ostentumm

[ostentumm]

CHALLENGE DRABBLE

This whole day felt weird. It felt weirder than most days that he was used to. Even being around someone he enjoyed being around with caused him to....

There were so many times that Oliver had to remove himself from, and eventually, he opted to just head home.

What the heck is going on with me today? He asked himself, confused and lost.

Was it the eclipse? It would have been the first time.

It isn't something Oliver's ever been used to. He may have a lot on his mind, but the kid was always able to fall asleep like a baby, without any issues.

At first, during one of the nights that Oliver woke up in pain, he had thought that perhaps it was something he had eaten. Maybe whatever it was didn't agree with his stomach for once in his life. It was maybe a sign that he shouldn't put everything in his mouth.

Still, the pain continued throughout the night.

Sorry to whoever was housing with him in Cotes' residency. He's trying, but ends up having to bury his face into his pillows and scream. The pain was nearly unbearable. Whatever was happening to his body was causing him, for the first time, a sense of fear.

"STOP! I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON, BUT STOP IT. I DON'T LIKE!"

Before he can even react fully, his body lifts off the bed as if it had a mind of its own. His left arm punches through the wall that leads straight outside, and without much control over his own body, he's on a rampage.

@charadrxxmxrr @astrallithid @doublemasked

Starters will be made soon! If anyone else is interested, please let me know!

[ostentumm]

Will be posting a short drabble to start the challenge off tonight after work!

[ostentumm]

[ patting hug ] or [ cuddle hug ], you pick!

🐝  *  ―  𝑫𝑰𝑭𝑭𝑬𝑹𝑬𝑵𝑻 𝑾𝑨𝒀𝑺 𝑻𝑶 𝑯𝑼𝑮 𝑺𝑶𝑴𝑬𝑶𝑵𝑬. NOT ACCEPTING (@guidingstarmira)

The hug started out as a pat. Honestly, she seemed thrown off a little when he came to give her a big hug. She pats his back, and that is enough for him to decide he's not letting go. He likes it, even if Mira is super cold!

"Heeehee! You gotta give me a better hug than that if you want me to let go!" He's only playing, though, but then he feels Mira wrapping her arms around his frame a little tighter.

Oliver nearly gasps, but not from any discomfort. He's getting the best kind of hug from Mira and...well, he must have secretly needed it, because he's burying his face into her. Hiding his reaction. His own hold is tighter, but careful to not be TOO tight!

"If you wanted a much tighter hug, you could have asked."

[ostentumm]

🐝  *  ―  𝑫𝑰𝑭𝑭𝑬𝑹𝑬𝑵𝑻 𝑾𝑨𝒀𝑺 𝑻𝑶 𝑯𝑼𝑮 𝑺𝑶𝑴𝑬𝑶𝑵𝑬.

[ side hug ] a casual and friendly hug where one person puts their arm around the other's shoulder / waist [ back hug ] a hug where one person comes up to another and wraps their arms around them [ bear hug ] a tight, warm, and engulfing hug [ waist hug ] a hug where both partners put their arms around each other's waist and hold onto them [ welcome hug ] a hug given to someone as a form of greeting [ goodbye hug ] a hug given to someone before they leave [ reunion hug ] a hug where one leaps into their partner's arms after time apart [ quick hug ] a quick hug that's usually accompanied by a quick pat on the back [ unreciprocated hug ] a hug where one partner remains motionless while the other hugs them [ eye-to-eye hug ] a hug during which two people gaze into each other's eyes [ patting hug ] a hug where one / both partner(s) give a pat on the back [ cuddle hug ] a tight hug where both tightly hold onto each other and one snuggles into the other person's chest [ pickpocket hug ] a hug where they have their arms behind their partner's back and their hands in their pockets [ straddle hug ] a hug where one straddles their partner's waist who is holding them up and they both keep eye contact [ heart-to-heart hug ] a hug where the left arm is over the partner's right shoulder and the right arm around the partner's left side [ london bridge hug ] a hug where the upper bodies are close to each other but the lower bodies are kept apart [ head-on-shoulder hug ] a hug where one partner holds onto their partner's arm and rests their head on their shoulder [ twirl hug ] a hug where one twirls the other around while tightly holding onto them [ flirty hug ] a hug where one has their arms around their partner's neck and their head on their chest [ lingering hug ] a long-lasting hug between close friends or romantic partners [ comforting hug ] a hug given to someone to comfort them [ touch starved hug ] a careful hug given to someone after noticing some signs of touch starvation [ running hug ] a hug where both partners run into each other's arms [ surprise hug ] a hug where one catches the other off guard with an unexpected hug [ apology hug ] a sincere and heartfelt hug given to convey apologies [ group hug ] a hug that involves multiple people [ slow dance ] a type of hug where both partners are incredibly close to one another and sway to some music [ shoulder-to-shoulder hug ] a hug where two people stand side-by-side with their arms around each other's shoulders [ family hug ] a hug given between two family members [ no-words-needed hug ] a hug given when no more words are needed and they just want to be close to one another

[ostentumm]

"I have a veeeeery long time before that!" Oliver sticks his tongue out. His hair is now a huge mess with it being ruffled, but quite frankly, when is Oliver's hair ever a mess?

"Wait! Ya know how to use a sword? Ping does too!" And she's always been good at it. He can watch her swing that sword all day!

"I don't have swords, but I know how to use daggers really well."

" yeah, well - once you grow up, you'll have a buncha kids tell you how old you are, and it won't feel good! "

he sounds as if he's berating oliver, but the playful manner he musses up his hair after gives away the fact will is not truly upset by it.

" sparrin'? in what way? " his head tilts quizzically. " 'cause if you mean just normal sparring, i could probably do it with you. if we're talkin' non-powers, just-sword sparring, that is. either way .. "

a grin. " you're right on that, though, about cherish. even if we're no longer cool superheroes, we're still damn cool. "

[ostentumm]

Praise and acknowledgement are Oliver's bread and butter. He thrives off of those and so when Will throws them his way, Oliver cant contain the pure excitement and bliss. YES. He did good!

Perhaps that's why he wasnt as prepared as he should have been when Will's bubble appears around the enemy that Oliver had detained.

"WHAHOO!" BUT of course, Oliver isn't too worried when hes sent FLYING high up! From up high, almost everyone looks so tiny. He's almost forgotten about the mission at hand. Will's voice reaches him.

"Oh, right! The boots."

Shortly enough, Oliver has landed not too far, but not close enough either.

"Will! I'm on the other side--but I'm stuck!"

" good job, oli! extremely good job! " there's no effort made to conceal the pride that so unabashedly splays itself across his face. " hold on, hold on! "

moving both of bluebolt's wrists to be held in one of his palms. the other raises, lays itself flat, shoots a bubble from between his fingers directed at the criminal under oliver - it wraps around him, forms a container, but accidentally sends oliver flying as it pops into shape. " oh my - use your boots! careful with the landing! "

will shouts, backs away from bluebolt to give him the same treatment. once the yellow bubble keeps the man in place. " there! stay there! oli, where are you? "

[ostentumm]

"You'd spar with me?" Oh, he's really got Oliver's focus now! As if he didn't already, actually. He's hopping on his feet and air punching. They're all playful, but it showcases just how excited he is to hear this news.

"YES! I could use all the sparring partners I can get. You never know when another bad thing is gonna happen. I gotta prep up! GET strong~!"

"Yeah, so stay a kid as long as you can!" he cheers along with Oliver. He doesn't want him to need to fight to get out all that rage and frustration and bloodthirst. He wants him to think he has cool hair and awesome moves.

"But if you need to spar, I don't mind sparring with you." And yet, he remembered what his own master did for him. He felt like he had to offer it. Someone who wouldn't hurt the kid, but made sure he could have a healthy outlet if he's already considering a fight club.

[ostentumm]

Oliver has a feeling that Chara would RATHER not. Maybe that's why they didn't fully answer him. Just when oliver was about to say never mind, Chara states that they'd wait outside and Oliver's forgotten that he was going to take back what he's said. His eyes lights up and he claps his fingers together lightly, "YES! WAHOOO!"

Chara isn't going to school with him. He'd like that a lot, but this was enough. "Now I'm even more PUMPED, Chara! I'm going to be super smarter and I'll get to share you all the cool things I learn, too! I'll share. I PROMMY!"

“. . .”

Yes > No no no no no no no no n

“. . .if that is what you wish. I can see you off for the first day, and wait for you outside so you can come to me as soon as it is over or you wish to stop.”

they don’t know if they can go inside. School buildings on the surface were only places of torment for them. But. . .for Oliver, it’s. . .its important that he goes.

“ Is that an acceptable compromise?”

[ostentumm]

He knows he's applied to everything. Oliver is excited to learn EVERYTHING that he can. Most kids his age are super smart, like Ghost or Ping. Or even Ruby, too! They know so much, and he knows so little. His world was only the facility, but their world was larger than his. He wants to be just like that, too.

He's excited, but god...there's that unsettling nervousness. He's so nervous. "Couldn't you...Like, come with me for just one day? I heard that people do that for kids on their first day, right?"

Fighting Monsters

Chara goes still at the comment, but continues after a moment. They hum, soft and assuredly.

“No. It is not fighting monsters and stuff. I am not the best person to ask because . . . My time in school was not ideal before I was homeschooled by my mother, but.

It is a place where you learn things from teachers. Things like reading and writing and math, and sciences and study. You get to learn all about the world, and how big and little it really is.”

Most of Chara’s schooling on the surface — what little there was — was done shoved into lockers and closets, with other students mocking them, and teachers ignoring them. But that isn’t what it’s like for everyone. Only for Chara

(because Chara is worthless.)

“You will learn about how plants live and breathe and grow, and about animals, and about how to take care of your body. You will be fine, Oliver.”

[ostentumm]

Oliver watches as one by one colorful bandaids are wrapped around his fingers to protect them. "I don't know," He mumbles under his breath.

Chara wouldn't compliment him if they didn't mean it. They were honest in the things that they said. At least when it came to other people.

"So....what's school really like? Is it like fighting monsters and going on missions?"

Chara moves to their pocket, pulling out a pack of bandaids. They’re all different colors, red and orange and yellow and blue and purple and green. Carefully, Chara peels one, and starts to apply them to Oliver’s injuries.

“Clearly, the people you knew before were substandard and unintelligent. I am not surprised they did not see your worth.”

They say it like it’s a given. Like it’s obvious. Maybe it’s not to Oliver, but it is to Chara.

They have experience with that sort of thing.

“You are not dumb, and you are not stupid. You know I am telling you the truth because I do not compliment people that often.” They smooth out the bandaids, but still try not to touch Oliver too much. “You have a brave SOUL, and are full of kindness. I know you will flourish in the right environment.”

[ostentumm]

"??? How come I don't need therapy? What the heck?"

[ostentumm]

"Cool hair and awesome moves?" Oliver's shoulders rise, and one eye closes upon having his hair ruffled. It's so EASY to get him all perked up again.

"Oh! And adults get really bad wrinkles, too, huh? I don't want that! Wrinkles doesn't sound fun at all!" He's made up his mind now!

"I'm gonna be a child forever then! Even if I can't go to the fight club!"

"I don't doubt it, kiddo. You got a cool hair color and awesome moves." He pats Oliver on the head, ruffling his head hair. "But you should be happy to be a kid! You get to eat kids meals, get toys with your meals, you can get free candy," he starts tapping his fingers as he lists them off.

"You shouldn't wanna grow up too fast. You don't wanna become a messed up adult like the people who fight at the fight club."

[ostentumm]

He doesn't get used to the feeling. The feeling of absent thorns on his fingertips when he rubs against them. They still feel raw, but at least they don't hurt anymore.

"I wasn't popular back home." That wasn't a school, either. Still, they were the same thing, weren't they? There were a lot of kids his age or around his age. "I don't wanna go alone. They'll look at me like I'm dumb. Call me stupid and all that."

still, Chara is right though. He could just be super scary, he supposes.

They laugh at the sight of his hands. Reaching to gingerly take one hand as they begin to ease out the thorns — overly careful, only touching Oliver when necessary.

… when he asks that question, Chara’s smile sticks. But their eyes don’t match the expression. Instead of exposing that, they look down, focusing on the task at hand.

“You of all people should not be nervous,” they tease, good natured, “kids like you are popular in school. You are thoughtful, energetic, you make good jokes, you are eager in everything you do,” they pull another thorn out, easing it gently to the surface, “And all the kids there will want to be your friend.”

There. Chara pats Oliver’s hand over once, to make sure the thorns are gone, before slipping back, coming to fold together in front of themself.

“Are you worried about being teased? You are big enough to scare off anyone that tries anything.”

[ostentumm]

"N-NO!" He's hiding his fingers actually. Yes. But that's not why he's being this way. It doesn't take long for him to expose his fingertips for Chara to pull the thorns out.

"Wanna come with me to....school? It's not that I'm scared or anything, by the way! I'm JUST asking. I don't get scared of stupid stuff like that."

“—?”

It’s not like Oliver to be bashful. Chara tilts their head, a little curious.

“Yes? What is it, Oliver? Did you need help with getting thorns out of your finger after punching the thorn bush again?”

[ostentumm]

"heeeey, Chara~."

He wants to ask something, but is too shy. THIS time.

@charadrxxmxrr what does he want, Chara?

[ostentumm]

"I'm....in?" He sounds SO surprised!

"I'M IN SCHOOL! YAHOOO~!!!!!"

Student enrollment (?)

NAME: Oliver Etidae

AGE: 16

POSITION: A student!

SUBJECT: Oliver wants to learn everything since he didn’t have REAL education in his world. He could go for some writing, speaking classes for languages? Even if he hates it, maybe math, science, etc. Whatever classes kids his age should be going to, he should attend!

EXPERIENCE: N/A ?

OTHER NOTES: Oliver can’t sit still and a school setting is very new to him 

FLIPPING THROUGH THE APPLICATION, he finds the enthusiasm to learn endearing. he makes a note, too, to seek out those who might be able to fulfill other subject matters to fill out a well rounded education for these children. regardless, there is a firm nod of approval to the papers in front of him.

❝ Everything seems to be in order here. Welcome as a student to Spirale Prime, Oliver. ❞

APPROVED

[ostentumm]

Oliver perks up! His smile bigger and his eyes sparkling with PURE bliss. He's got his hands balled up in excitable fists. "Hey! I know just the people who'd be TOTALLY down for a fun challenge!" He's already forming names in his head, and there's enough!

"But you'll be the first person I tell when I get my speedy-McGEE back. PROMISE."

"Huh..." It didn't feel like she lost any of her speed. Or any of her skills to begin with. "That's interestin' to know."

Maybe it somewhere else she hadn't noticed yet. Cap didn't do a complete workout yet beyond just running so there was a chance she couldn't do everything she wanted. Or the benefactors just felt running wasn't really worthwhile of a power to rob away.

"But you are completely on! I'll have to hold ya' too it once you get back up to speed. Maybe we could get some others together who are just as rarin' to go."