Remember Kids, Always Give Credit Where It Is Due

HIVESWAP!!!! but not???

New Sam hc

Sam is REALLY GOOD at doing hair. Braids, twists, wigs, you name it and he’s got it down to perfection. That man will give life to every baby hair with delicate swirls that would make Vil weep with jealousy. You cannot look at those chunky dreads and tell me he don’t know how to care for them 👀

I bet you he’s got a whole ass section in the back that just a hair store with literally every length you can think of. Puffs, buns, nightcaps, silks, durags, my guy’s got it all.

Look I just want uncle S to come braid my hair and feed me rice and plantains 😭

rb to save a person with anxiety!!

Black women are so big brained are you serious

I'M GONNA CRY MALLEUS

WHY IS HE GRABBING ONTO HIS TSUM LIKE A BOWLING BALL IT'S SO FUNNY OH MY GOD

this man ✨🤌🏼

like or reblog if you save

White knight Dark knight reposting these together as a set

Peace girl

Love Potion💓(Leona x Reader)

Leona uses Yuu to poison himself during a private potion lesson. Curated for @jade-s-nymph's October writing event. (Terribly late bestie, I'm sorry!) Characters: Leona Kingscholar x Yuu!Reader Words: 3k (Yikes.) Notes: Leona speaks Swahili here I did my best translations so forgive me. 3rd Person POV. They/Them pronouns for Yuu. No physical description for Yuu. Leona is a bit...desperate here. Tagging: @leonistic @the-monday-witch @anevilbunnyinthehat @michininja @twstinginthewind @freakanzoyechoswandering-blog @twistedcece @thelamentknight @ghostlight00 @shortnessangel @bestmannequin2018 @kittycat0419 @cyn-write @beautyisfree @alexandria-selina @the-dumber-scaramouche @ang33333333l @hellolarro @mind-greenery @porcelain-animatronic @plutos-hell @the-v-lociraptor @beth-bethar00 @peskygirl13 @sinjaangels @savanaclaw1996 @queen-shiba @turtleducker @twst-eeps @the-nightingales-song (if ya ever wanna be tagged like my tagged posts or ask!)

-- Leona instructed them using only chess movements of course. He cycled through the pieces according to which way they needed to move, guiding them through a lesser-known section of Night Raven College. Yuu used the large tiles underneath their feet as the “board”, while the man teased in their ear about how they needed to “work on their memorization.” They could practically hear him smirking through the phone.

“Listen, my memory is just fine. Sorry if I only remember things that are actually relevant to-” They grunted, colliding into a dusty candelabra as they turned the corner.

“Heard that. Maybe watch where you're going too…” The man droned as if he could actually see what happened. “Shut up.” They looked up, finally spotting the familiar hallway that Leona had described. It looked similar to the alchemy room that was used for classes, but run down, abandoned, with ivy snaking up a dried up fountain. “Don’t need you anymore. I found it.” They ended the call, cutting off Leona’s next quip with a press of a button.

There was a small bloop as Leona hung up too, a few feet away. His arms were crossed, leaning against the stone wall beside the iron wrought door. He was wearing his usual uniform, dark waves flared around his shoulders. He slid his phone into his pocket, smirking down at them as he stepped from the shadows. “You.”

“Lion.” They rose a brow at him, no idea what his intentions were. After potions class he had requested that they meet him here. Since he had missed so many of his classes recently, he had been forced to retake some lessons with the first years. They rolled their eyes, having the luck of getting the man as their lab partner. “Your awful eager to get to work on our assignment all of a sudden, what’s the deal?”

The man tilted his chin in the air, a glimmer in his eye. “That’s not why I brought ya here, Partner,” Leona explained no more, opening the door for both of them to come in.

As they slid inside they wracked their brain to figure out what the hell he was talking about. “O-kay…”

The door closed by itself with a loud creak, making Yuu jump.

There was so much to take in. Shelves and shelves of endless magical and medical ingredients. Rows of herbs and house plants spilled over the counters and dangled from pots that hung from the ceiling. Some were so overgrown to the point they looked like they sprouted from the walls themselves. The whole room was a circular shape and reminded them of what it might be like to be inside of a giant tree, the textured walls making them wanna run their fingers down the grooves.

“Whoa,” Yuu gasped.  “...From the outside this place looked abandoned but-” They ran a knuckle across a potted bird of paradise leaf, before sticking their finger in the soil. It was damp, seemed someone had watered it recently. “...Who even tends to this place?”

“.Things aren't always what they appear.” He smirked at their bewilderment. “No idea. But, I’ve seen a few of the teachers sniffing around here. Crewel taking his smoke break.” The man sauntered near the back, leaning against an alchemy table. Leona’s eyes followed their movements as they wandered around the room. “Why? Ya worried about all the plants?” He mused.

“Well, yeah. It’s my job according to Crowley.” They furrowed their brow like it was obvious. “They…have feelings too.” They walked over to a violet plant on the counter, running a fingertip over one of its unopened purple buds.  “...in a way.” 

“Feelings, huh?” Leona’s deep voice echoed, it was so sound-proof in the room they couldn’t even hear the normal buzz of activity back from the halls. Everyone was scrambling to get ready for Halloween after all. They had to get back to the Ramshackle soon, to get Grim and themselves into their costumes. Come to think of it, didn’t Leona too?

For some reason, they thought back to their first day working in the botanical garden at Night Raven College. “...Maybe that’s why I volunteered to take over most of the gardening jobs at school...” They scoffed, recalling the whole ordeal and Crowely’s early treatment of them as a glorified janitor and gardener. “...Hmph.” They lowered their hands from the plant, propping them on their hips.

The man's ears perked up. “Really?” He tapped his chin, a half-cocked smile as he looked at them. “And what does a flower think about, hm?”

Yuu let their head fall back in dismay, giving him an exasperated look. “It’s not like that. I’m not saying they have feelings like people or animals. I’m saying...when properly taken care of, being around plants is kinda…nice. Comforting, I guess. You can hear them if you listen.” They grinned over at him before closing their eyes, laying hands on the base of the violet plant in front of them. “You can feel them move, kinda like a little heartbeat… A small, incoherent murmur of contentness. A baby, knowing nothing but hunger, thirst, and  wanting attention.”  They mumbled out loud. “They like it when you talk to them…” 

They huffed and opened their eyes when they sensed the man close behind them, craning to look over their shoulder at the same flower they were, the ends of his braids brushing their cheek.

The warmth of his chest soaked into their through their clothes as he snorted at their theory. “The oxygen from the plants…it’s just helping you think clearer. The chlorophyll, in the cells where a plant stores its energy…is the “life” that you sense.”

“I’m passing basic biology, thanks…” Yuu wasn’t sure if the man was being an ass on purpose or just genuinely trying to explain something to them. Sometimes they still weren't sure. 

He clicked his tongue in their ear, using one arm to lean on the desk as he chuckled. “Easy, tiger. All I’m saying is…you should trust what you see more. What’s right in front of you.”

Yuu furrowed their brow, glancing back at him before masking their nervousness with a laugh. They were suddenly so aware of how very alone and close they were.  “Whatever.” Yuu spun all the way around to face him, folding their arms. “So…why are we here again?”

“Watch.” Was all Leona said. He grabbed a nearby flask, reaching around Yuu to do it, before moving back over to the alchemy table.

It all happened in the span of a few minutes. They tried to keep up with Leona’s movements, but he had definitely done this before, quickly and efficiently going through the brewing process of a potion, rivaling only Vil with how precise. 

“Sheesh,” Yuu moved closer to observe, jumping up to sit on the counter by the table, and holding their school bag in their lap. “...talk about feeling inadequate.” They muttered, trying to mentally note everything they saw. 

 A few handfuls of passion flower pods, what looked like beetle shells, some bitter leaves, and a few mystery vials of liquid as well. The man broke the flower pods up with his fingers, wiping his hand on his uniform pants before using a tool to crush them into a paste with the other ingredients. 

He heated it all up with a small boiler until everything dissolved, a bored look on his face as he waited for it all to be done. Strangely enough, as it cooled back down the dark paste changed to a translucent magenta color, a few bubbles bursting at the top. Finally, he took a small spoon and skimmed off the top layer of residue from the mixture, scraping it into a jar before transferring the brew to a small bottle.

“Here.” When the man was done he turned to their spot on the counter and handed it to them.

Their mind was still reeling from what they just witnessed, the curved sparkling glass still warm from Leona’s touch in their hands. “Huh?” They arched a brow at the concoction.

A low, velvety laugh escaped his lips as he tapped the bottle with his nail. “Go on, make this taste good for me. That’s what you were braggin’ in class about earlier to your little friend, weren’t ya?” Leona said simply, not elaborating on anything else.

Yuu huffed. ”W-what? You-” They shook their head. It had been just a dumb boast during Crewel’s lesson, mostly because Ace was trying to tell them that his potion was better than theirs. They brushed him off by assuring them that even though they didn’t have magic, they at least could make their potion taste good. 

They were taken aback but…not surprised Leona remembered such an off-handed comment. That’s just how he was. 

Always, watching them.

“But…I-I have no idea what this even is! Or if any flavor-enhancing ingredients will counteract the effect. And I have to-” 

“You saw what I used- This is a simple, but potent brew.” He turned his head to the side to eye them, one of his ears flicking down. “It’s not allowed in class, of course, but…harmless, to you. Trust me. You can’t fuck up my mixture, I’ve already set it. Herbivore-proofed it, if you will.” His lids fell over his sharp green eyes, and a wry smile came to his lips. “If you can't make this simple brew taste good then, what good will you ever be at more complex potions? Hm, Herbivore?” He taunted. “Your words to Trappola will mean nothing.”

“You-” They growled, snatching the bottle from him, staring down at their reflection in the swirling pinks. Yuu knew this game, he was purposely inciting them. Unfortunately, the man knew exactly how to press their buttons and…he was right. “...Is that a challenge, Lion?”

Leona said nothing and crossed his arms, arching his brow at them. “I’m waiting.”

“Shh.” Yuu hushed him, taking off their school bag and dropping it with a clatter, still sitting up on the counter. They brought the mix up to their nose, sniffing it first. “Ugh.” They groaned and a pungent almost fishy aroma hit their nose, there was something earthy in there too, almost like coffee or tea. Probably the bitter leaves, they thought.

Against their better judgment, they took a sip on the tip of their tongue to taste it. People always looked at them crazy when they did this in class. But why would they give someone else a brew they hadn’t tasted themselves? It just made sense.

Yuu’s eyes moved over to Leona who stared back at them somewhat bewildered by this as he uncrossed his arms. “Hey, that’s cheating.” He growled.

“Wooow, look who’s all uppity about cheating now…” They scoffed. “What? I had to taste it first.” They licked their lips trying to take in the flavor best they could. The water he used to combine it was seawater, the sudden aftertaste hitting the back of their throat and making them gag. “Blech…plus I trust that you’re not gonna poision me or something.” Smirking, they turned their body toward the tint curio, crossing their legs and looking over the labels on the vials available. “Fish…” They said aloud. “Then…citrus…?” Yuu did what they usually did, working intuitively. Besides Crewel’s classes, they obviously had never received any training in this sort of thing. They went on to add plenty of lemon drops, honey, and even some star anise. Using a sweet and sour combo to mask the flavors. 

All the yellow ingredients had changed the sea blue color to a slightly greener shade but otherwise…no bad reactions. “Okay,” Swirling everything around, they presented the flask with both hands back to him. “Here I think that’s bet-”

Leona wrapped both hands around the vial, sandwiching their fingers against the curved glass with his, so they both shared custody of the brew now. 

“Hey-” 

He kept eye contact as he forced their hands and the bottle toward his mouth. His adams apple bobbed as he bent his head back and swallowed the potion in one swig with a grumble. Leona was one of the toughest judges, especially during culinary classes. 

He slowly let go, his gaze shifting to the side. “Mmm, it's…way too sweet, but not awful.”

“Well hey,” They defended themself. “Everyone likes my potions. I guess for you…more sour.” They rolled their eyes, sticking out their tongue at him before setting the empty bottle back on the table. 

Leona made a sound of affirmation in his throat and gave them a small nod, one of his fangs peeking out as he smiled. “Well, well. Good job. You pass.”

“Great…Thank you, professor.” They droned sarcastically. “At least one of us will actually graduate on time then.” Yuu crossed their arms and bit their lip, smirking across at him from their vantage point.

“Tch, guess so.” The man huffed at the cheap jab, baring his teeth, but eventually smiled back too. Afterward, his eyes burned into them, lids falling lower and lower over his gaze.

“...W-what?”  Yuu asked, a small bubble of warmth forming in their chest at the sudden attention.

“You…weren’t supposed to taste it too.”

“Huh?”

“The potion." Leona's breaths seemed to get heavier, wiping a bit of leftover drool from his lip. "Awe, well. It shouldn’t affect ya.” He said, then cleared his throat. Gradually, an uncharacteristic soft look crept onto his face, and his ears lowered, a tiny wrinkle forming between his brow. “Tell me somethin’ ...You skirt all around this school, worrying about everyone's business. Even worryin’ about the feelings of the littlest of flowers. But, tell me. What about…me?” He was so close now, waiting, hands firmly planted on either side of them on the alchemy table.

“You…?” They felt a bit light-headed as he drew near, processing his words. The dust motes that floated around the man’s face had a strangely prismatic sparkle.

“Well, yeah. S-sometimes.” They confessed, chuckling before swallowing the lump in their throat, and rubbing their arm furiously under their sleeve. How could they not? He had been a presence in their life for a while now. But, it was more. He haunted them like a ghost, always finding them in the strangest of places. Always bumping into them, as if it was his design all along.

Leona didn’t move at all in response, but his eyes shook behind his shadowed lids and after a second he laughed out loud. It was an unusual laugh for him, uneven and fleeting. It was…like he was drunk or something. He put his hands in the air like he had been caught, pressing his lips into a resigned smile.

“...Good.” His eyes captured theirs, silently demanding their attention. Leona’s warm breath came over their face, causing them to shiver as he whispered. “...’Cause there’s hasn’t been a single night since you stepped on my tail that you haven’t kept me awake, Beast.” It is a confession, a sin.

The man grabbed their wrist pressing their palm flat against his chest, their fingertips grazing his bare chest under his shirt. “So? C'mon now.” He panted. “Why don’t you put me outta my misery, then? Say it outloud.” Leona didn’t move after this, standing his ground. Yuu’s head was swimming.  They had never seen him quite like this, begging, his rough edges so smooth. “Yes. I…do think of you, Leona But-” The words they had kept down for so long finally regurgitated, leaving a sweet taste in their mouth as their body grew warm.  “I’m just a nobody, why do you-.” 

Leona was quick to scoff at their answer. “And…?” He whispered, inhaling deeply as he moved even closer, tail flicking behind him. One of his arms snaked around their waist, catching them from falling back against the table, the glassware behind Yuu rattling.

“And everyone says I’m just the lazy dorm leader of Savanaclaw. So what?” The man buried his nose in their hair, before moving down to their ear. “...It don’t change anything.”  He grumbled, his warm breath over their neck. “...You make me crazy.”

Yuu shuddered as they were seized so casually, a tingle zipping down their spine. “Oh?” Was all they could manage to get from their mouth. They removed their hand from his collar to rest on his shoulder instead, letting their fingers tangle in his messy hair.

“Just, ‘oh?’ Huh?” Leona’s chuckle echoed and he took this as confirmation, squeezing them closer to his chest. “That’s all you have ‘ta say for yourself?” His distinct cinnamon and orange cologne flooded their senses as he brought his head down to tuck into the crook of their neck. The tip of his nose traced over their jaw as he nuzzled under their chin.

Yuu sighed as their mouth fell open, heart hammering away. They let their head slump backward. What he was doing felt sacred, like a secret, they didn’t want to interrupt him, so...they allowed him to go on. With each of Leona’s ragged breaths, their chest only squeezed tighter, fingers further tangling in his hair. He tucked a few baby hairs behind their ear, moving them out of his way to continue his exploration of their neck, leaving behind the tingle of his cinnamon scent. He treated the flesh like it was the most interesting thing in the world, retracing his movements several times as if memorizing them.

“Ah-” Yuu gasped as they were lifted from the table. They still couldn’t meet his eyes, but they held onto both the man’s shoulders for stability, squeezing their shaky knees around his waist. Their first instinct was to freeze until they realized it was…nice to be held in this way, safe in a lion’s grasp. Yuu locked their arms around the man’s neck tighter, giving him access to more of their neck, craving his further attention.

Leona arms were shaking as held them up, not allowing any space to exist between their bodies, and pressing their chest flat against his. He sighed wearily before he continued, murmuring incoherently into their skin. His voice was raspy in their ear, like a needle scratching softly against a record.

Relief.

Another shiver wracked their body as they latched their fingers onto the edges of his shirt collar. It was surreal as the man’s wet lips made contact several times on the most sensitive parts of their neck, not missing any of the exposed skin they allowed him. 

Kissing felt like too weak of a word, it was much more intense than that. He was marking them.

“Mmm.” It was ritualistic and possessed as Leona mumbled each phrase against their neck in his native tongue, the occasional graze of a fang. “Ninachoweza kufikiria ni wewe tu…” (All I can think of is you…) His lips glided softly over their skin as he made his way up to their ear, his husky voice reverberating through their whole body. They knew it was for their ears only.

“Leona...” Yuu’s body went completely limp as they let him go on and on, not sure when he would ever stop. Even though they couldn’t understand what he was saying, they felt the intensity with which he held them, like they would disappear if he let go for a second.

The man panted, catching them again as the plants clinked against each other behind Yuu. “Not getting away that easily…” He chuckled. “...Tumeumbwa tuwe pamoja.” (...We were created to be together.)

The longer it went on, the lighter their head got and the weaker they became, resting their head on the man’s shoulder while he went on.  

Leona in turn only squeezed them tighter. “Hakuna kama wewe.” (There is…no one like you.) His lips lingered longer and longer each time his lips closed the distance, tugging on the collar of their uniform, as if to ask permission for more.

Insatiable.

“Leona…” They said again, but their voice came out small, becoming drunk themselves on his worship. It was infectious. “What…was in that potion…?” They whispered as their eyes rolled up to the skylight, the once moody beastmen clinging around them like a lovesick kitten.

The man only chuckled against their flesh at this question and only resumed his diligent work. “...What do ya think it was?” Yuu’s eyes widened, remembering Crewel’s lesson today on the most commonly used “forbidden” potion.

Love potion.

– Thanks for reading! I would appreciate it if you would reblog if you liked it as it encourages me to write more things like this! 💕

drawings of hiveswap alpha testing au! the mains in the godtiers! anyone can use these! just credit me :) <3 joey - heir of life jude - seer of doom xefros - mage of rage dammek - thief of blood marvus - prince of time elwurd - knight of hope