#the boy prince and his guardian dad

[hellbornsworld]

JUNGKOOK FANFIC RECOMMENDATIONS(4)๑‿︵‿୨

.⋆｡⋆ ༶ ⋆˙⊹ع˖⁺ ⋆ ୭ .⋆｡⋆༶⋆˙⊹༺⋆｡⋆༶⋆˙⊹.⋆｡⋆ ༶ ⋆˙⊹ع˖⁺ ع˖⁺

✿ When She Loved Me | CEO!JK X Reader | One-Shot | @jungkookstatts

✿ Sleepaway | Yandere!JK X Reader | Series | @flowesona

✿ Mine | Jungkook x Demon! Female Reader | One-shot | @playmetheclassics

✿ Your eyes tell | Yandere!JK X Reader | Twins AU | @angellgguk

✿ Noir | Daddy!JK x Little!Reader | @bonny-kookoo

✿ Love Is a Game: For Political Enemies | JK X Reader | @lleldey

✿ petals with luv | Emporer!Jungkook x PalaceWoman!Reader | Hanahaki AU | @hisunshiine

✿ a lover’s bond | jungkook x female reader | greek mythology! AU | @latetaektalk

✿ love in the dark | Ceo!JK X Reader | One-Shot | @spideyjimin

✿ Like I’m Famous | Idol!JK X Reader | One-Shot | long distance au | @softyoongiionly

✿ I’ll Be Home for Christmas | Pilot Jungkook x female OC | One-Shot | @bluewhale52

✿ Falling | jungkook x female reader | Soulmate AU | @starshapedkookie

✿ Pick Your Fighter | gamer!jk X gamer!reader | @jikookiekosmos

✿ angels like you | Jungkook X Reader | S2L | One-Shot | @aquagustd

✿ Killing me softly with his touch | JK X Reader | One-Shot | @borathae

✿ Bad Man | Badboy!JK X Reader | @bonny-kookoo

✿ The Monster in the Dark | yandere!sleep paralysisdemon!jjk X fem!Reader | One-Shot | @themochiverse

✿ S O U L M A T E S | Crackhead!Jk X Reader | Series | @smaubts

✿ bad romance | badboy!jungkook x goodgirl!reader | One-Shot | @noteguk

✿ No Guardian Angel | The Crow!Jungkook X Reader | @jiminstonic

✿ Love Letters | Prince!Jungkook × Maid!Reader | @bonny-kookoo

✿ LESSON I | YandereTeacher!jungkook x bully student fem!reader | Three-Shot | @redsaurrce

✿ RED | demon!jk x fem!reader | Series | @armpirate

✿ Follow the White Rabbit | idol! jungkook x idol! reader | @youthguk

✿ Ｎｕｍｂ ｔｏ Ｔｈｅ Ｆｅｅｌｉｎｇ | Dark! Shitty! Yandere! Jeon Jungkook x Fem!Reader | One-Shot | @pynkgothicka

✿ Delivery Date | pizzadeliveryboy!jungkook x reader | One-Shot | @dntaewithluv

✿ Who is in control? | jk x reader | Drabble AU | @ctrlsht

✿ sweetest apparition | nerd!jungkook x popular!female reader | @jeonfiles

✿ m y s t r a n g e a d d i c t i o n | professor!jk X student!Reader | One-Shot | @joonberriess

✿ to err is to love | dilf!jk /ex husband!jk / ceo!jk x afab reader | Series | @jungkookschin

✿ polarity | BestFriendBF!JK X Reader | Series | @darkestcorners

✿ KILL TO KISS YOU | Yandere!Jungkook x Prostitute!Reader | One-Shot | @chummywchimmy

✿ Ode To The Nature Of Romance | Jungkook x Reader | @yeoldontknow

✿ Cabin in The Woods | Werewolf!Jungkook x Human!Reader | One-Shot | @girl8890

✿ Nothing was gonna stop me | Jeon Jungkook x Reader | One-Shot | @wildestdreamsblog

✿ Teacher’s Pet | professor/dilf!jungkook x student!reader | Series | @axigailxo

✿ prima nocta | king!jungkook, virgin!reader | royalty au | One-Shot | @yoon2k

✿ End of Time | Jungkook x Reader | Series | @deepdarkdelights

✿ 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 | Yandere!JK X Reader | @euphoricfilter

✿ Paint | painter!jungkookxassistant!reader | @hongjoongscafe

✿ 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 & 𝑷𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒔 | environmentalist! jungkook x college student! reader | @miraclesatnightfall

✿ The Broken Vow | Husband!JK X Reader | One-Shot | @lleldey

✿ Euphoria | bad boy jungkook x librarian yn | @btsydtrash

✿ White Pearl | CEO Sugar daddy Jungkook x stripper sugar baby reader | @lovelyspring7

✿ just a little bit of your heart | JK X Reader | @chemicalpink

✿ imminent danger | jungkook x reader | @whatifyoulivelikethat

✿ Knockout | boxer!dad!jungkook x pregnant!reader | Drabble | @jvngkook97

✿ Please Love Me! | Frat President Jungkook x Succubus Reader | @icedmatchatae

✿ The Boyfriend Experience | Escort!Jungkook x Fem!Reader | @shina913

.⋆｡⋆ ༶ ⋆˙⊹ع˖⁺ ☁⋆ ୭ .⋆｡⋆༶⋆˙⊹༺⋆｡⋆༶⋆˙⊹.⋆｡⋆ ༶ ⋆˙⊹ع˖⁺

OTHER POSTS:

JUNGKOOK FANFIC RECOMMENDATION(1)

JUNGKOOK FANFIC RECOMMENDATION(2)

JUNGKOOK FANFIC RECOMMENDATIONS(3)

ALL BTS MEMBERS WATTPAD RECOMMENDATIONS(1)

BTS X READER WATTPAD RECOMMENDATIONS(2)

[dalivanmagritte]

NCT FIC REC : LEE JENO

back to the nct fic rec

Jeno fic rec part.2

favs

lionheart (fav, smut, fluff, royal!au, knight!au, monarch!au)

premium boy-toy (fav, smut, stripper!au)

step on a crack, dr.lee's gonna break your back (fav, smut)

wanna know what it's like (fav, smut)

yours to tame (fav, fluff, smut, knight!au, princess!au, royal!au)

koi no yokan (fav, smut, abo!au)

slick pup (fav, pervert!au, smut)

prince of wolves (fav, smut, werewolf!au, vampire!au)

i suddenly realize my archnemesis is hot (fav,fluff, angstish, demigod!au, mythology!au)

pride & prejudice (fav, fluff, angst, smut)

no smut

rainfall (fluff)

the deal (fluff, college!au)

cigarettes after sex (fluff, angstish, suggestive, college!au)

do you even know how to have fun? (angst to fluff, badboy!au)

classics (smut)

secret (smut, fluff, sub!jeno (kink discovery))

sweet lies (smut, angstish, ghost!jeno!au)

heatstroke (mechanic!au, smut)

tattooist!jeno (fluff, angst, tattooist!au, florist!au)

himbo (smut, himbo!jeno)

cute little intern (smut, ceo!au, intern!au)

mine only (smut)

possessive dad! (smut, pregnancy!au, soon to be parents!au)

ridin' club switching lanes (smut, streeracer!au)

sweet fury (smut)

hit the breaks! (serie, smut, streetracer!au, mechanics!au)

rich purity (serie, smut, virgin!au)

possessive jeno (smut, roommate)

a different kind of exercise (smut, personal trainer!au)

the rock of gibraltar (smut)

jeno uses his strength against you (smut)

the bat & dove (smut, fluff, mafia!au, racer!jeno)

banana (smut)

guardian gloves (smut, angstish, boxer!au)

teddy bear (smut)

strong jeno (smut)

codename : monster (smut)

his order (smut, ceo!au)

sli(ck-p)up (smut, perv!jeno)

fireproof (smut, brotherbf!au, college!au)

size kink (smut)

only 'til dawn (smut, badboy!jeno, goodgirl!reader)

day6: overstimulation (smut)

day19: pet play (smut)

little wifey (smut, husband!au)

hard dom! (smut)

wrapped around your fingers (smut)

my first and last (smut, college!au)

summer hair = forever young (smut, fluff)

perv!jeno (smut, roommates!au, perv!au)

monster in hiding (smut, stalking!au)

can't take it? (smut)

alternate universe (magics, gods, royalty, etc...)

my sunset is yours (fluff, hogwarts!au)

helping hand (fluff, hogwarts!au)

transfiguration spell (smut, fluff, angstish, hogwarts!au)

sinking ships (smut, sailor!au, mermaid!au, horror!au)

change in you (smut, vampire!au, georgian-era!au)

puppy (smut, supernatural!au, werewolf!au)

sunshine (fluff, angst, mermen!jeno)

the lucky one (fluff, angst, demigod!au, mythology!au)

son of morpheus (fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

son of apollo (fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

son of shadows (part of elysios serie, fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

the tale older than time (fluff, demigod!au, mythology!au)

late night company (fluff, comfort angst, demigod!au)

scream (smut (dirtyyy smut), halloween!au, ghostface!jeno)

why dying my hair was the best decision of my life (fluff, soulmates)

take my breath (smut, abo!au)

puppy pound (smut, abo!au)

jealous (smut, abo!au)

sos x jaemin (smut, abo!au)

destiny (smut, abo!au)

stepbro alpha jeno (smut, abo!au, stepbro!au)

pretzel (smut, abo!au)

phone fuck me (smut, ghostface!au)

incubus!jeno (smut, incubus!au)

ascention to the throne (serie, smut, royal!au, prince!au, political!au)

with another member

just so you know x jaemin (smut)

i'm a mouse duh! x jaemin (smut)

they're roommates x jaemin (smut)

the sequel x jaemin (smut, ghostface!au, halloween!au)

cookie jar x jaemin (smut, stepbrother!au)

can you handle it? x johnny, jaehyun, jaemin (smut)

morally gray (and tw)

baby trapping (smut, sugardaddy!au)

shameless (smut, stepson!au)

undone (noncon, smut)

teddy bear -> our sick story, thus far x haechan (dubcon, smut)

stepbro!jeno part.2 (DUBCON, smut, stepbrother!au)

behind closed doors x haechan (smut, slight dubcon, stepbro!au)

the walls are thin x jaemin (DUBCON, smut)

shoplifter x mark (dubcon, smut, bodyguard!au, stepfather!au)

switch -> chain x johnny (dubcon, smut, neighbour?au)

arcade (continuation of switch/chain, smut)

[dotster001]

After reading the accidentally called NRC staff member “dad”, imagine the unholy shock when Neige is asking to date mc/yuu

A/N:Gotcha! As with many requests, I went from 0 ideas to three million over night 😂 can never win. It's also very important to me that you know that I had to pause editing this to pet my cat 😍

This is literally the best possible outcome, in his mind. The only person who'd be worthy of you at NRC is Vil, but you can't date him, that's incest! (A poor lovesick Vil has tried to remind him time and again that you are not related, and Divus is neither of your dad. He got sent to his room for that) So Neige LeBlanch, a model, an actor, an RSA student, a man of culture….you could not have chosen better, puppy!

That said…he'll be keeping a close eye on Neige. If there's anything that needs retrained, Crewel will not hesitate to put that pup in his place! But he doubts that will be an issue…😒

Are you serious? This scrawny little prince boy is supposed to protect your fragile magic-less form? No fucking way!!!

Vargas training camp is back in session! He has to make sure that Neige is worthy! It'll only be you, him, and Neige, out in the middle of the forest. Either Niege will prove himself to be strong enough to protect you from overblots and evil mages, or you will see what a wimpy loser he is! Ah, he's really too clever, isn't he? 😁

No matter how many times you tell him you can take care of yourself, and that Neige is actually top of his class at RSA, and is well versed in combat skills from his time as an actor, Vargas is never gonna hear it. All he hears is "blah blah bleh blah". Truly, you picked the highest maintenance man to be your dad.

Neige is loaded! YOU'RE RICH!!!!

He's eagerly ceasing negotiations with the mysterious guardian of Malleus Draconia, and going on and on about how wonderful this is, and how he raised a perfect little chick! Meanwhile you and Neige are awkwardly sitting in the chairs on the other side of his desk wondering if you should still be listening to this…

He's another one you'll have to remind that he didn't raise you. You just kind of got swept up under his wing! Almost literally! Neige doesn't have to buy him gifts. Niege doesn't have to ask his permission to remove you from the nest, which, by the way, you were forced to live in! You don't have to tell him what you and Neige are going to do today!

Then again…every time you remind him of those things he starts sobbing. And Neige is too sweet, and completely falls for the crocodile tears…so really it's up to you how you handle this.

He is totally fine with you dating. 😊

As far as you will ever know, that is.

He is a man with means, who can afford a quick background check on Neige LeBlanch. It's not a personal thing, it's just he has spent so much time teaching the men at NRC, that he forgets there are non problematic men in existence. 

But once the background check comes back squeaky clean, he's 100% supportive! 

You: Do you want to stay for dinner?

Trein: Do you want to stay forever?

As I said in the post this was requested from, Sam is probably the chillest of the "dads". He is so chill about you dating Neige! So so chill!

He's chill about it…but his friends have seen a lot of bad people in their time.

Neige doesn't want to freak you out, but he definitely feels like something has been following him recently…his bodyguards don't see anything though, so it must be in his head. Ah well, no use worrying you over nothing.

....

Tag list- @shytastemakerthing @eccedentesiast-sapphic @leoll

[pluckyredhead]

Ngl do you think the relationship between Arthur and Garth has anything to do with how often at the time adopted children were and are considered not as “real” as biological children? Especially because the whole nuclear family BS. Not saying that’s all of it but I think it plays a role

Oh, 100%. I mean, look at this:

Arthur is willing to kill Garth to save Aquababy, because Aquababy is his son...with the implicit corollary that Garth isn't. The kid he has raised since, like, age 8, who has been by his side and living in his house all these years, is just...a sidekick.

(I think it's worth noting that Batman, who is not a good father, was once in a similar situation - Ra's al Ghul wanted him to pick whether Tim or Damian should die - and Bruce immediately chose himself. Arthur didn't even consider sacrificing himself for the boys. When you're a worse father than Batman, you know you've fucked up.)

I will say that in the early decades, comics only rarely explicitly referred to heroes and sidekicks as fathers and sons - you don't see it very often with Dick or Roy either. That's why all the sidekicks were wards and none of them were legally adopted. (Dick wasn't adopted until he was over 18; Roy never has been.) This was mostly to keep the heroes seeming young and fun instead of stodgy old dads.

But since the 70s on, Dick and Roy have been very frequently, explicitly stated to be Bruce and Ollie's sons, and the same is true for subsequent sidekicks: Jason was going to be adopted right away, Tim was going to be adopted whether he wanted it or not, Mia is clearly Ollie's daughter.

By contrast, I can only think of two times the Arthur/Garth dynamic has been described as paternal. The first is from Garth's debut:

HE IS SO TINY. Also I can't stop laughing at how Arthur's like "Fuck that noise." TERRIBLE.

I can't remember exactly when the other instance was, but I want to say it was Arthur calling Garth his son in like...the early 2000s? Maybe the Jurgens run? It would've had to have been before the 2003 run, because Garth was not putting up with Arthur's bullshit from 2003 on, and then the New 52 happened.

But yeah, they don't use those words for each other...basically ever. (Lorena and Jackson are also not Arthur's children. To be fair, Jackson has two very alive parents so Arthur being like "YOU ARE MY SON" would be weird and inappropriate.)

I think another factor, though, is that Arthur isn't just Garth's former mentor and guardian - he's his king. A lot of the time, Arthur has very cold, formal relationships with almost everyone in his life who isn't Mera (and sometimes even her) or a literal baby. There's a certain loyalty Garth owes Arthur - or at least both characters seem to feel Garth owes Arthur, whether or not you or I might agree with that - that has nothing at all to do with family.

We also don't really know the Atlantean norms around this sort of thing. Like, we can extrapolate things about Ollie and Roy's relationship that aren't written on the page, but do Atlanteans even have differentiations between ward, foster, and adoptee? Do they differentiate between adoptee and biological child?

And combining both of those ideas, Garth being considered Arthur's son might have political ramifications. Does that put him in the line of succession? The comics have been wildly inconsistent on this (Titans called him a prince this month and I yelled "EXPLAIN YOURSELF, TOM TAYLOR" at the page), but one could headcanon that Arthur has very deliberately avoided formally recognizing Garth as his son for political reasons. (Unless he has and that's why Garth is apparently a prince now, like he was in the Jurgens run but no other time in history. EXPLAIN BOTH OF YOURSELVES, TOM TAYLOR AND DAN JURGENS.)

Anyway yeah, I mostly think you're right that it's just anti-adoption prejudice, but there are some other factors that make this situation unique among the many, many mentor/sidekick relationships in comics.

[orangelemonsstuff]

Lets Play Again

Child!Malleus & Child!Reader

Tags: Fluff, Child Malleus & Reader, No bad tags tbh just two children having fun in a playground

Summary: You were playing alone in a playground after a day at your elementary school, waiting for your guardian to arrive a mysterious boy came over to you

•••

another regular day at your elementary school had ended and your parent or guardian has been running late to get you, feeling bored, you took your toy bucket out of your backpack and ran straight ahead on the playground near your school

You crouch on the sandbox with your figurine toys and shovel in your sand bucket, pouring them over and letting them sink into the brownish color of the sand. you scoop up the brittled and clumped sand to put into the castle bucket of yours and turn it down to shape it as a castle for your little toys

too distracted playing alone, you didn't notice a small boy about staring at you from just a distance being giddy with your toys. feeling brave, he came closer. a rustling of expensive shoes on the jagged ground of the playground caught your attention to turn your head on the direction of it.

a boy older than your age, small but tad bit taller than you watched the building process with curious eyes, you ignore his presence at first, not minding his observing gaze you continue to dig a pit in the sand, you don't mind any bystanders but you don't like the fact that he is just there to watch.

he looks like he's lonely

is he waiting for someone to take him home too?

it's pretty boring playing on your own and he is just boringly observing you so you picked up one of your small dragon figurines and hand it to him without saying anything.

which he gladly accepts, eyes brightly sparkling as if he just received a Christmas gift.

"play with me" you say as his green irises shift and the rest of his eyes widened, was that too forceful? your playmates probably all got home by now so if he rejects your request this would be a embarrassing story to tell your guardian later

"o-okay" was he just shy? his voice is really quite you almost didn't heard his response

he steps into the sandbox with you, dirtying his polished shiny shoes. you finally got a closer look at him, he looks like one of those kids you've seen in the cartoon movies. clean, pristine, and proper. something on a movie you would only see.

Your gaze must've made uncomfortable because of how he was fidgeting with your dragon toy "sorry" you say as you focus on trying to finish up your castle again, he just observed silently and the only noise anyone would hear is the tapping of your plastic shovel on the bucket.

"this guy would be the prince" you say picking up a cake design figure you got from one of your friend's birthday party

"would this be the evil dragon then?" he holds out the dragon toy you gave him earlier.

"yep"

"Then, would there be someone for the prince to save?"

"uh...nope!! but if he kills the dragon he gets..." you rummage through the buried toys you plunged down the sand below

"..this dice!" you hold out your reward and give it to him. like earlier he accepts it with no objection and now holds both the dragon and the price

you two had fun playing with your symmetrically weird figure toys, and chose and ending where the dragon is actually the prince's dad and the dice was the real enemy who took over your sand castle, soon enough two of you got bored and scooped up the toys back to your bucket. feeling satisfied with the ending of the story you two made up. you grabbed his hand and ran to the seesaw

"i sit on this side, you on the other, got it?" you point your finger at the other side of the seesaw, he follows your instruction and sat then by there, your side was lifted a bit so you had to raise your small arms to reach it. he took your notice and held back his sitting position, squatting so you would be able to reach it to sit down.

the wind hits him every time he goes up when you go down, and down as you jump up. he can't help but smile, it is quite fun but the more he squats down and jumps up he eventually felt his legs soar and wobble

he was breathing kind of hard for you to easily notice it and comes down off your seat making him come down all of the sudden and jump off the tire supporting him off the ground

"are you alright?"

"yes just...a bit tired is all, but I'll be fine don't worry."

was it that overwhelming to get him huffing and sweating like that? you didn't mean to make him worn out already, you just want to have fun together. feeling kind of guilty you again once hold his hand, gentler this time and pull him towards the swing

"sit, I'll push you" you smile at him, leading him to the swing and setting him down

"you... don't want to go first?"

"nope! you first, and there's another swing i can occupy"

"but who'll push you?"

"myself! duh, you dummy" you giggle at him and started to push back his seat for momentum, since he does look a tad bit older than you he is pretty hard to push because of his weight but with your little strength, you managed.

"how?" his seat swung back at your hands and you push him harder so he could go further into the air

"it's easy! you just swing okay?" you shout as you move away before getting hit by his side of swing and ran over to the other one. you climbed up the swing with both of your feet and started swinging it with your body, just like that you started swinging as well, you carefully grip the swing handles between you and looked over to your new friend. his face was bright, a grinning smile was on his pale lips and his green eyes looked more alive than before as the wind hits his cool black hair revealing his pale cute face.

by more minutes come by the force of the swing died down and the two of you end up grinning to yourselves.

it was the first time he felt like that. his house was mostly dark and gloomy, he was pretty much isolated to this point. this was his first time being this dirty, having this so much fun and having somebody play with him naturally without getting scared or forced to do so

"hey, i know we should go to the slide next--"

"Malleus!!" you were interrupted suddenly a woman (?) wearing a business suit ran over to you two seemingly out of breath

"Hah...haah...oh Young Master you do know how to work up an old man..." oh it is a man, you couldn't tell with his girlish like appearance.

"Hm? what's this? have you found a friend?" his attention turned to you, still sat on the swing while he is still out of breath.

your "new friend" or Malleus as you should call him stood up and walked over to you, he grabs you by the hand, forcing you to stand up to get closer to the man that just ran to you guys

"Lilia, can i keep them?" he innocently asked, your hand still intertwined with his

"Wha-" Lilia looked distraught all of the sudden with a baffled face

"Sorry, young master but taking a random child in is illegal even if they are your friend"

"But why do you get to keep Silver? you also just randomly found him" It is a good thing you are the only one near him and is still a child, what Malleus had just said would probably just run over through your head, because if not, you would've reported him to the police and he has to explain again that he did not kidnap an infant to the authorities

"Malleus, it's different. there is someone you are waiting for here, right little one?" Lilia glanced over at you as you nodded

"see? let's say roles are reversed, your little friend get to ask their parent or guardian to keep you and agreed to do so, your grandmother and i would be very worried and miss you, you know? Silver would too!!" Lilia falsely whimpered to enchance Malleus's pity for your parent or guardian.

"So how about this, you get to play with them again tomorrow and we go to your grandmother for now? you two played a lot so their person is going to arrive soon too, so you don't need to worry Malleus." Lilia smiled at Malleus's worries glance at his new friend, you assured him by holding your hand but then an idea pops out on your head so you break out of Malleus's grasp to run over your toy bucket and rummages once again to find the dragon from earlier

Malleus on the other hand, thought you finally hated him and his mood began to spiral down but then you run over to him happily and hand him both the dice and the dragon once again

"You still get to be the dragon tomorrow okay?"

Malleus's mood lightened up, this means you are inviting him play again right? of course he'd accept it! he's grateful to have your invitation more than anything

he waves you goodbye as Lilia took his hand and walk off to the road until you couldn't see them anymore.

you two would have lots of fun tomorrow again.

•••

oh how could he have the heart to tell him?

Lilia, still holding Malleus's hand as his other hold the toys with, was dying in guilt, how can he tell Malleus that they are leaving tomorrow morning when had just found a friend. a real one

Malleus had finally experienced a moment where he can be a normal child, he didn't want to ruin it for him (plus Malleus would definitely throw a tantrum infront of the other child it would most likely drive them more away)

other than that, he... feels more bad about that kid, they are going to wait for Malleus after all, so they could play again

he hopes they wouldn't be too lonely though

because Malleus isn't coming.

a/n: HELLO HELLO WORLD :DD I AM BACK WITH A FIC THAT JUST GOT UHH RANDOMLY SHOVED INTO MY MOND AND INSTEAD OF SLEEPING, BAAM I WAS WRITING THIS!! >:D sorry if i added a lil angst in the end, it's just a similar experience i thought some ppl would relate. like how you would meet a random kid in a random playground and you two become friends at that random playground and you never get to see them ever again? ouchie but same. i hope someday everyone relating to that would meet that random kid again and still become friends.

[meepinmeat]

Magister Celestino in His Celestial Drip

Was meant to post this awhile back but life got me caught up and shi. Now here, I wanna ramble about Celestino's lore as an Archon before he became Magister Merlin. That time period before the events of the AFKJ where he was more well-known for what he actually is, a Celestial.

This is his Archon outfit, based off of Dionel's:

Titles/Monikers:

☆ Venus of Dusk (official, still in-use)

☆ Guardian of Esperia/Esperia's Protector (in-offical but recognised)

☆ God of Enlightenment (unofficial but recognised)

☆ The Gods' Most Favored (unofficial but recognised)

☆ Sweet Prince of Heaven (Official title present in the Temple Codex)

~~~~~~~~

Here's some nuggies for ya:

• With Merlin essentially being made out to be an omnipotent being with immense power that has done revolutionary things and many a good deed in Esperia, I figured- Might as well put more truth to him being a 'godly' figure and make him a literal Celestial.

• So even at base powers with what his father had passed down, he's already pretty OP before. Being able to conduct the divine light and smite foes with seering lightening. That blue sword you see in the game's intro? I hc that sword has been with him from the start, something Dura gifted to him once he was old enough to begin training in combat. The sword was also able to turn into a spear, making him something of a pro in bladework:

[Credits: Gamer's Lighthouse on YouTube 🔼 he has all cutscenes from the game including the intro so thank goodness for rewatch-ability]

• Venus of Dusk. A title soon decided for him after his creation to signify his heritage as the Venus of Dawn's offspring, and that he was birthed during a romantic time of the sun setting as evening arises with the darkness of the night just looming ahead. From then to now, Cel always has a strong affinity for the afterhours. One can say it is that time of day where he flourishes the most.

• He is that light in the dark who guides others as a beacon of hope amidst the shadows to the right path. Having a knack for knowledge and an innate sense of curiosity, he would be deemed a god of enlightenment. A Venus who not only relishes in the revelry of pleasure and desires, but also the ecstasy that comes with clarity from being knowledgeable [bro is the Messiah atp]

• He is the youngest of the Celestial pantheon. While everyone including his dad be millenias old, he's only like.. plenty of decades, centuries and possibly 1-2 millenias old. They have all right to call him 'child', 'boy', 'lad' and endearing nicknames that ensure he remembers he'll always be their baby. Even the Hypogeans but moreso on the negative part- 'brat', 'punk', 'twat' and other demeaning ways that address his youth to them.

• The other Celestials have become aunts and uncles to him ever since. Dura even took much interest in the boy, becoming his grandmother figure and helping to care and mentor the Celestial prodigy. (thus earning Cel the privy to call her 'Nana') Besides, what perfect timing of his conception. The Age of Arcana was at its rise, and the Gods of Esperia are soon to fall. Thus she had chosen Celestino as the upcoming Guardian of the entirety of Esperia, and that he is the one to bestow upon their powers once they fell.

• Once he reached his teen years, the dark side of the moon would arise once the stress amd pressure of his duties start to toll on him. Especially when the years were approaching for a great battle against the Hypogeans and other foes. He ended up twistedly coping by uh, enjoying his job of vanquishing the Hypos and other dark forces a little too much. Toying with them before giving them the sweet release of death. Didn't take long for Dionel and Scarlita to catch on, and that's prolly the one and only time his father was ever most infuriated with him for taking on the mindset of the very beings they swore to destroy. While callous, they are not to be sadistically cruel to prolong the suffering of their enemies and finish them off as swiftly.

• Ofc that lead Celestino to have his most major breakdown, venting to them about how he's cracking under the pressure of carrying his duties out the best he can and the insecurity building within of not knowing if he's been doing things right. Especially when everyone is becoming more locked in with the upcoming battle, they already know and figured that Cel does his best but he doesn't hear their approval. They've forgotten that he's still a fledgling and not yet as steeled and honed as they are.

• From there, Dionel and the others did what they can to support Cel as they exterminate and fight against the Hypos. Verbalising their validation and allowing to make time for Cel when he needs further advice and guidance. Reminding him not to go astray and to fight with valor and mercy. From his father additionally he also gets pats on the head and back. It helped to boost morale and in the end, they emerged victorious by the time Cel is a young adult. Ready to spread his (metaphorical) wings and fly.

• By the time he's a full-fledged Archon, he's become that stoic and aloof Celestial. A man of remarkable composure and elegance. While he's a quiet and mild-mannered one, he carries himself with a confident flare and a regalious yet amicable air to him. He can be quite bold when when gets real comfortable and isn't completely standoffish. The beginning to his prime as a grown Venus of Dusk.

• With him being of-age, Dionel would start encouraging/inviting or outright just bring Cel to his many parties and banquets. Maybe reluctant at first when he rather prefers being in the comforts of the library sipping tea. But once he got to mingling with a couple of people, he would soon become the life of party- during the afterhours. That's where he shone the brightest.

• If Dionel is the one to host and guest the parties, Cel is a guest and the entertainment. He found joy in singing and dancing (not just ballroom dances, I'm talkin' exotic ones too) able to captivate the audience and sway them to his voice and movements. Slowly becoming more charismatic and charming. Becoming like his old man in the rizz department and getting suave asf but also more bold with his flirting as well. You know he's a honest person cuz those hips don't lie.

• Sometime couple hundred more years, after yet another war that was victorious on their end but also the time where Dura and the other Gods had fallen. Cel had walked away from the victory feast his father was hosting to get some fresh air. Still needing time to process everything that's happened and what's to come of Esperia (and also cuz he misses nana Dura 😢) walking through the battlefield. Basking in the devastation left behind as the raindrops pour, not that it ever bothered him. Suddenly, he'd feel the powers/essences of the fallen gods embrace and flow through his being.

On that fateful night, he learned he could harness their powers that would come to be known as 'magic'.

[bitbybitwrites]

WIP ASK ME GAME

I was tagged by @wordsofhoneydew and @itsmaybitheway. Thank you so much for thinking of me! Sorry for the delay - it took me longer than usual to think of descriptions of all the WIP I've got in the works 😂

So here are some Klaine and RWRB fics I'm working on that anyone can feel free to ask me about if you'd like:)

A long WIP list can be found under the break!

Partially published WIP:

(Klaine) If I Can Make Your Heart My Home - (Klaine Reverse Bang 2023) Life in New York City and working in the restaurant industry wasn’t exactly what Kurt Hummel had expected it would be. He’s lonely, stressed out and miserable. He’s almost ready to throw in the towel and return home to Ohio when a chance meeting with a musician in Central Park changes everything. (Warning: an angsty rollercoaster of a ride. Soooo many cameos from Glee characters! 😉)

(Klaine) Falling For You -(Klaine Secret Santa 2023 - NOW COMPLETE AS OF 4/16/24) - Successful doctor, Blaine Anderson has his hands full heading up the pediatric wing of Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital in NY City. Life with that job and his precocious 6 year old daughter certainly keeps him on his toes - so much so that he thinks he can avoid dealing with the hole left in his life from the death of his husband. Little does he know that falling in love is on the horizon, quite literally, when he meets a florist by the name of Kurt Hummel. (Kid!fic with a bit of angst but a happy ending)

(RWRB) Puppy Love - (RWRB NYE gift exchange 2023) The cold snowy day that Henry Fox discovers an abandoned beagle puppy in an alley brings handsome, flirty veterinarian, Alex Claremont-Diaz into his life. Alex is a single dad, recently moved to NY with his young son who Henry hasn't met yet - or so Alex thought. (Fluffy kid!fic)

(Klaine) Sanctuary - (Klaine Word Scramble 2023) Crown Prince Blaine has stumbled into a secluded glade, trying to escape the horrors of the bloody war his father had brought upon their kingdom. Mourning his beloved older brother and faced with the burden of taking his place in the kingdom, Blaine yearns for a place to hid from the world to deal with the issues weighing on his heavy heart. He encounters a mysterious elf, the guardian of the magical spring that Blaine has mistakenly defiled, whose growing connection to his life the young prince can't ignore. (Inspired by an idea/ artwork by @datshitrandom and @justgleekout)

Not published yet WIP :

(these are in various states of readiness: some outlined, some partially written, some still in the brainstorming/research phase)

(RWRB) I approach, and I withdraw (tentative title) - Historical fic - Alejandro Diaz was still a boy when he followed his father into the thick of the fight for Mexico's independence. A series of unfortunate events, however, led him and his family to flee his home and to adopt new identities for their own safety. Years later, after he finds himself well ensconced in his new life as an attaché to the office of the new American ambassador to England, Alexander Claremont soon finds his past catching up to him. (Inspired by these historical paintings by @stormtrooperjeff17004 as well as artwork from @artofobsession seen here and here.)

(RWRB) Shaken, Not Stirred (Spy!AU) - CIA Officer Alex Claremont Diaz is not new to working on joint operations with other foreign agencies. He does it often and he does it well, which is why his superior, Zahra Bankston, never hesitates to assign them to him. What he wasn't expecting that morning was to be put on a new assignment with his least favorite MI6 operative, Henry Fox - and that they had to use being a newly married couple as their cover to get the job done. (Inspired by this drawing by @noodles-and-tea )

(Klaine) Cuffed (a D/s and soulmate story and prequel to my first ever fic, Trick or Treat) - - Musician Blaine Anderson has always been lonely sub, yearning for a place to belong and someone to belong to. Kurt Hummel is the an overworked and high in demand designer - a Dom with no time to sit and relax and focus on what his needs are. When an old friend hires Kurt to revamp his new club, Kurt's life becomes intertwined with Blaine's in a way neither of them could ignore.

(Klaine) Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie (Day 2 /Bikini - Klaine Advent 2023/ PWP) - A casual little fashion critique while the boys are on a well needed vacation, leads to a little outdoor fun. (Set in my Trick or Treat AU)

(RWRB) how ardently i admire and love you (online auction!AU) - Alex is desperate to find the perfect birthday gift for Henry, and eventually finds himself in an online bidding war for the one unique item that he knows his boyfriend would just adore.

(Klaine) I Know You Wanna Take Me Home (tentative title) (Klaine Valentines Challenge 2024/Pretty Woman!AU) Well established business man, Kurt Hummel never thought he could find anyone of substance among the escorts at Dalton House. But after being convinced to visit the upscale club by his friend, Kurt's mind is quickly changed once he sets his eyes on a beautiful boy in a gilded cage who was up for auction that night.

(Klaine) Untitled Klaine fic (Klaine Advent 2022) - Set in my Klaine superhero AU - Under The Cover of Darkness) Blaine decides to go home with Kurt for the holidays and doesn't make the best first impression with Kurt's parents.

(Klaine) Untitled Klaine fic (Feudal Japan!AU) - based off of novel The Tokaido Road - On a personal mission to avenge the murder of his father, Kurt travels the Tokaido , braving its dangers and interesting characters on the way. As the son of a nobleman, Kurt travels in disguise, unaware that the person who sanctioned his father's murderer has also sent Blaine, a talented and deadly ronin, to find and kill Kurt as well.

(RWRB)- the phantom touch of your hand (tentative title) - (Fantasy/cursed tattoo fic!AU) Two young swordsmen are determined to vanquish a sorcerer who has laid a tragic curse on them both. The problem is, the curse keeps them from being together at the same time, doomed to travel alone, one by day, the other by night - the only reminder of the other being the cursed tattoo burned into their skin.

(Klaine) - Untitled Klaine fic (While You were Sleeping!AU) - Kurt Hummel always wanted to live in NYC - his dreams were to be on Broadway. Being on the Broadway stage that is. Not working on the corner of Broadway and 44th in one of those coffee/food carts parked out on the street. Things for him change the day that Cooper Anderson, Kurt's gorgeous repeat customer whom he secretly fantasizes about, nearly gets hit by a bus. After following him to the hospital, Kurt gets mistaken for being his crush's fiancee which should have been his dream come true - until he meets Cooper's sweet down to earth brother, Blaine.

(Sebklaine) Let you put your hands on me (PWP College threesome) - heavily influenced by "one of those movies" - wink, wink . . - Kurt's frustrated ( in more ways than one) and his good friends Blaine and Sebastian find a way to help him out.

(Klaine/RWRB) - Untitled fic (Scheherazade/ 1001 Arabian Nights !AU) - A lone traveler gets captured by a band of sex slavers in the desert. After being subjected to the horrors of slavery, the young man gets rescued by a desert prince in disguise, chosen to be his sole consort. Every evening, the consort tells his prince a story for him amusement. - planning a series of probably shorts all in the same style. Maybe it'll be a collection to do with other writers? Not sure yet. Might alternate with either Henry/Alex being the Prince and Consort and Blaine/Kurt being the characters in the bedtime tales or vice versa. Or maybe create 2 OC to be the Prince/Consort and have the other four boys be the characters in the shorter stories. I'm assuming it would be alot of mature/explicit shorts - but wouldn't mind a mix of other ratings in between as well.

Tagging ( only if they want to play): @myheartalivewrites, @clottedcreamfudge, @hkvoyage, @kirakiwiwrites, @gleefulpoppet,

@gleefuldarrencrissfan, @onthewaytosomewhere, @sarkyblueeyes, @madas-ahatters-world @rougedraconteur,

@yadivagirl @lilinas, @forabeatofadrum, @kiwiana-writes, @spaceorphan18,

@special-bc-ur-part-of-it, @fallevs @daisyishedwig @annepi-blog @wowbright

@backslashdelta @kurtsascot @coffeegleek @14carrotghoul @rockitmans

@teilo @iboatedhere, @orchidscript @welcometololaland

. . oh hell and anyone else who sees this and wants to share their WIP - go for it!

[pinkskytwst]

Of Princesses and Queens

Epel/Reader (not Prefect) Riddle/Reader (not Prefect)(End Pairing)

Reader gender is not specified but the term 'princess' is used the same way Riddle and Vil are called 'Queens'. It's not meant to be a term tied to their gender.

Warning: ANGST, near death experience with ice.

(I shamelessly stole Jack's death scene from Rise of the Guardians)

===================

It was inevitable that you and Epel would be friends.

You were literally the only two people under the age of forty in your entire village and for the sake of both your sanities, you clung to each other like lifelines.

Growing up in the country in a community centered around the prosperous but ultimately uninteresting apple orchard meant that the two of you had to create your own entertainment. Learning to climb trees together was one of your first clear memories – along with the subsequent fall that left you with a broken leg and Epel with a sprained shoulder from where he had tried to grab you.

The moment you healed up you were both at it again until playing tag among the branches was your go-to game.

With your mom’s and Epel’s grandfather’s help you were able to create what you both decided was the best tree house to ever exist. It had winding steps, a second story, a ‘look out’ post that was accessible by a hanging bridge, a trap door with a climbing rope, a swing big enough for two, enough pillows and blankets to create a nest more than big enough for the both of you, and best of all a sign that read in large letters ‘no old people aloud’.

Princes would be jealous of your treehouse.

Your dad nearly laughed himself sick when he saw the sign and Epel’s nana just sighed and insisted that you at least add a protective railing around the ledges.

Epel tried to argue that you weren’t babies but no one said ‘no’ to his nana and your mom was nice enough to help add what was needed for the woman’s approval.

The both of you practically lived in that treehouse.

When you weren’t in lessons or helping around the orchard, the two of you were having grand adventures high off the ground in imaginary worlds you created.

-

“Nah, pirates are lame.” You rolled your eyes as Epel gasped in utter offense. “We should be knights! They’re super cool and tha’ book I got from pop has all these neat facts about fighting dragons and saving princesses!”

“But we don’t have any dragons to fight!” Epel insisted in a huff, crossing his arms over his chest, wooden pirate sword clutched in his smaller fist.

“Well, we could go fight Silas’s turkey!” you argued back stubbornly, using your taller status to try and bully your friend into playing your game instead.

You had been playing pirates for weeks, you wanted to play something else! Besides, that turkey was a bloodthirsty monster!

“But pirates are cool!” Epel shot back, just as determined, his pout and scrunched up nose the same expression that your dad always cooed over whenever he saw it.

You inwardly scoffed, Epel wasn’t that cute.

Just a little.

“Oh, fine.” You huffed, throwing your hands into the air. “Then let’s at least go look for treasure.”

Instantly Epel lit up, nearly sparkling with his wide, beaming smile and gapped tooth.

Maybe a little more than a little.

“Yeah! Come on!” he said, snagging your hand and pulling you towards the trap door.

When the sun had finally set and his grandpa came out to call you in, you were both curled up in your nest and surrounded by your ‘loot’ of strangely shaped apples, a dried snakeskin, pile of acorns sorted into ones with and without ‘hats’, a stick in the shape of a corkscrew, and a particularly sparkly rock that you thought looked cool.

Epel grumbled as you trudged after the old man that was basically your grandpa, the smaller boy limp on your back and face smooshed into your hair.

-

Being country kids, you and Epel were no strangers to injuries. Scrapes and bruises were common, and you had lost two teeth after a particularly stupid stunt involving a prank gone wrong with a neighbor's stubborn mule. Thankfully one was still a baby tooth and was replaced naturally anyway, but the other had to be magically regrown and you STILL remembered the lecture your pop had given you about that.

The point was, that the both of you had a very skewed view regarding safety and were far too used to situations that would have caused city parents to grasp their pearls and balk.

That was why, during a normal winter day when you were thirteen and Epel had just turned fourteen, neither of you hesitated when you went out to your favorite hill to sled and caught sight of the creek frozen over.

Well, it was called ‘the creek’ but it was actually a small river that wound around the edges of the northern part of the forest, past his family’s orchard. It was a decently calm one and ice skating was normal when it froze over, so you both jumped on the idea.

Typically, an adult would check to make sure the ice was thick enough, but you weren’t babies anymore and Epel loved to ice skate. He was way too impatient to wait long enough for you to text your dad to come and check for you.

It was getting harder and harder to deny him anything, and so when he begged to be pushed around on the ice with the sleds you agreed.

Everything was fine at first, walking on the ice wasn’t exactly easy so you didn’t get very far from the edge as you tried to push him. As you re-adjusted to the skill, though, you were able to push him farther.

Epel was laughing and climbing off his sled to switch places with you when he slipped.

The sled glided away from him and he hit the ice hard.

A crack of ice spiderwebbed out from under where your friend was on his hands and knees and your laugh died in your throat.

The world stilled to a terrifying silence as your gazes met, his filled with sudden panic and yours with something so sharp and grasping you couldn’t begin to name it.

“It’s okay…” you whispered, somehow afraid if you spoke too loudly everything would fall apart.

Epel swallowed thickly, tears beading at the corner of his eyes as he tried to control his breathing, tried not to move as each tiny shift drew more snaps and tiny breaks to shoot across the ice.

“It’s okay. It’s going to be okay.”

The words were tumbling out of your lips desperately like a mantra, not sure if you were trying to calm Epel, yourself, or beg whatever deity was watching to not let your friend fall.

“I’m going to save you. I’m the hero this time, remember? Heroes save the princesses. You’re pretty like a princess, so it’ll be fine. You’re safe.”

You honestly weren’t even sure what you were saying at this point as you tried desperately to figure out a way to get to the lavender haired boy without putting more weight on the ice and causing it to break.

“I’m not a princess.” Epel managed weakly, voice warbling unevenly.

“Sure, you are. You’re a princess and I’m the manly hero.” You said firmly, spying a fallen branch that looked just long enough. “And manly heroes always save the princesses, right? That’s how the stories always go. Princesses never get hurt.”

You darted over and snatched up the branch before hurrying back to the ice and carefully stepping out as close as you could. You needed to be able to reach him.

The ice began to creak ominously under your boots, but it didn’t crack so you continued to slide yourself over until you could hold out the branch close enough for Epel to reach it.

Your heart was pounding in your ears.

“Hold onto it, ya got it? See, see it’s going to be okay.”

Epel wrapped his mitten covered fingers around the branch and clung to its rough surface desperately as he eased up on his knees.

“Come on, I’ll pull you. It’s okay. I’ll save you-“

You felt it more than heard it. A shutter through the ice below your boots.

You swung as hard as you could manage, putting all your weight against slinging Epel to the riverbank.

You felt the world drop out from beneath you, felt the freezing water engulf you to your very bones, stealing your breath.

You thought you heard your name being screamed but then you were being dragged down and only knew darkness.

-

It was sheer luck that one of your neighbors had been out hunting and heard Epel’s screams.

It was sheer luck she was able to use her weak water magic to drag you from the depths of the river and onto the snow-covered shore while also holding back the small boy from simply leaping in after you. It was luck that you hadn’t been under more than a minute or two.

It was luck that she was able to get you breathing again.

-

Your stay at the hospital lasted only a couple of days but Epel refused to leave your side for weeks.

He clung to you, large blue eyes swimming with guilt and tears he refused to let fall.

All he could think of was the determination and terror that had washed over your face when you yanked him towards the safety of the snow.

Of that instant of relief, he had seen in your eyes even as the ice gave way beneath you.

You were the bravest person he knew and neither of you had ever shied away from adventure or danger. He had walked proudly at your side knowing that you were best friends, and you could trust him to have your back. You never looked at him any different for being shorter or ‘cute’ as some of the other residents cooed. You never doubted that he could handle himself just as well as you could. He never doubted he could protect you if you needed it.

You were both wrong.

If he had been better, if he had been more like you – fearless and determined and strong – you wouldn’t have had to save him.

He wouldn’t have had to watch your still body with too-blue lips be dragged from the ice.

Wouldn’t have felt his world disappear beneath him with the earth-shattering terror that had sent him to his knees.

Wouldn’t have realized what it felt like for his heart to shatter while it still beat in his chest and know that the only possible way it would heal was if your own started beating again as well.

Wouldn’t have suffered the agonizing moments that dragged on like an eternity that clawed at his lungs and prevented him from breathing until you gave a sputtering gasp and clung to him as you coughed up lungful’s of water and mucus.

He wouldn’t have realized how weak and useless he was.

-

“Don’t ever do that again.” He whispered one night while you were both bundled up in your bed, fireplace crackling and more blankets than normal layered over you.

You couldn’t handle the cold as well as you used to.

He made sure never to go anywhere – no matter the weather – without a thick sweater tied around his waist or tucked in a bag. Just in case.

You gave a small snort and pinched his cheek.

“What are you talking about, of course a hero saves the-“

“I’M NOT A PRINCESS!” he snapped, voice hissed and full of disgust.

His chest heaved, arms trembling, but his eyes were dry.

He had sworn on the day in the hospital – when your first words were asking about his safety – that he was never going to cry again.

He would never make you worry about him again.

“I’m not a princess, ya got that!? I don’t need you protecting me! I don’t need you saving me! I’m not weak! Call me that again and I’ll punch ya!”

You blinked up at your best friend and could only manage a small nod.

“Okay.” you agreed with a whisper.

Epel glared at you like he was expecting you to say more, argue, or something, but when he saw that you didn’t plan on it, he relaxed somewhat. The tension easing from his shoulders as he flopped down and tugged the blankets over your heads again. He created a cocoon to trap in the warmth and fight off the small shivers he could feel starting to work down your spine again.

He tugged you against him so that your head was tucked under his chin, despite you still being taller.

“Good. I’m the hero from now on so don’t you forget it.” He snapped, burying his face into your hair, and tightening his hold around you, determined to fight off any chill you might get.

Determined to not let you wake up cold or alone.

“I won’t. Promise.” You whispered softly against his neck, arms wrapping around his waist and holding him back just as tightly.

You never doubted him. Even after he failed you, you never doubted him.

He was going to become a man that could live up to your trust.

The kind of man you deserved to have protecting you instead of the other way around.

He failed you once.

He’d never fail you again.

-

It was a relief to Epel that he had magic. Oh, he knew he had some, you both wouldn’t be able to fly brooms without a little bit of magic at least. But to have enough to be accepted into Night Raven College was something he had silently worried over.

If he wasn’t powerful enough to go with you – because, of course, you would be amazing enough to be accepted – how could he get strong enough to protect you?

Your matching letters on thick, ebony parchment and written in silver ink appeared at your houses on the same morning.

Epel hadn’t even bothered to put on shoes as he raced out the back door and sprinted across the fields and the orchards to the treehouse. He scampered up the rope, through the trap door and hurled himself inside but he was the first one there.

Nearly vibrating he scrambled up to the lookout and paced around the small balcony until he saw your figure sprinting through the knee length grass. He let out a whoop of excitement as he could see something dark in your hand and began wave his arms around wildly to show off his own.

He could hear your delighted laughter and wasted no time darting back down to the main ‘base’ room. By the time you had pulled yourself up the rope he was helping to yank you up through the trap door and causing the both of you to go tumbling into the nest together.

“Wediditwediditwedidit!” you babbled, throwing your arms around him.

“Night Raven here we come! Whoooo!” Epel crowed, kicking his feet in the air as he felt you laughing into his shoulder. “We’re gonna be the most powerful mages Twisted Wonderland has ever seen!”

When you had both tired yourself from the flood of excitement and adrenaline, you were both sprawled out on the blankets with your still messy bedhead resting on his stomach as you both stared up at the ceiling of your sanctuary. You knew every board and knot of wood, had watched it darken with age but not weaken over the years. Had worked together to repair the shingles that had been blown off by a particularly bad storm.

He began running his fingers through your hair, easing the tangles out absently as a warm sort of quiet settled around you both.

“…Pel?” your voice drew him from his thoughts.

“Yeah?”

“Are you nervous?”

“’Course not! I’m not afraid of anything!” he replied habitually.

There was a small pause.

“I am.” You whispered, so soft he almost missed it completely.

He blinked widely, propping himself up on his hands and looking down at you as you flushed darkly and looked away.

Epel opened his mouth to insist there was nothing for you to be worried over but something about the look in your eyes made him hesitate. He watched you for a moment before laying back down again and returning to untangling your hair.

“Why are ya nervous?” he finally asked.

You didn’t answer at first, shifting better so it was easier for him to continue running his fingers through your hair.

“…What if I’m not good enough?”

Epel didn’t understand. The thought was ludicrous to him and the mere idea that you would actually believe something like that just didn’t compute in his mind.

You were amazing. You were…you were…you. He didn’t have words to explain how wrong it was for those words to leave your lips.

“I’ll beat the shit out of anyone who tries to say you aren’t.” he all but growled, his hackles raising at the mere thought of someone saying something like that to you.

You gave a small laugh, and it warmed his chest knowing you weren’t doubting him in the slightest.

“Try not to get us expelled on the first day.” You teased.

“Oi! You say that like I’d get caught!”

“You always get us caught! What about when we tried to hide in Carroway’s truck to-“

“Hey! We agreed not to talk about that again!”

Your laughter sounded better than the pensive tone from before, so he didn’t protest too much. He did tug on a piece of your hair though, playfully.

“Seriously, if someone messes with you just tell me and I’ll take care of it.” He said.

You tilted your head faintly to smile up at him.

“I know you will.”

Because you trusted him.

And he wasn’t going to let you down.

-

When you were placed into Heartslabyul while Epel was sent to Pomefiore you were disappointed.

When Epel stormed over to you the next morning at the breakfast table you were saving a seat for him at, you could only stare.

You friend was…he looked…

“I’m joining your house.” He snarled as he dropped down beside you, painted lips pulled back and narrowed eyes lined in indigo.

You blinked, unable to form words for a moment before clearing your throat and managing a weak sort of smile.

“I-I don’t know if that’s a good-“

“I am not staying there! I can't!” he ranted, slamming his fists – nails painted the same shade as his eyeshadow – on the table.

“Our Housewarden is really strict and I don’t think you can just-“

“Epel! What did I tell you about running!” a smooth, cultured voice said sharply, making you turn to look up at one of the most beautiful people you’ve ever seen.

“I’m not staying in Pomefiore!” Epel spat back stubbornly, spine straight as he glared daggers at the tall blonde looming over the two of you.

The blonde heaved a sigh like he was suffering the start of a migraine, lightly rubbing at his temple before his gaze flickered down to you.

You in your vibrant – garish - Heartslabyul uniform and the crooked heart you had painted on the corner of your mouth with uncertain hands. His expression shifted minutely and the tilt of his lips with the rise of a perfectly sculpted eyebrow spoke volumes of just what he thought of you.

Or rather how little he thought of you.

As in not at all.

You swallowed and quickly stood, offering what you hoped was a polite smile and bow of your head.

“Hello, I’m-“

“I do not care.”

Your words died as his attention returned to Epel and he wrote you off completely, forgetting your very existence as unnecessary and unsightly.

“I certainly won’t be allowing you to leave for a house with such low standards.” He replied coolly. “Now come, you’re better off making friends with your fellow-“

But Epel snarled and was suddenly in front of you, glaring up at who you could only assume was his Housewarden.

“Don't talk about them like that.” He growled, hands clenched, and you could smell the flowery shampoo from his soft curls.

His eyes sparked and even though you could see over his head – he never did quite catch up to your height – you were absolutely certain he was ready to throw himself at the guy.

The blonde eyed him carefully and must have seen something in his expression or determination because he simply gave another tired sigh.

“Oh, very well, I will allow you to remain friends but you won’t get out of the skin care routine and if you’re going to be seen around this…potato then you should at least bring them with you. Perhaps I can make something of them so they won’t be a complete embarrassment to your reputation and our dorm.” He said, waving his hand slightly before spinning on his heels and sauntering off.

You could only blink, too stunned to really respond, and watched your best friend turn to face you.

“We’re going to the headmaster and I don’t care what I have to do but I’m not staying there.”

-

Epel was staying in Pomefiore.

The headmaster said that he had to have at least two weeks where the mirror had placed him before he was given the chance to go through the time consuming process of switching dorms.

Every time you were able to see each other he complained non-stop about his Housewarden and his overbearing nagging while you shared your laments about the red headed tyrant that ran yours.

“Maybe we can move to Scarabia…” you muttered with a weak smile during one of the evenings you were allowed to spend with Epel in his dorm room – with the caveat that you went through his skin care routine and makeup practice along with him. “Their Housewarden seems nice.”

Epel readily nodded, reaching out for the liner he had chosen specifically for you, to match the color of the heart you painted on the corner of your mouth every day.

“And they have cool uniforms, I’ll look way more manly in those than these.” He glared, reaching out to your face.

You had been close since you could learn to walk and touch was nothing new to you, but somehow, suddenly, sitting there with your -maybe too pretty – friend holding your chin felt different. The way his large eyes focused on you, leaned in a little closer than normal and began sketching out the shape of the heart on your skin and over your lips. The way his thumb brushed over them absently to fix a mistake. The way he smirked proudly when he was done and looked up to you to throw in your face how much better he was at this than you-

You both froze.

It wasn’t that you thought your friend was any more beautiful with the makeup than he had always been, or that the luxurious uniform accentuated it more than the work clothes when you would both swing around branches to harvest apples.

It was that shadow that had been there since the ice broke beneath your feet was pushed back. His chin held a little higher. His gaze fiery and more determined than you had ever seen him except for that night where he refused to be a Princess.

A bit of the confidence that you had always loved about Epel was starting to bloom again, despite his rantings about his annoying Housewarden. Vil Schoenheit had the highest standards for his students and especially the one that he was grooming as his protégé. Self-assuredness was a requirement and he certainly wasn’t about to let Epel have a weakness so easily exploited.

It stole your breath away and suddenly you had a very strong suspicion about why your heart fluttered every time he touched you now.

“I-I should go.” You stammered, scrambling to your feet and snagging your backpack from where you had dropped it by his bed. “Housewarden Rosehearts will be calling curfew soon and I don’t want to be collared.”

You fled before Epel could answer.

-

Epel did not end up leaving Pomefiore.

You didn’t end up leaving Heartslabyul.

Or rather, you weren’t allowed.

Vil had firmly declared Epel as his successor for Housewarden and with everything that happened in Heartslabyul…well you didn’t exactly get a chance to try. And then, you really didn’t want to anymore.

After the strange magicless student and their monster ‘saved’ your Housewarden somehow, it was like your dorm changed overnight. The rules remained but they were more flexible, your fellow students more quick to laugh, and the overall atmosphere lighter.

You liked your dorm mates and Housewarden now.

You enjoyed the movie nights in the lounge and the tea parties in the afternoon. You liked taking care of the hedgehogs and flamingos. You liked doing homework with your dormmates and helping Trey-senpai bake and doing makeup tutorials with Cater-senpai. Spending an afternoon painting the roses with the other first years and trying to keep Ace and Deuce from wreaking havoc in the gardens.

It was so different than your life back home but it wasn’t bad.

The etiquette was strange at first but it was also kind of fun, like rules to a game, and you really looked up to Riddle-senpai after he had apologized to you and the rest of the dorm. He was so confident and always knew what to do and what to say. He didn’t let anyone speak down to him because of what he looked like.

He reminded you of Epel, but lately you had been doing your best not to think about your best friend and so focusing on being the best Heartslabyul student you could be was easier.

You had even started experimenting with adding a little more makeup to your ‘look’ the way Cater-senpai suggested.

Not a whole lot but he made sure to point out that your eyes were ‘way viral’ – whatever that meant – so he showed you how to use liners and eyeshadow along with the heart that you had perfected on the corner of your lips.

You even worked up the courage to ask Vil-senpai for his suggestion on colors and he had sat you down for more than an hour and walked you through color matching and seasonal shades while Rook-senpai waxed poetic in the background.

He was strict and straight to the point about what he suggested you work on, but it wasn’t the cruelness that you had felt from Riddle-senpai before and so it was easy to brush off any hurt that might have come from it. Epel had always been blunt too so you were hardly a stranger to such words. You knew how to listen to what was behind them.

You knew he never meant to hurt your feelings and you were beginning to think that Vil-senpai was the same way. Or maybe, at least, that he didn’t always mean the acerbic insults he could come up with at a moment’s notice.

You could ignore it.

What wasn't easy to brush off was the look Epel shot you when he found you in his Housewarden’s room. Chin in his hand and eyeshadow being carefully applied.

“Epel! Look, we-“ you started excitedly when you noticed the lavender haired boy in the doorway.

You were having a particularly good day so far, had done well in class, gotten a head pat from Trey-senpai, and Vil-senpai had given you some good tips that you wanted to share with your friend. You thought, maybe, you could work up the courage to do HIS makeup this time. And maybe if you asked Rook-senpai he could give you help on how to tell Epel how you felt about him.

It was a terrifying thought but also electrifying.

How would it feel to hold his hand, not just as a friend? How would it feel to kiss him? Would he blush like he did when he was flustered, or would he smile at you? Would he let you wear his extra jersey to the Magift games? Would he let you take him on a date to Mostro Lounge?

“Would you just STOP, Vil!?” your friend cut you off, glaring daggers at the taller blonde and grabbing your wrist to pull you away from the vanity you had been sitting at. “No one likes your stupid makeup! They look ridiculous!”

You froze, the warm bubble in your chest disappearing as if it was never there.

“Epel, lower your voice and watch your manners.” The blonde glared, looking actually, honestly angry for the first time as his violet eyes flickered to you and then back to your best friend.

“No! You don’t get to force what you want on them! They don’t need your girly makeup or the stupid outfits!”

You liked the outfits that Vil had made him.

“Epel stop.”

“Monsieur pomme sauvage, perhaps you should-“

“Not everyone’s like you Vil.” He spat, derision dripping from his lips. “And you’re not going to drag them into all this useless shit you keep pushing on me! I’m not going to let you turn them into some kind of pathetic princess for one of your stupid shows! They’re not weak like that! I’M not weak like that! So FUCK OFF!”

Epel spun to face you, to drag you out of the room away from his now eerily silent Housewarden.

He froze when saw your expression.

You don’t know what he saw but you suspected it had something to do with the hollow feeling in your chest.

He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

You saw something in his eyes that you were too hurt to understand at the moment.

You silently pulled your wrist from his hold and without a word, left the room. Left the dorm.

He didn’t come after you.

-

You had known Epel as long as you could remember.

You knew he hadn’t meant what he said.

You knew he didn’t think you were weak or silly or ridiculous.

But things had started to change while you were at NRC. You had started to change, grow and experience things you never had before. Cultures and habits so different from your small country home. A home you still loved, still wanted to return to, but one that you could now see wasn’t the whole world as you had once thought it to be.

You didn’t like everything here. You didn’t like how certain foods were restricted to certain days in Heartslabyul – that did seem silly to you – and you could agree that Vil-senpai was a little too strict on what he expected of his housemates’ presentation to be at all hours of the day.

But there was so much that you did like.

You liked being creative with makeup and trying clothes that had certainly never been available in the stores near your town. You liked learning dances and practicing with the other first years and Riddle-senpai. He was stern but kind, now, and never degraded you for not knowing the different waltzes and ballroom dancing that were so common in his Queendom. You liked how pretty things could be with lace tablecloths and polished tea sets.

It was new and interesting and lovely.

But Epel hated it.

Epel hated all of it and while he had regained a lot of his stubborn determination that he once held, he didn’t see what you saw. He didn’t want to be anything like Pomefiore or Heartslabyul. He wanted to be in Savanaclaw where he could prove how strong he was.

You didn’t think he needed to prove anything.

But he still hated it.

You realized there had never been a chance to see him where he hadn't complained about something he didn’t like about Pomefiore or his Housewarden.

Complained about his love of makeup.

Complained that he was vapid and shallow, only caring about looks.

Complained that Vil was hardly a man at all with how he dressed.

So many things that he hated.

So many things that you were starting to like.

But then…did that mean he wouldn’t like you anymore?

If you admitted to liking the makeup and enjoying tea parties where you laughed with friends over pastries…

Would he hate you too?

“Sometimes,” Cater-senpai had said as he patted your head. “People change. Sometimes that change brings people together…sometimes it pushes them apart.” He glanced over to where Trey-senpai was helping their housewarden with the hedgehog pens. “There’s not much you can do about that but stay true to yourself.”

“But I…I don’t know who I am without Epel.”

“Then maybe you should find out.”

-

Epel didn’t text you.

For a week neither of you called or texted or interacted with each other at all.

It was…it hurt.

You hated it.

The other Heartslabyul boys didn’t miss your dispirited mood and did their best to spend time with you. Ace, Deuce, Jaq, Kai, Hachi, and Sei dragged you into every ‘first years only’ get together they had. Trey always seemed to need an extra pair of hands in the kitchen whenever he saw you. Cater would insist that you were the only one that could help him with his Magicam videos.

And Riddle-senpai decided that you needed extra tutoring and so would spend evenings going over homework with you – sometimes with the other first years or Trey and sometimes just the two of you.

It left you with little chance to miss Epel except when you were alone in bed, shivering as you couldn’t quite warm up despite the heavy velvet blankets.

But…you started to have fun again.

It was nice having friends, so many friends that were there to tease and support you. To urge you into what you liked and to try new things but also didn’t hold back from playfully insisting that you were the ‘Heartslabyul Princess’ now.

The one time Riddle-senpai heard that he blushed such a dark shade of crimson that you were afraid he would pass out.

You wished you could share it with Epel. You wished he could see all the great things you saw.

“Then you should show him.”

You glanced up to see Riddle watching you from across the table, expression serious and thoughtful.

“Tell him how you feel and what makes you happy. If he does not accept that…then he is not good enough for you.”

Those words didn’t make sense at all to you. Epel was the best. He was amazing in so many ways, he was…he was Epel.

If anything, you weren’t good enough for him.

“If he cannot see you as you are and respect that, love you for it, then he is a fool.”

-

“Ah, there you are little potato.”

You looked up from where you had been wandering down the halls in the direction of the library. Vil and Rook stood before you, perfect as always. You thought you saw a flash of something in the Housewarden’s eyes, but it was gone too quickly to understand.

“Vil-senpai, Rook-senpai, it’s nice to see you. Did you need my help with something?” you asked, uncertain why they would approach you when you hadn’t been around their little ‘apple’ for weeks.

“Nothing of consequence.” Vil assured as he pulled a liner from his pocket.

It was the exact shade of crimson that he had decided was best for your complexion before Epel had interrupted you.

You blinked as he held it out and then placed it in your hand.

“I simply noticed that your lines are not as smooth. Your old one must have started to dry out so you this one instead and be sure to put the cap back on securely after each use.”

Your eyes widened as you looked up at the gorgeous upper-classman and stammered what you hoped was a ‘thank you’. It must have at least been passable since the Housewarden’s glossy lips pulled into a bemused smile before he moved to continue on past you.

“W-wait!” you said suddenly, not really sure why you were doing this.

You could just text.

You could call.

But you were terrified.

Vil paused to glance back at you, an elegant eyebrow arched in question.

“Vil-senpai, is….I-I mean…” you swallowed thickly, feeling the heat rise to your cheeks. “H-how is…”

When it was obvious you couldn’t manage to finish what you were trying to say, he simply gave a soft huff of a sigh.

“Seeing as how you are not nearly as troublesome as your fellow dormmates, I suppose I will allow you to continue to visit Pomefiore. So long as you act accordingly, of course.”

Your heart leaped in year chest and Rook flashed a cheeky smile your way.

“Oui, we have quite missed your lovely visits, petit coeur.” He winked. “Our talented magift team will be practicing this afternoon but I’m sure a treat of the apple pie you baked last time would be greatly enjoyed.”

A bright smile bloomed on your face and you quickly nodded.

“Y-yes! Yes, I’ll be there!” you said quickly before spinning on your heels and darting back the way you came.

You had some baking to do after all and not very long to make it perfect.

Maybe you could talk to Epel and figure this all out.

It would be okay.

-

Epel didn’t know if he hated Vil more…or himself.

He tried so many times. Opened your text thread so often and typed out so many different apologies he had stopped keeping count.

And each time he had frozen.

Each time his thumb had hovered over the ‘send’ but been unable to gather the courage to press it.

The expression on your face would flash through his memory and he would desperately erase whatever he had been trying to say, knowing none of it would be good enough.

Growing up together you had squabbled before, of course. It was what kids did.

With it just being the two of you, though, there had been no other choice but to make up if you didn’t want to be friendless for the rest of your lives.

And none of the fights had been like…this.

Nothing he had ever said or did had caused you to look…had hurt you so deeply.

Like he had grabbed one of Rook’s hunting knives and stabbed it into your chest with his own two hands.

What could he say, what could he do to make up for that?

He didn’t even really get it.

He didn’t understand why you were warming up to Vil or Rook. He didn’t get why you were so willing to eat lunch with the other Heartslabyul boys when he was right there. Why you let Cater paint you up and then plaster your picture all over his Magicam page with tags like #Heastlabyulprincess or #twocuteiestoocute for everyone to see. Why you didn’t mind when your Housewarden would stand so close to you while fixing your uniform.

Why did he have to fight everyone else off just to enjoy some time alone with you now?

You were his best friend!

He was your best friend!

Wasn't he?

Why did you care about these other guys now over him?

Couldn’t you see how much he loved you? How much he wanted to be the perfect guy for you? Wanted to make you proud to be with him and hang on his arm. Wanted you to know that he would protect you like you had protected him?

Did you not think he could?

Did you not think he was good enough?

Had watching Vil paint him and dress him up like a doll make you think that he wouldn’t be able to keep you safe? That he would leave you to go with Vil into some celebrity fantasy that his annoying Housewarden kept blabbering on about? As if he could possibly be happy with all this frilly shit instead of a small cottage with you near the orchard that he would inherit, and you would both care for together?

Clearly, he had to prove to you that you were what he wanted. That no matter what stupid house he had been put into or the stifling rules that the tyrant was strangling you with, he would be the same. He wouldn’t let it change who he was. He would always be the boy you had grown up with and held against nightmares and picked leaves out of your hair when you would both jump into piles of them during the fall.

He would be the anchor for you in this ridiculous school that obviously didn’t see how amazing you were just as you always had been.

He would prove it to you.

He just needed to make himself better first. He needed to learn what he could from the strong students at NRC and prove to them all that he wasn’t the delicate little flower that Vil was trying to turn him into.

He tried talking with Rook first, of course, since he was the most easily accessible – and really the guy was rather terrifying despite that ridiculous haircut and personality – but he could only understand about a third of the weirdness he spouted off so Epel gave up on that avenue quickly.

Leona was the second person he tried attaching himself to. The prince was everything he wished he could be. Tall, strong, fearsome. No one would dare try to say he was weak and even if they did they would regret it.

Unfortunately, the Savanaclaw Housewarden wasn’t the mentoring type and even though he was the magift captain all of his ‘training’ and help revolved around the game and that was it. He barely gave Epel the time of day outside of the field. He even tried bugging Ruggie for hints of what the lion might suggest but the hyena just rolled his eyes and brushed him off like all the rest.

It was only when he stubbornly attached himself to Jack’s side and refused to let go of the wolf’s track jersey until he agreed to give him pointers, that he was able to make progress.

“I don’t get what you’re trying to do.” The therianthrope admitted as he ran his hand through his hair exasperated. “I’m not trying to be ‘manly’ or whatever. I’m just being me. If you’re trying to get stronger, though, I guess working out more and doing weights might help.” He shrugged. “I jog with Vil-senpai in the mornings. You’re welcome to joi-“

“No!” Epel snapped angrily, not wanting to have to spend even more time around the older teen than he already did.

Jack rolled his eyes.

“Fine, whatever, I weight lift every other day and there’s a gym in Savanaclaw. If you want to join me it shouldn’t be a problem as long as you don’t keep trying to pick fights with my housemates. Leona-senpai is getting annoyed at all the noise.”

Epel beamed up at his new friend, nearly bouncing on his toes.

“Great! I’ll be there!”

You might not be talking with him at the moment but just wait, he’ll be super manly when you did and he’ll sweep you off your feet!

-

“So who is it that you’re trying to impress? Not that I care or anything.” Jack said after one of their now regular workouts together, running a towel over his face.

Epel sputtered, face flaming as he quickly hid it in his own towel with the excuse of wiping off the sweat that had gathered.

“N-no one! Why would you think I’m trying to impress anyone!? I just want to get stronger!” he said, though the unusual pitch of his voice gave his lie away easily even if Jack couldn’t practically smell it on him already.

The wolf raised an eyebrow down at the shorter boy and Epel stubbornly looked away, draping the towel around his neck and busying himself with fixing the short ponytail he had pulled his hair into.

“Sure.” The wolf snorted under his breath. “Then who are you not trying to impress? Your Housewarden? That Heartslabyul friend of yours?”

“Why would I want to impress Vil!?” he hissed instantly, ruffling at the very idea.

It only made him look like an angry little kitten.

“So it’s the little heart princess?”

“Princess!? Don’t call them that!” he snapped back. “They’re not like Vil, okay! They’re strong and brave! They wouldn’t be a princess.”

Jack just wrinkled his nose at him.

“What are you talking about? Vil isn’t weak and what in the Seven’s kind of fairytales have you been reading?” he asked dryly. “More than half of our school’s founders were fierce Queens that no one could stand up against.”

He gave a derisive snort.

“That’s different, Jack. Besides, it’s not going to matter because I’m going to get stronger and then join Savanaclaw with you. Then I won’t have to worry about Vil or whatever stupid play or modeling practice he comes up with.”

“I thought you said the Headmage said you couldn’t change houses.” The wolf asked as they exited the Savanaclaw mirror and started towards Pomefiore.

He usually followed him to at least give a hello to Vil before he started on his afternoon run.

“Yeah, well I’ll change his mind.” Epel said firmly, tilting his chin up stubbornly as they stepped through the mirror and started up the perfectly manicured walk to the elegant castle.

“Right, well, when you join Savanaclaw you’d better be ready for initiation. They’re not going to go easy on someone with a face like yours.” He warned.

“Oh yeah, well they’ll just find out what I can do!” Epel grinned viciously, already imagining himself in the leather and yellow uniform.

How cool he would look and how he could impress you by taking down all the therianthrope and taller humans that wanted to bully him for his face. The same ones that he knew would try to tease you for the Heartslabyul tea parties and makeup. He’d show them how cool you were too and then you could come with him! You’d look great in leather!

He just had to figure out the best way to words things so that you’d know how sorry he was for not being able to make Vil leave you alone.

Epel’s day dreams were cut off, though, when he started towards the grand staircase up to the dorm room floors and heard your voice call out to him. He froze, not having expected to see you so suddenly and definitely not at his dorm around the other Pomefiore students.

He looked over to see you coming from one of the side parlours. Your smile was small and unsure but warm as always.  Clearly awkward but at least not with that hollow look in your eyes anymore.

“Hi, Pel.” You said, your gaze flicking over to Jack for a moment before back to him. “I…uh, Vil-senpai said you would be out of practice but then Stefan said you had gone to Savanaclaw to meet a friend. I’m not…interrupting, right?”

“N-no, not at all! This is Jack, Jack meet my best friend.” He said quickly, telling him your name before focusing on you again. “I just wasn’t expecting you. It’s…nice to see you.” He admitted, something in his chest settling as he hadn’t seen you in so long and it felt like a breath of fresh air having you beside him again.

Warmth flooded your eyes and he watched the little heart on the corner of your mouth dimple that made him wonder why people thought he was cute when you were right there.

Still, he saw the clear signs that his Housewarden had gotten his hands on you. Your eyes were lined even more elaborately than usual with a mix of crimson and gold. Your heart was shimmery as if an extra layer had been added to your normal design. Your hair was even up in a style that he had seen Cater post on his Magicam.

Epel had watched the video of the older teen’s hands brush through and fix your hair while narrating what exactly he was doing and what kinds of hair types the style would go with until he had it memorized. The only reason he hadn’t watched it on mute was every now and then you’d make a comment or laugh at one of Cater’s jokes and he had missed the sound of your laugh so much it physically hurt.

He remembered how Cater’s fingers had lingered along your neck or tucked accessories into place so gently and he couldn’t help but scrunch his nose.

“Come on, you can come up to my room and get all that mess off you.”

He saw Jack wince out of the corner of his eye and quickly make an exit, but he was focused on you. He reached for your hand but you wouldn’t let him pull you up the stairs.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, glancing into the parlour where he could see his Housewarden and Rook chatting quietly around an overly decorated table with tea and what he thought was apple pie.

He was surprised that Vil actually allowed such an unhealthy food in his dorm.

“Epel…I wanted to talk with you.” You finally said, pulling his gaze back, though your smile was a little more uncertain before.

“Sure, come on, you can spend the night. Nan sent me some of our normal soap so you wash off that flowery shit.” He said, hoping to entice you to stay with him.

It’d be like back home. He could hold you close and keep you warm like a real boyfriend would.

He could ask you to let him be your boyfriend.

He didn’t understand why your smile kept fading.

“Epel…I know you don’t like Pomefiore. I know you don’t agree with what Vil-senpai is trying to teach-“

“Force.” He interceded.

“…force you to do. I talked with him. He said maybe we can try different things. You don’t have to do everything exactly like him. We can find our own styles together and-“

“I have a style!” he pointed out, feeling a bit defensive now.

Why had you been talking with Vil and not him?

Why did you seem to want to be around everyone else except him?

“I know you do, Epel, and I like you the way you are. That doesn’t mean we can’t try things though, right? It’s like the lemon crisps Trey-senpai made. Riddle-senpai said it’s best to try it so you can find out what you like and don’t like. I didn’t like it but I’m glad I tried it at least. I tried the treacletarts even though I didn’t think they looked good and I ended up really liking them. Maybe if you tried different things you could find some things you do like. Things that we can do together and-“

“Is Vil forcing you into this? Hm?” he finally snapped, gripping onto your hand tighter. “You shouldn’t listen to him, you know. He wants to turn you into one of his little dolls. He wants to use you as an accessory and then throw you away. You don’t need any of that stuff! You don’t need to stay in Heartslabyul. We can go to Savanaclaw together and-“

“But I like it!”

He blinked.

“What?”

Your fingers trembled in his.

“I like learning about makeup, Epel.” You said softly, eyes hurt and unsure but also not backing down. “I like baking with Trey-senpai and trying different hairstyles. I like seeing the different kinds of clothes that Vil-senpai designs even if I don’t want to wear them all. I like dancing and reading and tea parties. I like magift and flying. I like climbing trees. I like playing croquet with the flamingos and hedgehogs. I like it and I don’t want to stop or leave.”

Epel’s chest was tightening, and he didn’t understand why you were saying this.

“But you look better without it.” He said desperately, trying to make you understand.

Wishing you would see what he saw. How people were changing you.

He just wanted his best friend back.

He wanted things how they used to be.

“Then why are you trying to change?” you finally ask in a small voice. “You keep saying how you’re going to get ‘stronger’ and ‘manlier’. What if I like you the way you are too?”

Epel’s nose wrinkled again in disgust.

“Stop teasing me. Don’t you think I know what others say about me? How even people from our town still call me ‘cute’ when I’m already sixteen!? I’m not a kid! I’m not some pretty princess that’s going to dress up and smile for a camera! I’m not going to let them talk about me like-“

“THEN STOP CARING ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK!” your voice broke, wobbling as Epel just didn’t understand.

“I never thought you were weak or less ‘manly’ than anyone else!” you added, neither of you noticing that the other Pomefiore students had been quickly ushered out of the foyer by their Housewarden and Vice-Housewarden.  “You're the one that thinks that! You are the one that’s trying to force me to do what you want, not Vil-senpai!”

Epel’s eyes widened as you pulled your hand away again.

He felt your fingers slipping from his grasp and his breath went with it.

You were shivering.

“I don’t want you to change into something you don’t want to be…I don’t want you to force yourself to be something you’re not.” You whispered, lip trembling. “But I’m not going to let you force me to be something you want, either.”

“I…wait, stop, it’s okay. I don’t mind you liking that stuff! Really!” he said desperately, grabbing at your shoulders to prevent you from leaving. “I think you’re cute with or without makeup! It’s fine! And if you want to stay at Heartslabyul that’s okay too! You-…you could spend the night over in Savanaclaw with me sometimes! And you can try all the stuff you want before we go home! I don’t mind! Really! We can tell nana and your pop and I bet they’ll all laugh about it! It’ll be great and it’s okay if you’re a princess, right? You’d make a much better princess than me anyway and-“

“So…it’s okay to be a princess?”

“Yes! Yes definitely!” Epel said, trying to figure out what the right thing to say was.

What he needed to say to make you stay.

To not lose his best friend.

“But it’s only okay if I’m the princess.” Your tone was…he wasn’t sure.

Something was wrong and he could tell but he didn’t know why he was suddenly so terrified. Why it felt like you were already out of his reach.

“I-…”

“Because you don’t want to be a princess because they’re weak. They’re silly and shallow. It’s okay if I’m one though. It’s okay if I’m silly and shallow and weak.”

“That’s not…that’s not what I meant.” He swallowed thickly, realizing that maybe…maybe he should have listened more to Rook and watched how he said things…

“I know what you meant.”

No. No you didn’t understand. You didn’t understand how much he needed you to be with him. How he just wanted you back. How he wished neither of you had come to NRC at all.

You could have stayed at his orchard for your entire lives. You could have gotten married and grown old together and maybe even had kids someday or adopted. He would have made you so happy. You would have been so much happier than the hurt and resigned state you were now.

He wouldn’t have had to feel you letting go.

“Wait…” he whispered as you took a step back and out of his grasp. “You can’t leave…please, you can’t…”

“You don’t get to tell me what I can and can’t do, Epel.” You said sadly. “Besides, I’m sure you’ll forget about me soon…it’s not like you seem to like who I am anymore, anyway.”

Epel couldn’t move. He couldn’t speak. He couldn’t breathe.

Just like he had been on the riverbank years ago, he could only watch as you disappeared from view.

But this time there was no one there to drag you back to him.

Because he was the one who pushed you away.

-

That winter break he slipped wordlessly out the back door, ducking his head away from the worried looks his grandparents sent him.

The trudge to the treehouse was unusually silent with a fresh blanket of snow heavy on the ground with only the crunch of it under his boots breaking it.

He climbed up the rope and pushed open the trapdoor, hearing it creak in protest after being unused for so long.

He would need to oil the hinges.

Things were exactly as they had been left. The blankets still rumpled in the corner, a couple of books you had been reading stacked on the small end table, the sparkly rock that you had found while treasure hunting still decorating the shelf above the window.

But you weren’t there.

After the argument you had had, the other Heartslabyul boys had apparently named him enemy of the state and done everything they could to keep him from being able to talk to you. To apologize. To do something to make you see just how sorry he was and how much he missed you.

He even tried talking to Rook about how to get you to understand how much he needed you.

The hunter just gave him a sad, almost disappointed look.

“Aa, but that is the thing, pomme sauvage.” He said gently, patting his shoulder. “Have you asked them what they need?”

He hadn’t been able to answer.

He put in the request to move to Savanaclaw again, and this time Vil did not refuse it.

He was glad about that. It made it easier. And Savanaclaw was great! Really! He loved how free it was and hanging out with the others and he could focus on training for magift and working out with Jack. The uniform was way more comfortable and so cool!

It didn’t seem to matter anymore when he watched the Heartslabyul Housewarden slide off his uniform jacket to drape around your shoulders.

He suddenly didn’t care that no one forced him to fix his hair in the mornings before class when he watched the red head escort you with all the chivalry of a knight.

It was all pointless as he watched you smile and laugh, bringing a softness to your Housewarden’s face that only you seemed to be able to cause. Listen to you chatter about random things the way you used to with him, only for it to be directed at Riddle now instead.

Watched as he treated you so kindly but with so much respect, like an actual princess.

Watched as you leaned in and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

You had gotten permission from your parents to stay with some of the other Heartslabyul boys over the break.

He only learned about this because they had told his grandparents.

Epel crawled over to the blankets and didn’t even bother shaking them out before wrapping them around himself and trying to block out the world.

You should have just let him fall through the ice.

It would have been less painful.

==================

Whelp I did not mean for this to become so long and rambly but it just kept going and getting angstier. (Blame Ciel, they supported the angst brainrot) This really was supposed to be a cute fluffy Childhoodfriend! AU but turned into kind of a character analysis-ish on Epel's views on masculinity and such. I don't hate Epel but he's a dumb teenage boy with a complex and he doesn't always know how to see past his own views. Hopefully he'll grow!

Tell me what you think <3

[seasonschange32]

I'm trying to watch Athena P lore videos because god are they entertaining and so funny. But here's some shows/movies I would love a lore deep dive on and why:

Inspector gadget reboot - the 'romance' between penny and Talon was so confusing yet endearing. Also, loving how chief Quimby just Disguises himself just to give gadget a misson

Total drama - not only was it a huge fan of gross out humor and has our overlord chris mclain, it literally introduced me to the ' bad boy x good girl' trope before ripping it out and taking a character ( who was literally perfect with another) and forcing them together due to aesthetics.

Transformers: robots in Disguise ( 2015) or Transformers prime - two shows that have fanbases debating ( seriously), each saying why each respective show is better. But other than that, both are fine for what they are and gave me two crushes that I hold dearly.

Mia and me - a fairy show that's not only animated but live action? With the main character having an ability to talk to unicorns? And with one of her bullies DISCOVERING HER SECRET LIFE??

Ben and hollies little kingdom - super wholesome and I love how the humans coinside with the fairies

Max and ruby - there's a tiktoker who made a whole series on why ruby was annoying. Need I say more?

Trollhunters and the spin off 3below - honestly from what I remember, I loved the stakes of the show and how cool the Armour the main character had. Regarding the spin off, loving how the bully I think was into the alien girl

Max steel ( not the 2000s one. sorry) - Max having to come up with the most unbelievable excuses as to why he has to go is cliche but also kind of funny? And the fact that the company Max's dad works for has lore as well is kind of interesting

Dino squad - I actually remembered this show through a cringe compilation of all things and had to add it. From the theme song, to the plotines, to the fact that I had a crush on Laruzo even though he was obviously queer coded ( his Dino form was cool though)

Jem and the holograms - the I am a giant song from the misfits lives in my head rent free. Also, jem practicing trying to reveal to that one guy only from him to yell at her is funny to me

Lolirock - same with jem as revolution is iconic as well as the villians. Plus, why is was eventually taken off

The tinker bell movies - forgot I was supposed to mention movies as well ( sorry). But I love them and how the fairies each have their own abilities ( as well as different kinds). From pirate fairies to winter fairies, it's really cool.

Barbie: a fashion fairytale - I love all barbie movies equally but this...this just takes the cake. What other movie will you see ken making a child cry, fairies with attitude, rotting dresses, and a roller skating aunt?

Zoom (2015) - the trailer showing a scene of the main character and her character arguing is honestly what made me want to watch it ( I haven't but I'm planning on it)

Super hero squad - kid me was laughing my butt off when falcon married his bird. So...

The little prince movie - I didn't even read the book but when I saw that the old man had died, I was emotionally devastated, especially after listening to all his stories which inspired the main character to go find the prince UGHHH

The book of life - is it cliche? Yes. Is it like coco? Yes. Do I like that in the end, the main boy has to sing a guitar version of creep to calm down a bull? Absolutely yes!

Epic - josh hutcherson, beyonce, Amanda Seyfried, Johnny knoxville, an enemies to lovers storyline, a snail, a royal guard having a love for the queen, the enemies being bugs, and ANDD a nerdy dad. That's it.

Rise of the guardians - I absolutely love it followed jack and his arc of being seen and when he finally is, the kid and him are just so excited! Also, the fact that a lot of people are simping for the Easter bunny is a testament to how many people will call anyone sexy.

Daniel spellbound - wanted to add this because there's an awesome creator ( cough cough @bonkalore) who's made an amazing au out of this show and I wanted to see what you thought of it and your theories

Bonus options ( just random one's I think could fit): the rainbow fairies series, Lego friends, the complicated life of Claudia Christina Cortez, sonic underground, drama or sisters ( but any book by rainia would be great), Junie b Jones, stoked, barney, goddess girls, glitter force ( that's what I remember it as), invisible sister, a monster in Paris, Maya and miguel, and Martha)

If you want anymore, let me know!

[royalchewy]

This took me forever, but I am so happy to finally have the whole family in one picture! Click for better quality. For those interested, background on the family and more as really long ramble below!

Background of the family is Aramid is a Rageon who was gifted a troll when she was younger. Bergens would sell trolls to other large species, like Rageons, but each treats them as a source of happiness differently. For Rageons, who are very material, they are live in entertainment/living decorations.

Aramid is a bit odd though, seeing her troll, Coir, as a friend, who, being like 16 years older than her, basically becomes her guardian because her dad is never around and her mom is out of the picture. They spend years getting better treatment and personhood for trolls, which is successful and the whole reason Velvet and Veneer even can have trolls napping and troll torture as charges against them. After said incident though, Coir decides to spend sometime back among trolls, having thought the pop trolls were essentially wipes out besides the ones who were also sold like him when young.

He meets Persi (pronounced like Percy and short for Persimmon) while on a tour of pop village, Persi being a putt-putt troll from the Hole-n-Fun. They hit off and eventually have a few kids, who love their giant sister. Especially because said sister is one of the most famous fashion designers in Mount Rageous and is always sending them some of the best outfits she can for dress up and special events, as well comfy and cute ones for the day to day. Enough about the family though, here are some of my favorite parts of this family portrait

The daddy-daughter shots of this piece are everything to me. On the left is Persi with their middle daughter Sisal. Sisal’s favorite animal at the moment is monarch butterflies, because the orange makes her think of Persi and butterflies are just neat.

On the right is Coir with the youngest daughter, Clementine. She’s the shyest and always at Coir’s side. She loves dress up the most and is the one who suggested some kind of princesses and prince outfits for he pictures.

Last of the kiddos is Kevlar! He is the youngest (by half an hour, he and Clementine are technically twins) and only boy. He’s the wild child and always keeps his dads’ on their toes. He is the only one so far who has figured out how to roll up in a ball like the putt-putts can. The pearls in his hair were from an accessory for someone else that he broke. The pearls were because of him too. Sisal asked for butterflies and flowers, Clementine asked for crowns and royalty, Kevlar asked for…. Ocean. He was okay with pearls as the compromise item. He also jumped off Aramid’s shoulder the moment this picture was taken. He was fine.

I lastly just wanted to show Aramid’s necklace and the details of her dress. She and Coir always have matching gold necklaces (usually with their initials/names, but sometimes they switch us up). She gifted Persi different gold chain accessories to match theirs but also to match his style more and will eventually gift her siblings something to their styles when they’re older. I also just wanted to show the flowers and strands of pearls because they were fun to make and finding that brush was a life saver.

I will definitely be making a family picture with just the trolls so I can add even more details to their outfits! If anyone read this whole thing, I apologize for my ramblings, but appreciate you taking the time to do so. Would love to hear and thoughts or answer any questions! Take care!

[dearsnow]

I’m planning a few series after I finish Out of Touch and the oneshots so this is just a general interest poll 👀 below the poll is a brief description of each series! (Not all will be written, because that would be insane)

I would really appreciate a comment, reblog, ask, basically anything letting me know why you think the series you chose has the greatest potential. It’ll really help me narrow things down :)

And if the series says “love interest unknown”, feel free to tell me who you want to see as the love interest!

1. Angel on Earth: Rivals to lovers with Jake! You’re the new hotshot pilot before the events of Top Gun Maverick and you just so happen to be his wingman during every single goddamn deployment. More just a collection of every time you’ve interacted with him, leading up to him eventually growing and learning to love you. Your call sign is “Angel” because you’re always looking out for the other pilots, like a guardian angel, while Jake is attempting to leave everyone behind.

2. Jackrabbit: You’re a mechanic working on all the planes and jets, but you’ve always dreamed of being a pilot. Unfortunately, you just can’t seem to get to where you want to be. You make friends with Bob after working with him for a while, and he eventually steers you in the right direction and helps you get into flight school. He gives you the unofficial call sign “Jackrabbit” because you’re always thinking fast, and you can be a bit jumpy at times. Somewhat self indulgent but it can work lol

3. Down by the Bay: Interactive choose your own man adventure story!! Based off of the vibes of Our Life: Beginnings and Always (my favorite game). Coastal!AU. Starts off with you being paid to make friends with your mysterious new neighbor (Bradley) after his dad passes away, continues with you meeting your two best friends in school (Bob and Phoenix), and goes into you helping Bradley thwart the boy who’s been picking on him (Jake). Basically just your whole story of growing up in a small beach town where you get to pick your own suitor. Will likely be a long, long series, so there’s not a full guarantee that I will finish it before my top gun phase ends :(

4. Love Me Like a Sailor: After rescuing a mysterious sailor from a stormy shipwreck, you can’t stop thinking about him. The Little Mermaid AU!!! Mermaid!reader, Prince Eric!Bob, basically just me turning the vibes of my Jacaerys fic (the day the sun met the sea) into a series. Honestly I think this one would be the most interesting and the most fun to explore.

5. Space!AU: You and a squadron of fellow astronauts get sent to space to fix a very important satellite, but your ship breaks down while you’re in orbit. Can you and the other characters avoid death (and killing each other) by working together and settling your differences before help arrives?

6. Descendants!AU: Ok hear me out 😭 it’s less Disney villains and more vibes, but your rowdy, underfunded school of magic got combined with the uppity, rich school of magic. Your only goal is to steal the magic wand that has the power to bring your father back from the dead (potentially Bradley’s sister? No clue if I want to make him your brother bc that would take him away as a love interest), and by doing so, you have to make the crown prince (unknown currently) fall in love with you so you can get close enough to the wand. Love spells, magic, unique characters, just everything that descendants brings and more <3

[thesovereignsring-if]

Can we get facts about MCs family members both alive and dead ? So brothers, cousins, mother and father. What did MCs parents think of their children ? What type of parents were they ? (Sorry if it’s too many questions at once).

I had to sit on this until I released the demo to avoid some spoilers. Sorry for the delay!

Now let’s drop some fun facts:

(Spoilers for the demo below!)

Alberich:

Loves cheeses and wine. He typically prefers savory food

He’s a work-a-holic, so he prefers foods he can eat with his hand at his desk. 

Likes reading trashy love novels in his down time. 

100% a songbird. He paints silly pictures of cats when he’s bored. 

He wears a very soft and elegant smelling floral perfume. It’s the same brand as his mother’s. 

He hates hot climates and rain. The change in air pressure makes his stump ache ):

Sieghardt:

Loves sweets and baked goodies

A very talented cook. 

He’s the kind of person to smuggle injured animals into his room to nurse back to health.

Cold and aloof, but really well respected by the younger Heath Knights. Sieg takes good care of them because they remind him of you. 

Has stage fright. 

Ledea (Mother)

The MC's entire world before she dies. Ledea was worried about bonding with the MC after birth, but when her husband dies, she becomes very protective of them. 

The other boys might have suffered because of that though. 

She was a very attentive and protective mother. She took the MC everywhere she went. 

Became Duchess of Vagnyr after her Father dies in a hunting accident 

Married her long time childhood best friend :) 

Highly artistic and feminine. Alberich takes a lot after her. 

Ledea loves all her children- in her own way. She didn’t(couldn’t) love them equally, however.

Vayne (Father) 

He is dead before the MC is born so there isn’t any strong connection, only a sense of loss for what could have been. 

It’s unknown who was born first between the Twin Princes, but Vayne was a popular successor due to his military record, but people were apprehensive of his more gentle nature. 

Because of his duties as Prince, he was often away from home, but when he was home, he was a very active and present Father for the boys. 

DIY dad that will build you a doll house mansion if you asked nicely with his bare hands. 

He does build an entire birdhouse/flight pen for all the pigeons Sieghardt rescues. Even to this day, those pigeons and their off-spring circle the castle property because of it. 

His children were his life. He would die for them. (And He did.) 

Maeve (Empress) 

gaslights gatekeep girlboss 💅

Regardless of the MCs opinion of her, she does consider them her baby. Ledea can go die in a hole.

What can go wrong when the crazy party aunt becomes your full time guardian?? 

Maeve is very indulgent and will coddle the MC, but she does live by the old ways of tough love. 

She loooooves eating fruits, especially bite-sized ones, like grapes! 

Tans very easily

Eirik 

His Mother, Duchess Thrya gave birth to a bastard shortly after his father died, so he is very-not-okay. 

He lives a very isolated life in his territory. 

Loves fishing, swimming, sailing and collecting little seashells for his collection. 

He’s got gadgets and gizmos a plenty… 

His crew are ride or die for him so watch out! 

[rose-tea-and-strawberries]

House of mouse au: It will be parents day in NRC and Yuu mentioned it to Mickey and Clarabelle overheard it and revealed it during her segment Let the chaos begin!

Clarabelle: By the way, a little birdie told me that Yuu's school will be hosting Parents' Day tomorrow. Isn't that lovely?

Yuu: Why do I hear boss music?

No, because all of the adults want to go. The Princes and Princesses have literally already adopted her. Melody and Kiara even think of her as a big sister.

It's already established that Goofy, Mickey and Donald are her work dads with Minnie as her work mum and Daisy and Clarabelle as her cool aunts so I think that one of them would want to go.

Goofy because he's a sweetheart (and Max likes it when Yuu shows him around), Mickey and Minnie because they are literally the coolest pseudo-parents ever plus they already have access to practically all Disney knowledge so they know a thing or two about this magical world - villains are nothing to them. Donald wants to go because he's really protective of Yuu and wants to scope out any potential threats (i.e. boys) see how she's doing in school. Daisy and Clarabelle just want to party and catch any gossip.

The villains have practically adopted Yuu as one of their own as well but they know that there's no way they'll be able to go to NRC since the mirror to enter and exit is in Mickey's staff room even though they'd love to cause some chaos there. The Great Seven in particular are unhappy.

Everyone is jealous of Maleficent because she'll be attending to visit her grandson. They all know she'll pull something to get Yuu and Malleus some alone time.

Yuu: Everyone, please! I already have a legal guardian. Plus the staff there are like my parents anyway.

Yuu tells them that she feels honoured and touched that they care about her so much but there's nothing she can do since she doesn't have permission to invite anyone and maybe magic would prevent them from entering or something, idk.

(Mickey could go because there is no force on Earth that can control Mickey Mouse. He is inevitable and his power is limitless. He just respects Yuu's wishes because she's scared she'll get in trouble)

(He does have plans to speak with Crowley though when he finds out about the state of her living conditions. Oh boy, does he have plans)

[desolateddreamur]

Dear Diary

Stan x reader

Story: Stan goes through your diary

Female reader!

Requested? No!

TW: Death, illness and the fact it made me cry a little at the end

Fun fact: on the speech to text entries, I actually used speech to text over my phone and then just added the name thing at the end.

•

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•

•

•

•

•

•

10/25

Dear Diary,                                                  

Mom wants me to start a diary since Im in a new town. So I'll introduce myself.

My name is Y/n Heeler and I moved to South Park at the age of 9 from my home in Alaska after my dad. Mom also came to the realization that she liked girls so we moved to a more accepting place.

I met a really nice boy named Clyde when I got lost and met his friends. They showed me around and told me about how weird the town actually is.

I think I saw a boy in an orange jacket die. There was a guy in a green hat and two in red coats (one was fat as hell) standing near him.

The one in the beanie with the puff ball is cute...

Mom said I shouldn't be friends with his group because of how strange it is. But I like them. They're quite charming!

- Y/n

11/01

Dear Diary,                                                

I met my classmates. It's the boys I saw and the ones I met! Along with a lot of others. The guy in the puff ball beanie is named Stan. But he's with a girl named Wendy so I guess being friends is the better shot?

She's really nice, but immediately seemed to not like me when I said Stan was cute. That's how I found out they were dating. I told her I wouldn't do anything to get between them.

She seemed to like hearing that and calmed down.

Fatboy asked if I spoke English because I was Alaskan during lunch. Probably because I didn't talk during class at all.

Mom said she'd talk to his guardian.

Next thing I know she has a date planned with his mom. It really pisses me off!!

- Y/n

Stan snorts. He looked back to how much arguing occurred before Liane and Miranda got married. It was even worse when Cartman and Y/n had to start living in the same house. Then came the chaos of being step-siblings... That was a fucking nightmare.

He skipped a few pages til he came up on a date he remembered clearly.

3/16

Dear Diary,                                                    

Wendy broke up with Stan.

I saw him stumbling around the street drunk so I went to help.

He said Wendy never helped him when he drank his sadness away. I asked if there's anything I can do and he asked if he could spend the night at my place and I tell him a bedtime story.

Good thing Mom was on a several day long date with Liane. I said yes and took him home.

I wish he had someone who took time to care for him. I wish it was me...

I told him the story my mom always would when I couldn't sleep. It's the story of two princesses that fall in love.

The prince never came to rescue one so his princess sister came to her rescue instead.

She saves the locked away princess and they fall in love because unlike him, she took action.

He seemed to like the story and fell asleep.

I think I'll tell him that he can stay for the next few days if he'd prefer to be monitored and have space. Just so he doesn't get into fights with his friends or drinks again.

- Y/n

He gave a soft smile, remembering that night. It was embarrassing, sure, but he had a great time when he spent the next few days there.

"And so, princess Penelope and princess Autumn lived happily ever after. The end."

The girl smiled down to the half-asleep Stan. He mumbled a "Love you so much..." That she didn't catch before falling asleep completely.

He flipped a few years further, passing the fifth grade pages, moving into the seventh grade.

3/20

Dear Diary,                                                    

I feel funny whenever I'm with Stan.. Mom says I'm in love. I think she's right. He's been on and off with Wendy so I might have a chance... I hope I do.

I think I'll try to hit on Stan tomorrow. Make it real subtle so if Stan does like me he'll catch on and Wendy won't.

School has been rough as ever, what with how I'm in several clubs. Chess, soccer, art, and year book. It's really overwhelming but I have to make dad proud. I miss him.

His deathiversary is coming up next week. I'll probably get him his favorite flowers. If South Park even has lilies of the valley.

I'll check over the weekend. Maybe take Clyde with me so we can hang out afterwards.

Wish me luck with Stan, diary!

- Y/n

He fondly sighs. She really struck him with her devotion that day.

"Nobody gets me like you do, Stanley... You wanna just call in sick tomorrow to hang out? Cartman is out of town and our mothers are on vacation.."

She leaned her head on Stan's shoulder and closed her eyes. It was a move she did often but after what she said the gesture held so much more meaning.

4/05

Dear Diary,                                                   

I don't feel good. I feel sick.

I can't walk, I can't get up, I can't stand, I can hardly breathe and I'm having a hard time talking and writing. I'm scared. I'm really, really scared.

I don't know what I have. We're getting me checked to tomorrow. Cartman is actually worried for me.

It's surprising how much compassion he really has. I have to stop writing now.

He eyed the pages and how the next one wasn't hand written. It was a printed sheet of paper with text taped to the page.

April 17th Dear diary I can't believe what I was diagnosed with apparently I have Duchenne muscular dystrophy I'm scared it'll kill me and I don't want to die I'm only 12 I want to tell Stan I love him but I don't have the energy to call him I hardly have the energy to even speak that's what I'm doing this I'm using voice to text to put in my next entry I wish I had a better chance at life I'll never get to graduate high school or go to college or get married or have a family I hope they just treat me like a dog and put me down out of my misery signed Y/n

He released a shaky breath. She didn't show up to school that day. She didn't show up to school ever again after that either. He skipped quickly to the final entry which was only a few pages off- about two years later.

July 22nd dear diary I think this is my last few days the doctor only said I have 2 weeks left to live I want to tell Stan I love him but I still can't form anymore words I'm scared hardly even speak to write this entry for Stan I leave my diary to tell him how I feel Shelly I leave my phone Kyle I leave all of my books and all of my art supplies for Ike for Kenny I leave my bank account and my piggy bank and all of the money I have hiding in my room to Cartman I leave my room itself and all the stuffed animals in it to Liane I leave all of my college credit that I have that I have gained throughout the years and that you can use it to get a truly stable job of yourself just make sure to change it to be under your name instead of mine and to my mother I leave with an I love you and that I will be with Dad I know that he is proud of us and he is proud of you and Liane I'm going to miss you all but I know I have to be brave signed Y/n

Stan, on his bed, broke into loud sobs and weeps. Tears streamed down his face as he closed the sparkly f/c diary and clutched it to his chest. He cried and cried, the sound of his sorrow the only sound in the house.

Shelly, now no longer bearing headgear for her beautiful smile, slowly opened the door and made her way over, promptly sitting beside him. He flinched at her proximity, expecting to be hit for being too loud. But he wasn't. She simply gave him a tight hug.

The ravenette tensed in confusion before relaxing and leaning into the hold of his older sister, ignorant of the wet droplets from her face that fell onto his head as she held him tightly. She lost just as much of a friend as he did.

And though she made no noise, she cried as hard as her brother. Long into the night, far into the morning.

Up in the clouds, a h/c man with enormous wings and h/c teen with cupid-sized wings were cuddled together, watching over Stan and Miranda as they spoke fondly to one another.

Even if you lose someone you love, you must always know that they loved you just as much as you did and that they will always, always be protecting you, whether or not they are there in spirit or in new form.

[fredpoptheprophet]

Dwight in Shining Armor Reverse AU

So I haven't seen anything like this written or drawn by anyone else but I'm sure other people thought of it.

One day, a girl named Gretta is riding her bike to the forest near Woodside. She goes to a clearing where she uses the open space to practice lacrosse and overall just to enjoy the quiet of nature. While practicing, she loses her ball in the woods nearby and she ventures into the woods to get it. After some time, she finally finds her ball but right as she bends down to pick it up, she's suddenly startled by an owl and is sent stumbling back. The ground collapses as she falls into a cave below and lands face first on something solid. She coughs as she wipes the dust off her lips and looks down to see a boy about her age dressed as a prince. His eyes open wide, startling her backwards to try to get away from him. The Prince quickly gets up while scrambling to pull his sword from its sheath. Gretta grabs her lacrosse stick and holds it defensively towards the Prince as he points his shaking sword at her. Panicked, he asks "Mortal enemy or harmless peasant?" in a scared and defensive tone. All Gretta can say is a confused "what?" as a sudden woman's voice shouts "Hold, your highness". Just then, an aged woman dressed as a high priestess appears telling the prince to lower his sword and revealing that the spell worked. Gretta is at a loss for words when the prince asks "Who is this girl, Nana?". The High priestess says "I'm afraid she's the one who has awakened you, Prince Dwight. She is your champion." Dwight pauses for a moment to look at Gretta, then to Nana and then back to Gretta before saying "This dirty brute? This horrid, mannerless wolf pup?". Gretta is visibly offended by his insults. She stands up to say "Whoa. I just fell down a hole by mistake and now I'm getting insulted for it?". Dwight turns to Nana demanding a new champion but Nana cannot change the rules of The Champion Spell since it was sealed with Gretta's kiss. Embarrassed, Gretta says "No. No no, I didn't kiss anyone. I never kissed anyone." with a bright blush on her face. Prince Dwight looks at her and says "I am awake, therefore you kissed me. As per the contract." he points to a carved contract on the wall. Gretta decides to just back away from these crazy people and leave but she backs right into the sneering face of a troll. She immediately bashes the creature with her stick which stuns him enough for Dwight, Nana and Gretta to leave the dark cave towards the town of Woodside.

The story plays out the same as the show but this time, Dwight is the millennium old Prince who is reluctant to use violence and prefers diplomacy over what little fighting skills he has. As a Prince, he understands the value of talking through issues instead of just fighting, but as more time passes with Gretta, he learns that standing up for yourself is not only necessary but rewarding.

His only living relative is his High Priestess grandmother, Nana who uses magic to protect Dwight until Gretta accidentally breaks her staff. Nana relies on her knowledge of the occult to solve problems while also acting as a guiding hand for her beloved grandson.

Gretta is the modern girl who thrives for sports, specifically lacrosse and she prefers simple life to complicated things like school and technology. She's not doing well in her classes but she has plenty of street smarts which is very useful when looking after a pacifist like Dwight. The more time she spends with Dwight, the more she starts to open up to people and even does a little better in her studies.

From a young age, Gretta lost her parents and was put into the foster system which means she has moved around from home to home. She currently lives with her foster dad, Baldrick or "Rick" for short. He's the only guardian that Gretta has formed a bond with. Rick works as a pharmacist in Woodside but also dabbles in street magic as a hobby which has cheered up Gretta more than once.

Rick was even kind enough to take in Gretta's only cousin Chlodwig (Misspelled "Chadwick" on his birth certificate). Chlodwig never goes to school and mostly spends his time wandering wherever he wants. Since he graduated, he's got all the time in the world to talk to girls, see the sights and even pick a few fights with a local restaurant owner.

Nana didn't know what to expect when she and Dwight woke up but she didn't expect to run into her old Coven sister, Hexcela. Last time she saw Hexcela, she was a withered old hag, now she's a gorgeous, black haired woman who has opened up her own cosmetics shop called Lotions and Potions. She's set up right across from Rick's pharmacy which makes their interactions a daily occurrence. Hexcela teases Rick about his fake magic but is secretly amazed that he can do magic tricks without magic which leads to more teasing/flirting.

[the-tickly-faerie]

Ok prompt: Lee!Hunter, Ler!Darius: Darius training Hunter maybe with abominations and such to distract him with tickles?

Tickly Training

a/n I watched the new Owl house episode and it made me sad so I wrote this lol. I hope it's good! This is like 1000+ words. Warning Major fluff ahead like cavity-inducing fluff. you have been warned.

It was a beautiful sunny day in Bonesborough, with no signs of boiling rain. Kids were playing outside, and young witches were training. One young witch in particle had finally gotten his guardian(dad). Hunter had been begging Darius to train him since he started living with the abomination head. At first, Darius just wanted Hunter to relax from all the crazy stuff that had happened over the past month or so, but Hunter was persistent. He always brought up how he needed to learn what his new magic could do. A good agreement, but Darius was stubborn and made hunter relax as much as he could. After asking and asking Darius finally agreed with a tired but playful smile. He was just happy Hunter was a lot happier and healthier, both physically and mentally. 

“Alright Hunter, we aren’t going to be any type of hard training. We are just going to take it easy-”

“Darius I don’t want you to go easy on me! I won’t get better if you to challenge me! Plus I’ve had way worse done to me so you don’t need to worry!” Hunter flashed a smile, while somehow talking cheerfully about his dark past. Darius reminded himself that Hunter need to get him a therapist. 

“I understand that little prince but- how do I put this. So think of today kinda like a stretch to get your body moving before we get to the heavier stuff. Today is just to ease you back in. Does that make sense?” Darius knows the blonde hates pity so he knew he had to put it in a way that it didn’t sound like pity. 

“Oh I guess that’s smart,” Hunter responded once he understood that it was like stretching.

“All lets start with actual stretching to warm up.” Darius led Hunter through some simple stretches while maybe poking him in the belly and slightly tickling him, just to get him giggling. He thought Hunter’s giggles were brighter and more warm than the sun. He has worked hard to make sure his little prince(son) smiled more. 

First thing they started with was simple dodging. Darius made some abominations to chase after and try to corner hunter. Hunter, in response, would teleport or easily dodge. It was easy for Hunter, Darius knew that but again easy stuff. But Hunter decided that he would take this to playfully be cocky to Darius. Darius loved the banter, because he knew that Hunter felt save to be able to do that.

“Wow this is so easy Darius, I though you were like this big tough coven head? Maybe your the one that needs training,” Hunter said with cockiness in his voice.

“Oh please blondie, if I wanted you I could take you down easily.”

“Nope you can’t! I’m to cool for you” Hunter knew that Darius totally could but it was fun to tease the older man. 

“Little prince, we both know that you can barely handle getting tickled on your tummy. If your enemies knew that they could take you down from that, while cooing about how absolutely adorable you laughter and smile is,” Darius loved to point out that Hunter was extremely ticklish, a side effect of being incredible touched starved. Tickling was a way that they could bond and it encouraged Hunter to laugh and that it was ok to be a kid. 

“Hey! Thats not true!” Hunter blushed furiously. Darius just chuckled. They go back and forth. Each time getting a little harder. At one point Darius decided to test if Hunter was still good at looking at his surroundings. He summoned a couple abmoninations infront of the boy, while putting one at the back. He and Hunter go back and forth teasing Hunter destorying the abominations. Then suddenly without warning Hunter is lifted and trapped in the arms of an abomination. 

“What? Darius this is cheating,” Hunter started squriming. He never noticed that Darius summoned one behind him. He started frowning and feeling like he wasn’t as good as he used to be. Darius let him down from the abomination and walked up to him and put a hard on his shoulder. 

“Don’t look sad and don’t worry about that I was just testing. It’s all about learning,” the dad sense could tell that Hunter was beating himself down. 

“I used to be so good at surveying my surroundings! I was the golden guard for titan’s sake,” Hunter could feel himself getting frustrated. Darius but his hand under the boys chin and lifted his head gently making Hunter look at him. 

“Hunter is okay not to be good at everything. You are learning that’s why we are training. To get better. So stop beating yourself up. You did great.”

“I didn’t though! You went easy on me! I should have been better.”

“I don’t like seeing you sad, so i think you should laugh.” Immediately Hunter knew what Darius meant, and he started to blush. He was now distracted from not being the best, he was now focused on the fact that Darius was getting closer with tickle claws.

“Darius, no I’m not sad anymore! No tick- um, none of those.” Hunter could feel the butterflies swarm his belly and giggles fill up him throat. Hunter started to move backward, Darius moving forward with a smirk. 

“Oh I think you do need tickle little prince. I need to hear you laugh to prove to me that you aren’t even thinking about the thought that you aren’t [erfect and it bad.” Hunter decided that this would be a good time to turn the other direction and run. Of course Darius saw this coming, as Hunter tended to do this when the promise of tickles was made. So Darius summon an abomination to grab Hunter and bring him to Darius.”

“Darharhius nohoh, I don’t nehed them,” the closer Hunter got Darius the more he squirmed and giggles fly out of him. Before he knew it, Darius was right near him. 

“Oh hello little prince,” that was all was said before Darius started tickling Hunter’s belly. His squirming had accidentally made his shirt his up, ‘bad’ for hunter great for Darius. As soon as Darius’s fingers touches Hunter’s tummy, all the giggles hunter was hiding flew out. 

“Darhahrius nohohoh *snort*.”

“Awww there we go. There’s that adorable laugh filled with those snorts! See you not even thinking about earlier.” Darius moves his fingers between Hunter’s belly and his hips. Hunter was full on belly laughing and squirming furiously.

“Oh my, you are being a wiggle worm. Maybe I should start calling you giggle prince or wiggle prince.”

“Nohohoho nohoht thahat nihicknahame,”

“No? Okay I’ll stick with little prince just for you.” 

Hunter’s face was getting redder and redder obviously flustered beyond belief. Hunter was feeling better and lighter completely forgetting about feeling sad. Tickling did really make him feel better, even if it was embarrassing and flustering. 

Darius decided to end with a the most ticklish thing that was known to man. The dreaded raspberries. He took a large breathe and placed a giant ticklish raspberry on Hunter’s neck. Hunter’s laugh rises in octaves, so high Darius was actually surprised of how high it got.

“DHAHAHAHAD,” Hunter screeched, accidentally calling Darius, dad. After the massive rise in octave his laugh go silent and he fell limp completely tickled pink. Darius let hunter get the rest of his giggles out and when he was sure Hunter would fall over from phantom tickles, he had the abomination let him down. 

“Now no more bad-mouthing yourself alright? Or I’ll do that again.” Darius said putting his arm around the blonde boy. Said blonde boy smiled and nodded. Neither mentioned the fatherly name that Hunter screeched out, but it warmed Darius’s heart to know that Hunter thought of him like that. 

“Now let's go inside you need a shower,” Darius said ruffling his hair already messed-up hair. The two walked back to Darius’s house.