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itscinnafox · 3 years

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STORY NOTES [akafuri] : By The Next Sunrise

Because I had sooooo much fun doing this with a friend (@miss-cactus) :] (also being the first collab' work that's posted) and had a lot of messy notes and drafts, it's just so precious to me not to ramble about it >w< also plenty of fun times in just 2 and half months despite life biting my ass at the same time, totally my stress relief lol. Also, this story really isn't just some cheesy stuff for the sake of romance. It's genuine love (੭ ˃̣̣̥ ω˂̣̣̥)੭ु⁾⁾

Read the story here in AO3 Summary: On the way to his brother’s house, the spring showers had begun again. With an open palm, he let it collect the cold showers and let it flow out from the cups of his palm. They were chilly despite the warming sun, he looked up at the sky, and wondered what the rain would be like in other parts of the world. Furihata smiled. He would find out. Perhaps by one of the next sunrises.

.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ. Rambles undercut ଘ(੭ˊ꒳ˋ)੭✧ .☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.☆ﾟ.

FIRSTLY, @miss-cactus has all my gratitude ♡(ŐωŐ人) without her; AkaFuri will be stranded in France LOL! Seriously, I'll just dump them in some random village in France and just maybe not even finish this story at all even. The time she took to find me a place, translate, edits and also judging me for my description of the place LOL yep... total life saver. With her help it really motivated and inspired me a lot! She's the oil to my car............. you get the idea :] .

BONUS, she's also a translator and translated many amazing works, basically a deity, breathing life back into them. Also, she has original works too :D check 'em out, it's cute! It's in French, but they're easily translated, she's that good! (๑>◡<๑) her AO3

WEIRD FACT, I also had a short break up with my boyfriend of 7 years while writing this. LOL. I was so upset but I got motivated by the similarities, that when he asked for us back I was like 'But-but the similarities though!' but I love him....bleeegh. So I said yes, and we're better than before. YAY!

๑ Story Base ๑ The idea popped when I was listening to 'The sun after washed by spring rain' by Wang Lee Hom on a rainy day on my day off, and florist Akashi just looks so beautiful lol and the rest just came up.... and I really wanted this vibe for AkaFuri something incredibly soft and warm~ just cozy >w< huehue~

This story sets in Spring, spring here, spring there~ Spring is the breath of new life, basically Furi's story lol.

I was also aiming for this story to be short and a bit poetic...... LOL then 11k words later I just gave up and was like: well, if AkaFuri wanna romance then who are we to say no? (Akashi will shave my hair in my sleep lol)

๑ Playlist ๑ Play on Youtube The playlist is by order according to each part within the story. I really love to ramble about this since music is my inspiration for a lot of things and the vibe of the whole premise, section of their development and perspectives.

☆ 11 : 11 by Taeyeon Introducing Furihata's little sob lol and Furi's perspective. After Furihata breaks up with his girlfriend (who again, have no significant in his life what so ever), he goes through the phase on moving forward. It really isn't him moving forward with his feelings for her though, it's just him moving forward from the familiarity of being with her in his life. With her gone, he finally reconnects with who he is, like in this passage : "However, somehow with just a fling of his bag onto the island top threw him years back. He has not always been this tidy and clean." Furihata had basically lived his life to accommodate to those around him. (I wanna stress that Furi wasn't forced into a relationship or was it abusive. It was just a relationship with someone whom Furi had no infatuation for. It just so happens she wanted to date him after the wintercup, and Furi is just like 'yea ok?' but really he didn't exactly thought it through.)

So this is where Furihata moves on from the familiarity. He cries because they dated lol, but really he's just confuse.

☆ The Sun After Washed By Spring Rain by Wang Lee Hom Exactly one year after Furi's break-up. The source of this story idea lol. Also, Furi's perspective. The title and the song is literally what it meant; the sun after the spring rain which brings in new beginnings. I present you, this passage of the story: "Instead, with an open palm, he let it collect the cold showers and let it flow out from the cups of his palm. They were chilly despite the warming sun, he looked up at the sky, and wondered what the rain would be like in other parts of the world."

☆ Reunite by Jordie Power I present you, when Akashi appeared and Furihata's crush on Akashi just awakened and go haywire LOL! In this AU, Furihata has genuine feelings for Akashi. They were long time friends, and there were even a few emphasis of their friendship through high school but because Furihata has a girlfriend and Akashi respected that (although most times, in my brain, is just Akashi crying to Kuroko LOL!)

☆ Passage by Miyano Mamoru Furihata and Akashi's similarities. The song is basically about finding yourself as you age, the experiences you go through as you age (i'm 27 and i'm still confuse lol) Even though this story focuses on Furihata a lot and little less on Akashi except for little hints here and there, Akashi was just as lost as Furihata.

Random thought (as I type this), my boyfriend had told me this before "Even though we don't need each other, and do well on our own. We have friends but it's so different. Is just something different to have someone you love around, so to an extend, I really do need you and to share everything with you, it really makes me happy." it really is something different to have someone by your side especially when you found someone. (p/s: you definitely don't need to be in a relationship to feel complete. you complete yourself okay? :3) Furi and Akashi have been in-love since high-school, they have accomplished a lot on their own but in a passage, they both felt lost and felt like something was 'empty' that was because they were still in-love, and they met each other and truly want to spend their life together and share everything.

☆ Moonlight by Miyano Mamoru Mmmmmm~ the juice. This is Akashi's perspective when he wants to romance Furihata (∗ᵕ̴᷄◡ᵕ̴᷅∗)՞ and of course, sneakily confesses to him. OH MY GOODNESS! THIS IS LITERALLY THE PART THAT I'VE BEEN DYING FOR! and wrote it sooooo many times. I wanted it steamy and a little desperate after their long pent-up-frustration unprofessed love, without making it 'explicit' kind of way. So I hope I captured it right lolol.

☆ Make Me Love You by Taeyeon Furihata's feelings towards Akashi. I was pondering on a song that would fit Furihata's pull towards Akashi and how Akashi makes him feel every time. No other songs seems to feel like then I was randomly humming to this song while I was working and this is perfect! Also, a wonderful vibe.

I think it has been emphasised a lot on how Furihata reacts to Akashi, how he blushes like crazy, how he also subconsciously wants Akashi to make him fall in love with him. Because deep down, as again, Furihata genuinely loves Akashi but he was never daring enough to do it and since Akashi had never showed any indication, so Akashi had to confess in order for Furihata to be brave enough to smack their lips together to confess too.

☆ Je Fais De Toi Mon Essentiel by Emmanuel Moire Infinitely bless @miss-cactus (and her naughty brother lol) for this! This is song is seriously sooooo beautiful ;w; I don't care if reader's don't listen to the playlist, but OH MY GOD! If nobody had listened to this, is seriously missing out. (just as a song in general is beautiful) and the lyrics are just akjsfhakjsfhaf AKASHI'S WORDS! In Akashi's perspective and the song that Akashi sang to when they were in the car, and Cactus chose the perfect line for it ;w;

This song basically concludes everything!!! From their feelings for each other since high-school and all the way until the day they die! It's basically everything I wanted this story to be about, just their pure love for one another and to share their happiness together ;w;

Also, I want to point out in regards of Furihata's decision on staying in France. It's really not just a spontaneous and reckless decision lol. As stated and shown in the story, Furihata is somewhat a successful person with a career, but Furihata has other passion and interest which he seemed to enjoy doing which is photography and Akashi notices this. Even though with a career, at a time some will have a change of heart. So if Furi wants to stay in France with Akashi, he has thought it through enough, and can afford to even live by even without Akashi's money lolol. ๑ Premises ๑ Cactus, without her, AkaFuri will be hobos. I . AM . NOT . KIDDING ! She just whip out the map of France and pin point me to everything! I didn't ask for that but her soul is made from angel clay and she showed me this beautiful town, and I am floored! I didn't feel that much motivation and inspiration before o(≧∇≦o)

So why not Paris? XD 1, I didn't want Paris, I wanted a natural, country/cottage vibe and not the city. 2, proven by Cactus, "actual paris : if you want a cup of coffee you have to give up your wife and your 2 children bc it's way too expensive" (XD actually there's more but those parts are only between us lol) 3, I want to pull Akashi from his usual portrayal of rich and luxurious life style. I mean.... he's still rich, just not lavish in that lifestyle. In here, Akashi's basically bare as a canvas, and painting it on his own. 4, I google mapped Paris.... and if anything, Akashi and Furihata will probably get run over by traffic LOLOL! 5, we hate the crowds lolol and we'd do anything to drown the citizens for AkaFuri to be alone. I'm not even gonna be discreet about this xD.

☆ Mornac-Sur-Seudre This main village, is the most beautiful town picked by Cactus. It's not so 'in the face' although not so splashed in a lot of colours (except for the oyster huts), it is a very vibrant village. We totally fell in love with it. It's quiet, and not a lot of villagers, so it's perfect for AkaFuri to have their stroll hand in hand (人 •͈ᴗ•͈) They're also very famous for their oysters LOL! So yeah..... Akashi fed Furi oysters.... because....it's yummy.... LOL! Video reference here. There's another beautiful video but I can't find it no more. ;; Other references; here, here and here.

☆ Seagull Train Furihata loves train (and so do I) and since the train exists here! WHY THE HELL NOT?! I really love writing this part! I fell in love with the department Cactus picked and everything was so perfect and beautiful. Pictures and videos of it was just so breath taking ;w; and it's a steam train! I've never ride one before, but I have been into exhibits in the train museum. The smell is amazing lol. It's like sniffing my humidifier......but bigger.

This is the train I had saw mostly from it. the 030 T 3 from 1891. It's still operational so choo-choo!!! they go!

Video reference ; here Train reference; here, here Other references; here, here, here and here.

☆ Saintes & Royan These two towns are what's closest to Mornac. I didn't have much on Royan because Saintes had a beautiful charm, so this is where they would have their wonderful date <3 and talk a little bit about their feelings.

Cactus correcting me on the description on the city as I just woke up from my sleep, is seriously a way to wake up in the morning at 5am XD LOLOL!!

There's a few churches too, and has an interesting history from the Roman empire :D really intriguing.

The bridge where they have their little confession in high-school (◡‿◡✿)

This video here, absolutely pretty!

☆ Akashi's Floristry; Fleurs d’acacia Cactus picked out the most beautiful name! "So either L’acacia (just the tree) or Fleurs d’acacia (acacia flowers)" The Acacia because it rhymes with Akashi's name : Aca - as in 'Aka' in Akashi. Ci - as in sea...because they're near the ocean. A - as in....... h(a)m because Cactus said so... and I can't even disagree because it's where Furi getting some of those..... meat....because Akashi's ham.....like his meat.......y'know..... We're very dignified ( ᵘ ᵕ ᵘ ⁎)

The design of Akashi's 3 story shop/studio/apartment..... I really don't have any reference, it's all in the head LOLOL! Akashi basically lives in simplicity, his shop all on the ground floor, and the second floor is his art studio where paints and do whatever he wants. Finally the third floor is where he stays, it was wasn't very detailed but it's very spacious and cozy >w<!

☆ The Drive-in theatre Bruuuuuh......the confession is the thing! Akashi sneaking in his opportunity to confess. What more is there need to be said? AkaFuri : mlemlemlemlemlemlemlemlem~

Ohh~ Akashi's pretty Bentley of course.

☆ The Landes The finale of their romance ❀.(*´◡`*)❀. I think we all know what a Volkswagen van looks like LOL! And they had the funky in the van and Akashi took Jean's advice with the bamboo charcoal.

Cactus showed this pretty place and I'm just ヽ(；▽；)ノ

Of course I'd really like to say it again. Furihata's decision to stay with Akashi was really not for the sake of a 'happy ending' or so. They've had deep feelings for each other since high-school and bonded closely, but Akashi didn't show any indication of romantic interest out of respect for Furihata's relationship, and Furihata knowing nothing about Akashi's mutual feelings just kept his feelings to himself. As told by the story, Furihata has a career and stable income. But even though his life is dandy in Tokyo with his job, that doesn't mean it's something he wants to keep pursuing or maintain, as we age, we search for something else to add into our experience. Not to say that we're forever unsatisfied, it's just how life is. We accomplish something, and we move on to another thing, and then another and another. It's really something beautiful about it, and life's just us exploring :] In Akashi and Furihata's case, is that they've already have what they wanted, a life of their own, choosing their own path and what they don't have was each other and now that they've bonded and opened up themselves, they can finally pursue another beautiful life together (>*^▽^*<)

๑ Book, Night on the Galactic Railway by Kenji Miyaza ๑ This is a real book. Also, my favourite! There is an anime as well, but if anyone wants the PDF feel free to drop me a DM and I'll give it to ya'.

In here, the story of the galactic railway impacted their lives a little bit differently. With Akashi the loss of his mother and Furihata to live the last adventure before death.

It is shown they have extreme love for this book, and it really is a beautiful book and there's just endless things to talk about, as it is place in an infinite travel of the train through the galaxy, meeting new people, seeing new things, the mysteries of stories and making meaningful relationship despite never being able to see them again.

The sentiment of Giovanni and Campanella is also similar to Akashi and Furihata. Before anything else, they want to have their adventure together before eventually parting their ways (and i really mean, until death do them apart.)

๑ Other Juices ๑ There some nitty stuff that aren't just there for show xD Well, kind of but there's some sentiments and stuff so...

☆ The Sunflower Maybe because I'm bias to sunflowers LOL! But Furihata is pretty with yellow! Sunflowers with darker brown florets are absolutely beautiful. The pendent I had in mind was literally the one I had when I was a kid (but I donno it's gone now lol). I googled other sunflower pendent but it's ugleh...

It associates with the theme of this story which is 'Sunrise' as in new beginnings, Furihata's fresh start to pursuing the person he actually loves.

Sunflowers also grow towards the sun. They radiate pure joy and positivity. They also symbolise unwavering faith and unconditional love; which is AkaFuri's undying love here despite the years.

Sunflowers are also given to show their deepest to the person, so Akashi gift him a sunflower :3 also because Furi looks pretty in yellow, fight me.

In chinese myth, sunflower are best for business... So with Furi around, Akashi's business will bloom LOLOL!

Funfact: In greek myth, a nymph named Clytie fell deeply in love Apollo, god of the sun. Although Clytie was beautiful by nymph standards, Apollo did not reciprocate her feelings, or acknowledge it. (except Akashi appreciates Furi's love okay?) After days of hopeless devotion, the nymph then transformed herself into a sunflower and constantly turned towards the sun so she could always be with the one she loved (Furihata's chasing sunrises because Akashi is there ok?).

☆ The Happy Street Cats :D This is actually a real book I have, a gift by my teacher before I leave S.Korea. The passage idiom is extracted by this page as well.

The front cover of the book is also yellow.

Yellow : Sunrise + Sunflower.

There's so much yellow in this story LOL!

☆ The Movie Cactus : Idol movie Me : *internal screaming* I swear we are always soooooooo close to making this whole thing crack XD

This scene is a real brain wreck lololol. (Still contemplating if it was romantic enough)

☆ Akashi's Florist number I extracted that number from an oyster restaurant LOLOL! Thankfully Cactus changed it.... we were planning on a crack bonus in which, Furihata orders oysters before calling Akashi.

It didn't happen. But if it did.

Furihata will order some oysters. And not regret it.

*Akashi judging*

☆ French Dialogues + Akashi teaching Furihata French Bless Cactus, she's my happiness now. I have no idea how many weird noises were coming out from our mouths just to understand how the French consonant 'R' sounds like to put it into words LOL! XD Without her, it'd be a disaster.

We were looking at other romantic phrases and found the perfect one ;w;

“Je suis ton bonheur.” means "I am your happiness" (oh god, google translate voice just keeps playing in my head LOLOL! help) Which, what else can be said? LOL Akashi's happy ok? Since this story is from Furihata's perspective, I really wanted to put him into the spot of being a foreigner (he speaks english and mandarin lolol just clueless in French, because Akashi is supposed to guide him). So while Cactus work her magic, being the Akashi to my Furihata. I tried to emphasis a lot on the characters expression etc, at least to indicate of what was going on....tbh even I forgot what they were saying. *just as clueless as Furi and Cactus cackling somewhere.

Everything in here is just Cactus being amazing ;w; and pure patience LOLOL!

๑ Side Characters ๑

☆Shérine ............ We butchered the original female side. Her name was Camille.... but I was sooo tempted to name it after *coouugh* :] because it's pretty. Also her hair was blond with hazel-green eyes.... yea we buried her.

Shérine wins now... Shérine is life.

Shérine will be in their wedding.

☆Jean Kirstein (of AOT) It's JEAN! ...........someone gotta tease Akashi with no filter.

(ﾉ^ヮ^)ﾉ*:・ﾟ✧ FINAL NOTES

The last section when Furihata wakes up and makes his decision, believe it or not, I was in the bus. While typing to Cactus, I was literally shaking in the bus and my eyes stung because of dust and I was in tears. I was between crying and laughing. Finished it at home ;w; Cactus was such a darling through it all.

I really had fun writing this with Cactus ;w; she's the best!!!!!!! And hopefully we'll make some crack stuff because we're hooligans like that XD.

:D BYE!

#akafuri #personal #i write stuff #rambles #;w; i really love this one

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artificialqueens · 5 years

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you and i-- we're defying gravity ch. 2 (scyvie) - amelieee

a/n:

hey, i’m back! uh, this time with less typos! i finally got a beta (thank you to my friend althea for helping me). thank you to everyone who’s supported me so far– i know the fic is still boring but hopefully we get to the more dramatic parts soon.

Last chapter: Yvie finally enters Shiz but unfortunately gets roomed with an obnoxious student.

This chapter: School life continues, Yvie learns more about Scarlet, Brooke and Vanjie finally meet, and something bad is happening in Oz.

The walk going to Scarlet’s private suite was incredibly and unbearably awkward. Usually, Yvie —the introvert that she is—would enjoy silence, but this situation irked her to some degree. With the weird icy glares she receives from Scarlet, she knows they wouldn’t get along at all, especially when Scarlet and Yvie’s personality and aesthetics clash horribly.

At least Yvie gets to have a private suite. It’s better than those other cramped rooms Shiz had to offer. If she were to room with Scarlet there, it wouldn’t take too much time until they start brawling with one another.

“So,” Scarlet says at one point midway through their journey to the suite, “You’re Brooke’s sister?” Scarlet says, maybe in some effort to relieve the tension between them.

“I didn’t know if you were listening a while ago but yes, I am.” Yvie says, her voice sounding very condescending and impolite. She can see that Scarlet holds in a scowl as they begin ascending a flight of stairs.

“I just didn’t expect it, really,” Scarlet says and Yvie was not sure if that was an insult or not, “I’ve actually met your father and your sister a few times before but I never knew someone like you existed,” Scarlet states and Yvie’s eyes narrow at her.

“When did you visit us?” Yvie asks, genuinely curious. To be fair, it wasn’t insulting that she didn’t know of her existence especially when she was unfamiliar with Scarlet as well.

“A few moonlights ago. My two Momsies had a meeting with the governor and they decided to bring me along.” Scarlet states, sounding very proud, “Your father’s such an… interesting man. I see you took his bluntness,” Scarlet states.

Despite Yvie’s hatred towards her father, Scarlet’s comment was very much true. While her sister took the sweetness but occasional asshole-ness of her mother, Yvie got the quick temperedness and bluntness of her father. It was something she disliked about herself especially when she didn’t want to connect to him in any shape or form. She sometimes would love to pretend that he wasn’t her father and honestly, any other person could possibly be a better father figure than him.

“Yes, I’m aware. He’s a dick.” Yvie says and Scarlet raises an eyebrow at her, maybe a bit surprised by how up and on front Yvie was. “And I’m sure you are a Gillikin…?”

“Mhm, proud daughter part of the Envy and James clan— you heard of them?”

“Nope,” Yvie says, causing Scarlet’s prideful smile to falter.

“That’s—that’s the first time I’ve heard that,” Scarlet says, clearly irritated. Yvie merely shrugs as a reply, not wanting to continue the conversation further.

Luckily, they finally made it to Scarlet’s room. Unfortunately, it was on the third floor which caused both of them to be exhausted upon arrival. Then again, most of the third floor is occupied by Scarlet’s suite which makes up for the many flights of stairs.

The suite was impeccably large, but that was expected. It seems that some parts of the room are already furnished: there were red, floral curtains hung up on windows that had the view of most of the campus. Coincidentally, there were two queen-sized beds laid out, and there were numerous shelves which Yvie thought was too suspicious to be meant for one person. All of it just screams ‘Scarlet Envy’ so much, but at least it wasn’t as terrible as Yvie expected the room to look.

“Why do you have two beds?” Yvie asks as she begins to drop her suitcase on her bed.

As she begins unpacking her items, Scarlet replies, “I was going to use these beds to share with my friends whenever they come over but… of course that wouldn’t be the case now,” Scarlet says, still looking annoyed. “Now I have to share my room with someone who has golf balls for eyes, my Oz…”

“That’s the best insult you have? Really?” Yvie says with narrowed eyebrows, “You literally look like a used tampon, don’t try me,” Yvie adds. She hears Scarlet gasp as she begins to fold out all her outfits.

“Excuse me? I made this outfit all by myself,” Scarlet says and Yvie decides to look back at her for a second. Scarlet does a twirl with her dress and Yvie couldn’t help but notice the loose seams of the dress around the waist.

“Yea, I can tell— there’s literally holes on the side of your dress, dumbass,” Yvie retorts and she hears another gasp from Scarlet. Yvie smirks to herself as she takes all of her books and other items out of her bag.

“W-well this is quite old so the seams must’ve given up,” Scarlet says as a reply, “And y’know what? I’m not here to please you anyways… especially to someone who wears trash bags as dresses,” Scarlet says but her comment didn’t really shake Yvie too much.

“I know, I’m haggard as fuck, nothing new,” Yvie says and she can hear Scarlet grunt in frustration. Out of nowhere, she feels something hit the back of her head, and when she turns around, she sees that Scarlet hatless— she threw her beret directly at Yvie. The impact wasn’t too harsh, though, it barely made Yvie lightheaded. Scarlet, on the other hand, looks livid. Looking like she’s been pushed to her limits. Yvie didn’t care for her well-being, she merely chuckled with a menacing grin.

“I don’t like you, you’re intolerable,” Scarlet snarls as her cheeks were as red as her outfit. Yvie merely enjoyed Scarlet’s irritation and replied by sticking her tongue jokingly. Even if Scarlet looked like she barely enjoyed their banter, Yvie absolutely adores it— anything that makes Scarlet infuriated somewhat entertains Yvie. “Ugh, I can’t stand your face, I’m going to stay with Ra’jah for a few hours.” Scarlet shuts her suitcase with a slam, glares at Yvie, and walks away with an angry strut.

Yvie doesn’t really say anything as Scarlet exits; there was no clever reply for her to push Scarlet’s buttons even further. Instead, she places a picture frame of her and her mother on the bedside table alongside a black vial her mom once gave to her.

“You wouldn’t even want to share your desk with me? Isn’t that like, too petty– even for you?” Yvie asks, quite irked that Scarlet was hogging the entire table she had at the corner of the room. Scarlet voiced out a ‘hmph’ as she waved her hand, signalling Yvie to shoo. Yvie quirked an eyebrow at her selfishness but decided not to argue. So, she swiftly stole one of Scarlet’s expensive pens and ran back to her bed to write her letter.

“Hey, bitch, Momsie got me that—“

“It’s just a pen, let me fucking borrow it,” Yvie says, and even if Scarlet takes a sharp inhale, she obliges.

A few days have passed since the rooming assignments had gone wrong and Yvie and Scarlet still barely handle it well. It was surprising that their room was still intact despite how much Yvie was tempted to throw her entire bed at Scarlet. But only a few days have passed and much more can happen in the span of four years.

Yvie ironically grins to herself, she does not want to imagine what those four years would be like. She doesn’t even know if she can last a year in Shiz with this stuck-up roommate of hers. She and Scarlet have been so close to scalping each other every day, and she doesn’t know how long it’ll last until someone physically combusts. It’s safe to say that their relationship will never elevate from barely tolerable roommates.

Yvie sits cross-legged on her bed with a thick book about Oz’s history on her lap and a blank sheet of paper and envelope lying on top of it. It was her makeshift desk since Scarlet has been using it to write… whatever she’s been writing. Yvie thinks she’s too thick-headed to know how to write.

Yvie, however, needed to write a weekly progress on her and Brooke for her father. It wasn’t the most enjoyable thing but her father never expects lengthy letters from her. If it wasn’t a letter Brooke wrote, her father would most likely skim through it. So, the letter would be short, and Yvie could definitely put zero to no effort writing it.

With Scarlet’s fancy-ass pen, she begins to write in messy cursive,

Dear father,

Rooming’s been terrible in Shiz. I wasn’t informed that you have decided to separate my room with Brooke’s— in fact, I don’t even think you remembered to assign me a room (it was expected anyways).

But of course, I’ll take care of Brooke. I promise that she will be safe in my hands.

As for who I am rooming with now… Have you heard of Scarlet James Envy? She claims she’s met you before— her parents are Ama James and Larena Envy, if I recall correctly. I’ve actually never heard of them before, surprise surprise, but you might.

Anyways, I’m currently staying in Scarlet’s suite and to summarize my thoughts on Scarlet: she’s annoying.

Sincerely, Yvangeline

Once she finished her short letter, she folded it in half and stuffed it in a plain white envelope. She sticks it closed, attaches a stamp with the Emerald City on it, and writes the required addresses and names on the envelope.

“Are you done writing? I assume you’re done writing—“ Scarlet says out of nowhere as she was finished writing as well. She began writing her letter way before Yvie did so it was logical for her to end writing by now. “Here’s my letter, I want you to dr—“

“Woah woah woah, you’re expecting me to do you a favor?” Yvie says, pushing away the envelope with a displeased expression. To retort, Scarlet pushes it right back, insisting Yvie would accept her request.

“It’s just a fucking letter, Oddly, just drop it at the same time you’re dropping yours.” Scarlet demands as Yvie squints, getting handed the letter from Scarlet. The envelope was unsurprisingly red, just like any other thing she owns, and has a faint smell of different types of flower-based perfumes. The scent, however, was unpleasant and too dizzying for Yvie’s taste.

“Yea, exactly, it’s just a letter. Do it on your own,” Yvie says, raising the envelope in the air for Scarlet to get back. With an aggravating smirk, Scarlet swiftly grabs her clutch bag, attempting to flee from the situation. Yvie almost catches up to her. Unluckily for Yvie, she got away. Even Yvie’s fingers almost got trapped as she tried to run through the door to chase Scarlet.

“What a crazy bitch,” Yvie states, sounding peeved. Looking down at the foul-smelling letter, Yvie was tempted to crumple it up and throw it at a random student from her window. Yvie never obeyed anyone’s requests, always being the rebellious type, and she obviously wouldn’t want to satisfy Scarlet by dropping her letter in as well without anything in return.

But maybe, she can use this as an opportunity to read what she wrote.

Yvie doesn’t know if Scarlet is aware of this habit of hers but when Scarlet writes anything, whether it’d be an essay or letter, she’d emote and show diverse expressions wildly. A while ago, Scarlet had jumped from looking irked and angry to looking giddy and joyful. It would never be subtle either— she once caught Scarlet spinning around on her chair as she smiled brightly, implying that whatever she wrote must be something great.

And with the letter right at her grasp, maybe she can… take a small peak at what Scarlet wrote. It was nothing too grand or evil— she had no one besides Brooke to spread it to and Brooke had next to no one as her friends as well. It’s just a small gander anyways. Nothing will turn out horribly unless she confesses to Scarlet that she read her letter.

Also, Yvie’s petty. That should be a good reason enough for her to open the note.

Unsealing the envelope, she grabs the poshly designed paper out and began reading the lengthy note.

Dearest, darlingest Momsie and Mumsie,

It’s been five days since I’ve last seen you (or maybe a bit more when you receive this) and I’ve already missed you two so much! I will always miss your fresh fruit shakes after each school day,and it’s been so hard to replicate it on my own. Maybe if you write back, you wouldn’t mind giving me your secrets on making the best fruit shake?

Anyways, Shiz’s partly became a disaster and a dream come true. Surprisingly, many people seem to recognize me! I guess those theatre shows I did never were completely useless. There’s always some crowd following me whenever I get out of my suite or whenever I walk into the cafeteria— it’s as if I’m the Wizard himself! But of course, I know my limits and shouldn’t abuse my popularity.

(Yvie gives a snort at this, somewhat entertained by how fake this all sounds.)

On a worse note, rooming has gone wrong. Madame Visage, the headmistress, has rudely decided to get some freaky student as my roommate. I wasn’t even supposed to have a roommate! Madame Visage would never even dare to listen to my complaints or issues. She even declined my request to teach me sorcery despite my great and informative essay! What a horrible headmistress she might be!

Horrible Madame Visage is merely half of the issue. The other issue is my deranged roommate. To put it lightly she is… unusually and exceedingly peculiar and quite impossible to describe. Well, the second part of that sentence is untrue but I don’t think you would believe it if I say what she looks like! Just know she’s excessively haggard and is the daughter of the governor of Munchkinland. I didn’t even know he had a daughter besides Brooke, how sad it must be to be her.

At the same time I’m quite… envious (hah, I know) that she gained the sorcery class I wanted but couldn’t get all because she was somehow born with powers. I, personally, do not believe what I saw and I theorize it was some act done by Morrible and my roommate to confuse and scare me away. It just doesn’t make sense that they would decline my request— I thought the entirety of Oz loved me?

At least Ra’jah’s here to lend me a helping hand. With her, I’d of course be able to rise above all these issues. Maybe Madame Visage could finally see how skilled I am once that happens.

Back to Ra’jah, though— she has been wonderful, like always (not to discredit Shuga and Vanjie, of course). Popularity could be overwhelming but with her, my world easens up. I can’t wait ‘til we get married after we both graduate Shiz. Just thinking about it makes me feel so giddy!

Anyways, I suppose that’s all I have to say. I hope you write back soon even if you two have lots of work to deal with. I’ll also make sure to write back immediately as well!

Lots of love, Lettie

Yvie finished reading with raised eyebrows. The letter didn’t contain the juiciest gossip that would satisfy Yvie but it did contain information that Yvie didn’t know of Scarlet before.

Firstly, she did recognize who Vanjie was. Scarlet only brought her up in once in the letter but Yvie knew that it implied that Vanjie was one of her close friends. How could she have missed seeing that troublemaker on the first day? Yvie recalls Vanjie as the student who always seemed to be glued to Yvie when it came to being classmates from elementary to highschool. They weren’t necessarily close but they got along fine with Vanjie not minding the weirdness of Yvie. Or perhaps Vanjie was only being nice since Yvie remembered that she was quite fond of Yvie’s sister.

Secondly, Scarlet called herself Lettie. It was a tiny detail, but to Yvie it was a bit funny. The name was the opposite of grace and elegance and Yvie couldn’t imagine Scarlet ever using that name in front of anybody. She can’t wait to begin bothering Scarlet with that name far into the future so she wouldn’t realize Yvie might have been reading her letters.

Lastly, the most shocking thing was that she was dating Ra’jah. After reading this, their interactions suddenly made much more sense to Yvie. She was the one who guarded Scarlet all day during the first day of classes. She was the one who Scarlet would always go to whenever Yvie became such a bother to her. She was also the one Scarlet was so touchy-feely with, always snuggling up to her when she got the chance.

Yvie didn’t know why but it gave her a bitter feeling. She barely even knew Ra’jah but she felt like she needs to dislike her as much as she dislikes Scarlet. Maybe it’s an instinct thing since Yvie just hates delusional people like Scarlet.

With a disappointed face, she returns the paper back into the envelope and seals it up again. She plans on dropping this by the school’s mailbox around tomorrow morning before her class with Miss West.

For now, she heads off to her sorcery class with Madame Visage.

“Day by day, Scarlet’s voice makes me deafer and deafer.” Brooke says as she takes a spoonful of porridge. The sisters, obviously bothered, watch from afar as a massive throng of students surround Scarlet as if she were a magnet. These crowds only grow larger and larger everyday and have no plans on stopping.

“I’m her roommate— I don’t even know how I manage,” Yvie mentions as she pokes her fruit salad with her fork. “She is insufferable.” Yvie adds, watching Scarlet begin answering questions from her loyal fans.

Every lunch time, this would always happen. It’s only been five days and Yvie doesn’t know if she and Brooke could watch this happen for four years. Scarlet’s fans were borderlining disturbing as they faithfully follow her around like pets. They try their absolute damnest to win Scarlet’s praise but of course, Scarlet, being the person she is, makes it hard for her followers to gain it. That’s at least a bit admirable to Yvie because Scarlet was thankfully being true to everyone. Yvie can barely appreciate liars or fakers.

“And she also has Vanjie as her close friend, I couldn’t believe it,” Yvie mentions and she sees Brooke’s eyes widen in disbelief.

“Vanjie? As in the Vanjie who Dad resents because when he first dropped by our school, she immediately shouted that he looked like an egg that shone brighter than the sun?” Brooke says with an enthusiastic smile. The corner of Yvie’s lips curve as well just remembering such a fond memory.

“Yep.” Yvie replies and Brooke immediately scans through the crowd to find the rowdy brunette. She was eventually spotted when Scarlet’s fans shuffled around a bit and was seen sitting down quietly on one of the chairs. She clearly was exasperated by Scarlet’s fans, but keeps herself company by talking to Ra’jah and another person who Yvie assumes was Shuga.

“Wow, I didn’t expect her to be here.” Brooke says, looking a bit mesmerized, “How did she even pass the entrance exam?” Brooke asks and Yvie shrugs, unsure of it as well.

“Is the Mateo clan considered popular?”

“No, not really, but I do recall something about her mom working here. Not sure about it, though,” Brooke says as the two still kept watching the brunette. It was a bit silent as Brooke seemed to smile longingly as she observes her. It was no secret that Brooke most likely was attracted to Vanjie in some form, since Yvie has been watching her rave over her since they were in elementary. Brooke would always complain that she could never get Vanjie in a class with her and was always envious Yvie spent most of her classes with Vanjie.

Eventually, at some point, the crowd separates a bit as Brooke and Yvie get a clear view of Vanjie. She was deadpanning, obviously bored by the obnoxious fans Scarlet had. Eventually, she also noticed Brooke staring at her and lightens up immediately. Brooke takes in a sharp inhale before she waves a small hello at the petite woman, hoping that Vanjie would join their table instead.

When Vanjie caught sight of Brooke’s wave, she almost jumped out of her seat. She seemed just as excited and eager to see Brooke as much as Brooke was seeing her. But just before Vanjie could hop tables, all eyes were suddenly on Vanjie, then to them. Brooke’s euphoria suddenly dies down as her anxiety takes control. She shrinks back as far as she can as she continues to finish her porridge, pretending that she doesn’t see the huge crowd in front of her.

Yvie purses her lips as she grabs her unused, wooden spoon and rapidly hurls it at the crowd. Instantly, some of them squeal and duck, wanting to avoid such a threatening and murderous weapon, but before it could even hit a certain person, Yvie uses her magic to stop it midway and returns the spoon back into her bowl. Yvie gives a proud smirk, feeds herself, then says, “What? Something in my teeth again?” Yvie says, licking her sharp teeth in front of everyone. With disgusted expressions, they face away and immediately flooded Scarlet with questions about Yvie.

“You, Yvie fucking Oddly, are horrible,” Brooke murmurs beside her, looking unimpressed, “I hate you,” Brooke adds, clearly angered. Yvie takes a sharp inhale as she realizes she acted out of impulse and pettiness again. When will she ever learn?

“Miss Envy, Miss Envy, you are just to good, how do you handle such a beast like her?” some stranger asks, catching Yvie’s attention. Yvie rolls her pupil-less eyes, too used to insults like this to be affected. But after that one insult, someone else followed, then someone else until everyone’s just throwing insults towards Yvie back and forth. Hearing people mock Yvie is nothing new but Yvie admits this can also be too… overwhelming.

“Oh but Scarlet, you are such a martyr for being able to deal with her! I wish I could have your strength and endurance,” someone says and Yvie really contemplates throwing her spoon again without tricking them. Scarlet actually looks a bit bewildered by the statement but just accepts it with a radiant grin.

With a giggle, Scarlet replies, “These things are meant to try us, I suppose.”

“Oh poor Scarlet, she’s forced to reside with someone— someone like her,” someone states as she glares at Yvie with a growl. Yvie wants to bark back but Brooke holds her back before she does. The insults begin piling in again and Yvie simply wants to drown them all out. She knew there were many aspects of her that were unlikeable but she didn’t really want to be reminded of it.

“We just want to tell you that we’ll support you no matter what, Miss Envy!” someone says, “We’ll always be here for you!” they add and many people cheer in unison. Yvie could tell that Scarlet was reluctant as her lip quivered for a moment, but she eventually pulled through with a fake smile and some bullshit speech which appeased many of her fans. Not so much of her friends, though; they look as exhausted as ever.

Thankfully, the loud bell outside has rang. Everyone began to disperse as they say their farewell statements to Scarlet. Scarlet, as fake as she can be, also responds back. Yvie doesn’t know how Scarlet manages to keep up that facade all day. For Yvie, it was extremely dizzying. At least she knew how to balance her time with friends and her time with her fanbase since it seemed like her friends really admired Scarlet even if they seemed sick of her fans.

“Do you think I should talk to Vanjie now that she’s free?” Brooke says out of the blue as she wheels towards the hallway. They had around ten minutes before their classes would start so Brooke had a chance to call for Vanjie’s attention before they leave the cafeteria. Yvie watches as Vanjie almost descends into their hallways. Yvie licks her lips as she nods, hoping Brooke would catch her before she left.

Then, Brooke pauses, still not doing anything. Yvie realizes that Brooke’s anxiety was overtaking her again and is restraining her from reaching out to Vanjie, “Never mind, let’s just go.”

“Oh no, fuck that, I’m helping you out,” Yvie says as Brooke’s eyes widen in concern.

“Yvie, Yvie, my Oz, don’t—”

Yvie, with a fast sprint, catches up to Scarlet and her friends and shouts “Boo!” loudly. Scarlet squeals like the pussy she is while the other three merely jump in surprise. The four stop their tracks as they all turn around to eye Yvie judgmentally (actually, Vanjie was more astounded) as Yvie chuckles dorkily.

Scarlet, being the most infuriated out of the four, slapped Yvie with the clutch bag she was carrying. She grunts as Yvie only grins in entertainment.

“What in the fuck, Oddly? Why do you keep doing this?” Scarlet asks, looking like she was contemplating murder.

“I think you forgot everything that happened during lunch time—oh wait, you’re the same person who couldn’t get into Madame Visage because of that half-assed essay! I shouldn’t be expecting much intelligence in that delusional head of yours, anyways.” Yvie responds quite mockingly, making Scarlet as excessively red as her hair.

“Get to the point,” Scarlet demands.

“Well actually, I’m mostly here to talk to Vanjie,” Yvie mentions and Vanjie lights up again. Scarlet steps aside, looking like she’s a bit familiar with their friendship.

“Yes, I’m here, at your motherfucking service,” Vanjies says with a hair flip, “It’s a surprise to see your ass here— I didn’t even think that bitch of a father of yours would pay your tuition.” Vanjie mentions, her vibe as nonchalant as ever. Yvie’s glad that there’s someone else besides her sister who can see past the queerness of Yvie.

“Same, but I’m here, I made it,” Yvie says a bit triumphantly, “Also, not to end this conversation too early but my sister wants to talk to you,” Yvie says as she points to her sister who was nervously wheeling up to them but was a bit behind. Vanjie smiles even more when Yvie mentions Brooke as she swiftly and roughly pushes Yvie and Scarlet away to get to Brooke.

Brooke appeared to be very startled when Vanjie ran at her but seems to be okay once Vanjie inevitably gives her a heartwarming hug.

“Wow, they’re cute—reminds me of our friendship, Scar,” Yvie says and Scarlet elbows her harshly in displeasure. “Ow—! Bitch, stop hurting me,” Yvie says and Scarlet merely rolls her eyes at her.

“Okay, I’m leaving,” Scarlet says as she begins strutting away dramatically, “See you later, Oddly,” Scarlet says as she intertwines her arms with Shuga and Ra’jah and begin walking away, leaving Yvie alone with Brooke and Vanjie.

Then again, Brooke and Vanjie were too engrossed in their conversation to notice Yvie. So, Yvie leaves without them. She had a different class anyways and the two can manage without Yvie.

Yvie doesn’t regret choosing today of all days to drop the envelopes. The weather was warm but not hot enough to be unbearable and the protesters didn’t have anything planned on this day. There were only some traces of dropped protest signs and lots of shed Animal fur left in front of Shiz which can be a little bit… saddening.

With the prejudice that Animals are experiencing today, Yvie would’ve gladly joined the protest if it weren’t for her studies getting in the way. After all, she could somewhat relate to the Animals with her being somewhat of a misfit as well. It was also very irritating that the university barely accepted any Animals to study along with them with the exception of one Ram who was accepted last year, one Lion who was one of their smartest professors, and many of the janitors being a mixed race of Animals.

As some people were cleaning up the streets before any vehicles passed through, Yvie took this opportunity to cross the street to reach the mailbox. On the other side of the street, there seemed to be two people surrounding the mailbox already. Yvie squints; she recognizes those two. One of them says a joke and the other one cackles loudly— now she really recognizes them.

“Vanjie!” Yvie yells and approaches them. She didn’t really call out Ra’jah’s name just because they aren’t too familiar with one another. With Ra’jah being Scarlet’s girlfriend, Yvie thinks she most likely dislikes Yvie just like Scarlet does.

“Yvie! What’cha doing here?” Vanjie says, her tone as energetic as ever.

“Dropping some mail, duh,” Yvie says as she waves the two envelopes in the air, “The red one is Scarlet’s, obviously. Don’t know why she asked me to do it especially seeing that you two are here.” Yvie adds as she finally reaches the mailbox. She immediately drops it inside but stays for a few to converse. “Why’re you two here? I thought that your mom lives here,”

“Yea, she does, but my sisters still live with my dad back in the farm so I gotta write them something,” Vanjie says, “And Miss O’Hara’s here because of some princess bullshit, I don’t know,”

“You’re a princess?” Yvie asks curiously.

“Well, yea, but I never refer to myself with that title. There’s no other Winkie at Shiz so everyone would probably think I’m crazy if I say that I am,” Ra’jah says. She’s much more polite than what Yvie expected her to be. “But I’m not doing any princess bullshit, I’m just writing something for my parents, just the normal stuff. What about you? I thought you hate your dad?”

“Duh, of course I do, but I have to give him weekly reports on Brooke just because it wasn’t enough that she was writing him letters,” Yvie says as she begins to lean on the mailbox.

“Your dad’s such a pain in the ass,” Vanjie states nonchalantly as if she’s said it many times before, “You know how hard it was for me to sneak Brooke and her fucking wheelchair out of her room just so we can hangout back then? I had to fucking drop Brooke so I can grab her wheelchair.” Vanjie says and Yvie laughs dorkily, recalling the memory as well.

“Then there was a time where you couldn’t steal the wheelchair so you just had to carry her the whole time?”

“Yes! Oh my fucking Oz, yes! I was exhausted that day, bitch. Those tangled legs are heavy as fuck,” Vanjie exclaims and the other two laugh again, amused by her storytelling. “Anyways, I need to head back to class in around fifteen minutes before Professor Del Rio my pounds my ass for being late again,” Vanjie says.

“I have Miss West so—wait, don’t you share that class with me, Oddly?” Ra’jah asks and Yvie nods. “You should come with us then since we’re technically heading to the same place,”

“I—you… want me to go with you?” Yvie asks in disbelief.

“Yea, I mean, if you want to.” Ra’jah says and Yvie thinks how weird it is for her to not be judgmental towards Yvie at all.

With furrowed eyebrows, Yvie says, “I thought you disliked me?”

“What? No!” Ra’jah says, looking shocked, “Scarlet says some stuff to me and, of course, I love her, but she lives in her own world— I can’t believe everything she says. Plus, I do know a thing or two about being a misfit like you,” Ra’jah says and points to some small and numerous gemstones that are glued to her cheek. If Yvie remembered correctly, it had something to do with Winkie royalty, and it absolutely looks gorgeous. “People say they look like acne or think it’s some sort of disease which is… kinda awful but hey, I don’t really care.”

“I think they look fantastic,” Yvie says, observing the gems closer.

“Thanks but girl, from afar, they look like someone splattered white paint on me,” Ra’jah says, “But really, I don’t hate you. You can be blunt sometimes but I get where you’re coming from. Vanjie tells me you’re nice anyways and I believe her more than whatever Scarlet’s fanbase has been saying.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me of them.” Yvie says, “Such bastards.”

“And dumb as fuck,” Vanjie adds, very peeved, “It’s always so claustrophobic too. I just wanna be… free, ya know? I hate how they feel like they have control over me just ‘cause I ain’t Scarlet,” Vanjie vents and Yvie hears a hum of agreement from Ra’jah.

“If we have Shuga here, we can make our own “Oppressed by Scarlet’s Fanbase Club”.” Ra’jah says and the three laugh, “Okay, y’know what, we should probably get going.”

“Yea, we’ve been hanging out with this mailbox for too long.” Yvie says and on cue, they get going, and head to their designated classrooms.

At some point, they had to leave Vanjie in the hallway, but it wasn’t a long walk from Vanjie’s classroom to Ra’jah and Yvie’s. Eventually, they made it on time— even if they were the last ones who arrived at the classroom. Yvie could feel judgmental eyes land on her when people saw her entering with Ra’jah. Thankfully, the stares die down when Ra’jah begins to hangout with Scarlet. That’s one benefit of Scarlet’s popularity, Yvie supposes.

Then, because of how last minute Yvie and Ra’jah arrived, their professor walked in immediately when Yvie sat down. Their professor mostly taught social studies and the history of Oz, which Yvie thought was quite interesting. Their teacher’s passion for the subject also made their classes less boring and more enjoyable.

“Good morning, class, everyone’s looking very chipper as always,” Their teacher, Miss West, spoke with a smile. She was always like this, very bubbly and optimistic towards everyone. She was a favorite amongst many students but was equally hated by some because of her appearance. Miss West was the only Animal faculty member of their school (with her being a Lion) excluding the janitors and she was often targeted by many of the school’s rowdier students.

“Okay so, I’ve read all of your essays by this morning and I have to say I’m impressed by the progress so far!” Miss West says as she heads to the center of the class, placing all of her papers down, “Most of it is astounding but I have to mention that some of you—especially you, Miss Envy—have focused on form over content which I highly discourage.” she adds and Yvie smirks to herself. Yvie had read Scarlet’s essay the other day when she asked her to proofread it and Yvie said the exact same thing. Of course, Scarlet would never listen, but at least Miss West was calling her out now.

“Our other professors don’t seem to have a problem with it,” Scarlet bites back, putting her chin on her palm while her elbow is on the table. She was clearly unfazed by Miss West and her obliviousness always makes Yvie annoyed.

“Maybe Miss West isn’t like the other professors,” Yvie retorts and Scarlet, alongside her fans, all give Yvie a sharp look.

“Ooh, the gremlin is pressed,” Scarlet sneers which evoked some muffled giggles. Yvie merely looks away from Scarlet and pays her full attention to Miss West.

“Class, calm down— Miss Yvie does have a point. As you know, I’m the sole Animal of this faculty, but it wasn’t always this way.” Miss West says with a bittersweet expression, “Back then, I remembered when you walked down the hall, you’d see an Antelope explicating a sonnet—or, or a Snow Leopard solving a mathematical equation! Don’t you see, dear students, that Oz is becoming less and less… colorful?” Nina says and eyes Yvie for a second. Everyone else just seemed exasperated that Miss West was possibly going to ramble the same thing over and over again. “This leads me to my first question— who can tell me what sent these events in motion?”

Yvie raises a hand, “From what I’ve heard, it all started with the great drought,” Yvie says, remembering what she’d studied last night.

Miss West look impressed and nodded, “Exactly! Food grew scarce, people were angry because of the famine, and then the question became, “Whom can we blame?” Can anyone tell me what the term ‘Scapegoat’ means?”

Once Miss West threw in another question, Yvie took another opportunity to raise her hand again. Everyone simply rolled their eyes at Yvie, causing Miss West to give out a tired sigh. “Does anyone besides Miss Yvie have an answer?” Miss West asks, prompting Yvie to lower her hand. Surprisingly, Scarlet raised hers, “Ah, yes Miss Scar—“

“I don’t see why you can’t just teach us history instead of always harping on the past.” Scarlet answers disrespectfully. This caused some murmurs of agreement but Miss West, with an unsteady stature, shushes everyone before it gets too chaotic.

“Well—“ Miss West says awkwardly, “Perhaps these questions will enlighten you,” She says as she approaches their chalkboard and turns it over. The room grew eerily silent as they all gaze at what is written on the chalkboard with fright. Instead of the questions being displayed, there was something more… offensive written on the board. In bright, red chalk and big letters, the board read: ‘ANIMALS SHOULD BE SEEN AND NOT HEARD’.

Yvie becomes infuriated. She turns to look at all her classmates to spot whoever could do such a horrible act. But to her surprise, everyone seemed shocked—even Scarlet looked bothered. After a few more seconds of confusion and worry, Miss West eventually speaks up, “Who’s responsible for this?” she says, her voice the softest it has ever been. “I—students, this may seem, uhm, a little sudden but I’m going to dismiss the class early. Just for now.” the students all didn’t seem to process what she said but Miss West speaks again, “You heard me— class dismissed!”

Everyone besides Yvie obliged, standing up and heading out swiftly. They all seemed equally as troubled as they were glad they got a free period today. Yvie, on the other hand, was immensely concerned for Miss West to leave this early. She was pacing around the same area as her eyes were fixated on the message written on the board.

“Animals should be seen and not heard…?” Yvie reads the message as she stands, grabbing her handbag from the side. Miss West jolted and looked back, unaware of Yvie’s presence.

“Oh, it’s just you, Miss Yvie…” she says, her voice shaky, “Don’t worry about me, go ahead and enjoy this free period with your friends.”

Yvie snorts, “Friends? That’s funny— I don’t have any.” Yvie replies and Nina raises an eyebrow, “Okay, I do have about three but they’re probably spending their time with Scarlet.”

“Oh, I guess you don’t want to enter that territory,” Miss West replies and they both laugh. Yvie opens her bag and grabs the two sandwiches she made this morning. One was supposed to be for Brooke but Yvie knows she could always just get the same thing she gets from the cafeteria.

“Here,” Yvie approaches Miss West and sits on her table, “Since you look so down in the dumps,” Yvie hands her the neatly wrapped sandwich and Miss West gladly accepts it.

“Oh, thank you kindly,” Miss West replies and eats the sandwich in one go, swallowing the entire thing. Yvie laughs as she merely takes one bite of her sandwich.

“Y’know, words like these shouldn’t bother you— I mean, insults would forever bother me but I know how to snap back—but that’s beside the point. What I mean is that this was probably written by some asshole and you shouldn’t listen to them.” Yvie says, her words not so eloquent as she wanted them to be, but Miss West appreciates it anyways.

“Yes, of course but…” Miss West grabs the washcloth from one of the table’s drawers, “But have you heard of what’s going on in Oz recently? Such—such dreadful things,” Miss West says and shudders as she looks at the words one more time before erasing it.

“What things?” Yvie asks, eyes narrowing.

“The last Animal professor from Quox has been fired.”

“Professor Heart? The one who teaches literature?”

“Yes, her! And—and not only that but she lost all powers of speech. She… she can’t talk anymore.” Miss West states, clearly terrified, “And I’m sure you know Asia O’Hara, the Owl who’s the head of Munchkinland’s Air Mail service?”

“Has she…?”

“Yes, she can’t talk either. Well, that’s what I hear from the rumors…” Miss West says then pauses as she appears crestfallen, “But I don’t know, the rallies get smaller and smaller and I can’t help but—“ Miss West coughs then coughs even more to the point a growl escapes her lips. Yvie slightly tenses as she comes close to rub Miss West’s back in comfort.

“Miss West, are you feeling sick? Do you want me to fetch a glass of water?” Yvie asks but Miss West refuses, shaking her head.

“No, no need to but thanks, Miss Yvie. I don’t know what came over me.”

“Do you think that, uhm… some Animals are forgetting how to speak? How is that even possible?”

“I— I don’t know.” Miss West replies. Just as she does, there was a knock at the door. Without hesitation, the person walks in with a stern expression on their face. Yvie and Miss West both look at the person, Yvie distancing herself from Miss West a bit.

“I heard there was some sort of disturbance in class, what’s going on?” Madame Visage asks, “And Yvie, since you have nothing going on, I’ve decided to give you a bonus class on sorcery. I’m expecting you to be on your way in around five minutes.”

Yvie didn’t complain about the extra class; solo classes with Madame Visage were always fun. “Yes, of course,” Yvie replies, finishing the last bite of her sandwich before slinging her bag over her shoulder.

“I’ll talk to you, Miss West, later,” Madame Visage says before exiting again. Miss West simply sighs as she nudges Yvie with a smile.

“You better go,”

“How about you?”

“I’ll be fine, Miss Yvie.” Miss West says reassuringly.

Yvie sighs but gives her a smile as well, “If something bad is actually happening, someone must’ve reported it to the Wizard already. That’s why we have the Wizard, right?”

“You’re—you’re right, Miss Yvie. Nothing truly bad would ever happen in Oz.” Miss West says, feeling slightly calmer than a while ago, “Thank you, Miss Yvie. You better get going before Madame Visage throws a fit.”

“Oh, I’m used to it, don’t worry.” Yvie says and Miss West chuckles, “See you tomorrow, Miss West.”

“See you too, Miss Yvie.”

footnotes: - scarlet’s parents are inspired by glinda’s parents… except i used ama clutch as the other parent so scarlet would have two momsies. - the events of this fic span from the song what is this feeling to something bad. some lines are taken from the original script, some were revised so it would not be exactly the same. - ah yes, vanjie is boq in this fic. shuga is there because… shuga. i think she’s meant to be either shen shen or pfanee, i dunno. - the reason why they haven’t seen vanjie in a week is that the scarlet’s crowds always cover her up in some way. i know it doesn’t seem logical but just stick with me, lmao. - unlike boq and nessa, brooke and vanjie have met before. boq is originally from munchkinland and i wanted vanjie to have the same thing but a little bit tweaked. just know that brooke, vanjie, and yvie have some history with each other. - if i remember correctly, there is only one animal studying in shiz in the book. in this fic, i made it kahanna. animals are basically the mistreated race of oz so yea, there’s that. - okay, so i don’t remember every detail of the book but i do remember something about fiyero having some sort of gems on his face? not sure. since he is a prince, i made ra'jah a princess (how fancy). - nina west is miss west, by the way, and is a lion. i don’t know how you wanna imagine how the animals look but i just think of them as animals but they walk like humans.

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