#seniors need to challenged! but I can tell they don’t like it

[cocteaucherry]

this idea just popped into my head

but what if the reader was a first year, and they liked to call nanami their best friend (like gojo, but less menacing and more understanding and soft ig?) because they enjoyed nanami's reaction and reader was basically a happy little furball until they see a second year, gojo, declare that nanami is his best friend and it basically ends up in small little competitions between gojo and reader on who is nanami's best and better friend, and during those mini competitions and months, they start to realise something about each other and in the end, it ends up turning into gojo tyring to secretly impress reader and reader secretly trying to impress gojo, and nanami is just stuck being in the middle of all that.

this is the cutest concept so here’s what I have! For now I’ll probably make a pt.2

“Come on Kentoo! Why can’t we check out the new crepe shop?” A frown appeared on your face crossing your arms, “I already told you I have a long mission tomorrow.. and knowing you we’ll be out until morning.” He sat against the stone step, his head resting in his hands.

“Uhm.. nu uh..” you said in a teasing tone, you sat on the step next to him poking his cheek with your finger, you had met nanami on your first day attending Jujutsu High. You sat miserably outside having forgotten your lunch in your dorm, this didn't go unnoticed by Nananmi and he very kindly offered to share his. Ever since that day you and Nanami are usually always together.

“Please please please? Just do it for your best friend!” You pleaded clasping your hands together to give him a feigned pitiful look, Nanami knew what kind of game you were playing but his body betrayed him. Anytime you called him your best friend butterflies would erupt in his stomach and his skin would burn causing a blush to spread across his body.

He rolled his eyes trying his best to contain his composure, “F-fine-“ he was interrupted by you hugging him tightly, “Yayyy! Well let’s get inside, it’s chilly,” you exclaimed standing up, Nanami sighed standing up, he walked a bit up the steps opening the door as you stepped through. “So what flavor do you think-“ Your question was interrupted as you were bumped out of the way by a tall figure, “Nanamii! What’s happening?”

A lanky arm was wrapped around his shoulder as Nanami stared annoyingly at the figure, “Seriously Gojo?” He groaned out a very apparent vein popping above his right brow, ah Gojo you’ve heard of him around campus but you didn’t see him.

All of a sudden you felt a glare hit you and it caused chills to radiate down your spine, “Nanamii! Don’t tell me you’re cheating on me?” He pushed his shades down to stare at you, his bright blue eyes glaring marks into you. “Oh no no! He’s just my best friend.” This statement wouldn’t help your argument as a strange grin appeared on his face.

“Ohh? Well I’m sure Nanami could attest when I say I’m his best friend.” The senior snickered as Nanami peeled himself away from Gojo’s grasp, “I can assure you’re not-“ a finger was placed on his lips as the snow white haired boy kept his gaze on you, “As much as I’d like to entertain me and Suguru are going to that new crepe spot,” he bought his finger away to play with the bridge of his glasses. “I’ll see ya later nanamiii and y/n '' he said, opening the door and walking out into ending summer breeze.

He knew your name? But more importantly was the competition bestowed in front of you, nanami saw your face and offered a weak smile. “Don’t mind Gojo.. he’s a little too cocky for his own good.” You turned out his voice, already debating your next move, little did Nanami know a bounty was placed on his head

“Anything he could do I can do better”

Challenge one- Gift Giving

A week later the challenge had begun, you weren’t sure if Gojo had reciprocated the glares you exchanged with him in the halls but you sure had. You decided you needed to go all out, on Nanami’s desk that very morning a bento box wrapped nicely along with some little candies. Coincidentally Gojo had been walking with Nanami to his class, when both their eyes locked on the cutely wrapped lunch various reactions appeared, Kento had confusion and Gojo had confused anger.

“It’s very nice of her don’t you think?” Kento smirked to himself holding up one of the candies, Satoru’s jaw ticked a delayed nod following after. “Yup.. well I gotta get going.” The white haired boy said walking with quickness to get out of that classroom, he stood outside the door pondering his move as he sensed a specific energy pass through the halls.

A pep in your step and a sick smile on your face as you passed by, you glanced up at Satoru giving him a shit eating grin as you turned the corner. A vein popped in his neck as a grin passed on his face, “So that’s how it is..”

“Anything she can do I can do better”

Satoru passed around his dorm In a fitted rage, his anger being experienced by his tired eyed best friend sitting on his bed. “Can you believe she did that? I mean! I didn’t even get to make the first move!” He was upset he didn’t make the first impression. “Satoru.. is it that serious?” Suguru stretched his hands staring at the mini pieces of paper Satoru had him cut and write on, ‘100 reasons why you’re my best friend’. “How many years have we been friends, I’ve never even gotten a hundred reasons.”

“Anytime I try to express any emotion to you I get shunned.” Satoru rolled his eyes, staring at the gift basket he had arranged for Nanami, “I need more ideas.” He groaned, rubbing his eyes. “Can’t believe you’re letting a first year work you up like this, I mean.. shouldn’t you be trying to impress some of our superiors?” Suguru smirked, tapping his fingers on his upper thigh, “well, personally I don’t give two shits about them.. they’re weak.” Gojo mumbled kicking at the wood floor.

“Oh? Is the Satoru Gojo sweating over two first grade sorcerers, never thought I’d see it.” Suguru huffed with a grin.

Satoru’s jaw dropped as he quickly tried to correct himself, “No! No! I’m not!” he exclaimed, sliding his glasses off to thump his head with his own finger. Then a metaphorically lightbulb appeared above his head, “What time does the bakery open tomorrow morning?”

Oh you were pissed, that afternoon you walked with Nanami to the training field carrying his large gifts from this morning, you weren’t able to see the set up but apparently. A blue gift basket was there stuffed with scraps of paper, flowers, candy and about seven different varieties of bread. Kento walked, taking small bites of bread as he walked, the expensive blue name tag hung from the basket and mocked you. “Y/N, I’m telling you it’s not that serious”

But now it was serious Satoru check matted you on the first round, you’ll have to bring your A game to the next challenge Acts Of Service

#jujutsu kaisen #jujutsu x reader #x reader #jjk x reader #jjk imagines #jjk fluff #fluff #gojo x you #gojo x y/n #jjk gojo #gojo x reader #suguru geto #nanami x reader #jjk nanami #nanami kento #jujutsu nanami

[bonefall]

While we’re talking changing who appears in places- can we change the cats helping out with Sunbeam’s rock trial? I was so confused why the cats selected to help were selected. Sure Cherryfall because she was going to be the one opposing Sunbeam, why not, anyone can do that though honestly and not who I take issue with being there. But Alderheart was there? The medicine cat? Don’t you think he has better things to be doing than pushing a rock around? Where’s Lionblaze aka “I may as well still have my god given super strength”? He could easily be the cat that gets pissy for Sunbeam “not listening to senior warriors” and maybe with age feels that she doesn’t respect him, head of patrols, enough to warrant her staying this sabotaging her in the third trial. I felt robbed that Plumstone who seemed to be established as another bg strong cat was absent. Sure sending Sunbeam with all the strongest cats would make it easy but it’d also be making it safe considering Ivypool didn’t want the rock to hurt anyone and it’s a pecking rock. Why not send your strongest cats to deal with it?

I feel very strongly about this trial, can you tell?

I'm a bit dissatisfied with certain trials in general. Most of the time I LOVE the new trials they made, I think they've been super creative so far, but some have been so lackluster that I need to shine them up.

Namely Berryheart's active attempts to get challengers killed. Someone has to get ACTUALLY hurt by one of those, instead of them just being generally unfair and no one raises an objection about it. I did not like the spring-powered adder that went BOING out of a log.

I will say that I would like to expand on Plumstone in this arc, plus her whole little family. They're in an interesting place, with Bumblestripe coming back from Ferncloud's Parting while leaving his father with the Tribe, Blossomfall still reeling with emotional abuse she suffered at the paws of the impostor, Stemleaf's death and Spotfur raising his kits, and Shellfur's mateship with Fernstripe.

Plumstone ALSO has some stuff going on. She's besties-maybe-dating Thriftear, Bristlefrost's sister, and yet she's one of the more outspoken cats about how she's getting tired of the ThunderClan nepotism. She's strong, reliable, and a competent warrior-- so HOW is it fair that Nightheart keeps getting all these undeserved "chances to prove himself" when SHE is here, SIGNIFICANTLY more orange, and wants her own chance to shine??

I still see her personality as being "a dear" lmao, she's not mean, but she's also not willing to bite her tongue either. She will say what's on her mind, and point out unfair treatment when she feels it.

Thriftear supports this. Yeah, she's a descendant of Firestar and a great warrior, but she EARNED the respect she gets. Bristlefrost did too. Nightheart doesn't even want his legacy, why is this clumsy humbug still getting special treatment?

Good-cat bad-cat pair type thing going on.

So I'm probably going to let them both act as a unit, since BB's Dewnose isn't in ThunderClan and that was a really random pair-up anyway.

("wait! Elder Bones! Where did Dewnose go?" Probably ShadowClan, here is the BB!ThunderClan family tree. There's been shuffles; the Cloudbright kits are now Whitewing, Foxleap, and Icecloud, 3 "singlet" litters, spaced out over years.)

Quickie thoughts on touching up the trials;

(DISCLAIMER: NOT SOLID. WE DON'T REWORK UNTIL ARCS ARE COMPLETE.)

Berryheart's are going to need serious overhauls. Nightheart's were really cute and I enjoyed them, but BB is supposed to be about how her group is escalating towards violence. I do not want them to stay so "cute" for the story I'm telling.

I also don't want to keep Nightheart failing his last one on purpose. I want his growth to be more based in self-realization than trying to let Sunbeam "save face."

I kinda want Fringewhisker to get injured during one of her own, and then Antfur dies as collateral damage in Nightheart's last. I'd like Nightheart leaving to be half him realizing that his BEHAVIOR is a problem, and half for his own safety.

In ThunderClan, I'd like the boulder one to be more about Sunbeam assembling a team, almost like she's a patrol head.

Since it's her second trial and she displayed some pretty fantastic leadership skills with her first one, I've got an inkling of an idea that Squilf actually talked with Ivy about wanting to legitimately assess her talent.

Like, "We both know that this whole trial-system was just to appease the other Clans. These are meant to be easy because idgaf. But wow, Sunbeam was actually impressive with those kits. What else can she do, if we give her the chance?"

I really like writing Squilf as she's described in Bramblestar's Storm, where her good leadership comes from being attentive of details and making everyone feel useful.

Man... maybe ill save Rosepetal for this arc and let her be deputy during this. Something feels very Rosepetaly about this. Maybe even have Rosepetal be clearly treating her as if she's a Secondary Apprentice, preparing her to take over her reputation of being a prolific mentor... Nightheart comes back from his trip only to find Sunbeam with twice as much respect as status as he ever had.

I can always axe Rose later to get Ivypool in... But I also REALLY love all the Ivypool Deputy Drama with how there's a conflict with ShadowClan... man. why are there so many interesting girls.

Maybe Rose doesn't have to be deputy, but Ivy assigns Rosepetal as the only "mandatory member" of the Boulder Patrol. Like a tutorial tip lmaooo

Sunbeam: "I think I will pick......................" STARES AT ROSEPETAL, "aaalderrr-" Rosepetal frowns "--pluuuuumstone??" Rosepetal nods, "Wise choice."

And lastly. The final Sunbeam trial. Ngl hated it. It felt really boring compared to the previous two, which were super interesting and excellent ways to give some spotlight to background characters.

Riddles don't even feel like a ThunderClan thing. Idk that was a very RiverClan (philosophy) or ShadowClan (trickery) kind of thing.

I think I'll hold off on thinking about it though; I think it would be SUPER cool if I totally overhauled that last trial to make it foreshadow the later books, somehow.

I DO want to keep that disney channel ass Cherryfall being a bitch part though. I love her so much. I'm so glad she's walking in her father's pawsteps and becoming the snot-nosed brat of ThunderClan.

I will definitely be changing how Sunbeam HANDLES it though. Hate the way that the books emphasize never telling anyone anything.

In fact, I kinda want to make Sunbeam approach Sparkpelt for advice, to show she finally has a figure she feels like she can trust.

Explicitly contrast the way that she NEVER felt like she could approach Berryheart, and that so much of her appeasing, avoidant behavior had been because she didn't feel safe or respected.

Here, in ThunderClan, she has family. She begins to realize that even if Nightheart came back and dumped her, Sparkpelt and Finchlight would NEVER kick her to the curb.

So she goes to Sparkpelt about how she is being bullied by Cherryfall, and they TALK ABOUT OPTIONS.

Like, you know,

Spark: "We could go to Squirrelstar or the deputy."

Sun: "I don't want to cause a fuss if I don't have to... besides, idk, I don't want to set the peat on fire, it would be nice if I could be on good terms with Cherryfall later."

Spark: "that's very wise of you, but just remember that Squilst is a very fair person. We can always go to her. Do you want any backup at all or do you want to do this on your own?"

Sun: "I think... I think I actually do need to do this on my own. If I was being confronted, I think I would just double down if I was being attacked in a group. That was right with Brambleclaw because you weren't trying to convince him, but... what do you think?"

Spark: "I think Cherryfall's just like her father and her ego is everything to her, so I think you're right on the mouse with all this. Honestly, I don't even know how much I'm helping here!"

Sun: "Oh but you are helping! You're helping a lot! StarClan... it feels so nice to just... have someone to listen. Thanks, Sparkpelt."

Basically, tweak the trials to bring them more in line with the themes and messages of BB, y'know? And also beef up the Clans themselves, by stressing the various personalities that are at play here. Especially since I quite like how Sunbeam in ThunderClan has some super neat traits she wasn't expressing in ShadowClan.

Like... it feels like it could be a really cool story to tell about how supportive environments can make you really shine. How you can suddenly seem like a brand new person, just by having people who have your back and encourage your autonomy.

#BB!ASC #asc spoilers but like... book's been out a while now I will probably stop using this tag for this book soon #Better Bones AU

[hotluncheddie]

Seasons change, but people don't.

or three times steve asks eddie to stay, plus one time he finally does.

(my entry for @thefreakandthehair 's winter fic challenge! my prompt was "lets just stay here, watch the snow a little longer." and it turned into a lot of Eddie Munson being silly and spans all the seasons. 6.2k)

Ao3

✧*:･ﾟ *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ

Spring 1985 

Eddie feels like his skin is too small. His scalp is prickling and he’s had the worst fucking day, okay? His stupid math and science teachers are in kahoots, he knows it. He’s shit in both their classes and they hate him and have it out for him and there's nothing he can do now. His grades are too low, he cant make it up and they don’t like him so there's no way out. Not charming anyone, no sob story that could save his sorry ass now. He’s not graduating. Again. He has to repeat senior year. Again. 

And the added layer to his shit cake of a day? King Steve wants to buy from him. Today, right now. Oh ho ho is he gonna get overcharged sooo bad. Seeing as eddie has to postpone his wallowing to wait at his stupid little bench in the stupid woods behind the stupid school.  

The spring air is nice at least, a little breeze blowing through the trees and the bench is warm from the sun. He's only been waiting for about 5 minutes before the telltale rustles and snaps of someone coming towards his spot are heard. 

Steve the hair Harrington is here. With his long stupid legs and his stupid jacket and eddie is not! In the mood! 

‘Hey man’ Steve slumps down onto the bench across from Eddie with a sigh and, huh. He looks really fucking tired. Like, if Eddie were his friend he would be seriously concerned. 

Steve is not Eddie's friend.

‘Hey yourself. 30 bucks. Cool?’ Eddie gets the baggie out of his little black lunchbox and holds it out. Steve just kind of looks at it. ‘What?’ Eddie snaps. He doesn’t have time for this.

Steve flinches at his tone and looks at Eddie with his big puppy eyes (yes! Eddie knows Steve Harrington is a pretty boy jock and yes! Eddie has had his little gay boy fantasies about Steve Harrington and no! Eddie is not proud of it!) and ohhh my god Eddie does not have time for this!! 

‘Sorry sorry, yeah man. Here.’ Steve takes out the cash and hands it over, but still doesn’t take the bag. He shuffles around, sticking his hands in his ugly preppy jacket ‘You. You wouldn’t roll for me would you?.. I’ll pay extra.’

Eddie scoffs, god what a day! Now this! ‘Baby never had to roll for himself before? Oh! to be royalty. I don’t have time Harrington, go get one of your lackeys to do it.’ He stands and Eddie knows his voice is icy, that a deal in the woods doesn’t require so much bite but he can’t help it. He needs his shitty fucking day to be over.

Steve's cheeks redden and he picks at the table. Eddie was expecting a rise, that classic king Steve bite back. But he just looks kinda like he’s going to throw up? ‘I can roll. I. I could roll. My um, my hands shake. My hands shake so I can't roll anymore.’ And he looks sad, the puppy dog eyes just timesed themselves by like, 10. 

Eddie melts. He knows his heart is too soft and squishy, his dad always loved to tell him so. 

‘Hand it over Harrington. And change your face, you’re breaking my heart man.’ Eddie rolls his eyes and huffs and makes a big show of sitting back on the bench, like rolling a couple silly little blunts for silly little Steve Harrington isn’t literally going to take him 5 minutes. 

‘Sorry, sorry. Um thanks. Thank you man, really.’ Ugh, he still looks sad and now he looks guilty too! Fuck! 

‘You’re fine man, seriously. Okay? I’ve just had a shitty day, rolling your stupid blunts for you isn’t going to make it worse, promise.’ Eddie flashes his teeth, gets out his spare papers and starts rolling. The familiar movements helping him relax a little. 

‘Okay well, thanks still. Uh and sorry, sorry your day was shit dude.’ Eddie side eyes Steve and watches him scrub a hand over his face. He really looks like shit, how did Eddie only just notice?

‘It's whatever. I’m simply forsaken to haunt the hallowed Hawkins High hallways for another year. A travesty for everyone involved honestly.’ and Steve just squints at him for a second, before breathing out a ‘shit, man’ which makes Eddie bark out a laugh. Maybe this new king Steve is more entertaining than the last one. 

‘You wanna um, like, share? Now?’ And isn’t that a question, smoke up with the hair? Oh if Eddie of yesteryear could see him now.

‘Thanks for the offer your majesty but I have a prior engagement’ Eddie stands again and ignores that Steve looks a little disappointed… Weird fucking day. ‘Enjoy though. hope it helps you sleep dude, you look like you need it.’ Eddie packs up his things, he feels a stress headache starting and he really does just want to go home, play his guitar maybe. Build up the courage to talk to Wayne. 

‘Sure, of course. Yeah, yeah. Thanks.’ Steve grimaces, but the corners of his lips rise a little, in a self deprecating way. It looks real, genuine. It suits him, Eddie thinks, being genuine. 

‘No really, you kinda look like shit dude.’ Eddie can't help it, if he’s given a little he’ll take  a lot. Especially if it’s from pretty boys who don’t look like they’re about to beat the shit out of him. 

‘Get the fuck outa here Munson’ Steve rolls his eyes and is smiling like he's trying not to. Eddie’s lizard brain wants to eat him. Eddie’s Eddie brain still wants to go home, but the pit in his stomach feels a little shallower. He starts to walk backwards out of the clearing.

‘Hey, Eddie?’ Steve is looking at the two neat spliffs in his palm. Eddie slows his steps as Steve glances up at him. ‘Just. Uh. There's a lot worse things out there than repeating senior year a couple times, okay dude? A lot worse.’ And there's a fire behind Steve's eyes that Eddie didn’t know was possible. Intense, brave, harrowed.  

Eddie is frozen for a second, held by this person in front of him. Someone he thought he knew, because Eddie knows how to read people and Steve Harrington was always so simple. But this Steve Harrington? This is new. Eddie's stomach twists. He needs to go home. 

He bows deeply, flourishing his hand and spins on his heel… He might just keep an eye out for Steve Harrington from now on. 

Summer 1985 

This was definitely not what Eddie had in mind when he said he would keep an eye out for Steve Harrington. 

He’s ready to head home for the night, after selling from the back porch of cheerleader Stacy Hofferman’s big ass house. The party was to celebrate the coming school year or something equally asinine. But his pockets are fat with rich kid cash and bummed cigarettes he didn’t need, so theres a fucking spring in his step okay? Sue him.

Steve Harrington is splayed on the front lawn, like a starfish and is humming some, carnival song? Wasted. Maybe a little crossfaded, but he didn’t buy anything from Eddie this time so he hopes the near empty vodka bottle is the only thing coursing through those veins right now. He doesn’t need to add Steve Harrington to his conscience tonight. But Eddie is a curious guy, so he saunters over. 

Oh god. Oh no. Steve’s in shorts. Cut off jean shorts. Plus his hair still looks good, even all sprawled out on the grass. Fuck. Eddie hates him. He's still grappling with the memory of seeing Steve in that little sailor outfit at the mall. Now this! 

‘You gonna sing me a song Harrington?’ Eddie’s sneakers stop either side of Steve's head and he leans over a little. Watches as Steve's eyes try to focus, squint a little before recognition brings a smile to Steve's face, mischief to his eyes. Huh, okay that's new. Not bad, but definitely new.  

‘Daisy bell doesn’t have words Eddie’ Steve fucking giggles at him and okay, yep, yep. Wasted.

‘You got a ride home harrington? Might want to cut the party here, yeah?’ Eddie is a weak weak man and something about his first name coming out of Steve Harrington's mouth lights a little fire in his belly. Ugh. Disgusting. 

Steve's face falls a little and his eyes go unfocused again. ‘Nah, can’t be there right now man. M’ good here.’

‘Outside on the grass? You not gonna try getting lucky tonight king Steve?’ Something about Steve being out here alone doesn’t sit right with Eddie. Sure Steve isn’t as surrounded with starry eyed guys and gals after graduating, and maybe a little before then too. But surely he came here with someone who would be pulling him up and away at the end of the night, keeping some sort of an eye out for him. Not that that person would ever be Eddie, but still. It’s, you know, the principle of the thing.

Steve sucks in a breath that puffs his cheeks out, eyes going comically wide before letting the breath out, slow. ‘Nahhhhh dude, haven’t been lucky for a long time.’ and his eyes go unfocused, glassy in the streetlights. ‘Doesn’t feel the same now anyway, not fun like it used to be.’ Suddenly he looks much older, older than Eddie, older than any 19 year old should. Lost in thoughts that draw great shadows onto the planes of his face.   

His eyes snap back up to Eddie, the fog clearing a little. ‘Think the scoops ahoy uniform killed my chances off already anyway. Lots of good things to come out of the mall being destroyed, I don’t have to scoop ice cream in shorts for one.’  He laughs, a little hysterical, and Eddie kind of feels like he's intruding, like there's a lot more to what Steve is saying right now and Eddie is not privy to any of it. 

Eddie smiles though and shoves his hands in his pockets, pulling out his pack and a lighter, fiddling with them. Steve takes another long pull from the bottle, god that shit smells like paint remover. Eddie can almost see the hangover brewing under Steve's honey skin.

Steve’s looking at him again. Upside down, on some girls' front lawn. And then he sucker punches eddie, out of fucking nowhere. ‘Stay and stargaze with me? Whadayasay Munson?’ his smile is dopey and drunk, he's so drunk. Drunk Steve Harrington just asked him to stargaze. Eddie thinks maybe the rumours about Hawkins being cursed actually might be true. But it's Eddie who’s cursed. Cursed to be confused by pretty jocks who turn out nothing like he ever expected. 

‘Fraid not sailor, for I am Cinderella and the clock just struck midnight.’ Eddie amps up the theatrics, he's nervous. Steve Harrington can’t know how on the back foot he feels right now. Confusing, charming fucker. ‘I can also feel the old lady next door itching to call the pigs and I am not about to deal with their hairy eyeballs tonight. No sir, the summer air is too sweet for that.’ Eddie steps away from Steve, angling his back towards the street. He feels goosebumps rising, even in the heat. He wants to run.

‘You gonna be okay tho?’ Eddie can’t help it. Stupid. Steve Harrington turning his heart gooey for a second time. 

Steve sits up on his elbows and looks at Eddie, eyes suddenly frighteningly clear. ‘You’re a sweet guy Munson. Anyone ever tell you that?’ Eddie shakes his head. ‘My secret then. Eddie Muson, total sweetheart.’ he says it into the breeze and Eddie is set alight at the idea of being seen. Being more than the freak who has the goods so we tolerate him. 

‘Don’t go spreading my secrets now Harrington.’ Going for light but the tightness in his throat won’t let him, it comes out raspy. Eddis backs away to his van, parked at the end of the lawn. Steve just huffs a laugh and flops back down.

From the driver's seat Eddie takes his time lighting his cigarette and changing the tape. But his eyes are on Steve, as he gets up on shaky legs, swinging the nearly empty vodka bottle with him. He stumbles back into the huddle of bodies by the front door. Eddie lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. 

Steve Harrinton, full of surprises. Eddie drives home and half hopes to never see him again. Eddie doesn’t much care for surprises.  

Autumn 1986

Eddie shouldn’t be surprised, not now. Not by the Steve Harrington he went to hell with. Who dragged him back into the light. The boy with the nail bat who never seemed to stop swinging, not till Vecna was gone and the gates were locked up tight. Who’s hand still flexes like he misses the weight of the splintered wood, like he wants it back so he can protect the people he loves. Which by some divine intervention seems to include Eddie Munson of all people. 

Eddie shouldn’t be surprised, but he is. Steve Harrington is the single most confusing person Eddie has ever met. He’s obsessed with him. He’s on his way to falling for him. Head over fucking heels fucked for Steve straight boy Harrignton. Divine intervention indeed. 

Steve is waiting for him now, leaning on the hood of the beamer, picking him up after physical therapy, which is still kinda kicking his ass. What with the new colder temperatures making his bones ache and his dick nurse insisting that; no he couldn’t suck himself off before so he definitely won't be able to after, even with all the stretching he’s having to do. What fresh hell am I right? 

Steve is waiting for him, with his stupid long legs and his ugly jacket and the disgustingly fond smile he tortures eddie with because he’s already wrapped in his winter coat. Hood up against the wind because the last, last! Thing Eddie wants these days is to be cold and apparently that amuses Steve enough to look at Eddie like hes a fucking kitten or something. Horrid! 

‘Still a no?’ Eddie is scowling, he knows he is. He shakes his head and Steve's smile just grows a little wider. Fucker. 

‘Come on.’ Steve flicks his zipper and Eddie gnashes his teeth at him. He’s not even in that bad a mood. Steve looking after him sometimes just kind of makes him feel all fizzy, electric. 

It was worse before. Right after. When Steve was coming to visit him in hospital, almost more than Wayne, bringing Eddie things to read and generally being a ray of fucking sunshine compared to the staff and Eddie himself. He would sit with Eddie and Eddie wouldn’t want to talk because everything hurt. He would sit with Eddie and complain about the kids being annoying, bitch about his parents being the worst and bemoan the fact that he needed to find a new job ASAP and really didn’t want to get another shitty retail one. Wanted to find something he was really good at, maybe help people, look out for them the way he did Dustin and Robin, be something that was all him. 

And Eddie? He ate up every bitchy, snarky, earnest moment of it. Got to know Steve Harrington that was equally everything and nothing like who he had met before. But the real fucking cherry on top? Eddie talked too, just as much once he started healing. Talked to Steve with and about Wayne, his shitty Dad, how much he loves metal and Dungeons and Dragons, how all he thinks he’s ever really wants to do is tell stories that make people feel a little less alone. 

They talked and Eddie went and ruined it by letting his heart run away with itself. Fucking swan diving right off the ledge named ‘totally normal none gay feelings about Steve Harrington’ and into the pool of regret that is ‘I want to kiss him, I want to kiss him. Please God let me kiss him, it’s me again Eddie Munson.’ Pathetic. 

So sometimes, when Steve is being just lovely, picking Eddie up. Eddie’s blood boils in his veins and his scarred skin buzzes with the tension of not being able to hold Steve’s hand across the gear stick like he so desperately wants to. 

Eddie doesn't even have the energy to comment on Steve playing The Cure, making fun of him for letting Jonathan rub off on him too much lately (the four (+Argyle) of them hanging out regularly to smoke up). Instead, he internally makes fun of himself for feeling actually personally attacked by how relatable and familiar the whiny, lovesick lyrics sound. The sky opening up into a downpour just adding to the mood, pathetic fallacy up the wazoo today, apparently. 

But Steve is talking to him so of course Eddie listens, because it's Steve and Eddie is what? Pathetic. That's right. 

‘And then Dustin went on this whole spiel about how I should really be thanking him for everything he does. All the advice he gives me, that I did not, actually, fucking ask for. Can you believe the gaul of that kid Ed’s?’ and Eddie laughs at Steve because actually yes, yes he fucking can. 

‘Maybe we should go full revolt and tell Mrs. Henderson about it, really take him down a peg. She’s basically adopted you, she'd take your side for sure Stevie.’ Steve nods at the idea but he’s still scowling because getting wound up seems to be his go to reaction for most things, being vaguely annoyed is his default. Eddie is not happy to admit that this is something he also finds attractive about Steve Harrington. Did he mention he was pathetic? 

‘Well before that you talk some sense into him will you? He’s demanded I drive him over here tomorrow to hound you about something or other, don’t know what, he’s being all cagey and secretive about it. The little asshole.’ Steve is pulling into the dirt road driveway where Eddie and Wayne’s new little house sits. Just big enough next to the check and paid medical bills to make that NDA look actually very tempting to sign, yes, thank you, here was it?

Steve parks and the rain beats down on the roof, Eddie shifts to look at Steve's still grumpy face, grinning. ‘You coming in? We can brainstorm, get the little butt head to stop meddling and start respecting his elders. Or you know, we could get high.’ Steve's face morphs into that little smile again, the one he tries to hide, like he's fighting to stay grumpy. Eddie wants to bite him. 

Steve's face shifts again and what comes out of his mouth shifts Eddies very being into the fiery pits of despair. At least that’s what he would say if he was unhinged, which he is not. Not. One. Bit.    

‘Can’t man, I have a date.’ Steve waggles his eyebrows a little and Eddie feels his grin dim. The remaining smile stiffens. His face like wax. 

‘Oh. Well. I won't keep you then. Go get 'em tiger and all that jazz.’ Eddie knows it comes out weird, like he’s annoyed and upset. Which he is. But he knows he absolutely shouldn’t be. He just can't help it. Fuck!

Steve is looking at him, he looks all worried and confused. Of course he's confused, no reason for Eddie to act the way he is. Act like a freak. Eddie needs to get out of here. Save them both from the weird ass vibes his treacherous heart has caused.  

Eddie twists for the door. ‘Hold on Eddie, wait with me till the rain stops yeah? I’ll keep the heater running.’ Steve reaches out, hand on his shoulder. Eddie looks at his hand gripping the door handle and wishes. Wishes he could turn around and make a joke, say thank fuck because he doesn’t want to look like a wet rat from the rain, ask steve about the girl, maybe make fun of him if it seems like the really likes her. Anything. Wishes he could just be normal. Normal about Steve Harrington.

But he can’t. Steve has a date and Eddie’s heart hurts. 

‘I gotta go Stevie, enjoy your date.’ and Eddie steps out into the rain, jogging over to the front door, already sodden. He unlocks it and steps inside, doesn’t look back once. Leaning against the closed door he slides down into a crouch. He’s in love with him. Fuck.

Winter 1986 

‘Stevie? What the fuck?’ 

Eddie was expecting a night alone. It was the day before Christmas eve and Wayne had gone out with some work buddies. Steve was having some fancy dinner with his parents, Robin’s with her Grandma and the party had plans to all meet and celebrate here tomorrow. So, Eddie was going to sit and stare at a wall. Said wall was going to magically help him work up the courage to maybe kiss Steve’s cheek under the mistletoe that Robin had threatened him with. She knew all about his hopeless, disgusting crush on Steve and seemed to be reaching the end of her patience for Eddie’s chicken shit confession skills. 

The plan so far consisted of some amalgamation of making a big joke about it, throwing up before and after or maybe just staring at Steve until he gains the ability to read Eddie’s mind. In other words, the wall was giving him nothing apart from the urge to bang his head against it. 

The worst part of it all though? The devastating, world shattering part? Is that Eddie’s grubby little brain was starting to think that he might actually have a chance. Because Steve has been.. a little different lately. And while Robin has confirmed that he has not made any of these memories up in some kind of horny Steve Harrington fueled haze, she has also not explicitly told him whether Steve would actually be interested in dating a guy. So Eddie continues to torture himself with memories. 

Memories like when Steve got the new Wham! Record and started asking if he should try growing out his facial hair because ‘it looks really good right Ed’s? With the earring too? Think I could pull it off?’ and then blushing when Eddie said ‘He is a good looking dude… you do kinda look like George Michael, so, I guess?’ because Eddie is trying okay? Feeling the waters that are coming out to Steve. Him blushing seems like a good sign. Right? (Robin had rolled her eyes very hard at this story and Eddie had not appreciated the attitude.) 

Or at movie night last week Steve purposefully squished in next to Eddie, making Jonathan move further down. Before like, stretching and putting his arm along the sofa behind Eddie. But halfway through his arm was more, around Eddie's shoulders? And Steve was maybe, maybe twirling a strand of Eddie's hair through his fingers… 

There was also maybe the fact that Steve had started staying the night a lot more lately. He did a whole lot before too, but now it feels a little… different. He’s not just there because he’s a biblically accurate angel who helps Eddie change his bandages when Wayne has to work. Or because Eddie smoked him out too hard and he couldn’t drive home. Or even because he has to pick Robin up in the morning and her house is closer to Eddie’s now. No, now it almost feels like Steve stays the night in Eddie’s bed, with Eddie, because he wants to. 

God, Eddie wants to barf on himself for even thinking that! But Steve just, doesn’t go home. Instead he shuffles in beside Eddie, in borrowed sweats and having used the toothbrush that’s Steve’s in the bathroom. Snuggles down into Eddie’s pillows and slings a leg over both of Eddies. He’ll look all sleepy and soft and mumble out ‘night Ed’s’, like it doesn’t make Eddie want to clamber on his roof and howl at the moon. 

Eddie is busy replaying these moments in his mind like the most depressing, angsty, pining VHS tape. So, hearing the walkie Dustin had given him crackle from under his bed, well, it makes Eddie near jump out of his own skin. 

‘Shit. Shit. Hello? Um, hello? Over.’ Eddie’s hands are shaking as he fumbles with the walkie. He’s barely used it since everything ended, much preferring the telephone like, you know, most people! 

‘Hi, um, hey Eddie..’ Steve’s crackly voice could be heard through the little speaker. Eddie stands up, taking a calm down lap of his room, his heart still beating fast. ‘Stevie? What the fuck?’ 

‘Sorry, sorry, this is dumb, sorry. Sorry I’ll, I’ll just go.’ Eddie peeks through his bedroom curtain. Steve, illuminated by the dash light in the front seat of his car, is on the front drive and Eddie can see the walkie gripped tight in both hands. Steve rocking slightly. 

‘Oh Stevie.. Come in sweetheart, why are you still outside?’ Eddie’s voice is putty soft because something is wrong. All his fears have been switched for concern as he descends the stairs to the front door. Ripping it open to find Steve with his hand raised ready to knock.

‘Hi’ Steve’s smile is sheepish but Eddie can see his eyes are rimmed red like he’s had the shittiest fucking night. And now he’s embarrassed? Fuck that!  

‘Come in, come in come in. Sit down Stevie I’ll get you some tea.’ Eddie putters around the kitchen, making tea as efficiently as possible to not keep Steve waiting, but also wanting to give him time to settle. 

He was expecting Steve to be sitting on the couch, but Eddie finds him by the big bay window that looks out over the small backyard and further fields. It’s a nice view and the space is already set up with some blankets and cushions: Eddie likes to read here. Fat snowflakes have begun to fall outside. Steve has a blanket draped over his shoulders, he’s facing the window but his eyes seem to focus on something a million miles away.  

‘Here. Take this doll, it’ll keep you warm.’ Eddie hands over the steaming mug and Steve cradles it in his hands, giving Eddie a ghost of a smile. 

‘Penny for your thoughts?’ bumping shoulders with Steve he waits. Looking at Steve's profile in the soft lamplight. There are ghosts in his eyes and a tension in his shoulders that breaks Eddie’s heart. His brave friend Steve.    

‘I just.. Do you ever feel like you weren't made for the real world? Ugh this.. I dunno what I'm saying.’ Steve runs a hand over his face and looks embarrassed. Eddie wishes he could just get it, understand without words so he could help, but life doesn’t work like that. He waits, taking Steve’s hand in both of his. The corners of Steve’s mouth twitch and he looks at their joined fingers. Eddie watches as he takes a deep breath. Eddie thinks he’s beautiful. 

‘Its, it's just. When we were there, in that. When all that happened to me. Obviously it was horrible. Terrible. But, for a little moment? I liked it. I liked having a role, a job to do. I knew the stakes and I knew that the only, only important thing was keeping everyone alive. There was nothing more important than that.’ Steve is looking out of the window again. His eyes are fiery and raw. Eddie so often forgets how much Steve has seen, has been through. 

‘All my life I've been told what’s important and what to care about. Which ended up being a lot of not caring or only caring about really really unimportant stuff. And I just can't do that again. I can't be what my parents want. My fucking, my Dad man, it’s never enough, watever I do. He made that fucking clear tonight.’ He grimaces and Eddie hopes he never meets Harrington senior because he’s getting decked and Eddie thinks he’s finally on Hopper’s good side so maybe that’s not the best idea. Although, he thinks he can make a pretty good case for himself.  

‘I don’t think I can be what anyone wants. Guess I just dunno who I really am. Never have never will… But for a second in that hell, I was somebody. Maybe somebody. And now it's out here again and everyone has all these dreams. And I'm so so happy for them because you all can do anything. Every one of those kids has such a bright future. But I dunno how to do it, Ed’s. I hate it. I dunno how to live as just Steve anymore.’ Steve’s eyes have filled with tears and the hand Eddie’s holding trembles slightly. Eddie lays a soft kiss on his palm. 

‘Steve Harrington you are so good.’ Eddie steels himself to look directly in Steve's eyes, making sure he understands. ‘You are free. You are free and that means you can do anything you want. Anything. Doesn’t matter how long you take to figure yourself out, or work out what it is you need. There are no rules okay? None, and anyone who tells you differently is lying. Especially if it’s your cunt dad, okay?’ Steve's pretty pink lips part and his cheeks are rosy, he really looks like he's going to cry. He also looks like that brave boy who swung a bat at the devil. He’s miraculous. 

‘The ‘real world’ doesn’t exist and most of the expectations people have are bullshit. I should know, I don’t think I’ve ever done one thing that was expected of me in my whole life, honey. Guess you’re just a freak like me.’ Eddie grins with all his teeth. Steve's mouth opens and closes a couple times, eyes wide. Before he’s looking down at his lap and smiling, a few tears spilling out and dropping onto his jeans. ‘Your role is to be you Steve. Nothing more, nothing less. People love you for you, not for what you did, even though it was fucking incredible. They’re alive because of you but they love you for being you.’ Eddie takes a deep breath and swallows the ‘I love you’ on his tongue, not tonight.. But soon, he’ll do it soon. Pinky promise. 

Steve has let more tears fall and he’s looking at Eddie like he's special. ‘Okay?’ Eddie squeezes their hands and Steve nods. ‘Yeah, yeah I’m. It’ll be. I’ll be okay.’ But Steve’s face crumples up again with a small choked sob. He sets down the mug heavily on the floor and covers his eyes with his forearm, folding in on himself. Succumbing to it all for  a moment. Letting himself cry.

‘Oh Steve. Tell me what you need, baby.’ Eddie holds their joined hands tighter and tries to suck up all of Steve's sadness through the skin of his palm. Steve sniffs all snotty and rubs at his eyes with his sleeve. Before, finally, looking at Eddie with his pretty brown eyes and his dumb hair and his moles. Eddie’s heart feels loud but Steve's tear stained face looks more calm than he’s seen for a long time. His brave, beautiful, miraculous friend Steve. 

“Let's just stay here, watch the snow a little longer." Steve says it softly, the moment feels like glass. The two of them in a snowglobe, safe on a shelf. Together. 

‘Of course Stevie. As long as you want. I’ll stay.’ Eddie means it, in his bones, he wants nothing more than to stay in this moment a little longer. Steve asks Eddie to stay and Eddie knows now that he never, ever wants to leave again. 

— 

Morning light filters through the blinds and Eddie shifts, consciousness swimming in that slow way only deep deep sleep can bring. He feels breath on his neck, the weight of an arm over his chest, a hand on his heart, socked feet tangled amongst his bare ones. 

He had taken Steve’s hand last night, after they’d watched the snow leave a blanket over the view from the window. After Steve's tears had dried and his eyelids had begun to droop. He’d lead Steve upstairs and they laid down together, wrapped in eachothers arms. Steve had fallen asleep first and Eddie let himself have a secret selfish moment where he stared down at the boy in his arms. Thought about how much had changed, but how, actually, the Steve in his bed had always been the Steve he knew, he just wasn't ready to see it yet. 

Eddie is looking at him now, there's sleep crusted in his eyes and drool on the pillow and Steve's hair is sticking up in an alarming number of angles. He’s so ugly and soft in the mornings. It makes Eddie feel good. Happy. 

They laze in bed, waking up slow and taking their time before starting the day. Eddie is on his back staring at the ceiling and Steve is leaning up on one elbow so he’s looking down at Eddie. He's staring. Eddie is trying to be very cool and calm about it. Very cool. Very calm. That's right!

‘Oh shoot.’ Steve snaps his fingers ‘I um, forgot your present at home, kinda left in a rush. Sorry.’ He looks genuinely sorry. Eddie doesn’t really care, because just having Steve here is gift enough. Yup, that's how Eddie Munson feels. It’s gross, he knows. 

‘Guess I’ll have to end it all then’ Eddie says with a casual shrug. Steve snorts and shoves him like he doesn’t find Eddie's dramatic’s hilarious. 

‘I do have something I can give you now though. A gift of sorts.’ Steve taps a finger to his chin and looks so mischievous. The light from outside hits the back of his hair so it glows, like a halo. Eddie wants to kiss him so bad. Kiss the angel boy in his bed. Shit.

‘It better not be a wet willy. Toby Hamelton gave me one once in the fifth grade and I literally punched him in the face on reflex Steve it was so fucking gross.’ Eddie knows he’s rambling but it’s the only way he won’t kiss Steve right now. Right on his pretty pretty pretty face. 

Steve smiles at him so softly, so sweetly, like Eddie isn’t being super weird right now. Smiles at Eddie and leans in, ghosts his mouth so so close over Eddie’s, looks into his eyes. Eddie’s breath hitches and he can’t move but he swears he feels his pupils dilate. 

Steve must see it too, because he closes the gap. Eddie’s eyes slide shut and his hands and feet tingle, there are fireworks going off in his ears and his lips fizz and he’s overwhelmed in the best possible way. 

He’s kissing Steve Harrington. Eddie Munson is kissing Steve Harrington. Steve Harrington is kissing Eddie Munson. 

Eddie pulls out of the kiss with a tiny gasp ‘You didn’t suddenly gain the ability to read my mind did you?’ Steve looks so perplexed, eyebrows furrowed and lips in a little ‘o’, staring at Eddie’s mouth. He gives a small shake of his head. ‘Okay good, good yeah. Good.’ 

Eddie goes back in, lifting a hand to Steve’s jaw, holding him softly while he sucks on his bottom lip. Steve is good at kissing, Eddie thinks he could write a whole album about this kiss alone. Maybe he will. He feels like he can do anything! Maybe he’ll kill God later, after breakfast. Why not? Ha! 

They break apart for breath and Steve's pupils are blown wide, Eddie wants to drown in them. He feels giddy, maybe a little hysterical. ‘You know, before you came over yesterday I was working up the courage to kiss your cheek under the mistletoe.. Which seems super lame and embarrassing now that I think about it. Forget I said anything actually. Yeah, uhm so... Anyway, thank you. For. For the gift.’ Steve is loosing romance points for every stupid word he lets Eddies say. 

‘That is pretty lame dude’ Steve smiles sweetly and Eddie knows it's lame and Steve is probably joking but he doesn't need to to be told that right now. Nasty boy… Also.

‘Dude? You sully this rapturous moment, nay my very existence! By calling me dude?’ Is that normal? Do people do that after they kiss? Surely Steve doesn't call girls he kisses dude. Oh no, Eddie’s spiralling. This is a spiral.

‘Eddie’ Steve tries but Eddie’s brain is filled with static. Eyes boring holes in the ceiling, hands flailing. 

‘Steve Harrington kisses Eddie Munson and calls him dude, well I never!’ The gaul! The gumption! The audacity! 

‘Eddie!’ Steve places his hand on Eddie’s cheek, turning it so they're looking into eachothers eyes. 

‘Yes?’ Steve is so pretty and his palm is so warm.

‘I really really like you Ed’s’ and Steve must be able to read Eddie's mind because those words are like a balm on his soul. He feels his cheeks dust pink, all the fears and embarrassment float. Steve likes him back.

Leaning back onto his elbow Steve looks back down at Eddie on his back. The same as before but so so different. ‘Happy Christmas Eddie’ Steve's smile is dopey and perfect and this is the best Christmas ever.

#LexsWinterFicChallenge #StrangerThingsFestiveFun #steddie #steve x eddie #steddie fluff #christmas steddie #my fic #goblin and stevie baby big time #this was so fun to write #hope u all enjoy #can't wait for the little gay people in my phone to finally read this #hope it has them screaming! #hotlunch #<3

[klaineccfanficlibrary]

Klainebingo 2023

Thank you for hosting this event! I’m an old school reader and admittedly haven’t read much new stuff post-2016 or so, so it’s been absolutely lovely to find some new stories and authors!

1 Reverb (2018) by Fickelodeon

2 Wouldn’t Change a Thing (2020) by nontarelationship 

3 You Will Be Found (2020) by kurtswish

4 Avian Series (2020) by kurtswish (Occupation: Superhero Costumer)

5 Even Better Than the Real Thing (2020) by gleekto

6 Andante, Andante (2020) by fionapear 

7 Courting Royalty (2022) by hundredindecisions (Challenge: 3-2-1 Prompt Bang 2022)

8 (N/A)

9 Head Versus Heart (2020) by dizzywhiz (Trope: Hurt/Comfort)

Thanks for your list!!  Find them on ao3.  Rules here

1. Debut fic:  Reverb by Fickelodeon

Post-Michael thru Season 4, Blaine’s just a little unwell, and it’s not long before everyone can tell. Physical and Mental illness. Hurt/Comfort. If Robin Cook wrote for Glee and General Hospital, the story would probably go like this. Universe Expansion for Seasons 3 and 4 wherein I add some elements to canon and leave some out but manage to get everyone back to place where they can still have the endings they got in canon. Honestly, I just wanted to write H/C, but the more I hurt Blaine, the more I realized he wasn’t going to handle that very well, so I added in diagnosed mental illness. All in all, it’s everything I love to read in fic all in one epic story, just in case I don’t ever get the chance to write these characters again.

2.  Page turner:  Wouldn’t Change a Thing  by notarelationship

On the eve of his junior year at Dalton, Blaine’s dad kicks him out of the house, dumping him at the bus stop, cutting him off, and leaving him homeless. This is the story of how he survives, meets Kurt, and ultimately triumphs.

3. Need Tissues:  You Will Be Found  by @kurtswish

While on a National Broadway Tour, Kurt meets an intriguing man. With more than just miles separating them, they must make a choice. Will they go back to their different lives, or will they let themselves be found?

4. Unusual occupation: Avian Series by @kurtswish

Kurt Hummel always felt separate from his world and being the only one without a Soulmark didn’t help. Just as he is ready to end it all, something happens to change the course of his life.  Parts 1 - 3

5. Your choice:  Even Better Than the Real Thing by @gleekto

College AU/Famous!Blaine and Fanboy!Kurt - Kurt POV

Kurt really doesn’t have time to figure out the dating world between being a freshman at prestigious theatre school, LAADA, and his active but secret blogging life in the Sing!Fandom. So what if Sing! ended last year? There are still fics to read and actors to follow. Especially the uber talented heartthrob lead, Blaine Anderson. He can act. He can sing. He can even dance. He’s gay. He’s out. And he’s only 24. Kurt is willing to twiddle his thumbs and click refresh until Blaine Anderson’s next project.

He just didn’t expect the next project to be on his roommate Rachel’s new TV show.

6. Summer story:  Andante, Andante  by fionapear

Burt settles himself down in the chair of the vanity, peering up at the wall-mount TV at the movie. He fishes in his pocket for the piece of paper from the restaurant earlier. His fortune cookie fortune reads: “With time comes understanding.” It feels a little apt, even if he can’t place exactly why.

(Or: In which Burt Hummel, slowly, begrudgingly, grows to accept Blaine’s presence in his life.)

7. Written for a challenge:  Courting Royalty  by hundredindecisions  @thnxforknowingmeme

During Kurt’s senior year, his friend Rachel gets some surprising news: she’s the princess of a tiny European country, and she has a twin brother to share the throne with. The summer after graduation, Kurt visits his newly-royal friend in the country she’s heir to before they head to New York for college. Staying in a castle and rubbing shoulders with European nobility is pretty overwhelming, but the most remarkable part is meeting Rachel’s brother Blaine, the new prince who Kurt instantly begins crushing on. This summer is either going to be a fairy tale come true, or result in multiple diplomatic catastrophes.Inspired by Meg Cabot’s Princess Diaries series and the movie adaptations, but no background knowledge is needed to understand the fic.

8. n/a

9.  Genre/trope you wouldn’t normally read:  Head Versus Heart by @dizzywhiz

Blaine gets hit by a taxi and ends up in the hospital - so naturally, as his best friend and long-standing roommate, Kurt visits him at every possible opportunity until he gets to come home.

It only takes a couple of visits before Kurt notices something impossibly endearing: the beeping of Blaine’s heart rate monitor speeds up whenever his friends come to visit. At least, Kurt assumes it happens with all of Blaine’s friends, until Sam has no idea what he’s talking about.

#Jen

#klaine fanfiction #2023 klaine bingo #thank you!

[dragonciphering]

My teaser for my fic has become a big ass (in my terms) oneshot. So uhhhh here’s some incorrect quotes as compensation. Also most of these ones pertain to this series (the series of oneshots) I’m writing. But they are not in the exact words or in order of happening ;D

<***>

Anakin talking about Obi-Wan, Luke, Qui-gon, and Leia’s Force Ghosts who are watching this time travel fiasco: “Why do you not believe that Force Ghosts are real?”

Ferus, while siping on some tea: “Never seen one. Plus there are no records of any for thousands of years.”

Anakin: “Okay, I mean, there’s a lot of things that you can’t see that are real.”

Ferus: “Example?”

Anakin: “You can’t see gravity. That’s real.”

Ferus: “I can drop this tea cup.”

Anakin: “Kriff.”

<***>

Ferus: “This is a very powerful artifact. You’d be messing with some forces we don’t fully understand.”

Anakin: “That sounds like a dare to me.”

Ferus bringing his hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose, inhaling and whispering: “For Force sake—”

<***>

Ferus trying to meditate while Anakin’s in the room: “Force, please give me patience.”

Anakin forgetting he’s not a Sith: “Isn’t it ‘Force give me strength’?”

Ferus, lightly chuckling and running on fumes: *Light chuckle* If the force gave me strength you’d be dead ☺️”

Anakin:

<***>

Anakin: “We had fun, didn’t we, Ferus?”

Ferus: “I have never been more stressed out in my entire life.”

<***>

Anakin: “Good morning. As you begin your day, remember that violence is always an option and often the answer.”

Ferus:

Anakin:

Ferus who knows that’s it’s 5-kriffing-am: “...How did you get into my room? And please, go back to bed.”

<***>

Ferus: “As the most senior padawan here, I say we find another route; it’s not safe for padawans who haven’t been on a mission before.”

Anakin: “That sounds like a challenge.”

Ferus: “I have to stress, that is not a challenge.”

Anakin who’s still trying to stop falling into his old Sith habits: “...That is exactly what you say to dissuade the weak of heart from accepting the challenge. Well, challenge accepted!”

Ferus: “There is no challenge!”

<***>

Anakin: “If you don't stop talking, I'm going to jump out of that window. “

Ferus: “...We're on the ground floor.”

Anakin: “I know but I want a dramatic exit.”

<***>

Anakin: Ferus, do you consider me your rival and a good person?”

Ferus: “Of course I do!”

Anakin: “Would you still if I did something bad?”

Ferus: “Well, of course I… would…”

Anakin: “I mean something really, really—”

Ferus: “Anakin…what did you do?”

<***>

Anakin: “Tell them to eat banthashit, Ferus.”

Ferus: “Tell them yourself.”

Anakin: “Eat banthashit, motherkriffer. Fall on your own lightsaber.”

<***>

Ferus: “That was the worst throw ever, probably of all time.”

Anakin: “Not my fault. Somebody put a wall in the way.”

<***>

Ferus: “Could I have some water?”

Anakin: *starts chugging their water bottle*

Anakin: *chokes from drinking too fast*

Anakin: *spills water all over himself*

Anakin, coughing: “I don't have any water.”

Ferus:

<***>

Ferus, injured: “Why is it that I always lose things as soon as I need them?”

Anakin being a smart ass: “Actually, it's not that you lose things when you need them. You lose them a while before. It's just that you LOOK for things when you need them.”

Ferus, sarcastically and still injured: “Okay yeah thanks Anakin, that's great but wHERE'S THE KRIFFING FIRST AID KIT!?”

<***>

(And a bonus for my mutual @t1nytinn who I now owe my first born child to, due to their sacrifice of doing a shit tone of math for my sake)

Ferus who’s on his last nerve: “When I was your age—”

Anakin, mockingly: “When I was your height!”

Ferus:

Anakin:

Ferus:

Anakin, realizing what he just said: “Wait, ah kriff, I didn’t mean that— *nervous laugh* Please don’t kill me—”

Ferus, in all his queer glory:

<***>

Should I make more?

#star wars #anakin skywalker #ferus olin #luke skywalker #obiwan kenobi #qui gon jinn #leia skywalker #the last four are just mentioned

[laylajeffany]

You mentioned that once Chaos For The Fly is over, there would be more Wednesday content coming from you. Will it be in the same universe (spin-offs and Lovely Thorns), a continuation or a whole new thing? Either way, at this point, I’ll read anything you write, Wednesday or not. I hope you enjoy your well-deserved Pokémon game!

After Chaos wraps up Wednesday's junior year, there is much work to be done for the main characters. They need to continue restructuring the Outcast world/governing body with updated/inclusive regulation, dissolve werewolf issues we didn’t really get to explore much formally since Enid rejected her birth pack and never went before a council herself, even if she and Wednesday did blow the lid off the decades-old conspiracy, and there is so much more yet to come within the girls’ still-maturing relationship. Larissa also has growing to do! (Let’s hope not physically, lmfao - she already gained an inch after molting in spider form and returning to human, I just don’t think she could get any taller.) I do have stories I want to write within the Chaos universe. I have an idea for a different structure for telling stories from Wednesday’s senior year and future without it consuming me like this did, that I am considering It would not be the same long-format narrative structure that the first one had in terms of time passing in the fic, and I haven’t committed myself to it fully - still playing with it. Stay tuned to this Tumblr for updates or follow the author account on AO3 to get notifications when/if I post something new. I also have a blood-oath of my own with my beta, and if I don’t write Larissa x Holly finally going at it at the cottage, she might kick me out of her apartment during my upcoming December break from work. You also might have wondered just what Larissa was so happy about that Wednesday could feel in recent chapters? Tracey will hang me if I don’t write that as well. Both to come as soon as I can write them in Lovely Thorns. I have three different E-rated JosiexEmi one-shots that I started as well, that I will probably finish for that collection as well.

I also have ONE WenClair one-shot that I started (this is news to Tracey if she is reading it, I am so sorry bb) that is set in their late 20s so I can do one with an E rating, based on an unhinged TikTok account that has NOTHING to do with Chaos and is humor/fluff and everything you would expect from twenty-eight-year-old Ms. Wednesday Addams while also wondering: WEDNESDAY WHY?! CAN I MAKE AN AO3 POST THAT IS LESS THAN 13,000 WORDS? WE WILL SEE! (I should challenge myself to write UNDER a word count, now THAT'S a challenge.) (Who knows - Layla could also up and disappear again and go back to sending unhinged password protected Google Docs to her beta alone who will not remember the passwords five years later and those fics will be lost to time - anything can & has happened.) 

#chaos for the fly #layla answers fic questions

[nine-of-words]

(Harpy + XVIII The Moon)

Trans M Harpy x M Reader

Wordcount: 2907

Content Warnings: Magical Disguise, Brief Description of Death, Public Sex, Cloacal Sex (Reader Tops)

I’m doing a little self-inflicted challenge using the monstertober prompt here. But also with tarot card pulls for additional RNG! 

I’m not going to call this monstertober though, because there’s no way in hell I’m finishing all of these in October- knowing me, they're probably going to stretch out a few months. So, not sure what to call it: Autumnal monster one-shots? The name ultimately doesn’t matter.

The moon is full overhead, casting a dull, pale glow over everything.

The tall cedars and pines of the forest loom over you as far as your vision can go in the darkness, no familiar safety of guard towers anywhere in sight.

The sound of baying hounds has finally grown so distant that you feel like you can rest momentarily.

At least you and your fellow guard Kira managed to escape from the conflict relatively unharmed.

You still can't risk a fire, lest you be spotted by any pursuing bandits.

Kira sits perched on a nearby tall stone with the map, sitting in that peculiar way he favors; heel of his boots tucked to his ass. He doesn't seem to be looking at the map though, instead scanning the tree line. You’ve removed your armor, working to bandage the various scrapes you received from the scuffle with bandits on the toll road and the following sudden retreat through the undergrowth.

The adrenaline has finally begun to wear off, leaving you to sit and contemplate your failure.

The caravan you were escorting was attacked, that much is clear. But an ambush on the caravan? …Why?

There wasn’t anything particularly valuable in the caravan, past the everyday possessions of a nobleman. This toll road isn't even known for a high amount of bandit activity- It's why your employer chose to use it.

You grimace, growing tired of trying to sort out the reasons. Instead, your attention is drawn to your partner.

He looks the same as he always does: A slight, handsome male numan, with angular features, silky black hair with a near violet sheen depending on the light, cold pale skin and deeply curious, sharp grey eyes.

You’ve been in what could be called a romantic entanglement since shortly after he was hired on by your employer. You were tasked with training him as the senior guard on staff, though he didn’t need much training at all. Being paired together for guard shifts with someone you found blisteringly attractive only made the inevitable outcome happen sooner. While you’ve enjoyed the trysts, you’ve tried to keep them from interfering with doing your job.

He’s usually cool and collected under the pressure, even when things have gone wrong. But there’s some silent panic happening here, something shifty and out of character with what you’ve come to know.

But something isn't sitting right. Something… is off with him. Different.

You squint at him, getting to your feet with a grunt. 

"...You're hiding something. I can tell."

"No, I'm not." He blatantly denies, dismissive and matter of fact. But you can hear it in his voice, and see it in the hunched way he’s sitting, trying to make himself look smaller. That, and he's been avoiding looking you in the eye since this whole doomed journey began.

You approach the rock he’s perched on, worried he’s concealing an injury from you; he shrinks back, so subtly you almost don’t notice it.

"Hey-" You grasp his face between your hands for emphasis, turning his gaze on you. Perhaps a bit too intimate for the moment, but it's been far too long, nearly a week since you could feel his skin under your fingers, so you indulge yourself. It's been nearly impossible to wedge in any alone time on the road to do so."Talk to me."

You're considering pressing your lips to his for the much needed comfort, when you stop short. The movement causes the hood of his cloak to slide back, just enough to reveal tiny blue-black feathers that have sprouted on the bridge between his eyes, and at the edges of his cheeks.

"...Feathers…?"

"L-Let go-" He brushes you off, turning his face away and drawing his hood back up. "Why do you have to be so damn stubborn all the time? You make everything ten times harder-"

"Don't change the subject!" You sputter, stepping back but not dropping it.  "Feathers! What's happened to your fa-"

In backing away, you’ve given yourself room to see him clearly as a whole, and things seem to change right in front of your eyes.

Wide, shiny black wings hang down from his arms, nearly covering him, like a blanket draped from his shoulders.

Swathes of smaller feathers pepper his face, as well as chunkier feathers dispersed to form ear-like points, and a soft looking crest of plumage peeking out over his collar.

Ill fitting boots fall off and hit the ground with a hollow thunk. They're followed by the padded leggings more suited for less rounded, unfeathered thighs. He's left with just his long hooded tunic, looking almost comfortable.

The rock he’s sitting on certainly looks more like a perch now, between his wings and large scaled avian feet, each tipped with a glossy, blade-like talon.

“Huh.” You can only manage a surprised grunt, forgetting what you were even going to say- too busy taking in the new details of his appearance. Or at least- new to you.

“Glamour.” He laughs mirthlessly and pulls his hood all the way down in defeat. "Racist old fart only ever hired numen on."

"You're involved in this? But the others-" You conclude. Your fists clench, as does your jaw.

"The others aren't coming." He says, pointing a taloned finger towards the darkness of the woods. "And if they're smart, they ran instead of trying to fight. But that's on them."

"But… why?"

"Doesn't matter why, does it?" Kira sighs, shoulders falling as he seems to fully accept that he's been caught. "Someone’s why was big enough they paid a lot of gold for him to be dead. And so, now he's dead."

"I can't believe this-" You glare at him. The residual guilt from failing in your duties morphing into indignance of being lied to by someone you trusted. "You lied to me?"

Your hand instinctively reaches for the hilt of your sword hanging from your belt for some feeling of security, but you only feel empty space- you’ve left it back in its scabbard, where you were sitting on the rocks.

"I did. So, is this where you valiantly avenge your dead employer in the name of loyalty?” There’s the sound of feathers rustling over fabric and claw scraping against stone, just barely there. 

You simply stand there, nostrils flaring and teeth bared, ready to scrap for your life at the hint of violent intent.

“…I don't want to have to hurt you, love, but I'm not dying tonight- and we both know I'm the faster draw."

You don't need to have a clear view to know his hand is already on the hilt of a concealed blade somewhere on his person as he speaks. You've worked and lived and done other things with him long enough now to know.

Everything else- you should've known. Even appearing as a numan, everything about his movement, his way of handling weapons, even his mannerisms at times- screamed criminal. Concealment. Trickery. Deceit.

But you're not one to judge someone on their past, especially not when they're looking for honest work.

"...My loyalty to my employer only persists if he's still alive to pay my wages." You shake your head, recalling from the blurry memory of the tumult the sight of the old man getting a bolt to his neck and toppling from the gilded carriage. "That’s the risk you take hiring mercenaries as your personal guard… He was a sour old bastard, anyway."

The tightly wound tension, thick enough to cut with a knife, evaporates with your acknowledgement.

"And here I thought you just enjoyed playing the hero." His voice is already lighter, back to his normal, jovial tone, devoid now of the cold edge of necessity.

"I enjoy a job well done! That doesn't make me some paragon of virtue!"

"That's exactly something a paragon of virtue would say." He quips, feather bristling as he laughs his decidedly caw-like laugh at his own joke. You wonder how you never noticed that about Kira’s voice before, or if the magic downplayed that too.

You simply groan in response.

"I'll tell you one thing, I'm never buying from that miserable old hag over by the lake again." He spits on the ground in front of him in scorn. "Damned glamour didn't even last half as long as she claimed it would."

You can't hold back the laughter. The absurdity of the situation is too much, and you finally crack. 

“I thought you were taking this a bit too well…” Kira mutters to himself.

You slide a calloused palm down your face, silencing yourself. 

“I take it then,” You feel so foolish, that despite the calamity you just experienced, the idea of him faking his interest in you is what is truly bothering you about the situation. “That all of this was an act?” 

"No! ‘Seduce handsome guard’ was not on the agenda." You feel him risk reaching out for you, the first time since the facade dropped. The familiar feeling of his hand on your forearm is comforting, but the addition of a claw scraping lightly across your skin is surprising. …Though not entirely unwelcome. “That part sort of… fell into place all on its own.”

“Right.” You continue looking at him, trying to discern if this too is a lie.

“You don’t believe me. I don’t blame you.” Kira says, mimicking hurt. Or maybe it’s sincere…?

"Why lead me out here then, if you knew? Distraction?” 

"I wasn't about to let you die pointlessly in a little caravan scuffle. So, I was just… making sure you got out of the woods okay."

"You could've let me know ahead of time." You grumble.

"Ah yes, because that would've gone over flawlessly!"

You let out a resigned huff. You don't like this- but there's not much you can do about it now.

"Maybe I can make it up to you?" He says, voice suddenly suggestive and almost melodic. "For playing along so nicely."

You know that tone very well. Your body stirs on its own in response, without regard to your higher faculties.

A little subterfuge and a few feathers aren’t enough to eradicate your care for him, it seems. 

Before you can think to object, he's hiked the hem of his tunic up, showing off the soft slope of the upper portion of his raised and spread avian legs. His taloned fingers part the plumage of short feathers between his legs, showing you the pinkish hole underneath, his tail feathers spread out against the rock below.

That’s new. 

And you’d be lying if you said you weren’t curious…

"Well?"

You peel your eyes away and glance around pointedly with raised brow, not having to say out loud that you're out in the middle of the woods right now- and while you’re no stranger to making do in the wilderness when the need strikes, you have recently fled from an ambush within the last few hours.

“I told you, no one’s coming. It’ll be fine.” The hand on your forearm migrates to claw at the front of your tunic, encouraging you closer with a smirk on his face. “...No one else, at least.”

You can't resist anymore, one hand moving to hold him around the waist. 

“There you are,” Kira coos in approval at the weight of your touch on the bunched fabric at his waist, taking your face in his hands to kiss you on the lips, then press a few in a trail down your neck. “You’ll have to make this angle work for you, I’m afraid. I'm not in the mood to roll about in the dirt tonight."

He reclines slightly, bracing himself against the surface of the rock and balancing himself, making it look easy.

Wasting no time, you bring your other hand up and probe two of your fingers experimentally into the opening. It's soft and warm as usual, but it’s already fully slicked and the way its ribbed edges are pulling at your fingers, like it’s trying to drag them inside, is a foreign sensation. You thought two fingers might be too much to start with, but you’re starting to think your whole hand could easily be swallowed up whole at this point with how deeply they’re sinking in, lost to the ribbed interior.

Your mind tries to make sense of the newness- you know you’ve been acquainted with this part of him before, because there are some things even glamoury can’t change, but the experience of it being different and yet so familiar is making your head spin.

It was a bit suspect that he always seemed to be lubed before you got down to business, despite how unlikely the scenario. It’s partly your reasoning behind thinking he was out to seduce you, but now you’re realizing that he was just telling the truth about genuinely finding you attractive the whole time- at least if the slippery fluid coating your fingers now is any indication.

“Aaah,” His bird-like feet clench in the air at your sides, grasping at nothing. He winces as he watches down his torso, half-lidded eyes focused on your hand working inside him. “Nnh-”

You thought you liked the sounds you could draw out of him before, but now they’re downright enchanting.

It doesn’t take much exploring before you’re burning up with lust under your clothes, unable to hold back any longer.

You wrap your hand around his thin scaled ankle, making enough room for yourself between his legs. Then you close the distance until your boot tips are nearly flush to the face of the stone, hastily rustling yourself just barely free between your breeches and your tunic, already painfully worked up and ready to go. 

After a bit of somewhat blind searching, you manage to press your cock inside, his cloaca relatively in the same location that it’d be if he were still in numan form. The sweet crush of his vent is even better wrapped around your dick than on your fingers, to little surprise. Downy feather edges tickle the damp surface of the sensitive, just barely exposed skin on your pelvis.

Once you’re sure you’ve gotten where you need to be, you grip the other side of his waist as well. Your instincts kick in and you’re out the gate, already thrusting into the heat like your life depends on it.

Even the slightly unconventional staging isn’t enough to keep you from your goal. You’re well enough acquainted with what your partner needs to only need some minor adjustments to quickly find a familiar, if a bit harried, rhythm.

“Fucking hell,” You emphatically hiss through clenched teeth, over the wet, slightly muffled sounds of wet flesh and rustling feathers. “Does that feel good.”

“Glad it’s good for something- Nngh-” 

You continue to rut into him like a wild beast, grunting and chasing down the growing tightness in your loins. 

You want to hit every part you can reach, touch every part of him there is to touch, hammer out a permanent space for yourself.

It may be a change from what kind of hole you’re used to fucking, but you couldn’t care less at this point. The difference is inconsequential.

It’s still him.

Kira’s legs wrap around you like a set of arms embracing you, crossing over your lower back, holding you closer as he grinds back against your thrusts. His oversized talons dig into your flesh through the fabric like human fingers demanding more. The harder and faster you thrust, the closer you get to having the skin on your lumbar rended to shreds through your tunic, but you're too enamored to care.

He goes to cover his mouth with his feathered arm as his body starts to shudder, but you intercept with your own, pinning his wrist to the rock at his side. 

If you went through all this trouble tonight- and find out the lover you’ve been fucking this whole time is a bird- you’re at least going to get to hear him sing.

“Uungh-” Kira lets out an interrupted noise in surprised approval, mouth agape in a pleased rictus. His vocalizations hit their highest, quivering pitch just as his vent constricts around your cock in the hardest squeeze. “Aah-Aaaah-”

His spine bends in an elegant arc and his sharp talons dig into your knuckles as their hand grips into yours where you have him caught. As his strangle hold on you lets up, a new wave of slickness coats you, making it hard to keep yourself together.

You’re dead on your feet by the time you unload inside of him, running only on pleasure and leftover vestiges of adrenaline. You unwind, senses overloaded and your thinking thoroughly dulled. All you are sure of before you sleep is that you managed to satisfy; both him and yourself.

In the morning, you wake to sunlight filtering through the trees above, flat on your back on a relatively evenly-faced slab of rock.

"What am I going to do now?" You wonder aloud and grind one of your palms on your grimy face. "I'm out a job and a place to live…"

Even if you go back now, your reputation is ruined. You won't be able to find work, and there will certainly be questions…

Pointed tips of clawed fingers brush through your hair from behind you, raising gooseflesh on the back of your arms.

"Well, as luck would have it, I know someone who's hiring."

>> ✨ MASTERLIST >> ☕ KO-FI

#exophilia #monster lover #monster romance #monster x reader #male reader #harpy #harpy x reader #monster x human #trans mlm #trans mxm #oc: kira #oneshots #nine of words

[motownfiction]

school bag

Sam’s school bag doesn’t look like Sadie’s.

Mom evaluates them everyday on the first day of school, even now that they’re going into their senior year. Sam wants to roll his eyes. You’d think with their eighteenth birthday looming, with their married best friends down a few streets, and their general trustworthiness, she wouldn’t have to inspect them like this. But she does it, anyway. Amazing what a little power trip can do for you.

Every year, it’s pretty much the same. Sadie packs all the books she needs for all of her classes that day, a plastic water bottle, and an apple in case she gets hungry at her locker. She’s perfect. She’s perfect, and Mom gives her a pat on the head to tell her so, sometimes literally.

Sam’s school bag does not tell the same story.

He hasn’t figured out how to get his textbooks yet. He usually borrows from Will or Daniel, whichever one he isn’t in class with during that period. Instead, Sam carries his subjects differently.

English is Dire Straits, Making Movies. No better understanding of Romeo and Juliet.

Math is The Exciting Wilson Pickett. No numbers more important than “634-5789.” Jenny and Tommy Tutone can both eat it!

Science is Sam Cooke, The Man Who Invented Soul. He might not know much about biology, but he knows enough. So does Sam. Just ask Steph.

He has the nerve to say that last one out loud in front of his mother. He deserves the daggers she’s staring at him now, but they are so sweetly worth it.

“I don’t know why you won’t just take your education seriously,” Mom sighs, still rifling through Sam’s school bag. “After that meeting with the professor in Ohio, who said you had more potential than some of her senior students … I don’t know why you wouldn’t take that to heart.”

“I tried to take it to heart, but I think I have a murmur,” Sam says.

Mom rolls her eyes. Typical. Even when he’s funny, it’s wrong. She pulls out the only book in Sam’s bag and shakes her head at it.

“And what’s this?” she asks, holding up his copy of Things Fall Apart. “I know this isn’t one of the required books for your English class this year.”

“No, it’s not,” Sam says. “You know my system.”

Mom scoffs a little.

“How could I forget?” she asks. “You do all the reading a year in advance, which actually puts you behind the other students, who are reading it fresh.”

“That’s how it seems to you. Anyway, I’m still getting a head start. I talked to Lucy’s mom, and she said she likes to assign this in freshman lit courses. Like college.”

Mom’s eyes light up a little bit.

“Is this your way of telling me you’re going to college?” she asks, too much hope in her voice.

But Sam just shrugs.

“It’s my way of saying I’m interested in what they read,” he says. “I’m less interested in shelling out all that money for classes when I can just walk into a library and read for free.”

Mom probably doesn’t need to look that devastated, but she can’t help herself. Sam understands that by now.

“All your potential,” she mutters. “All your potential, stuck in between cardboard and vinyl.”

Sam grins from ear to ear, and only part of him really means to smile.

“I know,” he says. “Isn’t it great?”

(part of @nosebleedclub september challenge -- day v! yes, i am a week behind. this is what happens when i go back to work)

#drabble #writeblr #ch: sam doyle #ch: maggie doyle #year: 1984

[frogs-in3-hills]

Day 3 of the @domaystic prompt challenge: "List"

Ace Attorney | Gen | SFW | 1,382 words

Relationships: Kay Faraday & Trucy Wright, Athena Cykes & Apollo Justice & Phoenix Wright & Trucy Wright

POV Kay Faraday

Summary: The unofficial rules of the Wright Anything Agency.

“Okay, one more paper to sign, and we’re all done, Kay,” Trucy says, bouncing on her toes with a little tilt to her head.

“Awesome! Bring it on, kiddo.”

Trucy says it like she feels bad about it, but really, Kay’s barely even been here for fifteen minutes, and that’s only because her instincts simply won’t allow her to sign any papers she hasn’t gone over with a fine-toothed comb—yes, even when it’s coming from your friend’s “friend’s” weird little daughter. Becoming an official member of the Wright Anything Agency has been an absolute breeze.

Of course, it’s only a temporary contract. Kay just needs some specific credentials for the job she’s about to go on, and that includes being employed by a legal office like the WAA. Which, surprisingly, is actually considered to be a legal office in the eyes of, well, the law.

After three months, she’ll be out again. She’s done this once or twice with Mr. Edgeworth before, getting him to sign her on as a legal assistant so that she can gain better access to things she’s not supposed to have access to. He justifies it to himself by saying that the only way to stop Kay from breaking the law is to make the things she’s doing less illegal. This is, of course, correct.

This time, though, she can’t go to Mr. Edgeworth, because the legality of her current mission is slightly more dubious. Bless his heart, but Mr. Edgeworth is so rigid, it’s best to just let him turn a blind eye sometimes for his own mental well-being. So here she is, speaking to Trucy, because Kay knows that Trucy knows that “legality” is less of a boolean yes-or-no and more of a sliding scale.

Trucy hands her the last sheet, and the first thing Kay notices about it is that it’s not actually a printed document—it’s a photocopy of a printed document. The text is straight, but the margins are slightly offset. As a Great Thief (and a paralegal), obviously it’s her job to notice this kind of thing.

Across the top, in big bold letters, it reads:

Unofficial Rules of the Wright Anything Agency

“Hey Trucy,” Kay starts. “Why do I have to sign this if it’s unofficial?”

“Oh, it’s not legally binding or anything,” Trucy says flippantly. “It’s more like, um… a petition, I guess? You’re just kind of stating your support or your intent. That’s what Daddy said, anyways, when I tried to make it actually legally binding.”

“Oh, okay,” she replies. Kay isn’t in the habit of signing things she doesn’t totally need to, but she also likes to think of herself as a very generous person, so she gives the document a look.

It’s just an ordered list, reading:

1. If Athena is in the kitchenette, then everyone else has to leave.

“Off to an understandable start,” Kay comments.

“Yeah, we made Athena write the first rule because the whole thing was her idea. She said she was confused by our workplace dynamic and we needed to lay out some proper guidelines.”

Kay thinks it’s a good thing Athena doesn’t visit the Prosecutor’s Office very often, then.

2. There is no toilet cleaning schedule and there never will be. We acknowledge the inconvenience this may cause, and subsequently ignore it. 3. Trucy’s glitter gel pens are off-limits. 4. Apollo and Athena must refer to Charley as ‘Mr. Charley’, as he is senior staff. 5. Mr. Wright may redirect all odd jobs and requests towards their legal branch members. 6. Chess.com is banned until further notice. 7. All HR complaints go to Trucy. 8. Personal note: Don’t get into bets with Trucy. 9. Personal note: No matter what Trucy says, it is NOT Talk Like A Pirate Day. Do not believe her.

Kay flashes a side-long glance at the young girl sitting before her.

“You aren’t terrorizing your employees too much, are you?”

Trucy pouts. “If I tell you the truth, are you going to publish an expose about it?”

“Not if I sign this paper, I won’t!”

10. Personal note: Do not share existential fun facts with Apollo, it scares him.

Kay puts the paper down for a second. “So, just to clarify…”

“Uh-huh?”

“Regarding these personal notes, am I specifically agreeing that Athena should follow these rules, or am I agreeing to keep these notes in mind for personal endeavors?”

“Uh…” Trucy frowns. “Well, I dunno, I’m not the lawyer around here!”

Kay blinks. Honestly, she kind of doubts the whole clueless act—after all, Trucy is apparently responsible for putting together all the other employee forms, and that requires at least a little bit of business awareness—and she’s also grinning really wide, with that innocent look in her eyes, and it reminds her so much of Phoenix’s bluffing face that it honestly makes Kay a little sick to her stomach. In an awwe kind of way, not an eww kind of way.

“Yeah, okay,” she cedes.

11. Any changes to file organization standards MUST be fielded by Apollo before being applied to every document in the agency. 12. Trucy may request the magical assistance of any employee. All employees, regardless of specialization, are additionally listed as magician’s assistants on the WAA website. 13. Non-negotiable: When in the office, Athena’s lunch break starts at 1:00 PM, no matter what “important investigation” she may be busy with at the time. She is expected to plan her schedule accordingly. -Phoenix

Ooh, scary Mr. Wright. Kay supposes having a kid will do that to you.

14. Anyone is allowed to drink Mr. Wright’s grape juice, because it really is just grape juice? 15. Whoever won the case must pay for Eldoon’s, regardless of whether they’ve received compensation yet. 16. Trucy may not provide Evidence Disappearing Services unless specifically requested. 17. Nobody is allowed to actually make fun of Apollo’s forehead. 18. The protein bars stationed at multiple points around the office are for ATHENA ONLY. Do not eat. 19. All pranks are permitted, provided they are not cruel or unusual in any way. Dangerous pranks are okay. 20. Addendum: Dangerous pranks are NOT okay?? -Apollo 21. Addendum: Dangerous pranks are okay. -Phoenix 22. Addendum: Dangerous pranks are okay. -Trucy 23. I’m staying out of this one. -Athena 24. No alliances. 25. Most importantly, if the opportunity arises to gently bully Apollo, it is your duty to seize this opportunity and “yes, and” it into oblivion.

And… huh.

“Y’know, these are actually surprisingly tame,” Kay says finally.

Trucy gasps. “Oh, right, you go to the prosecutor’s office kind of a lot, don’t you? All of this must just be chump change to you!”

“You bet! It’s seriously lucky they’ve got Mr. Edgeworth around to keep everything in check, otherwise it’d become a hostile workplace environment in two seconds.”

“So… does that mean you’ll be signing, Auntie Kay?”

Ooh, pulling out the big guns, huh? Lucky for her, Kay’s got a strong mind, and recovers from the Auntie Card fairly quickly.

“Tell me again what happens if I don’t sign it?”

To be clear, all of the terms seem pretty reasonable to Kay—she just wants to know what Trucy will say.

“Well, legally, I don’t do anything to you if you don’t,” Trucy says thoughtfully.

Kay grins. “And what about illegally?”

“Kay!” Trucy cries. “You think I would do something illegal? That’s totally crazy-talk! My dad’s a lawyer, you know.”

Ooh, good answer. Nice and dodgey.

“That’s totally exactly what I would say, kiddo. Get me a pen, pretty please?”

Trucy brightens at that, running off to grab one of her oh-so-sacred glitter gel pens.

Sitting there for just a moment in the silence, Kay thinks about this weird, wonderful little family that she’s found, and how it all comes back to that day in the courthouse when she first met Mr. Edgeworth. It’s been so long since then, it’s kind of crazy to think about how intertwined Kay has been with these people, albeit unknowingly, for so much of her life. Patting the old, faded cravat in her pocket, she thinks about how lucky she is to have made so many amazing friends.

When Trucy comes back, Kay signs the list with a flair befitting a Great Thief.

#domaystic2023 #aa fanfic #kay faraday #wright anything agency #silly sully writing #aa

[twilightmalachite]

Big Ocean - Epilogue

Author: Nishioka Maiko (with Akira)

Characters: Hinata, Yuuta, Tetora, Koga, Adonis

Translator: Mika Enstars

"It’s no longer a good kid’s S3! Hereon forth, the stage is being revived as a B1, a battle of the bands!"

[ ♪ ]

Season: Winter

Location: Big Ocean Stage

Koga: …So basically... Those guys held a Repayment Fes… for us?

Tetora: Ossu! I apologize! I wanted to bring you guys over while keeping it a secret, and ended up lying in the spur of the moment!

Koga: Gyaahh!! If you’re gonna lie, tell a better one!

Tetora: I’m really so sorry about that…!

Adonis: I’m glad. It’s best that it was actually nothing in this case. And in the end, I didn’t expect Yuuta and Hinata to hold a Repayment Fes for us… Thank you.

Koga: Tch. Oh please… You didn’t have to go out of your way to do such a thing. You pains in the asses…

Adonis: You seem to be happy as well. I’m glad.

Koga: Adonis~!! I didn’t say a single thing that’d indicate that~!!

Hinata: Tehehe. Now just hold on a sec~, just what are you doin’, deciding it’s over?

Yuuta: Yeah, that performance was just the opening act! Didn’t Aniki tell you to enjoy it ’til the very end?

Koga: Hah? You’re tellin’ me there’s more surprises? Am I not already plenty surprised?

Yuuta: There’s always room for more! It’s a surprise within a surprise!

Hinata: It’s no longer a good kid’s S3! Hereon forth, the stage is being revived as a B1, a battle of the bands!

Which means, Oogami-senpai, Otogari-senpai—come up here onto the stage!

Koga: WhaaAAAAA!?

Adonis: B1…? Aren’t those no longer available through the new system?

Hinata: Co~rrect! ☆ This is unauthorized!

Yuuta: A B1 wouldn’t get through the application process, so we applied for a S3 and added the B1 on without authorization. ☆ We’ll deal with getting scolded later~.

Now with that said—Take this!

Koga: Huh!? W-What’s this? You tossed somethin’ on my face… a towel?

Yuuta: It’s a challenge being issued to you!

Did’ja forget? How we’re always messing around. Pranking, getting pranked, getting angry, getting scolded, always making a huge fuss. That’s just routine for us, right?

Hinata: Riiight? Just the other day, you even secretly changed the plate on the doghouse Oogami-senpai has out for stray dogs to say “Koga”![1]

He got pissed and chased you around for a while, didn’t he, Yuuta-kun~?

Yuuta: Ah~, sure did, Aniki. I was so tired, it had been ages since I had ran so fast~!

Our antics have always had high stakes. So Oogami-senpai, Otogari-senpai—get up here on stage!

Koga: HAH! So be it! You’ve got me onboard! I’m gonna beat’cha to a pulp and make ya howl for mercy!

Let’s go, Adonis!

Adonis: Fufu, alright. I can’t turn down a sincere challenge from our juniors.

Location: Yumenosaki Academy Garden Terrace

Hinata: …Aaa~, my voice is so hoarse... Everything that comes out is rough~…

Koga: Mine is too, you fuckin’ morons…

Tetora: Ahaha… Well, o‘course your voice would go out after singing and screaming so loudly on a rampage.

Yuuta: I’m completely empty on energy~. If I don’t get something in my stomach, I’ll die…

Adonis: Right. It’s really like my fuel is about to run out.

Tetora: Ah, I’ll go order an assortment of food, then! Please wait here!

Time passes…

Tetora: Sorry for making you wait—Hm?

Koga: Why, you~! You! Betrayed! My! Trust! Then! (prodding Yuuta’s forehead)

Yuuta: Ouch! Ow! Owowowow!?

But we had no choice! We needed to drop a bomb so big if we wanted to become heroes of that tale!

Koga: I know, I’m not an idiot, okay? I may not be able to sympathize, but I can understand.

Yuuta: You don’t have to understand, though…

Koga: I would NEVER do such a thing, though! I seriously don’t understand!

Yuuta: This senior is making no sense!!

Hinata: Ahahahaha!

Adonis: Sorry, Nagumo. Thank you.

Tetora: It’s no trouble at all!

Yuuta-kun, here. I know you like shichimi pepper with your food.

Yuuta: Ah, thank you. Can’t start eating without this! ♪

Tetora-kun, could you put it back for me? I can’t reach from here.

Tetora: Of course—Huh? You don’t need more, Yuuta-kun? Last time, you had used a bunch more.

Yuuta: Eh? Ah~, nah, this should be all I need for today. ♪ My throat is sore, after all.

Time passes…

Tetora: Thank you for the meal!

Hinata: Thank you for the meal~! Fwah~… I’m full…♪

Adonis: Yes, same as well. Now that we’re satiated, should we head back home?

Yuuta: I agree. I’m seriously so tired from today, I wanna go home and go to bed early.

Koga: Huh. It doesn’t seem right to go back to the same place after havin’ a fierce battle like that.

Hinata: You think so? That’s not how I see it~.

Koga: Haah? How then?

Hinata: ‘Cuz, it’s like no matter how much we might fight, we always come home to the same place—it’s like we’re family. ♪

[ ☆ ]

← prev | story directory

You can actually see a photo of this dog house in the unbloomed CG for Koga's card here.

#big ocean #translation #event #tetora nagumo #hinata aoi #yuuta aoi #koga oogami #adonis otogari

[gleekto]

Klaine Advent 2022: Chemistry Sucks (6/?)

Summary: Nerd!Kurt/ Popular!Blaine high school AU - Kurt joins Glee club in his junior year to please his dad, though he’d rather just hide out in the library until he can graduate and get out of Lima.

Turns out he’s not the only gay kid in town. Too bad the other out gay kid is cocky and popular senior, Blaine Anderson. Sure of himself, gets all the solos, things served to him on a platter. Kurt finds him shallow and infuriating.

Blaine finds Kurt square and irritating.

Yet at a party one night, they promise to sleep together if they don’t have other opportunities by the end of the year. A dare. Naturally competitive spirits.

Day 1, Day 2,Day 3, Day 4, Day 5

Chemistry Sucks (Day 6: Type)

They won. And victory is so so sweet.

Before the competition, Blaine had read on the showchoir blogs that the New Directions were the definite underdogs against Vocal Adrenaline - but he knew they had the talent and the passion. And when he checked the blogs after the competition - well, apparently his and Kurt's duet was considered the bold choice that won it all. Beautiful harmonies featuring the known male lead and a newbie countertenor. They sounded pretty great, Blaine had to admit.

"You two are the talk of the town," Rachel sing songs as she pulls them into a conversation by the drinks table in her overly decorated but festive basement. 'As the leader of this glee club', Rachel had invited them all to a victory party, and honestly Blaine has no complaints. Good music, good people, a delicious victory, and he thinks Puck even spiked the punch. "Incredible musical chemistry," Rachel says earnestly and Kurt's cheeks pinken. Blaine just waves dismissively.

"The arrangement was brilliant. We just did the singing."

"Oh that wasn't just musical chemistry," Santana inserts herself beside him and Kurt and drapes her arms over their shoulders. That was full on chemistry. You know the type."

"Oh my god, Santana, you should know better than to imagine romance wherever two gay people might co-exist," Kurt answers quickly and rolls his eyes for effect. Blaine just bites his lip. Kurt did look pretty hot in their Regionals suits. And even hotter in his more casual party outfit - tight jeans, McQueen skull t-shirt black combat boots. He has style.

"Oh I do know better than to imagine any romance. That's up to you. But I know what I saw. Chemistry, like Rachel said." She saunters away with Rachel before Blaine even has a retort.

"Guess we had them all fooled," Kurt breaks the awkward moment.

Blaine shrugs. "Musical chemistry can be very deceptive."

"Confusing really," Kurt agrees and they smile at each other.

"Do you want some punch?" Blaine starts to ladle the red liquid into a red solo cup trying for a change of topic.

"No. I don't drink."

Blaine looks at him skeptically. "So are you actually the prude I imagined you to be when you joined glee club?"

"Ha," Kurt shakes his head. "Not a prude, Blaine. I just don't need liquid courage to have a good time like some people."

"I see," Blaine nods and feels a wave of annoyance at the suggestion, "I'm sure you don't really know about 'having a good time'," He makes finger quotes. "You probably haven't even kissed anyone." He just says it. He doesn't know if it's the alcohol or the subtle rejection or why he finds Kurt's holier than thou attitude both so irritating and attractive in this moment but he says it.

"You can ask Brittany," Kurt folds his hands, amused at Blaine's challenge.

"I mean a guy."

"And like you have, Mr. Male Lead. We're from the same backwards town, remember?"

Blaine sighs. "Yeah well at least I make an effort. I'm going to the gay youth group in Westerville next weekend. Hoping it will finally be my lucky night."

"Wow such a romantic."

"Why don't you come with me? We can both look for Mr. Right." Blaine can tell Kurt's interest is piqued. "But let's make it more interesting-a challenge."

"Our musical chemistry has benefitted from our natural competitiveness," Kurt agrees. "So what? Whoever finds someone first wins? That's far too likely to lead to settling for second best, and that's a no for me."

"Ego."

"Pot to Kettle." Kurt has a point.

"No," Blaine shakes his head. "Let's just try to find the right guy, each, by the end of the year."

"And if we don't?"

Blaine takes a deep breath, "We sleep together."

#klaine advent 2022 #klaine advent: type #gleekto writes #chemistry sucks

[klaineccfanficlibrary]

Hello! I think the Bingo card is a fun idea! Here is my submission (and I’d like it to stay anonymous).

Bingo

1. Debut: Is There a 12 Step Just for You? By Thenameisbritney

2. Page Turner: Hummel’s Home for Non-Conforming Adolescents by Beautifulunseen

3. Need Tissues: Everything is Nothing with a Twist by BeautifulUnseen

4. Unusual Occupation: Somewhere Close to Nowhere by orphanaccount

5. Wildcard: Puppy Eyes by Lilyvandersteen

6. Summer Story: Timeless by Cinnamont

7. Written for a Challenge: Unexpected by klaineanummel

8. Made you laugh out loud: Failed Achievement by klaineanummel

9. Genre Don’t Normally Read: Crush Into Me by gleekto

We're still accepting the Klaine bingo cards? Got anymore?

FInd them here. Details on our tumblr page:.

Debut: Is There a Twelve Step Just For You? by

“He was still the same short, nerdy Blaine Anderson he’d always been. An easy target for school bullies everywhere. Kurt was the popular co-captain of the Cheerio’s, looking down on his kingdom like a fair but firm ruler. No one was on his level, certainly not a peasant like Blaine.”

Or Blaine tries to tell Kurt that he has a crush on him but accidentally ends up asking for a makeover instead. Oh, dear.

2: Page Turner: Hummel’s Home for Non-Conforming Adolescents by Beautifulunseen

Blaine Anderson had learned from the time he was marked as Non-Conforming that his life would never go according to plan. Still, the last thing he expected was Hummel’s Home and its head boy Kurt, who had, against all odds, escaped the same fate. Dystopian AU.

3. Need Tissues: Everything is Nothing with a Twist by BeautifulUnseen

The cuff on Kurt's wrist covers up a tiny number he was born with — just like everyone else he knows — a number that tells at what age he will die. Because of his number, Kurt keeps his heart locked away. But then Blaine enters his life. Does he hold the key to that lock?

4. Unusual Occupation: Somewhere Close to Nowhere by orphanaccount

Clairvoyance, or being “psychic” has been a blessing and a curse rolled into one for Kurt Hummel and Blaine Anderson. With Blaine accompanying Kurt on a case that sounds like all things paranormal, (despite his objections) will they be able to put aside their differences and discover who is behind the haunting of Ashland Ranch?

5. Wildcard: Puppy Eyes by Lilyvandersteen

Blaine teaches graphic and digital design at Parsons, and is under a curse that turns him into a dog for a week, every once in a while. He lives with Trent, who's been looking after him in his dog phases for years. Now, though, Trent has met someone and is very happy and going on dates all the time, and the next time Blaine turns into a dog, Trent doesn't look after him but just shrugs and contacts a dog walker service.

And you can guess who is sent to look after Blaine...

6. Summer Story: Timeless by Cinnamont

Despondent from constant bullying at school, Kurt goes on a summer vacation to Scotland and is whisked through time to find a love that is timeless.

7. Written for a Challenge: Unexpected by klaineanummel

Blaine Anderson was just about the last thing Professor Kurt Hummel expected out of a TA.

8 Made you laugh out loud: Failed Achievement by klaineanummel

Sam knew Blaine wasn't capable of having a bromance.

9. Genre Don’t Normally Read: Crush Into Me by gleekto

Third year NYADA student, Kurt, returns to Lima for an internship coaching the Glee club. The leather jacket and eyebrow ring-clad senior, Blaine, thinks he’s cute

Thank you Anon for this one. ~Jen

#2023 klaine bingo #fanfic rec #klaine fanfiction #Klaine fanfic #glee fanfiction

[clockworkspider]

Under the Bridge

Keito & Rei, relationship studies. Pre-Crossroad. 1k words.

—

“Let’s go on a date.” 

Those were indeed a series of words that had came out of Rei’s mouth. 

“What?” Keito said, and then, “Why?” 

“Because we never just hang out anymore, and I miss my best friend.” 

Keito, for his part, had the decency to look a bit guilty. “I’m sorry, Sakuma-san. But there was an… incident at the archery club. And I need to do some clean up.” 

“I’ve heard about that from Mikejima-kun, I thought you two already took care of it. I have to say—” The smile dropped from Rei’s face then, replaced by an expression of concern. “—I didn’t expect you to be so… direct… in your method.” 

“Of course you heard of it… Do you disapprove? I’m sure Sakuma-san could have came up with a cleaner method. But we handled it on our own, and now I have to tidy up the loose ends.” 

“No need to be so defensive, Bouzu, I’m not criticizing you.” He could tell he got Keito’s hackles rising, and held up a calming hand. These days, his childhood friend had been stressed and easily irritable. Rei had an inkling as to why, but it wasn’t a problem for him to solve. “I’m just glad you weren’t hurt.” 

“Oh… Well… Thank you for your concern, then.” Keito said, “Now, if you’ll excuse me. I need to finish these paperwork, and then I need to find a few people and speak with them.” 

“Alright, I’ll give you a challenge, just like the old times,” Rei grinned, all bright and pearly teeth, “Show me a good time, and I’ll help you tidy up all the loose ends.” He winked. 

“Don’t act like this wasn’t your job in the first place, Rei-san. You’re the student council president.”

“A job that I accepted only because you begged me, Bouzo. Wasn’t it in our agreement that I’m just gonna be a figurehead?”

“If you don’t plan to help, then get out. Someone has to take care of this.” 

“Come now, have you forgotten that you’re still a child? You’re no fun when you’re all work and no play. At this point you’ll turn grey at 20. You need a break! Take me somewhere fun, and if I have a good time, I’ll help you with all the shady stuff tomorrow. As your senior, I have more connections than you do in this school, you know?” 

Keito considered this, and seemed to have taken the bait. “I don’t think I know anywhere fun that you wouldn’t know already.” He frowned. 

“Try me.” Rei grinned. 

—

“A manga store? Really?” 

“They have a small but well curated section on doujinshi, you can find some rare gems here.” 

“Of course they do.” Rei laughed. “But Hasumi-kun, this is just what you like.” 

“You still enjoy manga, don’t you? This is an acceptable hang out spot for two teenage boys which takes consideration of our shared interest.” 

“Sure, but I’d like for you to try a little harder if you’re trying to impress me.” 

Keito sighed. “Why do I have to do that in the first place? Nothing impresses you anymore, Sukuma-san.” 

In fact, Keito couldn’t seem to remember Rei being impressed at all, by anyone. Especially not him. It had always been the other way around. 

(It was childish arrogance that prevented him from noticing back then—)

“Yes, life is so dreadfully boring, isn’t it? That’s why I’d like to see you try.” 

Keito furrowed his brows and appeared to be considering this proposition very seriously, as if presented with a riddle to be solved. It was one of the more endearing qualities of his childhood friend, thought Rei. 

“I think I know just the place,” he concluded, with a definitive little nod. 

—

“This is the underside of a bridge,” Rei observed, dryly. 

A very wide bridge. The type where the underside is a dark tunnel. There were garbage and cigarette butts strewn on the ground and graffitis on the walls. If you looked into the corners, you could see dried bits of vomit, and stains that could be either blood or rust. This was the type of place people get murdered in. 

“Have you finally lost your patience and decided to get rid of me? You should not underestimate the strength of a vampire, you know?” 

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Keito snapped. And then he cleared his throat, and begun to sing. 

It wasn’t an idol song. It was Enka, with lilting syllables characteristic to traditional Japanese songs. The notes reverberated against the walls of the tunnel, making it sound more like a religious hymn than contemporary music. After a few verses, he stopped. 

“I come here to practice sometimes.” 

“It’s not quite the right ambience for idol songs, is it?” 

“We still need to work on our basic vocals.” 

Rei laughed, closed his eyes, and begun to sing. The melody of a rock anthem, sung like a holy hymn. His voice rang loud and clear, without reservation or reverence. He did not let the reverberations guide him, but commanded the space to his will. It was a calling, an invitation, a decree, and Keito could only join in and carry the song to its completion. The trash and debris no longer seemed to matter. It was a domain transformed and tamed by Sakuma Rei’s voice. 

“Not bad,” Rei appraised, huffing as the last of the reverberation faded from the tunnel. His red eyes shone with mirth. “This is a great find, Hasumi-kun. I’m very pleased. Thank you for sharing this spot with me.” 

“You’re amazing, you know that?” Keito said, a breathless laugh escaping his throat, part wonder, part despair. 

“Sakuma-san, the school is crumbling, decaying in its past glories. The students are unmotivated and the staff has all but given up on us. Those who wants to work hard can slave away their lives and be treated like nothing but a joke. Something needs to change. Help me bring forth a revolution, Sakuma-san. 

“With your power, we can take Yumenosaki— no, the idol world to a higher stage. If it’s you, I know you’ll be able to do it.” His eyes were shining with so much hope and vigor. 

So much expectation. 

They stared at each other in silence for what seemed like an eternity. 

“Perhaps you're right,” Rei finally said, smiling and turning away. 

He didn’t say yes. 

—

Keito never returned to the underside of that bridge after that. 

—

Written to the song Blindness by Metric. Tho it's for mood more than the lyrics.

@honeybeekao Remember how you requested for 2nd year KeiRei? I was like "oh maybe Rei dragged Keito away from work and forced him to hang out and take a break" and then it turned into this... I think I lost my ability to write fluff.

#ensemble stars #keito hasumi #rei sakuma #reikei #keirei #enstars #you can read this as mutual pining if you squint very hard #my fic

[seisoukan]

Wonderful Journey - Chapter 4

Translated by: @seisoukan

With thanks to my proofers: Vulpes

Season: Winter

Location: Vocal Room

KEITO: (… Alright, I’ve memorized all of my lines properly. Next, I’ll focus on honing my acting skills.)

(One of the scenes portrayed in the commercial plays out like this: in order to return a notebook that her senior had left in the library, the female protagonist sprints through the corridors of the school building in a hurry. Inevitably, she ends up accidentally falling over and scrapes her knee.)

(This ruckus just so happens to catch the attention of the very same senior, who, being a member of the prefect committee, scolds her harshly without much consideration.)

(It’s only when he notices the notebook held tightly in the female protagonist’s arms, that the senior realizes he’d been mistaken about her, and ends up taking her to the infirmary in a bridal carry.)

(From that point onwards, what had once been an icy relationship between the female protagonist and the senior finally progresses—)

“You ended up being injured because of me… My apologies, it’s all my fault. Does your leg still hurt?”

“There’s no need to force a smile, it’s alright. You can rest easy now, I’ll be right by your side the entire time.”

…

(I feel like my performance was missing something. However, I’m not exactly sure which part felt wrong.)

(Could it be what Hibiki had told me that day was true? That I simply haven’t explored the inner world of the character sufficiently?)

Oh, it seems like someone is knocking on the door… You can come in.

Mm? Maybe they didn’t hear me? Right, give me a second, I’ll open the door at once.

… Strange, there’s nobody outside? Could I possibly have misheard?

Nevermind that, I’ll continue my practice. Now, where was I…

… Hold on, I remember very clearly, there was nothing on this piano in the room before. Now, there’s a pink envelope lying here.

Hmph, it seems someone is pulling a prank on me. Very well, since you’ve dared to go through all this effort to challenge me, I’ll open it and see what exactly is written within.

“To Hasumi-senpai: Please come and meet me at the Hanging Garden within ten minutes of opening this letter. I have something extremely important to tell you.”

Besides this card, the envelope is filled to the brim with red rose petals… Wait a second, this couldn’t be one of those ‘love letters’, could it?

… Ha, that isn’t likely. After all, I can’t think of anyone else that would play such childish tricks besides that bastard. Anonymity doesn’t work for him at all.

Even though I don’t want to go, this letter feels like it was written quite seriously. On the off chance he really does something important to tell me…

No matter, I’ll counter all of his tricks as best I can. Let’s have a look at whatever the hell he’s up to.

Time: A few minutes later

Location: Hanging Garden

WATARU: …

KEITO: Oi, Hibiki. What exactly is it that you want from me, that you went through the elaborate trouble of arranging to meet here?

WATARU: …

KEITO: …?!?

(Is the person before me really Hibiki Wataru? I had no idea his face was capable of showing such a melancholic expression…?)

Oi, oi, are you alright? Say something!

WATARU: “… Have you really no clue of my feelings, even up until now?”

KEITO: … Eh?

WATARU: “It’s nearly time for the graduation ceremony. Whenever I think about the fact that I won’t be able to see you after you graduate from school, I feel so terribly lonely.”

“So, even if it’s just an empty memento… Would you let me have the second button[1] of your school uniform?”

KEITO: … Did you time travel to the past? What the hell are you going on about? We both graduated from Yumenosaki Private Academy a long time ago, didn’t we?

Besides, my school uniform is at home. How am I supposed to give the button to you?

WATARU: Oya, oya… Then, there’s nothing that can be done about that. Which is why, I’ll use this as a substitute ☆

KEITO: (…? Just now, something swept over my eyes… Was that Hibiki’s hair?)

No, wait a second, where are my glasses?!

— Hibiki, stop this right now! Give me my glasses back!!

WATARU: Ahahahaha ☆ Since Keito-kun won’t give me the button closest to his heart[2], I will simply have to snatch away your glasses, closest to the ‘windows of your soul’!

KEITO: No, you have no idea what my glasses mean to me! From a young age I’ve considered my glasses to be my lifelong partner!

WATARU: Does that not make it even better~? Come on, come on, if you would like to have your ‘lifelong partner’ back, catch me if you can ☆

KEITO: How incorrigible…! You bastard, just you wait!

WATARU: Very well, I await your arrival ♪

KEITO: (… Damn it, that bastard disappeared without a trace in the blink of an eye.)

(If that wasn’t enough grief, everything in front of me is a blur, and I have to be careful about where I step. I can’t possibly run quickly in this condition.)

(Hibiki, what the hell are you doing? Did you just want to screw with me?!)

(… No, I need to calm down firstly, and not let myself become blinded by my rage. Come to think of it, I’m certain I’ve heard that same nonsensical string of words he had said at the very beginning somewhere else…)

(Ah, so that’s what it is. That was the scene in the manga that takes place the day before the senior graduates, when the female protagonist, in her determination to make one final confession, invites him to the rooftop through an anonymous letter.)

(Could it possibly be that Hibiki actually wanted to practice with me? Admittedly, his acting skills are so polished it’s frightening, to the point where his entire aura had changed completely.)

(That aside, what is of vital importance is to recover my glasses. Where exactly did he run off to…?)

Time: A few minutes later

Location: Vocal Room

KEITO: Hibiki, you’re here, aren’t you! Come out right now!

WATARU: Bingo~♪ Congratulations on getting it right! Clap clap clap… ☆

However, I’m quite curious. How did you think to come here so quickly, Keito-kun? I had thought you would have taken half a day using the long way round.

KEITO: It was simple, actually. Since you had said “I await your arrival”, I figured that meant you wanted me to come find you, so it was unlikely that you’d hide in some remote corner.

Besides, without my glasses, you wouldn’t be incorrect if you said that it’s hard for me to move around, even an inch. If the distance between us had been too great, the game would lose its meaning to you, wouldn’t it.

WATARU: So, through the process of elimination, you deduced I would be hiding where it all began, correct?

Amazing! I hadn’t expected Keito-kun to know me so well, I’m honestly quite touched—

KEITO: Enough, return my glasses to me right now. Otherwise, I’m seriously going to lose it.

WATARU: … Oh? Could this be… a kabe-don?

Ahh~~! Gosh, that was so handsome of you! My heart is beating a mile a minute!

KEITO: Hmph, and yet my affinity for you has hit rock bottom.

WATARU: Alright, alright, I concede. I shall give your glasses back.

KEITO: …! Good, now I can finally see clearly.

Aah, glasses of mine, I really can’t be without you for even just a moment…! I vow to you that I won't allow you to be put in danger ever again.

(… Huh, how strange? These glasses feel as though they’re brand new. There isn’t the slightest hint of dust on them as far as I can see.)

( I haven’t had the chance to personally maintain them during this period of time. What’s going on?)

WATARU: Hahaha, has my Amazing glasses maintenance technique stunned even the glasses expert Keito-kun?

KEITO: What? Could you have possibly conducted a thorough maintenance on my glasses within the few minutes you spent waiting for me?

WATARU: That is correct. You must’ve been hard at work practicing in private in order to perform well in the commercial, isn’t that right, Keito-kun? Especially since, being a fan of the manga, you’ve been even more demanding of yourself.

So, as a reward, Master Wataru is specially offering a free on-site service today! If you are satisfied, do give us five stars and a stellar review~☆

KEITO: … Did you have to use such a misleading tactic to help out? Whatever, thanks.

(Wait, these feelings of exasperation, joy, helplessness and regret rushing up my chest… I think I suddenly understand the emotions the senior experienced when he escorted the female protagonist to the infirmary.)

(Could this have been Hibiki’s true intent? Did he anticipate the roadblock I would encounter while I practiced?)

WATARU: What’s wrong, Keito-kun? Is there something on my face?

KEITO: … No, it’s nothing.

(I must be overthinking. This is all just a coincidence… Surely?)

The theory goes that the buttons on the gakuran carry different meanings. The first button represents yourself, the second someone dearest to you, the third your best friends. To give someone the second button on your school uniform means you regard them important to you, usually romantically.

Another prevailing theory about the second button is that it is the one closest to the heart, and therefore, should be gifted to the one who has won your heart.

Wonderful Journey - Masterlist

#keito hasumi #wataru hibiki #enstars #ensemble stars #/ #mine: translations

[tutuandscoot]

Today is the first day of the April Prompt Challenge!

Todays prompt is ‘2010 quad program’

So this is any program from the 06/07 season to 09/10 season.

You can pick your fave program and add a gif or picture or write a little about what you like about it, your fave costume from this quad, fave performance, etc.. whatever you want!

For this prompt I’m gonna say Assassination Tango from 2007 worlds. This isn’t necessarily my favourite program of this quad, but I really love the program-I’d say it’s my favourite ‘OD’ of their’s (other than Farrucas). I think it’s really incredible how much maturity they exude for only being 17+19 and their first year in seniors. The commentators (BESP) say they need to get stronger and cover more ice (tbh I don’t know what they are talking about- stronger yes but they went end to end fully on both the NTMLSS and the diagonal) I felt their feeling and movement quality was exquisite, they weren’t ‘trying’ to put on a character that wasn’t natural to them, they were really into it in a honest way. An early example of their really inspiring intense intimacy when they skate- they aren’t afraid to get ‘rough’ and ‘mean’ with each other in these more intense dance styles. Some beautiful tender moments caressing each other, “kiss” moments, etc.. Their costumes were fantastic (too much fabric in Scott’s pants but that’s 2007 for ya!) T’s dress is lovely-the back cut out somewhat reminiscent of MR 😏🤔. They didn’t look at all out of place in the last group as is commented on.. I feel when teams enter seniors you can sometimes tell they have a lot of growing and maturing to do - VM certainly did but it’s not as though they skated and acted like ‘babies’ straight out of juniors- they really did step up to senior standards- on that I would say also you could tell even in their debut senior year where they were going to be taking the sport and they would be the ones to revolutionise it- you could tell how great they were going to become and rise in level and talent far outpacing every other team- possibly ever. So many other teams- the teams above them were from the old system and hadn’t been able to fully skate to the requirements the new system demanded of them- TS however being raised with it and understanding it so well you could see in their program them pushing for all the levels. I love how this program has this mix of ferocity and tenderness. That really really suits them.

Gif source

So as I said in the original post, please feel free to join in on this challenge, add to this thread with your own choices. I would love to see everyone’s takes!

#April Prompt Challenge #Day 1: 2010 quad program #od: assassination tango