#maybe we can start a rumor they have a secret pet

[hoodiestrings]

I’ve always wondered why it has taken dnp so long to get a dog (or a cat). I know they’ve specifically talked about getting a dog for years, and I get they’ve done tours and stuff that keep them away from home for a while, but they have the money to have someone take care of a pet while they’re away. Maybe it’s just a me thing because I’ve always had pets and I can imagine ever not having one, but I feel like for as long as they’ve talked about getting a dog, they should have one by now

dogbaiting.

no but for real, i get where you're coming from. there are many reasons i can think of why they don't have a pet, but i would love for them to get a pet

send me anything

[cosmicstarlatte]

Reality Show (Obey Me!)

━━━━━━━━━━ ✦ ━━━━━━━━━━

Diavolo convinces Lucifer to have him & his brothers do a new demon reality show that revolves around their everyday lives.

»Characters: Demon Bros // ->[Click here for Part 2: Dateables]

»Tags: LUCIFER CAUGHT IN 4K, Shitpost/Humor, Mentions of reader/MC, Husbando Beel Supremacy, Bulleted Style

»Notes: CM = Crew Member ;; Sorry I was gonna upload this sooner but wanted to draw art for it. xD

Lucifer:

"Okay that's enough, go somewhere else."

CM: "We can't, you agreed to this under contract"

sighs

Mildly regretted his loyalty to Diavolo, otherwise he would've never done this

His camera crew was always on edge with him

The show stressed him more than usual

Perhaps there were a few embarrassing moments he would prefer not to talk about

Like pushing a door that said pull, forgetting the word spoon and calling it a tiny bowl on a stick

[Camera peeks through Lucifer's study, recording a smiling Lucifer texting on his phone]

CM: "Who were you texting Lucifer? Was it ___? There's been rumors..."

"I was checking the weather."

CM: "You take selfies for the weather?"

Mammon:

"Hey wait stop recordin' this! Not that what we are doin' is illegal!"

His camera crew had a rough time with him

But it made for good television!

He talked shit about Lucifer the most

"Yeah a lotta people dunno this, but Lucifer cries to me all the time! What can I say, I'm a reliable guy!"[Crew zooms in on an unamused Lucifer in the background]

[Cut to Mammon hanging from the ceiling]

"Can someone get me down from here!? HEY! WHERE ARE YOU GUYS GOIN'!?"

A lot of the crew's clips had shaky movement from running due to multiple mammon situations

They got a great swoon-worthy shot of Mammon gazing lovingly at you

CM: "Maybe you should confess?"

"I'm confessin' to nothin'! Talk to my lawyer!"

CM: "That's not what we- Nevermind."

Levi:

"I already stream online so this isn't any different."

lol

Levi didn't realize they'd be watching his every move

How was he suppose to worship his shrine of Ruri and you in front of them!?

His camera crew couldn't stop cringing around the otaku

it was uncomfortable for everyone

[Camera films secret sweet moment of him awkwardly practicing asking if you want to hang out]

He asked for it to be deleted, it was denied

However his ratings shot up after that clip and the next one:

CM: "Do you have a crush on ___?"

"W-what!? N-no!!! (Incoherent Levi noises and he trips)"

That clip became a viral meme for weeks

I'm talking remixes and everything

In the end his camera crew actually did have a lot of fun with him and they game online together now

Satan:

"Watch your step. Oh, don't touch that!"

His camera crew had a difficult time with him

He managed to avoid them frequently so he wasn't overly present in the show, much to the annoyance of Lucifer and the others

If they did catch him, all the clips looked the same, all he did was read

They did manage to catch him feeding some stray devildom kitties

[Camera zooms in on him in his room with a collared cat on his lap]

CM: "I thought you couldn't have pets?"

"It's not mine. Clearly, I can't control what comes in my room as of late."

CM:  "It has a collar?"

"Next question."

CM: "What can you tell us about the Anti-Lucifer League?"

"I don't know what you're talking about. Next question."

CM: "Okay... viewers want to know what's up with you and ___?"

[Satan opens a book and gets sucked in]

Asmo:

"It's like, Devilgram Live, but longer!"

Most unbothered out of everyone

He did get annoyed when they tried to catch him before he could start his morning beauty routine

He was scary, they caught it on camera...it was the only time the crew deleted a clip on a brothers request

Overall his crew had an easy time, it was standard to what they normally do, Asmo himself was fun

He was a natural, of course everyone loved him, who wouldn't?

Was the one to start drama for the sake of tv

Nothing too crazy just messed with Luci's schedule, got Mammon arrested, hid Levi's Ruri body pillow, little things really!

[Camera catches Asmo cuddling next to you]

CM: "You seem very fond of them!"

"I am! Oh maybe we can do like a one year WEDDING special later on!?"

Beel:

"Just don't get in my way I guess."

He wasn't really on board with the idea but not much he could do

His crew had an average time with him, he was easy and chill to film

They caught him doing a lot of activities like, cooking/baking, sports, gaming, it was surprising to viewers

His work out clips got a lot of views too, he was a busy demon

They filmed him helping around the house, even cleaning your room and leaving you little gift snacks

CM: "Wow, snacks? You must really like ___!"

"Yeah. I love them. I want to give them the world."He confidently admitted, smiling brightly

Had high ratings in the polls, the show gave everyone a new perspective of him who wasn't just a gluttonous beast

Belphie:

CM: "Is he breathing?"

"Zzz..."

The crew had an easy but boring time with him

There's only so many hours of a sleeping Belphie you can record

The were some soft serene moments with him,Beel and you, gazing at the stars

[Camera catches him sleeping, smiling and mumbling something about you]

CM (poking): "Belphie wanna share what you were dreaming about? We heard you call their name. "

"Only if the network agrees to air it unfiltered. It will be very descriptive."

CM:

CM: "That's a wrap guys."

⬦You might also like: MC's Livestream

[teecupangel]

Submitted by @saberamane​

After seeing that chinchilla Desmond ask, it reminded me of my first impression upon encountering the ferox in Ark survival evolved, Genesis part 1. I know it has a cat/fox like face and kind of red panda tail and monkey-ish body but, my first experience with it was in game, as I hadn’t watched the trailer. And I thought it was a mutated chinchilla…

Saying that! A Ferox! Desmond au would be amazing. He’s small and cute, doing cute little hops to beg for treats, and then he’s a 7 foot tall wolf-gorilla thing capable of tearing your head off your body…

I just have a picture of guards angrily breaking into an ancestor’s house (like the Auditore villa at the start of AC2) and finding this cute…thing just sitting on the other side of the door, wagging it’s tail, and then they watch in horror as it suddenly grows, up and up, and up.

And then there’s nothing but screams…

================================

Additions by teecup

For those unfamiliar with what a Ferox look like, here you go:

Desmond would probably spend quite a lot of time trying to get used to his new body, especially his newly acquired four arms so he’d be a bit of a klutz too. And he’d be super surprised when he first transforms into his other form but also ‘hell yeah!’.

Desmond would just be a fluffy sweet bunny? Fox? Cat? No one knows (and Leonardo is trying to understand what he is) but that doesn’t really matter since Desmond is more or less docile and just likes to eat and cuddle. Not being liked by him would make a person a social pariah XD

So we have an idea of how Desmond could screw up AC2 (also, he can totally protect Monteriggioni by going on a rampage on the papacy army, although this might start a rumor of Monteriggioni having a demon as an attack dog) and Desmond could easily thwart Charles Lee’s plan to burn down Ratonhnhaké:ton’s village by going ham on them either while staying with Kaniehtí:io that day or by transforming and ‘taking care’ of the soldiers before Charles Lee could even hurt Ratonhnhaké:ton.

Now, the most common setup would be for Desmond to be Altaïr’s pet but may I suggest an alternative: Desmond as baby Sef’s pet? Sef found him while he and Darim are playing (maybe they were even able to sneak out of Masyaf) and he brought him back because Desmond doesn’t recognize Sef but he looks a lot like Altaïr so he just makes soft purring sounds as he put all his arms in the air in the universal gesture of ‘pick me up’ and Sef does. 

His transformation is kept a secret and Altaïr thinks Desmond might have mutated with the use of a POE. He’s still more or less Sef’s pet even though Desmond likes to follow Altaïr around when Sef isn’t in Masyaf. 

So when Swami tried to assassinate Sef in his sleep, Desmond is curled on top of Sef’s chest and he jumped down, staring at Swami. 

Swami’s eyes widened as Desmond transformed right in front of him and he let out a scream that gets drowned by Desmond’s roar.

Sef immediately wakes up to see Desmond pinning Swami against the floor and Sef knew that something fishy is certainly going on. Even though Swami is babbling that it was his father who ordered for his death, Sef doesn’t believe him.

First of all: His father wouldn’t order for this death. Of all the things Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad might and might not be, his love for his family will never be questioned.

Second of all: Even if Altaïr wanted him dead, he wouldn’t pick someone like Swami to kill him, that’s insulting. (At this point, both Swami and Desmond just stare at Sef because, yeah, he might be nicer and sweeter than his father but the Ibn-La'Ahad arrogance seems to be hereditary).

“Third of all…” Sef looked at Desmond and grinned, “Shall we get some exercise, Desmond?”

Desmond roared his agreement and…

That day, the conspiracy against Altaïr’s family and allies was thwarted by a large monster. Many of Abbas’ supposed allies squealed like pigs and admitted everything while being pinned down by said monster.

Malik drowned in paperwork that day.

[creampuffs-for-carmilla]

Carmilla Week 2024

Hello again, Creampuffs!

In honor of the 10 year anniversary, this blog will be hosting Carmilla Week 2024 leading up to the anniversary of Season 1 premiering! You have a bit over a month to complete any prompts you'd like (Hopefully, all of them!) and should upload any submissions here with the tag #carmillaweek2024 so we can see all of your amazing fanworks! Anything goes so long as it relates to the theme and any questions are welcome! That and posting on the day the theme is scheduled for.

Before checking the prompts, please join our Discord and give this blog a follow to stay updated and see what other Creampuffs are saying! Here are this year's prompts and ideas to get you going:

Day 1- Orientation Day (August 13)

Welcome, everyone to Carmilla Week! Orientation is underway where you can explore different clubs at Silas University! Check in with Danny and the Summer Society as they do their morning runs. Or perhaps you want to party with Kirsch and the Zetas? Speaking of, what’s the Alchemy Club been up to…? Whatever it is, there’s a club for everyone (Unless you’re Laura Hollis… She didn’t make the cut for the Newspaper Club…) Either way, Orientation Day lets you explore any clubs Silas has to offer, including ones you headcanon exist or the ones that do exist. Perhaps Laura did find a club to join or it could explain why Carmilla sneaks off so often.

Day 2- Zombies and Werewolves and Vampires, Oh My! (August 14)

Ignore the evil cabal of vampires running the place, we’re diverse! The captain of the swim team is a mermaid, there’s that rumor the Summers are a werewolf pack, and our gardener is actually a zombie tending to graves and flowers alike! Today is the day where anything goes and you can even explore if LaFontaine is a cyborg or maybe Laura is a fairy. Be creative and explore what supernatural creatures may exist within Silas!

Day 3- Dorm Life (August 15)

Silas University is prestigious and offers only the best of the best! Not counting the lack of knocking and paper-thin walls… In any case, explore what you think dorm life is like on campus! That includes (but not limited to!) trying to pass Professor Cochrane’s class, how out of control a Zeta party can get, or even a slice of life behind closed doors in 307. Have fun!

Day 4- Raining Cats and Dogs (August 16)

We all love Catmilla. Who doesn’t! Take this day to explore all the possibilities. Perhaps one of our beloved cast has found a loving pet? Maybe you want to explore the other vampire’s ability to shapeshift? Just don’t let the Dean catch you with a pet in your room, that can be grounds for expulsion.

Day 5- Road Trip (August 17)

All roads lead to Silas as they say. Laura, Perry, LaFontaine, and Carmilla certainly learned that trying to flee through the Alps! Who’s to say they can’t enjoy a fun road trip though! Laura and Carmilla did go to Paris. Maybe Perry and LaFontaine

Day 6- Life After College (August 18)

All good things come to an end and so do our college years. We got a sneak peek of how the gang lived 5 years after Silas, but what about the before and after? Your imagination is the limit as you can explore Laura’s first job or Carmilla finding a fun way to spend her vampire trust fund. Perhaps the LaFerry Industries had a shaky start? You can even get into Danny’s new life as a vampire working as a vampire’s rights advocate… And maybe something a bit more secret!

Day 7- Anniversary (August 19)

The reason we’re all here. Happy 10th anniversary to Carmilla: The Series! Explore what an anniversary means to you. Maybe you want to explore how Laura and Carmilla celebrate their first anniversary, whether girlfriend-wise or wife-wise. You can dedicate a piece to the show in general.

As always, thank you for participating, please check FAQ for more details and upcoming events, and if you have any questions, feel free to send an ask!

[zooophagous]

Strauss sullenly folded himself back into the grimy front seat of the “borrowed” pickup. The fresh night air had cleared his system, and now coming back to the cloud of tobacco smell that emanated from the vehicle was just about making him retch. How did he put up with this earlier?

Maybe it was just that the adrenaline had worn off. Sylvain crumpled her face in a stark sneer as she hoisted herself into the driver’s seat. She apparently was not pleased by the smell either.

“So. Got any special requests?” She asked as she fastened her seat belt.

“Requests?”

“For dinner.”

“Ah.” Strauss looked down and away. “I only know of one establishment that has feeder mice, and I am quite certain I am banned from the premises.”

“I was hoping to get an answer like “a young virgin” or something more normal for a vampire. But you’re right, we’re going to have to avoid anywhere you could be recognized. Especially after that little incident.”

“Incident? So you know about what happened at the pet store?”

“Buddy, the entire town knows. You think people don’t talk? People won’t shut up about you. Despite my best efforts, I may add.”

“Best efforts- wait.” Strauss turned to Sylvain with a harsh stare. “What, exactly, were your best efforts?”

“Back off Strauss.” Sylvain flashed her teeth in warning. “Relax, nobody died. I considered it, but it was already too late for that to help. You already know my persuasive psychic talents are, shall we say, more developed than most. I did a little test to see just how developed. That’s all.”

“What have you done?”

“I tried to wipe a few memories.” She shrugged, and put the car in gear and slowly ambled down the drive and back to the main road.

“I started with the girl at the pet store. She was the epicenter of most of the rumors anyway. I persuaded her to forget. I had to keep visiting her. Checking up. Seeing if it worked. Seeing if it would come back.”

“Did it?”

“It always did.” She grumbled. “It would work for a while, but she was too close to the action to just let it go. Then she started getting bold, remembering me, trying to record me… I had to give up on that one.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t make an end of her.”

“Oh, believe me, I wanted to. But she’d already talked, and if she died after that, the conspiracy would only escalate. I had to focus on whoever she talked to. They were easier to convince. Everyone is already predisposed to thinking you’re some sort of crazy homeless person. I just needed to convince people the eyewitness was crazy too. Easy.”

“Why go through the effort on my behalf? On behalf of the Institute?”

“Cute, you think this was about you.”

The vehicle lurched forward, gaining momentum. Strauss found his hand involuntarily gripping his seat.

“You know damn well that a vampire lives and dies on secrets. When you started pulling bullshit in public, you didn’t just fuck up Artie’s little science project. You put a lot of people at serious risk. Sure, a few people here and there could be bought off. But what about the ones that kept talking, hmm? Do you have any idea how fast conspiracy theories travel online?”

The engine of the tormented pickup whirred with mechanical urgency, the pitch increasing with its speed.

“No, you don’t know that. You’re probably blissfully unaware of how the internet even works. You don’t know that one conspiracy theorist bitching about vampires can become a camp of true believers overnight. You don’t know what a viral video is, you probably didn’t even know there was security footage that the Institute had to buy to cover your ass, did you? And when I came along and started cleaning up your little fuckup, what do you do? You fling yourself into fucking traffic to stop me.”

“Into traffic- you mean to tell me your attempt to kill Mr. Samuel was your misguided attempt to protect vampire kind?”

“The fact that you call it misguided is exactly the fucking problem. As long as he’s alive, he’ll talk. If he talks, he’ll be believed, and if he’s believed then there goes our way of life. Don’t you get that?”

“It sounds more like you’re desperate for reasons to use your strength to harm human beings.”

“Is that what you think?”

“It is. I think you have too much power and no outlet for it. Where you cannot find an outlet, you invent one, and you pretend that the torment of innocent bystanders is justice.”

“Big talk coming from you, when you’re the one who made them bystanders to your carnage in the first place. Only one of us has put their fangs on Mr. Samuel if you recall.”

“Perhaps you should ask him which of us he agrees with.”

WHUMP.

Strauss catapulted from his seat and into the windshield, painfully connecting with his head. A dark cloud came over his vision momentarily, then dispersed.

“What in Hell was that for?” He demanded, sorely rubbing his forehead.

“We got cherries in the rearview, chief.” Sylvain motioned to the mirror, and Strauss realized they were being tailed by a car blazing with lights. They hurt very much to look at.

“I believe that is a police officer.”

“Yeah, we’re getting pulled over.” Sylvain sighed. “Probably because it got reported stolen.”

Strauss sat nervously in his chair. “What are you going to do?”

Sylvain turned to him with a grin. “Try and relax, Lu.”

A fat headed and impatient looking officer approached the window with a flashlight drawn and pointed. It was difficult to aggressively point a light, but somehow or other, he was managing as he carefully approached the truck.

The driver’s window rolled down slowly as he made his way to face the pair of carjackers. “Hey. Ma’am? You’re going pretty fast back there. That’s a forty? Yeah? You were going sixty five. Can I see your driver’s license?”

He was trying to sound authoritarian. His annoyance peaked in his voice as the petite female driver only reacted with a droll smile.

“Hey officer. You got a body cam on?”

“The red light right here indicates that it’s recording, yes ma’am.”

“Turn it off.”

She demanded it. The officer obeyed, and instantly flicked the switch off without a question. Sylvain reached through the window and grabbed the cam and yanked it from the poor fool’s uniform, crushing it in her hand like a rotten peach.

The officer seemed surprised, but didn’t react, except to slowly lower his flashlight and stare blankly, fishlike into the vehicle.

“So Lu, you want this one?”

“Sylvain, no. Let him go.”

“Why? You were just going on about how I was looking for excuses to abuse power and how pissy that made you. Well, nobody is worse about abusing power than cops. Maybe you’d be doing some poor schmucks a favor. Come on, it’s not like you haven’t offed people who deserved it before.”

“Mildly inconveniencing me is not deserving it.”

“Oh he’d do more than that to you, Lu. You’re in a stolen truck. You’re going to jail if you don’t make a decision here, how long do you think you could pretend to be human under strict observation? Or, you could cover your tracks now…”

Strauss looked to the officer, who, despite his stunned silence, was pleading for help with his eyes.

“Sylvain… picking off a cop is stupid even for you.”

“Excuse me?”

“Use your head. There is no death more public than that of a police officer. Surely you understand that. Do you think your camera trick will work for long?”

Sylvain stared shark-like at her companion for some uncomfortable minutes, before cracking a smile and laughing back at him.

“Yes, good. You can be taught.” She turned to the officer with a scowl.

“Get the Hell out of my sight.”

The cop stumbled backwards and fell onto the shoulder. When he found his footing, he ran into the dark, away from the road, and away from his car.

“I’m so proud of you Lu. Using that big beautiful brain to think ahead. Took you long enough.”

“Were you actually going to kill that man?”

“No. If he’s tailing a stolen car, other patrols will be by any minute now. We need to ditch this thing and walk for a bit.”

She kicked open the door and slid to the ground, leaving the truck behind her with doors open and lights on. A beacon for the cops to find and busy themselves with. Strauss followed her lead, trailing behind her slowly as they made their way to the roadside and began to walk.

“We’re going to have to move quick. I can get one cop to fuck off, doing a few at a time is a bit more of a stretch. Unless you wanna help.”

“I will pass, frau Pietra.”

“Well, hurry up. I’ll still need dinner before bed time. I want to have a bit more fun before your handlers turn up for you.”

“What makes you think they will?”

“Probably because they’re tracking you from that smart watch in your pocket.”

Strauss froze. “How… did you know I had that?”

“Not denying it? Smart man. Lu, I was a lead hunter at that institute for years. When I died, there was so much going on, dear Frau Harker didn’t revoke my security clearance. Maybe she forgot, maybe she thought I wasn’t coming back. Maybe, juuuust maybe, she thought she could put me back to work.”

Sylvain looked over her shoulder at Strauss. “I’ve been watching you come and go on GPS for a while now. I’m jealous, you know? They’re more open with you than they were with me. It’s kind of funny.”

“What are you going to do to me?”

“For now, nothing. As long as you stay polite. Maybe I’ll hang out long enough to have a little reunion when security turns up. I have some folks that I’m sure are dying to see me.”

[clonemando]

Haunted Clone Week

Written for the Day 2 prompt: Bloody Hands

@clonefandomevents

AO3 version here

Fox wakes up with blood on his hands and is finally able to wrench the memories back before they fade away but he immediately wishes he hadn't

Trigger Warnings for mind control, canon typical violence, Fox thinking he killed a kid and some of his brothers. This is angst with a happy ending.

Good Soldiers Follow Orders

Good Soldiers Follow Orders

Good Soldiers Follow Orders 

Fox woke up. It was dark around him and his armor had been tossed in a pile nearby by someone who wasn’t a clone since there wasn’t any care for the pile at all. Or maybe he had done while still under, there was no way to tell for certain. Examining his kit to try to get to a comm his stomach rolled when he saw his hands for the first time. His gloves were stained with blood. 

It wasn’t the first time this has happened and he knows he needs to call Thir- no… Thorn. He needs to call Thorn. He’d send Hound out to find him and bring him back. But this time Fox can almost drag the memories back. He can feel something there under a thick fog and it feels like if he pulls hard enough he can get them back. He can remember and finally get some answers to why this is happening. 

He rips at his own mind viciously and then has to run to the fresher when a memory finally is clawed free and anything he might have eaten in the last cycle is tossed up. 

“Th- Thorn… I need… I need help.” He finally chokes out into his comm, laying back against the wall of the fresher. 

“Fox! I’m sending Hound out now. He was already searching for you, it’s been a week! But with the comm position it’ll narrow it down for him.” The familiar steady voice tells him and Fox bites back a sob.

“Who… Who is on dive duty? Thorn… I think I hurt… I saw…” He can’t find the words to express his horror at what he might have done. 

“Dive duty? Uh… let me check. Think it was Mist and Rebar.” Came the reply and that just verified Fox’s fears. 

“It was… Saw them. Kit was there, Thorn. She saw… I killed them. Kriff, I killed them.” Fox started to sob and he could hear Thorn barking orders but none of the words could process through the memories all washing over him like a tsunami now he finally cracked the dam holding them back. 

He had been called to see the Chancellor and he had known he was in trouble. He had failed to keep Skywalker in line the last time he had visited and everyone knew that Skywalker was the Chancellor’s favorite pet. He had known the mission was coming and that it would be bad. He had set up all the precautions he could, guessing he’d wake up to a dead senator or with another broken limb after going after a bounty hunter. The black out missions were never easy and Fox could never remember, he could only ever clean up and cover up.

“I heard rumors that the Guard have a secret building they’re using in the lower levels. What is it for?” Palpatine demanded and Fox’s heart nearly stopped. He couldn’t know. They had been so careful. 

“Commander 1010, I asked you a question, answer it.” came soon after and Fox felt like his head was being pried open like a can of fish for a hungry tooka. 

“It is a safe house for children conceived by clones or abandoned at our offices by natborns. We can’t let anyone know they exist. We have to protect them because we aren’t people. People get adopted, not clones and not half-clones.” Came pouring out of his mouth despite him trying to hold it in. 

“Ah… I see… children, how… sweet.” The twisted voice grated on his ears as the Chancellor gave him his orders, his punishment. CC-1010 marched out of the room to complete his mission.

Mist and Rebar were protective of the kids and often volunteered to do what they called deep dive missions to go down to where the safe house was hidden on a much lower level. They were experts in getting places unnoticed and Mist was soft spoken and kind while Rebar was energetic and fun. The kids loved them. They had been doing a patrol around the area when Fox found them, and Kit had been with them because the force or whatever higher power that was out there hated Fox the most. 

Kit was a young girl with black hair that curled into tight ringlets that never wanted to stay in place. She grew three times as fast as a natborn- it wasn’t uncommon for the kids of the clones to age in weird bursts or at an accelerated speed. Amps and the other Corrie medics worked around the clock to not only treat their men but also to get the kids down to a baseline aging  and Kit had offered a lot of blood to the cause as one of the fastest aging among them. She looked about 4 or 5 standard though she had only been alive for about two years at this point.

Thankfully, it hadn’t been hard to get flash training modules and Fox had been there whenever he could to rub the sore limbs with a bacta cream to ease away the pain of growth spurts. He had helped with lessons and made weekly holocalls or sent little messages and trinkets with one of the guard members making the dive that week if he was too busy. It wasn’t perfect but Fox never wanted her to doubt she was loved and as soon as the kriffing war was over, he was going to pack her up and they were going to go somewhere green and peaceful- maybe Naboo- and things would be better. 

Kit was probably dead. Fox was the best shot in the GAR and Mist and Rebar hadn’t known not to trust him. The images are still blurry and made his head throb to try to see but he knew he shot them. He knew there were never allowed to be witnesses. There was blood on his gloves, blood on his hands… he had tried to stop the bleeding. He couldn’t stop the shots but then… Mist hadn’t died right away and with the mission successful he had tried to stop the bleeding, tried to undo his mistake but it was too late. 

“Rebar and Mist are in Medical Fox.” Thorn’s voice cut through the foggy memories like a knife and Fox blinked. 

“They’re alive?” He asked his voice barely a croak but Thorn heard him. 

“Barely, but yes. Kit dragged them in and Amps got them treated. They’re not dead, vod. Whatever happened, they’re alive.” He promised and Fox sucked in a breath and nearly choked on it. 

“Kit, she’s okay? She brought them in? Was she hurt? Is she okay?” He stumbled over his own sentences trying to find out how his daughter was. 

“Amps said she looked… like you do when the caff machine breaks. Shaky and disoriented but mostly just pissed off. He told her he’d get someone to take her back home but she took off before he got the pair stabilized and no one has seen her since. But she wasn’t hurt, he made sure before focusing on the others. Fox, what happened? Do you remember this time?” He asked and Fox started to cry softly in relief. 

“A little. Clawed the memories out. The Chancellor found out about the safe house and he was pissed we kept a secret from him and he ordered me to.. Take some warning shots. I think he knows he can use it against us now so he didn’t order it wiped. Kriff. Kriff kriff kriff. They were patrolling and Kit was with them and I shot them. I just kriffing shot them, right in front of her.” He whimpered and he could hear Thorn cursing on the other side of the line. 

Before Fox could say anything else, another voice cut in. “Sirs, I don’t mean to muddy up the line but… uh… I am pretty sure Kit just killed the Chancellor… sirs. I’ve reassigned myself to sitting with her and letting her pet Griz but I think we’re going to need a hell of a cover up for this one.” Hound’s voice announced and that shocked both commanders into silence. 

“Daddy? I’m sorry! I just… you told me he made you do bad things sometimes and then your hurt Mist and it was so scary and so when they were gettin’ better with Amps I went all sneaky mode and I could feel somethin’ screaming all loud in my heart with that nasty ol’ chancellor and I just reached out with my feelings and told it that it could rest ‘cause restin’ makes you feel better and then the red laser sword went zhooooosh and stabbed into him from where it was in his pocket and he kriffin’ ‘sploded!!! At least he can’t be mean to you no more. Ooops not supposed to say bad words, sorry.” a little voice came through Hound’s coms and Fox started to laugh a little hysterically. 

It was going to be okay.

[musekicker]

never done this beefo so am not sure how specific this needs to be. for some reason my first thought for the mva writing prompt is monger & dockroach trapped in an elevator (possibly during a red alert lockdown thing)

if you fancy somefin else could be link trying out clothes? especially dresses with susan. n maybe bob gets sad he can't wear anything 😭 (doc could just invent special fabric)

Sorry this took so long for a reply. It took a bit because kind of turned into it's own thing? There is clothes trying out bit though. And i had fun writing this.

One afternoon in the monsters recreation room, Susan and Bob were watching television, a food channel that was airing one of it's many baking competition shows.

"That flan looks very nice." Susan said about one of the contestants creations.

"I'd date them." Bob said of the flan.

They were not to find out who was to get sent home on this episode as Link walked in.

"Hey, the doc's not around here is he?" Link asked.

"Last I saw him he was heading to his lab." Susan said.

"And last I saw him, he was pushing me out of his lab. Did you know that I make toxic fumes if set on fire?" Bob said.

Link and Susan stared at Bob.

"That or I smell like salad dressing. One of the two." Bob said.

The other two monsters decided to follow up on that with Doctor Cockroach later.

"So he's in his lab for sure? Good. I need your help with something, Susan." Link said.

"I'm always happy to help out a friend." Susan said. "What do you need?"

"Tonight's a date night for me and the doc and I just kind of realized that I don't have anything nice to wear at all." Link said.

"I have a stash of clothes and access to a sewing machine." Susan said. "So I can help. Though why are you suddenly interested in clothes now. You usually don't do the clothes thing. Even for your date nights."

Bob gasped.

"I just realized that you're naked!" Bob cried, pointing at Link.

"You're naked too, Bob." Link said.

Bob looked down at himself, gasped again, and screamed.

"Don't look!" Bob cried.

Link, knowing full well Bob would probably forget he said anything, looked back to Susan.

"It's true that I'm not a fashion guy. But me and the Doc, well.. just that I'm planning something tomorrow and it's going to be special."

Susan now was doubly curious. 

"Special huh? How special are we talking?" Susan asked.

Link looked to the doorway, and then peered out into the hall both directions before talking to Susan.

"Special as in no information gets back to the doc right now." Link said.

Interest was tripled.

"Wait, are you going to-" Susan asked.

"I can't say." Link said quickly. "You I trust with secrets. Bob with secrets though..."

"I can keep a secret!" Bob cried. "I've never told anyone about the spaghetti and meatballs I've been keeping as a secret pet in the vents."

"... that explains that weird smell." Susan said.

Link grinned.

"Let's wait to say anything to Monger. I've already started the rumor that the smell is because of Coverton and I want to give it time to spread before the truth is found out." Link said.

"Can't promise that. But what I can promise is that I can get a nice look ready for you before tomorrow night." Susan said.

Bob gasped.

"Does this mean there will be a fashion montage?" Bob asked.

"You bet it does!" Susan said.

There was a great selection to choose from clothes wise. Susan liked variety and was trying out more looks. And the skill of sewing and making her own clothes gave more variety. They had started with clothes that were more in the family of black or dark blue. That didn't seem to be Link's style though.

And a chunk of time spent trying clothes that were more flowy or dress like too. One was a shade of purple that he almost went with but decided that light blue was the way to go in color choice.

As Susan was looking through the possible options with the new color scheme in mind, Link came across a leather jacket.

"I didn't know you went through a leather jacket phase." Link said.

Susan shrugged.

"It was a short phase. I had dropped the look because of Derek." Susan said.

She paused, hearing herself saying those words and not liking them.

"Maybe I should start wearing a leather jacket again. Just because." Susan said.

"You really should." Link said. "If there is anyone I know who can rock that look besides me, it's you."

Susan smiled, picking up the jacket again and looking at it fondly.

They eventually settled on a outfit. A bright blue dress shirt and over that a white dinner jacket. There was a tie as well with the look. A simple solid black. It was not the most adventurous of outfits but it looked good.

Link was happy with it and Susan was happy to see Link happy.

Bob however was frowning

"What's wrong Bob?" Susan asked.

"I want a fashion montage too!" Bob said.

Link and Susan looked to each other. Susan was the one to break the silence.

"Clothes don't exactly... work great for you." Susan said.

Bob pouted more.

"Maybe I can talk to the doc and he can figure out something for you clothes wise." Link said.

Bob perked up at that. 

It was the big night. Link was a mix of so many emotions. On the edge of something big. As excited as he was, he was also more scared then he had thought he would be. He was doing a good job hiding it he thought as he knocked on the lab door.

The door opened and Doctor Cockroach was there. One of the rare moments he was not wearing a lab coat. Rather he was wearing his normal slacks and shoes, along with a teal dress shirt. He was one to dress like this on date nights. He clearly had not expected to see Link dressed up as well, looking a bit startled.

"You're dressed up pretty nice." Doctor Cockroach said.

Link grinned.

"Not a issue is it?" Link asked.

Doctor Cockroach looked Link over again before answering.

"No. Not a issue at all." Doctor Cockroach said, a soft smile on his face. "Shall we go?"

The diner was not a fancy place to match the outfit that Link was wearing. But neither monster actually cared about that. It was a place they both knew they liked and knew was monster friendly. Even though the world knew of the monsters at this point, it did not mean they were welcomed by all.

As it was, the staff were polite enough to the monsters. Even knew how they preferred the food they ordered. And at this hour they basically had free range on what songs were playing on the old jukebox in the place.

It was a normal enough and sweet date night. 

Later that night found the two lovers sitting on the bench outside the diner. Doctor Cockroach leaned his head against Link's shoulder. They stayed that way for some time as they looked at the stars. Not quite ready to head back home. The night was winding down though. And Link had to make his move.

"Doc... I have something to say." Link said.

The sudden change of tone, from something playful to something soft but serious. The doc picked up on that quickly.

"Is everything okay?" Doctor Cockroach asked.

"Everything is just fine." Link said quickly. "In fact I'd say pretty perfect. Which is why I have something I need to say."

Link stood up then.

"We've been together for so long. Even when we didn't exactly really have much a of a future. But since the whole world knowing about monsters thing and the fact we do have a future now just made me think more about it. And just well..." 

Link took a deep breath, before he looked to the doctor. He gently took one of Doctor Cockroach's hands and gazed into his eyes.

"I want to make sure that our future is together." Link said.

Doctor Cockroach knew what Link was doing before Link went down to one knee and took the ring box out of his dinner jacket pocket. He was able to keep himself from saying anything until Link asked the question.

"Will you marry me?" Link asked.

"Yes!" was the doctors answer a fraction of a second later.

The embrace and the kiss after that lasted for awhile. No one else was there to judge though. Just them and the stars.

Link pulled away from the kiss eventually to say something.

"We might want to think about heading back soon. Susan for sure knew what I was planning and she's probably going to stay up to find out how things went." Link said.

[hphmseojunglee]

‘deed i do [2/4]

read on ao3

wc:

more info about this fic in this tumblr post

— — —

“Alright. I’ll do it.”

Five sets of eyes whip towards you. It’s the middle of breakfast on Wednesday morning. They’ve not said anything about Tonk’s idea last night, but you can tell that they are dying to know.

“You’re okay with it?” Penny’s blue eyes shine with anticipation and excitement. She spoke earlier about how tired she was of being approached. Luckily, since she started telling people that she was going with someone else, less brave souls tried. However, there were some older students with massive egos who thought they could change the Hufflepuff’s mind with chocolate or flowers. As you well know, some men believe the world revolves around them.

You nod. “I’m in.”

Tonks rubs their hands together. “Excellent! Now, we have to get your story straight.”

“There’s nothing straight about this story,” you mumble quietly into your tea.

Only Penny hears. She snorts and slaps you lightly on the thigh. “Shut up.”

Rowan picks up where Tonks left off. “Right. When did you two start dating?”

“I think last year would be good. You wanted to keep it a secret in the beginning, as a new relationship.” Chiara suggests as she takes a bite of her toast. “You did spend a lot of time visiting Penny in the Hospital Wing after she got attacked by that Dementor, Seojung.”

“She’s right… you visited her more than I did, and that’s saying something.” Tonks rubs their chin. “And I walked in on you two sharing a cot more than once.”

“It wasn’t my idea! Penny hates hospitals. She asked me to sleep with her so she doesn’t get nightmares. Who was I to refuse?”

Skye rolls her eyes. “Married.”

You flick a crumb at her. “Shut up.”

“This is good. Okay, so you shacked up after P’s Dementor attack, and you’ve been dating in secret ever since. You’re not fond of PDA, which is why you haven’t kissed or anything. On your first anniversary, this year, you decided to be less secretive. But you aren’t about dramatic gestures, which is why you didn’t do some stupid public ask to the dance.” Tonks lists off the details. “Any objections?”

Everyone shakes their heads.

“Great. Next, speaking of PDA… do you want to step it up, or keep it as-is?”

“What do you mean, ‘keep it as-is’?” You are perplexed. What is Tonks talking about?

“You really have no idea?” They raise an incredulous eyebrow.

“No…what?”

Rowan answers kindly. “You guys are so touchy, it could be interpreted as dating.”

“What! No!” Surely Rowan is exaggerating. But as you look around the table, everyone else nods in agreement. Except Penny.

“Pens, is this true?”

She shrugs. “I don’t think so, but we’re in the minority.”

“Alright. Well, I think we should add stuff like hand-holding, maybe kissing on the cheek and head?” You feel your cheeks heat up as you talk about kissing, but you steamroll on and hide your face in your mug.

“I agree. What do you think of pet names?”

You love terms of endearment. Perhaps to an unhealthy extent. But you probably should say something more acceptable. “I think that would help with the illusion. I wouldn’t be opposed. I’m partial to terms like ‘darling’, ‘honey’, and ‘yeobo’. How ‘bout you?”

Penny is practically bouncing in her seat. “Oh, I adore pet names! I can use ‘babe’, ‘love’, and ‘dear’.”

“Penny can start coming to your Quidditch practices and you can start walking her to classes.” Chiara smiles. “Maybe you can even share a bed? That’ll be the quickest way to get the rumor mill running.”

You nod, looking over at Penny. This is fine. You went as friends to the Celestial Ball and had a great time. The added “dating” things aren’t really a departure from how you two normally act. At least you don’t have to kiss her. Because if you had to kiss her, things would get really messy, really fast.

“Just make sure to cast some Muffling charms before you go to sleep. Seoj snores.” Rowan scowls as she eats her oatmeal. “Loudly.”

“I do not! Chiara, back me up.”

The silver-haired girl shakes her head. “Sorry, Seojung. Rowan and I cast Silencing and Muffling charms every night on you after you fall asleep. Luckily, you turn in much earlier than the rest of us.”

Tonks scoffs. “You’re such an old man.”

“I’m going to un-seam all of your robes again, Tonks.”

They stick out their tongue and return to their steaming stack of pancakes.

“I’ll be the judge of whether or not Jung snores badly.” Penny smiles brightly, much too cheerfully, considering the time of day. “I’m sure it’s not bad!”

“Perfect! May Operation Swandive commence!” Tonks whoops and raises her goblet.

“Operation Swandive? What the hell, Tonks?”

They shrug. “What? Swans mate for life.”

“Fine.” You roll your eyes at Tonks’ shenanigans. “So, girlfriends?” You stick out your hand to Penny.

Skye groans. “A handshake? Come on, at least hug her, you dork.”

“Oh. Right.” Opening your arms, you smile in what you hope is a comforting way. It seems to work. Penny practically jumps into your arms like she always does. And just like yesterday in the Common Room, she pecks your cheek.

You make a mental note to talk to Penny about PDA and new boundaries later. You’re not sure what she’s comfortable with. For the moment, you follow her lead, playing the loving girlfriend and twisting Penny’s body so that her legs are resting on yours perpendicularly. Chiara asks you a question about Muggle jazz musicians, and you’re lost in the world of Ella Fitzgerald, Blossom Dearie, Sarah Vaughan, Keely Smith, and Billie Holiday. Otherwise, you would have noticed Tonks smirking at Penny, who is staring at you in admiration.

Before you know it, breakfast is over. The six of you pack up and head over to the Greenhouses.

You offer to carry Penny’s books the way there. Skye and Tonks make kissy noises behind the both of you, Rowan sighs, and Chiara giggles.

“Don’t make me hex you, Tonks.”

“Just focus on being a good girlfriend, SJ!”

—

When you and your friends arrive at Greenhouse 3 for Herbology, Penny thanks you for carrying her books with a sweet peck on the cheek. “Thanks, babe!”

“It’s my pleasure, honey.”

It has the intended effect. Instantly, all of your classmates, fellow Hufflepuffs and Slytherins, shut up and stare. You find Barnaby and Liz among the group. They’re both smiling. Liz gives you a double thumbs-up and mouths “Congrats”, throwing in a wink.

You ignore the many pairs of eyes drilling holes into your back as you arrive at your desk and set up the class supplies. No doubt there are a few boys who are insulted by the fact that they got turned away in favor of a girl. And many more students who would kill to be in your shoes.

Even if the circumstances are unconventional, you’re glad to be where you are. The fact that you are means that Penny trusts you very much. And the thought of Penny’s deep trust makes you smile.

Tonks huffs out a sigh as they stare at their leather gauntlets. “So, how are you going to save the Ball from being an awful clanger?”

“I have no idea how I’m going to try and change Pince’s mind.”

“Sounds like the first thing you need is an excuse to talk to her about the dance.”

“Yeah…” Your brainstorming is interrupted by Professor Sprout’s arrival. She bustles into the Greenhouse with an excited gleam in her eye.

“Good morning everyone, it’s time to begin today’s instruction. As you know, Professor Dumbledore announced the Valentine’s Day Ball yesterday. To help with the joyous occasion, I thought it would be helpful to grow flowers as decorations for the event!” Her wand seems to jump from a pocket on her coat into her hand.

“As some of you may recall, on Valentine’s Day in the past we used the Herbivicus Charm to grow roses. This year, however, we’ll be adapting the charm to grow this romantic bloom again as a bouquet.”

The instruction is pretty short, considering it is basically a review. Sprout teaches the spell and the wand movement within half an hour.

“Now, you try.”

Up and down the long tables, you can hear students attempting the spell. Penny attempts it before you do. The pot in front of her blooms into several pretty roses.

“Nice one, Pens!” You raise your hand for a high-five. She beams and gives you one.

“You should try next!”

“Alright. Herbivicus Duo!” Green light shoots from your wand. Not only does the pot sitting in front of you bloom, but the extra pots behind it bloom as well.

“Look at these! So lush and vivid! Filled with color, life, and romantic possibility! Well done, Miss Lee, five points to Hufflepuff. I believe these are the best in the class.”

You feel your face heat up again at the praise. “Thank you, Professor Sprout.”

Penny leans on your side and kisses you on the cheek in congratulations. That definitely doesn’t help with your blushing, but you find yourself wanting more. Before you can daydream about sappy things, Professor Sprout turns to the rest of the class.

“We should keep going. I’m sure Madam Pince will want to fill the room with flowers for the ball!”

Tonks smirks, charming another pot. “I’m not. Flowers can get messy, and that’s something I can’t see Pince appreciating!”

“But surely she’ll want a romantic mood. And what’s more romantic than lush bouquets of roses?” Trust Penny to be the sweet optimist. You want to give her a hug, but a thought pops into your mind, stopping you.

“Hold on…that’s it.” You address Professor Sprout. “Professor, Perhaps I should bring this bouquet to Madam Pince for approval?”

The head of Hufflepuff claps her hands. “Grand idea! Do so at your first opportunity!”

“Looks like you’ve got your chance to talk to Pince. Which means you’ll be the power couple at the Ball before you know it.” Skye joins the conversation and winks at both you and Penny.

“Only if I can turn Madam Pince around on the dance details.”

Sprout’s voice rings out on the other side of the Greenhouse. “Well done, everyone! Class dismissed. And have a happy Valentine’s Day, dears.”

As your classmates pack up and file out the door, they throw you and Penny a varying array of looks. Happy, envious, disapproving, supportive—they’re all there. Chiara’s suggestion seems to work perfectly.

You sling your satchel over your shoulder and address your friends. “I’d better get going, see you guys later. It’s time to confront Pince and maybe even get to help plan the Ball.”

Penny slides her hand into yours. “I’ll join you. Come on, Jung. We’ve a ball to save!”

Sure, you look a little stupid, holding a bouquet of roses with one hand and Penny’s hand with the other. But you don’t care. Penny’s hand fits perfectly in yours. All too quickly, you arrive at the Library. Reluctantly, you break contact with your best friend and go find the Librarian—you both figured going alone would be best. She’s at her desk, holding a rather large stamp and looking at a long list.

“Excuse me, Madam Pince. Professor Sprout asked me to bring—”

“Shh! Lower your voice, please.” Without looking up, she carefully presses the stamp down on a card.

“Sorry, Madam Pince.” You internally roll your eyes. Your voice wasn’t even that loud!

As she puts the stamp down and finally looks up, she speaks again. It seems you’ve caught her in one of her bad moods. Her eyebrows are turned down spectacularly low. “Miss Lee, you should know that plants in the library are prohibited. You will need to leave immediately.”

“Actually, the flowers are the reason I came to speak with you. Professor Sprout hoped you’d like to decorate the Great Hall with them for the Valentine’s Day Ball.”

Madam Pince’s forehead wrinkles lessen imperceptibly. “I didn’t realize she went through the trouble… But flowers only remind one of what they don’t have on a holiday, and this dance isn’t meant to make anyone feel more alone.”

“Why would flowers make anyone feel alone on Valentine’s Day?”

“Nevermind about that. It’s not my way to discuss such matters with students.” Immersing herself back in her bookkeeping, she attempts to dismiss you. Unfortunately for her, you’re incredibly stubborn and don’t care about

“It’s just- this ball is meant to be a celebration. And there are some concerns amongst students that…”

“Yes?” She looks up sharply.

“Well, that perhaps you might not have the same vision in mind for the ball as the students do.”

“Perhaps you’d like to enlighten me about the type of ball ‘the students’ would like to see.”

“With pleasure.”

You tell her what your friends have said. With every sentence, her mouth gets thinner, rivaling Professor McGonagall’s.

“So your classmates would like a loud, sugar-fuelled night of happy connections with your dates and friends. Bathed in flowers and bright lights, even. Is there anything else you can think of? Perhaps one more request?”

You probably shouldn’t push it, but you cheekily do anyway. “Certainly Butterbeer should be present. And then the night you just described sounds perfect.”

“There will be no floral arrangements at this dance. No sugary refreshments either, and the only sounds I want to hear that evening is a lonely classical Fortepiano.”

That sounds absolutely miserable, but you’re smart enough to not say that to Madam Pince’s face.

“As much as I love books, I don’t intend to force storybook romance on myself or others. No matter how much we all might want to believe in it.”

“But, Madam Pince—”

“No buts. Professor Dumbledore hand-picked me for this responsibility and asked me to do as I see fit. If you have issues with how I’m planning the event, I suggest you take it up with him.”

You sigh in disappointment, but nod quietly and walk away. Clearly, you have someone else to speak to. Heading back to Penny, you fill her in on what the Librarian told you.

“I better go see the Headmaster, because if I don’t, there might not be a Ball worth attending.”

“But first, we have Charms with Flitwick.”

There is no instruction during Charms. Everyone is so excited about the upcoming dance that no one is able to focus on the topic at hand. So Flitwick calls it a free period. You ask him to send a message to Professor Dumbledore. You need an appointment.

“Professor Dumbledore will be happy to meet with you. The password is Chocolate Frog. And, Miss Lee?”

“Yes?”

He smiles. “Good luck.”

—

After class, you and Penny walk together to the Headmaster’s office.

“I’ll wait out here. You’ve got this, babe.”

You’re pretty confident that Professor Dumbledore will be on your side. As you walk up the circular staircase, you run over your lines. At the top of the staircase, there is a large wooden door. Knocking thrice, you wait for an answer.

“Enter.”

The door silently moves without your doing, revealing Professor Dumbledore at his desk. He stands as you enter the expansive office.

“Professor Dumbledore, thank you for seeing me. It’s about Madam Pince and the Valentine’s Day Ball.”

“I trust that you and your friends are excited for the event?” There’s a twinkle in his eye as he gestures for you to sit down in a comfy chair. He takes the one across from you.

“It’s all anyone can talk about. And we’re especially excited to spend time connecting with friends, and about the prospect of choosing who to take to the ball. But I’m worried Madam Pince’s plans for the event are a bit…rigid.”

“You are not the first student to tell me that Madam Pince is set in her ways. It often serves her well.”

“Perhaps not this time. I’m not sure the students will appreciate the event she’s planning.”

Professor Dumbledore smiles and inclines his head. “What has Madam Pince planned for the ball that has you so worried?”

“No roses, no lights, no sweets, and only soft, sad piano music. I just can’t understand why anyone would want a party like that!” In your passionate rant, you shake your head so hard that your glasses almost fly off.

“The party the students want certainly sounds festive. And Madam Pince may have different ideas for the ball… So perhaps a compromise can be reached.”

A compromise? You doubt that will happen. Madam Pince seems to be a very stubborn and convicted person, much like yourself. You put your head in your hands. “I don’t know about that. Madam Pince said flowers would make people feel lonely. Who doesn’t love flowers on Valentine’s Day? And she doesn’t want to quote-unquote, ‘force storybook romance on people, even if they want to believe in it’. It doesn't even make sense. How can I reason with logic like that?”

Dumbledore smiles, steepling his hands in front of him. “It sounds like Madam Pince shared more with you than you realize. Sometimes listening to what someone is really saying requires more than using one’s ears. Perhaps you should listen with your heart. Do that, and I think you’ll find the answers you seek.”

“If you think that will help, I’ll try again.” Internally, you don’t think it will help, but maybe Madam Pince has more respect for the Headmaster than she does of you.

He rubs his chin. “Perhaps it would help to share why you care so much about this Ball.”

“We need something positive and celebratory. It would be nice to have something nice lift us up.”

“I’m happy to know there is a student who cares enough about this ball to ensure its success. Just listen with your heart and consider another way… and you and your friends will have a Ball to remember.”

“Thank you, Professor Dumbledore. With your advice, perhaps I can still save this ball.”

“And you may yet show Madam Pince the true spirit of the day we will be celebrating. Have a good day, Miss Lee.” Dumbledore stands and runs a hand over Fawkes’ head. It’s a clear dismissal, so you thank him quickly and make your way to the door.

As you walk back down the circular staircase, you mull over Professor Dumbledore’s suggestion. Time to call in reinforcements. Starting with the most optimistic witch in the entire school, Penny Haywood.

Luckily, Penny is still at the foot of the stairs, like she promised.

“How did it go?” She loops an arm around yours as you make your way back to the Library.

“I’m… not sure. I tried talking to Dumbledore about Madam Pince’s plans for the event, and he suggested I listen to her with my heart rather than my head. I don’t do that!”

“I know, love. But if the advice came from Dumbledore, it’s sure to help us solve our Pince predicament.”

You chuckle at the alliteration as the both of you cross over the threshold to the Library.

“I think so, too. But to really listen, first we need to get her to talk to me again. How are we going to do that?”

“Shhh!” Speak of the devil. The Librarian appears seemingly out of nowhere.

“Sorry, Madam Pince. Penny and I were hoping to talk to you about the Valentine’s Day Ball?”

“Not this again. I told you, everything is under control. And it’s frankly insulting that you continue to stick your nose in matters that the Headmaster put me in charge of.”

Your immediate instinct is to snap back. However, you remember the conversation you just had with Professor Dumbledore. Taking a calming breath, you swallow your annoyance and try a different tack.

“You’re right. Professor Dumbledore assured me that you want to make this a wonderful event. But he also thought we should try and collaborate with you in an effort to make it a grand ball for all.”

That stops her ire. “Well, if the Headmaster took the time to suggest it…”

“I think Penny and I would be able to help if we understood why you want the ball to be so simple.”

“I simply don’t want to create a storybook version of romance at this dance. Such fairy tales don’t end happily. In fact, they can leave one feeling more on the outside than ever. I don’t want anyone feeling excluded or lonely.”

“No one will be lonely, Madam Pince.”

Penny agrees with you. “Valentine’s Day is about connections of all kinds, including friendship!”

You give her a lopsided smile as the warmth in your chest grows stronger. You love Penny so much. She’s simply too good for this world.

“It’s simply a matter of controlling expectations and avoiding disappointment. Some people may feel out-of-place at a romantic event where they aren’t with someone they care about.” Madam Pince’s voice shakes you out of your thoughts.

You and Penny share a look. There it is: the crux of the situation. Before you can say anything, she speaks again.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a serious matter to attend to. Good day, Miss Lee, Miss Haywood.”

With a curt nod, Madam Pince turns and walks away, leaving you and Penny to think about the conversation.

“Well, Jung, I think we both listened with our hearts.”

“Mine says Madam Pince might be lonely and doesn’t want anyone else to feel like that, either.”

“It’s understandable. Being with someone who makes your heart feel as warm as a freshly brewed potion, well, that’s what Valentine’s Day is all about. And, truth is, you make my heart feel like that, Seojung.”

“That’s really sweet, Penny.” You open your arms and raise an eyebrow. “What are you waiting for?”

She barrels into your arms without a second thought. You’re much less likely to initiate contact than she is, so she takes full advantage of every opportunity she is given when you do take the first step.

“You definitely need to sort out this Valentine’s Day Ball business first or there won’t be a ball worth going to.”

“Out! Out!” All of a sudden, Filch’s rough tenor can be heard near the entrance. A poor first-year Gryffindor scurries out the door with his proverbial tail between his legs, sufficiently scolded for eating in the Library.

“Oh, Madam Pince! Sorry about that, I didn’t mean to cause a ruckus in your library.”

“It’s quite all right, Mr. Filch. I’m sure you were taking care of a disturbance so I wouldn’t have to. Such a gentleman. I actually wanted to thank you for helping me with the dance preparations.”

“Why, of course, Madam Pince!”

You can’t believe your eyes. Madam Pince is actually smiling. At Mr. Filch, no less. It’s an unlikely pairing, but the more you think about it, the more you can see how it works. They both like rules and the simpler side of life. They seem to enjoy scolding students and handing out punishments. Both are fiercely protective of the things they love. Yes, Filch and Pince.

“Look at that. Perhaps Beauty isn’t the only one who can tame the Beast. Pince can, too!” Penny winks at you.

“Wait, that’s it, Pens! We need to make Madam Pince believe in fairy tales again, and show her the true meaning of Valentine’s Day by cheering her up with her own valentine!”

“Oh, how adorable! That’s brilliant, babe!” You resist the urge to kiss her, right there in the library.

“If I can make the two connect, then maybe Madam Pince will finally listen to our ideas about the ball.”

“You’ve got to get Mr. Filch’s attention if you want to talk to them. And to do that, you might need to get in trouble. Not that you have a hard time with that.”

“Hey!” You push her gently.

“You know I’m right.” Her bright blue eyes glimmer with amusement. You can’t bring yourself to disagree, because it’s true. Penny is usually right. That’s just how life is.

“Alright, fine. But there’s someone who knows better-Merula.”

“She’s in Astronomy with me. I’ll let her know you want to chat in the Courtyard, if that’s okay.”

You nod in agreement. “Hey, if you want to ask her, I won’t complain. Thanks, Pens.”

“Meet me in the Common Room later?”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll get some studying done here first.”

“Catch you later, Hero.”

With a light peck on the cheek and an easy smile, Penny is gone.

You mean to do your History of Magic assignment, you really do. But you can’t stop thinking about Penny and her casual touches. It’s driving you insane. You’re surprised you’ve managed to hold it together this long. If you two are going to share a bed tonight, you might just die right there.

Someone snaps their fingers under your nose. It’s Rowan, who looks quite concerned.

“Oh, hey Row. What’s up?”

Your best friend rolls her eyes. “Don’t even bother trying. You’re a horrible actor. I tried calling your name five times! What’s biting you?”

This time, you smile and chuckle at Rowan’s attempt to use an American phrase. “That’s ‘eating at you’, but… I think you know.”

“Penny?”

“Penny.”

She takes out her schoolbooks and cracks open her Potions textbook. “How are you doing with that?”

“I wish it was real.” The words fall out of your mouth before you can stop them at your teeth. You pause. “I love her. A lot.”

Rowan pushes her glasses up her nose. “Have you considered telling her?”

“Yeah… I’m worried how she’ll react. What if she doesn’t want to be friends anymore?”

The dark-haired girl snorts. “As if Penny Haywood would ever do that to you. You don’t have to worry about her cutting off your guys’ friendship.” She lays a hand on your forearm. “For what it’s worth, I think you should ask her to the ball as actual dates. Let her know how you feel, for real.”

You nod slowly. You’ve known Rowan even longer than you’ve known Penny, and you know she wouldn’t lead you wrong on purpose. She knows both you and Penny very well. “Thanks, Rowan. I’ll think about it. If the Ball preparations go right, maybe.” Pulling out your silver pocketwatch, you pop open the cover and look at the time. “I’ve got to go. I need to go convince Merula to help me get Filch’s attention.”

She raises her eyebrows. “Tell me about it over dinner?”

“You bet. See you, Row.”

—

“All right, Lee, what do you want? Haywood said it was urgent.” Merula stands near the fountain with her arms crossed, not caring that you can barely catch your breath.

You roll your eyes and clutch at your sides. Running was not your strong suit. You need to work out more often.

“I need your help getting Filch’s attention so that I can cheer up Madam Pince and save the Ball.”

The Slytherin raises an incredulous eyebrow. “I’m not sure I understand why one grump helping another grump plan a ball is even remotely a good idea.”

“I just saw them in the Library earlier. The two of them looked happy talking to each other. She seems to want to believe in storybook romance. So perhaps Filch could be Madam Pince’s valentine? I’m hoping I can get Filch to think my ideas are the same as Pince’s, then the ball might be a success.”

“That’s quite the nefarious plan, Lee. All right, I’m in. And I want this Ball to be a good time. What if… we did something to Mrs. Norris? That’s sure to get him to react.”

“That’s a good idea! What’s something easily reversible?”

She sniffs. “That’s easy. Colovaria.”

You take a second to think about it. “I like it. You’re really on a roll today.”

“It’s a brilliant idea. I’m the Most Powerful Witch at Hogwarts, and I have the best ideas. You wish you had thought of it.”

You don’t bother to respond to her preening. It’s incorrect. Obviously, McGonagall is the Most Powerful Witch at Hogwarts. Instead, you change the subject.

“So, why are you so invested in helping Pince?”

“Because I don’t want the Ball to be a bore. You heard her plans.” She rolls her eyes. “Still, Pince and Filch. What a strange couple.”

“It might be strange, but they’ll get no judgment from me.”

“Suppose we could be an even odder couple if we were to show up together. Of course, you’d be the odd one. The Most Powerful Witch at Hogwarts isn’t odd. She’s awesome.”

You sigh. “Honestly, Merula, I’m still not over all the abuse you gave us the first few years we were at Hogwarts. I’d barely even call us on good terms. You still have a lot to make up for. So even if I was available, I wouldn’t want to go with you. But I’m going with Penny, so I’m not available anyway.”

She nods, looking like she sucked on a bad lemon. “You know what? Forget I said anything.”

“Done.” You shrug. “Okay, I need to get Filch to see things our way. Oh, there’s Filch and Mrs. Norris now.”

Merula turns to where your head is tilted towards. She pulls out her wand and grins devilishly. “Ready?” At your nod, she fires off an enthusiastic Colovaria! at the Maine Coon.

It’s a little concerning how much pleasure Merula is deriving from this, but you have more pressing matters. Mrs. Norris turns a bright neon pink and yowls indignantly.

“Gamey goblin bogies! Who’s responsible for this?!” He looks around, making eye contact with you. “Lee! You’re coming with me!”

“Looks like you got his attention. Now, let’s see what you do with it. Good luck, Lee.”

You roll your eyes as you walk away. “Thanks, Merula.”

—

Upon opening the door to Filch’s office, he explodes on you.

“How dare you do such a nasty prank to a poor, sweet, innocent creature like Mrs. Norris!”

Sweet? Innocent? You barely hold back a scoff. Mrs. Norris is anything but.

“The next words out of your mouth better be an apology, Ms. Lee.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Filch.”

“Not to me, to Mrs. Norris!” The caretaker growls, spittle flying from his mouth.

“Oh! Sorry, Mrs. Norris.”

You take out your wand and reverse the spell.

“Why would you do this to a magnificent creature like Mrs. Norris?”

“It was for the ball. Speaking of which, I was really hoping to talk to you about the Valentine’s Day Ball, Mr. Filch.”

That certainly gets his attention. A brief look of worry crosses his face. “Why? Has Madam Pince said something? Is she upset with how I’ve been stacking the chairs?”

“Not…exactly. But you really do care about what she thinks, right?”

“No! I’m just helping set up the ball for Madam Pince as she has enough on her plate.”

“Oh, because I happen to know that Madam Pince is looking for more help. Someone to discuss her ideas and truly collaborate with her.”

“Is that so?” Filch takes Mrs. Norris into his arms and starts stroking her head.

“I thought perhaps you might want to be the one to talk to her about the ball?”

“What, no! How could I help? I don’t know anything about planning dances!”

Mr. Filch unwittingly opens the door for your persuasion. “Actually, I happen to know some of the things Madam Pince wants to see for the Ball.”

“You do? Might be useful for our next event planning meeting later today…”

“It certainly would. Perhaps I could help you get organized for your meeting?”

“All right, you can help me. But no funny business!”

With a few white lies and half-truths, you fill Mr. Filch in on what “Madam Pince” would like to see at the Valentine’s Day Ball.

“So Madam Pince wants sophisticated refreshments and refined music and elegant flowers.”

“Yes, and she also wants the party to be fun. But something people of all ages will enjoy. I think she really needs a peer she respects to confirm all of these notions. So perhaps you could tell her you like those things, too?” You give him your sweetest smile.

“But I don’t like those things!”

“Are you sure, Mr. Filch? Because Madam Pince sure does. In fact, I think she really wants to believe that the night could be romantic and special for everyone, but is afraid that people who don’t have someone special in their life might not enjoy it as much.”

He shakes his head quickly. “I wouldn’t want such a marvelous woman as Madam Pince to feel she isn’t getting the ball she wants. And I suppose those things might suit a dance like this.”

“It seems Madam Pince wants this night to be like a storybook romantic ball right out of a fairy tale! Perhaps you should dress the part when you go to the meeting? To show you truly understand her vision.”

“Dress the part? I wouldn’t even know how! I’m not magical like Madam Pince, I’m just Squib.” He spits the last part out like it’s a terrible affliction. Part of you feel bad for him, surrounded by such wondrous magic and unable to partake in it.

“I bet Madam Pince likes you just the way you are, Mr. Filch. Magical or not. But, if it would make you feel better, I know someone who could give you a makeover!”

“A what?! Out of the question. You kids and your new-fangled ideas…”

You ignore him and continue. “Looking your best is always a good idea. Sprucing yourself up will feel great! And Madam Pince might like it, too.”

“Well, let’s be quick about it! I’ve still got other duties to attend to.”

—

“Andre, I need a favor…” You poke your head into the Transfiguration classroom.

“This better be good, Seojung, I’m already busy enough making outfits for the Ball!” Andre Egwu, the most stylish person you know at Hogwarts, is currently surrounded by random patterns and many manikins.

“Trust me, the Ball won’t be worth your effort unless we get your help right now.” You step fully into the classroom, Mr. Filch right behind.

“Excuse me? It will be a proper event, with or without your contribution, Miss Lee. Remember we’re here to help Madam Pince achieve her vision for a romantic ball and for nothing else.” Mr. Filch snaps at you.

Andre’s confusion is clear on his face. “Her vision? I thought that Pince’s boring ball ideas were the problem in the first place.” Oh, Andre. You want to clap a hand across his mouth, but it’s too late.

Filch glares at you. “Boring?! What is he going on about?”

“Andre, Mr. Filch is going to help Madam Pince have a storybook Valentine’s Ball just like we all want. I was just explaining she wants fun and lights and romance, she’s just having trouble seeing that. But as she seems to very much respect Mr. Filch, he’s agreed to talk to her about it.”

His eyes clear up. “Now I understand what we’re after. That’s proper brillant, Jung. So how can I help?”

“Well, any romantic storybook Valentine’s Day features a dashing, well-dressed suitor for the ball’s host…”

“I see. So we’re thinking a full makeover?” He scans Filch from head to toe, gears already spinning in his head.

“There’s that ridiculous word again! I never agreed to anything of the sort.”

You grin and pull the Madam Pince card again. “Remember you’re giving your colleague a happy Valentine’s Day!”

“We all really want this to be a magical night, Mr. Filch, and you can reflect that with how you dress.” Andre pipes up, waving at the many half-finished project scattered around the room.

Mrs. Norris meows languidly and stretches at Mr. Filch’s feet. For once, she is at ease.

“See? Even Mrs. Norris agrees!”

“All right. I’ll let you try your hand at it, but I don’t want anything too frilly. Or colorful. Or uncomfortable.”

You step back and watch as Andre takes Filch’s measurements and quickly throws together a formal, ball-worthy outfit for the custodian. Before long, Mr. Filch is behind the partition, trying on the clothes. When he steps out, it’s like there a whole new person has replaced the man you know.

Mr. Filch is wearing a handsome pinstriped three-piece suit, complete with the long tuxedo tails, spats, and a tophat. All he needs is a cane, and he could be the front man for a tap show.

“I cannot believe what I’m seeing…” Andre’s jaw hangs open.

“It’s horrible, isn’t it?!?”

“No, you look quite handsome, Mr. Filch. The question is, will Madam Pince like it?”

The fashion whiz regains his footing and collects himself. “I believe she will. If it weren’t for Filch’s scowl I’d almost mistake him for a gentleman.” You wince at the dig. Andre seems to really want to piss Filch off. Thankfully, Mr. Filch is too busy looking at his boutonniere to hear him.

Mrs. Norris comes out from behind the partition as well. She is dressed in a matching bowtie, cuffs, and tophat. You think she looks adorable, for once. Andre is a genius.

“So, do you feel ready for your meeting with Madam Pince, Mr. Filch?”

“Wait a second, my tie is crooked…” As the Caretaker fiddles with his bowtie, you turn to Andre.

“Thank you for helping me. The ball wouldn’t be the same without your stylish eye for clothes.”

“Oh, please say more. It was my pleasure, Curse-Breaker. Good luck with Pince.” With an impish wink, he returns to his work.

“We’d better get a move on, Miss Lee. Can't keep Madam Pince waiting, now can we?”

You agree and together head out. The Library is a short jaunt up a few flights of stairs. Unfortunately, Madam Pince is nowhere to be found. You scan the aisles and find a familiar face.

“Hey, Talbott. How’re you?”

Tallbott Winger gives you a small smile. He’s reading a thick textbook in another language you can’t understand. “Fine, I suppose. And you?”

“On a mission. Have you seen Pince?”

“Madam Pince is putting jinxes on some of the new books.”

Mr. Filch suddenly comes up next to you and Talbott. “Here to cause trouble, Mr. Winger? I bet you are!”

“Keep your voice down, Mr. Filch. Madam Pince wouldn’t want us to disturb the quiet of the library.”

“Fine, but only because Madam Pince wouldn’t appreciate it.” Mr. Filch looks down at his outfit again. “I can’t believe you convinced me to wear this ridiculous outfit.”

“You look handsome, Mr. Filch, not ridiculous. Just as I said before.”

It seems that Mr. Filch is unable to take compliments. His face twists into a scowl. “Bah! I’m going to go find Madam Pince.” With a swish of his coattails, he walks to the Forbidden section of the library.

Talbott raises his eyebrows as he watches Filch leave. “I’ve heard you’re trying to save the Valentine’s Day Ball.”

“Yep. I’ve enlisted Mr. Filch to help persuade Madam Pince to make it a lot more fun. And maybe even be her valentine.”

“I’d like to help.”

You have a double take, looking quizzically at the introverted Ravenclaw. It seems rather unlike him to care about this sort of thing. “Really? I didn’t realize you were interested in the Ball.”

“A lot of things you don’t know about me, Lee. But it would be worth it if you were there. I wasn’t planning on seeing you here, but now that I have, I want to ask you to the Ball.”

“That’s really kind of you, Talbott… I’m already going with Penny, sorry.” It doesn’t surprise you that Talbott hasn’t heard the gossip flying around the castle. He keeps to himself very well. A small part of you hopes he’s okay with it, because he’s close friends with Penny. Not that you’re looking for validation.

The quiet boy takes it in stride. He nods slightly and gives his signature quirk of his lips. “That’s all right. You two make a great couple! And don’t worry, I’d still like to help. First, you definitely need to talk to Pince and save the dance. Now we really need to make sure it’s a great night.”

“Thanks, Talbott. Speak of the devil…” You both fall silent as Mr. Filch and Madam Pince near you. That way, they couldn’t possibly lecture you. But, as it turns out, they wouldn’t have heard you anyway. They are in the midst of a conversation of their own.

“My, you’re looking quite dapper, Argus.”

“Thank you, Irma. I was hoping to try something different today…though I’m now worried I look like a Hippogriff’s behind.”

“Nothing of the sort. I think it looks very nice. And I won’t hear anything different.” Madam Pince smiles elegantly at Mr. Filch. It shapes her face quite nicely, turning her into a different woman. But just as quickly as it came, the smile drops at the sight of you.

“I see you’re back, Miss Lee. This time with Mr. Winger, it seems. Can I ask why?”

You turn to the caretaker. “I’ll let Mr. Filch fill you in.”

“Miss Lee here was helping me get organized for our meeting.”

Madam Pince nods. “Very well. Let’s start our meeting, then.”

And so the meeting happens. You, Mr. Filch, and Talbott outline your suggestions. Finally, Mr. Filch does what you asked him.

“I think your Valentine’s Day Ball vision would be even better with tasteful sweet refreshments, smart music, and beautiful flowers fit for a woman such as yourself, Madam Pince.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Mr. Filch… it’s all a bit much.”

You quickly speak up. “Madam Pince, you should know that Mr. Filch worked really hard to come up with ideas that fit your vision. We talked about string music to liven up the mood but keep it classy, delicious treats and tasteful, red flowers. Mr. Filch has your best interests at heart, Madam Pince.”

Talbott pipes in. “And isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is about: heart?”

You continue. “We just want to make sure that you and Mr. Filch get the Valentine’s Day Ball you both want.”

“Me and… Mr. Filch?” Your words seem to have an effect on the librarian.

The caretaker removes his tophat and worries the brim with both hands. “Well, not- I don’t mean to presume or nothin’… but, well, you deserve a fairy tale ball, Madam Pince. Something right out of one of the story books you have here in the Library, even.”

“And Mr. Filch will be right by your side making sure everything turns out just as you like!” You use your best Penny smile to inject as much optimism as you can into your words.

“He will?”

Talbott nods sagely. “He will.”

“Well… yes, it would be my honor, Madam Pince… If you’ll have me, that is.” Mr. Filch bows his head slightly.

“I suppose I may have been a little too utilitarian with the festivities. Adding some tasteful flair may be in order. What Mr. Filch has described sounds simply wonderful. Magical, even, like a fairy tale, just as he said. Perhaps people of all types can enjoy connecting on Valentine’s Day, after all.”

“I wholeheartedly agree, Madam Pince.” Yes! Success. You did it!

Talbott smiled. “I agree, too.”

“The only problem is that now there’s so much to prepare with these new ideas!” There is a new light in Madam Pince’s eyes as she considers the new tasks.

Thankfully, Mr. Filch rises to the opportunity. He pledges his assistance. “Don’t worry, Madam Pince, I’ll help you.”

“Talbott and I can help too! And our friends, of course.”

“All right, Miss Lee, get your friends together to help. We’ve a romantic storybook ball to plan. Don’t forget that this should still be a classy sort of fun, even the music.” She sternly reminds you that she is still in control.

“Don’t worry, Madam Pince. I know just the person to talk to about romantic music.”

Bidding farewell to the Librarian, Mr. Filch, and Talbott, you make your way to the Hufflepuff Common Room. Talking with Chiara will have to wait for tomorrow. You have a study session with Penny to prepare for. You make a mental note to ask Chiara at dinner tonight or breakfast tomorrow.

Penny greets you with a big hug and another kiss on the cheek. She seems to like it as much as you do. “How did it go?” Grasping your hand earnestly, she steers you over to an empty table in the corner of the Common Room.

“Really good. I managed to change Pince’s mind with a little help from Filch. Andre gave him a makeover and everything. He cleans up well. How was Astronomy?”

“Utterly boring. I wish you were there.” She pouts. “Stuff isn’t fun if you’re not around.”

Penny always seems to know just what to say. That weird feeling in your chest grows again. Spending time with the blonde Hufflepuff is one of your favorite things to do.

You bump her shoulder with yours. “I missed you, too. And I really need help with my Potions essay.”

“I see how it is. You only talk to me for my brains.” Penny crosses her arm in faux-anger. Her fond smile gives it away.

“Not true! You also compliment me a lot.”

She shoves you in the shoulder. “The nerve!”

You grab one of her hands. “Seriously though. I’m glad you’re my friend. You’re important to me for much more than just homework. I promise, I’ll always be around.”

All your worries about saying the wrong thing are wiped away with Penny’s embrace. She smells like roses and patchouli, and the scent fills your lungs.

She cuddles close to you as she explains the potion Snape covered in lecture today. Her ability to break down complicated concepts into simple terms is what’s keeping your ass afloat in Potions.

With Penny’s help, you finish the essay for Potions and move onto the DADA one you started the day before. With renewed focus and the help of your best friend, you manage to scrape together the right words for that assignment as well. In exchange, you offer help with Transfiguration, Muggle Studies, and Charms.

You lose track of time, realizing that afternoon has turned into evening only when you glance out one of the windows.

“Damn, it’s night already?”

Penny laughs kindly. “Yes, we missed dinner. Are you hungry?”

Your stomach joins the conversation, growling like an old automobile.

“I guess that answers that. Come on.” She stands and offers a hand. “We can get something from the Kitchen.”

You’re thankful that the Hufflepuff Common Room is right next to the Kitchen. It makes getting midnight snacks easy.

Despite the late hour, the Kitchen is still thrumming with energy, its numerous hearths still roaring away. A house elf, Dory, approaches them. “Good evening, Misses. What can Dory do for you?”

“Good evening, Dory! Seojung and I missed dinner, we got caught up in our studies. We were wondering if there were any leftovers?”

Dory grins and pops away with a snap of her fingers. She reappears with a tray of steaming sandwiches and two covered bowls. You gratefully take the tray from the elf. “Thanks, Dory. We appreciate it.”

Dory curtsies. “Dory is happy to help. Enjoy!” She snaps her fingers again, leaving you and Penny alone.

“Come on.” Holding the tray carefully, so as not to spill the precious goods, you lead the way back to the Common Room.

Over the late but scrumptious meal, you chat about upcoming exams and the younger students Penny had to reprimand. You don’t envy her position at all. Being a Prefect seems too stressful for you.

Pretty soon, the other students retire to their beds. One by one, until it’s just you and Penny sitting in the quiet room.

You remember the note you gave yourself at breakfast. “Hey, Pens?”

“Hm?” Penny smiles in response to your nickname for her. It’s something only you alone are allowed to use. Tonks might call her Penne from time to time, but they usually just call her P.

“I wanted to ask about PDA and boundaries… and other stuff. Just making sure we’re on the same page.”

“Of course. What’s up?”

“How much PDA are you comfortable with? Anything that’s completely off-limits?”

She wrinkles her nose. “I hate when people snog in the hallways and in front of other people. Could they have a little more class? Definitely nothing like that will fly with me. But quick little kisses as greetings, I’m fine with.”

You nod, taking everything she says to heart. “I feel the same way. The sounds people make when sucking on each other’s faces make me sick. But I… really like when you kiss my cheek, so you can definitely do more of that.”

You don’t look at Penny as you speak, too embarrassed to make eye contact. Instead, you pick up a pen and spin it aimlessly. But Penny has other ideas. She reaches forward and gently cups your face, turning it so that you’re facing her. She leans closer, never once breaking eye contact.

“You promise me you’re telling the truth?”

“I promise.”

Her lips touch your cheek and linger there. When she pulls back, she searches your eyes for any pushback. “Is something like that okay?”

You feel your lips curl up before you can even tell them to move. “More than.”

The clock above the fireplace chimes, signaling the new hour, making you jump. It is ten o’clock, your bedtime. You stretch, hearing the bones in your neck and upper back pop and crackle. Your sitting posture is a bit poor. Okay, a lot poor.

As you pack up your schoolwork, you look over at Penny, who is doing the same. “Do you want to sleep in my bed tonight?”

“Sure. I’ll get washed up and come over.” She yawns and raises her arms over her head, stretching her sides.

You give her a thumbs-up and go to your room, changing into pajamas and washing up in the bathroom. As you’re finishing up a diary entry, Penny comes into the room. She’s wearing a light blue t-shirt and light grey sweatpants, quite similar to your sleepwear. The only difference is that your top is dark blue.

“Look at us, two Hufflepuffs wearing Ravenclaw colors. A disgrace to the house.”

Penny snorts as she climbs under the covers and closes the curtains on her side. “It’s not our fault that blue is our favorite color. Though the Sorting Hat did consider putting me in Ravenclaw.”

“Same. But I wanted to be in Hufflepuff, because Jacob was in Hufflepuff. I felt like I had to prove that I could be in the same house as him and not turn out the same way.” You slip your glasses off and toss them lightly onto your bedside table, clicking off the lamp and closing the curtains. Casting a muffling charm, you turn back to the other girl. “My biggest fear is turning out like him.”

“You won’t. You have your friends to keep you from turning out that way. And you have me.” It’s dark now without the light from your nightstand, but you can hear the smile in Penny’s voice as she calmly encourages you.

“Thanks, Pens.” You’ll probably regret it later, but you pull her close so that her head is resting on your chest and shoulder. You cross your fingers and hope that she can’t hear how fast your betraying heart is currently thumping inside your ribcage.

She gives you a tiny kiss on your collarbone and snakes an arm around your waist. “Goodnight, Jung. Thanks for everything.”

Throwing caution into the wind, you lean forward and press your lips on the part of Penny’s forehead you can reach. Lying back, you feel the blonde’s breathing deepening and slowing down. Pretty soon, she’s out.

The constant weight on your right side is comforting, but you are hyperaware of the closeness. It makes your skin prickle. You tell yourself that it’s worth seeing Penny so happy.

But yeah. It’s going to be a long night.

— — —

[op-sys-chaos]

“What do you mean?” Bruce asked his youngest son.

“Selkies are rare. They were hunted to near extinction by a secret society. The League dismantled them, since Grandfather does occasionally show care for the environment and did not want a native species of this planet to go extinct. They are quite endangered now, though. And the black market pays quite handsomely for an intact selkie pelt. Most half-selkie children have had their pelts sold to the black market by their human parent in exchange for millions of dollars, rumors say. And full-selkie children are rare, since selkies have a hard time breeding with one another. I should clarify that any child of a half-selkie is still considered a half-selkie, since selkie nature is dominant. They’re referred to as merely selkies, human parent or no.” Damian took a deep breath before continuing his explanation. “Regardless, the fact that Timothy kept his selkie skin intact and still on his person for this long is quite an impressive feat. Although, judging by the scars, I assume someone managed to damage your pelt at least once. I am deeply sorry you went through that, Timothy. I hear it is unimaginable torture for a pelt to be harmed, especially to the extent that your scars display.”

Tim, who was still in seal form, could only nod as Bruce gasped, concern shining in his eyes.

“Oh, Tim, I’m so sorry you went through that,” Bruce whispered.

Tim, whose flipper was still in Bruce’s hand, gently booped Bruce’s forehead with his nose. Bruce let out a surprised chuckle, and gave Tim a soft grin.

Meanwhile, Damian came into the bathroom, kneeling next to Bruce. Slowly, gently, he put a hand on Tim’s head. He gave Tim plenty of time to back away, but he didn’t, curious where Damian was going with this. Damian, after seeing that Tim accepted the hand, slowly began to pet his head.

Huh. That actually felt really nice. He’d never been pet in selkie form before.

Damian gave Tim a soft smile, a smile usually only reserved for one of his animals. “You’ve been hiding this from everyone, haven’t you. Don’t worry, Timothy. You’re safe here.”

Tim was still struggling to believe that. But if Bruce and Damian’s reactions were anything to go by… maybe he really was safe here. He leaned into the petting, giving his best seal grin. Damian kept smiling back.

Eventually, the panic wore off, especially once Bruce began gently stroking his back. The water felt nice, and all the petting made him sleepy. He ended up falling asleep in the tub.

When he woke up the next morning, he was back in human form and back in his bed. He panicked for a moment, before seeing that the arm band was still around his arm. Touching it, he started grounding himself. It was okay. He was okay. His family hadn’t hurt him, hadn’t taken his pelt from him. He was alright.

He got dressed and headed downstairs, just in time for breakfast.

“Good morning, Tim,” Bruce said, greeting him as soon as he came in.

“Morning,” Tim replied. “Uh… thanks. For… not hurting me,” he told Bruce awkwardly.

Bruce blinked. “You thought I would-“

“Janet,” Tim interrupted. “She- she…”

“She is the reason for your scarring,” Damian deduced from his spot at the table.

Tim nodded as he sat down. “The burns, yeah. She… she tried to make sure I would never shift again.”

Damian growled, slamming a fist down onto the table. “If she weren’t already dead I’d kill her myself. Selkies need to shift for their own health and growth! And burning a pelt? How DARE she?”

Tim smiled. He’d never heard Damian defend him like this before.

Bruce chimed in. “I did some research in selkies last night, Tim. I’m not sure if you know this, but young selkies are expected to shift at lea once a month for proper healthy growth. I imagine you’ve been shifting in your tub, and only occasionally, yes?”

Tim nodded.

“We do have a pool in the manor. It’s currently a chlorine pool, but I’m going to make it a seal-safe pool. You’re welcome to use it, and if you want we can block out that time for you to use the pool alone.”

“No, I… I think it’s okay if you guys join me sometimes. Pools are boring when you’re alone,” Tim replied softly. The bathtub (which was massive because Wayne Manor is a mansion) was fine for shifting, but if he was using a pool it would be for fun, for the space to splash around and have a good time. Which usually required other people being around for maximum fun.

“Fair enough,” Bruce replied with a soft grin.

“I have a question, Timothy,” Damian asked, staring at the table.

“Yeah?” Damian’s expression concerned Tim.

“Was I… am I the one responsible for the slashing scar?” Damian asked, tears on the verge of spilling as his eyes met Tim’s.

“No! No, absolutely not,” Tim replied quickly, knowing how much the idea would be eating Damian up. “I was wearing my pelt under the Robin armor when someone hit it accidentally with a knife. I’m just glad Jason didn’t cut it in half, even if he did hit the unscarred part.”

“Jason did this?” Damian asked, rage burning in his eyes.

“Damian! Chill! It was an accident!” Tim exclaimed. “This was back when he was trying to kill me. Even if he had known I was a selkie, which he had no way of knowing, my pelt was hidden under my armor. Jason couldn’t see it when he hit it.”

“Oh.”

“Hold on. Back up. I clearly missed something,” Jason’s voice came from the entrance.

“Jason? What are you doing here?” Bruce asked.

“Alfred insisted I come for breakfast today.” Jason shrugged. “Said it was important, something about family news and a secret we all needed to protect? Anyway, I only caught the sentence ‘Jason couldn’t see it when he hit it.’ What’s going on here?”

“Timothy is a selkie and you damaged his pelt,” Damian practically growled.

Jason’s hands flew to his mouth. “Holy shit, Tim, I’m so fucking sorry. Are you okay? When did this happen?”

“Like I was telling Damian, it was an accident. Back when you tried to kill me, I was wearing my pelt as a wristband under my Robin armor. You sliced it-“

“When I sliced through the armor,” Jason finished, eyes wide. “I am so sorry, Tim.”

“Thanks,” Tim replied with a smile.

“So, what kind of selkie are you?” Jason asked, moving to sit down at the table.

“Seal.”

“Neat! I had a neighbor who was a fox selkie. Her skin was stolen when she was a kid, though. Some rich asshole kept it on display in his manor as a trophy. I actually stole it back for her after I became Robin. It was the first time she shifted in two decades, she said. She was practically glowing with how happy she was.”

Tim smiled. “You helped a selkie retrieve her skin?” He suddenly felt a lot better about Jason knowing.

Jason nodded. “Someone ever takes yours, let me know. I’ll get it back.”

“And I’ll decapitate the asshole,” Damian added on.

“No killing,” Bruce said.

“Just this once, B? As a treat?” Jason asked, a grin on his face. “And only in this hypothetical scenario?”

Bruce shook his head, but didn’t reply further.

“Don’t worry. If need be, I shall distract Master Bruce for you,” Alfred said as he brought in a plate of food for Jason.

“Yes!” Jason said, pumping his fist in the air. Bruce made offended noises that only vaguely resembled words, and Tim began quietly laughing, even as tears began to fall.

“Thank you all,” he whispered. “This means a lot to me. More than you know.”

“Of course, Timothy. Selkies are precious and to be protected.”

“I noticed you’re not calling me Drake anymore,” Tim commented.

“You are my sibling, it’s past time I refer to you by your name. You deserve to feel safe in your own home, in either form. Especially after what Janet put you through.”

Tim grinned. “Thanks, Dames.”

“You are welcome, Timothy.”

Tim Drake is a selkie.

No one outside of Janet Drake knows this, and she ensure it is kept a secret purely for the fact that if it gets out people will quickly realise that neither she nor Jack is a selkie themselves.

They would realise that Janet had an affair.

The man she had met on their trip overseas had gotten her pregnant and then vanished, seemingly disappearing into thin air.

It wasn’t until Tim was born that she was sure it was the other man’s child, if not for the distinctly black hair than the smooth pelt like band around his wrist.

His father had one similar and he refused to take it off.

The first time Tim transformed was luckily when Janet was still sure she wanted to be a mother and was bathing him at just four months old. When the little boy with bright blue eyes suddenly went quiet and then rolled over in the bath, she watched as he turned into a small baby seal.

Janet had screeched and backed up in shock, only to watch as the seal looked at her with big black eyes and seemingly start to cry before he shifted back into Tim.

The band around his wrist came off and was the perfect shape of the seals pelt from earlier, sitting in the tub like it hadn’t just shifted Janet’s entire life out of balance.

Naturally she hid the hide and made sure Tim never saw it again, especially when there were no more shifting incidents.

Tim was nine when he found it and well accustomed to his parents lying to him about a range of things, all varying in importance. They lied about when they would be home, about stocking the fridge, about being at his science fair…

But when Tim was sneaking into his mums closet to try find one of her spare credit cards, he found the pelt and something in him felt whole.

Tim had always felt like something wasn’t right about him. He felt like his very body was missing, or maybe his soul, and no matter what he did he couldn’t find a way to fill that gap. Being in water helped, so did showers and sunlight, though it was never enough.

It was why he started skating and stalking Batman and Robin, just to distract himself.

Photography worked best though.

Yet as he reached a tentative hand out to touch the pelt he swore he could feel himself being put back together like a puzzle.

Tim didn’t shift straight away, not when he was left stuck in the blissful feeling of his skin feeling right for the first time he could recall.

It was when he watched the pelt shift to wrap around his bare arm like a sleeve that he shifted.

The seal form he took wasn’t what he expected, but of course it wasn’t.

From then on Tim would spend every chance he got with the pelt, learning to control both the shifting of his skin and how to disguise the hide on his person. He usually kept it as some kind of band that covered his arm or waist, keeping it close to his hand at all times so he could check that it was safe.

He never wore it when his parents were home, just in case.

Naturally, he did research and learnt what he was as best he could.

By the time Janet realised he was taking the hide out of its hiding spot he was thirteen and almost finished his Robin training. He had kept it hidden from Batman if only because he was scared and not even sure if his mother really knew what it was, but when he came home to find her in his room he knew it was over.

She had held out her hand and said in the calmest voice she could, “hand it over, Timothy.”

Tim didn’t.

Janet had stood up and gripped his wrist, quickly finding the pelt around his arm and yanking it off of him.

Tim had cried, not out of physical pain but mental. It was like he was being put under some kind of spell and he found himself unable to move to snatch it back as Janet held the now pelt in a too tight grip.

“You will not touch this again, you hear me? I’m going to burn it.”

And she tried, she really did, but then Tim started to scream. The loud, echoing wails rang through the entire mansion until Jack rushed to his son and tried to figure out what the hell was wrong with him.

Janet only stopped when Jack started calling for her to call an ambulance and she came up with the badly damaged pelt to find her son seizing on the floor with his skin burning red.

Tim calmed down quickly once she put it under water, but he was still shaking and sobbing wildly.

He never found out how she managed to convince Jack to not call for an ambulance or to leave them alone, and Tim tried not to think about how little Jack had to care for him to accept so easily.

Janet had given him the pelt back and watched him sob as he held it to his chest and wailed.

The next trip they went on lasted seven months and in that time he spent as much as he could in his seal form to focus on healing his damaged skin.

It was still burnt, ugly scars covering the bottom and entire left side of his fur, but he learnt to maintain it.

After that he kept the pelt hidden under armour in the Robin uniform.

When Jason attacked him he cut the pelt through his armour, not knowing it was there. He managed to not cut it in half and in a twisted irony got right over where it wasn’t scarred.

Tim managed to hide it from Batman but at that point he was sure that Alfred suspected something.

Yet it wasn’t until Damian that anyone found out.

At that point Tim felt safe enough to have his pelt kept as a thick band around his wrist, out and open but only in the manner.

As much as he wanted to hate him, Tim couldn’t blame Damian when after a year and a half of him being there and the two working out a few differences and issues, he noticed. Tim hadn’t worn it visible since he first arrived and tried to kill Tim, but he had subconsciously felt safer around Damian and the boy was the best at spitting changes in others appearance.

“Oh.”

Bruce had looked up at Damian while Tim minded his business stirring his tea, “what’s up, chum?”

Damian pointed to Tim’s wrist, “I was not aware you were a Selkie, Drake. I apologise if I damaged you pelt in my attacks.”

Tim had tensed so badly that he was sure that Superman could hear his joints locking even though he was off planet.

Naturally Tim started to hyperventilate when Bruce asked with genuine confusion, “What?”

Tim bolted to his room as quickly as he could and shut the door before sliding down it and clutching his pelt-band to his chest with his free hand.

It could have been a few seconds or minutes, but it felt like a whole hour before Tim heard a knock at the door and the calm, gentle voice of Bruce talking through it.

“Tim? Can you open up for me please?”

Shaking his head even when the other couldn’t see, Tim let out a whimper and crawled quickly to the bathroom as his panic took over.

By the time he heard the door open he was in his preferred form of a half seal, his lower body only and the skin of his back shifted, and clutching his inhuman lower body.

Bruce came in and stared at him in shock for a bit before swallowing.

Coming to sit beside the tub, Bruce reached over and turned on the tap to let water begin to run into the tub.

Tim was grateful if not a little confused by the action and finally got the courage to look up at him.

Bruce looked awkward as hell, but was clearly trying if the small smile on his face was any evidence.

Reaching a big hand over, he held it palm up for Tim until the young man reached out to accept it and placed his own now damp hand in his.

“I… I don’t know what exactly you are, but I do know that you are my son. Damian seems to think I should know already and maybe I should, but not because you didn’t tell me. As much as it pains me to say it, I get why you wouldn’t trust me.”

Tim shook his head, “I trust you, Bruce. I just… the less people who know, the less likely I’ll loose my pelt again.”

Bruce frowned but said nothing about what that implied , though Tim knew he’d be asked about it later. It didn’t help that his lower half showed the most of his burn scars.

“I’m sorry, Tim. I can’t change what has been done, but I can promise you I will never, ever take you pelt form you. I don’t know ow exactly what it means, I’ve never heard of a selkie before, but Damian seemed to think it was important.”

Tim smiled even as he wondered how Damian knew what his pelt was.

Bruce gave his hand a squeeze, “He seemed to gain a lot more respect for you because of it.”

Damian spoke from where he was at the door, making Tim jump and Bruce inhale in a way that showed he was taken off guard, “Of course I have. Selkies are nearly extinct and Timothy had survived to almost nineteen without loosing his pelt.”

Tim fully shifted in his shock.

[susie-dreemurr]

I see Chainsaw Man on the dash, gimme your thoughts :eyes:

Sorry for the wait!

I was hesitant to start this anime, because I’ve heard some things that didn’t paint the anime in a good light (I heard about the perverted stuff out of context. And I’m pretty sure I’ve seen the manga covers have naked women…then again, could be another series?) but, thankfully, this is pretty good so far…! I’m glad that it’s not like how I expected it to be.

The sexual stuff (and the obsession with it I heard that Denji had) isn’t really as bad as I thought and I can make do with it, since it’s not just fanservice and actually has a meaning in the plot…It makes me uncomfortable still, almost quit at ep 7 lol, but I binged it with my cousin who had already finished, so it’s fine lol.

On characters/

Denji is actually good! I thought I’d hate him due to rumors, since I’m not comfortable with focusing on sexual stuff, but it’s not anywhere close to being his main motivation and, unlike certain other protags (Meliodas I’m looking at you), he does not sexually assault people. He just acts like traumatized, yet horny 16yo boy. Which he is.

My main reason for liking him is obv everything else about his character. The kid’s had a hellish life and his main goal was to have a “normal teenage life,” which is only possible now bc he lost his pet, and even now that things got a lot better, his current situation is still shit. Not that he realizes it, ofc.

Makima is interesting because she’s an awful person who’s also in the main cast’s side. Manipulating people, mostly her subordinates, (Denji having it worst bc girlie. Do not make moves on a minor so he can do whatever you want, whether you’re not interested in him doesn’t matter when I’m p sure it still counts as grooming) with anything she can do in order to achieve her goals, that woman is terrifying not only because of her powers (that power reveal made me scared for the baddies, even when they’re 0% unsympathetic!) but due to her incredible talent for manipulation, especially since she’s always so eerily calm…! Gaslight, Gatekeep, Girlboss.

Power is really great, love me a funny morally wrong demon who’d be a dangerous enemy if she didn’t have to be on our side. I love her story with the Fiend’s one soft spot (“Miauzin” in Portuguese, idk english) and her similarities with Denji with both their pet and also…the shared braincell. The sibling vibe. I think how uncaring and ruthless she is even to her Allie’s can be interesting.

Aki is great, don’t know what to say but still. His thing with grief and having his loved ones die off leaving him alone, the isolation within the main trio carrying that theme, his search for revenge ruining his chance of healing and having a good life forever…The scene where he realizes he has two years left and still hasn’t come close to achieving his goal…OUGH!

Kobeni is definitely the most relatable person in the cast for her realistic reactions to all these crazy situations, you can’t blame her for acting Like That in ep6/7 because you know you’d have done it as well. Himeno said she had great moves, the girl barely hesitated on trying to kill Denji and most importantly, she specifically said her contract was a secret, so her great fighting made a lot of sense. Hope she gets to kill her parents someday, because. girlie…it’s better to cut off your family than to be forced to work for their sake like this.

I wanted to like Himeno, really did, but…Maybe the way she acted with Aki is forgivable, since from what we known, she only fell for him and got him to smoke after he became an adult. But there’s no excuse with how she acted towards Denji, it’s so creepy 😭 the moment she heard she was underage the girl should have broken off the “deal,” and she deffo could have done that because back then she was sober enough to tell he shouldn’t drink. And that’s not even mentioning Everything Else in ep 7. Plus, offering to hook him up with Makima, an adult….😬

Everything else about her was so promising and good, but I can’t look past that at all. Which is why I’m glad she died so soon, so we can see her impact the narrative yet not continuing to behave Like That. Or else I’d have quit the anime lmaoooo

I don’t have any other memorable general thing to say rn

[virusinfected-memes]

TUMBLR TEXT POST SENTENCE STARTERS, PT. 1 ;

75 starters. CW: blood mention, cussing, death. Starters come from various text posts floating around Tumblr. The only thing changed for this post was adding capitalization and punctuation. Feel free to change words and pronouns as needed! 

“All I do is drink water and be stupid.”

“All I do is rotate three outfits and talk shit and have panic attacks.”

“All I want these days is to hike through a mossy forest filled with heavy fog and get lost for a while.”

“Am I supposed to feel sorry for the those two guys who died in the Blair Witch house? Who broke into HER home, trespassed on HER land, and messed with HER stick bundles? I don’t!”

“Baby girl, you are strange and off-putting.”

“Can necromancers heal depression?”

“Did I need it? No. Did I buy it? Yes.”

“Don’t forget that what you see isn’t all there is.”

“Do you ever wanna bond with someone so bad you’re like, “Damn, I wish we were knights on a dangerous quest...”?”

“Do you think the world could suddenly end on a night as quiet as this?”

“Fuck yeah, I’m an influencer! My content is clownery, I promote stupidity, and I’m sponsored by the circus.”

“Have people in horror movies never seen a horror movie?”

“Holy shit... I’M the demon living in my house?”

“Hot tip: bury yourself in the forest to recharge, never come back, and become a local cryptid.”

“Humans are really good at remembering each other’s bad decisions.”

“I am one percent human and ninety-nine percent tired.”

“I don’t really feel like existing today.”

“I do this really cute thing where I shut down and hate everybody.”

“I feel like I’m in the Sims where it takes five hours to make pasta and then you have to immediately go to bed.”

“If I can’t hand my lover a cup of coffee and kiss their forehead while they’re working, then what even is the point?”

“If my son is stealing pies off window sills, it’s because I taught him to do that, bitch.”

“If you aren’t someone the church wanted dead three hundred years ago, are you really living?”

“If your computer has malware... that’s me in there. If you take care of me like a little Tamagotchi pet, I will leave and give you a secret present in your files.”

“I hate those really vivid dreams that you’re still emotionally attached to after you wake up. You’re stuck, feeling for something that technically doesn’t exist.”

“I’m giving up personhood to become a full-time abstract concept.”

“I’m like a shitty anime dating sim. If I talk to six people, I have to immediately go to bed. If I go grocery shopping, that’s half my HP.”

“I’m off to kill the most powerful man in the world.”

“In the 90s, computers would scream every time you went online. That was foreshadowing.”

“I procrastinate so much now that if I ever became a vampire I will literally put things off for centuries.”

“I think I want my next piercing to be through my heart with a wooden stake.”

“I think my dark under eye circles are adding to the aesthetic, actually.”

“I think the far healthier app to have in middle school was the DSi camera, not Tik Tok.”

“It’s okay to be obsessed and in love with me.”

“I was born in the wrong generation. Take me back to the paleoarchean era. I want to be insentient. I want to be bacteria.”

“Little known fact: once you’re older and you’re no longer in school, time stops being real. Did that thing happen one year ago? Two? Five? A few months ago? Who knows.”

“Maybe if we all just collectively start decorating now, we can... force it to be Halloween.”

“Me? Tired? Sleepy? Yes, constantly.”

“My blood is glow stick juice. That’s why all my bones crack when I move.”

“My body is less of a temple and more of a rotting 19th century mansion rumored to be haunted by several wicked and vengeful spirits.”

“My body is my temple. Ancient and crumbling. Probably cursed.”

“My hobbies include laying in bed in my underwear while I listen to music and hate myself.”

“My kink is closing doors so that I’m in complete solitude.”

“My superpower is going into a book store and immediately forgetting the name of every book I’ve ever wanted to read.”

“Not all your life decisions have to be smart. Some can be purely for cinematic value.”

“Nothing should go back to normal. Normal wasn’t working.”

“Not really a fan of this ‘being a person’ thing.”

“People keep saying “go big or go home” as if going home doesn’t sound like the best idea ever. Hell yeah, I wanna go home, and I’m gonna take a nap when I get there.”

“People who suggest getting breakfast together as a hangout plan are the kind of people you want to hang onto.”

“Pray for me. Nothing’s wrong, I just want more power.”

“Protect me from what I want.”

“Pro tip: instead of having feelings, try being dead inside. Everything is still horrible, but you will not care at all.”

“Remember, you can disappear into the woods whenever you want. You’re an adult.”

“Reminder: you can start over at any time. Your day is not ruined. Your world is not over. Take a deep breath. Start over.”

“Rest in peace to everyone killed by the gods for their hubris, but I’m different. And better. Maybe even better than the gods.”

“Sexting? Nah, I’m into spexting. Spooky texting. Ever seen a ghost? Hit me up.”

“Something all children covet is the generic black t-shirt with white skull worn by cartoon teenagers.”

“Sometimes a girly just needs to mask her declining mental state by calling herself a girlboss and that’s okay.”

“Sorry, bro, I can’t hang out today. I used up all my mana.”

“Sorry I tried to drink your blood. I think you’re cute.”

“The internet is awesome, but you can’t download love.”

“The only reason I still have depression is because I can’t take my brain out and blow on it like a DS cartridge.”

“The older you get, the more you appreciate just chilling at home doing nothing.”

“The world is just generally better when you’ve recently eaten a sandwich.”

“The worst part about kissing a perfect ten is the cold feeling your lips get from touching the mirror.”

“Very sexy of me to be isolating myself and rotting into the floor.”

“Well, the horrors may be beyond YOUR comprehension, but I understand them perfectly.”

“What does your soul look like?”

“What ever happened to personality? I want decorative towels that aren’t boring! I want NOVELTY! I want people to come over to my house and look at my trinkets, and immediately think “this lady is a wacko” and also “her stuff is haunted!””

“When fat Pikachu finally returns, I know he will single-handedly save our economy.”

“Yeah, I could have cracked the Zodiac cipher before those guys did. I just didn’t want to.”

“You cannot find peace by avoiding life.”

“You can’t keep dancing with the devil and wonder why you’re still in Hell.”

“You know what I would be if I was in a video game? That dead body you find at the beginning with like ten gold.”

“You think too much. You’ll make yourself ill if you keep that up.”

[georgiapeach30513]

Kinktober 2022, Day 14: Non-Con

Use My Body

Summary:  Jax was tired of waiting on you

Pairings:  Jax Teller X Reader

Rating:  explicit

Warnings:  explicit language, explicit sexual content, drugging, smut, PIV sex, non-con, unprotected sex, dirty talk, retraints, mentions of a secret society, mentions of a free use relationship, 18+ ONLY

Word Count:  1.5K

Previous

Kinktober 2022 Masterlist

*divider created by @firefly-graphics​

You give you give Jax a look from across the bar.  Looking at him over your open glass, and he barely looked your way.  He had been coming here for quite some time, but you couldn’t get him to pay enough attention.  “He’s looking this way again,” one of the girls informs you, but you didn’t miss it.

You never miss anything Jax did.  Always watching the man who wanted to be shy, but it was only with you.  You wanted him to make his move in any way possible.  You did not care, you wanted all of Jackson Teller.

He nods over to one of his buddies, before fiddling around with his pocket.  Those long legs carrying him over to you.  Sitting beside you with a smile, but he hesitates to speak.  Pretending to drop something, you lean over on the floor, not missing how he leans in, too.  Opening up a little baggy to sprinkle in your drink, while Sam turns a blind eye.  Glancing around the bar to see if anyone noticed him, but no one ever notices their group.  They were part of an elite group that could damn near get away with murder.  They had chosen their members wisely.

You grab up your pen, giving Jax a quick smile, and take a sip from your drink.  “Fancy you being here, Teller.”

“I feel like we’ve got either the best timing or the worst.  I’m not always here.  It just seems that way because I’m here when you are.”

“Maybe that’s not an accident,” you note raising up your eyebrow to take another drink.  “I’ve been waiting on you to actually say anything.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I know,” he bites at his lip.  It was impossible for you to know.  No one knew, it was rumors.  “I’m ready for you Jackson,” you close your eyes slowly, opening them to see things in a bit of a fog, and you giggle.  “Ready for you and your…your friends.”

You gulp as you feel yourself start to sway.  “Jax?”

“I’m not good at talking, Puppy,” there was always nicknames.  Was he giving you one?  Was this it?  The beginning of your new life?

Tilting off your chair, Jax catches your body.  “There, there.  You wanna go back to my place?”

“Place?  Meeting?”

“Oh, you’ve been following us, huh?  Who are you?”

“Clark?  Daily?”

“Another fucking reporter.  I hit the jackpot,” he gives you a low chuckle as he catches your body in his own.  “Thanks Sammy.  Looks like she’s going back to headquarters.”

“Easy on her,” Sam nods at him.

“Says the man with a pain and blood kink.”

“At least I can talk to a girl without drugging her,” Jax gives a shrug.  His lips kissing up your neck, while you’re just limp in his arms.  His low voice shushing you as he carries your body out.  Letting anyone that was asking know you had too much to drink.  

“I’ve got a place nice and warm for you, Puppy.  We’ll take such good care of you.”

“We?”

“Oh, you just thought you knew,” Jax says on your shoulder, making your eyes roll in the back of your head.  You were in for a ride.  “Looks like I captured you though.”

“M-m-myth.”

Jax responds by laughing, shoving your body into a car.  His hands pet over your face, before he closes your eyes.  He did not want you to know where you were going.  And you couldn’t fight the sleep that was overtaking you.  Leaving you completely vulnerable to Jax.

Jax clears his throat, and you open your eyes quickly.  Blinking the rapidly to try and make sense of your surrounding to find Jax at the foot of your bed.  He takes off his cut slowly.  Gently laying it dow, before he starts removing his own clothes.  You look down at yourself, and much to your dismay, you’re completely nude.  “Jax…Jax please don’t.”

“You sought me out though,” his voice having an edge of annoyance, and much more authority than the night before.  “You wanted in,” he holds his hand wide, and looks around the room.  “You’re in, Puppy.”

“No.  No, I didn’t.  It was research.  Clark left….”

“We’ll deal with Clark.  If he wasn’t a legacy,” he grits his teeth, much more annoyed than before.  “He had his wife gifted to him.  In modern times.  She and Clark were made for each other.  Bred just for him.  But the rest of us…Do you realize how hard it is to capture an Omega?”

“Fiction.”

“No, darling Puppy, you are a submissive.  Trying to offer yourself up to me on a fucking platter.  Your dresses got tighter, shorter, and lower cut.  You wanted my attention, you got it.  Now here you are, in the belly of this machine, surrounded by Alpha males.  You’ll have a good life.  Have everything you could ever want, after the initiation.”

“Jax, please, let me go.”

“In time, you’ll be begging me to stay with you,” he walks closer to the bed, letting his pants drop to the floor.  His hungry eyes looking over your body, and you pull the blanket up your body.  “Nu-uh.  Show me.  Show me just how fucking wet you are.  You got enough information from Clark’s files, what did it say about me?”

“You’re shy,” he nods at you, slowly pulling the sheets down your body, and off the bed.  

“What else?”

“You need…Jax don’t.”

“I have to get the girl out of the bar somehow.  It’s okay.  I slip you a little something in your drink.  And out of all the fucking people you could go after, you chose me.  I was just there.  Fell for your womanly wiles.  And now, I’m going to give you what you most desire.  Spread your legs, and show me how wet you are, or you can endure the punishment.”

“No.  Jax, please don’t.”

“Do I look like I’m messing around?  Do I look like I won’t punish you?  Spread those pretty little legs,” having nowhere else to hide, you spread your legs, and you’re ashamed to say you are in fact drenched.  Jax moans at the sight, pulling off his boxers, and he fists his length before crawling over his body.

“No, Jax.  I’ll do anything.”

“And I want you.  You wanted me.  Now, you’re my Puppy.  He looks over in the corner with a smirk, “Smile for the camera sweet Puppy.  They’re always watching.”

You look over to the corner to see a flashing red light, and start sobbing as Jax lines himself up.  Smacking at your blotchy face when you try and close your legs, “If you didn’t want it, why so wet?” His voice dark and imposing when he pushes through, and bottoms out in one solid thrust.  

You yelp, grabbing at his back, and giving him a little scratch.  Jax hisses through his teeth, thrusting back into you.  “Jax!”

“It feels nice, huh?” This wasn’t an introduction.  It wasn’t passionate love making, Jax was showing you that he owned you.  A nickname as Puppy because he was going to treat you like his sweet girl in front of people, but dominate you completely in the bedroom.

Hard and deep rocks into your warmth as your head knocking on the bed frame, and you give him a satisfied whimper.  His eyes steadily and intensely on you, and you start to see stars.  “Oh, you’re a new one.  You’ll get used to it.  You better.  Initiation will be rough on you.  You won’t be the first one to pass out.”

It scared you.  Exhilarated you, and you found yourself enjoying his motions.  It was wrong, and so sinful, but there was this underlying kindness to him.

He wasn’t wrong, you sought him out, knowing his schtick.  You weren’t his first victim, but there was this jealous part of you that wanted to be the last.

“My god, you’re so tight.  I bet men before you were minute men.  So vanilla,” his hands move to grip the bed frame as he stabs into your body.  Holding on tight, you just enjoy the ride.  

“It’ll eventually become easier to take me, you’ll see.  They’ll all see,” he leans over ghosting his lips on your quickly heating up skin.  He was a god.  Fucking into you so good, your orgasm comes on fast.  Your whole body succumbing to Jax’s incessant need to claim you.

Gripping on tight and clenching your teeth, while Jax just chuckles above you.  “Thatta girl.  Try to deny I don’t own this pussy,” another hard and deep push into you, his tip tickling at your cervix, and you yell out his name.  His seed spurting deep into your womb, and you were a goner.  “Who owns this pussy, and this Puppy.”

“You do,” Jax gives you a quick smile, with deep staggered breaths.  “Took you long enough, you asshole.”

“What?”

“Fuck, that was amazing.  Did you touch me while I was passed out?” Jax shakes his head confused.  “What?  I always thought that your women were basically used as the members personal fleshlights.  So is that a myth?  Jax, I want you to use me.”

“You…you knew?” You give him a head nod, “You read to much, you little freak.”

“Am I still your Puppy?” You pout up at him.

“Yes.  I doubt any other woman can handle me.”

“Good.  Now, I want you to randomly drug me again.  And I want to feel that you’ve used my body.  Make me so sore, and me wonder what exactly you did to me.  That’s what I want.  Free use, Jax.  I am your good little whore Puppy.”

Next

Masterlist

Taglist: @tis-thedamn-season​ @marveloustaylortot​ @infatuatedjanes​ @pono-pura-vida​ @sstan-hoe​ @peaches1958​ @whimsyplaty92​ @rebekahdawkins​ @johndeaconshands​ @thedarkplume​ @whiskeytangofoxtrot555​ @sgtjaamesbaarnes​ @missusbarnes-rogers​ @km-ffluv​ @mickeyhenrys​ @awkwardgiraffe726​ @seitmai​

[messier-47]

I have an idea

I don't want to write this but I still think it'd be a pretty cool concept

With or without madatobi being a romantic ship, this idea is still ripe with the potential of how these two fuckers would connect and interact. Izuna lives of course, therefore taking away the point of animosity. But here we go.

This is pre Konoha

Fire Country is still afflicted by not only the war between Senju and Uchiha but many other are in conflict. Now let's change the setting just a tad; people who are looking for shinobi help usually go through the *clan* to request certain services. However let's change it that you can hire a shinobi *directly*. Kinda like freelance work. There are shinobi who have a specialty so specific that you'd go half way across the continent to hire. This is normal.

Now, it's always been a curious detail that while Madara and Hashirama were both dreamers they don't have the same support system. Hashirama had tobirama, who is shown to be completely devoted to his brother and would help build his dream and protect it should hashi fail to. But what about Madara? He didn't have that support system. Whether it be because Izuna died and therefore couldn't help or that he is shown to not actively trying to help his brother's dream. Regardless, in canon Hashirama is the dreamer blessed with a support system and Madara is a dreamer who had his support system either cruelly taken away or not with the same devotion as tobirama.

Let's change that.

Madara is the Uchiha Clan Head and fighting multiple battlefronts and he decides to do something incredibly risky; he hires the White Demon for a mission.

Tobirama is intreged and goes to investigate (if it was a trap tobirama was the fastest motherfucking ninja anyways) only to find that Madara has a job specifically for the White Demon. Maybe the Uchiha were forbidden from acting by the Daimyo or something, Madara's hands are tied and he's willing to hire a Master Assassin-class Shinobi with an untraceable track record.

Tobirama accepts the job. Within a fortnight Madara receives word that his enemies were all vanquished and all accusorary eyes were turned away from the Uchiha, they had an alibi. Madara pays Tobirama and they wash their hands from the affair thinking that they'd never have to do that again.

Until Madara finds another mission that would be perfect for someone like Tobiramas skillset. He makes another secret request and surprise, Tobirama accepts.

Because here's the thing; Tobiramas /specialization/ is wetwork. Torture and interrogation, murder, acts of cruelty so severe they'd make a demons blood curdle. And he was good at it.

Hashirama doesn't appreciate this. Ever since he became Clan Head, Hashi has been trying to wean Tobirama off the crueler missions. The thing is though is that while Tobirama isn't a bloodlusting sadist, he knows he's damn good at his job and he's well acclimated to the dirty aspects of wetwork.

So when the Uchiha Clan Head specifically requests his expertise, Tobirama is starving for a chance to get some exercise.

The more Tobirama shows his willingness to be hired for Madara's dirty work and the apparent skill of each job, the more comfortable Madara is at requesting the White Demon until rumors start to spread that the UCHIHA have summoned their own demon (or perhaps not many people know the White Demon is a Senju thus think the Uchiha signed a contract with the White Demon exclusively)

Have Madara do the politics. Have him try to pace the way to Konoha and have Tobirama at his back as a secret co-conspirator, Madara's pet assassin. Have Tobirama, once exposed more to Mada and shown that the Uchiha is struggling to lay down the foundations of a dream that look similar to his own anijas, willing give advice and help Madara outside their working relationship.

So Madara finally gets a devoted support system that's equal to canon!Hashirama. I actually think it'd be a more ample opportunity to show how /Madara/ would shape Konoha into while Hashi is floundering around.

Why would hashi be left in the dust? Because Hashi's dream, while peaceful, makes no room for people like Madara or Tobirama. Madara, a merciless Warlord who would forcefully make people bow before his might and Tobirama, who is more comfortable surrounded by blood than friends.

Thatd be interesting

[creampuffs-for-carmilla]

This starts in 11 days, Creampuffs! Dates and their themes below the cut! Make sure to tag your posts with #carmillaweek2024 so we can all see your beautiful pieces!

Day 1- Orientation Day (August 13)

Welcome, everyone to Carmilla Week! Orientation is underway where you can explore different clubs at Silas University! Check in with Danny and the Summer Society as they do their morning runs. Or perhaps you want to party with Kirsch and the Zetas? Speaking of, what’s the Alchemy Club been up to…? Whatever it is, there’s a club for everyone (Unless you’re Laura Hollis… She didn’t make the cut for the Newspaper Club…) Either way, Orientation Day lets you explore any clubs Silas has to offer, including ones you headcanon exist or the ones that do exist. Perhaps Laura did find a club to join or it could explain why Carmilla sneaks off so often.

Day 2- Zombies and Werewolves and Vampires, Oh My! (August 14)

Ignore the evil cabal of vampires running the place, we’re diverse! The captain of the swim team is a mermaid, there’s that rumor the Summers are a werewolf pack, and our gardener is actually a zombie tending to graves and flowers alike! Today is the day where anything goes and you can even explore if LaFontaine is a cyborg or maybe Laura is a fairy. Be creative and explore what supernatural creatures may exist within Silas!

Day 3- Dorm Life (August 15)

Silas University is prestigious and offers only the best of the best! Not counting the lack of knocking and paper-thin walls… In any case, explore what you think dorm life is like on campus! That includes (but not limited to!) trying to pass Professor Cochrane’s class, how out of control a Zeta party can get, or even a slice of life behind closed doors in 307. Have fun!

Day 4- Raining Cats and Dogs (August 16)

We all love Catmilla. Who doesn’t! Take this day to explore all the possibilities. Perhaps one of our beloved cast has found a loving pet? Maybe you want to explore the other vampire’s ability to shapeshift? Just don’t let the Dean catch you with a pet in your room, that can be grounds for expulsion.

Day 5- Road Trip (August 17)

All roads lead to Silas as they say. Laura, Perry, LaFontaine, and Carmilla certainly learned that trying to flee through the Alps! Who’s to say they can’t enjoy a fun road trip though! Laura and Carmilla did go to Paris. Maybe Perry and LaFontaine had a business venture turn into a business adventure? Pick a character, or any characters, and have them go on a road trip!

Day 6- Life After College (August 18)

All good things come to an end and so do our college years. We got a sneak peek of how the gang lived 5 years after Silas, but what about the before and after? Your imagination is the limit as you can explore Laura’s first job or Carmilla finding a fun way to spend her vampire trust fund. Perhaps the LaFerry Industries had a shaky start? You can even get into Danny’s new life as a vampire working as a vampire’s rights advocate… And maybe something a bit more secret!

Day 7- Anniversary (August 19)

The reason we’re all here. Happy 10th anniversary to Carmilla: The Series! Explore what an anniversary means to you. Maybe you want to explore how Laura and Carmilla celebrate their first anniversary, whether girlfriend-wise or wife-wise. You can dedicate a piece to the show in general.

Carmilla Week 2024!

Buckle up, Creampuffs! Welcome to Creampuffs for Carmilla, a blog dedicated to celebrating Carmilla The Webseries 10 year anniversary! I'll be posting art, videos, fanfiction, trivia, and more from the fandom as well as running Carmilla Week 2024! Check out and follow the blog for more details including what the prompt line up is, a link to a new Carmilla fan Discord server, as well as details for an upcoming watch party. Link to Twitter Link to Discord

[officialscaramouche]

ayo feel like doing a gorou confession fic for me? pretty please with sprinkles on top (you know that fucking tiktok)

Ofc Pizzato anything for u my dear 🥰

Pairing: Gorou x gn!reader

Warnings: slight angst

Word count: 1,969

You heard a couple friendly knocks on your office door, eyes glancing to the clock to see it was a little past noon and you knew exactly who it was. “Come in,” you chime, putting down your pen and stretching upwards with a smile.

“Helloooooo!” You hear as the door swung open, Kazuha flaunting an envelope between his fingers. “Letter time!”

You sweep to your feet and give him grabby hands. “Give it to me!” He chuckles and places the thin paper into your hands. “Tell me who it is already,” you giggle as you rip it open and slide the letter out.

“No,” he sighs, rolling his eyes. “I keep my promises.”

You quirk and eyebrow before you fold open the letter. “Even if I bribe you with dango?”

Kazuha smiles. “Even if you bribe me with dango.”

You grunt and groan but it quickly stops when you unfold the letter, reading the contents.

Good afternoon, cupcake, it starts. You blush at the pet name. I hope your day is going as well as mine. I’ve just won the office lottery! I’m going to ask for more snacks in the break room. That way, everyone benefits too! Specifically though, I want more sakura mochi! The ones you made for us were delicious. Share your recipe? :3

I adore you, your secret admirer.

You squeeze the letter to your chest and squeal, your face warm from blushing and your heart pounding against your chest. “Oh, Kazuha, whoever this person is, I really wish they’d come up and confess!”

Kazuha tuts and wiggles his finger. “But then the mystery wouldn’t be there anymore.”

“Screw mystery!” You squealed, gazing down at the illegible and scratchy handwriting, the mysterious stains and fur all over the page. “I’m ready to hear these words in person.”

Just then there was a knock on your door and a quick turn of the knob, one of the top brass leaning against your door frame. “Good morning, Chatty Cathy’s,” sang a familiar voice and ear twitches.

You wave while Kazuha bows, hiding the letter behind your back. “Good morning, General Gorou.”

The tail behind his back wagged discreetly as the two men share a knowing glance. “Kazuha,” the general clears his throat. “May I speak with you?”

The samurai nods his head and gives you a little wave as he walks out the door. “Bye boys!” You sing, tucking the letter back into the envelope and putting it away.

The next day, as routine, a little past noon you heard three friendly knocks on your door. You excitedly put your pen down, closing your ledger and standing out of your chair and onto your feet. “Kazuha,” you grinned. “Come in!”

He pushed the door open with his back, lugging a big box with some plastic sticking out from the top. “I’m just a mule to you guys aren’t I?” He groaned, lifting the box up and onto your desk. “This is ridiculous.”

You stood on your tippy toes to try and peek inside the box without being obnoxious. “What is it?” You hum, getting more and more restless.

“Your letter, what else?” He kind of snapped, letting out a deep sigh and rolling his eyes. “I wish he’d confess too. That way I don’t have to carry these things.”

You pulled back the top of the box that was just out of your reach. “Here,” pushing your hands away, Kazuha tore the box apart to expose a giant basket full of goodies and flowers. “The letter.”

Kazuha snapped the taped-on letter from the plastic and handed it to you. Wasting no time at all, you rip the envelope open and unfold the letter.

Dearest [Y/N], you’ve pierced my heart like an arrow through a target and I simply cannot get you off my mind. I heard from the grapevine that you wish for my confession. …Maybe I shall do so in the near future? It’s not that I do not want to be yours, but rather that you make me quite nervous. Still, we see each other for terribly brief moments but these moments are the most precious to me. Hopefully I can muster up the courage to finally tell you how I feel. In the meantime, please accept these treats and toys imported from across the globe. My favorite are the dog-shaped biscuits.

Your shy admirer.

Looking up from the letter you find Kazuha stuffing his face with some chocolatey cookies from within a tin box labeled ‘Fontaine.’ “Are those good?” You ask, reaching in and stealing one.

“Mhm,” Kazuha hums, taking a bite out of the one in his hand. “I’ve never had Fontaine chocolate. I guess the rumors about being the best were true.”

You melt under the sweet taste and crunchy texture, thinking that if your crush’s letters had a taste, it would be like this. “This is so nice,” you sigh, eyes sparkling as they gaze upon the basket. “Do you think he’s going to confess to me?”

Kazuha stares out the windows of your office that peer into the rest of the building, watching a certain general spill water on himself and the resistance leader. He takes another bite of a cookie. “Maybe.”

You squeal in delight and spin around in joy. “My heart’s beating so fast! I hope he does it soon or I’ll explode!”

Kazuha chuckles and playfully shoves you aside. “If you explode, I’m eating all of your snacks.”

“No! They’re mine!”

Weeks— almost a month— go by with no further letters. Kazuha stopped coming by, whether at noon or otherwise. The only knocks you got were visits from Kokomi about the budget or from other soldiers carrying reports and receipts from spending. Your heart ached at the sudden lack of contact, wondering if you had done or said something wrong.

Maybe your eagerness was intimidating and this mystery man just wanted someone to flirt with without commitment. Maybe he got bored of you. Maybe he didn’t want to talk to you anymore.

Regardless, you wanted to try and spark it back up in case you’ve stepped on some toes without realizing. That night when you got home, you tossed the ingredients for sakura mochi into a bowl and got to mixing.

The office ate everything you brought before lunchtime rolled around. With such great success, you had confidence that he’d reach out to you tomorrow, if not today.

But alas you were left in silence once more, leaving your heart to crumble and ache. You were quick to recover, considering you never met the guy— let alone knew his name. But you had no time to be worrying anyway, because in a couple of days one of the squads were returning from the front lines and you needed to factor in medical costs. Apparently they took a hard hit when Sara Kujou showed up with her samurai. Kokomi was depending on you, and you didn’t want to let her down.

You spend these few days really crunching the numbers, making sure that every wounded soldier would get the basic medical necessities with some left over for any miscalculations. With every i dotted and every t crossed, you stuffed your report into a fancy envelope and handed it to Kokomi. “Thank you [Y/N] for your hard work under such a sudden timetable.” She thanked, tucking the envelope under her arm. “The team should be arriving tomorrow, so I will be submitting this for review immediately.”

You bow respectfully and offer your thanks for praise. “It’s no problem at all, Her Excellency. I was given ample time to prepare the balance sheet.” You begin to turn when you’re stopped once again by her.

“Before you go,” she smiles softly. “Would you mind helping out at the infirmary? We’re short handed right now with the sudden intake of Delusions.”

“Of course, Her Excellency. I will be there whenever you need me.”

You weren’t specialized in medics but you had helped around often enough to know the basics. And anyone could become a master at immediate medical attention after doing it so many times.

The flood of gurneys was a little disheartening to see, but you were still thankful for all that they do for the greater of the country. It must be scary being at the front lines, but everyone knew what they were signing up for.

You catch sight of Genera Gorou and Lord Kazuha chatting with Lady Kokomi before you were assigned to a batch of wounded soldiers, feeling a little bad for harboring ill feelings toward the young lord for disappearing. ‘You could’ve at least told me that you were leaving,’ you thought as you rinsed the injured area.

“I can take over from here,” the head medic stepped in, slipping on a new pair of gloves before getting a closer look at the soldier before you. With most of everyone patched up and recovering, the medic team was able to take control of the infirmary once again.

You wash your hands and check the clock. A little past noon. It’s funny how at this time you would’ve waited with bated breath for a couple of knocks. But not anymore.

You step out of the infirmary and find Kazuha and General Gorou sitting outside on the benches there. “Oh, hi boys,” you say surprised.

Kazuha grabs and shakes your hand. “Thank you for helping out our soldiers,” he says seriously.

“Oh, it’s not that big of a deal,” you mutter. “I do this all the time.”

A calloused hand pushes Kazuha’s away and shakes your hand firmer, harder. “No, [Y/N],” Gorou says with a sort of oomph behind his words. “These are my men…my family. They would be suffering if not for your help.”

You look to the side uncomfortably, a little put-off by the tension in the air. “And that’s why—!” Gorou continues, suddenly eight decibels louder. You hold eye contact with the general, his face darkening into a deep red flush, his eyes glassy and ears twitching. He squeezed your hand harder and shut his eyes. “M-My C-C-Cupcake!!! P-Please let m-me take you on a date!!!!”

Kazuha winced at the loudness of his friend, covering one of his ears but still smiling nonetheless. The people walking by stared and mumbled, but it didn’t matter as you felt your heart pound against your chest. You felt your eyes well with tears as now your face flushed red, the general cautiously opening his eyes to see your trembling lips and pathetic pout. “A-Ah! [Y/N], don’t cry!!”

You tug on his hand hard, pulling the man into your arms and squeezing him tight. You sobbed into his chest, hearing and feeling how frantic his heart was beating as well. “You idiot!” You shout into his battle-worn chest. “Don’t disappear without telling me…”

Gorou caressed the back of your head and chewed on his lip, his tail drooping with guilt but twitching with excitement for being in your arms. “Did I…scare you?” He whispered tentatively, choosing his words carefully.

You pull away and wipe your eyes, Gorou watching you closely and holding tightly onto your waist. “I thought you got tired of me…because I stopped hearing from you.” Gorou frowned and cupped your face, thumbing your cheeks gently. “I even made sakura mochi and I didn’t—”

“You made sakura mochi??!??!!! Is there any left?!?” Gorou’s jaw dropped. He let you go to turn and run to the break room, halting before running back to embrace you once more. “Heh, uh…” he chuckled nervously. “I’d actually…rather hold you like this…”

You couldn’t fight the smile that spread across your cheeks, flushing your body against his chest. “That’s okay,” you giggle. “There aren’t any left.”

You had no idea that his ears could flatten sadly like that.

[smileyouroncamerachild]

𝙋𝙚𝙩

𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙖 𝘼𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙬𝙖 𝙓 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧!

Based on the song:Teachers Pet By Melanie Martinez!

Warnings:Age Gap,Swearing, and Blood (If anything else triggers you I’m sorry)

Quirk: Shadow. The quirk Shadow is were the quirk user can be able to talk to Shadows and bring them out from the shadows. The shadows can become anything. The shadows prefer Nighttime but they’ll come out during Daytime if needed to. The downfall to the quirk is when the user uses their quirk passes their limits they start to bleed from the nose (Eleven vibes???) And the feel very weak.

(Now let’s actually start the Story shall we?)

Word Count: 1,097

“𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭, "𝐇𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞" 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐩 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐦”

Y/N POV

I was walking down the hallway to Class 1A all happy and excited. I loved seeing my teacher Mr. Aizawa. I may or may not have a crush on him. Oh who am I kidding I fell for him even though it’s a huge age gap I’m down if he’s down. I highly doubt it. I heard rumors that he already has a wife. If those are true I’ll be hurt.

I walked into to the classroom and sat down next to my best friend Kirishima. I sighed and stared at Me.Aizawa. “You do realize that he is 15 years older right?” Kirishima whispered into my ear. “I know that but how could anyone say no to him. his wife must be pretty lucky.” I whispered back. I sighed and opened my notebook and grabbed my pencil.

As I waited for class to start I was doodling. “Alright class eyes up and focus” Mr.Aizawa said. I looked up from my notebook and stared at him while he was talking. “Today we are going to train at USJ i know the villains attacked last time but we made sure they wouldn’t so grab your hero costume and change.”Mr.Aziawa said walking out of the classroom. I sighed and got changed into my hero costume. (Y’all can imagine you’re own and how it looks) I walked out of the changing room in my hero costume and walked with Kirishima to USJ.

~After Training~•* As soon we were done we all walked quickly back to the school. I was trailing behind the class.Thinking about if Mr.Aizawa actually had a wife.

“𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐧 (𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬)”

-Mr.Aizawa POV-

I watched as Y/N walked behind the class. ’Really Shouta you fell for your student’ I thought to myself.I sighed and rubbed my temple. Y/n seemed sad the past day. As we made it back to class I watched as Y/N talked to Kirishima. I quietly listened. “Well Kirishima what if he already has a wife. I literally fell for my teacher!”Y/N whispered harshly to Kirishim. “Well N/N maybe you should stop crushing on him. I mean I don’t blame you but you’ll get made fun of i dont want that to happened to you!” Kirishima whispered back. Y/N sighed and nodded.

-5 mins later-

I watched as Y/N was in their uniform. “L/N stay after class please” I said she nodded and kept writing her notes. As soon as class was over I saw Y/N walk over to my desk.

•Y/N POV•

”Yes mister” I said holding my bag strap tightly in my hand. He sighed and took a deep breath. He leaned closer and kissed me softly. As I blushed he pulled back and smiled slightly. I sighed. “Mr.Aizawa as much as I want you we can’t happen. Theres a huge age gap. I don’t wanna get made fun of. I mean I wouldn’t mind but I don’t risk you falling from the pro hero’s and your job! I know you love your job!” I said starting to ramble.

“Y/n You think I didn’t kiss you because I wanted to keep this a secre hell no I don’t wanna keep this shit between us a secret! I truly love you!” He poured his heart. I gasped and looked down at the ground. “Fine we’ll try and make this work” I said. “You don’t have to we can wait if you want” He said smiling. “Alright thanks Mr.Aizawa for understanding.” I said walking out the classroom.

•4 Years later•

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝, "𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲, 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 '𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬, 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐲

As I made my way to the top 5 pro hero’s next to my friends I ran into my old teacher Mr.Aizawa. I ran and hugged him tightly. He hugged me back. “Y/N I’m glad to see you!” He said. “I’m glad to see you too!” I said smiling. I took a deep breath and kissed him deeply. Which he returned the kiss back to me. as we parted from the kiss I started to laugh.

“Y/n…. will you go out with me?” He asked. I nodded and smiled.

•3 Years Later•

I smiled as I saw our kids run around. Me and Aizawa decided to adopt kids instead of actually having our own. I picked up Kai and Kiko. I walked inside and placed them in their highchairs. I smiled and kissed my husband and sat down.

Shouta fixed me and the kids our plate. “Thank you honey” I said digging into the food as so did my kids. Shouta laughed quietly and digged into his meal as well.

As we were done with the food we got ready bed. I placed Kai and Kiko into their beds and turned off the light. I walked to my shared bedroom with Shouta and got into bed. Not to long after Shouta got into the bed as well and cuddled me. “I love you honey”He said sleepily. “I love you too“ I said half asleep. He kissed my forehead. after that I fell asleep.

A/n: I’m sorry if this was bad but hopefully you enjoyed!