#simple follow up

[atrueneutral]

So, what happened to Haarlep after Raphael and Tav realized it was the incubus's tampering with their prevention that resulted in Tav get pregnant? Or did someone set up Haarlep to look like the perpetrator?

P.S. This is not meant to be a fic or drabble request, I'm just curious.

Raphael goes back to the House of Hope (having forced Tav into the bed at the Devil's Den) and furiously marches up to the bed of the boudoir. Haarlep, being intuitive and insightful to their master's moods, cheekily asks when the "Littler Mouse" is expected to arrive.

With a snap of fingers, an infernal chastity belt appears on Haarlep.

"Whenever I am in this House, this belt will appear. I think six weeks is a decent length of time for this punishment, hm, Haarlep? Or would you prefer nine months? Should Tav decide to progress with the pregnancy, and should any misfortune befall her because of it, I will make you regret your existence."

It's a threat he will see to.

[ayellowapple]

Phone call

[sirenetica]

Worked on these during MCC

[inkskinned]

one of the things that's the most fucking frustrating for me about arguing with climate change deniers is the sheer fucking scope of how much it matters. sweating in my father's car, thinking about how it's the "hottest summer so far," every summer. and there's this deep, roiling rage that comes over me, every time.

the stakes are wrong, is the thing. that's part of what makes it not an actual debate: the other side isn't coming to the table with anything to fucking lose.

like okay. i am obviously pro gun control. but there is a basic human part of me that can understand and empathize with someone who says, "i'm worried that would lead to the law-abiding citizens being punished while criminals now essentially have a superpower." i don't agree, but i can tell the stakes for them are also very high.

but let's say the science is wrong and i'm wrong and the visible reality is wrong and every climate disaster refugee is wrong. let's say you're right, humans aren't causing it or it's not happening or whatever else. let's just say that, for fun.

so we spend hundreds of millions of dollars making the earth cleaner, and then it turns out we didn't need to do that. oops! we cleaned the earth. our children grow up with skies full of more butterflies and bees. lawns are taken over with rich local biodiversity. we don't cry over our electric bills anymore. and, if you're staunchly capitalist and i need to speak ROI with you - we've created so many jobs in developing sectors and we have exciting new investment opportunities.

i am reminded of kodak, and how they did not make "the switch" to digital photography; how within 20 years kodak was no longer a household brand. do we, as a nation, feel comfortable watching as the world makes "the switch" while we ride the laurels of oil? this boggles me. i have heard so much propaganda about how america cannot "fall behind" other countries, but in this crucial sector - the one that could actually influence our own monopolies - suddenly we turn the other cheek. but maybe you're right! maybe it will collapse like just another silicone valley dream. but isn't that the crux of capitalism? that some economies will peter out eventually?

but let's say you're right, and i'm wrong, and we stopped fracking for no good reason. that they re-seed quarries. that we tear down unused corporate-owned buildings or at least repurpose them for communities. that we make an effort, and that effort doesn't really help. what happens then? what are the stakes. what have we lost, and what have we gained?

sometimes we take our cars through a car wash and then later, it rains. "oh," we laugh to ourselves. we gripe about it over coffee with our coworkers. what a shame! but we are also aware: the car is cleaner. is that what you are worried about? that you'll make the effort but things will resolve naturally? that it will just be "a waste"?

and what i'm right. what if we're already seeing people lose their houses and their lives. what if it is happening everywhere, not just in coastal towns or equatorial countries you don't care about. what if i'm right and you're wrong but you're yelling and rich and powerful. so we ignore all of the bellwethers and all of the indicators and all of the sirens. what if we say - well, if it happens, it's fate.

nevermind. you wouldn't even wear a mask, anyway. i know what happens when you see disaster. you think the disaster will flinch if you just shout louder. that you can toss enough lives into the storm for the storm to recognize your sacrifice and balk. you argue because it feels good to stand up against "the liberals" even when the situation should not be political. you are busy crying for jesus with a bullhorn while i am trying to usher people into a shelter. you've already locked the doors, even on the church.

the stakes are skewed. you think this is some intellectual "debate" to win, some funny banter. you fuel up your huge unmuddied truck and say suck it to every citizen of that shitbird state california. serves them right for voting blue!

and the rest of us are terrified of the entire fucking environment collapsing.

[rin-may-1103]

Delilah's language (part two)

Previous | Master Post | Next

"Tomorrow?" Danny repeated, glad he had set his cup down.

Mr. Wayne smiled, relieved Danny hadn't completely brushed him off. "yes, it's tomorrow. Damian, my son, is a huge conservationist. he gets it from his mother."

Danny blinked but before he could cut in, Mr. Wayne continued, "Oh! not that I don't care about the environment and stuff, it's just-"

"I get it," Danny reassured. he did not want to get stuck listening to Mr. Wayne try and fail to 'fix' his self-perceived mistake. "but I still don't really understand why you want me there..."

like sure, the kid's a fan of Danny or whatever (he was still trying to wrap his mind around that one.) but would the kid actually want Danny at his party? wouldn't that be like... he didn't know, weird? to just have this random guy from Illinois show up?

"Right!" Mr. Wayne coughed, scratching his face in embarrassment. "once Damian learned that the purple back gorillas would be in Gotham, I suggested we have his birthday party at the zoo. He told me he wanted to know everything he could about their species. so, I invited all the scientists working with the gorillas to the party so he could talk to them."

Danny nodded in understanding when Mr. Wayne glanced at him, even if Danny thought that that was the most fruitloop way he could have gone about it. then again, Danny's pretty sure all billionaires were fruit loops...

"He started digging into their history once he learned about them, and after some digging, he discovered that you basically saved their species. He has declared that he must meet you at all costs. something about needing to know their language?" Mr. Wayne trailed off, looking at Danny as if to see if he knew what his son meant.

If the kid was looking to Danny so he could learn the language then that meant he read the same paper Danny had. the scientists that had dedicated themselves to studying Delilah had printed one claiming that the purpleback Gorilla language was apparently hard to learn. (Even if Danny had been able to understand it pretty easily and told them so.)

they had listed Danny as the only person fluent in it so far, which now that Danny thought about it was kinda rude. they hadn't asked to put his name in there and now look at him! being visited by Fruitloops looking for him to be at their son's birthday parties.

anyways.

so, if the kid, Damian, read the same paper, he must have concluded it would be easier to learn the language from someone who was already 'fluent' than try and teach himself. (something Danny can't blame the kid for, but still.)

"KIDS!" Dad's voice bellowed from downstairs making Mr. Wayne startle and turn to glance down the hall. "IT WORKS! IT WORKS!"

...

"so, when do we need to leave?" Danny asked, all previous paranoia and reservations thrown out the window.

mr. Wayne slowly turned back, his brows furrowed in confusion. "we, uh, we'd have to leave in," he glanced down at his watch, his eyes widening a little, "an hour. I have to leave in an hour."

mr. Wayne then frowned as he looked back up at Danny, "I just need your parent's permission and you can come with me now, or I can arrange for another flight for you later tonight or early tomorrow?'

danny did not want to find out how they were going to test their new machine, so, he turned and cupped his hands around his mouth as he shouted, "HEY MA! CAN I GO WITH MR. WAYNE TO HIS KID'S BIRTHDAY PARTY?!"

it was silent for a second before she shouted back, "SURE! JUST BE BACK BEFORE WE LEAVE FOR OUR TRIP!"

oh, right. his parents had a trip planned for their anniversary. something about a huge ghost or demon trap in Wyoming they wanted to investigate.

"YOU'RE LEAVING TOMORROW THOUGH!" Danny shouted back, "DAMIAN'S BIRTHDAY IS TOMORROW! I CAN'T GO IF I WANT TO BE BACK IN TIME!"

"OH! UH, THEN JUST BE SAFE! TAKE YOUR BLASTERS WITH YOU!"

Danny blinked, then shrugged. He could do that. turning back he found Mr. Wayne staring at the floor, his brows raised and furrowed in concerned confusion. Danny didn't know someone could make a face like that, but seeing as Mom had finally gotten Mr. Lancer to curse in front of him last year, it wasn't that surprising.

"let me pack my bag and then we can get going," Danny announced, standing up and grabbing his cup from the table, silently offering to take Mr. Wayne's as well. the man handed him his full cup and watched as Danny walked away.

well, at least Danny had already told the other ghosts to leave him alone for the rest of the week. they shouldn't get into too much trouble while he's gone. speaking of trouble, Mr. Wayne lived in Gotham, a place riddled with crime and violence.

dupping the cups into the sink, Danny turned and rushed up the stairs. unplugging his phone, Danny sent Sam and Tucker a text to let them know he wouldn't be in amity for the rest of today and tomorrow. he also let them know he'd keep them updated.

once done with that, Danny turned to his closet and rummaged around until he found his old backpack. pulling it out, he dumped the contents onto his desk and made quick work of packing his essentials. Clothes, phone chargers, and ectoplasm in case of emergencies. Mr. Wayne said he'd pay for the travel fair and hotel expenses, so Danny only needed to worry about food.

glancing in the mirror, Danny finally noticed he was still dressed in his pj's. he took a second to debate whether he really cared enough to get dressed properly or not before shrugging. Mr. Wayne's already seen him in them and they're comfy, no point in changing.

zipping up his bag, Danny tossed it over his shoulder and quickly ran downstairs. Mr. Wayne was walking around the room, studying a few of the leftover project pieces that his parents had left lying around. man, Jazz was going to be so annoyed once she learned they hadn't been picking up after themselves. again.

"Alright, Mr. Wayne. I'm ready when you are." Danny greeted, stepping into the room. the man turned to look at him, a strained smile on his face, "Just Bruce is fine."

"Alright, mr. bruce then." Danny agreed, gesturing for the man to start making his way to the door.

mr. Bruce heaved a sigh, shook his head in resignation, and turned to walk out the door. digging his keys out of his pocket, Danny turned to shout into the house one more time, "BYE MA, DAD! I'M LEAVING! HAVE FUN ON YOUR TRIP!"

not waiting for a response, he closed the door and locked it. turning around, he found Mr. Bruce studying him. lifting his brow in confusion, Danny started making his way down the steps and over to Mr. Bruce's fancy car. why the man had a fancy car when he said he'd be flying Danny didn't know, but he's pretty sure it has something to do with image or something.

Vlad did the same thing after all.

Next

[an-adhd-infested-nerd]

We’ve (rightly) talked about how great Peri’s design is but we have not talked enough about Cosmo’s human design

Giving him a dad bod and a tourist fit? The Flipflops? The bowling shirt? The silly star sunglasses? The green and purple? Chefs kiss no notes

[forgettable-au]

I love it when you guys like all of my posts but sometimes you'll get to the veryyy old stuff and it's so embarrassing cause my art looked SO different and also THE STORY WAS SOO DIFFERENT (I retconned lot of stuff at some point)

But also I'm so glad this comic is finally being posted and seeing old posts getting attention reminds me of how much I've progressed ♡ so that's nice

Still embarrassing ...

But very nice♡ glad to see new people finding this au everyday

[heartorbit]

i would advise against sneaking a bunch of silly billies into your castle

[atrueneutral]

So, I think many might be wondering about this. Will Tav keep the baby? If so, what would family life look like? And would the lil one call Haarlep "uncle"?

Per [this prompt]!

I’ll leave it open ended and up for the readers to decide, but I’m more than happy to write out a follow-up of what I envision for each decision!

If Tav keeps the baby: I think this Tav would want to leave Baldur’s Gate to raise their child in a much smaller, nearby town. Raphael would set her up in a quaint home and ensure that she has all that she needs, and he would visit whenever able up until the birth. He’d be a bit distant when she does give birth and the months after (as the squalling and seeing Tav overwhelmed overwhelms him), but he comes around to be that pillar of support she needs (because he loves her). Tav understands that he’s… adjusting. Over time he grows fond (‘in his own way’) and would become very protective of their child, however I don’t envision him being Father of the Year.

I personally don’t see Tav ever wanting their child to visit the House of Hope with the souls, and the skeletons, and the tortured screaming, etc. She’d need to save and have that difficult conversation about Raphael’s nature when their child is older. She doesn’t hide what he is from the kid, but she doesn’t go out of her way to bring it up.

Haarlep likes to call themself ‘Uncle Haarlep’ all the time when Raphael is Home!

If Tav doesn’t keep the baby: they continue their arrangement, keep the potions out of reach of incubi, and naturally and inevitably fall in love with each other.

[gncrezan]

thoroughly enjoying @infamous-if so here's sketchdump of my post-read doodles before i run through it once again!!!!!!!!!

[casualavocados]

An idiot like you...an idiot like you...

KISEKI: DEAR TO ME Ep. 9

[riddles-fiddles]

Octavinelle boys with a pregnant S/O

Synopsis: I'm dealing with terrible baby ferver so I need to get this out of my system. Headcanons to how the boys react to your pregnancy all thorough the months (part 2) Characters: Azul Ashengrotto, Floyd Leech, Jade Leech Tags: SFW, fluff, domestic fluff Notes: AFAB gender neutral reader, cw pregnancy and birth

•·.·''·.·•ˏˋ°••·.·''·.·•ˏˋ°••·.·''·.·•ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

⁀➷ Azul Ashengrotto — make sure to give him the good news while the man is safely sitting down, or else you'll see him go weak on his knees. Azul prides himself on his collected demeanor and carefully woven expressions - vital skills for his business-oriented persona - but then he is inevitably crumbling down, staring at the positive pregnancy test wide-eyed, struggling to find something clever to say. His mind is racing wild but no rational thoughts are able to fall from his lips, so all he can muster is a very low, shaky "I am… going to be a father?"

Give him some time to digest the news and you'll be met by a very gentle, tender hug from the octomer. Azul is both thrilled and terrified of this new chapter of your shared life; he longed to achieve the same kind of love his mother and step-father shared with each other, to be cared for and desired in such a selfless and devotional way, inspired by the way their love reflected upon his own upbringing. On the other hand, however, his insecuriities threatened to surface once again, doubts and ghosts from the past whispering wicked lies about his worth as a future parent. He doesn't want to fail on you and the child, as a partner or a father, and though he's equally worried about the emotional aspect of parenthood, he sticks to the importance of material goods - they're more on his comfort lane and he does it flawless to ensure your growing family can have everything of need.

(Please leash him while shopping for nursery furniture or else he'll make the baby's room a monochrome nightmare)

Azul showers you with gifts almost everyday: jewels, clothes, accessories… anything he knows you like or make any minimal comments about, being his way of showing how much he loves and cares for you, and as you progress through the stages, he takes more leaves from Mostro Lounge. He loves his work, but you are the lighthouse of his life, the one he cherishes and clings to on stormy or bright days, and the pregnancy only fueled his sense of loyalty and sincerity to you. His cafe actually comes in handy when the cravings start, and Azul isn't even an ounce ashamed to take advantage of the students working under his contracts to request them to make whatever you hunger for, though it was a surprise at first to discover about that particular characteristic of human pregnancy; he was amused nonetheless, but then he will be more careful when handing your requests. He's a very attentive partner, though it could be hard for him to express all the emotions that bubbles within his chest, sometimes too worried about being 'too emotional', scared to say something and make himself a complete fool. He kneads the stress away from your body with careful fingers and helps you out on regular tasks - shampoo your hair, put your shoes on, change clothes.

When the big day finally comes, Azul is already set and ready to go. Fret not, for the darling octo-mer has picked only the best, comfiest and quietest room for the delivery with only the best nurses on the hospital and has already set a very special menu for you to indulge in after all your hard work. But suddenly he is panicking, the danger of human birth finally sinking in as he watches the way you writhe and sob on the bed, but he can't do much but hold your hands tightly and hope for the best as the nurses help you around. When his baby is finally placed over his arms and Azul gazes upon the serene features of the tiny bean, all his terrors and doubts melt away, exhaling out a sigh of relieve and renewed joy - Azul realizes he's madly in love with you and the frail life that lays withing his grasp. He understands that there's no need for him to be perfect, either.

⁀➷ Floyd Leech — very excited from the idea of having a mini Floyd running around the house, a pocket-sized partner in crime, but to expect he would be an exceptional partner is, unfortunately, wrong. Floyd is very complex and his emotions are hard to keep controlled, and now that you are pregnant, he becomes somewhat more intense because of your own hormones and the anxiety of parenthood gripping on his neck. He does tries his best to get his moods in check, though - he doesn't want you to be stressing over him, knowing how dangerous it could be, so whenever he feels like his mood is about to change drastically, he walks away to take a breath. Things can turn into quite a ruckus if you end up experiencing those annoying changes at the same time though, as Floyd struggles to understand why you're snapping at him all of a sudden when he was just asking you something. Jade helps him understand that you're extremely hormonal and how it affects your humor and helps you keep his brother's own on check.

He's a lot more possessive and protective of you now, if not clingier. Floyd will be wrapping his arms around your figure any chance he gets, and when in public he'll always be intertwining your fingers together or holding you by the waist, getting annoyed every time someone comes asking to touch your bump - "I'm the only one who should be allowed to touch my Shrimpy's belly! Strangers have no bussiness being so close to you." Going to the doctor is always amusing because that's the moment Floyd looks the most concentrated than you can ever remember. Human pregnancy is something so new and weird for him, he's totally enthralled; what do you mean you don't lay eggs? Oh, you're just like a whale! How fun! Though he is entertained from all the information he's learning, Floyd is lowkey terrified of the birthing process (he's flabbergasted to know human babies can come out the size of a small watermelon), but he does his best to calm you down, and if you'd prefer to get a c-section, then he'll totally support you! During the preparations for the baby's room, Floyd will prefer to decorate it with ocean-themed stuff, having a blast with the assorted toys you two have bought and you're worried he might be more excited with them than your child. You know that one meme of the dad stealing the kid's tricycle? Yeah, that's him.

The delivering day comes, and Floyd is a whirlwind. He's more scared than you and it shows, no more jokes or smart remarks to try and hide his desperation, only panic, and you need to calm him down, even though he's not the one dealing with hellish contractions. Also, for the love of all Sevens, do not allow him to drive. Once you two get in the hospital, Floyd makes use of scary eel privilege to swiftly arrange a delivery room for you and suddenly almost all the nurse staff is mobilized to take care of you. Floyd can't bear the idea of leaving you alone not for even a minute, so despite the recommendations, he'll sit through hours by your side even if he's tense and stiff, holding your hand tightly. Bless the nurses who'll be helping you, because they'll have to deal with Floyd going through all the emotions known to man. Don't worry though, once he knows his shrimpy and little fry are safe and healthy, he'll turn back to the usual easy-going happy Floyd.

⁀➷ Jade Leech — Jade is surprised to receive the news. Similar to Azul, he does have a bit of knowledge about human's particularities and biology, but he wasn't expecting for you two to be compatible, especially since he's a much more 'feral' kind of merman. Nonetheless, he's happy with the prospect of growing a loving family with you... though by the progression of months, he grows the most worried. He's relieved to see the way you glow, how you seem healthy, but intrusive thoughts sometimes creep on the back of his mind. What if something happens? What if your body rejects the child because of his eel-merman genes? What if— but then you come to him squealing about how you felt the baby's first kick, and suddenly he's relaxing, his heart washed from any lingering fears. He pulls you closer and lays his head on your bump, humming quietly as he feels the baby slowly settling down.

Jade does his own research just to be sure he's doing everything right and what to expect from the significant changes you two are inevitably experiencing, insisting on working out a routine of exams and appointments, always so attentive to every little detail and medical advice. The bad thing is, he strictly follows them, which means you won't be able to snatch something unhealthy for all of your pregnancy; even if you're trying to tiptoe your way to the fridge, Jade somehow knows, he's right there to remind you about 'doctor's orders'. He's got the best of intentions, though he may look too strict. But don't fret! As soon as mama Leech gets word about your pregnancy she's coming to help! Jade actually listens to her tips, recognizing her very valuable experience on the matter and trusting mama knows best. At least you get to eat some cheat food here and there - Jade's shocked and extremely entertained to be taught that humans believe that a baby could be born looking like a certain kind of food if the mother doesn't eat whatever she's craving, and so he indulges you into whatever you ask him to cook. Similar to Floyd, Jade grows more possessive of you, especially when out in public. He dislikes the attention your bump attracts, cautious of ill-intentioned people, so when your belly has grown to it's full glory, Jade gives curious passerbys a piercing cold look while you're not aware, and then carries on to grocery shopping, whispering sweet praises to your ear like the entire mall isn't turning heels as fast as possible the moment they land their eyes on you both.

When the baby's due date comes, Jade is the ever collected and relying gentleman you need. Since he's such a good observer and has kept track of every little thing during your pregnancy - mood swings, body changes, smell and heat - he already has a suspicion you're about to go into labour, so he has prepared everything you might need even before you can shout about your water breaking. It's so endearing how he already looks like a dad - diligently guiding you through the hospital halls, big maternity bags hanging on his shoulders as he coos quietly about how everything is going to be ok, how you're going to be a great parent and how much he loves you. If you ask him to stay with you on the delivery room, he'll gladly let you squeeze his hand into oblivion and look unaffected, watching as you work for hours on end with a ressuring smile and the most sincere devotion on his eyes, totally enthralled by your resilience.

[official-lucifers-child]

new fanfic pet peeve is when people are writing children and clearly don’t know the difference between a 3-year-old, a 7-year-old, and a 13-year-old. this newborn isn’t saying words, this teenager is learning emotional intelligence, this child is literally not capable of comprehending that complex topic. please, it takes 2 minutes to look up “how should a 9-year-old be speaking” and “how developed is a 4-year-old’s mind”

you could even take it a half step further and look up the various stages of development in people. piaget, kohlberg, erikson, all those psychologists created these stages because we all followed such strict patterns when growing. you don’t need to go into the moral development of your oc’s child but at least make sure they’re speaking and acting like a child would at that age.

also when in doubt, for older children just go for more mature. it’s far better than treating teenagers like they don’t know what an emotion is lol

[libraryofgage]

The Prince and the Metalhead (3)

Part of: Steve Deserves Good Parents, Actually

Debbie and Fester Addams One | Two | Three | Four | Five Rick and Evelyn O'Connell One | Two | Three Harley Quinn One | Two 10th Doctor and Rose One | Two (on the way!) Scooby Gang (there are plans for this one lmao, so plz be patient with me orz) Jedidiah and Octavius (from Night at the Museum) One Queen Clarisse Renaldi One | Two | Three (you're here!)

I am once again posting the modern royalty au hfjsdk

The next one is gonna have the beginnings of Steddie, but take some happy Steve fluff for now lol

As always, if you see any typos, no you didn't :^)

-----

Steve wakes up on the morning of his twelfth birthday to Dart burrowing between his cheek and the pillow, drenching both in excited slobber. He wrinkles his nose, rolling over and wiping slobber off with a corner of his sheets. When Dart begins to burrow under his neck, he accepts that he's not going back to sleep, and sits up.

He picks Dart up, huffing slightly under her increased weight, and places her in his lap. She wiggles around, nearly vibrating off of him. "Good morning," Steve says, scratching behind her ear and earning a bark in return. He takes it as her wishing him a happy birthday and nods. "Thanks, Dart."

With a deep breath, he throws off the covers and slides out of bed. He opens the door of his room to find Clarisse already there, her hand raised as thought ready to knock. She blinks, holding Steve's gaze for a few seconds before lowering her hand and clearing her throat. "Good morning, Steve."

"Good morning, Grandmother."

She smiles at him, her shoulders relaxing some. "Happy birthday."

"You...know it's my birthday?"

"Of course," she says, nodding once as she gestures inside the room. Steve steps out of the way, allowing Clarisse into the room. A man in a suit follows after her, placing a long box on the desk and bowing to them both before quickly leaving. "Your twelfth birthday marks a very important milestone for Genovian royalty."

Steve blinks, quietly shutting the door as Clarisse sits at the desk the box has been placed on. "How so?" Steve asks, sitting on the bed and pulling his legs under him. Dart jumps up after him, rolling around in the sheets by his knee.

"Well, to be perfectly honest, the tenth birthday is the important one," Clarisse admits, "That marks your capability of taking on increased responsibilities as royalty. However, you weren't here then. So, the twelfth will be important, instead."

That only sort of answers his question, but Steve nods anyway, deciding he doesn't want to risk annoying Clarisse.

"Genovian princes begin learning swordsmanship after their tenth birthday. It's not a requirement anymore, of course, but I wanted to offer you the opportunity," Clarisse explains, picking up the box as she stands and sitting on the other side of Steve. "Consider this a birthday gift from me as Queen of Genovia."

"What does that mean?" Steve asks, carefully taking the box.

"It means you're still getting a gift from me as your grandmother."

Steve nods once, trying to process this as he looks back down at the box. "Can I open it?"

"Of course."

Carefully, he pulls the lid off the box. He was expecting the sword inside, but he's still surprised by the sight of it. The blade gleams in the light, and the hilt is encrusted with a line of colorful jewels. When he looks closer, he realizes the hilt is also engraved with names, and Steve soon finds his own among them. "What are the names for?" he asks.

"Every owner of this sword has their name engraved on the hilt," Clarisse says, smiling gently. "This sword is yours, Steve. It will always be yours, and your name there is proof of that."

"Oh," Steve breathes, slowly wrapping his hand around the hilt and lifting the sword from the box. He keeps the blade aimed away from himself, Dart, and Clarisse, unwilling to risk harming them. "Will I be fighting anyone?" he asks.

"No, no, of course not," Clarisse says, waving away the concern. "Swordsmanship is a way to keep active and connect to Genovian culture. It is also a rather handy skill to show off for visiting dignitaries."

Steve smiles slightly, lifting the sword some and noting that it's heavier than is comfortable. It'll be easier to carry and swing as he gets stronger, though. "Thank you, Grandmother," he says, his voice soft as he carefully places the sword back in the box.

"I do hope you'll wear it to your birthday party next week."

Steve blinks, looking up at Clarisse with a confused frown. "Birthday party?" he asks. He doesn't like parties; he especially doesn't like parties where he's supposed to be the center of them. All that happens is shoes that pinch his feet, subtle but sharp glares from his parents when he doesn't behave exactly as they want, and his stomach growling because he's not allowed to eat anything to avoid getting his clothes messy.

"Yes," Clarisse says, smiling warmly at Steve. "I intend to officially introduce you as Crown Prince of Genovia at your birthday. Of course, you'll be free to play with the other children once I have."

"Do...do I have to have a birthday party?" Steve asks, avoiding Clarisse's eyes so he doesn't have to see the anger or disappointment that follows his question.

A gentle hand rests on his shoulder, the palm warm and reassuring. "No, you don't," Clarisse says, "I want you to be comfortable, Steve. If you would be more comfortable not having a party, then we simply won't have one."

"You wouldn't get in trouble?"

"With who? I am the queen, you know. There are very few people who can scold me, and even fewer I would take seriously."

Steve nods, looking back down at the sword in its box. He doesn't want to disappoint Clarisse, and this party sounds like it's important. Maybe he can just grin and bear it like he usually does. Getting to play with Robin and Jonathan after being introduced will make that easier. Yeah. He can handle it for a few minutes, especially if it will make Clarisse smile.

"It's okay," Steve says, glancing up at his grandmother. "We should have the party."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure."

Clarisse smiles, her expression soft and warm, and Steve feels grounded and happy with his decision. "Okay, then. Just tell me if you change your mind, Steve. I won't be angry."

"I know, Grandmother."

"Now," Clarisse says, clapping her hands together as she easily changes the subject, "Let's move along. You've got a birthday breakfast waiting for you."

-----------

"Ugh, all the girls keep staring at you," Robin says, her nose crinkled with annoyance when Steve glances at her. Her arms are crossed, her hip jutting out slightly so the hilt of her sword gently bumps against the hilt of Steve's. "Don't they know you're a dingus?"

"They're enamored by his hair," Jonathan says, his words quickly followed by a flash as he takes a photo. Steve looks at him now, watching as he lowers the camera. "It defies gravity."

"Is that all I am? A dingus with good hair?" Steve asks, unable to help an amused smile tugging at his lips.

"Well, you're not bad with a sword, either," Robin admits, nudging him with her elbow.

"Your Mandarin is passable, I guess," Jonathan adds.

"My Mandarin is flawless, thanks," Steve says, rolling his eyes as he looks back out at the crowd. Guests in formal dress are mingling around the ballroom and completely ignoring Steve, Robin, and Jonathan. The only exception is one group of young women across the way that keep glancing at the trio before furtively whispering to each other.

Compared to some of his past birthday parties, his seventeenth is relatively tame. It doesn't have the bounce-house maze of his thirteenth (Robin's idea) or the full-fledged film studio complete with hair, makeup, and a director for guests to pretend they're movie stars of his fourteenth (Erica's idea) or the literal forest of photo shoot locations of his fifteenth (Jonathan's idea) or the battle bot creation station and ring of his sixteenth (Dustin's idea).

This year, he just requested a normal ball. No gimmicks. No special events or entertainers. It had resulted in whining and complaining from Robin, Dustin, and Erica, but Steve figured they'd calm down after stuffing themselves with cake.

As he's smiling politely at a girl whose eyes he happened to meet, the opening notes of a Genovian Waltz flow through the ballroom. Steve glances to his grandmother, watching as she takes Joe's hand to be led onto the dance floor. He then looks at Robin, offering a hand to her and grinning when she scowls at it. "Only if I get to lead this time," she says.

"Sure," Steve says, turning his hand over to place it in Robin's. He waves at Jonathan as she walks him onto the dance floor, turns around, and places a hand on his waist. As she leads him through the first steps of the waltz, Steve glances at the crowd around them before quietly saying, "I need to tell you something."

"Oh, are you finally sharing what you and Her Majesty have been having your little meetings about?"

Steve rolls his eyes, smiling a bit as he squeezes Robin's hand. "You're the first person I'm telling, if that helps."

She sniffs, glancing away and apparently meeting a cute girl's gaze since she winks before looking at Steve again. "Barely," she says, guiding Steve to duck under her arm in a spin. "Go ahead, though."

"Grandmother has given me permission to attend school in America for my senior year."

Robin blinks, nearly tripping over her own feet. Luckily, Steve catches her, briefly taking the lead so the mistake isn't noticed until she's stable again. "Seriously?" she asks, lowering her voice a little more. "So, what, California? New York? Please say we're going somewhere with a beach."

Steve's smile becomes apologetic as he says, "No, actually...Hawkins. I wanted to attend school in Hawkins."

The only thing that keeps him from faltering when Robin purposefully steps on his foot as hard as she can is all the practice he has from her accidentally stepping on his foot as hard as she can. He sighs as she glares at him and hisses, "Are you stupid? Seriously?! This is dumber than the time you kissed Jonathan."

"Rude. It's not dumber than the time you and I tried kissing?"

"No, because at least you being attracted to how awesome I am made sense."

"I suddenly feel sorry for Jonathan."

Robin rolls her eyes and pinches Steve's waist. "Seriously, why are you going back to Hawkins? That place sucks. You hate it."

"No, I hate my parents. I don't hate Hawkins. I just...want to see if it's changed, I guess. I want to see what the town is like now that I'm, you know, happy," Steve explains, watching Robin closely for her reaction. When she doesn't agree after a few seconds, he sighs and adds, "You don't have to come, Robin."

"Of course, I'm coming, Dingus. You can't get rid of me that easily. Besides, I'm your personal guard. I literally get paid to personally guard you."

"Good," Steve says, "It wouldn't be fun without you. Everyone else is coming, too. Well, except for Grandmother, but she promised to visit when she could."

"Wait, does this mean I have to go to school, too? Like, seriously?"

"Yeah. And Jonathan. And the kids. We have to at least try to blend in," Steve says, grinning at the devastated expression of Robin's face. If he'd gone to a private school, she probably could've gotten away with just being his personal guard, but a public school means actually blending in.

"The things I do for you," she mutters as the song comes to an end. She and Steve take a step back from each other and bow as the guests politely clap around them.

Before Steve can say anything, a warm hand rests on his shoulder. He looks over to see Clarisse, smiles brightly, and offers his hand to her. "Can I have your next dance, Grandmother?" he asks.

A now-familiar happiness settles in his stomach when she agrees, placing her hand in his. Steve basks in it, absolutely certain he'll have no problems in Hawkins so long as he remembers this feeling.

-------------------

Tag List (let me know if you'd like to be added to future parts!)

@y4r3luv, @potato-of-the-lord, @lublix, @little-birch-boy, @eriquin, @whenindoubtb72

[creaturefeaster]

old & forgotten

[deoidesign]

Hello! I just discovered your blog and I immediately became captivated by your webcomic, but I'm unsure where to read all of it. I know it's on Webtoons, but I can see it hasn't been updated for a while, and you still post about it.

Are your physical novels just prints of the webcomic? Are they a continuation? Is the story complete? Thanks in advance!

Hi there!

Glad you found me and are enjoying my comic!

It's only on webtoons, and the story is not complete yet! We're 2/3 of the way through right now. It's currently on hiatus, and it's scheduled to come back in about 2 months!

I'll explain why it's been so long if you're curious, but also for my followers who might also be wondering about it under the cut. Sorry, it's pretty much just me complaining haha

I took a month off I took 2 months to get the books printed I took a month to prepare my next comic and I took 2 months to write the rest of the series (I knew the character arcs I wanted, but not the time periods or mysteries!!!) I've been working on actual episodes since then

I had to take some time off because of some pretty extreme burnout due to the sheer amount of work it was to draw over 800 pages and write 6 complete stories in a year and a half... I was getting sick almost weekly due to the overwork, it was really really bad honestly. I was having to work 60+ hours every week just to keep up...

The nature of the comic itself is also difficult... Each of the arcs is a complete, self contained story which can be read (ideally) without context, and my arcs need to be about 10-13 episodes each... And since I have an exact number of episodes to work with, it's even harder.

It takes a ton of planning and a ton of refinement, and working week to week with no breaks I was forced to put out second or even first drafts, so I just wasn't happy with the work I was doing... And to do that for the rest of the series? I wouldn't be proud of the work I did.

Plus... To be entirely honest, webtoon has treated me quite badly IN MY OPINION... They deprioritized me before I launched (I had to beg for more promotion, I'm not exaggerating), they outright denied me the opportunity to even ask for a raise, I don't make any money on fast pass and they pay me less than my partner makes working at trader joes. My first editor left me completely hanging, my second editor (who I loved) was fired... And they told me I wouldn't get a third season before my first season even finished. So it was just repeatedly completely demoralizing.

I'm sorry it has taken so long, it'll have been 10 months by the time I come back. But I realized... I won't get promotion either way. I won't get more episodes either way. I won't get more money either way. So to finish everything, to make it feel good, to make it something I'm proud of, I chose to take longer to make it better.

I am fully aware I will lose a significant amount of my readership for this and it might genuinely affect my career moving forward. But it's what I had to do! So I'm sticking to my guns on it, and I'm confident long term it'll be worth it. It never could have been this good if I didn't take this much time.