Short Fiction - Tumblr Posts

You deceived me, because you knew I was strong.

You injured me, because you knew I would survive.

If I was less strong, tell me, would you’ve been much nicer to me?

- k.m

FRACTURED

hey! here’s a draft of a story i wrote recently. feel free to give it a read (it’s only a mere 1500 words) and let me know what you think! 

oh, and about that word count? this short was for my class, so please bear with it. i understand it is very minimal for the amount of substance it contains. i hope you enjoy it regardless though! i’ll upload a finished version once i’ve completed it. any and all suggestions/critiques are welcome! pls be nice :)

Genre: Creative Fiction

Word Count: 1520

!TW: MULTIPLE DEATHS, BLOOD!

I sigh as I tap my pencil repeatedly on the table, the rubber nub of what’s left of the eraser pinging the oak beneath it. What’s it missing? There’s gotta be something missing I ponder to myself. I’ve been working on this poem for ages, but I still feel like it isn’t ready for this contest. I switch back to the website and read the headline ‘Do you want to become a new up and coming writer? Enter this contest to win!’ It’s the New York Times contest for a new up-coming author, and the grand prize would be enough to pay off my entire debt, and then some. I’ve had this poem written for awhile now, yet I still don’t think that it’s ready. I’ve read it over a million times, and I can’t seem to find what it’s missing. My mother was never too fond of my writing, but my father always loved it. He loved everything I did. My father’s always been proud of what I’ve done, and what I do. He’s never once shamed me for choosing what I believe in, and what I’m passionate about. I glance down at the gold-crested penguin pendant around my neck, lifting my hand up to grasp the cool metal. I smile as the memory it holds replays through my head. It was a gift from my father for my tenth birthday. He bought our family tickets to Disney World to celebrate, and purchased this necklace for me after I had mentioned several times in the gift shop how much I wanted it. Ever since it’s been my favourite animal. I hold it in my palm tightly, fingers grazing over the smooth, yet rigid surface of the pendant as I reach for my cell phone beside my open laptop. I begin to scroll through the messages between me and my father, a fond smile appearing on my lips as I read through the texts:

--

YESTERDAY

Dad: Hey, honey! How’s the poem coming along for the contest?

Me: it’s okay… I still feel like there’s something that it needs. I just can’t               figure it out

Dad: When is the deadline to submit?

Me: tonight at 6

Dad: I’m sure you will figure it out sweetheart. You’re a great writer. Love                 you kiddo Xoxo.

Me: thanks dad, love you too

--

I smile again as I set down my phone, peering back to the computer screen before me. What seems like minutes go by and I get lost in the words in front of me. I jump as my phone begins to vibrate loudly on the table. I can’t help but shut my eyes for a second to brace myself:

“Hello?” I answer. 

“Hello, what are you doing right now?”

 It’s my mother. Great. She’s probably at work.

“Working on my poem for the contest, why?”

 “....” There’s silence on the other end of the line. I wait a few moments, then,

“Mom?” 

“...Huh? Oh, sorry. What did you say?” 

“Forget it.” 

“....”  More silence. She does this every time. Doesn’t it bother you?

“Are you still at the hospital?” 

“....” I’ve had it. 

“MOM!!” I yell. 

“What? Oh sorry honey, what were you saying?” 

“Why do you do this to me every time? You never listen to me! You’re always on a call or too busy for me anyway!” 

“Look, I’m sorry, okay? It’s just hard for me when I’m at work sometimes honey but I promise I want to hear it.” 

This is always her excuse. It’s always just too ‘hard’ for her to actually have a conversation with her only daughter. It’s always about work for her.

“You know what. Forget it. Call me when you have time for your daughter.” I hang up the phone.

Ugh she makes me so mad! Why does she never listen to me? First it was denying my talent for writing and trying to force me to go down some boring nine-to-five career hole I’d never get out of, now this?

I peer around my dingy, one bedroom apartment. Maybe she’s right. You’ve been living off chickpeas out of a can and barely surviving. I mean, look at you? You have barely any food in your fridge, and your ‘apartment’ is broken down and disgusting! What did you think your BA in English would get you anyway? You’ve been searching for a job in your field for a while, and still no opportunity has come up. Maybe your mother was right. Maybe you should have studied law. Maybe she would have listened to you then. Maybe you should have listened to her—

--

Me: hey dad, can I talk to you?

Dad: Sure honey, is something wrong?

Me: it’s mom, she’s always too busy to listen to what I have to say. it’s like           talking to a brick wall

Dad: I’m sorry honey, but your mom is pretty busy at work. Maybe on her          break?

Me: i’ve tried. she even calls me and then doesn’t listen! I feel like she hates         me...

Dad: No she doesn't sweetheart, she loves you. And so do I. Xoxo.

Me: I love you too, dad        where are you now?        dad?        helloooooo?

--

Ugh, now my own father is too busy for me too? I guess no one has time for me. Or maybe, I’m just not enough for them. Maybe I’m just some big disappointment, maybe—just take a nap, you’re probably stressed from being tired.

I’m abruptly awoken out of my slumber when my phone goes off loudly. I scramble to find it on my bedside table, slamming my hand down repeatedly to try and locate the device. I manage to pinpoint the phone, and hold it up before me. I squint at the screen, scowling at the newfound brightness and see the word “MOM” in bright bold text. I press accept and hold the phone up to my ear: 

“Hello?” 

I can hear her sobbing on the other end of the line. I sit up straight in bed, eyes wide with worry as I stare at the dark matter in front of me. 

“What’s wrong? Are you crying?” 

“Honey, your dad’s been in an accident.” 

“What? What do you mean?” 

I start to shake, eyes brimming with panic, heart banging against my chest as I wait for her response after an ill-conceived sob:

“He was driving on the highway, and um—I found his phone and he was texting you while driving and he swerved into the other lane and he—” 

“What, he what?!” 

“He’s dead.”

I drop the phone to my side as my life starts caving from the exterior in. I lose my breath as the realization sets in. How did you let this happen? How could you? 

“No.” 

A single tear streams from my face.

“NO!” 

I sob as I wail into the darkness of my room, hands covering my flooding sockets as I scream. A steady river forms blurring my vision for what seems like eternity. I stay like this for a while. You did this. You killed him. 

“I’m so sorry”.

I pace back and forth, raking fingers through my hair, tears streaming down my face as I try and accept the truth. How could I have let this happen? I’m the reason he’s gone, if I just would’ve called him instead, maybe things would have been different. I press my spine against the cool tile of the bathroom wall as I stare at my dishevelled reflection. You’re disgusting. I slam my fist against the mirror, shattering the glass littering shards throughout the room. My eyes begin to pour, as does my bleeding hand from the impact. I look below me at my feet, peering at my skewed reflection through the broken, bloody pieces. I’m sorry dad, this is all my fault. I’m so sorry.

--

“Thank you all for coming”. 

I watch my mother from the church pew seven rows back, wiping her tears as she stabilizes herself on the podium. The room is dimly lit, filled with a few dozen family members I haven’t seen since infanthood. The white, flowered casket sits perpendicular to my mother on the stage behind her. 

“She was always so driven” I hear her say. “She was stubborn,” she laughs, “but we all loved her the same.”

She takes a few new tissues from the funeral-gifted box, looking at my graduation picture surrounded with white roses, taking a breath before starting again with a shaky voice:

“It hasn’t been easy, with my husband passing and now my daughter. But um, I’d like us to celebrate her death. She was a brilliant writer, and it certainly showed when she won the contest for the New York Times Best Up-and-Coming Writer. I’m really proud of her, we all are.” 

My eyes well up with tears as her words hit my chest like bombs. She’s proud of me? She thinks I’m a good writer? I smile to myself, 

“I finally did it, dad. I made it.” 

“I know sweetheart, I’m so proud of you.” He smiles as he wraps his arm around my shoulder. 

“C’mon, let’s go home.” 

-- 

Winter eventually fades

Revealing the unknown golden flowers

Blooming just below

I need sfw Tumblr recs who post original fics that are not fanfictions

The Robot Apocalypse came. Cities are empty, you stayed since you’re almost out of insulin and will die soon anyway. The robots find you and while processing you one of them sees your insulin pump and asks if you want to apply for dual citizenship, since the pump technically makes you a cyborg.

Rayd vs Samson (OC Short Story)

Some context first, Rayd’s power system is inspired by Luffy from One Piece (Gear Second) and Jugo from Naruto.

I walk through the damp cold air of the underground ruins hoping to see my goal soon. My glasses wet from the moisture lingering in the air and my legs tired from a days worth of walking. I finally decide to rest on a rock protrusion that somewhat resembled a seat. I begin to sigh as I remove my glasses and message the bridge of my nose. I wasn't at all prepared for a trek like this but as usual, I sensed adventure and a chance to learn something new and made the foolish decision to chase it unprepared. All I had with me were the clothes on my back (which amounted to a gray tee-shirt, black cargo shorts, and my running shoes), my school bag with some snacks, a map of the area, a magazine detailing the ancient history of Wales, my phone, wallet, and a folding knife.

I finish lamenting my excitable nature and replace my glasses onto my face. I force myself to stand and begin walking through the corridor of jagged stone and soon reach an opening to a massive room with what looks like an ancient temple that seems to have been untouched for ages. I walk towards the temple in the middle of the giant chamber and arrive at a large marble door and push it open to reveal a single room with a coffin-sized pearl chest in the center surrounded by lit bronze braziers. I walk towards the chest hoping to find my prize for the trip. Carnwennan, King Arthur's legendary dagger that he used to cut the black witch Orddu in two. My leads in search of this ancient weapon have taken me here.

I place my hand on the top of the aged pearl finish and begin to lose myself in thought. In that contemplative moment, I felt a heavy rumble coming from the chest. The chest burst open splintering into thousands of fragments as a large fist shot through the side of the box and was planted into my gut in what felt like a split second. Before I knew what happened I was sent flying headfIrst into the doors of the temple with such force that they shattered On impact sending shrapnel flying for several meters from where I landed outside. After a moment to register what happened, I slowly lift my head up to see a monster of a man brushing what's left of the chest off of his broad shoulders.

Luckily I managed to harden my skin just in time to prevent any serious damage to my organs. I lift myself off of the ground and begin to analyze my enemy. He seemed to be roughly six feet and build like an elephant with muscle that was nearly tearing his shirt. He wore a black t-shirt, black cargo pants, black boots with fingerless gloves that also sported what I can only assume was his favorite color. Now finished dusting himself off he starts walking towards me with heavy beats as his boots slam into the ground. Why is he here? What does he want? Where is the dagger? All valid questions, however, the enemy seems more focused on fighting than talking it out. I decide to accept his challenge and walk towards him as well.

When we're only about a foot or so from one another I decide to try and probe for any information I can get. "Who the hell are you and what do you want?" Silence. "Fine..." I say under my breath. I jump into the air to match his height and harden the skin on my left shin, with all the force I can muster in the air my leg connects with his neck. "Gotcha!" I yell victoriously. A smile creeps onto the man's face as he sends another giant fist into my body sending me through the wall of the temple. Ready this time I come back faster and jump through the dust left behind after his attack and send a barrage of punches towards his face and neck. He shakes them off fairly easily and tries attacking again with a right jab. I manage to avoid the assault by ducking and quickly increase the muscle mass on both arms and legs. With that power I shoot myself up with all the power I could muster and blast his chin with my right uppercut.

My attack sends the man soaring into the roof of the temple and beyond. I feel my body relax as it reverts back to normal. "Geez, I'm gettin' rusty". I say to myself. Only a moment later a figure crashes through the ceiling again and lands a few yards in front of me. "I can see why they have so much trouble with you"! The figure exclaims. I look closely to see the man from earlier standing in front of me glaring at me with what I think was excitement. "My name? THEY call me Samson"! The man yells at me. "Geez, you're really something ya know? Most people couldn't stand after an attack like that". The man now known as Samson stares at me waiting for another round of battle. I sigh as I run my hand through my hair trying my best to fix it. "Oh well, guess you aren't givin' up huh"?

I bend over to untie my shoes and then kick them off. Samson looks on with confusion as I continue and take my socks off and throw them where my shoes now lay. "Alright then...If you don't wanna tell me where the dagger is now, maybe you'll tell me after I kick your ass"! I exclaim as small jets made of my hardened skin form on both elbows, knees, and heels. "I hope you're ready"! I yell as I send a burst of heat through the Jets to prepare them. "You talk too much, COME"! Samson responds. I take that as my cue and rush him by sending a wave of heat through the jets. I appear in front of him much faster than before surprising even myself.

Samson also seemed taken aback by my newfound speed and wasn't able to block my attack in time. I firmly planted my fist square into his face and forced a strong burst of heat through my elbow. My attack finally appears to have affected him since he was sent flying with blood pouring from his nose. "Damn"! Samson cursed to himself as he regained his footing. He looked to where I had been only to see empty space and a cracked floor. Before he knew it another powerful blow was sent into his side. "GAH"! Samson had lost his breath and was left gasping for air. Once again I appeared in front of him staring up at him. Now able to breathe again Samson notices "You seem pale...this power, it must take as much as it gives". He begins to smile widely with bloodied teeth. "Hahaha, now I see, you've never actually used this technique, right? So you had no idea about what kind of drawback it'd have"! As he cackles to himself I send my foot into his chin with a gust of hot wind. Samson collapses, breaking the marble where he falls.

Seems like he's fallen unconscious. I release the jets on my body and revert back to normal again. My body feels heavier now. "Tough bastard". I say to myself as I lean against what's left of one of the temple walls. "Hmm wonder who THEY are...and what the hell do they want with me..." I think to myself. I put my socks and shoes back on and stand to notice a hole above me large enough for people to get through, almost as if it was made for that purpose. "Either way, those a-holes have my dagger"! I wander out of the cave into the starry night of Wales clutching my gut. "Time for another adventure I guess".

Castle of the Black Sheep

Randomly got this idea lol

Word Count: 1.6k

The castle stood on its own, lost to time and memory. A maiden, locked inside, awaited anyone who would save her; but as time passed on, there was nothing she could do but sleep. Her eyes drifted and the world around her eased her into a soft slumber, one she assumed wouldn’t be disturbed.

Below the castle walls, at the door, stood one another brave enough to suffer the treachery of the Calded Castle touched the door. He gazed behind him, seeing what was in his wake. The dragon’s tattered wings flopped on the ground, the breeze shifted them slightly as the creature could no longer move itself. The deed was done, now the reward was just within grasp.

The hero opened the door and towered the castle in search of the maiden who lay in an uncertain sleep. The castle whistled a soft melody to him while he ascended the dank corridors. Eventually, he found a set of doors that had to hold the maiden behind them. Decorated with dark orange trim, the design painted an image of a fantasy he could have only assumed was false. His hand graced the inscription and he felt its reality within his palm. He pushed open the door and entered the door with a certain delicacy. It was then his eyes laid on the maiden.

At his appearance, she suddenly shot up. Her hair, unkempt as it was, stuck up and bounced as she moved. Her eyes darted around her and soon her face morphed in a realization.

“This is strange…” She went to her window and opened it, leaning out. A loud sigh followed her voice. “No… he’s really gone.”

The hero blinked and watched her curiously. “Pardon me, but I’m unsure of what you refer to.”

The maiden looked, examining his features quickly. Her eyes went up and down his figure until she gave a slight shrug of her shoulder. “Let me explain.” She got up, danced around the room where she blew an unlit candle.

It came to life and followed it were the lights of the rest of the candles. The room bloomed color from the flames and now it was nothing like the gray exterior of the outside. The maiden sat on the bed she once rested on and put her hands together to pray as she spoke.

“I am the maiden with which you came to save. You understood what you had to do, but not the reasons behind those actions. So hear me, as I will speak the words behind your journey.” She put her hands down and looked at the hero. “My damned title is the Maiden of Black Sheep. Your journey here was to kill a dragon that trapped me within these castle walls; I am free, but now my protector is gone.”

“Protector? That fearsome dragon could be nothing more than a monster!”

“Ah, as you would feel. He’s a monster to you because you fear him, but we all fear and that fear must be contained somewhere.” She got up and retrieved a book. “Where do all your worries go when you feel them leave your shoulder? Where do your tears fall after they’ve shed? How do you recover from your grief? It is a black sheep you seek. Those feelings must go somewhere and if not me, then where would they go?”

The hero held himself back listening to her. “You mean to say you’re some God of sorrow?”

“No, of course not. I am simply the mistakes everyone wishes to forget, or more simply, I am the fault of everyone’s pain. Not literally, of course, just the image of it so you all can recover. Without it, man would have surely turned their pain inward and destroyed their very fabric of being.”

“How can you say that! Man has dealt with pain their entire life and you mean to tell me there’s one person who controls all of it?”

“You’re not hearing me, but you answer your own confusion. Because you don’t understand, you yell at me, and I’m fine with that. So please, take your frustrations out on me, it does me nothing but good if you do.”

The hero found himself at a loss. Unable to understand the words out of the woman’s mouth, he grew more and more agitated listening to her. His efforts seemed in vain if this was his end result.

“But, the words of my tale do not end… Now that you have smited my dear one, you must lead me to another dear one. A precious soul I can bond with in order to maintain my own sanity.” She got up and approached him. She closed the space between them and stood meer inches away from his face. “It is said, the smiter had to become the one, but… I’m not fond of you. I would assume you’re not fond of me either.”

“How clairvoyante of you.”

She smiled pulling on the twists of her hair while twirling back to her bed. “Please, it was you who bumbled into this castle without even thinking about what you were getting. If fame was all you wanted, there were a plentious amount of other things you could have done, but instead you murdered my dear one. His soul has transferred elsewhere and I must find it before I grow mad with despondency.” She huffed.

Curil stared at her and his eyes narrowed. “I’m sure your spirits will remain rather high. Unchanging really. You seem more than unbothered by the idea of this happening; in fact, it seems as if you already knew this would come, so you seem more than prepared.”

The hero went to open the door, and seconds after he did, a sword crashed down into the door slicing into his shoulder. The width of the blade made it easy to cut deep. His arm, nearly severed at the limb, hung off his body. He crashed to the ground in agony while his warm blood pooled around him. His struggling turned to desperate twitching as he clung to life.

The maiden stepped over his body and spoke to the destroyed door. “They have awoken… from the silence.” Her hands rose. Her palms faced the door. “Destroyer of my hope, what is your name?”

The noise of everything around the heroes faded into a mesh of muffled sounds, but he could hear her voice as if he were fine. His mouth gurgled blood, but he got out; “Curil.”

“Ah, Curil.” He saw a white light glow from her hands. “Apologizes for the late start. I admit, I’m a little annoyed that I got a human, not another beautiful, wondrous creature. However, I cannot leave others in agony as they do me, the way of the world would tip out of control. So, I will save your life; but in doing so I am tied to you.”

As Curil’s gaze faded, he saw an unusual weapon. A large wooden handle slid into The Maiden’s hands and the blade at the top curved like a crescent moon. For a moment, Curil believed he was watching the night sky.

“My name is Cassie. Bound to you by the agony of man, I will do everything in my power to see your success. I will not let you die unless my own life is silenced. That I promise.”

Cassie left his sight and all Curil could hear was the cries of the monster that injured him, the ground shook with a violet force and soon he felt a growing pain in his arm.

“Gah!” From the pit of his stomach, a guttural scream followed the repair of the injury.

Flashing with an intense throbbing, his arm slowly mended itself back together. With every blow he heard, another part of his arm reattached to his body. He groaned, his teeth threatened to crack, but he took deep breaths as the pain went on.

“Slowly, Curil, open your eyes.” Cassie’s words followed a soft touch in his face.

His eyes opened and he saw Cassie above him. Her face wasn’t the immature disposition he had seen her hold before. She appeared regal, despite the unkempt appearance she still had. It was then Curil felt his other arm. He shot up and touched it fervently.

Cassie laughed and Curil could see her one strange image return.

“Do you believe me now? Is your agony gone?”

Curil took a breath. “I… can’t say for sure.”

“Well perhaps this would change your mind.” She presented her arm.

The sleeve draped past her hands and all Curil could see was blood dripping from the cloth. The blood started from her shoulder; it was nothing short of identical to the wound he just sustained.

“How is that possible?”

“Because of what I explained. I already told you, being considered a black sheep, I was left here to welcome the feelings that everyone else must let go. However, if it’s left in the open it would turn into a monster… surely. So, I absorb these feelings, they manifest within my body and soul while everyone else—who doesn’t deserve it—gets to relish in a sweet relief.”

“That is crazy, how do you sustain yourself if this is the case? Are you a goddess?”

She sighed. “Of course not, why would I be here if I were a Goddess?” She scoffed. “No, I’m a regular human but I need something like that beautiful creature you murdered to maintain sanity.” She groaned and stood up. “Do you understand now?”

Curil looked off. “I believe so… this is my fault so you want me to fix it?”

With her hands proudly on her hips, she nodded. “Yes.” She faced him and a look unlike the others she had given him, she held a certain intensity Curil couldn’t describe. “I have no need for your existence. I do not need you. However, you are what I was given, so I’ll use it as I require.”

So, I'm low key going through it right now and am making a impulse decision.

I have absolutely no place to post this collection of short stories I wrote and since I'm in one of my lonely moods, this is what came of it.

I'm not sure if I should make it a side blog or not... I'm probably gonna make it a side blog now that I think of it.

Well then, if you're interested in a reverse harem story about a young adult female who is a pervert in reality, but is perceived as some innocent angel, then check it out.

I'll probably post every day since there's a LOT of stories. Hopefully I won't fall in my depressive streak 😀

I randomly decided to make a more condensed version of my WIP/story list.

Though, here's another list of stories I'm not really working on atm 🍊 Idea list 🍊 and here's 🍊 my writeblr intro 🍊

This one is just a more condensed list in case the others are a little too much to read through.

Finished with more than 30k

Devine Intervention: The Demonic Repentance (63k).

All the Screams (61k).

Same Breeds (40k).

normalities (36k).

Finished with less than 30k

Before the Reignfall (27k).

Secrets of a Teenage Man (22k)

A Fourth Dimension Reality: The Strange Beginnings (22k).

A Fourth Dimension Reality: The Crimson Soul (19k).

A Fourth Dimension Reality: The Interpose of Idiocy (30k Ik this is thirty, but this is a series.)

A Fourth Dimension Reality: Untitled 4th book (23k).

Unfinished with more than 30k

The State of Quandary (62k).

The Makings of a Love Story (46k).

Unfinished with less than 30k

Kingdom of Bumalia (29k).

Orange Perfect (21k).

Before the Love Story (15k).

One of Malovence (13k).

The Promiscuous Journey of a Virgin (10k).

Manifested Malovence (6k).

Devine Intervention: Sirin's call (6k).

Alright, so this is pretty much a set up from past me to actually do this.

So, recently, I've been extremely lonely and have been trying to find a way to fill that void. It went from me trying to play some mmorpgs to find friends, to giving up and just accepting company in 2D men by playing some visual novels.

I played Under Maintenance and am working on getting all the endings in A Date With Death and while I loved both those games, they brought me back to my roots of writing romance.

Since it's February and I'm single I was thinking about relationships and got these two idea.

1

I've never written a rom com before and after playing Under Maintenance I wanted to try my hand at one and got a super cute idea.

The concept is an struggling writer who works at a bookstore who starts to pull the attention of her boss after spit taking at one of his jokes at a company party. His interest in her soon spirals and he sees how miserable she is at work. He then gives her a week to quit or he'll fire her himself.

Wanting a break from her entire life, an upcoming holiday is the perfect time to try and relax. While going to see her family at her hometown, she's met with someone else who also happens to have family there, no one other than her boss--the one who's about to fire her.

I decided to make this a little Nano, but lord knows I'm gonna give up and miss my deadline. So, to try and make things possoble for me, I actually started on Jan 23 and got a decent 12k words already.

It you're interested, wish me luck in actually finishing it and I'll likely have some stuff to post about after this next thing I have planned.

2

Again, this is a set up from past me, but also in my bout of loneliness, I started to think about how much I hate the culture that only people you're romantically involved with can show you love and appreciation for your time and pressence. Personally, I would love to celbrate Valentine's day with friends, just to show them how much I care for them.

My rambling aside, this made me want to showcase something related to this and while I had another idea, I scrapped it for this one!

For every day in February, I'm going to post a short story about the many relationships in my stories.

My MC Cassie has TONS of relationships, so I figured it'd be best to show it by giving little in-universe stories about the romantic, platonic, and familial love she experiences with everyone I've brought to life.

This is just my small way of sharing all kinds of love and to show how we don't just have to me romantic to love each other.

So, hopefully, I won't flake on myself and I'll have some of it done by this time this post is up.

But, if you're interested, I hope you enjoy reading and I also want you to know that love comes in all shapes ad sizes so don't feel like you can't have what everyone else does, you just have to find it in your own way ☺

🍂

If you're curious as to what this is, check out this post and if you wanna know about this story in general, check it out here 🍂

An ordinary day at Holma High was usually battling one’s way to a necessary job waiting for them in one of the class room doors. In the case of the leaders, there was very little time during the school day for them to waste around.

This was oh so apparent as the work for an average school day dragged on as usual for Bushimaru, the leader of Bakesama. However, he was greeted with something he hadn’t expected.

As he sat in the Costa Family classrooms, he patiently waited for Cameron—the younger brother of the current boss, Cecelia—to finish their meeting.

“Oh, by the way, you oughta thank sweet pea for me.”

Knowing the nickname fairly well, he knew who that was referring to, but questioned the reasoning behind his comment.

“Hm? Why?”

“Because, while I know she wasn’t being sweet for my sake, she helped me out a lot with this whole thing. If it wasn’t for her, you wouldn’t have any of these records today. She stayed overnight and helped me organize everything and helped me get some things straight about our outposts. You know, just to make things easier on you now.”

Bushimaru found himself a bit shocked, not for the reason so easily assumed.

Now in a bit of a hurry, he spoke quickly. “I’ll be sure to do that. Was there anything else you needed to be sure I knew?”

“Nope, just what I reported. Don’t want any useless confrontations y’know?”

“Yes, we wouldn’t.” Bushimaru then got up and made his way to the door.

With his second-in-command right behind him, she was alarmed at his changing speed and picked up her pace as well.

“B-bushimaru-sama, we’re in no hurry to get to our next meeting.”

He didn’t respond and quickly walked to the main staircase descending down them quickly. She huffed, picking up her own speed and getting the attention of Bushimaru once they reached the bottom floor.

“Mei? What is it?”

She smiled seeing his slightly distracted expression. “I know you wanna go see her, but you’ll have to wait until our scheduled meetings are over.” She paused. “You know today is the only day everyone’s gonna be here.”

He sighed at the reminder. “I… know.” He started walking again, but this time he was slower. “It’s just Emeryk and Danai left, yes?”

“Yes, Emeryk will probably be quick all things considered.”

“That’s strange, I assume he would take the rest of the school day since we’ll be mapping out which areas he can conduct his experiments in.”

With a slight smirk, Mei said, “we are, but Cassie-san went ahead and gave Emeryk a general outline of where our territories end and begin. I’m sure it’ll be much simpler now that he’s had time to look that over already.”

Just as he was before, Bushimaru found himself unable to say very much. His impulses just took over and he, once again, started to talk quickly.

“Then we shouldn’t waste any time. Let’s go and wait for him.”

Just as he said that, the third period bell rang over their heads indicating to them that Emeryk would be out of his classes for the rest of the school day.

“Yes, I’ll be right behind you.”

Bushimaru usually had a fast pace about him, opting to do things in a timely manner, but even Mei could see how much quicker his actions were. She let out a smile, thankfully her leader was so obvious even if his words didn’t always match.

So, just as they planned days before, they finished out their school day having met with Emeryk and then left their last meeting for afterschool. There wasn’t very much more for them to do, so Bushimaru sent Mei off for the day, hoping she would take some much needed time to herself, and made his way to the third floor for his last meeting.

The door was open, so he simply let himself inside where he was promptly stopped just before he got his whole body through the door.

“Ah, sorry, but you still can’t come in here.” This voice was one he was fairly familiar with.

The bright tone matched the similarly brightly dressed individual in front of him. He found it somewhat refreshing to see her unique sense of style opposed to their usual drab uniforms.

“Danai, I don’t mean to waste your time, but do you mind if we reschedule our meeting until tomorrow morning?”

Her brows furrowed. “Why? Are you busy right now?”

“A bit…” He looked off. “I just want to go and see someone right now.”

Danai caught on quickly evidenced by the smirk on her face and the gleam in her eye. “Come on, you’re gonna keep it from me too? You do know me and her are friends right?” In a singsong voice she said, “she’s told me some things about you two~”

“I’m very aware, that’s why I feel I can ask this of you.”

Her arms crossed. “You know, I don’t want the friendship I have with Cassie to be something you can exploit you know.”

“I promise you I won’t do this ever again. Besides, I did say we would meet in the morning and isn’t that better for you?”

She huffed. “Of course you know that.” Feigning anger for a bit longer, Danai eventually shrugged and smiled at him. “I’m just messing with you though, of course you can go see her. I’d want you too anyways.”

Feeling immense relief, Bushimaru said, “thank you, Danai.”

“Oh, but since we’re pretending here, can I pretend that you’re not gonna try and make a move on her? That she won’t be telling me about any new relationships she’s in?”

Bushimaru closed his eyes and shook his head with a soft smile on his face. “I’ll leave you to believe whatever you want and whatever Cassie tells you after is the truth.”

Danai huffed and gave a playful pout. “Ugh, fine. Be that way, but I swear one of these days I’ll get you to admit what I already know.”

“And your company will always be appreciated.” Bushimaru then gave her one final goodbye before he turned around to pick up a bag Danai hadn’t seen him with until now. She made a sound like she was hinting at something, but Bushimaru just waved goodbye to her once again.

He made his way down the third floor hallway where it started to get darker no thanks to the broken lights overhead. However, a soft blue glow emanated from one of the classrooms down the dark hallway and Bushimaru felt a sense of calmness as he approached the door.

Getting to room 309, he opened the door to find gentle music filling the room. With the soft blue light in the corner, the warmth in the room felt like a hug wrapped around him the moment he stepped inside. He looked to the mattress on the floor and found a lump hidden under a fuzzy blanket. He smiled approaching the mattress where he sat down and gave the lump a weightless nudge.

“Mmm…” A trail of a sleepy voice came from the lump.

“Cassie?” He paused trying to find her head, he pulled at various parts of the blanket until she emerged from it with a deep frown on her face.

Lying in a ball completely horizontal across the top of the mattress, he found her closed eyes trying their best to remain that way. He chuckled at the sight and reached into the bag, which quickly got the attention of the freshly woken girl.

“Too bad you’re not a lighter sleeper.”

With a yawn, she finally spoke. “I’m sleeping in a school, I don’t think that would be very safe. Especially since I can’t lock my door.”

“You never got that fixed?” He asked.

“No, I don’t care to tell any staff about it and only you guys come in here so I’m not too worried.”

“Still, you should get someone to fix it sometime. Otherwise I’ll worry about you when you sleep in here overnight.”

“You worry about me even when I sleep at home.” She pushed herself up and was now sitting crossed beside him, the blanket covering her legs and hands. “But, what’s in the bag?”

“Well, I wanted to thank you somehow for making my day a bit easier.”

“Huh?” She paused thinking about it for a second, but then her mouth fell open. “Oh, that stuff? That’s nothing to thank me over. I just did my job.”

“I’m sure you think that, but if I don’t feel grateful for this, then what would I ever thank you for?”

She shrugged. “I just never really think about it.”

Bushimaru brought the bag closer between them and before Cassie could see it, he pulled out a small plush of a dragon character. She let out a loud gasp stopping herself from snatching it out of his hands.

Amused, he held it closer to her. “You’re lucky, he was just about to be sold out again.”

Cassie seemed unable to contain her excitement for very much longer, but she held off. “How’d you get him?”

“A reseller happened to buy a few since they were being scalped and he gave me this one as thanks for helping him find the scalper.”

Giddy, she thrust her hands out looking for him to finally hand the plush over. With a chuckle, he did so and Cassie held the toy delicately as if it was fragile glass and even her soft breathing would break it.

“He’s so cute.” She paused before looking at him again. “I really love him.”

“I’m glad you do, but that’s not all I wanted to come here for.” He reached into the bag and also pulled out a DVD case of the very movie the character was from; alongside that, there were the sound of chips and other assorted junk foods in the bag. “Since you helped me so much, I wanted to give you a little break; and even though I don’t like you eating junk food like this, I figure it’s okay as long as I can watch how much you eat.”

Cassie giggled. “You’re such a mom.” She eagerly moved to make space for him beside her. “But this’ll be the… thirty-first time we watched this together.”

“You’re actually keeping count?” Bushimaru got up to put the DVD in her CD drive booting up her laptop as well.

“Of course I am, this movie is my entire childhood. I can recite the whole movie word for word, so it’s no problem for me to keep track of how many times I’ve seen it,” she said with a giggle.

“That’s reasonable for you huh?”

“Is that a compliment?”

Once the movie projected onto the large smart screen against the far wall, Bushimaru returned beside Cassie where he sat down and looked at her. Taking in the excitable person before him made his smile grow.

“Yes, I’m always immensely impressed with everything you do.”

Cassie smiled proudly moving the dragon between her arms. “You hear that? He thinks I’m impressive and there’s no greater compliment coming from the master himself!”

Bushimaru just chuckled as Cassie began to hum the opening track to the movie and cuddled up closer with the plush in her arms and Bushimaru right beside her.

With much forgiveness, anyone can go from foe to friend.

Frustrated tears cooled the warm face of the young girl seated by herself outside in the warm summer afternoon. No matter what, this day felt especially bad and her thoughts wouldn’t stop for anything no matter what she did to halt them.

However, the world would have it where she could have no privacy and was soon approached by someone else.

“Cassie?”

She rubbed her face quickly and turned to look at the voice that called her. “Jessica? Why are you here?”

Her eyes looked off. “You’re annoying ass brother wouldn’t leave me alone. He didn’t know where you were so I… figured you’d be here.”

Cassie’s head shook. “How did you know I would be here?”

“Because, dummy, this is where you and… him would hang out isn’t it?”

Thankful she hadn’t mentioned the name, Cassie still felt a twinge in her chest and turned her head away. “I guess so…”

The pair remained in a stiff silence and Jessica made no effort to say anything. Cassie didn’t move and remained sitting on the ground with her knees pulled up to her face. Eventually, Jessica sat down beside her and let out a sigh.

“Can I ask, why you’re out here?”

Cassie just shrugged. “I wanted to be alone.”

“Because?”

“Just because.”

Jessica rolled her eyes knowing they weren’t going to get anywhere. She didn’t know if things were right for her to say considering their relationship up to this point, but she felt a bit like she could say one thing.

Now, it was a matter of if she wanted to say it or not.

Jessica sat on that thought for a while and eventually Cassie shifted to stand up.

“I’m sorry Ren bothered you. I think I’m just gonna head home now.”

Jessica said nothing as Cassie started to walked off. She didn’t get very far before Jessica got to her feet as well and caught Cassie by her arm.

“Hey just… you don’t have to leave.”

Cassie didn’t look back.

“Just, let me say something okay?” Jessica’s grip only tightened and soon she let out a slight groan before speaking. “Were you crying over Aki?” Feeling her arm tense, Jessica assumed she was right.

“I wasn’t crying,” Cassie said with her head turned away.

“Come on already, I know you were crying and I know it had to be because of him.”

Cassie continued to shake her head and she started to yank her arm trying to break away from Jessica.

“Look, I miss him too, and it wasn’t like I had any reason to; but you can’t sit here and cry about him. It’s over and time to move on.”

More violently this time, Cassie pulled her arm and used her free hand to pull as well. “Let go of me!”

“No, just… if you don’t have anyone to talk to, then you can talk to me.”

“No, I can’t.”

“Why can’t you? What’s the issue with just telling me something I already know?”

Cassie, with a frustrated tone, said, “because you’ve always acted like you know everything! Even when you would bully me because of some boy.” Jessica’s grip loosened and Cassie was able to pull her arm back to her side.

Trying to ignore the first part, Jessica moved on. “So, he was just some boy to you?”

Cassie sighed. “No, he wasn’t just some boy and you fucking know that.” Cassie ran a hand through her hair. “I just used to think it was so ridiculous that you were actually bullying me because of a crush you had on a guy who was dating someone else.”

Jessica wrapped her arms around her waist. “Yeah, I know it was stupid.” She paused. “But, you can’t blame me. I had no other choice, especially when… I had no chance.”

“So you were aware Aki would never like you, yet you still bullied me to no end?” Cassie scoffed. “I’m not sure how I should feel about that. This whole conversation is making me feel that way."

Jessica kept her eyes away from Cassie’s figure and as the silence fell over them, she could only hear her thoughts trying to answer that exact question. Eventually, Jessica managed to find some words and looked back at Cassie who was scowling at this point.

“I know I should say something like sorry to you, but that would be a lie. I don’t feel sorry for what happened, I feel like I should make it up to you instead.”

“Huh?”

“Like, I know what I did to you. Saying sorry isn’t going to make up for the years I made fun of you, the rumors I spread about you, or even the spiteful things I did to break up you and Aki. So, I feel like maybe I should make it up instead of saying sorry.”

Cassie stared at the girl in front of her. Without very many words, Cassie felt a little off about what she was saying. Not because she didn’t want to hear it, but because it didn’t make sense where this was coming from.

Crossing her arms over her chest, Cassie said, “why would you even want to do that? Why not just leave me be?”

Jessica let out a small breath. “Because, I think you and me are the only two people in the world who knows how the other feels.”

“I’m… not getting it.”

“Come on, you and I are both too smart to play dumb here. You were crying, no matter if you say otherwise or not, and I know exactly how you feel because I also liked Aki.”

Cassie bit her lip listening to Jessica’s words. “Even if that was true, what happened between me and Aki isn’t something I’ll remember forever. I’ll move on because no one cares about just a stupid relationship anyways.”

“I know you don’t feel that way. I don’t know what kind of shit you went through to think that no one would care, but only an asshole would say that to your face.” Jessica paused. “Someone who really cared about you would feel every little sliver of pain you feel no matter how dumb you think it is.”

That seemed to strike a cord in Cassie and her breath caught in her throat. “Wha-what are you saying that for?”

“Because Aki is an extremely nice person who—believe it or not—comforted me as well. I know he said those things to you because he used to say them to me. The only difference being that he was just sympathetic to me.” Jessica’s head dropped. “I can admit now that, yes, I was jealous of what you and him had. So, to see that you lost what I was trying so desperately to get… I know how you’re feeling, Cassie.”

“Like I haven’t heard that a million times. Listen, I don’t need any comforting. Like I said, I’ll move on eventually.”

“And I’m sure you will, but I need you to understand that you don’t have to be by yourself right now. I told you—I know exactly what you’re feeling.” Jessica’s head came up and there, Cassie saw something she never thought she would.

Streaming down her face, were tears that appeared just as cooling as Cassie’s did. Jessica started to choke over her words, but she spoke through it. Through her sobs and coughs, she managed to keep talking.

“I know it hurts… I know you feel like Aki was the only good thing to ever happen to you… I know you want to hug him again, you just want him to tell you everything will be alright.” Her hands went to her face. “Because he always made it seem like things really would be okay.”

Hearing that and seeing Jessica’s strong outburst, Cassie felt the tears she tried to hide come back. Her head dropped into her hands and once again, she started to cry. Jessica moved closer to Cassie and grabbed her, pulling her into a tight embrace. The girls held each other as if letting go would kill them and, in this moment, it felt like it would.

It felt like their hearts were both hurting and this hug was the beginning to mending them. Their hearts that fought for so long to maintain an image that hurt them more than protected them was starting to melt away. This embrace felt like something they both had been missing in the months their hearts were given back to them.

Jessica managed to calm herself and leaned over to see Cassie’s face. She was still crying, but was obviously holding it back by her frame shaking in Jessica’s grasp. Thinking not to bring it up, Jessica spoke about something else instead.

“By the way, Ren didn’t tell me you were here.”

“H-he didn’t?”

“No. I got worried about you when you left school today. I figured something might have been bothering you since you never really opened up about it.” Jessica paused and allowed the quiet to wash over them. “So, are you really okay?”

For a while, Cassie didn’t say anything or even move. Eventually, she said, “no…” Her voice was broken.

“Is there anything that’d help?”

Cassie shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve never had to deal with something like this before.” Her voice was becoming shallow.

“Okay, that’s fine.” Jessica paused. “I wouldn’t know what to do either, but how about we take it slow? You can talk to me if you want and if not, we’ll spend the summer doing whatever you want.”

Cassie said nothing to this, but it was obvious she was grateful as her shaking calmed significantly. She then gave a slow nod.

“Okay…”

Jessica felt relieved at those words. “Alright, but I really think you should at least let your brother know about this. He can be with you much more than I can.”

Cassie barely got out any of her words, but she finally mustered out a whisper of, “thank you…”

Jessica smiled. “You’re welcome.”

Many of my stories are just this...

Ghosts?

“It happened again…” The figment said as he watched the girl lie on her bed repeating the same words over and over to herself, she was holding herself while rocking and spoke:

"I know… I know… I know it’ll be alright… it’ll go back to normal.” She nearly chanted that as she held back tears, her voice was shaking and he knew she’d soon fall asleep. Her problems wouldn’t be fixed however, he knew they wouldn’t after the years and years of the same thing happening. The girl then took a deep breath and sat up locking eyes with the figment. It was time to go. He would leave her for now, but would come back when this happened again.

His ghostly figure left the house and flew to the abandoned apartment where all ghosts in this area remained. Getting inside, there was a man.

“You’re back.” He simply said.

“Yeah, I figured I wasn’t going to be long.”

“So were you right?” Reluctantly, he nodded. “Lucas, perhaps we should consider taking her life now.”

“I told you I didn’t want to do that.”

“But you’re not supposed to be dead, and it seems as if she either will be or should be.”

“You don’t know half of the situation with her…” Lucas paused, “She’s always trying to stay strong, even now she was telling herself things would go back to normal. That’s how hard she’s fighting.” The man stared at him, “So if invalidate her hard work then we should stay dead.”

“It seems you’re growing attached to her, Lucas.”

“You know, Spencer, maybe I am. I don’t have an issue with staying dead if it means I get to remain with her.”

“But even if you say she should be dead.” “I know what I said before, but… I don’t want to see it all end like this. She deserves to be happy and it’s not my place to just sit here and take that from her.” Lucas then left the lobby and went to his apartment room. Going through the door and getting to the bed, he went to the window staring in the direction of her home. He hoped she’d be alright until the morning. Things like this never got easier, neither for him nor the person handling it.

This is how crazy I sound before an idea is finalized...

[[sosososososososos, I finally remembered that idea I had. It’s supposed to be the opposite of a typical kdrama. How do they always have the popular girl being a bitch and the “ugly” regular girl as the MC who winds up getting the better guy? Well fuck that, we’re gonna write the “regular” girl with the guy (whoever that is) and they have a lot in common (maybe they’re into some show or something and that’s how they get to talking), so he’s crushing on her and she’s crushing on him. The popular/pretty girl has been this guy’s friend since they were kids and they’re “supposed” to end up together, but instead of these girls being at each other’s throats, they instead form a friendship waiting for this guy to get his head out of his ass and pick one of them.

Like ex. (MC sat on her bed re-reading the assignment that was due in less than two hours.

“Man, I should have really worked on this sooner.” She groaned as she clicked through the pages trying to find the answers somehow, as she worked, there was a knock at her dorm door.

“Ugh, come in,” she said and the door opened.

“MC!” She looked up, recognizing SP’s voice. “You and LI went to the dock?”

MC looked up seeing the post of her and LI. “He seriously posted that?”

“No, someone caught you two and sent it to me as “blackmail” against you. I ghosted them for a while, but then they posted it anyways.”

MC sighed. “These people are more interested in this relationships than I am.”

SP giggled and sat down on the bed. “Tell me about it… but seriously, was it fun? Is he a big romantic?”

“Kind of, I think he was nervous though.”

“Aw, how cute! Think he’ll take me there one day?”

“I doubt it, he thinks you’re more of a restaurant date type.” SP scoffed.

“He would.” SP rolled her eyes, but moved on…

This is how most my ideas sound when I first make them

we write down the things we wish to forget but deep inside want to always have it on our minds

it's like that coat with all buttons undone except one that's holding it together

memories come and go, just like people, but there's that one person that carved a new means of remembrance in your heart, and stole something you wish you knew but you don't

him, and him, and the sea

the sky, his lips, and trembling bones underneath

everything seemed inert while this love we never had the chance to effectuate just collapsed

but I still have it in there, the void you left.

one of the many memories I held together like buttons in that coat

I'm colorblind to the euphemism of this scene we're playing

fast-forward and it's us on that misty red rug tugged beneath the couch we built together

moving feet to feet and only the friction sounds of our toes are to remind us we're still breathing

safe and sound, smiling like it's the last day we'll ever see each other on earth

cause we once made a promise to collide in heaven

dances, dances, flashes

high-pitched, stifled screams

all the while you're there

drawing me closer than possible

lying behind the wall of my dreams that slowly faded into reality

-Row-

Maybe in a parallel universe, there is us lying together at night in the middle of nowhere, watching those shooting stars, laughing at some ridiculous joke only the two of us get.

maybe there is us in the middle of the sea, on a ship, safe and sound, having met by the bow some years ago, and sworn to never leave until we sail another

maybe there is us fighting on a highway road, when everything turns to grey, and the world grants a healing charm to our wounds when we kiss

maybe there is us skating on the ice rink, holding dear into life as our laughters warm the cold huffs of breath we can barely let out, and our feet click a thousand times to slip and fall into place

maybe there is us now, thinking about the same thing in two different places, not even knowing if any of our versions finally made it

in a parallel universe, maybe you'd be my first

and still the stars are the only looker-on in every single one

-Row-

Artwork by Themal Lakruwan

Even the thought of forgetting you makes me remember you

-Row-

After all, the ending of a story is just the beginning of another.

And from I, to You

[Summary: It’s the day after the ball—the one where the Prince Charming picks his cinder-bride by her shoe size. Absolute insanity, yes, and Anastasia Tremaine knows of it. But she also knows a lot more other things, such as her gone-mad mother and the thoughts of oh-so-silent Drizella, her older sister. Holding the only slipper in existence, Anastasia also knows who the shoe fits exactly, but since when was she a good girl?]

It would not fit.

The glass slipper just wasn’t right.

It didn’t seem like it’d be a matter—at the time.

Now, Ana had chosen to help Mother slice Drizella’s heels off to fit.

“It’s only a little, Anastasia. Help your sister. Now.”

She was always helping. Surprised no one when she gave a curt nod, soon retreating to her room. The silent walls welcomed no one when she entered. Hadn’t this been Cinderella’s room before Mother took over? Even now, the room rejected her, as the slipper did.

The glass slipper was fortunately larger than her foot, so  she hadn’t had to slice her heel to fit.

Perhaps Drizella’s heel would be the finishing touch, and she would go live with the prince after all; abandoning her mother and her duties, helping no one no more. Well perhaps she could help the prince, after all, she had a many ideas of how to be the perfect princess. Balls, curtsies, you could name whatever it was, and Ana would be there. She was the helper—the only helper around these parts. Even then, as it was, rejected her too.

The happy memories with little Drizella and sane mother seemed to coerce her back into the depths of her both internal and external cocoon. She let out a short, deprecative chuckle. Ana was out of it, that or more. Thinking about it, she reached a conclusion. If Drizella had just let her be oh-so-nice to Cinderella at least once more, she thought, maybe she would spare a thought of whisking them away from Mother once and for all.

Alas, Drizella would never allow that, with her enormous pride, and so-so, ruling out fleeing to another continent. Plus—if it was possible to reach heights of peak intoxication before dropping dead, it would not hinder Mother before she walked up and bashed both Ana’s and Drizella’s skulls with her leather slipper. The poets speak about it, but experience is never the best teacher.

And if you’d ask her how she knew the slipper would fit on Cinderella’s dainty feet, she would’ve mumbled an incorrigible set of words and slumped on her prep-table, as she did now. Occurrences fit of insanity always seemed to happen to Cinderella. Drizella had joked of it being some kind of curse following the time Cinderella’s cursed birds had bit her nose, but Ana knew it was more.

Ana considered shattering the glass slipper—watching the pieces break into completely immeasurable shards of her glass and glass, thorough. She hoped it might help her, but it wouldn’t, really. She stared at the slipper in her grip, the familiar sound of glass cracking.

Mother often got violent with Cinderella, and sometimes, Ana would pause outside Cinderella’s door, hoping she was alright and well. It was just her inner desire—to make sure that even with the chaos and their desire not to let any of it change, they would at the least be alive to relish it.

She remembered the time Cinderella caught her, her face bruised and tired. In Ana’s hands were several bandages, and she placed them down. They stared at each other for a long time before resuming to their duties, fractures of both their words hesitant to make the step. Cinderella had signalled to speak first.

Ana remembered a short conversation they had, where Cinderella relayed her fears and wants. It seemed like they weren’t from separate worlds, just two girls, having a chat despite their differences.

Cinderella had talked and talked, oh-so-long, desperate for Ana to listen. It seemed like she was concerned with her own significance in the eye of it all. Mother’s violent tendencies would definitely impact any sane person’s health, but it had completely pushed Cinderella to a conclusion where she felt like she didn’t understand why she was there, then and why. Her father was dead, her mother was dead, and her stepsisters treated her as close to horse-dung as possible. And horse-dung just... stank.

But one of her stepsisters was there, listening intently, so she had toned the abrasiveness of her words. Still, it stung. Under normal circumstances, Ana wouldn’t have condoned her actions toward Cinderella, but she had no excuse. She could speak days of what Cinderella really meant under her subtle glances and rushed words, but Cinderella had tried to be acceptable towards her. Cinderella had isolated her identity from the world under the pain, and she really did not seem to attempt speak of herself as in the ways of any normal person.

To her, she was lowly and confused, and it was integrated oh-so-deep. She had lost everything. She blamed herself for everything. For... every single of the things. Ana could see how withdrawn she was from both the world, and her true self, and it disgusted her so much she felt direly uncomfortable in her own skin. Why had she let this happen? She ached and ached to reach out to Cinderella and help her realise that she just understood, to tell her how much she cared for her wellbeing and safety, and how much she resented and realised how much her actions hurt Cinderella. But ultimately, she could not. She didn’t know why, but she knew how much it felt—and she hated it.

Anastasia hated every fibre in her being. It was not pleasant. She had the flesh, but her body would not call it hers. She despised herself, and even Mother and Drizella were not to be free from her seemingly endless refusal-to-blame.

Years of Mother’s and Drizella’s repression could not be erased by one simple girl. Ana knew that, oh-so. She tried. Cinderella got more dependent on Ana as the times went and passed, aching for the instability that Ana seemed to emanate. Ana’s complex feelings and the overwhelming betrayal she could’ve caused her sense of morality to fluctuate wildly, and along with her muddled blame, continuing to bring out the absolute worst in her.Cinderella should not have wanted that discord so strongly that she did. It was the only thing she had, but it wasn’t... right. It wasn’t just, and to that, it wasn’t right. Cinderella deserved better. She did.

Weeks of mood swings and migraines had, of course, alerted Mother and Drizella, and one evening, while strolling through the garden, Mother had noticed the two girls chatting. It had been the last straw. For some reason unknown to man, she exploded. There was to be a ball to display eligible girls for the prince, and even though Ana found it quite distasteful, she agreed to go. If she was some kind of runner-up, at least it would be bountiful news. It upset Cinderella when Mother ordered her not to go, among other things, and Ana was pleasantly surprised to see that she wasn’t the slightest bit bothered by it after.

Nevertheless, it wasn’t a competition.

Ana sighed, stepping out from her room. It seemed like everything wasn’t going right. The prince had been with a seemingly ghost throughout the ball, never pausing to entertain another noble lady. Her thin, small frame glided through the corridors, stopping at the stairs. Mother had already shattered the other shoe. Who was to say they had another replica at their disposal? She closed her eyes and pursed her lips.

Cinderella’s calloused fingers shook her out of her thoughts, her hand resting on Ana’s bare shoulders. She didn’t say a word. Cinderella didn’t have to. Ana... knew. Her eyes had inevitably found hers at the ball. Poets would argue it was because of their common insanities. Ana didn’t know of any poets. Still, Ana forced herself to turn away from the inevitable. Now, it faced her on all sides.

Ana handed her the slipper, but Cinderella’s hands didn’t leave her shoulder. Her mind drifted. Sometimes, she didn’t think. Her mind was blank, and her eyes only focused on the girl before her.

“And from I, to you,” Ana smiled, her words hazy. “Be alright, cinder-girl.” 

“Am I fine in thinking you would not want to come with me?” Cinderella inquired. There was no malice, no silently laced words. There was only Cinderella.

And she knew that by leaving everything Ana ever wanted—someone to truly love her as her, and not by obligation—there was no second “Oh, have you been faring well?” This was the end.

“Yes. I’ve realised some things,” she sighed, a sad smile on her face. “Half of those, I have no idea what are. But I understand the thoughts behind those things. Mother—Drizella—I can’t leave them.” 

“I know. Will you stay?” The word hanged in the air, but Cinderella refused to say them. Ana smiled, the edges of her eyes crinkling.

“Forever...? I need to, Cinder. I’m not so sure it’s a question. They’ll run themselves mad. Mother probably would, at least.”

They shared a chuckle. Setting the slipper down, Cinderella hugged Ana, squeezing her tight. She attempted one, but the air felt too heavy for any goodbyes. Instead, she waved awkwardly and set downstairs for her prince.

She deserved him, after all. Ana wasn’t so sure if he did, though. She laughed at the thought. Clutching the banister, Cinderella turned one last time.

“Thank you.” 

Turning to their duties, they both returned to their worlds. As different or similar they might’ve been, none mattered now. It was the end, and that was true and true. 

• i wanted to integrate some character personality stuff i learned of recently,, but... i was too lazy to do anything since i wanted to focus on the characters, and not the setting, so i... did something.

• it is rushed, yes, and in the—as some published writers like to call it 😔—the horrible rough draft phase. there is no plot, as many as my works are going to be. i do not confine myself to pains of plot elements till the third date draft :D

• i really really love character psych!! that’s it!! (disclaimer: if the writing does not meet up to your standards i’m an amateur writer, so you can go ahead and tell me  “oh iu, this stuff is really good omfg!! you should publish it!!!”) ;D

• not all of this is actually right. since i barely focused on some other aspects i choose to focus on one part of my characters, and not everything, so there will obviously be some lack. i also loooove minimalistic writing and will shorten sentences like crazy and have many people weirded out because of it but i just like to play around (there’s not a lot of it since my auto correct kept being trash) also it’s not spell checked

• don’t own any of these characters, they belong to disney. i just wrote the wrote! ty for reading

Clipboard Stunt🏐

Kuroo Tetsutou x Reader

Warnings - suggested sexual context

(sorry if I missed anything else 🤷‍♀️)

(y/n) = your name

" = speaking

I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURES / ARTWORK I FOUND THEM ON PINTEREST!!!

"Kruoo I have a question about the volleyball inventory, since we only have 49 did you or one of the guys borrow one" asked (y/n) Nekoma's volleyball manager

"Yeah sorry kitten, Lev wanted to take one home for extra practice, I told him it was okay" Kruoo says chuckling lately realizing he forgot to tell her before squatting down to fix his right shoelace

"Well you could have told me, what if one of the teachers found out we're missing supplies, then our whole team would look like thieves to the school and we- are you even listening" (y/n) ask annoyed as she realizes Kruoo his focusing on his shoelaces instead of her.

Feeling annoyed she uses the clipboard she's holding to lift up his chin so he's looking at her

"You know you could stand to pay attention to me when I'm talking to you" (y/n) says rolling her eyes before releasing his chin from on top of her clipboard and walking away from him annoyed in his lack of interest of the teams image.

"Shit" he speaks lonely to himself realizing that he pissed off Nekoma's cute manager but more importantly realizing her clipboard stunt awoken something in him.🏐🏐🏐

(I know this is super short sorryyy🙏😭)

Notice 💋

KEI TSUKISHIMA X READER

🛑warnings🛑 swearing,pda, reader wears glasses/make-up (lmk if I missed anything 💕)

' = thinking

" = talking

.............................................................

'WHAT THE HELL...do I have something on MY FACE!' turning away from Kei Tsukishima long time crush and even longer friend, not just friend but best friend, to subtly wipe whatever is on your face but not being so subtle, catching Tsuki smirk at your poor attempt, your face become a lot more red and it's not because of the small amount of blush used this morning to hopefully catch HIS attention but the only attention he's giving is to whatever is on your face. Feeling too embarrassed to ask 'what', you decide to focus on the teacher up front and on your notebook in front instead, scattered with "important" note and scattered with even more little doodles. Hearing Tuski chuckle quietly and seeing his finger come in to view to push your glasses up from the bottom slope of your nose to the top, making you look at him was starling to say the lease "As cute as it was to see you try to wipe something that isn't on your face off it's even cuter knowing that you put blush on this morning...for hopefully me" he's says honestly and with a hint of nervousness at the end for only you to hear, your head spins so fast you think your vision blurs for a second "I did" you responded with no hesitation, Tsuki's ears turning a slight pink with your confession you not feeling any embarrassment with your confession you were just happy he noticed. Resulting in Tsuki to chuckle at you once again but this time more smugly "O well isn't that interesting, you sure you wanted to say that" "Me, are you sure you wanted me to hear that" Both choosing to avoid eye contact now. To avoid further awkwardness you catch Tsuki by surprise when you grabbed his volleyball teared hand to write "Y.E.S" using your red pen on his open palm, on the bottom of the letters you draw a tiny heart, Tsuki smiles softly while staring at your small hand cradling his and observing (loving) your little doodle. "So you want to have lunch with me" knowing what he's asking but feeling the need to tease a little bit and wanting to hear him actually ask you "Don't we usually have lunch together" you ask innocently but Tsuki knows you know (benefits to being bff/crush) and decides to swallow his pride if it means he gets to have lunch with you "Do. You. Want. To. Have. Lunch. With. To. Me....as in a date" very sharp into the end where he asks embarrassingly quiet "What?" "Don't." Tsuki is obviously a nervous wreck and he's tired of your antics. "Ok ok I'm sorry I would love to have lunch with you" you smile softly at him while looking in his eyes seeing them shine with a very small glint of happiness but considered very big for Tsuki, you look around real quick to make sure everyone is paying attention to the teacher or keeping to themselves before turning to Tsuki and pressing a soft (quick) kiss on his cheek. "Thanks for noticing Kei" trying to keep his cool, not expecting you to display affection out in the open especially during class "You're welcome and for the record you don't have to do anything more then just being yourself for me to notice you" not expecting such a cool and calm (and quite frankly sweet) response from him. The roles gets reverse and your the blushing mess now. 'WHAT THE HELL where did he learn that, Yams?!' you think to yourself, you decide to ask Tsuki about it later over your guys DATE

Original Images:

!FOUND ON PINTEREST!

Let me know if this was shit lol😅 butt fr tanks for reading and I hoped you liked it🦊💕