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Scrolling through the comments on my most recent post on Magicam was a bad idea. Terrible, really. Being the only female on the NRC campus comes with challenges of course, but to see the trend of negativity and gross sexual comments gets worse each update I make is really starting to take a toll on my mental health.
“Surrounded by all those guys I wouldn’t be shocked to hear she’s pregnant soon.”
“It would’ve been nice if the only chick here was hot”
“Lose some weight and I’ll be waiting for you in Scarabia.”
“I’d tap that”
“I’d love to give you somewhere to sleep tonight that isn’t falling apart ;) “
“Show me what other cute faces you can make sweetheart”
It’s less and less pleasant the further I read. Things like this make me afraid to go anywhere on my own. Everyone here knows they can find me in Ramshackle. What’s my real defense with no magic? Grim and the ghosts? Grimm would probably sell me out for tuna, and I can’t rely on the ghosts to do anything to help me.
I slump on my seat against the wall on my boyfriend Idia’s bed. Throwing one of his pillows in my lap to cuddle, I look up videos to make me laugh instead.
“MC, are you alright? Your posture has deflated more and more over the last fifteen minutes matching the rate of stress becoming visible in your expression.” Otho asks from his position watching Idia play games on his computer.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. It’s nothing that matters.” I put on a smile. There’s no reason to worry them over something as insignificant as social media.
“Is the cause of distress your Magicam comments?” Ortho tilts his head.
“Please tell me you haven’t read those.” I drop my phone in shock.
“I have. I heard Cater-senpai mention that the photo you posted of yourself yesterday was cute, so I decided I’d like to see it. It is definitely a cute picture! Are you planning on addressing what those people have been saying? The number of comments you receive has gone up over time, but the content of them has become increasingly vulgar as well.” Ortho floats up to me.
“There’s no point. There’s every possibility it gets worse if I give them any attention.” I shake my head.
“Your safety is becoming a concern. What are you planning to do when one of these people approaches you? I mean no offense, however the chance of you being able to adequately defend yourself is low.” His eyebrows knit together in concern.
“I’ll just to my best to avoid being alone.” I look away, hoping he’ll drop the subject.
Idia’s hair shoots out bright red flames. His computer screen showing my Magicam page. “This is disgusting. No one should be talked to like this! You trying to not be alone is not enough. This needs handled before someone shows up to your dorm.”
“How can it really be handled though? Crowley constantly shows he’s unreliable.” Trying to not sound as defeated as I feel, I watch Idia’s smile grow as he continues to stare at the screen. He doesn’t respond, too busy aggressively typing away.
“That observation is a fair one. Headmage has treated you as an unofficial staff member since your arrival. It cannot be easy dealing with so many overblots as well as managing your friends all while expected to be at Crowley’s beck and call.” Ortho gains my attention as he passes me one of Idia’s energy drinks.
“Thank you. You and Idia make me feel better. I know that I can be with you two without expecting me to play therapist. It helps knowing I can come to you. Spending time in here is what I look forward to most, you know?” I place the pillow back in its rightful spot before taking a sip.
“We care for you, too. Other than me, you’re the only other person allowed to be in big brother’s room. I’m grateful to you for making him happy.” Ortho’s eyes crinkle in a smile.
A blush forms on my cheekbones. “He’s special to-” My favorite creepy laugh rings through the room. Idia swivels his chair in my direction, that lovely blue having returned to his hair.
“It’s taken care of. You won’t have to worry about it anymore. If it happens again, let me know immediately.” He rises to sit by my side.
“You handled it? What exactly did you do?” I look up at him.
“Nothing much… A bit of motivation to make better choices. IP addresses are so easy to trace babies could do it. From there, I can get whatever I want from the device they used. They’ll leave you alone if they don’t want to be doxxed. It’s cringe to harass someone online, but an epic fail to mess with my girlfriend.” Idia has a sheepish smile on his face. “Did that sound cool? I know I’m the unlikely love interest while you’re the main character, but I was going for one of those moments where the love interest is redeemed in the audience’s eyes by proving they can protect the protagonist in a moment of strife.”
“You’re always the dependable hero of my story. Thank you, Idia.” I rest into his side, threading my fingers through his.
“That’s not everything you did, big brother.” Ortho winks at me.
“Oh…. Sooooo, ImayhaveblackmailedCrowleyintolettingyoustayinmyroomfromnowonsoIcanknowyou’resafeandIorderedyouoneofthosecatselfdefensekeychains.” Idia rushes out.
(Translation: I may have blackmailed Crowley into letting you stay in my room from now on so I can know you’re safe and I ordered you one of those cat self-defense key-chains.)
“Are you asking me to move in with you by threatening the Headmage of this school? Epic gamer move. I’d like that, if you’re sure. It’d make it easier to make sure you take care of yourself and give me time to convince you to cuddle me more.” I lean up to place a kiss on his cheek.
“U-uh, I’m s-sure. I’ll send help to pick up your things tomorrow.” He rests his head on top of mine, hand trembling in nerves. “I want to know you’re safe.”
“I love you too, Ids.” I take great delight in him tensing up. He has heard it consistently for over a year and still short-circuits like it’s the first time.
“Since you’ll be living with big brother, is it alright if I call you big sister?” Ortho asks in excitement.
Idia chokes on air.