#(closed: for savannah<3)< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[honeybuckin]

“   literally   no   one's   here.   they   went   home   a   while   ago   .   .   .   even   security's   gone,   and   you   should've   been   too.   ”    |    liked   *   inspired   [ . . . ]   @candiedstrwb.

[goofygubegubler]

𝑺𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒐𝒃𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒅

Spencer throws out a comment so uncharacteristically bold that even Morgan is speechless.

wc: 768 | F!Reader (established relationship) | cw: VERY suggestive

A/N: I’m honestly blown away by all the love on my first fic—thank you so much! I’ve got more in the works, including blurbs and maybe even a few one-shots. My asks are open, so feel free to send requests or just chat! Hope you enjoy this one—it's short and oh so sweet <3

Your desk was a mess—files spread out, coffee half-drunk, and a notepad filled with half-legible scribbles. Across from you, Spencer was deep in his own pile of paperwork, meticulously writing everything out by hand, as usual. Despite having access to every digital tool imaginable, he still swore by pen and paper, claiming it helped him retain information better. It was kinda endearing, in a stubborn, old-man way.

You were in the middle of reviewing a case file, flipping through pages while absentmindedly tapping your pen against your desk, when you heard Morgan stroll over to Spencer’s desk.

“Come on, pretty boy,” Morgan said, dropping his coffee onto Spencer's desk with a thud. “You mean to tell me you, the guy who once used the word ‘cloacal kiss’ in casual conversation, has nothing to say about his own mating habits?”

Your fingers hovered over your mouse as you scrolled through your playlist on your monitor, hesitating between switching to something instrumental or letting the indie rock keep playing. Oh boy. Here we go.

Spencer barely looked up, flipping a page in his file. “Because, unlike you, I don’t feel the need to turn my personal life into locker room talk.”

Morgan grinned. "I’m just saying, man, if all that reading has you treating sex like a final exam, I got some study guides for you."

Spencer finally lifted his head, blinking at him like he was the dumbest person alive. “Morgan, your definition of 'expertise' is having a lot of experience. Mine is actually understanding the mechanics of what you’re talking about.”

Morgan scoffed. “That’s not even—listen, Savannah and I are solid, okay? And I’m just saying, for a guy who overexplains everything, you sure get real quiet about this topic.”

Spencer gave him a flat look, putting his pen down. "Morgan, sex isn’t complicated. It’s just applied physics with a little bit of chemistry—and if done correctly, some very impressive biology."

JJ, who had apparently been listening in, snorted. "That might be the nerdiest thing you’ve ever said—and that’s saying something."

Morgan threw up his hands. "See? This is what I’m talking about! The man could turn seduction into a science fair project."

Morgan pointed at Spencer, then at you, then back at Spencer, clearly trying to form a comeback. Before he could, Spencer sighed and said, "Morgan, what do you want me to say? Yes, I have sex. Yes, I enjoy it. No, I’m not about to give you a play-by-play."

Morgan opened his mouth, then closed it, then opened it again, searching for something—anything—that wouldn't result in him taking yet another loss. Finally, he let out a deep sigh, grabbed his coffee, and pointed a finger at Spencer. "We're not done."

Spencer just smiled, leaning back slightly in his chair. "Morgan, I hate to break it to you, but we were done the moment you started this conversation."

You were still working, or at least making a half-hearted attempt at it, but you weren’t exactly subtle. Your grip on the pen had tightened, your page-flipping slowed, and the barely-contained smirk on your face was giving you away completely. Spencer noticed—of course, he did. His sharp eyes flicked toward you, and the way his lips curled just slightly told you he knew you were listening.

He tilted his head, eyebrows raised in amusement. "Don’t act like you didn’t hear that."

You huffed, shaking your head as you clicked play on your music.

The first few soft notes of "Juno" by Sabrina Carpenter filtered through your headphones.

But your mind was already elsewhere—lingering on the way Spencer had leaned back so casually, how he hadn’t hesitated once, how damn sure of himself he had been. You bit your lip, heat crawling up your spine. You liked the way he’d said it—like he knew exactly what effect he had on you, and he wasn’t afraid to use it. Like he enjoyed it. Like he was claiming something, not just stating a fact. And that was the part that really got to you. You liked being seen, being wanted, being talked about like you were something worth studying, something worth knowing inside and out.

But you were at work. And work meant focus, control, and professionalism. You exhaled, straightening in your chair and forcing your attention back to the case file in front of you. Even as you tried to push it aside, the heat still curled in your stomach, his voice replaying in your head like a song you couldn’t shake.

And then, as if on cue, Sabrina Carpenter’s voice cut through the moment:

 "Sorry if you feel objectified."

[nerdlvr]

ᡣ𐭩 ｡ꪆৎ ˚⋅rent-a-girlfriend.com

maybe you should've deleted that stupid girlfriend rental website you made years ago. and maybe you should've ignored park jisung's very desperate request to pay for a fake girlfriend. but hey, it's easy money, not like you'll fall in love with him or anything... right?

basically, even though the rent-a-girlfriend site isn't actually in service... who would say no to $40 an hour and free dates with park jisung?

fuckboy!jisung x fem!reader

genre : humor , strangers to lover , fake dating , college au , fluff fluff fluff(jisungs a fuckboy but he's still a dork) , oblivious jisung and y/n , miscommunication trope most likely, crack alternate storyline of cryptic crush

warnings : sex jokes , death jokes , mean insults and comments , jisung a lil freak , should probably read cryptic crush before this one if u haven't (i will be making inside jokes)

notes : im weak for fake dating aus. i'm playing it cool and i'm just gonna let this one flow. i like to focus on the comedic points of my smaus so this one will be no different, but i kinda want like a longing pining type of feel once they start liking each other yk... is it fake dating without secretly crushing on each other? gonna take it slow and see how the plot develops

playlist : kiss me , sixpence none the richer | linger , the cranberries | heaven knows im miserable now , the smiths | valentine , laufey | bad habit , steve lacy | n side , steve lacy | lovers rock , tv girl | glue song , beabadoobee

status : ongoing , updates x2 a week

taglist : closed !

yn’s group , ji’s group

intro

1~ IN THIS ECONOMY????

2~ big booty latina

3~ head for a mcflurry

4~ didn't wipe the what.

5~ something is off…

6~ get real

7~ A TWINK????

8~ this shit just pmo

9~ japan's greatest treasure

10~ savannah slow down.

11~ golden pickle

12~ i want you

13~ 🩷

14~ i was hacked.

15~ ik my cookie good

16~ who else feel like a baka rn

17~ stood up and applauded

18~ mercedes benz logo

19~ auw fucK man

20~ boo you whore

21~ BOMBOCLATT

22~ i think im gay

TBD

extras :

TBD

[solxamber]

⋆˚✿˖ 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐈 ˖✿˚⋆

Main Masterlist ; Twst Masterlist II ; Twst Masterlist III

Heartslabyul

Trash Novel Chronicles: System vs World - Riddle x reader

You have a guilty pleasure: trashy villainess stories. So when you die a frankly, humiliating death, and end up in one of the worst ones you've had the pleasure of reading, you're in denial. Then the villain system shows up. Well, there goes your second chance at life So what do you do now? Do villainous things and cause as much chaos as you can, of course. And maybe, just maybe, bag the male lead, Riddle Rosehearts while you're at it.

This is Love - Riddle x Reader

3 times he notices your acts of love and realizes it doesn't have to be grand and overdramatic like the movies, it could just be like this– sweet and considerate.

Dragon's Favorite Sacrifice - Trey x Reader

Trey finds himself volunteering to be the human sacrifice to you, an ancient dragon, in place of his siblings. What he didn't expect was to become your housekeeper instead of being eaten.

Cocoa Conspiracy - Trey x reader {Request}

He knew you as his partner, the love of his life, but he didn't realize your real identity: a spy vying for pastry destruction.

Donuts and Dark Arts - Trey x reader

All Trey wanted to do was deliver the bread he was supposed to and be on his merry way. Instead, he stumbles on you... in the middle of a ritual?

Birthday Party - Trey x reader {Request}

Trey is more worried than suspicious when you keep disappearing and acting suspicious. He gets more worried when the rest of heartslabyul join in. (Spoiler alert: he doesn't need to be)

Crisis Averted - Cater x reader

After a royal screw up, Cater is left scrambling trying to fix his mistake before you find out. Best part? You've known what he did from the start and you think it's hilarious.

Moments in Bloom - Cater x reader

Cater’s life is a perfect illusion, curated with smiles and snapshots. But beneath the surface, he wonders—what would it be like to be truly seen? To finally stop pretending and let himself bloom?

Forgiveness - Deuce Spade x reader

When Deuce accidentally breaks an item that you treasured, he's worries that he's broken your trust as well. But there's nothing that can't be fixed with a hug and an apology.

Savanaclaw

Knights and Oaths - Leona x reader

You come from a long line of knights that have served the rulers of the Savannah. But sometimes traditions are meant to change and the second prince is looking like someone worth changing them for.

Trash Novel Chronicles: Love Triangles and Royal Rumbles - Leona x reader

When you get isekai'd as the male lead in the novel where your favorite character, Leona Kingscholar is the second male lead, all that's left to do is rewrite the romance!

Burn Wild - Leona x reader

Always so close, yet so far away. Leona pushes it down—he keeps pushing and pushing, until one day, he lets it break.

Royal Scandal - Ruggie x reader (personal favorite)

You're being forced to marry someone to take the throne you've fought your entire life for. Okay, if that's how it is, you'll make sure to choose the one person here that your dearest parents will disapprove of the most.

Octavinelle

Shark Tanks and Shady Deals - Azul x reader

After narrowly dodging a one-way trip to the sharks, you've hit rock bottom, career-wise. Enter Azul: your friendly (totally-not-shady) talent manager. In a moment of desperation, you sign with him. Wait, he's actually really good at this. Like, too good at this. Maybe the near-shark experience was just the universe’s weird way of setting you up?

Trash Novel Chronicles: Not Another Royal Mess - Azul x Reader

As a proofreader who gets isekai’d into a cringeworthy novel, you decide to take revenge on the heroine and male lead for their awful story. With Azul—who just wanted to sell you a magic rock—pulled into your chaos.

Love Bites - Floyd x reader

You like him quite a bit, you really do but you're really questioning your decisions after some time spent with him ends up sending you to the ER.

Match Made in Madness - Floyd x reader

Soulmates get updates of each other's lives through an overly enthusiastic dream narrator. What's worse is that your soulmate seems to be completely unhinged.

Witch, Please - Floyd x reader

You're the best witch to go to for getting the job done. Your potions? Absolutely foolproof. At least, that's what you thought until a certain Floyd Leech waltzed into your store.

Cakes and Crime - Jade x reader

After a long week of assignments and sleep deprivation, all you wanted to do was satisfy your craving for a specific pastry at your local shady café. What you didn't mean to do was accidentally order a hit on yourself.

Love in Contempt - Jade x reader

When you take your ex, Jade to court over a ceramic octopus, the reason he wants it so badly might be sweeter than you thought.

Scarabia

Recipe for Love - Kalim x reader

You know you can't cook, your cat knows you can't cook, everyone who has seen your lunch box knows you can't cook. So why is Kalim so insistent on eating the monstrosities you conjure?

Rest Assured - Jamil x reader

4 times you see Jamil nearing his breaking point and the 1 time you intervene.

Pomefiore

Trash Novel Chronicles: Please Let Me Live - Vil x reader (personal favourite)

You get isekai'd into the worst novel you've had the misfortune of reading because apparently your life is a cosmic joke. Now all you have to do is not act like the character you've possessed and it'll be fine, you think?

Your fiancé being Vil Schoenheit makes it a little harder to behave like a human being with functional braincells, but hey, atleast he likes you, you think?

Fairytales and Fever Dreams - Vil x Reader

When you decide to beg a fairy for help at your lowest point, you didn't expect that he'd decide to help you— at the cost of you making skincare for him.

Of Seashells and Sweet Nothings - Vil x Reader

You're cursed to love everyone except Vil, and he's cursed to love only you. And yet somewhere along the way, it seems the cursed gene has skipped you.

aka Merman! Vil x reader

Roommate Rumble - Vil x Reader

You and Vil end up as roommates due to administrative error. Unstoppable force (Vil's perfectionism) meets immovable object (your chaos). It ends up working out perfectly.

Date(?) Night - Rook x reader

Rook is convinced that you have feelings for him after your "date". You have no idea what he's talking about, considering that you've never been on a date with him.

Ruler of My Heart - Rook x Reader (personal favorite)

He has always pursued beauty, and he sees everything. But has he ever been seen?

Ignihyde

Coughing up Love - Idia x reader

You don't think much of it when Idia starts acting weird because let's be real, that seems to be his default around you. Wait are those flowers he's coughing up?

Reaper's Guide to Romance- Idia x reader

When reaper Idia Shroud is assigned to collect your soul, he can't help but come up with increasingly ridiculous excuses to spare you.

Trash Novel Chronicles: I Want to Retire - Idia x reader

You write a novel that reads like a dumpster fire and while trying to delete the draft, you accidentally get isekai’d into it. Now, as the villainess you have to get Idia Shroud on your side as well as survive high society. You have your work cut out for you.

Hook, Line and Shy Guy - Idia x reader

Idia loves your shark tail. You think it's adorable.

Diasomnia

Kidnapped(?) - Malleus x reader

You were sick of the taxes imposed by the aristocrats in your already poverty stricken village. Your idea of a solution? Kidnap their young master , and make them reduce taxes as the ransom, of course. Only problem is that you went into the wrong manor and kidnapped the wrong young master.

How Not to Court Your Crush: A Disaster in Six Acts - Malleus Draconia x reader

You're trying to court Malleus so why is he acting so weird? Malleus is trying to court you, so why are you acting so weird?

aka you try fae courtship and malleus tries human courtship, you both fail spectacularly.

Trash Novel Chronicles: Accidentally Falling For a Fae Prince - Malleus x reader

When you get dragged into a novel which ends with the heroine in a polycule with the most annoying men in literature, you decide that you're gonna skip town. ...Only to trip over the fae prince, Malleus Draconia.

How to Tame Your Dragon - Malleus x reader (personal favorite)

Since you and Malleus have gotten into a relationship, you've become a bona-fide dragon soother. But whenever you fumble, the entirety of NRC faces the consequences.

aka the 7 times you cause ecological disasters and the 1 time it works out for you.

Trash Novel Chronicles: I'd Rather Date the Male Lead's Dad - Lilia x reader

When you end up in your best friend's favourite but absurd novel about breaking a fae prince's curse, you didn't expect to get attached to his little family too. Even more unexpected? You fell for the male lead's dad, but hey, it looks like he likes you too.

Others

Frights and Fancies - Skully J. Graves x reader

Doing Halloween prep with Skully! (This is Grim's Night before before Halloween) {written before the full event is out so might end up ooc}

Chasing Fairytales - Neige LeBlanche x Reader

Neige is convinced that you're either allergic to him specifically or he's done something to offend you with the way you're avoiding him. You're just trying not to get blinded by his smile.

Project Love - Rollo Flamme x reader

When your eccentric professor pairs you and Rollo up for a study on attachment types, you didn't realise how much it would change your lives.

Romance Roulette- Rollo Flamme x reader

You, Rollo's self-proclaimed bestfriend, have been trying to set him up with someone for the past few weeks. If all your plans fail, maybe you should do it yourself?

Homecoming - Rollo Flamme x reader

You come home after a long work trip. Rollo is happy to have you back.

Sweet Encounter - Rollo Flamme x reader

You really want the parfait that's exclusive to couples. So you you do what anyone would do, pretend a random stranger in the café is your partner of course.

Escape Route - Rollo Flamme x reader

You're stuck at a party that you frankly don't give a damn about. And Rollo Flamme looks like he would rather do anything else than be here, so you grab him and bounce.

Yours to Keep - Rollo Flamme x reader

Rollo is calm, collected and confident. Jealous? Rollo Flamme? No way! ...unless?

Stolen Kisses - Rollo Flamme x reader

5 times you kiss him and the 1 time he kisses you

Multi Characters

Hanahaki with Overblot Gang

Making Up After an Argument with Overblot Gang + Rollo

Period Simulator with Adeuce + Overblot Gang + Rollo

Requests

Rook Hunt x reader (Shape-shifter! reader)

Malleus Draconia x Reader (24 Plum Blossom User! Reader)

All NRC + Staff + Rollo, Neige, Chen'ya (Wild cat beastman reader)

Dorm Leaders + Jamil (Colorblind reader)

Idia Shroud x reader (Sentient Otome Game NPC! reader) // Part 2

Azul Ashengrotto x reader (Insecure Mer-form Azul x reader, hurt/comfort)

All NRC + Staff + Rollo, Neige (White Rabbit! reader)

White Rabbit! Reader overblots

Aftermath of White Rabbit! Reader's Overblot

Epel, Vil x reader (Teaching Epel Capoeira)

Vil, (platonic) Crewel x reader (Fashion disaster reader)

Rest of the characters react to fashion disaster reader

Malleus Draconia x reader(Insecure reader, hurt/comfort, happy ending)

Lilia Vanrouge x reader (NPC! Reader)

Pomefiore x reader (Artist!Admirer! reader)

Heartslabyul, Octavinelle, Pomefiore + Che'nya (Absolem! reader)

Savanaclaw, Scarabia, Ignihyde, Diasomnia + NRC Staff + Neige (Absolem! reader)

Malleus, Vil, Jade with Angel!Reader

Jamil, Rook, Vil, Lilia with cherub! reader

Tweels with a strong reader

Idia x reader (Reader gets turned into a cat)

Jamil, Azul with a super talented reader

Lilia with a reader who behaves like General Lilia

Leona with an unhinged reader

Vil, Malleus with an unhinged reader

All NRC + Staff + Rollo (Reader shapeshifts according to emotion)

7th Overblot Aftermath - All NRC + Staff (Hurt/Comfort)

Rollo Flamme x reader / Part 2 / Part 3

Savanaclaw, Scarabia with a silly but mature reader

Ace, Deuce, Silver with artistic reader

Grim vs Cat (Idia x reader)

Deuce, Riddle, Ace, Epel with Pomefiore! reader

Jade, Jamil, Azul with 'The Cat'! Reader

Vil, Rook Idia with 'The Cat'! Reader

Delinquent Deuce x Delinquent reader

Pomefiore + Jamil with a Maternal! reader

All NRC(-Ortho), Rollo, Neige, Che'nya with M! Incubus! Reader

Trey, Jamil, Platonic Adeuce with Rich! reader

All NRC + Staff + Rollo, Neige, Najma Viper with Slime! reader

Skully J. Graves with a Huohuo! reader

Overblot gang + Ruggie with a Princess! Reader

Idia, Cater, Rollo comforting recovering reader (Warning: Mentions of SH)

Octavinelle with Shark! Reader

Sam x reader(platonic)

Octavinelle, Diasomnia x Freshwater Stingray! Reader

[mariasont]

Laundry Day - A.H

a/n: 1000 words for 1000 followers!!!!!!!!! i am in complete disbelief honestly, you all are so amazing and im so thankful for each and every one of you <3

masterlist

pairings: aaron hotchner x nanny!reader

summary: hotch begins to notice a difference in the way his clothes smell, wonder why?

wc: 1k

Hotch had been wrestling with the unsettling notion that he might be ill, or worse he had a brain tumor, manifesting through phantom smells. Whatever it was, it had been driving him crazy because the persistent aroma was undeniably yours, his nanny. As much as he didn't to admit it, this would usually be a welcome scent, soft and florally, like he had just stepped into a flower field.

Today, however, the scent was nothing short of an irritant. Every fleeting whiff had him jerking his head up, expecting to see you standing in the doorway of his office. But you were never there, of course, which only intensified the frustration gnawing at him.

There it was again, and despite his better judgement, his gaze darted to the door, unfortunately only to find Morgan casually propped against the frame.

"Hey, boss, got a minute?"

The scent had momentarily clouded his focus, but he quickly regained his bearings and closed the file, giving a firm nod. "What's up?"

"We've got a lead on the case in Richmond," Morgan started, handing over a document. "Local PD spotted a vehicle matching the description of our unsub's."

Hotch took the file, fingers thoughtfully brushing his chin as he scanned the pages. Morgan stepped closer, his nose giving a slight twitch before he took a seat in front of the desk.

"You know, Hotch, I gotta ask," Morgan prodded, a sly smile spreading across his face in a way that made Hotch uneasy. Morgan wasn't known for his filtered comments. "You got a girl or something? It smells way too good in here for just paperwork."

Point in case.

Hotch's eyes flickered up from the papers. "What? No, I--"

"Come on, man," Morgan chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder. "Don't play coy with me. Whoever she is, she's got good taste. I think Savannah uses the same perfume."

Hotch clamped the file closed, his mind racing faster than he could keep up with. So for one, it wasn't just in his head which was a good thing. He could rule out a brain tumor. But on the other hand that leaves the question of why the hell he smells like his nanny?

It was all he could focus on all day, paralyzing his work capabilities, reducing him to a state of mere motion without meaning.

It wasn't until the office AC malfunctioned, and he found himself stripping off his jacket, did he discover the source of the floral scent. His own jacket. He inhaled it cautiously, feeling slightly perverted before quickly stowing it away in a drawer, slamming it shut to dispel the borderline inappropriate thoughts.

When he finally arrived home, jacket in hand, he headed straight towards the sound of your humming. Normally, he'd make his rounds--first to Jack's room, who was usually napping at this time, then to the kitchen for his nightly scotch, and finally to his home office. But today was different.

The jacket hung loosely over his forearm, briefcase now abandoned at the door as he made his way towards the sound of your voice. It was the damn scent that greeted him first, drifting from the laundry room, and then, finally, the sight of you.

But what caught his attention, besides you and your slightly too short skirt, was the undeniable evidence of you misting his clothes with your perfume.

He said your name, almost in a scolding way, which he quickly realized his mistake when you whirled around, gasping as the bottle slipped from your fingers, shattering on the tile floor.

"Don't move," Hotch commanded, heart racing as he watched the glass scattered around your bare feet.

He moved towards you, stepping over the glass, carefully scooping you in his arms and setting you safely on the counter. He then knelt down, gathering the broken pieces.

"Mr. Hotchner, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're trying to sweep me off my feet." Your legs were dangling from the counter, swinging back and forth. He gave you a deadpan look, his eyebrow raised every so slightly. "You're no fun."

You pouted, attempting to slide off the counter, but his hand was on your ankle in an instant.

"Stay put," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. He sighed, collecting the last of the glass and tossing it before standing up straight. "Also, is there a particular reason my suits now double as air fresheners?"

"Mr. Hotchner, you wound me with your accusations," you said, hand over your heart, crossing your legs in a criss-cross apple sauce fashion.

You were going to be the death of him.

Hotch cleared his throat, willing his gaze not to dip in between your legs. "You're wearing a skirt."

"Oh whoops," you giggled, fixing your position.

"And for the record, I actually didn't accuse you, but your defensiveness and the fact that I caught you red handed tells me everything I need to know." He took a step towards you. "Care to explain?"

"I...um, wanted to make sure you're always fresh?"

"And you chose your own perfume for that?"

"How do you know it's mine?"

With a step that erased any remaining space between you, Hotch bent slightly, his nose near your collarbone. "It's hard to miss."

He took a step back, giving you room to breathe.

"I just wanted to make sure any girls on the street didn't get the wrong idea," you said, the corners of your mouth turning up.

Hotch let out a chuckle. "You do realize you're my nanny not my wife, correct?"

"Tomato, tomahto."

"Careful."

You swung your legs off the counter, standing up straight. "Any chance to buy me another perfume bottle? It was kind of expensive, and well, you know my salary..."

"No." It wasn't as firm as he wanted it to be and it only took him a second to give in, this happened a lot when it came to you, handing over his credit card. "Fine."

taglist: @hotchhner @khxna @readergf @sarcasm-and-stiles @edencherries @aurorsworld @princess76179 @malindacath

[souriru]

fang and teeth and lips, so soft || leona kingscholar

leona kingscholar was... odd. he wasn't the typical housewarden, strict, infallible, unyeilding- he was loose, relaxed, unbothered. but like every predator out there, he hid his fangs under a loose smirk, waiting for the opportunity to bite.

the first time he showed off his fangs was when you stepped on his tail (again) in the botanical garden. "ouch." he groused. "can't you fucking see where you're going? how hard is it to tell brown apart from green?" you apologised, but the glint of the fangs under the sunlight left you with a light sense of awe.

the second time was when some rando on the street tried to approach you for your number. you don't really remember how exactly leona got there, since he was far away, but he hid you behind him as he growled low. "back. the fuck. away from them." the fact that the prince of the sunset savannah was suddenly growling at them made them run away, but you made sure to grab onto his bicep for a little longer that day, his smirk belaying his fangs.

the third time was when he covered you with his body, hiding you underneath from some rowdy diasomnia students that grim had managed to rile up. "never seem 'em act like that." he sneers. "thought that damn lizard had a tight leash on them."

you don't bother responding, running a finger around his lip as he stiffens and then smirks, leaning towards you. "you're brave today." he murmurs, eyes darting between looking at yours and your lips, which you wetten nervously and with anticipation. "'m always brave." you murmur back as you lean forward and close the distance, and you feel his fangs run over your lips before he swallows you whole.

wanna see more? follow the first hashtag for fics and art for this bingo! if you wanna be tagged for a specific character, comment below and i'll do my best! here's the full list if you wanna participate <3 || 293 words

[naomi-nana]

✎ᝰ itsy bitsy spider . twisted wonderland

in which, you have a pet spider and you offered to put it on top of their hands. how would they react?

featuring : the overblot gang

cw : f!reader, leona's and jamil's are short, bad grammars, added little hcs for idia, and leona!!

a/n : hello, thank u anon for requesting this!! i had sm fun writing this request LMAO especially idia's and azul's(theirs are really long as u can see). i hope u'll enjoy reading this just as much as i enjoy writing this fic!!

RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS

when you invited him to come see your pets on the weekends, riddle didn't thought much of it. you always ramble about how cute your pets back at your dorm were, and how much you miss them whenever you're in class together. riddle thinks it's cute and great how responsible you are to your pets, and he wants to learn more about taking care of animals with you.

so imagine his reaction when he sees a spider cage on your nightstand.

"what in the sevens' name is that?! you're telling me, those 'cute, innocent,' pets you've been keeping in your dorm are spiders?!" he's startled and refuses to come closer to the cage. he would also pull out his phone to search if it's illegal to own a spider or not.

if you take out the spider and try to put it on his hands, chances are, the sentence 'off with your head!' will leave his mouth faster than the spider landing on the palm of his hands.

he was freaked out at first, but began to feel weirdly attached to the spider. it's just a small, harmless(no, who told u that) animal, right? and you're also following all the rules to take care of the spider.

he would often ask you how the spider is doing, and would make sure you're taking care of it well. would also ask, "i trust you've been feeding the little spiders properly?" every single time in the morning.

in conclusion: 8.5/10 reaction. he's scared, but he doesn't mind.

LEONA KINGSCHOLAR

doesn't freak out

if you ask him, "aren't you scared of them?", he would scoff and closes his eyes, seemingly deep in thought. then, after a few minutes, you realized he already dozed off. you then punch his stomach lovingly.

okay, he's awake now, and ready to hear you ramble about your spiders(begrudgingly). if you try to put them on the palm of his hands, he'll blink at the creature and then caress it slowly. he would later reveal that there are many spiders in the sunset savannah, and that him and his brother used to play with it when they were kids.

"they're a lot bigger and dangerous back at home," he says, putting the spider back in your hands. leona thinks that it's endearing how you can act so casual with an animal that many are afraid of. not like he's gonna admit that ever, though.

in conclusion: 3/10 reaction. he doesn't care.

AZUL ASHENGROTTO

are you perchance trying to kill him

he's NEVER seen that thing ever in his whole life. what is that? why does it have eight legs like him? is it fast? oh, god—it's jumping towards his face!

"name, i respect your wishes to take any animal under your wing regardless of their danger. but, could you please not bring that monster closer to me? ever?" he would then force you to sign a contract to put that spider at least ten meters away from him.

you just laugh, of course, brushing it off as you try to put the spider on the palm of his hands. "you—get it away from me, now!" he yells, sprinting away from you immediately while you chase him around with the spider.

after jade and floyd stops you from chasing azul around(they were bribed), azul finally calms down, glaring at the little spider in your hands.

when he realizes how pathetic he's currently acting, he would go on a rant about how octopuses are generally cautious and likes to observe things that are unfamiliar to them. he convinced no one.

as the two of you are busy discussing the fate of your innocent spider, behind you are two eels whispering near each other's ears. "jade~ we should buy a spider for azul next time, aha~" floyd grins, earning a chuckle from jade. "you're right, floyd. i'm sure it will be interesting to see, fufufu."

in conclusion: a restraining order/10 reaction. no explanation.

JAMIL VIPER

pray for yourself because either your spider is going to die today or jamil is the one who dies instead

"why would you bring that stuff here?! don't try to get it anywhere near me." the two of you now looks like you're playing tag in the kitchen(you're not to jamil. this is war.)

if you try to put it on his hands, get ready for you and your little companion to be smacked by a cooking spatula while he lets out an earsplitting scream. because why the hell would you do that? no, don't grin at him. stop it, don't approach him.

in the midst of war, kalim enters the kitchen and saw whatever the hell you guys did and decided to join because, "that looks fun!" jamil is now surrounded.

"for god's sake, just leave me alone!"

in conclusion: you're not friends with him anymore/10 reaction. you do feel bad for him, though.

VIL SCHOENHEIT

no

wouldn't let you get close to him with that spider. he's not that scared of it, he's just absolutely disgusted by that ... thing. he hates how squiggly and small they are. ugh, just thinking of it makes him shiver.

"get that bug out of my sight at once. do i have to tell you twice?" harsh. but once he learned that it's your pet, he began to somewhat accept that it's your decision to keep something as dangerous as that in your room.

if you try to put it on his palms, get ready for him to scream and lecture you for an hour straight about it. why would you put that thing on his skin? what if he starts to have an allergic reaction that he doesn't know about? what if it makes his skin burn, huh? huh?????

if you whip it up when you hang out with him, expect to see him move a little farther from you. just a little. he doesn't like how unpredictable that thing is. one blink and it could already be on his face.

"look, i don't mind that you like bugs. just ... don't put it anywhere near me." he would warm up to the spider thing eventually, and would sometimes asks if your little spider is still doing well to this day.

in conclusion: 8/10 reaction. he's just weirded out by it.

IDIA SHROUD

"WUT. you keep that thing as a pet? are you sick? that's literally the final boss of a dungeon but the smaller version. although it looks a little harmless, so i guess it's more of an elite enemy instead of a final boss? n-no, don't put it anywhere near me ... hey—HEY!"

he's freaked out and refuses to talk to you for a day. don't get him wrong, when he and ortho were kids, their parents used to give them a spider as a gift. although ortho was mostly the one who took care of it.

it's just that, three days after that, the spider crawls out of its cage when the two were asleep. and when idia woke up, it was on his face. so he's understandably pretty traumatized about it, lol.

if you try to put your little friend on the palm of his hands, his soul will leave his body approximately 0.354 seconds before you even move your hands towards his.

after a few minutes of sitting in silence while staring blankly at your spider, idia strangely feels as if the spider is literally him. it's small, and it immediately walks back when he gets a little closer to you.

has he found yet another animal to relate to?

expect him to start talking to the spider when you're not around. "little spider, you're exhausted to be around other people, too? wow. we're so similar it's almost insane. we're like, those stereotypical twins in every single video game ever." (jade and floyd claims to feel their ears getting hotter for some reason)

in conclusion: 10/10 reaction. it's funny to see him talk to animals.

MALLEUS DRACONIA

he's amused at how your eyes seem to light up the moment he accepted your offer of putting your companion on his hands. he thinks the little spider is intriguing, and he wants to know more about it.

he would ask you plenty of questions about spiders. "what does it eat? is it a carnivore? or does it prefer vegetables instead? hmm, bugs are such curious creature. tell me more about it, child of man."

he's really happy that not only does he get to share about gargoyles with you on your night strolls, he also gets to listen to you ramble about your pet.

expect him to show up with foods, cage, and a literal terrarium for your spider the next day. when you say that he doesn't need to buy those things for your pet, he's confused and a little disappointed that he doesn't get to co-parent with you.

although later on you tell him that you were just surpised. you don't mind if he wants to become the second parent of ur spider!!!

"your little companion is very interesting. though i'm much more curious as to what compels you to keep it as a pet. i would love to hear more about it. so, will you come over to diasomnia with your spider next time? i shall wait for your arrival."

in conclusion: marry me/10 reaction. not only is he supportive, he's also as curious as you are with the spider!!

naomi-nana. do NOT repost, do not use (with or without permission), do not recommend or talk about my works outside of tumblr.

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Have At the Helmeted Turtle

The African helmeted turtle, or also known as the marsh terrapin, the crocodile turtle, or more simply the helmeted turtle (Pelomedua subrufa) is a species of side-necked terrapin found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, from Sudan all the way to South Africa. They occur in a range of habitats including savannahs, semi-desert scrubland, and near freshwater rivers, lakes and wetlands. Though P. subrufa typically resides near water, individuals can travel long distances over land and can reside in extremely small, degraded bodies of water.

Helmeted turtles are rather small, with an average shell length of 20 cm (7.9 in) and a weight of up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs); males are slightly larger than females. They are plainly colored, with a black or brown unmarked shell and a grey head. Both the underbelly and the plastron (underside shell) are yellow. This helps P. subrufa to blend in with its surroundings, providing an extra layer of protection against predators and camouflage with which to ambush potential prey.

Crocodile turtles are omnivorous, eating just about anything they come across. The bulk of their diet comes from carrion, and they will also readily ambush frogs, fish, crabs, mollusks, birds, and small mammals, and are known to hunt and feed in groups that produce a 'feeding frenzy' similar to crocodiles. They will also feed on aquatic vegetation and roots. Adults have also been noted for feeding in the ticks of warthogs, buffalo, and rhinos, which may seek them out at watering holes in order to be rid of parasites. Though no predators have been recorded, marsh turtles have an anti-predatory response of releasing a foul-smelling fluid from their underarms when picked up.

Throughout most of their range, mating occurs in the rainy season, which may vary in timing depending on position relative to the equator. Males seek out females, sometimes traveling long distances to do so; once he has found a potential mate, the male will seduce her by bobbing his head. After mating, the female lays anywhere from 10–30 eggs in a nest close to water. The incubation period can last anywhere from three to six months, depending on location and the duration of the rainy season. Individuals reach full maturity at around four years old, and they can live for over 50 years in the wild.

Conservation status: African helmeted turtles are currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN; the population is large and widespread. Their primary threat is habitat loss and degredation of the water bodies in which they reside.

Photos

Charles J. Sharp

Charlotte Kirchner

Marius Burger

[bouquetface]

Spouse Appearance - Part 2. (IRL Examples)

This is a part 2 w/ more examples. Part 1 has a list of all signs and planets + the physical traits they are associated with - check bottom of post for part 1 link.

EXAMPLE ONE: Blake Lively

Capricorn 7th house - Ruler Saturn in Scorpio 5th Jyestha nakshatra.

Cap indicates a pale skin complexion for ethnicity. Scorpio indicates a lighter skin complexion for ethnicity. 

Saturn indicates tall, thin body type.

Jyestha indicates curly hair, however with Saturn there it can indicate thin straighter hair. 

Jyestha shows - Sharp features. Above average height. Muscular body. Broad forehead.

Her Husband Ryan Reynolds shows the above traits - tall in height (6’2). Physically active. Broad forehead.

The right is a photo of how he looked when the year they first met.

EXAMPLE TWO: LeBron James

Sag 7th H - ruler Jupiter in Sag 7th Uttara Ashadha. Sun is in 7th but not close enough in degrees to conjunct Jupiter.

Sag indicates a light skin complexion for ethnicity. Jupiter Sag indicates a tall and curvy figure.

Jupiter and Sag indicates tall in height. Sun indicates short to medium in height. Savannah is 5’7 -  above average height for women.

Uttara Ashadha can indicate hooded eyes, long nose, strong jawline. 

Jupiter in home sign and Sun in a friendly sign shows his spouse would be attractive. 

Savannah is very attractive. She has a glowing skin complexion (Sun 7th H influence). 5'7 in height - above average height for women.

Example 3: Tiger Woods

Pisces 7th H - ruler Jupiter in Pisces 7th H Revati

Pisces gives a lighter skin complexion for ethnicity. 

Jupiter and Pisces give tall height. Jupiter in home sign in 7th H indicates an attractive spouse.

Revati emphasizes height. Revati indicates heart-shaped lips or pouty lips. 

His first wife Elin is tall (5’11). She is attractive and has worked as model.

Example Four: King Charles III

Cap 7th H - ruler Saturn Leo in 2nd Magha

Cap pale skin complexion for ethnicity. Leo indicates a golden/tanned complexion for ethnicity.

Saturn gives prominent bone structure. Diana had a prominent nose and facial shape. 

Magha can give prominent eyes - ex: big eyes, concave, protruding heavy eyelids/sleep eyes, bold coloured eyes, etc.

Saturn indicates tall in height. Sag Jupiter DK further emphasizes height. Diana was 5’10 - some articles say she was an inch taller than Charles, others say they were the same height.

Part 1 - explains how to find general insight on your own chart:

[mochinomnoms]

Two's Company, Three's a Crowd, and Six is a Riot

iii. Royal consort to the wild usurper

[wc} - 6,261

[notes] - idk how i feel about Leona in this but it is what it is so that's what's happening! I was trying to balance this with a bit of mild angst but also make sure that the romance part was still there? i think it worked for the most part though. also, very excited for the poll i have a bias for one option in particular...

tags: @rosieboop @aliasrising @alienlatteinspace @wishicouldart @cottage-clockwork

edit: i notice I missed a few things regarding the ages and stuff so I fixed that. Also the timeline I realized isn't obvious, so here it is since it's more important here than in the others: Leona and Mousy have been together for 12 years, married for 6, acting as king regent and royal consort for 8 months but officially crowned 3 months ago. I hope that makes sense looool (as me more about this pls I worked hard on it....)

make a choice at the end...

back to chapter list

iii. royal consort to the wild usurper

Listen to: “Like Real People Do” by Hozier

The heat of the savannah that the dorm’s magic replicated reminded Grim of the trip he and (Name) took to the Cloudcalling Festival though considering the dorm’s patron Seventh, it made sense.

It wasn’t quite as colorful though, everything in Savanaclaw was in muted browns, yellows, and orange. It was just as hot though, something Grim detested with his fur. At least they had the pool in the lounge, though it was quiet. 

Grim looked around with confusion, sniffing at the air for your—or Mousy’s—scent. It wasn’t too far off from what you usually smelled like, but Mousy had an underlying scent of rain, like where’d they’d just been had a storm growing.

He’d come to learn that the weather of the dorms remained the same year round, no matter the weather on Sage Island, so it wasn’t hard to pinpoint your scent. 

Grim followed after it, still put off by the lack of activity. To be honest, the dorm was running the same as it usually would, nothing was out of the ordinary. Which is exactly what was throwing Grim off! Sure, Heartslaybul is always a bit more lively with Ace and Deuce, and Riddle did throw an unbirthday party last minute, but Grim expected that Savanaclaw would do something for Mousy. 

They revered their dormleader as much as the other dorms did, even if he was a slothful lion, so why wasn’t anyone freaking out about their partner?

Did Leona keep it quiet? Was he hiding you somewhere? Grim couldn’t have that, you’re his henchhuman no matter what timeline. Disrespect on you was disrespect on him! And why can’t he find you?!

“Mmm…where’d they go? They did come back to the dorm…right?” Grim huffed, padding around as he wandered the halls, the scent of rain coming closer as he approached a familiar door.

Leona’s room. It was closed, though Grim could hear shuffling behind the door, which was enough reason for him to slam it open and point into the room with rightful fury.

“HENCHHUMAN—”

“GAAAH! GRIM!”

Ruggie let out a high-pitched shriek as he clutched the laundry basket in his hands to his chest like a shield. Upon realizing that it was just Grim, he relaxed, ears flattening against his head as he scowled at the direbeast.

“Dammit Grim, what’s your deal? Don’t you know how to knock?” Ruggie grumbled as he threw a brightly patterned cloth into the basket, one that smelled like you mixed with rain. “You know I won’t cover for you if you damage something of Leona’s, I ain’t getting stuck with that bill.”

Grim let out a soft mewl, surprising both himself and Ruggie, as he zeroed in on the patterned cloth that was on top of the laundry pile. It was the cloth you had wrapped around you earlier, gold and black striped as it fell off your shoulders and held together by a dark orange and deep rich brown striped wrap and beads at your waist. 

Now that he really thought about it, it looked a lot like the clothes everyone had been wearing when you two visited the Sunset Savannah.

“Hey wait! That smells like my henchhuman! Why’d they take it off? I thought they’d be here…”

Ruggie let out a sound of realization as he looked between the cloth and Grim, bringing it up to sniff it closer.

“Oooh, (Name), that explains why this shuka smells so different. Though, it’s waaay too nice for someone like them to have lying around, where’d they get it from, Grim?”

“Hmm? Didn’t Leona tell the dorm about this morning?” Grim questioned, walking forward and reaching for the cloth—a shuka Ruggie called it—to smell it again. Maybe with a closer sniff Grim would be able to locate you. “Give it, I was followin’ Mousy’s scent, I need a refresher!”

Ruggie obliged, though he raised a brow and flicked his left ear curiously at Grim. 

“Leona hasn’t told any of us ‘bout anything. Heard there was some sort of explosion, ‘n who’s ‘Mousy’?”

Soft footsteps and a gentle knock on the doorframe caught both Grim and Ruggie’s attention, the former perking up at the sight of you at the doorway.

Even without the vibrant patterned cloth and emblem, it didn’t take away from the rest of your outfit. 

Your top was black and sleeveless, no doubt to accommodate the heat of your home, with a high neck and a thick band tied at the back of your neck. The shirt was tucked into your black pants, which looked thinner and flared at the ends, and it was covered in a gold geometric pattern that shimmered each time you moved. 

Simple, like Tart’s was, but it looked much more expensive, even the wide band sandals you wore looked like they were expensive leather, and the various bands and beads around your wrists and neck looked a lot like Leona’s jewelry. 

When you uncrossed your arms, Grim noticed a tattoo on your left (rather muscular) arm. A lion, like Leona’s, though it was a bit less extravagant and didn’t wrap around. 

“W-wha…(Name)?” Ruggie gaped at you, looking you up and down as you approached, making him clutch the basket to his chest and back up slightly. “Why are you dressed like a royal? ‘N you smell different too…”

The hyena opened his mouth again for a moment, before shutting it and scrutinizing you further. 

Grim could barely make the words out from under Ruggie’s breath, as his ears flicked while you let you a wry chuckle. 

“Yeah, I didn’t think he’d tell anyone, Leona’s never been one to share. Accident with a looking glass and time travel things this morning is all.” Your eyes and dry smile softened as you noticed Ruggie’s tense posture, gesturing for the basket. 

“He’s hiding from me in one of the nooks around here. Thought I’d give him some alone time, you want me to help with that?”

Ruggie’s ears perked up, his tail slightly wagging as he thought it over. 

“I mean, as long as I still get paid for the laundry…I won’t say no. I still gotta make Leona’s lunch.”

You smiled, taking the basket from Ruggie’s hands as you stared at him for a moment, making him freeze. Surprising both him and Grim, you reached up to ruffle his hair and cooed at Ruggie. 

“Sorry, it’s just been a while since I’ve seen ya, you’ve been busy with work back in my time.” Letting out a tired sigh, you pulled away to rub the back of your neck. “We’ve all had a hectic time, actually.”

Ruggie nodded, eyes lighting up in sudden understanding as he looked down at your clothes once again. He winced, making Grim tilt his head, still confused as he heard him mumble something under his breath. 

“Yikes, no wonder he’s hidin’. Okay, yeah. I’ll get the lunch started, I already had the detergent ready to go. Though, this is your shuka right?” He gestured to your clothes on the top of the pile. “That has to be hand washed you know?”

You waved him off, finally glancing down at Grim with soft eyes. 

“No worries, Grim here will help me. I’m sure we have a lot to talk about, huh?”

Grim pouted, his ears flattening as he whined, “I don’t wanna do chores though…”

“Ruggie will make you a sandwich too.”

“OKAY!”

“What?” Ruggie exclaimed, halfway out the door as he spun on his heel and glared between the two of you. “I ain’t doing extra work—”

“I will have Leona pay you triple for your work today.”

“—without getting your food order!” A big grin on his face, Ruggie got down on his knees and titled his head at Grim. “What kinda sandwich you want? Want a drink and side with that?”

“Tuna! Fancy tuna with fried pickles! And, um…” Grim looked up at you and tugged at your pants. “What’s that drink Ace always gets us at lunch?”

You hummed to yourself, thinking until you snapped your fingers. 

“Ah! The iced sweet tea. Can you get him that Ruggie?”

Ruggie nodded and gave you two a salute, walking off as he happily hummed a tune to himself, singing “gonna get paaaaaid~” as he did. 

You let out a chuckle looking at Grim from the corner of your eyes and nodded your head to the door. 

“Come on, let’s go. The faster we finish, the faster we can go to Ruggie and make sure he doesn’t eat half of your sandwich.”

Leona was hiding behind the waterfall, where there was a warm resting nook that most of the dorm was unaware of. You knew about it though, you’d been there numerous times towards the end of Leona’s third year. 

Still, he’d left to it right away, telling you to go drop off your shuka in his room to have Ruggie wash it. Grim’s spell had summoned you during a walk in the palace gardens with Leona and Cheka at the time, the pain from the cracks on your skin making you collapse into some of the foliage and mud as a terrified Cheka stared in horror. 

“Uncle! Nini? What’s happening?!”

The poor thing has already been through so much. As much as it was fun to see Leona young again, you were really hoping that Malleus would find you away home soon. 

It was nice to see Grim little again. 

“And I totally coulda beat Ace with my super duper great fire spell! But I went easy on him, so he got the higher grade.”

Grim was yapping your ear off as you hung the damp clothes on the clothesline, rubbing your clothing between your thumb and finger.

“Yeah? Which class was this again?”

“Umm, it was…Magical Dueling! Yup!” Grim put his paws on his hips and let out a confident chuckle. “Yeah, the Great Grim is a real mer-mercial?”

“Merciful.”

“Yeah! That!”

“Right. Grim, you do remember that we take all our classes together, right?”

“Uh-huh.”

“So you know that I know that we don’t have a Magical Dueling class, right?” 

Grim paused, squinting his eyes as you cocked your hip and tilted your head in amusement, waiting for his excuse.

“...We take it during our second year?”

You laughed, reaching down to pat Grim on the head, who gave you a displeased look. Still, he gave a small smile as you two walked back into the dorm. It was hot and windy, so it wouldn’t be long until the clothes were dried. 

Plus, it’d been about an hour since Ruggie left to make the sandwiches, which meant he should be done cooking by now, and Grim’s stomach had been rumbling for the past few minutes.

“Let’s just go eat. I’m sure Ruggie has your sandwich done by now.”

The dorm was still empty of most students, though you could hear someone walking on the wooden ramps and bridges every so often. It made sense, it was still the early afternoon and most students were in class.

Part of you wished that you could see Jack again, but he definitely was in class at this time, and wouldn’t be back for a while if you remember correctly. You kinda wanted to drop at Heartslabyul and see Ace and Deuce, but you didn’t want to add to the chaos with Tart already there. 

Epel and Ortho were also probably preoccupied with your other Yous at their dorms. Sebek was out of the question, he was stricter about his schedule than Jack. 

You just wanted to talk to someone else, you wanted to talk to your husband. At this point in time, you two were never far from each other, or for long. But the Leona of this time didn’t seem keen on talking, or even looking at you. 

He absolutely recognized your clothes and what they meant. 

“Maybe I’ll take his meal to him…get him to talk to me…” You mumbled under your breath, making Grim look up at you.

“Get who to talk to ya? Ruggie?”

“No, Leona.”

“Mmmrph?” Grim trilled at you, narrowing his eyes as the flames in his ears grew brighter. “Leona? What, he’s not talkin’ to ya?”

You shook your head as you both entered the kitchen, where Ruggie was finishing cleaning up and placing a cutting board and knife into the sink. 

“Oh, hey! The food’s done—”

“Well that’s rude!”

Both of you jumped at Grim’s cry, an angry pout on his face as he hopped onto the counter.

“If Leona’s not gonna talk to you, then he shouldn’t get food!” Grim’s pout suddenly turned into a sly grin as he eyed the steak sandwich on the counter, next to his own. “Which is why I should take it! Give it here!”

Right as Grim leaped for the tempting plate of food, Ruggie quickly swiped it and held it over his head, making Grim dive face first into the counter instead. 

“Hey!” Ruggie let out a growl as Grim returned one in annoyance, now jumping up in vain for the food. “I used his card to buy all this! I ain’t gonna lose access to it just because you ate his food, eat your sandwich instead!” 

Noticing at how Grim got on all four paws and wiggled, you rushed over to snatch him midair as he jumped right for Ruggie’s face, the latter stumbling back. Miraculously, he still managed to keep the sandwich on its plate. 

“Hey! Let me have it, Mousy! He doesn’t deserve it! He doesn’t want to hang out with you so he doesn’t deserve a yummy snack! GIVE MEEEE—”

You wrapped a hand around Grim’s snout, his demands for more food muffled as he still longingly reached his paws out for Ruggie as he cautiously lowered the plate back down. 

“Geez, what are you on about?” Ruggie huffed, wrinkling his nose at Grim as he asked, “Leona didn’t just leave you here, right?”

It wasn’t often couples in the Sunset Savannah stray from one another, much less royals, they were almost always seen with one another. Granted, this time’s version of Leona wasn’t technically yours, and you not his, you were reminded each time you tugged at one bracelet in particular among the many around your wrist. 

“...I think you can understand why he might not be particularly enthusiastic to see me.”

You gave Ruggie a dry, tired smile as you gestured at your outfit again, making him flush red and nodded, muttering to himself. 

“Right, right…Well, you know where he is right? I need to deliver his food before it gets cold, is he in his usual spots?”

You doubted that Leona wanted to be bothered by anyone right now, but you were a bit tired of waiting around for him to come out hiding.

“No, you won’t be able to find him. It’s a spot that only he and I know about, so far as I’m aware.” Ruggie’s ears drooped as huffed, murmuring something about getting paid, making you chuckle. “I can take it to him for you.”

Ruggie squinted at you, eyeing Grim as he was dropped to the ground, the latter crossing his arms and stomping his feet.

“No fair…”

Rolling your eyes with an amused smirk, you bent down and gestured for Grim to come closer as you whispered in his ear. After a minute, Grim perked up and stared at you with an open-mouth. 

“Really?”

“Really. Go on, Azul will be very weak against his ‘Angelfish’, so he’ll get you whatever you want if Angel asks for it.”

Grim eagerly nodded, reaching his arms out for his sandwich as you handed it to him. Shoving most of it into his mouth, Grim ran off as Ruggie titled his head at you in a curious confusion.

“What’d you tell him?”

“A secret, don’t worry about it.” You sighed, rubbing the back of your neck. “Let me go get my shuka back on and then take his lunch. Grim does have a point, Leona can’t avoid me forever.”

The furball was always loud and annoying, but Leona dealt with him because of you. He let you bring him around because the stupid little guy made you happy, and he liked you.

He liked you a lot. Leona might even bring it in himself to admit that he’s fond of you, fancies you even. He’d been momentarily delighted when his little ‘mouse’ popped up in the classroom, you’d grown into a pretty thing with his family’s crest plastered on your chest.

And by the ancient kings themselves, you grew to be utterly breathtaking, the circlet on your head wrapped in the braids on the crown of your head decorated with dangling charms that glittered each time you moved, while the rest of your hair flowed down just under your chin. 

Then he looked closer at the eerily familiar circlet, and down your body. The clothes you were in were nearly all black, and you wore his sister-in-law, Niah’s, necklace. Big, beautiful, and intricately beaded to hold the Kingscholar crest, he knew you shouldn’t have been wearing that. 

It belonged to the queen consort. You shouldn’t have been wearing that unless Leona became King. It clicked quickly for him, then, when you’d made eye-contact back in that classroom. You looked older than the others there, and your eyes spoke of sorrow.

You were in mourning clothes, and in your future, he’d finally become a king. At the expense of Falena and Niah’s lives. 

He didn’t even want to think about Cheka. Did something happen to him too? After all this time of loathing and self-hatred, of cursing those who looked down on him for being second-born, he got what he wanted.

Did he want that? Did he want his family dead? Did he want to never see Falena, Niah, or Cheka again?

In the future that his Mousy came from, did he do something to them?

If his mother were here, she’d be pulling at his ear, reprimanding him for abandoning his mate to sulk off in his ‘hidey-hole’ like she would say. She’d always been by his father’s side growing up, like bonded mates were meant to do, up to the point of her untimely death. His father followed soon after.

He was still young when she passed, but he could still hear her voice, chastising him and urging him to go seek you out.

And he would…eventually. He wasn’t a coward, Leona’s pride wouldn’t allow that, but he just needed some time to think. To figure out how to ask you what happened, if he did something. Would you even know? Would you even tell him if he asked?

“Ugh…damn you Furball.” Leona grumbled to himself, tossing and turning in the blankets and pillows he stashed behind the waterfall. “You shouldn’t have been messing with ancient magic.”

There was a naturally formed window in the rock that let in fresh air as the sound of the falls and the occasional student walking past gave him some white noise, and yet he still felt stuffy.

It didn’t help that he could still hear Grim occasionally, your own voice just gentle enough to be out of hearing range. Leona’s pretty sure he was yelling something about sandwiches to Ruggie. 

Whiny as ever, and a little shit like always. As much as your presence has thrown him into a mental spiral, Leona does wonder if the little guy followed you to Sunset Savannah with him. And how exactly you convinced him to agree to housing Grim.

Maybe you turned him into a playmate for Cheka or something. 

Leona inhaled sharply at the thought of his nephew again, turning back around to face the waterfall. He froze at the sight of you, peering at the gap between the water and the stone wall, holding a plate of food in your hand. 

You carefully reached above you to grab the indent along the wall, and slid your body through, carefully pressed against the ledge as you stared down at the pool below you. You did it with precision, like you’d done this many times before, over and over. 

Until your foot slipped on a part of the rock that was wet, making you stumble and Leona bolt over. He didn’t even register that he was holding your waist and the hand that clutched at his shoulder until you huffed and looked up at him with a sheepish smile. 

“Ah, it’s been a while since I’ve done this, I forgot how slippery it got back here.”

Your scent was one of rosemary and rain, though he could tell that you spent a lot of time with his future version. You reeked of his magic and musk, though there was something soft there, like sweet oranges, that reminded him of Cheka.

Leona swiftly let go of you once you were on steady footing, backing up and putting a healthy distance between you two. Though, the disappointment on your face made him falter as he sat down on his makeshift bedding. 

Both of you stared at each other, neither of you speaking, waiting for the other to break the silence first. 

If Leona was going to give future him credit for something, it’s that he did a damn good job in claiming you as his. The jewelry you were covered in was in his colors. Falena was assigned gold and red as the heir, which was traditional. Leona got a dark orange and sepia, also traditional for the second-born, but they were never his favorite. 

But they did look very nice on you. 

“Aw, staring at a little herbivore like me?” You gave Leona a teasing smile and walked closer, holding out the plate to him. It looked like a steak sandwich, the usual that Ruggie made for him. “Don’t eat me now, I’m offerin’ you a meal.”

Leona continued staring at you as he took the plate in your hands, his ears flicking and tail curling close to him as you decided to take a seat on the pillow next to him. He watched as you crossed your legs, resting your hands between them and traced one of the bracelets on your wrist. 

It looked old. It looked familiar. 

“You kept that?” You looked up in surprise. Leona was realizing it was the first actual sentence he’d spoken to you since you’d arrived. “It looks like it’s gone through it…”

“Ah,” You looked down at the bracelet, red, white, and blue with golden spacers between the beads. “Well, it’s been a long time since you gave this to me. I think…almost 12 years by now.”

You smiled down fondly at the jewelry as you continued.

“This one you gave me after your graduation,” You tapped a leather band with a protection spell engraved on it. “Said I needed it for all the trouble I got into.”

You moved onto another one made of braided strings that resembled a sunset. “This was for my graduation, same day you asked me if I wanted to come home with you”

Smile growing, you let out a soft chuckle as you pointed out a fourth, crudely made rainbow bracelet that looked more like something a kid would make for their friends on the playground. 

“Cheka made this, used any and every single bead he could find. It was my 20th birthday present I think. It's been a while, but that sounds right."

Voice softening, you moved to your left wrist, which was decorated with a pair of bronze bangles and a matching cuff with an engraving of a rising sun. 

“This wasn’t you actually, funny enough.” You had a smile and looked at him from the corner of your eye. “Falena and Niah gave it to me as an engagement present when you proposed with this—”

Holding up your hand, you presented him with a wedding set on your ring finger. A thick bronze band accompanied by a simple topaz ring.

“That’s not in the royal jewelry collection.” Leona cut you off, though you looked relieved that he finally started speaking. “Looks too new.”

“Yep. You had this made just for me, and a matching set for yourself as well.” 

Your smile faltered as his eyes were drawn back to the necklace, specifically the crest on your chest.

Both of you went silent again for a few seconds, before you sighed, clutching the crest in your palm, as if to hide it.

“Ask. I know you want to know.”

“...That’s in Falena’s colors. It’s Niah’s, it’s the queen’s.” Leona hissed the last bit, his ears flattening as he stared at your face, watching as you turned away. “Why is my spouse wearing the consort’s necklace?”

Leona’s voice rose as he continued speaking, making you whip your head around and glare at him. For some reason, that look you gave him made Leona freeze. It looked a lot like the ones Niah and his mother would give him whenever he got in trouble.

“Leona. Did you just raise your voice at me?”

Clicking his tongue, Leona leaned back against his pillows and took a bite out of his sandwich, ignoring your pointed look.

“Tch, at least I know where Cheka got his attitude from.”

Leona choked mid-swallow, coughing as reached over to pat his back, freezing as he grabbed your hand to stop you. Though, as his coughing became more hoarse, he let go to pound at chest, allowing you to use one hand to rub a soothing hand on his back and pull his hair away from his face.

It took him a few moments, but he finally managed to breathe normally again, throat feeling rather raw. Leona looked at you from the corner of his eyes and asked, “Cheka’s okay?”

You furrowed your brows and nodded furiously, moving closer to sweep his hair over his shoulder and cup his cheek.

“Yes. Of course, Cheka is safe. He’ll be turning 17 in a few months now…he’s safe and doing as well as he can be right now.”

Leona closed his eyes, trying to imagine what a 17 year old Cheka would look like. A lot like Falena probably, though he had Niah’s eyes. 

“...What do you mean by ‘right now’.”

His eyes met your own as you thinned your lips. You opened your mouth, before closing it again, and gently responded. 

“Leona, I think you know what I mean.”

Taking a deep breath, let his gaze meet yours and asked, “How’d it happen?”

You took in a sharp breath, leaning back and clasping your hands together. 

“Are you sure you want to know? I don’t think it’s a good idea with time traveling rules and all—”

“Yes. Tell me.”

Letting out a sigh, you nodded, swallowing and licking your lips before you spoke.

“It happened at the end of last year, Falena and Niah were meant to celebrate their anniversary at sea. They took a handful of servants onto a ship and had a private yacht set up. It was only meant to be a week, so you, me, and Neji were left in charge of regular duties while they were gone, but while out at sea…there was a storm.”

Leona watched as you paused, wringing your wrist in your hand. 

“It happened about halfway through their trip, it was a freak storm that even had the merfolk surprised. It took two weeks for it to finally calm down enough for us to send search parties, but they couldn’t find anything…”

You shut your eyes closed, bringing a tightly closed hand to your lips as you took a shaky breath, continuing in a trembling voice.

“We thought that they might have sunk, even the Atlantica Royal family sent their own to search for the wreckage…but they couldn’t find it.”

Whispering the last part under your breath, you took a deep breath, wiping the corners of your eyes, before looking up and frowning. 

“Oh, Leona, sweetheart…”

Bringing a hand up to wipe his cheek, Leona barely realized that tears started growing in his eyes. Despite himself, he relaxed into your touch, letting you rub your thumbs across his cheeks and squeeze, bringing him down to your level to press your forehead against his own. 

“...Both of them?”

“Yeah…we held the funerals a month after. And…you were crowned three months ago as king regent.”

Silence fell over you two, Leona looking down as he processed everything you’d just said. 

King Regent. Him, a king in his future, all because his brother died. Gods…he didn’t want his brother dead. Was Falena an idiot sometimes? Yes. Was he pampered and groomed while Leona was thrown off to the side and ignored? Yes. But he didn’t want his brother or sister-in-law gone, among the ancient kings in the stars.

“You became the royal consort then. That’s yours now.” 

You nodded, letting Leona go, reaching down to squeeze at the necklace again. You didn’t look comfortable with it on, like the weight was a strain on you. Leona looked down at the plate in his lap 

“Originally, my Leona and I were only going to rule for a few years, as Cheka was only 15, just about to turn 16 when it happened. But he didn’t want to take the throne just yet at 18, so the two of us will be taking care of things until he’s ready.”

Silence resumed between you two as you decided to lean against the wall, blankly staring at the waterfall. Both of you didn’t speak for what felt like ages. Leona looked down at the plate in his lap still, and tossed it to the side to shove himself into his pillows.

You let out a small gasp, giving him a disapproving glare as you crawled over pick up the plate, ensuring that the food wouldn’t fall to the floor. 

“Don’t do that, this meat is probably expensive, Rugs would probably have an aneurysm if he saw you throwing it around.”

“Hmph,” Leona scoffed, raising a brow at the nickname. “I can afford it, it’s fine. He doesn’t care as long as I pay him.”

“Yeah? Well that reminds me, make sure you pay him triple for today’s work, I told him you would so he would make Grim some food.”

“Eh? I didn’t agree to that, why would I pay for the Furball’s—” 

You waved a hand dismissively, though you had an amused smile on your lips. 

“Oh shush, I thought you said you could afford it?”

Gods, you really did grow to be beautiful. Leona never was one that particularly cared about looks like a certain blonde did, but even he could appreciate how well you took to his homeland’s style. He wonders if the future him helped you with your hair: grooming each other was an age old tradition for close families back home, he saw Niah often braid Falena’s hair. 

Even Cheka’s, though he was so little that they would get messed up after playing. 

Cheka…you smelled quite a bit like him as well, but it was a lot fainter than his own. Hypothetically, especially with the death of his parents, his nephew should be attached to future you and Leona’s hips.

“Oi, you said Cheka was going on 17, but he wasn’t going to take the throne at 18.” Leona’s ears flicked as he asked, “How come my brat—”

“Nephew.”

“—Brat of a nephew, isn’t taking the throne? I know he’d been groomed for it.”

You perked up, smile growing as you leaned in closer, gesturing for him to follow suit. He did, with a fond warmth growing in his cheeks. 

“Oh yes, but after all was said and done…he decided to accept the letter that Night Raven sent him and attend school. Cheka said he wanted to wait and explore the world outside the palace before taking the throne, so the two of us will be ruling for a bit longer now.”

Leona let out a scoff, though he couldn’t help that the corner of his lips quirked. “Seriously? NRC?”

You smiled and nodded. 

“Yes, our—” Leona liked the way you emphasized that. “—nephew even took to your dorm. You tried your very best to talk him out of it, complaining about your time here and how awful it was, he shut you up when he brought up the two of us meeting at school.”

Leona let out a hum, resting his hand on his palm as he leaned against his knee. He still had questions about the kingdom, if there were any opposition to his coronation, why Cheka decided to run off to the school of all places. 

But, he also had a golden opportunity here. 

“And what exactly did you tell him?” Leona watched as you perked up, your smile growing big as you leaned in and cooed. 

“Oh? Trying to get information out of me, hmm? Shouldn’t you try and woo your (Name) on your own?”

“Do you think the others are leaving it up to chance?”

“Ha, fair enough, though I hate to say that you already seem a bit behind if you’re asking me that at this point in the year.”

Leona frowned, ears pinning to his head and tail swishing in frustration. He didn’t like the sound of that.

“You saying I need to get moving, huh?”

You shrugged, your bangles jingling as you waved your hand. “Maaaaybe. I’m assuming that you didn’t piss me off in this time back during the whole contract stuff with Azul, so the me in this time didn’t try to wack your head off with your broom.”

“You did what?” 

Leona couldn’t help himself lean in closer as you let out an embarrassed laugh, covering your smile. 

“Ah, I ask you to help me and you told me to deal with it on my own. When i threatened to keep you up all night if you didn’t, you actually tossed me and Grim out of the dorm and told me to not show my face again.” 

You laughed harder as you told the story, eyes crinkling.

“I was sooooo pissed off that I went back in, made Grim distract the dorm in the lounge, snuck into your room while you were distracted, and tried swinging it as hard as I could into your head when you walked in. We got into it after that, bruised each other up. I even gave you a black eye, though you gave me a massive bite to my arm.”

Leona straightened as you pushed your shuka further past your shoulders, revealing your matching Lion’s Guard tattoo. The second born was always assigned as the leader, though you were a rank lower than him based on it. You tapped it, gesturing for him to move in closer. 

As he did, Leona noticed that right under the black ink, was the faintest prescence of a scar. He could just barely make out where his canines had dug into you skin, no doubt drawing blood. 

“Hm, not a good idea for a little mouse to pick a fight with such a big carnivore.” Leona couldn’t help but drawl out a teasing remark, though you too it in stride as you covered the tattoo and scar again. 

“Oh, don’t you worry. This Mousy packed a bunch, and back then, you gave me respect for holding my own against you, so you helped me out with Azul. We just got…closer after that.”

You smiled fondly as you reminisced, looking up at him and reaching you hand out to his face. This time, Leona didn’t flinch away and let you cup his cheek, rubbing a thumb just under his eye, where the tip of his scar lay.

“We took our time, it was natural. I can’t really say too much other than that.”

Natural, huh? He didn’t have a fight with you in this time. Maybe he was already screwed. Maybe he just needed to get that fiery part of you out. 

Leona’s never been one for fate, he’s always desired making his own way through the world. Maybe he’ll just have to do that with you too. And…with Falena and Niah too…

“Hmm. Well, I have to wait until my own little mouse is back from where the Fur—”

“Grim.”

“—Grim sent them. I’ll come up with a plan, a nap’ll help with that.”

He didn’t wait for a response, instead opting to move over and stretch his body so that his head was in your lap, face looking up at you. 

You took to it naturally, like your own Leona did this often, hands immediately smoothing his hair away from his face, combining through it with your fingers. 

“...You really do look look so much younger like this.”

“...Yeah?”

“Yeah…” Leaning back once again to rest against the pillows and stone wall, stretching your legs out under his body to get more comfortable, you ran a soothing finger along the ridge of his nose. Leona wondered if you got that from him as well; he’d do it to Cheka when he was bothering him to coax his nephew into a nap instead of bothering him.

“Go on, take your nap. We can talk more when you wake up, yeah?”

Leona didn’t respond, though his tail wrapped around your leg as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“I’ll hold you to that Mousy. You’ll be helpin’ me scheme for my own (Name).”

He didn’t need his eyes, he could hear the smile in your voice as you responded. 

“Of course. Just for you sweetheart.”

comments and reblogs appreciated 🩷

[whatdoeseverybodywant]

"All I ever wanted was to love you, none of that other shit matters."

This is #3 out of 10 of my Phrase Series, hope you all enjoy! ❤️

Thank you @paigereeder for the phrase!

I do NOT give permission for my work to be translated or reposted on here or any other site, even if you give me credit. DO NOT REPOST MY FICS

❤ Reblogs, comments, likes, and feedback ALWAYS appreciated ❤ 

All OC Characters belong to me

Author's Note: I am soooo sorry for the long wait! I couldn't come up with a way to end this one... hope you all enjoy! ❤️ sorry if it sucks 😬

*JEY USO'S NEW GIRLFRIEND*

Reply 1: can i just start this off by saying.... she's not ugly... just not what I was expecting for Jey.. 😬

Reply 2: omg THIS! I thought it was just me who thought this!

Reply 3: nah, she ugly as hell 😭. He can do so much better.

Reply 4: she funny looking. Like her face is off to me.

Reply 5: Have y'all noticed that Trinity and Almia don't follow her, but she follows them 😬

Reply 6: tryna get in wit the fam and they don't even like you 🤣🫵🏽

Reply 7: ew 🤢

Reply 8: can we talk about her username too? official.savannah??! bitch don't nobody know you 😭

“Bae?” Savannah jumped and hurriedly closed her laptop as Josh entered their home. She tried to force a smile on her face as he came into the living room. She set her laptop down on the couch next to her and stood up to greet her boyfriend of 10 months. She wasn’t his new anything.  “I missed you.” He said as he pulled her into a tight hug. 

“Missed you too.” She muttered back, just as he pressed his lips against hers in a sweet and soft kiss. As Josh pulled away, his gaze softened as he studied her face.

“Are you okay?” He asked his voice soft as he cupped her face in his hands. She nodded, but the knot in her stomach tightened. They don’t see me like you do. They don’t know what it’s like. The trolls, the fans, all the judgment she couldn’t escape—every comment, every whispered opinion weighed heavy on her. She wasn’t used to feeling small, but lately, it seemed like every time she logged onto her social media, she saw something that made her question whether she belonged in his world.

“I’m fine,” She said before clearing her throat. “Just tired.” 

“You wanna stay in tonight? I can call Twin and tell him we can all go out another day.”  

Savannah wanted to stay in so bad. She just wanted to snuggle on the couch with her man and watch shitty horror movies all night, but she knew he was looking forward to hanging out with his twin brother and sister-in-law. Since Josh was on RAW and Jon and Trinity were on SmackDown, they barely got to see each other. 

“No. It’s fine. I know you were looking forward to spending time with your brother. I’m fine.” 

Josh stared at her before nodding. “Aight cool. Imma go shower… you wanna join?” He smirked, pulled her towards him, and placed his head in the crook of her neck.  Savannah let out a sigh of pleasure and tilted her head to the side to give him more access. When he pulled back, she bit her lip and nodded her head, she let out a loud laugh when he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder, all but running up the steps towards their bathroom. 

official.savannah_

liked by uceyjucey and 800 others

official.savannah: 💫💙

view all comments

user: girl! I need to get in your chair ASAP!

jeyusofan2: not... what I expected lmao.

yeet_2025: I mean.. if you squint she's cute.

user: this girl pretty as hell! fuk yall talking about!!!

Savannah tried to have a good night out with her man and his family. But whenever she caught herself genuinely having fun, she remembered the comments she read earlier. While she knew nobody on that chat forum or her Instagram comments knew her or her relationship with Josh, she just couldn’t get past how some of what they said felt true. Almia and Trinity did not follow her on any social media platforms, and while it was not that big of a deal, Savannah couldn’t help but wonder why. 

“You good?” Josh’s voice whispering in her ear brought her out of her thoughts. She turned her head towards him and forced a smile on her face. 

“Never better, " she said, and Josh furrowed his eyebrows. But before he could say anything, Trinity spoke up. 

“Sis, how’s work? I've been trying to get in to get my hair done, but you be booked and busy chile.”  

For the first time that night, a genuine smile came over Savannah’s features. “Booked ain’t the word.” They both laugh. “But you know I got you. Just give me a heads up and I can squeeze you in.” 

Josh noticed Savannah’s empty cup so he got up and went over to the bar to get her and himself another drink, Jon followed suit. Trinity and Savannah sat there, the awkward silence slicing through the air. Clearing her throat, Savannah pulled her phone out of her clutch and opened Instagram. She was about to post a picture of herself on her story but a new story from Trinity piqued her interest. 

Savannah clicked on the story and felt her heart drop into her stomach. It was a picture the four of them took earlier. Trinity was tucked up in Jon’s arm, a big smile on her face as he gazed down at her. Josh was standing next to Jon, a smile on his face and that was it. Where she was supposed to be, next to Josh holding his hand. She wasn’t in the picture. She had been cropped out. 

“Girl you okay?”  

Savannah nodded, her gaze still on her phone. They were right. That voice in her head shouted. His family hates you, you’re not good enough for him. You should just k- Savannah abruptly stood from her seat, startling Trinity. 

“I’m - I need some fresh air.” She muttered, not giving Trinity a second glance as she rushed out of the restaurant. She could hear Josh call out her name but she ignored him. Savannah’s heart pounded in her chest as she hurried through the doors of the restaurant, the cool night air hitting her like a slap in the face. 

She didn't care that she was running away from everything, from him, from the life she thought she was building. She couldn’t handle it anymore. The suffocating weight of her insecurities was too much—his family, the comments, the picture she had seen earlier. It was all too much. Her mind kept spiraling, those dark thoughts clawing at the edges of her sanity. They hate you. You’re not good enough for him. Why are you even here?

Savannah gasped as she leaned against a wall in the alleyway. Her hand coming up to her chest as she tried to catch her breath. 

“V!?” She heard Josh call out, “Savannah?!”  Josh’s voice was closer now, frantic, as he rounded the corner into the alley. His eyes locked onto her immediately, and there was no hiding the worry on his face.

“Baby? What happened? Did Trin say something, cause I’ll-” 

“No.” She cut him off with a shake of her head. “Trinity didn’t say anything.” She looked up and him with tears pouring out her eyes. “I - I can’t do this. I’m not strong enough.” 

Josh’s eyes widened, his brows furrowing in confusion. “Whatchu’ talkin’ bout? What happened?” 

“I’m not… I’m not the woman for you, you need someone prettier, someone who your family loves, someone who -” 

“Someone like you.” Josh cut her off. “You are who I want. There is no-one prettier than you Savannah and my family loves you. You’re the first person my mom asks about when we’re on the phone.”  Josh cupped her face in his hands. “Where is all this coming from? 

Savannah sighed. She unlocked her phone and pulled up the webpage she knew by memory. She took one more look at the comments before passing Josh the phone. He took it with a confused look on his face. But that look quickly morphed into anger. 

“Man, what the fuck is this?” Josh asked, still scrolling. “Why they talkin’ about you like this?” 

Savannah shrugged. “They’re your fans.” Josh scoffed. “Someone sent me the link in my DM a couple weeks ago…” 

‘Hey, look at me.” Josh put her phone in his pocket and cupped her jaw in his hands,focring her head up so she was looking at him. “This does not matter to me. None of this shit matters to me Savannah. The only thing that matters is you. These people don’t know you. They don’t know us. I know you. And I know what I feel for you. It doesn’t change based on what some random assholes on the net gotta’ say.” 

“Josh -” 

“No.” Josh cut her off. “All I ever wanted was to love you, none of this other shit matters.” 

“But what about your family? Seems like they don’t want me around.” 

Josh scoffed and reared his head back. “Did you not hear what I said about my momma earlier? Trinity kept texting me this whole week to make sure you were still coming out with us. My family loves you Savannah. Whatever they saying on the net…” Josh trailed off with a sigh. “You can’t believe that shit. I know first hand. If I listened to what they had to say I would be a certified jobber right now.” 

Savannah let out a shaky breath, feeling a knot in her stomach loosen slightly at Josh's words. “Okay, but what about this?” She asked, reaching into his pocket and grabbing her phone. Josh watched as she pulled up the photo Trinity had posted on her Instagram. “Why would she crop me if she wanted me around?” 

“Because I asked her too.” 

Savannah’s eyes widened in shock. “You what -” 

“Lemme explain baby. I shit- I know my fans hardcore as fuck. Shit, wrestling fans push it. They wanna know all about my personal life and I wanted to keep you far from that.” Josh sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face. “Looks like I failed tho.” 

Savannah stared into his eyes. Her heart swelling as she saw nothing but love and adoration in them. “You were just trying to protect me. I can’t say I understand all of it, but I know you weren’t trying to hurt me.” She paused, her thumb gently tracing the back of his hand. “But I need to be in this with you, Josh. I can’t just be something you keep in the background. I need to feel like I belong... like I’m a part of your world. Not just a secret that you keep hidden.”

“You could never be a secret to me baby. You’re my world.” 

Savannah felt another wave of tears coming, but not of sadness this time. She was filled with pure joy and happiness. She loved Josh. And in that moment, as he held her close, all the doubts, the insecurities, and the fears she had been carrying began to fade away.

“I love you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Josh’s grip on her tightened slightly, his smile soft and genuine. “I love you too, Savannah. More than you’ll ever know.”

uceyjucey

liked by official.savannah, trinity_fatu and 800,000 others.

uceyjucey: if u aint rocking w/ her then u ain't rocking wit me. I luv y'all fr but I love her more. We both see that shit yall be posting on the net and dat shit not cool.

view all comments:

trinity_fatu: talk your shit brother!

jeyusofan2: but we can see she not good for u!

↳ uceyjucey: @jeyusofan2: how u kno if she good 4 me or not? yall gotta stop fr.

official.savannah: love you baby

↳ uceyjucey: @ official.savannah: luv u more ❤️

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[chrissv4mp]

✮ THE WEIGHT OF IT ALL

INTRODUCTION ; PART 1 ; PART 2 ; PART 3 reading now...

warnings. angst, mentions of sa, asshole!billie the first half, language, fluff.

synopsis. after a long year of struggle, your parents decide to move back to the place you spent most of your childhood years: the old farm that they never had the heart to get rid of. however, after leaving a decade ago, they hired some help who you were never aware of until your arrival.

words. 7.3k

letters. buckle up for this one guys 💔. rereading this and realizing i might've self-projected just a bit ??

SERIES MASTERLIST ; NAVIGATION

you're wiping the corners of your eyes as you make your way across the lot, kicking up rocks and dust with every step.

it's dark out now—save for the dull, golden shine of headlights pulling in and out of the gravel parking lot, and the orange flicker from the bonfire across the way. the voices around you are muffled, a murmur of boots stomping on the ground, harmonies mixing with laughter and the crack of open beer cans.

but all you can hear is the echo of her voice. sharp, angry, unfamiliar. "maybe this would've been better if you didn't come to the farm at all."

your chest feels tight. your hands won't stop shaking, and you're walking but you have no clue where. maybe toward the road. maybe away. just anywhere that wasn't here. or your home. or the barn.

sniffing, you swipe at your face, and almost walk right into someone.

"hey, woah—easy there."

you look up.

he's tall. lean. looks your age, maybe a year or two older. the soft amber glow of a streetlamp illuminates the curve of his cheekbone, the slope of his nose. his light brown hair peeks out from beneath a baseball cap, tousled, and he's got a leather jacket tucked in his arms. the second he catches the way your fingers twitch on your forearms, he holds it out to you—a look on his face that's more curious than concerned.

"you good?" he asks, eyes a soft green, voice easy.

you try to brush past him, muttering, "i'm fine." but your voice cracks and you shiver, your body betraying you.

he cracks a small smile. "you don't gotta lie. here." he drapes the jacket over your shoulders without hesitation, so quickly you don't even have time to argue.

it's warm. smells faintly of laundry detergent and cologne. your guard lowers just a bit.

"i'm casey, by the way," he says, shoving his hands in his back pockets like he's trying not to scare you off. "figured you might need a minute. or a water. or someone to not ask a bunch of questions."

you blink. it takes a few seconds for you voice to work again. "you... you saw that?"

his smile fades just slightly, soft and crooked. "whole town probably did. but, hey—people fight. people suck," he shrugs, like he's used to this. "you gonna stay for the fire?"

you hesitate. the idea of maybe facing billie again—with savannah glued to her hip like a second skin—makes your stomach twist.

but you also don't know where to go.

"...i don't know," you say quietly.

"listen," casey says, nodding toward the fire in the distance. "you should stay just for the last part. the main event's about to start, and they save the best performers for last. not worth stormin' off before the good stuff."

you want to say no. you should say no. but the warmth of his jacket and the genuine look in his eyes kinda disarm you. so you nod. "fine. but i'm only staying for a few."

you let him lead you back toward the fire. not too close, just on the outer edge where the shadows stretch and no one really notices anything. people are pulling out guitars, harmonicas, even a banjo or two. it's sweet, rustic, something you swear you've seen in a movie. voices hum low as the first few take turns, laughter and clapping filling the space.

then, through the rundown speakers placed around the seats, you hear billie's name being called.

she walks into the center, guitar slung over her shoulder, boots kicking through the gravel. she doesn't notice you—not at first. but a few strums in, she lifts her gaze. her eyes land on you even in the shadows.

you tense up without meaning to, shoulders drawing tight under casey's jacket. something in the way her eyes, cold and blue, stare directly into yours makes your heart ache.

casey catches it instantly. he leans in, voice just above a whisper. "want me to get you some water?"

you nod, grateful, and follow him a few steps away from the crowd. behind you, billie stutters—just hardly, just enough that it pulls a few glances from some people. she fixes herself, tries to push through, but savannah's already leaned in, whispering in her ear.

"she's a waste of your time," she hisses, shaking her head.

billie doesn't respond, just keeps singing. her fingers strum the guitar strings, face tight. for the first time all night, she looks unsure. and she's still watching you, standing near the concession stand, wearing casey's jacket like it belongs to you. and that might just be the thing that ruins her night.

casey grabs two of the water bottles from a cooler beside the concessions table, thanking the person behind it and sliding over a few dollars before he goes to sit at one of the tables.

he hands you one of the bottles as you sit down, and you twist the cap open with a small "thanks" before sipping out of it. you watch as the flames flicker slowly, barely seen through the large crowd that formed just a few performances ago. people laughing like nothing's wrong.

"this always how it goes out here?" you ask quietly, trying to sound casual.

casey glances over at you, grinning. "pretty much. songs, drinks, bad flirting. drama, if you're lucky."

you laugh dryly, brushing your thumb along the rim of the bottle. "yeah, i've had far more than enough of that for tonight."

he doesn't press, just shifts to nudge his shoulder against yours. "looked like you needed to breathe for a second. glad you stuck around."

you're about to reply—until the sound of guitar strings stop and the applause begins. your eyes track back to the fire, catching billie just as she stands and cracks a small smile for the crowd. her eyes find you quickly, and she doesn't waste another second basking in the spotlight before she backs away, slinging her guitar behind her like she can't get out of the there fast enough.

she doesn't say anything to the crowd. doesn't not or acknowledge them—just turns and starts your way.

savannah scrambles after her, whispering something sharp under her breath. billie doesn't flinch, just rolls her eyes.

"babe, come on," she mutters. "just let it go, she's being childish—"

billie spins on her heel, voice loud enough to cut through the music. "go sit back down, sav. seriously. i don't need anymore of your clingy bullshit tonight."

you freeze.

casey's posture changes too, jaw tightening just slightly in alert. "she comin' over here?"

you nod, slowly. "seems like it."

and sure enough, billie stops right in front of you, hands in the pockets of her jacket, chest still rising and falling heavily like she hasn't fully come down from the fight yet.

"we're leavin'. now."

you blink. "what?"

billie inhales sharply. "we're leavin'. you don't have a ride if you wait any longer."

you scoff, raising your brows. "funny you think i'd still wanna ride with you."

the country boy beside you straightens up, twisting the cap back on his water bottle. "i told her i'd take her home," a lie, but he guess he was going to now.

billie's eyes snap to him like she's just now realizing he's there. "sorry, what?"

"s'no big deal," he shrugs. "we were talkin'. i got my truck, and i'm free all night."

you watch the tension pull taut in billie's jaw, the way her eyes flick from you to casey, then back again. for the first time tonight, you're in control. and it shows in how tightly her fists curl at her sides.

savannah's standing a few feet back, arms crossed, clearly waiting for billie to get her shit together.

but she's too busy staring at you. like maybe she's trying to read something you're not ready to show her, or maybe she thinks that if she stares long enough, you'll crumble under her gaze.

everyone's quiet for a few tense moments. you're still sitting uncomfortably beside casey, crumpling your bottle mindlessly between your fingers. billie's just standing there, eyes narrowed slightly, like she's trying to figure out how to word something without setting herself off.

finally, she speaks. and you think she's gonna curse out casey and walk away—but she doesn't. she just... grins. fake.

"never caught your name, prince charming."

he looks up at her with the same amount of composure he's had all night. "casey," he introduces, deciding it's best not to offer a hand. "and you must be... billie." if he heard your screams right.

she nods sharply, brows furrowing like she's sizing him up and already knows she hates the outcome.

"casey," she repeats, voice low. "how long you been in town?" she asks, like she's interrogating the poor boy.

"born n' raised," he smiles up at her, friendly. "my folks live out near the mill. and you?"

"m'from down in the northern area."

he nods, still calm. "figured. you don't talk like most of us."

you press your lips together, hiding a grin.

billie doesn't blink. "guess not."

savannah shifts impatiently behind her, murmuring something about leaving soon, stepping closer and brushing her fingers against the loops of billie's jeans. billie's not listening at all, eyes having never left you for a second.

casey stands, brushing the back of his jeans. "i was just about to walk her to my truck."

"yeah," billie grumbles, tone like a child. "bet you were."

casey raises an eyebrow but stays cool. "i meant what i said—i'll get her home safe."

"i don't remember asking you to," billie bites.

he pauses just long enough to let those words hang in the air, then dips his head lightly, still polite. "wasn't askin' for permission."

and that? that sets her off. you can see it—jaw tighter than before, nostrils flared, hands in fists so tight her knuckles bleed white. but she doesn't say anything.

"c'mon," he says softly, turning to you. "let's go."

you glance once at billie, who looks like she's seconds away from popping casey in the mouth. savannah's tugging at her sleeve now, practically begging her to walk away now. and then you turn, slipping your hand into the crook of casey's arm just for the fun of it as he leads you toward his truck in the floodlights.

behind you, billie doesn't move. but you can feel her eyes burning into the back of your head as you walk.

you jump into casey's truck when he unlocked it, strapping yourself in and sighing heavily like you're finally able to really breathe after the terrible events of tonight.

the inside of his truck hums to life just as turns the key in the ignition, fingers moving to mess with the buttonss on the ac before it spurs to life and a breeze starts to blow toward you, the setting turned down just enough to keep the windows from fogging. you're both quiet as he pulls out of the lot, the tires bumping across rocks and small pot holes, the road illuminated only by headlights and the occasional glow of a porch light or corner store as you pass by.

he drives slow, but with purpose—like he knows where every curve of the road is by heart. you're picking at the hem of your shorts when he speaks.

"she's kinda rude," he says, not harsh—more like an observation, amused and casual.

you glance at him, then through the windshield, biting the inside of your cheek. "she's not usually like that."

he raises an eyebrow but doesn't push.

"i mean..." you hesitate, then add. "i've only known her a week."

he hums thoughtfully, one hand resting loosely on the wheel while the other takes off his hat and brushes a hand through his hair. "still counts. lot can happen in a week."

you nod. and before you can stop yourself, the words just start slipping out, like the seatbelt across your chest is the only thing keeping you from unraveling entirely.

"my parent's dragged me here," you say, picking at a loose thread on your shorts. "i grew up here, actually. this old farm just outside of town. they didn't sell it when we moved. then, a few weeks before summer hit, they sprung the news that they were struggling financially and had to move back."

he doesn't say anything—just listens. and that's all you need.

"turns out billie's been the farmhand."

"seriously?" he says, not surprised—just intrigued. "how long's she been there for?"

"a while, apparently. i didn't even know until i showed up," your voice goes quieter. "i didn't know a lot, actually."

casey glances over, catching your eyes. "small world."

you laugh under your breath. "way too small."

he smiles gently, eyes back on the dark road. "not so bad, though. s'good to have someone who remembers what it's like."

"someone?" you raise an eyebrow.

he shrugs. "maybe two."

you catch his smile in the soft light of the dashboard—and maybe it's just the moonlight, but something about him feels safe. familiar. warm.

the drive goes on with quiet, comfortable conversation after that—so comfortable you don't even realize you've passed your road until casey turns down another street, pulling into a small gravel lot beside a neon-lit shack with a crooked sign that reads daisy's dairy bar. it glows soft pink and yellow in the dark, tucked under strung-up fairy lights and buzzing moths.

you look over at him, confused.

he puts the truck into park, then says, "just c'mon, you deserve it after everything that went on tonight."

you furrow your brows. "ice cream?"

casey grins. "it fixes more than people think."

and somehow, you believe him.

so you follow him inside, the place smelling of waffle cones and sugar. you order—something simple, because your brain's still processing things from earlier—and he orders his usual. you don't catch the name, but it's got caramel dripping down side and he hands you a couple of napkins like he knows you're gonna need them.

you both settle at a table outside, the wood a little chipped, but it feels charming in the glow of the lights.

you spoon your ice cream slowly, not really tasting it. but you're calmer now, more grounded, heart rate no longer trying to sprint out of your chest.

"so," you say, licking your spoon. "i just spilled everything, what about you?"

he leans back in his chair, lazy and thoughtful. "grew up here. always wanted to leave. never did. well, not yet."

"why not?"

he hums, not missing a beat. "got a dog, a little sister, and a mom who bakes too well to leave. and this town... it just grows on you. even if you hate it at first."

you nod slowly. "sounds familiar."

"your turn," he says.

cocking an eyebrow, you smile. "i think you already got mine back in the truck on the way here."

he grins. "fair. but i got the sad girl version. i want the real version.

you look down into your cup. "not sure those are all that different." casey sits up at your words, leaning over the table.

"maybe not. but still worth findin' out."

and he's right. so you say everything. from when you used to sneak into places you weren't supposed to be at to the real reason your parents brought you out here, to the middle of nowhere. and he listens, really listens to everything you say without even looking bored or uninterested. he nods, asks questions, even adds his own little comments every now and then. and it feels normal, like you've known him since the beginning of time.

you both finish your ice cream and jump back into the truck before the conversation even lulls. it's a strange sense of peace you haven't felt in a while, and you realize you're not looking to leave just yet.

when the truck turns back onto your road, you let out a small sigh, even if you're not ready to face whatever's waiting at home. you know you're gonna run into billie again at the barn tomorrow, whether you want to or not. but tonight, it's just you, your thoughts, and casey.

he pulls up to your driveway and puts the truck in park, killing the engine so that you could get out. the lights of your house look faint against the night sky, but they're too bright for your eyes, already tired from all the chaos the day had to offer.

"hey," you say suddenly, hesitating before you lean against the door. "think i could get your number? for, y'know... next time?"

casey raises an eyebrow, a small smirk pulling at his lips. "next time, huh? you really gonna put me on speed dial after one night?"

"not a bad night, though," you say, the edge of a grin curling on your lips. "i mean, i could use a little more... peace and quiet, away from everything."

he laughs, a low, easy sound. "i can't promise you peace. i can promise i won't ignore you though."

you find a chuckle of your own slipping past your mouth, but you've already got your phone in your hand, holding it out to him. "no promises, huh?"

he takes it from you, typing in his number. "nope. i'm a wildcard. ask anyone in town."

when he hands it back you, you take a breath before stepping away from the truck, glancing up at your house. there's something about the way the truck's engine rumbles, the way casey's laugh lingers in the cool night air, that feels so different from what you're about to face tomorrow.

you let out a small sigh, reaching out for the front door handle before casey calls out to you again.

"hey," he calls from his truck, voice light. "try not to let the night get to you too much. tomorrow's a new day, so try not to get stuck in your head too long."

you nod, a tired smile pulling at your lips. "i'll try."

and with that, he's gone—driving back down the road, lights vanishing into the distance as he turns. you stand there for a few beats, looking back at your phone in your hand, then at the front door, where you know billie will probably be waiting for you in the morning.

but right now, you're just grateful for the silence.

the door creaks open, and it's not the sound of your alarm that wakes you—it's the deep scrape of your dad's boots across the hardwood. you barely register the sound until the light flicks on, bright against your sleep-swollen eyes. you're curled up in bed, one leg hanging off the mattress, shorts unbuttoned and wrinkled because you couldn't care less to take them off last night. your crop top's draped over the corner of the bed frame. your hair's knotted and your mouth still tastes like sugar from the ice cream last night.

"up," your dad's voice is cold, firm. not yelling—he hardly yells—but it hits sharper than if he did.

you groan, turning your face deeper into the pillow. "gimme a few more minutes."

"no. now. that eilish girl has been out there for an hour now. you're late."

you blink slowly, trying to gather the strength to sit up, but your body aches. your heart aches even worse. "i didn't even think she'd show up."

he pauses at the foot of your bed, a little confused. "you think the world stops spinning 'cause you're in a mood?"

you finally sit up. slowly. painfully. "can't i have one free morning? i barely fucking slept."

your father grits his teeth at your words, crossing his arms over his chest. "don't care. you asked to stay on the—"

"i didn't ask for anything," you scoff. "you made me come. you dragged me here."

he looks at you hard then. like really looks at you for the first time since you arrived back here. there's something in his eyes that flickers—tiredness, maybe. disappointment, definitely.

"you think me and your mother dragged you here for fun?" he says. "because we wanted a moody teenager running around acting like she's better than all of this?"

you cross your arms defensively. "that's not what i'm doing."

"then what are you doing?" he snaps. "you ran from everything back in the city. from your therapist. from school. from that mess with your ex boyfriend that you still won't talk about. and we—your mother and i—we gave you space. we let you come here. we thought this would help you."

his voice isn't loud, it's cutting. like every word was chosen to hurt much more than the last.

"instead, you're late to chores almost every day, mouthing off to everyone who gives a damn, and now you're making her pick up your mess."

you swallow hard, blinking back tears. "i never asked her to."

he shakes his head. "i don't know what you're problem is with her suddenly, but you have one job right now, and that's to show up. not just here, but in your own life."

he leaves after that, slamming the door behind him so hard it makes you flinch.

you sit there for a few minutes, throat tight. then you drag yourself out of bed, change into a new shirt and a pair of jeans that you'll definitely regret putting on after being out in the sun, grab your phone off the floor, and step into a rundown pair of converse.

you find your old bike in the garage. it's dusty, the pink paint faded, the streamers long gone from the handlebars. it used to mean something to ride it. freedom, maybe. but it doesn't feel like that years later, now that you can actually feel things.

the ride to the barn is quiet, long. your legs burn as you pedal, but you keep going, jaw set.

when you get there, billie's crouched by the feed bins, arm deep in a bag of pellets. her flannel's tied up again, blue this time, skin glinting with sweat. her hair's shoved under her hat. she looks good. she always looks good.

but her face is unreadable.

she glances up, just once. "nice of you to finally show."

you sigh, leaning your bike against the barn doors and walking over. "i always do."

billie stands, finally turning to you with her jaw tight in irritation that's becoming far too familiar now. "figured you'd be too busy runnin' away with your new boyfriend."

you freeze for half a second. then, "are you seriously doing this?"

she shrugs, grabbing two buckets of water like they weigh nothing. "just surprised he didn't ride you in a horse like your knight-in-shining-armor."

a dry laugh emits from your throat. "you jealous or just bitter?"

that gets her attention. she turns, full-body, eyes sharp and cold. "don't flatter yourself, y/n."

you step closer. "you wanna talk about flattering? you were the one shoving savannah in my face like she was something special, something i should be threatened by."

her brows furrow. "oh, that's funny—coming from the girl who throws tantrums the second all attention isn't on her."

you flinch. "you don't get to say that."

"why? because cowboy casanova made you feel special for five minutes?"

that pushes you. "no. because my dad ripped me apart before even saying good morning, and i still dragged my ass down here to do my part. because i'm trying even if it's not perfect. and because i'm not gonna let you treat me like shit just because you're mad you got caught juggling girls."

silence.

the chickens rustle in their coop. domino huffs in his stall.

billie's eyes drop to the ground for a second before muttering, "he's not your type anyway."

you laugh—bitter, hollow. "and you think you are?"

she looks up. "i don't know what i am to you."

"yeah, me either."

she exhales hard. the kind of breath you take before everything crumbles or explodes.

after that, it's quiet. awkwardly, painfully quiet.

just the scrape of boots on the dirty barn floor, the occasional clink of a metal latch, the rustle of feed bags. every now and then, billie mumbles something like "water trough's low" or "you got the eggs?" and you answer with a flat "yeah" or a clipped "done."

none of you bring up the night before. none of you talks about your mornings. none of you say anything that really matters.

two hours pass. the sun's high now, warming the earth and your skin with it. you're sweaty, sore, and done—grabbing your bike and wheeling it toward the edge of the barn when you hear her voice.

"y'wanna get lunch?"

you stop. your back's to her, and you almost laugh. "why would i wanna do that?"

billie steps closer. "thought you might be hungry."

turning slowly, you narrow your eyes at her. "and i thought you said it'd be better if i didn't come here at all."

she blinks. her jaw tenses, like she's biting back words that'll dig her grave deeper. "i didn't mean it."

"sure sounded like you did."

you expect her to snap again, or roll her eyes, or crawl back into that cold shell she's been clinging to all morning. but she just... sighs. "look, i fucked up, okay? just—get in the truck. let me do this for you."

you pause, weigh it for a second. you could ride your bike home. burn the rest of the bridge. or you could climb into her old pickup and pretend the ache in your chest doesn't mean something.

with a sigh, you grab your bike and toss it into the bed of her truck, then you climb into the passenger seat.

billie gets in quietly after you, her fingers twitching on the wheel. she starts the engine, and the radio hums to life softly in the speakers, partially blown out because of last summer. she doesn't adjust the volume. doesn't say a word.

but you can feel her looking at you. every few seconds.

and you keep your eyes on the road, pretending you don't notice. but your stomach twists with each glance.

she drives to a nearby diner, the parking lot empty for the most part, save for a dusty van and an old truck similar to billie's. she turns off the car, jumping out and trying to keep up with your anger-fueled steps as you walk toward the entrance of the place. when you step in, the scent of freshly-cooked bacon and coffee fills your senses.

a waiter grabs you and billie quickly, seating you two at a small booth in the back near the kitchen. neither of you speak, just take small sips from your water.

billie's knee is bouncing under the table. she's hardly looked over at her menu. just turning the glass of water in slow, nervous circles between her fingers like she's trying to wring the tension out of the air.

you're pretending to read the menu. but not a single word is sticking. not when your dad's voice echoes in the back of your mind, every word like a nail through the floorboard you've been trying to balance on since the day you got back here.

"you ran from everything back in the city. from your therapist. from school. from that mess with your ex boyfriend that you still won't talk about."

your stomach twists. that word. mess. as if it had been a misunderstanding. a bad breakup. as if your silence had made it any smaller.

you clench your hand in your lap just thinking about it, fingernails digging crescent-shaped indents into your palm.

billie looks up. she's trying not to be obvious, but you feel her eyes on you—curious, unsure, still full of yesterday's tension, maybe even nervous.

there's a bitter taste in your mouth as swallow, what you imagine acid might taste like.

your father didn't know what happened. no one really did. not the full story. not the way you'd been dragged upstairs at some party by a boy you trusted, a boy you loved with all your heart, just to be left on the host's bed like something disposable. not the way you tried to convince yourself that it was normal. not the way he acted normal the next day at school, laughing like nothing had happened. not the way you found out he recorded it. not the way he posted it after a week. and definitely not the way no one believed you.

you grip the menu tighter, wishing it would just crumble in your hands. wishing you would.

"you okay?" billie finally asks, voice careful, softer than before. the kind of careful that feels like someone walking barefoot on broken glass.

no answer.

"hey," she tries again. "you—uhm. you look like you've seen a ghost or somethin'. is every—?"

"don't," you snap, sharper than you mean to.

her brows raise, but she doesn't push or shoot back. she just leans back in the booth, arms crossed. "sorry. didn't mean anything."

silence again. thicker. more uncomfortable than before.

you hate this.

hate that you're here. that you came to this stupid town. that everything inside of you feels like it's about to crack open in public. and worst of all, you hate that billie's the one who sees it—because she's not allowed to, not after last night.

not after she made you feel like you were nothing.

she glances at you again. "still mad at me?" her voice is quieter now. guilty.

you don't look up, just set the menu down. "i'm mad at everything. you, especially."

billie shifts. "i deserve that," she murmurs. "is it your parents as well?"

"don't ask me that."

"you're allowed to be mad, y'know," she says. "but... you don't have to just sit there in silence, waiting for it to blow up into something bigger."

you finally meet her eyes—and there's a flicker of something raw there, something real, but you don't let yourself soften.

"stop acting like you know me," you say. "we've been around each other a week."

her face stiffens, like you slapped her.

and maybe you did, emotionally. but she doesn't pull away.

you look away again, blinking hard, swallowing. your throat is tight, your voice even tighter when it comes out, quiet. "my dad, he said... said that i ran away from it. my ex boyfriend. that whole 'mess.'" your fingers tremble in your lap. were you really doing this? "but he doesn't know what it was."

billie tilts her head, expression falling into something softer. something unreadable.

you shouldn't be saying any of this so soon. but the words are slipping out now, broken and slow.

"it wasn't a mess." you whisper. "he... he hurt me. at a party. and then he made sure everybody saw it, everybody who cared."

billie doesn't speak. doesn't move. but her jaw clenches.

"i was fifteen," you say, voice quieter now. "and then it got posted. and i couldn't even walk into a room without feeling like everyone thought i was disgusting."

the confession sits there between you two, raw and sharp and loud even in your quiet voice.

"i didn't tell anyone. not even my mom. not my therapist. i just... shut down, and, god—i fucking hate myself for staying silent." you finally exhale. "so yeah, maybe i'm mad. maybe i'm cold. maybe i'm a brat in your eyes. but that's because i don't trust anyone to care."

her eyes are wide, glassy. her lips are parted like she wants to say something—but nothing comes out.

you sniff. push back in your seat. "and that includes you."

you don't mean the last part.

but maybe you do.

billie looks like she might cry. but you're too tired to care. or maybe you care too much.

she just stares at you for a few minutes, so still she looks like she's not breathing. like the world's tipped sideways and she's scrambling to find her footing.

you can see it—the way her chest rises and falls slower than before, like the air got thicker and heavier between you both. her fingers, which had been resting around her glass, curl into the edge of the table like she's trying to hold herself together.

"i didn't..." she stutters, voice cracking. "i didn't know."

you roll your eyes and wipe your cheek quickly the with the back of your hand. you didn't even notice the tear. stupid.

"don't," you mutter.

"don't what?" billie's voice is quiet again, but firmer now. less careful. more real.

"don't do that."

she swallows. "do what?"

"say shit that sounds like you pity me."

she flinches at the word. "i don't," she says after a beat. "i swear. i don't pity you."

you look at her, and your face is unreadable—but the ache behind your eyes isn't.

"then what do you call this? treating me like glass all of a sudden?"

"i'm treating you like someone who deserves more than what she's gotten." she bark, but there's no bite behind it.

that shuts you up. not because it's dramatic. but because it's true. plain and unflinching and heavy.

you look down, blinking fast.

billie exhales slowly, dragging a hand down her face. "look, i was a dick yesterday. i know that. i got mad and jealous and said stuff i shouldn't have and made it all about me. it's not. it never should've been."

you don't speak.

she leans forward, voice so low it's like she only wants you to hear it. "but this? what you just told me?" she pauses. "you didn't deserve any of it. none. and it doesn't make you weak. or dramatic. or broken. it just makes you... someone who went through some real shit. and you're still standing."

your lip trembles before you can stop it.

then you glance away, hating how warm your face is getting. how the shame is still so fresh, like it happened yesterday instead of years ago.

"you're not glass, okay?" billie says softly. "you're nor fragile. you're just... tired. scared. and you've been carrying something far too heavy for way too long."

you press your lips together, knuckles white from how hard your clenching your fists under the table.

then, so quietly you barely hear yourself, "why do you care now?"

billie winces, like that question hurt her more than she expected. but she doesn't dodge it.

"because i've been watching you hold it together since the day you got here. and i didn't get it before. i just thought you were bitter. angry. and yeah, you are." she smiles a little, almost fond. "but now i know why. and i care because i want to. because i should've cared a lot more."

her voice wavers near the end, and it does something to you. melts something.

you fold your arms, slouching into the booth, head tilted. "still don't want your pity."

"good," she says. "wasn't offering that anway."

you look at her again. she's staring down at her hands, the stubborn tilt in her jaw still there—but there's a softness now. something slow and steady and patient. your heart twists.

and against your better judgement, you lean into it.

just a little.

you pull your water closer and take a sip, and she doesn't comment when you sniffle and wipe another tear away.

"s'doesn't mean we're good again," you mumble.

"i know."

you glance at her. "you still suck."

billie snorts. "figured."

then silence. a different kind, this time. one that feels like a bandage instead of a knife.

and it's quiet like that for a while—just two opposites in a roadside diner, sitting across from each other, both still healing in places they haven't dared name. but for the first time, it doesn't feel unbearable.

you finally nudge the menu across the table toward her.

"i want fries," you say.

she smirks, eyes flicking up. "yeah?"

you nod. "you're paying."

billie laughs. and this time, it actually sounds real.

billie unlocks the car and holds the door open for you like always, a quiet habit she never seems to think about. you slide into the passenger seat, fingers fidgeting with the hem of your shirt as she closes the door behind you and circles around.

the engine hums to life. her hand lingers near the shifter. you haven't buckled up yet.

"you alright?" she asks, finally glancing your way.

you stare out the window, then mutter, barely loud enough for her to hear, "i don't wanna go home."

it hangs in the air. heavy. loaded. honestly.

her eyes flick to yours. there's no teasing smirk or sarcastic quip this time. she just nods once, short and understanding, then shifts the car into drive. she doesn't ask questions. doesn't make a big show of it. just starts driving somewhere else.

the ride is quiet except for the gravel under the tires and the faint strum of some folk song playing low from the stereo. the sun's starting to dip, the sky all pink and orange and soft like it's trying to apologize for how hard the past couple days have been.

she pulls into her driveway. the house is just as you remember, modest, weather-worn but warm. maggie's car is parked out in front, and the porch light is already on.

"finn is home," billie says as she parks. "dad's probably still stuck at the mill like always."

you nod.

"y'sure?" she asks.

you turn to her. there's something open in her face. not pushing, just offering.

"yeah," you murmur.

she leads you inside, calling a quick "hey" toward the kitchen. maggie's voice answers—light, distracted, cooking something. her brother gives a lazy "yo" from somewhere down the hall.

but billie's hand finds yours again as she tugs you gently up the stairs.

her room smells like cedar and fresh laundry. you take a moment to look around since you didn't get the time before, noticing all the different posters from different bands and various singers, a small bedside lamp, her bed messy like she didn't bother making it this morning. there's a hoodie thrown on the floor and a guitar propped by her dresser, the one from last night.

you hover by the door.

"you can sit," she offers, motioning toward the bed. "or lie down. steal my pillows. whatever."

you drop onto the edge of her mattress, exhaling into it like your body just realized it's allowed to be tired.

billie walks over and picks up her guitar, plopping into the desk chair across from you. her fingers hover over the strings, eyes flicking up to you.

"gonna try to redeem myself from last night," she says, brows raised.

you manage a faint smirk. "what, planning to stutter through it again?"

billie laughs. "yeah, real funny."

then she starts to play.

and it's soft.

no lyrics at first. just chords, warm and deliberate. her fingers glide over the strings like muscle memory, like second nature. it's not flashy like the other night, not something to impress—it's quiet, pretty. it fills the space between you both like something safe.

you lean back into her pillows, letting your eyes drift toward her open window, where the sunset is spilling in orange light across the floor and her walls.

and in the middle of her playing, you realize something you didn't expect to feel again so soon.

calm.

safe.

wanted.

billie glances up once, and her eyes meet yours—really meet—and for a second, you forget about the house you don't want to go back to. about your dad's words. about that night from years ago that still sticks to your ribs. because right now, it's just you and her and this song she's playing like it's just for you.

she keeps playing.

you don't know the song—if it's one she wrote herself or something she's turning into her own. her foot taps quietly against the wooden floor like a silent metronome, her fingers moving like they're not even thinking anymore. like they know exactly where they're supposed to go. like they were made to do this.

you tuck your legs up beneath you, arms wrapped around a pillow that smells faintly like her shampoo. outside her window, the sky has folded itself into the night, thick and blue. a few dogs bark down the road somewhere, wind rustling the trees near the window.

and still, billie plays.

you wonder if she's doing this just so she won't have to talk. so she won't say anything else rhat sounds like pity. you wonder if this is her way of giving you space, but also not leaving you alone. not yet.

when the last chord rings out, there's a pause. but it's not awkward. it's full.

you look at her. she's looking at the guitar, her calloused thumb brushing over a string like she's thinking about playing again.

you swallow. your throat feels dry.

"that was nice," you compliment.

she huffs a laugh, but it's quiet. humble. "thanks."

another pause.

then, "you okay?"

you breathe in slowly. you could lie. it would be easy, especially with how many times she's asked that already. but something in your chest feels too tired to lie. too raw.

"no," you huff.

her eyes flick up to yours, but she doesn't rush to fill the silence.

you add, "but i don't wanna talk about it anymore tonight."

she nods, like she gets it. "that's okay."

you shift on the bed, pulling your knees tighter to your chest. her room is warmer than yours. safer. less full of ghosts and past memories.

"thanks for bringing me here," you mumble, tired.

"thanks for comin'," she replies, then leans the guitar against the side of the chair. "d'you want a blanket or—?"

you shake your head. "i'm good."

"you're shaking."

"am not."

"liar." but there's no bite in it.

she stands, crosses the room, and grabs a hoodie from the back of her door as she shuts it softly. she tosses it toward you and you catch it midair.

"put that on before i come over there and tuck you in like a baby."

you roll your eyes but pull it over your head anyway. it smells like vanilla and peppermint gum. like her.

she sits down at the edge of the bed beside you, close but not crowding. not touching you unless you ask for it.

neither of you say anything for a long time. just breathe. exist.

"you're not a mess," she says quietly. out of nowhere.

you frown. "what?"

"your dad. the stuff he said." she glances down at the sheets. "he doesn't get to call the situation that. doesn't get to act like this place is a cure when it's just... a change of scenery."

you study her face. the slope of her nose. the curve of her jaw.

"you remember all that?" you say, trying to force a laugh.

"i'll never forget." she shrugs. "but i'll keep it our secret. no matter what. even if i'm held at gun point." she jokes.

you let out a soft breath. it's almost a laugh.

then you say, "i don't... hate it here. don't love it, either."

"i remember that too."

"but you make it suck a little less."

her eyes flick to yours. there's something swirling in them. surprised, maybe. or proud.

"you suck a little less, too," she grins.

and this time, when you laugh, it's real.

you sit together in the quiet for a while. the weight of everything still hanging in the air, but not crushing you like before. it's not fixed. it's not forgotten. it still lives in your bones and under your skin. but you're not alone with it.

not tonight.

eventually, billie offers to sleep on the floor, but you pull the pillow from behind your back and toss it at her head.

"shut up and get in bed."

she does, and you lie back beside each other. not touching, but not miles apart either. you fall asleep to the soft sound of her breathing, the wind outside her window, and the faint echo of her guitar in your memory.

and for the first time in what feels like years, you don't dream about that party. you dream of firelight and a cowgirl with calloused fingers. you dream of a slow, soft song.

you dream of someone staying.

tags. @mseilishmwah @sophloveswomen @mxqdii @livvydunneness @dyingbymistake @wiidfi0wer33 @loving1dsworld @tan1shere @fallingforfalll2 @cierraonline @dandelions4us @scarlittt @ifwdominicfike @slxtarchive @bilsdillldough @47lake @hopingforgoodblogs @mybluebossanova @strwberrybils @justtr @greenbttrflyy @billsbaby @bilsova @lottiepierce @northlndnisred @asterisk-eyes @dragoneyelashart @xxangelfarrlzxx @ilomiloblohshh @kittymarrow @meliciousmel13 @jul3esz @rightarion @svelish @eilishssiennaa @eeuni @dragoneyelashart @thinkshespretty @cnnibalize @canthelpit0 @hailwiggly @karaaeilish @bilswifee @drunkinyourbenz @astr-0-wrld @lovesturni0l0s @umadirectioner @lanabrock @drunkinyourbenz @aka-persephone

[married-to-google-translater]

Hi! So..... remember way back in April of 2022 you wrote that yandere Savannah claw with a male reader & saying "may the Lord/Malleus help you if your in his dorm." That got me thinking, how would yandere Savannah claw react to falling in love with Malleus's sibling? (GN! Older or younger is your choice.) (Your choice too if you want them in Savannah claw or another dorm.)

Thanks!

P.S. love your content!

Sorry this took so long to make. I hope you are still here and enjoying this <3

Yandere Jack Howl

You and Jack met because you were classmates.

At first he didn't have an opinion about you or he didn't even know that you were Malleus' sibling.

He would get to know what you are really like.

When the truth came out, it wouldn't change Jack's view of you.

Maybe that's why you fell in love with him too…

Jack wouldn't be the worst yandere of all.

For the most part, he would be overprotective and maybe a little clingy.

Because of this, neither Malleus nor Lilia really see him as a threat.

Most likely they are just happy that there is someone who is not afraid of you.

Jack would just want to keep you safe and be with you.

He probably fight with Sebek for the bodyguard role XD

Jack would make the relationship feel almost normal.

Yandere Ruggie Bucchi

Ruggie really doesn't like you at first.

To him, you would be just another rich noble among others.

However, Ruggie would try to be nice to you.

You never know if you could help him somehow.

Because of this, you would become very close "friends".

It would be mutual help and a little teasing at first.

You really liked Ruggie's sense of humor and Ruggie loved to hear you laugh.

Everything really worked well at first.

But then you get close with someone else and Ruggie gets jealous…

Ruggie would really hate you sharing.

Ruggie certainly wouldn't be stupid.

He would know that if he became openly possessive Malleus would stop the two of you meeting.

Instead, he would have to be cunning.

Instead, he helps other people and isolates you from others.

Because of this, you would lean on him more and Malleus and Lilia would appreciate that they are there for you.

Ruggie has to be really careful 24/7

Yandere Leona Kingscholar

This would really be the best way to annoy Malleus that Leona could have come up with.

He would like to congratulate himself on this achievement XD.

At first, annoying Malleus was his only goal.

However, when he got to know you better, everything changed.

Leona was really starting to enjoy your company, even if she didn't want to admit it.

Your company would calm him down and you were a really good listener.

Leona could talk to you about anything.

Soon Leona didn't want to give you up.

Every day he became a little more possessive.

Leona wasn't stupid.

Lazy yes, but definitely not stupid.

He knew that abducting you would not be an option.

Your brother would never allow that.

Because of this, an arranged marriage would be the best option.

Leona would slowly distance you and Malleus from each other.

only when you're stuck do you get to see Leona's Yandere tendencies.

After that, there's no turning back.

[savannahsdeath]

hi savannah! i love ur writing a lot!! 😭

can u write something about reader getting high with ellie and.. you know how some people get high and horny? yeah. you can add more if you want, i’m not really good at writing ideas sorry!

- 🐻

DEALER!ELLIE WILLIAMS X READER

mdni please<3

summary: you leave your little party with friends in order to visit your favourite dealer..

warnings: 18+!! weed n just smut

writers note: i have another bbf!dealer!ellie idea (the one i made a poll abt) but i still didnt write it and omg idk💔i swear itll be posted soon

you already smoked, quite a lot, but you and your friends agreed that's not enough. and since ellie, the best dealer in your college, likes you the most, you proposed you'll go for more.

and so you were walking through one of the biggest buildings in the campus, as close to the wall as possible, so if anything, you won't fall in the middle of the hallway, after the curfew.

you knocked on the door to her room, messier than anyone elses. you heard her swear under her breath, but she smiled as soon as she saw it's you. she softly, but firmly, dragged you inside, before anyone could notice your strange behaviour.

"look, i won't sell you anything." she immediately annouced, sounding almost disappointed.

you frowned, looking around and swinging your arms. "why not?"

"you had some already." she pointed at you, your red eyes and widened pupils. "plus, i don't trust your friends. i won't take any risks."

you smirked and playfully nudged her. "come on, i bet i'm the most responsible client you've ever had."

"maybe the prettiest one, but you're far from responsible." she shook her head with a shrug. "none of you knows when to stop."

you looked down, biting the inside of your cheek in thought, before catching her gaze again. "but you know. maybe you could-"

"no way." she cut you off with a chuckle.

you sighed and, without asking, sat on her couch, tapping your nails on your thighs, trying to come up with something.

she was visibly surprised by you - not only your visit, but the fact you still didn't leave. she said no, what else was there to talk about?

"look, you gotta give me a small amount, i'll take anything, i don't care." you replied, desperate.

you knew there's no convincing her, and you already felt the itch of a need you could barely suppress. she stared right through you, amused. your eyes already dilated. your hands shaking. the smell of her stash maddening.

you looked back at her and you knew that she was about to let you have it. but not because you asked. she was going to enjoy this.

"what if.. i'll give you one more." she smiled, rummaging through her drawers. "but you'll share it with me, not with them."

you pouted, raising your hands in confusion. "what do you mean?"

she held out a joint for you, but she moved it away as soon as you reached for it. "i mean, someone has to keep an eye on you. and i know how to, you said it yourself."

"but-"

you sighed and agreed. why not? no matter how she puts it, you knew you're going to enjoy her company, and she does have that good stuff.

"whatever you say, ellie." you replied, still pouty that you had to now share your hit. but you knew she's right, plus, you'd have to share it with all your friends otherwise.

⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆

your head was spinning and you were breathing harder. she laughed again as you coughed a little. her hand rested on your thigh, the couch you were sitting on surrounded by dirty clothes.

"feels good." you whispered.

you had weed in mind, but you realised it sounded like you were talking about her touch too late, after these words already escaped your mouth.

she looked at you with a smirk. "feeling good, huh?" her hand ran up your thigh a little more.

your mind was blown and you were way too high to figure out what to do. if that was her plan all along, it was working out perfectly.

you wanted more.

your head was clouded. you were giggling, giggling at yourself, giggling at the world. everything felt so funny and wonderful at once.

you wanted more.

you looked up at ellie and your eyes grow wide as you stared at her. she stared back at you for a few moments. you've never seen her like this.

no, that's not true. you've never felt her like this.

ellie smiled and moved a little closer to you. you could feel her presence and that's all there was.

you took another hit from the joint. and ellie was there to hold it as you did so.

you could feel her lips brush gently against your ear. you weren't sure what she was whispering. you just focused on how her hot breath tingled your neck.

she smiled. she knew exactly what's going to happen next, and she liked the fact that you could barely form any coherent thoughts, even though she wasn't much better, not at this point.

she took the joint from your lips as she looked up at you and smiled, not saying anything. she didn't need to.

she held the joint up and took a long, slow drag as you watched. sometning about it, about how the smoke drifted away when she exhaled, was just so attractive, you instinctively licked your lips. you focused on her soft breaths, making yours synchronize with hers, what helped you stay conscious.

she moved closer and you closed your eyes. you could feel her hair against your face, smell the scent of her hair.

as you opened your eyes, you realised that the world was spinning, and you and ellie were now on her bed. she had her mouth pressed up to yours.

you didn't know how long it's been going on for. maybe you just didn't care. but it felt good.

you gasped, right into her lips, as you noticed one of her hands is beneath your cotton panties. you didn't remember how it happened, but you were glad it got there. it moved synchronously to the rest of her body, but you figured out it was there just to test the waters as she started going down on you with her mouth without actually working with her fingers.

"you're even prettier when stoned." you giggled, not sure if you formed the sentence correctly, but basing on ellie's smile in response - it was understandable.

her tongue laid flat on the wet spot on your cotton underwear, making you realise your pants are on the floor. god, when did all of this happen? you didn't know there's a 'skip' button in real life, but at least you managed to come to your sense in the best moment possible.

"awh- do i really make you feel this way?" she chuckled against your clothed pussy. "i start to doubt you came here just because 'your friends picked you'.."

you hummed, twirling a strand of your hair around your finger. "you called me your prettiest client."

"and i don't take that back." she traced the hem of your panties, before sliding her fingers slightly down and caressing the outlines of your slit, barely visible through the soaked fabric. "mmh.. why does it matter now?"

"i'm just telling you- god." your hips uncontrollably raised, pressing against her hand. "just telling you, you shouldn't be surprised by this," you pointed at the surroundings of your lower stomach with your chin, "if you say things like that."

she finally, slowly took your underwear off, humming a little; "mhm". you weren't sure if it was supposed to be an answer for you, or an act of satisfaction at the view, but either one was fine.

she kissed your clit, pressing her tongue followed by her lips against it. the little touch had you moan, feeling a weird feeling of electricity starting from your core travel around your whole body. you didn't know if it was really that magic, or did the weed made you feel so much details.

she repeated this move a few times, each earning a moan or two from you. the knot you had in your head while trying to think of a way to make her sell you some more of her stuff was now in your stomach, loosening with every lick of her, now flattened, tongue. you tugged on the little bun she always had, pulling her closer to you with every small energy boost you got from time to time. you heard the sounds of your juices flow out, right to her mouth.

you squirmed under the bruising grip she had on your thighs, sometimes moving it to your lower stomach to gently press on it. when she did, you could see a spot in the shape of her hand, way lighter than the rest of your body, on the place she just left.

her eyes would sometimes look up at you, looking extremely innocent, what seemed weird compared to how her tongue fucked in and out of you.

ding!

you thought you heard sometning, but you quickly forgot about it, focusing back on ellie.

ding!

now, you were sure you heard something, but still didn't know what.

ding!

you saw your phone, laying on the floor near your pants, light up. your friends were spamming you, but your vision was all blurry and you didn't see anything. before the screen turned off again, you managed to notice one notification;

luccyy💞: idk about you, but for me, buying weed takes less than one hour

[princes-uprising]

hello everyone! mod soru here- thank you so much for 300+ followers! it means a lot that so many people liked the zine tumblr and/or zine enough to follow <3 not sure if the zine contributors or the mods should host smth haha i think everyone is getting busier with work right now :3

along with that, here are some of the official-er announcements coming out! (image credits: @puowei for volume 1 :D)

one. a savanaclaw otome game created by yours truly!

this otome game follows the story of (technically the head mod's self-insert but you heard nothing) [name], who lands in twisted wonderland's sunset savannah with no memory of how they got there or who they were. however, the three guys they meet already know the drill? and who is this mysterious yuu?

two. volume 2 is officially confirmed!

i know i announced that and literally dipped, but yes, we are confirmed for a volume 2! applications for volume 2 open on february 8, 2025, and close on february 18, 2025. stay tuned for more news about it!

three. a halloween-themed savanaclaw zine

this was a random idea- a smaller zine organised by the same mods for halloween 2025! applications for this volume may or may not be conducted depending on the number of applications we get for volume 2 (aka if you're not accepted for volume 2, depending on your availability, we'll ask you to contribute to this small zine instead)!

[bestanimal]

Round 3 - Reptilia - Casuariiformes

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Our next and final order of paleognath birds are the Casuariiformes, composed of one family (Casuariidae), with two genera: Casuarius (“cassowaries”) and Dromaius (“Emu”).

Like most other paleognaths, casuariiformes are large, flightless birds with long legs and necks. They are more colorful than most other paleognaths, with blue necks and cassowaries especially having bright ornamentation and casques on their heads. Cassowaries use their casques to amplify their boom calls, using the low-frequency sounds to communicate in dense rainforests. The casque also acts as a thermal radiator, offloading heat at high temperatures and restricting heat loss at low temperatures. Emus are more adapted for running than cassowaries. Like most other paleognaths, they have reduced wings and retain their wing claws. They have three-toed feet with sharp claws. The inner toe of cassowaries has a dagger-like claw that may be 125 mm (5 in) long, which is used for defense when the bird kicks at predators with its powerful legs. Cassowaries mainly eat fruit, but will also eat small animals, carrion, and seeds, especially in more urbanized areas. Emus eat a variety of plants, such as Acacia, Casuarina, and various grasses. They also eat insects and other arthropods. Cassowaries are typically shy birds that live deep in the rainforest, while emus live in a variety of habitats but are most common in areas of savannah woodland and sclerophyll forest. Casuariiformes are good swimmers, crossing wide rivers and swimming in the sea. They are native to Australia, New Guinea, and some small surrounding islands.

Emus are typically gregarious, traveling in pairs or even in larger flocks when the need arises. Female emus court the males in the Summer months. The skin of the female’s face will turn turquoise-blue and she emits low, monosyllabic calls that have been compared to drum beats. When a male responds, she will parade around him. If two females have their eyes on the same male, they will fight. The male and female form a breeding pair and may remain together for up to five months, establishing and defending their own territory. Males construct a rough nest in a semi-sheltered hollow on the ground, using bark, grass, sticks, and leaves to line it. The pair mate every day or two, and every second or third day the female lays one of a clutch of five to fifteen large, thick-shelled, green eggs. The male becomes broody after his mate starts laying. From this time on, he does not eat, drink, or defecate, and stands only to turn the eggs, which he does about ten times a day. Over the course of the eight-week incubation period, he will lose a third of his weight and will survive on stored body fat and on any morning dew that he can reach from the nest. Some females stay and defend the nest until the chicks start hatching, but most will wander off, and may mate with other males. Newly hatched chicks are active and can leave the nest within a few days of hatching. The male guards the growing chicks, even from other emus such as their mother, for up to seven months, teaching them how to find food. Chicks grow very quickly and are fully grown in five to six months. They may remain with their family group for another six months or so before they split up to breed in their second season.

Meanwhile, cassowaries are solitary, territorial birds except during courtship, egg-laying, and sometimes around ample food supplies. Males and females each maintain separate territories that overlap. While females move among satellite territories of different males, they appear to remain within the same territories for most of their lives, mating with the same, or closely related, males each mating season. Females will broadcast to males when she is ready to mate. Females also sometimes engage in ritualistic chasing behavior, testing the male’s speed and stamina. The male will prepare a heap of leaf litter as a nest, into which females lay three to eight large, bright green or pale green-blue eggs. The male incubates those eggs for 50–52 days, and protects the chicks, which stay in the nest for about 9 months. He defends them fiercely against all potential predators, including humans. The young males later go off to find a territory of their own.

Casuariiformes evolved in at least the Miocene, possibly earlier. It has been suggested that the South American genus Diogenornis was a casuariiform, and not a member of either of the South American paleognaths: the rheas or the tinamous . If this were the case, not only would it extend the fossil range of this lineage to a wider region, but to a broader time span as well, since Diogenornis occurs in the Late Paleocene and is among the earliest known ratites. While the Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) has roots in the Middle Miocene, around 11 million years ago, cassowaries (genus Casuarius) are much younger, only arriving around 5 million years ago.

Propaganda under the cut:

The Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) (image 4) is the third tallest bird in the world, after the two species of ostrich. It can grow up to 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) in height.

Emus are often referenced as “winning” the “Emu War”, a nuisance wildlife management military operation undertaken in Australia over the later part of 1932. Farmers were concerned with the number of Emus destroying crops in the Campion district within the Wheatbelt of Western Australia. Royal Australian Artillery soldiers armed with Lewis guns were employed to keep emus away from the crops. The Emus were reportedly quite good at evading the soldiers. While many birds were killed, the Emu population persisted and continued to cause crop destruction.

Hunted by European colonists, and to a lesser extent aboriginals, Emus are now farmed, in Australia and elsewhere, for their meat, oil, eggs, and leather. In addition to their use in farming, Emus are sometimes kept as livestock guardians or even as pets, though they require adequate space and food in order to be healthy.

The Emu has a prominent place in Australian Aboriginal mythology, including a creation myth of the Yuwaalaraay and other groups in New South Wales who say that the sun was made by throwing an Emu's egg into the sky.

The Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) (image 1) has often been labelled "the world's most dangerous bird", however, its death count pales in comparison to the Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus). Only two humans have been recorded being killed by cassowaries: one was a 16-year-old boy in 1926 who had chased the bird with the intention of beating it to death with a club, and the other was a 75-year-old Florida man in 2019 who was keeping the bird on a farm and attempting to collect its eggs. Cassowaries are generally shy and wary of humans, and attacks usually stem from people feeding them, causing the birds to approach humans and expect food. It also endangers the birds, who wander into areas where they can be hit by cars or attacked by dogs.

The "boom" vocalization that cassowaries produce is the lowest-frequency bird call known and is at the lower limit of human hearing.

The poisonous Cassowary Plum (Cerbera floribunda) is named after the bird. The cassowary's incredibly short and simple digestive tract leads to a short gut retention time which allow seeds to remain unharmed during the comparatively soft digestion process and allows the birds to consume fruits that contain toxins such as cyanogens. Cassowaries are a keystone species of rainforests because they eat fallen fruit whole and distribute seeds across the jungle floor in their excrement.

Unlike the majority of birds, cassowaries lack a tongue.