#you know the way you'd talk to childhood friend who used to be very dear to you and now you're disappointed in what they grew up to

[bewareofthenewphannie]

.

[confessmau]

I don't like fighting but I love Vylad, I genuinely find him interesting as is in canon.

What I find interesting about Vylad;

->He is very mysterious, there's a mystery surrounding him. This peakes my interests. While watching he constantly had me interested in knowing more about him. Who murdered him? What is his morality? What is his goal? What was he like before?

->Vylad is odd, he is strange. Ofcourse queer and neurodivergent people are going to be drawn to him. (And self project onto him)

Honestly "you just like him because he's gay" is such a weak argument. There are other characters that are canonically gay, and Vylad being Gay was never confirmed by Jess. Just implied in a line in mcd, and said to be pan by his vc in mystreet. There are many other characters, people headcanon as gay too.

->Vylad has an interesting morality, you don't know where he falls at first. And later it's said Vylad killed people before, Vylad used to be a loyal shadowknight before.

Vylad doesn't see himself a the same person he was before he turned into a shadowknight anymore.

->Vylad is one of the most hopeless and pessimistic shadowknights of all, while we see Laurance desperately clinging onto his humanity. Vylad has let go. Sasha was betrayed by her friends but still holds onto her morals and holds some dear feelings to them and her ex-husband Kenmur. Sasha has clung to the shadowknights now. She cared for her fellow shadowknights and how they got killed by Zenix. Gene is following the shadowlord's cause fully and driven by his hatred(and pain) for Dante. Zenix is also driven, driven by power, and not wanting to be controlled. Vincent is just doing his thing. Meanwhile, I'd say Vylad is the least driven of all, yet deep down he is a little. He still goes out of his way to secretly help Garroth for example, by getting Aphmau. He saved Levin. He helped out. There's this interesting duality about him. He knows Laurance is foolish and naive, but Laurance still gives him hope.

->Vylad appears cold and mysterious. This is interesting. Especially if you compare him to his mystreet counterpart, who acts totally different.

->His relation to his family members. I can't help but wonder what his childhood was like. And if it was Garte or Zane who murdered him. Zane supposedly ignored him a lot of the time. How did Vylad deal with this?

Also, it's ironic that Zane is a priest and shadowknights are somewhat demon like, but Vylad's a better person between the two of them(which isn't hard but still).

->Vylad is calm yet his actions are way less restricted and calm then you'd expect. He decides to summon a God, he never cares to mention that she is a god, he decides not to disclose secrets unless he's asked. There's some hidden chaos under his calmness and restrained nature.

->He thinks so very little of himself, he doesn’t see himself as the person he was before anymore. He avoids people because he is convinced he'll only make things worse for them. He is convinced he isn't human at all anymore, and doesn’t feel anything.

Yet he cries so hard when Aphmau tells him Garroth died, yet he is willing to go through extreme lengths(closing the nether portal amd summoning a god) to ensure his safety. He is willing to go out and safe his mother. His actions show he does still truly care.

->his overidealisation of Garroth is interesting too, there's a scene where he talks about how Garroth would never get caught up in his emotions like this. Yet this is false, Garroth does all the time, more often then him. This is interesting.

And did he ever idealise Zane like that? What was their bond like?

->Vylad loses every battle he's in and I think that's funny

~~

[fandom-iction]

The Lost Zodiac

•Two•

Series Masterlist || Masterlist

< Previous || Next >

Words: 775

Your workplace was a small book store. It was quiet, and you have enjoyed it so far. There were never a lot of people who came by. It was slow enough that you could relax. It was a nice change from the hustle and bustle of your last job in America. A lovely family owned it in the area who were quick to let you work there part-time. It didn't pay much, but it gave you some spending money. You were currently working on some homework when the bell rang at the top of the door, signaling a new customer.

"Welcome in! Can I help-" You started but cut yourself off with a glare, seeing who entered the store. "What do you want?"

"Is that any way to greet a customer, dear sister?" The silver-haired devil spoke. Your glare at Ayame hardened.

"What do you want, Ayame?" You asked, your voice hard.

"Gure called and told me you were back. I just thought I should be a good big brother and greet you." He said with a bright smile like your harsh tone didn't affect him.

"You're not my brother." You reminded him. Words repeated back from your childhood. You remembered running after him as a kid, trying to get the love you desperately desired from your birth family. You had grabbed onto his sleeve, looking up with hopeful eyes. He looked down at you in disgust and spat those very words. 'I am not your brother. Get your filthy hands off of me.'

It broke your heart. It made you feel unwanted. Why didn't anyone love you? You remember running home in tears. Your mom held you and sang to you softly, rocking you to sleep.

"Y/N," Ayame said softly, snapping you out of the memory. You looked up at him with angry tears in your eyes.

"Leave me alone, Ayame. Go back to pretending I don't exist. You're good at that if I remember correctly." You looked back down at your homework, holding your breath until he finally left.

"You're sad." A quiet voice spoke. You looked over to see a young boy dressed in all black, with a blank expression. He had arrived and stated his intention to browse about an hour ago. You had hoped he didn't see too much of your interaction.

"I always am, kid. That's nothing new." You shrugged.

"I will ask the spirits for that to change for you." He said, his voice monotone.

"Yeah, you do that." You responded, watching him walk out the door. A strange experience, but you wrote it off, focusing back on your assignment.

~•~

The next day at school, you arrived early and sat at your desk watching students mingle in the hallways. You never had many friends growing up, and you were envious. People tended to steer clear of you. You longed for companionship.

"Hi!" Tohru had entered the room with two other girls following closely behind. One was a tall blonde with a long flowing skirt, and the other was a girl with black hair and a blank stare that reminded you of the kid from the bookstore. The three girls came to a stop in front of your desk.

"I know we briefly met at Shigure's place yesterday, but I wanted to introduce myself officially! I'm Tohru! This is Uotani and Hanajima!" Her perky voice said, motioning to the blonde and brunette respectfully.

"Um, hi. Y/N." You quietly responded, not sure why the three were approaching you.

"Sup," Uotani said with a nod.

"Hello." Hanajima greeted.

"We wondered if you'd like to have lunch with us." Tohru invited.

"No thanks. I'm better sticking by myself." You answered. While you appreciate the offer, you didn't know how to talk to people. The thought of having to make conversation made you anxious.

"Awe, come on! We're going to eat with your brother and Carrots!" Uotani said with a shit-eating grin.

"He's not my brother." You said, looking away from the three. They exchanged confused looks.

"We don't have to eat with them if you don't want to." Tohru offered. You were just about to decline again when Hanajima spoke up.

"You remind me a lot of how I was when I first moved here. Yes, your waves are ripe with sadness and turmoil." She informed. You looked at her in confusion, tilting your head. Your what now? "It's decided. You must have lunch with us."

"Wait, huh?" You asked, startled.

"Oh yes, please! We'll find you at lunch!" Tohru exclaimed, perking up. They found their way to their respective seats, leaving you stunned. What just happened?

< Previous || Next >

[mechanicalinertia]

STMPD Recommends Ranma 1/2 Fanfiction: Nemo Blank's Chaos Factor (Or, Ucchan is Best Girl)

Okay. Time for some changes around here.

Yes, that's right. You're not dreaming, dear reader. In my neverending Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath to waste my own time on the internet, I've decided to expand on beyond writing reviews of Bubblegum Crisis fanfiction to review... other fanfiction. My powers grow, and grow, and grow.

Okay, huge forewarning, let's just get it out of the way, I don't actually read a whole lot of Ranma fanfiction. I used to read a lot more, but my tastes always tended toward the somewhat shitty fanfictions, not the actually good ones. So I'm probably just gonna recommend two incredibly good Ranma fics, and then move onto other pastures. There's a particular Homestuck-Pacific Rim crossover I've always wanted to sell people on, stuff like that.

Anyway! Here's a good Ranma fanfiction, incomplete but uproariously funny and maybe too clever by half: Chaos Factor.

Well, then. What exactly is Chaos Factor about? It... um... well... fuck. Hang on.

Were this a fic with weaker writing, I would have a pretty hard time overlooking CF's tendency to veer wildly all over the place in terms of setting and what its attention is focused on. So let's start at the beginning: Ranma goes off to train in the mountains, is accosted by a soul-stealing demon, is saved by his Neko-ken being a giant spirit tiger that mauls the shit out of the demon - and wakes up to Ukyo Kuonji, everyone's favorite crossdressing Kansaiben okonomiyaki chef childhood friend waifu, holding him close to ensure his well-being with a side of pressing her cleavage into his side.

Of course within five seconds Shampoo, Akane, Genma, Soun, Mousse, and Ryoga all show up. Of course there's an altercation where Akane falls into a river, Ranma saves her, and she yeets him into the stratosphere. Reader, Akane is many things in this fic, but she's hardly a kind soul. Which - is okay?

Yeah, let me just get this out of the way, I don't really like Akane. She's a girl out of her depth in Ranma's insane martial-arts world, a normal, sane human being whose dignity is constantly put to the test by the irrationality that is Ranma, his rivals and fiancees, and their goofy superpowers. Oh, sure, she can be cute at times, but more often than not she's the worst sort of tsundere, the childish one who treats any entreaty towards what little order she has left in her life as an affront on her person and then proceeds to beat up Ranma. Oh, sure, the manga probably treats her better, but that doesn't change the fact that Ranma saving her again and again and again and neither of the two admitting they might like each other over and over and over again is not really a healthy relationship dynamic. Sure, the other girls are possessive and jealous too, but at least they can keep up with Ranma to a closer degree, at least they're honest with their own affection. Well, whatever, this argument has been had since Internet Time Immemorial and will likely be thus for years to come. So... Yeah. One of the best quotes from CF (and there are so, so many) speaks to this: "It was true love, all right. True love for eight-year-olds."

Anyway, Ranma lands in his mom's backyard (this is after the manga's failed wedding ending, mind you), and they talk. Turns out Ranma thinks he's got this duty to the Tendo family to join the schools (his dad lied), turns out he doesn't know how to deal with love (he likes the Tendo sisters, but only knows that he doesn't know if he loves Akane), and... suffice to say that Nodoka finally says: No, Ranma, you're staying with me from here on out, and each fiancé will meet me in person and I'll determine their suitability one at a time.

Which would be a perfectly interesting pitch for a fic, you'd think, Ranma having to arrange all those meetings and Nodoka meeting the girls as they try to be on their best behavior. Only, we only get to Kodachi and Shampoo in interviews, because other plot threads are introduced fast. Very, very fast. Blisteringly fast. Among the things that just happen and don't stop happening:

Ranma gets yeeted into the middle of the Sailor Senshi, assumes they're a bunch of fiancés or pervs or whatever, and proceeds to avoid their attacks effortlessly. As Ranma's rivals and the Senshi get more and more intertwined, it becomes clear that a) Crystal Tokyo relies on wiping out everyone save a few million loyal to Serenity, something Sailor Pluto is largely hiding from her charges, and b) The Senshi are terrible at actual fights. Ranma simply summons Happosai (calls his name three times) and misery is had. Now, I don't especially like how the Senshi are sort of the butt of the joke here, especially since many gags are made out of how utterly unstoppable Kuno is by conventional standards, and those jokes are quite funny. But you can't have everything.

As such, when Ranma beats up a Youma without trying very hard, he ends up on the national news. Nabiki's having the time of her life playing the tour guide for the Tendo Dojo, right up until the government decides Ranma could be a useful asset in the war against the supernatural.

Washu from Tenchi Muyo ends up in a time warp where she inadvertently becomes Nodoka's mother (and Ranma's maternal Grandma!) Ryoko thinks having a nephew-niece is nothing short of awesome, and she and Sasami hang out with him and Ryoga for a bit.

Ryoga's wandering capacity is played up as a space distortion, to the point that he can end up in anywhere while going to anywhere else. Kasumi follows him to the bathroom of their house and ends up going through Egypt for a few moments, Mihoshi follows him to an alien planet, things like that.

Ranma flees normal life again, is tracked down by Ukyo using a somewhat terrifying ninja technique involving sympathetic ki, and they fight a samurai ghost together. Ranma figures out how to turn into a dragon and Ukyo falls even more head-over-heels in love with him, because, uh, dragons amirite? Meanwhile, Ranma is convinced that Ukyo wants Ranma to be a waitress for her, and that's cleared up... but Ranma still is afraid of her world, especially because Ukyo wants to become the head of a national okonomiyaki restaurant chain.

And it's all... funny, and sweet, and even if the tone it nails isn't exactly the manga's irreverent tone, as far as harem-adjacent tales go let it be said that Chaos Factor has a tone, and it nails that tone, and it keeps on that tone for 81k words. even if it ends somewhat anticlimactically before, if I recall correctly, Ranma and his fiancés are to have an audience with the emperor.

Look, I'm having trouble describing this fanfic that I've read a half-dozen times over because it's simply that good. I don't just encourage you to read it -- I implore you to do so. You won't regret it.

[stopbeingrude]

Hi guys , how are you doing ? I hope you had at least a decent day. I was really surprised by how many people were interested in my story. (blush) Im so glad As promised, here's chapter 2 ,, I like the rain, it always seemed like the only thing that was like me…" Chapter 2. ,,Thank you for being here" Juvia looked at the object in her hands that she found while packing for their trip to Tempeville. A tiny umbrella , white with smiling suns printed on it .She remembered vividly the exact moment Jerry had handed it to her. - "Here, this is for you, I couldn't bear to hear you whining anymore,"- said the golden-haired man, handing the little girl his gift. -'' I've told you many times, that in time you would be able to control the rain around you. It's normal for water to behave strangely around water mages, and I had a problem with it too….- said Jerry. The man thought for a moment, then added. -..I'm pretty sure I told you how I nearly drowned my ex girlfriend….I told you, right?.. "- little girl nodded-"...Of course I did…haha..If only you could see that bitc...yh...lady's face….Where was I at again?............Oh right!... If only you were just a bit more patient, little froggy.." -"I told you not to call me that, you dummy! "- shouted the seemingly angry Juvia. It was obvious that she wasn't angry, but if those were supposed to be birthday wishes , then that this old slacker could have tried a little harder. -''Oi! Brat....I'm trying my best to wish you a happy birthday and you act like this? -" What kind of birthday wishes are these supposed to be!?- the girl exclaimed. -..Unbelievable! Young people these days are so ungrateful….Ugh .."- he complained, but eventually gave up. -" Heh... Alright….Im sorry... Happy Birthday Juju…- he said with a grin. He couldn't stay angry with his baby for too long. - "...I wish you happiness, health,...I hope you'll grow up to be a decent and intelligent woman ... because remember this..., it's not how you look that counts, it's what's in your head…. - the man poked her forehead lightly, causing the girl to giggle. Despite the tough character of her ..guardian ...? I guess you could call him that… despite his difficult sense of humour and his biting remarks, she knew that she was important to him, just as he was important to her. He just had a strange way of showing affection... Juvia laughed lightly despite a few tears that flowed from her sapphire eyes. It was for moments like this , she's been able to endure the bullying of other children , she knew that every sad experience ended with a visit from Jerry. Every visit ended with one of his strange ideas that always put a smile back on her face, like that one time he took her out for hot dogs at 10pm. Juvia was never able to forget the look on the orphanage ladies' faces when Jerry walked her back at 1 am. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice when her fiancé appeared in their bedroom. -" I've never seen this one…"- he pointed at the umbrella- ''.. I'm guessing it's a special one then" -he stated, handing her tea. - "Thank you... "- she took a sip-"...Yes you're right... actually it was a present for my birthday. HE gave it to me…" After packing the last things, they both sat down on the bed. Neither of them was quite sure how to start a conversation. Gray didn't like the strange atmosphere that had prevailed in their apartment since yesterday. But most of all he did not like how distant Juvia seemed to be. That wasn't his Juvia. Devil Slayer rested his head on her shoulder. When Blue-haired woman began to gently stroke his hair, he immediately relaxed . He missed that... After what for him felt like ages , she decided to speak. -"Juvia is sorry that she didn't tell you anything...Juv….. I was just trying to forget about it... it's not like I don't trust you....Please don't be angry…"-she said in an uncertain voice. -"I'm not angry at you….I'm just a little disappointed...I thought you felt comfortable enough with me to tell me everything…"- he admitted. It was silly to admit , but he didn't

like the fact that Juvia wouldn't tell him something. He knew that everyone had the right to have their own secrets, but his desire to find out what was in her head was much stronger. After a while he decided to ask her more - "Is there anything else you haven't told me about yourself?" He needed to know. -" No. Everything else is true…About my childhood, about Phantom Lord...and mostly about my parents..." …………………………. -".........What happened to your parents...?"- he asked quietly. He contemplated for a moment whether he should ask her this question. After all, he didn't know what kind of reaction this would cause.. -" My mother died when I was about 2 years old.... I don't know who my father was... Jerry said he never met him…about my mother.."- Juvia looked as if she was thinking very hard about something, and after a moment she added-"..Jerry once told me that even she couldn't remember who he exactly was….not that she cared about it or about being pregnant …"- said Juvia weirdly. Wait , what? -"..L-let me get this straight…...you're trying to tell me….that she didn't really care that she got pregnant...and that she wasn't even trying to look for your father? ' Wait, what !?' -….ymm... that's....." - the man persistently tried to choose the right words. He did not want to offend his fiancée's mother by any means (If not for her , Juvia wouldn't be there in the first place, so she obviously deserved to be at least respected)....But everything Juvia had mentioned sounded...How to put it?...Concerning? -" It's not normal... I know... you don't have to hold back Darling- she said with a slight smile- "Her name was Eliana and apparently she was always like...that..., she was...well DIFFERENT.."- that's how Jerry would always describe her-"....She didn't really care about anything, she didn't talk too much, she rarely showed any kind of emotion....She was one big secret, even for him. Juvia never fully got it. Why would she be like that with the person she supposedly was…… ..ymm…..Close.?"- he didn't miss the way she said the last word, but he kept quiet about it. After all ,the relationship between two strangers wasn't his business. Gray decided to change the subject a bit. -"You know..., I think it's really great of him to take care of both of you.…"-despite the fact that the night before Gray had felt a lot of anger towards the aforementioned man, right now he was grateful that he had taken both ladies under his care.- "He must have been an amazing person. It really sounds like you are telling me about some hero or saint"- ice mage smiled - "He was "- said blunette with a smile - "I will always be grateful to him...But Saint ? No, no ,no...That's probably too much of an exaggeration." - she added with a giggle. Gray was glad that she was laughing again, he couldn't help but laugh a little too. They are slowly returning to normalcy... - "He was the laziest, most stubborn man you could find on this planet….He was untactful , brutally honest and worst of all, sometimes he could be so awfully mean and grumpy , especially when it was Tuesday...Juvia never got that...why Tuesday?….Dear God , he could be so unbearable...."- Juvia stopped for a moment, then smiled playfully.- "Honestly you two are pretty similar in that case" - "Ekhem....So.. you're suggesting that I'm mean and grumpy ? Oh ..Alright... I'll remember that when you want something from me..."- Gray said, pretending to be offended and trying hard not to smile. Juvia laughed loudly, then wrapped her arms around his neck and placed a sweet kiss on his lips. After Jerry disappeared, she was sure she would never get attached to anyone again. She didn't want to suffer more. But as we all know, life likes to surprise us, and "never" is not eternal. First she met Gajeel , with whom, by some strange coincidence, she found a connection. Funny, considering how different they were. Even then a quiet voice in her head, similar to Jerry's, whispered to her to not get too attached….that it didn't make sense. On that day, for the first time in her

life, she decided to ignore it, and thanks to that, she gained a wonderful friend. The same situation happened again after she met Gray and Fairy tail. The insistent voice kept reminding her of the past. 'Just because you've miraculously found a friend who hasn't left you, doesn't mean that it will happen again...' 'So what if he stopped your rain, one day you'd be able to deal with it by yourself…..Besides, don't you remember what happened the last time you felt something for a guy? It's just stupid, meaningless crush, just get over it....' But as time passed and she became more and more attached to the guild mates, more and more in love with Gray..... The voice in her head gradually faded and after a while the only sound she heard was the laughter of her loved ones. Despite the suffering of the past, Juvia no longer regretted anything. She would go through it even 100 more times, just to be happy with her new family. -"Oi ! - she felt Gray lightly tap her nose- Juvs don't fall asleep, we have a train in about two hours….. Remember? "- he asked amused - "You're right! Juvia's sorry, she got lost in her thoughts…" ****************************************** - "Are you going on a mission ?" asked Mira Jane cheerfully, as the couple informed her of their departure. Gray didn't necessarily want to share with her the reason for their trip. After all, it was a rather sensitive topic. - "Yyyy it's more like..... a..vacation...?...Right Juvia?"- he turned to his fiancée - "Oh!....Yes, yes..."- nodded the woman. The barmaid looked at them with a huge smile. She still couldn't quite believe that these two were finally together.… - "In that case I wish you a wonderful time, lovebirds" - she giggled as she saw them both turning red. - "Ooh vacation? That's awesome, wish you a great time guys." -they heard Lucy's voice behind them. - "They are such a beautiful couple."- added Erza proudly-" I can't believe that our Gray has grown so much..I hope you'll have an amazing vacation." - '"I also wish you an amazing time'' -said Wendy happily. -Ohhh..young love…- sang Happy, flying over their heads. - " And where are you two going anyway?"- asked Natsu curiously while finishing his lunch. - "We decided to visit my hometown,"- said Juvia. Her friends didn't need to know more... - "Oh cool..Where is it?" -continued Natsu. He never really thought much about where his guild-mate came from.. -" I don't think that's your business Flame-brain. Besides you probably wouldn't know where it is anyway." -said Gray, slightly annoyed. He was slowly starting to get on his nerves. Why does Natsu always have to meddle in things that are not his own? - "I asked Juvia ,not you Icy-pants" said Natsu teasingly. Jeez what's wrong with Droopy eyes today , he just asked a simple question. - "Calm down both of you "- said Lucy. She didn't like where this conversation was going. -'' Lucy is right, there is no point in arguing....Natsu if you really want to know, Juvia was born in the town of Tempeville, in the south - said Juvia, trying to calm down quickly. - "Oh, I've never heard of that place," Natsu said, surprised. Looks like there's a lot of towns he didn't know about. - "See, I told you so,"- said Gray. "Now if you'll excuse us, we have a train to catch. So let's get going… - "Hey Lucy, Happy, let's go with them...I'd like to see what that place is like "- said Natsu suddenly, dragging the blonde with him. His girlfriend looked at him in horror. 'Natsu, what are you thinking? Are you trying to ruin their trip?' - "The hell?! "- shouted Gray. And then he thought that everything was going well…'Please no….' - "Natsu, that's their private vacation! "- exclaimed Lucy, knowing very well that they should leave the couple alone- "Besides, they said they have a train coming soon!" -"Then let's go , we have to get ready quickly…...!" "LEAVE US ALONE !!' - desperate Gray shouted as loud as he could, unintentionally focusing the attention of practically the entire guild. They all looked at him, disapproval clearly written on

their faces. - "Gee..Buddy..you don't have to be so rude," - said Max. - "My God… what's with you?- whispered Lisanna - "Exactly Gray, what kind of behavior is that? "- Erza asked in a stern tone- "If you don't want Natsu to come with you, just tell him politely. The Devil Slayer wanted to disappear... It wasn't supposed to be like this. He turned his gaze towards his fiancée, silently asking for any kind of rescue. However, he was met with the same horrified gaze. After a moment, the girl bowed her head slightly and said to the rest of the guild. -"Everyone , please forgive us, especially Gray. I don't know what's going on with him lately...." - ' Huh ?'- Gray must have heard that wrong….There is no way... -"....He's been very tired and stressed lately, probably because of work, that's why we decided to go on vacation…..Juvia didn't know what to do...." said Juvia, brilliantly pretending to be distraught. 'Stop making me out to be some kind of aggressive freak,' Gray shouted in his mind 'Juvia is sorry but this is kinda your fault'- thought blunette , while taking a look at her lover. - "Relax Juvia, you don't have to apologize to us... To be honest Natsu tried to force his way into your trip" - said Lucy, looking at her partner with an annoyance. - Sorry Juvia….-said the pink haired boy meekly-"...but the ice princess can kiss my ass. I won't apologize to him.." -he added quietly. - "It honestly sounds like an excuse to leave you alone so you can shag in peace" -said Cana under her breath. She wanted to add something else but then she felt a murderous gaze of the black-haired man and decided to shut up. -"True!"- added Gajeel, receiving a look full of indignation from his best friend. -"That's so MANLY" - "How could you blame them though….." -laughed Macao. -"GOODBYE !" - shouted Fullbuster blushing furiously ,as he headed straight to the door, dragging his equally embarrassed lover with him. As they walked towards the train station, dragging their suitcases behind them, blunette suddenly asked… - "Did you really do this...to be all alone with me....?" asked Juvia innocently. Oh how she loved teasing him like that... -"JUVIA ?! "- At this point Gray was close to having a heart attack. A very amused girl could not stop laughing for a while , until they got on the train and they sat down in one of the wagons. Their journey has just begun. ****************************************** Very random/ unnecessary bonus . Remember this, Lovelies! Never doodle under the influence of alcohol, you will get wierd ideas lol. ,, Do you see this sh*t Juvia? People are fighting over fictional characters… Humanity really is getting dumber and dumber...."

[penny-quinn]

Devil runs after you!

Enhypen jake× readers

Genre: suggestive, Halloween 🎃,fluff, highschool au, vampire au,

Word count:3.5k

Collaborations: underworld eclipse

Tagging: @jungwon-luv-bot-returns@wonjaems@dimplehyunn @shrutiajit @mykalon@nikieskoo@azure-arcanum @sweetrainwrites @kiillmeee @jessiccajessie @diffuserlover

Prologue: the Serene air hovers around as Jake presses himself close to you, leaning towards your neck...... Jake invading your space, pressing the bodies against eachother while your heart skipped a beat,sharping inhaling His cologne. A subtle smirk forms on his lips as twirled your hair strands while eyeing your slender neck, should I bite her? The risqué thought brought a sudden humour to take a bite from you.

Playlist: here. (Recommend)For you-rita ora and Liam Payne, capital letters- Hailee steinfeild and blood pop ®.

Authors note: since, Halloween didn't win the pole last time, I saved this fic for the month of Halloween 🎃..... Like always I've tried my best and it'll probably the last one i'll release cuz I have alot on my plate.... I have tried my best and hope you all enjoy 🍥.

A touch!

October 15 "Dear diary, today I met a boy in the garden. He was Mr. Shim's son. Unlike his father he was very cheerful and nice, we played together and he even helped me to do the homework." And you turned over to the page. "Gosh I had liked him since then huh?" You pondered while reviewing your diary. It was the diary you used to write in, in second grade, flipping through those pages it felt nostalgic. It held memories of how you and Jake met, your days with him, your family times and everything you wished you had Getting up, you wiped your teary eyes and headed down to the cafeteria for dinner. "Hey Nayeon unnie! What's up?" You brightly entered with your hands full of food tray. " Can't you see I'm eating?" Nayeon said in a nonchalant way while you gave her your bunny smile. Soon enough Lia joins your group as well, bringing the spiciest gossip of the day. " Guys did you know that Sunghoon has a crush on one of the girls in our grade?" Lia states while chewing her food. "Didn't know about that but I did know that Jake likes our y/n" nayeon assumes while you literally choked up, accidentally splattering out some of the chewed food. "Calm down girl, I know you like him as well but it's not something to be very excited about" nayeon whispered while winking eyes at Lia; uhh, their telepathy. "Guys give up! I don't wanna like him. And nor does he like me" you tried to throw tantrums cause why not? Who's stopping you when you're the youngest, right? Eventually, they give up and the usual old gossip and sarcastic conversations start.

Returning to your dorm, you studied a little more and called it a night. Jake had always been your childhood friend. You had been friends with Jake for a long time, during your childhood he was your only friend, growing up he was and is still your crush. Humans have always been dynamic, and so was Your relationship with Jake; Spending your days with Jake, you were somewhat introduced to sunghoon as well. The issue didn't lie with your friends but with your friendship, you had failed to notice that they were the famous heartthrobs of the school and to the school, you had stolen them. Your friendship with them had led you to a huge repercussion. Nearly everyday, you'd be browbeaten by the admirers of theirs. And on the contrary, Jake appeared to be bothered with every guy you talk to. Every time you talked to a guy he was either never gonna speak to you again or his existence completely disappeared from your life. Being fed up with this drama you slowly start to back down from Jake's life for good. Gradually, you started to talk less, and as the days passed by it all came to an end. Your friendship, the bullies, all those unwanted attention it all came to an end. You soon fall into a deep slumber. In a blink of an eye the night had passed by. You rose early. Opening the windows you let in the morning air, enhaleing the fresh air which was chilly. And hence, your day began. Freshening up, you headed to the cafeteria. "Hey Lia unnie, what's with those dark circles under your eyes? Didn't you sleep enough or what?" You questioned while she was literally squeezing the big loaf of bread in her mouth. After a while she answers "you know the stuff, seniors dares. I was literally asked to dress a freaking giant strawberry?in the Halloween!!!" Lia Burst's out in anger while you couldn't help but laugh at her misery. "So what did you do then?" You said " What could I do? I had to accept my fate, but hopefully yeji will dress as a giant skeleton alongside me" Lia gives out an evil laugh while you exhale a long breath. Guess, yeji had some tough luck. Fast forward, In your geography class the teacher gave a project to present world geography in pairs. You were paired with haruto; "oh, what bad luck" you remorsed. As only a few minutes were given for the discussion, you stepped out the doors while still having the discussion. It held a lot of practical marks and you didn't want to ruin it. Jake who had just taken blood from some unknown female was left in distaste seeing you with some other guy. It didn't feel right unless you were with him. "Hey, whats up man?" Sunghoon reaches Jake only to frown, didn't he just have some snack?he thought. And as turned his head to where Jake was glaring, sunghoon's face held a grim. "Guess I have to play Cupidhuh?" He thought as Jake started to walk away with the air of arrogance. The classes had ended and you headed to the ice-cream café. It was your part-time job to serve ice-cream, Although it wasn't much but it was enough to pay your food bills. To your good luck, sunghoon and Jake entered the café. It was quite a sight to see, especially because your jaw literally dropped cause you knew that they both weren't much of a sweet tooth but anyways you took their orders. Once the order was placed you were quick to make it. Delivering it to their table As you served your hand slipped and the ice-cream was now on Jake's shirt. "I'm so sorry, should I wipe it for you?" You asked in concern yet your eyes never met his. "Oh-oh, it's ok just show me the bathroom I'll clean myself" Jake said with sunghoon winked at him, which you had failed to notice. You showed him the way to the bathroom. While you were gonna leave, his palms suddenly caught your wrists not letting you leave "Jake, wa- what are you doing? It's not, it's not like you!" You cried out while Jake's aura got heavier. " I'm just showing you to whom you belong, to whom your heart belongs. You seem to be swayed when I wasn't around and I don't like it" he said it in a sharp tone "I'm not swayed by anyone and my heart

belongs to me!" You said tightly clutching your dress w " Oh, no baby girl lying to yourself? you got it wrong" he said as he now turned you in the opposite direction where your back now faced the bathroom. Your Heart raced at a quicker pace and your palms got sweaty. "We are complete opposites! Why are you after me" you said, taking your steps backwards. " Don't you know that opposites attract darling?" Jake states while your breath hitches. " It's only for magnets Jake," you said as you tried to calm your heart.A subtle smirk forms on Jake's lips as he could see the effect he had on you. " Oh no babe, it seems that you haven't completed your assignment. This law holds true to every object in the universe," Jake states with a grim in his lips while you sharply inhaled as your back seemed to have hit the wall. " Shouldn't you be given a punishment?" Jake says while twirling your hair strands. " But still, I'm not interested. I'm a good girl and your-. Your complete opposite, please" you said while trying to get out of his grip. But it seems to have the opposite effect on Jake as his eyes got darker and darker while you felt your heart racing. You pushed his Chest with your arms but he didn't even flinch. " Don't you know, baby girl? Good girls go to heaven while bad boys, like me, will bring heaven to you. He caressed your cheeks while lifting your chin making you look at him eye to eye, " let's just say that I'll take you heaven and like a good girl you'd taste like heaven; like the perfect match we are, " His impatience was at its peak, not being able to resist no more smacking his lips into yours. He slowly closed the gaps between both of you, taking you away by surprise. It was slow and savory. Your hands were still at his chest, while his like a serpent was at the back of your head while others on your waist gave shivers to you as he touched your skin. He nibbled your bottom lips, pricking out some blood which was sucked clean. With time, your resistance seems to have melted like your body; Your head was spinning and couldn't see clearly, you were gasping for air and your legs were giving out. Finally Jake pulled out, allowing you to breathe. His glassy eyes gazed at you, noticing your every detail. How your Hair was a mess, your cheeks were like that of an apple Scarlet red, your lips were swollen, and your eyes were dazed. Your eyes were glassy, while your lips trembled parting. Your head was spinning rapidly and you were numb. You couldn't think straight. And you yearned for more, desired something even better and Jake could see it. He wanted you to feel what he had felt. He narrowed his eyes to his wrist watch, it was about time he thought. "As much as I want to continue, I have to go. See you next time doll" Jake said as he left, leaving the fire inside you burning. Returning to the dorm, you quickly covered up your lips and neck in case the girls would question you. And just like you thought they did. "Hey, y/n-ahh you're glowing, and your lips seem fuller than usual. Did something happen?" Nayeon asked with a smirk as she now waits for the gossip to be revealed. " Aren't I always this way? You're misinterpreting things unnie. Give up" you tried to push her words away. While she gave a " humm" as a response with nosey eyes. Later that night your heart couldn't help but summersault every time you thought of what had happened in the café. Your first kiss, Jake had taken it. You had been glad that it was him, but his words and actions were somewhat suspicious. It's as if he had liked you but if he did like you than why would he have been tamed all this time and then as smooth as butter dash your heart away? At around this time of the year? And the time when you had seen his eyes flicker from black to red to black. Maybe you were just hallucinating? But then it all just didn't match at all. The whole week, you gave a deep thought about the whole situation and you had come to his conclusion, you'd love him unconditionally. Fast forward it was the night of Halloween.

What happened at the ice-cream café was something that wasn't willing to let go of your head. Those words he had let out, whether it was in the heat of moment or were from his heart; it pricked deep into your soul. " Y/n-ahh, you ready?" Nayeon barged in while you were barely in your underwear. "YAAAAW! UNNIE, at least knock!" You screamed and scolded her to which she gave an embarrassing look with a golden smile. "Sorry, sorry! I'm really sorry... Don't be sad my cutie pie, okie?"she coaxed you in the most affectionate way, while you still pouted, Once you were done wearing the costume, you hovered your arms around nayeons and headed to the main hall. Near the narrow gallery, you saw sight of Jake and sunghoon talking to two other girls. The side frame of Jake, it was marvellous; his black hair neatly combed with the slight bangs covering his forehead, the tuxedo had given him the air of that of a royalty. Back at Jake, his sharp senses had already known of your arrival; locking eyes with you, blood rushed to your cheeks reminding you of that night as you quickly looked away. Taking further steps, nayeon whispers " be careful y/n. It's the night of trick and treats." As you were now greeted by sunghoon " Oh, hello lovely ladies." "Hello, handsome men. What have you dressed as ?" Nayeon asked " Sunghoon here has dressed as a priest while I've dressed as a detective" Jake completes his sentence while sunghoon remakes " trickster" The whole situation was a very odd one. He did seem like a detective especially with that camera in his hands yet sunghoon's remark was something you had to pound upon. "And what about yourselves?" "Ohh, i'm a witch for the night while y/n here is a priestess as well" while sunghoon and you gave each other a crooked smile and Jake had his lips set thin. Taking a leave you now headed towards the dance floor where Lia dressed as a strawberry was rocking the stage. "UNNIE" you called Lia with a laugh as she pulled you towards her and made you dance. "Maybe I should live a little" you thought as you now swayed with the music. Feeling the sudden urge to pee, you informed Lia and left the hall. With only candle's as the source of light, you were good as lost. Finally, making your way to the washroom you finished your business. On the way back, you seemed to have taken the wrong direction. Finding your way was a lot of trouble especially when you felt that someone was following you. Feeling the unknown presence nearby, you start to run. Although the halls were empty, steps of two more people could be heard. Your heart raced while you remembered what nayeon had said " to be careful as it was the night of trick and treat" On the other wing, vampires were having their own fun. Humans were being bitten mercilessly who were now a snack for them to quench their thirsts. Jake who was casually sipping his drink from a fresh human wrist was suddenly caught off guard as he could hear your breath and heartbeat. Sunghoon had left him a few minutes ago and hearing those footsteps he couldn't help but worry. Getting out he now searched for you. Your breath was heavier. You had been running for quite some time and it seems that they were closer and closer till a hand caught your ankles. Goosebumps form on your entire body as You try to kick the hands of whomever it was. Jake, who had arrived right on time, quickly pulled you out and you again started to run. With his nocturnal eyes, he quickly opened the doors of one of the classes and pulled you in, while throwing his blood bag in the opposite direction. "Ja-" you were about to question when his hands wrapped around your mouth. The Serene air hovers around as Jake presses himself close to you, leaning towards your neck...... Jake invades your space, pressing the bodies against each other while your heart skipped a beat, sharply inhaling His cologne. A subtle smirk forms on his lips as twirled your hair strands while eyeing your slender neck, should I bite her? The risqué thought brought a sudden humour to take a bite from you. Once the floor was

clear you coughed while questioning "what were they Jake? Why were they after me?" "They- they were vampires. Probably the ones who are high today" he said with a hint of seriousness. "I thought they only existe-" you couldn't finish your words as Jake's pupils turned red and his teeth now bore fangs. It seems that what you had seen in the café wasn't your hallucination. " Existed in movies?"he ended your sentence while continuing " no it's rather we have hidden ourselves to camouflage with all of you. You see dear" he said while tracing your jaw line " There are things beyond the eyes that can see. You must meet people and circumstances to know it all" wise words left his lips while still eyeing your slender neck. You Heart, it pounded aloud which could be heard in the entire hall. "You're not scared baby girl?" He asked Strangely enough you weren't scared that he was a Vampire. "Nop, for some reason I don't. Maybe cause it's you that's why" you said. You seem to always know that made him lose his patience Jake thinks. As he now brought himself forward and you closed your eyes, waiting for some seconds but his lips never pressed yours. You were truly embarrassed. " Why? Thought that I was gonna kiss you baby girl?" He said with a mischievous smile. The devil had set the trap and the priest had fallen right into the bet; tasting the forbidden fruit she was left enchanted. " Yes" you whispered as you now stood on your toes, kissing his lips. The forbidden action had left an unextinguished fire which you wished to extinguish yet could never be. Seeing your bold side Jake could only admire as he now deepened the kiss. You tilt your head allowing him to enter your mouth;Tracing every corner As his hands snake behind your waist while your hands rested on his shoulders. He now slowly let out, making you rather unsatisfied as you were intoxicated by the kiss. Jake then again, starts to kiss your slender neck, leaving bite marks all over your tender skin while slowly heading towards your shoulders. Soft tender kisses were planted all over them, while he selfishly bit the skin as you let out a moan. You were now very much aware of his presence and that he was a vampire; thinking about it made your heart skip a beat. " I'm gonna drink from you, are you ok with it?" Jake asked for permission. Your head was on cloud nine and you could barely think straight. Your breath was a mess, your knees were about to give up, yet your hands could barely stay still. "Yes" you whispered out. He was a vampire, today or tomorrow; someday for sure you had to let him in so why not now? He now slowly pressed his fangs into the crook of your shoulders. But unlike how you had thought it wasn't much painful. But it was rather more intimate then the previous actions. Jake who had tasted your blood from your lips, maybe a drop or two was enchanted from then. As his fangs sinked in, Lucius' warm blood started to flow. It was a rare delicacy, and he enjoyed every drop of this. Once he took an ample amount, he finally looked over at you. Your eyes were glassy and knees had already given up. Which were caught by his firm arms. At that time you had realized that if you ever were to fall; it was right in his arms. Thinking that it was enough for the day he asked " I think we should return, wouldn't wanna be locked here with me now do you?" "No" you quickly shook your head " Oh, rather it would have been scandalous. But we'll, let's retreat" he said. On the way you tried to pounder it all; all the elements known to you,of how Jake said he was the detective yet was called a trickster. How He had lured you to his trap and priests had to start the ceremony by- it all suddenly clicked your head "Jake!" You caught his arms while he tilt his head to look at you " You, you are the devil" you said with a gasp escaping " Took you too late to find out but yes I'm the devil. The trickster disguised as a detective, '' he said with a grin. "But the night of the devil has passed day before" you exclaimed " Guess the devil came after you my dear

priestess." He said with his dark humour while caressing your cheeks. Epilogue You were sitting on the couch, while Jake was talking about something that you weren't paying attention to. Seriously, you had crossed a long path huh? You thought while admiring Jake. " Hey? Where's your head huh?" Jake snaps, flicking your head while you give him a flashy toothy smile saying " at you!" And hearing that Jake lets out a hum while holding his grin as he now attacks you with tickles. Your head now presses on the cushion arching your back as Jake keeps tickling your waist. " Ha,hahaaa! Jake no more! JAKE!" you squeak out loud, and Jake's tickles come to an end only to be bombarded with smooches. Light as the breeze he left let his lips trace on your entire neck and face. As he now made his way to your tummy, kissing Every bit of it. "Hehe, Jake no more" you pressed your palms on Jake's head while slowly coming up. Bringing his head close to you , while slightly brushing your nose against his; you felt butterflies forming in your tummy. In the capital letters you say " love has no limit" while the giggles left your mouth. Jake hummed in agreement as you continued " it's cause I love you that I'm here with you. Else I would have ran far away you know" to which an instant pout replaces his smile as he says " but you love me till the sky's and I'd never let you leave me. Not in this lifetime, it's just you and me, forever and ever". And to you even if you were free as a bird you'd always fly to his cage. Whether it was for the better or for the worse; you'd always be with him.

[jjuzoir]

Overdue | T. Shoto

request: “Hi! If your requests are still open, could I request a todoroki x reader oneshot please? Basically they’re childhood friends and go to UA together. Everyone ships them and Todoroki always treats reader super sweetly, but doesn’t realize that he’s also low-key pining for her. (always using endeavor’s credit cards to get her gifts LOL) eventually Todoroki figures out his feelings and confesses. Then the class catches them kissing in the dorms, making Todoroki and reader flustered! Thanks so much!”

a/n: this took me so long omgjdjsj fck all my reqs for this batch are taking me long :’) anyway thank you for being so patient with me @sugarandsoft ;;;

word count: 2933

When it came to romance it was safe to say Shoto was simply blind to it, the romantic feelings of those around him and himself were practically foreign to the teenager.

In all of your years of knowing him you had never once seen him actually be able to recognize the difference between friendship and crushing. To him there was no “I like you romantically” or “I don’t like you romantically”, it was always “I like you as a friend” or “I don’t like you as a friend”. The whole liking someone, crushing on them, dating-courting thing was as complicated as astrophysics is to an eight year old. Which led to everyone around him to immediately be put in the friendzone the minute they got to know him.

Everyone knew that, especially Class 1-A who had to bear witness to one of their top students crush hopelessly on you without even being aware of it. They knew, other students knew, the teachers knew, your parents knew, his mother knew, the League of Villains knew— everyone knew that Todoroki Shoto of class 1-A has a big, fat crush on you except Todoroki Shoto himself. Hell, it was so obvious All for One could’ve seen he had a crush on you.

It was the “little” thing that gave it away, like using the number-two-pro-hero’s credit card to get you a new phone because yours got a small crack. When confronted about it, he’d always say the same thing.

“She’s my friend and I enjoy using the old man’s money,” he’d scowl at Midoriya— Shoto’s self proclaimed wingman and president of the [Name] x Shoto club, who had questioned his spending habits when it came to you.

“So you'd do the same thing for any friend?” Izuku would push the boy further, he was going to get him to realize he liked you even if it killed him- and by the way the year had been going and Shoto’s complete obliviousness to the situation, the latter seemed more likely.

“I guess.”

“Oh really? Then where the fuck is my new phone, lukewarm? If you’re gonna call me your ‘friend’ where is my phone?” Bakugou questioned him with a snarl.

“Yours isn’t cracked, Bakugou-”

“Is that what it takes? ‘Cause I’m gonna do it!”

“Hey Izuku- what’s going on?” Ochako looked at the trio in front of her, easily being drawn to the loud noises coming from the living area.

“Half-’n-Half over here is gonna buy us new phones if we crack ours.”

“I see…”

“Seriously?” Mina barges into the room to pick up the teasing where the blond has left off, “But I like my phone- oh! I know, instead of a phone why don’t you get me some new sneakers!”

“And if I break my house, would you get me a new one?” The brunette asks, she’d rather shoot her shot or miss trying.

“So- you’re gonna admit you’d only do it for [Name] are you gonna need help placing some orders?” Bakugo smirks at Todoroki.

“Ochako and I can check real estate for you!” Mina giggles.

But rather than answering, the bi-colored haired teen simply looked down and mumbled to himself, annoyed; “I’m not buying anyone anything.”

Safe to say he didn’t keep his word because not a day later and he had bought you a new TV after you joked about getting tired of going down the stairs to the shared living space.

He’d make exceptions for you all the time, always covering it with the excuse of “she’s been my friend for longer”, even when it didn’t make much sense. From his limited physical contact rule to the reckless spending, you had him wrapped around your pinky and he didn’t even know it. Everyone would always tease you two about it yet both of you dense as rock to the implications never really paid them much mind.

But soon Todoroki was confused, really confused, by his peers and their words; they were constantly insinuating that he liked you in a more than friends way. At first it was easier to deny such claims, you were just friends— but the more the pestering continued the more aware he was of the ways his heart seemed to flutter at the mention of your name or how he began noticing how he stared at you more often than the rest.

But he couldn’t like you, you were his first real friend— the only person in his life that was always there, if he did like you and he did act out his alleged feelings there was always the possibility you’d say no. And that scared Todoroki more than he’d like to admit. You, on the other hand, did acknowledge the butterflies he’d bring you and welcomed them with open arms. Knowing your chances with him were slim, you unknowingly turned a blind eye to his behavior, chalking it up to him seeing you as his best friend (as much as it might’ve pained you to think like that).

It didn’t take long for you to notice how he seemed more hesitant around you, how he was shying away from your touch and the way he’d avoid giving you any response longer than two sentences, soon enough he was practically avoiding you altogether, and you were worried. In all of your years being his friend, Shoto had never been so cold and distant with you. Had you upset him? It was a complete 180º from before and it left you wondering why.

“Ugh, he’s just-! I’m so annoyed, Ochako!” You groaned into your pillows, “He's never acted like this before, he’s barely talked to me in weeks! I don’t know what I did or what to do.”

“[Name], it’s okay! He has been pretty off lately,” the brunette patted your back, “You should try talking to him!”

“How am I supposed to talk to him when he barely even lets me get near?”

“Hm, maybe leave him a note!” She suggests, brown eyes looking at you sympathetically.

“A note?” You look up and meet her gaze, “Huh…”

And so you did it, you scribbled down a meeting place and signed it anonymously before huffing, stuffing it in your bag and deciding.

“Dear Todoroki, please meet me in the kitchen after practice. It’s very important, you really need to come!”

Simple, short— straight to the point with little to no wiggle room for interpretation (other than a very insistent and kind of annoying person, but that’s a price to pay for the restoration of your friendship), if he didn’t come you’d simply harass him with more notes until he gave up or had enough to open up a paper store. Hopefully the former because you doubted you’d have enough post-it notes or the money for that many.

“Hmph! That should do,” you rub your hands before throwing a thumbs up at your friend, “Thank Ochako, I owe you big time!”

That morning you told Izuku and Iida about Ochako’s plan and how you hoped they’d make sure Shoto actually came to the meeting place.

“But, don’t you think he might, I don’t know,” the freckled boy scratched at his neck, “Think you’re going-to-confess-or-something?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t understand.” You look at Midoriya confused.

“He means that Shoto might think the note might be from someone who wants to declare their feelings for him.” Tenya informs you, maybe a bit too matter of factly for your liking no one likes being talked down to.

“Don’t worry guys, I think a love confession is the farthest thing Shoto will assume this is.” You wave your hands in an attempt to convince them otherwise.

“There is no way this is going to be a confession.” Bi-colored eyes squint at the blonde that walked besides him.

“Look, all I’m saying is this definitely smells like a confession scene to me,” Denki smirks at Todoroki, “The kitchen is a weird place though, maybe they’ve baked you some sweets! Bro, you’re so lucky!”

“You might want to check your nose because there’s simply no way, Kaminari.”

“Why?” Sero smiles as he asks, “You’re pretty popular with girls, why can’t this be another confession?”

“Because,” Shoto snatches the note from the black-haired boy’s hand, “This is [Name]’s handwriting.”

“Wait a minute-! You’re telling me she’s making a move before you?” Kirishima asks in surprise, “I knew you liked her but I had no idea she liked you back, huh. I can kind of see it though.”

“What are you even saying?” The boy in question grumbles, he knew he should’ve gone with Midoiya and Iida but he knew you were going to be there and he didn’t want to risk being a fool. Now he’s got dumb, dumber and the dumbest giving him butterflies by insinuating you like him back, great.

“That she likes you, dude!”

“Totally! And you- you like her back! So all you gotta do now is go accept her confession and stop moping around being all pathetic- ow!” Kaminari rubbed his arm, cursing Kaminari’s strength.

“Don’t say that!”

“Yeah, at least not to his face.”

Todoroki simply rolled his eyes at the boys before hurrying up his pace, today was going to be long as he asks himself if he should really go.

He had a lot to think about, this information was important to him; there’s a chance you like him and the thought made him happy— very, very happy. Just the idea that you might return these feelings, which he’s still trying to come to terms with, just confirms it in his mind that he, Todoroki Shoto, does like you; in a more than friends way. He’s not going to let the chance slip away.

By the time he’s at the meeting spot, he can’t deny that he’s excited even if  his face doesn’t really show it. He had been confessed to many times but this was different because, for the first time, he planned on saying yes.

He heard you approaching, the soft tap of slippers matching the beat of his heart. He liked you, he really did like you and you liked him back.

As you turn around the corner you’re met with a frowning Shoto and are slightly taken aback at his serious expression. You knew he tended to be quite inexpressive sometimes but after a while of not hanging around you can understand why others are off-put by his cold features and intimidating stature.

“Shoto, you’re here.” Even through your shock you still smiled at your friend, relived he’d even shown up with the way he’d been avoiding you. You make your way near the counter, before sitting on top of it, you had chosen the kitchen in case that he'd forgotten about the note but be there anyway getting himself something.

You’d have to be quick before he’d run away,  wanting to get straight to the point and ask him what had been going on. You cared about him and you missed him, you didn’t intend on wasting more time.

“I know it’s sudden but you've been avoiding me all week and I’m sick of it! I really care about you Shoto and you ignoring me like this hurts-!” You stuttered, too caught up in trying to pour out all your feelings at once— accidentally giving him the confirmation he needed that this was indeed a confession.

“It’s okay, I think I know what you mean,” he cuts in, his expression softening, “And I feel the same way too.”

“Huh-? Shoto what are you-?” You look around the room confused, if he knew how you felt then why did he continue avoiding you? Did he even really know what you were talking about?

“I was scared,” he continues paying your previous statement no mind, slowly approaching your sitting form before taking your hand, “that’s why I avoided you but knowing that you feel the same way, makes me happy I guess.”

You blink in confusion, what was he talking about? Neither of you were on the same page, you probably weren’t even in the same chapter, you furrow your eyebrows at the thought.

“Shoto, just to get this straight,” you look into his eyes causing him to blush a soft pink, what the hell was going on, “what feelings are we- uh, talking about?”

First he avoids you like the plague, now he’s blushing and talking about feelings? What did he think this was?

“Like.” He says staring at you in confusion as if you were the one not making sense.

“Like what?”

“Like.” Todoroki looks at you, soft skin creasing at the frown that was now adorning his face.

“Like what, Shoto?”

“Like as in ‘I like you’-like.” He squeezes your hand and you’re thankful you’re sitting down or else you think you’d fallen over at his words.

“Wait, you like me?” At the realization of what you had been just talking about it’s your turn to blush, the blood rushing to your cheeks giving them a soft glow, “You had been avoiding me because you liked me?”

“Well, yes, I just said that,” a pale hand comes to hold your cheek, “[Name], are you feeling alright?”

“You like me?”

He nods, a soft smile in his face as he assures you with a hug;  “I really do”.  This wasn’t the conversation you were expecting but it wasn’t unwelcomed either. In a way, it did answer your question but it left you in a bit of a dilemma because you did like Shoto and he liked you but, now, what did that make both of you?

“Do you like me?” He asked, his hand rubbing your back delicately and a sense of nostalgia washes over you as you remember all the times you’d comforted him when you both were younger. You just nod in fear of your voice giving out and accidentally ruining the moment.

“Are we- uh, dating now?” You ask into his shoulder, the soft smell of his shampoo filling your senses,

“Only if you want to.” He whispers. Neither of you were really physically affectionate with each other before this, at least not since you were little kids, but Shoto had to admit that holding you close like this was nice. Even if it had only been a week or two, you missed him and he missed you a lot and being able to hug you so freely made his heart feel like it was about to burst.

“I’d love to.” You pull away slightly from the hug to face him, your noses touching ever so slightly. You were happy, not only was your relationship with Todoroki restored but it had leveled up and you swore it was as if you were floating.

With hesitant hands he pulls you closer and you close your eyes, he smelt like soft wood and tea and you were reminded of all the times you’d go over to his house where a little Shoto would show you around his room and toys, excited to have a friend his father approved of. You were proud of the way he’d grown, how he’d soften up and learned, how he was able to let go of the anger and grow into himself, you always liked Shoto and to finally be able to be his girlfriend was all you could want right now.

“Can I?” He asked, the whisper soft and delicate in your lips; you nod.

His lips meet yours for a second, a sweet peck that left you giggling into him. You both pull away for a second before kissing once more, it was longer and almost sickeningly sick. You could taste the mint from him and you wondered if he could taste the sweets you had been eating earlier.

But, of course, in class 1-A nothing is really a secret for long and you hear clapping from behind you. Shocked, you both pull away flushed red as your friends are left stifling laughs. The kitchen door is wide open and you can see most of them pilling against the frame with wide eyes.

“Fucking finally, I thought we were gonna graduate before you two got together.” Bakugo is the first to speak.

“I’m surprised they even kissed, I thought it was going to take them another 15 years to get there!” Mina giggles to Ochako who can only nod in amusement, she gives you a thumbs up and you roll your eyes.

“How did you even know we were here? Aren’t you meant to be at practice or something?” You ask them, clutching Shoto’s shirt in an attempt to hide your face.

“Come on, you passed the note to Kaminari and Sero and expected us to not come?”

“I wonder what your kid’s quirk is gonna be like,” Midoriya mumbles into his hand, “Will they get both of Todoroki’s quirks plus [Name]’s?”

“Izuku! Don’t say things like that!” Iida begins scolding the green-head much to both your boyfriend and your amusement, “To say something so suggestive when they’ve only gotten together-!”

“Iida now you’re making it creepy!” Everyone begins grumbling, some annoyed and some laughing at the comments and the once peaceful and romantic atmosphere turns rowdy as everyone starts talking about the newly formed relationship.

“Great now I can’t use the kitchen without thinking about you two making out!” The blonde grumbled before storming out bringing with him a new round of laughs as you and Shoto blush awkwardly.

Safe to say, none of your classmates will ever let you live down how long it took you two to get together.

[catzula]

How to cure a broken heart

Synopsis: love might come in in various shapes. With Kuroo it came with a snowball.

Honorable mentions: tw cursing, it's 2.4k words, genre is fluff, hope you guys like it!!

Its a short lil fluffy Kuroo blurb since its snowing very heavy here and I kinda broke your hearts with that last angst lol

You never thought you were the type to partake in something so cliche, something as falling in love with your next-door neighbor. It was overused at this point, it wasn't even your favorite trope to read anymore, and you would've died laughing if someone told you you would meet the guy you fell in love with like this.

But overused as it is, it still came in as a surprise, and that was Kuroo Tetsurou for you, managing to make even the most monotonous thing surprising. 

It was the morning after a night of heavy snow, hearing the rustle of walking on fresh, unpressed snow beneath your feet making you bite back a smile. It had been a while since it snowed this much where you lived, so you didn't refuse when your mother offered you to take a walk. 

 I'm sure you'll feel better if you take a breath of fresh air, she told you, taking note of your foul mood.

She was right, it smells like winter, and the familiar smell didn't fail to make you take a breath of relief, as if you were suffocating the past few days. 

It had been a while since you even left your house, you realized, even before the quarantine started, you weren't the type to go out and socialize around the block. You usually met with your friends at a cafe around your school or an arcade or something, but it was rare for you to hang out in your neighborhood area, thus ended with you not knowing any of your neighbors. 

You had never intended to get to know them either, but it wasn't your choice to make anymore when you noticed a perfect sphere of snowball flying towards you, you dodged it the last second with reflexes you didn't even know you had (you didn't. it was pure luck). 

As you turned to where the snowball came from, your eyes locked on a smug, sneaky grin, obviously amused by the shocked expression on your face. It was a boy about your age, leaning proudly on a snowman that was almost as tall as him, his smile more noticeable even than his odd, inky black ruffle of hair or the piercing golden eyes that had something of a clever glint to them.

His grin felt infectious, and you could feel a smile tugging on the corners of your lips, and it was the smile that would never fail to make you smile back, except for that particular day.

It hadn't made you smile, nor had it disputed the mean frown on your lips as you quirked a brow at him, only making his grin spread wider on his lips. "Sorry," he muttered, not sounding the slightest bit apologetic, nor had he stopped smiling teasingly. "Didn't mean to throw it at you."

You took the apology with a soft nod, turning your back to him, and started walking, sighing when you felt a hand tap your arm gently.

"Hey, me again." He grinned, and you mustered a smile. "Hi." You answered back, pressing your lips together awkwardly. 

"I'm Kuroo Tetsurou," he informed you. "Your next door neighbor, I think."

"Y/N, L/N." You answered, "nice to meet you, Kuroo-san."

"Nice to meet you, too." He then tilted his head, eyes grazing on you for another while, and he looked like he wanted to talk even more even though the conversation was very obviously over. "That was pretty impressive, you know?" Another smile formed on his lips as he scratched the back of his neck and averted his eyes away from you, and you could feel butterflies fluttering in your stomach.

"Thanks. Your snowman is pretty impressive, too." It was. The guy was almost 2 meters, and it made no sense for the snowman to be as tall as him, too, but it still was pretty impressive.

Not expecting him to throw his head back and start laughing loudly at your comment, you couldn't help but watch him like you were witnessing some miracle. You couldn't look away as he bent forward, holding his stomach all the while his body shook. It was infectious, you realized, since you also found yourself chuckling not half a minute later.

He took a deep breath as his laughter died, still chuckling now and then, he turned to you. "It is impressive, isn't it? Had nothing better to do in quarantine, you know?" He shrugged, trying to look modest, but he beamed with pride. 

He weaved his hand through the raven locks of hair that fell on his face, making you wonder if they were as soft as they looked. You quickly discarded the idea.

"Well, I won't bother you any longer." He grinned, "but I'll see you around!"

You watched him as he turned his back to you, giving you just a second to admire how tall and broad he was before he flashed you one last smile and a wave.

~

You found yourself still smiling as you entered your house, tapping your feet on the wood to rustle off the snow off your shoes. 

"Wow, maybe I should take a walk, too." Your mother teased when she took note of your smile and relaxed posture. "Did you have fun?"

"I met our next-door neighbor today." You told her after nodding your head. "The poor boy, approaching you at your moodiest. I hope he's still in one piece." She teased, brows quirking when you laughed along instead of protesting.

"Have you met him already?"

"Yeah, we crossed paths once or twice, cute boy. I think he studied in Nekoma Highschool?" She shrugged when she couldn't remember clearly. "Still, it's nice to see he was able to make you smile."

He was nice, you had to admit. Maybe you would pay him a visit to apologize for your -slightly- rude behavior today? Nah, you'd rather wait till the next time you crossed paths, you decided. 

As you averted your eyes to the wall both the houses shared, you thought if you'd cross paths soon.

~

You did. The next day, if you wanted to be exact.

You were startled by the sounds coming from the bushes separating your garden from your neighbors, rasing from your chair, you gazed from the window to see what it was, only to see a head of messy black hair poking through the leaves.

It was impossible not to smile as you watched him lean towards something you couldn't quite see, reaching his hand to your garden and making kissing noises with a desperate expression on his face. "Mika," you heard him call out, "come here boy, that's not our garden."

It was a cat, you realized. (Either that, or he was a pervert.) Taking a breath of relief when you saw the furry tail of the animal, you thought it was time to show yourself (and tease him about it if you could)

"Kuroo-san?" You exited out to the garden, watching the boy as his eyes widened with shock, his body immediately pulling himself back, only to stay stuck between the branches of the bush. You stifled your laughter as he forcefully pulled his way out of it, cursing at the branches scratching him, his face flushing either because of the challenge he gave trying to free himself or of embarrassment.

"H-hi." He muttered as he finally regained his composure, tall enough to have a comfortable conversation with you over the bushes. (He could even lean in to kiss you over them without any problem, something you discovered sometime in the future)

"Are you okay?" You asked softly, still laughing as you watched him pull a small branch out of his hair.

"Yeah, I'm okay. More than okay, I was just- my cat ran into your garden, and I was trying to pull him back." He stammered as he noticed your chuckles. "Cat?" You repeated innocently.

"Yeah, my cat, he's right here- Mika?"

You couldn't hold your laughs back when you saw the baffled look on his handsome face when he noticed the cat wasn't there or anywhere to be seen.

"I swear he was right here!" He exclaimed, panicking. "I wasn't trying to peek in your garden, my cat- he- he-" He stopped his panicked explanation when he finally noticed how hard you were laughing. "You already knew, didn't you?"

"Yup, saw the whole thing." You answered between your occasional chuckles. "Wow, how mean!" He frowned, but you could tell he also found the situation amusing.

"You know, you didn't have to push through the bushes." You snickered. "you could just come in from the door like a normal person." A slight shade of red tinted his cheeks with your words, averting his eyes in embarrassment and scratching the back of his neck with a chuckle. "Yeah, that's probably a better idea." 

It had turned into a routine quickly after that. Kuroo would knock on your window, a grin plastered on his face and waving at you from the other side of the glass. 

At first, he always had some excuse, sometimes showing up with a plate of freshly baked cookies, telling you his grandma had cooked a little too much. "I'm sure you could smell them baking, and I didn't want you to miss out on the best cookies ever." He would beam. You didn't miss out on the smile that adorned his lips when you told him you could make coffee for the both of you and you could eat it together.

Talking with Kuroo was relaxing, at the very least. 

He was a good listener, and his presence enough was soothing. He could calm you when you felt stressed, oddly good at it, too, laughing when you told him that one day. "I have a friend like this." He had shrugged. "A childhood friend, we used to live pretty close, too. I got used to it after a while, I guess."

He would watch you with thoughtful eyes as you spoke as if you were saying the most important thing, even if you were telling him about your day.

Kuroo was also one of the funniest people you knew. He had so many stories from when he was the captain of his volleyball team in high school, the things he told you always making you have a stomach ache from laughing so hard. 

A friendship developing so quickly, it would usually end with you getting scared and pushing people who were getting so dear to you away from you, afraid of trusting them, even more than you did.

But not with him, you couldn't, wouldn't. Trusting Tetsurou didn't feel terrifying like it did with everyone else, instead, it felt good. It felt so safe, so cherishing to finally be able able to trust someone with everything you had, and you had never felt this protected and secure being so vulnerable with anyone. 

It was the next winter you showed up in his garden, picking up snow from the ground and working on it for a few minutes to make sure you had two perfect spheres you felt all warm inside despite the cold weather. 

Throwing the first snowball on his window, you grinned to yourself as you waited for the boy to come out, waiting for the chance to catch him off guard and hopefully manage to hit him square in the face. 

Your eyes narrowed when he didn't come out after a few minutes, grabbing more snow from the ground and throwing another snowball on the window. This one you had sent a bit harder, and he must've heard it if he was at home. 

When he didn't come out after that either, you frowned, standing up. Just then, you noticed a snowball flying towards you, dodging it the last second before turning that way with wide eyes. 

"No-" You managed to choke out before the grinning boy wrapped his arms around you, caging your body against his, and threw himself on the snow, pulling you with him to be buried in the snow together.

"Tetsu!" You whined, even though you were laughing so hard that you were gasping for air. "That wasn't fair!"

"And yours was?" He laughed, his body still over yours, making it hard to breathe for you. "Get off me, I can't breathe." You managed to choke out between your laughter, your eyes lingering on his smiling lips that were a few inches away from yours. 

"Because I'm so handsome?" He teased.

"No, because you're heavy." You answered, laughing even more when he faked a gasp. 

"So mean, always breaking your boyfriend's heart." He shook his head side to side, not moving an inch that would allow you to squirm out from under his body. 

"Come on," you whined, emphasizing the last word. "Lemme breathe!"

"Nope! You broke my heart, so painful that I can't breathe, either! It's only fair, chibi-chan." He grinned, making you roll your eyes. 

"Okay, okay." You sighed. "What do you want?" You already knew what he wanted since ever since he had crushed you beneath his, his eyes had never left your lips.

"Let me think. How can you cure a broken heart?"

He had his answer when you leaned forward, pressing your lips to his smiling, soft ones. 

[iraniq]

Imagine: After all this time.

You were dating Draco since 4th year, after he jokingly asked you on the Yule Ball, after a potions class where you made a rather not usual for your being cocky remark...

But things got serious, and 7th year you were the power couple of Hogwards. Making plabs for your future together. Pansy, in her titles of Draco's childhood bestie, already calked you her sister. He was just explaining you about Pansy's Christmas plans in her new apartment, that her dad bought...

... When you saw a familiar face walking the hallways.

It was Bill, one of the Weaselbee, as the Slytherin royals calk them, siblings. You met him after you went to help the illegal undergroud Werefolf group. Before and after full moons they needed healer and help, and your natural powers to calm people down, helped them to ease the pain and fear. With time you and Bill sort of grew closer. And now there was this awkward unspoken thing between you.

Late winter of 7th year, Draco new there was someting going on about you. He did his best on this Muggle holiday you insisted celebrating - Valentine's Day, usually you'd be head over heals regardless of his efforts, even a candy will be a reason for you to cheer. But lately he happened to fail his attempts to make you smile.

On the other hand Professor Lupin noticed your sudden appearance anywhere where Bill is. Including one time he saw you in a muggle bakery together. Sharing a chocilate pai.

After this day, you had no choice, but to sat Draco down and explain to him... That... Somehow, you fell in love for someone else...

It was ridiculous to even get the line in your head. Draco accepted you, for who you were, without the usual pureblood horrible attitude you kinda expected as muggleborn. He treated you properly, respectfully as equal in school and personal life. And yes, after all these years of awkward friendship and later an exquisite and deep emotional relationship... Your heart, in spite of all, decided to pick another...

He listened to all you said, held your hand while you cried you thousand appologies to him, explaining you didn't meant to hurt him...

He listened carefully, calmly, although his eyes turn dark gray from the usual sky blue... He asked who, the boy he lost to, was, he rather hissed a laugh when you told him. Got up and hugged you.

- I appreciate your honesty, I ... Will need a little time not to be mad... I would like us to keep in touch ... After all we've been through. But I will appreciat if you keep your distance. You are just a person i know now...

He then left. This was when you broke... Cried, cursed yourself, hated even... But there was no turning back. You could not decieve him and be a blank shell to his wild fire love.

... You barely slept that night... Knowing how heartbroken you left him be...

Pansy and Blaise never spoke to you, rather mumbling under their breaths, Daphne and Theo nodded at your direction when no one was loking...

It wasn't any better with Bill, his family dissaproved, that he picked you, not that dashing young blonde french coworker of his... Also you were quite too young... What he'd do with a child, when he was suppised to have a family by now... Especially the golden trio, who were quite vocal about their dissaproval.

Bill, on the other hand, laughed it off. Couldn't care less, he was happy he got this one special person in his life. One who'll accept his scarec face and damn flesh. Not even Molly's beggins to rething, the young rather chikd, than a woman, who'd change her mind once a difficulty appears. Charlie had his back, deffending your relationship. Even the twins were bugging you, but Bill did warned them tho, that there will be consequences!

One summer afternoon in june... Your heart stopped when you saw ...

Draco was talking to Ron. It was a week before your graduatuon. Unusuall, for Draco to be friendly and laugh with someone he disliked. You haven't spoken with the Malfoy heir in almost 2 months. After him and Ron had a nice chat he walked by you, smiling. A full of pain one, but a smile.

- Ronald said his brother treats you well, although his parents doesn't aprove.

- Neither did yours when we met.

He laughed.

- Mother asks about you, maybe you can come over to visit her some day.

- Will do, afternoon tea?

He nodded, walked away.

Rumour was, Daphne's young sister Astoria, had a crush on Draco for a while, but she was respectfully waiting for the wound to close. She was a cute and smart, carring girl, one who'll trully make him happy... Her pure heart could never... Do what yours did! After all that's what you wanted for him. If it wasn't too painfull to breathe without William, you'd probably just let the "stupid crush" go away, naming it after your "save them all" complex, and stay with the Dragon boy, because he still owned half your heart... A friendship, you not so long time ago, knew would last more than one lifetime, was now over... But he still was very dear to you.

4 years later... You were a Herbology asistant to Professor Sprout, and were about to get married to the handsome ginger cursebreaker.

The early morning classes surprised you with an eagle owl. The Malfoy seal... And invitation, asking you to come, to a baby party. A little picture added - icy blond, blue eyed boy was giggling at the moving paper - Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy. The invitation had plus one. You smiled, playing with your engagement ring. Draco would complain, mostly about your ring, how he woukd have bought you way better one. How you weren't treated properly... As you should have.

Then Bill would say, he'd bought you a bugger one if you haven't spend the money on muggle books... That cureently overflooded his not so small apartment. Then they both would laugh and you and Astoria will roll your eyes...

The pain he once had long forgotten... Sometimes in his eyes, you'd see a hint of bitterness... But he'd hide it too well, even from himself, choosing to be a dear friend of yours. Seeing each other trully happy, was indeed a bliss, after all you've been through.

[retvenkos]

not asking you who you'd ship me with in the grishaverse because at this point everyone on tumblr knows the answer to that probably (though any chance of getting more of your wonderfully divine headcanons about matthias & I is a chance I gleefully take), but since you are shipping everyone I have to tell you that I've been thinking about Mal & you together for a little while. I just see it so clearly??

I think you'd have a relationship quite like Alina and Mal's, except healthier and less dramatic lol. but Mal is the epitome of friends to lovers and to me you embody exactly that. you're not the unbridled fury that enemies to lovers can be nor the bittersweet inevitability of soulmates, but really this idea of familiarity and comfort that you only unlock after spending a lot of time with a person, probably in childhood. Mal would represent exactly that to you: home, family, and love, and you're not really sure how or when you realize that it's not the same love you used to feel at Keramzin, that your feelings have shifted in the most terrifying yet beautiful way, but they have.

so in this scenario if you are Grisha, you get tested and your powers found out and you get sent to the Little Palace and your goodbyes with Mal are probably the most tearful moment Ravka has ever seen. You're holding on to Mal for dear life because he's really your family and you don't want to leave him behind, they're taking you to an unknown place without him, and you're so scared - but Mal tries to hold it all together because he has to be strong for you, and promises he will write to you every day and you will never truly be separated because he'll find you when he's older and strong.

(as soon as the carriage leaves he locks himself in the dormitory and cries all evening on his bed because your absence is so loud in these silent halls)

Inevitably years pass as you continue your training and Mal's letters become more scarce - sometimes you're the one who forgets to reply for a whole month, sometimes it's him - until you're not in touch anymore but you don't forget him, you never do, and you dream of him so often and all the words you wish you could tell him but never got the courage to

Until one day, almost a decade later, he is received at the Grand Palace for a particularly triumphant feat of his (Mal, always the hero) and the King wants to meet the First army soldier everyone is talking about, and you happen to run into him as he's trying to find his way to the audience room (because how stupidly huge are these Os Alta palaces, really?) And you literally can't believe your eyes.

so you'd be getting the childhood friends to lovers reunited after losing contact for many years which is TOP TIER romance

and Mal has changed obviously but not so much, and so have you; and he's taken aback by your beauty in your purple Kefta, and suddenly all the petty and insulting stereotypes about the Second Army he used to joke about with his regiment friends leave his mind because Saints - who needs a Sun Summoner when you're glowing like all the stars in the sky?

you'd quickly fall back into your common habits because they never left you, they're second nature at this point - Mal has basically forged your personality from the youngest age and you have his, and you fit together so perfectly

he'd be assigned to a more permanent post in Os Alta thanks to his prowesses in battle, maybe as the King's personal guard, meaning you'd get to spend so much time together

People would raise eyebrows at the sight of a couple between the two rival armies, but you don't care one bit - your love for Mal runs in your blood much deeper than arbitrary oppositions based on foolish pride.

If you're not Grisha, I don't think you'd join the First Army; war is probably not for you. I think your paths would separate too when he joins the Army and you leave the orphanage with what little money you saved over the years (sneaking out of Keramzin and reciting or singing your poems on the streets for a little bit of coin, or selling the meat and fur Mal would hunt for you) to move to a bigger city and try to do something with your life. You could be an artisan, or another kind of shopkeep! I can see you being manually gifted and creative, so you'd probably have an artsy business in the capital, like pottery or tapestry or painting on porcelain or something of the sort

and once again Mal is called to Os Alta probably for the same reasons - he just can't help distinguishing himself in combat, can he? - and he steps into your shop by total chance, and he's like. Olive???? Since when do you do sculptures???? And you're like. Malyen Oretsev???? Since when are you taller than me????

(Though the sculpture part doesn't surprise him that much, because you were always so creative and gifted in the arts, and he's always admired you so much for it.)

(But the TALL part??? ok, you are short, but you left him when he was like, thirteen and he was Not That Tall. how can your forever friend have grown that tall so fast???)

And so you ALSO get the long-lost childhood friends rekindle and fall back in love trope because my heart goes mushy for it ❤

your dynamic would be on point, because Mal knows you better than anyone and so he can read you like an open book. Either when he needs to find the teasing comment that will get you all riled up, or when he senses your discomfort or sadness and has to find the words to cheer you up.

You'd just make so many sweet memories with Mal, and he'd be down for every single thing you want to do as long as he gets to spend time with you. Want to be rambunctious on the streets of Os Alta and pull pranks on passerbys like you are 8 again? Yep, can totally do that. Feel like breathing in the fresh air of the wilderness and getting out of town to see a beautiful sunset, like you would in Keramzin? Of course! Just want to chill together doing your own thing and relishing in each other's presence? Absolutely.

he loves when you read to him, whether that be a book you own or a story straight from your imagination that you just wrote, and he's absolutely mesmerized by your voice and how much emotion you put in it. (though he can't help himself from making little jokes every now and then or trying to guess what will happen next in the story because he's what my mom calls a Culo Inquieto™)

you'd generally be such a cute couple who never lost that mischievous but oh so comforting and familiar spark from when you were kids, and is willing to stay with the other through thick and thin. you've found your other half in each other and I'm so soft for that. 💜💜

sorry I rambled but I just think that idea is so cute and you deserve a ship! (also, don't even get me started on the Chaos BFF Duo you would make with Jesper...) my head is killing me so I won't write any more but just know I hold this ship in extremely high regard. <3

clara, i will have you know i waited until i got ice cream in order to read this, because i knew it would be an experience™ and now, i,,, 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 i'm so goddamn soft, how dare you make me yearn????

you mean to tell me you came up with all of this... for me? you think of ships for me??? how—how dare? how dare you be such a good friend, to the point where i am baffled by your kindness??? how dare you be this thoughtful and poetic,,,,,,, and just, big brained, ma'am.

because all of this is so perfect!!!! ohmygod i'm soft. i'm in love. everytime you write a ship or fanfic, i sincerely wish i was a romantic like you so i could have a proclivity toward fathoming such soft romantic scenes,,,,, you, clara, know how to do a ship™.

(also, i have to say i love the childhood friends torn apart, only to come back together,,,, it has laughter lines by bastille energy,,,, listen to this song and tell me it doesn’t have the same vibes that that very specific and heartwarming trope,,,)

but, since you gave me such a beautiful gift, and since i would do anything for you, here are some more headcanons for you and matthias:

first of all, i think that you and matthias would spend a lot of time finding the beauty in small things. i think that it would be good for him, since he’s reevaluating who he is and his place in this grand world, and i think since you’re a romantic, small things would be important to you both.

— for example, you guys definitely star gaze together. it’s hard, since you are in ketterdam and the smoke is impossible to see through, but maybe you guys leave ketterdam for a while, and you spend a lot of time looking up at the stars. matthias loves to learn about everything you know, and repositioning himself underneath the sky is a good start to figuring out who he is. 

— you also like to sit by the water and talk. there’s something about the water that pulls memories from you both. matthias talks about what it was like, far away, in his little village before the drüskelle. (i get the feeling his dad was a fisherman or something,,,, the vibes are there), and you get to talk about people you once knew, dreams you once had. point is, you do a lot of talking - swapping stories and hopes.

— oh! another idea i can’t get out if my head is that matthias asks you so many questions. i feel like it’s a sign of real love and trust, when matthias starts asking you questions, because you have to be like,,, level 50 in order for matthias to admit weaknesses, and one of his biggest is that there’s so much he just doesn’t know. i think you also get really good at just,,,, telling him stuff so that he doesn’t have to ask, and he really just appreciates it.

i also just love the idea of matthias giving you to strongest hugs, or tbh, just holding you, and it’s all because he’s the big, strong one™! you know he’s got a protector complex, so that kind of feeds into his hugs,,, just that intense need to protect you, but also, he’s deathly terrified of losing another person he cares about, so he clings. (but only when you’re alone. the drüskelle in him is too Proud, but if you hang onto him in public,,,, he’s not complaining, just getting used to it)

okay, but i got a little bit ahead of myself, because i didn’t even talk about when you guys first meet, and the whole dynamic that is that™

— so, clearly, you are bffs with nina, whether your a grisha or not, and since i want fluff oNLY we’re just going to pretend like helnik didn’t happen,,,,,, they’re just friends. anyway, she’s the first one to pick up on your feelings for matthias because a) heartrender, and b) you two are the best of friends, and she just knows.

— and so you know a lot of teasing ensues, and almost everyone gets in on it and constantly makes jokes about you and matthias,,,, sometimes while he’s right. there. you’re Mortified But Coping™ and you can’t imagine what is going on through matthias’ head, because there’s no way he can feel the same, right?

— wRONG, we’re all idiots when we’re in love, and no one is more of an idiot than matthias. he is definitely ~soft~ for you but refuses to let it show because (1) the dregs are crass and he doesn’t want to give them fodder, and (2) you seem very uncomfortable about this whole thing, and he doesn’t want to make it worse

after some time, the teasing dies down, because both of you are too boring to tease. it would be funny if one of you freaked out, but you’re just,,,, suffering in silence. boring. and besides, inej and kaz are way more funny to tease. have you seen the murder in both of their eyes whenever you mention anything??? scary, but golden.

for the most part, the jokes die off, and i think after the jokes stop, you and matthias become much more comfortable with one another, and it leads to so! many! good! moments! 

— did i ever tell you matthias is in love with your stupid humor? your enchanting laughter? you’re so infectiously light and it makes him feel like he’s walking on clouds or something,,,,, he’s enchanted by you, but doesn’t have the words to explain it. 

— you know he remembers all of the little things his dad used to say about his mom,,,, and he feels all of that awed respect and soft warmth for you, but what to do with it???? he can’t really remember what his parents would do - it’s been so long and cold without them, but he tries to remember, and it’s the little things he does. he’ll tell you something really sweet in fjerdan and you’re just like ??? but it doesn’t translate super well, so you’re just left with the way he said it, and it means the world (plus, if you really get the courage, you can ask nina to explain it,,,, fair warning though, she scoffs at it every time. because it’s fjerda, alright?)

— you definitely end up reading him some poetry. it’s all under the guise of him ‘learning about the beauty in other cultures’ but really, it’s just an excuse to read him romantic shu poetry (they really know how to do it, let me tell you). and you also end up telling him stories about your childhood and your life, and he finds your rambling so adorable. especially since he has seen your work on paper! he finds it so sweet that your mind is so full of life that it wants to go everywhere at once, and experience every possible detail.

— you definitely end up showing matthias his way around ketterdam, and he keeps all of your hastily drawn maps, and whenever he goes past a street corner, he remembers the way your eyes sparkled in the light of the streetlamps.

i definitely have the feeling that you confess your feelings first. matthias has been trying to get the courage to do it, but he just can’t, and one day you tell him late at night - when, for just a moment, the world is still and quiet, and you can’t hold in all that warmth in your chest. you’re a little shy about it, but so is he, and when he hears you confess, all he can do is smile, because you have all of the confidence and strength he wishes he had. and all that courage laced in his chest, he’s learned it from you.

that’s ll i got for now, but i believe in clara x matthais supremacy.

[romanovanoff]

bio says black widow stories but i do like to dabble with other characters too. ill have a full list on another post.

YOU & I

A Bellatrix & Tom Riddle story

part one

characters:

bellatrix black

tom riddle

narcissa black

andromeda black

druella black

rodolphus lestrange

rabastan lestrange

(tba)

relationships:

bella/tom

narcissa/lucius

andromeda/ted

(tba)

summary: tom is the new kid in school and is already popular amongst his peers. his goal is to have bellatrix black by his side when he conquers the wizarding world, and his only problem? bella is already in an arranged marriage and also wants nothing to do with him.

disclaimer: i have never read the books, and ive seen all the movies only like twice. im not a crazy fanatic potterhead, i just have an unhealthy obsession for bellatrix/helena bonham carter 😌. so apologies in advance if i make any mistakes, regarding whats canon in the harry potter universe and so on. the little things, the big things, my bad. i hope the fact that its mostly au makes up for what it lacks in accuracy.

word count: 3497

——————————

"I overheard earlier today that Hogwarts received a new student," Druella spoke as she took a sip of tea, delicately patting a napkin across her lips before gazing over at her three daughters. Bellatrix, who didn't seem interested at all in the conversation, Andromeda, who was busy scribbling something in her diary, and little Narcissa who was following along to her mother's words.

"Yes, it's true," The blonde girl, thirteen years old, responded. "I thought it strange at first but apparently he and his family were living somewhere in Europe. Tom Riddle, I think his name is. He'd been taught at home and his father had gotten a job at the ministry so they transferred him to Hogwarts."

Ever the gossip, it didn't surprise Bellatrix in the slightest that Cissy knew so much about the new student. She rolled her eyes, wondering why the hell they were even discussing this in the first place. It was just a new student, who cares? She voiced this several times out loud but had received the usual disapproving glances from the two blondes. It creeped the raven-haired witch sometimes at how much Cissy resembled their mother.

Letting out a sigh Bella swirled her spoon around in her teacup, not finding the appetite to drink nor eat the sweets that accompanied her tea. The three of them were currently in Rosa Lee's teashop, a place they often went to every other week, with permission to leave the school of course- though she didn’t ask for it most times. Usually Bellatrix would devour the treats but today she was feeling too anxious to do anything but. At seventeen years old she had stretched out her days of freedom and was now forced into a marriage that should have taken place two years ago.

The thought of marriage wasn't all that bad, if she was being honest. Sometimes when her thoughts and actions weren't clouded with hate and rage she'd daydream a not so near future of a perfect wedding. A wedding where she would be marrying someone she truly loved and could cherish, to honor their vows to the fullest extent. So the wedding itself wasn't the problem, it was who she was supposed to be wed to that was. Her long time childhood friend, Rodolphus Lestrange. And one of the very few in the sacred 28 that wasn't related to the Blacks by blood. At least that she was aware of… The thought still made her cringe, even after checking every family tapestry available and an exhausting amount of research.

Everyone wanted her to be happy about the fact she'd get to marry someone she's known for years, something most pure-bloods didn't have the honor of having, but it was the fact she knew him so well that she hated. He was like a brother to her, albeit at times an annoying and even sexist brother. He wasn't husband material and she was most certainly not wife material for him. And add to the fact that they'd be pressured to have children immediately after becoming man and wife, the thought of having sex with him made her want to gag. You'd think they'd notice that such a practice was incredibly outdated. She hated to wonder if the marriage had taken place two years ago, would they really pressure two 15 year olds to consumate? Fuck this life.

She felt like the world and everyone in it was against her. All her complaints had been shot down, leaving her inwardly seething with rage before being left totally subdued. Oh, how she hated being so… powerless, left without a voice, without a right to do what she wanted and to do so as she pleased, the ever present shadow looming over her shoulder that was the society and family she was born into.

Letting out a sigh she looked over at Andromeda who was still scribbling in that damn book. Probably instant messaging her friends, something Bellatrix didn't have the luxury of having. At least genuine ones anyway. The ones she had in school were merely vultures following around, waiting for the opportunity to eat away at the scraps she bared. They didn't hesitate to use her to their advantage, trying to play her like a fool. Idiots, they should've known she was the brightest witch of her age for a reason. And no one took advantage of Bellatrix Black.

Despite still being superior she continued feeling a bitter pang in her heart, knowing no one truly cared for her there. Well, maybe except for her sisters, Rodolphus and his brother that is.

Catching her eyes on what she was doing Andromeda quickly closed her book and narrowed her eyes at her eldest sister. But then a familiar smirk curled the girls lips and Bellatrix knew what was going to happen before her sister could even utter a word. She knew that smirk anywhere. Bella herself wore that smirk on several occasions, actually even taught it to her dear sister! If only mother knew how truly naughty Andy was, maybe then the heat wouldn't fall upon Bella so heavily when she did something that displeased her.

"Mother," Andromeda chimed in, interrupting Cissy's conversation with the older woman. "Bellatrix is right. Why not talk about something else."

"Andy…" The dark haired witch warned, fingers clenched around her spoon.

"Like… Bella's wedding perhaps? Surely there are plenty of plans to discuss. Some of which I'm sure my dear sister here is needed for?" The brunette suggested 'innocently', smiling back at Bellatrix before looking at her mother.

Druella blinked once, then twice before she brightened up. Damnit, Andy, Bella thought to herself angrily, glaring daggers at her younger sister. "You're right! We only have a short few weeks before the big day and still so much to do. How about we end this little meal early and say we go to one of the boutiques nearby, check up on your wedding dress," Druella said as she rose from her seat.

And so that's what they did. They went to the boutique, checked the incredibly old fashioned dress, with what looked like the most painfully looking corset yet stitched into the fabric. After, they stopped by a few other shops to double check things were in order for the wedding before finally apparating home. The entire time Bellatrix had trudged along reluctantly behind her sisters and mother, offering a few weak comments and opinions for this thing and that when asked of her.

She was glad to finally be back home, finding relief in the knowledge that tomorrow morning she'd be returning back to Hogwarts, having spent the weekend with her family. On one hand she was glad she managed to extend the wedding date, convincing her parents that it might be wise that she finish her last year and take her N.E.W.T.s before focusing on 'wifely duties'. Yes, that was how she phrased it. And yes, they'd taken the bait, obviously wanting their daughter to focus on her marriage once out of school, and not caring about the intelligence hidden behind her usual mask of indifference.

She made short work separating from her family's side to make her way upstairs to her room. And then made even shorter work getting ready for bed. No one ever bothered her when she was up the stairs and hidden away. It was known to all that Bellatrix Black inherited the 'mad' gene in the family, more prone to violent outbursts and destructive tantrums. Because of this her room wasn't the prettiest, constantly being repaired and sparse so there were less objects to break. The room was also constantly being placed under a silencing charm, quieting her screams so the rest of the household could sleep peacefully. How thoughtful of them, she thought to herself bitterly.

The sun was already down by the time she emerged from the bathroom, all scrubbed up and her hair wet, the many strands in ringlets falling down her back. With her wand, she casted a quick-drying spell to both her body and hair, not bothering with any sleeping robes as she climbed into bed. Once in she blew out the candles before getting comfortable under the covers. Usually, it would be too early to go to sleep, and she'd have at least a glass or two of firewhiskey to help her doze off but she felt the whole unexpected wedding planning this afternoon was enough to do her in. Not only that but she did need to wake up early to catch the train back to Hogwarts tomorrow. So without much further thought she closed her heavy eyes and fell asleep, hoping things could be much easier in the future.

THE HOGWARTS EXPRESS

"Tom Riddle is in our class."

"I heard Tom's family is incredibly wealthy and direct descendants to Salazar Slytherin."

"It's true! I overheard him talking to snakes! Snakes!"

The whispers and excited talk continued on and on the moment Bellatrix stepped onto the Hogwarts express. If she thought Cissy talking to mother about this ‘nobody’ annoyed her, she was absolutely wrong. Hearing everyone around her discuss this Riddle boy absolutely drenched her high spirits and put her in one of her dark moods.

No one needed to look twice to know to stay away from the young witch. If dark glaring eyes didn't strike fear into her peers, then the dark energy and aura surrounding her would.

Not wanting to hear the gossip anymore Bella separated from her 'friends' and found a seating compartment for herself, only able to hold two people, but thankfully no one dared claim the other spot. She sat close to the window, forehead touching the glass, and seeming to cool her ever bubbling irritation. Trees and rolling hills passed by in a blur but she wasn't particularly watching, eyes slightly glazed over as she got lost in thought.

So lost in thought she almost didn't notice the sounds of her compartment door being slid open and a person taking a seat across from her. Blinking slowly she looked over to the 'intruder' as the door slid closed once more, leaving the two individuals with some privacy she didn't necessarily want.

The person in front of her was a young man. Probably around her age with dark brown hair, curling neatly at the front. He had bright emerald eyes, warm but she got the hint of something darker underneath, something dangerous hidden beneath the surface and ready to strike unsuspecting prey. Despite that though everything else about him seemed pretty bland. Pale skin- but not as pale as hers-, average build, and put together uniform.

"Who're you?" She found herself asking, swallowing the automatic 'get out' she was originally planning on saying. Given the fact she hasn't seen him before in this school year or any year before that, she was already dreading the answer. She wasn't even sure why she disliked him so much already. Maybe it was the fact he's barely even started school here and yet everyone was already drooling over him. Maybe it was the fact he was well known for things the student body hasn't even had proof of, things he was already praised for. And on her side of things she was well known for her infamous anger and her upcoming marriage to Rodolphus. That or her status of being the firstborn Black daughter. Otherwise known as the current heir of the Black family. Well. That was until her idiot cousin, Sirius was old enough to steal the mantle from her.

So when he said, "Tom. Tom Riddle," She really couldn't stop herself from rolling her eyes. Cause of course the person she had no care for was sat in, of all seats, the one in front of her. "Does that name offend you?" He then asked, wearing the same damn smirk he wore the moment she took in his appearance just seconds earlier.

"No," She said in a bored drawl, eyes once again gazing out the window as her head rested against the glass. "Unlike every other idiot out there, I care not for who you are. You're just another ordinary student attending Hogwarts. Nothing special about that," She told him, her tone consistent in telling him of how much she didn't care.

He was quiet for some time. Not too long, but enough to give her pause and wonder if she'd wandered too deep in thought and he'd slipped away. Only a glance his way revealed that, no, he was still here. "I agree," He finally spoke again. "There's nothing special about me at all. And I'm starting to despise the fact people are so interested in me. Took a look at the school Friday and suddenly everyone thinks so highly of me just because it was a private tour by the headmaster himself," He huffed.

It was clear to Bellatrix by the way he spoke, by the way he talked that he was excellent at charming people, manipulating them even if you would use the darker term. Again, she was many things but an idiot was not one of them and she wasn't falling for his 'charms' or tactics any time soon.

"Oh, poor you," She said in a mocking voice, jutting out her bottom lip as she faced him fully. "New kid in school has everyone fawning over him. Such a terrible life you must live, knowing you have everyone in the palm of your hands with just a smile." She finished the sentence off with said smile before turning it into a sneer.

"I won't repeat myself again. I care not for who you are, and I don't wish to know you or anything about you. So if you're going to sit here, then it better be in silence, or so help me merlin I will curse you. Laws be damned," She hissed. Hopefully for the last time she turned away again, feeling her mood lighten just slightly at her first threat of the day.

Usually, other students would run away by now, flee the vicinity in which she occupied, but Tom just sat there, in shock, or because he actually listened to her words. Finding herself curious about which option she chanced another glance but was surprised to see him wearing that annoying little smirk instead. "Cute," He told her, enjoying the way her eyes widened just slightly before darkening with anger. "That threat might work on others but it won't with me."

Her magic was absolutely crackling around her, like static in the air just before an oncoming storm. She was soon to make good on her threat. "Based on your looks, in how you speak, and the way I saw you walk earlier, looking down at everyone as if they were beneath you. I would safely assume you are a… Black. Bellatrix Black? Considering you look to be in the same year as me," He continued, assuming everything correctly. She didn't need to know though that he'd actually done his research prior to moving here, and that he had asked around earlier. "I don't expect you to get along with me from the start, but you will see me around often. I'll personally make sure of that. Cause I like you," He said with a shrug, smirk still in place.

Bold. Oh, so very bold and before Bellatrix could even utter a single word or even grab and raise her wand for that matter, he was already out the door. The space in front of her was once again vacant and she stared at the now unoccupied seat as the door slid closed.

LATER THAT DAY

It was almost impossible for the raven haired witch to avoid hearing or seeing Tom. It was as if everywhere she turned, someone was talking about him or he himself was staring at her from a distance. Usually she would never admit such a thing, her pride too strong, but it greatly unnerved her. Who the hell did he think he was? Claiming he would see her more often because he liked her? “Doesn’t even know me,” She scoffed to herself, annoyed as she continued on the familiar path to her dormitory.

Bellatrix was a slytherin through and through, like every other Black family member before her. There had been no question about it. Well, maybe after. She questioned it alot. The houses, the characteristics and traits. All of it. And once she's put herself in a more outside perspective about it she really couldn't help but laugh at the whole student body, almost all of them adapting and practically absorbing their houses certain traits into their own personality.

Anyway, she was a slytherin, but she couldn't help but wonder if she'd changed her mindset that first day, if her family hadn't been so adamant on which house she went to, would she have been chosen for hufflepuff, perhaps? Maybe gryffindor? Ew, no. Possibly ravenclaw. These thoughts raced past in her mind as she made her way down into the dungeons. There was a little of her in each, she supposed.

"Drommie, Cissy," Bellatrix greeted once she made it into the girls dorm, having already said the password and walked through the shared sitting room. All three Black sisters shared the same room, something Bellatrix and her mother both insisted and agreed upon to the headmaster when first starting school here. It was a protective thing. Bella knew that her sisters weren't like her, lacking in gut and courage. She was sure Andromeda could take care of herself, at times, but if worse came to worse she was more likely to break under pressure and need rescuing from her bigger sister. And little Narcissa, the spoiled brat she was, didn't have a single backbone in her body, choosing instead to flee or hide behind one's robes. Despite those certain qualities though Bellatrix still loved her sisters dearly and simply made it a priority to keep them safe, consequences to herself be damned.

Sure… maybe it was Bella's fault for them needing protection, having spent most of her years reigning terror down upon those who even glance at her, therefore her peers not liking her and taking it out on her sisters instead. But… hey! They looked at her funny, they deserved it!

"Bella why didn't you sit with us on the train," Narcissa asked, looking at her older sister as she sat on her bed.

Bellatrix rolled her eyes and walked past, towards her own bed furthest in the room and by the window. "As if I'd sit and listen to you two and your friends gossiping about the 'new boy'," She said back.

Andromeda turned to her with a quirked brow. "I don't know, by the looks of it you sat just fine with the 'new boy' before you ran him away."

Bellatrix was only able to scoff as a response before Narcissa quickly interrupted, hopping over towards Bellatrix. "You got to talk to Tom Riddle?" She asked excitedly. "How was he like? Was he charming? Did he show you parseltongue?"

"Cissy, please, calm down. He was none of those things. He was very bland… and cocky, and arrogant," Bella responded, the end getting heated with annoyance. Not towards her sister of course.

"Sounds like someone I know," Andromeda spoke up with a pointed look Bella's way.

"Shut up," The dark haired witch shot back. Because of course she couldn't deny it. She was those things sometimes… all the time. "Whatever. Let’s go. It's time for lunch anyway."

(A/N: lets be honest idk how classes work at hogwarts so lets say bellatrix and sis’s meet up w mother on the reggy, with permission or without, and this particular weekend was a break for all students to either visit their fam or relax in their dorms/explore school grounds. today (mon) is a day for them to get readjusted and classes start up again the following day. anyway continue)

All the way to the great hall Bellatrix's sisters continued teasing her about Tom. Thankfully she took the teasing easily, shoving her sisters good naturedly and joking along. That was until they reached the great hall. She didn't think her sisters noticed but as they walked past others to get to their table Bellatrix could feel a strong force on her, like something digging into the back of her head. She scanned her eyes around the room once, trying to catch the culprit of whatever was happening but all she could see were other students eating merrily, not a clue to her predicament. Thankfully by the time she'd sat down the force had vanished and she could focus back on her sisters.

Tom stood just outside the doors of the great hall, panting and trying to catch his breath. Never had he been rejected so quickly from someone's mind, not even close to breaching it in fact. Her magic was strong, untampered and just waiting to be fully unleashed just beneath the surface. A magic enough to rival his own. She may think she was strong now but oh just wait until he had her with him, by his side. Just wait until he showed her what she's truly capable of.

With these thoughts in mind he swiftly walked away from the great hall entrance, on his way back to his dorm.

[conceptstage]

If you're still taking prompt requests: hiraeth for Beau? I'd be interested to see where you'd take it

Hiraeth; a homesickness for a home to which you cannot return, a home which maybe never was

“Thank you,” Marion said, catching Beau by the arm as the others filtered out of her bedchamber. She could hear Jester moving around in her childhood bedroom a few yards away as she turned back to meet her eyes. “For bringing my daughter home.”

“It, uh, it’s no big-” But she paused because she knew that it definitely was a big deal. Her mother might not give a damn where she was or whether or not she was still alive, but her understanding as that that was not the norm with mothers. “Happy to,” she said instead, which didn’t feel adequate.

Marion smiled at her though and moved her hand down to hold Beau’s wrist. “Come. Sit with me while Jester gets dressed for dinner.”

Beau cleared her throat and looked at the closed bedroom door, leaving her alone with Jester’s mother. She wasn’t cut out for this, she was gonna fuck something up, she was sure of it. “Sure.” She let herself be pulled over to the pair of reading chairs by the window and resisted the urge to sit comfortably, instead keeping both feet planted firmly on the carpet. “What can I do for you?”

“Oh, I just wanted to talk. Jester keeps me apprised of all your adventures and she has told me so much about you and your friends. She speaks very highly of you in particular, just so that you know.” She gave Beau a knowing look that had Beau coughing awkwardly into her fist and avoiding her insightful gaze. “She’s told me all about your friends’ pasts, all about where they came from and how they came to be here, but…” She paused and licked her lips like she was thinking about how to best to phrase this. “But she has told me very little of your origins. I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about your home.”

“The Mighty Nein is my home,” she answered quickly. “I don’t need any other home.”

That just seemed to make Marion more concerned. “What about your family, darling? I know of Fjord’s circumstances, are you similar?”

“I… No. I have parents, but if you asked them they’d tell you they don’t have a daughter.” She hesitated. She’d really only talked to Nott about this and she was a little tipsy then. This was so much harder. “I was an asshole kid and they got rid of me.”

“Oh, you poor dear,” Marion whispered, reaching over to touch her arm. “How old were you?”

“Sixteen. I had-” She cleared her throat. “I had just turned sixteen. And, uh, the reason that Jester never told you about that is because I never really told her the details. She knows parts of it, she knows the gist.”

“What about your childhood? I imagine from what you’ve just told me that it wasn’t a particularly happy one, but I’d love to hear about it if you don’t mind talking about it.”

Beau sighed and ran her hands over her face. “Is this because of Jester? Because…” She let the sentence hang, unsure what she was about to say. ‘Because I’m not going to do anything about my feelings for your daughter’ maybe? Or ‘Because nothing is gonna happen, Jes will never love me that way’ probably but that just felt depressing to say out loud even though it was true.

“It started out that way,” Marion started when Beau didn’t continue. “I wanted to get to know the woman in love with my only daughter, make sure that you were sincere and kind. But now… I am concerned about you.”

“You don’t need to worry about me, Marion. I’m fine. I’ve always been fine, I will always be fine.”

“Is ‘fine’ enough? Don’t you want happiness?”

Beau frowned and crossed her arms over her chest, trying to make herself look smaller in the chair. “I didn’t… I didn’t know what home was until I became part of this group. Until I met Jes. What more could I ask for?” Marion just gave her a sad look and started rubbing a comforting hand up and down her arm. 

She took this brief break in the conversation to give herself a moment to imagine what it would have been like to have a mother like Marion. A mother who wanted you to be happy even if your plans didn’t line up with theirs. Would she be a better person? A kinder person? Or was this assholishness just who she was, shitty parents or not?

Jester burst out of her bedroom in a bright pink, mid length dress with a petticoat and frills and grinned, throwing her arms out. “Ta da!” she cheered. She looked over at Beau’s strained smile and the concern in her mother’s eyes and frowned, dropping her arms to her side. “The energy in here is super down, did something happen?”

 Beau shook her head and stood up, walking over to stand in front of her. “No, nothing happened. You look great.”

Jester grinned and did a spin. “Thanks! I was worried it wasn’t gonna fit anymore because now I’m super buff and strong but it looks cute, right?”

“Very lovely, dear,” Marion said, standing up and walking over as well. “A bit much for dinner, isn’t it?”

“But I never get an occasion to dress up like this!”

Beau chuckled. “I’m sure the others have us a table now. We should go before Nott gets hungry and starts gnawing on the chairs again.”

Jester frowned but started towards the door. “That was only once and it was after we’d gone like a whole day without eating. Don’t tease her about it.”

Beau was still smiling as she moved to follow Jester out with Marion right behind her. “Uh, thanks,” she started. “Thanks for the talk, Marion.”

Marion gave her a soft, kind smile. “You could me ‘Mom’, if you wanted.”

Beau just blinked at her incomprehensibly. “Uhhh… I actually don’t think that I’m physically capable of calling you that, to be totally honest.”

Marion chuckled and followed Beau and her daughter out of the room. “We’ll work up to that one then. I get the feeling we’re going to be in each other’s lives for a very long time.”

[born-in-september]

BETTY AND JAMES, THE WHOLE STORY:

I have obviously been listening to Folklore since the day it came out and I think most of the songs in the album are part of the story, even though I know some are just abou Taylor’s personal life, I like to link them all together and turn the album almost into a musical haha

Here’s the sequence of my version of it, let me know what you think!

1) Seven, sang by James

He talks about how he had to be mature even from an young age (“I hit my peak at seven”), probably because of family issues and so he kind of closed himself for others (“I was too scared to jump in”), but now he is ready for a relationship with Betty (“I think you should come live with me” even though I don’t think they will literally live together, but just be with each other), who didn’t come from an easy childhood either (“your dad is always mad”).

2) Peace, sang by Betty

She feels haunted by her past (“No I could never give you peace”), but she wants to be with James and this is her opening her heart to him (“I'd give you my sunshine, give you my best”).

3) Invisible String, sang by Betty

This is the relationship in her view, how she fell in love with James after some bad relationships (“A string that pulled me out of all the wrong arms”). She feels like being with him is mending all her broken bones (“Time, mystical time, cutting me open then healing me fine”).

4) Mirrorball, sang by The Mistress

This girl is in love with James and she does everything to try to get his attention (“I’m still trying everything to keep you looking at me”). She has low self esteem and is a straight up pleaser, she needs attention and gets it from men who just want to use her (“The regulars (...) drunk as they watch my shattered edges glisten”), but her heart beats for James and she’ll have him even if just as an affair (“Hush when no one is around, my dear”).

5) August, sang by The Mistress

One day, she drives by James walking alone, a sad look on his face and she decides it’s now or never. She pulls over and calls him in and to her surprise, he accepts (“Whispers of ‘are you sure?’”) and that’s how the affair started. They were together for little over a month (August), but James called it off when Betty found out and he decided he loved her and wants to be with her.

6) Hoax, sang by Betty

This is when Inez, a gossiper friend, tells Betty about James’ affair and Betty is heartbroken (“Your faithless love's the only hoax I believe in”). She feel betryed, not only because he was with someone else, but because she felt like he was the only one who accepted her despite her past (“You knew it still hurts underneath my scars from when they pulled me apart, but what you did was just as dark”).

7) Illicit Affairs, sang by The Mistress

She is also heartbroken after James ends things with her to try to make it up to Betty and she looks back to their relationship. She is lost and angry, but she still wants him (“Look at this idiotic fool that you made me. You taught me a secret language I can't speak with anyone else and you know damn well, for you, I would ruin myself a million little times”).

8) Betty, sang by James

After some time, James gather courage to go talk to Betty and try to explain to her what had happened. After 3 years, their relationship was not as it once was and James was really jealous of one of Betty’s friends. After a fight, he saw her dancing with him and left the party, that’s when The Mistress found him and the whole thing started. He is parked in front of Betty’s house, who is having a party, picturing the moment and song ends when he walks to the door.

9) Mad Woman, sang by The Mistress

James got to Betty’s house and was trying to explain himself in the middle of every one who was at the party. Betty takes him somewhere more private for them to talk, but that part is all the Mistress sees, and so she believe they got back together (“It's obvious that wanting me dead has really brought you two together”). She gets really mad and starts yelling at them, while all Betty wanted was not to make a scene (“She should be mad, should be scathing like me”).

10) This Is Me Trying, sang by James

Literally, this is him trying. He apologizes to her (“It's hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound. It's hard to be anywhere these days when all I want is you”) and says that he never loved her the way he loved Betty (“Pouring out my heart to a stranger, but I didn't pour the whiskey”), but she is still upset and doesn’t want to listen to him.

11) Cardigan, sang by Betty

Betty’s response to James’ apology. She doesn’t accept it, she won’t tolerate being cheated on and is still really hurt because she trusted him with her past (“You drew stars around my scars, but now I'm bleeding”). She knew he would regret it and try to get back together (“I knew you'd miss me once the thrill expired and you'd be standin' in my front porch light”).

12) Exile, sang by James and Betty

Betty turns down James quite quickly, she doesn’t want to hear his apologies (“And it took you five whole minutes to pack us up and leave me with it, holdin' all this love out here in the hall”). She turns around and seek comfort in the very same friend James was so jealous about (“I can see you staring, honey, like he's just your understudy, like you'd get your knuckles bloody for me”). Their relationship is over.

13) My Tears Ricochet, sang by The Mistress

After the scene she made at Betty’s party, the emotions sink in and she regrets what she said (“I didn't have it in myself to go with grace”). Still, she is very mad at James for leaving her like that and just going back to Betty - even though we know that’s not what happened - and is now predicting he will miss her too (“Cursing my name, wishing I stayed, look at how my tears ricochet”).

14) The 1, sang by Betty

They go their separate ways and run into each other after a few years (they dated when they were 17, now they’re in their 20s) and have that awkward moment, when you meet an ex, making small talk. Betty forgave him now, there are no hard feelings (“If you never bleed, you're never gonna grow and it's alright now”) and she knows their relationship wasn’t perfect, but she still wonders if he never cheated, if they would still be together, because deep down, they still love one another (“If one thing had been different, would everything be different today?”).

@taylorswift what do you think?

Here’s my playlist following the order I believe the story to happen in: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1l3b8oyQoemV2fnqiS3Tgj?si=nRxgw-g4SaaSwpW1feIfEA

[punkscowardschampions]

Tommy & Meena

Tommy: All my tutus better be accounted for, like Meena: 😅 Meena: Not to engage in the bitchy showbiz stereotype Meena: but your size is not the size of the 3-7s Meena: and I don't need to rock one from the sidelines, sadly Meena: I did ask Tommy: Calling me fat & not inviting me out for juice? Oh it be like that, yeah? Meena: Never! Meena: The totally casual impromptu photoshoot would have you believe I had longer than 5 minutes to neck it down, I know Tommy: Not even in there with the 3-7s & already a savage Tommy: good luck to 'em Tommy: None to you Tommy: Who hasn't sacrificed their final mins to look fabulous? Standard, full supported fare Meena: They are hilarious Meena: some of them are SO serious though, reminds me of you Tommy: I could fire the same call out back at you Tommy: not least 'cause you're teaching in the holibobs Meena: How could it possibly be a call out? Meena: you'd have to be to get into the school you did Meena: I'm only teaching for the same reasons I 🩰 in the first place, for fun Meena: that's 🤓 at best Tommy: We started claws out Tommy: but I'll play nice & tell you to break a leg Tommy: just don't let the kids have too much fun, be a health & safety nightmare 🦺🤓 Meena: 😱 Meena: remind me never to be in the play-that-shall-not-be-named with you (as if), 'cos you'll be dropping the M 💣 like it's no thing Meena: as long as they look cute for their ma's and none of them cry, I think I get a 🥇 Meena: just a favour for Anne honestly, who has overstretched herself (not an awful pun, I 🤞) as per Tommy: Tights are a given for 🤩👏🌹 but my mastery of a Scots accent less so Tommy: I'll drop the M word like it's a 🔪🩸 to distract from my flaws, no problem Tommy: my sister witches & I love a curse Tommy: Oh dear Anne 😔 Meena: Are you more of a 🌈 or a 🐀 man? Meena: Yes, I noticed, there were some definite signs of voodoo in their room Meena: her daughter is meant to help her out now she's older but she never does 🤷 Tommy: 😂 is that a trick question? Tommy: Gutted I haven't found a club called the 🌈 passage yet Meena: 😳 Nooooo Meena: ew, what would 🐀 man even entail, gross Tommy: I mean, I've been asked if I'm a friend of Dorothy in loads of ways but now that's my new fave Tommy: I don't reckon you're ready for 🐀 man, maybe work up to it from 🐁 boy Meena: Oh God 😰 If only I was that witty and not just a nerd 😅 Meena: very nutcracker Tommy: Don't make your 📚🖋 sound 💀 dull before I've even read one Tommy: Julie Andrews would not approve Tommy: Witty & pretty & bright Tommy: it's the only way Meena: It's not Shakespeare Meena: so that's either a 👍 or a 👎 depending upon your literary persuasion Meena: not 🌈 Meena: though arguably 🐀men and 🐁boys hate the bard, well known fact so Meena: The thought of letting her down is 😿 Tommy: Loads of people find Shakespeare confusing Tommy: I like good, strong words that mean something Tommy: & I don't reckon they'd let 👑 Julie down, she seems like she'd be a fan herself Meena: Even if my plots get a little too convoluted or my dialogue doesn't quite reach passing for reality Meena: it's no Tudor English or iambic pentameter so 🥇 Tommy: 'Course you can take it as a win if you don't need a full glossary in the back Meena: or modern translation on the next page Meena: that'd be a sick burn Tommy: My ma needs a Scouse to understandable English translation hanging over her head Tommy: but you'll know that as you've been round Meena: I think I've got the basics down Meena: or she makes it more basic when she talks to me Tommy: Or she lays it on thick for me 'cause every dialect coach wants me to talk posh London as the starting line Meena: is sabotage mum cooler than stage mum? Tommy: probably depends how she feels about curses & broken legs Tommy: but it's a fresher take at least Meena: at least if you do, it's not her 💸 down the drain, just your time and effort Tommy: means I've got the basics down too, like Tommy: not her hard earned cash Tommy: never that Meena: Her basics are more fun that Ana's Meena: not saying a whole lot Tommy: she could have the good grace to be your step ma if she was gonna be so wicked Tommy: can't get the tropes these days Meena: she's not get the green paint out levels of bad Meena: the chores are cinderella levels Meena: but it's a big house and I'm grateful Tommy: Elphaba is well complex & a gay icon, neither of which Ana can claim Tommy: her wickedness & descent into insanity are totally understandable when you unlock her tragic backstory Meena: I'm just saying, don't get to work on the mini farmhouse to drop on her head Tommy: 🥱🙄 Meena: oh right, you're far too cool to do ANYTHING with your holiday now Meena: not even set decorating Meena: 🥱🙄 Tommy: is that a burn or is it the glare of my ⭐dom? I can't tell tbh Tommy: it isn't the heat of the Irish summer that's for damn sure Meena: you're strictly lead roles only now? Meena: oh, how you've changed Tommy: I'll never turn down a 👻 my ma & weird sisters would kill me Meena: so method Meena: I'll take tree #2 at this point Tommy: You'd be an amazing tree #2 Meena: *graceful bow of my branches* Tommy: you always were the best at keeping your révérence in character while the rest of us were over the 🌜 to be done Tommy: I expect nothing less Meena: even if that's a case or rose-tinted 🕶 Meena: *of Meena: I'm about everything being a little more pink Tommy: I can't decide if it's less hurtful being called a blind 🐁 or fat 🐀 Tommy: I'll get back to you Meena: At the risk of calling you sensitive...it's either that or I've got really rude in my old age 😅 Tommy: Both would be the rosiest Meena: 😊 Tommy: 🧠 Meena: Squidgy Tommy: if you want something to sink your 🦷🦷 into Tommy: 👛 Tommy: still pink Meena: Yours too? Tommy: Yeah Tommy: you don't own the 🩰👑 aesthetic Meena: This town ain't big enough for the both of us Meena: 🤠🔫 Tommy: Lend me those joggers and I'll lay down my weapons Meena: Sharing clothes should not still be an option Tommy: if you wanna keep body shaming Tommy: but there's no other real reason why not Meena: I'm talking my neverending growth spurts, not yours Tommy: measurements please Meena: am I not a lady? Tommy: are you? not for me to say Meena: I'm 5'10 1/2 Meena: too tall to pair in all the ways Tommy: not with me, honey Meena: You're old, too Meena: 🕞 for a lot of boys in my year to hit puberty 🙄 Tommy: I ain't thrown my back out yet, cheers very much Tommy: love the confidence Meena: wise old 🦉 eating all the blind 🐁 and fat 🐀 Tommy: the innuendos 🖋 themselves Tommy: love an old predatory 🌈 stereotype too Meena: okay, you're not THAT old Tommy: my 🦴 & 🦷 tell a story Meena: and what a 📚🖋 it shall be Tommy: don't get me started on my 👀 sight Tommy: look like an 👴 & I'll sound like one yelling at a ☁ Meena: thank god for contacts Meena: or being your partner would have been much scarier Tommy: I could do those old routines with my eyes closed Meena: Me too Meena: and backwards #humblebrag Tommy: 😏 Meena: stealing Ginger's words there, sadly Tommy: there's no such thing as an original idea, yeah? Tommy: what I go with when it's time to do choreo Meena: preach it and I won't feel as much of a fraud Tommy: You'll have been to church more recently than I have Tommy: it's her thing, right? 🙏 Meena: Being Catholic is not exclusively HER thing Meena: but she is remarkably good at it, yes Meena: 🎨 Tommy: not in this town or with that attitude Tommy: are you even 🍀 if you don't out devout each other tbh? Meena: she isn't even Meena: Brazilian and better than you 😘 Tommy: Again, not with that attitude Tommy: she's lived here years, like Meena: So has your Ma Meena: she's about as 🍀 Tommy: She's basically 💍 to one & doesn't possess the 🌈 urge to merge Tommy: it's stubbornness Meena: 🙏 to the choir Tommy: 🍻 Meena: didn't steal any of your beers, thank you Meena: just had a juice Tommy: We'd be having this out face to face if you had Meena: father's son Meena: I get it Tommy: ❌🥊 ✔🩰 Meena: that's definitely not original Meena: 😿 Meena: life story = stolen Tommy: Anne's no Julie Walters Tommy: but I've played him as a kid in the 🎶 Meena: Rude Meena: she 🚬 as much Tommy: Still? Tommy: ☠ Meena: Of course Meena: she doesn't try to have it out the window during classes anymore though, so that's progress Tommy: Talk about rose tinted Tommy: such good memories those Meena: They're the only ones I've got so Meena: I think so Tommy: When she has you back next, tell her that in this house we swear by 🚭 patches Tommy: might save a life Tommy: & give you a chance to make some more decent memories Meena: Noted Meena: I make memories just fine now Meena: but you only get one childhood Tommy: Peter Pan just made me 😢 anyway Tommy: What the fuck is that ending? Meena: The one we all get Meena: they told you in the first line Meena: All children, except one, grow up ✨ Tommy: No need to keep it in the family like that though Tommy: Fly though another window, Peter you heartbreaker Meena: The reason he showed up in the first place was to hear Wendy's stories about him Meena: she knew what she was doing telling her daughter about him Tommy: You go ahead & pass yours down but I'm just saying, I won't be encouraging my kids to run off with my first love Meena: No, silly Meena: she wanted him to come for HER, she thought she could still fly, still go with him Meena: she grew up without noticing, by accident, she didn't mean to Meena: that's why it's 😢 Tommy: Like I said Tommy: didn't need it girlsplained Meena: Do when you don't get it Tommy: Everyone knows she wanted Peter to come back for her Tommy: the thirst was real Meena: You're just being childish on purpose now Tommy: I'm saying probably don't let your kid go off with him when you know the same thing's gonna happen Tommy: that's bad parenting, like Meena: She doesn't regret it happening Meena: just because all children have to become adults doesn't mean deny them of the wonders of childhood, idiot Meena: get Jane on accounting instead of having adventures in Neverland, okay Meena: SUCH a Mr Darling, you, I had NO idea Tommy: Or get her a lad she can grow up along side & not have to 😢 at the window for Tommy: it don't have to be Neverland or bust Meena: Yes it does, he IS childhood, you don't get to take it or him with you Meena: Wendy took all the lost boys back with her, that didn't make her miss Peter any less Tommy: Our dog was a shit nanny I did alright out of it still Meena: Well, my brother was worse so I win Tommy: 'Cause I was your hot boy at the window Meena: Something like that Tommy: feels like flying to me Meena: When you remember. When you can. When it works. It's that easy. Tommy: I mean, it's less catchy than just do it ✔ but I don't hate it Meena: Take it up with Neil and Nike Tommy: crusades are for term time Meena: no cardboard sword or shield for you then Tommy: If I can't stab anyone with it, I don't want it Meena: okay, psycho Meena: no need to go that far to prove you've changed from the boy in the window Tommy: 😂 Tommy: if I have to be on stage, gimme a decent prop Tommy: not much to ask Meena: ... Meena: #diva Tommy: #reluctantboardtreader Tommy: Ro's a better actress & Ali's a better singer Tommy: I need something to mess about with to keep me standing still Meena: it must be rough, having talented sisters Meena: one thing I can't accuse Drew of Tommy: Nah, like you said, only get the one childhood Tommy: it made mine loads better Meena: Cute 😊 Tommy: Don't need to tell you Tommy: you know 'em as well as I do Meena: Yeah Meena: well enough that there's no need to disagree Tommy: feel free to hit me with a cardboard sword if you're gutted Meena: My insecurities in my own abilities don't make me lash out 👅 or 👊 Meena: could make a thinly-veiled reference to you in a story though so, consider yourself warned Tommy: other people are safe from mine, so there's no warning needed for you Tommy: not gonna challenge you to a dance off Meena: not in your holidays Meena: gotta rest Tommy: There'd be fuck all point doing it in term time Tommy: in a virtual one you could easily blame the lag Meena: You calling me a cheat? Tommy: pointing out how effortlessly you could Meena: You're meant to say I wouldn't need to Tommy: I don't need to say that Meena: Rude Tommy: It's a compliment Tommy: we both know you wouldn't need to cheat & even if you did, you wouldn't anyway Meena: Yes, but it was rude you weren't gonna say it Meena: but now you have so ha 😊 Tommy: Says you who wants me to rest up all hols like an 👴 Meena: You said it first, actually Tommy: Where? Meena: you called me out for working in the holidays Meena: which implies you ain't Tommy: what so if I ain't teaching I have to be resting? Tommy: oh please Meena: what are you doing? Meena: didn't 👀 you Tommy: [a selfie from wherever he's taken Rocky cos that's what I like to think he's doing since he wasn't there] Meena: figures Meena: almost definitely would've 👂 him Tommy: Yeah Tommy: my 🎧 only do so much Meena: He's so cute though Tommy: it's the 🦇👂 Meena: and the freckles Meena: and the gappy teeth rn Tommy: 🙄 good save with the 🦷🦷 comment Meena: ? Tommy: Come on, who else in my family has a face full of frecks? Tommy: they're both taken though Meena: oh please Tommy: 🥱 Meena: You don't need to tell me about people fancying your siblings Meena: story of my life Tommy: he's 💪 but what else is there to say? Meena: Are you expecting me to answer that? Meena: don't be weird Tommy: I'm saying it's not much of a story, long hair & a six pack Tommy: so I won't be telling you I fancy him Meena: I likewise fancy none of yours, freckled or otherwise Tommy: Lovely to clear that up Meena: 🤷 Meena: Okay then Tommy: 👌 then Meena: Really? Tommy: Yeah really Tommy: what else? Meena: Alright Meena: nothing Tommy: there's something Meena: Beyond not getting why you're being so snappy about it, there really isn't Tommy: I can handle an attitude check Meena: Are you alright? Meena: Bored...school-sick? Meena: doesn't sound right but you know Tommy: Bored is closest Tommy: but that doesn't sound right at the beginning of summer Tommy: at least we can blame Rocko, congrats to him Meena: The pressure to have the best summer ever!!! gets to us all Tommy: & for that we can blame the insta feed Tommy: love none of being my fault Meena: Sure we can think of something if you wanna feel that classic guilt to make you feel at home Tommy: 💭 gotcha Meena: not promising full 🧠 power to it Meena: am on costume duty so Tommy: I can't decently sew but I've never missed with a hot glue gun so Tommy: ✨ Meena: Yeah? Meena: That would actually be a big help Meena: talk to Ali, she had a million ideas, as per Tommy: 'Course Meena: Of course I just see the limitations of the vague 'Summer' theme I'm meant to follow, but she sees nothing but endless possibilities Tommy: sounds legit Tommy: I'm on my way back, no doubt she'll jump on me soon as I get through the door for all hands on deck Meena: Sorry and thank you in advance Meena: it was all I could do to convince her I had to get back to cook dinner so she is certainly in full project manager mode Tommy: it'll cure how schoolsick I am, we're always adding 🎀 or ✨ to something so it'll pass for something else more fabulous Meena: that's the spirit Tommy: if you can't turn a 👻 into a 👸 or vice versa you might as well fuck off home Tommy: does Anne want them full JonBenét Ramsey 💄👑👶 or is ALL on the costumes? Meena: Oh God Meena: thankfully she's not gone that crazy in her own old age Meena: JUST costume Meena: though some of the mothers see fit to attack them with lipgloss, hairspray etc but that's their own M.O. and we don't need to go there for 'em Tommy: Small mercy, like Tommy: does she have any lads this time? Meena: not in the 3-7s Meena: pretty sure there's a lad in the 7-12s though Tommy: Oh Anne Meena: not every lifetime a Billy Elliot comes about, clearly Tommy: way to not capitalise on my success Meena: um, okay bighead Meena: did you think you'd start a revolution in 🍀 with your talent, like Meena: calm down 😅 Tommy: The point is, literal poster boy material right here & she hasn't made a single one Tommy: 🚬 is an expensive habit Meena: ugh Meena: 🤫 Tommy: 😂 Meena: going to make a very unflattering poster of you when I get home Tommy: I can't wait to be tagged in the 📷 Meena: I'll just put 'em up 'round town Tommy: Ooh like a scavenger hunt Tommy: I knew I wouldn't be bored for long Meena: was vibing public smear but yes Meena: it can be that too, you're very welcome Tommy: trying to shame me again, I 👀 Meena: if the 🩰 fits Meena: ask yourself why Tommy: You're a Meenie, there's why Meena: 😏 Meena: been a long time since I 👂 that Tommy: I'll pull your hair next time I see you if you're feeling nostalgic Tommy: what are mates for, like Meena: Got all summer Meena: see if I get to that level, like Tommy: if the 🩰 fits Tommy: I know Meena: mine barely did Tommy: if you're gonna keep teaching, you'll need a new pair Meena: I know Meena: they're so expensive though Meena: and who knows Tommy: Anne'll have you back in a heartbeat Tommy: & there'll be a pair here that'll fit, my ma don't throw anything of ours away Meena: I don't know how she manages to live off what she makes Meena: never mind the idea of this being anything more than a favour Meena: the shoes will be a help though, I'm gonna pay for how small those ones were tomorrow Tommy: Sugar daddy Tommy: there's a definite twinkle in her eye Tommy: I'll get in the loft or wherever the fuck else when I get back Tommy: you're a [correct guess of the size of her foot because obviously] yeah? Meena: OMG Meena: to be her daddy he'd have to be at least 90 😂 Meena: ✔ Meena: Thanks, like, IOU Tommy: Don't worry about it Tommy: get me Anne's 💘 goss & we're even Meena: not taking up 🚬 to get in on those breaks but aside from that Meena: do my best Tommy: yeah, don't Tommy: I've heard somewhere it's  ☠ Meena: 😏 Meena: not that dedicated to the ballerina lifestyle Tommy: I won't tell, that HARSH truth would break dear old Anne Meena: Somehow I don't think so Meena: no poster girl, like Tommy: she 📞 you, I'm still waiting by mine Meena: 💔 Meena: she knows you're far too busy being a 🌟 to recruit Tommy: Yeah yeah Meena: You know she'd be beyond over the 🌙 to see you Tommy: I'm not twirling in to take your job Tommy: how out of order Meena: sounds like you have trouble controlling 1 kid Meena: never mind a class of Meena: not scared Tommy: he's my brother, he's feral Tommy: & you're rude Meena: he's feral because he's YOUR brother orrrrrr Meena: and I am not! Tommy: if the 👂s fit Tommy: have you forgotten what I was like OR? 'cause if you're trying to be polite, you've misjudged the timing Tommy: & yeah you are Meena: I'm not sure feral is the word I would use for you now or then Meena: you can interpret that as politely or im as you wanna Tommy: He's obviously not following in my exact footsteps then, 'cause who could Tommy: only you Meena: we were good partners Meena: 🤠 Tommy: 🏆🥇🥈🏆 Tommy: I'll dust 'em off when I 🩰 hunt Meena: you'll need several feather dusters Meena: 👴👵 Tommy: or a well flamboyant sleeve Tommy: 😏 Meena: very romantic of you Tommy: when you're having your goss sesh with Anne, the tea is that I didn't wear 💄 in public until I was nearly 12 Tommy: it'll help her control those 👶🤡 urges Meena: there's nothing summer about sweating off stage makeup Meena: poor babies Tommy: 🥀 Tommy: not the vibe Meena: definitely not Meena: not a fun sponge, they can have as much glitter as they like Meena: but full glam on a toddler ain't it Tommy: Thank Christ for the shared sanity Tommy: some of 'em at school would put full glam on a 🐶🐱🐰🐹 Meena: 🙄 Meena: it makes sense for the West End Meena: but the stage in the community hall is not that far from the what, room for 50-100 sitting? Meena: 🤡 features not necessary to see the facial expressions Tommy: Mmmhmmm Meena: when will I see you on stage then? Tommy: West End or community hall? Meena: 😅 Meena: former, obviously Tommy: Like I said, reluctant boardtreader Tommy: I only do the acting school makes me do Meena: yeah, but lots of shows must have some dance roles, right? Tommy: They do & I do 'em as & when Tommy: Billy Elliot already having been mentioned, like Tommy: I've got loads of auditions ✎ in this summer for all kinds of things Meena: well, let me know next time, will you Tommy: 'Course Meena: trying to keep your 🌟 secret or your fam from the audience, like? Tommy: Don't reckon having my ma in the front row would let me really shine, do you? Meena: I see where you're coming from Tommy: I can do without Fraze taking the piss about every role I don't get, like he understands the odds, as well Tommy: but if you wanna come, you can come Meena: like it's not one of the most competitive markets 🙄 Meena: so many people never get a role, like Tommy: he likes being a shit to be one Tommy: the role he was born to play Meena: yeah Meena: sounds familiar Tommy: gimme 2 more sisters over either brother Tommy: even if they were better 💃💃 Meena: wouldn't know Meena: source material varies on how fun that would be Tommy: 'Course it does Tommy: can't get the backup when I need it Meena: I'm 🤔 Meena: unless you're part of a twin duo of sisters, it's usually presented as more 🥊 than 💖 Tommy: Jo & Amy, not Jo & Beth Tommy: I've got Bea & Ro as well as Ali, I get it Meena: That about sums it up Tommy: I'd still take 'em over my brothers, know you can relate Tommy: Hell, I'd take the mystery sister we don't talk about & I've never met, over Fraze Tommy: there's a 📚💡 for you Meena: definitely 🖋 worthy Tommy: 👍 Tommy: [pictures of like all the trophies and other stuff he is finding as baby dancer mems cos he's back home] Tommy: more inspo Meena: Obviously, if this were any story, she'd be a teacher at your school Meena: 💃genes Tommy: she could be Tommy: I wouldn't know Meena: I bet most of your teachers are Anne types though Meena: so, too old, and not a hint of resemblance Tommy: Loads of 'em are young & 💪 so I love the added incentive not to 😍 a teacher Meena: you wouldn't anyway Meena: not a guy, a sister Tommy: I'll let you know if I run into her in 🌈 passage Meena: might be a coincidence too far Tommy: AHa! 🩰 Tommy: when do you need these? Meena: 🙏🙌 Thursday, but Ali and Ro said they'd come to do measurements then so you can throw 'em at 'em Tommy: Am I not invited? Meena: Are you coming to steal my spotlight? Tommy: I'll go hang with Carly if you can't handle our ⭐️🌟✨ Meena: her plans sounded like they involved 😴 Meena: 10am class was not her preference, I don't think Tommy: 🧸😪💤 Tommy: I can work with that, rest, yeah? Meena: I don't think you were invited there either Meena: you should probably come Tommy: she's not as savage as you Tommy: who is, like Tommy: but alright, Meenie Tommy: check your attitude by thurs & I'll come Meena: oof! 😤 Tommy: I'll teach you this counting trick Fraze used to have to do when he was lil Meena: I know how to count Meena: key 💃 skill Tommy: the whole way to 10?! WOW Tommy: I thought you just 👀 me Meena: 😒 Meena: you're very rude Tommy: 😂 Tommy: you're adorable Meena: you sound like my brother now Meena: not a cute look Tommy: what am I if not the big brother you should've had? Tommy: fairy godbrother is going a bit far, like Meena: We've established I'm alright for 'em Meena: you're not getting a free sister here Tommy: 🥺 Meena: 😠 very mean very serious Tommy: I realise I'm gonna have to drag you away from Anne, she's hardened you Tommy: you used to be like 🍦 Meena: melts in the ☀ Meena: so ideal Tommy: melting wins 🏆🥇🥈🏆 remember Meena: all my 🏆🥇🥈🏆 live in your loft, or wherever your mum keeps the precious memories Tommy: you don't have any of 'em? Meena: a few 🥇🥈s Meena: my room's not a shrine to past victories or anything as tragic Tommy: I'll bring you one of the smaller 🏆 you can put a 🌱🌿 it'll be very chic Meena: That's student decor 101, is it? Meena: 👍 cheers, though Tommy: at my school it's full shrine, past, present & future Tommy: so I left mine at 🏠 Meena: just another competition Tommy: Yeah Tommy: I don't need to be surrounded by 🏆🥇🥈🏆 to know I need to go for gold Tommy: it's a scholarship requirement Meena: no need to get in a pissing contest with the kid who's been Simba for 3 runs, like Tommy: I'd be a FANTASTIC 🦁👑 Tommy: but if they have to 👀 at my decor to know it, I'm fucking up somewhere Meena: is this a bad time to tell you you aren't black Meena: can't say it's unfair on that specific casting Tommy: I learned the hard way when I performed that rap, cheers for letting me by the way Tommy: best friend goals that day Meena: it was Meena: very creative Meena: who am I, was I, to stomp out that spark 😏 Tommy: 🔪💖 Meena: 😂 Meena: oh god, hope your mum kept evidence of that Tommy: she did Tommy: my 🧢👟 styling was unforgettable before I even opened my mouth Meena: if you wanna beef with Anne, start with the hip-hop dance classes Tommy: Jesus Tommy: what a time Meena: So innocently problematic Tommy: You should write about Anne Tommy: she's lived a life Meena: I have Tommy: so if I trade you the rap footage, can I read it? Meena: Hmm Meena: tempting but Tommy: come on, what's more embarrassing than 👶 Vanilla Ice? Meena: my writing being nothing more than scribblings, potentially Meena: I don't really share it Tommy: I'm not asking you to insta it & tag Anne Tommy: Please Tommy: I'll be a perfect 😇 about it Meena: Okay Meena: but it's as serious as your rap career so no serious criticism please Tommy: you're the best, Meeps Tommy: & I'll be on my best behaviour Meena: Believe it when I see it, slim shady Tommy: maybe you'll 👀 it when you believe, Wendy Tommy: living for that compliment though tbh Meena: couldn't risk biggie Meena: as you're feeling so #fatshamed today Tommy: 😂 Tommy: & you don't wanna go for 🍦 Meena: Where did I say that Tommy: When you gave me a weather forecast Tommy: #notideal Meena: that was about melting myself, thank you Meena: no offer was made Tommy: let's go for 🍦 then!! Meena: !! SO AGGRESSIVE Tommy: !! I'M STARVING Tommy: & unlike Rocko I've got all my 🦷🦷🦷 & they're all sweet 🍬🍭🍦 lovers Meena: I know Meena: not as cute but more #relatable Meena: I have to finish dinner but then I can go Tommy: making it or eating it? Meena: I'll just make it Meena: don't want to spoil my 🍦 Tommy: 🙂 am I cute yet? Tommy: 😁😁😁 Tommy: 🦷✨ Meena: do you have all your stickers from the dentist still too? Meena: massive show-off Tommy: if she could've peeled 'em off & saved 'em, they'd be here Meena: so cute Meena: if I'm ever feeling suicidal I must bring it up Tommy: one word for it Tommy: & one exit strategy Tommy: suicide by bad cop Meena: suitably theatre of me? Tommy: I support it Meena: your support means SO much, obvs Tommy: 💐👏 Meena: throw 💎💰 please Tommy: I'll raid the dressing up & monopoly boxes Tommy: bear with Meena: ooh bagsie thimble Tommy: I remember Tommy: actually am best friend goals here Meena: obviously you want the dog, but you have to fight your dad for it Tommy: I'll end up with the 🎩 Tommy: can't escape the 🤩 Meena: it suits Meena: who ends up with the boat though? Tommy: Ali if she can customise it to look more like a pirate ship Meena: so Ro gets the wheelbarrow Meena: makes sense Tommy: She loves The Secret Garden Tommy: then & now Meena: I support that Tommy: 🤞 you'll support how it influences her 💡s for your summer theme Meena: it's definitely more spring to go full 🌷 🌹 🥀 🌺 🌸 🌼 🌻 Meena: unfortunately Meena: 🐙 🦑 🦐 🦀 🐡 🐠 🐟 🐬 🐳 🐋 🦈 is a bit 😬 Meena: seashells and mermaids is most likely what we'll go with and what the girls and the ma's will like best Tommy: I know we're all 💔 over the cliches Meena: it's basic but workable Meena: you will have to reign them both in or it'll be 😬 or worse Tommy: I can do bad cop Tommy: uniform optional Meena: 😂 Meena: not swoon worthy Tommy: are any of 'em? Tommy: not to personally shut down uniformdating.com Tommy: but like Meena: nurses not do it for you? Meena: or firefighters Meena: army men Tommy: okay I'll give you 🔥 men Meena: See Meena: something for everyone Tommy: 👌 hothoses.com or whatever can stay up Meena: ewwwwww Meena: shh Tommy: 😂 Meena: you're still sweet and innocent Meena: leave my memories as they are Tommy: 👶😇 Meena: more like it Meena: 👀 you Tommy: you're gonna see me covered in melted 🍦 that'll be more like it Tommy: not knocking any 🦷🦷 out though Tommy: line has been drawn in the sand Meena: that's fair Meena: I said 🚭 Meena: we're even Tommy: 🤝

[guessmonsta]

But what about an Ancient Greek or Roman au with the daughter of a high status family and her childhood friend/next door neighbour of just as high status and it's been expected that they'll marry one day and theyve always been kind of disgusted with the idea of marrying each other because they're just friends but then they reach their teens and hit puberty and she's just like damn. Imma leave this one up to you too bc like I think you'd cast it really well idk

《I actually wrote this while being in Rome so I kinda like the vibe of this one》

Kuroo Tetsurou x Reader (Roman High-Status AU)

July 13th, 41 A.D.

“I heard Father talking to Mother in the garden this morning…” Tetsurou looked up from his sandals slapping against the concrete pavement. The steady summer sun burned his eyes when he looked over at her, mud dusted skin and once preened hair. She was the definition of a disaster after tumbling down the hill behind her family’s estate. She fiddled with the hem of her skirt, a nervous quirk of hers, while her other hand ran against the leaves of premature olive trees. “So? My parents talk in the garden all the time.”“Yeah, well this talk was different.” She huffed. The fingers that ran across the olives seemed to tighten, dragging down overripe fruit with quick swipes. “They were talking about a wedding.”“What wedding?”She paused, sending him a dirty look out of the corner of her eye. “Our wedding.” She muttered, the apples of her cheeks growing red. Tetsurou stared at her in awe, the soft pitter patter of his feet ceasing to a stop. He cocked his head, staring at her in utter disbelief. “Whatever do you mean, our wedding?”“I mean-” She paused, taking a deep and steady breath. “I mean we’ve been arranged.”Tetsurou let out a pathetic noise, a whine, perhaps, and sunk to his knees. “Is this a joke?”“You really think I’d be joking?” She frowned, plopping down next to him. She slumped her shoulders and spread her legs, something her mother would faint upon seeing, and yanked a leaf off the tree above them. He watched her fiddle with it between her fingers, before ripping it apart at the veins. “Well, it could be worse. You could be arranged to Nose-Picker Naevius on the other side of the city.” Tetsurou shrugged, flashing her a coy grin when she frowned. “Please! Like I’d like to be wed to the likes of either of you!” Tetsurou almost laughed at her, right then and there. It wasn’t that he was fond of her, because he wasn’t, she was bossy and loud and let dirt sit under her fingernails, but she definitely wasn’t the worst possible suitor. He didn’t take much of a liking for girls, these days. He couldn’t quite understand the hype of marriage, and why he needed to get married anyways. He was a man, powerful as is, and he was sure he’d live just fine without some girl tied next to him. Girls were disgusting, anyways, spent all day weaving in the commons. __, though, __ didn’t seem like the type to weave, and maybe that’s why he didn’t mind her all that much.“Hey.” He peeped, “Give me one good reason why I wouldn’t be a suitable husband.”“You’re disgusting!” She fired back, with no thought in between. “How so?”She paused for a moment, eyebrows furrowing. Tetsurou kept staring at her with a smirk so devious, and if it wasn’t for her mother’s voice in the back of her head telling her to be a lady, she would’ve thrown him into the dirt right then and there. “Well, you cried after emperor Caligula’s death! The man was a menace, don’t you know. Father had him over for supper once and all he did was sass the cook and look at his reflection in the vases! Figures a narcissist like you would feel remorse for that goat.”“My father had him over for supper once, too, and he did the same. It was hilarious, Mother was trying so hard not to be rude, I thought her head was going to explode. I wish he was still around so I could relive that.” Tetsurou shrugged. “Don’t seem to be getting any laughs with emperor Claudius in reign, now.”“I think he’s much better suited as emperor! Laughs or not!”“Really? I saw him stumble down a set of stairs today and crash into a pillar. I could do a better job at that, and I’m ten.” __ pulled another leaf off the tree and tore it apart immediately, letting the remains scatter to the concrete. She wiped her hands against her skirt, adding streaks of green alongside the faded brown of mud. “Please! You can’t even take care of yourself, let alone an empire!”“Says the girl who can’t even keep her skirt clean.”She shot him one last dirty look before rising to her feet. “I’m never marrying you.” She stated. Tetsurou hummed, jumping up to stand next to her. “We can be friends, but I’m never marrying you. You’re icky and your hair’s a mess.”“Who said I was ever going to marry you? You aren’t quite the princess of my dreams, either.”“Father said, but I’m going to let him know that I would rather be thrown in the Colosseum then call myself a ‘Kuroo’.”“Yes, have fun sassing your father. I’m sure that’ll end up perfectly. Tell me how that turns out if you aren’t killed.”“Thank you, I will. Filth.”“Bossypants.”“Jerk.”

March 29th, 49 A.D

Her hands were shaking. Her hands were shaking and her mind was spinning, and oh god, she felt like she was going to puke. Her mother insisted that today, out of all days, she reunite with her childhood friend, Tetsurou Kuroo, the wealthy boy down the street who she was destined to be wed to. She insisted that she’d rather not, it was her cursed time of the month and God forbid anything happen to her whilst she was draped in her finest white silk. Her pleas had no force though, and she was dragged along anyways. She hadn’t seen the boy in seven years, ties being cut off when she turned eleven. He had changed now, for sure, and she couldn’t fathom what he’d look like.She imagined he’d be a lot more muscular. Rumor had it he was to be a part of the consul soon, so he had to be of decent shape. She hoped he had somehow learned to tame the childish fringe that hung in his face when he was younger, although she couldn’t imagine Tetsurou without it. Thinking about him put a small smile on her face, before her mother hit her on the arm. “Are you excited to see him?” She pondered, and __ could feel her cheeks grow hot. “I mean…” She shrugged, cocking her head towards the ground. “I’m a lot more nervous than excited. We’re not eight years old anymore, Mother.”Walking through the Kuroo courtyard made her stomach roil even more than it was before. Her mother grabbed her by the hand, gave it a gentle squeeze, before marching up towards the gate and giving the lion mouth door knocker a heavy rap.“I’m sure he’s just as nervous as you are. You do not need to worry, you’ve bathed naked with him before, you’re friends.”“Mother! That’s not helping with the situation!”Her mother only shrugged, straightening her shoulders when a slave opened the door for them. He nodded curtly, making way for the two of them to pass by. There was a rushed click of shoes against marble, and an all too familiar woman stumbled out into the commons. “Oh, __, __, it’s so wonderful to see you again!” The short woman hobbled over to her and her mother, throwing her arms around both of their shoulders. “My, what a beautiful young lady you’ve wound up to be, __. Tetsurou’s going to want to marry you right here once he sees you.”__’s breath hitched, but she nodded, paying her respects towards her elder. Mrs. Kuroo looked the same as she did seven years ago, except the roots of her ebony hair started staining a deep gray. “Thank you, Mrs. Kuroo, you look lovely yourself.” She managed to stutter out. The woman clapped gleefully, rushing into one of the doors at the end of the commons. __ looked up at her mother, furrowing her eyebrows in chagrin. “I really don’t want to discuss my marriage whilst blood is dripping from my private areas, Mother.”“You don’t have a choice. You don’t have to say anything. I’ll discuss things with Mrs. Kuroo, and you just have to sit there, drink the wine that’s served to you, and make yourself look presentable, understood?”__ nodded, relaxing her eyebrows amongst her mother’s violent gaze. “Yes, Mother.”“Good girl.”Mrs. Kuroo came stumbling out once more, an excited hue of pink dusted along her cheeks. If anything, Mrs. Kuroo was more excited about the wedding than either of the two actually being wed. “Tetsurou should be out in a bit. He’s a smart boy, he’s studying the stars. He’s been very into science lately, and growing things.” She boasted. “__ here, she’s very into literature. Her tutor remarks her as one of his greatest students. She took up playing the harp about a year ago, didn’t you, __?”“I did, Mother.”“Oh, isn’t that wonderful!” Mrs. Kuroo clapped. “It’s lovely to see you’ve grown up a proper girl.”She wanted to ask her what she meant by that statement. Was she not proper before? Of course, she didn’t mind her clothes getting dirty and mussled up her hair, but she had the decency to be respectful. Behind closed eyelids, she rolled her eyes, but kindly accepted the so called compliment. “Come here, ladies. I’ll have Brutus fetch us some wine while we wait for Tetsurou.”Hearing his name out loud made her even more nervous than before. She clutched at the ends of her tunic as she took a seat, eyes nervously darting around the room. Mrs. Kuroo immediately noticed this, because she placed a hand on her shoulder and laughed. “You don’t need to be nervous, my dear, __. He’s the same boy you knew when you were a child.”She wanted to retaliate and say that no, he wasn’t the same boy she knew as a child. The Tetsurou she knew as a child only took interest in dirt and gladiator battles, never science or stars. Mrs. Kuroo kept yammering away, but suddenly silenced upon the sound of footsteps. “Bragging about me now, are you, Mother?” Came a deep, hearty chuckle. Immediately, __’s heart dropped. It was him. She didn’t dare turn around to greet him, although every part of her wanted to. God, his voice was attractive by itself. Her mother slapped her on her knee, an indication to stand up and greet him. So she did. She slowly stood up, brushed off her skirt, and faced him, eyes immediately widening upon the sight in front of her. He was more attractive than she imagined. He was tall, extremely so, and had to be a good child larger than her. His face was thin and sharp, hazel eyes still youthful and attentive. He still had the horrible fringe, but it only added to his charm. He held a book in his hand, of some sort, and the vibe he gave off just made her want to melt. Forget the consul, he could be a god, if he wanted to. “Hello.” She stuttered, trying hard not to break eye contact.“It’s been awhile, huh?”“If seven years is while.” Tetsurou chuckled, the tips of his ears growing visibly red. She could see the slight shake of his hands around his book, and that assured her that he was just as nervous as she was. The laughs that spilled out of his mouth were fake, but she didn’t have the audacity to confront him on it. She knew the ugly cackle that he was cursed to, and she couldn’t help but wonder what kind of facade he had pent up over the years. They took a seat at the table, and __ didn’t dare touch her wine. Her hands were shaking so hard in her lap that she would definitely break the glass if she grabbed it. Tetsurou seemed to be sticking to the same thing. Although her eyes were glued to the table in front of her, she could feel Tetsurou’s eyes on her. This entire time, he’d been staring, as if he’d been analyzing her, like she was his prey. Needless to say, it was intimidating, especially when he was oh so attractive. At this point, she could feel her cheeks burning, every so often taking quick peeks upwards to catch his gaze. This time, once he’d caught her eye, she hadn’t looked away. He held her there with a stern gaze, before he took a quick glimpse at his mother before flashing her the nastiest silly face her could muster. At this, she couldn’t help but giggle into her fist. What he had done wasn’t at all humorous, but for some reason, she had laughed. She knew deep down in her heart that it was out of relief, that maybe he was the same, old idiotic Tetsurou from years past. Knowing this just made their arrangement all the more sweet.

[paranoid-fighter]

:0 all of them if you'd like!

So, I did answer all of them. However, there are some dark and heavy things in some of the questions, so I left those blank. Since it’s so long, the answers are under the cut. 

1: Talk about the first time you watched your favorite movie.I remember seeing snippits of it on the television in the hotel in Washington DC years and years ago. I wanted to know the name of the movie, but we didn't have time for me to find the TV Guide channel. Years passed by and then I saw the movie again. I watched more of it, but I missed the first half.

I think it took me a few years to finally see the whole thing. I should watch it again - haven't seen it in over four years. (The Birdcage is a wonderful movie.)

2: Talk about your first kiss.I was in 9th grade and I was out on some sort of hiking trip with some other people at my church. A guy I had been kinda flirting with a bit pulled me aside and kissed me. I had the brilliant idea to pretend to faint afterwards. I fell to the ground and didn't move. As he began to panic, I stood up, pointed and laughed at him.

Yeah, I don't know either.

3: Talk about the person you've had the most intense romantic feelings for.My former best friend, I think. She was the one that got me into writing all those years ago. I flew to Japan to meet her and then, a few years later, she came to the US while on military leave. I had a whole week planned for us and, I must say, it was incredibly romantic.

And then I saw her in person and realized how much she had changed in the two years after our first meeting. It quickly killed any and all feelings I had.

4: Talk about the thing you regret most so far.I try to live in a way that eliminates regrets - I do not do things that I think will cause me to feel regret. However, there are plenty of embarrassing incidents in my past that make me feel emotions akin to regret.

5: Talk about the best birthday you've had.My 24th was probably the best. I spent the entire day alone in my old apartment, not talking to anyone for more than about ten minutes (tops) and it was all over the phone. I made myself some cupcakes and mulled wine and I spent the day lying on the couch, listening to music as I ate and drank in happy solitude.

6: Talk about the worst birthday you've had.I had just turned 22 and was at my parents' house with none of my friends around. That morning, I was told that I was showing lesions, potentially cancerous, in my liver. I was so violently ill that I dropped fifteen pounds in less than three weeks and had lacerations in most of my lower GI tract. I was in so much pain and was so fatigued that I could barely get out of bed. My at-the-time boyfriend was accusing me of faking my pain and sickness so that I didn't have to go see him. When I told my best friend of 12 years what was happening, she signed offline and didn't talk to me again for about three months. That night, I was looking up things I wanted to do, in case it was cancer, and that's when I found out that my life-long dream of being a pilot would never happen because you can't get your pilot's license when you have vertigo...

7: Talk about your biggest insecurity.Either my physical appearance, my intelligence or my writing. They're all major insecurities, but they take turns jockeying for the number one spot.

8: Talk about the thing you are most proud of.I'm still alive.

9: Talk about little things on your body that you like the most.I have a little freckle in each of my eyes, near the brown ring around my iris. The overall colour of my eye can be described as hazel, but it's more of a grey/green colour than a brown - aside from the aforementioned ring.

I also like my tattoos. I have three at this point and each represents a milestone in my life. Tattoos: the first one was done in Japan, while meeting my (at the time) best friend of 10+ years. The second is a : ) on my left hand, near the thumb. It was how I celebrated a first year of post-college employment (I drew the smile on my hand all during college, as a reminder to smile.) The third is the grey muslin moth on my foot, to celebrate a milestone in my life.

10: Talk about the biggest fight you've ever had.All I will say is that I was 18 and it was between my father and older brother. It went on for hours and the relationships are forever altered. 

11: Talk about the best dream you've ever had.I... don't really remember my dreams. I suppose the best one I had was a semi-lucid dream where a very dear friend knelt down beside my bed a few days after breaking up with the aforementioned boyfriend. He told me "I know it's hard now, but you're going to be okay. I promise." Either that, or the one night I finally beat the night terrors that I had been having for over 12 years. True, I tore the muscles in my shoulders because I literally fought off the dream and was in a sling for six weeks, but it was worth it.

12: Talk about the worst dream you've ever had.Any of the night terrors that I had at least monthly for over 12 years. They would always include the same themes, but in different orders, and would always result in me dying.

13: Talk about the first time you had sex/how you imagine your first time.I’m sorry, but no. I prefer not to think about that time.

14: Talk about a vacation.I spent a week alone in my old apartment, drinking mulled wine and mead, eating good food and watching the snow falling. I'd go out in the mornings for a long walk on the snowy trails by the river, sometimes with a cigar, and I'd watch the ducks swimming in the river. It was quiet.

15: Talk about the time you were most content in life.I did a post about this a while ago, in more detail, but it was a night that I was sitting with one of my very best friends in the office of the brewery. It was raining and we could hear it on the metal roof. We sat together, he was rubbing my feet for a bit, and we were just talking for hours. We left after the brewery closed for the night, then we stood outside in the parking lot. We held each other for a long time before we drove our separate ways. His car followed mine for as long as he could.

16: Talk about the best party you've ever been to.I wouldn't really call it a party in the sense that invitations were sent out, but there was one night in college that my roommate/best friend was in my room with me. We were drinking together and we just talked honestly to one another. We talked about our pasts, our families, our fears, our hopes and dreams. We spent the night like that, talking until our voices were hoarse.

17: Talk about someone you want to be friends with.Someone that likes to sit back and talk about life, the universe and everything. The late night conversations where you sit in the comfortable darkness and just ask the questions you're too afraid to say during the day. Someone I can trust, who understands my boundaries and my own needs, who I can turn to at any time.

18: Talk about something that happened in elementary school.Second grade, my teachers found out I was reading on a college level and I was the furthest ahead in multiplication knowledge - it was the only time I was ever good at math.

19: Talk about something that happened in middle school.I found a book in my brother's room that took me to a fansite online, which then sparked my interest in writing.

20: Talk about something that happened in high school.I was given a medal by my English teacher. I can't remember what it was for, or why I was given it, but I remembered being proud of it. Especially because it was the one medal that wasn't given to the daughter of the school's guidance councilor/administrator.

21: Talk about a time you had to turn someone down.Someone in college asked me out with a very sweet poem that he left on my door. I showed it to another friend, who then told me that the guy was a drug addict with a possible sexual assault charge. I wrote a note on his door, politely declining his offer.

I still like the phrase "let me be your afternoon delight," though.

22: Talk about your worst fear.Honestly? Being forced to stay alive on life support.

23: Talk about a time someone turned you down.He was a coworker at my former job. I had a crush on him. He didn't have one on me. He came over for a farewell drink before I moved away. He left soon after.

24: Talk about something someone told you that meant a lot."I have learned so much about people from you. You have had all these things happen to you, but you keep on going and you keep smiling. I want to be like you." - My therapist, during one of our sessions.

25: Talk about an ex-best friend.I called him "Big Brother," because he was everything I wanted in a brother. He and I met and it was almost like meeting someone from a previous life. We clicked instantly and were inseparable. Even when he moved away, we kept in touch. He'd call me every day after he got off work. We'd play video games together almost every single night.

His fiance told him "it's him or me."

He got married two years ago.

It ended with "I love you, Big Brother." "I love you too, Little Brother."

It was the first and last time he ever called me that.

26: Talk about things you do when you're sick.If I'm physically sick, then I will generally make eggdrop soup and sip on that. If it's mental sickness, then I clean. And clean. And clean.

27: Talk about your favorite part of someone else's body.Their hair - if it's clean and well-kept.

28: Talk about your fetishes.Yeah, no.

29: Talk about what turns you on.Kindness, showing general interest in something I enjoy, kindness, good hygiene...

30: Talk about what turns you off.Rudeness, telling me you don't care about something I do, rudeness, poor hygiene...

31: Talk about what you think death is like.An ending.

32: Talk about a place you remember from your childhood.The bathroom window, overlooking the woods just a few yards away. I'd spend a very long time staring out of the window, watching the birds and the trees. And then, on some nights, I'd watch the moon and the stars.

33: Talk about what you do when you are sad.I sit and stew for awhile, usually alone and completely offline. I try to distract myself and I usually end up cleaning. And cleaning. And cleaning. Until exhaustion claims me. After some time, guilt overrides my sadness and I come back online again.

34: Talk about the worst physical pain you've endured.Having cysts rupture. I have a high pain tolerance which has been proven time and time again, but this left me gasping and literally screaming for God to kill me for over five hours, each and every time. It happened four times in three months. I do not think I will forget it.

35: Talk about things you wish you could stop doing.Being so damned focused on "doing." I must always be doing something, always, always. It's a problem. I make myself lists of things to do and I make them in a way that takes almost all day to do, leaving me no time at the end for myself.

36: Talk about your guilty pleasures.Cookie dough ice cream. Soft bedding. Fuzzy things. Some music I won't readily admit to. I don't know if these count as guilty pleasures, though, but I'm drawing a blank on what actually would be a guilty pleasure of mine.

37: Talk about someone you thought you were in love with.She was my best friend in high school. I thought I loved her. She made me happy to be around. We grew apart when she started dating other men, but she'd always come back to be my friend when they left. I was always there for her. I liked being her support. But... we grew apart when she started dating her now-husband. We grew apart and we both never reached out to the other again.

38: Talk about songs that remind you of certain people."Outside" by Hollywood Undead reminds me of my "Big Brother." I listened to the song on repeat for hours after our farewell - it was his favourite band."Snow" by Red Hot Chili Peppers reminds me of my brother - it's one of his favourite songs. ...Truthfully, most songs I can think of remind me of OCs or other characters, not really people in the physical sense.

39: Talk about things you wish you'd known earlier.How to change a flat tire, how to jumpstart a dead car, how to properly talk to your boss, to how get the most out of a doctor's appointment, how to ask for a second opinion, how to know when people are flirting (still need to know this one, truthfully)...

40: Talk about the end of something in your life.About seventeen months ago, I gave up almost all of my possessions, packed what I could into my car, moved fifteen hours away from where I had been living, found a new place to live within three days and then started a new job within a week and a half of leaving my old one. It was a whirlwind and it took me over a year to finally feel settled in my new residence.