#she is convinced that the clovers are good signs

[oysters-aint-for-me]

hey have i ever told you guys that i have a strange (and some say statistically unusual) gift for finding four-leaf clovers?

[mymainwastoocluttered]

Birthday Cake (Malleus Draconia)

There's actually a tradition about birthday cakes back where the Prefect comes from.

Original idea by @strawberry-pie-thoughts

NOTE: I only write for female reader but everyone is welcome to read it!

On one hand, he’s really happy that he got invited to something, and by the person he loves the most no less. On the other hand, he’s a bit upset that she’s making an event on his birthday and depriving him of a nice outing to look at the gargoyles and celebrate. Sure, she sent him a very cute letter to wish him a good birthday together with the invitation for the event, but other than that, he has not seen her during the day. Not even once.

— (⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠)

Malleus spent the entire day stirring a complicated mix of feelings inside his gut.

Lilia enjoyed teasing him for “pouting” far too much.

There’s still a mischievous smile on his mentor’s face as they walk to Ramshackle after classes. Silver looks uncharacteristically watchful—which is something coming from the ever so sharp knight in training—, but there’s no tension on his shoulders, no sign of threat anywhere. Sebek is, for the lack of a better word, jittery, and has barely directed a word to Malleus after he wished him a great birthday in the morning. While being known for not “having any chill”—the Prefect’s words—, today Sebek seems even more agitated than usual.

Malleus isn’t sure what to think about that.

Their odd behavior doesn’t get better as they approach the old dorm’s door, much to his confusion. Ramshackle is widely known for being the most peaceful place in Night Raven College, as it houses the ever so kind Prefect, whose kindness never falters whenever someone needs it. All students know that this is truly neutral ground, and that if they think it wise to defy the magicless student, they’ll be met with the fury of all seven Housewardens.

So how come these two are so nervous?

“Did… something happen?” he asks, finally, tired of their antics and still upset with the lack of his Child of Man on the day that is supposed to be his.

“No, something is about to happen!” Lilia laughs, floating above the ground like a giddy bat. “Go on, open the door!”

Malleus wants to ask, but he figures none will tell him. Not when even Sebek, who’s always tripping in his words to tell Malleus the smallest details of, well, everything, hasn’t said anything yet. Oh, well. If Lilia knows what’s going on, it can’t be too bad.

So he opens the doors.

And steps back, startled.

“SURPRISE!”

Standing there, with a big smile and a bigger glittery “happy birthday, Malleus” plaque, is his beloved Child of Man. She beams at him, shaking the paper a bit before throwing it over her shoulder so she can throw her arms around his torso and hug him tight. Behind her is a large group of people, from all Houses, all wearing party hats and holding confetti poppers.

“... what?”

A quick flash of light brings him back to his senses just in time to see Cater Diamond dive behind Trey Clover in between giggles. Malleus blinks a few times before a soft chuckle leaves his lips, arms finally moving to hug his dear Prefect.

He has heard of surprise parties, and Lilia has thrown a few over the decades he’s been alive, but he has never seen one like this.

“... thank you, this is the best birthday party I’ve ever had.”

“Wait until you see the cake!” (Y/N) grins up at him, leaving his embrace—much to his displeasure—only to take his hands in hers. “I worked really hard on it with Trey!”

The inside of the dorm is all decorated in black, white and Diasomnia green, with balloons and ribbons and “happy birthday” banners. There’s a lot of people, including people Malleus can’t believe are here—how in the world did she convince Leona Kingscholar and Idia Shroud to come will be forever beyond him. He allows her to pull him to the table where a beautiful two tier cake sits. The base is a dark gray that reminds him of a castle, and around the top tier is curled a very familiar dragon. On top of it sits a very beautiful gargoyle candle.

“I asked Crewel to enchant the dragon so it won’t go bad,” the Prefect explains as he takes in the cake, standing near his chair.

“I have no words to show how happy I am right now.”

“Ugh, stop your melodrama and get on with it,” that’s definitely Leona Kingscholar, who’s thrown on some couch like a ragdoll.

(Y/N) beams—she actually bounces a little in place—, asking someone to turn off the lights and light the gargoyle candle. Malleus knows this tradition, and claps along as everyone sings the birthday song. Some voices are louder and more enthusiastic than others, but none of them matter when his dear Child of Man is right by his side, allowing him to hear her clearly. Her cheers are the only one he hears when he blows the candle, the air leaving his lungs carrying his wish to become closer to the darling girl.

“Who is the first slice for?” the Prefect asks once the lights go back on, already taking off the candle and the dragon so the cake can be cut.

“The first slice?”

“Where I came from, you give the first slice of your birthday cake to the person you love the most!”

“Then it is yours.”

The best part of this birthday, as Malleus will remember for the rest of his long life, is the heavy blush that covers her cheeks and the blinding smile she offers him as she eats the first slice of his birthday cake.

From now on, all of his birthdays will have cake, so he can keep giving the first slice to his most loved.

[rustedleopard]

My summary/breakdown of Staroba's dynamic (in reference to this post).

Note that I'm going to be working off memory for most of this so if someone has some additional input they wanna chime in with, feel free to. This is also going to be a train of thought/rambley sorta post so it's gonna be a bit disorderly (though, when have I ever been orderly with my posts :p)...

I like Staroba. A lot. And it's such a shame that there are people out there who look at this ship and just see "they're both bisexual, she's girlboss, he's malewife, and she pegs him" because there's SO MUCH more to their dynamic/that isn't even what their dynamic is.

They're childhood friends. We don't know how far back their friendship extends but I'm willing to venture that it's been since elementary school/early middle school at the absolute latest. And at the point in canon when Clover meets them, they're both likely in their late-twenties to mid-thirties in age. That's a long time to know someone, enough to be there through all the cringey, messy phases in life. These two know each other better than anyone else through sheer proximity and time spent together (more on this later).

Starlo has also been nursing a massive crush on Ceroba since they were kids. You can see this in the picture that's in Starlo's house: she's holding him and doing a peace sign at the camera, meanwhile Starlo is clearly flustered and hover-handing her (this was likely back when the Dunes were still the Meadows, judging by what appears to be a pine tree in the background).

That might have you think: "Ah, Rusty, you're so lame. This is a 'the guy gets the girl' scenario. I'm gonna chuck tomatoes at you!" And to that I say: hold your tomatoes! Ceroba did have some interest in Starlo as well! Exclusively in the Pacifist Run, if Clover TALKs to Ceroba two times in the reception area in the Steamworks (immediately after entering the door where the path through the Steamworks branches off from the Neutral/No Mercy Route), Ceroba will initially start off talking about how she met Chujin and how she'll never find someone as wonderful as him in her life, which prompts Clover to mention Starlo. Ceroba gets a bit flustered but states that she did consider getting into a romantic relationship with him once upon a time but he wasn't ready to grow up like she was (8:18 in this video). So there was mutual potential for them to get together when they were younger, but the things they wanted out of life at that point weren't compatible with each other. Like two ships in the night, they passed each other by.

Ceroba fell in love with Chujin, who was ready to have a family and settle down and be mature, which is what Ceroba wanted from a romantic relationship. And when Ceroba got engaged to Chujin, what did Starlo do? Did he get jealous and throw a fit? Shovel-talk Chujin? Try to convince Ceroba to take him instead? Nope. According to Crestina, he got so depressed that he locked himself in his room for days. As hurt as he was by the person he loved not picking him, he didn't make his feelings Ceroba's problem. Starlo was the one who lacked the initiative to ask her out and I get the sense that he knew that deep down; he couldn't just expect Ceroba to magically know his feelings for her and then they get married and ride off into the sunset together. Instead, he respects Ceroba's relationship. They remain good friends. He lets Ceroba and Kanako, the child that the love of his life had with Chujin, come over to his town and goof off. He may not like Chujin as a person because of his own petty feelings but he also respects for the man (seen in his dialogue about Chujin after defeating Ceroba in True Pacifist) and he's aware that his gripes with Chujin are personal.

Then Chujin passes away and Kanako falls down and gets sent to the Lab. While Chujin's death is well-known, nobody else in town seems to know what happened to Kanako besides Starlo (though, without the specifics) and the Feisty Four (who Starlo likely broke the news to). Starlo is Ceroba's sole confidant. With Chujin permanently out of the picture, this could be Starlo's chance to try to charm Ceroba. But he's respectful enough to know that she's in this deeply vulnerable state and so he does the right thing and helps her. Approaches the situation as her best friend. Let her crash in the Feisty Five's shack rent-free because staying at home is too painful for her. Invents his whole "North Star" persona to try to entertain her and distract her from her pain because that's what strikes him as the best thing to do. Pulls Ceroba into his shenanigans to take her mind off her problems. It doesn't exactly work because her problems run deeper than that but an attempt is made to make things easier for her.

On Ceroba's side of things, she may not understand Starlo's whole cowboy LARPing deal but she knows that it makes him happy. She doesn't look down on it or belittle him for having a passion that is so nerdy that it practically pastes a "Kick me" sign on his back. She may not want to be involved in the Feisty Five, but she's entertained by them and lets herself get dragged into their roleplays from time to time (see Ceroba getting involved in the Trolley Problem Mission, wooden actor that she is). In a Neutral Run, if Starlo is spared, Ceroba will throw a party for him to celebrate him reuniting with the rest of the Feisty Five because she wants him to be happy. Despite how different they are in terms of stuff like personality and interests, they both like and respect each other a lot.

They also have so many parallels despite their differences and know each other so well. Clover shows up and Starlo falls too deeply into the persona he invented and becomes a reckless, selfish jerk. He drives away his friends, he nearly kills Clover and there is nothing that Clover can do to snap him out of it (yes, Clover can Surrender in the end, but that only makes him hesitate. And if Clover does anything but Surrender or FIGHT him on the final turn, Starlo will nearly pull the trigger on Clover until Ceroba interferes). Ceroba is the one to call him out on his behavior and make him remember his conscience: he's not this selfish jerk he built himself up to be, he's not a killer. In the Pacifist Run, Starlo goes after Ceroba once he realizes the truth of why she's accompanying Clover to Hotland. It's not solely to protect Clover, though that's a massive factor (if this was the case, he'd accompany Clover back to the Wild East instead of going after Ceroba); he wants to protect Ceroba's heart: she's not the sort to murder an innocent child, she's not a killer. You can especially see this mindset that Starlo has when he calls Clover out in the Flawed Pacifist ending: while the law and everyone else may see Clover killing Ceroba as the equivalent of putting a dangerous murderer down, to him, they killed a desperate mother pushed to an extreme. Unforgivable in his eyes.

There's also how Clover can only say the same responses to killing either Starlo or Ceroba ("..." or "I'm sorry."), depending on the run. As well as how only Starlo or Ceroba can be fought in Flowey's mindscape in a Neutral Run, depending on how the Neutral Run is done. Never both. Could mean nothing, but I like pointing it out.

They're also pretty damn patient with each other despite being impatient people overall. You can see Starlo's impatience with how eager he is to push Clover into being a deputy and how dismissive he acts about the rest of the Feisty Five when they bring up complaints/try to get him to slow down. But when Ceroba wallops him then he gets back up in the True Pacifist ending, then it's a "Well, I guess I deserved that :D." Not a lick of anger for being knocked unconscious. Likewise, when Clover was in the Wild East in a Pacifist Run, Ceroba is likely straining at the bit to get Clover to the Royal Laboratory as soon as possible. But she also knows that having a human in the town that Starlo made to imitate the Surface means a lot to him, so she lets him have his fun with them until he's ready to let them go.

Starlo's and Ceroba's dynamic is founded on a deep understanding of who each party is at their core, mutual respect and kindness for one another, and patience. They're best friends with each other but that relationship also has the potential to evolve into a romantic relationship just as much as it can withstand remaining purely platonic. There is no "this one is the boss of the relationship and this one is the one that defers to the other" dynamic in the relationship because both sides are equals who are willing to listen to each other (Ceroba and Chujin's relationship more closely adheres to that dynamic actually, with Ceroba deferring to Chujin because she sees him as this perfect, untouchable character. You can see this with Ceroba hesitating to kill Clover because she genuinely likes the kid but because Chujin asked her to reap an innocent human SOUL for his serum, she goes all-out to accomplish this). They love each other a lot platonically and I can see the opportunity for some romantic attraction to crop up as Ceroba starts to move on from Chujin and Starlo starts being more responsible post-True Pacifist. They would be two people who mutually grow into the best versions of themselves and also love each other.

[theladybarnes]

CRIMSON AND CLOVER: CHAPTER TWO

"There is no shame in running.”

▸ summary: winter brings the holidays, vacations, and new worries ▸ characters:  robin buckley, eddie munson, & steve harrington 💕 (ft. dustybuns) ▸ word count: 10.2k         ▸ warnings: SMUT (18+MINORS DNI) unprotected p&v smut, angst, & fluff ▸ series masterlist

NOVEMBER

 “Okay, honey, gonna need you to ease up on the—shit that was a stop. Break!”

 You pressed down on the break gently, forcing the car into a stop at the side of the road. Frowning over at your boyfriend. “Can you please stop nagging my driving?”

 “Nagging? Baby, you missed that stop sign!”

 Glancing over your shoulder, you look back to the sign. “I did not!” You grumbled, shifting back to look at the road. “I just did a California pause.” 

 Steve scoffed a bit, trying to stop the smile that wanted to creep its way in.“Yeah, well, that California pause is gonna get us an Indiana ticket.” 

 “I wish the two of you would settle on who’s actually driving.” Robin said softly from the backseat. A glance in the rearview mirror showed you a very nervous Robin who was currently covering her face with her hands. 

 “I am driving! Steve is shutting up now.” You said with a roll to your eyes. The house of the party was only a couple blocks away now and Steve’s worrisome attitude would soon be over. 

 To be fair, the two of them had been a little on edge tonight. It had taken nearly all afternoon to convince the both of them to come out with you tonight. Jason Carver was hosting a party during fall break and you needed a mindless distraction from all the school work you’ve been diving into lately.

 Naturally, they had good reasons to be so reluctant about going. 

 Robin for the fact that most of the people there did not like her due to her status in band. And also because no one she’d actually like to talk with would be there. 

 As for Steve, well, he wasn’t too keen on the idea of going to a party at former teammate's house. After the events that happened your first year here, it was clear he was pushed out of the team’s good graces after his fallout with Tommy. 

 But after promising that you’d make sure they had a good time in your group's own fun way, they finally gave in. 

 “You know, I really don’t mind driving us.” Steve said softly, trying again to gain back some control. 

 Holding in a tired sigh, you reached over and placed your hand on his thigh. Squeezing at the limb tenderly. “Honey,” you said, stealing his own nickname for you. “Just relax, and let me take care of us okay? We’re almost there.”

 A quick glance showed you Steve slightly taken back by your slight dominance. 

 “Why did I like that so much?..” he asked himself, but sat back anyway, resting his hand on top of yours. Robin peeking out from her hands let out a small laugh as she leaned closer towards the two of you.

 “I thought by now you’d have convinced your old man to send over another car. Didn’t you complain the other day that he just got a new car for himself?”

 The bitter memory of your phone call back home brought a sour look to your face. It was supposed to be a regular end of the week check in but it turned into their big recent purchases.

 “He’s pissed I’ve ruined another car.” You pouted. “I tried to convince him it was because of the mall fire but he said since I didn’t pick a safe enough parking spot, it was on me. Which means I’m unfortunately carless once again.”

 “Not completely,” Steve butt in, squeezing at your hand again. “I’m willing to pick you up and drop you off anywhere.”

 “And me too, right, dingus?” Robin asked, looking over at her friend. Steve waved his other hand side to side. Acting like was debating whether or not to agree with her. She settled for slapping him upside the head lightly. 

 “I’m still debating on that,” he grumbled, rubbing the back of his head. “Trouble here though, should know she’s set for life on rides.” 

 “Rides that I’ll occasionally get to drive on?” You said playfully, watching as he laughed hesitantly with a small head shake. 

 “Still debating that too.”

 “It makes sense to take rides from Steve anyway.” Robin pointed out. “You two are together for most things anyway.”

 You turned the wheel down the next block, not really sure on how you should reply.  But honesty always seemed to be the best way to go most of the time. “I’ll need to drive on my own eventually.” you shrugged. “Especially if things are different next year..”

 The weight of those last words hit the car instantly and you tried not to physically wince at the small silence that followed after it. 

 “Right.” Steve said soon after, squeezing at your hands. Almost reassuringly. “It will be different..next year.”

 Glancing to your right, you watched as he gave you a small smile before looking out the front window. “Stop!” he said suddenly, making you slam on the break a bit. The three of you jerked forward before falling back against the seat.

 From the passenger rear view mirror, you could see a golden looking cat strutting away from the car. 

 “Well that guy came out of nowhere.” you said sheepishly watching as both of their heads turned to look at you incredulously. Nervously, you adjusted the top of your jacket, looking back to the road. “Anyway, Steve was distracting me. So now that he’s stopped we can finally get back to business.”

 “Back to business?” Robin asked as she settled back into her seat again. “You mean you back to carelessly driving while Steve tries not to go into a panic attack?”

 “Yes, but only to the second part.” Turning on the left hand signal, you checked over your shoulder to the road before setting back to the party. “I am getting us to this party, in one piece, and you two will enjoy yourselves and thank me later for having such a good time.”

 You glanced quickly at Steve, raising a brow at him. “Right, Steve?” you asked, looking for a little back up. His mouth opened and closed a couple of times before he finally nodded his head. Absently giving you a thumbs up as he glanced at the road. 

 “Yeah, exactly.” 

 “Sure,” Robin agreed. “We’ll have a good time. If we don’t die on the way there.” 

 You ignore the jab and keep on with your positivity. “Again, in one piece and a good time!”

 Steve thankfully sensing your slight distress held onto your hand. Rubbing at the back with his thumb. “Ease up, Buckley. Trouble’s right. Plus we’re not even that far from the place anyway.” 

 “Yeah, yeah, sure.” Robin waved off. “But if I could just say one more thing then I’ll keep quiet back here.” 

 “What is it?” You asked tiredly. 

 “You just missed our right turn.” 

 “..Fuck.” 

Things thankfully did turn around the minute you guys entered inside the house. 

 Robin was first to set off in a different direction when she caught sight of an old friend from band that had graduated previously. Leaving you and Steve to mingle your way through the crowd of kids. Surprisingly, there were a couple of old faces that seemed to be pleased to see their former classmate again.

 “So wait, the two of you were actually in the mall that night?” asked Anna Jacobi. Her Purdue sweater had a distracting splotch of beer on the front of it that kept catching your eyes.

 “We were.” Steve answered casually, trying to downplay the actual events of the night. “It was pretty crazy. Things got pretty hectic after we got our friends out. Didn’t even have the chance to really see all the damage that had gone on.”

 “I heard you guys had to be checked out by paramedics.” Said her date Mark Sutton next. “Did anyone get hurt?”

 “Well, we inhaled a lot of smoke and fell a couple of times trying to get up the broken escalator. Some of us had to get patched up.” You waved off, trying not to think about the ‘simple’ patch work like El’s leg, Jonathan’s face, and almost the entirety of Steve’s body.

 “I swore I saw Harrington with a shiner for like a week afterwards.” Said someone from the back, making you think you almost slipped up on that last part of your thoughts.

 Instinctively, you turned your body closer to Steve’s. Almost attempting to shield him from their line of curious questions. To this day the sight of his bruised and battered body still haunted you. Reminding you that had it not been for Dustin or Erica, the three of you would have faced a lot worse than truth serum. 

 “Some guard inhaled too much smoke. Then attacked Steve when he thought he was trying to keep him inside.” 

 From the side you could see Steve gave you a small curious look while the group murmured in astonishment. 

 “I’m sure the guy won if he was up against Harrington.”

 All of you snapped your head towards the source of the voice. Standing in his Indiana State sweater was Tommy Hagan. His legs wobbled a bit as he pushed his way through the small group of people around you guys. A clear sign of how inebriated he was.

 “Tommy,” Steve said dryly. “You’re here.”

 “Yeah,” he scoffed, crossing his arms. “Seeing as I was actually invited and not someone’s plus one.” he smirked as he perched at the edge of the armrest, giving him the chance to look down at you two.

 “Speaking of being invited. I don’t remember inviting you over for this conversation. Why don’t you go do something useful like bothering someone else? Or going to take a swim with a slab of concrete?” you said simply, giving Tommy a glare. It’s been months since either one of you have had to put up with him and you weren’t too keen on that changing now.

 His smile faltered a bit before he shook it off to smirk at you. “Lovely as ever, Henderson. I’m actually surprised to find you here. With Stevie boy of all people. Would have thought you were done playing guard dog to freaks when he graduated.” he finished, bringing his can of beer up to his lips. 

 The comment struck a nerve with Steve. He nearly shot up from his seat but seemed to hold back from giving Tommy the full reaction he was looking for. From his side you could see his hand clench up in a fist while the other wrapped around you pulled you in closer. 

 “Is there any reason why you’re here, Tommy?” Steve asked, not leaving room to humor his inquiries. “Or was bothering us part of your list of things to do tonight?”

 The group around you guys slowly seemed to catch onto the animosity, pulling away a bit from the three of you, but not enough so that they’d miss out on the conversation. 

 “Ooh,” he cooed, smirking down at Steve. “Can’t a guy catch up with his old school chums?” 

 He looked around the room, trying to get someone to smile at him. “I just want to make my visit back home fun before I head back to school.” He turned back to the two of you, giving a sardonic smile. “That’s something Stevie boy will never have to worry about. He’ll always be here. Stuck in Hawkins, waiting to catch up with us.”

 Steve’s face hardened. You started to see red. 

 “Wow, Tommy, after all this time you’re still so obsessed with what Steve is doing.” Getting up from the couch, you sized him up for a moment as you stood with your hands on your hips. You made sure to throw in a bright smile. “I would have figured you stopped keeping tabs on him a long time ago. Then again, I guess you must be bored and bitter now since Carol dumped you on her way to OSU.”

 Finally the smile dropped from Tommy’s face as a scowl took over. 

 “Listen bitch,” he muttered, pointing a finger at you. “I don’t think you of all people here have room to talk about being dumped. Didn’t you get dumped by Billy after you wrecked his ca–”

 The cup of beer is taken out of your hand quickly and thrown into Tommy’s face before you could even react. Steve was up now, moving you to stand behind him as he stepped up to Tommy. “Watch your mouth, asshole.”

 “Wow,” he chuckled, wiping his face of any liquid. “Still got some fire in you, I see.” Standing up now, he adjusted his sweater before looking Steve in the eyes. “Why don’t you and I take this outside and settle things once and for all? That is unless you’ve gotten shittier since your fight with Byers..and Hargrove..and I guess we should count the mall security now.”

 “Fuck you.” Steve grunted. 

 The two looked like they were about to start fighting then and there when the sound of a hollering noise came up from behind them.

 “Tommy! I’m so glad you made it, man!” 

 Jason Carver, the party host, pushed his way through the small audience that had formed around you guys to make his way and hug Tommy. He quickly realized the boy had been soaked up in beer and frowned at his shirt before looking between both boys. “Is everything cool here?” He looked more concerned about Tommy than the overall situation.

 “Yeah,we’re cool” Steve said calmly, not giving room for the other boy to clue Jason in. “Tommy might need some help keeping dry, though.”

 Turning around, he gently placed his hand into yours. 

 “Come on, let’s get some air.”

 Without looking back, he led you out of the living room and out the back door of the house. The backyard was just as busy with buzzing kids, but at least had cool crisp air to give you guys some breathing room to relax from the tense moment. 

 It wasn’t until you were towards the back gate of the house that Steve let go to lean against the wood wall. Letting out a tired sigh while he kept his gaze down at the floor. 

 “Are you okay?” you asked softly.

 “No…I’m not okay.”

 “Please don’t be upset.” Reaching out, you cupped the sides of his cheeks and tried to get him to look at you. “Tommy’s an asshole. He’s just trying to get a rise out of you. Out of both of us.”

 “He’s right though..I’m still here. Stuck.”

 You shook your head quickly, needing to get some sense into your boyfriend. “You’re not stuck here. Just because this asshole puts it like that doesn’t mean shit. He doesn’t know anything you’ve been through the past two yea–”

 “Wasn’t it you just a few years ago, who told me I’d be nothing but the boy who used to be relevant?”

 Hearing your words brought up felt like a bucket of ice water thrown to your face. Surprisingly, it stung more than you thought it would. At the time the words made sense, you wanted Steve to hurt as badly as you did. 

 But things changed, he changed.

 “Yeah, I said that. And I was wrong. Okay? I was wrong and a liar because at the end of the day I did like you. I liked you so much that I had to physically keep myself away from you.” 

 The very idea of Steve thinking so far back to what you said and it possibly being something that continued to hurt him made your stomach twist up. 

 “So yeah, you’re not in tech, or state, or wherever. But you’re here with me, and you’re my favorite person in all this stupid world. Who does stuff like sticking up for me when you know I can handle angry customers, or letting me drive your precious car to lame parties, or giving me crazy hot sex at the office at work that I still think about sometimes.”

 Sighing, you make a point to take a step back from him. Giving him a small sad smile. “I said a lot of awful shit to you in the past..I’m sorry. I’d never say anything about the guy standing before me now. And you shouldn’t give two craps about your jealous ex best friend or anything he says. But I guess that’s just what I think.”

 Feeling a little frustrated, you make a move to step off towards the gate door when you’re pulled back gently. 

 Steve wrapped one arm around your lower back while the other cupped at your cheek. “I’m sorry,” he sighed, resting his forehead against yours. “I shouldn’t have brought that up. That was another time for us. I just.. I just can’t get his words out of my head. If Tommy Hagan of all people is doing better off than me–”

 “Tommy Hagan is currently throwing up on Jason’s couch,” said a voice suddenly. 

 Staggering from the side of the house was Robin. In her hands was a stolen bag of chips and an unopened six pack of beers. “I highly doubt he’s doing better than you right now.” she smirked as she came over. 

 The two of you pull apart, but keep each other’s hands linked together. Steve is still down, looking only at your hands while he sniffed to himself. You glanced over at Robin who gave you a small nod, seeming to already know what’s happened from inside the party. It brought back the twisting feeling in your gut when you remembered how much of a better mood he was earlier that day. 

 “This party blows.” you said nodding over to Robin. “Wanna go drink and watch scary movies?”

 “I know a place where we can grab a quick flick.” Robin smiled, seeming to like the change of plans. She moved over to Steve’s side, nudging him in the shoulder lightly. “Waddya say, dingus? Wanna get buzzed and watch some masked guy chase a hottie?”

 He picked his head up at that, giving Robin a slight pout before he turned to look at you. Leaning in, you gave a small kiss to the corner of his lips in effort to make him smile. “That is if you’re up for it.”

 The two of you keep your focus on Steve, leaning in comically enough that he has to hold up his hands to push both away lightly.  “Fine,” he said, a smile cracking through his lips. “But I get to pick the movie.”

 It’s weird to be ditching a party so early. This wouldn’t have happened last year. But something about leaving to go enjoy the rest of the night with Robin, Steve, and a cheesy horror movie felt right. And as the three of you made your way over to Steve’s car, you hope that he felt the same way.

  DECEMBER

 It was early one Saturday morning when the sound of a boy’s boisterous laugh woke you up. A dangerous move on the stranger’s part considering you were still in your beauty. 

 Grabbing onto your robe, you emerged out of your room. Brushing off the early sleep from your eyes to find the source of the noise pollution. Dustin, who didn’t have anyone over as far as you know, was standing in the living room surrounded by a small group of boys you recognized from school. 

 “Who’s the guy who can’t control the volume of his voice?” you muttered, giving the group a small glare. 

 Two boys in matching shirts jumped in place, not seeing you behind them. A third boy, who looked like he had seen a ghost, spat out the water he had been drinking. “D-Dustin,” he stuttered, shakily pointing over at you. “You didn’t tell us a girl lived here.” 

 “Girl?” Dustin snorted as he piled in books and snacks into his backpack. “You mean Medusa? Could’ve sworn that she was a Gorgon.” 

 “Oh you’re so funny!” You said, faking a hard laugh. “Wanna know what else is gonna be funny? Aunt Claudia’s face when I tell her it was you and your little troop of dungeoneers who dragged dirt onto her clean carpet.” 

 Dustin scoffed at the threat, getting up from the floor to cross his arms at you. “Please. There’s barely anything.” 

 “There is something, right here.” you insisted. 

 He huffed a bit before he joined you at your side. Peering down at the floor. You waited until he was distracted enough before putting him in a chokehold. Instantly he fought back, trying to get out of your vice like grip. The two of you ignored the anxious other boys as you struggled against each other.

 “Let me go!” Dustin cried out, slapping at your arms. 

 “Say you’re sorry for the Medusa comment or else your ass is grass!” you hissed, pinching at his sides. It only caused the boy to become more erratic. Flailing in your arms until he was able to release himself out of your hold. He quickly stepped back and held up his hands defensively. 

 “If you tell my Mom about any of this, I’ll let slip about seeing Steve’s little morning exit from your window last Sunday!” he yelled back. 

 You let out a loud gasp. Shocked that he not only knew about last week’s rendezvous, but was brave enough to use as a threat against you. At any other time you’d be pretty impressed about it. But since he was doing it in front of his little friends, you could only scowl at your cousin. 

 “You little shit!” you growled, moving over to begin slapping at him. He instantly fought back, slapping at your hands and arms while leaning his face as far back from your assault. The other guys in the room are slightly gaping at the childish fight in front of them. It isn’t until Mike Wheeler came barreling through the front door that you two stopped.

 “Sorry!” Mike apologized, panting out huffs of air. “We had to drop Holly off at her friend's house before my Mom could get me here. I’m ready to go.”

 Dustin made sure to jump around you in order to get around the room to his bag again. The only thing you did was grumble as you made your way back towards the kitchen to get something to drink.

 Thankfully the other boys followed Mike back out the door, calling out how they’re all ready to go while Dustin made his way over to you. His face was red from the one slap you got in on him, but he looked more sheepish than angry. 

 “Look, sorry about the comment..please don’t tell Mom about today? She’d only freak out.”

 You crossed your arms over your chest, wanting to take the petty route for this. But considering he still had something to hold over you, you settled with nodding your head. “So long as you don’t bring up last Sunday. EVER.”

 “Deal.” he laughed, adjusting the strap of his bag on his shoulder. “Wouldn’t do me any good anyway.”

 “Why do you say that?”

 “Because if she grounds you from seeing Steve, then that means I don’t get to see him either.”

 You couldn’t help but laugh at that, nodding your head again before waving him off. He turned around and made his way towards the door to join his friends outside. But not without throwing one more bit of information over his shoulder.

 “You’ve got mail by the way. Something from California!” he called out before closing it up behind him. You rush over to the kitchen table and find an envelope with your name on it. The address you had memorized by now looked up at you tauntingly. 

 “California. Seems important.” Said a voice from behind you. Eddie, who was coming out of the bathroom apparently, sauntered over to your side. Peering down at the envelope.

 “This is important, Ed.” You mumbled, ignoring the fact that he was inside your house. The nerves of what the letter could say inside was far too distracting at this point. 

 “What’s so special about this Stanford? It’s just some cushy college, right?”

 You sighed softly, checking the weight of the envelope as if that were enough to give you any indication of what could be written inside. “It’s a law school, Eddie. It’s the law school that my family and I have been anticipating for since I was a kid.”

 “Wait,” he said, leaning in carefully. “Just how important are these results to you?”

 “Like my whole future sort of relies on this saying I’m accepted.” 

He whistled at that, crossing his arms as he looked at the paper suspiciously. “You think I should bring the boys back in and do a prayer circle or something?” 

 You looked over him weirdly before chuckling at how serious he actually was. “As sweet as that is, I think I can settle with you just keeping me company.” 

 Flipping the envelope over, you carefully tore off the tip of the paper. Getting the glued tab to come off cleanly before freeing up the contents inside. It was a minute of silence as you scanned your eyes over the page. 

 “Holy shit.” you whispered.

 “Congratulations! You have been admitted to the Stanford Class of 1990!” Eddie read out before he looked back at you. “That’s good, right?” You didn’t speak as you slowly faced him. Shocked to have the words read aloud for you. 

 “I’ve been accepted to Stanford University.” you said finally.

 “You’ve been accepted.” he confirmed slowly. “Woo?”

 Finally the excitement took over and you let out a happy scream. Jumping up and down gleefully. Eddie caught on with your happiness and let out a little laugh as he clapped his hands.

With how happy you felt inside, you didn’t even stop to think about sharing some of the joy you had and threw your arms around Eddie. 

 He huffed a bit from the air being pushed out of him before gingerly hugging back. “Way to go, Princess.” he said into your ear. Sounding genuinely happy. You can’t help but let out a small cheerful laugh and press a kiss to his cheek. 

 Pulling back, you’re about to thank Eddie for the moral support when the phone suddenly rang. Dashing into the kitchen, you pick up the landline and bring the phone up to your ear. 

 “Tell me you got yours!” said Nancy on the other line.

 “I just opened it! What did yours say?”

 “I GOT IN!”

 “ME TOO!” you cried out, making the other girl on the line scream out. 

 Eddie was still standing by the table, hand over his cheek as he stared down at the letter. From outside you could hear Dustin call out his name. Nancy on the other end calls to your attention too. Making you and Eddie only have a brief moment where you both make eye contact.

 “Thanks.” you mouthed, feeling a little bad about ditching him for the phone call.  He didn't say anything but smiled and waved goodbye. Casually stealing one more glance as he made his way out the door. 

 You find yourself still smiling even after he leaves. 

 LATER THAT WEEK

 “Steve if you don’t get your hands off of me..”

 “I’m helping keep you steady.” he chuckled from beneath you.

 You were currently at the top of the ladder above the romance section. Attempting to use a pin and string to hang up the mistletoe you bought off a Christmas tree lot yesterday morning. Steve had just clocked in five minutes ago before he made his way over to you. Letting his roaming hands go around the sides of your hips while you were distracted.

 “You’re actually tickling me.” 

 He snorted at that before moving around so he could stand at the other side of the ladder, holding onto the sides to keep it in place better. You quickly pushed the pin into the roof of the store, holding a hand beneath it to catch the object. When it didn’t fall you stepped down, smiling up at the sight. 

 Not missing the chance, Steve stepped forward just a bit so that he stood right beneath it. “Looks like we’re under the mistletoe.” he hummed, moving to wrap an arm around your back. 

 “Would you look at that?” you laughed, pretending to be shocked. “It seems we are.”

 He smirked down at you before reaching up with his other hand to use the tip of your chin to angle you up to him. Bringing you in close enough so that your lips could meet in the middle. It was a sweet, simple kiss that still took your breath away by the time he pulled back.

 “Missed ya today.” he said softly, looking at you with such a warmth that it has you feeling flushed all over. 

 “I missed you too. Did you enjoy the morning off?” you asked, biting your lip in an attempt to control the grin that wanted to plaster all over your face. It was hard to keep your cool composure around him sometimes.

 He shrugged a bit, bringing a hand up to casually pull at your bottom lip. Caressing at the plump tender skin before he leaned in to quickly sneak in another peck. “Got to take care of a few things. Including stocking up for our little weekend.” 

 The two of you recently planned for a private little getaway the moment you both found out you had the weekend off. It took some convincing and switching for Robin, plus some shifts covered to make Keith happy. But you guys managed to get away with it.

 “Oh?” you hummed, blinking a little bit. You were still a bit stunned from his little bits of affection.  “Someone’s excited. I guess I should say thank you for taking care of everything.”

 “I think I know a way you can thank me.” Steve said, sounding a little too excited. “I believe last month you showed me a pretty good way to thank me.”

 Laughing, you rolled your eyes and stepped away from Steve and his workplace temptations again in order to put away the ladder. “As much as I’d love to entertain that idea, I switched shifts with Robin. I have a test I need to study for.” 

 “What?” he pouted. “You didn’t have to switch her, I could have helped you with that!”

 Again you can’t help but laugh. “As much as I’m sure you mean that, I know your method of studying..not exactly the type of thing I need for History.”

 He followed after you, grabbing the ladder quickly to help put it away in the stock room in the back. You waited until he was done setting it against the wall before draping your arms around his neck, pulling him close now that you guys had some privacy. 

 “Now if it was Chemistry..that’d be a whole other thing.” you smirked watching as his pout slowly turned into a smile. “Tonight the store gets a break from our sexual escapades, this weekend however, will not.” You curled your fingers into the back ends of his hair, giving it a light tug as you looked up at him. “I’ll be all yours for forty-eight hours.” 

 Steve grunted a bit at the tugging, pressing himself close to your front while he rubbed his hands around the sides of your waist affectionately. “All mine?” he mused softly. “Just for the weekend?”

 “Well no, I’m always yours. But this weekend will be..extra special.”

 That piqued his interest even more. Making his eyes turn dark as he leaned his face down to your neck. “Define special.” he purred, letting his breath fan against your skin before he brought his lips close to yours.

 Laughing a bit at his unbothered public flirting, you gave in to his tempting looks and gave him a kiss quickly before your mind thought about the letter in the back of your jeans. You were still debating on whether to share this news with Steve now or later on. Unsure if you could hold back the exciting secret anymore.

 “So there was this letter–”

 “There she is!” 

 The sudden waving over from the front counter quickly distracted you. Making you pull back from Steve enough to peek out and see Eddie over at the front. Raising a brow, you stepped over towards him, giving him a small smile as you moved to stand beside him.

 “What are you doing here, Eddie?” 

 “Well, I was actually here to check out Sleepaway Camp.” he said, patting the tape on the counter. “But, it turns out I owe you guys money that I already paid.” 

 Robin, who was looking at Eddie curiously nodded her head in agreement. “There’s a three day late fee, dude. The system says it was returned but never paid for.” she said pointing to the screen. Steve came to join her at the register, frowning over at Eddie briefly before he looked at the screen himself. 

 “You owe us for Dune.” he said curtly, crossing his arms. “It’s a three dollar late fee.”

 Momentarily, you ignore your boyfriend’s uncalled for attitude in order to sort out some of the mess your new friend had gotten himself into. “Geez Ed, you do know this is only for rent, right?”

 Eddie looked over to you slightly exasperated before he leaned in.“Dune turned out to be a lot harder to watch than I thought. But it was only late by a day.” he said softly. “Think you can help me out with your friends?”

 “You know we can hear you, right?” Robin asked, becoming less amused by the boy. Steve on the other hand looked a little more on the angrier side. 

 Holding a hand up, you lean over the counter and look at the screen carefully. “What day did you come in to return it?”

 “Uhh, Monday. Night time. Probably when you guys were closing.”

 You quickly thought back to earlier this week. That night had been slow, and it took you nearly an hour to convince Keith to let you off early to get an extra bit of time with Steve before he had to drive you home.

 “Keith.” you said simply. “He was the only one here that night and we all know what he’s like the last hour here.” Steve pursed his lips, ready to rebut that but you raised a brow at him. “This mess wouldn’t have happened if I had been here. But seeing as I had plans..I wasn’t.”

 That seemed to shut him up but didn’t quite take away the frown from his face. 

 Robin clicked the mouse over the screen, deleting the charge before shrugging her shoulders to Steve. “Keith does hate checking movies back in. He probably waited for one of us to do it the next day and forgot about the charge.”

 Steve looked over the three of you with a small glare before shaking his head, moving to restack the pile of tapes over by the return counter. “Whatever, I guess.” 

 Pushing the tape towards Robin, you turned to face Eddie. Pointing a finger sternly at him. “This is the last time I will help you with a late fee problem. Next time bring your movie on time, whether you understand it or not.”

 “Yes, ma’am.” he chuckled, giving Robin the money for his new rental. “Gotta say, if that’s how you work as a defense lawyer before Law school, then I can’t wait to see you after. Might have to find a way to contact you in California.”

 “California?” Steve asked quickly. 

 You couldn’t help but freeze into place. Silently cursing Eddie for spilling the secret about your recent plans in front of Steve without you getting the chance to. “Uh,” you laughed nervously. “California..it’s where I’ll be starting school next year.”

 “Wait, when did this happen?” asked Steve as he came around the counter to go over to your side. “You got into a school in California?”

 “Pfft,” Eddie snorted, grabbing his tape from the counter. “She didn’t get into just any California school. She got into Stanford.”

 Robin gasped softly, looking over astonished before she clapped. “Holy shit, Henderson. You got in?!” 

 Steve beside you is slightly taken back. Brown eyes shifting between looking between you and Eddie. Was he happy, worried, mad? For once your boyfriend seemed to be completely unreadable to you. 

 “I just found out the other day.” you explained looking between the group. 

 Eddie nudged his elbow gently into your arm, giving you a small smirk. “Hell yeah you did. And because of that bit of news, I know just the person to help me out with my many upcoming parking tickets.” he teased, throwing a quick wink. “Catch you later, big shot.”

 The three of you quietly watched as Eddie left the store. For a moment there was a bit of awkward silence before Robin cleared her throat, causing your eyes to return over to her. She looked a bit worried at Steve but quickly shot you a wide grin. 

 “Congratulations, kid. All that law nonsense you’re always bringing up is finally gonna come in handy.” 

 Despite the teasing in her tone, her smile is genuine. Making you feel a little at ease about how awkward it seemed to be.  

 “Thanks, Robin.” you laughed a little bit before turning to Steve. 

 He was looking at you with such a forlorn look before he blinked into realization. “C’mere.” he whispered, pulling you into a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you, honey.”

 The warmth and love behind the hug is so genuine that you can’t help but melt into his arms. Feeling Steve press a kiss to the side of your head. But even with the affection, you can’t help but still feel like something was off. 

 “Is everything okay? You looked a little sick a second ago..”

 He let out a small huff of amusement before leaning forward to kiss at your forehead. “I am, I promise. This is just..this is big news.”

 Reaching into your pocket, you pulled out the acceptance letter, opening it up for Steve to have a look at.

 Carefully, he took the paper into his hands and scanned his eyes over the page. A small smile tugging at his face before he glanced up at you. “This is amazing but..how come you were keeping this a secret? This is good news.”

 “It wasn’t supposed to be.” you said honestly. “I was going to tell you this weekend as a surprise but Eddie’s mouth is too fast for his brain to catch up and he gave it away.” 

 “How did Eddie know anyway?” he asked, slightly hesitant. Robin, who was still watching the awkward scene play out, waved the two of you off and went to the back to distract herself with work. Leaving the two of you alone.

 “He was picking up Dustin the other day for some sort of game night and saw me with the letter. It was only by chance that he found out first.”

 Steve looked a little bit unsure of your answer, but didn’t seem to go against it. Only giving you back the letter. For a moment you’re worried that he might still be upset about things, but he quickly turned to make things back to how it was before. Wrapping an arm around your waist as he pulled you closer. 

 “So I’m guessing the letter was that extra special thing you were mentioning earlier.”

 Happy to have him back in a playful mood again, you can’t help but grin up at him. Despite wanting to play cool and coy. “Yes..and no.” you hummed, pressing your hand to rest against the front of his chest. The beat of his heart was thumping heavy through his shirt. “The actual special bit is the fact that a certain set of clothes I found in Vanity Fair last month arrived in the mail for me today.”

 “Clothes?” he asked, face scrunching up in confusion. “What’s so special about clothes?”

 Tracing your hand from his chest up to the side of his neck, you watch as his throat bobbed a bit. “Well for starters they’re in red. Your favorite color.”

 “Red is nice.”

 “Yeah, so is lace.”

 His eyes widened at the reveal and you felt a big surge of pride in knowing that Steve was already enthralled with the outfit without having seen you in it yet. But his shock quickly turned back into a frown, making you worried he might be upset again.

 “That’s not good.” he said with a shake to his head.

 “What’s wrong?”

 “We’re gonna need a lot more than forty-eight hours now if I’m gonna see you walking around in lace.”

 Now it’s your turn to stare at him with a stunned look. But with the sound of Robin calling out to Steve, there’s no time  for you to even think of a response to that. Meanwhile Steve has completely soaked in the sight of you taken back for once, giving you a kiss to your cheek before he patted your behind.

 “Duty calls, Trouble.” he winked, giving you one last look over. “I’ll call you later.”

 And just like that you’re left at the counter, both excited and anxious for the weekend to come.

 TWO DAYS LATER

 There were a couple of things you learned since the start of the getaway weekend. The first thing was the fact that you and Steve were doomed to either order take out the rest of your lives, or sign up for cooking classes. 

 The second was that Steve Harrington really loved red lace. 

 “Fuck, I’m so close.” 

 The two of you had been going at this all night. Taking breaks from eating, talking, and watching tv in order to make out or mess around. Despite the fact that you two had a very healthy sex life for two working teens, you both took every opportunity that this weekend could bring. 

 “Me too.” you whimpered, rolling your hips again. Steve had you on his lap by the fireplace. Letting the heat of the fire keep your bare skin warm since the only thing left of the lace was the bra you managed to keep on.  

 The palm of his hands gripped tightly to your hips, helping you keep the rhythm that was getting the both of you closer to your third climax of the night. At this point the way you two were going it was like you were trying to start a new record. 

 “God, you’re beautiful.” Steve grunted, trying hard not to grip tightly to the soft skin of your hips. His eyes were looking everywhere from your face down to your bouncing breasts. You couldn’t help but feel a heat go over your face. 

 Leaning close, you pressed your lips against his. Trying to capture his heavy breath so that you could soak him in completely. But at the same time he’s thrusting upward to keep up with you and his cock is hitting at just the right spot. Making you throw your head back in a gasp.

 Steve wrapped you in his strong arms. Making sure to maintain the deep thrusts and keep you situated on his lap. Your hands reached out to grip against his shoulders. Sharp nails slightly digging into his skin when he thrusted into the right spot again. It caused him to grunt softly, face scrunching up in concentration. 

 He relentlessly slammed into you next, giving his everything into your pussy as he repeatedly bucked his hips up. Beads of sweat started to fall down the side of his face and you paused your bouncing to brush back the sweaty hair from his face. “Your perfect pussy is gripping on me so tight,” he growled. “I’m gonna lose it.” 

 His dirty words affect you like usual, making you not only moan, but squirm even more in his hold. “Please, baby. I’m almost there.” you whined, rolling your hips a bit. There’s a good amount of arousal that’s slicked up between you and Steve can’t help but smirk down at the sight before he glanced at you again. 

 “Don’t worry, honey. I’m gonna make you feel real good again.”

 With one hand still around your waist, keeping your body pressed to his, he used the other to cup at the side of your neck. Keeping you perfectly still to drill into you in a brutally fast sequence. One thrust, two, three, and with one hard final push, he’s hitting the right spot that has you seeing white spots. 

 Your weak body collapsed fully on top of him, falling into the ecstasy like bliss it always does while Steve rode out his orgasm. Between you two, the remnants of his orgasm started to slowly seep out, coating the upper part of your thighs. 

 “So good.” you murmured into his skin. Lips lazily peppering his neck with kisses. He pressed his lips to your forehead, gently stopping his thrusting so that the two of you could slowly fall backwards into the pile of pillows on the floor. 

 It wasn’t until a second later that the two of you pulled apart completely. Falling on your backs as you tried to gasp back some air into your lungs. But with the fire beside you still alive and spreading its warmth into the room, you couldn’t quite cool off right away. 

 But that didn’t matter, not when Steve was pressing loving kisses over your neck and shoulders as he came down from his high. He was murmuring sweet words into your skin, almost silently to himself before he settled for resting his face against your shoulder. Close to your side.

 It’s a peaceful, intimate kind of cuddling. Something you guys don’t get to have often since most of the time you’re having sex in the heat of the moment or some place you aren’t supposed to. But this was different. This was almost like playing make believe that you lived this kind of way.

 “Your thinking face is on.” Steve said softly, pulling you out of your thoughts. His hand was gently running up and down the side of your arm as he looked over at you. “Mind sharing with me?”

 “It’s nothing.” you sighed, trying to avert your gaze down. The curls on his chest were slightly slick from the heat of everything. “Just admiring the day we got to have.” 

 “Oh,” he chuckled. “So you’re thinking about it too?”

 For some reason that has you turning shy, hiding your face away from his knowing eyes and hiding in the crook of his neck. The skin there smelled like his cologne and something musky, making you take a deep inhale before you placed a kiss there. 

 “I think I could live everyday like this.”

 “What? Burnt steaks and sex every night by the fireside?” you asked, pulling away to gage his reaction. He looked very pleased with the question, nodding his head quickly.

“Who the hell wouldn’t?” he said as a matter of fact. The palm of his hand wandered from your side down to your bare backside. “Do you think they have that lace in more colors?” he said a second later, cupping at the cheek of your ass

 “Steve!” you chided, trying to hold in a laugh. But too quickly is that failing and he’s dragging you back close. Letting his lips land on yours while he kneaded at your behind. You melt into the moment, letting yourself give into Steve completely. 

 “We can have that you know.” you said against his lips. He hummed in question, not pulling back from you so that he could continue the grazing over your skin. “Live like this every day.”

 “I know,” he agreed. “Someday right?”

 While he was right about that, there was something you had in mind. It came to you the day before when you were packing for the weekend. A small spark of an idea really. No matter what you did throughout the day, the idea of sharing an apartment in the bright sunny California with Steve kept bringing a smile to your face. 

 “Well, it could be someday..or it could be next fall?” 

 He pulled away confused before you sat up to look down on him. If there was anyone that you’d want to share a room with, a home with, a life with; it was Steve. 

 “Stanford starts early next fall. And my parents want  me to live off campus so I can have a better place to stay. Meaning that I’d probably get an apartment close by. But it’d be just me alone in a new place with no friends..no you.”

 “Right.” he said slowly, not exactly sounding like he understood where you were going with this

 “But, if we work things out early..it doesn’t have to be that way.” He still looked up at you perplexed with unsurety in his gaze. You take it as a sign just to be straightforward with this now. 

“Do you think maybe you’d come with me and live together?”

 His brows furrowed together, lips pouting as he took in your formal words finally. “Live together? Like together? In California?”

 “Yes, like us in a place back home.”

 “I thought that you’d want something long distance.” he asked, eyes shifting. 

 “What, you expected the two of us to just be together almost three thousand miles apart in a completely different timezone?” 

 “Wait, you actually did the math?”

  “Steve..” 

 He held his hands up defensively, licking his lips as he nervously stuttered out his next words. “Baby, look, I don’t think I can just leave home. I-I can’t just uproot my whole life for..” he cut himself off, frowning over his own words before he looked at you nervously.

 It’s safe to say the words still hurt you to your core without being said. Enough to almost make you physically flinch inside. But the part of you that tries to hide, aka the venomous bitch, is festering off this conversation. 

 For the first time in a while, you let her out a bit. “Finish it.” you said sternly. “Finish the sentence.” 

 Steve quickly shook his head, not wanting to steer anywhere near that kind of talk. “No, no, honey. You know I didn’t mean it like that.” he pleaded, trying to reach for you. But you already reeled yourself back, getting some space as you felt the anger heat up your face.

 “Say the rest of the damn sentence, Steve. Say how you don’t think I’m worth changing your life for.”

 He moved to sitting up now. Looking at you the most serious since he’s been in a while. “I’m not gonna finish it because I don’t believe that. You’re one of the few people in my life that’s helped me for the better. I just meant that I didn’t want to uproot my life for nothing. I need to do something in order to do that.”

 “Starting a life with me is nothing?”

 He sputtered a bit. Trying to say multiple rebuttals to that at once. “Don’t twist my words!”

 “Then what is it you’re trying to say, Steve? Because as far as I know you’re not doing anything here but working at family video.” Looking at your hands you try to control the word vomit coming out but the pain in your chest is making that hard to do. “You’re still on this weird sabbatical since you didn’t make it into tech. And FYI, you could do something in California. There’s tech schools, community colleges, christ, even video rental stores. Why can’t you just do that over there where you can be with me?”

 “What, like some love sick boy following around his girlfriend while she’s off becoming a lawyer and he’s stuck renting tapes out to jerk offs?” Steve scoffed lightly, not really pleased with your suggestion.

 “No, like a man who wants to be with the supposed woman he’s in love with. Or did that mindset only have a lifespan of one school year?”

 “Stop..stop acting like it’s just that. You know it wouldn’t be an easy change! Not to mention there’s other factors.”

 “Like what?”

 “Like the fact that I have other people in my life that are important too. Not just you!”

 You look over at him shocked. Mind instantly scrambling to put together if you had even insinuated that at all in the conversation. “I never said there wasn’t.” you frowned, wondering where this conversation was going to. “You mean the world to Dustin and I know Robin is your best friend. But..I wouldn’t expect Jonathan to stick around just to wait around for me. I’d..I’d want him to venture out and find something good for him.”

 “I want that for you too. Okay? I want you to have all that..”

 “And what about you? Why don’t you want that for yourself, Steve?” You almost reached out to shake him. Wanting to make him see that this move would be so much more than just moving in with you. It’d be a whole new world, a whole new life that you believed the two of you deserved. 

 Why wasn’t he getting that?

 “What I want and what I need are different things. I need to stay and check on my friends and make sure they’re safe in this hell hole. What I want is..you.” He reached up and gripped at your hand, bringing it down to press against his chest. The beat of his heart was fast beneath the tips of your fingers. Whatever he was feeling, it was enough to make his heart panic. “All I’ve ever wanted is you because I love you..”

 “Just not enough to come with me..”

 His mouth slacked a bit and he quickly shook his head. Seemingly stumped by your words. You sniffled a bit, holding back the tears you felt pinching at your eyes. Quickly, you pulled away from his hold. Reaching over for the robe you had been wearing earlier and slipping it on before you got up from the floor. “I think I should go home.” you said softly, averting your eyes.

 “No. Wait, please.” Steve said, quickly reaching for his sweats. “You can’t just leave. Besides, it's snowing. You don’t have a car and could get hurt.”

 “I’ll risk it.” You said bitterly, making your way up to go upstairs to where your stuff was. Steve caught up in time to stop you from taking the bag from the floor in his room. You tried to pry it out of his hands but he wouldn’t let go of the bag. You settled for letting go, moving over to stand in front of his window now. 

 This wasn’t how the night is supposed to be going. The two of you were supposed to have carefree fun. But because of your big mouth, the real world was coming in and tearing it all down. “I don’t want to be here right now.” you said honestly. 

 “Please,” he said, letting out a sigh. The tip of his fingers curled over your shoulders as he slowly dragged you back to press against his front. Crossing his arms over your chest like a blanket. “This isn’t how I wanted things to go.”

 “I know, me neither.” you said softly, voice sounding small and unfamiliar. This sudden weak feeling was still so unfamiliar to you. Especially with Steve of all people. He was the only one for a while other than Jonthan that you felt you could be vulnerable with. But at the moment, it’s the furthest you wanted to be.

 He pressed a kiss to your neck, soft and loving. But didn’t push for you to turn around. You kept your gaze out of his window the pool, letting the light distract you from the eyes you know would instantly pull you in. 

 “Take my room tonight..I’ll..take you home in the morning if you still want to leave.” 

 You nodded your head, staying in place, frozen. He gave you just one more kiss to your shoulder before he fully let go. His steps dragged as he slowly made his way to the door. As if he were waiting to see if you’d change your mind. But you knew you couldn’t.

 The wood creaked softly as he tugged it close, but not before he softly said one more message. 

 “I love you, don’t forget that.”

 With that he closed up the door, officially ending the conversation and the night. The distant sound of him heading back downstairs followed along with the heavy beats of your hearts.  It was all that beat in your head as you made your way over to Steve’s bed. 

 The familiar comforting smell of his fabric softener hitting your senses instantly. It wasn’t until you dragged the covers over your body that you felt the tears break through. Reaching out, you turned off the lamp by his bed. Letting yourself be engulfed in the darkness so that you could mull over what could very much be more than just a bad night. 

  The following morning, you wake up curled in the comforter of Steve’s bed. He kept his distance throughout the night. Leaving you tossing and turning with a mixture of anxiety and anger coursing through you. Glancing at the watch on your wrist, you note how early in the day it really was. Too early for a heavy sleeper like Steve. It’d be at least a good hour or two before he stirred awake on his own. 

 Glancing at his nightstand, you hesitantly reached over for the phone. Fingers twitching just about the receiver. It didn’t feel right to do this. It felt cowardly. But if you stayed the morning and continued to talk the way you both did last night…well, you weren’t sure where things would head.

 The dial tone only rang twice before the person on the other end finally picked up.

 “Hello?”

 “Nancy, it’s me.”

 “Hey! Are you okay?” asked the girl with concern. 

 “No, I’m not okay.” There’s a tremble to your voice and you silently curse yourself for already feeling like breaking down at the comforting tone of your friend. “Do you think you can pick me up? I’m over at–”

 “I know where you are. I’m on my way.”

 It only took Nancy about ten minutes to arrive outside the driveway of Steve’s house. The moment you saw her familiar car, you quickly moved out the door. Carefully shutting it behind you as you walked down the pathway.

 Her regular curls were tied up messily on the top of her head. Sleepiness was still heavy on her face along with the remnants of her makeup from yesterday. But her blue eyes, however, were filled with a familiar worry that had you slightly relieved. 

 Guilt quickly engulfed you. Not only were you ditching Steve with nothing but a note saying you’d call him later. But you had your friend up early with no other information as to if you were okay or not. 

 It felt like nothing about this weekend was ever going to go right. 

 You quickly entered the car. Allowing the heater to warm you up as you buckled into your seat. It wasn’t until you were settled in that you were brave enough to look over at Nancy. A small smile tugging at your lips when you noticed she had driven over in her plaid pajama set. The only thing fit for the weather was her jacket and the heavy snow boots she had.

 “Thanks.” you said softly, rubbing your cold hands together. “I know it’s early and you weren’t really expecting to hear from me. But we uh…” the argument suddenly returned to your mind. Making your voice die down and water prickle at the rim of your eyes.

 “It’s okay.” she cut in softly, reaching out to grab at your hands. “We don’t have to talk about it yet.”

 Nodding your head thankfully, you look out onto the dashboard. Trying to focus on anything to control the moisture that’s trying to leak out. Nancy let out a small sigh before suddenly turning to face you.

  “Wanna get some breakfast?” she asked, causing you to look over at her. Her smile was big and she had a small look of determination on her face. While a part of you really wanted to go back home and cry into your pillow for the rest of the weekend, something about maybe dishing out your current problems over a hot plate of food sounded oddly comforting.

 “Know a place that has good waffles?”

 Smirking a bit, she changed the gear on the car. “I know just the place.”

 The low hum of music was the only noise after that. You couldn’t help but steal a longing glance in your rearview mirror. Taking in one last look at Steve’s house, and for the weekend that it could have been. 

A regretful choice unfortunately. Because as the view of the house began to grow smaller, so did the sight of Steve standing at the front of his door. Alone. With nothing but a note in his hands.

A/N: Please don’t hate me! I wanted to make sure this chapter had enough fluff, smut, drama, and set up for the future of the season. 

[vilandel]

Rosette Vitrail ☘️

(Black Clover OC Profile ☘️)

Rosette is one of my most important OCs I created for Black Clover and also one of my favorites. I'm really happy to share her with all of you 💕

☘️☘️☘️

Basic Information

Name: Rosette Vitrail

Age: currently 18

Birthday: 13th November

Sign: Scorpio

Love Interest: Solid Silva

Birthplace: Clover Kingdom's Capital, city villa of house Vitrail

Current Location: Clover Kingdom, Silva Palace

Affinity: Glass Magic

Likes: Detective Novels, Chocolate, the sound of rain against glass, any kind of art with glass, Gossip

Dislikes: Any kinds of diets (one of her biggest nightmares), Unfairness, Contradiction, Arrogance of nobles (especially from her own house), too colorful clothes

Grimoire Design: Black with colorful patterns that look like the rose stained glass windows of a cathedral. The clover is in the middle of it.

Appearance:

Hair Color: White blonde

Eye Color: very pale grey

Height: 158 cm

Due to her appearance, Rosette had a reputation of being unhealthy within Cloverian nobility (which isn't true, she is actually healthy as an ox): Very thin, not very big, extremely pale in skin, hair and eyes, not to mention fragile looking. So, she is mostly invisible in a way.

Rosette mostly wears dresses in any shades of grey (grey is her favorite color), sometimes just grey, sometimes added with some color (most of the time pink, purple, blue, turquoise and green, sometimes also red, yellow, orange and others when she feels bold). Most of her dresses have either an empire waist or a normal one. When she wears grey with another color, there is a ribbon of the same color around her waist.

Her hair is very straight and she usually let it fall free, often hold back by a ribbon (mostly a grey one). Rosette keeps her hair long, currently it falls right above the middle of the back.

Her fingers are long and elegant, but she still has the habit to nag her nails when she's thinking (and she thinks a lot).

Rosette is so pale that sometimes, people have the impression that sunlight can shine through her.

Personality:

Rosette is a very calm girl and also very observant (due to her childhood). Having spent a lot of times within noble circles of Clover, she became a secret force about gossip and to notice the smallest details. She has very much a detective mind (might be a bit the Hercule Poirot or the Jane Marple of the Clover Kingdom). While she has a romantic side, Rosette is pretty much pragmatic when it comes to herself.

Rosette is very aware about her reputation of not having a very good health and while it had hurt her when she was a child, growing up she decided to make it a mask and a strength instead. She embraced her invisibility, using it to listen to gossips. Over time, she started to have a lot of fun to be invisible and to push people without being noticed, but other times, before she came to live with the Silvas, she felt rather lonely and wish for someone to actually SEE her.

Unlike most nobles, Rosette doesn't look down on people from lower circles than her. At first, she really didn't have an opinion, but through her observations, she came to see commoners, peasants and even misfits as people and started to silently rebel against unfairness. She also doesn't consider training unfitting for a noble and trained her magic in secret for long. But she only started to train self-defense after she came to live with Silvas and interacting more with the Black Bulls.

Rosette is also pretty cheeky and insolent at times, not afraid to go into secret or forbidden archives if she wants to check upon something. Sometimes, when she is angry at a noble, she also likes to make some innocent prank (her invisible mask comes pretty in handy in those situations). After moving into the Silva Palace, when she isn't at noble circles, she is more opened and Vanessa teached her how to tease.

Rosette is also very stubborn when it comes to diets, convinced that they never work at all. Charmy loves her for that.

Despite everything, Rosette still has some affection for her family, but isn't blind that they won't change and accepted a long time ago that she can only love them from afar.

Background:

Rosette is from high nobility and from one of the most influential noble houses in Clover. House Vitrail mostly has members with glass magic. She is the second daughter of the head of house Vitrail, Verre Vitrail and his wife, lady Cristal. She has an older sister, Athénaïs. Rosette often lived in the shadow of her sister. In fact, Athénaïs is a true beauty, long golden locks and royal blue eyes, a porcelain skin, her frame is considered to be perfection. Athénaïs is also a typical noble, vain and arrogant and full of herself. But also intelligent and for a while, she was considered to be the perfect noble lady to marry into royalty... Especially Nozel Silva. Rosette still likes her sister, but is not blind to her flaws and consider that it's not to bad if they don't see each other often. Athénaïs, despite all her flaws, still has affection for her younger sister, but it is mostly a selfish affection, because caring for her poor unhealthy little sister is good for her own reputation (there is still genuine affection, though). Her parents have some affection for Rosette, but like normal noble parents, it's mostly vain and often, they don't even realize she's here.

Due to her so-called poor health, Rosette was very lonely as a child. When she wasn't going out on places for typical noble ladies - like circles, tea parties, promenades, soirées or balls - she either spent most of her time in her room or when she was able to sneak out alone, into the library or into some places not "fitting" for a noble girl. She read a lot during those times, learned some foreign languages by herself and also trained her magic. Fun fact, due to a coincidence, she managed to create colored glass. Curious about her discovery, she went (sneak) into libraries and archives to search about any clues about glass magic with stained glass. Sadly, she didn't found much, as stained glass isn't really a thing yet, even for glass magic users. So, she had to work on this without any clue.

Also due to her poor health, her mother swore on giving Rosette very special diet meals, even though she was already so thin. And this is the origin of Rosettes hatred towards diets. One time, she secretly eat A LOT of fattening food during one week... and still waits for those pounds to appear. In the end, Rosette came to the conclusion that she was maybe naturally thin.

Solid Silva:

Rosette and Solid had an arranged marriage. But how it came to that is a little novel. On Solids side, he was for some reason convinced that romantic love was stupid and he claimed that he wanted an arranged marriage, no objection accepted.

On Rosettes side, it was a bit more complicated. First, she came alone to the conclusion that to do something permanent against unfairness within the Clover Kingdom, you have to be a royal. For herself, this would mean that she had to marry into royalty. Like mentioned before, Rosette was very pragmatic when it comes to herself and even though she knew that arranged marriage aren't bond with happiness, she thought that with the right royal family, she might at least have some freedom. She choose the Silvas, for different reasons but also because she felt that there was something with them (not to mention in my headcanons, the current Silva Siblings are also the last Silvas) and Rosette is of course also curious.

Second, Rosette wanted to move away from her family and she wanted to have a real home. Yes, arranged marriages didn't imply getting a home, but Rosette thought that once married and away from house Vitrail, she might work to make her own home.

In a very subtle way, she casually told her father that marrying his second daughter into royalty wouldn't be so bad and her father even believed that he got this idea all by himself. Rosette had to go through some kind of hearing or interview in front of the three royal House Heads, so that they could determine if she was fit to be a royal. She did very well, as house Vitrail got a proposal for her to marry Solid the very next day. Rosette was also bold enough to suggest that she could already move into the Silva Palace, to learn properly to be a royal. This had been once an betrothal tradition that hadn't been applied for decades, but to Rosettes luck, hadn't been abolished either.

It took some time, but the Silvas as well as Vanessa, Asta and even Zora came to like her. Rosette started quickly to feel at home at the Silva Palace. As time passed, she was invited to spend time with the Black Bulls and came to appreciate them. They liked her too, especially Charmy. In fact, after seeing how thin Rosette was, Charmy became pretty worried and gave herself the mission to fattening "this poor bony milk glass" with the most delicious food. Which didn't work, as Rosette is naturally thin. But Rosette didn't complained. After so many years with tasteless and too healthy diet meals, Charmys food and any fat dishes in general were paradise for her.

As for Solid, he and Rosette didn't wait to talk about their betrothal and making things clear that this was an arranged marriage. She suggested to him that they should become partners and trust each other, since they were going to spend the rest of their lives together. Solid accepted, surprised and deep down also grateful that for the first time, someone was ready to trust him and call him a partner. Under Rosettes patience, kind scolding and trust, while he was still a jerk, Solid matured and his redeeming traits started to be more visible. As for Rosette, being with Solid was refreshing to her, as for the first time, she didn't felt alone and he was actually SEEING her.

By getting along, they became close friends and slowly, very slowly, they started to fall in love. Once he realized it, Solid had a total panic attack. He actually run into Nozels office, screaming in fear: "Big brother, it's terrible! I fell in love with my fiancee!" As for Rosette, her biggest surprise was mostly, "Wait, I'm actually able to love without feeling regret and resignation?"

By the time they got married, Solid and Rosette already confessed to each other (a funny situation for her, awkward for him, sweet for both), so despite being arranged, it was a love wedding in the end.

Rosette and Solid aren't the most romantic couple. Rosette is still very pragmatic and Solid, well, is very unsure about being loving and romantic, not to mention still a jerk. But they got along very well and are still a team very often. A team with Rosette as the brain and Solid as the one taking action. Rosette also teases Solid a lot and is the only one unaffected by his jerk attitude. She kinda find this side of him a bit hot.

Trivia:

Rosettes name comes from the rose windows in cathedrals. It means also "little rose" in French.

Vitrail is the French word for stained-glassed window.

I started to imagine Rosette while I was reading the novels of Agatha Christie. This is why I kinda imagine her as the Hercule Poirot or Jane Marple of the Clover Kingdom.

Starts to talk in different languages at the same time when she's upset.

Yami gave her the nickname Ghost Girl, because she is so pale.

Isn't the best cook, but at least can make any kinds of cocoa, chocolate cream or mousse and even grilled cheese sandwiches by herself.

Is a very good dancer. Solid isn't, so when they have to dance, it is Rosette who leads.

Teaches Asta a lot of things about nobility, as she's convinced it will help him once he becomes the Wizard King.

Supports both Nozel and Asta for becoming Wizard King. She supports her new family.

Bonds with Zora about pranks, even though Rosette is nicer.

Bonds with Nebra about gossip.

Once she started to live with the Silvas, Rosette also started to train self-defense. She also has an incredible sense of balance, but only got to train it after she moved away from her family.

Is very irritated that Ki-reading didn't prevented Yami and Asta to be dense.

Helps sometimes Nozel with affairs of house Silva. Over time, he even trusted Rosette directly with some affairs. Since she isn't a Magic Knight, she has a lot of times.

Rosette is one of Charmys favorite people outside of the Black Bulls.

Vanessa started to teach her about needlework. They got along very well.

Became one of Noelles best friends.

Rosette learned about the Silva's past over time and she admired them that despite the mistakes and the past pain, they were able to heal, to make amends and to become a family again. Also helped Solid and Noelle to mend their bonds.

Rosette and Solid got two children together. A son named Eis and a daughter named Nanthilde.

[jeansbabylove]

Black Clover as Uni Students, pt. 2

Black Bulls, pt. 2

Finral Roulacase

was sent to a provincial university because his family was embarrassed that he did not get into the capital's university

still takes up business administration like his dad wanted

not because he had no choice but because he can't think of other options

he had no motivation to study tbh

a terrible student, he'd rather skip classes and meet girls

dabbled into alcohol, drugs, and then drag racing

he had the talent for it so he raced for a few years

it was not a profitable profession and what he was doing was technically illegal, so he stopped

also because he had a wake up call that his supposed fiancée might get married off to his brother instead

went back to school but to study automotive and hopefully become a car mechanic or an engineer

Charmy Pappitson

food is life for this girl so she took culinary arts on weekdays and went to pastry school on weekends

also a social media influencer that focuses on travel and mostly food

she also posts about her monthly private restaurant, where she makes food for her friends (grey and vanessa are a crowd favorite)

people are eating it up and it is the content that everyone looks forward to every month

due to high demand, and like an accidental plan, she opens up charmy's kitchen right after graduation

but because of her nature of wanting to always travel to taste good food, she convinces her mentor jamon in keeping up the business while she makes up recipes

their regulars are usually from rich families like mimosa vermillion and lolopechka heart, where charmy and jamon started extending their services to catering for private functions of their regulars

Gauche Adlai

a thief, a shoplifter, he did all kinds of odd jobs to keep him and his sister afloat

went to juvie, which forced his sister into being kept in an orphanage

their misfortune in life and his time in juvie motivated him to get a proper education so that he won't get scammed by people ever again

once out of juvie, he worked multiple jobs to save up for uni

studies financial management at the local college while keeping some of the jobs he had

visits marie once a month and swears he'll take her back into his custody soon

goes into law school with a scholarship after college, and graduates with honors

gets hired at the largest financial firm in the country and funds marie's college education as well when she got out of the orphanage

Grey

studied biology in the local college

after graduating, she was offered scholarship to continue her masters degree while she worked in the university as a research assistant

she also works at a cleaning company to help with her living expenses

because of her schedule, she usually gets the closing shift of cleaning a commercial building in the city

it was late one night when she almost gets harassed by some men

she was saved by gauche who was clocking out of his shift in the cafe at the second floor

ever since, he would wait for her shift to be done as well and he walks her home since their places are on the same way

continues to work at the university as a full-time researcher while also working on her phd

she quits the cleaning company after a few years but bumps into gauche in the uni and she learns he had enrolled into law school

Zora Ideale

didn't go to college

was previously a gang member until he realized his way of life had no direction and was not what he envisioned

became motivated to turn his life around

would definitely be one to sign up multiple accounts for free online classes

fucking lost his mind when certifications are actually to be paid for

took decent part-time jobs to get his certificates

started his security company from his meager savings and tremendous efforts

was able to grow it into a mid-size company in just two years

okay i am legit so obsessed with black clover these days and i wanna keep going with these scenarios. i was thinking of part 3 for the rest of the black bulls but i also wanna do the golden dawn babies. aaaaaa i might continue this later, see u!!!

up next... tba

[dreamwritesimagines]

Oh my gosh, Dream! I am screaming! That chapter! Honestly, I think audibly yelled at least three times!!!

The real question now is, how on earth is Clover going to deal with this news? Can she believe him? I hope so, but I’m afraid more angst is on the way.

Omg wait wait really?😱 Aw that's a good sign love! 😁❤️

She does believe him I think! She has to, he made a pretty convincing argument there 😂

But how will their dynamic change after that love confession....😈

[tolerateit]

MEGGGGGGG! Hi! I am back with "Kate tells Meg what she is reading because she is bored and it is fun" time! I was away on vacation all last week and somehow only read one book. I had convinced myself that I would read more, and brought three books + my kindle, and then smacked myself when I didn't because I COULD HAVE PICKED UP MORE BOOKS WHILE I WAS AWAY. Tsk, let's hope I learn from this mistake this time, it's been a while since I've flown with the intent to go shopping and adventuring and not just visiting family while staying put.

BUT! Before that I finished the Audiobook of Good Omens with the show as the voice cast and I LOVED IT, and now desperately want to rewatch the show and reread the book in some sick cycle of never ending insanity. I highly recommend both !

Then, the book I read was Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Canas, and holy shit, this book is so atmospheric. I liked all the characters, and the romance was a little slow burny which I adored. Sometimes, the main couples interacts drove me a little crazy, but it was always resolved and they seem to trust each other so much that I just was kinda swoony no matter what. It was the perfect end of summer with still hot day but cool nights read, with a good mix of spooky in there too. It was really a solid 4-4.5 stars for me.

Now, I am reading the Missing of Clairedelune by Christelle Dabos and I hope I have the motivation to finish the Mirror Visitor series, because these books just capture my attention so much. The world building is incredible, and yeah, it can be clunky sometimes, but I feel like it works really well with our main protagionst and narrator. Also, a slow burn over a series??? sign me the FUCK UP. While working, I am listening to the Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer and I like it so far, it's interesting. I like the concept, and Clover is a good narrator, but literally only like 10% into it, so we will see how it goes. I feel good!

anywaysssss I miss you, and I hope you are well :D I am back on my book buying ban for the rest of the year, so yell at me if I mention buying another book from a bookstore!!

THIS IS SUCH A TREAT OMG also also I love how we both enjoyed some Neil gaiman work recently!! I reread the ocean at the end of the lane and I'm still blown away by how good it was. Of course Elena knows has been another top read this month and im looking forward to more cozy/spooky fall themed books in October!!! (also set a book buying limit for the next few months!! No more than 8 books 😉)

[callum-librrry]

JANK 2: Part 3

Chapter 3: What’s Love Without Fighting?

There was half an hour until landing. Crew members were bustling around excitedly, awaiting for the inevitable touchdown. A touchdown usually provided the crew with at least a few days of freedom away from their usual responsibilities. Those who originated from the planet they were visiting generally took that time off in order to spend time with their families. That would not be the case today. None of the crew originated from Solace, and perhaps only one or two were even from this system. Nevertheless, emotions ran high.

For all except a certain navigator.

Tom would usually be joining the crew in their hurried preparations, or be watching the arrival of the destination planet slowly loom into view, but today was different. Less than 30 minutes ago he was convinced that his life was about to end in the unrelenting void of space only to be let go with what compared to a slap on the wrists. The human was currently slumped on his bunk in his sleeping quarters doing his best to navigate through the minefield of questions in his mind. He was so caught up in processing the day’s events that he almost missed the quarter’s door sliding open with a hiss.

“Knock, knock,” a familiar voice whistled. Tom continued to stare ahead.

Hazai entered quietly. Her clawed feet scraped slightly against the smooth flooring. She could've been quieter if she wished, but she knew it was best if the human was aware of her. No need to send him into any more panics than what he had had that day.

The Braal walked to where Tom was sitting, and sat down in front of him. It wasn’t unlike the position they held when he was helping to preen her. Her well-kept feathers brushed over him slightly as she settled in front of him. She noticed that he relaxed a little when this happened.

“Do you want to talk about today?” she ventured after a moment of silence.

“There’s nothing to say,” Tom shifted to face away from Hazai. He fiddled with the cuffs of his sleeves absently.

“There’s plenty to say! You’ve probably made one of the most important discoveries of this council!” Excitement was evident in the way her feathers puffed up and the trill in her voice.

Tom stood up. He moved towards the entrance of his sleeping quarters.

“I destroyed a space shuttle and endangered the lives of everyone on this ship. What I should be is dead. What I did isn’t good, Hazai.”

“I know that the meeting with the captain must’ve been hard on you, but think about what this could mean for this system.”

“Look, just find out what that thing is and leave me alone.” Tom growled out. If Hazai said anything after this it was cut off by the clank of the closed door.

He stormed down corridors. He could feel the rush of blood in his ear and the prickle of tears in his eyes. The lights were too bright. His ears were ringing. And why was it so loud? His vision swam. He leaned against a wall to wait out the wave of nausea.

“Tom,” Konstance piped up, “you are experiencing an increased heart rate, and pre-emptive signs of fainting, would you like me to request a medic to see you?”

“No, thank you, Konstance,” Tom pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. He really had to get himself under control.

“Might I suggest something else?”

Tom made a noise that could count as an affirmation. He was walking again now, he always calmed down easier when he was on his feet.

“It’s not like you’ll leave me alone until I say yes,” he muttered, “stupid programming.”

“May I remind you that you and Hazai–”

Hazai. The name sent an ache right to Tom’s heart. He really should’ve watched what he was saying to her.

“–programmed me together with care being one of my primary protocols?”

*** 

“Tom! Tom!” Hazai’s excited screech echoed through the confined space of the office as she ran in, “Guess what!”

Tom finished sending his charting draft to Clover, where it would be reviewed and, hopefully, sent to the higher navigators as well. He then turned to face the teal Braal as she nearly launched herself into his arms with her wings wrapping around him.

“Oof! Careful there,” Tom chuckled, his arms wrapping around Hazai on instinct. Hazai’s feathers wrapped around his entire body like a blanket. A warm fuzzy emotion formed at the pit of his stomach.

“Tom! Your AI package has arrived!” She pulled out of the hug just enough to rest their foreheads together. More wordless chirps escaped her.

“Oh, wow really?! I've been waiting so long!” He laughed as he swung Hazai gently from side to side. That was the pro’s of hollow bones, he supposes, less strain on the arms. It helped when she was probably half a foot shorter than him as well. “Do you want to program it with me?”

Hazai’s display feathers perked up, but quickly fell again.

“Tom, I’d love to but… I’ve programmed an AI before. I haven’t really even used one before. I’d be more of a hassle…”

“Absolutely not!” Tom exclaimed, “and anyway… I want you to help me...”

And how could Hazai refuse? Not when Tom looked at her as though she had hand-placed the constellations around them.

Once she had agreed, Tom started to open the package with Hazai quickly lending a scaled hand.

“Is this a human custom?” she asked.

“It can be, sometimes we give each other flowers too,” Tom chuckled. The AI beeped gently as it was booted up. “Here’s an idea, why don’t you come up with a name?”

“They’re your AI, it should be you who names them.”

“You sure?”

“Of course.”

Tom thought for a second.

“Well, Mum’s middle name was Konstance…”

“Tom, you’re so precious,” The fond look on Hazai’s face was unmistakable as she gazed at Tom.

“Hmm? Did you say something?”

“Humans… are so precious.” Hazai mumbled, clearer now, as she played with the pink plumage on her wings.

Tom’s face split into a large grin that spanned from ear to ear.

“Of course! Hazai, you’ve got to meet my family one day, they’ll love you I promise. My siblings will love to meet you! And you have to try my mum’s cooking, it’s the best…Sorry am I talking too much?”

Hazai immediately shook her head, “Of course not! In any case, I like listening to you talk. Hearing you talk…is nice, makes me feel peaceful…here,” Hazai pointed to her chest, where her heart was pounding away.

“That’s good, because being able to be with you makes me feel alive.” Tom smiled and turned back to the AI, unaware of the Braal’s ruffling feathers.

***

Tom really didn’t want to think about that right now. It only made his regret hurt more. He wiped the beginnings of tears from his eyes.

“Did Hazai put you up to this?”

“No.”

“So why?” Tom stopped his mindless pacing to put a stabilising hand on the wall, “I’ve snapped at Hazai before, you know that. I just– I… I need to know why I keep doing this! Why can’t I just control my emotions like a normal person?!”

This outburst drew the attention of several crewmates, most of whom quickly averted their gaze and muttered something about cramps and mood swings.

“Tom.”

“Konstance, please tell me how to fix this. I don’t want to ruin what we have!” Tom pleaded with the AI. He considered clasping his hands together or doing something else dramatic.

“Tom, you know I can’t do that. I can’t promise to solve all your problems but I can promise that you won’t have to face them alone.”

Damn you Konstance, Tom thought as he wiped the steadily flowing tears away from his eyes. Crying was always such a hassle.

“It’s OK Tom. You will be OK.”

In spite of himself, Tom gave a weak, wobbly smile. Fragile, like it could shatter any moment, “Thanks, Konstance. By the way, weren’t you going to recommend something?”

“It was my plan to suggest a visit to The Lair before our arrival on Solace.”

“You want me to visit Stabby?”

“Well, Stabby always seems to cheer you up, so I gathered it was the best course of action at the present moment. You have time. We’re on course to land in approximately 20 minutes.”

“Thank you Konstance.”

--

Previous: Chapter 2: Crime and Punishment

Next: Chapter 4: The Lair

[vaida-talks-about-everything]

Kailman Legacy || 18: Goldblooms on the Ranch

Two texts changed the course of Dayla Ann and the kids' morning. One was from their father, who wouldn't be home for several hours because of a pop-up book signing so he couldn't do their regular swap on time. In the nick of time, the other was Noah John inviting her and the kids over for brunch and to hang out with Emerson and the horses. So, with the kids already dressed and in the car, she surprised them with a drive to Chestnut Ridge. Benjamin, in particular, was pumped to meet the "horsies" while his younger siblings were eager to see a new place.

Dayla Ann was met with a smile and a hug from Noah John upon entering the door, and the two found their rhythm of conversation while Emerson took the kids back for food and to meet Louisa, whom Clover took an immediate liking to. Over brunch, Emerson asked his nieces and nephews about school and what they wanted to do this summer: go to the beach and get a new puppy. Dayla Ann laughed, as they'd had a dog since before he was born, but Benjamin insisted on a big, furry farm dog like she had growing up.

She promised she'd think about it and let the kids roam around the property with Emerson and Louisa, introducing them to the horses and Arizona, the exact type of dog Benjamin dreamed of.

Meanwhile, his mom and Noah John spent their time together walking not too far off.

"Thanks for inviting us, by the way. It's nice to see them outside, 'specially somewhere new."

"It's my pleasure. Plus it gave me an excuse to see you again, and meet them. They're all very charming, your kids."

"Thank you. Probably got it from their dad, he's a talker."

"Oh, really? I would've thought they got the sweetness from you. Give yourself some credit."

Dayla Ann took his hand, hoping to make her interest in him more transparent and to thank him for the compliment. Despite his initial shyness, he had a different way with words: simple but heartfelt. She thought about how different the pacing was with him versus Tim. She'd met Tim in high school and quickly set her sights on him before her pretty and outgoing younger sister got him first. While Emily Louise never meant to be competition, Tim didn't hold back his charms from her, making Dayla Ann's mission that much more dire in her mind. She got him in the end, and they had their share of happiness together. She smiled at the four results of their decade-long happiness, knowing good came from it. In her brief moment of quiet, Noah turned to face her, finally moving toward the dream he'd had the night before.

"Dayla Ann, would you do me the honor of taking you on a proper date?"

Snapped out of her train of thought, she nodded, smiling all the wider. The two eventually joined the group and liked having this little secret between them. With the kids going to Tim's for the next several days, Dayla Ann made plans and looked forward to more of what was blooming between them. The Kailman siblings on the ranch eventually got to catch up, and Dayla Ann was happy to see her little brother grow up, lose that boyhood acne, and get some muscle in him from hard work. Benjamin would come to join them, asking if Uncle Emerson pleaded his case about "the dog thing". She was convinced to look into it more after seeing him play with the ranch pup, thinking their little Italian greyhound could use a friend.

[izroulia]

Izroulia characters (series 2):

Lucky is a 5 year old fae who is rescues after a horrible cyclone destroyed her house and unfortunately caused the deaths of her parents. Despite being in horrible circumstances, she tries to stay positive and being the only survivor of the damage that was done, Haru wants to give her something positive after being through horrible trauma. So he lets her spend some time in the castle while she recovers. What 5 year old girl doesn’t want to play princesses in a real castle right? Her name comes from the fact when her mother went into labour, she found a four leaved clover in the garden just a she was leaving for hospital. She took it as a sign of good luck and named her child after it. Lucky grew to love the plant and myths around it, so much that she even convinced her parents to let her dye her hair green. She wears her clover clips all the time and is forever on the hunt for her own real four leaved clover. She is yet to learn how to fly, which she’s having fun learning with Haru. She loves reading and as she’s staying in the castle alway asks Micha to read history books to her. Despite having nightmares and trauma from her accident, she’s still full on energy and eager to learn.

[nightofmiracles]

okay sorry hi I'm the one from the ask, I'll answer from here.

I figured you didn't like him since... I'll be honest, nobody seem to (beside his fans), but you didn't seem the type to just brush it off instantly after mentioning him.

The reason why I mostly brought it up to you (instead of minding my own business) is more about the fact that in the story this is supposed to be the moment they turn their opinion around on Salem, right? And correct me if I'm wrong but I'm not expecting Ruby to turn to the camera and go "Well I'll be damned, I guess Salem was right all along!" that easily so I can see the approach of the show being that someone from the main cast makes a very similar choice to her and Salem just... lets it slide, because she doesn't see that act as egregious as GoL would have. Plus there is a quote from Clover himself that confirms this to me:

"Those kids wouldn't be where they are without you. You've had more of an effect on them than you realize."

Because then, as proof of this, in V8 we have Amity and Ruby's message, where we have her explain what is happening to the rest of Remnant that is very reminiscent of the scene where her uncle explains to them what is really happening (and where he answers to Jaune's anger sharing that he would have also told about Salem to the world but Ozpin didn't agree to it)

Ruby: This is a lot to take in, and it all sounds crazy, but... I'm willing to do whatever I can to help because I trust you.

Ruby: I know the idea of the Maidens and Relics seems… well… crazy, but I promise Professor Goodwitch of Beacon and Headmaster Theodore of Shade can verify all of this.

Which leads me to believe that the kids did this also because that's what he would have done if he was helping. He left a mark on them and they trust his judgment, despite his many mistakes.

It is generally a show about grief and healing yes, but the point is that Qrow has had to deal with that his whole life. He's most likely an orphan that was found and raised by bandits, he thinks his twin betrayed him, his team leader is gone, the father of his nieces despises him (and probably blames him for everything that went wrong; which is unfair but it's an easier target to pick than anything else), several huntsmen he has known were murdered and were sold out by someone he was close with, everything that happened in Atlas with James, and now he thinks the kids are also on the bottom of a sunken kingdom: he symbolizes death, he picks up the items of those that died (Ozpin and his cane, possibly Pyrrha's diadem too when he found Ruby on the tower and then Clover's pin) to carry on their memory, his entire problem with his self esteem hinges on his vision of himself as bringing nothing but pain and tragedy whenever he gets too close, a trail of blood and tears. Having everything taken from him. And, instead of fighting this trend, he has shown signs to having given up on fixing this at all. ("You don't know my friends, that's how it always goes.")

(There's NO way he's changing his mind on that any time soon if he doesn't do something incredibly good to balance some of it out and it must be him using his semblance to save those he cares about. And yes I'm also convinced his semblance is more or less the same as Clover's and that's going to be fundamental in v9)

Which is very similar, though in a way different scale, to Salem having to see people she has convinced to fight the Gods being vaporized before her eyes. Her family (and for Qrow, the kids) destroyed because of a mandate that her lover wanted to follow through, even if it put a target on her back. She wandered the world alone (like he has, as a spy), withdrawn herself from the viewing eye after being made the scapegoat of tragedies that weren't necessarily her fault.

And okay I'll finish with this before I go on forever but you brought up Penny as a "here is what you want from Clover, it's already been done" and, well... they have also been paralleled a lot. Her death in v3 and his in v7 are very similarly shot. Several visual parallels (with Ruby and Qrow paralleling each other). Her dialogue in volume 7 with Ruby in the truck is a direct prologue to Clover and Qrow opening up for the first time. She directly affirms what his problems are, to us, and we have to just put the pieces together. He just hasn't had the time to go through his arc. Yet. (Small thing I want to say about you said of them is that I fully believe Clover's support for Qrow has always been sincere. His military persona attitude gets in the way of their relationship, yes, but there's care under the shiny exterior)

Their story could be about the brothers in some ways, sure, RWBY loves its entwined parallels, but it's mostly ozlem only they are going backwards, and it possibly foreshadows ozlem actually mending what's being torn. It's not a substituion, it's a preamble to it. Clover listened to what James told him about the kids, about Qrow and his team, about just anything and followed that duty and that led him to fight off Qrow, where even if he had started to have doubts (we have seen his expressions of distraught) it wasn't enough. "James must have had a reason for this, I trust him with my life." Like Ozma has trusted the GoL's call and what his vision of Salem was. His kingdom (Atlas) has fallen. Qrow's "deal with the darkness" (fighting alongside Tyrian / Salem having the GoD make Ozma come back to life) led to Clover to "pay the price" (him dying / Ozma being brought back to live and die over and over). Even Qrow's "Why couldn't you just do the right thing?" would not sound wrong if said by Salem after her battle against Ozma. (I mean, in a way she did, she just phrased it differently)

And for my last point: Clover represents Atlas. Robyn described the kingdom as its people and not as a place, Tyrian described to Cinder how he and Watts "dismembered the body of this very kingdom". Qrow's whole Atlas arc is, beside his relationship with his semblance, him realizing that not everyone there is beyond saving and he can actively make it right; Clover was the spark of hope that ignited this change of his worldview. This is also Qrow saving Atlas (the people). And it will come with a sacrifice. (like part of his aura and/or his magic)

Well. Sorry this was very long, I hope it makes sense.

I will leave these few posts about it as an example and then leave you be (for real this time)

Hello! I've been wondering for a while but, considering you also thought of James = GoL, has the Salem = Qrow thought crossed your mind? With Clover as Ozma. There's been several times they have been paralleled (example: fight vs Clover = vs Ozma, plus they have the same colors) & I'm quite sure that Qrow will be the one to help the kids out and also bring back Clover. Mister "Gone. Live everybody else." has been forgotten by Cinder & everyone else and that's going to be important in the end

ok so. gotta be honest i don’t really. have much interesting to say about clover because he’s… not my cup of tea and i don’t find him particularly engaging in his own right, although the stuff the narrative does with him as the like embodiment of the atlesian military ideal is very fun and he’s a neatfoil to qrow. and now that i’ve said that yeah i can see where you’re getting the ozma repetition from, in that clover is the true believer even to his own detriment and faultlessly obedient until it kills him.

where it gets sticky imo is that ozlem is a broken fairytale and the symbolic repetitions thereof function narratively as attempts to get it right this time; that’s how we get the validation of salem’s grieving rage through ruby at the summit of beacon tower and jaune being dragged bodily out of the self-destructive spiral of his grief by his friends, and so forth. my reading of the atlas arc turns on penny being the fulcrum, the echo of ozma to ironwood’s echo of the god of light, and specifically an illustration of the divine mandate’s cruel injustice; penny is similarly torn between goodness and what she’s been told is right, between duty and desire, and very much like ozma she is ultimately crushed by the duty she can’t bring herself to walk away from—but her arc in v7-8 is all about questioning the assumptions she has been taught to make, vocalizing her internal conflicts, and being resolutely supported by her loved ones as she breaks away from ironwood.

(there are other layers to pick apart here in her death by cinder’s hand […pun intended i am so sorry] and jaune’s unwilling participation in ending her life in order to deny cinder what she wants from this murder, but in the interest of not going off on too long a tangent—)

anyway as the ozlem repetitions angle pertains to qrow and clover, i read them more as abstracted embodiments of the divine conflict: here is a mirror. good fortune on one side of the glass and misfortune on the other. (except they’re the same, because whether luck is good for you or bad for someone else depends solely on how you look at it.) good fortune bolsters misfortune as long as they’re on the same side but is also so disconnected from anything beyond the scope of the rules, the correct order of things that he chooses to attack misfortune, his friend and until minutes ago his ally, above recapturing the sadistic serial killer actively trying to kill them both—and his rigidity and refusal to listen to reason leaves misfortune with no recourse but to side with the serial killer. and when this predictably ends in tragedy it’s portrayed genuinely as a tragedy—not good fortune getting what’s coming to him, but a tragic, pointless ending to a life worth indescribably more than the inhumane rules he sacrificed it for. the anger qrow briefly expresses towards him is hollow, grieving, not really a condemnation of clover himself but a bitter repudiation of the world that made him.

it’s all very *waves hands* on theme, but in a direction that strikes me as pointing more at the gods (whose fundamental problem is the arbitrary and inequitable dichotomy they’ve forced themselves into and the inflexible order the “good” one enforced, to everyone’s detriment including his own) than at ozlem; consider how clover’s earnest if subtly condescending initial support of qrow and its corruption into calmly enforcing order by any means necessary suggests the way the god of light addresses his brother. there’s, again, some layers to pick apart in qrow and clover both also being staunchly loyal to causes to which they are literally (clover) or figuratively (qrow) subordinate, but that’s true of the repetition of divine conflict played out between ironwood and watts, too, and at the end of the day coercion and self-sacrifice are so crucial to what’s going on with ozma that i don’t think you can have a symbolic repetition of him without those elements; merely being subordinate to a higher power of any description is not enough, imo.

what does interest me quite a bit about this angle on qrow—and robyn, who in this layer of the narrative embodies dark’s second gift of knowledge—is that both of them survive the fall of atlas and do not leave solitas, which if it proves symbolically meaningful at all is an intriguing thing to do with a metaphor for what happens if ozma fulfills his mandate. creation (ironwood) and choice (cinder) destroyed atlas, destruction (qrow) and knowledge (robyn) are left behind to pick up the pieces… plus whatever pietro and maria will be up to, and cinder and salem in the event that they don’t leave right away. the natural point of convergence for all these characters is amity, which is a) still falling, b) something salem is lightly implied to have been interested in hijacking and using herself, and c) something salem would probably be able to haul back into broadcast range if she cared to—and of course notionally the point of amity was to bring the world together again. so THAT’s all hamster wheeling in the back of my brain.

[summervale]

「The Hound and The Vulture 」

Part 2

Third person reader-insert! Not sure where they're going or why they're going there or what they're doing at all, the Hound and his almost reluctant companion continue on their journey...if you can call it that. All the time spent in the rain and on the road must be making her crazy; surely no woman in her right mind would ever fall for the Hound.

Contains: Reluctant pining, mildly sexual fantasies, “oh no he’s hot”

For one full day they rode with not a sign of human life. The only company they found (besides one another’s occasional begrudging comments) was the horses and the crows and the occasional rabbit. A deer ran across their path once, and that was the height of the excitement for their day. On the second day they passed a farmer and his wife dragging a cart through the mud. The rain had stopped, but the mud remained and made traveling a miserable affair. The vulture threw the farmer and his wife a pitying look, but no one spoke and no one stopped.

Around midway they glimpsed a river through the trees; it was narrow and murky, likely a tributary of one of the larger rivers. Which river it could have been flowing to, neither could have said. How far have I traveled? She wondered. Where in the seven hells even are we?

“There, ahead.” The Hound pointed up the winding trail they’d been calling a road. “What’s that?”

It was too close to the road to be a barn, and too large to be a cottage. “An inn, I’d wager.” She reined up next to him as they slowed their horses to a walk. “Should we stop or press on?”

The big man chewed his lip. Most likely he needed rest; his wound still hadn't fully healed and left him prone to the occasional fever. “I could go for some ale,” he admitted. 

“Then we should press on,” she told him, grinning.

“I ought to push you off your fuckin’ pony.”

There was no ale to be found at the inn, nor people nor bread nor hot rabbit stew, as the vulture had been hoping for. The inn was long abandoned. The previous tenants seemed to have packed up and left, just as everyone else had when the war touched their land. Around back grew a garden, and in that garden she found a fistful of carrots and six misshapen potatoes.

When she spread them out on counter, the best she could come up with was, “Better than nothing, I suppose.”

“No ale,” the Hound grunted. He sat at a bench, his elbows resting on the table. He looked terribly weary.

She chose to ignore his comment. “If we stay a while, I can make a broth. Might be nice to have something hot to eat.”

“Aye,” he said, surprisingly agreeable. “Hot food would be good.”

The inn was a pretty enough place. It backed up to the river and was flanked by the forest on one side and a meadow of clover on the other. A small boat waited at an unused dock in the back, and though the stables reeked of soiled straw, it was serviceable enough. When she suggested they stayed there a few nights until the Hound found his strength again, he spat at the thought. “We’re staying here long enough to eat. Any longer and someone’s like to find us.”

“Someone’s like to find us anywhere we go. These lands are crawling with hedge knights and outlaws alike.” There was no arguing with the Hound, however, and it was decided they’d leave before sundown.

He was a hard man, the Hound, but she watched him when he didn’t know she was looking. She watched him out in the meadow with the horses, letting each one nip at the clovers and pull at the grass. He was particularly fond of that courser of his, too, and when he spoke to the horse it seemed to be the nicest he’d spoken to anyone or anything ever. She watched him investigate the boat, though she knew he’d never take it; leaving by boat meant leaving behind his horse. She watched the way he scratched at his healing wound, then she watched the way he flinched when the raw skin hurt to be touched.

She realized she was smiling. Stop that at once, she told herself. He’s no man for you.

Or at least she tried to convince herself of that. She misliked him and mistrusted him most of the time, but underneath the shitshow that was the Hound, there was something she liked, too. He was a big, scarred, ugly beast of a man who towered over her, who was gnarled with burns and scars and could kill her one-handed if so he desired. Why she was so wildly attracted to that, she could not say.

Maybe she liked the way his mouth twitched up when he was fighting a smile—did he even remember how to smile? She liked the rasp of his voice, and she liked his broad shoulders, and she liked the way he chewed his lip when he thought. The night before last she had been watching him when they sat by their fire, and when he craned his neck to look at the sky, she’d glimpsed the skin of his throat and imagined herself kissing it. Stop that! she’d chided herself then, too, and told herself she was forbade to think of him like that ever again. Of course, she thought of it not ten minutes later when she was laying in the dark listening to him snore. She hadn’t pushed it down that time, instead she’d let her mind wander. She liked where it wandered to, but come morning she repressed it once more.

Despite having true shelter for the first time in days—possibly weeks for either of them—they ate their stew (if it could even be called stew) outside. It was warmer in the sun than beneath the roof of the inn, and after gray skies and rain the sun was a welcome feeling on their skin. The stew didn’t last very long between them, though the woman let the Hound have the lion’s share of the food. He was bigger and stronger and healing, and no doubt needed a hot meal more than she did.

“Was good,” he told her curtly when they finished.

The small compliment made her smile, which she tried to hide. “Thank you. Lucky for us they’d left salt behind.”

“Anything else worth taking?” Though they’d gone through the entire inn room by room and then a second time for good measure, it was always possible they’d missed something. Whoever stayed here last had left little behind. Salt was about the most extravagant thing to be found.

“I’m thinking about taking the furs off one of the beds.” She scratched at the piebald gelding’s nose absently.

The Hound tsked at her. “You’re going to ride with a bundle of furs?”

“I was going to let the mare carry them, ‘long with the kettle.” It had been nice to cook in a kettle instead of an upturned helmet, she had to admit. The soup kettle was coming with them.

“I don’t want to hear you bitching the first time your furs get rained on.”

She shrugged. “You will. And the second and third time, no doubt.”

“And when you sell the horse? You gonna fuckin’ sit on them?” He was giving her an inordinately hard time about bringing furs with them.

“You’re very concerned with these furs, ser,” she said, though he was no ser at all. “Careful. One might think you’ll miss sharing your cloak with me.”

The big man huffed. “Piss on your cloak,” he told her, “and piss on you, too.”

“You’ll have to pay me if that’s what you want.” She failed at stifling a laugh.

Wide eyed and at a loss for words, the Hound cursed at her and sauntered off towards the inn. “Get your shit and let’s go.”

She missed the inn that night when they made camp. The inn was no palace, but she would have taken a lumpy, moldy mattress of straw over the damp ground beneath the rock overhang the Hound chose. As per usual, she could do little more than huddle close to the fire. She pulled her new furs around her, thankful for the warmth. If she’d not had the extra warmth, her mood would have been utterly black.

The Hound wasn’t one for conversation—Most dogs don’t talk—so there was little to do other than roll up her cloak for a pillow and hope sleep would find her. Wolves howled, thunder rumbled somewhere to the east, and the horses whickered. As she laid there gazing at the fire, she thought of the talk of the red priests she’d once heard. It was said they could see visions in the flames. Try as she might, no visions came to her. All she saw was the Hound sitting on the other side.

“What are you staring at?” He was frowning at her. Then again, he was almost always frowning.

She adjusted her furs and simply said, “The fire.”

“Expecting a bloody vision, are you?”

It wasn’t just the accuracy that stunned her, but the fact he’d bothered to say anything at all. “No,” she said. “I’m not one for visions, I don’t think.” When no response came from the big man, she asked him, “Have you ever met a red priest?”

“Aye, I have.” He was staring into the flames, too. He was no fan of fire, and for a good reason, but at night they would sit and watch the flames and she would wonder what he was thinking. Maybe he saw something in them that she couldn’t. “Thoros of Myr and his flaming sword.”

“Thoros of Myr? What of Beric, the one they call the Lightning Lord? Have you met him?” She’d heard talk of Beric Dondarrion up and down every road she’d been on. Beric and his band of outlaws and his red priest with the flaming sword. Some swore them as rapers and raiders, bad as the Mountain’s men. Other hailed him a savior. The truth was likely somewhere in between.

“And the Lightning Lord, I’ve met him, too.” Then, no surprise, he added, “Fuck the whole bloody lot of them.”

That made her smile. “They call themselves The Brotherhood Without Banners, or so I’ve heard it said. That sounds like a place for you.” The Hound just shook his head. Neither spoke again.

She drifted in and out of sleep, and when she woke after a moment it him watching her this time. They stared at each other a while until at last the Hound looked away. “Is it my turn for watch yet?” she asked him.

“Not yet,” he told her. “Go back to sleep.”

Her eyes closed again. The furs kept her warmer than she’d been in a long while, but she missed the feeling of his back against hers, or the way they just barely touched on the rare occasion they laid side-by-side.

If we’d stayed at the inn we could both be warm and resting, she thought, remembering the bed big enough to sleep six. If we’d stayed at the inn our horses would have been stolen in the night. As she fell asleep, gambling their horses for a night at the Hound’s side warm and safe in a bed seemed worth it, but just for a moment.

It was the night of her wedding. She could hear the wind outside, the way it rattled the shudders and hounded the thatch roof of the farmhouse. The room was dark and drafty and too cool for comfort, and the only light came from the rusted brazier in the corner. There had been no feast at her wedding, and no guests, and no bedding ceremony, either. She was no highborn lady. The only partygoers in attendance had been the vulture, the farmer, her mother by law, and the wandering septon who had married them. When the septon held up his seven-pointed crystal and announced the farmer and the vulture man and wife, she’d wished the septon might strike her on the head with his crystal and be done with it. When her husband had draped a cloak of undyed wool over her shoulders, she’d wished he might strangle her with it so that she might never have to know herself as his wife.

She stood in front of the bed naked as the day she’d been born. She covered her breasts with her hands and gooseflesh prickled her skin.

Only when her husband came at last from the shadows, it was not the farmer, but the Hound. He was half shadowed in the darkness and twice her size. He wore nothing, but she dare not let her gaze fall from his face.

“What are you doing here?” she asked when she found her voice at last. He stood inches from her, close enough to touch.

“The farmer’s dead,” rasped the Hound. “He won’t touch you.”

She lowered her hands from her breasts. “What about you?” she asked. “Will you touch me?”

The Hound inched closer. His eyes were truly those of a hound’s, full of hunger and unrestrained want. “Aye.” One hand found the small of her back, the other the side of her face. “That, I can do.” He pushed her and she fell back to the bed, free of any fear she may have known before. When he climbed on top of her, his eyes on hers, all she knew was the want that she felt.

A horse whinnied. The world was gray and blue and purple, the air was cold and sharp and clean. Rocks were above her, hard-packed dirt beneath her.

A dream, she realized. Her heart was pounding in her chest and her face felt flushed when she sat up. It was just a dream.

“What’s wrong with you?” The Hound came around the corner lacing his breeches.

The woman shook her head and pushed the furs away. “Nothing’s wrong with me,” she said. She was warm and she ached in every sense of the word. When she stood, her legs felt weak beneath her.

The Hound scowled at her. “You look terrible,” he said.

“Thank you, that makes me feel very good,” she replied dryly.

Where her heart had been beating so wildly, it stopped entirely when he stepped in front of her. He was inches away and towering over her, just like her dream. “Come here.” When he lifted one hand to her face, she felt her hair stand on end. He stood like that for a brief moment, one massive hand cradling her face. “You’re feverish.” She noticed the way his thumb brushed against her skin when he pulled his hand back at last.

“I’m fine. It’s just from the weather.” And from you making us sleep under fucking rocks. The vulture filled her mind with spite in hopes that the spite may wash away the heat of the dream. “I didn’t mean to sleep through the night,” she said, changing the subject. “Sorry for missing my watch. Do you want to rest a while?”

The Hound spat. “I’ll rest when I’m dead. Get on your horse.” He picked his wineskin up from its resting place beside the now burnt-out fire. “Man came through not even an hour ago, ‘fore the sun was up. Said the next village is a half a day’s ride.”

She worked at bundling the furs back up atop the chestnut mare. The thought of finally coming across a sizeable village should have filled her with relief, but instead it just made her sad. “You must be excited then.” She pulled the strap tight around the bundle of fur and gave it an extra tug for good measure.

“Why in seven hells would I be excited?”

“You’re throwing me off at the next town, right? That’s the plan.” She feigned a smile.

He said nothing, reigning up on his courser instead. It was an unruly thing, as much of an ill-tempered beast as its master, but it listened well enough to the Hound. The horsed pawed at the ground and nipped at the mare. “Woah there, boy,” she said, pushing the horse’s face away with her forearm. “That’s enough of that.”

“Stranger.”

“What?” She stopped what she was doing mid-mount to look over at the Hound. She stood aside her piebald gelding with one foot in the stirrup.

“His name is Stranger.” It was the first bit of information the not-a-knight had willingly volunteered to her.

“Alright then,” she smiled. “Stranger it is.”

The sky turned from its morning shades of gray and blue and purple to just gray as they rode on beneath it. They didn’t speak much, but that was fine. She was lost in thought; thoughts of a wedding night and a dark room, thoughts of a man and a woman and a brazier burning low, thoughts of the Hound, of Sandor Clegane.

[honey-milk-depresso]

I see that there has been a trend lately with twst MC as a character from Genshin...May I ask for MC as Yanfei with Heartslabyul? I think they'll have an interesting interaction as Yanfei talks about the law and stuff. If requests aren't open, feel free to delete this ^^

OOH THAT'S SO COOL! Personally also feel Yanfei can be on Octavinelle for me because of her signing contracts and shit- but also can see her with Heartslabyul cuz she remembers the rules and stuff!

You enjoy appraisal, reading, that you're just so knowledgeable in so many topics! You have a strong sense of justice, and you help your peers facing difficulties, even if you're new to NRC itself.

You're quick memorizing skills helps you know the nicks an nacks of the school, so you know your way around. When resolving disputes, you always get all (legal) evidence beforehand to make a compelling and convincing argument.

Despite having a playful nature, you takes your job seriously and practically, ensuring yourself and all involved parties of a case are well accounted for. Let's see what Heartslabyul go to say about this!

TWST The just and knowledgeable advisor, s/o

Riddle Rosehearts

FINALLY

Someone who remembers ALL the rules besides himself!

And Trey! he doesn't know he memorized half-I think-

Your incredible memory of the entire rules Heartslabyul has to follow is pretty impressive.

He knows students can't remember all 810 of them,

so at least maybe 200+ (if I can remember???)

So you being magicless,

and can remember all the rules,

makes you someone he can respect of sorts.

But due to your strong sense of justice, you do question the rules of Heartslabyul.

“A cat must play the violin during a full moon night if steak was eaten? Really? What if there was no cat like Grim to begin with? What are you going to do?”

Oh shit-

Questioning him might be irritating and even triggering towards him.

But after the overblot events, 

he’s used to your questions now.

Less irritated- let’s put it as that-

You actually put up pretty good arguments.

He loves talking to you,

over some tea and scones, bonus if you prefer them both hot and warm,

and he loves the conversations you have. You know a lot of topics!

And maybe... he likes listening to your voice, too <3

Trey Clover

Wow-  Not even he remembers ALL the rules.

He only remembers

H A L F-

You have really good memorizing skills, s/o-

Trey doesn’t really need to worry about you getting in trouble with Riddle, since you remember all the rules,

but what he really worries most is your strong sense of justice and how open you are to question Riddle.

He does thinks some of the rules most of the rules- are pretty ridiculous and unreasonable,

but he doesn’t question Riddle for the sake of staying out of trouble.

Yeah, that’s not you.

“Excuse me, don’t you find it ridiculous that we can’t eat hamburger steaks on a Tuesday? Anyone should be able to eat what they want so long they finish before class starts! Because-!”

Yeah, Trey covers your mouth before you can further anger Riddle and let him behead you-

He’s very impress by your way of putting your point across in a more civilized way unlike Ace- and your argument structures are very clear and understandable wait how did you know he and Riddle were childhood friends??

He’s also impress by your vast knowledge, especially cooking! Sometimes you know things he doesn’t know and he learns.

You’re a very nice person to talk to, and he feels he’s a lot comfortable to consult and confide in you.

You truly are amazing <3

Cater Diamond

WOAH-

YOU REALLY REMEBERED ALL THE RULES-

DAMN S/O

Never in his school life in Heartslabyul did he ever expect someone else besides Riddle to remember all the rules.

Wow- 

You must have a really extraordinary memory!

Like Trey, he’s not too worried about you breaking the rules,

because you frickin’ remember them obviously-

But again like Trey, he worries of your sense of justice coming in play to question the rules and Riddle’s authority.

“On days a hedgehog sneezes, everyone must sing a song together? I- There is literally no argument between both sides. This is utterly ridiculous due to-!”

Yep, like Trey, covers your mouth before Riddle gets fully triggered and have your head off-

nah man-

not now-

not ever-

He finds your wide knowledge so cool! Especially in aesthetics!

You teach him what type of angles, editing of selfies and much more to make his photos more, ya know,  a e s t h e t i c-

He’s loves your totally playful nature,

you’re just so cute! And so smart! <3

Deuce Spade

HOW CAN YOU REMEMBER ALL THE RULES??

PLEASE HELP HIM!!!

He doesn’t want to get in trouble unintentionally, because he couldn’t remember the weird ass rules Heartslabyul has.

So your there to tell him!

Though, Ace drags everyone in troubles so- 

there’s no escape-

But what he truly fears, is when you question Riddle.

He admires your strong sense of justice, really,

and he agrees,

but he doesn’t want you to “have your head off” by Riddle,

so he tries his best to hold you back.

“S/o, you can’t defy Riddle, I know, I agree with you wholeheartedly, but don’t get yourself in trouble with him! I don’t want you to put yourself in danger!!”

“That’s very sweet of you, Deuce. But he defied my lemon tea because I put in three sugar cubes instead of 2, and I just want to say-!”

“Don’t say that SO LOUD!!!”

B r u h-

But he finds your intelligence so cool!!

You know so much, all your conversations are just so interesting!

Sometimes he feels insecure of being your boyfriend, cuz he’s not as “perfect” as you.

You kiss his nose every time and tell him, he’s perfect the way he is <3

He blushes HXCGJDGD HES SO PRECIOUS-

Ace Trappola

The perfect dynamic!

The rule breaker and the rule upholder-

both put together-

Dear god-

So much bickering between you two!

You have to always stop Ace from doing stupid things like breaking his own dorm’s rules.

And he can be quite annoyed but that.

He finds the many rules so ridiculous!

But thing he can appreciates is your strong sense of justice.

Ace has his own sense of justice, like children aren’t dolls meant to be on display for all to see like trophies,

he’s got that sense of justice of sorts.

It’s so satisfying hearing you question Riddle with strong arguments-

“Ace is genuinely trying to make up for his troubles! A marron tart is a marron tart, and a compensation should not be rejected when the other party agrees to make up! Though I can’t control you, this is very rude behavior coming from someone whose suppose to be a role model!”

“THAT’S RIGHT, PEANUT GALLERY-”

“Ace, shut up-”

Your knowledge is something he finds kind of annoying, but at the same time cool-

like, if it’s cool to him-

He won’t admit it now, but he’s glad your always there to help him and steer him out of trouble, and still sticking up for him no matter how much of an ass he can be <3

[desmondkane-of-ao3-fame]

well in honor of the most recent episode got any Skarlow headcannons relating to flyer derby?

Sorry for taking a bit. I have a few headcannons relating to the latest episode, though most are specifically about Skara herself;

Skara and Why She and Willow are Friends

Offscreen, Skara realized how much she helped hurt Willow over the years, and realized she didn’t want to be a bully anymore. She tried to convince Boscha to apologize to Willow, but she refused, and after an hour long fight Skara broke off their friendship. Later, she directly apologized to Willow herself. Willow accepted the apology, and to Skara’s surprise, hugged her as a sign of ‘no hard feelings.’ Skara, however, started to develop her own warm, fuzzy feelings that would never quite go away…

After their fight, Boscha made their friendships end very public, spreading mean rumors about Skara that enough of the school believed to get them to stay away from her. Willow and her friends figured they were fake, and at Willow’s request they offered to help keep her company and dispel the rumors. Each member is at least a tad weary of Skara, and she isn’t considered an official member of the gang, but they’re on friendly terms and Skara is working to prove herself better then when she was with Boscha.

Skara was originally planning to join the Flyer Derby team before Hunters showcase, but on the way she spotted Boscha and turned, not wanting to anger her.

(I actually have a Reddit post on my theory that Skara and Boscha *arent* friends anymore you can read attached to this post)

Skara as a Flyer Derby Player

Skara’s star motif is something from her mother; she would call Skara her ‘Little Star,’ which Skara was happy to incorporate into her uniform.

If you ask her, Skara will claim her use of only a single fish net stocking and one knee pad is a fashion statement against the oppressive nature of womens clothing. In reality she lost both the other half of each and just hoped no one would notice.

Skara didn’t play in ‘Wing It’ because she was also the Grudgby strategist, despite wanting to play more. One of the reasons she wanted to join Flyer Derby was that the additional character count would let her do both the strategizing and the playing.

Most of Skara’s strategies are incredibly good, help score the team a bunch of points, and put her near a certain cute captain she may or may not have a crush on…

Skara and her Palisman

During Palisman Adoption, Skara declared she wanted to be a musician and bring world peace with her music. The Bat Queen paired her with a cricket named Daisy. At first, Skara was a little weary of the bug-like Palisman, but within 24 hours the two were inseparable, thanks to being able to perform some sick duets together.

Despite Skara’s outgoing nature, Daisy can be quite shy. Skara enjoys Flyer Derby in part because it helps Daisy come out of their shell.

Daisy and Clover get along really well. One of the ways Willow and Skara became closer was by arranging play dates between the two.

Skarlow Specific

Willow isn’t on the lookout for a relationship. She’s content with simply waiting to see what happens. However, she’s always found her parents meeting over Derby to be incredibly romantic, and certainly wouldn’t mind if that were how she and her future partner came together.

When Skara first saw Willow in her Derby uniform, it took all the strength she had not to blush like crazy. Willow also would definitely concede that Skara looks incredibly cute in her uniform as well.

Willow has all the Emerald Entrails Penstagram accounts, and Skara and her have begun to regularly talk over it. Though Skara usually initiates talking about potential Derby strategies, their discussions tend to drift to things such as their lives, school, or just anything the two want to talk about.

That’s all I got now sadly. I do hope you enjoyed, and always remember I love skarlow or other TOH related headcannons! Including hearing yours!

[starshiningsirius]

Our adorable little junior (Yandere Vice dorm heads x reader)

The dorm heads aren't open to compromise as much as the vice dorm heads who are more civil. Surprisingly I can't find any yandere fics with all the vice dorm heads simping for one darling. Despite them being more scary, manipulative, and having more husband material.

I thank @writer-akihiko for the inspiration I had in the middle of the night to bring you this.

Color coded speaking habits are based off dorm colors and what tumblr had, so keep that in mind.

💝💗HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY 💗 💝

It all started with you wobbling through the courtyard only to bump into someone. They held on to your shoulders to keep you from falling to the floor immediately.

"Woah there! Y/n? What's up with you? You were weaving back and forth through the courtyardwith every step. Your not sick are you?" A slightly worried or rather maybe that was in your head to call it slight, maybe that was a illusion in your mixed up head.

You looked up to see a tuft of green hair with a pair of glasses that reflected golden eyes, and an unmistakable clover on his cheek.

"Ah Trey, no I was just studying for magical history a bit too late last night and now I'm --" Has Trey always felt this warm and soft? What ever the case it made him the perfect pillow as you slumped over toward him, which startled him for a second before he heard your soft snores and he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"Geez don't scare me like that, it's rather worrisome that you'd fall asleep like that out of nowhere." He held her up a bit more to have her leaning on him as support. He was able to see the calm sleeping expression you had on your face.

"Still so naive though, if it was any other guy how do you think they'd react to such a vulnerable girl in this situation." He had a faint blush on his cheeks as he pushed up his glasses and made his way to Heartsbyul with you in tow before lunch would be over.

Thankfully he made a few sweets yesterday giving you one would give you a bit more energy not to mention the look on your face that would light up would be worth it.

The next day Rook had approached you after classes. Before you could say any sort of greeting he dragged you off to Pomeifore without providing an explanation. When you both arrived tea was already made for some reason, and small treats like macaroons were set in the lounge.

"Mon chérie I heard from Rose Chevalier that your in need of some assistance in magical history, I could be of aid to you." She contemplated his words, wondering who he was talking about before immediately assumed Trey. That made sense as they were both in the science club.

The offer he made did sound very tempting, she needed as much help as she could get.

"Yes please I'll be in your care Rook-senpai!" That short phrase did send a few butterflies in his stomach.

She was just as cute as when she slept at night. He did take a few pictures without your knowledge and managed to distribute them out to the others but there were these other expressions he saved in his head that were exclusive for him to see.

The radiant smile and look of triumph you showed toward him when you understood the concept he told you about. It was much more lively, he couldn't choose what he liked more the vibrancy of your smile or the vulnerability of your sleeping expression. Either were just fine afterall you were such beautiful person one that could do anything and would still have shown its beauty in his eyes.

That ended another day for you.

The next had you struck with some bad luck. As your pocket had gained a hole in it. Whatever money you had for lunch had been lost too. If you traveled back to your dorm all the good stuff would be gone, but it would be better than starving so you left the cafeteria. On the way in the halls you saw Jade who inquired where you were off to when lunch just started.

You told him your dilemma and he told you to follow him. After walking all the way to Octanivelle in silence and entering the Mostro Lounge you thought if he was going to try and convince you to sign a contract, but he only asked you to sit at a booth and wait for him.

20 minutes into lunch and he came back with some food for you both.

"Ah, Jade you didn't have to do that! I can pay you back just tell me the cost and I'll-" He leaned over a little bit and held a finger to your lips with a closed eyed smile on his face.

"It's fine, why not enjoy the meal? I made it with your tastebuds in mind. Afterwards preferably after class I can sew up the hole you mentioned." He removed his finger, but it didn't stop your face from heating up and turning red to the tips of your ears.

The reaction was cute in Jade's eyes seeing you nod obediently and take bites of the food he made with an embarrassed expression. It was all too entertaining for him, such entertainment made his heart rate accelerate rapidly and he'd keep sneaking glances while he ate himself. For it was always wonderful to bask in your presence.

Yet another day came to an end and another began. It was on this day that you didn't have to worry about lunch either. Jamil handed to you a bento box. You thanked him with a big smile on your face.

Your bright smile radiated so much energy, it looked like you genuinely appreciated his effort he put into making this. Such a smile made him pull down his hoodie a bit more to hide his blush taking over his face.

"It's not anything impressive, but since you like it just ask and I'll have lunch prepared for us everyday. It's no trouble." For you was what he meant to say. If it meant seeing such an expression again it certainly would be well worth the effort.

"Thank you Jamil! Kalim always says your food is the best I can't wait to try it!" That caught him off guard, hearing his own heart pound and feeling his face rise in temperature he thanked the great seven he wore a hoodie.

He put it over his face and waved it off saying the same response he'd have for everyone else downplaying his own capabilities, but she eagerly denied it causing even more embarrassment on his part. God another thing Jamil couldn't stand about Kalim was when he ran his mouth.

* * *

That very same day that started with luck had dropped significantly and took an opposite turn to bad. The misfortune of bumping into a few Savanclaw students whom find simple reasons to get angry whether they started it or not.

Luckily before they could throw a punch they suddenly started fighting each other for some reason. From their conversation it didn't sound like they were in control of their bodies in the first place. As soon as it started they suddenly stopped and ran off with anger for one another after embarrassing themselves.

A voice came from behind her that startled her for a split second before she recognized it.

"You've got to be more careful, Savanclaw is the dorm to avoid picking a fight with, Y/n." Ruggie came from around the corner twisting his magical pen in between his fingertips before placing it in his pocket.

Before Ruggie could chastise his junior a bit more she ran up and hugged him.

"Thank you Ruggie! If there's anything you need then I'm at your service!" He didn't hug back. For one is was abrupt and when his mind actually processed feeling your warmth radiating off you on to him, his face flared up.

His ears twitched and he tried to occupy his mind with some other thought to preoccupy which only led him to recall your words.

'Anything? Doesn't she know that prey like her shouldn't just say whatever.' He wasn't denying the fact that the offer sounded so sweetly tempting to take her up on, but with the others taking their chances with you and him low on the food chain out of the five others he knew the risk wasn't worth it.

"No it's fine just watch yourself next time. I may not be here to help all the time."

How many times had a student helped you now?

The next morning Lilia had joined you.

The thing is while Lilia was regailing an enchanting tale of his past it kept you occupied in not noticing the five other pairs of eyes that had set themselves on watching mainly you. Whether it was them keeping an eye on their dorm heads, or on their way to their own class they kept their eyes trained for as long as they could before she left their sight.

Lilia had heard the details from Ruggie and out of all the vice heads he was the most free as the others were commanded to do things by their dorm heads or were their unofficial babysitters. Lilia of course was the strongest and most capable by far out of all six of them. So he had jumped at the chance of being able to brighten up your day with many of his travel stories.

Seemed like you were spending more time with the vice prefects more than usual. Though Savanaclaw had none Ruggie was pretty much the unofficial for it.

They were reliable, more so than their dorm heads at times, that could be said for mainly Jamil, Ruggie, and Lilia. But some had proved their skills far exceeded their position and it was known to other dorms as well, like Jade, Rook, and Trey.

But with all these people who adore one so much to the point of doing anything for her, it had to go bad at some point. Obsession festers for many reasons, like worry, denial, or paranoia.

In this case its deemed worry.

The very next day you were offering sweets you made yourself to the six of them to thank them for their aid the past couple of days. They were all so happy, nothing would damper their mood for the rest of day, knowing you appreciated how much effort they put in for you. Well of course it didn't last long it didn't matter who you went to see last, mainly either Jade or Jamil, or Rook too. They were the type to pay attention to the little things. Though this time they were a bit preoccupied with their own deeds. You had found Jamil last as you assumed he'd be busy with Kalim the majority of the day. He was in the kitchen as usual fixing tomorrow's lunch for Kalim and him, and her too.

He was happy to accept the treat until he noticed how you looked. You looked like you were spent. He noticed your smile, one they adored to the point of insanity looked forced. Not to mention it looked like you were wearing make up under your eyes, in which he assumed you were tired and had to hide your eye bags.

He tried to tap you on your forearm before you could go and leave, but when you froze and winced with a petrified look, that's when he began to notice something had been wrong than what he already had imagined. He was worried seeing as the state of your expression was slight fear, but it didn't look to be of him.

When he asked her to tell him what's wrong, you asked to first be brought in private to hear the dilemma. He decided his room would be best seeing as the desert of Scarabia at night got cold.

When they both entered she immediately broke down. Usually she always seemed so positive but this was the complete opposite. He tried comforting and coaxing you into telling him what happened, so he could eventually inform the others in their group chat and eventually you did. Though it made whatever self restraint he had held back within his life snap.

You told him of how yesterday a student came up and flirted with you. You politely disregarded him, but the student didn't get the memo. He had gripped your arm tight enough to cause a bruise. That's when you kneed him in his gut and once he let go, used your leg to make his head hit the floor with a blow to the neck, successfully knocking him unconscious. You ran back to your room after that without looking back. Then you thought back to all the good deeds recently the vice heads had done, and decided you'd haven't been showing enough appreciation toward them. That's why you gave him and the others treats.

He also interpreted that he had touched you where the bruise was located and given you slight PTSD in which he apologized for his earlier actions. You probably didn't get much sleep either. You told him it was fine since he was just trying to figure out what was wrong and that you were just caught off guard. No soon after you finished your statement did he ask to see the bruise in which you received.

Slowly you took off your blazer and uncovered the bandages located where your elbow was on the inner part where the skin was softer and bone was located. That made his heart stop to see the bruise you obtained. His thoughts ran rampant with the thought of what he would do to the person who did it. Surprisingly he was never usually angry for someone else's sake but you had made it that way.

He had to put on a front for you though and he told you to stay while he got a pack of ice to ease the swelling. While away walking through the halls of his dorm he was seething with rage. One would think if someone touched him it would be the end of that person's life when he released such anger.

He started to text in the chat where all the vice dorm heads would inform each other of their encounters and Y/n's problems to find solutions. He told them to gather in Scarabia at the fountain for an urgent situation pertaining to their favorite little junior on his phone, though he would have informed them through the chat, he was more focused on getting the ice pack. They agreed to meet up in said dorm that their junior was currently in to hear the details from him himself.

When he had finally made it back to his room he found the person of their obsession in question asleep on his bed with their blazer still in the same spot and legs dangling off the bed as to not have her shoes touch the covers. Hugging his hoodie as a pillow of sorts. He would have savored this sight if not for the tear streaks that were on your face and the prominent bruise in the same spot.

He gently placed the ice pack on her arm and brushed away the stray tears and streaks with his thumb. The sight was normal for him considering Rook had distributed sleeping pictures to all of them. This was realer than any picture though. Soft breaths rhythmic breaths and silky hair like an angel.Despite that you looked to be uncomfortable seeing as the arm you were using had to replace the other one that was bruised and probably hurt to bend. He softly sighed knowing he had to get ready as the others would arrive soon and that the situation would not be pretty for the misfortune planned that ignorant person who dared lay a finger on their favorite junior would receive.

When everyone had arrived in the meeting dorm all had sour moods to be called a bit late after set curfews in two of the dorms or just the time taking away from their leisure after taking care of tasks that came with their position.

"It seems we're all gathered here now, Monsieur Multi-Compétent why have you called us here in the late hours?" Rook had a smile on his face which was normal but he was intrigued and serious about the matter at hand.

"You mentioned it's urgent regarding to our little angelfish correct?" Jade as well had his usual smile, but the slightest glimpse in his eyes had a rather invited gaze.

"You sure you couldn't have just texted it to us, it woulda saved us the trouble of coming here." Ruggie grumbled.

"I know you all are busy, but tell me did you notice something off about her today?" Jamil inquired to the other five.

"Now that you mention it when she gave me the treats she made it seemed like she was off. I was focusing on some tasks Riddle gave me so I didn't think too much of it." Trey had thought back to hearing her call out to him in a lower tone of voice.

"She didn't seem too energetic either when she gave me mine either. Sebek was a bit of a handful so I couldn't pay attention as much as I liked to her and she said she had to go give out the others." Lilia remembers asking her to stay for a little longer but she put up a facade and said she had other things to do.

The others agreed on the same notion that today she lacked her usual energetic, positive, behavior. Since their dorm heads and first years put them through the wringer today they didn't have time to think much on it. Jamil was used to dealing with Kalim's mayhem and chaos since they were children and had learned to still be skeptic even if he was exhausted or at his wit's end.

"Exactly, seems as though someone laid their dirty fingers on her the day prior and now she's a bit broken down mentally." Jamil had informed them of the situation, fully going into depth and detail seeing their facial expressions change throughout the retelling.

"Right, now I know you all want to see her, I can do that but you've gotta be quiet. She fell asleep in my room because she wanted to talk in private. She and other dorm residents are asleep so try to keep noise to a minimum."

They all had no reservations about that. He guided them to his room in which he did have some irritation toward letting them in. Thankfully he hid the picture Rook gave him so she wouldn't see it unless she looked. Slowly opening the door to see the sleeping girl, they surrounded her unsuspecting figure. They examined her for a moment taking in the sight before noticing the tear streaks on her face and the ice pack placed near her elbow.

Seeing the ice pack on her arm Rook steadily removed it to give the others a glimpse of the injury. Some of them froze while others who usually weren't so expressive of true feelings like Lilia, Trey, and Jamil had a look of anger. The ones who were more prone to dirty methods and violence like Ruggie, Jade and Rook had a look of bloodlust for the person who dared to do such a thing, despite Jamil having already saw it.

They all exited the room and ventured to the common room, closer to the outside section.

"Such a poor unfortunate soul, he doesn't even know the enemies he made."

"How foolish of them to touch something that's ours."

"Oh Rose Chevalier, you've been rather silent, no objection to such acts?"

"Don't get me wrong I'm angry, Rook. It's not as if I can stop you all from doing something horrible to some idiot. Fights happen all the time at this school."

"I'm sure I could find the idiot in no time, it's much easier to catch unsuspecting prey!"

"Since you all have your 'plans' I'll go and make a potion to rid her of that unsightly injury that foo-, I mean so she won't have to feel anymore pain."

"Since that's all finished what do you all suppose we do about her?"

"We've got to keep a better eye on her."

"Yes that much is clear, but with all of us having to be so busy all at once, going about that is rather difficult."

"Especially since she's a lot more frail, if the student were a beastmen then she probably wouldn't have gotten away."

"I propose we reveal ourselves to our angelfish. She may not like it at first, but it's clear that unless we know where she is at all times then we can't ensure her safety."

"Whose dorm is best suited to keep her there?"

"I was going to offer up my own, I'm sure your dorm heads would condemn our act of unsavory deeds, but Azul is different of course. Just let me handle all the details."

"As expected of Monsieur Mastermind, fully equipped to handle the situation."

"While that is going on, Ruggie how about you bring that cretin to Diasomnia, I'd love to have a chat with him. Don't worry I'll make sure no one is nearby to hear his fate."

"Ah, okay. Better than bringing him to my dorm and having to clean up a mess."

"Oh how about you let me in on your conversation, Monsieur Curieux, and I'll bring a few things to aid in the clean up Monsieur Dandelion!"

"Trey I need a favor."

"Depends on what the favor is?"

"I heard you can change the taste of something with your unique magic. Can you cast a spell on the potion before she drinks it? She's already suffered enough a disgusting potion is an easy fix."

"That's nothing, too complicated. Hand it over to me when it's finished once it's done."

* * *

Screams could be heard within the bounds far away from Diasomnia. Near the edge of a cliff stood three people while another person was on the ground. Burned, bruised, and battered not to mention a few broken bones, and loss of some organs devoured. They were proud of what they did to say the least.

Ruggie had the most blood on him mainly around his mouth while Lilia had some on his hands, Rook had a blade coated in it and still managed to get some on him. The lifeless corpse on the ground was where the blood had originated from as they tossed it off the cliff.

Lilia had cast green flames in order to rid the evidence. It was easy for Rook to cast a spell to clean their clothes with. Now they just have to go meet up with the others.

* * *

Based off the decorum of the room, she could only assume she was in Octanivelle. That's where she had woken up, but she remembers Scarabia last. Soft covers on top of her were thrown off as she hurriedly looked around the room to see no one.

She tried to go toward the door and twist the knob only for it to not budge. Using magic as well didn't move the door an inch. Her pen was gone too, so she was limited without its usage. Not to mention first years only knew so much less you came from a country where magic usage was prominent like the Valley of Thorns then it was likely you weren't to know much before entering school.

She sighed and took a moment to sit back down on the bed she woke up on and think why she was brought here. The last person she saw was Jamil, and she was in his room last but that didn't spark anything as to how she ended up here. She hoped at least that Jamil was okay if she was here by force then he might have tried to stop the captors and got hurt in the process.

The door opened after about an hour she heard the key being inserted. It revealed Jade who stepped in the room with a smile and revealed five others who came in with Lilia slowly shutting the door back closed.

All of them she recognized were Vice dorm heads who she had spent time with the past couple of days. She didn't open her mouth yet still trying to piece things together, and the first to come to mind was that they brought her here. Connecting the dots over the past several days she spent time with them more than anyone, and they each seemed to know her problems or were curious about them.

She just couldn't understand why though. Nothing added up and when she glanced at each of them a nervous shiver came through her body.

She finally decided to speak.

"Why, .......... would you do something like this?

"Because prey like you, has to be protected."

"Such a sweet thing could easily be devoured."

"That's why your such delicate and fragile flower."

"Precious and meant to be protected like the most valuable treasure."

"Mon amour we do commend you for defending yourself but fret not,"

"Our dear little angelfish we'll fix all your problems so that you have no worries."

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