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vera-deville · 20 days ago

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A Swan's Secret, a Dragon's Heart

03/06/2025 - 04/07/2025

Pairing: Malleus Draconia x Reader Word Count: 4,671 Warnings: None Gender: AFAB Tags: @rose-the-witch1, @viviennevermillion Notes: If you would like to be added to the taglist, please comment down below! Masterlist

The night was calm, the air thick with the quiet hum of nature. Malleus took his usual path through the woods surrounding the dorms, his presence casting long shadows in the silver moonlight. It was rare for him to encounter another soul at this hour - most students were deep in slumber, and those who weren't would rather avoid crossing paths with the "fearsome" fae prince. He didn't mind. Solitude had long been his companion, and these late - night walks had become a routine he found comfort in.

But tonight, something was different.

The rustling of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl were not the only sounds filling the night. A gentle ripple spread across the surface of the nearby lake, drawing Malleus' sharp gaze. His curiosity piqued, he stepped closer, his chartreuse eyes scanning the water's edge. Then, under the glow of the moon, he saw it - a swan, its dark feathers blending into the night, its sleek form drifting effortlessly across the still waters.

Malleus tilted his head, intrigued. It was unusual to see such a creature here, especially one so strikingly unique. The black swan moved toward him slightly, though it kept a cautious distance, its dark eyes meeting his own with quiet intelligence.

"Curious," Malleus murmured, lowering himself to sit on the soft grass by the shore. "I don't believe I've seen you before."

"The swan merely blinked, tilting its head as if considering his words. Malleus chuckled softly, finding the response oddly endearing. It reminded him of speaking to Sebek - though, unlike Sebek, the swan didn't immediately launch into a long-winded lecture about his responsibilities.

Perhaps the swan was closer in similarity to Silver rather than Sebek.

"Are you perhaps a lonely wandered as well?" he mused, watching as the bird preened its feathers before settling comfortably near the water's edge.

A silence fell between them, but it wasn't unpleasant. Malleus was used to conversations being one sided. After all, there were very few who dared to engage with him without trepidation. Yet, as he sat beneath the moonlit sky with the swan, he felt something different. The bird did not shy away from him, nor did it show any signs of fear. It simply existed beside him, listening.

Encouraged by this unexpected company, Malleus began to speak. He talked about the night, the things he had observed during his walk, and even a bit about his day - though there wasn't much of interest to share. He found himself mentioning Lilia's latest antics.

Malleus exhaled a quiet chuckle, eyes momentarily drifting toward the sky. "Just this morning, Lilia decided it would be amusing to replace the milk in our dorm's kitchen with a fae-made alternative." Shaking his head, he continued, "He claimed it was 'nutritionally superior' to the human version and that we should be more 'adventurous' with our palates."

He glanced at the swan, who almost seemed to have a grimace on its face, but tilted its head in curiosity, as if urging him to continue.

"Naturally, he neglected to mention that this so called 'improvement' was derived from a plant that induces an unfortunate side effect in humans." Holding the swan's stare, Malleus said in all seriousness, "Levitation." The memory rolled in his mind as he continued, "Silver was the first victim, attempting to pour himself a cup of tea, only to find himself slowly drifting toward the ceiling. Sebek, of course, immediately accused him of being negligent in his training, completely ignoring the fact that his own feet left the ground the moment he took a sip of his tea."

The swan let out a soft noise - something akin to a snort and a huff. Amused, Malleus took it as encouragement to continue.

"By the time I arrived, the kitchen was in chaos. Silver was attempting to push himself along the beams to reach the door, Sebek was howling about 'unacceptable combat readiness,' and Lilia, the old bat, was watching from the counter, laughing so hard he nearly fell off. I asked him if he had any intentions of undoing his little prank, and he simply waved a hand back and said, 'They'll come down eventually. I'm sure it'll wear off by lunch!'"

Malleus sighed, but there was no real exasperation in his tone. There was something playful about it, tinged with nostalgia, despite the event occurring not too long ago. "I suppose I should be grateful he hadn't replaced the entire dorm's supply. Still, I do wonder what compels him to wreak such havoc."

The swan fluffed its feathers, as if in agreement that Lilia was an agent of mischief incarnate. Malleus hummed in amusement. "I take it that you would not accept a drink from him either?"

The swan dipped its head, and Malleus let out another quiet chuckle.

"Wise choice."

He went on to talk about Sebek's attempt to impress him, which really only lead to him tripping over himself and the exasperating (yet strangely amusing) interactions he had with his fellow peers.

The swan remained attentive, its gaze fixed on him, as if absorbing every word.

Malleus leaned back slightly, a rare, content smile tugging at his lips. "I must admit, you are quite the listener," he remarked, watching as the swan ruffled its feathers, seemingly pleased with the praise.

Perhaps, he though, these nightly promenades would no longer be quite so lonely.

• —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– •*̣̥☆·͙̥‧❄•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥˟͙☃˟͙‧̩̥·‧•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥•̥̩̥͙‧·‧̩̥❄‧·͙̥̣☆*̣̥• —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– •

The potions room was abuzz with the unmistakable chaos that could only be attributed to Ace, Deuce, and Grim. You hadn't even been part of the initial disaster - whatever that was - but somehow, you had still gotten roped in. Now, you were standing in the middle of the mess, arms crossed, watching your so called friends scramble to fix their mistake before anyone with actual authority arrived.

"I swear it wasn't my fault this time!" Ace insisted, gripping the edge of a toppled-over table as he tried to set it back up. "Deuce was the one who knocked over the cauldron!"

"You pushed me!" Deuce snapped, wrestling with a very uncooperative broom that seemed to have developed a mind of its own.

"It was Grim's idea anyway!"

"Hey!" Grim puffed up indignantly, his tail bristling. "It would've worked if you two weren't so clumsy!"

You sighed, rubbing your temples. The three of them had managed to overturn and entire potion experiment (one that they shouldn't have even been dealing with in the first place) and whatever strange mixture they had concocted had resulted in several objects - including the unfortunate broom - gaining some form of consciousness. Said broom had decided that Deuce was its mortal enemy and was currently engaged in an aggressive battle with him.

And, of course, this was the exact moment Malleus chose to pass by.

You felt the weight of his gaze before you even turned your head. He stood just outside the room, watching the scene unfold with quiet amusement, his lips quirked in the barest hint of a smirk.

"Enjoying the show?" you asked dryly, stepping away as Ace tripped over a rolling potion bottle.

Malleus' verdant eyes gleamed with barely restrained laughter. "Immensely," he admitted. "It's rather fascinating how chaos follows you so naturally."

You huffed, shooting him a mock glare. "I'll have you know I was an innocent bystander in all this."

"Mm. Is that so?" His tone was laced with mirth, though he made no move to intervene - until his sharp gaze flickered toward the hallway entrance, where the telltale click of polished heels echoed closer.

Professor Crewel.

Before you could even think of scrambling for an excuse, a gentle pulse of magic swept through the air. The overturned table righted itself. The stray potion bottles disappeared. The rebellious broom stilled, falling lifelessly to the ground as though it had never moved at all.

Ace and Deuce looked around in stunned silence, while Grim gawked, his tail fluffed up in shock.

Malleus said nothing. He merely glanced at you, his smirk deepening, before stepping back into the shadows - just as Crewel rounded the corner.

You quickly straightened, schooling your face into something innocent as the professor eyed the room suspiciously. But there was no evidence of any wrongdoing. No stray potions, no possessed cleaning utensils, nothing.

With a short huff, he narrowed his eyes and strode past without a word.

The moment he was out of sight, you turned to look at the fae who had solved your dilemma, only to find him gone.

Later that evening, you found yourself watching Malleus as he departed from the cafeteria, his tall frame illuminated by the glow emanating from the chandeliers. He walked with effortless grace, his cloak billowing slightly behind him, the sharp contrast of his dark silhouette against the silver night making him appear almost otherworldly.

There was something hauntingly beautiful about him - the way his horns curved elegantly, the way his emerald eyes glowed faintly in the dim light. He was like a figure from an old legend, something untouchable, yet inexplicably magnetic.

Your heart clenched slightly.

He really was something else.

The courtyard buzzed with the usual midday energy - students chatting in clusters, the occasional burst of laughter ringing through the air, and the gentle rustling of leaves as a soft breeze rolled through. You were making your way toward a shaded bench when a familiar presence seemed to materialize beside you.

"You are difficult to find," Malleus mused, his voice rich with amusement.

You blinked up at him, unimpressed. "You say that like you don't just pop up wherever I go."

Malleus only chuckled at that (tugging a smile at your own lips), clearly unbothered by the accusation. "I sought you out for your wisdom."

"Oh?" You raised an eyebrow. "That's a first."

He ignored your teasing and sighed, his expression contemplative. "Earlier today, a student approached me and greeted me in a rather informal manner - no titles, no hesitation, simply...'Hey, what's up?'" His lips pressed together in mild disapproval, as if repeating the phrase left a sour taste in his mouth. "Sebek was, of course, furious. He reprimanded the boy immediately, but it left me wondering...was it truly an insult?"

You did your utmost best to not burst out in laughter.

Sebek losing his mind over something like that? Shockingly in character.

Instead, you hummed in thought. "Well...not really. I mean, in human culture, casual greetings are normal. Most of the time, they don't mean any disrespect."

Malleus considered this, his sharp gaze flickering with curiosity. "So I should not be offended?"

"No reason to be."

"Hmm. Then is it expected of me to respond in kind?" He paused, then, with the utmost seriousness, asked, "What is up?"

That time, you did actually laugh. Who wouldn't? His delivery was so painfully formal, as if he were reciting an ancient incantation instead of casual slang. "No, no, that's way too stiff! You've gotta make it sound natural."

Malleus tilted his head. "Natural?"

You cleared your throat and gestured for him to follow along. "Alright, say it like this: 'Not much, what's up with you?'"

Malleus nodded, taking a moment to process the phrase before repeating it carefully, though still sounding oddly regal. "Not much. What is up with you?"

You snorted.

"Eh, close enough."

Malleus seemed satisfied with his newfound knowledge, but something about the way his eyes gleamed told you he wasn't quite done. "Then I shall attempt this with the next person I see."

The realization hit you like a freight train. "Wait, wait, wait—"

But it was too late. The next time you glanced across the courtyard, Ace nearly keeled over in shock when Malleus Draconia - the Prince of Briar Valley, the future king of the fae - walked up to him and, with all the gravitas of a royal decree, asked, "Not much. What is up with you?"

You weren't there to see it, but you knew Ace was going to hound you for an explanation. And honestly? It was going to be worth it.

The library was quiet, save for the soft rustling of pages and the occasional scribble of a pen against paper. It was late in the afternoon, and most students had already cleared out, leaving only a handful of studious individuals still pouring over their work. You yourself had started off as one of them - fully intent on finishing your your assignments - but somewhere along the line, between reading through dull textbooks and the warmth of the library's dim lighting, your eyelids had grown heavy.

And somewhere along the line, you had completely dozed off.

Malleus found you like that, slumped over a thick tome, your head resting against your folded arms atop the wooden desk. His footsteps were soundless as he approached, his gaze soft as he took in the sight.

How curious. He had been looking for you, intending to engage in his usual musings, only to find you in this vulnerable state. A faint smile tugged at his lips. He had been told before that sleep was an utmost necessity for humans on the daily, but he rarely had a chance to observe it. Not like this, anyways. Not so unguarded, so peaceful.

Careful not to wake you, he stepped closer, tilting his head as he observed the slow and steady rise and fall of your shoulders. The way your lashes cast delicate shadows against your cheeks. The slight parting of your lips, as if caught mid-dream.

Something in his chest tightened.

A soft sigh escaped him as he reached forward, his gloved hand barely ghosting over your figure before he made a quiet decision. With the gentlest flick of his fingers, the air around you shifted - iridescent magic swirled subtly, and within seconds, the stiff wooden chair you had been sitting in transformed into something far more comfortable, its back arching into a cushioned support. The book under your arm slid away on its own, neatly stacking itself at the edge of the desk, leaving you undisturbed.

He hesitated, then, almost as an afterthought, conjured a thin, weightless blanket, letting it drape over your shoulders.

"Sleep well," he murmured, though he knew you wouldn't hear him.

Then, with one last lingering glance, he stepped away, fading into the library's shadows as silently as he had come.

When you woke up later, stretching and rubbing the sleep from your eyes, you would have no memory of his presence - only the faintest warmth of something that hadn't been there before.

It was a peaceful afternoon in the courtyard, the breeze gentle as it rustled through the trees. You sat comfortably on the stone bench, enjoying the rare moment of quiet in your otherwise chaotic schedule. Malleus stood nearby, his usual composed presence casting a familiar shadow over the sunlit space.

You had been mid-conversation when a sudden movement caught your eye. From behind a bush, a small, scrappy-looking cat emerged, its fur a mix of orange and white, patches of dirt clinging to its coat.

Your eyes lit up instantly. "Oh~ Look at you!"

Without hesitation, you crouched down, extending a hand toward the feline. It sniffed the air cautiously, its tail flicking as it debated whether or not to approach.

Malleus, however, did not share your enthusiasm. His gaze was sharp, wary, as he regarded the creature with clear suspicion. "You should be careful," he warned. "Felines have never taken kindly to me."

You glanced up at him, amused. "What, are you cursed or something?"

Malleus folded his arms. "It's not a curse. Simply an observation."

You turned back to the cat, who was now rubbing against your fingers, purring softly. "Nonsense! Look at this little guy~ He's harmless! You just need to approach them gently."

Malleus remained unconvinced, but after a moment's hesitation, he lowered himself into a crouch beside you. The cat immediately tensed, its ears flattening.

"Try putting your hand out," you encouraged. "Let it come to you."

He did as you suggested, slowly extending a gloved hand.

The cat took one look at him - then immediately hissed, arched its back, and bolted in the opposite direction, disappearing into the bushes as if its life depended on it.

Silence.

Malleus blinked, then simply nodded. "As I said."

You clamped a hand over your mouth, trying (and failing) to suppress your laughter. The contrast between his calm acceptance and the cat's sheer terror was simply too much.

Malleus merely exhaled through his nose, standing back up. "It would seem our companionship is fated to be a one-sided affair."

You finally managed to catch your breath, shaking your head fondly. "I don't get it. You make friends with all sorts of creatures, so how come cats hate you?"

He gave you a thoughtful look, as if genuinely considering the question. "Perhaps they sense something imperceptible to others."

"Or maybe," you teased, nudging him lightly, "you're just too intimidating."

He gave a hum of amusement, watching as you cast one last hopeful glance toward the bushes where the cat had vanished.

"I do not require the approval of a house pet," he added, and yet, there was the faintest glimmer of something unreadable in his gaze.

You grinned. "Sure, sure. Whatever you say."

Malleus merely shook his head, letting you have your fun. Even if the cat had rejected him, at least you never did.

The moonlight shimmered over the still waters of the lake, casting a soft glow over the lone swan that drifted effortlessly across its surface. You titled your head at the sound of approaching footsteps, already knowing who they belonged to. Sure enough, Malleus Draconia emerged from the shadows of the trees, his usual air of quiet regality softened by the fond smile tugging at his lips.

"Ah, there you are," he mused, stepping closer to the water's edge. "I was beginning to wonder if you'd abandoned me tonight."

You let out a small, amused huff - well, as much as a swan could manage - as he took his usual seat on the grassy bank. It had become routine by now. Each night, under the cover of darkness, you would shed your human form and take to the lake, reveling in the freedom that came with your transformation. And each night, Malleus would find his way to your precious lake, unaware that the very creature he so enjoyed spending time with was the same person who shared fleeting glances with him in the halls of Night Raven College.

He talked as he always did, voice rich and baritone, a steady presence against the tranquil sounds of the night. Tonight, as usual, it seemed he had gargoyles on his mind.

"There is an especially intricate one near the botanical gardens. I suspect it is older than the others, given the craftsmanship..." He trailed off, gazing at you thoughtfully. "I do wonder if you even understand half of what I say, my little companion."

You fluffed your feathers, a quiet protest. If only he knew just how much you were truly listening.

"Speaking of peculiar things," Malleus continued, absently tracing shapes in the grass. "There is...someone. A human." His voice took a fond, contemplative tone. "They are different. Unafraid of me. I find myself drawn to them."

Your head snapped up, watching as he sighed, a rare wistfulness in his expression.

"It is frustrating, in a way. To be so ancient and yet still feel something as foolish as nervousness around them." He chuckled, low and warm. "I doubt they even realize how much space they occupy in my thoughts."

You stilled, staring at him as his words sank.

Malleus liked someone?

It was another quiet evening by the lake, the soft chirping of crickets filling the still air. You sat on a stone bench, fingers tracing absent-minded patterns on the surface of your water bottle, watching the ripples in the moonlit water. Malleus stood not too far away, his usual imposing presence softened by the tranquil night.

You glanced up at him, noting the unusual tension in his posture. "What's on your mind, Malleus?"

He hesitated before turning to you, his expression unreadable. "There is a matter I have been thinking about," he said quietly, as if unsure of how to phrase it.

Your brow furrowed slightly. "What's that?"

He stared at the moon for a moment, his violet eyes distant, almost wistful. "Hypothetically speaking... if one were to be interested in a human, what would be the best way to convey such affection?"

You blinked, slightly taken aback by the question. "Well, I suppose it depends, honestly. Some people like gifts, others like spending time together." You shrugged, trying to keep it casual. "You just gotta find out what works for the person."

Malleus nodded, absorbing the information. "Gifts, yes what a wonderful idea. But what if they do not appreciate such things? What about the time spent together?"

"Yeah," you mumbled softly, "Time together matters a lot. Sometimes, it's just about being there. Some people like to talk, others are okay with silence. Just enjoying each other's company."

You felt an odd sense of discomfort settle in your chest as his eyes narrowed, a seriousness creeping into his expression. "And what if one were to sit with them, in silence, beneath the moon? Would that suffice as an expression of affection?"

Your heart jolted, giving way to your freezing. That sentence sounded so familiar - so specific. The words rang a bell in your head somewhere, but you couldn't lay your finger on it. You quickly masked the feeling, but it still lingered. What was so familiar about it?

You stared at Malleus, trying to keep your voice steady. "That sounds...oddly specific." You felt the sharp tug in your chest - had he really meant all those talks he'd had with you as a swan about affection in some abstract sense? You had gotten so attached, wishing, hoping, that maybe, just maybe, he felt something for you.

Malleus was still staring at you, eyes unwavering, and you could sense a soft tension hanging between you two. "I believe it would be meaningful," he said quietly, almost as though speaking to himself. "A quiet, intimate moment shared beneath the stars, no words needed, only the connection."

Your pulse quickened, and that gnawing sadness started to creep in again. He was still speaking like it wasn't about you. And yet the signals were so mixed that you doubted yourself. Would the damn dragon just spit it out already?

You crossed your arms, a soft frown forming. "You're...talking about someone, aren't you?"

For a brief second, you saw something flicker in his eyes - a hesitation, an uncertainty. But before you could fully process it, he quickly masked it, his usual calm demeanor returning. "I...apologize," he said, a slight bow of his head, "I did not mean to make you uncomfortable with such personal matters."

You watched him carefully, and as he turned to walk away, that distasteful lingering sadness transformed into a quiet suspicion. It didn't make sense, but you took a deep breath and stood up, and tried to shake the feeling off. Perhaps you'd misread the situation.

The thought nagged at you as you watched Malleus slink into the distance, sun setting alongside him. He was so close, and yet you couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

The night air was still, save for the gentle rustle of leaves overhead and the rhythmic lapping of the lake against the shore. Malleus sat in his usual spot beneath the sprawling willow tree, his silhouette framed by the soft glow of moonlight. The black swan floated near the edge, watching him—silent, waiting.

He exhaled deeply, long and tired. “She didn’t show up today,” he murmured, eyes distant. “Not that she ever promised to. But I had hoped.”

The swan tilted her head.

“I asked her for advice,” he said, voice soft and distant. “About someone I hold in high regard. Someone I admire, perhaps too deeply for my own good.” He paused. “She didn’t realize it was her I meant. Or perhaps she did and that’s why she looked so disappointed. Or suspicious. I wonder if I was too vague.”

The swan blinked, feathers bristling ever so slightly, a restless motion.

“I’m not very good at this,” he confessed, shoulders hunched. "I’ve never been very good at matters of the heart,” he continued, resting an arm across his knee. “It’s not that I don’t feel—on the contrary, I feel too much. But expressing it, giving it form… that’s the struggle. I thought if I simply lingered, if I shared enough silence with her, she'd understand. Even now, I’m here talking to a creature that cannot respond, hoping for some sort of clarity."

And that was the last straw.

A sudden shimmer of magic rippled across the lake.

A rush of wind and shimmer erupted over the lake. Malleus sat up sharply, his eyes widening as the black swan glowed, feathers swirling like fireflies as the shape began to shift—limbs stretching, wings curling in, body unfurling in a graceful, magical unraveling. Before Malleus could even process what was happening, there you were: dripping lake water, arms crossed, your expression equal parts flustered and furious.

Malleus blinked, lips parted in pure disbelief. “You-"

“Me!” you snapped, stomping a bit closer. “Yes, me. The swan you’ve been confiding in every night for weeks. The one you’ve been telling all your secrets to. The one who’s been listening patiently while you ramble about your ‘crush’ and ask me for romantic advice—about myself, might I add!”

Malleus stood slowly, still dumbstruck. “You’re the swan. The swan is…you.”

“Yes!” You threw your arms up, exasperated. “And do you have any idea how confusing it's been? You’ve been giving me these mixed signals—moonlit silences and soft smiles one moment, and the next you're confessing to a bird about someone else?! Just—just say it. Say who it is. Right now. I’m done playing games.”

Malleus’s expression softened, something painfully tender flickering in his eyes.

“I told you about my feelings,” he said quietly. “To both of you.”

“But you never said who it was!” you cried. “And I sat there, every night, thinking you liked someone else. That I wasn’t even close to being the person you wanted. Do you have any idea what that feels like?”

The wind rustled the trees.

"Yes,” Malleus said, almost in a whisper. “I do.”

You stared at him, breath catching.

“I’ve lived decades in silence,” he continued, taking a cautious step forward. “Watched others form connections with ease while I stood on the outside. You…you saw me. Ever side of me. The prince, the student, and the fool under the moon.”

He was close enough now to reach out. His fingers twitched at his side.

“I didn’t mean to mislead you,” he said. “I just didn’t know how to say it. I still don’t. But if you’ll allow me…”

His eyes met yours—glowing, unguarded.

“…I’m in love with you.”

You blinked at him.

“I knew it,” you muttered, then jabbed a finger into his chest. “You owe me so many answers, Malleus Draconia.”

He laughed, quiet and breathless. “Yes. As do you.”

You looked at him for a long moment, cheeks flushed, heart pounding so loudly you were sure he could hear it.

“Can I kiss you now?” he asked, voice like rich velvet.

“Only if you promise to stop giving mixed signals,” you grumbled.

He leaned in. “No more confusion.”

And under the weeping willow, beside the moonlit lake where truth had finally surfaced, the fae prince kissed the girl he’d loved all along.

The swan, the listener, the one who stayed.

You.

“Also,” he added after a pause, a sheepish tilt to his mouth, “you make a rather elegant swan.”

You groaned, burying your face in your hands. “You’re lucky you’re pretty.”

Malleus chuckled and gently took your hands. “And you’re lucky I love you.”

Author's Note: I have had this idea sitting in my drafts for literal years. I came up with this back when I first got into this fandom, and it feels GREAT that I finally finished writing it! Huge shoutout to my friend who went through my list of fanfic ideas (that I've come up with but never got around to writing) and decided on this one! I hope you enjoy!

Masterlist

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tillaramnes · 7 months ago

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03. Sea Slug 04. Big Daddy 05. Audio Diary 06. Subject Delta 07. Owl (Minerwa's Den) 08. Big Sister

#bioshock #artwork #sketch #drawing #drawtober #art challenge #drawing challenge #artober #bioshock 2 #fanart

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victusinveritas · 3 months ago

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To celebrate Winnie The Pooh Day a long-lost section of the Bayeux Tapestry , featuring the little known story of how Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, Kanga, Roo, Owl and Rabbit valiantly sought to repel the Norman invasion of England in 1066.

Illustrator E. H. Shepard drew this for a limited book bag. https://aclerkofoxford.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-danish-conquest-1000-years.html?m=1

#e.h. shepard #illustrations #winnie the pooh #bayeux #bayeux tapestry

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le-chevalier-au-lion · 22 days ago

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omg how did i miss you reblogging the ask gameeeee, 9 and 60 for rosquez pleaseee :33

rosquez: 9 (sleep deprivation)

Marc wakes up in pain.

For one moment, he’s disoriented. Thinking about painkillers, and limp fingers, and very white ceilings. Then a dusty disco collection cramped in a shelf to the corner registers, and the glossy blue bodywork of a bike on a stand.

He remembers—getting overambitious at FP1 in Brno and hitting the asphalt shoulder first. No, he’d thought, everything from collarbone to wrist caught in that white-hot flash of agony, before breathing in.

“Marc,” Valentino says quietly.

Marc rolls off his right shoulder carefully—one measured lungful, and the next, and another one following that. After a couple of blinks, his vision focuses.

Valentino—well. In more detail, Valentino looks like shit.

“Is it early?” He asks.

“Eh, very.”

Valentino waves a hand around, clicks his tongue. His eyes seem huge and gritty in his face, cast deeply by the worn out puffiness that’s settled there, slow each time he moves them around.

07:49 AM, his phone says, once he digs it out from the tangled sheets.

His alarm won’t go off for another thirty minutes, but Marc won’t fall asleep, knows he won’t. The bone aches like it’s being broken again, chainsaw teeth slicing him up. It’s been a while since it last hurt like that. It’s been a while since he last crashed like that.

Marc tries to swing his legs—get up, get his pain meds from his suitcase, get through the day.

But there is Valentino pulling him down again, wraith-like. “Here.”

His water bottle, pressed into his cold hands. Pills, after—Panadol and Brufen, which Marc would know with his eyes closed. “You left it with me last night,” Valentino says, rather sweetly.

Marc didn’t.

But he nods anyway, takes them. Finds out—not for the first time—that he doesn’t mind Valentino’s lies when they are this harmless. And when they mean that he doesn’t have to crawl off the bed.

Valentino flattens his pam high on his chest, fingers just brushing over his scars, tugging hot and tight. Marc’s eyes slip closed, so that he’s almost floating, anchored only by the ugly ache and Valentino’s possessive hand—which hurts, too, in its own particular way.

He’s better at taking pain, usually.

But this season keeps sanding down his edges. Marc is having fun. He is winning. Valentino hasn’t said I’m sorry, but they’re here, no point in pushing that injury yet. There was a point—sometime before hearing Àlex out and signing with Gresini—that he’d been prepared for none of thosw things to ever happen again.

“Do you want an omelet?” Valentino asks.

Marc isn’t hungry, exactly, but NSAIDS on an empty stomach give him reflux. “Have you slept?” He hums.

Valentino shrugs, owl-eyed and reticent. He isn’t very good at not squirming when there’s some blood involved, which is still one of his best traits—and certainly one that bothers Valentino himself the most. “Well,” he huffs, “limited time offer. Take it or leave it.”

“Can you make one with chicken and cheese?”

“Spoiled.” Valentino presses a kiss against his sweat-slick cheek, though, on his way out.

#rosquez #marc marquez #valentino rossi #motogp #motogp rpf #rpf #chev fics #chev's safest hits #not quite sleep deprivation as much it is insomnia #but i hope it's cute enough to make up for it #had sooooooo much fun writing this one i'll be honest

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gene-nine · 8 months ago

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late night talking (j.p. x fem!reader)

pairing: james potter x reader

synopsis: when you can't sleep, james (coincidentally) swoops in to help.

warnings: ❌ proofread (oops, my b)

words: 1379 (short lil story)

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it was dark and silent in the Gryffindor common room. the clock above the fireplace reads 1:07 a.m. in the throes of late night insomnia, you figured a change of scenery might help you relax. that’s how you find yourself in sweatpants and a t-shirt, sprawled on the couch in the common room.

you don’t often find yourself unable to sleep, only when there’s a lot on your mind, and studying for and taking your OWL’s for the past week and a half has certainly put you in that position. you swear every time you close your eyes, ancient runes decorate the backs of your eyelids. you had even begun having stress dreams of a potion gone horribly wrong. Lily had recognized your anxious state and invited you to quiet study sessions by the lake. a momentary distraction was all it turned out to be. all your pent up stress returned the second you re-entered the castle.

but now it’s all over, and the ghost of the pressure you felt still lingers. your skin feels unnaturally warm, even now rid of your bed covers. you’re starting to think the slight headache resting on your temples is permanent. the solitude of the common room at this hour is therapeutic, it’s so rare that you get a moment to yourself away from the obnoxious group headed by James Potter and Sirius Black. but the longer you sit in solitude, the more it starts to feel like loneliness. that is, until a familiar face shows up.

enter: James Potter, clad in his red and gold checkered pajama pants and a black sweater. his curly black hair tousled from his pillow and his cheeks pink from sleep. he looks as tired as you feel, only he was lucky enough to fall asleep for a few hours. he doesn’t see you at first as he walks around the back of the couch, but jumps slightly once he spots you.

“good morningggggg.” you groan, scrunching your legs up enough that he can sit at the end of the couch. James rubs his eyes tiredly as he flops into the empty space. he pats his lap, signaling you to return your legs to their previous position, which you do.

“what are you doing up?” he asks through a yawn. you’re almost jealous. while your exhaustion is very much real, it’s apparently not yawn-worthy. he takes in the slight bags under your eyes (exaggerated by the dimming fire) and your messy hair. “you look…great.” he mumbles sarcastically. you move a foot to jab him in the side.

“don’t even,” you grumble as you cover your face with your arms, “i’ve hardly slept all week.”

“that explains a lot.” he laughs quietly.

“what’s that supposed to mean?”

“nothing, you’ve just been…snappy.”

“i have not been snappy.” you retort, offended. this earns a laugh from James. a real laugh, the kind that makes him throw his head back slightly.

“how about when Sirius asked if you needed any help with your defense spells and you told him you’d ‘rather die than be stupid enough to need his help’?” he says through giggles.

“a well earned response, i think.” you sit up from your place on the couch, rubbing your eyes and linking your arms over your head, staring at the ceiling. you always wished the common room had a skylight, it seemed a waste to have a giant castle in the middle of a clearing with no trees and not design it so the stars can be visible from the indoors. “why are you awake, anyway?”

“i was asleep, and then i wasn’t. Sirius’ snoring is a lot less tolerable when you’re awake.” James follows your gaze to the ceiling, “hey, would you wanna go somewhere?”

“it’s one in the morning, James, where on earth would we go?”

“astronomy tower?” a small smile twitches at your lips. you turn your head to look at the boy next to you and nod. he shines that bright James Potter smile that puts knots in your stomach. he stands up and holds out a hand for you to grab. you take it gladly and let him pull you to your feet

the trip to the astronomy tower was filled with hushed giggling and being pulled through the halls by a skipping James. by the time you get there, you’re feeling slightly more awake, yet thoroughly winded. the night air is refreshing compared to that of the castle. you walk out onto the balcony overlooking the lake, the lights from the night sky lighting up your face and the bare skin of your arms. you had never seen so many stars at the same time.

“woah.” you breathe out, without fully realizing you said it out loud. you wrap your arms around yourself as a breeze ruffles your hair and your loose t-shirt.

“better than the common room, don’t you think?” James’ voice asks from close behind you. you turn around to see him standing less than a foot away from you, already looking down at you. you didn’t think he could look any more beautiful, but here under the moonlight, he’s proved you wrong. his hazel eyes seem to glow, the whites looking impossibly bright. the small smile he looks down at you with makes your stomach flip, like the feeling you get right before the drop of a rollercoaster.

“much better.” you scrunch your nose, as if it wasn’t obvious you’d rather be here than the suffocating castle. a light brush of your arm makes you look down, James’ hand gently crossing the skin on your forearm that’s prickled with goosebumps.

“cold?” he asks quietly. before you can answer he pulls off his sweater, leaving him in a t-shirt. he motions for you to hold your arms up so he can slip it on you. your head gets stuck in the collar, causing you both to break into giggles as James tries to fix it. he smooths your hair out, tucking it behind your ears before lowering his arms. with anyone else, this moment might have been awkward. but this was James. and rather than feeling embarrassed, you feel comfortable. you break eye contact to gaze back up at the sky, and as he steps up next to you, you feel your hands brush.

“which one’s your favorite?” he questions, staring up at the constellations above you. you think for a moment, breathing deep.

“boring answer? orion, because i can almost always find it. niche answer? cassiopeia. it’s the one right…there.” you point at a cluster of stars that forms an M, some are dimmer than others. he follows your gaze and nods.

“not sure that i have a favorite constellation, but Sirius is my favorite star because…well duh.” James laughs. without thinking too much about it, you lean into him, and you feel him wrap an arm around your waist.

“this might be my new spot for when i can’t fall asleep.” you whisper, not sure whether you’re talking to yourself or James.

“well now i know where to look for you.” he tightens his hold on your side to accentuate his point. you mumble a response, all of a sudden feeling much lighter than before. then, as if some sort of miracle, you yawn. “we should get you back to bed, yeah?” James says, looking down at you as your eyes start drooping. you mumble again, partially in agreement (because you’re tired) but also in protest (because you’d do anything to stay on this balcony with him). wordlessly, he starts guiding you away from the balcony railing and towards the stairs that brings you back to the main corridors. James lets you lean on him as you make your way back to the common room. pausing at the staircase to the girls dormitories, you pull away and he lets you.

“see you in the morning, James.” you smile fondly up at him. he smiles back, looking just as sleepy as you.

“see you tomorrow. get some sleep, okay?” he whispers, grabbing your hand and squeezing it affectionately. you turn and ascend the stairs back to your dorm. as you slip back into bed, still wearing his sweater, you doze off much faster than you could have hoped.

#marauder era #atyd #marauders #james potter x fem!reader #james potter x reader #james potter fic #james potter #the marauders #harry potter

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rottmnt-hc · 1 year ago

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Because I keep getting AU ideas mixed up, here's the Gargoyles/TMNT idea I'm writing.

Warning: My own interaction

Hamato Yoshi and Oroku Saki are half brothers and are considered Yakuza, there father attempted to put them against each other but fails.

Soon Saki takes over and Yoshi goes into show business, the two help each other like clockwork.

Someone whispered disloyalty to Saki and he became paranoid it was Yoshi, soon made a deal with EPF to use a testal drug to teach him a lesson.

The younger Hamato was injured and his blood completed the mixture.

Yoshi and his three pet turtles were dosed in the stuff and quickly transformed.

Saki later found out it was his wife being disloyal and in his guilt, killed her. He lied and said Yoshi did it out of vengeance, which only piled more guilt.

Soon he became The Shredder and rebranded the clan from Hamato to Foot.

He does meet his brother and nephews before they're teens and tries to apologize, but soon realize that he will never be forgiven.

Saki goes down a dark path after this.

He gets his own turtle to mutate, and uses his own blood to do so.

Karai raised this turtle to be her sister and she loves her so much.

++++++++

Time skip and Rose and Karai go with their cousins and Splinter, April's mom and Casey's is dead to Shredder.

Donnie is oldest but head of family and Leo is Leader.

Then Casey and April then Mikey, they definitely welcome Karai and Rose with open arms.

Casey is a mix of 90s Jones and 87 Jones, April is Rise and 03, Karai is 07, 03 and Rise.

All the turtles are a mix of Rise, Bayverse and 03, minus Leo and Rose who have a little of 12 in them.

Karai is the same age as April and Rose is the youngest person.

Rose is a little too trusting and meets Lexington who was captured by Shredder.

They talk about their respective clans and burn the place down to destroy mutigen and leave as friends.

#tmnt fandom #tmnt #owl imagines #owl writes #my iteration #rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #tmnt 03 #tmnt 07 #tmnt 12 #tmnt 90s #au?#tmnt 87 #tmnt bayverse #gargoyles #The Gargoyles #crossover?

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seoulzie · 9 months ago

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범규; whispers of the unsleeping

───── orphic ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 (adj.) mysterious & entrancing; beyond ordinary understanding

synopsis: in the small city of yeosu, insomniac choi beomgyu seeks refuge in his school's abandoned astronomical observatory to catch some sleep. there, he encounters y/n l/n, a sociable and carefree girl who shares his struggle with insomnia. together, they form an unlikely friendship and revive their school's defunct astronomy club, spending their nights exploring the stars.

彡 pairing: beomgyu x f!reader 彡 genre: fluff, angst, strangers to lovers au, university au 彡 warnings: mentions of mental health & insomnia, parental abandonment (?) chronic illness, strong language, grief & loss

RELEASE DATE; 07/26/24 — this week, friday

index: prologue i. sleepless encounters capella ii. a place of our own vega iii. rekindling the stars proxima iv. phases of the moon, phases of us rigel v. cosmic challenge polaris vi. beyond the horizon altair vii. heart to heart betelgeuse viii. tomorrow's sunrise arcturus the end: epilogue

TAGLIST: OPEN! leave an ask in my inbox, reply to this post, or send me a dm!

CHOI BEOMGYU ( 21 ) ( M )

a student who struggles with trouble falling asleep most nights. consequently, he is irritable at school, always searching for an opportunity to find a secluded place to doze off. despite his gruff exterior, he is well-known around campus for his charming looks.

Y/N L/N ( 20 ) ( F )

a cheerful and enthusiastic student, the astronomy club president, whose secret battle with insomnia leads her to the solace of the astronomical conservatory at night. determined to keep her condition hidden, she finds refuge among the stars until she encounters another night owl, beomgyu.

PROLOGUE: CHAPTER 0 word count: 3.1k

another sleepless night. beomgyu stared up at the ceiling of his room, counting the cracks for the hundredth time. it was a game he played with himself when he couldn’t sleep, a futile attempt to trick his brain into shutting down. spoiler alert: it never worked. he groaned, the sound echoing hollowly in the silent room, and threw an arm over his eyes, trying to block out the faint glow of dawn creeping through the dusty blinds. the alarm clock on his nightstand blinked 6:00 am in angry red numbers, a mocking reminder of the day looming ahead.

with a sigh that condensed the exhaustion clinging to him like a shroud, beomgyu rolled out of bed. every muscle screamed in protest, a dull ache thrumming through his limbs. he shuffled to the bathroom, his movements heavy with sleep deprivation. his reflection in the mirror looked as shitty as he felt—dark circles under his eyes, hair sticking up in every direction, and a permanent scowl etched on his face. he splashed some cold water on his face, hoping it would wake him up enough to function through another hellish day at school.

he reached for his usual blue and white striped tube of toothpaste, but his fingers met only the cold, hard plastic of the sink. panic clawed at his throat. empty. of course, it was empty. why wouldn't it be? just his luck.

frantic, he rummaged through the cabinet under the sink, desperately searching for a spare tube. nothing. nada. just a half-empty bottle of mouthwash that reeked of peppermint and disappointment. he slammed the cabinet shut, the sound echoing through the small bathroom like a gunshot. “fucking hell.”

defeated, beomgyu straightened up, bracing himself for another blow. he hobbled over to his laundry basket, a tangled mess of unmentionables. he started digging, desperately searching for a matching pair of socks. hope flickered when his fingers brushed against soft cotton, then died a slow, agonizing death as he pulled out a lone, navy blue sock. where was its partner? had it been swallowed by a rogue dryer gremlin? eaten by a sock-hungry monster lurking in the washing machine?

beomgyu stared at the single sock in his hand, a monument to his perpetually bad luck. he was starting to think the universe had a personal vendetta against him. this wasn't just another day; it was a full-blown disaster waiting to happen, and he was just the hapless protagonist caught in the middle.

after throwing on his uniform and grabbing his backpack, he headed downstairs. his dad had already left for work, as usual. the house was eerily silent, a stark contrast to the chaotic mornings of his childhood before—stop it, he thought to himself. beomgyu shook off the unwelcome memories and grabbed a piece of toast on his way out.

he dragged himself to the front door, his feet protesting with each step. a splash of color outside his window caught his eye. mrs. han, his elderly neighbor, was kneeling by her rose bushes, her weathered hands wielding a watering can with surprising vigor. despite his fatigue, a small smile tugged at the corner of beomgyu's lips. mrs. han was a fixture in the neighborhood, a tiny woman with a heart as big as her prized hydrangeas.

"good morning, mrs. han," he managed, his voice rough from disuse.

she looked up, her eyes crinkling at the corners with a smile. "good morning, beomgyu. off to school already? you look a bit pale," she said with a motherly concern that always made him feel a flicker of warmth.

"just a little tired, mrs. han," he replied, offering a weak smile. "those history essays won't write themselves, you know."

mrs. han chuckled. "always busy, that's you. but remember, dear, rest is important too. don't you burn yourself out."

"i'll try my best," he promised, though the words tasted like ashes in his mouth. he knew the truth – sleep was a luxury he couldn't afford.

beomgyu continued his walk, the rising sun painting the sky with streaks of orange and pink. the usual sights and sounds of the morning held a peculiar distance, muffled by the fog in his brain. the bakery across the street, usually a source of enticing aromas, only offered a dull ache in his stomach – a reminder of the breakfast he hadn't bothered with.

as he neared the school gates, the sounds of chatter started to seep in, a rising crescendo of greetings and nervous laughter. he braced himself for the usual barrage of hellos and high-fives, his trademark charm already feeling strained. beomgyu wasn't just tired, he was running on fumes, his charisma a flickering candle in a hurricane of exhaustion.

just as he predicted, a cheerful voice chimed in from beside him. "beomgyu! looking handsome as ever this morning, even at this ungodly hour."

he turned to see yeri, a girl from his class with a smile as bright as her sunflower hair clip. she was notorious for her bubbly personality and her unashamed crush on him. usually, beomgyu would respond with a playful jab or a witty remark, adding to the innocent flirtation. but today, a single word was all he could muster.

"hey," he croaked out, a smile barely flickering across his lips.

yeri's smile faltered slightly. "everything okay? you seem...out of it."

he shrugged, the movement feeling like wading through mud. "just a late night studying." it wasn't a complete lie, but the truth felt too heavy to share.

"well," yeri continued, her voice losing a bit of its usual chirp, "don't let it get you down. math class first thing, right? let's just hope ms. choi isn't in one of her moods."

there was a time when such a comment would have sparked a playful banter, a shared groan about their least favorite teacher. today, beomgyu merely nodded, a hollow feeling settling in his chest.

despite his exhaustion, beomgyu couldn't help but notice the way heads turned in his direction, the whispered greetings, the stolen glances. he was undeniably popular, the school's resident charmer. but the weight of that popularity felt like a suffocating cloak.

a group of guys from the basketball team hollered a greeting, their voices echoing off the lockers. beomgyu offered a weak wave, the movement seeming to drain the last vestiges of his energy. a couple of girls from the dance club giggled as they passed, their eyes lingering on him for a beat too long. all he could do was muster a tired smile, the effort feeling monumental.

he reached his locker, the familiar combination numbers a blur in his sleep-deprived haze. as he shoved his books inside, a hand landed on his shoulder. it was kai, his best friend, his partner in crime (or at least, they were when beomgyu had the energy for crime fighting). kai, unlike beomgyu, was a beacon of energy, his perpetually ruffled brown hair and mischievous grin a constant source of amusement.

"dude, you look like a deflated balloon," kai commented, his voice laced with concern. "another night?"

beomgyu slammed his locker shut with a sigh that spoke volumes. "yeah," he mumbled, leaning against the cold metal for support.

kai's brow furrowed. "seriously, beomgyu. you've been like this for weeks. we talked about this already! you said you’d try anything besides looking like you haven't slept since kindergarten."

beomgyu ran a hand through his hair, a grimace creasing his face for a moment before smoothing out into a tired indifference. "yeah, yeah," he mumbled, more to himself than to kai. "it's whatever at this point."

kai's concern flickered, then died down as he picked up on the subtle shift in beomgyu's demeanor. he knew that tone – the one that said beomgyu was resigned, shutting himself off. pushing wouldn't help.

"alright," kai said, switching gears with the practiced ease, “come on, zombie boy. let's get to class before ms. choi starts discussing the square root of boredom."

the morning dragged on, each class blending into the next in a haze of exhaustion and boredom. beomgyu could barely keep his eyes open, let alone focus on the lectures.

his first class was math, and he trudged to his seat, slumping down with a heavy sigh. he rummaged through his bag, only to realize he had forgotten his pen.

“hey, taehyun,” he whispered to the boy sitting next to him. “got a pen i can borrow?”

taehyun glanced at him and chuckled softly. “forgot yours again? here.” he handed beomgyu a pen, shaking his head in amusement.

“thanks, man,” beomgyu muttered, trying to muster a grateful smile. he opened his notebook and attempted to take notes, but his eyelids felt like lead weights. the teacher’s voice droned on, a monotonous hum that only made him feel sleepier.

his head began to nod, his vision blurring as he struggled to stay awake. just as he was about to give in to the sweet embrace of sleep, he heard his name being called.

“mr. choi,” the teacher’s voice was sharp and reprimanding. beomgyu jolted awake, blinking rapidly.

“y-yes?” he stammered, sitting up straight.

“care to repeat what i just said?” the teacher asked, arms crossed and an eyebrow raised.

beomgyu’s mind went blank. he hadn’t heard a single word. “uh… something about calculus?” he guessed, hoping he was at least close.

the class snickered, and the teacher sighed in exasperation. “detention, mr. choi. maybe next time you’ll pay attention instead of dozing off in my class.”

beomgyu slumped back in his seat, cursing under his breath. “great. just fucking great,” he thought.

by the time lunch rolled around, beomgyu was ready to collapse. he shuffled towards the cafeteria, his head hanging low. he spotted his friends at their usual table and dragged himself over, the fluorescent lights feeling like a personal attack on his already throbbing head.

"yo, beomgyu!" yeonjun called out, waving him over. "you look like shit, man. rough night?"

beomgyu slumped into a chair, the metal groaning under his weight. a defeated grunt escaped his lips as he slumped his tray onto the table. "yeah," he mumbled, picking at his food with a complete lack of enthusiasm.

soobin, munching on an apple, raised an eyebrow. "again? dude, you really need to see a doctor or something."

beomgyu shrugged, picking at his food without much appetite. "what are they gonna do? prescribe me more useless meds? no thanks."

yeonjun leaned forward, concern etched on his face. "have you tried, like, meditation or something? i heard it can help."

beomgyu rolled his eyes. "yeah, 'cause sitting still and doing nothing is gonna magically cure my insomnia. thanks, but no thanks."

taehyun looked at him, frowning. "you really should try something, man. this can’t be good for you."

beomgyu sighed. "yeah, well, i’ve tried everything. nothing works. now i’ve got detention ‘cause i fell asleep in math."

taehyun winced. "harsh. what are you gonna do?"

"skip it, maybe. find a quiet place to sleep," beomgyu muttered, pushing his tray away.

beomgyu wandered the halls, his mind a jumble of thoughts and exhaustion. the school was a labyrinth of possibilities, each one fraught with its own set of risks and potential rewards. he needed to find the perfect place to nap, somewhere quiet and out of the way where no one would bother him.

places to (possibly) sleep 1) the janitor's closet

the first place that came to mind was the janitor’s closet. beomgyu had passed by it a million times, always noticing how the janitor, mr. lee, would leave it unlocked while he went about his duties. beomgyu headed towards the closet, glancing around to make sure no one was watching. he carefully turned the knob and slipped inside.

the closet was small and dark, filled with cleaning supplies and equipment. the smell of bleach and disinfectant was strong, but beomgyu didn’t care. he saw a small space behind a stack of boxes and decided it would have to do. he crouched down, wedging himself into the cramped space. the floor was cold and hard, but he was desperate for some rest.

he closed his eyes, trying to let the darkness and quiet lull him to sleep. just as he felt himself drifting off, the door creaked open. beomgyu’s eyes snapped open, and he held his breath. mr. lee stood in the doorway, a look of confusion quickly turning to annoyance on his face.

“hey! what are you doing in here?” mr. lee barked.

“shit,” beomgyu muttered under his breath. he scrambled to his feet, his heart pounding. “sorry, i—uh—i got lost?”

mr. lee narrowed his eyes. “out. now.”

beomgyu didn’t need to be told twice. he quickly slipped past the janitor and out into the hallway, feeling his face flush with embarrassment. so much for that.

places to (possibly) sleep 1) janitor’s closet 2) library

next, beomgyu decided to try the library. it was usually quiet, and he figured he might be able to find a secluded corner to catch some z’s. he made his way to the library, the scent of old books hitting him as soon as he stepped inside. the librarian, mrs. tanaka, gave him a stern look over her glasses, but he ignored her and began his search for the perfect spot.

the library was mostly empty, with only a few students scattered around, hunched over their books. beomgyu walked past the rows of shelves, looking for a place where he could hide from prying eyes. he found a spot in the back, behind a tall stack of books on astronomy. it was quiet, and he could hear the faint hum of the air conditioning.

he sat down on the floor, leaning against the wall, and pulled his knees to his chest. the cool air and the silence were soothing, and he felt his eyelids grow heavy. just as he was about to drift off, he heard footsteps. he peeked around the stack of books and saw a group of girls walking towards him, giggling and chatting.

“great,” he thought. “just great.”

the girls didn’t notice him at first, but as they got closer, one of them spotted him. she nudged her friend, and they both started whispering and giggling even louder. beomgyu felt his face heat up with annoyance and embarrassment. this was definitely not going to work.

he got up, brushing the dust off his pants, and made his way out of the library, ignoring the stares and whispers of the girls. “too many people and out in the open,” he thought. scratch that idea.

places to (possibly) sleep 1) janitor’s closet 2) library

beomgyu trudged on, defeat clinging to him like yesterday's gym clothes. he formulated a mental list in his head, each possibility crumpling under the weight of potential interruptions. the rooftop? too exposed. the music room? a rogue trumpet could shatter any hope of sleep.

his weary eyes scanned the familiar halls, a sliver of hope flickering as he rounded a corner. there it stood, a solitary figure against the twilight sky—the astronomy tower.

the tower, a relic of a bygone era of scientific exploration. its once-gleaming silver exterior was now weathered and rusted, the windows dark and vacant. It had been years since anyone had ventured inside, rumors of asbestos and ghosts swirling around it like dusty cobwebs.

but for beomgyu, in his desperate search for a haven, the tower's isolation was a siren song. no students lingered in its shadow, no teachers patrolled its perimeter. in that forgotten corner, a flicker of hope ignited. it might be dusty, it might be creepy, but it could be perfect. as he neared the tower, the details became more pronounced: chipped tiles forming the entrance walkway, a rusty weather vane groaning in the faint evening breeze, and the peeling paint revealing the faded inscription "ad astra per aspera" - "to the stars through difficulties." an odd prickle ran down his spine. the inscription felt oddly fitting, a challenge on this day of immense hardship. could the tower, in its own dilapidated way, be his path to the stars? to sleep, the most elusive star in his current reality? the door was old and creaky, and it took a bit of effort to push it open. just as he was about to reach for the door handle, the bell rang, signaling the end of the school day.

“fuck,” beomgyu muttered, feeling his shoulders slump in defeat. the observatory would have to wait. he decided then and there that he would check it out tomorrow during his free period. he turned and trudged back down the hallway, the prospect of a good nap tantalizingly out of reach.

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