#do not do this for your archery final exam

[joheunsaram]

Catch of the Century (Collab Masterlist)

Hello everyone! Welcome to the stadium!

Take a seat and witness our very own Kim Seokjin knock it out of the park in his role as Worldwide Sporty Guy on his thirtieth birthday!

Isi (@raplinesmoon​), Ryen (@kithtaehyung​) and Mars (@joheunsaram​) are super excited to announce the masterlist for our first ever BTS 30 for 30 collab. We have gathered 30 phenomenal writers to showcase 30 sports celebrating Seokjin’s athletic prowess for his 30th birthday! 

Please see below the cut for details of the fics. All fics go live by December 15th so get ready to cheer and don’t forget to come back to read them!

Cupid's On Holiday by @persephonesorchid Archery Seokjin x Reader angel au | smut, fluff, angst, humour You don't get it, you're a damn catch. Anyone would be lucky to have you. You're smart, you're tidy, hell you'd give up your own kidney to a homeless guy if he needed it that bad. So what the issue? Failed relationships, blind date after blind date, and now your friend's competitive archery teammate is telling you he's Cupid here to help you find your one true love. You're not that desperate. He could take those golden arrows and shove 'em.

Subtle by @apotatomashedbybts​ Badminton Badminton Player Seokjin × Badminton Player Reader  strangers to lovers | angst, smut, fluff

Shelves full of trophies, albums full of newspaper cuttings, a loving family and a stellar reputation, yet you felt a piece of yourself missing somewhere. So after a lifelong affluent and unprecedented badminton career, at the timeless age of 65, 30 years after your retirement, you decided to write your autobiography. You gave yourself to the world and in return came accolades and controversies alike. But what came the most was questions about the most explicit chapter of your life, that you named Subtle.

Turn Back Time by @raplinesmoon Baseball Baseball Player Seokjin x Doctor Reader time travel au | angst, smut, fluff, humour

After total humiliation at his middle school baseball try outs, Kim Seokjin wants nothing more than for his awkward years to fade away until he’s thirty. Cue a magic baseball glove, and his wish is finally granted. Seokjin suddenly wakes up seventeen years later, now the star pitcher of the team he’d always dreamed of playing for. Confused and overwhelmed at the prospect of the new life waiting for him, he turns to the only person who seems to understand him — you. Will Seokjin learn what it truly means to be thirty, flirty, and thriving? Or will he find himself wishing he could turn back time?

Technical Fault by @bangtansmauyeondan Basketball Basketball Coach Seokjin × Teacher Reader  coworkers au | fluff, angst

When one of your best students in class failed his mid-term exams, you only had one person to blame— Coach Jin. He thinks he's the king of the world— tall, handsome, brooding, borderline arrogant and seems to be always getting things done his way, but you are adamant to give him a piece of your mind. The only problem is that you easily get tongue-tied in his presence.

Who's the Best? by @lokidow-strange-army Boxing Private Boxing Teacher Seokjin x Rich Uni Student Reader age gap | angst, smut

Power means money and money is power. Living out of your parents seemingly endless bank account as a grown women gives you as much power and freedom as you could desire. When your parents discover you have been spending their money on university classes and private boxing lessons instead of trying to court a husband, they threaten to cut you off financially until you get your act together. You have no intention of settling down anytime soon, nor do you intend on losing access to your parents bank account, so you make a plan on how to not lose either; one big lie that relies on you and your boxing teacher Kim Seokjin... That is if he'll play along. Fortunately you know how to rile this man up better than anyone else: first with money and food, then with teasing, taunting and a good old fashion competition.

Almost in Love by @btsstan12 Cricket Seokjin x Reader fluff, angst, humour

Do you know what the saddest English word is? Almost. They almost cracked the code, they almost passed, they almost survived, they almost fell in love. When Jin left his old life behind to pursue professional cricket he didn’t think he’d ever return. But as fate would have it, he came back, just to have his life turned upside down. He knew this wasn’t an ‘almost’, not this time.

Into The Rush by @sunshinerainbowsbts​ Dodgeball Seokjin x Reader best friend’s brother au | smut, fluff, angst, humour

When your best friend Taehyung tells you he has the perfect thing to help you get over a broken heart, you're surprised to learn he means dodgeball, the beloved game of sociopathic gym teachers everywhere. But even more surprising is the way you find comfort in the game, and so much more, as you fall into the rush with the help of another teammate - his brother, Seokjin.

Allez by @hamsterclaw Fencing Seokjin x Reader competitive fencing au | smut

Seokjin’s the latest fencer to join your parents’ studio. He’s talented, beautiful and challenges you in ways beyond the foil.

On Thin Ice by @mrworldwideshoulders  Figure Skating Figure Skater Reader x Figure Skater Seokjin enemies to lovers | fluff, angst, smut

Kim Seokjin is the image of the perfect figure skater – and he knows it. He’s got the skills, the talent, the looks – the only thing he’s missing is the matching gold medal. But when singles skating turns out to be too much for him to handle after an embarrassing mistake and a knee injury at the World Championship, his coach decides that his best chance at taking gold will be skating with a partner. That's where you come in. There’s only one problem: he’s damn near impossible to work with.

Take the Bait by @aquagustd Fishing Fisherman Seokjin x Reader vacation au | smut

When you wake up on unfamiliar shores after a wild yacht party, the last thing you expected was to land in the home of the town’s very own urban legend; although he’s not as callous as the stories paint him to be and one look at his face has one horrible idea leading to another.

Oh My Angel by @jeonspub Golf Golf Player Seokjin x Golf Player Reader strangers to lovers | fluff, angst, smut

Between seas, galaxies and the moon I was lucky I stepped on the same land, I dreamt under the same stars as you.

Stick It by @otsukare--sope​ Gymnastics Gymnast Kim Seokjin x Kim Taehyung friends to lovers, hurt/comfort | fluff

Seokjin always sticks the landing. Always. Until a certain someone throws him for a loop - or just makes him miss one. (Alternatively, 3 times Seokjin nails the landing and the 1 time he doesn’t.)

Bar Down by @ressjeon​ Hockey Hockey player Seokjin x Reader college au | angst, fluff, smut

Everything was going well, meeting Seokjin when he was a senior was the highlight of your freshman year. You love the stability now that you’re still his favourite after a year until rumours started where he’s apparently dating a renowned figure skater - whom you have known him to have a history with.

The Torn Prince by @sugakookitty​ Mixed Martial Arts Lycan Seokjin x Human Female Reader enemies to lovers, supernatural au | angst, smut

Centuries ago, he was the crowned prince next in line to take over the throne, but he lost everything when he refused to dilute his bloodline with a human bride. The punishment was severe—an eternity plagued with an unbreakable curse. He’s out-lived his entire kingdom, and his kind is nearly extinct. The beast living within him longs for the perfect mate, but it can’t be you.

Beyond the Flag by @underthe-northernlight​ Racing Racer Seokjin x Motorcyclist Reader enemies to lovers | action, fluff, angst

Kim Seokjin, declared handsomest raced in South Korea, triple crowned World Cup winner. Now he faces a challenge unlike any other; to get back behind the wheel before the next season or quit while he has his life ahead of him. After a major crash on the course, people start talking about his retirement but deep down Jin is still not ready to quit even though he might risk his life. A call from CIA agent Park Jimin persuaded him to uncover whatever Seoul’s biggest illegal racing community hides under the hood. (Y/N), the hard-headed motorcyclist helps him on the way to take back his confidence behind the wheel but will he be back before the next season?

Swing by @shina913​ Rowing Seokjin x Reader college au, best friends to lovers | angst, fluff, smut

You and Jin have been friends for years. You’ve been in sync in almost every aspect of your lives–even scoring full-ride scholarships to the same university! You, based on academics and him, in athletics. Although you both said that your friendship would remain the same, changes were inevitable. You grew apart and watched your friendship wither until it was all but a distant memory. When you reach your senior year, he finds out that his scholarship is on the line and you are the only person he can turn to for help. Will you come to his aid for old time's sake?

Other Half of My Heart by @onmypillow-onmytable​ Rugby Rugby Player Seokjin x Teacher Reader strangers to idiots to lovers | fluff, humor, angst, (implied) smut

After leaving the family business on the brink of turning 30, Seokjin is still trying to figure out where he truly belongs. Much to his family’s dismay, he’d rather stay at home playing video games or joining the scrum of the local rugby club, instead of planning his next move. That’s until he sees you, an ordinary elementary school teacher, at one of his rugby matches, and begins to think more seriously about his future for the first time. Will he make a try for you, or fumble the ball?

Come Sail Away by @the-boy-meets-evil​ Sailing Seokjin x Reader idiots to lovers | fluff, smut, angst

Seokjin is (finally) exactly where he wants to be. he's got the perfect team and they're competing in the best regattas around the world. Nothing could burst his bubble. Until Taehyung ends up breaking his arm, that is. now Seokjin has two options. On the one hand, he can withdraw his team from the regatta this year, ignoring the fact that it only takes place every two years and he's not guaranteed to qualify again. or he can call you. He hasn't talked to you since university and he's not particularly looking forward to it now but he's desperate and you're the only replacement he knows that can fill in.

Riding Fakie by @ugh-yoongi​ Skateboarding Seokjin x Female Reader humour, fluff, angst

The rules are clear: bring a date to your brother’s wedding or kiss your trust fund goodbye, which is fine except you hate your brother, so who better to scam into accompanying you than the obnoxious, immature skateboarder that lives to torment you? He’s got tattoos and a seemingly permanent black eye, and you’ve got a bone to pick—there’s no way you’re going to face plant.

Wipeout by @yoon2k​ Snowboarding Debate Captain Seokjin x Reader college au, enemies to lovers | fluff, smut

You always thought that you could go toe-to-toe with Seokjin on anything—be it the debate team topics, witty insults, or plain bickering back and forth. But when your friends drag you both out to a ski resort for winter break, you realize his hidden snowboarding talent shows you up in ways that make even your frozen cheeks fume in anger. Even worse, you find out another secret about the Debate Team Captain—and this one heats you up in ways you never expected.

A Game of Two Halves by @madbutgloriouspond​ Soccer Goalie Seokjin x Physical Therapist Female Reader angst, smut 

When Jin finds himself injured right before the most important games of the season, he starts to second guess himself and whether or not he’ll be able to bounce back in time.

All You're Giving Me Is Friction by @hot-soop​ Surfing Surfer Seokjin x Lifeguard Reader fluff, angst

You’ve graduated! congratulations - you’ve got one thing checked off your parents ten year plan! Now all that’s left to do is start your dreary office job, drag yourself up the ladder to CEO, marry your (as yet unknown) dream guy, and carve out some time to pop out a few kids before your ovaries shrivel up… except all of that sounds horrendous, and you’d much rather spend the next three months at Hoseok’s beach house with your closest friends - relaxing, partying, and sleeping late while you still can. and it would be your last perfect summer break, if it weren’t for the most irritating man on the planet (and his chickens) living next door.

The Restitution Coefficient by @effortandmore​ Table Tennis Seokjin x Namjoon fluff, smut

Seokjin has everything going for him. He was one of the youngest people to make VP at his company, at the top of his class in college, is a bit of a racquet sport savant, an excellent cook, and good-looking. Like, really good looking. According to people other than his mother, thank you very much. So, when things around him start to crumble because of one stubborn and annoyingly attractive client, he finds himself looking for vindication in a place he's sure he can’t be beat—the annual office ping pong tournament.

Trade My Life by @btsmosphere​ Taekwondo Bodyguard Seokjin x Royalty Reader historical au, childhood friends to lovers | angst, action

Two children giggling in the corner of the dojang, trading equally in punches and hugs, everything a game. But that was long ago, and now that man stands day after day outside the door which separates your two worlds. is the throne really worth leaving the barrier unbroken?

Double Fault by @joonscypher​ Tennis Pro Tennis Player Seokjin x Female Reader strangers to lovers | fluff, humor, smut

Working at a fancy rich people tennis resort means you run into your fair share of oblivious, privileged pricks. This year’s tennis tournament brings even more arrogant wealthy people, which includes international tennis champion, Kim Seokjin. You’d love to ignore him and go about your life as usual, but Seokjin has other plans - doing his best to ensure you can’t ignore him and maybe even…fall for him?

All Rumours Are True by @biteofkookie​ Track and Field Seokjin x Reader enemies to lovers | fluff, angst

Seokjin lives and breathes track. it’s his last year and as the star player he’s intent on ending with a bang, but when he’s supposed to be focusing the most you come crashing into his life. You’re rude, entitled, practically everything he hates and now he is forced to spend every moment where he could be getting better with you.

Ultimately Yours by @joheunsaram​ Ultimate Frisbee Seokjin x Resident Advisor Reader college au, exes to lovers | fluff, humour, angst, smut

Breaking up with Kim Seokjin might have been a mistake but when his stubbornness leads to him constantly creating messes for you, the only solution you can think of is finding another man. Good thing Yoongi is very agreeable, under the right threats.

All Or Nothing by @magicshopaholic​ Volleyball Idol Seokjin x Best Friend OC idiots/best friends to lovers | humour, part of a series

Seokjin has nothing against playing a spirited game of volleyball, especially with his best friend on his team, until he notices you're high-fiving one of your teammates a little too much.

Black Sea by @meirkive​ Water Polo Mermaid Seokjin x Reader college au, fantasy au, enemies to lovers | fluff, angst

Mermaids are assholes and Kim Seokjin, infamous captain of the water polo team of your college, is no exception. Handsome and full of himself to the point his ego probably needs a house of its own, much like the rest of his species, he believes he's better than humans and that he doesn't really need to get mixed with them other than for having fun at parties and to crush them during games. It's just your luck, then, when you have to work on a project with him for a whole semester.

Babyface by @nabiolive​ Wrestling Pro Wrestler Seokjin x Non-binary Pro Wrestler Reader rivals to lovers | angst, hurt/comfort

An up and coming pro wrestling company hires you to work alongside Kim Seokjin—a rising star in the industry, and everyone's favourite heel. His arrogance is dashed when he discovers you are not only talented enough to rival his skills, but that he can't stop thinking about you.

Thank you to all the writers for their hardwork and to you for supporting us! If you would like to be tagged in any of these fics please comment on this post so the writers that do tag readers are made aware!

Please reblog if you love Seokjin hehe 💕

[olsenmyolsen]

Because Of You

master list

dark master list

College AU (Gender Neutral Reader X Wanda Maximoff)

Summary: Wanda discovers a crush she never thought of.

Word Count: 1.2K

Wanda Maximoff wasn't sure when it happened, but one day, she started looking at you a little bit differently.

She started noticing how your laughter made her smile longer and more than it used to. Or how when you talked about your friend Kate Bishop from the Archery team, it made her jealous. Not that she even needed to worry because everyone knew about Kate and Yelena's long-standing relationship.

But Wanda still didn't like the feeling she got when you joked around and made plans with Kate or Carol or any other girl that wasn't her.

Regardless, Wanda wasn't sure what to do. You guys had been friends since your second year of high school.  Now, in your second year at university, Wanda needed more time to think. She didn't want to ruin anything between the two of you. Because deep down, Wanda knew you would always be fine whether she shared what was inside of her or not.

After a month of sitting on these ever-growing feelings, Wanda was going to do something about it. She had acted as if nothing had changed between you both. But Wanda was falling more for you every day. And call her crazy, but she could've sworn you had started falling for her between game nights and movie nights, where you two fell asleep in each other's arms—or talked into the morning. Or how you made sure to stay up late and sleep through your first class, all to help Wanda pass her exam.

Wanda was sure you fell, too.

So she made a choice.

Wanda was going to ask you out.

She remembers the day. She got back from the library frustrated from how the rain washed out the smell of you from her favorite hoodie—a hoodie you let her borrow two years prior. Plus, Pietro and his group of friends from track distracting her from taking notes the last hour hadn't helped. On top of those two things, Wanda hasn't seen you at all today. She thought she saw you in the library, but Wanda was wrong.

She missed you. She missed you when she had to get to Professor Fury's class early for some extra credit, and you didn't have time to hang out during her free period. So now, after a wasted library time and missed dinner, Wanda was mad. Mad at today and the way her feelings made her want to scream. All she wanted was you, and the fear of not telling you wasn't winning today.

So what did Wanda do?

She threw her bag and books down onto the shared couch and sprinted her way to your door in the shared suite. Wanda knocked on it like a secret code was separating the two of you. Oh, sweet Wanda was so distracted thinking of the right words and how to phrase them that she didn't even realize that this door was never closed.

Never.

So when it opened and didn't reveal you but instead senior Natasha Romanoff, Wanda's heart cracked in half and sank. "Oh, hi! Wanda right?" She spoke, not knowing that Wanda didn't want to talk to her. Wanda didn't even want to look at her. But Wanda couldn't see past the redhead and was raised to be polite, so she swallowed her tears and smiled.

"Yeah. Hi. Sorry, I didn't know we were having guests." Wanda hated how nonchalant Natasha was in this moment. "Oh, it's no big deal. I came over because I figured I could help Y/N pick out classes for next year." Natasha winked. She fucking winked. "You know, same major and all."

"Right.." Wanda mumbled.

You and Wanda were supposed to do that together. Not that that hurt more than knowing that you and Natasha did not have the same major. Thanks to Yelena and her loud mouth, Wanda knew precisely what major Natasha was graduating with in the spring.

"Wanda?" Finally, you made your presence known as you snuck right up to Natasha, who slung her arm over your body. The fire that burned behind Wanda's eyes tried to light again but failed when she saw how wide your smile was. "What happened? You're soaked?" You moved forward towards Wanda, who held the end of the sleeves in her hand. Something you always noticed. A way you knew she was uncomfortable. But tonight, you didn't comment on it. "Yeah, um, it just started raining." Wanda looked away from your eyes and pretended that she forgot the reason for knocking on your door. She couldn't remember what excuse she came up with.

"Oh shit!" The person separating the two of you spoke up. "If it's raining, that means I have to go and pick up Yelena. Kate and her are in an off period right now." Natasha runs back into the room. Wanda knows she'll never step foot in again. "Hey, you okay?" You finally go to take hold of Wanda's hands, but she pulls them back. "Yeah, I'm fine.." Wanda puts her hands into the hoodie pocket. But her mind fights with her. "Well, actually-"

"Alright!" Natasha opens the door with her bag and books in hand. "If you need any more help, text me, okay?" Natasha asks you as your eyes return to her. "Okay." You smile at the redhead while Wanda feels like she's about to throw up. "And maybe we can hang out tomorrow night? My place?" Natasha asks like the double meaning isn't obvious.

Wanda misses it, but your eyes fall on her figure briefly before you agree. "Sure. Tomorrow." Natasha smiles like she just won the lottery. "Okay. Bye!" Wanda turns back just in time for Natasha's lips to land on your cheek. "Nat, go!" You laugh as the older woman rolls her eyes and sneaks by you and your roommate.

"Bye, Wanda."

Wanda doesn't respond, leaving an awkward tension in the air that Natasha quickly evacuates—leaving just you and her.

"Wanda, I meant to tell you about- no, wait, I'm sorry yo-you wanted to say something earlier. You said well, actually.." Wanda fakes a laugh, tricking you. "Yeah, you're right. I just don't remember what I was going to say. Jeez, I just don't know where my mind is tonight.." Wanda swallows the lump in her throat. Sure that she'll crumble if she keeps talking to you. "Oh." You say. "Do you need help with anything? Studying, or do you want to chill? We can watch those shows you love if you want." Wanda appreciates the thoughts, but all she wants to do is be left alone.

"No thanks. I- I uh, I think I need to rest." Wanda waves you off and heads to her room. Closing the door and locking it. Like yours, her door was never closed.

Once inside, Wanda throws the hoodie off of her as if it burns her body and collapses on her bed. Shoving her face into her pillow, muffling the heartbreaking noise that escapes her throat. Hot tears streaming down her face. All for you. All because of you.

You.

You who didn't know when it happened, but one day, you started looking at Wanda a little bit differently.

Tonight, you planned on doing something about it.

Until Natasha Romanoff stopped you in the library.

Pt. 2

dividers by @/benkeibear

[amiharana]

Hi it's slate anon your surnames post/the replies had me cackling and i love the idea of revali having a very Rito-sounding last name. on a more angsty note I do like to imagine he would pick his own last name (as per your orphaned hc for him) for one related to flight/archery. Writing his own destiny or something

For Hylians maybe because of Rhoam I imagine their names are just (Chosen name) (Middle name only royals can afford) (Place of birth). The royal family gets the surname Hyrule because they're meant to represent all of Hyrule and it's hard to convince the kingdom you serve them all equally if your name is literally Tabantha

So Links government name is Link Hateno. And with Hateno being a major settlement and Link being by far the most common name (as the name of the biggest cultural figure that's not sacred (ie hylia) or for royals (zelda)) he has the most basic combination of names ever it's laughable. there were 4 other Link Hatenos in his division only. If Revali writes a letter to his Link Hateno in the royal guard he gets a request back from the post office like "specify address rank and date of birth please". Being named Link he naturally had a number of nicknames but after he pulled the sword he just became Link. THE Link. But you already know who's taking whose last name in the marriage anyway

And good luck with your exam!🫡

(referencing this post)

HI SLATE ANON!!! 🫶🫶 thank you for the luck, i hope it rings true when i get my exam back 😭 come here and say hi @cryiling @iridescentgleam my anon thinks u guys are funny 😽

revali choosing his own last name because he was orphaned makes me so sad 😭💔 what if there's a rito traditional ritual where the family name is like. "given" to the child to formally recognize them as part of the family in a spiritual sense (connecting the child to all their spiritual ancestors of generations past). and revali's parents were killed before they could give revali their family name so he doesn't have one 😭 even though the other rito are allowed to tell revali what his family name would have been, he's not allowed to claim it as his last name because it wasn't given traditionally to him through the ritual and thus can't be "his" last name anymore and it ostracizes him even more from the rest of the kids. imagine getting bullied because you don't have a last name 😭

idk like the rito seem like a people of tradition, spirituality, and familial bonds like family is everything to them, therefore the concept of a family name is an extremely important identifying marker of each rito and where they come from. choosing your own last name isn't something that's common among the rito at all, because choosing a different last name than the one that was given to you as a child signifies that you have disinherited and detached yourself from your family. even people whose families have already passed don't just change their last names like that, because it would mean that their family spiritually would not have anymore descendents after that point.

in revali's case, his family is dead and he also wasn't given a last name so technically there's nothing wrong with him choosing his own last name, but the rito would have still been weird about it. when revali is chosen as a champion, he finally decides to choose his own last name and he chooses one that essentially means "one who perseveres." i'm spitballing a little here but maybe in rito script, it's basically like. a stylized way of writing the word "arrow." archery and the usage of arrows are important symbols of rito culture, because they're weapons and tools they use to hunt and protect themselves. they represent the rito's actual lives because of this and so became a symbol of vitality and perseverance. so in a sense, revali knows if he knocks his bow and his arrow always flies true, he will always persevere and make it out of a tough situation.

i like your idea about the hylian naming scheme! rhoam really is the only character in botw that has a proper full name, but since he's rich and royal he's not really hashtag Relatable ✋😒 it is pretty much the same naming scheme of the king in wind waker, king daphnes nohansen hyrule and i just found this reddit thread that gives possible etymological explanations for both daphnes and rhoam's names (daphnes = "person who was turned into a wooden boat of hyrule" and rhoam = "roaming shepherd of hyrule"), but i wonder what the narrative reasons they were named as such were. like are bosphoramus and nohansen the names of older family members or ancestors? do they have inherently royal meanings to them?

LINK BEING A COMMON NAME JUST GETS ME like you're absolutely right, of course everyone is naming their kid after a legendary hero in hopes that their kid will be Thee Link of the century but idk it's just so funny to me 😹😹😹 like "four other Link Hatenos in his division" YOU DKJFHDJKFHDHFKD link was NOT special until that fucking sword this fits in perfectly with his vibe of just being Some Guy.

ok but consider that rito don't really understand the idea of taking their spouse's last name when marrying because they have such a complex understanding of family names, spirituality, and their ancestors, so link trying to explain to revali that he wants to take revali's last name when they marry and revali is like ...? what the fuck are you talking about

link being like, "i wanna be a family with you 🥺" and revali being like "but what about your family???? you would abandon them so easily???" and link is just like. revali my family has been dead for a hundred years and my last name is literally hateno. DKFJDHJFKJD

[idv-news-boi]

If your muse became a parent to a child How would they be like, and what type of parenting style would they use?

To both Laurence and Akihiko

Laurence

It’s hard to imagine him having kids sooner after marriage is silly, but if he ever wants to, he would.

Soccer dad most likely.

Would call his child “superstar”, “champ”, or anything that brighten up the child.

He can be the parent that seems to forget stuff due to so much work and tight schedule that nearly prevents him from seeing his child often, he actually remembers every single things in the to-so list of the household. If it’s his turn to take care of the baby/child, he already has his corporation know about his weekly schedule beforehand.

Laurence would teach them many essential things, like how to repair a car, fishing, camping, hunting, cooking, etc. Even giving random tips about life!

Despite also making sure that the line between reality and fantasy worlds don’t get blurred, he also protects his child(ren)‘s childhood like letting them believe that Santa is real (but also adding that only gives gifts to children in need) for example.

He unhesitatingly would send his child to a scout camp, you know, boy’s scout or girl’s scout- it honestly doesn’t matter the gender, is just a group of kids doing actual essential learning for survival, artistic, social, and physical skills! Education for his children can be so important as well as their health.

Would buy them ice cream or make bbq on the backyard event after his children finish their tests or finals (part 2 if they happen to pass the exams too!)

Always wants to keep the kids on their toes, and to never ever touch phone addiction! He would successfully offer so many kinds of entertainment that doesn’t have to do with screen-time. Books, sports, traveling, etc… Can you imagine the kind of dad that brings his kids to work? Well, it sometimes involves going to a different country that would be fun to look around!

Laurence doesn’t like to lock his kids at the house and wants them go out very often! He picks his kids from school by card, or walk them home if the school happens to be very close- teaches them how to take train, bus, taxi, boat, airplane, etc. that way they would know where to go in the future when they want to travel somewhere!

Gives good advices on how to make friends at school, but also how to carefully make great bonds that last longer.

Akihiko

He’s from a family where they prepare the money for both the kid’s birth, necessities, AND the entire school life tuitions before doing it./ih

Despite being a quiet gentleman, he honestly wouldn’t dare to keep secrets from his kids. Unless is something very complicated and… dangerous part of his job.

And you know, the kind of papa that doesn’t let out much words. But he protects and cherishes his kid in his own ways.

He encourages his children to do gardening, even having each of them have a bonsai to take care of as a way of teaching them how to nurture something and embrace nature.

His teachings may be a bit strict at first, keeping them on their toes and make them have some discipline for themselves. His way to reward for their efforts is most likely headpats… and let them tell one thing they like to do for the day, but only once.

I can imagine him also teaching his kids how to do households chores if they ever have to live on their own(I mean, that is honestly up to the kids when they grow up, he honestly doesn’t mind them stay with him) also training them by giving them kendo or archery lessons.

Like Laurence, he would already have his workplace know about his weekly schedule beforehand. He probably is even more responsible at home than you ever thought.

With that result, the kids would often come back home by themselves from school. Hang their bookbags into their respective shelves, shower, and even have their mom or dad make them something to eat. If they’re not around, the kids would’ve already know how to make snacks by themselves before going to their rooms to do their homework. If there are any questions they’re struggling with, Akihiko always assures to come back early as usual to help them with their homework.

He would bring kids to work if the holiday comes.

Besides chores, Akihiko tries to make sure he isn’t emotionally absent to his children. He willingly lets them come to his room and listen to their troubles and assist them as much as he can when they need it.

[albino-whumpee]

15 questions, 15 mutuals

thank you for the tag! @soheavyaburden

1. Are you named for anyone?: Yes and no. My aunt couldn´t have children so my mother named me after her expecting people would call me her name. But I was given my first name (because we do double names in my familiy) and nobody calls me my second, which is hers. Welp. 

2. When was the last time you cried?: Yesterday. TLoU chapter really hit into my sensitive ass. I hate one episode love stories, but I will allow it because it was cute. 

3. Do you have kids?: No. I don´t plan to and I will lie to get a doc to tie my tubes up if I need to. I once thought I wanted to adopt, but knowing my life plans, having a child is plain stupid.

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot?: Haha, have I ever not used sarcasm?

5. What’s the first thing you notice about people?: Size, face, smell, accent and feet position. Silly little trick, but if they´re not pointing their feet at you, they´re not interested in the conversation.   

6. What’s your eye color?: Brown. 

7. Scary movies or happy endings?: hmm, depends. It´s been a while since I watched a scary movie that actually scared me and didn´t make me laugh, but when I do find one that´s scary, I like it to end in what seems a better situation than the absolute worst. Gives me some adrenaline, yk? Happy endings are ok if done well. But alas, a happy ending to me heavily depends on the movie.  

8. Any special talents?: Blind writing. That was the only good class I had in middle school. Honestly that´s it, xD I don´t consider myself particularly talented in academic areas or physical ones. Sure I won some tournments, but man it was so long ago. 

9. Where were you born?: Mexico.

10. What are your hobbies?: Videogames and drawing. Also reading even if it´s hard this days. 

11. Have you any pets?: Valkyria and Sansa. They´re my babies. Black cats with weird personalities. They´re both adopted from the same adoption saturday ...market? ig? Anyways, I picked Valkyria when she was so thin she was barely more than bones. I thought she would die if I´m honest with you. She refused to eat if I didn´t shake her plate a bit, but she was playful, so we knew she was just starving. I was told she was wrapped in tape and dumped at the shelter and I took her because how dare call yourself a shelter and leave a cat in that state? 

Sansa came from another shelter, she was a baby from a foster mama that didn´t make it. She has her tail curled like a chamaleon at the tip, probably from some stupid asshole closing the kennel´s door on it and breaking it. No, she doesn´t need to have it amputated, she doesn´t feel pain and doesn´t interfere with her daily life.  

12. What sports do you play/have played?: A lot. I won a few athletism tournments that took me to the nationals (we lost), also won a few international trophies doing karate. I practiced figure skating and ballet for a bit and due my super elasticity, I could have been a good gymnast, but heh, no money.

I was at a handball tournment, but I never knew what I was doing lol. I wanted to play volleyball in middle school/high school but I got my knee injury and it made it too hard. I switched to swimming for a long time until I couldn´t afford it jsjsjs. If I had the chance, I would try archery. 

13. How tall are you?: 1.73 m. more less 5 ft 7. Wish I was taller ;v;

14. Favorite subject in school?: English. It was so easy sjsjjs. Or psychology. My school´s system allowed people being exempted from doing finals if your notes were high enough, so I strived to just do 1 or less exams and I almost made it. I never had to do math finals in high school, but I actually exempted psychology earlier than everyone because I did double the lab exercises. 

15. Dream job?: Concept artist. By now I know Im not made for it nor I can actually be one, but well. I can dream. 

tagging: @just-a-whumping-racoon-with-wifi @sideblogformindtrash @milk-carton-whump @nightfrostshadow @louptheloop @endless-whump  @turn-the-tables-on-them @eatyourdamnpears @deluxewhump

idk if i have 15 mutuals lmao also no pressure!

[violet-stormbringer]

The Princess and The Thorne, Chapter Ten: A Sporting Affair.

The days after the final exam, the rest of the students were lethargic, exhausted from the late nights and intense studying. Even Miss Dalca’s absence failed to gain as much attention as it would’ve at any other time of the year; perhaps Lady Renaldt planned it that way.

But as the weather grew warmer, a sense of anticipation settled over the college. The end-of-term Sports Day was approaching—and with it, the opportunity to show Gallatin’s prowess against Archambault Academy.

During that morning’s assembly, Isabelle Favre stood proudly on the dais. “The Crème de la Crème competition isn’t over yet! If we rest on our laurels, we could fail to secure victory!”

Cheers spread through the assembly hall. Mr. Griffith applauded tolerantly; Mr. Blanchard looked distracted.

Ras, meanwhile, joined the others in cheering, her voice rising to meet the loudness of the others. When the applause faded, they were filed away to their first class of the day. During Athletics, Mr. Blanchard put up a sign on which students wrote which activities they wished to perform for Sports Day.

“Can I be excused from it?”

Mr. Blanchard shook his head. “This is a college activity,” he said. “We’re providing a well-rounded education steeped in tradition, and Sports Day is part of that.”

He sounded like he’d just spoken directly out of the prospectus, and Freddie bit her lip. She signed up to throw javelin. “At least I won’t have to run,” she muttered as she walked past Ras.

As for Ras, by the time she approached the sign, there were few events left unassigned. They were designed for a single person to show off their skills, and the success of one student affected the fortunes of Gallatin for the rest of the Sports Day.

Hartmann read over the list with a frown. “Auguse always does dressage,” she said. “And I heard Princess Rosario is going to do fencing.”

“Archambault always cheats,” Max spoke. “Florin did archery last year, and practically stabbed Blaise in the arm. Blaise still beat her, though. Almost makes y’miss her.”

Hartmann sighed. “Archery was her favorite sport. I remember that.”

Ras raised an eyebrow. She didn’t exactly hold a grudge against Blaise, but she did recall that she’d tried to have Ras expelled.

“Whatever happens, I’ll just make sure to outdo Blaise.”

Max gave a lopsided grin. “Maybe you will. That’s the attitude, Ras. School spirit and all that.”

Ras turned her attention to the list. Dressage would put her up against Auguste; archery meant she’d face against Florin; and if she chose fencing, she’d have to fight Rosario.

Ras, unfortunately, had no assistive items in which she could perform Archery, and she wasn’t particularly a good rider. So that meant she had to pick fencing. Which would put her up against Rosario.

When she signed, Mr. Blanchard raised an eyebrow, and Max whistled. “Fighting with your beloved, are you?” She teased.

Ras rolled her eyes. “Well, it’s the only thing Mama trained me for before, y’know…”

Max’s expression darkened, and she nodded. “Right. Sorry.”

“Naw, don’t be like that. Besides, what better way to profess my love for someone than by swinging at ‘em with a sword?”

“You could, I don’t know, be normal about it?”

“I don’t think I should take advice from the person dating a woman involved in the occult.”

“Your loss. I always have wonderful advice to give~” Max gave Ras a grin, and the two went off to prepare.

The following weeks, Ras and her classmates were set to training. Mr. Blanchard supervised Ras’ fencing exercises, giving her a few fencing tips, and by the time it was Sports Day, she felt reasonably confident in her own abilities.

Bright sunshine sparkled over Gallatin College that morning, pleasantly warm despite the snow atop the distant mountain peaks. The sports fields were pristine, carefully mowed by Karson and ready to be scuffed and muddied by a flood of students. Colorful tents and flags lined the field, and the marching band was playing cheerfully.

The teachers herded the students onto the field, all of them dressed in their most pristine Athletics kits. Soon, Lord Haberlin and the Archambault students arrived in a sweeping train, met with less-than sincere applause from most of the Gallatin crowd. Ras caught Rosario’s eye, and waggled her eyebrows, causing the princess to break her serious demeanor and giggle. Auguste glared at Ras’ direction, clearly unamused by this development.

Lord Haberlin and Lady Renaldt greeted one another with careful, cordial politeness, and both gave a brief speech wishing good fortune to both colleges.

Ras’ event wasn’t until later in the evening, so she had some time to kill underneath the bright sunshine. With that, she decided her best course of action was to seek out and help encourage her classmates.

She found herself at the relay runners’ tent, where a cluster of runners and spectators were milling around. Lucien edged over to Ras with a tense expression.

“This is ridiculous,” he said. “I hate Athletics, and I hate running. Can’t I just sit this one out?”

“Aww, c’mon Luci, what’s the worst that’ll happen, eh?” Ras elbowed him gently in the side.

Lucien looked haunted, though mostly annoyed at Ras’ sudden nickname for him. “...We’ll lose.”

“Buuut,” Ras lifted a finger, twirling about so she was in his face, grinning, “will y’break yer leg?”

“...No.” He conceded.

“Then shut up! Stop sittin’ around like you will,” she encouraged. “It’ll be fine, and you’ll have a grand old time in the end! Honest!”

Lucien groaned, then he finally offered Ras a smile. “...You’re right. Yes, of course you’re right. Thank you, Ras.” With that, he headed for the starting line.

When Ras finally caught the race, it was just in time to see Lucien race ahead, passing the baton well before his Archambault rival. Anything could happen from here on, but for now the team was flourishing. She grinned.

Once the applause had died down, Ras made her way towards the tent where the fencing students gathered. Outside of it, Gonzalez approached Ras, speaking breathlessly. “Princess Rosario’s your opponent. You mustn't hurt her. Imagine what would happen if you stabbed her.”

‘Oh, I’d like to take a stab at her alright,’ Ras kept that thought to herself, and merely rolled her eyes at Gonzalez.

Inside, Rosario pulled on her fencing jacket and gave Ras a cheerful wave. “Ras!” She called. “I hoped I’d match against you! Isn’t this terribly exciting!?”

Around the princess flocked an entourage of onlookers, as well as Ibarra, who looked displeased about the entire event. Several of the onlookers gave Ras venomous looks; competing against Rosario earnestly was likely not going to win her any friends.

Ras merely ignored their glares, and offered a grin to Rosario. “May the best swordswoman win, yeah?”

Rosario nodded, and just like that, they threw themselves into a couple practice bouts, during which Ras figured out quickly that Rosario wasn’t that skilled. The referee, a stocky woman who was a teacher at Archambault, called for a brief recess to adjust Rosario’s mask; Ras suspected that if it weren’t for the fact she was royalty, there’d be no such concern. Whilst waiting, Isabelle appeared at the edge of the tent and beckoned Ras over to her.

“You need to throw,” she said urgently. “We can’t have you win against the princess of Zaledo, it’d be awful.”

“What about your speech?” Ras raised an eyebrow.

“F-Forget all that,” Isabelle snapped. “We can catch up in the other events. But you cannot win this one!”

The referee blew her whistle. It was nearly time. Isabelle grabbed at Ras’ left sleeve, holding her in place even as she turned to leave.

“Promise me,” she said, “or I’m not letting go.”

Ras’ face took on a stormy expression, and she spoke in a cold tone. “Isabelle, I am going to ask you once. Let me go.”

“Promise me.”

“I refuse to throw simply because Rosario is a Princess. I aim to meet her on an equal field, as friends.”

“You’re more than friends! And she’s hardly an equal opponent to you! Just throw the match.”

Ras stepped close, leaning towards Isabelle with a fire in her eyes and an edge to her voice. “The only thing I will throw around here, is you, if you don’t let go of my sleeve by the time the referee blows her next whistle.”

The pair of them glared at each other, but eventually it was Isabelle who gave in, releasing Ras. Just in time, because the referee blew her whistle and Ras whipped around, stormy expression still on her face. With that, she stepped up to face Rosario.

The tent fell completely silent as they began; Ras could almost hear people breathing, and her own breath echoed loudly in her protective mask. Through the mesh, Ras couldn’t see Rosario’s face, but she could still picture her earnest, cheerful gaze.

Ras rushed forward; Rosario parried and danced back, leaving her left side. Ras took this advantage to lunge forward with perfect form. Someone in the crowd gasped; someone else cried out.

Ras caught Rosario in the shoulder, and the crowd cheered wildly.

“Master Thorne wins!” called the referee.

Rosario pulled her mask off, stepping forward to shake Ras’ hand. She was beaming. “Well done,” she said cheerfully. “That was good fun!”

The Archambault referee looked expectantly at Ras. “Congratulations, Master Thorne,” she said. “You have anything to say?”

“Personally,” Ras said, whipped her own mask off and grinning. “I’m just pleased to see the Archambault Academy’s skills in action! It’s rare that we get to push ourselves like this.”

Rosario went from beaming to absolutely radiant. The crowd applauded enthusiastically, and there was even cheering.

Gallatin had a solid lead, now, in part thanks to Ras’ fencing. With her event over, however, she had one more opportunity to help out the others finish their own events. So she sought out the relay race tent once more, and once more she found Lucien.

He’d just finished his first leg of the relay race, and looked wan and exhausted, barely smiling as Ras approached. “That was dreadful,” he said. “I’m going to refuse to do the next round. Who cares about this thing, anyway?”

Ras raised an eyebrow. “Luci, I didn’t just stab my girlfriend simply for you to give up. Now get on your feet.”

Despite his grumbling, Ras managed to get Lucien to stand up and gently stretch; the rest of the Gallatin relay team coming to join in. By the time the referee called the runners to the line, Lucien looked far more cheerful.

Even on his second go, and despite his earlier complaining, Lucien passed the baton swiftly and gracefully, giving Gallatin their small victory.

Soon, the day drew to a close. With a combination of a loudspeaker and the blaring strains of the marching band, both colleges were gathered to a stage in the center of the sports field. Hartmann caught Ras’ eye, nodding to her, looking dignified despite being drenched in sweat. Lady Renaldt and Lord Haberlin stood side by side, looking as neat as refreshed as genteel springtime holidaymakers in the country. Lady Renaldt wore a faint smile.

“We are delighted to announce,” Lady Renaldt said, “that Gallatin College was victorious today, by a lead that was absolutely stunning. We take pride in everyone of our students and staff for this stellar achievement, while, as always, maintaining appropriate humility.”

Lord Haberlin’s smile was forced as he shook her hand. “Congratulations to all of you,” he said a bit stiffly. “We’ll meet again on the field next year, I’m sure of it.”

The Archambault students clapped politely, but the Gallatin students whooped and cheered, bursting with joy. The win gave Gallatin a good lead in the contest. Gonzalez and Isabelle had their arms around each other’s shoulders as they jumped up and down, pumping the air. Max was cheering, and, when no teachers were looking, she flipped a rude gesture at a group of Archambault students. Freddie sequestered herself in the shade of a tent, clapping with the enthusiasm and expression of someone who wanted the day to be done with. Delacroix was clapping politely, looking overheated, but pleased nonetheless.

Though she was trying to frown at Max’s behavior, Hartmann couldn’t help her own smiling. “You were absolutely brilliant,” she said. “We haven’t won for years. Years! And you did so well!”

Ras shook her head. “Naw, it wasn’t all that. I just did what any self-respecting woman would’ve done, and I fought fairly.”

As Ras was sheepishly denying any praise Hartmann gave her, a pair of shy-looking first-year Gallatin students stepped onto the stage to receive the cup amidst more applause. Florin looked bored; Rosario was clapping enthusiastically; August looked politely benevolent. While the crowd mingled, Rosario wound through the students towards Ras. She was hot but smiling, and her hand was warm as she took Ras’.

“I knew Gallatin would win after your performance,” she told Ras. “You practically won it for them. Congratulations.”

“Oh, no, no, really it was—”

Rosario glanced over her shoulder, suddenly self-conscious. A small circled had cleared around the pair, and a cluster of Archambault students were watching them with smirks and narrowed eyes. One girl, a hanger-on of Rosario’s, murmured. “Gallatin only won because of Ras walking out with Princess Rosario. Lord Haberlin let Renaldt win. Look at the way they’re holding hands.”

“That’s not true at all!” Rosario protested, and made to pull her hand away from Ras’. Only for Ras to grasp it tighter, and pull Rosario behind her, standing up straighter and with a grin.

“Imagine being so jealous, and yet so wrong. What’s the matter, mm? Upset you don’t have a wonderful knight in shining armor ready to take you when the mood fancies her? A shame, that, but perhaps a result of how damned vile you are.”

The girl’s eyes widened, and she shrunk back into the crowd as the others exchanged uneasy glances. They hadn’t expected her to defend herself with such venom. Eventually, they dispersed.

Rosario sighed. “Here I was trying to be nice,” she said. “I’m so sorry about that.”

Ras smiled. “It’s nice ‘ta spend time with you, even so. And I must say, thank you for speaking for me…”

Rosario’s cheeks dimpled with her smile. “Please, you were the one who spoke up for yourself the most. Something about a shining knight…”

“Ah…” Ras merely leaned forward. “What is a knight without her beloved princess, mm? A woman who inspires me to be brave, what more could I ask for…?”

They were close now, and Rosario reached carefully over, brushing a leaf from Ras’ hair. Her fingertips were light.

“It’s lucky to catch a leaf,” she said softly, gazing into Ras’ eyes. “Did you know that?”

Rosario’s gaze was hungry, she looked as if she wanted desperately to kiss Ras, but didn’t know whether or not to do so in front of everyone.

Ras merely tilted her head in unspoken question, eyebrow raised in unsaid challenge. Rosario’s smile broadened. She leaned into Ras, kissing slowly along her cheek all the way to her mouth. Her curly hair tickled Ras’ neck as they drew close, and warmth bloomed in her chest. The fabric of her fencing jacket was rough beneath her hands.

She tried to break away, only for Ras to grab her, pull her closer and push her lips against Rosario’s in a passionate reciprocation of the kiss just offered, and as Rosario melted into Ras’ embrace, the pair were vaguely aware of the crowd around them.

“Get a room!” Max shouted, and the pair suddenly broke apart, a flush on their cheeks. Rosario’s hand lingered on the back of Ras’ neck, sending a shiver down her spine.

A moment of silence, then another. Then the band struck up once more, and the crowd began to move. 

Max offered Ras a teasing grin. For better or for worse, the annual Sports Day was over. Verdancy Holidays were closer, now.

The mood grew relaxed around the college. The sun was warm enough to go out in shirts and blouses rather than bundled in sweaters, and the birdsong was loud and excitable; bees were beginning to buzz around the blossoming trees and flowers. The bellflowers Ras had asked Karson to keep around were settling in nicely, and Ras smiled everytime she passed the patch of them.

The students of Clemency Building were starting to pack their belongings for the Verdancy Holidays, some more enthusiastic than others. Verdancy was a celebration of the warming of the year, traditionally a time to join with family and discuss intentions for the coming months—of course, that didn’t suit everyone.

The day before the end of the term, Karson handed out letters during breakfast. One was for Ras.

A letter from Uncle Gerald.

She tore it open, reading it anxiously.

The letter opened with a selection of the usual pleasantries, then:

‘Master Thorne, I’ve received word you returned to Westerlind. I only just now got a letter out to you after your Mother had called off the search for you. She seems more tired than angry at this point, but I still not dare suggest you return home just yet. As such, I have been in touch with Lady Renaldt and made arrangements for you to stay at Gallatin for Verdancy.  Stay safe, Uncle Gerald.’

Ras took a deep breath. He was safe, and her Mother didn’t know she’d returned, or where she went. There was nothing left to do but enjoy Verdancy, she supposed.

The surrounding chatter brought Ras back to the present. Perhaps she could ask one of her friends to stay with her. She figured at least Max would agree with it, maybe Hartmann if she could also convince Freddie.

Thinking about it, she probably could’ve convinced all of them. Or none of them, if she wanted to spend the time alone.

She shook her head. She wasn’t going to ask any of them, they likely had their own family troubles going on, no need to get them involved in hers. She folded the letter neatly, stuffing it into her pocket, and then she finished her breakfast.

The end-of-term speech from Lady Renaldt, the chattering, the rush for the carriages…it was the same as ever, but for Ras, it felt disconnected. Everyone was gone, and the college was silent and empty, save for her. Without the usual crowds, she noticed the scuffmarks and dust on the parquet floors. With every step her shoes echoed; the occasional voices of the servants ringing out in the quiet.

The afternoon after the students leave, Mr. Blanchard did too. Lady Renaldt gave Ras a faintly indulgent talking-to before departing. “I’m sure you know appropriate behavior for staying over the holidays, so I shan’t belabor the point,” she said. “In my absence, Mr. Griffith is acting as Deputy Headteacher, and you’ll treat him as such.”

Ras nodded, offering Lady Renaldt a smile. 

She smiled back—though, as usual, the smile did not reach her eyes. “Enjoy Verdancy,” she said, rustling away to her private carriage and leaving Ras alone.

The first evening felt very odd indeed; the quietness and emptiness only grew more intense as the hours progressed. When evening fell, the usual twinkling lights from the dormitories and class buildings were absent, making the quad dark and forbidding; as Ras approached the banquet hall for the Verdancy meal, the wind whistled through the drafty buildings, sending chill through everything despite the springtime.

The banquet hall was dark and empty, and as Ras looked around for a place to go, Karson called out from the kitchen. “Master Thorne!”

A cheerful glow, and the scent of cooking food, originating from the doorway. Ras made her way through only to see Mr. Griffith sitting at a long table. He’d rolled up his sleeves and for the first time since Ras saw him, he wasn’t wearing his tie.

“Thank you, Karson,” he said affably, then, he looked to ras. “We don’t use the banquet hall during the holidays. Gets freezing, and there’s no point lighting the fire for only a few of us.”

Despite his habitual severity, Mr. Griffith was unusually friendly today. He helped Karson serve up the lamb roast, didn’t frown when she accidentally spilled some wine on the floor, and he didn’t even bother to pry into the reasons why Ras was here instead of with her family. Rather, he discussed the meal—which, Ras had to admit, was delicious.

Regardless of how delicious it was, however, Ras kept her guard up, eyeing both Karson and Mr. Griffith; she noted that Mr. Griffith treated her with brisk friendliness, while Karson was more relaxed around him than other teachers.

Karson caught Ras’ eye, and ducked her head. “Sinclair—sorry, Mr. Griffith—was friends with my uncle,” she said. “I’ve known him since I was about ten.”

“Pretend you didn’t hear that name,” Mr. Griffith said, pointing his fork at Ras with mock severity. “It’s a state secret.”

Over dessert, an almond cake with honey ice cream, Mr. Griffith sighed suddenly. “This is Miss Dalca’s favorite,” he said. “She was planning to stay here over Verdancy, but…obviously things changed. With that family emergency.”

From his tone, Ras suspected that he didn’t believe Lady Renaldt’s excuse for the departure. Not that he should.

Ras had to change the subject. Anything. Then, she recalled a news story about the political dissident Revekah Vasile, who’d been imprisoned for illegal activites and property damage. “Do you think Revekah Vasile should be released?” Ras asked, causing Mr. Griffith to raise an eyebrow and steeple his fingers.

“...I think she’s a very intelligent thinker,” he said, “but I’m not convinced her methods bring much value beyond unrest and controversy.”

He shook himself.

“Anyway…Let’s enjoy the dessert. Karson, you’ve outdone yourself.”

With that, they made their way through the cake and ice cream, and were comfortably full by the end of the meal. Ras headed to the Clemency Building dorm, which had managed to stay cozy and warm, and got ready for bed.

After the meal, Ras saw Karson around frequently that week. Without the college students around, she was happier to pause for chats, and excitedly went on about the bellflowers Ras had asked her to spare.

One sunny afternoon, Ras was strolling down the corridor past Lady Renaldt’s office when she heard a voice. Karson, having one half of a conversation. She must’ve been using the phone; the office has the only one on the grounds. She paused, just outside the slightly opened door.

“Yes, of course, I’m sorry about the mine troubles,” Karson was saying, her voice tense. Through the crack in the door, Ras saw her hunched over. “I didn’t think she’d—”

A pause.

“I didn’t mean to make excuses, Lady Renaldt,” she said wretchedly. “Should I call the bank and cancel Schroeder’s payment request on your behalf? Or…”

Ras sidled up against the wall beside the door, sticking close to the shadows so she could listen quietly. There seemed to be a problem with Schroeder; Karson thinks she might try to blackmail Lady Renaldt for money, but Lady Renaldt was adamant that Karson not give in. Certainly her Etiquette classes and Lady Renaldt’s book never mentioned the socially correct course of action under such circumstances.

When the conversation began to wrap up, Ras made a hasty exit, moving out of sight before Karson could notice her.

After that, Ras never saw much of Karson the following week, leaving her at somewhat of a loose end. 

One afternoon, she decided that she’d visit Gallatin Town, figuring she could at least talk to the locals and pick up interesting tidbits of things to talk about. Karson actually had errands in town, and offered to take Ras in the bumpy card, one she accepted.

The sun shone brightly over the mountains, and the sky was cloudlessly blue; Gallatin Town nestled comfortably in the valley below, looking more than ever like a painting on a box of chocolate. As they arrived, the sound of animals and bustles signaled out market day.

Karson leapt from the drivers seat. “I’ll be back here at two o’clock,” she said. “Please be here by then.”

With that, Ras made her way to the nearest stall. 

Between the farm animals and stallholders shouting to sell their wares, the market was loud and busy, with the smoky scent of food drifting over everything. Ras enjoyed her rushed, yet exciting time; she got to see monumentally ugly ceramic pots, a set of displays of insects and butterflies pinned and framed, and a goat that nibbled at her sleeve.

She bought a button with a butterfly emblazoned on it, and ate her fill of crepes and drank her weight in various fruit juices, relishing the taste of the delicacies.

Tired, and with ears ringing from the grocers’ yelling, she returned to the cart, where Karson was waiting. She looked preoccupied, and mostly didn’t speak on the ride back, but she did give Ras a quick smile when they disembarked.

She helped Karson secure the horses, then headed for the college buildings. Just as Ras passed a cluster of trees, a woman called her name.

She stopped, frowning, and looking around. 

She turned just to see her, a smartly-dressed woman in a navy skirt-suit, incongruous in the woodland. She looked to be in her mid-thirties; her brown hair tied sleekly into a bun.

“Annick Leuzinger,” she said with the flash of a smile.

Ras recognized the name: she was a journalist with the local paper. The college and the Gallatin Times have a polite but wary relationship. A college rule stipulates that students shouldn’t speak to the press without teachers present, but journalists knew that college events sold more papers in town, so they put up with that policy. Ras couldn’t figure out what she was up to now, lurking around the college during the holidays.

“Ras Thorne, isn’t it?” She asked casually. “I’m writing an article, and I’d love to print something about you. Perhaps something about how you’re overcoming your familial obstacles, and bringing glory back to your name?”

Her teeth were very white.

Ras wasn’t interested in any of that, but she was interested in figuring out what this woman wanted. So she stepped closer. “I’m listening.”

“Ooh, someone’s eager. That’s good.” She nodded. “I’m looking into some points of local interest. You were placed at Mrs. Benton’s tea shop, yes?”

Ras couldn’t exactly deny it.

“Then we both know how much she likes to talk,” Annick said. “About former students like Gaspard Breiner. Since you were with her, she’s been saying all sorts of interesting things.”

She put a hand protectively on her satchel. 

“My theory,” she said, “is that Lady Renaldt has some unsavory connections, and Gaspard Breiner found out about them. Could he have been”—her voice dropped with a thrill of horror—”shipped off somewhere?”

Ras stared at her. “...Lady, you do realize this is a finishing school, not a mob hideout?” Not that she was too convinced either, not after what happened to Miss Dalca.

Annick shrugged. “You can be cynical if you like,” she said, “but the fact is that Gaspard is gone. And I wonder whether anyone else is, too. Besides, according to Mrs. Benton, Lady Renaldt had financial issues recently. No sign of that anymore, is there? Where’d the money come from, I wonder?”

A gleam of intrigue sparked in her eye.

“Everyone knows who I am at the college,” she said, “but you—you’re an unknown. If you find something useful about Gaspard’s location, I can help your social prestige.”

A pause.

“Or I can destroy it,” she threatened, “not that I need to do much on that. Your Mother seems to have handled that pretty well.”

Ras met Annick’s stare with a cool glare of her own, inclining her head. “Fine. I’ll help you. But only to prove that you’re full of it.”

Annick grinned. “If I’m not, I get gloating rights.”

“As well as your story.”

Annick reached her hand out, to which Ras grasped it firmly.

“You have a deal, Master Thorne.”

As she pulled away from the handshake, she gave a rakish grin. 

“Send a letter to the office if you find something,” she said, then slipped off into the woods. Ras was left alone.

First, she was being recruited to investigate her own teachers. Now she was being recruited to investigate her own damned school. What next, investigate the queen!?

She groaned. This was not how she saw Verdancy going. What she did know, however, was that there wasn’t much she could do tonight. After dinner, she tried to sleep, but it did not come easily.

When she did begin to drift off, she would startled awake every so often with the horrible feeling that someone was in her room that shouldn’t be there. The morning came too quickly and uncomfortably for her liking.

Shaking off the restlessness of last night, she figured she might as well get to work on her investigation. Best way to do that was the same way she did for Miss Dalca.

She was going to sneak into Lady Renaldt’s office.

Not that it was difficult, Mr. Griffith’s morning routine was predictable: after breakfast, he spent half an hour sunning himself on the lawn outside the teachers’ building, reading the newspaper. It gave Ras a sliver of time to sneak into Lady Renaldt’s corridor.

The hallway was dark, and as she slipped through the heavy door, it took her a moment of blinking to grow used to the darkness of the office. She rifled through the largest filing cabinet, getting to work.

She leafed through books and papers, separating what was irrelevant—a great deal—and what was of interest.

In the pile, she found a set of Gaspard Breiner’s college reports over the years. They were decent enough, sometimes edging into excellent.

Still, a few notes about the company he kept; his parents, apparently, were concerned that he was not fulfilling his full potential. After he resigned, he went to live with his Uncle Julian, but despite Mr. Griffith writing a couple of formal notes to Gaspard and his uncle, they were returned unopened.

That’s when she noticed something else. Something odd. Three more students resigned that year, for a variet of reasons. One was failing Athletics, another was found sneaking out after curfew, and another simply couldn’t fit in. Ras recognized their names from society pages and social events, but like Gaspard, they fell off the map when they resigned.

Ras realized that Blaise fit this pattern, too. Amongst the papers, she spotted a letter from Blaise’s Aunt Violette which thanked Lady Renaldt for the “charming” garden party; from the date, it happened during Hearthlight, but there was no mention of Blaise, even though Ras had heard she was to be staying there.

Ras shook her head. Shit, maybe Annick was right. Where the hells were they going? She didn’t know, and she hated not knowing. She wished she had the answers. Gods she wanted the answers.

All of this made her uneasy, but she needed to know more. She dug deeper.

As she read through more, she went over the facts in her head. Logic suggested that the students could’ve all gone overseas, or gone to ground to recover from the scandal of being removed from Gallatin, but the numbers before her made it decidedly strange that there’d been no word or sign at all. More information was required, but there was nothing she could find here. Nothing she could look for without drawing attention to herself. Was that Schroeder person from earlier involved somehow?

Footsteps crashed through her thoughts. Time had run away with her, and Mr. Griffith was on his way. Ras leapt to her feet, stuffing everything back into it’s proper place, and in the nick of time she swept out of the office…right into Mr. Griffith.

He looked nonplussed, though he wasn’t angry—yet. She could work with this. He inclined his head with raised eyebrows. “I’m going to trust you can explain yourself.”

“Sure! I thought I heard someone in here,” she lied, “I was worried, and I couldn’t find you,” lyingly, “so I came to have a look. Turns out, just a bird! Got to set it outside, though.” Like a liar.

Mr. Griffith glanced to the office, then raised his eyebrows again. “...Alright,” he said. “But come to me or Karson next time, please.”

He locked the door and waited pointedly for Ras to leave, to which she raced down the spiral staircase and out to the sunny quad. Safe, finally.

She waited for her heart to slow back down, then she slunk back to the dorm while her mind raced over and over what she learned.

The biggest question, of course, was what—if anything—she was going to tell Annick about her discoveries. She could make life difficult for her if she didn’t handle this carefully; on the other hand, so could the Gallatin administration.

After a moment of mulling it over, she took a deep breath. Annick wasn’t part of her plan, and though it was only slowly coming together, she couldn’t risk another moving part, especially one she couldn’t control.

She wasn’t entirely sure what her plan was, actually, she just knew that she needed to get one over on Lady Renaldt, and on her mother, and this was not the way to do it.

So, it was time for drastic measures.

Ras grabbed a pen and took to writing. She wrote three letters; one addressed to Lady Renaldt, one addressed to her Uncle Gerald, and the last addressed to Matilda Thorne. She tucked the two to her family underneath her mattress, then she sent the letter to Lady Renaldt out with the post.

Whatever she was up to, she was more powerful than Annick; Ras may as well be seen backing the right horse for now. She wrote to Lady Renaldt’s spring home, detailing a concern she had about the press having far too much access to the college grounds.

After only a day, Ras received a reply. Lady Renaldt wrote in a clear and concise, albeit warm hand, detailing that she was grateful indeed for Ras’ concerns, and that she was going to have a stern word with the editors of the Gallatin Times .

Whether her Summer Term was as eventful as the holidays remained to be seen. Regardless, best for Ras to keep an ear out for the news. Annick may just well be the next to fall foul of whatever schemes were afoot.

The growing sense of dread that weighed her shoulders down only grew heavier.

[worldismyne]

Good Intent Ch 5

Summary: Harv’s odd feelings for his best friend have been growing stronger. He’d do anything to rid himself of them, even resort to magical means. But will Harv’s own clouded disposition be his downfall?

Rating: T

Pairing: HarvFinn

Ao3 Link

Harv had come to class that day wholly unprepared. Between Finn dragging him around town all weekend and not getting enough sleep; Harv had completely forgotten about the exams. He groaned at the ragged stack of parchment was passed around the room. The general mood in the room was a defeated one. All accept Emet and Finn, who probably wrote long things for fun.

"This is not a snack." Clayton instructed. "You will be given only one sheet of paper, one." He glared at Emet. "You will only write on one side of the paper and there will be no talking! This essay will be on the practical application of sword fighting." With a final scathing look to the class, he sat at his desk. "You have one hour. Begin." Finn gave Harv an encouraging smile and the group began to test.

Harv looked at his blank piece of paper in all it's intimidating glory.

'Sword fighting is where you hit things with your sword.'

Okay, that's a good start. It fits on the page and it's as true as you could get. Harv looked up at the blackboard where the instructions were written. The minimum word count was six hundred words. He looked back down at his ten with dread. How was he supposed to stretch out such a simple idea into something with that much... muchness? 

-v-

"How do you think you did?" Finn asked as the class filed out to the practice field. The warrior boy sighed at the snow ladened dirt. 

"Not too good. I couldn't think of what to write for the first half and then I had to rush to finish."

"I'm sure you did fine. The teacher's standards are low." Finn shrugged. "What about you Emet? How do you think you did?"

"Fine; naturally." She smirked at him. "Good luck on the field. You're gonna' need it." She chuckled heartily and jogged ahead.

"Don't listen to him Finn, he's just messing with you. You'll do fine. You have been practicing, haven't you?" He looked over at Finn and was surprised to see him just staring at him with this vacant look in his eyes and the faintest shadow of a smile. "Finn?" The blond shook his head as if snapping out of a trance.

"Sorry, I zoned out for a bit." Finn quickened their pace; his face flushed from the cold in the air. "What did you say?"

"Did you practice your archery?" Harv frowned in concern, Finn had seemed a little off since the incident at the palace. He didn't seem sick or anything, but every now and again he'd catch Finn lost in thought or humming some nameless tune. 

"Oh." Finn bit his lip to hide a guilty smile. "Maybe."

"Finn!"

"Well I grew an inch," Finn gestured to himself with false outrage, "and mother wanted to make sure all my clothes fit. And then this new fabric came in from the east; so I might have, sort of, been busy for most of the week." Finn tittered. "But I did practice, a bit, just not to your egregious standards." At this Harv sighed, honestly he should have known.

"I shouldn't have to hold you at knife point to get you to practice." 

"Don't get huffy with me Harv. I did try." Finn defended. "I'll be fine." The reached the practice field, now barren in the wake of the November chill. Snow, packed tight and soiled by the students boots clung tight to the perimeter of the field, finding shelter near the weapons rack. The sky grey and overcast sent down a few flecks of snow as a warning. 

"SIT DOWN MAGGOTS!" Clayton bellowed at his students.

"Just fine." Finn whimpered.

"Today, we'll be testing your ability to hold you own in battle. Unfortunately, we aren't allowed to kill you if you fail anymore. The king finds it too... depressing." Clayton shrugged. "So, instead, we'll have to use blunt, safety weapons coated in jam. If you are marked in a vital area with this stuff, you fail. BUT, you won't pass until you mark your opponent in place of a lethal blow. Any questions?" Clayton pointed to Trevor. "Yes?"

"Who is our opponent?"

"I'm so glad you asked." Clayton said with a wicked grin. "Class, each of you will be up against an old super star of Warrior U. Number one in his class, Brutus." Brutus was an eight foot, ten behemoth of a man; clad in leather armor. His weapon was a giant club coated in mulberries. "So, who's first?" 

-v-

"Great job Harv," Clayton scribbled a few notes down, "next time keep your foot work in mind." Harv nodded and hobbled over to his friends. He was too young to do something as ridiculous as twist his knee during battle. Usually he could just beat his opponents with brute force, he hadn't had much practice outmaneuvering people. It didn't help the ground was frozen solid underneath.

"You're gonna' want to ice that." Cliff whispered as Harv eased himself onto the ground.

"Alright Finn, you're up." Clayton flipped over a sheet on his clip board. 

"What, me? Can't somebody else go next?"

"Everybody else has already gone." Clayton jerked his thumb toward the rack of 'safe' weapons. "Let's get this over with. Weapon of choice?"

"Bow." Finn squeaked. He pealed himself off the ground and gathered up his supplies.

"Remember Finn," Harv hollered, "one shot, that's all it takes." Finn nodded in agreement, then turned to face his opponent. Finn stared up at the towering warrior, his meekness clearly upsetting to his foe. Brutus swung his club with a wide sweeping motion, which Finn narrowly avoided. The blond fumbled with his bow and reached for his quiver, but it wasn't there.

He looked to the side and saw it lying in the dirt. He must have dropped it when he ran to avoid the club. Finn scrambled toward his ammo, only to be chased off by the club again. This time, the club arched over Brutus's head and smashed the quiver along with its contents.

"No!" Finn shrieked. The uni-browed giant growled at him in irritation. He had expected to hit Finn with that blow and finally get to go home. With a roar, he swung his club wildly.

"Yeah," Cliff sighed, "he's dead."

"Totally." Emet agreed.

"Hey don't say that." Harv looked for a sign of positive affirmation from his friends.

"Yeah," Trevor said, "Finn could totally sing the guy into submission." The group digested this for a moment. As Harv held his head in his hands, his friends snickered at the thought.

"What, was it something I said?" Trevor turned to Cliff.

"...you tried." Was all Cliff could say to assure his friend. During this side conversation, Finn had been chased all around the practice field. Unfortunately, no amount of cardio could prepare him for a lumbering warrior with a three foot club. He was running out of steam and fast.

The next thing Finn knew, he was tumbling to the ground face first. Groaning, Finn rolled over to see what it was he had tripped on. His quiver laid smashed by his feet and Brutus only a few paces away from wear Finn lay. The blond clenched his hands in fear and felt something thin in the dirt. It was an arrow half! With only a few seconds to make a decision, Finn nocked the arrow half and fired.

Brutus froze, mid strike, and lifted a thick hand to his forehead. He brought his fingertips to eye level to see them covered in purple juice, then looked to Finn's scurrying away.

"What happened?" Clayton frowned and looked up from his doodle. He hadn't heard any grunts or impacts for a few seconds now. Brutus pointed to his own forehead in confusion. "Oh... Uh... Finn, it looked like you pass; it guess."

"I passed?" Finn stopped cringing and turned to Brutus whose forehead was marked by Finn's blunt arrow. "I passed!" He sprinted toward his friends with renewed energy. "Guys, I passed!" Harv stood up as Finn bounced over.

"You passed?" A shy smile spread across his face.

"I PASSED!" Finn flung himself at Harv in an excited hug.

"Finn! I can't-" Harv choked out. "My leg-" Harv struggled to stay upright with Finn swinging on his neck; but his injured leg buckled under the increased weight.

"Ah!" Harv toppled over with Finn in hand. Harv flushed immediately, but Finn couldn't stop laughing. "Did you see that?" Finn pushed himself up enough, so he wasn't lying on whatever it was he landed on. "I thought I was going to d-"

"Umm... Finn?" This was bad, real bad. His friend was hovering over, almost straddling, him in front of his friends. Thankfully, Finn seemed to take notice of their situation, though he was slow to do anything about it.

Finn's heart seemed to slam against his rib cage with how fast it was beating. His face flushed as he noticed how close he was to his friend's face. However, this unexplained nervousness toward Harv was quickly dampened by a wave of dizziness. This new feeling that suddenly was flooding him caused every fiber of his being to weaken; which made him pitch forward.

"Whoa!" Harv caught his friend just before his lips hit his own. Instinctively he pushed Finn off of him. "Finn!" But Finn didn't object; come to think of it, Finn hadn't said anything. "Finn?" Harv asked again, softer this time. He crawled over to his dazed friend.

"Hmm?" Finn lolled his head to the side to look at Harv.

"Hey... Are you alright?" Harv asked. Finn was staring at him oddly again. The blond nodded slowly, unsure of his own answer. Harv stood and offered Finn a hand. Finn placed his hand in Harv's, interlocking their fingers, and then continued to lay in the dirt. "Finn?" Finn opened his mouth to speak, then changed his mind and shook his head. He was too light headed to try to stand yet.

"I think I might have hit my head harder than I thought." Finn confessed as he scrambled to formulate his thoughts.

"That's not good." Harv nibbled at his bottom lip before turning to his friends. "Hey guys; I'm going to take Finn home, he's not feeling well. I'll catch up with you guys later." Finn took a deep breath and tried to collect himself.

"Kay Harv, see you later." Trevor waved. The blond was feeling better now, he could probably make the walk home. However, his train of thought was interrupted by a pair of strong arms lifting him off the ground.

"But my Saga final..." Finn blushed, caught off guard by Harv's sudden actions. His head felt heavy, so it wouldn't be a crime to let it rest against Harv's shoulder. 

"It's OK, I got you." Harv murmured. Finn looked up at his guard and felt his head swim again. It wasn't a bad thing, Finn decided. The soft blue eyes, tanned features; both were pleasing to look at and it was nice to be feel someone warm pressed up against him. Finn wouldn't deny that he liked the idea of Harv's attention being solely focused on him without having to fight to get it. The benefits of which, seemed to fuel this twitterpated feeling that had grown within him and robbed him of his senses. It was a pleasant feeling.

Very pleasant.

So he was content to let Harv carry him to the cart in a heavy silence. Sure, he could have told Harv that he was able to walk. But then he wouldn't be able to listen to Harv's pounding heartbeat. What the warrior didn't know wouldn't hurt him.

[thebibliomancer]

Essential Avengers: Avengers #109: The Measure of a Man!

March, 1973

That feels like an unnecessary waste of a perfectly good imported bow and it seems Lil Vision agrees with me.

Also, Captain America isn’t in this issue. This cover is a liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiie.

So last time: The only pertinent information is that Vision learned a thing about emotions and brothers and empathy and offered Scarlet Witch a shoulder to cry on.

This time: Hawkeye is gonna ragequit the team. Its the first time and it will not be the last time. At least he put on some pants first..

So we start off with Hawkeye practicing his moves in the Avengers’ Not-Danger-Room. He’s going so fast there seems to be three of him. He could practically be an anime with speed like that.

Anyway, he’s trying to distract himself from Vision and Scarlet Witch hooking up and its just not working.

Thor is kind of watching this whole practice session. He didn’t think that Hawkeye was really so hung up on Scarlet Wanda. He thought it was just machismo. Y’know. Because she was the one girl on the team. Thor just hopes that internal dissension doesn’t succeed in tearing apart the Avengers where external foes have failed.

MEANWHILE, THE PLOT. The plot arrives riding a limo through an airport and driving onto the runway to catch a plane.

Literally catch a plane.

Because the man riding the limo is Imus Champion. And at nine feet tall apparently he can just grab a plane by the wheel and prevent it from taking off.

It’s not the dumbest thing I’ve seen in comics.

Anyway. Normally this is where someone would get in trouble for driving a limo onto the runway and preventing a plane from taking off.  But Champion owns the whole dang airline so what are the police going to do?

Something, probably. But this is comics.

It is now later and back at Avengers Mansion.

Scarlet Witch is over the moon with her and Vision’s new rapport. She has nothing but good things to say about him. Why if she hadn’t been leaning on him while Pietro has been missing, she probably would have been driven to the funny farm. Man. Vision. What a guy.

A bemused Iron Man asks if she’s going to keep calling him Vision? Not much of a pet name. She suggested he adopt the name ‘Simon’ but Vision refused. His brain may be based on the brainwaves but he is not Simon Williams. Vision is the only name he has.

Or Vision Vision if the Vision solo is to be trusted.

Iron Man is still bemused. Vision had thought himself incapable of feeling feelings just a few days ago. Remember? In issue #105? With Lorelei and the Beast Brood?

But apparently Vision and Wanda have been discussing that and they think they figured it out. Obviously Lorelei’s hypnotic effect is carried on her song which is meant to be heard by human ears. But Vision has audial receptors instead of ears! COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!

So Vision is finally over his angst over not being brainwashed. Huzzah!

Iron Man decides to leave the two of them alone but secretly wishes them luck. He foresees bad things once society gets wind of this relationship. Society is jerks.

And then Hawkeye decides to rain on the parade because he’s bitter. He accuses Wanda of forgetting her brother Pietro completely.

Vision says that Hawkeye is out of line. They’ve been doing everything they can to find Pietro. And Wanda has been doing more than anyone else. She doesn’t have to get performative about it. She doesn’t have to stalk the halls weeping.

So Hawkeye slams his door shut and decides to run away from home. He’s being such a teenager.

And he’s going back to basics. Back to his pre-Goliath purple costume.

So sitting on the roof, Hawkeye mopes. Because with Vision and Wanda happy, there’s a mope deficiency in the book.

Hawkeye doesn’t even think he was in love with Wanda.

“--but it’s so freakin hard to lose again! I got kissed off by the Black Widow three times -- first to the commies, then SHIELD, and now Daredevil... Witchie won’t give me a tumble... I mean, what’s wrong with me? I’ve got looks, I’m fun to talk to... why can’t I get it on??”

This particular sentiment is not a good look on you Hawkeye. At least he doesn’t try to claim that girls only go for jerks because he’s being quite a jerk recently.

He decides to go to Central Park and try to get mugged because that way he can feel wanted (smallest violin in the world) and presumably also punch those muggers. Good way to work out frustration while also doing a public service, I guess.

But he gets interrupted by... CHAMPION.

Who Hawkeye has heard of. Since the guy is one of the 47 richest men in the world and apparently made his wad honestly.

See, Champion wants to offer Hawkeye employment. 

Hawkeye says Avengers aren’t for hire and that Champion should try ‘that Cage dude’ (sharrrrrrred universe!) but Champion wants the world’s greatest archer and he’ll pay one million dollars to Hawkeye’s favorite charity if he’ll teach him archery.

And y’know, why not? A distracting challenge is about what Hawkeye needs right now. So without so much as a goodbye, Hawkeye leaves with Champion.

On the plane ride to California, Hawkeye says Champion did him a favor by taking him away from New York.

Champion says that’s his luck. He has a gift for being in the right place at the right time. And then he gets a little intense. He also has a drive to turn out better than all the people who laughed at him over the years and a drive to live when doctors claimed that normal human muscles couldn’t support a body as large as his.

Bit of a red flag but Hawkeye isn’t particularly suspicious at this strange man offering him a lot of money.

So Champion takes Hawkeye to his retreat on the California coast. It has all the conveniences. Except telephones. Champion is a champion at retreating. And he doesn’t want his archery training sessions disturbed.

Archery is the only sport he never learned, after all.

He asks Hawkeye if he wants to write to the Avengers and assure them that he’s well but Hawkeye decides it will do them good to lose sleep over him.

Because, as mentioned, Hawkeye is acting like a teenager.

But since it would interfere with Champion’s mysterious but no doubt sinister schemes if the Avengers come around looking for Hawkeye, Champion forges a letter from Hawkeye to send to the Avengers.

For forgery is among the skills he has learned.

He also calls Hawkeye an ‘obstreperous dupe’ in his thoughts. I had to look that up. ‘Obstreperous’ apparently means ‘noisy and difficult to control.’ And yup. That’s Hawkeye. To a T.

So we have a montage of Hawkeye teaching Champion to archery. Calendar pages flying by and everything.

Finally, Champion manages to shoot three bullseyes in the same spot, splitting the first two arrows. And Hawkeye concludes that he has nothing further to teach Champion.

But that night, Hawkeye muses what to do next. He does feel like he belongs with the Avengers, especially with Quicksilver missing...

But he spots something weird and goes to investigate. And what he sees is... something very unique.

Champion has dressed up like Zardoz. Or, I guess, the Martian Manhunter? Hawkeye is confused. He was teaching Champion archery. Not how to dress weird.

But Champion’s response is very telling. “Costumes are for those who are masters of their art, and want the world to know it.”

Shine on, you wacky diamond.

Anyway, now that he has learned archery, Champion has finally become a master of all fields. He is better than anyone, at anything.

Sounds dubious but lets go with it. At the very least, becoming good at everything is impressive.

Eleven point four miles off the coast, there’s a sunken vessel that was carrying a top-secret nerve gas. Champion wants that gas but the sunken ship is in American waters. The coast guard would be all over his ass if he tried to recover it.

So clearly the solution is to put the boat into international waters in the most dramatic way ‘in keeping with my stature.’

He’s gonna trigger the San Andreas fault and drop California into the sea. As ya do.

That would kill untold numbers of people, Hawkeye protests! Meh, Champion isn’t concerned about people. All that matters is that it will create enough confusion and move the coast away from his prize.

Hawkeye points his bow at Champion and tells him its over. And also banters that what really matters is whether they make padded cells in giant economy size.

And then Champion shoots Hawkeye’s bow. See, his silly costume conceals a lot of surprises. Like Zzak!ing lasers.

And now Champion is shooting at the unarmed Hawkeye with a bow of his own.

So with the situation a bit untenable, Hawkeye jumps out the window.

ELSEWHERE and maybe when, Wanda wakes up and realizes something. That forged letter the Avengers received. It was signed ‘Hawkeye’ instead of ‘Clint.’ And apparently since revealing that he had a real name, he has been using ‘Clint’ for friendly correspondence with the Avengers. Or at least established a pattern where its weird that he would sign a letter ‘Hawkeye.’

Meanwhile, Hawkeye plummeted into the ocean. Kind of blacked out from the impact but he comes to and climbs up the cliff.

Unfortunately, Champion and a bunch of mooks are waiting for him. And Champion knocks Hawkeye the fuck out.

Hawkeye comes to fifty minutes later tied to a bomb in the middle of the Mojave Desert.

Just one of a series of bombs carefully located along the length of the San Andreas fault in the area. And when Hawkeye’s bomb is set off, it will trigger the other bombs.

And because Champion is a dramatic SOB, just pressing a button won’t have enough of a sense of personal satisfaction or accomplishment. No sir. Not for his archery teacher.

No, clearly the only logical way to set off the bomb is shooting it with the archery skills that Hawkeye taught him.

Its a situation ripe with irony, man.

Oh, speak of the devil! Its Iron Man! Also the rest of the Avengers.

They interrupt the archery demonstration and start beating up the faceless mooks.

Now this is embarrassing. A huge relief but also embarrassing. Because when you run off to make your friends/parents worry about you, the last thing you want is for them to find you in a situation where you need their help.

He calls asking for Thor to untie him so he can join in the fight but Thor can’t hear him over how hard he’s trying to hammer Champion.

Unfortunately, Champion anticipated that he might have to fight the Avengers. Remember how his silly costume is packed with surprises? It includes a null-energy force field (whatever that means) that can repel Mjolnir and Iron Man’s repulsors. Some more irony, man.

The counterattack, knocks Iron Man out of the air. Meanwhile, T’Challa is beating up mooks with the greatest of ease but gets sneak-attacked from behind and knocked out. And Thor gets blinded by another mook after taking out a bunch. And Scarlet Witch too.

To summarize, the Avengers are pretty distracted right now. Which is the moment Champion was waiting for.

Vision unties Hawkeye from the bomb just as Champion is drawing a bead on it. None of the Avengers can touch Champion through his force field so this is up to Hawkeye, somehow.

I mean, I guess Vision could blow the arrow with his body. He’s good at blocking attacks by jumping in front of them.

But Hawkeye says he has this one. Champion left Hawkeye’s bow in front of the bomb. I guess to be a dick. Tied up it would have been in sight but out of reach. And even if he could reach it, the string was snapped. But Hawkeye always carries a spare.

So before Champion can release his arrow, Hawkeye restrings his bow and fires an arrow from fifty yards, snapping Champion’s bowstring. Champion’s arrow goes off course.

I guess it just goes to show. There’s always someone better.

And then before he can regroup, Thor knocks the ground out from under Champion’s feet and Hawkeye hits him with a knockout gas arrow.

Because here is the thing about force fields. They tend to let air in. And if they don’t, if you keep up an attack long enough, the person will suffocate.

Between Iron Man’s technical knowledge and Vision’s intangibility, the Avengers are going to dismantle the bombs easily. That’s the aftermath addressed.

Thor praises Hawkeye’s markmanship. He’s never seen such a shot.

“Yeah -- ne’er will they again, either.” Because Hawkeye has had his fill being poor, old Hawkeye, the stupid Avenger.

He feels that he is good but he never really has a chance to show it in the middle of the Avengers what with all their gods and guys in walking tanks. He’s going to prove he can make it on his own! Cross his name off the roster because Hawkeye is going solo!

And starting a beautiful tradition of quitting the team. In some ways, he just hasn’t been Hawkeye until now~

But there is a doylistic reason. If you pay attention to changes in creative team you can usually pick up on these things, in-book shakeups that happen shortly after production shakeups.

Steve Englehart did not like Hawkeye. He was quoted as saying “Hawkeye was never real good or real bad or real interesting.”

Five issues into Englehart’s run and Hawkeye is out. At the least though, his departure got a focus story.

He’ll be back though. If there’s anything is dependable as Hawkeye quitting the Avengers, it is Hawkeye rejoining the Avengers.

So how about the villain de jour? Imus Champion is a really cool villain. He’s everything that Count Nefaria never was in his first appearance.

He’s a physical presence on his own, good at pretty much every skill, has access to powerful technology, and is decently intelligence. He did make his fortune legitimately before he decided to conquer the world because screw you everyone who ever laughed at him.

Plus, he’s a natural born supervillain! Who else but a natural supervillain would decide that creating a natural disaster is the perfect first step of a heist?

And he made an amazingly ridiculous first impression with that plane thing.

It really is a shame he never became a recurring Avengers threat. It seems that after this, he just disappears until the 90s. Kurt Busiek gets some good use out of him at that point but he was off the board for two decades.

Champion could have been a great addition to the Avengers’ rogues gallery. I can see this guy recruiting other supervillains and doing schemes. Its hard to imagine him doing much of anything else.

It really is a waste that he wasn’t used more often.

And much worse villains get much more panel time. Like, for example, Count Nefaria.

Maybe it was the costume he chose.

[yelenaslyubov]

Caught In The Crossfire

main masterlist || kate bishop || requests

pairing: kate bishop x reader

warnings: language, mentions of death, sexual joke

description: while you’re leaving to go back to your apartment to pack for winter break, a girl stands in the way of that goal. instead, you spend your evening with your new intriguing friend getting to know more about her (inspired by the first episode of hawkeye)

word count: 2.1k

You took a deep breath and let the icy air cloud your lungs. It was late at night and you had just finished your last college exam before the winter break. You couldn’t wait to go back to your apartment and pack so you could travel home to your family. It didn’t feel like break quite yet, but you knew once school was over and you had time to relax, the relieving feeling would sink in again.

The snow was beautiful on campus and everything felt so calm and quiet with no one around. You loved this time of night here because it felt like the one time everything, and everyone for that matter, was still.

You were torn away from your thoughts when two girls ran by you frantically, looking as if they were running away from something. You looked back and watched as they fled the campus, leaving you to wonder what had happened.

Eventually you heard the sound of a man in a demanding tone coming from somewhere. You kept walking in hopes to pass by whatever was happening. You had enough of anything stressful occurring in your life since finals were taking place, and you didn’t want to know what was going on in the distance.

You walked a little further through the halls of the school until the shouting started getting louder and sounded like it was inching nearer to you. All of a sudden you saw a girl your age running towards you, but you couldn’t move out of the way fast enough and she ran straight into you.

“Oh shit, I’m sorry!” she apologized.

You laughed it off. “It’s okay. I should ask if you’re okay, it sounds like someone is after you.”

“Yeah, I-I’m just fine,” she said out of breath while checking her surroundings. You both spotted the cop at the same time as he was running closer to you and your eyes widened.

“You’re running from the cops?” you asked worriedly.

“No, just one cop,” she said to make the situation sound better than it really was. “We need to go, like right now.”

You didn’t have time to protest before she grabbed your arm and ran down the hallway. You could hear the man behind you a little ways which only made you jog faster until the girl yanked you into the nearest closet and shut the door gently, hoping to draw attention away from the two of you.

You started to open your mouth to say something but she shushed you with the gesture of her finger. The footsteps of the man could be heard right outside the closet and you saw the shadow of his shoes walking away from under the door. The steps started to fade out until a door opened and shut again, indicating he had fled the scene. The girl sighed in relief while you stared at her confused.

“Why did you drag me into this closet with you?” you asked her, a little bewildered at what happened only moments before.

“Well you were a witness, duh. I couldn’t have you testifying against me in court,” she said plainly.

“What the hell did you even do that was bad enough a cop was running after you? And why are you carrying a bow and arrow?” This was quite literally one of the weirdest things that had happened to you, but one of the most exciting too.

“Uh, I may have destroyed the bell tower…but as for the bow, I’m on the archery team. Not to brag, but a lot of people call me the world's greatest archer.”

You sat there stunned from the beginning of her sentence. It was hard to process all her words because you couldn’t tell if she was joking or not. Something within you knew that she was being completely truthful.

“Wait, hold on. You destroyed the bell tower? Like the giant ass brick tower with the clock in the middle of campus?”

She nodded her head. “Yup…”

“No shit,” you chuckled. “How did you manage that?” She acted surprised at your interest and she held up her bow with a smile. “You destroyed a whole bell tower that’s been sitting there for who knows how many years, with a bow and arrow?”

She nodded again proudly. “Now you believe the whole world's greatest archer thing?”

“I don’t know, I’m not convinced yet. I gotta say though, I’m pretty impressed you did that with just a bow and arrow. You said you were on the archery team right? Are you Kate?”

She looked at you a bit stunned. “Uh, yeah?”

“Don’t be alarmed, I’m not a stalker. I’ve seen your picture in the trophy case when I walk to class.”

“You go here?” she asked.

“Oh no, I just love walking around college campuses late at night. All the stressful energy and need for academic validation really chills me out,” you laughed as well as she.

“I’m surprised I’ve never seen you around before. Kind of a shame we haven’t met prior to this little incident,” she said as she looked around the cramped closet.

“Well what a way to meet then. I’m y/n y/l/n.”

“Nice to meet you, and you clearly already know my name, I’m Kate Bishop. You want to maybe get out of this closet and grab a coffee or something?”

“Yeah, that actually sounds really nice.”

You knew that only minutes before all you wanted to do was go back home to prepare for the holidays, but now you felt like you wanted to stay with Kate for a while longer. There was something about her that sparked a thrilling sense of adventure within you and you wanted to see where it would lead you.

She helped pull you up off the floor and you thanked her. She slowly opened the door and peeked her head out, looking back and forth before giving you a sign that it was okay to exit. You both left the closet behind and started walking away from campus and down the street to the closest diner.

It was crappy and run down, only housing a few people that if you got close to, you were pretty sure they would snatch your wallet right out from under you. You both found an empty booth by the door in case you needed to bolt, and you ordered a cup of coffee each. It came back piping hot, but perfect for the cold New York night.

“So,” Kate started, taking a sip of coffee first. “Tell me about yourself? Apparently we’ve been walking the same halls together for years and we’ve never ran into each other until tonight…literally may I add.”

You laughed and looked up at her from your mug. “Well, I transferred when I was a junior, so I’ve been here for about a year. I’m an English major and I’m in a book club. That about sums me up. What about you?”

“It sounds like you know more about me than I do about you, but like I said, I’m on the archery team. I’m doing a double major in hopes to fulfill my mothers dream of me running her company when I graduate,” she said a little dramatically with a hint of annoyance.

“Oh? Sounds like it’s not what you want?”

“It is definitely not what I want, but it’s not up to me I’ve found.”

“Well what do you want to do?” you questioned.

She sighed and fidgeted with her fingers in thought. “I’m not really sure to be completely honest, I just don’t want to run a security company. Sure, I would make a shit ton of money, but I honestly don’t care much about that. I kind of just want to go with the flow. What about you, what do you want to do?”

“I’m an English major for fucks sake, I have no clue what I’m doing,” you both laughed. “My parents kind of forced me into the whole ‘college experience’ thing since they never had the chance to go. They never really gave me time to explain that I didn’t want that just because they didn't have it. It’s just not my thing. I’d rather just get a job now and not waste thousands of dollars on a degree I may never use.”

“Exactly! My mom doesn’t understand me when I say that. I’m glad there’s someone else who agrees.”

“What about your dad, does he agree with your dream of running away into the sunset with your bow and arrow?”

She laughed breathily, but her face dropped in sadness. “Uhm, he probably would have. He passed away a long time ago.”

“Oh Kate, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“No no it’s okay, you didn’t know. It’s hard when people bring it up, but I like talking about him. He was my best friend.”

“I had a friend who passed away almost two years ago. It was part of the reason I transferred schools. My parents couldn’t stand to see me in that state of grief anymore, so they sent me somewhere I could have a fresh start apparently. Ever since then I’ve kind of just been on my own because no one could fill that place. No matter how much time has passed, it doesn’t get any easier.”

You felt her hand reach over and she placed it on top of yours. You looked up and saw a sympathetic smile on her face because you knew she had felt that exact pain before. Something about the gesture made your face warm and cheeks turn pink. When she noticed, she pulled away and pretended like she never did it in the first place.

“How about we change the subject?” you offered. “I want to know more about you.”

Once you got the conversation flowing, neither one of you wanted to stop. The topics changed so often you could barely keep up, but all you knew was that you hadn’t felt this happy since your best friend had left you. It felt that you were the only two people in the world, sitting in that little booth with the cracked leather seats. You were sad to say the least when the conversation shifted to the topic of leaving.

“We should probably get out of here. It’s getting late and I don’t think we want to be here when the nut balls come in,” Kate said as she shuffled out of the booth you were sitting in.

“You’re saying that the crazy ones haven’t come in yet?”

“Oh god no,” she laughed. “One time an old man came up to me and offered me a coupon for soup if I was willing to give him a lap dance.”

“Oh my god you’re joking!” you giggled.

“I wish I was, I really wish I was.” You both left the diner behind to walk back out into the snow.

“Thank you for the coffee by the way.”

“Oh no problem. I’m glad we did it,” she smiled.

The two of you kept walking and exchanging stories. It was well below freezing outside, but the blue eyed girl next to you made you forget all about the cold. Your mind kept wandering to the sad fact that in the next few minutes you would depart from each other. This was disappointing because you knew once she left, you wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about her for the rest of the break. It became a reality when you walked in front of your building.

“Well, this is my stop,” you said sadly.

“Oh…I figured we had more time.”

“Unfortunately not,” you looked down. “It was really nice meeting you and good luck with the whole mom thing. I hope to see you around next semester, Robin Hood.” She laughed at the nickname and you swore you saw the faint essence of a blush on her face.

“Yeah you too. I’ll see you around.”

You both turned to leave and you were halfway into pulling the main door open to your complex when Kate yelled out your name, making you abruptly turn around.

“I forgot to give this to you,” she said, holding out one of the diner napkins to you.

She smiled and ran away, leaving you slightly confused. You unfolded the napkin and smirked when you saw her number written out on the paper, along with the name “the world's greatest archer” written out. You shook your head at her confidence, a trait that didn’t go unnoticed by you. You weren’t sure when she had the time to write this down without you knowing or when she found a pen, but you were glad she did.

When you got inside your building and walked into your apartment, the first thing you did was text her to let her know you got the number and that you made it inside okay. You didn’t want to act desperate but you also wanted to flirt a little back, so you settled for saying, “Very funny, I see what you did there Bishop. Maybe sometime you can prove the whole ‘world’s greatest archer’ thing to me so that I’ll actually believe it?”

The only thing you weren’t happy about was how much she was going to be stuck in your head until the next time you two would meet.

☞ join my taglist!

[bukojuiice]

— genshin boys as your late night study buddy

ೃ ft. childe, diluc, kaeya, zhongli, xiao and albedo x gn! reader

ೃ 200-299 words per character!  (they are your bfs in this! bc MAN do i desperately want one of the genshin boys to cram school works with and shower me with luv and affection.) ♡

ೃ tags: college au, modern au, and lots of fluff. 

ೃ thank you so so much for 1k notes on my very first batch of genshin hcs! i appreciate all the luv it received and i can never thank all of you enough 🥺 i’ll be making a genshin masterlist soon to compile all of my current and future works so pls stay tuned for that!

ೃ if you want to be a part of my taglist, answer this form! ♡

ZHONGLI:

– Zhongli would be a very chill study partner. He will always keep his cool and focus, never letting his attention stray away from less trivial things. If he can focus, he’ll focus. There’s always this sense of comfort surrounding him that brightens up your mood and productivity. The both of you are sat in this long table, papers, books, and cute matching pencils are sprawled about. You lean your head on his shoulder, as he serenades you with his deep and butter voice, explaining all the formulas to you. Being able to study in peace and quiet with him is always a blissful experience. He never fails to brew you green tea (as it helps the brain function) even if that meant going down to the kitchen at 2 in the morning. He always brings a small humidifier and some essential oils with him that can help brighten up the study mood and that emits a wafting vanilla pinecone scent to keep you happy. (He’s just fancy like that.) When he doesn’t understand the concepts right away, he’d turn to you, his sharp amber eyes gazing at yours with nothing but innocent and love, and asks: “(Y/N)... what reference is this supposed to be? pepe the frog? kermit the frog? here come dat boi? aren’t they all just amphibians? what are the differences between them? I am very intrigued.”

CHILDE:

  – Childe loves a challenge. An academic challenge. He loves the thrill of finishing school works the night before the deadline, he loves studying for a pop quiz twenty minutes before the bell rings, and most importantly, he loves to pretend he doesn’t know how to solve point a to point b if that means getting to spend time with you as you tutor him on how to do so. He’s at the top of the class, He’s popular and friendly, He’s the captain of the Archery Team, and one of the vice council members of the Fatui Club. But, no other title will ever come close to being your study buddy. You and Childe always chill on the bed whenever you study. Especially when the both of you have the sudden urge to just laze around. Well, it is the wee hours of the night, so just lounging around and trying to resist the urge of sleep is pretty understandable. Sometimes, the two of you would take power naps in between study sessions. This meant cuddle times! Childe will always cuddle with you, (he’s the big spoon and you are the smol spoon) and often times you would be immersed into your textbook while he’s scrolling through his phone and looking for some of the current and popular memes. He’d poke you on the cheek and show you what he’s found. It was quite annoying sometimes and you would reprimand him for it, but it never fails to make you laugh. You jokingly suggested one time that the two of you sneak in the library after closing hours, and your chaotic boyfriend turns to you with the biggest smirk plastered on his face. “Let’s do it baby. I know the law.”

DILUC:

–You and Diluc are the cutest pair of night owls. So, studying late at night is never a problem with him because with the help of each other, the both of you are unstoppable. An actual power couple. Batman and his love interest who? I only know (Y/N) and Diluc. Mondstadt University should be giving you the title of #NoSleepGang for the “Campus Cuties” awards because the two of you are able to ace every test still despite lack of sleep.  You and Diluc are very very organized. The both of you own matching couple planners (that the both of you had gifted to each for Christmas) and have your entire study schedule planned out already. Since the two of you prefer to study at night, your dates are usually done during the day. Which meant never having to worry about the upcoming finals whilst you’re at a cute little café with him. The both of you have respective desks whenever you study together, but you never fail to gaze at your crimson-haired boyfriend with the cutest pout and biggest puppy eyes. He always gives in and next thing you know, your swivel chairs are practically glued next to each other and the both of you are cuddling in your seats. One thing that Diluc never fails to do is pamper you with comfort food or little gifts that you love after a long and tiring week of hell (aka exams) It’s such a sweet gesture and the blissful relationship that you have can’t get any better than this.

“I got you some boba and that necklace from Pandora that you’ve always wanted. I-I’m so proud of you (Y/N). You did great, my love.”

KAEYA:

- You are the Lawful Good to Kaeya’s Chaotic Evil. Kaeya is always tempted to ask for answers from your professors. He’s quite the teacher’s pet, but with good intentions. That’s just how he rolls. Every time he jokes about going to the faculty to help out and the answer sheets are just out in the open, waiting to be snatched, you always glare at at him and punch him softly on the arm, every time he tries to bring up the idea. To which he would always reply with, “I’m kidding. Just kidding my love.” You and Kaeya have amazing study hacks. He is always able to find a movie that is somewhat related to the topics that the both of you are currently studying about. For example, when the topic was an introduction to different branches of science, Kaeya chose Big Hero 6  as the “Educational Movie Of the Day.” He is always able to find something fun and informative for the both of you to watch. Well, Kaeya does find fun and interest in everything. Another effective strategy that both of you do is every time you or him get an answer right, you reward each other with either a kiss on the cheek or a bear hug. Both of these affectionate gestures give you butterflies in your stomach anyway, so it doesn’t matter which is which. With the ideas that Kaeya constantly makes up every single day of your study sessions, there’s a high chance that you’ll never fluke a test ever again.

“Oh. That’s pretty cool of you (Y/N). You got 30 correct answers! If we count everything, so I basically gave you 15 forehead kisses and 15 bear hugs. Congrats! I know we’re going to ace our finals!”

XIAO:

– Xiao is extremely intelligent and talented in a myriad of things. However, he lacks self-confidence. You’ve sworn to your boyfriend that you’d help him gain confidence in his academic abilities. Which is why you became study buddies in the first place. It served as dates with him too! Although he stubbornly refused at first, his reasons being that he can do things by himself and he doesn’t need any help. You continued to encourage him that this was going to help the both of you and it was a way for the two of you to bond, and Xiao hesistantly agreed right after. As the captain of the soccer team, “The Liyue Adepti”, The only free time that Xiao has was during the evening which is the reason for your scheduled late night studies with him. This brought so much more intimate and sweet moments with him though! It meant sleepovers with him, midnight snack runs, and casual early morning strolls in the park. It became sort of a routine. Your hand interlaced with his, the crisp morning air, the little chirpings birds, and the tranquil swaying of the trees brought so much comfort to the both of you. Xiao would be the type of student to not speak up unless he’s called. Even if he knows the answer. The both of you sit on some floor pillows whenever you would study. So, whilst you read aloud, Xiao always hugs you from behind, resting his head on your shoulder.

“I don’t deserve the patience and love you give me, (Y/N). I am eternally grateful for everything you’ve done for me. I hope you know, that I’ll always be here for you.”

ALBEDO:

- Being the university’s library assistant has it’s perks. Access to infinite knowledge, quiet solitude within the library walls, and being able to hang out with your boyfriend. It was truly a perfect deal. After classes, Albedo would be heading straight over to the library to do his work. You’d meet him there and wait until he gets his work done, and then the two of you head home together or have dinner. Albedo likes to plan things in advance. He’s quite busy, being a part of university’s alchemist group and as a library assistant, but, he will always study with you. He even brings Klee with him at times too! She’s always an energetic and cute addition, + she tattles on and on about how in love Albedo is with you and how he would never shut up about you at home. Albedo puts a lot of effort into creating review materials for the both of you. He makes very intricate drawings of modules, dioramas of certain science models, and has all the formulas memorized for him to list down. He’s a genius after all, and although you’ve constantly told him time and time again that he doesn’t have to make a review paper specifically catered to you, he still insists. He always gifts you one whenever it’s exam week (he adds extra detail to them during your finals) The cutest thing about these papers are scribbled about in all of the pages. The cutest doodles of the two of you with hearts and flowers drawn all over. Albedo + (Y/N) is even written in the last page, along with a heartfelt message: 

“I put all my faith and belief in you, (Y/N). I know you can do this. I’m proud of everything you’ve reached so far, my beloved. and I know you’ll reach greater heights. Let’s continue to excel and thrive together. I can’t wait to spend the rest of this journey with you.”

[fratboykate]

What happens after Yelena leaves Kate standing on the sidewalk confused? They're both such idiots. Fall in love already!

Another couple of weeks pass. They're really non-entities in each other's lives. They both have too much shit going on.

Kate is being held upside down by three guys as she does a keg stand.

"CHUG! CHUG! CHUG! CHUG!"

"KEG KATE! KEG KATE! KEG KATE! KEG KATE!"

Yelena and five of her friends walk in. Kate's body directly faces the hallway that looks into the front door so she clocks the group and the blonde the moment they set foot in the house. She chokes, starts coughing up beer, and it also sprays out her nose. The dudes immediately turn her right side up.

"You good, bro?"

They immediately start to question her.

"Yeah yeah. Went down the wrong pipe."

Kate dismisses them while not taking her eyes off the blonde now disappearing through the crowd of the house party.

"Who wants to play a game with Beer Pong Bishop and me? We'll kick your ass!"

Her friend grabs her and pushes Kate towards the beer pong table effectively ending her momentary distraction.

---

Yelena and her friends hold drinks and dance in a circle to the music. They're all comfortably buzzed.

"Why has Kate Bishop not taken her eyes off you all night?"

"Who?"

"Kate Bishop? Captain of the archery team?" Yelena has nothing for her. "Varsity fencing? Infamous on campus? Her bed sees more action than the exam tables at Planned Parenthood" Yelena has truly never heard of this person. There's over thirty thousand students at Columbia. Why should she? It's absurd any of them have. "I forget you know more about professors than other students."

"That's not true."

"Sure. Uhummmm...well...she's at six o'clock and has been eyeing you for the past two hours."

"She clearly wants your legs on her stirrups so she can closely inspect that vag."

Her friends laugh.

"You guys are disgusting."

Yelena finally glances over, spots Kate currently grinding against a scantily clad redhead, and loudly groans.

"OH GOD. Not her."

Kate noticed Yelena looking at her. The song isn't over but Kate leaves the redhead on the dance floor and cuts through the crowd to head over to Yelena and her friends.

"Aaaaaaand she's on the move."

On the way, Kate grabs a fresh beer from one of the buckets on the counter and cracks it open.

"She should stay where she is because the answer is still no."

"What do you mean 'still no'? Have you turned her down before?!"

"When? How? Why? TEA?! SPILLED! IMMEDIATELY!"

"What? What's the worst that could happen? You have sex? I will willingly spend a few hours in the hallway for that. Last time was Casey and you desperately need a rebound from those shitty lays."

Kate reaches the group of six women. Yelena's friends willingly make room for her, leaving a spot next to Yelena. Kate throws her arm over the shorter blonde's shoulder. Yelena INSTANTLY removes it.

"It's you..."

Yelena grimaces.

"Still me."

"I was starting to think you were allergic to parties or something...I don't know."

"She's not allergic. Needs some...gentle nudging."

"And by gentle she means threats of us no longer being friends with her."

The girl playfully laughs. It's all a joke.

"You still haven't told me your name."

"That should give you a hint. Not that you need one. I already said 'no'."

"Yelena. Her name is Yelena."

Yelena stares daggers at her friend.

"Oh shit! Spicy name! I like it. I knew there was something about your face that read...exotic. Where you from? Like, I know you're gonna probably say 'here.' But where are you REALLY from?"

Yelena can't help but laugh.

"Most people get better the more you talk to them...with you it's somehow the opposite." Yelena looks at her friends. "I'm gonna go. I should be working on my paper anyway."

"Come on! We're not even drunk yet!"

Yelena leaves the group and weaves through the crowd on her way to the door without saying another word.

That's the second time she's left Kate standing alone and perplexed. Kate's taking this as a personal challenge now.

[starlightervarda]

Is Yusuf extremely good at maths ? And what about the rest of the family ?

                              The Old Guard & Maths

Joe was a merchant from a Golden Age. He was expected to be good with numbers to that extent, but as he settled into his immortality he took advantage of all the time he had to learn all he could.

While he thinks accounting can be fun, from an artistic perspective he prefers algebra and geometry. It feeds into his admiration of architecture, and his love of angles, ratios, sequences and precise measurements. His art needs to be mathematically-sound to reach its true potential. He loves figuring out how to nest shapes and interlock figures in his pattern-paintings, and maintains that in abstracts.

He gets a dopamine rush when he visits buildings across the Islamic world that carried that love of detail and stares at their mosaic interiors for what feels like hours, admiring the effort. He also loves kaleidoscopes.

Because of this, he can’t conceive the word art not being applied to something aesthetically pleasing and that he can’t find balanced with measuring tools and calculations. When art programs appeared on computers, he took to them faster than Tech Guy Booker, because they were, fundamentally, maths.

He doesn’t care how groundbreaking or against the grain it is, art not operating on these rules is ugly. It fills his brain with white noise.

Nile tells him he may have some level of OCD.

Nicky’s maths is more functional. He can tell how much something weighs by lifting it, can approximate a number of things or people by looking at them—helps with recipes and shooting targets—and before measuring cups and scales were readily available he did everything by eye.

He rarely ever under or overestimates. He can tell you with certainty how much is too much just by considering it. How much sugar this needs on what size spoon, the amount of salt a dish of this size needs, how much gas this trip will use, how many bullets he’ll need for this mission, and even how high he needs to be and at what angle to hit a target.

Due to this aptitude, he doesn’t know quite how he does it, he just does. So, if you ask him what five-thousand divided by twenty is, he’ll get out the calculator app on his phone and thank modern technology for sparing him.

To the gang’s frustration, whenever they play Monopoly Nicky keeps winning. None of them, least of all him, can explain how.

Quynh is almost exactly the same. They had archery competitions mid-battle, shooting games on missions where Nicky will kill two men with one bullet and she’ll go “That still only counts as one!” but when she does the same thing she’ll insist it’s two kills.

Outside of work, she calculates distances, angles and odds within glances, and gets the most out of them in sports games like tennis, softball and even golf.

Don’t play racket or bat sports with Quynh if you’re a sore loser.

Nile needs her Maths to be fun. She loved multiplication tables and doing long division as a kid, they were a game to her, trigonometry was cool and she didn’t mind algebra as long as she had the formulas with her. It was a fun challenge, it was logical…but once they started bringing in the Greek letters she was out.

Joe will wax poetic about how great that mathematics has become so varied and complex while she makes uncomfortable faces. That’s nice, old man, back in your day you didn’t have to memorize all this stuff alongside chapters upon chapters from other subjects, then have your worth measured by the average they calculated in a report card. Now she’s flashing back to how much final exams stressed her out.

Despite that, she loves puzzles, Rubix cubes, card and board games, and always measures her odds well.

If you ask, she’ll tell you her favourite Disney movie is Mulan. If you nudge her she’ll admit that the one she actually watched the most as a child was Donald in Mathemagic Land…come on, it’s Donald Duck in the mathematical version of Wonderland, and he teaches you a lot of cool stuff—shut up, Andy, no one says the word ‘egghead’ anymore.

Joe watches Donald in Mathemagic Land with her on the days she misses her mom.


Booker is the mechanics and IT to Joe’s business and arts. Not sure why, but the science machines operate on always made sense to him, even before he had the words for what each method he used to work them was. There’s a particular beat he can hear, a logic to how stuff fits together, and once those fields got explored and detailed to the point he now has formulas and codes, they—somewhat—put it into words for him.

He can actually explain to you how he code-breaks and hacks. Whether you understand a word he says is up to your luck and how coherent he is at the moment. He’s drunkenly rambled about algorithms where everyone looks at him like he’s a madman, but Joe goes ‘No, he’s got a point’.

He and Nile utilize their technical maths skills by playing a lot of mind-sport board games like chess, checkers and Go. They’re also the only ones that don’t get bored fast and can go at it for hours.

Andy calls it ‘nerdy foreplay’.

Andy knows how to count, thank you very much. She can do it in, like, twenty-five languages, what more do you want from her?

Leave her alone, you nerds.

[themisweek2021]

Alrighty, folks! Thank you so much for the enthusiastic responses on the interest check! We’ve garnered enough interest, so Themis Week is officially a go! Without further ado— the finalized prompts, rules, and other info on Themis Week 2021, which will take place from October 24th to October 30th (during the actual dates of the Turnabout Academy trial)!

~PROMPTS~

Take from this event what you want— don’t feel obligated to fill every prompt or base your piece on the blurb! Feel free to skip days, write multiple pieces for a day, etc.

First Days (Sun. October 24)

The gang’s first day at the academy? The first day of Juniper’s trial? Professor Courte’s first day as a teacher? Lots to pick from!

Student Life (Mon. October 25)

Extracurriculars, dances, spirit weeks, tacky fundraisers, bad cafeteria lunches, finals season— all inevitable parts of the student experience, for better or worse. Step into the shoes of an intrepid Herald reporter and give us the dish on the day-to-day at Themis!

School Fair (Tue. October 26)

Sure, the first one was a disaster, but the second went off without a hitch (not a burning guitar in sight)! Everyone attempting to best Hugh at the archery carnival booth? Robin’s art exhibit? The mock trial do-over? All kinds of fun to be had here!

Proof (Wed. October 27)

Whether it’s bands of friendship, autopsies in court, or Myriam’s bulletin board of red string and gossip that she absolutely swears is legitimate, evidence is everything for this group and vital to the trust they share. Lay it all out for us!

Graduation (Thurs. October 28)

It’s inevitable. How do Robin, Myriam, Hugh, and Juniper say goodbye to the institution that shaped them? What comes next— jobs? The bar exam? A musical number about how they’re all in this together? Or perhaps you’d like to focus on Professor Means’ long-winded valedictorian speech for a Throwback Thursday? Up to you!

Mentors (Fri. October 29)

A certain ace attorney once said that the legacy of those who came before us is handed down from mentor to disciple. How did Aristotle Means and Constance Courte impact those they taught? How does their legacy live on? Does it live on, or does the new generation find someone else to look up to?

Free Day (Sat. October 30)

Write or draw anything you want relating to our star quartet, be it angsty, fluffy, or just plain cracky! The possibilities are truly endless.

MORE INFO UNDER THE CUT INCLUDING RULES, PLEASE RB AND HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

~RULES~

Obviously, we can’t physically stop anyone from writing or drawing anything they want. That said, only SFW work (think PG-13 movies, if that helps) will be reblogged here and archived. No dead dove, etc. content will be given a platform.

This event, by nature of the content, is probably geared more towards gen writers and artists, but feel free to write/draw ships (central or background) as long as it follows the rules above and the main focus of your work stays on at least one character from Turnabout Academy.

Again, above guidelines aside, take as much liberty with the prompts as you like! The blurbs are just a way to get your gears turning. Want to draw a piece for day five about a “graduated” cylinder accident in Themis’ chem lab? Go for it. Wanna include a Klavier and Sebastian parallel for your day one fic? Go for it. Have fun!

~OTHER INFO~

Tag us @themisweek2021 in your work so we can reblog it! Work will generally be reblogged on each day around 5-8 p.m EST. Our tag is #themisweek21. Work will be reblogged during a late period until November 3rd.

We’ll have an unmoderated collection on Ao3 since enough of you were interested! It’ll be under Themis Week 2021. We reserve the right to remove your fic if it violates our guidelines, though.

[nimble-stuff]

1. INSECURITY // Bernadetta + Marianne Bernadetta has trouble leaving her room.

Fandom: Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Warnings: Agoraphobia, anxiety attacks, Bernadetta being Bernadetta

Also on AO3

Request a Prompt here! I’m doing the card for FE3H. I’m not accepting requests for specific characters because I have my own specific ideas. I’ll accept requests for prompts though! @badthingshappenbingo

Bernadetta white-knuckled her doorframe while Ingrid had her hand locked firm around her upper arm, tight as a tourniquet, and strangling like a tight-fitting sleeve in a too-small dress. She fixated on the black insides of her eyelids instead of taking in the crowd gathered outside her bedroom.

The crowd had gathered when she’d screamed and there was no sign that they had any intention to leave. All Bernadetta saw all were blank faces and the smoke plume of whispers heavy overhead. It all made Bernadetta want to bolt into her room more, but Ingrid was strong in more ways than one.

“I CAN’T LEAVE!” Bernadetta screamed.

“There’s an archery exam today,” said Ingrid, tugging at her. “You have to take it.”

“Can’t they move the target outside my door?” Bernadetta grunted as Ingrid pulled. “I can shoot from inside!”

“Edelgard said that you have to go to the training grounds to take the exam,” said Ingrid. “Stop acting like a child! This is unbecoming of an attendee of the Officers Academy.”

“I DON’T EVEN WANT TO BE HERE!”

“Not everyone does! Just—Bernadetta, let go of the pole, everyone’s staring.”

“No, no, no—the test has to be done here,” Bernadetta insisted. “This is the only place I can do it!”

“You can’t shoot from your door—it’s not allowed! Do I have to go talk to Edelgard about this?”

The crying, when it started, came from a spot in her sternum, spilling over like she was struggling not to overflow a glass of water. Ingrid’s hands startled back from her body. Bernadetta slid down and ended up on her knees, arms stretched taut around the pole. It wasn’t that much different from the day they’d foced her to come here.

She howled loud enough to drown out the gnawing, anxious noise from the crowd, enough to send her spiralling into a state where she felt nothing except the inconceivable ache in her chest. Their voices chewed on her limp body, and she wailed to the ground until her voice died into a low, continuous moan that resonated against the back of her teeth.

Through her self-contained despair, voices stuttered around her—

“What’s her problem?”

“I’ve never seen her out of her room.”

“Ugh, another noble making a fuss to get attention. It sickens me.”

All the things she feared were true about herself, echoed back by the people around her. She despaired.

Until, finally, a voice much softer and kinder, so gentle, rose out. Bernadetta wouldn’t have caught it, if not for the flutter in her chest that made her so intensely aware of her surroundings.

“Um, what’s going on?”

“Nothing, Marianne,” said Ingrid. “Bernadetta’s…” An uncertain pause. “She’s, uh…upset.”

“Oh. Did you try to get her to leave her room.”

“Yes…”

“Okay.”

The single word was nonconfrontational, with none of the underlying judgment from everyone else. Bernadetta counted the footsteps it took for the person to approach: six in total, the light click of their heels audible against the stonework.

In her field of vision, Marianne knelt down, skirt pooling around her.

“Um, hi,” said Marianne, as if uncertain how to begin a conversation with her. “Um, I don’t blame you if you don’t remember, but we’ve had meals together…”

Even in the throes of her anxiety, Bernadetta was a little startled. It seemed inconceivable that Marianne could think that she didn’t remember who she was, not when they’d often run into each other during late-night trips to the dining hall. Neither of them were exactly social butterflies. Sometimes, they didn’t even talk—just sat nearby in content silence. Neither of them expected conversation, and yet, sometimes Bernadetta did with her. She reminded Bernadetta of her mother: a living effigy of quiet assurance.

“Um, I don’t want to alarm you, but everyone’s kind of looking this way,” said Marianne, with a shaky edge suggesting she was equally uncomfortable with the attention. “Maybe we could go into your room?”

Bernadetta took a few breaths. One. Two. The third got stuck. She swallowed it back down.

“Y—Yes,” she said. “Bernie needs a safe, dark room to hide in.”

“Maybe you can start by letting go of the pillar?”

Bernadetta looked up, face soaked with tears. She tasted the salt on her lips. For the first time, she saw her arms clutched protectively around the pillar, supporting the structure, and supporting herself. With the same delicate touch a bee might use to extract nectar from a flower, Marianne unfurled Bernadette’s arms from the pillar and helped her stand. Her legs wobbled underneath her like willow branches swaying in the wind.

She should say something. All these people were here, and she was stuck in front of them, and they’d all seen her breaking down. She turned on her heel and roughly curtsied to the crowd.

She meant to say, ‘Sorry for the trouble. Everything is normal.’

What she actually shouted was, “NORMAL!” She bolted into her room with Marianne and started hyperventilating.

Bernadetta didn’t even get to her bed to hide underneath it. Instead, she sank to her knees inside her doorway, with Marianne wrapping her arms around her like she’d done to the pillar moments before. She stroked Bernadetta’s tangled hair. She sank into Marianne, clutching at her skirt, and thought of her mother.

Marianne hummed a tune that filled the silence, and after a moment, Bernadetta recognized it as a hymn that sometimes echoed across the monastery from the cathedral—a place she’d never actually been to, and likely never would.

After all, she’d never be as secure there as she was in her room, crying in the arms of a classmate and given a comfort that didn’t soothe.

[ciriwrites]

thoughts rewatching ep 1 of mctna (spoilers below):

the parallel of hwi bringing seon-ho to his knees in the past and “present” (shooting him with the arrows, stabbing him in the gut) and telling him to surrender (prior to the murder of nam jeon and after he knocks seon-ho down) and seon-ho refusing his help both times

i never realized it before, but seon-ho “leads” hwi quite a bit: he’s the one who leads them through the forest to begin their archery contest, the one who leads them back to shore after their swim/bath, the one who runs away from hwi after getting his clothes, the one who leads the way in the market chase scene, the one who registered for the state exam first, the one who invites him to the hunting party, telling hwi to register (again) after he gets the arrowhead...

hwi’s right arm gets slashed protecting hui-jae marking the beginning of their “patching you up as a love language” courtship

seon-ho watches the guards figure out where hui-jae and hwi went from behind a pillar, directly paralleling how he hid when finding out hwi was in danger the second time, and juxtaposing how this time he helped — and the next time...well

i really didn’t notice this, but yeon really seems to like to read? she was reading in the flashback and also reading before hwi got home to chide him about not studying for the state exam

nam jeon says “your legs were not made for kneeling” and seon-ho makes his final stand (not to pun or anything) kneeling. this also sets up the contrast between what nam jeon said and sung-rok and seon-ho’s first interaction in the series, where sung-rok tells him to kneel before yi seung-gye when receiving is bow. 

maybe my seon-ho/hwi goggles are on, but hwi only cedes and agrees on going after seon-ho touches his hand to wrest the fan away from him, cough cough.

this is less of a fascinating character thought and more of a “oh god woo do-hwan is so hot” type of thought, but seon-ho has been decked out in blue for nearly the whole episode so far. right now he’s in this sort of periwinkle outfit which is blue enough i guess?

hwi compares his birth to a stone and seon-ho’s to a silver spoon, but seon-ho doesn’t define him by his now-lowly status: instead, he calls him “the son of the greatest swordsman in goryeo”. remembering how the theme of this episode is who you were born to being half your fate, the distinction is really thematically lovely this episode.

this whole episode deals with themes of not being a dog (not barking and chasing, not being lowly), but remember hui-jae’s conversation with the head gisaeng at ihwaru? a dog refers to a ruffian/roughneck, while a tiger refers to (allegedly the capitol patrol, but we can assume from the implications that it means) an official/government power. this is especially ironic considering hwi’s fluctuating power throughout the series, especially his meteoric rise to it.

[aarcanechaoss]

Runaway

Okay so I wrote something anyway love you guys :)

Meet Amaya Harlow noble and full time badass

“What do you think you are doing ungrateful child!” A slap echoed in the study. The man in question was Cristano Harlow, noble of the Clover Kingdom. “I keep you fed, I keep you clothed and you can’t do a simple thing for me? Your father!”

The man was in a rage, his fiery hair seemingly matching the flush on his cheeks as a second slap echoed.

“I’m sorry.” Amaya whispered through quiet anger.

“No you aren’t.” He spat before gripping at her hair. “You’ll keep your mouth shut, you will marry anyone I choose, better yet you’ll do anything I say. For example- if my business partner wants to see the merchandise you’ll let him see it…. Understood.”

“Yes sir.”

Grey eyes locked onto the wide fearful eyes of her younger brother- wondering if it would happen to him too. It wouldn’t. Cristano would never lay a hand on his son. His daughter however he slapped for simply answering a question in a way he didn’t like.

That was it. Amaya couldn���t handle it anymore she had to leave.

Once Cristano left Eren stepped towards his sister.

“Amaya?”

“I have to leave Eren.” She said softly. His stormy grey eyes locked with her silvery ones in confusion. “He won’t hurt you. He never has. I can’t live like this anymore.”

It hurt to hear his older sister sound so broken, weak, fragile. She was always boisterous and rowdy with him teaching him magic and sword play she even taught him archery considering that was the only thing their father would boast about her, his eldest child- her incredible archery skills. It was pathetic really that he didn’t see anything else worthy of being a Harlow.

“Where will you go?” He asked. He was only 13 while he understood her leaving he still wanted to know she’d be safe. Thirteen was when he had to start becoming a man his father told him. Amaya gently ruffled his auburn locks, the shade so much lighter than her bright scarlet ones.

“The magic knight entrance exams are soon. Maybe I can join a squad and keep out of fathers radar.” Eren’s eyes sparkled. The idea of his sister being a knight filled him with so much joy.

“Promise to write to me?”

“Always.”

It was only weeks later when she’d escaped and made her way to the capital. A silver locket pressed to her chest with her hand as she navigates through the busy streets towards the arena for the exam. The locket held a picture of Amaya and Eren, a good luck charm from the little wizard.

Next thing she knew she had a number and was waiting for the exam to begin. She pulled her cloak tighter against her for comfort. This might have been insane why did she think she could hide from the Harlow watchers like this? Becoming a magic knight… wouldn’t that put more eyes on her? No. She promised Eren.

The first test was basic, fly on a broom, she felt like a child standing so perfectly upon the old cleaning utensil high above the rest. She sniggered quietly watching people stagger and wobble beneath her.

Next was magic blasting? She had to blast magic at a wall. She wasn’t too sure about that considering blasts weren’t something she ever worked on. With a steady breath she allowed her grimoire to flutter, a new page being written, the royal blue covers seemed to glow happily at the new page making her smile. A small ball barely bigger than her palm appeared, a black spiral formed with what seemed like white sparkles. Her hand buzzed urging her to throw it. Without any beautiful movement she threw the orb hard at the wall tearing a hole clean through. She jumped a little in excitement before straightening herself out and walking towards the next test.

Moving targets. She held back her excitement. Technically there wasn’t anything against her using weapons as far as she was aware but she didn’t bring her bow but that didn’t mean she couldn’t make one out of magic…. Actually no she had something more fun up her sleeve. With a puff of her chest her grimoire came to life once more.

“Rain fall target lock.” With a tilt of her head a grey cloud seemed to form around her grimoire and with a crack rain water seemed to strike its mark with ease. She smiled again, pulling down her hood to hide the glee, that was always her favourite spell.

Time to create something with magic. Amaya’s nose scrunched she has no idea what to do that that task. She could bring over a small Thunder cloud, darken the arena, make it rain or make a shield or mist… that might be a good idea. With a quiet hum Amaya stepped forward hands seemingly just swaying through the air. The squad captains watched closely confused at the simple movement as the air began to still.

“Is she crazy or are we just not seeing what she is?” Jack asked, the captain of the green mantises. Amaya’s head snapped towards the captain making him furrow his brows- had she heard him?

“Excuse me?” Her voice carried towards one of the other examinees.

“Yes?”

“Sorry to bother you could you do me a favour and blast some magic at me. I can create mist shields and well it’s a bit hard to see as you can… well see.” Amaya shrugged. The other mage squinted at the slightly hazy orb just barely visible. They nod. Magic water swirling in their palms.

“Is she actually crazy what’s happening?” Jack asked again.

“She’s got balls is what.” Yami, the Black Bulls captain, laughed.

The mage’s magic swelled before blasting towards Amaya who stood perfectly still. The captains and those watching nearby held their breath only to see a spray of mist swell around her the water magic disappearing at a touch.

“It was a shield.” Amaya yelled out in conformation. Held breaths dissipated- okay she wasn’t crazy that’s good.

Next she needed to help a seed grow. She won’t lie that was very easy especially with magic that involves the rain. It bloomed into a beautiful blue rose, Amaya hummed happily as she held the rose up to be seen- Charlotte was more than impressed by this.

Finally. Amaya had been waiting for this a fight. A mage stood across from her, his magic seemingly water of some kind. Maybe snow she wasn’t sure. With a grin she took a step forward.

“Little missy thinks she’s tough just because she’s been doing so well so far.” He taunted. From the shade of her hood all he could see was the grin that split across her face. Taunting back she laughed lowly.

“Little man thinks he’s special with his pretty purple robes.” He flushed.

“Don’t mock me little girl.”

“Ouch that one hurt.” She snickered. Her tongue swiped across her teeth. “Are you going to fire first or just keep walking backwards?”

“You insolent child.” Within an instant her smile dropped and so did she beneath the shade of her grimoire which was left floating above her cloak. “Where did she go-“

“I’m right here.” She whispered into his ear. His eyes widened and head turned, she was behind him. But how? He wanted to yell. She had only seemed to have rain magic of some kind. “What did I scare you?” She laughed.

“No you lowly peasant. A mere slave like you could do no such thing. You vile rodent of a being.” He barked, trailing into insults many people chose to cover their ears for.

“People like you piss me off.” She spat before blasting him with her new found spell- though more subdued so as to not put a hole in him. He fell to the ground skidding away from his Grimoire. He looked up at her, long scarlet hair shadowing her face, silver grey eyes staring him down as he slowly lost consciousness. “Oops.”

With a yawn she waited her turn cloak now resting comfortably back on her shoulders. Her number should be soon she thinks. She’d heard before the exams began that two new squads had formed over the last few months, Black Bulls and Golden Dawn. Grey eyes scanned the Captains, she really hadn’t thought about who she’d like to join. Definitely not the Silver Eagle or the Grey Deer she wasn’t a fan of the Silva family and while she knows the Grey deer have a good reputation her father spoke of the captain highly so that’s a no. The Coral Peacock didn’t peak her interest and within the lack of feminine traits she has the one thing she got from her mum was at least a sense of fashion- so she wasn’t a fan of the colours sue her. Purple Orca’s also was a no her father was friends with their old captain. Blue Rose didn’t peak her interest, Charlotte was nice they’d met before but all girls meant she’d not be allowed to have fun- Uh yes because Char is a stickler for following rules. Yep. The Green Mantis just wasn’t up her ally she’d definitely butt heads with Jack knowing her personality when pissed off. Crimson Lions… the captain isn’t ugly… but again a stickler for rules and orders she might not get much freedom. The Black Bulls had Yami Sukehiro as its captain, many people in the nobles know of him as the foreigner that pisses off the Royals and such. She might get along with him if memory serves her right from the few times they met when she was sneaking out- doubtfully he’d remember that. Golden Dawn she new nothing about. She didn’t know the captain except that he was a noble and that he wore a mask at all times according to the crowds knowledge. She stared at him, drinking in his posture and movement. He was a kind man probably lenient if this is the first time he’s a captain.

She didn’t expect to see all hands but the fact that Nozel was the only ones who didn’t raise his hand made her smirk- so maybe he’d recognised her she couldn’t tell if that was good or bad.

“Golden Dawn.” She said before anyone else could.

“You’ll be the first person to-“

“”I said the squad I want to be in referee is that not what I was meant to say?” She asked. Her grey eyes stared up to look at her Captain who gave a genuinely kind smile.

“Well uh-“

“Welcome to The Golden Dawn you’ll be shown to your designated area by a guard.” William interjected. She nodded before walking off.

Yami whistled lowly to his friend.

“Can’t tell if you bagged an insane woman, an attractive woman or one that’ll fuck you over.” Yami joked.

“Now Yami don’t be crass.”

“Don’t deny her beauty I saw you watching her.”

“We all where.” William responded quickly.

“Sure sure.” Yami laughed.

William rolled his eyes, he could tell she’d make a great asset.