#misfits and magic is just me flustered at how much they are so pretty and cool

[meid4]

I AM SO GAY OMG

[snippychicke]

For the Sake of a Smile --Short Nine

Apparently, I never posted Short Nine! I am so sorry about that!

Balam set the stack of picture books on the table, happy to see Iruma smile excitedly. "These should go over the subjects you're having difficulty with. Bahamut's reign over the southern waste, and some of the magic fundamentals you may be missing.”

"Thanks so much, Professor!" The boy grinned, flipping through some of the pages carefully, examining the artwork inside. "I know mom will love to read the ones on magic to help her with those Runes." 

"Er, speaking of your mother…" Balam started, rubbing his neck, and then itching at the prickly hair growing there. 

"Oh, yeah! Did she come see you earlier?"

He blinked at the boys question, a little surprised by it. Iruma caught the confused expression and chuckled nervously. "My class and I… we noticed you've been on edge. And - well - one thing led to another and we asked mom if she knew what was going on, since none of us exactly wanted to ask Professor Kalego. But, she's avoided us ever since, so I-I was worried about what happened." 

"It's… complicated," He admitted after a moment of contemplation. Maybe he should write a book on molt and other such cycles of other types of demons. Not just for you and Iruma,  but maybe for future students as well to help foster understanding. 

Though so far only a few from the misfit class seemed interested in them. Clara in particular, from what Iruma had said in the past. 

"She did help," Balam continued, pushing those thoughts away until later. "Hopefully things should be more normal." At least, for a day or two. Then he secretly worried he'd go hunting for you, tempted by your earlier offer. "But, something she said made me wonder… how exactly do humans… court?" 

It was awkward asking Iruma such a thing, but his alternative was asking you - and he feared that would be even more awkward. Would you assume (correctly) that he was asking because of you, or just because he was curious? After all, the deeper mechanics of human society was a complete mystery to him. 

"Court?" Iruma repeated thoughtfully. "Well, from what I understand that's pretty much what we call 'dating'. And - well - usually people will spend time together, and maybe bring each other gifts, like chocolates or other sweets, and flowers. Plus, you know, hold hands and stuff like that." 

That's really all it took to court in the human realm? It seemed so… tame. Granted, he had always theoriezed their world was simpler and kinder than the Netherworld. 

Wait - spending time together? Bringing gifts like sweets, holding hands and being affectionate? 

Those… were things you had been doing. You would often come to visit and spend time with him when you could. And ever since Opera exposed his secret sweet tooth, you often brought something from the kitchens to share while you talked. 

While you never really initiated anything, you never complained about his skin-ship habit. If anything, you embraced his touch - often happily leaning into him.

You hadn't argued when Kalego teased about flirting as he had expected. Instead, you had looked at him silently - obviously flustered, but he had been too flustered himself to really think. 

Actually… that's when things had seemed to change, and you had more or less withdrawn from him.

Had he missed some kind of basic human cue? Had you already been courting him? And he had been completely oblivious as Kalego claimed.

Both panic and excitement gripped his heart as his thoughts became a disjointed mess. Could you really have been trying to court, was that why you asked about it today? Had he unknowingly messed things up? 

"Uh, professor?" Iruma spoke, shocking him out of his thoughts. "Are you okay?" 

"Oh yes," He answered, forcing a smile. "Just… distracted for a moment there. I'm sorry." 

"It's okay, I just agreed to meet Ameri in five minutes…" 

Balam's smile became more natural, though equally hidden by his mask as he reached over to ruffle the boy's hair affectionately. "Best not keep the council president waiting. Just let me know what you think of the books later." 

"Of course!" The boy carefully placed the books in his bag before holstering it over his shoulder. "Oh, and Professor Balam?" He paused halfway towards the door. "I really do hope you and Mom figure things out, and I know Grandpa and Opera are cheering you guys on too." 

With that, Iruma left while Balam was struggling to process his words, and the implications behind them. 

[gotdreamsagain]

The Beast You've Made of Me

With the appearance of Alaric Saltzman and his gaggle of supernatural misfits, Kai Parker is given everything he needs to escape his prison world with an added bonus: no one remembers him. So, when he finds himself in 2031, the world is his oyster, but there’s only one thing on his mind: Bonnie Bennett.

Dedicated to @koiporker

note: self repost

Triggers: Death, Abandonment, Violence, Blood, Drug Mention, Gore

For all the years Malachai Parker had been seeking salvation from his prison, he’d never imagined it would come in the form of a magical mud pit of all things. It wasn’t much to look at, not nearly as pretty as first ticket out of a prison world, nor was it as entertaining, but he wasn’t going to complain. Whatever lied beyond it’s murky depths had to be better than this, if only for the sheer fact that he’d known he hadn’t let the witch win. So, after making his final phone call in dear old 2018, he tossed the phone he was using across the room, and prepared himself for the most anticipated swan dive of his life. With a sigh of relief, and a smile in his face, the heretic leaned back on his heels and let himself fall. As he was engulfed in the mud, the last clear thought he had was one name: Bonnie Bennett.

                       ---------------------------------------------------------------

When he emerged from the pit, covered in sludge and muck, it wasn’t until he stepped food on solid ground that he let himself take a deep breath. It didn’t feel real until then, and then the realization truly struck him, and the gemini let out a laugh. He was out. He was really out.  All at once he felt his emotions hit him like a ton of bricks. Excitement. Fear. Anger. Despair. All of those emotions culminated in a wave of nausea that over took him, and as easy as it would have been to turn it all off, he didn’t. He needed that anger, and that fire, and most of all, he needed a clear head.

As the heretic’s laughter died down, he wiped his face, his eyes first, and then past lips that were silent but still bright with a smile. “ Son of a bitch, I made it. ” There was no one else to here his declaration, not a single soul, and yet, he found himself saying it again. “ I fucking made it. ” In the glow of the candlelight, he let himself enjoy it for just a few moments more before his thoughts turned back to those emotions, and why they were so very important.

First to come off were the gloves, the digit less fiends sliding off into a slimey mess of the ground. Next came the jacket, which lasted a few moments longer, but only long enough for Kai Parker to further wipe off his hands with the dryer bits on inside before it met the same fate of the gloves. With his hands as clean as they’d come for the moment, he reached into his pocket, and pulled out a mostly clean sandwich bag from his pocket, having been saved a muddy grave by the jacket. No, the thing was practically pristine, and he could even see the jam covered finger prints he’d left on it before Josette’s family had so rudely barged in. No matter, none of it mattered now, all  of it water under the bridge as he held up the bag to the light, smiling even wider at the sight of the contents: a button, the only thing a witch had left behind when she’d left him in that karaoke bar.

He’d thought he’d just been too lucky whenever he’d found the lone silver button lying over by the karaoke machine inside the bar years ago after Alaric’s rejects had set him free. It had reflected the red light up at him mockingly when he first saw it, and he wasn’t sure what had enticed him to pick it up, but when he did, he remembered where he’d seen it before. A witch had been wearing a jacket with the same button when she’d damned him to live out his worst fear, and made the soundtrack of his hell a song he hated.   In that moment he’d store the thing away, knowing when the time would come, it would be his ticket to finding her. Now the time had come, and he was only a shower and a locator spell away from returning the favor.  Don’t worry Bon Bon, I’m on my way.

                     ---------------------------------------------------------------

In all the times he’d pictured it, he’d try to imagine what the Bennett would look like after all the time they’d spent apart. Would she have smile lines burned into her face from years of gracing the world with its warmth, or crows feet around her eyes that came with time. A million questions had crossed his mind, and he’d imagined thousands of possibilities, but none of it was as satisfying as seeing all of those ideas proven wrong by the real thing. No, Bonnie Bennett didn’t have any laugh lines, or crows feet, no, she looked just like he remembered her. Smooth skin, green eyes filled with fire, and lips that could drip with honey or venom, if you asked nicely. The years had taken nothing from her but time, and that was exactly where he wanted her.

The heretic had expected to find the Bennett in Mystic Falls, playing the role of the martyr as she always did. The one who sacrificed so her friends didn’t have to, the witch stronger than any of them reduced to little more a pawn in their eyes, it would have even been comical if it wasn’t so sad. Instead, the locator spell had led him to small market in Georgia, admiring the witch as she looked over the produce. He hadn’t bothered with a cloaking spell, he didn’t need one, not when she wouldn’t remember her anyway. Toying with the apple in his hand to seem preoccupied, he couldn’t peel his eyes off of her as her focus stayed glued to the contents of the basket hanging on her arm as she moved down the aisle.

“ Are you looking for something or are you just going to keep staring? ”

The familiar voice caught him off guard, but it prompted a sly smile on the face of the heretic. It was only when the green eyes he knew so well met his own that he answered her query.

“ Oh, no, I found just what I was looking for. ”

With that, he wasted no time closing the gap between them, grabbing the item directly to her right with a smirk. Her own eyes looked at him accusingly, but she didn’t say a word as she went to step away and lowered her gaze from his own.

“ Where are my manners, Kai Parker. ”

There was no reason to lie, it’s not like the name would mean anything to her, or the rest of the Scooby Gang, or anyone else for that matter. He was a ghost, a phantom, and not even the brilliant witch before him could be able to put the pieces together.

“ Bonnie Bennett. ”

He noticed the slight inflection in her voice, it was the same way she’d talked to Damon about him before she’d learned of his sins. It was cute, damn near adorable actually, to see history repeating with the witch, unknown to her. The Bennett witch was suspicious of him. Clever girl, Bon Bon. Then again, she always had been. Always the clever one, the smart one who thought she could get away anything, but she wouldn’t get away from it this time. While Malivore had been his saving grace, he would be her own slice of hell. If he couldn’t send her there, he could give her just a taste, and she wouldn’t get away so easily this time.

“ It’s nice to meet you, Bonnie Bennett. ”

He watched her hesitate as he offered his hand, the same skepticism in her eyes as always as she finally reached out and took his hand. Feeling her magic humming beneath his finger tips, it took everything he had not to drain her dry right there. It’d been so long since he’d had it, even a taste of her magic was enough to keep him running on a high for days, he was an addict, looking for a hit, and he had it right in his grubby hands. His eyes focused on her jugular vein, thinking about how easy it would be to tear it open with his teeth, how pretty she’d look in her own blood pool on the ground when he was done with her. One move, and that would be it. She could be dead before she hit the floor, the way she should have been eighteen years ago when he’d given Damon the ultimatum. But he’d waited this long, he could wait a longer. Just a little longer.

“ New to town, Kai Parker? I’ve never seen you here before... ”

He wasn’t surprised when she didn’t return his greeting, and the suspicion lingered, though he didn’t really care as the sound of his name on her lips sent a shiver down his spine, the way it always did, whether it was said in a scream or a whisper, it didn’t matter. It was almost like nothing had changed, well, almost nothing.

“Yes, actually. Just got done with a long and unexpected vacation, so I decided to drop by and visit an old friend, might stick around for awhile.”

Dropping her hand, he moved down the way, taking some time to look at the options presented to him, but none of them were what he wanted. It wasn’t the food he was hungry for. The witch could have turned away and walked away, but she didn’t, and he knew she wouldn’t. In some ways, Bonnie Bennett was too nosy for her own good, and that was exactly what he was counting on. As he browsed, he felt the familiar green eyes on him, examining him, trying to figure him out. If only you knew, he thought coyly to himself with a smile. He let it go one for a few moments, pretending not to notice, the same way she had, hand firmly wrapped around whatever had been in front of him on the shelf before he piped up.

“ Are you looking for something or are you just going to keep staring? ”

This time he caught her off guard, and he cocked his head to look at her just in time to see it in her eyes as she was caught red handed..

“ I - ”

There’s no time to let her make up an excuse, he’d done that way too many times to fall for that.

“ Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind gorgeous babes staring at me in grocery stores but .... ”

Ever more flustered, he could even tell her cheeks were starting to get warm as she tried to regain her composure. Bonster sure looked good, even when she was trying to dig herself out of a hole.

“ I wasn’t staring, I was just - “

Now he couldn’t help but chuckle, taking his opportunity to cut her off one more time.

“ Staring. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone, it can be our little secret Bon Bon ”

The only saying rang in his ears as he made her his promise. Two can keep a secret if one of them is dead. Oh well, he wouldn’t have to wait long for that, and he was sure one more secret wouldn’t drown him in guilt. At that, the Bennett witch managed a small smile, and her signature eye roll.

“ Okay .... thanks. ”

As the witch turned to walk away, he felt like he’d won this round, even if she hadn’t known she’d been playing. He could have stopped her, kept the conversation going, lulled her further into a sense of safety, or even just raised her suspicions for the hell of it, but instead he let her go, almost letting her out of ear shot before calling out to the witch.

“ Until next time, Bennett? ”

He was smug, confident and cocky with his question as he raised an eyebrow at the witch. Turning back to glance at the Parker, the Bennett offered him a small smirk.

“ Assuming there’s a next time, Parker. ”

“ Maybe there will be.”

“Or maybe there won’t. Goodbye, Kai.”

“Bye Bye, Bonnie.”

Thirteen years may have passed since the last time they’d spoken, and the world may have moved on without him, but Bonnie Bennett was the same as she always was: cocky, stubborn, sarcastic, fire still burning in those emerald eyes, exactly the way he wanted her. She could run, but she couldn’t hide, and it was only a matter of time until next time, and next time, she might not be so lucky. You can run, Bonnie Bennett, but you can’t hide. One way, or another, I’m going to find you, and I’m going to get you.

[bonniobonnotta]

The Beast You've Made of Me

With the appearance of Alaric Saltzman and his gaggle of supernatural misfits, Kai Parker is given everything he needs to escape his prison world with an added bonus: no one remembers him. So, when he finds himself in 2031, the world is his oyster, but there’s only one thing on his mind: Bonnie Bennett. 

Dedicated to @koiporker

Triggers: Death, Abandonment, Violence, Blood, Drug Mention, Gore

For all the years Malachai Parker had been seeking salvation from his prison, he’d never imagined it would come in the form of a magical mud pit of all things. It wasn’t much to look at, not nearly as pretty as first ticket out of a prison world, nor was it as entertaining, but he wasn’t going to complain. Whatever lied beyond it’s murky depths had to be better than this, if only for the sheer fact that he’d known he hadn’t let the witch win. So, after making his final phone call in dear old 2018, he tossed the phone he was using across the room, and prepared himself for the most anticipated swan dive of his life. With a sigh of relief, and a smile in his face, the heretic leaned back on his heels and let himself fall. As he was engulfed in the mud, the last clear thought he had was one name: Bonnie Bennett.

                        ---------------------------------------------------------------

When he emerged from the pit, covered in sludge and muck, it wasn’t until he stepped food on solid ground that he let himself take a deep breath. It didn’t feel real until then, and then the realization truly struck him, and the gemini let out a laugh. He was out. He was really out.  All at once he felt his emotions hit him like a ton of bricks. Excitement. Fear. Anger. Despair. All of those emotions culminated in a wave of nausea that over took him, and as easy as it would have been to turn it all off, he didn’t. He needed that anger, and that fire, and most of all, he needed a clear head.

As the heretic’s laughter died down, he wiped his face, his eyes first, and then past lips that were silent but still bright with a smile. “ Son of a bitch, I made it. ” There was no one else to here his declaration, not a single soul, and yet, he found himself saying it again. “ I fucking made it. ” In the glow of the candlelight, he let himself enjoy it for just a few moments more before his thoughts turned back to those emotions, and why they were so very important. 

First to come off were the gloves, the digit less fiends sliding off into a slimey mess of the ground. Next came the jacket, which lasted a few moments longer, but only long enough for Kai Parker to further wipe off his hands with the dryer bits on inside before it met the same fate of the gloves. With his hands as clean as they’d come for the moment, he reached into his pocket, and pulled out a mostly clean sandwich bag from his pocket, having been saved a muddy grave by the jacket. No, the thing was practically pristine, and he could even see the jam covered finger prints he’d left on it before Josette’s family had so rudely barged in. No matter, none of it mattered now, all  of it water under the bridge as he held up the bag to the light, smiling even wider at the sight of the contents: a button, the only thing a witch had left behind when she’d left him in that karaoke bar. 

He’d thought he’d just been too lucky whenever he’d found the lone silver button lying over by the karaoke machine inside the bar years ago after Alaric’s rejects had set him free. It had reflected the red light up at him mockingly when he first saw it, and he wasn’t sure what had enticed him to pick it up, but when he did, he remembered where he’d seen it before. A witch had been wearing a jacket with the same button when she’d damned him to live out his worst fear, and made the soundtrack of his hell a song he hated.   In that moment he’d store the thing away, knowing when the time would come, it would be his ticket to finding her. Now the time had come, and he was only a shower and a locator spell away from returning the favor.  Don’t worry Bon Bon, I’m on my way.

                      --------------------------------------------------------------- 

In all the times he’d pictured it, he’d try to imagine what the Bennett would look like after all the time they’d spent apart. Would she have smile lines burned into her face from years of gracing the world with its warmth, or crows feet around her eyes that came with time. A million questions had crossed his mind, and he’d imagined thousands of possibilities, but none of it was as satisfying as seeing all of those ideas proven wrong by the real thing. No, Bonnie Bennett didn’t have any laugh lines, or crows feet, no, she looked just like he remembered her. Smooth skin, green eyes filled with fire, and lips that could drip with honey or venom, if you asked nicely. The years had taken nothing from her but time, and that was exactly where he wanted her.

The heretic had expected to find the Bennett in Mystic Falls, playing the role of the martyr as she always did. The one who sacrificed so her friends didn’t have to, the witch stronger than any of them reduced to little more a pawn in their eyes, it would have even been comical if it wasn’t so sad. Instead, the locator spell had led him to small market in Georgia, admiring the witch as she looked over the produce. He hadn’t bothered with a cloaking spell, he didn’t need one, not when she wouldn’t remember her anyway. Toying with the apple in his hand to seem preoccupied, he couldn’t peel his eyes off of her as her focus stayed glued to the contents of the basket hanging on her arm as she moved down the aisle. 

“ Are you looking for something or are you just going to keep staring? ”

The familiar voice caught him off guard, but it prompted a sly smile on the face of the heretic. It was only when the green eyes he knew so well met his own that he answered her query. 

“ Oh, no, I found just what I was looking for. ”

With that, he wasted no time closing the gap between them, grabbing the item directly to her right with a smirk. Her own eyes looked at him accusingly, but she didn’t say a word as she went to step away and lowered her gaze from his own. 

“ Where are my manners, Kai Parker. ” 

There was no reason to lie, it’s not like the name would mean anything to her, or the rest of the Scooby Gang, or anyone else for that matter. He was a ghost, a phantom, and not even the brilliant witch before him could be able to put the pieces together.

“ Bonnie Bennett. ”

He noticed the slight inflection in her voice, it was the same way she’d talked to Damon about him before she’d learned of his sins. It was cute, damn near adorable actually, to see history repeating with the witch, unknown to her. The Bennett witch was suspicious of him. Clever girl, Bon Bon. Then again, she always had been. Always the clever one, the smart one who thought she could get away anything, but she wouldn’t get away from it this time. While Malivore had been his saving grace, he would be her own slice of hell. If he couldn’t send her there, he could give her just a taste, and she wouldn’t get away so easily this time.

“ It’s nice to meet you, Bonnie Bennett. ”

He watched her hesitate as he offered his hand, the same skepticism in her eyes as always as she finally reached out and took his hand. Feeling her magic humming beneath his finger tips, it took everything he had not to drain her dry right there. It’d been so long since he’d had it, even a taste of her magic was enough to keep him running on a high for days, he was an addict, looking for a hit, and he had it right in his grubby hands. His eyes focused on her jugular vein, thinking about how easy it would be to tear it open with his teeth, how pretty she’d look in her own blood pool on the ground when he was done with her. One move, and that would be it. She could be dead before she hit the floor, the way she should have been eighteen years ago when he’d given Damon the ultimatum. But he’d waited this long, he could wait a longer. Just a little longer.

“ New to town, Kai Parker? I’ve never seen you here before... ” 

He wasn’t surprised when she didn’t return his greeting, and the suspicion lingered, though he didn’t really care as the sound of his name on her lips sent a shiver down his spine, the way it always did, whether it was said in a scream or a whisper, it didn’t matter. It was almost like nothing had changed, well, almost nothing. 

“Yes, actually. Just got done with a long and unexpected vacation, so I decided to drop by and visit an old friend, might stick around for awhile.”

Dropping her hand, he moved down the way, taking some time to look at the options presented to him, but none of them were what he wanted. It wasn’t the food he was hungry for. The witch could have turned away and walked away, but she didn’t, and he knew she wouldn’t. In some ways, Bonnie Bennett was too nosy for her own good, and that was exactly what he was counting on. As he browsed, he felt the familiar green eyes on him, examining him, trying to figure him out. If only you knew, he thought coyly to himself with a smile. He let it go one for a few moments, pretending not to notice, the same way she had, hand firmly wrapped around whatever had been in front of him on the shelf before he piped up.

“ Are you looking for something or are you just going to keep staring? ”

This time he caught her off guard, and he cocked his head to look at her just in time to see it in her eyes as she was caught red handed..

“ I - ” 

There’s no time to let her make up an excuse, he’d done that way too many times to fall for that.

“ Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind gorgeous babes staring at me in grocery stores but .... ”

Ever more flustered, he could even tell her cheeks were starting to get warm as she tried to regain her composure. Bonster sure looked good, even when she was trying to dig herself out of a hole.

“ I wasn’t staring, I was just - “

Now he couldn’t help but chuckle, taking his opportunity to cut her off one more time.

“ Staring. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone, it can be our little secret Bon Bon ”

The only saying rang in his ears as he made her his promise. Two can keep a secret if one of them is dead. Oh well, he wouldn’t have to wait long for that, and he was sure one more secret wouldn’t drown him in guilt. At that, the Bennett witch managed a small smile, and her signature eye roll.

“ Okay .... thanks. ”

As the witch turned to walk away, he felt like he’d won this round, even if she hadn’t known she’d been playing. He could have stopped her, kept the conversation going, lulled her further into a sense of safety, or even just raised her suspicions for the hell of it, but instead he let her go, almost letting her out of ear shot before calling out to the witch. 

“ Until next time, Bennett? ” 

He was smug, confident and cocky with his question as he raised an eyebrow at the witch. Turning back to glance at the Parker, the Bennett offered him a small smirk. 

“ Assuming there’s a next time, Parker. ”

“ Maybe there will be.” 

“Or maybe there won’t. Goodbye, Kai.”

“Bye Bye, Bonnie.”

Thirteen years may have passed since the last time they’d spoken, and the world may have moved on without him, but Bonnie Bennett was the same as she always was: cocky, stubborn, sarcastic, fire still burning in those emerald eyes, exactly the way he wanted her. She could run, but she couldn’t hide, and it was only a matter of time until next time, and next time, she might not be so lucky. You can run, Bonnie Bennett, but you can’t hide. One way, or another, I’m going to find you, and I’m going to get you.

[peepsandtubz]

Who are your favorite top ten black clover characters? ships? Talk about them!

(Ok so I didn't include Asta, cuz it's too easy, and I just love him by default cuz he's a great main character anyway. ALSO GET READY FOR A LONG POST, HERE WE GO):

1. Gordon. I'm a sucker for side characters. His schtick won me over from the start and I adored every chance he got to speak. I guess I can relate to his shyness and trouble fitting in. Sometimes the simple stuff hits harder.

2. Magna. His dub voice is what got me hooked at first. He's the delinquent type with a soft side, which I adore in a character. I like the tough look, but prefer the kind ones, so he's got both of the qualities down already. He's so fun!

3. Henry. HE'S TOO ADORABLE AND PURE, BUT IN THE BEST WAYS. Like when you've been through years of just pure loneliness and isolation, bedridden, and you finally get to be with friends and move around and just have fun with everyone else... Its so good, man. He's just such a wholesome addition to the already fairly wholesome team. But in such a pure way that he just stands out for me.

4. Yami. Okay I have a bias here, cuz I'm just genuinely attracted to him- BUT STILL. He's so funny and awesome! I love that he's always calling out people higher than him for their bs and doesn't let anyone step on him. He doesn't give a crap, but still shows a bit of a soft side for his team of misfits. The found family trope is the purest, best trope there is, man...

5. Finral. I love when shows do cowards right. Hes not as annoying as some other cowardly characters, he's just such a nice kid... I love learning about him as the story goes on. I appreciate how much the team truly cares about him I could cry, like seriously... ;_;

6. Charlotte. OKAY BUT THE BIT OF HER SPRINTING THROUGH THE TOWN TO RUN AWAY FROM HER FEELINGS IS WHAT SOLD ME. But honestly, the second she showed a flustered side I was just like "aww this is it". She's such a cutie, and I'm so glad shes not just the "hates men" type, and is working through that mentality and struggling with a crush. This show always gives the cold types some issues that make them feel more likeable and I love that about it.

7. Luck. Just that pure chaotic personality, but somehow still such a genuinely good boy. I love his relationship with Magna and Asta. After the elf possession thing, he really flew up there in my favorites. Good zappy boy.

8. Vanessa. She seemed like she'd be the least useful and deep character, but she surprised me. She continues to be helpful and wise and just... such good support for the team. I love her more than I ever thought I would. I love how this show surprises me.

9. HAHA! Or wait, was it Sekke?? I think that's his name. Listen, I don't even remember his name, because his running gag is so stupid, it's all I think about. An actual loveable jerk? I liked him right away, he just has such a fun personality and I love his magic. It's pretty cool actually. This poor guy has the worst luck... But when he gets too cocky, they always push him back down to ground level. Love it.

10. Rill. AAAA! Such a cutie!! His magic is SO FREAKING AMAZING. I really related to is art struggles, and that really made me love him more as the series went on. But he was loveable and cute before then too. I love the less serious addition to the magic knights. Good boy. :')

I JUST LOVE THAT THIS SHOW CONTINUES TO WORK ON ITS CHARACTERS. Everyone gets their moment. Everyone grows. Even the jerks. Even the criminals. This show is chock full of surprises, breaks a lot of molds, and manages to do some tropes better than others. Some shows just neglect so many of their side characters and hardly give them any screentime. It's such a shame... That's why this show makes me so happy.

....

As for ships, I'm still thinking about those, but here's what I'd most likely ship eventually or at least approve of for the most part.

- Asta and Noelle, obviously. Very cute. Just not a huge fan of "hits people when flustered", I'd like her to get over that one day, but... it's a beloved trope in Japan I guess so?? Ehh...

- Yami and Charlotte. Please just let them go out already its killing me- But yeah, it's just so adorable. I mean I see why Yami thinks she hates him, like their group's thing is hating men, or just seeming them as lesser than them. Also I'm glad the whole group isn't really like that, it was nice to know they supported her crush.

- Luck and Magna. Okay, this one hit me hard in their big fight together. I don't know if either of them could manage any sort of romance, but I'd sure as heck like to see them try. XD

....

That's all I've got for now. But yeah, I could gush about this show for days on end.

[pikapeppa]

For the FenHawke prompt. "Love at first sight? What bullshit."

HAH yesss this one was SO fun to fill. I also realized while researching for this that uhhh I’m pretty sure Varric’s romance serial Swords and Shields is based loosely on Aveline and Donnic?? LMAO.

Anyway, enjoy some merry-band-of-misfits fun and some sexual tension! XD

Read on AO3 instead.

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

“Varric, I don’t approve of this idea,” Aveline said sternly.

The wily storyteller blinked innocently. “Why not? You of all people should appreciate it.” He gestured dramatically with his hands. “A Knight-Captain and a Guardsman. Forbidden love, political intrigue, and spine-tingling romance. It’ll be a huge success.” He lowered his hands and smiled at Aveline in a wheedling manner. “And it’ll only be very loosely based on true events. And I’ll be changing the whole courting thing a bit.” He frowned thoughtfully. “A lot, actually.”

“You’ll have to completely make that part up from scratch, Varric,” Isabela piped up cheerfully. “Aveline, you’re many things, but a flirtatious vixen you are not.” She elbowed Hawke playfully.

Aveline scowled, a rosy flush creeping over her freckled cheeks. “Shut up, you tart,” she snapped, then turned back to Varric authoritatively. “Varric, no. You absolutely cannot borrow from mine and Donnic’s life. It’s private! What if someone recognizes - I mean-” She coughed, obviously flustered, then took an apple chip from the bowl on the floor and stuffed it in her mouth. “Besides, it will be boring,” she mumbled through her full mouth. “Nobody will read it.”

The Knight-Captain’s face was absolutely flaming red by this time. Fenris smirked and wrapped his arms loosely around his knees as he listened to their exchange. What had started out as Aveline’s very serious training demonstration with Toby had swiftly devolved into a gossip-and-snacks session, and now they were all seated on the floor in the front of the hearth in Hawke’s main room.

Varric looked at Aveline disbelievingly. “You really think nobody would read a story about love at first sight between a Knight-Captain and a Guardsman?”

Merrill clasped her hands together and blinked her big green eyes. “It sounds lovely, Varric,” she chirped. “I would read it.”

Then Hawke groaned loudly. “No way!” she expostulated. “Love at first sight? What bullshit! Don’t write that insipid crap. It puts crazy ideas in people’s heads. Do a sequel to Siege Harder instead! Now that I’d read in a heartbeat.”

Varric folded his arms and grinned at her. “Hawke, I’m surprised. I thought you’d enjoy that romantic shit.”

“No,” she said dismissively. “Love at first sight is another way of saying ‘I’m horny as a nug in heat and I can’t admit it.’” Sebastian choked on his water, and Isabela snorted a laugh, but Hawke wasn’t finished. “Besides, think about how drastically your first impressions can change. Look at Fenris!”

Fenris raised one eyebrow as Hawke gestured in his direction. “He hated me at first. Now he can’t get enough of me,” she said smugly.

Fenris shot the irreverent mage a sardonic look. “I am less than fond of you when you put me on the spot.”

“Oh come on, Fenris, it’s okay to admit that I won you over with my scintillating wit and oozing charm,” Hawke said. “Lots of people don’t like me when they first meet me! Maker only knows why, though. I’m fantastic.”

There was a collective groan from the group. Isabela shoved her until she fell over on the carpet, and Anders threw one of Toby’s chew-toys at Hawke’s head, and Fenris bit the inside of his cheek to hide his smile.

Then Aveline piped up helpfully. “I didn’t like you very much at first, Hawke.”

Hawked gestured at Aveline. “See? And now Aveline adores me! She’s like my second mum!” Then she grimaced apologetically. “Sorry, Aveline.”

Aveline smiled proudly. “That’s quite all right.” The guard-captain selected another dried apple chip from the mostly-empty snack tray.

Hawke turned toward Fenris again, her copper eyes sparkling with what was certain to be another round of teasing digs. He hastily pushed himself to his feet. “I will fetch more snacks.”

Hawke frowned as he lifted the snack tray from the floor. “What? You’re a guest in my home! You shouldn’t fetch snacks!” She rose to her feet as well. “I’ll help you.”

Fenris shot her a chiding look as she took the tray from his hands. “Being a guest in your home didn’t stop you from demanding that I find your missing glove for you last week,” he said flatly.

“And you refused to do it,” Hawke retorted. “See? Guest privileges.”

Isabela yawned loudly and stretched out on the carpet. “If you two are leaving to go fuck in the kitchen, you can just tell us. No need for the clever smokescreen.” She smiled and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

Hawke shot her a reproving look. “Thanks, Bels,” she said, and Isabela snickered as Hawke made a rude hand gesture in her direction.

Fenris, meanwhile, left their conversation behind and headed toward the kitchen. A moment later, Hawke caught up with him. “So, what did you think of me when we first met?”

Of course this was why she’d wanted to accompany him: to needle him relentlessly. “I was impressed at how readily you handed death to my enemies,” Fenris said matter-of-factly.

Hawke gave a surprised bark of laughter. “Wow. That’s the oddest compliment I’ve ever gotten. But okay, I’ll take it. What else?”

He narrowed his eyes and smirked at her. “Why are you seeking so shamelessly to be flattered?”

“I’m not! I’m just curious!” she protested.

He continued to stare at her, and finally she grinned sheepishly. “Okay, fine, maybe I’m looking for compliments. Can you really blame a girl?” She set the snack tray down on the kitchen counter, then leaned back against it and tilted her head coyly. “I am curious, though. You can be hard to read. What did you think of me, really?”

He sighed. “You are a mage. I was wary,” he said bluntly. But if he was being honest, he hadn’t been as wary of her as he might have been. From his very first time fighting by Hawke’s side, Fenris had known she was different. In Fenris’s experience, mages defined themselves by their magic: they considered it their most valuable trait, and they used it shamelessly to influence and coerce and claw their way to power.

For Hawke, however, magic was just something she happened to have at her disposal, rather than a sign of status to be lorded over everyone’s head. She’d always been special, even then.

Oblivious to the warmth of his thoughts, Hawke shrugged and rested her elbows back against the counter. “Fair enough. And now?”

He gave her an exasperated look. “You really are delving, Hawke.”

“I know,” she said cheerfully. “So?”

He pursed his lips. “And now… you annoy me most days.”

“Yes, that’s true,” she agreed. “What else?”

He folded his arms. “You are far too lenient with blood mages. I hate that.”

She sighed. “Well, this is less fun than I thought it would be.”

He stepped closer to her. Her eyes darted to his face, then widened as he took yet another step closer. “You are… alluring,” he murmured.

A wicked little smile lifted her slowly pinkening cheeks. “Now we’re talking,” she said with relish. “What else?”

Fenris stepped even closer and very deliberately placed his hand on the counter beside her. She was penned between the kitchen counter and his body now, a bare handspan of space between them, and he smiled at the soft little hitching of her breath through her parted lips.

He slowly slid his gaze from her face to the slender scarlet scarf around her neck. “You look very appealing in red,” he growled. “But I think you will look even more appealing in nothing at all.” He was being reckless and he knew it; he wanted to take things slow with Hawke, make sure he was really ready before falling into her bed, and the cautious part of his mind was warning him against this little game.

But Hawke had started it. And Fenris was determined to win this time.

“Damn,” she said faintly, and Fenris noticed the subtle arching of her spine with an almost vindictive satisfaction. “What else?”  

“And… I am not saying anything more,” he murmured.

She exhaled shakily. “Why not?” she complained.

He glanced toward the door. “Because of the gossip-mongers standing right there,” he said loudly.

Just behind the doorframe, there was a startled squeak from Merrill and a raucous cackle from Isabela. Then Aveline’s stern voice floated over from the main room. “I told you two not to listen in! Leave them alone!”

Hawke slumped back against the counter. “Piss right off, you nosy bitches!” she yelled, then let out a rueful laugh as Fenris stepped away from her. “Maker’s fucking balls,” she muttered, then bustled haphazardly around the kitchen pulling out snacks and putting them on the counter.

Fenris calmly refilled the bowls in a careful pretense that he wasn’t as riled up as she was. He picked up the tray and returned to the main room, leaving Hawke alone in the kitchen.

Isabela grinned wickedly at him as he sat beside her on the carpet, and he ignored her. “What is the verdict?” he asked Varric. “Are you writing the romance novel or not?”

“Yes!” Merrill and Anders said.

“No!” Aveline blurted.

“Yes, as long as there’s sex,” Isabela said with relish, while Sebastian shook his head in disapproval.

Varric grinned at Fenris. “The jury’s out. I’ll put it on the back burner for now.”

Aveline sighed in relief. “Thank you, Varric. I hope you keep it that way.”

Then Hawke wandered back into the room, and Fenris forced himself not to laugh as she deliberately walked past him and sat beside Varric instead. “What did I miss?” she asked vaguely.

Varric smiled at her. “Your wish for a Siege Harder sequel might be granted. But if I do write the romance serial, what should I call it?”

“Umm…what about…” She trailed off and scratched the back of her head, still looking distinctly flustered, and Fenris studied her with a hot rush of satisfaction. He usually came out worse for wear in their teasing back-and-forths, but it was quite clear from her pinkened cheeks that he’d deflected her sexually-charged sally extremely effectively this time.

As though she could sense his gaze on her face, she shot him a dirty look, and Fenris couldn’t stop himself from grinning. He turned to Varric. “I know what you should call it,” he said. “Swords and Shields.”

[swans-anime-ramblings]

“Luffy had no reaction to Boa...doesn’t that mean he won’t have romance?”

I’ve been debating about posting this blog because I was hesitant about the kind of reaction it would receive. But I think this topic is worth discussing logically.

Alright, so let’s dig into this thing.

If we’re going to understand Luffy and his actions (or not actions) towards Boa, then we have to first understand him as being a character that fits the Battle Shonen archetype. The genre, despite people’s complaints about it, is the most popular type of manga/anime genre there is. And One Piece, for all its glorious writing, world building and character development, is perfectly happy to sit in its genre, with Luffy fitting right into the hero archetype.

Where did this archetype even come from? It may surprise you to learn that Dragon Ball is in fact the grandfather of modern Shonen. You know what kind of stories were running in WSJ as DB’s contemporaries? Big burley manly men who never changed or progressed like Kenshiro from Fist of the North Star.

 And the antithesis of this is Goku, little innocent Goku who takes this character type and flip it on its head.  (Kid Goku is so cute guys! *cries*)

Toriyama’s writing absolutely can’t be understated here. Nobody had ever seen anything like Dragon Ball. It became a cultural phenomenon. It became a blueprint for success. 

The classic Shonen Hero archetype has evolved into the following:

innocent

clueless when it comes to love

loves to fight/ get stronger

has a catch phrase

wants to protect their “Nakama”

thinks before they act

often stupid or a simpleton

gains power ups through training and other means

cute

Within the archetype you’ve got big hitters such as:

Goku— the OG who was so clueless, he couldn’t tell someone’s gender without slapping them in the crotch. Also obsessed with getting stronger to the detriment of, well, everything

Luffy— the uber innocent muffin who will do anything for his crew, and will go out of his way for people if it concerns their dreams. Aware of his weaknesses more than the others, Also really dumb at first

Naruto--- the misfit who starts out peeping at girls but then ends up taking on the burden of the entire world, because he’s THAT concerned about everyone and everything. Definitely the most selfless, has dumb moments, but smarter than the others

Ichigo--- the lovable grump who literally doesn’t give a shit. Coolest one of the bunch

Natsu--- loves his friends so much he gains power ups in the middle of the battle to win through the power of friendship. Probably the funniest one, takes life one job request at a time

Asta— the new kid on the block. Constantly yells to the point of irritation, believes working hard will solve all problems, doesn’t understand how relationships work and that nuns don’t get married

Deku— I know people will ask. Yes, he is a Shonen Hero, But doesn’t fit into the archetype so be will be left out of the discussion (the kid actually suffers from overthinking...complete opposite than these lovable idiots)

So, for fun, let’s throw all these Shonen Heroes into the same situation Luffy found himself in

All of these heroes fall through the ceiling and into Boa Hancock’s bath where they come face to face with the most beautiful woman on the planet who is naked.

Goku: completely unphased by Boa’s beauty. Asks who Boa is, and when she gets pissed, stands there with a “huh?” Look on his face when she shoots the love beam at him. After it has no effect, Goku puts his hand up with a smile and then says, “see ya!” Before flying off. Probably more concerned with where Vegeta went and if he managed to find a new level of Super Saiyan

Naruto: definitely phased by Boa. Would probably turn to stone ahahahaha

Ichigo: after being annoyed because he fell through the roof, would take one look at Boa, and get flustered out of embarrassment. By the time Boa tries to question him, he’s already left and found the exit.

Natsu: upon falling into the bath, he’d also be completely unphased by Boa. Would most likely take note of her earrings and ask about them. He’d probably also end up saying something Boa would find unbelievably rude, but something I would laugh hysterically at. “Woah?! Is that your guild mark?! Cool!!!” 

Asta: I imagine Asta would most likely cover his eyes out of courtesy, and ask for the way out. When Boa gets mad and asks why he’s not head over heals for her, nor why he’s looking at her body, he’d say something like, “sister Lilly is waiting for me” and then leave. *sigh*

So here’s my point. Three of our boys would have the same exact reaction as Luffy. When it comes to the archetype, lusting after girls simply isn’t in their nature. Natsu’s reaction to a naked Lucy was to cover her boobs with his hands “fine I’ll cover them” he sighs in the dub. No lustful reaction whatsoever. I’m pretty sure any normal guy would, um, not react that way. He looks so bored.

Asta refused to peep at a girls bath (way to shut that down buddy), and Goku’s seen plenty of naked people and he doesn’t care. He even has the same reaction in Dragon Ball Super, after he’s married, when he accidentally sees another woman naked (who is very beautiful).

(Harsh reaction there Goku, lmao)

Luffy’s reaction to Boa is completely in line with the archetype. The innocent nature of the main character is extremely important. Oda even says in the SBS that it would just be plain weird for Luffy to get a nose bleed. I agree.

So, do our boys reactions to Boa mean romance isn’t possible for them? Of course not. Goku got married and had 2 kids. Naruto, who is the most interested in women, got married. Ichigo ended up with someone and had a kid. Natsu’s relationship with Lucy isn’t “canon” yet, buuuttt with this sequel coming and all the art Mashima’s been posting, I think we can all just call it and it’ll be happening. As for Asta, the manga is still young so it’s hard to say, but judging how Tabata is treating romance in his manga, I’d say It’s a distinct possibility. Asta does have a low-key herem going on 🤷‍♀️

When Goku was a kid, he came across a foe who could turn evil (ie bad thoughts) into a weapon and kill you. Goku was the only person to ever survive because he has no impure thoughts. It basically works the same way as Boa’s love-love beam.

This innocence is why Goku can ride his magical flying cloud the Kinto-Un, aka the Flying Nimbus. That innocence in Goku stays with him forever, too. Goku can ride the cloud after he’s gotten married and created spawns. The idea is, sex isn’t dirty. It’s just how you treat it may or may not make it dirty (ie unwarranted advances). Master Roshi, Goku’s perverted teacher, can’t ride the Kinto-Un. Using Goku as an example, our innocent muffins can still have romance/make babies. Their highly innocent nature doesn’t stop them, but normally with these types, they will only have romance/make babies if it’s with one very special person.

This is important to remember; for this genre, romance is a part of maturing and growing up. Most of these shonen heroes end up with someone once they’ve passed a certain point. 

In One Piece Specifically 

When it comes to Oda’s writing specifically, romance between characters doesn’t really play a huge role in One Piece like the way it does in Naruto and Fairy Tail. Everyone who reads OP should recognize this. Whatever ends up happening at the end of One Piece, there aren’t going to be a zillion pairings and those pairings staring off into the sunset. 

There’s that famous line from Oda where he answered a question in the SBS (from chapter 317)

D: Doesn't anyone on Luffy's crew fall in love? Will there never be a tale of on-board romance? (Sanji is an exception in this case) I'm just wondering.

O: OF COURSE THEY'RE IN LOVE... WITH ADVENTURE! (← good one)

The SBS is a place where Oda jokes around with his readers. I think his answer is a good answer because it’s true, and when it comes down to it, a deflective answer.  And whatever else Oda has said or hasn’t said in magazines or interviews, Oda can change his mind about what he wants to include or not include in his manga.

The reason I think this is worth bringing up is because I can see a storytelling shift which has changed in his manga. Romance in any capacity used to play almost no role in the early story. Just think about the type of characters he was creating. You’ve got Nolan’s descendant who hangs out with guys that look like monkeys. You’ve got the giants of Elbaf, you’ve got the Galley-Law company guys. There’s hardly any blood families in the first half either. Vivi and her Dad are a notable example, but they are the minority, not the majority. The first half of the story was mostly focused on people who were not blood related and were making their own families, like the Franky family. Like the Strawhats. 

Post time-skip and New World, we’ve got a very different story being told. With Kyros and his wife Scarlet, Oda actually gave us the backstory to their romance! Dressrosa was set up a bit for that type of story, but I still find it notable. It wasn’t necessary for character motivations for Kyros. It felt like Oda wrote it because he wanted to.

You’ve got romance playing a big role in Whole Cake Island, even with Chiffon and Bege. This is a married couple with a young son, and not the type of characters we’d see in the early story. Sanji and Pudding were more of a serious type of relationship, even with Sanji “choosing to feel love” for Pudding. Guys, that’s...mature. We’ve seen a lot more blood ties in the New World, even to the point of the Big Mom pirates, dysfunctional as they are. 

In the end, you write what you know. When One Piece started, Oda was a single guy, now he’s in his early 40′s with a daughter. The types of stories he’s telling now are based on more mature aspects of his own life. 

Does this mean Luffy will most definitely end up with someone? Of course not. There’s a distinct possibility OP will end with Luffy as he is and there be no pairings of any sort.

But to dismiss the possibility of parings based on Luffy’s reaction to women or something Oda said back in some interview, is also too dismissive of a stance to take. Like his Shonen counterparts, romance for Luffy is a possibility. Remember what I said about the genre; romance is sign of growing up and maturing. Luffy is still growing and maturing, so it isn’t out of the cards.

In the end, Only Oda knows. Until One Piece has concluded, we’ll have to wait and see. 

[beepbeeprichiellc]

Rose Thorns (7/11)

Summary: Richie Tozier and his band find themselves in a once and a life time situation but can Richie step out of his comfort zone to skyrocket the bands chances for success? Eddie Kaspbrak works at the famous Bourbon Room Club and is responsible for the nights entertainment, when a group of misfits audition for him and his boss he finds himself questioning everything he had thought he knew about himself, love and rock and roll.

A/N: *sobs* Eddie! Richie! Noooo!

Word Count: 2016

Masterlist

Part: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) 7 (8) (9) (10) (11)

“When my parents never showed to my graduation I knew I had to get out of there, three months later we are on the road, taking our show to whoever will listen. And so yeah, that’s pretty much my life.”

Eddie had listened to Richie’s description of himself and his past, eager to learn more about the boy who had captivated him. He looked out across the pond, noticing couples strolling together, their hands connecting one another in an intimate display of their affection. The bench beneath him was well hidden, it had been one of his favorite places to stay when he had first came to New York. Central Park was always beautiful, but during spring evenings such as this, there was a magical quality that came alive around them. Eddie knew he should feel suffocated by Richie’s closeness but he instead found himself completely lulled by his rhythmic tone.

“That’s interesting.” Eddie replied, still looking across the pond catching a glimpse of Bill and Stan who were looking up at trees, undoubtedly trying to catch a hint of various birds.

“Not really, I mean not compared to you.” Richie replied casually.

The smaller boy cringed slightly, “My life is not interesting.” He corrected, finally pulling himself away from Bill’s devoted face. “It’s pathetic.”

“Oh come on.” the trashmouth fussed, nudging the manager slightly. “You’re the most interesting person I have ever met.”

“You need to meet more people then.” Eddie retorted, smirking slightly. Richie mumbled something under his breath that he couldn’t catch, suddenly becoming flustered by whatever was spoken. Eddie ignored this, feeling an uncomfortable aura that steadily consumed them.

Richie sighed, leaning his head back against the seat. “I’m surprised that you actually showed today.” He admitted, his gaze fixated on the clouds. “We all thought you were offended by Beverly’s invitation.”

“Why would you think that?” He asked, feeling guilty for insulting the sweet girl who took the time to help him this morning.

“I don’t know.” Richie replied, shrugging. “Maybe because you were super weird about it this morning.”

Eddie’s face crumpled, the feeling of embarrassment and excitement that had overcame him this morning still freshly marked against his soft skin. He looked to Richie, whose face was still casted upward. “I didn’t mean to act weird.” He admitted shyly, “I’m just not offered to do things with people often, it-uh it took me by surprise.”

“What do you mean you aren’t offered to do things?” The trashmouth asked, meeting Eddie’s nervous gaze with his brilliant auburn colored eyes. “You have pictures with all those famous people, you’ve been around the world with Dupree how-“

“For work.” The anxious boy finished. “I met all of those fake people for work, I’ve traveled for work. The only two people who actually know my full name are Ben and Mike. I’m invisible Richie, people don’t see me unless they need me or Dupree takes the time to introduce me.” He watched hurt flash across Richie’s face, immediately replaced with something else.

It wasn’t what Eddie wanted to see, he had seen sympathy in people’s eyes his entire life. Sympathy from the kids in his school when the word faggot had been sprayed across his locker. Sympathy from the doctors his mother had forced him to go see that intended to ‘fix’ him. Sympathy from the shelter workers when he gave his date of birth for the registry. Sympathy from Dupree when he had caught Eddie rummaging through the garbage behind the Bourbon Room.

Sympathy was such a bullshit sentiment.

“Don’t look at me like that.” He hissed, causing Richie to flinch. “I’m not a charity case.”

“I never said you were.” He replied quickly, his voice remaining calm and warm.

“You didn’t have to.” Eddie bit, feeling a deep burn in his chest. “I’ve seen that look before.”

“It’s not like that. I just-“

“I’ve worked hard to get to where I am.”

“I know.”

“I’m well off, people twice my age would kill to do my job.”

“I bet.”

“I’ve done great things with my life. I don’t deserve that look.” The fire burned against his ribs, he could feel his hands shake from his frustration.

“Calm down Eds, I didn’t mean-“

“I’m not just some fucking faggot anymore Richie!”

“Eddie.” The lanky boy finally choked, grabbing hold of his manager’s shoulder. Eddie jumped, taken aback by the sudden touch. “Relax, just take a deep breath.”

The smaller boy obeyed, his lungs inflating as they extinguished the scorching flame in his chest. He couldn’t remember the last time he had become frustrated over something so senseless. Once he was calmed, guilt soon found its way into his gut, burrowing deep. It took a moment, but eventually Eddie found his voice again. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to explode like that.”

“It’s fine.” Richie assured, his thumb tracing circles against Eddie’s shoulder. “Just don’t scare me like that again.” He chuckled, the smile not making it to his eyes. “I thought you were going to whoop my ass for a second there.”

Eddie didn’t reply, completely hypnotized by the sensation of Richie’s tender touch. Instead he looked back across the pond, the world moving forward as if he hadn’t just had his little outburst. Lovers still engaged with one another, completely unaware of the tornado that had ripped through the small boy.

Richie waited patiently for Eddie to return to him, knowing that something he had done had triggered his anger. “I’m sorry Richie.” Eddie breathed, his shoulders slumping slightly in defeat. “I just hate it when people feel sorry for me.”

“I don’t feel sorry for you Eds.” Richie replied, “You are the strongest person I’ve ever met. If anything I admire how you’ve overcame everything. I mean you’re a fucking bad ass.”

There was a blush that crawled up Eddie’s neck. He couldn’t help but meet the trashmouths gaze, feeling a bubble of emotion just under his skin. Richie looked back at him, his eyes hazed, he was far away from Central Park. Far from Eddie. “You’re amazing Eddie.” Richie whispered, his breath hot against Eddie’s skin

Eddie took a small intake of air, surprised by their sudden closeness. “Richie I-“but whatever he had in mind instantly vanished as he felt the lanky boy’s lips against his own. There was a moment where he froze, surprised by the intimate action. Then he understood, finding his hands pulling at Richie’s Nirvana t-shirt, begging for more.

He wasn’t sure how he got here. Richie’s lips were chapped and felt rough as they moved against his. Eddie could taste the cigarettes that clung to him, the nicotine causing his lips to become numb as their poison seeped into him. He felt Richie’s hand press against his neck, forcing him deeper into the kiss.

Eddie had kissed other boys. Three to be exact but it was nothing compared to this. He could feel his heart thump in his hears, his mind lost in the feeling of Richie’s fingers as they played with small hairs at the nape of his neck. He could feel something building between them like an electric impulse before a storm and he wasn’t sure if he had the strength to stop.

He wasn’t sure if he wanted to stop.

“Richie!” Someone called from far away. Eddie practically felt himself snap back into place, pulling away from the trashmouth. Richie frowned as the sound of his back neared. “Richie! Eddie!”

“Oh fuck.” Eddie whined, standing from the bench. “Fuck fuck fuck.”

“What?” Richie asked, “What’s wrong?”

Eddie felt overwhelmed it was like the sun become too bright, the city become too loud, it all became too much. “We shouldn’t have done that.” He choked, feeling the weight of the world press against him. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

“It was just a kiss Eddie.” Richie replied, a slight pinch to his voice. “It’s not the end of the fucking world.”

“You don’t understand.” The small boy blurted. “You don’t understand how wrong this is.”

“Then tell me.” Richie bit, ignoring the sounds of his friends. “Just talk to me, tell me why this is such a bad thing.” Eddie shook his head, taking a few steps away from him. “Don’t do this Eds. Don’t shut me out, just tell me what I did wrong.”

Eddie remained silent, unable to even form another word. He could see the trashmouth break, suddenly angered by the lack of communication that he offered. “Fuck you then.” He hissed, causing the smaller male to flinch. “Fuck you for making me feel like this Eddie.”

The two just stared at one another, Richie’s words eating away the space between them like venom. Eddie opened his mouth to say something, to explain why the Manager of the Bourbon Room couldn’t just make out with the lead singer in his opening act when Stan’s harsh voice cut through them. “Richie! For fucks sake where are you?”

“I’m over here, calm your tits.” Richie yelled, answering his friends. His gaze never left Eddie’s as if searching for an answer that Eddie couldn’t give.

“I should go.” The small boy whispered, backing away from the lead singer. “I-I’m-“

“Eddie.” Richie whispered, “Please stay.”

But he couldn’t, and that was when Eddie walked away, leaving behind a dazed Richie. The sound of the Losers soon faded as the tears that he had been holding back began to fall. He could feel people’s gaze follow him as he made his way out of Central Park but he couldn’t muster the energy to care.

What was wrong with him?

Edward Kaspbrak didn’t kiss his employees.

Edward Kaspbrak didn’t feel this way about people he had just met.

Who in the hell was this person he had become and why did he feel like he someone had ripped his heart from his chest?

He didn’t even know who he was anymore.

 Richie sat on the fire escape, sucking down his fourth cigarette. The city had become dark, igniting the night life. He watched people go on with their lives, unaware of the torment that he had endured. Eddie never came home. The others were worried but he knew, he knew that the manager of the club was somewhere out there, fighting with his own emotions.

He couldn’t bring himself to regret kissing him. It was spontaneous and the results were horrific but Richie was glad he had done it. The feeling that had come to life in him was undefinable. No one in his had ever made him feel like that and he feared no one ever would.

“Richie?” Came a soft voice from inside of the loft.

The trashmouth didn’t need to look to know who it was. “What do you want Bev?” He hissed, not bothering to hide his annoyance.

Beverly ignored his harshness, coming out into the grated ledge. She sat beside him without his permission, stealing one of his cigarettes and lighting it. Richie couldn’t even look at her, sure if he did the façade that he had built would break.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered, leaning against his shoulder and taking in a long drag. Richie could feel her hair as it tickled his neck, forcing him to bite back his emotions. “It’ll all work out okay? Just don’t worry about it.”

Richie hung his head, the tears just at the brim of his barrier. “Beverly, please-“

“He loves you too. I know he does.”

He broke then, and soon he found himself leaning into his band mate. She accepted him in full, wrapping her arms around him as he sobbed into her chest. “Shhhh.” She soothed, running her long fingers through his mess of curls. “It’s okay Rich. It’ll all be okay.”

“B-But what if it isn’t.” He asked, his voice breaking slightly. “What if he doesn’t feel the same?”

“He does Rich. Just give him time.”

Richie nodded his head, “Okay.” He chocked, feeing Beverly trace invisible patterns on his back that seemed to ground him. “I will.”

And he planned on giving Eddie the space and time he needed, knowing his past affected the way he reciprocated emotions. But one thing was abundantly clear as Beverly whispered encouraging things to him,

He couldn’t wait forever.

Tag List: @deebaddee @bitchardtozier @richietoaster @bepbeprichie  @the-awkward-lettuce-turtle @lizwillstealyourgirl @spicyymoon–lovve @decaffeinatedpostmoon @wintersember

[snippychicke]

For the Sake of a Smile--Short Nine

Title: For the Sake of a Smile-- Short Nine: Man to... Man? Talk

Fandom: Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun!

Summary: Hell on earth was your motto for your job. Granted, you were pretty sure earth really was hell, considering the shit you had seen. And the fact your coworker was a child. Suzuki Iruma, in fact. A kid who’s life was decidedly worse than yours, but smiled despite everything.

And you’d do a lot for his smile. Including summoning a demon and signing your life away.

But as it turns out, hell (The Netherworld, actually) was a lot better than living on earth. Demons were more humane than a lot of humans you knew.

And Iruma’s smile wasn’t the only one that would change your life.

Chapter Nine | Ao3| mairimashitai! Simps Discord

Balam set the stack of picture books on the table, happy to see Iruma smile excitedly. "These should go over the subjects you're having difficulty with. Bahamut's reign over the southern waste, and some of the magic fundamentals you may be missing.”

"Thanks so much, Professor!" The boy grinned, flipping through some of the pages carefully, examining the artwork inside. "I know mom will love to read the ones on magic to help her with those Runes." 

"Er, speaking of your mother…" Balam started, rubbing his neck, and then itching at the prickly hair growing there. 

"Oh, yeah! Did she come see you earlier?"

He blinked at the boys question, a little surprised by it. Iruma caught the confused expression and chuckled nervously. "My class and I… we noticed you've been on edge. And - well - one thing led to another and we asked mom if she knew what was going on, since none of us exactly wanted to ask Professor Kalego. But, she's avoided us ever since, so I-I was worried about what happened." 

"It's… complicated," He admitted after a moment of contemplation. Maybe he should write a book on molt and other such cycles of other types of demons. Not just for you and Iruma,  but maybe for future students as well to help foster understanding. 

Though so far only a few from the misfit class seemed interested in them. Clara in particular, from what Iruma had said in the past. 

"She did help," Balam continued, pushing those thoughts away until later. "Hopefully things should be more normal." At least, for a day or two. Then he secretly worried he'd go hunting for you, tempted by your earlier offer. "But, something she said made me wonder… how exactly do humans… court?" 

It was awkward asking Iruma such a thing, but his alternative was asking you - and he feared that would be even more awkward. Would you assume (correctly) that he was asking because of you, or just because he was curious? After all, the deeper mechanics of human society was a complete mystery to him. 

"Court?" Iruma repeated thoughtfully. "Well, from what I understand that's pretty much what we call 'dating'. And - well - usually people will spend time together, and maybe bring each other gifts, like chocolates or other sweets, and flowers. Plus, you know, hold hands and stuff like that." 

That's really all it took to court in the human realm? It seemed so… tame. Granted, he had always theoriezed their world was simpler and kinder than the Netherworld. 

Wait - spending time together? Bringing gifts like sweets, holding hands and being affectionate? 

Those… were things you had been doing. You would often come to visit and spend time with him when you could. And ever since Opera exposed his secret sweet tooth, you often brought something from the kitchens to share while you talked. 

While you never really initiated anything, you never complained about his skin-ship habit. If anything, you embraced his touch - often happily leaning into him.

You hadn't argued when Kalego teased about flirting as he had expected. Instead, you had looked at him silently - obviously flustered, but he had been too flustered himself to really think. 

Actually… that's when things had seemed to change, and you had more or less withdrawn from him.

Had he missed some kind of basic human cue? Had you already been courting him? And he had been completely oblivious as Kalego claimed.

Both panic and excitement gripped his heart as his thoughts became a disjointed mess. Could you really have been trying to court, was that why you asked about it today? Had he unknowingly messed things up? 

"Uh, professor?" Iruma spoke, shocking him out of his thoughts. "Are you okay?" 

"Oh yes," He answered, forcing a smile. "Just… distracted for a moment there. I'm sorry." 

"It's okay, I just agreed to meet Ameri in five minutes…" 

Balam's smile became more natural, though equally hidden by his mask as he reached over to ruffle the boy's hair affectionately. "Best not keep the council president waiting. Just let me know what you think of the books later." 

"Of course!" The boy carefully placed the books in his bag before holstering it over his shoulder. "Oh, and Professor Balam?" He paused halfway towards the door. "I really do hope you and Mom figure things out, and I know Grandpa and Opera are cheering you guys on too." 

With that, Iruma left while Balam was struggling to process his words, and the implications behind them.