TBOSAS AU ✨CRACK! TAKE✨: The 10th HG Mentors According to Drunk Dean Highbottom. (Part 1)
⭐️❄️⭐️
In my TBOSAS Crack!AU (Read [this] & [this] for context), Drunk!Casca Highbottom has a major problem when it comes to pronouncing people’s names right (intentionally and unintentionally). Many even accepted the fact that the Dean just gave up correcting himself after the last PTA meeting.
Moreover, most of the time, drunk Highbottom thinks that his top student, Coriolanus Snow is the 2nd coming of the ever gorgeous Crassus Xanthos Snow. And yes, Crassus was in fact Casca’s former super dead lover, drinking buddy, and karaoke pal.
In addition, the Dean hates the Plinths with a passion. However, it is not because they’re District. Casca simply hates them because according to rumors, Strabo Plinth, who was also serving in the army with Crassus Snow at that time, stole (dated) Casca’s ex boyfriend after the infamous Crasca University Breakup.
And now, Coriolanus Crassus Snow is going to marry the rich bastard Sejanus Plinth after graduation. And Casca is still swimming in DENIAL. How the odds were never in Highbottom’s favor.😭🔪
So here are our Mentors according to Drunk Delusional Dean Casca Highbottom (plus with his personal side notes and opinions about them).
Here are the other parts: [2] [3] [4]
⭐️MENTORS⭐️
Crassus Xanthos Snow (Coriolanus Snow)
I hate you, I love you, Crassus!😭🔪
You smell like roses and cabbages.
Poor AF. That’s what you get for breaking up with me!!
Is currently dating that idiot Plinth. I don’t know which one.😩😭
Obviously, you only did it for the filthy money!
Has a severe case of OCD and Paranoia.
Depressed & Obsessed AF.
War orphan who can’t pay his taxes.
Can’t even pay for therapy.
Can’t afford to buy f*ckin’ shoes.
Wears old clothes from the last century.
I want to spoil you so bad!😩
I too have money, please 🙏 marry me!
Extremely smart, but stupid.
Sucks at Physical Education.
Can and will malfunction when in a state of confusion.
Needs to pet a fluffy fat cat to avoid going batsh*t crazy.
Snow lands on top?? He’s a freaking “bottom”😏 for goodness sake.
Almost got evicted by loan sharks.
Can be easily hoodwinked into marriage.
I miss our ✨Thursday Clubbing✨!😭
Come back to me, Snow Bae!
I’m still single and waiting for you!
We’re technically still dating, right?🥺
That infamous “University Breakup” NEVER happened!!😫
CRASCA FOREVER!!
Will most likely win the Hunger Games by acting like a weak (but hot) little meow meow before poisoning everyone with Nightlock Berries.
Syllabus Plinth (Sejanus Plinth)
Ughhh!😩 Just go back to District 2 already!
You rich social climbing bastard!
Stole my gorgeous boyfriend!😡🔪
Is reckless AF.
Is wasteful AF.
Is a natural born menace to me.
The idiot heir to the largest munitions empire of Panem.
Wants to become the President of Panem for some reason?🧐
Throws bread to the dead.
No fashion sense at all.
Dr. Gaul hates him for being too nice.
His boyfriend stealing father throws money at me all the time.
Does not know what “personal space” is.
Doesn’t deserve to date my Snow Bae!
How dare you steal my boyfriend!!
I’ll crash your f*ckin’ wedding!!🤬🔪
How dare you stand where I stood!
You have daddy issues!
Peace loving?! Your family sells guns and nuclear missiles for a living!
The audacity! Give me your sandwich recipe!
Once choked my former boyfriend with gumdrops.
Will NEVER WIN the Hunger Games!!🤬🔪 I won’t allow this boyfriend stealing bastard to win anything!
Fetus Creed (Festus Creed)
A self proclaimed “Professional Dumpster Diver.”
Panem’s garbage boy.
A menace to society and the food industry.
Likes to act innocent & clueless.🙄
A natural born leader for fools.
President of the Losers Club.
King of delinquents.
Loves to steal and eat my hamburgers.
Can’t afford to buy a slice of cheesecake.
Is currently dating the cannibal.
Breaks the law everyday, all day.
Peacekeepers loathe him but can’t arrest him.
The Academy’s very own village idiot.
Your family owns the largest construction company in all of Panem, but reconstruction is still slow AF because of your very existence.
Your family members are super weird and super annoying.
Claimed to have never received the 200+ expulsion letters that I’ve personally written and sent to his parents.😫🔪
Has received at least 70+ demerits from me.
Why can’t you attend at least one f*ckin’ detention?!😡
Hangs out with cabbage boy and Plinth’s idiot heir all the time.
Needs to be expelled ASAP.
Why do you succeed and fail at the same time?!
Your ODDS are a piece of sh*t.
Will most likely win the Hunger Games through sheer DUMB LUCK.😩🔪
Listerina Listerine Vickers (Lysistrata Vickers)
Gives free hugs drugs to friends.
Does not prescribe morphling bottles for free.😭
Founder and leader of the “Snowjanus” fan club.🙄🔪
Started the “shipping” war of the century.
Very responsible, but unpredictable.
Suspicious AF.
You’re super lucky that your mommy and daddy are working under the President.
Stop using your “My parents are famous doctors” card to get out of trouble!
Biology is her forte.
Broke my expensive office aquarium on accident purpose.
Gave me weird looking vitamins as an “apology” gift.
Will stab people for medical reasons.
Knows how to manipulate the law.
Your wannabe local drug dealer doctor.
Has a neat appearance, just like her parents.
Might be the leader of an underground illegal drug company that I can’t name.
May have manufactured medicine without the President’s consent.
Is secretly a cry baby.
Hangs out with stupid garbage boys.
Girl, your so called “Miracle Pills” might be lethal and illegal.
Empathetic, I guess.
Will most likely win the Hunger Games by secretly slowly hugging drugging everyone to death.
Philip Raven’s Bill (Felix Ravinstill)
Ultimate Nepo Baby of the century.
Everyone’s favorite boy by default.
Very cool and competent.
Was given the biggest bedroom in the President’s Mansion for some reason.
President Gran Gran’s favorite grandnephew.
Is very rich, but don’t ask why.
Can win a war through the power of friendship and stupidity.
Extremely likable AF.
Must be protected at all cost.
VIP student who can’t be arrested.
Is the Class President.
If he gets hurt, we all get hurt.
I’ll be dead before you get kidnapped.
Haven’t you heard? His granduncle is the current President of Panem.
Has common sense.
Your bromantic boyfriend is a freaking kleptomaniac.
What’s with the Hello Kitty merch?!
Your family is corrupt AF.
Hates his shady & scheming relatives.
Half of your uncles are banned from entering The Academy.
Can you file a very powerful restraining order for me?🥺
Needs to work on his “begging” skills.
Might have the power to end the Hunger Games forever.
Will most likely win the Hunger Games by hiding and having a lot of sponsors to keep him alive.
Andrew Keys Under Sun (Androcles Anderson)
A wannabe reporter like his mama.
A self proclaimed “professional kleptomaniac.”
Stole my morphling bottles.😠🔪
Stole my very expensive wristwatch.
Stole my personal diary journal.
Where is my freaking wallet, Andrew Keys?!
Is straight up a criminal.
Knows how to pickpocket like a pro.
Never give him a hairpin.
I gave you an inch, you f*ckin’ ran a mile.
You’re lucky that your mama can destroy my reputation.
Stole a thousand & plus items from school.
Is maybe secretly dating the Class President.
The only reason why you haven’t been arrested by the authorities is because of your bromantic boyfriend.
Your family only got filthy rich by blackmailing powerful people.
Can break into anyone’s house without being detected.
Dammit! Why do you have natural luck?!
The odds are always in your favor!😩
Can bribe anyone with a slice of pizza.
Will most likely win the Hunger Games by literally stealing everyone’s weapons, sponsors, lovers, mothers, fathers, and of course, your life.
33 notes
·
View notes
Title: First of Many
Part 1 of my Cray-Cray for Cater series! Part 2 here!
Pairings: Cater Diamond x Twisted Wonderland Male OC (Mirai Yuhara)
Summary:
“Mirai,” Cater called from the middle of the room, “Let’s go on a date! Just you and me.”
Mirai wondered if this was Cater being Cater or was he actually being serious, he really didn’t know. Mirai knew Cater tended to be overly nice, talkative, and friendly, and he knew that Cater would do anything for a pic for his Magicam, so as for right now, he would play along. But Mirai couldn’t deny the little hope he had gotten when he asked that question, the blonde having a huge crush on the Heartslabyul third year.
cw: Light angst, but mostly fluff. Mentions of loss, but not detailed.
Reblogs are appreciated, just use my custom tag, #TheMaladaptiveWriter12, if you do! ( ´ ▽ ` ).。o♡
Cross posted from my Ao3: TheMaladaptiveWriter12
Mirai, Deuce, Ace, and Grim were borderline late for Magic History, and leave it to Ace and Grim to start duking it out in the courtyard before class, resulting Mirai and Deuce trying to break it up, but that went out the window when Deuce went all Ex-Delinquent mode, joining the fray. Mirai was tempted to leave the three of them, and let them fight it out, but alas, Mirai was only half a student, and he needed Grim. They really didn’t have time for this.
“Guys, come on,” Mirai whined, “we really don’t have time for this.”
“Not until I teach this mangy cat a lesson,” Ace growled.
“Teach me?! Ha! Don’t make me laugh,” Grim shouted snarkily. “It’s gonna be the Great Grim who’s teaching ya a lesson!”
Mirai sighed. “Deuce?”
“I’m not losing to the likes of them,” Deuce grit out, cracking his knuckles.
Mirai groaned. It was always something with these three.
The three began yelling loudly at each other before a familiar voice rang out, “Mind telling me why you three are fighting in the courtyard, little pups?”
Ace, Deuce, and Grim jumped away from each other, freezing.
Professor Crewel waltzed over, smacking the pointer he always carried against his palm threateningly.
Mirai did not want to get on Professor Crewel’s bad side, not when Professor Crewel already had taken a liking to the Magicless Prefect.
“He started it,” the three yelled accusingly, pointing at each other.
“Bad boy,” Professor Crewel scolded, whipping the pointer, “I’ve expected no less from Ace and Grim, a little less of Deuce, but certainly not you, Little Papillon.”
“I’m sorry, Professor Crewel,” Mirai apologized, hanging his head.
At least the other three had the nerve to look embarrassed.
“You three can start your punishment by cleaning the cauldrons after classes,” Professor Crewel said, pointing to Ace, Deuce, and Grim, “You-”
“Wait, why do I have to clean?!” Grim shouted, “Ace is the one-”
“Who do you think you’re talking to?” Professor Crewel seethed, red leather gloves squeaking as he gripped his pointer stick hard.
Grim squeaked, scampering to hide behind Mirai.
“Ace and Deuce, Cauldron Duty,” Professor Crewel said.
Deuce and Ace sighed.
“Grim, you have Cauldron Duty, and you are to sweep the floors for a week.”
Grim grumbled quietly, but didn’t say anything. Professor Crewel then turned to Mirai.
“I’ll let you off with a warning, Little Papillon. Don’t let me see you mixed up with something like this again,” Professor Crewel said with finality.
“Yes sir. Sorry sir,” Mirai said with a slight nod of his head.
“Good boy. Now get to class before Trein marks you pups as late,” Professor Crewel commanded, turning and walking off.
“Teacher’s pet,” Ace grumbled.
“Mind running that by me again, Ace?” Mirai grumbled, having enough of Ace for the evening.
Mirai loved Ace dearly, him being a good friend, but he really couldn’t take the redhead when he started causing trouble.
“N-Nothing,” Ace stuttered in fear, backing away from Mirai. Ace knew Mirai could pack a punch when he wanted to.
“Guys! Class,” Deuce yelled.
“Shoot,” they all hissed.
The four students ran, well Grim road on Mirai’s shoulder, to Professor Trein’s Magic History class, trying to make it before the bell rang.
“If we’re late, Ima have your heads,” Mirai panted.
“Someone’s been hanging around Riddle too much,” Ace muttered accusingly.
“Ace,” Mirai threatened.
“Guys, enough,” Deuce sighed.
“Don’t think I haven’t forgotten about you, Deuce,” Mirai heaved, “You were supposed to help mediate, and you jumped in as well.”
“Sorry, Mirai.”
“You are forgiven.”
“Hey! How come you’re not mad at him?!” Ace shouted.
“Maybe because he apologized? Maybe because he didn’t start the fight in the first place?!” Mirai shouted out of breath.
The door to Professor Trein’s class was coming into view, and with the final push, the four freshmen sprinted for the door. Just as they reached the threshold, Ace tripped, pushing Deuce, who was in front of him, and tripping Mirai, who was taking up the rear. They all shouted, tumbling into the classroom, falling like dominoes on top of each other, and not a second later, the bell rang. The class rang out with laughter.
“Get off,” Deuce groaned.
“Not until Mirai moves,” Ace grunted.
“You tripped me,” Mirai argued back.
“Cutting it kinda close aren’t you?” Processor Trien asked, a scolding look on his face. Lucis meowed.
“Sorry, Professor Trein,” Mirai apologized from the floor.
“Don’t let it happen again. Now get up and take your seats.”
The four scrambled to get up, pushing, shoving, and elbowing each other as they rushed to their seats in the top row, taking out their supplies for the class.
Class was as it always was, Professor Trein droning on about the histories of magic and their origins from different lands, and Lucis meowing along as if he was adding important information. It wasn’t bad per se, but when you knew nothing at all, not even basic knowledge of the world you were in, it tended to be very difficult for Mirai. So Mirai did the best he could, jotting down everything that seemed useful or important. And at least Mirai could rely on Deuce with his notes actually being organized, and push come to shove, which was more often than not, Mirai had Jack, Sebek, and Epel, who were just as willing to help.
Ace and Grim dozed more than once, and with Mirai and Deuce on the ends, and Grim and Ace in the middle, the two had to elbow the two awake more than once, which earned them a couple of sharp glares and angry grumbles. Mirai didn’t care, he really didn’t need any more trouble than what they already caused today.
“Remember your assignment for today, I will not accept any late work,” Professor Trein said sternly.
The bell rang signaling that that class was over, and multiple students groaned in relief.
“You are dismissed.”
Ace groaned as he stretched his arms over his head, standing from his seat, “I could use a nap.”
“Same,” Grim sighed.
“Like you two just didn’t sleep the majority of class,” Mirai scoffed, rolling his eyes.
“We have Cauldron Duty, remember?” Deuce reminded the two.
Grim and Ace groaned.
Mirai rolled his eyes, “Maybe you should’ve thought about that before you three decided to-”
There was a loud bang as Professor Trein’s door flew open, slamming against the back wall, startling everyone in the room, including Lucis who crawled frantically into his owner's arms, hissing at the noise. Professor Trein glared at whoever caused the noise. It was Cater.
“Mirai,” Cater called from the middle of the room, “Let’s go on a date! Just you and me.”
Mirai was speechless, face going cherry red.
“Huh?!” Grim yelled.
“Don’t mind him, he’s always like this,” Ace said dismissively.
“Diamond,” Professor Trein scolded, “Even if my class has ended, I will not tolerate you making a disturbance in my classroom!”
“Oopsies! Sorry Professor,” Cater apologized with a wink, not sounding one bit sorry.
Professor Trein just sighed, going back to whatever he was doing on his desk.
Mirai wondered if this was Cater being Cater or was he actually being serious, he really didn’t know. Mirai knew Cater tended to be overly nice, talkative, and friendly, and he knew that Cater would do anything for a pic for his Magicam, so as for right now, he would play along. But Mirai couldn’t deny the little hope he had gotten when he asked that question, the blonde having a huge crush on the Heartslabyul third year.
“You serious?” Mirai asked.
“Totally srs,” Cater chirped.
“Uh, like right now?”
“Mn hm,” Cater nodded enthusiastically, leaning forward on his hands against the bottom row of desks.
“I mean, I guess I don't have anything to do after this.”
“Awesome,” Cater cheered, running up to the top row to grab Mirai by the hand, and pull him down the stairs. At least Mirai was still in the right mind to grab his things before they left.
“W-Wait! Cater,” Mirai called, as he was pulled across the classroom, and out the door.
Cater laughed happily as he raced down the campus halls as Mirai struggled to keep up. They got all kinds of looks as they ran hand in hand, weaving through the sea of students being let out for the day. Students shouted and yelled, as Cater pushed his way through, laughing wildly. They ran through the main building, down the stairs and through the courtyard. Mirai was near wheezing as he tried desperately to catch his breath.
“C-Cater,” Mirai stuttered, “Slow d-down. I can’t keep up.”
“Oopsies. Sorry, Hon,” Cater apologized, slowing to a leisurely walking pace.
“I-It’s okay,” Mirai reassured, gasping for air.
“You sure?”
“Y-Yeah.”
Cater continued to hold Mirai’s smaller hand in his larger one, as they walked across the courtyard, and around the main building. Students stared for a second, but other than that, they ignored them as they passed. Mirai wondered what Cater’s real intention was for this. It wasn’t like he didn’t like, or trust Cater, but he knew Cater was a man of niceties, and tended to sweet talk his way in and or out of things.
“Mark for your thoughts?” Cater asked as they walked back inside, but this time, from a different door.
“Ah, um, it’s nothing important,” Mirai said, silently trying to figure out why they were back inside. Maybe Cater forgot something?
“Everything about you is important.” Cater smiled.
“I, I, no, I-”
Cater cackled at Mirai’s stammering, “Totes adorbs, but really, if you need someone to listen, Cay-Cay will lend you an ear, ‘kay?”
Mirai closed his mouth, pressing his lips together, nodding as his face warmed a bit.
He didn’t expect the flirting at all, Cater’s sweet words putting a flush on his face. Mirai had his fair share of sleazy, slimy people, men and women, trying to use sweet words to get things they wanted, and normally Mirai was good at keeping a straight face, but for some reason, it seemed he couldn’t do that with Cater.
They continued their walk, and Mirai had no clue where they were going, but he tried to guess in his head, not wanting to spoil Cater’s surprise. They walked through the long corridors of the school, turning corners, going up and down stairs, and the more they walked, the less people Mirai began to see.
“I’ve never been to this side of the school,” Mirai stated absentmindedly.
“This is where some of the more advanced classes are, like summoning and stuff,” Cater supplied.
“Oh.”
Cater hummed a cute little tune as they walked, swinging their interlocked hands. They walked across the second story exterior hallway, the evening sun was warm on their skin. Mirai looked up at Cater, and Mirai wouldn’t lie, he was good looking, and the golden afternoon, the golden glow made his very being look pretty. The light made his orange hair look like a deep spun gold, wavy strands glittering in the light, his skin looked like warm honey, even his green eyes were tinged with gold, the little fleckles sparking in the light. He really was pretty. Seeming to notice the staring, Cater looked down at Mirai and smiled. Mirai whipped his head away from Cater, looking at the path ahead.
The two made their way down another flight of stairs, and soon they were back on the first floor. Mirai hadn’t been to this side of the school either. Just where were they going? Mirai wondered if Cater was just messing with him, or maybe he just wanted to take a walk, and even so, all he had to do was ask normally.
Students dressed in their club uniforms exited a classroom, chatting happily, laughing and joking with each other. As they walked by, Mirai caught the eye of one of the students, the guy stopped what he was doing and looked between Mirai and Cater, then he glared hard at Mirai, whispering to his buddies. Mirai was a grumpy person, but he was also an anxious person. Sometimes that grumpiness would turn his embarrassment into foolish angered confidence, and with that, Mirai flipped the students off with a sneer. The three didn’t look happy at that.
“You think you’re so big and bad, don’t you?” The tallest one asked.
“Meh,” Mirai shrugged, “Gotta problem with that?”
Cater stopped and looked between Mirai and the students. Mirai let go of Cater’s hand.
“Yeah I do actually,” the one in the middle, the Beastman said.
Mirai stared at him threateningly, sizing the guy up. Yeah Mirai was shorter, but that didn’t mean he would back down from a fight.
“You don't scare me,” the guy on the left sneered, “So you can cut the little bad boy act.”
“I could say the same about you,” Mirai said impatiently.
The Beastman in the middle growled, sneering, “You think you're so high and mighty, don’t you? You get a freebie into one of the top schools on the Island of sages, gain the likes from a couple of third years, Housewardens, and Professors, and now you think you run the world. I wonder when they will realize how worthless you really are?”
“Yeah, I mean, it was quite easy, but I’m wondering how you even got here,” Mirai muttered nonchalantly. “You don’t seem too bright.”
Suddenly the Beastman grabbed Mirai by the front of his shirt, hoisting him up so that he was up close and personal with him.
“Hey,” Cater shouted, reaching for Mirai only to be held up by the other two.
“You better watch it, Prefect. You have no idea what I’m capable of,” the Beastman sneered.
“I know what you’re not capable of,” Mirai coughed, leaning his head back, “brushing your teeth.”
The guy's face grew a bright red, his teeth gritting in rage. Suddenly his hand was balling up into a fist and his arm was recoiling back. “I will make sure no one finds your worthless body, you hear me?! Nobody!”
“What’s going on out here?”
Professor Crewel peeked his head out from around the corner accusingly and everyone went still. Professor Crewel looked at Mirai and Cater, who were being held up, Mirai literally, by the students. Mirai caught Professor Crewel’s gaze, Mirai pouted with a sigh, hoping that Crewel didn’t take this as him fighting. Again.
“You pups,” Crewel yelled at his students, smacking his pointer against his gloved palm, “come here, now!”
The shorter one gaped like a fish, “But he-”
“It wasn’t a question! Now!”
The students stood their ground. Mirai continued to look at the three defiantly. The guy in the middle scoffed, dropping Mirai to the ground, and pushed past Cater, shoulder checking him in the process.
Cater scoffed angrily, sticking out his hand, “Come on,”
Mirai took it, pulling himself up to brush off his clothes. Mirai looked back at Crewel, and Crewel smirked at Mirai, winking as they passed. Mirar pouted petulant, face heating up a bit. Unfortunately for Mirai and Crewel both, Mirai had all but gushed about his crush on Cater to his Professor, and maybe a little too much. Mirai guessed it was payback for all the Fridays he talked the poor man’s ear off.
Not long after, they made it to the back of the main building. Mirai didn’t even know this even existed. It was a vast area surrounded by trees, and further up, there was a small path, leading further in surrounded by an iron archway and overgrown wisteria and ivy.
“Whoa,” Mirai breathed in awe.
“Yeah,” Cater chuckled. “I had the same reaction when I found this spot. Talk about #Picturesque.”
Entering the woods, the evening sun shone golden through the vibrant green trees. Mirai took in the nature around him, admiring it all. The little woodland creatures around them scampered about. Little blue birds flew overhead, twittering and singing, chipmunks scurried in the brush, and squirrels climbed into the trees, waiting for the pair to pass. Little white wildflowers dotted the ground, and in the trees, big vibrant red apples hung from their branches, looking tantalizingly delicious.
“We’re here,” Cater cheered.
Cater pulled back a branch, Mirai looked ahead and was taken aback. There was a clearing, not a big one, but big enough for it to be noticeable. The same tiny white wildflowers from earlier littered the ground, and scattered around were these golden orchids, glowing in the evening light. In the middle was a large twisted Apple Tree, covered in hanging lanterns, and underneath was a big red gingham picnic blanket. Atop the blanket was a large picnic basket with two rocks sitting on the top. It was like it was all in its own little world.
“We pretty much only use this place when Starsending comes around, which is a shame, talk about #NRCHiddenGem,” Cater said, taking Mirai’s hand again, leading him to the blanket.
Reaching the blanket, Cater toed off his shoes, and Mirai did the same. With a guiding hand, Cater sat Mirai on one side of the blanket, then walked around to the other side and sat down scooting close to the Ramshackle Prefect.
“Do you like it?” Cater asked, removing the rocks, unpacking the basket.
Mirai nodded enthusiastically, “It’s really nice.”
“Good. I’m glad.”
Cater started with the plates first, then the silverware wrapped in a triple pocket folded napkin, each eating utensil in its own pocket.
“These are cute,” Mirai commented, picking up the sage green cloth napkin gently.
“Thanks! I actually folded them,” Cater chirped. “Someone’s gotta make sure the napkins for the Unbirthday Parties are #PicturePerfect.”
“That’s cool! Do you think you could teach me sometime?”
Cater laughed, “‘Course. Cay-Cay’s got you covered.”
Cater unpacked the basket once more, pulling out a clear plastic liter bottle and two glass cups.
“I didn’t want to spill the sparkling lemonade, so I stuck it in a bottle,” Cater snickered. “LMAO, if Riddle saw this, he’d totally have my head.”
“It’s fine,” Mirai snickered.
“So we have some vegetable chicken wraps, lettuce, tomato, egg, and guacamole sandwiches, salad, and fruit salad,” Cater listed, unwrapping and placing everything on the blanket.
“Looks good,” Mirai muttered, distracted by the wide selection of food.
“Totally does.”
Cater untwisted the cap off the bottle and poured the sparkling lemonade into the two cups, placing the cups on two coasters, and then closed it back.
“Okay! Let’s ea-, Oh wait,” Cater said, fishing his phone from his pocket, “Gotta get a pic first.”
Cater snapped a couple of pics of the layout, the area, then Cater reached over and threw an arm around Mirai’s shoulders, pulling him close.
“Say cheese,” Cater said, taking it before Mirai could even say anything.
Cater pulled his arm back and looked down at the picture.
“Aw! Don’t we look cute?” Cater crooned, turning the phone towards Mirai.
In the picture, Cater was smiling up to his eyes, full of teeth, and Mirai looked surprised, face flushed red, the color highlighting his green eyes and many freckles. It wasn’t a bad picture but Mirai didn’t know how to feel about it.
“Look at you, so cute,” Cater gushed.
Mirai turned away from Cater, hiding his flush.
“Okay, okay,” Cater soothed, “Let’s eat.”
Mirai served himself some of the vegetable chicken wraps, and some salad, and Cater grabbed a sandwich, a wrap, and some fruit salad.
“Here. The dressing,” Cater said, passing over three different types of dressing. One ranch, the other Italian, and the last a caesar style of dressing. Mirai took the ranch.
Cater took one of the tomato sandwiches, and a vegetable wrap, then carefully, Cater unrolled his wrap, picking out the julienned carrot pieces. Cater noticed the staring and flushed, turning his head, playing with his bangs.
“I-I don’t like carrots if they aren’t cooked,” Cater stammered.
Mirai grabbed one of the tomato sandwiches and pulled out the thick slice of tomato, placed it onto his plate, put it back together and took a big bite of it. Cater realized what Mirai had conveyed and laughed, rerolling and biting into his own food.
“Did you make this?” Mirai asked after he finished his sandwich, moving on to his salad.
“Well I had some help from Ace, Deuce, and Trey, but yeah. I wanted to try and make everything myself.”
“It’s good,” Mirai praised, smiling.
It was Cater’s turn to flush, “TYSM.”
They ate in relative silence, enjoying each other's company. The setting sun was getting lower, tinging the skies in dark oranges, reds, and yellows. It was still fairly warm, the cooling breeze giving a preview of what the night temperature would be. Out of nowhere, Cater asked Mirai if he had ever made a flower crown, which Mirai declined. That spurred Cater on to gather as many white flowers he could, and dumped them on the blanket.
“Tell me about yourself,” Cater said, tossing a grape into the air and catching it in his mouth as he weaved his crown.
Mirai giggled at his antics, braiding his just like Cater showed him to, “Like what?”
Cater brandished a grape to Mirai, before tossing it at him. Mirai threw himself backwards, back hitting the ground to catch the fruit in his mouth. Cater laughed as Mirai made a little noise in triumph.
“Anything you feel like sharing,” Cater continued.
“Uh,” Mirai started, a little stumped, “I don't know. I’m not that interesting, really.”
“Yes you are,” Cater disagreed.
“Uh, what is there to know? Uh, I’m seventeen, I’m five foot six, I’m Japanese American, I need glasses, but don’t wear them, uh, I’m partially blind in my left eye, and I’m missing my left arm.”
Cater looked surprised.
Mirai chuckled.
“Uh,” Cater started, “your, your Japanese American? What’s that mean?”
Mirai chuckled. “Just like you're from the Shaftlands, well, back home, we label ourselves with where we are from. My mother was American, but my Father was Japanese, so I use both labels.”
“Oh.”
“Alright, your turn.”
“I’m eighteen, I’m five foot seven, I’m from the Shaftlands, I’m right handed, my best subject is Astrology, and I’m in the Pop Music Club.”
“Cool,” Mirai smiled.
“Got any hobbies?” Cater started, going back to his weaving.
“I like to play video games, and if sleeping counts, then I like sleeping. Um, then there’s cooking, and cleaning,” Mirai answered, “Oh, and I like to read.”
“Cool, although kinda I pegged you to be the sporty type.”
Mirai laughed, “Bruh, where?”
Cater laughed, “For me, hobbies wise, I like posting on Magicam, a little bit of photography here and there, then there’s my guitar, and I like skateboarding when I can.”
“Really?! Skateboarding?!” Mirai gasped, “And you can play guitar?! Will you teach me?!”
“LOL, sure. Just name your day, and Cay-Cay’s there.”
Mirai cheered happily.
“Your turn.”
“Okay, um,” Mirai paused, thinking, “what’s your favorite food?”
“Ramen. The spicier the better.”
Mirai gasped, “Wait! You guys have ramen here?! Oh please, wherever you get it from, take me with you. I haven’t had ramen since I got here!”
“You like ramen?” Cater laughed.
“Yes I love it. And to answer my question, my favorite dessert food is cheesecake, and apple pie, and my favorite food definitely has to be pot stickers.”
“Noted. Um, do you have any siblings?”
“If you count my cousins, then no.”
“Cousins?”
Mirai looked away solemnly, putting down his half finished crown, and lifted his prosthetic arm, “I lost my mother when I was young, so I lived with my aunt. Didn’t get along with her family too well.”
“I’m sorry. T-This probably wasn’t the best idea,” Cater said apologetically.
“No, it’s fine, you’re fine. I can’t mourn forever,” Mirai sighed, “But yeah, there’s three of them, and I didn’t get along with either of them. Your turn.”
“I have, I have two older sisters.”
“Oh, that’s cute,” Mirai laughed, “What’s that like?”
“What? Having two older sisters, or having a sibling?”
“Either one you want to answer.”
“It’s okay on good days, but days when they wanted to go shopping? #TheWorst. More often than not, I was their bag boy.”
Mirai chuckled.
“Okay, next question,” Cater chirped, “Favorite color.”
“Blue,” Mirai answered.
“Mine has to be Orange, although, Blue and Red aren't bad either.”
“Um, how about genre of music?”
“Can’t go wrong with cheesy pop songs,” Cater winked.
Mirai laughed. “Mine definitely is Rock and Metal.”
“Really?” Cater asked, surprised.
“Yep. Something to blast on max volume and scream your heart out to? I’m game.”
Cater laughed.
Cater eventually got up to get more flowers, and so did Mirai. Mirai wandered a bit, looking for a pop of color, preferably blue to compliment Cater’s hair. When Mirai found some, he rejoiced, bringing them back to the blanket. Cater stayed where he was crouched in front of a bush.
“Cater?” Mirai called, “What are you doing over there?”
“One second,” Cater called back.
Mirai laughed, going back to his crown.
Mirai was weaving the last row, when there was something being placed on his head, breaking his concentration.
Mirai hummed, the sound coming out like a question, and Cater was staring at Mirai, eyes wide, flush spreading on his cheeks.
“What is it?” Mirai asked, a little embarrassed.
Suddenly a row of white and purple flowers fell into view, tilting on his head.
“It’s a little too big,” Cater laughed.
Mirai snickered, standing brandishing his own crown to Cater.
“For me?” Cater asked, surprised.
“Who else, you little dummy,” Mirai laughed, waving his hand down.
Cater dramatically got down on a knee, tilting his head down, as Mirai snorted a laugh, rolling his eyes as the corny action as he placed the blue and white crown atop his head.
“How is it?” Cater asked, trying to look up at his head.
Mirai was in awe. It looked really nice on Cater. The bright blue flowers complimenting Cater’s orange hair, and it fit perfectly.
“It’s pretty,” Mirai chirped, admiring his handiwork. “I did a pretty good job for my first time making one.”
Cater grabbed his phone and looked at himself in the camera. He looked surprised at himself.
“Okay,” Cater said excitedly, “This totes needs a photo op, like asap.”
Cater pulled Mirai into his arms, arm wrapped tightly around his waist, as he positioned his other arm to get the picture, a smile in his voice, “Say cheese!”
After so many pictures that Mirai couldn’t keep count of, the sun was low on the horizon, the sky was growing dark, and fireflies flickered about, little green dots floating in the air. The stars started to cover the sky in its many twinkling lights, and Mr. Moon was waking from his slumber. Cater waved his magic pen and the lanterns hanging from the tree came to life, lighting up the area in a soft golden glow.
“Cool,” Mirai sighed.
Cater laughed.
They had moved to lying on the picnic blanket, Cater lying with a hand holding up his head as he watched Mirai as he tried and failed to make a flower ring.
“I think my fingers are too small,” Mirai huffed, tossing away yet another destroyed flower.
Cater laughed, “What if you just use a single flower and tie it?”
Mirai froze, staring at the flowers in front of him, “Why didn’t I think of that?!”
Cater cackled as Mirai tired again with renewed vigor.
“I did it! I did it,” Mirai cheered, sticking his hand out to show a single flower, wrapped around his finger.
Cater chuckled, laying his head on the blanket, watching Mirai fondly as he made another.
“Here,” Mirai said, taking Cater’s hand and tied a little white flower around his middle finger.
“Don’t you think it’s a little too early for marriage?” Cater teased.
“I-I-I, wait, I, that’s-”
“But never the matter, Cay-Cay accepts.”
“Cater!”
Cater laughed, lunging for Mirai, rolling both over. Cater was resting above the Prefect, his arms bracketing him in, and Mirai stared up at Cater, eyes wide, face flushed.
“Your crown is crooked,” Cater snickered, reaching down to fix it.
“So is yours,” Mirai mumbled, pouting as he reached up and righted it for him.
Cater chuckled, reaching over to check his phone. “Oh! It’s almost time!” Cater gasped, standing up, pulling Mirai up with him.
“Time for what?” Mirai asked quizzically.
“You’ll see,” Cater sang.
Mirai watched as Cater rushed to and fro, cleaning their things up a bit, moving things here and there. Mirai offered to help, but Cater brushed him off, saying it was fine.
“Now,” Cater said, pointing up, “You know how to climb a tree?”
“Psh,” Mirai scoffed playfully with a smirk, “What kind of question is that?”
“Cool,” Cater laughed, gesturing for Mirai to go first with a wink. “Just in case Cay-Cay has to save-save.”
Mirai laughed, shaking his head. Toeing on his shoes, Mirai grabbed onto a low hanging branch, and lifted himself up. He scaled several branches, and looked down for Cater, he was on the branch below looking up at him. He smiled and waved.
“Where to?” Mirai asked.
“The one with the orange ribbon on it,” Cater answered pointing up.
Mirai squinted, looking for the ribbon, and once he found it, he fixed his crown and continued to climb.
When he made it to the branch, he could see why Cater picked it. It was fairly thick and long. There was enough room and it was sturdy enough to hold both of them, there was a branch a little higher behind that one that they could lean back on and still sit comfortably and safely, and just ahead, there was a large opening in the leaves, giving a nice view of the woods and sky.
“He sure planned this out, didn’t he,” Mirai muttered to himself.
“Hey boo,” Cater sang after a while, his head finally popping into view, the flower crown swaying on his head.
Mirai chuckled as he watched Cater scoot over next to him.
“So what are we waiting for?” Mirai asked, swinging his feet.
“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you, now would it?”
Mirai eyed him skeptically, but didn’t say anything.
Even with the sounds of the Backwoods, and its woodland lullaby, crickets chirping, owls hooting, and the rustling, it was still quiet up there in the tree. It was peaceful.
The wind blew a little harder, chilling the air as the leaves rustled in with the movement. Mirai shivered a bit, goosebumps covering his skin.
“You cold?” Cater asked, pulling a big orange throw from seeming nowhere, and draped it over himself. “Come here.”
Mirai slowly shuffled over into Cater’s embrace, taking his end of the blanket, closing it around himself. Cater held on end with his right hand and his other arm wrapped itself around Mirai’s waist. Mirai took the other end, doing the same. Mirai sighed, content. He liked being in Cater’s arms. He was big and warm, and he always had a clean crisp spicy scent to him. It lingered on his clothes, on his skin, and even his hair smelt like it.
“Thanks,” Mirai sighed.
“You’re welcome.”
Mirai closed his eyes, relaxing in Cater’s hold. He always felt safe with Cater, not like in a familial sense, but like every time Cater was near, it made Mirai want to hold on and never let go. Something about him was comforting, like a blanket of sorts, and Mirai didn’t know why.
There was movement beside him, and Mirai cracked open an eye and was met with the most delicious looking piece of cheesecake he had ever seen. Mirai’s words were caught in his throat as Cater held up a fork filled with cheesecake on the end, to Mirai’s lips.
“Want some?” Cater asked, cocking his head to the side with a knowing smile.
Mirai nodded excitedly, opening his mouth for the awaiting cake.
Cater chuckled, feeding the cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries, strawberry syrup and whipped cream.
“Is it good?” Cater asked.
“Yesh, ish goo,” Mirai said, mouth full of cake. Mirai swallowed before continuing, “How’d you know I liked this when I had just told you?”
Cater laughed, “Trey knew that you were the one I was doing this for, and added the cake in the end.”
Mirai laughed, wholeheartedly understanding where Cater was coming from. Trey always made small extra treats for those close to them, and Mirai had been on the receiving end multiple times before.
Cater cut another piece off with the fork, and brought it back to Mirai’s lips.
“Say ah,” Cater whispered fondly.
Mirai’s face flushed red, “A-Ah,”
“You’re so cute.”
Cater cut off another piece, making sure to gather some strawberry syrup and some whipped cream, and held it up to Mirai again.
Mirai opened his mouth, taking another piece.
Cater chuckled, making Mirai look at him skeptically.
“What?” Mirai asked, eyes narrowed.
“You got a little,” Cater trailed off, whipping a smattering of whipped cream from Mirai’s face. Mirai flushed in embarrassment.
“S-Sorry,” Mirai stuttered.
“You’re fine,” Cater said, waving Mirai off.
Mirai went to take another bite, when something caught his eye. He couldn’t make it out at first, but soon after, dozens, no, hundreds and hundreds of little gold lights filled up the skies.
“Lanterns,” Mirai gasped, almost choking on the forgotten cheesecake in his mouth.
They were beautiful, like little golden fireflies. Mirai loved the stars, but Mirai could say that they put them to shame, just this once.
“Cater! Look,” Mirai called pointing at the sky.
“The town east of here likes to release lanterns for special occasions,” Cater explained, chuckling, “Things like weddings, and the birth of their children all get a lantern. Gold means birth.”
“That’s nice. Back in Japan, I only visited once, but for new years and summer festivals, they light lanterns as well.”
“I guess we’re not so different after all.”
They sat in silence, watching the lanterns float across the night sky. The things like this, the subtle similarities like this were the things that made Mirai a little homesick.
A flash startled Mirai, he gasped looking over to Cater who had his phone to his face.
“I couldn’t resist. You looked so cute just now,” Cater gushed.
Mirai pouted.
“You’re so precious,” Cater whispered.
Mirai pouted again, face flushed as he laid his head on Carer’s shoulder.
Cater turned back to the sky, snapping pictures left and right. Once Cater was satisfied, he shut off the device and shoved it into his pocket.
Mirai looked back up at the sky, thoughts scrambling in his head. Mirai was confused. Why would Cater go out of his way to do this for him? Yeah they were friends, but not friends like Ace, Deuce, and Grim were. They didn’t hang out everyday or plan sleepovers and study sessions together. He only saw Cater in passing or at lunch. He had never done something like this before, so why now? What was there to gain out of being nice or friends with Mirai, not only was he two years below Cater in grade level, but also just the Magicless Prefect of Ramshackle.
Mirai sighed sitting up.
“What’s up?” Cater asked.
“Why, why are you doing this for me?” Mirai asked, looking up at Cater.
“What?”
“Why are you doing all of this for me? What is there to gain from doing all of this? You took me to this beautiful spot, made me food, taught me how to make a flower crown, and sat with me to see the lanterns. So why? Believe me when I say I am truly grateful for all of this, but why waste it all on me?”
Cater turned his head to his left to look at Mirai. There was an expression on Cater’s face that Mirai couldn’t read.
“You think I wanted something from you by doing all of this?” Cater asked, his voice sharp and cold.
Mirai realized that maybe his words may have come off harsh and empty, “N-No, it’s just, It’s just that we're not friends, and maybe there’s someone better you could’ve done this for.”
“We're not friends.” Cater repeated, voice distant.
“W-Wait, that didn’t, I didn't mean, I just-” Mirai shut himself up, sighing. “I just didn’t know you thought of me like that.”
There was a heavy silence, the both of them dejected and at loss of what to do now. What once was a serene atmosphere that made Mirai so warm, so happy, was now bitter and cold.
“What if I said I did this because I wanted to impress you?” Cater asked finally, his voice quiet.
“Impress me? Why?” Mirai asked, “I mean our first meeting wasn’t the best, but that’s long been dealt with. I think you’re a nice guy.”
“Is that all I am to you? A nice guy?”
Mirai didn’t get it. Why did he sound so hurt? Why was he going through such great lengths to impress him? He wasn’t anyone important, so why go through such great lengths. You could merely do a backflip and Mirai would be impressed, there was no need for all this pizazz.
“I mean yeah. You did all this for me, when you didn’t have to. You’ve helped me out before, and you’re very caring,” Mirai said.
Cater reached forward, running his hand up the side of Mirai’s face, fingers dancing over his cheek to up behind his ear, to where Cater held him on the back of his head, “What if I said I did all of this because I like you?”
“Y-You, you like me?” Mirai asked, befuddled.
“Yeah, a lot.”
“W-Why, why, why me? I’m not, I’m not, I’m just, I, why me?”
Mirai was so lost, he didn’t know what to say. How could anyone like him? He wasn’t, he wasn’t, anything. He just was Mirai.
“What do you mean why?” Cater asked.
“I’m, I’m not pretty, I’m not special, I can’t use magic, my grades are subpar, and I’m definitely not a good person. So why?” Mirai was rambling, he knew, and he was panicking, finding excuses to justify his own self doubt.
No one fell in love with Mirai, no one. He was the one to fall in love and get his heart broken time and time again. He was the one to crush on anyone who gave him nice words and nice smiles, anyone who treated him like a person, but in the end, it was a sore reminder of how unlovable he really was. No one fell in love with Mirai Yuhara.
“You are smart, you are strong, you are brave,” Cater said. “You’re nice, you were nice to me despite how I treated you in the beginning. You put up with my anitics, my energy, and you never once told me to leave you alone.”
“But that’s just-” Mirai began but Cater shook his head, a small smile gracing his lips.
“I know, I know I’m not organized or a cook like Trey, or smart like Riddle, and I know I’m no prince,” Cater said, voice soft, “And, and I know a lot of people perceive me as fake, frivolous, but I mean it when I say I like you. So please, please give me a chance, please.”
Mirai was stunned into silence. He didn’t know what to say or do after hearing all that, but he did know for sure that those words were genuine.
“Please give me a chance,” Cater pleaded again.
Mirai crumbled.
“Okay,” Mirai said, bowing his head, scrubbing at his eyes to stop the unshed tears from falling, “Okay.”
Cater pulled Mirai into his arms, holding him tight.
“I-Is it, is it too early to ask to kiss you,” Cater asked hesitantly.
“N-No,” Mirai muttered, his cheeks warming for an entirely different reason.
Mirai looked up at Cater, his eyes were tinged red, cheeks were flushed a deep red, his skin wet with tears, and Cater couldn’t think of anything more prettier than the boy in front of him. Cater carded his fingers through Mirai’s blonde locks, pulling his head up, so he could lean down and kiss him. Mirai whined when their lips met. Cater’s lips were soft and warm, and they tasted like lemonade and cherry chapstick.
Cater pulled back only to lean back in a second later. It was as if he couldn’t get enough of the Prefect’s lips. Cater pulled at Mirai, trying to pull the Prefect closer to himself, like he was trying to merge their very being together, his thumbs softly caressing the blondes cheeks. That was nowhere near his first kiss, but to Mirai, this one might as well be. It wasn’t chaste, nor was it messy, but the feelings behind it were there, and sometime in all of that, the plate of Cheesecake clattered down through the branches to the ground below.
They both sighed when they pulled away, Cater pressing his forehead to Mirai’s.
“You taste sweet,” Cater mumbled, pressing his lips to the crown of Mirai’s head, “and surprisingly, I don’t mind the taste.”
“Cater,” Mirai whined, flushing.
Cater chuckled, bringing his face back to Mirai’s, looking him in the eye.
“I like you,” Cater confessed, kissing Mirai’s cheek.
Mirai shied away from the affection, turning his head.
“Don’t hide,” Cater crooned, kissing Mirai’s jaw, to his ear, and down his neck.
“C-Cater,” Mirai gasped.
Cater chuckled, “You’re so cute.”
Mirai glared at Cater, although it didn’t look convincing with the blush staining his cheeks.
Cater laughed, kissing Mirai’s pouty lips, “But you are.”
“Am not,” Mirai shouted, embarrassed, “You, you are!”
Cater looked surprised, “Am I?”
“I’m serious! Your hair and the way you style it is cute, and so is your smile! The way you talk is cute, especially when you're excited about something! And, and your eyes are pretty!”
Cater smiled up to his eyes, all teeth.
“See,” Mirai yelled accusingly, “That! That right there!”
Cater laughed, holding Mirai's face again, “Your freckles are adorable, and so is your smile. Your eyes are so pretty, and your hair too, it’s so soft and feathery. I love the way you look when you blush, when you get really determined about something, when you get angry, and when you laugh.”
Mirai pouted again.
“I love your little pouty face, and they way your lips poke out when you do,” Cater said lovingly, racking a hand through Mirai’s bangs and the other thumbed at Mirai’s bottom lip.
Mirai’s eyes widened at the action.
“And I love your scars,” Cater whispered, kissing the scars on Mirai's left eye.
Mirai whimpered, grabbing Cater’s arms.
“Can I kiss you again?” Cater asked.
“Like you haven’t stolen a kiss from me already.”
Cater kissed Mirai again, and again, and again, and again. Mirai whined, and Cater sighed contently.
“I like you,” Cater chanted between kisses, “I like you, I like you, I like you.”
“I like you too.” Mirai said, kissing Cater back.
5 notes
·
View notes