#i was almost at the end of fourth wing when i decided to look up what a parapet is

[halfagony-halfhope]

my toxic trait is that when i’m reading in english i refuse to search the translation when i don’t know the meaning of a word

[angstywaifu]

Black Dahlia - 11. Glimpse of the Past

Time for Dahlia and her squad to make the dreaded walk to meet the dragons waiting to bond them. Anything could happen.

Set Pre Fourth Wing/Books

Garrick Tavis x OC (Dahlia Aetos)

Black Dahlia Masterlist | Masterlist

We’d done it. Every single one of us had made it up the Gauntlet. One of the few squads in our year to do so. And most importantly I had beaten Dain. Something I knew he was not pleased about when he had asked my time when he had reached the top. Sadly I had not gotten the fastest time, but I’d beaten him and that was all that mattered to me.

”This scares me more than climbing that Gauntlet.” Liz says ahead of me as she eyes the dragons ahead lining the edge of clearing were moments away from walking.

”If it makes you feel any better you’re not the only one.” I say back as I eye them as well.

So far I can only see some Red’s and Green’s. Not a single Blue in sight just yet. Which honestly didn’t surprise me. But I was secretly hoping I would see at least one. Just one Blue dragon. Just one to give me hope of finding one in four days time.

Austin turns and stares at me confused. She had clearly fallen into the category of assuming I would be fine walking into a canyon full of Dragons. “Why are you scared? Didn’t you grow up around Dragons?”

I tear my eyes from the Dragons lining the walls and meet her eyes. “Only a fool wouldn’t be terrified of walking in there. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt about growing up around Dragon’s is always keep your guard up and be prepared for anything.”

She clearly senses a double meaning to my words, maybe even hearing the slight hint of pain in my voice as she purses her lips and nods. I can tell she wants to know more, but she’s smart enough to note this is not the place for it.

”Alright Third Squad, into formation,” Our section leader Kai calls out as he waves us forward.

We all step forward, forming a single line just like the squads before us had. Clearly it was a formation that gave us the best chance of survival. Our group ends up at the back of the line, with Bodhi bringing up the rear.

”I’m sure Xaden has gone over this. But it is a straight walk down the meadow, where you will keep at least seven feet apart should a dragon decide one of you are not worthy.” He adds as he walks down our line.

In front of me I watch Liz’s back go rigid at his words. Yes Xaden had told us, but he’d definitely had more tact behind his words than Kai did.

”You’ll be fine,” I whisper in her ear, watching as her shoulders relax again at my words.

I was not letting him get to us. We we’re going to get through this.

”Once you get to the end, wait for the rest of your squad before turning and walking back down in a single line again. If I see one of you approach a dragon… Well lets just say I won’t be seeing you again. Any questions?”

Kai scans the line, waiting to see if any of us have a question. When he’s satisfied none of us are going to ask anything he waves us forward to the next rider, as we round the corner the familiar face of Damon comes into view.

”I’m sure Kai gave you a rundown of what to do. Just do exactly what he says and you’ll be fine.” He tells us as the group before us returns from their walk. I can’t help but notice they are down a few members of their squad, their faces grim as they pass us.

”Oh and make sure you talk to each other. It helps the dragons get a feel for what you’re like, and it helps take away the nerves.” He says as he holds out his arm for us to walk forward.

As we walk up the dirt path, I scan the dragons around us, careful to not make any eye contact with them. A lot of the dragon colours didn’t like it, and I wasn’t becoming victim to their fire because I’d stupidly looked them in the eye. If it wasn’t for the fact I knew they were real, I’d almost think they were statues. As we step into the clearing I’m immediately hit with the smell of sulphur, and as I cast my gaze to my right there is a very fresh pile of ash that’s the cause of the strong odour. Most likely one of the cadets from the group before us.

”I know they said there were fewer dragons this year, but theres still so many.” Liz says in awe as her eyes scan the canyon.

”Wait till we bond a dragon and you see the entire quadrant in formation.” I tell her, her head whipping around to meet mine with an excited look on her face.

Two months ago if I’d said that she would have been terrified, now she wanted to jump head on into anything, Austin included. Seems I was rubbing off on them.

”They’re all just watching us. Can’t they fucking do something?” A cadet called Eddie yelled from the front of the group.

He was one of the more rebelious ones in our squad. Always pushing the limit. And he was clearly here for the glory of being called a Dragon Rider. I never wished death upon anyone, but part of me wanted him to get what was coming to him. He had no respect for the role or for the dragons we we’re going to hopefully bond in the coming days.

”Be careful what you say. No dragon is going to want to bond someone with an attitude like that?” Bodhi calls out from behind me, a few muffled laughs coming from the line.

Eddie stops, whirling around to make eye contact with Bodhi. “And no ones going to bond a marked one like you. So shut your mouth.”

Bodhi opens his mouth to respond, but I’m quicker to bite back as I cut him off. “At the rate you’re going you aren’t making it out of this clearing alive. So change your attitude or keep your mouth shut.”

Eddie turns his attention to me, his eyes hardening as they meet mine. I was the only one in our squad he hadn’t made a comment about to tried to come at. And it was clear why. I’d seen him sucking up to Dain a few times. In his eyes, if he was in our good books, it would bode well for him in terms of moving up the ranks. Sadly being in my good books wasn’t going to do him any good. I watch as he lets out a huff of air before turning and continuing his walk up the clearing.

”Part of me hopes you’re right.” Bodhi mutters behind me as the line starts to move again.

We pass group after group, each of them eyeing us off, getting a sense for who we are. As we pass a group of Green’s, I catch one of them immediately pivoting their attention to Bodhi. I hear him gasp, his shadow moving quickly as he averts his gaze from its eyes. The dragon’s head pivots to follow him as we pass.

”Looks like you might get your Green after all.” I call back to him, secretly hoping the interest it had shown was good.

”I hope so. They did seem interested in me.” He says in agreeance.

”It did!” Liz says excitedely.

”Yeah, it barely looked at any of us once it saw you.” Austin adds.

I knew if I turned my head I would see a shit eating grin on his face, and the thought brought my own smile to my face.

We make it to the end, turning to face the clearing we’d just walked up. All the dragons eyeing us again. It reminded me of a creepy book I’d read once where the eyes and heads of statues would follow you when you weren’t looking. I’d barely turned thirteen at the time and had kept a keen eye on any statues I was around for a few weeks after.

”I vote you go first Aetos, seeing as you seem to know how to act around dragon’s and know what they want. Why don’t you show us how its done?” Eddie challenges as steps forward from the group.

Everyone’s eyes jump between us, eager to see if I would rise to Eddie’s challenge. But something told me he was up to something. There was a glint in his eyes. And the last time I’d been challenged to do something around a dragon it had not gone well.

I roll my eyes at him but step forward. “Fine, I’ll lead if you’re too scared to do it now.”

I barely catch the grimace on his face before I turn and start walking back down the path. A few seconds later I feel him take his place behind me. And somehow I know he’s not keeping the allotted seven feet advised by the senior riders. He was definitely up to something, and with the situation we we’re in my heart rate was picking up. My palms becoming sweaty as I scan the path ahead. No this was not going to be a repeat of that day. I was going to walk out of here fine.

”Hey, keep your distance Eddie.” Bodhi calls out from the back of the group as we pass the halfway mark.

”Just staying close so I can learn from the expert in our squad. I mean her dad is a dragon rider after all, she grew up around them. And from the comment she made before she clearly knows how to act around them. I need to learn from the best.” He mocks from behind me causing my back to go rigid as his breath fans across my neck. He was way too close.

”Back up Eddie.” I warn.

”Or what? You going to fight me in front of a dragon? You going to break that precious codex we all follow and piss of your dad? I don’t think so.” His voiced laced with anger. I’d clearly pissed him off earlier.

I continue my walk down the middle, increasing my pace to try get some distance from him. I barely get a few steps between us before his hand grasps my upper arm as he spins me around to face him. I’m quick to react, my hands rising up to meet his chest as I go to push myself away. As my hands meet the centre of his chest and push myself away, the ground shakes beneath me, the rest of our squad gasping in shock before walking away from Eddie.

I watch as his eyes turn cold with fear. His face draining of any colour as he looks above me. I catch a glimpse of orange igniting in his eyes before the heat rushes over my head. A heat I am all to familiar with. A heat that haunts me years later in my sleep. A heat that consumes Eddie in a ball of fire, leaving nothing but a pile of ash and the smell of sulphur lingering in the air. I look up and meet the terrified eyes of my squad who are all looking up at something behind me.

All I can hear is my heart thundering loudly in my chest as I turn on my heel to see what stand’s behind me. I keep my head down, not daring to meet the eye of what’s behind me. As I turn the first thing I see are the massive talons that could easily be the size of me. As my eyes move up, my breath catches in my throat.

Sapphire. Sapphire scales.

I can’t stop myself as my head whips up to take in what’s behind me. This was easily the biggest dragon in the clearing, and probably one of the biggest I had ever seen. And easily one of the more ruthless dragons I had seen. His horns far larger and bigger than the others, his head decorated with vicious looking spikes. And a pair of orange eyes that almost looked like they were glowing and we’re looking right at me. A pair of orange eyes I had seen before.

I couldn’t help but be drawn to a blue one down the back. Blue dragons had always been my favourite.

The dragon nods, freaking nods at me before bending its legs and launching into the air. An eerie silence falls over the clearing in the wake of the Blue Dragon leaving, all of us staring where it once stood.

“Did she make eye contact with it?”

”If she did she’d be dead.”

”She definitely did.”

”And did it nod at her?”

The whispers of my squad meet my ears as I come back to reality after what’s just happened. I had looked that dragon in the eye and it had indeed nodded at me. Despite still being a decent way into the clearing, surrounded by dragons, I do the thing I really shouldn’t do. I run. My feet pushing me to get out of that clearing as fast as I can as Bodhi calls my name behind me.

@imtoanonymousforyou @simplyme-fornow @omalmal @lalaluch @wolfbc97 @leptitlu @fullmoon-94

[wrennyfics]

Hi! Since requests are open, here’s a prompt I’ve been fiddling for a while. I crafted this for my OC but I’d love to see how you’d portray it.

This is where reader is either interning or becomes Pomfrey’s assistant. Either his Snakes or Harry (Severitus) decide that Snape needs more friends and orchestrate a plan to get Snape and reader alone. Little did they know that they had been inadvertently playing matchmaker.

The original idea is multiple meetings over the course of a school year, but Snape or reader could very well hit it off the first meeting. That’s up to you :)

Thanks!

im a sucker for a good shy snape has a crush on y/n. absolutely.

warnings: none :) brief mention of broken bones, takes place during Harry's 4th year, but no voldemort bc im too emotionally weak for that

PART ONE: Meddling Snakes

(I''m going to divide this into two parts, so it can be a little longer xx)

~

~

October 1st. 1994.

The leaves were turning colours. Outside the window, in the courtyard, a mirage of orange and yellow painted the sky and ground. With a particularly strong gust of wind, several more leaves fell from the trees and joined the others on the grass. Fall was here at last.

A voice from behind drew you out of your daydreams.

"Madam Y/L/N." Pomfrey's voice cut out from the silence. You turned around to see her looking at you with a soft expression.

You shook your head gently. "My apologies. What is it you were saying?" You spoke.

A small smile graced her lips. "No need to apologize, dear. I just need you to run a quick errand for me, if that's no trouble."

"Of course." You nodded, eager to help.

She extended her hand to you, revealing a small jar with a stone-like mass inside. She shook it, gently rattling the object.

"This is a bezoar." She said. "I'm sure you already know what it is."

You nodded. Your first month at Hogwarts as Pomfreys assistant had gone quickly, and you had already become accostomed to how often the students here seemed to end up in the medical wing. Surprisingly, you hadn't needed to use a bezoar yet, but your previous education was enough to understand how rare and effective they were.

She nodded approvingly, reaching out and placing the jar gently in your hands. "Take this to Professor Snape, in the dungeons. He's needing it for one of his lessons."

You looked down at the jar, at the odd, lumpy object inside, your hands tracing the glass. "Of course. I'll be right back."

~

The dungeons were always the most freezing part of the castle. The first of October and already the temperature was dropping, not that it made much of a difference down here anyways.

You crossed your arms against your chest as you walked through the freezer of Hogwarts, the jar with the bezoar in your apron.

Footsteps echoing throughout the silent corridors, you made your way to the potions classroom.

As the door was already open, you stood in the doorway and knocked gently.

A tall man in a long black cape and black robes stood at the front of the class. At your knock, the man turned to face you, looking you over with an almost suspicious glance. His dark eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable.

"Excuse me, Professor." You started, looking around the classroom at the group of fourth year Slytherin and Gryffindor students. "Madam Pomfrey sent me to give you this."

You reached into your apron, pulling out the jar with the Bezoar. His eyes flicked down to it before he gestured over to the desk where he stood.

You approached, placed the jar carefully in front of him. He did not look at you again, continuing his lesson without so much as a thank you.

~

As soon as you left, a group of Slytherin boys began to exhange knowing looks. Among them, a blonde-haired boy named Draco Malfoy leaned in. "That's Pomfrey's new assistant." He murmered.

The other boys looked at him. "Is she?" One of them asked.

Another one nodded. "Remember when I fell of my broom two weeks ago? Yea, she's the one that mended it. Humbling moment on my end, if I must say so." He added.

Malfoy leaned in closer, the lot of em leaning in around him. "She isn't too bad looking..."

One of the boys scoffed. "Yea right Malfoy, cause you got a chance."

"Not for me you dim-wit!" He hissed, pausing as Professor Snape shot them a warning glare to shut up and pay attention.

Draco dropped his voice to a whisper, slowly flicking his gaze between the boys. "For Snape."

All their heads jerked back to face him now, their expressions a mix of confusion and amusement.

"Snape?" One of them whispered.

He nodded, looking rather smug as he leaned back in his chair. "Do him some good. Maybe he'll loosen up, finally relax a little more. Merlin knows he needs it. Give us a break from these bloody papers he always making us write..."

The others looked amongst themselves, realising he was serious.

One of them spoke: "What are you planning exactly..."

The Malfoy boy only shrugged, a small smirk on his lips as he looked up at the unknowing professor. "I got a couple ideas."

~

November 1st. 1994.

You sat in the medical ward beside the bed of a Slytherin boy who had, for the second time this year, managed to break his right arm playing qudditch.

You'd learned from Pomfrey how to mend bones. It was significantly easier than regrowing bones, as she'd thouroughly explained, and so once again you found the task rather simple.

"This might hurt for a moment... But afterwards, you should feel fine. As long as you're gentle with it." You said softly, your fingertips lightly holding the wounded arm so as to not put pressure on it.

The boy winced at your touch, but he nodded, giving you the okay to go through with it. With your wand out, you casted the spell, the sounds of cracking bones filling the otherwise empty medical ward. He cried out, briefly, before the cracking stopped and his arm was back in one shape.

"Hurt that much, Blaise?" Came a voice from behind.

You turned to see the boy you recognized as Draco Malfoy, standing in front of Professor Snape, who was watching the Slytherin on the bed with a blank expression, his gaze flicking over to you, only momentarily.

The boy, Blaise, made a sort of dismissive grunt. In the corner of your eye, you noticed him raise his mended arm weakly.

"All better, thanks to Madam Y/L/N." He said.

You smiled slightly at him before directing your attention back to Malfoy and Snape.

As if noticing the unspoken question in your mind, Malfoy opened his mouth: "Well, Professor Snape was just wondering how our Chaser is doing, if he'll still be alright to beat Gryffindor at tomorrows match."

Snape blinked, turning his gaze to Malfoy, his expression a mix of confusion and suspicion.

The feeling overcame you that he also didn't fully understand why he was here.

You opened your mouth to speak, but before you could Zabini rose to his feet and grabbed his robes, giving you a small smile and more or less speed-walking over to join Malfoy.

"Thank you, Madam Y/L/N!" He called, as the two of them left rather quickly, opening the doors and rushing out the infarmary.

The echo of the door slamming filled the room. It was now only you and Professor Snape in the ward. The both of you looking at each other with a confused expression.

You cleared your throat, attempting to shake off the confusion. "He should be alright to play tomorrow, Professor. But that is the second time this term that he has broken that arm. He should more careful." You spoke, your voice soft.

Professor Snape looked at you, his eyes on yours. After a seemingly long moment, he spoke: "I'll see to it that he is more... Attentive to his mortality."

The sarcastic comment drew a laugh out of you before you could surpress it. It was amusing to you, how this intimidating, stoic man who you'd never had a proper conversation with, somehow had a sense of humour. A quite dry one, but a sense of humour none the less.

His left eyebrow twitched up. You shut up.

"Apologies, professor." You started. "Is it insulting to say I didn't expect you to be humorus?

A small, almost unnoticable smirk flashed across his face. "I've heard worse." He said bluntly.

You bit your lip to surpress another laugh. You weren't sure what it is about him saying the simplest, unfunny phrases. Perhaps it was your nerves, your anxieties of being new here and having no one else to talk to aside from Pomfrey driving you to the point of desperation for some form of friendly interaction.

You looked at him again, taking in the way he was standing in front of the closed door, his hands clasped together in front of him. It was the first time you had taken a proper look at him and you were just noticing the depth of his eyes, his height, the way his hair fell against his shoulders...

No.

You blinked, cleared your throat again.

"Anyways. Yes, Zabini should be fine to play tomorrow." You said at last.

Snape stared at you with a blank, unreadable expression, the trace of his smirk gone again. He nodded, briefly, before turning and reaching for the door.

"Wait." You said, gently.

He paused, turned to face you.

"I don't know if you have any... But considering you're the potions master I'm assuming you.. Might I borrow some books sometime? On potions?" The words came out soft upon your tongue. "I was hoping to learn how to brew remedies and antidotes myself."

Severus blinked, continuing to stare at you with that same blank expression before he nodded shortly. "I will bring them to you when time allows." He said.

A soft smile graced your lips.

"But," He spoke again. "You are new here. I won't have you wasting my ingredients because you don't know what you are doing. If you've found a specific potion you wish to brew.. Please visit me first."

The thought of spending time alone, with him watching you brew made your stomach flip. You were always decent at potions and your training had left you well educated, but this was a man who was more or less a genuis at them. Not to mention the fact that being in his presence terrified you.

Nodding, your hair fell slightly in front of your face. "Very well. Thank you, Professor."

He nodded curtly, before turning and opening the doors to the infirmary, leaving you alone with your anxieties.

You had some serious reading to do.

~

i'm going to make a part two to this soon, i just really wanted to be able to focus on drawing this out so that its as good as it can be cause im a sucker for a good: forced proximity, she fell first he fell harder, kinda slow burn xx.

thank u for the request!! <3

[wisteriaiswriting]

Hello! This is my very first request so forgive me if my english is bad, but could you do a small little one-shot on what would happen if Liam would have survived the final battle in Fourth Wing, after the reader somehow revived Liam back to life by using her Signet, but she used to much of her energy to the point she collapsed and went into a coma. In the infirmary Liam stays with her through the entire time, not leaving her side as she asleep. Reader wakes up and she sees that Liam is alright. Liam comfort hers and they both confessed their feelings.

𝕃𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖

First Fourth Wing fic, and this is gender neutral as I don't write for female reader.

It was a surprise to live this long, alongside Violet. But you had survived to the Presentation, one of the final moments that decided your fate in life. Luckily enough no dragon had deemed you unworthy on the way past, unluckily it seemed they didn’t see you well enough.

Everyone switched positions to walk back, leaving you at the end. Barely able to see any other people get burnt, not missing the fire though. But this didn’t go both ways. A green dragon steps forward, separating you from the squad. Just light enough the others didn’t notice, continuing onwards.

You froze. There were two outcomes here, and only one had you walking to find your squad. The dragon leaned forwards, leaning down to be face to face, or as close as possible. It didn’t move its face, only their eyes. Taking in your appearance, which it seemed to like as it stepped back into line.

Only then did the others realize what happened, watching as you finally made it over. Liam was the first to know, watching as you were freed from the dragon. Rushing over to pull you into a bone crushing hug, letting you go when you had to tap out.

“Are you okay? It didn’t hurt you right?”

A barrage of questions spilled from him.

“Liam! I’m fine, it wanted a smell.”

That seemed to calm him down enough.

***

“Y/N you’ll be shadow–”

Before they could finish your Dragon [Dragon’s name] had shot off the ground.

“WHERE ARE YOU GOING!?”

“[Dragon’s name] HEY!”

They didn’t give you a response, only flying further from your station. You were at one of the closer ones, only able to buckle down as they flew you further from everyone else. Few times you passed other squads, all yelling at you but you couldn’t hear them.

The flight could’ve been calming but the speed and rush wasn’t helping. But there was something in your mind that felt off, the silence wasn’t natural. Unable to think about it anymore when you realized where they took you.

The others were in a battle, dragons and their riders version Wyverns. Although they had it handled, few were in the air. Instead of turning around or helping them [Dragon’s name] dove to the ground.

Almost sending you flying off when they landed, barely letting you get off before rushing over. When you made it, you saw what happened. Deigh and Liam. It was clear.

A rider without their dragon is dead.

Liam is dead, and it was due to the damned Wyverns.

[Dragon’s name] had huddled closer to Deigh, mourning. While you kneeled next to Liam, pulling his head onto your lap. Tears were quick to start pouring, making sure they hit everyone but him.

Hands brushed through his hair, trying to come to terms with this. Unable to see what was happening, the others only watched, never stepping closer. 

You felt weird. Your body was heating up, quickly becoming unbearable. Though you couldn’t leave Liam, so you only cradled him closer. Your tears soaked into his clothing as your vision faded.

Others called out but none made it through your mind. Falling forwards onto Liam, unaware of his movement.

***

When you gain consciousness it’s immediate pain. Every part of your body had cooled down but it left a sore feeling everywhere. A lot more in your shoulder, where your bond mark is.

The feeling of the sheets moving caught your attention. Looking over to see Liam, asleep with his head on the bed. His hand held yours even as he slept.

“Liam…”

Even when you whispered his ears caught it, causing him to shoot up. Before you could say anything else he pulled you into a hug, trying to mind your pain.

“Love, I–”

He choked on his words as tears started. Eventually he calmed down enough to continue.

“Why? Why would you risk your own life for mine!”

“Because I love you! I couldn’t stand seeing you go…”

His mouth opened and shut again but nothing left it. His eyes scanned yours, searching for any hint of a lie but finding none. Suddenly launching forwards, catching your lips with his own.

“You can’t say that after you almost died.”

“I just did, didn’t I?”

“You smartass.”

Soon enough the room was filled with laughter from you two.

[originalgenshinscenarios]

Hello there! I humbly ask for Lisa, Eula, Kujou Sara, and a fourth of your choice, beach HC's with their S/O because I'm literally melting in this weather and would like to look at something nice before i turn to liquid

Okay I decided to scratch my first come first served rule just because I wanted to throw Nilou in here and I was DYING to write for her (legit I can't find any Nilou x reader content SMH)

Lisa, Eula, Sara and Nilou on the beach with their S/O

Reader here is gender neutral

Tw: few somewhat suggestive comments (Lisa), alcohol mention (Eula)

Lisa

You know her, you didn't even need to finish your sentence and she agreed immediately to come to the beach.

Relaxing with you by her side while listening to calming sounds of the ocean was truly a paradise.

AND on top of that she gets to see you in a swimsuit, there is literally no reason for her to refuse.

She was quickly ready to go, and of course she had to impress you with her own choice of swimwear as well.

Although she wasn't doing much swimming, she preferred a good nap under the shade. But if you asked her to, she would come with you for a few minutes to cool off. Still the two of you didn't spend evey single second together.

So, if you happened to leave Lisa alone for a longer time it was very likely to get hit on. At first she'd politely shoo anyone away, but you already know what happened to the persistent types. After all, if there is something to fear it's Lisa who lost her patience.

And she'd gladly tell you that story. Mostly to calm herself down. But after talking to you she quickly forgets about it since just looking at you makes her thoughts go back to a better place~

Eula

She didn't feel the heat as badly as you did, but she'd be lying if she said that she was against the idea of going to the beach.

She was looking forward to also trying some drinks at a bar. After all: you need to hydrate yourself. Especially during weather like this.

Thankfully the ridiculous beach prizes weren't so encouraging, so she didn't drink too much.

So after that refreshing start you decided to have usual beach fun. The cold water was almost like a blessing.

If you splash her, you know that she will fight back. Even if your splash is gentle- you just started a war. One that she will win.

And it was clear how much fun she was having, although she wouldn't admit half of it. "It was just a nice way to cool off, nothing more nothing less" kind of excuse.

You knew the truth though, but you decided to not make her uncomfortable by teasing her and pushing her to admit to it.

Still you couldn't resist small comments here and there, thankfully she didn't mind.

Kujou Sara

She pretended the heat wasn't getting to her, shielding herself from the sun with her wings but it wasn't much help since her wings being cooked by the sun wasn't a pleasant feeling either.

She was stubborn, claiming that she doesn't need a break. But you managed to eventually convince her. After all, if not to cool off, she can't say no to a regular date with you right?

You didn't know why she was avoiding it so much, and she didn't want to tell you either. She quickly got adjusted to your plans though.

When you got there she was feeling spending the time more actively. So running along the shore, swimming. Literally anything but sitting still. At least for the start.

Since with how hot it was, the idea of just sitting and doing nothing just seemed like you're going to be tortured by the sun.

Be it volleyball, swimming or just running she just wanted to do something. No matter what you ended up doing, she wasn't going all out on it.

It was all just casual fun. And watching her enjoy herself was amazing. She still had that focused look on her face that is so intimidating (and charming) yet when she spoke you could tell that she was relaxed.

Nilou

In general during such hot weather she made it clear how important it was to hydrate yourself often as well as apply sunscreen. So she reminded you both of such every once in a while whenever you were exposed to the sun for a longer time.

She was also suffering from that heat, so she was surprised she didn't come up with the beach idea herself! She had a lot of ways to battle the hot weather but in the end a date with you is something she just can't refuse.

While you were on your way some of her merchant friends insisted to give her "a few" items... But at least it was something you could use on the beach so you didn't have to go home to put everything away, such a nice coincidence...

Compared to how much stuff she usually gets it was pretty light this time. So you didn't have to suffer the heat with heavy luggage on top of that.

Even with that few interruptions and delay, you finally made it to the beach and Nilou almost immediately took your hand and the two of you went for a swim as soon as you placed everything down.

It was just so hot, walking to the beach was only making her look forward to swimming even more.

Her smile when she finally felt the refreshing cold water was to die for. She had a lot of fun swimming. And when she looked carefully she saw a few pretty shells. So she ended up picking them throughout your beach day. She didn't do anything with them exactly, but it was always something to remind her of this fun day with you.

~Mod Lisa

[ashdreams2023]

Stupid smile

Summary: as the years pass your love for severus never changes and only blooms beautifully with each passing day

Severus snape x reader

Tagging: @crimson25 @santa-carla-boardwalk-1987

Severus knew you were trouble the second you opened your mouth in his third year attending hogwarts.

"What?" He glared or tried to, his features were still a little too soft to look intimidating at the time and for his defense many students harassed him as it is.

"Calm down snakling I don’t bite, unless you want me too" you gave a stupid smile, a smile he didn’t know he’ll eventually grow some sort of adoration towards.

Severus likes to think you forced your friendship upon him but the team projects and pulling each other from dumb situations because both had a wicked tongue and didn’t know when to shut up at times, did not help his case at all.

"Sev I think I’m gonna die" you leaned dramatically against him, he sighed and kept reading over his notes.

"You’re so boring! Come on, all you do is study or hang out with your little gang" you huffed, raising an brow in a manner similar to the way he looks at you when he’s suspicious you’re up to no good.

"Get new friends then" he replied but quickly regretted it when you gave him that smile again, that stupid smile "what is wrong you?!"

You leaned forward pushing his notebook down, your noses almost touching "you called me your friend!"

Oh how severus wished he could hate you.

"Whatever…."

Your little friendship had become one of the things that kept him sane for long but that didn’t change the path he took, especially after everyone started pulling you away after what he called lily.

After the second war, and when he started teaching again he met you again, you’ve spent some time studying outside the country to be a healer.

Upon seeing that smile again he felt like a teenager again, too young to be a man but too old to be a child.

"I would call you snakling but you’re an old man now, also I’ve heard they call you dungeon bat now" severus couldn’t help but snort at that, he sure missed you.

"I fear for my life if you’re the new nurse around"

You rolled your eyes playfully, placing your hands on each side of your hips you said "for your information, many wizards and witches were fans of my wand work"

"You failed potions three times" he smirked.

You patted your eyelashes at him "but thanks to your helpful ass I passed at the fourth try" severus sighed again but found himself getting a little warm in the face when you went in for a hug, which he gave back awkwardly. He’s always been awkward when it came to physical affection but oddly enough he craved more of where that came from.

It didn’t take long before the other staff members noticed the way he acted around him and how you much like your school days weren’t afraid to spit out some remark that never fails to get a reaction from him.

"It appears like he inhaled fumes-"

"Not to interrupt your professional diagnosis but I can see that by the way he’s coughing!"

"Just hurry!"

Severus doesn’t exactly know when he was confident about feelings about you, he just knew he was comfortable, comfortable enough to express himself openly to you.

It was Christmas when he had asked you out, after a rough night of giving stomachache potion to most of the students who over did with the sweets and helping you clean the hospital wing when poppy went to rest.

"Took you long enough, I thought I’ll have to be Slytherin’s personal nurse before that ever happens"

"I-….So dinner?"

"Pick me at 8 dungeon bat" then you kissed his cheek.

Being in love with you was an experience, both filling and keeping him on his toes most days.

Even when potter came and things just started happening each year by by the end of it and nearing the start of the second war, he decided to do something he would rather do now unless he wants to regret not doing it the rest of his life.

On the night after the first meeting with the death eaters, he took you to his home and told you everything that had been running in his mind before finally going on one knee.

"Will you marry me?"

"I’m a dumbass but I’ll be crazy if I said no to you"

Severus rose to his feet and pulled you into a deep kiss.

"You just made me the happiest man alive"

You were the only reason he kept on fighting, the only reason he put a stopper to his own death.

"You know, I think a snake tattoo would look cool over that scar" that was the first you said to him after waking up in the hospital.

He was glad he lived.

After everything he got married to you, his coworkers and old teachers all came, along with some of his students and not just the Slytherins.

And even after many years he looks at the wedding picture sitting beside an older picture of both of you in school uniforms, with that same stupid smile of yours.

"Come on old man it’s not time for your nap"

"Will you ever give me a break?"

"Severus I love you but we both know your life would be boring without me" you smiled.

He smiled back.

He felt complete.

[thoughtswordsandnonsense]

Helping hand

Writing to deal with post-Iron Flame depression. This is a loose Idea I had while not feeling good. (I don’t have EDS, but I do have chronic pain + vertigo so bear with me if this isn’t 100% accurate.)

Concept: Tairn snitches to Xaden that Violet is bedridden from pain + dizziness when they thought she had recovered from almost dying. Takes place after the ending of Fourth Wing. 

Violet Pov: 

Opening my eyes was a mistake. After days of trying to take it easy (mostly due to Brennan’s hovering) you’d think I’d be fine, but no. A slight slip down some stairs yesterday and the events of the past week are finally catching up with me and my traitorous body.  

“Silver one, do you need assistance?” Tairn's voice rattles my brain as my eyes try to focus on the room I’ve been sleeping in. Attempting to sit up, pain lances down my arms and back as the room spins like I’m practicing barrel rolls on Tairn. “I’ll be fine.” I mentally shoot back, trying to throw my feet over the edge of the bed, but swaying back, steadying my breath I try to focus on getting on my feet, though it feels like the smallest breeze will have me falling. 

“You need not lie to me, I feel what you feel.” He all but grumbles back, his grumpy attitude only further annoying me. Standing I grimace, the contents in my stomach rolling as I sway. Biting my lip I make my way to the wardrobe on the other side of the room and grip the door of it tightly, trying to steady myself. “You should stay put,” Tairn demands and I roll my eyes. “I have things to do today, why don’t you go eat some sheep or something.” Taking some steady breaths and opening the wooden door shouldn’t take all my energy. I wasn’t this laid up when Barlow tried to kill me, so why my body decided a simple fall and almost dying yet again is too much to handle, is beyond me. Though it’s never predictable when I do get laid up, there’s no real pattern as to what injury or sickness will leave me bedridden and which one won’t.  

A small creak has me turning to the door, the one person I’ve been avoiding standing there with his beautiful eyes all concerned. Wearing black flight leathers and a tight lip, he gives me the look that says he knows something’s up. 

“Tairn told Sgaeyl you needed me.” I glare. “He’s just in a mood and being overbearing, I’m fine.” He leans against the door, leather-clad arms crossed over his chest. “Oh, really Violence? Then stop white-knuckling the wardrobe and come over here.” His cocky tone only irritates me further. “I’m sure whoever is walking the halls doesn’t want to see me in only my nightgown. Now leave.” 

Xaden shakes his head and pushes off the door, coming further into the room as he shuts the door. Now cockily leaning against the wall. “Come over here and then if you can manage that I’ll let you go back to ignoring me.” He huffs and I glare. “Fuck you.” I spit at him, though my wavering tone doesn’t make me look any better. “Maybe another time when you don’t look white as a sheet and I’ve earned your trust back.” He sighs, his tone not leaving room for questions. “I’m fine,” I say as I let go of the door, taking small steps as the room angrily spins around me, head pounding as I try to concentrate.

“Let the wing leader help you.” Tairn all but growls in my head as I stumble, throwing my hands out to try and catch myself, but warm hands grab onto my arms, standing me upright. “Violence, let me help you. Please.” His voice sounds soft, lulling me into a sense of calmness even if I’m still angry with him. Pulling me against his chest his arms circle my waist as I lean into him, his leather jacket cold against my exposed skin, goosebumps rising though it's more than the cold causing them. “Let me help you Violence, do you need Brennan? Are you hurt?” His soft words are laced with a slight edge of panic. “It’s just the my joints come out of place, bruise easily thing. Sometimes it’s this. It’ll pass, Brennan can’t do anything for me, I just have to wait it out.” One of his hands wanders up and down my back, softly tracing my spine as his other lies circled around my waist. My legs ache as we stand there, eyes fluttering shut as I inhale his scent to distract me from the nausea the dizziness is causing. 

Before I can say anything Xaden moves, one arm is under my legs and the other is sweeping under my arms. Quickly, I wrap them around his neck even though it hurts to do so but I still manage to swat at the back of his head. “I’ll be fine. You don’t need to do this, I can take care of myself.” I say as we move, softly he lays on the bed with me in his lap. Pulling back I do my best to stare him down, trying to get him to leave. He’s seen me weak enough as is, I don’t need him to see me like this. Tucking hair that’s fallen in front of my face gives a small smile, soft and tender as his now warm hand lays against my cheek. “Just because you’re used to taking care of it alone, doesn’t mean you have to do it alone, just let me take care of you.” He pleads, my head swims as I drop it back to his chest, adjusting myself to lie on top of him. Xaden’s hands move and then puts a blanket on top of us, tucking it closely. One arm going to rest on my waist as the other begins to wander through my hair. “How can I help?” He whispers softly as I let myself relax into him. My head still swimming but his gentle hold helping ground me in the ever-spinning room. “Just, stay for a bit please,” I mumble out and feel him squeeze my waist softly. “I’ll stay for as long as you need me Violet.” 

[seramilla]

Could you imagine if a little after the first attack (the angelic spear harpoon thing) Sera realizes she's pregnant with their fourth baby but now until everything calms down she decides not to say anything?

Sera had found out shortly after the near-miss on her and Emily's life by Heaven -- the incident involving one of Vox's heavily modified drone devices being shot at them from out of the sky. And then Odette had nearly met her own end at that traitor employee of Carmilla's. Sera thought better about bringing it up to Carmilla at that time. Everyone had been through so much, and she didn't want to add one more worry to everyone else's plate.

Initially, she'd thought it was her own anxiety and fear making her sick. That is, until the occasional sick feeling became a more daily thing, and she'd wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat, with a concerned Carmilla standing next to her, patting her back, while everything from dinner the previous night ended up in the trash can next to their bed.

The episodes had continued, but now things are settling down. Lucifer had told her brother Seraphiel, the new High Seraphim of Heaven, that he held no power in his realm. Any future assaults on his family would be considered an act of war, and thus Seraphiel's hands and wings were tied. Until he could come up with a new scheme to get back at Sera, her family is safe...for the time being, anyway.

There may not be a better time to let Carmilla in on the little thing she'd learned, Sera thinks. The secret she's been keeping from her until now. She gets the supplies ready for when Carmilla comes home that evening. As soon as her wife walks into their bedroom, sighing heavily, about to collapse onto the bed next to Sera...she realizes Sera isn't lying down, or asleep, like she normally would be at this hour. She's standing there, holding something out to Carmilla in her hand. Carmilla takes it, and about falls onto the floor in shock.

A pregnancy test. And not just one, but two pregnancy tests, that are both unequivocally positive. Sera had wanted to be absolutely certain, before confronting Carmilla with this. Carmilla just stands there, looking down at the objects in her claws, completely at a loss for what she's looking at.

"Where...?" Carmilla asks, barely able to form a cohesive sentence. "What--I--where did you get these?"

"Belphegor delivered them to me," Sera said, confused as to why that's what Carmilla is focusing on. She gets her answer almost immediately, when Carmilla actually does have to sit down at that moment, and barely makes her way to the bed before falling over onto it.

"How...?" she asks, which seems like an odd question to Sera, considering Carmilla already has two girls of her own. She should know how this works by now. "Is it...is it mine?"

"Of course it is!" Sera insists. "Who else would it belong to? Carmilla, I'm pregnant! You're going to be a mother again!" Sera says this with so much sincerity, overshadowed with so much love and joy, that she can't help but scoop up the smaller woman into her lap, holding her, while Carmilla still looks down at the tests in her hand, dumbstruck.

"I--" She's still at a loss for words. "How did--Sera, I'm not supposed to be able to have anymore!"

"What?" Sera's confused, and pulls away from Carmilla slightly to look down at her. "What do you mean, Carm?"

"After the Exterminations started...I didn't want to run the risk of having more. Belphegor and Lucifer worked some spell on me. They said it was practically 100% effective. How is this even possible?"

Sera looks down at Carmilla, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly. Whatever magic the two monarchs had done on Carmilla...obviously "almost 100%" doesn't mean that it's fool-proof. The overlord shouldn't be that surprised.

Carmilla is looking up at her, still dumbstuck. Sera can tell she's still somewhat in shock. It's exceedingly cute and adorable.

Sera hugs Carmilla close, peppering her forehead with affectionate nips and kisses. Even though it's not quite the reaction she'd been expecting, it's definitely understandable, considering what Carmilla had just informed her. "Well...surprise, darling!"

"Ay dios mio," Carmilla replies, before collapsing onto the bed beside her.

[drewstarkeysbitchh]

Pairings: Rafe Cameron x female! Kook-ish! Reader.

Summary: you were a waitress at the country club and Rafe and his friends have been coming every Friday just to annoy the shit out you.

Warnings: Girly being a funny ass bad fucking bitch. Also the tiniest itty bitty smut at the end. But I don’t write it because it makes me uncomfy.♡♡

A/n: this is like my first ever post. I always just kept to myself because I thought I was too good for you all. No I’m kidding, but I’m a lil nervy. Also I’m no fucking English scholar, so if you see anything that’s not supposed to be there, pretend it’s not there. I put commas where I feel like it, ok bitches?? Btw the I put this song because it’s on repeat rn so you don’t have to listen to it but I do…

You looked up from the table you were serving when you heard a group of guys fucking around. It was the too better for everyone kookiest of kooks. Kelce, Topper, and Rafe. I rolled my eyes because this was the fourth Friday in a row that they decided to eat here.

I wrote down the last kids order and went into the back. I went over to the big group in the back with Alyssa, my best friend. We both wanted to work together, so we got jobs together.

“Their here again.” I say talking about the three group of boys that come here almost every Friday. I jump onto the counter.

“If I keep having to serve them, I think I’m gonna shoot myself.” I say making the group all laugh.

“Well I can’t.” Alyssa says. “Me neither.” “Sorry.” I groan.

“Jesus Christ.” I mumble hopping down. I flip them all off in annoyance.

I walk out and over to the group of ignorant assholes.

“Hello what can I do for you three today!” I say sarcastically.

“What a joyful mood.” Topper laughs making me fake smile.

“Always!” I state.

“Can I just get water.” Topper says.

“Me too.” Kelce adds.

I write it down or else I’ll forget. “And what about you, Princess?” I ask.

“Can I just get water too?” He says not really even asking just stating.

“Of course. Anything for my favorite piece of shit!” I say. He rolls his eyes. He had a fling with one my friends over the summer and totally fucked her over. He knew I hated him.

I walk over to get their waters. I carefully to walk back to their tables and give them each their cups.

“Ok now what do you all want to eat I don’t have all fucking day.” I state.

“Where’d the sweet Stevie go?” Topper says. I laugh not at his joke but at myself, because I think I’m so funny. They all smile with me.

“Can I get some wings?” Topper asks. I nod my head.

“I just want a cheeseburger with fries.” Kelce says. I write it down and look over at Rafe.

“I don’t want anything.” He says. I raise my eyebrows.

“You came to a restaurant and you’re not getting any food?” I laugh.

“I just don’t want to put my sweet little cupcake to work.” He laughs.

“It’s not like I make the food.” I state.

“I’m not hungry.” He says. I stare at him for a second just confused.

“Alright.” I say walking to the back to put their orders in the line. I look back at the table and Alyssa isn’t there. She’s probably doing her job for the first fucking time in her life. I walk over and jump onto the counter.

“Hank, who’s the meanest person you’ve ever met?” I ask the chef, my favorite man in the world.

“My wife.” He laughs making me laugh with him.

“Well I think it’s Rafe Cameron.” I say. “He just so narcissistic and in love with himself. He thinks he can’t do anything wrong and it’s so annoying.”

“Stevie you’re table won’t shut up about wanting you.” Alyssa walks in and says to me.

“What?” I sigh.

“They want you like now.” She says. I groan and jump off the counter.

I walk over to their table. “Oh there she is.” Kelce says.

“What do you assholes want now?” I laugh.

“I want your friend’s number.” Rafe smirks.

“Ok I have shit to do.” I say walking away.

“Please Stevie, I’ll treat her so well I promise.” He smiles even bigger.

“Why don’t you just ask her yourself, dumbass? Why’d you call me all the way over here?” I groan.

“She isn’t over here.” He says.

“She was just here. She said you guys wouldn’t shut the fuck up.” I say.

“She said that?” He smirks.

“Yeah she did. Look either you get it yourself or don’t get it at all. It’s not my problem.” I say.

“Are you jealous Stevie?” He smiles.

I look at him with disgust. “God you’re so conceited. You think everyone is so in love with you.” I roll my eyes.

“You should be a little nicer to me, Stevie. I can get you fired.” He says. I roll my eyes.

“Go ahead. Then you wouldn’t be able to keep fucking up my Friday’s.” I say walking away.

I walk to the front and ask Steve if I can leave early. I make up a fake story. He lets me go. I genuinely don’t think my anger issues could’ve handled anymore of that.

“Alyssa their your problem now.” I say grabbing my keys. She furrows her eyebrows.

“I can’t deal with them anymore. I’m going home.” I say.

I walk out the door and walk home. My house is close enough, there’s no point in even driving. It’s still a ways to walk, though.

After 5 minutes of walking, I see headlights. It’s a truck. A big ass truck. It comes up closer to me. They roll down their window.

“Did I piss you off too much, sweetheart?” It’s Rafe. I roll my eyes as soon as I hear his voice.

“You just don’t know how to fucking quit.” I say.

“Get in. I’ll take you home.” He says. I scoff.

“Hell no.” I say.

“Stevie don’t be such a determined fucking bitch and get in the car.” He says.

“You know when you call me a bitch it just makes me want to hop in you’re truck so much more.” I say.

“Stevie, I know you don’t want to walk all the way home.” He says. I sigh and walk over to the passenger seat. He was right I didn’t want to walk all the way home.

“You’re still an asshole.” I say. He laughs.

“What even happened? We used to be friends.” He asks.

“Well you cheated on Lily. I mean there’s so many reasons why I fucking hate you, but that’s a big one.” I say.

“Alright I didn’t cheat on her.” He says making me mentally orbit around the fucking moon.

“Oh right you just slept with someone that wasn’t Lily, sorry I don’t know what I was thinking.” I say.

“That’s what she told you?” He scoffs.

“Yeah?” I say.

“I didn’t cheat on her.” He says.

“Well then what did you do Rafe?” I ask.

“I just stopped liking her I don’t know. I tried to tell her in a nice way, but she went fucking psycho on me.” He says.

“You just stopped liking her? How do you just stop liking her?” I ask.

“I don’t know like how you stopped liking Joe.” He says, bringing up my ex.

“Ok that’s different. We both agreed we didn’t feel anything anymore.” I say.

“I stopped liking Lily, because I started liking her friend.” He says looking at me for a second.

“That’s not fucked up at all.” I say. He rolls his eyes.

“Who was it? Alyssa??” I ask.

“No it wasn’t Alyssa.” He says.

“Then why did you want her number?” I ask. He pauses. The car gets really quiet.

“I wanted to see how you’d react.” He says.

“See how I’d react? Why would you care what I thought?” I ask. We sit there for a minute in complete silence.

“It was you, Stevie. Jesus Christ, you were the friend that I couldn’t stop fucking thinking about. Every time you’d come over with you’re stupid little boyfriend, I was never looking at Lily, I was always watching you. I couldn’t do anything because you had a boyfriend and I was dating Lily.” He says making me audibly gasp. Ok not literally but I was in pure shock.

“No fucking shit.” I laugh. He scoffs.

“Fuck off.” He says making me laugh.

“I used to like you too. I was like in love with you in 8th grade.” I say. “It was when I met Sarah and came over to you’re house everyday. To be honest, I only went over there to see you.”

He laughs. “Shut up.” I scoff. “It’s weird we both used to like each other.” He looks at me.

“I never stopped, Stevie.” He says.

“What?” My voice shakes.

“I never stopped liking you.” He says making me gulp really loudly. I stare at him. I’m so nervous right now I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing. He starts to lean in and my heart starts beating faster.

I don’t pull away so this has to mean I feel the same. He puts his hand on my face. Our lips finally touch and I realize I like it. He picks up my thighs and sets me on top of him.

I can’t believe of all things that could’ve happened today, I’m in Rafe Cameron’s car about to fuck.

[what-if-it-was-a-warrior-cat]

i hope you will do 5 cats 🧍🏽‍♀️

the first one - michelle gray and white shekitty with green eyes, i found her about 5 years ago when she was just a tiny little baby, shes very territorial of me and my little sister and likes to attack my bowls and plates when they are drying, she loves being outside and has caught multiple mice, cockroaches, a spider, and a squirrel for me.

the second one, ray, is very old (17) and i found her on the side of the road (along with the last one, the tabby with green eyes) in new york. she loves cuddling and water, and she loves food, like im not joking she will chow down on whatever she can get her grubby little paws on.

the third one - princess, the orange and white cat with beautiful eyes is about 3 years old and likes to keep to herself, though she likes climbing trees everytime i take her outside. she has really small paws and an extra toe bean on both her left feet.

the fourth one, the gray kitty, is only 7 months old and my favorite little stinker and she loves jumping into my fridge whenever its open. shes very adventurous and likes to paw at things she should not be ever pawing at. she also likes eating grass and touching plants. shes brought me multiple sticks and leaves to my window whenever she leaves. (shes half outdoor kitty)

and the last one, sasha, (17) is a very sweet little baby who loves and adores babies and children, and has attacked my dog before for being too close to her. when she was a younger cat she bit into a porcupine and almost died, but she has proved it hasnt stopped her and she still eats bad things that end up hurting her, but she survives and she will live forever.

i hope youll do this bcos i wanna find out theyre names 😔

Oh wow, lots of kitties!

Top to bottom:

Michelle -> Mousenose

Rank: Warrior

Fiercely loyal to her clan, Mousenose is often regarded as the clan's best hunter. While she won't show it most of the time, she's often itching for a fight, and occasionally antagonizes other clans on border patrol. Her favorite prey to hunt is squirrels, as the chase keeps her running skills sharp, as well as her claws. Her favorite prey is mice!

Ray -> Shadestar(wing)

Rank: Leader

Shadestar, while not the youngest of the leaders, is easily one of the most respected. While she loathes having to fight the other clans, and often opts for peace whenever she can, her military strategies are rivaled by little other. She often looks to Pinequill when she needs advice. Her favorite prey is frogs!

Princess -> Flamelight

Rank: Warrior

Flamelight is one of the clan's quieter warriors, opting to keep to herself most of the time. Despite this, the rest of the clan very quickly recognized that she is exceptional at climbing trees, and Flamelight is often praised for her squirrel- and bird-hunting skills. While she says she's not a fan of the attention, she secretly loves it. Her favorite prey is thrushes!

Sootpaw(blaze)

Rank: Medicine Cat Apprentice

Sootpaw is a curious apprentice, and often sticks her nose into things first, and asks questions later. While her adventurous personality can be troublesome at times, her mentor also sees it as a valuable tool. Being willing to learn is an important part of being a medicine cat, after all. Although, ever since they've taken Sootpaw on as an apprentice, the catmint has been mysteriously disappearing... Sootpaw's favorite prey is shrews!

Sasha -> Pinequill

Rank: Elder

When Pinequill was an apprentice, they wandered a little too close to a porcupine, and came back to camp looking more like a bramble bush than a cat. While others made fun of her for it, Pinepaw took it in stride and decided to request the name Pinequill at her naming ceremony. Now, as an elder, she often regales the apprentices with the tale of how she had to fight three whole porcupines single-pawed! The story is different almost every single time she tells it. Her and Shadestar are like littermates, nearly inseparable. Pinequill's favorite prey is blue jays!

[thesakuragarnet]

Feel The Music (PHOENIX Oneshot) (December 28, 2121)

Summary: With their relationship still a secret kept from the public, Pro Heroes Third-Degree and Hawks decide to take a big risk and get frisky at the Musutafu Karaoke Bar. (referenced at their Bachelor Party in the main fic)

DabiHawksWeek2024 Prompt Five: In public

THIS WORK IS 18+ ONLY! TAGS BENEATH THE KEEP READING SECTION

Word Count: 2,084 words

AO3 link

Tags: DabiHawks, from my PHOENIX AU, established relationship, Hero!Dabi, drunk s3x, public sex/exhibitionism, making out, swearing, a n a l sex, facef*cking, bl0wjobs, c0me eating, DabiHawksWeek2024, p0rn without pl0t, t0p Dabi, b0ttom Hawks, explicit s3xual content

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The neon lights in the private karaoke room set the mood as Pro Heroes Third-Degree and Hawks finish their fourth round of drinks for Keigo’s twentieth birthday. Mirko and Ryukyu had left the party already, leaving the two lovers by themselves in the VIP room. Keigo’s only drank a few times before, but, considering now he can legally drink, Rumi had convinced him to splurge. As a result, he and Toya are tipsily giggling away as they cuddle on the leather wraparound couch. 

“Enjoying your birthday, birdie?” Toya slurs with a sly grin as he stretches to nonchalantly drape his arm over Keigo’s shoulder, pulling him into an awkward and sloppy side hug. 

“Oh, I definitely enjoyed your god-awful singing,” Keigo chuckles, nuzzling into Toya’s neck and pressing a few soft kisses to his jawline. 

“Hey! Rumi was so much worse,” Toya retorts, half-kidding-half-not, “I thought I did okay on ‘fleabag’.”

“That’s because that’s the only one you did in your range,” Keigo sighs, and Toya blinks at him through his blurred vision. 

“What are you a fucking glee club coach?” Toya snorts, and Keigo shrugs with a playful smile, making Toya unceremoniously shove him away. Unfortunately, with his drunken strength, he accidentally shoves Keigo all the way to the other end of the couch. 

“Awww…c’mon, Toya,” Keigo whines patronizingly, crawling on all fours across the couch to his boyfriend. Toya rolls his eyes, leaning forward to grab the remote when Keigo unceremoniously pounces on him, knocking him on his side on the couch. Toya blinks, looking up through the darkness and the oscillating rainbow LEDs to see Keigo poised over him, hands gripping his shoulders with a devilish smirk on his face. 

“Fuck,” Toya mutters under his breath as he reaches up to cup the side of Keigo’s face, thumb tracing the stubble at his chin. His hand suddenly moves to grab a fistful of fabric at the neck of Keigo’s athletic compression shirt, yanking him down as he smashes their lips together. Hawks moans into the kiss, immediately melting, and Touya groans as he feels his partner’s entire weight settle on top of him.

“God, Kei,” Toya huffs as they grind against one another. “Door locked?”

Keigo’s feathers swirl, moving one of the chairs to prop up against the door handle, keeping it tightly closed. This way, they won’t be interrupted. 

“It is now,” Keigo chuckles darkly under his breath between passionate kisses. Toya’s tongue eagerly slips into Keigo’s mouth when their lips reconnect, the BlueFlame hero’s tongue piercing grazing the roof of the winged Pro’s mouth. Keigo almost gasps at the sensation, his own tongue desperately intertwining with his boyfriend’s. Their hearts pound, both men panting between longing kisses, each one more charged than the last. Toya reaches up, running his fingers through Keigo’s crimson feathers, and he tenses up with a sharp intake of breath, breaking the kiss and shuddering. Toya’s cerulean eyes glow in the shadows, peering behind a heavy-lidded gaze and thick lashes as he pulls Keigo closer once more.

“Wanna fuck you so bad,” Toya moans like a whore on Keigo’s tongue as their open-mouthed kisses become sloppy and passionate, lengthening with every lock of their lips. Their clothed erections rut against one another, getting harder by the second with every additional touch. 

“God, Toya,” Keigo groans, his voice lilting into a breathy whisper as the tips of his teeth graze the skin on Toya’s neck. Toya gasps, eyelids fluttering as Keigo tightly grips his shoulders, kissing his neck intently, dragging his tongue delicately across his skin. His hands grab at the bottom of Toya’s hoodie, pulling it up and over his head before Toya scrambles to get Keigo’s shirt off. 

“We’re really doing this?” Toya pants breathlessly with a tipsy smirk as he somewhat grasps the situation. Keigo, significantly more intoxicated, doesn’t seem to care. Instead, his response is:

“Facefuck me.”

“Are…are you sure?” Toya stammers, taken aback by Keigo’s straightforwardness. 

“Yeah, I’m sure,” Keigo sneers. In his drunken stupor, Keigo nearly slips and falls as he drops to his knees to unbutton and unzip Toya’s jeans. He pulls them down, wadding them up around his ankles before freeing Toya from his boxers, and, immediately, Keigo is grasping at Toya’s rapidly hardening cock. The white-haired hero’s back arches, and his mind swims with lust and alcohol as he spreads his legs. 

“Use me up, baby,” Keigo sneers, batting his golden eyes up at Toya with such sickeningly fake innocence it sends a chill down his spine. He opens his mouth, expectantly, tongue flat and out, mere millimeters away from the tip. Toya can feel his hot breath, staggered and teasing. He swallows a hiccup as he tentatively reaches down, running his fingers through Keigo’s tangled blonde hair. Keigo practically purrs at the gesture, rising up to ever so slightly lean into the touch. 

“Y-you lemme know if it gettssss uncomfortable,” Toya mumbles, trying to still cling on to any sort of sense left in his drunk brain. As much as he’d just love to go at it, he doesn’t want to do anything that Keigo will regret. Keigo blinks up at him like he’s impatient and wants Toya to get on with it. 

Toya takes a deep breath before he gently guides his head, and he gasps when Keigo wraps his mouth around his tip, gently suckling. 

“Fuck,” He sighs, his eyelids fluttering as he balls his fingers into a fist, carefully gripping the hair at the back of Keigo’s head as he forces him to take more of him, and Keigo whimpers; the vibrations feel so fucking good. A low moan falls from Toya’s lips as Keigo’s tongue tastes, and he steals a glance to see tears welling up in the winged Pro’s eyes as his nose presses into his pelvis. Toya’s eyes widen when he realizes he’s taking his dick all the way; he’s never done that before. Goosebumps trickle all over Toya’s skin as Keigo sucks, and he twitches when he feels the muscles in the back of his lover’s throat. He’s gonna ruin that seamless winged eyeliner that Keigo wears religiously. 

“You-fuck-you ready?” Toya whispers, and Keigo subtly nods. Carefully, Toya rocks his hips, gently fucking Hawks’ throat. His mouth hangs open, jaw slack and brows raising as he focuses on the sensation and the soft sounds of Keigo sucking. It feels so good…sex with Keigo always feels so good. No matter what they’re doing, it’s always so ethereal…pleasure enhanced by the raw intimacy and passion that they have with one another. Even when they’re not sober, Toya can still feel the connection, keeping him grounded to the world when his mind threatens to fade away into nothingness.

“That’s it, Kei,” Toya rasps, tenderly rutting into his mouth, warm and wet and fucking perfect. Tears drip down Keigo’s nose, eyeliner streaming down his face as he fights his gag reflex. Toya’s hips jolt when Keigo swirls his tongue just the right way, sending shivers down Toya’s spine. After a few minutes of agonizing pleasure, Keigo pulls back, lips slick and swollen, a string of drool still connecting his lips with Toya’s cock before he wipes it away with the back of his hand. He pushes himself to his feet before pulling off his pants and boxers. 

“Let’s do it. I’m gonna sit in your lap and ride you,” Keigo grins confidently, definitely more eager than he would’ve been sober. His walls are down, and he’s unashamed of everything.  

“Whoa-wait-no lube?” Toya blurts, sober enough to know that he doesn’t want to risk hurting Keigo. 

Keigo pauses before rummaging in the pockets of his discarded khakis. He pulls out a small, travel-size bottle with a sly smirk. 

“Pocket lube?” Toya snorts, amused. 

“Pocket lube,” Keigo grins, trying not to laugh and spoil the mood; it wouldn’t be the first time they’ve laughed during sex, but they’re trying to be discreet. The mood is promptly reignited when Keigo starts massaging the cold lube over Toya’s erection. 

Toya has to bite his lip to keep from moaning his boyfriend’s name as Keigo lowers himself down to Toya’s hilt, bottoming out. Toya leans forward, burying his face in the back of Keigo’s neck, chest pressing against Keigo’s wings. He runs his fingers atop the crimson arches, grabbing the tips of them as he stays flattened against Keigo’s back. The moment he starts rolling his hips, Keigo gasps.

“Shhhh. Not too loud, birdie,” Toya whispers, clasping his hand over Hawks’ mouth as his lover dissolves into pleasure, moans vibrating against his hand. Keigo starts bouncing on Toya’s cock, increasing the pleasure tenfold and making Toya curse under his breath. Keigo’s wings droop as he leans back, forcing Toya to recline against the couch cushion, moving himself so their heads are beside each other. Keigo reaches with one arm around the back of Toya’s head, making it so his hand snakes around to cover Toya’s mouth just as tightly as Toya covers his. The lovers muffle each other’s cries of pleasure; the only sounds permeating the air are the karaoke menu and the soft sounds of skin slapping against skin. Sweat beads on their foreheads as they become absorbed in it, indulging in the warmth of each other. The intimacy is electric, the skin-to-skin contact setting their nerves on fire. They muffle each other’s strangled noises, writhing against one another in sync. 

Knock. Knock. Knock. 

Keigo goes rigid, and Toya cranes his neck so his boyfriend’s hand falls from his mouth. 

“Still working on our last song choice!” Toya calls, trying not to give them away and hoping he doesn't sound as breathless as he feels; if they were back at the Agency, they wouldn’t be holding back. This…this is like a secret that the both of them are struggling to keep under wraps, the pleasure threatening to make the both of them boil over in ecstasy. 

“Ten minutes left! Then your timeslot is over!” The worker shouts in an irritated voice on the other side of the door. 

“Oh we’ll finish sooner than ten minutes,” Toya chuckles to himself, and Keigo rolls his eyes before deliberately rolling his hips. A low groan bursts from Toya’s lips, and he harshly bites his lip to try to be quiet as he grabs Keigo’s hip, brutally thrusting up into his guts. 

“Toya~,” Keigo clearly cries out from under Toya’s hand, and the way he says his name makes Toya’s cock throb. 

“Gonna come, Kei,” Toya pants, dangerously close, “inside?”

Keigo nods, and that’s all the confirmation Toya needs before he’s sailing over the edge, hips stuttering with each pump of come that paints Keigo’s insides. His toes curl, and his hand drops from Keigo’s mouth to wrap around his twitching cock. Keigo gasps, breath sharp and short, inhaling and exhaling through gritted teeth as he teeters to his own precarious climax. It only takes a few expert thrusts of Toya’s fist before the winged Pro crumbles. 

“Damn,” Keigo sighs, cheeks flushed and feathers puffed up. Toya promptly lets go of Keigo’s flagging erection, lewdly sucking the cum off his hand from Keigo’s orgasm. 

“Gross,” Keigo makes a face, and Toya rolls his eyes.

“It came out of you,” He flicks his boyfriend off, “Now…get off me before I get hard again.”

…

The two heroes left the private karaoke room, slipping out before they could be seen by the antsy staff, looking flustered and frazzled and thoroughly blissed-out, guilty smiles flashing. Once their Uber arrives in front of their Agency, Toya and Keigo stumble into the lobby, holding hands like honeymooners as they walk to the elevator. As soon as they reach the Penthouse, Toya grabs Keigo, rubbing his fist on the top of his head to muss up his hair. Keigo yelps, effortlessly shoving Toya away before sprinting to the bedroom. The fiery Pro follows, vaulting to tackle Keigo, and they both go sailing onto the bed. 

“Y’know we broke the law. On your birthday. Usually that’s a my birthday kinda thing,” Toya teases, and Keigo rolls his eyes as he squirms out of Toya’s grip. 

“Don’t act like you didn’t like it,” Keigo winks.

“Oh, I loved it,” Toya sneers before pressing a soft kiss to Keigo’s lips. Keigo gently kisses him back, cupping the side of Toya’s face as he deepens the kiss. 

“I love you,” Keigo whispers against Toya’s mouth, and Toya’s heart flutters.

“I love you, too, Kei.”

[creatorbiaze]

Memories of an Old Friend

short story

Vizerxa sat by the bank of a river, staring into the crystal-like water. The moonlight cast a beautiful glow, and the wind rustled through the tree branches around and above the river.

Quiet, almost uneven footsteps crunched through the leaves and fallen grass, and Vizerxa looked up instinctively to see what the source was.

A Draconic with pale skin, black hair, visibly crooked midnight black wings with dull and clearly too-soft feathers, and slightly curving back horns, one of which was broken off at the last fourth of the horn, seemed to appear from the shadowy forest. The moonlight seemed to brighten their almost unnaturally emerald irises, which glowed stunningly against the black sclerae. almost blood-like faded stains traced the outer corners of their eyes down to the jaw. Their tail swished over the leaves, the dulled blade at the end barely even scratching the ground, as they walk over and sit beside Vizerxa.

"... you're new," Vizerxa says after a few moments of silence, watching the Draconic analytically,  trying to figure out why they were familiar, "I don't recognize you. Who are you?"

"I just returned to this Realm. I'm Clara Ventus," the Draconic smiles softly, voice quiet and oddly calming, "who are you?"

Vizerxa stiffened, looking at Clara almost sharply. It... she couldn't... why had Clara left in the first place? "I'm.. Vizerxa," Vizerxa says, deciding to share their name.

Clara smiles, "it's a pleasure to meet you, Vizerxa."

"...you as well, Clara," Vizerxa looked away, watching the river again, now frowning slightly. 

The two sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, before Clara spoke again, "you... somewhat remind me of one of my old friends... I can't place why. Though, she has been on my mind since I came back. No one seems to know anyone by her name, so... I hope she's in the Spirit Realm, enjoying the afterlife," Clara looks almost mournful, a bittersweet smile on her face.

"So do I. What was her name? I... may recognize it, I've been around for a while," Vizerxa asks, almost hoping Clara didn't say her own old name, yet wishing she would. Vizerxa, deep down, hoped that Clara had forgotten her. That Clara wouldn't know what she had become, what she had caused, since Clara's dissapearance. But at the same time, Vizerxa didn't think she'd be able to handle her oldest friend having forgotten her.

"Her name was Vivere Umbra Mortem, the middle child of the Mortem Family, back before Amist Memoriam apparently fell..." Clara smiles sadly, "We used to visit this river often... I hope she's alright."

Vizerxa stares at Clara for a few moments, almost torn, before speaking, "she sounds familiar. It's been centuries since I've heard that name though, I'm sorry," She didn't let any of her emotions show through her voice, maintaining her calm and neutral tone.

"Not surprised... thank you, though," Clara looks mournful as she stares into the river.

"... would you like to talk about her?" Vizerxa asks, "memories can be helpful."

"that's a good idea. Hm... Vivere was a nice being. Calm, always was reading, strived for perfection... though I'm pretty sure that was because of Fractal. Vivere's wings got severely injured in an accident, she never really said what happened exactly, so Fractal 'assigned' us together in hopes I could help Vivere learn to be a Zypherin, since we both had wing problems. Honestly, I don't think Vivere needed to be a Zypherin, she didn't seem all that interested anyway. I feel bad for her, honestly, all things considered... a middle child, with Fractal as a parent, and unable to use the 'classic Mortem powers'..."

Vizerxa listened to Clara talk, frowning slightly. Clara... definitely sounded different than when they knew each other in life. But she still seemed so similar. A memory she needed. Trae wondered how much she had changed, herself.

"Vivere was incredibly smart, and a lot of beings would say she was 'moody' and 'untalkative'. Though, she'd speak if she had something to say, she never said too much, yet didn't say too little. She also had mild haphephobia, fear of touch. For a being who couldn't use shadow powers, she was a lot like darkness; calm, quiet, unbothered and elegant," Clara smiled softly while she spoke, a distant, bittersweet look in her eyes as she recalls the being.

Vizerxa nods slightly while listening. It was... strange... to hear someone voice their perspective of her, even if it was of... back then. But she didn't want to interrupt Clara.

"Her main power was cyrokenisis, but she kept trying to use shadow manipulation. She tried so hard, and would only get hurt. But she never gave up... I admired her, a lot. She was like a sister to me... I don't know why, but I feel like you and her would get along well," Clara glances at Vizerxa.

Vizerxa chuckles quietly, leaning back and tilting her head to look at the sky, "I'm sure we would... Her name means 'To Live in the Shadow of Death', right? That must have been a burden of it's own."

"yeah... Oddly enough, death seemed to stay away from her," Clara chuckles. Trae tries not to wince at the irony of that as Clara glances back at Vizerxa, amusement in her eyes, "Your name means 'Bringer of', right? Bringer of what?" 

"not important," Vizerxa waves a hand dismissively, though she smiles slightly, wanting to know more about what had happened to her friend since they were alive, "anyway, tell me about your story. What're you like?"

"Well.... When I was alive, I was a Zypherin. The 'Flightless Zypherin of Amist Memoriam', all that fun stuff. I had- have, actually- two younger siblings, and uh... I'm blind. and flightless, though I have wings," Clara says, "I bake, and cook, don't really do much else outside that... I'm a Viclere now, also. I had sight when I was alive, don't really want to talk about how I lost it though."

"understandable," Vizerxa nods, mentally realizing why Clara hadn't made the connection of Vizerxa's appearance to Vivere, and Clara's black scelera, "that must have been hard. But you fought through everything. I respect that."

Clara nods, "I did, I suppose... and thank you. For... everything, really."

"All I did was listen," Vizerxa looks at Clara questioningly.

"Listening goes a long way, Vizerxa," Clara points out, "Hm... is there anything you want to say about yourself, and your life?"

"well... I have two adopted children, probably the best kids I've met, and... I'm part of the Fallen Pantheon. God of Strategy," they decide to mention her pantheon-allignment. If Clara found out she was Vivere at any point, Vizerxa wanted the information to be from herself.

"Really?" Clara blinks in surprise, "that's... Interesting. what's it like?"

"Meh. Light Song is a tyrant, and things are normally... chaotic," Vizerxa says vaguely.

Clara nods in understanding.

The two sat in silence for a while longer, just listening to the river and the forest, until the sun started to rise.

"It's getting late, isn't it," Clara tilts her head, "we should be heading home."

"yeah, we should," Vizerxa stands up, offering a hand to Clara to help her up.

Clara smiles, taking Vizerxa's hand, and stands up, 'looking' up at the taller Deity, "I hope to see you again some time, Vizerxa. It was a pleasure meeting you."

"you as well, Clara. I'm glad I got to talk to you," Vizerxa says smiling softly, almost mournfully, before turning to walk away, "and maybe we will."

As Vizerxa walks away, navigating the forest, she knew one thing; she didn't want Clara to find out who she was. She didn't want to hurt Clara with the knowledge of who, of what, Vivere had become.

Though, she was glad to meet her old friend again, and be reassured Clara was fine.

Clara listened to Vizerxa walk away, smiling mournfully, "she really is a lot like Vivere, isn't she... Shattered mirror, broken frame, I suppose. I do hope I meet Vivere again soon, I've refound everyone else," she murmurs as she turns and walks away.

She knew Vizerxa couldn't be her old friend, despite the similarities, though; Vizerxa didn't have wings, and had willingly touched her. They also sounded different, but.... that's what 500 years does to a being. Though, Vivere wouldn't join Light Song.

Clara walked away, carefully finding her way through the forest, as she thought about Vivere and Vizerxa.

[skyfallscotland]

Hiii me again! I, too, have questions for the ask game 🍓🦋🥤

🥤 ⇢ recommend an author or fanfic you love

I feel like it's redundant to keep saying the same ones, but *whispers* storm in the quiet @justallihere and Political Gain @sarahwyland

But also, in terms of underrated, I just read a little series by Ramzes called The Unseen One, furthering the Sloane/Bodhi agenda (🙏🏼 the lord’s work) and I've also enjoyed The Princess Gambit by JuliLyng so far as well, which is Xaden/OC. Not sure if they have tumblr, but if they're here, hi! 👋🏼

🍓 ⇢ how did you get into writing fanfiction? 

So I've always been a reader/writer, since as far back as I can remember (maybe three years old?), I'm pretty sure with the knowledge I have now that I'm hyperlexic.

I'm old enough to have been around for dial-up internet, but when I was a preteen, we got broadband (showing my age). This is to say, don't judge my parents too harshly because internet safety was not a thing back then, but...

I found fanfiction because back then, a lot of people either used livejournal or hosted their own sites, so a lot of fansites, had fanfiction. So while looking at Buffy fansites, I stumbled across Buffy fanfiction and realised I could actually read stories!!! so many stories!! where Buffy and Spike got together earlier or things didn't end tragically for them. So yeah, at 11 I was reading very explicit Spuffy smut on the internet 🫢 I had a system set up where I would play The Sims all day or do school project powerpoints, except I was really reading fanfic and I would flick between screens whenever my parents entered the room.

My mum now has KU and reads dark romance every day, so I guess she comes by it honestly (and yes, I did mean it that way around, I was here first!) 😂

Anyway, when I was 12 I started publishing my first few fanfics on ffnet - Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, and a Harry Potter/X-Men Crossover. Each originally written on paper, they were all ridiculously bad, but the latter had people interested enough despite the writing, which encouraged me to try again later down the line with The Vampire Diaries and Jurassic World. I hadn't written for almost ten years and had never finished anything much until last year, by chance, I decided to finally get back into reading actual books and picked up ACOTAR. I finished the series within a week and I was left like?? That's it????

The archive had such a small number of works, I couldn't believe it, so I decided to write my own. I wrote Fury and Siren over the course of three months. I wasn't game to post anything in case I didn't finish it, because I'd never finished anything before. I also put off starting this little book I'd bought 'Fourth Wing' by three months, because I knew I'd be sucked in and would lose the hyperfixation I had, so I forced myself to finish Siren first. And now you all know my life story lol omg I'm so embarrassing to myself 🫠

TLDR: internet

🦋 ⇢ share something that has been on your heart and mind lately 

Honestly, this is kind of angsty, but this last week I’ve thought a lot about male-dominated fandom spaces and how we’re not welcome in them. We, meaning everyone who isn’t a straight, cis, white male. The Formula 1 community on here seems a little better, probably because it’s female-led, but everywhere else I can’t even look at the comments.

To be honest, I’m tired of being told I don’t belong, or that my opinion means nothing because I’m female. I grew up in a motorsport family, my earliest memories are at racetracks, but men on the internet would have you believe I’m only interested because of what the drivers look like. It’s just…tiring. Those fandom spaces have become a no-go zone for me now, because it just isn’t worth it. We live in a time where no matter what you say someone will attack you which is sad in itself, but it’s so much worse when you’re a woman commenting on a “man’s sport”, not to mention endlessly frustrating because they’re too stupid to tell the difference between equity and equality.

🦋 On a larger note, Palestine. I don’t think more than that needs saying. It hurts my heart.

[theoddcatlady]

I'm Addicted to Eating Bugs

I suppose it started small, like all addictions do. I was in the first grade, having some corner time because I threw a crayon at Brandon's head. He totally deserved it but that's another story for another day.

Anyway, I was facing the brick wall, imagining horrible fates for this jerk of a classmate when I heard a quiet buzzing. I looked by my feet to see an old cobweb, spider long gone but the dusty threads still managing to capture a fly. It wiggling and squirmed and if I hadn't interfered it probably would have gotten loose and carried on with its life. But before I realized it I had plucked the fly free and placed it in my mouth.

It buzzed furiously and it took all my willpower not to giggle, it was really ticklish. If I laughed, I'd end up opening my mouth and away it would go. I prodded at it with my tongue, feeling its wings flap uselessly against my cheek before I ended its life between my molars.

I swallowed and felt a lot better about things. Who cared about stupid Brandon anyway?

To be fair, kids eat stupid shit all the time. Glue, crayons, paper, I used to know a kid who ate sand and thought he was really stupid. Then again, I was only in the sandbox to hunt down ladybugs, so maybe I didn't have room to judge. But all those kids left their weird eating habits behind. I didn't. Instead, my habit grew.

At recess I'd spend all my time hunting bugs. I'd bring along a lil bug box and my teacher would just assume I'd want to study the insect world and let me be.

The easiest to find were worms on a day it had just rained. Those lil buggers were everywhere on the paving stones. Unfortunately they also had the least amount of payout. Worms taste like dirt. I mean, who's surprised though? Caterpillars were a lot better, so squishy but still slow enough for me to catch. Crickets and grasshoppers were a real pain in the neck. I had to learn to be patient and wait for the right moment to strike. If I didn't wait for the right moment, I would end up clapping my hands down on nothing at all.

But oh man, were they worth the effort. I didn't like putting them in my mouth alive so much, they kicked too much, but they had so much flavor and crunch. If I managed to find a grasshopper while hunting, I would consider myself one lucky kiddo.

I was never officially caught eating bugs until a few years later. I knew I had to keep my secret quiet. But when I was in fourth grade my class got a pet lizard named Lizzy. I know, really creative on names here, but we were kids so give us a break. But Lizzy needed to eat crickets a few times a week. I felt almost validated watching her munch down on them. But I also felt jealous. She could eat crickets whenever she wanted. I wished I could do that.

One winter day I decided to steal some of Lizzy's crickets. During recess I'd gone back to the classroom to get something from my desk when I realized I was all alone. This was my only chance to indulge. I crept up to the lizard cage, where the small cricket container was placed beside it. I opened up the top, snaked a handful of crickets, and threw those little buggers right in my mouth.

I had just closed my eyes when I heard someone gasp. I turned and saw Gabrielle, her jaw dropped as she stared at me. I'm pretty sure a cricket leg was poking out of my mouth too.

And of course, Gabrielle being a teacher's pet, she ran off screaming ‘Keith is eating Lizzy's crickets!’

I swallowed, feeling a lump form in my chest. My secret was out.

I managed to play it off as a joke, a one time thing. I was just curious as to why Lizzy liked eating crickets so much. I think Mr. Martinez found it hilarious. He ended up bringing roasted crickets to class next week, taking this moment to teach us how other cultures enjoyed eating all kinds of bugs and prepping them in unique ways.

I never felt more sick in my life. Although being salted and cooked did bring out the flavor, I ended up barfing it up later. It just. Wasn't the same. They were barely even bugs anymore. It was just like eating potato chips or almonds. There was no thrill of the hunt. None of that excitement as they squirm in your mouth. The joy when you bite down, taking out a leg or maybe slicing them right down the abdomen.

I did try to stop after that. I really did. I didn't want to get picked on anymore and maybe it was a little weird that I kept eating bugs.

But here's the real problem. If I don't sate my appetite on bugs, I start craving… bigger things.

The whole glass was horrified to come in one morning to find Lizzy had disappeared, the lid tipped off the cage and our class pet nowhere to be seen. Much to my amusement, fingers were pointed at Gabrielle, as she was the one who fed Lizzy the day before. She swore up and down that she fastened the cage lid on tight, but it didn't matter. We tore that room apart and Lizzy was just gone.

I participated in the search, although I had no reason to. I knew exactly where Lizzy was. In my belly.

I didn't know why I had gone back to class that day, I just knew I needed to. I was alone, me and that lizard. I felt like I was on autopilot as I opened the cage and plucked Lizzy out by the tail. I dangled her over my mouth before I snapped her head clean off. Blood dripped in my mouth, a new feeling I had never gotten before with bugs. It felt so damn good.

When the high wore off though I felt so guilty I nearly threw her back up. I didn't, because that would really be a waste, I just got out of there. That night at dinner I didn't eat a damn thing, I claimed I had a tummy ache and that wasn't a lie. But I knew the cause wasn't that 24 hour flu bug going around.

So yeah. I realized quickly that maybe there are worse things than eating bugs. Winters were always the hardest, I had to make due with ants in the kitchen and daddy long legs in the basement. To my credit, I've only ‘snapped’ once since then, it was Christmas vacation at grandma's house and I just hadn't had the time to hunt. That poor cat. Everyone just assumed a wild animal had gotten to poor Fluffy, meanwhile I was trying to discreetly pick long white fur out from in between my teeth.

It's gotten simultaneously harder and easier as an adult. Harder as I need to eat a lot more bugs to keep the cravings at bay, easier as now I can just go to the pet store and clean out their supply of feeder crickets and mealworms. The cashier there thinks I'm cute and usually gives me a discount. She keeps asking to meet my geckos and I have to keep making excuses as to why she can't.

If the cravings get bad, I hit up another pet store and buy a few mice, maybe a hamster or a gerbil too if it sounds good. I eat those suckers while binge watching Netflix, sucking on the long tails and reducing their skulls to paste. It has worked for me so far. I don't have a girlfriend, but I have a decent social life. I think it's probably for the best I don't have a family. I don't want to snap one day around a small child, I’d never forgive myself.

But I'm a good uncle to my sister's kids. I send them gifts and always tell them cool bug facts, which they love to hear, especially the younger one, Ellie.

However… I think I caught Ellie with her hand in the proverbial cookie jar last week. The cookie jar in this case was a spider's web, and a fly wing poking out of her lips.

She said she was just curious as to why spiders ate flies, but I'm gonna be keeping an eye on her.

[fandomsaligninstories]

Year One: End of Year

Chapter List WC: 1,420

29th June, 1992, Late Afternoon

Violet couldn't believe that the year was already over. As she was walking out of her last final, which was Charms, she had felt the moment was a little bittersweet. She was ready to go home and see her parents, but she was going to miss Hogwarts. She would miss the magic, her friends, her classes. She didn't know how she'd be able to cope without these things for the next couple of months. 

She decided that it'd been the best year of her life. Despite all the bad things, like bullies and Harry Potter almost dying at the hand of He Who Shall Not Be Named, it had been a really great year. 

It was still hard to believe that actually happened. She'd heard about the attack after the fact, when Harry was laid up in the Hospital wing. She ran there the moment she'd heard, running into Hermione and Ron, who told her the whole story. That they'd been trying to stop someone all year from stealing something called the Philosopher's Stone. They had thought it was Snape, but it was actually Professor Quirrell, who somehow had You Know Who living in the back of his head. She'd gotten lost here, and they tried to explain the best they could. In the end, Harry stopped him from getting the stone, which would've given him the ability to reform and live forever. Quirrell died, and the soul of You Know Who escaped. 

Their year had definitely been more exciting, and dangerous. She finally understood why they'd been so secretive all year, and why they'd often disappear for hours at a time. She couldn't hold it against them that they hadn't told her. After all, they were friends, but only saw each other in classes and sometimes free periods, whereas the trio was together almost all day, every day.

She and the rest of the students were spread out around the lawn and the Great Lake, the weather bordering on almost too warm. It was a nice, sunny day, with a slight breeze rustling the trees. It couldn't have been better.

She exchanged addresses with her friends, ensuring that they'd all trade letters throughout the summer. She didn't want to lose touch with them, fearing that if she did, they might not be as close next year. Aimee and Hannah reassured her that nothing could break them apart.

Later that evening, at the End of Year Feast, Dumbledore made grand theatrics at the announcement of who won the house cup. The quidditch cup had unfortunately been won by Slytherin, as they'd had the most house points and game points by the final tally a few days prior. 

"Another year gone." He began, standing at the head table, "And now, as I understand it, the house cup needs awarded. And the points stand thus-- In fourth place, Gryffindor, with 312 points. Third place, Hufflepuff, with 352 points. In second place, Ravenclaw, with 426 points. And in first place, with 472 points, Slytherin house."

After each house was named, there was a smattering of applause, but after the winner was announced, the entire Slytherin table stood up clapping and cheering. Some other students clapped politely, but didn't join in on their cheers. When Violet turned around to glare at the table, she caught the eye of Draco. She stuck her tongue out at him, but he only smirked before quickly looking away. 

Banners fell along the walls and above the tables, spanning the length of the hall, brandishing the Slytherin colours and house crest. The house only cheered louder.

"Yes, yes, well done, Slytherin. Well done, Slytherin." Dumbledore continued, effectively silencing the hall, "However, recent events must be taken into account, and I have a few last minute points to award." 

At this, whispers broke out around the room, students looking at each other confused. 

Hannah and Violet turned as one to look at Cedric for an explanation, but he only shrugged and murmured, "This hasn't happened before."

"To Miss Hermione Granger, for the cool use of intellect when others were in grave peril-- 50 points." The cheering and clapping began again, aside from stark silence from the Slytherins, "Second, to Mister Ronald Weasley, for the best played game of chess that Hogwarts has seen these many years-- 50 points. And third, to Mister Harry Potter, for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house 60 points."

"They're tied with Slytherin!" Violet exclaimed excitedly.

"And finally. It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends. I award 10 points to Neville Longbottom." The students cheered louder, hardly pausing when Dumbledore continued, "If my calculations are correct, I believe that a change of decoration is in order. Gryffindor wins the house cup!"

The banners changed to the Gryffindor colour and crest. The students around them got up and turned to congratulate the Gryffindors, who had finally broken Slytherins winning streak. For the first time in six years, Slytherin didn't win the house cup. That alone was cause for celebration. 

The rest of dinner was full of cheer and celebration, with the three houses pointedly ignoring the Slytherin house, whose students had taken to glaring at Gryffindor. 

Later that evening, when all the students had retired to bed, Violet allowed herself to feel the tiniest sliver of guilt for her misdeeds towards the Slytherins, especially Draco, at dinner. But only for a moment, because they didn't deserve anyone's guilt or kindness after their deplorable behaviour all year. 

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30th June, 1992, Noon

The train ride from Hogwarts to the station was just as loud as the previous night's celebrations. Some students were tucked away in their compartments, but most were out and about, saying final goodbyes to their friends. 

Violet, Aimee, Caroline, Hannah, and Susan all shared a compartment, sharing what their plans were for the summer. 

Susan and Caroline took off after a few minutes, going to see their other friends. Violet, Aimee, and Hannah only rolled their eyes at their friends, knowing they wouldn't see them again until it was time to disembark. 

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation, drawing their attention to Cedric.

He smiled sheepishly, "Hi. Just wanted to say, have a good summer."

Aimee and Hannah broke into a fit of giggles, Violet shaking her head at them, "Thanks, Ced. You too. Got any plans?"

"Not really, maybe do some travelin'. You?" He moved to lean against the doorframe, shooting a curious glance to the still giggling girls.

"Ignore them, I do." She laughed goodheartedly, "I'm not sure yet, I'm just excited to see my parents!"

He nodded in understanding, "Well, see you next year." He waved at the girls, who had finally stopped giggling and waved back. 

"Bye Cedric!" They both replied in a sing-song voice. 

Once the door was closed, Violet turned to them, "What was that?!"

"We told you he fancies you!" Hannah burst out, "See?! He didn't care about our summers, did he? Only yours!"

"So what?" She blushed scarlet red, "Even if he does, it doesn't matter. I don't fancy him." 

Aimee smirked, "But you fancy someone?" 

"Absolutely not. Besides, don't you think we're a little young to-"

"No!" Both girls cut her off. 

She stared at them in shock before shrugging, "Fine, who do you fancy then?"

Silence for a moment, then Hannah declared, "Oh... Well, no one." 

Aimee shrugged, "No, me neither."

"Hypocrites, the both of ya." Violet shook her head laughing, "So, about Harry-"

"Ahah!" Hannah shouted, "You fancy him, don't you?!"

Violet stared at her blankly. Hadn't they moved on from that discussion?

"No." She replied slowly, "I was going to ask what you thought about You-Know-Who."

"Oh, oops," Hannah giggled innocently, "Can we not? It's such a dreadful topic!"

Aimee nodded emphatically, "I agree, besides, isn't he, you know, dead for good now?"

Violet thought for a moment, "I don't know... Something about the entire situation just seems weird."

"Vi, we live in a world of magic. Just last month you thought the existence of a self-stirring cauldron was weird."

"Yeah, okay." Violet relented, but she couldn't lose the feeling that something was weird. Or, rather, wrong. She knew she was missing something, and she tried to dismiss the feeling, reasoning with herself that it was probably just because she hadn't heard the whole story from Hermione, Harry, and Ron, or that she hadn't experienced it herself.

She tucked away the thought and feeling for the time being, determined to enjoy the last few hours with her friends before they all returned home for the summer.

[inevitablemoment]

Love Me Whatever (Forever)

Word Count: 485

Warnings: Mentions of past spousal death from cancer

Fandom: Ghostbusters

Pairings: Egon Spengler x Janine Melnitz

Yay! This is my first time writing for Janegon, and I’m so excited! I mostly wrote this as a gift for @ariel-seagull-wings, so I hope you enjoy it!

Set in my AU where Cathleen still dies, but Egon keeps custody of Callie and ends up remarrying to Janine. This fic is set on Valentine’s Day 1985, so Callie had her fourth birthday the previous month.

I mention an OC of mine, Janine’s sister Pauline Melnitz, briefly.

Enjoy!

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“Again, I am sorry that we had to postpone date night again,” Egon apologized as he brushed Callie’s hair.

“Egon, I told you, I’m not mad,” Janine reassured him. “I’m the one taking all the calls, so I know how exhausting it’s getting. I’m just glad we convinced Peter to hire Pauline as extra help.”

Even though Callie’s focus had mainly been on the cartoon that was playing on the TV, she did speak up. “I like Pauline-- she’s funny.”

Janine smiled. Pauline had once entertained the idea of becoming a teacher, but decided that she would be all in on her dream of becoming a famous novelist.

“She told me that you went to Disneyland,” Callie told her.

“We did,” Janine recalled. “I got to meet Cinderella-- I almost fainted!”

Callie laughed at Janine’s exaggeration, and Egon set the brush aside.

“Okay-- bath time,” he told Callie.

Callie made a whining noise. “No!”

In her short years of living, Callie knew that each step in her nighttime routine was a step closer to her bedtime.

“Callie, please-- you do this every night, and it hasn’t changed anything before,” Egon tried reasoning with her, even though it never worked in the past.

“No!” Callie repeated.

“Hey, Callie, how about I give you your bath, and your dad and I will read you two books before bed?” Janine suggested.

Callie considered the offer before saying, “Okay.”

Janine was able to keep Callie entertained in the bath with her bath toys and telling her another story about her childhood Disneyland vacation. Callie always loved hearing Janine talk about her childhood in the same way that he loved hearing Egon’s stories about growing up. And Janine fulfilled her promise; she and Egon each read a book to Callie.

Both Egon and Janine kissed her goodnight.

“Good night, baby,” he whispered.

“Good night, Daddy,” Callie said.

“Good night, Callie,” Janine smiled.

“Good night, Ima.”

Both Egon and Janine froze as they began to walk out of Callie’s bedroom.

Ima.

That was Hebrew for “mother.”

Janine looked at Egon, trying to read his expression to guess what he would be thinking about his child calling his girlfriend of barely three months “mommy.”

She remembered when she had first entered the firehouse when she had found the ad in the paper, and she had seen Egon trying to entertain this beautiful child. Egon had described Callie as being the image of her mother, but Janine could pick out the pieces of him in her visage and personality easily.

Janine didn’t ever want to disrespect Cathleen’s memory, but she knew that it was also true that Callie barely had any memories of her mother. Cathleen had been diagnosed only a few months after Callie’s first birthday, and died two months after her second birthday.

But, somehow, she still felt a sense of pride at Callie’s words.

A sense that she was... cherished.