#I think my friend who graduated visited campus | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

yanaromanov · 2 months

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pretty little beginnings

- professor!natasha x lawyer!wanda x reader

part summary: the start of the new semester sees you reunited with your best friend, kate, but also introduces you to your surprisingly gorgeous new professor. when you get a perfect score on her first class test, she’s keen to have a conversation with you…

part warning(s): teacher/student relationship, age gap (r is of age), power dynamics, married wandanat (no cheating), pet names, mentions of anxiety, mentions of bad family relations, reader is a perfectionist, minors dni.

authors note: i have no idea about america or their universities so am purely basing this off my own experience at my uk university, so if anything is incorrect i apologise but also let’s just pretend it’s not :)

part one of the inescapable love series

inescapable love masterlist

･｡ﾟ*. 18+, minors DNI . * ｡ﾟ･

7.8K words

The beginning of term was always one of your favourite points of the whole year. To most, returning to campus after summer was somewhat of a bittersweet moment, having to come back to the reality of long classes and endless studying. For you, however, it was the start of something new, a fresh look at different courses that hadn’t yet bundled up into countless assignments or exams. The start of term always carried the least amount of pressure and therefore, the least amount of anxiety. Everything was starting from page one again, and it always provided you with a few weeks of sweet relief before you’d once again inevitably realise just how stressful school truly was.

Aside from the pressure of classes, most of your peers also found sorrow in the end of their summer break visiting home and their families. For you, however, this wasn’t one of your mind’s concerns. In fact, the trip back to university provided solace, a well-deserved partition between the people who you’d spent the past few months trying to tolerate.

Now, to say your family were awful to be around would be overstating things, in truth they weren’t all that bad, but spending summer with them was certainly not on your list of dream holidays. Most days you hid away in your childhood bedroom, trying to avoid the bickering voice of your mother, persistently droning on about school and your grades. She’d always taken a great pride in her children and that had certainly extended to you, her ideologies of perfection constantly looming over your shoulder. Your dad liked to drink, not enough to endanger his health but enough to wake you a few nights a week when he’d stumble around the kitchen in a drunken stupor. This itself was rather a hypocrisy, your dad being the one who dragged everyone to church on a Sunday morning to praise the Christian values when it seemed the holy day was the only one he didn’t seek out the bottle. At least now you were thankful that Sunday was the only day you had to deal with your older brother, when he’d join the rest of your family at service. For years, his perfection had been a constant reminder of how you were the disappointing child, despite attending one of the most prestigious universities in America.

In fact, your family was one of the main reasons you had even applied there. Not, as one may think, to appeal to their standards, but in fact, because it was about as far away as possible you could get from them. England was your home country, growing up in a small town in the southern parts of the land. Moving to America had been a big deal, having to completely relocate your life to an entirely different part of the world, but it had been something you desperately needed. At first your mother had been hesitant to let you go at all, but once she’d heard the ranking of the school you’d earned a scholarship for, she was all for having a daughter at a prestigious university in the states.

So, that was how you ended up here, already three years into your university career with only one to go until graduation. Living in America had been just the step you’d needed, finally giving you space from your overbearing family and in the process, also gifting you with one of the closest friends you’d ever had. Kate had been the first friendly face you’d seen at your new school, smiling widely as you’d first stepped into your shared dorm and energetically shaking your hand. Ever since, the pair of you had been practically inseparable, growing closer and closer everyday, and three years later, you still found yourselves sharing a dorm room.

Despite Kate’s skills in friendship, there was one thing about her that one may call a character flaw; the inability to ever wake up on time. It was the first official day of the semester, a few weeks having passed since the two of you had had your happy reunion and redecorated your shared room. The sun shone through the curtains which you had opened almost an hour ago. In all honesty, it was quite impressive how Kate had managed to not only sleep through your alarm, but hers as well. Atop of that, you’d not taken the curtesy to get yourself ready in a quiet manner. Now however, Kate really needed to wake up.

A tress of black hair flew up in the gust of wind that the pillow brought along with it. Moments later, Kate was sitting up quickly, cursing out at you for throwing at her in the first place. You chuckled at her antics as she tried to wipe away the hairs clinging to her mouth. “You overslept, Bishop,” you called, voice light and playful.

Kate scowled back at you, finally free from the mess of her bed head. Seconds later, you were dodging the pillow flying back across the room towards you.

“Hey!” you called back, narrowly missing getting hit in the head. “You’re the one who told me to wake you up, remember? You said this was the year you were getting your shit together.”

Kate’s expression was nothing short of unimpressed. She let out a loud groan as she threw herself back down into the confines of her bed, bringing her hands up to hold her face. “Can we reschedule that to next year instead?”

The chuckle that left your lips was light. “You know there is no next year.”

Your hands reached out towards her, grabbing hold of her duvet and ripping it from her bed. A small scream escaped Kate’s lips as she desperately tried to rescue the cover, albeit she arose unsuccessful. You passed her a small smirk as you threw the duvet to the floor. “If you’re not ready in five minutes, I’m going for breakfast without you.”

The girl passed you a none-too-happy glare but eventually settled on rolling out of bed, groaning loudly as she fell ungraciously to the floor. Simply laughing off her antics, you moved towards the full length mirror that hung in your dorm to check your outfit one last time. The warm weather still clung to the September air, resulting in the floral summer dress you’d adorned for the day, a small white cardigan sat atop of it. As always, your worn-in converse sat upon your feet, tattered from the years they’d spent traversing you to class.

American weather was just another one of the things you loved about living in the states. Summer in England was sticky and gross, the house always too hot, lacking AC and unbearable to sleep in at night. You’d always end up tossing and turning, sweat sticking the shorts to your body. Every street smelled like disposable barbecues and there never seemed to be enough ice in the shops to cool your drink. Overall, it was a rather uncomfortable experience. But Summer in America was a whole different story. It felt like the movies when they’d jump out of school on the last day, sun shining down on top of them. It was warm outside, and you could enjoy the sun before slinking back to a cool room with beautiful air conditioning, rather than you’d dad’s old fan that was louder than an airplane flying overhead.

“Are you almost done?” You finally turned away from your reflection, glancing across the room to where Kate was pulling her hair up into a messy ponytail. She’d dressed in a pair of old shorts and tshirt, obviously forgoing the ritual you’d followed of dressing cute on the first day.

“Yep,” Kate replied breathlessly, moving to put on her trainers, hopping around the room as she pulled them on. Once they sat upon her feet, she stood upright and looked at you with a dopey smile. “Okay, let’s go.”

You smiled shamelessly back, opening the door to your dorm in order for the pair of you to venture out. Kate simply passed you a small thanks as she slipped out into the corridor, followed closely by you after locking up your room. Thankfully, most days you left together as Kate never seemed to remember that crucial step.

———

“Wait, so you’re actually taking Russian this year?”

Your eyes rolled as the question rung out. “Kate, we’ve talked about this so many times.”

The girl shrugged her shoulders. “I just don’t get why you’d take a random language, that’s all.”

A sigh escaped your lips as you watched Kate take a bite of some scrambled eggs. As she did most mornings, she’d chosen to load her plate up from the breakfast trays, paired perfectly with a full glass of orange juice and a large mug of coffee. On the other hand, you’d only had a slice of toast, simply buttered, then a coffee of a similar size that you’d already downed. For someone who liked to attend meals so close to classes, one would expect Kate to choose smaller portions that she could maybe finish without shoving it in her mouth two minutes before she had to leave.

“I told you, Kate,” you repeated with another sigh. “I had to pick up some credits and the only thing that fit with my timetable was either Russian or a programming class.”

Your face screwed up at the last words you uttered, the idea of such a thing enough to turn your nose up. Kate could have taken some offence, considering her major was computer science and she was in such programming class, but it seemed she was too focused on finishing her half-eaten eggs.

“I thought you said there was a Spanish class you could take?” Kate said, talking around a mouthful of food.

Your eyes rolled in your skull, not only at her actions but at the fact she’d only remembered that small detail of your previous conversation. “There was,” you replied, crossing your arms on the table. “But I just thought Russian sounded more interesting.”

Kate raised a brow as you shrugged a shoulder. She didn’t have much time to judge you however, as you checked your phone to see there was only a few minutes until your first classes. Kate scrambled to finish the food on her plate as you collected your things, downing the rest of her coffee before pulling her backpack on to her shoulders. In the end, she had to run after you out of the dining hall after you’d already left, not letting yourself be late because of her antics.

The pair of you walked across campus together, Kate branching off to her first class and promising to meet up at lunch. You continued on to the building in which your timetable indicated your Russian class would be held. It was all rather new to you, a building you’d never been in before on campus. You supposed it fit with the class that you’d be taking now, stepping into something entirely new.

Thankfully, you found the lecture hall quickly, not discouraged by your unfamiliar surroundings. A lot of the seats were already filled up, the class just a few minutes from starting. You found a space down near the front, a usual spot for you in your determination to never miss anything a lecturer was saying, persistent on never having a blank spot in your notes.

The remaining minutes passed as you set yourself up for the class, pulling out your notebook and pen and setting them neatly on the desktop. Remaining students filed in, filling up what had to be one of the smaller lecture theatres on campus. It seemed there were barely thirty students who had decided to take the class, a small number compared to your usual large English lit course.

Noise bubbled in the room as the clock ticked by. At the exact second the hour struck, a door to the left opened wide.

“Good morning. If you could all settle down now, please. I need to take attendance.”

All attention fell upon the person who walked through the door, silence befalling the room as their voice echoed through the hall. As your eyes lifted from the scribbles on your notebook, they too sought out your new professor, but what they found was certainly not what you had been expecting at all.

The woman that approached the desk at the centre of the room was perhaps the most gorgeous you’d ever seen. Her hair fell perfectly in cascading curls, a brilliant red draped across her back. She wore a pair of black slacks, paired with a light blue dress shirt, rolled up at the sleeves. Her heels clicked meticulously across the polished wood as she set a laptop down at the centred desk, opening it up and glancing down at the screen.

It seemed you were not the only person affected by this woman’s presence as the entire hall fell silent as she began to call register. Most professors at this school were old men, droning on about things tirelessly. Even when presented with a female professor, none ever compared to the power and lure that this woman seemed to radiate across the class.

Once she’d finished calling names and assured everyone was marked down correctly, the red-haired woman moved towards the front of her desk, leaning back against it as a pair of arms came to cross over her chest. Your eyes found particular interest in the very expensive looking watch that sat upon her left wrist.

“Okay, my name is Professor Romanoff, as you have probably seen on your timetables. I will be your teacher for this class on introductory Russian.”

All ears seemed to be on the professor as she spoke, her voice confident in the space it held.

“I will start off by saying that this class is not easy so if you have taken it for that reason, I suggest perhaps changing.”

A tight smile appeared on a pair of red painted lips as the professor continued talking, the curtness behind it clear.

“This class is not impossibly difficult but it is certainly not a free ride. Anybody who treats it as such, is likely to fail.”

You weren’t sure what it was, maybe something in the air, but your attention seemed to cling to everything that fell out of the professors mouth, practically drinking up every word that she said. Your eyes found themselves particularly focused on her lips, adorning a shade of red so perfectly you even questioned if they were naturally that colour.

Professor Romanoff continued to rattle off expectations for the class, bringing up exam dates and testing styles before discussing an outline of everything the class would cover. Your pen jotted down everything she said, almost working faster than your brain could keep up, that ever persistent need to be perfect taking over once more, just like it did every time the new semester rolled back around.

Overall, the class seemed to be mostly an introduction. Professor Romanoff outlined specific topics you’d cover, before beginning to teach the difference between the English and Russian alphabets. Whatever it was she said, every word was jotted down into your notebook with persistent attentiveness.

The class seemed to pass by quickly, the order to pack up echoing out earlier than you thought it would, but with a quick glance at your phone, you realised that an entire hour had indeed passed. You tidied up your belongings, throwing them all into the old backpack you carried about everywhere, then got up to follow the crowd out of the lecture theatre. Your mind found itself satisfied with the enjoyment of the class, finding everything taught very interesting. Some part of you even found yourself somewhat excited for the next time you’d dawn the building and Professor Romanoff’s class.

———

“So how was it?”

Kate’s words were out of her mouth before you’d even sat down at the table, delayed in joining her by a few minutes due to your English professor droning on too long in his lecture. A sigh escaped your lips as you finally set yourself down at the dining table, throwing your backpack underneath as you looked over at your friend.

“How was what?”

Kate rolled her eyes. “Your Russian class,” she replied, as if it was the most obvious thing ever said.

“Oh, right,” you replied, reaching for the cutlery on your tray and using it to begin cutting the omelette you’d picked up for lunch. “It was good.”

Kate raised a brow, obviously more curious than your answer could satisfy. “Just good ?”

You nodded in response, raising a single shoulder. “Yeah, good. It was really interesting.”

Kate hummed, taking a bite of the chicken burger she’d chosen for lunch. Like she often did, the girl spoke around her food to ask you another question. “How was the professor? Some old Russian guy?”

Unsure of exactly why, it felt like your heart gave a little flutter when Kate mentioned the professor, maybe it had something to do with the way you’d spent most of the lesson staring at her and thinking how beautiful she was. “Uhm, no actually,” you replied, taking a small bite of your food. “It was a woman. Quite young looking too.”

Kate’s interest seemed to be piqued, a single brow raised. “How young?”

You shrugged a shoulder. “I don’t know how young. Like, thirties? I don’t know.” You shrugged again, unsure of how exactly to answer her question.

The girl across from you hummed. You could tell why it was a suprise to her, it had been to you too when you’d first laid eyes on your new teacher. Most professors at this university were very good at what they did, but that often came with the experiences of age. A younger professor was an uncommon sight.

“What was her name?” Kate asked, still chewing another bite of her burger.

“Romanoff.”

Kate hummed. “And she was any good?”

“Yeah,” you replied lightly, trying not to think too hard about the way her red hair had formed perfect curls. “She seems a little strict but she’s a good teacher.”

“Well, that’s always good I suppose.”

From there, Kate seemed to become disinterested in the professor, instead moving on to discuss a cute girl she’d seen in her programming class. You’d asked more questions but the pair of you knew Kate would never do anything about any crush she had, she would get far too nervous and stumble over all of her words any time she tried to talk to anyone. Many times you’d watched her fail to flirt with someone drunkly at a party, accidentally blurting out something stupid that caused the other person to turn away. Each time you’d end up giving her a pat on the back and assuring her she’d get the next one, both of you secretly knowing it probably wasn’t true. Nevertheless, it was fun to fantasise about cute people you saw on campus and Kate often liked to share all the things she’d like to do with someone if she could actually talk to them.

Your conversation slowly passed on to other things, talking over activities you both did over summer, but sooner than you’d like, the time came for you to both head to your next classes. You both packed up your things, tidying away your lunch trays before heading out of the dining hall and across campus, Kate giving you a very dramatic goodbye before disappearing into her coding class and you slipped away to criminology, some part of your mind still clinging on to the idea of alabaster skin and perfect red curls.

———

The semester kicked off quickly and before you knew it, you were already three weeks in. Your time had been spent flitting between your classes, keeping consistent with your notes and readings. That fresh term feeling still resided within you, positivity and interest radiating through you in each of your courses. Though your creative writing class remained your favourite, your new Russian elective had quickly climbed the charts to take spot number two. Something about the language simply drew you in, perhaps how different it was to English, but every class seemed to suck you in entirely and leave you eagerly awaiting the next one.

Through Kate’s complaining, you were exceedingly glad that you didn’t pick her programming class, the professor apparently loading far too much work on his students. Though, you were never sure how much of the complaints could simply be down to Kate’s dramatics. The pair of you continued to spend your free moments in each other’s company, talking over every meal and studying in the library. You made the most of the disappearing sun, basking in the last of the summer warmth on the campus lawn, your head stuck in a book while Kate napped next to you.

You’d also easily picked up your part time job once more, the manager of the campus coffee shop reminded of your hard work the past three years. The job itself was usually rather tiring, filling up your weekends and free mornings, but it paid for your food so you knew it was a necessity. Thankfully, the lingering warmth had meant the shop had remained rather quite so far, not too many people racing for a hot coffee while the sun still shone down from above. Your experience however, let you know that in just another few weeks, you’d have to pick up the pace and things would get increasingly harder as the temperature began to drop. Yet, for now you basked in the calmness that the summer brought. But one person in particular seemed determined to change that.

Kate stumbled around the room, grabbing different outfits from the closet and trying them on, before deciding they were no good and tossing them on to the floor. She’d never been a very quiet person getting ready, usually singing along to whatever band she found interesting that month, but at that exact moment, you wished she’d sometimes find a slightly calmer routine.

Your head hurt, most likely from dehydration. It had been a long afternoon shift at the coffee shop and it seemed summer was giving everyone one grand goodbye, bringing the temperatures soaring and consequently, leaving you with a very sweaty shift. Now you were back in the dorm, showered and in some light pjs, hoping to finally get started on the work you’d been thinking about all day. But someone seemed destined to distract you. Your eyes fell to Kate, desperately trying to find a top to match the current skirt she was wearing. “I hope you’re gonna clean that up,” you said, glancing at the mess of clothes on the floor.

“‘Course I will,” Kate replied, pulling another top from a drawer. “Ugh, why does nothing look right!”

You glanced once again to the girl, taking in her current appearance. “Wear the silver top,” you said nonchalantly.

Kate began rummaging in the drawer, knowing what you had meant and what to look for. She pulled the top out and tried it on, looking at herself in the mirror and letting out a pleased hum. “Looks good, thanks.”

She passed you a grateful smile and you simply passed one in return, merely thankful that she’d stopped making such a fuss while you were trying to work. Your body turned back towards your desk, eyes falling back on to the open notebook in front of you.

“I really can’t convince you to come tonight?” Kate’s voice whined as she touched up her makeup in the mirror. “It’s always super boring without you.”

“I told you already,” you replied, not looking up from your notes. “I can’t go to a party, I have to study.”

Kate sighed loudly. “What are you even studying for? It’s only the third week!”

“My Russian class. I have a test on Monday.”

Your roommate blew a gust of air from her mouth, the repel evident. “You still have all of tomorrow to study.”

“You’re right, I do. And I intend to use all the time I have.”

Despite still looking at your notes, you could see the eye roll Kate gave you. “Whatever, loser,” she called, grabbing a bag to take with her. From behind, you could hear her pulling on a pair of heels, which would probably end up in her hands before the night was done. “I’ll try be quite coming in,” she said, reaching for the door.

“Keys?”

“Shit.”

The noise of scrambling filled the dorm once more as Kate rummaged about in her backpack for her set of keys, an item so frequently forgotten about. You heard them jingle in her hands before being slipped into her purse. Then, she said her actual goodbyes and slid out of the room, finally leaving you to study in peace. You released a relieved sigh as silence fell back over the room and you allowed your eyes to scan the Russian letters and grammar scribbled out across your paper. Whatever party Kate was venturing to that night, it wouldn’t be the thing to keep you from studying, your mind entirely focused on the terminologies written in your notes and determined to commit every piece of it to memory, no matter how long it took.

———

Natasha loved her job, truly she did. In fact, she’d given up her career of lawyering to begin teaching, something about it always drawing her in. But one part about her job that she didn’t enjoy as much, was marking papers. Although it was an integral part of her role as a professor, it seemed marking always held tedium in the never-ending correcting of answers and decoding of illiterate handwriting.

A low sigh escaped her lips as Natasha circled yet another grade atop of a paper, a red ‘D’ followed by a smaller ‘62%’. It wasn’t a surprise to her that most of the grades were on the lower side, especially for her introductory class, the highest so far reigning at a 73. It always took new students a while to get used to the new alphabet and syntax that Russian carried, their grades reflecting that sometimes up until the midterm. Papers like this were Natasha’s least favourite to grade, constantly having to mark down corrections for spellings or grammar, and usually taking up more of her time than she’d like.

The smell in the kitchen at least worked to brighten up her mood, the soft aroma of a home cooked meal fluttering straight from her nose and down to her anticipating stomach. Wanda always loved to cook and each night Natasha loved coming home to eat whatever she’d stirred up for that night. Her wife dotted around the stove top as Natasha sat across the breakfast bar, two stacks of papers sat next to her. Her mind was hoping by the time she was finished marking, Wanda would have dinner ready and the two could finally relax for the night.

Determined to get finished, Natasha reached for another paper on the stack, briefly brushing over the student’s name before beginning her marking. The usual first questions went expectingly well, but as the test slipped into slightly trickier territory, it seemed the common errors that Natasha had grown so used to seeing, were entirely absent. As each question progressed, Natasha found herself becoming continually bewildered at the perfect answers provided on the paper. At the very end, flipping over the last sheet of paper on to the counter, she lowered her eyebrows in confusion. “Huh.”

Wanda’s head raised from where it sat looking down at a pan, now gazing over at her wife with an inquisitive look. “What is it?”

Not answering immediately, Natasha flipped through the test once again, looking over the many check marks next to every question. Slightly confused, she closed the paper, looking up to meet her wife’s eye. “Some student just got a hundred percent. Like, a perfect score.”

Now it was Wanda’s turn to look a little shocked, her brows raising as she leaned across the counter. “You think it’s legit?”

Natasha shrugged, the scenario playing in her mind. “I mean, I monitored everyone whilst they took it. Nobody looked to be cheating.”

The taller redhead let out an almost amused hum. “Impressive. What’s this outstanding student’s name?”

The paper flicked back to the front cover, Natasha’s eyes flitting over the name scribbled on the top of the sheet in neat handwriting. “Y/N Y/L/N.”

Natasha’s mind searched its archives for any mentions of the name, its presence feeling familiar on her tongue. She fell back to taking attendance, specifically on the first day of class. The name had rung out in the hall and a small voice had picked up to answer it. Natasha remembered her amusement at the English accent she’d heard radiating across the room, originating from a young girl in a pretty summer dress near the front row. It seemed some part of her mind had locked in the gentle smile that accompanied such a sweet voice.

"Cute name," Wanda hummed, moving to stir her pot before her recipe could burn.

"Yeah..." Natasha's eyes remained on the sheet in front of her, scanning over the name and conjuring images of the face that matched with it. "I just don't know how she could have done this perfectly." Her fingers flipped through the pieces of paper, eyes scanning the work written in black ink. "I mean, everything is exactly how is should be. Even her cyrillic is written neatly."

Wanda let out a low hum as she continued fussing about with the stovetop, her answer coming out rather nonchalant. "Maybe she's in the wrong class? Was supposed to enroll in one of your others at a higher level?"

The proposal had already flashed across Natasha's mind, the work in front of her seemingly too good for someone of beginner status. There was always something wrong, some letter they'd missed or some word in the wrong order, it was never this perfect. Her mind had scoured back to previous years, trying to remember if she'd taught her before, but the name sounded too unfamiliar, and besides, she would have recalled that distinctive cute accent that this certain student possessed. "Maybe," Natasha replied finally, turning back the paper to the front. "But I don't see why she wouldn't have swapped out already. I mean, she would have had to have noticed by now, right?"

Wanda licked the small spoon in her hand, tasting her dish before tossing the metal away into the sink. It always amazed Natasha just how much of a multitasker her wife could be. Still adding things to her meal, Wanda tossed a comment over her shoulder. "Well, there's only one way to find out. Talk to her."

The idea washed over Natasha, already present in her own mind. The curiosity of the situation was pulling her in, already wanting to know more about this mystery student. As she thought of the girl in her head, more interest seemed to curate within her. Seeing that adorable smile she'd caught each time she'd called attendance, hearing that charming little accent that followed her name being called, something about it all drew her further in than one may expect, in ways perhaps unrelated to the test in front of her. Excitement and curiosity brewing in her, Natasha looked up to smile at her wife. "I think I will."

———

Today was not a good day for you. Not only had you forgotten your water bottle back in the dorm, but it was also the first day of the semester you’d be receiving back a test. It was only a small one, one that wouldn’t dent your final grade enough to matter, but that didn’t mean you hadn’t spent hours studying for it. You should have known that the peaceful calm that followed the start of term wouldn’t last forever, but it seemed every year the reality of things slipped your mind and you suddenly felt the anxiety crashing down on your shoulders a few weeks in.

Aside from a small introductory piece you’d had to write for creative writing, this was your first proper assessment of the year. As you sat in the lecture hall, waiting for class to begin, your mind flooded over everything you’d done to prepare, the hours of studying you’d put in, thinking back to the questions and if there was anything you could have possibly misread. Your foot tapped quickly against the floor as you pondered the possibility of a bad grade, particularly the berating that would follow from your family if they ever found out. You tried your best to settle your anxiety as the minutes ticked by, assuring yourself that you’d put in all the effort you could, a good grade surely waiting for you after all your hard work. But when the doors to the hall opened and your professor walked in, the pit in your stomach only dropped further.

“Morning everyone,” Professor Romanoff called out, briefly glancing across the class. In her hands you could spy the laptop she usually carried, alongside the stack of test papers you’d be receiving back very shortly. Your heart continued to beat in your chest as attendance was taken, voice slightly shaky when it came time for your name to be called.

“Right,” the redheaded woman said, closing down her laptop after finishing the register. She reached for the stack of papers in her desk as she stood, moving towards the front of the class and looking out. “As I said, these tests are mostly just a baseline to let me know you’re all on track. Though, if you are failing, maybe come see me and we can have a chat about why.”

With that, Professor Romanoff began towards the class, calling out names and passing out tests. You tried not to look as she walked up the isle next to you, the first time close enough to touch. Mostly, your eyes remained on the desk in front of you, mind reeling at the possibility of failing. You wouldn’t fail, right? You’d studied for hours.

“Miss Y/L/N?”

A low voice brought your head up from its position, mind dragged from your thoughts and thrust back into the present moment. Your eyes raised to see your professor suddenly stood in front of you, her stare focused upon your face.

“Yes?”

A tight expression appeared on the redhead’s face, almost a smile but not quite reaching her eyes. Her fingers slid your test paper back towards you, face down against the desk. Your eyes flickered down to it before returning to her gaze. “See me after class, please.”

If there were any words you wanted to say, your throat tightened to prevent them from escaping. Before you could even comprehend what she had said, Professor Romanoff was already moving on towards the next student. Your eyes followed her momentarily, then darted back towards your upturned test. You failed, your mind screamed at you. You must have failed.

Tentative fingers reached out towards the paper, your heart preparing for the first ‘F’ ever written on one of your tests. You were already thinking about how you’d have to explain this to your parents, how you’d let it settle within yourself. The paper flipped over, the red writing of your grade distinct at the top of the first page, but when your eyes fluttered over to it, they did not find what they had been expecting mere moments before. Instead of a giant ‘F’ like you’d been anticipating, the paper held a large ‘A’ on the front, then beside it, in a smaller circle, a 100% mark.

Your eyes almost couldn’t believe what they were seeing, mind more relieved than any time you could remember. Almost at once, your body had relaxed, that small smile appearing on your lips like it always did when you did well. You hadn’t failed at all, in fact, you’d done the complete opposite. Maybe this day wasn’t going as bad as you had anticipated. But then you remembered your professor’s words.

See her after class? What could that possibly mean? Your mind suddenly became erratic again, the anxiety taking control and catastrophizing every possible scenario. You were unsure how you felt with the idea of spending time alone with Professor Romanoff, suddenly worried she may have the ability to read minds and would be able to tell how much your mind had floated back to her face over the past few weeks.

The thoughts in your head were so loud you didn’t notice when your professor first began going on the test. It was only by question four you’d caught on, suddenly snapping back to reality and trying desperately to join back in with the class seamlessly. It seemed, however, that your mind still couldn’t concentrate, entirely focused on the conversation the red-haired woman in front of you had requested to have.

Your eyes fluttered around the room, glancing at the other students to perhaps gage how everyone else had done on the test. Briefly, they fell upon the desk next to you, spying the ‘56%’ scribbled on to the top of the test paper that sat there. When your eyes raised to the girl it belonged it, she passed you a quick scowl, making an eye to the perfect score that sat in front of you. Feeling far too seen, your eyes snapped back to your own paper, hoping that said girl knew you weren’t at all judging, though by her face, it seemed those were her exact thoughts. For the rest of the lesson you vowed to keep your eyes glued to your own paper, too scared of what they might find in the faces of those around you.

Eventually, your professor’s words began to drown out, overtaken by the lingering anxiety clouding your mind. Before you knew it, you’d spent the entire hour stuck inside your head, rethinking every possible scenario that could possibly occur after class. Now, you were forced to face the reality as Professor Romanoff dismissed the class, requesting papers be returned to her before anyone left.

You watched from your chair as a line of students all placed their papers in a stack on the side of the wooden desk. Slowly, you began to pack away your things into your bag, trying not to draw attention to yourself any more than necessary. When you stood, you clutched your test close to your chest, hiding the score away from anyone who might have passed you a look any similar to the girl previously sat beside you.

As the line of students dwindled down, all turning to leave the lecture room, you slowly approached the desk at the centre of the room. The last of your class let the doors swing closed behind them just as you reached the wooden surface, leaving you in the room entirely alone with your professor. You watched her from behind as she wiped the chalkboard clean, erasing away any remnants of the previous lesson.

The air felt so thick you could choke on it. Your mind told you to make yourself known, clear your throat or something, but it seemed you were almost frozen in place. Only when Professor Romanoff finally turned, did you even move at all.

“Ah, Miss Y/L/N.”

The woman dusted her hands against each other as she began to close the gap between the two of you. Both of your eyes met each other, her gaze locking on to yours as she walked back towards her desk and sat down on the edge of it. You swallowed harshly as you danced on the balls of your feet, your irrational thought of mind reading suddenly coming back to you. But Professor Romanoff didn’t say anything towards the sort, instead, simply extended her hand out towards you, palm facing up to the ceiling.

“Oh, right,” you stumbled, handing over the test paper which she had just previously been looking at. It was slightly crumpled from being pressed to your body but the woman seemingly took no notice, simply glancing over it before returning it to the pile of others on her desk, a low hum escaping from her lips.

When her eyes turned back to meet yours, you suddenly noticed how green they were, never having been so close as to regard them before. Blazing emerald gazed back at you as your heart pounded in your chest.

“This is a very good paper, Miss Y/L/N. I’ve never had a student get a perfect mark on one of my tests before.”

As Professor Romanoff’s voice caught your ears, your heartbeat only seemed to quicken its pace. Something in her gaze felt scrutinising, the small curt smile on her lips enough to practically drag your next words out from your mouth.

“I-I didn’t cheat if that’s what you think. I swear.”

It was spilling out before you could stop it really, words tumbling over one another in a desperate attempt to plead your case. That had been the conclusion you’d drawn from this scenario, the reason you’d been asked to stay back in the first place. But to your surprise, Professor Romanoff simply raised a skeptical brow. “I never said you cheated, did I?”

Suddenly you felt very warm, like the wonderful AC you always gushed about had instantaneously disappeared. “No-I just-I-I mean-“

The words tumbled from your mouth, barely coherent. They were quickly silenced when Professor Romanoff raised a hand, passing you a look you couldn’t quite decipher.

“I don’t think you cheated, Y/N,” the professor said after a moment, lowering her hand once more. “I’m just curious as to how you achieved such a high score.”

You felt a little stupid, mind too ahead of itself like always and blurting out the first thing it thought of without even thinking properly. Professor Romanoff’s words washed over you and you picked up on the question present, thinking over your answer briefly before shrugging your shoulders. “I just studied, I guess.”

That perfectly sculpted brow raised once more. “Studied?” Professor Romanoff seemed to look you up and down, gazing at the way you picked at your nail beds anxiously. You stopped immediately when she seemed to notice, instead moving to hold your hands behind your back. The professor moved her eyeline back up to you once more, a curious expression now taking over her face. “Have you taken Russian before?”

You shook your head. “No.”

Professor Romanoff let out a low sigh, adjusting herself on the table where she sat. She was once again wearing a pair of fitted slacks and polished heels, partnered today with a short-sleeved white blouse. From this distance, you could tell the material was silk. You tried not to stare at the woman’s exposed arms as the came to cross against her chest, and more importantly, at the slight cleavage on show that now pressed higher as she moved.

“It’s highly unlikely for a beginner to get a perfect score on a test,” your professor said, eyes meeting yours. “Especially so early on.” The air seemed to grow thicker as the redhead leaned in closer towards you, her gaze narrowing ever so slightly. “So if you’re lying to me, sweetheart, I’d appreciate if you didn’t.”

The name hung heavy in the air, hammering at your lungs as you stood under the woman’s scrutinising gaze. Suddenly, you felt warmer, your heart rate picking up even more as the words of defense began to stumble from your mouth once again. “I-I swear I’ve never taken it before. I-I just-“ You swallowed harshly, trying to regain some of your composure. "I looked at the syllabus over summer and maybe taught myself some of the basic concepts is all. And I did some extra reading, but I just wanted to be prepared! I haven't actually done Russian properly before, I promise. I-I just-"

Professor Romanoff raised her hand once more, silencing your stuttering. "It’s alright, milaya," she said, a small smile now spreading across her lips. "Calm down." The Russian was recognised by your ears but not your mind, left untranslated in the conversation as the redhead continued to talk. "You’re not in any trouble. I was just curious"

The gentleness of your professor's voice was enough to settle you down, suddenly feeling foolish for blurting out like you had. You took a moment to breath, looking down at your feet as they swayed you back and forth. "Right," you said, voice now quiet in the near-empty room.

When your eyeline raised to Professor Romanoff once again, she was still looking back at you with that gentle smile, her eyes soft under the light. After a moment of her gaze on you, she released a small sigh, reaching back to place a hand on your test that sat at the top of the pile. "This is very good test, though," she said, nodding her head towards you. "You should be proud of yourself."

The praise washed over you in a wave of warmth, spreading across your cheeks and down the back of your neck. It wasn't often you received recognition for your work, it certainly never being enough back home, so you never really learned how to properly cope with it without your face embarrassingly heating up and a dopey smile appearing on your lips. You tried your best to hide these now, looking back at the redhead in front of you. "Thank you, professor."

The woman smiled, unbothered by the way your fingers had moved to begin fidgeting with the zip of your hoodie, desperate to find something to distract your flurried mind. "I assume you have another class to get to, Miss Y/L/N?" Professor Romanoff stood up, now looking down on you from a few inches above, her heels adding even more height so that you had to slightly raise your head from where it had been to look up at her.

Your head nodded. "Uhm, yes I do."

The redhead began to collect the papers that sat on the side, adjusting them into an orderly pile. From behind the desk, she smiled over at you. "Well then, hurry along. I wouldn't want to make you late."

Your head nodded again, more frantically this time. "Of course." You adjusted the backpack on your shoulders before turning away, headed towards the door to your right, but before you could reach it, Professor Romanoff's voice called out again.

"And Y/N?"

You turned quickly, facing her desk once more with an awaiting expression. The woman met your eye, the smile on her lips different now, almost what one could mistake as a smirk. She looked over at you as she said, "Keep up the good work."

For the third time, you nodded, feeling yourself heating up again. "I will," you replied, smiling sheepishly. "Thank you again, professor." And with that, you turned and reached for the door, rejoining the rest of the world with a blush on your cheeks. As you headed towards the exit of the building and on towards your next class, your mind tried desperately to think about anything other than the way your professor’s arms had looked pressed against her chest, or more noticeably, how sweet the nicknames she had called you felt upon your ears.

#inescapable love au #professor natasha romanoff #natasha romanoff x reader #wandanat x reader #platonic kate bishop x reader #lawyer wanda maximoff #wanda maximoff x reader

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hindahoney · 1 year

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If you want to code-switch so often that you are nearly incomprehensible to goyim, here is a list of my favorite and most-used Jewish terms:

Schvitzing - Sweating. (Ex: "I'm schvitzing so much it's showing through my clothes.")

Schlep - A tedious and long journey, depending on usage it can mean that you were carrying something. (Ex: "I had to schlep all the way across campus, my backpack was so heavy." Usually denotes a long walk, but other forms of transportation are acceptable too. "You drove all the way to New York from Florida? That's quite the shlep.")

Shtati - Something really cool. (Ex: "I visited my friend's place and they had a shtati mezuzah!")

Neshama - Soul. (Ex: "Mazel tov on your conversion, you have such a strong Jewish neshama!")

Balagan - A big mess, chaotic, confusing (Ex: "Moshe forgot to bring challah for shabbat dinner, and it turned into this big balagan")

Achi/Achoti - "Achi" literally means "my brother," but can also be used like bro or dude, "achoti" is the feminine equivalent meaning "sister"

Yalla - Come on, let's go (Ex: "Yalla yalla, you're going to make us late again")

Mishpacha - Family. Doesn't have to be literal blood relatives, usually a sign of warmth or friendship. (Ex: "I care about every Jew, they're all my mishpacha.")

Pshhh - Interjection sound, to express respect or agreement with what someone is saying, but can also be playfully poking fun at someone taking themselves too seriously, can be used sarcastically.

Achla - amazing, awesome, great, the best (Ex: "You graduated from university? Achla!")

Sheina Punem (Shayna Punim) - Pretty face (Ex: My bubbe kept pinching my cheeks and calling me a sheina punem) Can be used ironically, in which case it means "a disgrace."

Ahavat Yisrael - to love your fellow Jew (Ex: "I firmly believe in ahavat yisrael, even if it's hard sometimes.")

Schande - Shame, dishonor among the nations, meaning a Jew who represents Jews badly, a serious insult. (Ex: "He's a schande, he feeds into antisemitic stereotypes.")

Schmutz - Dirt, stain. (Ex: "Use your napkin, you've got schmutz on your face.")

Amalek - Any enemy of the Jewish people. ("[Fill in blank] is the modern Amalek, they hate the Jews.")

Lanceman/Landsmen - Two jews from the same place, a point of connection between two Jews who now live far away from their hometown. (Ex: "Your grandma is from Crown Heights? Mine too, our grandparents are landsmen!")

Goyisch - Something not Jewish (Ex: "I don't listen to Taylor Swift, her music is too goyisch for me.")

Goyischekop/Goyische-kop - Goyisch head, a jew who thinks/sounds like a non-jew. (Ex: "How could you say about your fellow Jew? Do you have a goyische-kop or something?")

Kindaleh/Kinderlach - Little children (Ex: "I passed by the school and saw the kindaleh on the playground, they're so cute!")

Chamud/Chamuda/Chamudi - Sweetie, cutie, usually aimed at children, but can be a term of endearment between a couple. Can be condescending when said rudely to another adult, like "Sweetheart" can be in English. (ex: "Goodnight, Chamudi. I can't wait to see you tomorrow.")

Daven - to pray ("Are you going to join us for davening?")

Frum - A religiously observant Jew. ("He's frum, he davens three times a day.")

Treif - Unkosher, generally something not good, doesn't have to literally refer to a food. ("I trained my dog to stop barking when I say 'treif!'.")

Bubkis - Zero, nothing, nada ("Moshe got a gift from bubbe and I got bubkis.")

Kvetch - To complain ("I'm just kvetching, I'm not that upset about it.")

Kvell - Extreme pride. ("I heard your daughter made it into her top school, you must be kvelling!")

Mensch - A good, admirable person. ("He volunteers every week, he's a mensch.")

Chillul HaShem - Disgracing God's name, someone who does something that makes Jews look bad.

Kiddush HaShem - Something that sanctifies God's name, brings honor to God. ("I love seeing you wear a kippah, it's a kiddush HaShem!")

Bubbe meise - Little white lies ("He told his teacher a bubbe meise about his dog eating his homework.")

I should acknowledge that these are mostly Yiddish words, as my experience is primarily with Ashkenazi Jews. If you would like to add common slang from your community (like Ladino phrases, Judeo-Arabic, Italki, etc) I would love to learn about them!

#there are so many other words but i use these all the time #add whatever you want!#jumblr #frumblr #jewblr #yiddish #hebrew #jewish #jewish culture #j tag #jew tag

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camellia-thea · 1 year

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i know we talk a lot about the isolation of chronic illness and disability, but i really don't think ablebodied folk get it.

i have made one new friend in person since graduating highschool in 2020. she is my housemate's girlfriend. she stays over frequently, and the only reason we are friends is because she stays over and we have shared university papers. i would not have had the opportunity to befriend her otherwise. that is in the space of three years.

i don't go out much. i cannot guarantee that i will leave my house within any given week. technically i have class i need to go to twice a week for an hour, but those moments aren't time for friends, they're time for classwork and i don't interact with people in a social capacity there.

i simply do not get the opportunity to meet people.

i cannot go out with friends and meet new people that way, because my social circle is already so small, and i don't have the energy to go out half the time anyway. when i do, i suffer for it later.

i don't meet people on campus because i'm immuno-compromised, and ableds seem to have forgotten that we are still in a pandemic.

i don't go to clubs or go out for the sake of going out because i can't. i've grown agoraphobic, because i am so worried that something health related will happen and i'll get stuck somewhere alone. i hate leaving the house because of the guarantee of an anxiety attack which leaves my body more likely to flare. it's a vicious cycle of isolation.

i am not the only one who has experienced this -- i can still leave the house, i can still go and visit friends with assistance. i struggle, but at the end of the day, it's still an option. there are others who are completely isolated.

the worst of it is that people leave. people get tired of the 'i can't come, i'm sorry', of the 'hey, i'm sick, can we postpone?'. even people who you love and hold dearly will stop trying. and it's awful. you have to sit and watch these people who you love walk away because they can't deal with your disability. i don't have words to describe how much that hurts.

it really is impossible for ablebodied people to understand, because for the majority of us, this isn't temporary. this is just how we have to live. and your social circle can only really get smaller.

#feather speaks #actually disabled #actually chronically ill #chronic illness #cripplepunk #physically disabled #cripple punk #i don't really know where i was going with this but the isolation is different from the kind that ablebodied people experience #and i think people got a taste of it with lockdown but it's definitely not the same?#i mean with lockdown it was universal but with us we have to watch other people live their lives and move on #and it's almost like we stay frozen #that's not to say that we don't have fulfilling lives or anything #but i dunno. it feels different #anyway i'm rambling to the void at this point #i just had thoughts and i wanted to put them somewhere

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kangen-wanshi · 1 year

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Good morning! My request for the followers event is “for once, please, let me protect you” with Sebek from Twisted Wonderland. Thank you!

Promise ft. Sebek Zigvolt

He made a promise to you after an unpleasant incident that nearly cost you your life.

Tags: sfw, reader suffered an injury, mention of bullying, has a possessive undertone if you squint a little bit, reader getting called stupid (affectionately), no gendered reference

300 followers prompt events! Ongoing until 11th June 2023

Sebek had never run so quickly in his life. When he heard that you had been sent to the infirmary, he made haste to find you in an instant at that very moment, apologizing to Malleus - The Malleus Draconia that he adorned so much with his life - that he didn’t really have the time to hear the full explanation from Jack about the why you’re there in the first place.

Sebek loves his young Master, but if he was made aware that you, a human, one that he swore to protect too, have come to harm right when he’s around the corner, he could never bring his face up to the dragonic Fae.

When he barged into the infirmary it didn't take long to spot which space you occupy in. Ace sitting with his back turned towards the door, blocking you from his sight, followed by Deuce who stood by the end of your bed. The latter spotted Sebek’s sudden yet expected visit, as he immediately tugged on the red head’s arm, and encouraged him to leave your side for a brief moment to give the Diasomnia student a time with you.

Ace opened his mouth in protest - but when he made eye contact with Sebek, and see an unrecognizable expression of guilt, he shut his mouth, sighed, muttering about how ridiculous this situation is, before picking up Grim ,who had fallen asleep from excessive worrying, from the bed and stormed out of the room with Deuce following suit.

Before he left, Sebek’s gloved hand had halted him by the shoulder. He didn’t even utter a single word for his question to transpire: What happened.

Deuce knitted his brows, scowl on his face as he turned away from Sebek, “Some seniors were picking on the Prefect during our flight lesson,” he confessed, spits of venom splattered across his words, “They casted a long-ranged spell from behind the woods - the Prefect was up in the air and-”

“Thank you, Deuce.” Those were enough. He thought. He doesn’t need to hear more of it. Had Deuce continued with his story, Sebek would’ve immediately switched his destination to wherever these ‘seniors’ are, to act out on his own justice over your safety. But no, not now. He wanted to keep his rage and focus on you.

So Deuce left, giving Sebek - and you - one last look before leaving the infirmary to follow Ace and the furry little member of their group.

You had watched their little interaction from where you sat up on the bed. A small, pitiful and tired smile on your face as you gaze up to Sebek. Such a simple sight of your smile would send him to the moon - but not now. With how bandages are wrapped around your head and scratches all over your skin and your uniform, Sebek couldn’t focus on your beauty and charm, rather, he couldn’t help but clench his knuckles white.

“Sebek -”

“What happened?”

“O- oh, uh, some upperclassmen were just.. Feeling like practicing long ranged spells when we’re around to practice, I suppose..” You lowered your gaze, “Uh, Jade said he’d take care of them, so-”

“What happened?” Sebek pressed on. He knows you’re hesitating with your answer. You’ve been in this campus for long, you’ve gained friends, you've gained foes, but with each powerful allies you’ve gained - such as his young master - everyone on campus should know not to mess with the magicless Prefect of Ramshackle if they wish to graduate alive.

Something else happened.

You hesitated. But he knew that look in your eyes, you’re processing your thoughts. When you bite your lips, fiddling with the fabric of your shirt, shifting your gaze away from him. So he let you think, he let you take your time, if he knew anything, is that you have a reason for everything you do.

So you finally admitted, your pitiful and pained look now shifted to something akin to his - rage.

“They were mocking you.” You confessed, “They called you obnoxious,” you added, “Annoying,” and you added, “A painful thorn on the side,” and you added, “And-”

At this point, your knuckles turned white from clutching the sheet.

“- I had to give them a piece of my mind.”

“Did you-” You cut him off with a snicker, “Some seniors they are, couldn’t even fight me right in front of my face, huh?” The first time you looked up to him, with your bruised lips, you gave him a prideful grin, “Couldn’t even beat a little magicless me! Even without Grimm’s help I can beat ‘em easily. Some senior-ass they are.”

Ah. He recalled it now. Just a few days ago, he saw you all covered in dust and scratches. You admitted that you just came face to face with a bully and won, and he let it slide because you came out unscathed due to your victory.

But look how it turned out. They came back - and they came back worse. All because you were-

“- You were.. Defending me?” The insults you had sputtered out about him said by others went past his head, his eyes widened as he stared at your grinning face, “Why? For something so small such as that you shouldn’t have - How stupid can you be?!”

Sebek snapped, raising his voice in an instant when the reason behind your action finally registered in his mind, “When will you realize how truly weak you are?! You’re just a human, a magicless one at that, and yet you’re so recklessly going to seek trouble for something so fleeting such as an insult?! Even one that isn't directed towards you?! Why would you-”

“It’s not stupid!” You snapped back, flinching when your sore cheek stabbed your flesh with sting, which, dragged Sebek back to the reality of your condition as he visibly flinched.

“You’re important to me.” You continued, now with a whisper loud enough for him to hear, “Way too damn important for me to let some - scrawny senior wannabes insult you like that. And if you know anything about me which, I’m sure you’re fully aware of,” You scoffed at his dumbfounded silence, “You know I’m stubborn about insults.”

He couldn’t take it anymore. You are, in fact, stupid in his eyes. To fight off seniors who may be skilled in magic casting, all over insults that were directed towards him. Ridiculous. Reckless. You-

-And he broke down. A heavy, long exhale escaped past his lips as he squatted down next to your bed. His gloved hands are buried in his hair, his head lowered to face the floor beneath him. He couldn’t deal with you. You’re way too much for him. Too strong, too stubborn, yet too vulnerable to be left fighting alone all on your own. And he couldn’t leave you be. Not when you fight so hard for his sake.

“Please,” he pleaded, “Don’t ever do such a thing, ever again.”

You parted your lips, ready to argue with him once more, before his hands snapped up and grabbed yours gently, yet firmly, holding it securely within his own.

“At least, let me be by your side when you decide to do anything reckless like such,” he made eye contact with you. Now, with pleas in his eyes, concern, and devotion. One that you’d expect to see when he speaks about his young master.

“I couldn’t-” he paused, letting himself breathe between his words, “You’ve done so much. Too much. I couldn’t let you suffer from such minor inconvenience caused by scoundrels who couldn’t even see where they stood.”

“So please, for once, let me be the one who protects you.”

“Have you perhaps forgotten that I’m a knight, human?” he managed to slip in some humor and a chuckle, “I would be driven to shame beyond Sevens’ comprehension if I couldn’t even protect the one I hold dear. How would I protect the young master if I couldn’t even protect you?”

There he is. Beyond his anger, his plot of revenge, and his adoration for you, he managed to slip in some smile to entertain you and your giggles. Pulling your hand up towards his face, he planted a firm kiss to your bandaged knuckles, down to your fingers, and towards your delicate palms.

Yes. He won’t let you be dressed in such a manner anymore. No more bandages over your skin, no more bruises around your beautiful face. This time, he will be the one covered in others suffering for your sake.

After all, he promised to protect you, and Sebek’s loyalty is anything but a promise of his life.

#x reader #reader insert #les does writing #twst x reader #twisted wonderland x reader #sebek zigvolt x reader #twst sebek x reader #les 300 followers event

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bisaster-energy · 3 months

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big believer in keiko and kuwabara being besties like. you're my best friend's best friend and instead of it being awkward they realize "hey i really like hanging out with you!" this is ofc extremely detrimental to yusuke who now has two people on his ass

they share textbooks keiko quizzes kuwabara til he drops and she asks for fitness advice. why do i think this? I simply think it'd be funny asf if Keiko randomly got abs of steel. yusuke walks in on them doing sit ups while testing each other on vocab and almost breaks into tears.

"Keiko stop turning kuwabara into a fucking nerd he's wasting all his time studying instead of goofing off" "yusuke shut up and feel my abs" "holy shit these guys are like rock hard" "right??"

Kuwabara gets glasses and yusuke genuinely thinks it's a bit at first but kuwa is like "man seriously I realized part of the reason school was hard was cos I couldn't make out the words in my books half the time I need these things fr" classic yyh collapse in shock moment

Keiko and Kuwa are there for each other when yusuke goes off doing god knows what in Makai. They know he'll be back but it can be shitty not knowing what he's doing when he'll be back. Kuwabara reassures her that Yusuke does give a shit even when he leaves and Keiko reminds Kuwabara of why he doesn't need to drop everything and join him. He'll be back he'll be back he'll be back.

Kuwabara can only make simple meals Shizuru forced him to learn and Keiko doesn't really cook even tho her parents own a restaurant so when yusuke is in the human world there's cheers and applause "finally I get to eat 🙏🏼" "aren't you guys graduating college soon how are you surviving when I'm not here" "get back in the kitchen boy" "yeah I need another bowl 😌" "im poisoning ur food"

because girls and guys apparently can't just hang out school mates are sure Keiko is dating kuwabara but some think she's with yusuke and others think the two are fighting over her and she just looks at them like they're stupid if anyone ever asks directly

as for Kuwabara nobody knows whether he has a gf or a bf cos sometimes a polite brunette with a sweet smile visits him on campus and they talk at a picnic table (she's seen hitting him sometimes tho) but other times a guy with slicked back hair and devil may care attitude like. swaggers up to kuwa when he's with some classmates and drops a homemade lunch in his lap "you forgot this dumbass" "ahh thanks yusuke you're a life saver 🥺" "just eat your food" inside is the cutest box lunch and yusuke's glare keeps the people kuwa was with from cracking jokes. kuwabara acts like this is very normal

anyway i just think it'd be cool if they hung out and yusuke was equal parts delighted and grumpy about it

#this could be poly tbh i was really just going for a friendship angle but literally either makes sense #I just think Keiko would randomly wanna get fit to put some energy into something besides school and kuwa could help #yusuke is like oh no my smart friend and my strong friend are merging their traits and hanging out w/o me :( by talos...#he doesn't get left out ofc but they do gang up on him sometimes because they think it's hilarious #it's not lost on me the idea of yusuke being into intellectuals considering how smart those 2 are #I was just thinking about this cos I'm writing a kuwameshi fic rn #And it's Keiko pov so it focuses on her relationship with Kuwabara and how she fits into his and yusuke's dynamic #yu yu hakusho #keiko yukimura #yusuke urameshi #kazuma kuwabara #i guess i should tag this #kuwameshi #cos i do look at through that lens #idk if they have a poly ship name tho #important to note that when kuwa thanks yusuke for bringing lunch he's being insufferable and #using the the most over the top sweet voice poking fun at yusuke for basically malewifing himself

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hyperfixatedimagines · 8 months

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Home for the Holidays Ch.1

Summary: Your family didn't take your coming out well....and instead of spending the holiday alone you join your roommate for Christmas dinner. While Aemond wishes you set your sights on his sister Helaena, your tastes skew much older.

A/N: This is a modern!au milf Alicent x milf lover f!reader. It was supposed to be finished last December lol. It got really long so I broke it into two chapters. It will be smutty, so read with caution if that’s not your thing! Not really smut in part one though.

A/N pt. 2: In this story two of Alicent’s cousins are her older brothers and Baela is not Helaena’s cousin. Not canon compliant.

You knew the holidays were going to be rough this year but had not anticipated just how hard seeing pictures of your family in St. Barts without you would be.

They had not taken your coming out well.

Sure they had promised to keep paying the tuition to your very expensive university until you graduated but that did little to soothe the hurt that their disapproval caused. Your family came from old money, some of the oldest of old in the country, and with that came old ways of thinking. They didn't care that you were gay, plenty of people in your extended family were some form of fruit, but they all stayed in the closet- at least publicly. That was what your family wanted for you as well. Anything to not tarnish their image.

But you couldn't live that way any longer. You wanted to be free.

To your surprise, only your estranged cousin Elia had accepted and even celebrated your coming out of the closet.

Thankfully you had Aemond. The two of you had met in freshman history class. He argued with the professor over every historical inconsistency in his lectures and it drove the professor mad. It made you laugh though. Aemond also came from old money, so the two of you bonded over the pressures that came from families that expected you to be perfect. Sophomore year the two of you moved into an apartment off campus, and your friendship only grew from there.

Aemond was your best friend, and you could not have asked for a better one. Aemond invited you to spend the holiday with his family. He didn’t love spending time with his family as they could be quite a lot but he always went for his mother’s sake.

You figured it beat spending Christmas alone in your flat.

So you got dressed in your very best and sat in the passenger seat of Aemond’s Porsche the whole drive to Oldtown.

Aemond popped another piece of gum into his mouth. “This will be a great opportunity for you and Helaena to bond,” he said as he chewed.

You rolled your eyes. “Not this again.”

Aemond smiled mischievously. “Come on (y/n). You can’t tell me you didn’t feel a connection when she came to visit on my birthday.”

“I can, and I am. She’s not a lesbian Aemond,” you replied.

Aemond was convinced that his sister Helaena was a lesbian. His evidence was that she never had a boyfriend, attended an all women's university, majored in Women’s studies, and only brought home girl best friends for the holidays.

“She talked to you that night, which cannot be said for many other people. Helaena is very selective with who she talks to. You even made her laugh (y/n)! I saw the sparks,” Aemond argued.

You sighed and shook your head. “Even if your sister was by some miracle into women, which I want to firmly state for the record that she is not, she’s simply not my type.”

The light turned red and Aemond’s car pulled to a smooth stop at the intersection. He turned to you.

“You don’t have a type. I’ve seen you bring all types of women home (y/n).”

You smirked. “Ever notice they weren’t at all our age.”

Aemond furrowed his brows. “So your type is older women?”

You nodded. “Yeah, like your mom for example.”

Aemond frowned. “Dude not that again!”

You laughed. “It’s not my fault your mom is a total milf.”

The light turned green. Aemond focused on the road once more. His face contorted in disgust.

“Ugh, yeah you and my mother are not something I’d like to picture.”

You let out another laugh. “Well I certainly have.”

This time Aemond let out a small chuckle. “Do you have the hots for my mother (y/n)? Is that why you said yes to joining us for Christmas?”

You shrugged. “Maybe I do, and maybe it is.”

Aemond chuckled again. “Well if you can make my white, Anglo-saxon, catholic mother do anything untoward this weekend I’ll spend the first two months of the new year cleaning the bathroom every weekend.”

Another red light. The car came to a stop.

You turned to Aemond and put your hand out.

“Deal.”

Aemond turned to you and shook his head. “I was joking.”

“I am not," you replied with a cheeky smile.

“Fine, deal,” Aemond said and shook your hand.

The light turned green. Aemond sped off once more.

You sat back in your seat thinking of Aemond’s mother, Alicent. You had only met her via Facetime when she called to check in on Aemond.

She was a certified smokeshow.

Alicent was beautiful and always held herself with poise. She was dressed impeccably in every photo of her online you could find when you first cyber-stalked her.

She had lost her husband, Aemond’s father, three years ago.

Aemond always skirted around the topic of his father. His father, from what you knew, had never really cared for Aemond and his siblings.

Viserys Targaryen was in his second term as the state's governor when he passed away. The Targaryens were political legends in your state. Many of their family members had been mayors, governors, state senators, and they had even managed to have an ancestor in the oval office.

Aemond’s father had always favored his only daughter from his first marriage, Rhaenyra. He had poised her to be the city’s mayor but his death led to a falling out within Aemond’s family. According to Aemond, they had never gotten along with Rhaenyra and her family but they had been cordial while Viserys lived.

When he died, Rhaenyra (who according to Aemond saw his mother as nothing but a gold digging whore) fought Alicent on every asset Viserys owned and vowed to leave Alicent penniless.

Thankfully Aemond’s mother had her family by her side. The Hightowers of Oldtown were an even older political force to be reckoned with. Their wealth dated back to the very founding of the nation.

Aemond’s grandfather, Otto Hightower, had squandered his own inheritance as a young man. It was rumored his family had cut him off and left him to his own devices after he gambled his money away. So Aemond’s mother had grown up having to make a lot of things happen on her own as they didn’t have their family’s backing for most of her life.

It wasn’t until Alicent married Viserys that the Hightowers welcomed Otto, Alicent, and her brothers back into the family fold.

So when Viserys died Alicent had the army of Hightower family lawyers on her side. Alicent managed to win several of Viserys’ homes and the money the prenup she had signed promised her.

Aemond never really spoke of his father, and when he did it was without warmth or love. So you often wondered if this was how all his family felt or if it was just him. You figured you would soon find out.

Aemond pulled up in front of the massive estate.

You got out of the car and marveled at the impressive family home. It wasn’t bigger than the one your family owned but it did look older and felt more imposing.

The estate was decorated from top to bottom in Christmas decor. It was done tastefully, the lights and decor didn’t look tacky, but it certainly conveyed a love for the holiday not many others shared by the look of the estates Aemond had passed by on the drive up.

Aemond popped the truck of the car open and took out his overnight bag. Then he took a deep breath and walked towards you.

“Say the word and we can still go back to the flat,” he joked.

You raised your brows and gave him a sideways look. “And do what? Eat Chinese take out and get drunk?”

Aemond smiled. “That sounds class to me.”

You laughed and shook your head.

“Aemond," said a voice that sounded as sweet as honey and as light as the morning sun.

You and Aemond turned your heads towards the estate.

Aemond’s mother stood at the door. She smiled brightly and waved.

Gods she’s even more beautiful in person, you thought.

Aemond put his hand on your shoulder. “Let’s get this over with then.”

You and Aemond walked up to the door.

Aemond’s mother turned to you and gave you a hug.

“It’s lovely to finally see you in person (y/n)," Alicent said as she politely embraced you.

You were surprised but you quickly recovered and returned the embrace. You noted how warm she felt.

“It’s a pleasure Mrs. Targaryen.”

Alicent pulled away and waved her hand dismissively. “Oh none of that. Call me Alicent,” she said with a smile.

You nodded. “If you insist, Alicent.”

She let out a polite laugh then turned her attention to Aemond. She wrapped her arms around her son. “I’ve missed you so much my little dragon,” she cooed.

Aemond blushed as he pulled away from his mother.

“Mom,” he chided.

Alicent laughed. “What? I can’t call you my little dragon anymore?”

You laughed and turned to Aemond. “Little dragon?”

Alicent turned to you. “He used to love running around pretending he was a dragon when he was a boy.”

You reached out and pinched Aemond’s now rosy cheek. “How cute, little dragon.”

Aemond swatted your hand away. “That only happened when I was seven and it’s because the dragon is on our family crest.”

“If it makes you feel better my nickname used to be baby cabbage in our mother tongue," you revealed, hoping to lessen Aemond's embarrassment.

Alicent laughed. “Why baby cabbage?”

You blushed under her gaze. “I was a very chubby baby.”

“How darling,” Alicent quipped.

Butterflies fluttered in your chest at the compliment. Out of the corner of your eye you noticed Aemond staring at you.

He cleared his throat and pulled his mother’s gaze away from you. “Let’s go inside, it’s bitterly cold out.”

Alicent nodded. “Of course come on in. Aegon is already up in his room. Helaena and her friend should be getting in any minute now.”

Alicent stepped aside and Aemond walked inside.

You followed after him and felt the butterflies in your chest multiply when you caught Alicent looking you over from head to toe with a small smile on her face.

Aemond and Aegon decided to smoke a joint before dinner.

You weren’t against it but didn’t care to partake so you wandered downstairs and figured you’d ask Alicent if she needed any help with dinner.

You knocked on the wall of the kitchen entryway.

Alicent was stirring something in the saucepan but looked up when she heard you knock. She smiled.

Butterflies filled your chest once more.

“Hi there,” she said.

You shoved your hands in the pockets of your jeans. Your palms had already started to sweat and you hadn't even spoken yet.

“Hi...Uh I was wondering if you needed help with anything?”

Alicent waved you off. “You’re a guest (y/n). I could never ask you to do anything,” Alicent protested.

You stepped closer and leaned against the counter next to the stove. “Then it’s a great thing I’m asking you. Really, I want to help out,” you insisted.

Alicent let out a small laugh. “Okay, you can stir this gravy while I check on the roast.”

You stepped up to the stove and took over the stirring.

Alicent went to the oven that was inlaid on the side of the stove, and took a look at the roast.

“Did you decorate or did you hire someone to decorate your home?”

Alicent stuck a meat thermometer in the roast and turned her head towards you. “Depends, do you think it’s too much?”

You smiled. “Of course not. It’s beautifully done.”

Alicent brightened at the compliment. “Then it was all me,” she beamed.

“Do you always go all out on the holidays?”

Alicent placed the roast back on its rack and closed the oven door. “Just Christmas. It’s my favorite holiday because I finally have my family all under one roof again."

She took her oven mitts off.

You continued to stir the gravy. “Well I hope it’s okay that you have a stray joining you at the table this year."

Alicent approached the stove once more.“It’s Christmas, the more the merrier.”

Then Alicent reached out for the spoon. You went to hand it off.

But then your hand met hers.

You didn’t move, and neither did Alicent.

She met your gaze.

You were too scared to even breathe. It felt as though if you moved even an inch the spell that kept her eyes on you would break.

But it broke anyway.

Alicent cleared her throat and looked away.

You let go of the spoon.

Alicent grabbed the spoon and resumed stirring. With her free hand she lowered the heat of the flame. “Besides, I’ll have two stays. Helaena is bringing a friend from school," she said, as though your brief moment of intense something had never happened.

You took a step back and leaned on the counter. “Right, you mentioned that before. Do you know much about her?”

Alicent continued to stir. She did not meet your gaze. “Not really. Helaena doesn’t share much about her college life with me. All I know is that her name is Baela, and that they’re spending Christmas day with her family.”

You raised your eyebrows slightly. Was Aemond right about his sister being into women?

Alicent noticed. “Why’d you make that face?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. It’s just something stupid Aemond said," your face suddenly felt warmer.

Now it was Alicent who raised her eyebrows in intrigue. “What is it?”

You bit the inside of your cheek, unsure if Aemond would mind you sharing his thoughts with his mother.

Alicent noted your apprehension. “I won’t tell Aemond you mentioned anything.”

You looked into Alicent’s eyes. They were a deep and rich brown. They were comforting. You realized that with eyes like that you would tell her anything she wanted. But her gaze was too hot so you swallowed hard and looked away from her when you told her what Aemond had said.

“He thinks Helaena is gay, and is obsessed with getting her and I together. I’m ninety percent sure that’s the sole reason he invited me over today.”

Alicent stopped stirring and stared at you.“Gay? Why does he think Helaena is gay?”

You shrugged.

Alicent placed a hand on her hip. "I think you do know."

You dared look up. Alicent's attention was fully focused on you. You felt your stomach in your throat but you spoke anyway.

“According to Aemond, Helaena never expresses interest in men or in dating a man, only talks about women she admires, attends a historically women’s college and majors in women’s studies, and finally that she only ever brings girls home on the holidays.”

Alicent chuckled and went back to stirring the gravy. “Oh gods. You know I’ve never known why kids today still hang onto outdated stereotypes about sexuality. I was the very same at Helaena’s age, she’ll grow out of it when she meets her future husband. I know I did.”

You pushed yourself onto the counter and sat down, intrigued at the revelation of Alicent's past.

“You were a women’s studies major at an all girl college?”

Alicent tilted her head to the side.“Sort of. I majored in English literature at Vassar, and I only ever brought my girl friends home for the holidays. Until I met my late husband of course.”

Aemond had never told you that his mother had gone to an all women’s university or that she had a BA in English Lit. It piqued your interest. You needed to know more.

“How did you meet him?”

Alicent returned her gaze to the stove and brought the heat of the burner even lower. “My father introduced us. He was Viserys’ chief of staff in his first term.”

You knew there had been an age difference between them but had not imagined it was that big.

“Interesting...”

Alicent didn’t reply but she glanced over at you.

You hopped off the counter, awkward with the sudden silence. “What else can I help with?”

Alicent smiled softly. “You really don’t have to (y/n).”

You shook your head. “I insist. Have you set the table? If not I would be more than happy to do so.”

Alicent turned the heat off and moved the sauce pot to a different burner. She looked up at you. “I laid everything out but I haven’t set it up.”

You clapped your hands together. “Consider it done.”

Then you raised your hand to your forehead and gave Alicent a mock salute.

Alicent laughed.

You set the table as you had always been taught to. Spoons and knives on the right and forks on the left.

Then, just as you were almost done setting the table you realized the salad forks were missing.

You double checked the pile where Alicent had left everything, hoping they were under a napkin and you had simply missed them. But no dice. They weren’t there.

So you walked back to the kitchen.

Alicent was now working on the salad she planned to serve. She looked up when you entered the kitchen, a smile on her face. It seemed like she always had a smile ready for you.

You smiled back, it was instinct around her. “Hey uhm- I’m almost done setting the table but I realized the salad forks are missing. I can’t find them.”

Alicent furrowed her brow. “Really? I could have sworn I set them out with the rest.”

She grabbed a nearby paper towel and wiped her hands of any residue.

Then she exited the kitchen and walked towards her china hutch.

You watched her from the kitchen entryway.

While you waited for Alicent to find the forks you looked about the room. When you looked up you realized someone had hung mistletoe over the entryway.

You smiled.

Alicent walked to you, forks in hand. She stopped at the entryway. “I’m so sorry I forgot to set them out with the rest.”

She handed the forks over to you.

You reached out to take them and for a brief minute your hands met hers, once again.

Your gaze met hers. “Don’t apologize. I honestly don’t know how you’re doing all the cooking and decorating all on your own. Aemond and I were barely able to put a tree up.”

Alicent smiled. She didn’t pull away this time. “You’re too sweet (y/n).”

You returned her smile. Your cheeks were starting to hurt but you wouldn't dare not smile back. “I do have to ask you something," you said, emboldened by the continued contact with Alicent.

Alicent raised a brow. “Ask me something?”

You nodded slightly then continued. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen mistletoe hung in the entryway of a kitchen before.”

Alicent’s brow furrowed. “Mistletoe?”

You looked up. Alicent followed your gaze.

Her eyes widened a bit when she noticed the mistletoe. “Oh I- That Aegon,” she cursed.

You looked back down at her and laughed.

Alicent met your gaze once more, blush filled her cheeks.

Then she pulled her hands away from yours.

You took the forks and held them against you. “It's quite a funny placement isn't it?"

Alicent walked past you, back to her salad preparations.

“Oh yeah? How so,” Alicent replied, busying herself with her salad to avoid looking at you.

“It reminds me of the old saying, love the meal and kiss the chef."

Alicent stopped chopping the greens and looked over at you. She let out a small laugh. “Is that a saying? I don't think I've heard it before."

You shrugged. “I swear I've heard it before, somewhere...Well if it's not it should be."

Alicent shook her head, the smile still on her face. “Let’s see if you still want to kiss the chef after you’ve had my cooking.”

Butterflies filled your chest. You stood up a little straighter. “Deal.”

Alicent turned to you once more, her eyebrows raised.

You twirled around and walked back to the dining room. You could feel Alicent’s eyes on you as you walked away.

You finished setting the table.

Then you stepped back and admired your work.

You hoped Alicent would like it. So you turned to head back to the kitchen but stopped in the hall when you heard the doorbell ring.

You turned to open it but Aemond beat you to it.

“Sister,” Aemond said and reached out to hug a familiar blonde.

Alicent walked out of the kitchen and went to the door.

Helaena let go of Aemond and turned to her mother. Alicent wrapped Helaena in another hug.

Behind her, a silver haired girl stood awkwardly in the doorway.

Helaena pulled away from her mom and stepped back to the silver haired girl’s side. She slid her hand in the girl’s. “Mom, Aemond, this is my best friend Baela.”

Alicent stepped forward and stuck her hand out. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Baela.”

Baela shook Alicent’s hand. “Thank you for having me over Mrs. Targaryen. Helaena has told me so much about you all.”

Alicent laughed lightheartedly. “All good things I hope.”

You took note that she didn’t ask Baela to call her Alicent.

Aemond gave Baela a polite nod. “Welcome Baela.”

Baela smiled at him. “Thank you Aemond.”

Then Aemond noticed you standing in the hall and he waved you over. You approached them with a smile.

Aemond went to your side and put his arm around your shoulders. “Helaena look who’s joining us tonight.”

Helaena smiled when she turned to face you. “(y/n), it’s nice to see you again.” She stepped forward and gave you a hug.

Aemond dropped his arm and stepped away from the both of you.

You returned Helaena’s hug. Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed Aemond giving you a knowing smirk.

Helaena pulled away and held you at arm’s length. “I’m so happy you’re joining us for dinner.”

“As am I,” you replied.

Helaena gave your arms a squeeze before she stepped back to Baela’s side.

You stuck your hand out to Baela. “Nice to meet you. I’m Aemond’s friend (y/n).”

Baela shook your hand warmly. “Nice to meet you as well.”

Then Baela stepped back and Helaena looped her arm around Baela’s.

“We’ll be upstairs in my room. Let us know when dinner is ready,” Helaena said before she and Baela started up the stairs.

“Okay,” Alicent said as she watched them leave. Then she turned to you and Aemond.

“Do you need any more help,” you asked Alicent.

Alicent shook her head. “You’ve been a tremendous help. Please go have fun.”

Aemond put his arm around your shoulders once more. “Let’s go play some video games on Aegon’s new system.”

Aemond led you to the stairs.

You craned your head back to look at Alicent. “If you need any more help just let me know! I’d be more than happy to.”

Alicent gave you another smile. “I will.”

Then she walked back into the kitchen and you followed Aemond up the stairs.

After about an hour of playing mario party with Aemond and Aegon (who you didn’t much care for because he could be crass but he had never been improper towards you so you didn’t mind him much) you heard the doorbell ring.

“That will be grandfather,” Aemond said with a sigh.

Aegon slumped down in his gaming chair on the ground. “I don’t want to go down.”

Aemond clapped a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Sooner we go say hello the sooner we can say goodbye.”

Aegon groaned.

You turned to Aemond. “Oh come on, your grandpa can’t be that bad.”

Aegon looked at you with an incredulous expression. “You have no idea."

Then you all stood and made your way to the entrance.

You trailed behind the boys.

You saw Alicent at the door with an older man who you figured was her father, and three younger men who greeted Alicent with smiles and hugs. You figured they were her brothers.

Aemond had told you he had three uncles on his mother’s side. He hadn’t mentioned much about them other than they were all still bachelors, which to you spoke volumes about them as two looked older than Alicent and only one looked younger than her.

The older man turned to Aegon and Aemond, who were now at the door.

“Boys,“ the man cheered before greeting each one with a hug and heavy pat on the back.

Aemond returned the hug while Aegon went limp in his grandfather’s arms. Then their uncles greeted each one.

You noticed that Alicent had straightened her posture and kept a more neutral expression. She greeted her father and sibling politely, with none of the warmth of earlier greetings.

There was a lot that you didn’t know about Alicent and her family but you figured it was not all rainbows and sunshine by the change in her demeanor.

“You got here just in time father. Dinner is ready and served,” Alicent proclaimed.

Her father nodded. “Very good timing Alicent.”

Then Alicent turned to Aemond. “Would you tell the girls it’s dinner time?”

Aemond nodded. Then he sped back up the stairs. He reached you and started to tell you but you told him you had heard.

So he left you and went to tell Helaena and Baela.

You made your way down the staircase and to the dining room.

Alicent’s father and brothers seated themselves. Her father sat at the head of the table and insisted Aegon sit on the other end. Aegon did not protest.

Alicent came out of the kitchen with the salad she prepared in her arms.

You went to her side. “Do you need any help bringing out the food?”

Alicent gave you a half smile. “It’s alright (y/n). I’ve set it all on the table. You just sit down and enjoy.“

You nodded and followed Alicent into the dining room. You sat down on the empty side of the table. You introduced yourself to Alicent’s family as you sat down. They all gave you various levels of appropriate greetings.

Thankfully Aemond, Helaena and Baela came in and sat down next to you. Aemond sat to your right, beside his grandfather, and Helaena to your left. Baela sat on her left, with Aegon on Baela’s left. Opposite you sat Alicent. To her left sat her brother Gwayne (as he had introduced himself to you), beside his father. To Alicent’s right sat her brothers Lyonel and Martyn.

You took in the sight of the absolute feast that was before you. “This all looks delicious, Alicent,” you said without thinking.

Alicent gave you a small smile, blush tinting her cheeks once again. “Thank you (y/n). You’re too kind.”

Her father, Otto as you now knew him, let out an indifferent huff. “The roast looks a bit overdone. How long did you leave it in for,” he remarked.

Alicent’s smile fell from her face. She looked down at her hands. “I followed mother’s recipe to the letter father.”

Otto let out another huff. “We’ll see about that.”

Alicent frowned.

Your focus was pulled away from them when Aemond gently ribbed you with his elbow.

“You’ve got the perfect seat to talk to Helaena,” he whispered.

You turned your head slightly to get a better look at Helaena. She was too busy chatting with Baela to even notice you.

You turned back to Aemond. “It’s not happening Aemond.”

Aemond frowned then turned his attention to his grandfather.

Otto rose from his seat and tapped his wine glass with a fork, calling everyone’s attention.

“It warms my heart to see the family gathered for another Christmas. A man’s true wealth can be measured by the strength of his family...and the strength of his business. I am pleased to announce that your uncle Ormund has set up a donor fund for Aegon’s first mayoral campaign.”

Alicent’s brothers clapped and cheered for Aegon. Alicent clapped softly and gave Aegon a sympathetic look.

Aegon’s face turned a sickly pale color. He didn’t meet his grandfather’s gaze.

You had a feeling this was the first Aegon was hearing of his mayoral candidacy.

Otto raised his glass. “To Aegon, first stop the mayor of Oldtown, last stop the president’s office.”

“Huzzah,” Martyn cheered.

You raised your glass alongside the rest purely out of propriety. Everyone could tell by the look on Aegon’s face this was the last thing he wanted.

You turned to look at Alicent who had guilt written all over her face. Your heart softened.

Otto set his glass down after taking a drink. Then he grabbed the carving knife and fork and got to work on the roast.

The meal was going well. Until of course Alicent’s family set their attention towards you.

Lyonel, Alicent’s eldest brother, turned towards you. “So (y/n), what’s your family do?”

Martyn nodded. “Yeah your name sounds familiar.”

You took a quick sip of your wine before you replied. “My family are mainly philanthropists now but our family used to own the majority of the railways in the country,” you confessed.

“That’s right, (y/l/n) rail,” Otto chimed in.

“Yes sir, but my father is focused on tech philanthropy now.” Below the table your palms started to sweat. Talking with Otto Hightower felt a lot like speaking with your grandfather as a child. They both had very imposing auras.

“A pity,” Martyn responded as he shoveled another piece of roast into his mouth.

Alicent whipped her head towards her brother. “Martyn,” Alicent chided.

Martyn shrugged. “What? Her family used to be major players in the nation.”

Lyonel nodded, agreeing with his brother. But he didn’t stop there. “So why aren’t you spending Christmas with them?”

You dug your fingers into the palms of your hands. You felt like something was stabbing the inside of your throat.

Thankfully, Alicent and Aemond came to your aid. “Lyonel,” Alicent reprimanded.

Then she turned to you. “You don’t have to answer that (y/n). Please forgive my brothers.”

Aemond nodded. “Yeah (y/n) you don’t have to engage my troublesome uncles.”

Lyonel and Martyn rolled their eyes.

Otto was silent but his piercing gaze remained on you.

You swallowed hard before you put on a polite smile. You looked at Aemond then at Alicent. “It’s alright,” you assured them.

Then you turned to Alicent’s brothers.

“I came out to my family a few months ago and it's safe to say they don’t approve of my new ‘lifestyle’ as they call it.”

Lyonel’s face went red. Martyn looked away.

Internally, you smiled at the sight of them embarrassed.

Alicent’s voice pulled you back to the present. “They’ll come around eventually (y/n). The love a parent has for their child is immeasurable.”

You smiled at her. “I really hope you’re right.”

Gwayne, who had not said much all dinner, cleared his throat. All eyes turned to him.

He turned to Aemond. “So Aemond, how’s your fencing coming along?”

And just like that the pressure was off you and onto Aemond.

Many minutes later the meal came to a close.

The men whisked Aegon and Aemond outside to play ball, leaving only the women inside.

You, Alicent, Helaena, and Baela cleaned up the table.

Alicent and Baela made their way to the kitchen with the leftover food while you and Helaena stacked up a pile of dirty dishes.

Helaena looked over at you. “That was very brave of you,” she said.

You set the plate you had picked up down. “What was brave?”

Helaena stopped clearing the table. She turned to face you. “Telling everyone your family iced you out after you came out. Coming out to your family is incredibly brave, and you’re even braver for sharing that with practical strangers.”

You smiled and felt your face warm. You weren’t attracted to Helaena but she had an otherworldly presence that made any attention she gave you feel special. “Thank you Helaena.”

She reached out and squeezed your shoulder. “If you ever need to talk or need support, I’m here for you.”

You put your hand on top of hers. “Thank you.”

Then the two of you finished clearing the table.

You finished bringing the last of the dirty dishes into the kitchen.

Helaena trailed in after you and set her stack on the counter. “Mother, Baela and I will be in my room.”

Alicent nodded, up to her elbows in leftover food that she was trying to shove into various containers.

Baela and Helaena left the kitchen.

You turned to Alicent. “Do you need some help with that?”

Alicent struggled to secure the lid on the container as she had over packed it with food. Alicent shook her head. “I got it.”

You continued to watch her struggle. “I don’t think you do.”

Alicent stopped trying and stepped aside. “Okay then tough guy, you give it a go.”

You smiled and walked up to the counter. You pressed the lid down on all sides until you heard it click. It was secure.

Alicent clicked her tongue. "Lucky try."

You turned to her. “Always happy to help.”

Alicent took the container full of food and stacked it with the others. “You don’t have to hang around here (y/n). You can go see Aemond or Helaena.”

You furrowed your brows. “Helaena?”

Alicent turned to the fridge and started the game of stacking the leftovers. “Yes, I saw the two of you talking while you cleared the table. Perhaps Aemond was right after all. I’ve never seen Helaena take to someone new so quickly.”

“You were watching us," you asked, butterflies forming at the thought of Alicent spying on you.

“Why do you say it as if I was spying on you? I saw you from the window in the kitchen is all." She said with a lazy smile on her face.

“Right....We were just talking. Besides,Aemond is out playing sports with your brothers and father and I am not a sports fan. And I would hate to interrupt Helaena and Baela's alone time,” you joked.

Alicent chuckled. She turned to grab the rest of the leftovers from the counter.

You stepped forward and grabbed them. You handed them to her, one by one. “Besides, I like being in your company,” you confessed.

Alicent stopped arranging the leftovers and looked back at you. “Really?”

You nodded.

Alicent smiled shyly and returned her attention to the refrigerator. “I wish my own children felt the same. All but Aemond dodge my calls.”

You shrugged. “If you ever need anyone to talk to, I’m always free.”

Alicent turned to you and you handed her the final container of leftovers. “Thank you (y/n).”

Her fingers lingered over yours. Alicent looked down at them. She stared at them for a moment before biting her lip.

“What’s your verdict?”

You furrowed your brows. “I’m sorry?”

Alicent looked up, and took the container from you. “About my food. Was it good enough to kiss the chef?”

Your face went hot. “Oh...uhm I-”

Alicent placed the container in the fridge then closed it. She turned back to you.

You were still too stunned to say anything.

So her smile fell and she shook her head. “Forget it, it was stupid.”

“No it’s not stupid I-," you stammered then cleared your throat. “I was just caught off guard is all.”

Alicent stared at you, not saying anything.

So you continued.

“The roast was cooked perfectly.”

Her smile returned. “Thank you (y/n).”

You stepped closer to her. “So I do believe I will kiss the chef after all.”

Alicent swallowed hard, not taking her gaze off you. “Oh,” she whispered.

You stood in front of her, and looked down at her lips. “May I?”

The last thing you wanted was for Alicent to feel uncomfortable or coerced. So you waited for her reply before doing anything else.

Alicent gave you an almost imperceptible nod.

You leaned in, at first determined to kiss her lips, but as you neared her skin you thought better of it.

She was just committing to the bit, you told yourself, she didn't actually want you to kiss her.

So you placed a gentle kiss on Alicent’s cheek, inches away from her lips but still in a chaste enough location.

You noticed a small frown spread across Alicent’s lips as you pulled away.

But it was quickly wiped away.

Alicent blushed furiously. She looked away from you.

You also felt your face warm.

You heard footsteps approach the kitchen. So you stepped away from Alicent and leaned on the counter.

Alicent must have also heard them as she busied herself with wiping down the stove top with a nearby rag.

Aemond appeared moments later. He looked between you and his mother, slightly suspicious, but then he shook his head and turned to you. “Aegon wants another couple rounds of Deadly Fighter 5. You up for it?”

You nodded. “Yeah, let’s go.”

Aemond turned and headed towards the hall.

You started after him but turned at the entryway of the kitchen. “It was a lovely meal, thank you.”

Alicent nodded, her cheeks still rosy. “Of course.”

Then you hurried after Aemond.

A part of you wished you had been brave enough to kiss Alicent on the lips.

You mashed various button combinations as your chosen fighter threw punches at Aemond’s chosen character on the tv screen.

He was currently beating you in the second round.

Behind you, Aegon took a hit from his bong and blew it out in perfect circles.

“So let me get this right, you want to fuck our mom,” Aegon repeated.

You grimaced. “Why must you say it like that?”

Aemond’s character delivered the killing blow to you. You lost.

Aemond turned to you. “Aegon’s crudeness aside, he’s not wrong. I’ve seen the way you linger in the kitchen alone with her.”

You felt your face start to warm. You cleared your throat and tried your best to appear nonchalant.

“I didn’t want her to think I was a rude guest. No one else was helping her,” you argued.

Aegon took another hit before he spoke again. “You know, I always thought Mom was a lesbian,” he mused.

Aemond turned to him. “You did?”

Aegon nodded. “She never really liked Dad, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen or heard her call a man sexy.”

Aemond furrowed his brows. “Because Dad was a dick. Mother is a devout Catholic she would never call another man sexy. I don’t even think that word is in her vocabulary.”

You turned to Aemond. “Your arguments for why Heleana is gay are just as flimsy.”

Aegon turned to Aemond. “You think Helaena is gay?”

Aemond shrugged. “What else could she be? She’s definitely not into men.”

“She’s not into anything. She’s a freak like that,” Aegon said and laughed at his own joke.

Aemond threw a pillow at Aegon’s head.

It bumped Aegon’s head and knocked the bong out of his hands.

“Hey,” Aegon whined.

You and Aemond laughed.

An hour later, the time had arrived for you to leave.

You descended the stairs with Aegon and Aemond in tow.

At the bottom of the stairs Alicent was already saying goodbye to her father and brothers. She finished giving each a hug goodbye.

Then she noticed Aemond and Aegon. Alicent asked the boys to say goodbye to their grandfather and uncles.

Aegon and Aemond did as their mother asked and gave their family a hug goodbye.

Helaena and Baela came down the stairs and Helaena said goodbye to her grandfather and uncles.

Once they were gone, Helaena informed her mother it was time for her and Baela to leave.

Alicent gave Helaena a big hug. “I’ll miss you, my bug, she said as she gave Helaena a kiss on the forehead.

Then Alicent said goodbye to Baela, another handshake.

Baela and Helaena made their way out the door.

You were the last guest there.

Alicent and the boys looked towards you.

You dialed your cousin Elia once more. Once again you got the automated message the call could not be connected.

“I’m having some trouble with my cell. Could I use your landline?” You asked.

Aemond furrowed his brows. He turned to his mom. “Do we even have one?”

Alicent nodded. “Of course we do.” Then she turned to you. “It’s this way.”

She led you to a small alcove with the landline and a seat next to it at the end of the hall.

You thanked her and dialed Elia’s number once more.

This time you got through. It rang three times before she answered.

“Hello?”

“Elia, it’s (y/n). I’m calling from my friend’s landline. I couldn’t get through on my cell for some reason.”

You pressed the phone closer to your ear. There was a lot of background noise and you could not hear Elia very well.

“I tried to call you. I can’t make it out to pick you up. There’s been a freak snowstorm in Sunspear. They closed all the roads and aren’t letting anyone through. I’m so sorry kiddo,” Elia lamented.

Your heart sank.

One for the snow storm that was probably wreaking havoc in Sunspear. It was a town that almost never got anything besides sun.

And secondly because now you had no way to get back to your flat.

You swallowed hard before answering. “Stay safe Elia. Please call me with updates, okay?”

“You got it kiddo. Is there anyone else who can take you home?”

“I’ll figure it out, Elia. Don’t worry about that,” you said.

The line started to fade in and out. Elia wished you a safe ride home and a merry Christmas.

You did the same then hung up.

Then you walked back to the entryway where Alicent, Aegon and Aemond stood.

You shoved your hands in your pockets. “Soo...a freak snowstorm hit Sunspear and Elia can’t pick me up.”

Alicent frowned. “Oh no, is she alright?”

You nodded. “Yeah she’s doing okay. Uhm, so I’ll try to call my family’s driver to see if he can make it out. It might take him an hour or two to drive from High Garden but I’m sure he won’t mind.”

Alicent shook her head and approached you. “Nonsense, you’ll stay the night with us and you can leave with Aemond tomorrow evening.”

She reached for your hands and held them. “Got it?”

You flushed. “I couldn’t possibly bother you all like that.“

“You are no bother (y/n). Now come on, let me show you to the guest bedroom.”

Then Alicent pulled you along the staircase and to the guest bedroom.

Aemond trailed behind the two of you.

Alicent led you to a beautiful room with ample space and a fireplace. She asked Aemond to start a fire as the room could get quite cold at night.

Aemond did so without protest and soon a fire roared in the hearth.

Then Alicent asked Aemond to fetch you a pair of his pajamas.

Again, Aemond did so without protest.

While Aemond was gone you turned to Alicent. “Are you sure this isn’t an imposition? I can still call the family driver.”

Alicent waved you off. “You’re staying and that’s final. You got it?”

You nodded. Her dominant tone ignited a flame of your own. “Thank you,” was all you could say without giving your desire away.

Aemond returned with a fresh pair of pajamas in hand. He gave them to you.

You thanked him.

Alicent clapped her hands together. “Wonderful, we will leave you to get settled. Breakfast is tomorrow at 9am.”

You nodded. “Got it.”

Alicent reached out and gave your shoulder a light squeeze. “Sleep well,” she said.

You smiled. “You as well.”

Then Alicent turned and left the room.

Aemond stepped forward. “We’ll try again with Helaena at New Years.”

You groaned. “Please, no more of that.”

Aemond chuckled. “We’ll see. Good night (y/n).”

“Good night Aemond,” you replied as you shook your head.

Aemond walked out and shut the door behind him.

Finally, you were alone.

You changed into the pajamas Aemond gave you and settled into the plush king sized bed. You closed your eyes and hoped sleep would come. You decided to think about Alicent, in hopes you dreamt of her.

You smiled.

Unfortunately, sleep did not come for you. You tossed and you turned.

All you could think of was how much fun your family was probably having without you in St. Barts.

Then you did the worst possible thing. You grabbed your phone from the nightstand and pulled up your mother’s facebook account.

She had already posted many photos of the family in St. Barts. They were smiling from ear to ear, tanned, and it seemed like no one cared you were not in any of the pictures.

Your mom made no mention of your absence in the text of the post and none of the comments (mostly your mom’s pta and book club friends) asked about your whereabouts.

You clicked through the many photos. It wasn’t until you clicked on the last photo that you lost it.

It was a picture of your whole family (minus you), with a caption that read, “Family time is the best time. So thankful to God for allowing the whole family to join us for this Christmas getaway.”

Tears welled in your eyes. They had completely erased you out of the family. You threw your phone across the room.

The tears fell from your eyes and stained your cheeks. You could not stop the sobbing that followed.

It was stupid. You were stupid.

You should not have been crying for a family that clearly did not want you. You wiped your tears and tried to calm yourself.

You struggled to do so but after a few minutes you were finally able to breathe normally again.

You got out of bed and crossed the room to where you had thrown your phone. Then you picked it up. It was a little busted but nothing cracked.

So you pocketed it and decided to go downstairs for a glass of water.

As you started towards the kitchen you noticed lights were on in the study down the opposite hall.

Aemond had briefly mentioned the study on the initial tour he had given you.

You wondered who else was up this late as it was well past 2am.

So you stepped closer. As you neared the study you started to hear small cries and sobs.

You got closer and tried to peer inside.

Thankfully the door was ajar enough that you saw who was inside.

It was Alicent.

The first thing you noticed was how low cut her nightgown was.

It was a beautiful sage green, and it hugged her body pretty tightly. Then your gaze traveled back to the low cut top of the nightgown. You knew it was wrong to stare but you wanted to take in just how stunning Alicent was.

You looked closer and noticed her nipples peeked through the fabric of the nightgown. You swallowed hard.

“Fuck,” you whispered.

Then Alicent sniffled and dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief.

You shook your head. She was clearly upset and there you were ogling her.

You stepped back and tried to leave.

But it was too late.

Alicent stood from her seat. “Who’s there?” She called out.

You didn’t reply. You were far enough away that you hoped by staying quiet she would drop it and you could leave.

You didn’t want to intrude on a clearly private moment.

“Come forward,” Alicent demanded.

You silently cursed yourself. You had no choice but to enter the study.

#alicent hightower #alicent hightower x reader #alicent higtower imagine #House of the Dragon imagine #House of the Dragon reader insert

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fluentmoviequoter · 9 months

Text

Heart Set on Amulets

Summary: Dalton meets shy, introverted reader and they become friends. Eventually, he finds out that she's a witch and tells her about his astral projecting. She creates an amulet to help him sleep, and Dalton discovers how nice dreams can be.

Requested Here!

Update (October 2023): Heart Set on Amulets Universe Masterlist

Warnings: canon-typical discussion of the Further, several vague references to Insidious: The Last Key (2018), in-depth discussions of magic and witchcraft (I did my homework for this one lol), Google Translate Latin, fluff. 3.4k+ words.

A/N: All of the witchcraft-related content is from my Supernatural knowledge and the Supernatural wiki page. This was a great request and super fun to write! Let me know what you think and I hope you like it! :)

If you could get away with wearing a glamour amulet to look like someone else for your whole life, you would. Or better yet, an invisibility shield. For as long as you can remember, you’ve preferred to fade into the background and avoid everyone. Most people thought you were simply shy, but as you got older, you knew something else was happening inside you.

On your thirteenth birthday, you discovered you were a witch. Vowing never to tell anyone, you embraced what you believe to be your destiny. Wearing black, “witchy” clothes, keeping to yourself, and practicing the mystic arts in the dark allowed you to grow in ways you never imagined. The people closest to you thought you were in a goth or witch phase. When you walked across the stage at your high school graduation, casting spells under your breath, they accepted that it is who you are. Now it’s your turn.

Arriving at college, you continue to keep to yourself. Learning that you are a witch did nothing for your social skills, still preferring to be quiet and as invisible as possible. Managing to secure an on-campus apartment, you have space to practice and develop your powers in your free time and have a quiet place to think and get away from the busy, people-filled life you live beyond your door.

“Cloaking flame,” you read, flipping through the spell book you have been building on for years. You run your finger along the page, reading the ingredients and effects of the spell. “Black candle, blood, a lit match… conceals caster and causes spontaneous combustion.”

Looking toward your pantry, you consider trying the spell until you hear people talking in the hall outside. You shake your head, thinking that spontaneous combustion probably isn’t the best idea in an apartment. Turning the page, you look at the first of many pages of research you’ve conducted on dreams over the years. Flicking your wrist, you conjure a cup of your favorite drink and take a sip before tapping the sigil and sending your spell book into a pocket dimension for safekeeping. The hallway is silent as you carry your drink to your bedroom, distantly wondering what it feels like to have company in your apartment.

“Dolphin, that’s stupid!” someone yells ahead of you on the sidewalk.

“Why don’t you yell a little louder, Chris?” the boy you assume is ‘Dolphin’ responds.

“Hey!” The girl turns toward you and beckons someone closer. As you look over your shoulder, she adds, “Yeah, you. Please help me!”

Shaking your head and sending a small smile, you whisper, “Praesidium ab extraneis custodi me a periculo” (Protection from strangers keep me from danger).

You continue walking, fiddling with the amulet around your neck. Years ago, when you became a witch, you visited a psychic who gifted you the charm necklace, encouraging you to put whatever spell or enchantment you desired upon it. The amulet has remained unenchanted since then, waiting for the right moment. Your fingers grip the amulet tighter when someone falls into step beside you.

“Hey, I just wanted to apologize for Chris – my friend that harassed you on the sidewalk earlier… I’m Dalton.” He extends his hand for you to shake, then drops it quickly. “You don’t have to talk to me, I’m usually super introverted but Chris tends to rub people the wrong way at first, so I thought I should apologize. And now I’m rambling.”

“It’s fine,” you whisper, stopping at a split in the sidewalk. “I appreciate the apology, and not trying making me talk.”

“Anytime.” Dalton smiles, and you can’t stop the small smile you send him in return. “I’ll see you around.”

“Maybe.”

“Definitely,” Dalton concludes with a wink.

As you watch Dalton walk away, the idea of pathokinesis pops into your head. You shake your head to rid the thought. The last thing someone like you needs is a love spell. It’s not like you could talk to him even if you did manipulate him into thinking he loves you. And, most importantly, you would never mess with someone’s emotions, not with how much trouble you have with your own.

You try to push Dalton out of your mind in class, your mind eventually drifting to a dimensional manipulation spell you were working on the night before. The person beside you asks for a pencil, and you briefly wish you had learned the cloaking flame spell as you silently pass a pencil, letting your eyes watch the pencil to avoid any awkward eye contact.

The last thing you expect is to see Dalton waiting by the door when you exit class, yet here he is.

“So, I was thinking,” he begins.

“Scary thought,” you mumble.

Dalton laughs before continuing as he walks beside you, but not close enough to make you uncomfortable. “You’re super easy to talk to, like, I’ve never met someone that I could start a conversation with, but here you are. Granted, you don’t really say anything, so it’s more that I have a conversation with the idea of you? I don’t know. Does that make sense?”

“Yeah.” You shrug as you look at his shoes. “I don’t talk to anyone though, really, so don’t feel too bad.”

“You’re talking to me now. After a very long lecture from Chris, which means she yelled at me, I realized that maybe we could try to be friends. If it doesn’t work, we walk away, no harm done. What do you think?”

“Why? I’m the definition of introverted and I’m super weird.”

“Chris likes to say that everyone’s weird.”

Remaining silent, Dalton stops talking and looks straight ahead, allowing you to think for several minutes.

“Hey, where are we going?”

“I’m going to my apartment.”

“You got an apartment? Lucky.”

“Look.” You hold an arm up to stop Dalton, looking in his general direction but failing to make eye contact. “We can try. This is my building, apartment 7. If you need a quiet place to think or work, or just away from your eccentric friend, come over. I’ll try to talk, but I can’t guarantee anything. You’re nice, Dalton, and you deserve friends, but I’m too shy to ever talk this much again.” You rush past him and wait until you are in your apartment before taking a deep breath, sagging against the door. “I just talked to him,” you realize aloud.

After your last class on Friday, just two days after talking to Dalton, you hear a knock on your door. Clutching a black obsidian stone, you raise it behind the door as you open it. Your hand falls to your side as you make unintentional eye contact with Dalton.

“You scared me,” you accuse.

“You said I could come over?”

You nod and open the door, allowing him to come inside. As you close the door, you look around and thank the morning version of you for straightening up before you left.

“Nice place. Do you want me to leave?”

“No, Dalton, you’re good. I’m just jumpy, sorry.”

Dalton loosens his hold on his backpack strap, setting his bag in the corner before looking around. He steps closer to your bookshelf, looking at the books and shelf of black candles. Most of your witch-related belongings are in the cabinets in the kitchen, hidden from sight.

“What’s the stone for?” Dalton points to the obsidian in your hand.

“Oh, it was a gift,” you lie. “Just picked it up when you knocked. No one ever really visits.” The last part was the truth, at least.

“Well, they’re missing out.” Dalton smiles before turning back to the bookshelf.

“You can sit wherever. I assume you came for a reason?”

“I can’t just come to say hi?”

“You can. I don’t know why you would,” you admit with furrowed brows.

Dalton helps himself to your couch, spreading his arms across the back as he smiles at you. You finally realize how long you’ve maintained eye contact and look down, tapping your feet together.

“You’re better company than you think. Let’s break open each other’s shells.”

Dalton is serious, and for the first time in your life, you think that maybe having a friend wouldn’t be so bad. As you and Dalton take turns asking questions about each other, you nearly forget about the pocket dimension holding your spell book and the pantry. For a few minutes, you feel normal. But you have never been normal, and one friend won’t change that.

Hours after the sun has gone down, Dalton gathers his things and heads for your door. You whisper a warding spell as you open the door for him, protecting him from harm as he enters the world. After he leaves and the door is closed, your hand lifts to your amulet while your mind drifts to the cloaking flame and where you could possibly test it.

Saturday morning, you get a text from Dalton – whose name and number he must have put into your phone sometime last night. Warily, you accept his invitation to breakfast. When he knocks on the door, you see Chris at his side, and you realize where your apprehension came from. You’re learning to talk to Dalton, but when you see Chris, you shut down.

“I’m going to meet you two there,” Chris says suddenly, looking between you and Dalton. She grabs Dalton by the shirt and whispers in his ear, unheard by you, “Don’t mess this up, Dolphin.”

Dalton offers his hand, and you take it slowly, interlacing your fingers with his as you walk. He looks tired, and while you’re not used to caring for the people around you, he makes it seem very easy.

“We don’t have to go to breakfast, Dalton,” you offer.

“I want to.”

“Did you get any sleep last night?”

“Why do you ask?” Dalton smiles and pulls your hand closer. “Because you kept me out so late last night?”

“No, I just...” you take a breath to stop stuttering and decide to shoot straight. “You look tired.”

“I am, but I’ll get over it. Now, what’s your favorite breakfast food?”

Dalton fills the rest of the walk with conversation, offering easy questions you can answer quickly. He never makes you feel forced to talk; more like he is inviting you to and hanging onto your every word. At the restaurant, Dalton is a buffer between you and Chris. However, you quickly realize that while Chris can be loud and comes across as abrasive, she is actually sweet, and you can see yourself becoming friends with her. Slowly, maybe, but eventually.

Over the next few weeks, you learn the appeal of having friends. Dalton is at your apartment more than his own dorm. Chris has come over several times, and you can talk to her without Dalton around now. While they haven’t said anything, you wonder if they’re curious about the ever-shifting candles or the arrangement of wax on your table. You want to tell them who you really are, but your fear that they’ll leave feels crippling. Losing the only friends you’ve ever had is frightening enough that you’d be willing to stop practicing witchcraft. If that were possible, that is.

Just before fall break, when the leaves are falling, every student is carrying a hot drink, and tickets to go home for Thanksgiving are being purchased, your relationship with Dalton changes forever. It’s nearly midnight when knocking on your door almost breaks your concentration during a spell. Ignoring it, you focus on the scrying spell arranged on your table. With your arms out over the arrangement and your eyes focused on the prism in the center, you repeat the name of the man you are looking for, alternating between the English and Latin versions of his name. The knocking comes again, and you can’t risk losing the progress you’ve made.

“Come in and shut up!” You yell quickly, keeping your eyes on the prism and the name in your mind.

You hear the door open, then very slowly close. As your chanting picks up speed, the prism lights up, drawing you in before everything goes dark. Dropping your arms to the chair in front of you, you lean your weight on it as you catch your breath.

From across the room, Dalton whispers your name. You look up at him, pulling the black shawl from your head to meet his eyes.

“What is going on?” he asks, wide-eyed.

You take a deep breath before standing to your full height. The lights flicker on, the energy you channeled into the prism returning to the wires. Dalton looks between you and the table.

“I can explain.”

Dalton remains silent, pressing his lips together and gesturing for you to continue.

“Short answer is I’m a witch. The longer answer is that my entire life I’ve felt like I didn’t belong; I could never make friends or talk to people, and I just- something was missing. When I turned thirteen, I found out I was a witch.”

“How?” Dalton interrupts.

“An energy blast,” you admit, pulling on your fingers and hoping Dalton won’t leave. “Shot it straight through my bedroom wall. Covered it up with a story that something fell and hit the wall at a weird angle and that’s why it went all the way through.”

“People believed that?”

“I guess.” You shrug and try to look away from Dalton. “Never said anything else about it.”

“Okay. So, you’ve been a witch since you were thirteen, basically?”

“Yeah.”

Dalton nods, saying something to himself before asking, “What did I just walk in on?”

“A scrying spell. It’s a locator spell, used to find people.”

“And you told me to shut up because?”

“Distraction is one of the biggest weaknesses for witches. Losing one bit of concentration could be the difference between life and death, or it could alter a spell and cause something unexpected to happen. Sorry, though.”

“No, it’s fine.” Dalton walks to the table and stands beside you. “Which part is the most important?’

“All of it, but the prism is vital. It’s what shows me the location of the person I’m looking for.”

“And where are they?”

“Five Keys, New Mexico.”

You look over at Dalton as he examines each piece of your spell, waving in front of the mirrors and looking at the reflections of the crystals. He looks tired, even more so than usual.

“What’s going on, Dalton? You look like you haven’t slept at all.”

“I haven’t,” he admits with a humorless laugh. He looks over to you and clenches his jaw. “I guess you told your secret, I can tell mine.”

You nod and place your hand on his forearm, encouraging him.

“I can astral project. I’m pretty sure it started when I was younger and that the coma my parents told me about wasn’t a coma. It’s gotten really bad recently. The dimension where I go, the Further, is full of souls and demons that are trying to get out. Every time I try to sleep, I end up there and I- I don’t know what to do.”

“I can help.”

Dalton shakes his head. “How?”

“Promise not to freak out?”

Dalton’s eyes widen in anticipation rather than fear this time, and he smiles as he nods. You wave your hand in a circle, flourishing at the bottom to open the pocket dimension in which your spell book resides. Pulling the heavy book onto your table, Dalton watches in awe as you close the dimensional rift behind it. Finding a worn tab near the back, you open the book and begin reading.

“Feel free to share with the class, Professor,” Dalton teases, looking over your shoulder. “Is that Latin?��

“Some of it. Basically, this spell works as a sort of immobilization and a warding spell combination. It doesn’t actually immobilize you, but it keeps your astral body, soul, whichever you prefer, in this dimension. The warding aspect ensures that any portal opened by your gift isn’t usable from the other side.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning nothing in the Further can come through to this dimension.”

“So, it would close the door?” Dalton asks excitedly.

“Not exactly. My understanding of the Further is that there is a door within it, in addition to any route that can be opened to enter or exit it. Basically, the door you’re talking about is to a room within a house. This won’t keep things from using that door, but it stops them before they make it to this world.”

“And the spell helps me sleep?”

“The spell itself, no. I’ll have to enchant something with the spell, then you keep that object with you when you sleep, and it will provide a broader coverage of the spell. Imagine the object having the spell locked within it, on a never-ending loop. Enchanting an object repeats the spell over and over because the spell lives within it.”

“Okay. What kind of object?”

Your hands raise to the amulet on your neck. It has been awaiting its purpose for over half a decade, and it has finally come. You unhook the clasp, pulling the chain from your neck.

“Whoa, what are you doing?” Dalton asks, his hands grabbing yours.

“Enchanting this amulet. Then you can just wear it to sleep.”

“I’ve never seen you without this thing.”

“I haven’t taken it off since I was thirteen. I’ve been waiting for the right time to enchant it, its sole purpose.”

“But it’s yours.”

“And I want to give it to you. Dalton, you’re worth this. Let me do this for you. You are the only reason I feel like I belong here, you’re my only friend, and this is the least I can do for you.”

“Only if you’re sure.”

You nod, and Dalton slowly removes his hands, watching you open your ingredient cabinet and pull a few new candles and a letter opener.

“What’s everything for? Can you talk me through it until you have to concentrate?”

“So, I’ll light the candles as part of the spell, then – this part’s kind of gross – I have to add some blood to the melted wax, then heat the amulet over the flame while I project the spell into it.”

Dalton nods with your explanation, cringing slightly at the mention of blood. You tell him the names and general purposes of the items as you set everything up, then ask him to step back as you begin.

“Corpus, caro et anima, malum annulos, animus nolo depreadandum, maneo. Body, flesh and soul, evil tolls, the soul will not pray, stay,” you begin, chanting as the candle melts. When the black wax begins to pour over the edge, you lift the letter opener and prick your forefinger, ignoring Dalton’s gasp as a drop of blood mixes into the hot liquid. You continue the chant as you hold the amulet over the flame, gaining volume until the amulet is too hot to hold. When you drop the necklace on the table, the candle goes out, and the flame dances in the amulet briefly before everything returns to normal.

“That’s going to take a while to get used to,” Dalton mutters.

“You said that like you’re sticking around.” It’s not a question, but you say it as if it were.

“Where would I go? Find a better friend than the one who pricked her finger to keep me from having what are essentially bad dreams?”

“You and I both know they’re not bad dreams,” you point out as you motion for Dalton to sit down. You put the amulet on, stepping around him to see how it looks. “She told me I’d know when it was time.”

“Who?”

“The psychic who gave me the amulet. I went to see her after I found out I was a witch.”

Dalton nods. “Have you seen her again?”

“No, but I’m planning to visit someone who knew her well.”

“I just have more questions now.”

“I’m going to Five Keys, New Mexico, to talk to a guy called Specs.”

Dalton stands and takes your hands. “Thank you for the amulet, I’m going to go sleep for a very long time. Then I want to hear more about this trip because there is no way you are going by yourself.”

“Did you just invite yourself?” you ask as he picks up his bag and heads for the door.

“What was it you said? That I’m worth it? Well, so are you,” he calls as the door closes.

If Dalton's going to keep looking at you like that, you're going to have to learn the cloaking flame move.

That night, Dalton sleeps peacefully for the first time in years, dreaming of you while you wonder what kind of magic brought Dalton Lambert into your life.

#dalton lambert x reader #dalton lambert fluff #dalton lambert fic #dalton lambert imagine #dalton lambert #insidious #insidious the red door #requests #heart set on amulets

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xanadontit · 21 days

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College Chronicles

Since the deadline to make a decision is nigh, my brother is finally actually touring of some of the schools he's been accepted to.

San Jose State (SJSU) is the current front runner. He needs to get a 3 on the AP Calculus exam to be officially in, although the admissions counselor said there was a work-around there if he didn't. I think it's a test they administer through the university? One of his best friends has also committed to SJSU and said if my brother goes he'd like to room with him. My dad is being a total jackass about this. "It's too close to home." OK? Then you shouldn't have allowed him to apply there! And seriously? We're going to punish the kid because he happened to grow up in an area where there are a ton of great opportunities because you've decided he "needs" to go far away? Shut up.

Chico State (CSCU) is out but my brother said if you could move the campus slightly closer to a city he'd definitely consider it seriously. Totally fair. It's a cute, affordable college town but Sacramento is 1.5 hours away on a good day. I'm glad he's weighing the schools and considering he has to live there.

Long Beach is old and rundown and felt depressing, according to him lol. Fullerton had a nice campus and people were smiling and seemed happy but he finds the 97% commuter aspect off-putting. He also liked the campus at Cal Poly Pomona and said the chemical engineering program sounds fantastic but it's basically Chico but further south (remote, not much going on in the area). But, he hasn't officially eliminated it.

SF State is also an option but is even closer to my parents' house than SJSU (my stepmom drives past it on her way to work most days) and so again, my dad is being a pill about it. My brother doesn't seem terribly excited about it, anyway, other than he knows the area and spends time in the city anyway so it's comfortable.

He hasn't visited Sonoma or Northridge. He turned down UC Santa Cruz's waitlist spot. At one point UC Davis was also in the mix (waitlisted) but he didn't love it when he visited and told me he had it at the top of his list because it's a UC and "everyone told me to be into it."

I told him if he wants to talk through his thoughts/concerns I'd be happy to help him make some pro/con lists or figure out his non-negotiables or just listen to him vent and he said he knows and loves me (omg) and he's going to sleep on it and talk to his girlfriend (who also got into SJSU and liked it, FYI) and he may call me to talk later. At this point I may offer to be there when he tells his parents his decision if for no other reason than to whip something at my dad's head if he expresses anything other than enthusiastic support.

@pelicanhypeman and I are pretty sure it's going to be SJSU. My dad thinks I support this because it's 10 minutes from my house and uhhhh... if the kid wanted to go to school in Japan I'd support him! What is there to be gained by shitting on his decision, especially if it's not an inherently harmful one? He'll pull away from us out of hurt, not out of finding independence. I don't want that kind of relationship with him.

Now I need to figure out what to get him as a graduation present (I still owe him a trip from 8ther grade graduation in 2020) and order the bullhorn for the ceremony.

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lukemfhughes · 1 year

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‘Bro why are you with my sister?’

Ethan Edwards x Blankenburg! Reader

summary: nicks sister goes to umich after him leaving and she gets close with his old team.

Note: so here it is, i have a feeling that this is gonna disappoint your expectations, and i was to lazy to do the word count

After you graduated from high school. You had one plan, to go to the univ of michigan. The same place where your brother had just left. It was kinda scary to go to college. Knowing that there is two ways how things can go. 1 you get no friends and be alone all the time. 2 you get friends and live that happy college life.

Well for your good, you got way no. 2. It happend cause you met your new volleyball team and also the hockey team. When Nick heard of your new friendship with the guys, he called Steve to keep an eye on you. That also caused you and steve to become best friends.

One saturday night you had your first volleyball game of the season. The guys were in the stands cheering loudly for you. when the game point came you were serving, ‘you got this y/n,’ you said to yourself. You took the ball to your hand, taking couple steps and throwing it low before swinging your arm at it. it floats to the back corner and it’s an ace. You jump in the air as your teammate came to hug you.

After the game you walked out to the arena lobby and seeing your friends there. “y/n! you played so well!” Mark exclaims happily and pulls your for a hug. “Thank you markie.” you say and go to hug everyone else. “So what’s the plan for tonight?” Nolan asks. “I heard there is a party at the frat house.” You say. Everyone agrees to go, and you head to the house.

“Who is gonna stay sober and take care of her?” Steve asks and points at you. You go to protest but eddy agrees. “Eddy you don’t need to.” You plead him. “No y/n i’m gonna stay with you.” He says and you groan and head to the kitchen for a drink. He follows you not looking away of you when you slip past other people. ”How do you have this much energy after that game?” He asks. You just shurg your shoulders and take a sip of your beer.

The night goes on and every where you go eddy is following you closly. ”Lets dance!” You say and grab his hand. His hands find their way to your hips as you swing them from side to side. Ethan looks at with an admiring look. ”Why r u looking at me like that.” You ask. ”You are pretty.” He mumbles. You blush at his words. He glances down at your lips. He leans closer for a kiss. ”Eddy!” Someone yells causing him to pull away. ’Was that actually about to happen’ eddy thinks in his head as duker walks towards to him.

”I think it’s time to take this lady back to her dorm.” Ethan says to the other boys. Ethan guides you towards his car and drives to the campus. ”I’m gonna make sure you get there safetly.” He says and guides you into the dorm building. Once you get to your dorm you threw yourself to the bed. ”Thanks for being my security for the night.” You mumble just before sleep takes over.

When ethan drives back home he thinks ’what if i would have gotten to kiss her’. ’Damn i prob ruined my chance now’

The next week when nick is visiting detroit cause of an roadie he comes to the campus before going back to columbus. You and the guys were in detroit watching his game. Tonight nick made an comeback to college partying as you brought him with you for a party.

”Lets go grab drinks.” You say and walk to the kitchen. Nick and the other boys follow you and you grab drinks and stay in the kitchen as you talk. Ethan is standing next to you and nick on your other side. When nick excauses himself and leaves for toilet, the same song what was played at the same place a week ago, started. You looked up to ethan and he just nodded. ”We are gonna dance, just a sec we will be back.” You said to the others.

You pulled ethan to the dance floor. ”So mr. Edwards, i think a week ago there was something bothering us so we couldn’t do this.” You whisper to his ear and grab his face and kiss him. He kisses you back.

”What the hell!” You hear nick yell. This causes you to pull away from eddy. Nick is there, standing and looking at you two. ”Bro why are you with my sister when there are so many other ladies.” Nick says. You look down at your feet. ”There is many other ladies, but none of them are as pretty, smart, perfect as she is.” Ethan says. Nick looks at between you. ”Fine but if you hurt her you’re dead, and no babies, yet.” He says and hugs you. ”Thank you.” You mumble.

The rest of the night you spent under eddys arm. Safe

#umich hockey #nj devils #ethan edwards #mark estapa #dylan duke #nick blankenburg #steve holtz #ethan edwards imagine #ethan edwards fic

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liyawritesss · 3 months

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ᖴᒪOᗯEᖇᔕ Iᑎ ᗷᒪOOᗰ - ᐯᗩᒪEᑎTIᑎEᔕ ᗪᖇᗩᗷᗷᒪEᔕ

Ｄａｙ２３－ＱｕａｌｉｔｙＴｉｍｅ

－ A King's Wish - T'Challa Udaku - Marvel's Black Panther

－ In which during a tumultuous time during T'Challa's duties with the Avengers in America, he pays a visit to a certain someone ro calm his mind.

－ Check out more prompts and other activities on the Flowers In Bloom Event Masterlist!

A King should never get too comfortable in his position - and if he is, then he shouldn’t be king. It was one of the many morals instilled upon T’Challa as crowned prince to the Wakandan throne. He knows he’s got a lot to risk for himself, for his people, and unfortunately he doesn’t have the ability to allow himself to get too comfortable. Though, just because he’s King of arguably the most powerful nation on earth, doesn’t mean he’s absolved from having guilty pleasures.

And it just so happens that he’s on his way to visit said guilty pleasure right now.

He has to keep a low profile, though. More than raised eyebrows would occur if people saw a member of the Wakandan royal family casually strolling into a college campus, accompanied by brightly colored warrior women trained to kill. So he dawns much more casual, American clothing, and so do the two members of the KingsGuard accompanying him, because of course, he couldn’t come completely alone.

With so much happening the past few months, all T’Challa truly wants is to be in your arms. To remember how they feel around him, to cement your kisses into his skin so that they never disappear again. It’s wishful thinking, he knows it is; there’s only so much time the two of you will have together, but he doesn’t like to think about that. Instead, he chooses to relish in the present, and perhaps, speak on what future instances would look like.

He remembers the day the two of you first met. Being introduced to each other by his friend who taught the graduate level african history class you were enrolled in, the professor relayed your expressed interest in Wakanda and the desire to study the history of the nation on a deeper level. While he could not grant you access inside the tightly secured country for reasons, T’Challa was more than willing to oblige in your questions to assist in your research. Little did he know that the mere prospect of assisting you in your extended project would lead to something much more deeper.

It was a breath of fresh air for the royal, a change of pace from his constant need to save face. You didn’t treat him like a King - which, granted, he had to get used to - but rather an average scholar you were bouncing ideas off of. While most of his life he has been molded to be a pillar of sovereignty, with you, T’Challa was able to have some semblance of normalcy in his life. Something he didn’t know he craved so carnally until he met you.

He sighs as his fist raps at your door, his body already buzzing with excitement at the idea of seeing you again after a long time being apart. You open it, and T’Challa’s lips immediately crack into a smile.

“Now, I remember telling you to let me know when you’re coming by,” you say in a voice akin to disbelief, standing in the doorway of your apartment that resides close to campus, “y’know, instead of knocking on my door like you’re the police or somethin’?”

“Can you blame me?” T’Challa retorts, “I was in a rush.”

Well, there’s little you can do about the King who seemingly lost his manners, besides welcome him into your home - and your heart - for the night.

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lizardonatoadstool · 2 months

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Oakie the Acorn is the Best Mascot Ever

I don’t even go to this school I just love them. Here’s an interview they did for SUNY Mascot Madness.

Oakie - SUNY ESF

Who are you, where are you originally from, and where do you do your mascot thing? I'm Oakie Acorn (they/them), proud representative of ESF and its Mighty Oaks athletic teams! I was “born” when I fell out of ESF's Robin Hood Oak which means my roots go back to the Major Oak in England's Sherwood Forest. Maybe that's why I'm so merry! While most of my mascot duties have me in Syracuse, I also pop in at our Ranger School in Wanakena and our satellite campuses in the Adirondacks and Thousand Islands.

What's a unique new thing (building, club, activity, employee, etc.) on your campus that you treasure? The newly renovated Marshall Hall is wonderful! Open since 1933, Marshall underwent a major two-year reno re-opening in 2023. We kept the classic features, such as the spiral staircase and auditorium, while updating the building to a state-of-the-art learning center with spaces tailored to the needs of today's students. The building is home to our Landscape Architecture, Environmental Studies, and mathematics programs. Along with great classroom and studio space, there are plenty of study nooks for students to tuck in and do work between classes or meet with friends.

If you could start your own club or major on campus, what would it be? Wow! Difficult question because ESF has so many unique clubs, activities, and majors already! That said, I'd love to start an a capella group – Oak-apella! I don't speak, but I have a song in my heart and would love to hear ESF students sing. Maybe I could do some interpretive dance while they sing.

What's your hidden talent that you haven't told anyone about yet? Anyone on campus at night might have seen me skateboarding. The other day I landed a kickflip over the gap and was pretty stoked. Sadly, no one was around to see it. Flicks or it didn't happen, right? We do have some talented campus artists who have drawn me and my board though.

What campus cheer gets you pumped up and why? (with great enthusiasm) O-A-K-I-E! They're our acorn can't you see? Sprouting strong through day and night We've got bark and we've got bite! ESF Orientation Leaders chant this while they lead our newest acorns to convocation. I love hearing it echo off the campus buildings!

What sport would you play if you were a student-athlete? I would join the Bass Fishing team in a heartbeat! I know when you think “acorn,” you think “land-based,” but I'd love to get out on the water and drop a line or two. There's so much more to me than most people know. I would look awesome in one of the Bass Fishing team jerseys – provided they could get me an XXXXXL.

Read any good books lately? The Climate Optimists Handbook by environmental activist Anne Therese Gennari is a great read. Her book is about empowering people to get excited about changing the narrative on climate change so we act from courage and excitement to co-create a better world. She totally gets the ESF vibe! She was our commencement speaker last May and inspired our graduates and their guests to Improve Our World! And of course, Braiding Sweetgrass by our own Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer is always close at hand to read again and again!

Favorite pizza topping? Mushrooms. I love to top my pie with things I've foraged in the woods. Remember, you have to be very careful with mushrooms. I always take along a friend who has taken Dr. Alex Weir's mycology course to ensure I don't eat anything that could make me sick or worse!

If you were SUNY Chancellor for a day, what would you do? I would declare every day Earth Day in SUNY and plant pollinator gardens on every campus. I would also help other campuses set and reach their own Zero-Waste goals. Sustainability is a key component to helping the environment. I would then ask to be Chancellor for a couple more days to visit as many campuses as possible and see all the great things SUNY students are doing. I don't know how Chancellor King does it all! Does he ever sleep?

How would you celebrate being named SUNY Mascot Madness Champion in 2024? The same way I celebrated in 2017 when I won the title – surrounded by the best students, faculty, and staff ever! We had a party that the whole campus attended. My friend, Victor E. Knight from SUNY Geneseo, was gracious enough to come and present me with the trophy and join the festivities. I think it would be great to host Wolfie on campus this year.

#oakie the acorn #SUNYESF #mascot #mascotmadness #queer #nonbinary #acorn #theySKATEBOARD #voteforOakie #environment #climate change #poll bracket

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shaydeoffical · 1 year

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Demon Slayer x Plus Size Fem!Reader: Clubbing AU

Intro: It’s Friday night and classes are out for the weekend. (Y/n) and her friends are hitting the club and confessing their deepest feelings for each other. Join (Y/n) as she navigates her feelings, body, and drunkenness on a night that could change her life.

Tags: Partying, Confessions, Chubby body, Chubby reader, Fat Reader, Plus Size Reader, Demon Slayer AU, Happy Endings, Giyuu, Shinobu, Genya, Kyojuro Rengoku.

Warnings: Drunkenness, alcohol, body image, creeps at the bar.

Notes: Big thanks to @the-secret-thief and @heartfeltcierra for helping me edit and encouraging me to post again! I hope you all love the new story.

Start Here

“You’re shaking, are you nervous or excited?” Shinobu winged my eyeliner, her hand resting on my stomach as she balanced the liner on both sides. The bathroom in Giyu and Tanjiro’s home had terrible lighting, so Shinobu was inches from my face, pressing me closer to the light over the sink.

“Both?” My breath hitches in my throat, my white knuckles gripping the sink counter harder as Shinobu and Mitsuri giggle.

“Don’t be so worried.” Mitsuri played with the hem of her skirt. “You guys are going to have an awesome road trip.”

“I haven’t left campus except to come here, or visit home. Plus, you can’t predict how things will go at a new club.” Flashes of my cousin’s recording me on my twenty-first birthday, roll through my mind. I suck my stomach in, taking a deep breath before laughing. “God, I’m really killing the vibe. I’m sorry.”

“No, you’re just expressing what we all are thinking.” Kanae slips into the room, and it takes everything to keep my lips off the floor. She’s in a skin-tight lilac sleeveless dress, with a sheer butterfly shawl over top.

“Wow.” Mitsuri studies the glitter in her eyes and the highlight on her cheek. She had graduated from college last year and was working on her master’s degree, so she still liked to go out with us. “You’re stunning.”

“Thank you. You all look amazing.” Kanae winked at me, and I was frozen to my spot long enough for Shinobu to finish.

“There, beautiful.” Shinobu’s eyes never left mine, she ran her hands down my dress. It was a pink dress covered in hearts, Mitsuri had made it a point that we needed to match. While hers was loose and billowed around her body, mine was a little too big at the chest, and tight in the arms. But the fabric was forgiving, and she was so happy for us to match and I was just so happy to support a brand with a wide size range….

“You’re spacing out.” Shinobu pulled me off the sink and made me spin. “I know you love to dance, you’re going to have fun.”

“Why are we partying before a road trip?” I groaned hearing bass start to pound from outside… Kyojuro was defiantly waiting for us.

“Because it’s ladies' night.” Kanae smiled, wiggling her finger back and forth. We filed out of the washroom, and down the steps to the living room. The house was clean and simple, like a crisp spring in the morning. Their Uncle Uro had let them stay here during school. He was a teacher for the remote students, so he stayed in his office more often than not. That’s considering how often he was away at conferences, like tonight.

“Wow.” Tanjiro’s smile widened. “You all look lovely.” Kanao was beside him on the sofa, the two surrounded by books and loose papers.

“Be safe tonight,” Kanao whispered, turning back to her notes quickly.

“We will. Giyu will be looking after us.” I teased as the dark-haired man emerged from the downstairs bathroom. He was wearing a button-up, with all the buttons latched as they should, and a pair of black slacks.

“Of course.” He tinged red, and the front door opened, all our focus going to Kyojuro and Obanai.

“Hey, guys.” Mitsuri doesn’t miss a beat greeting the other half of the group. Now we were just missing-

“Oi, why are y’all so slow?” Sanemi bellowed from his car, laying on the horn. The only one not cringing was Kyo, who was way too focused on, me.

“Hey! We’re coming alright.” Shinobu growled, grabbing my arm and pulling me along. “We’re riding with Kyo, right?”

“Yeah.” I barely slipped my shoes on and clasped Kyojuro’s hand to have him follow along.

“(Y/N), you look amazing.” He didn’t need to be dragged, as he lopped arms with me and kept pace with Shinobu.

“Alright, here we go.” I laughed as they rushed to the red SUV. “Thank you Kyo, I feel good.” He smiled, and even in the dark the way his eyes crinkled made my heart race.

“Dibs on the back!” Shinobu opened the back door and tucked me inside like a cop, holding my head and everything. While she was studying medicine like Kanae, she might have had an affinity for criminal justice. She wasn’t strong, but she knew how to command a room and stay calm in a hard situation. Like the time we had to dissect a frog and it started to move….she might have quickly poisoned it, but it was quick and painless.

After more of a ruckus, everyone was in their cars and on their way to the club. Kyo looked back before we took off, he reached back and rubbed my knee and I swatted at his hand. “Kyo.” The smile that spread on my face was infectious as he grinned back at me.

“Ach hem.” Giyu had crawled into the front seat and was feeling infected with a smile. “Let’s follow Sanemi before he leaves us in the dust.”

“Is Genya coming this time?” Shinobu hummed, holding my hand and encouraging me to relax back into the seat.

“I think so.” Kyo then nodded. “I see his mohawk in the back seat.”

“They put him between Mitsuri and Obanai, how cruel.” I sighed, Kyo passing back a bottle of rum…my favorite brand.

“He’s abrasive.” Shinobu opens the bottle and then hands it to me. I take a long swig, and she follows suit. “But, I was the younger sister tagging along when I turned twenty-one. It’s a rite of passage.”

“I suppose.” I take another drink and pass the bottle to Giyu who takes a quick sniff of the bottle before taking a smooth gulp.

“Good choice Kyo. Did you pick it with someone in mind?” Giyu pointed his head back at me, and I nervously laughed, shrinking into Shinobu. It had been our pre-game choice since I mentioned liking it last year. There was no reason to call Kyo out now. I thought Kyojuro would deny it or make an offhand comment, but he didn’t.

“Why yes. (Y/N).” Kyo grins, shifting his car to the next gear. My heart was already racing, but now it was flying.

“So, Sanemi and Kyo are the designated drivers tonight.” I could feel heat settle on my cheeks, and a sense of weightlessness hit my limbs. Oh, to dream.

“Yup, they are.” Shinobu was still cuddled next to me, nuzzling her head on mine, our hair was gathering static and handing straight up, so I smoothed it.

“It’s not me for once.” Giyu could have been described as bitter at this moment, but the truth was he didn’t trust just anyone to D.D. Especially if I was volunteering. He really didn’t trust my driving and with good reason. Drunk or not, I tuckered myself out way too easily at the club and was always super sleepy at the end. Kyo verged on the same, but he knew when to hold back.

“We’re here.” Kyo parks, and we tuck the bottle under the back seat and hop out of the car.

“(Y/N)! Save me!” Mitsuri ran into my arms. I caught her with a slight wobble to my steps, thankfully Giyu was behind me and gave me a boost forward.

“What’s wrong?” I pet her hair. Most of the group went on to buy our wristbands. “Did someone hurt you?”

Kanae stayed back and whispered in my ear. “Genya ignored her and started to growl. So, she’s a little worked up.”

“He’s going to pay.” Obanai was muttering to himself, and I couldn’t help but think that Mitsuri might not be the only one needing saving tonight.

“Let’s get inside. How about that?” I offered.

“Yeah. Let’s have some fun?” Kanae was my backup, grabbing Obanai and following behind me as we got to the front.

The bouncer looked at my I.D. and then huffed. “You clean up nice.” He smirked, putting a band around my wrist.

“Um, thank you.” I looked into the club, mist scattered across the floor, and as expected, there were ladies in large amounts.

“(Y/N)! Over here.” Kyojuro waved me to the dance floor, a drink in his hand.

“On my way,” I called back to him. There was a large dance floor, with plenty of flashing lights and cool patterns to make me dizzy. But first, I needed to set my purse down with the losers who wouldn’t dance.

“There you guys are. Gosh, what took so long.” Genya was the one complaining this time. Sanemi and Kanae were sneaking off to make out, no doubt. Those two didn’t seem compatible, but there they were, just behind the speaker swapping more than secrets. “What are you staring at?” Genya took over my vision, and I yelped stepping back. Why was he so close, and why did he smell so good?

“Nothing.” I shivered, rubbing my mostly bare arms…fuck cap sleeves.

“Here.” He shoved a bottle into my hand. “I got this for you.”

I looked closer and it was a wine cooler, in my favorite flavor. How did he know? “Thank you Genya, this was very sweet.” I reminded myself he was still learning how to act in adult spaces…and it’s not like he had a solid role model in Sanemi.

“Will you, drink one with me?” he held up another cooler and uncapped it.

“Of course.” I break the seal on mine and undo the lid. “To tonight.”

“To tonight.” He nodded and we both downed the drink. While we should have been doing shots, this was cute. He was so sweet, and I’d go as far as to say thoughtfully. While I trusted him, he still left it sealed…

“(Y/N)! Come dance with us.” Shinobu was dancing with Kyojuro, pulling me towards her like a rope. Giyu was standing close by as my bodyguard, as usual.

“Come on, let’s dance Genya.” I tugged him with me and got to the dance floor.

“I can’t dance.” He whispered.

“Well, just watch us for a minute, and bob to the music,” I instructed, joining my favorite people.

The song changed, it was just words at first, then the beat slowly started to build up, with each new sound, I added a movement. Starting with my hips, working up my arms to my head, and back to my legs. Without noticing, I fully submerged myself into the music, my eyes shut tight, but I could see everything I needed to.

“Those hips don’t lie,” Kyojuro whispered in my ear, breaking my concentration long enough to get behind me and bump a stranger from joining us.

“No, they don’t.” I see Giyu had also turned away a few people from our group. I see Shinobu was still dancing with us, and Genya had loosened up a little and was using his arms and hips to dance.

Another song comes on, and we kept dancing, and drinking our collective body weight in rum. Soon Obanai and Mitsuri pulled us off the dance floor to do some test-tube shots. I was more than ready for another round of shots.

“I have an idea before we just take these.” Mitsuri put the bottom between her lips and balanced it. “We Ta-E iT li-E T-is.” She grabbed Obanai and kneeled In Front of him and lined up the tube to his lips, before pushing him down and letting him swallow it whole.

“No way.” Genya walked away.

“I wanna! (Y/N), do me.” Shinobu offered me the vile, her hand lingering on mine.

“No, me.” Mitsuri volunteered.

“Huh, she isn’t doing anyone but me.” Genya turned around, puffing out his chest.

“How about she do Giyu?” Obanai licked his lips. “ I can do you.” He looked at Mitsuri with narrowed eyes that kept daring the rest of us to offer to sensually pour booze down her throat.

“(Y/n), who do you want to do your shot?” Kanae snuck up behind me, laughing as I stiffened.

“Uhhh?”

#x plus size reader #demon slayer x y/n #demon slayer #giyuu tomioka #kny shinobu #demon slayer genya #rengoku kyojuro #plus size reader #party au #club au #fanfcition #story #choose your ending

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