#my cart was so full an assistant asked what i was doing with all of em. these nice books are gonna go live on a book farm upstate natch

[laurelnose]

four children were individually carried out of the building screaming and sobbing today. just a very loud & emotionally intense day at the library for no goddamn fucking reason

[teaboot]

How do Canadian schools teach about indigenous Canadian history and culture? -a curious USAmerican

In my experience we learned about colonization at the same time as we learned about the formation of Canada. At first it was "European settlers came and pushed out the indigenous population", then in the higher grades we learned more about the how and the why.

For example, how carts full of men with rifles would ride around shooting Buffalo, then leaving the meat on the ground to rot, because "a dead Buffalo is a dead indian", which was so fanatical it almost wiped out wild Buffalo entirely

Also how Canadian settlers were lured in with beautiful hand-painted advertisements for cheap, beautiful, fertile land that was unpopulated and perfect, if only you'd sail over with your entire family and a pocket full of seeds- only to be met with scared, confused, and angry lawful inhabitants already run out of ten other places, and frigid winters, and rocky, forested, undeveloped dirt.

also, smallpox blankets, where "gifts" of blankets infected with smallpox were intentionally given out

And treaty violations- Either ignoring written agreements entirely, or buying them out at insanely low prices and lying about the value, or trading for farming equipment that they couldn't use because they weren't farmers.

Then in the first world war, where they told indigenous peoples here that they'd be granted Canadian citizenship if they enlisted

To Residential schools, which was straight up stealing kids for slavery, indoctrination, and medical experiments

But we also covered the building of the Canadian Railway in which Chinese immigrants were lowered into ravines with dynamite to blow out paths through the mountain for pennies on the dollar

And the Alberta Sterilization Act, where it was lawful and routine procedure to sterilize women of colour and neurodivergent people without their awareness or consent after giving birth or undergoing unrelated surgeries

But I'm rambling.

We kind of learned Aboriginal history at the same time as everything else? Like. This is when Canada was made, and this is how it was done. Now we'll read a book about someone who lived through it, and we'll write a book report. And now a documentary, and now a paper about the documentary. Onto the next unit.

And starting I think in grade 10 our English track was split between English and Aboriginals English, where you could choose to do the standard curriculum or do the same basic knowledge stuff with a focus on Aboriginal perspectives and literature. (I did that one, we read Three Day's Road and Diary Of A Part-Time Indian, and a few other titles I don't remember.)

There was also a lunch room for the Aboriginal Culture Studies where Aboriginal kids could hang out at lunch time if they wanted, full of art and projects and stuff. They'd play music or videos sometimes, that was cool

And one elective I took (not mandatory cirriculum) was a Kwakiutl course for basic Kwakwakaʼwakw language. Greetings, counting to a hundred, learning the modified alphabet, animals, etc. Still comes in handy sometimes at large gatherings cause they usually start with a land recognition thanking whoever's land we're on, with a few thanks and welcomes in their language.

And like- when I was in the US it was so weird, cause here we have Totem poles and longhouses and murals all over and yall... don't? Like there is a very distinct lack of Aboriginal art in your public spaces, at least in the areas I've been

My ex-stepfather, who was American, brought his son out once, and he was so excited to "see real indians" and was legitimately shocked to learn that there weren't many teepees to be found on the northwest coast, and was even *more* shocked when we told him that you have Aboriginal people back home too, bud. Your Aboriginal people are also named "Mike" snd "Vicky" and work as assistant manager at best buy.

If you'd ask me, I'd say that the primary difference is that USAmerica (from what I've seen, and ALSO in entirely too much of Canada) treats our European and Aboriginal conflicts as history, something that's tragic but over, like the extinction of the mammoths, instead of like. An ongoing thing involving people who are alive and numerous and right fucking here

But at the end of the day, I'm white, and there are plenty of actual Aboriginal people who are speaking out and saying much more meaningful things than I can

So I'm just gonna pass on a quote from my Stepmum, who's Cree, that's stuck with me since she said it:

"You see how they treat Mexicans in America? That's how they treat us here. Indians are the Mexicans of Canada."

[sehyunie23]

|Summer Fic|

Nothing's Gonna

Change My Love For

You - Aespa Karina

Y/n POV

"Mun, how many orders do we have for tomorrow?" I asked my assistant.

"Based on our calendar, we have..." Mun looked at our records while I compute our profits for this week.

"We have 10 orders for this week," Mun said as he looked at me.

"10? That's quite a lot," I chuckled as I put the financial papers away.

"You accepted it, not me," Mun said as he raised his hands.

"Oh get out you smarty pants!" I said as Mun just giggled and went out of his spot, probably going to get some good food because it's already lunchtime.

I stretched from my seat and closed my computer, then gonna go outside to breathe some fresh air.

Grabbing my coat, I left my office and went on my way to the building's exit, also greeting some of my employees along the way.

Going out, the bustling sounds of the busy city hit me. Cars honking, the clacks of the people's shoes, music blaring from afar. If you are not in a great mood, you will be irritated from where I am standing.

I then walked some steps and arrived at my cafe slash restaurant where some of my creativity and love for food is poured in.

Entering what is like my second home, I see many customers eating and enjoying the ambiance of my cafe which puts a smile on my face. I then went to the kitchen where the pastries and some savory food were already plated, ready to be served to our customers.

"Y/n! Nice to see you again. Your good is gaining popularity huh?" Jun, one of my managers went up to me as he picked up a tray full of food.

"Tell me about it. And pasta?" I asked as I saw his tray, plates full of pasta.

"Well, you know. You going for that European vibes has it's perks," Jun said which made us both giggle.

"Uh... Can anyone speak English or French? I have a customer right now but I don't speak both languages," Mihyun said as she opened the door to the kitchen and pouted.

"Mihyun, didn't I tell you to study English?" I raised an eyebrow at the girl.

"Oppa~," Mihyun then whined and stomped her feet.

We all laughed at her but I went to the counter with her following in tail. Seeing the customer, I put up my smile and greeted him.

"Bonjour! Bienvenue dans notre café. Qu'aimerais-tu commander?" (Good morning! Welcome to our cafe. What would you like to order?) I said and the customer smiled and proceeded to tell his order.

Punching the items on the computer, Mihyun is watching intensely beside me, eager to be better at her job and that's a good thing.

"Je vais donc répéter votre commande. deux croissants, trois macarons et deux chocolats chauds?" (So I will repeat your order. two croissants, three macaroons, and two hot chocolates?) I said and the man happily nodded.

"Oui, merci beaucoup," The man said and I entered his order into our system.

"Vous souhaitez payer en espèces ou par carte?" (Do you want to pay by cash or card?) I asked and looked at the man.

"Je paierai par carte s'il vous plaît," (I will pay by card please) The customer said and took the payment for his order and then he gave his name and voila, the transaction was finished.

"Wah~ you sound so sexy speaking French oppa!" Mihyun said and squealed making me laugh at her silliness.

"Oh you little pumpkin," I said and ruffled her hair, making her laugh.

Giggling as well, I then looked at the operation of my business, and from what I saw, it was doing well. I hope that it continues for a long time.

_______________

Karina POV

"Good job for today girls, your promotions end today, and give yourself a clap. Congratulations!" Our manager said and the staff clapped, congratulating us, making me and my group mates thank them.

"Thank you all! We couldn't do this without all of you!" I said and bowed in front of them.

And from there, we celebrated with our staff. Ningning being the youngest, leads the crazy things or dances as she just wants to party.

I still keep a stance, being a leader means responsibility. Looking out for my members, our manager went to me, whispering something.

"Hey, you guys up for dinner after this?" She asked.

"Eun unnie, when did we refuse food?" I asked making her chuckle.

"Okay, I know a place," Unnie said.

"We gonna eat somewhere delicious?!" Minjeong suddenly appeared at my back, asking her question.

"Woah, chill out. Yeah, I know a place," Unnie repeated.

"Oh! Is it the place where you brought the delicious croissants?" Minjeong asked and unnie smiled.

"Yep! Nice memory," Unnie answered.

"Hah! You know me unnie~," Minjeong said as she flicked her hair.

"Show off," I said and Minjeong just glared at me, making me giggle.

"Anyways, I know the owner. I will take a call now," Unnie said.

"Wait! Food!" Ningning suddenly latched herself to unnie.

"Aigoo you baby. Karina!" Unnie squealed as Ningning was piggybacking on Manager unnie.

I laughed at the sight with Minjeong, Aeri arrived here as well, joining in the laughter. Several minutes passed, and I was sitting on the sofa, scrolling through my Instagram until my eyes saw a croissant and an eclair.

Looking at the pastries makes me hungry, I thought that this couldn't be. I need to make someone hungry as well.

I looked to my side and saw Aeri, I smirked and was about to do my plan until she sush me.

"I know what you are going to do Jimin, no," Aeri said which made me pout.

Aeri then looked at me with a smirk on her face, making me scoff.

"Hah! You can't do that to me Jimin. Also, I know Y/n," Aeri said.

"Y/n?" I asked, confused.

"Oh, he's the owner of the restaurant where we will go later," Aeri answered.

"Aha! I love his pastries! Let's go!" I squealed in delight.

"Maybe you will love him more," Aeri smirked.

"Aigoo you flirt, come!" I said, picking up my jacket.

"Girls! Let's go!" Eun unnie said to us and we followed her to the van.

________________

Y/n POV

"Yah! You little shit! Come back here!" Mun said as Mihyun decided to play a prank on him.

"Oppa~ do you love chocolats?~ Because I always see you in pain," Mihyun burst into laughter while I stifled mine, especially on that little pun Mihyun just said.

At this point in time, the store is usually closed but Eun noona, one of my closest friends called me for a reservation and I just accepted it. Of course, I couldn't do it myself so I asked some of my staff on who wanted to do overtime and luckily, Mihyun and Mun agreed.

"That pun was so bad. Pain au Chocolat?" I chuckled and Mihyun just giggled.

"Come on Y/n. That's not you to laugh at a joke like that," Mun said while wiping himself clean from the flour.

"Wah~ It's good to give exceptions sometimes," I said, calming down from my laughter.

"Not you too," Mun groaned, but a sight for Mihyun who was on the ground, laughing like it was her last day.

"Y-you! HAHAHA!" Mihyun wheezing on the floor and I just let them be.

Suddenly, I heard the door to my restaurant open. Looking at my two co-workers for the night, I giggled at them before leaving the kitchen and opening the front door for my last customers.

Walking to the entrance, I saw a group of girls waiting, with being the first one, of course

"Eun! WHAAAA!" I said as I opened the door.

"YAH!!!! Y/N YOU LITTLE!" Eun jumped and ruffled my hair.

"Ow! Yah! Aish," I said, preventing Eun to pull all of my hair.

"Y/n oppa! I want a croissant," Aeri said.

"Really?" I said a little bit annoyed as Aeri just giggled at me.

"Aiyoo, we want food! Hurry hurry!" Eun said and released my head, then she smacked my butt.

"I wish I just closed my shop," I said and sighed. Just then, the other girls just chuckled at us.

"Oh! Hello everyone! I'm Y/n, the owner of this humble shop. Also, Eun and Aeri, my loyal customers already know me as you saw earlier," I said, glaring at the two girls and they just looked at me innocently.

"Anyways, Welcome!" I said and bowed to them. The other girls clapped at me, making me smile.

"Hello! We are Aespa!" The four girls introduced their selves.

"I'm Karina, leader of the group. The one beside me is Minjeong, next to Aeri is Ningning, and you know. Aeri herself," A girl named Karina spoke, introducing her members.

"Well, nice to meet you all! I hope you enjoy our dinner menu and from what I heard from Eun, you all like my pastries, and with that, I'm very thankful," I said with a sincere smile.

Just then, Mihyun went out of the kitchen with menus in her arms and walked towards us.

"Bonsoir! Welcome to our cafe! Let's get you seated!" Mihyun greeted them cheerfully.

__________________

Karina POV

"I want an eclair!" Ningning said.

"Can I have a gelato?" Minjeong asked.

"We only have Oreo, Choco Fudge, and Coffee," the girl named Mihyun said.

"Can I have a combination of Choco Fudge and Coffee?" Minjeong asked.

"Absolutely," Mihyun answered.

"I will do that please, thank you," Minjeong said with a smile.

"Okay~, for your Aeri?" Mihyun asked.

"Hit me up with a coffee gelato," Aeri said and Mihyun wrote it down, then she looked at me.

"And what will be your dessert Karina-ssi?" Mihyun asked.

"Do you have choices?" I asked.

"I can guide you to our cafe if you want," Mihyun suggested to me.

"Please," I said with a smile. Mihyun retorted about the actions and told me to follow her.

Not far from our table, I saw Y/n with another behind the counter full of beautiful-looking pastries.

"Mun! One Choco Fudge with Coffee gelato and one coffee gelato. Also, one eclair," Mihyun said to the man beside Y/n.

"On it!" Mun said as he scooped the gelato.

"Karina-ssi, you can pick whatever you want," Y/n said making me smile at him.

I walked closer to the counter where the pastries were displayed and there, my eyes wandered from every bread. Having a hard time picking, a pair of eyes then met mine and I just felt something.

Not strange, not weird. Just something I can't explain for the moment.

"Having a hard time picking?" Y/n said from behind the counter.

"Yeah, they all look nice, to be honest," I said with a smile.

I mean, seeing them displayed is just like going to an art museum.

"Thanks! That meant a lot to me," Y/n said.

"Say, mind recommending me one?" I asked, now looking at Y/n.

"Well, I do have one. It's my favorite" Y/n said and stood up, making me follow his actions.

"Really? What is it?" I said, intrigued.

"Well, here!" Y/n said and picked up a tray of beautifully made pastries.

"Woah~," the cake just made me look in awe at how gorgeous it is.

"Three Chocolate Plaisir. Layers after layers, with each layer offering different textures," Y/n smiled as he gave me two pieces.

"I will trust you on this," I said while giggling.

"I promise you that you won't regret it," Y/n said confidently.

"I would hold on to that. Thanks Y/n!" I said.

"No problem Karina-ssi. Have a nice dinner," Y/n said and I nodded with a smile. I then picked up the plate and went back to our table and just as I was about to sit, the girls were very jealous of my dessert, making me laugh at them.

_________________

Y/n POV

"Wha~ I saw Aespa!" Mihyun began to daydream while wiping the plates.

"Yet they don't know you. HAH!" Mun said to counter Mihyun.

"Shut up~, Minjeong gave me an autograph," Mihyun said as she looked at Mun, totally annoyed.

"WHY ARE YOU SO LUCKY!" Mun shouted.

"Now now, calm down Mun. Now that we are finished here. Care to close the shop for me?" I asked Mun gently.

"Okay, but!" Mun started and looked at me.

"But what?" I ask.

"I want Aespa's autograph," Mun said but I smacked his head before he could mutter another word.

"But, but!" Mun tried to reason.

"Go to their fan meeting. Tell me and I will buy you a ticket," I said and Mun immediately nodded.

"Okay! Go now and I will close the store happily!" Mun said, now humming. A complete turnaround from his attitude earlier.

"He's a certified my," Mihyun said.

"Tell me about it," I giggled.

I then picked up a bag containing of many ready-to-bake pastries for the Aespa girls and Eun, giving it to them as a token of appreciation.

Going out of the kitchen, I went to their table where I saw them getting ready to leave.

"Wait! I want to give these to you all," I said and gave them the bags.

"Oh? What's this Y/n?" Eun asked.

"It's our ready-to-bake item. Take it as a gift," I said with a smile.

"Strawberry croissant?! Yes! Thank you! I will eat this well!" Ningning exclaimed, making me release a chuckle.

"Oh no. It's nothing," I said while waving my hands.

"Oh! Speaking of baking. Jimin? You will ask a question right?" Eun said as she pushed Karina a bit, making me look at the latter.

"U-uh. I-I love yo- WHA! I mean I love bread!" Karina said, a little startled, making me look at her weirdly with a giggle.

Suddenly, the other girls just began coughing. Ningning then smacked the table hard, looking away from me.

I then looked at Karina, fiddling with her fingers, holding the pack of ready-to-bake bread.

"I guess you want to learn how to bake Karina-ssi?" I asked and the girl's eyes widened, making me smile.

"You can call me, or even tell Eun for for the time. Whenever you are free, just ring me up," I said and Karina smiled and nodded shyly.

"Okay. Now that all is finished, here's our payment Y/n," Eun said as she showed me their company card.

"Okay~," I said and took the card for their payment.

________________

Karina POV

It's been days since we ate in Y/n' oppa's restaurant and it's also been days since my members teased me using Y/n.

"Step to the left but put more energy on the arms when you swing it, okay?" Our instructor said.

"Ne!" We all answered and the instructor said her goodbye and Eun unnie went in front of us.

"Okay everyone~. Aeri, Minjeong, and Ning, you are finished for today~," Eun unnie said which made me confused.

"Wait? I still have on my schedule?!" I whined at unnie.

"At this hour?! She still have-", Aeri is starting to be angry until,

"Y/n. This is your freest time for the next two weeks so why not now?" Eun said as Aeri's anger turned into a smirk.

"Yah yah yah! Shut up Aeri!" I said while glaring at her.

"I'm not saying anything~," Aeri teasingly said.

I looked away from them clearing my throat. Now what happened to me? I was so tired until Eun unnie said where I was going.

"Unnie, bring me a delicious croissant okay? Thank you!" Minjeong said as she ran outside our practice room.

"Yeah unnie! Bring me home- I mean! Bring something delicious! Minjeong! Wait for me!" Ningning followed suit as Aeri walked out slowly, giving me funny faces, and making me glare at her.

"Okay, now come on. Let's go to him," Okay?" Eun unnie said

"Yeah, let's go," I wore a hoodie and went outside of the company with Eun unnie.

I saw our van and was about to go in until Eun unnie tapped me, pointing at another car.

"Eh?" I muttered.

"Y/n will teach you. He is also responsible for you now," Just as Eun unnie said that, the car behind our van flashes its light grabbing my attention.

I looked at unnie at first, a little bit uneasy but Eun unnie just nodded with a smile on her face.

Slowly walking to the car behind, I was about to knock on the window until it rolled down, revealing Y/n.

"Service for Ms. Yoo Jimin?" Y/n said with a tease, making me smile.

"Maybe this is not so bad after all. Great job Jimin," I said in my thoughts.

Smiling at my thoughts, I went inside his car and fastened my seatbelt.

"So, croissants?" I asked and looked at Y/n.

"Croissants. Okay!" Y/n said with a smile then we were on our way.

_______________

Y/n POV

"Now fold the dough again," I said.

"Again?! But we folded it earlier?" Karina whined.

"The more, the better Karina-ssi" I teasingly said.

"But my hands!" Karina whined cutely, making me giggle.

"Then, should I help you?" I asked. Then Karina looked at me with the cutest puppy eyes that I have ever seen.

"Please~," Karina said with a pout. Now, Karina is just displaying her real beauty.

"Okay, now move as-,"

"No," Karina cut me off.

"No?" I asked.

"No. Guide me," Karina said and turned her back to me, making me giggle.

"You are awfully comfortable with me now huh?" I teased.

"Oh shut it. Let's go make a croissant!" Karina said angrily, but to me, she looked like a puppy, making my smile wider.

I then went behind Karina then slowly, I put my hands above hers, guiding her the right way to make my best selling croissants.

But while my body is helping her to do the pastries, my mind is overjoyed and giddy.

I have many friends that are girls but Karina, the way she trusts me even though we don't know each other very well, she trusts me.

Now, I may be overthinking at this but when a girl trusts you, it's a good thing, very good thing, especially when you are a boy.

The way our hands touched each other, ignited a spark that may be merely just a small thing, but that small thing affected me in just seconds.

Thinking for a bit, we do look like a couple. A couple that is on the brink of marriage, wait what?

Shrugging at my thoughts, I then heard Karina laughing like a kid playing with its toys.

I see Karina folding and rolling the dough over and over again. At one point I even released my hand for her to move freely and she just looked at me proudly at her work.

"You're a natural Karina-ssi," I said.

"Call me Jimin. I would like that even more," Karina or I mean, Jimin said, making me look at her.

"Oh? You know I'm flattered that you will let me call you by your name," I said.

"Well, I'm an outgoing girl and by what I feel, I'm comfortable with you," Jimin bluntly said.

"You are such a straightforward girl," I laughed making Jimin giggle as well.

"Knowing Yoo Jimin 101!" Jimin said excitedly.

"Okay okay, let's cut it to portions now or Eun will kill me," I said, Jimin then laughed and nodded.

_______________

Y/n POV

"Delivery for Incheon, Daegu, Anyang, and Seongnam for this week?" I asked Mun.

"Seongnam and Anyang deliveries are already finished. Incheon and Daegu are the places that have big orders," Mun said as he placed the equities and expenses on my table.

"D'accord. Anything else for today?" I asked.

"Well, Mihyun did deliver the croissants you and your girlfr- I mean Karina," Mun said and I threw a crumpled paper to his face.

"Aigoo. There you are again," I said a little bit annoyed.

*bzzt bzzt*

"Would you look at that, your phone vibrates. Come, let's take a bet. If that's Karina, I will work for you for free next week," Mun said.

"And if this is not Karina, I will put you and Mihyun on a date," I said and Mun coughed, making me giggle.

For now, it's the moment of truth. I opened my phone and its...

" Jiminie🐨

Oppa! We received the croissants we made! They are so delicious, we made them well. The mixture of the dough is perfect..... like us. Anyways, have a great day! Thanks to Mihyun-ssi as well! ♡♡♡ "

My eyes widened and Mun took a peek as well but the smirk on his face was bigger than ever.

"Well well well~ who do we have here? Oh! Jiminie~ perfect like us," Mun teasingly said, squealing at the same time.

"Wha. I mean, what did I do for her to tease me like this?" I asked, blushing because of Jimin's words.

"I'm gonna talk to Eun about this," I said.

"Hah! Yeah right. I bet you like it," Mun said as he left me alone in my office.

"I didn't like. I love it," I whispered, smiling, and my heart is like happily dancing on its own.

"You are something Jimin,"

I chuckled at my thoughts and looked at my computer. Nah, I think I have something better to do.

I stood up, grabbed my coat, and left my office in a hurry, but carefully.

__________________

Karina POV

"This unnie. Why is she initiating the moves?" Minjeong asked.

"Because this dumb girl didn't give her number to his man," Aeri answered.

"Oh well. Whatever you say, I say that croissants are the best!" Ningning said while munching on her second bread.

"Aish. Let your leader be, girls. What Karina wants, Karina gets," Eun unnie said.

"I'm pretty sure Y/n oppa would fall in love when a girl messaged him that they are perfect," Ningning said.

"And that's my plan," I smirked.

"Aiyoo, you will be the death of me Karina," Eun unnie said which made me giggle.

"But you know, I heard from the higher-ups, they want to put you in a dating rumor with Taeyong," Aeri whispered.

"What?!" I exclaimed then looked at unnie.

"I will stop that, whatever it takes Karina, with all my power," Eun unnie assured me and placed her arm on my shoulders.

"Okay. I know you always protect us unnie," I said with a gentle smile and held Eun unnie's hand.

"Yep! If that did happen. I will kill the management," Eun unnie joked, making us laugh.

_________________

Y/n POV

"Our revenue is up by 10%!" Mun said excitedly.

"Really? Seongnam really is a game-changer huh?" I said and Mun nodded happily.

"Who suggested Seongnam?" I asked.

"IT WAS ME!!!" Mihyun barged into our office, holding two coffees.

"Aish. Yah! Don't need to do that. Aigoo," I said, a little startled at how she entered my office.

"Hehehe~, Seongnam for the win! That's my hometown!" Mihyun danced joyfully. I then looked at Mun looking at Mihyun with hearts shooting from his eyes.

Looking at the sight, I think I will plan their date earlier than my planned day.

Chuckling at the future couple, I then looked at my computer and saw an article from Dispatch.

________________

Karina POV

"Aish ssibal. Are they real for now?!" Eun unnie slammed the pile of papers on our floor.

"The NCT members don't know this either. They are beyond confused right now," Aeri said.

"But why in the hell Dispatch?" I asked, curling into a ball.

"Don't worry unnie, I'm here," Minjeong came beside me.

I smiled at the girl and hugged her tightly like a teddy bear.

"Yep! Me too!" Ningning also went to my left, hugging me, and showing her support.

I smiled at our maknaes as they can be a child at heart but when times like this appear, they are probably the most reliable person on earth.

"Something that will never change about businessmen is their love for money," Aeri clicked her tongue.

"Now that's just bad. Exclude me Aeri," A voice coming from a man said.

We all looked at the man and saw Y/n holding a bag. My eyes widened and hid myself behind Minjeong.

"Y/n! Thank you for this, really," Eun unnie sighed and took the bag from Y/n oppa.

"Seems something is up," Y/n oppa asked as he looked at us.

"O, the higher-ups want to stir the cash flow of this company," Eun unnie sighed.

"By using their idols in such a way? By the way, do Karina also-," Y/n oppa asked.

"Andwae! I love you Y/n oppa! You make my heart beat irregularly, you make me go crazy for you. We just met once, bonded once, croissants! But I feel something special when I'm with you! My happiness, pastry chef! My l-," I said in the heat of the moment but my brain not working as well.

I then regained my senses and looked at the people here with me in the practice room. My eyes widen, thinking about what I just said.

I see the maknaes smirking, Aeri humming, and Eun unnie pointing at the ceiling like it was something amusing.

Sighing at what I did, I faced the wall, ashamed. Before my forehead could touch the wall, I was grabbed by someone making me face him, hugging me tightly.

"Don't worry Jimin. Nothing's gonna change my love for you, whatever the rumors, whatever the problems," Y/n oppa started, making me look up at him.

Ningning and Minjeong squealed like little kids because of how high-pitched it was, Aeri who was surprised enjoyed the drama unfolding in front of her.

"I gotta admit Jimin, you stole my feelings from our first meeting. I don't believe in love at first sight but gosh Karina, you are something special. Just like what you said, the mixture of the dough is perfect, just like us," Y/n oppa said with a smile and then kissed my forehead making me gasp.

"Omo omo omo, what's this?! This is such a fast turn of events," Aeri exclaimed.

"Nope. Let's get out of here. Croissants! Come on Aeri unnie," Ningning said and dragged the older girl with her. Minjeong and Eun unnie went out while giggling, giving me a wink before closing the door.

Silence then followed suit and my look at Y/n oppa strengthened.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" Y/n oppa giggled as he caressed my hair.

"Wae? Yah! Why are you laughing huh?!" I said while smacking his chest but Y/n oppa just hugged me tighter, laughing.

________________

Y/n POV

"You know I'm gonna ask for you to have another lesson with me," I said, teasing the girl beside me.

"AWH! Please stop! Don't tease me!" Jimin said, hiding her hot pink face from me.

Looking at Jimin in this state is so funny, who knew that behind the cold gaze on her face is a warm and loving girl.

"Aww~ is this the same Jimin that messaged me th-," Jimin puts a finger on my lips.

"Shhh! Okay! I'm that girl, please don't tease me~," Jimin nuzzles her head in my arms, making me smile

Right now, we are in the living room of their dorm. The other girls are in the kitchen, again, respecting our privacy I think.

"I mean, I'm gonna confess too but not this early. You really know how to mess up a plan someti-OW!" I said but received an elbow from Jimin.

"I bet you are not, you are a wimp! Hmph!" Jimin said, sulking.

"Oho~, showing me this side of yours already?" I teased, poking her arm.

"Yah! How many times do I tell you to HMMM!" Jimin was talking until I cupped her cheeks and kissed her on the lips.

A good 10 seconds passed and I decided to cut the kiss. Looking at Karina whose eyes are shut while puckering her lips, I giggled at her and connected our lips again.

Loving someone who you barely knew must be risky, but sometimes risks bring in the grand of rewards.

________________

Y/n POV

"What's our delivery for this week?" I asked.

"We have Busan, Incheon, and Daegu as our big bundle. Seongnam, Anyang, and Jeju for our regular," Mihyun said, looking at me.

"How about our SM branch?" I asked.

"Oh, well it's good. Many artists, staff, and even the admins love your food," Mihyun said happily.

"I know that I can always trust you Mihyun," I said with a smile.

"Merci, je ne pourrais pas le faire sans votre aide," (Thank you, I couldn't do it without your help) Mihyun bowed but what surprised me was that she spoke fluent French.

"Woah! Where did that come from?!" I excitingly.

"I just study~, I told you that I work hard," Mihyun said and flicked her hair, making me giggle.

"Babe! Let's go. Our boss is still single," Mun said and held Mihyun's hand.

"Aish, you brat. Don't look down on me," I said.

"Y/nnie~, I need my hugs and kisses!" Jimin barged into my office and ran straight to me.

Mihyun chuckled while I smirked at Mun who was looking somewhere else.

"Ah! I will be going. Goodbye Y/n, Karina-ssi," Mihyun bowed.

"Aww. Goodbye unnie! Have a great day!" Jimin said to Mihyun.

"Bye~! Great job!" I said and Mihyun bowed, then walked to the door. Being the mischievous girl she is, she smacked Mun's butt.

"YAWWW!" Mun exclaimed and Mihyun just walked out like nothing happened.

"YOU! COME BACK HERE!" Mun said and ran out of my office.

Two years since we met each other personally, Jimin and my relationship didn't waver, instead, it just kept getting better and better.

Karina's dating rumor didn't work for creating good revenue for SM, their stocks even plummeted. That's where I come in, I purchased a minority from SM, and safe to say that Aespa really liked that move.

Running a business is hard, no doubt, but when you have a woman who supports you in everything like this cutie little Jiminie right here. Fatigue will not even exist in your vocabulary.

"How are you babe?" I asked as Karina was sitting on my lap.

"Fine, just came from our practice," Jimin said as she wiggled, making herself comfortable.

"Anything I can do?" I asked and immediately, Jimin faced me with a smirk on her face.

Jimin pushed the lock button on my table and made the window not transparent from the outside.

"Maybe, we can do something spicy," Jimin said while biting her lip, her seductive voice. It's so alluring.

The next thing that I know, one of us is fighting for dominan- You know what, I will stop here.

But Jimin will sometimes be moody and I can't do anything about it. So I promised since the day she gave her trust to me.

I promise that I'll be there for her if she should need me. Jimin, you don't have to change a thing because I love you just the way you are jagiya.

"The world may change my whole life through, but nothing's gonna change my love for you Jimin. I love you"

________________________________

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

Here's a two-parter idea for hc (idk this time if it's a full or a Mini, I'll let you choose ;) )

1. How do the M6 hold babies? Who's a natural and who has the stiff "toddler who's meeting their baby sibling for the first time" hold? Who likes them & vice versa? Who's the person you hand a baby to & then immediately have to take it back bc something about their aura immediately made the baby freak out?

2. Similar vein; like the wands in Harry Potter, we all know kids pick and choose who they like & nobody has a choice in the matter. Which of the M6 do kids like? Who's a natural child repellent? Who do the kids always undyingly attach themselves to even though by all means that person seems like the last parson the children would fall in love with?

Feel free to include the courtiers or any other side characters too if you like, I think that'd be funny

The Arcana HCs: M6 with Kids

~ @themushroomgoesyeet this started out as a mini-hc and then I got so carried away I turned them into a full series. XD thanks friend! ^.^ - brainrot ~

Julian

Loves kids!! so young! so small! so full of life and energy!

Kids tend to be initially cautious when approaching him (he's so tall, and edgy-looking, and kind of loud)

But as soon as he notices them he's folding up his gangly legs so he can crouch at their level and make eye contact and ask them about their day and introduce himself to their toys

And oh my, the stories he comes up with - it's not uncommon for you to lose him in the marketplace and come back about thirty minutes later to find him seated on a crate, about fifteen children of varying ages sitting in front of him, hanging onto his every word with stars in their eyes as he props up a toddler with one hand and wildly gestures with the other

Depending on how enthusiastic his audience gets and how much time he has to work with, he may or may not teach them the basics of improv and catch them up in acting out his story

It's impossible to pull him away once he's appointed different kids to their roles and gotten them started on his fantastical adventure

Remembers all their names and faces and preferences and goes out of his way to wave hello to them if he ever spots them while he's out and about

Asra:

Kids love the look and smell and feel of them but they rarely approach them because of how generally detached they seem

He's quite fond of kids himself, and they will straight up worship him if he puts effort into connecting with them, but most of the time he's too lost in his own wanderings to get around to it

Has strong feelings about their well being though, and will drop everything if they see one in need of assistance and not receiving it

Always accidentally ends up in a teacher's role (it's his infinite patience), he's just bad at knowing what might or might not be a good idea to teach them

How to knit? Wonderful! Now they have a new, soothing, productive hobby and skill set

How to pick a lock? No!! Now they're going to apply their scary levels of creativity and tininess to getting access into spaces they really shouldn't be in!

Known to randomly distract them during scary public things (you found them putting on an impromptu magic show in an alleyway for all the kids in the street right after a nasty cart crash)

Has an easier time with kids than with babies. Babies can't talk, if something's wrong they just cry while you try to troubleshoot

Nadia

She regards them with distance and respect and they do the same for her

It's much easier to care for them with improved infrastructure and accessible education than it is to learn what kinds of bodily fluids are normal on a child and what kinds aren't

(spoiler alert - snot is normal. snot is expected. snot will be everywhere. snot can never be fully cleaned up.)

Kids pick up on this, and are generally more likely to admire the very pretty lady from a distance than they are to walk up and start talking to her

Every now and then, though, some precocious child will start following the trail of her perfume, which will lead them to her skirt, which they will bury their snot-covered face in because it's soft and smells nice

And every time, without fail, Nadia will pause what she's doing and bend down to politely introduce herself and ask for their name without a single though to the mess on her clothes

She actually does better with babies than with kids, because it's easier for her to hold and physically protect a baby than it is to try to have a conversation with a child and quickly discover just how different Toddler Logic is from Adult Logic

Muriel

Small children congregate around him in droves and he has no idea why

They are small, they are fragile, they are living creatures who do not deserve to be hurt or abandoned, why are they crowding around his feet instead of holding onto their parents???

From a child's point of view, it's quite logical

Man is tall. Man is quiet. Man stands still. Man has gentle aura. Man provides shade. Man is clearly a tree (for chilling next to, and attempting to climb on, and occasionally bringing flowers to)

If Muriel can muster enough courage to break his initial "freeze" response, he'll find a corner to sit in so he can be extra stable and not run the risk of accidentally crushing someone

You found him like this once at a party, sitting still as a stone, with two kids chatting with each other on his lap, one scaling the sheer cliffside of his back, one perched on his shoulder sticking flowers in his hair, and two more playing with his hands (which are easily the size of their faces)

He gave you the same look you'd expect from someone stuck with a cat sleeping on their lap

Will listen to and remember any story he gets told and mention it later in conversation

Portia

Loves kids!!! x2

Unfortunately, she tends to scare the shy ones off at first with her intensity, which does make her cry herself to sleep sometimes

She has both the physical energy and the delightful imagination that perfectly suits her to joining into any game the kids around her come up with and making it one of the most exciting experiences of their tiny lives

She's also brilliantly prepared to comfort a child through any burden their small souls carry

Runny nose? She's got a handkerchief. Skinned knee? She's got band-aids. Dehydrated? She's got a water bottle. Hurt feelings? she gives the best (seriously, the best) comforting hugs

Nobody can mediate squabbles like she can (she brokered a trade deal with Firent, she can easily handle playground territory fights)

Over the years she's become the confidant of many tiny ones and you've caught her more than once mending a torn skirt or fixing a broken toy for a kid who didn't want to have to confess to their parents and face the consequences on their own

Does she fill you in on all the little one's gossip and drama? Of course. Does she take it just as seriously as her job? Absolutely

Lucio

He likes kids more than he thinks he does. Unfortunately, they're not usually fond of him at first

When he looks at kids he just sees tiny people who aren't quite big enough yet to go to real parties or do anything interesting with him

That said, he also likes to help people. In the past it was partially to show off, but he genuinely enjoys making someone else's day brighter and knowing he was the reason for it

Plus, kids are considerably easier to impress than grown ups are

Children, on the other hand, are more likely to see a very loud blonde man with a scary metal arm and walk in the other direction

Lucio does not like it when anyone, child or otherwise, takes one look at him and walks away

He must convince them otherwise

Usually resorts to sweets (he's got his own weakness for cookies, even if he still has no idea how to make them)

You've watched him win the admiration of about thirty tiny people in fifteen seconds flat when he loudly proclaimed that he'd be buying any treat any children wanted from the baker's stall

To say that he was still talking about the stars in their eyes when they looked at him three weeks later is an understatement

[navstuffs]

ezio auditore x shy!fem!reader ?

Il Dottoressa

Pairing: AC2!Ezio x ShyFem!Reader

Summary: Ezio has a crush on you, the doctor's daughter; or where Ezio gets hurt on purpose to see you.

Warnings: non-canon compliance, non-history compliance (i had to adapt), LONG ONE-SHOT, no description of reader, FLUFF, blood, injuries, italian translated using translator

Author's Notes: hii, thank you so much for requesting <3! i hope you enjoy reading it because i had tons of fun writing it! just a reminder: my requests for ezio are still open! click here for more info!

You should consider yourself a lucky woman. Your father Giuseppe was a man of Science, a doctor who always cared about your well-being and education, especially after your mother's death. He didn't obligate you to wed or have kids like most parents.

For him, for you to carry the family's legacy was to become a doctor. So you did your best to learn as much as possible, in secret. To the rest of society, your father suggested you be portrayed just as his errand daughter. Nobody knew the full extent of your abilities. So you advised treatments, assisted your dad in the shop he had, and turned out to be every child's favorite doctor. They were easier to talk to than most adults. You meet Ezio on your first day alone at the shop. Your dad had to help a patient with an urgent matter in another town and gave you clear instructions on how to proceed.

"They will try to bargain but do not drop the price too much. Let them think they got a deal."

The day went by relatively easy. Two regular clients pass by to get some medicine and talk a little. After a few hours of boredom, you open a book and let your eyes wander through the pages. Your dad may allow you to help with surgery next time if you gather more knowledge. You also needed to focus on having a steady hand...

"Scusi."

Startled by the sudden voice, you held your book close to your chest so it wouldn't fall. When you turn around, you immediately recognize the man: Ezio Auditore. Your dad had alerted you about him: the questionable man with a white robe and hood that always paid the total price. Your dad ordered you not to over-extend the conversation with the strange man. Your attention goes to his arm, where he was holding a torn, bloody sleeve. You don't need to predict he will ask you for a curative. You point to the chair, and Ezio sinks into the chair.

You get some alcohol and some clean cloths. You have no reason to be afraid or nervous; you are in the middle of town, and the man won't do anything. And now, most importantly, he was a patient.

Ignoring your internal concerns, you focused on working. His torn sleeve was soaked with blood, but you no longer saw any blood dropping out of the cut, so you concentrated on cleaning the blood from the injury with alcohol. Like most people, Ezio didn't react to the pain, so you continued. Then you begin to wrap his arm in a bandage. That cut had to be done with a sharp spear.

"Where is the other Signore that stays here?" Ezio asked, his voice sounding tired.

"My father had business somewhere else," You responded, focusing on finishing the bandage. When you are done, you make sure it was all secured. Looked perfect.

"So I won't lose my arm anytime soon, Signorina?" Ezio attempted to joke, giving you a faint smile, and you ignored him. You placed your stuff on the shop's cart and waited as he checked your work.

"Grazie. I haven't seen any women doctors around town. What is your name?"

"It will be 30 florins, Signore."

"Va bene," Ezio put the money in your hand, and you counted. It seems he gave you an extra five florins. He was already gone when you lifted your head, disappearing in the middle of the people. You want to call his name and catch up to him, but you shake your head. He either purposely did that, or it was just a mistake. 

After that day, your dad decided you could stay in the shop alone. You were so excited and thrilled. Your dad could now go to another town as a doctor while you cared for his business. 

You glow with pride and happiness. You see Ezio Auditore once or twice, jumping around buildings, doing who-knows. He didn't seem to notice you, which you thanked mentally. You had asked your dad what exactly Ezio was doing, and your dad affirmed it was neither your business nor his to know, it just looked dangerous. Ezio only appeared in his shop with parts of his body hurt, cut, bruised, or broken more than the average person. As curious as you are to ask, you understand your dad is done with this conversation.

The next time you see Ezio, he has a dislocated shoulder. You try to give him something to bite, but he shakes his head, gritting his teeth. You want to ask how he got this, but it is not your place. When you pop his shoulder back into place, Ezio grunts. You recommend that he avoid using that shoulder for more vigorous activities. Ezio gives you a half-smile as if he knows something you don't.

"It will be 50 florins this time."

You feel he gives you more florins when he hands you the money.

"You are giving me too much, Signore."

"As a thank you. Can't I do that?"

You don't really know how to respond to that. It is his money. Extra money even. Before you can answer, he grabs your hand and kisses it lightly. You freeze in your spot, unable to move.

"Name is Ezio Auditore. Can you tell me yours?"

It is your first time giving a good look at Ezio Auditore. He seems to have brown hair. He has a scar across his lips, now with what appears to be a naughty smile, which just makes him more charming. He is staring at you, really staring at you. You want to protest, but your voice dies down your throat. You gulp, trying to find something to say, but nothing comes out.

"We shall see each other around, Dottoressa."

And you do end up seeing him, now what it seemed once at least every week. Ezio appears with a horrible bruise on his back and watches, delighted, as you look away, mortified, when he lifts his robe. He appears a few days later with a raspy cough. Then, comes back three days later, alleging he fell to his head and had a horrible headache. You want to ask him if there are no other doctors in town, but hold your tongue. And Ezio was sincerely trying to make you smile and laugh most of the time.

Like when he appeared with a bow attached to his back. You took it out carefully, ensuring you didn't hurt him too much or cause him to die. Besides, you were thankfully thanking his presence at this point: the rate Ezio got injured, he would end up being your first surgery.

"Does it look like I die today, Dottoressa?" He exclaims as you finish cleaning the hole. Why he has to say that in such a sexy way?

"Not today, Signore Auditore."

"Ezio," He corrects you, as the other times, and you roll your eyes, ignoring him. When you are done, Ezio gives you more money than he should.

"I should not go far, probably. I will get hurt and come here for you to repair me." You answer him with a half-smile, too nervous to say anything else. You know he is getting hurt on purpose; he probably knows that as well, and instead of sending him away, you continue seeing him.

"Oh, mhm, I almost forgot," Ezio taps his body, takes out a book, and handles it to you. It seems to be about different kinds of poisons and diseases.

"What is this?"

"For you, Dottoressa. I have seen you read books about it and presumed you would like it."

You are surprised, flipping over the book with care. It looks expensive and updated. That would help you so much with your studies. You couldn't believe Ezio got you something like this.

"Signore Ezio, I can't accept it. "

"Per favore?" Ezio's voice sounds like he imploring, "You have done so much for me. It is the least I can do."

You want to say no and argue that he has already given you more money than he should, but Ezio appears so anxious for your answer. You feel the heavy book in your hands, and your desire gets the best of you. You nod, and Ezio's worried expression turns into a big smile.

"I will see you around, Dottoressa."

"Grazie, Ezio." You finally say when he is too far away to hear it.

After that, your relationship with Ezio got closer. Although you hadn't said your name, he seemed satisfied to watch you flustered when he called you "Mia Dottoressa favorita" or "Il Dottoressa Bella." Or when he continued to bring you more books. When you finally open them at home, they would have different flowers inside.

It wasn't hard to keep all of that hidden from your dad. Your father was out of town almost daily, traveling around Italy. It was also challenging to just not tell Ezio your name. Before, it was for your sense of security, but now, there wasn't much reason to keep it hidden. Ezio was nearly like a friend. Yes, he could be cocky and a little show-off, but he also had a gentle and entertaining side. He could listen to you speak for hours about how crazy the human body could be. He never interrupted you or seemed bored. On the contrary, it was like nothing else existed except for you. 

"Are you going to be a Dottoressa at the end?"

"Si, Signore Ezio. Your books are helping me a lot." You confessed, feeling breathless like always when he was around. Gathering all your courage, you finally ask him, "Can I ask you something?"

"Si?" Ezio's gaze looks full of hope.

"You don't have to answer if you don't want to. Why are you always so hurt? Who are you fighting?"

Ezio ponders for a moment before answering.

"For mi familia. I would tell you more, but- " You certainly felt like you shouldn't have asked now. Idiota, you think.

"Well, if that might help you... I am your Dottoressa after all."

"Oh, you are my Dottoressa?" The way he emphasized the word my! You wish a hole had just opened in the ground so that it could eat you as a whole. This was something regular now: Ezio always says or does something to leave you without words. One of those days, you will gather all your courage and do the same to him. 

But until then, you are happy that Ezio sticks around. Always afraid he will be one of these days badly hurt, and you won't be around to help him. You could only hope he would always come back to you.

EPILOGUE:

You are almost home when a few guards rush in your direction, screaming and pointing at the sky. With your heart shrinking, you look up, wishing that Ezio is safe tonight. Almost at your door, you hear a loud thumb next to a haystack pile. Looking around and assuring there is no one, you investigate the origin of the noise. To your surprise, you see Ezio badly injured. You run to kneel at his side, checking the extension of his wounds. It doesn't look well.

Merda merda.

"Ezio? Can you hear me?" He is semi-conscious, his eyes struggling to stay open. You can hear more guards getting close. With no choice and all your strength, you pull his body towards the haystack, hiding and praying that the guards won't see the trail of blood behind you.

The guards finally arrive, and your heart bumps against your chest as they investigate everywhere. You feel Ezio's rapid breath as you lightly place your hand on his chest as if keeping you there alive with you.

Ezio moans low, and you bend to his ear, whispering frantically.

"Shhh, I am here, Ezio, it is me. We will be okay."

When the guards finally leave, after what seems to take an eternity, you leave the haystack pile, making sure no one is around. Not hearing anyone, you hurry back to Ezio, attempting to make him fully conscious.

"Ezio, per favore, you have to focus on me. On my voice. We need to get you out of there, we need to bring you inside!"

"Dottoressa?" His voice sounds so weak it just breaks your heart. You hold his cheek, and his skin feels hot. A fever? What if he has been poisoned? You have to get him in your house, but you are afraid to pull him, and he dies, afraid you might be found by the Guards, and he dies. 

There is no time for this, Dottoressa. This is your patient, and you better save him. 

You pull Ezio's body with your arms to your house entrance. With difficulty, you place him on an old sofa-like, not caring about the mess. With not a lot of options, you rip his destroyed robe and his shirt. At this point, Ezio is shaking with cold, despite his body being extremely hot. You start disinfecting his injuries, checking how bad they are. It doesn't seem that he was punctured. While you clean, you notice the rest of his body for damages. You take his boots out, and with hands shaking, you rip his pants. Praying mentally for no injuries, you cut until his upper thigh. Nothing. Relieved, you focus on his head, letting go of his ponytail. No extensive injuries. Good. You continue cleaning and give him some medicine for his fever, covering his body with a clean sheet.

You let yourself get distracted by how long his hair is. You always theorized it was much shorter. You pass your finger through his hair, and Ezio lets out a long sigh. 

You know the following hours will be crucial. Ezio might react badly; you must stay awake if he needs you. If he was poisoned, he might respond during the night. You bring a chair close to Ezio, watching him peacefully sleep. You implore him to survive. You plead for him to be healthy. 

When Ezio wakes up in the morning, he is immediately aware of being in a strange house, not a cell. He tries to move, but his body just hurts so much. Last night, when he was on his way to see you with a small cut on his finger, he ended up getting in the middle of a mess. After fighting his way out, he was still followed. Tired and exhausted, he didn't know the extent of his injuries until he passed out and fell from the top of a building.

He examines around, finding you sound asleep in a chair. How he ended up there? Ignoring the pain in his body, Ezio sits down, roaming his eyes through his body. It could have been worse. He lifts the sheet, notices you cut his pants down and chuckles low. That seems to wake you up, and Ezio feels slightly guilty about it. 

"Dottoressa?" He calls you. You promptly get up, touching his head and arms to check for any signs of fever. Looks normal. You were glad you didn't choose the leeches last night.

"How are you feeling, Ezio?"

"I am fine, probably thanks to you. How?"

"I heard something falling from a building last night. When I went to check, I saw you badly injured. Had to hide in a haystack while the guards were looking for you. Brought you here and kept an eye on you for the rest of the night."

"How come if you have slept, Dottoressa?" He jokes, and you laugh, glad to see him alive.

"Now I owe you my life. How much is this even going to cost me, Dottoressa? Am I going bankrupt?" Ezio questions in a teasing tone.

"N-no? I am just glad you are alright, Ezio. I was so afraid last night that you were going to di-"

"You saved me, mia bella. Just to prove you should be my particular Dottoressa. Not anybody else's. Mine." He provokes you again, confident that you wouldn't answer.

"Do you want me? To be just yours?" It is funny to watch Ezio lose all the color on his face. For the first time, he is the stunned one, left without an answer, "What happened, Ezio Auditore? Is something wrong with your tongue? Should I check for you?"

You don't know if it is last night's stress or Ezio looking like he is losing his mind, but you laugh until your belly hurts. Ezio is confused at first but smiles, understanding your joke.

"Very good, mia cara. Very good. Joking with my feelings like that. I could have died last night, you know."

Cleaning the tears in the corner of your eyes, you pull your chair close to his. Ezio observes, curious, while you grab and hold his hand into yours.

"I wasn't joking when I said I could be yours."

Your confession makes Ezio's mouth drop slightly, but he quickly recomposes himself. He cleans his throat, with his other free hand calling you closer. You get up from the chair, your legs shaking, and he starts by caressing your chin. You close your eyes, and Ezio follows his touch to your cheeks and lips. He traces your lips with his fingers, admiring you as the most beautiful piece of art he has ever seen.

You melt in his arms when he brings you closer and finally kisses you. Holding into his shoulder gently, you kiss him back, letting yourself fully stroke his hair. Ezio's hands are placed on your cheeks. When you two finally break apart, you are both breathless, wishing for more. Your heart, your soul, asks for more.

"Dottoressa.."

You shake your head, smiling, and finally tell Ezio your name.

MASTERLIST | EZIO'S MASTERLIST

[weixuldo]

Enigma// ch 31

anakin x reader

A/N: once again i’m v sorry (i feel like i have to say this every time i post nowadays) but i just wanna thank you all for your continued support- it means the world to me :)

Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel

warnings: cursing, disabled character, insecurity

___________________________

The comforting aroma of Anakin’s gray keurig filled the flat; both of you had gotten up early for different reasons.

You were starting your classes again- thankfully you were able to switch to finishing out the year virtually after you explained your situation to the academic dean. 

Anakin had to get up because he was interviewing part-time caretakers for himself (not that he even wanted one).

Since you were at home too, you listened in on the questions he asked and his attitude towards the workers, just in case you needed to step in. 

“No I don’t need assistance with everything- I’m not fucking helpless” Anakin huffed in annoyance at the younger caretaker on the screen; they couldn’t have been much older than yourself.

She had been speaking to him a bit condescendingly though, but still-he needed to keep his temper in check. 

“Ani” you called in a hushed tone. 

His blue eyes observed your expression and he sighed, “My apologies- it's been a long few weeks”. 

The interview concluded not long after and Anakin frustratingly shut his laptop before burying his face in his stiff hands. “Fuuck… This is annoying” he groaned as you waltzed over to the counter and placed an assuring hand on his back. 

“I know Ani, but it's a necessity right now” 

The past few days had been full of Anakin being his normal prickly self and scaring away or offending possible candidates- it was becoming exhausting to have to moderate his interviews but you knew this was also not something he was very comfortable with.  

He leaned into you and you placed a comforting arm around his broad shoulders. He breathed in a sigh before turning his face to press a delicate kiss into your side.

“Thank you for everything sweetheart- I know I’m a lot, but I really am trying for us” he said as you ran your fingers through his fluffy hair. 

You placed a kiss to the back of his head and rubbed his back soothingly, “I know, Ani”. 

_______________________________________

Anakin’s heart drummed against his ribcage as he sat in the oh-so familiar hospital grade recliner chair. But he wasn’t here for himself (for the first time in a long time) instead, he was here to finally meet his children.

Enough time had passed that he was strong enough to see them and possibly hold them; he’d been waiting for this moment ever since he knew they made it. 

He- Anakin Skywalker- was a father. Not just of one, but two! 

He remembered the day the doctor told him and Padme it was nearly impossible- he could still feel his heart shattering; he had always been a passionate lover and wanted to create life with whomever he decided to love. And now his dreams were a reality; he created two little angels with you.

Anxiously, he bounced his leg as he tried to calm his breathing. What if he wasn’t suited for this? What if they didn’t get along with him? What if-

Suddenly, your hand grounded him; he turned to see your smiling face, “It’s all going to be ok Ani. I promise”. 

Nothing could soothe his worries like your sweet voice; he nodded and pressed a kiss to your lips. Not long after, the door opened and the nurse wheeled in a cart holding the twins into the small room. 

“And here are the little ones now,” she smiled.

Anakin sat straight up in his seat (or as straight as he could) and his heart began to race. This was real- his children were right in front of him. 

The twins had been doing well and were finally off of the oxygen machine. The boy’s light hair was slowly growing in, whereas the girl already had a full head of soft, wispy, brown hair. They were both very small for their age, but were at least consuming more nutrients on the daily than before. 

They were beautiful. 

The short woman rolled the cart in front of the chair Anakin was sitting in and leaned the chair backwards so that he was almost lying down. He looked towards you with nervous eyes as the nurse began to pick up the girl. 

You placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder; “It’s alright Ani”

He nodded and focused his attention onto his baby girl. She looked so small as she was handed to him; as gently as he could, he maneuvered his inflexible arms to cradle her tiny body.

He bit the inside of his lip in as he anticipated her uncomfortable cries from the stiff sensation of his appendages- but they never came. 

Anakin watched in awe as his baby yawned in his hold; he was overjoyed- for a few months now, he had worried his disabilities would get in the way of his ability to interact with and raise the kids, but maybe he had been overthinking. 

She opened and closed her tiny hand as she nuzzled closer to Anakin’s chest; you smiled at the endearing moment and picked up your son. 

“Would you like to hold both of them?” the nurse asked. 

Anakin immediately nodded.

“Alright” the nurse chuckled, “We should probably set you back so they can rest on your chest- that might be more comfortable for you”. 

Anakin looked to you for approval to which you giggled lightly, “go ahead baby”. 

He looked at his daughter before looking ot the nurse as she reached out to pick her up before lying the bed back. Once he was laid back you placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, “do you want to take your arms off Ani? So you can feel the babies”

His eyes widened and he breathed out a small “yes”; he had never considered that- how had he not?

Of course he wanted to hold his children with his own arms.

You leaned down and helped him remove his prosthetics before placing them gently down in his wheelchair. 

“Alright Mr. Skywalker-” the nurse started as she placed the girl back down on his left side and then the boy on his right. 

The twins were still so small that the both of them still didnt cover the expanse of Anakin’s chest. He took his longer arm and ran it over each of their small backs as they wriggled closer to him. 

Anakin was so enraptured by his children he didn’t even notice the nurse had left the room; his whole being was trained on the miracles in front of him… He felt his eyes begin to water as he inhaled deeply. 

How could he have made something so precious?

He looked at you with a grateful expression and managed “thank you”. Before he looked back down and began to weep. 

“For what Ani?” you asked. 

“Thank you for giving me a chance… for giving me a family” his tears continued to pour from his beautiful eyes. 

He was always such a pretty crier, but you felt your heart tug; you knew Anakin felt that he didn’t deserve this- that he didn’t deserve happiness- and that broke your heart.

Thankfully you were here to assure him that he deserved everything he had; you leaned down to his side and wrapped a hand around his head and placed the other over your babies on his chest before pulling him in to kiss his temple. 

“Thank you for making me a mother, Anakin. And thank you for loving me when I thought no one could”.

“Always” he choked out before turning his face towards yours before mapping out every inch of your radiant face. 

You were an angel sent to save him… his angel. 

***

(a/n: sappy but, yk this story needs more happy moments lol)

taglist: @dnamht @sxoulohvn @angeelcoree @wtf-andys @httpeachesblog @katsukiswrld @jetiikote @poisonedsultana @imarimone12 @fallinlovewithevil @sythe-skywalker @bby-imasociopath

[lady0ctavia]

As We Ponder Belief

(2p!Prussia x Reader) - Chapter 36

Note: This story is based vaguely during the mid 1200s in Eastern Europe where the Teutonic Knights fought the Northern Crusades to try and convert the native pagan population to Christianity. As a result, this story will have heavy religious themes all throughout. It should also be noted that, while referencing real-life events and locations, I am not striving for full historical accuracy. This is for the sake of the story I am telling.

Once again, this series will have heavy religious themes throughout, including discussions of bible stories, doctrine, and scripture verses, as well as critical analysis of Christian doctrine and beliefs. So, if you don't like that, you will want to skip out on this.

Gilbert paced up and down every hall in the fortress, racking his brain for an explanation he could give to the captain as to why both their resident doctor and his short-term apprentice were missing. Having not slept a wink that night, he could feel his body growing weary, begging for a chance to lay down and recharge. But the rising sun told them otherwise. Whether he liked it or not, morning was here. Captain Nikolaus and the other knights would be waking up any minute. And he was going to have to tell them what had happened.

How do I tell them? What do I say? 'Hello men, I thought you ought to know that our dearest doctor and my beloved brother, Sir Gillen Beilschmidt, has run away under the cover of night with Miss (y/n) (l/n) in tow!' The captain will lose it! But what else can I say? I mean, what other explanation for their absence can there be?! Nothing I can come up with will account for the rampant evidence! Surely they'll notice that we are missing a few things from around the fortress, especially now that we're short one cart and horse!

He ran his fingers through his hair as he saw the coming light, getting progressively more and more stressed as time stretched on. A sense of panic began to overwhelm him, his brain running in circles. As he paced, he attempted deep breathing to calm himself down. While it didn't completely do away with his panic, it at the very least settled his mind enough to think straight. Stopping in the middle of the hallway, he turned to look out the window, toward the direction where his brother and friend had run off.

I don't know what will happen here when the news gets out. Or how people will react. I just hope it won't be anything terrible. I want to believe there's a chance Gillen and (y/n) won't work out. But I could be wrong. In fact, I know I am. And I wish I could apologize for all I said. None of that was right.

He sighed, continuing to walk down the hall, his steps far slower and more measured than before.

The way they looked at one another. That's the same look our father had with our mother. And the same Elizabeta had with Roderich. If anything, I wouldn't be surprised if they end up getting married soon. And seeing as the two of them ran off so that they may be together, that's the most likely outcome.

Gilbert proceeded to dive deeper and deeper into the depths of his own mind. Only breaking out of his trance when he heard the familiar call of Albrecht.

"Sir Gilbert!" He called out, his smile bright and shining.

"Guten Morgen, Albrecht. Sleep well?" Gilbert asked flatly.

"I did. Captain Nikolaus just wanted me to assist you in fetching Miss (l/n)," His smile faltered only a little, becoming small and bittersweet. "She goes home today."

"I know. Um, Albrecht? I'm going to need a word with you," Gilbert droned, knowing what he had to say. There's no use. I have to tell him the truth. At least him and Nikolaus.

"Oh, alright then. What is it?" Albrecht asked inquisitively.

Gilbert's heart sank. He knew of the friendship that young Albrecht had formed with (y/n). And it hurt him to know that, however he responded, it wouldn't be easy for him. It's never easy to take the news of someone you care for abandoning you.

"It's probably best I tell you about this news alongside the captain. I don't want to have to repeat this twice," Gilbert sighed and placed a hand on Albrecht's shoulder, guiding him along as they made their way to find their commanding officer.

"She left? In the middle of the night?!" Captain Nikolaus said loudly, his eyes wide and mouth hanging open in a state of shock. His eyebrows nearly reached his hairline as he stood in the middle of his quarters, having just barely finished getting ready and dressed for the day. He gawked at the two who had knocked and entered his room. Whereas Gilbert stood there deadpan, Albrecht looked up at the albino knight, his face appearing heartbroken.

"But-But why would she leave?" Albrecht gasped. His eyes glistened with small, barely-there tears. It could be because of his emotions, but it could also be the result of the sunlight streaming into the room. It was hard to say. Gilbert braced himself before responding, his eyes closed, and fists clenched as they hung at his sides.

"You see, that's the other part of the news. When (y/n) left, she didn't leave alone. She and my brother fell in love. And so, they decided to run away. To be together," Gilbert spoke slowly and deliberately, choosing each word carefully. But it didn't matter how carefully he chose his words. The message was still the same.

For a brief moment, there was nothing but stunned silence. Even the birds went quiet, as if they too were shocked by the news. The one to break air was Captain Nikolaus, whose face began to contort. Switching between expressions of shock, confusion, and overall anger.

"So you mean to tell me that Gillen, who is not only one of our best knights, but our resident doctor, allowed himself to be seduced by Miss (l/n)?" His voice was low, but threatening, causing a shiver to cascade through Gilbert's entire body. Even Albrecht seemed unnerved.

"Well, I wouldn't use the word 'seduced'. But yes, Gillen is gone," Gilbert tried his best to remain stoic, hoping to not make the situation worse. He glanced over at Albrecht and used his head to gesture to the door, asking him to leave. Albrecht complied, but not without giving them one last teary-eyed look.

The captain's mouth moved, as if trying desperately, and failing, to find the words he wanted to say. Once Albrecht had finally left the room, he turned all of his attention to Gilbert. Taking a deep breath, he attempted to calm himself down from a potential burst of rage.

"You clearly knew about this. And we've been discussing our concerns regarding them for some time. So I cannot imagine you knew about this for long."

"That's correct," Gilbert told him. "I was actually worried about something like this happening for the past couple of days. So, I tried to keep an eye on them. I caught them at the stables last night, all packed and ready to go."

"And you allowed them to leave?" The captain's face began to go red, his anger just barely restrained. He was clearly trying his best to hold back.

Gilbert gulped. "Yes, sir," He relented. The captain took a few steps forward to stand practically toe to toe with Gilbert.

"Why?" Was all he asked, his voice hard and cold. A stark contrast to his usual warm and pleasant demeanor. It was here that Gilbert could finally see the rage burning within those dark blue eyes. It was almost terrifying.

"Be-Because," Gilbert cursed internally at his stuttering. "Th-They have their free will. They can do as they please."

"You are his older brother. Why did you not stop him? Is it not on you to be your brother's keeper? To hold him accountable for his sins?! To hold him accountable for deliberately deciding to run off and break his vows?! VOWS HE MADE WITH THE LORD!?" By the end of his words, Captain Nikolaus was yelling into his subordinate's face.

At this point, Gilbert was no longer able to hold his expression as he held his breath. His face was fearful as he stood in the shadow of his captain, bearing down on him. The captain spun around and walked to the other side of the room, pacing. The force of the movement nearly causing Gilbert to fall. Allowing himself to breath, Gibert watched the captain about to rage.

"We all know first aid, but Gillen was one of the best trained doctors this fortress has ever seen. And now he's off cavorting around with some faithless whore, carnally breaking every vow we have!" Captain Nikolaus fumed, waving his hands in the air.

"Don't you dare speak of her that way!" Gilbert finally snapped.

"I will speak of her however I like. Both of them!" The captain snapped back, this time storming forward and savagely grabbing Gilbert by the collar of his tunic. "And you do not speak to your captain that way. Am I clear?"

"(y-y/n) and my brother don't deserve to be spoken of like that. They are good people, and I believe they know the value of waiting for marri-"

The captain cut him off by shaking him and practically raising him in the air. "I do not recall asking about that traitor and his vile little-"

"I said don't speak of her like that!" Gilbert shouted, kicking his captain in the shin, causing him to stop and drop him. Gilbert landed on his feet, but only barely as the captain smacked him across the face. A bright red mark began to gradually appear on the left side of the knight's pale complexion.

"Am I to believe she has seduced you as well?" He asked darkly, glaring down at Gilbert.

"Never," Gilbert insisted, lightly touching the reddening spot on his face. My heart already lies somewhere else. Always has. I wonder what Liz would say if she saw me now. I must look pathetic.

"Then you should have no problem fetching them," Nikolaus walked past him and toward the door.

"Wait, what?" Gilbert's head spun around before walking after his captain, the latter of which stopped at the door and turned to face him.

"We need Gillen here at the fortress, as is his responsibility. Meanwhile, (y/n) will be sent off to a convent," His voice returned to his usual calm tone almost immediately, giving Gilbert whiplash at the sudden and eerie change in tone.

Gilbert shuddered. Has he always been like this? I've seen him angry before, but this is different.

"Gilbert, if you think you need time to prepare for your journey, then do so. But understand that the longer you wait, the better chance they have of getting away," The captain left with these words, striding out of the room and down the hall.

Gilbert stood at the doorway, watching the captain proceed in the direction of the dining hall. His heart was pounding in his chest, and his mind was racing from the intense confrontation. He could hardly describe what he was feeling. Anger? Fear? Sadness? Shock? Perhaps it was all four.

Previous Chapter - Next Chapter

And so... The captain finally goes mask off. As always, please let me know your thoughts!

[vivinens]

attention, please !

character(s): childe.

summary: he's a famous musician, and you're just his tired doctor being dragged along for the ride.

modern au. female reader. thank you all so much for the love on my previous post, i wasn't expecting my first one to do so well...! i hope you enjoy this longer one shot <3

You have got to be seeing a mirage, hallucinating, or both. There is no other explanation for why you can clearly see worldwide pop-rock sensation Childe hanging around inspecting heads of cabbage at your local supermarket.

You almost walk into a column when you see him, your shoes squeaking obnoxiously loud against polished concrete. You're sure your stance is reminiscent of those who come face to face with a tsunami or some similarly awful natural disaster.

You see Childe right in front of you, and you're dressed in yesterdays sweatpants with remnants of runny teary mascara on your cheeks. You can't go up and ask for his autograph. Your pride hardly let you go out in public after a week of sulking over your latest breakup, and now it's challenged by this? You must be being tested by some higher power.

He's still looking at the cabbages. How different could they be from each other? It's been multiple minutes. God, his hair looks even more perfectly disheveled in person. You suppress the urge to fall to the ground and pray for mercy.

He finally picks out one. You breathe in deeply, resolutely, and turn away. How didn't he notice you? He must be used to eyes on him at all times. You begin trying some breathing exercises as you guide your cart full of comfort food to the self checkout. You start trying to convince yourself, maybe it wasn't even him, it was probably just a trick of the light. Even though that was definitely him—he even has that burn scar on his forearm he talked about on some late night talk show a few years back.

"My little sister is not to be trusted in the kitchen," he laughed as the camera zoomed in on his arm, and the crowd laughed alongside him. You distinctly remember crying over the sight of his bare wrist like some fragile victorian-era duke.

...Whatever, so maybe it is him. So what? Who cares? Certainly not you! You're an adult woman with bills to pay, not a little girl that has posters with fraying edges on her wall.

You finish checking out your groceries, internally screeching all the while. It's only when you're back in your car, safe and sound and alone, that you allow yourself to scream loud enough to alert passerby.

You comfort yourself by saying it was over now. You never had to see his beautiful face again—everything was totally and completely under control.

"Hello," one of the nurse's assistants, Sucrose, knocks on your already opened door politely. "Sorry to bother, but your patient is ready for you now."

You look up at her over your cup of disgustingly unflavored coffee—you had felt like you needed it after your hellish rounds this morning. You're sure you look as dead as you feel, because Sucrose shies away from your stare. God, you hope you remember to apologize to the poor girl later.

"Patient? I'm not due for another appointment until ten, with Mrs. Peterson?" Your voice comes out slow, tired.

Her face falls, "No one told you? This patient needs to see a specialist as soon as possible, you should have been notified this morning..."

Knowing your luck and the morning you've had, it was probably your fault you messed up the schedule. You thank Sucrose for letting you know, and ask her to guide you to the exam room the patient is waiting in.

She briefs you as much as she can on the patient and his situation. Apparently, he was having problems with a strained voice and his agent forced him into seeing a specialist. As you flip through his files, you silently think to yourself that it's likely nothing too serious or rare. He's a young man who doesn't smoke with a relatively normal medical history, and if anything this was just a case of a vocal cord lesion or something similarly benign.

You enter the examination room, your eyes still on the blood work he had done, and spout a script about your name and routine checkups. It's a wonder how you hadn't noticed it at that point, looking back on it.

"...aren't you a little young to be a doctor?" The patient suddenly says, voice so hoarse you almost don't recognize it. Keyword almost. It takes everything in you to not let your jaw drop in shock.

No, no, you would not let this get you. You were a doctor, damn it. A professional. You worked your ass off for eight years to get where you are now, and you would not let that wash away like sidewalk chalk when it rains—even if Childe is your patient.

Deep breaths. Just breathe. Think of this like its a test.

"I'm twenty-six, but really, I don't see how my age has anything to do with your vocal chords," you smile brightly, your act perfectly in place. This was fine, you can work with this. "Did you have anyone who could speak in your place? I'd rather you not strain your voice any more than you have to."

Instead of answering, he lets out a low whistle, which is actually quite amazing considering how fried his vocal chords sound. "Twenty-six? And you're the Laryngologist my agent recommended?" He flashes a smirk. Practiced, totally fake, but it still sends your heart dropping down to your feet. "Impressive."

Your eye twitches. Why is he trying to draw out conversation like this? What is his goal? Because right about now, all he's succeeding in doing is slowly killing you.

"Thank you, Ajax—" his name, oh god you just said his name, "—but about someone to speak for you...?"

"My agent is busy trying to fix things for my upcoming tour," he sighs loudly, scratching the back of his head as he does. "And my parents are in Europe for their anniversary..." he looks up at you sheepishly. "I'd rather not worry my mother with this, you see."

You nod along. You already know he has a chronic case of Mama's boy, after being a fan of his for over a decade you've seen plenty of clips of him talking about his mother and all she does for him.

"I see. Well then, I'll handle the talking from now on, alright? Let's get started on a routine checkup." You say, placing your clipboard on the available counter. You're surprised the damn thing didn't break in two with how hard you were gripping it.

You perform the checkup with minimal issues, thankfully. A wave of guilt washed over you right before you began, and it practically scared you into being as impartial as possible. Childe—Ajax... he should have a doctor who wouldn't have shaky hands when pressing against his back for a heartbeat check.

He deserves a good doctor, and damn it all if you're not going to be the absolute best you can be. After about ten minutes of routine checkups, you're no closer to getting your diagnosis. You sigh before reluctantly telling Ajax the news.

"You'll need to come in tomorrow for a laryngoscopy," you say, fully absorbed in your observations as you think over what exactly you should be saying. "I'll be able to say something more definitive then. Make sure you prepare for the procedure—and get someone here with you, alright? You won't be able to drive yourself home afterwards."

He hums in reply, quiet and so unlike the Childe you've seen over the years. He looks... not worried, per say, just tired. A lot like you, actually. You're sure he's been stressed, a planned nationwide tour cannot be easy to organize. And this vocal injury must have only added to the stress, you feel your heart ache, and in a moment of pure determination, you open your mouth to speak again.

"I'm sure it's only a lesion," your voice is softer than it has been, a pitiful attempt at reassurance. "If you're diligent about rest, you should be able to have your treatment and recovery finished in just under a month."

He softens just a bit at that, sighing quietly as he collects himself to leave. Its a few short minutes of quiet as you read over everything you had recorded during the exam, when you hear him walk over to you. You're expecting him to shake your hand, or ask for a pen, or like, do anything other than what he does next.

He leans down, which is quite far considering you're still sitting, and his lips are right beside your ear when he whispers;

"Thank you."

He leans back up, smiles down at you, and walks out of the exam room; any previous trace of doubt or tiredness completely wiped from his person. You wish you could say the same for yourself, because you sat there for the next twenty minutes, contemplating the meaning of life.

Your choice of career was clearly a mistake.

[the-blind-geisha]

The City Bathed in Eternal Night

Description: The professor of the City of Vesser is well known all about the land for fighting a werewolf curse. But hardly would you have imagine that he would ask of you to be his assistant.

Pairing: M!Werewolf x F!reader

Rating: NSFW

Words: 6722

Commission for @thatoneslooth

The City of Vesser. 

It was a beautiful city filled with glittering lights, which adorned the many buildings that lined the streets. It was a gorgeous, once bustling city that was bathed in endless night.

Once, it did prosper… until a wicked werewolf curse seemed to tear the city, and her people, apart.

The train ride was always peaceful. Very few people felt compelled to risk traveling here as nobody knew how this dreadful curse truly worked—how it could affect people. Some even panicked that it could travel from person to person like a plague. 

Regardless, it didn't prevent you or others from visiting. You didn't live here, but you needed to get to town for other reasons beyond just visiting this time.

It was miles away from any nearby town, village, or city. It lived alone near the mountainside, shrouded in that mysterious darkness that never lifted. 

But you couldn't deny the beauty of it. Even sitting alone in your seat, you saw the approaching maw of the mountain that would open up to the jeweled City of Vesser in time.

Sometime during the drive, you glanced over and noticed a man resting in a way that made him seem like he had fallen asleep on the train ride.

He was well dressed, even wearing a type of dark coat with a fancy top hat resting off to the side of his seat that you would expect from someone of Vesser over anybody else in the world. The cane on its own was quite lavish as well. The grip had beautiful swirling designs. Your eyes traced over them many times before feeling a bit sick in doing so.

Honestly, he didn't look old. The main thought that came to your mind was he had to possibly have been someone in a place of power to afford such a flaunting of wealth.

Hearing the conductor announce the approaching train station in Vesser, both you and the unnamed man looked to the speakers overhead. Catching his bearings, he muffled a sigh to himself as he grabbed his top hat to place upon his brown hair. He sat upright out of the slouched position.

“Time eludes me too often,” he muttered to himself, digging into his coat’s inner pocket to pull out a pocket watch hidden there. “And what of yourself? Visiting, are you?”

It was there you realized he was possibly speaking to you since you were both the only ones in the cart. “Oh, umm. Yeah, just for the month, really. To see if I can find work and all that. I hear that there are quite a few openings for things I am good at.” You laughed nervously. “Don't know whether that’s good or not, all things considered.”

The nameless man fixed his glasses upon the slope of his nose. His brown eyes drifted in your direction as a warm smile spread upon his features. “Ah, been here often then, I’m to assume. Or are you here for more than just job hunting?”

His tone seemed to be hunting for something. You rolled your teeth over your lower lip, shaking your head. “Sometimes I visit. I don't come that often, but just enough to know my way around the shops and all.”

His tone was gentle, soothing as he replied, “That’s wonderful then. Do mind the townsfolk, my dear. It’s a bit of… well, the Hunters are usually out in full force about this time.”

He sounded annoyed by that statement.

You knew of the Hunters. During the height of the full moon, the curse seemed to spread like a wildfire. More and more of the werewolves would spawn from the shadows, causing only those that were well gifted in rounding up these beings or shooting them down to take to the streets.

“I didn't realize it was that time for such a thing.” 

When the train came to a halt, the man pushed himself to his feet with the assistance of his cane. “Then it would probably be in your best interest to be escorted by someone.” He motioned for you to follow. “If you wish, I can assist you in such a thing.”

He seemed well put together for someone his age, even for someone who appeared to live here in this cursed city. In just a few short words, you found yourself feeling safe. So you nodded.

“Yeah, I just need to get to the hotel off of Kingsberry Lane. I wish to stay there for a bit till I can get enough money to afford a small apartment of my own.” You weren't sure how much you should divulge to someone you didn't know.

As the door opened with a few grinding gears and a huff of steam, he stepped to the side and motioned outward. “After you, my dear.”

It was there you introduced yourself, figuring it would be better than the pet names.

He grabbed the rim of his hat, moving it slightly with a minor bow. “Professor Arthur Layton, at your service,” he introduced in turn.

Hearing that name, you found yourself nearly choking on your breath. “Professor Layton…As in the Professor Layton of Benithaine?”

“I suppose it’s been many a year now that my name has become infamous where a ‘the’ has ridden before it, but—yes, I do suppose I am that Professor Layton,” he said jokingly.

“Your reputation precedes you, professor,” you said with a bit of flattery. “Even miles from here—where I live—I’ve heard tales of what you do.”

He was the professor studying the reasoning behind the werewolf curse. Some claimed he was an obnoxious pacifist, making the Hunter’s work all the worse if he ever showed up on the scene. He was under the belief that most—if not all—werewolves could be brought back to their senses, hoping to stop the insanity that could cause outrage and hatred towards something he could find a cure for.

Not a cure for preventing the curse, but a cure to the mind being eroded by the change.

In order to even do that, he needed subjects alive.

“Is that so? Well, I will find relief in the idea that those tales are of the flattering type,” he chuckled, escorting you as promised.

“I promise you, professor, they are.” Thinking of all he did, you couldn't help but ask, “Or do you prefer Doctor Layton?”

He shrugged at the question. “Professor is just fine with me.”

The opera house soon came into view, glistening across the pond that was dazzled by the street lights. The hotel you were allowed to stay within was not far from sight. You found relief that nobody attacked you on your way.

The last thing you wanted was for the professor to try and protect you from anything. While he didn't seem feeble, his cane would suggest he had a bad leg from something. He was leaning on that cane quite a bit.

He motioned to the front door. “Here we are. I am certain you can make it from here.”

You smiled with a nod. “I can. Thank you once again, professor.”

He waved away the thought. “It is quite alright. I am happy to be of service.”

There was a moment he seemed to pause, his entire body going rigid before he looked off just down the nearby streets. He motioned at you in urgency.

“Get inside. Quickly,” he whispered.

The distant howls of the wolves made your blood run cold, urging you to swiftly do as he suggested. While you knew they were to be expected, you weren't counting on The Hunt to be out at full force during your visit.

Not that there was any way to know when The Hunt would start. From what you could gather, they always happened during the height of the full moon or sometimes in between such.

Breathing out your relief in being spared any part of it, you made your way to the check in desk to see about (hopefully) relaxing.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

The night hours were oddly quiet. 

You would count your blessings in that regard, as you didn't want to worry about anything breaking into your hotel while visiting this otherwise lovely city.

The curse was the only thing to worry about. Well, that and maybe a few eccentric people that would believe the way you behaved (if odd) was worthy of studying, as it could be supposed early signs of the curse.

Thankfully those people were very few and far in between.

Job hunting was a chore on its own, and the last thing you wanted was a curse to swell hungrily in your mind.

If you plan on living and working here, you better make do, you thought to yourself.

Making sure you had all addresses and places of interest marked down in your journal properly, you dimmed the oil lamp before packing up what you needed to be on your way.

Even if the clock chimed three in the afternoon, the darkness loomed unwavering. The stars were the only thing to aid the lights of the streets of Vesser. At times you wondered if you were possibly in a cave with the stars merely being that of shimmering crystals overhead.

It was a pleasant thought.

The distant sound of thunder booming startled you out of your thoughts. Noticing the lightning streak across the sky in warning of what was to come, you took a steady breath inward in wonder of where to head.

“I’m a gods damned fool,” you muttered to yourself. “I should have brought my umbrella with me at the very least.” Noticing a decorative overhang, you hurried towards it to take cover the second a few raindrops fell.

Only a few raindrops soon turned into an immediate downpour. Well, that was just great.

This wasn't how you wanted to spend the day trying to hunt for a job. While you had enough money to cover two months at the hotel, every second was precious.

As you tried to wait out the rain, you heard a familiar voice call out to you.

Looking over your shoulder at the door just behind you, it was there you noticed Professor Layton. Your last encounter had been a few days ago, and with the city as big as it was, you weren't expecting to run into him again so soon.

“Oh, umm… Hello there, professor.”

“You are certainly ill prepared for this storm, aren't you?” He shifted the bag in his possession in a way that made it seem like he was eager to hide what it was he had.

You dismissed his actions regardless, as he only just came from a tea shop.

“Afraid so,” you sighed. “I wanted to continue searching for a place to work but, I am afraid I won’t be able to with it raining like this.”

He hummed aloud, curling his finger to his lips in thought. “Well, if you don't mind a bit of a detour, I wouldn't mind having an assistant at my place for a moment.”

Your heart thumped painfully in your chest. “W-With you?”

The professor laughed playfully. “I can tell that unnerves you a bit. Was I too forward?”

“N-Not exactly…” Your words trailed off as you gripped onto your shirt where your heart continued to beat fiercely. “I could only think of the werewolves and all of that, professor.”

“Ah, that issue.” Again, he thought for a moment on how to respond. “No need to be so concerned, my dear. There are none there that are of an unstable mind.” He smiled warmly. “That I can assure you.”

You were quiet, thinking on how to proceed. Arthur’s fingers tapped upon his cane patiently waiting for you to give him an answer.

“And this is just to help you, right?”

“What assistants usually do, yes.” He muffled a laugh. “But not for free, of course. I will be more than willing to pay you for the hours you are with me.”

You did come looking for a job, and this one was lined up perfectly for you. Even if it would be staying near the very thing that this city was negatively known for, perhaps it was better to understand the threat than to be continuously fearful of it.

Breathing out steadily, you nodded. “Alright, professor. I would be delighted to assist you.”

Arthur smiled, motioning down the murky road. “This way then, if you please. Normally my brother would pick me up, what with my bad leg and all, but he’s a bit preoccupied at the moment.”

The professor’s words sounded tense—a bit on the uncertain side. But you dared not question what was racing through his mind.

“What happened to your leg?”

He shrugged his brow. “Mm, it was a very old incident, really. Nothing to worry of now.”

It sounded as though he wished to not speak of it, leaving you to drop the matter as the two of you made it back to his place of work.

It was a building that felt a bit removed from the city all together. It was locked behind a decorative steel fence and gate, out in the more wooded area. It made sense to you, as it would allow the professor to work in peace away from the commotion of the city.

Once inside, you were greeted with the beautiful decor that felt quite far back in time compared to where you lived. Everything had a more antique feel, making you worry if you touched a single thing in the building, it might all come undone.

Venturing further within, it was there you saw a rather impressive library where the books lined several bookcases. It would make sense the professor would have many titles be them for research or otherwise.

“I planned on making tea while awaiting news from my brother. Did you care for some?” Noticing your hesitation on answering, he smiled. “It’s a lavender tea. I find it often helps me relax with the type of work I must do.”

“Oh, umm. That sounds great, actually. Thank you, professor.”

“Very well. Make yourself comfortable in the meantime.”

Not feeling too comfortable venturing about the house on your own, you went to the library to sit down on one of the decorative reading sofas in an attempt to calm your nerves.

There was nothing that truly jumped out at you in terms of it being a hostile place. Even if you knew what went on behind the walls, you oddly felt safe with the professor. If he was alive this long tending to such a curse, then you could find comfort in that.

When he returned sometime later, you thanked him for the tea as you asked, “Who is your brother, professor? I fear that while you are well known about the lands, your brother doesn't seem to be easily known by name.”

To be honest, you didn't even know he had one.

Arthur hummed in thought against the rim of his teacup. “He prefers to remain in the shadows as best he is able. He is not offended by it in the least. His name is Hector, and he at times assists me in my research when he is available to do so.”

“Suppose that’s why you needed an assistant.”

“It was preferable to have one available when needed,” he confessed, a small laughter ringing in his words.

Nervously, you looked down the hall not far from where you both sat. “So where exactly do you keep these werewolves you’re researching?”

“We keep them in selected rooms we have here. If they are of the mentally unwell variety, we have to lock them in something a bit sturdier.” He sighed. “I hate doing such a thing, but it’s to make certain no incidents occur.”

After a moment to relax and gather your thoughts, the professor escorted you a bit more through the building to show you where everything was. The library did appear to be more a room to decompress as well as a few bedrooms that were on the upper floor. Arthur explained he and his brother sometimes slept here, or the two retreated to these rooms to recollect their thoughts.

While the other rooms on the middle floor were empty, he explained that was where those infected with a stable grasp on their situation resided. While the stronger restraints and the like were not far away on the same floor, you could tell by sight alone which ones were for who.

At least it didn't seem like a horrible insane asylum. You weren't certain how you would manage if that were the case.

As the professor ventured down the hallway of the middle floor, he stopped at the last door on the right. Grabbing the keys from his inner coat pocket, he undid the latch. “Let me go in first,” he insisted in a whisper.

The way he said such a thing made you wonder if you made the right choice in offering to work about, what could be, aggressive beings.

“She’s hopefully in a better mood today.” Opening the door ever slowly, Arthur walked into the room. A woman’s voice, heavy—almost exhausted sounding—greeted him.

“I could… smell you a mile away.”

Professor Layton smiled, the tenseness in his body seeming to evaporate at hearing her speak so humanly. “So your senses are still intact, are they?”

“More so than before, sadly.”

He made a hand motion in your direction, showing it was okay for you to follow in if you so wanted.

Glancing inside of the room, it was a charming little space. The only thing that really took you a bit back were the claw marks on the floor and walls. The woman appeared like any normal person you would have seen on the streets. And you meant that. With how ragged her clothing looked with the many tears upon it, she almost looked homeless. You knew transformations could tear up peoples’ clothing, but her shirt was so baggy that it almost appeared to be a night gown at best for her.

The dark rings under her hazel eyes were heavy, the short black hair a stringy mess, as it was no doubt weighed down by sweat.

Pulling up the chair nearby, the professor sat down to get a better read on her vitals.

As you got closer, you noticed—what appeared to be—a watch of some kind upon her right wrist. Cogs could be heard humming within it, and on the top of it laid a flat screen that fed out information to everybody in the room.

“Did it spike at all?” he asked, messing with a few of the buttons embedded within it to have the screen show different graphs that made little sense to you.

“During the evening hours… I think I heard it beeping rather annoyingly,” she confessed. Her eyes turned towards you. “Who is this?”

As you found yourself holding back a breath, Professor Layton answered for you. “An assistant of mine.”

You introduced yourself, managing a smile.

“A pleasure,” she said simply, her forehead resting in her hand shortly after.

Arthur’s brow wrinkled in concern as the graph blipped a bit more on the screen. His heels dug against the floor as he rolled the chair over towards the nearby nightstand to grab a box within it that held a few medical items inside.

“Did you not take the medicine I suggestion? I left it in here for that reason, Cyana.”

She shook her head, her fingers curling aggressively upon her forehead. “No… I didn’t think I would need it…this time.”

Arthur sighed. “That’s not a good enough reason.” He motioned at you. “I’ll need you to watch me do this a few times. As this is going to be one of the main reasons I want you to assist me here.”

Doing as asked, you watched as the professor filled up a container with a type of liquid you couldn't say you recognized. He showed you the exact line to measure it to before handing it over to Cyana.

“Sometimes we use injections of this, but I won’t work on that method with you till you’re more comfortable,” he insisted. His attention returned to the patient. “Drink this. It’ll prevent you from losing your mind once more.”

She stalled at the thought, both hands covering her face as she trembled with a low growling sound rumbling in her throat.

“Cyana.” The way Arthur spoke her name, it sounded like a parent scolding a child.

Eventually she did as she was asked, making you feel the tension slowly leave the room. I should probably make note of what I saw, you thought to yourself. Pulling out your phone, you did just that in a hurry.

“If you don't take this regularly like prescribed, you will end up losing what fight you have.”

She sighed, shaking her head. “I’m just…so tired…”

“It’s an exhausting battle. I understand that,” Arthur sympathized. “But you need to be strong. I know you can be.” Pushing himself back to his feet, he motioned at you. “Come. I’ll need to make food for her while this works its magic.”

Following him out of the room in a quickened pace, you gave the professor a look of confusion. “She’s…one of them?”

He nodded. “Using the medicine I’ve concocted with my brother’s aid, we try to get them back to a human form that they can sustain as they so desire. It can be taken orally or intravenously. It’s worked a good bit of the time, but it’s not something that can continue to be used constantly to fight the curse; especially during the height of any full moon.”

Getting back to the kitchen, he collapsed into a chair with a nasally sigh.

“It’s not a cure all, is what I’m getting at.”

You couldn't help but smile, even if nervously. “Still… it seems what you and your brother are working on here is worth so much. It no doubt means a lot to quite a few people.”

He opened one eye to look at you. “Most of them, yes.” He stifled a laugh behind his lips. “The captain of the police force and the leader of the Hunters would disagree with you.”

Seeing only a small part of what the Laytons did together, you gathered up your courage in one single breath. “I, umm. I would like to continue to try and work hard with you, Professor Layton. Just… to do whatever I can to make certain these innocent people don't suffer.”

“Is that so? Well then, I welcome you aboard.”

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

The brothers were an interesting duo.

As the days turned to months, you found that—while they didn't see eye-to-eye—it felt like their end goals were the same.

More than anything they wanted to find a means to grapple onto this curse to make certain it wouldn't spread any worse than it already had.

Even through what minor slip ups you had with learning underneath Professor Layton, you found the man to be patient. Even if aloof and hard to understand what went on behind closed doors. He didn't share everything, but you found comfort in his presence.

So much so that you often thought about him when you weren't even beside him at his place of work.

You did your best to keep your thoughts from ruining a seemingly good job with someone you cared for. To say it was a challenge was an understatement.

But he was patient, willing to teach you everything you needed to learn and more.

A part of you couldn't help but feel a close connection to him in what felt like no time at all.

During the late afternoon hours after trying to check in on Cyana one night, you overheard the two muttering in the dimly lit kitchen.

“If she is unwilling to do as instructed, we might as well release her. You can’t force someone to take medication even if it could save their life, let alone their mind,” Hector reminded his brother.

“I am… aware.” The way Arthur muttered such a thing gave you but a taste of another of his secrets that he kept hidden away in his heart.

“Not everybody can or even wishes to be saved, Arthur.”

He was silent, unable to respond to his brother. Even if Arthur was the younger brother of the two, he always appeared the older, wiser one.

“You know the full moon will rise tonight,” Hector whispered this time. “You better be cautious. Especially with her nearby.”

Arthur raised his hand, dismissing the thought. “I’ll.. Don't worry about it. I’ll speak with her about it in due time.”

Hector could be heard sighing as he dismissed the conversation. “I will leave you to it. I don't plan on keeping myself held back then.” With such a thing said, he departed from the building, a bag with him in tow. 

You assumed he meant in telling you what the two were hiding. Regardless, you stayed away from the discussion—awaiting for the perfect opportunity to walk into the kitchen to speak to Professor Layton privately.

Before you could even open your mouth upon doing so, he greeted you.

“Forgive him,” he muttered, speaking to you as though he knew you were there the whole time. “Working on this curse has worn us both down, I am afraid.”

While you hardly had a chance to get to know Hector as well as you wanted, he did seem a very ‘to himself’ kind of man. Rarely did he wish to be involved with others. It seemed, as opposed to his brother, Hector was more on the scale of not wishing to get attached to anybody.

“I don't think poorly of him. I just think he’s… I don't know. Lonely is probably the word I am looking for.”

The professor seemed to smile briefly at that. “You’d be right in that regard,” he murmured, looking at his teacup. “It might be in your best interest to head home for the day, however.”

“Why?”

He shook his head with another heavy sight that almost sounded as one of restraint. “The full moon will be in the sky tonight. It is… better you take refuge away from here.”

Over the months you had gotten better at being startled by any of those under the curse. You weren't sure why this night would be any different. “Wouldn't I have to deal with this kind of thing eventually? I promise, I’ll be fine.”

Arthur sighed again, his fingers curling rather aggressively against the cup he held. His breathing became heavier as he shook his head. “Very well,” he said. “However… what you see here tonight, I wish for you to never speak of it anywhere beyond these walls…!”

There was tension in the atmosphere, making you take a step back. “I promise.” 

It was a hesitant response, but one he seemingly accepted.

His body then jerked a bit, his hand swiftly moving to the table where you heard the wood nearly buckle under immense strength that no human alone could muster. A low, unnerving growl emanated about the room and before you could even think to utter a single word in horror, the sound of bones cracking as they shifted into something different filled the air.

The professor hastily removed his clothing before a single part of it could be shredded. He acted in such a way that it made you realize he no doubt had endured this transformation before, and it wasn't something that just happened recently.

“P-Professor…?” you stuttered, uncertain of what to make of it.

It was there you saw something that you never had before. There was a leg brace that had gears that grinded and expanded to meet the size of his new right leg, which had gained mass and fur beyond that of a normal human.

Knowing what tales you heard of werewolves, you assumed he would be able to stand on it just fine. But you noted he was keeping it off of the ground—his hands and other leg doing their all to support his massive, brown furred body.

“Professor Layton!” Without thinking, you ran to his side. Kneeling before his lycan form, you grabbed hastily for the glasses that had fallen from his face.

“This,” he wearily uttered, “this is…what I don't wish for you to speak of…”

Handing him his glasses, you tried to find whatever humor you could in the situation. “Well, umm. This was unexpected.”

His nostrils flared as he attempted a miserable laugh. “It’s nothing new, so don't be alarmed.” Accepting his glasses, he placed them best they were able to go upon his maw. “I’ve endured this for sometime now.”

Noticing he still needed his glasses, you gave him a curious look. “Guess just because you transformed, it doesn’t mean things improve magically, huh?”

Arthur shook his head, grabbing his cane to assist himself in standing upright once more. Much to your surprise, the metal cane was able to do just that—perhaps it was stronger than it appeared. “Not with the medicine I have crafted with my brother, no. In fact, it is meant to remind the body of what it is to be human. That can mean physical limitations included.” He took a seat back on the chair with a laborious grunt. “If those wishing to be physically cured by blindness, or any physical disabilities that have the curse, then yes. They can withhold the thought of taking our treatment. But in the process, they will turn into a feral beast.”

You looked down at his leg. “That device on your leg seems handy, professor.”

“It was made by someone—the very person who inspired me to wish to try and see to it all could be as lucky as myself and keep their mind in the process of enduring the transformation.”

Even without saying the name, you could tell the memory haunted him. 

“Sometimes I wonder if I could consider this lucky.” His haunting eyes looked to you. “I was the only one to not go insane. All those around me fell to madness…”

Your heart tugged mercilessly at his confession.

“At times, I worry I am fighting a losing battle—making people retain their humanity when they might be happier never to have it. Bliss is often coddled by ignorance.”

Without thinking, you embraced him in hopes to calm the racing thoughts that made him doubt himself.

His body tensed, urging you to realize all too swiftly what you were doing. You pulled away. “Oh! Sorry about that!” Your cheeks felt warm from the embarrassment.

Professor Layton stifled a laugh. “It’s quite alright. I just… wouldn't advise such intense contact around this time of the coming full moon.”

You fidgeted. “But it’s not a full moon yet.”

He shook his head. “Mm, not really. But you forget—I am still very much in the body of a beast.”

Those words were enough to make you wonder what to even say to that. “Oh, that. Well…” You chewed at your lower lip, wondering what to say. “I could… help in whatever way you need?”

He raised a single, bushy brow at the comment. “Either you’re very giving or you’ve been hiding something from me for a while now.”

“I guess even werewolves don't have a keen sense of a woman’s emotions, huh? I’ll find relief in that.”

“No, we don’t,” he answered with a gentle laugh. “But, I have a keen sense of other things, my dear. And without hesitation, I can easily say, humans give off a hint of sexual urgency rather easily.”

Hearing him be so forward about that made your ears feel as though they were on fire. “I-Is that so?”

“So I’ll be a bit more candid: are you certain you would find comfort and love in the very being that brings you fear, my dear?” When you struggled on how to answer, he continued, “Fear is something I can easily smell as well. It’s a rotten sense for one such as myself, but I don’t doubt it is compelling for others.”

“What about myself?” you asked. “I… know you’ve been into your work more often than not, and I don't want to distract you from—.”

“You’re not a distraction,” he interrupted. “I swear it. What matters is your emotions towards all of this.”

Your hands rested on the underside of his jaw, urging him closer to where you kissed him upon the slope of his nose. His massive claw moved just under your chin, encouraging your eyes upon his.

They were a beautiful golden, red hue. What would have terrified you before felt more human the more you looked deeply within the gorgeous abyss.

“I am limited in certain ways,” he reminded you in a low, growling tone. “But I will do my best to make up for it in others.” His claw trailed about the clothing you wore. “May I remove this?”

Your mind stalled. Unable to even speak, you nodded. “Of course. I don’t mind…!”

It was a series of perfect motions. Even with the deadly claws, he used them in such a manner that showed he had easily been through this before. Not a single nail nicked your skin or even tore your clothing.

The wolf inched closer, the warmth of his breath beating down on your exposed skin, followed by his tongue caressing your exposed breasts shortly after. It made your body tense, teeth rolling over your lower lip as the giant wolf before you tended to you in such a loving manner that it felt as though he had done all this before.

It was effortless.

He had urged you upon his lap, your thighs resting upon his as the moan rumbled so deeply in his throat, it felt akin to a growl. The vibrations were erotic, your fingers curling into his wild fur to urge him onward as your body rubbed in desperation for more of him.

But you hardly had to wait.

Even as the furs of the beast kissed upon your skin, you felt the intoxicating warmth of his growing erection rubbing against your inner thighs.

Not like you were far from it to begin with.

Still, the size of such a thing startled you—especially upon seeing the knot as well.

He called out to you, catching onto your anxieties as the rushing beat was quite loud for one such as himself. “I won’t do anything you’re not ready for. We could take it as far as this, and I would consider myself content with that.”

You felt okay to do anything. However, that knot was quite intimidating. “I can… I can suck you off at the very least?” Your fingers gripped upon the base of his cock just above the knot. “I don't think I could manage all of this right now, if you know what I mean.”

His ears steadily shifted forward, catching the slight unease in your tone. “Mm, it is perfectly fine.” Arthur struggled to stay those words, making him keep himself in check with the intense fire burning within his new form. “Do whatever you are comfortable with doing.”

Sliding from his lap, you took to your knees where the heat of your breath enticed his erection all the more. The organ tensed in your grasp the moment your tongue traced the head of it. It was a simple series of licks, which eventually escalated into you taking a bit into your mouth.

You suckled noisily, moving up and down at a steady pace while your hand did the rest.

The professor moaned vocally, the leg he was able to move without issue finding its way between your own legs. With caution, he moved one of his toes against your exposed clit—nearly making you choke on his cock.

“Careful.” The word was said rather teasingly. “I don't need you gagging all over me, my dear.”

Breaking the string of saliva that connected you both, you wiped your mouth with the back of your hand. “You’re far more sly than I give you credit for, professor.”

He rested his furry cheek against his knuckles in taunting thought. “Mm, is that so? You have a lot to learn about me then. It is quite easy to catch you off your guard is what I’m learning about you.”

The enormous claw rose once more, rubbing your swollen clit to where your grip upon his manhood tightened. 

Fuck me, you mentally moaned, almost going slack from the euphoria that crippled you. Possibly smelling how much you were enjoying yourself, the professor didn't let up. “F-Fine…! Fine!” you grumbled playfully, a bit of saliva trickling down the corner of your lips as you spoke. Removing yourself from your knees, you grabbed the base of his cock and urged the head of it to kiss the lips to your entrance. “If you’re going to play that kind of game…!”

Arthur raised a single brow at your desire to move that swiftly. “Are you sure?”

“I’ll… I’ll do what I can,” you stammered, a bit high from the euphoria that had you.

Pushing steadily down, you were nearly caught off guard by how much of a reaction the professor had.

His teeth bared, eyes shut tightly as his tail wagged with such intensity, you were hardly expecting it. Even the growl sounded almost predatory in nature.

But in truth, it had been so long since he had been with anybody.

Any human.

It made a part of him yearn so much for more that it was taking every ounce of himself to remain in control—to not let the beast take over.

“A-Are you okay…?!”

“Just fine,” Professor Layton responded, hissing out a low breath through his clenched fangs. His hands found their resting place on your hips, trying to escort you ever slowly upon his impressive size.

You arched your back, resting your hands on his thighs as you tried to see what you could even manage.

The veiny length caressed your throbbing walls, making the sounds of your connection fill the room. The lewd squelching noise echoed violently in the air the more you both continued, urging you into a state of obliviousness. You hadn't even realized how much of him you were able to even hold within your body.

You admittedly were too drunk on the act to even care to notice.

“I’m… I’m going insane…!” you panted, feeling as the knot in your stomach was swelling to its breaking point.

The professor’s claw was gentle as he stroked against your warm cheek to remind you without words you were more in control than himself.

“Then come for me,” he insisted in a low, intoxicated moan.

Hearing such a sweet and alluring command, you moved down on his throbbing manhood to where you knew you could take no more. Without even a word being uttered, you felt your walls quiver—soaking him without restraint.

Once again he grunted, hissing in unbridled delight at the wet warmth as it trickled down every inch of him, pooling upon the knot. Urging you back a bit, the professor gave you a lopsided smirk. “Ready for me?”

You nodded the best you were able.

The warmth of his release filled you to the point it pooled at your union before slipping down his impressive size to mar the fur upon Arthur’s thighs.

It was like a drug filling your veins with such intoxication you could hardly think of a moment you could be without it. Losing your ability to sit upright, you collapsed upon his chest, urging Professor Layton to embrace you in a comforting and loving manner.

“Are you alright?” he asked, the warmth of those words teasing your ear as he spoke them.

A simple question was enticing, and he wasn't even trying to be sexual.

“I’m… great,” you whispered, trying to return from your erotic high. “Next time I’ll be able to handle the knot… Maybe…”

He stifled a laugh, his massive chest rumbling against yours as he did so. “I am in no rush. All that matters is that I can trust you, just as I hope you know you can trust me.”

END

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[purplesimmer455]

Cam gets home from her internship later that night, and as she places her house keys on the hook by the door, she sees a note on the side table.

“Hey baby, come meet me in the backyard. I have a surprise for you. Love, Pipes ♥︎.”

It says in glittery pink ink, and Cam smiles. She tucks it into her pants pocket to save in her and Piper’s photo album. She heads to the backyard, and her mouth opens in surprise as she eyes the beautifully decorated table with flowers and candles and food. There’s even a cart where a tray with two glasses and a bottle of nectar sits. “Baby!” She hears, and turns to see Piper rushing towards her in a pretty floral green dress, her hair in a ponytail with some curly tendrils at the front. She’s so gorgeous that it takes Cam’s breath away for a second. “Pipes, this surprise is amazing, I love it.” Cam says, and a mischievous smile plays on Piper’s lips. “I wanted to do something special and dress up a bit for you. I know it’s been hectic with our schedules and classes and your internship and my art club.” She says as Cam pulls her close and kisses her cheek, jawline, neck, and shoulder. “Cam, you’re supposed to eat the food, not me.” Piper jokes but grins as Cam gives her a mischievous look. “You look good enough to eat, so I thought might as well.” She teases as Piper blushes and grins.

Unfortunately the table is too full of stuff for them to sit, but I have them shift to the picnic table, plonk down the romantic candles, and it still works. Piper smiles at Cam and asks her about her day, subtly pushing the engagement ring box deeper into her dress’ pocket. “It was nice. I got to assist in a project and actually do something and I had fun. My mentor even said if I keep it up and impress some higher ups, I might get an offer for a full time position once I graduate.” Cam says and Piper’s eyes widen. “What? Baby, that’s awesome. I don’t know much about engineering but you’re good with it, and so smart and passionate so I know you’ll get it.” She says and Cam smiles, reaching over to stroke Piper’s hand with her own. “Thanks Jagiya. So, what about your day?” She asks. “Oh it was good too, Darren and I did some shopping for jewelry and hung out. Plus, I got my project for art club done. It’s a bit of a new technique I’m trying but I wanted to branch out from my regular style to try.” She adds and Cam grins. “I can’t wait to see it, I’m sure it’s amazing like all the stuff you make.” She says, rubbing Piper’s thumb with her own.

[allzelemonz]

Moving Day: Micah Bell X Male Reader

Pronouns: None Mentioned, Reader is referred to as ‘boy’, ‘son’, and ‘mister’ Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: T/References to violence, Implied sex Warnings: Micah Bell is his own warning, Miss Grimshaw is a tough love mom, implied sex, references to violence Summary: Not wanting to upset the order Miss Grimshaw has in packing up camp to move, you let her know about you and Micah.

The sudden moves from camp to camp are common as a Van Der Linde gang member. A big job draws attention, Dutch orders a move when the law starts sniffing around or there’s just a need for fresh territory. A new town presents plenty of opportunities. The girls snoop around and find what’s worth the gang’s attention, Hosea runs his cons, and everyone spreads out to take on stagecoaches, trains, and homesteads. But things have changed since the last move and those in charge of camp need to be informed of these changes. Miss Grimshaw would kill you if you messed up her camp by leaving her out of the loop.

“Miss Grimshaw?” You ask, trying to sound as nice as possible and taking your hat off of your head to show her respect.

“Mister-” She sighs. “Unless you would like to assist, I am busy.”

She and the other women are loading up the supplies. Heavy crates and all.

“Of course, Miss.” You clear your throat, nerves making it dry. “I just don’t want to make things difficult when you’re unpacking.”

“Skip to it now.” She turns to you with her hands on her hips.

Something about her facing you makes this harder to say. “Mister Bell and I are sharing a tent now.”

You grip at your hat nervously, thankful you have something to mess with in your hands while Miss Grimshaw stares at you. You can’t look her in the eyes for long. The woman is menacing enough at a distance and you do well to keep out of her way whenever possible. Her eyes are like fire, but when you catch the nervous glance up at her face she just looks bewildered.

“My God, boy.” She sighs. “This camp is full of fine young men. What possessed you to lie down with a man like Mister Bell?”

You smile nervously. “I, um, I am not quite sure, Miss Grimshaw.”

“Well it would do you some good to rethink this.” She lowers her voice. “That Arthur Morgan is a fine man.”

At this you laugh, shaking your head. “I’m afraid I’m sure of my choice in life, Miss. I just wanted to make sure you were aware of the change for the sake of your packing.”

“Fine, fine. But if you have any trouble with that wretched man, I am sure most of us would have a fine time kickin’ him out of your tent.” She sighs, flattening her dress with the palms of her hands. “I will change our packing arrangements accordingly.”

You nod. “Thank you, Miss Grimshaw. Sorry to have disturbed you.”

“Oh, it ain’t you that disturbs me son.” She says. “Your choices, perhaps, but not you.”

She turns back to the carts and continues loading them up. It won’t take long for word to travel now. Miss Grimshaw will mention it to the girls and then it will spread like wildfire through the camp, even faster if it gets to Sean early on because he never shuts up. You place your hat back on your head and return to business of camp as everyone runs a few last jobs before you leave. Lenny and Sean are begging Arthur to go with them on one last robbery in the area, Bill and Javier already left for one. You find Micah next to Baylock, waiting for you so you can meet Dutch and a few others to hit the bank in the town you’re now leaving.

“How’d it go with the old witch?” He asks, adjusting the straps on his saddle.

“Fine.” You say, stopping near your own horse. “I’m sure the camp will be talking about it in a few days.”

Micah approaches you and pulls you closer, fitting his fingers under your gun belt. “Ain’t nothing wrong with people knowin’ ya belong to Micah Bell, is there?”

“Course not.”

He presses his lips to yours and your hands find his waist, snaking under his jacket. He chuckles when he pulls away and walks back to Baylock. “You’re lookin’ forward to it, people knowin’.”

The grin on his face makes you smile back. “I suppose.”

You both mount your horses and ride out to town where Dutch and a couple others wait by the saloon. As you hitch your horse, you catch the eye of Charles who has John whispering something to him. His eyes move from you to Micah. They know, word has spread faster than expected.

[ffxivaltaholic]

Prompt #23: Cloud Nine

#FFxivWrite2024

"Do you know why we're here?" The silence was broken as the Elezen directed his question to the Company leader. Unfortunately, the Raen man's expression suggested even he did not know why his wife had called this sudden meeting. No one knew, but it had to be something important right? She was the second in command after all and in charge of the infirmary. "Maybe she needs help with something?" A young miq'ote woman spoke up sparking further conversation and debate over why they had all been summoned so unexpectedly.

Some were becoming a bit impatient, shifting in their seats and starting other conversations when the doors opened, and they were met with the small Raen woman, her blond hair pulled up in a cute clip. "Wonderful! I see everyone is here." It seemed Ame was in a pleasant mood, and it immediately quelled most of those gathered. It couldn't be anything bad if she was in such a good mood, right? That is what they wanted to believe anyway. Gazing over the collected members, Ame gave a pleased nod. "I am delighted to have you all here to assist me!" That confirmed a few of their suspicions but brought out a bunch of new questions. "Anyways..."

Turning from the gathered group, Ame briskly walked over to the far table, grabbing a large basket and carting it over to place in the middle of the group. "For the next hour, you're my taste testers!" The Raen woman announced happily, clasping her hands together and looking upon her company mates with glee. The excitement radiating from the small woman made it impossible to decline her request. No one would dare to burst her bubble.

Taking off the basket lid, the scent of delicious baked goods filled the room. At this point, there was no hesitation, and the group was fully on board with their new task. It took a short bit of time to get everything set out, but once the samples were all placed, and Ame began to explain the desserts, it was all worth it. Once each treat was described, she would ask them to taste test and provide feedback, which was written down in a small tome she'd brought. Ame seemed beyond elated as she scribbled down each person's opinion on the recipe before moving onto the next until her notes were complete and everyone was reaching a food coma level of full. Delicious treats now all consumed.

"Success, thank you all for participating!" The joy on the Raen's face was worth any potential sugar overdose that may come later with the amount of tested treats.

To see such happiness was absolutely worth it.

[djinnandtea]

The Old Centaur's Almanac Guide to Romance

A human/centaur Solstice romance in three parts

Chapter 2 (Chapter 1)

“You look pretty today!”

Helena gave Marin a pointed stare and said nothing in response. 

Marin was unbothered. “Come on, now, a little gentle teasing surely isn’t amiss.” 

“Walk me through the numbers, please,” Helena said, slipping out of her jacket and scarf as if no suggestive comments had been made. 

“You’re no fun,” Marin said with a pout. Then she went over their updated inventory as Helena settled into her back office. 

It was busy enough at the shop that Helena had an easy time not thinking about Alex. Though Marin tried to remind her when she could—talking about how beautiful the almanac art was, reading books about centaurs on her breaks where Helena could see, and at least once leaving a steamy romance with a rugged centaur man embracing a delicate looking human woman on the cover right on Helena’s desk—Helena was steadfast that Alex had been nothing more than a passing fancy, a brief bit of excitement in their otherwise routine days. He didn’t come back to the shop, nor did he call to speak to Helena. If she had hoped to see the centaur again, by the end of the fourth day without finding hide nor hair of him, she’d accepted his flirtations had simply been friendliness. 

It was fine that way. Helena had sworn off fae men since her last relationship with an orc three years prior, and that included handsome centaurs as much as anyone else. Besides, her human-designed home was no place for a creature roughly the size of a horse. He wouldn’t even fit at her dining table. It was fine this way, better even. Really. 

Helena had stopped thinking about Alex altogether when two weeks after he first appeared, she stepped out of the shop, locked its door, and then turned and ran straight into him. 

“Ash be damned,” she swore as she took a quick step back. “Give a girl some room, would you?”

Alex quickly stepped back. “I’m so sorry—I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Helena looked up at him, breath catching all over at the sight. He was wearing a dark gray sweater that paired with his coloring beautifully, and he’d tamed his curls into a long side braid that draped over his shoulder and down his chest. He really was good-looking. 

“It’s all right,” she said. Then, “Why are you here?”

Perhaps not her smoothest line.

Alex cleared his throat. “I thought I might make that appointment.”

Heat surged to Helena’s face. Pleasure did, too. “Oh. Well, you know I’m very busy. You might need to go through my assistant.”

He smiled and cocked his head. “Do you always like to play hard to get?”

Helena laughed a little. She shifted from one foot to another. “No, you’re just special.”

Alex’s cheeks went pink. “Well, are you terribly busy right now?”

Helena shook her head. “Just heading home.”

“May I walk you? Or do you take a cart?”

“I walk,” she said. “And I’d appreciate the company.”

They set off, at first, in silence. 

A block down from the shop, Helena spoke. “I didn’t think I’d see you again. You never came back around.”

“I meant to,” he replied. “But I don’t like crowds, if I’m being honest. I tried to see you once, but the shop was so full, I didn’t think I could step inside.”

Helena took in his words. “It’s not normally so crowded. This is our busiest time of year.”

“Yes, Niko told me. It wears on him, too.”

She had a number of questions about Alex’s relationship with his brother. Did he see Niko often? Why had Niko never said he had a brother? Why had she never seen Alex around the city before? But they all seemed too personal. In her limited time with Alex, Helena was already beginning to suspect he preferred his privacy. 

“I’m sure,” she said. “Do you help him often?”

“Not usually. I haven’t lived near the city in years. It’s not my favorite place. But I’ve recently relocated back, which means I can do a little work for Niko when things are hectic for him.” 

“Can I ask what brought you back?”

Alex looked down at her. “Centaurs are inherently social creatures. It wasn’t serving me to be on my own. And I suppose I missed my brother.”

Helena felt a pang of empathy, and a twinge of bitterness. She understood how Alex felt; she missed her family, too.”

“I don’t know much about centaurs,” she said to distract herself. “You and Niko are the only two I’ve met.”

Alex smiled. “Well, I’ll tell you we’re a fabulous bunch. We’re all very handsome, and very smart, and our members are well-blessed by Priapus when it comes to size and virility.”

Helena scoffed. “Alex!”

 “Have I impressed you yet?”

He was coming on strong, but Helena found she didn’t mind. It had been ages since she’d been flirted with, and Alex had been respectful in his behavior otherwise. And if she were being completely honest, it was a little exciting to be spoken to so brazenly. 

She shook her head. “It takes more than a large and virile member to free up my schedule.”

Alex laughed. “Do you prefer a gentler man? A man of books and intellect?”

She looked at him and shrugged. “At the end of the day, I prefer a man who’s kind. Even if he isn’t so blessed by Priapus.”

The conversation cooled from a boil to a simmer as they continued to walk, their discussion shifting from flirtation to something more neutral. Alex asked Helena about her shop, never bringing up her time before she owned it, and she asked Alex about what he did to pass the time now that he’d relocated. 

“I flirt with beautiful women,” he said as they approached Helena’s front door. 

“Ah,” she said, pulling out her key. “So it’s not just me, then.”

“On the contrary. It’s only you.”

He looked at her, his expression rooting Helena to the spot. 

“You’re very direct,” she said, a little breathless.

He didn’t pull his eyes away. “I prefer to speak plainly.”

Helena didn’t know what to say to that. “Well. Thank you for walking me home. That was nice of you.”

He shook his head little. “If I’m being honest, I wasn’t trying to be nice at all.”

Helena’s eyes narrowed. Alex continued.

“That sounded ominous,” he looked briefly away. “I…Ash it all.” He looked back at her. “Tomorrow is the solstice.”

“I know,” she replied. 

“Do you have plans?”

Helena swallowed. “No. It’s not a holiday I care about.”

“Will you spend the evening with me then? I’ll make you dinner.”

Helena opened her mouth, but she couldn’t make herself speak. She didn’t usually like to spend the fae holidays with the fae themselves. The days never meant the same thing to both of them. 

“I’ve botched this, haven’t I?” He said, frowning.

Helena folded her arms, unsure of what to say, or how to explain where her hesitation came from. “It’s not that I don’t want to spend time with you,” she tried. “I just….”

It seemed to click for Alex then. “I’m not asking to celebrate with you—I’m sorry, I should have realized that’s how it would look. I wouldn’t be surprised if you have your own feelings about the solstice. The thing is, I have to leave for a little while the day after tomorrow, so it’s my last opportunity to spend time with you. I’ve wanted to ask you to dinner since the day I dropped off the almanacs, but I couldn’t find the courage, and it all seemed too sudden, as we’d just met. I don’t historically move quickly.” He paused. “Historically, I don’t move at all, to be honest.”

There was much to unpack in his speech, but Helena focused on least charged. “You’ve been flirting with me from the jump.” said Helena.

Alex offered a lopsided smile. “Yes, it’s been a bit confusing for me, too.”

“Does it help clarify anything if I tell you that I’ve enjoyed it?” Her breath held as she watched Alex’s face. 

He grinned. “A bit. So, tomorrow. Can we confirm the appointment? Do I still need to go through your assistant?”

Helena smiled at him. “No, this request can go directly through me. Yes, I’ll have dinner with you tomorrow.”

“Oh, good.” Alex laughed, the tension visibly leaving his shoulders. His ears twitched and his tail flicked, and he took a quick step back and then forward, as if releasing pent up energy. “Can I pick you up here at 6:00 p.m.?”

“Yes,” agreed Helena. I’ll be ready.”

“Until tomorrow then,” Alex said. 

“Until tomorrow.” 

He waited until she was safely inside her apartment before he trotted away. Helena watched Alex leave, pleased—though nervous—with the turn of events. 

“Oak and Ash help me,” she murmured as she closed and locked the door.

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

Imagine that after defeating the devil (or Lucio) Mc gets a bit stronger physically and more powerful in magic how would the M6 react to Mc accidently breaking something without knowing their new strength?

Like for example: Mc was walking through the door and didn't let go of the handle quick and ripped it off its hinges. Cue both Mc and M6 staring in shock.

Or breaking a hard metal without struggle.

-🐙

The Arcana HCs: When MC is a little too strong

~ octopus friend, thanks for the prompt! I've actually already written a set of headcanons for something like this (I'll add it below) but the scene you described is so perfect I had to make a sequel XD Enjoy! - brainrot ~

Related: When MC is stronger than they look

Julian

The two of you were out and about in the South End Market, perusing the stalls when he let out a shout and pointed

There's an exceptionally icky man sliding through the crowd, lifting wallets from people's pockets left and right. Julian, being the hero he is, begins to give chase and calls for you to assist him

The street's too crowded, so you hustle through some back alleyways and pop back out further up the street

Your lover's indignant yelling has tipped off the pickpocketer and the scoundrel is running full speed right past your alleyway, your beloved trying and failing to give chase a good ten people away

In a last-ditch effort to stop him, you reach out and manage to grab the icky man's arm. You dig your heels in and yank

Only to watch him go sailing backwards, over several people's heads, bounce off of a pile of carpets, and land in the canal

Well. It seems you've gotten considerably stronger

Julian catches up to you quickly, initially concerned for your wellbeing and determined to ensure that you are unharmed

Once he does, you'll have to escort him home as quickly as possible, because he finds your strength too attractive to appropriately contain himself

Asra

There's a story behind how the two of you hitched a ride with the cabbage man during your post-Devil trip all over the continent

You had stopped in the capital city of a nearby country and the two of you were having a grand time wandering around, trying new foods, meeting new people, and finding new mischief

As you're passing through one of the major marketplaces, your attention is grabbed by an unusually large wash basin careening through the streets bearing a motley crew of teenagers

Asra's springing into action before you can, sending out waves of magic to move people out of the way and propel the seemingly jet-powered bathtub the rest of the way across the square

It's a cry of "my cabbages!" that pulls your attention to one unfortunate vendor who has left his cart parked directly in the path of the tin of troubled youths

You only mean to pull the obstacle out of the way (really!) but your tug sends the cabbage cart up over your head, on a short arc through the air until it lands safely on a surprisingly sturdy booth roof

When you turn back around, the crowd is watching you slack jawed, the cabbage man is in grateful ecstasy, and Asra is on the ground in tears, wheezing with uncontrollable laughter

Nadia

You had been doing some research in the library to assist with Nadia's "revive Vesuvia" project and stumbled on some old manuscripts detailing earlier blueprints of the city layout

As soon as you find it and the bundle of useful information it was stored with, you rush out to fetch your beloved Countess and show her your discovery

The two of you are walking back through the halls, her eyes resting on you fondly as you summarize what you've found so far

You're so caught up in conversation that you don't think twice about the library door when you approach it. It was unlocked on your way out minutes ago, it's safe to assume that it still is on your way back in

You face Nadia, groping behind you for the handle, about to ask her what the amused expression stealing across her face is for as you tug open the door

Your question is answered for you when the screech of bending and snapping metal grates across your ears, Nadia's face quickly going blank in shock

She steps forward slowly, inspecting the damage you caused when you ripped over twelve deadbolts out of the palace wall before turning back to you with a disbelieving laugh

... so it seems that the door wasn't unlocked, after all

Muriel

You're working in the clearing with him when you accidentally make yourself nature's greatest problem child

There's an annoying infestation of a certain type of plant recently that the chickens keep eating even though it isn't good for them

You're tired of your soft-hearted lover bringing vomiting poultry into the hut at all hours of the night to nurse them back to health, only for the foolish birds to go straight back out and eat it again

So you're spending your morning hunched over the grass, clearing the area section by section of the godforsaken herb

There's sweat trickling into your eyes, making it difficult to see, and when Muriel calls your name you don't look at the next thing you've grasped, only giving it an angry yank as you answer him

You're thrown off balance when the root you pull turns out to be way longer than the weeds you were dealing with earlier, landing on your back just in time to see the tree above you slowly rotate and crack

You barely have a second to process the situation before you hear a shout and feel yourself getting scooped up and out of the way, a whole section of that tree's root system still in your fist

Muriel spends the next half hour staring silently at the uprooted tree, deep in thought as the chickens huddle at his feet

Portia

Most of the time, being the partner of an ambassador is exciting in a fairly peaceful manner. Stressful days occur when the nobles Portia negotiates with don't cooperate or storms happen at sea

In today's case, though, it begins with sighting a pirate ship off in the distance. You thought at first that they would know better than to go up against a boat like yours, but it seems they don't

Soon enough the enemy is bearing down on you, cannons out, the crewmembers on deck visibly armed to the teeth

Portia's not one to take this lying down - she is Mazelinka's unofficial granddaughter, after all - and is bellowing orders to the sailors to ready your own ship for battle

"MC!" she shouts, "Get those cannonballs closer to the railing!"

You scramble to the pile of cannon fodder and snatch one up. It's way lighter than you expected, so you blindly hurl it in the direction of the cannons facing the enemy ship and bend down for the next

The deck becomes oddly quiet split seconds before you hear a distant crash and yell. You straighten up and turn around in time to see one of the enemy's masts shatter and fall into the waves

Portia's laughing into a shared kiss before you can ask her what's happened. "MC," she cackles, "MC, you fantastic fool."

Lucio

Today's job has been rewardingly difficult. It's not every day you go up against a stone giant, but this one was terrorizing an entire town for weeks on end before the two of you showed up

It hadn't been very promising at first, Lucio's sword being one of the first things to go, but then you were able to figure out that the loud growling was coming from its stomach and not its mouth

Once you negotiated its access to the local food supply the misunderstanding was quickly cleared up. You turn from the happy ending to see your darling Lucio cradling the now-wrinkly blade

He's distraught - this sword is one of the remaining relics from his countship and it's served him very well over the years

You take it from him before he discovers that it won't be able to slide so neatly into its sheath and take a look at it. It's not a total pretzel - it just needs to be stretched out

You give the two ends of it a tug, as if to affirm your assessment, and before your eyes the metal creaks and straightens. You accidentally leave a divot at the tip in the shape of your thumb

Lucio's too puffed up with pride and joy to question it - he's already waving it in the air and claiming all it needs now is a sharpening

But he is going to look into powering up his gauntlet, if possible

[howtobeamagicalgirl]

The assistant manager at work drives me so fucking BONKERS bc almost every interaction we have is 90% fine and normal, but then she says something that is JUST a little rude in a way that like. HAS to be intentional.

Like, she came into my classroom during lunch and asked if she could get some of our leftover food off the cart, and I said sure bc we all had food and the kids weren't crazy enough about it to eat everything left over, and while she was getting food she asked if the coleslaw was any good and I was like "idk, I'm not eating it."

A response to this, if one was EVEN WARRANTED, could have been like, "Oh, you don't eat coleslaw?" or "well, I'll get some and see for myself" or "ok" and shut up and get your coleslaw and leave. But instead she said, "are you a picky eater Ms. LeeAnn?"

Which immediately puts me in a situation where I have to either confess to being a picky eater or try to convince her that I'm not, both of which are more conversation than I want to be having with the assistant manager when I'm in the middle of talking to better and more interesting people (a table full of half-asleep toddlers covered in snot and drool, with a collective vocabulary of ~50 words). So I just said "I am when it comes to coleslaw," and went back to talking to my gross kids.

And that's like. Every conversation with her. She picks the most inflammatory way to respond to something I say, even if I did not need or want a response, and if I don't do or say anything that she can be rude to me in response to, she looks for something to comment on. "Your classroom is always such a hot mess 😊" "Ms. LeeAnn, you're working harder, not smarter 😉" "It's so funny how you leave these handouts on the podium instead of giving it directly to the parents, as if they're actually going to take them 😆"

Girl what did I ever do to you

[jaimebluesq]

It's my Cake Day Today + WIP Wednesday

I'd like to thank all my mutuals for making my days so much fun and interesting - you save my mental health on a regular basis!

Feel free to send me anything on your mind in my Ask box - questions, headcanons, requests, etc - and you're always welcome to take a peek at some of my fic on AO3 and leave a nice comment.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day and finds something to make them smile :D

And since it's also a Wednesday, my birthday gift is a snippet from a WIP featuring our favourite One Braincell Trio

~~~

The night hunt was successful. The ghost had been calmed with few problems and nobody had been hurt in the process. Unfortunately, Yao JiChen had been a little too excited about his first night hunt – as they'd began their trek away from the site, he tripped and fell over tangled tree roots, severely twisting his ankle and leaving him unable to walk without assistance.

He was currently leaning into Wei Wuxian's side, using him as a support as the group made their way in the early morning light.

The road was mostly empty with only a couple of merchants passing by, taking advantage of the early hour to make a head start on their day. The disciples, despite the small injury, were still excitedly talking about their first hunt and prodding Wei Wuxian into giving them advice and praise.

They really were adorable.

“So the next time you try that talisman,” he finished his explanation to Li Lian, “put a little less qi into it.”

“Shixiong?” Hong YuMei tugged at his sleeve. “Someone's coming.”

The group shifted to the side of the narrow road, anticipating the passing of another merchant with a cart full of wares. When he glanced back, however, Wei Wuxian only saw a horse and rider wreathed in the morning's shadows. As they approached, they passed through a beam of sunlight that had managed to make its way through the canopy above, highlighting the rider.

Wei Wuxian grinned.

“Nie-xiong!” he shouted, lifting a hand to wave to his friend. “What are you doing in Yunmeng? You're a week early.”

The horse's canter quickened until it came to a stop next to the group of disciples. “Wei-xiong!” Nie Huaisang patted the horse's neck, and it snorted in response. “Da-ge was threatening to cancel my visit if I didn't train my saber more, so I thought it best to leave home before he made good on his threat.”

“I should have guessed. It isnice to see you again, my friend.” He felt pressure on his shoulders as Yao JiChen shifted his weight. “I... don't suppose you could spare your mount for a short while?”

Nie Huaisang glanced down at the way Yao JiChen was leaning on Wei Wuxian. “Can he ride?”

The disciple nodded. “It's been years, since before I joined the Jiang, but I still remember the basics.”

Wei Wuxian was relieved when the disciple pulled away a little bit as he reached out to pet the horse's flank. Nie Huaisang nodded and gracefully dismounted. “Laopo is very gentle, so she shouldn't give you much issue.”

Together, Nie Huaisang and Wei Wuxian helped the injured disciple up onto the horse, and moments later, the young man was trotting away alongside his fellow juniors. Wei Wuxian slung an arm over Nie Huaisang's shoulders and stayed back a little so they could speak among themselves.

“I'm actually really glad you came early, Nie-xiong – I have something I need your help with.”

“Oh?” A folding fan snapped open and moved to cover Nie Huaisang's curving lips. “And what in the heavens could that be?”

“A mission of utmost importance. I need some time off, and for that, I need to get Jiang Cheng married.”

Nie Huaisang nearly stumbled over something on the road. “<i>Married</i>?!”

“Keep it down,” Wei Wuxian hushed. “You know we're rebuilding, and most of the sect is so young, so Shijie and I are pretty much the only ones really helping Jiang Cheng get the work done. But if he were married, with a proper Jiang-furen there to handle a good part of the load, then all of our lives would go so much easier.”

“You'd even have time to make a visit to Gusu,” Nie Huaisang responded with a glint in his eye. “For some Emperor's Smile, of course.”

“Of course.” He grinned. “So, what do you think? Are you up to helping me find Jiang Cheng a wife? I figured if there was anyone with a romantic bone in their body, it would be you.”

“Well I'm very flattered, Wei-xiong. I don't suppose it would be <i>that</i> difficult. Jiang-xiong is quite a handsome man, and a sect leader, both attractive qualities.”

“At least until he opens his mouth and barks at you.”

Nie Huaisang shrugged. “In that he's no worse than Da-ge, and we still get letters regularly asking him to meet with some sect leader's daughter or sister or maiden aunt. Some of them can get rather... explicit.”

“At least we know where to start.”

“The list?”

Wei Wuxian grinned. “The list. I doubt there's anyone who could fit all of his qualifications, but I'm sure there must be someone who fits enough that he might like them a little.”

“And what sects will we look to for candidates?”

“Not just sects. I want Jiang Cheng to be happy, and he doesn't need to marry a cultivator. As long as she's good for him, it doesn't matter where she comes from. And you don't need to cultivate to manage a lot of the administrative work around Lotus Pier.”

Nie Huaisang made a face. “So much work, running a sect.”

“Don't worry, we won't put you to work while you're visiting – other than helping me with this, that is.”

“I'm very reassured, Wei-xiong. But I do have one question.”

“That is?”

“Have you asked Jiang-xiong what he thinks about this?”

“That's why I have you, Nie-xiong. I trust in your powers of persuasion...”