#sometimes they just try to outdo each other to prove who can fuck up peoples minds the coolest

[kennyyomega]

oh my god i am rewriting steviecrane canon. instead of her being hung up on him after they break up before she starts to violently hate him, they just hate each other immediately and engage in a constant series of petty spats that everyone else in gotham is watching with increasing weariness 

[obeiii-mee]

How will the bros react to MC self-doubting themselves? Like saying bad things about them or can't be serious someone give them compliment.

Supportive demon bois coming right up! Sorry I took so long to write this anon! Thank you so much for the ask! (Also, thank you all for the love on my previous posts!)

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The Brothers with an MC who self doubts themselves:

Lucifer:

-As the embodiment of pride itself, Lucifer has an overwhelming amount of confidence, almost all the damn time

-So, he was flabbergasted to learn that you weren’t the same

-He always insisted that you aren’t anything but perfect, yet you always seemed to brush the compliments off with a shrug and an awkward smile

-Well, shit, we can’t have that

-Lucifer just got 10x more serious about the matter

-He pulls a really stupid concerned face whenever you insult yourself and he looks more and more like a 48 year old man/dad each time it happens

-He, as of late, increased the number of pet names he has for you and the amount of compliments he gives you each day

-He refuses to let you talk badly about yourself anywhere, at any point in time and encourages every little step you take towards bettering yourself like crazy

- Lucifer wants to prove to you that you are an absolute ray of sunshine and he will go to any lengths to do just that (do not ask)

-He’s even more affectionate than usual which confuses just about everyone in the House of Lamentation, yourself included

-His brothers are feeling a disturbance in the force and they don’t know how to feel about it

-You are possibly the best thing that’s happened to him since he fell as angel and Lucifer is ready to do whatever he can to help you realise that

Mammon:

-“You’re an idiot!”

-“*Sigh*, I know.”

-“Wha-Wait! Y-you can’t say thAT!”

-The Great Mammon is seriously worried about his human

-Being the dense motherfucker he is (i still love him tho) it took him weeks to realise you’re not all that confident in yourself

-At some point in your relationship, he jokingly called you annoying and you just went “Yeah I’ve been told. Sorry.”

-His jaw literally dropped and he almost cried

-He would have choked if he was drinking something

-Tsundere Mammon has gone bye bye and here comes the cuddling teddy bear that is your boyfriend

-He also doesn’t have as much self love for himself as he sometimes pretends to have so he’s kinda in the same boat

-Which means your boat is leaking and you’re perfectly fine with it while he’s panicking and trying to throw water overboard with his hands

-His brothers call him an idiot a lot but he’s a very sociable guy with people skills that he uses all the time in order to coax you out of your self pitiying shell

-Will whine every time you call yourself ‘useless’ or disagree with his compliments because what the hell, you’re literally the most gorgeous being ever let me love youuuu

-When it comes to you and your happiness, he ain’t fucking around. He will snarl at anyone that even looks at you in the wrong way

-Did that to Lucifer once, guess a what happened

-You’ve definitely helped him come to terms with the fact that he is loveable and not a good for nothing scum

-So now it’s your turn!

-Let him kiss your insecurities away please

-Your presence makes him feel wanted so he wants the same for you!

Levi:

-Well then

-It takes two to tango ya know?

-He is the KING of self loathing and no confidence whatsoever in anything he does so every time you put yourself down, he counters it with a self deprecating insult as well

-“I suck.”

-“Nah, you’re pretty awesome normie. I’m the shut in, disgusting otaku who can barely set foot outside his bedroom without having an anxiety attack.”

-It’s like you’re trying to outdo the other on who is worse

-Truth is, he really admires you, especially knowing you chose to date him; an anime nerd with no social life and no communication skills whatsoever

-It hurts a bit, every time he builds up the courage to actually compliment you and you not taking it seriously

-That’s because he recognises that he’s the same and just as harsh on himself as you are

-Levi knows self hatred is something that takes time to demolish

-But you are his Henry after all (also his partner but whatevs)

-He’s not gonna leave you hanging when you need him the most

-He also gradually stops calling you a normie as your relationship progresses, though it still slips through every now and again

-Basically, the first time he realised that you think negatively of yourself, his immediate reaction was: Haha lmao relatable

-But now, every time it happens, he gets all serious

-Puts his controller down and everything, it’s like witnessing a very rare phenomenon and it’s creepy as shit

-He’s also made an effort to be more physically affection though he is kinda shy about it because damn it he just wants to hug you every time you speak badly of yourself

-Probably writes a list at some point stating all the reasons why you are better than him and Ruri chan combined, it’s rlly sweet

Satan:

-He’s a bit curious as to where that mentality has come from

-What triggered you to be so self doubtful?

-He’s basically your psychotherapist and asks you a lot of questions trying to find different causes and solutions for your issues

-Honestly, he puts so much effort into trying to understand, reading books about it from the human realm and whatever he can find in order to help you

-He scrunches up his nose every time you call yourself an idiot or anything of the sort

-Satan knows that insisting you’re wonderful won’t exactly help you overcome this problem of yours

-But that doesn’t stop him from doing it

-It’s not like you can ignore his comments because he will keep complimenting you until you accept them

-He also repeats a lot of pick up lines but that’s just part of being his partner

-What do you mean you’re worthless?!! He would literally give away all of his books and his hatred for Lucifer in exchange for your well being!

-Satan is possibly the smartest out of all of his brothers, so he uses a tactical approach on this one

-Direct affectionate gestures don’t work on you so he’s gonna be more subtle

-Would slightly hint that you are amazing every time you do something for him, like fetching him a book or something

-“Ah thank you. I don’t know what I would do without you love.”

-He’s a lot smoother than he gives himself credit for

-He just appreciates your existence and that there’s someone out there that he doesn’t need to be act hostile or fake toward

-Satan is ready to sit down and listen to you talk about your insecurities for hours on end

-You would quietly say something bad about yourself and he would run through the House of Lamentation before bursting into the room you are in, shouting ‘No! That’s wrong!’ (going Danganronpa on your asses)

-“Welp, I fucked up again. I can’t do anything right.”

-And then, in the distance you hear boss music starting

Asmo:

-*Shocked Gasp*

-How could you say such things about yourself???? Is that even leGAl?

-Of course, the literally prince of Lust, with all of his narcissism, has never experienced things like ‘self doubt’ of ‘bad self esteem’

-Pfft, the fuck is that?

-He only uses the most positive of words when he describes himself

-So obviously he almost falls off the bed when he hears you insulting yourself for the first time

-But ya know, that would leave bruises on his beautiful skin

-“Oh darling, you’re not annoying or a moron! You’re not anything like Mammon!”

-That was a below belt fatal hit, press f in the chat for the second eldest

-At some point, he just genuinely believes you’ve been spending too much time with Levi and that his negativity started rubbing off on you

-But then you tell him you’ve always been like this and he almost has a crisIS

-He’s like ‘Haha, no, we’re going to get a spa day out tomorrow and a few shopping sprees so I can prove to you that you are magnificent in every way imaginable.’

-Asmo loves pampering you in general but on the days he sees you feeling extra sorry for yourself, he goes above and beyond

-Gets very hurt when you brush off his compliments because he just wants you to accept the fact that you’re beautiful

-He’s like a supportive mom lmao, whenever you’re feeling self doubtful, he goes “You’re doing great sweetie, keep it up I’m really proud of you.”

-It’s up to you to decide whether that helps or not

-He’s such a sweetheart in reality, it’s hard to remember that he’s supposed to be horny all the time

-Well he is but that’s not the point, you’re way more important

-Asmo is so much fun to write cuz I can make him so dramatic it’s hilarious

Beel:

-Oh no :(

-He gets very sad everytime you self deprecate yourself

-You can’t do it with him in the room because he’s going to start crying and give you this kicked puppy stare, it will break your heart

-Beel kinda comes over and goes “If I give you some of my food will you please stop saying bad things about yourself? Because it’s not true.”

-Well you can’t say no to that face

-He feels like it’s his fault you’re this self doubtful even though you’ve tried to explain to him you’ve always been like this

-He goes crying to his twin half the time because he doesn’t know what to do

-“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to drop it! Fucking hell, I’m such a fucking klutz.”

-“Sniffle no you’re not.”

-He’s like, giving you large portions of his food now

-Because food makes him happy so he wants you to be happy too

-🙂

-His brothers go in shock every time because the only other person Beel has ever shared his food with before was Belphie

-Physical affection goes through the roof with this guy

-Bone crushing hugs btw

-Your self worth is so immeasurable with him, you can’t even measure it

-W h o a

-I’m being serious, don’t talk badly about yourself in front of him unless you want to be hugged into next week

-You are a literal angel in his eyes, of course he thinks highly of you

-He’s just hoping his presence isn’t making your self esteem worse, that’s the thing that keeps him up at night

-Idk why but he does think that he is a bad influence on your mental well being since he’s a demon

-Beel gives you compliments all the time and it confuses him when you laugh them off uncertainly because he wasn’t joking or lying??

-He’s always supportive of your choices and encourages you to be more confident

-The same way you show your support everytime you come to his games to cheer him on

-Overall, he just wants you to feel special and appreciated

-Because you deserve it

-IneedmyselfaBeel

Belphie:

-He feels like absolute shit

-Becuase he’s well aware he‘s called you a few...not so nice words in the past

-Back then, he only thought he meant everything he said but now that he’s hearing you accept his insults and actually repeating them yourself?

-It hurts his brain and he wants to smash his head against all four walls of the room for being such a cretin

-You do tell him it’s not exactly his fault you think so badly of yourself

-But he still believes he fueled it

-So now he needs to fix it

-He’s tried everything and I mean everything

-It’s kinda working, slow progress is made which he’s really happy about but you know, it’s gonna take a while

-He finally settles on physical affection as the best way to communicate his gratefulness for you being youself

-Oh, he wasn’t hugging you before? He is now, get your ass next to him and let him cuddle you

-Handholding has increased by 69% in the last month, sorry for the loss of your right hand with how much he squeezes it

-Sometimes, he can’t help but a throw an insult at you in a playful manner, because he’s an asshole

-But he always makes sure you understand that he was just joking

-He’s such a little shit, you would be having a chat with him and you would subtly drop a insult at yourself hoping he wouldn’t notice

-But then he stops dead in his tracks, kisses you, says “Shut up, you’re stunning” and then he goes right back to the previous conversation like nothing happened

-Accept his compliments damn it otherwise he will continue to bug you about it for the rest of the day

-He’s an eboy and he’s a dickhead a times, but he just goes soft for you tbh

-If you’re feeling really bad about yourself, he won’t even say anything

-He will just big spoon you for the next 24 hours, good luck going to the bathroom or any meals during that time

-Because once you’re in his grip, you’re not getting out that easily

-He gets so pissy if anyone says something even slightly negative about you to your face

-One time, a random demon called you stupid in one of the classes at RAD and he was like ‘bïtch excuse me what?’

-Snapped his head around at him and everything

-He would have done something worse but he was lazy and feeling really petty

-So Belphie kicked him in the privates from under his desk like a damn spoiled brat

-And then he turned his head back to you, all smiles and rainbows and puppies

-I’m simping so hard for a fictional character wtf

-I had to write more protective Belphie cuz I can’t find anything of the sort anymore and I need flUFF

(Haha, I don’t know what this post is, my writing has officially taken a shit lmao. Sorry this took so long to finish, I kept going back to edit all of them)

Al~

[catxsnow]

CO-CAPTAINS D.W.

Request: could i please request a damian wayne x reader imagine where she's a complete badass who keeps damian on his toes and they both do debate (because let's be honest damians favourite sport would be to show how much better he is at arguing) and maybe they have to work together to prepare for one debate and have an enemies to lovers situation and the debate comes and the batfamily comes to watch but instead of the usual sour damian he's got the 💖lovebug💖 and simping over his partner.

Warning: fluff, Older!damian, x fem!reader

A/N: I’m so sorry I literally know nothing about debate?? I was a basketball kid in high school so I did that instead. If you’re not satisfied let me know PLEASE!! I’m happy to write something else as well but I hope that you enjoy!!

Word count: 4k

Gotham's private school were one of the few good things to come out of the city. The public school were terrifying and you were lucky enough to get scholarships into the best school in the city. At least, it had to be the best if Damian Wayne was going there, right?

Son of Bruce Wayne, richest kid probably in the entire world. He also happened to be the cockiest asshole you had ever met in your life. You were well acquainted with him being on the same basketball team and everything. There weren't enough girls to make a team that year which meant you had to play with the boys - not that it was a problem for you.

A lot of people underestimated you skill since you were one of two girls on the boys senior team. It came in handy with a lot of games where you came out scoring the most amount of points each quarter. You skill had brought you to captain of the team. Or at least co-captain with none other than Damian. 

The two of you were constantly trying to outdo each other and see who was the better captain and who was the better player. It was a constant battle between the two of you. Damian drove you crazy with his cocky attitude and his ever lasting need to prove that he was right. He was constantly trying to call the plays and you knew god damn well that it wasn't going to work.

Half the time, you were right.

Damian found you infuriating. A girl shouldn't be playing on the boys team - everyone knew that. Yet, here you were. You were proving to be better than half the guys on the team and Damian couldn't stand you for it. He hated when you were right and when you scored more points than he did.

Mostly, he hated that you always had to fight against him, rather than agree with him. You guys could never see eye to eye. And as much as you wanted to blame all the fights on him, most of them were started by you. You couldn't stand to see his stupid smirk when he came up with an idea to win the game.

Everyone on the team knew that you didn't like one another. Sometimes it fueled them up to win the game they were playing. Mostly, it got in the way to the extent that you had lost a game. The worst case was when Damian refused to pass to you and during the last few seconds of the final quarter, missed the shot and lost the game.

Yours and Damian's feud started long before you joined the boys team. Two years ago, there were enough girls to form a separate team. Some practices you would scrimmage against them - that was when your hatred started.

It was his first year playing and he was infuriated that you were beating him at every chance you got. Offense, defense, even court side you seemed to out wit him. He was tired of you and he didn't even know your name - just your number. His number.

"Wayne!" You shouted. Damian once again had his nose in his phone. You guessed that being the son of Bruce meant that he had diligent responsibilities to attend to as well - that didn't mean he got to be excused from practice though. Damian's eyes darted to you and a scowl spread on his lips. “Just because your co-captain doesn’t mean you can skip practice.”

You had to admit that it was one of your favourite past times to piss him off in anyway you could. Whether it was because it made you feel like the better captain or because he looked a little too hot when he was angry. Still, he threw his phone back in his bag and ran onto the court to join you and the others.

It was the end of practice and he looked like he was itching to leave. However, Coach had one last drill to run before hitting the change rooms. It pushed you just hard enough that sweat dripped down your face and soaked the back of your neck. Damian didn't even appear to even break a sweat.

With all the years that you had known him, he never seemed to be overworked. Coach would throw everything at him and he would always accomplish it with ease. You hated him for it. Whatever aestheticism he had was natural, you had to work you ass off for it. Nothing seemed to tire him out.

You nearly dropped to the floor the second the change room door closed. The cold tiles would have felt nice against your hot skin but you didn't know if you'd be able to get back up after you got down. So, you reluctantly threw on some sweats and a hoodie and headed out to catch your bus home.

Of course by the time that you got out there, all the other players were long gone and the only person left was Damian Wayne. Unlike you, he wasn't waiting for the bus, he was waiting for his butler. You wished you had that kind of luxury in your life - Gotham City busses weren't always the most reliable.

"(L/N)," Damian acknowledged you. The bus you were going to catch wasn't going to be there for another twenty minutes. As much as you didn't want to stay with Damian, you also felt a hell of a lot safer standing next to him rather than yourself. "Your free throws were off today."

"Thanks," You rolled your eyes. Of course he noticed your weakness of the day. He always seemed to be pointing out things you did wrong during practice and especially during games. You held up your hand to show him your taped fingers which seemed to be a good enough answer for as to why you were off. "Crushed my pinky last night."

"TT," he nodded. Part of you hated when he did that. That other part thought his little tick was adorable. The worst thing about hating Damian was that he also did the smallest gestures that made you swoon to him. You liked to blame it on his rich-boy-son-of-Bruce-Wayne facade, but you knew that wasn't it.

"You were leaning to your right instead of left today," this time you pointed out his flaw. Damian lifted up his pant leg to show of his ankle brace. How you hadn't noticed it in practice, you weren't sure.

"Two days ago," Damian briefly told you. "Don't worry, I could have crutches and I'd still be a better player than you." You scowled at him. The second that you thought that the two of you could get along, of course he had to go and ruin that with some plain-faced compliment.

"I'm pretty sure that someone who's never stepped onto a court could do better than you," you scoffed. The short time that you had left you little imagination to come up with insult. "My bus is going to be here soon, better go catch your babysitter."

"He's my butler," Damian corrected. You always referred to Alfred as Damian's babysitter - with his childish attitude god knows he needed one.

"Whatever," you were already walking away from him. As you continued to the bus stop, you spun around and flipped him off. Your middle fingers were raised high in the air and you could nearly feel his glare at you. "Have fun being privileged."

What you didn't know, was that Damian knew Alfred was there the whole time. He didn't want to leave you waiting in the dangerous streets of Gotham by yourself - not when he knew the horrors that were truly within them.

><

Damian knew you were one tough motherfucker.

He knew that on the court you were ruthless, unforgiving, and determined. Playing against a bunch of men that towered over you and sometimes having way more body mass against you meant you had to be tough. It was something that he always respected you for. Time and time again you surprised him with being able to take care of yourself.

Tonight was a home game and you were more than excited to be out on the court and kick some sorry ass. Just as always, the other team was shocked to see a girl playing and instantly started making fun of you. They were rough on you, refs were obviously not caring enough to call the fouls, and you were pissed.

By the third quarter, you were furious that so many calls were being missed. Your shooting started to get more forced and your defense more aggressive. It wasn't until the player you were guarding jabbed his elbow into your face did you finally have enough.

Blood dripped down your busted lip and your fists clenched up at your sides. If it wasn't for the bright red flowing out of you, you were sure that it would have been another foul that was shrugged off. With the sound of a the whistle being blown, both teams headed back to their benches.

"Fuck these refs!" You seethed. The back of your hand was smeared with blood from wiping it away. Your coach glared at you for the swear but since you were feeling ballsy, you only glared back at him.

You were already in a bad mood. Before the game had started, you and Damian had another one of your spats. This had been a big one too, you had never yelled at him so much in your life before. And to be honest, you couldn't even remember why it had started. He had said something to tick you off and it had just escalated from there.

The two of you were the first to arrive to the game - as it seemed to happen every time. While waiting for everyone else, you found yourself arguing once more. He always seemed to find the kind of things to just make you angry enough not to be able to forgive him. It drove you crazy.

When some of the other players filed in, the two of you stomped off in your own directions and never spoke again unless necessary. Damian was the one person that you could never get along with no matter how much you tried. And you wished you could get along with him too.

He was your co-captain, you should have easily been able to get along with him. Damian was someone that you truly could see yourself getting along with if he wasn't so damn stubborn.

"She's right," Damian suddenly defended you. He couldn't help but be in awe of you as you nonchalantly shrugged off the wound. You were fuming at the team, the refs, and now your couch. Damian had never seen you so riled up before and he had to admit that he loved this side of you.

"Doesn't matter," your coach cut the both of you off. "(Y/N), you're out for the rest of the game."

"No!" You argued. There was no way that you were going to be benched for some busted lip. Your coach wasn't going to let you argue it. So, for the rest of the game you grumbled on the bench and glared at any player from the other team that ran by you. This was unfair, yet no one seemed to disagree with the coach.

As the last seconds of the final quarter ticked away, victory was upon your team. The last buzzer went off and your team crowded around each other for the win. You on the other hand, already stalked off the the change room. Your bag was hastily thrown to the ground and you planted your hands on the edge of the sink.

To no surprise, your lip was swollen and bloody. A split ran vertically on the bottom and dried blood was caked around it. You splashed cold water on your face, hoping that it would cool you down - both from your heat and your anger. It didn't do either.

Your team was most likely already waiting for you for a post-game talk. That was the last thing you wanted to partake in. Unfortunately, you were already in enough trouble as it was and you couldn't miss this. You shoved a hoodie on and joined the rest of your teammates outside.

Twenty minutes later you had nearly droned out everything your coach was telling you and your team. Everyone decided to join up at the pizza place a couple streets down from the school before heading home. You on the other hand, wanted nothing more than to be in your own bed away from everyone else.

A hand on your shoulder stopped you from walking away. Damian.

"What?" You snapped.

"Calm down, (L/N)," Damian rolled his eyes. He had the time to cool off from your fight several hours ago - you on the other hand most definitely had not. "Come get pizza with the rest of us. I know you're in a... bad mood, but it'll be good to spend time with everyone without coach there."

"No."

"I'll buy," Damian offered. You rolled your eyes at him. A slice of pizza really must have just dug into his budget a lot - being so rich and all. "Just... I'm sorry, for earlier. I shouldn't have said those things."

"Wow, is Damian apologizing?" You were genuinely shocked. He never apologized after any of your fights so he must have felt bad about this one. "I guess I'm going to have to come now."

><

The final game of the season always made you nervous. This year, was even worse. Senior year of high school meant that scouts would be watching for new players in university. Tonight, the gym was packed with them. You needed this scholarship if you wanted to get into the university of your dreams.

To make matters worse - Damian's family had shown up as well. Bruce Wayne and several of his brothers and sisters sat in the stands. It was the first time that you had seen them together outside of his ridiculously expensive galas. Bruce had shown up to support his son - his siblings wanted to see this girl that he had ranted on and on about.

There were many times after practice - or even just regular school days - where Damian would come home and complain about how much he hated you. He was constantly infuriated by your presence and he couldn't stand the thought about how impossible you were to try and have a proper conversation with.

Dick was the one who heard about it the most. He told Jason about it, who started showing up to the manor just to his little brother get so worked up about a girl. Steph became the most invested - she wanted to know everything there was about you and most importantly how, how she could get the two of you together.

Tim didn't believe that it would ever happen. When Damian hated someone, there was no changing his mind about it. You seemed to be at the top of his list at the moment and there was no way that Steph's wishes would ever come true. Damian hated you, simple as that.

You stood on the court side bouncing up and down on your toes. All the nervous energy was pent up inside of you and you had no idea how to get it out. This game meant everything to you - you needed to show off how good of a player you were and that you deserved to have a full-ride scholarship.

"You okay?" Damian stood beside you. He had grown a lot since you first met him. Before, you stood at the same height as him, now, he towered over you. His arms were crossed over his chest as he looked down at you. You couldn't help but briefly gaze at his muscles that popped out of his jersey before meeting his eyes.

"Nervous," you answered.

"Why? We've beat this team before. Is it because it's the finals?" Damian raised an eyebrow. You were never one to show off your nerves - especially right before a game.

"No," you shook your head. "Scouts. I need a scholarship to get into university. I'm just worried I'm gonna fuck up tonight and lose my chance."

"You're going to do fine," Damian assured. You weren't used to this side of him. He never was one to boost your confidence, always the one to tear it down. "If it makes you feel better, I'm nervous too."

"You? Nervous?" you cheekily grinned up at him. Damian rolled his eyes and nudged your side.

"My father is here," he jutted his chin in the general direction of his family. One of the older men seemed to notice and waved at you both. "And my nuisance brothers and sisters. They've never seen one of our games before."

You didn't have a chance to say anything else. A whistle echoed through the gym and the two of you were ushered onto the court. The second that you stood within the lines, your nerves seemed to wash away.

Damian stood in the center for the tip off. He did a short glance back at you and have a reassuring nod. For some bizarre reason, it filled you with joy. You felt a surge of confidence as well as determination. Whatever happened after tonight was out of your control. All you knew was that you had to bust your ass out there and everything would work out one way or another.

That game, you had worked like you never had before. You were making nearly every shot and putting up such a great defense. For the first time in your lives, you and Damian were working in sync. It seemed like he knew what you wanted to do before you even had the chance to think it. The two of you were incredible.

His family noticed how well you worked together. After everything that they heard about you - they assumed his hatred would show on the court as well. Most of the time, that was true. Tonight, you had never seen anything like this before. It was your best game of your life - skill wise.

At half time, your team huddled around to devise a strategy for the second half. You were ahead of the other team, but only by a few points. This was the final game of the season, you had to win. You stood beside Damian in the huddle.

Sweat dripped down his skin which seemed to accentuate his beautifully tanned skin. He left from your side and part of you felt disappointed at his departure. However, he returned only moments later with his water bottle, as well as yours. You thanked him as you grabbed it from his hand.

"You guys are on fire out there," One of your teammates stood behind you and Damian. He had a hand on each of your shoulders and a grin on his face. "It's crazy! I've never seen you work together like this before. Guess you guys are uh, warming up to each other, huh?"

Coach called him over before you could reply to him. He squeezed your shoulder before jogging off in the other direction. Damian didn't look too pleased by the short encounter either.

"Scouts have been watching you all night," Damian looked over to where one of them was sitting in the stands. He had made sure that he made all the right assists for you so that you would go noticed. It was working - you were doing incredible.

"Still half a game left to go," You muttered. As soon as you stepped off the court, you nerves had started to come back. "Thank you, for everything out there."

"(Y/N)? Thanking me?" He teased. He never had a playful attitude like this - but you had to admit that you really liked that side of him. The smile that caused his eyes to crinkle and his cheeks to squish. You couldn't help but gleam up at him the second that you saw it.  "Come on, coach wants us."

The rest of the game went just about as good as the first half. You were drowning in sweat from all the work you were doing but if the scouts kept their eyes on you, then it was well worth it. You and Damian continued on just as you had before - playing as if you were one person, not two.

The final quarter came and went with your team pulling way into the lead. By the time the final buzzer went off, your team had already celebrated it's final win of the season. It was you and Damian that had been the reason for such a dramatic win - and the scouts knew it.

You had been pulled off to the side by one scout in particular before you could even make it to the change room. He happened to be from the university that you were so wanting to go to. Before he could even finish his offer for a full ride, you already had a massive grin on your face and nodded your head yes.

This had been exactly what you wanted in your life, you needed this win. The scout left you to go get changed and speak with your team. However, you had ran into Damian first. Your heart was beating so fast that you were sure it was going to pop out of your chest with excitement.

Whether it was the adrenaline, the excitement, or the pure happiness you felt, you weren't sure - but that didn't stop you from running to Damian and up into his arms. Damian nearly tumbled at your sudden weight. You legs wrapped around his torso and your palms were on his cheeks. Before he could ask what the hell you were doing, you kissed him.

Damian was standing there in shock. He held your legs for support and you could feel them stiff against your bare skin. Then, he melted into your touch. Damian kissed you back with the same cheerful energy that you had. His grip on you became more natural and he felt as if he never wanted to let you go.

The clapping and cheering from your team had pulled you guys apart. Damian carefully set you back down on the ground and stepped away from you. Heat of embarrassment crawled up his skin. "I'm sorry," You squeaked out. "I just, I wanted to thank you. Scouts are interested me and it's all because of you."

You had never really thought about Damian in this way. Sure, he frustrated the hell out of you and sometimes you wanted to punch him in his perfect little face, but you never found yourself hating him. Yet, you never thought that you’d want to kiss him either. 

The instinct feeling that you had? That spoke more than anything else. After all this excitement, you should have thought to tell your parents, your best friend first. Instead, it was Damian. Maybe it was because you ran into him first, but you couldn’t blame your thoughts on that as well. 

"They're interested in you because of how great of a player you are, not because of me," Damian argued. His cheeks were tinged the slightest pink as he stared into your eyes. "And there's no need to apologize... I enjoyed that. I'm sorry for being terrible to you for all these years."

"I deserved a lot of it. I'm sorry as well," You told him. Damian placed his hand on your waist, closing the gap that was between you. He tilted down, placing his lips on yours once again. He never realized how much he had argued with you just to hide his own feelings until now. All these years of fighting had been pointless.

This time, it was a camera flash that broke you apart. A blonde girl with a huge grin on her face held up her phone. Damian scowled at her. "Steph!"

"Tim!" Steph ran back to Tim as well as the rest of Damian's family. She was holding the phone high up in the air, obviously excited to show her brother about what she had just seen.

"Sorry," Damian apologized once more. He glared over in the direction of Steph running away to meet the rest of her siblings. "My family can be a lot sometimes."

"Well if they're anything like you, that doesn't surprise me," you joked. You glanced between him, the team, and his family - all of which seemed to be looking towards you. "Wanna ditch the team and our families and get out of here?"

"Never thought you'd ask."

[wtfzodiacsigns]

How to tell if your crush is reciprocated based on their Sun Sign.

GEMINI

Gemini may be flirting with you and you may think omg they like me back, but be careful. Look at their next interaction. Oh they are flirting with that person too? Yep, that’s a Gemini for you. Naturally charming and flirtatious so flirting with you is not a good enough confirming sign. Gemini is a sign of nervous energy & when they are with their crush this nervousness can become quite apparent. They will talk and talk and talk but about nothing really & will probably say all sorts of strange things. Their nerves compel them to speak and they feel that conversation is a good way to snare u temporarily so they may bask in ur glory. If your Gemini suddenly becomes a nervous wreck or has a personality change (maybe becomes silent/shy) in your company they quite likely want you. 65 - 85% of the time though you will know a Gemini likes you because they invite u to everything & message u lots, but this depends on how many crushes they have on the go.  U could also ask one of their friends, cos everyone else will have the gossip. Gemmy in love can’t stop talking about u when ur not around.

ARIES

If you’re wondering if your Aries crush likes you back then sorry they probably don’t. This lot are very open when it comes to admissions of love/lust/whatever. If they like u, u will simply know. They’ll have told u already 100 times or at least it will be ridiculously obvious. Aries are very straight forward and they hate dilly dallying. If you’re the one they want they will get the ball rolling immediately. Expect lots of texts and a keen interest in meeting up & organising dates whatever. Straight forward people! Will prob show off in front of you whipping out all sorts of weird party tricks & jokes, making sure your eyes are always on them. May get obviously jealous if they see you having a good time with someone else. If you’re still unsure, just ask. They’ll be upfront if it’s a go or no.

LEO

Leo will let you know they like u. They might not simply text u, “ur the one for me x0x0x” but they will show u how they feel. Every time u hang out with Leo they will be trying to outdo the last d8. These are extravagant types & will do anything to ensure ur having the time of your life with them. If you let Leo be in charge and control these dates they are bound to like you even more, they love to be flattered too so dish out the compliments. Make them the centre of ur world. If they like u back you will receive compliments right back. Leo compliments are very genuine & feel very good to receive. They only compliment people they admire so it’s a good sign if they’re telling u how smart they think u are or how kind u are to those less well off or sexy u r or whatever. Leo will want to see u every day and probably for the majority of the day too. They can become very jealous of u spending time with anyone else & u will see this clearly, it’s unhealthy af but a good sign ur their crush.

TAURUS

If your Taurus crush cooks something amazing and time consuming for you then u can betcha they love ya. These are people who like to indulge in the good things in life and when they like you they will 100% share with you. Taurus is good at setting a romantic mood so if they invite u over to theirs “to just chill” and there’s low lighting and cushions and drapey fabric everywhere and some ambient dance music playing and a bloody cheese platter and red wine, yep this one wants you. Aside from that though it can be hard to tell if they are into you. Taurus likes to take a long time to get to know someone. They’re trying to work out if you are worth the hassle. With time though all becomes very apparent. You will probably have to be the one who brings your feelings into the open first and they may need time to process that, but if they come back to you smiling (possibly tipsy) well, mission accomplished.

CANCER

Hmm this isn’t an easy one to call. Cancers are moody and with them u may feel like yesterday u were their favourite person, but today they’re ignoring u but ur sure u  did nothing wrong! I’m sure u are in fact still their fave, it’s just Cancers are worry warts & maybe are scared that u don’t like them back so in a way shut u out for a while. When it feels like they like you though u two are probably eating something really great together, snuggling up watching something, feeling very much at ease in each others presence. Maybe they will read u their fave poem. There will be a lot of fun & quick back and forth chatting. A Cancer who likes you wants you to have a fun time with them so will keep the atmosphere light and silly. This is another of the signs where if you don’t know if they like you or not, you’re the only one wondering. They will have told everyone around them & will prob be writing a tweet about u right this second. Cancer is a warm & caring sign, if u get a lil papercut they will fuss over you like u lost a finger. If they introduce u to their parents then yep you have them.

VIRGO

Super picky Virgo will come to you when they deem u worthy of their time. Not an easy one to chase. These people want their partner to be perfect. If they are giving u the time of day, giving up their time, then u can feel safe and know they are most likely very keen. Once they decide ur the one they become fidgety & nervous in ur presence. Initially anyway. Virgo is a smarty pants intellectual sign so ur dates probably involve long discussions about idk pretty boring things. Tbh this a test. They’re checking that u can stimulate them. That ur on to it. It’s unlikely that they will open up much to u for quite some time. Let them know they can trust u & if they do end up talking feelings with u that’s a good sign they’re crushing on u too. Virgo will want to look after u and make sure ur healthy, eating good & happy, so will cook some super food salad, take u on a hike then listen to all your woes and hug u tenderly. They will dote on u but without displaying tooooo much affection. If u really want to know how they feel about u just ask them. They’re great communicators.

PISCES

Lol Pisces will prob be writing u a long love poem right now but most likely never give it to u. If u do receive a love poem, or maybe a brief but totally cute note then chances are u make them feel all mad butterflies and likely heart achy love sick. Pisces will incorporate u into their art when they like u. Maybe write songs about u (for u), send u long letters or draw silly pictures for u. Creativity is very important to them & so when they include u in this work it’s a given that they think u are important too. These cuties will give u so much time and affection when they like you. They will let u know that they are always here for u. They will let u in on all their deepest thoughts & feelings and describe in detail all their wildest dreams. With a Pisces u will prob see their affection for u in their eyes. Tho it may be clear they like u this sign wants a confirmation that it’s reciprocated before plunging in any deeper. So go ahead, let them know!

LIBRA

If Libra likes u they will want to spend a lot of time with u. They are happy to hang in group situations but will make efforts to get u alone. Libra is a very social creature so them wanting to just be with one person a a time & not in a gang is a great sign. Libra will find ways to touch u when they like u, they become very affectionate. Lots of hugs, hand holding, they will lean on ur shoulder. They can be like this with ppl who are just their friends tho so look out for them giving u special treatment. Maybe at the end of the night they gave u a prolonged hug while everyone else just got a quick squeeze. Libra might like u but can take a very long time to make their mind up so patience is key here. It’s possible that they will have even told u that they’re into you but they’re still not making the next move or maybe have distanced themselves from u. Show Libra that u rule & are worth it. They will appreciate the display of confidence. These guys can play hard to get, but stick with. A Libra who wants u will dress very well when they think they might see u.

SCORPIO

When Scorpio likes you the world revolves around u. Ur the one they will message first if they think up something fun to do. In a group they will ignore everyone else and just chat chat chat to u. They will wake up & think of u so send u a text. But they never straight out tell u how they feel. They prefer to work u out first. If they think u feel the same way, then they divulge. If they appear interested in u then they prob are. These Scorpios don’t fake interest. They only bother with those they truly want to be around. Sometimes u will look up and ur Scorpio crush will just be looking at u. They don’t even look away when u catch them. Just eye contact. Tbh they are prob thinking ‘wow i could just eat them up’ Sometimes you think your Scorpio crush fucking hates you, they can be quite rude and hostile to u & say cruel things u know they don’t say to other people. Forgive them tho, they don’t mean it and in fact like u a lot & just aren’t dealing with it very well yet.

CAPRICORN

If ur hanging out with one of their best buds & they are complaining that they haven’t text back but ur phone is vibrating non stop with messages from them, well they most def like u. When u get on a Capricorn’s radar, they will try and find out as much about u as possible. So when u hang out and they know u have 3 brothers and went to Steiner school but u never told them that don’t be shocked. Them admitting they know this info is a way of them telling u they are interested in u & ur life. They can treat u a bit hot and cold, & that stems from a fear of getting hurt. If u can prove urself trustworthy, Capricorn will tell u all of their secrets. And when u start feeling a bit like their private diary u can be 100% sure it’s a match.

SAGITTARIUS

When this lot like someone they try very hard to get their attention. If they see ur online they will quickly send u a message. The way a Sag crushes is pretty playground actually. Like they will show off to you & try and make u laugh by pulling faces & shit. Very playful. Sagittarius is an honest and open sign. They are likely to just tell you they like u. Especially if u seem sort of clueless about it.  In the same way though, if they don’t like u they will also let uknow. When around you a Sag will just smile and appear delighted if they’re crushing on u. If they’re up to something awesome & fun they are bound to invite u along. It’s pretty easy to tell with a Sagittarius, they don’t play games & are very straight foward. So if it seems good it most likely is.

AQUARIUS

U two will have to be good friends already. Aquarians view the friendship element of a romantic pairing to be the most important. So you’re friends and u already know they like u as such. How to work out if they potentially want to do pashing with u? Well, suddenly they will be more interested in the mundane aspects of ur life than ever. In the past a story of u forgetting to put the teabag into cup before u poured the kettle would have bored them to death. But now, they’ve never heard anything funnier. When Aqua is hot on u you become the funniest most interesting person in the world. Now you’re off to dinner at theirs expecting the whole gang to be around, but it’s just u and them. And there are candles on the table. Aqua can be romantic in a very cheesy way. How endearing! Best sign is that you have long long conversations that go well into the early hours & they just never get bored of what u have to say.

[assless-chapstick]

I need your help because your writing is the dirtiest best fucking thing I’ve ever read Eagle Flies is slept on goddamit Is it possible Eagle Flies is poly or in one of your au’s? I haven’t seen ships for him so I’m open to your interpretation of where he might fall, either in the couch au or somewhere else Pls I beg of you, give me some nsfw eagle flies Either him getting rammed or doing the ramming, I can’t quite pin down if he’s a top a bottom or a switch- I’ll give you my soul for this

Aw feller, you know I’m a good cowpoke at heart…. I can’t deny aid to a feller in need….

I wracked my brain for hot minute on this one…. The thing with Eagle Flies is that he doesn’t have a lot of characterization on the game, does he? And in canon he’s a fair bit younger than the main crew, I’d say… but I think I got something good for you…

So, the couch AU; back when John was a kid, he went to some sort of youth group designed for outreach to at-risk youth, probably some sort of sports program or something. That’s where Dutch worked, that’s how Dutch and John met, after John went into foster care and Arthur started living with Dutch n Hosea ….

Anyway I think John and Eagle Flies are around the same age and they both were part of that youth group… I feel like they didn’t get on super well, both with kind of rowdy personalities, eager to prove themselves and prone to fighting to solve problems.

Oh yeah and then… and then….

They both get into track, into running, sprinting…. Both good at it, and Dutch laughs about “healthy competition” when he watches them run and it’s infuriating but they do do better when they’re competing against one another….

They end up going to the same highschool, running on the same track team, and both get recruited by colleges once they graduate – crazy coincidence, right? Except John gets recruited to go to state and Eagle Flies gets recruited by like, a Good College Out of State (his grades are better than John’s anyway) and John’s like pfft good riddance.

Couple years later and of course, of course, who should John see at the big track meet in sophomore year? Eagle fucking Flies. And it’s only been a couple years but Christ did he have a glowup, as much as John hates to admit it – while John stayed lanky and skinny and kinda scrawny (no matter how much of Arthur’s expensive whey protein powder he steals), Eagle kinda filled out, got a little broader in the shoulders, slimmer in the face so his chin and cheekbones are sharp enough to cut a bitch….

And he’s just so fucking hot and how did John never notice and now he really has to beat Eagle Flies, wipe that smug look off his face and show him that John had a glow up of his own!!

But John doesn’t win. Doesn’t even place and he’s pissed, even though his coach is saying his time was great, walks right by her to the locker room in a big fuckin huff… he needs to smoke a joint and calm down asap, feels so angry he might crawl out of his skin if he don’t relax soon… he doesn’t even notice Eagle trailing after him.

So he’s in the locker room, shirtless, still hot and sticky with sweat and wearing those absurdly tiny runner’s shorts, the ones that make his junk look huge, and he’s smoking his joint and just starting to feel better when Eagle Flies comes in…. His hair is down and he’s sweaty and he looks so good…

And Eagle is all “you ran a good race” and John goes like “yeah, fuck you,” cuz he’s not in the mood for teasing and gloating… so Eagle is like “fine, you’re gonna be like that, let me just tell the coach how much it smells like weed in here” and he turns to go and John stands up, reaches out and grabs Eagle’s wrist…

And it’s like Eagle was expecting it, the way he whirls around and grabs John’s arm and pins him up against the lockers and John is bracing himself to get hit but Eagle just looks at him real thoughtful and then John is sure they’re gonna kiss…

But Eagle just lets him go, looks at him kinda sad and is like “what’d I ever do to you, John? We were just kids. Whatever I did, just let it go, ok?” and John kinda realizes like…. He’s been holding this judge against Eagle Flies for years even though all the competitiveness and inferiority and frustration John had felt as a kid towards Eagle had really been like, him projecting his insecurities outwards. Eagle never did nothin, he was just there and good at the same thing John was good at and taking away the only positive adult attention John’d ever known and he hated Eagle for that, but it weren’t his fault either… Eagle’d just been a kid back then, too…

And so John apologizes, they don’t talk about it much but he apologizes and it’s heartfelt and true and then it’s a little awkward cuz they’re standing there, a little too close together to be normal… and Eagle says, real low, so quiet, like confessional, “Man, I had such a crush on you in high school…” and he’s got his thumb pressed against John’s lips, peels the bottom one down to push into his mouth, run his thumb over John’s stupid tongue piercing and John is so weak for confidence and has an oral fixation a mile wide…. So of course he doesn’t hesitate, immediately goes into Feral Horny more and starts sucking, makes some real wet, desperate moaning noises….

And most people what know John, Arthur and Charles and everyone, they’re used to it, but Eagle Flies has never seen him like this, falls hard for it, all “yah, you like that?” and John just nods and moans….

But things never change, really, so it gets competitive between them like all things do… Eagle shoves down John’s shorts to stroke his dick and John can’t be the one to just let things happen so he grabs Eagle’s ass and pulls them close together so they can grind up against one another… and I think they don’t kiss, just pant desperately into one another’s mouths, eyes locked, watching one another like they’re waiting for the other to break… trying to make the other one cum without cumming himself, each one wanting to outdo the other…

And then Eagle starts to stroke them together, and John looks down and sees how good their cocks look together, how Eagle Flies's is dark n leaking and just a little bigger than his own and then he’s watching himself cum all over Eagle Flies’s long, thin fingers and the head of his cock and it feels so fucking good… and Eagle keeps stroking and the stimulation is starting to hurt and John’s whimpering and squirming where he’s still pinned to the locker, and he hates the smug sounding grunt Eagle makes when he cums so hard it spatters on John’s stomach and his pale thighs…..

Cuz John…. Lost….. again….

And afterwards, after Eagle has wiped his hand off on John’s sweaty chest and made him lick his fingers clean, John sits on the bench and lights up a smoke, feeling satisfied but kinda smad about cumming first, and Eagle Flies is just like “maybe you could beat me if you didn’t smoke so much…” and leaves and John nearly screams cuz fUCK THAT GUY

After that, they hang out whenever Eagle is in town or they’re at the same meet, sometimes getting each other off, sometimes not… When Eagle and Paytah get married a couple years later, John is invited to the wedding… Paytah wears traditional regalia (and identifies as two-spirit) and it’s beautiful……

Thanks for the great and challenging prompt, mister!! I hope it satisfies!!!

[walriding]

lynn & miles platonic ship uwu / mslangermann

send me a pairing and I’ll tell you who:

falls asleep on the couch

Most of the time if one of them’s falling asleep on the couch, so is the other one. If they’re not staying up late to motivate and help each other to get work done, they’re marathoning crime/paranormal investigation shows. 

makes friends with the neighbors

Lynn is better at turning off her investigative mode when the time calls for it, whereas Miles is naturally a bit standoffish with complete strangers. It takes longer for him to really warm up to people, so Lynn has an easier time being casually friendly with neighbors right off the bat. Also, assuming that Lynn has a stable living place where Miles occasionally crashes, he tends to just annoy all of her neighbors whether they already like her or not.

is the adventurous eater

They’re both pretty open to trying new foods, though it tends to be a case of one of them eating something adventurous which prompts the other one into also eating it just to prove that they can. 

hogs the covers at night

Miles constantly wants all the blankets. Lynn knows this and keeps a spare one or two around whenever he starts dozing off just so he can have some to himself and not steal them all from her.

forgets to do the dishes

After their respective bouts of Murkoff trauma, they each go through periods of letting chores and cleaning slide because it’s just too much to deal with. But they’re both pretty good at picking up after each other even if they can’t directly help to alleviate the mental difficulties, so things tend to only pile up for a day or two before someone takes care of it. There’s not a lot of blame assigned to such things, either – it’s hard to resent someone for forgetting to do the dishes when there’s so much going on in their heads.

tries to surprise their partner more often 

Post-canon, Miles is more likely to try to orchestrate surprises to try to improve Lynn’s mood, even if it’s just bringing over a food she likes. In general, though, he tends to be surprised by the trouble she gets into more than it happens the other way around. He’s always known not to underestimate Lynn, but her antics still manage to outdo his expectations.

leaves dirty laundry on the floor

Similar to the dishes, shit happens when you’ve been through hell. They both do what they can to alleviate day-to-day burdens when they sense the other one is having a particularly difficult time.

stays up til 2 AM reading

One time they stayed up talking and reading shitty conspiracy theory sites until dawn and Miles genuinely believed about 75% of them.

sings in the shower

Sometimes when one of them is in the shower and the other person happens to walk by the door and hear them singing, it becomes a duet.

takes the selfies

Miles is a fucking selfie professional, okay, he’s got the angles and the lighting down perfectly. But Lynn picks better Instagram filters.

plans date night

They’re both really good at coming up with really bizarre last minute ideas, and there’s only been a handful of instances where someone has vetoed a plan, no matter how bad it is. That being said, Lynn is usually the instigator of more domestic ‘date nights’ such as inviting Miles over to watch a movie or to just spend time together doing research.

[calistapledger]

Practice Challenge 1: What I Was Born To Do

Amitabh Bachchan - Aeolus Ledger  Jaya Bachchan - Nandini Ledger Hrithik Roshan - Boreas Ares Ledger  Dev Patel - Notus Hermes Ledger  Avan Jogia - Eurus Eros Ledger  Karan Brar - Zephyrus Apollo Ledger  Dilshad Vadsaria - Calista Persephone Ledger

Tradition is traditon. That’s what the Ledgers are all about. For generations, the Ledgers only ever had sons and they were all named after Greek deities and all married nice Indian girls. Not to mention all of them were born to be perfectly fine. When it comes down to it, the truth is that my parents never planned on me. A girl - not that they were sexist but having a girl after generation of boys,  it was a surprise. The biggest twist of all, I wasn’t just a girl, I was also legally blind. I was born with ocular albinism and nystagamus both of which blur my sight to the point I cannot see. I was not completely blind so I could still make out vague shapes and colours. 

It wasn’t a bad thing, my parents welcomed the change but sometimes it felt like a pressure of its own, being different and being visually impaired. I had to work twice as hard as my brothers to ‘see’ and even though my parents viewed us equally, society had double standards. I always to do more to get on my brothers’ level and to be taken as seriously as they were. Deep within I knew, I was born this way for a reason. All the hard work I put into living, it was bound to pay off someday. I was meant for greater, bigger things. 

While I had my fair share of difficulties being different from my family, we all loved each other very much. We were bigger than your average family but we were close knit. Other than me, my parents Aeolus and Nandini Ledger had four healthy boys. Boreas and Notus were my darling older brothers while Eurus and Zephyrus were my two little precious brothers. He may not be immediate family or live with us but my favourite Uncle Rohit always counted in our close knit family. He lived down the street from us and was a brilliant inventor. 

My father, Aeolus Ledger, was a doctor and I remember when we were younger, he had planned for all of us to follow his success. He was a typical Indian dad in that sense. Of course, as we grew older, we all wanted to follow our own paths. With a lot of persuading on Mom’s side, we were able to convince him to pursue our own interests. There was a catch -  and I could understand that he wanted the best for us so I didn’t argue - we could pursue whatever interests we wanted so long as we only worked our way up the castes or stayed as a Three. 

“You all can pursue any interest your heart desires but no son of mine will go lower than a Three, is that understood?” I could hear my brothers nodding and I could only clear my throat to remind him that he didn’t only have sons. I hear the embarrassment when he corrects himself. 

“And daughter.” I knew it was a harmless mistake but it stung being the afterthought. That day I vowed to outdo my brothers and prove myself. To just to him but for myself and everyone else who ever doubted me.

Boreas - Bore Ass as my other brothers and I have nicknamed him - being the big kiss ass he is, was immediately promoted being the Captain of his platoon within the first few month he was drafted. Through that, he became a Two - Dad was overjoyed - and moved out. The other three and I never saw him much after that and it was like he had a stick put up his ass during his military initiation. Hence, the nickname Bore Ass was born. We won’t admit it to ourselves but we miss him. 

“How is the military, beta?” Bore Ass politely placed his cutlery down and turned to our mother. I heard how smug he was when he answered Mom.  “I’ve been promoted to Captain and the Major says if I keep this up I could make my way up to the Royal Military.” He said it with absolutely no excitement in his voice. It was unnerving. I’d be excited at news like that and our mother shared that sentiment and practically screamed with elation. 

“That is brilliant, beta! Congratulations.” They fell silent and I couldn’t pick up on facial expressions so I turned to Eurus for an explanation.  “Dad smiled approvingly at Bore Ass and he looks really smug.” My younger brother whispered to me. I rolled my eyes visibly. 

Notus being the mediator in our family, decided to become a therapist. He shrinks the family all the time. 

“So how does Boreas leaving really make you feel?” “Fuck off, Notus or I will stick that shrink notebook of your up where it hurts and you’ll be just like Bore Ass.” He knew I was being serious since I called him Notus instead of Nots. After that he never bothered me with therapy sessions again because he knew I’d go through with the threat. Even if I couldn’t locate it, I’d get Eurus or Zephy to help me out.

As annoying as his shrink sessions were with us, he was doing amazingly well with his job. People in the higher castes have a lot of problems to talk about and they pay well for it. Next on the list was Eurus, the family’s heartbreaker. Mother and Father knew from the start that he was going to be trouble with those looks of his. I knew he was going to break a lot of hearts so it made sense what he did for a career. 

“A model?” Bore Ass asked incredulously when Eurus first annouced his newfound profession to us. I think Bore Ass just couldn’t stand the fact that another one of us climbed up a caste. He just wanted to the beloved son of Father. He couldn’t achieve if he wasn’t above us but Eurus being a male model made him a Two, thus making them on the same level.  “That’s amazing E!” I said loudly to override Bore Ass’s comment. I could feel Eurus beaming at me as he hugged me. 

Let’s not forget the baby of the family. He hasn’t quite decided but he has been interning at law firms for the past few months and seems to be leaning towards being a lawyer. I know he’d be great because I always lose an argument with him. 

“Romeo and Juliet isn’t the ultimate love story you know.” Zephy says out of the blue when he sees me rereading my copy of the play. I lift my finger from the Braille text and glare at his vague silhoulette. “Don’t you dare ruin my favourite play for me!” I wag a finger at him.  “Oh please, it’s a mockery of love.” He scoffed and I knew he was rolling his eyes. I argued back, pushing that it was a love story.  “If it was such a great love story, why does Romeo fall in love with Rosalie in the first scene? Juliet is an afterthought and they are just a bunch of whiny teenagers who don’t get the one thing - or rather person that they want so they kill themselves. That’s not love, that is being an idiot.” I could only gape at him. That kid was a smart cookie. I ruffle his hair and tell him to run along, that was my way of saying he was right without actually admitting it.

Before he leaves he says to me with a smile in his voice, “You don’t have to lie about your favourite Shakespeare play to seem more romantic. Twelfth Night is amazing on its own.” I smiled to myself, that little kid was truly a wonder. 

Then there was me. My father focused on the older boys since Boreas was his prized son who was on his way to being a part of the Royal Military. Notus was the one who was the most well off and I think Father goes to therapy with him. Mother coddled the younger two. In her eyes, Eurus was still her baby who needs to be protected and Zephyrus does need to be protected because with his smart mouth of his, he tends to offend a lot of bullies who are out to get him. They love their kids equally but they do have their preferances at times. It was fine by me because I get along best with my Uncle Rohit or Uncle Ro as we all call him. He was my mother’s youngest brother who came out of the womb really late, that’s why he is closer to my brothers and I in age than his own siblings. 

He is my role model. I got into writing because of my mother but my love for inventing stemmed from Uncle Ro. He was my lifeline. He created these amazing gadets to make my life easier and more accessible. My first gift was an  audio reader. It was a device that was essentially a scanner attached to headphones. The scanner could scan anything, my surroundings, books and so on and it would be described to me via the headphones. The biggest flaw with it was that the scanner was too big to be considered portable and it was way too heavy to keep dragging around. It was back to the drawing board for Uncle Rohit but not before he made me learn Braille; he didn’t want me being too dependant on the aid devices. He was my favourite uncle, he usually let me sit in his lab while he worked on something new. I was also there when he was designing something specifically for me. Over the years I’ve worn and seen all sorts of gadgets my Uncle Ro has made.

My favourite by far is the one I received for my 16th birthday. With his tutoring I was able to master Braille within a few years and the gift perfectly complemented that skill. 

“Oh Uncle Ro! You shouldn’t have!” I exclaim but grin greedily as he hands me the small box. Anything from him was bound to be brilliant. Bringing it extremely close to my face to examine it, I see that it was a quaintly wrapped gift box. I open it carefully and see a simple ring. I look at him, slightly confused. He knew I wasn’t one to wear jewelry. Then he explained its true purpose. 

“You feel this dent where the gem is suppose to be? I replaced it with a miniature scanner. All you have to do is place your finger tip on the other side of the scanner and run it through a line of text and it would instantly be translated into Braille.” I gasped and couldn’t wait to try it on. I get Eurus to grab me the closest nursey book to start off as a tester. He brings me the Ugly Duckling. The ring was perfectly functional until I started experiencing typos. It was little letters altered here and there. I read it as dick rather than duck. So until Uncle Ro fixes that problem, I need to be more conscientious when I read.

Life in Bonita was easy enough for me, especially since my family and Uncle Ro’s aiding gadgets made life easier. It also helped that we lived in the city area so it was much more well groomed and accessible than the rural parts of Bonita. That’s where the citizens faced the real house problems. All the houses were cluttered together and Uncle Ro would always describe them to me in a sad voice whenever we went to the rural areas to get him supplies for his workshop. 

“Why don’t you help them fix it up? I’m sure you could easily rally a team and you could make their life as accessible as you have done mine.” I ask him one day while we were in town. He simply sighs. We communicate so easily without words that I knew what that sigh meant. Unlike me, he wasn’t that ambitious. He was simply happy to make me gadgets and he has a steady income from his deal with the Twos of our province who buy automatons from him. He didn’t see himself being responsible enough to handle a project of that scale. 

“You have the drive to do it, Cal. One day, you are going to change the world. I know you can and you’ll start with the housing problem here. I can see it already, my dear niece.” He tells me. He always says that. Sometimes I think he says that because he’s my uncle but some days I feel like he geniunely believes I am capable of greater things. On the latter days, I actually believe him. 

It is actually his unwavering faith in me that eventually drives me to enter The Selection. I remember when the letter came the day after Prince Dom turned 19. I laughed at the aburdity of it so did my brothers. We read out the letter in an obnoxious voice before I crumpled it and threw it away. Yet a few days later, I was forced to rethink my decision. 

I run my ring scanner over the letter and tears spring to my eyes when I realise it was yet another rejection letter from another publishing company. I was done, maybe writing wasn’t my forte. I was feeling upset and on impluse I rummange through my trash bin for the letter for the Selection and I apply for it. If I couldn’t impact people and be relevant through my writing, perhaps I could do it as Queen. I drop off the application at the Bonita City Hall and get my headshot done without rethinking it for a second. It was when I get home, I think how ridiculous it all was. 

‘I probably wouldn’t get picked anyways. There are millions of girls entering.’ I think to myself as I crawl into bed. The more I thought about it, the more I fantastised about being Selected. I could make Illéa a more accessible place for all kinds of people with various disabilities just Uncle Ro said. I was meant for greater things. 

I was meant to be a great Queen. 

[A/N: Beta means son in Hindi and the headshot is the picture of Dilshad Vadsaria (my fc) above]

[antiva-flowers]

No Place is Home

05: Here to Stay

“That wasn’t very pleasant.” I know I’m dreaming, again. The voice behind me- always behind me, is never there unless I’m asleep. It’s gotten to the point that I know these halls, warping and shifting between things I remember, almost as well as I know the halls of House Arainai. It’s not worth trying to find the source of the voice, I’ve tried, and it’s only laughed at me.

“What wasn’t?” I’ve found that I can travel farther in this little dream world, a little bit more every night, Out of the building, out into the city. Sometimes it’s Antiva, sometimes it’s LA sometimes places I can’t name.

“The fortune teller. Poor woman taunted them too much. One mistake is all it takes.�� I had forgotten about her. Well, not really, it was just harder to recall things here. It also didn’t bother me like it did before. Maybe because this was a dream?

“So, you don’t think it was because she tried to tell my fortune?” The halls are long and echo as I walk. They remind me of high school I wonder if I can find my old classrooms.

“Not entirely, no. She was telling fortunes long before you were born, boy.“ I doubt it. She didn’t look that old. But I guess I look like a kid, even in my dreams.

The classroom looks like the one we study writing in. Figures. "If you say so.”

It’s about this time that I always end up waking up, anytime I want to go back the way I came. Maybe it’s because the voice didn’t want me to see him. This time isn’t any different and the next thing I know there’s sun in my face and Zevran yawning next to me.

“Strange dreams?” He frowns after I tell him about it. “Ravan, I would not tell anyone else about this.”

Probably better if I don’t ask why.

—

The walls shake from the wind. It’s dark outside, but it’s mid-day. Zev says they don’t know what a hurricane is and I can’t say I’ve ever been in one having lived on the opposite side of the country from them, but I’m pretty sure that’s what’s raging outside. Fuck, I’m not scared or anything, but you know. Fuck. If the storm wasn’t bad, then why the fuck is it trying to knock down the walls? Talisen started staying in our room a few months ago, Kid puts me in a bad mood just looking at him and now I gotta see him first thing in the morning, so my whole day is pretty much shot-

-FUCKING-

-THUNDER.

Fuck!

“Tell us a story.”

“Uh, no.”

Zev frowns at me, crossing his arms. “But you like telling stories.”

“Someone keeps interrupting me every time I try.” Not hard to guess who that is. Zevran actually likes my stories.

“Your stories make no sense.” Talisen says from against the wall, being an ass as usual and trying to prove the storms nothing by leaning against the outside wall. Kind of wish something would happen to him. Kind of. Not really. Yes. Fuck off.

“Well there’s the problem; you don’t have a fucking imagination.”

“I can imagine breaking your nose!”

Zevran stands up between us. This isn’t the first time he’s had to stop us from tearing each other apart. Think he’s getting sick of it, I am too. “Taliesin, stop goading him. There is nothing else to do, let him tell a story.”

“Fine.” Score. “But no good magic.” Ass.

Alright, fine. A story with no good magic. Kind of wish the ceiling would give me an answer. “Okay uh- once, wait-” Shit, how did this one start again? Something about a baby, and a kingdom and- “Okay, okay so there’s a faraway land with two kingdoms that share a border. One is ruled by a human king, and its filled with normal folks like you and me- “Zevran frowns out me, and I shrug, next time I’ll remember to make the king an elf. “-the other is a land of err, strange creatures, like nothing seen anywhere else.”

“What, like the fade?” Talisen scooted closer, but he’s still too far away to kick.

“No, they’re not spirits, they’re flesh and blood. Different blood, but blood, now shut up or I won’t finish.” Talisen makes a face. “They’re called Fae. Sometimes Fairies. Sometimes they’re little things that only live in pure water and have skin that looks like sunlight on ripples. Or, Or, deep dark forest creatures, with the heads of dears, and manes of moss and they stand on two legs and their bodies are made of wood and they’re taller than this building. And sure, some of them are monsters, like really real monsters, but they’re not all bad. Most of them are pretty decent as folks go, but humans have a bad habit of being dicks to things they don’t understand, or just don’t like. The human king has been a bit of an ass to the Fae people, but to be fair, the Queen of the Fae people is a bit of an ass herself, so.”

The building shakes again. Fucking storm.

“N-now, the king and his wife are having a baby. It’s all super special because they don’t have other kids, and now there’s finally an heir for the throne. The kings all excited because he’s thinking that he can bring peace to the two kingdoms with the birth of his child. Why? I donno- probably human ego. But he throws a party and invites everyone, like everyone in two kingdoms, even the Fairies.

“Except he didn’t.

“See, there’s one thing you don’t do, and that’s invite one Fae and not another. That’s like if I had a cake and offered it to Zev while you were sitting right there.”

“That sounds like something you would do.” Talisen mutters.

“Yeah, and it would piss you off, and I’d get a kick out of it. And that’s exactly what the king decided to do. But with less cake. He didn’t invite the biggest baddest fairy of them all, the Queen. Because he’s an ass, and an idiot, apparently. So, everyone’s having a good time celebrating the birth of a princess. Everyone gets the chance to walk up to the cradle and see her. There’s even three fairies that come to give the princess gifts- err. Wait, no good magic… umm…”

“No, no, go on.” Zev says shaking my leg and glaring at Talisen.

“Err, fine. So, three fairies, little ones like -this big- they wear flower petals instead of cloths, each a different color, blue yellow and red, and have tiny little wings that look like, like- umm,” I don’t know what they call the bugs in Antivan, or if they even exist… “Zev, Dragonfly?”

“libellula.” Apparently, they did.

“-dragonfly wings. So, the three little fairies, trying to be good little fairies and make friends with the humans, because someone has to step up, give the baby gifts. The first Fairy, Rose, leans over the baby in the cradle and says, ‘For you princess, I give you the gift of beauty.’ Which is basically all you need in the world, so it’s probably the best gift.”

I can’t tell if they’re laughing at my joke or my girl voice. I pretend it’s the joke.

“Bl-um let’s call her Lilac, who doesn’t really like Rose, tries to outdo her, ‘Baby,’ she says, ‘I shall give you the gift of love, so that everyone who sees you will adore you, always.’ Which is redundant because if your beautiful everyone’s going to love you anyway. And Last Ye… um, Cotton? Cotton leans over to give the baby her last gift when -BOOM- the doors are thrown!”

The thunder makes all three of us jump. Okay, I’ll admit, nice timing.

“She has horns like a dragon, huge twisting things on her head. A cape made of feathers sweeps the floor behind her. She’s beautiful…” Honestly I don’t really remember what she looked like from the cartoon. And also, it was a cartoon. “But she’s also scary as all hell. She’ll kick your ass and you’ll like it.

“Everyone just knows that the king fucked up, even if they don’t know how. They clear the way as the Fae Queen strolls up to the King and Queen and says, ‘Forgive my late arrival, I seem to have misplaced my invitation.’

“And like a dumbass, the king stands up and growls, ‘you were not invited!’

“‘Oh,’ says the Fairy Queen in fake shock, a shit eating grin on her face, ‘Then this is… awkward. But I cannot leave without bestowing a gift on the princess.’

“The king takes a step forward, ‘we do not want your gifts, leave us be! Guards!’ Except, no one’s dumb enough to stop the Queen. Like I said, she’s scary shit. She walks up to the cradle leans over it and… sneers. ‘You will indeed be beautiful and loved by all…’ The queen raises her arms over her head, green smoke bellowing from her robes like fog. Her voice booms in the hall like thunder, ‘But, on the eve of her sixteenth birthday she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into a deep sleep never to awaken!’

Even Talisen has this wide-eyed look, maybe I should consider a job in the arts.

See, that was a joke, cuz I don’t have a fucking choice?

“Her laughter fills the hall, crackling like thunder, her body turns to smoke with a rush of wind The Queen is gone; her evil never to be undone. The king and queen panic, what are they going to do? Their precious innocent daughter is going to be killed by the Fairy Queen’s evil magic! Desperate, the king orders every spinning wheel in the kingdom to be burned- You know, I never thought about that, how the hell did they make clothes if they couldn’t spin yarn?”

“Ravan!”

“Right, shit, right, sorry. So, the spinning wheels burn, a bon fire lasting days. But, they still don’t feel safe- this is their daughter after all. They turn to the three little fairies that had answered their invitation. ‘Take her into the forest, raise her, keep her safe until the day after her sixteenth birthday.’

“Now, these little fairies, they have good hearts and all, but they’re not the brightest. Mostly because they accept the task of raising a human child. Still, they do their best. They take her into the forest where there’s a convenient little cottage away from everyone else. Now, it’s a miracle the child survives, honestly, because these fairies are a bunch of fuck ups like… there’s that one time they left the baby outside, and thought calling for her like a dog would help them find her. And the other time they couldn’t figure out what to feed a baby, or a diaper change.” (“Diaper?” Talisen to Zev. “Nappy.” Zev to Talisen. Fuck.) “And that was just the first week. Imagine when she started losing her baby teeth. That really freaked the fairies out. And god help them when Aurora, oh, did I forget to mention that? Yeah, the baby’s name is Aurora. Anyway Aurora, Cotton’s gift must have been patience because damn did that girl put up with a lot of weird shit and just let it roll off her back.”

“Still, she manages to survive almost 16 years…”

Zev and Punkass lean in real close when I tell them about the magical spell that compels Aroura to find the room with burned spinning wheels and they’re all wide eyed when the Fairy Queen turns into a dragon, almost shaking. I always thought that was the best part. And of course, the girl gets the prince in the end. The storm calmed down outside, and everything is dark. They don’t give us candles or nothing, like we all have crazy elf night vision.

There’s nothing to do now, but we’ve been stuck inside all day. I’m not tired, just bored, but it’s about all that’s left to do.

“He tells good stories, does he not?” Zevran whispers quietly in the dark.

“Eh, I guess.” It’s a compliment if I’ve ever heard one from him.

–

“Strik- stry-ch-nos nux… vom… ici- ica-“

“Try it again Zevran.”

“Strychnos. Nux-vomcia. A medium size tree, the wood is dense hard white-” I’m already bored. Mostly because Stalker never lets me read, nope. Just because I seem to be so damn good at it already. He had yanked the book out of my hand first day of plant lessons- because that’s what we’re reading about here- some kind of plant- and told me to sit the fuck down. Pretty sure he double checked to make sure I wasn’t making shit up. Course I wasn’t. Mr. Star student over here has to sit here and listen and -gasp- take notes. I can’t stay focused, already got yelled at for doodling. This is torture. I’m dying. “-Half palm wide. The flowers are small and pale green-” Ricinus communis, that was the first one, some flowering plant. Comes in reds and browns as it ages. Seeds are incased in green pods resembling a tick or something, the seeds can be ground up and- “when inhaled can cause conv-convulsions and ass-ass-fix-ia?”

Poisons. Every one of the of these plants are poisonous in some way. I mean, I should have guessed that sooner, I guess. Assassins, right? They just don’t go all stabby-stabby. Zevran sits down, and the book is placed in front of us. At least this part is fun. We have to draw the plant now. Just the way its drawn in the book. They even gave us charcoal for it, which is a lot messier then I remember. Might not be able to hold a quill, but charcoal I got.

Pretty sure Stalker hated me for that too.

“Vasco,” You know, I still hate that name. “The name and appearance of the plant Zevran just read.”

His hand is over the picture in the book, of course. Can see some of it, but not the important bits. Not that I can look, he’ll smack me if I look down. Fuck you too. Alright, okay. Name, name sounded like- like not vomit. “na- um… Nox-Vomika.”

“You still speak like a Ferelden, Vasco. One more time. The full name.”

“Vomicia, then. Stry-chro- … Stry-chin-os?”

“Close enough. Appearance.”

“It’s white. The wood is or the branches are anyway.” Details, Ravan, Details. I can hear him saying already. Okay, okay. First is proper identification, don’t really gotta know the name, just what it looks like and what it does. “Tree. Smallish with a thick trunk. Wood is supposed to be hard, leaves are oval shaped and are smooth and shiny on both sides and are about palm sized. Flowers are- are light green. Tube- er, funnel shaped. Small yellow seeds. Smells bad…”

“The name of the poison, preferred delivery method and its effect.” Stalker sounds bored. I’m bored too.

“Estricnina.” For some reason the name sounded familiar, but for the life of me I couldn’t put my finger on it. “It’s best to breath it in or drink it I guess. Could probably blow it in their face but then you might get poisoned too…”

“Vasco.”

Yeah, yeah, fine, whatever.  “Um… effect; Muscles contractions… convulsions, hallucinations and then they can’t breathe, so, yeah.”

“The time it takes for exposure to present and death.”

“Less than half an hour.” Because clocks aren’t a thing, or at least Zev’s never seen one, but they still use their fingers to measure the sun or something. I don’t fucking know. “Death happens after about three hours.”

“And.”

“And… and…? There’s plenty of time to get away?”

Stalker sighs. “Simply put. The death is dramatic and typically distracting enough to provide distraction, although no one will doubt that this was an intentional assassination. Now, there are more subtler ways to finish a mark…”

And, that’s how it goes. I lied a little, some of the plants we learn about aren’t poisonous. There’s elfroot (I tried not to laugh, Zev was mad at me for a week) and Embrium and I few others that could be made into healing Polyjuice? polt-pol-…? Fucking-creams.

One day Stalker brings us Elfroot.

Apparently, this shit is everywhere, just not in the city proper, so we’ve never seen it. Stalker is talking, but we’re not really listening, passing the plant back and forth. Zev and Punkass are talking back and forth, repeating what they remember from the book that we had to read and copy and read and copy… ugh, I’m so bored. It’s just a plant.

“What species of elfroot is this.”

The other too look at each other and then look at me, like I know every fucking answer. They where the ones playing with the plant, how the hell should I know? Nope, but Zev then goes and hands it to me trying to be sly about it. I thought you where good at things like this? The leaves are fuzzy looking. It comes away on my fingers when I touch it. “G-Gossamer?” Because gossamer is another word for spider webs, or something, and it kind of feels like… spider webs?

“Well done, Vasco.” Hell yes! Stalker is talking again. Something about how the stuff on the leaves can be used to stop bleeding and how…

But school is boring and some how I still missed everything he said from then until he let us go.

—

“Vasco.” God, I hate that name. It’s Stalker. He’s flagging me over, and I don’t think he wants to give me a hug.

“It was nice knowing you.” Fuck you Zev.

“No, it wasn’t.” Talisen, if I could kill you in your sleep.

I’ve never been on the top floor of this place. I mean, sure there was one time I woke up in that nice room with that mage. Pretty sure that one only the second floor. The third was saved for. Well. I’m not exactly sure. But there were nice rooms, some of the doors where left open and I could see beds with actual sheets.

Assholes, all of them. Making kids sleep on the floor.

There’s a huge desk and behind it; Scarface.

Been a while since we’ve seen each other. He usually doesn’t have a hand in training the kids. In fact, it’s all on Stalker’s hands, mostly. Someone’s gotta do it, I guess.

“Ravan.” Oookay, they’re calling me by my real name. I’m fucked, I’m so fucked, “can you explain this to me?”

This is a piece of paper I had used to show Zevran and Punkass some math, seeing as they’d gotten so good at adding and subtracting. There was a set of multiplications, that they had practically flew through, and division.

Alright so they were smart kids, “Uh?”

Scarface is giving me a look that could spoil milk, but I think his face just looks like that. “Eoman tells me you’ve been showing the others maths. I would like you to show me as well.” He moves the paper in front pointing to the corner. 22. “What does this mean.”

“Squared.” He doesn’t say anything. Is it hot in here? “I-It means to multiply it by itself. S… so, two squared is two times two.”

“And where did you learn this.”

“I um… was taught…” Yeah, we go to school from the age of eight to seventeen and learn all about this and also history and other things, five days a week and there was like a thousand kids at once, you’d like an operation that big, wouldn’t you? Yep, totally going to tell them that. “Before I was brought here… I don’t… really remember much. I think I… hurt my head…”

They wait, but I can’t think of anything else to say, so it’s just awkward.

“What else can you remember.”

Oh boy. What do I remember? “Um… the sides of a triangle? Some other stuff with shapes…”

“You called it Algebra, what you showed me.” Oh yeah, I forgot Stalker had me do it.

“Yeah that too.” So, they got me explain it, every formula I remember gets scribbled down in charcoal. I have to explain twice that I don’t remember all the numbers for pi, and only math crazy people would, but I think they accept it. Speed and velocity is another hard one, I can’t remember what’s divided by what. It doesn’t make Stalker and Scarface happy. Trying to do algebra with more then one letter is hard too, and I’m not sure I’m doing it right. I’m trying damn it.

“And this one.” Scarface is pointing at e=mc2, shit I’m really wishing I didn’t write that down.

“Okay uh. I know e is for energy and m is for mass, but I don’t really remember what the c is for.”

Stalker stares at it like he’ll figure out the answer. “You knew what the others were for, at least.”

And I know who figured it out, but I ain’t telling you about Einstein if I can help it. “Yeah… its used to calculate how much energy a thing has… or something. Like a chair or… I donno. Anything, really.”

“A chair doesn’t have … energy.”

“Well yeah, that’s what the c is about, but I really can’t remember what it is. Maybe it has to do with how fast it’s moving? But then it would be that other formula.”

“Is there more?”

“Oh yeah, a lot more, but I didn’t get that far. And I know there’s stuff that I’m forgetting now too.” Cuz there’s no way in hell I just explained years of math classes and struggle to them in, what, an hour?

“Alright Vasco, go back down. Tell Zevran and Talisen you won them the afternoon off.” I did? Sweet. Don’t need to tell me twice.

—

Now that the holidays are over, everyone’s on guard again, it’s hard as shit to steal anything, it’s like the merchants stepped up their game, Zevran and I have to split up more often than not, just to keep them from realizing we’re a tag team. Zev’s better then me, but we still go back hungrier then we like and there’s no helping it. It all blurs together when you spend your days worrying if you’ll go to bed hungry and your nights if you’re going to get beaten the next day. Fucking A, it sounded just like home.

Maybe I haven’t really left at all.

I’m pissed. I’m hungry, and I couldn’t take anything without risking getting caught. I still have a few scars that were still healing and it would be kind of stupid of me to get them ripped open, you know, again. It would just be better if this day was over. Maybe my dreams will be better, but then, those have been just as weird as the first. I’m whining like a bitch, sue me.

I get a half second to realize Zevran is standing in front of me before I get a left hook to the face. “The fuck!?”

“They’re gone!” He shouts and the next thing I know the winds knocked from my lungs and we’re both struggling in the dirt. I have to stop myself from hitting him, which gives him plenty of opportunity to smack me a good one. I have to settle for grabbing his arms to try and make him stop. “My mother's gloves! You’re the only one who knew!”

I got him off my chest and pin him to the round, little fucker knees me in the stomach, he was aiming for lower, but I’m taller than him. He’s still spitting like an angry cat, and some of the shit he’s saying, it’s all in Antivan, I don’t get, except for one thing, “I thought I could trust you!”

I’m sorry if I’m a dumbass when things are hitting the fan. Stopping to think isn’t very high on my priority list, but I got the hint now and was half ready to beat my own face into the wall. “I didn’t!”

The kids in the yard had started gathering around. Shit, I hate spectators, one of them is going to rat us out, I know it. I throw Zevran off me and he rolls in the dirt, shit I think I really hurt him that time.

“I didn’t,” I say for what must’ve been the hundredth time. Crazy shit here, elf ears move. If you’re watching you see them twitch. We struggle to our feet, dirt in my eyes and Zevran looks like he’s about to throw himself at me again, but his ears twitch and he realizes how many kids are watching. God, the look of murder on the kids face. He snaps something at me, but I don’t catch it at all and storms off.

The kids around us mutter disappointed under their breath that there wasn’t any blood. Fuck them, I grumble and slide my back against the wall. Shit, I knew this was going to happen I knew it. It doesn’t matter that he told me, someone noticed him coming and going in the night and followed him, that was all there was to it. But how do I convince a kid of something that’s obvious to me?

I don’t follow him, I’m just as pissed off as he his. Damn it if I ever find who took them- but fuck. Who am I kidding? I’ve been here almost a year, give or take, I know how this shit works by now. No one smart is going to give it up and even if they were they’d have a gang of followers behind them. Zev’s gloves are long gone, but it’s not my fault damn it!

I take a walk, it’s about the only thing I can do, and avoid any of the places me and Zevran like to hang out. Chances are he doesn’t want to see my sorry ass. The city is black by the time I wander back. No lights on the streets to chase away the dark on this side of town. I bet the rich fuckers do, you can hear the bards if your close enough to the stairs. It’s not that dark though, the stars make it almost easy to see by, not to mention the moons.

Zevran isn’t there when I get back. I try to wait up for him, I wanna apologize, tell him again that it wasn’t me and to probably kick myself for saying I told you so and pissing him off again, but he never shows.

 —

Please, everyone, thank NaNoWriMo for the final completion of this chapter. I promise nothing on chapter 6 only that it WILL eventually get done~ At some point. One day. I honestly don’t go a day without thinking about this story, but hopefully things will go a bit more smoothly now. There was a huge plot change, that I had to force myself into accepting and then plotting, and stop myself from second guessing. It’s done. Its finished. Just gotta write it all. :)

Thank you all who are willing to wait so long for each installment I appreciate every one of you.

[sadspottedpanda]

Swipe Right For Awkwardness (FFXV FANFIC) - Ch 4

"Hey, look! There's a party on the beach later tonight. Want to go?" Prompto chirps whils staring at a poster in the resort lobby. "I'm not so sure about that..." Noctis hesitates, seeing visions of them drunk and sprawled out on the beach while straters take pictures of them. "Last time we got drunk, we almost got arrested for disturbing the peace and dad wasn't very happy about it." "This is Galdin Quay, Noct, not Insomnia! I bet it happens all the time!" "Are you seriously thinking about getting hammered?" Noctis sighs. Sometimes he thinks Prompto has a dinking problem, but it's just his friend desperately trying to prove he can handle absurd amounts of alcohol. Of course, that always went south real fast because it only takes a few shots of cheap tequila to lose him. "Just know that I'm not dragging your ass out of there if you end up on the ground in a pool of your own vomit." "We have the girls with us, so I prooooomise I'll behave. Besides, I need to be alert if some dudes try to hit on them!" Prompto flexes his muscles. "So you're their dad now?" Noctis laughs. "Fine. Try not to die, alright? That would be smaheful for both of us and we have class in two days. Would suck if I had to endure Mr. Izunia's lecture alone." Five minutes later, Prompto gets off his phone with a huge grin on his face. "They're in! Told me to fetch them at the beach at 10." "Great." Noctis says with a hint of sarcasm. Later that night, the boys show up at the beach with Luna and Cindy on their arms. Cindy and Prompto hit up the dance floor right away, trying to outdo one another until it just looks absolutely ridiculous. Noctis and Luna take their places at the bar, watching with exasperated expressions on their faces. Noctis begins to stand, "Should we -" Luna grabs his hand and shakes her head. "No. If anyone asks, we don't know them." They enjoy their drinks in silence, watching Prompto falling on his ass after attempting a backflip and Cindy laughing at him howl in pain. "And that's even before they've drunk anything..." Noctis says before walking over to pull Prompto up. As much as he enjoyed watching his best friend make a fool of himself, there was a point where too much was too much. "Ok, that's enough Prom." Prompto rubs his ass and groans as Noct guides him to a chair. "Aw c'mon Noct! Cindy's gonna win!" "She already won the moment you jumped." True to that statement, Cindy was tearing up the dance floor, earning cheers from the crowd that's formed around her. Luna notices a few guys oogling her and she rolls her eyes. Moments later, she joins Cindy in a sultry dance off that ends with a kiss. Needless to say, there were many boners in the audience that night after that performance. "Oh my gods, Luna. Didya see the look on that guys face?" Cindy squealed. "Did you see the front of his shorts?" Luna replied, laughing. "You're such a tease, hun! A vicious one at that, too!" "I get jealous when the guys keep staring at you like that. I had to take action!" By the time the girls found their way back to the bar, Prompto has decided that drinking tequila should numb the pain of his failed backflip. He's only had 5 shots, but he was already red in the face and drunkenly flirting with Noctis. Noctis himself is red in the face, desperately trying to hide the increasing hardness in his crotch as Prompto reaches out and traces hearts on Noctis' bare chest. "Well, well, well...Whatcha guys doing, huh?" Cindy asks teasingly. "Ask Prom!" Noctis shoots a look that screams 'help me' at the girls. "Oooh Noct...your skin is so smooth...I want to just run my fingers over you all day and -" Noctis clamps his hand over Prompto's mouth, saving himself from the oncoming slew of Prompto being adorable and flirty. Normally, he doesn't mind Prompto's drunk talking, but they were on a beach with close to a hundred people and his best friend's drunken speeches had the tendency to make him feel all hard, hot, and bothered. "Have you ever thought that when Prompto talks while drunk, he might just be exposing his inner thoughts?" Luna quips, trying not to laugh at the awkward scene in front of her. "Like what, Luna? Him massaging my thighs, kissing my neck, and all the shit you know makes me...you know!" Noctis hisses, absolutely embarrassed. Luna sighs and grins. "Let's get him back to your room. He's absolutely out of it already and I think you could use a break." She shoots a glance at the bulge forming in Noctis' shorts. "Thanks..." Noctis says sheepishly. He helps Prompto up and guides him from behind while Cindy and Luna take the sides. It's an awkward position to be in, but he has to hide his boner and what better way that putting his drunk, best friend in front of it? They finally reach the room after a little complication in the elevator where Prompto stumbles and grabs onto Noctis' crotch. The girls tuck Prompto into bed and say goodnight. Afterwards, Noctis takes a shower with the tap turned all the way to the cold setting. He curses Prompto under his breath for making him horny in public. The cold water doesn't do anything though, and Noctis ends up walking out of the bathroom with a stiffy that won't go away. He considered jerking off in the shower, but he was a noisy little fucker when he touched himself and he'd rather not have Prompto suddely wake up to the sounds of his moaning. Frustated at not being able to relieve himself, Noctis grabs his phone and shoots his latest hookup a quick message. "Sup? Just thought of meeting u again soon. Hmu if u still interested." He hits the send button and sighs. Just then Prompto's phone lights up with a ding, dimly illuminating his cute, freckled face for a few seconds. Noctis raises an eyebrow when he hears it. It's the same sound that plays when someone sends him a message on his dating app. He thinks nothing of it and settles in beside Prompto. There were two beds in their room, but Noctis prefers cuddling up with Prompto if it was an option. He decides to send another quick message to his hookup before sleeping. "At Galdin Quay until Sunday btw. Can meet u when I get bk." The message gets sent and Prompto's phone dings again. This time, Noctis gets curious. He leans over an unconscious, snoring Prompto and he stares at disbelief at what he sees on Prompto's phone. There were two notifications for the dating app he was using containing the exact messages he just sent. "The fuck? How did - " Noctis looks down at his best friend, a lump forming in his throat. He grabs Prompto's phone and unlocks it with the password Prompto always uses - chocobo. He swipes at the screen until he comes accross the dating app, discreetly hidden in a folder of games. Shaking, Noctis accesses the app and almost drops the phone on Prompto. On the top of the list of messages was the most recent one from him. The realization that he had sex with his best friend...the thought of him and Prompto in that dark room furiously banging each other...it just wouldn't sink in. Noctis puts Prompto's phone down and lies against the headboard. He was the date Prompto was talking about that night. The confusion began to set in. Noctis genuinely liked Prompto and wanted to be with him someday once he had the courage to confess, but he ended up fucking him like any of the dudes he's previously screwed around with without even knowing it. How was he supposed to feel now? Noctis leaves Prompto's bed and goes to his own. He can't be near Prompto right now after what he's found out. His emotions were conflicting with each other too much. He always saw Prompto as an adorable, lovable klutz he's been harboring feelings for, not some sex-craved slut who rode cock like it was second nature. The next morning, Prompto woke up to see Noctis on the other bed, staring up at the ceiling. He looks like he's had a rough night. For someone who was passed out cold just a few hours ago, Prompto only has a mild hangover. "Noct?" Noct flinches at the sound of Prompto's voice. His best friend was sitting on the edge of his bed, looking absolutely worried. "You look terrible, Noct. Did you even sleep?" Noctis averts his eyes from Prompto's gaze. Feeling something's off, Prompto slides in beside Noctis and wraps his arm around his torso. He can feel Noctis tense up as soon as their skin makes contact. Thinking that Noctis may have had a terrible nightmare or just couldn't sleep because of last night's party, he nuzzles his chin against his best friend's neck, hoping it would relax him like it always does. "If you don't feel well today, we can just lie here as long as you want. I know how much my cuddles help." He whispers teasingly. Noct is uncomfortable. He doesn't want to lie there with Prompto, but he doesn't want to push him away either. Eventually, he decides to just stay with Prompto in bed. It's not like Prompto knew any better than he did and he can't blame his best friend for making him feel conflicted. They should be fine as long as he manages to keep it to himself. Choosing to see Prompto as his friend rather than a slut, he relaxes a bit...that is, until his dick seems to think otherwise. Lewd thoughts begin to dance around in Noctis' head as his cock hardens. He can roll Prompto on his back right there and then and have his way with him. The electric feeling of making a move on his best friend...feeling the awesome sensations he had that night in Insomnia...it was driving Noctis crazy. He breaks free from Prompto's embrace, sweating and his face flush from all the things he wants to do to him. "Prom...I'm going out for a walk...I...I just need to clear my head..." "Oh...ok." Noctis quickly gets dressed and leaves, leaving Prompto wondering about his strange behavior. He heads straight for the resort's front desk and books another room far from the one he shared with Prompto. Before long, he's in the new room, clothes on the floor, head and shoulders on the bed, back up against the wall, and his legs above him. He's panting and moaning shamelessly, three fingers up his ass and his other hand wrapped around his cock, jerking furiously. Noctis is imagining Prompto fucking him, filling him up and making him feel good. He opens his mouth as he cums, burst after burst coating his tongue, lips, and face. "P...Prompto! Haaaaaahhhh!" This was the moment Noctis realized that though he wanted to have a serious relationship with Prompto, he can't give up the great sex he's had with him under the cover of anonymity and darkness. Just as he's finished getting the sexual tension out of his body, his phone receives a notification from the dating app. "U in Galdin too? Sorry, just woke up. I'm here for the weekend. Wanna meet 2night?" Noctis swallows and replies quickly. "Yeah. Midnight. Room 353. Same thing as last time. Lights out and no talking, k?" "Ur so mysterious. Makes me horny just thinking of how hot u might be outside the shadows. Can't wait to get wrecked again by ur thick cock. ;)" "Cool. Cya." Noctis was entering dangerous territory, but it was a risk that felt too good to give up easily.

[wtfzodiacsigns]

HOW TO TELL IF UR CRUSH IS RECIPROCATED BASED ON THEIR SUN SIGN

ARIES

If you’re wondering if your Aries crush likes you back then sorry they probably don’t. This lot are very open when it comes to admissions of love/lust/whatever. If they like u, u will simply know. They’ll have told u already 100 times or at least it will be ridiculously obvious. Aries are very straight forward and they hate dilly dallying. If you’re the one they want they will get the ball rolling immediately. Expect lots of texts and a keen interest in meeting up & organising dates whatever. Straight forward people! Will prob show off in front of you whipping out all sorts of weird party tricks & jokes, making sure your eyes are always on them. May get obviously jealous if they see you having a good time with someone else. If you’re still unsure, just ask. They’ll be upfront if it’s a go or no.

TAURUS

If your Taurus crush cooks something amazing and time consuming for you then u can betcha they love ya. These are people who like to indulge in the good things in life and when they like you they will 100% share with you. Taurus is good at setting a romantic mood so if they invite u over to theirs “to just chill” and there’s low lighting and cushions and drapey fabric everywhere and some ambient dance music playing and a bloody cheese platter and red wine, yep this one wants you. Aside from that though it can be hard to tell if they are into you. Taurus likes to take a long time to get to know someone. They’re trying to work out if you are worth the hassle. With time though all becomes very apparent. You will probably have to be the one who brings your feelings into the open first and they may need time to process that, but if they come back to you smiling (possibly tipsy) well, mission accomplished.

GEMINI

Gemini may be flirting with you and you may think omg they like me back, but be careful. Look at their next interaction. Oh they are flirting with that person too? Yep, that’s a Gemini for you. Naturally charming and flirtatious so flirting with you is not a good enough confirming sign. Gemini is a sign of nervous energy & when they are with their crush this nervousness can become quite apparent. They will talk and talk and talk but about nothing really & will probably say all sorts of strange things. Their nerves compel them to speak and they feel that conversation is a good way to snare u temporarily so they may bask in ur glory. If your Gemini suddenly becomes a nervous wreck or has a personality change (maybe becomes silent/shy) in your company they quite likely want you. 65 - 85% of the time though you will know a Gemini likes you because they invite u to everything & message u lots, but this depends on how many crushes they have on the go.  U could also ask one of their friends, cos everyone else will have the gossip. Gemmy in love can’t stop talking about u when ur not around.

CANCER

Hmm this isn’t an easy one to call. Cancers are moody and with them u may feel like yesterday u were their favourite person, but today they’re ignoring u but ur sure u  did nothing wrong! I’m sure u are in fact still their fave, it’s just Cancers are worry warts & maybe are scared that u don’t like them back so in a way shut u out for a while. When it feels like they like you though u two are probably eating something really great together, snuggling up watching something, feeling very much at ease in each others presence. Maybe they will read u their fave poem. There will be a lot of fun & quick back and forth chatting. A Cancer who likes you wants you to have a fun time with them so will keep the atmosphere light and silly. This is another of the signs where if you don’t know if they like you or not, you’re the only one wondering. They will have told everyone around them & will prob be writing a tweet about u right this second. Cancer is a warm & caring sign, if u get a lil papercut they will fuss over you like u lost a finger. If they introduce u to their parents then yep you have them.

LEO

Leo will let you know they like u. They might not simply text u, “ur the one for me x0x0x” but they will show u how they feel. Every time u hang out with Leo they will be trying to outdo the last d8. These are extravagant types & will do anything to ensure ur having the time of your life with them. If you let Leo be in charge and control these dates they are bound to like you even more, they love to be flattered too so dish out the compliments. Make them the centre of ur world. If they like u back you will receive compliments right back. Leo compliments are very genuine & feel very good to receive. They only compliment people they admire so it’s a good sign if they’re telling u how smart they think u are or how kind u are to those less well off or sexy u r or whatever. Leo will want to see u every day and probably for the majority of the day too. They can become very jealous of u spending time with anyone else & u will see this clearly, it’s unhealthy af but a good sign ur their crush.

VIRGO

Super picky Virgo will come to you when they deem u worthy of their time. Not an easy one to chase. These people want their partner to be perfect. If they are giving u the time of day, giving up their time, then u can feel safe and know they are most likely very keen. Once they decide ur the one they become fidgety & nervous in ur presence. Initially anyway. Virgo is a smarty pants intellectual sign so ur dates probably involve long discussions about idk pretty boring things. Tbh this a test. They’re checking that u can stimulate them. That ur on to it. It’s unlikely that they will open up much to u for quite some time. Let them know they can trust u & if they do end up talking feelings with u that’s a good sign they’re crushing on u too. Virgo will want to look after u and make sure ur healthy, eating good & happy, so will cook some super food salad, take u on a hike then listen to all your woes and hug u tenderly. They will dote on u but without displaying tooooo much affection. If u really want to know how they feel about u just ask them. They’re great communicators.

LIBRA

If Libra likes u they will want to spend a lot of time with u. They are happy to hang in group situations but will make efforts to get u alone. Libra is a very social creature so them wanting to just be with one person a a time & not in a gang is a great sign. Libra will find ways to touch u when they like u, they become very affectionate. Lots of hugs, hand holding, they will lean on ur shoulder. They can be like this with ppl who are just their friends tho so look out for them giving u special treatment. Maybe at the end of the night they gave u a prolonged hug while everyone else just got a quick squeeze. Libra might like u but can take a very long time to make their mind up so patience is key here. It’s possible that they will have even told u that they’re into you but they’re still not making the next move or maybe have distanced themselves from u. Show Libra that u rule & are worth it. They will appreciate the display of confidence. These guys can play hard to get, but stick with. A Libra who wants u will dress very well when they think they might see u.

SCORPIO

When Scorpio likes you the world revolves around u. Ur the one they will message first if they think up something fun to do. In a group they will ignore everyone else and just chat chat chat to u. They will wake up & think of u so send u a text. But they never straight out tell u how they feel. They prefer to work u out first. If they think u feel the same way, then they divulge. If they appear interested in u then they prob are. These Scorpios don’t fake interest. They only bother with those they truly want to be around. Sometimes u will look up and ur Scorpio crush will just be looking at u. They don’t even look away when u catch them. Just eye contact. Tbh they are prob thinking ‘wow i could just eat them up’ Sometimes you think your Scorpio crush fucking hates you, they can be quite rude and hostile to u & say cruel things u know they don’t say to other people. Forgive them tho, they don’t mean it and in fact like u a lot & just aren’t dealing with it very well yet.

SAGITTARIUS

When this lot like someone they try very hard to get their attention. If they see ur online they will quickly send u a message. The way a Sag crushes is pretty playground actually. Like they will show off to you & try and make u laugh by pulling faces & shit. Very playful. Sagittarius is an honest and open sign. They are likely to just tell you they like u. Especially if u seem sort of clueless about it.  In the same way though, if they don’t like u they will also let uknow. When around you a Sag will just smile and appear delighted if they’re crushing on u. If they’re up to something awesome & fun they are bound to invite u along. It’s pretty easy to tell with a Sagittarius, they don’t play games & are very straight foward. So if it seems good it most likely is.

CAPRICORN

If ur hanging out with one of their best buds & they are complaining that they haven’t text back but ur phone is vibrating non stop with messages from them, well they most def like u. When u get on a Capricorn’s radar, they will try and find out as much about u as possible. So when u hang out and they know u have 3 brothers and went to Steiner school but u never told them that don’t be shocked. Them admitting they know this info is a way of them telling u they are interested in u & ur life. They can treat u a bit hot and cold, & that stems from a fear of getting hurt. If u can prove urself trustworthy, Capricorn will tell u all of their secrets. And when u start feeling a bit like their private diary u can be 100% sure it’s a match.

AQUARIUS

U two will have to be good friends already. Aquarians view the friendship element of a romantic pairing to be the most important. So you’re friends and u already know they like u as such. How to work out if they potentially want to do pashing with u? Well, suddenly they will be more interested in the mundane aspects of ur life than ever. In the past a story of u forgetting to put the teabag into cup before u poured the kettle would have bored them to death. But now, they’ve never heard anything funnier. When Aqua is hot on u you become the funniest most interesting person in the world. Now you’re off to dinner at theirs expecting the whole gang to be around, but it’s just u and them. And there are candles on the table. Aqua can be romantic in a very cheesy way. How endearing! Best sign is that you have long long conversations that go well into the early hours & they just never get bored of what u have to say.

PISCES

Lol Pisces will prob be writing u a long love poem right now but most likely never give it to u. If u do receive a love poem, or maybe a brief but totally cute note then chances are u make them feel all mad butterflies and likely heart achy love sick. Pisces will incorporate u into their art when they like u. Maybe write songs about u (for u), send u long letters or draw silly pictures for u. Creativity is very important to them & so when they include u in this work it’s a given that they think u are important too. These cuties will give u so much time and affection when they like you. They will let u know that they are always here for u. They will let u in on all their deepest thoughts & feelings and describe in detail all their wildest dreams. With a Pisces u will prob see their affection for u in their eyes. Tho it may be clear they like u this sign wants a confirmation that it’s reciprocated before plunging in any deeper. So go ahead, let them know!

Source: jerkstrology