah. Thanks,” she shyly says as she huddles into my jacket even more. I advised her to bring along a coat since the night could get a little chilly but she refused. As long as the cold won’t bother her and make her feel ill, I don’t really mind because I like seeing her in my clothes and having the smell of her perfume on my things. We take a few more strides, a comfortable settling between us as we walk hand in hand and go wherever our hearts desire. I turn my head and steal a lengthy glance from her; the delicate breeze sends her hair flowing smoothly like a poet’s ink and quill, the fine strands woven from spacetime and starlight as the streetlight’s luminescence bounces off; her body is absolutely perfect, worthy of all praises and respectful admiration with curves that mold in my hands just right but her genuine beauty is from within her heart; God, she’s captivating. She looks at me and I promptly look away, keeping my gaze trained on something else as heat is concentrated on the apples of my cheeks. I can hear a twinkling giggle from her, followed by her fingers pinching a cheek as she giggles even louder.

“You’re too cute, Leon. Gosh, you’re so adorable! You’re like– the most puppy-looking person I’ve ever met and I love that!” she squeals.

“Baby, my cheeks are hurting.” I say in a small voice.

She pulls her fingers away, gently running a hand over where she pinched and gave the spot a peck.

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine. I know you can’t get enough of me.” I quip, followed by a wink.

“You’re not wrong but you’re one cocky person,” she says but a smile tugs at the corner of her lips.

“I’m your cocky person.”

─────────────────────────────────────────────────────

A day later.

Hours ago, I woke her up at 4:45 AM so we could get ready. Of course, she was a bit disoriented because I didn’t say anything to her but after I told her about my little surprise, she practically launched from the bed and got ready immediately. She slept early last night– slept very soundly too, not a single noise rousing her from sleep. While she slept, I carefully slipped out of bed and packed everything we needed, her things included. It was kind of difficult, having to pack things quietly and move them to the car without causing much thudding but I managed to get it done in 3 hours. After several rounds of double checking everything and making sure there was nothing I left out, I finally made my way back up to our apartment and locked the doors to retire for the night. I could barely sleep due to the rush of giddiness coursing through my person but I forced myself to; after all, I’ll be the driver and it’s going to be irresponsible if I don’t.

Now, she’s sitting in the passenger seat with a blanket draped over her lap as she quietly drinks in the view that speeds right past the window. Everytime I see her and she innocently looks right at me, I feel a little antsy and nervous, having to feel around in my pockets and try to calm myself down. In an hour or two, we’ll get to the spot and then finally set our camp up before we start preparing the ingredients we’ll be using for cooking. The campsite we chose is a little more secluded, right by a lake that’s unfortunately too cold to safely swim in but that doesn’t take away the charm of the entire spot. The release of the board passers coincidentally going before the day of the trip I planned is a perfect coincidence, making this whole thing a celebratory trip for her but I want to add another thing to celebrate later so for now, it’ll stay as another secret.

Finally, I pull up at our spot and park the car. We carry our supplies and set up grills, our tents, and a spot to keep all of our food and drinks and utensils. We finish early so we set up the inside of our tent, placing a comfortable blanket on the floor so the bumpy and rigid ground doesn’t cause any of us back pains the following morning. All afternoon speeds past us as we spend the hours cuddling, Y/N saying something like how the weather is “perfect cuddle weather”. Soon, it’s nighttime and we finish up with everything: dinner, a quick towel bath (since the showering in this weather would get us both sick), so now we’re just sitting by the bonfire and huddling close.

“Thanks, Leon. Thank you for all this. A celebratory dinner was enough but I guess you decided to outdo yourself,” she says as she leans her head on my shoulder.

“This is nothing. Besides, you deserve this,” I say.

We sit in silence for a little bit before she speaks up again.

“We should celebrate some more wins in life, y’know. Even the little things, we should celebrate it one way or another. It doesn’t have to be this grand,” she tells me.

“Yeah. You’re right, we should celebrate wins in life,” I agree. This is it. “You’re a big win in my life, Y/N, and I want to celebrate you everyday.”

My hand slips into my pocket, my fingers feeling the velvet of a tiny box holding my promise of the world and forever to Y/N.

I can’t imagine ever growing old without you, nor do I desire to.

If all goes well, we’ve just given ourselves another reason to be celebrating.

NOTE - Woke up today to see that in a month, I've managed to hit a hundred followers!!!!!!! LET'S GOOOOO!!!!!!!!! Srsly so thankful for everyone who decided to follow me and read my fics, I love you and wish you well. I didn't expect to reach a hundred this early into my writing journey so this is so cool. I also told my mom that I write now and she seems supportive so I'm really happy with that. I guess this fic functions as a hundred-followers-special now :)) That's it and I hope you really enjoyed this fic. Again, thank you for the hundred followers!!!!! I couldn't have done it without you <3!!!

The chain dividers are made by @cafekitsune , the images are made by me (sourced from Pinterest).

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starryriize · 7 months

Text

snap shoot | anton

— ✧ • ˳೫˚ part of my valentine event

೫ pairing: bf!anton and gf!reader

೫ summary: anton takes you to the mall and you both take cute pictures in the photo booth

೫ genre/word count: fluff and just anton being in love! 1k words

೫ author's notes: for my love @chiiyuuvv !! this was genuinely so fun to write tbh semi-proofread!

Exam season has just begun for you. For the past two weeks, you’ve been stressing about your upcoming tests. First, it was two theology exams. Then, your marketing professor announced there would be an exam as well. And to top it all, your accounting and management professors decided they’d put in quizzes right before the exam day. You’d given up on sleep, rationalizing that studying is more important than sleep, and your boyfriend wished to take all your stress away. He'd been cheering you on, Now that it was Saturday though, he had the opportunity to pull you away from your books and notes, to simply relax for a few hours.

“Honey! Are you ready?” Anton’s voice called through the house, as you touched up your hair. It wasn’t that you hadn’t been on a date in forever, but you still get flustered around your boyfriend. After a year of dating, he still makes you blush and have butterflies. That adrenaline rush of being blissfully in love that leaves you stuttering over your words. Fluffing your outfit, you walk down the hallway, making sure to grab your camera.

“I’m coming! Where are we headed anyway? You didn’t tell me.” Smiling, he laces his fingers in yours. It wasn’t like him to not tell you, but you didn’t mind surprises either. The walk from your shared apartment to the mall wasn’t long, the sun shining down on the two of you as Anton laced his fingers between yours.

The mall was filled with chatter, the low sound of pop music could be heard through the many ceiling speakers. You squeeze your boyfriend's hand, happily smiling up at him. He looks down, swearing that you are an angel on earth. Out of the corner of your eye, you notice a photo booth. However, to your surprise, there isn't a long line, or anyone wanting to go to the booth itself. Tugging at Anton's jacket, you excitedly point towards the booth.

"Let's go get some photos! Y'know, immortalize the moment." You giggle between your words, already thinking about all the cute poses you guys will do with each other. Pulling back the curtain of the booth, you step in squealing excitedly when you see that there are props for the pictures. "Ahhh this will be so cute!!" You pick up a giraffe headband and glasses far too whimsically big for either of you. He takes the headband from your hands, gently placing it on your head. Noticing heart glasses on the prop table, he picks it up, putting it on before flashing his iconic smile at you. The kind of smile that made you melt inside and fall for him even more.

Anton chuckles lightly, eyes flicking down at your soft, glossy lips. He sighs contentedly, pulling you in by the waist for an almost kiss. His breath fanned over your mouth before he pulled away to look at you fully, " Aren't you just the cutest giraffe?"

You giggle, smacking him lightly, turning towards the screen. "You love this giraffe!" He rolls his eyes, forcing himself to not focus on how plump your lips looked as you spoke, and instead on the flashing start button in front of the two of you. "Perhaps it'd be helpful if we clicked start, love." Pouting slightly, you laugh, leaning forward to click the button. The screen changes, giving you the countdown for pictures. He knew that you were right, he did love you, and even more, as you practiced making silly faces at the camera.

3...2...1. The camera flashed as you squished your cheeks against Anton's, his heart glasses nearly falling off his nose as he smiled ear to ear. You were grateful for the short pause between the takes, as you admired your boyfriend adjusting his glasses. Hurriedly reaching for the prop table, he takes the glasses off, grabbing a pink cowboy hat before placing it on his head. He knew he looked good in the hat, judging from how you were now avoiding any type of eye contact with him.

The screen again displayed the numbers, signaling to you that the picture would be taken soon. You bring your arms above your head to make a heart pose and your boyfriend, getting the hint, puts his arms up in a half-heart to complete the shape. The camera once again flashes, but your boyfriend wasn’t looking at the camera, rather he was looking at you. Something about the way your eyes sparkled every time you were with him, how your smile seemed to light up his entire world, it made his heart burst in his chest.

"Should we kiss for our next photo?" You quickly turn your head, eyes widening at your boyfriend's suggestion. It wasn't that you were embarrassed but you didn't expect him to suggest it to you. His deep brown eyes were fixated on your lips, and you knew that you only had a few seconds before the camera would flash again.

“Why not?” You say it so quickly, noticing how he poked his tongue out to lightly lick his lips in anticipation. Deciding it was now or never, you place your hands on his shirt, pulling him closer to you. The distance between the two of you closes as he darts his eyes from your lips to your eyes, the world around you starting to slow down as your lips connect. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw the flash of the camera, but the feeling of your boyfriend’s hand on your cheek forced your attention back on him. He kissed you gently, yet fervently as though you were the only meal he’d had in his entire life. You pull away, panting softly as you catch your breath, heat rising to your cheeks. The sound of the pop music through the speakers was faint, but it reminded you that you were in the mall. The camera screen changes, a notification telling you that your photos were finished. A slot opens, your photos falling out as Anton quickly grabs them. There were two of each, and a small smile grew on his face as he noticed the last photo.

“It came out so cute!” You giggle with happiness at how well each photo turned out, as you took off the headband, placing it back on the prop table. He grabs the hat, taking it off as well, a large smile on his face.

You grab your purse and your boyfriend’s hand to leave the booth. He laughs with you, eyes crinkling as he teases, “Don’t worry, you’ll get more kisses later, love.”

#laur’s thoughts 🧚🏼‍♀️#laur’s valentine 💌#riize imagines #riize fluff #riize x reader #riize anton #riize scenarios

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gtgbabie0 · 1 year

Note

Hello! This is my first time requesting anything but I wanted to give it a shot as I really like your work :) Could you do a Leon x reader fic where the reader is a college student and Leon keeps her company or just watches her while she’s studying and he just thinks she’s so pretty while studying like he notices how focused she is and he just thinks she’s so cool, I’m going through my final weeks of the semester and my academic validation strives for this scenario if that makes sense lol. High key been obsessing with rookie Leon wink wink 😉. Could there also be some sweetness like handholding 🤭 and a couple kisses or anything you’d like to add :)

Thank you and I hope you have a wonderful day/night! 🩵

Study buddy!

{Leon keeps your company as you study for an upcoming exam}

I hope this is okay my lovely!! 💕

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“Thank you baby” you smile as he presses a quick kiss to your temple, you watch as Leon picks up the plate you used for your sandwich before walking off into the kitchen shouting a quick, ‘You’re welcome angel!’ As he washes up the dish.

It was late afternoon by now and you’ve spent a good chunk of the day studying with the help of Leon, well he spent most of the day just admiring you from the end of the table.

Leon, in all honesty, could stare at you all day. He notices the way your lips purse as you read through the textbook or how your eyebrows softly knit together as you scribble down notes, absolutely angelic, he thinks as he leans in the doorway.

He watches as you stretch out your arms, “God- You’re so pretty” he compliments, moving to sit next to you, and you go giddy at how he looks at you with those love-sick eyes.

You feel a little bad, an odd sense of guilt nips at your heart mostly because he’s been sitting around doing practically nothing as he waits for you to finish studying. He’s got to be at least a little bored by now, right?

Leon watches the worry that flickers through your eyes and his hand instantly reaches for yours, “Are you alright? Do you need anything?” He asks with a genuine worry in his tone, and you swear it makes your heart melt.

You shake your head softly, “No, I’m alright- I just, I'm sorry I haven’t been the best company today” You let out a breathy giggle, looking down at your entwined hands as they lay against Leon’s lap.

His thumb smoothes over your knuckles, “What?- no I like being around you, even if I’m just sitting here watching you— I mean- okay, that sounds a little creepy, not in that way, I just- I- I like, I like being here with you” he stumbles over his words, and you giggle softly at the worry that bleeds into his tone.

You squeeze his hand in reassurance, “I get it, I’m just worried I’m boring you” you tell him and he shakes his head.

“You’re not boring, you’re awesome” he promises you, knocking your knee with his as you look up at him, “I mean you work so hard and you- you’re so insanely smart- I’m proud of you” he whispers, feeling oddly bashful at the earnest smile you give him.

Leon’s always been so sweet. Without fail every time it rendered you completely and utterly wordless, he takes your breath away without even trying. It was safe to say that he owned your heart.

“Thank you, Leon, that means so much” you whisper, your voice wavering slightly at the softness in his tone.

“You don’t have to thank me angel- now is there anything I can do to help?” He wonders, glancing over at your notes, and textbooks that are sprawled across the table, you hand him one of the many books as he flicks through it.

“Could you find page one-eighty please” You smile as you continue to write down notes, and he does so without any complaints opening the book to your desired page, and you thank him softly as you read through the context.

And Leon just watches you, his hand still entwined with yours, and he absolutely adores the way your face scrunches ever so slightly as you work, he admires you and the way you care so much about your education.

His head rests against your shoulder as he passes you a highlighter, watching as you continue to work hard, and he makes a mental note to treat you to something after your finals.

A minute or so goes by and dinner time slowly approaches, he squeezes your hand to get your attention, “Hey I’m gonna go pick something up for dinner, I’ll be back soon, alright?” he presses a kiss too your cheek as you look up at him.

“Alright baby, drive safe, I love you” you smile as he brushes your hair behind your ear.

“I love you too angel” he smiles, as he walks out the door, and decided that you’re done for the rest of the night.

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see-the-fandom-imagines · 1 year

Text

What’s in it for me?

Chapter 4/?

Chapter 1 Masterlist

Pairing: Kyouya Ootori x Reader Author: see-the-fandom-imagines Warnings: None at all. A/N: Let me know if you want to be tagged in the upcoming parts!

You ran your hands under the stream of cold water to quickly rinse them, when a customer entered. Automatically, you lifted your head and smiled to greet them. “Welcome!”, you greeted as you were trained to, but when you looked at the customer you realized it was just - “Haruhi!” Happily you smiled and waved at your friend. “I am almost off, but I got to still clean up and wait for Taiga, he is in the back checking the stock.” Haruhi smiled as well and nodded. “No worries”, she told you and sat down at the table closest to you. This close to closing time there weren’t many customers left and it had gotten really quiet. You walked past the bar to pick up a few empty cups from Haruhi’s table to put them in the dishwasher. “So how’s it going? How was school? How was club?” Haruhi shrugged and yawned. “Don’t ask”, she said and she really looked a little exhausted. You could relate to be honest. It was exam season and with studying, helping out in the host club and working you did not get too much sleep. Haruhi was here so you could study together. “The usual. Hikaru and Kaoru resolved their argument at least, so it’s a bit quieter again. You’re back tomorrow, though aren’t you?” “Yes”, you confirmed, while starting the cleaning program of the coffee machine. “If it’s too much for you, please don’t come, it is going to be alright.” You smiled at her weakly. It was cute that she was worried. “It’s fine! We have a deal, don’t we?” And Haruhi didn’t argue with that. She knew how stubborn you could be, so she decided to let it go and you just chatted about all and sundry until you could leave. Taiga, a university student who was also working in the café part time, told you he would lock today so that you could go home a bit earlier. Thankful, you had accepted and promised him you would make it up to him and you were really happy that you could leave a few minutes early.

Still chatting, Haruhi and you walked over to your place. “How are you doing, though (y/n)?”, she asked, seeming genuinely worried about you. “You are working a lot these days.” “I am fine, really”, you said, putting on a smile, but you knew this wouldn’t be enough, so you quickly added, “I’m a bit tired, yes, but it’s nothing I cannot cope with, promise. And also it’ll all be over in a few days.” Haruhi looked straight ahead and you could see her brows furl as she replied. “I just don’t want you to overexert yourself, just to help with my debt.” You carefully put a hand on her shoulder, stopping her so she would look at you. A few passers-by walked past you a bit confused about your sudden halt, but you didn’t care. “I promise I am alright.” She didn’t seem convinced, but she nodded and smiled a little now. You kept on walking. “And also it’s not your fault. It’s that Kyouya who treats me like I am his personal mule. Can you believe him?”, you started, and you didn’t even notice how you began blabbering. “He won’t let us rest one second.” You could feel Haruhi’s gaze on you, but you just continued. “And remember what we talked about the other day? The whole thing with Renge?” “Yeah, that was really tedious”, she agreed, seemingly thinking about something. You brushed past it, you were too deep in your complaining. “It was, wasn’t it? And all just because he wanted those pictures.” You sulked for a second. “And that he has keys for everything? I mean it is kind of impressive, but still, who does that.” Haruhi nodded. “He can be very dark.” “Yeah, right? But then other days he is almost nice? And he is really smart, I got to leave him that. Without him the club probably wouldn’t work so well, but he also really doesn’t care about anyone, does he?” “Say, (y/n)…”, Haruhi tried to stop you, but you were full-blown into your rant, all the while keeping your gaze fixed on the road ahead. “And then he is always smirking to himself like he is better than us or something. It is better than his fake smile, though, I got to admit … That makes me feel way worse.” “(Y/n)”, Haruhi tried again, her voice a bit firmer, and this time you actually shut up and looked at her. “Could it be… that you like Kyouya-senpai?” That stopped you dead in your tracks. You opened your mouth to reply something, but her saying these words had gotten you by surprise. You closed your mouth again and looked at your friend, who hadn’t stopped walking as suddenly as you and thus was standing a little bit ahead of you. “For days you have been talking about him”, Haruhi continued, “and I have known you for quite a while. Remember how it was with Arai in Middle School?” Your heart skipped a beat at the memory. “No”, you said firmly, looking at the ground again. “Of course, I don’t like him. Arai was different. He was actually nice, Kyouya is just …” “Alright, alright”, Haruhi sighed, lifting her hands to get you to stop talking. She had known you for long enough to know that you were stubborn as hell with these things. “I mean”, you began again, picking a little dirt from your nails that you had suddenly realised was there, “why would I even like him.” Haruhi shrugged. “That I don’t know either." You looked at each other and you both burst out laughing. It felt good to talk to her about these things. You did see each other more regularly thanks to the club, but you barely had time to actually hang out. “Let’s go, we still need to study”, you said and Haruhi nodded. Together you walked on to your place, but you barely listened to what she was saying. You knew that Haruhi was strangely insightful in-between, but she was surely wrong about this. There was no other way. Still, the thought didn’t leave you alone until you finally reached your place.

“I am back”, you yelled into the living area, not sure whether or not you would get a reply. “Welcome home!”, your aunt's voice greeted you. Sometimes she would work late, being a nurse and all, but today she already seemed to be home. Haruhi and you walked through the small entrance into the living room and kitchen area where your aunt Miwako was already cooking. “I started to make dinner, I hope you are hungry!” “Starving”, you said and Haruhi bowed slightly. “Hi Ms (L/n).” “Oh, Haruhi! Nice to see you! Are you staying for dinner?” “Oh, I don’t –“ “Yes, Miwako”, you smiled at Haruhi. She had told you Ranka was working late tonight and you knew her enough to know that she just did not want to bother your aunt. “How nice! I’ll make a little extra you can bring your father when you get home.” That woman really thought of everything. Haruhi smiled slightly and bowed again. “Thank you, that is really kind.” “Of course, Haruhi! At this point you are like a second child to me. Ranka-san took care of (y/n) so often, I am happy to return the favour.” “We wanted to study a bit”, you said, making your way towards your room. “Is it okay, if we go into my room until dinner?” “But of course! You go study and I will call you when dinner is ready!” “Thank you”, the both of you said simultaneously, before vanishing into your room so that Haruhi could finally explain that icky math problem to you, you just didn’t seem to understand.

After another hour of studying your aunt had called you for dinner and now the three of you sat at a table filled with different small dishes and a bowl of rice and miso soup for everyone. “It is not a lot, but I hope you will like it.” “Enjoy!”, everybody wished, and you began to dig in. After a day full of school and work you had gotten really hungry, you realized. “So, Haruhi”, your aunt tried to make light conversation. “You are going to that fancy school for a while now, right? How is it going?” “Oh, uhm …”, Haruhi shot you a side glance. You hadn’t told Miwako that you were helping out in the host club and she knew that. “Quite well actually. I was able to keep my grades steady so far and I am learning a lot.” “That’s amazing. How about friends? Found some new people?” Haruhi smiled into her bowl of rice and nodded. “Yeah, I think I did.” You smiled, too. It was nice seeing her this happy thinking about the host club as her friends. Now that you thought about it, you also considered them your friends. Most of them at least. “You know, (y/n) was just telling me the other day …” She was interrupted by her phone ringing. She stopped her chopsticks mid-air, seemingly considering whether or not she should pick up her phone. She quickly checked the number, and you noticed her clenching her jaw and her expression darken. The ringing stopped. You watched her carefully, but she took a deep breath, before putting the phone away and putting on a smile again. “So, as I was saying …” The phone began again. Her face fell. “You can pick up, maybe it’s important”, you said, but you avoided her gaze. “I know who… It’s …” She sighed frustrated, but still got up, her phone in hand. “I’ll be right back.” As she vanished into the next room you could only hear her yell: “I told you to stop calling me!”

You put your chopsticks down as well, staring into your bowl of rice. You didn’t know for sure, but you had an idea about who kept calling her and you felt weirdly responsible for it. Haruhi noticed that something was wrong. “Who was that?”, she asked, her eyes flicking between the door Miwako had vanished through and you. “Are you okay?” “Yes, yes, of course”, you smiled weakly, knowing she wouldn’t fall for it, so you just kept talking. “I am not entirely sure who keeps calling her, she won’t tell me. But the other day I heard my name, so I listened in a few times and she was talking about some kind of money …” “Oh.” Haruhi understood immediately. It was silent for a while, before she turned to look at you. “(Y/n), none of this is your fault, you know that, right?” You looked at her as well, into her honest, but stern face and for a second you actually believed her. “I know.”

-----

“I told you to stop calling me! For the last time, you’ll get neither her nor the money!” Kyouya checked his phone display. For a split second he wasn’t sure if he had called the right number, but then he found his voice again. “Ms. Miwako (L/n)?” An awkward short pause before she spoke, this time with a calmer voice, yet, she still sounded suspicious. “Yes?” “It is nice to finally talk to you. My name is Kyouya Ootori and I am the director of the club (y/n) is attending at Ouran High School.” Another short pause. “What?” He waited for a brief second to see if she was about to say anything else, but as she didn’t reply, he simply kept on talking, although this talk already wasn’t really going the way he had expected. “At the local Private Ouran High School. Your daughter is taking part in our club, together with Haruhi, who I think you know as well?” It was still silent at the other end. Kyouya dared to suspect, “I guess, your niece didn’t tell you about it?” No answer. He checked his display again to see if the call had disconnected, but it was still going. “Hello?” “I’m still here, sorry. Yes, no, she really didn’t tell me about it! I was just surprised.” He heard her exhale deeply and Kyouya wondered if calling her had been a good idea. Suddenly she seemed to realize what was happening. “So, my niece is part of your club. At Ouran High School. And you are the director. And I just yelled at you?!” She yelled again. Kyouya held the phone a little away from his ear. “I am so sorry! But, uhm, how come… how …?” Kyouya considered for a moment how much he would tell her. If (y/n) hadn’t told her aunt anything about the club, then maybe it was best to stay vague. He already knew that she would be furious at him in the morning. Her aunt didn’t seem like the type who could keep this call secret. “She is honourably helping out at our club three times a week, which of course can only be beneficial for her later education. I am a student at Ouran High School, just like Haruhi, and I am calling to inform you that we are taking good care of your niece and that you can always call this number in case you have any questions. We will also inform you about all major events.” “I wonder when she finds the time for that”, she whispered, more to herself than to him. “And why is a student calling me?” He had just opened his mouth to reply, when she asked a question, he hadn’t expected. “When you say ‘take good care of her’, you don’t mean anything sketchy right? What kind of club is this even?” The suspicion was back in her voice. He cleared his voice, this was certainly not the direction in which he had thought this talk would develop. “Of course not. I am a year above her and we are taking part the same after school club and since you have entrusted her in our care, I, as the managing director, simply wanted to contact you.” He ignored her latter question, hoping she would let it go. She already did not seem to fond of him, and he had apparently told her too much already, the rest would be on (y/n) to explain. If she already was suspicious of him, mentioning that it was a Host club probably wasn’t the best idea and he certainly did not feel like having that discussion. “Uh-huh”, she did not seem convinced. There was something in her voice he couldn’t quite interpret. Again she asked something he did not expect. Ranka had not been as thorough. “Does my niece know that you are calling me?” “I … No.” He admitted. “You got to know her a little by now?” “Yes, ma’am.” “You know she is going to be furious with you.” “Yes, ma’am.” There was a small silence, before she spoke up again. “I will be looking forward to those updates.” “Certainly”, he said, ready to end the call, but she wasn’t quite done yet. “She is a really stubborn girl. But very diligent.” He let her speak. “She feels guilty about what happened with her parents …” Again, she seemed to talk more to herself than to him, but he made a mental note, nonetheless. He actually couldn’t find a lot of information about them. “Sometimes she works a little too hard. But I see how attending a club at your school can only be beneficial for her." She seemed to think about something. "When you say you will be taking care of her… is this a promise?” Kyouya faltered. A promise? On a professional level of course. But her voice suggested more than that, and he thought about (y/n). About their talks, about her ways to try to help wherever she could. The challenging smirks, the exasperated gasps, but also the happy smile when she was interacting with the other hosts. Although she couldn’t see it, he nodded slightly. “It is.”

----

“Morning”, you greeted your aunt, still drowsy with sleep, and let yourself fall onto your chair at the breakfast table. Your aunt didn’t reply, but instead was staring at you intently. You raised an eyebrow, beginning to slowly wake up. “Is everything alright?” She still didn’t speak, but instead maintained eye contact while she bit off a piece of toast. “Miwako? You are scaring me a bit.” She swallowed. “Good.” Oh-oh. “Did something happen?” She leaned on the table, still not breaking eye contact. “You tell me.” Confused you blinked, trying to fight the tiredness. You had only slept for about four hours this night the rest was lost in your studies. Her staring began to make you uncomfortable. “Tell you what?” As you didn’t say anymore, she spoke up, all the while still staring at you. Did that woman ever have to blink? “Oh, I don’t know.” Her tone was calm, but sarcastic. “What you had for lunch yesterday? Or which exam you have to write tomorrow …” She paused, before dragging out the next words. “What you are doing after school today?” You sighed, dropping your head. “How did you find out?” “Ha!”, she shouted, “So you admit it!” “What do you mean admit, I never lied.” “You just didn’t tell me!” She pouted. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “I didn’t want you to worry”, you finally admitted and you saw her expression change. “(Y/n)”, she said and began to look at you again. “I am your aunt. It is my job to worry about you, alright?” You nodded slowly, but you still felt kind of bad. “You participating in a club in Ouran High School, that is amazing. If you get a certificate from them it is going to be worth so much later on.” You smiled weakly, but it dropped as quickly as it had formed. “However.” Oh-oh. “You cannot lie to me anymore, alright? I need to know where you are, did you understand me?” Her tone had gotten really serious now. “Especially now since…” She trailed off and sighed, but still looked at you, now a bit softer. “Can you promise that?” You nodded. “Yes, Miwako. Sorry for worrying you.” “It’s alright.” She smiled again. “It is great news. And I am glad that boy called me.” Immediately, your smile vanished. “Which boy?” You already knew before she opened her mouth. “Oh, wait, what was his name? Okawa? Otaki?” “Ootori?” “Yes, that’s it! I can’t believe it, in the club for a few weeks and you already got a boyfriend.” “He is not my boyfriend!” “Of course not”, she smiled as if she didn’t believe a word you said. “So, is he handsome? And what kind of club is it anyways, are you hiding a secret talent from me that they took you in?” “Sorry, gotta go!”, you said quickly, grabbing a piece of toast and running out of the room. You knew you wouldn’t be able to fully ignore these questions, but as long as you could run away from her inquiry, you’d try. And if Kyouya had to be the one explaining to her, all the better for you. He definitely would deserve that.

Chapter 5

#Kyouya Otori #Kyoya Ootori #kyouya ootori #kyouya x reader #kyouya ootori x reader #ootori kyoya x reader #ootori kyouya x reader #OHSHC #ohshc kyoya #ohshc fanfic #ohshc x reader #kyoya x reader #ouran high school host club #ouran x reader #takashi morinozuka #haruhi fujioka #see-the-fandom-imagines

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authorchu · 1 year

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Tutoring Sessions

A/N: My last Hermione Granger piece made me want to re-watch all of the movies. Since I don't really have time for that, I decided to write a fluffy story! This one made my heart tingle. Enjoy :)

As you sat in your chair, pretending to study while sneaking glances at Hermione Granger, you couldn't help but feel butterflies in your stomach. You had purposely been underperforming in your classes so that you would be assigned a tutor, and the idea of spending one-on-one time with Hermione had been the driving force behind this scheme.

But as you quickly learned, Hermione was a strict tutor. She kept things strictly professional, shooting down any attempts you made to steer the conversation in a more personal direction.

After a few sessions of this, you couldn't take it anymore. You stopped going to the tutoring lessons altogether, preferring to nurse your broken heart in the privacy of your dorm room.

One day, as you were walking out of class, Hermione approached you.

"Hey, can we talk for a minute?" she asked, her eyes fixed on yours.

You nodded nervously, wondering what she could possibly want to say to you.

"I know you've stopped coming to our tutoring sessions," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "And I just wanted to check in and make sure everything is okay."

You felt a lump form in your throat. Here was Hermione, the girl you had been crushing on for months, showing genuine concern for you. It was almost too much to bear.

"I'm fine," you managed to choke out. "I just...I thought you didn't want to be around me anymore."

Hermione's expression softened. "That couldn't be further from the truth," she said. "I actually really enjoyed our tutoring sessions. You're a quick learner, and you have a great sense of humor."

You felt your heart leap at her words. Could it be that Hermione felt the same way about you?

"But I have to be honest with you," Hermione continued. "When you kept trying to make things more personal, I got a little uncomfortable. I didn't want to lead you on or give you the wrong impression."

Your heart sank. You had been so sure that Hermione was the one for you, but it seemed that you had misread the signals.

"I understand," you said quietly, your voice barely above a whisper.

Hermione took a step closer to you, her hand reaching out to gently touch your arm.

"But that doesn't mean we can't still be friends," she said, her brown eyes sparkling with warmth. "I think you're an amazing person, and I would love to get to know you better. As friends."

You looked up at her, your heart pounding in your chest. Maybe things hadn't turned out exactly how you had hoped, but the idea of being friends with Hermione was almost as thrilling as the idea of dating her.

"Okay," you said, your voice stronger this time. "I would like that."

As you started spending more time with Hermione, your crush on her didn't diminish, but it did begin to shift. You found that you enjoyed spending time with her, regardless of the fact that you weren't dating. You loved how passionate she was about learning, and how fiercely she fought for what she believed in.

Hermione, for her part, seemed to enjoy your company just as much. She started seeking you out during meals and study breaks, and even invited you to come to some of the meetings of her various clubs and organizations.

Before you knew it, you had become an integral part of Hermione's social circle. You spent most of your time with her, and the two of you had started to develop a shorthand with each other that was almost telepathic.

Despite the fact that you were no longer actively trying to pursue Hermione, you couldn't help but notice that your feelings for her were deepening. You loved the way she smiled when she was excited about something, and the way her eyes crinkled at the corners when she laughed.

One day, while the two of you were sitting in the library, studying for your upcoming exams, Hermione looked up from her textbook and caught your eye.

"What?" you asked, feeling a little self-conscious under her gaze.

Hermione shook her head, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Nothing," she said. "I just think you're really stunning."

Your heart skipped a beat. Had Hermione just...?

Before you could say anything, Hermione cleared her throat and went back to her textbook. You sat there, shocked, not quite sure what to do with the flood of emotions that were swirling inside of you.

Over the next few weeks, you couldn't stop thinking about what Hermione had said. Had she meant it as a compliment, or was there something more behind it? You tried to play it cool, but you couldn't help but feel your heart race every time you caught a glimpse of her.

Then, one night, while the two of you were walking back to your dorm after a late-night study session, Hermione took your hand in hers. The gesture was so natural, so comfortable, that it took you a few moments to realize what was happening.

You looked over at her, and she met your gaze with a soft smile.

"I really like spending time with you," she said. "You're one of my closest friends, and I don't know what I would do without you."

Your heart swelled with warmth at her words. You had never felt so seen, so understood, by anyone before.

As the two of you walked back to your dorm, hand in hand, you knew that something had shifted between you and Hermione. Maybe you weren't dating, but you were something else, something deeper and more meaningful than you had ever imagined. And for the first time in a long time, you felt truly happy.

Over the next few weeks, you and Hermione continued to grow closer. You spent all your free time together, exploring the Hogwarts grounds, studying together in the library, and sometimes just sitting in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company.

It was like you were in your own little world, separate from the stresses and pressures of school and life. You felt like you could talk to Hermione about anything, and she always listened with an open heart and mind.

As the end of the school year drew near, you couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness. You didn't want to leave Hermione behind and go back to your regular life. You didn't want to lose this connection that the two of you had forged.

One day, as the two of you were lying in the grass outside the castle, enjoying the warm spring sun, you turned to Hermione.

"Hey," you said. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Hermione said, turning to face you.

"Do you ever think about what would happen if we weren't friends anymore?" you asked. "Like, if we lost touch after we graduate?"

Hermione looked thoughtful for a moment. "I don't like to think about it," she said finally. "But I do know that no matter what happens, I'll always cherish the time we spent together."

You felt a lump form in your throat. You wanted to tell Hermione how much she meant to you, but the words caught in your throat.

As if sensing your hesitation, Hermione reached out and took your hand in hers. "Hey," she said softly. "I don't want to lose you either. You're one of the most important people in my life, and I'll always be here for you."

Tears prickled at the corners of your eyes as you looked at her. You didn't know how you had gotten so lucky to have someone like Hermione in your life.

Without thinking, you leaned in and kissed her. The kiss was soft and sweet, but it felt like fireworks were going off inside of you. You had never felt more alive, more in love.

When you finally pulled away, Hermione looked at you with wide eyes.

"I'm sorry," you said quickly. "I shouldn't have done that. I just-"

But Hermione cut you off with a kiss of her own. This one was deeper, more passionate, and you melted into her embrace.

"I love you," she said when the kiss finally ended. "I think I have for a while now."

You felt tears roll down your cheeks as you hugged her tightly. This was everything you had ever wanted, and more. With Hermione by your side, you knew that anything was possible.

#hermione granger x reader #harry potter #fluff #slowburn

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enm-enthusiast · 11 months

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The Exhibitionists Club Ch. 5 Part 1 - Thomas

Author’s Note: Time for a little doctor-themed story! Also, watch out for George, he’s bad news for Thomas…

Thomas

It was another lecture with my new Anatomy Professor, Ethan Rivers, and unfortunately for me I was doing poorly in his class ever since I failed to study hard enough for the first exam of the semester. It was my own fault, really, I had been out late the night before trying to find my clothes when Seb had them all scattered across my dorm building as his way of welcoming me on campus. Since then I’ve toned down my adventures and I threw myself into my studies to make up for it, and I’d made good progress so far but I’d be lucky to earn a B+ because the exams in this class counted for much of our grade. I was sitting there anxiously thinking of how I could possibly earn some sort of extra credit perhaps? I didn’t want to pass with a bad grade or worse fail one of my earliest college courses.

I turned my attention back to Professor Ethan, who by all accounts was regarded as one of the hottest on campus and…I agreed, he was still in his late 20’s and dressed very professionally in tight-fitting clothing that accentuated his well-endowed backside and displayed a prominent bulge as well, some of my classmates had a hard time concentrating because of that. Sometimes I did, too, especially because of the rumors…

I hated listening to gossip but a few rumors had spread around before they were silenced by the University administration that Professor Ethan was spotted one evening on campus, he had been fully naked and was being dragged along at night by two others. No one could prove any of it, yet nearly everyone had heard by this point but they kept quiet around the good professor since he was genuinely well-liked and was a fair teacher. Just then, as I brought myself out of my daydreaming I heard the professor say “and by the way, those of you interested in earning some extra credit, please stop by my office after class, but be warned it is an intensive study on human anatomy so don’t take it lightly” he said. I could hardly believe my luck! Of course, I had no idea what this ‘study’ was about and could be anything from exercise, muscle mass, or even…no, I’m sure they wouldn’t want to study that. Still didn’t stop a slight flush of my cheeks at the thought, but regardless I had to see if this was for real and if it could help raise my grade.

After that, the professor wrapped up his lecture with reminders of assigned reading and warnings about the upcoming midterm, which sent a shiver up my spine at the thought. I gathered up my notebooks and textbooks and packed them into my bag as the other students began to do the same and filed out of the classroom, one by one until only me and one other student remained, a rather short red-haired fellow named George, who seemed to eye the professor a lot but the professor barely paid any heed, at least on the surface. As soon as I began my approach towards Professor Ethan’s office George turned his gaze at me and I could feel his cold piercing eyes boring holes through my clothes, skin, my very being, it was really unsettling. Thankfully, his gaze didn’t last long and he quickly gathered his things up and got up to leave, but not before sparing one last glance at the professor. That guy’s a creep, something feels wrong about him I thought to myself.

I nearly lost my train of thought as Professor Ethan noticed my approach, and he eyed me up and down. For a split second I could have sworn I saw a glint in his eye, one that seemed…familiar somehow but he greeted me with a warm, professional smile. “Ah, Thomas. I thought you might stop by after class, I know you’ve been struggling ever since the first exam, don’t worry you weren’t the only one. In fact, you weren’t the worst either, it didn’t take much convincing to let the dean give me some extra credit otherwise half the class might fail” he said.

It made perfect sense, it did seem too good to be true in my case alone but if other students were struggling as well, all the better to take the opportunity. “Ah, yes ummm…yeah, I admit I could have done better on that test, and I’m trying my best but…this could really help sort things out” I said in response, my gaze refusing to lock onto his. I couldn’t deny that Professor Ethan was one of the hottest teachers I’d ever met, he was young enough to be a student still, and he had a medium but muscled build that made his light blue dress shirt cling to his torso, but his black dress pants did his magnificent backside justice, I admit….I got lost staring at it sometimes. Not to mention, he was standing at 6 '2 with cut short dark brown hair and green eyes, and had a square jawed face that made some of his students drool during class. It was hard to ignore my cock beginning to stir in my pants as I finished speaking.

“I thought as much, it's why I already prepared the forms with your name on them just in case, all you need to do is give it a quick read and sign it” he said, and he reached inside his black carryon bag and pulled out a short stack of papers which, lo and behold, had my name stamped right on the front. I eagerly took them from his hand and started to read through it but what I was reading made both my jaw drop and my face turn red a little.

“Ah yes, that, you see the study we are conducting is on the sexual drives of young adult males and females from on campus, wherein a number of volunteers will be monitored for the duration of the study, testing various stimuli to gather data on what constitutes as ‘turn-ons’ among the...subjects” he trailed off at the end and coughed a little. I blinked in surprise as I noticed a slight blush on his own face which made him seem absolutely adorable.

Sure enough, the forms said as much, and referred to instances like "studying the subject's full anatomy" and "subjecting the subject to invasive procedures to gauge sexual arousal response" among other things that turned my face completely red.

“Well…um, who is in charge of...studying us?” I asked, nervously.

“That would be me, actually, the dean insisted I participate since I pushed for this so badly, well…only the male subjects, my colleague Professor Whittle? she will be monitoring the female volunteers” he finished.

I turned my attention back to the document Professor Ethan gave me, most of it was the atypical agreements to ensure the University didn’t get sued in case of an accident, while others dictated that there were strict rules to be followed and if they were not…no extra credit points would be rewarded, thus it was all or nothing.

“Thomas? Are you okay?” I heard Professor Ethan say, bringing me out of my own thoughts. It was so easy for me to get distracted, Sebastian said he found it adorable when he had to pull me back to reality, that my “shocked” face made him want to kiss me more. My heart melted at the thought of Sebastian, things were going great between us since we graduated and moved on campus, though I heard Seb had had some trouble with some of his new Fraternity brothers but nothing my precious Seb said he couldn’t handle, and I trusted him. I felt more safe and loved with him than with anyone in my entire life. We haven’t said the words yet, even though we’ve been dating for almost a full year now, but each time he ravished me, made my body writhe in pleasure and screamed his name I wanted to utter those three words, but something was holding me back, and I wanted to be sure before I said them, otherwise….I didn’t want to think about that right now, so I pushed it off to the side.

“Yeah, I’m fine, just…a little shocked to be honest” I said, giving him a sheepish smile.

“Well, good, just get those forms signed and I will see you later tonight at 7:30 pm in Building 5, Room 1-C, alright?” he said, flashing me a full smile which sent shivers up my spine because of how much more hot it made him look. My dick twitched in agreement.

“Y-yeah, I’ll umm…see you then” I replied.

Professor Ethan turned to walk away and I took one last glance at his magnificent bubble butt before walking away myself. As soon as I had opened the door to the lecture room I felt a hand roughly grab my shoulder and another held a hand over my mouth and dragged me over to a darkened hallway nearby where the janitors kept their closets of cleaning supplies.

“Mmph!” came out when I tried to say ‘let me go’, and my heart pounded in my chest as I felt myself hauled against the wall and I stood face to face with those same cold, brown eyes of George from Professor Ethan’s class.

“Saw you getting cozy with hot teach Ethan, huh? What’s that he gave you?” he said and pointed to the short stack of papers still in my hand.

“Look, i-it’s nothing, alright it's just for the extra credit he talked about in class, now come on just let me down” I said.

George only held me tighter and pressed our bodies closer to one another, and the cold fury that edged the lines of his face genuinely scared me. I felt I was about to be beaten up for even looking in Professor Ethan’s direction.

“Extra credit, huh? You better not be lying, and you better stay as far away from teach as possible, but if I find out otherwise…”

He leaned his head towards my ear and whispered “I’ll make you my little bitch, too” he said and with that he let go of me and roughly caressed my face before walking off with a smile that chilled me to my bones. I checked to make sure I was alright and tried to calm myself down from the massive panic attack I almost had.

I managed to get my breathing under control when I felt my phone vibrating in my pants pocket, and I pulled it out to see it was Seb, and with shaking fingers I pressed the button for talk and hearing his voice sent waves of anxiety fading away in the background of my mind.

*Hey babe! You should be out of ol Ethan’s class by now, right?* he said.

“Uhm, yeah I uhm…I just left” I said in response, my hand rustling my tousled black hair which I had let grow out slightly so it dangled just above my eyebrows now.

*Hey, what’s wrong? You sound upset? Did someone do something???? Give me names, I’ll ship their heads in boxes back to their mothers!* he said in a tone that meant he was half-serious and half-joking.

The effort of it made me smile, and as much as I wanted to talk about what happened, I didn’t want to burden him with my own problems, as long as I stayed out of George’s way…I should be fine, right? I thought to myself.

“Don’t worry babe, everything’s fine just…stressed about this extra credit that Professor Ethan talked about…” I trailed off on explaining the study and that once I met up with him at my dorm room later tonight I’d explain it more. After we got off the phone, I decided to kill time by studying until around 7, and then…then it was time to sell my soul…or my body, I suppose? I only hoped George would see I wasn’t in his way.

I wish I knew then, just how horribly wrong I was.

End of Part 1.

#enm #gay #gay romance #embarassing

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lunalillyhbhb · 2 years

Text

Lea's home

Chapter 5

It's a pleasant Saturday, a gentle breeze brushes past my face. I wake up late with no intention of over exerting myself today, not in the slightest.

I don't have classes on Saturdays and the head maid has given me the day off. I intend to use every second of it to rest. God knows every fibre of my body could use it, given how frequently I've been pushing my heart of late. Most days it's Lea who pushes it, sometimes Mirin when she's feeling extra sweet, and on special occasions Mrs. Nicole would relish it. Almost every other day seems like gym training. I'm not complaining though, I just really want to rest for now.

The afternoon passes by lazily. I live by myself in a small apartment, equipped with a simple kitchen/dining room, a small hall room and a loft above for sleeping and studying.

I lay on my bed with my books and steth sprawled across, passively going through my notes for an upcoming CVS exam. The evening rolls around. I get tired and decide to treat myself to a small power nap.

I sleep for what feels like barely a minute. All of a sudden I wake up to my clock displaying 5:00 PM. Oh no, I'm late for work! The head maid is gonna kill me!

I quickly make myself presentable and run to Lea's home, heart pounding from the sudden overexcitation. I barely reach on time and get changed and begin my chores. I see Lea at home. Strange. She's usually never back home this early. She looks upset. Maybe I'll cheer her up later with her steth, I decide. She sees me from the corner of her eyes and whips to head to look at me, now looking even more upset. She motions to her room and angrily stomps inside, asking me to follow her in. I want to ease her thoughts but not in the middle of my work, that'd be too risky!

No I can't be like this. Lea is a very important person to my heart, if I can't risk this much for her then I'd be ashamed of myself.

I put aside my chores and step inside her room quietly, carefully closing the door behind so no one hears, and lock it. I turn around and am met with a weird surprise: Lea and Mirin looking ready to have a go at the other, standing in opposite corners of the room. Just what happened here? Did Mirin not do her chores well? I really can't think of any other reason. Lea points to her sofa directing me to sit there. I sense she is very impatient and close to exploding any moment now, and I don't want to be in the receiving end of that. I quickly plop down and sit in silence, watching my two heartbeat muses staring at each other.

Lea finally breaks the silence, looking directly at me like she's about to cry, "Was my heart not enough for you? What did I do wrong, was it my fault?"

I am genuinely confused now. "What do you mean Lea?". Mirin decides to join in, saying "Of course you weren't good enough. That's why she chose me! She chose me over you, why can't you just get over it??"

Mirin??? What's gotten over her? Does she want to get fired??

"Mirin, sweetie, pipe down a bit. Lea, explain to me what's going on? Help me understand!"

Lea slams her palm into her chest and cries "MY heart! I thought my heart was all you wanted and needed. But turns out I'm wrong, you're pampering Mirin's heart as well? Why? What more do you want me to do? You could've asked me anything and you KNOW I would've done everything in my power to give it to you, why go to HER???"

Ooh. I get the situation now. Lea and Mirin are jealous of each other.

Oh no, what do I do? I never thought it would play out like this, what should I do, what do I say? I want to hug Lea and cup her face, I want to stroke Mirin's head and tell her to calm down.

Mirin decides to become a smartass and throws oil in the fire- "You don't understand, you can never compare to my heart! Stop trying!!"

The sweet voice is no where to be found, Mirin now acting like a spoilt brat. Lea marches towards Mirin, grabs her hand and pushes it to her apex hard. "Feel that? My heart is 10 times stronger than yours! You can't even begin to compare!" As she says this, Mirin and I see her hand jumping with such amplitude I get jealous I'm not in Miri's place.

Mirin's face shifts and from previous experience I know she's amazed by it. But then she abruptly switches up, grabbing Lea's hand and pushing it into her small breast. I see Lea's hand jump slightly but quickly, pattering away to Mirin's pulsating heart. A few seconds of silence passes and I see Lea and Mirin pay close attention to each other. Lea starts getting agitated as apparent by her increasingly stronger heartbeat heaves and looks resolutely in Mirin's eyes.

"I know her heart the best, let her decide instead, right here, right now, between us both." And without waiting for Mirin to reply she marches up to me, grabs my head and smashes it into her pounding breast. I immediately close my eyes, letting the sound of her majestic heart thud deeply and fast in my ear, and I know it is beating for me. Before I can lose myself entirely, Mirin huffs and joins me on the sofa on my other side, leans into my other ear and arches her back, pushing her heart directly into my head.

My head fills with the cacophony of hearts, each thudding away uniquely, fighting against each other. I feel their hearts beating strongly against my face. I lose myself entirely, my mind fogging up and lip biting down, trying not to moan. My heart instantly starts pulsating so strongly, as if someone injected epinephrine into my veins. I am unable to think straight, and I know from the way my chest is rocking back and forth that my pump is begging to be touched, to be held. Lea and Mirin see my left breast vibrating more than before, and they are entranced by it. Lea reaches for my apex, and grabs my whole boob in her one hand, squeezing it firmly. The euphoric feeling of my heart fills Lea up and she grabs Mirin's hand as well, pushing it into my PMI, sharing in my rhythm. It's almost like in this moment both are working together, almost like they forgot this was a competition. I feel my pussy becoming increasingly warmer by the second, and my nipples pleading to be released from my shirt. Sensing my need, both my muses work in unison and unbutton my top, unhook my bra and throw it aside, and pull my skirt up to reveal my damp underwear.

Lea starts attacking my apex, digging her fingers into my chest as if trying to dig out my thumping vessel. Mirin focuses her efforts on my nipples, pinching and flicking it. They both start breathing harder and fast, my pants becoming mixed with their moans.

Suddenly we three hear a knock on the door and our eyes whip open in unison. I hear Lea and Miri's hearts thud with fear and anticipation, and their thudding is defeaning me.

The door opens and in walks the sexy Mrs. Nicole. She enters the room and closes the door behind her, locking it. Wait, I thought I had locked it earlier?

All 3 of us look anxiously at Mrs. Nicole, who's foxy eyes have narrowed into thin slits behind her glasses, her face a stern expression, turning me on even more. With her large tantalizing breasts visibly bobbing, she breaths in deeply and sighs out.

She walks slowly to me- "How dirty, what kind of shameful madness is this..... and how dare you do this without me?" her voice drops low and with quickness in her fingers her blouse and bra are off, her breasts out in the open. Lea and Mirin's heart kick up even more, and they watch Mrs. Nicole as they continue to play with my apex and nipples.

Mrs. Nicole bends down to my level, takes my hands to hers on either side, and aligns her nipples to mine and leans forward, initially rubbing the tips of our erect sensitive nipples against each other. I suck in a deep breath and whimper, shuddering breaths leaving my mouth in between haggard moans. My torso quivers and I'm finding it hard to hold my position.

Mrs. Nicole leans further in and now I can feel her heart hammering directly above my sternum, forcing my heart back into it's cage, trying to dominate me.

I am now a small prey being cornered by 3 beasts, all hungrily staring me down, hunting me, ready to eat me.

"You've been wet down there a while now, haven't you? Let me help you with that." Mrs. Nicole breathes huskily, she releases one of my hands and slips into my underwear, wet and dripping with pleasure. My heartbeat is felt in my pussy and my clit is so sensitive. Mrs. Nicole starts rubbing the lips slowly, coating her fingers through and through. My heart bangs hard and my chest starts hurting. I feel Lea also slip her finger into me, her other hand into herself. I can feel Mrs. Nicole and Lea inside me, both rubbing all my pleasure spots. Mirin joins in, her fingers finding their way into my slippery wet lips and into herself, her tongue hanging out like a dog panting after a run. My chest burns and tightens, my heart no longer making sense, as if someone stabbed epi directly into my cardiac muscle. I am being eaten alive by these carnal monsters and I am enjoying every second of this euphoric sensation. Mrs. Nicole brings her lips to mine and kisses me with a fiery passion, pushing her tongue down my throat, her breasts heaving heavily on me, nipples still furiously rubbing against each other. Mirin gets jealous and leans over and kisses Lea above my head and I feel all our hearts skip messily and sloppily. All four of us are a sweating mess, bodies tangled with each other. A wave of orgasm rolls over all of us, our hearts finally joined as a symphony of music in my ears and on my chest, haggard panting and heat filling the air:

Lea with her strong heart, thudding forcefully like a machine gun in my ears and moaning as she feels her heartbeat pounding in her wet mounds;

Mirin with her heart beating fast and deep like a caged butterfly, struggling to break free from its confines and her high pitched moaning;

Mrs. Nicole, her large breasts directly on mine, merging our bodies as one, her heart beating steadily with a deep bass as the mature strong woman she is, her low pitched moans sultry and erotic.

My heart gives out and starts beating erratically all over the place. I feel my sternum bounce and it hurts so bad. I feel the hot release of pure desire over and over again, all of us coming in unison.

I am sooo so close to reaching my climax, when I am suddenly pulled away from it all and my breath knocked out of me. Everything vanishes in a split second and I am surrounded in darkness.

In a moment of desperation I reach my hand out and-

My eyes open. Directly above me I see a familiar ceiling. The bed underneath me is wet and drenched in my sweat, my pants are soaked through and my breathing is staggered and short. My heart, as if still in the moment, continues beating painfully fast and irregular.

I quickly grab my steth and finish by myself on the bed.

It was all a dream.

The sensation of 4 heartbeats, simultaneously coming together..... it still lingers in my ears and body. This dream will consume my thoughts for a while, mourning the loss of what could've been.

And here I thought I wouldn't over exert myself today.

#female heartbeat #fast heartbeat #cardiophile fic #heartbeat fic

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violet-stormbringer · 5 months

Text

The Princess and The Thorne, Chapter Nine: Exam Season

Unfortunately for Ras, it was exam season soon, as warned by her teachers.

She hated exam season. For many reasons, but mostly because she hated exams. She hated tests. She could do and ace them, sure, but they were just a recounting of knowledge, she wasn’t actually learning anything!

That was the whole point of throwing herself into her studies, after all! She loved to learn things! Not review them!

She groaned, leaning back in her chair and staring out the window.

Spring had arrived in earnest in the Gallatin Mountains, painting color across the landscape. More Bellflowers had sprouted next to the one Ras had asked Karson to keep around, and she grinned whenever she passed them. Bright crocuses carpeted the grass of the quad; in the woods, snowdrops and spring snowflakes were suddenly everywhere, and the trees heavy with sweet-smelling blossoms.

The merriment of the Festival of the Birds remained in the air for a week afterward, with whispers and rumors flying about who did what with who. Delacroix and Max hooked up, and were now seen together more often, sitting close to each other and whispering to each other. Hartmann and Freddie had also gotten together, the pair of them made an adorable couple, though rumors abounded that Hartmann’s parents weren’t fond of the arrangement.

“Fuck ‘em,” Ras offered to Hartmann when she confirmed it to Ras. “Do what I did, run away.”

Hartmann looked like she was genuinely considering it, but she shook her head. “Wouldn’t be right. Can’t have you staging a search, now can I? Knowing you, you’d steal a plane and fly all over the world to find me.”

Ras shrugged, but didn’t deny this fact. She probably would have.

Ras herself, meanwhile, was also a popular subject of conversation, more notably her celebration with Rosario during the festival. Being seen out with royalty—and not even minor royalty, at that—made her a real celebrity.

There was also tell that Lady Renaldt was entirely unhappy with this situation, and rumors abounded that she planned for Auguste to walk out with Rosario. This brought Ras a sense of smug satisfaction, she’d gotten one over on Auguste.

People Ras didn’t know came up to her in the halls, demanding to know her name and demanding her to introduce them to other Archambault students. She even had one student declare that she duel them for the Princess Rosario’s hand.

She accepted, but of course her opponent had failed to show that afternoon. Food poisoning, their second claimed. Ras offered to reschedule, but was promptly denied.

Then, unfortunately, everything changed. Because Exam Month had arrived.

The changes were subtle at first; teachers making ominous remarks about the upcoming exams, the prep sessions growing a bit longer, all while dinner was growing shorter. Then classes became focused on revision. By the time a week had passed, the Festival of the Birds was a distant memory and rather than dawdling and chatting, students hurried through the hallways with worried expressions. Hartmann was working harder than ever, but she was unpredictable with it. Her mood swung from between focus to snapping at anything and anyone who surprised her.

As for Ras, she’d been through exam seasons before, but nothing as pressured as what was happening to Gallatin. Lucien had been struggling again, and asked Ras for help.

“I won’t be mad if you say no,” Lucien assured her. “It wouldn’t be right if you got behind on your studies because you helped me out. If you need to take the time for yourself, I’ll figure something out.”

Unfortunately for him, Ras was one stubborn woman. “Despite only having one arm, I could still manage to carry and read two books.”

Lucien raised an eyebrow. “Care to demonstrate?”

“Nope! Just gonna have to take my word for it!”

And take her word for it he did, for Ras took time out of her own prep work to pore over notes and textbooks long into the evenings. Lucien looked hollow-eyed by the time they’d finished, but he was thanking Ras with every fiber of his being.

“I don’t like to ask for help,” he admitted, a little stiffly, “but I appreciate it, Ras. Really.”

Ras grinned. It was hard work, and the college atmosphere felt as though she were immersed in the coming exams long before they’d arrived, but she managed to cope.

During Philosophy, Miss Dalca is as flamboyant as usual, despite the imminent exams. She encouraged the class to stand up and walk around “to refresh yourselves” she claimed. One afternoon she brought a large coffee cake with the bribe of a feast once the revision session had finished. When Mr. Blanchard walked past the door, she caught his eye and gave him a smile laden with unmistakable promise. Ras was the only one who caught Mr. Blanchard’s blush.

“As a tie-in with your Arts work on Charles’s The Husband,” Miss Dalca said, “we will discuss the moral implications of Alessandro and Valentine’s illicit entanglements.”

With that, the discussion began.

For Ras, it felt like an age since her first day at Gallatin, and her acting out the scene with Hartmann. The play had been discussed on and off in Arts class, of course, but Mr. Griffith’s commentaries tended to be stern and dry, whereas under Miss Dalca’s tutelage, the characters came to life; she spoke passionately about them as though they’d been her friends.

“Some might say,” she said, “that Valentine had an imperative to look for happiness outside his marriage. It would’ve been dishonest to remain unhappy with his husband, and Alessandro represented the spirit of joy.”

Hartmann wrinkled her nose. “Valentine was being dishonest anyway, by cheating on his husband. Saying anything else is just rationalizing it.”

“You’re such a prude,” Max said with a yawn, determined to play the contrarian role in full. “If the husband didn’t know about it, it wouldn’t hurt him.”

“And, of course,” said Miss Dalca, “we must remember that at the end of the play, they formed a triad.”

“Only because the husband was afraid of losing Valentine,” Hartmann scowled. “He wouldn’t have, if Valentine had stayed true.”

Miss Dalca sighed, her gaze looking far away for a moment. Ras followed her eyeline, spotting Mr. Griffith, who was giving a fourth-year a dressing-down in the corridor outside the classroom. “Consider Valentine’s perspective,” she said softly. “Perhaps if he had spoken with his husband about his desires, they could have worked it out without cheating. Perhaps the husban would have wanted it too. You never know. Of course,” she added, more briskly this time, “then it wouldn’t have been such a funny play.”

Miss Dalca caught Ras’ eye, who raised a brow at her. She��d seemed perfectly happy with Mr. Blanchard when she saw them together, but perhaps she had feelings for Mr. Griffith, too. It seemed as though this scenario had touched her more personally than just a mere thought exercise.

That was when she noticed the others had their attention on her, too. Hells, they wanted her to speak on this matter?!

She took a deep breath, then offered a grin. “Personally, I believe that if either of them had just made a bloody move and took charge of the situation, they’d have made things easier,” she said, leaning back in her chair. “Talk your feelings out! Talk to your partner, and if you have multiple, include them too!”

Max applauded; Miss Dalca looked thoughtful. “...Very astute, Master Thorne,” she said, scribbling something into her notes.

The discussion moved onward, with Max calling out lazily constructed contrarian comments and sniping at Hartmann. It ended with everyone cross and tired, but Miss Dalca handed out slices of cake to mollify tempers.

As the class was packing away and beginning to leave, she called out. “Miss Gonzalez, Miss Hartmann, Miss Van Meyer—stay a moment, please.”

Freddie and Delacroix hovered at the door, before making a speedy exit. Ras took her time collecting her belongings, she wanted to hear what this was about. Miss Dalca spoke, “Miss Gonzalez, you’re having trouble with your critical thinking and discretion. And Miss Hartmann, you need to argue your points more passionately. Miss Van Meyer…I’ve no idea where to start with you. I’m arranging one-to-one tuition with myself and a peer.”

At that, Ras froze. ‘Shit shit shit’ , she thought to herself, gathering her belongings much more quickly. Unfortunately, she wasn’t fast enough, for her eyes made contact with Miss Dalca’s, and Ras knew she was about to be voluntold to do something.

“Master Thorne!” Miss Dalca said, a bit too much pep in her voice. “You’ve shown much promise in your college work, so perhaps you’d like to volunteer?” It wasn’t really a question. “And,” she added, “Mr. Blanchard is planning to do the same for Miss Crawford and Miss Delacroix in Athletics, so don’t think you can wriggle out of this!”

Ras groaned, hanging her head. “I mean…” She spoke, carefully picking her next words. “Since you asked so nicely, Miss Dalca, I wouldn’t mind tutoring Hartmann. If she needs passion, I’ll show her passion.”

Hartmann looked stricken with panic, but she caught Ras’ eye and offered a weak smile.

Miss Dalca nodded briskly. “That’s what we like to hear!” She exclaimed. “Now let’s get to it.”

That evening, Ras was put to work.

Miss Dalca had Ras assist Hartmann in giving a persuasive speech based on the work of Prime Minister Lady Edith Belke, who was widely considered an excellent orator. That particular assignment revolved around the debates she had against Lord Krause, a charismatic but corrupt Prime Ministerial candidate who’d been caught sending campaign money to foreign criminals. Hartmann’s assignment was to come up with an equally charismatic rebuttal to his points.

Despite her ease when talking in front of others, Hartmann had very little panache. She started out with a clearly-spoken and well-recalled list of facts, which were reasonably interesting and not at all excited. Miss Dalca looked to Ras with despair in her eyes.

Ras groaned, and took to the podium. Hartmann’s lip was trembling as Ras intervened.

“Forget that a moment! Why don’t we talk about how ridiculous it is that they’re giving whole jars of peanut butter to toddlers? Like, come on, I’m nearly an adult, and I can barely finish an entire sandwich by myself, what are they going to do with a whole jar!?”

Hartmann looked shocked at the sudden change in topic, and Miss Dalca merely watched with great interest. She seemed to have cottoned onto what Ras was going for.

Ras looked to Hartmann, a grin on her face. “C’mon, surely you share my opinion! It’s absurd!”

Hartmann frowned, she still didn’t quite get it…

Ras resisted the urge to huff and roll her eyes, and she merely continued. “Okay, but what about those people who overload their chicken with spices!? What’s the matter with chicken by itself, eh?”

She clearly didn’t believe what she was saying, and she knew that if Gerald heard this argument he’d either faint or whap her upside the head. Probably both.

Regardless, she continued, lifting her arm and speaking in a mocking tone. “‘Oh, but then it just tastes like chicken!’ Oh, I’m sorry! Gods forbid your chicken tastes like CHICKEN.”

She was shouting now, turning to her imaginary opponent. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN, JUST TASTES LIKE CHICKEN!? WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING IT TO TASTE LIKE, B LOODY STRAWBERRIES !?”

With that, it suddenly clicked for Hartmann. Ras wasn’t just spouting nonsensical arguments for the sake of nonsensical arguments. She was spouting these nonsensical arguments as examples. With the right amount of passion and charisma, she could sway just about anybody.

Hartmann leapt to her feet, pointing at Ras. “Ridiculous! It’s supposed to taste like properly seasoned meat! We can’t all get by on rubbery slices of NOTHING.”

Ras whipped around, facing Hartmann. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize I was talking to the Overlord of SPICES. Excuse me, your highness, for being part of the working class and unable to afford spices!”

They continued in this vein of ridiculous vocal exercises and pointlessly elaborate arguments, and slowly, Hartmann loosened up. Her shoulders relaxed, and she spoke with more and more expression. She stood at the front of the empty classroom and declaimed to Ras and Miss Dalca about the importance of the Westerlind train network; Miss Dalca looked triumphant. “There, Miss Hartmann, that wasn’t so bad, was it?”

Then, a knock at the door.

Miss Dalca glanced over with an irritable expression, and opened the door to reveal Lady Renaldt. It was unusual to see her outside her office or the banquet hall; unlike her subordinates, she rarely walked the corridors. Nevertheless, she was the same imposing figure, and fixed Miss Dalca with her cool gaze.

“Yes?” Miss Dalca said, her tone just on the edge of rudeness. “I’m doing some revision for Miss Hartmann, and Master Thorne is helping.”

Lady Renaldt’s gaze shifted over to Ras, but she displayed no emotion, save for that disdainful glare that she always saved for Ras. “...A short word, in private,” she said.

“It can’t wait, I suppose?” Miss Dalca sighed. “Well. You two carry on, I’m sure we won’t be long.”

Lady Renaldt gave her a freezing look, but she either didn’t care or didn’t notice. They headed into the corridor, closing the door behind them, but Ras could hear muffled voices. Lady Renaldt sounded stern; and Miss Dalca sounded defiant.

On the desk beside Ras, she noticed the sheaf of exam papers that Miss Dalca had abandoned. She could have looked at them, but she was far more interested in the argument happening outside.

Hartmann, of course, was hunched over her notes, not paying attention to either point of interest.

Ras resisted the urge to eavesdrop, and instead swept in beside Hartmann, leaning over her with a grin. She put the papers and the teachers’ conversation out of her mind, and concentrated on working with Hartmann, going over the speeches’ rhetoric once more to solidify her understanding.

By the time Miss Dalca returned, Hartmann was looking more confident. Miss Dalca, by contrast, looked angry and shaken. “That’s that sorted out,” she said.

The session continued for about ten more minutes, but it was clear that Miss Dalca’s mind was occupied.

“Well, students, I think we’re finished for the night,” she said, her tone bright and brittle. “We’ll revisit after the next class.”

With that, Ras and Hartmann were dismissed.

The exams were a week away, and tension was mounting in classes and at meals. During a morning Etiquette class, Delacroix snapped at Hartmann in a quarrel over a fish knife; Lady Renaldt made them both sit out in the hallway for ten minutes.

Ras had just sat down for lunch when a timid first-year approached her table. “Lady Renaldt asks if you can please come to her office at your convenience,” he said in a rush.

Of course, ‘at your convenience’ was Lady Renaldt’s way of saying as soon as humanly possible. The first-year hovered at Ras’ side.

She smiled up at him, gesturing to the seat across from her. He declined to sit, but Ras merely shrugged and went on eating her meal, going as slowly as she possibly could, eating as though she’d been savoring every mouthful. The first-year’s eyes grew rounder and rounder, and when Ras rose he looked intimidated by her, yet impressed at her daring all the same. “This way,” he said softly, before leading her from the banquet hall.

At Lady Renaldt’s office, Ras raised a hand to knock at the door, only for Hartmann to emerge, pale and biting her lip. She made her way past Ras, her gaze not even registering her friend. “Come, Master Thorne,” Lady Renaldt called, and Ras entered.

Lady Renaldt wasted no time in gesturing for Ras to sit in the leather armchair; to which Ras sank into it and felt absurdly shorter than her.

“There are staffing issues at Gallatin College,” she said without preamble. “And as you are a student with a decent reputation, I’ve chosen you to take a leading role in the investigation.”

Without waiting for Ras to respond, she swept onward.

“We have received complaints about both Miss Dalca and Mr. Blanchard, and it simply will not do. You will focus your efforts upon one of them—since you are a student, they will not suspect your involvement in this. I understand you have a reasonable rapport with them both, but part of your schooling here is to learn to do the right thing regardless of emotional attachment. Do you understand?”

Ras raised an eyebrow. Lady Renaldt wanted to ask her to spy on teachers?

“Lady Renaldt,” Ras began, “why me? You know of my situation. Surely I’m not the best suited for this.”

Lady Renaldt gave Ras a cool glare. “I know of your situation, yes. I also know that you ran away from home and spent Hearthlight with the Princess Rosario in Zaledo.”

Ras opened her mouth to say something, but Lady Renaldt continued. “Your relationship with your mother is strained, Master Thorne, and you have engaged in rather amorous activities with Princess Rosario. I have no doubt you plan to get engaged to her come engagement season.” A pause.

“If you assist me with this delicate matter, I can protect you from your Mother, and see that you and Rosario are happy.”

“What could you possibly do? Rosario’s a Princess, she’s surely got more power than you.”

“Oh, there’s no mistake of that,” Lady Renaldt leaned forward, “however, were your Mother to learn that you’d returned to Gallatin, surely you don’t think she’d allow you to remain? She would likely spirit you away and attempt to reclaim her social status alone.”

Her gaze upon Ras was cold and calculating. “Surely you understand what I am saying, yes? She’d likely get you killed, just as she did your Father.”

Ras’ breath hitched. She was stuck in an impossible situation, with no way out. She clenched her fist and tried to steady her breathing.

“Fine,” she relented.

“...I’ll focus on Miss Dalca. I see the way you glare at her, surely you’re amenable to my choice?”

“Certainly. Thank you, Master Thorne. I will speak with you in a few days. The teacher you deal with is at your discretion. That will be all.”

Before Ras took to the dismissal, however, she spoke. “...Give me a key to her office.”

“Pardon?”

“If you want me spying on her, surely you can give me an edge. If I had, say, a fast way into her office, and possibly assurance that she’d be busy, oh, say…after class today…I could get this over with.”

Lady Renaldt raised an eyebrow, but she opened a drawer on her desk and pulled out a slender key, passing it to Ras over her desk. “When you’re done, simply toss the key into the lake. We’ll change the locks when we replace her anyway.”

Ras slipped the key into her pocket, fully intent on not doing that. She had already begun working on a plan, but for now, she had to play along. With a curt nod, she stood and left Lady Renaldt’s office.

Lunch had just finished, and Philosophy was coming up. Teachers and students alike were sleepy from the meal, and Ras’ course was set. She hated doing this, she had nothing against either of these teachers, but this wasn’t something she could run away from.

That day’s Philosphy class had a razor-sharp focus on Revekah Vasile, an imprisoned dissident. Miss Dalca discussed her theories about labor laws and enforcing fairer work practices with relish, and evident support.

According to the syllabus, Hartmann muttered to Ras, that afternoon was meant to be about the correct treatment of one’s servants. Which, if Ras squinted hard enough, it could be. But she was certain Lady Renaldt—not to mention the Prime Minister—would disapprove of Miss Dalca’s approach. If anytime was right for this move, it was now.

After class, Lady Renaldt had sent a student to call for Miss Dalca and Max to her own office, so it was an easy enough matter for Ras to slip into Miss Dalca’s office next to the classroom. It was a snug room—not as grand as Lady Renaldt’s, of course—but bookshelves were stuffed with books and pamphlets, and where there were no books there were forest-blooming plants and glittering ornaments.

Moving quickly and as quiet as a mouse, Ras rifled through the bookshelves. Mostly the material was controversial rather than dubious, but then, tucked behind a dust chess set, Ras found a set of letters from one Revekah Vasile herself. It wasn’t illegal to write to prisoners, Ras knew that much, but scanning through them she found a far more cordial friendship than Lady Renaldt would approve of.

Ras tucked them into her pocket and cleared out of Miss Dalca’s office, locking the door and tucking the key into her shoe. If Lady Renaldt searched her, she wouldn’t find it.

Ras heard nothing from Lady Renaldt for the next three days, and then…

Shortly after breakfast, the same first-year from before sidled up to Ras on her way to Arts. “Lady Renaldt would like to see you again,” he said conspiratorially.

Ras didn’t really have an excuse to dally this time, so she just followed him to the office; voices murmured from behind the door. When Ras entered, she saw Lady Renaldt sipping tea next to a plump, dark-skinned woman with gray hair and a brown suit. “This is Master Thorne,” she said to the woman, and then, “Master Thorne, this is Inspector Kathrili Burgin, the Chair of the Westerlind Educational Inspection Board,”

Inspector Burgin nodded to Ras with a curious expression, sipping her tea.

“Inspector Burgin wished to hear your thoughts about the current staffing situation,” Lady Renaldt said, “direct from a student. I thought it best she heard from someone of your repute. Your comments will be borne in mind when you graduate, naturally.”

Of course, Lady Renaldt was far too genteel to gloat, but she looked very pleased with herself.

Ras took a deep breath. ‘Alright Thorne,’ she thought to herself, ‘time to ramp up the bullshit. She’ll get hers, but for now, you have to take yours…’

She really hated what she was about to do, but she was doing what she could with the tools given to her. She would make it through this, and hopefully figure out a way to make sure everybody came out clean as well.

“Personally, I don’t feel that Miss Dalca has the best interests of the college at heart,” she said. “After all, she’s been seen indulging in some…unseemly behavior.”

Lady Renaldt’s eyes narrowed; she looked unsure whether to be pleased or alarmed. Inspector Burgin tilted her head in question.

“I mean, don’t get me wrong. Sometimes students have high spirits,” she continued, “but for a teacher to be having trysts in the quad? It’s not exactly, well…”

She left it hanging, and Inspector Burgin exchanged a look with Lady Renaldt. “You know, Master Thorne, that’s very useful information,” she said. “I’ll be sure to mention it to the Inspection Board directly.”

Lady Renadlt offered Ras a smile. “That will be all, Master Thorne, thank you,” she said, pouring Inspector Burgin another cup. With that, Ras was dismissed.

Rumors flew wildly about Inspector Burgin’s visit. Nobody has it quite right, of course, but Miss Dalca seemed a little out of sorts for several days afterwards. Lady Renaldt had made no move yet; no doubt she was waiting until exams were over.

The first exam was Athletics; the afternoon before Ras saw Karson and a group of construction workers busy out on the field, but from the window it was hard to see much of what they were up to. That evening, the atmosphere in the common room was somber.

Ras was excited for this one, and so she sequestered herself in a quiet classroom and did some warm-up exercises, getting her blood pumping. By the time she was onto stretches, her mind was calmer and her body prepared for the exam. She slept well, and awoke the next day refreshed.

Outside, an obstacle course had been set up all the way down the lacrosse field and into the woods: all rope ladders, climbing walls, and crawl-spaces, with stretches of running between. Mr. Blanchard called the groups to order, a touch of pride in his voice. “You’ll have a warm-up around the field first,” he said, “and then it’s time for the obstacle course. Faster you do it, higher your marks—and your placing in the group affects the grade too.”

Gonzalez jogged lightly in place, looking pleased with herself. The pale sunlight was bright and warm; after the warm-up run, Ras abandoned her sweater in a pile, before taking an eye to the course ahead and going forth.

Ras charged onwards, first out the gate the moment it was time. She’d lost her lead by the time they made it to the first obstacle: a cargo net to climb, at a sharp angle. Gonzalez had caught up to Ras, flinging herself forward straightaway, with Max going after her. Hartmann was in the middle, climbing steadily but looking paler as she ascended.

Ras took a deep breath, before rushing the net and scrambling upwards. Climbing with only one arm was something she was used to at this point, pushing herself off her footholds and grasping at handholds as she neared them. Shifting her weight to propel herself forward and upwards, it wasn’t long before she’d surpassed the others and made it over the net. She leapt to the ground, and made for the hurdles, an easy matter compared to the net; she leapt over them smoothly and made her way to the woods.

Mud splashed up her legs as she raced through a bog; behind her, Delacroix yelled in disgust. Finally, she circled toward Karson’s cabin, only to find an increasingly tall set of rails to balance along. Ras shuffled her way across, heart hammering in her ears though she made her way across them gracefully. Max followed soon after, and offered Ras praise on her skilled footwork.

With a grin, and amongst the frontrunners, Ras sailed through the yellow tape of the finish line, Mr. Blanchard cheering her on.

It was time for a break before the next exam. While Mr. Blanchard led the group toward the gymnasium, movement amidst the trees caught Ras’ eye.

It was Karson, sporting a swollen, bruised eye and gingerly cradling her arm. From the direction she was walking, she must have come from Gallatin town, but there was little reason for her to have been there on foot; usually she traveled to and from town by carriage or cart. She hadn’t seen Ras yet.

Ras frowned at the sight, and knew there wasn’t much she could do by herself. Much as Ras viewed Karson as a friend, she couldn’t do anything for her. So, she figured, might as well bring this to Lady Renaldt’s attention. Maybe she could get Karson help, or talk to her. They seemed to get along well enough.

Circling away from the rest of the students, Ras made her way to the main college and towards Lady Renaldt’s office. Before she knocked, she heard her speaking sharply, “I don’t care, Schroeder. Control her and keep the mines running smoothly, or I’ll see you put away.” A pause. “...There’s someone outside. Sort it out, damn you.”

Ras knocked at that point, and Lady Renaldt’s fearsome scowl smoothed into the usual disinterest.

“Ah, Master Thorne,” she said. “What can I do for you?”

“I–I saw Karson strolling back in from Gallatin town, sporting some heavy injuries. I don’t know what happened, and I didn’t know what to do, so I thought—”

Lady Renaldt lifted up a hand, smiling. “You did well, to come to me, Master Thorne. I’ll have a word with Karson, and see to her injuries, you can be sure of that. Anyway,” she said, her tone returning to it’s neutral state, “you ought to change into your uniform, lest any younger students think they’re allowed to prance about in their Athletic kit.”

With that, Ras left the office, closing the door behind her. Not quite what she was hoping for, but it was definitely something. She hoped Karson was okay.

Unfortunately, she didn’t have much time to consider it, as after classes it was time for lights out: Etiquette was first thing tomorrow morning.

That morning, Ras felt a million miles away from the obstacle course and Karson’s situation. She was sitting on a plush velvet dining chair, facing an elderly woman in Westerlind Army dress uniform. Each of her classmates were in the same situation, each with a different society luminary in front of them. Lady Renaldt was watching like a hawk.

There was more riding on this than in any of the practice Etiquette sessions, for Lady Renaldt had called in favors from the great and good across the country to assist. The soldier before Ras was a genuine article, and she wondered if she hadn’t served with her father before.

“And you may begin,” Lady Renaldt said.

Three minutes to introduce herself to the woman before her, before moving onto the next.

Ras flashed a smile at the solider. “My father was in the Army, too. Does the name Irwin Thorne ring any bells?”

The soldier beamed at Ras. “Oh, you’re Irwin’s girl!? He wrote about you.” She said. “Said you know just how to make anybody happy. ‘A true delight,’” she spoke in a tone mimicking Irwin’s, “‘my little Thorneling could make Queen Estelle giggle.’”

She spent the rest of the three minutes listening to the soldier ramble on about Irwin’s stories and the trouble he got up to with Gerald during their service. When it was time to rise, she shook Ras’ hand vigorously.

“I’ll tell Françoise you’re a good egg, Master Thorne,” she said conspiratorially.

That set the tone for the rest of the exam; Ras went through the other guests with grace. She caught Max charming a silver-haired bureaucrat with off-color jokes and Hartmann giving a dignified nod to a scholarly-looking gentlewoman. By the end, they were buoyed by the energy of the room and were led to the dining hall with springs in their steps. It was lunchtime.

The atmosphere in the dining hall was an unsettling mixture of exhaustion and keyed-up energy. Max and her Starlings were flicking pennies into each others drinks, cheering raucously whether or not the pennies hit their targets. Gonzalez was practically asleep at the table; Freddie was hunched over a book, muttering to herself.

Over by the wall, Hartmann was standing and surveying, looking pale but focused. Every so often she directed a prefect with military precision.

Mr. Griffith approached her with an uncharacteristically sympathetic expression. “Miss Hartmann, you can take a break,” he said. “You haven’t had lunch, have you? You won’t do anybody any good if you keel over.”

“I’m fine, thank you,” Hartmann said, tone flat and automatic.

“Is this about getting an extension for your Arts essay?” Mr. Griffith said quietly. “Because you’re an excellent student, it would be no trouble—”

Hartmann rounded on him, face tightened with fury. “I don’t ended your pity,” she snarled, and even Mr. Griffith looked taken aback.

The exchange was quiet enough that nobody had noticed, save for Ras, but Hartmann’s anxious expression told her that it’d be a matter of moments before it spilled over.

Hartmann looked increasingly trapped beneath Mr. Griffith’s scrutiny. Ras sidled up to the pair with an agonized expression. “Mr. Griffith,” she said. “I needed to talk to you about a second scene in The Husband.” With that, she spun a nonsensical theory about Valentine’s soliloquy, emphasizing on his tiredness near the end of the scene.

Mr. Griffith looked faintly exasperated at the interruption, but he humored Ras; the two of them having an in-depth discussion of the lines in question, with Hartmann finally getting the hint and sliding away for some fresh air. After a few minutes she returned, looking a bit better, settling down with a plate of food. The rest of lunch passed uneventfully. Fortunate, really, since Philosphy was coming next.

The Philosophy classroom was different today. Gone were the comfortable armchairs, and instead benches were set up, mimicking the layout of a parliamentary debate. Miss Dalca stood at a lectern in the center, holding a gavel. She announced the topic of debate—restorative versus punitive justice—her tone was notably tense.

“I will be marking you on your performance, and that of your team,” she said.

She then tapped the ostentatious clock at the front of the classroom. “You’ll have ten minutes to prepare. Begin!”

The clock ticked far too loudly for Ras’ liking. She was assigned to the side arguing for restorative justice, alongside Freddie and Max. Freddie gave Max an irritable look; Max giving her a toothy, shark-like grin.

Still, despite their evident preference to be with others, they both had good ideas and a spark of interest in the topic. It also helped that Ras was there, and she could rein them both in. When Miss Dalca smacked the gavel on her lectern to signal the start, they were eager to begin.

There was no question how this was going to go. Ras was going to bulldoze the opposition. She had it arranged so that Freddie spoke first, with Max and Ras coming in as backup if she faltered.

They started off with statistics surrounding the harm done by wrongful convictions. Freddie’s good memory made her a good choice; she reeled off names, dates, and cases with ease. “You can’t ignore the Lea Humboldt case in 1743,” she stated. “She would’ve been hanged if the evidence hadn’t been re-examined. How can anybody condone that.”

Delacroix looked skeptical, and bored. “What about the actual victims of the crime?” She said. “You’re forgetting them. And their loved ones. What will they do if the people they love are hurt or murdered by street criminals?”

Freddie faltered in the face of Delacroix’s impassive tone. “Well—I mean…”

With that, Ras and Max stepped up to the podium. “A focus on punishment only results in repeated offenses,” she began.

“And then what happens?” Max said, stabbing a finger in Delacroix’s direction. “Prisons with revolving doors!”

“And you could never call that justice.” Ras finished.

Miss Dalca slammed her gavel with a little round of applause. The opposing team exchanged looks and scrambled to argue back, but the win was clearly on Ras’ side.

Riding on that success, the three of them spoke eloquently and with grace for the rest of the debate. In the end, Miss Dalca said, “As you’re aware, my personal feelings are very much on the side of restorative justice, so I was determined to remain impartial. But Master Thorne’s arguments would’ve swayed even the most ardent supporter of the punitive approach. Excellent work.”

With that, class was dismissed. The windows had darkened, and lights out was upon them. Ras headed to the dorm, and got ready for bed.

Unfortunately for her, she couldn’t sleep.

Tomorrow was the Arts exam. Everybody—The final-years and the younger students—said that Arts was the worst. Even though Ras got on with Mr. Griffith, she knew he was the least likely teacher to give special treatment. Her sheets tangled around her legs as she tossed and turned; everybody elses snuffles and breathing only set her more on edge.

Eventually, she gave in, getting up and making for the bathroom. She got a glass of water and drank it down in seconds, leaning against the cool glass of the full-length mirror. She breathed deeply, trying to relax her jaw. Her mind raced, though eventually it turned to her dormmates; they were clearly suffering too.

When she returned, she caught sight of Max, thrashing about in her bed. There was a thump, and then a muffled curse. Ras approached, and just as she did, she watched as Max sat up, groaning. She knocked a book off her nightstand. She looked at Ras, grimacing.

“I hate this,” she hissed. “I don’t care about exams—I don’t. But I can’t stop thinking about how it’s going to affect my entire life.”

She flung the book under the bed, looking dangerous close to shouting, or crying. Or both.

Ras gestured for Max to scoot over, and she did, allowing Ras to climb in, though it was a tight squeeze.

“Max,” she began. “Maxine. Maxinamillion. My best friend. Lass I’d rip apart a nation for.”

Max rolled her eyes. “Eugh, just get on with the scolding so I don’t have to hear this nonsense.”

Ras shook her head, leaning against Max. “You’re smarter than you give yourself credit for, Max. I’m told you’re the one who organized that search for me with the others. You managed ‘ta rally them, and you kept ‘em together! That’s gotta count for somethin’, yeah?”

“But that was that! This is exams!” She hissed. “Much as I love you, you’re not exactly going to be part of my life forever! But how well I do today…it’s bound to affect what I do for the rest of eternity! Arts is my worst subject, too!”

Ras shrugged. “So what? You’re not doing badly in Philosophy,” she gave a grin, “and you’re alright in Athletics. Might almost be as good as me. Arts ain’t everything.”

“But Mr. Griffith hates me,” she muttered.

“Pssh. Mr. Griffith would scold his own clothes if he could—pretty sure he does, now I think about it—but that’s just ‘cause he cares.”

“Cares? Ras—”

“Think about it, Max. C’mon. Sure, he’s strict, and sure, he holds everybody to high standards. But think about it. Surely even you’ve seen the compassion he feels. Just the other day, he told Hartmann to take a break! Hartmann! Y’know, the workaholic!”

Max frowned.

“He doesn’t hate you, Max, he just wants you to do your best. He’s your teacher, and it’s his job to prepare you for the world out there. If anything, you should see how hard it is on him when a student fails.”

Max groaned. “Gods, I hate it when you’re right.”

“Frequently, then?”

“Shut up.” She let out another groan, before laying down. “Fine, fine, I’ll try to sleep…”

It wasn’t long before her breathing deepened. Ras carefully climbed out of Max’s bed, her own eyes heavy. When she returned to bed, sleep came quickly, and she awoke the next morning, refreshed and rested.

The Arts exam took place in the banquet hall; with none of the usual decoration and lined with narrow desks, it felt forbidding enough, but the tension amongst the students was palpable as well. The students filed in silently, the teachers hanging out exam papers. At the front, Mr. Griffith announces a time limit of three hours.

The essay questions were about close readings of The Husband, in even more detail than Ras had written previously. Three hours of misery for some, yet for Ras it was just three hours of showing off.

Ras loved paperwork just as much as she loved reading. This was nothing to her. She’d been combing through this play in class for months, now; she racked her brains to recall all of Mr. Griffiths teachings, and all the notes she’d made(of which there were plenty). Setting them down came smoothly. Her diagrams and charts and notes in the margins of books that she could recall with startling accuracy helped her recall the fiddly metaphors and allusions in the play, and she was able to construct a neat argument that, when she read it back, read very well indeed.

She had even managed to incorporate details about Charles’s upbringing that she’d unearthed in an obscure book one day in the library, and she had to hope Mr. Griffith would be pleased.

With the rest of the final-years, Ras walked into the sunshine. Around her, people compared notes about who answered what for the question on the final page, but she felt lightness in her chest and relief that exam season was finally over. Results would be handed out during the spring holidays. Of course, Ras’ work wasn’t done just yet—that wouldn’t be the case until graduation—but there was a certain pleasure in knowing that she wouldn’t be trapped under the scrutiny of teachers again anytime soon.

Just like that, it was dinner time.

Tonight’s dinner was a cheerfully raucous affair, and even Hartmann didn’t complain about people talking too loudly. Standing on the dais, Lady Renaldt gave a gracious speech about the final-years’ efforts. “I am certain you have lived up to your potential, and to the reputation of Gallatin College,” she said.

She surveyed the hall with a faint smile, then composed a grave expression.

“On a less pleasant note, I’m truly sorry to announce that Miss Dalca is no longer teaching with the college, having left due to a family emergency. I am certain we shall all join together to wish her and her loved ones all the best, and show our appreciation for her service to Gallatin.”

Ripples of excitement and curiosity spread through the hall. Mr. Griffith looked surprised for a moment, but he regained his composure quickly. Mr. Blanchard put a hand to his mouth, before Mr. Griffith laid a cautionary hand on his arm.

Ras had a sinking feeling that she’d done something horrible when she’d helped Lady Renaldt investigate Miss Dalca. She wished she’d never done it.

Across the banquet hall, Lady Renaldt met Ras’ gaze, and offered her a genuine, sincere smile.

‘Thank you for your help,’ that smile said, and the sinking feeling in Ras’ stomach only got worse.

#Crème de la Crème #Harris Powell-Smith #Choice of Games #The Princess and The Thorne #Tales of the Divine (Writing)#The Girl who became a Dragon (Ras Thorne)

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acefaun · 1 year

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You don't need to write this now, please take your time. Take care of yourself 💖 Please post something everyday, no matter what it is.

Can you write a comfy, cuddly fic about Tauxolouve and female reader ? Tauxolouve is comforting reader, who wants to become a singer but her family( especially her father) is forcing her to become a doctor. She has an upcoming entrance exam and if her marks are good enough she will have to go to med school. The reader is 17 years old.

The story takes place-

Reader is going to bed, she hears a knock on the window beside her bed and Tauxolouve is there. He decides to spend the night with her and they lie down on the bed, he realizes she is upset and gives her a comforting pep talk and cuddles and kisses her forehead.

Another thing the temperature is 32°C and the humidity is extremely high.

Please don't force yourself to write this, that will make me sad. Love you ♥️

Tauxolouve~ Career

Synopsis: Stressed with your upcoming future career, Tauxolouve appears just in time to help you out and give you the encouragement you were missing.

✨Masterlist✨ Female goldfish! A/n: Me being an American and having to look up what 32ºC was after thinking it was meant to be cold as heck… Whoops… Glad I checked. This is also the shortest thing I’ve written in a hot minute. I’m so happy with myself though. I appreciate you gave me a short script to go off of at least! That helped keep my brain on track. I love you too! So does Louie!

–Word Count: 1,804–

My fingers raked through my hair, pulling the blankets on my bed into place. It was considerably later in the night to have only just changed into pajamas and got ready for bed. I should have cleared my desk of papers and books before deciding to end my day, but I didn't have the energy to look at anything on my desk for even a minute longer.

It frustrated me I even needed to take an entrance exam, let alone spend long grueling nights studying for it. It's not like I want to be accepted to a medical school. My father shoved his dreams onto my shoulders, as if I could be whatever perfect vision he had of me inside his head. He, along with the rest of my family, didn't understand my genuine passion for singing. Didn't they know that music could help people too? I didn't need to go into the medical field to make people happy or give them better lives.

With this choice being forced upon me, it was hard debating on whether to please my family and go through with it, or flunk and disappoint them.

There were lots of people who were made for the medical field and did a wonderful job at taking care of others. I, on the other hand, simply wasn't one of those people. It didn't interest me to jab people with needles and figure out what kind of medicine could cure their ailments. That wasn't my passion. I huffed, glaring down at my pillow. It shouldn't have come down to these hard decisions…

A knock on the window beside my bed startled me, causing me to drop the edge of the blanket that I was holding. “L- Lou?” He offered me a bright smile, waving to me from outside the window. Crawling over the bed, I opened the window to invite him in. “What are you doing here?”

“I just came to check on my lovely lady,” he said as he sat beside me on the bed. “I expected you to be sleeping…”

Noting his rather pointed gaze, I looked away. If he stared too long, he might just get the wrong idea and start worrying unnecessarily. So, I just brushed him off by saying, “I was up doing school work. It wasn’t anything that bad.” It wasn’t a complete lie, anyway.

He nodded in understanding. After all, it was something he was familiar with. But since I finished my work, he suggested, “Since you’re awake, do you mind if I join you? I just finished my work as well. I think this was wonderful timing.”

“Yeah, I’d love that.” I was happy to have him join me for the night. It wasn’t rare for us to spend nights together, but this time I felt like I really needed it. Maybe he could help me sleep better.

I thought he might be able to help me sleep better… However, I didn’t feel any calmer with him beside me in the dark room. It could have been simply because the temperature was warmer than usual for this time of year—while I usually loved to snuggle close to Tauxolouve, it seemed that he picked up on the dilemma I was having as he offered, “Here, why don’t I cool the room off a bit so you can sleep better? You’ll be tired tomorrow if you can’t get any rest.”

I hummed quietly, but he snapped his fingers without waiting for an agreement. I was definitely more comfortable since the room was cooler and he could wrap me in a blanket to hold me closer against him. If there was anything he learned, hugs were a great way to comfort me no matter what I was going through. If only a hug were able to fend off the mental anguish I was going through. But… maybe if he held me until I fell asleep, I’d be able to peacefully doze off. Sighing, I pressed my forehead into his neck. Even if it didn’t help my racing thoughts… he was comfortable.

Holding me close, I couldn’t see the furrow that had formed between his eyebrows. He had an overwhelming sense of uselessness as he held me without really being able to solve my problem. He could feel that I was relaxed with how he was holding me against him, but that only meant he could better feel the way I was fidgeting in his arms. “(Name)...” He started hesitantly. There were so many reasons I could have been distressed. “Is there a reason you were up so late at night, or… did I intrude?”

I quickly held him tighter in fear of him leaving me alone as his words suggested. “Don’t go. It’s not your fault.” I didn’t mean to make him feel unwanted. “I’m sorry. I just… don’t like what I’m currently studying. It’s stressing me out.”

He hummed in confusion, passing his fingers gently through my hair. “I thought you were studying music. Isn’t that your favorite thing?”

“It- It is,” I stuttered, unable to help but smile knowing that he recognized singing as my favorite thing. It was something I loved as a hobby and would love to continue as a career and Tauxolouve understood that. It made me feel seen, unlike how I felt with my family. “But my family says I can’t make a decent career out of my favorite thing… So, my father’s having me study to get into a medical school. They all want me to go to school to become a doctor.”

He silently thought it over before asking, “Isn’t that a good career? You’d be helping lots of people. Human lives are fragile… You’d be able to save them.”

Those were the same points my father made, but I wasn’t about to tell him that. Instead, I muttered my argument, “I could do that with music too… in a different way…” I turned my head to face away from him, burying my cheek in my pillow. “I know doctors are good and make a lot of money, but that’s not what I want, Lou. That wouldn’t make me happy. Music makes me happy. I love to sing.”

He understood that more than anyone; my voice was the most beautiful thing to him. Of course, he agreed that my voice should be shared with all the other humans as well. But what was I struggling with here and now, he wondered. “If you don’t like the medical field then why don’t you simply say so?” My gaze flickered back to him and he could see the doubt behind my eyes. “Is this choice purely what your parents want you to do?”

“...yeah.”

“And do you do everything your parents tell you to do?”

I blinked. “Well… I’m dating you.” Right. It’s not like I ever told my parents I was dating an ancient god either. They’d probably go on some kind of tangent about how I was dating someone who was many times my age. Still, that wasn’t the point. “But I still have to take the exam. They’d… I don’t even know what they’d do if I didn’t make it into a decent school. They’d never back me up to get into a smaller college to pursue a career in music.”

“I’ll back you up,” Tauxolouve offered without hesitating. Though, that option only made me feel like I’d be cheating through life, using a god like that. He tilted my face up to meet his. “Don’t make a face like that. I’ll be here for you. I want you to be happy and I want you to do whatever it is in life that will make you happy.”

“You sound like those philosophers that say ‘if you enjoy what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’”

“Aren’t they right? I know I am.” Tauxolouve pecked his lips against my forehead. “I hope you always carry that with you. Always do things you enjoy. Your human lives are too short for anything else.”

He had a somber glimmer in his eyes and I knew his heart was aching for my happiness. I pressed closer to him, nuzzling my head just under his—a position I wasn’t about to give up. “Then I always want to be with you, no matter what else comes. The future… is something we can figure out together, because I never want to be without you. As long as I can have you and my music, I’ll never long for anything else.” “And I’ll always be here for you to wish to, love,” he wrapped me tighter in his arms. “If you wish to have a future where you can sing to your heart’s content, I’ll make sure it happens. But for now… relax. Get some rest. You have a long day ahead, and I’ll be here when you wake up.” I loved how he could always make me feel better just by talking with me. It was more than my family could do. I was so lucky to have someone like Tauxolouve. My eyes drifted shut as his lips pressed softly against my forehead.

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