#the sort of hug i would need

[stella-thestars]

Little prompt

Madamme Pomfrey sat there, beside young Lupin, a gentle hand on his fragile form, on his scarred back.

"Oh, my darling," she murmured, gently running her hand up and down. "What's wrong?"

Remus didn't understand what he was feeling. He felt so small, so weak, but so 𝘴𝘰 warm.

"Nothing," he whispered. He didn't want to say it. Madamme Pomfrey already was doing so much for him, why burden her even more?

She shook her head, letting out a small sigh. She shifted closer, her arms now encircling his smaller form.

Remus didn't know why, but tears began to prick his eyes. His heart began to beat faster, and he couldn't help but clutch onto her robes.

"Everything."

[couch-house]

do you know for how long and how many times i have tried to draw sonic and kintobor hug. im obsessed. anyway read my old fanfiction it's still good bc Sonic and Kintobor Hug

[faillen]

i'm just having fun interpreting the way Peach acts on the couch during ep. 4 as the practiced nonchalance of a man who fucked Home sometime between the last episode and this one and told Home that it was a one-off that he didn't care about. Home is doing the same thing.

But neither of them believe the other, and the whole couch situation is part of a series of intricate rituals to make each other break.

[dykespence]

Swain-connor family quality time!

[theirloveisgross]

.

[weidli]

tatort should fake kill one kommissar*in and have the other scream and wail and try to bodily throw themselves after them more often it fucking slaps (<- just watched requiem (2005))

[mabelsguidetolife]

oh so i kinda confessed that i feel useless to my family but apparently i’m actually the cheerleader/clown/‘heart’ of the family who helps them get through things emotionally……. they didn’t say or even imply this but i think i’ve been slacking on that front

[mufhtagn]

What you're feeling is valid.

We're living in a brave new world - there very much is a loneliness epidemic, mental health resources continue to fail us, and it's totally, 100% okay to seek comfort from people who do not know you and never will know you.

Being parasocial is to desperately smear salve on an open wound. If it eases you even a little bit, there's nothing wrong with letting yourself sink into the warmth for just a little while. It's okay to want to love, and to want to be loved. It's okay to seek that out and pretend even if it's only for a short time.

Just try to remember to take care of yourself when you're no longer in safe spaces. Those providing the comfort you seek usually only offer it WITHIN those spaces. Maintain safe boundaries.

Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. Most of all, remember to breathe.

[torgawl]

i'm too mentally unwell for this (people shoving ragbros angst in my face at 10 am)

[total-drama-brainrot]

my total drama oc is a reversal of the show's pre-established "villain" archetype.

right off the bat, they're just the worst person; outright antagonistic towards everyone and constantly causing conflict amidst the cast, openly orchestrating people's eliminations, blatantly cheating but in such a way that technically they're not breaking any rules- without disguising themself behind a mask of geniality (like alejandro, heather and julia did).

and they're kept around well into the competition because their villainy? it's ratings gold. people love a good antagonist, especially one that's so productive. the audience loves to hate them, or hates that they love them, and everyone is gunning for their downfall- which only becomes more and more tempting with every elimination.

plus, chris is more than happy to enable them so long as they keep things interesting.

interestingly enough, they never seem to use the confessional. or at least, none of their confessions are aired. well, that's not exactly true. one confession is aired, and it's them boasting to the audience that they wouldn't understand the inner machinations of their mind, and that they don't deserve to hear their thoughts.

consequently, the audience has no idea what they're thinking at any given time, only seeing glimpses of their schemes throughout the episode until everything comes to fruition- like a puzzle finally being completed. it's a smart move for the network, because it means the audience gets to watch their plans play out in 'real time' without their insight/foreknowledge, making it just as impactful to the viewers as it is to the competitors. it helps with immersion, which is a boon for the ratings!

until their elimination, wherein their confessions are played out on the big screen, and it's heartbreaking.

they explain, in their first confession, that they were accosted by chris at the beginning of the competition to act as the main antagonistic force for the show, and that he's turn a blind eye to their antics so long as they kept the viewers watching, even paying them a decent salary if their act was good enough. because they're smart- smart enough to play the rest of the cast like a fiddle if they wanted to, and chris wants them to.

what a great deal, right? being given blanket permission to be as conniving as possible, and a pay check to boot- who wouldn't take the opportunity?

and they round it out by "getting into character" on camera, sneering haughtily at the lens and- you guessed it- boasting to the audience that they wouldn't understand the inner machinations of their mind, before giggling dorkily at the silliness of their statement, commenting that it'd we way too obvious they were faking if they acted that snooty. they're a theatre kid at heart, so the idea of "playing the villain" is exciting! it's going to be so fun!

but their second confession is sombre. they're visibly tired, wiping away at the concealer under their eyes to reveal some heavy bags, and they're curled up into a pitiful ball in front of the camera. they divulge that the pressure to constantly live up to the shows expectations of antagonism is crushing, and their status as a social pariah is more draining than they'd care to admit, and that- despite the apparent glee they've been committing these acts of villainy with- being so outwardly morally corrupt has left them with a constant churning of guilt in their gut. they only agreed to be the "bad guy" for the money, which would help their family's financial situation tremendously, but they're growing increasingly uncertain if the reward justifies the risks.

by the third confession, they're actively sickened by their actions, eventually devolving from airing their frustrations, lamenting their choice to method act as such an awful person, to throwing up into the confessional's toilet as they hold back guilt-leaden tears and repeat a mantra of "i'm sorry, i'm sorry,". they're drowning in the murky waters of their persona, and backing out now would only lead to more scrutiny and suspicion from the people who were supposed to be their friends, and they know they'd deserve the mistrust. plus, backtracking from their deal with chris would jeopardise everything- from the dirty money they've earned from their antagonism to their place in the competition itself; they'd be voted out in a heartbeat without the network's safety blanket of plot armour!

they don't know what to do. they barely even know who they are anymore.

and then the camera's focus cuts to the real-time them, who's sat ashen-faced and deathly still as their weakest moments are broadcast, not only to the people who rightfully hate them, but to the whole world.

[kay9leo]

At First Glance... Part VIII

Chapter 7 <<<||| Chapter 8 ||| >>> Chapter 9

...On Changes

Sebastian hated change.

It never meant good things for him.

Such as when he went from having a loving family with living parents and a healthy sister to living with Uncle Solomon and leaving Anne behind for school when her curse became too much.

From having an unbreakable trio made up of him, Anne and Ominis to him and Ominis barely on friendly terms a year after Anne left.

And now, change had even struck his friendship with MC.

During those lonely moments when he allowed himself a moment to imagine what it would be like to reunite with MC again, they were memories reimagined to new adventures, kitchen raids and games they would play once more. Comparing notes, reviewing in the Undercroft, study buddies into the dead of night. Duel partners watching each other’s back with no questions asked.

Sebastian thought that uniting with MC mean things would go back to normal. Things will finally go back to the way they were with wands blazing, spells shot out, and friendly banter between them like they used to do before.

He didn’t expect for another change to cripple the little normality he had gain in his life when he befriended MC.

In fact, Sebastain didn’t expect for there to be so many small changes in their partnership.

Specifically in her reactions.

It seems as if that small pause, that little hiatus in their friendship was enough for MC to change while apart from each other. Changes that he felt like he couldn’t keep up with.

“These ‘Keepers’ are playing games with you. You need to press them for more information.” He huffed, angry on her part for how they kept critical information from her to mastering her magic.

“It doesn’t work like that.” MC crossed her arms with a frown. “To access each of these memories, I have to complete a trial. It’s not as easy as you think. They’re showing me the memories in a particular order. They–”

“Ugh. Either they don’t trust you or you don’t care enough about Anne to ask the difficult questions!” Sebastian glared.

He was certain that before their hiatus, their break in friendship, MC wouldn’t have shrunk in on herself when they talked about her ancient magic keeper friends. Or even sigh and say:

“I do care about Anne, but I’m tired of explaining myself. Perhaps we should part ways.”

At that he froze.

“That’s – that’s not what I meant. I –” He took in a deep breath to calm himself, to prevent that ice forming in his stomach from expanding “- we’re just not getting answers. I need answers. For Anne.”

“I know.” MC sighed as she looked at the ground and kicked a stray rock away. She then threw her head back to look at the stars. “I know.” She stated once more, letting silence fill in the air.

A silence that he found was worse than when they argued.

It suffocated him.

Sebastian didn’t know what to do. He didn’t know what to say to make it better.

MC stared at the stars, as if counseling them to determine whether she should leave him or not. She frowned and sighed.

He never seen MC sigh that much in his life.

Nor did he ever felt like he was in the greatest trial of his life as she looked back down at him with steel determined eyes. The ice in his stomach grew spikes as she opened her mouth to give him the verdict.

To determine whether he was worthy of her presence or not.

Worthy of her friendship.

The first friendship he made on his own.

“Now, shall we see why the triptych led us here?” She smirked, a mischievous light filling her eyes.

The ice in his stomach melted as a warmth filled him and spread out to all of his body. Not even the night breeze could cool it.

Sebastian smiled back before taking off with a “Let’s go, quickly. Before we’re spotted.”

He hoped that leading the two of them will give MC less time to doubt her decision on renewing their friendship.

A friendship that he found too valuable to lose over petty things.

Her friendship with him made his world truly better for it.

It wasn’t until when their quest into the mountain truly started, did he realize how much had changed between them.

…

“Keep a close eye out. I saw some of Ranrok’s crew moving off the path just ahead.” He alerted her, like a good partner should.

“I wonder why.” MC hummed as she ran next to him.

Once more Sebastian was grateful for the growth spurt he had this past summer before he met her this year. If it wasn’t for the couple of inches he grew, he was certain that MC would outrun him.

“Raiding, I imagine. This mountain used to safeguard local hamlet valuables.” He huffed before frowning when MC started outrunning him. I need to exercise more if I want to keep up with her. He thought as he said,

“But it’s been abandoned ever since Ranrok took hold of the coast.”

“Shite.” MC cursed a few paces ahead of him.

That was a new change. MC rarely cursed, deemed it too lowly of her to do so.

“Inlusio.” She whispered, activating the disillusionment spell. He immediately followed suit.

“I’ll be quieter than a Jobberknoll.” Sebastian whispered. He needed her to know that he’ll be a good partner.

That it wasn’t a mistake continuing her friendship with him.

“Stay back and cover for me. I’m going to petrify them and take a look around.” She mumbled in front of him.

“Fine.” He stated, unhappy with her decision.

Sebastian frowned as he watched the shimming air in front of him go forward. One by one, she oh so s l o w l y took out each globin with a Petrificus Totalus! The globins would then freeze up and fall backwards still as a statue.

In total, it took her less then ten minutes to sneak behind all of them and petrify them. Not once did a spell or a weapon flew off from a globin to harm her.

Cover her back? He thought as that same icy feeling from earlier crept in on his stomach. What does she even need me here for? I didn’t even fire one shot!

The shimmering air appeared before him again as she whispered,

“Follow me, Sebastian.”

He nodded, not that she could see him. They didn’t even finite the disillusionment spell until they were yards away from the globin camp.

“Well, that went way better than expected.” She grinned at him.

“I’ll say. You hogged the fight and took them all out MC.” He snorted with a frown. “And why so sneaky when we left? They were already down. No need to be quiet if they’re out for the count.” He glared.

“Just be happy that we didn’t have to fight Sebastian. Things aren’t quite like they used to be.” MC rolled her eyes.

“I’ll say.” Sebastian scowled.

“Whatever. Let’s keep going.” She huffed.

“Lead the way. I’ve got your back.” He stated with a waved hand pointed towards the mountain.

MC nodded.

…

As they continued onward towards the mountain with a light jog, Sebastian found another thing that was different now than how it was like before when they went on quests together. And it was one that made the ice in his stomach slowly grow and creep forward.

The suffocating silence.

MC kept mute the entire time they jogged, never making a quip or a one-liner like she used to before the argument that led to the Friendship Hiatus as he started calling it. The quiet was a bit unnerving. It felt as if he still was on trial when MC was staring at the stars, debating about whether or not he should join her on this quest. The small creeping icy sensation in his stomach hasn’t left yet since her fight with the goblins.

Sebastian wasn’t certain what he should or shouldn’t say now. He didn’t want to give her another reason to part ways with him, but he didn’t want this silence to linger that had only allowed the ice inside of him to grow.

NEIGHAAAAAW!!!!

Then his saving grace from the silence came in the form of his least favorite beast.

“Thestrals overhead.” He stated, in a voice that he tried to keep as blasé as possible. “Some consider them a bad omen.”

“Hmm…Not everyone does.” MC stated with a shrug of her shoulders as she glanced back at him before looking away towards their destination.

The quiet returned once more.

“I know that.” He huffed with a roll of his eyes.

“All right.” MC sighed, not even looking back at him this time.

“I’m making small talk.” He quipped. “I’m not going to trek up this mountain in silence.”

And that’s just what they did despite his displeasure with it.

It’s hard to hold a two-person conversation when one party didn’t even bother with replying. That small icy feeling in his stomach from before grew. Little by little, it crept up his esophagus with each step the two took deep into the mountain. Until he couldn’t take it anymore as he felt the chill reach his larynx and broke his silence once more with the verbal thought of:

“I bet the Thestral nest’s close by.”

MC stopped and just when he thought she was going to banter back as she opened her mouth, he saw her wand rise.

Immediately, he was on guard. Mentally preparing for another goblin fight (and one that he can hopefully participate in). Only to be let down when MC said:

“Incendio.”

Her wand pointed towards thickets growing between two tall boulders.

She ignored me. Sebastian thought as he watched the fire burn everything away.

But it didn’t melt the hollow cold feeling he felt inside of his gut.

Once more MC took the lead as Sebastian followed behind her like a loyal Hufflepuff. At this point, he didn’t know what else to say to keep the conversation flowing. Sebastian was certain that MC didn-

“I’m sorry we can both see Thestrals.” MC stated as she came to a stop. Sebastian soon followed afterwards, mouth ajar as he started at MC’s back before he made his way to stand next to her.

A few feet in front of them stood the two thestrals they saw flying above them earlier.

“It’s certainly not something I’d hoped we’d have in common.” He sadly smiled as he glanced at the thestrals before looking at her. While she still didn’t look back towards him, her eyes too busy admiring the Black Beauties (as she liked to call them, something about them reminding her of some famous horse in a muggle animal novel she read), he was happy enough to have this version of his friend back. One who would talk back to him and not let him feel as if he was all alone-

“Levioso!” MC hissed, shooting at both Thestral. The two beast levitated in the air before they were pulled into the Nab Sack she pulled out of her satchel. Soon, both beasts were packed away, presumably for safe keeping in the vivarium later.

By the time Sebastian looked at MC jaw-dropped, the Nab Sack was tucked away in her magical satchel once more. Then MC met his eyes.

“What? I gotten good at capturing them. I rather not let the poachers get them and sell these black beauties for parts.” MC glared back.

“Nothing…I just didn’t expect you to be that fast.” Sebastian smiled with his arms raised.

“Well…Poppy and I had to improve our skills.” She nervously grinned as he dropped his arms. “Neither of us want the beasts to fall into the wrong hands. Too many of them have been abused and caged as is.” MC sighed as she glanced towards the sky.

The silence filled the air once more.

“So, is it true then?” Sebastian found the words leaving his lips without much thought.

“What’s true?” MC frowned as she glanced down at him.  

“That you and Poppy found a dragon egg?” He frowned.

Sebastian hated it that he had to depend on the Hogwarts rumor mill to learn about what sort of mischief his former best friend got into. It made the small Friendship Hiatus they had feel greater than the one month they spent apart.

MC scoffed and rolled her eyes before starting a light trek into a different direction.

“Don’t believe everything you hear out of the Hogwarts rumor mill Sebastian.”

Sebastian would have accepted that as her answer if it wasn’t for the smirking lips she had as she started jogging once more.

So, MC did find a dragon egg –waitaminute!

“What have you been up to MC?” Sebastian stated as the ice in his stomach grew spikes once more.

The longest the two had ever spent apart before their hiatus was at most a day. They would either meet up at breakfast or at dinner where they would at least recap about the day they had, sharing the small adventures they had apart from each other.

Sebastian knew that he wasn’t the only one who went on quests with her; he knew that she and Natty were doing some reconnaissance work to gather evidence to bring charges against Harlow. That she and Poppy were on a two-women mission to protect the beast and take down poachers.

Heck! Even Larson and Thakker were working with MC ever since they took a break on their friendship. What the two were doing wandering the Highlands; Sebastian wasn’t certain. The only rumors he heard that those three got up to were exploring Astrology Tables.

Typical Eagles.

At least I hope they are. Just looking for just Astrology Tables means that they’re staying out of trouble…that’s MC isn’t looking for major trouble. I mean I don’t think I’ve ever seen Thakker fight at Crossed Wands…at least Larson is keeping her safe? He fought before…even if he isn’t that good. Sebastian thought as he felt his handgrip on his wand tighten as if he could send spells into the past to assist her in whatever unknown battles she’s gotten into. I know those two won’t go looking for trouble or even go near goblins…right?

“Just some community service Sebastian. Someone has to clean up…but there’s something important you need to know.” She frowned.

“What is it?” He narrowed his eyebrows, partly nervous but moreso pleased that she was willing to share deep secrets with him again.

That he was her to-go person once more.

“Come closer, can’t be too careful. Can’t know who’s listening.” She frowned as he nodded and lean his head forward.

It seemed as if the distance wasn’t enough as she got a hold of both of her shoulders and pulled his head down to her level. Her lips were by his ear, her breath tickling him.

“Just so you know, tag.” She said as she poked his abdomen. “You’re it.” She shoved him back with more force than he ever expected from her, causing him to stumble backwards. MC snickered as she looked back at him with a wink before she ran off. “Better watch my back Sallow!” She whispered-yelled, followed by giggles.

Leaving Sebastian to watch her back now as he got up.

“Hey! Get back here MC!” He grumbled, taking off after her as she giggled with an impish smile on her lips and eyes that glimmered underneath the moonlight.

The two ran for quite some time, with MC always looking back to him, greeting his eyes with a twinkle in hers and a cheeky grin.

“Better move faster than that slowpoke!” She laughed.

“I’m NOT slow. I’m just out of practice!” He huffed as he pushed his body to its limit. Between forcing himself to run at his top speed and his recent growth spurt, he was soon able grab her arm and pull her back into his arms. “GOT YOU!” He grinned.

Unfortunately, Sebastian didn’t take account for his body momentum.

What started as pulling MC into his chest for a hug turned into an accidental ground tackle. He just had enough time to turn his body around to land on his back with an OOF!

“Looks like I still win Sallow. Seems as if I’m the one who got you.” MC laughed. Her hands were on his shoulder, knees surround his waist with a sharp smirking grin on her face that would match a proudful wampus cat capturing its prey.

Sebastian felt as if his breath was taken out of him as he looked up to the girl who had him pinned down. Who defeated him in front of his peers during a class duel.

And he couldn’t help but smile before grunting as she sat on his stomach with a prideful smirk on her lips.

“Get up, you’re heavy MC.” He wheezed.

“Wow. Such charm Sallow. That’s something every girl wants to hear.” MC chuckled with playful eyes, blinking furiously as she fanned herself with her dirt-covered hand. Her smirk never left.

“You know what I mean witch.” He gasped with a glare towards her as she snickered. “Now can you get off? Please?” He rasped.

“Fine. But only because you said please you Slowpoke.” MC said as she finally got off of him.

Sebastian gasped, pleased to finally fully expand his chest for that sweet cool air.

MC’s hand suddenly appeared in his vision with her smiling head above. A smile he hasn’t received in such a long time.

“Need a hand partner?” She asked with her hand wide open.

“Considering you got me down here; I expect it partner.” He chuckled as he grabbed hold of hers. But instead of letting her help him to get up, Sebastian ended up puling MC down and back into his arms where he could give her a hug. “Now this is more like it.” He smiled.

He missed her hugs as well. Sebastian could count in one hand how many people would willingly hug him. Only two of those people would spontaneously hug him; and that included the one who was currently in his arms right now.

“If you wanted a hug, all you had to do was ask Sebastian.” MC said as Sebastian felt her smile against his chest just from her lighthearted tone.

“You better not regret those words MC when I cash in that statement.” Sebastian grinned. He didn’t even have in him to smirk. Not when her eyes met his and it felt like, just felt like everything will be alright.

How can it not be when she was staring at him like that? With the glee of a victorious duel, the awe that came to seeing something incredible during their travel and the warmth that came naturally to her whenever their eyes met. Whether it be during those late-night study sessions, sharing a meal at the kitchens, or even laughing at one of his puns that Anne said were unfunny (who cared what Anne thought? He was funny. Why else would MC laugh or even like them? Or even try to top his and get a crackle out of him as well?), Sebastian found that his favorite feature of hers was her warm eyes.

It was like coming home to a warm hearth after a working out in the fields on a cold winter day.  

“Me? Regret hugs? Never.” MC smiled.

He pulled her in for another one. If a fireplace could be hugged, he was already doing it.

“Good. Because I’m going to be giving some whenever I want to too!” he smiled back, letting the smell of mellowsweet (that always seemed to follow her) enrapt his nose. “I missed you MC, you know?”

And somehow, MC managed to hug him back as well despite his arms locking her in his embrace.

Yeah. This is one change I can get used to. He thought as he sighed contently, loosening his hold on her for MC to hug him back properly.

“I missed you too Sebastian.” MC hummed.

…

It was getting colder as they continued walking into the mountain. Everything was as it should be. With MC at point, him at back, wands at ready and a quip thrown here and there.

While it wasn’t like before, where they could constantly talk or banter in previous quests due to her concerns, at least MC wasn’t going to do the entire trek in silence. Things were splendid.  

At least until it was broken when a voice yelled out further ahead:

“Kill any who trespass!”

Like a hunting dog, Sebastian was on alert and ready to kill his prey on sight as he felt his heartbeat jump and he looked back at MC with a determined smile.

“There they are. Let’s go!” Sebastian huffed as he took lead of their jog.

“Wait! We should have some sort of plan!” MC shouted, huffing as she ran behind him.

Yeah. I don’t think so. I’m not letting you have all the fun. He thought with a frowned, noting another change that occurred without his presence.

Before the Friendship Hiatus, the two of them would charge in, wands blazing, spells on the tip of their tongues. Improv was their main offence tactic. Enemies can’t prepare if they don’t know what will hit them or had time to react. The pair of them were fantastic duelists.

She was a goddess with her Ancient Magic and he, her steadfast battlemage champion.

 What did MC have to fear between the two of them?

What need was there to scout ahead and plan when all that sneakiness would only end with them petrifying their enemies instead of taking them out? That took time.

Time that they didn’t have.

So, instead of letting her ruminate on the best way to get to the high point to see what they’ll be facing, Sebastian took lead and led their two-men party charge on the camp.

“I’m through planning!” He growled as he ran through the gates and into the campsite with a raised wand, flicking it off with a: “CONFRINGO!”

Suddenly, spells, curses and objects flew in the air.

Like their times in Crossed Wand, they made a perfect team. Even if the small hiatus had slightly changed them, time wasn’t enough to change their dueling habits with Sebastian taking back and MC at point. MC threw out protegos, letting spells bounce off her shield that would be followed with his bombarda and confringo.

Everything was going great, until MC ran back and grabbed his wrist.

Suddenly, everything was a blur.

One second, he was standing at the center of camp, the next, he felt her ancient magic crash over him like a freezing ocean wave before he felt as if his body was being pulled through air. A blink later, Sebastian was at the edge, away from the axes that stuck each other where they once stood.

Where her protego wouldn’t protect him.

He felt his heart stop before it restarted again when MC called down thunder like the goddess that she was.

Sebastian had to close his eyes to fend against the blinding light as he felt the strike shake the ground underneath him. He didn’t even have time to recover as he felt a hand drag him down as an axe flew over them and strike the box behind them, barely missing their heads.

“Keep an eye out on their axes!” MC huffed. “Protego doesn’t work against whatever dark magic they’re using on their weapons.”

“Duly Noted.” He gasped as he lifted his wand once more, pointed it at a goblin and shouted, "Petrificus Totalus! "

The fight continued, with more wariness on his part such as keeping an eye out on magical axes, exploding barrels and tossed boxes. MC called down Thunder once more, knocking out another goblin as he tried to either petrify or freeze them to buy them time in between his confringos. Soon the battle had ended, and the camp was cleared of his moral enemies.

He was about to cheer at their victory when MC turned around towards him with narrowed eyes.

“What were you thinking?” She said slowly, as if he was as slow as a troll.

“I was thinking about dead globins.” He huffed, not understanding why she was upset when they won.

“You could have gotten us killed.” She stated in a tense but calm voice.

“But I didn’t.” He rolled his eyes before he noticed another foot-worn pathway in the grown. “Looks like Ranrok’s Loyalists were heading further up the path.” He frowned as he pointed said path to her.

“Let’s keep going.” MC sighed.

Probably tired from their recent globin fight. He reasoned to himself.

…

The caves they entered had puzzles the two had to solve before they could even go further forward. At one point, MC grabbed his hand and pulled them back behind a boulder before pushing him against the wall with both of her hands on his chest.

If his heart was beating rapidly with how handsy she was, he blamed the next voice they heard:

“Anything made from goblin silver belongs to us. Whether it’s a sword or a repository – whatever that is.” The grunted voice of a globin shouted.

“Did you hear that goblin?” MC said with a tint of fear in her voice.

“Ridiculous notion of ownership.” He growled. How can they even have a basic economy under that ideology? And what’s MC so afraid of anyways? He thought as he felt his magic buzz underneath his skin, ready to attack in response to his anger. She’s not going to get hurt – I got her back!

Then there were more goblins they had to fight to continue.

At least that note about the Ministry’s investigation about the illegal breeding of Basilisk gave them a good laugh, a good break in the tense quest he got them into. Then there were more goblins they needed to fight as one of their voices greeted them before the two of them even saw them.

“I agree. Only good wizard’s a dead wizard. Ranrok’s got that right – and I’ll be most keen to help him achieve his goals in that regard!” They heard as they saw the globin encampment in front of them.

Before he could even rush into battle, MC grabbed his arm, pulling him back with a stronger force than he was expecting from her as a coolness poured over his body.

“What now?!?” He growled as he glanced towards her eyes and paused. They weren’t her typical shade, instead, they glowed lightning blue, like her Ancient Magic.

“I’m going to zoom in first. I’ll get their attention, zoom around and leave you puck each of them down with a glacius or a petrificus totalus to buy us time to make it easier to take them all down.” She stated with a glare.

“By what do you mean you’re going to zoom in?” He frowned, already hating this plan. But he couldn’t move.

It was as if her magic was petrifying him still. He was certain of it.

Her Ancient Magic laid over him like a fine mist. Enough to hold him, but not strong enough like what an imperio would be to control him. He was certain that if he forced his own magic to push back, it would free him. Yet he knew this battle must be serious enough that MC wanted all of his attention.

Which is dumb since she always had it. He frowned as she smirked.

“Just watch. And don’t forget to watch my back.”

“I always do.” He glared.

She nodded. Then she released her grip on him, freeing him from her petrifying magic. Before he could even reach out towards her, MC took a step back, then turned towards the globin encampment. As his hand nearly touched her shoulder, a fine misty-blue cloud remain where she once was.

“HEY DWARFINGS! I HEARD YOU WERE LOOKING FOR ME?” MC yelled.

Sebastian looked up and felt his heart drop. MC was in the smack middle of the camp, getting all of goblins’ attention on her.

“GET HER!” Someone yelled.

MC smirked. She shot off a Petrificus Totalus towards one globin before she zoomed off, leaving a misty-blue cloud that followed the blur that he presumed was her.

None of his books that touched upon Ancient Magic ever mentioned wielders having this sort of an ability.

I really should stop being surprised by what MC says or does at this point. He thought with a shake of his head and a smile on his lips as he charged in. Especially when it comes to her Ancient Magic.

This battle, unlike their earlier one where he was blinded to the newer abilities the goblins held, Sebastian was alert. His eyes always scanning the positions of the axes, swords and most of all MC as he shot globin after globin down with her distraction.

Maybe there is something to making a quick battleplan. He thought with a smirk. The battle took less then ten minutes from his count. He made his way towards MC as the two of them took a final look around to find any remaining enemies left. Sebastian moreso.

He didn’t want a repeat of that experience back at Feldcroft.

“I think that all.” MC frowned as he looked at the stairs and was certain they lead to some sort of entrance.

“This must be it.” He grinned as walked towards the staircase in front of them. “The last triptych piece must be here!”  

Finally, they would solve this puzzle and find answers to all the questions that went unspoken between them.

He ran forward only to be pulled back by his arm.

“Sebastian – wait!” MC said with a worried look in her eyes. A look that he hasn’t seen in there before.

“Wait? For what? Ugh…why are you suddenly so cautious?” He narrowed his eyebrow with a scowl.

This wasn’t like her. Why couldn’t she see?

They won that last battle! What did MC have to be afraid of with all the power she holds? He had her back! And MC was essentially a deity in human form. That’s what every book he read on Ancient Magic said! He seen it with his own eyes! He didn’t even let a globin get to her this time! Or him!

And now MC is afraid of giving all our enemies the same treatment they gave others.

“Listen to me.”

Sebastian rolled his eyes but nodded with a sigh.

“I know you’re angry and frustrated. But charging ahead now could undo all the progress we’ve made. Lodgok said–”

At the mere mention of said globin’s name, it was as if all his restrained annoyance from their previous argument came back as he spat with sharp hot anger:

“Oh, your globin friend?” He glared, feeling his own magic buzz underneath his skin.

“Stop it. That’s enough.” She huffed. “Not all goblins are like Ranrok. I am not the enemy. We want the same thing: to find answers.” She crossed her arms.

“I thought we wanted the same thing.” He frowned, not understanding where she was going with this. Not understanding why she was putting so much faith into a monstrous race that could have destroy her life like they did with Anne. That nearly killed her as well back at Feldcroft.

Ignorant.

“We do. Listen to me. Lodgok has insights into Ranrok that we don’t.” MC narrowed her eyes as he rolled his eyes once more. “He told me that Ranrok somehow knows about the Keepers and is searching anywhere connected to each of them. THAT’S why they always seem to be one step ahead. I know what I’m doing Sebastian.” She said as she pointed towards herself.

“Do you?” He sneered as he crossed his arms.

MC closed her eyes, pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed, as if she was a teacher and he, an unruly student.

“You need to trust me,” MC said as she dropped her hand, opened her eyes and looked at him. “…or I don’t see that we can continue together.” She stated with a scowl, eyes glimmering with pain.

It was as if he was dosed in icy cold water.

I can’t let her leave me. The thought echoed in his mind as he felt the cold shivers of fear consume his body, the ice in his stomach back again, creeping up like lightning to freeze his veins and nerves.

“Fine. Fine. I’m sorry.” He sighed, dropping his arms. “I’m letting my emotions get the better of me…And I have been for a while.” He frowned as he dug his hands deep into his pockets. “I do trust you. And I don’t think I can help Anne without you.” He said as he met her eyes.

Because in the end of the day I still need your help. He thought. And I hope you will still need mine too.

“Good.” MC sighed and nodded as she looked up to the staircase. “Ranrok clearly knows more than we thought. We need to be careful and do this right. Not just go charging in.” She glanced back to look at him. “We have our work cut out for us. We need to work together if we’re going to find the final piece to the triptych.”

“Agreed.” He nodded as he waved his hand towards the stairs. “Ladies first. I got your back.”

MC nodded.

“Thank you. Let’s go.”

…

Sebastian hated change. It never meant good things for him.

Change always took the bit of good normality he found and left him empty.

However, this time, change struck differently as he took his head out of the pensieve.

Sebastian glanced towards MC, seeing her in a new light after that memory.

I don’t have to use dark magic. I don’t have to worry Ominis at all! He thought as his hope renewed within his very soul.

Maybe change can be a good thing.

...

Chapter 7 <<<||| Chapter 8 ||| >>> Chapter 9

[ghosts-of-love]

u know when you write a whole bunch of fanfic and then u have to stop abruptly bc you're like wow okay i'm a bit too lonely for this or, god forbid,, horny

[soryualeksi]

You will be missed so dearly.

It's like a hole has been torn into very structure of the station, and we're all just standing around it reeling from the shock.

It was good to cry with everyone. It was good to put up black ribbons. It will be good to say to curious outside voices, "We are in mourning, please do not badger us."

A man missing forever.

You had the brightest future ahead of you. You would have risen to be one of the greatest. You already were for us.

I will miss you dearly. We weren't personal friends, but we were colleagues, and I will forever cherish every minute I got to work with you. Your dry humour was the highlight of many a day. Your work ethics set an example I want to follow. You lived and breathed medicine, you were loyal, 100% dependable at all times, smart, diligent, literally wise beyond your years - what do you mean, I was a DECADE your senior?? Also the absolute funniest person around, no contest. Driest humour. Wittiest comments.

I wanted to listen to you talk more and I wanted to learn from you more. I can't believe I won't get to.

You were indispensable, and I think that hole in the structure will remain. We'll learn to live with it. With something being blown out in a blast. It's good to clear the rubble together, I think this helps.

I'm crying again.

Rest in peace.

[derpinette]

as soon as i want to relax i start thinking about how vulnerable my vitals are

[mad-hunts]

barton literally finding any excuse to be physically close to those who are, like, in his tight inner circle whenever he feels like he just cannot cope with things going on inside of his head or even on the outside by like... laying his head in his head in their lap / on their shoulder or something similar as they're hanging out. and whenever they're understandably confused by this, because this is the first time he's ever done anything like this, things only seem to get progressively more bewildering and maybe a little bit sad from there. and this is because he's just like ' hey, so i know this might be kind of a weird request, but don't judge me please. i'm just sooo tired of everything, so can you like... stroke my hair or something? '

and depending on whether they actually do it or not, i could imagine barton and this friend of his sort of forming this mutual understanding ( that's probably a mix of nonverbal and verbal ) that whenever he's feeling particularly bad or twisted up inside, he can come to them and just. curl up with them on the couch or something, like JSJSJ barton is honestly sooo confusing sometimes, y'all, because he'll actively seek out comfort from people he trusts in such a vulnerable human way but then he will turn around and kill someone in the most heinous way imaginable the next moment. like i'm currently going feral over this rn because WHATTT HOW DOES THAT EVEN WORK but also... OUCH??? i'm not sure how to feel about this if i'm being honest because it definitely demonstrates that barton does genuinely feel thing's despite what some people might think but he's also a terrible person so

[zukkaoru]

twenty-three + [platonic] nanami & megumi or [platonic] maki & toge <333

also. hi <3

hi beloved🥰 you already know what's coming <3

23. die first - nessa barrett + [platonic] nanami & megumi

can’t escape it, that’s how it works someone dies or someone gets hurt

word count: 11,760 trigger warnings: character death (canonical + a very minor oc), suicidal thoughts, romanticizing/idealizing death, self harmful thoughts and behaviors, survivor's guilt

🌟 if one of us dies 🌟

“You are a child,” Nanami says firmly. He rolls his shoulder. “No child should die, regardless of any outstanding circumstances.”

It’s a nice sentiment - really, it is.

But Megumi’s circumstances are different. He’s only fourteen, but he isn’t a child. There is a difference between childhood and Megumi’s younger years.

Tsumiki had a childhood.

Megumi…

Megumi has lived always knowing it can only end one way, and that end will likely come sooner rather than later. Megumi has had to compress an entire life into the handful of years he’s been gifted so when death grabs him by the throat before he turns twenty, he won’t die with regrets.

🥀 read on ao3 🥀