Bringing Law Home for a Family Holiday

Readers' Note: Reader has a large and generally good but overbearing family. Only happy things in this, little to no angst!

A/N: Every holiday I get struck with the desire to write my latest blorbo coming home with their s/o for the holidays. I don't have time to crack out 10-15k words so this is probs gonna be more stream of consciousness but it'll get the point across.

I've been imagining how tense the travel to Law's s/o's house is because God forbid y'all be late because Law wants to make a good impression no matter how many times you explain it's a very loose 4 p.m. arrival time.

You've been dating for long enough that you think it's reasonable for him to meet your family (that was enough to make Law's heart flutter and then start hammering...could it be you're just as serious about him as he is about you?)

"My aunt showed up at noon and my cousin's probably not going to be here until after dark, really it's fine!" You'd insist. "Besides, the people that show up on time are the ones that end up having to go back out because someone forgot something!"

And of course Law would say "that's fine." With a such a stubborn and determined tone. Being on time or a few minutes early is better than being late! Suddenly your man is a rule follower! 🤭Suddenly you can picture Law as he was a kid studious and button-ed up in his little doctor's uniform. It's almost kind of cute if he wasn't so nervous.

The closest thing to family Law has is Bepo, Shachi and Penguin. Not since the Donquixote family has Law had anything to do with that word and he's so nervous he feels sick. For Law this translate to acting like he has the world's biggest cactus shoved up his ass, and you know that so you try not to take his coolness personally.

Holding his hand helps a little though. You ignore how shaky and sweaty it is.

He's feeling a lot of big feelings right now, poor guy.

He insisted on you giving him a "family tree" when he realized how big your family is and a list of things not to accidentally mention or do. He's been studying it for days, re-reading it over and over obsessively.

The fact that he's a pirate is fine, which takes a lot of pressure off. You come from a family full of pirates, so you swear Law will fit right in. Although you warn him your grandfather's probably going to start reminiscing about how he knew Gol D. Roger as a kid (which no one knows if that's actually true) and ranting about the young pirates these days.

You'd walk up to your family home high on a hill over looking the sea. From several yards away you can already hear music. You realize as you get closer it's more like you're dragging Law more than he's walking with you.

It's subconscious lol. I promise you he's not doing it on purpose. As soon as you notice it he speaks, "I'm fine."

Poor Traffy is so pale!

His tone dares you to question him, almost as if to actually say "I'm fine, if I wasn't I wouldn't be here Y/N. Please trust me to be honest with you about how I'm feeling." But that's a lot of words for someone who's mouth is cotton dry. He's trying his best, so you give him a quick kiss on the cheek for courage and walk up to the house together.

The first thing your family comments on when you open the door is how early you are despite the fact that it's three minutes to 4:00.

"We weren't expecting Y/N for another hour!" Your aunt winks at Law and nudges him, no introduction, no nothing, and says "you must really be something special if you can get them here to early!"

Despite Law's best efforts, having one of your family members immediately point out his supposed specialness to you makes blush and stutter.

It doesn't matter how awkward his no response of blinking at your aunt was because she's already gone flitting around with an arm full of what your family calls "the good plates."

You pull Law down to whisper in his ear, "told you we'd be early," you giggle.

It's not the nicest house, but it is big, and warm, and festive. Just standing in the doorway taking it in Law's struck with the remembrance of home. He tries to only focus on the present, not Swallow Island, Spider Miles, or even Flevance, your home is good..for today. But tomorrow he'll back at his home: the Polar Tang.

You introduce him to what little family is already there. Your heart squeezes at the way Law awkwardly waves at the baby your cousin's bouncing on his lap and the surprise that quickly turns into a soft smile that spreads across his lips when the baby coos back.

He meets your grandpa, who appraises him very officially. You swear to God Law's holding his breath as the stout man with a peg leg circles him with his arms behind his back. "Trafalgar Law, hmm..." he says very seriously. "You know back in my day pirates didn't all these tattoos to prove they were tough."

"I heard your day was quite a long time ago," Law says almost automatically. In for a penny, in for a pound, he doubles down, adding "sir" at the end.

That would be your boyfriend hehe. Too sharp for his own good.

Of course that's what your grandfather likes. He shakes Law's hand and pulls him into a crushing hug. Your grandpa promises later he's got words for him (ie. the shovel talk). It's a little disturbing how comfortable Law feels knowing he'll be threatened with an unspeakably awful death later. That's the most familiar thing that has happened all day. lol

But he knows the person he needs to impart the best impression on is your grandmother. You don't think you've ever seen Law so perfectly polite in your life....which makes your grandmother howl with laughter! "My ass whooping days are over, boy! Relax!" Her frail hands clutch her stomach as she laughs. She wipes a tear from her eyes, "I thought you said he was a pirate?!" She pats Law on the cheek like he's a sweet little boy (because at her old age 26 is a little boy) and gives it a squeeze. And because it's your grandma, he lets her.

You have to hide your laughter behind your hand.

"He's a sweet boy, Y/N," she says to you. "And so handsome! Where were all the good-looking men like him when I was at sea?"

"I killed 'em all!" Your grandpa yells across the house.

And just like that, Law's in your grandmother's good graces. Of course you knew he would be.

True to your word earlier, you get sent in to town to pick up a short list of last minute things. It's a nice moment to breathe. As soon as you're far enough from the house you wrap your arms around him and kiss him deeply.

"I'm so happy they like you," you say quietly once you come up for air. You don't tease him about how strange it is to see him hoping for someone's approval like you would in most circumstances. Instead you feel yourself melt, "I knew they would, but now you believe me?"

"They like me for now," he says because god forbid he go easy on himself.

"You're not as hard to love as you think you are, Law." You press another kiss to his lips.

(A/N: ooh chile lemme tell you, for saying that right there that man is going to romantically rail you within an inch of your life when y'all get back to the ship. That is the only way I can convey to you how much you saying that means to him. He's speechless.)

By time y'all get back there are a lot more people here and it's a lot louder. Your brother asks Law about a rash on elbow (at the dinner table no less, but hey these are pirates!) and he actually gives him advice.

Law meets your little cousins, who ask him a million questions including but not limited to:

"Why do you wears that funny looking hat?"

"Are you actually a surgeon?"

"Does getting a tattoo hurt?"

"Can you give me a tattoo?"

"How many Marines have you killed?"

"Are the Straw Hat Pirates really that strong?"

"Do you really have a polar bear on your ship?"

"Are you and Y/N ever gonna have a baby?"

To which Law responds:

"Who said it was funny looking?"

"Yeah."

"I don't know. I don't feel pain." you thought this man would take their questions seriously?

"Surgeons aren't allowed to do that. My hands will fall off if I do."

"Definitely more than you."

"As strong as they are stupid."

"Yeah, he's our navigator."

".........I think I heard someone calling you from the kitchen."

Your little cousins think "he's weird funny." He does "surgery" on the dolls your cousins offer up to him and thoroughly enjoy the weird monstrosities he creates. And Your moody teenage nephew deems Law "cool."

Your mom insists Law's too skinny for his own good and piles more food on his plate. "If you're going to survive out there you need some meat on your bones! I wanna see you here next year, Trafalgar."

Law almost chokes. Your mom already wants him back next year. He was expecting to have to get her approval somehow too, but she's accepted him immediately. "All I needed to know is if you make my little Y/N happy!" Your mom explains while hugging you, "And look how happy they are!"

And your old man, a pirate captain in his own right, several beers deep, slings his arm over Law's shoulder. "You're the one that's got that big ol' bounty, huh?" Before Law can fully answer, he continues on drunkenly, "that means you probably looted enough to cover your own wedding, right? Cause I'm sure's shit not." God bless Law for taking it with a grain of salt and taking him over to a couch. "That means you can marry 'em if ya want, as'long as I don' havta pay none. But if you break their heart I'll turn ya in myself...goddamn Marines...making me a traitor..." he says until his words turn into drunk muttering.

"That's your blessing in case you were wondering," your mom sighs. "I know you didn't ask but that was it. That man is fine with anything as long as he doesn't have to pay for it."

"You get my blessing because you helped clean up!" Your grandma pipes in. "Nothing more valuable than a man that knows how clean up after himself!"

I don't know how many times Law is rendered speechless for a moment. Was it that easy or was your family truly that accepting? In a handful of hours he's been completely welcomed and they want him to come back next year, to marry you? It's dizzying, but in a...hopeful way? Because...he wants it to happen too...if he's lucky enough to come back next year as your husband.

At the end of the night, you and Law are sent on your way with tons of food to bring back to Heart Pirates, and whether he likes it or not your mom and your grandma each press a kiss to Law's cheek.

You walk back down the hill together.

"It was good to see them again," you say. "Was that too much?"

"No," Law says. "I'm happy."

A/N: so yeah, I just had that bumbling around in my head today. I hope it was fluffy enough for ya! 😘

The Studious Witch β69

Characters: Male reader, Yuu!reader, Umbra witch!reader, Bayonetta, Viola, Riddle Rosehearts, Ace Trapolla, Deuce Spade, Trey Clover, Cater Diamond, Leona Kingscholar, Ruggie Bucchi, Jack Howl, Jade Leech, Floyd Leech, Kalim Al-Asim, Jamil Viper, Vil Schoenheit, Rook Hunt, Epel Felmier, Malleus Draconia, Sebek Zigvolt, Ashton Vargas

CW: Cursing, violence, death of the reader, implied major character death

Word count: 5.3K

Notes: It’s finally done, oh my god. This one definitely got away from me, but here it is, after AT LEAST 2 MONTHS??? I've spent way too long on this so I sincerely hope you enjoy and if this only gets, like, 20 notes, I'm quitting.

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At this point, Bayonetta is no stranger to the incomprehensible. Fighting angels on a daily basis and fighting one's way through hell itself at one point tends to dull the senses towards what a normal human would call unbelievable. However, this only stays true while within the confines of one's own universe.

Now make no mistake, Bayonetta prides herself on her cool-headedness and adaptability, but having to travel across several alternate dimensions and encounter numerous other versions of herself, all while being harassed at every turn by homunculi that are almost as stubborn as she is might be pushing it just the tiniest bit.

However, the show must go on and the destruction of the multiverse isn't going to wait for her to refresh herself in a nice bath before continuing, so neither will she.

Having just finished collecting her fourth chaos gear, Bayonetta traverses the barren passageways of Thule, defeating several hordes of homunculi along the way, before reaching the next 'multiverse portal generator' as Viola calls them.

Bayonetta walks toward the center of the portal generator and watches her previous surroundings fall away as she enters the chaotic rift, Ginnungagap, for the fourth time in her journey so far. She makes her way through the rift with surprisingly little interference before passing through the other end of the gate to reveal an...interesting sight.

Bayonetta finds herself striding through dark-colored hallways adorned with green lanterns and various framed pictures. She glances into some of the doors she passes by and sees what seem to be different kinds of classrooms and lecture halls.

"So I'm in some kind of school?" She says to herself, "Well, I hope they won't mind if I swoop in to teach a couple lessons of my own!"

As if on cue, a group of Stratus comes running around the corner at the end of the hall, prompting Bayonetta to pull out her weapons with her trademark smile, "Ah, you're right on time for the first lesson: No running in the halls!" She says as she destroys the homunculi with ease and continues down the path they came from to see more of them cornering several young men whom she assumes to be students of this institution.

"Oh dear, it seems no one thought to teach you the golden rule! How shameful. I suppose I have no choice but to dish out some discipline!" Bayonetta announces as she deftly dispatches the homunculi and helps the students get back on their feet as a muscle-bound man wearing a red jacket comes sprinting around the corner.

"Wha-- Who are you?! What are you doing to my students?!" The man questions harshly, clearly ready to attack her at a moment's notice. How cute.

"I'll have you know that your students would have become impromptu internal anatomy models if I hadn't shown up when I did," Bayonetta explains as the students in question nod in agreement, "So, instead of getting on MY case for something I didn't do, how about you get them somewhere safe and let me handle the rest?" She says while pushing the students towards the man.

The man receives them with a scowl, "Do you honestly think I can do that when I don't even know you?!"

Bayonetta can feel her patience eroding away the more she talks to this man and so, settles for shutting him up with a bullet that sails past his face and into the head of a Stratus that was about to attack him, "And do YOU honestly think you can afford not to in this situation?!" She says while leaving no room for debate.

The man looks at the disintegrating homunculus below him and growls, "Rrrgh...fine. But if I find out later that any students got hurt on your watch, then there WILL be consequences!" He warns before turning around to escort the students somewhere safe.

"I'm sure there will. Now, where was I?" Bayonetta says before turning around and continuing through the halls while taking out any homunculi she encounters.

Eventually, the wall on her left is replaced by a long row of large, open windows that give her a clear view out into the courtyard on the ground level, which is where she spies a glitching, purple image suspended in the air of a young man with an oddly familiar face facing off against a Floccus.

Her curiosity piqued, Bayonetta leaps down into the courtyard and places her hand on the image, allowing the recent memory to play in her mind.

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"Remember that we are on the defense! Any able-bodied students should make escorting the injured to the evacuation site their top priority!" You hear Riddle command as you counter an incoming attack.

"I'd love to if these guys would let up for even a second!" Ace says as you take out the Floccus in front of you with your gauntlets only for two more to reveal themselves.

"Ugh! They're never-ending! Even WE won't be able to evacuate at this rate! And that's not even accounting for this INFURIATING FOG!!!" Vil shouts as the multicolored fog around them seems to get thicker almost in response.

"Tch. I knew I should've taken this seriously from the start. Oh well, it's not like I'd have been able to keep the ace up my sleeve much longer." You say to yourself in a low voice before calling out to the others, "Everyone! Follow my voice and get close to me!"

"Why???" Jamil questions while barely dodging a shot from a Cavum.

"There's no time to explain! Just do it!!" You urge from your place in the fog, causing the others to join you in creating a very tight circle as the homunculi slowly close in.

"Alright Herbivore, we're here." Leona says with his back to you, "I'd really like to hear about this master plan you've got 'cause as great as your powers are, I don't think they can do enough here."

You scoff at his last statement, "Then I'd suggest you watch and learn!"

As you finish your sentence, you strike a dynamic pose and call out, "APACHANA NAPTA" causing an infernal rune to blaze to life on your back and open six magic circles in the air that allow the same number of gigantic, red spiked hands to come through.

You then begin stringing together every dance move you can think of as the hands respond to your will by flying through the fog and spinning in a drill-like fashion, whipping up miniature cyclones that will hopefully disperse it while the others look at you in bewilderment.

Your plan works and the fog is completely dispersed, revealing numerous Stratus and Floccus along with a couple manta ray shaped homunculi that seem to be the ones creating the fog.

Upon locating the fog's source, you immediately send the six hands of Hekatonchier after them while also scooping up some other homunculi that were blocking the evacuation route.

With the fog's source eliminated and an opening created, you call out to the others to snap them out of their confusion, "The path to the evacuation site is open again! I'll hold these guys off so you all can escape and we'll meet back up later!"

"Are you crazy?! We aren't just gonna leave you to--" Kalim tries to argue, but is cut off by Hekatonchier's arms appearing again and shoving him and everyone else towards the exit.

"I'm afraid that wasn’t a request." You say over your friends' numerous protests as they're fully pushed through and locked behind the door to the main hallway, "Don't you worry, I don't plan on dying here." You say under your breath as you prepare to engage the enemy.

However, rather than immediately attacking you, a Floccus towards the center of the group is suddenly shrouded in mist that forms into what resembles a face that begins speaking to you.

"Now that we have some time to speak one-on-one, I must say that this is a rather unique universe that you call home." The clouded face remarks, "You are quite unique, as well. Your energy is identical to that of an Arch-Eve, however--"

The face's words are cut off by the sound of a gunshot and a bullet sailing right through it.

"If you're about done talking, can we finish this up? My class is having a field trip today and I've no intention of ruining my perfect attendance." You say with a teasing smile.

The face reforms before continuing.

"Hmph, you appear to have the unfounded confidence of an Arch-Eve. I suppose every rule must have an exception. However, such struggles will soon prove fruitless as this world faces its unavoidable--" The clouded face is cut off again, this time by one of your gauntlets that loops around and returns to your side.

"I have no recollection of signing up for a class where the teacher does nothing but ramble on about his own megalomaniacal pretensions. And I don't know about you, but I'd rather not stay for the lecture." You say with your gauntlets ready.

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The memory finishes as the young man charges toward the horde of homunculi and Bayonetta's mind is brought back to the present.

Despite everything she saw, Bayonetta can only wonder about one thing, "That young man...could it be that he's--" She has no time to think, however, as six summoning circles open in front of her that produce the same red, hulking arms that she saw in the memory.

Bayonetta waits for them to do something, but the hands simply float there almost expectantly, as if she's supposed to read this thing's mind, wherever it is.

Luckily, she manages to piece together a guess based on the memory she just saw along with prior experience, "I assume you're here because your master is in danger and you want me to lend a hand?" Bayonetta prompts.

The hands float there for a few more seconds before inclining down and then up, as if they were nodding in agreement.

This causes Bayonetta to smile in amusement, "Well normally, I'd say that six hands should be enough to handle any problem, but I suppose adding two more to the mix wouldn't hurt." She says as the hands disintegrate and absorb into her back in the form of an infernal rune as a sign of a temporary pact being forged.

Bayonetta then turns towards the entrance to the main hallway, figuring that heading in the direction of the evacuation site is her best bet for now, only for her surroundings to be shrouded in fog, which is presumably the work of the manta-shaped homunculus she saw in the memory.

Using the technique of the young man, Bayonetta manages to dispel the fog and defeat the remaining homunculi, one of which drops a holo-scroll that lists its name and unit classification:

NACREOUS

LIGHT FLOTATION CAMOUFLAGE UNIT

"Nacreous, eh? I hope the humidity from the fog it creates won't mess with my hair TOO much." Bayonetta says as she finally proceeds through the door to the main hallway.

She makes her way through the halls once more, occasionally having to run through patches of fog or climb up or down several flights of stairs or both at once, all while dipping in and out of classrooms to check for any stranded students or homunculi in need of a lesson.

Bayonetta eventually reaches the very front entrance of the building and opens it just to see countless homunculi swarming in the sky above and running rampant on the streets below.

"I honestly don't know what I was expecting." Bayonetta says to herself as she takes in the lay of the land to determine her next course of action before noticing another purple, glitching image suspended in the air at a street flanked on both sides by seven peculiar looking statues.

'This ought to be good.' She thinks as she makes her way to the street and places her hand on the image.

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You finish defeating your foes in the courtyard and are about to head through the main hallway when you notice a stray Nacreous flying away in the direction of the evacuation site.

You get an idea and use the extra leg strength your demon masquerade form gives you to jump high into the air and land on its back, "If you've got somewhere to be, then surely you won't mind if I tag along." You say while getting a firm grip on your ride.

You soar over the walls of NRC and scan the streets below to see a group of familiar faces being blocked by several enemies on their way to the main gates.

You quickly slam your fist down on the Nacreous, causing it to do a nosedive towards your destination before you grab it by the tail, swing it around and slam it into a Fractus at the front of the group.

"Y/n?!" Ruggie screeches in surprise as you land gracefully between your enemies and allies, "We thought that you were...well..."

"Oh, come on! Didn't I say that we'd meet back up later? Have some faith in me!" You say, having taken offense from Ruggie's statement.

"I'm just glad that Shrimpy's back!" Floyd cheers while tag-teaming a Floccus with Jade.

"Your presence IS reassuring in these trying times." Jade follows up as his enemies fall before him.

"You say that as if I would allow harm to come to even a single hair on any of your darling heads!" You say while walking over to pinch the twin eels' cheeks lovingly.

"Y/n, I'd appreciate it if you would focus on the invaders for now!" Trey calls to you while striking down a Stratus.

"Oh, don't you worry, my dear!" You say while shifting into your demon masquerade form, "I've already got you covered!" You exclaim as all three of your pairs of arms stretch forwards and wrap tightly around three Floccus and Fractus that were blocking the way forward and toss them aside with ease.

"The way's clear! Get moving, I'll cover you!" You say as everyone begins filing towards the path to the main gates and you stretch your arms out in all directions, knocking away any enemies that get close. However, as you watch your classmates proceed, you notice the absence of a certain five students.

"Wait, where are Ace and the others?!" You shout as you look over the crowd again.

"Myah! Don't worry, y/n! They said they heard screaming off in that direction so they went to go check it out!" Grim says from your side while pointing towards the coliseum.

"'Don't worry!' He says. I'm going to go check on them!" You announce as you start turning around before Cater puts his hand on your shoulder.

"Y/n, there's no time! They're all big boys so they can handle themselves. Plus, we need you to help escort the injured!" Cater says urgently.

You growl in response, "........Fine. But if they don't meet us at the evacuation site in one piece, I'm blaming you!" You finally acknowledge as you help the others push forward.

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Bayonetta's mind returns to the present with the sound of several voices yelling, one of which she knows very well, in the direction of what appears to be a large coliseum.

"A school with a private coliseum? Now this I HAVE to see." Bayonetta says before heading down the path towards it while taking out any homunculi that are in her way.

Upon entering through the gates, Bayonetta sees a familiar head of blonde hair fighting a horde of homunculi alongside five students with...interesting hair colors.

She quickly joins the fray and defends the students from several surprise attacks as numerous Nacreous descend from above, bringing their fog with them.

"Ugh, this damn fog again!" Bayonetta hears Viola shout in frustration.

"Don't get your trousers in a twist, Kitty. I have the perfect solution!" Bayonetta says as she strikes a dynamic pose and calls out, "APACHANA NAPTA" to summon the arms of Hekatonchier that get to work dispelling the fog and grabbing the Nacreous out of the air before dropping them all in a stack and slamming down on them all at once.

After dispatching the last of the homunculi, Bayonetta feels her temporary pact with Hekatonchier end as its original master calls for its aid.

A beat of silence passes before Bayonetta walks over to speak with Viola while ignoring the other students staring at her, "I'm quite sure I told you to fight FOR others, Kitty. Not drag them into a mess they're woefully unprepared for." She says in an unamused tone.

"Look Bayonetta, I didn't have a choice! They were already fighting when I got here and before I knew it, the homunculi had us surrounded so I couldn't get them out!" Viola defends herself as the five students in question slowly approach the two of them.

"So, uh," One of the young men Bayonetta recognizes from the first memory speaks up, Ace, if she remembers correctly, "Miss Bayonetta, was it?" He asks cautiously.

She sighs before turning to face the group of students, "Just Bayonetta is fine. What do you want?" She says, causing them all to flinch as if she would bite their heads off for such a minor annoyance.

'You'd think they've never spoken to a lady before.' Bayonetta muses as Ace opens his mouth again.

"R-right. Bayonetta, would you happen to know someone named y/n? Like, a cousin or little brother, maybe?" He says while refusing to make eye contact.

"Hmm," Bayonetta brings her hand to her chin thoughtfully, "I might. Why do you ask?"

"Wh-- Because you two look so much alike, it's scary???" The blue-haired student exclaims incredulously.

".......I'm afraid I don't know for sure, little ones. I'd have to meet this 'y/n' in person to say one way or the other." Bayonetta says, causing Ace and the blue-haired student to look at each other in confusion while the other three get angry at being called 'little'.

"Ah'll have ya know that Ah'm a young adult!" The lavender-haired student exclaims.

"I'm 6'2"! How am I little?!" The silver-haired student with wolf ears questions.

"I, SEBEK ZIGVOLT, DID NOT TRAIN MY WHOLE LIFE TO BE MALLEUS-SAMA'S BODYGUARD JUST TO BE CALLED 'LITTLE ONE'!!!" The lime green-haired student shouts angrily before the whole thing devolves into them bickering amongst themselves.

Viola uses the confusion to whisper into Bayonetta's ear, "D'you think this 'y/n' could be this world's version of you?"

"Sounds about right. Though we should probably keep that part to ourselves. These students have been through so much already, adding multiverse nonsense into the mix would break their poor minds in half." Bayonetta whispers back.

Viola nods as Bayonetta raises her voice to get the students' attention, "Alright little ones, I've answered your question and now I have a couple of my own. First, what exactly are you all doing in this place? It doesn't seem like the fabled 'evacuation site' to me." The umbra witch asks despite the same three students getting angry at being called 'little' again.

"Well, we WERE going to the evacuation site, but we heard screaming so we split off from the group and found a bunch of our classmates being attacked here. We fought off the monsters long enough for them to escape, but the entrance ended up blocked off before we could follow them." Ace explains in exasperation.

"I see. As for my second question: Would any of you happen to know if something like *this* is somewhere on this campus?" Bayonetta asks while taking out one of her chaos gears.

The young men look thoughtful for a moment before the blue-haired student has a look of realization, "Oh! I think I saw y/n carrying something similar while we were evacuating!"

"Is that so? So it all comes back to reaching the evacuation site, then?" The umbra witch says, mildly annoyed, "Can we trust you to guide us there? If you agree, you have my word that you'll make it in one piece."

The five students look at each other for a moment before hesitantly nodding, "Sure, but only if ya stop calling me little! Ah'm a grown man and Ah have a name, it's Epel!" The lavender-haired student says, earning a simple scoff from Bayonetta while Viola gives a knowing sigh.

"I'm afraid that condition is non-negotiable. You only earn your name when you become a man and, last time I checked, a mature, grown man wouldn't get so offended at being called 'little one' now would he?" She says while walking over and pushing her finger against his forehead, causing him to stumble back, flustered.

Ace speaks up before Epel can argue, "Ok! Whatever! Can we PLEASE get going?!"

"Hmph, glad to see at least one of you has his priorities straight." Bayonetta comments as the group exits the coliseum.

They all make their way through the practically infested streets of the campus as a thought occurs to Bayonetta.

"Say Kitty, come to think of it, weren't you supposed to be looking for our furry friend?" The umbra witch asks while taking out a Nacreous.

"I DID look for him, but I never found anything! I didn't even sense his magic anywhere! And if that's the case, then he might not have followed us into this world." Viola responds while cutting a Stratus in half.

"Hmm...well I suppose we all need even a little time to sit down and lick our wounds." Bayonetta reasons as they continue down the path towards the main gate.

"The evacuation site is down in the town plaza!" Ace says as they weave through the foggy streets, barely dodging all manner of sneak attacks from the homunculi before finally entering a clearing where the fog is light enough to make out all of the students that Bayonetta saw in the memories engaged in combat.

The two groups merge, albeit with some bewildered stares towards Bayonetta and Viola, and take on the invaders with renewed vigor.

The battle continues as the homunculi keep coming and the fog created by the Nacreous gets thicker and thicker. Bayonetta prepares to summon Malphas in the absence of Hekatonchier, but then hears a familiar voice call out "NAPTA" from across the way and then sees the demon's arms dispelling the fog once again.

Scanning the now clear plaza for the voice's owner, Bayonetta soon sees a young man with black hair, similar glasses to hers and an umbran watch tied around his left bicep accompanied by a small cat adorned with blue flames.

Bayonetta quickly runs towards the young man upon seeing a Nebulosus approaching him while he's still controlling his demon, leaving him defenseless, and swiftly eliminates it to allow the young man time to de-summon the demon.

"I assume you're the famous y/n I've been hearing about?" Bayonetta says as she turns to face the young man and holds out her hand, "May I ask if the name 'Bayonetta' rings any bells?"

The two make eye contact as bewilderment flashes across the young man's face, which quickly turns into realization and understanding as he takes Bayonetta's hand and they nod at each other with their signature confident smiles before she swings him around to let him deliver a powerful kick to another Nebulosus as she shoots a Lacunosus out of the sky before returning back-to-back.

"I do hope you'll fill me in on what's going on after we take care of these nuisances." Y/n says from behind Bayonetta, who nods.

"But of course! I just hope you happen to like long stories." She replies as they prepare to fight alongside each other to extinguish the imposing threat.

The two then make their way across the battlefield, working in perfect tandem to defeat countless homunculi and provide aid to y/n's friends along the way who either watch in sheer awe or cheer them on wholeheartedly.

"I must say that you've got quite the entourage rooting for you." Bayonetta says as she slices through several Stratus at once, "You seem very keen on protecting them as well. Could it be there's someone you fancy among that group?"

"Getting right down to business, huh?" Y/n responds as he uses his electric gauntlet to send a shock wave through three Floccus, "Tell you what, I'll answer that question after everything's dealt with. You were going to tell me what's going on anyway and I'd feel bad if I couldn't give you some worthwhile info in return!"

Bayonetta giggles in response, "It’s a trade, then! I look forward to hearing all the juicy details!"

The battle continues as the group slowly gets pushed closer and closer to the center of the plaza, despite Bayonetta, y/n and Viola's best efforts, due to the sheer numbers and tenacity of the homunculi.

"Surely you realize by now, Arch-Eve," The voice of Singularity echoes over the area, "How pointless this struggle is. Your last stand is quickly coming undone and your world will soon meet the same fate. These facts are incontrovertible."

Bayonetta looks around as she fights and sees tired looks on the other students faces, she and y/n may be able to keep going, but they're clearly reaching their limits.

"I'm in NO mood to entertain such a horrid outlook. If I cared about your so-called 'facts', then I wouldn't be where I am now!" Y/n says defiantly.

However, despite such a courageous declaration, a stray Nacreous gets bold and quickly breaks past their defensive line, making a straight shot with blinding speed towards a distracted student with long, black horns, causing y/n to sprint towards him, eyes wide with desperation.

"MALLEUS!!!" Y/n screams as he tackles the other man out of the way, his glasses falling on the ground as he's enveloped by the Nacreous in his place.

Bayonetta, Viola and some of the others can only watch in horror while the rest quickly try to get the Nacreous off of y/n, but are pushed away by more of them piling on top until the only sound that escapes the pile is that of a crystal shattering.

The other students begin crying out the young man's name as a red light spreads throughout the mound of Nacreous that causes them to meld together and float into the sky while more and more Nacreous either fly around or absorb into it.

The blue mass forms into a humongous version of the Nacreous Bayonetta had fought so far with an incredibly thick fog swirling around it.

Singularity's voice emanates from what Bayonetta assumes to be Arch-Nacreous, "With the Arch-Eve's death, this world's destruction will soon occur. If it is your wish, you may enter the fog and not have to witness such horrors. You will simply become one with nothingness." The voice says as the fog descends around them.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!" Leona shouts in response to the voice.

"NO ONE ASKED!!!" Jade yells in raw fury.

"NO ONE CARES!!!" Floyd yells at the same time as his brother.

"WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT?!" Trey shouts.

"GIVE Y/N BACK!!!" Kalim demands through tears.

"YEAH!!! GIVE HIM BACK!!!" Ruggie agrees with Kalim, beginning a chant.

"GIVE HIM BACK!!! GIVE HIM BACK!!! GIVE HIM BACK!!!" All of the students shout at once, uncaring towards the world's destruction.

Such defiance breaks Bayonetta out of her shock and causes her resolve to solidify as she begins to recite the Deadly Sin incantation while shoving her hand into her chest and ripping out her heart as an offering.

"DO O IA BAYONETTA

CNILA D COMSELHA ODO ANANAEL

ZILDAR VPAAH FAFEN NIIS

MICALZ OZONGON AR"

As she recites the incantation, a large summoning circle opens in the sky and a powerful wind rips through the fog to reveal an enormous version of the bird demon she knows, with three sets of wide, hulking wings and a beak and talons that look like they can cut through diamonds with ease, this is no regular Malphas. This is:

Bringer of Malevolent Cyclones

Hurricane Malphas

Bayonetta watches from the ground as Hurricane Malphas wastes no time and divebombs Arch-Nacreous, forcing it away from above the town plaza to above the sea outside of the port.

However, the fight soon isn't just between Hurricane Malphas and Arch-Nacreous as the horned student that y/n sacrified himself for, Malleus, lets out a rage-filled yell and is consumed by a pillar of green fire that erupts from under him. The fire then forms into an enormous fireball that fades away to reveal an immense black dragon that flies over to Hurricane Malphas' side to take on Arch-Nacreous with it.

Despite the battle that's starting in the sky, the homunculi on the ground show no interest in letting up, forcing the students to forget their awe as Bayonetta takes a defensive position among them so as to avoid as much direct combat as possible in her very vulnerable state.

The two battles rage on as Malleus and Hurricane Malphas tag team Arch-Nacreous, the flapping of their powerful wings leaving no chance for any fog to settle in, allowing Viola and the other students ample visibility of their enemies on the ground. The adrenaline from the rage they all seem to be feeling allows the students to take on the homunculi with more vigor and brutality than before as the homunculi start being taken out faster than they can be replaced, causing their numbers to decline.

The two battles reach their climax as Arch-Nacreous is stunned, allowing Hurricane Malphas to trap it in a vortex so powerful that it draws in the remaining homunculi that were on the ground and Malleus breathes fire into it, encasing their enemies in an all-consuming inferno that leaves nothing but a charred shell of what remains that Malleus hits with his tail over to the plaza and crumbles into dust upon landing.

Bayonetta de-summons Hurricane Malphas, allowing her heart to reform in her chest as she sifts through the ashes and finds the six gauntlets y/n had wielded along with his chaos gear, putting them away for later while Malleus approaches her after reverting back to his human form.

"I must thank you for aiding us in repelling the invaders and avenging y/n." Malleus says while clearly barely holding back his sadness, "You two seemed to know each other. May I ask how?"

"...You could say he was a relative of mine. We didn't know each other personally, but I could tell he cared deeply for you and your classmates." Bayonetta turns around, walks over and picks up y/n's glasses from where they'd fallen on the ground, all while noting the glowing holes growing in the sky, "Which is why I think he would've preferred that you have these." She walks back over to Malleus and hands him y/n's glasses.

Malleus holds the glasses in his hands as his sadness finally spills over and he falls to his knees, tears running down his face.

Bayonetta looks around to see y/n's other classmates mourning the loss of their friend and then up to see the holes in the sky growing ever larger, "Kitty, I think it’s time we take our leave." She says to Viola across the way, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"O-ok, Bayonetta." Viola responds before catching her breath and then joining her.

As they walk away, Bayonetta hears the mournful cries of the students.

"Did you see us, y/n...?"

"You can rest easy now, Herbivore."

"*sniff* I'll really miss you, Shrimpy!"

"You will never be forgotten, Trickster."

"W-we'll leave a seat open for you at our next banquet, y/n!"

"I'll save a slice of my next tart for you, y/n!"

Viola looks over her shoulder and whispers into Bayonetta's ear, "Are we seriously not gonna tell them about--" However, her sentence is cut off by Bayonetta grabbing her cheeks and turning her head forward.

"Eyes forward, Kitty. They deserve this moment, no matter how fleeting it is." Bayonetta says as they keep walking until their surroundings are fully engulfed by the white void and they soon find themselves back on Thule, all while Bayonetta silently vows that Singularity will pay for what he's done a hundredfold.

Whatre your thoughts on the nerd emoji (this studious young man 🤓)

.....you know what hes kind of cute i wont lie ive been kinda feeling that way about him idkkkk

Okay so this is very obviously NOT the finished product. Not even a little bit. But I'm writing a prequel bit for Fate's Crystal Majesty for @athena-anna-rose's writing contest. And. I'm having the hardest and funniest fucking time writing an oblivious straight man. I have no experience in this category of Guy so writing this bit is killing my sensibilities but it's already so fucking funny and I wanted to share. Current progress is under the cut. This is turning into a comedy.

~

~

Contest Story: What Once Was

"I've been meaning to say this for a while," said a voice, light and playful like a bell. "...But you really are pretty cute, mister Crown Prince!"

Solaris Trinidad Coronis nearly slammed his book closed, face turning red as his head whipped around. There, standing behind him, was a young mage— a university student that was younger than him, and a familiar one. Her blonde hair and aquamarine eyes would have been a dead giveaway, even if her uniquely folded 'dog' ears didn't signal her identity and status.

"O-oh, you're… Lunari Nitewing, correct? I believe I've seen you around…" He asked, doing his best to ignore her commentary on him. He nearly winced as he glanced at the nearby clock, suddenly noticing the time.

The young half-Rorvan nodded, grinning. "Yes, your highness. But I'm surprised you remembered my name… They say you spend too much time with your head hidden in these books to notice much, and I'll admit, this library is where I usually end up seeing you."

He sniffed, wolf ears giving a disdainful twitch as he collected his studying materials. "Well 'they' don't seem to know the value of being well-read… but at least they're smart enough not to insult me to my face, I guess…" Though… he thought wryly, I'd have to be blind not to notice the most magical young woman on the planet. "...You ought not to listen to gossip, Miss Nitewing. You have a lot of talent. It would be a true shame if you got caught up in a bad crowd."

"I find your studious nature endearing, actually!" The girl giggled. He suddenly realized how petite she was as she sat on the table, her eyes just barely higher than his were. "Makes you seem like a normal person."

"You'll find that I am a normal person, Miss Nitewing," he said, voice even. "I do what I can to make sure that being a prince doesn't get in the way of being a good citizen."

He stood then, gathering his books in his arms, then gave the girl another quick once-over. Sky blue Rorvan-inspired blouse over white pants, dark boots, a charming blue headband to match her top, tasteful floral scented oils along her pulse points… she looked a bit too nice for a trip to the library.

Is she… going out with someone?

He gave a polite cough. "If you're planning to meet someone, you shouldn't be chatting me up… someone might get the wrong idea if you speak to me."

She smiled almost pointedly. "Oh, I don't know if I'm going out yet… the guy I like doesn't seem to notice me as much as he thinks he does. I'm actually here to talk him into going to dinner with me."

Solaris blinked, suddenly a little surprised and annoyed on her behalf. What kind of idiot wouldn't notice her? "Oh… that's too bad. Someone as interesting as you should be at the top of anyone's list. Are you meeting him here?"

The young woman giggled. "Actually, he's already here. I'm just running a social experiment to see how long it takes him to notice."

HSA Student porfile - Maroba Harudora

Name: Maroba Harudora

Based on: Magalor

𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿:Male (He/him)

𝗔𝗴𝗲: 18

𝗕𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆: October 24

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: Scorpio 

𝗛𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁:  154  cm/ 5’1 

𝗘𝘆𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿: Blue

𝗛𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿: platinum blonde with Blue streaks 

.

𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗦

𝗗𝗼𝗿𝗺: Dreamy Star by @twsted-princess​

𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿: Second

𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀: 2-A 

𝗢𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Student

𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯: Drama club( This  makes too much sense Considering Magolor )

𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁: Elemental Arts , Marketing ,

Homeland: Planet Halbrax / Scalding Sands

Sexuality: Pansexual

.

.

𝗙𝗨𝗡 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗦:

𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱: Left

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱:  Nikuman( Steamed Pork Buns) , Apples 

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱: Circus Peanuts 

Likes: Pranks, Schemes , Money! , Amusement parks, Carnivals , Books 

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀: …Ronnie(he can See through you tricks boy ) , Rachel (Rival) ,  Getting Scammed , Crowns .

𝗛𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆: Fucking with People , Theater , Drawing ,cooking

𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Charisma, Persuasion , Acting , Magic, Making profits, Pranks, R/Petty Revenge 

𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬:

On The Surface , Maroba seems to be Shy and studious and Polite , Young Man  . However While he Is studious he Definitely isn’t Shy polar opposite his rather Sociable and friend .Maroba dose not know what cause his Spike in popularity though He is Rather Charismatic and likes making Big impression , Teasing people and Showing off . However  Maroba is much more Logically inclined in other words in other words

“ While I don’t Believe in Luck ,I make a Profit from Poisenalle when They need Good luck charms and since Rachel is gone I can expand My “fairly”  price Ventures .~”

, He Also Kind of A little Bastard he has knack of being able to persuade people into doing things for him without  causing any suspicion . Which way Ronnie is On his Fuck off List , Maroba has Seen Every Tactic Of  his,cause Maroba has Them Used on people . Maroba Hopes to See the Day Ronnie gets himself in Trouble for it. 

Maroba dose like Joke about doing” Evil” Schemes even making Only for that Scheme To be a small bit of Mischief.

Maroba is a Rather Prodigious Mage so if You Try and Attack him he’s probably going to summon a Portal To Teleport you away.

Unique Magic 

Under My Control 

 

A rather Powerful Unique Magic That Maroba has access to he assigns a Specific Phrase for Everyone for Activation All he has to is Speak it the Person will Fall limp and He can Make thier Body Do what He Wants… The Draw back is the Person is Still Conscious and These Phrases  are Ridiculous sounding 

so For example Maroba just doesn’t say Pancakes and Rubina falls on her Face (this Definitely did not actually happen. )

By the Way Rubina and Flynn’s Phrases Are Burgertime and Magically Delicious Pancakes

Trivia

Maroba  Is Left handed cause Magalor  is often Depicted as Primarily left handed 

Maroba Popularity is Mainly due to Fact that Magolor has Been mentioned or Appeared in. Most games  after Return to Dreamland

Maroba  is mainly Popular cause his Cute and Polite , He  dosent Mind cause that earns more Business .

Maroba Kinda Is unaware about his Cuteness As Everyone one his Planet would be considered “cute” infact on Halbrax he was considered Handsome . 

Those Things on his Head are Ears Even though they look more like horns

Apparently He know a Zane Svärdstav  (Zan Partizanne)  and Often Teases him calling Sauerkraut 

Apparently  This his Revenge For Being called a Blueberry 

This is also Reference to When The Mage Sisters were announced as Dream friends Magolor called Zan Partizanne   parmesan cheese". This was his payback to Zan Partizanne calling him an Egg in a previous Twitter post.

He Apparently doesn’t like Crowns on Peoples Head and On a Visit around the Dorms of NRC Requested Riddle and Vil to Take thiers off . 

He Freezes When a Crown is Placed  on his Head,it’s unknown why But he States “he never wants to Be Like that again .

He Lives in Scalding Sands cause it Feels like Home . 

If He’s Mad He sounds rather Scary 

Maroba Also Like being In Villian Roles but He says He likes also likes playing Turncoats and Double Agents.

Tends to Hang Around Sento a lot .

Tends to Congratulate people Using Bravo and Had a large Vocabulary

He’s Apparently good at Driving Large Machine 

he doesn’t like to admit that his Kinda Gluttonus

Gabrielle reminds him the Dragons like creature he used to see on his homeplanet.

Voice Claim 

Ramura Amemura( Yes His voice Sounds that deep when his Mad or irritated but Regular Ramura is his Actual voice )

Theme Songs

(Normal)

Magalor the Distance Traveler

Under My Control

Crowned

Juno ver

🎥 (Minglian)

@lunarxdaydream || Send 🎥 for a random scene of my muse’s life

"Are you sure Laoshi won't mind?" Sure, Shifu had given the okay to "skip" her lessons with them, but her other teacher still thought she was with them! Still...the café was cute, and the delicately decorated cake on her plate before her tasted delicious. Paired with the blue sky above and the cool spring breeze that brushed against her cheek, it was a perfect day. Even if she was supposed to be training...

"Xiao-Lian, what's the point of life if you're not a little rebellious?" Peering over the pair of sunglasses that shielded his eyes from the bright sun above, an equally as fanciful cake sitting partially-eaten before him, Zhaohui shot the girl a grin. "Besides, I've never met anyone even as half as studious and hardworking as you." His spoon dug into the spongy texture of the cake, and right before bringing it to his lips, the dragon laughed. "A break is well-deserved. If our dear, sweet Hua Hua is upset about it, I'll handle it."

"I think he'd be more upset about it being you who started this all rather than at me taking a day off..." Her spoon scraped idly against her plate, the younger dragon now suddenly intent on the cake before her. Zhaohui's brow rose.

"Something's on your mind." It wasn't a question.

Minglian pursed her lips in response before finally giving a small sigh. "Maybe...maybe Laoshi wouldn't get so upset if you didn't goad him so much, Zhao-ge. Sometimes it feels like you do things just to get a reaction from him." More like 'always'. She never knew the specifics of why her teacher and Zhaohui never seemed to get along and they had been like that ever since she was created. But, from what she understood, they only recently met not very long before that... There was a whole host of motivations and shared history among all of the others spanning centuries, if not millennia, that she wasn't privy to. Sometimes it always felt like she was playing catch up.

And that wasn't even getting into the history revolving around her predecessor... Her fingers tightened around the grip of her spoon.

Zhaohui didn't answer her for a long time, during which he took several more idle bites of his cake until only the crumbs remained on his plate. It was difficult to read the other's expressions behind his sunglasses. She almost wondered if she had crossed the line and angered him when the man suddenly let out a laugh that nearly startled her.

"哎呀, there's no need for the young one to worry her sweet head over the business of us fossils! What's between your teacher and I is between your teacher and I. Oh, don't pout like that!"

A blatant brushing off if there was any. She wanted to ask more but even just the mention of 'fossils' was enough to redden her cheeks. "How many times do I have to apologize for that! Ohh, I wish Laoshi hadn't told any of you about it!"

"But he did and now you have to live with it! In fact, I may need your help rising from this chair when we're done, my knees aren't quite what they used to be..."

She was going to throw something at him! And then cry!

片场巨星, 作者：紫矜

Studio Superstar by Zijin

Xue Xiao was a diligent and hardworking background actor. Then he offended a big name in the circle and became unable to receive new acting roles.

He thought he would never be able to realize his dream and become an excellent actor like Shen Tingyan until he suddenly received an email one day.

[Hello, you have passed the audition for ‘Studio Superstar.’ Please be on time…]

This was an actor talent show created by the largest media platform in the country. A new starting point was laid out in front of him.

Here, he went from being unknown to becoming the brightest star on the big screen.

At the same time, he also touched the star that belonged to him.

—

Shen Tingyan was one of the four mentors of the show ‘Studio Superstar,’ and his first impression of Xue Xiao was that of a shy, studious contestant who carefully watched every scene with wide eyes.

The second time he saw Xue Xiao, he found that even if this young man had no one to act with him, he could use the little flowers on the roadside, the air in front of him, or the kitten taking a nap in front of him as his scene partners to practice his lines diligently. There might be a bit of shyness, but he was entirely focused once immersed in it.

The third time he saw Xue Xiao, the young man was lying in a corner of the studio and sleeping in a daze. The script he held in his arms was full of his previous comments on the scene, and a cute chibi version of a person was drawn next to it.

This little person inexplicably looked like him, which made Shen Tingyan fall into deep thought.

The fourth time he saw Xue Xiao…

The little guy was peeking at him.

Once Xue Xiao was caught, he buried his head in a panic and pretended that nothing had happened. However, his ears were so red that they seemed to be dripping blood.

Shen Tingyan stared at the crimson color, paused, and drew a horizontal line on his script.

He inexplicably decided that he would make a note of it every time he caught Xue Xiao peeking at him in the future.

Then he found that he had drawn a full ten ‘正’ characters in just one day.

Shen Tingyan finally couldn’t help laughing.

—

Xue Xiao’s starting point was a passerby corpse on the battlefield.

Later, he became a dejected young man drunk by the side of the road, a high-spirited young general, a lonely mute, a dissolute wastrel…

He ran all the way to the brightest night sky. On the day he stepped on the Best Actor’s podium at the age of 25, the one who handed him the trophy was Shen Tingyan, who accompanied him all the way.

Shen Tingyan asked him with a smile, “What do you want to do most now?”

Xue Xiao faced this man, pursed his lips, and smiled. “I have already obtained what I want most.”

“What about you?”

“I want to hold the star in my hand now,” the man said.

Raws: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=4398837

Translation: https://www.novelupdates.com/series/studio-superstar/

Shou MC: Xue Xiao | Gong ML: Shen Tingyan

Setting: Modern, Entertainment industry

I really like reading about lively positive characters, and Xue Xiao is very lively. It’s also great to see that the love interest, Shen Tingyan, also has his own little quirks, and many of the side characters are so supportive!

Xue Xiao is a serious, hardworking actor who gets recognised for his talent and ability on a variety show about acting. There are a lot of neat little stories that he and the other characters act out, as part of the show, and I found them all engaging.

Hi hi!! Here to request a normal matchup if they’re still open (if not pls ignore this!!)

I identify as a bisexual female (she/her), no gender preference but I’d like a human matchup :]

I’m a pretty shy and studious person, I love reading and learning and quiet! I’m also into drawing, painting, and writing!

I’d like to think I’m a kind person, I’m always trying to think of others and do nice things for them :)

But yeah I am indeed very shy,, I struggle to approach people, especially to ask for help qwq

Idk if you wanna do anything with this but I’m a very short and scrawny gal,, I have like. zero strength.

Hopefully this isn’t too much!! Tysm if you do this; you’re amazing either way though!! Take care you sweet thing <33

I match you with adult Genya Shinazugawa!

This stubborn young man wanted to become Hashira so badly that he ended up hurt and taken to the Butterfly Mansion to be treated. It was nothing serious thanks to his ability to heal when he had eaten Demon's flesh, but Shinobu had insisted that he got himself checked.

Genya is so awkward and shy around girls, but he likes to think that at least he knows all the girls who work in the Mansion, but that was when he notices that there is a new girl aka you in there, and he loses all the confidence he had in himself.

You are so petite and so freaking shy it's so cute and you can barely look at Genya, let alone bring him his meals or change his bandages. You aren't alone, Genya is suffering just as much as you are.

Time passes and Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho help Genya to train back to the proper Demon hunting shape, but as he has been training, he has seen you sitting on a porch, enjoying the warm rays of sunshine while your nose is buried in a book of some sort or you're drawing something.

Genya notices that you are extremely kind and always thinking of others before yourself. You are always close to Aoi as you trust her to do the speaking and such so you won't have to open your mouth.

Despite your quiet nature, Genya can't help but fall for you and your kindness, but he is too shy to do anything about his feelings.

Despite looking a little scary at first, you grow to like Genya also because he feels to be just as shy and awkward around you as you are around him. It's only a matter of time before you start stealing little glances at him while he is training with girls, and you are hiding your blush behind your book.

You are so shy you don't dare to tell him about your feelings, but it shows in the little things you do. Like, you go extra far for him, making sure that he has eaten well and always asking if he would like a refill or if he wanted more pillows to rest against.

It's up to excited and eager Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho to make you both realize your feelings for each other. They have plans and everything to get you two lovebirds together!

The three girls tell you that Genya wants to talk to you about his feelings for you and the other way around, telling Genya that you want to talk to him about your feelings.

You're both blushing messes as you meet at the place given to you by the girls and you are both trying to speak, but you are both speechless.

"So..."

"So...?"

"You, uh... Have feelings for me?"

"I, uh... Yes, and you too?"

"I... Yes...!"

"Kiss!" The three girls shout from the background and you and Genya blush as you realize that you have both been set up.

Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho got scolded by Aoi and she made them apologize to you and Genya, but the two of you couldn't be really mad at them since their little plan did work.

You both start to open up to each other more and get to know just how deep your feelings for each other are. You are both eager to learn more and more about each other and your interests and such.

You can't help but worry about Genya when he leaves the Mansion to hunt Demons, but he always promises to come back to you and he is a man of his word.

When things look bad, he will be there for you and keep you safe, no matter what! Be it Demons or just other humans, he will be your projector and your hero!

SO IM GONNA MAKE A GIRLFRIENDXBOYFRIEND MATCH STEREOTYPES ˘͈ᵕ˘͈

1. the poised it girl x old money heart throb

-- a lady with highly curated hobbies and who's so eloquent and well-mannered, smart, prim and proper except she gives off weak-ish persona AND a young man who tries to suit himself in the world of big men, well educated, fluent in diverse topics, doesn't go aggressive regardless of nerve-wracking situations.

2. the "one of the boys" fem x street crush

-- woman who mixes well with opposite gender, tends to be carefree yet still knows how to dress on occasions; knows all the street lingos, sounds boy-ish but never loses her fem side AND the orphan guy who the neighborhood relies on, famous in their town, messy hair and baggy clothes, rip jeans and charming smiles. they both cause town problems on purpose.

3. the cute dork x overconfident cassanova

-- innocent dork-ish gamer who loves all stuffs cute, outwardly shy around people, shut in, talks a little and softly *^* basically ignorant of social cues AND a player who stalks her endlessly (to the point of looking like harrassment) except he's got a soft spot for her undeniable innocence and it guilt trips him from taking full advantage of it. anyway, he should be famous around everybody but he only like weak but cute girls.

4. the party girl x introverted gamer

-- dresses all the time, likes to party and drink, corporate fem and a little bossy, cheerful and loud--charming to both genders AND introverted guy who doesn't like crowd, works as barista during part time, reads books during his leisure, fluent in household chores.

5. the carefree missy x overprotective best friend

-- cheerful and athletic, does casual flirting here and there, looks pretty despite struggles, works multiple jobs, blends well with both genders, sassy AND introvert guy who has secret crush on his best friend, studious, well mannered, gets dragged to her mess--basically saves her and cleans them up, morally uptight.

6. the badass boss bitch x wimpy nerd

-- gets everything her way, has well curated closet, obsessive compulsive, conceited, her way or highway, grumpy, conniving AND guy who gets all the work done, easily bullied but adorable, yes-ma'am philosophy, doesn't like arguing, somehow only corrects 'her' and doesn't care on what's going outside his bubble, doesn't like social gatherings

7. the player girl x stiff corporate guy

-- wears hot, revealing clothes in inappropriate situations, tends to get drunk all the time, doesn't care about her vocabulary, sticks to men with money, has loud group of peers AND the decent, sophisticated man who doesn't like trouble, intelligent, well-mannered, likes prim and proper women but all women in his life are either boy-ish or loud, too conscious about reputations

8. the happy go lucky sunshine x depressed rich kid

-- literally does not care a thing in the world, only looking out for fun stuffs to do, travels often and hang out with her friends a lot, pretty, charming and adorable AND guy from a wealthy family but has abusive/insensitive parents, always like going alone by himself, doesn't like being bugged except from one person, hopeless and gloomy

OKAY I'M TIRED I'LL CONTINUE TOMORROW.

EPISODE 1: ME, MY FRIENDS AND MY MOM. FT: KAJAL

*****

Contents of this entire series has to be taken light heatedly. It encompasses incestuous, sensitive, harsh and unsettling sexual content. Those who are uncomfortable with such content are advised to stay away. Rest everyone, thanks for your time and proceed for this exhilarating journey with Kajuma.

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Episode 1

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Sidharth is a cute good-hearted studious 10th class student, thanks to his father genes for his qualities. Mr. Reddy, his father, an advocate in the district court, is always busy with clients and the court. Though that brings income to the family, the poor Kajal, Sid's mom has started to feel emotionally unattended by her own husband due to his busy schedules. Sidharth is very young to notice his mother's feelings yet. Reddy has got no time to spend with his wife and Kajal has no strong heart to directly talk to Reddy over this matter. 

It has been quite a while since Kajal started to feel ignored. Her son Sid loves her but that is not the love she wants at that stage of her life. She needs a romantic, sensual love, which satisfies her sexual urges by pounding the flesh between her legs. Kajal's vagina has been ignored to such an extent that even a thought of sex would make her go crazy and starts crying out of depression. She has no one to share those feelings openly. There was an instance where Kajal was all prepared and ready to give a surprise to her husband. She donned a gorgeuous spandex lingerie waiting for her husband on a Friday night to absolutely enjoy the entire weekend with him on bed. She even got rid of her son Sid from home by sending him to his uncle's house for the weekend. But, to Kajal's surprise, Reddy sent a text message saying "Hey dear, got another important case in Delhi. Flight at 10 PM tonight. Can't make it to home this weekend. See you on Monday night." There wasn't any prior intimation, not a 'bye baby' atleast in the message, how rude and careless!, thought Kajal to herself in utter dismay. And this is just one incident of her unromantic boring phase of the life she is living lately.

Talking about Sid, his classmates at school are exactly contrasting boys. Notorious, mischevious, care-free and what not. I don't know who to thank that for. Unfortunately Sid got well with only those boys. 'Opposite poles attact', goes the saying! Raj is the naughtiest of all. He loves teasing girls in his school, and even few of his lady teachers. Teachers don't stay quiet though. A lot of complaints are lodged against Raj to his parents but they get ignored. Like parents - like son, thought the teachers and left him to himself. 

One Friday during lunch recess, Sid heard the word Kajal in Raj's voice. As he started to find where Raj is, he found that Raj is talking to their mutual friend Suhas. Sid thought of eavesdropping to that conversation. 

Suhas: That's true Raj, even I saw Sid's mom on our last parent-teacher meeting day. She is an absolute stunner. What was her name again?

Raj: Kajal, its Kajal. Remember the name buddy. These days I am getting an erection just by hearing that name. Ah Kajalll.

Suhas: Ah yes. I will definitely remember it from now. Did you see her voluptous boobs in that blouse? They were oozing out from the front. 

Raj: Her pallu tries to cover them but nah, those boobs aren't small to hide under that. hahaha. (both laughed together)

Suhas: Really bro, I have never seen such sexy woman of her age? what could be her age though? 35+?

Raj: umm my mom is 37. so we can consider Kajal as 36-38. 

Suhas: Correct, we can estimate by our moms' ages. My mom is 35. 

Raj: Suhas, to be frank, I am fed up with these girls and our teachers in school. Sid's mom made me a man I think. I am attracted to her a lot.

Suhas: Aaahan. What do you wanna do to her huh? (teased Raj)

Raj: I so wanna grab those yummy boobs and taste them, lick them and suck them to the end. ssssssss my mouth is watering now!

Suhas: hahaha control my friend. It's not that easy job to get hold of a woman. That too Sid's mom. Sid is a very sensitive and good kid. How different Kajal is going to be. I guess she is also a conservative and orthodox woman. 

Raj: Fuck all that man. I soo wanna suck those boobies dry. What if she is a nasty woman from inside. What if she is kinky from inside? and.. and.. have you ever heard of cuck?

Suhas: Yeah, I know cuckold. When the husband is impotent, right?

Raj: Nay, not exactly. Cuckold is a man whose wife cheats him by having sexual relationships with another men.

Suhas: That is what I said. A woman does that only when the husband is impotent, right?

Raj: Not necessarily. There are many fantasies in today's world bro. Wives are having sex with another men right infront of her husbands. And guess what, husband approves it and even enjoys it.

Suhas: Daaamn! seriously Raj? If Kajal is of such sort, then our job is half-done buddy. Now I am even more excited to fuck our beloved sweet friend Sid's mother. 

Both Raj and Suhas' undies got a bulge and tighter with that chat. Sid on the other side of the wall got shell-shocked. He knew about intercourse and how kids are made but never had sexual urge before on anyone. This is the first time he is hearing about such pleasures and he feels so bad to hear all those especially on her mother. He couldn't hear more and left the place at once in a confused state.

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Sid finished his supper and went to his room. He couldn't talk much to his mother that evening. He was not feeling comfortable and he can't understand why. Kajal observed it but did not care much, she thought it could have been because he got tired of PE activity in the school which happens every Friday. Kajal was finishing her night chores in the kitchen and Mr. Reddy is already snoring in the master bedroom with his belly full, the same regular lazy guy. Sid sat on his bed and was thinking about that conversation in the school. It wouldn't get out of his mind. He then opened his biology textbook. He read the human reproductive system chapter totally. He then tuned pages to AIDS chapter. He was more surprised to know the modes of tramitting and not transmitting the disease. One paragraph read in bold letters "Does not transmit by Anal or Oral injestion. Transmits by having unsafe sex with multiple people especially with strangers." That stunned him completely. 

The boobs were main point in the discussion. Sid realised that his eyes were unconciously struck on her mom Kajal's boobs all evening today and that is the reason he could not speak to her comfortably. Though, sex is related to a man's penis and a woman's vagina, Sid is starting to feel the blood pleasure in his cock as he imagined Kajal's boobs. His cock is responding to those thoughts. He wanted to open his underwear and have a look at his manhood. He removed his shorts and lowered his underwear. His cock sprang out with energy. It desperately needed a touch. Sid couldn't help but hold his cock with his hand. "Mommmmyyy", moans come out involuntarily from Sid. He couldn't believe what he was doing. But he kept holding his cock and rubbing it for the first time. He can only think of Kajal's boobs and imagine those boobs juggling in her blouse all these days. He thought whether she wears any bra inside or not. Subconciously he hoped not and smiled a little at that thought. Rubbing the cock for his own mother was giving the best pleasure of his life. 

His door was slightly open. Kajal finished the chores, closed all the doors and windows and moving to bed. Just before going to her bedroom, she saw ray of light coming out of Sid's room - the door was slightly open. Kajal went to see what's keeping her son awake at this late night. As she approached the door, she heard the moans from Sid. He was moaning her name.. "mommyy aaahh Kajalll mommmaaa". Kajal is bamboozled to hear those. She just stood at the edge of the door and peeked into the room. Her own son is stroking his cock moaning his mom's name. This was a total stunner to her. There was nothing in front of Sid but a textbook and she could not see his cock clearly in that bedlamp light. She was not sure if he was actually stroking at her or not but she can clearly see his hand motion rubbing the cock. She felt a little happy too, for his son becoming aware of sexual things and that he is growing upto a man. She thought it would be embarassing to disturb and enquire about it now and left the room. She went to her room silently and from there she texted his son, "I'm sleeping Siddhu.. don't study for too long and you too go to bed early"

Seeing that text, Sid got scared and immediately looked around, pulled up his underwear and wore pants. He could see no one around. Took a breath and relaxed. He then laid back on the bed turning the lamp off. The words of Raj and Suhas were still running in his mind, his cock getting erected and Kajal's boobs from the blouse, all are running in his mind and slowly he dozed off in those thoughts.

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Kindly provide feedback. Hope I kickstarted this exotic journey with Kajal well. Happy Fapping.

Mr.Natsuo being your teacher and you purposely flirt with other boys as wear really short skirts in his class to make him ✨jealous ✨and horny , he asks to see you after class and you get fucked on his table 🥺🥺 Sorry I’m on my period and I’m going feral 😃

No, no- never apologize for this! It makes me feral too ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Natsuo Sensei, please come get this pussy ♡

tags/warnings: teacher/student relationship, teacher kink, rough sex, unprotected sex, manipulation, improvised gags

A/N: I wrote Natsuo a bit more rough than I normally do, but I think it turned out okay;;; I also abused the words professor, doctor, sensei, and teacher;;;;

But. Ya know.

Enjoy! ♡

You were fucked the moment you walked into his classroom. Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology. 2:30 pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Led by Doctor Natsuo Todoroki. An insert into your schedule that seemed harmless enough. Interesting, surely. Something you were a little worried about- what if you turned out squeamish despite your love for all things horror and gore?- and something that would just fill your first semester of college. Harmless. Routine for your major. Nothing to give you any sort of fuss or throw you into a flustered little mess. Or, so you thought. Honestly, you hadn’t given much thought to what your professor might be like. You were more worried over having to share a dorm room with a stranger, if you could handle your class load, how hard it might be to adjust being away from home and all you’ve ever known. You suppose your mind’s eye might have conjured a vague image of a wrinkled and wizened old man with a stern gaze and whitened hair. You suppose you might have faintly imagined Doctor Todoroki to be a tired geezer in a lab coat and faded sweater vest. You suppose you might have had the predetermined, unconscious notion that your professor would be intelligent, elderly, stern and, well, someone who you would only think about in terms of being someone to give you tests and homework and lectures. You didn’t think that you would walk into the room to find a smiling, young man with a handsome face and thick thighs, big arms. You didn’t think that you would walk into the room to lock eyes with your professor and immediately go weak in the knees under a stormy gaze and a sunshine smile. You didn’t think that you would walk into the room to only have your breath snatched away, your cheeks flared with a flush, your heart forced into a thundering staccato.  You didn’t think that Doctor Todoroki would be hot. But, oh god- oh god- he’s gorgeous. Doctor Todoroki- well, Doctor Natsuo or even professor; he seems to prefer those much more than his family name- is, honestly, a living, breathing wet dream. He’s hot. He’s kind. He’s friendly. He’s funny. He’s perfect. The class that you thought would be only mildly interesting turns out to be your favorite. How could it not be when you’re blessed with a full hour of delicious eye candy, a teacher that’s so generous with his praise and has your spine tingling whenever he says your name? He’s so friendly and he’s so polite, too. The way he calls you Miss is a little old fashioned, sure, but it sends your mind reeling and your cheeks flushing- quick fantasies zipping through your thoughts as your thighs involuntarily push together. Your crush springs up from the moment you see him and it only gets stronger with each passing day. Little accidental brushes against you, the smiles he sends your way, the scent of his cologne whenever he leans over your table to correct an answer, the way his praise rings in your ears late at night- it all sends you spiraling. You’ve never had a crush quite like this before. Certainly not on a teacher. You want him, though. Oh, god, do you want him. Your roommate is the unfortunate one that has to hear you whine and moan over him- you’re much too embarrassed to admit your crush to your friends back home or any of your family; they’d be sure to scold you, to call you foolish and chide that you’re a silly little girl. She understands it, at least. That helps, keeps you from being too ashamed. “I mean, it’s no surprise you’ve got a thing for him,” she muses. “He’s young. He’s hot. Anyone would get a little crush.” You don’t like that thought, really. You don’t want to think about others lusting after your sensei. “Why not try shooting your shot?” At your scandalized look, she huffs and shrugs, rolls her eyes. “Oh, come on,” she scoffs. “No need to be such a good girl. Professors hook up with their students all the time. You just gotta be discreet.” “I can’t,” you protest- shaking your head and pulling your knees up to your chest. “And it’s not like he- he doesn’t see me in that kind of way.” “You don’t know that,” she counters with a click of her tongue. Another huff leaves her and it’s easy to see that her patience with the situation is waning. “Either feel it out or get over it or find someone else to moon over. There’s no point in moping and stewing.” You’re not moping. You’re just- you’re just- Okay, you’re mooning over him like she said. But you’re not moping. It’s just- it’s such a new situation for you. You’ve always had crushes on your peers- never anyone older than you by more than a year or two, never anyone in a position of authority over you. A taboo situation like this has never been your cup of tea- you’ve always been a good, sensible girl. Crushes on teachers have never been something you thought to entertain. But now? Well, now... You bite your lip and eye your reflection, nervously touch up your makeup in the bathroom mirror. It’s light and simple but pretty and sweet. Stalking Professor Natsuo’s social medias helped you gain the insight that he seems to prefer his women more natural and cute, innocent looking- all glossy lips and doe eyed, fluttering lashes with just the barest hint of mascara and blush. The false lashes might be a bit too much, but they make you look even more doll like and, that too, is something he seems to like. Pretty. Simple. Doll like. Sweet. Young. You think you’ve managed to put that look together rather nicely. The pleated skirt- just shy of rising above your knees- and the soft cardigan help, too, and, really, you don’t think you’ve ever looked quite so innocent before- even when you were a wide eyed, straight A, pure and untouched student back in high school. ...god, what are you doing? A groan leaves you and you nearly scrub the makeup from your face, nearly rip off the skirt and switch it out for the leggings you have stuffed inside your backpack. Nearly. You don’t think that this is really going to work. You don’t think that this is really going to draw any sort of reaction from him. And, well, maybe that’s what you need? Maybe you need to truly see that it’s a fruitless desire- maybe then it’ll shrivel up and away and you’ll be free from your sinful fantasies, free from the desire that has your head spinning. And, well, it’s been a while since you’ve dressed up a little, too- the rigors of college have had you leaning more toward comfort than style, have kept you too tired and busy to give time to makeup and skirts and a polished appearance. It feels kind of nice being all cute and attractive instead of frumpy and disheveled. ...you’re not going to change. You deserve to feel nice and you’re dying- desperate- to see how your professor will react to you looking nicer than the tired lump you usually display. Just act normal, you tell yourself as you head toward the class- clutching your textbooks tight to your chest. Don’t be too hopeful. Don’t be too excited. Don’t get disappointed. Just- just think of it as an experiment. That’s all it is, right? Just an experiment! You’re just putting a hypothesis to a test! (What a load of crap. It does help to calm your fluttering, nervous heart, though) You swallow as you approach the room and take a deep breath to steady yourself, bite your lip as you eye the open door. You can hear him rustling around and you know that the others will be around soon- you can’t just keep standing there like a dumbstruck, coltish fool. Another swallow, another deep breath. You walk into the room and fix a nervous smile on your face, chirp out a nearly stuttered “Good afternoon, Professor.” He’s faced away from you- broad back greeting your vision as he scrawls something across the blackboard. His head turns, though, and you get to hear an absent “good afternoon” replied back, you get to watch his gaze fall on you. His hand pauses. His snowy lashes blink once, twice, three times. Surprise flickers over his face- evident enough that you can catch it without doubt. His eyes flick down and back up so quickly that you almost miss it, dart away whenever your smile shrugs off its nervousness and grows ever so sweetly. You sit yourself down front and center- right in front of your sensei’s desk. He doesn’t look back at you as you organize your books and gear. He doesn’t look back at you as you primly cross your ankles and rest them to the side, drag a curious, studious gaze along his back. You had hoped for a response, but you hadn’t really expected it- Professor Natsuo has been kinder and more friendly and open than your other teachers, yes, but he’s still been professional. He’s never crossed any boundaries and you’ve never see him give another student the once over. This is...promising. Your cheeks stay flushed as the other students file in, but your anxiousness is gone away. Sure, that little look doesn’t really mean anything but now you’re...well. Now you’re curious. Desperate and needy for some validation of your silly little fantasies, but curious too. Could you...would he...? You wet your lips, unthinking, and keep your eyes on Doctor Natsuo throughout the class- analyzing his behavior, absorbing his words, taking in how his gaze finds you a bit more often than it usually does. Interesting. Encouraging. The next day you wear a skirt that’s a little bit shorter, don sweet mary janes and ankle socks decorated in lacy frills. Steel grey eyes dart to your legs more than once during the class and you even catch your professor tracing his eyes over your hips when he thinks you’re not looking- his reflection in the shining convex mirror hanging above your dissection table showing guilt, an almost nervous tilt to his lips. Oh, you’ve got him. But how do you proceed...? Your worries and frets and protests over taboo desires are long gone- they got dashed away with the first blink of his long lashes, with the first glance over he had given you. Really, you should feel ashamed over discarding your morals so easily, but it’s an exciting situation, isn’t it? It’s nothing you would ever think to find yourself in. But college is all about new, exciting situations, right? It’s about taking chances. God, you hope this is really a chance for you- you’ve never had the opportunity to play a coy game like this before. It’s...fun. High school would have been a lot more interesting if you had known this kind of thrill. You come home smiling ear to ear after a successful attempt at making Doctor Natsuo blush. (A sway of your hips, a flit of your slowly shortening skirts, a coo of his name as you thanked him for such an interesting lesson, a sweet smile and your fingers daring to skim ever so lightly and quickly over his wrist as you walked out of the classroom) The smile on your face has your roommate’s brow quirking, but one look at your outfit has her lips pulling into a smirk- something near gloating on her face. “You shooting your shot?” she asks, already knowing the answer. “Something like that.” You plop down on your bed, smile waning but still present- content as you let yourself get comfortable. She doesn’t offer any more conversation and you’re okay with that- mind fixating instead on how you could possibly further things with your sought after teacher. Things are good, for now- much better than you had ever thought they would be. The little forays into flirtation have been fun, exciting and they’ve even helped boost your confidence- something you hadn’t realized was sorely needed. It’s been fun. And it stays fun- the short skirts, the girly lilt you find yourself injecting into your voice, the soft makeup and sweet perfume, the way you always leave the class with wet panties and a vibrating exciting buzzing through you, the way your teacher’s eyes can’t help but dart over you, the way he breathes in just a bit deep when you get a little too close, the way he swallows whenever you so lightly purr his name- it all stays fun. Fun, but...frustrating. After a while it gets frustrating. Because he doesn’t do anything, not really. He stays a proper, good teacher- something you give props to him for- and he never returns your gentle flirtations, the subtle and silent invitations you push his way. He’s so...professional. It’s kind of a turn on- kind of. It’s mostly just...frustrating. You find your lips dipping into a pout more and more, find yourself sulky and downtrodden. Sure, this has been fun and interesting but you...you want more. You want him. You need him. You’ve needed him for so long it seems. You find your muffled ministrations in the shower getting more and more frantic- your fingers pumping into your cunt relentlessly but giving you none of the relief you seek. When you are able to cum, it’s always with a whimper of sensei or doctor or professor- sometimes even a daring Natsuo. You get restless and impatient, desperate and a little hopeless. If your teacher senses or sees that, he doesn’t say anything- in fact, his gaze seems to avert from the feverish look in your eyes, he seems to pull away from your bold, reckless attempts to get closer to him.  That hurts. That makes you angry. That makes you feel stupid. But he still wants you- or, at least, he still finds you tempting. You know he does- he can’t hide the way his eyes fall on you whenever you walk into the room, he can’t hide the quick glances he lays over you when he thinks no one else can see. You see his hesitance and want. You see it. ...if he’s not going to act on his desires, if he’s going to resist, then you’re going to kick things up a notch- someone has to; you can’t live with this stalemate any longer. It’s not a punishment, not really- it’s just throwing in his face what he’s missing out on. (My, whenever did you become so reckless and cruel? When did you become so desperate?) The ratio of boys to girls in the class is quite staggering- something one would think the university wouldn’t allow for fear of lawsuits. There are three boys for each girl- ambitious, studious, virginal, frantically horny things with expectations piled high on their shoulders and stress wracking their every thoughts. (It wouldn’t be unfair to say they you’re just like them- just sans the virginal part, double the stressed and horny part to make up for it) They’re good boys, for the most part- friendly and tired, nice but none of them quite to your taste or striking enough to jar your fixation from your sensei. Some of them are even handsome- which makes this a lot easier. “Oh, you brought me coffee? Thank you so much, Dai-chan! You’re so sweet!” The kiss you lay upon your classmate’s cheek makes him blush and fluster. It also makes your dear teacher stare- eyes wide and brow furrowed when you flick your gaze his way, his lips twitching as if he’s not sure if he wants to frown or not. The soft giggle you let out does bring a frown- something that deepens whenever one of the other boys comes over to grab your attention, try his hand. You should have thought of using them earlier on- they’ve been eager enough to try to flirt this whole time. Doctor Natsuo, for his part, doesn’t say or do anything- of course he doesn’t. But his usually happy temperament turns a bit tense, a little sour. He doesn’t lash out, not really, but you can see the way his teeth grit and his brow puckers whenever one of the boys dares to lay their hand on your arm, the small of your back. Good, you think- vicious and bitter, sour yourself. Get jealous. “What the fuck is up with Todoroki lately?” “Dude, did you hear how he snapped at Araka?” “Do you think something happened? He seems...stressed.” Your classmates trade hushed whispers as they flee the room, but you don’t think to join them- you stay quiet and soak in their quiet gossip, smile sharply without a look back to your grimacing, frustrated sensei. Just a little more. At this point, you’re not even sure what you want from him- an admittance of his own desires, him hurting and annoyed? You don’t know. You just want something to happen- you need something to break this little silent game apart. You think and think and think over what could raise the situation to the breaking point and, finally, you settle on something simple. The night before your Thursday class, you invite over one of your classmates- Eita; one of the more attractive ones, one of the less nervous ones. Your roommate is gracious enough to stay away (thanks to your offer of money for booze and weed and help with her homework) and you have the room all to yourself. Three beers and some easy flirtations, just a few small touches- that’s all it takes to get what you’re after. You don’t let him fuck you- he’s not worth it, nowhere near what you want- but you let him fumble his hands over you, are kind enough to wrap your hand around his cock while his lips frantically roam and suck over your neck. You don’t let him come until you’re absolutely sure that you have what you want. It reduces him to a whining mess- which, hey, is honestly kind of cute. You rebuff his sweet offers to “return the favor” and send him off with a kiss to the cheek, spend the rest of your night nursing a glass of wine and silently brooding- mind tired and body exhausted, your desires so restless. The next day you dress in a pleated, short skirt that just barely skims the middle of your thighs and fix your hair into a cute little updo, don your now signature mary janes and pull on a brand new pair of knee high socks. The sly comments you get throughout the day are annoying, but easily ignored. You’re impatient through the morning and it only gets worse as Doctor Natsuo’s class creeps closer. You spend the day jittering your leg and biting your lip, checking your phone every few moments and huffing to yourself, clutching at your arms and trying not to pace up and down the school’s halls. Finally- finally- it’s time for your favorite class. You have to force yourself to walk slowly toward it. You have to breathe in deep to quiet your pounding heart, to still your trembling hands. This has to spur something on. You walk into the classroom- skirt swaying, lips hiding your anticipation behind a smile. You ignore Professor Natsuo and make your way to Eita’s desk, plant your elbows on it and rest your chin in your hand, arch your hips up so your teacher can be teased by the sight of your soft thighs and curves, taunted by how just an inch or two of fabric prevents your panties from being flashed. (Is he looking? He has to be looking. He better be looking.) “Eita-kun,” you coo, sweet and loud enough for others to hear, “I had such a good time last night. We should do it again.” Eita’s eyes widen and his cheeks flush. You might enjoy it if you weren’t so distracted by the noise of a coffee cup slamming down and clattering on the desk behind you, if your breathing didn’t hitch so sharply at the fault in your sensei’s composure. Slowly, you straighten yourself to standing and turn around. Professor Natsuo’s face is red and flustered- jealous- when you look and his eyes are narrowed at you, his coffee spilled on the desk. You offer him a sweet blink and a sweeter smile, tilt your head so he can see the blossomed bruise tinting your throat pewter and mauve, a stormy and swirling blue. His eyes widen, his gaze darts behind you. Your smile grows. How do you like that, sensei? Your hands tremble just a little- from nerves, from excitement, from aching anticipation- and you clasp them behind your back to hide them from his gaze, lean forward and peer over his desk. “Are you okay, sir?” you ask him- chirping and so very sweet. “Do you need help cleaning that up?” He stares at you- disbelieving and still so evident in his shock, his envy. Some strangled noise chokes its way up and out of his throat whenever you flutter your lashes his way and smug amusement gathers in you as you watch his jaw tighten, his teeth grit as he tries to gather his composure once more. “No. Sit.” Oh. You’ve never heard him sound like that before. So authoritative, so stern. So hot. It’s your turn to let out a noise- something soft and almost curious, accompanied by flushed cheeks. You obey your teacher and sit down without a fuss- thighs pressing together and already growing damp, lip bitten and eyes half-shut as you watch him silently clean up the coffee. He doesn’t look at you throughout the whole lesson. He doesn’t look at you. He doesn’t call on you. He doesn’t smile or laugh or joke around. He’s...cold throughout the class- words iced over and posture rigid, his face holding no warmth at all. You gulp as you listen to him lecture and squirm in your seat- nerves starting to gather and grow despite the way you’re still so very wet between your thighs. You had wanted something to happen. You were determined to force anything to happen. But maybe- maybe you miscalculated. Maybe you fucked up. It’s something of a relief when the class ends. Usually, you like to linger for a few moments, like to stay just a bit longer than necessary so you can grab your teacher’s attention with a question or some sort of compliment over the lesson. Today, though? Today you shoot up from your seat without delay, begin to gather all your supplies as quickly as you can. At least...at least until he says your name. It’s firm, just a little icy. You stiffen at the sound and gulp, look back at him with wide eyes and a nervous smile. Before hearing your name part from your teacher’s lips would send you flying high, but right now...right now your skin is tingling with a giddy apprehension, your fingertips are trembling as you search his face for any hint of what’s to come. “I need to have a word with you,” Doctor Natsuo tells you- eyes boring into yours and keeping you frozen where you stand. “I, um,” you try to weakly protest, “I have to get to my next class...” “It won’t take long.” If he catches your wince, he doesn’t react to it. Professor Natsuo simply leans against his desk as the rest of the students file out- arms folded over his chest, sleeves rolled up to display thick forearms. And you? You stay rooted to the spot- heart pounding and eyes still wide, cheeks flushed and thighs damp. When the last student leaves, Professor Natsuo walks over to the door and closes it shut. Click. W-Wait- did he just- “D-Doctor Natsuo?” you squeak out. “What are you- what are you doing?” “I think I should be asking that question.” Oh, shit. Your teacher turns around slowly and the look he gives you takes your breath away. He looks angry and frustrated. He looks pissed. Pissed, but there’s- there’s something more- there’s- “What-” He takes a step toward you, you take a step back. “- do you think you’re doing, young lady?” The whimper that leaves you is equal parts anxious and needy- soft and unwanted. You probably shouldn’t find the growl in his words so hot. Your knees probably shouldn’t knock together and your pussy shouldn’t throb at the snap of young lady. But it’s- you didn’t expect him to be like this. But you- it’s- A tremble wracks through you and Professor Natsuo takes another step toward you. You bump against his desk whenever you stumble back and flinch at the wood that slams into your lower back, gasp and whimper once more when big hands fall to the table on both your sides, when your teacher brackets your trembling form and keeps you enclosed and captive. His eyes are narrowed. His cheeks are flushed. His cologne smells so nice up close, his height has your lashes fluttering and your breathing shuddering as you’re forced to tilt your head back to look up at him with wide eyes. “S- Sir?” “Don’t sir me,” he snaps, crowding closer to you. “I’ve lost my patience with you playing coy.” He’s lost his patience? Your mouth opens to shoot off something probably very stupid, but the words die as a big, cool hand finds your throat and forces your head to a tilt. The touch is beyond expected, has you crying out softly and gripping onto his shirt, almost hyperventilating. The pin prick retraction of your pupils is dramatic and so is your whimpering exhales but, god, this is not what you had expected. “You’ve been toying with me for weeks now,” Doctor Natsuo growls out, his fingers digging into the hickey on your neck. “All your short skirts and little touches, your shameless flirtations- you’ve been trying to drive me mad, haven’t you?” “Pr- Professor,” you whimper out, thighs rubbing together and a moan threatening to sound. “I just- I just wanted-” “You just wanted some attention,” he huffs out- his other hand gripping at your waist and his knee knocking your legs apart. “You wanted to see what would break me, right? That’s why you came in flaunting this today.” Your teacher’s thigh slots between yours and his fingers push deeper into your bruised flesh, his stormy eyes narrow and take in the way you shudder, how your cheeks flush even darker and your eyes start to turn just a bit glossy. A mewl leaves you- embarrassing and so needy, so helpless- and you whine softly after, try to turn your head away so he can’t see the way all your bravado and confidence is melting away into your selfish, needy, hopeless desires. “Tell me I’m wrong,” he demands- forcing your face back to him. He doesn’t look angry now- just frustrated- and your stuttered little gasp only makes his teeth grit, the way your thighs squeeze his makes his breath in sharp and deep. “Go on- tell me.” You- you can’t. You can’t deny him, can’t lie. Not now that things have finally boiled over, not now that he’s finally confronting you. Not now that you’re about to come just from the feeling of his thigh pressing against your soaked cunt. Not now that you’re so close to moaning and falling into a pleading, begging thing. “I- I had to,” you whine. “You weren’t- you wouldn’t-” “Tch.” The grip on your neck tightens and leaves you whimpering, leaves your fingers curling even tighter into your teacher’s shirt. “I was trying to be a good teacher,” Professor Natsuo grits out. “I was trying to keep from taking advantage of you.” Take advantage of you? You would laugh if it weren’t for your wettening lashes, the way your hips are aching and tightening from trying not to grind over your sensei’s thigh. “Sensei-” “Did you fuck him?” he interrupts- fingers dragging over your hickey and hand gripping your hip tighter, pulling you closer and making you whimper, tremble as your cunt is made to glide over his leg. “Don’t tell me after all this time you settled for a boy like that?” You shake your head the best you can- almost frantic with it, flushed and vaguely angry he would even insinuate that you would hook up with someone after you’ve put in so much effort toward him. “N- No! I wanted- I didn’t want- didn’t want him,” you whine, hips jerking despite yourself, a mewl leaving you whenever your teacher’s breath catches. “Sensei, please-” “Fuck.” The groan that leaves him has your lashes fluttering, your lips parting with a soft whine. The hand on your neck moves to your scalp and buries thick fingers in your hair, messes up your updo and sends your hairtie flying. He ignores the protesting noise that leaves you and looks down at you instead- eyes dark with a need that mirrors your own, nostrils flaring as his breathing turns heavy. “You are so naughty,” Doctor Natsuo growls- one hand curling his fingers into your hair, the other smoothing down your waist and to your spread legs. “Filthy little thing.” Filthy? You’re not- you’re not- The hand at your waist moves to loosen his tie and you whimper when he pops open his top button, when he shifts his hips forward and you feel his cock hard on your thigh. “Pl- please, sensei,” you breathe out in a beg- unplanned and so thoughtless, even overwhelmed. “I- I’ll be good! I won’t tell! I just want- I need-” You cut yourself off with a whine and rock against his thigh, look up at him with your wet lashes and flushed cheeks. He groans whenever you whimper and you clutch at him tighter, try to press against him. “I need you, sensei,” you plead- so soft and so desperate. “I need you. I- I promise I’ll be good. I just- I just-” You whimper once more and he groans, grips your waist and sits you on the table rough enough to make all his pens rattle and shake. He slots himself between your spread legs and buries his fingers back into your hair, presses his mouth against yours so fast and hard that it makes your whole world screech to a screaming halt. Your eyes widen and then slam shut, your body goes limp as you whimper and tremble from the way his tongue traces over your bottom lip. You allow your mouth to open and your teacher groans over it, slips his tongue inside and forces you to bend back as he presses closer toward you. Whenever he pulls his head back from yours, there’s a glistening of spit on his lips, a flush to his cheeks. You squirm under his gaze- suddenly so shy, suddenly so flustered- and whine as he stares down at you, arch your back and gasp whenever he forces your head to the side once more and presses his lips to your throat. It hurts when his teeth dig into the already tender, bruised flesh but it sends your mind reeling, has you mewling and reaching to scratch at his back. “Y- Yes! Please! Cover it! Make that mark yours!” The words fly out fast and without any thought, the begging comes from a place you didn’t realize existed within you. You don’t even realize that you mewled such a thing out until your teacher is groaning against your neck, until he’s muttering a, “Fuck- that’s a good girl” right against your throat. If you weren’t so swept up in the situation, you might feel embarrassed. But, you’re not- you’re just gasping and flushed and made even more needy from the praise, from the way your sensei’s hands drag down your sides to grip your waist. Tears blur your vision and a stuttered breath has you shaking, your nails digging deep into soft fabric and clawing over a broad back. “Doctor Natsuo please!” Another groan from your teacher and his hand slips under your skirt, his fingers push your soaked panties to the side and dip into your sopping cunt. “Fuck, you’re wet,” he growls, curling two thick digits and making you cry out. “Hey- shh, shh. Be good. You promised you were going to be good.” Be good? Oh, fuck, you wanna be good. You bite your lip as your teacher fucks his fingers deep inside you and try so, so, so hard to stay nice and quiet and good. He watches you as you try to muffle your whimper behind your hand and you shake from the way he licks his lips, from the way his lashes lower and his gaze turns approving. “That’s it, baby,” he mumbles. “Good girl. Fuck- turn over.” Professor Natsuo backs away and you can’t quite bite back your whine whenever his fingers leave, can’t quite inject any gracefulness in the way you scramble to comply. He yanks you back whenever you’re on your stomach- has your knees knocking against his desk and your hips arching up. There’s no warning when he grabs the plush flesh of your ass and spreads your cheeks wide. Your face flushes and a soft noise leaves you, your thighs press together as you squirm and whimper. “Cute,” he murmurs, squeezing your butt roughly.  “Even better than I imagined.” Imagined? Oh- oh. He- he thought of you. He fantasized about you. Sensei- sensei got off to you. Your cunny clenches and your teacher groans- low and deep and accompanied by the sound of a zipper being pulled down. When you look back over your shoulder at him, his fingers are undoing his tie and you’re left blinking in confusion as he wraps each end around his palms. “Professor...?” “Open your mouth.” You do so without hesitation- lips falling open and fingers curling against the wood of the desk. Professor Natsuo slips his tie between your lips and you whine as it digs into your cheeks, shudder whenever he gives it a tight tug. “Now be a good student for your sensei,” he instructs, gathering the tie in one hand and pulling out his cock with the other. “Quiet and good.” You nod the best you can, but it’s a promise you can’t quite keep whenever his cock nestles between your cunt’s lips, whenever the tip eases into your hole and then slams fully in. You cry out- spit wetting your teacher’s silk tie and his hand laying heavy across your ass, your head getting yanked back whenever he jerks on the tie. “What did I say?” He said- he said to be quiet and good. You have to be quiet and good. A muffled whimper leaves you and you rock your hips back, squeeze around your sensei’s cock with the softest little whine. He groans and his hips pap against you, his dick drives in deep enough to have your toes curling and your lashes fluttering. He’s- he’s big. Bigger than you thought he’d be. Bigger than you dared to imagine. The stretch is- it’s so much. But you’re so wet. You’re so needy. Tiny, strangled whimpers leave you as your professor falls into a rhythm and you shudder, do your best to fuck your hips back against him. That stops whenever he grips your waist with a grunt and you whine softly, still and let your teacher fuck you how he pleases. You take it and you love it, get pushed close to orgasm faster than ever before. You almost collapse when you come on his cock and you hiccup out a whine of pleasure, a muffled mewl of his name. Doctor Natsuo groans as your gummy insides spasm around him and his grip becomes bruising, his rocks get faster- harder. Feels so good! Feels so good! Sensei’s dick feels so good! “Shen- shensay!” “Oh, fuck- god- you’re so tight, baby. Good girl- you like sensei’s cock deep inside you? Is this what you wanted?” You whimper and nod- cheek scrubbing against the desk, cunt gripping his cock like a vice. He grunts and grabs onto your hips, forces your head up and back as the tie drags you and forces your back to arch in a tight, painful angle. Still feels good, though. Still feels like everything you wanted. You want- need- so much more. “Shoulda done this sooner,” your teacher groans out. “Shoulda- fuck!” He slams in you deep enough to have your eyes rolling back, hard enough to have your whole body shaking and your nails clawing across his desk. “C’mon, c’mon- take it- take it! Sensei is- Sensei is gonna fill you up- gonna give that needy cunt what it needs!” He’s gonna- he’s gonna- oh, god! Doctor Natsuo fucks into you faster and faster- the movements jarring you against the desk and making it rock, the jab of his cock rushing you to the height of pleasure again. You cry out as he slams into you- the tie falling from your lips as he drops it and forces you back onto the desk, slides his arms under you and grips your shoulders, fucks into you rough and deep and so, so perfectly. Warmth floods inside your pussy and you whimper as you’re filled with your sensei’s seed, twitch and come on his cock again- lashes fluttering and teeth digging into your lip to muffle your whine, honeyed insides milking his dick as if you need more. You do need more- you do. How could you have ever imagined one time would be enough to satisfy your fantasies? Your teacher pants and grinds into you- hot breath fanning over your cheek and his cock sliding out with a wet pop whenever he draws his hips back. You whimper at the loss but mewl when his fingers draw up your slit, slide back and down onto your knees as exhaustion slips over you. Fuck...fuck, did that just happen? A touch to your cheek has you looking up and you blink hazily at your sensei’s flushed cheeks, the shining and wet cock that he stuffs inside his trousers. “Satisfied?” he asks, slightly breathless and a groan hiding in his voice. “Going to be a good girl now? No more teasing sensei?” You nod, not quite thinking over the action or processing the words, only close your eyes when the slightest smile flits across his lips, when his fingers brush over your cheek and his gaze goes heavy lidded. “Sensei...” His fingers glance over your jawline and down low, stroke over your new hickey and bring a mewl. With your eyes closed, you can’t see the way his expression ripples with something hesitant and something curious, something...greedy. Strong hands help you up from the floor and you shudder as your legs tremble, press against his chest and look up at him with heavy eyes, a yearning that you can’t quite hide. He strokes your hair and it’s...nice. Unexpected from the way he reacted before, so very welcome. “...I was harsh with you.” The apologetic tone is also unexpected. Your professor seems to almost fluster, hesitates as he strokes your hair again and allows his grey gaze to look over your flushed cheeks and parted lips, the desire that you can’t quite hide. “...you were a good girl,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to your forehead and making you flush even more. “...you gonna keep being good? Not tell?” Of course you’re not going to tell. Of course you’re not going to risk this. You nod without any hesitation and you’re graced with a smile, another kiss that has you wanting to melt against him. “Then in that case...” You blink and watch as he breathes in deep, tilt your head as your heart begins to flutter in your chest. “Come over tonight. I can give you what you want properly.” He wants...he wants you to come over? He wants to fuck you again? You could swear it’s almost a smirk that forms on his face whenever your eyes widen and your breath catches. “I- I...yes, please.” He hums and he steps away- leaving you to stumble slightly and look at him in wonder, an unending adoration that you had pretended wasn’t underneath all your lust for him. “Good. But for now...” Sensei takes a deep breath and then he smiles at you- this time a bit wry, a little amused. “You’re going to be late for your next class.” Next class? Oh- oh shit! A squeak escapes you and you hurry to gather up all your stuff, shove your books in your arms and race toward the door. “Hey.” You freeze as you grab onto the doorknob and nearly tumble into it, look back toward your sensei. “I want you to call me Natsuo when we’re alone.” He- he what? Oh. Oh. You open your mouth, but the trilling of the bell cuts you off and you’re left only with the time to nod and flush, mumble out a soft, “Yes, sir” before you have to rush out the room. You head toward your next class with weak legs and cheeks red from where your sensei’s tie pulled deep into your skin, hair a mess and your teacher’s- Natsuo’s- cum dripping down your thighs. You smile as you rush off to your next class- happy and fucked, eager to see what Natsuo has in store for you later that night.

Hihi!! I've been hyperfixating on tommary lately and I absolutely loved (In the dark!)! I wanted to see if u have any tommary/harrymort fics that u recommend.. preferably ones that feature a possessive Tom ^^ ty in advance

I guess this would be the right time to publicly declare my bookmarks as open? Everything on there is a hard rec, and I vigorously quality-check those... for my liking and my liking only. (Sorry, not sorry. They're there for me, after all.)

That being said, hmm. I've got a few you might like.

Below the cut: more (additionally to my bookmarks) Tomarrymort (Tomarry or Harrymort) recommendations with possessive/obsessive Tom in alphabetical order; NOT order of how much I enjoy them. I'd argue I enjoy them all equally, just in different ways.

Ps: thank you! I'm incredibly flattered you liked my work :D

and don't let the police know anything by littlecupkate https://archiveofourown.org/works/24920947

Ted Dirlod is dangerous, Harry Potter knows this for a fact, but the man was still his only hope at escaping a doomed fate. It is never wise to blackmail a crime lord. It is even more unwise(?) when said crime lord is obsessed with you. An expanded version of "praying to whatever's in heaven, please send me a felon"

Genuinely lovely? Ticks all my boxes, at least, and minimal angst, which is always a plus. That being said, you should probably read the work mentioned in the summary as well for context. But hey. Two cakes by one person ;) Can never go wrong, can it?

As Certain Dark Things Are to be Loved by Strange_Soulmates https://archiveofourown.org/works/6015619

Tom was Harry's best friend growing up and his first love. At eight, Harry gave Tom his first kiss before moving away. As a freshman in college, the name of the RA on the door across the hall is terribly familiar.

Also absolutely deliciously indulgent. Tom is a possessive terror and Harry loves him for it. Need I say more?

Harry Potter and the Search for Ancient Magic (series) by Snickerdoodlepop https://archiveofourown.org/series/1133141

Once Voldemort realizes that Harry Potter is his horcrux, his plans change drastically. So does Draco Malfoy's assignment for the school year. Harry's sixth year starts going very differently. Snape is on a mission. Harry needs to learn pureblood politics. Draco Malfoy is trying to convince Harry to forgive him. Voldemort finds himself visiting Harry Potter in his dreams. Everyone is realizing that no one is quite what they thought. And through it all, there's a mystery. What is Ancient Magic? Can Harry use it to save himself or will it pull him toward the dark side?

Honestly, genuinely, hands down the best fucking tomarrymort series I've ever read. Hard, hard rec from here. The first work is completed and the second is in progress, so it's a nice pile of words to chew through!

can't commit to anything but a crime by caelesti https://archiveofourown.org/works/27286483

Excitement is the word he does not dare utter, even in the privacy of his own mind. It’s wrong, he knows. These women are people, in their own right; people with fears and aspirations, with friends and families and dreams, and to have anything cut those lives short is nothing but tragic. To have anyone cut those lives short is nothing but condemnable. He doesn’t have James Potter’s laugh lines, but he does have his father’s innate flair for danger. He doesn’t have Lily Potter’s enthusiasm, but he does have her insatiable curiosity. (In every world, Harry will excel at finding the biggest spot of trouble available and sticking his nose in it.)

Hot serial killer serial killer hot. That's it, those are the thoughts. Please read.

Dripping Fingers by May_May_0_0 https://archiveofourown.org/works/25440826

When Harry finds Tom Riddle's diary he does not write 'Hello.' He does not write anything at all. He draws. Tom Riddle falls in love with the artwork. _________________ Sketch by sketch, drawing by drawing, the ink Harry pours into the diary manifests as creations in Tom's monochrome world.

Okay so if I'm the reincarnation of Shakespeare, May_May_0_0 is fucking... Ted Hughes. Which doesn't say much to your average viewer but that man wrote my favourite poem ever (the one I based my war fic off) and I hold him in very high regard. This story? It is poetry in its rawest form. Pure, condensed beauty. If you decide to read only one of the fics in this list, please choose this one.

Either must die at the hand of the other by Metalomagnetic https://archiveofourown.org/works/29356095

Voldemort survives the Battle of Hogwarts because Harry Potter had not been the one to kill him, as the prophecy demands.

When is Metalomagnetic not a master of words? When will I cease becoming breathless at every paragraph, at every cleverly twisted word that comes back and reveals itself so beautifully later?

Fine Line by galaxiesundone https://archiveofourown.org/works/26949952

Magic always leaves traces. The lingering darkness of Sectumsempra, combined with Harry’s nature as a horcrux, awakens the soul piece contained within Ravenclaw’s diadem. At twenty years old, Tom Riddle walks a fine line between man and monster, the devil and the light-bringer in one. His influence forces Harry to face an ancient enemy unlike anything he has faced before: temptation.

Long story short: Tom Riddle is Hot and Good At Being Hot and Harry truly doesn't stand a chance and I am here for it. Lord help me I love this fic to pieces.

Good Intentions by Strange_Soulmates https://archiveofourown.org/works/7035334

Five year old Harry Potter meets and befriends a seventeen year old Tom Riddle while hanging out at his dad’s station. James Potter decides to take Tom under his wing, using Tom’s connection with Harry to try and keep the teen grounded, even as he begins to investigate the Death Eaters, a dangerous organized crime group and their mysterious leader only known as Lord Voldemort.

The sheer potential of this fic. The horrible, terrible dread of future events that have yet to be revealed. I will cry.

Honey, Smoke, Shiver by machiavelli https://archiveofourown.org/works/16068062

Harry - Omega, only son of Lord Potter - is nothing more than a useful playing card in a political game of power and money, one that is bought by the famed Tom Riddle: powerful, dangerous, pureblood Alpha. Unsurprisingly, Harry loves being underestimated.

Machiavelli is always a rec from me. Sorry lads but that's the way it is. Never a moment where I won't recommend their stuff.

Sickly-Sweet Obsession by maquira https://archiveofourown.org/works/18259103

Quiet, studious Tom Riddle spends his first year thirsting after an older student—Gryffindor’s Quidditch Captain, Harry Potter. His crush is common knowledge, and even Harry finds it cute… at first. Possessiveness spawns monstrosities. Tom does all within his power to mess with Harry’s dating life. And one seemingly harmless crush spirals into something darker, begetting deadly consequences.

Again; the potential. Delicious. This will bloom into something beautifully twisted, I'm sure of it.

Stars, Hide Your Fires by Audair https://archiveofourown.org/works/27745546

Riddle’s undivided attention snapped to him with the swiftness of shattering glass. His turbulent magic receded from where it had besieged the shop. "You,” he breathed. Coiling in leisurely motions, the eager tendrils of his magic reached for Harry, swathing about his limbs and neck and chest with a liquid, flowing fascination. "I’ve been looking for you,” Riddle continued, tilting his head to the side and sweeping his gaze over Harry. It was an appraisal that felt simultaneously like the raking of iron nails and the tender drapery of silk. It was so familiar, and yet… so foreign. In the winding streets of Knockturn Alley, an intricate dance of mutual obsession unravels between twenty-three-year-old Tom Riddle and a time-travelling Harry Potter.

This work has recently been undergoing a rewrite, and I can tell you with certainty it's only gotten better for it. It's beautiful; the setting, the atmosphere, the vibes... Perfection. Captures Knockturn Alley's mood impeccably and does not disappoint a single moment.

the pleasure, the privilege by asterisms https://archiveofourown.org/works/21227528

It begins with Vernon Dursley's body, dead across the table. In which Voldemort is dosed with amortentia, and nothing is better for it.

Completed, terrifying... and gorgeous.

The Shrike (to your sharp and glorious thorn) by PaperWorlds https://archiveofourown.org/works/22380079

Shrike: A songbird with a sharply hooked bill, known for their habit of catching insects and small vertebrates and impaling their bodies on thorns, the spikes on barbed-wire fences, or any available sharp point. A young Harry Potter survives an attack by notorious serial killer Voldemort. Over a decade later, they meet again.

Lads I'm so desperate for an update from this fic that I might cry if I think about it for too long. I keep saying it and I'll say it again; this is one of those fics with amazing potential that are sure to never disappoint no matter what path they take. An incredibly hard rec.

To Raise a Servant by bluegrass https://archiveofourown.org/works/19780816

Tom had found the boy amidst pouring rain. He figured he'd always wanted a pet snake.

Surprisingly not quite as dark as the summary makes it seem? I certainly enjoyed it, though, and that's why it's on this list.

What He Grows To Be by Severus_divides_into_H https://archiveofourown.org/works/19042240

Tom Riddle is a frightening coil of darkness, cruelty, and greatness, and changing him is Harry’s only hope for saving people he loves. Going back in time, he takes Tom from the orphanage, but his optimism shatters with every year they spend together. Tom still longs for darkness. Tom stifles him in his possessiveness. Tom is fixated on him to the point of destroying the world just to keep him. But Harry loves him. And the future changes.

Beautiful. And absolutely terrifying. I've started crying mid-scene at least three times for this fic, and it honestly seems unfathomable if you haven't read it if you're on my profile, since I think this is one of the fics that have shaped my style and ambitions. It is what I aspire to be.

Casting Thoughts

Yes, I did a long post when the rumours first dropped but hey now it’s confirmed plus we have characters descriptions, and I’m bored so let’s do this all over again people.  Under the cut because it got long

Sisi Stringer as Rose Hathaway

I said this in my other post but I’m pretty happy with Sisi as Rose.

Visually I think she’s a great fit, I love that they casted a WoC in the main role, and I think if she can bring Rose’s humour and sarcasm to the role, she’s going to do great.

The character description mentions Rose being “fiery and outspoken”, happy to jump into the action, and the strongest fighter in her class but struggling to toe the line, which is all very Rose-esque, especially in the first book.  It sounds to me like they have a good grasp on her character.

I’m a little disappointed we didn’t hear more about Rose as a character since she is the lead - it felt like the descriptions for Lissa and Dimitri both gave us a little more to go on - but it is only a very preliminary description so I’m happy to wait for more.

Daniela Nieves as Lissa Dragomir

Daniele is another one who I was happy with straight away.

She’s probably not what I imagined for Lissa visually but that’s not a bad thing either; I will be interested to see if they dye her hair a lighter colour (like a caramel-blonde) but personally that’s not something I need to see for her to be a great fit for Lissa.

I think she has a very sweet face which works well for a character like Lissa but I think she’s also going to be able to stand up in Lissa’s more fiercer moments which is nice to see as well.

The character descriptions mentions her as being “carefree and kind-hearted” who “coasts” through life until a death in the family thrusts her into a new role.  That sounds a lot like pre-series Lissa so I wonder if we’re going to see a bit of that in the show before Andre (and her parents??) die and see that change.  

It’s curious though that she’s described as the younger sister of the heir apparent - which would be Andre - so it sounds like they’ve changed it so Andre was supposed to be King.  Obviously a deviation from the books but I don’t hate it?  I don’t think it would change Lissa’s arc all that much because obviously she was always going to grow up to be an influential royal figure, this just slightly changes the dynamics of it.

The description also specifically mentions that she’s uninterested in “political machinations” and the “hypocrisy of the moroi royal society” which sounds very accurate to book!lissa as well.

All in all I’m very happy with what they’re doing with Lissa.

Keiron Moore as Dimitri Belikov

This is one who’s really grown on me since the rumoured cast list started circulating.  At first I was kind of eh about him but I can really see him as Dimitri now.

I will be curious to see if he grows out his hair or not though.

As far as I know Keiron is not Russian, there’s not a lot about him online, but there’s some instagram activity on his account linking him to UK based companies so that would be my guess as to where he’s from.  They’ve kept Dimitri’s incredibly Russian name so I guess we’re to assume Keiron might be doing an accent and they’re keeping Dimitri’s backstory relatively the same?  I’m not gonna be super mad if they change it just because I think it’s doable for him not to be Russian (I know, I know a whole book is set in Russia but lbr here they could make him from anywhere and just send Rose there in that book).

The biggest thing for me will be his chemistry with Sisi, Danila and Zoey had great chemistry (imo anyway) which saved the move a little for me, so it’ll be important that Sisi and Keiron do as well.  They’ve interacted a few times online which is cute so I’m hoping they were able to do some chemistry reads and that will translate on screen.

The character description mentions Dimitri as being “lethal, disciplined, discreet, and totally committed” as well as living by “a deep moral code” but with more going on “beneath his stoic, watchful surface” which sounds exactly like book!Dimitri to me.

They don’t really specify what his role at St Vlad’s is going to be but they do mention that he is a guardian so I’m assuming they’re keeping some sort of age gap between him and Rose.  They also don’t mention anything about their relationship in the description, be it student/teacher, platonic, romantic, whatever, but they do say he has “an expansive spirit that could threaten to expose the underlying tension between his sense of what’s right and his formal duty to the Moroi.” which seems like a nod to their relationship.

Andre Dae-Kim as Christian Ozera

This was one of my favourite casting choices from the original rumoured cast list and I still love it.

The idea of a non-white Christian makes a lot of sense to me and I think Andre could do a great job of Christian’s aloofness (in the first book) as well as his sarcasm and growing confidence across the other books.

His character description confuses me a bit though: “Intelligent and thoughtful, Christian is the pariah of the school and royal court, due to his parents’ unforgivable societal sins.” sounds accurate enough to the book (although idk if thoughtful is quite the word I’d use for Christian - maybe they mean it in the sense that he’s quiet and keeps to himself?).

Even “Well-read and hungry for knowledge” doesn’t sound that far off, idk if he was *that* particularly studious in the books, but it doesn’t necessarily not make sense either you know?

But “he searches for faith-based answers and discovers a kindred spirit who is also looking for the truth” ??? My cynical, irreverent asshole Christian is now a man of faith? I’m assuming Lissa is the “kindred spirit” (again weird word choice but maybe they mean she’s feeling lost because of the death of her family?) but I just cannot see Christian as being particularly religious.

I’m trying to keep an open mind about these changes because you never know they might play out totally different on screen, but I really hope they didn’t make these changes, particularly that Christian is studious and religious, just because they cast an Asian actor as him (because they feel a little like Asian stereotypes).

J August Richards as Victor Dashkov

This is one that didn’t appear on the original rumoured cast list (as far as I saw) and it’s so different to his description in the books that I kind of don’t have an opinion about it as a casting choice.

I’ve never seen him in anything before so purely on a visual level I think he could be a great fit for Victor, I just think it’ll really come down to how he plays it.

As for this character description: “Victor is a Moroi noble vampire with a heart of gold who’s highly regarded for his role as advisor and political strategist to Moroi dignitaries.” as well as mentioning that he has intelligence and influence, sounds pretty accurate to the book.  Obviously if Andre was the heir to the throne, Victor had to be shifted out of that role, but I think his book 1 arc could still work if they wanted it to.

The “heart of gold” bit obviously made me chuckle and I really hope they threw it in there as a kind of decoy to throw non-book-readers off the fact that he’s actually the villain in book 1/s1.

As for giving him a husband and two daughters, my thoughts are: why the fuck not? He didn’t have a love interest in the original books and I’m always down for more lgbtq+ rep.  My only concern is it maybe playing into the trope of evil/villain characters being queer-coded.  And as for having two daughters, well as long as one of them is Natalie I don’t mind.

Anita-Joy Uwajeh as Tatiana Vogel

Okay this is the most bizarre one imo, not because of the casting, but just the character description.

I mean “Tatiana is a Moroi vampire and political underdog who slowly takes the royal court by storm. Motivated by love and a sense of justice, Tatiana has a unique skill of making herself seem of no consequence until we realize much too late that she was always the one to watch.” sounds extremely Tasha Ozera to me, so like why not just make this character Tasha?  Nothing about this sounds like Tatiana, and Tatiana wasn’t even a Vogel anyway (well Vogel wasn’t even one of the 12 royal families), she was an Ivashkov.

In terms of Anita-Joy herself, well I mean we don’t really have a character to compare her to, is she supposed to be more like Tasha or Tatiana?  She looks fairly young, so my guess is actually on Tasha, but we’ll have to wait to see I guess.

Mia McKenna-Bruce as Mia Karp

This is another one that I was instantly a fan of.

I was so not a fan of Mia’s casting in the movie (I can’t even remember who played her tbh but I really didn’t like it) so this Mia is a lot closer to how I imagine her.

I think she’ll be able to carry Mia’s transformation from bratty social-climber to badass fighter really well.

The character description is interesting though.  “Witty, cutting, and just the right kind of ruthless when necessary, non-Royal Mia has a long-term plan to social climb her way into the ranks of royalty, with all the privilege and freedom that entails.” sound pretty bang on to Mia in the first book.

“A plan complicated by her instant chemistry with Meredith, a Guardian-in-training, as Mia struggles to reconcile her attraction to Meredith with her lowly status.” is an obvious deviation though, and one I kind of love???  Give me all the queer rep, and if we get to see Mia confront the issue of comp-het I’m so here for it.  

It’s kind of funny though because I’ve seen theories that Meredith is a replacement for Eddie and Mia/Eddie has always been my sort of rarepair ship.

The last name Karp is weird af though.  Is she supposed to be Sonya’s daughter?  And if that’s the case I wonder if we’re going to actually see Sonya turn Strigoi in the show’s first season or something and that triggers the change in Mia?  Interesting concept but I’m not sure how the timeline will work.

Rhian Blundell as Meredith

So this is another new one, and tbh I hadn’t given Meredith *that* much though in the past but she’s probably close to how I would have pictured her which is cool.

The elephant in the room with this casting is that Meredith’s role in the books was relatively minor - she was just kind of that character that got brought up whenever R.M needed a dhampir who wasn’t Rose/Dimitri/Mason/Eddie.  So clearly she’s going to have a bigger role in the tv show which I don’t mind but I do wonder if we’re going to lose a character - probably Eddie lbr - in order to have her.  They haven’t casted an Eddie yet as far as we know, but I have seen it pointed out that Eddie’s role in book 1 was pretty small so maybe they just aren’t announcing it.  But there’s also the possibility that maybe Meredith will sort of replace Eddie and be the third part of Rose and Mason’s friendship.

I’m very interested by this part of her character description though, “She has little patience for Rose’s volatility or Mia’s elitism, and regularly calls both of them out.”

Jonetta Kaiser as Sonya Karp

I don’t necessarily dislike Jonetta as Sonya but I am confused by this choice.  She looks fairly young, which tbf Sonya was young-ish I guess, but if Mia is supposed to be her daughter she doesn’t look old enough to have a teenaged daughter.  So maybe Sonya and Mia are sisters? Cousins? Just have each other’s last names for no reason? I really don’t know.  They also look nothing alike.

Other than that, I don’t really have an opinion about Jonetta as Sonya.  Obviously looks nothing like how Sonya was described but that’s not new nor a massive concern for me.  

I can’t really tell just from looking at her, and I haven’t seen her in anything, if she would play a good Sonya.  I think with a lot of the characters it’s going to come down to the personality they bring to the part and the writing.

I looooooove her character description though:  “Quiet, careful and decidedly odd, Sonya is not of royal bloodline and sits out on the fringe of Moroi society, preferring to spend her time in the library or her gardens. Not a person who likes a scene, nonetheless she has a quiet but profound power of her own. She is taken by surprise when a Dhampir Guardian named Mikhail shows interest in her, a relationship that will expose both the brightest and darkest parts of her heart.”  It’s everything I would probably want from a description of Sonya and I’m more and more convinced that we’re going to see Sonya’s descent into madness and transformation into a Strigoi play out in maybe the first season which I am so curious how they’re going to work into the timeline.

Andrew Liner as Mason Ashford

Our last one and another one who doesn’t look remotely like his description but again? Not a surprise and not a problem for me.  He looks like he could play Mason’s goofiness really well as well as be a solid contender for a love interest for Rose.

“Charming, loyal and popular, Mason is Rose’s main competition in the quest to become the No. 1 Guardian-in-training. Though their relationship is casual on her side, he is hopeful she will finally look at him and see him as something more.” His character description makes a lot of sense, maybe him being Rose’s main competition is a bit of a deviation? But I think that’s more an indication that he’s supposed to be a strong fighter which isn’t inaccurate to the books.  The rest sounds great.

Other Thoughts

Descriptions of the show specifically mention friendship and classism as major themes which I am very happy to hear about because those are the two parts of VA that I love the most.

Am a little more worried about it being described as “sexy” though, if they shove a whole bunch of meaningless sex scenes in it just because it’s a YA show I’m not gonna be happy.

Seen the show compared to “Game of Thrones” and “Bridgerton” which at first had me like oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck not good not good not good.  But thinking about it more and trying to understand where Plec’s coming from with that description I wonder if means similar to GoT as in the cut-throat nature of the Moroi/Dhampir society cause I can kind of see that.  And as for Bridgerton I wonder if she’s referring to the kind of social-climbing aspects of it, because again that makes sense and it seems like a theme she really wants to concentrate on.  I hope that’s what she means by those comparisons, or that she just wants to compare it to popular shows to get people to watch it.  The worst would be if she tries to throw in a lot of unnecessary sex scenes to make it like those shows, because I hate when they do that, especially when the characters are teenagers.

Interesting to hear that Plec has known about the series since before Twilight or TVD - not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.

Seems like it’s actually mostly (or all??) written by Marguerite MacIntyre which is interesting because I know people were worried about Julie Plec - I’ve never watched anything by either of them so I’m neutral at this point.

@sicktember Prompt # 10: Medicine/Injection

Title: Being Neighborly

Fandom: Marvel (Shrinkyclinks AU)

Based on this post (Feeling self for fever) and this post (cold medicine meet-cute)

A new neighbor moves in across the hall from James. When James finds out the newcomer is sick, he does his best to help him. A Shrinkyclinks modern AU. 

James was coming home from work early one morning when noticed he was getting a new neighbor. There were a few boxes stacked in the hallway, and the door to the unit across from him was flung wide open. After a twelve hour shift, James lacked the energy for any curiosity beyond a passing glance as he walked by, and the new tenant was nowhere to be seen. With a shrug, James continued to his own unit, thinking only of bed. 

James caught passing glances of the newcomer over the next few days. It was a young man about James' own age, blond and slight almost to the point of frailty. He had a warm, open face with wide blue eyes and seemed to be very studious--he was always carrying books with him. James wanted to introduce himself, if for no other reason than to be polite, but it never seemed to be a good time. Either he was in a rush, or the stranger seemed to be. 

A few days after the young man moved in, James was standing out on his balcony after work, having a smoke and enjoying the autumn weather. The front door of the building swung open, and his new neighbor appeared. The cold fall breeze immediately had an effect on the small young man-- seconds after stepping out, he sneezed several times, thick and congested-sounding. James considered calling out a blessing, but didn't want to scare him. 

After recovering from the sneezing attack, the newcomer shuffled to the bike rack, looking as if every movement was painful, coughing into his elbow as he went. When he reached his bicycle, he stopped and leaned against it, and after a moment he raised a hand to his face and held it there. At first James couldn't tell what he was doing. Then it dawned on him: he was feeling himself for a fever. Even from a distance, James could see he was feverish though. Only a fever could make a person look so pale and shaky.

James observed the young man the whole time he stood there, wanting to do something for him but unsure exactly what. After a moment the kid sluggishly climbed onto his bicycle and pedaled away in the direction of the university. James watched him go with a small frown, wishing he could have helped him somehow.

His opportunity to help was not long in coming, though. That same evening, not long after he'd woken up, James was startled by a knock at his door. Squinting into the peep hole, he saw his new neighbor standing in the hall, looking uncomfortable and rubbing his nose. James quickly unlatched the door and pulled it open.  

The kid's face lit up when the door opened, as if he'd expected no answer. Close up, James could see he was definitely sick, with dark circles under his eyes and a hectic flush over his face. He was hugging himself tightly, shivering in the cool hallway, but he stood up straighter as he spoke.

"Oh hey! Hi I'mb-- mby name's Steve."  The young man cleared his throat, but it did little to help his rasping, congested voice. "I uh, just mboved in across the hall a few days ago. So I know this is… weird, but I was wonderi'g if you had any… like… cold mbedicine? I hate to asgk, but I forgot to get sumb after school and… I cand't take mby bike oud right ndow…." He nodded out the window, where rain had been pouring down for over an hour. 

"Yeah, of course. Wait here," James said. He left the front door open as he ducked into his bathroom, grabbing Nyquil and Tylenol. When he returned to the entrance, Steve was leaning heavily against the door jamb, looking faint. However, he again stood straighter as James reappeared, a look of gratitude washing over his features. 

"Thangk you so mbuch. I'll bring them back as soon as I can." 

"No rush. Honestly, keep them if you want. And uh… feel better. You look… pretty sick."

"I'll be alright," Steve croaked. "Thangks again." He turned to go, but as he did, he staggered. He would've fallen if James hadn't been there, but the bigger man reacted quickly, catching him as he went down. Steve let himself be supported, seemingly unable to do otherwise. James noted his eyes, which were heavy-lidded and suddenly out of focus.

Without thinking twice, James propelled them both to James' apartment. He lay Steve down on the couch, propping up his head. Steve began to cough from the small amount of exertion, and he seemed unable to stop. In moments, Steve was struggling to breathe, his eyes bugging out of his head as his breath whistled. He gave James a desperate look.

"Need… inhaler," Steve  gasped. "Pocket…. " He pawed weakly at his hip pocket. James flew into action, freeing the inhaler from underneath Steve and shaking it up like he'd seen on TV before placing it in Steve's trembling hand. Steve took several puffs. Slowly, his breathing strengthened. He let the hand holding the inhaler fall limp as he met James' eyes.

"Sorry… and thangks…. " he gasped, red-faced and shaking. 

"No problem," James mumbled. He continued to wait by Steve's side as the younger man tried to control his breathing, unsure what else to do. After a bit, Steve sat up, still shaking.

"Sorry for bargi'g in on you," he wheezed. "I'mb good to go ndow." He tried to stand, but James gestured for him to stop.

"Don't go. You are… clearly super sick," James said, nervous but determined. "I… don't think you should be alone right now, since you just almost passed out and then almost stopped breathing. Also, I saw you move in, and it seems like you don't have much furniture, no offence. You'd be better off on a couch than on the floor."

"I have an air mbattress," Steve muttered. "Really, I'mb fide. I… didn't mbean to imbpose." He stood, but his legs trembled visibly as he did, betraying him. He was forced to sit again, sinking down heavily.

"At least stay for a bit," James said. "Until you catch your breath and the medicine kicks in. I was just about to make dinner, so you can sit and rest here."

Steve reluctantly sat back. "If you're sure…."

James waved his hand dismissively. "Seriously, stay, please. Do you want something to drink?"

"Just water please," Steve croaked, looking exhausted. 

"Sure." James fetched him a bottle. "My name's James, by the way," he said as he handed it over.

"Nice to meet you," Steve said, attempting a smile as he opened the bottle and drank. He really did look miserably sick, now more than ever. 

"Likewise. And hey, make sure you take some medicine," James said.

Steve nodded, reaching for the Tylenol. As he took it, James turned on the TV, flipping to a channel playing reruns of an old sitcom. Steve relaxed back into the couch, his eyes following the images, but James was sure he was registering none of it, tired as he looked. He sniffled weakly, rubbing a hand under his nose, then yawned hugely.

Not wanting to hover, James headed into the kitchen and stayed there for a while, giving Steve some privacy. He also made a bit more food than he normally would have, intending to ask Steve to stay for dinner. The kid clearly needed help, though he didn't want to show it. James knew exactly how that felt, making him all the more determined to look after him.

However, it seemed he was destined to eat alone after all. When he reentered the living room carrying two bowls of macaroni and cheese, Steve was sound asleep on the couch, curled into a ball and snoring softly. James quickly fetched the blanket from his bed, covering Steve warmly before sitting on a chair nearby, keeping the television volume low. Steve didn't stir. So there James stayed for the rest of the night, keeping watch over the sick young man.

im currently obsessed with the thought of a role swap au where jiang fengmian and madam yu are the ones who die young and cangse sanren and wei changze are like "welp! gonna settle down in lotus pier and raise a couple bonus kids" like sdkfjlksdj just imagine how different the yunmeng siblings would turn out, especially jiang cheng

“Well, shit.”

Cangse Sanren stopped trying to wrestle Wei Ying into his shirt – he’d decided that he was a monkey today, with the associated claim that monkeys did not require clothing – and turned to look at her husband. She’d managed to crack open that reserve of his more and more as the years went by, but he still tended not to swear anywhere outside the bedroom, and never in front of Wei Ying.

“What happened?” she asked. “I assume it’s something a bit more of a problem than the usual night hunt requests.”

“Something happened at the Lotus Pier.”

“Oh?” That sounded troublesome, so she put Wei Ying down and lightly kicked him in the ass, sending him tumbling head over heels and giggling madly the entire time. “We’ll settle this later, you hear me? Now get lost or I’ll eat you, little cabbage.” He ran off at once.

“Now,” she continued, putting the shirt aside. “Lotus Pier. What does Fengmian have to say?”

Her husband maintained a semi-frequent correspondence with him on behalf of both of them – she liked Jiang Fengmian, really, and she was happy to hear from him. It’s only that she liked being free more.

“Nothing,” Wei Changze said, and that’s when Cangse Sanren noticed that her husband was an unhealthy shade of pale. “He’s – he’s dead.”

“What?” She snatched the letter away from him. “What – him and Yu Ziyuan both? Impossible! They’re – they’re sect leaders. Of a Great Sect! What happened?”

“We have to go back at once,” Wei Changze said. “I’m sorry, I know it’s not your favorite place –”

Nowhere that tried to trap her was.

“– but I owe everything to him, and his children...the rest of the world is going to eat them alive.”

Cangse Sanren was weak when it came to children, especially those around the same age as her own.

“Oh, fine,” she said. “I’ll go get Wei Ying ready, you start packing, we’ll head out at once.”

“I don’t know what we can do even if we do go,” he said, folding the letter and putting it away. “I was a good friend of Jiang Fengmian’s, but in the end I was still only a servant –”

“Enough worrying,” she said. “First we need to get there.”

By the time they got there, little Jiang Cheng – even younger than her Wei Ying – had already learned to sit on the sect leader’s seat, but not enough to hide the sheer terror in his eyes, and Cangse Sanren was immediately incensed by the very sight of it, pulling out her horsetail whisk and applying it to the leeches that came to a situation like this and saw in scared child only as an opportunity for power.

“Dear, please stop beating all the Jiang cousins,” Wei Changze said. “It’s not going to change anything. The ceremony’s done; he’s sect leader whether we like it or not.”

She bared her teeth to show what she thought about that. Stupid human rules; sometimes she didn’t like them one bit.

“How about you go introduce Wei Ying?” Wei Changze suggested. “And before you say that I’m just trying to get you out of the way to reduce tension in the political situation: you’re absolutely right, I am. Please go anyway – I’ll call you back if there’s anyone else that needs a beating.”

It was very nice to have a husband that understood her.

Cangse Sanren quickly figured out that Jiang Yanli was Jiang Fengmian’s daughter in all the important ways, being calm, easy-going, and generally capable of handling things without becoming overly distraught, and Yu Ziyuan’s daughter in the sense that there was steel in her spine when she stood in front of her younger brother and interrogated Cangse Sanren as to her intentions.

It was, in Cangse Sanren’s private opinion, an improvement on them both.

Jiang Cheng, though – he wasn’t what she’d expected at all, not the way Jiang Yanli was. Maybe it was just the trauma, but he was softer than she’d expected, more vulnerable, more introspective; he took everything seriously, frowning more than he smile, always paying careful attention to everything everyone said even though he was neither especially studious or naturally talented. Every once in a while, his temper would get going and he’d be vicious, lashing out with a poison tongue that was mostly just cute because he hadn’t learned to use it properly, but it was very obvious to an objective observer that he only ever reacted that way when he felt hurt.

No matter what, though, he always tried very hard.

Jiang Fengmian would have hated you, Cangse Sanren thought, and abruptly felt guilty about the thought. Based on her understanding of the man’s character, though, the way he liked people who were free and lively, people who smiled no matter what the circumstances, people who didn’t make trouble or stick too closely to the rules, the way he disliked those that were the opposite to that – no, she was being uncharitable to a dead man’s memory.

Even if Jiang Cheng wasn’t the type of person Jiang Fengmian would have liked best, he was still his son.

“My husband was your father’s servant,” she explained, kneeling down to look at little Jiang Cheng. “He used to help him with all the things he had to do when he first became Sect Leader, and now he’s here to help you.”

“Where were you before?” Jiang Yanli wanted to know, her arms protectively around Jiang Cheng’s shoulders.

“Travelling,” Cangse Sanren said, even though she knew the question had been more about why they hadn’t been there. “Would you like to meet Wei Ying?”

That right there was the best testament to their characters she could find: they liked Wei Ying at once, and he liked them in return.

By the time Wei Changze came to find her, Cangse Sanren had already resigned herself to staying in the Lotus Pier for the short term future, with an option out for long-term, and she told him as much.

“It’s a bit more complicated than that,” he said. “I was speaking with Sect Leader Nie – how much do you know about war?”

Cangse Sanren blinked. “I’ve heard bad things?”

She appreciated that he asked, though. After this long, he recognized that there were certain things one simply did not encounter when one was raised on a celestial mountain by an immortal that was only sometimes a person.

“We may not be able to avoid it, if we stay,” he said. “And – I have to stay. I owe it to Jiang Fengmian. But if you wanted –”

“Too late now,” she said cheerfully. As if she’d leave him! “I introduced Wei Ying, and now he has a shijie and a shidi; he’d be heartbroken if we abandoned them. We’re in here for the long haul. Now…tell me about this war. Who would be the most efficient first kill?”