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#I HAVE STARTED TO FOLLOW PAINTING LESSONS AND IM SO HAPPY ABOUT IT BUT I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO DRAW
wine-dark-soup · 1 year
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h.
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melodygatesauthor · 1 year
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Hii!! Happy early birthday <3 I hope im not too late. Its still march 12th on my side lol
Could i please request an f reader with steven grant and the prompt “Don’t roll your eyes at me.”
A Big Mistake
Steven Grant X f!Reader
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Hi Nonnie! Idk why but I pictured brat tamer! Steven when I came up with this drabble. I hope you liked it!
Tags/Warnings: NSFW, brat tamer Steven, orgasm delay, cock warming, creampie, p in v, meanie Steven.
Word Count: 659
It was clear now that you’d made a huge mistake in underestimating sweet little Steven’s knack for brat taming. When you mocked him after a hard day at work, and he told you to watch your tone (in a not so playful way), you didn’t think the eye roll that followed would land you in the position you found yourself in shortly after.
Steven was sitting at the foot of the bed, with you sheathing his erection deep in your slick channel, back leaning against his heaving chest, completely dependent on him for any small bit of friction. Your legs were hanging on either side of his thighs, unable to reach the ground. If he didn’t thrust into you, then you weren’t going to get any of the stimulation that you so desperately craved.
He had one large hand around your delicate throat, and the other was between your legs, two thick fingers just barely brushing against your sensitive clit.
“Steven, please.” You begged with a needy whine to follow, “I’m so sorry.”
“Oh, love, it's only been a minute. I need to make sure you learned your lesson, yeah?” He was breathing heavily in your ear.
You nodded, “yeah, yes.”
You sounded so pathetic, not that it mattered. The only thing that mattered was getting Steven to believe that you were sincerely apologetic for the way you mocked and sassed him earlier. You were so wet. Your entire body was sensitive under his touch, all you needed was for him to move…even just a little.
“Good, that’s real good darling.” He hummed while his cock pulsated softly inside of you. “You really think you’re something don’t you? Rolling your eyes at me like that.”
“It was dumb. Mm, shouldn’t have done that to you, I’m so sorry.” You shifted your hips, he gripped you tighter.
Even just that little bit felt so fucking good. You whimpered, feeling so helpless and aching with your dripping arousal. Everything underneath you was so slick. You were shocked he didn’t just slide out.
“That’s enough, I told you to stay still. I can get myself off just thinking about you…” his cock throbbed as though to prove his point, “if you want to be rewarded you’d better behave, right?” You’d never heard Steven’s tone so dark.
“Y-yes.”
“Right, I know you can be good f’me.”
Steven let out a moaning growl that rumbled from deep within his chest. He moved his fingers around your clit, not enough to achieve your release, but enough to make your desire grow. You let out a groan, one that compelled Steven to kiss the soft skin of your neck. You felt his cock twitch inside of you.
“Not gonna have you actin’ like that anymore, like a little brat. I put up with enough shit at work, not gonna have you doing it too yeah?”
You gasped as he started moving faster, “yeah, yes anything you want Steven I’ll do it I promise. I’ll be good.”
“Thought so.” He started churning his hips, the head of his cock rubbed against a spot deep inside you that brought you to the brink within seconds. “You’re lucky it was me you did that to, Jake and Marc wouldn’t have been so forgiving love.”
“Thank you, baby, thank you so much.” You were almost in tears. It felt so good.
“Next time I won’t be so nice, go ahead and let go for me, wanna feel it.” His cock hardened and stilled while he started painting your walls white.
Steven’s moan was rough against your ear. That’s all you needed to reach your own orgasm. Between his dexterous fingers working over your clit, and his thick cock sliding upward into you, you were trembling over him, cunt crashing around his girth in waves. He kissed and licked your neck while you nearly screamed from the sensations coursing through you.
You’d do your best not to upset Steven ever again.
Moon Knight Masterlist
Birthday Celebration Masterlist
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rafesgoldrings · 1 year
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CONGRATULATIONS ON 1K FOLLOWERS🥳🥳 IM SUPER DUPER PROUD OF YOU!!!
For your celebration, could i get Lust for Life with the song Jealous Girl by Lana del Rey with Rafe, please? Thank you❤️❤️
THE WAY I LITERALLY HAD A RAFE FIC PLANNED THAT WAS BASED ON THIS??😭 This is going to be dark, reader is absolutely insane. If blood, guns, threats of murder, lots of degradation, or just overall dark themes make you uncomfortable, I recommend skipping this one
You watched as he opened her door for her. Watched her give him a big smile as she grabbed his extended hand and walked into the restaurant. That should have been you, not that bitch. He should be yours, but he’s so stupid and never learns his lesson. Doesn’t he find it weird that every girl he’s tried dating turns up ‘missing’ or severely injured?
You stalk out their date, watching as the each ended the date and went to their own homes, and followed her back. Once she walked to her front door, you showed up behind her and told her to let you inside and not make a sound or you’d paint the door with her blood. She does so, breathing uneven as fear takes over her face, and you lock the door behind you once you’re both standing in the entryway. “W-who are you? What do you want?” god she really is clueless.
“Stay away from Rafe” her face twists, then she laughs. Seeming to forget her life was in danger.
“Or what? That’s what this is about, here I was thinking you were a genuine threat. You’re just a jealous girl who thinks she owns the play boy of the island” you take the gun and hit her nose with it, smirking at the crack and blood that begins pouring down her face. She looks at you with wide eyes, the barrel directly between her eyes.
“Stay the fuck away from him or you won’t make it out alive next time” she frantically nods, sighing when you lower the gun thinking she’s safe.
“Oh, don’t tell anyone about this either. I will find out, sweet dreams bitch” you hit her in the head with the gun, knocking her out cold, before walking out the front door and texting Rafe.
You ask if you can come over, he says of course. You pull up to his house and go to the front door, not bothering to knock since he tells you there’s no need. You’re one of his best friends, his home is your home. There’s loud music coming from his room so you assume he’s there, you see him sitting at his desk and walk up to scare him. He looks at you with wide eyes and you think nothing of it, he just wasn’t expecting you.
“W-who’s blood is that?” fuck. Of course that stupid bitch had to bleed on you.
“Oh it’s mine, must have hurt myself somehow and just didn’t notice” he doesn’t buy it and the look on his face tells you that.
“Fine. That stupid blonde you were with tonight? I followed her home and I hit her with my gun, now she’s probably still unconscious on her floor. Happy?” you think he’s going to freak out, call the cops and tell them what you’ve done, but he laughs.
“Yeah haha. Very funny” you don’t laugh and his face falls again.
“Fuck, you’re serious? Why? Why would you do that?”
You give him a twisted smile, shaking your head as if it was obvious. “Because If I can’t have you baby, nobody else in this world can”
It all starts clicking for him, he smirks and stands up. He walks towards you and you step back until your back is against the wall, his arms pinning you in on both sides.
“If you were so jealous of them baby, if you wanted me all to yourself, all you had to do was say it. No need for all the violence” his face is dangerously close to yours, you make the move and kiss him. He kisses back and slips his tongue into your mouth as his hand snakes around your throat and squeezes. You let out a soft gasp of arousal into his mouth and he smirks.
“Such a twisted slut princess. Bet if I stick my hand down your panties you’ll be drenched” you keep your eyes on his as you take his hand and drag it down your body until it reaches the top of your skirt, encouraging him to do what he said.
Just as he expected, fucking soaked. He lets out a laugh, shaking his head and begins circling your clit. You let out a small moan, his hand still wrapped around your throat adding to the feeling. His hand stops rubbing your clit, the one holding your throat using it’s position and grip to throw you to the floor. Your hands and knees collide with the wood and you know they’re probably going to bruise, but it turns you on.
“You wanna be such a jealous, needy, twisted little whore? I’ll treat you like one bitch. On your knees” you quickly move so you’re kneeling, his calloused fingers stroke your cheek before slapping it and pulling his cock out.
“Suck” he says, rubbing the tip of his cock against your lips and pushing it down your throat.
Being the obedient slut you were, you let him push all the way to the back of your throat until your nose was flush with his pelvis. He chuckles darkly at the way you gag around him yet refuse to pull off, a needy cock whore is all you are. He starts fucking your face, your eyes welled with tears from his rough torment, ass bouncing around desperate for any kind of friction.
“Look at you, bouncing your ass around while you suck my cock. Sit fucking still or you won’t get my cum” you still your movements and let out a whine, sending vibrations on Rafe’s cock and causing him to groan out ‘fuck’. He feels himself about to cum, feels his balls tightening and holds your head so your nose is pushed against his well groomed pubic hair. You have to remind yourself to breathe in and out of your nose as his load fills your throat, his loud moans going straight to your cunt and causing you to drip onto his floor. He pushes you away once he’s done and notices the mess you’d made on the floor.
“Clean it up” you go to grab a towel or something, but he yanks you back by your throat “Lick the fucking floor clean like the needy bitch in heat you are” your eyes widen at the degradation, not ever expecting it from him, and move to lick it clean. Once it’s all cleaned up you get back on your knees.
“Good girl baby” his hands stroked your cheek, he puts his cock away and you try hiding your disappointment.
“Awe, don’t pout baby. Don’t be such a jealous cunt next time, ask me nicely. Tell me you want me to yourself, and then i’ll fuck you yeah? But not tonight, try again tomorrow” so you nod your head, not wanting to make him mad again. You couldn’t help that you were just a jealous, jealous, jealous girl. But now you were getting him to yourself, no one else in this world could have him anymore.
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marsloser · 1 year
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Im writing a story rn and the main character is deaf. I just wanted to know if signing is actually like this or if I should write it differently. Some help from the deaf community would be nice plss (- words are sign-)
I, McKenzie Vreek have been deaf for six years,since I was 11, and I have been prophesied to change the fate of the world. If you are reading this I want you to run, close this book and burn it from your memory. I didn’t want to be wrapped up in this mess and neither do you. However if you plan not to follow my advice get ready for the train wreck my life is. It, unfortunately, all started on the day Ms.Ebner came to teach.
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The lights flicker twice signaling the start of class, I blinked tiredly as Mr.Kelvin greeted the class, their short hair now a dark unnatural red instead of their bleach blonde of the past month.
-Goodmorning class, We have something special for today’s lesson!- Mr.K signed,-We have a guest teacher for this week! She’s coming to teach us more about our current topic Ancient Civilizations and their culture! I know I didn’t tell you but I wanted it to be a surprise! Stop complaining Whine!-The new sign name caught Mckenzie off guard Johnathan seemed to pout when he was called out.- I saw that R-i-c-k-i-e, I don’t know how many times I have to tell you that speaking of anyone like that is disrespectful! No, I don’t care that you are new to this school! I have told you this several times! Ms. E-b-n-e-r is a professional and respected woman in her field. Without further ado, Ms.E-b-n-e-r!-
A tall, blonde woman stepped into the classroom. She had a very loud oversized shirt; it was like she stole it from her dad. The sleeves gave way to a plethora of tattoos that covered her arms and hands. The rips in her jeans gave way to even more tattoos.
“Hey kids, I am here to-” The woman’s mouth moved but no sound came to my ears. I immediately looked at Mr.K's hands when I realized the woman didn’t know sign.
-speak about ancient cultures as you know! I usually start with an introduction around the room for me to learn about you kids and you to learn about me, but as I can’t quite sign fluently yet,- Mr.K paused for a moment, Mckenzie believes in shock,-how about we introduce ourselves and our ideas in images, like many ancient civilizations did.-Mr.K smiled.
I studied the woman, she seemed very bubbly and excited about this, not realizing the effect of her words. She is putting in the effort to learn the way we speak! The bare minimum but yet it is so incredible and far beyond what she realized the promise was to us. I glanced around the room; the other students, excited, signed between themselves all with various exclamations of shock and happiness. The lights flicker bringing our attention back to a smiling Mr.K.
-I know this is exciting but we need to keep paying attention for a few more moments,-Mr.K asked of us. Collectively nodding and turning our attention back to Mr.K and Ms.Edner. The bubbly woman was still smiling at them.
-I made an example of my own-Mr.K goes behind their desk to pull out a poster. It seemed like a collage of some sort. With wild colors in a wind like pattern, quotes and pictures in a messy almost pattern. It completely described Mr.K, the slightly organized mess that they are.
I don't sign or talk much in his class or any class for that matter, so when I signed -Down to a T- Mr.K’s smile widened and their eyes lit up. Mr.K has been trying awfully hard to get me to participate and socialize in class, grating on my nerves constantly.
Mr.K pinned their poster to the whiteboard and began explaining the instructions, -Paintings, collages, poems, essays, any way of expressing yourselves is on the table. Paper and other materials are on the window sill. As long as it is school appropriate you can use it. Any questions?-
Chloe raised her hand,-Can we play music?-
Mr.K nodded and signed that he would put the radio on, then noticed Ms.Edner’s confused face.
He started talking aloud to her, most likely explaining that the vibrations or what little of what we can hear is comforting and backing it up with a bunch of nerdy statistics.
I huffed and walked over to the window overlooking the school garden to pick out my materials. I grabbed a small canvas and some acrylic paints and paintbrushes and set back to my desk in the back of the room. Starting with a navy blue base I fell into my small world of silence and the soft thrum of the music. Without realizing I started humming, not whatever song was playing, no, I hummed whatever came to mind, pleasantly lost. I only returned back to the land of the living when someone tapped my desk. Looking up, annoyed to be interrupted, I noticed Bradly Rivers, an annoying extrovert who won’t give up trying to be my friend, turned around at his desk, trying to get my attention. I quirked an eyebrow at Bradly.
-Can I borrow a paint brush? K-a-y-l-a stole my set, I just need to borrow it for a moment- He signed. I nodded, handed over the brush and looked away from his hands, tuning out whatever else he signed to me. I then faded back into my little world, the day passing pleasantly. I think it’s going to be a good day.
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neoraso · 4 years
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royal guard!minho
requested | some gender neutral hc for how he starts to wish he was maybe more than just a guard to you 
to put things lightly, minho was the ace of your entire guard
like he was better than anyone …at everything
so originally he was on (your father) the king’s immediate guard
he was nothing but professional and saved the king too many times to count even from like stepping on rocks idk 
when you turned like 17 and had to do more public appearances obv u were in a lot more danger so ur father jumped at having minho reassigned to u as the head of your personal guard “nothing but the best for his child”
the first time you met him… he only nodded or said yes or no to everything u asked him n ur jus like ok not much of a talker that’s not so bad ig haha ʕʘ‿ʘʔ
he was so quiet and “polite” for months despite you constantly trying to get something out of him
ur other guards always tried not to laugh bc if only u knew he had like two friends and was generally a pretty serious guy
but one day there was a festival in your kingdom’s central city so obv you had to make an appearance which u were very excited abt bc you only get to go into town like twice a year and THIS was one of those times
being “of age” and that much closer to taking the throne you might as well have painted a big red target on your head to signal people against the throne
everything was going fine, everyone was having fun and you decided to visit some of the booths and musicians around the square
minho was already suspicious of the situation and tightens the rest of your guard without u evenn rlly noticing but like
just as you turned to show these cute little candies to minho to maybe get a reaction for once -
the second he looks at you, someone moves to grab you but the flash of a knife in his other hand causes minho to jump immediately into action
honestly who knows what rlly happened minho moved so damn fast but the next thing you know, ur in the middle of your whole guard squad
looking through the gaps of their shoulders you see minho pinning down your assailant with a blade against his neck waiting for someone to arrest him even though he rlly wanted to just execute the guy right there 
the festivities were kind of killed for u after that bc you and your family were rushed back home which u might’ve been more sad abt if u werent in so much shock :<
obv minho was the one to escort you back but like all he said was “you’re okay?” and after u dumbly nodded with wide eyes he walked with you but kept a hand around your shoulder
no one really talked after that which wasn’t unusual for him but in his mind he was rlly like 
“?? ok i know its literally my job to protect this family but?? hm whyyyy do i seem to care sm more rnnn??//?” help him sdhskjd
u just looked so shaken up and disappointed and suddenly he was like damn </3 they rlly have no fun in their life and this one time they could was ruined :///
u had to stay inside for weeks after that bc it turns out there was a whole conspiracy to “eliminate” your family line so you waited in safety until the criminals were “taken care of” 
minho had everything triple checked around the castle for your safety and secretly made sure you had extra treats and warm drinks sent to your room sometimes with little notes that he had the cook pretend to have sent because lately he’d heard you had trouble sleeping sometimes he’s shy boy aw
he started to realize how much he had gotten used to your smile and your little jokes and the way you sometimes tripped on the corners of rugs. and he thought maybe it was a good thing you guys didnt have many interactions lately because he was way too attached
you on the other hand, couldnt even rlly complain about having to stay inside so much bc you had everything you needed and- you knew it was for ur safety but- it wassss kind of suffocating at times
u tried sneaking out at first ((just to the garden!!)) which obviously was a bad idea bc it’s impossible to get past minhos fcking hawk eyes lmao
he STILL didnt say anything like he would just follow right behind you
n like u kinda huffed but whatever honestly at least it was just him and not 15 other guards like everyone acted like you needed
plus it was somewhat comforting to have someone so solid around even if he never talked smh
one night you sat near the little pond and tried to calm your mind by watching how the moonlight rippled in the water
you can feel him behind you so u just turn around and look at him ignoring how he was already looking at you
 “would you at least sit with me?”
he kind of hesitates bc …what if someone tried to come up behind you? but with the sad look on your face he cant help but give in and sits on the stone bench at the opposite end of you
it becomes actually somewhat peaceful until you just decide to ask everything you’ve been wondering n u just blurt out-
“would it kill you to talk with me once in a while? i mean, talk like a normal person and not a machine? i dont bite i promise..”
he furrows his brow bc he’s shocked you cared at all and also he doesnt rlly know how to respond without being like “its not really in my job description to make conversation” but he honestly just thought you were being talkative out of niceties.
 before he could even form a sentence you continued,
“i mean- i’m always trying to get your attention. i dont get to meet many people for obvious reasons but my guards are the closest people to me-literally, and i dont want there to be a big gap between us just because of my status..”
he cuts you off before you ramble yourself to death 
“i didn’t know you were this troubled by it… i just take my job very seriously and i dont want to risk anyone’s safety for the sake of conversation”
u almost roll ur eyes but not wanting to be rude ur just like “even at home? i know you’re serious about your duties, believe me, i just… i get lonely.”
smthing inside him literally breakkkssss when you say that like u are such a pure and sweet person that deserves to have all the love and friends and fun in the world so he just gets quiet for a second and looks down
“im sorry.” he said it so softly you almost didnt hear him “i’ll be there for you more- if thats what you need. im essentially in charge of your safety and care and i’ll do anything to fulfill that responsibility.”
ok.
well this was good right? so why did you still feel unsatisfied?
“i dont want to just be a responsibility, cant we just be like friends? or…”
you cut yourself off before talking too much again
you had to admit to yourself you had developed a bit of a liking for minho, not just because he was probably the most handsome person in your kingdom, not even just because he saved your life, but he had really been a pillar of security in your life and you respected his loyalty and ambition.
he was more than admirable and everything you wanted as a standard for your kingdom
sometimes you let your mind wander to him getting on one knee and leading alongside you..
no, now youre getting sidetracked and delusional and he can practically hear the gears turning in your head so he stands up and reaches his hand out for you to grab 
“of course you’re more than a responsibility to me, come on, lets go inside it’s getting cold.’
taking his hand and realizing the conversation was over, you moved to link arms instead  as he walked you all the way to your bedroom door 
u slept a lot better that night 
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from that point on you could not get rid of minho 
like everyone was borderline uncomfortable with how jarring his change in attitude was 
like he was constantly behind you looking right over your shoulder or grabbing your arm to stop you from bumping into things
even when he wasnt technically on duty he had taken it upon himself to give you little lessons in archery and even some defensive moves to help you protect yourself in case someone wasnt fast enough to help you 
your tried not to get flustered every time he adjusted your form and the way you could feel his breath behind your ear
or the head pats when he walked you to your room at night
or his hand on your back when you guys would take walks in the garden
honestly it did not take long until one night you were sat next to your pond and after some comfortable small talk you noticed how close his face was to yours
but he noticed you didn’t pull away even as he leaned in closer and finally just kissed you
when he pulled away and saw your eyes still closed and how soft you looked his heart almost exploded
“i didnt mean to make things weird i just,, couldnt help myself, sorry”
his rushed confession pulls you out of your daze and you’re so happy (a little shocked) but you’re quick to reassure him
“it’s ok, i’ve been wanting you to do that for a while …”
he’s jus like “rlly?😳”
obviously this complicates things a lot and you aren’t really sure if you would even be allowed to have a relationship with minho bc of ur position
or if he would get in trouble for breaking the rules of attachment to u
all of this is kind of racing thru both of ur minds as you look at each other but you laugh after u both start talking at the same time
you prod him to go first so he grabs your hands and says like
“look i care about you a lot, and i know we’re not really supposed to be doing this but if i can be by your side … beyond my duties…i would really love to. but if we can’t, i can survive with just being here to protect and serve you in anyway i can”
he’s so honest and genuine and earnest it shocked u a little
even tho you were uncertain abt the situation as well you knew you had grown a little too fond and dependent on minho that you would do anything to make it work
luckily an arranged marriage was not required for you so that wasnt really the issue, but falling in love with someone not at all royal..? it was a daunting thought how the idea would be perceived 
you wouldnt have said anything if you both weren’t completely sure of your feelings;  but you really could not imagine being content or safe spending your life with anyone else so you mustered up the courage to ask the king and queen…
when you brought it up to your parents they looked pretty concerned
minho went on the whole “i’ll do anything to protect them and this kingdom” speech and your father just waved him off and was like
“i know u would …. i’ll allow it because there’s really no one better to represent the kingdom and because i want only the best for my child ;)”
u and minho were literally in shock but just quietly said thank u and left the room
when you had privacy he immediately pulled you in for a kiss (maybe several all over ur face)
you had a lot to figure out and many responsibilities but now you had an amazing person by your side to help you through it :.) <3
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hanadolphieron · 3 years
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HOGWARTS AU~
a/n- i do not support jk rowling. this is your (my beautiful, show-stopping, magnificent followers’) christmas gift and i hope she’s annoyed by the fact that a liberal pansexual and a lesbian fanfiction writer wrote a giant post centered around a universe she created ;)
another a/n- i hope all of my oomfies enjoy this, i spent an entire month writing it because i love you guys so much! you have made my year so much better!!!!!!!! big heart!
another another a/b- i started writing for ateez after i finished this, so that’s why they’re not on there. i would put them in, however i have written fifty-four of these and am a wee bit drained :)
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GRYFFINDOR~
colors; scarlet and gold
traits; bravery, daring, nerve, chivalry
element; fire
symbol; the lion
head of house; chungha
members; nayeon, chaeyoung, jisoo, yeji, ryujin, yuna, mia, sakura, yujin,  heejin, chaewon, chungha, winter, somi
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HUFFLEPUFF~
colors; yellow and black
traits; hard work, dedication, loyalty, patience, fair play
element; earth
symbol; the badger
head of house; haseul
members; sana, dahyun, rosé, lia, e:u, onda, chaeyeon, chaewon, nako, wonyoung, jinsoul, haseul, chuu, yeojin, giselle, ningning
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SLYTHERIN~
colors; emerald and silver
traits; ambition, leadership, self-preservation, cunning, resourcefulness
element; water
symbol; serpent
head of house; eunbi
members; jeongyeon,  momo, jihyo, jennie, sihyeon, eunbi, yena, minju, yves, olivia hye
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RAVENCLAW~
colors; blue and bronze
traits; intelligence, curiosity, knowledge, creativity, wit
element; air
symbol; eagle
head of house; mina
members; mina, tzuyu, lisa,  chaeryeong, aisha, yiren, hyewon, hitomi, yuri, vivi, kim lip, hyunjin, choerry, karina
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PROFILES~
<im nayeon>
nayeon is a prefect, of course, she used to be the head of house but chungha succeeded her after nayeon decided to focus more on her studies
headcannon that nayeon and chungha are are lowkey besties
they don’t talk much, but they respect each other and always like to have nice chats about the school
but other than her leadership roles, nayeon is like the older sister of the gryffindor house
sort of has no idea what’s going on sometimes but tries her best because everyone asks her for advice
cries at graduation because she loves hogwarts so much
ends up working at the ministry of magic
she’s so perfect help🥺
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<yoo jeongyeon>
definitely has a hufflepuff s/o
i refuse to believe anything else
is everyone’s crush, ryujin follows in her footsteps
is the slytherin seeker, probably flusters the other seekers because she’s intimidating but so gorgeous and charismatic
sorry for projecting my love of jeongyeon but i had to
is excellent at potions and has taught the class at some point
really enjoys hogwarts and takes advantage of all the fun magic it has to offer
is always in the library finding mystery books to read
dark, gothic academia hhhhh
snuck in two kittens along with her owl because she didn’t want to choose
nobody noticed because everyone’s too scared to go into the slytherin common room
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<hirai momo>
famous for bringing a whole ass snake as a pet instead of you know, the legal pets like toads, owls, and cats
starts a dance team
except everyone’s mildly terrified to join because she looks really intimidating
when in reality the only bad thing she’s ever done is stealing sana’s cat because she wanted something to cuddle
and when sana took her cat momo dragged sana over inside to snuggle
as a first year she cried in front of her class one time for some reason that her brain has forgotten to protect her because she freaked the fck out
because she was afraid of tarnishing her scary slytherin reputation
now, she’ll have a good swig of butterbeer and wipe a tear away over how good it tastes (because finals)
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<minatazoki sana>
has most adorable cat, like seriously it’s almost as cute as her🥺
gets drunk on butterbeer constantly
it’s becoming a slight issue
but it’s hard for anyone to stop her, as she works part-time at the three broomsticks and will make you pay more taxes if you annoy her
acts like a slytherin sometimes
because she’s good at everything the slytherin’s do
but sana’s a true hufflepuff at heart, she’s always looking to make people smile
her pranks are always to create a good atmosphere, not to aggravate people
makes hand-made scarves for everyone at christmas
________________________
<park jihyo>
thought she was a gryffindor her entire life
and then the sorting cat called out “slytherin” the second it touched her head
jihyo went 👁👄👁
but she ended up loving her house, and fit right in with her new friends
hates all the cats but they cling to her for spite
(she highkey actually adores them)
LOUD because she’s obsessed with quidditch
like seriously, obsessed, she will never shut up about the chudley cannons (i hope that’s their name) and will talk your ear off for hours just chatting about one game
sits in the library for peace and quiet, but sighs constantly and keeps getting glared at
couldn’t care less though, she needs deep breaths to sustain her sanity
________________________
<myoui mina>
everyone loves her!
she’s one of those people you bring up in conversation just to compliment? because she’s so respectable and wholesome and nice and beautiful and perfect?
leads ravenclaw so well :(
will stay up all night helping younger kids with their classes or subjects that they’re wildly interested in
makes quizlets for everything, her account lags because so many people are using it at one time
goes into the forest at night and dances as a way to relieve stress (we love an aesthetic queen)
________________________
<kim dahyun>
gets into trouble so much 
will risk her education to make people laugh
everyone respects her for it, even the teachers, so she never has many consequences because everyone needs some laughter in their lives
a beater for hufflepuff we love to see it
painted her bat like a badger and calls it tommy
has fallen off her broom more than once because she gets really distracted
the only class she truly focuses on is transfiguration
she loves it for some weird reason and does extra lessons with professor mcgonagall
no one questions it though, because she’s kim dahyun
________________________
<son chaeyoung>
the one who comforts everyone in gryffindor
sometimes expectations to be brave and self-assured can be too much for her fellow house-mates, so chaeyoung takes the role of making them feel safe and helping them relax
the expert at caring for the cats
something about her makes them flock around her feet
they’re always swarming around her feet
one time she actually tripped over one them and broke her shin
but luckily, professor sprout (aka her best friend) helped her through it with some medicinal herbs and long conversations about plants
always wearing comfy clothes
wears a scarf in the dorms for some reason
________________________
<chou tzuyu>
has the prettiest owl to ever exist
and its eyes match up perfectly with hers
everyone has a headcannon that they’re actually twins 
which would entail that tzuyu was born a bird but somehow turned into a human
but no one really dwells on that
caught mina when she was dancing in the forest at night
but vowed never to tell anyone
and now mina invites her to come watch and dance herself
tzuyu actually drew her one time and mina just about melted of embarrassment and  pride and happiness because tzuyu? just drew a picture of her? and it makes her feel so cool and magical?
________________________
<kim jisoo>
empress cat (along with hyunjin and chaeyoung)
those three have the sweetest relationship, you can always find them cooing about the cats together (while holding the cats themselves)
has an obsession with the whomping willow
always sits next to it after she managed to tame it 
reads and does her studies there
is undisturbed and loves it
knows all the staircases for some reason, like has given them names and nobody knows how she’s memorized them all
but if you’re ever lost, jisoo will appear out of nowhere to help
________________________
<kim jennie>
somehow manages to make time for everything
spends most of her time in the library, but also excels at quidditch? and makes it to all of the practices? like jennie stop being so talented (but please don’t we love it)
everyone’s like what an ambitious slytherin smh
cast her patronus on the first try
and screamed because she had a snow leopard! and they’re so adorable!
probably started crying just being honest
intimidates everyone but is a huge softie
has a close-knit group of friends
reminds me of a wolf? for some reason
________________________
<park chaeyoung>
a master at quidditch!
plays chaser on the hufflepuff team and is the captain as well
along with those leader positions, chaeyoung is also prefect
basically, she loves to p r o t e c t
what a hufflepuff smh
laughs so much it’s worrying, you can always hear her giggling throughout the halls of hogwarts
brought a frog
does not regret it at all, she loves zucchini (the frog) with all her heart
keeps it in her jacket pocket
ribbiting noises erupt in the middle of class
________________________
<lalisa monoban>
a beater for gryffinor i mean what were you expecting
was the first person to join momo’s dance team
which scared even more people away (youth with you anyone?)
but lisa is still so sweet, always helping people out
smiles at every single person she passes
her cheeks hurt by the end of the day, partly because of what i just mentioned and partly because rose makes her laugh so much
chases all the cats around
they act tormented but when have cats ever been honest when they like something a human is doing for them
they need the exercise, rose feeds them too much
________________________
<hwang yeji>
looks like a slytherin because of her eyes
but is a true gryffindor at heart, always being brave and kind to her friends and standing up for everyone
almost all of her friends are in gryffindor :) except for lia, who is arguably the most chaotic but stops them from doing anything too dumb
and chaeryeong, who helps more with the excitement management
yeji is a chaser on the gryffindor quidditch team (we been knew) and scores so much the point keeper (?) loses count
definitely has a cat
who snuggles with her in the common room and everyone wants to cry over how cute they both are
everyone talks about how she looks like her cat ;0
is pretty popular, although she’s still so humble
________________________
<choi jisu>
gosh this ADORABLE HUFFLEPUFF
will tackle you if you wrong her, her friends, her plants, or steal her food
got lost on her first day and missed the whole day of classes
was so embarrassed and probably cried poor jisu
but haseul to the rescue! came and comforted her, we love a supportive hufflepuff family
daydreams all the time
professor sprout (is that her name i haven’t read these books in a while) is her best friend and she eats lunch with her sometimes🥺
all the teacher’s love her
except she’s pretty quiet in class, except for her maniacal laughing at chaeryeong sometimes
her and chae are The Best Friends TM
________________________
<shin ryujin>
everyone’s crush who are we kidding (fboi ryu)
a beater, always protects yeji and she loves it, always getting flustered over ryujin
even though ryu’s been doing it for years (however the winks she throws in yeji’s directions would make anyone falter)
the best in class at defense against the dark arts 
got her patronus, a black bear, within a few minutes after learning the lesson
and everyone was like 👀 but honestly not that surprised, because come on it’s shin ryujin herself!
shows off her skills (in everything she attempts) all the time and everyone loves it
in general very well liked, her vibe is so comforting and realistic, and she always says the rights things
________________________
<lee chaeryeong>
patronus = ostrich
chae was so annoyed with this honestly, i mean she’s trying to be this cool light academia ravenclaw and her patronus is an ostrich...
like really. really.
everyone laughed at her disappointing patronus, but chaeryeong didn’t care, she was actually beginning to love its uniqueness
throughout the school, chae is known for her adorably caring personality akin to a hufflepuff along with her wisdom
she helps everyone :(
friends with everyone despite being introverted
probably eats lunch with professor flitwick
she’s just too nice
her aesthetic, as i said, is light academia and she pulls it off so well
organizes all the chants at quidditch games
________________________
<shin yuna>
fred and george but one person
the gryffindor common room is in absolute chaos whenever she’s present
her laugh is contagious and can be heard all throughout the dorms, creating a beautiful sense of togetherness and happiness
keeps everyone’s faith in humanity
the loudest at al the quidditch games
teases her friends 100% of the time but will always hug and comfort them when they’re down
can make anyone smile within a few seconds
hangs out in the kitchen
terrorizes all her dormmates cats
they still sleep with her at night though, her bed is covered in cat fur
________________________
<park jiwon>
spends all of her time in the kitchens
her friends are always begging her to bring food back to the common rooms
and she normally does
in fact, she bakes pastries or cooks something for them most of the time because she’s sweet like that
ran into a painting one time and got yelled at by the person in it
it was the sole most terrifying experience in her life
she almost fell down the stairs
now, she’s actually friends with the people in the painting
and they have (maybe) forgiven her for smacking into their tea table and ruining their lunch
 (which they’ve been eating for years but jiwon did not mention that)
________________________
<kim sihyeon>
on the quidditch team
changes positions every single year for some reason (she’s such an ace)
because she has BIG TALENT
loves being a seeker the most (obviously, because she gets all the glory and she’s a leo with a scorpio mars)
has a black cat with the exact same personality as her
one time it ate her ramen and boy was she mad
but the cat, who was named orange (despite not being orange) really liked the noodles
so jiwon convinced sihyeon to let her make feline-friendly noodles for the cat
which sihyeon agreed to
because seeing orange slurp up a bowl of noodles really makes her day
________________________ 
<han eunji>
is professor mcgonagall’s child
i mean not literally, but still
eunji has been taken under her wing
in fact, she actually taught mia how to be a metamorphmagus
eunji managed to turn into a badger
which wasn’t exactly enjoyable at first, since being a badger doesn’t have many benefits other than being able to dig a hole faster than anybody you know
however, eunji used her badger form as a way to relax, because she could escape from all her problems by turning into a woodland animal and going to take a comfy nap in some flowers
her friends were ecstatic when she told them she had become a badger
e:u immediately made her morph into said animal so she could give mia a hug because fluffy
________________________
<jo serim>
accompanies jiwon to the kitchen most days and prevents her from getting bored with her antics
these “antics” involve things like crouching on the counter next to jiwon and crunching down on carrots
to which jiwon just shakes her head and pulls the carrot right out of her mouth 
loves the toads! she has a speckled one and treasures it with all her heart
steals jiwon’s pastries to feed to them
serim is also always in different places
she’s completely unpredictable, moving all around the school throughout the day
you can’t find her in the same place twice (except for the kitchens)
everyone thinks she’s part fairy because of this and her compassion
________________________ 
<heo yoorim>
spends all her time daydreaming while looking up at the sky from the observatory
i don’t blame her, it does have an exquisite view and even sports a bunch of cushions and blankets on the floor for the sole purpose of taking naps in the sun like a cat
anyways, yoorim is lost in her head most of the time
but always takes a trip back to reality during the day, where’s spotted encouraging her friends 24/7
and laughing nonstop at them
(especially sihyeon)
because while she’s a ravenclaw, loved ones are the most important things in her life
________________________ 
<wang yiren>
joins aisha in her imagining sprees up in the observatory
but gets bored and leaves to go sneak into the slytherin common rooms because she wants to spot the giant squid
who she has made friends with from her constant trips to see it
its name is jerry, for anyone who’s wondering
the slytherins have adopted her as one of their one
and yiren takes great pride in it
because she now has a massive posse of people ready to protect her from anyone who would dare to make her sad
________________________
<kwon eunbi>
keeps everyone in line because she finds everyone annoying
collapses on the sofa at the end of the day
probably snores
has the best self confidence of the whole school
i mean some of it is because she wants to be a good role model, but she really just doesn’t care at this point
her owl would rip any enemies to shreds
because it is pretty fearsome, even if it’s the smallest one professor mcgonagall has ever seen
and she’s seen a lot
probably a tutor ngl
________________________
<miyawaki sakura>
the most passionate gryffindor you’ll ever meet
sakura definitely makes a name for herself cheering at all the quidditch games
and with the fact that she won the triwizard tournament!
keeps the cup in the gyrffindor common rooms
because she sees it as something the house should be proud of, not just sakura
so sweet i can not with her
actually didn’t bring a pet and now regrets it
but she’s busy so she wouldn’t have time to care ofr it
but still
🥺cats🥺
________________________
<kang hyewon>
the seventh years surrounded her on her first day because of her “must protect” energy
and the fact that her toad escaped as soon as she came through the door
which resulted in school-wide panic
they found the toad luckily
well, it actually came running back to hyewon
for some reason, it actually bit her! which made her laugh
the devious amphibian apparently had a habit for escaping, which hyewon learned about after multiple attempts from it at running away
which never worked
because hyewon would get so sad and said toad would feel bad
thus meaning it would turn around and bound back to hyewon
________________________
<choi yena>
immediately fell in love with hogwarts once she saw the great hall
one, because it was full of food
and two, because it’s so pretty! and the starts reflect on the ceiling! and magic!
tried to bond with the sorting hat
and it most likely worked because she is choi yena and can do things like that
a social butterfly without realizing it, everyone wants to talk to her all at the same time and she is b i g s t r e s s e d
helps with homework even if she has no idea what she’s doing
it aides her in picking up the subject because no that she’s having to explain it it clicks in her mind
strategy peeps
________________________
<lee chaeyeon>
the sorting hat knew she was a hufflepuff the minute she walked through the door
her bright energy and happy-go-lucky charm made her a friend magnet, everyone wanted to be her bestie
dances to cheer people up
is friends with all the ravenclaws and joins them in their all-nighters when they’ve discovered a new obsession
wins every single lottery/game/anything that involves chance
her nicknames is felix felicis (i hope i’m spelling that right)
racks up all the house points because the professors can’t help but praise her for everything
and she deserves it to, always running around helping others
________________________
<kim chaewon>
the seeker for hufflepuff
surprised the class and left everyone open-mouthed with her quidditch skills
had no idea she was so good, but after a while begins to take a lot of pride in her talent
the sorting hat considered slytherin for chaewon, but decided against it
which may seem like an odd combination, but it wasn’t uncommon 
befriends all the slytherins and has them head over heels in love with her
same with the gryffindors
in fact, chaewon doesn’t know actually know many hufflepuffs, she’s always gotten along better with the other houses
________________________
<kim minju>
joins vivi in at night whenever she’s in the astronomy tower
has an admirable amount of ravenclaw friends and has practically become one at this point
goes in the common room all the time because she can figure out the riddles
smh their security system really isn’t that good
becomes obsessed with random subjects
has a different best class every year
comes up with her own spells
hogsmeade weekends are her favorite :(
and minju stuffs herself with butterbeer every time
eunbi’s the only person who can keep her in check
________________________
<yabuki nako>
i mean all hufflepuffs are cute-
but nako really takes the cake 
because no one can look at her adorable smile and not think she’s the cutest human to ever exist
drew on the walls of the hufflepuff dorms because she accidentally drank a potion yuri had been brewing
which caused her to go loopy and delirious
eunbi was summoned and forced to tuck nako into bed so she could sleep it off
lights up the room whenever she walks in
everybody swears that the candles actually brighten whenever nako appears
________________________
<honda hitomi>
loves the ravenclaw tower with all her heart :(
almost fainted when she first saw it because of how pretty it was
peak house spirit
ravenclaw only wins the house cup if hitomi has a good year
because she’s just so happy to be a ravenclaw and all the teachers are like yeh hitomi yeh and give her lots of points
became a prefect the first chance she got
doens’t get anyone in trouble though
but no one takes any chances because they don’t want to disappoint her
________________________
<jo yuri>
a master at potions
spends half her time concocting liquids to do a bunch of (benevolent) things
has suspicious stains on her robes
nobody questions it
because she’s a ravenclaw, which means she will feel extremely put off at any sort of accusatory remarks and you won’t be able to understand her answer because of her big brain words
jumps 10 feet in the air if you interrupt her magic
screams too
makes you swear to never tell anyone
but it’s happened to everyone so at this point it’s just common knowledge
________________________
<ahn yujin>
a beater for gryffindor and goes beast mode whenever ravenclaw is playing
because for some reason they make her eye twitch
even if she’s friends with a bunch of them
she’s still just BIG GRR
spends all of her itme in the gryffindor common room
greets everyone when they come in
is on a first-name basis with the entire school and no one knows how she can remember them all
and she’s so sweet to people? how does she deal with it
whenever she comes in the room there’s a chorus of “ahn yujin, the woman, the myth, the legend!”
________________________
<jang wonyoung>
thought the common room actually had badgers in it
and was extremely disappointed when she found out they didn’t
haseul felt bad seeing wonyoung’s sadness and invited her on a badger hunt
they found two
and bonded with them by feeing them food
i don’t know what badgers eat so i won’t specify
but the badgers followed the two home and now the hufflepuff house has two pet badgers
wonyoung takes great pride in that accomplishment
even more than when she (effortlessly) won the triwizard tournament in her sixth year
________________________
<wong gaahei>
super into astronomy and astrology
will stare at the stars all night
has seven telescopes and has no shame
seems quiet at first, but the ravenclaw dorms are always filled with the sound of her laughter (even at 3 in the morning)
daydreams in class all the time
and is confused over everything
but still makes it through with her sweet personality
fell off a broom the first time she ever got on one
because she was so busy watching the instructor that she didn’t realize her head was tilted so far to the side that it unbalanced her and caused her to slip off her broom
________________________
<ha sooyoung>
snako right here wanted to play quidditch her whole life
but sadly, she wasn’t too good at it
however, yves soon realized her true talent transfiguration
seriously, she can change anything into anything
zapped lippie into a mouse one time
professor mcgonagall was not happy
just kidding she was ecstatic and gave sooyoung a detention to teach her how to perfect her skills on turning people into mice
just not jungeun
holds a grudge against the gryffindor quidditch team but won’t ever admit it
but everybody knows
but it’s okay, because sooyoung can get away with anything (and no one wants to be turned into a mouse)
________________________
<jung jinsoul>
famous for winning the triwizard tournament 
because first of all, she didn’t even want to apply, yves and heejin had forced her to as a joke because there was no way she was going to be picked
but low and behold, she was picked
and somehow managed to win every task with pure luck
(and an ungodly amount of encouragement from chuu)
this has made everyone scared of her
which she doesn’t mind a lot of times, because it’s nice to be left alone
and she can easily filter out peole she doesn’t want in her life
but still
to people who aren’t aware of her winnings
she’s about as terrifying as a duck eating lettuce
________________________
<jo haseul>
overworked as the head of house but deals with it because she loves taking care of her fellow puffies
i miss her so much
was on the quidditch team at some point
she can’t remember when
third year maybe
her first four years went by in a blur
she was so enveloped in her studies and loved learning about magic with all her heart
100% got a job at the ministry once she finished her seventh year
there was zero question when choosing the head of house for hufflepuff
everyone immediately nominated haseul
________________________
<kim jungeun>
The Scary Ravenclaw TM
no one messes with her or her posse
a beast at magic has legit something like an 8.0 GPA
everyone’s like jungeun that is hecking impossible
not for her apparently
whipped for all the hufflepuffers and is known to trudge into their common room whenever she’s grumpy
because she knows at least sixteen people will volunteer to hug her
(preferably chuu is in that group)
denies it though
like heck no i hate hugs what are you talking about
________________________
<kim jiwoo>
the definition of a hufflepuff
was the talk of the school the first day because of how big of an impact her positivity and cheerfulness made
she turns heads and doesn’t even notice it😔
didn’t bring a pet, surprisingly
but steals everyone else’s
no one bothers to reprimand her whenever their cat disappears and is found cuddled up next to chuu
because honestly if i was a cat that’s what i would do
her patronus is probably something like a pufferfish
which she thought was the best thing ever
because “it goes poof whenever i stop the spell!”
________________________
<jeon heejin>
A CHASER FOR GRYFFINDOR AND EVERYONE AND THEIR DOG IS WHIPPED FOR HOW WELL SHE PLAYS QUIDDITCH
acts like she struggles with school but is actually top of her class
spends a bunch of time with her professors because she loves talking to them
such a libra smh
brought a toad
was so embarrassed at first but is now shameless 
about the fact that yes, she does kiss her toad on the forehead before she leaves for school each morning
even if most of the time she keeps the toad in her pocket all day because she doesn’t want to leave it alone
________________________
<kim hyunjin>
head owl caretaker
spends all of her time with hagrid :(
there are multiple stains on the floor from when they’re drinking tea together and hyunjin does something that makes them both spit out their drinks in laughter
fang cleans it up though
the animals are her favorite thing
created a spell to remove fur/hair from her clothes because she gets bad allergies
steals whole loaves of bread from the kitchens
the cooks turn a blind eye
________________________
<park chaewon>
has eaten all the crackers in the kitchen in one go
no one was really mad (except for jiwon) because how could you be upset with her?
her crunchy voice is adorable, even if she’s lying and blaming it all on yeojin
does her own thing most of the time
one of those people who will memorize 1800 spells but tell no one
and then shows everything off at the perfect moment
loves watching quidditch
will go to the practices just to see people play, she’s that enamored
a HUGE fan of the chudley cannons
________________________
<choi yerim>
friends with all the hufflepuffs
stole their badgers one time because she wanted to test the theory of “hufflepuffs are good finders”
they would have found their pets
but were too scared to accuse choerry
even if they knew it was her
choerry felt bad and sneakily returned the truffle-hunters during the night
she heard chuu disgruntledly ranting to haseul about how rude it was to steal some poor defenseless badgers
she turned them invisible shortly after that for another prank
but gowon exposed her
yerim’s never forgiven her for it
________________________
<son hyejoo>
the sweetest slytherin you’ll ever meet
loves to sit in the common room and stare at the water in the lake
but always gets scared by people walking in
even though she’s used to it because it happens every 10 minutes 
but it’s still
ahh!
wanted to be on the quidditch team so bad when she was younger but now does not see the point she would much rather sit in the charms room and make up dumb spells with chuu
professor flitwick helps them
and always has cupcakes on handy
________________________
<im yeojin>
the mind of a slytherin and is the head prankster
no one suspects her because she looks and acts to sweet to do anything
but despite their “fair play” thing going on
hufflepuffs are the best jokers you’ll find
yeojin has started a pranking service
makes a bunch of money off it
enough to buy all 11 of her besties bags of candy at hogsmeade
(along with getting herself one because she deserves it)
oh!
and some for hufflepuff’s badgers too!
________________________
<yoo jimin>
i put her in gryffindor at first because aries
but she really has the personality of a ravenclaw :)
and she definitely brought an eagle/hawk to school
convinced everyone it was an owl
i mean no one really thought it was an owl because it obviously was a different kind of bird
but 
how the heck do you take away someone’s bird and prevent it from going back to them?
and where do you put it?
that was karina’s plan
she knew no one could outsmart her
the riddle thingo at the entrance to the ravenclaw dorms was very proud of her
they’re friends
________________________
<uchinaga aeri>
the sorting hat spent five hours deciding on whether to put giselle in slytherin or hufflepuff
i’m exaggerating but you get the picture
because she values all of the things that the houses represent?!
but hufflepuff was still the best fit
loves to wander around the halls and staircases so she can discover the infinite amount of corridors and rooms inside hogwarts
she’ll never find them all
which is a little dissatisfying
but it’s still fun!
and ningning accompanies her a lot of the time, which can be incredibly distracting because neither of them end up going the direction they want to because they see something cool and go !!??
________________________
<kim minjeong>
a chaser for gryffindor
although no one knows about it? 
winter just never mentions it so whenever she plays there’s an uproar because that’s minjeong out there!
she loves the compliments from the outcome/ending of her accomplishments rather than the encouragement along the way
an ace at sneaking around the school
has gotten into all of the houses’ dorms 
no one found out
although the fat friar did see her and lecture her on privacy
she sort of listened
by which i mean she stayed out of the hufflepuff dorms and instead wen to the ravenclaw ones
________________________
<ning yizhuo>
the pride of hufflepuff for her quidditch skills
she’s so good at it
no one really expected this from her, but her determination blasted away any competition
and the team needs her badly 
for her quidditch skills
and her constant encouragement and cheering
giselle ended up giving her a microphone to wear during games so the whole school could hear how amazing and sweet the hufflepuff house is
smiles at everyone she walks past and the entire population of hogwarts knows her name
________________________
<kim chungha>
mcgonagall’s favorite
a role model for everyone, chungha has a posse of first years surrounding her at all times
her becoming head of house was no surprise, everyone expected her to and no one was jealous or envied her position since she did such a good job of leading gryffindor
used to be on the quidditch team as a blugder
which no one expected from sweet chungha
she was average, not a prodigy but not bad either
ended up quitting in sixth year to focus more on her studies, namely charms
________________________
<jeon somi>
in about 18 clubs
started 15 of them
for some reason she just loves the thrill of being part of a group more than others
and really enjoys having people around her
excellent at charms! it’s her best subject and professor flitwick uses her as an example all the time
she loves it
probably had to give her animal away to someone else (big sad) because she’s so busy
it was hyunjin who took it
now they’re really good friends and somi can see her cat whenever she wants to
________________________ 
133 notes · View notes
The Death of a Playboy
Summary: Based on that early concept of Mammon being a ladies man.
You both knew that the sex meant nothing beyond scratching an itch. The heat of his hands on your waist, the warmth your lingering kiss on his cheek, the smiles he gives you on the morning, your sweet good byes at every phone call.
It was all part of a game both of you played.
Tags: Fuck Buddies, Friends with Benefits, No Strings Attached Sex UNTIL BOTH OF YOU CAUGHT FEELINGS, OPEN HAPPY ENDING, implied Simeon x Reader, Diavolo x Reader sex.
A/N: I'M SO GLAD THAT EARLY CONCEPT REMAINED A CONCEPT BECAUSE ALL OF US MAMMON STANS WOULD BE READING DIFFERENT KINDS OF FICS, I KNOW HOW FANDOM WORKS AND WE ALL WANT THAT SORT OF ANGST so im here to deliver.
Wrote this with EXO's Playboy on repeat.
--
From the moment you heard his voice on the phone, you knew he was dangerous. The sort of danger that could leave your heart broken into pieces if you weren't careful. And you were right, Mammon was a dangerous sort of beauty.
Someone meant to be admired from a far. A safe distance. His words and countenance was alluring and had you been naive you would have believed him so easily. Such a friendly demon, your Mammon.
But he wasn't yours beyond the pact, beyond The Unspoken Agreement, beyond the doors of the House of Lamentation. He was a stray cat that was loved by everyone but loved no one. He came and went as he pleased.
Collecting hearts that meant nothing beyond feeding his greed.
And you had no desire to be part of his collection. You had your pride, and you were used to the emptiness of playing this game. So even as you leave his room, with your lipstick stains on his white sheets, and a kiss good bye on his smile...it all meant nothing to you.
Because at the end of the day, you didn't mean anything to Mammon either.
--
From the moment Mammon had seen you, he had put his guard up. He knew, in the same way he used to know things as an Angel, that you would be the death of him.
A human, with stormy eyes that made his tar-filled heart beat faster. You were dangerous, in the same sort of way Celestial Weapons were dangerous. Beautiful, bright, and deceptively harmless. Mammon had grown used to the empty flattering and praises of demons, he was used to hearing words of love uttered without a care.
He had learned his lesson.
Love was not for demons and humans were just the same. Even if he hadn't interacted with any for a long time now. So he treated you in the same way he treated everyone else, a charming smile here and there, a playful wink at times, voice soft and just so inviting that even Asmo would be fooled occasionally.
And then there was the whole mess with Levi, and he didn't appreciate his younger brother muddying the waters of your relationship with him. Fuck Buddies or not, you were his pact master.
And Levi had no claim on you. One thing led to another and before he knew it, the loneliness of his days were gone. He used to not care if you left or stayed after a whole night of sex but then somewhere between Levi and then Beel breaking your room, he'd started having you sleep next to him.
He made you stay longer and longer until you naturally began sleeping next to him only to leave in the morning. The morning kisses stopped being a way to say good bye and became a prelude to another round of sex or a make out. His hands lingered on your waist because he wanted to, not because he was driving Levi away.
He had slowly stopped hanging out with his other 'friends' and 'lovers' in favor of you. And Mammon's worst fear had happened.
You were already living in his heart.
And yet both of you were still playing a game he wanted out. But he was to weak to let you go, not when you'd smile at him in the corridor as if sharing a secret with him. Not when you'd play with his hair as he laid on your chest or the way your voice would say his name with a fond tone you've only ever used on him.
Mammon thought how laughable it was that Lucifer had warned you of him but no one ever thought to place a warning label on you. Mammon knew he wasn't the only demon you were fucking.
That beyond the walls of the House of Lamentation, beyond the pact that you formed with him...you had no shortage of partners and not even Simeon had been safe from your charms.
And as he watched the empty space beside him, he wondered whose bed you were staying at tonight.
--
'Diavolo' you decided as he fucked you hard into the mattress, 'is an excellent lover.'
You were grasping his black sheets as he repeatedly hit your g-spot, his thrusts wonderfully timed to bring you just on the edge of cumming before he slows down and starts playing with the rest of your sensitive body. You couldn't remember which round this one was with the way his kiss leaves your brain into a puddle of sensations as his dick languidly fucked you.
"Diavolo..." You moaned helplessly as you clenched if only to make his dick stay and properly make you come.
He smirks at you, and in the dim and sensual red lights of his room, he looked utterly delectable. Intoxicating. A man who knew exactly what he wanted and cocky.
"Needy aren't we?"
"It's because you fuck me good, your highness" You teased him with cocky grin and lick of your lips.
You get rewarded with a sharp thrust and almost came.
"You quite a mouth on you" He said as if he hadn't known that from the moment you had casually enraged Lucifer with your arrangement with Mammon.
And you laugh softly amidst the fucking, enjoying the slow and almost lazy way Diavolo was fucking you. You smile at him,
"How long do you plan to keep me on your bed, your highness?" You asked as you wrapped your legs on his waist and Diavolo smirks at you, all sharp teeth and answered,
"Until morning."
You reached out for him and Diavolo lets himself be held by you as he brings you to a new high. Diavolo was the perfect lover who knew how to give and take, and you let yourself to drown in his sweetness.
You moan his name unabashed. You cling hard to him, nails scraping his back, when he fucks you hard and makes you cum at the same time as him. You don't let yourself think of another demon with tanned skin, of white sheets that you've started to sleep in more than your own bed.
And when morning arrives, you don't kiss Diavolo to wake him up. Instead you take his morning erection in your mouth and start sucking until his eyes open and he gives you a lazy smile.
"Insatiable human" He called you as he petted your hair.
And then very suddenly grips it tight just right that makes you moan. Diavolo had seen your body illuminated by the moonlight but he appreciates the way it looked as you rode his dick and chased after your own orgasm.
"You truly are a sight to behold."
You say nothing to that but instead glanced at your mother's painting of you displayed in the center of his wall.
Diavolo comes inside you at the same time as you do. He praises you for a job well done as he fondles your chest and admires the hickeys he left on your neck.
"Let me send you back, Darling."
And as you enter the House of Lamentation, you ignore the looks they give you. Particularly Lucifer's and Mammon's, you don't look at anyone as you moved past them to head to the stairs that was nearest to your room.
You didn't see the tight clench of Mammon's hands or the glare he gave Diavolo.
--
Lucifer calls you to his office the next morning. Collects you from your room that you rarely slept in since sleeping around with demons that caught your fancy. You only bother to wear the white fur jacket left on your table on top of your sleepwear, and then head out to Lucifer's office.
You sat on the sofa across his, still sleepy and uncaring of whatever lecture he has prepared. And lecture you, he does.
"I hadn't said anything about your activities with demons and even those from purgatory hall," he says sharply "but I draw the line with you fucking Diavolo."
You laugh to his face and made yourself comfortable on his sofa.
"Bold of you to assume that Diavolo wasn't the one fucking me."
He glared at you which only served to make you laugh harder.
"He is the future ruler of Devildom."
"And I have no interest with being Queen" you decided to get it out in the open, "Lucifer, its all just fun and games between me and my bed partners."
"Perhaps..." Lucifer acquiesces and both of you ease up, you smile at him fondly and Lucifer looked away.
It had taken time and a couple of threats from both of you to each other before the two of you had found this equilibrium. Where Lucifer would lecture and you'd listen for a while before dragging things out in the open.
"You do have to be careful," He warned you "Mammon can only do so much."
He sits beside your feet and puts in on his lap. The easy intimacy between friends had always been your comfort but Levi's envy and twisted love had sort of ruined that. And though Mammon was indeed your friend the lined had been blurred between you two and you hadn't allowed yourself of that.
And so to Lucifer it went. An unlikely friend who could match your moments of brilliance and could follow your flights of fancy easily. The lovely intimacy between friends who understood each other in the most naked way.
Lucifer knew your hang ups and fears, and you knew the secrets and pains he kept.
"I'll be careful" You promised him.
He smiles at you softly and the two of you just simply existed in that moment. Enjoying the rare moment of peace.
--
Mammon waited for you to come out of Lucifer's office, he stood at the side of the door. Leaning casually on the wall as he strained his ear to eavesdrop he could hear your muffled laughter until it tapered off into silence. He closed his eyes and wondered if there was any way to stop this game.
He wanted you all to himself, wanted to be the one you came home to at the end of the day. He wanted the things beyond the pact, beyond the doors of the House of Lamentation. The sex was no longer just what he wanted from you.
And Mammon knew, as you stepped out of the room and met his eyes, that you probably wanted the same.
"I missed you, Master~❤" he greeted you sweetly, arms already wrapped around you and whisking you away.
Mammon kept his feral smile. And he could hear your heart speed up and the smell of your arousal.
"Master, let's spend time together all day long~"
He feels your arm wrapped against his and he accepts your kisses as he pinned you against his bedroom door. Cold metal against your skin as his hands deftly undressed you in the privacy of his room. He plays with your nipples as he kissed you deeply.
'This isn't love' Mammon thought as he carried you in his arms.
'This isn't love but it could be.'
And that was the thought that scared him the most. Demons don't love the way humans and angels do. And Mammon already knew what form his love would take.
Greedy and selfish. He wouldn't care about anyone else but you, repercussions and consequences wouldn't matter to him once you were involved. And he didn't want that.
That kind of love he knew you'd abhor.
"Mammon?"
He sinks into your warm embrace and whatever passion between you two was now gone.
"What's wrong?" You asked him so carefully.
And Mammon could almost let himself believe that you love him. Instead of letting himself sink into a new type of loneliness he just clutches you tighter and wishes fervently that you'd never leave him anymore.
You stare at him and his shaking frame. You wouldn't mind if anyone else would be the collateral but Mammon had been different. He wasn't in the same category as your bed partners that you'd leave without good bye or an easy meaningless smile.
Being with Mammon felt like staring at a mirror that revealed all of your flaws. Your greedy and ambitious self that wanted without giving. He had easily and cleverly went through your defenses without your notice. Mammon had made you care for him in the same way, the little prince cared for the fox and his rose.
You began to care for him like he was the stray cat that began living in your home after feeding it for few days. He had carved a space in between the broken pieces of your heart and remade you anew. And so, in the same sort of destructive way you always went, you clung into the routine of sleeping around.
Pretending that you weren't comparing each bed partner to Mammon. Pretending as if you weren't sleeping with him most of the time. You liked to believe that you never played favorites among your low and mid level demons, that Mammon got away with alot of things when compared to the trouble Asmo, Beel, and Levi would bring. You were careful to ensure that no one would look twice at the fact that Mammon was the only high level demon you had on your pacts.
You gave him power over your other pacts and gave him power over you. You hide your wry smile and, hope, as you lull him to restful sleep that he doesn't realize how far you'd fallen.
You still had your pride after all.
--
What breaks isn't Lucifer's trust on you nor your pride but the bond between you and Mammon. And losing him, the very feeling of a pact breaking hurt you more than anything else.
You had your pride and you've won your gambit but as you see Mammon walk away from you his composure in tact, it felt like you've won nothing at all. And whatever joy you had on having Diavolo's pact mark on you had long since faded.
Even so, you don't let yourself break or cry or show any negative emotion. You keep your smile plastered and iron out the details for Belphie's clemency. There were so many things to be done and your greed and ambition had yet to be fully satiated.
And as his accusations and hateful glare rang inside your mind, you reminded yourself that you would never beg anyone to remain.
Mammon fucks his heartbreak away through half of the entirety of devildom. And the occasional witch that would willingly offer themselves to him. He doesn't let himself feel the pain of your betrayal and broken promises.
You were living your best life and he wasn't part of it. He was a fool to think you'd be different. That he would always be the only one, he should have known when you let Diavolo bring you back that things were changing.
He couldn't keep you because you never stayed unless he asked.
He relearns how he was before you came, resharpens the edges you blunted and flirts more than ever, and leaves hearts broken more than Asmo. He doesn't bring anyone home because even at his worst, the thought of hurting you directly or indirectly was something the couldn't do.
He loved you to the point of losing himself.
--
In chess, Promotion by rule meant that the moment a pawn reaches the 8th rank it would be replaced by a player's choice of Rook, Bishop, Knight or a Queen of the same color. Imagine this then:
Two players. God plays White and Diavolo plays Black. God plays the King's Gambit as his opening move and Diavolo declines it. Changing the game in his favor but still loses.
A new player arrives and plays Black. The game continues from where it left off. A losing game but a miracle occurs. Somehow the new player manages to do a Promotion.
A pawn is turned into a Queen.
Black wins. It was nothing short of a miracle but the win came with the cost of sacrificing the promoted Queen.
It wasn't the way you wanted to win. But you were desperate. Even so, that greedy part of you never wanted to lose Mammon.
But the empty space where his pact used to be is a stark reminder of what you had done. You wondered if there was still a chance to change things for a better.
You hear Diavolo call for you and you go to him and you begin pretending again.
'Maybe this time I can actually believe you meant nothing to me...'
Like always, you don't notice the way Mammon looks at you.
-
This is how you surrender:
At a party held in your honor.In the dark empty underground gallery of the castle, Mammon has you pinned against the cold brick wall and you're desperately kissing him back. His grip on you tight and the desperate, you grind against him for the friction and heat you crave. In the dark you could pretend that this was one of your games.
Heated kisses in hidden places. Risking the chance to be caught if only to bring out in the open what shouldn't. You had always known that Mammon was beautiful and it wasn't just his physical appearance. It was his genuine care for you, the intimacy that went beyond the platonic and the romantic. It was him seeing you at your absolute worst and loving you still.
It was the way he held you right now. Tight but still incredibly careful, always thinking about your inherent human fragility. It was in his kisses that stole your breath away, the ardent adoration in his eyes as you repeatedly called his name in between your near silent moans. That his hands still knew your body so well, that every gentle caress and grip of his hand was always sure. Never faltering nor second guessing the actions that would arouse you.
"Mammon" You begged, said his name like a whispered prayer in the nights you missed his embrace.
A single name that encompassed what you wanted to say but couldn't.
Forgive me.
I'm sorry.
Come back to me.
I love you.
He fucks you against the wall. Rough and desperate and taking out all of his frustrations at your expense. And even then, he fucks you just the way you like it. Ensuring that you would love every moment that he thrusts his dick in you. He whispers his hatred in your ears with every thrust and mixes his love for you.
He shows you his absolute worst. This love of his that only takes and takes. A twisted love that would never let you be as free as you are now.
"Master, you must really think I'm pathetic" He whispered brokenly, "I'm here still wanting you, still doing what you want even without the pact."
You moan his name.
"But even then I can't hate you with everything I have. I'm Mammon, the Avatar of Greed and you've reduced me to this."
You looked at him, eyes daze and brain still muddled from his expertise. Despite that you see his broken and lost look and can't help but coddle him. Make promises of fixing things and your heart breaks with his hollow laugh.
"Forgive me" You whisper as you hold onto him tight, his pace relentless as he hits that one spot again and again.
"You promised" He said as he held you tight enough to leave bruises.
"I'm sorry."
"Why do ya always leave? Even when I want you to stay you never really stay! Master!"
You feel his tears fall on your face and taste its salty flavor as he kisses you again. You feel your insides clench as you come and Mammon follows right after. Both of you breathe heavily, Mammon leans on you and you hug him.
"I didn't want to fall for you," You answered as you clutched his jacket tightly "From the moment we met I knew that it was inevitable but I still tried."
You relish at the perverted way you two were still connected and wondered how far could you take this before something broke beyond repair. But that was how far you were willing to go, always wondering but never for a single moment considering to do it.
"Mammon, my only beloved demon loving you was something I could never escape from."
He looked at you and saw the helplessness in your eyes and as you looked at him you put down your pride. Your demon whom you've tamed and in turn tamed you.
"I surrender myself to you."
It was too soon for an 'I love you' with wounds still raw and problems needed to be addressed. There were still secrets needed to be talked about and countless little things to be done. But in this moment, where Mammon sees you at your most honest, he spoke
"I accept."
And he kisses you softly, sweetly in the way he always imagined if you were his lover. It isn't love but it could be and this time both of you would let it be.
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rpmemesbyarat · 3 years
Conversation
RP Meme from Oliver & Company
Now, it's always once upon a time in New York City.
It's a big old bad old tough old town.
Let me have one, please.
Right away, you're making time and making friends
If they pick you out, you're on your way.
Get out there and go and try.
Why does nightfall find you feelin' so alone?
Dreaming is still how the strong survive
Keep your dream alive.
Got to look out and open your eyes,
You're in the fast lane
What's the matter with you? I said get outta here.
I don't eat cats. It's too much fur.
I've been watching you, and I think you're in serious need of some professional guidance.
I'm an expert at these things.
All you gotta do is learn some moves.
This city's got a beat.
When are we gonna get those hot dogs?
I hate to break it to ya, but the dynamic duo is now the dynamic uno.
Our partnership is herewith dissolved.
You're not being fair!
Fairs are for tourists, kid.
Consider it a free lesson in street savoir faire
Hey, wait! I helped you get those! Half of those are mine!
Why should I worry? Why should I care?
I got street savoir faire
You can wear the crown!
Everything goes.
Everything fits.
They love me at the Chelsea, they adore me at the Ritz!
Stop that racket! I'm trying to watch this show.
Shut up, you little rodent.
Come on, let's watch some boxing. I wanna see some action
You think this place is big enough?
What we need is some good quality stuff
Oh, shredded leather.
You insulted my pride! That means death!
It was your turn to get the food today!
You remain our preeminent benefactor.
It was tough. Only I could have done it.
I love a story with food in it.
Enter the opposition.
Gang war! Gang war! Watch out! Here comes a gang war!
Take cover!
It's just a cat.
I followed this dog.
He's lying! He's lying! He's lying! He's lying!
Oh, boy! Dog pile!
Don't let me down!
What do you got?
Let's see what you got.
I was just on my way out.
Actually, I've got something much better than money.
Some luxury items that should make a considerable dent in my debt to you.
Oh, my! You waxed your car, didn't you? Did they use the buffer on it, because I can see myself.
I don't think you grasp the severity of the situation.
Now, I lent you money and I don't see it.
People like you get hurt.
I can't figure out why you'd rather hang around a dump like this when you could be living uptown with a class act like myself.
Isn't it rather dangerous to use one's entire vocabulary in a single sentence?
You bad, man.
Hey, you got something to say to me, fat boy?
Why don't you pick on someone your own size?
Oh, I'm having a bad day!
I like cats. I like to eat 'em.
Your master's calling.
Come on and say it to my face!
How am I ever gonna come up with all that money?
It's hopeless.
That took a lot of guts.
All right. Time for bed. We've got a big day tomorrow.
We've got two days to do or die.
You got a lot to learn. And if you don't learn, you don't eat!
But if you're tough, and always use your head, you'll be right at home, on the street.
When you got talent, everything is free.
You're gonna see how the best survive.
These are streets of gold.
You'll take the town, and you'll take it with style.
You're in charge of electronics.
Hey, but what about me? What do I do?
Ready? Go!
What have I done? Poor thing.
You oughta be ashamed of yourself!
Run along, little fellow. Go on, now. Shoo.
Be a lookout.
I only got one more wire, okay?
Oh, you poor kitty. Here. Let me help you.
Where's the kid?
We can't just take in a stray off the street.
Don't worry, kitty. I'll take care of you.
Your public awaits.
Girl, we've got work to do
Pass me the paint and glue.
Perfect isn't easy
When one knows the world is watching, one does what one must.
See how the breeding shows
Sometimes it's too much for even me!
But when all the world says "Yes", then, who am I to say "no"?
Don't ask a mutt to strut like a showgirl
Perfection becomes me, ne c'est pas?
I'm beauty unleashed!
So classic and classy
They're barking up the wrong tree!
I have your hearts, and you have my pity
Pretty is nice, but still it's just pretty!
I wouldn't go in there if I were you.
What is the meaning of this?
I guess I'll have to handle this myself.
And do you have any idea whose home this is?
Isn't he cute?
What in Heaven's name are we waiting for?
Alas, our beleaguered benefactor bearing the brunt of our futile endeavours.
Cool it!
Our mission begins at daybreak.
I don't hear any practicing.
Oh, you wanna practice too!
We two can be good company.
You and me, just wait and see.
I'll handle that ruffian.
Body slam! Body slam! Oh, come on, you fool! Hit him! Hit him!
Come back here!
Huh, this place looks pretty nice. I mean, how bad off could it be here?
Chagall. Matisse. These are all masterpieces.
Hey, man, if this is torture, chain me to the wall.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. Calm down.
Don't come any closer! I knew this would happen one day.
It's not you I'm after.
Not good enough for you?
I mean, do you even know who I am?
GET AWAY FROM ME, YOU LITTLE BUG-EYED CREEP!
Something's not quite right here.
Shh. Quick. Before he comes back. Follow me.
I mean, let's just forget the whole thing.
No, no, you can't do that! You don't understand. The poor dear's so traumatized.
What is going on here?
Hurry. Use the fire escape.
Ooh, I could've danced all night! I could've danced all night!
You were very good.
I was rather good, wasn't I?
You okay, kid?
I have another home now. And someone who loves me.
You're in the gang.
I just wanna go back.
You wanna leave? Fine! There's the door.
You lighten up!
Oh, it's hopeless.
Looks like you're doing all right for yourself
So that's where you've been!
Feel it. That's it. Very good.
This is an airtight plan
I'll even toss in a little extra for your patience.
It's my final offer. Take it or leave it.
I said, push!
No, you don't kill 'im yet.
Did we bring something green and wrinkly to make me happy?
I'm getting your money tonight! It's coming tonight!
Hey, I think there's hope for you yet.
Yeah, you're starting to think big.
It's creepy down here.
I drew a perfectly good map.
A child could read that map.
I didn't do it! I didn't do it! I was framed!
This is a tough neighborhood. You'd better go home.
I came to find my kitty.
You brought a piggy bank.
What kind of a person would steal a poor little kitty?
I'm so scared. I don't know what to do.
I found a little lost kitten.
No! No, wait! You can't do this!
Keep your mouth shut.
Stop! Stop! Time out!
There's gotta be some way in.
Peasants.
Well, it's nice to see that one of you has some manners.
After you, my little croissant
And remember, quiet.
Oh! I broke a nail.
Oh, balderdash.
Freeze!
I don't think you really appreciate the situation. Somebody could get hurt.
You smell that?
It's party time!
Where are those dogs?
I thought I'd never see you again.
What's the occasion? Come to rescue your little friend?
All right! What a woman!
Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it's off to work we go
This has all been very entertaining. But the party is over.
Hey, man, you're ugly!
Aah! Save me!
Hey, get off my back, woman! I'm driving!
All right, anybody want some cake?
Murder him! Twist his arm!
The gifts were great.
We'll start with a bath.
You know, you're not so bad for a bug-eyed little creep.
You come back here this minute!
Tell me why should I care
What a delightful scoundrel.
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hazbinextgeneration · 3 years
Text
Into The Casino Ch15
Well at least now things were starting to move along it seemed. The little naïve gal was FINALLY starting to make progress and he could actually enjoy himself while doing so. Oh she was still clumsy and tripped over her feet or misplaced a step here and there, but OH BOY! It was MUCH better than when they were first starting out and her being so tense all the time. All he had to do was put on a little swing and let her figure herself out a little ways in, not that he was complaining though. He enjoyed this just as much as anyone else and the happy smiles and laughing she was starting to give off was absolutely delightful! She was even starting to get a little better with his presence around her, she still jumped and acted suspicious of him, but the little progress was outstanding compared to months ago when she wouldn't let anyone so much as shake her hand. He was far from done believe me, but he had an idea as to what to do now. Not that his singing and dancing weren't amazing after all.~ They absolutely were astounding and she even said so herself, so why should he even worry about that bit? But he had to confess. It was nice having a dancing partner who actually knew of the dances they were doing, but don't think he was letting her dance swing, the waltzes were actually coming along much better now as well. He would have to commend Cyber for her idea later, she was no longer so reluctant to perform such dances with him...And that's one of the only thing's he was worried about. She had no problem dancing with HIM. Just him. Cyber reminded him that she might be different in a giant crowd of his peers, but he would deal with that when it came.
Right now they had to get ready. So imagine her surprise one day when she egarly got up for today's day of dancing lessons and instead found as soon as she opened the door, Cyber was waiting at the other side holding a box. Amafia blinked and only watched as she came in not even asking. The box was placed on the bed and she began to shift through it. Pulling out what looked like a kit of sorts, some kind of paint brushes, and lastly some kind of shimmering fabric of some sort. The sighed and went to rub her head before looking back to the confused looking unicorn just standing there staring before walking back over to her. She was surprised when Cyber closed the door and began pushing her towards the bathroom. "Go clean yourself up good. And hurry. Boss likes to show up early sometimes to show off." "Show up?" She twisted her neck to look over her shoulder at her before Cyber gave her a small shove into the bathroom. Grabbing the door. "Where are we going now?" She rolled her eyes. "That fancy party of course. And we're both already ready to go. Now hurry up and get groomed up I have to doll ya up before we leave, since last time you had trouble putting on plain eye shadow. Now get done will ya?" The bathroom door was closed shut behind her...and she stood there a moment just blinking at it in surprise. ..Before reluctantly turning with drooped ears to the room and sighed, this would be a long day wouldn't it? And a fancy party was the last thing she really wanted right now. All those eyes peering at her and..and like Lou suggested. He intended on having fun there as well, the sudden fear pooling in her stomach made her jump at the very thought of messing up in front of everyone and embarrassing them both. And it'd be all her fault! And what if something else worse happened from that?!...She shook her head. No, NO!! She wasn't about to fall down that rabbit hole again. Despite the wave of emotions, she sucked in a deep breath and let it out again. Not again. She told herself. She wouldn't let herself go down that path again. Once was too much of enough anyways. So the world of warm water and soap was visited for her, still with the rock in her stomach and the lump in her throat. Cyber also seemed to be lazersharp with her senses and was waiting right outside the door as soon as the door opened again and she was again dragged out and forced to sit down on the bed at she went to work. Something looking similar to a gun but sounded like a vacuum was aimed at her face before hot air was blasted into her face and she flinched back when Cyber went around her body and began shifting her hair around with a hum. Brow raised....The thing was turned off and she yelped again when a brush was yanked through her head. Cyber wasn't kidding when she said they were in a hurry and ignored her small yelps and whimpers at her hurrying through her mane of hair, seriously. Why did women insist on having this? She never understood the thought of it, long hair would just get in the way of battling for your life anyways. But that still didn't stop her from just putting it into a neat fluffed up ponytail, Lou said to make her look nice. Not extremely fancy, so this would do. Amalfia hiss and lightly reached up to poke at the handywork done before she yelped as she was pushed up from the sitting position from the bed and a blue-green blur of fabric was yanked over her head, she gave a muffled whine of surprise before it was yanked all the way down and Cyber set to work straightening it onto her. Before these strange shiny...wing like pieces were retrieved from the box as well. "Hold your arms out." ...She didn't question her at this point and just did as she was asked. Watching as the things were slipped onto her and secured onto her by the smaller female. They resembled butterfly wings with peacock markings. Shimmering blues and greens with the patterns. ..Until something was shoved onto her face and she blinked back through eyeholes through the shimmering mask Cyber was securing into her. it felt as light as the wings accessories added to her and blinked down to Cyber who took a few steps back and looked her over. "...There. God enough." She still didn't have time to get her bearings when Cyber grabbed her hand and pulled her out the door and into the hallway. Trying not to trip over the long train of the dress as she was pulled along and around the corner..Where a certain plant demon was waiting for them both. He was wearing that black cloak again, giving him the look of a true high class villain and he was currently humming and staring at himself in a giant hallway mirror in front of him. Straightening his tie and looking at himself before those red eyes blinked to the incoming two figured behind him and smiled, twirling around just at the flashes of shiny blues and greens stopped in front of him. His smile widening. "Ah! Look at you.~" His eyes glazed over her. Totally worth the souls he paid. "My, my. Now don't you look absolutely delightful.~" She blinked and looked to the mirror in front of them...and froze at what was gazing back at her. He chuckled when her hands slowly came up and touched her face delicately. Cyber did a fantastic rush job in just a short time. "Not that I expected anything less from you two of course. Shall we be going?" She paused. "W-Wait!" She looked back to him. "S-S-So soon? Now? B-B-But that seems so early for you. What about here?" "Disease and Midnight are in charge. I trust them to watch my casino for one day and night. That's how long this whole thing lasts you know, a whole day and night.~" He grabbed her arm and lightly tugged her along as he walked along. "And if anything does go horribly wrong, then we'll leave immediately. Im not stupid to leave them in charge if I didn't trust their abilities now would I?" "N-No. I guess not..b-but why so soon?" His smile curled at the ends. "Simple. The sooner we arrive the better the chances of scoping out the ...competitors we can do. I always enjoy 'friendly' competition, and Im never late to an event such as this. That would be too unexpected of me.~" She rose a brow at what he ment, and turned to Cyber, but the metal guard just straightened herself in the mirror for one quick second before obediently following behind them. Making sure NOT to step on the dress's trail behind her. The pit in her stomach formed the more she thought of all those people around her staring and not knowing what they were capable of, but she hid it relatively enough as he lead her out to the fancy limo, which he was quite eager to have her sit into minding the pieces of her dress and ducked in after her. As the engine started up she had to wonder where exactly they would be going exactly. Her scalp still lightly hurt from Cyber's quick one hour dress up game and she was tempted to rub her head, but she didn't need the guilt of having her hard work ruined on top of the build up of bad feelings already pooling in her stomach. So to pass the time, she looked out the window and watched the famous casino fade away into obliviation as the car sped up...funny, she didn't think the car could go this fast before. The run down buildings of the poor saps and other small businesses around them slowly turned into bigger ones. Much, MUCH bigger ones. She had to bend down to look at them, yup! Definitely skyscrapers along with a lot of other strange looking buildings. Most were in weird shapes and sizes but most definitely BIG. Fancy giant signs were plastored onto each and every one of them, neon signs glowing and strange puns and words were etched into them. 'Dante's Inferno: We heat your hundredth enemy for free!' 'Cat's Eye Children's Center' 'Hell-of-a Good Time'.....By the neon lady she could figure out it must've been a place similar to Rita's and she gave a small cringe at that. But there was one place that caught her eye after a good long while, she blinked and squinted her eyes at it. There was a tower a little bigger than the others, looked pretty shiny too, but what attracted her eyes to it was the spotlights shining around from it and the overall high class vibe it gave off. And she couldn't help but be amazed by the sheer thing. Lou seemed to notice her interested look and craned his neck over to peer at what she could possibly be marveling at...and he chuckled. She jumped and looked at him, not even hearing him come next to her, and he shook his head. "Typical Cyrus. Always one for the dramatics. I wonder what he could possibly have in store for THIS year." "This year?" Her eyes blinked confused at him and he chuckled. "My associate likes to invite all the big names in the second circle to his little shindigs to keep an eye on what new ideas they have and what young blood thinks can easily outthrow some of the more powerful ones. Smart move dequised as a simple high society party, but I do enjoy 'catching up' on what's going on through the grape vine.~ Can't have anyone trying anything around MY area now can we?" "Does that mean that you're..." His head slowly turned to her. "Y-You're one of t-the big cheeses around this neighborhood?" His smile got even more wider. "My dear.~ You are looking at the person who is currently the thriteenth most dangerous man in the second circle of hell." There was DEFINATELY a glint in his eyes and a growl in his tone as he spoke. "But perhaps...someday that will change." She shivered under his look and Cyber had to nudge him to get him to cut it out. "But for now I would much rather have a pleasant evening with you.~" She wasn't sure how to take that, so instead of answering she looked back out the window and watched as the building came closer and closer and just as she suspected, it actually was spotlights shining all around. All around a giant metal fence higher than any she's seen, and right behind him was an honest to goodness almost typical looking backyward. If the backyard belonged to a millionaire. A giant pool shimmered in the lights and bounced off the other expensive looking outside furniture the more the limo passed and she only stopped looking when they suddenly stopped and Lou gently but firmly grabbed her hand as the limo door popped open and he got out dragging her behind him. Cyber following close after. To say she was surprised was an understatement. She was completely caught off guard at the amount of class this building had right in front of her. Because from the moment they got out a red carpet was the first thing they stepped on and Lou didn't even give her a chance to take it in as he pulled her along similar like a mother would their child. But that still didn't stop her gawking at the impressive structure as they walked up towards it. Just like the resturaunt and Rita's club, there was a pair of bodyguards but these demons..OH! These demons looked like they could wrestle a whale and still not break a sweat, they were that big and that muscular compared to herself who was just a twig in comparison. But Lou didn't even look fazed when he reached into his coat pocket and simply presented the pink purple paper he had first showed her advertising the place to him to them. The bigger one of the two took a couple seconds to look it over before he grunted and shifted to open the door for them to enter. SHE. WOULD. HAVE. Stopped dead in her tracks if Lou still wasn't leading her around and her jaw dropped at what her eye beheld on the inside once they made it in. Oh. My. Goodness. IT. WAS. BEAUTIFUL!! You know that grand ball room every little girl dreamed about when they pretended to be a princess? Well how about the paintings of those anceint fairytale ballrooms with cinderella or some other ancient kingdom? Well this was like that. But much MUCH more better. The whole place was alive with golden lights that shined with the BIGGEST crystal chendeleir she's EVER SEEN!! It sparkled against the pure white ceilings and walls and speaking of walls. Giant stained glass windows shimmered with each window showing a different scene or picture. A woman dancing. A giant rose. A man riding into battle on horseback. They were all beautiful in their own way. But as he lead her down the massive marble staircase she instantly took notice of the other voices around them and looked down. Instantly taking notice of the maybe..Fifty or so other demons that were already inhabiting the ball room and it's magnificent floor. She blinked. She'd never seen so many fancy suits or dresses in her life as she instinctively squeezed herself a bit more tighter to Lou's side as the demon rose a brow and gave a slow look around the room. It didn't look like anyone new had joined the fray, good. He didn't have to watch out for any new blood trying their tricks...yet. But there was always threats no matter with or without new overlords making themselves present. And with his and Cyber's combined senses on high alert, he should be fine from any threats for tonight. But Amalfia could sure feel a bunch of eyes on them now as some of the demons looked over in their direction, but some turned away as soon as they saw them. Most of them were a bigger than her and she could barely see past the flurry of sparkling dresses and jewelry. From the very corner of the room there was a band with lots of different demons in tuxes dressed up and playing as one man waving around a small pointed stick stood on a step above the band. He muct've been the conductor for the band. They were playing a rather lovely victorian style-like waltz. Mostly with violins and flutes for now, very calming. And past all the people was the longest table she'd ever seen. And just now she noticed the smell of food pounding her nose. Her eyes glanced over all the sparkling glassware and plates holding MOUNTAINS of food of all kinds and sizes. A giant roast pig, chocolate fountain, rows and rows of fruits and deserts near it. Her mouth just watered at the meer sight of the glorious amount of food she hadn't seen since....NEVER!! Lou could see where her eyes went and he chuckled again. "Ah! So Mr. Early bird is late for once." Lou calmly turned his head with a raised brow to a random demon that was maybe ....THREE?! feet taller than him and covered in gold jewelry among his feathered body. Amalfia froze and Lou could feel her grip tighten around his arm at the much taller demon as she flinched. A lovely lady on either side of the tall bird demon as he rose a brow to her ..then to him. "Picked up another, eh?" She blinked up to him and Lou chuckled before waving him off. "Oh, well things can have a small bump in progress. And it does seem Im still fairly early compared to a lot of others." The taller demon hummed and shook himself out. The gold jewelry glittering among his features as he turned with the two ladies hanging off him. "None the less. I wonder if there'll be anymore surprises in store for tonight." The plant demon merely chuckled as the man walked off and Amalfia shivered at the weird glint he held. "W-Who was that?" "THAT was Cyrus." He calmly stated when he pulled her away. "Great grand nephew of one of the princes of hell and fifth most powerful being in the second circle." She blinked after him before turning to Lou. "He seems like a very flashy character." He laughed and smirked at her. "My dear. He works for his Uncle and he's VERY good at what he does. He's not afraid to show his wealth, it's one of the ways to show your power down here and can ward off comepitors and rivals weaker than you." "So..Does that mean all these demons are o-overlords and r-r-royalty?" She gave another look at the many demons around them and more were still coming in through the doors. If they were really as power hungry and strong as Lou makes them to be...she visically gulped and her ears went back. Cyber rose a brow at her reaction and shot up a look at Lou as if telling him to do something. Cyber was on edge for any blast that could possibly kill him or her. And a blast from a terrified unicorn was the last thing they wanted here, they were trying to keep a low profile after all. So Lou waved his hand around them calmly and stated. "No. No one here is true royalty not even Cyrus. And while overlords such as myself are usually here, I suspect most of these people are as simple the band at play or the cheifs that cooked his food. Most people to attend these things are just weathy business owners, you don't have to be strong persay to be weathy and have power and influence. I just happen to be a mix of the two." His eyes glanced over herself and it took her a moment to realize he was glancing at her dress. "Why do you think I asked for such a design to your dress? Not only does it look beautiful on you, if we happen to run into a certain little birdy, it'll send her into a tizzy hopefully.~ Less business for someone who throws a tantrum.~'' ........She blinked. And rose a brow. "Are you saying that...You asked them to make this dress to make fun of Rita and get her to argue with you to lose business?" "That's the point! And I don't see why you would complain. You did say you didn't like her place, and this isn't like on the surface. Down here you have to use your head. Even with clothes." She blinked and looked back around her. Well...She guessed that made sense. These were demons after all, you kinda expect fair and square to be a foreign concept down here, so it would make total sense for someone to do that and it was one way to do so without physically putting anyone in danger. In a way, it was kind of him...Rita? A feeling of guilt suddenly bubbled up in her as Charles full history lesson smacked her brain into overdrive as the memories of what he said came flying back to her. But....the guilty feeling wasn't about BEING with Lou. The guilty feeling was about about NOT TELLING Lou if that made any sense. Sure she didn't really lie to him about anything, and it certainly wasn't anyone's fault. Disease didn't know and telling him might get the snake in trouble, and even though she kinda getting tired of the guy peeking around corners at her, she didn't want him to get in trouble. And what would poor Midnight think? Sure she was always grumpy, but she really did care about Disease. In their few encounters when Disease just hugged the small which and said nothing but good things about her, there would be a red over her face or maybe once and a while a very, very small smile. She couldn't really explain it, but she had a feeling Midnight actually liked Disease's flirty words and sweet hugs for someone being so grumpy. And she definately didn't want any bad blood between the two for something she did....But not telling Lou for some reason just felt ...wrong..Really, REALLY wrong. Like telling him what she knew was eating at her. Maybe it was because Lou and Charles were enemies in life and now work rivals, but it still felt so wrong. Her stomach rumbled out and she gave an embarrassed jump at it and looked to the table, giving a hungry look towards the mountains of food avalible. She was rushed out so fast she hadn't had anything to eat for breakfast. And just now she noticed how hungry she was. Lou chuckled at the obvious look she was giving and stopped walking. "Would you like to stop and get something to eat?" She turned up a hopeful look to him and nodded and he turned their direction towards the table. "Well then. Perhaps you could stay there while I find a certain someone I've been 'dying' to do business with." Cyber blinked and almost mirrored the same surprised look the pony did at his offer. But neither said anything until they got to the table and he unfurled his arm around her, with a grin as her eyes instantly hit the small fancy desert cup and gave another look to him. "...Well. You don't need my permission to eat. Have at it!" Her eyes lit up and she excitedly but slowly took the fancy looking cake in a cup with cream and strawberries and began eating it. A plesent smile rising to her lips as she did so- He was interrupted when Cyber pulled on his side and he leaned down. "Yes, Cyber. Did you want something?" "Leaving her alone? Here? Have you gambled the last brain cell away?," she whisper hissed at him. He just calmly smiled. "Cyber. If everyone just sees me cling to her the entire night, they'll definately think Im trying to hide something and by treating her as I would normally treat any 'dates' I bring sometimes, it would be less suspicious. And it's not as if anyone would pay much attention to a small weakling like her...well weak for the moment. This party is about showing off and trying to mooch off the most greedy looking lowlives here. She is neither giving off rich or powerful auras." His smile became wider. "Besides. Nothing is going to happen if you watch her. Will you?" Cyber still looked like she wanted to protest but ultimately sighed and just nodded and Lou patted her shoulder. "See? You're worrying too much." "And I think you're worrying maybe just too little-" "Is everything alright?" He turned back up and smiled at the lady. "Of course. Everything is going to alright. But I must ask something of you, and I ask that you follow the intructions I'm about to give you." Her confusion and worry grew just a little bit more. "W-What is it?" "I have some business scouting to do for a moment or two. So I need you to stay right here and wait for me right here until I come back." one look told him she DID NOT like this idea anymore than Cyber and she opened her mouth to argue but he held up a hand, "Now, I know it sounds like a stupid idea, but you have trusted me more than one would usually do and it's only fair I would ask to cash in that same trust for myself. Wouldn't it?" She opened her mouth again...but closed it with a sigh and simply nodded. Well, he had a point. She asked him for a few things and she supposed standing and waiting in one place wasn't the worst thing to ask of her. He smiled wider. "Good girl. Now Cyber will make an appearance every so often to check up on you so you have nothing to worry about, and if someone does approach you, just act as uninteresting as possible. That usually drives them off. If not, just wave Cyber down. I promise I will be back shortly! Just trust me with this one thing." He turned on his heel and without so much as another word, walked off towards the large crowd. Cyber and her exchanged a quick unimpressed look before she sighed and began following off after said plant demon who easily disappeared off into the sea of demons wearing sparly dresses and tuxedos, not even that tall top hat being seen. And she was left all alone. With nothing but the desert cup in her hands as company for herelf. But as promised she didn't dare move from the spot and instead looked around at the demons for a couple minutes..and coughed. The smell of smoke and perfume wasn't as bad as the state at Rita's, but she still didn't like the smell of smoke or too much perfume sprayed on, so not wanting to look rude and upset anyone she just looked down and ate on the sidelines for the next few minutes, trying to look as boring and uninteresting as possible. One thing she learnt from her time down there, if you don't make eye contact and keep to yourself, you're more likely to be left alone. And it worked no one approuched her or got close except to walk around her to get to the table and she would happily silently move out of the way for the demon, but once or twice had to stop herself from snorting from any cigar or perfume shoved into her nostrils. But over all it was nice. But she couldn't help but flinch at anyone getting too close. Once and a while she'd thought she'd see a glimpse of Cyber peeking out somewhere but she couldn't be too sure, after all it seemed the talking got louder as did the music. They were playing a new melody now. Still sounded like a waltz but more intruments were added like some drums, trumpets, and she was sure there was at least one tuba but the band was blocked from veiw because all of these demons. All the different smells and sights and sounds were starting to become rather dizzy to her if she did say so herself. She also began to lose track of time. How long had it been since she last saw the two? Maybe an hour or two at most now and her nerves were certainly NOT helping in this situation. And not only that, but being alone with your thoughts had a habit of always making you remember certain things. Like that guilty feeling of still not telling Lou anything about her and Charles encounter. She had pondering it for a long time now and came to the conclusion that it would not go away until she said whatever was on her mind, and so it was decided. As soon as she saw him she'd tell him. Tell him, and ask as a 'courting favor' to her to not be so hard on Disease. It might not be the brightest thing but what was the alternitive? Letting the feeling in her gut continue to bother her? She learnt it was always better to keep your mouth shut bout these certain thing but...It was hard to explain, but she had a feeling that everything would be ok. So she just stood there patiently waiting but she did pause when she finally caught sight of a certain plant demon a little ways from her. He was talking with someone and laughed at something he said. Well, she knew she promised to stay but- Like with Disease, she gave a guilty look around but didn't see Cyber anywhere or looking at her...So. She left her spot. And started walking towards him. But a crowd of demons just HAD to move in front of her at that same time and she lost him again in the crowd. Whelp! No turning back now. So pushing into the crowd she went. The music of the giant ballroom gently flowed throughout and between the beautiful decorations wrapped around the walls. The way the candles lit up the surroundings and made the shadows beautifully dance against the walls. The way the smell of delicious food and flowers wafted through the air. The beautiful music mixing with the laughter and talking of the guests around the whole place. It was almost like a dream. Everyone having a great time behind their masked faces, no one telling who they were or maybe that was all part of the game. The fun of not knowing who you were speaking too and being able to be your own person tonight. But maybe she wasn't meant to join the fun and laughter that everyone else seemed to be having. Being maskless and alone wondering the ball was the lonely fate of the girl in the flowing white dress. Blindly walking and circles, moving around. The sounds, the smells, the atmosphere. It was starting to make her dizzy. Everyway she'd turn she would catch a glimpse of a man with red eyes. Very familiar red eyes. Her dizzied mind knew not to be afraid or excited about the way it gazed and pierced her soul. The way he looked at her with those beautiful blood red eyes. Promising only trouble ahead. Well maybe she was looking for trouble, her head was kept on a swivel, always looking around herself in the see of masked laughter. Sometimes she'd catch a glimpse of red or maybe it was just her clouded emotional mind. At this point she didn't know if she was searching for him or trying to ensure she was far from him. But however she put it, the circles and laughter was starting to get dizzier and dizzier. She barely noticed when someone tall and with a smile, bowed to her. Grabbed her hand. And lead her to dance. Maybe it was because she was temporarily blinded by the smile upon his face, or the swirls of the graceful dance they spun. But there was no mistaking those red eyes. Perhaps she was crazy. Perhaps her dizzy mind was clouding any judgement. Maybe she was under some kind of spell from those red eyes. But when those fangs smiled at her- She smiled back.
His brow rose as his body brought her's to a matching slow dance with other blurs around them. "I thought I asked you to stay put. I would've came to get you you know."
"I w-w-was looking for you actually." She wasn't even paying attention to the dance he had pulled her into. Almost perfectly going along with the slow beat.
He chuckled. "Oh really? Were you that desperate to be in my arms, or was someone bothering you?"
Her eyes glanced down for a moment. "N-No..Not someone. Something actually. I g-gotta confession to make."
She gave a small surprised gasp when he suddenly spun her before quickly pulling her back into that same slow circling motion so they could still speak while speaking. "Now what could that be I wonder. Would you mind sharing?"
She hesitated for a moment, staring down again before closing her eyes and taking a slow inhale. Releasing it back out before looking back up to Lou. "I-...I t-talked to Charles when I visited Rita's club."
They stopped. Literally stopped in place as soon as the sentence left her mouth. She stared down frozen at her for the longest time before he chuckled and asked, "Beg pardon?"
She took in another breath. "I talked to Charles about you. H-He-..He told me everything between you two..." Her ears went back. "I-I know you killed him."
"......Do you know?" His mind was already racing with ideas and possibilities from this new outcome. Certainly a lot of bad ones so he'd have to quickly recover and cover his tracks now. What would be the most sappy thing to make her feel guilty and not belei-
"But I don't beleive him." Again his brain's train of thought stopped and he blinked in surprise at her as she finally dared to give a smile back to him. "Well..Not about the killing him part. I do beleive you did THAT. B-B-But about all the other stuff about how you're nothing but a terrible person who only thinks about himself. I don't beleive he was right about that part of you, not fully at least."
.....He blinked. "And...how did you come to that conclusion?"
Her ears perked back up. "By the way you treat Cyber and the others. You put a lot of trust in them and care about what they have to say, that shows you care about them in some way or another. And you treat me as an equal person instead of some object just sitting there to look pretty, which is a glow up from the schmucks that I'm used to being around." He still didn't answer and instead a surprised look came over him. "I trust you. And you're....f-f-fun to be around. And you're polite, and treat me with kindness. ..I-I don't know what you saw in me to take an interest, but Im happy you were so kind enough to give me such a chance...You're MUCH better than Charles paints you as."
He stood there for a moment as the other demons still danced around them. Cyber was giving him a raised brow confused glance from the sidelines, wondering if maybe something had gone wrong- But he quickly cleared his throat and looked off to the side for a moment. A strange fuzzy feeling in his chest. " I-...Well that's very, very kind of you to say so. ...To be honest not a lot of people I've met has said that to me-..." Those red eyes gazed over her in a strange way. "...And if I may return your kindness, you're not as bad a person yourself. In fact, I would say your skills as my newest employee have been improving greatly!!"
Her purple eyes sparkled at the compliment. "R-Really?"
He cleared his throat. "Of course! I wouldn't lie about progress. Now shall we continue? I would like to enjoy myself before I return back to business. I almost sealed the deal with something I think would make a wonderful addition for my business,..and I would appreciate it if you stay with Cyber this time."
"I will. I promise....Hey, Lou?" He hummed. "Thank you."
"For what exactly?"
"For everything."
His 'your welcome' was a smile and leading her back into what would not be the last dance for them that night, and Cyber rose a brow further from the sidelines. Humming to herself and rubbing her chin. Thing's might get a bit more interesting.
All characters except Amalfia belongs to @palettepainter
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March Ado About Nothing
Series Summary - A series of one-shots and  drabbles written based off of prompts posted in the TSS Fanworks Collective server. The goal is to take traditional whump prompts and fill them in the least-angsty way possible every day through March.
A note that though some of these fills are written bait and switch style (written in a way you think is going in one direction but reveals it to be the opposite towards the end) they are all written in a fluffy or silly style with very little, if any at all, actual angst.
Day 7: To Make the Broken New
Summary: After much begging from Roman and Virgil, Logan and Patton decide to make fixing up the old treehouse they find one day into a summer project.
Prompts: Burned, *Broken Down*, Blackmail            
Ships: Dad Patton to kid Virgil. Dad Logan to kid Roman. Platonic Logan & Patton. Platonic Roman & Virgil.
Warnings: none. Let me know if there are more!
General taglist (ask to be added or removed): @/janus-is-an-adorable-snek-boi  @/im-an-anxious-wreck  (in an effort to not flood your inboxes I’m only tagging in the first part ^-^)
WC: 881
“You sure you got that kiddo?”
“Mhm.” Virgil stuck out his tongue in concentration as he hugged the paint can tighter to his chest and carefully walked around bumps in the lawn and fallen sticks that might trip him up. They could just hear hammering the distance and Patton readjusted the two cans he was carrying so the metal handles didn’t dig too much into his skin. They still had a little ways to go before they made it to the long forgotten treehouse that sat broken down and lonely about a quarter mile into the woods behind him and his neighbors backyard. They were quite friendly with each other and loved talking their kids out to play and explore, using wildlife as mini lessons that all of them could enjoy. One of these outings had them stumbling on the wreck as they had been following a shallow creek to see where it ended up- or in Virgil and Roman’s case to see how many frogs they could catch before they got back home. After much pleading from the boys and a quick visit to the people in the area to see if anyone actually owned the thing, he and Logan finally relented and began saving up little by little to fix up the old house to make it a safe new spot to play in.
Logan and Roman should be just about done fixing the new ladder boards to the tree by the time Patton and Virgil would get there with the paint- a striking red and purple the boys had picked out themselves to color and waterproof the outside. Logan wasn’t sure how well the colors would actually work together and the house would surely stick out like a sore thumb amidst the blooming green wildlife around it but as long as it made the boys happy they both agreed it was probably fine. He smiled down at Virgil as the stubborn six year old stomped confidently with the paint can still held firm in his arms. He was glad moving here had turned out so well for Virgil. He didn’t struggle to make friends at his old home he was just never interested in it- something that Patton had struggled to let go of his worry for since he seemed perfectly content and happy on his own. But once they had moved here and he had met Roman he had come out of his shell completely as they hit it off right away, and Roman’s father Logan being fine company himself made moving to a completely different state that much easier for both of them.
“Be careful!” Virgil had started walking a bit faster as the house came into view. Roman was searching diligently for any stray nails at the base of the tree while Logan was putting his tools away and grabbing out the painting supplies from the box he had carried up earlier that morning. Patton truly didn’t know how to thank the other man enough for everything he did with and for them- from helping them move in and accepting Patton’s admittedly awkward attempts to pay him back with dinner and breakfasts to offering to let Patton and Virgil join him and Roman when they went on their adventures as the latter dubbed them.
“Roman! Dad got paint!” Virgil stumble ran the rest of the way, stopping just before the tree and crouching down to carefully set the paint can down next to the twisted roots. Clapping his hands excitedly Roman grabbed up a couple of paint brushes and bradished them like duel swords, casting a glance at Logan to make sure it was okay before striking a princely stance in front of his friend.
“We’re gonna have the best house on the block and everybodies gonna be so jealous we’ll have to find a dragon to guard us from burgers!”
“Patton snorted as Logan turned around and handed Roman a paint tin before reaching to open the can. “Burglars, Roman. You eat burgers.”
“I don’t eat people!” Roan squealed in distaste, making Logan shut his eyes for a moment before shaking his head as his son quickly jumped to a different topic, energetically talking Virgil’s ear off to the delight of the quieter child.
Patton crouched next to Logan and started separating the pans to pour the paint into, smiling at his tired but amused expression. “Thank you again for doing this, you know they’ll have a blast every time we come up here. We could even try and plant some flowers; I think Roman especially would enjoy that.”
Logan nodded. “It’s been nice for both of us to have the company. I appreciate just as much.”
Patton amiled wider and nudged his shoulder gently against Logan’s, earning an eye roll and a small nudge back as the paint was poured and a warning to be careful given to the boys before they got paint all over themselves within the first five minutes. Neither of them had expected anything less, exchanging signature parent looks with each other and simply shaking their heads. They were smiling and laughing and scaring away any animal within a ten mile radius, and neither of them could ask for anything better at the height of their first summer together.
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kirishwima · 4 years
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Sorry I sent you the same ask earlier but I'd rather it be anon! How about RFA + Saeran headcanons with a professional dancer MC? Like dancing that's a bit more "close" like tango. How do they feel about her career and do they ever get jealous? Or do they just see it as her job? How do they feel about her dancing partner? (Assuming her dance partner is just a really cool standup guy who respects his partner's relationship)
so, quick funny story: i signed up for a dance class last semester as an EC, thinking it’d be fun workout dances like zumba...turns out no,  me and my other 3 friends signed up for a classical dance class where each girl had signed up with her boyfriend, so people just assumed we were 2 lesbian couples for the whole semester lmaoanyway that’s just to say-i got u covered with this headcanon lmao
YOOSUNG:
* When MC told him about their profession he was really excited! He immediatly went to youtube to watch some of MC’s competition videos, ready to whole-heartedly support her work
* Even though MC told him she focused more on latin and classical dances, and that she had a dance partner, Yoosung didn’t really put two and two together until he clicked on a video of her performing a waltz with her dance partner
* Seeing her so close to him, his leg nearly slipping between her thighs as he held her close by the waist and whirled her around the stage...Yoosung couldn’t help the jealousy churning in his gut, but more than that, he couldn’t help but compare himself to MC’s dance partner-imagining how different it’d be if he were the one dancing with her, his guilty jealousy mixing with his insecurities into a sticky concoction that made his chest heavy.
* He wouldn’t upright tell MC he was angry or jealous-but MC’s no fool. If she came home to Yoosung giving her the cold shoulder, she’d understand where that’s coming from and sit down with him to talk.
* Honestly, all Yoosung needs to hear is that she and her dance partner are simply good friends and colleagues, and that she’s in love with Yoosung, no one else.
* Having Yoosung meet her dance partner would also help-and whilst Yoosung’s jealousy may never fully go away, it’ll mellow out, and he’ll simply be glad to see MC enjoying her work, and you can be dang sure he’ll be there for her 100%, supporting her in each competition and recital.
ZEN:
* Whilst he’s a very, VERY jealous guy, he’s also a professional, so he’s actually quite calm when MC explains her profession and how she has a dance partner.
* Zen would insist on meeting this guy, wanting to be certain he has no ulterior motives dancing with MC-he’d never be rude to the guy, but he’d be a little stiff at first.
* Once he understands that he’s a standup guy that simply views MC as a friend and colleague, Zen will be more than satisfied. After all it’d be ironic for him to make a fuss when MC never fusses over him having romantic scenes with other actors, now wouldn’t it?
* He’s very supportive, and actually helps MC practice some dance moves whilst at home!
* He doesn’t really know much about classical dances, but he’s had some lessons before so he knows the basics at least, and if it comes to alternative dances or latin ones, he’s definitely good at them
* Besides...he’ll never pass up on an opprotunity to hold MC close to him, sliding his hands onto her hips as they sway together along to the music *wink wonk* 
* Just a supportive boyfriend really, plus, he’d totally gush about his fantastic dancer girlfriend on his social media lol~
JAEHEE:
* She’s honestly probably the only one to not be jealous...at all
* She finds MC’s profession wonderful, and is super supportive-as much as she is with Zen’s carreer!! Will never miss a competition or show if she can help it, and will even help MC practice at home as much as she can-even though when MC gets super close to her to practice some moves she’ll get really flustered about it lol
* The only thing that might bother her is that MC seems so graceful thanks to her years of dance training, that Jaehee wonders if MC feels that she’s too ungraceful. When she brings that up to MC though and MC furiously denies it, saying she loves Jaehee as she is and that she’s wonderful, then even that worry completely disissipates, and all that’s left is genuine excitement and support.
* She does want to meet MC’s dance partner eventually, if only to also congratulate him on their successful career; and if she finds out he’s a nice and kind guy she’ll be happy he’s MC’s friends (and hopefully hers too!)
* Honestly though...just imagine a lazy afternoon with Jaehee, the sun’s lower in the sky but still peeking through the curtains, illumianting dust particles in the air, Jaehee’s brewing coffee as MC chooses a dance track to play on her phone connected to a speaker, and as the music starts she sneakily comes up behind Jaehee, wrapping her hands around Jaehee’s waist, swaying them both to the beat. Jaehee laughs, her cheeks red as she turns around to kiss the corner of MC’s lips, when MC finds the opprotunity to take Jaehee by the waist and swirl her around, dancing with her in the living room, only instead of proper dance steps they just sway each other around, giggling every time they step over one another.
* im sORRY im a useless bisexual that dreams of having a girlfriend to do this with ok, let me live T-T
JUMIN:
* He’s actually a very posessive guy, and has been fully trained in classical dances, so when MC tells him about her profession and her dance partner, he sits there with his arms crossed over his chest, a frown on his lips.
* “And this dance partner of yours...how did you meet him? How long do you know each other? Is he in a romantic relationship? Has he ever expressed interest in you that goes beyond friendship?”
* It’ll take a while for MC to calm him down and will require yet another discussion about boundaries and posessiveness-while it can be cute to be jealous sometimes, obsessing over the other person isn’t, and Jumin never wants MC to feel that he’s pressuring her or being over-protective; so he’ll apologize, but ask to meet this dance partner, if only to ease his worries.
* Turns out the guy is not only a really respectful dude, but he also has no romantic interest in MC, and clearly says so to Jumin-mainly bc the poor guy’s terrified of the cold stare Jumin pins him with lmao
* Other than that, Jumin is fully supportive, and will never miss a show MC puts up for anything in the world-though sometimes he’ll bring Elizabeth the 3d with him so she too can experience the grace of dance lol
* He’ll oftentimes ask MC to dance with him, be it in buisness parties or simply during lazy mornings at home, happy for any excuse that lets him hold MC this close to him. 
* He’s actually an amazing dance partner, and MC will ask him to help her practice new steps from time to time when he’s at home
SEVEN/SAEYOUNG/LUCIEL:
* Of course he already knew about her profession since he did a background check and all, and he knew about her dance partner too-he even did a background check on him, back when he was trying to figure out who the hacker is, in case he might be the guy they’re looking for.
* He finds MC to be so, so graceful, and seiing her dance up close is a blessing; he really thinks she looks weightless in those moments, even more beautiful than usual as she seems to genially enjoy her time dancing
* He’s not of much help, but he loves grabbing MC and twirling her around when music plays, and even with no music playing, he’ll hum a tune himself, relishing in MC’s giggles as he holds her close to him
* They’re that adorable silly couple that dances around in their pyjamas whilst making breakfast, ending the little dance session with a kiss and the sound of laughter echoing across the house. 
* He can’t always make it to MC’s shows due to his job, but he’ll hack into the cameras of the theatre later on to make a DVD out of her preformance to watch at home later on-sometimes MC will join him in watching so she can take note of things she’d like to change or improve.
* When it comes to jelaousy, it’s true that Saeyoung does feel a pang of it when he sees the chemistry she and her dance partner have when they dance; but it’s not hard to notice when Saeyoung feels this way, and a kiss to his cheek followed by an ‘I love you’ can melt the negative feeling straight off of his body.
V/JIHYUN:
* He too finds MC being a dancer amazing, and is absoloutely supportive-he honestly not once even felt a tange of jealousy at her closeness to her dance partner, he was simply and whole-heartedly supportive and excited for her carreer. 
* He’d shyly ask if he could observe some of her practices to draw some sketches-it’s the best chance to study things like the line of action, and how a motion sketch can then be transferred into a full proper painting.
* Even though he’s pretty much given up on photography and switched to painting instead, he’d love to sneak some photographs of MC when she’s practicing her steps around the house; if MC notices him and asks him to join her in dancing he’ll turn bright red, insisting he can’t possibly match her, a professional dancer, when it came to dancing
* And yet he’d be yet again underestimating himself; he’s had dance lessons ever since he was a kid up until his late teens, so sure, he’s not a professional or anything, but he’s no novice either, and with some effort he can absoloutely keep up with MC
* This leads to frequent impromptu dance sessions around the house-Jihyun hates silence so there’s always music playing across the house, and MC will never waste an opprotunity to take a hold of Jihyun’s hands, prodding him to move forward and dance with her; she’ll have to guide his hands to her hips as he’d be too shy to do it himself at first, but once she gets him into it he’ll let himself relax, holding her close as they move to the beat, smiling as he leans his head to the crook of her neck.
* Just picture this: It’s early morning, Jihyun’s wearing his hair in a low ponytail as he’s setting down cups of coffee on the kitchen table, when a song MC loves comes up on the radio. He turns to her with a sheepish smile, knowing exactly what she’ll do-still in their pyjamas, MC runs around the table to Jihyun with an excited grin, grabbing his wrists as he lets her take the lead, letting her pace their first steps before he gets the hang of it and starts leading the dance instead; his movements are smooth and effortless, and he even dips MC down at the end, his hand on the small of her back, his one leg between her thighs as he supports her weight with one hand. He’ll smile, big and toothy and so unlike the usual poised Jihyun, giving MC a quick kiss before laughing and getting back up to give her her mug of coffee, taking a long sip from his to hide his blush in the bitter flavor.
* I have Big V Feels I’m Sorry :’)
SAERAN/RAY/UNKNOWN:
* He too knew all about MC and her profession from his background check before he brought her to Mint Eye; he didn’t think much of her dance partner at first, but as he started to develop feelings for her this jealousy grew and grew in him.
* While at Mint Eye he’d constantly ask MC questions about her dance partner, if they were close, if she liked him e.t.c.
* But everytime MC told him she likes Ray/Saeran, the jealousy would melt away, replaced by a deep infatuation instead
* After the whole Mint Eye ordeal and during his recovery, he’d love to watch videos of MC’s past competitions, and would never miss the chance to watch her dance up close; he’d never ask himself, but if she invited him to come to any of her practices he’d be more than thrilled, quietly observing her movements with an excited interest.
* It’d take a LOT of courage from him, but he’d eventually come up to MC, his cheeks red as he looked down and away from her. “I um-I’ve never-I never learnt to dance. And seeing you look so graceful I-”
* “Of course I’ll teach you Saeran!” she’d giddily agree before he could continue, and he’d be so shocked but happy-he genially wants to learn!
* She’d teach him some of the basics at first, but then during off season she’d bring him with her to practices so that her dance partner can teach her some things too since the steps are different for men and women in classical dances.
* He’d furiously blush everytime he danced with MC, biting his lip when she’d tell him to move closer to her.
* “Saeran you chest has to be as close to mine as possible-no, closer than this. Closer!” she instructed as she held his hands in hers, her chest flush to his as he slowly backed away embarassed.
* As he got bolder though....
* “Saeran, come closer than this.” 
* Well MC, if you insist...he took a hold of her hands, tugging her forward to him-before she could tumble over he slid a leg between hers, letting her head fall onto his chest, and before she could look up and speak, he’d lean down to kiss her.
* “Is this close enough?” he asks with a smirk and at that moment MC knew. She knew she’s created a Monster
* But she wouldn’t have it any other way ;)
-send me mystic messenger headcanons for character reactions!-
-masterpost-
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southwindstories · 3 years
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Dear Diary,
Its been a tumultuous day. But a good one, I guess, looking back on it.
My mother was out of the office when I arrived, which gave me a little time to dwell on things. I could have done without that, honestly. I wanted her to just…BE there. So I could walk in and we could get it all over with. but no. Her assistant said she was out on a job, wouldn’t be back for another thirty minutes or so. So I waited in her office and looked at things. Old pictures, awards, the little hints of her personal life mixed with her professional one. There was a picture of me on her desk, from right after I got my cutiemark. It didn’t use to be there. It used to be up on the shelf with the other pictures. She must have moved it, when I was missing.
It wasn’t the only thing. everything had moved. My mother is a very neat, very orderly pony. she knows where everything is, all the time. She can run her office by remote, just telling ponies where they can find each and every document and quill. but today, her desk was disheveled. not badly, just…enough.  pictures were askew. papers were unsorted. the littlest things. If you didn’t know her, you would never have noticed. but each little pen out of place spoke of heartache to me. every messy signature and splot of spilled ink spoke of a night spent sobbing, wondering if her daughter was okay.
I should have come right back to Canterlot after I got out of the North. I should have shot back here through the Bifrost with my sister. I sent her a letter instead. A letter. How damned classy of me. I shouldn’t have gone to Ponyville. I shouldn’t have gone to Apple Loosa. I should have come right back here and seen my mother.
I’m pretty sure I was crying when she walked in. I cant really remember. There was a fair amount of crying all around, for a little while.
When I was a filly, not long after I’d finally learned to fly at a reasonable rate and was gaining some confidence with my wings, I went traveling with mom around some of the bigger cities in Equestria, to see how the weather worked around the country. I was looking forward to it. Even back then, I got along better with my father than my mother, but this was a chance to show off how much better I had gotten at flying. maybe impress her a little. It seemed like a golden opportunity.
We were traveling the Northern border toward the end of our trip, on our way to Neighgra and back to Canterlot, when mom had to deviate up toward Vanhoover to check out some rouge cloud system or something. It took longer than she figured it would, and we ended up having to sleep in one of the small waystations sprinkled around the border for lost travelers. It was the closest I’d ever been to the mountains, and we spent the evening sitting outside and starring at them as the snow on their sides glimmered in the fading light.
I wanted to go see them. I’d never flown around a mountain like those before. But mom said I wasn’t old enough to be trying that sort of terrain yet. The mountains would have to wait for some other time, we were behind schedule as it was. I remember grumbling over that, when she went to bed. “behind schedule”. It was just the sort of thing she would say.
I cant remember what made me go alone, after she’d fallen asleep. Maybe I was trying to punish her. Maybe I figured I’d be fine if i just didn’t go in very far. Maybe I felt like she was underestimating me. Maybe it was just one of those things children do, because they’re children. because the universe compels them to learn important lessons through mistakes.
It was mom who saved me from the Frost Giant, that first time. Sped in out of no-where, yanked me out of its hand as the fingers were closing down. It batted her out of the sky as she passed, with me still clutched in her arms. I had to be as big as she was by that point. She still didn’t let go.  Bounced off a mountain and kept flying until we’d cleared the border and were safe behind the Aegis. I cant remember her head bleeding, but I saw the stitches later. It must have been bad. She had a limp, too. for almost a month.
We don’t really talk about that trip much. I was pretty messed up, for a while. Didn’t sleep. Didn’t eat. scared of being alone. I wouldn’t talk about it, I just…froze up, whenever it came up. It was the Frost Giant. It had sucked the hope from my spirit like all the color drained from a rose, and even though mom saved me from it, I felt cold and empty inside. Like there was nothing to look forward to. No greater motivation, no reason why she might forgive me my transgression. just this fear of some inevitable doom, waiting behind every door. As though it had followed me home.
And I couldn’t face mother. for weeks, I just shrank away whenever she tried to talk to me, and cowered in a corner. I cant even remember why, looking back at it. It must have broke her heart.
I couldn’t understand how she could still love me. Not in a world with those things in it.
And then, a few weeks after we had gotten back, I came home from school to find all the doors in our house had been removed. Mom and dad were unscrewing the last one and laughing about something when I came in. he handed me a tool and told me to unscrew the hinges on them, so they could be painted. Seemed odd, at the time, but I did it. we trucked them all out into the backyard and set them up for painting.
And left them there.
For about a week, there wasn’t a single door in the place. it was awkward as all get-out, but it led to a lot of laughter. awkward situations and funny accidents, curious mannerisms nopony knew about coming out in the open, and nowhere, nowhere to hide. and you know? that actually worked out pretty well. you wouldn’t think it would, but it did. I could see my family all the time, going about their business, being happy, being hopeful, and working toward their goals, with no shadowy place for fear to hide in. and after a while, I started smiling again.
We never did paint the doors. They hadn’t bought any paint to begin with.
Mom took Malachite and I out to a store in Canterlot that sells custom clothing for pets, which is more or less the best shot I had at finding her something that would fit. Shes in love with her new jacket, I think im going to have to find her patches for it or something. the goggles help hide her eyes from the stares of onlookers who haven’t seen her before. all in all, shes quite the sight. I’m happy she’s happy, but I’m more happy mother doesn’t seem to be holding any ill-will toward her over what happened. I didn’t think she would, but mom can be a bit protective from time to time.
Its good to be spending some time with her again. I feel better than I did. Better than I have in a while, really. It was weighing me down harder than I thought it had been. All I need now is to get my report about Apple Loosa cleared.
And to find out why I keep feeling like I’m being followed.
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alchemist-shizun · 5 years
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To tend thee is my care
ACT I
ACT II - Read on Ao3!
See the awesome fanart!
Word count: 13,679 
Taglist: @lesbianturtle @len-art-trash @i-need-you-buddy @jeevashun @quietlypondering  @creativity-killed-thekitten @bookwyrminspiration @i-have-n0-idea-what-im-d0ing  @softanxiouspatton @be-more-chaotic @pheonix-inside-reblogs @www-dot-ohshit-dot-com @datfearlessfangirl @alltimevirgilant @royalnerd829 @just-fic-me-up @theblankest123 @theotherella​ @thesleepyraziel @gaylotusthatexists @sendingcookiesfromhell @mijako98 @logicalberry @maybe-i-like-the-misery @orderly-opaline @purpledemond
(Please tell me if you want to be added too for Act II!)
Characters: Virgil, Nonbinary!Roman
Summary: You’ve heard of enemies to lovers now get ready for acquaintances to friends to now we’re fighting because I’m scared of your rejection so I’m pretending it’s your fault when it clearly is mine to friends again, even though you’re an idiot, but I still love you to lovers. 
Roman and Virgil are both part of the theater group of their school, Roman is one of the actors, while Virgil is the head of the stage design group. Despite being in the same year and having lessons in the same building, they hadn’t really ever talked to each other, but everything was about to change when the teachers, heads of the whole theater group, announced that they were going to challenge themselves by presenting one of Euipides’ last plays: The Bacchantes. Follow our two main characters helping each other out as one is forced to learn how to act in a matter of months and the other goes through a journey of self-discovery as he studies his role.
Pairing(s): Prinxiety (I’m unpredictable)
Warning(s): Mild swearing, Death mention (mostly when talking about the tragedy), Blood mention (once), Negative thinking, Implied toxic parenting (once), [Me projecting heavily onto Virgil (also Ro at some point)]
A/n: I’ve been writing this for months and I can’t explain how proud I am to show you guys this! Before you start reading, I want to inform you that the school system I write about here is not the American one since I know little to nothing about it. Instead I’ll be using the one of my country for reasons of simplicity. (All names I use here are invented, so you can place the events wherever you’d like.) I thought about doing a long for this plot but I chose to write a one shot instead, since it’s pretty long I decided to divide it into two acts, the second one is coming very soon. I studied and read the whole play translated in my original language, that’s where the inspiration for my au came from. All the English translations I used for the play are from here, here and here. The song mentioned is So Contagious by Acceptance. That being said, hope you enjoy!
✾✾✾✾
What now?
It was during an October’s Tuesday that Virgil had started panicking due to school stress.
It wasn’t like his teachers hadn’t been pressuring his class ever since they entered their first fifth year lesson: partly because of the final exams, the rest of the time they asked about their university choices.
This year’s archaeological excavation, an experience reserved only to the students of his course, was also placed exactly in those three weeks of October were the theater group had started.
Tuesday in October for Virgil meant lessons until half past midday, research for the upcoming excavation exhibition until two p.m., theater club for an hour, then back to doing research with one of his teachers and half of his classmates until 17:00.
In all honesty, he wouldn’t have minded being buried alive when they’d have to cover back up the site.
Virgil had tried convincing himself that it wasn’t really that hard, besides the club had just started and the first few days were mostly focused on helping the first years settle, be comfortable with the teachers and also test out their abilities. And this one was only the second meeting.
But, of course, his day had to get worse. Life was trying him, and boy, did he hate sudden drastic changes.
It was when he noticed all the odd attention he was getting by the teachers that he realized something was definitely going to go wrong.
Everyone took a seat on the wooden bleachers of the old gym, they were basically attached to the pavement and the obnoxious yellow-painted walls of the large room. A quick glance around and you had the feeling that everything was going to collapse at any moment.
Virgil saw some familiar faces, some new ones, but he definitely couldn’t forget about the regulars: his beloved stage deseign group, which were a bunch of students that the teacher trusted him enough to take care of and teach them what they had to do during shows and how to prepare the stage. And next to them some actors from the last three years, Dave, Bonnie, Lukas and Roman.
He and Roman were the only ones brave enough to stick around even during the toughest year of that hellhole, so everyone silently respected them. And just as much as Virgil helped the newcomers in his group, Roman was happy to lend a hand in acting along side the most talented fourth and third years above mentioned.
« Well hello and welcome back here, guys! » Mrs. Michaelis had started, clasping her hands together, she was an English grammar and literature teacher.
After making sure everybody had arrived, they explained that since the week after they were going to see the first years’ “auditions” as they liked to call them, but they were really simply methods to check how promising someone could be at acting.
« I know this may sound shocking, we still can’t believe it- »
« Mostly because normally it takes us a couple of months before choosing a script. » Mrs. Eagan, an ancient Greek and Latin teacher, had interrupted, causing multiple chuckles from the students.
« … As I was saying, yes. We already know the play that we’ll be covering this year, we also have scripts ready for almost everybody. But there’s some news! »
« This year we decided to sign up our group and participate to some kind of challenge! » murmurs began to fill the room, as uneasiness set in Virgil’s stomach. Why make things harder for everybody? Wasn’t it just as good doing a simple show one night and one morning?
« Some, let’s say, “judges” are going to attend our play and afterwards, if they’re satisfied enough, they will let us take our production to the biggest local theater! »
The murmurs transformed into gasps, that theater was placed in the city of their province, getting an invitation was a huge challenge.
« And our play is going to be … » Mrs. Eagan’s eyes met Virgil’s and fixated on them. That’s when he began overthinking. Why was she looking directly at him? That never meant good news. « … Euripides’ tragedy, The Bacchantes. »
Oh.
Oh, fuck.
Only his eyes widened among the confused looks of most of the students. He had studied that play, along side many other ones, in his fourth year. He did truly love them, but damn him if they weren’t already a challenge to portray.
« That’s right Virgil, you know it. » why was also the English teacher giving him his attention? What were they planning, did he have to explain the play to everybody?
All the students turned to face him, some quietly asking what was the plot, some fourth years of his same course demanded to know if it was a difficult topic.
« Easy now, everybody, he’s already been tested last year by Mr. Richardson. » one of the teachers interrupted, walking closer to the spot where Virgil sat, for some reason he had found himself next to the “talented actors group”.
They explained the plot for everybody after that.
« We know it might be real tough, so this year we already agreed on the roles beforehand. Don’t worry, if you didn’t get your time to shine this year, in the next ones you totally will. »
Wait, he wasn’t part of the actors group, why did this have anything to do with him? Why were they still staring at him?
To his relief, the teachers addressed the newcomers first. « We were thinking about giving the role of the chorus to the first and second years, they have long bits, but we can split them instead of making you all recite them, so that you don’t feel too burdened and the role becomes easy for all of you. »
« The roles of the messengers will be given to our third years, messengers are used to explain everything that happens that does not happen on scene. One of the rules for tragedies was that the scene had to take place in the same time and place. Also, they didn’t show blood and/or murders/suicides on scene. They were all narrated. »
« As for our three fourth years. » they looked over Virgil’s shoulder to Dave, Lukas and Bonnie. « Your roles will be Cadmus, Tiresias and Agave. They play a very important part in the whole story, we trust you’ll do a great job. »
« As for our main characters, Pentheus and Dionysus … » they set their eyes on Roman, who looked more expectant than ever.
But then they also shifted their glances to Virgil.
« We were thinking our only fifth years could have their roles as a good way of saying goodbye to them, since this will be their last play. » everybody else was nodding in agreement, Roman was beaming but slightly confused. Wasn’t Virgil part of the stage design group?
In fact, our little emo kid could only look back in disbelief.
« Roman, Virgil, would you like to become a king and a god, respectively? »
What now?
As the beloved actor was about to answer, Virgil interrupted with a shy apology. « I’m sorry, but there must be a mistake, I’m not part of the actors group, I’ve never acted in the past four years, actually. »
« We know Virgil, but we really thought it might be such a nice way of thanking you guys for your contributions all these years. »
Oh yes, you’re right, putting me in a stress condition by making me do something I have no idea about for a big project that could take us to one of the largest theaters of the country is definitely the best choice you could have made.
All he was able to say was a stuttering noise, as they continued with their little speech. « And Roman is such a good actor, he’s going to help you for sure, aren’t you? »
The mentioned boy nodded vigorously, then proceeded to show one of his brightest smiles. « I always come to the rescue of my fellow actors in need. »
Yeah. Amazing. He was stuck with their decision.
« Besides you already probably know each other pretty well by now, so it won’t be a problem! »
The two students looked at each other. The recognizable expressions of two teens that, despite being in the same year and club, had never said a single word to each other apart from when needed during rehearsals.
« … Right. »
« But what about my group then? » Virgil questioned, he was definitely not going to leave them behind just like that.
« You don’t have to worry about them. This year your History of Art teacher will be lending a hand with the stage and volunteered to be the head of the group. »
Right. Mr. Williams, one of the only teachers that were pretty tolerable in his class.
« And look at them. » he did so, and he was met with happy smiles and encouraging faces. « I’m sure they’ll do a good job after four years with you by their side. Right, Anastasia? »
Anastasia was one of the oldest of the bunch, if not one of the wisest and most skilled, sometimes they wondered if she could just do anything that crossed her mind. « You got it! » she leaned in as if to get closer to the older boy. « We’ll be cheering for you Virge! » she concluded, followed by a couple of “Yeah!“s.
Everybody was so joyful and expectant that he couldn’t help but comply, so he decided to simply sigh and reply with nothing.
As the teachers continued with their topics for the meeting, Virgil couldn’t help but have a single thought in his mind.
This is going to be the most awkward thing I’ve ever done in my entire life.
✾✾✾✾
As soon as the meeting came to an end, Virgil was fast to get up and rush towards the dungeon’s stairs that would lead again to the surface. Basically there were two buildings, the school and the gym, linked by a little dungeon were there were all the labs and computer rooms.
He had to get back to the library as soon as he could, or god knows what “you’re late” speech his teacher would have given him. He was always literally on the verge of marking his students as absent if they didn’t show up to the lesson in the exact minute before the bell rang.
Virgil decided to panic about the dumpster fire that had come his way during the meeting after that. One issue at a time. First of all, he had to reach the stairs’ gate and push-
« Hey! Wait for me. »
God, he didn’t have time for this. He kept walking, ignoring the voice behind him and hoping for it to give up and leave him to his well-deserved peace and quiet. At least for three minutes.
As he walked, he found none but Roman himself matching his pace and walking by his side with a curious look. Who could blame him for wanting to be nice?
« You forgot your stuff in your classroom too? » he tried, not a brilliant starter for a conversation, but he had to get something out of the boy.
« No. » cut and dry, that was the only thing that Virgil dared to let escape his mouth.
« Where to, then? »
« The library. »
« Oh, are you waiting for a bus? Maybe I could keep you company. »
« Listen. » they made to a stop as they reached the last floor, not that far off from Virgil’s destination. « Today’s already been as stressful as it is, could you just … go straight to the point? I don’t have much time here. »
It was not like he had meant to sound rude, it wasn’t like it was his purpose either to brush off someone just like that or to see the other boy’s hurt expression. But he had reached a limit in which he didn’t really care-
« Oh, my apologies, then. »
And there was the guilt.
« I was just wondering if we could exchange numbers, if it isn’t uncomfortable for you. I guess we’ll need to hang out in the future. » he tried to sound as confident as he could, but it was as if “awkward” was scribbled all over his face.
« Sure, are you asking me on a date next? » with all the sarcasm injected in his words, he sure as hell wasn’t expecting Roman’s remark.
« Well, if you wouldn’t mind. » a sly smile made its way through the actor’s face, but was soon replaced by a troubled expression when he saw Virgil’s eye roll and sigh.
« Was I … was I too straightforward? I didn’t- »
« You’re fine, calm down. » Virgil quickly took out his phone and unlocked it before passing it to the other student. As he quietly typed after a murmured “alright”, Virgil couldn’t help but wonder if he had ever upset anyone with his bold statements. It wasn’t like this town was open minded, while he seemed … particularly flamboyant.
Before he could finish his thoughts, he had his phone back in his hands and the not-so-much-stranger-anymore was already heading towards his classroom to get his backpack.
« I sent myself a message. » he warned, then he disappeared and reappeared in a matter of seconds, marched down the hall and flashed him a toothy smile while waving his hand.
« Don’t be a stranger, I’ll see you tomorrow! »
Virgil only nodded and found it impossible to take his eyes off of him until the last lock of hair had vanished down the stairs, wondering what had just happened. Maybe that was the magic that worked on his public every year.
He gave a rapid look at the screen of his phone, noticing that the boy had saved himself as “Princey” with a star emoji right next to it.
This time, he entered the library with an amused expression.
✾✾✾✾
Roman kept repeating in his mind that it wasn’t his fault.
Yes, it was Firday. Yes, he had gone the rest of the days without a single word to Virgil, not even when he noticed him in the halls during break or when they either entered or left school. Some days he didn’t even see him.
Yes, he could have texted him. But it felt too weird, yet, they didn’t know each other at all! Plus they didn’t even have the script ready.
Yes, he felt like he had the weight of this play’s success completely on his shoulders and depending on him and still shied away from acknowledging it.
But Virgil kept avoiding him! He couldn’t do much without him.
If he saw him during the ten minutes break, Virgil would walk past him without a second thought as if he didn’t think he needed to talk to him.
Some other times he pretended he didn’t even see him. It was getting tough to even have his attention anymore, as if he had to be added to the mean girls table. He needed a miracle.
And maybe the deities were in his favor that day.
As Roman walked down the path that was made next to the plaza, he noticed a familiar little figure sitting on a bench with a backpack next to him and earbuds in his ears. He was watching in front of him as life flew by and didn’t notice Roman approaching at all.
« Virgil? »
The boy in front of him jerked his head up and took out both of his earbuds; his clothes looked much more worn and randomly put together, as if he had dressed himself in the dark. What got Roman the most was the quantity of dirt that was on them and … was that blood under some of his nails?
Roman dropped his bag on the bench, worry expanding in his chest. « Oh my goodness are you okay? » he made to reach for his hand, only to stop himself just in time to remind him of personal space.
Virgil gave him a confused look and brought his fingers to his eyes, close enough to examine them. « Not again. » he groaned, a huff coming out of his lips.
« Wait, I should have something. »
« You don’t have to, it’s noth- »
« Here! » Roman grabbed a box from his bag triumphantly, he took a couple of plasters and waved them in front of the other.
« Why do you even have so many? »
« What can I say, I’m a clumsy person. »
« Mh. Charming. »
« At least I rescued you! Now, show me your hands. » he ordered, but as soon as he saw Virgil’s mouth open to argue, he was ready to remark « I don’t care if you can do this by yourself, you have literally injured fingers, let me help. »
Seeing that there was no other way out of it, he complied.
As soon as he placed his hands over his fingers, Roman couldn’t help but notice how different their skin tones really were compared to one another, sure the difference was obvious at first glance, but seeing it this close was completely something else. He gently dabbed the fresh blood away with a tissue he had taken out with the box a few instants earlier.
Three plasters and a thank you later, the concerned face came back again and Virgil wanted nothing more than the sweet liberation of death. What was his deal, did he never dig on dirt as a child?
« How did you get hurt? »
Virgil simply pointed behind his shoulders, where Roman could only see a huge pile of dirt resting against a tree. He tilted his head to the side like a confused puppy, a sight the other would have found endearing if only he wasn’t so exasperated and tired.
« I’ve been working all day, Princey. »
Roman smiled at the familiar nickname, but still found confusion in his thoughts. « Aren’t you supposed to be at school? »
« It’s linked to school. Haven’t you heard of the excavations that our school is doing? »
Now that he mentioned that, he had heard a bunch of things, but never really paid attention since it was something that wasn’t related to his course.
Roman attended the Languages course, in which he could learn Spanish and French, other than his mother language, with literature comprehended, and all the experiences linked to it were the cultural exchanges during the third and fourth years.
Virgil, otherwise, was part of the Classical course, meaning that he had signed his death certificate by committing to five years of learning ancient Greek and Latin plus the respective literature as main subjects. But other than that and the famous one week school trip to Greece every three years, Roman had no clue what they did other than study until they couldn’t remember their own names, just like any other student.
Yeah, they couldn’t say their school system was perfect.
« I don’t exactly know every detail. Are you guys doing this? »
« Kind of. What we’re doing is carry on with the work we did the past two years, where we had opened other excavations. Let’s say we’re looking for clues. We’re supervised by an actual archaeologist though. »
« That’s so cool! Did you find any gold? » Virgil wasn’t really expecting such excitement coming from Roman. Apart from the all too familiar question, he often found his interlocutors to be pretty uninterested by the topic.
« No gold, but … remember last Tuesday? » Roman nodded attentively.
« On that morning, during one of Mr. Richardson’s lessons, one of our classmates video-called us saying there was an urgent matter to show us. They had found possibly a Roman coin. » he tried to bite back the smile that threatened to form on his lips at the joyful memory, but nothing could take away that particular twinkle in his eyes.
« Are you serious?! That’s wonderful, what if you find a hidden treasure? »
« Unlikely, but it would be nice. »
« Wow. » Roman breathed out, staring at the scene beside his … new acquaintance? « How did you hurt yourself, anyway? »
« See that pile of dirt? I’ve been scanning every bucket full of soil that was thrown in there. My job was searching in the dirt for possible relics that were missed out while others did the digging. We installed a little assembly line. And running your fingers through that for hours makes you sore I guess. »
« That doesn’t seem very fun, though. »
Virgil shrugged. « I didn’t mind. I like working by myself, especially when the job is as simple as it is important. » And it was true, it wasn’t like the archaeologist put him there because he was just hopeless with the other instruments, every little clue was important and looking for them was a crucial point that can be easily taken care of if you’re a perfectionist.
Plus, the archaeologist seemed to have taken a liking into Virgil, so that didn’t make him feel left out at all.
« Even though, today one of my classmates came to help me. » the boy turned to see that Roman was still listening to him, with no intention of changing the subject. That was new, too.
« You know those terribly annoying ones? He slowed down our chain to the point that he had to argue with this girl that was in dire need of empty buckets while we still had all of them full because he wanted to look through every inch of dirt before handing it out. » he let out a deep sigh, as if he had just been venting for hours.
« That was pretty idiotic, what happened then? »
« Uh, well, we went back to working, just as I was doing before he came to help. »
Roman snorted, imagining the scene in front of his eyes. « So he made a fuss only for it to go back as before and prove him wrong. I’d say he’s pretty amazing. »
« Yeah. » Virgil agreed, « Anyway, sorry for rambling. » he added in a lower tone, while checking his phone for notification, before putting it away quickly.
Roman arched his eyebrow at his words. « As someone who whines constantly, I don’t really think you should worry. »
At least, that succeeded to steal a chuckle from the tired one.
« Did you find anything? » Virgil was really starting to believe this guy couldn’t have a minute of pure silence.
« Well, there’s always a couple of bones, some weird ferric objects, teeth and … » he stopped, remembering the event of the week before.
This time, a wide smile appeared before he could stop it as he searched through his phone’s camera gallery; it was the one thing he was real proud of, possibly the prettiest of his findings.
He handed the phone over to Roman, whose eyes widened at the sight, in front of him he could see a pic of a piece of ceramic with white, brown, yellow and blue decorations, dirt was still covering it, but you could already make out how beautiful it was.
« You found this in here? »
« Yes, it was amazing. I was standing there, » he pointed to a vague direction in front of the dirt pile, excitement rising in his chest as he remembered. « and someone was throwing the dirt on the pile and I recognized the bottom of the piece. We had already found other ceramics and I was hoping it was one too. So I picked it up as soon as I spotted it and there were at least three inches of dirt on top. I moved it away with my thumb and I was met with that decoration. I think I might have yelled. » he leaned in to take another look at the pic, as if never satisfied with it.
Roman certainly didn’t miss how bright he appeared when he was talking about the excavation, all the tiredness was gone and the pain in his whole body caused by eight hours of work was long forgotten. He looked genuinely happy, a contrast to his unusual dark and broody persona.
« Did you choose you university yet? » he had a thought, while handing the phone back, which could have maybe helped the injured boy.
« Jumping a bit? Uh, no, honestly I have no idea. »
« Ever thought of doing something with archaeology? »
« Uhm … » Virgil tapped his fingers on his palm. It wasn’t like he hadn’t considered the possibility in the past, but he had been told that it was probably too hard and maybe too boring from his point of view. On the other hand he truly enjoyed working in the site …
« You still with me, buddy? You don’t have to choose in the next five minutes. »
« Shut up, I was thinking. »
« Your thinking is too loud. »
« And here I was considering you as actually not that bad. »
« I know you secretly admire me. »
« The important thing is you believe that. »
Their wise and profound conversation was interrupted by Virgil’s ringtone going off, he picked up, had a brief talk and tucked the phone away in his pocket.
« My mother’s arrived to pick me up. » he informed, pointing at a car parked a few feet away from them.
They both stood up, but none of them made to move at all.
« Uh, I was thinking … » Roman struggled to find the right words, as if anything he said might offend Virgil at any given moment. « I don’t want to pressure you or anything, but maybe we could meet up sometimes to talk about the play? Or I could start helping you as soon as we get the scripts. »
Virgil made a face, as if he had been trying to forget a bad nightmare and had just been reminded of it. Still, he had no right to escape that any further, and he was already anxious about not being able to make it in time, even before he could start learning his lines. So maybe starting to work on it sooner wasn’t that bad of an idea.
« Sounds good. » he hesitated, not sure how to continue, when an idea sparked in his mind. « Maybe I could give you some insight on the tragedy. »
« That’d be awesome! When are you free? »
Hah. « During week-days I’m busy until five p.m. everyday. At least for another week, when this project will be over. »
That explained why he was still in town at almost six p.m.
« You guys dig everyday? »
« Something like that. We’re divided into two groups and we dig every other day. When we don’t we still have to stay at school and do researches for the final exhibition. »
Roman’s eyes lit up at the last words, he was going to ask him about it the next time the occasion presented itself.
« That sucks. Okay, look, I don’t wanna steal anymore time from your beloved mother, so I’ll text about it to you later, okay? »
« Cool. » Virgil raised his hand and waved it ever so slightly.
Roman returned the good-bye and got back to his task, marching down the sidewalk, but as Virgil had just opened the door of his mother’s car, he remembered to yell “And don’t forget to get some rest, I’m starting to confuse your makeup with your dark circles!”.
Virgil got into the car with an exasperated sigh and found his mother giggling to herself while she looked at him.
« Was that a friend? »
« God I hope not. »
✾✾✾✾
Tuesday came back in a hurry, along with the theater club, some worried and some bored students. Virgil stood in the middle of “time to panic and/or cry” and “if I don’t fall into eternal slumber right now I will burn this building to the ground”.
If he could name some of the most atrocious backstabbers he had ever met, he’d instantly name his teachers: at first they told his class they’d make it easy for them since they were so busy with the project, now they pretended the students had to be more organized with their studying and homework. Tests and interrogations had been made despite them being at least nine hours at school instead of five, some even coming home later than that.
In a word, they didn’t care, it was the students’ fault.
Virgil had his back against the wall, sitting on the top step of the bleacher with his legs close to his chest, the meeting had been starting for a couple of minutes and, of course, he didn’t have anything to do except hating himself and wait for another uneventful hour to pass.
« Hey Gerard Way Too Dark, look what they gave me. »
Or maybe not.
Virgil looked up to be met with Roman standing in front of him with two binders in his hand: the two of them had agreed on meeting up only when school would let them breathe enough to find a single day where they were both free from studying. Which was yet to be a thing.
The beloved actor handed him one of the binders, it read the title of the play, the author and the characters. He didn’t like how his role was the very first one on the list.
« At last. » he dryly commented, flipping the pages quick enough to not read a single actual word out of it.
Roman sat down next to him and examined the first page, as if looking for some kind of unspoken treasure, then he turned to take out a stash of highlighters Virgil had no clue where he kept. He showed them to him, waiting for him to pick a color.
By the looks of them, they seemed brand new and neatly arranged in the colors of the rainbow. Virgil picked out the lilac one, he had always preferred the gentler colors, it made it easier to study with the lights on.
His colleague chose the red one and began going through the pages and highlighting all the lines he had to learn as Pentheus.
Silently, Virgil did the same with the lines Dionysus said, recalling the scenes as he went through them. Though … he noticed there were far too many. He never realized how impossible it looked in his eyes until he had it plainly laid out in front of him.
Great, you’re going to mess this up, you won’t ever be able to do this in time. Plus you’re probably going to forget everything the moment right before going on stage. Who thought this was going to be a good id-
« Are you okay down there? »
He didn’t realize he was rubbing at his face with his hands, while trying to shake off the storm forming in his mind. In doing so, he had also let the marker fall to the wooden step with a clatter, which caught the other’s attention.
« Yeah, ’m just tired. » he managed to let out through his fingers in a muffled sound.
Roman made a humming noise, then proceeded to cast aside all his stuff and let himself relax against the wall. « Then I’d say we call it a day and sleep until it’s time to part ways. »
Virgil looked at him, surprise written all over his face, wasn’t he supposed to work even harder than normal because of the occasion? Either way, he mirrored the boy, pulling up his hood so that he could find some comfort.
« I think I’m too worried about all this mess, » he retorted, gesturing at his script. « to be able to even close my eyes. »
« Then tell me about it. »
He considered the option, he did actually promise him he’d do it before, besides he’d be distracting himself from the impending doom, be actually productive and explaining the tragedy to the actor. A double win for both parties.
« The story is centered around this group of Bacchantes that came from Asia and want to enter Thebes and spread their cult, they’re also guided by a lone nomad that none knows is actually Dionysus, the founder of the cult itself. » he turned to face Roman, in a silent “tell me where I lose you” manner.
« They are stopped by Pentheus, now king of the city, son of Agave and nephew of Cadmus, the founder of Thebes. Tiresias is a famous seer that understands the potential of the cult and invites Cadmus to preach the god with him. They try to reason with Pentheus, but it’s all in vain. In the meantime, while this king is busy insulting the cult, Dionysus makes all the women of the city go mad and follow the Maenads. »
« Payback? »
« More like first warning. » Virgil counted to one on his right hand for emphasis. « After that, Pentheus sent his soldiers to capture him. And they succeeded, he didn’t resist and kept up his act, only to free himself of the chains thanks to his magic. When Pentheus found him, Dionysus pretended he was helped by the god and began charming him until the king gave in. »
« You mean, how he made him dress up as a Maenad? »
« Yes, but not only he did that, he drove him crazy, too. » did anyone else ever notice the slight green spots in Roman’s brown eyes or was it just the trick of the light? Virgil couldn’t tell, so he decided to explain further. « Pentheus claimed to be seeing double and having hallucinations. He was also very careful of his clothes, hair and posture, he wanted to be the perfect Maenad. He tried to convince himself it was for disguise purposes, but in my opinion he was rather enjoying that dress-up. »
« Really? » Roman questioned, he still had to look into his character, the more he knew about him, the better he could portray him. He always took every bit of information he could find, to the point in which he could somehow relate to them or at least be able to link him and the role. That way, he was able to love acting as every single one of them.
« You need to read their last conversation. Even you would say that at first glance. Anyway, the play ends with the Bacchantes shredding to pieces the body of Pentheus. The practice is called “sparagmòs”. After that Agave and Cadmus have a touching scene and it ends there. A bit shocking for her since she just killed her son, but the god made sure the women all saw a beast instead. »
« That’s cruel, though. »
« Princey, he disrespected a fucking god, dying is the least that could happen to him. »
There was the nickname again. And, as if on cue, Roman’s lips twitched into a small smile that disappeared right after. He wasn’t aware of the reason why he didn’t want to get caught, but … did Virgil really not remember?
« He didn’t give him a chance to apologize! »
« Then again, the cult of the Bacchantes includes a ritual where a human needs to be sacrificed. If he had ever been sorry, Dionysus would have probably ordered him to sacrifice himself so that he could be satisfied and purified by his action. »
« Okay, okay. » Roman put his hands up in surrender. « I recognize I’m talking to a smart one over here, I give up. » he pretended he was waving a white flag to his side.
Virgil chuckled at his words. « I’m actually just average, but I can be passionate about some things, too. »
« Just average? I doubt all of your classmates still remember the entire plot of a tragedy and also can provide conspiracy theories. »
« Conspiracy- what are you talking about? »
« You know I’m right, you were totally on the verge of geeking out about this one. C'mon who’s your favorite character? » the actor mocked resting his face on his palms while a sly expression surrounded him.
« I will throw you off the stairs the next chance I have. »
« Good luck with that since you can’t even reach. »
Oh that was the last fucking straw.
Virgil turned his head to look at him in the eyes so rapidly that Roman feared his neck would give in and break right then and there. But the most disturbing image was the rage that was forming around the boy’s aura.
Okay, maybe it wasn’t the wisest thing to-
Virgil surged forward in a sudden movement and the actor jumped away pleading for salvation, it was only when he heard a foreign laugh that he turned around only to be met with the same dark and stormy guy, doubled over himself with laughter, teasing Roman.
« Did you seriously think I was going to attack you? »
« You can be scary sometimes, shut up! » heat began running in Roman’s cheeks out of embarrassment and he pretended nothing happened while Virgil quieted down next to him.
It was exactly in that moment that the meeting was called off.
As Roman followed him to the library, he wondered if that was going to be a regular thing after-
You idiot, this is the last week of your project.
« Oh, by the way. » Virgil stopped at the top of the stairs. « Don’t take it personally if I brush you off or disappear for the next few days, but the exhibition’s coming and I still have no idea what to say. »
« Talking about efficiency. » the actor rolled his eyes, recalling a few other examples he could give on the marvelous organization of teachers.
« Yeah, our teacher gave us tons of useful information. » he dead-panned, approaching the library’s doors.
« I will forever respect you for putting up with Mr. Richardson. »
That was able to get a chuckle out of Virgil.
« See you around, Pentheus. »
And with that, Roman was left walking home by himself with the warm feeling of having made a new possible friend spreading in his chest.
✾✾✾✾
It was Saturday morning when he noticed the fliers hanging around school. They showed a bunch of excavation pics and the subject of an archaeological exhibition centered around the school’s town. Roman took note of the date: it was exactly that same day!
So that was how he found himself during afternoon pacing around the plaza and stepping into an old tower, where a little crowd of at least fifteen people of all ages were standing and listening attentively to a student. There was only a little group of them, which he figured was because the exhibition took place multiple times during the week.
He just wondered if he had been lucky enough to find …
As he made his way through the front, so that he could see all the materials and boards exposed he heard the female voice say « Now I will turn it over to my classmate, Virgil! »
As soon as he heard his name, he followed her gaze and finally met an unusual sight: instead of the usual hoodie, he wore a black button up shirt and skinny dark blue jeans that might as well have been mistaken for the same other color. So he did know how to be fancy if he wanted.
Before he began explaining, he noticed Roman standing right next to their theater teachers and bit back a smile. He didn’t recall inviting him, actually he hadn’t wanted anyone he knew to witness him mess everything up as he was used to do. So what was he doing there?
Virgil welcomed everybody once again, then turned over to all the materials exposed.
And when he started talking, Roman was enthralled.
He didn’t know if it was the way the words rolled down his tongue, how he brushed the objects as if they were sacred treasures that would turn into dust at the slightest touch, or the sparkle in his eyes when he took in everybody’s attention and curiosity.
But there was a thing he did recognize: it was passion, that was definitely what he was radiating, the one emotion he knew all too well which helped him getting his public hanging at the edge of their seats.
And this time, he was the hooked one.
The two locked eyes multiple times, Virgil was surprised enough to find comfort in having someone to constantly smile at him, or in Mrs. Eagan’s nodding, in all those mouthed “you’re doing great”. He couldn’t stop going back at them everytime he looked up.
Before anyone knew it, his time was over and the group moved onto the last part of the exhibition, which was outside; the crowd followed the last student to the site that was still open and the remaining students in the room sighed with relief as Mr. Richardson followed them too for the final thanks.
Some minutes and a standing ovation later, Roman was already back into the small room as bright as ever, walking toward his favorite little archaeologist.
Virgil paced towards him at the same time, hissing a “what are you doing here?” while a small grin let itself spread on his face.
With no warning and an abrupt move, Roman’s arms had already wrapped themselves around the other boy’s upper chest, lifting him a little in the process.
Well, that was definitely new.
Not being used to such excitement, Virgil was only able to awkwardly return the hug after an initial moment of vacillation. Seeing his energy on stage was a thing, experiencing it like that was completely something else, but deep in his heart he knew it wasn’t a habit he wouldn’t have liked to adapt to.
Wait, what was that thought coming from? Why would he have to adapt to anything, he was just going to help him through acting and that was it.
Still, a new friend wasn’t a bad idea either …
« You did amazing! » was what Virgil heard after being released from the embrace, but not quite completely as Roman was still holding onto his arms.
He blinked a few times. « What are you talking about, I messed up and started stuttering at one point- »
« Oh shut up and let me compliment you, I didn’t even remember you did, king of modesty. »
« More like king of self-deprecation. »
« Can you stop for once in your life? »
Right in the short amount of time they weren’t talking, a single line caught their attention.
« Look at all this trash. »
What?
« Yeah, these are all so obviously fake. »
Thunderstorms.
Thunderstorms and lightning, howls of rage formed in Virgil’s chest, burning in a bonfire which heat traveled through his blood and reached his eyes only to darken them with fury.
His body stiffened, he wanted to scowl at them and tell them how wrong they were, just how dare them invalidate all the hard work of three weeks?
« Oh, Virgil! » Roman seemed to distract him, but he had a plan in mind as he moved both of them close to the materials table. « Remember that day I visited you while you guys were digging? »
But there wasn’t any- was he onto something? « Oh, yeah, you were walking home from school and you decided to stop. » he played along, as his friend nodded, making sure to be heard by the rude couple.
In the meantime, one of the students had gone out to update their teacher on the situation.
« Yeah, when you found that beautiful ceramic piece! » Roman turned to recognize the piece he had seen in the pic he had been shown, then pointed it. « Is it that one? »
« Yes, I can pick it up for you. » Virgil did so as he spoke.
« Wow, it’s even more gorgeous. »
« We had a hard time cleaning everything, so we tried to do the best job we could. Getting dirt out of bones is also … not super easy. »
« You guys are awesome. » Roman kept glancing around the room arranged for the exhibition, while the now embarrassed couple decided to leave under the incinerating stare of Mr. Richardson who had just came in to witness the situation.
Everybody in the room went to either grin or laugh inside, while the two boys shared a high five.
After making sure everything was under control, the teacher decided to begin cleaning up the place, so all the guests that stayed to chatter were dismissed.
« Hey, uh … » Virgil struggled to get out his voice, a little for being tired, a little because in moments of shyness his tone would go out as nothing more than a simple mutter. « Thank you for earlier and … also for coming, I guess. »
« Both of them were my utter pleasure. » Roman had a thing for being extra, and if he chose that aesthetic, he better had to stick to it by doing a theatrical bow at his friend.
« You are a nerd. »
« With style! »
« Whatever helps you sleep at night. » Virgil turned around to face the tower and began walking away. « See you around, Princey. »
There went another one.
Roman had to giggle quietly to himself, every single time his mind traveled to that one particular moment back in the first year when-
« You know, this is what I was talking about. »
He felt a presence walking by his side, suddenly, and found Mr. Eagan glaring at him with an almost nostalgic look.
« I’ve been telling him for years that he has the acting potential. » she sighed while Roman simply nodded along. « He’s been getting better, you see this isn’t the first exhibition they do, I’ve seen them all. »
« Oh, really? »
« Yes. And you can totally sense how much emotion he’s putting, you can tell he’s invested. »
« I agree, I’ve had the occasion to see that. »
« And honestly I feel bad for forcing him into this play thing … but I’m sure he’s going to shine. I’m so proud of him. » she smiled at herself, then stopped in her tracks and looked up at her student. « And I’m also sure you’ll do a good job. Bring out his talent, Roman. In your own special way. »
He remained speechless for a moment, just how much trust did these teachers actually have in both of them? He found it endearing, he felt almost as if they had some kind of motherly appreciation towards them.
« Thank you. We’ll work very hard on this one, you’ll see! »
They exchanged their farewells and Roman headed home, this time by himself, having all kinds of thoughts in his mind.
But most of all, he felt worried.
All of a sudden, it seemed like a blank page was being replaced in his head instead of all the knowledge apprehended through his life.
He had no idea how to start helping Virgil.
✾✾✾✾
Despite the initial awkwardness, things had begun to go way better than both of them had imagined. The occasional staying late after the theater meetings had allowed them to grow closer, so much that they at least shared a few words during break every day at school. And that was a huge effort for Virgil as he preferred to stay in class where almost none hanged around and simply scroll through his phone, waiting for the last two dreadful hours of lessons.
And, well, random texts weren’t late to arrive to the party, too.
Princey: okay but can we talk about what an idiot Pentheus is?
Vee: this is a weird midnight text to get, but go off I guess
Princey: I’m serious! Come on, like why don’t you just let people do their thingsss
Vee: Oh you’re taking this to heart, alright
Princey: Yeah?? Am I not supposed to be emotionally invested in my own play?
Vee: You’re talking as if you’ve written it
Princey: Maybe I did
Vee: gasp are you Euripides reincarnated
Princey: The one and only
Vee: My apologies sir, you have all the rights to whine about your own plot
Vee: I also have no clue how you know english
Princey: It’s the muses’ power!
Vee: Melpomene?
Princey: Bless you
Vee: Wow okay, go to sleep
Princey: Sleep is for the weak
Vee: And you’re gonna be weak in the morning so it really doesn’t matter
Princey: Alright, mum, why would you stay up then?
Vee: Reasons
Princey: Are you still scrolling through Tumblr and sticking to your natural emo kid persona?
Vee: ouch
Vee: no,  but I’d love to
Princey: mhh then you forgot to do homework or study?
Vee: You know me, I’m too anxious about my parents’ judgment to do that
Princey: demanding parents?
Vee: sorta.
Princey: sore topic?
Vee: Yup.
Princey: Alright then, you’re watching a movie? An anime?
Vee: No, I’m just talking to an idiot who won’t go to sleep
Princey: Oh I see, sounds like a total badass guy fighting the system
Vee: Yeah, fighting his body’s shut down system if he doesn’t get enough sleep.
Princey: bold of you to say that when we’re in the same situation
Vee: listen we’re talking about you stay focused
Princey: you know I’m right
Princey: C'mon why are you still up
Vee: no reason tbh
Vee: I just can’t seem to fall asleep so I’m tyring myself out until I can pass out on my bed
Princey: thaaat doesn’t seem very healthy
Vee: I never said I wanted to take care of myself
Princey: LOVE  YOURSELF BITCH
Vee: HAH
Vee: no.
Princey: i will make you!!
Princey: one day we’ll have a big relaxation day and you will be able to see the beauty in yourself!!
Vee: sounds unrealistic i’m in
Princey: come on work with me emo nightmare
Vee: i’m too lazy to live i’m sorry
Princey: then why don’t you just s l e e p
Vee: bc my sleep schedule is a mess and i cant seem to even shut my eyes everything in my life is going straight in the trash can and uhhhhhh yeah everything sucks
Princey: woah slow down
Princey: okay look you’re having me a bit concerned here
Vee: haha no it’s the usual daily stuff for me
Princey: ……….. it shouldn’t be????
Vee: eh
Princey: hey, would you answer if I called you?
Vee: if this is because of what i’ve just said, you’re worrying too much
Princey: nah it’s just for a distraction
Princey: and maybe you’ll be able to fall asleep
Vee: are you implying your voice is boring or you want to sing me a lullaby?
Princey: i’ll pretend i didn’t read the first part but i’ll have you know i have a very beautiful singing voice
Vee: pf alright i’m not entirely convinced
Princey: i’ll buy both of us coffee at the vending machine tomorrow morning before the first lesson starts
Vee: okay i’m sold, hit me up
✾✾✾✾
« This is unacceptable! I’m sorry, our friendship has to end here, I’m leaving. »
« I’m telling you, I have my reasons. »
« You can’t just simply dislike Hercules! »
Virgil sighed in defeat and resigned in his plastic seat; Christmas holidays had been around for a week, new year’s was already approaching and two youngsters had decided to spend an afternoon together with the excuse of reading some lines out of their scripts and helping each other out.
It wasn’t really the first time they did that, plus with the arrival of winter it was a nice excuse to be comforted by a warm cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream.
Just like they were doing in that moment, only that it seemed that they had completely forgotten about the play because of how much they were invested in other topics. Such as, obviously, Disney movies.
« It’s not that I don’t like it, it’s just … so wrong. »
« Oh my- it’s not Percy Jackson, it’s Disney, they’re allowed to take some creative liberties. »
« I know, but I didn’t watch it as a child, I saw it recently- »
« How dare you. »
« -shut up. What I mean is: my studies have ruined its likability. »
Roman closed his eyes and put his hands together in front of his face in an exasperated manner. « Then let’s hear these freaking reasons, enlighten my blindness, o wise one! »
Virgil couldn’t help but smirk as the other one huffed. « First of all, thank you for the compliment. »
« But, see, the first thing that got me was the character of Phil. The actual Philoctetes wasn’t a satyr, he was a hero that fought in the Trojan war who also happened to be Hercules’ friend at some point. »
« Well, they were linked in the end! »
« Let me finish. All the deeds that Phil claimed to have made? All those heroes he trained? Bullshit. Everything was done by Chiron, the only wise and composed centaur of greek mythology. And like centaurs were thought as savage beasts, satyrs were always linked to Dionysus and described as libidinal creatures. Philoctetes would have probably felt insulted. »
« Your studies may have ruined your view but you’re ruining my childhood right now. » Roman muttered the words as a childish pout formed on his lips.
« Ah, also Megara was a city, not a person. » said Virgil with nonchalance.
« WHAT. » the wide-eyed actor jumped in his seat and surged forward a little, blinking a few times.
Without expecting it, Virgil’s composed face contorted with a snort, which then grew into giggles and then again transformed into a genuine and amused laughter that couldn’t stop.
He tried to breathe in. « Princey, you- » he cut himself off as another wave of giggles hit him, so he held one hand up as if to tell him to wait until he could properly compose himself.
And Roman knew he otherwise would have felt offended, or at least in a playful way, he knew normally he would have instantly asked what was the matter. But he couldn’t really shake off the feeling of wanting to protect and carve this picture into his memory until it was the only thing he could remember.
And he truly wanted to share that angelic laughter, participate to the mirthful moment, yet he found himself solely staring at the unusual sight in pleasant disbelief at how stunning that scene was.
He could merely twitch his lips upwards and consider how much he adored hearing the nickname in such an entertained voice.
Something inside Roman clicked as Virgil finally gained enough breath, and he knew he was done for.
« Sorry, uh, » he was finally able to breathe out. «  I was actually messing with you. She did exist. »
He looked him in the eyes and all Roman could think was “finally”.
After a beat, noticing the other didn’t respond and assuming he was upset or something, he continued. « Though she and their children were afterwards killed by Hercules according to some. Others think he killed his children and Megara compelled him to commit suicide. Awful stories for great heroes, I guess. »
Roman, who was still starstruck, was only able to comment. « Breathtaking. »
Virgil made a face and lowered the cup he was raising to his lips. « What? »
« Uh … what? No I was just- the TV! Behind you, yes. I was commenting that. »
The confused one turned ever so slightly to quickly glance at the old black screen facing his back. « Alright, I won’t question your weird obsession with old style televisions. »
Nailed it.
Their discourse went on escalating to different topics, but never once brushing the fact that they met to keep up their theater practice, like good procrastinating students. It wasn’t like they were avoiding it on purpose, for the first time they felt like spending quality time with each other was their main priority.
« Okay, listen, Tripping in the Darkness. I went on a cruise once and even there I was able to reveal my beautiful voice. »
« So sorry for the passengers. »
« I should have left you outside freezing in the cold. » Roman scoffed after a beat.
« But you didn’t. »
« I’m starting to reconsider. »
« We both know you would never do it. »
« I forgive you only because you’re cute. » oh wait, oh wha- Roman immediately hid behind his cup, drinking the last remaining of his warm beverage. He hoped that the heat would rush off of his cheeks by the time he had finished.
« Wow, I’m flattered. » Virgil didn’t leave his sarcastic tone and didn’t seem to have noticed anything different, until he snorted out loud when he was met with Roman’s face after he lowered the cup.
Roman’s heart sank, was he still blushing? Was he already onto him? That was bad, that was-
« You got … » Virgil’s voice got back to being amused and he gestured towards his face. Oh, great, he had a chocolate-stained face now. Just what he needed.
« Where? Is it gone? » he frantically kept on asking as he wiped around his mouth and cheeks with his bare hand.
His friend shook his head. « Not even close. »
On a scale on one to Roman’s worst embarrassing moments compilation, he would have probably found himself on top of that very ranking, because after that Virgil simply reached for the container on the little table.
« For starters, you take a tissue. » while he did so, Roman could only watch as his friend  gently rubbed away the spot on the bridge of his nose. Oh. The cup did touch it earlier.
Alright that was awkward and I’m stupid, let’s move on.
But no, his brain had decided to short circuit and leave him to his impulsiveness; out of the blue, he grabbed Virgil’s wrist before he pulled away completely.
Virgil blinked, confused once again by his behavior. « Uh, what’s up? »
That’s when Roman’s mind finally snapped to reality and, of course, he panicked to find the best excuse he could permit, so he slid both of his hands to cage Virgil’s own. « You’re super cold! » he noticed, lowering their hands to rest on the table.
« Yeah? It’s minus degrees outside? And I’m often anxious? »
« Oh, right. » why was he feeling more sympathetic than usual? « Then, I shall protect you from both! »
« By holding my hand? »
« By making sure your heat level is within the parameters! »
« Alright, Doc. I’ll trust you. »
That was how they ended up holding hands for the rest of the day without even realizing until they had to part.
« You sure you don’t want me to accompany you to the parking lot? »
« I’m fine, don’t mind. »
They were standing out of the cafe to exchange their goodbyes, about to head for different streets and eventually go home.
« You know, you didn’t really have to pay for me, I’m not broke. » Virgil talked in little puffs of condensed air, hands in his pockets and trying to shake off the cold stinging sensation that pierced his skin.
« Oh, soft you now, »
« Is that a fucking Hamlet quote? »
« -it is my duty to ensure your well-being. Plus I know you hate talking to cashiers, so. »
« You’re the worst, but thank you. » Virgil rolled his eyes. « I still feel like I owe you one now, though. »
Well you could just kiss me whenever you feel like, a part of Roman’s brain noted. Uhm, what the fuck is your problem? Responded the other.
« Nah, I’ll probably forget it by the next time we talk. » he admitted, ignoring the weird thoughts that were happening in his mind, a mind that needed to shut up for at least a single second.
Virgil muttered an “alright” and was about to turn around and wave him off, like he always did, when he was confronted by a simple demand.
« Uh, can I, like, hug you? »
He stopped in his tracks, considering for a moment, before a “sure” escaped his lips and he started nodding.
Roman stepped closer and wrapped his arms around his chest, content and making a little pleased sound as the other returned the hug. He wasn’t sure why he was being so uncertain that day.
« Bye, Virge! » he called out as he stepped away from his friend and began walking home.
Virgil waved in return and immediately took out his phone and earbuds: after hitting shuffle he was fast to recognize the song by the first chords.
Acceptance, huh? He had discovered their song back in middle school. Boy, did he try so hard to be edgy. Still, certain songs weren’t really that bad.
Oh no, this couldn’t be more unexpected.
He had just made to turn the corner of a mansion’s fence when a realization struck him. And he was still subtly smiling because of it.
He somehow hadn’t been aware of it in the moment, probably because of their distracting conversation.
The lyrics went by in his ears and he almost didn’t even notice the words flowing in his head as that little memory of their afternoon occupied his mind.
Could this be out of line? To say you’re the only one breaking me down like this.
Roman had been brushing his thumb against his skin for almost all the time he had been holding onto his hand earlier.
He also had hugged him a little bit tighter than how he remembered back in October. And he was very excited too, that day.
And yeah, the majority of sane people would have found the situation simply nice or just a normal friendly action. But Virgil?
Come to think of it, I’m aching.
Yeah, he was already burying his face in his hoodie. God, was that heat rushing at his cheeks? Did his body really want to make it any more obvious?
On account of my transgression, will you welcome this confession?
Oh god, oh fu-
Virgil exhaled deeply and rubbed at his face with his hands, an unwelcome warm feeling spreading in his chest, it felt like as if someone was lighting a fire in there, not caring for the emotional damage that they were about to cause. Like a firework sent up in the middle of the night only to startle you enough to wake you up in a cold sweat and thumping heart.
Keep me hanging on so contagiously.
Virgil abruptly ripped the earbuds away from his ears and stuffed everything in his pockets as he leaned on his school’s gate, staring at the parking lot in front of him. His parents had yet to arrive to pick him up.
He had enough time to calm down.
« Well, I’m fucked. »
Maybe.
✾✾✾✾
Princey: HAPPY NEW YEAR V!!
Vee: yeee here’s to another shitty one
Princey: AW COME ON try to be a bit more upbeat
Vee: YEEE HERE’S TO ANOTHER SHITTY ONE!!!!
Princey: THAT’S MORE LIKE IT COMRADE
Vee: wtf okay
Princey sent a pic
Vee: are those streamers in your hair?
Vee: and … glitter?
Princey: don’t question it it’s your turn now send me something
Vee: i don’t think that’s how it works
Princey: do iiiiiit scaredy cat
Vee: fine
Vee sent a pic
Princey: .. wait
Princey: Are you in bed?
Vee: On the couch, actually
Vee: if that’s what you’re asking yes, i’m at home
Princey: and you’re not having fun? Are you okay??
Vee: yes don’t worry
Vee: i’m by myself
Princey: WHAT
Vee: gee it’s not that weird
Princey: no it’s just i thought you were out with friends
Vee: were all busy
Vee: but it’s fine, i don’t really appreciate big and loud parties
Vee: and i jump at every single loud noise so fireworks are a big no for me
Princey: you should have told me!! i would have managed something, we could have even just chilled alone
Vee: no it’s fine really, thank you
Vee: sorry to bring you down with that
Princey: oh shush
Princey: can i call you?
Vee: that’s sweet and all but i’d feel like i’m bothering you so
Princey: what are you talking about, plus there are so many people here they won’t even realize i’m gone for a while
Vee: i don’t wanna waste your time, it’s ok
Princey: but you’re not doing that!
Princey: idk can I at least visit you for some time? I don’t want you being all alone like that
Vee: no
Vee: i mean not that i don’t want you here but i’d feel guilty, i told you
Princey: you don’t have to!!
Princey: i lo kdjsdsdjk
Vee: what-
Princey: look i care about you, you’re one of my closest friends already and i love spending time with you, so if there’s a way for me to cheer you up i will gladly accept it
Vee: that is …
Vee: the gayest thing i’ve ever read
Vee: you’re a dork
Princey: i will take all that as a compliment
Vee: okay let me just
Vee: get my dog off of me
Princey: ADORABLE DOG
Vee: yeah i love her
Vee: and afterwards you can call me alright
Princey: SCORE!!
Princey: okay
Vee: one thing though
Princey: mirror mirror on the wall what’s the question botherin y'all
Vee: … i’ll pretend i’ve never read that
Vee: are you still getting me coffee tomorrow morning like that one time
Princey: if this is a subtle “do you wanna hang out here” i’m all for it, tho expect me to come up at like 11
Vee: wow you know exactly how to make things awkward everytime
Vee: okay dog’s off, you can call
Princey: on it!
✾✾✾✾
It is widely known and said that time flies by quickly when you’re either having fun, doing nothing or during the holidays. Students had reluctantly returned to their daily routines of lessons, homework and studying, trying to frame everything in the best way, so that they had at least some time to breathe between their tasks.
January, sadly, meant that the end of the first term was approaching inexorably  and the teachers suddenly realized they needed more marks than they actually had from every student in a matter of two weeks. Everything for the initial report cards that, in the end, didn’t matter at all compared to the final one.
Thanks to February, students would have some time to breathe and re-gain strength until March, which was another wave of tests in preparation for the real monster: May.
For the last years, though, February also meant that they were going to get more information about which subjects they had to focus on the most for their final exams, which could only be linked to chaos, panic and that anxious but subtle feeling that the big moment was coming.
Thankfully, the weekend existed and with it also places for poor unfortunate souls to release stress and distract themselves from the imminent danger.
And that is how we follow two fellow individuals in distress who had decided upon spending their first free time in weeks walking around town and having a nice chat during night. At least before they ended up in a little desolated playground, their scripts in front of their faces, definitely acting more dramatically than needed.
« Do you perform the rites by night or by day? » Roman leaned on one of the street lamps, permitting him to read his line and, at the same time, he widely gestured with his free hand.
« Mostly by night; darkness conveys awe. » Virgil emphasized his second line with such an ominous tone that made his friend giggle lightly.
« Oh my, I’m thrilled. »
« Okay but you’ve got to admit it’s actually a cool phrase to say. »
« Maybe if we were serious enough, my darkling. »
After Virgil’s usual “shut up and keep reading” (which he had been using for the past fifteen minutes, mind you), Roman complied. « This is treacherous towards women, and unsound. » his voice sounded almost offended, his hand trailed over his heart in a fist.
Virgil bit back a grin at the sight. « Even during the day someone may devise what is shameful. »
« This vile quibbling settles your punishment. » the taller one took a few steps forward, pointing his finger on his friend, accusatory.
« Your ignorance and impiety toward the god will settle yours. » Virgil snarled, imitating the other in pointing fingers.
Roman gasped way more dramatically than needed and placed a hand on his chest, eyes wide with disbelief. « How bold the Bacchant is, and not unpracticed in speaking! »
His acting partner intook some breath, before stopping, narrow eyed, while he read his words.
« What, is something wrong? » Roman demanded, eyes scanning the next lines before looking up.
« This is so fucking gay. » he admitted, a smile playing on his lips as he contemplated the possibility of a different turn of events in the plot.
« Dionysus and Pentheus, but make it gayer. »
« Than it already is? That’s a challenge. »
« I have something in mind. » Virgil didn’t like the mischievous look on Roman’s face. « Keep going. »
« Tell me what I must suffer; what grievous harm will you do to me? » he hadn’t noticed how fast the other was to reach him, the previous grin was still imprinted on his lips. His pace faltered only a bit, but didn’t stop when he was a few steps from his Dionysus.
« First, I will cut off your delicate curls. »  how Roman could change his tone from a mocking one to a warm and clear one, would forever be an unsolved mystery to the world. He proceeded to raise a hand to Virgil’s hair and slowly moved his bangs to the side, a knuckle brushing his cheek afterwards.
« My locks are sacred; I am growing them for the god. » Virgil played along and started to remember the lines, a result of their persistent reading every week. Not that he could really tear off his eyes from the looming figure in front of him.
« Next, give me this thyrsos from your hands. » other steps forward and Roman had trapped him against some metal bars he wasn’t aware of.
« Take it from me yourself; this is the wand of Dionysus I am bearing. » with no warning, Roman pressed his right hand, where the actual thyrsos would have been, to the bars and locked their fingers together. He leaned in even further, making sure Virgil could notice the sly sparkle in his half-lidded eyes.
« Last, I will guard your body deep in the dungeons. » his other hand gripped the bars right next to the boy’s head, literally trapping him. He had to stay in character, after all.
The leaning was slow this time, but didn’t seem to be stopping at any moment and Virgil could swear he felt his body move without his consent.
Inches apart, and Roman’s lips twitched upward. He stopped.
Virgil snorted.
Next thing they knew they were both bursting out laughing like they had just heard the best joke their favorite comedian had ever made.
« That was- » Virgil tried, after they both collapsed to the ground, weak in their knees for too much hilarity. « That was the stupidest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life. »
« When Pentheus and Dionysus couldn’t get any gayer. » Roman commented through an almost hysterical laughter, while part of his brain began to shut down in a ohgodwhathasjusthappenediwasabouttobutthenididntandisthisthereallife state. An everyday situation to which he was used to, of course.
« Actually, » his friend began, taking a deep breath to calm himself down. « Greek gods are very open about their sexuality. »
« Oh, yeah. Wasn’t it Zeus himself that tried to f- » Roman was instantly shushed to silence, while a pained expression grew on the other’s face.
« We don’t talk about him. »
Fair enough. They had been in comfortable silence for quite a while, sitting on the ground and enjoying the void of the night as the only sources of light showed them only certain features and details of the objects around them.
« Hey, Virge? »
The mentioned boy almost jumped at the sudden sound. « Yeah? »
Roman’s expression, fixated on something ahead of him, was somewhat between focused and in a daze.
« Did you know the teachers wanted to keep your hair growing for the play? »
« What. »
« They decided against it when they realized I actually had to cut them away during the show. »
« Why are you telling me this right now? »
« I was just thinking about … » Roman’s words lingered, as if he thought about whether or not he could disclose a secret.
About me, please say about me. Virgil shook off the bizarre thought while he waited for a response. Are you fucking kidding me? Part of his mind answered. Didn’t all those past experiences teach you anything?  Virgil found it harder to concentrate on Roman’s words now, he creased his eyebrows as if he were having a headache.
Those were in elementary school and middle school, you idiot. The other side responded. They were still valid experiences!
« Ohi. » Roman waved his hand in front of the other’s face. « Are you on this planet, sir? »
« Sadly, I still am. »
Roman rolled his eyes at that. « Dang, here I thought the aliens had gotten you. »
« You wish. »
« Anyway, I was about to get going since it’s getting pretty late even for a Saturday night. » he pulled himself on his feet, then smiled brightly and turned to his friend. « Lift home? »
« Thank god you exist. »
And Roman did really try hard to act cool and all, but he found out he couldn’t prevent his face from turning at least the weakest tint of red.
✾✾✾✾
They didn’t know how it was possible, but they made it through until April.
The last two months were a train wreck of multiple meetings between Roman’s wonderful school trip abroad, additional tests, the first exams simulations, and things getting very serious at theater club. The designs, scenes, props and costumes were all coming along neatly and, with everybody giving their all, the excitement for the play could be felt through thin air. Roman was thrilled and he thought that there wasn’t nothing else that could possibly be better than that kind of feeling.
Virgil begged to differ.
He was standing in the middle of the external part of the front of the school with a couple of other classes of his same course; they all had backpacks on their backs and a luggage held close.
Virgil was almost bouncing, unable to stay still, he started tapping his fingers on the handle of his own luggage. The anticipation was killing him, how could everybody else be so calm and casual? They were about to leave for a trip to Greece!
It was the most wanted and awaited of school trips for their course, it happened every three years and not only students were given the opportunity to confront and visit places and subjects they had studied, but also thanks to certain lovable teachers the weirdest and funniest things occurred in those trips. It was a dream come true, finally at their fingertips.
He really didn’t want to seem mean, but Virgil couldn’t stop looking at the time on his phone while one of his closest classmates trailed off talking about how energetic they felt for the trip ahead.
Until …
« Wine god! » what the f-
Virgil and his friend looked up simultaneously to be met with the vision of Roman waving one arm from the top of the external stairs and afterwards quickly running down towards them.
« I didn’t see you anywhere this morning! » he was still half-running when he spoke those words, as he reached them. He put his hands on Virgil’s shoulders.
« We didn’t really leave until now, we had a test. »
His eyes widened « What the heck? Right before a trip? »
Virgil shrugged. They had chosen it was better to do it before than afterwards.
« Well, anyway, I wanted to properly say goodbye and wish you a good travel! »
« Thank you, buddy. You really didn’t have to, aren’t you having a lesson right now? » Virgil raised one eyebrow, uncertain.
Roman showed him one of his stupidly charming grins and put his hands on his hips. « I simply asked to go to the bathroom. »
« I hate to break it to you, Roman, but this isn’t exactly the right way. »
« Oh, shut up. You know I wanted to see you before you headed off for the seven seas! »
« We’re literally traveling through the same sea, what are you tal- »
« It’s been a long day, let me have this. »
Virgil tilted his head to the side, they had been in school for only three hours, what exactly did that make it a long day?
His thoughts were broken by the thundering of one of his teachers who announced that everybody had to get ready since they were going to leave in a matter of minutes.
« Alright then. » Roman murmured with a slightly sad sigh, he quickly replaced his defeated expression with a smile, careful not to be discovered. « I’ll have to leave now. »
C'mon say something. His heart begged for mercy as Virgil looked back up at him and he saw two bright gray irises, the sun’s rays hitting them from the side just enough to make them look like literal crystals.
Anything would do, take your chance, tell him!
His eyes fell to the figure right next to them, still standing there and witnessing every one of their interactions. Well, maybe next time.
Roman leaned forwards and wrapped his arms around his friend’s shoulders in a tight embrace that was soon returned a bit more weakly around his waist. He felt like he was holding on him for dear life more than anything.
His hand trailed at the nape of his neck and stroked his hair for some instants, in which Virgil tightened his own hug and laughed silently on his shoulder.
« I’m not leaving forever, you know? The time zone is not even that different. »
« I know but I’ll be lonely! »
« We both know that’s not true. » Virgil released the other and patted his shoulder. « You’ll be fine and you can text me whenever you want when I’m not in the ferry. »
Roman let out a fake annoyed huff, but smiled anyway. « Have a safe trip, Virge. » he backed away, still facing him while waving a hand.
Then he turned to the other boy.
« Keep an eye on him for me, okay? »
« Will do! »
At this, Roman sprinted away towards his class and could only smirk wider when Virgil called him out with a “Oh shut up, Princey.”
Virgil met his friend’s all-knowing look as he turned away from the spot where he saw Roman disappear, not realizing he had a soft expression written over all of his face.
« Why are you- no. Listen, it’s not what you- »
His friend ignored him, dancing around him. « You’re doing flips, read my lips, you’re in love! » he sang, while Virgil buried his face in his hands since for some godforsaken reason when he was embarrassed he tended to have a weird smile on his face that made him completely implausible. He hated that, it only made people tease him even further.
Which was exactly what happened in this situation, even after Virgil had smacked him behind the head lightly and started to get going towards the bus station as their teachers had instructed.
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manggojooz · 5 years
Text
Pick A Side (Part 9)
pairing: Taehyung x reader
word count: 2,130
genre: university!au; angst; romance; a bit a bit of thriller
warnings: slight references to voyeuristic behaviour
previous part: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
taglist: @destiel1597 @mila271 @hopetookmysoul @ximaginx @honeyursosweet @coffeecupyoongs @bangtanbaesstuff @annoyingpessimist @betysotelo18 @okaysoplshelpme @igot7bangs @tahaing @lowkey-kpopstan 
comment: it has been a while, i feel a little rusty =/ but if you enjoyed this, i will be veryyy happy if you could help me by reblogging it or leaving a comment <3 
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Two girls were sitting on a bench under a barren tree when you walked past them. “That’s her, that’s her...”, one of them whispered to the other. You sauntered on soullessly, as if there were invisible shackles affixed to your ankles. The howling wind reminded you that you have yet to experience the coldest.  
Self-doubt, self-blame, self-victimisation; you wanted to put all that down. This time round, you were certainly neither the perpetrator nor the victim, but it was still arduous for you to stagger down the walkways towards the main cluster of university building.  
You stopped at the doorsteps of the student office, dreading the fact that you were about to enter alone.  
When you had opened your eyes that morning, it didn’t feel this lonesome. There was a recognisable sound palpitating in your ears. Maybe you still wouldn’t recognise his handwriting, maybe you still wouldn’t recognise his scent or his warmth, but from now on you were sure you would recognise his heartbeat, because it reminded you of this safety, no matter how fleeting.  
“Where are you going?”, Taehyung asked after you got up, preparing yourself to head out.  
“To the student office... I just want to see if they found anything new and to clarify that I’m not the one they are looking for. I realised I didn’t really make it clear the last time”, you spoke in a soft voice.  
“Good thing I don’t have classes this morning”, he yawned while stretching his back and legs. You walked over to where his coat hung at the window.  
“You don’t have to come with me”, you replied, taking his coat off the hanger, it was mostly dry by now.  
“Why? I’ve got time anyway, let’s go together”, he pouted slightly.  
You held out his coat, “Thanks for everything last night. At least now I feel like I shouldn’t doubt or victimise myself. This time I did nothing wrong, and I can’t be the one cowering here. Whether Jihyun believes me or not, I have to make things clear.”
“Yeah ok, so let’s go toge-”, he stood up while insisting.  
“I can do it myself”, you cut him off short, “I have to... you won’t always be here.”
He reached out to take the coat from your hand. You hadn’t let go, and he doesn’t pull it over. “I can if you want me to”, he whispered, words shaky.  
Facing the glass door outside the student office by yourself, you regretted sending Taehyung away with the excuse that he needed to get himself ready for class later. You thought the misunderstanding was only with Jihyun. What you didn’t know was how the entire world seems to have taken the side that perpetuates you as the culprit.  
This feeling was all too familiar.  
The automatic glass door suddenly glides open and you see two pairs of shoes walk out. Jihyun looked at you inscrutably, but you frowned in perplexion at the person next to her.  
“Y/N”, he did not look the least bit startled, “are you here to see Ms. Helen too?”, Haejoong enquires in his gentle tone as usual.  
You decided to put your bewilderment aside for the moment and took a step towards Jihyun. She uncontrollably stumbles an inch backward, Haejoong immediately side stepping an inch so that Jihyun was half-hidden behind him.  
You stared up at him wide-eyed, wondering what on earth he was trying to do but he only gives you a look of assurance and concern as though telling you that he is doing this for your own good. He shook his head slightly as though advising you not to approach Jihyun right now.  
“It’s not me”, you whispered with conviction at Jihyun. You felt like she didn’t think it was you either from the way she looked unwaveringly into your eyes. But then you became unsure when she suddenly tugged at Haejoong’s arms to indicate that she wanted to leave and he naturally escorted her away.  
---
You walked into class later than usual that day. Taehyung was already there and he perked up when he saw you. Instead of going up to him, you chose to sit at the furthest corner of the classroom again. Taehyung picks up his bag and marches over to you, ignoring all the stares he was getting, and he plants himself down next to you.  
You glared at him, hoping he would realise that you would much rather not garner such attention thanks to him but the moment was cut short when Taehyung suddenly gawked towards the door. You looked over too and saw Haejoong walking in with Jihyun following close to him, Haejoong side-eyes the rest of the class who were murmuring as they entered and whispered something to Jihyun before bringing her to sit down near the door.  
You felt the stares starting to converge onto you instead, and you scanned the classroom, many of your classmates averting your eyes immediately when you looked at them. The feeling was suffocating you again. Is this some kind of déjà vu? When the class ended, you promptly dashed out of the classroom as fast as lightening. Taehyung tried to chase after you but he lost you somewhere in the crowded corridor.  
You had barely made it out the building when you got a message from Jihyun, “Do you have time? Can we meet in the painting room for a short while?”  
---
“Hey...”, you murmured as you entered the room where Jihyun sat alone amongst the canvases and easels.  
“Hey”, Jihyun watches you walk up to her.  
“I umm...”, you tried to start the conversation but she took it from you.  
“I know it’s not you... but it’s difficult not to listen to anything.”  
It startles you that despite all that had happened to her, she was trying her best not to jump to the wrong conclusions about you. There must have been a reason why Taehyung was friends with her for so long after all.  
“I’m sorry you are going through such a thing”, you stammered as you struggled to find a response.  
“It’s not your fault... and you were right about one thing”, she looked down at her tightly-clasped hands and you could tell she was nervous.  
You faced her with puzzled eyes as she continued to speak.  
“Remember when we were fighting over that school bullying video? I thought I was doing the right thing by sharing it. But you asked me what if this wasn’t what the victim wanted? At that time, I thought you were just picking a fight with me, because whatever I did, you didn't like it. Now I know it was me, I was the one picking the fight with you. Whatever you said to me, I didn’t like it.”
“Jihyun, you-”, you tried to interject but couldn’t.  
“Y/N, you were right. The victim doesn’t want awareness, or for more people to help, sometimes the victim just wants to be left alone, and for everything to blow over, quickly, quietly...”, her sorrow and helplessness were increasingly decipherable.  
“I’m sure they will catch the culprit soon, don't listen to the things that other people say, we did nothing wrong, we...”, you tried to comfort her.
She lets out a deep sigh, “You must feel so disgruntled right now, since everyone keeps spreading the same rumours. Just now after the lesson I overheard a group of classmates talking about it too... and so I told them I don’t think it was you, and guess what they asked me?”  
You had no answer to her question.  
“They asked me... if it wasn’t you, why is Haejoong sticking by my side, taking care of me instead of you?”, she scoffed.  
This was the same question you had as well. And now you realise why the feeling is all so familiar – because someone who had always been by your side suddenly isn’t, and so the world again assumed that you were at fault after all.  
---
Taehyung was controlling his urge to confront Haejoong, so he devolves instead into glaring intently at Haejoong, who was standing at the vending machine in the school cafeteria.
“What are you sulking about now? Although if I were you, I'd probably be sulking too...”, Yoongi comes up to the seated Taehyung with two cups of coffee.  
“Nothing...”, Taehyung’s eyes were still glued to that annoying back view, not thinking that Yoongi will understand his dilemma.  
“What are the chances Kim Taehyung, that both your ex-es are involved in a situation like this. You must feel like you are in no position to do anything for any of them, right?”, Yoongi slides one of the drinks in between Taehyung’s hands.  
“How did you know that?!”, Taehyung exclaims.  
“Pfft, I may not look like I care very much but I know what’s going on around here, alright?”, Yoongi sits down across from Taehyung, unintentionally blocking his view of his nemesis.  
“As if it isn’t already frustrating enough that I can’t do anything, now I even have to watch him do this to her...”, Taehyung mutters without parting his teeth.  
“Who’s him?”, Yoongi turns around to glance towards the direction Taehyung was death-glaring at and spots Haejoong walking away.  
“Oh him...”, Yoongi sniggers, “He’s had a crush on her for a long time anyway, he took your pure arts class even though he’s a senior film-making major just to be in the same class as her-”
“If he likes her so much, shouldn’t he be better to her?”, Taehyung spoke agitatedly, not allowing Yoongi to finish his sentence.  
“What more do you want him to do?”, Yoongi asks nonchalantly.  
“What more? What is he even doing now? How can he just leave her in the ditch by herself in a time like this?”, Taehyung was visibly getting more worked up.  
“Huh? Wait wait wait... who are you talking about?”, Yoongi senses that there was a disparity in their conversation.  
“Im Haejoong!”, Taehyung exclaims.  
“Yeah I know that! I mean who is the ‘her’ you are talking about?!”, Yoongi grew a little impatient too, leaning forward to smack Taehyung’s forehead.  
“Y/N, of course”, Taehyung answered, feeling a pinch in his chest.  
“What? No... no no”, Yoongi was taken aback, “Haejoong doesn’t like Y/N...”
“What do you mean he doesn’t like Y/N? Haven't you seen the way he clings to her? Wait... then who is the ‘her’ you are talking about?”, Taehyung frowned.
“Jihyun, Kim Jihyun.”
---
Taehyung dashes out of the cafeteria, looking around frantically trying to find Haejoong but he was nowhere to be seen.  
“It's a well-known fact amongst the film-making seniors that Haejoong has liked Jihyun way before you even dated her. Did you not know that?”, Yoongi’s question must have been rhetorical.  
Taehyung feels like he desperately needs to do something. Should he call you, but what can he ask you? Should he call Jihyun, but what can he tell her? He doesn’t have anything to prove it, but in his heart he feels it – something just doesn’t feel right.  
---
Winter nights always crept up too hastily. The sunset filtered through the windows drawing out your shadow and hers too.  
“Y/N, I know I've been really selfish but it is really difficult for me now. Every time someone looks at me, I would flinch, and I keep feeling like they are all talking about me, and staring at me like I’m some-”, Jihyun’s voice began to break and it echoed in the empty painting room.  
“Jihyun, you are not what they say you are. You are just the victim in this, nothing else”, you assured her.  
She manages to calm down before speak again, “What I'm trying to say is that I know if I accept Haejoong’s help right now it wouldn’t look good on you, but I have nobody else now and somehow he is the only person willing to help me...”
You didn't really focus on hearing the rest of her explanation, all you could think about was how Haejoong steadfastly insisted he would be on your side, but where was he when you needed him too? Why is he suddenly so nice to Jihyun? And why did he lie about the post-its to you? You weren’t feeling upset or jealous and you had no way to prove it but something just doesn’t feel right.  
“Finally found the both of you”, a voice suddenly breaks your trance, it was mellow, but it made you spin around in your seat sharply. Haejoong was standing only less than a metre away and you don’t even know when he had entered the room. He wore his usual boyish smile. You hoped that it was because of the sunset, but the shadows of his smile began to make you apprehensive.  
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prettywordsyouleft · 5 years
Text
Through His Eyes - Part 8
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Summary: Losing your sight after your accident was traumatic, and Jaebum’s guilt of knowing it should have been him instead creates an intricate bond between you both, as you overcome adversity and try to find your way in life again.
Genre: angst / romance
Characters: Im Jaebum x female reader
A/N: This story is emotional and raw compared to some of the content on my blog. It is in no way an attempt to glamourise or undervalue the lives of those who suffer from something similar. This story is purely fictional.
Through His Eyes will be posted every Tuesday at 10am NZST.
Index: Prologue | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 [M] | 13 - FINAL
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“I’m home,” you called out after successfully unlocking the door to your apartment within the first three attempts and stepped inside. You turned and bowed to your new minder, Suzie, and fare-welled her before closing the door.
“You’re home much earlier than I anticipated.”
You sighed heavily, stepping into your slippers and following the ramp up into the living area. You were now used to calculating your steps in the back of your mind as you did other tasks, and placed your bag down on the table before heading to the refrigerator. Feeling in the door for a bottle of water, you pulled one out and took it over to a chair at the table. “Don’t ask.”
“You seem unhappy, was your day bad?” You heard another chair pull out and your mother sat down, reaching for your hand gently. You frustrations eased with her touch, and you forgot all about your initial barrier of continuing the conversation.
“I have to do a group project.”
“On what?”
“We’re reading a classic novel called Jane Eyre at the moment and instead of doing an essay on it, which I would have much preferred, our lecturer has assigned us into groups of four to come up with a presentation on a topic within the novel. And of course, none of my partners are happy they got stuck with me.”
“I’m sure they aren’t that put-”
You placed your bottle down with more force than needed and shifted your head towards her direction. “They must think blind people are deaf as well, because they didn’t seem to realise I was nearby when they started to complain about having a disadvantage!”
“Oh.” Your Mum shifted uncomfortably in her seat, no doubt feeling angry hearing of another incident of you being singled out. You felt sorry for her having a daughter that faced so many woes within her education, when in the past you had never caused her any need to be concerned about your academics.
“And to top it off, others were very happy to not have me in their team. Do they think I can’t do the project because I’m blind?!”
“You work even harder than the average student to make sure you don’t fall behind. I’m sure when they realise that, they’ll be more accommodating towards you.”
You shook your head. “It shouldn’t be that I have to prove to them that I’m good enough though. They have no idea who I am, and how many offers I used to get from artists and galleries for my work in the past.”
“But that isn’t who you are now, Y/N,” she reminded gently, and you snapped your head towards her again, anger rising within your chest. She seemed to sense it and reached for your hand once more, which you shook off immediately. “It’s hard I-”
“IT’S ALWAYS HARD, ISN’T IT?!”
Getting up in a rush, you stumbled towards your bedroom and then slammed the door shut, panting heavily with your outburst. Soon the tears came and you sank to the ground, wrapping your arms around you for comfort. Ignoring the knocking and the calls on the other side of the door, you felt ashamed for taking your mood out on her. You hated that even when you were hurting the most, you still felt guilty towards how much she did for you every day and the sacrifices she had taken to help you.
“But for one day, I wish she would just allow me to complain without giving me the known answer,” you mumbled aloud before burying your head into your arms.
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Two days went by and your mood had darkened further with the lack of faith from your fellow partners with the presentation. Since it was the weekend, your mother went to help your Aunt run her vegetable store, which you welcomed greatly.
You didn’t intend to move from bed for the entire day.
Around mid-morning, your stomach had other ideas however, so you relinquished to the hunger and went out to make some breakfast. Once fed, you stood within the middle of the living room, wrestling with your options. Bed had been your original safety zone, but now that you were up, it was tempting to go on your computer and waste your day listening to Youtube videos, catching up with online friends in the blind community, and peruse some trivial websites. After grabbing a bottle of water, you headed back into your room and opened the curtains, wincing at the same time as rejoicing in the bright light invading the room. It was an odd experience, you hated the intensity of the light at times, yet it made you feel as close to normal in your greyscale world as you could be.
“Let’s check my emails first,” you said to yourself as you set about the computer, mimicking the sounds the accessibility settings did as you navigated your way around the device. You opened your emails one after the other, listening through the message the robotic voice delivered and then discarded or replied to them as necessary. You were onto the last email when you froze, listening to the message as a cold sweat rushed over you.
“Y/N is invited to the opening of Lee Jaemin’s debut art exhibition, by the title of Expressive. The event-”
The computer started making incomprehensible sounds as you banged on the keyboard to make it stop talking, your breathing becoming erratic. You held your hands to your heaving chest as the sentence repeated over and over in your head, your body shaking at the idea of the girl opening her own exhibition. She had been your biggest competition throughout the years and had always come second to you in major events. Now with you out of the competition, not only had she been able to take your places within the local art scene, but was also offered what you had been working towards earlier this year.
For the first time since the accident, you hated Im Jaebum. For those first few moments, as you digested the information, you cursed your love of GOT7, of kpop, of even knowing the seven men existed. As your body shook all over with anger, you wanted nothing more than to return to the day you had won the exclusive pass and decline the opportunity.
You wanted your career back.
Yet, just as fast as it came, your mind travelled to that fateful moment, your once seeing eyes widening as you noticed the faulty beam first. Your instant reaction to save him, and the weight of the beam hitting you before it all went black. As the tears fell rapidly, your thoughts stopped on every gesture Jaebum had done for you since your world had turned upside down. The anger subdued for a bit, as you coped with the intense grief and guilt you suffered from wishing the beam onto him briefly instead. You rocked back and forth in the chair, unable to cope with the rapid directions your emotions were taking you, hoping your thoughts would ease off.
Instead, your needs narrowed onto one thing and you eventually stood up, heading out of your room as you roughly wiped the tears aside, as if the removal of them would assist in your blind search through the apartment for what you required. Feeling yourself around the walls, you found the storage closet and began using your hands and other senses to locate what you knew your mother hadn’t thrown out like you had insisted her to. It didn’t take long, your fingers falling upon the well-known texture of canvas, shifting along to find four others beside it. You yanked them all out from their hiding spot, tapping around on the ground for any of your tools. You found a bag and pulled that out as well, stopping when you banged into something as you moved the bag. You took that out too and then dragged your discoveries out around you, dropping in between it all and taking a steady breath.
You felt irrationally calm in that moment, and not because you were finally surrounded by what your life had consisted of. The need to feel each object in a slow, methodical examination outweighed anything else, letting your fingers run over every inch of each item. You became familiar all over again with how your tools felt, brushes and sculpting tools all being recognised by your hands. You soon realised the item next to the bag was the prized vase you had made earlier in the year, the ribbons awarded to it still attached. Your attention soon turned to the canvases, the bumps and textures making you think of all the Braille lessons so far, except the words were spoken in an art form, with no distinct answer as to what each piece was. For an immeasurable time, you attempted to guess what was which piece you had created. Every time you thought you had an answer, the next bump of paint would throw you off, frustrating you further. By the fifth canvas inspection, you were rigid, unable to understand anything you were touching.
The pent up emotions built until you could no longer suppress them and you got up, throwing the canvas down with a heavy thud. The sound it made seemed to provoke some kind of release in you and so you bent down, fumbling to find something else to throw, becoming fully invested in destroying everything you had just spent intricate effort in deciphering. The more noise, the more vigorous your actions became until the sound of the shattering clay hit you as if you were shattering your own heart. You crouched down in exhaustion from your emotions, crying consistently until you heard the keypad signal go off.
You didn’t have any energy to move to greet your mother, or to do anything about cleaning your mess either. You waited for her scolding to begin but the rushed feet towards you sounded too heavy to be her. You were confused and for a moment, you guarded yourself, not knowing what to expect.
“What…” You heard Jaebum utter and this was enough to make your legs give out, a cry leaving your lips as you landed on the shards of clay. “Y/N what are you doing?!”
“How did you know the passcode?” you asked tiredly, not giving him any help in lifting you away from the destruction scene. All the same, he attempted to pick you up again, your body trying to fight but had no energy left to leave any effect. He placed you down on the couch and you glared at what you hoped to be his direction. “Im Jaebum!”
“Your mother called me,” he explained, his hands ceasing in their examination of injuries. He shifted back, concerned at how you had spoken. “She told me you were having a hard time and so I said I would come and see you today in between my schedules. I was outside banging and pressing the doorbell, but you didn’t hear me at all. So I used the code I’ve seen you put in.”
You didn’t answer, unable to decide if you were angry with him for interrupting or thankful for his presence.
“Why were you doing that?” he questioned softly, his hands slowly returning to your legs. “Y/N, you’re bleeding.”
“I don’t care.” You looked away from him and tried to push his hands away. He grabbed your hand instead, his gentle nature having an effect on easing your frustrations. Even so, you attempted to hold onto the agitated emotion for as long as you could. “You should just go.”
“I’m not leaving you like this, you should see this place!”
“I wish I could!” you blurted out, and his grip on your hand eased off. You got up shakily from where he had put you and walked back down to where you had been. He grabbed you before you stepped on anything and you pointed to it desperately. “This is me, this is my world. Do you see how shattered this all is now? That is me!”
“Is it really?”
You nodded fervently. “You told me to express how I feel so I am! I’m sick of becoming something new. I am not an English Lit major, but an Art and Design student! I created all of this myself! Now… now I can’t even paint a single line across a piece of paper! Whilst people who I had worked hard to impress for years are now giving Lee Jaemin all the opportunities I was aiming for, I’m here in sweatpants and a tee with no hope of looking good to anyone, let alone impress them that I am someone to invest in. I’m here unable to do anything I want to because, because-”
“Because of me,” Jaebum concluded from behind you, lowering his head to your shoulder and his body began to shake with his own emotions. You moved around in his arms and hugged him tightly, both crying until you could no longer.
For some time you didn’t speak, not having any words to share with each other. And then you felt Jaebum move away from your side, his hands reaching for something on the ground. “This is beautiful.”
“What is?”
“This sunrise over a building top,” he mentioned and your mind went towards the artwork you had created after watching their You Are music video. “It’s captured beautifully.”
“It was inspired by you.” “It was?” You nodded and felt Jaebum move back to your side again, his hand reaching for yours and passing you the canvas. You felt the weight within your hand and sighed.
“I painted it after the You Are MV.”
“Ahh.” He was silent again, but moved back to the mess upon the floor. From his examination, three of the canvases were salvageable, whilst two remained helpless on the floor with the ceramic vase.
“I guess there is a lot of mess to clean up,” you said sadly, lowering your head and holding onto the sunrise canvas more preciously than you had all day.
“But we can clean it up and heal from it together,” he replied firmly, referring to more than the physical mess you had made.
You smiled, nodding your head. “I like the sound of that.”
_________________
[Part 9]
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134 notes · View notes
zayashmaya · 5 years
Text
some marvus angst alphabet headcanons
im bored and feeling some type of way so lets get truckin’ folks
a - accident (would they blame themselves if you died in an accident?)
- absolutely, marvus has a savior complex that’s quite beforus-style due to how he perceives purplebloods and their role in society. he wants to be the protector for his lover, and failing to do so would shatter his high opinion of himself regarding his ability to keep them safe. his mind will constantly be flooded with thoughts of how he could have done things differently, if he had just had security follow you around, or kept you locked away safely in his hive, none of this would have happened. he should have known better - alternia is a dangerous place. b - break up (how would they deal with one?)
- aloof, aloof, aloof. at worst, he would play it off as though he didn’t really care, and at best he would be understanding and try to remain friends (although he quickly realizes he can’t do that, it hurts too much, so he ghosts his ex). marvus isn’t the type to date officially to begin with, and if he does then he goes all in. breaking up would have him revisiting where things went wrong. little, random things would remind him of his ex, and he would find himself missing them. c - crying (are they much of a crier?)
- nope, he cried when he was a wiggler if he skinned his knee or something but ever since he embarked on a career in entertainment, he learned to keep his true feelings to himself. d - death (how do they deal with any death?)
- he is very, very good at handling death. he’s a killer himself, and surrounds himself with death on a daily basis. the clown cult taught him early in life to get rid of his discomfort with dead bodies and murder and all that fun stuff, so by now he is utterly desensitized and looks upon it with mild disinterest. - if someone he loves dies, that’s a different story. first of all, it is hard for him to openly love someone to begin with. so if someone manages to break down that barrier, all of those teachings from clown church fly out the window. if his lover dies, he will bear this burden for the rest of his life, and it will be a weight that cannot ever be lifted. he will be more violent during his concerts, more erratic with his work life, drowning himself in hedonism to help himself forget the pain and loneliness, but it will never go away. e - emotion (what’s the emotion they tend to push away the most?)
- sadness. marvus haaaaaates moping around and thinking about stuff that upset him. he thinks he could do far more productive things, and he certainly works himself to the bone or hangs out with his friends to distract himself. this dude rarely deals with his own feelings, despite how introspective he tends to be. f - frustrated (how much would it take to push them off the edge?)
- i feel like it varies. if things are going well for marvus, he doesn’t usually get pissed, he’d probably take it all in stride and figure things out with a level head. but if he’s already in a bad place, then adding to the situation will make him frustrated and grouchy. g - great pain (what is the most painful thing they have witnessed?)
- the first time he witnessed a lowblood being sacrificed at church. he still remembers the begging and screaming. h - humiliation (how could they be humiliated?)
- if someone looks down on him. i think this is where his hatred of sea dwellers comes from; he doesn’t like feeling like someone is better than him, especially when they haven’t earned that status. being forced to submit to the whims of his superiors is something that pisses him off more than anything. i - injured (how do they handle themselves when injured?)
- shrugs it off, no matter what. we saw a classic example of that during his bad end after his limo exploded, and despite him eventually acknowledging he got hurt more than he thought, he still looked at the brighter side of things. j - jittery (which part of their past makes them flinch or even worked up?)
- genuine intimacy. he is totally unfamiliar with it. pailing and sensuality, he has no problem with. violence, no biggie. but vulnerability and expressions of love? he’s ready to simultaneously crawl out of his skin and yet chase after those caresses. he’ll get accustomed to them eventually, and once he’s comfortable with intimacy, you best believe he will be the biggest cuddle bug. k - kill (would they kill for revenge?)
- marvus prides himself on his self-control. he allows murder and mayhem at his concerts, and even instigates them, because all of this is done at his discretion. killing for revenge out in the open would make him feel like he lost that self-control, which he is loathe to do. so i think he would handle matters personally, either one-on-one where no one else can see and the camera crew is gone, or he will hire an assassin to do his dirty work. l - loss (what was their greatest loss?)
- i imagine he might have had close lowblood friends among his profession when he first started, and he was probably forced into a situation where they got killed in a match with him during slam or get culled. m - mistakes (how much do they want to fix the mistakes of their past?)
- marvus is probably the type to have very few regrets. he believes that everything that’s happened to him has taught him an important lesson, so changing the past would change his perspective and who he currently was. o - outrage (what makes them angry?)
- needless to say, cocky sea dwellers who overstep his boundaries and make him feel like shit. also people who invade his privacy. he puts a lot of effort into letting the public see what he wants them to see, so if someone goes the extra mile to breach the very little privacy he has left for himself, he’s gonna be livid. he also has absolutely no tolerance for anyone daring to insult his lover in any way. someone will lose their life for that. 
p - pressure (what stresses them out to the breaking point?)
- honestly, i think he would never lose his composure like that in his line of work. it’s the issues that might arise in his private life that he will be unprepared to handle, since he tends to leave things unspoken and doesn’t deal with issues head-on. so when the tension between him and his lover starts to overflow, he doesn’t know how to handle it because he never learned coping mechanisms or how to properly analyze his feelings. basically, his own feelings will overwhelm him. q - qualify (what part of themselves do they see as dangerous?)
- his charm mixed with his detached facade. marvus thinks that chuckle voodoos are only a small part of what makes him dangerous. his ability to win over anyone through his personality and manipulate them into doing what he wants is what he considers to be his strongest asset. t - time (what if they had limited time to live?)
- if single, marvus immediately comes to terms with it and spends his time doing what he loves, making music and making his fans happy. if taken, he will still accept his fate to some degree, and he would stay strong for his lover until the very end. but deep down, he wishes he had more time with them. so he spends his last days entirely in their company. they are all that matters to him. u - urge (how badly do they get the urge to see you after separating?)
- if he goes on tour, the first few days, maybe week, is easy peasy. marvus is very independent and driven, and when he has a lot of duties to attend to, he will absolutely focus on them. but once he starts thinking about his lover, how he misses their warmth and laughter, it’s like a switch is flipped. he starts getting antsy about getting back to them. there’s definitely a whole lot of texting (sexting too for sure), phone calls, you name it, he even buys them a bunch of gifts for them. - if his lover is the one who goes somewhere and he has little to occupy himself with, he’s going to be THE neediest bitch on the planet, and he will try to convince you to come back as soon as possible if he can. sends them lots of texts about how much he misses them. when his lover returns, he’s waiting at the door like a housewife watching her soldier husband return from war. in both instances, he’s gonna need at least a week of your undivided attention. v - vent (how do they get rid of feelings they find unnecessary?)
- he raps about his problems! that’s how the feels jam sessions go for him (with chixie ok, there’s no one else better equipped to handle this situation). y - yearning (do old memories make them yearn for your touch?)
- he thinks about the first time you ran your fingers through his hair, when you stroked his bare cheek after he removed his face paint for the first time in your presence, the way your fingers graze along his alien features and committing them to memory, little things like this that he always remembers and craves more of.
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