#yes I'm a vegetarian what gave me away

[nef-ar10us]

Completely besides the point OP made, but this made me once again think abt how I will never understand how an animal-hunting vampire, comfortable or not, is supposedly morally superior to one drinking from humans without killing them. There are enough vampires in various works of fiction that don't have to kill for blood, even though they might be tempted to every time they feed, but theoretically they could even ask a human for consent. In some works like Vtmb it even feels good for the humans, so much so that a sizeable number signs up to be vampire donors. Somehow that's worse than shredding squirrels out of principle, just because iTs hUmANs aNd iT's eVIL? Yeah no. If the horror factor of any vampire concept consists in "oh no we are no longer treated as the Crown of Creation" then said concept just bores me ^^

I find vampires that live comfortably off animal blood to be so eye-rolling. You're taking away the fundamental tension of the concept! They're killers, even if they don't want to be. They have a terrible urge that must be satisfied.

A vampire that feasts on animals should, at the very least, be unhappy about it. Eating animals instead of humans should be heroic act of self-denial, a diminishment, a course of last resort.

When I see a scene of a vampire taking down a deer and then just being normal afterward, I get sad, because where's my juicy internal conflict gone?

[gothamite-rambler]

"You're my son and I will always love and support you," Talia said, surprising her son.

Talia picked up Damian from school, after showing proof she was his mother without using a weapon. She infomred Bruce of this after she had left the school with him and while he wasn't happy about it, Damian reassured his father he'll protect himself in case anything bad happens with his mother.

Although Talia wasn't there to convince him to join the league of assassins, she took him out for lunch, much to his surprise.

Damian and Talia sat together on the roof top of a random building eating vegetarian burgers.

Talia: This meatless burger isn't bad.

Damian (chewing): Told you. That place does a good job at making vegetarian burgers.

Talia (sincere): I'm so proud of you for sticking to your convictions on not eating meat and found good options like this.

Talia gave Damian a gentle pat on the head before returning to her burger. Damian focused on his feet, steeling himself as he prepared to ask his mother a question he had held in for years.

Damian: Mother... question.

Talia (turning to her son with a smile): Yes?

Damian: Do you see me as weak or inferior?

Talia (confused): Of course not, why would you ever wonder that?

Damian (hesitant): I... don't like killing, I don't eat meat, I like animals more than people. When I was living with you, you wanted me to be a better version of my father and Ra's definitely sees me as inferior. He sent it in a birthday card once.

Talia (rubbing her forehead frustrated): I knew I should've read that card before he sent it out.

Talia placed her burger on her lap and wiped her hands.

Talia: I battled through the same concerns with my father, and for the time you were with us I made the mistake of wanting you to be what Bruce refused to be. I look at those days with regret now and I am sorry for instilling that mindset in your head. As for grandpa, there's a big difference between me dealing with him and you dealing with him. Want to know what it is?

Damian: I'm triracial?

Talia (giggling): Yes, but I'm your momma, all that matters is what I think of you! Not Ra's. That man is a strict, mostly unhinged man with a god complex and while I do love him very much, I wouldn't take what he says to heart, tifl. I like the young man you are... You've never given me a reason to be disappointed in you. He looks down on my son? I will deal with him accordingly and have in the past. I love you because I see that you aren't weak. You're making your own path. When I let Bruce keep you, it wasn't simply to get you away from my father, it was because even though I don't agree with Bruce's no-kill rule, he's a man that can raise you to be a good man. That man may be traumatized, but him and his family are a support system I knew would be right for you.

Damian: Is that why you keep stalking him and trying to get back with him?

Talia: That and I want to get rid of the no-kill rule. I'll admit I'm crazy in love with that man, but do you think if I keep trying he'll change his mind and join the league.

Talia playfully elbowed her son on the arm making him laugh.

Damian: Sorry to tell you, but you'll lose that battle.

Talia shrugged with a smile.

Talia: Then I still have you and he... has you. We love who you are. I will ask you one question though, do you see yourself as weak or inferior?

Damian (shaking his head): No, I can beat Superman if I get the right tools.

Talia: Then you're doing good in life and if Ra's says anything to make you doubt yourself, please go to me.

Damian nodded with a smile.

Talia: I am at a point in my life where I love you far too much to be upset that you make decisions I don't always agree with. My father hurt you, I hurt you, and you never got a say on who you wanted to become. Bruce may not be perfect, but he was the best man to take you in. But Damian, I never want you worry that I think of you as a weak imitation of either of us. Okay?

Damian (nodding with a small smile): Mm... um... mother?

Talia: Yes?

Damian: I... love you. Even when you're a smother mother.

Talia: And I love you more.

Talia planted a kiss on her son's cheek, and Damian leaned his head against her shoulder, bringing a smile to her face. She might be a villain, but her love for her son was unwavering; she would never do him any harm.

[shieldofiron]

Legally Brunette

For @intothedysphoria, Happy birthday!! Have a frat boy Stevie! Sorry for the slight villainizing of Jonathan, one does what one can.

He had freckles. No. Moles. Scattered across pale skin, more skin than anyone was showing in Boston in late October.

It took a moment for Billy to force his eyes up from the strong lines of the stranger's back, only to blink for a few seconds at the worn and faded Kappa Phi Delta hat.

It probably couldn't be. But just in case, he cleared his throat, rocking back and forth on his heels. He still remembered the warm feeling he'd gotten when the pretty boy had told him how glad he was that he ran into Billy. He didn't actually want to jeopardize that by creeping on the (likely straight) law student he'd just barely befriended.

And that same pretty boy, Steve he'd said, turned, met Billy's eye, and sighed, his shoulders slacking a little. "Don't ask."

"Wasn't gonna," Billy said, keeping his eyes on the ceiling.

Whatever had Steve Harrington out in the middle of the Boston night in short shorts and what looked like a Chippendale's bow tie, also had apparently made his eyes red rimmed and raw.

"But..." Billy ventured, "Are you ok?"

Steve turned back to the front of the line. And then back towards Billy, his eyes darting around like he was getting away with a crime by purchasing a new laptop in the middle of the day.

"You know that ex I told you about, the one I... kind of... followed here?" He said haltingly.

"Yeah?" Billy moved the hard drive he was buying to the front of his crotch, trying to be cool.

"He was there. At a party. With his new girlfriend. Who told me it was a Halloween party," Steve's shoulders fell.

So, not straight then. But very much hung up on this ex.

"So that's why-"

Steve shrugged, "Jonathan liked when I used to show some skin. That's not even the problem."

They moved up closer to the front of the line and Steve blinked those big pretty bambi eyes at Billy. As if he wouldn't be helpless for that shit.

"Want to hang out for a second after you check out? Or we can go next door and get some coffee?" Billy offered.

"Yeah," Steve's shoulders dropped a little, and he nodded, the little wave of bangs pulled through his hat bobbing just a little.

They checked out one after the other, and met up by the entrance, sliding door opening and closing rapidly as they hung for a moment by it.

"I'll just put this in my car and grab my jacket," Steve shook his head, "I was so mad, I wasn't thinking when I came in."

Billy nodded, "I'll get you something. What do you like?"

Steve bit his lip, "Just a latte. Oat milk. I'm a vegetarian."

Billy couldn't seem to stop nodding. Something about this guy turned him into a bobblehead.

It was only a few moments after he sat down that Steve joined him, hoodie laid over his arm, hard nipples and chest hair on full display. Jesus, it's like he wanted to kill Billy.

"So. The ex."

"Yes. The ex," Steve shook his head. "He was just... kind of flirting. But then he said... he just said that I didn't have to be here. That it was gonna be too hard on me and he didn't want to see me hurt."

"That what was going to be too hard?"

"Law School," Steve played with his cup. "Like, duh, I fucking know that. It's already been hard. And I know I'm not, like, the smartest of guys. But like..."

Billy was trying not to jump in, let the guy say what he needed to. But Jesus Christ, this ex was some kind of an asshole.

"I took the LSATS. I got in. I've been... like maybe I haven't been trying the hardest in every class but..." He shook his head. "Kinda pissed me off, you know."

"He's a fuckin' idiot," Billy curled one hand in a fist. "Didn't you say he got with this new girl like less than a few months ago."

"Yeah," Steve finally gave Billy some relief, shrugging the oversized hoodie on, "Gave her a ring and everything."

"He probably just doesn't like being confronted with his own bad behavior," Billy frowned, "You got in to Harvard Law, Steve. You know people work their entire lives to do that. I worked my entire life to do that."

"I worked really fucking hard to be here," Steve sipped his latte, "Fuck, that's delicious."

You're delicious, Billy thought. God, he needed to get a handle on that.

"Thanks for asking what was wrong," Steve smiled softly. "And not thinking that I'm too stupid to be here."

"Anytime," Billy smiled. "And don't worry about that guy. Plenty of bitches in the sea, am I right?"

Steve chuckled, "I guess so."

It wasn't really much of a statement, but the way those brown bambi eyes lingered had Billy sit up a little, trying not to preen. Maybe it wasn't so hopeless a crush after all.

"So. Why are you buying a computer? I thought you had one." Billy asked after a long moment.

"Oh. That. My friend Dustin back home convinced me I needed a linux computer before I left but I just need something easy. I'm going to law school, not computer science... school."

Billy chuckled, "Fair enough."

Steve smiled, his pretty brown eyes lighting up as he launched into a story about his friend Dustin, who sounded like a grade A nerd.

Billy had briefs waiting at home to research. He ought to be making dinner. But instead he had another coffee and then another, earning them the ire of the barista as they stayed late talking.

It was worth it.

[respectthepetty]

You're American?!

Anon, this is the expression I feel you had while you wrote that sentence.

Yes. Yes, I am American. What gave it away? Me stating all the time I'm American (rural Southwest, Catholic, bisexual, a slut, Hispanic/Black, a Leo, a vegetarian) or was it the way I spell "colors"?

For an aging millennial who knows better, I actually offer up way too much information in the tags. So . . . fuck it, let me offer up more - I was born in Japan due to America's strategic colonization in over 80 countries (aka my father was in the Air Force), so my first passport has a picture of a week-old me! Whenever I renew my license or fill out any type of legal paperwork, I have to present five documents to prove my American citizenship since I was born in a regular Japanese hospital instead of the one on the American base. When I travel, internationally or domestically, it never fails that I get held up because my passport is American, my place of birth is Japan, and my place of residency is . . . just know people don't realize it's an American state. I travel often, but I think about two years ago, I might have fucked an international criminal at a Canadian music festival because I got held up in the Montreal airport for hours trying to leave and since then, I always have to go to the counter to print out my boarding pass and I always get asked additional questions. Odd, but if the criminal was who I think it was, the sex was worth it.

[wowstrawberrycow]

Of Bread and Tension

Hello I am pleased to say I finally have the another prompt finished! I want to thank @celeluwhenfics for thier super fun food custom request. I hope you enjoy this one!

Here is the music I used to pull the words out. I'm not responsible for the music.

here is a link about my head canons regarding elven and Dwarven food customs. Click here!

Pairing: Gimli X Legolas (Gigolas)

Warnings: heavy family arguments (there is a happy ending I promise!)

Length: 3,018 words

"🌱Differences make our world so much richer than you'll ever know.🪨" -Me

Once finishing their adventures after the war, they decided to settle down. On this day the warmth of their husband’s oven-baked goods filled the house with a comforting smell. Such a scent always filled the house since their secret union. But even that didn’t settle the young royal. Avoirdupois dressed the air causing an infestation of worries. The pitter-patter of airy elven toes paced the floor of their new home.

With a shallow breath, they fidgeted gazing at the welcoming spread that lay on the table. Freshly baked bread littered the table. Some of which held delicious mysteries much like the mines themselves. A fine assortment of cheeses lined the bread platters. Some were even made of nut milks that Legolas labored over the previous two days. Two different savory vegetarian casseroles were made to accommodate the tastes of both their guests. A large bowl of lush salad accompanied the bread and cheese. Amongst them were roasted vegetables in a thick savory curried gravy. For dessert, fruit pies and traditional elven berried cakes had been prepared.

They both had worked together to prepare a successful blend of elvish and dwarven delights. But to the royal, it didn’t seem to be enough. They made absolutely certain that the setting was perfect with not a fork or napkin out of place. A final gasp escaped the elf as they noticed the wine missing. Their father wouldn’t hear of any meal without it. They ran frantically to the pantry to grab several bottles to accommodate their father’s thirst.

Gimli caught their lover right after the strong wine was properly arranged. “ Sweet one, slow down,” he held Legolas close. “You’re working yourself into a tizzy. Sit, I’ll tend to the rest,” he guided his lover to a chair.

Legolas obeyed their husband’s words, though be it begrudgingly. “ Dearest… I know he hasn’t forgotten. I said and did such horrid things. I regret all of them. You know I do… does he? I-”

“ Shhh,” Gimli placed a finger over their lips,“ Little gem, I know the man. He is stubborn but he will get over it. Even he has to realize people change.”

“Perhaps... But I know my own as well. He is… well… he is difficult to enjoy company with. I will apologize-” The worn royal stammered uncontrollably.

Gimli grabbed the elf by the jaw, staring them in the eyes with narrow eyes. His voice lowered in stern seriousness, “Ah, don’t you ever apologize for a mistake you haven't sleight of. We have talked about that. No more apologizing, understand.”

Legolas felt their face blaze and their voice hitch at the change of his tone. A soothing wave of what they could only describe as refreshment washed some of their worries away in the wind. “Yes, my starlight.”

“That’s my sweet deer,” Gimli kissed them deeply before tending to the rest of the homely duties.

Before too long, the sound of frustration grew like a flicker of fire outside their home.

Legolas with fear in their eyes looked at their husband for guidance.

The dwarf simply pinched the bridge of his nose with heavy exasperation, “So, it begins.”

The two exchanged nods and strode to the door to open it. Upon doing so they were not surprised to see the two men arguing. Thranduil casually held the hilt of his sword while Gloin wielded his axe ready to attack.

“Oi! Put that down ye stubborn old goat!” Gimli forced his father’s hand down.

"Ada, please! There’s no need!” Legolas gave Thranduil a hug.

“Boy! Have ye lost your wits!” Gloin slapped the back of Gimli’s head with rage in his eyes, “I was fine with ye, fallin' for a man. It’s strange but not unheard of. I could live with that. But a bloody fairy!” the shorter man bellowed, waving his axe at Thranduil. “ Your brat called my son a mutant! Ye then threw me and my kin away! I refuse to share a table with either of the-”

“How dare you wave that thing in my presence! You leave my child out of this! It was you who entered my territory in the first place! Or has your age stunted your ability to retain information dwarf? ” Thranduil spat venom with each word.

“Take it back, you arrogant bastard!” Gloin raised his axe ready to fight when he was caught under the arms of Gimli.

“Quiet! Ye didn’t come all this way to insult my lover in front of their father! I won’t stand for you talking that way to them!” Gimli growled, digging his strong legs into the ground.

The king looked utterly Furious, “ Explain yourself this instant,” Thrandil sneered at the shorter men than to his child. His hands trembled in shock. He had always done his best to protect his little one, despite their rebellious nature. He was sure his elfling would grow out of this ridiculous rebellion. Even still, he also never in his wildest dreams would have imagined his child going this far. Was it to spite him? “ no. You and I are going to have a chat alone right this second,” Thranduil seized the young elf by the arm.

 “Ada! I won’t! whatever you have to say you can say in front of my ‘HUSBAND’, “ Legolas snapped standing their ground before ripping their arm away from the older elf. 

“Your what?” Thranduil’s shocked expression turned mortified. His pale skin turned ghostly as if he may succumb to death at any moment. Gloin matched him equally in all parts. 

“Yes, if you have nothing further to add outside of further insult you may join us for the meal that we both labored for.” Their voice was low and threatened either to speak ill again. 

Gimli stood next to Legolas gripping their hand tightly in reassurance. A sense of pride welled in his chest for his little deer. After a long bitter silence, their fathers silently walked in paying no mind to the sweet and leafy cottage esthetic of the home.

Gimli gave Legolas free rein on how to decorate it as he only cared for one thing. That was being with his lover. The only thing he insisted on was that Galadrial’s gift be immortalized in crystal and be placed above the mantle for all to see. This greatly pleased Legolas. They had no objections to it, as that gift was given the day after they began their friendship. In a way, they thanked the wise lady for that life-shifting change.

Once seated at the table the men scowled at one another sending silent threats that only could be heard through their sharp daggered stares. Legolas trembled slightly unsure of what to say as the silence got to them. Gimli took Legolas by the hand beneath the table.

Clearing his throat, as he noticed his lover's discomfort immediately, “ You know, Legolas has a wonderful voice. I’m sure it would be nice accompanied by the sound of your flute.”

Gloin only scoffed, before filling his plate, grumbling a complaint about the lack of meat available.

Gimli frowned, palming his face at the old man’s behavior. 

Legolas looked to their father with a glimmer of hope, “ Ada… you know Gimli has made a point to make the casseroles and stuffed breads free of meat for us. There is even milk-free cheese for you and me. I made that myself Ada. Gimli showed me how.” 

Thranduil raised a thick brow and with a twitching eyelid as he turned to Gimli speaking through gritting teeth “ Thank you and the gracious wilderness for your labors, ” the man was not above breaking tradition. Then after downing a glass of wine, he graced Gimli further by taking the casserole, cheese, and stuffed breads.

Legolas lessened their shoulders tension before turning to Gimli, “ Thank you and the gracious wilderness for your labors,” they then began to fill their own plate, and picked up the small bowl beside their plate. Absent-mindedly, they asked, “ Daddy, would you please pass the salad?”

“Of course deer,” Gimli reached for the bowl beside him. 

Thranduil reached for the one to his right “Here, hina(child),”

Legolas felt all the color drain from their face, ‘what have I done?’ they thought fearfully as their father's eyes pierced straight through Gimli. 

Gloin did not help one bit as he finally relaxed, smirking at his son, “Oi, so I see who's the one begging for who.” the older dwarf busted into laughter elbowing Gimli. “ I knew he was prettier than most women but this takes the cake!” the dwarf downed his mug of ale with jolly triumph.

“Legolas is not a man, THEY are a person father.” Gimli groaned, correcting him, feeling his cheeks burn in embarrassment. 

“Whatever, if yer going to be with a pretty boy, like ‘them’ ye better not be the one taking it.” Gloin slapped Gimli's back. 

"Stop jabbing at them!" Gimli slammed his fists against the table.

“Have you no restraint!” Thranduil shouted from across the table before stabbing a thick roasted carrot with a knife. “ You speak of things that ought not to be spoken about my child in front of me as if I AM NOT HERE!” if the elf could breathe fire everything in his path would already be incinerated “And you! I want a word with you!” they pointed to Gimli with the knife. 

“ Ada, please!” having no time to feel humiliated Legolas got up from their seat and took the knife from his hand. 

“Oi, I thought your types weren't supposed to act ‘barbaric’ at the table?” Goiln held up quotations with his fingers.

The king immediately rushed up from his spot, shoving his child behind him ready to wield his swords. 

“That's enough! You can't say that right after you insulted them!” Gimli bellowed in return.

Legolas felt their heart sink lower as their lips trembled; they balled up their fists, “Ada, sit back down! Please!”

“You listen to me child, this man is an insult to you and myself! What has he done to you!?” Thranduil howled in outrage.

“ Are you trying to claim my son is dishonorable!” Gloin stood up, cracking his fingers. 

Thranduil ignored the man looking his little one over for nefarious marks of any kind. He was clearly not ready to think about let alone hear of his little leaf having a relationship like that with anyone. Quite frankly it petrified him as a parent. Could this dwarf be mistreating his only child!? Having power over a vulnerable one was nothing to take lightly.

“Are you listening to me you prick!?” Gloin shouted, punching the table. 

The chaos and anger crammed all in one space pushed Legolas to tears. Their throat stung while they belted out, “Stop it! I can’t take it anymore,” The elf ran out of the house, finally feeling the humiliation hit them.  

Gimli ran after them without a word. There was no way he would allow for his lover to suffer weeping alone.

Thranduil and Gloin stared at the open door. They each sat down stunned by the sudden draft of silence. The king set the wine glass aside, taking the bottle of wine to his lips. Gloin did the same downing his pint only to fill it with the keg that sat on the table. They each glanced at each other in passing, daring not to speak a word as if it were a game to see who would break first. Both were equally proud, and stubborn. However, they each shared a trait, which was their unconditional love for their children.

“Look,-” they both spoke at the same time.

“You first,” Gloin spoke politely.

“ I’m willing to put aside differences if it means I don’t lose my child,” he said wistfully while staring out the door. 

“Ey… me as well,” he said, realizing the rift they both had started. 

“ Make no mistake, this doesn’t mean I approve of you, “ Thranduil spoke sharply.

“Nor I you,” Gloin glared his eyes.

“For the children,” Thranduil sighed, while Gloin nodded in agreement.

They each left their seats after one last long swig of alcohol. Then trailed outside easily spotting the children under the apple tree in their backyard. Gimli held the sobbing elf as he often did, simply rocking them in his arms. He softly hummed to them in hopes of easing their wounded heart.

“Oh, sweetie... I’m sure there’s something we can do to make it right,” He lifted Legolas’ face to wipe away tears before kissing their lips. 

Legolas huffed desperately trying so hard to soothe themself  “I’m sorry Daddy, this was a horrible idea. I’m sorry-” 

Gimli held his jaw again, cutting his lover off, “ Little gem, what did I say about apologizing on behalf of others? It’s not your fault. We knew this day had to come. we knew it wouldn’t end well. There’s nothing you or I could have done to alleviate that,” he kissed them deeply, holding the back of their head firmly in place. 

The soft dominance of the situation soothed the royal, causing them to whimper through their emotions as the tears finally stopped. Each was unaware of the audience before them.

Both men stared astonished at the tenderness they witnessed. Gloin felt great pride in his son for being unwavering in support for his lover. He clearly raised the boy right. Thranduil noted how well the dwarf soothed his child's tears. He noted how the stout man never once placed blame on his little one and the proper use of his child’s preferred titles did not fall deaf on the older elf.  In contrast, Legolas’ humbled behavior didn’t fall deaf on Gloin. He expected a royal of their standing would be as arrogant as their father. It certainly impressed him.

“ Legolas hina, I believe we have caused you both enough trouble. May we start again.” Thranduil spoke, breaking the silence. 

Legolas stood up sniffling before hugging their father tightly with a nod.

“Ay, I’m sorry for insulting you and your lover… and for being a jackass.” Gloin nodded, sincerely rubbing the back of his head. He looked at the young elf and Gimli apologetically.

“you’re forgiven.” Gimil huffed before making his way back to the house with the others.

“I forgive you.” legolas turned to the older dwarf, taking a shy tone.

Once inside the air was far more lively, especially after Thranduil took several bottles of wine. 

“ Mighty heavens, how much of that will you put away!” Gloin laughed jovially, slapping the elven man's back. Like his son, he could not hold his liquor as well as the elves at the table. For, their wine at home was far stronger than most could find in Middle Earth. Both had lived off the powerful liquid of their homelands for several lifetimes of their dwarven company. 

“Little leaf, fetch me another bottle, we are out, “ Thranduil patted his child’s head. “ I don’t know what you mean master dwarf.” 

“You mean you’re out,” Legolas scoffed as they did as they were told “At least they aren't, at each other’s throats.” 

“Ay, darlin'… I can be thankful for that.” Gimli nodded, “Thank ye and the gracious wilderness for your labors.” Gimli kissed the other before finally settling in to eat. 

“You know when he was just a lad, he would steal my axe trying to outdo the other brats in the hall. Of course, you know that didn’t end well at all! The little fellow would fall backward every time he tried to wield it. You were so tiny even for a dwarf! We thought you would never catch yer height! “ Gloin laughed, causing Gimli to hold his forehead in embarrassment. 

“Two can play that game! How about all the times I had to dig you out of the wall? You’d not pay attention like a blind old bat and get yourself stuck!” Gimli snickered, slapping his father's back causing the older man to lose the ale from his mouth.

“You rugrat! You promised never to speak that secret!” Gloin bopped his son on the head.

Even Thranduil had to smirk at the sight. He peered at Legolas before deciding to share a story of his own. “My little one did their fair share of ridiculous things too,” he paused regally, sipping at another glass of wine. “ for example, they would crawl up in the trees and imitate the animals that they saw. It was so amusing to watch them imitate the squirrels and frogs. Frankly, they would imitate just about any animal they saw. I often caught them pretending to be a frog burrowing in the marshes I had to practically to drag them, kicking and pouting all the way home. It really was quite adorable.” They chuckled quietly enjoying the curry-filled bread and roasted vegetables. He even enjoyed the casserole. 

“Ada! No!” they protested. “Shall I mention the ridiculous dancing you do when you're drunk enough for such?” Legolas smirked devilishly with a giggle.

“A dance, you say? Oh yes, that’s great. Save it for after the cleaning, though.” Gloin belched loudly, snickering. 

“I certainly will not dance for your amusement dwarf!” Thranduil gasped a bit embarrassed. 

Legolas couldn’t keep the smile off their face after they had eaten their dessert. It had been far too long since they had seen the older elf seemingly enjoy himself.

After dinner and a prayer, Gimli began tossing the empty dishes to Legolas who both sang a tune as they cleaned. 

“Oi? What of the leftovers?” Gloin asked.

“Yes, it does seem like a waste doesn’t it?” Thranuil sighed, fearing that the earth’s bounty would spoil in vain.  

“Don’t either of you worry. My husband found a solution for that upon moving here. We have chilled underground storage in the back by the shed.” Legolas smiled at each of them from the kitchen.

Their playfulness and giggling from the kitchen as they cleaned reminded Gloin of home. It was at that point that he felt no need to worry about his son. The king on the same note watched them both helping each other with a gentleness in each other's eyes. He could feel the love seeping off of them. He flashed them a small smile. Then both parents drew back waiting to play a game of cards to bond as was a custom for the dwarves after their meals.

[aballedofbookworms]

Helpless part 7 (I'm in an airport rn lol)

The two stepped into a mall in New York that Nico could not bother to remember the name of, Piper grabbed his hand dragging him through the mall. Nico constantly reminded himself that human contact would not kill him and that it was probably a good thing Piper was dragging him along considering he had no idea where he was going.

"I still don't understand why I couldn't just shadow travel us here."

"Will threatend to kill me and Chiron if we let you shadow travel."

"Of course it was Solace, I would expect nothing less from him." The son of Hades said, rolling his eyes. The two demigods walked through the stores both trying on different clothes and Piper this time failing to convince Nico to get anything that wasn't black. All while Piper teased him about a certain son of Apollo,

"Be realistic Piper, he's probably straight anyways."

"No he's not actually, he's bi. Leo was going to tell you but he couldn't find you, apparently the rest of Camp knows." Nico's face lit up for a second before looking back down.

"There's still no chance. He is literally the embodiment of sunshine, I am the child of Hades, God of the fucking Underworld. There is no sunlight there."

"Nico he clearly cares about you."

"It's his job."

"But he checks in on you so much more than anyone else."

"Because he doesn't trust me to stay alive."

"If he didn't trust you to be alive he would have kept you in the infirmary."

"There's still no chance he likes me."

"You're the only one who thinks that Nico, he gave you a nickname for Aphrodite's sake. He doesn't do that with anyone else who is 'just a patient'"

"He did that to get on my nerve."

"Gods you're so dense, wanna go to McDonald's now?"

"Oh, sure." Nico said trying to hide the shake in his voice.

"Oh and di Angelo, Will threatened to kill me if I didn't make you eat a full meal so yeah."

"Of course he did."

***

They finished ordering, Piper had only gotten some fries and a drink because apparently the vegetarian options 'were so bad they tasted like grass'. Nico just nodded, not pointing out the fact that not ten minutes ago she was threatening him to eat a full meal today because Will would kill her if he didn't and here she was barely eating herself.

"Number 57!" Nico walked up and grabbed the tray, he breathed in deeply. He'll be okay, if he acted calm then he could play it off. He would just walk off for a bit, Piper didn't have to know. The two started to eat, it still tasted as good as Nico remember but he could barely get anything down his throat. He already felt sick but he knew he could withstand at least another five minutes without throwing up, he tried to keep conversation to a minimum putting all his energy into seeming fine. After another few minutes passed, then Nico muttered,

"Bathroom." Before walking away, he tried to keep his pace normal but already knew he was walking away too fast and Piper would know something was up. He quickly walked inside and was extremely thankful the bathroom was empty, he went into the stall furthest away from the door. He threw up everything he had eaten like countless other times, at that point he was just hoping no one would walk in. He cleaned himself up a bit and headed back towards Piper,

"Okay tell me. What happened?"

"What?"

"I know something happened, you're biting your nails and you looked sick before. Also you practically ran and you look nervous."

"Nothing happened."

"Nico don't lie, I know something happened. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Piper desperately wanted to know what had happened to the Hades boy but she knew when to stop pushing, she didn't want to charmspeak it out of him, that's purely invasive. He'll tell her when he's ready.

"Come on, I want to do something I'll regret in a week."

"Which is...?"

"I'm getting my ears pierced."

"Oh my Gods, yes. That is an amazing idea; if they say you look too young to do it without parents concent, I'll charmspeak them."

"Thanks McLean, didn't particularly like the plan of asking the God of the Underworld to come to a mall in New York." Nico was relieved Piper had either forgotten to continue interrogating him or was leaving the topic for now, he had been meaning to do this at some point either way and this seemed like a good occasion.

***

Piper had to do some charmspeaking, but finally Nico had gotten them done. He decided to get doubles since he was going to regret it anyway might as well go all out, he hadn't even flinched when it happened. After that they went to a few more stores and Piper finally convinced him to get something that wasn't black, instead a very dark blue.

"I would ask if you are actually allergic to bright colours except I've seen you in a bright red shirt so that clearly isn't the case."

"I just like black, is there a problem?"

"It makes you look like the Grim Reaper."

"I was hoping for that."

"You're hopeless di Angelo."

"Finally you're giving up, took you long enough."

"Nope, simply stating facts. If I can bring a metal dragon to life I can make you look less like a ghost without the use of charmspeaking." Turns out however that she could not, maybe some tasks really were impossible.

"I'll shadow travel us back, it's not that far."

"Nico, I would get killed by your loverboy if you did that. We'll just take the-"

"That is probably more dangerous if we're being perfectly honest, also shut up."

"Never. By the way not that many people died, it was-" but the daughter of Aphrodite didn't have time to finish. A wooden club hit her over the head, Nico cursed under his breath and pulled out the only weapon he had, a small pocket knife, he knew he couldn't do much against a fully grown cyclopes. He didn't know where it had come from but that wasn't important, the monster had probably found them because of his blood, children of the big three were the easiest to be tracked by monsters. He had skeletons but there is no way he could stab it with the celestial bronze blade, Piper had passed out and was bleeding on the floor. Meanwhile Nico was struggling to not get hit by the 15 foot cyclopes, he didn't know what everyone else had seen but they didn't pay much attention. He raised a few skeletons to try and keep it in place, he felt himself getting weaker. He knew he shouldn't be doing these things but he was fine for those years he was alone, he would survive now. Piper had lost a lot of blood, he didn't know how well this would go, he had some squares of ambrosia but couldn't get it to her without dying. There was nothing else he could do, he grabbed her wrist and shadow traveled back to camp, but still got hit with the club before he was gone. His head hurt and he tasted blood in his mouth, he collapsed as he showed up somewhere in front of cabin 13.

---

[daddysfangirls-dc]

The Arrangement

Ch.19 Dinner & A Talk

Damian Wayne x OC! Female

Prev | Next

Curry. 

Alfred had made curry for tonight's meal. Two curries, in fact, one beef curry and a vegetarian curry, and they both looked delicious. Syn made sure to tell him so when he sat down. Yes, he was convinced to sit at the main table once again. The table sat the same as last time Bruce at the head, Dick, Babs, Cass, Duke, and Steph to his right, and Tim, Jason, Damian, herself, and Alfred to the left. 

Despite it being of a similar setup this time was different. The conversation flowed comfortably, and the vibes were good; everyone was happy. Definetly a contrast to the ill vibes Bruce was giving off at the head of the table. 

" I am moving here." Syn said the conversation stilled, " My family believes I should spend more time with Damian and get to know you all as the deadline comes closer." The only family members truly invested in her engagement were her father, mother, and grandfather. And grandfather just wanted her to be happy. Her parents wanted her to do her duty. Her sibling couldn't care less.

"When is your deadline? Bruce asked. 

"Mt father asked for it to be done by my 21st birthday."

"My housing has been taken care of. I have purchased a house," Syn said quickly to wave away his worries while also not giving her address.

"You've already purchased a home. You've made yourself quite comfortable." Before Syn could respond, Damian gave her a mouthful of vegetarian curry. And the conversation was successfully changed returning to the good vibes. 

-

After dinner, Damian gave Syn a tour of the manor; despite knowing she already knew the entire manor, it was an excuse to have more time with her. 

"This is our library. Of course, this collection isn't as sophisticated as the one we were previously housed in. " Syn stepped in, running her fingers along the spines as she walked along the shelves. " No forgotten journals, private diaries, anthropodermic books, magic guides. Nothing written in blood. Nothing stolen."

"No, no, father wouldn't allow any of that. I'm sure there are some fictional Titles you'll find interesting. Jason can recommend some. He spends a fair amount of time here." She turned around. " The manor didn't have a library before Jason's arrival. This library was built as a gift to him."

"That was very kind of him." He pulls a book from the shelves, gently turning the pages. 

"He provided Dick with Gym, Cass with a dance room, and Tim with an area in the cave. He provides us all with a space if we desire it."

"He's a very good father."

"He does his best." He puts the book back on the shelve. " Would you like to see more?"

-

Damian's room was and wasn't what she expected. The weapons decorating the walls were his touch and the fireplace, and she could see him spending the night in its light. The few things she wasn't expecting was the art desk, the instrument, and just the little knick knacks around the room. 

"What are you thinking?" He asked as he watched him walk around his room, stopping here and there to look at things. Not touch. Look. 

"It's different. It's clean and organized. I expected the weapons. And you talked about your art, your sketches. I didn't know you moved on to Canvas."

"I have more sketches than paintings."

"And this?" she picks up his violin. " I thought you played the piano."

He slowly approached her. " Can I not play more than one instrument?" she smiled before placing it back in its case. 

"Damian," Syn spoke gently, " May I ask what happened earlier? Why'd you slam the door?" she watched as he tensed up and turned around. Very confused, she watched as he sat on the bed.

"You were getting dressed. I was giving you privacy."

"Privacy?" she giggled, not understanding. Privacy " Why?"

"You were without clothes."

"You've seen me without clothes." She still does not understand his inner terminal.

"When we were children. We are not children anymore; we have undergone apparent changes. Privacy and boundaries are needed." Damian said, but he could tell she wasn't understanding.

"You're uncomfortable. I made you uncomfortable. I am sorry," Syn apologized and sat next to him. "

He sighed. " I'm - I was not uncomfortable. I just ..." he couldn't find the words to fully explain" The western worlds views have rubbed off on me.  Nudity means intimate and I'm not ready for that yet."

"You're talking about sex. I wasn't - I didn't and don't think about it like that." And she wasn't. She was simply going about how she usually would, or used to, with Damian not taking into account the possible changes. She did not see it as intimate, and they had never been intimate. 

"We've never even Kissed."

[rose-tea-and-strawberries]

One of my favourite twst fanfics has the premise of the dorm leaders competing for the affections of an oblivious Yuu. In Leona’s chapter, Leona kept bringing fresh meat (as in live animals lol) for food to Yuu as a part of his courting ritual. (He gave her a rabbit once and she made it a pet called Mr. Rabbit Rosetarts after Riddle)

Ruggie was the one who pointed out to him that Yuu wouldn’t understand what beastman rituals were. Now, Leona’s mad that Simba and Nala have been giving him the wrong advice. Also, could you imagine that Leona was also bringing meat to a vegetarian Mc (that wouldn’t fly with my mc).

YES! YES! YES!

Yuu has been through hell and back in this world so she deserves to have handsome boys simping over her and having every single Disney animated character adopt her as a daughter/sister/niece.

When I was first brainstorming this AU I had this scene in my head where Ruggie and Jack were visiting her at her job and she notes to them how strange Leona is acting recently. When asked to elaborate she basically lists every single way male lions court females (at least the ones that would make sense. Let me make it clear that in no way, shape or form does Leona ever urinate on anything that isn't a commode) and Ruggie, Jack and practically every single animal is incredibly amused at how oblivious she is. I mean, practically all big cats have similar mating rituals like head rubbing/nuzzling so I can imagine Bagheera and Shere Khan just shaking their heads and chuckling at how adorably confused Yuu is when Ruggie just starts hyena cackling.

(why can't other cats nuzzle heads to show affection. The only time my cat comes near my head it's to eat my hair and yes she does it often)

Yuu is getting concerned with how hard Ruggie's laughing that she doesn't even catch his "holy seven, he's scenting her - he's shishi trying shi to shi cour-court shishishi" in between laughs as Jack can't tell whether to smile or also be concerned because Ruggie has been laughing really hard for a really long time, doesn't he need oxygen?

Yuu's just confused like 'why are you laughing? do you understand what's happening? is it a lion thing?'

Jack is like 'well-' before Ruggie covers his mouth and says 'yeah it's a lion thing' before offering no other explanation even when Yuu begs him to tell her because what if he's like sick.

He is sick, Yuu. He's incredibly love sick. He's also got a case of basorexia if you catch my drift.

Ruggie's just like 'when you get it, you get it' and so she just continues on with her work.

Don't think Simba and Nala are the only lions in the club giving bad advice. The OG LeonaYuu shipper, the icon himself, Scar is there plotting ways to get Leona together with Yuu. Only his strategic prowess usually leans more towards fratricide than it does romance.

In my head, I don't think Leona thinks Simba and Nala's advice was bad because he was raised to believe that lion courting rituals are the way to woo any female since it works for everyone in his family. He just thinks Yuu is too dense to understand what he's doing (I mean, she is)

I don't think Leona would give Yuu meat if she's a vegetarian whether he's romantically interested in her or not. It has nothing to do with respecting women - it's just a decent thing to do. He's very intelligent so he'd definitely know for sure that she doesn't eat meat even if she doesn't tell him. So we don't have to worry about that happening.

I also had this in mind from Yuu misunderstanding a blatant flirting attempt from Leona before she gets called away to another room:

"Of all the herbivores I had to fall for, it had to be her," Leona groaned, lifting his head from his crossed arms on the table to glare at the way Ruggie, Shenzi, Banzai and Ed were outright cackling at his frustration, "why can't she get it through her thick skull that I'm trying to court her?"

"Maybe because you're trying to attract her like she's a lioness," Ruggie stated, wiping a tear from his eye, "In case you didn't notice, boss, she isn't one."

"I know that," Leona griped, "she's nothing like the lionesses in my pride. She's ten times the lion I've ever met. I just don't get how she can be so-so-"

"Dumb?" Ruggie offered.

"Hey," Jack frowned at his upperclassman along with several other patrons who felt displeasure at the insult towards their beloved waitress, "she's a top student."

"You can get 100 percent in an exam and still be dumb."

"Well Yuu isn't," Jack crossed his arms, "she's one of the smartest people I know."

"I know, Wolfie," Ruggie smirked at his underclassmen's protectiveness, " I respect her as well but you gotta admit that even someone smart enough to defeat overblots without magic has got to be pretty blind to not see how everyone falls over their feet for her."

I forgot what would happen next which sucks because I actually really liked that one storyline I wrote in my head when I was tryingto fall asleep.

There was this other scene where Leona and Cheka are in the club and Cheka confused that Yuu doesn't get that she's being courted and Leona is the one explaining that humans and lionesses are different that I want to write out but I have a few WIPs that I feel really guilty not completing so I'll probably finish those first.

[coldslaws-gear-station]

Every time I tell myself "This'll be short!" I become sorely mistaken. Also sorry for this being late I was editing forgive me </3 Other than that enjoy these two idiots being awkwardly stuck in a situationship with each other

Making Lunch (Once again I strike with outstanding titles)

Ghetsis laid down his bowl of touga berries, he had all the ingredients he needed; cream and shredded mozzarella cheese, bread crumbs, milk and eggs, flour, and a whole range of spices! He grabs a small thin bladed knife and begins to slice off the tops of the touga berries before cutting out the membranes, leaving it hollow. "What cha makin'?" Alder walks into the kitchen, probably heard Ghetsis fumbling about in the kitchen and came to investigate. He's not wearing his poncho, his black shirt tight fitted against his chest, one size too small; it very much leaves nothing up to the imagination.

Ghetsis turns his gaze away, "I'm making lunch." Alder pauses, "Is it…?" "Vegetarian? Yes." Alder sighs, this means he probably won't be able to eat any of it, Ghetsis smiles. "Don't look so downfallen, I think it may be something you like." Ghetsis places down his knife and fetches the recipe card, passing it over to Alder. Alder looks at the card with a confused expression, "Touga Snappers?" "Mhm, it has a nice spice to it, the berries alone have a forty spice rate." Alder looks up at Ghetsis in shock, grabbing one of the berries in disbelief. They weren't by any means big, about the size of a battery, though with Alder's massive hands they look rather small "Forty?! You serious?" He had never heard of a berry that reached a forty spice rate besides enigma berries, but those were a pain in the ass to get your hands on. "How'd you even get these?" "I had them imported from Hoenn." Ghetsis picks up the block of cream cheese, "Would you like to help?"

Alder pauses, then shrugs, "Sure, what do you need me to do?" Ghetsis smiles, grabbing his knife again and using it as a pointer, "Grab the cream cheese, microwave it for about twenty seconds so it becomes soft and easier to mix, then mix it in with the shredded mozzarella in a bowl." Ghetsis goes back to cutting out the membranes of the berries, Alder does as he's told, waiting at the microwave for the twenty seconds to be done. Ghetsis can't help but look over, strong arms and hands, he could probably pick him up like he weighed nothing, Dragons… "Make sure to add one teaspoon of paprika and one half of a teaspoon of cayenne." Alder reaches over Ghetsis to get the correct spices he had said, his front pressed up against his back as he fumbles through the spices to find the correct ones. Ghetsis can feel his body heat pressed up against him, it's driving him mad despite all his efforts to try and ignore it.

Ghetsis hands him a wooden spoon when Alder finishes grabbing the correct ones, putting all of the hollowed out touga berries into a bowl and moving it aside. He rolls up the sleeves of his red turtle neck and grabs two eggs and two tablespoons of milk, mixing it together into another bowl, adding a teaspoon each of salt, grounded touga, oregano, ginema powder, and niniku powder. "What's next?" Alder asks, placing the bowl of cheese on the table, "Get two plates, mix the breadcrumbs, two teaspoons oregano, and one teaspoon of salt and grounded touga in one plate. Then mix together a cup of flour and one teaspoon paprika in the other plate." Alder nods slowly, trying to remember the instructions as he goes to grab the plates, "This sounds complicated." He grumbles, Ghetsis laughs, "It really isn't!" Turning around to preheat the oven to 175°C.

While Alder is busy with the plates, occasionally looking back at the recipe card because he had completely forgotten the instructions the other man gave him. Ghetsis grabs two baking trays, lining them with baking paper and lightly greases them. Alder sets down both plates onto the table, "Geez, this is going to be a lot of dishes… " Ghetsis smirks, "What? Can't stand a few dishes, Firefly?" Alder huffs, but doesn't say else. "Now take the touga berries and stuff them with the cheese mixture, take care to smear some of the cream cheese on the outside so when you roll them in the flour mixture next it'll stick much easier." Alder nods along, listening while getting started with the first berry. "Then dunk it in the egg mixture, make sure it fully coated, then roll it around in the bread crumbs until it's completely covered. Then just simply place it on the baking tray." Ghetsis places one of the ones he was doing whilst he was explaining onto the baking tray, "Like so!"

"I'm surprised you're making it, you don't seem like the type to eat this kind of stuff." Alder says absentmindedly, picking up a touga berry to begin stuffing with cheese. "Oh, I'm not actually going to truly eat it." Alder pauses, looking up at Ghetsis with a confused look. "You're… Not?" Ghetsis shakes his head, "Absolutely not, these are for the children, and by extension, yourself." Ghetsis places another touga berry on the baking tray, "I'm not quite a fan of spicy things really." Alder smirks, looking up slightly at Ghetsis, "Aw, what's the matter? Can't the Princess handle a bit of spice?" Ghetsis' movements stutter as he coughs loudly as if he choked on his own spit, turning his head to look at Alder in disbelief. Alder pauses his movements, "What? Did I say something wrong?" Worried he upset the other man, Ghetsis snaps his head back down to the touga berry he was holding, trying to ground himself and regain his composure. "No no! It's just…" He flushes, giving a bashful smile, "You've never given me a nickname before." Oh, oh!

"Oh, that's all, geez you had me worryin' that I said something offensive!" Ghetsis laughs, placing the last berry onto the baking tray, "Of course not! You just caught me off guard for a moment." Ghetsis picks up the baking trays, Alder opening up the oven for maximum efficiency. When Ghetsis was finished putting in the last tray and setting a timer for thirty five minutes, he felt arms wrap around his sides from behind, pressing into his back. He looks back slightly with an amused smile, "Now, why are you so awfully clingy today?" Alder shoves his face into the space between Ghetsis' neck and shoulder, he can smell his lavender body wash. "I dunno, you just treat me so well…" Ghetsis huffs turning around in Alder grip to face him, placing a gentle hand onto his cheek so he can lift up his view to make eye contact with him. "Of course I do, you're my closest friend, I care for you." It sounds so contradictory in Alder mind, but the gentle caressing Ghetsis is doing has his mind on a loop and his skin buzzing. He's like a drug, the rush and affection Ghetsis gives him has him on cloud-nine, he feels drunk and lightheaded.

"Now, do you mind stopping pushing me up against the stove? We have dishes to do, remember?" And just like with any other drug, "Oh, yeah sure, sorry." It's always hurts when it ends, leaving you unsatisfied and begging for more, Dragons, he's really in this deep this time. Ghetsis picks up all the dishes slowly as to not put strain and upset his arm, placing them into the sink and running the hot water. Pouring in some dishwashing liquid, Ghetsis snaps on a pair of dish gloves, Alder looks at him strangely. "You wear gloves while doin' the dishes?" Ghetsis picks up a plate and a sponge, "Of course I do, you don't?" Alder shakes his head, resting his body up against the counter. "Nope, I usually do it raw with my bare hands." Ghetsis' face morphs into one of disgust, refraining the urge to gag. "Don't phrase it like that, Dragons, that's revolting." Laughter erupts out of Alder at Ghetsis' blatant disgust, "Why? Can't stand to get your hands dirty?" Ghetsis huffs, "No, I just hate the feeling of wet leftover food touching my hands." "Damn, didn't know you were so sensitive to that kind of thing. Thought you'd have maids doin' that sorta thing for you." Teasing, Alder finds it funny to get on other people's nerves, he's trying to be playful. Ghetsis slams one of the plates into the dishrack, looking over his shoulder with a piercing gaze he's seen in his son once before. "You carry yourself with the confidence of a man who's much taller than me."

If they were both Pokémon, Ghetsis would've triggered Alder's "competitive" ability. It is true that Ghetsis is taller than him by a few inches, but he forgets Alder is far more stronger than him. "Is that so?" Giving the other man a strained smile, "Calm yourself, you're acting like you can't stand some simple banter- HEY!" A dish slips out of his grip and splashing back into the sink with a bang when Alder grabs him from behind, picking him up effortlessly, Ghetsis puts his wet gloves hands onto Alder's shoulders in an attempt to free himself. "Release me at once, you barbarian!" Alder laughs, "Not so big now, are ya!" Alder plops him back down onto the counter, slotting himself between his legs, "You talk a lot of shit for somebody who can't free himself from my grip." Ghetsis turns his nose up at Alder, giving a holier than thou look, "That's a coin. I bet you hurt your back doing that, you silly old man. At your grown age and yet you're still acting like a teenager."

Alder reaches up and unclips the claw clip keeping Ghetsis' hair up in a soft bun, his hair coming completely undone and piling against the counter, "You're prettier with your hair down." Ghetsis looks down at the man amused, latching his arms around Alder's shoulders, "You simply can't keep your hands off me for even a moment, can you?" Ghetsis muses to the man below him, Alder gives him a lovesick smile, doe eyed. "Can't help it, you make it seem impossible, Princess." Ghetsis shivers, dragging his hand up Alder's neck, resting it onto his cheek so he can pull his gaze up to lock with his own. Alder dips his hands under the other man's sweater, caressing the skin that his hand laid on, both soft and plush and scarred and raised. They're close, too close, Alder can't help himself, not when put up against such a temptress.

"Dad? I heard some banging and yelling, are you-" N walks into the kitchen, worried for her father, only to be greeted with the sight of their father pressed up onto the counter by what she assumed and told was just a "family friend." "…Alright" Ghetsis is mortified, his face a scarlet red akin to that of his sweater. "There's…" Ghetsis coughs, trying to keep his voice steady, "There's Touga Snappers in the oven…" N's face lights up, "Really? Yes!" They were his favorite, she enjoyed the spiciness of the treats. Ghetsis hummed in response, though it quickly got awkward and quiet again. Alder feeling like a spectator in the mortifying experience, wondering whether or not to remove his hands from N's father's chest. N shifted her feet uncomfortably. "I'll just…" Awkwardly shifting to the fridge, grabbing a cold energy drink, "…Grab this…" And awkwardly shifts out, not turning their gaze away from the two men until she completely left the room. "Don't drink too many of those! I don't want you to stay up all night!" "I won't!" N calls back to his father.

Alder's first thought after he caught himself out of his daze was to immediately apologize and get off the other man, but that was cut short by feeling of vibrations from the man he was pressed up against; Ghetsis was laughing. It was a loud kind of laugh, the one with snorts littered in the middle of it all, Alder didn't know the other man snorted when he laughed. Ghetsis goes to wipe a stray tear from the corner of his eye, "Even in the midst of my own child walking in on us, you couldn't remove your hands from me?" Ghetsis mused, "In my defense, I thought about it. But my hands were cold and you're warm, so…" Ghetsis hums, bringing his face up closer to his own, "You truly are such a simple minded creature, aren't you?" He was lost the moment the other man leaned in, soft and warm. Alder can taste cherry Chapstick on the other's lips; it leaves him buzzing. Meanwhile Ghetsis can feel Alder's light stumble tickling his face, scratchy yet grounding in this soft situation. Alder worries that this may not be as pleasant for Ghetsis as it is for him due to the chapped and bitten state his own were in, but he didn't seem to mind. Dragons above, was he such a talented kisser, he could get used to this!

When Ghetsis releases him from his hold his first reflex was to kiss the mole that rests underneath his good eye, "Hey!" Dragons, he'd been wanting to do that for months now, he wants to kiss every single mole that resides on the surface of Ghetsis' skin. The one on his stomach, the ones littering his arms, the one on his neck… Heavens, the effect this man has on him is insane. "Were you wearing cherry Chapstick?" Ghetsis' eyes light up with recognition, seemingly like he forgot he even had it on in the first place. "Actually it's cherry cola, I thought it tasted nice." Alder smiles, seeing the opportunity. "Does it now? I don't think I got a good taste, here let me try again." He goes in for the kiss, but Ghetsis puts his hand on his face, "Aren't you rather cheesy now?" Ghetsis muses at Alder, shifting out of the man's grasp, walking over to the oven to check up on the food. "But as much as I'd love to do that, I'd rather not burn down my kitchen by leaving food cooking unattended."

Alder huffs, clearly disappointed his ploy did not succeed, Ghetsis smiles, kissing the other man's cheek. "Calm yourself, you'll have plenty of time to do that sort of thing later after lunch is served." Alder becomes bashful, looking away embarrassed with his cheek slightly flushed red. "Temptress…" Ghetsis giggles in response, pulling the Touga Snappers out of the oven and leaving them to cool on the stove.

-💌

YOU WRITE SO FAST AUUGHHG IT MAKES ME JEALOUS. also first of all im really curious about the recipe and wanna try it. and literally don't stress yourself about titles at all im literally the king of shitty titles. half the stuff in my secret library is titled smth like "AUAUHHAHGHHH" so you're good. also i lowkey love your ability to write about seemingly mundane scenarios and the little things, my brain is more wired for grandiose over the top type stuff and the small moments don't come quite as easily. i love this btw it's very cute and hiiiiii n hii :D

anytime i see n no matter how little she's actually involved i have to point her out like the guys pointing meme

like this

i just have to point out the hilarity of ghetsis calling alder a friend while they're practically canoodling. GUYS. i can't stand these mfs /aff

[batz-surveys]

1.

[Starting this up again, not that anyone really reads 'em. Third time's a charm, hah.]

Do you go to church? I don't. Sometimes I think about joining my mom on Sundays when she goes, but only because I know that would make her happy.

Have you ever had an ulcer? No.

What was the last book you read? The last book I read was Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover.

What was the last book you read about, and was it good? Basically a girl's mother dies and she reconnects with her dad, goes to stay with him, falls for a con-artist with a good heart, and that's about it. It was okay, not my usual type of book but I was trying to branch out from the usual horror/thrillers I read.

What site do you use to discover new music? I just use Amazon music to listen to the same artists I've always listened to.

What’s your current favorite song? "Depression Personified" by The Used.

Do you make smoothies? No, I don't really like them.

Do you use holiday-themed window clings? No.

How many pairs of jeggings do you own? None, but I have about fifteen pairs of leggings.

How often do you wash your windows? Yikes, not often enough. Yeah, let's go with that.

Do you own slipper socks? I'm pretty sure I do.

Are you a sushi lover? I am, even though I have to eat vegetarian rolls. If I ever decided to consume flesh again, the first thing I'm doing is going for sushi.

Do you have any rare medical conditions? No, not rare.

Do you have to carry an epi pen? No, but I probably should. I have a few allergies to certain foods.

What is your mother’s maiden name? It's a cool one, but I won't be stating that name here.

The first time you remember being hospitalized, what was it for? I was nine and basically a day away from dying from pneumonia.

Were you ever in the hospital as a kid? Being hospitalized for pneumonia was the only time I was in the hospital for an extended period of time as a kid. I did go to the Emergency Room a lot for breathing treatments though. I had terrible asthma growing up. I obviously still have it, because it doesn't just disappear, but it's definitely way more manageable now.

Do you know what your dreams are? Honestly, I have a lot of dreams and some are attainable if I just work for them. Others are like, winning the lottery kind of dreams, haha.

Do you know what your purpose in life is? I don't. I'm just here living day to day, enjoying small victories when I can, and keeping up with a simplistic life.

What are the best things to put in a smoothie? I don't know, fruits you like, some kind of liquid you like, and that's it, right?

When was the last time you got a new backpack? My Mother-In-Law got me a Lilo and Stitch mini backpack for my birthday this year.

What color is your bicycle? I don’t have one.

Do you have a bike with a basket on the front? ^

Do you like to add different spices to things? Yes, it's called seasoning your food.

Are you cold or hot more often? Hot when I'm outside my apartment. Cold, but comfortable when I'm inside my apartment because I keep the a/c on 74F-76F.

What is your favorite website? I guess Google, because I use it a lot.

If you had two kids, a boy and a girl, what would you name them? I can't have kids and I don't want them, but my husband and I have definitely come up with hypothetical children names. For a boy, his name would be Maximus Wolfgang [Last Name] and for a girl it would be Marjorie or Serenity Grace [Last Name].

When was the last time you read the Bible? I might have thumbed through this small devotional bible my mom gave us before we moved, ya know, as I was packing it away.

Have you ever read the Bible all the way through? No.

Do you own a lot of scarves? I think I might own like two. I never wear them because it never gets cold enough here.

Do you ever shop at the dollar store? Hardly ever now that the closest one to us closed down.

Would you rather shop online or shop at the mall? Online. Our closest mall is so fucking sad. There's like maybe six stores still open, not including the Target that's attached.

Do you like Barnes and Noble? Sure, it's my go-to store when I'm out of ideas for Xmas presents.

Do you like antique stores? I don't go to them.

Would you collect antiques if you were rich? Maybe, just so I could have something to leave my family members that was worth something. But then, I could also just give them the money.

Do you like castles? Sure.

What’s your favorite exotic animal? Tree kangaroos! Nobody I've ever known knows about them! They're so freaking cute. Go, right now, and Google a picture of them.

Do you like Goodwill? I used to when I thrifted. I don't really do that anymore.

Do you own a tassel necklace? No.

What does your favorite necklace look like? It's a pearl necklace.

Do you have any jewelry that you wear every day? Not really, because I don't even wear my wedding and engagement rings everyday. Unless my piercing jewelry counts.

Do you like to wear skirts? Nah, I can't style them the right way. So I just wear dresses.

What does your favorite bookmark look like? I don't think I have any bookmarks.

Do you use seasonal mugs? I mean, yes, but I don't wait to use them until a certain time of year. I use all my mugs anytime.

What color is your mailbox? Grey.

What color is your microwave? Black.

How often do you cook? At least three times a week.

Do you like being an adult or being a kid better? I'd say being an adult. The only thing I don't like about it is the fact I have to work, haha. But I mostly like my job and I have adult freedom and adult money, so it's all good. When you're a kid, you're totally dependent on someone to care for you, and those same caregivers give you a bunch of rules and shit to follow.

Do you want to start a new hobby? Starting this up again is my new hobby. But for how long…? Haha.

[scienceclubofficial]

Chapter 2: Welcome to the club (2)

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"Serxie, I did it!" Ishaq proclaimed as he shoved Serxio's office doors open, Mari and Alicia following right behind. "I fixed your little conundrum! What, I must've recovered at least 80% of your original audience."

Serxio leaned over his desk, dabbing a warm damp cloth on his head. This would always help him calm down, though he didn't give Ishaq anything more than a glance. "Oh really," he said with a deep sigh.

Ishaq patted Serxio on his back, "Don't let that Pablo guy get to you, Serxie."

Serxio stood up, straightened his tie, and finally turned to face this well-meaning but intruding crowd. "Frankly, I don't give a damn what that kid said. He likely went to a community college, so his opinion does not matter."

Mari raised her hand slightly "Isn't this place sort of like a Community Colleg-" Alicia nudged Mari, indicating for her to stop.

Serxio finally got a good look at Mari, "Well well, glad to see we're getting new faces here. You were the young miss curious about the whereabouts of my accent, yes?"

Mari looked down at the floor "Uhm, ye"

Serxio gave a smile "Well, I'm glad we're getting such curious minds here at our fine facilities." He walked over to lead Mari and Alicia out, "Ms. Lopez, won't you be a dear and give our new student a tour of the-" Right as he got within a meter of Mari and Alicia, Galleta jumped in front of them, baring her fangs at Serxio. So I guess this dog does have a spine, Mari thought to herself. "Ms. Lopez, I thought I told you to keep your canine on a tight collar." Serxio said under his teeth, leaning away from Galleta.

"Mr. Donis, you know what I think of leashes. But yes, I'll take Galleta out." Alicia called Galleta over, and the dog reluctantly listened. "Are you ready for our tour?" Alicia asked Mari with a cheery smile.

"Ooh, I wanna go!" Ishaq proclaimed with the gleeful disposition of a child. As Ishaq stomped over, Serxio gripped Ishaq's arm. "...Woah, Serxie, have you been hitting the gym? Your grip is getting stronger..."

"You have more important matters to deal with than leading a single student around, Ms. Lopez can handle this. Stay in my office a spell, I have something to discuss."

Ishaq waved to Alicia and Mari,  "Well, don't have too much fun without me!" Alicia and Mari closed the door behind them.

"...What was that 'bout?" Mari asked

"I'm not sure. I know Mr. Donis can be pretty tough with Mr.Didar, but I don't know what he could've possibly done. He saved the entire thing!...It's probably nothing, nothing we should worry about at least..." Alicia stared forward. "...Anyway, let's get on with our tour!" She said to cheer them up "March on!"

Alicia ran forward with Galleta and Mari struggling to keep up with her pace.

****

"So this is the Cafeteria! Not really anyone here now, but it's the best! We offer mainly Vegetarian and Vegan options! The lady here makes the best Ambrosia ever! Nectar of the Gods!" Alicia yelled in this large liminal room.

"I don't think I could last long here with just Vegetarian, you guys have any burgers or anything?"

"I mean, there's a McDonalds near here. Oh! But there's this really great Mexican place I should take you to after your first day here!"

"Yeah, actually, about that" Mari said, still unsure about whether or not to stay. She could only think of what her Father might say

"Oh, and after you're done eating here, there's the Gym not that far from here! Just go down the hall." Alicia lead Mari down the hallway. Peaking into the small but humble Gym room, there were a couple of treadmills aiming toward a large window looking out onto the front of the school, and it's park like scene. A wall for weights against a mirror, a single bench aimed toward the mirror, and a check-in desk. The room feels no bigger than your average office.

"Oh, uh, cool I guess"

"I take Galleta here so she can use the treadmills, watch." Alicia turned on one of the treadmills and Galleta jumped on, running her heart out at 20 mphs.

"Uhm, are you sure that's good for her?"

"Oh yeah, totally. Greyhounds are fast, this is nothing to her."

"But why not take her for a run?"

"I'm sure I couldn't keep up."

Mari thinks back to how fast Alicia was running earlier. "Uhm, sure"

"Oh, there's also a Basketball court in a separate building! We're not using it much, but I've been talking with Donis and he says we might come up with a team for ourselves!"

"A team?"

"Yeah! I was even brainstorming names with him! I was thinking 'The Secretary birds.'"

"...Secretary birds?"

"Yeah! Secretary birds are so cool! They walk so elegantly, which I think perfectly captures what we're going for with this Campus! But they're also birds of prey, so they're really fierce. I think they would make a good image for us. Refined, but not a pushover. Oh, and they have really strong kicks, so that would be very fitting as well!"

"...What do you mean?"

"Well, you know, for when the players kick the Basketball."

"....You...You don't kick a Basketba-"

Suddenly Galleta slipped off of the treadmill. "Oh my God!" Alicia rushed to Galleta, leaning down. "Galleta, are you ok?! You wore yourself out again!" Somehow, Mari suspected that Galleta couldn't keep up with that treadmill.

Galleta picked herself up, and with wobbling knees, simply walked up to Alicia, looking up as if to try to reassure her. "Don't overdo it again, alright?" Alicia lightly scolded.

"Uhm, sorry Galleta" Mari stated, not quite knowing what to say. She couldn't help but think about how Alicia said 'again'

"Well, now that you've got all of that extra energy out, let's just go for a brisk walk, ok?" Alicia said to Galleta, but also inviting Mari to follow.

As the tour continued, there wasn't much else of interest. A few extra classrooms and the basketball court wasn't even that big. As Mari took in these subpar sights, she thought to herself...Yeah, SCCA Secretaries sounds about right...

****

Alicia lead Mari to a large building. Mari was surprised, this building was bigger than the main campus. Walking into it, Alicia put on her best presenter personality "And this is where the magic happens!" Alicia put on her lab coat. "Now think of this as an exclusive peak, not that many people get to see this place." Alicia said, with a sly grin, as if to seem cooler.

"Actually, last semester 20 different people passed through here in one day." Ishaq appeared as if out of thin air.

"Ahh! Mr. Didar! I didn't think you and Donis would be done so soon!" Alicia was shook by Ishaq's little jumpscare. Galleta even more, trembling behind Alicia's legs.

"Ah, Serxie just wanted to talk about work, and vent a little bit. I'm kind of that guy's only friend, or at least the only one willing to put up with him for so long." He laughed. "So you guys finished your tour?"

"Yeah! I showed her everything this place has to offer! Including the Gym."

"Ew. Kid word of advice." Ishaq said leaning in a half whispered tone. "Don't go to that spot, there's a really good community gym just a 30 minute drive from here. $20 a month, but you still get more equipment than that shabby place."

"Ah! Come on Mr. Didar! It isn't that bad! And besides, they added it at your request!"

"Yeah, but these cheap bastards weren't willing to shell out for just a few bits of extra equipment. That place also just gives me the creeps, it's in the most secluded part of the building, and have you seen the lady at the front? She always gives me the most haunting glare whenever I pass through." Ishaq shivered.

"Well don't say this to Mari, I'm trying to convince her to live on campus!"

"Oh cool, glad to have you around kid." Ishaq took off his glove and extended his hand for a handshake.

"Oh, uhm, yeah" Mari shook Ishaq's hand, but then got a weird tickling feeling on her palm. Surprised, not knowing what it could be, Mari quickly pulled her hand away.

"Hah! Classic eyelash prank." Ishaq pointed to the eye on his right palm.

"Mr. Didar, stop!" Alicia punched Ishaq in his shoulder, but he couldn't help but keel over laughing. "Mari, I'm sorry about him!"

"Nah, it's cool. Just felt a little weird" Mari moved her hand in a gripping motion, trying to get the lingering feeling out

Ishaq wiped a tear from his eye. "Hah! Sorry about that, it's all in good fun. So you wanted to check out the lab, right?"

"Uhm, yeah, I guess that's what Alicia was gonna show me."

"Alright, well I can show you around!" Ishaq proclaimed, happy to finally be apart of the tour. Leading them through the first half, there's a bunch of beakers, and everything that you would imagine in your average school laboratory, but then Ishaq lead them to the main part. "And this is where the magic happens!"

"Hey, you stole that line from me!" Alicia huffed.

"Yeah, but I said it better." Ishaq looked back at her with grin, but then quickly got back into his presenter attitude. "Word to the wise, don't touch this machine, or that, or this, or that, or these, aaaaaaaaaand, don't breathe in this general area because this is Königsburg's half of the lab. She would kill us both if she ever saw us here...but she's not here so!" Ishaq started poking random objects in Heike's workspace.

"Huh, is Königsburg really that bitchy?" Mari asked bluntly

"Buddy, you have NO clue!" Ishaq said while almost dropping one of the objects on Heike's worktable.

"Don't listen to him Mari, I think Ms. Königsburg can be quite reasonable. You just have to not frustrate her like Mr. Didar over here." She glared at Ishaq while he scrambled to pick up some more objects he dropped on the ground.

"Hey, let's not say her name a fourth time, she might manifest like Beetlejuice. Anyway, let me take you to my part of the lab, the part I can actually explain, because..." Ishaq held a weird spiky device in his hands. "...I can't explain to you what she meant by half of these." He looked at the device, concerned.

****

Leading them over to his side of the lab, there was a bunch of half open and bookmarked books littered around it. Against the wall is a large habitat, with plants growing out of it. A large sun lamp sat over it, brightly illuminating their faces. "And this is my current magnum opus!" He waved his hand over the plant, treating it like a holy object.

"Uhm...your plant collection?" Mari was genuinely confused

"It appears so on the surface, but within the plants themselves, something deeper is going on. Take a look." He motioned Mari to get closer. Mari didn't know what was so impressive, but she walked up anyway, sticking her fingers on the leaves. "No, not the leaves. The real gold is what's under them." Mari lifts up the leaves but still sees nothing.

"Uhm, Mr. Didar, could you not have Mari touch it, she probably won't-" Alicia's warning came late, as Mari jerked her hand back.

"EW EW EW EW, What was that feeling?!" Mari yells.

"That, kid, was the stem of this revolutionary creation. Project Guarana!"

"It felt like skin!" Mari got chills thinking about the feeling

Alicia crossed her arms and sighed. "Yeah, Mr. Didar, I was about to say, maybe stop having Mari touch your weird things."

Didar paused. "Ok, that just makes me sound terrible, maybe word that better." He quickly regained his cheery disposition though. "But anyway, this grandiose greenery is going to grow into something life-changing. So to start-"

Alicia set her hand on Ishaq's shoulder. "Mr.Didar, maybe we shouldn't tell her. Like, I almost did, and-"

"Ah, you don't know how to patent anything! Right kid?" Ishaq gestured to Mari.

"Uhm, I didn't even hear it the first time"

"Well that's all the Association worries about. Unless you're a double agent, which let's be honest, you don't look like you ever could be!" Mari didn't know whether or not she should have felt insulted by that. "Then I don't think we have anything to worry about. So" Ishaq clapped his hands "Ow." Ishaq forgot about the eyes on his palms. "To start off, this all came to me in a grand premonition one day, after my fateful trip to Procyon labs! Top secret lab in the Amazon, I'm probably not even supposed to say it's name." The people here seemed really bad at keeping secrets, Mari thought. "Director Marlucia, fantastic lady, you should meet her sometime. She invited me to Procyon to work with her on something. Sadly I didn't get to take in the sights. I asked her how far of a walk to Christ the Redeemer, and she just gave me this look that she gives everyone. Kinda like-"

"Maybe get back on point Mr. Didar." Alicia groaned.

"Oh, right! So anyway, she showed me this plant called the Guarana plant. They're so cool! They even have this little drink over there made out of it. There's this whole story behind it too, they're made out of the eyes of this kid-"

Alicia tapped him with the back of her hand. "Mr. Didar, just get to the point."

Mari actually wanted to know that part of the story. That sounds metal though, she thought

Ishaq sighed. "Ugh, alright, but you're taking the fun out of explaining this for me. So anyway, the plants grow these little eyeball things. Here, I have one right-" He scrambled through the huge sea of potted plants he had on another side of his workspace. "Here!" He pulled out a bunch of the Guarana, handing it to Mari.

"Oh, these look cool" Mari stated, picking one off

Ishaq was having so much fun explaining all of this. "I know! Right? So that's when my divine inspiration came! I've dedicated my entire life to the research of sight, as you've seen, because-"

Mari cut in. "Yeah, I heard your story out there like everyone else"

"Kids these days don't enjoy a good ramble anymore. Well anyway, yes, I was cured by the late great Doctor Warren Sterner, and that is what set me on my path to today! The culmination of my craft, and all of my gained knowledge so far. I present to you!" Ishaq reached into his pocket and handed Mari something, dropping it into her palm.

Mari examined it, and it simply looked like any other Guarana fruit from before. "Mr. Didar!" Alicia yelled, as Mari finally noticed what was different with it. She realized when she squished it that this was an actual eye, blood slightly spurting out of the other end. Mari dropped it in panic, falling backward on the floor, with Ishaq falling on his stomach as he proceeded to get all the joy he could out of the situation, even as Alicia kept kicking him for his transgression.

Mari couldn't believe what she just touched, the feeling of it was like it was ready to give in fully to the pressure of her fingertips. She didn't even want to imagine what it would've felt like for it to crush in her hand.

"Mr. Didar, I really can't believe you!" Alicia said, giving him one more kick.

Ishaq was laughing so hard, he had to take off his gloves to wipe the tears coming from his palms. "Ah, fun stuff. Anyway, it's just all in good fun. I mean, she's gonna have to get used to my little pranks around here if she's gonna be working with us."

"Working with us?" Alicia asked, confused.

"Work with you?" Mari asked doubly confused

"I mean, yeah. That's why you brought her here, right? To introduce her to our internship program. I mean, otherwise you just led a stranger into our "top secret lab," and the association wouldn't like that." He teased.

"This isn't top secret, like, 20 people passed through here in one day last semester." Alicia huffed.

"See! Now you admit it! Now that you're not trying to impress your new friend." Ishaq poked more at Alicia.

"Sh-shut up." Alicia said, turning her head away from him.

"Well, jokes aside kid. We could use an extra hand here since Heike is gonna be gone for quite a while. She's taking all of her vacation days, and the Association gives out good ones."

Now was as good a time as any to finally tell them. "Uhm..I'm probably not gonna go here" Mari said, looking down.

Alicia looked over at her. "What? Why? Is it because of Mr. Didar? Did he ruin it for you?! Dammit Mr. Didar! I promise you Mari, I'll keep him in check!"

"No...It's not that...I mean, I didn't like any of that, but it isn't that....I can't come here. It's just that...Alicia was the first person to talk to me in a while, and I felt really nervous about disappointing her, and then she took me to the seminar, and by then I was in too deep so I stuck around for the tour, and now I'm here trying to get the feeling of an eyeball out of my hand" Mari said, rubbing her fingers against the floor she was sitting on.

"I...I'm sorry if I made you feel obligated...I guess that's just how I am...I didn't mean to....I guess you can go now...if you want." Alicia said turning around, Galleta sitting next to her.

"Now hold on a minute." Ishaq interjected, "Kid, what makes you think you can't come here?"

"Well, my parents would be disappointed"

"Well you're an adult now, you can make decisions for yourself."

"You don't know my parents. My Dad would get very mad at me for not going to the school of his choice"

"...You know, it's moments like this that I wish Serxie were around. He's the shrink." Ishaq sat down next to her. "My parents were the same, they sent me across the world, to different parts of the globe, just so I could be the version they wanted me to be, but....It was coming here that I realized I could be myself...When I graduated, I realized 'to hell with these people, what do they care if I'm their Golden Child.'...I think that's what you might need to do...what was your name again?"

"Mari"

"Well Mari, Let's get up on the right foot this time." Ishaq stood up, and lent a hand to help Mari stand up too. "Hello there Mari, my name's Ishaq. My special interests are eyes, which is a secret I've clearly kept well hidden. I'm hoping we can get to know each other better, and don't worry about enrollments, but stop by the lab whenever you want. I think Alicia might appreciate that, she's clearly been needing a friend whose knees don't make an audible noise when they wobble." Ishaq grinned at Alicia, but she just kept her head turned, though she was eased by Ishaq's method of keeping Mari.

Mari didn't know what to say. A lot had happened to her today, and she'd finally met people that seem interested to get to know her. Looking down at the floor, she shuffled her feet a bit. "Hi Ishaq...uhm...Wanna continue the tour?"

"Certainly, follow me further down the rabbit hole, if you dare! I'll show you the terrarium I'm making, but whatever you do, do not go into the room that says "Todesroboter."

****

Later in the day, the sun was going down, and Ishaq walked Mari and Alicia to Alicia's dorm. They were having fun laughing the day away as Ishaq recounted stories to them.

"-and then little Miriam put the band-aid on Serxies nose, and said "Thewe you go, that'ww fix you up. Twust me, I'm a Doctow. Hah! Serxie says he doesn't like kids, but I'm certain Miriam is the exception."

"Oh my God, she's the best thing ever!" Alicia said. "I can't wait for you to meet her Mari, I think you two will get along just fine!"

As they arrived at the Dorms, they appear as a small apartment complex, two floors high, with a mess of stairs they had to walk up. "Well, we're here now." Ishaq leaned himself ready to leave. "Have you made a decision yet, Mari?"

"...Yeah, I think I have"

"And what's that?" Alicia leaned in, anticipating her answer.

"I think Ishaq is right, I should probably get away from my parents...But I'm probably not gonna tell them I'm enrolling right now...maybe not ever, they're still expecting me home, and I like having a roof under my head."

"There are dorms here as you can see, just stay here." Ishaq advised.

"Oh my God, yeah! And we could be roommates!" Alicia jumped in glee.

"Well you can probably get your own room, I can't imagine you want to stay in that cramped space." Ishaq said, pointing into Alicia's abode.

Alicia glared at him, "Well the other rooms are probably going to be taken up with all of these new student."

"Nah, counting the returning students and the new ones, plus the fact that most live off campus anyway, there'll probably be plenty of rooms available for yo-" Ishaq paused as he finally notices the vicious stare Alicia had been giving him.

"Nah, I get it, I'll room with you Alicia...Actually, if I could stay the night with you right now, I don't think I could keep a secret from my parents for too long"

Alicia lit up. "Yeah! Of course!"

Ishaq got ready to wave them good bye, "Well, I see everything's working out now. Good luck with your parents, Mari."

"Yeah, and good luck with your Project Guarana. I hope it goes well"

Ishaq turned away from them, hiding the somber look on his face, "...yeah, I hope it goes well too."

Ishaq started to make his way down the winding steps, but Mari got his attention again. "Oh, Ishaq, I had something I wanted to say."

"Oh, sure, lay it on me."

"I really like your eyes, I think they look so beautiful" Alicia's eyes widen at Mari's very statement

Ishaq smiled. "Oh, thank you, but they're not mine."

"Wait, what?" Mari got pulled into Alicia's dorm room, as she closed the door

Alicia shook Mari. "Mari! What did you mean by that?!"

"I mean, his eyes are very pretty"

"I didn't know you were into older men!"

"Older?"

"He's like 36 or something, that's like, ancient! And God sakes Mari, he's gonna be your boss!"

"I mean, I'm not attracted to him"

"What kind of person says 'you have beautiful eyes' to someone like that, who they're not attracted to?"

"I dunno, I thought he was cute at first, but then he made me touch his palm eyelashes, and then he made me touch a skin plant, and an eyeball... so yeah, I kinda lost what little bit of attraction there was."

"Then...what did you mean by-"

"I dunno, I guess I only really want his eyes. Like, if I could get rid of the rest of the body, and just have the eyes, in like, a jar or something, that'd be cool"

"Whuh?"

"But then he said they're not his, so I guess I'm attracted to whoever actually owned those...I dunno, do I sound crazy?"

"...Umn, no. I mean, I guess I have some weird wants too, so I'm not one to judge, but...we really need to work on what you say, and how you say it."

"...sorry, I'll keep my mouth shut"

"It's fine, don't worry about it. Anyway! Lemme  put a pad on the floor that I'll sleep on, and you can have the regular bed!"

"Oh no, I couldn't do that to you, that's your bed"

"It's fine! We'll get bunk beds or something later! You know? I always wanted to share a bunk with someone, and now I can! I call bottom bunk, only because Galleta has a fear of heights, and she sleeps with me."

"Makes sense, yeah"

"God! I'm so excited! This is the start of something great I think!"

As Mari looked at the cramp walls of Alicia's dorm, a desk, a single bed, a closet, and a small room where you can tell the bathroom goes, she couldn't help but think of how crazy today was. In one day, she finally got what she was hoping for, and more. She could've never guessed when she was walking through that park, wishing for something more, opportunity would just hit her in the face, that it would lead to the best and worst times of her life.

****

As Ishaq walked back to his car, ready to head to his next destination, Mari's words of good luck echo in his mind, reminding him of what he wanted to forget.

****

Ishaq waved goodbye to Alicia and Mari as they walk off to go on their tour. They close the door behind them, Ishaq turning to face Serxio, "So Serxie, you're doing good? That Pablo guy really didn't get to you?"

"No, this isn't about him."

Ishaq sat in a chair, his front facing toward the back of the chair, leaned on its sill. "Well if you need someone to vent to, I'm here. Like, I can see why you'd be worried. That guy didn't just embarrass you, he was ready to embarrass your employer too."

"Our employer. I find it interesting you can disassociate so easily." Serxio opened his liquor cabinet and poured himself a glass. "I will admit, his words did worry me. If what he stated was true, that he hadn't submitted his evidence yet and was just about to, I should likely warn the Directors now, but that can wait." He handed Ishaq a glass.

"You know I don't drink."

"This sort of occasion calls for something to numb the mind, and I feel that desire will hit you soon."

"Wow, I wonder what kind of news you got then?...Are you dying?"

"No, it would have to be something that would make you upset." Serxio took a sip.

"Hah! Don't worry buddy, I'll shed a tear or two from at least one eye, just for you."

"Your incessant need to belittle me doesn't keep me from feeling any less bad about this."

"...Alright, lay it on me then."

****

Ishaq slammed his fist into the wall. "Those bastards!" He leans his head near the dent he just created "....They can't do this..."

"I am just as saddened as you are my friend."

"Save your sentiment."

"My sentiment is true. I know how much this research was important to your's and Königsburg's cancer cu-"

"Heike doesn't give a damn about any cancer cure!...We just saw the correlation to Project Guarana and it's ability to replicate cells, healthy cells...this was my project not her's....and they can't just..." Ishaq sat back down, leaning forward, head down. "They can't just take it away from me..."

"They haven't fully taken it away, but very soon they will send people to take your samples you've created, along with your notes you've made so far. After that, they will hold them and within the time they have it you cannot work on anything Project Guarana related, but I assure you, once that happens, it is there's, and they will not put it back in your hands, nor will they let you look at this project again. It will likely go to a higher researcher of their choosing, maybe even one of the Directors on council."

"...I came here to do good...what's the point of going on with my career here if they're just going to bastardize what I make."

"I explained it to you."

"Well it doesn't make sense! None of this makes sense!"

"My dear Didar, you must realize the implications of being able to create parts so easily. If anybody in this country's healthcare system were to get a hold of this, they would bastardize this project more than SCCA ever could."

"I'm pretty certain I know the actual reason why. Those Black Market Organ dealer's have the SCCA in their pocket, they would never let this happen, it would destroy their business model."

"Now you're just going into conspiracy, unproven hearsay."

"...Are we really going to sit here and pretend what happened with van Niekerk didn't happen?"

"...Didar, I know you're of good moral stock, that's what I value about having you here, and that's why I'm telling you this now. So I come to you with a proposition."

"I probably know you better than anyone else, Serxie. You're getting something out of this."

"We both get something out of this." Serxio set his hand on Ishaq's shoulder. "I think your research would do well in my little... off-the-books..."

"...I know you think I'm Heike or something, but I'm not, I don't know how I could help."

"You've helped me enough as it is with what little you could tell me of her research, but I believe that by combining those notes with these notes, I can finally accomplish what I set out to achieve."

"And what do I get out of this?"

"...Be there in the facility with me, tonight, you already know where."

Ishaq smiled. "You're just trying to get me in trouble, aren't you?"

"*We* are going to get ourselves into some trouble my friend."

[an-ecu-harrypotter-au]

TPS Part 11: The Gift Of Friendship

"Pacer? When's yer birthday?"

"My birtday? Vhy do you vant to know?"

"Cause Ah gave Jacklin a present fer 'er birthday an Ah think yer mah friend too so Ah wanna get ya somethin."

Pacer puts down his pot of soil so he can look at me.

"My birtday is in August."

"Boo. Well what do ya usually get fer yer birthday? Cheeseburger or some type a fancy steak?"

"On special occassions my moder cooks for us. Her family doesn't eat meat so my birtday dinner is vegetarian."

Ah try ta think bout wha he means.

"Wha bout dessert?"

"My moder makes me gulab jamun. Dey are small fried dough balls soaked in syrup."

"Oh tha's nice."

Sprout comes in smilin.

"Thank you for helping dearies! 10 points for Gryffindor and 10 points for Hufflepuff."

"Tank you Professor Sprout."

"Off you go. Back to your common rooms."

Pacer an Ah go our own ways. Ah'm still a lil upset Ah can't get 'em nothin fer his birthday.

Time Skip

"Do you plan on staying here for the holidays, Toby?"

"Fer Christmas? Uh... Ah hadn't thought bout it. Would ya like me ta stay fer the holidays?"

"Oh I was asking because my father has to go on a trip to Germany. I wanted to know when I should give you your Christmas gift before I leave."

Ah blink at 'er.

"Ya got a Christmas gift fer me, Jacklin?"

"Yes. Do Americans typically not give gifts to friends?"

Ah think fer a minute wit' mah face fillin' wit’ surprise.

"Uh... Well, Ah guess Ah do give gifts ta people... Ah mean, tha's mostly family though. So, ya been savin' yer gift fer me?"

"Yes, so if you plan on going home, I’ll just give it to you before I leave."

"Wait! Ya can't tell me ya got a present fer me an' then not tell me what it is. Ah'm a-goin' insane tryin' ta imagine what it could be."

Ah try a pretend to be serious. Ah stare at Jacklin, who looks at me in the funny way she does, as 'er eyebrows raise an' a smile crosses 'er face.

"I can’t even give it to you if I wanted to. My parents haven’t sent it yet."

"Why not? What're they waitin' fer?"

"It’s two weeks before Christmas. I told them to send it so that it would get here by the final Friday of this semester."

"Why'd ya wait so long? Was a secret or somethin’?"

Ah try ta sound sarcastic an' playful but Ah dunno if Ah did it right.

"Of course it’s a secret. Part of what makes Christmas magical is the surprise of what you get."

"Do ya think ya could at least hint at it?"

"This is a magical artifact my ancestors have kept in our possession for centuries."

"Wow."

Ah start ta wonder wha Ah should get 'er cause she's gonna get me some kinda fancy gift an Ah can't jus get 'er nutin.

"Now Toby, I don’t want you to think that you have to give me anything in return."

"But Ah do wanna give ya a gift. Ah've already been savin' my pocket money ta buy somethin’ fer ya."

"I understand, Toby. I know that not everyone can afford to give gifts all the time. The book about Baseball you gave me for my birthday was good enough. It's so detailed I'm still only a quarter of the way through."

"Wow."

Ah let it all out in a big, loud sigh. Tha's one less thang ta worry bout.

Time Skip

Ah'm eatin breakfast while Jacklin's in the bathroom. Ah hear hootin an see Buckbeak flyin up ta me with a lil package.

"Thanks Buck. Ah hope Pop treated ya well. Have a piece a egg."

Ah feed 'em a small piece a mah boiled egg. He hoots happily an flies away.

"Yeah it's wha Ah asked mah Pop ta get awright. Gotta hide this."

Ah put it in mah backpack knowin Jacklin'll never be able ta guess what Ah got er. Jacklin comes back an Ah get a good idea.

"Jacklin ya know wha's somethin me an Pop do every year?"

"What, Toby?"

"Every year Pop measures mah height ta see how much Ah grow a year."

Ah see Jacklin thinkin an Ah don't think it's a look a pretendin ta care.

"I wonder if this is something a lot of parents do. But how will you be able to do it here?"

Ah shrug.

"Can always do it right before we leave fer Christmas an all."

"Oh yes. That's a great idea."

Ah smile cause Ah think Ah'm gettin smarter by the day here.

Time Skip

Ah'm sleepin in bed when Ah hear one a mah roommates talkin.

"Oi. Toby ya got a girl in 'ere."

Ah almost think Ah'm dreamin till Ah feel a pillow hit mah head.

"Wha's happenin?"

"Ya got a girl ta see ya."

Ah'm still feelin sleepy an don't realize he's meanin Jacklin till she walks in.

"Happy early Christmas, Toby."

Ah yawn.

"Mornin Jacklin."

"It's the last Friday before the break. I have your Christmas gift."

"Ya do? Ok. Ah got somethin fer ya too."

She sits down on mah bed an Ah get the package outta mah backpack. The package she's got's much bigger than mine but Ah don't mind much.

"So whatcha got me?"

"Open it up and I’ll tell you."

Ah start ta unwrap it slowly an' enjoy every moment. Ah open it an Ah somethin that looks like a robe a some kind.

"It's an invisibility cloak."

Ah love it! Every bit a this is amazin. Ah try ta keep mah voice down cause Ah feel like Ah'm gonna be told some kinda secret.

"This' a rare magic item ya said?"

"That’s right, Toby. This right here is one of the Deathly Hallows, one of three artifacts that were originally owned by the Peverell family. The Gryffindor family won it in a duel against Ignotus Peverell's son. It's been in our family ever since."

"How'd they make the Deathly Halos?"

"No one knows for sure. Some say they got the Deathly Hallows by winning against Death. Others say they made these items themselves. All that matters is that the Elder Wand, The Resurrection Stone, and that Cloak of Invisibility are the most powerful items to have."

Mah eyes're big. Ah look round ta see if anybody's listenin.

"This' the best Christmas present Ah've ever heard of! Yer daddy really said it's ok Ah can have this?"

"Yes. No one would ever expect you to have it. My father has been trying to find someone who could take it ever since the last war. Dark wizards would literally kill for this cloak and would assume that a powerful family would have it."

"..... So yer sayin he wants me ta keep it safe cause nobody'd ever think a lil boy like me'd have it?"

"Yes exactly. It's why you can't tell anyone. Not even your Pop. Dark wizards would torture anyone even suspected of knowing where it could be."

Ah realize jus how serious this all is. Ah'm real touched Jacklin's family trusts me ta take care a it.

"Do ya know where the other 2 Halos are?"

"I'm not sure. Even if I did, I don't think I would be able to tell you though. So many people could get hurt if dark wizards find out."

"Ok. Ah get it. Ya gotta keep it secret."

Ah ain't too bothered she can't tell me. Ah don't want nobody gettin hurt jus cause Ah'm curious. Ah try ta keep thangs normal before breakfast an give 'er mah package.

"Is that for me, Toby?"

"It sure is. It's a present fer ya.

Ah see Jacklin's eyes light up as she looks at mah present an' Ah wait wit' anticipation while she opens it.

"Do ya know what Ah got ya?"

"No."

Ah can't contain my laughter as Ah see Ah gave Jacklin a present she's never seen before.

"Oh man, ya really didn't know what this was?"

"There’s a lot of things humans use that we just don’t have in the magic world. Why you say Baseball is a very popular sport and yet I've never even heard of it."

Ah know it really ain't funny but it's kinda funny how she's so smart yet don't know thangs Ah use a lot.

"Ah got ya wha's called a digital camera."

Ah notice Jacklin's head leanin' toward the camera.

"Humans really use something this small to make their motion pictures?"

"Tha's jus a part a what it does. Now watch this. This is tha fun part."

Ah turn the camera on an’ Jacklin takes the first photos wit' it. Ah see the screen get all messed up.

"Nothing happened? Is this type of camera considered to be new?"

"Well... kinda. Nobody really uses those big ol flash bulb cameras no more."

"That might explain why. My father says that if something uses e-lec-tricity it would malfunction once it's on the grounds of Hogwarts."

Ah blink like Ah jus figured somethin out.

"Ohhhhhh. Ah guess ya better wait till ya get home cause this camera's too new."

"You mean it doesn't use film?"

"Yeah. Tha's why Ah said it's called a “digital” camera. There's a little computer in it and it saves the photos inside."

Jacklin looks at the camera an’ takes a look at it inside, searchin' fer the computer Ah was just tellin' 'er bout. It's startin ta get cute cause it's like showin somebody from the pilgrim days a real life airplane.

"I think I’ll use this on my trip to Germany."

"Well Ah'm glad yer able ta find some use fer it."

Ah can see Jacklin's thinkin. Ah dunno wha she's thinkin bout, but she's doin it.

"By the way, when did you say your birthday was?"

"It's comin' up in a couple weeks. Why'd ya ask?"

"Oh. Well we wouldn’t be seeing each other until after your birthday so I guess it doesn’t matter now."

"Wha... Wha do ya mean it don't matter? Ya got somethin' ya was thinkin' bout givin me as a surprise fer mah birthday?"

She sighs an Ah wonder if Ah upset 'er bout somethin.

"Not necessarily. I usually get souvenirs whenever my father goes on trips to other countries."

"Nah, nah, we're not doin' this "souvnear" thing."

"And why not?"

"That's nothin' special. Could be anythin’. Ya gotta surprise me wit somethin' better than that."

She makes a face. Ah dunno wha it means but it's a face.

"You’re thinking of souvenirs that humans get such as those plastic Eiffel Towers. My family never buys items like that. I usually get a box of macarons from the finest patisserie in France."

"See! Now that's somthin' Ah'd like ta get."

Ah see Jacklin's thinkin agin an Ah think Ah made things better.

"I don’t know what they have in Germany but I’m sure they have a lot of nice stuff to buy."

"Ya think they got somethin' as good as tha mackrons?"

"I'm not sure. Either way I’ll make sure to get you something nice."

"Thanks, Jacklin."

Ah then remember somethin.

"We gotta measure our heights before we leave."

"Oh yes that's right. How do you want to do this?"

Ah gotta figure out how ta do this. Ah go round the room lookin for a blank wall.

"Well maybe we can use this paper an write down our heights."

Jacklin looks at me like she ain't gettin it so Ah jus gotta show 'er.

"So ya jus take yer quill an make a line right over the top a mah head like this."

Ah make a line on the paper ta show 'er jus how much above yer head yer spose ta go.

"Now ya go."

"Alright then, Toby."

Jacklin does the same thang Ah do an Ah realize she's only a lil bit taller than me.

"Now le's see the numbers."

Ah find one a the tape measures ta figure it out.

"Ok so Ah'm 5 ft 1 an yer almost 5 ft 2."

Jacklin looks confused.

"Can you use the centimeter measurements Toby?"

"Oh."

Ah look at it wit the centimeters an write it down.

"Ah'm 155 an yer 157."

"I see. Well I wouldn't worry about being shorter than me Toby. You just haven't had your growth spurt yet."

"Ok."

Time Skip

"Toby!"

Ah look an see Pacer comin up ta me before Ah get off the train wit a bag a somethin.

"Dis is vhat I am giving you for Christmas."

"Ooh. What'd ya gimme?"

"Dis is a bag of basundi poori. Ve jus celebrated the Hindu holiday of Bhai Dooj last month. My moder said I can give my classmates small bags of dese."

Ah blink at 'em. Ah know Pacer's real nice fer givin this ta me but Ah got know idea what it's bout.

"Well uhh... Ah dunno much bout Indian stuff so how exactly do ya eat it?"

"The poori is a bread dat's eaten vit the basundi vich is like a custard."

"Awright then. Ah'll send ya a letter when Ah finish 'em."

"Tank you. I gave you my address in your bag."

Ah smile at 'em. Then Ah start ta feel bad bout not havin anythang fer Pacer.

"Gee this' so nice, Pacer. Ah weren't expectin ta see ya till next year so Ah weren't able ta get ya anythang."

Ah pull a cauldron cake outta mah pocket.

"Here Pacer. Ah know it ain't much an Ah dunno if people in India're even allowed ta eat these, but Ah want ya ta have it."

"Tank you, Toby."

Ah smile as Ah watch Pacer get off the train. Ah follow 'em off an Ah hear a voice Ah ain't heard in a while.

"Dat mah Toby?"

Ah rush right on over ta Pop.

"Pop! Ah had tha most wonderful time. Me an Trevor had a lotta fun. Did ya miss me, Pop?"

"Course Ah did but Ah know ya done been havin yerself a real good time."

"Ah met Pacer on the train an he gave me some Indian deserts."

"Tha's nice son. We'll try it when we get home."

"Ok."

Pop gets a taxi so we can go on back home by ferry.

"So Ah was tellin ya bout Jacklin playin Quidditch in mah letter but Ah ain't tol ya bout wha our principal did ta find out who did it."

"Oh? Wha'd he do?"

"He started askin jus bout everybody in the teachers an fancy people's section if they saw anythang."

Ah see Pop noddin along. Ah hope he's actually payin attention cause this' real important.

"Wha'd he find out?"

"Ah only heard the part bout mah Potions teacher tellin 'em he was tryna help Jacklin. Somebody was makin 'er broom buck round an he was tryin say the turn off curse ta get it ta stop. Tha's when the black ball flew inta stands an Ah fell down."

"Ah see Toby. Looks like yer Potions teacher's a good man tryna save 'er. Do ya know who else was in that section?"

"Mah transformin teacher, mah dark magic teacher, the principal an a whole lotta people Ah dunno."

Pop's lookin like he's thinkin bout somethin.

"Son ya was tellin me yer dark magic teacher would tells bout jinxes an curses in yer letters yeah?"

"Yeah Pop."

"Gotta be a pretty strong spell if somebody done used it an nobody ain't got a clue who done it."

Ah try ta think bout wha Pop's tryna say.

"Ya don't think mah dark magic teacher done it do ya Pop?"

"Now why'd ya think that son?"

"Cause if he's mah dark magic teacher then he's gotta be an expert in dark magic. Mah Potions teacher's only real good at it cause the older kids tell me he's been tryna get that job."

He thinks then nods an pats mah shoulder.

"Ain't got no evidence son. Bes we keep this ta ourselves. Ah trust this Dumbledore feller ta make sure yer friend ain't gonna get attacked no more."

"Yer right Pop."

Time Skip

Ah'm sittin at the kitchen table wit Pop. Trevor got fed an now Ah got a lotta say.

"How'd ya like Pacer's mom's dessert?"

"Good lil custard poppers. Done a good job."

"Yeah it's somethin different. Ah'm happy Pacer done gave us a lil bag."

After a while Pop looks at me real serious.

"Uncle Travis done found stuff bout our kin son. Ah know ya done tol me bout Godric tellin ya bout our kin but we done knows more. We’s nature folk."

"Really?"

"Is like that Godric feller said Toby. Magic done left our kin. Cousins here ain’t got no magic ability even though we’s pure blooded. Kwimpers was good fer healin an future tellin."

Ah look down an’ hold mah knees as Ah try ta make some sense a this.

"Ah done thought ya was a squib like all us other Kwimpers. Turns out ya ain’t jus a Kwimper."

"Ain't jus a Kwimper?! Why? Who 'm Ah besides the lil Toby who been helpin' wit the chores?"

Pop pats mah head an smilin so Ah figure it ain't gonna be bad.

"Yer momma’s lil gardner. She done had a pure blooded wizardin family too. Liked humans so much she ain’t practiced magic cept fer 'er plants."

Ah look at Pop in disbelief. Everythin' Ah knew 'bout mah family has changed in tha last minute a this conversation.

"Did she know? Did mah momma know she done had a wizard-child?"

"Kept tellin me bout how ya talked ta every ladybug or butterfly ya saw. Kwimpers might be good at cow talkin but we don't jus talk ta every lil feller out there. Why Ah jus thought it was cause ya was special needs."

Ah stand up an' Ah start walkin' back an’ forth across tha room as Ah think.

"We's can talk more bout it later. Now tell me how Jacklin done liked the camera."

"She loves it, Pop. Thank ya fer gettin’ er the camera."

"Anytime son."

Time Skip

It's Christmas mornin an Ah wake up all excited. Pop's drinkin an Irish coffee on the couch.

"Son Ah got yer present right here."

Ah run over ta Pop ta see what he’s holdin’ in his hand.

"Now Ah'm givin ya yer birthday present next week. Ah know it's a real bitty gift but Ah jus had ta get this fer ya now."

Ah can’t wait ta see what Pop got me. Ah start ta open it an look real confused.

"It's ink?"

"Dat there's color changin ink."

"Color changin'? Like the ink changes while yer writin' it?"

"Tha's right son. Ah bought ya a jar ta try out."

"Oh, Pop, dis' perfect!"

"Ya can show me in yer first letter back at Hogwarts, Toby."

Ah give Pop a big smile as Ah hug 'em.

"Ya know, dis' the best Christmas Ah ever had. Thank ya, Pop."

"Jus wait till Ah get mah gold. Fishin season's real good round this time a year so Ah'm gonna be gettin a lotta money soon."

"What're ya gonna do then Pop?"

"We's goin ta Diagon Alley fer ya birthday. Can get anythang ya want."

Ah can't contain mah excitement. Ah start jumpin' around the room an’ hollerin' as Pop tries ta calm me down.

"Ah know yer havin a happy fit son but ya gotta be careful. Almos stepped on cousin Seamus' train set."

"Ah'ma try ta hold back, Pop. Ah'ma save all this excitement fer next week. Thank ya, Pop. Ah love ya."

Ah feel mah brain start ta settle when Pop starts rubbin mah hair an’ Ah start ta calm down. Ah look at Pop again an’ take a deep breath.

"So why ya gotta take me all da way ta Diagon Alley ta get a birthday present? Why ain't ya jus gettin' it here an' ya can celebrate with us?"

"Cause yer gonna be 12 son. Ah want ya ta start pickin out yer presents."

Ah give Pop a big hug. This gonna be the best birthday ever.

Time Skip

Uncle Travis comes in from the kitchen fer dinner.

"Dinner's ready!"

Ah spring up an’ Ah run over ta the table.

"Thank ya, Uncle Travis."

Ah scoop up some food an' Ah head back ta the couch. It's delishus. Ah look back over at Pop.

"This really is the best Christmas Ah've ever had. Ah didn't know Christmas could be this much fun, Pop. Thank ya fer bringin' us here."

"See Ah done tol ya ya'd like it here."

Ah take another bite an' Ah chew wit' excitement an’ anticipation a goin' ta Diagon Alley fer mah birthday in a couple days.

"Ye ready for puddin' dears?"

Ah look over at mah Aunt Norah an' Ah nod.

"'Course Ah am."

"Tis a traditional Christmas puddin'."

Ah sit back an’ wait for the puddin'. A smile slowly makes its way across mah face. Ah can feel my belly fill up wit' food an’ wit' joy.

"Ah made sure they used stuff ya eat son. Ain't nobody's goin hungry on Christmas. They feedin ya good at Hogwarts an yer still lookin like ya ain't ever saw food."

Ah look back over at Pop an’ Ah chuckle a bit. Ah take a big, bite a Christmas puddin'.

"Oh, this'… great. Mmm, mmm, mmm."

Time Skip

"Too much turkey son?"

Ah don’t say anything fer a second, but Ah start ta nod a lil’. Ah feel mah eyelids droppin’.

"Awright Ah can take a hint. Yer lucky yer still small nough fer me ta do this."

Ah start ta protest a lil’ as Pop carries me away, but Ah just don’t have any strength ta keep mah eyes open. Ah fall asleep as Pop walks thru the dark house, toward mah bed. Ah can feel 'em cover me up wit’ mah blanket.

"Ok Trevor time fer yer Christmas eats."

Ah'm sleepin' sound as Pop checks tha terrarium fer the frog. Ah can jus hear Trevor’s croaks in tha distance, an' then… Ah start dreamin. Next thin Ah know Ah'm wit Pop gettin mah broom fer mah birthday.

"Now Toby, Ah know Ah ain't gonna be able ta get a fancy dancy broom but Ah promise ta get ya somethin good."

"Ah know, Pop. Jacklin was talkin bout us gettin a Bluebottle so we's can ride tagether."

He rubs his chin. Ah wonder wha he's thinkin.

"Ah know wha yer sayin son but Ah ain't no flyer. Ah'll make sure ya get a safe broom ta use."

"Ok."

Ah follow Pop inside an’ Ah take a look at the different brooms while Ah wait fer him ta find the right one fer me.

"Mah son wants ta have a new broom fer his 12th birthday. Any brooms ya can buy new fer 40 galleons?"

The wizard behind the counter opens his book an looks round fer a second or two.

"Aye, the Comet Two-Sixty. Standard model the Department a Magical Transportation approves fer professional games. Has a twenty-nine-an-three-quarter-inch handle an solid maple head. Ain't as fast as a Nimbus 2000 but if the wee lad don't mind, it's still a fine lookin broom."

"Awright. Mah son ain't the best flyer so if it ain't so fast Ah think it'll be a good fit."

"It's exactly 40 galleons."

"Well ya got yerself a deal. Ah’ll take it."

Ah feel the tension lift outta mah body. Ah get the broom an’ Ah follow Pop back outta shop wit the broom in mah arms.

"Thanks Pop! Do ya think Jacklin'll get mad Ah didn't get the broom she said Ah should get?"

"Nah. She done wanted ta jus help ya figure out wha type a broom's good fer ya. So long's ya got a broom ya can start usin 2nd year tha's all that matters."

"Ok Pop."

Time Skip

"Son do ya have Trevor an all yer luggage?"

"Yep. Ah'm all ready, Pop."

"Ah jus hope yer special friend Jacklin got ya a good gift from Germny. It'd show jus how good a friend she really is."

"Yeah. Ah think Ah'm gettin used ta bein away from ya Pop. Ah ain't even been meltin down like Ah used ta even though things at school've been way scarier than a regular school."

Pop pats mah shoulder an he looks real proud a me.

"Ah knew sendin ya ta that school was a good idea. Now Ah dunno if yer friend's gonna be on the train but if she ain't jus go on an read yer books."

"Ok Pop. Ah'll write ya once Ah get back ta school."

"Sounds good Toby."

Ah hug Pop one last time an go on the train wit mah luggage an Trevor. The train starts ta roll away. Ah see Pop wavin.

"Bye Pop!"

"Bye son!"

Ah see us roll out the train station an try ta figure out how ta focus witout Jacklin.

"Ya know Ah like ya Trevor but le's face it, it jus ain't the same when Jacklin ain't here. Do Ah gotta find Pacer?"

"Croooak."

"Ok then Ah'll stay here. Ah knew ya'd understand."

The trolley woman comes by wit snacks.

"Miss Gryffindor’s traveling with ‘er father ta Hogwarts. Anything off the trolley dear?"

"Uh… yeah. Ah want two choccy frogs."

Ah hand 'er money. She hands me mah candy an starts walkin way. Ah realize Ah'm probly turnin British cause even Ah know ya say somethin's chocolate, not choccy.

"Croak!"

"Don't worry Trevor these ain't real frogs. The chocolate people jus made 'em look like frogs."

Ah start eatin one a the chocolate frogs. Ah feel a lil better so Ah jus sit here an’ stare out the window.

"Ah wonder wha kinda card Ah got."

Ah open it up an Ah ain't seen this one yet.

"Herpo the Foul was a Greek Dark wizard and Parselmouth. He was the first known wizard to breed a Basilisk. Basklisk? Ah know a Parselmouth's a wizard who can talk ta snakes but gotta ask Jacklin bout a Basslik."

Ah set the card down an open up another frog.

"Got Dumbledore agin. Don't look the same though. It says: Considered by many the greatest wizard of modern times, Professor Dumbledore is particularly famous for his defeat of the Dark wizard Grindelwald in 1945, his defeat of Lord Voldemort in the early 90s, the discovery of the twelve uses of dragon's blood and his work on alchemy with his partner, Nicolas Flamel."

Ah get bored, so Ah put the card back in mah pocket.

"Ah heard bout this guy Nicolas Flammel workin wit Dumbledore. He made the Philosfer Stone. Ah bet a lotta people'd wanna get their hands on somethin like that. Helps ya live ferever. Least tha's what Ah think Jacklin says an she's usually right bout thangs like that."

Ah close mah eyes fer a second. Ah suddenly see Jacklin standin in front a some weird mirror holdin a ruby. Fer some reason mah dark magic teacher Quirrell's lookin mad. He starts ta attack Jacklin an Ah get real scared. Ah snap mah eyes back open an’ Ah almost fall outta mah seat.

"Trevor. Jacklin's gonna be in a lotta trouble ain't she."

Trevor jus ribbits but it kinda sounded a bit sad.

"Yeah. Ah know yer worried bout 'er too buddy."

Tagging: @arrolyn1114, @nemos-rapture, @xanatenshi, @briefpandatimemachine, @hooked-on-elvis,

@vintagepresley, @aliengoth3, @smokeymountainboy, @bigdaddyelvislover, @mercsandmonsters,

@pledgingmylovee, @presleysgirl6, @thetaoofzoe, and @elvispresley4life.

[wanderingaroundwithmysoul]

"Man, you're basically a full-on hippie, huh?" Rain remarked at Matt's mention of being a vegetarian. The thought of chowing down on raw meat was unappealing to most meat-eaters—her included, so she could only imagine how much it sucked for him to crave and need it due to the virus... At least things like pet food worked well enough to sate him on some level, and eating what few uninfected people and animals remained wasn't the only option. "Yeah, I'd sure as hell hope you don't go around doin' that."

"I've got water, too. Some booze, a couple of sodas... If you need drinks or food, there's a cardboard box behind the passenger seat." She jabbed her thumb in the general direction of the aforementioned container inside her vehicle. "Don't go drinkin' all my booze, though. Not unless you want my foot up your ass."

"Caramelo," Rain answered when asked about the name of her dog. "She was a mix between a Cane Corso and an... I-dunno-what. Originally, she was my abuelito's dog. She was a stray that kept showin' up behind his work, so he took her in. When my family visited him down in Puerto Rico before he died, he gave her to us. She was—is a good dog." She was gonna choose to keep using present tense. Caramelo was a part of her family, and her family didn't go down without a fight. After listening to Matt try and get across his lab's name for nearly half a minute, Rain finally decided to be helpful and supplied, "Pickles?" That was exactly the type of name she would've expected his pet to have.

Rain was letting an amused smile tug at her lips toward the end of his story. "Good on you, dude. She sounds like she was a real piece of work. And hey, if you got away with keepin' him without any fight from her, then he was definitely better off with you. I know I would've thrown hands with anybody tryin' to take my pet." It was also no surprise that Matt and his parents were suburbanites. "Bet you would've preferred a cabin in the middle of bumfuck nowhere."

She doubled over for a second, a loud snort and sharp bark of laughter escaping her at his attempt to protect his junk. She couldn't help it. That kind of stuff would always be funny to her. Although there had certainly been depressing moments during this encounter, she had also laughed more during it than she had in a while. She quickly recovered, her face snapping back to its default expression: Slightly pissed off. "Never forget who you're messin' with, Addison." She said that in her most serious voice, but she was still playing.

Upon receiving a yes, Rain went ahead and pulled into the large, cracked parking lot of the strip mall, neatly parking across three spaces. It wasn't as though anybody else would be needing those spaces. Not anymore. She made sure to position her truck so that they could make a quick getaway if need be. As Matt got out, Rain killed her engine and did the same.

"Like I'm gonna be able to see or do shit with you in front of me." She slung her empty supply bag over her shoulder and rechecked the magazine in her pistol. Logistically, it did make sense to let the human tank with the threat-sensing abilities go first, but Rain didn't like to let all the work be done for her. "You can warn me about anything lurkin' from behind me."

Her dark eyes scanned over the faded store signs surrounding them. "Hey, look at that. Dollar Tree." Without waiting for a response, she started heading for the dilapidated building.

The glass of the shattered front doors crunched beneath her boots as she grew closer. Using the rail-mounted light on her weapon, she carefully surveyed the inside for any movement, for anything or anyone nasty. Matt could apparently detect certain things with his tentacles, but it was a force of habit and it never hurt to double-check.

In a world ravaged by a virus that primarily creates monsters, nasty encounters are in no short supply. When Rain begins to hear heavy footfalls—when she feels them practically shaking the ground beneath her, she figures she's about to have another.

Cursing under her breath, she unholsters her gun.

The days were blending together in depressing ways now. Nemesis was shocked at how quickly things had gone to hell after the Hive and Raccoon City Incidents. It had taken him quite a while to regenerate after the city's "sanitation," but once he was on his feet again, he realized the gravity of what was happening to the world.

Alone and with nothing left to do in his current mutated state, Nemesis had taken to showing up at Umbrella facilities unannounced, and destroying as much of them as he could. The digital feed supplied by the retinal implant attached to his right eye and sewn up into his head gave him a lot of useful information, especially after his mind was liberated from Umbrella's control. May as well put it to good use, right?

He'd acquired more clothes and equipment this way, with the boots and leather trenchcoat-style getup being standard issues for a creature called a Tyrant, which he apparently now was. They seemed just about the only things that were going to fit his... unique body shape nowadays.

Learning about himself and destroying Umbrella assets were good pastimes, but Nemesis was extremely lonely. The few survivors he came across now and then either screamed and ran from him or shot at him. Bullet wounds were nothing more than annoying mosquito bites to him now, thanks to his thick hide, but even so... it was demoralizing. All he wanted to do was help. He was almost getting used to being alone all the time, by necessity rather than desire, until that unexpectedly changed. While exploring a city one day, he rounded a corner and-

"Raaaain!" Nemesis bellowed the moment he saw her, unable to contain his excitement upon seeing her. "Oh... ny god!" He couldn't believe his eyes. Well, eye. He still had two, but one was... indisposed. In a move that probably looked damn near ridiculous to the other, he lifted his hand... and waved to her. "I'n so glad... to see you! How... are you... alithe... right now?" he tried to ask, his massive chompers getting in the way, as usual.

Nemesis couldn't get his voice to be anything other than a monotone growl, and with monstrous teeth and a noticeable lack of lips, his speech was something of a garbled mess. It took him a while, but he'd learned to make certain sounds in other ways, using his throat and tongue. Essentially, he'd had to relearn how to speak. Some sounds and words, though, were lost forever. None of that did anything to curb his enthusiasm at seeing Rain alive, however. Was he finally losing his mind? Hallucinating, maybe? No, the target identification system is identifying her as Rain... Right now, Nemesis didn't care either way. Just the sight of her was one for sore eyes, since his last clear memory of her was being at death's door.

"I thought... the anti-thirus... didn't work...?" he said, his elation at seeing her alive completely overriding his common sense. Nemesis wasn't thinking about the fact that Rain wouldn't recognize him anymore, or about how negatively she would likely react to seeing the hulking beast before her. Not to mention his tentacles, rooted at the backs of his shoulders, which were excitedly coiling and undulating in their own right, reacting to his surprise and happiness. He batted one of them with his hand. "Cut it out...!" he admonished the obnoxious appendage. It recoiled temporarily before returning to its idle activities.

Then it dawned on him, especially with how she had her gun at the ready. Oh no... she has no idea who I am. "It's Natt," he said, laying his hand on his chest. "Natt... Ad-di-son." How pathetic is it that I can't even say my own name correctly anymore? he thought grimly.

[oh-holy-slut]

Bloodlust

Pairing: Damon Salvatore x fem!reader

Warnings: smut, explicit language, blood sharing, mentions of death, oral sex

Word Count: 2,6k

Summary: Stefan forced Damon to try his animal diet. Damon hated it, but didn't had a choice... until Reader makes a suggestion. Suddenly things get steamy.

Being with Damon was complicated. Him and Y/N have seen each other a lot in the past weeks. The two of them had a lot of fun; saw a lot of movies. Actually, Y/N was sure Damon secretly hated many of those. However, anytime Y/N suggested another dramatic, romantic cliché movie like "Last Song" - the vampire groaned, put his arm around her shoulder, let her head rest on his chest and endured every single second of the movie of her choice.

Damon even flirted and teased Y/N here and there, but didn't lead to anything more intimate so far.

Today was another of those days. Y/N stuck around at the Salvatore boarding house, brought a few of Damon's favorite groceries and a bunch of movies, of which she thought that they will suit his taste. Even if they were a little to bloody and brutal in her opinion.

"Pick one!", she demanded, holding all three Blu-ray sleeves in front of him. Damon just shrugged, not bothering to even look.

"Don't be a killjoy, Damon Salvatore!" Y/N sighed.

"Tell me what's wrong or pick a movie. You've got no choice. And besides that... Which number of drink is this?" Y/N frowned, pointing at the liquor in her friends hand. Damon usually consumed his beloved bourbon with pleasure.

But the man on the couch didn't seem pleasured at all. His facial features totally hardened and a look in his eyes like he was ready to rip someone's heart out.

You put the disc's back in your handbag, closing the zipper and put the bag on the floor.

"Fine. No movie night today. Who are we going to kill?"

A small smirk appeared on Damon's lips, finally looking towards Y/N.

"Stefan and his hero hair. He made me go vegetarian... well, for a vampire... and I can't get myself to eat one of those chipmunks, bunnies or bambis." He shook himself with disgust.

"And why did he count you in? You clearly aren't excited about the changing... So, why did you agree?"

"He said, he would kill me, which is kinda funny. But-" Damon made a wide gesture "he stole my daylight ring. And he wouldn't give it back until I stop feeding on innocent people - and kill them."

"So, you truly let your younger brother blackmail you like that?! Wow... I don't know how to feel about your dieting or your new path. Or whatever this is supposed to be."

"You don't like me killing people either", Damon maintained, while taking another sip of bourbon.

"Well, I don't", Y/N agreed, took a step forward, stole the glass from the vampires hand and put it on a small table nearby. "But I don't believe in forcing as a method to get people to change their minds. I believe that change for the better must be an intrinsic motivation," she added quickly, giving the vampire an innocent smile.

Damon's lineaments suddenly turned from annoyed to curious. "Any suggestions, little one?" The vampire raised an eyebrow and a little smirk showed up on his lips. On the one hand, Y/N blushed over the nickname, Damon called her.  On the other hand she felt skittish looking forward to making a deal with him. Not only a deal. It's far more than a simple agreement.

It's Y/N, actually giving Damon a part of her. The red elixir of life. She was about to give him total control of her body and she not even for a heartbeat doubt that Damon will use it against her.

"Actually... Yeah. There's something on my mind." Y/N said chewing on your lip. "I could open up a vein for you. I mean, you could feed on me. And since you have my permission, there's nothing for anybody to have objection about."

Damon frowned and gave her an incredulous look. "You would do that for me?" The vampire couldn't believe, he understood correctly. Why would Y/N want to get involved with him feeding on her? What's in it for her? Damon tried hard to connect the dots, but he wasn't able to. It all seemed to make no sense. Y/N wouldn't have an advantage of that. The vampire hesitated, pinning his dangerously blue eyes on the girl in front of him.

"Is it so suspicious of me, that I'm trying to help my closest friend?" It pierced Y/N's heart, realizing, Damon's trust in her was rather fragile. "Never mind", she waved the pain away and forced herself to keep her composure. "I only had a hasty idea; you really don't need to fee-"

Suddenly Damon appeared behind Y/N, using his vampirism. "Shhhh", he whispered softly. "I never said, that I don't want your blood. I'm thinking about if we are going to cross a line? Blood sharing can be very personal..."

"It can be? It is personal already. Believe it or not - I'm not gonna offer my veins to all the vampires of Mystic Falls." Y/N rolled her eyes, her arms folded on her chest to point out the indignation she felt right now.

"Kinda sensitive today, huh?" Damon gently stroke a strand of hair behind her ear, Y/N could hear this smug smirk through his words. It was a true 'Damon thing' to do. "I didn't mean it like that, princess." He sighed; unsure if he should agree or not. Damon didn't want to act selfish towards Y/N. He compelled a lot of girls for the purpose of drinking blood in the past. He literally used them as long as they weren't too annoying - and then he acted like they have never met. Damon Salvatore couldn't imagine this scenario with Y/N. They've been so close, the vampire couldn't stand loosing her. The offer was risky, but it also could bring each other even closer.

Damon tried hard to avoid any serious attraction between Y/N and him, afraid of messing up. Indeed, he found himself thinking, and even dreaming, about Y/N more than he wanted to admit. She was smart and had this special sense of humor, the vampire adored so much. She was the only one, who could make him feel good no matter what. Needless to say she had that glimmer in her eyes, when she did something she truly loved. In these moments she was even more pretty. Y/N was hard to resist.

And maybe now he could have her like nobody else. At least the vampire gave in. He wanted her blood. He wanted her.

Y/N flinched by the feeling of Damon brushing her neck with his lips.  "Oh, Damon", she gasped. "Bite me." Y/N almost begged for the vampire's teeth breaking through her skin. Damon loved the sound of her husky voice. In less than a heartbeat he turned into his vampire shape. "If you insist", he grinned devilishly, ready to place his teeth on to her skin.

Suddenly Y/N made a slight move forward with the intention to interrupt her friend. "Did you change your mind?" Damon was close to switching back to human, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. Mostly a lack of understanding, but also a little of disappointment and even anger. Was Y/N playing games on him? While Damon Salvatore was sorting feelings, Y/N turned around, standing now in front of him.

She was so close, not even a piece of paper would fit between them.

Y/N slightly exhaled breath, her eyes darting between the vampires eyes and lips. It was the first time Y/N saw him like this. The icy blue of his eyes, she loved so much, has turned darker. Purple veins appeared under his eyes; Y/N couldn't help herself. Damon's appearance fully intoxicated every fibre of her being. Her fingertips found their way gently brushing over his dark purple veins. She felt heat and softness, while tracing one of them.  It took her a few seconds to get out of trance, realizing what she had done. "Sorry", she murmured with a voice barely audible. "Don't apologize, little one." Damon tilted his head, his lips curled up in a self-assured grin, exposing a perfectly white vampire fang. "I never saw you like this before, you loo-"

"... look like a monster?"

Y/N shook her head. It was nothing like that. Yes, he did look unfamiliar. And she should be scared under normal conditions. Instead, his look hit her in an unexpected way. He looked hotter as a vampire, if it was even possible. 

Y/N cleared her throat, looking up at Damon. "I feel... attracted to you."

"So nothing's changed", Damon teased, raising his eyebrows. The girl in front of him softly slapped him on his shoulder; which was only possible because the vampire permitted. "You are always so full of yourself." She smirked, feeling more confident being to something, they have had been so many times before. Granted, he was terrifying accurate, but she wouldn't serve her feelings on a silver platter.

"I'm still into it. You can bite me; feed on me. I only needed to see you before..." 

A shockwave of electricity flowed through her body the second Damon took her hand and pulled her close.

"I'll be careful", he promised, nuzzling his head into the nap of her neck. Damon once again placed his lips on her soft skin. 

Suddenly a harsh pain made Y/N feel like in a kind of haze. She flinched and let out a groan at the same time, unintentionally biting her lower lip. 

During Damon embedded his fang deeper and deeper, she started feeling dizzy. Her hands searched for the vampires upper body, finally wrapped around his neck. She needed him to lean on. A narrow trickle of blood flowed down her neck. Let Damon feed on her felt like flames licking up every fiber of her body. 

With every passing second Y/N could feel her control slip away. Her body was now firmly pressed against Damon's, like she would want to merge them into one.

Damon noticed her staggering, wrapped his arms around her waist, supporting her.

Bloodlust already messed up the vampires mind, so he continued feeding on Y/N.

A tempting moan escaped her lips, but she didn't care to cover up. Y/N's heart was racing, her eyes flattering. It was almost as if he was about to push her over the edge, but in a different way. "Mmm, this...this… feels soo weird... and so good...", she whispered under a shallow breath.

As soon as Damon heard her fading voice, he abruptly

quitted drinking from her.

"Fuck!" He rapidly laid her on his lap and checked Y/N's vital signs, to make sure she was okay. Instinctively he bit his wrist, pressed it against Y/N's mouth. He knew his blood would heal her, but it wasn't going fast enough. A few seconds passed through, to him they felt like centuries. Y/N finally blinked and Damon was relieved. He cupped her cheeks, his gaze never leaving hers. "I thought, I'd gone-" Damon cleaned his throat. "I'm so glad, you are doing well", he whispered, while trailing her lips with his fingertips. "So, fuckin' glad..." The vampire exhaled a deep breath. 

"It... You made me feel good. Strange, but good", Y/N appeased and flushed over the memory. "Maybe you got a little carried away, but I don't mind. I wouldn't trade the feeling for anything."

Y/N quickly interrupted herself, before she could reveal too much.

However, Damon used his vampire skills, noticing that Y/N was hiding something from him. "Isn't there anything else you want me to know?", Damon asked without taking his eyes off her. Y/N shifted and flushed even more. "It's unfair. You use your vampirism to get everything out of me."

"Well, if that were the case, I could easily compel you." Damon shrugged and found back to his smugly self. "Tell me, what you are hiding". He said in a seductive voice.

"I wanted to get lost in you."

Her confession sent shivers all over the vampires body. At first he could not decide, how to handle this. "Are you sure that's what you want? I could really hurt you..." Y/N hummed.

In the next split second, Damon pinned Y/N against a wall, smashing his lips on hers, kissing her with all the passion he had to give. The vampire devoured Y/N with a new kind of hunger. He didn't know he could crave someone so much.

"Fuck me, Damon..."

The vampire felt him getting hard, only by hearing those little three words out of her mouth.

"Say it louder. Tell me, what you want me to do."

Y/N pulled him closer, gently biting his earlobe.

"Fuck... me, Damon." It took her a second to focus and forming the words again. After she was near to climax earlier, it wasn't a long way getting to the edge once more. "Make me cum... You almost had me there..."

A deep moan got over the vampires lips, once he understood, what Y/N was trying to tell him.

With the next blink Y/N found herself in Damon's bedroom, lying on his bed.

From now on there weren't many words needed. Damon's hand's found their way under her shirt, cupping her breasts and make her moan over and over again.

He closely listened to the rhythm of her heart, making sure he would be able to delay her climax to the point he needed her to.

"Don't cum yet... I want to taste your little pussy first."

Y/N grabbed the vampires head, running her fingers through his dark hair - pushing him down, since she was unable to form a single word.

As Damon got down, he didn't take his eyes off Y/N.

He used a hand pushing up her skirt and lightly stroking over her panties with his fingertips.

"My girl is so wet", he praised in a low husky voice."-and I barely touched you."

His dirty words in combination with his touch lead to another moan, almost turned into a scream.

Damon pushed the fabric aside, leaving sloppy kisses on the inside of her thighs.

Y/N's eyes fluttered, when his soft lips reached her middle.

Damon's tongue licking around her entrance was driving her nuts.

"...so delicious..." were the only words she was able to catch up. Damon knew, he couldn't thrill her forever, so he got back to her. He spit on his palms, stroking his hand over his crotch. In under a second Y/N finally felt this releasing pressure of his cock. It was like a switch went off in her brain and she braced herself for the hard thrusts that would follow.

Damon dimmed the whining noises Y/N made with a passionate, hungry kiss.

He cheated with his vampirism to give it to her deeper and faster, knocking out all the air of her lungs while Y/N screamed out Damon's name. Her walls clenched around him and made him twitch. It was like her pussy massaged his dick the best way possible.

Every time he hit her harder and rougher he was making sure he hit her spot with every thrust.

Damon gathered speed one last time and pushed her over the edge until she was a moaning whimpering mess.

With her last contraction around his shaft, Damon was cumming inside her.

"You are so tight, little one", he whispered under his breath. "We should make arrangements more often."

Please like or/and reblog if you enjoyed reading or/and want me to write more stories about Damon.

Thanks guys ❤️

[supercap2319]

Time After Time Chapter 2:

Stefan Salvatore x Male Reader

Y/N and Stefan sat across from each other at the dinner table. It was a long table with lots of empty chairs. Y/N looked down at his meal. A piece of meat with corn and beans on the side, with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Stefan watched the young man eat, clearly intrigued. “I trust the food is to your liking?” Y/N picked up his head at the sound of Stefan’s voice. “What? I mean, yes, it's good just…much fancier than I'm used to.”

“Oh, and what is it that you eat in the future?” Stefan asked. “Burgers and fries, sometimes pizza too.”

“What’s a burger?” Stefan asked.

“It's a meat patty held together by two pieces of bread sandwiched together with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and if you want, you can put ketchup, mustard, or mayo on it,” Y/N explains.

“And people actually eat that?” Stefan said. Y/N nodded his head. “Yeah, everyone loves burgers unless you’re vegan or a vegetarian.” Y/N smiled as a memory came to him. “One time I challenged you to a burger eating contest. I didn’t win though, you ate more burgers than me.”

Stefan smiled. “You said that you and I will be lovers in the future. We must be close then.”

Y/N nodded his head. “Yeah, we are. You've told me a lot about yourself. Your life before you met me.”

“It's crazy to imagine, but I've never considered being with another man before,” Stefan said. “You must be special then.” Y/N blushed a bit. “You told me the same thing when we first got together. Said you’ve never been with another man before me.”

Stefan super speeds across the room, his lips on Y/N’s neck. He brushes them lightly against his neck, letting his fangs poking out just a little as he sucks and nips just a bit. Y/N shivers against Stefan, and that excites the vampire above him. “I can’t wait to find out why I fell in love with you. You must taste amazing.”

“Stefan, wait, we can’t,” Y/N moans out. They don’t have time for such things at the moment. “Why not? You’re mine, are you not?” Stefan asks, sucking a bit harder. “Are you a virgin Y/N? I like virgins.” It was getting harder for Y/N to focus. If he didn't do something soon, then things would escalate to the bedroom. “Teleportato,” Y/N whispered. In a flash of pink light; he disappeared and then reappeared across the room.

Stefan looked around, bewildered for a moment, until he saw the young witch across the room. “Neat little trick there, Y/N. I love a good chase,” Stefan said as he strolled across the room towards Y/N. Y/N flicked his hands out and froze Stefan in place. Y/N sighed. Stefan was a lot hornier in the past. Y/N waved his hand and unfroze Stefan’s head. “What’s happening? What did you do?” Y/N smirked. “Now, are you going to be a good boy and calm down, or do I have to leave you here while I go find Damon myself?”

“Okay, you win, I'll be good,” Stefan said. Y/N let his magical freeze go and the young vampire could move again. “Okay, so do you have any idea–” Stefan cut Y/N off by pushing him against the wall and kissing him hard. Y/N moaned against Stefan, feeling his tongue invade his mouth. All too soon did the kiss end as Stefan pulled away, his eyes red. “You’re a very naughty boy, Y/N. I like that,” Stefan smirked. “Now what were you saying?”

Y/N licked his lips, trying to find his voice. “I-I asked if you know where Damon is?” Stefan shook his head. “No, after he declared ‘a lifetime full of misery’ he said he was leaving town, but didn’t say where.”

“Maybe I can find him. I have an idea.”

“What’s that?”

“Do you have any crystals, a map, some string, and something of Damon's I can use?” Stefan left the room to collect the things Y/N asked for. He returned moments later with the items. He handed Y/N a bracelet. “I gave that to Damon on his 18th birthday. I was 10 years old,” he explained. Y/N tied the string around the crystal, then placed the map on the table, then swung the crystal over it, while holding the bracelet in his hand.

“How does this work exactly?” Stefan asked as he saw the crystal swing from side to side. “It's called Scrying. It allows a witch to find a missing person or object,” Y/N says. “The more violent it swings, the closer you are to the person you're searching for.”

“You know you’re pretty amazing, Y/N,” Stefan said, putting a hand on his shoulder. Y/N blushed a bit at Stefan’s words. “Thanks, Fangs.”

“Fangs? Why’d you call me Fangs?” Y/N blushed harder. He forgot that the Stefan of this time didn't know about his nickname in the future. “It’s what I will call you in the future. A nickname.”

“I like it,” Stefan smirked.

The Pendulum dropped on the map locating Damon’s whereabouts. Y/N and Stefan looked down at the crystal. Damon wasn’t too far away. “He’s in a small town just north of here,” Y/N said. Stefan looked at the map and smiled. “Maybe it’s time we pay my dear brother a visit.”

“Great, let's get going then,” Y/N said as Stefan grabbed his arm. “Wait, Y/N,” he said, as Y/N frowned. “What’s wrong?” Stefan looked Y/N up and down, a perplexed look on his face. “You can't go out dressed like that, you'll stick out like a sore thumb.” Y/N looked down at his clothes: jeans, a tee-shirt, Converse, and a hoodie. Not the most inconspicuous look in the world.

“I don't suppose you have any other clothes that I could borrow?”

Stefan grinned. “Right, this way.”

[cantfightmoonlight]

"Dearest? Oh god no," Bri feigned a groan, scrunching up her nose at him as she shook her head back and forth in distain. "No, you see that makes me think of Mother Dearest and now I'm simultaneously feeling old and maternal. I mean why don't you just call me Ma'am and kill all the sex appeal right then and there?" She teased, shaking her head back and forth. Even if the kiss on the back of the hand was a smooth move, not that she'd admit that little part out loud. "I meant personal, like, here. I'll show you," Bri decided. A feigned sigh breaking from her lips as she took a step forwards so that they were only a few inches away. Her fingers slowly reached out to brush their way up Ben's arms as she moved drape her arms casually around his neck. "You may say that, but," Her voice was a murmur of a whisper as she leaned in. Her breath lightly tickling his outer ear as she promised him, "You seem to have quite the way with words to me, Romeo."

"And who knows?" She hummed out, slowly bringing her hands back down to her side as she gave him a playful shrug. "Maybe when you meet the right dearest darling, that inner poet of yours will pop out. So how did I do? You like the name Romeo? Because if not, I have more pet names up my sleeve? I could call you Indie, after Indiana Jones? You do have the whole professor thing going for you. You're just missing the hat and whip," She pointed out as she moved back to the barstool, plopping down in the seat across from him with a playful grin. "Impressive. You may just be a man after my own heart yet," She mused, giving him an impressed nod as he continued to go on about the number of books he had in his possession. "And mhm," She pressed her lips together, trying to no avail to hide the smile breaking across her lips as he mentioned his bedroom. "Yup. That's the line. That's the one you should go with. If you take away anything from this basket date, know that you want to pick up a girl? Skip the dearest and darlings and go straight to talking about the number of books you keep in your bedroom. Trust me," She cleared her throat slightly at the thought. "It will work like a charm," She admitted, squinting slightly at how her voice momentarily rose an octave as she spoke.

"I am, but in my defense, I think most parents have favorite children. They just don't want to admit it. But, wow. And you say you're not a Poet? Tú, romeo, estás en negación, is what you are? But, I'm familiar with his work. Y viven en tu vida mis infinitos sueños. La lámpara de mí alma te sonrosa los pies, el agrio vino mío es más dulce en tus labios, oh, segadora de mi canción de atardecer, cómo te sienten mía mis sueños solitarios. It's something like that, right? I'm kind of fluent in Spanish? My parents are Venezuelan. I was adopted when I was a baby," She admitted with a small shrug as the thought, moving to tuck her hair back behind her ear as she did. "But, thank you," Bri whispered softly out, giving him a thankful smile as he promised to refrain from any vampire talk for the rest of the night. "And I have. I may have been dead for two years, but believe it or not, I don't actually live under a rock?" She shook her head the smallest bit back and forth, rolling her eyes lightly over at him. "But, I can't say I've ever had them in Mac and Cheese either? But, yes. It does thank you," She grinned. Her smile only growing as he quirked up a brow over at the innuendo she had clearly intended to make. "Hm. Okay, well, then let's go with your meatless balls. I used to be a vegetarian before I, well, hit the bucket and, as much as that's kind of gone out the window now, I don't know? I'd prefer not to responsible for more deaths than I have to be if that makes any sense?"

"Shall I call you dearest, then?" Ben murmured, a smile curving up his lips, playing into it. "Because there is none more dear or darling to me than you." He took one of her hands, giving it a soft kiss before looking up and winking. "Better?" he asked, leaning into the chivalry of it all. He laughed. "I'm a professor, not a poet. My job is to analyze poetry, Bri, not compose it. I fear I haven't made an attempt at that in years." He used to dabble. What aspiring literature major didn't dabble in poetry or prose? He had liked it, had taken his amateur hour to coffee shops and small time lit magazines. It had been fun, but it wasn't anything he thought he could make a career off of. Now, books? Reading and deciphering and writing all about it? Ben knew that he could do that, and he enjoyed it, too.

"I think it's a bit closer to thousands, actually," he said, no hint of embarrassment in his tone. "I have more in my home office, my office on campus, my bedroom." Classics and dime novels, scholarly text and penny dreadfuls, he liked to read it all. He liked to have it in his possession, too, not filed away on a tablet or computer. He liked the feel of the pages in his hands, and he liked to mark things up with a pen; not the first editions, of course, and nothing that was considered antique. He shook his head. "You're asking me to pick a favorite child. I can't possibly be expected to pick a favorite book out of such an extensive collection." He hummed, though. "I have a copy of Pablo Neruda's Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair from when it was originally published in 1924, in Spanish. Which, my Spanish is nothing to write home about, but I love the poetry, and I have the English translation, too, but it's most lovely read aloud in Spanish." Ben couldn't say whether or not it was his favorite, but he certainly went back to it all the time. And he did read it aloud, too, even if it was just him. "We'll refrain from further mention of the v word for the night. And you have heard of Swedish meatballs, haven't you? You know, the ones not in spaghetti with red sauce? Typically, they're served over egg noodles or a mash, but I'm certain they'll work just fine side by side with mac and cheese. A bit heavy, but mac and cheese and chocolate cake usually are anyway," he teased. "Does that answer your questions?" He raised an eyebrow at her questions about meatless balls, unable to properly decide if her innocence was an act or if she was being facetious. "They're made of bulgur wheat, chickpeas, and cremini mushrooms. It mimics ground meat without being meat. And to... just call them balls wouldn't be particularly informative, now, would it?"