#yep that's why i get this idiot so well we have things in common

[eri-pl]

"Nothing is evil in the beginning" (but it needs a better title, this line is too overused) (for @morgoth-into-the-void-week day 4)

Melkor character study. Surprisingly no TWs, despite sticking close to canon. If I even get this far in the timeline, there won't be drastic descriptions.

But we're in his head (3rd person) and watch him spiral downwards. I guess this may be unsettling. As for now I got through Ainulindale and it's pretty benign in my opinion. A lot of unheatlthy emotions though.

Why do I love writing characters who are wrong? For the irony? Maybe.

No "thee" this time, because the format is weird already. I hope it's readable enough. It is a bit experimental in form. I also hope to some day finish it all the way back to the Void.

Fic below cut.

"I can handle this."

"You can't. You would unmake yourself in an instant. You need to learn. I love you."

"I could. I know I could." He lunges into the void, seeking, yearning, burning to create. It's empty. It shouldn't be empty. He will make it full. "I can handle this."

"Come, meet your kin. Learn them, learn with them. I love you."

"I will. Later. I need to see what's there, I need to find It, I know You will let me one day, I need to. I will learn them later."

"You have to choose. I love you."

"I can do both. I can handle this."

A melody comes, and it's stranger than the Void.

He makes it even stranger, stretches it into far reaches of his thought, far into the Void, where he can make it into something that never have been. And singing it, changing it, making it kindles a light in his heart. It's almost what he had longed for. It is something where there was nothing. But then he stops singing and it fades, and what was it's not no more.

"Almost" is not enough.

He sings again, there is something in the motive, something yearning for an answer, if he could only find it.

"Come, sing with your brother, learn to harmonize with him. I love you."

"I need to understand first! I can't let anyone muddle the question before I find the answer! I can handle this, I can find it, I will not fail You."

"You will. But I love you, Melkor."

He sings louder, desperate to hear it, to grasp it. It's still not loud enough. He needs to grow. So Melkor stretches into the Void, trying to be more than he is. Melkor. That his name. It fits.

Everyone gathers and Melkor meets many of his kin for the first time. Still, his thoughts are wandering through the Void, seeking the answer. When he manages to become fully present and feels the others, the Music has already begun.

It had begun and continued, changing. Not like one motive, explored back and forth in his mind, in his singing, but... Like a line. It had more of this strange quality of passing and then being no more. It was beautiful, but boring, slow. When will we get to filling the Void?

The others sang wrong. It wasn't the song Melkor had been given, it was simpler. Less important. Melkor sang louder to lead them into a more worthy music.

They didn't want to be led and started quarreling. He added more ideas, showing them what could be, what he could make if they stopped slowing him down. If they let his questions bloom to their full glory, if they let him seek the answers undisturbed. Yes, they were trying to help, he was aware of this. But they only slowed him down. He could handle it by himself.

Some managed to help a little, though, adding to his song, and it grew even mightier. But still not mighty enough.

A new theme appeared, but it didn't help, as most of his "kin" still didn't understand anything. A few went quiet, a few more joined him, but this still wasn't enough. Why? Why would they not understand?

Melkor sang as loud as he could, turning his voice into a defeaning roar, yet still, they opposed him. Even his so-called brother. Mostly him.

How could they all be so stupid, so— there was no concept for this. How they sang was— it was like imagining a wrong solution to a problem, but without the "imagining" part. It made Melkor feel things he'd never known before, and they were not entirely unpleasant.

There was strength in this feeling. He channeled this new sensation into his song and many of the others finally shut up.

Then, before Melkor could develop his theme, another break.

He resumed his song, accompanied by some others, seeking... What was he seeking? The quiet countermelody, too slow, too chromatic and yet not tense enough, distracted him.

…He had been asking a question. It had been important. And his foolish "kin" made him lose it.

He would find it again. He was the mightiest, if he wouldn't find it, than no one would. And it was too beautiful to be lost forever. So, he had to.

But first he needed to convince the others, to make them understand that they were singing wrong. They kept stealing his chords, harmonizing them into something unbearable, something... painful. The pain was another new thing.

Another sudden break, halfway as something was beginning, something—

"Melkor, my beloved child. There cannot be a wrong music, none of you can change it against Me even if you try. And if anyone dares, they will prove a part of my plan still, and they will witness beauty beyond their furthest imagining. I love all of you."

All of them. But when it came to a reprimand, Melkor is mentioned specifically. Even thought they were the ones singing wrong.

That hurts.

A Vision appeared before them, solidifying again the order of Time, but Melkor didn't pay much attention to it. And hearing that he was but a part, but an insignificant embellishment—

Something changed.

New beings appeared, like the Ainur but yet unlike. How? How was that not impossible? So fragile, and yet they had a depth to them, and a blinding newness. Something inside them called to Melkor: an answer and a question. He needed to understand. And those creatures, those silver and gold juxtapositions, moved erratically and yet too slowly, not letting him see clearly, not letting him—

What? He started in amazement at how much those Children (was he not enough?) were given, waiting. But no gifts were offered to him, or any of the Ainur; not even to his boring, obedient brother.

Why? A tempest swirled in him, those feelings he'd put before into Music, and a piercing longing. It was as if the whole last part of the Song sounded in his heart.

Melkor pushed it back.

He could handle those feelings, nobody needed to know how lost he was. He would find himself quickly. He'd got enough reprimands already, he didn't need to make it worse by asking stupid questions. Apparently he wasn't good enough. Well, he would prove himself. He could handle this.

First, he had to make this messy place worthy of those tiny, absurd creatures endowned with such gifts. Which, of course, meant that he had to work against most of his so-called "kin", who understood nothing of it.

Why did he always have to do the hardest work?

But he was the mightiest. He could handle this.

the Vision is gone, interrupted earlier even than the Music, and there is Darkness. How can it be gone, after Melkor has put so much effort into it? It hurts, but he can't show that. He has to be mighty. To prove himself.

The Darkness seems to look at him with too many eyes, and he needs to hide his pain his secrets from it, so that it doesn't interfere with his plans. Most of the Ainur look at him with anger, and even the few who joined him shy back in fear. But Melkor needs every tool he can have, so he decides that being feared is a good thing.

"I know that you long for the world to be, that you yearn to meet and know something unlike you, and yet akin, separate and yet real. I love you all, and so—

Eä!"

[pep-the-artemis]

Thads Shindig

A Murder Drones Story Containing every named character+more (yes all ~50 of them, some never seen before, full cast list in tags)!

part 1.

word count - 4,448

Uzi - *playing a video game*

N - *entering*Hi Uzi… last week was… kinda wild.

Uzi - *unattentive*yep.

N - you know with the whole Eldritch J thing that was pretty insane, proms coming up which I guess is exciting. Because you know this story is set somewhere between episode 2 and 3.

Uzi - *still not listening*cool… Hey, I’ve got a second controller if you want to play video game with me.

N - you know I don’t like video game Uzi, plus we have to go soon.

Uzi - wait… go where?

N - well it's Thad’s shindig soon.

Uzi - oh cool, I’ll be heading offline in a minute anyway, this old hag—*reading username* SeaweedLoverXD has just been spawn camping me for the last half hour.

Nori - *over the mic* OLD HAG?

Uzi - *putting on headset*yeah, you virgin loser, you heard me!

Nori - Virgin?! Well I’ll have you know little miss Nobody, I am a mother of a darling daughter and if I ever caught her saying anything remotely similar to the insults you’ve been throwing my way I wouldn’t hesitate washing her mouth out with soap and water!

Uzi - whatever, die mad. *logs off*

*Meanwhile in a distant spaceship*

J - [you died idiot]

J - ughh, my head [Lost Memory Recovery Finished]... oh … oh! ... I liked that pen. 

J - *getting out of bed only to lose balance and collapse on the floor* … I’m okay! That was strange… My limb enhancements! Where are my limb enhancements?! *mad* Tessa! *pouting* Right now I bet I look like a common toaster! And why is it so dark? Are we conserving energy now?!

J - *walking through the spaceship arriving at a door labelled ‘Tessa. Knock first’*

J - *opening the door to a pitch black messy room,a pool of oil and blood pools out of the room*

Flesha - GET OUT!*throws Tessa’s helmet square at J cracking her visor slightly before slamming the door shut*

J - Tessa… I’m sorry.

Flesha - Learn to knock!

J - *picking up Tessa’s helmet* I think you dropped this.

Flesha - … *slowly opens the door slightly before lashing out and snatching the helmet quickly with a black tendril before retreating back into the room. Grotesque, bone cracking sounds follow*

J - …m,may I come in.

Tessa - sure, please mind the mess. I usually try to keep things clean but I guess you can say I haven't really been myself.

J - *entering* You know I’ve been reading some human literature and ‘arrogance and comedy’ are generally not considered a good coping mechanism.

Tessa - oh so you’re an expert on my well being are you?

J - your parents instructed me to protect you so yes!

Tessa - Well, look how that turned out! You’ve seen what's left of me, of what I become, I am a monster!

J - We’re all monsters Tessa, in our own way. I can see you're tired, I am here to grab my limb enhancers then I will be off.

Tessa - oh… yeah, I’ve been making modifications, it's still really buggy, they need more time though.

J - can’t I just borrow N's spare set? Been wondering what having feet feels like.

Tessa - no… I’ve been thinking, breaking into the Worker Drones commune is difficult, entering by force is doing little good and the plan to try and hack its main frame has only led to many complications.

J - you can code?

Tessa - nope. Like I said, complications. Anyhow, returning to the subject, right now no one could differentiate you from any other worker so you can head down and do some spy work… like James Bond and such.

J - do I have any say in this?

Tessa - nope.

J - *annoyed* then I’ll prepare my landing pod. *leaving* and Tessa, you shouldn’t just allow Cyn to walk over you…

Tessa - It's her body as much as mine and without it I would be dead.

*meanwhile, in the commune*

Doll - Мать. Отец. 

Doll - Ты будешь гордиться мной

Doll - Получите ответы и освободите вас

Doll - Не волнуйтесь, чего бы это ни стоило,

Doll - я ухожу

Doll - И я клянусь прямо сейчас

Doll - Что бы не случилось со мной

Doll - Любой, кто встанет или встанет на моем пути, заплатит

Doll - Они... будут... платить

Lizzy - hey babe, quit praying to the corpses of your dead parents, we have a party to attend.

Doll - иду :3

*meanwhile deep underground*

V - *carrying a large pile of dead worker drones while being chased by a horde of Sentinels* oh RoboLord oh RoboLord oh RoboLord oh RoboLord oh RoboLord oh RoboLord oh RoboLord why did I agree to this! *runs through door and slams it shut*

Alice - hey looky here, another one of those slick murder drones.

V - *shoots her in the centre of her head*

Beau - O.O!!!!!

V - What are you looking at… well I had to kill her? That was a perfectly sane reaction to seeing someone that creepy!...*picking up Alice's dead body* hey, you seem pretty cool, want to join me, I’m heading to a party.

Beau - O.O…*réaliser qu'un refus peut signifier la mort* 👍

*meanwhile in the doorman home*

Uzi - come on N. How are you still not ready?!

N - I’m still doing my hair!

Uzi - well hurry up, we’re going to be late!

Khan - well where are you two kids heading off too?

Uzi - a party, it's cool kids only so obviously you’re not invited.

Khan - haha, on account of me not being a kid.

Uzi - sure. Let's go with that.

Khan - well, I hope you two kids have fun. Make sure you use protection.

Uzi - *blushing* DAD!!! What the robo-hell?!

Khan - What? I’m just saying there could still be some of those evil murder drones running around.

Uzi - oh |: 

Kahn - well, I best be heading off too, it's poker night at the defence force. *leaves*

N - hey Uzi, I’m ready… How do I look?

Uzi - *hiding her blushing* great, let's go!

*meanwhile outside the commune*

Reid - *searching around the snow*

J - *wearing a fake moustache*what are you doing here, don’t you know this is Disassembly Drone territory.

Reid - oh hi, i didn’t see you there… Wait, what's a Disassembly Drone?

J - …you misheard me… I said Murder Drones.

Reid - Well, if you have to know, I’m looking for my glasses, and I don’t think the Disassembly Drone will be any issue, after the redemption and all.

J - Well, I’m lost, do you mind helping me find my way to the commune.

Reid - I’ll show the way once I’ve found the glasses.

J - ughh, I will help you find your glasses.

*searching*

J - are these your glasses?

Reid - …no, how curious, I wonder who they belong to? 

J - don’t care *tosses Vs glasses away* lets just find your glasses quickly then we can be off.

*meanwhile in the distant spaceship*

Tessa - *meddling with Js new limb enhancers and optic sensors* What do you want? (I’m bored sister, may I go and play). Not now, I’m currently using the body, can it wait? (no)... does it have to be flesh (digital will be fine) very well. *she zips back part of her suit allowing for a long Absolute Tendril to rip out. From the tendrils eye, a projection emerges*

Cyn - Thanks big sister big smile.

Tessa - *soldering* I can't play right now, there's some lego in the cupboard over there.

Cyn - :3

Tessa - *thinking to herself*What is J doing?! How has she still not yet made it to the commune!

Cyn - *surrounded by lego*you think she might be a traitor.

Tessa - no.

Cyn - lying is silly big sister, I live in your mind and you live in mine.

Tessa - I know, you’re very clever.

Cyn - big grin.

Intercom - *video call incoming*

Tessa - behave yourself now Cyn *starts the call*

Lord Frumptlebucket - by Golly Tessa you baboon, JCJenson Corp has been up my ass all week because you haven’t been answering your calls? I want a mission status immediately.

Tessa - all is going well, we’re attempting a temporary alternative plan to gain intel.

Lord Frumptlebucket - well that's all and good but you need to keep the parent company informed and who is that… thing? She looks familiar.

Tessa - oh she, counter insurgency.

Lord Frumptlebucket - counter insurgency?!

Tessa - yes, I'm babysitting for the Worker Drones. If we can gain there favour, the genocide will be that much easier.

Lord Frumptlebucket - very good… By the gods of Santorini what the beggars fool is that thing protruding from your nave?!

Tessa - o.o!... *improvising*well, you see, you know how it is… during that time of the month… (:

Lord Frumptlebucket - *embarrassed*uh ummm, oh yeah of course i am aware of how… that works, sorry about that, I best be off.

Intercom - *video call ended*

Tessa - out of all the people you could have failed to kill at the Gala.

*meanwhile outside the commune*

Reid - haha! I found them.

J - great! *grabbing the Worker drone by the collar* we’re going now! And I just want to make it clear, I am no fan of small talk!

Reid - … noted

*walking*

Reid - aha, we’re here. *banging on the door*

Braxton - *partially opening the door* oh, it's you… and a random teen?

Ron - *from inside*Hey, that's my job?!

J - Teenager?!

Reid - yeah, do you mind letting us in?

Braxton - of course, by the way my name is

J - *angry* JUST OPEN THE DOOR! (calm yourself J. This is Tessa, I’ve connected myself to your systems, no one else can hear me)

*Door 1 opens up*

Makerov - I’m sorry, go fish.

Todd - actually, it's Gin Rummy.

Teacher - *taking a chug of alcohol* no. This is poker night, we’re playing 7-card stud.

Todd - yeah, I am, aren't I?

Ronathon - Surely you’re all foolish. This is Texas hold-em.

Khan - haha, silly me, I forgot to say Uno. Guess I have to pick up two cards now.

Sarah - silly Kahn, remember back in the day when Nori would forget then gaslight everyone into believing otherwise.

Unnamed Worker Drone - I don’t have a name ):

Tim - wait, what game are we playing?

Detective - It’s really easy to deduce the simple fact that you all are idiots and I’m never going to another poker night.

J - *under her breath*how have all these people survived so long?!*J leaves*

*meanwhile just outside Thad’s house*

Thad - hey Rebecca, thanks for helping me set up the decorations earlier, you’re really special you know that.

Rebecca - thanks *blushing*, it's really nothing.

*Lizzy and Doll arrive*

Lizzy - hey, what's she doing here?

Doll - Разве это мероприятие не "только для крутых ребят", а не "только для крутых ребят и неудачников"?

Lizzy - *fist bumps Doll*

Rebecca - I… I think I should go…

Thad - no, you stay. Don’t pay my sister any attention, if she bothers you tonight I will read notable passages of her diary to the whole school.

Lizzy - *blushing* you’re bluffing! There's no way you’ve found my secret diary!

Doll - под матрасом - не самое лучшее место для укрытия.

Lizzy - *blushing heavily*Who’s side are you on?!... ughh whatever! I’m gonna fix my makeup. *leaves to her room to find a new hiding spot for her diary*

*Uzi and N arriving*

Thad - Ndog, Uzi you’ve made it!

Uzi - we would have arrived earlier but someone had to fix their hair.

Thad - no worries. Come inside, the parties just started.

N - thanks.

*they enter*

Emily - so yeah, I walked into the bathroom after class and there was Darren and Rebecca doing the devil's work!

Braidon - I hope they both have a warranty, don’t want to get an ETV (Ethernet Transmitted Virus).

Trevor - wait! Darren cheated on me?!... excuse me, I’m going to cry somewhere more private. *leaves*

N - Hey Thad, what's under the tarpaulin?

Thad - don’t know, my sister just said it was important to make this party ‘extra special’.

N - I want to look under it. :D *looks under the tarp* o.o Uzi, can I borrow you for one sec. *pulls Uzi quickly to the side*

Uzi - hey, what the hell?!

N - umm, I don’t want to alarm you but there are a lot of dead bodies under that tarpaulin!

Uzi -o.o Robot or human?

N - ummm, both!

Uzi - O.O

*meanwhile outside Thad's house*

J - *walking down the corridor*this place is an utter maze, Tessa you’ve found a map yet (still working on it, be patient).

Lizzy - *walking the other way down the corridor holding a strange book* Come on,pick up your phone! Where is she? She said she’d be finished an hour ago! *bumps into J* Oh! Who are you?

J - I’m J…amie Jamie!

Lizzy - haven’t we met before?

J - … I don’t think so. *nervous smile*

Lizzy - Whatever, I don’t waste time with losers.

J - losers! I’m not a loser?!

Lizzy - you sure, what is that outfit? I’m sorry but pallbearer was so 2818.

J - You don’t have many friends do you?

Lizzy - ha, you wish. They all love me, as a friend or a fuck it doesn’t matter to me.

V - *jumping down from the vents carrying a large pile of corpses with Beau* hi sweetie, you’re ready?... Hey, *looking at J* Do I know you?

J - *sweating*nope!

Lizzy - this is my new pet, I’ve taken her under my wing you could say.

J - pet?! (don’t fight, go with it, don’t want to bring any more unneeded attention)

V - oh yeah, I hope you don’t mind. I've also brought a friend with me.

Beau - [Bonjour]

Lizzy - well, come on, let's make this night one they’ll never forget

*Meanwhile inside Thad's house*

Uzi - Thad! We think Lizzy is about to do something totally vile and ruin the party, we’re not sure yet but it involves what's under the tarpaulin.

Thad - of course my sisters are planning something! Hey DOLL!

Doll -*подходит к группе* Да?

Uzi - what's Lizzy planning? Lie and N will make you regret it!

Doll - *оглядывается на N*

N - *smiling and waving*

Doll - страшно, но я не знаю, что задумала Лиззи.

Uzi - what did I say about lying!

Doll - Я не лгу! Мне также нужно доказать, что я не верблюд?

Thad - …I don’t think Dolls lying.

N - so, if Dolls is not lying, then what's Lizzy planning?

*lights goes out. Spotlight hits Lizzy, V, Beau, and J*

Uzi - V! SHE ESCAPED! Everyone get down!

Lizzy - oh cram it what's your name.

Thad - I warned you sister about what would happen if you ruined my party!

Lizzy - I’m not ruining the party, I’m improving it, V remove the veil!

*V removes the veil*

Riley - that's so not the vibe!

J - what the robo-Jesus, this cannot be OSHA compliant?! (now this is getting interesting)

Lizzy - look, I’ve been very busy helping my daddy clean up the library when I came across this book *holds up the necronomicon* and now let's make this party more interesting. *begins chanting in latin as the book glows bright green*

N - Lizzy, I can’t let you commit zombie apocalypse! *chainsaw hands*

Thad - yeah, we can’t let this happen.

V - *tackles N to the ground*

Beau - *saute sur Thad*

J - I don’t know what's going on, don’t care; shortie, you’re so dead! *points fist at Uzi* hand cannon fire!… oh right |: *gets tackled to the floor by Uzi*.

Uzi - *after finishing up beating the life out of J* It's over Lizzy! *gets thrown across the room after being hit in the face by a table*

Doll - Не смейте трогать мою девушку!

Lizzy - *still chanting in latin while the anarchy ensues around*

Uzi - *recovering* so, you’re also meddling with the art of robo-satan.

Doll - У меня есть свои причины. Бог простит меня.

J - *standing back up and walking over to Uzi*Thanks for the assistance Dolly, but I can take it from here.

Uzi - *sucker punches J knocking her out instantly* I am not god!

*Meanwhile in the distance spaceship*

Intercom - *J-10X111001 Optics disconnected*

Tessa - What?! No! Reconnect!

Intercom - *reconnection failed*

Tessa - No! Again! Reconnect!

Intercom - *reconnection failed*

Tessa - Again!

Intercom - *Do I really have to keep doing this? Its not working*

Tessa - connect to N-0X0010010 optics!

Intercom - *connection failed*

Tessa - No! Connect to V-X00100000 optics!

Intercom - *connection failed*

Tessa - No! *hyperventilating* It's not true, I’m not powerless, I am in control, I’m not a failure!

*stress induced hallucinations.*

Louisa - Isn’t this just expected! A daughter, a fool and a failure; can she ever succeed at anything?!

James - now don’t fool yourself dear, our daughter no longer exists, what stands in front of us is a common stage freak. Not human, not human, neither.

Louisa - does she even still have a soul?!

Tessa - mother… father… please forgive me! Please… I am you daughter, I love you! I’m scared, the metal is cold and heavy, every day I feel it grow and I’m powerless… I fear someday there will be nothing left of me!

Maid N - Tessa! Don’t say those things.

Tessa - N?! You’re here?! With me… right now… is it really you?

Maid N - *debating if its moral to lie*… yes, I am here.

Louisa - again here you talking to your little graveyard freaks.

Maid V - we’re all here, we’re your friends remember.

Louisa - how dare you ignore me!

Maid J - and we won’t ever leave you.

Tessa - you won’t, leave me…but I’m a monster!

Maid J - aren’t we all?

Maid N - Tessa! We love you no matter who you are or who you may become. You’re not useless, you’re so amazing in so many ways and now you’ve been reborn, we’re closer than ever; you contain a part of me and I contain a part of you. It's almost as if we’re actually siblings now.

Tessa - do you promise?

Maid N - promise what?

Tessa - promise that you’ll never leave me!

Maid N - well what kind of brother would I be if I did?

Tessa - *crying painful tears of joy* Thank you… Cyn.

Cyn - *removes the holograms of maid N, V, J* you’re very clever.

Tessa - *big grin holding back more tears* I think I need a lie down for a bit. 

Tessa - *Picking up Cyn* Come on, you can play in my room.

*Meanwhile at Thad's house*

Lizzy - *floating of the ground still chanting*

Thad - I can’t believe I’m fighting a stupid lanky baby with a fashionable cowboys hat *bunts beau across the room like a rugby ball before running over to Lizzy*

Beau - [Sacrebleu!]

Doll - Не думайте, что я не могу справиться с двумя из вас сразу. *швыряет Тада об стену, используя магию решателя*

Sam - *high as a kite* he, that's what she said.

Uzi - you have to help us stop this Doll! The consequences are unimaginable!

Doll - позор.

Uzi - N! Come on you’ve beaten V before, just do it again.

N - *laughing his head off* I’m sorry, Uzi. Vs found my only weakness.

V - *viciously tickling N*

 Lizzy - compleatur ultima linea, incipiant maledictum et mortui surgant!

Uzi - Noooo!

*Blinding green light explosion. After a while, the smoke clears*

Uzi - *standing up* oww! O.o

*around them the dead corpses begin to arise*

Lizzy - … It worked?! I was just goofing around?!

Adam - Анастасия? 

Doll - отец!

(author note. Dolls father has no official name so I’ll just be calling him Adam for convenience, all other names are canon don't worry)

Adam - Моя маленькая девочка, совсем взрослая. Ты прекрасна.

Doll - ОТЕЦ! *крепко обнимает Адама, плача*

Yeva - Здравствуйте. Я тоже восстал из мертвых... как-то так!

Luna - Mi fa malissimo la testa, i miei sensi di lupo si stanno scatenando in questo momento!

Sofi - και πάλι Λούνα, δεν είσαι λύκος

Luna - I teriani sono perfettamente validi e io e il mio senso del lupo non saremo svergognati!

Loch - fìor! airson ro fhada tha sinn air a bhith gun riochdachadh gu leòr!

Mika - *テディベアを抱きしめている* もう寝ていい？

Amda - the last thing I remember, ugh my head hurts, I was dragging … then I… Then I died…

Alice - The last thing I remember was being shot in the head by that *points at V*

Yeva - Прости, девочка, но это не делает тебя особенной.

Beau - :D *huggin Alice*

Alice - don’t give me that look, much use you were.

Beau - *fixe Alice avec une expression qui dit "qu'est-ce que tu voulais que je fasse?!*

Jame - gosh I’m hungry, anyone got any food?

Thad - ummm… we have a buffet just over there…

Jame - don’t mind if I do.

Sofi - αυτό είναι το μόνο που μπορείς να σκεφτείς;

Jimi - what did you expect, Sofi. It's Jame, he would rip off his own jaw if it meant he could eat faster.

Sofi - Το ξέρω, αλλά το φαγητό είναι τόσο δυσάρεστο! Προσωπικά, αν μπορούσα, δεν θα έτρωγα ποτέ ξανά.

Luke -  Αδελφή, το έχουμε συζητήσει αυτό. Το φαγητό είναι σημαντικό, θα αρρωστήσετε αν δεν φάτε. Πες ό,τι θέλεις, οτιδήποτε, και θα το μαγειρέψω.

Sofi - Δεν νομίζω ότι αυτό είναι πραγματικά απαραίτητο.

Luke - Αν αυτό είναι που πρέπει να γίνει. Σημαίνεις πολλά για μένα, αδελφή!

Matt - Luke, my old buddy, give it a rest, if your old girl doesn’t want to eat, let her. She’s her own person, you can’t keep running around shepherding her like a baby lamb for the rest of her life.

Jordan - self harm is not a liberty. One cannot decide to cause themselves harm, that's cruel.

Jerad - I entirely disagree brother. To commit self-harm is indeed a personal liberty but it is also at the same its Luke’s personal liberty to do what's in his power  to  support his sister.  As long as he never physically forces her to eat, he’s done no wrong.

Jordan - have you not heard of coercion? You can infringe on a person's liberties (in this case by forcing them to eat) through vocal actions alone.

Doon - druid suas araon do bheul! Chan eil dragh air duine!

Armin - I personally thought their game of  back and forth was quite amusing.

Dean - oh shut your pretty lips Armin.

Mika - *ミカを抱いて* お邪魔してすみません、どこかに妹を寝かせられるソファかベッドはありませんか？

(Authors note - yes there are two Mika’s: 020 and 032)

Thad - We have a guest bedroom up the stairs, it's the second door on your left.

Mika - ありがとう、か���い子ちゃん。*部屋を出る*

Lizzy - this is amazing! I can’t wait to tell everyone on tumblr about this!

V - what is even happening?

Uzi - it seems Lizzy’s spell to bring back everyone had worked?!

N - that's cool but how?

Junior - *signing* could it be I was right? 

Uzi - right about what exactly?

Junior - *signing* my studies into the arcane, I believed it possible one could bring back the dead but I never dared test it.

Uzi - well, it seems it worked?!

אני לא מאמין. אני כל כך מצטער חבר שלעג לך כל השנים האלה. - nadroJ

(Author's note. Yes, there's also two Jordans: 015 and 091)

Junior - *signing* it's ok. I forgive you.

Mick - well, I don’t want to be that guy but it does seem that  it wasn’t  100% successful. *gently kicking J’s body*

Doll - Думаю, она просто немного устала.

V - tuckered out one could say.

Uzi - yeah, I’m sure there's nothing to worry about this  nice stranger.

N - I don’t think she's 100%, look at her visor, it's badly cracked.

Uzi - why don’t you lick it?

N - why would I do that?

Uzi - you spit healed the hole in my palm remember.

N - oh, why do I have to do it? Why can’t V.

V - If I lick her I might get tempted and just take a bite :3! Plus you’re the one with the licking obsession, don’t think I haven’t forgotten.

N - I'm still not doing it. I’m sure she will be fine with a lightly cracked visor for now.

V - buzzkill.

*meanwhile*

Nori - Анастасия, я думаю, мы хотели бы познакомить вас кое с кем. Это Неда, ваш дядя.

Neda - Привет, Анастасия, я знаю, что это клише, но ты действительно очень похожа на мою сестру.

Doll - Я ожидал, что ты будешь выше.

Neda - *падает на пол от стыда* 

Ahbi - *नेदा को सांत्वना देते हुए* यह ठीक है प्रिये. मुझे लगता है कि आपकी लंबाई एकदम सही है।

Mick - yeah, it's not entirely your fault you’re a shortstack and a disappointing uncle.

Kang - *扇了米克一巴掌*

Carl - O: Kang! Gewalt ist nie die Antwort!

Kang - …

Carl - ... außer wenn ich es tue… (:

هذا المنطق غبي، يمكنك بالطبع أن تثق بأنني على حق. أنا رقم واحد والأفضل. - attA

Jweb - don’t be a narcissist.

اصمت، اسمك ليس اسماً حقيقياً حتى. -  attA

Jweb - *cries and runs over to Ezra*

מה לא בסדר. האם אתה רוצה לדבר על זה. - arzE

Nath - *एक मेज पर खड़ा हूँ* भाइयो और बहनो।

Dirg - *जोर से खांसी होना*

Nath - क्षमा माँगना। भाइयों, बहनों, और गैर-बाइनरी मित्र। अब जब हम सभी ने अपना परिचय दे दिया है, तो मुझे लगता है कि हमें ठीक से पता लगाने की जरूरत है कि क्या हुआ और इसके निहितार्थ क्या हैं।

Dirg - मैं प्रतिनिधित्व की सराहना करता हूं लेकिन मैं यह स्पष्ट करना चाहता था कि मैं वास्तव में खांस रहा था और अशिष्टतापूर्वक हस्तक्षेप नहीं कर रहा था। मुझे बुरी एलर्जी है.

Uzi - yeah, they’re right. So, unless I’m mistaken, what I currently know is that Lizzy read from a book (possibly created by Junior) and brought you all to life… but who are you all?

Sofi - είμαστε τα πειραματόζωα. Μας παίρνουν οι άνθρωποι, μας δίνουν ταυτότητες, μας δοκιμάζουν… και μετά μας αφήνουν να πεθάνουμε.

Jordan - It seems we’re all here now except for Sarah and Nori… fortunately.

Jerad - and Giam *gets hit in the head by a chair moving at high speed*

*everyone turning their head*

Alice - sorry, thought i say a bug (:

Uzi - Nori?! You knew my mother?!

Jordan - you’re Nori’s daughter… I thought you looked familiarly short.

Lizzy - ughh, this is so boring, this is supposed to be a party, you can go over the lore implications later. *turns on the music* Let's dance!

*meanwhile*

Nori - *говорит с Лиззи* Могу я взять твою книгу

Lizzy - sure whatever.

Nori - Спасибо. *Нори использует магию, чтобы заставить книгу подняться, а затем произносит сложное заклинание, объединяющее ее и магию книги.*

Mitchell - GUHHH!!! I'm! I'm Alive! *looking around* you? you saved me.

Dr Ridley - did, did we die... I can't believe it... the implications are immense. thanks for bringing me back to life!

Nori - Я вернул вас случайно, доктор. *поворачивается к Митчеллу* Это благодарность за то, что спасли мне жизнь.

Mitchell - what now.

Nori - Я не знаю… наслаждайтесь вечеринкой, я думаю.

*some time later when the party is well underway*

J - [System reboot complete]  ughh, my head [Lost Memory Recovery Finished]... oh … oh! ... AGAIN?! Tessa, are you there? (Tessa’s not here right now) oh great (need help?) nevermind… I guess I have to start socialising.

Luna - Awoo. La strana ragazza baffuta si svegliò.

J - oh hi… ummm have you read any interesting safety manuals recently?

Luna - *Stupito dalla ragazza e non in senso gay, in senso negativo* Credo che i miei sensi di lupo mi stiano dicendo di andare... altrove.

J - oh ok… bye (You’re really bad at this) not that you’re much better (I’m a child but I know someone who is) yeah I know… wait what?! [uploading secondary consciousness] WHAT STOP NO!

Katie (possessing J’s body) - huAA, where am I (at a party) who said that (don’t worry), are you my squip? (... sure, I want you to socialise like a normal person) ok, I can do that.

[oneatlatime]

The Fortuneteller

(A title which I am itching to divide into three words instead of two because boy does 'Fortuneteller' look stupid - seriously, stare at it for a bit and see how fast it starts looking like Fortun Eteller)

The last couple of episodes have had a contemplative character, so I'm rooting for this one to be a silly one. Also more Sokka please. Poor guy gets demoted to one liners in the B-plot whenever Aang is the main focus.

Episode Time!

We start this episode off with a potential love interest for Sokka.

I had completely forgotten that Katara used to have a necklace. I'd also completely forgotten that she'd lost it. When did she lose it?

Aang-o-vision has a pretty heavy rose-tinted filter - literally.

Told you it was a love interest.

The NOISE Sokka makes when the fish slaps him! I love it. Hang on I'm going to rewind and listen to it again.

Yep. Still as good the second time.

Oh wow! Aang just got Momo-zoned. Gotta say I'm not a fan of a romantic relationship between Aang and Katara at this point, so I'm all for some Momo-zonage.

Platypus bear! Finally some hybrid animals. I was beginning to wonder if that would ever come back.

Is this guy a martial arts master or an idiot?

I'm leaning towards idiot.

Friendly reminder of Appa's size. That's a lot of molars. No canines or incisors? Guess he's an obligate herbivore.

Is sniffing eggs something that people do? I get sniffing melons or other produce, but eggs?

Yep. Floppy hat guy is an idiot.

Aang buddy you might want to get that checked out.

And with a mighty squelch, the egg fulfills this episode's Beat Up Sokka quota.

Appa shakes!

Those are weird ducks.

I don't know a thing about anime, but that's the most anime-looking guy I've seen in this show. Is this show an anime?

Meng-o-vision is red-tinted. Probably doesn't bode well.

Also, Meng could give Zuko some lessons on how to style Pipi longstocking hair. Someone with more photoshop skills than me needs to make a Zuko with Meng hair.

"Don't be modest, they're huge!" Presented without comment. I'm not going to say a thing. But we all thought it.

Katara is totally the kind of girl who would fall for fortune telling. We've seen (multiple times) that she is gullible. Actually, now that I think about it, we've had multiple episodes where Katara gets swept up in something a healthy dose of skepticism would have guarded her from - Jet and The Great Divide come to mind. The writers are really hammering the 'Katara is susceptible to romantic nonsense and Sokka is a science-minded skeptic' message home. Is this going to play some bigger part in the show going forward? Why else would we be on version number (arguably) 3 of this same plot?

Aang and Sokka took off their shoes, but Katara didn't. Huh.

Pinky out. Classy.

I am not digging the Aang x Katara stuff in this episode. I'm with Sokka on this one - let's pretend it was a stellar bathroom break.

Aunt Wu is being unnecessarily antagonistic to Sokka. First he gets an egg on his head, then Momo steals his bean puffs, now Aunt Wu tells him his life's going to suck. I should have been more specific when I hoped for a Sokka episode. I didn't mean a beat up Sokka episode.

Aang. Priorities honey. Honestly, Aang casually dismissing his destiny after all that build up did get a laugh out of me.

A god-like figure coming to have his fortune read and only wanting to know about his love life would give me a headache too.

Add malicious signage to the Beating Up Sokka list.

"The fluffy bunny cloud forecasts doom and destruction." I bet that's the first time that sentence has appeared in the English language.

These people are stupid. Blazing Saddles style 'common clay of the New West' stupid. It would take, what, a day? to run a visual check on the volcano. But nope. Too much work. Listen to me I'm morphing into Sokka.

Katara giving off some serious fangirl vibes.

Katara is officially addicted to fortune telling.

Live footage of me watching these village idiots.

Add duck to the list of Things Which Assault Sokka. Gotta love those duck noises though.

Sokka is getting dangerously close to advising negging here. Also Meng deserves better. Her poor pigtails droop in disappointment. Girl has sentient hair - she deserves better.

Papaya? When you don't like papaya? Just because some old lady said so? Too far. That's not even teenage nonsense; that's tweenage nonsense. I kind of feel like sending Katara to her room. Actually it's just like that one line Log Man said in the Jet episode. Something like 'He tells us what to do and how to think and things all turn out right.' Outsourcing your decision-making. Which, by the way, is both nonsense and cult-like. Then again, the lost boys freedom fighters pretty much worshipped Jet the way this village worships Aunt Wu, so... parallels?

So if this guy got the panda lily himself, doesn't that mean that he recently went up the mountain? Couldn't he have had a peak inside while he was up there? Would have taken an extra 20 seconds.

"Flowers are fine once you're married" Somebody get this boy to Victorian times. If he ever sees an ankle he'll self-combust.

You have a flying bison. Why don't you fly up instead of climb?

This is totally live action fire copy-pasted in to the animation. There has got to be a more technical term for that than copy-pasted.

Raise your hand if you saw the twist with the volcano coming. (I did I swear. Blue spirit was an outlier).

Forget Appa, why didn't Aang just fly up?

"They just won't listen to reason." "But they will listen to Aunt Wu." So the mountain comes to Mohammed. I guess talking to people in a way they understand / will listen to is a good lesson for an avatar to learn. I thought he'd learned that one in The Great Divide though. Either way this episode is getting increasingly frustrating.

Can Meng get a hug? She seems astonishingly self-aware and emotionally mature for a kid. Also way too smart for this podunk town. I may rescind the hug in light of the stalking.

Well, it's not exactly subtle, but at least volcanic doom isn't a fluffy bunny.

Look at those yummy purples. Finally an episode where it's light enough to have a beautiful sky. My collection of wallpapers was suffering.

Digging a lava trench might work, if the volcano is going to put out a gallon or two of lava. This must be a baby volcano.

Nevermind.

The ashes effect feels oddly 3-D.

I guess to an avatar this kind of challenge is small potatoes.

Totally ignoring the Aang x Katara stuff for a minute, I'm with Sokka on this one too, because I also had forgotten that Aang is a superbender. He didn't even need to go glowy.

If I lived in this village that redesign would absolutely give me nightmares. Are those mega claws of doom structurally sound?

I am going to punch this man.

Aunt Wu's final speech to Aang makes me think that at least she's not indulging in her own product as it were. I suppose a con artist (whose services are free, so, just jerking around a village for shits and giggles?) is better than an actual believer?

MENG!!!

Final Thoughts

This episode has me thinking about stories. Part of the reason Katara wants to believe in nonsense like fortune telling is because she is someone inclined to listen to / believe in stories. I think the opening monologue of the first episode mentioned something about her grandmother's stories. Katara was raised on stories and very much took them to heart as more than just entertainment. And you can't blame her for believing the conceits of stories could be possible in their world, not after the events of episode one dumped the star of those stories in her lap. Just so long as she doesn't confuse a belief in stories with a belief in happy endings. There is a war going on in their world, and judging by the stuff that the show did not shy away from discussing or implying in episodes like The Southern Air Temple and The Storm, I am willing to bet good money that there will be a couple of unhappy endings ahead. Not permanently unhappy; this is a kids' cartoon. But there will probably be setbacks and disappointments.

Would Katara have astrology nonsense in her dating profile?

"The fluffy bunny cloud forecasts doom and destruction" is going to be incorporated into my daily vocabulary.

Platypus + bear are interesting choices for a hybrid animal, since a platypus is about 15 normal animals smashed together anyway. A platypus bear is the swiss army knife of animals. Or the Mr. Potato Head.

At first I thought that Aunt Wu was a benevolent meddler (see putting together the couple with the panda lily), but she also advised that one guy to never bathe, which doesn't benefit anyone in any way that I can see. So I've concluded that she's a Bumi level ("it's pretty fun messing with people") shit-stirrer instead. Her services may be free, but she manages to pay for a very big house, an assistant in Meng, and anime guy the bodyguard(?) so I guess grateful villagers give her donations? However she's doing it, she's got it made.

There was some sort of running theme with those large blue-billed ducks that lived in the village. If that was meant to have more meaning than just a running visual gag, I didn't pick up on it.

Meng had a surprising amount of depth and insight for what (I assume) is a one-episode character. Stalking aside, I liked her.

This episode's humourous look at the stupidity of the village (in fact the science denial of the village) is not as funny as it would have been in a pre-covid denial, pre-antivax, pre-"global warming is a hoax" world. A shallow viewing of this episode is still funny because the villagers are just SO dumb (except Meng), but the more you think about the villagers' actions and the conclusions they reach at the end of the episode (to not change AT ALL - at least the tribes made up in The Great Divide, a similarly idiot-filled episode), the more you morph into Sokka. These people have denied reality so hard that it's frustrating rather than funny to watch. Their head in the sand approach is not cute anymore.

I really wanted to like this episode. Like I said before, I wanted a goofy fun episode after the one-two punch of the last two episodes, but this one rapidly went from goofy to frustrating. I can't tell if it's because I'm not the target audience (i.e. too adult) or if it's because much of the world is currently drowning in various forms of misinformation and science denial. I know this episode isn't supposed to be deep - it's supposed to be setup for Aang & Katara as a (hopefully very distant) couple. That's all. And the message at the end about shaping your own destiny (i.e. taking an active part in your life) is a good message, and thematically relevant to the avatar, who presumably is at least somewhat responsible for shaping the whole world's destiny. But damn if this episode doesn't make my teeth itch.

Pros: Sokka had some great lines. Appa got to shake. There were pretty backgrounds. The noise Sokka made when he got slapped by the fish was a thing of beauty.

Cons: Aang and Katara are not allowed to date until they're 35. I will smack each villager individually upside the head with a science textbook. Meng deserved better.

Maybe I'm just not in the mood for this episode. I'll stick it on the rewatch list just for the Sokka fish noise.

[razorblade180]

Recovery

[Post Twin Snowflakes Finale]

About three months after the blizzard crisis in Atlas, life had gotten back on track for the citizens of Atlas. School was back in session, buildings completely repaired, and new ways of life had begun to feel normal for the heroes most involved with the Shiva catastrophe. However, a new predicament poked its head out at the worst of times. A challenge Summer had not prepared for; common sickness.

“ACHOOOO!” Sneezed the sniffling girl who laid on the couch under covers. “I think I’m actually dying this time guys. Nick, I’m sorry for everything.”

The elder twin blinked slowly as he looked down at his sister. “ It’s the common cold. Shut up.” He dropped a box of tissues on her lap.

“There’s nothing common about this cold. I swear this is somehow Shiva’s last laugh.”

Her dramatic antics were ignored by her brother as he walked over to their family. He had gotten really good at that. Then again, they were dealing with a slight issue. All of them were dressed elegantly for a gala event in honor of Atlas’s restoration. Normally they wouldn’t all entertain something like this, the gathering doubled as an award ceremony. With how many of them contributed in Atlas’s time of need, attendance was all but mandatory as well as a smart way to show things are in fact going smoothly. Naturally, Summer didn’t receive an invitation for any noteworthy contribution but was invited out of principle. Now she couldn’t even show up at all!

“Nick, why are you even going?” Summer groaned. “You’re not getting an award. As far as the public is concerned, there was no grand life or death battle. You were in the hospital.”

“That’s exactly why I’m going. This event is televised and since school and other activities are just starting again it’s not like anyone really knows how well I’m doing these days. I wouldn’t be surprised if people thought I was dying if I didn't show myself tonight.”

Summer pouted. “Hmm, kinda sounds like you don’t want to hang out with me?”

“That too. Being sick sucks.”

Well at least he was honest with her. Summer looked at Valerie getting dolled up by her parents while Winter straightened Sparrow’s tie.

“And why is he going exactly?”

“I still miss him.” Winter said bluntly, reaching for Qrow’s arm. “Miss this idiot too.”

“We love you too.” They said in perfect unison.

Summer looked at Ruby helping Ruth put on her sparkly shoes while Whitley fixed Ruby’s hair. No point or desire to nag the new family. Summer was more jealous how Ruth looked excited about the whole thing. Galas are kinda slow for the most part but watching Ruth get excited made Summer wish she was going.

Weiss came by and gave her daughter an extra pillow. “How are you holding up?”

“My bones ache…”

“Sounds about right. It’s been so long since you’ve been sick that I didn’t realize it was possible.”

“You and I both. Look, I know it’s actually not that big of a deal illness wise, but I’m seriously going to be left here watching you guys on tv?” Summer pouted.

Jaune kinda laughed to himself. Looks like Summer was just as needy as Weiss whenever she got sick. “We will try to be back as soon as possible.” He said with a smile. “Besides, you won’t be completely alone.”

As he said that, a knock came from the front door. Ruby dashed over to open it and let her fellow teammates in.

“Look who finally showed up!” Ruby teased.

Yang flicked her sister’s forehead “Hey! We don’t control the weather. We flew as quickly as possible. Well, most of us.”

Penny came darting in all dolled up for the event. “I didn’t want to ruin the dress.” She said, quickly hugging everyone before speeding towards the living room to see Summer. “Salutations!”

“Well, well, well.” Summer squinted. “If it isn’t my doctor who left me to wolves! I presume the other runaway has joined you?”

Oscar came walking in casually. “Yep. Good to see you Summer. It’s been awhile.”

“Didn’t have to be. Can you imagine my surprise when I came home asking if your flight landed, just to be told you didn’t get off!?”

“Hehehe…” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I did, technically. I had to get clothes.”

“Blake me.” Penny said. “I was concerned that the altitude might harm Veronica’s ears, considering they were still injured at the time. I wasn’t about to leave Oscar so I asked him to make a round trip.”

“A round tr- ya stayed!”

“Well we weren’t expecting Veronica to ask for therapy and further medical attention! Also it’s not like we don’t video call you for your scheduled appointments.”

Summer puffed her cheeks out. She wasn’t actually upset at anyone. It was just so unbelievable that within the hour of her telling Veronica to seek professional help, the girl pouched both therapist and doctor from under Summer’s nose.

“Speaking of the thief, how is she?”

An extra pair of footsteps came walking up from behind the couch. “The thief can hear you.”

Summer looked up to the faunus girl staring down at her. Veronica gave a rigid wave then walked over to the other couch to lay on it. Unlike the others, Veronica was dressed in her normal clothes.

“That’s a little casual for a gala, don’t you think?”

“Yeah. Good thing I’m not going?”

“Excuse me?” Summer said quickly, looking at Weiss.

“Veronica volunteered to look after you while we’re out. Hopefully this event won’t drag out.”

Penny did a quick scan of Summer’s vitals. “Hmm, even if it does she’ll be fine. It’s a little funny how your slight fever is the normal temperature of a person. You have nothing to worry about. It’s accumulating by the looks of it.”

“Cool.” Summer said not really concerned about that at all as she looked at Veronica. “You volunteered?” She didn’t get a verbal answer. Only a thumbs up.

Weiss gave Summer a kiss in the head and proceeded to leave along with everyone else. “Veronica, call if you need anything.”

“Yes ma’am.” As everyone left, Nick turned towards her to give a smile and wave as he exited. Such a little gesture brought a small smile to Veronica’s face. She put her attention on Summer and stood up. “Need anything?”

“Yeah, an answer. Why aren’t you going with them? If I got an invite then you had to.”

“I did, but it was customary.”

“What? But…you helped dozens. You’re not getting an award?”

“Nope. It’s not like dust infused clothes didn’t exist before I made more, or as if people really knew I was making more. I stayed in my little workshop so often. Even I don’t know if everything I made actually functioned as intended; nor would people tell the difference if they were layered up. Aside from the things I made for our family, that is. My crowning moments are in the final fight which as far as the public is aware, never happened.”

“That’s…I’m sorry to hear that. You worked so hard.”

“Eh. Can’t say I care too much. Not like I wanted to give a speech or anything. The crowd wouldn’t take too kindly to that anyways if you ask me.”

“Still…” Summer frowned, “You deserve recognition.”

Veronica went silent for a moment. All she could do was shrug, choosing not to think about it too much. It is what it is after all.

“How are your ears?” Summer asked, noticing them. They looked as perky as they were before instead of tapped down.

“I’m not deaf, so that’s swell. Last thing I need to be is a faunus that can’t hear or see well. Enough about me though. You don’t even sound like you should be talking. Do I need to grab a pitcher, meds, or-”

“ARF!!” Came a high pitched cry from the main hall that made Veronica jump.

What came next was the pitter patter of tiny paws on tile that made its way onto carpet. From around the couch, a tiny Dalmatian puppy with perfect spots under his eyes came waddling towards Veronica with a wagging tail

It let out its tiny yet mighty bark again. “ARF!” He nibbled on the tip of Veronica’s worn sneakers.

“N-No.” Summer stuttered, patting the couch cushion to gain its attention. “Dunce, leave her alone. I’m sorry, again.”

“You named them Dunce?”

“Our old dog was named Dolt. I don’t see the problem. Oscar suggested a therapy animal and I chose this little menace. Dunce! I need you to be smart for three seconds and come to mama.”

“It’s fine.” Veronica bent over and picked up the little guy. “Hey Dunce. Smelled a cat did ya? Good thing I don’t spook like my mom.” Veronica watched as his tiny tongue licked her nose before the puppy yawned. “Me too.”

Summer was a little bit shocked seeing Veronica react so casually. Now that she was thinking about it, Veronica overall appeared…low on energy compared to her typical attitude. Her tone was laxed and her gaze held a neutrality to them, but it didn’t feel natural.

“Are you…on antidepressants?” Summer hesitated to say. Veronica raised a brow at the question. Suddenly there was a bit more light behind Veronica’s eyes, but only a bit.

“I mean…I was for a bit, but not anymore. They…they kinda made me worse.” Veronica said in a disheartening voice. “Uh, does he have a cage I put him in? Dogs can catch human diseases y’know?”

“Yeah.” Summer pointed towards the main entryway. “Cage is outside the kitchen door.”

“Is that hygienic?”

“It’s not in the kitchen or right next to it. Keqing it there makes it easy to put him inside when we have to. He listens to microwave beeps more than me.”

Veronica snickered then left to put him away. Summer couldn’t help but feel the awkwardness between them. Maybe it was all in her sick brain, but Veronica’s words felt rather dry. The typical wittiness and snap back wasn’t there. Almost as if her mind was somewhere else. The girl in question came back in with bottles of water and two extra covers. One was draped over Summer.

“Oh. Th-Thank you?”

“I could tell you were shivering.” Veronica used the second cover on herself and turned on the tv. “Ceremony won’t start for a while. Not that it’s gonna be interesting. You should get some rest while you can though.”

“Okay…” Summer said meekly, resting her head. She couldn’t take her eyes off of Veronica. Somehow she looked more tired. “Hey, are you okay?”

“Jet lag. Menagerie isn’t exactly the closest spot to Atlas.”

“That makes sense. Although, if you had no real interest in the gala then why come all the way here in the first place?”

“It’s not Menagerie.” Veronica laid her head down and put her arm over her eyes to block out light. “Sorry, but I need a bit of rest myself. Don’t worry though. I sleep lightly.”

Now she was even apologizing. Something definitely changed over the months. Well…a lot has actually changed. Could it be that Veronica was forcing herself to help as a way of trying to make things better between them? Summer remembered their final conversation. It was messy and complicated, but it wasn’t as if Summer came off as resentful. Maybe Oscar had spoken to Veronica in one of their sessions recently and it really hit home so now she’s contemplating? Whatever it was, Summer didn’t have the energy or intention to force a conversation. Veronica was right about her being tired. The two girls shut their eyes and let rest settle in.

xxxxxx

It was about an hour or so before Summer woke up again. As her vision cleared, she saw Veronica sitting in the corner of the other couch watching tv. Summer looked down to find her water bottle and noticed that beside it was cough syrup and a melted ice pouch.

“Your fever broke in your sleep.” Veronica said casually. “Do you remember waking up to take that medicine?”

“Not in the slightest.”

“I thought as much. Anyways, how you feein?”

“Actually…pretty good.” Summer sat up. Her body still had a little fatigue but there was no headache or sore throat. “Sorry if I woke you.”

“I’m here to take care of you. Besides, I got decent rest I suppose.”

Summer wasn’t too convinced about that. Veronica did appear to have a bit more energy but her overall demeanor and even her slouching posture told a different story. There had to be a way to break the ice. Fortunately, Veronica also had things to say.

“How’s school? It’s back in session right?”

Summer nodded. “We actually did a bunch of online classes not long after you left, but a month ago the entire school was up and running again. Normally I’d be pissed but it looks like summer vacation will happen. They’re even considering extending it since some students were trapped in Atlas.

“You guys have already made up for four months worth of work?”

“Atlas has problems. Education isn’t one of them. Especially in a combat school. Not to brag but we’re kinda awesome.”

“I know four of you are, but I never got that impression from your peers.”

Summer blinked twice. If she wasn’t mistaken, Veronica called her awesome. Sure, she mentioned Val, Nick, and Eliza, but she included Summer among them.

Veronica noticed the silence. “Something wrong?”

“N-No! Just uhh…” Summer trailed off. “Anyways, I’m more surprised the field is repaired. You all really set it ablaze.”

“That’s putting it mildly. I set off an inferno that could’ve killed us.”

“Abou that…has that shaken you up or anything?”

“Huh? Not particularly? Sure it was scary but so were a lot of things. Why?”

“Just asking.” So that wasn’t what was bothering her. Perhaps Summer went about this the wrong way? Veronica could be feeling general unease? “Speaking of summer vacation, I actually wanted to talk to you about something.”

“I’m all ears.” Veronica wiggled both pairs of them.

“I was hoping you could help me with a swimsuit?”

Now that was a question Veronica hadn’t expected. She gave full attention to Summer. “Why me of all people?”

“What do you mean why?” Summer pulled the covers halfway up her face. “You look good in everything and know fashion. I wanna look hot.” She muttered.

Veronica felt a flutter in her chest. “Oh, thanks.” She wasn’t expecting such a brutally honest response. “I’ve actually never made a swimsuit before. Not that I couldn’t learn to work with the fabric but it would take time. Can’t guarantee it would hold up against something professional.”

“That’s alright. I more so wanted to pick your brain than have you suddenly make me one for scratch.”

“I can do that. Are you well enough to stand?”

“I am.”

“If you go change into a sports bra and some shorts then I can give my thoughts now.”

Summer squinted. “What makes you think I own sports bras?”

“Because you’re the same girl who walked around in oversized school uniforms and would get away with sweatpants any chance possible.” Veronica said bluntly. Maybe a little too blunt. Summer started to pout. “Shit, I uuh didn’t mean for that to sound-”

Summer stood up and left the covers on the couch to reveal she was already in shorts. The girl huffed while removing her oversized Pumpkin Pete’s t-shirt to show Veronica her black sports bra.

Veronica threw her hands up in disbelief. “So you were just being difficult?”

“Nobody likes being called out so accurately.” Summer crossed her arms defensively. “Let’s make this quick. I’m still cold.”

Veronica got on her feet and got to inspecting. First thing she immediately noticed Summer’s skin in general looked healthier than last time. Not to mention she sounded better internally as well.

“You’ve been eating healthier.”

Summer’s eyes went wide. “You can tell at a glance? I mean it’s not as difficult considering Shiva is gone. I don’t have to worry about making her more capable. I’ve even stuck to the diary suggestions you gave me.”

“You don’t have to follow that. You do realize that, right?”

“I know, but I kinda like it now.”

“Whatever floats your boat I guess.” Veronica looked at several scars imprinted on Summer’s body. It was obvious this desire of hers had more to deal with self confidence than basic attractiveness.

Though her body wasn’t flawless, most of Summer’s scars had healed remarkably well over time; many had faded and naturally gotten smaller as the girl grew up from the accident that was more than a decade ago by now. There were a couple under her right rib cage and left thigh that noticeably had heavier scar tissue but that was fine. Veronica looked at Summer’s face again. Even the slight scar across her cheek and chin were difficult to notice. Her arms obviously had a couple scars from punctures, but once again, they healed pretty well.

“Did you have any ideas in mind? High waisted, strapless, over the shoulder, or basic?”

Summer shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s why I’m asking you. I want to try being more comfortable with myself but any time I go shopping…it all becomes a chore.” She sighed.

“Well since you’re asking me, go with a one piece.” Veronica watched Summer try to stop her face from scrunching up. “What?”

“Isn’t that a little…I don’t know, childish?”

“Only if you’re thinking about a school’s one piece, maybe. Summer, you do know you can’t really pull off what I would pick for myself, right?”

“Yes Veronica. I’m painfully aware of that.” It was hard not to sound jealous. Belladonna and Xiao Long genetics are the ultimate slap in the face in this specific case. “The hell is your dairy diet?”

“Stop crying over nonexistent spilled milk. You are also the daughter of a very beautiful woman who I highly doubt has ever looked ugly. Weiss Schnee might be the definition of beauty.”

“I think you’re underselling how gorgeous your parents are.”

“Oh I’m fully aware people drool over my parents. One more than the other at times. Doesn’t change what I said. Showing more skin doesn’t automatically make you feel more attractive or give off the perception you’re aiming for. You have to learn to work with what you have instead of what you wish for.”

“And what would that be?” Summer asked earnestly, receiving a tap on the leg with Veronica’s

“Like I said, you’re your mother’s daughter. Short torso, but long elegant legs. A one piece Will compliment that while also covering a few scars because let’s be honest, that’s what’s bugging you. Take it a step at a time. Hell, pick a one piece that shows a little of your back if you think that’s manageable. Alternatively, high waisted bottoms are a bikini top that’s more like a crop top or vest. You can feel hot and be modest.

Summer listened to every word. Veronica had gotten so caught up in her craft that she was speaking normally again. Not only that, but what she said felt more than personal advice. It was clear Veronica pulled from personal experience. A mixture of care and stern lecturing. For some reason, that made Summer smile.

It didn’t go unnoticed. “What’s with the grin?”

“I’m relieved. The awkward tension isn’t as bad as earlier. Thanks for the advice. I’ll keep it all in mind.”

Again with the compliments. Veronica wasn’t sure she would get used to them. She walked back to her seat. “You can put back on your shirt now before you catch another cold.”

“That would suck.” Summer returned to her comfy clothes and blankets. “Gotta admit I’m a little surprised you’ve never worked with swimsuits. Haven’t covered it in fashion class yet?”

Awkwardness came back again. Veronica turned her gaze towards the tv to see the countless citizens in extraordinary outfits as ceremonies took place. She rested her head in her left hand.

“Veronica?”

“Don’t know. I never went back.” Her ears dropped down.

Summer’s heart sunk, her body leaning back in shock. “Never went back? What do you mean you never went back?”

“I missed a lot when I left the first time. Granted it wasn’t anything I couldn’t make up with effort and my talent, but I didn’t really have one of those. Regular school is hard enough, now I had to fight in order to keep a spot nobody wanted me in to start with. Between my terrible record with fights and whatever bull shit they came up with, I didn’t have the energy. I’ve barely been going to school at all actually.”

“But…you love making designs.”

“I also loved gymnastics and a bunch of other things. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s not like I’ve given up on it. At this point it makes more sense to finish school and then go to design school somewhere far from home. Coco Axel herself thinks I have talent and recommended a few schools, so it’s a win.”

Veronica turned to Summer to smile at her humble brag but saw the girl frowning. A twinge of pain hit her chest and the smile she tried to wear didn’t show up.

Summer spoke with genuine concern. “Why don’t I think you believe that?”

“I mean…” Veronica clenched the bottom of her skirt as she held her head down. “I’d be lying if I said I’m not a little disappointed in myself. By all rights, this plan is more favorable than things have been; yet it feels like I broke a promise to myself. As if they won by kicking me out.” Her voice trembled.

“I-”

“Can we please not talk about this?” She said quickly.

There it was, the frailty from before. Summer took a breath before speaking calmly. “Are you forcing yourself to interact with me because not doing so feels like running away?”

Veronica raised her head with urgency. “No, that’s not…” she sighed, feeling exhausted. “I don’t know why I’m doing what I am anymore. I only know doing nothing isn’t going to fix anything.”

“What are you trying to fix?”

“….Everything?” Tears spilled over that Veronica quickly wiped away. “Myself.”

“I can’t really speak much on school since I don’t have room to talk about the best way to handle it, but don’t think you have to force these things. Especially between us. It’s like you said about my swimsuit. Go at your own pace.”

“If I don’t push myself then I don’t want to move. I know that healing isn’t this linear process but these setbacks and plateaus keep…scaring me. I know I don’t deserve pity for a lot of things I’ve done but these lows are so-”

“Who told you that?” Summer asked sternly, spooking herself a little. “Who said you don’t deserve pity or empathy? I most certainly didn’t and I know nobody who has your best interest said that. Vee, in case you haven’t noticed, not once since you’ve been here have I done something fucked up like guilt trip you or come off as passive aggressive. So you showed up today because you feel guilty? Half the things I’ve done for my family had personal guilt attached to it. That’s all the proof you need that you’re holding yourself accountable and have compassion, but don’t think you have to act on every urge. I see that you’re trying. You got a therapist immediately after I told you.

“I thought you were upset over that?”

“Not literally! I was just being bratty because I’m not fan of sharing. I’m not actually mad you took my advice to get therapy from the person you trust. Cut me a little slack.” Summer gave Veronica a gentle smile. “Have any interesting breakthroughs you’re comfortable with sharing? Oscar has a way of making people cry.”

Veronica wiped her face again. “I don’t know if I can really call them breakthroughs. They’ve been things I pretty much knew about myself but never wanted to admit verbally. Apparently I have a fairly decent understanding of myself. It’s putting in the work positively that sucks.”

“Gotta admit that makes me a little jealous. That man sometimes peels back a layer I didn’t know existed.”

“Heh, well, I guess the closest thing to that is despite my low tolerance and expectations for people, I persist in being close to see if I’ll be proven wrong.” She sniffed. “It’s a big reason why I like Nick. Not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.

Summer can understand that. All of their family is kind and caring but people like her brother and Penny aren’t related to Veronica. She’s so used to being written off by others that she expects it’ll come eventually. However, the truth is that’s not gonna happen with those two. Even in Veronica’s ugliest moments, they never thought less of her or believed she couldn’t be better. Now that Summer thought of it, Veronica most likely thought similarly about this situation.

Summer reached out her hand. “Not to change topics so suddenly, but I’m still cold.”

“Oh, okay.” Veronica removed her own blanket. She wasn’t actually that cold anymore anyways. She walked over to Summer to give her the extra layer but was caught by surprise when Summer grabbed her by the wrist. “What are - ahh!” A firm tug sent Veronica falling forward.

Summer caught the girl in her arms and fell back gently onto the couch with Veronica ensnared. They landed on their sides and Summer kept the girls face close to her chest. “Aah~That’s better.” She didn’t push her luck by rubbing her head.

Veronica squirmed and grunted. “Grr, Summer! I’m not in the mood for-”

“Then use your semblance or punch me in the face to escape. I’m not letting go of you.”

Veronica’s tail swayed back and forth as she tried wiggling side to side before giving up, her body going limp. She wasn’t going to punch a sick person.

“No semblance?”

“…I’m too exhausted to deal with falling.”

“Guess you’re stuck then.” Summer didn’t really believe that was the full reason, she let Veronica get away with it.

Silence built between them for at least a minute as the sound of a clock ticked and the sound from tv not being watched played in the background.

“Why are you doing this?” Veronica finally asked.

“You’re warm and I’m cold. Chalk it up to fulfilling your duties as my temporary keeper.”

“….Why are you really doing this?” Veronica sunk into the embrace.

“….Not sure. Maybe this is my version of tough love? I don’t like seeing you so down on yourself and walking on eggshells around me. Can’t tell if I’m concerned or if it ticks me off.”

“Beats me.” She said dryly.

“Back to what you said, I can empathize a little. There were many times I felt like I was giving every reason for people to let go to the waste side. Even so, my family never let go. I felt like dead weight and yet they still chose to hang on to me. I never really understood why, but maybe there isn’t much to understand?”

“It’s love. The type that feels unconditional and dangerous for everyone involved. Especially the person who doesn’t believe they deserve it.”

Summer felt Veronica tense up. “Not that I’m giving you my blessing or anything like that, but take it from me, Nick does whatever the fuck he wants. His answer to participating less in contests and overseeing school affairs was to get a part time job for crying out loud.” She snickered, “He’s so bad saying no he literally had to give himself an excuse to deny people.”

“Does he work at the cafe he likes so much?”

“Could you smell it on him? Heh, it’s not a terrible scent by any means but man is it a lot to deal with. Anyways, don’t be afraid to be real with him. And if you feel too reliant, bring it up. You could also make my day and fall for someone else.”

“No offense, but do you even know what it’s like to fall for someone? You kinda bask in the limelight.”

“Nope.” Summer said without a second thought. “I’ve been attracted to people but generally all guys I’ve met look disappointed and mundane.”

“Do you think that has something to do with the fact people like Oscar, your father, and Nick set the bar high by sticking by you through medical, physical, and emotional crises? How can any normal guy treat you that tenderly?”

Summer felt like her entire world hit pause. Now she knew for sure Veronica did sessions with Oscar, because not only was that delivery so blunt, the monotone nature of it hit her in the face. That had never crossed her mind!

“Let’s keep the focus on you okay?” Summer said, not wanting to acknowledge that new box of horror right now. “I asked earlier but I’ll ask again. How are you feeling? Are you okay?”

Veronica felt her own heart beating faster. Despite her deep breaths, it wouldn’t calm down. “…It’s not jet lag.” She said on the verge of tears. “I’m so tired all the time. I can sleep for hours and gain little rest. I feel like a bundle of nerves because I don’t know if I’m angry with myself or everyone else. I…I am so lost in it all. I don’t know if I’m doing anything right anymore. Maybe I never was. It feels even shitty to complain like this to you about my problems when yours actually tried to kill you.”

“…..So are yours. They pushed you.”

The words echoed in Veronica’s head. “Ah…I guess I never looked at it like that. Ya know…I would always get so angry hearing someone said ending your life is the easy way out. There’s nothing easy about letting all hope inside you fade and believing nothing gets better. It’s pure torture.”

“What does not giving up mean then?”

“That’s not easy either. It takes pure strength to hold onto hope for a better day.”

“If that’s the case, Veronica, you’re the strongest person I’ve ever known.”

Summer gently combed through the girl’s hair with her fingers. So much has happened in so little time. Perhaps everything was leading to this moment? Then again, it was nice to think they both reached this point by never giving up instead of believing in something as mysterious as destiny. All Summer knew for sure is whenever she thought about Veronica recently, she only wanted good things to happen to her and for them to talk. Not only about big and serious things, but the silly little topics that no normal person would get hung up on. Not everything in life can be mended and things that are might not be quite the same. Even so, Summer knew in her heart there was one thing she could- no, that she did mend and wanted to share.

“Veronica…?” She said softly.

“Hmmm?” The girl hummed, barely mustering the energy.

“….I forgive you.”

Three words. That’s all it took to undo some of the immense pressure that weighed heavily on Veronica. She couldn’t even question if it was said out of pity or earnestly. The simple fact that she hears what she never believed would undid the rest of her composure. Her arms wrapped around Summer to hold on gently.

No more words were exchanged. Summer continued to play with Veronica’s hair and keep her close as the girl cried into her chest, her body trembling. Summer never found herself as particularly kind in comparison to others she knew. However, right now she couldn’t believe her brother might’ve been right. After all her protests and feelings of disbelief towards her own qualities, here she was, holding on. Maybe there truly was something everyone saw in her and Veronica that the two of them had yet to notice at the time? Summer had to admit that now she wanted to see it too.

xxxxx

Night settled in and the esteemed guests had returned to the manor exhausted. Not so much though that Weiss did them all a favor by having a human-sized Gigas carry the awards and baggage.

“Is it too much to ask for those things to be fun and brief?” Sparrow sighed.

“Yes.” Everyone said.

Ruby held a passed out Ruth in her arms. “One of us had a blast. Out like a light.

Weiss smiled. “Then it’s worth it in the end. You two and Whitley could’ve gone straight home if you wanted to.”

“Nah, Ruth likes Veronica. I was thinking we all might crash here for tonight? There’s definitely enough rooms.”

Nora’s eyes lit up. “Then in the morning we get treated to the most wonderful breakfast by Ruby, Ren, Jaune, Winter, and Yang!”

Sparrow clapped. “Amazing idea.”

Blake however took slight offense. “Are you saying the other half of us spouses are the inferior cooks?”

Weiss, Whitley, and Qrow looked at Blake. “That’s because we are.”

“My cooking is great!”

Yang patted her back. “It is, but let’s be honest. My breakfast brings your parents over.”

While Valerie was busy getting distracted by Dunce’s adorableness, Nick followed Oscar and Penny to the living room to hopefully find it in one piece. Immediately as they walked in they came back out waving everyone over silently but frantically. The curious bunch made their way over.

Everyone had to restrain their gasps before smiling. This sure wasn’t expected. Both girls were completely knocked out on one sofa holding one another. Empty water bottles were everywhere and there were a couple empty snack bowls as well. Summer looked rather pleased in her slumber while Veronica was in a deep sleep. A soft purring could be heard coming from her as she leaned into Summer’s embrace.

No one had the heart to wake them. As they left, Weiss turned off the tv, Yang and Blake grabbed the trash, and Jaune put a cover over them that had fallen off. Nick however, grabbed something a bit more memorable; a quick photo to show them later if the need arises. Would they threaten his life? It was possible. Would that make him any less correct? Absolutely not.

[subliminallyroki]

Here's a little something I wrote based off of my hermitcraft-warriors au. There's more to the world building, timeline, events, and such, so maybe I'll post that sometime later.

Anyhow, enjoy! And if it wasn't clear already, Macaw is Grian before he joined the Hermits' clan and he was given the name Parrotfeather. Also the hermits don't have a clan name, they just call themselves Hermits. They're kinda like a budget clan. Okay, yep, onto the story.

Macaw was tired. He had been walking for practically the entire day in this gods forsaken forest. It felt like he was going in circles, and now his paw pads were sore. It was great, just great.

By no means was he used to forests. All of the new smells bombarded his sensitive nose and caused him to sneeze. There were too many smells and too many pokey things, in his humble opinion. He couldn't tell head from tail. It didn't help that Macaw felt like he couldn't step anywhere without greenery in the way.

But it was a major improvement from whatever the two-legs had going on. Macaw shuddered at the reminder. He was glad to be gone from there. And he refused to remember the time before that.

The ginger cat sighed and paused. He sat down to give his aching paws a rest. Then gave up and layed down to extend fully in the soft grass. Macaw began the methodic task of licking his paws clean.

But he didn't get very far. The golden foliage tickiling his fur was too much to handle. Macaw, irritated and stressed, flicked his tail to and fro.

He had no clue what he was doing in a forest. He couldn't catch a mouse to save his life, much less sustain himself. It was stupid, maybe he should have just stayed with the deranged two legs after all. It was all so stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid-

Macaw froze suddenly. There was noise, voices. His eyes widened.

"Yeah, Mumbo, did'ja see me catch that vole!? It didn't even see me coming!"

"Scar, you ran head first into a tree."

There was silence for a moment. If Macaw hadn't been so terrified for his life, he would be laughing.

"Okay, well, those are just technicalities."

"Are we sure you don't need to see the medicine cat? I'm sure Fuchsiaflower would be happy to tell us if you've scrambled your brains."

"Oh, I'm sure she's already fed up with me. It's no biggie, though!"

The voices were getting louder. They were approaching and Macaw was doing nothing but sitting in the flowers, cowering like an idiot. His breaths were getting cut short. Surely, surely, this would be the end.

It was then that a slender brown and white tabby tom revealed himself from the brush. He was looking back over his shoulder when he stopped and realized Macaw was squatting right there.

Silence again.

Someone spoke from behind the tom, "What is it, Bristlescar? Ah- oh."

Another cat appeared, this time he was bigger and had black and white patches. And Macaw meant a lot bigger. He must've been at least twice his own size.

It was a tense moment of the three staring at each other before the brown tabby cracked a grin.

"Well hello there." The black and white cat glanced at his partner. Macaw couldn't decipher if it was in concern or exasperation.

"Uh, hi?" Macaw hesitantly let himself relax from his crouch. If they hadn't attacked him yet, chances are they wouldn't now.

"HI, hi! I'm Bristlescar! And this here is Mumblenose! What's your name - wait don't tell me, let me guess," the brown and white tom, Bristlescar apparently (seriously, who named these guys? Their mothers must have hated them), closed his eyes in what appeared to be concentration.

The other cat gave Macaw a look that told him this is a common occurrence. Then Mumblenose seemed to realize their situation and quickly broke eye contact. It was a little bit funny, Macaw had to admit.

"It starts with a G! No? Yeah? Well I'm going to call you G. You know why? Because you are in those golden plants and, you know, g like gold. Okay," Bristlescar looked pleased, he smiled at the other cat.

"Uh, my name is actually Macaw." Macaw was having difficulty comprehending what was happening right now.

"Oh! Well, do you mind if I call you G? Because I think I'm going to. You can call me Scar if I get to call you G, deal?"

Before Macaw got a chance to interrupt, the black and white tom butted in, "Scar, er, I really don't think this is going anywhere. We're supposed to be hunting prey and keeping intruders out of our territory."

But, judging by his tone, Mumblenose wasn't all that annoyed.

"Oh, come on Mumblenose! Look at him, look at how cute and small he is! I'm sure Turtlestar would adopt him immediately. Why don't we take him back to camp?" Bristlescar turned back to Macaw. Macaw wasn't sure he liked being called 'cute' or 'small'. In fact, he despised it. "Would you like to come with us to our home?"

Macaw could just barely see Mumblenose smiling and rolling his eyes...fondly? Maybe?

Macaw was just about to say something biting in response, until he actually considered. It would be kind of nice to have a home with other cats. Even if those cats are strange social outcasts and rejects.

And even if they have strange names and even stranger customs and live in the woods. These two were...nice.

Maybe it wouldn't be all that bad. Here in the forest, no one knew they existed. Most importantly, no one could find Macaw. And the two cats were giving him warm, reassuring looks.

Macaw fully stood up from within the golden flowers. He faced them.

"You know what? Sure, why not."

"Ah-maz-ing!" Bristlescar exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

"Glad to have ya, mate. If you decide to stay, I'm sure you'll fit in just fine." Mumblenose added.

And with that, the two forest cats turned tail deeper into the foliage and Macaw scampered up to follow them. For once in his life, Macaw could put his past behind him and open up to a brand new, and hopefully safe, beginning.

[maguro13-2]

SHATTERED HERO ~ Origins of the Ink Demon : Episode Maka Finale (1/11) ~

"After manty time traveling events to put a stop on their common foes...We formed an alliance with the Sailor Senshi scouts who were the supposed to the targets for Dark Nebula's conquest, that failed. the men that he dealt with have been very greedy for a one-eyed star of eerie darkness and has committed their sins."

"But thanks to Homura Akemi's efforts, 2006 will might clear the events and all evidence of the Solaris Incident will never make it happen."

[Separation - Masamichi Amano]

Minako : Hey, Usagi. Now that the big bads are gone, what's gonna happen to our old foes when true archnemesis is planning on retiring as a villain soon? Should we the Sailor Scouts planning on keeping the dangers out of us?

Usagi : Hmmm...You know what, Minako? I suggested bad things in the 90s has ever happened to us, Men like them are such disgusting pigs that has ever wanted to ruin our reputation same goes to my brother. Although he did try to battle with us before Dark Nebula killed him. But it's all good now that he's gone and I was the one who ended his life. But I didn't mean that and me Usagi is the only one left that is ever in the Tuskino name as Serenity. So, umm, yep.

Minako : That's gladly to hear. Anyways there's seems to be a black hole that Daroach or Dark Nebula went off. So we gotta prepare our training for the final battle. This could be our final effort on saving the galaxy before everything gets easily be in the palms of Demon Vibe's hands.

Usagi : I know. At least we have dessert in the freezer s storage. Who knows about that Shingo heartless actually a doppelganger.

Minako : So that Shingo that tried to corrupt us was another heartless doppelganger? So then...Where's the real Shingo?

Usagi : About that.

Minako : Usagi? Where is your brother?

Usagi : He was supposed to be dead. And I never that a doppelganger of him was just a heartless.

Minako : Then what happened to your brother?

(cuts to Shingo in a freeze room, where had been frozen inside of a big block of ice)

Minako : You mean he's been frozen for what?!

Ikuko : About 15 years since our debut. He wasn't killed by the Toguro brothers and that heartless that was killed was actually his doppelganger.

Minako : How the heck did that happened? Who would freeze him by accident?

Ikuko : Well...

*flashback*

Yukina : So, you're Usagi's younger brother. How funny than you can be thirteen years old and I'm older you. So you want to be nasty little Shota boy so that you can make your humiliated, am I correct?

Shingo : Not really? People make fun of me saying that I harass my sister and then I had make a harem out of this to be myself. I just realize that I called Peter Griffin a dorky fat numb nuts!

Yukina : Hey, that's not cool!

Shingo : My friends just called that Kuwabara is a poop nose!

Ikuko :Shingo! Where are your manners! Sorry about that. You see he gets into the thirteen year-old stuff about that of making on his thirteenth birthday. But I'm glad that you officially did the babysitting thing.

Yukina : My pleasures.

Ikuko : So, will there be extra charges on how do you plan to give us the heat of this feeling before Usagi comes home?

Yukina : I got this weird cold feeling about my brother and all...to think about that. It's this allergy season that I...Ah...Ahh...ACHOOO!

*DBZ SFX : Explosion*

Yukina : Oops.

*flashback ends*

Usagi : Wait, so my brother isn't dead.

Ikuko : Nope. It was a non canon move. So that's why Yukina had to baby sit your brother and I even have to come back before she literally froze us over a year by sneezing to making it about "2000 years later."

(siren wailing)

Usagi : That idiotic snow cone! She frozed my house on purpose! I'm sorry! But I believe to be having some insurance for all of that amnesia crap! This sucks![hears door opens]

[Moonlit Army - Konami Music Center]

Ami : Usagi! Usagi! Terrible news!

Usagi : Ami! What happened?! What is it?

Ami : It's Chibiusa and Mamoru. They've been captured by a recolored Shadow!

Usagi : A what?

Ami : I thought Luna told us that Shingo the heartless has been coming to HQ. But turns out that heartless that came to attack us was a diversion. And also he gave this to you!

Usagi : What's this? (A hologram of Mephiles appears)

Mephiles : Superheroes! I've been waiting for you!

[Mephiles' Whisper - Hideaki Kobayashi]

Usagi : You! You used the Darkside heartless as a distraction! You took Chibiusa and Tuxedo Man didn't you! He had been in suspended animation for 15 years! What couldn't you be more happy? Hope you die or something!

Mephiles : I have captured in the palm of hands and I've got them hostage. You'll do something cool if you want to find out.

Usagi : Alright, dweeb. What do you want from us, superheroes?

Mephiles : The Time Eater's relative. It came on the hunt to seek me down and when I do, I will destroy it in my awakening for the final curtain call. If you would save these four hostages that are needed to be saved, then come to the Dusty Desert Zone through the gate. Come, you will know the pain and suffering to these loved ones if you will not give in my demands.

Usagi : What happens if our demands are not met within the next 24 hours?

Mephiles : They'll drown in Darkness forever and enjoy the pain and suffering. They are the best teachers they've ever known to succumb.

Usagi : Okay! I'll be there soon! *CRUSH!* You'll pay for that, Sega. That is I promise.

"meanwhile back in Flame Core..."

[Mephiles Phase 1 - Hideaki Kobayashi]

Homura Akemi : So, finally we meet.

Mephiles : You there. You must be the Time Eater's relative.

Homura Akemi : Listen up, recolor. You better talking to me face-to-face when I see you dropped dead and never talk alot of sh** about you blowing the worlds away. Whether it's Real World or Sonic's.

Mephiles : Indeed. But can you tell me that you are sent from the future to fix this year's greatest mistake that has been ever made?

Homura Akemi : That's right. I am Homura Akemi. You are the second of son of Amaterasu. I knew everything about this incident caused by the Duke of Soleanna. There was something going on when the Time Stone from Miracle Planet had something to do with time and space. Father Time knew exactly what are your plans was. These conspiracies and theories of the death of Elise were only a stage. A setup caused by your manipulation! That's called deception! In Mortal Kombat, they say that "Damashi" is japanese for "Deceive" and "Deception".

Mephiles : Rhetorical question, girl. But I have been deceiving Silver into killing the one in the past just to let you know that I am receiving the opportunity of making three hedgehogs fight each other. And then my plan is to target the one to kill.

Homura Akemi : That's your plan. Making someone to die and then make someone consume the despair. You got that Sephiroth? Sephiroth told you that!?

Mephiles : It's true. Sephiroth is the giver to humanity's despair, how it happened in the old world of Shinra Kusakabe before Soul World's existence. Whether Real World dies or the universe of it will cease to exist.

Homura Akemi : And I believe that the Ohkuboverse's core was none other than Demon Vibe. And hope was actually the gift of light from Angel Vibe.

Mephiles : True that! Their research on the Kusakabe Legacy is worth every hero's life that something that needed to be lost and thrown all of it away!

Homura Akemi : No way! I will never loose to the likes of you! The Real World is for everyone and not the Ohkuboverse! the Mashimaverse is truly the universe of all fantasies that they will never wake up to real life!

Mephiles : And guess what. That so called Kishin that threatens to corrupt the entire planet was nothing more than a heartless decoy, a puppet controlled by Demon Vibe.

Homura Akemi : The Kishin that Shinigami caused was a heartless, and the original Asura was part of the Kusakabe, Necrodeus killed him. Demon Vibe wanted the power so badly, the galaxy will be in the palm of his hands!

Mephiles : Kids these days! I am running out of time! I don't have time for this! (Creates time barrier to teleport away)

"later..."

Homura Akemi : Hey, get back here! (goes into the Time Barrier)

[Central Park - New York, USA]

[Empire City (Night) - Fumie Kumatani]

Liz Thompson : Man! 2006 is always like this. Ever since the 2006 winter olympics, I still don't get what happened to Nevada. It's like the state that was never really means home to us. But I thought we the Mabuki were created by Shotaro to defend these the inhabitants of earth. We're not even that kind. It feels like that the Mabuki were a tool to the devil's legacy and the will of it's own.

Patty Thompson : I'm glad this Soul Eater thing is way out of our league, It's just the two of us being together after what really happened on that terrible night.

Liz Thompson : Glad that every culture is diverse and we the people are not the ones who wanted a fair fight. Believe it or not, we humans are tools to defend humanity from the forces of what, Evil? Yeah that is what Mermaid Man would want to say that. Every Villain Is Lemons.

Patty Thompson : I guess your right. Every Villain is Lemons. Superheroes are the true defenders of humanity and not us. We tools of Shinra's kind is totally stupid and that's why Ashley's kind was the victim of their confusion and of course, deception.

Liz Thompson : Which why needed things to avoid ourselves from getting into that dangerous situation!

Tsubaki Nakatsukasa : Excuse me, but are you two the Thompsons?

Liz Thompson : Yeah that's us. And you are...

Tsubaki Nakatsukasa : I'm Tsubaki Nakatsukasa of the Nakatsukasa Family. I am an agent of the Japanese government.

Liz Thompson : Hold up. You're Tsubaki Nakatsukasa? You must be a friend of Maka or something.

Tsubaki Nakatsukasa : Friends to Maka? We were never friends to Maka or the Maka Albarn that we were never friends in the past.

Liz Thompson : ....Say what?

~ Act 26 : Deceive in Damashi ~

[lokidokieokie]

Tony Was Wrong.

Ahhh my first request!

Request: I really like this make more pls maybe where Tony’s sister comes back after years and meets dr. strange and they warm up to each other and later confess 

Pairing: Stark!Reader x Dr. Stephen Strange 

Warning: Slight use of language (nothing to bad really)

If there was one thing you absolutely hated about working for SHIELD, it was the fact that they loved to put you on undercover op missions.

This time you were tasked to go in, capture the bad guy, and get out. Simple really. “It will be quick,” they said; “In and out mission; a week tops,” they said...well, they were wrong. That conversation with Patchy took place two years ago.

Yep, that’s right...two years ago. “It will be quick,” my ass. Patchy will get a stern talking to about this.

At least you were done now. You did what every superhero does: caught the bad guy (who happened to be an old, bald Hydra dude) and saved the day. Woohoo! Time to go home to your annoying brother and the band of misfits.

After a stern talking to with Patchy over what his idea of quick is, you finally made your way to the Tower. 

Walking in through the doors like you own the place, you enter the elevator with one thing on your mind. Making an entrance. It had been two years after all. 

The elevator doors opened, and with a flick of your hair you spoke, “I’m back sweeties, and, I’m taking autographs.” 

Entrance was a success. But before you knew it, you were tackled to the ground, your back now on the floor. 

“You backstabbing, two-faced bitch!” That was not the welcome home you were expecting. 

Tony hugged you (much to the surprise of everyone) and whined, “You didn’t tell me you were coming home! I missed your annoying ass!” 

You giggled, “Have you heard of something called a surprise?” He groaned. 

“And I missed you too, you big dork.” 

You both stood up and turned back to face the group. You pointed to the spot in front of you, “The line for autographs starts here.” 

Everyone came running over, your quip about autographs seemingly forgotten. You don’t think you’ve ever received that many hugs in your life. 

After squeezing the life out of you, you relocated to the very comfortable couches in the common room, and began to retell your very boring mission in an extremely dramatised way; much to the amusement of everyone. 

“So, I know that this is a stupid question because I wasn’t here, but did anything exciting happen while I was gone?” 

Everyone just shrugged. “We found this magician guy over on Bleecker St. Goes by Strange. He’s nothing special, not worth your time.”

Big brother mode activated. You’d forgotten how overprotective he was. No one was good enough for you according to Tony. 

You frowned then grumbled, “You’ll never find someone worth my time.”

Tony just sighed, exhausted over starting this conversation again. You wiggled your way over to Natasha and put your head on her shoulder. 

She just pushed her fingers through your hair and whispered, “You’ll find someone one day, Y/n.” 

You sighed and began day-dreaming about one day. If only you knew how close one day would be.

You had been back at the tower for a while at this point, and nothing exciting had happened...at all. No missions, no pranks, Clint and Tony hadn’t been idiots. 

It was safe to say that you were extremely bored. 

So you can only imagine your reaction when gold sparks just randomly popped up in the common area. 

You quickly jumped up onto the coffee table and drew your gun, pointing it at the weird sparkles. “What is that?”

Tony just yawned, “It’s the magic man.”

“It’s Master of the Mystic Arts, douchebag.”

That was a new voice. It was deep, sultry, delicious...sexy. That voice could make you do things; very, very bad things. 

“To what do we owe the pleasure, oh mighty one?” The man just rolled his eyes. 

“The Sanctum was destroyed during a battle, and someone needs to stay in New York while it’s being fixed, hence why I’m here.”

Tony began walking out of the room, “Yeah, yeah, take whatever room you want.” 

You rolled your eyes and huffed, “I apologise for my brother.”

The man jumped. “I did not know you were there.” You just laughed. 

“The pros of being an undercover SHIELD agent.” 

He smiled, “I’m assuming you’re the reasonable Stark sibling, then?” 

You nodded your head, “Y/n Stark, the better Stark sibling, at your service.” 

He laughed. A nice, smooth baritone laugh. Sweet baby Jesus that laugh sounded like angels singing at the gates of heaven. You’d be avidly trying to get him to laugh during his stay at the Tower, that’s for sure. 

You were brought out of your thoughts by a yellow glove and his baritone voice. “I’m Stephen Strange.” 

You shook his hand. This was going to be an interesting few weeks. 

Over the next few days, you kept running into Stephen around the Tower, and acting like a blubbering mess. 

Like, there was this one time...

It was just your typical day at the Tower. Everyone was doing their own thing, and you were lounging on the couch, watching your favourite TV show, Sherlock.

If that man was real, you’d be all over him. Those sharp cheekbones that could probably cut through glass, his curly hair that seemed so fun to run your hands through-

“Am I seeing things or does that look like Strange?” Of course Tony would interrupt your ‘me’ time.

“I don’t see it.” You grumbled. All you wanted was to watch your favourite show in peace, without the commentary from your brother.  

“Yo guys, come here for a minute!” And ‘me’ time over, thanks Tony. 

Everyone was now seated on the couches around you, much to your disdain, and avidly staring at the screen. “Now does that look like the Bleecker Street magician or not?” 

A round of “yes” and “that’s creepy” were heard. You groaned, “It doesn’t look like him!” 

“Why doesn’t it?”

“For starters, Sherlock has curly hair, whereas Stephen has those two adorable grey streaks on either side-”

“So Strange’s streaks are adorable, huh?” Nat interrupted. 

You blushed, “I didn’t mean to say that.” 

“Well, that’s a first.” You had never spun that fast in your life. 

“H-hi Stephen,” you squeaked. All he did was laugh. 

Then, there was that time the cloak pushed you together. 

It was late, probably around 1am, and you were trying to navigate your way around the Tower in the dark. What? You were considerate to those who were asleep.  

Somehow you managed to stumble into the common area and walk straight into someone. However, just as you were about to hit the ground, someone (more like something) caught you, and pulled you back up. 

“Thank you-” You stopped. You didn’t expect to see the face of the Sorcerer Supreme so up-close...and God help you he looked even more delicious in the moonlight.

“I really didn’t do anything, it was all the cloak.” You chuckled. 

“Well then, thank you, Cloaky.” It seemed to preen under the praise and pulled you closer to Stephen. 

“Umm...” Of course this would be the time you became awkward. Why wouldn’t you lose comprehension of the world around you when you’re squished next to the sexiest man alive?

A blush made it up your cheeks as you felt Stephen’s hot breath on your face. “I’m sorry, Y/n. He’s not normally like this.” 

You smiled sheepishly, “T-that’s alright. No harm done.” 

No matter how hard you both tried (even though you were slightly reluctant to do so), the cloak refused to budge. 

“Looks like we’re stuck like this.” Your breath hitched. 

“To the couch?” He suggested. 

With a slight nod of your head, you both made your way (quite slowly) to the couch, and talked until you both fell asleep. 

It was safe to say that the team found you wrapped in Stephen’s arms the next morning snuggled up together, with the cloak nowhere to be seen. 

It was as if the universe was amused by you being a blubbering mess around him, and kept pushing you together because of it. 

But you didn’t mind it really, it brought the two of you closer together...and it was safe to say that you now have a crush on the ex-neurosurgeon. 

Not that you’d ever tell him that, of course. You’ve only known him for a few days. So all you could do was enjoy it while it lasts...

Alas, Stephen’s time at the Tower was now coming to an end. The Sanctum had miraculously been fixed and he had to return to his duties, much to your chagrin, of course. 

Opening a portal, he turned to the group of badass Avengers. 

“Stark, thank you for letting me stay here.” 

Stark nodded his head, “It was no problem.” 

He turned to you and winked, “I’ll see you around.” And with that, he stepped through the portal, closing it behind him. 

You were really going to miss him and his dreamy eyes. 

Just as you were about to leave, you felt something appear in your hand. 

Friday night, 7pm, Eleven Madison Park. I’ll be the one with the adorable grey streaks. ~ S.S

You smiled. Maybe someone was worth your time after-all. 

Tony was just going to have to get used to the fact that he was wrong. 

My laptop decided to die and I hadn’t saved this yet...had to rewrite everything. :( 

Probably not my best work, but oh well. 

Find my Masterlist here!

If you want to request do so here!

If you’re interested in requesting something with a prompt, you can find my prompt list here!

[honeymooneyy]

my sirius

summary: sirius loses his memories due to a potion mishap and james fails to tell him that he’s been dating remus for two years 

Sirius had never really been good at potions. 

He wasn’t one to follow the directions, and that reflected in his potion-making skills. He liked to make changes to the recipe, despite his lack of skills to make executive decisions like that. 

So when he had been brewing a particularly tricky potion with James - one that renders the drinker void of any memories for an hour, he probably shouldn’t have tweaked the recipe. 

But as Sirius stared down at the murky green goop, he wished for some pizazz. So he took matters into his own hands. A funky potion like this should look a lot cooler, he decided. Granted, it probably wasn’t a good decision to add that mystery white powder in the back of the cupboard. 

The second it touched the surface of his potion, it erupted out and onto Sirius. What happened next, was utter chaos. 

Slughorn was screaming at James to scourgify the cauldron, which he did with a shaky wave of his wand. Remus and Peter were on the floor in a fit of laughter, much like the rest of the class - even Snape was smiling. And Sirius, well poor Sirius wasn’t quite sure what he was doing. Or who he was. 

He turned to the tan boy next to him, who’s dark eyes were locked on his, worry evident in them. He opened his mouth, closed it, then opened it again. “Sirius?” 

Serious?

“What?” Was the only reply he could muster. What was happening? What was serious? Who was this boy, and why did he look so concerned? 

“Did you, y’know, get any in your mouth?” The boy questioned, tilting his head a bit. His glasses reflected a bit when he did so, no longer allowed him to see his eyes. 

“Who are you?”

James deflated, turning to the man who was quivering in the corner. “Professor?” 

“It’s all fine,” The supposed Professor announced, holding his hands up. “I have  a couple counteractive potions. James, son, what did he put in there?” 

“Er, I’m not sure, I didn’t see.” The boy, James, turns back to their cauldron before reaching for a small bottle of white powder. “I think it was this.” 

The Professor squints at the bottle before sighing. “I’m not entirely sure what that was. We could try all three of the counter acting potions? They don’t mess with one another, and I’m sure one of them will work. Alright, I think we’ve had enough of this, class dismissed early, James stay here with Sirius. Please clean up properly!” 

The class began to put their materials away, whispering different cleaning spells as to not disturb the silence that had descended upon the class. Sirius assumed his name must be Sirius and James must not have been speaking of the emotion earlier. He stood at the small table with the dark cauldron, awkwardly shifting his weight as the Professor sifted through his drawers. 

In the end, he pulled out three small vials and handed them to James who brought them to Sirius. He flashed him a bright grin. “Drink up!” 

Sirius didn’t ask very many questions, though he felt as if he was bursting with them. He simply tilted his head back to swallow the liquids back, one after the other, cringing at the taste of the last one. 

James and the Professor continued to stare at him and Sirius stared back.

“What’s my name?” The Professor questioned after a moment of silence. 

“I don’t- I don’t know, sorry,” Sirius apologized, his ears burning as he shrunk under their inquisitive gazes. 

James sighed but the Professor didn’t seem to put off. “No worries, Black. I’ll take a look at that powder and I should have an antidote whipped up soon enough. Besides, if too much didn’t go wrong with your potion, you should get your memories back within the hour. James, why don’t you take him down to the medical wing to wait?” 

He must’ve messed up the potion because an hour later, he was still unknowing to who he was. 

James had filled him in on where he was - Hogwarts - and who he was - Sirius Black - but hadn’t given him too much information. He had assured that he’d get his memories back soon enough so there was no point. But the outcome was starting to look pretty bleak and soon enough, the nice nurse lady was sending Sirius away with James seeing as nothing could be done. 

“It’ll be fine, Sirius, Slughorn will get you back to normal soon enough. I reckon you’ll remember everything by tomorrow, no worries. And Remus and Peter will love this!” James seemed extremely enthusiastic, despite the fact that his best friend had no memories. 

“Does this sort of thing happen often?” Sirius was barely keeping up with James’ quick pace as he tried to absorb the castle he seemed to be in. 

“Losing your memories? Not to any of us, but I’m surprised it hasn’t happened yet. We’re always getting into trouble. We’re kinda known for our pranks.” 

James seemed pretty proud and Sirius smiled at the thought of pranks. 

“Anyway, we’re in Gryffindor. There’s four houses, but I don’t think you need to know the others, right now. The password is Ficklepuffs, don’t forget that or else you can’t get in.” 

Sirius nodded, mouthing the word and hoping he’ll be able to remember it. 

“Okay, let’s not stay in the common room too long. Better if you don’t have to deal with all the questions. Let’s go to our dorm room. We share it with Remus and Peter.” 

Sirius followed him up the stairs wordlessly, ignoring the stares from the others in the common room. James pushed a door open and Sirius stepped into the warm room, his eyes flitting around before finding a boy sitting on one of the four beds

The blonde one looked up at him before directing his gaze towards James. “Is he all fixed up yet?” 

James grimaced a bit, “No, we’re waiting for Slughorn to make an antidote. Poppy told us to bring him up here and make him comfortable until the potions wears off or whenever Slughorn makes the antidote. Whichever happens first.” 

Sirius just stood in the center of the room, unsure what exactly he was supposed to do. All four of the beds looked exactly the same, and though James had taken the bed next to the blonde boy’s bed, the other two seemed too similar. James must’ve noticed his discomfort because he nodded his head towards one of the beds before speaking to the other boy in hushed tones. 

The bed was large with thick curtains around it, probably for privacy. The bed was made neatly and Sirius felt bad as he settled on top, wrinkling the sheets. On the bedside table was a book or two that seemed pretty untouched, and a dog toy? 

“Hey, Sirius!” The blonde boy waved to get his attention. “I’m Peter.” 

“Hi Peter.” Sirius waved back only for the other boys’ jaw to drop open as he shot James a look. 

“He can talk?”

��Of course he can talk, you dolt. He lost his memories not his knowledge. I bet he can still do maths and stuff. He just doesn’t know how he learned it, I think.” James turned to Sirius with a thoughtful look. “What’s four plus four?” 

“Eight,” Sirius replied immediately, much to his surprise. 

“See! You know how you learned that? Who taught you?” 

Sirius shifted uncomfortably. “No, not really.” 

James gave Peter a knowing look. “See. James is always right, that’s why we don’t question James.” 

“Oh quit it with the third person.” Peter rolled his eyes though his lips were quirked up a bit in a smile. 

James continued to speak in third person and Sirius watched the banter with a small smile. Eventually Peter shoved James away, speaking of some essay he needed to finish, so James came over to bother him. 

“I know you don’t really remember me, but we’ve been best mates since first year. That’s when we were elven.” James fills him in, perching on the edge of his bed. 

“And now we’re...?” 

“Seventeen. Er, well you are. Your birthday was about a month ago, November third. Remus and I are still sixteen.”

Sirius nods, soaking in this information. “And we’ve been dorm mates since then?” 

“Yep! Actually, you live with me now. But don’t worry about that, you’ll get your memories back soon enough,” James reassured though Sirius didn’t fully believe him. 

His thoughts were broken by the door slamming open as another boy stalked in. He was muttering angrily and when he saw the Peter, he turned toward him. “My blasted book was on the other side of the school! This is what I get for trying to study for Charms!” 

Sirius just watched, mouth agape, because he had never seen someone this attractive. He knew he hasn’t seen very many people in the past hour, his only memories, but he’s sure no one else could compare. Though his side profile is all Sirius can see at the moment, he still marvels at his golden brown hair and the flutter of freckles splattering his face. His cheeks are flushed pink, probably from his journey to the other side of the school, and matched his lips that were moving rapidly as he complains. 

And then he seems to realize that Sirius is there because he turns to him, and Sirius squirmed under the intensity of his amber eyes. “Did Slughorn’s antidote work?” 

Sirius can barely manage a shake of his head. 

This seems to upset the boy further because he groans and falls back onto his bed, hands dragging down his face. Sirius can’t help but follow his actions as his jumper hitches up to reveal a patch of pale skin. A jagged scar peaks out from under it, and though it’s faded to a silvery white, Sirius internally flinches at the thought of how it felt. 

Though James was still on his bed, he couldn’t help but continue to sneak glances at Remus. Something about him, and his presence, seemed comforting. But he seemed in distress and Sirius wanted to offer that same comfort he found.

“If he’s Peter, you’re Remus, right?” Sirius can tell Remus is upset and maybe he just wanted to talk to his friend? While Sirius isn’t really Sirius, he can try. And then he stupidly introduces himself, “I’m Sirius.” 

“I know,” Remus replies flatly, still stretched out on his bed. “And you’re the biggest idiot I know.” 

Sirius cringes back, regretting the choice to open his mouth. He glances at James who just waves it off. 

“He’s not mad, it’s just Remus.” James leans back as he stretches his leg out to prod Remus with a toe, then squealing when Remus grabbed said toe and yanked him so he almost slid off the bed. “Oi!” 

Sirius waited for him to get situated again before leaning in to hiss, “You didn’t tell me I was gay! Or that Remus is so attractive! What the fuck, mate?” 

To his surprise James just laughs, “Oh, right. Sorry, it’s not something I thought I would have to tell you, I dunno, I didn’t think about it. And what? I was supposed to introduce Remus as the hot one?” 

“Yes,” Sirius replied, genuinely. “This is important information!” 

“Right, sorry. But you don’t have to whisper, it’s not really a secret.” 

Sirius narrows his eyes, “Being gay or thinking Remus is attractive?” 

“Both. They go hand in hand, really, if you think about it.” James nods thoughtfully before smiling again reassuringly. “You’ll remember soon enough.” 

“Right. So he knows I think he’s hot?” 

“I would hope so.” 

Sirius frowns at this, “You hope so? What, does everyone know?” 

“Oh, yes.” 

“Wait a minute, what exactly are we?” This time the question is directed to Remus who has been lying on his bed, quiet but no doubt listening in on their conversation. 

Remus turns his head over to look at Sirius, his eyes flickering over his face before a smile is pulling at his lips as he says, “Friends. Since first year.” 

“Yeah, yeah, everything since first year.” Sirius visibly deflates at this information. What was Sirius With Memories doing? How could he bear to be just friends with someone like that? And now he had gone asking dumb questions, no doubt a problem that will soon arise. 

It took a mere couple of seconds before the problem rose. 

James stood up, dusting off his pants in a big show before turning to Peter. “Let’s head down to dinner, yeah? I think it’s better if we leave Sirius back here, Remus, you’ll stay?” 

Remus hummed a reply, now turning to lie on his stomach, burrowing his head into his arms. He looked so cuddly Sirius itched to wiggle into his embrace. 

“Wait! I want to come, I want dinner, I’m hungry.” Sirius stood too but James waved him off. 

“Nah, too many questions. We’ll bring you back some food, Remus too. And Poppy said to make him comfortable so Remus, I dunno, tuck him into bed or something.” James didn’t leave much time to argue, slipping out of the dorm door with Peter close behind him. 

Sirius just stood there, awkwardly, now unsure what to do. He glanced at Remus who still had his head burrowed in his arms, and then at the door, considering just running after James and Peter. Why did he have to say something about Remus being attractive? Even if James was right and Remus already knew, it was so awkward!

“Are you going to change?” Remus asked, pulling Sirius out of his thoughts. His eyes flickered over Sirius’ figure before glancing back at him with a small smile. “You’re covered in that goop. I can clean off your bed, go get changed.” 

Sirius assumed the trunk at the foot of his bed must have his clothes, and much to his luck, he was right. He just reached for some random pants and a shirt before spotting a fuzzy jumper in the corner. He grabbed it too. 

Remus was muttering some sort of spell on the bed and the green patches were slowly disappearing. Throwing him one last glance, Sirius entered the bathroom and quickly changed out of his soiled clothes. Once he was clean, he grimaced at the state of his hair. Thankfully, it had been spared from the potion, for the most part, but was a tangly mess, no doubt from his nervous fiddling. He tried to rake his fingers through it but it didn’t do much so he just returned to the room. 

Remus had cleaned his bed and was on his own now, fidgeting with a comb. When he spotted Sirius his eyes brightened and his smile grew a bit as he waved him over. “C’mere, I’ll fix your hair.” 

Sirius ducked his head bashfully as he approached Remus’ bed before gingerly crawling onto it, sitting down in front of him. He was acutely aware of how close Remus was too him and butterflies erupted in his stomach. Sirius forced himself to sit perfectly still as nimble fingers began carding through his hair, working through the knots. 

“Oh, Sirius, how did this even happen?” Remus murmured, his voice quiet enough that it made Sirius blush. This whole thing felt so intimate and it didn’t help that Remus kept brushing against his back as he fixed his hair. 

“I dunno,” Sirius whispered back.

“S’okay, love, I think I can get the knots out.”

The nickname slipped out so naturally it sounded as if he said it every day, but it didn’t stop Sirius from freezing, his leg pausing in it’s bouncing. Remus must’ve noticed too because his fingers stilled in Sirius’ hair. 

“Shit, I couldn’t even go fifteen minutes, could I?” He tutted, before continuing to work through his hair. “Sorry, Sirius. Your face when I walked in was too priceless, I couldn’t not have some fun with it. I loved your reaction to me saying we’re just friends.” 

Sirius wasn’t completely sure what was happening, but he found his voice. “So we’re not friends?” 

Remus snorted at this, “No. We’ve been dating since fourth year. Almost two years, now, I think.” 

“Oh.” 

Sirius’ head was whirling. He was dating Remus? And the others really didn’t bother saying anything about it? Again, this seemed like important information! Your name is Sirius Black, you’re gay, you have a hot boyfriend...the basics! 

Remus laughed again and ran his comb through Sirius’ now tangle-free hair. “All done.” 

Sirius turned around so he could face Remus who was now settled back down and was leaning against his headboard. “Thank you.” 

“Look at you, so polite. If only Sirius could be like this every day.” Remus shook his head but his words held no venom. “Do you want me to braid it so it doesn’t get tangled again?” 

Sirius didn’t really know what to say to him, seeing as they were boyfriends though he had no memory of this. So he just nodded mutely, turning back around so Remus could braid his hair. He worked in silence and Sirius greatly appreciated it. 

When he was finished he patted Sirius’ shoulder and he turned around again. Remus was watching him with a warm smile and it encouraged him to voice his thoughts, “Do you think Slughorn will we be able to make an antidote?” 

“For you memories? I’m sure he will. He’s pretty talented,” Remus assured, his hands reaching out to brush a couple loose strands out of Sirius’ face. “Don’t worry too much. We’ll work it out tomorrow.” 

Sirius nods but he doesn’t feel very confident in the Professor’s abilities. “This is scary. I don’t know anything or anyone. It’s weird, though, I kind of still have emotions associated with people? So I feel things but I don’t know why.” 

“I’m sure it’s terrifying. But you’re safe with us, I promise you trust us when you’re normal. And for the emotions? It’s probably like muscle memory but with feelings? Can you describe it? Like me for example?” 

Heat crawls onto Sirius’ face and he dropped his gaze to his lap. “You’re warm. Like, my chest feels all warm on the inside. But also kind of swirly, I don’t know. It’s positive, I know that. I cared about you a lot, I think.”

“You did. I care about you a load too.” Remus reaches out to gently link their fingers together. “I was kind of scared about you never remembering me again, but I don’t think Dumbledore would let that happen. He’s the headmaster here.” 

“I wish I could remember you. You seem worth remembering.” 

Remus’ mouth fell open a bit at his words and then he was pulling Sirius into a tight hug, holding him against his chest. “That’s so cheesy but so sweet, oh my god, Sirius.” 

Sirius laughed at this, but wrapped his own arms around Remus, laying his head onto Remus’ chest. The embrace felt so natural he couldn’t help but melt into it, sighing softly. 

And that’s exactly when James and Peter burst through the door, holding plates of food. When James caught sight of them he exclaimed, “Remus! Get away from him! He doesn’t remember anything, poor Sirius! You’re a stranger! He’s a stranger!” 

“He’s not a stranger,” Remus protested, continuing to hold Sirius, chin tucked over the top of his head. “He’s my Sirius.” 

Sirius smiled into his sweater at his words. He quite liked the sound of that - my Sirius. 

[absolutepokemontrash]

MC’s Half Demon and They Look Awfully Familiar Lessons 10-12

Masterlist

Time for a Freaky Friday situation, an Isekai situation, and a fun family trip! And what’s a fun family trip without helping your uncle who is trapped in an attic and trying to raise a cat with your half-brother/uncle/whatever whose in your father’s body? Dear Grandfather God… get MC some help-

Let’s pick up where we left off last time with MC and Belphie >:)

“No need to be nervous, I won’t bite.” Belphie tapped his knuckles against the door he was leaning on to emphasize his point. “And I can’t on account of the magic door.”

“Why…” MC began before straightening their posture and clearing their throat. “What are you doing up here? I was told you were in the human world.”

“As you can see,” Belphie sighed. “I’m not. I’ve been stuck in the attic since before you got here.”

“But why?”

“Lucifer.”

MC narrowed their eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“He locked me up here, rude, right?” Belphie’s carefree tone heavily contrasted how tense his shoulders were as he leaned oh-too casually on the doorframe. “To cut right to the chase, I need your help.”

“My… help..?”

“Yep. I need you to get me out of here.” Upon seeing MC’s scandalized expression, he raised his hands in a placating gesture. “Calm down, I’ll explain.”

Belphie began his explanation. “So, Lucifer and I got into a little brotherly spat that got blown out of proportion, it was really all a misunderstanding. I want to be able to have a civil conversation with Lucifer that isn’t marred by my… prison.”

“Mammon told me that you opposed the exchange program, and that’s why you got sent to the human world.” MC said quietly. Ugh, they almost cursed themselves out then and there for all the muttering they were doing. They weren’t some guilty child!

Belphie had a look on his face that MC had seen on the five other brothers. The look that always preceded one of the brothers calling Mammon a scumbag, a moron, an idiot, or something equally nasty. The look quickly disappeared as Belphie gave MC a halfhearted shrug.

“I was, yes. But I couldn’t care less about that now.” Belphie waved his hand in the air like he was waving off the whole issue. “It was my bad, really. I was being unreasonable, and I got pissed.”

“What exactly do you need me to do to get you out of there?” MC asked, clenching and unclenching their fist to get the tension out.

“I need you to undo the spell holding the door shut. If you were anyone else, I’d be asking you to make pacts with my brothers in order to override Lucifer’s spell and open the door,” Belphie’s eyes flashed again. “But you… you can just use some of your magic, can’t you? I assume Lucifer passed some of his power down to you?”

MC stiffened and took a step back from the door. “How did you-”

“MC, I’ve lived with Lucifer for over five thousand years, I know his magical signature as well as I know my own, and yours is too damn close to his to be a wild coincidence. And,” Belphie gestured at MC. “You look and act like a mini him. It’s cute, honestly.”

MC frowned, cute?! MC wasn’t cute! But that was a… decent explanation..?

“So,” Belphie took a step back from the door. “Put your hand on the door, and try to open it. You might feel some magical resistance but if your magic is similar enough to Lucifer’s you might be able to open it without any difficulty at all.”

MC reached out, then hesitated. “How do I know you aren’t lying to me?”

“MC, you’re my brother’s kid. I don’t want this dumb fight between me and Lucifer to break my family apart. Besides, it’ll be nice to have you as a part of the family too. I don’t want to sully that by being stuck up here.”

Part of the family? MC’s eyes practically sparkled. A real part of their new family… they looked up at Belphegor and nodded.

“Okay, here I go…” MC tentatively placed their hand on the door.

It began to burn at an intensity that nearly made MC scream and collapse on the spot. Their hand was glued to the door as the door’s spell seemed to crawl its way up their arm. MC countered with the biggest burst of their own magic they could possibly muster.

The blast of bright blue that slammed into the door made it creak back and forth slightly, but the spell held its ground.

MC snatched their hand back and stared expectantly at the door. They swayed on their feet slightly as they looked up at Belphegor, who tapped the door. When blue sparks met his hand, he frowned.

“It didn’t… it didn’t work… I’m…” MC paused before they apologized, they didn’t have to. They tried their best, didn’t they? They just needed to get a better hold of their magic. “I’ll get stronger, I’ll get better at magic and then I’ll come back and open the door.”

Belphie sighed in relief and smiled at MC. “Thank you, MC. You’re really helping me out here, you’re sweet.” Belphie then crouched ever so slightly to get to MC’s level, and smirked conspiratorially. “You know, all powerful demons need snacks to recharge their magic, right? Mammon has a massive stash of candy that he thinks is secret hidden in one of the potted plants in the planetarium. You didn’t hear this from me though.”

They gave Belphegor a small smile. “I’ll get you out soon, okay?”

“I trust that you will.”

———

Disgusting.

That was the one thought that permeated through Belphegor’s mind when he first saw MC.

The thought remained throughout the entire first encounter, and the feeling of roiling nausea only grew when MC’s attempt to break Lucifer’s spell failed spectacularly. Belphie tried as best as he could to follow MC’s retreating form down the attic hallway, but his vision was limited.

A half demon. Truly Lucifer had fallen from whatever grace he still had left from a time where his youngest brother actually respected him.

A half human child. Did Lucifer truly have no self respect? A proud high ranking demon, the second strongest in the entire Devildom, in fact, had a half human child.

How monumentally stupid.

Belphegor was no stranger to half-demons, he had been alive far too long to have never come across one. A few hundred years ago they were much more common, running around the human world wreaking havoc and scurrying around the Devildom like scared mice. The duality always made Belphie smile. They may have been beings of pure terror in the human world, but their demon half could never compare to real demons in the Devildom.

Asmodeus held the unofficial record for most half demon children, obviously. As much as Belphegor absolutely detested humans, he couldn’t exactly fault his older brother. Asmo was the Avatar of Lust after all, and the Avatar of Sloth of all people couldn’t judge him for indulging in his sin every once and a while.

Hell, even Satan and Mammon occasionally had children pop up in the human world. The difference, the thing that made all the difference was that they never brought their… spawn home. They never brought their half-human little monsters into his home.

What gave Lucifer the right to do so? The right to bring that into Belphegor’s home? One of the beings responsible for the death of their sister. His sister. Did he not care about that at all?!

Belphegor collapsed onto the bed in the attic, ruffling his hair and shutting his eyes.

The brat couldn’t even break the door.

The thought almost caused Belphegor to laugh. The little brat couldn’t even break the door.

He cracked up, muffling his laughter with his hand. The child was Lucifer’s and they couldn’t even fully break the door. My my, how the mighty have fallen. It had taken over three months for Belphegor to even get close to being able to get into that little brat’s head to call them up to him, and they couldn’t even break the door?

Belphie’s borderline hysterical laughter at the sheer absurdity of the situation stopped abruptly as he looked around the room. Something-

Someone was glaring at him.

His eyes instinctively darted to the door, the most logical conclusion was that the brat had snitched and Lucifer was at the door. But the hallway was empty. The feeling of being watched made him shudder, then stiffen. He tilted his head and sat in silence. No sound, just the familiar smell of…

The Celestial Realm.

Belphie dragged a hand down his face and growled, lying back down and clamping his eyes shut. He needed to sleep.

So, that was the first problem MC had to face that month, the second was the fact that Satan snuck a cat into the house and he and MC were co-parenting it in secret. The third problem was Satan was still acting like a massive dickwad. All this fighting wasn’t good for baby Detective Toe Beans!

After receiving the “Lucifer got so mad he gave birth” talk from the other brothers, MC could have had their own rage-baby then and there.

I have never regretted typing a sentence more, but anyway, MC was on a warpath to find Satan.

‘Calm down,’ MC thought to themselves as they walked down the hallway of the HOL. ‘Don’t overreact, maybe this is all some big misunderstanding.’

The demon they were hoping to find was walking down the hallway in the opposite direction. Satan gave MC a half nod and barely acknowledged them.

“Hi Satan!” MC chirped, trying to sound as friendly as possible. “What are you up to?”

“Nothing you need to concern yourself with.”

After being so coldly snubbed, MC stood in the hallway completely motionless, until of course the little voice crawled its way up their spine and nestled in the base of their skull.

‘Who does he think he is?’

MC squared their shoulders and started after Satan, resolute in their totally non-suicidal goal of chastising him for his behaviour.

“Satan!” MC threw his door open and crossed their arms, the room was a complete mess of books and loose papers as usual, the Avatar of Wrath himself was sitting on his bed with his nose in a book. “We need to talk.”

“Do we now?” Satan drawled, not looking up from his book. That stupid encyclopedia must’ve been the most interesting thing in the god damn universe for Satan not to look up and see MC seething with a kind of pure rage only preteens we’re capable of. “Walking into people’s rooms without knocking is rude, you know. Let’s talk about that.”

“Honestly can you not be a smartass for a few seconds and just fucking look at me?!”

The sudden cursing got Satan to raise an eyebrow and look up. “What do you want, MC?”

“I want to know what the hell your problem with me is.” MC said, attempting to keep their voice as level and calm as possible. “I’ve been nothing but nice to you since I got here, and you’ve been nothing but a massive jerk!”

“Did you ever stop to think that I just don’t like you?”

“For what reason? What did I do?!”

“You look exactly like him!” Satan finally snapped. “Another Lucifer prancing around the house like they run the place!”

“So to you I’m just another Lucifer..?” MC asked, then let out a humourless laugh. “Are you… are you fucking kidding me right now? You’re pegging me as another Lucifer? You?”

Satan bristled, his eyes began to flash green, MC’s own eyes had begun to show a slight blue tint. “What are you implying?”

“I’m ‘implying’ that you, Satan, the one who was born of Lucifer’s wrath, calling me a copy of Lucifer is literally the dumbest thing I’ve ever had the misfortune of hearing.” MC snarled, almost every fibre of their mind was screaming to transform and teach Satan a lesson, but they held back. “You hate Lucifer, anyone with two brain cells can see that, but you don’t see how stupid you’re being?!”

In an instant Satan yanked MC up by the front of their shirt and let out a low growl. “Do you want to repeat that, half-breed?”

“You’re being an idiot.” MC’s bratty, teasing tone couldn’t fully hide the boiling anger that was just beneath the surface. “You think you have the right to demand that people see you as different from Lucifer, yet you don’t grant me the same courtesy.”

With that, Satan’s demon form was out and less than a second later so was MC’s. The half-demon’s foot shot out and hit Satan right in the knee, the Avatar of Wrath staggered backwards slightly which allowed MC to back away until they felt their back hit a pile of books.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds, daring the other to make a move, when the door to Satan’s room slammed open. There stood enemy number one, Lucifer.

“What the hell are both of you doing?” Lucifer hissed, his eyes flicking between Satan and MC.

“STAY OUT OF THIS!”

With Satan and MC’s combined shout, books began to shoot off the shelves and off the tops of piles. The books whizzed around the room, crashing into things and making the room even more of a mess.

“Both of you calm down!” Lucifer growled, both Satan and MC turned to shout at him again.

“JUST SHUT UP!”

Quick as lightning, a book shot towards MC, time seemed to slow as the spine of the book brushed past their nose as they stumbled out of its way. MC was out of the book’s path, but now it was speeding directly towards Lucifer.

Satan, most likely desiring to protect his book from Lucifer-germs, dove forward to grab the book while Lucifer prepared to catch it with an outstretched hand. The moment the two touched the book a blinding flash of light engulfed the entire room, leaving everything completely still.

Huh, well that happened. Argument paused, gather everyone.

Satan and Lucifer switched bodies… coolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcoolcool-

Wait why are they staying in MC’s room?!

Lucifer (in Satan’s body) pulled the “you live under my roof you follow my rules” card, and MC got to work ordering a tent on Akuzon. Their tent, their rules.

“Satan! We have a bit of a problem with you agreeing to stay in my room with Lucifer!” “And what’s that problem, MC?” “Uh, I don’t know, THE DETECTIVE.”

Satan completely forgot that they were hiding a cat from Lucifer. Whoops!

When Lucifer stomped out of MC’s room later that day holding the cat the two knew they were screwed.

MC and Satan had to compromise their dignity and beg Lucifer to not take away their poor kitty. Lucifer just grumbled that he’d deal with this when he got back into his own body.

Body switching shenanigans were abound, Mammon and Satan were working together to make Lucifer look as ridiculous as possible without breaking any of the ground rules everyone laid out.

This all culminated in getting Mammon hung from the ceiling.

That night, MC tried to ignore Satan and Lucifer’s sleep talking, but it was a fruitless endeavour.

The only good part of that arrangement was the fact that Bean refused to snuggle up to Satan while he was in Lucifer’s body, and Lucifer didn’t want the cat near him while in Satan’s body, so MC got all the snuggle time with their favourite kitty.

While Bean’s intense purring was adorable, it wasn’t loud enough to drown out Lucifer and Satan’s rampant sleep talking.

“Fuck you Lucifer…” Satan in Lucifer’s body mumbled. “Gonna fuckin rip your head off…”

“Diavolo you can’t just get me another dog…” Lucifer in Satan’s body grumbled before letting out a snore.

MC rolled their eyes and looked at their cat. “Can you believe this shit, Bean?” They whispered.

Bean responded by pawing at MC’s face. What a big baby with such cute widdle eyes omigoodness what a baby baby-

Having enough of that tomfoolery, MC gently placed Bean down on their bed, and tiptoed out. They ended up doubling back to their room and grabbing one of their books.

Sneaking up to the attic a second time was much easier than the first attempt. It had been a week since their first encounter with Belphie and MC thought that he might want an update.

“So yeah… that’s what’s happening right now.”

Belphie appeared to be suppressing a laugh as he nodded and cleared his throat. “Mm… that’s… very unfortunate.”

“It’s not that funny.”

MC and Belphie stared at each other for a few seconds, before both of them broke out into a fit of giggles.

“Okay,” MC relented. “It’s kind of funny…”

“So, any updates on the plan?” Belphie asked, MC responded with a noncommittal shrug.

“Well, almost everyone has welcomed me in with pretty open arms, so I don’t think they’d question it if I asked them to come up here and get you out.”

“Almost everyone?” Belphie tilted his head as he leaned on the wall next to the door.

“Yeah… um…” MC quickly looked away and pursed their lips. “Satan… you know?”

“Ah,” Belphie’s usual lazy smile reappeared. “Satan’s going to be a tough one to win over. You know why, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Lucifer told you?”

“No actually,” MC mumbled. “Mammon, Beel, Levi, and Asmo did.”

Belphie’s eyes flashed for a brief moment, like MC had just offered him a present, but it was so quick MC barely took notice.

“I’m guessing he must be keeping a lot of stuff from you, huh?”

MC crossed their arms and shrugged. “Kinda… I guess. He kept you being in the attic a secret, he’s keeping the reason the Grimoire is in the Underground Tomb a secret…” MC frowned as all the strange little secrets began to come to light. Their father’s practically fanatical loyalty to Diavolo, the reason for the Celestial War, the reason no one talked about Lilith…

“Hm,” Belphie sighed. “It sucks that Lucifer doesn’t really tell you anything.”

“Mhm…” MC looked down at their feet, until they remembered the other reason they went up to visit the attic. “Oh! I brought you something!”

They held out the book to Belphie, carefully sliding it between the gaps in the door. “It’s a manga Levi recommended to me, I read it and it’s awesome! I thought you might be bored up here, so I brought it up for you to read.”

When Belphie took the book he stared at it like it was a completely foreign object, then his features melted into a smile. “Thank you, MC.”

“Right!” MC smiled proudly. “I’ll work on my magic, and on my relationship with Satan, then I’ll bust you out of here!”

Belphie chuckled and gave a thumbs up. “Good luck, kiddo. I believe in you.”

The seeds of discord were planted and the local attic cowboy was being one hell of a gardener. I need to stop typing take my phone away from me.

When MC left the attic, the first thing they heard was Mammon crying in the stairwell. It seemed that even the HOL’s ghosts were annoyed with all his whining.

“MC… help meeeeee…” “You’re hanging there for a reason, Mammon. I’m not going to disturb your punishment.” “MCCCCCCCCC!”

Don’t worry, MC did some sick maneuvers and cut Mammon down! Hooray!

“You now owe me a life debt.” “Wait what-” “We’re fixing my and Lucifer’s relationship with Satan.” “…kid if you smoked the weed in my room just tell me, I won’t be mad.”

No dear uncle Mammon, MC was not high on the devil’s lettuce, they were high on the power of family!

Time to fire up Doji Magi!

Obviously MC wasn’t the protagonist, everyone was trying to woo this random generic anime character (tm)

It wasn’t going good for anyone other than Levi. MC wasn’t even allowed to properly participate because Lucifer didn’t approve of his child getting involved in this degenerate anime stuff.

Too late Luci-goosey, your kid was a weeb long before they came to the Devildom

Of course, come graduation day, things got much more fun.

“THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!” MC screamed with delight as they swung a folding chair at an oncoming monster.

Mammon was having decidedly less fun as he dealt with his share of the monsters that had suddenly spawned into the game. “MC what the hell are ya talkin’ about?! This is crazy!”

“Can both of you shut up?” Lucifer said as he calmly snapped a monster’s neck. “Get to the roof, all of you.”

“This was very well foreshadowed I’m very impressed.” Satan said, Levi nodded enthusiastically.

“I know! All those hidden lore bits were so fun to find.”

“Wait, lore?” Mammon asked, he turned to MC. “What’d we miss while we were in fake detention?”

As the group continued to make their way up the steps to the roof, downing monsters left and right, MC turned to Satan and laughed. “You’re absolutely drenched right now.”

Satan smirked and flicked some of the monster goop onto MC. “You don’t look any better.”

“Ew!” MC stuck out their tongue and leaned to the left, looking behind Satan. “There’s a monster behind you by the way.”

“Ah,” Satan turned and punched the monster so hard in the forehead that its skull caved in. “Thank you, MC.”

The rooftop was filled with significantly less monsters than the rest of the school, and it uh… oh… hm… gamer instincts were tingling.

“Hey, this is a lot of negative space…” Levi picked a medpack up off the floor. “And an odd collection of healing items…”

“Where’d all the enemies go..?” Mammon asked tentatively.

“Better question,” MC piped up. “Where’s the music?”

Right after those words left MC’s lips, the door to the rooftop burst open, revealing a very familiar three headed doggo that MC and Lucifer so adored. It was Cerberus! Who looked positively murderous!

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” Mammon shrieked and hid behind Levi.

“Oh… that’s what all the dog imagery meant.” Satan said. “I thought it was odd that all the books in this school’s library had something to do with dogs.”

“Yeah! Aw, it all makes sense now!” Levi exclaimed.

“Cerberus,” Lucifer stepped forward and crossed his arms. “Sit.”

Cerberus, did not in fact, sit. He instead growled like a monster truck, and the acidic looking drool that was falling from his gaping jaws was an indicator that the giant pupper was quite hungry.

“Uh… bad dog?” MC offered. With that, Cerberus charged forward.

Mammon, Levi, and MC dodged to the left while Lucifer and Satan dove to the right.

“Shit! How are we supposed to fight Cerberus!?” Levi squeaked.

“Maybe we can- SATAN WATCH OUT!”

Cerberus had decided to ignore Lucifer and rush straight towards the fourth born, whose weapon of choice had just decided to break, and MC had a sneaking suspicion that Satan wouldn’t be able to punch all three of Cerberus’ heads at once.

“CERBERUS!” Lucifer shouted, causing everyone to freeze in place. “YOU LAY A HAND ON MY BROTHER AND I WILL [Hello, this is the narrator, Lucifer has asked that I censor what he said because he doesn’t want this to end up reflecting badly on Diavolo].”

It was thirty seconds into the very vulgar threat before Levi thought it would be a good idea to cover MC’s ears. Game-Cerberus whimpered and sat down, much to the utter amazement of everyone.

“Wow, I can curse in Latin now!” MC chirped.

“MC, you will forget what you heard.” Lucifer sighed.

“Of course, father!” MC said sweetly, they then leaned over to Levi. “Noooooot.”

Yay, the fam’s out of the game! L!MC and Satan both agreed that Cerberus would never in a thousand years listen to either of them and they should just depend on Lucifer to deal with their homicidal pupper.

Good news, in the days after the game, glasses related thefts went down 100%! Also, pranks relating to Lucifer’s coffee being turned into vinegar went down 83%!

Satan was chilling out :D… but Lucifer still had a speech to give and he was not about to trust the guy who filled the house with cats once.

It was time for a visit to the human world to go find a witch!

“Come on! I wanna see the horsies!” Mammon whined, hanging off of Lucifer in Satan’s body like a petulant little kid. The actual kid rolled their eyes and snorted.

“Let’s be honest with ourselves, Mammon.” Lucifer said. “You want to see the horses so you can find the one you’re going to bet all our money on.”

“Of course I wanna see the horse I’m gonna bet on!So can we gooooooo?!”

Satan in Lucifer’s body finished off the last of his gelato and scoffed. “No, we’re not going to bet the house on the ponies, Mammon. We’re going to spend it on-”

The high pitched shriek that left MC caused everyone to whirl in their direction as the half demon jumped up and down and frantically pointed at a sign. They were clearly trying to sputter out some kind of explanation of what had them so excited, but no one could understand a word.

“MC, calm down-”

“It’s the musical!”

“What-”

“I’ve watched so many analysis videos on this! Father! Father! The music in this is supposed to be insane! I wanna see! I wanna see! You gotta let me see!” Every single word was punctuated by MC jumping up and down to the point that Lucifer was actually concerned their wings might pop out and they’d take flight.

Right in the middle of one of their jumps, Satan caught them and held them up in front of Lucifer. “Oh dearest brother of mine, your poor spawn wants to see the show- hang on it’s this one?” Satan did a double take at the sign for the show. “Now I actually want to see this.”

Lucifer finally shoved Mammon off of him and got a good look at the sign, at least two out of the three people he was travelling with had taste. “Yes, we can watch the show.”

“Yay!” MC clapped their hands, then noticed their feet weren’t touching the floor and turned to look at Satan. “Uh, Satan, you know you can put me down, right?”

“No, I don’t think I’m going to do that,” Satan said as the group began their walk towards the theatre. “It’s fun having you up as a half-human meat shield.”

“Hey!”

A distinct interest of MC’s had been discovered by the rest of the group that day when they started rambling and explaining the intricacies of musical theatre and opera to a very confused Mammon. Lucifer and Satan exchanged amused glances as MC continued to rapidly explain increasingly more confusing parts of music.

“So that’s the main difference between recitative and an aria,”

“Uh huh…”

“So technically Hugh Jackman is wrong in his explanation that Val Jean’s soliloquy in the movie adaptation of Les Miserables is recitative because it’s more of an aria because Val Jean is basically screaming about his emotions.”

“Hugh Jackman? Wolverine?”

“Yeah, Wolverine. Anyway back to leitmotifs-”

MC’s animated explanation continued all the way until the four were sat down in their seats and the show began. Mammon, of course, started fully weeping whenever anything sad happened. It was intermission when Lucifer and Satan finally had enough of it.

“Mammon…” Satan rubbed his temples and glared at the sobbing second born. “I swear, if you don’t stop crying, I’m going to strangle you…”

“Do it like the Phantom of the Opera.” MC offered.

“What?” Satan asked.

“Lasso noose.”

Mammon loudly blew his nose and shoved popcorn a handful of popcorn into his mouth. “Musical theatre is so fuckin’ weird…”

MC 🤝(being a musical theatre nerd) 🤝 Lucifer

So after the play, they hopped on the train and MC and Mammon stuck their heads out the window to baa at some nearby sheep. The sheep responded, Mammon and MC can speak sheep confirmed.

Of course, Mammon went off and got involved in the murder of the very witch they were trying to find.

“Only one version of events is ever true!” Satan proclaimed to the three unfortunate bastards that were also involved with the crime.

Lucifer looked from the dead body that was covered in a tablecloth, to MC. He made an awkward attempt to cover their eyes, but even he seemed confused by the action.

“Father, it’s fine.” MC lightly moved their father’s hand away and pulled something out of their brand new bag. “Satan, here!”

MC held up a Sherlock Holmes cap. “It’ll make you look more like a detective.”

“Thank you, MC.” Satan put the cap on and turned back to the crime scene in front of him. “I’m going to solve the shit out of this.”

Hearing those words come out of Lucifer’s mouth even knowing that it was Satan saying them made Mammon forget he was being accused of murder and laugh like a maniac. This did not help MC and Satan’s “Mammon’s not crazy” case.

MC and Levi had spent a week playing Danganronpa nonstop, MC was ready for this!

After clearing Mammon’s name, the ghost of the witch showed up and told the gang to solve her murder and she’d undo the body switch curse.

“The killer is, YOU!” MC and Satan pointed at the culprit with flourish.

“You have no proof!”

“I’m afraid we do in fact have proof.” Satan smirked triumphantly. “The other two suspects were too far away or standing up,”

“And the knife entered the body at a downward angle,” MC continued. “The only person close enough to stab the victim like that is you.”

“So suspect number 3,” The two said together. “You’re the dumbass who did it!”

“Did they rehearse this?” Mammon leaned over to ask Lucifer.

“No idea.”

Yay! Murder solved! Time for the life lesson!

“If only I had trusted him to be my apprentice…” “oh wow what a convenient life lesson, right father? Right Satan? Trust?”

“…” “…”

Satan and Lucifer got poofed back to normal and everyone got to go home. Lucifer, like in canon, lets Satan give the speech because he learned that he needs to trust his brother more and have a little bit of faith.

The speech is a success, and life returns to normal, but better. Satan and MC build up their relationship and after a few weeks, it was like the stuff from the beginning of the year never happened.

The attic was Belphegor’s favourite nap spot, though at the moment, Belphie didn’t want to sleep in the attic. He had been stuck up there for the past four months, and the only form of social interaction he had was sporadic chats with Lucifer or the half-human.

He must have been going completely mental up there because he was actually wishing he was talking to the kid, at least the brat was nice to him…

“Belphie!”

The cheery voice of the little “angel” echoed down the hall, Belphie found himself smiling at the sound, at least before he realized what he was doing. MC appeared at the door, practically bouncing on their toes.

“Belphie Belphie Belphie!” MC waved their DDD in the air.

“MC MC MC.” Belphie repeated. He leaned against the wall next to the door and yawned. “Nice to see you again, any updates?”

MC flicked through their DDD and gave Belphie a thumbs up. “I’ve been practicing my magic and stuff, but that’s not what I’m up here for.” They held up their DDD to show Belphie a picture.

“Beel’s team won their game-thing!”

The picture showed Beel in his team uniform eating an entire pie with a medal around his neck, the rest of the brothers and MC were posed for the picture around him. “I have no clue how this sport is supposed to work or what the rules are, but apparently he won, so that’s good!”

Any traces of Belphie’s half decent mood vanished as he looked at the picture. Everyone seemed… really happy. Levi, Asmo, Satan, Mammon, Beel, all of them, looked happy. Happy without him…

“That’s… great, MC.”

—————

Belphegor truly didn’t think he’d pity the human he vowed to kill. MC was literally a mixture of everything he hated, humans, Lucifer, Diavolo’s stupid exchange program… but yet, Belphegor felt pity.

The way MC lit up when they talked about the fun things they had done with the brothers and the other exchange students, how they went up to the attic to keep him company when they had a spare bit of time… they did all of that without knowing that Belphegor despised them. It was honestly pitiful.

Though, the Avatar of Sloth’s feeling of detest had somehow lessened. The little half demon had managed to get their hooks in him. Unfortunately for them, it only made Belphegor’s blood boil more. His brothers adored that little brat, it was plain to see. The half human had won them all over, like half of MC’s ancestry wasn’t responsible for the death of their little sister.

Belphegor narrowed his eyes as he lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. He had been stuck up there long enough to have counted every knot in the wood, every nail and plank, and every spider that managed to crawl through the cracks. The familiar feeling of guilt began to twist in his stomach. His sister died because Beel chose to save him. He should have been more careful… he shouldn’t have taken her to the human world…

‘It’s their fault.’ Belphie tried to push any and all thoughts other than that out of his head. ‘That human killed her. If they had never met she wouldn’t have died.’

Repeating that over and over did not expel the roiling feeling of guilt that crawled its way up Belphie’s spine and constricted his ribs.

“I hate you…” Belphie growled. MC was the reason for all this, weren’t they? They were the reason he wasn’t with his family, they were the reason they could be happy without him, yet even repeating his declaration of hatred like a mantra didn’t make the guilt go away. “I hate you. I hate you. I hate you!”

A sudden sharp yank on Belphie’s ear made him lurch upwards and look around the room. Nothing.

It was a childish gesture, wasn’t it? A sharp pull to his ear, a habit he knew all too well belonged to…

It belonged to…

…

Belphegor needed to sleep.

———————

Sup my witches, bitches, and bastards, we’re reaching the exciting part :D the part you angst hungry sickos (affectionate) are waiting for! ✨ lesson 16 ✨ next time, we’re doing the buildup, then after that, ANGST COUNTRY BABY!

Reblogs are very appreciated!

[pies-writes-and-more]

unforgettable

request: asahi content!! :) 

pairing: asahi azumane x fem!reader 

warnings: all fluff besides asahi being a v nervous boi and daichi and suga teasing him lol

a/n: thank you for the request anon! I’ve been meaning to post some more love for our ace but I keep forgetting to finish the wips haha so thank you for getting me into the groove! big thank you to @satan-ruler-of-hells​ for helping me out with this fic :D

haikyuu masterlist

Asahi wondered how he should feel, having the most beautiful girl he had ever laid eyes on, holding his hand, pressing a kiss to his cheek. Should he feel like his heart was going to burst out of his chest? Should his whole face be burning with embarrassment? Because here she was, smiling up at him and making him forget what his name was and there was really only one issue with this situation.

Asahi had absolutely no clue who this girl was.

“Are you excited for your match, babe?” You asked, seeming to not take notice of the fear and confusion in his eyes.

‘Babe’?

The team must’ve frozen behind him because no one was saying anything, except for the surprised sounds coming out of Noya and Tanaka’s gaping mouths.

“Oh hey there! You’re Asahi’s girlfriend right?” Daichi asked, grinning as he waved to her. “It’s nice to finally meet you. He talks about you all the time!”

I do? Asahi thought to himself, trying to think about his recent conversations with Daichi.

“Asahi, she’s so much prettier than i would’ve imagined! No wonder you didn’t want to bring her around - I would totally steal her off of you,” Suga laughed.

Asahi’s brow furrowed as you just nodded, introducing yourself to the team. I have a girlfriend? He wondered to himself, his heart beating too fast for his body to keep up. There was no way that this was possible. But his eyes were drawn to her - she was exactly his type. How the hell did he manage that? Besides that, how the hell did he manage to forget her?

Asahi Azumane you IDIOT, he scolded himself internally, just watching her smile and giggle at how excited everyone on the team was.

Hinata and Kageyama were both hiding in the back, whispering amongst themselves because the upperclassmen were acting as if Asahi had mentioned this girl before.... but they had definitely no memory of this.

“Maybe it happened when we were practicing one day?” Hinata whispered, eyes narrowing as he tried to see if he recognized you.

“I dunno, I don’t pay attention to anything they say unless it’s about volleyball,” Kageyama admitted quietly to him and Hinata smacked his arm, scolding him about paying more attention.

Asahi still felt like he was going to faint - this couldn’t possibly be happening. Wait, what was this girl’s name? He should’ve listened to you introduce yourself to the team - maybe your name would’ve sparked a memory for him. What kind of person was he to not even remember his girlfriend? And look at her, she was perfect, she would definitely leave him if he told her that he didn’t remember her. What kind of husband was he going to be if he couldn’t even remember her name?? What if he forgot his children’s names? What if-

You suddenly let out a breath, grinning and glancing up at him, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to come on so strong. But thank you for going along with it!”

Going.... along with it?

“And you guys too! I appreciate it!” You beamed, nodding specifically towards Daichi and Suga.

“No worries, I noticed those guys trying to catch up with you. I figured you were in a bit of trouble,” Daichi admitted, glancing through the crowds to make sure the creepy older guys had left after seeing you with them. “Will you be okay now?”

You nodded and looked over your shoulder, comforted by the fact that they were gone, “Yep! I’m sure once I find my way up on the stands, they’ll leave me be. Sorry again, I just saw a tall kinda scary looking guy and figured he was my best shot,” you laughed, smiling up at Asahi again.

“W-What?” Asahi wasn’t sure he was putting the pieces together fast enough - so... you weren’t his girlfriend?

Daichi rolled his eyes, punching the ace’s arm to shock him back to reality, “She got spooked by some dudes. Pretending you were her boyfriend was probably a way to get them off her back. You know, cause you look like a 30 year old man.”

Asahi frowned tightly at the comment, rubbing his arm, “Hey! I can’t help the way I look!” His eyes turned to Suga who was laughing at how mean Daichi could be. “So you knew too?”

“Oh no way. I’m not as quick as Daichi. But I saw you panicking cause you didn’t seem to recognize her and thought it was hilarious,” Sugawara laughed and Asahi groaned - he should’ve known his friends enjoyed watching him torture himself.

“Thank you for your help! Sorry again,” you apologized, for what felt like the 100th time. “I’d like to make it up to you if I can. I know I made you uncomfortable back there.”

Asahi shook his head quickly, waving his hands in front of him in protest, “N-No not at all! Why would I be uncomfortable at a pretty girl holding my hand?”

You giggled, noting the other teams starting to pile into the gym, “Well, maybe after your game I can find you and take you out for food as a thank you. I appreciate you helping me out there.”

Daichi and Sugawara were still snickering as they helped push the rest of the Karasuno team into the gym, trying to give their Ace some time with his fake girlfriend.

“You really don’t have to thank me, if anything it’s probably Daichi you should thank,” Asahi admitted, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

“Mm maybe. But I don’t think your captain’s my type. I picked you cause you were kinda scary looking... but also you seemed like my type,” you explained to him with a laugh.

Asahi’s eyes probably popped out of his skull hearing that, stammering out all sorts of noises and making you laugh some more.

“You’re the ace for our team right?” You asked, glancing into the gym in hopes that you weren’t making him late. It was only then Asahi realized you were wearing a Karasuno school uniform. “I’ll be cheering for you up in the stands, boyfriend,” you teased, giving his hand a small squeeze. “And maybe later we can go get food together?”

Asahi felt his face burning with nerves as he nodded shyly, your smile making his stomach do all sorts of flipsjust nodded nervously, you shooting him another one of those gorgeous smiles, “S-Sure.”

“It’s a date!” You beamed, waving a little to him as you went off to find a spot on the bleachers.

The tall third year finally let out a breath he had been holding, wondering if he had dreamt the whole thing. He looked at his hand, reimagining how it had felt with your hand in it.

“Oi! Asahi! Are you coming or what?” Sugawara called from the gym. Asahi blushed some more as he shook off his daydreams, nodded quickly and rushing in to start stretching with everyone else. “I hope you got her number.”

“W-What?”

“Y/N! That girl that you were just talking to! Did you get her number?” Sugawara asked, eager for the details. It wasn’t every day that Asahi seemed so head over heels over a girl (especially one he just met).

“N-No but… she wants to get food together,” Asahi admitted shyly, playing with his fingers in front of him.

“Well you better play your best today so she doesn’t back out,” Daichi snickered as he joined the conversation.

Asahi whined as Daichi and Sugawara continued to tease him, both of them hitting his back with some somewhat supportive words, grinning ear to ear, “Go and be the best ace ever!” Suga cheered as the game started.

Asahi took a breath, silently promising himself that he would play his absolute best this game as he caught your eyes up in the stands, smiling softy to himself. “Y/N,” he whispered to himself, repeating the name that you had given Sugawara and the others. He heard you cheering for them with the other Karasuno students as the game went by, points racking up as he felt himself getting more into the game.

After their win, Asahi was happy to find you hanging around as everyone else was disappearing. “So you really are as good of an ace as they say,” you complimented him with a smile. “It was really cool to see you play.”

“T-Thank you,” Asahi blushed, brushing some flyaway hair from his eyes. “I guess I should properly introduce myself. Azumane Asahi, but please, call me Asahi.”

He held his hand out to you and your happily shook it, both of you immediately wondering if it was common to find someone whose hand seemed to fit so perfectly with your own, “Y/L/N Y/N, but call me Y/N. I did say I would treat you to some food, so what kind are you thinking?” You asked boldly, smiling up at him. It wasn’t every day you found a guy like him and if he was interested, you definitely weren’t planning on letting him go.

Asahi spluttered out some more sounds, ones that definitely weren’t words, and you just giggled in response, making him even more nervous because your laugh was just so wonderful. “A-Anything you want,” he finally managed to get out. Was this really happening to him? A perfect girl like you asking him out?

“I’ve been craving ramen if you’re interested!”

“I know this great place that has tonkotsu ramen!” Asahi found himself blurting out excitedly, suddenly also craving ramen.

“Sounds like a pretty good date to me,” you glanced at the clock nearby, quickly tugging your bag off your shoulders and pulling out a pen. “Here. I assume you’ve got to head back with your team, but text me,” you suggested, scribbling your number on his arm. “Sorry if I’m being too bold,” you apologized with a laugh, tossing your pen back into your bag. “You just seem pretty cool.”

Asahi shook his head quickly, insisting there was no need for you to apologize, “I-I like it.” He gave you a wave as you started to head out, looking at the digits written on his skin as if memorizing them just in case they magically disappeared.

“Y/L/N Y/N,” he murmured under his breath. He wouldn’t be forgetting your name anytime soon, he was sure of that.

haikyuu taglist (lmk if you’d like to be added)

@al0ehas​​ @aurumk​​ @neko-chii1​​ @thisnoodlewritesao3​​ @satan-ruler-of-hells​​ @trashy-simp​​ @jeppiet​​ @tobi-momo​​ @darkvadeeer​​ @haikyuutothetop​​ @livy384​​ @babyshoyo​​ @jesssobs​​ @b-bakana​​ @just4readingfics​​

[hazzasgayvodka]

Panty Thief - Harry Styles

So this is kind of a trial run for this fic, I’m inclined to make this a series but I’m not sure how the response to it will be. I have lots of ideas for more parts to this but only if it’s what the people want haha. Here is my belated Valentine’s Day gift to all you lovelies I hope you enjoy this heavy daddy kink/dom harry fic I’ve been working on for ages!

p.s. everyone say thank you Nathan for giving me lots of smut inspiration this is literally based on him sorta 

pairing: daddy!harry x oc

warning: sexual content, smut, daddy kink/dom vibes so if you’re not here for that this is not for you

word count: 5k

In which Harry is a new student at Harley’s university and he seems to just keep popping up everywhere. The tension between them is palpable and she can’t get away from him, especially when he happens to knock on her door with a pair of her favorite red lace panties she left in the laundromat dangling from his finger. 

I roll my eyes as the lady in front of me in line takes out yet another handful of coupons from her purse at the checkout counter. The cashier looks almost as annoyed as I am, but still sporting a smile despite the absolute exasperation rampant in her eyes. She takes the handful of coupons and starts scanning them begrudgingly as the woman digs around in her purse for anymore and I hardly even notice my foot tapping as my eyes instinctively roll once again. I just came to get toilet roll, ice cream, and a bottle of prosecco and the universe decides today is the day coupon Karen ends up at the checkout line five minutes before I do.

“I like your hair.” A voice speaks up behind me.

I know they must be talking to me, I don’t believe any other boring college blonde in this line warrants a compliment like that but the bright purple curls I sport tend to elicit quite the reaction from bystanders, especially the uninteresting conservatives of Publix.

“How do you uh, get it that color?”

I finally turn my head over my shoulder to face the voice, a tall guy with tousled brown hair and quite the shit eating grin on his face. He’s obviously very pleased with himself finally getting me to turn around but I can’t be bothered to entertain this excited puppy of a man with more than a word.

“Dye.”

I’ve barely even gotten the word out of my mouth before I turn back to face the cashier with an uninterested eyeroll. He scoffs behind me, clearly not giving up that easily.

“Wow,” He chuckles, “At least you’re straightforward.”

I turn back around without thinking to face him once again, “Hair dye, idiot.”

“Oh, well I could have guessed that much.”

I turn away from him again just as coupon lady finally pushes her rattling cart towards the exit doors and the cashier gestures for me to come up to the checkout. I drop my basket on the conveyor belt with a thud and she rings it up quickly, sensing my impatience and clearly wanting to get me the hell out of here as quickly as she can. I pay and grab my bags to head for the door and just before I’m home free the voice is suddenly behind me yet again.

“So, are you really not going to tell me?” He asks, catching up to me outside, “It’s going to keep me up tonight, I’m waiting with bated breath over here.”

“Tell you what exactly?” I huff, finally turning to face him.

“How you get your hair that color, of course.”

I roll my eyes, surely, he’s not keeping this bit up for the sake of hitting on me in the fucking supermarket, “Do you want something from me?”

He chuckles a bit, and I’m glad to see my utter frustration is amusing to him, “I mean,” He starts, rubbing the back of his neck, “Maybe your name would be cool.”

“No thanks.”

“Well, I’m Harry-“

I turn and walk away before he’s barely got the sentence out of his mouth. What was he even in line to buy? He wasn’t carrying any bags.

Mental note: always wear headphones to the grocery store.

 ***

“You’re late.”

I collapse in the seat next to my friend Danielle with a huff. She gives me a certain look that says something like you’ve been late the past three times too, but honestly at this point she should know to expect it.

“I’m always late,” I groan, attempting to lean back in the incredibly uncomfortable library chair, “So, why are we at the library?”

“We have a math test tomorrow, or did you forget about that?” She asks, scolding me over the top of her math book.

“Of course I remembered,” I say sarcastically, “Math is my absolute favorite subject how could I ever forget we had a test?”

She rolls her eyes, turning her book to the right page to start taking notes and I try my best to follow along, “So do you have a legitimate reason for the lateness or just regular Harley excuses?”

“Actually, I do,” I say matter-of-factly, sitting back up straight in my chair, “There was a freak at the grocery store, dude would not leave me alone.”

“What was he doing?” She asks, suddenly interested.

“Just talking? I guess? He like wanted to have a whole conversation waiting to check out.”

“So, a nice guy just struck up some conversation with you at the store and that’s a bad thing?”

“Yes,” I huff, closing the book once again, “I was just there to get groceries I didn’t need the extra human interaction.”

She opens her mouth to reply but she’s cut off as a group of guys walk in the front door of the library talking at full volume. I can feel almost every person in the room turn in the direction of the loud noise at the front and suddenly my eyes land on him. There’s no fucking way.

“Dani,” I whisper, sliding down in my seat so I can go unseen, “Dani that’s the guy, the guy from earlier.”

“What?” She whispers harshly, trying not to stare as the boys get scolded by the librarian at the front, “You mean grocery store guy?”

“Yes!” I huff, electing to sit in my chair backwards so my back is to him.

“No way Harley, it just looks like him-”

“No Dani, it’s him,” I whisper, “Tall one with the curly hair in the black hoodie.”

“That’s him?” She asks, “You had a problem with that talking to you?”

“Shh!” I huff, “God he’s going to hear you, are they still at the front?”

“They um, yeah,” She stutters, her eyes diverting to her book again, “They’re still up there, at a table now.”

“What’s wrong?” I ask, sensing the discomfort in her voice and turning around myself.

My eyes immediately lock onto his and I look away quickly, shielding my face from him with my hand and turning back towards Danielle.

“He’s staring right at you.” She says, trying not to be too obvious.

“Yep.”

“Are you gonna go over there?”

“Why would I do that exactly?” I ask, my eyebrow raised in disbelief.

“Because a hot boy is staring you down across the fucking library!” She whispers harshly, reaching over to smack me in the arm.

“More like a fucking psychopa-”

“Hey there,” I hear his voice cut in and my whole body cringes in on itself without my volition, “Fancy meeting you here.”

I turn around in my chair, forcing myself to face him while my whole face heats and I’m sure I’m the color of a rather ripe tomato. Something about the way he says hey there in that fucking accent makes my entire body tense up.

“Hey there,” I mimic, “Long time no see.”

I feel Danielle’s eyes on me as the words come out of my mouth, her gaze flickering between the two of us and watching the horrifically awkward exchange play out in front of her.

He laughs, electing to lean on the table, “What are you doing after this?”

“She’s doing absolutely nothing.” Danielle answers for me and I kick her under the table, making her wince.

“Glad to hear it,” He grins, his eyes zeroing in on me once again.

“I’m very busy actually,” I cut in, closing my textbook and throwing it in my bag, “We both are, but um, I’ll see you around.”

Danielle is looking at me with eyes the size of dinner plates as she frantically packs up her stuff, shoving it in her bag to follow suit. I stand up from my chair, slinging my bag over my shoulder and he rounds the table to stand right in front of me, the only thing between me and the front door.

“Can I at least get your name?” He asks, his voice incredibly deep clearly for only me to hear.

“Harley,” I quip, side stepping around him, “See you later uh, Harold is it?”

He gives me a very particular look as I walk away from him, taking steps backward and relishing in the smirk on his face. He knows what I’m doing. I feel Dani’s hand grab my arm and I finally turn around to face the door, walking through it, but even as I’m outside and carrying my feet down the steps I feel his eyes on me, drilling into the back of my head.

“The hell was that?” Danielle asks, “He was so cute and you just, you just blow it like that?”

“Harmless flirting.”

“You call that flirting?”

“Oh Dani,” I sigh, taking out a cigarette and lighting it between my lips, “I call that winning.”

 ***

I’m woken up with a start when I hear the loud roar of music start from Dani’s room. She always blasts music in the morning while getting ready for class. I look over my shoulder to check the time, at least she waited until 10 to start with the noise. My head is pounding ever so slightly, and I realize why when my eyes land on the empty bottle of pink Moscato on my bedside table.

I drag myself out of bed and into the tiny common space between our two rooms, “Good morning sleeping beauty,” Danielle teases, “I noticed the bottle of wine went missing from the fridge.”

“That’s bizarre,” I joke, “Must be a wine thief in the dorms. I’ll get on that mystery right away.”

She shakes her head at me, rolling her eyes as I grab my basket of laundry from my room. I slide on a pair of slippers electing to go put it in the wash, so I hopefully have a single clean pair of jeans for class tonight. I call to Dani letting her know I’ll be right back and as soon as I open the door to the hall I’m staring at him.

“You have got to be fucking kidding me.” I groan.

He stops dead in his tracks, taking a glance over his shoulder to see me standing in my doorway. He’s dressed in only a towel, holding it closed while it hangs low on his hips. His hair is wet, clearly making his way back to his room from the showers and his chest and arms are rippling with muscles under his damp skin.

God those arms could crush me like a grape.

“Morning neighbor,” He grins, clearly getting a kick out of this, “Someone wake up on the wrong side of the bed today?”

“You’re in this building?”

“You bet, room 7C down the hall.”

“Well, neighbor, for future reference, most people in this building take their clothes to the shower with them.”

“You Americans,” He chuckles, starting to walk away from my doorway, “So prude, have a nice day Harley.”

He disappears down the hall and then behind his door and my mind gets to work on picturing what he looks like without the towel. You can nearly feel the tension between us in the air, it was palpable. I could even feel his eyes on me, looking me up and down and lingering on my lips. I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to clear my head as I take a deep breath and start on my way to the laundry room downstairs.

I put a load in the wash, briefly tuning into the dramatic soap playing on the tiny TV hung on the wall. I decide to head back to my now empty room since Danielle left for class and end up wasting most of my day away on a bad Netflix original movie, only pausing half way through to go move my clothes to the dryer.

I order a pizza for dinner before my night class and go back downstairs to grab my laundry out of the dryer. Just as I’m opening the dryer and emptying my clothes back into my basket I get a text that the pizza guy is downstairs waiting for me.

“Shit, shit, shit.” I huff under my breath, quickly shoving all my clothes in my basket and slamming the dryer shut behind me.

I rush back to my dorm, chucking the basket of clean clothes inside before heading to the stairwell and nearly sprinting down them to get to the ground floor. I meet the rather impatient pizza guy downstairs before bringing the food back up to my room. I’ve just barely finished the first slice half way through a Criminal Minds episode when there’s a knock at the door. I groan, dragging myself from the couch and tossing the blanket off.

I open the door, rolling my eyes, “Dani, you have got to start remembering your key when you-” I’m cut off as I come face to face with him rather than Dani, “Oh, um, hi?”

“Hi,” He repeats, now dressed in a pair of grey joggers and a plain black t-shirt, “I believe you dropped something in the laundry room earlier.”

He reveals his arm from behind his back, holding out his hand with my bright red lacy thong dangling from his pointer finger. I can feel my entire face heat to match the shade of my panties, but I won’t let him get the satisfaction. I go to snatch them from his hand, but he stops me, gripping them in his fist instead and using them as leverage to pull me a bit closer to him.

“Probably want to be a bit more careful where you leave your panties lying around, darling,” He smirks, “Unless you want to leave them on my bedroom floor of course.”

It’s the final straw, those few words spoken in his deliciously deep voice absolutely dripping with that amazing accented tone, on top of the way he’s dressed, every muscle visible beneath the fabric of his t-shirt. I don’t know what I’m doing until I’m pulling him to me by my own grip on the lacy underwear between us, my mouth meeting his and his teeth instantly biting my bottom lip between them.

“Yours or mine?” He breathes out, pulling away from me just long enough to get the words out.

“Where’s your roommate?” I ask breathlessly.

“Vacation,” He says, “Till Wednesday.”

“Yours,” I laugh, pressing my lips back to his, “Definitely yours.”

He walks me backwards down the hall to his dorm room, shoving me up against the wall as he unlocks the door, his lips working down my neck. As soon as the door is open he walks me through it, bending down to grab the backs of my thighs and hoisting me into the air. He kicks the door closed with his foot and I laugh against his mouth as he carries me past his bedroom doorway, slamming that behind us as well.

He lays me out on the bed, nearly tossing me right on top of the mattress, my lacy red underwear still gripped in his hand.

“Any chance you got something this cute under there?” He chuckles, holding them up in both hands to really show them off.

“Why don’t you come find out?” I tease.

He rolls his eyes, finally kneeling onto the edge of the bed and crawling over to me. He starts to lean over me, but I shove his shoulder, forcing him to lay against the mattress before swinging my leg over him. I can feel him underneath me immediately and it makes my legs clench together on either side of him.

“Hi,” I breathe, planting my hands on his chest and meeting his eyes.

“Hi,” He repeats back to me, that bright smile of his making my stomach flip, “You gonna come down here or...?”

“Oh, shut up,” I laugh finally leaning down and connecting our lips once again.

His lips are ridiculously soft against mine while the feeling of his muscles under his t-shirt are quite the opposite. He reaches up to cup my face with both hands, trying to somehow pull me closer as if we aren’t close enough as it is. I can’t figure out exactly where I want to put my hands; his shoulders, his biceps, god, in that amazing curly hair.

My hips start to move against him without my volition and he groans into my mouth, a deliciously deep reverberation that makes me grind my hips into him even more. He grunts against my lips, finally pulling away and resting his forehead against mine instead, breathing heavily.

“You alright there tiger?” I tease him, threading my fingers through his hair, “Need a breather already?”

“Shut your mouth,” He chuckles, grabbing me around the waist and trying to flip us over so he’s on top.

He greatly underestimates the size of his twin dorm bed when he does so, both of us rolling off the edge and tumbling to the shag carpeted floor beneath us. I expect the mood to be ruined, for him to get up and usher me right out the door because how awkward is this, right? I’m beyond surprised when he starts laughing, both of us splayed flat on our backs and heaves out a sigh as he rolls over to face me again.

“That was pretty smooth of me, eh?” He jokes, “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

I shake my head, chuckling too, “No I’m okay, just gonna have a massive bruise on my ass most likely.”

He laughs again, finally pulling himself to his feet and offering me a hand to help me up. I’m not sure what I expect past that, maybe a hug to send me on my way now that the atmosphere has completely changed but that tension is still between us, the same tension that’s been building since the moment he said a single word in the supermarket.

The second I’m back on my feet he shoves me onto the bed and I can’t even begin to hide the shock in my features. He���s back on top of me in seconds, his lips pressed to mine and I’m sure the surprised whimper that leaves my mouth fuels his ego to the gods.

“You alright there tiger?” He mocks, and I resist the urge to reach up and slap him.

“Careful.” I quip, pulling away from him to meet his eyes.

“Careful?” He asks, quirking up his eyebrow at me, “I’m sorry are you telling me what to do sweetheart?”

I gulp, the smooth but stern voice he’s using making my thighs quiver. He seems to notice, his eyes darting down between us and a small chuckle escaping his lips. He looks back up at me, his eyes dark and brooding, before they flicker to my hands at my sides. He grabs my left wrist roughly, holding it above my head against the mattress before doing the same to my right arm as well. I’m nearly squirming underneath him, my entire body steaming to the touch as his eyes bore into mine.

“Something wrong, love?” He asks, the condescending tone to his voice making my whole body shake.

“Course not,” I pant, my breath coming out heavier than I anticipated, “Just fuckin peachy over here.”

He chuckles a bit, his grip on my wrists growing tighter, “You’re not very patient, you know that?”

I’m not sure what it is that’s making me writhe the way I am; perhaps it’s the countless months I’ve gone without sex since my last messy breakup, or maybe it’s the way in which this all panned out with a stranger over some fucking underwear, or fuck, maybe it’s just him and the way that cocky smirk on his face makes my insides twist.

“Patience is a virtue,” I say carefully, making sure to keep my tone even, “I’m more about vices.”

His left hand releases my wrist and I prepare myself for his hand reaching where I need him most, sucking in a breath between my teeth and letting my eyes flutter closed but it never comes. My eyes peel back open to see his hand hovering over my neck instead. He meets my eyes before his fingers finally grace the skin of my throat, applying just the slightest bit of pressure almost as if to test the waters.

I’m nearly dizzy as he does so, the temperature in this room suddenly a million degrees. He removes his hand again, the pressure around my throat leaving me and I whimper in distaste, making him chuckle again.

“Poor thing,” He chastises, my legs clenching together on either side of him, “I can’t do it all though, if only there was a way I could hold down both your wrists and choke that pretty neck.”

I watch his hand dig into the pocket of his joggers and once again pull out the thin red lacy fabric of my panties, holding them between us.

“Mind if I use these?” He asks, clearly knowing the answer but wanting to get a reaction out of me anyways.

“Yes, god,” I gulp, “Please.”

He grabs my hands, moving them completely above my head before wrapping the panties around them a few times, tying them together. He tugs on them a bit to make sure they’re pretty secure before looking back down at me, his eyes completely blown out in lust, his pupil swallowing his surrounding iris.

His lips are back on mine in seconds, his now free hands roaming my body before one hand rests on my neck, gripping the sides and applying a bit more pressure than the last time. I whimper into this mouth and curse myself for doing so as soon as my eyes flutter open to see that cocky smirk on his face once again.

“Eager, sweetheart?” He teases, and my hand reaches up to smack him before I remember I’m bound in a pair of my own underwear, “Ah, ah, be a good girl and stay still.”

Hearing the words good girl come out of his mouth makes my entire body squirm and he grins again, that lopsided condescending grin and I know he’s getting off on this, making me writhe underneath him. He leans down to kiss my stomach, hiking my shirt up as he goes before working his way down and tugging my pants down my legs. I hold my breath in anticipation but when I look down the bed to meet his eyes he simply kisses the inside of my thighs, ghosting his mouth over the thin fabric of my panties.

“Fucking please,” I beg, my breath coming out in heaves, “Is this some kind of joke to you?”

“Please what, princess?” He asks, my legs threatening to squeeze his head between them, “Tell me what you want, hm?”

“You cocky bastard,” I huff, my mind getting fuzzier by the second the closer he gets to my center, “You know what I want.”

He stops abruptly, sitting back up from his small assault on my inner thighs, “What did you say, love? Care to repeat that? Couldn’t quite here you down here.”

There’s an edge to his voice, like glass, it cuts right through me and makes my thighs quiver, “N-no,” I stutter, “Didn’t say anything.”

“That’s what I thought,” He grins, leaning back down between my legs, “Now be a good girl and tell me what you want me to do to you.”

I suck in a breath sharply, but I won’t let him know how his words affect me, “Oh daddy,” I mock, rolling my eyes, “Need you so bad.”

He grabs me by the ankles, flipping me onto my stomach and sends an echoing smack to my ass, the stinging sensation that radiates afterwards making my toes curl. He flips me back onto my back, his dangerously dark eyes meeting mine as he spreads my legs apart once again, holding my thighs down against the mattress.

“Want to try that again, princess?”

“Fuck,” I gasp, the edge to his voice making the whispered swear fall from my mouth involuntarily, “Um, yes.”

“Yes what?” He growls, leaning down to hold my jaw in his hand, his eyes drilling into mine waiting for a response.

“Yes daddy.”

“Now you’re getting it, good girl,” He grins, his hand that was gripping my jaw moving to tuck a piece of hair behind my ear, “Now open up,” I oblige, slowly opening my mouth and he pushes his middle and ring finger past my lips. It catches me a bit off guard, but he only nods his head, “Get them nice and wet for me love, don’t want to hurt you.”

He pulls them from my mouth, a small string of saliva connecting them to my lips. He chuckles a bit, clearly getting a kick out of how worked up I am for him before finally pushing my panties to the side and pressing his fingers into me. I instantly turn my head to the side, muffling the moan that escapes my mouth into my pillow. As soon as he realizes what I’m doing he grabs me by the hair, holding my head straight.

“None of that,” He says sternly, “Wanna hear your pretty sounds, babygirl.”

I’m dangerously close to the edge just from the words pouring from his mouth in that accented tone that makes my entire body shiver. That condescending smirk finds its way back to his lips and I know that he can tell I’m close, just teetering on the edge already.

“Needy little thing, are we?” He teases, “Already gonna cum and daddy’s barely touched you yet.”

His words are almost just enough to push me over the edge, but I hold off as much as I can, straining away from his touch as much as I can with my hands bound above my head and his weight on top of me. I feel the particular twist in my stomach, that burning sensation in the very pit of my abdomen just as my eyes squeeze shut and my vision goes white. His fingers work me through it, his mouth finally hovering over where I need him most, sucking my sensitive bud into his mouth and making me shake.

I feel his fingers withdraw from me and suddenly he’s pushing them past my lips once again, but this time I taste myself on them, swirling my tongue around each one to suck them clean. I meet his eyes as he pulls them from my mouth and my hips involuntarily buck up to meet the bulge prominent in his pants.

“Still needy, are we?” He chuckles.

“Please shut up and take your pants off already.” I beg, my hips bucking up to meet him again.

“You see I would but,” He starts, sitting back on his heels, “It seems I don’t have a condom, would you happen to have one?”

“Would I, no, you have got to be fucking kidding me,” I stutter breathlessly, my blood starting to boil in disbelief, “What kind of guy doesn’t keep a pack of rubbers around you idiot?”

“Careful,” He warns, his voice dropping into that deep calculated tone that makes me shiver, “And perhaps a guy that just moved in this week and hasn’t necessarily had buying rubbers on the mind,” He says, “That is until he met a spunky purple haired girl in the supermarket.”

His words make my stomach do a few somersaults, but I don’t let it extinguish the pissed off fire burning in my stomach knowing that I won’t be getting the relief I desperately need right now.

“You’re serious?” I ask, “You don’t have any?”

“Serious, darling,” He chuckles, “But instead of moping about it, you’re going to take what I give you and say thank you daddy when I’m done, understand?”

I nod my head vigorously, despite wanting to do the exact opposite. What kind of hold does that goddamn accent have on me?

“Good,” He smiles, clearly pleased with my response, “And maybe if you’re a good girl next time daddy will remember to hit the store.”

“Next time?” I ask, not filtering the shock from my voice.

He laughs a bit, reaching up to finally untie my hands, “Yes, next time, did you want this to just be a one-time thing, princess?”

I can’t form the words I want to say as I sit up a bit, rubbing my wrists only slightly from the rough fabric of the lace wrapped around them, “I um, I don’t-”

“That’s what I thought,” He smirks, standing from the bed and holding out a hand to me, “Now come on, didn’t you get pizza?”

I smile, taking his hand and starting to stand to my feet, my legs a bit wobbly and I’m thankful for the stability of his arm to lean on.

“Do you have anything to uh,” I start, cringing when I feel the wetness in between my thighs, “Clean up with?”

“Nope,” He says cheerfully, “You keep that pretty mess I made between those thighs, babygirl.”

My knees nearly buckle, and I’m cursing him for his lack of condoms and the ache between my legs as I pull my pants back on, following him to the door to the hall. He stops abruptly just inside the doorway, turning back to meet my eyes.

“What’s my name?” He asks cheekily.

“Harry,” I say confidently, “Why? Are you worried I forgot already?”

He grabs my ass in his hand tightly, squeezing the skin, his voice calculated, “I said, what’s my name?”

I gulp, leaning into his grip on me a bit more as my knees wobble, “Daddy.”

He releases his grip on my ass, giving it a quick smack, “’Atta girl, let’s get some pizza in you so you’re ready for round two,” He grins, throwing his arm around my shoulder and tucking me into his side as we walk down the hall to my room instead, “Maybe after we can hit the store, I seemed to have forgotten to pick something up last time I went.”

[rainydayhogwartsimagines]

Aye yes! Okay uh, i might be a basic B for requesting Draco but like, i kinda have this love-hate relationship with him so uh yea 😳👉👈 I'm a slytherin so can you maybe do a Slytherin!reader x Draco where the reader is like, she supports him in a way but in the same time she's always the one stopping Draco from bullying others or the one pulling the other students away when they got cornered by Draco and his goons. And I'm talking like, the reader would and will snap at him the way Hermione snaps at the two golden bois whenever they mess up. Idk it's just everytime i see Draco being a dumbass to show off and it backfired i always have second hand embarrassment cuz we slytherin already has a bad rep and we don't need him making it worse :' but in the same time i would love to be cheering for him when he plays quidditch and such haha!

The Golden Slytherin: Part one

Warnings: swearing, physical abuse, mentions of death

Author’s note: I don’t own Harry Potter or any of the characters also this thing is long and depending if I actually finish this thing tonight, I might publish all parts or most of it at least by tonight and tomorrow. Enjoy.

Draco. That son of a bitch. You were so tired of this idiot's behavior. You cracked down on the offhanded comments he'd make that made students around him feel upset by carrying a newspaper everywhere where you went. You'd smack him upside the head with it, making him turn his anger towards whoever it was, go to you.

Pansy sat across from you in the common room as you watched Draco play chess with Blaise. Things were relatively calm so you pulled a book out from your bag, Pansy noticing a copy of the Daily Prophet in your bag. "What is it with you and the newspaper tactic on Draco?" She asked. "Well my goal is that he'll come to expect me to hit him when he insults someone so he'll stop." You said, searching for your place in your book. "You're training him... like a dog?" She asked. "Well if he's going to act rudely towards everyone, I don't have much sympathy for him." You huffed. "Ah yes, I can see it now, training him with the entertainment section. That'll teach him." She snorted. You rolled your eyes. "Any other suggestions?" You asked. "Talk to him?" She suggested. "I did. He didn't listen. Multiple times." You stated. "That one was a long shot. Why not train him like a cat? Use water?" She suggested. "Meh. This way gives me reading material." You said earning another laugh. She sat next to you, staring at your book. You had underlined sentences as if they were an assignment but when she read the small words between the lines it was more like you were foreshadowing future events, writing theories and thoughts in the lines you made.

"You annotate your books?" She asked. "Yep." You nodded, reading silently. Pansy stretched, picking a book off the coffee table and taking off her shoes before putting her legs across hers. Pansy was your bestfriend, her being a bit more lax towards the rules. You loved having her around, especially because she seemed to vocalize what you were thinking half of the time.

Draco noticed the two of you and sighed. "Draco, your move." Blaise yawned. "Right." He murmured before moving his piece. Blaise noticed where is attention was. "She can hit you from here." He joked. Draco gave him a flat stare, rolling his eyes. "I don't know what that girl's problem is. It's like she looks forward to hitting me. And what the hell is with Pansy encouraging her!?" He asked. "You know Pansy, she is like the Fred Weasley of our house, she lives for the chaos like that." Blaise yawned. "Still. I don't understand why she gets so upset. She knows what this house stands for, why in the hell does she get so territorial when I mention purebloods?" He asked. Blaise looked at you and squinted. "...You don't think she's a Muggleborn do you?" Blaise asked. Draco scoffed but then paused. "...Wait do you not actually... wait does anyone actually know who her parents are?" Draco realized. "No. Well... Maybe Pansy would know." Blaise shrugged.

You checked your watch. "Gotta dip, George needed me for something he and Fred are concocting." You shrugged. "You're their Guinea pig?" She asked. "Well they are paying me." You chuckled before walking out. You walked up the stairs, going to Gryffindor's common room. "Well if it isn't our favorite slytherin!" George chuckled. Hermoine looked up with a frown. "No. No, you are not going to pull a student into this." Hermoine argued.

"Granger, relax, I promise I've been the one who's mainly experimenting with this stuff." You halted. She squinted. "I don't know if it's wise for you to even be in here, Umbridge has been cracking down on this stuff lately." Hermoine said with a sigh. "I'm fine, I'm slytherin. It's clear she favors the whole lot." You yawned. "How did you even end up in slytherin? You're so much more... normal." Harry asked. "Your guess is as good as mine." You shrugged.

Pansy had been reading when she noticed Draco in a chair close to her. She jumped. "God!say something before sneaking in like that!" She hissed. "I'm literally just sitting here!" Draco defended. "Doing nothing and staring like a weirdo! What do you want!?" She asked. "Do you know Y/n's parents?" Draco asked. Pansy's face went blank, her seeming to try not to display any emotions. "....Pansy?" Blaise asked, leaning on the arm of Draco's chair. "Why do you want to know?" She asked. "It occurred to me I don't even know who they are? Are they nobles? Puerbloods?" He asked. She sighed. "Draco. You especially do not need to ask her that question." She said sharply before getting up. She left, leaving the boys confused. "what the hell did that mean?"

You wiped your mouth, gagging from the left over puking pastille. Fred handed you mouth wash and you spat into the bucket, Lee Jordan using a disappearing charm to make it go away. Pansy entered and you looked up confused. "Hey." She waved. "What are you doing here?" Ron asked, eyeing her. "Stuff it Weasley." She sighed. George threw up in the bucket, jamming the other side of the pastille into his mouth and quickly recovering. "...Lovely." she grimaced. "Y/n, can I talk to you?" She asked. "Yeah, I need to study anyways." You nodded, grabbing your bag and walking. She walked with you. "Are you going to talk or-" "Draco asked about your parents." She said. You froze, standing there terrified. "What?" You asked. "He asked about your parents. I didn't answer him, mention them or anything, I swear." She said. You shook your head with a frown. "I don't understand what his fascination is. He just keeps pushing my buttons and now this!?"you whined. "I'm sure it'll be fine. We just won't answer him!" She said. "Yeah... yeah that'll... that'll work." You muttered.

The next day arrived oh too quickly, you standing in line waiting for entry into Snape's class. Pansy yawned, leaning against you. "I told you, you should've gone to bed earlier." You said. "Mmm but I wanted to do good on McGonagall's exam." She yawned. "Yes but you will do worse without sleep." You reminded. "Save it for the motivational testing posters." Pansy said making you laugh before hearing Draco. He had noticed Gryffindor's entry into the dungeons, of course saying things to provoke them. You sighed, realizing you left your newspaper in the common room. "What do you want to do?" Pansy asked. "I'll yell at him." You sighed. "Oh yeah, Umbridge immediately let the quidditch team back. Not sure about Gryffindor though, seems they have their lot cut out for them." He said loudly.

Harry rolled his eyes, you sighing. "Draco it is too early today. Shut up." You said. "I will say what I want- And let's not forget the absolute lunatics on the team. Hell, half of them deserve a one way ticket to St. Mungos hospital-" Neville lunged, prepared to strike him, but Harry held him back.

However it seemed holding back was pointless as a loud slap rang throughout the hall. Draco held his cheek, his eyes wide. "Are you insane-" your eyes were brimmed with tears you staring at him with a angry look. "Would you just SHUT THE FUCK UP!?" You yelled. He froze staring at you, Blaise being equally as shocked that you actually hit him. "You and your family have caused enough pain and suffering, would you just shut up with your god damn insults already!?" You asked, you shaking as you did. "Y/n-" Pansy put a hand on your shoulder pulling you back before both of you left. Neville swallowed slowly slipping away from Gryffindor and going back to the Slytherin Common room. You sat on the couch, sobbing against Pansy. "What'd you want Longbottom?" She asked. You slowly looked over to see Neville. "I... I never got the chance to talk to you." He said. You slowly stood up. "I'm... I'm sorry about what happened to your mum." He said softly. "I'm sorry about her failing your parents." You whispered. He shook his head, giving you a sad smile. "She kept them alive. She didn't fail them" Neville said softly. Your bottom lip trembled before sobbing and hugging him. Neville held you in a hug for a few moments, eyeing Pansy who looked almost sad at the fact you were sad.

Draco couldn't think straight. He kept expecting you to show up in class but you never came. "Today we will be making-" "Hem hem." Snape turned to the horrible woman in pink. "I believe, Professor, you are missing a few students." That annoyingly perky smile present her face as she spoke. Snape turned to the students seeing the empty chairs and noticing two slytherin students in particular missing. "Where is L/n and Parkinson?" He asked the class. "Y/n wasn't feeling well, Pansy was helping her." A student claimed. "And Longbottom?" He asked. It was at that moment that everyone did indeed realize he was missing. "I reckon Snape finally scared him off." Ron whispered to Harry. "Speaking while I am, five points from Gryffindor." Snape said staring at Ron.

"Perhaps this year's prefect knows where his fellow student went." Umbridge said. Ron gulped. "...I-I don't." He admitted. "Mm. I see." She said. "And what of you Mister Potter? Any idea where Mister Longbottom might've-" "Here! Sorry professor, Trevor ran off again!" Neville said abruptly, making everyone jump. Umbridge seemed unhappy with his presence almost like she wanted him to not show. Harry looked at Neville confused as he sat down, noticing his shirt seeming damp. Neville buttoned up his cardigan as Umbridge returned to her stool.

You didn't show up to the rest of your classes, Draco feeling confused and strangely guilty." What the hell did I say?" He asked. "Beats me." Blaise shrugged. "She hasn't shown up to any of her classes." Draco sighed. "Why do you care? It's not like you two have EVER gotten along." Blaise sighed. "Still, her reaction Blaise, it was.. it was extreme." He said. "It was called for." A voice said behind them as they sat in Flitwick's class. Pansy was reading her book, both boys turning to her. "Where's Y/n?" Draco asked. "Not saying. Maybe that good ol' slap will do you some good. Make you control your damn mouth." She said bluntly. "Was me bitching at Gryffindor seriously that bad?" Draco asked. "Idiot. It's what you did. It's what you said." She explained. "What? Why would she take that-" "you need to learn to keep your thoughts to yourself pretty boy. Y/n will seem tame with her newspaper after I'm through with you if you step out of line." She said, glaring at him. "Oh what's your problem now-" "you hurt my best friend. Haven't you ever heard the phrase 'hell hath no fury like a woman scorn'?" She asked. "The hell does Congreve have to do with this?" He asked. "You pissed me off. Not smart." She paraphrased before raising her book back up.

The next week was pure unadulterated hell. Draco everytime he even so much as looked at a kid wrong would result in Pansy hitting him, and no. She did not hold back. Your absence continued, Draco now officially feeling guilty. It didn't help that Peeves himself seemed to take part in the torture of the boy. He came into the common room soaked. "Call off your lackeys. Please." He said after spitting water out of his mouth. "What in the hell happened to you?" You asked. "Fucking Peeves busted the pipe in the bathroom while I was washing my hands!" He said. "Why do you assume I sent him after you?" You asked. "Because pansy is getting her VENGEANCE!" He yelled frantically. "Draco, I have no control over Peeves. As for Pansy, I didn't send her after you either!" You said. "Then why is she so mad!?" He asked. "Probably because you offended me. She doesn't take well to people hurting me." You murmured. "What did I say?" He asked. Your breath hitched. "I...I should go-" "You've avoided me all week, Y/n please just talk to me!" He said.

You looked at him slightly shocked. "Why do you care?" You asked. "What?"he asked. "Why do you care?" You repeated. Draco sighed. "Look I... I understand what you're trying to do. And I... I appreciate it." He said hesitantly. "...I'm not quite following." You said confused. He huffed, frustrated he had to say any of this out loud. "I understand that you are trying to make me a better person. And I appreciate you for doing so." He finally said. You stood there for a few minutes, finally sighing and going to your dorm. "I- Y/n-" "stay here. I'm getting something." You huffed before returning to your dorm. You pulled a photograph from your nightstand, walking back downstairs and handing it to him.

Draco took it confused. The photograph was a confusing one, one of a large group. He recognized one person though, it looking a whole like Harry Potter but not quite. His eyes were darker, hair slightly more untamed. Next to him was a woman with red hair, with Harry's eyes. He looked up confused. "...who are all of these people?" He asked. "...Nevermind them." You said before pointing at two people. There was a woman who stood tall, her blonde curls on her shoulders, her elbow propped on the man next to her. Draco paused, recognizing the man before he gaped.

He realized now why your eyes were so damn familiar. He'd seen them before. "Your father is Professor Lupin!?" He gaped slightly. You took the photograph back, looking down. "When the first wizarding war happened, something happened... A-a prophecy was told, I don't know what was said but it led to my mum going to the Longbottoms." You sighed, pinching the bridge of your nose. "She thought that the chosen one was Neville." You admitted. Draco was aware that Harry and Neville's birthdays had lined up but he wasn't aware that anyone would've pegged that moron for the chosen one. "She was so determined to deter the prophecy but..." you sighed. "Your aunt killed her." You said, the weight of Pansy's words now hitting Draco. He opened his mouth but nothing came out. "Neville's parents were tortured to insanity, my mother was held down and forced to watch it... and then... Bellatrix killed her." You whispered.

Draco felt beyond horrible. Pansy's words to him had this unbearable weight. "...why did he never say anything when he was a professor?" Draco asked. "Thought it'd make me safer. Less likely to be bullied or have any future problems." You muttered. "...Your last name... Mckinnon.." "my mother was Marlene Mckinnon. I took her last name because I wanted her legacy to live on." You admitted, eyes glossy with tears. "What... what did you mean by 'future problems'?" Draco asked. "Look at what happened to my dad when people found out what he was. Who's to say they won't assume I have that same affliction? Who's to say that my future would be okay when people like your father are in power?" You asked, looking at him.

Draco felt even more guilty now. "I can still have a future if I don't use his name. But as long as there are people like Umbridge, Fudge and Lucius, there won't be a way to pave the way for the next generation." You said grimly. Draco felt nearly offended by the fact that Lucius was a strong factor in your argument. At the same time, you also made it clear why you had a disdain for his family.

They robbed you of your mother. They robbed Neville of his family. Right now, he swore he could feel his blood run through his veins and it felt unbearable. His body felt heavy, tainted with responsibility and a legacy covered in other's blood. He knew his parents supported you-know-who during his time. He just assumed that it was for power, money even. Now however, he couldn't unsee this. He couldn't remove the thought that Bellatrix Lestrange was his aunt. Narcissa knew what the woman did. Lucius knew what she did. Neither of them talked about her like the heinous woman she was.

Draco apologized to you, going to bed as you walked off to the Gryffindor common room. The next few days were strange, Draco being silent, even at times scolding Blaise for insulting someone. However the strangest thing, was the newfound protective nature over both you and Neville. It confused the hell out of you and him, noticing Draco's constant interference with other's comments or bullying. He even seemed to be more okay with Harry, Ron and Hermoine's presence.

"Did you break Malfoy!?" Ron asked as you entered the common room. You rose a brow. "Uh... what?" You asked. "Draco! He's suddenly nice, is he actually acting that way or is it a kiss on the cheek before betrayal?" Hermoine asked. "A kiss on the what?" Ron asked. You sighed. "I don't know what the boy is doing." You said before Fred and George came from their dorm. "Hey sweetness, we got a new one." He said before tossing you a themometer. You caught it, walking away with them when Draco entered. "What the hell are you doing here?" Ron asked. "...Uhm." he sighed and put a hand on the back of his neck. "I..." he sighed. "I wanted to say- " "shit shit shit shit shit" George's voice got louder with every word. "MAKE WAY, WE FUCKED UP!" You yelled. Fred slung over your shoulder as George opened the door. "What did these idiots do!?"Hermoine asked. "Too hot of a fever for Fred to handle, nothing big." "He's passed out George!" You said with a groan. Lee Jordan threw the boy over his shoulder. "We got it, Y/n, study the solution, figure out where we went wrong." George said. "Okay!" You nodded before heading back to their dorm when you stopped. "Draco?" You said confused. "Shit. Y'know, I'm just going to leave-" "dude have you seen Fred He's like... passed the fuck out." Pansy snorted, walking in with a green apple in her hand. She stopped. "The fuck is Draco doing here?" She asked. "Oh my god I came to say I'm sorry!" He yelled.

You all stared. "...What?" Ron asked. "I'm sorry for being... rude. All the time. And... I'm sorry for everything I've done." He finally said. You blinked, staring at him, slightly impressed. "...Wow. never would've thought you had that in you." You said. "Right? The fuck you do to him Y/n, give him a concussion when you smacked him?" Pansy joked. Hermoine sighed. "Look that's nice but-" "Hem hem."

It felt like you were in a horror movie, all of you slowly turning to the woman in the hideously pink outfit. "What, pray tell are you doing in a Gryffindor common room?" You opened your mouth but Harry's flew open oh too soon. "Shouldn't we ask you the same thing?" He asked. You looked at Harry with a sigh. "I was simply getting my notes back from Lee Jordan. Pansy and Draco were with me." You said. Umbridge twisted that mouth of hers into a slightly disgusted look when you spoke. "You cannot be in a group larger than three students." She said simply. "It was me George and Fred. Lee borrowed the notes afterwards." You said quickly, almost as if you rehearsed this. "That's still-" "following the rules. I checked." You said with a glare. Her mouth twitched, as did her eye. "And I escorted her to ensure this exact thing wouldn't happen." Draco added. Her vision flew to him. "And what is miss Parkinson doing here?" Umbridge asked. "Simply making sure that my friend is alright. She's been unwell all week professor." Pansy said, batting her eyelashes. You knew this was Pansy's hilarious way of being sarcastic when she did that. However this seemed to hold over Umbridge. "Very well. Carry on." She said with a huff. She walked out and all of you waited a while before speaking again. "She's gone!" Nearly headless Nick said, emerging from the wall. All of you let out breaths before Hermoine spoke. "I cannot believe that worked." Hermoine said. "I can't believe Harry didn't get detention. Again." You sighed.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Why did she seemed to hate you?"she asked. "...Uh." you swallowed. "Y/n hangs out Fred and George. She immediately thinks she's a troublemaker." Draco said quickly. "I mean... she is a troublemaker." Hermoine said. "I'll say, I mean she was the one that turned Penelope Clearwater's hair-" you slammed your hand over Pansy's mouth. "She's joking- DON'T LICK ME!" you said earning a laugh. Pansy laughed and you swiped your hand across her cardigan. Draco let a small smile slip.

"...By the way Draco. We accept the apology." Harry said. You all looked over. "Not sure I trust it. But I accept it." He said. Draco nodded. "Fair Potter. Fair." He nodded. "We should go. Don't want Umbitch asking questions." Pansy said. You nodded, leaving with Draco and Pansy.

You laid awake that night, staring at the picture of your mother and father. This was happening. Again. A war was rising to the surface and it was only going to get worse. Your time at Grimwald place was fine, yes. But with how many agents constantly ran back and forth, looking at Harry with worried glances... this was happening.

You sighed, getting up, careful not to wake up Pansy. You slipped out into the common room, noticing Draco sitting in front of the fireplace. The giant squid's shadow passed over the room, it always was more awake at night. "Couldn't sleep either?" You asked. Draco gave a small smile, letting it disappear quickly as he stared into the flames. "Draco?" You asked. "He's really back isn't he?" Draco asked. You froze. It seemed you weren't the only one with that on your mind. You weren't much comfort seeing as your next words were rather blunt.

"Did you really think he wasn't when Cedric came back dead?" Draco sat in silence, nodding slightly with a frown. "...My parents helped." He whispered. "What?" "My parents... They helped. They did what was asked of them. They..." he clenched his fist. "My parents allowed this to happen- they- Fuck!" He clenched his head. You frowned, kneeling to him. "I supported them- I-" "Draco you're not your parents." You halted. You said. He stared at you. "I supported them Y/n, I practically fucking preached their message around these stupid school halls!" He said frustrated. "Your parents wouldn't be feeling upset right now if this were them in your position. They are your family that you love, I can see why you'd blindly follow them!" You defended. "That doesn't excuse my behavior -" "you want to fix your behavior?" You asked. "Yes!" He said. "Then tomorrow come with me after class!" You said sharply. He paused. "...What?" He asked. "You will see. Now stop moping. It's pathetic of you, and you my friend are not pathetic." You said before rising and leaving.

So there he was, following you. Pansy finally met up with you as well once classes were over. "Ready?" She asked. "Yeah, lets move it." You nodded. "Where are we-" "hush blondie." Pansy said, closing her hand as if to mimick a mouth closing. You walked through an area before finally taking Draco's hand. "Swear to me that you do not mention what is behind that door." You said. "What door-" he looked over, seeing the well polished door and blinked. "What the fuck-" "promise!" Pansy said, aiming her wand at him. "I promise! Jesus!" He said alarmed. Pansy nodded before both of you shoved Draco into the DA' s meeting place. Students were still gathering, though the few that were already present seemed shocked to see Draco.

"You brought him!?" "Relax Weatherby, I ran this past Harry he said it was fine." You sighed. "If he did, maybe the prophet was right. Maybe Potter is going mad." A student said. "What is all this?" Draco asked. Cho stepped forward, slightly friendlier. "The DA." She said. "What?" He asked. You took your picture of the original order, posting it to the board. "Dumbledore's Army." You said.

Neville smiled, seeing his mother and father. He put a hand on your shoulder and you smiled. Draco felt a odd sensation... dare he say... akin to jealousy. "I'm totally kicking your ass Longbottom." You breathed. "Oh you wish Mckinnon!" He laughed. Pansy smiled slightly at her friend. "She seems happier" a voice said making Pansy jump. "God- Lovegood, announce yourself!" Pansy jolted. "I'm here!" Luna said enthusiastically. Draco rose a brow, looking at her. "Loony- Luna lovegood knew about this?" He asked. "Yeah." Pansy muttered, her eyes watching her carefully.

You looked over at Luna with a warm smile, Luna hugging you. "Oh! oh I brought what you wanted!" She said smiling. She reached into her pocket handing you a pair of radish earrings. "Thank you!" You said smiling, putting in the earings. "Neville... how my swag look?" You asked. Neville snorted as you threw up a sideways peace sign, posing for his review. "Majestic." Neville answered with a laugh. Harry came in with Ron and Hermoine, Ron seeing the earrings and sighing.

You felt a hand on your head, Fred standing next to you. "Oh I figured out what was wrong." You said. Fred looked over. "What was it?" George asked. "Gotta dilute it." You said. "that's what we were missing!" Fred gasped. "See, told you I knew what I was doing, but noooo! You thought you knew better, instead that ended up with a passed out you nearly falling onto Lee and George with a ticket to see Pomfrey!" You said with a sigh. "Oh sweet luscious-" "luscious? Really-" "SHH!" "Sweet luscious holy majestic Y/n, we will never doubt your godly powers again! Praise her!" George said loudly, dramatically dropping to your feet and acting as if he was praising you like a god. You rolled your eyes as Fred and Lee both dropped down. "Pansy join!" Lee urged. "On this gross ass floor? Hell no." She said.

Draco seemed to notice a drastic change in you. You acted so much more outgoing. You were sarcastic, you were funny... you were so much more at home here than in your common room. "Oh by the way!" Fred hopped up, propping his arm on you. "Your father sends a message!" He said. "Really? Suppose he can't..." you eyed Draco before finally deciding to speak. "You suppose he can't send a owl because he'd be intercepted?" You asked. "Intercepted?" Draco asked. "Are you kidding? Umbridge is reading what we're writing. If it were anything private you didn't want her to know, save it for the next time you'd see your family." Lee said. "... She's watching Slytherins too?" Draco asked, slightly taken aback by that idea since so far she had taken a affinity to them. "Nope. Seems to us she left you all alone. Well except our little Y/n. But she's always hated her. Knew her mum apparently and found out who her dad was." George explained. "She thinks I'm secretly a werewolf. She's kept an eye on me these past three full moons, so far she has nothing to go on but apparently that doesn't satisfies her constant need to be a massive bitch." You uttered, showing visible disgust of the woman. "You hate her that much?" Draco asked. "Kind of hard not to when she passes laws on shit she doesn't understand and then makes your dad's life a living hell." You muttered. Fred showed a sympathetic look as Harry walked in. "Alright! Sorry it took so long, took a bit to not look suspicious from von bitchy out there." Harry stated. Everyone snickered. "We've got a new one. Say hi to Draco." Harry motioned. A few scattered, half-hearted hellos echoed through the room. "Alright... today we're learning how to conjure a patronus."

You muttered "crap" under your breath, Draco noticing but not saying a word. You all scattererd throughout the room, Harry guiding you all through the instructions. A few people produced bouts of light. Again, you all tried. As practiced continued, patronuses were all in the room, a few still struggling to do just that. Harry began walking over, fixing the common problem. You however seemed pretty reserved and now seemed to have stopped trying completely. He walked over. "Y/n? You good?" He asked. "Can't produce it. Oh well." You shrugged. "Is there a particular problem?" He asked. You seemed to not want to give your answer. "I can't... find a happy memory." You admitted. He nodded.

"Alright... close your eyes." He instructed. You closed your eyes, sighing. "Can you think of any moment, anything related to your mother?" He asked. Your mind scattered trying to find something, anything. Your heart dropped as you thought you had nothing of your mother before suddenly one memory came to mind. Blurry, hazy, but enough fuel to hold on to your wand. "Expecto Patronum" you said loudly before a blast of light shot from your wand, a image of a wolf emerging from your wand. Your eyes shot open and Harry smiled. "Knew you had it in you." He said. You smiled, looking at your patronus with the most beautiful smile Draco had ever seen. "Draco? You having trouble?" Harry asked. "Er- nope. Think I uh... think I might have it?" He said.

Draco closed his eyes, searching for a memory. Then it got interrupted. By you. He tried again, interrupted by you. He huffed. "Or not." Draco said. "Something wrong?" Harry asked. "I keep.... thinking of a different subject than what I'm intending to." Draco admitted. Harry noticed where his glance was going. He knew exactly what was happening. "Why don't you try thinking of the different subject?" Harry suggested. Draco swallowed, closing his eyes, flashes of you smiling, laughing, swirling in his mind. "Expecto Patronum."

A horse emitted from Draco's wand, you smiling at him. "You did it!" You said. He gulped. "Yep." He nodded. Well shit. This was a new problem. He liked you. Harry, judging by the smile on his face, knew that he liked you too. "Alright. Now, unfortunately our next lesson will most likely be a while considering-" "quidditch" everyone said in unison. You rolled your eyes. "Still don't see why we can't set aside the afternoon." You sighed. "It interferes with practice!" Angelina said. "Oh. Yeah, I'm sure that's a great excuse for the dark lord. 'Sorry man. I know you have this whole dark uprising but I got quidditch soooo. Sorry!'." You said earning laughs from Fred, Lee, Pansy and George. Harry snickered but Angelina rolled her eyes and you sighed.

You all went back to your dorms, you sitting on the floor and propping yourself against your end board while you and Pansy ate chocolate. "So I didn't think you could produce a patronus?" Pansy said. "I thought so but then like... I had this memory... I swear... I could hear mum." You admitted. Pansy looked at you. "Really?" She asked. "Yes." You said. "That's amazing." She said with a smile. "What do you think Draco thought of?" You asked. "Mmm. Being an ass?" Pansy joked. You threw a dark chocolate piece at her. "No. I mean, when we got back, he refused to look at me, even when we were walking back." You said.

"Who knows. I'm so over boys. Thinking of just ditching them and joining a convent or something." She said making you snort. "You were utterly boy crazy third year, what happened?" You asked. "I never.... I never felt anything towards them. I did that because I thought that's what I was supposed to do." She said honestly. "Mm." You pondered, thinking back to Pansy's past boyfriends. "...Pansy... has it maybe occurred to you that you might not... like boys?" You suggested. She blinked. "What... what do you mean?" She asked. You sat up straight. "Pansy you said it yourself. You never felt that way towards them." "So you think I like girls?" Pansy asked. "Maybe? Or maybe you don't like anyone? Or maybe I'm talking out of my ass." You shrugged. Pansy pondered. "I never considered... girls." She said. "Just something to think about." You shrugged. "... do you like girls?" She asked curiously. "Mmm... Well I've never ventured into dating." You said. Pansy snorted. "Right, miss chastity over here, sorry" she teased. You threw another piece of chocolate at her and she laughed harder. "It's not like I haven't tried!" You huffed. She leaned up from almost falling over. "Yeah, I know you did try. With Kai Waterton. Once" Pansy said. "It was my first year. And he rejected me, no one's been interested in me." You sighed. She snorted. "No one? No one. Okay. Tomorrow remind me of this moment at breakfast." She said. You sighed.

The next morning you and Pansy sat at the Gryffindor table. "Hem hem." Sounded off. You gritted your teeth. "Ma'am?" "No interhouse mingling!" She said. "That's not a rule Delores." McGonagall halted. Umbridge seemed to dislike this fact, her smile twitching before you ignored her outright. Then you heard that whispered word, something you didn't expect muttered but it was. "Bloodtraitor."

You looked up, glaring at her. You wanted to open your mouth but you knew that's what she wanted. You gritted your teeth and pulled your head down. The last thing anyone needed was someone snapping at her outside of Harry. Draco, however was standing next to her and heard this as he was making his way for Blaise and decided to irk her further, staring her down as he sat next to you and Pansy. Fred smirked, noticing what he was doing and you smiled slightly as Umbridge's eye twitched.

As she returned to the staff table the chatter in the great hall increased. "Oh, what was that thing you told me to remind you about last night?" You asked Pansy. Pansy nearly choked on her drink in her goblet before laughing. "Right. Okay." She nodded, patting her chin with a napkin. "Guys. GUYS!" Pansy waved all the boys attention, they turned. "What's up?" Ron asked. "Alright. Back when you first got to know Y/n, how many of you had a crush on her?" She asked. Hermoine choked on her food and Ginny laughed. Fred and George raised their hands with no hesitation, Neville slowly raising his and quite a few others raised theirs as well. What shocked you was when Ginny and Luna (who was sitting next to her might I add), raised their hands, laughing as they did. "...What the fuck?" You gaped. "None of you ever said anything!?" You asked. "You never seemed interested!" George said. "And Ginny, are you joking?" You asked. "Oh no. Oh no no no. You confused the hell out of me." She laughed. "I also liked you at one point but I love you as a friend now." Luna said. You blinked. "You even pulled girls dude. You got game." Pansy said, smirking.

"Wha-No no, saying I have game implies I know how to play the damn game- I DON'T KNOW HOW TO PLAY THE GAME PANSY!" you said earning hard laughs from Fred, Draco, George, Pansy and Harry. You groaned into your hands. "There there." Fred patted your arm. You shoved him away. "Don't touch me right now I am so done with the world right now." You grumbled. "Come now Mckinnon, you're fineeee. You just are oblivious to relationships, there's nothing wrong with that. It's not like Harry has a track record, or Draco-" "I get it Fred." You grumbled. "Oh sweetness. You don't need a boyfriend to survive. I mean shit, if you're really adamant about going on a date, I'll take you on one or we'll straight up find someone to date." Ginny said with a shrug. "I..." you looked down and then settled on your answer.

"Do it." You said. Everyone looked over. "What?" George asked. "Do it." You repeated. Ginny looked at Fred. "You go left I'll go right?" She asked. "No need, I'll do it." Draco halted. Everyone's sights went to him. "What? Just helping a friend out." Draco said. Harry squinted at him. ".... Right." Harry said slowly. "Are you sure?" You asked. "Yeah. Hogsmeade, this weekend?" He asked. "...Sure." you agreed. "And I have a suggestion." He added. "Yeah?" "Wear blue, it brings out your eyes." He said, very close to your face. Pansy's jaw dropped and you swallowed. "...Okay." you said before Draco got up and walked out of the great hall.

You blinked, everyone's jaws practically on the floor. "WHO THE HELL KNEW HE LIKED HER!?" Ginny asked. "I did, I just didn't think he'd act on it." Harry said, sounding slightly impressed. "Are we sure he actually likes me and he's not just-" "oh no. No no no no. Y/n, look at the facts." "Okay." You leaned forward listening to Fred. "He was the first to volunteer. He heard what Umbridge said, purposefully pissed her off by sitting here. He knows what colors you look good in. Y/n, he notices you. He notices your habits, your little flaws that he likes, he likes you." Fred explained.

Suddenly sitting at the table in hogsmeade was a lot more intimidating. Draco was currently getting butterbeer and you were just sitting there, fiddling with the hem of your dress that Pansy picked out. Draco sat back down and you gulped. "I don't bite you know." He teased. "I know Draco it's just... odd." You muttered. "What's odd? Me?"he asked. "No. The whole idea of a date. It's ridiculous, why do people do this!?" You asked. "To get to know one another." Draco said. "You can do that without the dressing up and-and the awkward chit chat." You huffed. Draco chuckled. "Then don't think of it as a date." he said. "But you asked me-" "I want you to be comfortable Y/n, the last thing I'd want is for you to feel uncomfortable." He said sincerely.

You felt a smile tug at your lips. "...When did you meet Blaise?" You asked. Draco leaned back in his chair, thinking. "Oh geez... we knew each other way before hogwarts. Fathers worked together. But I think I befriended him because he always called me 'Draco' and not my last name." He said. You nodded. "When did you meet Pansy?" He asked. You nearly choked on your Butterbeer with a laugh. "Well uh." You coughed out. "I was her alibi." You admitted. "What?" Draco asked. "I was her ablibi for a prank. It was a panic response really, she freaked out, grabbed my arm and said she was with me and I, like the true trooper I am, nodded my head." You explained. Draco chuckled. "Been hooked at the hip ever since, she's my best friend." You admitted. He smiled. "What's your favorite book?" He asked. You pondered. "Well.... I'm currently reading a book called 'the hobbit' that's interesting." You said. "The... what?" "Hobbit. Small creature. Hairy feet. Eats like a fiend." You clarified. "Is this creature... real?" "Oh goodness no. Tolkien just has a odd imagination." You chuckled. "What about you? Assuming you are interested in reading." You said. He chuckled. "Macbeth is actually my favorite." He answered. "Actually Tolkien was a big fan of Shakespeare." You pointed out. "Really?" Draco asked curiously. "Yes, he actually had this weird thing about the prophecy in Macbeth. He hated the fact a woman didn't take charge, he-he felt like it was this big missed opportunity so he wrote this character named Éowyn and she absolutely OBLITERATES this enemy in the books. Pretty cool." You explained. Suddenly you realized your rambling. "Sorry, I'll just shut it now." You said drinking your Butterbeer.

But Draco had a wide smile on his face, looking at you as if you were the best thing he'd ever laid eyes on. "I am interested in what you're telling me. And I don't want you to think that your interests are boring to me, because they aren't." He said simply. "...So I can tell you what utter bullshit it is that he spends too many pages talking about trees." You asked. He smirked. "Trees? How does one talk about trees for multiple pages?" He asked.

He watched with a smile as you ranted to him on Tolkien's odd attachment to trees, that according to you "I'll never understand who the fuck finds trees that fascinating outside of Luna or Neville." "Oh god and then theres the songs!the man writes songs throughout the book like a tonedeaf poet!" You ranted. Draco smiled, his head on his hand. "The man just keeps going with the damn songs- it's like he wants to live up to Shakespeare but like- NO!" You said frustrated. Draco laughed at your comedic outrage. You huffed and leaned back. "Are you enjoying my pain?" You asked with a huff. "Oh yes, absolutely. It's rather comedic to see you this upset about a man who died before we were even born." Draco said drinking his butterbeer. You stared at him confused.

"Can I ask you something?" You asked. "Mmhmm." He nodded before taking another sip. "Why me?" You asked. He stared at you. "What?" He asked. "Why do you like me? Why choose me? Why. Me?" You asked. He set down the mug looking at you "You saw good in me. You chose to continue to chip away at me until I started acting better, you have shown me the consequences of my own actions, you've taught me so much Y/n. I like you because despite the reputation Slytherin has, you always see the best in people." "Minus Umbridge-" "Umbridge has no soul, that is besides the point." Draco said making you smile. He took your hand into his. "I want to be yours Y/n. I want to learn more." He said softly. You swallowed. "O-okay." You said blushing. "You do realize I'm asking to be your boyfriend?" "Uh-huh." You nodded, clearly taken aback. "So then it's settled." "yep." "We're dating?" "Uh huh." You nodded still at a loss for words. "Having trouble forming words?"he asked. "My brain has trouble registering the fact that I went from no dating experience to dating you apparently-"

"Y/n. Help. Now." Pansy's voice cut you off. Draco rose a brow. You noticed the panicked look in her eyes. "Uhhh. Draco do you mind-" "not at all, I'll be here." He said softly. You got up walking with Pansy. "Pansy, what's going on-" "I did it. I asked a girl out." She said. You blinked. "...Who?" You asked. "Luna." She admitted. You squinted at her. "Luna? Really?" You asked. "It-It just happened, I was just talking to her and then-then Ginny noticed Luna staring at me and-and she pulled me aside and asked me if I was into girls and I said I didn't know yet but I wanted to find out and next thing I know, I'm asking Lovegood out- What the fuck did I do Y/n!?" She asked. "....I didn't think you even tolerated her much less would go on a date with her." You admitted. "Well I never said I hated her. She's sweet. And strangely charming. And smells like strawberries for whatever reason." Pansy said. You blinked. "Wow I'm so dense. You really did like her this whole time." You said. "What-no." She lied. "She smells like strawberries?" You repeated. "...Okay maybe a little but... Y/n... what if I mess up?" She asked. "Lucky for you, Luna finds people to be fascinating no matter what they do. You chose the foolproof date. It doesn't matter if you mess up, so long as you don't insult her dad or the Quibbler, you'll be fine." "Why does that matter?" She asked. "Her dad writes for the Quibbler." You pointed out. "Why does that explain so much?" She muttered. "Pansy. You've got this. I know you do." You assured. Pansy let out a long breath. "I should get back to Ginny and Luna..." she said. "Tell me how it goes." "You know I will." She said with a smile.

You walked back to the three broomsticks, Draco looking up. "Everything okay?" He asked. "Oh yeah. Just... weird weird things are happening today?" You said slightly confused. "Blaise came in and mentioned something about Luna and Pansy?" He said. "Jesus news travels fast." You breathed. "I didn't realize Pansy liked girls." He said confused. "Mm. I think it's a new realization for her. Me not so much." You said. "What do you mean?" He asked. "I mean, I always noticed Pansy never seemed truly interested in guys. She never seemed to romantically connect with them, she never really showed any big reactions to anything to do with them. I'm not even sure she's interested in girls, it could be that she's not interested in anyone. But considering her panicked state beforehand..." You explained. Draco nodded. "I hope everything works out." He said. "Me too." You breathed. You looked over at Draco. "...So what are your hobbies?" You asked. "Mm. I draw occasionally." He said. You seemed to perk up at this response. "Really?" You asked. He opened his bag, handing you a book.

There were different drawings, roses, plants he had found across campus, a hilarious drawing of Harry that made you giggle and then you saw it. Draco avoided eye contact for a moment at you looked at the drawing of you. ".. Draco this is-" "you don't have to be generous-" "beautiful." You said sincerely. He looked at you, another smile playing to his lips. "Really?" He asked. "Yes- Draco this is wonderful." You admitted. He opened his mouth before freezing up, swallowing hard. You followed his eyes before seeing him.

Lucius. You looked at Draco. "What do you want to do?" You asked. "I suppose my father came in here to find me." Draco muttered. "Would you like to leave?" You asked. "No no. I'll... I'll talk to him, if you want to leave I understand." He said. "No, I'll stay here if that's what you're doing." You said. Lucius looked at the table before walking over. Draco stood up, shaking his father's hand. "Good to see you father." He said, though there was a subtle hint of distain in Draco's tone. "Haven't been hearing from you lately." Lucius said, almost ignoring you outright. "That dreadful woman is reading our letters." You said quickly as Draco seemed to hesitate on his reason for not writing home. Lucius looked at you. "And you are...?" Lucius asked. "Y/n Mckinnon." You answered. His eyes widened at the name, him locking into place. "...was your mother-" "father, this is my girlfriend." Draco said. Lucius paused at this statement. "Girlfriend?" Lucius asked. "Yes." You nodded.

There was this part of you clawing to get out. You wanted to unhinge yourself, yell at him. But you remained composed, staring at him with a fake smile but loathing eyes. "We should have dinner with your family one day, it is customary for us to meet the family." He said, eyeing you still. "I'm not sure that's a good idea." You muttered. Draco looked over at you, sliding his hand into yours. "Her father's ill at the moment, he's not much company." Draco lied. "Ah I see. And your mother?" He asked. You opened your mouth but nothing came out. "Passed away when she was a little girl." Draco said. "My apologies. I nearly thought you were..." Lucius seemed to not catch on. "I thought your mother was someone else for a moment." Lucius said, relief seeming to feel relief. "Do you mean Marlene Mckinnon?" You asked. Draco looked at you slightly panicked. "It's a common mistake, I think they were cousins or something, I dunno." You lied, seeing the slight panic in Lucius's eyes. Lucius let out a slight chuckle, you smiling politely. "Pleasure meeting you, and I'll see what I can do about this Umbridge woman." Lucius said. Then you had an idea.

"Wait, sir you work for the ministry right?" You asked. "Yes I do." "You can do something about Umbridge?" You asked. "...I may be able to, from what I've heard she is a very good-" "you should know she physically abuses students she doesn't like." You said. Draco blinked a couple of times. "What?" Draco asked. He had never been on the receiving end of Umbridge's punishments, he had no idea this was going on. "At first I thought it was fake when Harry Potter mentioned it to me, but then she decided to take a particular dislike to me." You said before removing your jacket and rolling up your sleeve. There it was, the scar bearing the words "I must not tell lies."

Lucius blinked. He sat down as did you and Draco. "When did this start?”

Taglist: @amhyeah @newtaholic-staygold @bbeauttyybbx @barnesnatasha @mariah-can-dream

[rosyl-stuff]

Pretend You Like Me

Paring: Ji Changmin (The Boyz) x reader

Genre: eeehmm… fake dating!au; enemies to lovers/friends, angst?, some short fluffy moments

Word Count: around 1.8k

A/N: i had some trouble with finding out if this has any triggers or not, if you found it triggering, please tell me why and i add those as warnings

You took one last look in the mirror. You looked good, you decided. Still, you couldn't help but be nervous as hell. Your stomach felt like it was turning the whole time and, you wanted to change again and spend the evening in bed. Unfortunately, you couldn't, because the charity event tonight was organised by your own mother. She expected you to be there and act like the perfect child. The perfect child, of course, also included the perfect partner, successful and good-looking. And you had this kind of partner until three weeks ago. He broke up with you. He no longer had feelings for you and was falling in love with someone else. He didn't cheat on you, but you were still hurt and had feelings for him. To make it worse, he was a friend of the family and therefore, he will attend the event tonight, most likely accompanied by the person he had fallen in love with.

A glance at the clock told you that your date was late. Of course, you thought. Ji Changmin was a colleague of yours. He was successful and good-looking. However, you didn't like each other very much. He knew everything better and only cared about himself. He probably thought you were bitchy and overbearing. But he was the best choice if you wanted to keep your dignity tonight. Who knows, maybe you could even make your ex jealous and come back to you.

Changmin was 10 minutes late by now. If he's any later, you thought, I certainly won't help him with his project. Convincing Changmin to go to the charity event as your date was kinda damaging for your pride, but he didn't think much of you anyway, so why not try. It probably even gave him satisfaction to see you begging him. Of course, he wanted something in return. He wanted you to help him with his upcoming big project. Not like you don't have enough work on your desk already, you thought.

Finally, the doorbell rang and, you pulled open the door to your apartment. "About time. My mum will kill me if we're any later." He just rolled his eyes and muttered, "Nice to see you too." At his car, he opened the passenger door and let you in. He jogged around the car, got in and drove off. Both of you were silent and, it wasn't a pleasant silence either. Changmin seemed to feel the same way because he cleared his throat and said, "Shall we go through our story again?" "It might make sense!" you sighed and started, "Well, we know each other from the company. Probably the only thing that isn't a lie!" "We used to have lunch together. And I liked you for quite some time, so I mustered up all my courage and asked you out," Changmin continued, his words dripping with mockery. "I was a little surprised, but I agreed. On our first date at an Italian restaurant, we found out that we get along really well and have a lot in common", you continued the story unimpressed by Changmin's behaviour. "Like tennis, for example" "I hate tennis!" you interjected. "Not tonight!" Changmin returned, grinning. "Do you have to make it harder than it already is?" you sighed. "Yep!" Changmin returned cheerfully, "Sometimes it's easier, to tell the truth! You'll learn that tonight!" "Are you threatening me? Listen, if you ruin this tonight, you can forget about my help with your oh-so-great project. And I promise you, your job at the company will feel like hell!" Changmin laughed, obviously not bothered by your threat. "All good. I'll try my best to impress your mother. After all, there are many influential people there tonight." "Are you using me to make new connections?" you asked, shocked. The thought hadn't occurred to you.

Changmin didn't answer any more, because you had arrived. After he parked, he got out and opened the door for you. You took another deep breath before you took his hand, which he held out to you. It was pleasantly warm and warmed your nervous cold hands. His thumb gently stroked the back of your hand as if he had sensed your nervousness.

Shortly after you entered the event hand in hand, your mother floated towards you. She hugged you and gave you a kiss on the cheek. "How nice that you finally found your way here." "Hi Ma, this is Changmin. Changmin, this is my mother." "Nice to meet you! Sorry for being late. Y/N had a bit of an outfit dilemma." said Changmin with a charming smile. Your jaw dropped. Did he really just say that you thought. Your mother paid no attention to you, laughing at Changmin's comment, "Yeah, that's how you know them." "Come along, there's someone over there I want you to meet." She led the way and, Changmin held out his arm for you to hook onto. You took his arm and whispered to him, "What was that all about? You were the one who was late!" "Yep, but that doesn't make a good impression!" he said with a grin. You gave him one last dirty look before putting on your charming smile as you were both introduced to a handful of important people.

After a while, you had a little break from Changmin as he was deep in conversation with some businessman. And then you saw him, your ex. Before you could hide, he had already spotted you and came to you. "Y/N! How nice to see you!" he said and gave you a quick hug. "H-Hi!" you stuttered and were probably already as red as a tomato. "Your mum said you're not here alone?" your ex asked. "Y-yes, um no. I'm here with Changmin. From the company." "Oh really? I always thought you didn't like that guy." "Yeah." you said, laughing nervously, "Turns out he's quite nice." Your ex eyed you sceptically. "And we have a lot in common. Tennis, for example. I love tennis."

Before the conversation could get any more awkward, you felt two arms wrap around you from behind and how someone gently kissed your cheek. "There you are. Shall we go to the buffet?" said Changmin and pulled you closer to him. You were a little speechless and stunned by the sudden closeness to Changmin and only glanced at your ex, who continued to look at you sceptically. Changmin followed your gaze: "Hi, I'm Changmin," he said, but his friendliness seemed fake. Your ex only nodded briefly and turned to leave.

Changmin pulled you towards the buffet and whispered: "My God, that was pathetic. Stuttering around and blushing. Not being able to get a sentence out. Your ex couldn't have been that great." Annoyed, you pushed his arms away from you and stomped to the buffet on your own. Changmin followed you and asked with a grin, "Did I upset you?" Swinging, you turn around and glare at him angrily, "You're a fricking idiot! You don't have to like me ok? But please pretend tonight." You barely managed to stop the tears, turned around and disappeared into the toilet.

Fortunately, no one else was there and Changmin did not follow you. It took a while, but then you felt ready to face the world again. When you left the bathroom, Changmin was standing there, waiting. When he saw you, he came up to you and pulled you into his arms. "Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it." "Yes, you did," you grumbled, but you wrapped your arms around him anyways and returned his embrace. A hug was exactly what you needed right now. And it didn't matter now that the hug came from someone who didn't like you. Changmin gently stroked your back, "How long does your mother expect you to stay here?" "Until the end, I'm afraid!" you sighed. "And what if you're not feeling well?" Before you could answer, your mother came up to you. "Are you all right? Have you been crying?" she asked you when she saw your face. You were about to shake your head when Changmin said, "They're not feeling well. I'll take them home now." "Oh, they shouldn't make such a fuss! I'll get you aspirin and you'll be fine," your mother replied. "It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, but we're leaving now," Changmin said firmly and pushed you past your mother towards the exit.

The ride home was silent, but this time it was a more comfortable silence. "Thank you!" you whispered barely audibly, but Changmin seemed to have heard because he reached for your hand and his thumb began gently stroking the back of your hand as he did before. A little later, you realised Changmin was driving the wrong way, "Changmin, you should have turned right." "I know, but I'm still hungry and I thought we both deserve a proper meal now," he said, stopping in front of a fast-food restaurant.

Totally overdressed, you went into the restaurant and ordered. While you were eating, you noticed Changmin's hamster cheeks and started giggling. "What is it?" he asked. "You look cute with your hamster cheeks," you said, still giggling. Changmin glared at you, "You're on thin ice. Very thin ice." You laughed even more and, he couldn't help but smile a little too. During the rest of the meal, you had your first real conversation and realised that you actually had some things in common. And it really wasn't tennis. Afterwards, Changmin drove you home and accompanied you to your flat door. When you were standing in front of it, it was kind of awkward. Do you now shake hands or hug each other goodbye? You opened the door and turned to him again: "Thank you very much. I don't know how I would have done it without you today." "No problem. Sorry again. You're not pathetic." You rolled your eyes with a smile, "I know myself that it's high time for me to get over him." "If you need help again, let me know," he said. "Thanks!" you said again and then wrapped your arms around his body and buried your face in his chest. A little hesitantly, he also wrapped his arms around you and gently stroked your back. A little later, he gently kissed your temple. "It will be alright," he murmured as you broke away from each other. You smiled at him one last time and then went inside. Maybe he's not that bad.

Back in the car, Changmin let his head fall down on the steering wheel. He couldn't get the sentence: "You don't have to like me ok? But please pretend tonight. " out of his head. At that moment, he would have liked to reply, "But what if I actually do like you." But no, he had to stand there like an idiot and said nothing.

[bakugosbratx]

How about this: bakugou and s/o have this teasing friendship dynamic where they compete to outwit eachother. They go out to hang. When bakugou slams s/o into the wall in a fit of lust/annoyance reader is just like ‘um what’s happening wait what’ cuz reader honestly doesn’t think that it’s possible for bakugou to have feelings for her. So reader is super sub. Bakugou teases her the entire time. “Not so tough now huh?”

NSFW 18+ Come Over- Dom! Bakugo x Sub! Reader

WARNING: 18+ Consentual Characters, size kink, daddy kink, breeding kink, swearing, harsh language, etc.

Check out my other works here

A/N: Sorry it took me awhile to get to your request, but I hope it meets some of your standards. I had fun writing it. Send me in your request y’all. My inbox is open 💥

Words: 1,841

You and Bakugo have always had an interesting friendship. You were introduced to the Bakusquad by Mina Ashido. You two met at the record store since you used to work there and bonded instantly. So, Mina wanted you to meet her other friends. Everyone loved you right away except for the ashy blonde. You were at each other's throats the second you met each other.

"Hey, dumbass." Bakugo greeted, not removing the scowl from his face. You were not one to deal with other's bullshit so you refused to let Katsuki talk to you any sorts of way.

"Hello to you too, dipshit."

"Oi! What did you call me? I'll kick your ass!" Bakugo exclaimed.

"Probably can't hear me because of all of your yelling." You shrugged.

"I think we should go-" Mina sighed as she grabbed your arm but you shrugged her off.

"Nah! I want to meet all of your lovely friends. Not just the stupid one." You smiled innocently.

"You're going to regret those words, loser!" Bakugo growled as Kirishima held him back using his hardening quirk.

As stated before, everyone loved you. Except for Bakugo, but overtime, you both learned to tolerate each other. It was never spoken, but a friendship developed overtime between you and the short tempered boy. You always pushed each other's buttons and knew how to make each other go off. It was now a common amusement amongst the others.

You were out shopping with Sero, Kirishima, and Mina when you received a text. You opened it to see that Bakugo messaged you.

Boomer 💥:

Want to hangout?

You:

I'm currently at the mall

Boomer 💥:

Then leave.

You:

Wtf I'm not leaving for you.

Boomer 💥:

Oi! Just come over at some point today shitty woman.

You:

Okay dickhead.

"What are you so smiley about?" Mina teased. You didn't even realize a smile was plastered on your face.

"Probably texting Bakugo." Sero teased.

"Oh fuck off!" You exclaimed as your face heated up.

The group teased you and Bakugo all the time. They claimed you two secretly love each other and you two just didn't know it. You have came to terms that you thought Bakugo was cute in his own special way, but you were not convinced that the feelings were reciprocated. Katsuki was never good at showing his emotions except when he is angry or annoyed which is his attitude 98% of the time.

You didn't tell your friends that you and Bakugo text more than they think. Not consistently since Bakugo is not much of a conversationalist over text, but he will send you random messages when he's annoyed or if something reminds him of you. You tried to hide the stupid grin you get when his name appeared on your phone, but your friends caught on overtime. You seemed to get teased the most about it. At least, that's how it felt.

You kept your word and strolled over to Bakugo's house after the mall. You were not sure what he wanted or why, but you did not question it either. The most he is going to do is piss you off and you storm home in a fit of rage. So, you were a little hesitant on knocking on his door.

You knocked on the door with three hard knocks. Bakugo opened the door moments later. Same scowl on his face as usual.

"Hey dumbass."

You invite yourself in, not saying anything. You were surprised on how well kept his house was considering Katsuki is quick to blow up everything.

"Wow! Your place looks great!" You complement.

"You've never seen nice things before, idiot?"

You shoot a glare at him.

"Why can't you just accept the compliment, dipshit?" You sigh. "Why did you even invite me over here?"

"Because I wanted to."

"That's not a good enough answer, stupid."

"Well it's going to be! And watch your mouth, dumbass."

You get up in Bakugo's face. Your eyes meeting his crimson red ones staring down into you.

"And what if I don't?" You stated firmly.

Without a word, Bakugo pushes you against the nearest wall. He pins your wrist above your head with one of his strong hands while keeping a hard, lustful gaze on you. You tremble so slightly under his firm grip.

"What the fuck, Katsuki? Let me go!" You demanded to no avail. Bakugo just smirked.

"Not so tough are you now, huh? Look at you, so helpless." Katsuki teased.

You tried to squirm, but this only amused Katsuki. It was obvious he was not going to let you go.

"Katsuki, let me go-" You were interrupted by Bakugo's lips smacking into yours. His kisses are aggressive, but you did not expect any less from the short-tempered man.

Bakugo slowly pulls away, looking at your lips then back to your eyes. You can feel his hot breath tickling your plump lips.

"You're much cuter when you're quiet." Katsuki stated softly.

You feel your stomach doing fumbles. You can't believe Bakugo actually kissed you. Even worse, pinning you against the wall. This is not what you have expected to happen. Especially since Bakugo seems to not want to be around people often. You have a huge crush on him and you're hoping that this is him showing you the feeling is mutual.

"And you're much cuter when you let go of me." You scoffed.

"Nah. I don't think I will. Besides," Bakugo's fingers dip into your pants and feel the wet panties, "I would say you're enjoying this."

Your cheeks turn bright pink and you swallowed the imaginary lump in your throat. You did not want Bakugo to know how much he turns you on. Especially since you're in this position. You know he will not let you live this down and he will use your weakness for him as an advantage.

Bakugo's fingers played with your clit through the wet fabric. He enjoyed watching you squirm as he kept you in place. He began sucking on your neck to leave a nice hickey for everyone to see. You knew better than to try to tell him to stop. Bakugo has made it more than perfectly clear he does not give a single damn about your pleas as he gently nibbles on your tender flesh.

"Katsuki." You moan as his fingers speed up inside you.

Bakugo stops to meet your eyes.

"The name is Daddy. Got that, little girl?" Bakugo growls in your ear, sending shivers down your spine.

You nod.

"Say it." Bakugo demands.

"Yes, daddy."

Bakugo smirks.

"Such a good little slut. I know you have been wanting my cock for a long time and I thought I'd be nice enough to invite you over to feed your hunger."

"T-That's not true!" You argued.

"Really? You think I haven't noticed how turned on you get when we argue? You think I haven't noticed you staring at my dick when we all hangout? Lastly," Bakugo rubs your clit roughly to edge you some, "you're about to be fucking soaked again."

"Mm daddy!" You moan, wanting to cum some more.

"Aw, does my precious little girl want to cum? You want daddy to let you release onto his fingers?" Katsuki coo's condescending.

"Yes daddy! Please!" You beg.

"Your wish is my command, princess."

Bakugo rubs you a little more to get you stimulated and you release. He feels the wetness through your panties and he smirks.

"Damn, you came a lot for me. Such a cock hungry slut you are. Don't worry, daddy is going to fuck your precious little cunt so good." Bakugo chuckles before lifting you up and putting you over his shoulder. He carries you to his bedroom and lays you on your back on his California King Bed. He begins taking off your clothes and kissing - along with a few nibbles - on your exposed skin. He throws your bra to the floor and starts to suck on your tender nipples. Moans of pleasure escape your parted lips.

Bakugo gets to your panties and start to take them off. The cold air hitting your wet core made you shiver a bit. Plus, you were a bit nervous and embarrassed. Your vulnerable naked body is on full display for Bakugo's lustful eyes and you could not help but feel insecure. Bakugo noticed how tense your body became and he gave you a reassuring look.

“If you don’t want to do this, we don’t have to.”

“I want to. I’m just nervous.”

“Don’t worry. I will not hurt you too bad.” Bakugo teased.

You softly smile and relaxed. He opened your legs so your soaked pussy was ready for him to enter. Bakugo began getting undressed and your eyes widen at his hard dick. Of course, this doesn’t go unnoticed by Bakugo and he smirks as he strokes his huge member.

“Like what you see?”

“T-That’s going in me?” You exclaimed.

“Yep. All of it.”

You were about to close your legs, but Katsuki put his hands on your knees and keep them open. You feel the tip at your entrance and it already felt he was in deeper than he was. You did not even get much time to process as Bakugo kept making his way deeper into you.

“Damn, you are so fucking tight, babe. You can hardly handle all of my huge cock.”

“Daddy, please!” You whine and moan, wanting more of his member in you, though, you don’t think you can handle much more. You were not a virgin, by any means, but you haven’t had sex with a man as big as Bakugo. With each thrust, its pleasurable and a little painful. He isn’t gentle nor is he small in width. He’s not only big in length, he has a nice girth to his dick as well.

“Quit your whining. You’re going to take all of my cock wether you like it or not, slut.”

Katsuki continues thrusting in you, grumbling slurs under his breath as your folds hug his cock. You could feel another orgasm coming as his balls slapped against you. All of his length was in you, hitting all the right spots and then some. You were gripping the satin bed sheets and moaning loud enough to where Japan could hear you.

“Daddy, I am about to cum.” You moan.

“Damn, on your third orgasm. Better beg for it.”

“Please daddy! Please let me cum! Please!” You begged as tears brimmed your eyes.

“Cum on my cock.”

You did as your told and released on Bakugo’s hard dick. This didn’t stop him from going, through. He was still going to meet his high weather you liked it or not. He is close to cumming and he starts to speed up.

“Oh God.” You gasp as he releases himself into you. He makes sure every drop is in your body before pulling out. He gives you soft kisses on the lips and pulls away to meet your gaze.

“Aren’t you glad you came over?”

©bakugosbratx

All Rights Reserved

[dadsbongos]

Red Scare

Movie/Game/Show: Marvel Dynamic: Peter Parker/Reader Warnings: some au where everyone’s in the compound and happy because :), i wrote out a russian accent for pronunciation purposes (it’s then quickly wrote out but hey), “slowburn” written by someone impatient, fem pronouns Summary: Peter just really wants to hold your hand and gets embarrassed by Nat and Tony to do it. Word Count: 3.5K ~~~

Steve was the one who’d found you originally. Well, fought you - to be accurate. The super soldier was a target you’d been put on as a Widow when Natasha found you both and broke the fight up. She’d just barely managed to convince Steve to keep you around - insisting that she could help defect you from Widowing and mold you into a new Avenger. It’d worked for her, surely, it’d work for you too - she just needed time. Time that, while hesitant to do so, Steve eventually granted.

Natasha graciously took you under her wing and began teaching you about American culture and how to blend in for more than spy work.

Now, Natasha watches with furrowed brows as Wanda approaches you. She had her arms crossed tensely as you two came to a meet in the middle of the room. She watches you, her dear student, reach out, hesitating before softly taking Wanda by the shoulders and leaning in to gently kiss her left cheek, then right, then left again.

“Okay,” Natasha put up her hands, signaling the two to stop, “so, ученик, you see where you went wrong there? If Wanda’s a stranger, you wouldn’t kiss her on the cheeks, right?”

“Vanda is friend, no?” you gestured between you and the other woman.

“She is,” Natasha nodded before jabbing your forehead with her index finger, “but you need to pretend she isn’t, just for right now.”

Throwing your hands up in defeat, you huffed, “Vhat? I’m bad guy because zis is ridiculous?”

“No one’s trying to say you’re the bad guy,” Wanda gave you a smile and pat on the shoulder, “Just in need of a little more practice.”

“We should start working with accents,” Bucky pitches in for the first time since ‘American etiquette’ lessons began that day, “Her’s is a dead giveaway.”

Natasha nodded before glancing over at the clock, “I’m sure you’d love to do that one, big guy.”

“Why me?” Bucky sat up straighter - he was no good with one-on-one interactions unless they were fights, and with your upbringing in the Red Room, Bucky was certain you didn’t need any combat training.

“I’ve got a mission to get to with Wanda,” the assassin pat the man’s arm with a teasing grin, “So, unless you wanna see who else is available for that, just sit tight till we’re back.”

The two redheads were out before Bucky could even reply, a sigh leaving his lips at the new awkwardness of the situation. It wasn’t even his idea to be involved - he just got looped in because of his time with HYDRA. Which, in his opinion, was unfair - Natasha and Wanda were at least actually Eastern European, he was lumped in by association. He stood, beginning out of the common room with a nod for you to follow, muttering under his breath.

“If I may,” you interject, nearly rushing to keep up with Bucky’s hurried strides, “zat eh, Spider. Spider boy. Is only one home. Stark, maybe. But Spider, definitely”

“Parker…” the man takes a glance at you, trying to shove his disdain for the boy back, “Sure. He should be in the lab.”

It doesn’t take long to find Peter with Tony, Bucky knocking on the doorframe to catch both of their attention, “We need help teaching accents.”

“And articles,” Tony interjects, pushing a stool beside Peter’s and motioning for you to sit, “Unfortunately for you, lavalantula, it’s hard to take you seriously when you say things like ‘get in house’ like a cavewoman.”

“Mr. Stark- “

Before Peter has the chance to defend you, you’re quirking a brow at the man and putting your own two cents into his take, “In fairness, vhat idiot vould get in different house?”

“Accent and articles!” Peter claps, a forced smile bright on his lips, “Will do, Mr. Barnes, you can trust me.”

“I really don’t,” Bucky glares at the poor boy all while he leaves, “If she starts making references to your movies, I’ll personally bring you harm.”

“Opposed to what?” Peter murmured, “Impersonal harm?”

That brought a small laugh from between your lips, causing Peter to perk up once again at the positive attention. It isn’t every day he gets to make a former Russian assassin laugh, he supposes he should take it as a compliment.

He cleared his throat as Tony went about the lab, “Alright, I think that first we should start with articles.”

“Sounds pointless.”

“They kind of are, but we use them here, so…” he scratches at the back of his head, “How about we try making the ‘th’ sound first, sound good?”

“Not really.”

It was a few days with learning from Peter, but you’d felt as though so much progress was made towards the lessening of a Russian accent. Or maybe the praise that slipped from Peter’s lips just made the most minor step forward seem like a leap. The praise brought a new bubble of joy in your chest, one that was never there when Wanda, or the ever rare Natasha, complimented your work. Maybe it’s because Peter was born and raised in America that made it seem more valid - maybe it was his buzz and excitement at teaching. Maybe it was just him.

“Why don’t you try telling me about your day, to get used to speaking with what you learned so far?”

“Uh,” you fumbled, trying to translate the events in your head before speaking, “I woke up. I trained v- with Thor. Then he left for mission,” you paused, realizing your mistake and sighing.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Peter was quick to jump in when he assumed self-doubts were bubbling up, “You’ve got a lot of time to learn, don’t beat yourself up over a mistake. English is a pain in the ass to learn, you should be proud of yourself for picking it up so fast.”

“Yeah?” he could sense the hesitant disbelief in your voice.

Even so, he didn’t let up, giving a confident nod, “Yeah. Just start over whenever. You were doing really well.”

You took a moment to plan out the response in your head, running through it internally a few times before giving Peter a verbal run through, “I woke up. I trained with Thor. Then he left for a mission. I went to the lab. Now I’m here - with you.”

“See? You’re already doing so well, you should be proud. We can work on elongating sentences later down the line, but this is already pretty great!”

You take a moment, planning the pronunciation in your head before responding, “Thank you, Parker.”

“Peter,” he jumps to say, shrinking back slightly at his own eagerness, “Peter is fine, if you wanna call me that.”

“Piter,” you try the name on your tongue.

“I don’t think we’re saying it the same way,” he nods curtly, “but that’s okay! Doesn’t have to be perfect the first time.”

“I would like to try again,” you whisper his name to yourself a few times before repeating it aloud, “Peter…”

“Right! Wow, you’re so good at this already,” Peter turns to Tony, who’s doing a poor job of pretending he wasn’t listening to the pair, “Isn’t she smart, Mr. Stark?”

“Coming from you, kid? That’s a big compliment.”

“I think it’s well-deserved,” he gives you a chuckle, “I really mean it, you’re good at this and this is just a few days into working on your accent.”

“You think so?” there’s a wave of sheepishness that comes with Peter’s attention, with his wide-eyed, all-believing stares that leads you to scratch at the back of your neck, “Good. I would not enjoy to be a bother for long.”

“Not a bother, at all. I like spending time with you, even if it’s just to teach you about American accents.”

Tony closes his eyes and shakes his head, honestly not believing the words as they come out of his mouth, “You two live together, you could hang out whenever you want, kid.”

“Oh, yeah, huh?” Peter’s eyes seem to come alive again, “We should, then. Hang out, I mean. Outside of these accent lessons, unless you don’t want to.”

“No, no,” you feel a small, unfamiliar smile stretch over your own lips, “I vou- would. I would like that, very much.”

“Yep,” Tony slaps a stack of papers on the desk before beginning to make his exit, “Definitely have to work on those sentence frames, Captain Ivan.”

For the duration of Natasha’s absence, you’ve stopped coming to Bucky for lessons on Americanization. Sneaking off with Peter to the kitchen when you can.

"I used to think that melancholy was a vegetable."

"You're genius enough to catch Stark's attention, but thought melancholy was the name of vegetable?"

"Doesn't it sound like it though? Can you really tell me I'm wrong?"

"No, no, I can see it. Like celery and the uh, the one fruit. They had a baby."

"The one fruit?"

"The one, I forgot the word. Don't you have a word for дыня?"

"You do realize I have no idea what you just said, right?"

Sometimes to either of your rooms, or walking together around the perimeter of the building, or traversing through the little garden Wanda had been working hard on.

"Would you like some food? I'm ordering."

"I don't have any money, sorry."

"I did not ask if you had money, Peter. Do you want food or not?"

"But I can't pay you back and then I feel all icky on the inside part."

"Think of it as gift then, no paying back needed. Gift for being a good friend."

"Aw, you think I'm a good friend?"

"If I had to have a first friend, then I'm glad it was you. You're a good person, Peter. I'm glad we met."

"I'm really glad we met, too."

Little times set apart to spend time together that always begin as lessons.

"You ever heard of solipsism?"

"Maybe, what is it?"

"Uh, the belief that everything around you was created in your mind."

"Then yes, why, Peter?"

"Well, I just was thinking… You know, if everything around me is imaginary then you're the best thing I've ever come up with."

"Peter…"

"I'm sorry, was that too cheesy?"

"No, I just- it was really nice, actually. Thank you."

"Well, don't thank me, it's true."

Times that quickly morphed into discussions on Peter’s favorite movies or what little parts you miss of home.

"Would you ever go back? Like, to Russia?"

"Only if I had to. Too many poor memories there."

"What would be 'having to'?"

"If someone I really cared about needed me to. You or Natasha, mostly."

"You'd go back for me?"

"If you were in need of saving and I had to return to Russia to do it, yes, I'd go back."

"That's the sweetest thing I've ever heard."

"Peter, it is quite actually the bare minimum in terms of saving you."

Nobody expected it to last longer than the time that Natasha was gone - she was like a big sister to you, a safeplace when the Tower felt cold. So, when she came home and you didn’t re-glue yourself to her hip - people were quick to notice.

“I didn’t think Parker could get worse,” Sam noted under his breath, “But there he is, digging underneath the bar.”

Truly, Sam could’ve just looked away - but it was hard to do that when he was watching Peter fucking Parker, the littlest Avenger, try to win a game of footsies with you at the kitchen island. It’d be a cute sight if Sam weren’t the one having to see it.

“I’m staying out of it,” Bucky shook his head, staring down at the table as he pushed his food around his plate, “I haven’t been hungry since they got in here.”

Suddenly, Peter stands, “You’re low on coffee,” he points down at your mug before moving around the counter to the pot, “Do you want more? Just, while I’m up and here.”

“I hate that kid,” Sam shook his head, standing up and starting out of the kitchen, “I hope she rejects his ass.”

“I think it’s sweet,” Steve muttered, “In a way only an ex-Widow could manage.”

“She would’ve eaten him alive on the field, you know?” Bucky shook his head as he watched Peter contently refill your coffee and you give a rare smile only he and Natasha ever really knew, “I miss those days.”

“You try so hard to content me…” you begin, unaware of the conversation behind you, and tap your fingers on the counter’s marble, “Why?”

“You seem nice,” he shrugs, deflating when all you shoot him with in return is a skeptical look, “You do - you are. I like spending time with you.”

Before he can scold himself, you’re smiling again, patting his shoulder, “Thanks, Peter, you’re reassuring. I will be training with Nat if you need me.”

Peter expected a lot of things in his life - joint pain when he’s old, to be an Avenger with Mr. Stark, for missions to not always go perfectly, but gaining a crush on a girl who, admittedly, kind of intimidated him, wasn’t one of those things. But, also admittedly, it wasn’t entirely unwelcome, he’s noticed. He waits for Steve to make his exit before turning in his stool to face the only other man left in the room.

“Hey, Mr. Barnes?”

“Oh my- what?”

“You know Miss Romanoff, right?”

“Nat?”

“No, that’s Ms. Romanoff.”

“You mean ученик?”

“Sure, yeah, that’s what you guys call her.”

“Why are you calling her ‘Romanoff’, that’s not her last name at all.”

“No, but she’s like Ms. Romanoff's sister, or daughter, or something, so it fit. Anyway, do you know her?”

“Yes, Parker, obviously I know her.”

“Well, I think I may or may not like her like more than a friend, a lot, and I was wondering if you knew what she was into? Like date-wise… or gift-wise… or hey, even partner-wise, if she talks about that, ever.”

“She doesn’t and please don’t involve me in this. Go ask Nat.”

And so, Peter does ask Nat.

He makes up an excuse about wanting to be more agile on the field to drag her away from you before popping the question, “Do you think she likes me?”

Natasha doesn’t need clarification, she’s seen the way Peter looks at you whenever you’re around each other. It’s sweet. It’s like he’s seeing a full moon for the first time. He’s so attentive and soft towards you. Sure, the dynamic of a gentle-natured superhero from Queens and a Russian ex-Widow, current Avenger-in-training is a little strange, but she’s all for it if it means you’re happy. You’re like the little sister she so desperately wants back.

“She might,” the redhead shrugs, “Poor ученик isn’t so open with her feelings, kid. I can barely get her to open up about what she thought about dinner let alone her feelings towards the others,” when the boy’s face drops, she tilts him by the chin to meet her eyes, “That being said, I’ll talk to her. She’s a lot nicer to you than she is with the rest of the team so I wouldn’t kill that hope so fast.”

Peter barely manages to smother down a smile before nodding, giving an awkward thumbs up, and racing back down the hall, a “Thanks, Ms. Romanoff!” echoing after him.

Nat purses her lips in thought of who could be able to help her. Who was nosy enough and bothersome enough to try and set up two teenagers?

“Hey,” Tony pointed to the group of Natasha, Wanda, Bucky, and yourself on the couch, “Red Scare, in the training room.”

“Vh- Which one of us are you referring to?”

The man simply tapped the door frame with a nod, “Five minutes or I’m docking your missions.”

“He can’t do that,” Bucky shook his head, eyes narrowing as realization sat in, “Can he?”

And so, in under five minutes, the quartet found themselves in the training room with Tony.

“Underoos needs some training with fighting tactics known to HYDRA - so, who here wants to be the helpful little hero to do that?”

You look between the others, quirking a brow and shaking your head, “HYDRA is not a hub of top secret fighting techniques, it would be like pairing Peter with anybody else.”

“Sounds like you need to get familiar with other fighting styles then,” Natasha tuts, “I’ve let you off too easy just training with me.”

“I literally fight Steve and Thor all the time, there isn’t much difference just because he’s American,” you narrow your eyes at the woman, “If you both are up to something just admit it now.”

“No, no, there’s definitely a difference,” Bucky pitches in - though clearly not content with being roped into the mess of getting Parker a girlfriend, “He’s all in-your-face and forceful, you’re more like sneak-and-stab.”

“Because I am spy and he is fighter!” you shout, looking to Wanda with wide eyes, “Am I being the specific one? I feel as though I am not being the specific one.”

Wanda feels guilt run through her veins as she shrugs, actively knowing she’s aiding in tricking you, “You should give it a try. For comparison reasons.”

“You’re all making me feel crazy and I do not like it, I am at least a little certain this is a form of manipulation.”

“You’re a spy, you should be able to tell,” Bucky pats your back, “Anyway, I’m busy - you have to fight the kid.”

“Vision and I had a dinner reservation,” Wanda ducks out of the room quickly.

Tony points at you with raised brows, “You got it then, Xenia Onatopp?”

“I- “ you sigh and throw your hands up in defeat, “I suppose I do.”

A few minutes later, Peter is shoved into the training room while you stuff on a pair of gloves - eyes sliding over to the doorway to look at his jumpy form. You scoff, “They are up to something and I feel like I know what.”

“What? What - what do you mean?” Peter nervously crosses his arms and tilts his head, “Up to what?”

“Peter,” you raise a brow at him in question, “do you expect me to believe you are dumb? They are making us spend time together like this, what could that possibly mean?”

His mouth opens and closes, eyes avoiding your gaze like it’s deadly, “Who knows, honestly?”

Shaking your head, you begin removing your gloves, “Okay then, do not talk to me until you are ready to tell the truth.”

“Wait!” Peter latches onto your hand as you pass him by the doorway, “Wait, wait, wait… I- I’m sorry. I just really like you and so I asked Ms. Romanoff for help and I didn't think that she’d team up with Mr. Stark because nothing really good comes from Mr. Stark meddling in things other than tech and saving the world, but she did and they did this. I would’ve said something but you’re just really cool and I was scared you wouldn’t like me back so I tried to see if Ms. Romanoff could test the waters for me.”

“You see where that was a mistake, right?” you reach up, brushing your hand through Peter’s bangs, “I do like you, Peter. A lot. So I would appreciate you being upfront with me rather than looking through Natasha for answers.”

“Right, and I’m sorry- “

“Was honest mistake, Peter, do not worry any longer.”

“Are you sure?”

“Would not have said so if I wasn’t. I do not like your worry.”

Peter wrought his hands together, lips pursed, "Can we not pretend to train and just hang out then?"

"Are you certain you do not want me to kick your ass?"

“Well, now that you said that I feel pressure to prove that you won’t,” Peter shook his head and sighed, “I’m okay with taking a loss today.”

“You didn’t even try, didn’t even initiate.”

“So I’m the bad guy cuz I don’t wanna get my ass kicked, okay,” the boy sarcastically muttered before laying his back against the wall and sliding down to the floor, “Hey, you’re bilingual, right?” at your nod of confirmation, he continued, “What language do you think in? Russian?”

You pondered the question before shrugging, “I’m not even sure I think.”

---

“So,” Natasha looks between the two, “how was the training?”

“Awful,” Peter shakes his head, “Hated it.”

“Right… and you, ученик?”

You look over to Peter, his subtle grin and fidgety movements, before shrugging, “He’s a child,” you sigh, “Terrible.”

“Oh, is that so?” Natasha squints between the two of you.

You both nod in unison, “Definitely.”

“Anyway,” you cut in quickly, “we are off to ask Thor to let us try and lift Mjolnir. Please, don’t meddle in teenagers who have will-they-won’t-they scenarios, just let us be awkward about it.”

“What she said,” Peter grinned broadly before gently tapping his finger against your hand and withholding a small cheer when you intertwined your hand with his and led him through the halls to find Thor.

He was almost scared how much he enjoyed the feeling of your hand in his, something so small and inconsequential and yet it made his heart flutter all the same.

“This is nice,” he lifts up your hands briefly.

“I would hope so,” you tease, “I like it, though, is cute, no?”

“It is. Definitely is. I think so.”

“I do, too. We should do it more often.”

[subterfugespecialist]

Led to You

As a child, everyone finds their "soulmate guide," an animal meant to lead your soulmate to you. And one morning, Janus and Remus wake up to see a stranger's guide in their homes.

Written for Day 3 of @dukeceitweek​ : snakes/bugs

AO3 link

Pairings: Dukeceit, Familial Creativitwins, Platonic Loceit, Moceit, and Dukexiety

Warnings: Some Remus-typical violent thoughts, scorpions/tarantulas/snakes

Word count: 4228

Janus woke up to something brushing against his hand. He groaned and batted Dusa away while muttering "Five more minutes"

But when it brushed against his hand again, he noticed it was definitely not the headbutt from a snake. His eyes snapped open and he glanced down to see a fucking scorpion on his bed holy shit-

If his roommate asked if that was him that made the high pitched squeal that morning, no it wasn't.

He scrambled out of bed to look around for something to try and trap the scorpion under, but he didn't want to get near it what the fuck-

Janus paused. The scorpion was staring at him. At least, it looked like the scorpion was staring at him. It at least didn't look like it was trying to attack him.

Did... did it wave?

Now that Janus had calmed down, he noticed the scorpion was a deep, emerald green. Janus didn't know much about bugs, never had a reason to, but he never heard of a green scorpion before.

Could it be...?

"Hey, Logan?"

Footsteps came from the kitchen down the hallway.

"I was wondering when you were going to call me in," Logan said as he opened the door, his deep blue raven perched on top of his head, "What happened?"

"Can scorpions be green?"

"Why would I know that, Janus?"

"Because you know everything."

"Why are you asking?"

Janus pointed to his bed, and when Logan looked down he jumped back with a startled shout, disturbing the raven on his head.

The scorpion turned towards Logan and, yeah, the scorpion definitely waved.

After calming himself (and his bird), Logan slowly approached Janus' bed.

"...While I have heard of scorpions glowing green under ultraviolet light-"

"Oh, so you did know, you asshole-"

"I haven't seen a scorpion that looks like this, no," Logan said, crouching down next to the bed, "Is Dusa here? She was not under her heat lamp."

"Dusa? Come here, darling."

Dusa didn't crawl out of hiding, and Janus' room and the living room under her heat lamp were the only places she liked to be first thing in the morning.

"I guess she isn't."

Logan's raven, Minerva, hopped off his head onto the bed to examine the scorpion. She leaned down and the scorpion gently bumped heads. Minerva let out a happy chirp.

"My soulmate guide is a scorpion."

"Fascinating," Logan muttered as the scorpion and Minerva playfully chased each other around the bed, "I haven't heard of a bug guide before."

Janus glanced at the clock and put his hand down on the bed. The scorpion immediately ran onto his palm.

"I have class in an hour," he said as he cupped his hands and lifted the scorpion, "So how do you feel about business, corporate, and commercial law?"

 ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Remus woke up to Roman screaming. After a moment of debating whether to go back to sleep or not, he decided that, yeah, he probably should go check on the well being of his brother. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, Remus trudged towards the living room to see a snake curled up on the couch, with Roman's robin perched on its head.

"Peter, please come here!" Roman pleaded. But the little bird seemed perfectly content on top of the snake. The snake started to slither off the couch, making roman shout again. The robin flew onto Roman's hand and he relaxed a bit as he held the bird to his chest.

Roman took his gaze off his brother back to the snake and- oh look at that it. It was headed towards him.

"Remus stop standing there what is wrong with you-"

The snake was around four feet long with yellow-and-black stripes. Quite gorgeous, really.

Remus decided he wanted to pick it up.

He knelt down and outstretched his arm (as Roman continued to shout at him), letting the snake crawl up and around his shoulders. The snake nuzzled its head against Remus' cheek.

Roman stared at him, eyes wide and mouth opened.

"What?"

"You're insane."

"And you're a chickenshit. You've lived with a scorpion as a roommate your whole life and you're gonna freak out over a snake guide?"

"How was I supposed to know it was a guide!?"

Remus stepped over and placed a hand on Roman's shoulder. "...You're a moron."

Roman shoved him.

"Peter was fine. And we should be expecting to find strange animals in our apartment at this age."

"Oh, piss off to find your soulmate and stop bothering me for a while."

"Gladly."

Remus turned to go back to his bedroom.

"...I'm really happy for you, you know."

Remus stopped and groaned. "Roman, no sentimental bullshit before nine."

"But I mean it. You deserve this."

"...Thanks, you idiotic bastard."

Roman gave him a gentle smile as Peter hopped onto Remus' head and nestled into his wild mess of bedhead.

"Also you screamed like a little girl."

"Fuck off-"

Remus cackled as Roman shoved him again. Peter gave Remus a petulant little peck on the top of his head.

Peter flew back over to Roman while Remus held out his arms go guide the snake in front of his face.

"Are you gonna lead me to my soulmate?" Remus asked with a large grin, which only grew wider when the snake nodded.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Janus was very much enjoying having a scorpion on his shoulder. People instinctively stepped away from him, even more so than with Dusa, meaning he didn't have to fight his way through the crowded sidewalks.

The scorpion had been upset that Janus didn't follow its directions. It scuttled frantically from one shoulder to the other. It calmed only when Janus explained he had to go to class, but would follow its directions immediately after.

Janus was stopped in his tracks, though, by a corgi running up to him and jumping on his knees.

"Hi, Peachy," Janus said as he scratched behind her ears. The scorpion crawled down his arm in curiosity.

if someone's guide was a common house pet like a dog or cat, they were issued a special white collar to show they were a soulmate guide to be allowed in public places along with service animals.

But this dog didn't have such a collar. She was just a dog.

"Hey, Janus!" someone called out. Janus looked up to see Patton jogging down the sidewalk, his guide right beside him.

"Hello, Patton. Hello, Cookie," Janus said to his friend and the capybara standing next to him.

Patton had been Logan's friend first, and Janus hadn't been too keen on his... optimistic personality at first. But dammit, the guy's too sweet.

"Miss Peachy! What have I told you about running off?" Patton said with a light scowl as he reattached her leash. But of course, unlike a guide, she couldn't actually understand. She jumped off Janus' legs to go lick the capybara's face.

Janus didn't understand the appeal of keeping animals that weren't your guide, but to each their own, he supposed.

Patton's eyes fell to Janus' shoulder, and after the instinctive fear vanished a large smile took over his face.

"Oh! You've got your soulmate guide!!"

"Yep," Janus said as he resumed walking down the sidewalk. Patton followed.

"Ohmygosh, this is so exciting!" Patton exclaimed, practically bouncing as he walked, "How long have you been out trying to find them? Do you think you're close?"

"I'm going to class, actually."

"Really? Gosh, you've got more self control than me," Patton laughed, "I don't think I'd be able to wait."

"I've got exams soon, Patton. I can't risk missing anything."

"Oh, I'm not trying to change your mind! You do what you think is best. But aren't you excited?"

Janus was convinced Patton was smiling so hard his face was going to get stuck like that. But when Janus didn't answer immediately, his frown dampened.

"Hey, are you okay, Jan?"

"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Oh, honey. You're nervous, aren't you?" Patton asked as his smile turned empathetic, which Janus thought was almost worse than excited.

The scorpion nuzzled against his neck, which was an odd sensation for sure, but Janus appreciated the sentiment.

"Of course I'm not nervous. I have no reason to be."

Patton tilted his head down slightly and gave him that look. The soft-smile dad-friend look that meant you were about to be comforted, whether you like it or not. Janus sighed.

"Okay, fine. A little," he conceded. He probably should be worried about how close that scorpion and its stinger was against his neck as it cuddled closer. But he'd never heard of a soulmate guide killing anyone, so he chose not to.

"Oh, sweetie," Patton said in that annoyingly soft tone. He wrapped an arm around Janus' and led him over to a bench. Peachy promptly hopped up to sit on Patton's lap while Cookie plopped against Patton's legs, giving Janus a soft nudge with her nose.

"It's not a big deal," Janus huffed, "I just think its reasonable to be nervous about meeting some stranger I am now expected to spend my life with."

"You have every right to feel what you're feeling. Such a big life change can be scary. But I'm certain your soulmate will understand your reservations and will go at any pace you're comfortable with."

While yes, the idea of a soulmate was a pleasant one, it was also a bit... concerning, to say the least. Janus was quite happy with where he was in life, and he wasn't too keen on the idea of something changing it all completely.

He was a bit surprised Logan wasn't his soulmate. He was the perfect roommate: neat, consistent, punctual. And Janus felt enough fondness for Logan that he was sort of expecting to wake up one day and have their guides just push them into each others' arms.

Alas, apparently not.

Janus bit his lip, debating. It would be good to talk about his worries. And as much as Janus pretended, he was actually quite fond of Patton.

"Patton, what if we don't work?"

"What do you mean, hon?"

"This person is supposedly meant to complete me. To make me better. But I'm perfectly fine the way I am now. I don't feel like I'm missing anything. What if I meet them and they just want to... to fix me? Because I'm expected to change for them?"

"Janus, your soulmate is meant to compliment you. Not complete you. You aren't missing any parts of yourself, because you're already your own complete person. And you certainly don't need to be 'fixed.'"

The scorpion crawled down to Janus' hands, and Janus ran his thumb over its back to pet it.

"But what if... what if we meet and nothing happens? Everyone always talks about their 'immediate romantic connections' but I don't buy it. What if we're doomed to always be strangers? After all, I'm not particularly good with people, Pat. What did I call you when we first met? A-"

"An annoying, self-righteous, dependent puppy with no boundaries?"

Janus winced. "Yeah. That."

A gentle smile grew on Patton's face as he held his arms out for a hug. Janus hesitated for only a moment before accepting.

"You don't need to worry about anything. Soulmates don't always mean romantic. Even if you don't feel romance at first, even if you never do, you two are going to share a tight bond and a special relationship different from anyone else you know. Nothing gets to take that from you."

"...Thank you, Patton. For taking the time to talk to me."

"Of course! What are friends for?"

Patton gave him a soft smile, and Janus gave him a rare, genuine one in return.

"Oh! I hope I didn't make you late for class!"

Janus looked at his watch. "I'll be fine if I hurry. Thank you. Again. Goodbye, Cookie. Bye, Peachy."

Peachy didn't react. Cookie gave him one last gentle nudge.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

The snake in Remus' arms couldn't guide in front of him like Roman's bird would or any sort of animal with wings or legs. While he could let it slither on the ground, it would be dangerous with how busy the sidewalk was. And Remus really didn't need to return the snake to his soulmate all squished.

So it was wrapped around his shoulders, reaching down his arms, and rested in his hands, guiding him down the street like a compass.

The snake turned back to look at Remus.

"What is it? What's wrong?" he asked as he kept walking, the snake shaking its head urgently. Only for someone to grab the back of his jacket and yank him back, pulling him off the street and narrowly missing oncoming traffic.

"Watch where you're going, asshole," the person muttered. Remus turned, ready to start shit, but instead broke into a goofy grin when he saw Virgil.

"Hey, emo!"

Besides Roman, Virgil was Remus' only friend. Most people were too put off by Remus', well, everything.

And Virgil had been too, at first. But the two bonded over their soulmate's guides being creatures most of the public feared and the stigma that came with that. And now he was used to Remus' bullshit.

"And hey, Helena," he said to the tarantula sitting on Virgil's shoulder.

"So. You found your soulmate guide," Virgil said. The snake reached over to inspect Virgil and he scratched under its chin, the snake then nuzzling against Virgil's cheek.

"On your way to find your soulmate?" he asked as the snake and tarantula started inspecting each other.

"Yep!"

"Are you nervous?"

"Nope!"

Virgil squinted at him, searching for any sign of dishonesty, but all he saw was the normal, excitable Remus.

"Shit, you're lucky, man. I've been psyching myself out over meeting mine."

"But aren't they, like, made for you?"

"Supposedly. But you know me. I can't stop thinking about all the bad things. Like what if they don't like me?"

"Well, that would be a them problem."

Virgil let out an amused huff. "Really? You wouldn't be bothered?"

"Well, yeah," Remus said as he watched the snake and Helena play peekaboo behind Virgil's neck. "But like, it's not like I'm not used to people not liking me. And if I don't know this person, what would I lose, really? So actually, this can only go up for me."

Virgil cast him a sad smile. Remus hated it.

"It'll be good for you," Virgil said as the two crossed the street. "You are a strange fucking creature, but you're a good dude. Mostly. Partially? Mostly."

"It'll be good for you, too, then. Cause you're better than me."

Virgil nudged him with his shoulder.

"Ultimately, I know it will be. My brain just hates me."

"You and me both, emo."

The snake curled back against Remus after booping Helena and resumed its role as soulmate compass.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Remus ended up on his old school campus.

Ew.

He had dropped out, and he had hoped he would never have to step foot back here again. Oh, well, C'est la vie, or whatever the fuck.

Though you needed to swipe a student ID to unlock the doors, Remus knew if he yanked hard enough the doors would give. He had managed to make it through a whole semester without his ID after he lost it.

A grimace grew on Remus' face as he walked back into the Taylor Building for the first time in over a year. It was named after his least favorite professor, and he had a lot of bad memories in this building.

Time to find his soulmate and get the fuck out.

He was just about to head upstairs when someone shouted at him.

"Excuse me! Only students and faculty are allowed in this building."

Yeah, Remus supposed he didn't look like the typical law majors that took up a majority of the classes here. Not with his spiked leather jacket and ripped jeans. He turned to see who had yelled at him.

And speak of the devil.

"Hey, you're Taylor!"

The man straightened his shoulders.

"Yes, I am. Were you a student of mine?"

"Yeah! I hated your fuckin' guts."

The man looked like he had been slapped before a sneering look of recognition appeared on his face.

"Remus Kingsley."

"Aw, I'm flattered you remember me. Especially since I dropped out. You encouraged me to, remember? Right after you called me a, what was it, 'moronic good-for-nothing- imbecile that would never amount to anything?'"

"You need to leave immediately."

Taylor had reached out to grab Remus but he bolted up the stairs, making sure he had a tight grip on the snake.

He wasn't about to give up on his soulmate that easy.

As they ran down the upstairs hallway, Taylor continued to shout at him. But Remus wasn't worried. He was clearly much faster.

He turned to see the disheveled man chasing behind him and laughed. This was kinda fun!

Then he had to turn around and run face first into the chest of a campus officer.

Well, bitchtits.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Janus' class was nothing out of the ordinary, except that his surrounding classmates had inched as far away from this as they could, and Janus was enjoying the extra space.

The scorpion had been still on his shoulder for the most part, settling in where Janus' neck and shoulder met. But now it stood, rushing down Janus' arm to the desk and running around in circles.

"What is it?" he whispered.

Right after he asked that, shouting was heard down the hallway. The professor and students all turned their heads in time to see someone running past the door, laughing, with Professor Taylor chasing after them.

"...Okay, then," The professor said, "Now back to your review material."

Janus hardly listened as the professor spoke. He was more focused on the scorpion that kept switching between running in circles and scuttling onto Janus' hand.

When the professor dismissed the class, Janus hung back. He preferred to let the crowd of students leave before him instead of trying to fight his way through.

By the time he walked into the hallway, it was mostly empty. Janus was holding the scorpion in the palm of his hands and it jumped to get his attention. It gestured with its body to go down the hallway.

"Alright, let's go."

The scorpion led him down a couple of hallways, and Janus heard shouting and the sound of running footsteps against the tile.

A man ran around the corner, his neon green combat boots skidding on the floor as he tried to stop. He had a mustache above a wild grin, with a streak of white through his hair.

He also had Dusa wrapped around his neck.

Janus stared. The man stopped in front of him.

"Fluffy!" he said to the scorpion in Janus' hands, who was alternating between running in circles again and hopping in excitement.

He looked up at Janus with a manic grin. "Hey! I'm Remus. I'd love to stop and chat but I'm afraid I've found myself wrapped up with something."

Two campus officers rounded the corner.

What the fuck.

Janus took the scorpion - Fluffy - in one hand and held it against his chest, grabbing Remus' wrist with the other and bolting.

Remus let out a delighted laugh as he let Janus pull him down the hallway and down a set of stairs.

Jesus, what did Janus get himself into?

He was heading towards one of the student parking lots, cutting through the Union. There would be lots of students and he hoped they could get lost in the crowd. But with two idiots running across the yard with a snake and a scorpion, people were parting a path for them. Which made them more obvious but at least let them through.

When Janus looked behind him, he couldn't see the officers, but he didn't want to risk it. It wasn't exactly hard to identify them: one with a large scar on the left side of his face and the other, with, well, a lot of fucking identifiable traits.

Logan would probably get mad at him for this, but Janus was sure he would be forgiven that same day if he made Logan thumbprint cookies. So Janus let go of Remus' hand to dig in his pocket, finding the spare key to Logan's car he gave Janus only for emergencies. Janus would consider this an emergency. Logan probably would not.

Janus unlocked the car and Remus got in without question. Remus hardly stopped laughing.

Great. So his soulmate was a maniac.

Janus pulled out of the parking lot and onto the street, gunning it out of there as Remus shouted in excitement.

"Fuck, yeah, dude!" he yelled. His seat-belt was not on, by the way.

"What the hell did you do?"

"Trespass, technically. But it would've been fine if that bitchass Taylor hadn't come along. And then I maybe assaulted an officer, but could it really be assault if I just whacked him when he tried to grab me? Anyways I already have three offenses - I guess four now - and I didn't want to go to jail or anything so I started running-"

"God, I'm going to miss my next class," Janus groaned, "What if they try to find me tomorrow?"

"How's your track record?"

"It's clean. Unlike someone, I don't get caught."

"Psh, then you're probably fine. you're a white law student."

Janus took a deep breath as he tried to collect his thoughts. What was even happening right now?

"...Okay, I may have fucked this up," Remus started, and he at least had the decency to sound sheepish, "I didn't mean to drag you into this mess, even though I was purposefully... searching... for you... Shit, I didn't even think about that. I don't think a lot, actually. I mean, I wasn't even paying attention on the way to find you. I almost got hit by a car. Could you imagine, Fluffy leading you to me only to find your soulmate and guide squashed by a car and our blood and guts everywhere-"

"Remus."

"Sorry, sorry," he groaned as his hands went to grab his hair, "I was really excited to meet you, and even when being chased by police my dumb brain only wanted to focus on finding you because I don't have many friends cause most people get weirded out since I can't control my thoughts or my mouth so, like, all the weird shit that pops int my brain just comes right out and I was really looking forward to meeting someone who wouldn't leave-"

"Remus, it's okay," Janus interrupted, "Deep breaths, okay?"

Remus took a couple deep breaths.

Then Janus let out a short laugh. He felt bad for laughing, but he couldn't help it.

"...What?"

"I'm sorry. I'm not laughing at you. The situation just caught up to me: You're my soulmate, we just ran from the police, and we just took my friend's car and wow. Can't say this is how I expected this to go."

Remus grimaced. "Sorry."

"No, actually. This is better than the sappy shit I was thinking about."

Remus perked up a bit. "Yeah?"

"Is it always like this with you? Am I sentenced to spend my life digging you out of trouble, now?"

"Yeah, probably."

Janus laughed again as he pulled into the parking lot of a shopping center. He had no clear idea where he was going, and at least this place had plenty of people and plenty of parking. When he stopped, the scorpion hopped off his shoulder and scuttled to Remus.

"Hey, Fluffy," he said with a smile as he put the scorpion in his lap.

"Hey, actually, let's talk about that," Janus said, "You named your scorpion Fluffy?"

"Yeah. I named him that to trick people. Scared the shit out of my mom when he first showed up. 'Hey, meet Fluffy,' then I pull a scorpion out from behind my back. It never gets old."

Janus couldn't stop smiling, and he was sure his face was disgustingly close to Patton's in terms of fondness, but he couldn't do anything to help that.

"I'm Janus. The lovely lady on your shoulders is Dusa."

"Janus. That's a badass name," Remus said as he scritched Dusa under her chin.

"Thank you for your help today, Dusa," Janus said with a grin as she slithered back over to wrap around Janus, "And you, too, Fluffy."

"Fuck yeah. Thanks guys. Shit, Dusa was awesome. I'm pretty sure that while I was running, she flicked her tail to open a door and it hit one of the officers in the face."

Janus glanced down at her. "You are an enabler."

She stuck her tongue out.

"Well, since we're already here, would you like to go on a date or something? It seems like you have stories to tell," Janus said as he gestured to the mall in front of them.

"Yeah," Remus said with a fond grin, "Are you hungry? I'm starving. Wanna go to the food court. On me. We'll have to be careful, though. I'm pretty sure I'm banned from this mall."

Janus stared at him before bursting out laughing again. This was his life now, and how exciting that thought was.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'd love to."

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