#and yes I DID have glow in the dark stars in high school and YES I was like haha like the tombs I've read abt my whole life

[imwritesometimes]

something something the hand painted stars on the ceilings of tombs of Egyptian Pharoahs something something glow in the dark star ceiling stickers

[theostrophywife]

written in the stars.

pairing: theodore nott x reader. song inspiration: until i found you by stephen sanchez feat. em beihold. author's note: boyfriend theo is the best theo. if you're wondering, then yes writing this hurt me as much as it hurts reading it but like in the best way possible.

Theodore Nott has always had an affinity for the stars. 

When he was younger, Theo's mother used to take him to the rooftop of Nott Manor and point out the constellations to him. The stars told stories, his mum had said. Theo listened with rapt attention as she recounted the tales of Aquila, Heracles, and Orion as they glittered against the backdrop of the English countryside.

The two of them would make an entire evening out of it. Laying on his back atop a nest of blankets and pillows, little Theo watched as the stars climbed higher and higher, filling the horizon with hope and light. Stargazing had been their special secret. The one thing that wasn’t tainted by his abusive father. Theo guarded the memory of those nights in his heart like a priceless treasure.

After his mother’s passing, Theo continued their tradition of stargazing. Even if she was no longer alive, all he had to do was look up at the sky to feel her with him. For that reason, the stars were special to him and he’d never shared its meaning with anyone. 

Until tonight. 

“Watch your step, cara mia.” Theo said as he guided you by the small of your back. 

The dark cloth covering your eyes prohibited you from seeing, but you trusted your boyfriend to keep you from falling. Though you weren’t a fan of surprises, Theo was impossible to resist. All he had to do was flash those pretty watercolor eyes at you and you were an absolute goner. 

For you, Theo had always been the exception. 

He guided you up a staircase, keeping a firm grip on your waist as the two of you ascended. Wherever you were going, it was pretty high up. You smiled as Theo took hold of your waist, knowing that you weren't the biggest fan of heights. Sometimes it felt like he knew you better than you knew yourself. When you reached the top, Theo unfastened his tie from behind your head. 

“You can open your eyes now, sweetheart.” 

You blinked, letting your eyes adjust to the dark. The wind whistled through the stone arches of the Astronomy Tower, framing the starkissed night with its marble pillars. The soft glow of the moon illuminated the nest of blankets and pillows arranged in the middle of the wooden floor. 

“Did you do all of this for me, babe?” 

Theo smiled. “I thought you might like to go stargazing with me,” he said, his voice soft. “Do you like it, my love?” 

“I love it, Teddy.” You beamed, standing on your tiptoes to kiss his nose. “But not nearly as much as I love you.” 

Theo grinned before pulling you in for a proper kiss. His lips were soft against yours and he tasted like peppermint. Butterflies erupted in your stomach as your knees buckled slightly. Theo never failed to make you feel like a lovestruck school girl. It never stopped feeling like this despite how many times you kissed this boy.

As if reading your thoughts, Theo smiled against your lips. “Come on, Y/N. I want to show you my favorite constellations.” 

The two of you laid down beneath the stars, making yourself comfortable amidst the blankets and pillows. Wordlessly, Theo pulled you into his arms and you nestled into the crook of his neck, breathing in the familiar scent of sea salt spray and sun kissed skin. 

“Tell me the story of the stars, Teddy.” 

He smiled, brushing your hair back. “That one right there is Ursa Major. Otherwise known as the Big Dipper, but if you look at the entire constellation, it actually forms a bear.” 

“I remember learning about that when I was little,” you said, gazing up at the sky. “Didn’t it have something to do with Zeus?”

Theo nodded. “In Greek mythology, the Olympian God Zeus fell in love with Callisto and got her pregnant. After she gave birth to the child, Hera was so mad she turned Callisto into a bear.” 

“That hardly seems fair,” you responded with a frown. 

“Zeus was a bit of a wanker,” Theo said in agreement. “Hera was even worse. She cursed Callisto to wander the forest for years in bear form until she was hunted by her own son Arcas. Just as he raised his spear to strike her down, Zeus stepped in and sent them up to the heavens. Callisto as Ursa Major and Arcas as Bootes.” 

“The Greek gods were truly a piece of work,” you replied. “But at least we got those constellations out of them."

You squinted, pointing at the cluster of stars hovering in the east. “What’s that one?” 

“That’s the constellation of Leo,” explained Theo. “Named after the Nemean lion that Heracles defeated during the first of his twelve labours.” 

“Didn’t he make a cloak out of the lion’s pelt?” 

“Smart girl,” Theo said proudly. “The cloak made Heracles invincible and more fearsome than he already was. The Nemean lion’s heart is made up of the star Regulus, which is associated with the arrival of spring.” 

“The Little King. I read that it burns hotter than the sun.” 

Theo couldn’t help but smile. Before he met you, he never thought he’d find someone to share such a special and intimate thing with. He was worried that no one else would understand his love for the stars, but as he watched you peer curiously up at the sky, your nose scrunched in careful concentration, Theo felt all of his doubts fade away. 

“Regulus is unique because it can be seen in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.” 

The blue star glittered brightly above your heads, as if it was showing off for the occasion. “It’s beautiful,” you breathed. 

Theo stared at you, at the childlike wonder shimmering in your eyes, and he felt like the breath had been knocked out of his lungs. The gravity of what he felt for you hit him all at once. 

“Yeah,” Theo said softly, still looking at you. “Beautiful.” 

You grinned, intertwining your fingers and kissing his knuckles. “How do you know so much about the stars, Teddy?” 

“My mum taught me.” Theo answered, drawing circles on your hip. “When I was little, she used to take me to the rooftop of the manor and tell me the story behind each star. She was fascinated by them. Before she met my father, she wanted to teach astronomy at the Stati Magia.”

“The Italian School of Witchcraft?” 

Theo nodded. “My mother attended the Stati Magia, just like her mother and her mother before her. A tradition that I unintentionally broke, as nonna Lucia loves to remind me. Sometimes I think the old bat wishes that I was born a strega instead.” 

You giggled. “You would’ve been a very pretty witch.” Theo chuckled as you propped your head up in one hand. “Did your mum end up becoming a professor?”

“No,” Theo said sadly. “After I was born, my father said that her place was at the manor. He refused to move to Florence, even though he knew it was my mother’s dream.” 

You stroked his hair, nodding emphatically. Theo rarely talked about his mother. You knew that her passing was a painful subject for him, so you never pushed him to talk about it unless he wanted to.

“That’s awful. I’m so sorry, my love,” you said. “But at least she was able to pass down her love of the stars to you. In a way, she lived her dream by teaching you.” 

A soft smile tugged at your boyfriend’s lips. “I suppose she did.” 

You laid back down, but this time you cradled Theo against you. He rested his head against your chest, listening to the calming sound of your heartbeat. Talking about his mother will always be hard, but you helped ease the pain. 

“What about those stars?” You asked, pointing to the north. “What did your mother tell you about them?” 

“Perseus and Andromeda,” Theo answered. “Those are actually her favorites.”

“The chained maiden.” 

Theo stirred, inclining his gaze to the horizon. “Andromeda was the Princess of Aethiopia, the daughter of King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia. She was said to be very beautiful. Her mother bragged that Andromeda was fairer than the Nereids, which angered Poseidon. As punishment, the Sea God sent the creature Cetus to ravage that coast of their kingdom.” 

You nodded, recalling the story. “King Cepheus chained her to a rock and offered her as a sacrifice to appease the sea monster.” 

“Luckily for Andromeda, the hero Perseus found her before Cetus could attack again. Perseus fell in love with Andromeda and defeated the monster so he could free the princess. They ended up marrying and became king and queen of Mycenae. When they died, the goddess Athena placed them side by side in the heavens so that they would never be parted, not even by death.” 

“A love written in the stars,” you said with awe and wonder. “I can see why it’s your mother’s favorite.”

“When I was a boy, she told me that she hoped I’d experience a love like theirs, minus the sea monster of course.” You chuckled. Theo knit his brows together like he did when he was deep in thought. When he spoke again, his voice was barely audible. “It’s sad to think that she never found her Perseus.” 

You brushed his hair back, running your fingers through his curls gently. “She might not have found her Perseus, but she did have her Theo.”

Theo turned over and looked at you. The intensity in his gaze made you shiver. He was so ingrained in your heart that it felt inaccurate to continue calling it yours.

“After she died, I never thought I’d share her stories with anyone again, but I’m glad I shared them with you.” 

“Thank you for trusting me, Theo.” You said as you placed a kiss on his temple. “It means the world to me that you not only shared your mother’s stories, but her memory as well. I would’ve loved to meet her.”

The tender smile on Theo’s face was heartbreaking. Then softly, he whispered. “She would’ve loved you, Y/N.”

Your heart cracked open, his words spilling like sunlight over every crevice, warming you from the inside out.

Tears formed at the corners of your eyes, but you forced yourself to give Theo a watery smile. “Because I’m a nerd who memorized obscure mythological facts?”

Your boyfriend smiled. “No,” he said gently, caressing your cheek. “Because you made her wish come true. You are my love written in the stars, cara mia.” 

The moonlight kissed Theo’s tan skin, the silver beams caressing his face like a lover as if the moon and the stars craved to commit his beauty to memory as badly as you did. Gods, he was breathtaking. 

This was the Teddy you knew and loved. Your Teddy.

Those watercolor eyes shimmered with emotion. “Sometimes I think the gods made you just for me, like our souls are linked in a way that neither logic nor magic can explain. Whatever it is, I think I’ve loved you since before the heavens and the earth existed and I’m fairly certain that I’d still love you even after the last star falls out of the sky.”

“You’re the love of my life, Theodore Nott.” Tears streamed down your cheeks as this boy—this beautiful boy ensnared your mind, body, and soul. “I’d find you in any universe and in any galaxy. Maybe someday we’ll be immortalized in the stars too.” 

Theo held your face in his hands. His expression was open and vulnerable, like he wasn’t afraid to lay himself bare before you. As if it was the most natural thing in the world. 

“We’re two halves of a whole,” Theo said. “I loved you yesterday. I love you today and I’ll love you tomorrow. You’re it for me, Y/N. You and no one else.” 

“You and no one else, Teddy.” 

Under the constellations of the star crossed lovers, Theo kissed you so gently that it made your heart ache. As Andromeda and Perseus kept watch over the horizon, Theodore Nott knew one thing for certain.

Someday the stars would tell your story too.

[chrollohearttags]

do you better, make it worse • j. kirschtein

watching his best friend mistreat you never sat right with Jean but luckily, he had plans to get your mind off of him once and for all.

content warning and themes: hospital AU, mentions of infidelity, EMT Jean, patient liaison reader, car sex, panty stuffing, hair pulling, choking, fingering, reverse cowgirl, daddy’s used a few times, calls reader slut (not in a derogatory way), squirting, full nelson, creampie

📝: in lieu of me bringing back one of my favorite stories, I’ve decided to once again put the cart before the horse (don’t say it) and revisit one of the dynamics in it. Besides, I’m on a heavy Jean kick lately so here we are.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

he couldn’t stand it….

honestly, he hated it. Hated the way you were treated, hated that you were being misled and hated that someone he called, not only his friend but thought of as a brother, was so casual and callus in hurting such a beautiful woman. Someone who made it her life’s mission to care and look out for others..advocate on their behalf and ensure that they were being cared for. Which was ironic at its finest degree, considering that for the three years (y/n) (l/n) dated Connie Springer; former high school basketball star turned paramedic, no one bothered to clue you in on the fact that he was being unfaithful. He was your very first love and granted, when you two graduated, the relationship seemed to grow. But as was his outside roster as well. While you were holding him down, helping him study and keeping him straight..all while doing your own thing, he was out doing you wrong. Laying up with this girl, texting that girl and having the nerve to come back to you as if everything were just fine. And being completely oblivious to his antics, you would’ve gone on with your business and not thought a thing of it..that all but changed when his best friend Jean came to you one day with a shocking confession and told you that your beloved boyfriend had been sleeping with other women. “This isn’t gonna be easy, (y/n). I’m sorry I kept this from you but I thought you should know.” Not only that, he had solid proof. Pictures, texts and everything…it was a devastating blow and you were riddled with all types of emotions. Anger, sadness, denial..this man had hurt you beyond comprehension and once you found out and confronted him, you let Connie know exactly how you felt. Then, you ended things. As hard as it was, you felt relief in knowing that you were no longer being made a fucking fool of. He was free to do as he pleased..it was no longer your problem.

even so, you were faced with another issue: loneliness. You stood firm in your boundaries and didn’t let Connie back in. Regardless of the fact that you two were now working for the same hospital and you’d see him often while walking the halls of the emergency room. Tending to patient’s non medical needs and getting feedback. In the time since you two split, you had grown prettier by the day; that beautiful dark skin glowing, curly hair getting thicker and so was that gorgeous body. Hitting the gym and gaining happy weight. Still, despite that. You longed for companionship. You wanted your person again and to be loved unconditionally. You wanted someone to take care of you…emotionally, spiritually and especially..physically. As terrible as it sounded, you needed someone to satisfy those carnal desires as well. Someone who would take that stress of a long day away and clear your head.

luckily, you had just the man for the job and in the form of a very familiar face. Someone who had all but saved you from further heartbreak and embarrassment. And now, he was going to help you once more…

“Did you miss me, baby? I missed you..”

“Yes..been thinking about you all day..”

while your ex pleaded and groveled for a second chance, you were sitting pretty in the backseat and lap of his best friend’s car..getting that wet little pussy stuffed full of his fingers! Those thick digits planted inside of your warmth as his tongue swirled the inside of your mouth..the two of you exchanging sloppy tongue kisses and saliva along the way. Another hand..one riddled with tattoos up to the forearm gently clutched your throat as to keep your eyes on him. Of course, you wouldn’t dare look elsewhere. Not when this fine ass man was treating you so well. Some would say that what you guys were doing was wrong or that he broke code between boys but he should’ve considered that while he was out with other women. Now, Jean was filling that void in more ways than one. For the past couple months, the two of you had been hooking up just like this and needless to say, once you got a taste of him, Connie was all but a mere afterthought..

instead, you couldn’t wait to get your fix of the man making out with you. Slowly, he’d work those fingers in and out of that tight little cunt..placing a trail of kisses along your earlobe and jawline, all while filling your head with sweet words. Telling you how pretty you looked and that you were gonna feel so good. That deep voice drops to a low whisper; causing you to clench around his knuckles. Hearing those sweet affirmations from a man who meant it was driving you crazy. “J-jean…baby. I—“ “it’s okay..I got you. Just keep riding those fingers, my love. Keep going, just like that.” All the while, he had snatched your top down to reveal those perky breasts of yours. Always sitting so pretty underneath your work uniform. It was many times when he thought about what you’d look like underneath and now, he was getting the chance. Even at his buddy’s expense!

“So fucking sexy…swear I couldn’t get you off of my mind. Thinking about holding you…kissing on this neck.” Just then, he’d tighten his grip on your throat and grunt in your ear; grinding that covered erect against your ass. “Filling you up. I just wanna make you feel good, baby. Hell of a lot better than he can...” Doting on you as he curled and pumped those digits around inside of you. He was like a feign, an addict for your love and sex. Jean would do whatever it took to ensure that you got off. Just by your moans alone, he knew you were close. He could sense it..that’s what it meant to awareness of your partner’s body. Something that Connie failed to grasp even after all that time of being together. He had done in three months what he couldn’t in three years. It was insane. However, as much as he desired to get you off, he had to get some action of his own! You could feel him growing larger by the second..practically swelling to be let out. Alas, he knew how much more well endowed he was in comparison to others you’d been with so he had to be gentle. Handle you with care as to not hurt you…but give you the pleasure you deserve. So with a swift motion, he’d unbuckle those black uniform cargos and shuffle them down his hips so that he had enough room to maneuver. Unsheathing that thick cock, he’d slap it against your half clothed, plump pussy lips; drumming up smacking noises as he had a finger hooked around your thong to keep them to the side. Your tits were exposed as well..the top part of your dress tugged down and bundled up around your tummy. He couldn’t wait to get a taste.

“Go ahead, pretty girl. Put it in for me..” instructing as he grasped your waist and allowed you to raise yourself up. Those heels that he loved so much digging gently into his seat and aiding you in eventually riding him. As (y/n) lowered yourself back down, both of you released loud, breathy moans. The sensation of your juicy warmth and the fullness provided by his thick girth..stretching you out only seconds in. “Fuck..so fucking good..” clutching the side of the door and the driver headrest to balance yourself as you bounced up and down. Jean knew you were more than capable of handling it so he’d toss his head back and encourage you with all of those filthy words you loved. “There you go. Up and down, just like that. You’re opening up for me so nice..that dick feel good, babygirl?” Questioning in a sweet cooing tone, which had you melting within seconds. The way this man so lovingly cared for your body, you couldn’t help but to submit.

“It’s so good, daddy…never had dick like this. Oh my fucking—ahh!”

drawing out in whiny huffs and soft whimpers along with wetness, that was dripping all down his shaft. Eventually, the vehicle would begin to gently sway in that parking garage from the force of your moving bodies. Clawing into that leather upholstery, (y/n) continued to bog yourself down, taking those deep thrusts to the brunt. “I know..I know it’s a lot, baby. But you’re taking that shit so good..got you creaming. This is my pussy now. Isn’t that right? All mine?” Earning him a very swift ‘yes’ as you trembled and took him to the hilt. Only after he grasped your throat because you were too stuck to even form words. His fingertips tracing soft circles around your clit and those balls slapping against your opening. “That’s what I love to hear, pretty girl. Just keep fucking me…keep—shit!” Drumming out more of those breathy cries from your new boyfriend and deeper thrusts as he began fucking up into you. All but taking the reins and control as the feeling intensified. Eventually, he couldn’t hold still and although he thought that you were doing an amazing job, he needed to really get in it. Clutching the backs of your thick thighs, Jean would proceed to fold your legs up and bring your knees nearly up to his shoulder blades. It was such an insane position but one that felt nearly euphoric. Whilst he made certain each stroke made home inside of your sensitive core, you’d take the thin strings of those panties between your teeth and bite down. Sort of a makeshift gag for your loud cries as he began to pound upward into you. He was coming unglued, like a man unhinged and on a mission. He wanted you to feel every last inch of him. How much he craved you..how much he loved you and this beautiful body. He’d never be so foolish as to squander such a precious thing. Even if he was beating your pussy sore like you were a mere object. “..my little slut..letting me fuck you like this. I’m so thankful, baby. You're gonna come f’r me, right? Come all over this dick? Right here in this fucking car? You couldn’t even wait until I got you to my place. That’s how addicted I got you..” and there was no denying it! When you slung pipe like him, you had every right to brag on it. Regardless, he himself was desperate to release so he’d do whatever it took to coax you to your orgasm so he could reach his. He never allowed himself to come first because he wanted you to get off. Bringing a hand back to that swollen bud, Jean massaged it until you emitted muffled, distorted cries with that cloth tucked between your teeth. Your eyes flush and drip with slight tears from how full he had stuffed you. In a matter of minutes, porcelain colored cream had covered the entirety of his shaft and base, signaling that you were on the brink of reaching your peak. Calling out to him, Jean was quick to turn your head and quell those whispers with gentle kisses and soft caressing to the cheek. “It’s okay..hey, breathe with me, baby. Remember what I told you..” by now, he had hooked your legs into one arm and continued bucking his hips upward. You were both beginning to tap out..reach that final stride and it was only seconds after he patted your slit with gentle slaps did you begin to throb and he knew he couldn’t get another one in before you all but pushed him out so reluctantly, Jean would halt his movements.

“Go ahead, pretty girl. Squirt on this dick..we’ll worry about the seats later. Fuck it.” Smirking as he watched your eye stretch and mouth gape as that slippery orgasm came barreling out of you; soaking everything within your vicinity. He was so satisfied in himself for completely wrecking you. Getting that body so hooked on him, you wouldn’t look back or around for another man ever again. Not even giving you ample time to recuperate, he’d penetrate that tightness once more, so that he could give you what you had been begging him for all week:

“Come in me..come in this fucking pussy, daddy..” Talking him through it as well with gritted teeth and tears rolling down your face. “Want me to nut in it, baby? Veins began to bulge from atop his forehead and Jean was breathing so heavily, eventually letting out a loud cry before spilling every last drop of that seed into your womb. Not stopping for an entire minute and remaining stuck between those walls many moments after. He wanted to enjoy you…be one for as long as possible. Tugging you back against his heaving chest, Jean snaked his tongue between your lips and fed you sloppy pecks before the two of you erupted into a soft chuckle against each other’s mouth. “I love you, Jean. I love you so much..” so proudly declaring as you ran your fingertips along his stubble ridden face. And there was no doubt in your mind that he felt the same. After all, it was him who showed you what that four letter word meant again after facing such heartbreak. But as long as you’d allow him to remain in your life…to care for you with all he had…

“I love you more, pretty girl. Don’t ever forget it.”

he’d make you the happiest woman alive. Even if it meant hurting his best friend to do so! Just then, your love fest was interrupted by a faint buzzing on the heated seats. That’s when you’d both look down to see your phone illuminating with a very familiar contact:

Connie: I miss you (y/n)..please call me. I’m sorry.

but needless to say, he wouldn’t be getting a reply any time soon.

[thehumanversionofthishellsite]

may or may not have stayed up all night reading this book as soon as I could get my hands on it but anyway I have some thoughts and most of them are screaming.

I really loved the book. Did it have flaws? Yes. Do I care? No. I'm 22, the targeted age range is something like 10-16. When I first got into this series I was the same age as nico. It's been a long journey getting older and changing and healing. Seeing that for Nico was all I really wanted from this book.

Also, realistic relationship struggles and growth!! Loved that!! Having a chronic illness is hard, your partner watching you suffer with it is also hard for them!! Having conversations and misunderstandings and awkward moments is how it goes!! After being in a 3 year relationship with someone I love very much I'm like,,, yes!! Thank you!! I have lifelong chronic illness!! It's not going away I gotta learn to live with it it's a part of me!! My partner struggles with it but is trying so hard and I love them so much!!! But I'm so much more than a pile of suffering and that's the point!!! You choose to keep trying and that's the point the book makes!! there's a whole scene about it and it's so important!!! Will starts to be more accepting and understanding and we love to see it! Nico accepts he needs to let himself move on and that it's ok to do that and not be angry with your past self for trying to stay alive!!

I make no sense and I don't care. But also, they're cringey and memey and dumb. They're hysterical and going a little bit crazy and they love each other and like, I'm not ok. Neither are they. Its been an extremely stressful week for them.

And I don't think it's super out of character because we barely know these people!! Nico has been suffering and in survival mode almost the whole time we have known him!! Will has been a background character most of the time!! Nico was a bubbly 10 year old and Will was like 4 sentences. Nico has made occasional/awkward/dark jokes and Will was shown to be stubborn and concerned and caring because demigods are ridiculously hard to keep alive. Let them be weird and cringey they're literal teenagers. Have you been in a high school with people obnoxiously dating. They are. The worst.

Broke: camp is empty because people wanna see their families

Woke: camp is empty because will and nico are just that couple who are cringe 100% of the time and everyone just noped out

I know I keep getting sidetracked but. Point is. nico and will seem out of character because of circumstances and time skips probably. Nicos finally in a stable place and can actually process things, mans is curious about the world he's in no wonder he's a memelord the internet just does that to you. People change when they're not in survival mode, I definitely am not the same person I was when I was 16. Not even the same person I was when I was 18. Or 20. Like, mental health glow ups bring out some of the best parts of you.

AND THANK YOU PIPER I FEEL SO SEEN RN, don't know what label I fit under, I am confusion but it's ok!! I am a big ole ace spectrum mess and maybe tomorrow it'll be different! Either way the book had a lot of great moments and no it's not the same as old rr books but it was never gonna be, the nostalgia associated with the original pjo series means nothing will ever live up to those books and that's kind of just life for some of yall. fuck knows I crave the joy I felt playing crash bandicoot for the first time. I miss that time of my life and it's ok to miss that but it's also ok to move forward and find new things that bring life joy and meaning!!

anyway. I enjoyed the sun and the star and I will continue to enjoy it regardless of what other people think, I can like things just because I do, or just because they make me happy. And this book definitely made me happy. Also holy fuck I need some sleep. Sorry about all the exclamation points it's all that's keeping me awake!!

[captainsophiestark]

AP Test Season

Platonic!Shuri x Reader

Masterlist - Join My Taglist!

Written for Fictober 2023!

Fandom: Marvel

Day 24 Prompt: "Is it over? Is it really over?"

Summary: Shuri's in Santa Monica to help her best friend through quite an ordeal.

Word Count: 1,071

Category: Fluff

A/N: @bandshirts-andbooks this is for you, I don't know if you remember but literally forever ago you sent me a request for platonic!Shuri and reader and because I can't read I didn't see the word platonic so I said I wasn't comfortable writing for her. Ngl it's 100% haunted me since I was going through old requests and realized that I'd completely missed the word platonic lmao, so here is a fun and sweet fic that I hope you like! Sorry for my terrible reading comprehension lmao

Putting work into an AI program without permission is illegal. You do not have my permission. Do not do it.

I staggered out of the building, head throbbing, sunlight burning my eyes. I almost tripped on the first of the stairs and did a header down the whole set, but thankfully, someone else reached out to steady me before I could.

"Y/N! Are you alright?"

I turned, blinking blearily at Princess Shuri, one of my best friends in the whole world. She stared at me, concern written across her face as I took a deep breath in and out.

"Is it over? Is it really over?" I asked, my voice croaky from lack of use. Shuri nodded.

"Yes. It is really, truly, completely over."

"Oh thank God," I sighed, flopping back dramatically. Shuri laughed, guiding me over to a retaining wall outside the school where we could sit together shoulder to shoulder while I recovered.

I'd just finished my last AP test of my last year of high school, after a grueling two weeks filled with four-hour tests. It had been literal hell, and had almost killed me, hence the current brain fog. But I'd made it. And now, I never had to take another one of those stupid things as long as I lived.

"Come on," Shuri said, standing and holding out a hand to me after giving me a few minutes to recover. "You cannot sit on this wall in a stupor all day."

I scoffed. "Watch me."

"No! We have fun things to do! You survived your last round of testing, we should be celebrating!"

That peaked my interest enough to get me to sit up straighter. Shuri grinned, and I sighed, giving all the way in with an eye roll. I slid off the retaining wall, landing on the sidewalk next to Shuri and trying to muster as much energy as I could.

"Alright, Your Highness, you're in charge, because I don't have the brainpower left to contribute. Where to first?"

"Just follow me!"

Shuri took off down the sidewalk, smiling and laughing under the sunny Southern California sun, and her energy was infectious. A smile spread across my own face as I followed her, and with every step in the opposite direction of my school, I felt my strength returning.

Shuri led me to the Santa Monica pier, site of a scene from one of our favorite movies, Hannah Montana: The Movie. We wandered up and down the pier, grabbing snacks and taking ridiculous pictures together, then made our way into Pacific Park. We rode the rollercoaster, the Ferris wheel, and did every single other thing that looked remotely interesting until the sun started to set.

"Shuri, you are a literal lifesaver," I said as we strolled towards the end of the pier together. "Seriously, I think I would've just been catatonic for the rest of the day if you hadn't been here to pull me out of my funk."

She laughed. "I am glad I could help! It's been fun to be in California with you."

"Agreed. Couldn't imagine a better start to the summer."

We shared a smile, clinking our bubble teas together as we turned to watch the sun sink slowly into the ocean. Finally, once it got dark to the point that the lights of Pacific Park glowed as bright as the stars behind us, we turned and headed for home.

Shuri was staying with me and my family while she was in town, and as soon as we walked through the door, I felt a wave of exhaustion crash over me. My shoulders slumped, and I let Shuri take the lead as we wandered through the kitchen.

"Okay! So I thought we could make some popcorn and have a movie marathon to finish the night-"

She stopped mid-sentence as she turned around to smile at me and found a zombie smiling back. She huffed a laugh, a small smile coming to her face.

"...Or maybe we could do facemasks and watch something shorter, then go to bed."

"The second one," I said, nodding. "But let's keep the snacks part."

"Deal!"

Shuri and I loaded up on all our favorite foods, then headed upstairs. Thankfully, it was a Friday, so we could stay up late without me having to worry about going to school tomorrow.

We picked out facemasks, then decided on watching Wizards of Waverly Place from my queen sized bed with her laptop. The Wakandan tech got a higher quality image than even our TV downstairs, and we never had to wait for it to buffer.

My phone timer went off a little ways into the episode, telling us it was time to take off the facemasks. We took even more dumb pictures together of our faces in the mask before removing them, rubbing in the remaining serum as we flopped back into bed. We snacked for the rest of the episode, and I made it through without falling asleep. Once it ended, Shuri closed her laptop and shut off the lights as I sank down underneath the covers.

"Goodnight, Y/N!" she said as she climbed in on her side. I sighed and muttered a goodnight back. Then, even though I was quickly losing the battle to stay awake a second longer, I spoke up again, holding true to the sleepover tradition of continuing to talk after saying goodnight and shutting off the lights.

"Shuri?"

"Hm?"

"Thank you for today," I said. "Seriously, AP test season sucks, and knowing we'd get to celebrate and have fun on the other side of it is the only reason I didn't just draw a cat on the DBQ page of my AP History test and call it a day."

Shuri laughed. "I won't lie, I would have liked to see your cat drawing. But I'm glad I could help you get through this. I had a lot of fun, too."

"Wakanda's next, alright?" I said. "Now that I'm done with classes, there's nothing stopping me from coming for a visit this summer."

"Deal! There are so many things I want to show you in person. T'Challa will not know peace as long as we're in the palace together."

I laughed, opening my eyes enough to share a smile with my best friend. We did our handshake, and then I rolled over and closed my eyes again, ready to go to sleep for real.

"I'll see you in the morning, Shuri," I sighed. She huffed a laugh.

"I don't expect to see you before one in the afternoon. But I will see you tomorrow."

****************

Everything Taglist: @rosecentury

Marvel Taglist: @valkyriepirate @luv-ghostie @songbirdcannabe @infinetlyforgotten

[pocketramblr]

that sailor moon au part one

Holy shit, a talking cat!

“Holy shit, a talking cat.” En breathed, squatting down to look at the animal that had broken in and taken his futon.

“Yes.” It said, amused and batting at his finger when he tried to poke it. “I am Midnight. I’ve been looking for you, En.”

“And it knows my name.” Why had it been looking for him? Was he on some sort of animal hit-list?

“I wanted to thank- oh, I use she/her pronouns actually.” The cat corrected.

En pinched himself. It hurt but maybe that didn’t mean anything. “The talking cat knows what pronouns are.”

“Of course I do; human gender- and sexuality- are so fascinating! Ah, but that doesn’t matter right now, don’t distract me! I wanted to say thank you for helping me out earlier this morning, even though it made you late to your class.”

En would have been late anyway.

“No problem.” He shrugged, fully accepting this was a dream.

“And, I want to give you something.” She spun around, and then held out a golden pin between her teeth.

En stared at it.

Midnight waved her face at him a bit, tail flicking.

“Where did you get that?” He asked, like an answer would make sense if he asked the question out loud, like a dream would have consistency other than just being confusing. “You don’t have any pockets, you’re naked.”

The cat dropped the pin on his futon.

“I’m nude, actually.” She corrected, again. “But take it and put it on, En!”

“So pushy.” He muttered. “You’re just like Nana-nee.” But he put it on anyway, fastening it to his jacket near the collar.

The silver crescent moon stood out against the red fabric, almost shining. It didn’t look bad, and it wasn’t his normal style, but for some reason he didn’t feel the desire to remove it. Probably the weird dream logic.

“Now, repeat after me! Moon Prism Power, One For All!” Midnight said.

“Moon prism power, one for all?” En repeated.

And then suddenly, he was glowing.

An energy raced through him, cold and electrifying, though it didn’t hurt. His heartbeat raced in his ear to a strange rhythm, and stars raced past his eyes.

When they faded, he felt taller.

He looked down to see he was wearing boots with a bit of a platform- oh, and completely different clothes.

In a blur, he darted from his room to the bathroom to look in the mirror.

He was wearing a jacket like his old high school gakuran, except in dark blue instead of black. He had matching blue shorts and high socks tucked into the almost-as-high boots. The buttons and buckles shone silver like the band sitting cool across his forehead, mostly hiding by his hair, which had a moon crescent in the center- it matched the pin Midnight gave him, and so did the earrings dangling from his ears.

Wait. Only one of his ears was pierced.

Dream, right.

It was getting harder to believe that…

“This isn’t a dream, is it?” he asked.

Midnight jumped up onto the bathroom counter and shook her head.

“No, En, it’s all real. And I need you to become the Moon Scout.”

“The moon what?”

“The pretty guardian of love and justice.”

“The what?”

Midnight didn’t get a chance to answer his question- instead all he could focus on was a sudden ringing in his ear- well, just under his ear.

“Help!” a voice echoed. “We’re at the jewelry store off Besupin and 8th, she’s- ah!”

“Shimura-san?” a different voice asked, tinny, through a phone, “Are you still there, Shimura-san?”

En heard Midnight’s voice, but not what she said- he was instead remembering earlier when he’d gotten home from class, heard Nana and Sorahiko talking in the kitchen as they microwaved lunch. Something about an outrageous sale going on, and Nana and her boyfriend heading there after their own classes.

En had asked if they’d been going out long enough for an engagement ring to be considered, and after laughing at how Nana had nailed him in the head with an empty takeout box, Sorahiko had gotten his own jab in: “Do you really want a discount engagement ring? That’s not really romantic is it?”

Nana had sniffed and declared that a wedding she could actually afford to feed herself and her husband afterwards was the most romantic one. Then En had fled before she could aim another throw at him for saying that he was pretty sure she wouldn’t be the one cooking and feeding her spouse.

But now, if Shimura-kun was at the store, and calling for help-

“Tell me how to get there.” He told Midnight, who nodded and leapt from the counter without a word.

En’s heart was racing the whole way, audible even over the pounding of his boots.

The store wasn’t far, but any minute delay-

Sirens, red lights.

The police surrounded the place, a crowd of people by them.

“Maam, stop!” One raised his voice. “You cannot go back in there!”

“My boyfriend is in there!” Nana- oh god that was his sister, she was fine- but Shimura-kun wasn’t.

En blew past the crowd, and the officers.

“Hey, wait!” Another tried to call after him.

“Is that the Deku Scout?” another asked.

En didn’t even turn around. He didn’t want Nana to see his face, because if she knew he was in there she wouldn’t let herself be held back anymore.

He pushed open the door, and almost collapsed against it, panting.

There were a group of people huddled against the back counter, and more strewn across the floor, unconscious or- he didn’t want to think about it.

In the middle of the store, a figured held up a person with one hand, the other glowing on their face.

“Let them go, now!” He demanded, straightening up and walking inside.

The figure turned to look over their shoulder at him- and then kept turning, the neck bending and contorting in ways it shouldn’t.

En’s stomach dropped.

The door shut behind him.

Suddenly he felt cold.

It was hard to swallow.

“Who are you?” The thing demanded, dropping their victim.

“I’m-“ En wasn’t sure what to say- “the Moon Scout.”

“The moon scout?” The thing repeated, and suddenly words were pulled from En’s dry throat.

“Yeah, the pretty guardian of love and justice, if you want to surrender now.”

“Love? Justice? Surrender?” The thing laughed more with each word, and as they laughed their body stretched and bulged, sharp and jagged. “I think not, little boy.”

Then they lunged, arm stretching to claw at him.

En threw himself to the side.

The ground he crashed into shook, and tile cracked under the thing’s claw.

That had almost been him.

“Moon Scout!” Midnight’s voice echoed from one of his earrings. “Fight back!”

“How do I do that?” He asked, racing behind a counter of jewelry as the thing got back up and growled at him.

“Repeat after me, Midnight Shroud!”

“Midnight Shroud!” En screamed, and suddenly dark smoke billowed from his uniform, filling the room in seconds.

He blinked, and realized he could still see the outline of things and people, if not much else.

En began to move, staying low, edging the length of the counter.

Something slammed into the glass where he’d been.

It shattered, some hitting against the back of his coat.

He froze.

“Not so brave are you now, moon boy?” The thing asked. “Come out, let me see where you are… I bet you have lots of energy and individuality my master would love to take.”

En… wasn’t even going to try and parse that. He looked back to where the hostages who were still awake sat. Maybe they could at least leave, under cover, but where was Shimura-kun?

“Midnight, I could use a little more help!” he hissed, and tried to crawl as silently as possible.

“I’m closeby, but my legs are shorter than even yours!” The cat answered. “I’ve called for more backup too, just hold on! And if you can get a clear shot, throw your tiara at the monster!”

As the realization of how bad an idea it had been to trust some random talking cat when she said she turned him into some kind of hero sunk in, the monster shattered another glass case. Eventually, it would find him, and he wanted to be on his feet when it did.

En grabbed a piece of glass and necklace of many hefty gems, and slowly stood up.

He crept around the monster’s back, then threw the necklace.

It hit the thing’s shoulder and snapped apart, and then the thing was turning on him, eyes aglow.

En leaned and slashed with the glass-

Sharp pain in his hand-

Then all over, thrown back. His back, crashing into a wall, out of breath.

The darkness was fading, light beginning to show at the windows, the door, and it cracked open.

Midnight stepped in.

En was looking at her when the monster moved again, and he was too slow to dodge.

“Moon Tiara Action!” The cat cried.

Then something hit the monster’s arm instead.

A rose glimmered in the low light.

“What the hell?” En asked, looking around for where it came from- and the monster did the same thing.

A figure in one window that wasn’t getting as light, a shadow cast.

“Who are you?” The monster demanded.

“Tuxedo Mask.” The figure answered- and yeah, En guessed he did have on a tuxedo. And a mask. The suit was fitted to a tall body, silhouetted sharper in the yellow lining of the cap he wore over it. The mask shaded his eyes, but didn’t hide the strong nose and smirk on his face. “Hey, Moon Scout, hiding and running won’t win this battle for you.”

En blinked. Seriously?

“It was doing a great job at keeping me alive.” He responded, and ‘Tuxedo Mask’ nodded once, as if giving him the point. It didn’t feel like much of a concession. “Anyway, where did you come from?”

“Moon Scout, don’t take your eyes off your opponent.” He said instead of answering.

“What do you-“ En looked at the monster, which was now lifting both arms, even with one bleeding at the rose stuck in it, waving them down towards En and to Tuxedo Mask.

En tugged the silver band off his head. What had Midnight said?

“Moon tiara action!” He said, flinging the circle forward.

It glowed bright as it spun, hitting the thing in their chest, which caved inward- and inward, and inward, their entire body crumbling to dust that barely hit the floor before it faded too.

“You did it!” Midnight cheered.

“Not bad for your first time.” Tuxedo Mask was still smiling as he lifted his cape and turned.

“Wait, are you really going to leave without saying goodbye?”

He left without saying goodbye.

Huh.

“Who was that?” Midnight asked, from near his ankle where she held his fallen tiara.

“I dunno but he’s hand- wait. You didn’t send him?”

She shook her head.

“I wish, he is easy on the eyes. Oh, right. Stellaris, cancel that emergency backup. Moon Scout is fine!”

“How many people are involved in what’s going on, exactly?” En asked, beginning to feel a bit dizzy. The cut on his hand where his attempt at using the glass had failed wasn’t big enough for it to be from bloodloss. Probably.

Unless he’d been bleeding out this whole time or something, everything from the talking cat onward a hallucination as his mind dealt with… he wasn’t sure, getting hit with a truck or something this morning.

But he was pretty sure isekais didn’t work this way, so…

“Let’s get home first, then I can answer your questions… and we need to get you a bandage.” She frowned, but then flicked her tail and went to the window Tuxedo Mask had made his entrance and exit from. “Hurry!”

He followed, shaking his head.

“We have to get back before your sister and her boyfriend do!” Midnight reminded him, and En went double time.

As it was, Nana still got back before En had finished cleaning up.

At least he was in his own clothes, Midnight having taught him how to un-moon-prism-power.

“Enkun, I’m home!” Nana called. “You wouldn’t believe what-“

“Are you ok?” He interrupted. “I, uh, saw the news and I was worried, since you went to that store, and-“

“I’m fine.” She said quickly.

“What about-“

“So is he.”

“I am indeed fine.” Shimura-kun’s voice joined Nana’s. “Just a really weird day. Passed out on the floor and missed the vigilante battle though, apparently.”

“Oh no, that’s too bad.” En tried to sound nonchalant, but the both just laughed.

“I was scared out of my mind, but it was alright in the- Engetsu-chan, what is that.” Nana stepped out of the kitchen and saw him attempting to bandage his own left hand.

“Um, well-“

“Are you bleeding, is that a cat, where- don’t sit on the couch like that you’ll get blood on it, here,” Nana moved in a flurry, tugging him off the back of the couch and pulling him to stand, focusing on his hand as she kept talking. “What happened?”

“Um…”

Midnight meowed.

“Um, there were some kids messing with this cat, and I stopped them.” En said, which was technically true.

“These aren’t from the cat, are they?”

“No, no! She’s fine. Sweet. Her name’s Midnight.”

“A good name for her.” Nana glanced at her. “But you have to be the one to buy cat food. And kitty litter!”

En had expected more pushback than that but was just glad he wasn’t hearing a ‘how dare you almost die so stupidly’ conversation instead.

Nana finished wrapping his hand. He realized hers were shaking.

“Are you okay, Nana-nee?” He asked.

Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Yeah. Just glad we’re all alright.”

He nodded. “We are. Hey, how about instead of us forcing Shimura-kun to cook dinner for us, you call Torino and he brings us something for us to eat in instead.”

“Instead of making me what?”

Nana’s smile got a little less even, and a little more true.

“Yeah, let’s do that. I’ll go text him. You start looking for cat things.”

“Got it.” He saluted, then returned to the back of the couch, pulling out his phone. “Hey, Midnight, what do talking cats eat?” he asked, a little quieter as she curled up next to him.

“Caviar.”

“Wet cat food, got it…”

“En!”

[eyelessfog]

Dawn is a ghost town after dark.

That’s the first thing you notice, after waking up at midnight and looking out your tavern window.

The moon is high in the sky, and the stars are bright, and they reflect on the ocean’s waves, and Dawn is beautiful. But it’s a ghost town.

You walk out of your room. It’s dark. There’s no point in having lights on when everyone is asleep, you suppose, but you have to press your hand against the wall and tap your foot against the floor to check that you won’t fall.

There isn’t a single sound but your footsteps.

You thought that maybe you’d hear someone snoring, or, or- or something, but it’s quiet.

That’s fine. You just aren’t used to it.

You come from a loud place. There’s always noise, awake or asleep.

You guess that that’s why you woke up - the lack of noise was wrong to your ears.

You walk out the front door of the tavern, and… Dawn, interestingly, seems to have the outdoor lights snuffed out. You stare up at an empty lantern, then down the path.

Why wouldn’t they keep lights out? Mobs are deterred by light. Even if everyone is asleep, surely they need it to keep out mobs.

You look around, a little nervous now, but- well. You still can’t hear anything at all. Not the groan of a zombie, or the click-clack of a skeleton, or that certain crunch of grass that creepers make.

Silence, still.

You begin down the path, searching for any sign of life. You know the citizens of Dawn won’t appear - they’ve told you that it’s against their religion - but anything else. Anything at all. Whatever gets rid of this silence.

A firefly whizzes past you.

You jolt.

It comes back around, then, buzzing in your face, and you blink at it.

You didn’t know they have fireflies here! It was always said that fireflies stuck to the swamp, and Dawn is not a swamp.

You hold a hand out to catch the firefly, and it weaves out of your grip. You frown, a bit disappointed.

You try again.

It flies away again.

And then, instead of doubling back towards you like it did before, it flies up, into the sky, and you look up.

And realize that there is a giant sparkle of fireflies floating around each other, far above your head.

You stare.

They’re like schools of fish from your fishing trips, curling around and through one another like it’s a dance.

It’s like a trance. You can’t help yourself to only watch them move and glow and-

You blink, and the moon is low, and when you turn around, the sky is lightening. It’s almost morning. How did you get so caught up in a sparkle of fireflies?

You look back up, and the fireflies seem to explode. Some dip down to where you are, but others fly over rooftops and windmills. It’s like a firework.

You let yourself follow one. It goes back to the tavern (and what a funny coincidence that is!) then moves behind the counter to the bar.

Your brows furrow.

The glow shifts, moving itself into a shape, into a person, into- Oh.

The bartender flutters his eyes open to look at you. Then he jolts.

“Oh! Up bright and early, aren’t you?”

“Dark and early,” you respond, looking over at the barest sunrays peeking in from the window.

“Dark and early indeed,” the bartender sighs. “Can I get you anything?”

“Just a water.” You sit down at the counter and take a moment to breathe.

What had you called Dawn when you woke up? A ghost town at night?

The bartender hands you a glass of water, and you think back to that first firefly and how you never actually saw the firefly, only its glow, and you think Yes. Yes, Dawn is most definitely a ghost town.

[mynamesaplant]

When Worlds Collide

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Preface: 100% honest up front, I'm not a huge fan of Star Wars anymore. I enjoy it from time to time, I loved it when I was younger, but I just don't have the same spark for it anymore. However, I put that aside, listened to like five different 20-hour audiobooks to get myself into the Star Wars headspace, and got writing. Also, sososososoooooo many tabs for Wookieepedia open on my computer… Jedi is not my OC and, tried as I might, I just couldn't find much info on him on Blue's socials. I dug through Twitter as best I could, trolled through all the associated Tumblr blogs, and tried to get on other socials to find more while still being stealthy about a secret holiday gift. So, to you Blue, I apologize if Jedi is OOC, I swear I really did try to find something about him and did use your Star Wars blogs, but I couldn't find written content about him so I could write this fic. I will admit that I know the timeline for Jedi is off solely for the fact that you mentioned somewhere that Jedi has Anakin's lightsaber (which in all honesty, I thought Luke had), but I wasn't sure when anything was taking place. I am also notoriously bad about reading fics. Unless its an audiobook, I just find it hard to sit and read, but I took the time to read ABYS to try and get a sense of how Blue writes Emmet and Ingo. I doubt I nailed it. I'm not the best at emulating the styles of others - but I wrote this with a lot of good intentions and as much research as I could muster between school, work, and my life. If you celebrate any holidays around this time of year @ingo-ingoing-ingone, enjoy them, and if you don't, I hope this will be a nice gift nonetheless.

Don't want to read it here? Read it here on AO3.

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Summary: Coruscant still has trains? Yes, for a variety of reasons, it still does. Is it the most efficient means of travel? No, not always, but you certainly meet a lot of different characters on the train.

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Blending in was not exactly Jedi’s style – not when he towered over others. There was a lot about Jedi that stuck out like a sore thumb, but oddly he was right at home in the Uscru District on Coruscant. It was all eccentric outfits and bright lights; his feathers and glowing cyan markings didn’t stick out nearly as much in the loud atmosphere. Even if he was not home amongst the bars and clubs, even if there were dangerous beings to be found lurking around the district, Jedi did not mind. He could see the harmony in the chaos in this place.

His night in this hazy technicolor dream was at its end. He didn’t go to Uscru for leisure, he merely enjoyed roaming the high walkways that overlooked the endless city. Through his observations, he realized it was not too unlike a jungle, and he had always preferred seeing the jungle from the canopy. That was why he enjoyed his short time among the Wookies on Kashyyyk prior to his escort mission for an ambassador on their council.

Jedi was to guard the Wookie Ambassador Drrlysh as they traversed the Great Kashyyyk Branch to Umbara and on the planet’s surface. The Umbarans wanted a neutral party involved – meaning they didn’t want more Wookies than necessary on their planet. Once there, talks would begin about trading wroshite, the hard dark gray crystals woven between the roots of wroshyr, for doonium, one of the hardest metals in the known galaxy. He had been told the details at one point about what the metal was to be used for by the Wookies, perhaps for particularly durable bowcasters but the exact reason escaped him now. Both were hearty materials, and Mee Deechi found a particular interest in the wroshite, which was the only way he was willing to trade Umbaran doonium.

Jedi had spent the days leading up to his mission among the people of Kashyyk, climbing just as nimbly as the planet’s native inhabitants and perching in the tops of the towering conifers, staring into the mist shrouding the surrounds like a thick blanket made of wampa pelts. It was a scene that had been achingly familiar- but also alien to the Jedi. So much like home and yet not. He would return to his quarters each night and meditate on that feeling, reaching out through the Force to find an inner peace he worked to maintain.

It was not always easy, mental disciple was always more of a challenge than physical in some regards – especially for his species. However, Jedi prided himself in his training, allowing the Force to flow through him, not for feats of physical prowess, but for contemplative moments that required him flex his mind and soul like they were the lithe musculature that made him such a formidable opponent.

Although his phosphorescent gleam from his stripes grew all the brighter on the dark station platform, Jedi waited for the transport line that would deliver him to the temple in relative peace. A few giggling Czerialan on the opposite side of the platform, holding each other up despite the acute lean. Their diaphanous gowns reeked with the pungent smell of ale, wafting off them in waves which was enough to make Jedi’s acute nose twitch with distaste. Three meters to his left a Volpai and Morseerian were holding a heated debate over a game of Pazaak that the latter insisted their companion had lost their credits to. The Volpai was very clearly intoxicated, belligerent in their belief that it had been the Morseerian who had lost them.

Jedi’s ear flicked toward their voices, the four-armed Volpai slurring their words to their shorter companion, the Morseerian’s icy responses were accompanied by the mechanical hisses and clicks of the ventilator obscuring their face. Although there was clearly some aggravation at their combined loss, he felt no imminent reason to intervene. Nothing indicated that it would come to an exchange of blows or blasters, quite possibly thanks to the prominently displayed lightsaber which Jedi had subtly brought to the duos’ attention when he hissed with a feigned frustration and began to rummage with the pack slung around his torso.

When they quieted, Jedi’s attention returned to in front of him just as the transport rolled in – which was odd in and of itself as not many vehicles rolled on Coruscant. This one was a remnant of earlier times in the Republic. It linked major locations like the Jedi Temple, the Senate Building, the Galactic Museum, and the University of Coruscant that had been on the planet for generations. As the metropolis grew, swallowing up the planet in its entirety, all its outmoded infrastructure came under scrutiny, but the rail lines were kept for various reasons.

Some of the local politicians thought it would be good for the tourist, others thought they could be repurposed for moving supplies, and still others fought for the trains to keep the exactly purpose they were built for, a cheap and efficient way to move the near trillion residents of Coruscant.

Since hovering vehicles clogged the sky and Jedi found that many of the Coruscanti incapable of driving without distraction, this was his preferred mode of transportation. The hypnotic effect of the lights blurring into a simmering rainbow beyond the train’s windows was beautiful and very few people took the trains in the evening. Jedi crossed the platform in a few short strides when the cool automated voice announced for new passengers to board, ducking his head with the feathered crest atop it flattened in anticipation for the ride.

Settling in for his long ride through the canyonlike levels of the planet to return to the temple, Jedi allowed his gaze to become unfocused and the extraneous noises of his fellow passengers to fall into the background. Breath in… Breath out… Use this time to extend his mind and exercise his other senses. What was it that Master Yoda was always telling the padawans and younglings? Concentrate and-

“ALL ABOARD!”

Well, it was hard to concentrate when he had hypersensitive ears attuned to the minute sounds of light footfall in the underbrush. Jedi jolted in his seat, his auditory sense assaulted by two overlapping voices. The call made his ears ring unpleasantly and the flexible cartilage twisted backward and pressed flat against his head, his feathered crest puffing up in response and his pupils shriveling to the thinnest sliver. He took a deep breath, the ruffled plumage settling back. The words were still echoing off the walls as a figure nearly as tall as him strode the length of the platform, scanning for stragglers, which they kindly held the doors for, before entering the car. Four gray eyes taking count of the passengers inside and two mouths, one smiling and one frowning, relaying different information as they moved through the wide aisles.

“Please have your tickets! Tickets!”

“Yep! Tickets out please!”

It was not unusual to see an alien species with multiples of any limb really. There was so much diversity to be had in the galaxy, but Jedi had never seen a human that looked quite like this before. Two torsos erupting from the hips. Two heads. Four arms. Four eyes. Very clearly human though.

He broke his stare, recognizing that it would be rude, and fumbled in his pack for the data pad that contained his ticket information. There was an agreement between the government of Coruscant and the Jedi Council that all who trained at the temple received free passage on all public transport on the planet in exchange for protection that the presence of the Jedi provided simply by being present there at all.

“Thank you!”

The one in black on the right said, pressing a scanner to the data pad and removing it when it beeped. Jedi nodded, cocking his head with curiosity, which seemed to catch the attention of the humans.

“Is something wrong?”

The one in white on the left asked, mimicking Jedi’s motion unintentionally. He shook his head.

“I take this transport often and I have never seen you before. That is all.”

Basic had always presented a little trouble to him. It was often pointed out to Jedi that his speech was heavily accented, some of the grammar and syntax a little off from time to time. He had learned to speak Basic slowly for the sake of others on Coruscant just to avoid the reaction of polite annoyance - the rolling eyes when his gaze shifted, and they thought he didn’t see. Didn’t they understand that it was just as tedious as it was for him as it was for them? He at least bothered to try Basic for their sake, he was rarely offered the same courtesy. Around the temple, everyone seemed indifferent to his less than perfect Basic, taking most of his conversational cues from his expression rather than speech.

“Ah, that is because we were new to this route and shift! A last-minute schedule change that we are perfectly happy to cover for a fellow conductor who has fallen ill. A rather nasty case of Knytix Pox on a trip to Thyferra.”

“Yep. Covering a shift. Those pox are verrrrry contagious.”

Jedi replied with a wordless nod, looking them over with a casual eye and listening with a polite half-smile. Their clothes were what caught his notice. Tailored with extreme care and consideration for their condition. He admired the coats idly while stowing away the pad, only to find them still standing before him with looks of equal part curiosity and awe on their faces.

“Is something wrong?” “No – We’ve just never had the honor of running into a Jedi before. That is all.” Jedi blinked but beyond that did not permit his confusion to show. His lightsaber was out of sight, how had they – The man in black raised left hand as if to stop Jedi even before he said a word. “We overheard the gentlemen over there mumbling something about a lightsaber and looking your way.” “Mhm,” the white one hummed, grin widening into something bordering on mischievous, “They seemed concerned.”

“I see. I did not mean to cause a problem.”

Jedi trailed off, his ears twisting on top of his head as if to hone into the hushed conversation that the two aliens across the car seemed to be having about him, before falling silent when they were caught giving him furtive glimpses, and his glowing eyes connected with theirs with a hint of withering distain.

“You have not caused any problems at all! My brother and I are relatively new to Coruscant, there are not many Jedi roaming around Unova. We just moved from the mid-rim at the request of our employer.”

Jedi’s eyes returned to the humans in front of them with another faint smile. He liked their combined enthusiasm for their work.

“Cor-Union, right?”

“Yep! We worked on the trains in Nimbasa City.”

Jedi had never heard of Unova before, but there were countless planets in the mid-trim, far too numerous to be familiar with each and every one of them. He tilts his head, still offering them a cat-like smile – he considers asking about it simply because their enthusiasm is infectious, but he did not wish to interrupt their work.

“I wish you luck here on Coruscant. It can be quite the adjustment for some.” “Ah, yes. Our friend Elesa said the same thing!”

Jedi was delighted to see the man in black mirror his own expression. It was not quite a smile because it didn’t seem as though the man could smile – a sort of paralysis? – but it was the same smile that Jedi could manage that didn’t involve teeth. Others usually found his maw of teeth quite frightening. The humans’ gray eyes crinkled fondly with the mention of their friend, the man in white bearing a similar tenderness at the name.

They bid farewell with a synchronized tip of their hats and made their way down the car, asking for tickets to scan. Jedi would have just returned to watching the scenery, but one of the Czerialan – the one that smelt most heavily of alcohol from what his nose told him – decided that, instead of producing her ticket, she asked with a shrill cackle,

“What’re you? Half Troig or something?”

She clearly thought she was being hilarious, only strengthened by the fact that her companions also laughed.

“No.”

The one in white hissed, his smile not betraying just how he felt about the situation, but his tone was.

“Ticket, please.”

The other man said, whatever warmth in his voice from his conversation with Jedi turning ice cold and jagged with impatience that bordered on snarl. This was something they clearly were asked a lot, and something, Jedi had to suspect, that became more tedious to answer over time. He did not always understand humans, many of the knights or members of the High Council were human, like Masters Windu, and Kenobi – but human Jedi were not like other humans. Not all humans could tap into the Force, so what little reference that he had also intersected with something they were all intimately aware of and felt on a cellular level.

These men looked different than most humans, in some regards, as the Czerialan woman had said, they looked a lot like the Pollillus natives. Not the exact same orientation, but that hardly mattered to the intoxicated mind. They had just told him that they were from Unova. They clearly didn’t act, look, or speak like Troig would, so this woman seemed to be asking out of cruelty or at the very least insincerity.

It was easy to pick on outsiders.

Jedi knew that.

And he promised himself a long time ago that he would come to the aid of those experiencing such cruelties. The Jedi Order was supposed to protect and serve the people of the republic and the galaxy at large, but these were macro problems. There were many little problems in the galaxy. So much suffering and screaming that his satellite dish ears were able to pick up – All of it he just wanted to solve!

Master Yoda always warned about allowing emotion to override all else. Emotions were not inherently a good or bad thing, but they were delicate and could lead to irreversible consequences. Master Fisto, although distant with the younglings and padawans, had spoken to Jedi at length when he noticed how he teetered between his principles and the adherence to the code all the order were meant to follow.

When Jedi was offered private training with the Jedi Master, he jumped on the opportunity. Kit Fisto was a superior swordman within the order, some even rumored that he rivaled that of Master Yoda in terms of technical proficiency. The training was invigorating and exhausting all at the same time. It was not only training with the blade and of the body, but also of the mind and the Force.

“Injustice is injustice, no matter the size of the conflict – we can all acknowledge that. It is admirable how passionately you feel about these injustices and to what lengths you will go to aid those who face them.”

Jedi barely had time to parry the blazing green blade of Master Fisto, the heat of the plasma from the kyber-crystal nearly singeing his white fur and uncomfortably radiating up the metal that was his right arm. In this moment of distraction, his body was pushed back, his own lightsaber was knocked from his paws, and he landed flat on his back. Utterly defenseless even with his own natural weapons at his disposal.

“Emotion is a wonderful thing, but it can cloud the mind. It can interfere with your connection to the Force and leaves room for the Dark side to seize hold. Never stop your crusade of justice, young one. Let that fire inside you burn hot and bright, but never allow it to overwhelm and strip all else away… Do you understand?”

At the time, Jedi could not say he understood Master Fisto in his entirety, but he did now. Take control of those emotions, use them for good, and do not let them get out of control. Be passionate but balance it with perspective and reason. That was why he was told to discipline his mind.

Jedi took a slow breath through his nose; he did not think it was appropriate for him to step on their toes in this situation. Some people didn’t like the Jedi butting into their business, so he watched and waited for the appropriate moment where he might have to step in. The Czerialans continued to laugh, their tickets not out, and digging into the two conductors mercilessly with questions that would make anyone uncomfortable. It appeared as though the two men were attempting to ignore the questions, the one in black loudly exclaiming for their tickets over and over again only to be blatantly ignored.

“I am Emmet. You will have to get off.”

“He is right. If you have no valid tickets, we must ask you to get off at the next station or have a security droid remove you. Now, tickets, please.”

Jedi’s ears pinned back. How unfortunate that unruly and rude people were making their jobs so much harder. Soundlessly, he rose to his feet and approached the group, watching as, one-by-one, the Czerialans fell silent. He stood to his full height, his fur and crest fluffed out in a not-so-subtle intimidation tactic. A threat with no words.

“My apologies,” he managed to say in his silkiest Basic, “is there a problem, conductors?”

The two men shot him quick looks out of the corner of their eyes, Jedi noticed their eyes glowed like his. A wordless exchange passed between the three of them in the space of a heartbeat. Jedi recognized it as thanks for stepping in on their behalf as a sort of moderator before things had to get ugly.

“These passengers will not produce their tickets.”

The one in black said, his gaze moving back to the group of women seated before them.

“No ticket, no passage.”

Jedi nodded at the one who referred to himself as ‘Emmet,’ before addressing the Czerialan.

“Do you have tickets?” “Y-Yes!”

One of them squeaked, the ringleader, shrinking in her seat when all Jedi did was offer another nod and said coolly,

“Give the conductors your tickets, please.”

A moment later, the tickets were out and promptly scanned. Jedi returned to his seat without another word and the conductors took their leave toward the head of the train, only offering a silent double tip of their hats to him before the car door closed behind them.

It was about an hour later and the train was only a few stops away from the temple. He was alone in the car, all the other passengers having disembarked long ago, and Jedi was staring past his reflection to the skyline. The sky would have been a velvety black had it not been for the light pollution. The fused urban areas and megalopolises that made up the whole of Coruscant did not offer much of a view of its nighttime sky, just the bellies of looming ships that hung above the planet. The closest facsimile to stars and comets that the Coruscant natives ever saw were the twinkling flashes from orbiting satellites and the red and white streaks of landing lights through the air.

His mind was fuzzed out by the steady rhythm of the train gliding over the tracks, clacking with the same consistency of a metronome. It was mesmerizing. Listening to sounds from inside of the snaking metal beast, Jedi had the luxury to just allow his muscles to relax one by one and all his thoughts go quiet.

The car door opened, and his silence was instantly shattered.

“Master Jedi!”

His ears, already twisted to the new sound, flattened against his head and he inadvertently gnashed his teeth. Jedi knew they did not mean any harm, but conductor in black was so loud.

“The temple is the next stop.”

The one in white, Emmet, he had called himself, informed him with a pleasant smile. Jedi nodded acknowledgment.

“I am not a master but thank you for letting me know about my stop.”

He was quite aware his stop was fast approaching, but it was part of their job to make the passengers aware as they had done with the previous passengers in the car. He rose to his feet, expecting them to head back the way they came, but they remained where they were, looking a bit sheepish as they shifted on their joint feet. Jedi’s brow rose in question, waiting for them to volunteer, and Emmet cleared his throat,

“Thank you.”

“Yes, we wanted to thank you for intervening. The transition to Coruscant – ah…. It has its upsides and downsides. Most cannot wrap their head around our condition. Cor-Union usually keeps us on the dayshift to avoid situations such as this. Regardless, we appreciate your assistance.” “Of course.” Jedi said, understanding more than they could know. “It is my duty to help those in need.”

He was inexplicably charmed by the two, the small smile on his face genuine, as the train slows with its approach to the platform. Jedi easily remains upright, his tail acting as a counterbalance, as do the conductors, probably used to it from years of riding the rails.

“I am Emmet. Thank you for riding with us tonight!”

“We hope to see you again soon. Please, enjoy your evening.” “Likewise…”

Jedi pauses, waiting for the man in black to supply his name in the hanging silence.

“Ingo! Ingo Grey! This is my brother-”

“Full stop! Allow me to introduce myself, Ingo.” Emmet says with a furrowed brow, nudging his brother lightly in the rib which makes Ingo’s mouth twist up at the ends, a snort almost making it past his lips until he slapped a gloved hand other his mouth. “I am Emmet!” “Jedi.”

He replies with a little nod, which only earns him two slightly perplexed looks. Emmet and Ingo looked at each other briefly, their glowing eyes falling back on Jedi while they ushered him out to the platform. The temple rises beyond them, a mesa that stood tall around the neighboring buildings.

“What do you know, a Jedi named Jedi. Never seen that anywhere in the galaxy before.”

Ingo said, scratching his head under his hat. Emmet nodded. It was a long story and Jedi did not have it in him to explain at the moment, so he raised a paw in farewell.

“Emmet and Ingo Grey… It has been a pleasure to meet you both. May the Force be with you, good conductors.”

They offered a simultaneous nod and tip of their hats. Thanking him once more for the assistance, they look up and down the platform for any other passengers, call their signature, ‘All aboard!’, and clamber back into the car. The train whistles once and it hums with energy, but it darts off and out of the station.

[darkcrowprincess]

Goldenlight week 2023: 💜💛 Day four Human Realm/School

"Trrrrrrrrrrring." Went the school bell, signaling the last class of the day was over. That the school day was finally over. It's Friday and all the students of Gravesfield high school had a whole weekend to look forward to. Anticipation and teenage excitement was relentless in all of the student body. In Luz's class everyone else jumped out of their seats. Some talking to friends while walking out, others grabbing their stuff and bolting out of class. Quickly to leave school behind. Luz wasn't. She was lost in her head and being purposely slow. Stuck in a day dream about this or that. She would have stayed in her daydream, vaguely staring out the window if something hadn't hit her head.

"What?" Says Luz confused, than she notices a paper airplane stuck to her curles. Written on it in neat handwriting was the words "Read me." Next to it a really cute drawing of bird in flight.

Luz turns around to see who threw it, but other than the math teacher packing up their stuff, eerily no one else was here. Luz quickly gathers her stuff, pulling the note out of her hair as she does it. Slipping her blue backpack with stars and little clip on figurines of the good witch Azura she heads outside. No one was waiting outside for her either. So walking mindlessly down the locker strewn hall with out paying attention, she opens and reads the note.

If your not ready to go home yet, come meet me at my secret spot. Go to the school auditorium, and meet me on the stage.

-Hunter.

Luz blinks at this, reads the note again to be sure. "Hunter," hums Luz. Hunter is one of her friends. Though honestly he's her best friend. Though even more honestly the feelings she's has for him are confusing and strange. But not in a bad way. The problem is, well it's hard to explain. No one would probably believe her.

It doesn't take her long to walk to the school auditorium. Opening the big wooden doors, everything is quite. From the long rows of orkastra seats, to the balcony seats above. It's dead silent. 'A ghost town.' Luz laughs at that thought. Walking between the isle she looks up on the stage, where the big red curtains are closed. "Hunter? I'm here?"

Walking up the stairs to the stage, she moves to part the curtains. Something taps her on the back before she can.

"Ahhh!"Luz yells, surprised. She almost trips and falls off the stage if someone didn't grab her. Catching her in his long strong arms. As if doing a salsa dance dip. Luz blinks at not falling and looks up at her savior.

"Sorry, couldn't resist," Hunter says with a sheepish smile.

Luz pouts at him, grumpy but still happy to see him. "You need to stop doing that."

Hunter brings her up and out of the dip he has her in, but doesn't let her go. "Can't help it. It's in my nature."

Luz continues to pout at him for a moment or too. Than remembers why she's here.

"I got your note, what did you want to show me?"

Hunter smiles in mischief. He finally lets her go to disappear through the curtains into unknown darkness. Than he sticks a hand out back to her. One finger makes a come here motion. "Do you trust me?

Luz puts her hands on her hips, but can't help but smile, "Despite the present situation, yes." Than she takes his hand, no hesitation at all. Hunter pulls and gives her in darkness. She can't see at all, but him being him, he's use to it. His gold brown eyes glow in the dark. The only light, and leads her to a wall to flick several switches.

Out of the darkness comes soft blue light. Like moonlight. Luz also finally sees why the curtains were closed. To hide what the theater club was painting for this year's musical Aladdin. A dark blue starry night sky sparkles back at Luz. Full of glitter and sparkle, it looks magical in the soft blue stage light.

"Woooow!" Luz says amazed, stars and wonder in her eyes.

"That's not all."

Hunter hits another switch and soft music starts playing. And instrumental theme of "Whole new world," Soon fills the tiny room. Luz turns to him, but before she can say anything,he has her in her arms and in a moment they're floating. A few feet up. Luz holds tight to him. They start to rotate slowly, as if in a slow dance. But Luz still feels safe. Hunter always makes her feel safe. Hunter than brings her even closer. They are almost nose to nose. Hunter with his eyes half lidded and with a hopeful look on his face, "Can I keep you?" Even if Hunter wasn't a ghost, and hadn't been lonely for a long, long time. He still would have asked Luz the same question. Luz says nothing. Just closers her eyes and kisses him. His kiss a little cold, but still solid, firm and real just for a moment.

[justcallmecappy]

Tag Game

Thank you for tagging me, @sillyliterature! 🥰❤️✨

Rules: Share 10 facts about yourself and tag 10 other blogs! I want to get to know my mutuals, and the people I follow a little bit :) The facts can be about anything!

Dragon Age is not the only game franchise I'm obsessed with! I'm a huge fan of the Assassin's Creed franchise and have been running my AC-only blog, @jacob-mydear since 2016. It's on semi-hiatus now, since I'm not as obsessed with AC as I was before, but it's one game fandom I've been in the longest, and it has given me some of my fondest fandom-related memories.

I was so obsessed with 'Assassin's Creed Unity' (the AC game set in Revolutionary France), I planned a solo trip to Paris in 2019 to visit all the historical locations that I had only visited in-game up to that point, in-person. It was such a weird feeling, to feel nostalgic in places that I had never been to in-person, but only 'visited' virtually! I documented my trip in this AC Unity Fran Trip Guide to Paris, in case any other AC fan want to follow in my footsteps, lol~ 😆 Fun fact, I spent so many in-game hours in AC Unity, I could navigate my way around Ile Saint-Louis basically from my memories of the game (Bleeding Effect is real! 😂)

Besides gaming and writing fanfiction, one of my fandom-related hobbies is cosplaying. I have been cosplaying since 2007, even though I've slowed down a lot since the pandemic. My dream cosplays (hopefully I can achieve them this year, if I have the time and funds!🤞) is Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars, and Mage!Marian Hawke from Dragon Age 2.

My earliest fandoms were actually anime fandoms, lol! I too have a dark weeb past 😂😂😂 My gateway animes were Ouran High School Host Club, Fruits Basket, Naruto, Bleach, Katekyou Hitman Reborn, Macross Frontier, Code Geass, Gundam 00, Fate/zero ... (yes I started with that era of anime, haha 😂)

Because of my dark weeb past, I studied Japanese for around 5 years, and my highest JLPT level is N3. I don't speak super fluently but it's enough to get around Japan as a tourist.

I took a few months of French classes, but to be honest, I learnt more from free French language podcasts than I did from that French class 😂

Yes I studied French because, once upon a bygone time, I wanted to work in Ubisoft 🤐 In light of Ubisoft's recent controversies, that desire has dampened considerably haha~

I used to work in broadcast media; I work in the games industry now (just not in Ubisoft lol)

I noticed my favourite characters have names that coincidentally begin with the letter 'A' (Anders, Alistair, Arno, Aloy, Arwen, Aredhel).

I have terrible sense of direction and it takes me min 2.5 seconds to identify left from right 😂

Tagging (but only if you want to!): @v-arbellanaris, @dalish-rogue, @glowing-blue-feathermage, @grandmaswormsoup, @sulky-valkyrie

[talentbloomed]

Did they believe in Santa?:

Yes, he did ! Tooru would make sure there was milk and cookies for Santa every Christmas, and would leave a handwritten note for him as well with little doodles on it ! ‘I wish for a new volleyball so Iwa-chan and I can play!’ and there would be stick figures of him and Hajime weljnweljf Tooru’s mother and big sis thought it was the cutest thing ever.

Were they a dinosaur or rock kid?:

Rock kid because he used to give Hajime pretty rocks he’d find on the ground because Iwaizumi means “rock” so lil Tooru naturally assumed he would like them ahahaha

Bugs or slimy critters?:

Tooru doesn’t like either !! He used to burst into tears and freeze up whenever Hajime stuck a bug on him for fun. As he got older, they don’t scare him to that extent anymore but whenever there’s a spider in the house, he’d still call Hajime over to catch it.

Do they fidget? How?:

Tooru fidgets with his hands and makes motions with them when he’s restless before a volleyball match or for the next set of the match. His face is always serious and composed but if he’s up against a difficult team, he can be seen fumbling around with his hands. Outside of volleyball, if he’s nervous about something he’ll shift his weight from leg to leg or twirl a finger in his bangs. When he first wears skirts, he’d unconsciously keep running his hands down the fabric to adjust it even if it looks fine.

What were they frequently in trouble for as a child?:

Tooru was a really sweet and well-behaved child and would pick flowers from the school garden to give to his teachers. They found it very cute but would have to gently tell him why he shouldn’t do that. He can also be very loud when he’s his cheerful self so a teacher might have to shush him every now and then.

What underwear do they like?:

Briefs / boxer briefs ! Tooru’s the type to have silly underwear too and I wouldn’t put it past him to have glow in the dark + space themed undies 🤣

Designs on clothing or no?:

Oh yes !! He’s very stylish so he likes all types of clothing, with designs or plain !

Birthmarks?:

Tooru doesn’t have any birthmarks, the only blemish he has on his skin are the self-harm scars along his right hip. During timeskip, he gains some stretch marks along his inner thighs which he gets a little insecure about !

Do they have good self control?:

In middle school, no. Tooru’s very emotional and insecure with himself and his skills at this time in his life. He overworked himself to the core and would not stop until Hajime would forcefully get him to, in which he’d get upset at his best friend and there would be many emotional outbursts. In high school, his self control is much better. He’d take breaks and properly rest his body but some of his harmful tendencies are still hard to curb.

Favorite franchise?:

Star Wars and Star Trek (even tho I know nothing about sci-fi media oOP)

Do they re-enact scenarios in the shower?:

Tooru re-enact the day’s matches and plays in his head whilst in the shower. He’s always thinking about how to improve himself and his team, and what he could have done better or which toss he should have gave instead for a different result.

Do they tell the waiter that their order is wrong?:

He does with a smile and he’s very polite about it !

Stairs or elevator?:

No preference, but he typically opts for the stairs since taking them is usually faster than waiting for the elevator.

Are they an exaggerator when telling stories?:

Absolutely ! Tooru knows how to charm and perform, plus it makes the story all the more interesting. On top of that, he’s a very animated speaker and uses his arms/body for emphasis while his tone fluctuates to add more dramatics to any story he tells.

tagged by: @strawberrycolaaa​ ( thank you, this was a lot of fun !! ;W; ))

tagging: @kisumshi, @aerael, @multianime, @mymanymerrymuses, @prudenze, @msby15​ !!

[lady-charinette]

Chapter 4 of "Practice makes perfect" Spy x Family

There was something Twilight noticed that could potentially endanger Operation Strix.

At first, it had been a minor thing, nothing of significant importance, but ever since the incident with Yuri, it started happening more frequently.

Yor couldn’t look him in the eye for more than a few seconds.

Unless they were talking about Anya and school.

Still, it made for some potentially high risk situations.

After all, who would believe them to be married for a year when they can’t even hold eye contact for longer than a few seconds?

He would have to talk to Yor.

It was still early in the morning, so Loid made his way to the bathroom where he knew Yor was brushing her teeth. Anya didn’t seem to be awake yet when he found Yor alone in front of the sink.

“Yor.”

Yor startled, glancing back at Loid briefly, her hair kept out of her face by a fluffy red headband. “Yes?”

Loid leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed and gaze serious. “Why are you avoiding looking at me?”

Yor spat out the toothpaste in her mouth, splashes hitting the once pristine mirror and sliding down its smooth surface. Apologies tumbled from her mouth as the secret assassin hastily tried cleaning the mirror, silently hoping it might just distract her husband from his question.

It didn’t.

Loid cleared his throat. “Well?”

Yor sighed, running a dry paper towel down the now clean mirror again for good measure before she rinsed her mouth. “I um…I-I don’t know what you mean!”

Loid noticed the position of her feet and the way Yor’s hips twisted, all pointing in the direction of the door.

An escape.

Loid quickly slammed his foot on the other end of the doorway, blocking the only exist with his whole body. He felt the air rush past him as Yor now stood very close to him, obviously not having anticipated her escape route to be so swiftly blocked.

When their eyes met, Yor jumped and averted her gaze. “Ah- sorry! Where did I put-“

Before Yor could attempt another distraction, Loid asked softly. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, but would you please tell me if I make you uncomfortable, Yor? It would be easier for me to decide how to conduct myself around you in public without seeming suspicious but also respecting your space.”

At his words, Yor finally looked him directly in the eyes.

And held his gaze.

Twilight didn’t know if it was because of the bright bathroom lights, the early morning sun peeking lazily in through the half-opened blinds or the remnants of sleep in his eyes, but Yor suddenly seemed to glow. Her eyes sparkled like stars in the dark nights following a bombing, the soft redness on her cheeks only accentuating the ruby red of her eyes.

‘Huh? What am I thinking?’ this wasn’t the time nor place to have such thoughts. Perhaps Twilight was more sleep deprived and stressed than he thought.

His attention focused back on Yor when she bit her lip, her eyes fluttering but remaining on him. “You…are doing it again, Loid.” Was her face redder than before?

Loid blinked, “What?” Had he said something during his internal monologue? He didn’t remember speaking.

Yor briefly looked down at her feet before she returned her gaze back to his. “Y-You…you keep giving me that look…”

Loid blinked rapidly.

A look?

If only the mirror were in front of him, Loid could check what sort of expression he had on his face now that caused Yor to become so uncomfortable with him.

Did he look too stern? Upset? Unsettling?

Handler used to tease him of being a ‘cold, sharp eyed guy’ back in his rookie days, but Twilight had practiced his facial expressions in front of a mirror every day since. He knew what expression to make to gain the upper hand in a situation. He knew what expression to make to disarm people, so how did he look like for Yor to react like this?

“A…look? What…what kind of look, Yor?”

She bit her lip again, an action that inexplicably seemed to draw Twilight’s attention, before she hesitantly replied. “It’s…it’s very intense, Loid.”

She swallowed, another inexplainable action that caught Twilight’s attention, before he focused on her words.

Intense?  

Well, he supposed all his years as a spy did shape and require a person of certain intense character, but Twilight wasn’t so sure if he could be described as intense all the same.

“I…I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable, Yor. It wasn’t my intention.” He relaxed his stance against the doorframe, no longer blocking the exit with his body and towering over her. “I didn’t realize…I thought you might have avoided my gaze for different reasons.”

Was all there was to it? Was Yor shy? Was his gaze simply too intense?

Loid turned towards the door to allow Yor privacy to finish her morning routine, but a hand firmly gripping his wrist stopped him in his tracks.

This time, it was Yor that had a very intense look about her.

Twilight had spent years with Sylvia as his handler, he knew how intense women could get. And Yor meant business.

Loid felt the faintest dampness beginning to build up on the back of his neck. “Yor?”

A determined expression caused the fire in her eyes to light up like a rising phoenix from its ashes. “You’re right Loid, we have to practice!”

…Practice?

At his befuddled silence, Yor helpfully supplied: “Practice holding eye contact!” her cheeks were tinged pink, not unlike after she would emerge from her shower.

Yor silently waited for Loid to speak, her mind racing with newfound worries. ‘If people notice me being too embarrassed to look Loid in the eyes, we’ll be figured out and reported to the secret police! I can’t allow that to happen!’

“Um…yes, of course. When would you like to start, Yor?” Loid offered an easygoing smile, but it wavered when Yor suddenly leaned in close to him, her eyes never leaving his.

“Right now.”

Loid swallowed thickly.

--

The next morning at Berlint City Hall:

Sharon sipped her black coffee, pulling a strand of hair behind her ear just as Yor entered the break room with a boisterous: “Good morning, ladies!”

Almost immediately, all the women shared knowing glances with each-other before Sharon revealed her thoughts on Yor’s mood. “Someone seems to be in a good mood, something good happen, Yor?”

Yor busied herself with making coffee for herself, smiling at Sharon. It wasn’t unusual for Yor to smile, but this time it nearly blinded Sharon from her leaning position against the window. “Ah, it’s just – I spent a nice evening with my family. We went for a family outing and um, Loid and I went on a date yesterday.”

Yor had been so excited to try out their newfound eye contact record that she asked Loid if it was alright having their monthly dates a bit earlier. He had agreed without objections, they’d spent a lovely evening eating at a nice restaurant, maintaining good eye contact judging from people’s reactions around them and a long walk through the park.

Millie’s smirk resembled that of a Cheshire cat. “Oh? Did the two of you have a lovely evening together?”

Camilla, who had bit her tongue to wait for the right moment to tease Yor, finally spoke. “Oh my, Yor! I didn’t peg you for that type of person! It’s the same with my boyfriend and I! I just get too shy to look him in the eye after all the things we did the night before!” the pretty blush on her face could’ve fooled Yor into believing she was running a high fever were it not for the salacious look in her eyes.

Yor was oblivious to the woman’s double meaning. ”Oh, yes, I think I know what you mean. Last night was really intense, Loid insisted we continue and I guess I got swept up in it too. It was pretty late when we were done.” It had been funny actually.

Loid had praised Yor for overcoming her shyness to the point they managed to impress other patrons in the restaurant of how smitten they looked at each-other. He had asked if they could continue practicing for a while longer after coming home, his enthusiasm had infected Yor and they had stayed up late as a result of that.

Sharon’s cigarette almost fell from her slack grip. “B-But where was your daughter?”

The silence in the break room of Berlint City Hall was deafening until Yor opened her mouth to respond. “Oh? Anya was sleeping of course, but we were quiet to not disturb her sleep.” Of course, holding prolonged eye contact didn’t require much talking, but Yor and Loid had tried emulating situations of every day life and holding steady eye contact while conversing over the mundane to the more complex things in life, such as the exact filleting technique of a fish being eerily similar to that of skinning a person. Not that either Loid nor Yor had any practical experience in that, of course. That knowledge had been gained through “extensive theoretical research.”

Camilla seemed to regurgitate her coffee. “Wow, who knew they had such an active sex life.” She rubbed her forehead in distress.

Sharon adjusted her glasses, her fingers sweaty at the assault of images her mind conjured up of her innocent, pure co-worker engaging in such depraved acts with her daughter in the same house. ”You know what they say, it’s always the quiet ones…”

Millie blinked rapidly, taking a sip from her coffee. “Wow, I envy her.”

Yor hummed happily, completely oblivious to the distress her coworkers found themselves in.

For some reason, her coffee that morning tasted much better. She idly wondered if the image of Loid’s warm blue eyes engraved in her mind chased the bitterness away.

Thanks for reading!

[kookaburra1701]

Summer WIP tag game!

I was tagged by @thana-topsy, I am so excited about what might happen with Halfway to the Sky, I am 💓vibrating💓 and also 👀 at a potential Dark Brotherhood story

I tag @ms-katonic-of-tamriel @mswhich @canonicallymoriche

1) Describe one creative WIP project you’re planning to work on over the summer.

I am working on a trilogy of novel-length fics called Wives of Shor (WIP snippet here: Moth to Flame.) It's a fic that started out as a pastiche of bodice-ripper romances starring Kaidan and Lucien Flavius getting sex-pollened by Sanguine, but it has become a tale about loving someone from an entirely different background than you, having a crisis of faith, and learning how to move on and live a good life when you've done unspeakably terrible things in the past.

I'm planning on having the entire first novel written out + at least most of first drafts of the second and third before beginning to post, so it will be awhile.

OK the game says one but screw that here's some other WIPs I'd like to chip away at, even if they aren't my highest priority:

A Wives of Shor prequel that explains why Lucien only made it to Falkreath before deciding that he REALLY needed some protection on the road.

A fic that explains why there's a bandit trapped in a hay bale in Swindler's Den when a) hay bales require industrial machinery to produce and b) who the hell was baling hay inside a cave. It will also explore the character of Ennis, the goat farmer in Rorikstead, and his relationships with other characters from Rorikstead.

Because I Could Not Stop for Death a short-ish novella that explores how Thane Bryling navigates the transition of being ruled by High King Torygg to his young bride, Elisif the Fair. It was inspired after I noticed that the Holy 80s High School Movie Girl Trinity of Jock-Prep-Goth was present in Bryling, Elisif, and Sybille Stentor. (Yes, all the chapter titles are Emily Dickinson poems ha ha)

I'd really like to get the full summary/outline of a fic my friend TheInducer and I yes-anded into existence. It involves a retelling of the Odyssey by way of Mor Khazgur needing to find a new Chief after theirs went missing. TheInducer did a great write-up on the theory we came up with on r/teslore: Durak is (probably) from Mor Khazgur.

And of course, I continue to hope I will be seized once again by the fit of utter depravity that caused me to write 2K words of Sanguine/Hermaeus Mora tentacle porn a few months ago called La☆Blue Daedra so I can actually finish it and inflict it on the rest of fandom.

2) Rec a book:

The Search for Delicious by Natalie Babbitt. Her first novel is often overlooked by more celebrated/literary ones like Tuck Everlasting but to me this book is the quintessential fantasy story, and it's a very fast read without sacrificing vivid world building and descriptions. Here's my favorite, I think about it whenever I'm struggling with trying to describe something:

There was a lovely greenish glow in the forest, a glow pierced everywhere by tree trunks like fingers thrust into an aquarium full of tinted water; and Gaylen slipped between them like a small fish. With the trees all around him and the rain dancing on the leaves high over his head, he felt as if he were going deeper and deeper into a world that existed tranquil and quite separate from the one he had left behind.

3) Rec a fic:

I have an entire bookmark collection of The Elder Scrolls fic recs!

If I must pick one for this tag game, it would be Like Lightning by Jotting Prosaist. This fic single-handedly changed my opinion on 2nd person POV. It's absolutely masterful and I couldn't imagine experiencing the story it tells any other way. Mind the warnings, it goes to some very raw places.

4) Rec music:

Uh, my musical taste is...eclectic. I guess right now I've been on an early European music and metal kick, so I guess Corvus Corax fits the bill.

5) Share one piece of advice.

Floss daily, check your fire extinguishers and smoke alarms twice a year.

[sailor-toni]

Danny Fenton Football Captain and the East Coast Vampire CH 3

Chapter 3: Casper High’s Finest

You can also read it on A03, FF.NET, and on Wattpad

The first thing to greet Danny was a heavy set of clouds and the looming scent of rain. Mondays were nobodies things but Danny hated them especially so. The sharp calls of his alarm clock, the cold nip at his skin, and the banging on his door were sounds Danny would hear on repeat in hell. 

“Danny! Wake up we have less than thirty minutes to get to school,” Jazz pounded on Danny's door till he loudly groaned at her. She gave a few more pounds before letting an annoyed second groan answer her question. Danny was up, and against his will, he was awake. 

Danny’s older sister was the star child, with her signature red hair, bright mind, perfect grades, and a full ride scholarship to Yale. But that was never enough for Jazz, she had to be perfect at everything, even waking up. She woke up at five AM sharp every morning, did a workout routine, did her skincare routine, makeup, and then pulled out one of her many meal-planned breakfast containers of berries, oats, and yogurt. 

Meanwhile Danny fumbled through his routine of his morning shit, then he examined his chin for any new hairs, gave his jeans the smell check, and ate whatever wasn’t glowing in his family's retro styled fridge. 

“GOOD MORNING CHILDREN!” The yelling rocked through Danny's ears like a nuke. “How are we doing today!?” Jack Fenton, the father of the Fenton family and village idiot, squeaked and banged his way into the puked colored kitchen. His neon hazmat suit clanked with various metal tools and a metal box labeled Jack’s snacks that hung around his waist. 

“I am doing great! I just finished my level three online yoga class this morning,” Jazz said.

“That’s great sweetie! And what about you champ?”

“I wish I was dead.” Danny groaned

“You can't die yet son! Your mother and I havent found a way to track where your soul goes yet!” Danny just nodded along to his fathers usual nonsense. 

“Where is mom?” Jazz asked, 

“Oh she's downstairs, your mom and I have been working on a new ecto-weapon that will blow the socks of those elites at the university,”

“Ah greeaaatt,” Jazz said, before she shoved a spoonful of oats and berries down her throat. 

“Jack! Where is the seven millimeter wrench?” Their mom yelled from below. 

“It’s to your- no my left! Ah I’ll be right there sweetie!” Jack grabbed the loaf of bread and headed down the metal steps, “Have a good day at school kids!” 

“Thanks Dad,” Danny said. Without their father the kitchen was overtaken by the hum of the electronics. Danny grabbed a coffee and returned to his normal routine. 

“Let me know when you're done. I want to get to school early to prepare for the morning announcements,” Jazz said. Danny nodded. Today felt like it was going to be a long day. 

--- 

Vines climbed the old bricks, shading the old worn down window stills and brick from the heat. A large clock was high on top of its head, looking down upon all the students who entered through its large oak doors. Every year during the yearly pep rally Principal Pham would mention that the school was over two-hundred years old, but honestly anyone could see that just by looking at ye old Casper High. The school could be mistaken for a private school for how it looked. Old, fancy, and intimidating. The school even had a pretentious fountain in its front courtyard. Danny groaned at the sight. His sister pulled up to her honor student spot and he was out, his feet leading him to the gaggle of football players sitting around one of the many oak trees and iron benches that were around the fountain. 

Thud! He rubbed his shoulder and looked around to see who had collided with him. Behind him was local outcast number one, Sam Manson aka the oth chick. Pale white skin, black fishnet top, black crop top and skirt, and an attitude for eons. Next to her was local outcast number two, Tucker Foley. Dark black skin, bright eyes, and a red beanie, Tucker looked like he walked out of a nerd stock photo with his cargo pants and green vest over his orange turtle neck. 

“Watch where you’re going,” Sam snapped at him. 

“Watch where I’m going? You bumped into me!” Danny replied.

“Yeah, whatever,” She rolled her eyes at him, before walking away. 

“Hey Fenton!” Dash called. “Is the goth bitch bothering you?” 

“Not any more than usual Dash,” 

“What is even her problem anyways?” 

“I don’t know, maybe she was born with a stick up her ass,” 

“Fenton! Head’s up!” Danny caught the ball with his chest, gripping it close to its impact zone before throwing back to Kwan. 

Under the oak tree, Brian and Mark were balancing textbooks on their knees, using the surface as a makeshift desk in order to copy Tyrone’s math homework. Meanwhile Romeo, the team’s twig shaped linebacker, was gulping down a possible second breakfast. Kwab stood behind them throwing the pigskin at anyone who made eye contact with him. 

“Yo, Cap what’s up?” Tyrone called out to Danny. “Hey did you do the history homework over the weekend?” 

“Pff- sorry man I forgot we had homework,” Danny said. 

“Shit, that was the only one I didn’t finish,”

“Okay, but like who has time to read about the pyramids anyways? Like what am I supposed to do with that after school anyways? Yes sir, I do know that the Pyramids are over two thousand years old, please hire me,” Brian joked.   

“Uh people who want to get into a good college need to know that,” Tyrone said. 

“Don’t you have, like, two scholarships already?” Dash asked, leaning over to take pictures of Tyrone’s math homework.

“Those things will only cover my first year and some textbooks. My Dad can’t cover the rest,”

“Ugh bumm-er,” Dash said. 

“Have you tried for that football scholarship?” Danny asked. 

“Yeah, I put in the paper work and even hand-wrote the essay; they didn’t want a typed one. But I haven’t heard anything back yet,” 

“Don’t worry about it. You’re the smartest guy on the team. I’m sure you’ll get it,” Danny said. 

“Not if Fenton applies,” Brian giggled. 

“Hey now, I’m not going for it,” Danny said. 

“Why not?” The whole team looked at him like he was crazy. 

“I don’t know. I’m not sure if I want to go to college. Seems like a lot of money my folks don’t have,” 

“You’re not gonna play in college?” Tyrone took his homework back from the other players. 

“You gotta play in college! Who else will put up with my shit Cap’?” Brian pleaded. 

“Yeah, you can’t just live in your parent’s freaky basement forever,” Kwean said. 

He did have a point, but after the accident and the last few months of sneaking around town fighting monsters and the box ghost. Danny didn’t know what he wanted to do anymore. He wasn’t even sure if he wanted to protect the town anymore. He spent every free moment catching ghost after host, only for them to find a way back and for the town to tell him to go away. Everyone wanted Fenton not the creepy white hair kid that phased through their dining room table.

And if he went to college? What would he do? When he was a kid he wanted to go to space, but would NASA even let a half ghost fly into space? And he would have to tell them about it too. It would be too hard to hide the powers from all the health checks and doctor appointments. And it would be too hard to hide that if he did college level football. He would need to get a health check before, during, and after every season. Was he supposed to say sorry, I turned on my parents' experimental ghost portal while inside of it and everything has been strange since. Just ignore and move on. No regulator would buy that. 

Plus college level football was on national TV. What would happen if the camera caught him clipping through a player or if he floated off the ground for a second too long? Would the NFL even want a ghost player, or would that give him an unfair advantage? Sorry sir you can't play because no other player can shoot lasers from their hands or fly above the rest. The Olympics would be even worse. 

“You’re right, maybe I’ll get a job at the planetarium as a scientist or something,” Danny said. He did like the stars, and the telescope would be the closest he could get to them without everyone finding out he was a freak of nature. 

“If you work at the planetarium can you give us free tours?” Brian asked. 

“If you are working for the NFL you better have money to pay for your own god damn tour Brian,” Danny joked back. 

“I thought you wanted to be an astronaut?” Kwan said.  

“I did but can you imagine me in space?” 

“Yeah, Kwan! Just imagine turning on the computer and seeing Casper high football captain Danny Fenton, first football player to go into space.” 

“Brian shut up man,” Danny chalked. 

“Hey Cap’ make sure you wave to us little people when you get into your fancy space shuttle,” 

“Brian the only wave you will be getting is my middle finger,” 

“Hey Cap’ those are fighting words,” 

“How are you gonna reach me dude? I’ll be in space,” 

“I’ll be in the NFL, I’ll buy my Tesla and drive up to get ya,” 

“Wait, you're gonna do what?”

“My the time he gets to space I’ll be rich and famous, so I’ll ask my buddy Elon, to build me a space car an-”

“Brian you have said some of the dumbest shit, but that has to top it,” Tyrone burst out laughing 

“What do you mean? He put a car into-” 

“The car was in a rocket, it did not fly into space!”

“Same thing,” 

“No bro you don’t understand how gravity would destroy your car,” 

“I don’t think Brian understands much of anything!” The football team began to verbally drag this boy across the field. 

“Plus even if you did manage to go to space, the Cap’ would knock you flat on your ass,” 

“I bet the Cap would knock his ass back down to earth,” 

“Psh- Please. I could manage the Cap’, he's like half my size!” Brain threw his arms up, showing off the small lumps of muscles on his arms. 

“Nah! Fenton may look small but he got a pretty good punch!” Dash came in ragging on Brain. 

DING! DONG! DING! DONG! The old Casper High bell rang over their merriment alerting all the students that it was time for school to begin. Groans and eye rolls accompanied the clusters of students as they slowly grabbed their thighs, shoved their phones and laptops into their bags, and at a snail's pace, dragged their suddenly weak bodies inside the old building. 

The interior of the school was much like its exterior. Old, strangely green, and maybe poisonous. Some of the classrooms on the first floor had plastic covering their walls to avoid kids getting sick from the aged wallpaper. The plastic had crude holes cut in it to make way for the brand new smartboard that covered up every blackboard in the school. And everyone hated them. They were the number two complaints by teachers and students (number one was the wallpaper). The smartboards biggest enemy was Danny’s balding English teacher Mr. Lancer. He refused to use them even when they had first been installed. He took every chance he had to trash the hunks of plastic. His opposition to them reached a boiling point last year when his board in particular accidently caught on fire! The flames signed the poisonous wallpaper forcing the school to evacuate for a week. 

After that incident Mr. Lancer bought a cheap $30 wheeled chalkboard from Amazon and pushed it up the stairwell to his new classroom on the third floor. The poor board looked and sounded like it was only thirty dollars. The wheels sounded like death itself when he moved it and the board would shake in its frame like a scared puppy. Everyday morning he would drag it from the back of the room to cover the smartboard, and at the end of the day he would drag it back to the back of the room and hang a large “ DO NOT THROW IT AWAY��� on it. 

Today was no different. Hugging his headphones close to his head, he tried to drown out the noise of this thing moving across the room. 

“Good morning class!” Mr. Lancer grunted. “What another beautiful day in Amity Park!”  The noise of the chalk was sharp on their ears, as Mr. Lancer drew out the day’s lesson goals. “Unless… you are the hooligans who decided it would be fun to burn down the old Master’s mansion last night! Then I hope today is the worst day of your ungrateful little lives!” Danny slumped down in his chair. 

“What happened?” A student asked. 

“The Masters Mansion, a mansion that was originally built in the late 1800’s and has been in this community for over a hundred years, was set on fire last night! That building was one of the last building designs by late romantic era architect Bruce Lowsettion, and it was only days. DAYS away from being declared a historic site. The Amity Park historical society had already planned fundraisers to rebuild the place. But now there is nothing to replace!” The chalk broke- no the thing shattered in his hands from his furious writing. “FENTON!” 

“Yes sir!” Danny shot up in his seat. 

“For the love of god take those stupid headphones off before i throw them out the window,” 

“Yes, Mr. Lancer,” 

“God kids these days and their technology. Back in my day we read these things called books! And we would spend our weekends watching Saturday morning cartoons and MTV, not burning down abandoned mansions,” The venom was spewing out of his voice like landmines. “By the way I’m not accusing you, Fenton, I am just a little tick off. I know you and the rest of the football team would never be involved in a situation like this.” 

“Mr. Lancer,” Wes Weston, local ginger who wanted to be in everyone's business. “What if it was the ghost boy who set the mansion on fire?”

“This time Mr. Weston I have solid evidence that proves you wrong. Old lady Mason said she saw more than one figure leaving the mansion last night,” 

“What if he was working with someone though? We don’t know a lot about that ghost boy?” 

“The perpetrators were on bikes. I don’t think the flying juice record would suddenly pick up a bike. Plus Mr. Weston I’m the Ghost Boy will be caught and taken care of eventually. Same with whoever burned down the mansion,”

“Mr. Lancer?” Sam raised her hand.

“Yes Miss. Manson?” 

“I know this matter must be very close to your heart but we did have homework over the weekend,” 

“Right! Thank you Miss. Manson! This weekend everyone should have read chapter three and four of the Great Gatsby,”  

The classroom erupted in groans and side remarks. The students began pulling out the small blue books out of their bags and flipping to the pages they definitely read over the weekend. Mr. Lancer pulled the printed spark notes paper out of one student's hand and the lesson began. 

Today’s victim was Wes again. Mr. Lancer began to grill him about some dude party and a green light but Danny couldn’t focus because someone was trying to pass him a note. Hiding the paper under his desk, he unfolded the note and read, 

I saw you and your buddies leaving the mansion last night. Meet me at the dumpster during 5th period lunch or else I will “leak” the clip onto YouTube 

signed

The Goth Bitch

Sam Manson wasn’t looking at him, her eyes were trained on the chalkboard, but a little smirk crossed her dark lips. Just great . Danny thought. This is just what I needed today. Drumming his fingers on his desk, Danny waited for the class bell to ring out again. His patience began to wear thin when the bell rang out, scaring him out of his skin. Before he collected himself and ran out the classroom, chasing Sam down the halls. 

“Hey what the hell is this?” He shoved the note in her face. 

“I assume you can read? Or has the concussions from football finally rotten your tiny brain,” 

“Sam this isn’t the time to joke around,” 

“Who says I’m joking?” 

“Sam!” 

“Look Mr. Captain of their football team, we can talk more about this at lunch, just like my note said, and with that she slithered into the art room and left Danny lost amongst the crowns scattering to and from their classrooms. 

---

“Kwan we have a problem,” Danny said, his voice stern and stubborn. 

“What is it?” Kwan was busy doodling blocky looking S’s in his earth science notebook, leaving no room for actual notes. 

“Someone saw us leaving the mansion last night,” 

“What?” He dropped the pen.

“Yeah, she passed me a note during my first period English class. Apparently we wants to meet at the dumpsters during lunch, or else she will post the video of us leaving to YouTube,” 

“No! Bro! She can’t do that!” Danny hit his friend, Kwan’s voice was a little too loud for the early morning. “Sorry, but we’ll get kicked off the team if they find out what happened,” 

“I know,” 

“Like we were just trying to have fun when the ghost set everything on fire, we aren't arsonists or trespassers. It’s the ghost fault,” 

“I doubt the cops will believe us though, they refuse to admit that there are ghosts in the town. Like remember the giant meat ghost? The cops tried to say it was a tornado, not a ghost,” 

“Yeah, a tornado picked Star up and broke her leg! My Dad’s right cops are useless,” 

“Tell me about it,” 

“Ugh! God what the hell- wait who passed you the note?” 

“Manson,” 

“The Goth? Ew! What the hell Manson. Not cool bro,” 

“I know, what a bitch,” 

“What are we going to do?” 

“I don’t know yet. I just found out like an hour ago,” 

“Well we gotta do something. What does she even want?” 

“I don’t know, she said we can talk at the dumpster,” 

“Did you tell the others?” 

“Not yet, you know how Mrs. Vanburen is with phones,” 

“Oh yeah, she was the one who tried to take my phone and keep it overnight. My mom put a quick stop to that,” 

“Must be nice being the principal's kid,” Danny half joked. 

“Oh you have no idea.” 

The bell rang and Mr. Felcher finally entered the room. He was one of the new teachers at Casper High, with that twinkle in his eyes and excitement for the day. Unlike the other teachers who walked around the school like vengeful spirits ready to yell at the next student who crossed their path.  Mr. Fletcher was trying very hard to be the fun teacher, with his bob Ross bow tie, and colorful button up shirt with a happy little tree pattern all over it. 

“Good morning students! Today we are going to be talking about gravity, and its effects on the planets and our solar system. You know when I was in college I had an incident with a beer keg and a tube and let's just say I quickly learned what gravity was!” Mr. Fletcher laughed to himself. “By the way, if you know what I’m talking about, you are too young for that. Anyways gravity is-'' The lesson continued as normal with students furiously taking down notes and bobbing their heads up and down to make sure they hadn’t lost track. Until Mr. Fletcher brought out a black tarp. “Would anyone like to volunteer for an experiment?” 

“Here, I'll cover for you, go tell everyone what happened,” Kwan whispered. “Uh I’ll help Mr. F! 

“Oh, thank you Kwan! I’m so glad you could take a break from talking with Danny to help me out. Now grab the tarp like this and-” Mr. Fletcher turned his back and Danny flipped out his phone. Fingers blazing on the touch screen to get his words out. 

SpaceGhostDanny : Heads up guys. Sam Manson saw us leaving the mansion last night and has video to prove it. She wants to meet at 5th period lunch or else she is going to post the video on youtube. 

TouchDownHero : Are you fucking seriously??!?!?!?

SayonaraPaulieCat : I’m in the gym with her rn. DO you want me to jump her and grab the phone? 

B8stGurluKnow : Get her gurl!

SpaceGhostDanny : NO! Wait, we don’/t know if she saved the video to the cloud or not. And we don’;t need assault on top of trespassing! 

SayonaraPaulieCat : >| This little girl must have a lot of nerve to try and blackmail us like this! 

TouchDownHero : What are we going to do? We need to get rid of that video!

ToHot2Touch: Hey guys I think I have an idea! Can’t talk now in Vanburen’s room. Danny come talk to me during gym, 

B8stgurlyouknow : Val to the rescue! 

Paulina sent out several praying emojis into the chat.  

Danny slid his phone into his pocket and adjusted his stance. He had to look like he was paying attention or else Mr. Fletcher would catch him. At the front of the room, Kwan and another student were stitching a tarp tight as Mr. Fletcher dropped balls on it. 

“As you saw, the dollar store bouncy ball had very little gravity. AKA it did not have a very large impact on the tarp. But if I drop this basketball. You can see that it dips further down than the bouncy ball. Danny, do you know why?” 

“Hun?” 

“Do you know why the basketball has a different reaction than the bouncy ball?” 

“Uh cuz, it's heavier?” 

“Yes! But why?”

“Um...” 

“Maybe you can look it up on your phone screen, which seems more interesting than my class. But it is because of gravity! Maybe Kwan can share his notes with you after class,” rolling his eyes, Danny tried to hide his burning cheeks from the other giggling students. 

---

The Casper high gym had been refurbished a few times in the past years but no renovation could mask the scent of sweat and desperation that came from the floorboards and gym mats. The gym was split up into two main basketball courts and a large track that sat above it. The track has the mats along the walls to stop incoming students and thick iron walls to prevent students from falling off into the courts below. Danny was pretty sure the iron bars were only there because it was a legal requirement. Not because the school actually cared about student health and safety. 

Today was an easy gym day, you were given the choice to either play tennis on the court or run the track above. Valerie quickly grabbed Danny and ran to the track, the two were neck to neck with each other along its boundary. 

“So, Val, what's this big plan of yours?” Danny asked between heavy pants. 

“I was thinking,” Valerie began

“As one does,” 

“Shut it. I was thinking that last night you were rally slick when getting out of the house,” 

“I was?” 

“Uh yeah? You were so quick I almost thought that wooden bean had gone through you or something,” Danny’s skin turned ice cold at her words. “So, what if I get Paulina and Star to distract Sam and you can grab her phone? You can go into the boy’s room and delete the video,” 

“What if it's on the cloud?” 

“She probably logged in to the cloud on her phone, most people are! That’s how my Aunt Carole got hacked. He got her login info off her phone and stole thirteen thousand dollars from her.” 

“Jesus Christ!” 

“I know, she had to beg my Dad to pay her bills,” 

“Did he?”

“Of course, my Dad couldn’t turn Aunt Carol down. Even if she is a little dumb. But! Anyways. You can just open her cloud app and delete the video from there,” 

“What if she downloaded it to her laptop or something?” 

“Then we steal her laptop? I didn’t that far ahead Danny!” 

“I’m sorry Val, I’m just nervous. I don’t want to get accused for starting that fire when we did nothing wrong,” 

“I know, but we can’t just give into her demands.” 

“Yeah, actually wait. I don’t know what she wants,” 

“Did she tell you?” 

“No, she just told me to meet her at the dumpsters next period.”

“Ugh of course she did.” 

“Wait what if she wants something like, we don’t bother her or something like that?” Danny said. 

“We don’t really bother her though? She keeps to her side of the school and we keep to ours. At least I try to keep all contact at a minimum. That girl is weird, did I tell you about the time she kidnapped the frogs in eighth grade?” 

“No?”

“Ugh we were cutting open frogs and she took them all and replaced them in the school parking lot. But she didn’t realize they were already dead, so the frog bodies stuck to hot parking lot,” 

“Wait, was that day the school smelled like shit?”

“Yeah! Like the frogs are dead, who cares what we do with the bodies,” 

“Yeah,” 

“And it looks like nothing changed. She still butting her head in where it doesn’t involve,” 

“Yeah. wait I got an idea,” 

“What?” 

“What if we convince her to give us the video files?” 

“Danny, I already thought of that. What do we have that she wants? A place on the cheer team? football tickets? A party?” 

“Well, we must have something if she- does he have a crush on me?”

“What?” 

“She singled me out, no one else got a note, maybe this is like some goth way to ask someone out,” 

“I- no!”

“That was harsh. Am I not that sexy Val?’

“DO I have to justify that? Plus, you’re out of her league,”

“Maybe she thinks she has a chance?” 

“Ugh I hope not. Wait, we can use that as reverse blackmail!” 

The gym teacher blew her little listen and the student began to pack up the tennis rackets and nets. 

“That could work!” Danny said. 

“Thank you! I will try my best.”

---

The lunch room was packed as bustles of students walking around and orange safety cones blocked off parts of the area still. The destruction from the meat ghost crashed through the walls back in August. The holes still stank of rotten meat, and insulation hung from the cracks. Outside one of the massive holes was the dark green dumpsters, which also smelled of rotten meat. Danny remembered that ghost. It was also Sam Manson’s fault! She had changed the lunch menu to have vegan Fridays and the ghost of some old lady came out of the portal to file her complaints. Unfortunately, Danny was the only one to file her complaints to, and he didn’t take it too well. He tried to demand she leave the school and go back to the Ghost Zone on her own free will. Danny could still smell her, as she used her powers to collect all the meat in the school and morphed into a nine-foot meat monster, attacking anything that looked in her direction. It was one of the hardest ghosts he fought yet. She could clone herself into smaller meat monsters, and the frozen meat she threw at him left giant bruises on his skin. The relief he felt when she sucked her into his parent’s trap was better than the shower he had to take afterwards. 

He shook the memory from his head, and headed to the dumpster and waited for Manson to show her dumb face. Star and Kwan watched from inside while Dash and Paulina waited behind the dumpster. Their cell phones were ready to record a confession for blackmail. 

Sam eventually came to the spot. As she came closer Danny could see her wipe the crumbs from her face. Danny looked her up and down, and she wasn’t ugly. Danny once thought she was quite pretty, but her personality was annoying and her self-righteousness annoyed him to no end. 

“Alright Sam, I'm here, what do you want?” Danny spoke first. 

“I’m surprised you came alone. None of your little friends wanted to come with you?” She scoffed. 

‘“I told them to stay back. They don't need to know about this,”

“Funny since I have them on video too! I like the part where Paulina and Star dragged Kwan’s body from the house,” 

“Not funny Sam,” 

“You haven’t seen the clip. It's very funny,” 

Danny rolled his eyes. “Look if your here just to laugh at me I’m gonna leave,” 

“Wait! Aren't you curious about what I want? Or why did I ask you to come up here?” 

“I guess,” 

“I called you out here to ask one thing,” 

“You blackmailed me for a question?’ 

“Hold up! I want to know, are you the ghost boy?” 

“What?” 

“I heard you got into an accident last year and were out of school for a week, and ever since then you’ve been acting funny, and whenever the ghost boy appears you are nowhere in sight,” 

“A lot of people are not there when the Ghost boy is there. Do you think Dwayne the Rock Johnson is also the Ghost Boy?” 

“I’m not joking. You've been acting weird, hiding in corners and coming out of the closet when nobody was in there before, and sometimes objects seem to fall through your hand instead of out of them. Even you have to admit that there are too many things that don’t add up,” Sam then gave him a sly smirk “So am I right or am I right? You're the ghost boy aren't ya?” 

“And if I tell you no, are you going to post the video?”

“Depends on what you tell me?” 

“Well… you are…” Danny’s voice drifted off into the wind, slowing down till not even he could hear his voice. In the corner of his eye, he could see Paulina and Dash staring at him, examining him and thinking Is she right? “Wrong. Completely wrong. I am just your normal American teen. Not some freak who flies through walls,” 

“What about-”

“Look I drop stuff all the time, just ask the couch how many times I fumble the ball. And look there is a reason you don’t see me around all that ghost stuff but it's not some weird superhero shit.” 

“Well Mr. normal American teen, you better tell me the reason or else this little clip will get you kicked off the team,” In her hands was a USB in the shape of a black bat. 

“I can’t tell you,” 

“Why not” 

“It's personal okay,” Danny muttered. 

“What did you say I couldn’t hear you,” Sam said, raising her voice.  

“I said it’s personal and I don’t want you running all over the school telling everybody,” 

“What are you so scared of, you're the football captain, the teacher’s golden boy. Everyone loves you,”

“Well, everyone has their secrets,” 

“Like being a ghost?” 

“No! Ugh! Look if I tell you will you get rid of the video? We have a game becoming up and we can’t risk losing three key players because of your crackpot theory,” 

“It depends on if you're lying or not. Because I know what I saw and”- Danny marched up her grab and grabbed her shoulder. Harshly whispering in her ear. He then pushed her back towards the dumpster. 

“There. Happy? If you let this get out, I will make your life hell Manson. Understood?” Sam’s face was beat head, with her cheeks puffed out to keep her from exploding in laughter. 

“A-are you serious?” Her voice came out in small squeaks. 

“Yes, I-” 

“PFFF AH HAAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! Oh my god! I - Oh My God! AH! Hahahahaha-” her hand came up and used the dumpster to prevent herself from falling over……. Her body was now bucking under her laughter. “You? Mr. Perfect? You are afraid of ghosts?”

“Shut it! No one can know about this,” Danny cursed. “You wanted to know why you don’t see me in the same place as the freak, well there you go. Is that a good enough reason for you?” 

“Oh god, wait,” Sam grabbed her knees and began to take deep breaths between each patch of giggles. “Yeah, no that's. That’s a good enough reason. I am okay with being wrong on this one. Here,” she threw the batty USB at him. “Don’t worry that’s the only copy I have, so have a good day, and beware of any ghost!”  

Danny began to stomped away from her, when he suddenly had the feeling of being watched. He looked around but Dash and Paulina had already snuck their way to the lunch table, probably to spread his lie around the school. Sam was texting someone, and there was no one around, Danny didn’t even hear any birds circling the trash overhead. The feeling intensified until he jogged back inside, feeling safer in ye old Casper High. It was a miracle that she bought it, but she probably was just looking for a reason to mock him. And with that over I can finally get some rest he thought.

[castles-crumbled-down]

Finished hw so heres a small "Miss Americana and The Heartbreak Princess" snippet i just wrote

I walk home with james, thinking about whether I should tell him about my sapphicness or not. God, this is so frustrating! We'll be spending the rest of the afternoon together, so i'll get to bring it up to him then. We pass by Cornelia High. "Hey, isn't that the school your new friend is from?" james asks me, kind of sounding annoyed. "Yeah, and? We can still be friends if we're in rival schools. Doesn't mean we have to be rivals." I respond, hoping he'll brush it off. Just then, as I was going to ask about his new best friend, Emma, he kisses me on the cheek. I freeze, and stop walking completely. James asks me "U good?" just as I see lyla walking home from school. She had seen the whole thing! I see lyla run home, semi-crying. "James, as much as I think you're cool, i don't like you like that. Sorry." I tell James. "Oh, okay. So, am I still coming over?" He asks. I seriously think about this, whether I should have some time to think about other things alone or do homework with him. "Uhm, you know what, James? i think I should be alone for a while." I say. "Oh, okay. Well, see you on monday?" He asks. "Yeah, seeya monday..." I reply, and we walk our seperate ways to our houses. Good thing we were at the splitoff point to where our houses are. I walk home, speedwalking, ready to go to my room and worry the hell out of myself.

I make it home and storm off to my room. Taylor and my mom are sitting in the living room, Taylor doing a project for her science class. "Hey, Jules! Everything alright?" My mom asks me. "Yep! Everything's fine, mom!" I say as I shut my room door. I look at my phone. 4:30pm. I crash on my bed and think about what lyla must be feeling right now. I open my phone and just stare at it. Should I text her? Fuck yes! I wanna explain this to her! I open up Discord. She's online! Perfect! I start typing, "Heyy lyla! Sorry about what you just saw, I think. Don't know what you saw, but I'm pretty sure it was James kissing me on the cheek. Listen, I'm sorry, he did it out of nowhere! And I saw u run away, half crying. Lyla, I know you like me. I like you, too! I really, really like you. And I know it would crush you if James and I got together. I just wanna clear things up: James and I aren't together." I take a deep breath and send the text. God, why was it so long?! And why'd I confess in the same message??!! I'm freaking out at this point.

I see the three bubbles under the text bar, indicating Lyla's typing. "It's fine, Julie. And, truth be told, I never thought you'd pick up on the fact I like you!" She texts. "Yeah, I like you, too. So uhm, since your school is combining with our senior prom and homecoming..." I text back. "Do you wanna go to prom with me?" I hit send, my heart racing. Lyla went offline before I sent the message about our combined proms and homecomings. Guess I'll have to wait for her response. I turn off my phone and stare at the glow-in-the-dark stars on my ceiling. James doesn't have discord. Guess I'm gonna have to slip him a note on monday. I close my eyes, but only briefly, because my mom yells for me. "Julie! Come help Taylor with her project! I need to go to her ptc!" mom yells from downstairs. I sigh, get up, and go downstairs. Guess today's one of those days: half good, half bad.

"Hey, Julie, why'd you go straight upstairs when you came home?" Taylor asks me as I sit next to her at the table. "Well, you know my best friend of 3 years, James?" I ask her. "Yeah, what about him? Did he do something bad?" She asks. I respond to her, not missing a detail, "Well, on our walk home, he kissed me on the cheek, indicating he like-likes me, and I don't like-like him back." I trust Taylor with all my secrets. My parents don't like to hear any drama, so I tell Taylor everything. "Oh, okay. Well, I've noticed you and that Lyla girl are really close. Anything there?" Taylor asks. Damn, i didn't think she was capable of picking up on those things! Well, I mean, I was like that in the 7th grade, maybe taylor's the same, too? "Well- HEY, shouldn't we be doing your project? C'mon, it's 4:45." I say, getting her back on track. She snaps back into her mini-scientist mode. "OKAY SO-" she starts to ramble about her project and everything leading up to it, and, to be honest, I get a bit bored after she mentions microorganisms for the 3rd time. After a while, she gets to the actual point of the project. I help her almost all night. It's more complicated than I thought! The things they make these kids do these days...

I forget about dinner and wake up at 3am to go get a snack from the snack cabinet because, obviously, my stomach feels like it might cave in. I reach for a snack bar and sit on the couch. I remember that one song, it went "3am and i'm still awake..." as I bite my snack bar. I go on my phone and check my tumblr to see what James posted today. I look at his most recent post, which was a reblog. "Tell me you got rejected without telling me you got rejected." was the original post. James reblogged as "I think I got rejected without getting rejected. Idfk man." God, he really has to post everything online, huh? Inez posted something, too, said, "Who's ready for combined prom and homecoming? I know Este and I are!" Este being the hopeless romantic she is, and Inez being the gossip she is, they're going together as homies. I start scrolling and get bored, and finish up eating my snack bar. I go on Discord because I'm bored and want to see if Lyla's online. I sink into the couch as I open discord and the butterflies take over. She's online! Lyla starts typing. "Yes! Yes yes yes yes yes! I would LOVE to go to prom and with you! AND homecoming!" I can't believe it!!! I finally did it after all this time! I'm going to homecoming and prom with Lyla Marlow Laynes!

Just then, I hear someone coming down the stairs. "Julie, wha'tch'ya doin' up so late? Or, I mean, early, i guess?" Taylor's voice travels through the almost empty living room. "I'm on discord. Lyla just accepted my prom and homecoming invites!" I whisper, trying not to wake our parents up. "That's great, Jules, but it's late, or early, and I'm bored. I woke up a while ago and can't fall back asleep." She says in her tired morning voice, and comes and sits next to me on the couch. "Well, do you wanna watch something?" I ask her, shutting off my phone. She loves watching things when we're up late. "Yeah, can we watch Prom Pact?" she asks, knowing full well it's 13+. "Sure, we can watch it. But we have to keep the volume down. Don't want mom and dad catching us, right?" I say. "Right," she says back, and she snuggles next to me on the couch as I turn on the TV and go to Disney plus.

We watch Disney movies until 7am which, to be honest, was really nice. Spending time with my sister was really nice. Taylor's chronically online and has to go to the doctor for monthly heart checkups, so we don't talk unless she needs something. Mom and Dad come downstairs to me and Taylor eating chocolate popcorn on the couch and watching "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement." They're not surprised, as we've done this before too many times to count before, but not that recently. "So, you guys finally had your movie morning again?" Dad says as he makes his coffee. "Yep. I missed it." Taylor responds. I missed it too. The sun's up. Time for another typical Saturday.

[itsdanii]

Because I’m an angst-addicted ball of misery, is it okay if I request drabbles of Fuckboy!Atsumu and Fuckboy!Oikawa being the crush of the reader but she knows of how they treat other girls and doesn’t want to end up heart broken and since she’s shy and introverted, the boys barely know her aside from her being a classmate?

She tries to keep a simple distance away from them until said boys randomly show an interest in her and they start showing her attention, love, and treating her better than the girls they messed with until after a few weeks she overhears from them or their teammates that it’s out of pity/they were bored because Y/N seemed easy to mess with.

Y/N doesn’t let them know she overheard them, instead a switch is flipped and she’s emotionless around them and avoids them. When they ask why she’s like that, she simply says “I won’t let you hurt me like the others.” She basically treats them like they don’t exist (she’s friendly to everyone but them) and said f!boys regret it and bust their asses to fix everything between them (I read how you felt about full angst, so the reader just blocked their number, social media’s, and treat them like the plague until they prove that they truly love her or regret messing with her :) )

Hey, bub. Sorry for the slight delay! I hope you don't mind me making slight adjustments about the plot for my comfort 🥺 And uh... this drabble turned out to be a oneshot because I got carried away. I only did Atsumu's part which went over 3k+ works 👁️👄👁️ Anyway, I hope that you still like it. Have a good day, stay safe and hydrated! ♥️

Karma's a b*tch

genre: angst to fluff

warning/s: rude behavior (resolved), cursing, self doubt and insecurity(?), do message me if I missed any

a/n: please do read the warnings before you proceed. warnings have been put there for a reason

ft. fboy!atsumu miya, f!reader

never play with a girl's feelings. wanna know why? just read the title.

You stared at the back of Atsumu's head dreamily, your elbows propped on your desk as you basically ignored the world around you.

Contrary to the belief that noisy students always sat on the back, Atsumu and his twin were actually seated in front. Despite being in the middle of a class discussion, the two kept on chattering as if the teacher didn't exist. The teacher basically gave up already trying to shut them up since they never listened anyway.

You knew that she could've just sent them to detention but of course, who would do that to the miya twins? People almost worshipped them and your teacher wasn't excluded. Everytime she entered the room, you noticed how she would always cast a glance at the Miya twins and smile "politely."

The two, of course, took advantage of it. If it meant being able to get away with their noise by just simply smirking at the teacher in front of them, they'd do it. They already did anyways. They never did anything more than that though, and for some reason you were thankful that they never crossed that line.

You jolted up slightly when the bell suddenly rang, a loud yelp slipping past your lips out of shock. With your eyes widening like saucers, you felt your cheeks heating up when majority of your classmates turned their head towards your direction, some having a grin on their faces while the others having a look of displease.

However, their stare didn't matter as much as a specific person's did. A pair of brownish eyes stared at you intensely, his gaze so intense it was enough to make you almost squirm in your seat.

Feeling your heart rate picking up along with the shiver running down your spine, you looked down at your lap, successfully cutting your eye contact with Miya Atsumu - the guy you secretly liked despite being hailed as your school's certified f!ckboy.

"Make sure to finish all your requirements this upcoming weekend. You're all seniors so I have high expectations on your outputs, understood?"

With a series of "Yes, ma'am," the class was dismissed.

The room was filled with different noises - subgroups gossiping with each other, the footsteps of students hurrying their way out, the rustling of papers, clanking of chairs and the voices of the class representatives reminding the assigned people to clean properly.

It was lively, for them at least.

As for you, you preferred being alone. No, you weren't some weird nerd kid who acted as if they hated the world. Instead, you preferred categorizing yourself as one of those people who were naturally shy and introverted.

You don't really like crowds nor socializing. You've always opted on sitting by the corner, just enjoying the calmness silence brings you.

Grabbing your books from your desk, you stood up and made your way to the door, head casted a little downwards to avoid making eye contact with people, knowing that doing so will result to interactions, and who has time for interactions anyway? Certainly not you.

With the lack of paying attention, you failed to notice someone who was rushing their way out. Like a cliche movie, your body collided with them, the impact causing you to stumble backwards, loosening your grip on your books as they fell on the floor.

Luckily, the person behind you managed to catch you on time, their hand gripping the small of your back to keep your bum from meeting the floor.

"Whoa, there. Ya alright, princess?" spoke the familiar voice just behind your ear, his breath against your skin giving you small goosebumps.

Instantly, you jerked away. Turning around to face him, you bowed down while muttering continuous apologies. "Miya! I didn't mean to bump into you, I.. I swear. I was just walking out and then somebody j-"

Chuckling, Atsumu placed a hand on top of your head, giving your hair a small ruffle which eventually made you look up at him. "Calm down, I ain't mad at ya. No need to be so flustered."

With a stiff nod, you mumbled a small "Okay," before bending down to pick your books off the floor. You didn't fail to notice how your hands were trembling and you silently prayed to whoever diety was watching over you that Atsumu won't notice it.

"Yer y/n, right?" Atsumu asked as he bent down as well, one hand clutching your book as he let his finger trace over the name written on it. "A pretty name fer a pretty face like yers."

You wouldn't be surprised if he'd ask if you were doing okay because by now, you were a hundred percent sure that your face must be looking like a red tomato. "Thanks I guess," you said, giving him a shy smile before taking the book from his hand.

The small encounter was cut off by someone calling for Atsumu's name. Turning your head to the direction of the noise, you noticed Osamu walking towards you with a small frown on his face, one hand gripping the strap of his bag as he went on how they're going to have to run extra laps again if they ever got late for practice.

Atsumu only chuckled at Osamu before turning his focus back on you. With a cheeky smile, he booped the tip of your noise fondly. "Guess I'll see ya around, pretty thing. Careful not to stumble again, alright? Don't want another man catchin' ya."

With that, Atsumu went on his merry way, turning around one more time to send you a wink, chuckling as you gave him a slow wave before his figure disappeared from your vision as a mere dot.

"See ya later..." you whispered on thin air, lips unconsciously curling up as you stared at the direction he went off to. Once you snapped out of your daze, you bit your lip to stop yourself from squealing like a school girl in love.

Well, technically, you were a school girl in love, right?

That night, as you laid on your bed staring at your ceiling full of glow in the dark stars, you thought that maybe it wasn't so bad making conversations with people every once in a while.

-

The days went by pretty quickly.

At first, you thought that everything will be back to normal. After all, you never tried associating yourself with people. Your high school life was basically nothing but waking up early for school then going back home after class and then repeat.

However, something was strange. In fact, it was very strange. Not only were people trying to befriend you but the one and only Atsumu Miya was actually making an effort to talk to you, and to say that you were confused would be an understatement.

He basically didn't pay attention nor spared you a glance before, until that day you bumped into him.

You knew that it wasn't a good practice to judge someone based on what other people say but he wouldn't be called as your school's f!ckboy for nothing. He'd change his girlfriend almost every week as if he's only changing clothes, cruelly dump those who did not meet his certain standards and doesn't care even if a girl cries infront of him. Those are exactly why you tried not associating yourself with him nor his twin.

But there was something about Atsumu Miya that kept on drawing you in. You didn't know if it was his annoying piss colored hair, intense gaze, or the aura surrounding him. You couldn't help but wonder how someone like him, the exact type of person you swore you hated, managed to keep you attracted like a moth on to a flame.

It was weird.

And yet you loved it.

"Ya know y/n, ya kinda wound me," Atsumu said, plopping himself down beside you on the cafeteria.

With your hand clutching the chopsticks mid-air, you surveyed your area, noting how some heads, specifically the Inrizaki VBC's, turned to your direction. "Sorry, what do you mean?" you muttered as soon as your eyes met Atsumu's.

"I literally thought we're already friends when I saved yer ass from falling backwards," Atsumu answered before stuffing his mouth with an Onigiri, no doubt made by Osamu.

Placing your chopsticks down, you wiped your lips with some napkin before speaking up. "I'm sorry for asking this but... what's with the sudden interest, Miya?"

You were aware of how snappy you sounded, but in reality, it was your own defense mechanism acting up. Just how were you supposed to ignore him when it's he himself who kept on clinging to you?

"Hm, what do ya mean? Is it so hard to believe that I'm trying to befriend ya?" Atsumu tilted his head a bit to the side, his lips curling up into a smirk. "Why not try givin' me a chance, princess? That isn't so much to ask for."

You organized your now empty bento, placing it on the side before focusing your whole attention to the man in front of you. "I've seen how you treated girls before," you said with a low voice, averting your gaze from him to avoid melting into a puddle.

Damn stupid feelings.

"I see..." Atsumu said with a slow nod. "Then I guess that makes it more of a challenge."

Your eyebrows immediately furrowed upon hearing that, your curiosity spiking up at what his words meant. "Challenge? What do you mean?"

Instead of answering you, Atsumu just stood up, his bento in hand with the side of his lips curled up. "I'll see ya around, princess."

With that, you were left alone in your table, eyes still trained on Atsumu as he made his way back to the Inarizaki VBC's table. You watched as most of his friends chuckled while patting his back, some even sending a glance towards your direction.

Deciding that pondering over it would only be a waste of time, you stood up and made your way back to your classroom, failing to notice a grey haired Miya watching you.

-

You let out a small squeak as someone behind you reached for the same book you've been trying to get for almost 5 minutes now. Tilting your head back a little, you were met with an upside down vision of Miya Atsumu's face.

With your arms still raised in the air, you spun around to face him, your back flush against the bookshelf keeping you basically trapped. "Miya," you mumbled while looking up at him, one hand fisting the side of your skirt to release some pressure.

"Here," he simply said while handing you the book, obviously holding back from laughing at your flustered expression. "Don't worry, I ain't gonna try anythin' that would make ya uncomfortable. I was just passin' by and saw you strugglin'."

"And he even tucked my hair behind my ear!"

"He did that?" your cousin spoke from beside you.

Both of you were seated on top of your bed, legs crissed crossed as you gossiped about your interactions with Miya Atsumu.

For the past few weeks, you've been having encounters with Atsumu - in the cafeteria, in the library and even outside of school where he claimed that he was out to buy some ingredients for Osamu and only managed to bump into you "coincidentally". Name it and he'll be there.

With these constant encounters stirring up your feelings, you had to resort on calling your cousin for some girl time in order to save your sanity. Luckily, your parents had no objection. They were even happy that you were actually trying to open up to other people. It was only your cousin but according to your parents, "A small step is still a step."

Plopping your back on your bed, you grunted as you placed both of your hands on your cheeks. "Mhm. I just don't get it you know? He's basically this popular guy that plays volleyball, has a group of girls swarming over him and has the face and body that looks like it's been sculpted by God himself, and yet he's wasting his time on me."

You looked at your cousin with a small pout, one hand reaching out to poke her thigh. "Am I just overthinking things?"

With a breathy chuckle, your cousin laid down beside you. "Maybe? I can't really say for sure since I don't know this Miya guy except your description of him, but what I think is that you should give him a chance."

Hearing that, you laid on your side to face her, elbows propped up against the mattress as you rested your cheek on your palm. "Aila, have you been listening to me? He is a f! ckboy. Dangerous, treats girls like shit, and undeniably sexy. What if his sudden interest is only a one time thing? What if he's just messing with me?"

"And what if he isn't?" Upon hearing no reply, your cousin took your silence as her cue to continue. "What if people just labeled him as this so called 'f!ckboy' because that's what they perceive him to be? What if inside him is just someone who's vulnerable, trying to protect themselves from getting hurt by people so they end up hurting others first to save themselves from the pain? What if he's just waiting for someone who wanted to really know him, the real him? Would you really deprive him of that opportunity just because of what you hear from other people?"

"I... I don't know.."

"Miya isn't here to defend himself and I'm not trying to defend him, but don't you think you should at least give him the benefit of the doubt?" Aila smiled as she settled herself on a comfortable position. "Give him a chance, y/n. Everyone deserves to get one. It's up to him to prove whether he's worth the chance he was given."

You sighed deeply, letting her words sink in as you also shifted yourself on a comfortable position, raising your comforter up until it reaches just below your chin. "Then what happens if he isn't worth the chance he's given?"

With a hum, your cousin just shrugged. "Then you either forgive him and let it go or... give him the finger and tell him 'f!ck you' for messing with your feelings," she said with a short giggle.

"It's something only you in the future can decide. Goodnight, y/n."

With a thankful smile, you turned the lamp off as you whispered, "Mh, goodnight, Aila."

-

"Let's be friends," you said as you slammed a box of onigiri in front of Atsumu, a smacking sound resonating in the air making the rest of the boys look at your direction.

Even the sound of balls whooshing in the air stopped, replaced by the sound of them dropping suddenly on the gym's floor.

With his lips parted, Atsumu shifted his gaze from the onigiri, Osamu, Suna and you. "Ah..." he muttered as if he was just as shocked as you for having the guts to come inside the gym in the middle of their training.

Feeling your cheeks heating up out of embarrassment due to his lack of response, you looked down and started to fiddle with you fingers. "You said you wanted to be my friend and I kept on keeping my distance from you so I thought you might appreciate those onigiri as my peace offering." You scratched the back of your head before giving him an awkward smile. "A-anyway, that's all! I'll see you around, Miya!"

Atsumi could only watch you as you dashed out of the gym. Snapping out of his daze, he looked down at the box of Onigiri, smiling unconsciously as he noticed the sticky note posted on top with "Good luck on your practice, Miya! :))" written on it.

"Interestin'," Atsumu whispered before standing up, Kita's voice filling the air as he called the team back for practice.

-

It's safe to say that after that embarrassing moment, you became friends with Atsumu. You even became close with his twin because they were always with each other. It wasn't long then when the usual duo became three - Atsumu, Osamu, and you.

It was hard to adjust at first. Your female classmates would always glare at you and spout out some nasty remarks but the twins were always there to defend you. In fact, you even met the whole team and hanged out with them when you didn't have some academic tasks to finish.

It was fun, and you were thankful for your cousin who gave you the advise of giving Atsumu a chance.

But there was a downside on the situation.

Your feelings which you kept hidden for a long time was only growing day by day, and you were afraid that it was slowly showing signs.

How?

Everytime Atsumu was near, your heart would beat so fast that you felt like you just finished a 4 kilometer run. Your hands would become clammy, breath would hitch, and face would heat up whenever he teases you, and don't even forget to add that one time you literally froze when you spun around, only to come face to face with him - nose almost touching, lips ghosting against each other with only an inch keeping you apart.

You were playing a dangerous game and yet you had no intention of stopping, not knowing that it wasn't only you who had a secret.

Because Atsumu Miya was also playing a game - something much more dangerous than yours.

-

"Where's 'Tsumu?" you asked as you peeked your head inside the gym.

Kita, who was about to walk out, gave you a smile before opening the door wider for you to come in. "Atsumu's in the storage room. The twins made a mess again so I told them to go clean up before we start practice."

"Typical," you said with a short giggle. "Anyway, I'm just going to drop off Atsumu's hoodie that I borrowed last week. I'll watch over them while you do your business."

"That would be great. Thank you so much, y/n-san. Call me if something happens," Kita said, giving you a small nod before leaving.

As you entered the empty gym, you grimaced upon seeing something that looks like spilled milk on the floor. With a shake of your head, you made your way near the storage room sneakily in attempts of scaring Atsumu.

However, as you got closer, you heard two familiar voices. It was Atsumu's and Osamu's voice, and basing from the way they were speaking, it seemed as if they were in the middle of an argument.

"The fuck did ya say?" It was Osamu.

"I said I was only playin' with her. I mean, she's so easy, don't ya think? It basically only took me a couple of weeks and she came runnin' to me with that box of Onigiri, claimin' she wanted to be friends," Atsumu said, followed by a chuckle. "As if I didn't notice the way she acted around me. I'm telling ya, that girl is in love with me."

"And so, what if she is? That's not an excuse for ya to play with her feelings, dipshit."

Hearing Atsumu huff, you slightly backed away from the door, only to freeze when you heard his next words.

"Y/n is nothin' but a toy to me, somethin' I can dispose of when I got bored."

Biting your lower lip, you clenched the handle of the paperbag you were holding before running out with tears streaming down your face.

You ran as fast as you could, ignoring the worried looks you're getting from the people you were passing by. Even Kita was shocked to see you yet he didn't bother calling out, thinking that you might be needing some alone time for yourself.

You skipped class.

Throughout your whole Highschool life, this was the first time you skipped your class and it was a bummer that the reason was Atsumu Miya.

Stirring your strawberry milkshake from a nearby cafe, you thought about Atsumu's words, another batch of tears streaming down your face as you realized how pathetic you were for believing that he isn't what others say.

Maybe your cousin was wrong.

Atsumu Miya wasn't worth the chance he was given, because he only proved that once a f!ckboy, always a f!ckboy.

-

You blocked Atsumu's social media accounts.

In fact, you even blocked and deleted his number to stop getting in contact with him.

Even in person, you didn't bother paying him any attention unlike before. You stopped coming to their practices, stopped giving him food and stopped talking to him.

You basically acted as if he didn't exist.

It was hard because you knew that your heart belonged to him, but you had to endure it. You didn't want to give him the satisfaction for playing with you. You know your worth and there's no way you're going to let some f*ckboy ruin you.

"Y/n, would ya stop?!" Atsumu said as he grabbed your wrist, effectively stopping you from walking away from him any further.

"Get your hands off me, Miya. I don't wanna talk to you." You struggled against his hold, trying to take your hand back, only to fail when he tightened his grip.

"The hell's yer problem? What's with the sudden attitude? Yer basically ignorin' me and I don't have any idea what I did. Just tell me what I did wrong instead of actin' like a little brat." Letting go of your wrist, Atsumu groaned as he ran his fingers through his hair out of frustration. "I.. I don't like this."

You laughed, eyes squinting as you let out a fit of giggles before pointing at him. "You don't like this? Why not, Miya? I'm just a toy for you, right? So, I don't really get why you don't like this. Is it because you're not bored of me yet so you're not willing to dispose of me?" Crossing your arms over your chest, you looked at him with a serious expression. "Well, I'm sorry to say this but I'm not going to let you hurt me like the others. I'm not a plaything nor am I desperate like those girls pining over you. Have fun looking for a new toy. You're not worth playing with anyway."

That being said, you turned your back on Atsumu, ignoring the whispers that suddenly filled the hallway as the students parted some space for you, leaving Atsumu with his lips parted and feet frozen on the ground.

Serves you right, Miya.

-

Atsumu felt hollow.

With every passing day that you're ignoring him, conversing with people whom you never bothered associating yourself with before, the more he regret taking advantage of your feelings.

It was only supposed to be a game, nothing but a pass time and yet why did it felt like something was missing?

"I wasn't supposed to care," Atsumu said desperately while clutching his head in his hands, elbows propped on the table as he opened up to his twin. "F!ck...I think I like her, 'Samu."

"No shit, idiot," Osamu answered without taking his eyes off the stove. "I told ya several times to stop messin' with people's feelings and did ya ever listen? No. That's what ya get for bein' stupid."

Groaning, Atsumu rested his cheek against the table, facing Osamu's back. "Help me."

Slowing down from stirring the pot, Osamu looked at Atsumu through his shoulder. "Why would I do that?"

"Well, I'm yer twin. Aren't ya supposed to help me? Plus... y/n acts fine around ya." Atsumu sighed before sitting up properly. "I won't bother ya fer a week if ya help me out. I already did everythin' I could. Flowers, chocolates, even payin' attention in class just to impress them! Nothin' worked."

Osamu chuckled at the desperation and frustration in Atsumu's voice. "Deal." He turned the stove off, covering the pot before making his way to Atsumu. Sitting down, he crossed his arms over his chest while staring at the brokenhearted Miya. "Y/n is actually kind. Well, not until that moment she found out about yer stupidity. Have ya tried showin' her that yer willin' to change?"

Atsumu nodded. "I did. I even gave her the usual things girls like."

"I asked if ya showed her that yer willin' to change, not tried winnin' over her through bribery." When Atsumu didn't respond, Osamu let out a 'tsk' before continuing, "Just stop botherin' her and prove that ya regret what ya did."

"Easier said than done," Atsumu grumbled which earned him a smack on the head.

"Will ya stop bein' a sad boy already? I have a plan."

-

Its been two weeks.

Two weeks of no Miya Atsumu trying to apologize. Two weeks of no Miya Atsumu following you like a lost puppy while holding either chocolates or flowers.

Instead, what you were getting were these random post it notes on your locker, your desk, everywhere. Wherever you go, there would be random post it notes with various messages. Some contained cheesy quotations, the others short apology letters.

And despite how mad you were at Atsumu, you wouldn't be able to deny how cute the act was. Not only did he gave you space but also exerted an effort of silently letting you know that he'd be willing to wait for you.

You noticed how he stopped acting like a boss in class, opting to jot down notes instead of chattering with Osamu like usual. You also noticed how he stopped having a random girl beside him during breaks. Everytime you would pass by, no longer would he try to block your way and flick your forehead, but instead give you a hopeful smile before proceeding on his way wordlessly.

But what made you realize that he indeed regret what he did was that one time.

You were walking back to your classroom after forgetting your umbrella. The sound of the heavy rain tapping on the ground resonated on the empty hallways, the cold wind making you shiver as it whooshed in the air.

Wrapping your arms tightly around you, you entered your classroom, eyes widening as you saw Atsumu trying to fit something on the space below your desk while mumbling something.

Clearing your throat, you noticed Atsumu jolting up slightly before turning around to face your direction.

He smiled sheepily before scratching his nape. "I know it's yer birthday tomorrow so I was tryin' to fit this here. I guess there's no point hidin' it already since ya caught me anyway." Sighing, Atsumu picked up the fox stuffie and handed it to you. "Happy Birthday, y/n. I know yer still mad at me and ya probably hate me but I still wanted to give ya a present."

You stared at the fox in your hand, your fingers poking the fluffiness of the material as you fought back the urge to smile. "Thanks," you answered with a dismissive tone.

For a split second, it was silent, and you were aware of the intensity of Atsumu's gaze burning on your forehead, yet you refused to look up, knowing that once you did, you won't be able to hold yourself back and might just forgive him there and then.

"I like ya, I really do. I know I messed up big time fer taking advantage of ya and I'm sorry fer that. It was stupid and childish of me to think that the people around me are nothing but mere toys fer me to play with. I regret hurtin' yer feelings and I'll be willin' to wait until ya forgive me. Just know that I won't stop until ya do."

Hearing something rustling, you looked up and noticed Atsumu taking off his jacket. Within a few steps, he was already infront of you, draping his jacket over your figure. "I'll see ya around, princess. Don't get sick, alright?" Smiling, Atsumu gave your cheek a small pinch before heading out.

You were left in the empty classroom with nothing but the fox stuffie serving as your company. Atsumu's scent was swirling around you from the jacket you were given and at that moment, you haven't notice the single tear sliding down your cheek.

Because of all people, you never expected for Atsumu Miya to be the first one to greet you without having to remind them.

He was the first person you knew outside of your household to ever remember your birthday.

You hugged the stuffie close to your chest, burrying your face on top of its head as you let the comfort it brings envelope you.

-

You stared at the empty space infront, your head swirling as you thought of the possible reasons why Atsumu haven't been in class for three days now.

It's currently your last subject and throughout the whole day, you've been doing nothing but wonder where he was. You haven't asked Osamu about it yet since he was excused from the class due to the preparations for the upcoming match.

And so, the moment your class was dismissed, you rushed your way out, making your trip to the gym. You were thankful that they were in the middle of a water break so you had the chance to call out Osamu's name without having to worry about Kita.

"Y/n?" Osamu's eyebrow shot up upon seeing you. Suddenly, a knowing smile made its way to his lips. Standing up, he walked over to you. "He's sick," he said without even waiting for you to say something.

"Oh.." you muttered, shifting from one foot to another nervously before tugging at the hem of Osamu's jersey. "Do you... uhm, do you think it would be alright if I visit him after your practice? I wanna see if he's doin' alright."

"Alright. I think 'Tsumu would appreciate that. Why don't ya sit on the bench and wait a little for us to finish practice then ya can visit our house after?"

Upon hearing that, your face instantly lit up. You smiled at Osamu as you nodded.

Osamu only chuckled at you and fondly ruffled your hair, a habit he and Atsumu shared.

You waited patiently, and it wasn't long then when their practice finally finished. After Osamu took a shower, you both went on your way to their residence.

As you entered their house, Atsumu's voice immediately met your ears.

"'Samu! Cook me somethin', I'm starvin!"

You looked at Osamu who only shrugged as if he was already used to it. You took your shoes off and wore the slippers you were given before placing your bag on the couch.

"Our room is on the right. Go ahead and talk to him." Osamu said as he pointed on the door at the end of the hallway.

With a nod, you slowly made your way to their room, knocking softly before sliding your way in.

The first thing that greeted you were the mess of opened junk foods on the floor. Roaming your eyes around, you grimaced at the sight of empty water bottles littered around along with the volleyball laying on the ground.

Averting your eyes away from the trash, you looked at Atsumu whose back was facing you, his shoulder raising up and down evenly, indicating that he must be asleep.

Carefully, you walked claser and sat on the edge of his bed, your hand immediately feeling his forehead. "You're burning up," you mumbled, brushing his hair away from his face.

Suddenly, Atsumu's hand gripped your wrist, his eyebrows furrowed as he squinted his eyes. "Am I dreamin' or are ya a ghost?" he asked with a raspy voice.

"I'm not a ghost, 'Tsumu. I'm really here."

You watched as Atsumu slowly nodded before letting go of your wrist. "What're ya doin' here? I thought ya were still mad at me." Sitting up, Atsumu held the comforter close to him as he shivered.

"I heard you were sick. I'm no longer mad at you. I guess I'm still upset but I just can't hold a grudge against you forever, can I? That's not something I can do," you said with a shake of your head. "I really like you, you know? Despite your title of being a f!ckboy, I still fell for you. You were the first person I tried opening up to aside from my cousin. It's just a bummer that you ended up taking advantage of that vulnerability."

You felt Atsumu reaching out for you, his hand enveloping yours as he gave it a small squeeze. "I know, and I'm sorry. I really am."

"And if I give you another chance, will you prove me that you deserve it?" you asked as you looked at him, "I'm still hurt about what happened so I hope that if I give you this chance, you won't waste it."

"Yes. God, yes," Atsumu answered breathlessly, "I promise it won't happen again and I'll try to be better."

Suddenly, Atsumu wrapped his arms around your figure, pulling you on his lap as he settled his head on the side of your neck. "Thank you," he mumbled repeatedly against your skin, his arms tightening around you as if he was afraid of letting go.

And he never did.

Indeed, there was something about Miya Atsumu that kept drawing you in, and despite the bumps and dangers that came along your way, you didn't withraw.

Because as you closed the last page of your photo album eight years from then, you realized how right your cousin was alll along.

Atsumu Miya was worth the chance he was given, and he proved it to you every single day, sealing it with the diamond ring now resting on your left hand.

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