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maddogofshimano · 3 years

Text

The Woman Who Dyed a Black Stain to White

Major Y0 Spoiler Warning

Lee got a sugoroku event! Look at his chibi sprite!!!

There’s several foreign names and groups mentioned in here that I don’t know the ideal romanization for, but I will try to at least be consistent on them.

This one is seriously heavy. I’m actually going to put a trigger warning on this: it’s about sex trafficked women, and Makoto’s backstory. There’s the start of an attempted sexual assault and a lot of dehumanizing language about the women who are being trafficked. Nothing is shown explicitly, but it’s rough. Additionally multiple people in the mafia commit suicide.

Summary: Lee is ordered to assassinate the boss of the Songyoung, a mysterious crime syndicate behind the disappearances of multiple women in Sotenbori. They operate in complete secrecy, and Lee finds himself facing a terrible choice between his orders and his morals.

<1986--two years before a man's corpse would be found in Kamurocho's empty lot--Iwao Bridge, Sotenbori> Makoto: Excuse me, I'm looking for my brother. Have you seen the man in this picture?

Man: No, don't know him at all. Sorry... Makoto: Excuse me, have you seen the person in this picture?

Woman: I don't know him, sorry... Oda: That woman... she's not bad... I think I'll have a little talk with her...

Oda: Pardon me miss. You're looking for your brother? I've got an idea of where he might be...

Makoto: Really!? Please, take me there right away! Oda: Of course. If you wouldn't mind coming with me then...

Voice on the TV: The case of the repeated disappearances of women in Sotenbori clearly seems to be--

Lee: Young women bein' targeted for abduction... Must be the Omi Alliance, or maybe some foreign group... Lee: The police are stayin' awful quiet on it though. Hard to feel good about all the movement that's happenin' around it... <phone rings> Lee: Ah, the phone... Lee: Hogushi Kaikan speaking. What treatment may I help you with? Voice on the phone: I have a job for you, Lee Wen Hai Lee: Well, sounds like ya aren't after a massage, are ya... Wong, who'd'ya need taken care of this time? Wong: That's cruel, Lee. Do you know the Korean mafia faction, the Songyoung? Lee: Aah, I've been hearin' some things about them. I was gettin' a real bad vibe off of that group... Wong: We haven't been able to pin them down effectively because they don't do anything themselves, they use hired thugs for all the dirty work... Wong: It sounds like they outsource their income streams. That's how they keep everything a secret. Lee: So you're tellin' me this for a reason... right? The Songyoung are my next target? Wong: Mhm, that's right. Wong: These days their thugs are rampaging all over our organization's territory... Wong: If they keep making waves like this, they're bound to bring the Omi down on our heads. Wong: The current pressure the Omi is putting on us is more than enough, and they'll only use this as an excuse to squeeze harder. Lee: Is the big bad mainland mafia's Kotou and the Omi that scared? (Tl note: this gets clarified way later, but Kotou (虎頭) is the Chinese mafia group Lee works for) Wong: Don't tease... Sotenbori is the Omi Alliance's most treasured territory... Wong: There's no advantage to putting the Omi in a bad mood or inflicting damage. But, how much do you even understand that? Wong: Anyways, the more the Songyoung keep rampaging, the more foreign organizations like our Kotou will suffer. Wong: Your assignment is to assassinate the boss of the Songyoung. I'm sure you know the usual payment from Kotou... Wong: For this one, it'll be double. Lee: Well ain't that generous... So what's the catch? Wong: Like I said, the Songyoung is a thoroughly secretive organization. Wong: Naturally, their bosses current whereabouts are unknown, as are the group's hideouts... Lee: So I gotta figure out where the guy even is... Wong: So? Will you take on the assignment? Lee: Well of course. I'll take it. You can transfer the payment to the usual account. Wong: Understood. When I get it, I'll fax you a picture of the boss of the Songyoung. Use it for verification. Wong: Well then, I'll leave you to it. Don't forget to keep in contact, okay? Lee: I'll remember... See ya later then? <Hangs up the phone> Lee: Well then, first things first is collectin' information on the Songyoung... <Prologue End> <A few days later--Shofuku Street, Sotenbori> Lee: After all this time pokin' around I still haven't gotten any info on the Songwong...

Lee: I thought Wong was just cuttin' corners, but even that pro I listened to didn't know shit... Lee: Information fees have gotten jacked up with the current economic boom, and it's hard to rely on anything they say... Lee: This place then. Today I'll pay it a visit... <Lee enters the mahjong parlor> Lee: Let's see, where is that guy... Oh, there he is....

Lee: Hey, been a while... how's things treatin' ya?

Information Broker: Well, if it isn't God Hand-sama himself... Broker: It'd been so long since I heard from ya that lately I'd been thinkin' about closin' up shop and pickin' up massage instead. Lee: Shut it, smartass! All you've been doin' lately is sittin' on your ass playin' mahjong... Lee: ...But, I'll let it slide. I'm here to get some info from ya. Lee: Tell me everythin' ya know about the Songyoung... Broker: ....And if that information isn't cheap? Lee: How much? Broker: Give me... 100k upfront, and we'll see how much it'll cost. Lee: Tch... Ya better watch yourself after this... Here, take your cash! <a wad of bills thumps onto the table> Broker: Of course. So, what do you want to know about the Songyoung? Lee: Their main hideout, and where their boss is at right now. For that information I'll pay as much as ya need. Broker: That's some real problematic info, ya know. These guys are hardcore on their secrecy... Lee: Seriously, I paid out the ass upfront already... So what, ya don't have that info? Broker: I do have a list of their lower rungs... Broker: If ya wanna find the main group, you'll have to squeeze it out of the branches... Lee: Sure, hand over that info then. Broker: You sure? It's gonna be another 100k. Lee: Jeez... Here. We good now? <another wad of bills hits the table> Broker: Thank you for your patronage... Alright, here's the list. Lee: ....This, you're sure there's not some sort of mistake? Broker: I absolutely guarantee it. Welllllll some of them might have cut ties with the main group already I suppose... Broker: The lower rungs are nothin' but nasty, muscle-headed imbeciles, though with your strength it won't be a problem... Lee: Heh.... I can't understand why this information is goin' for only 100k.

Broker: Ha... Findin’ a buyer for that kind of thing ain't easy. Broker: If you're makin' a move on these guys... Well, there's not gonna be a point to holdin' on to that information afterwards, right? Lee: ...That's pretty smart of ya. I'm off then, I'll be back later. Lee: Well, time to get goin' through this list with a fine toothed comb. <Lee goes to the park> Lee: Every one of these organizations is tied to the Songyoung somehow, but I just don't know what's connectin' them...

Lee: Do I really gotta go trompin' through this whole list and hope I stumble onto where the boss is at? Goon A: Hehe... Hey, let's go do some damage today!!

Goon B: It's great havin' the backin' of a big, influential group like that... Looks like our luck is finally turnin' around!! Lee: Well there's some assholes... I wonder what kinda info they might have... <Lee kicks the shit out of them. Like I don't even do the fight it just fades to black and Lee takes care of it himself> Goon A: Hhhh... Please forgive us.... The Songyoung already cut us off! So please don't kill us!!

Lee: Ya better not tell me you've cut ties again, okay? Just tell me all the info ya got on the Songyoung. Goon A: I-I really don't know anythin'! The contact we had, we never even saw their face. Lee: Seriously you guys... This is the tenth time. These Songyoung are damn serious about this secrecy crap, huh... Lee: These bastards don't have any information neither... Goon B: Th-That's true, but it is possible... Lee: What? Ya got an idea or somethin'? Goon B: There’s some guys that have turf near Iwao Bridge, they do way worse dealings than we do, I think... Lee: Worse dealings? Goon B: Yeah, they abduct young women that've just come to Sotenbori, and the Songyoung takes em for a shit ton of cash. Lee: Wait, wait, you mean... That's what's causin' the "vanishing women case" right now!?

Goon B: Yeah... That's right... It's all just rumors, but they go after runaway girls to kidnap... Lee: Then that means, this "disappearance case", it's all the Songyoung's doing... Lee: Now that's the kind of details I want to hear!! Goon B: Y-Yes sir!! Though, there is one other thing you should know... Goon B: In the past there was a real famous gang that was doin' this kind of job, but that gang left Sotenbori just when they were about to take over... Goon B: The organization that's currently makin' bank off of abducting women is called... Well, it's gotta be "Ganryujima". (Tl note: Ganryujima is the island famous for the duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro. Also of note the first kanji in ganryujima is the same as the first kanji in Iwao Bridge) Goon B: That's the full extent of what I know... Lee: So near Iwao Bridge there's turf belonging to "Ganryujima"? That group's also on the list.... Seems like I got plenty to go on. Lee: In light of this info ya gave me, I'll let ya go. Hopefully this'll've been a learnin' experience for ya, and ya won't got gettin' involved with any more groups like that. Goons: Y-Yes sir!! Thank you very much!! Lee: Iwao Bridge is right up there.... I was gonna ask the Garyujima about the Songwong but... this feelin'...

Lee: This ain't just another punk, is it... someone else in the same profession? Lee: Hey, I know you're there. Come on out. If you're gonna tail someone, put a lil more effort in on stayin' hidden... Menacing Man: Are you the one who's been crushing all of our lower rungs? No hard feelings, but I'm going to kill you here...

Lee: As if I'd fall so far as to get killed by some third rate hitman who can't even hide himself properly... Lee: Though, ya did save me the trouble by showin' up. It was gonna be a pain in the ass to get the info I was after on your kinda organization. Lee: I'm just gonna beat every last drop of info about your group out of ya!! Menacing Man: Heh.... Come at me then!! You're going to regret messing with the Songyoung!! <the fight happens for real this time, fittingly Misery Comes On Beat plays and Lee clobbers them> Menacing Man: G-Guh........ Lee: Alright, you know what I want, ready to spill it on the Songyoung? Menacing Man: Heh.... You think I'm going to talk? Lee: Oh, so you've decided I gotta make you talk then... Menacing Man: The organization's secrets are absolute... Letting that kind of things slip, it's just not something I can do... <stabbing sounds> Lee: You! What the hell did you do!! Menacing Man: Guhh..... fool!? Lee: What idiots... All of them went and slit their own throats... Lee: All that to protect their organization's secrets... Finding their boss's location is gonna be a real pain in the ass.

<end part 1> Lee: You bastards are Ganryujima boys, ain't ya?

Goon: Who the hell are you? You got a problem if we're Ganryujima? Lee: Nope, my problem is with all the women you've been ordered to kidnap for the Songyoung. Goon: You... where the hell did ya hear that? Lee: Ya think I'm gonna say? Goon: Heh..... 's all good. If ya knew any better, ya would have gone home to keep on livin'... Goon: Oi, everyone!! Let's end this geezer!! Lee: Sure are a lotta hotblooded assholes... Ah well. I'll just have to convince ya to talk. <once again, Lee crushes them without me even doing the fight> Goon: Haa... Haa... Wh-What the hell's with this old man...

Lee: From now on, be selective when you pick fights. If you pick the wrong opponent on this street, are you ready to lose your life? <metallic noise of something being drawn, presumably a knife or the acupuncture needle, it's unclear> Goon: A-Aahh!? P-Please don't kill me!! Lee: Are ya ready to tell me about the Songyoung then? What's the guy look like that you're handin' these girls over to? Goon: Sorry... we just leave the women we kidnapped in a pre-designated abandoned house on a regular basis, I never seen anyone... Goon: The money just gets wired into our account... I really don't know the guy's face at all... Lee: ....Tch, you fuckers are another dead end. Goon: I-I'm sorry I'm so worthless!! But please, my life... Lee: Fine, whatever.... Actually, one thing! Goon: Wh-What!? Lee: In exchange for me lookin' the other way on this, I'm givin' ya a job to do. Goon: A-A job... What'd'ya want us to do? Lee: It's easy. I'm gonna bring ya a girl, and you're gonna sell her to those guys... can ya do that? (Tl note: misread this at first as "I'm gonna be the next girl ya sell to those guys" and was pogging) Goon: Y-Yeah. I think we should be able to do that... Lee: Good, then I'll be back when I've finished some preparations. <Lee goes to a bar to speak with an anime girl because there is exactly one base sprite for all women> Lee: Yo, it's been a while. You haven't changed a day...

Lee: Makes sense, given nobody knows the number of guys you've swindled out of their cash then bumped off... Woman: .....You know, Lee. Isn't it a bit cruel to call someone out to meet you and then speak about them like that? Lee: Sorry, sorry, I thought I was payin' a compliment to your heinous modus operandi, it's very skillful.

Woman: Sigh~... so what is it? Why'd you call me over so suddenly? I came because I owe you one, but I'm not here on a leisure trip. Lee: I was hopin' to get us squared away. Think ya can handle one bothersome task for me? Woman: Bothersome? Lee: Yeah, I'm trying to get a hold of information on this organization... Stuff like where there hideout is, but since no one's talkin' I'd like to borrow your power. Woman: ....And what do you want me to do? Lee: I want ya to pose as a runaway and sneak into this place as one of the girls gettin' traffic'd. Lee: I've gotten a hold of the sales route they're usin'... Lee: You'll get bought wearin' a tracking device and a hidden mic, and that'll let us infiltrate the hideout. Woman: This is going to be dangerous, isn't it? I know I owe you, but is that enough to risk my life over? Lee: When you're a professional killer, isn't there always a risk of death, that someone will turn the tables on ya? Well, as soon as I know where the place is I'll go and help ya. I'll protect this body you've altered... What d'ya think, will ya help? Woman: ....Ha, I guess so. After this, we're even, right? Lee: Yeah, of course. Honestly I'll feel indebted to ya! <Lee goes back outside> Lee: Right now, you're in the abandoned building in West Shokufukucho. Great, the transmitter just moved into the kitchen...

<radio static> Lee: I can hear her voice through the bug. Sensitivity is good... Lee: Now then... After that woman gets taken to the main hideout, everything will go flawlessly. <footsteps> Voice over the mic: "This is the collection team. The cargo of women has been confirmed. We'll be returning to HQ shortly, via our transport." Lee: They're speakin' korean... "Recover the woman and take her to headquarters".... huh.... Lee: Seems like it's going well. I hope it keeps up.... Voice: "Be careful not to be seen on the way back! Hurry up and return to HQ!!" Lee: They're not aware of the bug or the tracking device... <Lee gets into a car> Lee: And now I just follow em right to their hideout. <He gets out after a drive> Lee: Looks like the transmitter stopped in this building...

<radio static> Voice: "The shipment of women has arrived. Where's the boss at?" Voice: "Right now the boss is inspecting the warehouse..." Voice: "Aah, that place is crammed full of women isn't it... So, will you deliver this woman there too?" Voice: "Nah, no need to do extra work. We'll just put her in the usual room until the boss gets back..." Voice: "Roger on that!" <radio static> Lee: So this is the main hideout then. However, the boss ain't here... Lee: Ah well, I'm bound to hear where he is sooner or later. ...Ah, afterwards though, I did promise to help that woman out. <Lee kicks in the door> Songyoung goon: "Wh-What are you doing!?"

Lee: "My bad, but I was hoping to retrieve a woman I left here?"

Goon: "W-Woman!? Who do you think you are!? Do you have a death wish!?" Lee: "How about you tell me the location of the warehouse you've got the other women in?" Goon: "Wh-What!? Did you plant a bug on that woman!? Shit!! Everyone! Don't let this man leave here alive!!" Goon: "For the sake of protecting our organization, this man must die!! Kill him and sink his body in the harbor!! Let's go!!" <Lee crushes them and two of the three hit the floor> Goon: "That man... so strong..." Lee: "Well, the place where you've got all those women locked up, ya better tell me where it is.." Goon: "Heh... you really think it's going to be that simple?" <gunshots> Lee: Shit... Shot himself right in the head... Lee: The other two drank poison to kill themselves too. What a commitment to secrecy... It's sickening.... Lee: And even still, I just gotta investigate this place and I'll figure out where that warehouse is. Whoops, gotta help that woman first... <back outside> Woman: Seriously... I'm sorry for this again, alright? (Tl note: extremely in the weeds here, I don't really know what she's talking about)

Lee: Heh.... Searching the house would have been rotten without your help. Woman: I'll send a bill for that information later! Lee: And I'll send ya a whole mountain of gold as payment! Woman: Haa~... That's what I like to hear.... Well then, don't you go and die until you pay me, okay? <She leaves> Lee: Hmm, I need to keep in contact with Wong.... Was there a payphone around here? <He goes to a payphone and dials Wong>

Wong: ...Lee? Lee: Yep, just keepin' in touch. I found the group's hideout. Wong: Oh, good work... Several of their members are dead there. They won't be able to use it. Wong: So? Have you brought down their boss? Lee: No. He wasn't at the hideout... Lee: But, I do know where he is. The warehouse with all the imprisoned women. Wong: Heh... Going to sample the wares? Always was a nympho... Wong: Regardless you've done well. You should head over to the warehouse right away.... Lee: ....? Got it. Once I deal with the boss, is it okay if I release the women? Wong: No, all the captive women should be erased. It would be problematic if this income stream got leaked to the police. Lee: What....!? <end of part 2>

Lee: I'm not gonna kill kidnapped women who have done nothin' wrong! Don't be ridiculous!! Lee: Is that the kind of orders the top mafia Kotou is handin' out!? Wong: Calm down, Lee. This was a decision by the organization. Lee: These women were kidnapped by punks with more lust for gold than humanity and are getting preyed upon by the main branch with their wicked intentions. Lee: And after all that shit, I ain't gonna just go in and kill them!! Wong: If the police find out about this source of income from the Songyoung, the crackdown in Sotenbori is going to be very strict... Wong: If that happens, it will be harder for us to operate in a lot of ways... So these women continuing to exist is problematic. Wong: You do understand what will happen if you go against direct orders from the group, don't you? Lee: (Have they really made up their mind on killing these women? Even though these women, they haven't done anything wrong, they're the victims?) Lee: (But if I go against orders, I'll be the one killed... Either the lives of those women, or my own, I have to choose.) Wong: There's high expectations on you for completing this job. Are you going to betray everyone? Lee: (If I try to run, I won't be able to catch the boss. If I want to bring him down... There's no time to hesitate...) Lee: (That's how I have to think. I'm a pro. An assassin. And... up till now, I've devoted myself fully to this path, just as expected.) Lee: ...I understand. I'll take the lives of those women. That is part of my job... Wong: Is that so... Well then, I'll be waiting to hear good news. <hangs up phone and goes back to the Songyoung hideout> Lee: Shit.... That asshole, handin' out such a sickening order. Lee: Fine!! I'll sink the corpse of that boss, all those women, and anyone else into the damn harbor!! Lee: I'm already black hearted, and this time I'll be stained as black as can be... Lee: With this blood on my hands, I'll just get em even dirtier with more and more. <Lee goes to the warehouse> Lee: This is where the main branch's hideout said the warehouse should be, so the boss and the kidnapped women should be inside...

Lee: (Looks like they got two guys keepin' watch... The entrance to this place is well defended... It's gonna be tough takin' out the boss and those women by myself...)

Goon A: Gah!? Goon B: Guhh!? <they hit the floor> Lee: ...There's probably more guys keepin' watch. I'll have to be careful killin' the boss and women... <Lee moves into the warehouse> Lee: Since there's a guard over there, there's no mistake that this is the main group's warehouse...

Lee: The real question is, where is the boss... Hm? That's... <A man walks by with a woman> Lee: Just now, that guy that brought a woman into that room... There's no doubt about it, that's the guy from the photo Wong sent... Lee: When I go into that room... Lee: I'll lose my chance to run. I'll commit myself to seein' this job through and stainin' myself pitch black. <Lee heads in> Young Woman: Stop it... d-don't come any closer... someone!!

Songyoung Boss: Heh, no matter how much you scream, no one is coming to help you... Lee: Mind if I step in and have some fun?

Boss: Who the fuck are you!? ...Are you an assassin sent by Wong?

Boss: He never gets his own hands dirty with jobs like this... Lee: You figured it out quick. No hard feelings, but I'm going to kill you now. (Tl note: same line that the Songyoung assassin used against Lee) Boss: You're a moron. I'm not going to be killed by some wannabe assassin. I'll kill you first!! Boss: Let's go, assassin!! I'm going to send your stinking corpse to Wong!! <fight, Lee wrecks shop> Lee: Say your prayers... <Stabbing noise> Boss: Guah!? <he hits the floor> Lee: That handles my primary goal... Now I have to... Lee: (Now I have to deal with the women... First I should have her guide me to where they're all being imprisoned...) Lee: Were you bein’ held captive in here?

Woman: Yes!! Please, please help!! There's a lot of others that are being held captive here besides me!! Lee: ...Got it. Could ya bring me to the room they're all in? Woman: Yes! This way!! <they go> Woman: Just ahead is the room we were all held in! We had given up all hope on being rescued, everyone will be so happy!!

Lee: Sorry for the trouble, Miss Guide... Lee: (She looks delighted... Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be killin' someone lookin' like that...) Lee: (... If my daughter were still alive, she'd be just about the same age as this woman.....) Lee: (This blameless woman that I'm going to sink into the sea... This really is the most depraved job...) Lee: (It would be troublesome if she started screamin' here... Guess I'll take care of her after I handle all the other women...) Lee: ...Ah, that's right! I got a request for ya, miss... Woman: Yes! What do you need? Lee: There's still a lot of thugs around outside... Could ya make sure no one leaves till I confirm it's safe? Lee: Would ya go and close off the entrance and the exit to the warehouse? Woman: Y-Yeah! On it!! <she leaves> Lee: Miss, forgive me... I ain't really here to save ya... <Lee goes into the inner room> Woman A: A-Again... Who's coming in here now?

Woman B: That's not it! The door is still open!! Woman B: R-Run for it! We're finally free from this nightmare!! <the women flee> Lee: (With the door open like that... It's natural that they'd all run off in a panic...) Lee: (All these run away girls, now about to get killed, they really are the unluckiest women in the world.......) Lee: (But if I don't kill them, the organization's gonna kill me... This really is the most abysmal job...) Lee: (I can't save even a single one of them... It's a weight I'll have to bear for the rest of my life, no matter what excuses I try to make.) <knife drawing sound> Lee: Hm? That woman, what is she... Lee: ...Why didn't she run? That's weird... Is she hurt?

Lee: Hey, are you alright....?

Lee: (She's feelin' her way around... This girl, is she blind?) Makoto: A-Are you the one who's helping everyone? Lee: N-No... I'm... <music cuts out> Makoto: Thank you so much... Thank you..... Thank you so very much... thank you....

Lee's daughter: "Hey, dad... are you there...?"

Lee: "Yes, I'm right here!! I'm here!! You're gonna be okay, the doctor's on his way!! Just stay with me!!" Lee's daughter: "....Dad, even with this frail life of mine... thank you so much for raising me..." Lee: "Nonsense! Sayin' stuff like that, raisin' you was only natural!!" Lee's daughter: "Thank you for everything, dad... I love you..." Lee: (Ah... She also, said the same thing......)

Lee: (......) Lee: (No way.... There's no way... I could kill her......)

Lee: (For the time bein' that girl's gone to sleep in that room. Everythin' is still chaotic though...) (Tl note: the word Lee is using for girl here is 娘 which is the same one used for daughter) Lee: (Helpin' that girl means disobeyin' Wong's--no, Kotou's orders...) Lee: (If I'm already goin' against my orders... I might as well save every woman in this damn place!!) Lee: (But what am I gonna do? If I don't kill the women, then Wong's just gonna send another hitman after 'em.) Lee: (If I want these women to live, my only options are gettin' Wong to let them go, or if Kotou was totally annihilated.) Lee: Damn it... There's no way Wong would look the other way on this, so my only option is to wipe out Kotou myself... Lee: Of course, I gotta figure out how to even do that... Lee: I'm gamblin' on a long shot. At least I'm gonna save as many women as I possibly can!! Lee: Alright, then I need to get the women out of here before Wong catches onto what I'm up to... Woman: Kyaaaaaa!! Lee: What!? That voice, did someone get into the warehouse!? <two women are facing a menacing man> Man: ...So you women didn't get killed? I see, I see...

Woman: W-Who are you!? Oh no, are you one of the people that locked us all up in here!? Man: No, I'm not a part of the group that did that. (Tl note: He's speaking very politely, it's kind of unsettling) Man: That being said, I do have a job to do here, so... No hard feelings, but I'm going to kill you now. (Tl note: the third instance of this line, I guess hitmen are very fond of it) Woman 2: You're going to... Why would you kill us!! Man: It's nothing you've done personally... however there are people who would be very inconvenienced if your confinement was ever known about... Man: Well then, let's start off with you... If you're going to hold a grudge, please hold it against your own bad luck... Woman 2: W-Wait... don't kill me.... Lee: Hold it, jack ass!! Lee: Ladies... stay back...

Women: S-Sure... Man: Hmmm... you're the one Wong sent to kill the Songwong boss, aren't you? Lee: What about it? I already took care of that boss a while ago now... Man: Is that so... Thank you for a job well done. ....Though, I have to ask, why are these women still alive? Man: Surely you were ordered to eliminate the women as well? Woman 2: Eh!? Lee: All these women did nothin' wrong... killin' them is completely unnecessary. Man: So you intend to turn against Wong? Lee: .....Yeah, I do. Man: Ah ha ha! I see, I see... You know, Wong-san seemed worried this was the path you'd take. Lee: ...Who are you? Man: I'm the contingency plan Wong-san prepared to handle this if you couldn't bring yourself to kill these women. Man: My orders from Wong-san were to come here and kill any woman left alive. Lee: Hah... Awful conniving of Wong to pull somethin' like this... Too bad that I decided that all these women are gonna live!!

Man: So that's how it is... what a shame. Well, you've made your decision to die here with these women. Man: But that's good! A killer like you will die alongside all these young ladies!! <they fight, Lee tears him up> Man: I'm finished... You're a skilled hitman... Lee: Your arm can probably be saved... Man: But... Wong-san will never forgive you for going against the organization like this... You'll be killed, won't you? Lee: Seems that way... But I'm gonna fight it all the way to the end... Man: I see... In that case, I wish you good luck... <man collapses to the floor> Lee: Hoooo~.... I need to make sure all the ladies are still alright... Lee: I'm gonna wipe all traces of you being enslaved from the records here and in the Songwong hideout... Lee: That should throw em off all your trails... Woman 2: Eh? D-Does that mean... you're helping all of us? Lee: Yeah, that's right... Lee: It'll be best if all of you forget about everythin' that happened here and go back to your old lives... Lee: After that leave everythin' else to this geezer!! Woman 2: Th-Thank you so much!! Woman 1: But, are you going to be alright? That person said that you would be killed too... Lee: The fate of a killer who goes against his organization is set in stone. But, I don't intend to be easy to kill... Lee: If it means savin' all of you, payin' with the life of a killer like me is a hell of a bargain, right? Woman 1: But that's... isn't there something you can do? You could run away with us... Lee: I've got to go smash up my employer... I got a lotta obligations in front of me... Lee: If I run away, other people are gonna end up payin' for it. Woman 1: But... Lee: It's fine... Don't you go worryin' about me none. Lee: Though, sorry to keep askin' things of ya miss, but could I ask one more favor of ya? Woman 1: What is it? I'll do whatever I can!! Lee: In the room ya were locked up in, there's a lady that can't see waitin' there... Lee: As much as ya can, could ya take care of that kid and keep her out of trouble? Woman 1: I-I should be okay... I'll do as much as I'm able-- Lee: Yeah!! Seriously, I'm grateful! Lee: I know it's a lot to ask of ya miss, sorry. Woman 1: No, this doesn't even begin to pay back how much you've helped us... Lee: Alright, you stay healthy miss... <Lee leaves> Woman 1: Ah!? That's right, there's a mafia called "Kotou", please stay safe from them!! Lee: W-Wait a minute!! Miss, what did you say just now!? Woman 1: Umm... To please watch out for a mafia called "Kotou"... Lee: You said "Kotou"... miss, where did you hear that name!? (Tl note: I had been reading it wildly wrong as “Toragashira” until now and had to go back and correct every instance of it. When she says it it’s in katakana, but Lee had been saying it in kanji, so I was just guessing on pronunciation) Woman 1: Earlier, while we were still imprisoned, I heard it from one of the people here... Woman 1: "My group "Kotou" is a Chinese mafia. You can rely on us for backup if you encounter any trouble" is what they said... Lee: H-Hold on... But wouldn't that mean... Kotou and the Songyoung are workin' together...!? Lee: What the hell, what the hell is goin' on....!?

Lee: You're sure they said "Kotou"?

Woman 1: Y-Yeah... That's definitely what they said. Lee: Seriously.... hm? Wait... Thinkin' back on it... Wong did say somethin' strange... Lee: (Back when I first found out the boss was in the warehouse....) Lee: ("Heh... Planning on sampling the wares? ...Always was a nympo...") (Tl note: I had to go back and edit the earlier instance of this to be more vague like this, I confused on who it was directed at but I was looking at it as between Lee or Wong and couldn't see how it would make sense to be self directed since Wong wasn't going to the warehouse. Lee seemed confused by it too, so the vagueness seems intentional, but I’m very glad it wasn’t actually directed at Lee like I initially thought) Lee: (It's like he knew the Songyoung Boss before this...) Lee: If that's true, then that means the same goes for the Songyoung boss! Lee: (In that room where I took him out, he said to me "He never gets his own hands dirty with jobs like this") Lee: (So that means he also knew Wong before all of this...) Lee: It's possible... but what does it all mean? Woman 1: ...Um, is there something I can help with? Lee: Aah! Thank to you miss, I might have figured out a way to avoid dyin'. Woman 1: Really!? Lee: I do have one job to take care of first though. Lee: When ya get out of here and forget all this to get back to your life... I want ya to forget me too... okay? Lee: Oh, and avoid dealin with strange men, okay? Woman 1: Yes sir! Thank you again!! <she leaves> Lee: If I believe her story, then the Songyoung and Wong are connected... Lee: If that's the case, there might be evidence of that here and in the Songyoung hideout... Lee: If I can find it, I might be able to use that to keep Wong silent on this whole thing. Lee: First things first, better start searchin' the warehouse... Lee: Haa~...... I can't find anythin'.... Well, findin' somethin' like that was never going to be easy. Lee: Next is the room where all the women were confined...

<rustling noise> Lee: Hm? Hold on... this is it!! <screen fades to black> Wong: Lee... You just keep betraying my faith in you...

Lee: Ha, you're soundin' awful full of yourself... Wong. Lee: You'd probably tell me I was wipin' my own ass wrong... Lee: Aren't you betrayin' our organization too? I don't think you're in any position to talk about my betrayal. Wong: Lee, you piece of shit...... Lee: Heh... Of course, since you and the Songyoung are in bed together... Lee: Didn’t you let them make money trafficking these women so you could have a little slush fund? Lee: It's all written in this set of orders ya fax'd em anyways... Wong: Are you an idiot!? Get rid of that like you were ordered to!!

Lee: You stopped trustin' the Songyoung boss, right? Lee: Nothin' will poison a relationship faster than cash, it's a common story in this line of work. Lee: Seems like for the most part the Songyoung hated the tight leash you had them on and decided to betray you and be more bold about things, yeah? Lee: Then, when the disappearance of women started to become public knowledge, it lit a fire under your ass to hurry up and stamp out this whole operation... Wong: ........... Lee: That's why ya sent me to find the Songyoung hideout that had moved and you had lost contact with... Lee: With myself on the job, it'd be easy for ya to nonchalantly show up and snag the evidence of your betrayal... Lee: And if I failed you had prepared a contingency to get the job done... then ya'd be able to muzzle the aforementioned organization. Have I got that right? Wong: ........... Lee: Hah... Seems like that's a bulls-eye... Lee: If ya don't want this fax bein' sent off to Kotou, I got a condition for ya to accept... Well, Wong? Wong: ....Heh, pffhahaha... you really are a dumb fuck... Lee: What!? The hell's so funny!! Wong: If you had turned over that evidence right away, you might have been fine... Wong: But you're hopelessly stupid if you think you can negotiate with me face to face and I won't just kill you here and now. Wong: If I erase you and the evidence right here, I won't get caught for my betrayal!! Lee: Hmm... So you... are turnin' down my condition? Wong: Of course I am!! I'm going to kill you!! That's why I brought my best men with me!! Wong: Lee, my blood ran cold when you told me you had found evidence of my betrayal... Wong: So I must thank you for being such a dumbass!! Wong: Rest assured, Lee! After I'm done killing you, all those women you saved will be killed too!! Wong: Go to hell alongside the women you risked your life to protect!! Let's do it!! Your certain death!! <they fight, Lee crushes them> Wong: Stupid... even my best men...?

Lee: Heh, bad luck for you Wong. I've been survived more lethal battles than you can count... Lee: Well, that's all been with your help...

Lee: So, are ya ready? This is the endin' you asked for..... Lee: .........You know, it didn't have to end like this if you had just put up with my one demand. Wong: W-Wait!! I'll do it!! Your life, those women's lives, I'll look past it all!! So please... Lee: ....What you're sayin', you really mean it? Wong: Yes! Of course!! I'll talk to the organization myself about the women...

Lee: ......I've owed ya a lot. So if ya say that--

Wong: You truly are the stupidest mother fucker on earth!! <gun cocks>

Lee: Guh! Wong, you bastard!? <Stabbing sound> Wong: Guah--... Leeee.... you.... fucker!!

Lee: Idiot... Why'd ya make me do that, Wong.... <Some days later, Kotou confirmed that Wong has gone rogue.> <Lee's killing of Wong was considered a "purge" and his actions were left unquestioned.>

<A few weeks later> <Sotenbori's Hogushi Kaikan> Customer: Ah, just what I'd expect from the chief! Everything feels great!!

Lee: Hey, Makoto! Could ya grab my needles for me? Makoto: Eh? N-Needles...? Those are, ummm.... S-Sorry, I don't know... Lee: Ah, that's my bad, don't worry. Here, I'll show ya... Makoto: S-Sorry, chief.....

Lee: ....Wanna grab my hand? Makoto: Y-Yeah.... Lee: The needles we use for acupuncture are... right here. For you that'll be about 5 steps past the entrance to the treatment room. Makoto: Got it... S-Sorry... Lee: Hey, I already said it was my bad, don't worry... Lee: Some day you're gonna be able to see again. Until then, it's perfectly fine to get used to things slowly. Lee: We'll start at a slow pace for you... Then when you can do that, we can step it up. Makoto: Yes sir. Customer: The chief sure has changed since Makoto-chan showed up, huh? It seems like he's really happy now... Lee: Sh-Shut it, smart ass!! You say more dumb shit like that and I'll run your tongue through with my needle!! Customer: A-Ahhh!? Please forgive me!!

Customer: Nonetheless... Makoto-chan's been here for a few weeks now. Customer: I was really surprised at first! How'd a cute girl like Makoto end up as your apprentice... Customer: I thought the chief had gone and kidnapped you. Lee: Hey! Don't go startin' nasty rumors like that!! Lee: Geez... You know, I think I won't do the acupuncture! You're not stiff enough to need any hot oil neither... Lee: But it's fiiine, you can scram!! Ain't like you'd appreciate the pain of this needle anyhow... Customer: Ahaha... well then, I better get out of here before the chief starts stabbing. Customer: See ya, Makoto-chan. Be safe... and I hope your vision comes back quickly. Makoto: ...Y-Yeah....... Customer: See ya chief, till next time! <he leaves> Makoto: Lee-san, I'm sorry.... I don't know how to do anything... even though you've allowed me to be your live-in apprentice...... Lee: It's all good, Makoto. Don't fret. As long as ya don't panic and take things slowly you'll have no trouble doin' all sorts of stuff... Makoto: .........Yeah. Lee: Makoto, I'm gonna smoke for a minute out back..... Makoto: Ah, sure... Have a good day, Lee-san. <he leaves> Lee: "Have a good day" huh....

Lee: That look she gave me... I'm going to protect that to the bitter end.... Lee: To protect that girl... I'd do anything... Anything at all....

<epilogue end> Bonus time: first of all OOFA DOOFA this was huge! and intense! and very difficult to translate god damn all this politicking and kansai-ben. In good(?) news, I learned a bunch of fun new vocab like abduction, kidnapping, human trafficking, betrayal, etc. You know, the essential stuff. Also it’s extremely unclear if the femme fatale that Lee leveraged here is the same one he plans to kill to fake Makoto’s death in Y0, or if he just knows multiple women that swindle money out of men and kill them. Here’s an actual bonus: Lee’s thoughts on things from the board game! Let’s see if tumblr explodes from all these images or not.

Sotenbori Our city. It's got good and bad and everythin' else all mixed together. Of course, that's why they call it the city that can't be satisfied.

Acupuncture Needle The acupuncture needle I use. Custom made, but ordinary needles. By using this, it'll start feeling good instantly.

Smokes An item vital to any acupuncturist. If you gently take a drag, the customer's meridians will appear on their back. Don't believe me?

Iwao Bridge A lot of young guys here trying to be pick up artists. A little while ago, one of my customers was an idiot who had jumped into the river after the local baseball team won the championship

Cabaret Grand This place has become the topic of conversation lately. I don't really go to those kinds of places, but, well, I kind of want to head over and take a peek

The Man with the Bat Tattoo I don't have any connection to him, I don't even know his face or his name, but if I ever meet him... I'm really going to enjoy it

Hogushi Kaikan My massage shop in Sotenbori. All ages of men and women, mafia and civilians, come here to get their muscles relaxed. (Tl note: Hogushi means to relax/loosen)

Rumor of Shakedown A shakedown? That ain't gonna happen. Still, some idiot wanting to try to shake me down is just the kind of thing that happens in Sotenbori

Mahjong Parlor I go to the mahjong parlor often. There's a lot of chinese people there. Though, japanese people go there too sometimes. Either way, by the time I go home I'm flat broke.

One Eyed Fella I've started seein' this guy around Sotenbori recently. I got no clue as to why he's here, but he's got the eye of a beaten stray dog.

I didn’t intentionally leave the Majima one for last, his was just the last one I found! I didn’t think there’d even be one, since this takes place a year before they even met, but I’m really glad there is. Now he’s just a fun bonus for anyone who made it all the way to the end. I kind of hoped the assassin that Lee sensed right in front of the Grand was just going to be Majima walking by or something.

Lee’s also got a character story that I’ll translate once I get his bond up, so look forward to even more Lee content!

#rggo #Lee Wen Hai #yakuza #yakuza 0 #Ryu ga Gotoku #ryu ga gotoku online #makoto makimura

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noirwritingtime · 3 years

Text

Dangerous.. Lifeform?

CW: horror, language, paranoia/anxiety

******

"Henrik- Hen, I uh.. this may be a bad time to drop this on you but I've.. well, it's easier to explain once you're here! See you soon, please hurry-"

Henrik frowns slightly, hearing the voicemail repeat once more. Vhat zhe fuck is he doing? The good doctor drives to their shared place, growing more and more concerned as time passes.

He was right to be concerned.

All the lights are on, some lamps too, and it is bright as an endless lit void. The doctor has to squint his eyes slightly from how bright it is in the house.

"Jackie?"

The sound of footsteps come from the hallway and Jackie waves him over.

"C'mere, it's in here."

That's concerning, thinks the doctor.

"Vhat's in there?" Jackie shakes his head and waves him over again. The doctor sighs and heads over. "I mean it Jackie."

"You'll see-"

The hero opens the door to the spare back room. The two head inside, the doctor seeing what Jackie was talking about. A silent gasps leaves him.

"Vhat..who?" He mutters, not able to look away.

"It showed up one day.."

In front of them, masked by the darkest corner of the not so brightly lit room, sits a figure. Curled over itself and emitting a low hum. Henrik moves closer, just by a bit before being yoinked back by Jackie.

"It's not happy-"

It is a good thing Jackie grabbed him cause the thing swiped at him- large claws being the main thing visible and terrifying.

The doctor gasps, noting the claws.

The thing pushes back into the corner after stating its place with the others.

"Does it-" He clears his throat and addresses the thing instead. "Do you speak?"

It shifts as it tries to form a response.

"Grhgh..I can." It flashes its eyes at him, bright green scleras are the only thing seen. This shocks both the doctor and hero.

"Oh, that is great. Do you have a name?"

"Anti. Hhrk."

"Do you have something in your throat?"

It doesn't respond to that, but if its face was visible the others would note the devilish smirk it wears. It shifts again to stare at Henrik, taking an interest.

"Anti is a unique name, did you choose it?" Henrik tilts his head, interested enough that he almost forgets he has to chastise Jackie for harboring an unknown creature without telling him sooner.

"..sort of."

"Zhat's nice. Where did you come from?"

It gurgles, maybe it is giggling. After a moment of very loud gurgling, it goes quiet.

"Not here."

Henrik figured that might be the answer it gives. He hums.

"You've got humor."

It smiles and nods, quite proud of that about itself.

"Well, I'm going to go talk with my friend. You just sit tight." Henrik smiles at the thing and backs away with Jackie.

The two exit the room and Henrik slaps Jackie's shoulder.

"Vhat zhe fuck happened? Start talking." Henrik says hushed and quickly. Jackie looks down and nods.

"I will I will-" Jackie takes a moment to gather his thoughts. He feels the gaze from the doctor and looks at him. "It showed up one day in my room, don't know how, but it happened. I panicked and then it started panicking? I'm not sure. Next thing I know, I've got it cornered into that room, cause the thing doesn't like lights apparently."

Henrik raises a brow. "Is that why every light in the house is at full brightness?" Jackie nods. "Makes sense.. have you talked at all- how soon after did you message me?"

"Eh.. not long after I got it in there. I didn't try to talk, tried giving it food but it tried scratching me so I didn't try again."

"That's good thinking." Henrik rubs his chin. "What now.. We should talk with it, but I'm not sure what else we could do about this."

Jackie nods and glances at the door to the room it's in. He wonders why it showed up.. and how?

"I want to talk to it again."

"I'll be with you."

In the dark corner, it stirs slightly. It hears the two talk through the walls, it hears everything. It smirks, though no one can see. The creature had been listening and waiting, letting the fall of humans guide it to its goal..

The door to the room opens, letting in additional light that makes it slink back into the corner even more. Funny thing about humans, so quick to assume..

"Hello again, you up to chatting?" Henrik starts the conversation, walking into the room and staying a comfortable distance away. The creature looks at him.

"Yes."

"Wonderful. What are you?"

It gurgles before giving an answer. "Anti."

"Is Anti a species?" He raises a brow, not sure if its playing with him. It is. It so is playing with the doctor because it shakes its head no.

"Well.. then vhat are you?"

A giggle. Then a tilt of the head.

"I'll move to a different question then," Henrik gets the idea that Anti will be stubborn, especially for certain questions. "Are you here for harm?"

"No. Just here."

"Here for vhat?"

"Existing. Exploring.." It trails off.

"New here?" Henrik smiles, being as gentle and friendly a presence he can be. It shakes its head before continuing.

"I've been here before."

Henrik tilts his head and raises a brow. "Oh, that's good. Where have you been?"

It smiles wide.

"Here."

Here? This sends a shiver down Henrik's spine. Here, like this house? When-?

"This house- you mean?"

A simple nod is all it takes to make Henrik's heart pound, and all the very limited color in his face disappear. "Oh- that's nice.." His throat feels dry. "H-how long? Ago, I mean. How long ago did you visit?"

"Which time?"

"Zhe first-" Henrik glances away, not sure if this is still safe. Oh, what am I thinking- This isn't safe at all! The light is the only thing we have right now- His hands fiddle with the fabric of his pockets.

"Years. Forgot the number."

Henrik swallows dryly, and glances to Jackie- who heads over and grabs Henrik's shoulder.

"Excuse us, we'll talk later Anti." With that, Jackie takes Henrik out of the room.

Once away from the thing Henrik starts shaking his hands in repetitive motions.

"Years?!- Jackie, how-" He visibly distresses, rocking back and forth on his feet. "How did we never see? Vhat has it done here? Oh God-"

"Henrik, hey bud. You're okay.." He speaks gently, watching the doctor and refraining from touching him. It's never a good idea to touch Henrik when he's panicked unless asked.

"Am I?!" He looks back at Jackie, shaking one hand spastically. He blinks and takes in a breath. "Sorry Jackie.. I didn't mean to yell."

Jackie smiles gently, understanding. "Its alright. This guy is unnerving, definitely creepy." He rubs the back of his neck.

Henrik nods, continuing to move and get his worries out. "Yeah, yes. I don't like how it's been here, before. Before."

"Mhm. It doesn't help that it isn't answering easily."

"That's the worst part." Henrik mutters.

"I agree.."

Henrik shakes his hands more before settling. "Alright.. we need to get through this. Now." He looks to Jackie before going back to the door with Jackie following.

"You got this, I'm right there with you Hen."

"Thanks, we'll-" Henrik shakes and freezes in the doorway. "Where is it? Jackie? Jackie it's not there-" His voice raises with fear.

"What?" Jackie looks in the room. "Hen, its okay- I'm right herAh-!"

Henrik blinked and everything changed. An instant change, that thing was gone. Where is Jackie? He turned back to see and is set into an adrenaline rush.

The walls. He finally saw what has happened. Oh god the walls, it's all sickly and dark and is that Jackie's leg in the ceiling-

"Jackie!" Henrik reaches for his leg, trying to bring him back down. The thing must've grabbed him from the thick substances coating what seems like everywhere- oh where did it go?!

Jackie's leg slowly becomes legs and then torso and thank fuck- he's breathing, barely but it's there. He coughs and weakly grabs at Henrik, thick globs of dark essence falls and spills out of his mouth and ears.

Henrik stares wide eyed at Jackie as he holds him before trying to guide him out of the hellish room. "Jackie- keep, keep coughing. Get that out-" He tugs him along, slipping but still standing. His heart pounds as he feet try to keep him moving.

"Try- gahhr-chh-" Jackie shakes with the amount of force in each cough. Weakly clinging to Henrik's guidance.

"Keep coughing-" Henrik stops, shaking more at the sight.

It's everywhere now, for sure.. If Henrik didn't have fantastic memory he wouldn't be able to tell you the color of the walls or where any pictures are on the wall. The floor is coated, and moving? Its moving, rippling and pulsing.

"Jackie- we have to go.." His words tremble and he rushes himself and Jackie into the hallway.

It's so heavy.. thick and dark. Is that giggling? Breathing? Maddening.

"C'mon- don't let go okay?" Henrik is stressed and trying his best, worried about the amount that's still spilling out of Jackie's mouth.

Thick globs drop from the ceiling, coating the floor below and near creating a wall to the outside.

But, the two manage to get outside. Henrik wants to go further but Jackie's coughing urges him to stop and tend to his friend.

"Jackie, cough as hard as you can." Henrik sets him down on the lawn and places a hand on his back. Trying to help get the weird thing out of him.

Jackie whimpers and nods, his throat feeling dry and slimy at the same time. "Hggrh-" He coughs hard and a slimy hard thing falls onto the ground. "Hhhh- ghhod." He coughs more and stares at the thing. The thing slowly melts onto the ground.

Henrik pats his back. "I've.. I got you-"

"I," His voice rasps, finally having a clear throat but it's extremely dry. "I can breathe.. now.." He keeps his eyes set on the thing, watching it.

"Good, that's good.. let's, can you get up? I don't want to be here-"

"No.. we cant let it get out. Imagine the.. the panic." He rasps, giving Henrik a look that could only mean he's wanting to be heroic.

"Jackie! We've got to wait or something-" He pleads, glancing at the house. Not wanting to think about what is inside. Growing.

"But- It could escape!" Jackie looks at Henrik.

"Ve should call, Jackie! No.. no heroing." Henrik pleads, shaking. "Please."

Jackie looks at him for a few moment before nodding. "Okay.. I won't Hen. I promise."

"Thank you" His voice cracks and he hugs Jackie, momentarily ignoring the weird substance and how it coats his clothing and skin.

Jackie only nods in response, patting Henrik's back. "We need to call- who?" He asks quietly.

"I don't know.." He shrugs, keeping close to Jackie. All that matters for the moment is Jackie can breathe and they both got out.

Out.

---------------

"Marvin, ve- no, don't! Ve just need ozhers to deal vith it. Not us! Marvin, please." He pleads on the phone with Marvin. Henrik is trying to explain to the others that the house is not safe.

"No- I don't want you to risk that! Marvin!"

A hand settles on Henrik's shoulder and grips gently, Jackie trying to calm him down.

"Henrik-"

"He's not listening!" Henrik's voice only raises in pitch and stress.

"I know I know, let me talk to him.." Jackie says comfortingly, gently guiding the phone into his own hand. "Alright Marvin. . ."

Henrik listens to them both talk before glancing at the house, yet again. It looks so peaceful. Like nothing is wrong. How wrong that is. Well, is that wrong? Maybe it's all better. He's been under quite a lot of stress.. might be seeing things.

Without fully connecting how he got there, he feels the cool metal of the door handle in his hand.

"Wha-" Henrik blinks and backs away quickly, ripping his hand off the handle. "Jackie!"

"Hm, oh!" Jackie rushes over and pulls Henrik close. "What are you doing?" He looks worriedly at Henrik. The doctor is disturbed.

"I.. I don't know!" Henrik looks to Jackie. "I don't remember getting here." He whimpers, letting himself get pulled away by Jackie.

"Its okay, breathe.." Jackie mutters soothingly. "Let's go back over here and wait for the police."

Henrik nods, watching the house. He swears the whole place flickers.

---------------

This better not be some crackhead call or prank. The police officer pulls up to the house, looking over the two people looking like an actual mess. He sighs before getting out.

"Alrighty you two, I don't want to deal with nonsense shit." He walks over to the others.

Henrik and Jackie look over, ready to hear the cop call them all sorts of names.

"We aren't joking, sir." Jackie starts, his throat cleared up a bit more from waiting. "It's dangerous inside and Henrik doesn't want me to deal with it."

The police officer shakes his head in disbelief. "I'll just go look before I bring you two in." He walks over to the door.

Henrik's eyes widen. "Wait-" He holds a hand out. "It's not safe!" Jackie holds him back.

The cop looks back and raises a brow. "Sure thing buddy." He grabs the door handle and opens it. He whistles at the sight. "Lot of work you put into this fellas." He mutters before pulling his flashlight out and turning it on to see inside.

The sound of loud maniacal cackling fills Jackie and Henrik's heads. Taunting.

"Wait, you think we're pranking you?" Jackie calls out. "Don't go inside yet!"

The cop doesn't answer and goes inside.

The door shuts behind him.

Those cackles leave their heads and fills the air.

Jackie stares at the door with a panicked expression. "Oh no. No- We have to go in now Hen!" He moves to go after the cop, getting to the door and tugging the handle.

Locked.

Henrik chases after Jackie. "Hey! Jackie wait, no!" He sees that Jackie has not entered yet, meaning the door is locked which spikes more panic. "Oh no.."

"He's locked in there- I have to get him out!" Jackie moves back from the door and kicks by the handle with his heel. Easily breaking through the wood with his strength and mighty kick. Scrambling, he pulls his foot back and reaches through to the other side. He unlocks the door but before he can go in, Henrik's hand begs him to stay.

"Henrik, I have to help him."

Henrik stares, muttering and stopping himself. Unable to think clearly. He doesn't want Jackie hurt but there is a man in trouble!

"Henrik, I'll be okay." He says gently, grabbing and holding Henrik's hand to reassure him. With a gentle squeeze, he swings the door open to face the hell within.

----------------

You can find this and a soon-to-be-extended story of this, and more at my wattpad, @actualwheat ! Thanks for reading! :D

#horror tw #jse fanfiction #jse fandom #antisepticeye #jackieboyman #henrik von schneeplestein #septic egos #jse egos

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arsnovacadenza · 4 years

Text

jean d’arc route summary and translation chp.6

Disclaimer: This is an unofficial translation based on my somewhat serviceable Japanese skills with the aid of various kanji dictionaries (and some Google Translate). Now updating on weekends.

The italicized words in brackets are the comments I made throughout my playthrough. Of course, there will be spoilers.

(My wording skills and grammar in English practically fly out of the window every time I need to handle Japanese. K.)

The day after becoming Jean’s attendant, MC goes shopping with Sebastian. Then they run into a bookstore, which sells not only excellent selections, but also other miscellaneous goods. An idea comes to her and she asks Sebas if they could stop for a while so she can buy something.

She arrives at the library to find Jean sitting at the desk, still reading “The Ugly Duckling” just like yesterday.

“Before we start our study, there’s something I want to hand over to you first.”

“A notebook, huh”

MC tells him it’s to help him to practice writing the alphabet, since he only reads when they study. She gets no reaction from Jean and panics.

“Uh, you can put it aside when not using it,”

But Jean does say something (albeit quietly), and MC begs his pardon.

“Thank you, Teacher.”

MC is shocked and asks him to repeat it. Sure enough, he calls her “Sensei”*.　When MC asks him where that came from, Jean told her that he crossed paths with Arthur and told him along the lines of “If someone is telling you that they’re helping you learn to write, the one who’s being taught needs to call the tutor teacher.”

MC says it’s not wrong for him to call her that, she only worries people will get the wrong idea if he says it like that. But Jean doesn’t seem to understand, so MC lets it slide.

Jean opens the notebook handed to him only once. MC acknowledges there’s something that doesn’t sit well with her, even if it’s just for a bit. MC brushes the feeling off as they begin their nightly lesson.

(It’s Jean and Mozart time! Jean and Mozart time! I can’t get enough of their interactions askjdjfhsl. Pictures ahead because I just adore their relationship)

Later that night, Jean is standing alone on the balcony when someone joins him.

(It’s Mo hwhwhwhhw)

Jeanne notices his best friend. “So it’s you. Still awake?”

“It’s around this time when I write down on my staff* because a beautiful melody comes to mind.”

Mozart asks Jean if he’s been getting reading writing lessons, to which the latter guesses that it must’ve been Arthur’s fault that word’s gotten around.

”Honestly, I'm surprised you accepted the girl”

Jean tells him that he thought about refusing her, thinking that nothing good would come out of it otherwise. However, he couldn’t since he didn’t want to let her despair.

“Indeed, what a strange girl,” Mozart comments, but then he smirks/ “Sebastian’s plan does have its results.”

“Mozart?”

(Jean’s expressions are unintentionally hilarious I can’t)

“Nah, it’s nothing.” Mozart lies. “Well, let’s pass the time together, shall we?”

“Only this part is incorrect, but the rest is perfect!”

“Really?”

“Fufu, it’s true. Let’s practice from this letter next time.”

As she returned the notebook, she noticed there was “Jean d’Arc” written in bold letters.

“It’d cause much trouble if I lost it.” Jean suddenly spoke. “That note is something given by you. Besides, it’s useful to practice letters this way, isn’t it?”

“That’s why I wrote on it so I won’t lose it.”

Of course this made MC want to grin happily, and Jean continued. “At least, being able to write your own name makes me happy. I just had to do it.”

“This big?” MC asked.

“If you write that big, anyone would immediately know who it belongs to, right?”

(At this point, neither I nor MC could hold it in anymore. This boi is too darn cute.)

So MC burst out laughing. And Jean is like “Girl, whatcha laughing at?”

“Sorry….somehow I thought Jean was kawaii”* she laughed at him.

Jean tried to divert the topic by admitting that he’s chronologically the oldest person in the entire mansion, which is the reason why there’s a lot he doesn’t know about. MC herself internally admits there’s much stuff she’s yet to know, but Jean’s earnest approach is what makes him extra kawaii.

(I don’t want to elaborate on the following lines because they’re better read by yourself. It’s so sweet and I know you guys would love it too).

Suddenly, the room is enveloped in a white flash, along with some noise. Soon comes the sound of rain.

MC has fallen asleep again. When she tries to wake up, she notices Jean looking out the window outside.

(Just like the last time, he covered her shoulders with his jacket).

His hand is covering the eyepatch seemingly in reminiscence. There’s a cold air about him, and she wonders aloud what he's been thinking.

“The rain, I was thinking that I hated it.”

When she asks why, he simply says. “People who like rain are rare.”

But MC tells him there are good things about it, like people taking out colorful umbrellas on the streets on a rainy day, how good it is to sleep to the sound of rain, and how clear the sky looks after rain.

“You can’t ascertain the weather will be clear tomorrow”

That's right. Nobody knows about tomorrow.

"Monsieur Jean, would you like to bet?"

Personal notes:

*1 My son my fictional brother-in-law my stand-in as Napoleon’s spouse my boi is just the cutest. You should’ve seen my face when reading this.

*2 This refers to the Western staff/notation on a music sheet. The original kanji is “五線譜”, which consists of the kanji “five”, “line”, and “musical score/music” as in the five lines on a musical notation.

*3 Jokes aside , MC actually used the word “ 可愛い” /“kawaii” here.

I felt like elaborating that bit about music because that was what I remember most when I studied music in elementary school. Kinda regret not pursuing music properly and making it a part of my career, but hhhh I can always try learning new instruments later.

Tagging @judgemental-seal, @scarlettjskipper, @ginshoujo, (and @burntrice-bubbletea because there’s so much of Jean’s cuteness going on).

#ikemen vampire #ikevam jean #ikevam jean d'arc #jean's route #ikevam translations #riri tries translating

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erasingworlds · 4 years

Photo

“I’m sorry, my love, but I am not meant to have your heart in this reality.” --- I swear this looked so much nicer just as a sketch before I decided to do some doo doo coloring hhhh- It looks like i did this with crayon then just scanned it rather than being done digitally lol I give up, I’ll practice shading and coloring at some point in my life Anyways, have a doodle of my MC Juliana Quinn and Barbatos from Obey Me. Random idea where Julia had already been at RAD for three years, and in those three years she made plenty of friends, got a boyfriend, and even found a way to get her vision restored. All happy and whatnot yada yada. Then she wakes up. Back at the very beginning, first day at RAD. Confused, and highkey flipping out, she goes to Barbatos (her boyfriend, or, well, is supposed to be) and demands to know what’s up, and he just looks at her like “wtf are you on about” until eventually Diavolo gives him permission to use his powers, only to understand that two realities somehow got mixed together. Initially, when she starts to calm down, she just figures “fine, if i gotta repeat everything then so be it because apparently theres no way back” Until Barb tells her “lol no sorry i ain’t one of the dating options in this world” And she flips and yeah this is just my way of saying i want a barb route thanks

#Obey Me #Obey Me!#Obey Me Barbatos #Obey Me Barbatos x OC #Obey Me OC #Story idea? I guess?#i was going to do a proper summary #but then my mind very quickly deviated to wanting cake #will prob never actually make this a thing oops lol

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dontfeeltoohot · 4 years

Note

Asthmatic with pollen and dust allergies smolshieldagent!bucky or smolverse!bucky please I am begging you

Steve and Bucky wake up early, warm May sunshine striping their duvet cover. They’re due to help Nat and Sam move into their new place, but the idea of getting out of bed at 8 am on a Saturday isn’t something either of them want. Half regretting their decision, they get up begrudgingly and change clothes, brush their teeth, and make smoothies to take on the go. Steve grabs his bag, and soon they’re off.

They get there at 8:03, and Nat’s working on boxing up some silverware as they walk in. Their place looks much less homey with no decorations, photos or small knick knacks about.

Bucky leans over and gives Liho some scratches behind her black ears, and the small cat reciprocates with a few soft meows. Steve smiles fondly at his husbands love for animals and then steps into the kitchen to greet their friend. Sam walks down the stairs and waves.

“Hey man! Ready to do all the things today?”

Bucky nods, sipping the last of his smoothie.

“Yeah! May not be as strong as Steve, but I’ll help as much as my muscles will allow,” Bucky jokes. They make their way into the kitchen, where Steve is opening another drawer to start helping. Bucky has a feeling it’s going to be a very long day.

******

It doesn’t start until the second hour in, when enough dust has been kicked up that Bucky’s nose is stuffy, and his chest is a little tight. He sniffles and rubs his face, then gives a dry, shallow cough to the side, clearing his throat.

He’s in the middle of putting all the books from Sam and Nat’s collection in the guest bedroom away, stacking them neatly into boxes. Some seem to not have been touched in a while, and Bucky clears his throat again, as he picks up a particularly dusty book.

This is the thing- Bucky’s asthma isn’t terrible. It hadn't been like Steve’s was when he was a kid, everything setting him off. No, Bucky’s is usually mild, unless he’s exposed to something for a long time.

So, when time passes and Bucky’s chest feels tighter, and he can hear the low whistle that is a strong indication he needs to do something, he finally stands. The motion sets more dust to be expelled into the air, and he presses his knuckle up against his nose as it twitches from irritation.

“hxgt! Tsch! Oh...gh’ktsh! Snfsnf! Snf!” The sneezes he manages to catch into his arm, but the sniffles only exacerbate everything, and his nose gives a twitch again, and then another. He rubs roughly up against it, and it calms the feeling a tiny bit. His chest is a different story. Sighing, half annoyed, Bucky goes to find Steve, feeling a little embarrassed. He should be able to get through a little cleaning without an asthma attack.

He shuffles into where Steve and Nat are working on putting some records into a box, and clears his throat. Steve looks up, a frown coming over his face.

“Buck...you okay honey?” He asks, standing up. Natasha follows, already heading to get him a glass of water.

“Y-yeah...I just...hhHH...htdchh! isxtch! Snf! ihstchhew! Jesus..” he rubs at his face, and his breath snags enough he has to cough. That’s all it takes for Steve to notice the tell-tale wheeze coming from his chest, and then he’s grabbing his bag.

“Sorry,” Bucky says shyly, taking the cup of water from Nat, sipping at it. Both Nat and Steve shake their heads, and then Steve is handing Bucky the blue and white inhaler after priming it in the air. Bucky takes it and all but shoves it onto his mouth, exhaling before inhaling weakly. He stays there, holding the medicine in his lungs for as long as he can before exhaling. He repeats the actions again and finally keeps the inhaler down in his hand.

“Sweetheart,” Steve murmurs, pushing hair out of his husbands face.

“M’okay...just...a lot of dust I guess,” he shrugs, feeling shaky from the albuterol.

“Sit, tupoy, we don’t need you dying.”

Bucky sits next to steve on the floor and presses his face into Steve’s shoulder, rubbing his face. He can feel Steve rubbing his back, and he lets out a low, wheezy breath, allowing himself to just...be, for a moment.

#my fic #prompt #here you go bb!#Anonymous

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mental-health-advice · 4 years

Text

Submissions from 🦚🌺

So took me a while to scroll through to my last tagged ask (for some reason searching didn’t work). So much about staying consistent and actually tagging my stuff from now on. Gosh uff. The one where sibling found possible drugs and the one about mom being xenophobic almost causing shut down as in passing out were me too. I usually either tend to forget to tag or I guess am kinda scared since I feel I send in A LOT? I really don’t know. It’s just a lot going on and I feel bad always (1🦚🌺)

I feel bad always throwing all my stuff at my friends. Especially as one friend a few years ago was diagnosed with depression. Idk what her current situation is tho except that she seems to do better. I won’t ask her since I feel weird about that stuff. Plus really unless she wants to tell me it’s none if my business. But yeah that’s that I guess. Now… I’ve been rejected from the art college/highschool unfortunately so that’s out the window. My therapist suggests volunteer year 2🦚🌺

Whivh we have a social and economic one of I think? Idk. I know social won’t work because of my likelyhood of social anxiety which kinda self explanatory I guess. Economic I’m just scared I wont be able to pull the whole tear through, scared to do stuff wrong etc. Hell I spent 2 low sleep nights crying after the rejection and mom forced the answer out of me when I clearly didn’t want to talk about it. Turned into an argument about how I got forced into abitur/regular highschool 3🦚🌺

And OBVIOUSLY she blames dad for it. Which like… great whatever he told her. My point is HE was more supportive in front of ME than she was. She just tore me down 2 years ago. Next week I dont have a therapist appointment since she will be moving. So I’m praying this week will go by smoothly. Well as smooth as it can go with all the arguments around here I guess. I’m still trying to process everything since March 4🦚🌺

1? 2? I’ve lost track of time … weeks ago she and her bf fought very badly and she essentially ran away for an hour, he claimed he is leaving but then stayed. My younger sisters were all crying, my brothers were just not surprised and I had to try call family members (which calling others is a physical challenge for me) trying to find a way to deal with what happened. My therapist knows about this incident. She now also knows moms bf smokes weed but not about what 5🦚🌺

else we found. I’ll see if I can bring it up soonish since it still worries me… my brother also later confirmed again he caught them snorting it so yeah most likely we are right about it being cocaine. I feel uncomfortable looking up the effects of it but my cousin said that could explain a lot of moms behavior. Shes always been this way I think.I right now dont even remember where I was going with this ask chain hhhh frick.I’m loosing track of myself once again please send help 6🦚🌺

(Have to switch to browser because app again refuses to let me send stuff wtf) My mom also is back onto “oh you just have split personality!” … I have informed myself on DID and OSDD, I have symptoms yes. But I doubt it’s that. In fact my therapist even talks about that stuff with me! I have different parts but mom doesn’t know they exist so idk. I tried to literally tell her how DID is made and she didn’t want to listen. She claims she did almost everything right and I’m making up 7🦚🌺

My trauma. So you would think that she would stay away from assuming such a trauma heavy diagnosis. Welp she actually doesn’t know anything about mental health either way and legit took my brother off his adhd meds years ago because “they changed him too much” and then refused to take him to appointments when we noticed signs of tourette in him because she felt like she fucked up as parent?? Wat?? I can’t make sense of this woman anymore tbh 8🦚🌺

Sorry that this is all over the place, it’s 1am for me rn, I cant sleep really, still am trying to process I won’t see my friend who I was looking forward to seeing this year for 2-3 years and who would have been a temporary escape from this hellhole until at least another year or 2 depending on the situation, being in the top 10 corona countries and in fact second most infected state in germany and really just switching between sliding down to a kid and /or almost passing out 9(?)🦚🌺

almost passing out when trauma responses shut me down and I just can not describe my emotions of the past months other than I just want someone to hug me and to feel safe and to feel like this mess at home and the world isn’t happening. My mind is all over the place and I feel like at this point I’m going insane and I’m not making any sense anymore. Again sorry for the probably stupid rant/,vent that probably made no damn sense idek anymore - final🦚🌺

So much about what I sent in yesterday hoping for the best. 3 hours ago I woke up to a message chain about how we (me and my siblings. We are 6 in total) apparently abuse her and use her. And basically just complaining about the tiniest things regarding chores. For example yesterday I completely cleaned the kitchen and she complained because some dishes stood around since people still ate AFTER I did the chores. Like tf. My friends say it seemed like from the screenshots that she is 1🦚🌺

using us as tools? Idek anymore. She also completely ignored me sending her and asking her stuff about the valounteer year last night since the school rejected me and I need that alternative. Apparently a clean flat is more important than my literal future. On the other hand I for once had a normal conversation with my almost 15yo brother (I’m almost 19, however not mentally and also not in the position to move still especially with the virus and all) and it turned out that he shares 2🦚🌺

Moms views on therapy whivh I’ve mentioned in the past aren’t really the best views on it. So yeah that’s just great. He basically just thinks it’s stupid. Either way. Currently my only way of possibly getting away would be a psychiatric /mental hospital stay. THING IS while I’m bety aware it isnt like in the movies I am deadly afraid of the thought. Not having my freedom to come and go when I please, not being able to meet up with friends or something etc. I would not feel safe and 3🦚🌺

it would just expose me to a lot of stress and anxiety which wouldn’t be any better than being yelled at constantly at home and having mom shit talk my friends. Everything is just kinda a mess with her rn and my siblings don’t see it from my perspective. Like YES we mess up and don’t do things right. She has a reason to be mad. But NO she doesn’t have the tight to essentially abuse us and no her behavior isnt parenting this is manipulation. 4🦚🌺

They only see the first half and think she’s in the right… I myself struggle to differentiate right and wrong and am unable to read situations well, which is why it took me 17-18 years and my friends calling it out to realise this is wrong. But I at least listen… they don’t. I sometimes just wish I grew up in a stable functioning family. Or honestly that she never even had me since she was VERY young when she had me so that’s probably why she never learned how to 5(?)🦚🌺

Act properly towards us. As she had me when she was just my age (18) and then the following 8 years had 4 more of my 5 siblings. I feel she never had time to grow up and learn herself especially considering she was abused herself…. final🦚🌺

Hi 🦚🌺,

It's good to hear from you again! There's absolutely nothing wrong with messaging us often, so feel free to tag all of your asks that you send in! I think that will actually make it easier on both of us, as you'll be able to find responses easier and I can look back on your previous asks easier to make sure I'm not missing anything or repeating myself :) Also, the search function on tumblr is quite picky, so unfortunately it can be hard to find posts. I've run into the same issue with locating old asks on the blog as well!

It's understandable that you don't want to bug your friends with your problems, especially if they have some mental health struggles of their own. However, it might help to think of it this way: mental illness is so common that chances are most people you meet will have some sort of struggle with their mental health, which means you wouldn't be able to talk to anyone about your struggles if you don't want to bother someone who struggles with their mental health. That doesn't seem fair to you! While everyone needs to have boundaries, especially to protect their health, I think it's reasonable to share things with your friends when you're struggling. You deserve that support, especially with everything else you have going on in your life!

It must have been devastating to not get into art school and I'm so sorry that happened! It does sound like volunteering could be a potential route for you to go down, even if it's just until you figure out what you want to do in the future. It makes sense that certain volunteer options can be rolled out based on the nature of the work and the things you struggle with. Perhaps there is something you could do from home that wouldn't trigger your anxiety. For instance, I volunteer for a text-based suicide hotline, which I do from home. I'm not saying you have to do something exactly like this, but it might spark an idea that you or your therapist maybe haven't thought of yet. It's just something to think about.

What's going on with the drugs in your house is definitely concerning and I think it would be a good idea to bring that up with your therapist. It's really dangerous to have these kinds of drugs around with younger kids being there. Not only is it possible for kids to accidentally get into it and harm themselves, but it's also dangerous for them to be around adults that are high because of their erratic behaviors. This is why I think it would be wise to talk to your therapist about this to see what input she has.

It's great that your therapist has talked to you about your diagnoses as well as what you don't have that your mom has tried to say you have. I'm sure it's frustrating to have your mom make those accusations, but I think it's good that you at least have your therapist there to reassure you that you don't in fact have those diagnoses.

It's so disappointing that your friend won't be able to visit as you guys had planned because I know you were really looking forward to that! Unfortunately, coronavirus seems to ne ruining plans for most people all over the world. Hopefully you guys will be able to come up with another plan for meeting up, though it likely won't be able to happen until the pandemic is more under control. Still, at least making tentative plans for meeting in the future may give you both something to look forward to once travel is finally safe again.

I'm so sorry that your mom treats you and your siblings this way. It does sound like she may use you guys as tools, as your friends put it. This is sometimes another sign of abuse/neglect, which honestly isn't surprising considering all of your mom's other behaviors.

What you mentioned about getting out of the house makes sense and I agree that an inpatient stay might not be the best way to go about it. Not only will that be more restrictive, as you mentioned, but most hospitals won't allow inpatient stays unless the person is incapable of keeping themselves or others safe while receiving outpatient care (though I obviously don't know whether this is the case for you). I still think it's a good idea to keep thinking about potential ways of getting out of your mom's house once you're ready for that. One option I'm wondering about is a group home (I think these may be called something else in other countries but it's basically a house where several adults with varying physical and/or mental illnesses live together and there are usually various types of staff who also stay there). These can sometimes be a bit restrictive, but much less so than a hospital would be. I believe they typically have a curfew, otherwise you're allowed to leave during the day. Although I'm not sure if this would be a viable option for you (and it probably wouldn't be anyway until after the pandemic is more controlled), it's just something that popped into my head when thinking about other ways of eventually getting you away from your mom's abuse.

What you said about your mom's parenting vs. manipulation is 100% accurate. It's very common for someone who was abused by parents to go on to abuse their own children unless they put in the effort to change, but know that you still don't deserve to be abused and manipulated. It's not your fault that your mom was abused and never unlearned the negative behaviors she saw experienced as a child. You and your siblings all deserve so much better than this!

-Samantha

#abuse #abusive parent #drugs #drug use #family #🦚🌺#advice #advice blog #mental health advice #mhasamantha

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flufferdust · 4 years

Text

Under the right wing 1/3

Characters: Apollo Justice, Kristoph Gavin, Clay Terran

Words: 1780

[[MORE]]

[Apollo sniffled, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead as he twisted the key into the lock. He was used to opening the office during the week, but this morning forcing himself out of bed was much harder than usual. He cleared his throat, opening the door and resetting the alarm when it started it to beep before flicking the lights on.

His head throbbed and he reached into his pocket for his tissue packet already dwindling in number to blow his nose with a thick honk before he let himself settle into the clients chair.

Maybe the day would be short. He couldn't remember a day aside from one that the office closed early, but surely if there weren't any big clients or much paperwork he could leave after just a few hours.

A steamy, hot shower with a vapor rub ice cube sounded heavenly and the idea of a nap, even a short one, seemed almost too good to be true.

I’m fine, Apollo told himself tiredly, muffling a loud, harsh sneeze into his elbow and feeling his head throb once more. I’ll be fine.

He let his head lull back tiredly until he heard the handle and leapt up despite his dizziness.

“Good morning,” Kristoph said, shedding his coat and hanging it on the coat rack.

“Good bordi’g, Bister Gavid. How are you?”

Yikes. Was that his voice? His boss seemed almost as surprised as he did.

“Well, you sound pleasant this morning.”

Apollo resisted the urge to sniffle. “I thigk I caught a cold.”

Kristoph smiled lightly, settling down at his desk.

“That’s a shame,” he replied. “You biked here, didn't you? Glad to see you made it.”

Apollo swallowed thickly. He’d been part of this agency for almost half a year now, but he still couldn't read his boss. Hopefully he wasn't angry? He sounded fine, mildly surprised, but only as surprised as Apollo had ever seen.

“Be too,” Apollo said lamely, clearing his throat to try and fight off the tickle growing in the back of his sinuses. It quickly backfired and he buried his face into his elbow with another harsh “HUH’JRSHHHOO!”

Goosebumps lined his arms immediately, his face heating up from the echo of his sneeze reverberating off of the walls.

Kristoph didn't reply, opening a folder on his desk and flipping through it. Apollo reached for the last tissue in his pocket, wiping the base of his sore nose gingerly.

“Justice.”

“Y-Yes sir?”

“I need you to do a follow up on the Sheffield case. The next trial is tomorrow.”

Apollo blinked. “Uh…”

Sheffield case… It sounded familiar but he couldn’t put his finger on it….

“Call theb?”

Kristoph lifted his head, adjusting his glasses.

“Yes. Unless they are in the office already, that's how follow ups work.”

“R-Right, suh-sorr-sorre- EH’DDJEWWW! HAP’JSHIEWWW! Ugh… 'scuse be…”

Kristoph pursed his lips ever-so-slightly before offering him a fake smile that Apollo could see for miles.

“And Justice?”

Apollo blew his nose into the soaked tissue, sniffling miserably as he glanced around to find that as he thought, there wasn't a box of them anywhere.

"Don't do that into the phone. I'm relying heavily on this case."

Apollo felt his face heat up once more, a careful hand extending a finger under his chapped nose.

"R-Right. Sorry, sir."

The morning took a lot longer than he’d hoped it would. He sniffled and held back powerful sneezes as he tried his best to keep his voice as professional as possible despite the croak setting in.

By lunch, he’d opted into taking a dreamless nap at his desk, waking a half hour later in a puddle of drool. He mopped it up tiredly with his sleeve, trying to force himself back into working order for the rest of his shift.

Kristoph didn't speak much, aside from orders and Apollo swallowed back his sore throat trying his best to keep it together as best he could. His head was throbbing, his throat growing more and more raw with every sneeze and he felt increasingly dizzy as the congestion plugged up his sinuses and ears.

“B-Bister Gavid…” he asked quietly, as the clock reached 5:15 p.m. “I really dod't feel well… If it's dot a probleb, cad I go hobe early?”

Kristoph slid his glasses back up the bridge of his nose into place and looked up from his page with a sigh that didn't sound frustrated or sympathetic.

“We always lock up at six. You can't make it 45 minutes longer?”

Apollo clenched his jaw guiltily. The way his boss asked, sounding genuinely confused, almost hurt more than if he’d been yelled at. It toyed with his thoughts and he lowered his head slightly. Maybe he was being a baby. If he didn't seem sick enough to Kristoph, maybe it really was just a touch of manflu.

He suffered through the last 45 minutes in somewhat of a daze, sniffling back his runny nose and trying not to count the seconds until he could home and blow it. When 6 p.m. finally arrived, he gathered his things without looking as though he was in hurry and waited for Kristoph to make his exit before locking the door.

***

Apollo stumbled into his apartment almost a half hour later, ripping off his coat and tossing his bag against the wall as he kicked off his shoes. He dragged his feet into the kitchen, filling a glass from the counter with cold water and gulped it back before grabbing the ice cube tray from the freezer and trudging down the hall with it to the bathroom.

It seemed almost too good to be true, he thought in a daze. To finally be home, to finally get some relief. He turned the shower head on, cranking the faucet to the hottest setting before twisting the tray and letting all twelve ice cubes gather over the drain. He swallowed as they began to steam up, pulling the hem of his shirt up over his head and snatching a handful of tissues from the box on the back of the toilet and settling down onto the covered seat to blow his nose with a thick gurgle that filled the tissues immediately.

He crumpled them, tossing them away before grabbing a fresh batch and continuing to blow with a soft cough as he got used to idea of breathing even a little through his nose again.

He sucked in a deep breath, flaring his nostrils as the strong scent of menthol hit him like a brick wall and he hurriedly took his pants off, sliding into the shower to welcome it.

Apollo's mouth fell open, despite the horrid taste of the steam as he felt his nose being to stream freely, the potent steam breaking away at his congestion way faster than he’d expected.

“hh...hih-ihh…” he moaned desperately, impatiently as the tickle grew and faded on repeat, taunting him until he braced himself against the tile and stared out at the light on the ceiling.

“HHHR’DJISHOO! D’JSHHOO-IJ’SHOOO! HUH-R’DJJJJISHHH! HEH’JOOO!”

He sniffled wetly, feeling the immediate effects of the disaster on his face before he titled it into the stream of water to rinse off. He swallowed, glancing around through streaming eyes to find a washcloth.

He finally spotted one in the corner, pressing his nose to the inside of his elbow as he reached for it.

“AH’JISHIIIEEE! JUH'SHOOO! HhhH-! huhh...hihhh… ddgh…”

He tightened his grip on the washcloth, leaning all of his weight against the wall as he continued to hitch and wait for the next wave. When it failed to come, he cupped the cloth over his nose and mouth, giving it a good rub before exploding into it instantly.

“HRHH’PFFOO! HEHJ’PFFF!! EH’PRFFF! Ih.. ihhh… Ih’DJPFFOO-HE’PFFF-D’HPFFF!”

He sniffled, his mouth agape once again as he leaned forward to rinse his face and the cloth in his hands before he noticed that his eyes has stopped burning and watering. The steam was mostly water now, the Vicks cubes that had been covering the drain completely melted away.

He cleared his throat, noticing how little of a voice he had left after such a long fit and lowered himself onto his bottom, letting the hot water pelt him for another twenty minutes.

When he finally made his way out of the bathroom, he collapsed onto his bed in his boxers, sniffling thickly and glancing as his phone started to buzz next to his head.

“H-Hello?” He croaked.

“Dude! What's wrong with you?!” A voice boomed. “How can you send your best friend a text saying you feel awful and then ignore their calls and texts all day? You’d better tell me you were asleep.”

Apollo swallowed.

“C-Clay,” he said softly, glancing at his missed calls to find that there were 17, 14 text messages to accompany them. He’d been in such haze the entire day he hadn't even thought about looking at his phone. “D-Doh, Sorry, I was at worgk.”

“Work?” Clay replied. “Are you kidding me? Gavin didn't give you the day off?”

Apollo sniffled, turning his head away from the receiver to sneeze at his wrist.

“HUH’JISHHOO! D-Doh… Oped to close.”

Clay sighed.

“And not a second earlier, right? Jeez, Apollo, I don't know why you stay there.”

Apollo lowered his arm to wipe it on his boxers before clearing his throat.

“Bodey. Reputatiod,” he muttered. “Bister Gavid did’t seeb codcerded, so baybe-”

Clay groaned audibly, and Apollo could imagine the guy running a hand through his thick black hair and down his face like he always did when he was exasperated.

“Dude, Gavin didn't notice because he's got a black hole for a heart. Take it from me, you sound bad. He should’ve sent you home when you got there.”

Apollo sniffled, twitching his nose again as he felt his chest tighten.

“O-oh.. hih-hh...gkay…” he muttered. “hihh-huh-”

“Bless you.”

“HR’UHJSHHH! Thaggyou…”

“Is there anything I can get for you?” Clay sighed. “Besides a new job?”

“I’m f-fide,” Apollo croaked, reaching for his water bottle and taking two pills with a swig. “Just godda take sobe cold bedicide a’d sleep… I have worgk toborrow…”

“Y-Yeah… Okay, if you need anything I'm just a call away,” Clay replied softly. “Don't be a stranger, Pollo.”

His only reply was a congested snore.

#long post #trying to move my old sff fics over #hopefully the readmore is working

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aiallardyce · 5 years

Text

More Vocaloid Ikemen Stuff Cause Yes

[Reposting since it didn’t show up in my home feed or the tags hhhh]

[Tumblr please work （；＿；）]

Okay but Cantarella fits Lancelot super well?? BUT IT ALSO FITS EDGAR AS WELL?? Actually the song FITS THE ENTIRE RED ARMY

RED ARMY X MC, YES?? I’M DOWN-

And then imagine Loki singing ‘It’s a Wonderful Cat Life’ to MC nJALIJAO

AND THEN MC QUIETLY SINGING ‘LOVE IS WAR’ TO HERSELF

OR ROMEO AND CINDERELLA

Imagine Edgar forcing Zero to wear panda costumes to sing and dance to 1 2 Fanclub lmao that’s adorable

Ooohh, and then Ray and Fenrir with World Domination How-To! They were both bullied in school, right-? It would make sense-

Actually no, maybe that song would fit more with Lancelot, Harr, and Sirius

Another song that fits the three of them is The Immoral Memory!

Lancelot x MC or Hideyoshi x MC with the song Corrupted Flower! :00

And of course, you can’t forget the classic Alice Human Sacrifice ;D Hhhh I wanna draw that now-

Ranamru or Zero/Edgar with Lost One’s Weeping, aaa my poor boys ;-;

Ooh ooh, Yukimura x Sasuke x MC with First Love Academy! Or Edgar and Luka and MC!

SHINGEN X MC WITH SEASONAL FEATHERS, AKUNISIKL MY FEELS

Maybe the IkeVamp and/or IkeRev MC can be singing 1925....Hmm 🤔

I wanna use Judgement of Corruption too! I was thinking maybe Amon? A corrupted Jonah? Claudius?

Crescent Moon with one of the IkeSen boys! ( *｀ω´) Or IkeRev too, since it’s talking about the moon and all

World’s End Dancehall with Motonari? Maybe?? With Kennyo too???

A dorky IkeSen scenario with At God’s Mercy lololol

Oh dear, Kenshin with True Love Restraint...Or Shakespeare with Rotten Girl Grotesque Romance-

Harr singing Antichlorobenzene while Loki sings Paradichlorobenzene! Or vice versa- The lyrics even fit their personalities, I believe owo

ELECTRIC ANGEL WITH THE VAN GOGH BROTHERS

The Clemence Brothers with Karakuri Burst! And Re: Birthed! Ya know, an AU where they were seperated at birth, joining different armies...They meet on the battlefield. The two of them hate each other, yet they feel a sense of familiarity when looking at each other. Why? It’s not until they clash swords that they finally realize....

......

I somehow found a way to make their relationship more sadder-

And to make things even more sadder, the Clemence brothers with a Story of Evil AU, including Regret Message-//slapped

aNyWaY

Seductive Harr with masked bitcH??

BLANC AND OLIVER SINGING MATRYOSHKA, I REPEAT, BLANC AND OLIVER SINGING MATRYOSHKA

Speaking of which, maybe a cheery Neutral Citizens scenario where Harr is no longer an outlaw, and to celebrate, Blanc made a ‘welcome back’ party for Harr and Loki and they (along with Oliver) go around Cradle enjoying everything ♪( ´▽｀) And he also receives presents from literally every and all Cradle citizens and then it goes to a disaster- Based on Drop Pop Candy

Ray, Fenrir, and Seth messing around while Triple Baka plays in the bacground, i m a g i n e. BAKA BAKA BAKA-//slapped

Echo playing during finales! :0 Uesagi-Takeda forces joining with the Oda forces against Motonari and Kennyo, Red and Black Army along with the neutrals going against Amon, etc!

Maybe I could write a songfic based on the song Hibikase where the characters become self aware that they’re in a otome game...🤔 And then it’ll be super fluffy but angsty-

Mitsunari and Ieyasu with Eye Examination? They both struggle to understand each other, in their own way-

HORROR SIRIUS AU WITH FEAR GARDEN *^* (Gore and possible eyestrain warning for the video)

*insert an angry Mozart playing fuck it*

Amon with Outer Science huehuehue fOR THE EVILZ

Ieyasu or Kenshin x MC with Toumei Answer! Aaa, there goes my feels ;w; I miss Kagerou Project asbahsnji

Kenshin or Nobunaga with Undead Enemy??

Sasuke x AI MC or Kyle x Doll MC singing Kokoro!.....Aaaa wait, no that’ll be too much for my heart-

Fenrir with Super Hero!

Ooohh! How about an AU where MC is a high authority figure, obsessed with justice, trying to capture one of the suitors since they’ve been seducing too many girls and leaving them broken-hearted afterwards? But then she herself falls for him? Based on Persecution Complex Cellphone Girl

Hmm, just imagine the s m u t and fight for d O M I N A N C E-//slapped

Then there’s Donut Hole which...Fits literally everyone in the entire Ikemen series ._.

And then some smut with the song Spice...( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Yobanashi Deceive fits Edgar and Ranmaru pretty well too!

I have the urge to write songfics and draw for all of these ideas, and because of that I am now wondering if I am mentally okay

Feel free to use these as writing or drawing prompt ideas! Though I doubt anyone will-

Edit: I FORGOT CHILDISH WAR FOR THE RED AND BLACK ARMIES I’M SO SORRY SSNISIJNSOINXOIOSNIPAMOPA

#ikemen revolution #ikerev #ikemen vampire #ikevamp #ikemen sengoku #ikesen #au #crossover #vocaloid #seriously what am i doing with this crossover-#im going extra overboard-#its really bad im sorry

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johnhaos · 4 years

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mot:7 album breakdown!!! give me all your long rambles and thoughts/rankings bro!!

hhh ok this is super late i’m so sorry so this is going to be a few initial thoughts that i /did/ note down but then mostly how i feel about the songs after ~a week i guess (also some of this is probably similar to stuff you said sorryyy, it just took me f o r e v e r to put my thoughts somewhere other than a computer file oops)

going to skip the songs from persona but wow am i mad they sacrificed mikrokosmos and home for make it right :/

anyway!! thoughts on the songs below the cut!!

interlude: shadow - sigh i do this every time but i wish i’d noted down some thoughts on this (& black swan and ego) when they first came out because now i don’t know what to say rip, i love the instumentals at the start of this wow and then yoongi’s voice !!!! the lyrics on this are just a lot emotionally gosh, and it’s a lot of stuff that we’d heard yoongi talk about before, i’m thinking especially of his poem in that run episode, but it still hits hard. G O D and then when the beat gets heavier (is that the right word) and his flow completely changes - i remember just staring at the screen when the mv came out oh my life

black swan - i really liked this when it came out, it was so different and hauntingly beautiful. i didn’t have the same instant love for it as i did for boy with luv but i really love it now, i think seeing that first stage of it on james corden really helped tbh because WOW. hobi’s verse into yoongi’s is such a GOOD part of this song i love it. you can tell how personal the lyrics are to them but at the same time it’s so relatable ;;;; i think that can apply to lyrics in a lot of their songs tbh and it’s one of the things i really love about them, that their music can be an outlet for their own thoughts/experiences/feelings while also calling out to the fans and /their/ thoughts/experiences/feelings

filter - killed me from the first listen oml, my mind immediately trying to imagine what kind of choreo this could have hahahh it’s fine. i adore the warm comfort of serendipity and promise but i also LOVE how different this is. jimin’s voice is just beautiful and he sounds gorgeous in his higher range but OH MY GOD those moments when his voice just goes so much deeper - the ‘yeah’ at ~2:09 Gand the 'ay’ near the end GOODBYE

my time - again so different from jk’s previous solo stuff, i love the way they’re exploring different sounds on this album. his vocals sound so beautiful on this track. i love the change in lyrics in the final chorus from 'i can’t’ to 'will you’, the song is so emotional the whole way though but i like that shift into a more hopeful/optimistic view ;;; and ahhh the vocalising at the end YES JK

louder than b/mbs - AHHH we really got a bts/troye sivan collab i’m so happy about this and oml the track is beautiful not that i’d expect anything less from that combo wow. i really love the way the vocal lines voices sound in this song and their high notes YES. namjoon’s voice in this oh my G O D and yoongi’s verse is amazing omg. i love when the rap lines parts all follow on from each other because it really lets you see how different they are but also how damn well they work together. this was probably one of the songs that i liked most on first listen and i still really love it CHILLS

ON - ahhh i hadn’t listened to the teaser for this beforehand so i really had no idea what to expect when i started the mv but wow this goes OFF, it’s got such a powerful performance value i really cannot WAIT to see what they do with this for tour oml. the drums!!! HOBI’S VERSE YES i love it ahhh and yoongi repeating the last line of hobi’s verse at the start of his SO GOOD. and not to sound like literally everyone but JK’S BRIDGE oh my god OMG?? he really did that he sounds incredible. an amazing title track oml

ugh! - *confession time* (why do i always do this for one track every album istg) i really wasn’t sure about this one for a looong time…. i’m not really sure why tbh because the beat is great, their flows are great and i could already sense the amazing energy it would have live from the first listen but for some reason i just wasn’t feeling it. it’s grown on me a hell of lot since, not one of my faves from the album but i definitely like it a lot more now. namjoon’s verse and the start of hobi’s are probably my favourite parts. GAH the bit at the end really goes off!!!

zero o'clock - ohh this is beautiful, vocal line tracks are always gorgeous ;;;; also i am very glad that i didn’t do a listen with lyrics until a few days after it dropped, it made me sob anyway when i did but oml if i’d looked up the lyrics on release day when i still felt /awful/ after my terrible week i can’t even imagine how i’d have felt…. 'and you gonna be happy’ artists for healing indeed ;;;

inner child - the instrumentals are so beautiful and tae’s voice is so beautiful and the lyrics are so beautiful and ahhh gosh i love this and him a lot ;;;; another one that made me cry when i listened with lyrics, the 'you’re my boy’ bit always gets me

friends - MY HEART this is the cutest damn thing just them reminiscing and showing their love for each other they’re so precious ;;; i love the inclusion of tae’s 'hey jimin, oneul’ from when they were recording it’s such an adorable personal touch. and when they call each other soulmate PLS. ahhh and i love the bit at the end with the gang vocals and the clapping it’s such a good end. i can’t wait to watch them be soft af with each other on stage performing this oml

moon - the first thing i wrote about this on first listen was just 'JIN’S VOICE ahhhh’ and i stand by that!! he really does sound amazing and i love that it’s upbeat, we know jin can kill it on a ballad but hearing him do something different is so nice as well. i really love the melody for this song so much it’s so lovely and the lyrics are so sweet i love it, i love JIN ;;;

respect - i love the beat for this so much oml, the AYO SUGA pls ;;; best throwback, god i’m so unbelievably happy to have a yoongi and namjoon subunit song and they really just bounce off each other so well. and i love the bit of satoori dialogue at the end!! this is such a JAM

we are bulletproof: the eternal - my first listen notes: 'oh nooo, this is the sad emotional one isn’t it ;;;; 'yeah we have you’ pls stop i can’t deal with this’, i really did expect this to have a similar vibe to the other we are bulletproofs hhhh, should have seen this coming with it being the second to last song though rip, but wow this song is beautiful and will 100% make me cry live ;;;; i love hobi’s verse in this, there’s always something about his verses in the slow, emotional concert ending-type songs that really gets me. gosh i just love them all so much and i’m so so glad that i found them

outro: ego - sdfgfa the mood change here, they said no more tears time to BOP. as i said for shadow i really wish i’d written down thoughts about this when the mv came out sigh. but it’s just so beautifully hobi and ahh it’s been 2 years since hope world so i’ve listened to that a lot today as well and it fits so perfectly with that vibe!!!

so yeah overall i really love this album, yay!!

#finally answered!!#q and a #clockworkswans #i did not read this back through so sorry for any mistakes or if it doesn't make sense #kpop asks

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sovereign-of-shipping · 5 years

Text

@infinadow-week Day 4: Alone Time Word Count: 7195 words Pairing: Infinadow, Shadfinite Summary: Shadow finds Zero in the training room late at night and they decide to blow off some steam by sparring with each other. A/N: I KNOW I’M LATE BY LIKE A WEEK SHHHHHH. Real life got in the way, hhhh... Also, this one got long man… I’d say sorry, but I’m not. I like the idea of Zero/Infinite being able to use the Phantom Ruby to a degree, so I wanted to explore that in this. Hope you all enjoy this as a Valentine’s Day gift instead! I guess I should rate this as PG-13? Since there’s some cussing and stuff.

Shadow leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh while he stretched his arms above his head. Once they reached their limit, he held them there for a moment before bringing them back down to rest on his desk. He brought one hand to his face to cover his mouth while he yawned.

Seven hours in his office and he was barely halfway done with his paperwork.

Perhaps it wasn’t smart of him to push it off for as long as he did, but Shadow wasn’t a fan of doing it at all. Usually, he left Omega to do it for him, but when Rouge found out, she threatened to tell Commander Towers. Shadow figured that the Commander wouldn’t take too kindly to his slacking off, so he begrudgingly agreed to do it.

And he still had so much to do.

Shadow sighed and brought a hand to his face. As if that weren’t bad enough, he had to wear his work uniform that day, too. G.U.N. finally decided to tighten up on dress code for their Mobian employees, per new G.U.N. requirements, he had to suit up. He had slipped off his blazer, but he could still feel his slacks and button-up stick to his pelt.

It was dark outside, and the hallway outside his office was silent. He guessed that most of the other agents were either gone for the night or were working in their own offices silently. Shadow wondered how many of them were in his same situation.

When he pulled at his collar, the fabric stuck to him slightly. The area where it once laid was cool, and when he let it fall back against his neck, the fabric felt just short of being damp.

“Ugh,” Shadow groaned.

Shadow stood up, the joints in his legs popping at the sudden movement. When he stood up, he stretched his back out and heard it crack slightly. He pushed his chair back and walked out from behind his desk.

Taking a break wasn’t going to hurt him, Shadow figured. He grabbed his blazer from the back of his chair and slung it over his shoulder. If he went down to his gym locker, he could put his clothes up for the night and worry about them later on. Sweatpants and a tank top weren’t exactly dress code, but with no one around, he didn’t see the harm. He walked towards the door, switching the light off as he stepped out of his office.

Shadow rolled his shoulders as he walked down the quiet hallway, popping a couple of joints in the process. He didn’t like staying in place for too long. Sitting at his desk for hours on end made him antsy, as much he hated to admit it. He liked being on the go. He liked moving around and getting stuff done.

His hand went to his face and dragged down slightly. Judging from the stack that was on his desk, he was still going to have quite a couple of hours worth of sitting left to do. He wished he hadn’t waited until the last second. Again.

WHAM!

Shadow’s eyes went wide and he dropped his hand from his face. He looked around him quickly, but saw no one else in the hallway.

“Aw, shit,” said a distant voice.

Shadow looked down the hallway and saw the double-door entrance into the training room. Curious, he lightly walked over to it and peeked his head in through the entrance. To his surprise, Zero was there, all alone.

Zero’s back was facing towards him, so he didn’t see Shadow. His hair, which was normally pulled back in a ponytail, hung loosely in a messy bun. The lights were dimmed down in the training room, but even in the dim light, Shadow could see the light glisten of sweat on Zero’s shoulders. Despite his tank top and sweatpants being rather loose on him, Zero’s tank top clung to his sweaty form.

Shadow tore his eyes from Zero and brought his attention to where Zero was looking. On the floor in a heap was a punching bag, a large rip sliced through the seam. In the silence, Shadow could hear the light spill of sand on the carpeted floor.

“Shit,” Zero repeated, his voice softer.

Shadow couldn’t help but smile a bit. “It’s a little late to be destroying company property, don’t you think?”

Zero whipped around to face him, his eyes wide. He let out a small sigh when he saw Shadow.

“You startled me,” Zero breathed. After a moment, he arched a brow. “What are you doing down here? I haven’t seen you all day.”

“I was gonna ask you the same thing,” Shadow replied coolly. He looked at Zero’s disheveled clothes and paused when he caught the gleam from the Phantom Ruby peek out from Zero’s from the collar of his tank top. It did not glow as it once did, but Shadow knew of the power that it was capable of.

Shadow brought his eyes towards Zero’s. “Everything alright with you?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Zero told him, “I just… guess I’ve been feeling stressed, is all.”

The corner of Shadow’s mouth threatened to pull up. “You been cooped up in your office working on paperwork?”

Zero sighed. “Yes.”

“Let me guess…” Shadow said, tilting his head, “you waited until the last second to do it?”

“Judging from your clothes, I’d say you know what that’s like,” Zero replied with a laugh.

Shadow glanced down at his own clothes and sighed. “That’s why I came down here. I figured there was no harm in wearing my sweats since no one’s here this late.”

Zero nodded in acknowledgement as he walked towards the bench a couple feet from them both. He grabbed the towel that was slung over it and brought it up to wipe the back of his neck.

Zero made a great shift from the person he was when he was a mercenary and in league with Dr. Eggman. Back when Zero was first taken into custody and ultimately turned to their side, Commander Towers made him and his squad an offer to work for the agency to work off their crimes. Shadow and his team was placed in charge of their integration into the training program and oversaw their progress.

It had been a struggle, especially the first couple of months. Not only was Zero struggling to control the Ruby, but he was grappling with the full weight of his actions. While the Commander had been graceful in granting him and his squad a fresh start, there were many in the agency who did not share that grace.

Zero carried that weight, however, and he still persevered. He didn’t back down, he didn’t break, and he didn’t make excuses. He knew what he had done was wrong, and he knew that even though there was nothing he could ever do to make up for it. But he knew that he had to fix what he’d done.

Shadow had been suspect of whether or not he truly wanted to change. But, when he saw how hard Zero worked, even when everyone else wanted him to fail, he couldn’t help but admire him for it. There were times he fell, but he didn’t stop. He kept going.

Now, things were different, for the most part. Zero and his squad had finally proven themselves capable of working for the agency and earned their stripes. Although Shadow and his team no longer supervised the squad, there were times when they got to work together on different cases and Shadow got see him in action.

He was no longer Infinite; he was just Zero, and Shadow was glad for it.

“Um, Shadow?”

Shadow realized he was staring and shook his head. “Sorry, I guess I’m a little out of it. I’ve been staring at paperwork for seven hours.”

Zero winced sympathetically. “At least you’re done, right?”

Shadow felt the sudden urge to look at his watch.

“Oh, Shadow,” Zero laughed, “you poor idiot.”

“Usually Omega does it for me,” Shadow told him, shaking his head, “but Rouge suggested I start doing it myself.”

“By ‘suggested’, you actually mean she yelled at you, don’t you?”

Shadow sighed. “She shrieked, actually.”

“Oh, Shadow, you know better than to make a bat shriek at you,” Zero replied, his shoulders shaking slightly as he laughed, “she’s gonna kill you if you don’t finish your work.”

“Like you finished yours?” Shadow shot back.

Zero blinked in surprise. His eyes shifted downwards and he brought his fist up to his mouth to cover up a cough. “I may have… decided to take a little break from doing it.”

Shadow arched a brow. “How long have you been down here?”

“I don’t think it matters,” Zero said quickly, his hand grabbing his water bottle from the bench. He took a long swig, his eyes pointedly avoiding Shadow’s judgmental gaze.

Shadow snorted. “So not only did you break company property, but you’re also avoiding your job duties.”

Zero’s lips broke from his water bottle and he turned back towards the broken punching bag. He brought a hand to his face and held it there, a small sigh escaping him. “I’m going to have to pay for that, aren’t I?”

“How did that happen, by the way?” Shadow asked. He spared the broken bag another look before focusing back on Zero. “You don’t normally lose control like that during training.”

“I guess I’ve been feeling…” Zero paused, then looked away from Shadow. “Stressed.”

His eyes drifted back towards the punching bag, which laid on top of a bigger pile of sand than it did before. Zero’s brows drew together and his lips tightened into a thin line. His muscles seemed to tense up, his gaze showing a flicker of apprehension that wasn’t there before.

“I didn’t realize how hard I was hitting until it flew off the hook,” Zero admitted. There was a time when he would have sounded proud of it, but now, he seemed almost shamed.

“Not so fun when your opponent can’t fight back?” Shadow guessed.

“Yeah,” Zero sighed. He shook his head while he brought his water bottle back up to his lips. “I suppose I’m just looking for a challenge, is all.”

Shadow arched a brow. “Is that your way of asking me to spar?”

Zero blinked in surprise. “I didn’t mean--”

“I’m not bothered, if that’s what you’re thinking,” Shadow told him, noting his expression, “I was just wondering; I’m here, so why not?”

“I don’t want to bother you,” Zero said hastily, “besides, we should probably get back to work.”

Shadow’s brow rose up once more. “You really think I want to go back and do my paperwork?”

Zero didn’t reply.

“You said you wanted a challenge,” Shadow replied, shrugging his shoulders, “am I not enough of a challenge for you?”

For a moment, Zero didn’t seem convinced. Finally, he let out a small sigh and shook his head. “I’m not gonna change your mind, am I?”

Shadow couldn’t help but smirk. “What is it? Scared you’ll lose?”

Zero’s eyes widened and Shadow saw his jaw set tightly. After a moment of silence, Zero grabbed a hold of the towel that was wrapped around his shoulders and tugged it off, then tossed it onto the bench beside him.

“Alright, then,” Zero said, a small smile going across his face, “what’s in it for me if I win?”

Shadow grinned. “How about whoever loses has to pay for the punching bag?”

Zero’s smile became wider. “Oh, it’s a bet.”

“Glad to hear you’re on board,” Shadow replied. He began to walk towards the training mat, but Zero grabbed his shoulder. “What?”

“You sure you wanna spar in that?” Zero asked, his eyes trailing over Shadow’s form. Shadow looked down at his button-up and slacks. “If so, then I feel overdressed.”

Shadow snorted. “I’ll be back. I was gonna change anyway.”

Zero let go of his shoulder and crossed his arms. His smile was warm. “Head over to the training mat when you’re done. I’ll be waiting.”

Once Shadow was out of his work clothes, he skated back over to the training area with his Air Shoes. When he got there, he adjusted the pressure in his shoes to deactivate them. He glanced at Zero, whose hair was pulled into a tighter bun than before.

Zero smirked at him. “Ready?”

Shadow nodded and he went to the opposite side of the training area while Zero went to his own side. Zero’s eyes met his once they reached their positions and he smiled, his teeth glinting under the dim light.

“You ready to get your ass beat, Shadow?” Zero called out, his arms raised above his head in a stretch.

Shadow chuckled. “Not as ready as you, I’m afraid. Any rules before we start?”

“Hmm…” Zero tapped his chin. He snapped his fingers and pointed at Shadow. “No Chaos Control. I don’t want to cause any more property damage.”

Shadow frowned. “Fine, but then you’re not allowed to teleport.”

Zero rolled his eyes. “Fine, then, neither are you.”

“And no Ruby blasts,” Shadow said finally, “you can get a little trigger happy.”

“Just a regular spar, then?” Zero questioned. He shrugged. “Nothing wrong with a little hand to hand combat.”

Shadow spread his legs out and held his arms up. “You ready?”

“Only when you are,” Zero replied, mirroring his stance.

For a moment, neither did anything. Both stood on their respective sides, unmoving, their eyes never leaving each other. Then, Zero sprinted forward, his toes barely touching the ground. Shadow quickly met him in the middle and they connected.

Zero went for the first punch, but Shadow dodged easily. Once he ducked down, however, Zero had already gone for another jab. He dodged that, too. Zero didn’t let up, though, and continued his onslaught.

While Shadow continued to dodge, Zero pulled his arms back. He turned on the ball of his foot and brought his leg towards him. Shadow caught it, then smiled when he saw the bewildered look on Zero’s face

“Nice try,” Shadow said, his smile growing.

Then, he pulled Zero by the leg and threw him over his head. When he brought Zero down, he hit the ground hard. For a moment, he just laid there, unmoving.

“That didn’t last long,” Shadow commented, looking down at Zero.

Zero lifted his head up, then sat up, propping himself up on his elbows. His fangs flashed dangerously in his smile.

“Oh, so we’re playing rough, then?” Zero declared. “Then let’s play.”

He launched off the ground and onto Shadow. Zero grabbed hold of his shoulders and threw them both towards the ground. Once Shadow’s back hit the floor, Zero pressed his shoulders down firmly, his claws digging in. Shadow looked up at Zero’s grinning face and he growled, his eyes narrowed.

“That excited to jump me, eh?” Shadow shot back.

Zero blinked in surprise. Seizing the opportunity, Shadow grabbed his hands and pried them off by the wrists. He held Zero’s wrists and flipped them both into the reverse of their previous position. Once Zero’s back hit the ground, Shadow pinned his hands above his head and hooked his feet around Zero’s ankles to hold them in place.

“Ready to give up?” Shadow asked, staring Zero down.

Zero let out a growl and struggled against Shadow’s grips. “Let me go.”

“You ready to give up already?” Shadow shook his head. “I thought you wanted a challenge.”

Zero snarled and broke his hands free of Shadow’s grip. He slipped his legs out from Shadow’s and brought them up, his knees touching his stomach. Zero kicked both feet out into Shadow’s gut with full force.

Shadow went flying across the room, but he quickly activated his Air Shoes and righted himself. Once he was upright, he slid to a stop. He remained in the air, his shoes hovering in place as he watched Zero get up.

“Now we’re talking,” Shadow said with a grin.

Zero grit his teeth. The Phantom Ruby cast a glow across Zero’s chest, the light peering out from underneath the fabric of his tank top. He bent his knees slightly and launched forward, his teeth bared in a snarl.

Shadow kicked forward and skated across the floor. Zero followed after him, his feet hovering across the floor. Once he managed to catch up to him, he turned on his foot and started to go backwards so he could face Shadow.

“Having fun?” Shadow asked, his brows raised.

Zero smirked. “How about we double it?”

He brought his hand up and snapped his fingers. Shadow arched a brow in questioning as he skated. Then, he felt a hand land on his shoulder. He turned back and went still when he saw Zero standing there.

“What the--”

He didn’t get to finish when Zero punched him square in the jaw. Shadow got knocked back, but a pair of hands caught him by his upper arms. He turned back and saw Zero standing behind him, grinning. He faced forward and saw that there was another Zero standing there, too, the same grin on his face.

“How did you…” Shadow tried to say. Before Shadow could fully process what he was seeing, Zero wrapped his arms around him and pulled him into a tight bearhug. Shadow tried to kick his legs out, but it did nothing. Both Zeros laughed in unison, sending a shiver down Shadow’s spine. The Zero that stood in front of him leaned forward with his arms crossed.

“You said no teleportation or ruby blasts,” he said, his smile smug.

“But you didn’t say anything about making copies,” said the Zero behind him.

“When the hell did you learn to do that?” Shadow exclaimed, still writhing in his arms.

“Couple of weeks ago,” the Zero in front of him answered with a shrug, as if it wasn’t a big deal. Seeing him act so casual made Shadow’s blood boil, but he went still when he felt hot breath brush up against his ear.

“Impressed?” whispered the Zero behind him.

The Zero in front of him uncrossed his arms. He brought a hand up to his face and touched his cheek. Even with his gloves on, Shadow could feel the tips of his claws press against the fabric.

“What’s the matter?” Zero crooned. He smiled as he brushed his thumb gently across Shadow’s cheek. “Seems as though the ultimate lifeform isn’t as strong as he seems…”

Shadow let out a growl and threw his head back as hard as he could. Once he heard Zero cry out, he broke his arms free of his hold. As soon as his feet hit the floor, he took off on his skates and tore across the floor. When Shadow turned back, he saw both Zero’s flying towards him.

“You don’t give up, do you?” Shadow called out.

Neither Zero answered and continued in their chase. They were in perfect sync with one another, making it hard for Shadow to tell which one was the original. As he skated, Shadow studied their movements to find an inkling of a difference between the two, but he couldn’t see any whatsoever.

Then, they split up. One Zero went to the left, the other to the right. The one that went to the right barreled towards Shadow at a breakneck speed. In a matter of seconds, he was next to him. Shadow turned on one foot and reeled his leg back, ready to kick.

Once his leg swung forward, however, Zero disappeared into a flurry of red pixels. Shadow blinked and his eyes went wide with bewilderment. Then, as he was falling backwards from sheer momentum, he felt a hand grip onto his forearm. He looked up and saw Zero, who merely smiled at him.

“Wrong one,” he said, his fangs glinting.

Zero tightened his grip and then threw Shadow down up into the air. Shadow soared upwards from the sheer force behind Zero’s toss, but he quickly righted himself with the propellation from his Air Shoes. He turned and saw Zero was up in the air with him. They both paused in their ascension and looked at one another, their eyes locked together.

“Having fun?” Zero asked, his voice husky. His hair was falling out of its bun, but if he noticed, he didn’t care. There was a wild excitement in his eyes that Shadow hadn’t seen before, and he couldn’t help but feel it himself. He was normally more composed during their training sessions with one another, but now that it was just the two of them, there was something different in the way he moved, the way he breathed.

Shadow wanted to see more of it. He needed to see more of it.

“You gonna stay there all night or are you gonna make me come to you?” Zero asked, his voice low. He was still smiling, but there was a deep need in his voice. The same need Shadow felt himself. It almost made him shiver.

Shadow answered by charging towards Zero. He swung his fist towards Zero, but he ducked away from it. Zero countered with a swing of his own and narrowly missed Shadow’s cheek, his knuckles brushing past it.

It felt electric.

Shadow almost didn’t want the fight to end. He wasn’t sure why it felt different this time, but there was a fire inside him he hadn’t felt before. His heart hammered in his chest and his entire body felt hot. He didn’t want it to stop.

Was it because he had been so stressed? Was it because he loved the thrill of it all after such a long day? Or was it because of Zero? Was his passion that contagious, that invigorating?

Then, Shadow’s fist connected with Zero’s cheek. Zero was knocked back a couple feet, but remained in the air. As he attempted to right himself, Shadow ascended above him and looked down at him. Zero’s eyes widened when he saw Shadow above him. Shadow merely smiled and brought his leg back before kicking Zero down to the ground.

Zero plummeted and then crashed against the ground, a loud gasp startling out of his throat upon impact. Small strands of his hair stuck to his glistening face and neck in messy waves. His bun had fallen out completely, leaving his silver locks to splay out in behind him on the ground.

Shadow dove downwards and quickly landed beside him before he could get up. He climbed onto Zero and pinned his wrists above his head with one hand, while the other wrapped around his throat lightly. He hooked his ankles around Zero’s to hold them in place.

Zero’s eyes shot open and he looked up at Shadow. His shoulders moved with each breath he took and his heartbeat pulsed in his throat, thrumming against Shadow’s hand. The glow from the Phantom Ruby had all but faded.

“You give?” Shadow asked quietly, his voice ragged.

Zero’s eyes watched him patiently while he caught his breath. Finally, he closed his eyes and took in air deeply. He finally opened his eyes. “Yes. I give.”

Shadow closed his eyes and sighed. He slowly released the grip on Zero’s wrists. His other hand traced lightly away from his throat and brushed against the patch of white fur on his chest. He thought he felt Zero shudder.

Shadow climbed off of Zero and waited while Zero sat up. He extended his hand towards him. After a moment, Zero took his hand and stood up from his place on the floor. Once Zero was up, Shadow smiled at him.

“You almost had me back there,” Shadow told him, still a bit breathless.

Zero nodded in acknowledgement. After a moment, he looked down and realized that he was still holding Shadow’s hand. He pulled it away quickly.

“Let’s get cleaned up,” he said hastily, turning to walk towards the locker room. He held his hand tenderly, as if Shadow had hurt it.

Shadow blinked in surprise, but he didn’t say anything. Zero began to walk away and Shadow soon followed after him, his strides soon catching up to his. They walked in silence towards the locker room, although Shadow could still feel his heart racing in his chest.

The silence continued once they got into the locker room. With every sound they made, it echoed off the linoleum floor and walls afterwards, which only made the silence between them more prominent. The locker room was spacious, but it felt especially big with just the two of them in there.

Both Zero and Shadow walked to their own lockers, which were indirectly opposite from one another. Before he put in his locker combination, Shadow turned around to look at Zero, whose back faced towards him. He seemed tense.

“Zero?” Shadow asked.

Zero paused, but did not turn around. “What?”

Shadow arched a brow. “Everything alright over there?”

“I’m fine,” Zero replied, still not looking at him.

“Are you sure?” Shadow questioned.

“Yes.” Zero opened up his locker and began to rummage around in it. He didn’t look up or turn around. The tension in his shoulders did not disappear.

Shadow opened his mouth, but then thought better of it and closed it. They didn’t say anything for another moment and went through their lockers in silence. Once Shadow got his spare change of clothes out, he grabbed the hem of his shirt and lifted it up over his head.

After he got his tank top off, Shadow thought he felt eyes on him. He turned to look at Zero and saw Zero’s head turn back swiftly towards his locker. Shadow’s brows raised with interest. “Zero?”

Zero paused. “Yes?”

“Are you sure everything is OK?” Shadow asked, his eyes focused on him.

“Yes, I’m fine,” he replied.

Shadow frowned. “You don’t seem fine.”

Zero went silent for a moment. He didn’t turn around, still, but after he sighed, the tension in his posture seemed to lessen.

“I’m just…” Zero tried to say. He shook his head. “I’m not looking forward to having to pay for that punching bag, I guess.”

Shadow blinked. Was he upset about their bet? They had made it in jest, it wasn’t supposed to be a big deal. He furrowed his brows and watched Zero. With his back still turned towards Shadow, Zero grabbed the hem of his tank top and pulled it upwards. Shadow watched Zero’s back muscles flex as he pulled the shirt over his head, his hair spilling over his back like a waterfall. Zero balled the shirt up and tossed it into his gym bag at the bottom of his locker.

“Is there something else you’re not telling me?” Shadow asked. He kept watching Zero, his eyes focused on his form.

Zero turned towards him sharply. Without his tank top, Shadow could see the full view of the Phantom Ruby. It didn’t glow like it did when they were sparring, but there was a shine to it. He glanced back up at Zero.

“Why do you keep asking me that?” Zero snapped harshly. His fangs pressed into his lower lip when he grimaced. “I told you, I’m fine.”

Shadow narrowed his eyes. “I don’t buy it.”

Zero growled in aggravation. “Shadow, seriously, just drop it.”

“You told me earlier you felt like you’d been holding yourself back during training, but I don’t think that’s the problem anymore,” Shadow told him. He crossed his arms over his chest. “I think you’re holding back more than that.”

Zero blinked in surprise. He stared at Shadow for a moment, unmoving. Then, he closed his eyes and shook his head. “I just… I just need to go home and rest, OK? I’ll feel better once I sleep it off.”

“Sleep what off?” Shadow exclaimed. “Zero, just tell me what’s going on.”

Zero rolled his eyes and turned back towards his locker. He slipped on a new tank top over his head before he pulled his gym bag out of his locker and slammed it close. “Goodnight, Shadow, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Shadow stepped in front of him. “Zero, stop. Just tell me what the problem is.”

“OK, fine!” Zero snapped. He dropped his gym bag onto the floor. “You wanna know what my problem is? It’s you!”

Shadow went completely still. His eyes widened in total surprise and he felt his brows shoot up to his forehead. In an instant, Zero’s frustration shifted into total shock, as if he fully realized what he said. He let out a loud growl and brought both hands to his face.

“Dammit, that’s not what I-- I wasn’t trying to--” Zero threw his hands up in the air and yelled. “You make me so damn mad, Shadow!”

Shadow snapped out of his shock. “Where the hell is this coming from? I thought we worked through all our shit, Zero!”

“It’s not that!” Zero growled. “I don’t care about any of that!”

“Then why do I make you angry, then?” Shadow challenged. “You just said I was the problem, Zero. What the hell did I do wrong?”

“I’m not mad at you because you did anything wrong!” Zero exclaimed. “I’m mad because you make me do everything wrong!”

Shadow went still. “What?”

Zero’s eyes went wide, as if just realized what he said, then quickly turned around to look away from Shadow. He slowly dragged his hand down his face. “I thought I was stronger than I was before, but everytime I’m with you, it just reminds me of how weak I really am.”

“Zero, you know you’re not weak,” Shadow told him sharply, “and you know that you have no reason to feel that way, especially with me. I thought we worked through this.”

“It’s not like that,” Zero replied softly, “it’s just…”

Shadow grabbed him by the shoulder and held it there. “Zero, talk to me.”

Zero turned to face him and Shadow felt his anger melt away. The heat in Zero’s expression disappeared entirely and was replaced by a picture of vulnerability he hadn’t seen before. He had seen Zero afraid before, but there was always a guardedness there, a wall to deflect any harm. Now, he seemed unprepared for whatever it was that he felt was about to happen.

“You don’t get it, do you?” Zero said quietly. He closed his eyes. “Shadow, I don’t feel weak because I don’t feel like I’m strong enough. I feel weak because I… I don’t know what to do about this.”

“Do about what?” Shadow tightened his grip on Zero’s shoulder. “Zero, stop being so vague and just tell me what’s wrong.”

Zero opened his eyes. “Shadow… Ever since I met you, you pushed me to be better than I was before. And I can never thank you enough for that. I know we had our rough spots, but… I need you to know how thankful I am to have you in my life because…”

His hand lifted up slowly and Shadow watched it. He felt his breath catch when Zero’s hand went to his cheek. His hand cupped around it gently as his thumb traced across it, all while Zero looked down at him.

“...I wouldn’t have a life if it weren’t for you,” Zero finished.

Shadow felt his heart begin to race, like it did back when they were sparring. Zero continued to look down at him with his mismatched eyes, and Shadow suddenly had a hard time breathing.

Zero took a long deep breath, then shook his head. “I’m not mad at you. I’m mad because everytime I see you, I forget how to breathe. I’m mad because everytime you touch me, I feel like I’ve been struck by lightning. I’m mad because when we sparred tonight and I had my arms around you, I didn’t want to let go.”

The sensation of Zero’s arms around him came flooding back to the forefront of Shadow’s mind. Zero’s hot breath had brushed past his ear, and although that moment had passed, Shadow felt like a chill had run through him at the thought of how it felt.

“But…” Zero began, “I’m terrified, Shadow. I’ve never been so scared in my life. I know how it feels to lose everything, but I…”

Zero closed his eyes and his lips pursed together. Before Shadow could even process it, he brought his hand to Zero’s face. As soon as his palm rested on his cheek, Zero’s eyes shot open and his entire body tensed up. He began to back away, his hand retracting from Shadow’s face.

Shadow caught him by his wrist. He felt the warmth that came from Zero’s inhibitor ring, the one Shadow had given him when he first found him in the Mystic Jungle. Shadow tugged on his wrist, bringing Zero closer to him. Zero paused in his movement and stood still, his eyes watching Shadow.

“Don’t leave,” Shadow said gently. He pulled Zero closer and slowly brought his hand back to Zero’s cheek. Zero’s breath caught, making Shadow pause. “Do you want me to stop?”

Zero didn’t move for a moment, then slowly shook his head. “No.”

Shadow continued and gently placed his hand on Zero’s cheek. He rested it there lightly and watched for any change in Zero’s expression, but none came. Zero merely watched him with wide eyes.

“Why are you afraid?” Shadow asked finally.

Zero didn’t respond. His mouth opened slightly as if to speak, but no words came out. He swallowed thickly and closed his eyes.

“I don’t want to lose you,” he whispered softly.

If Shadow hadn’t been so close to him, he was certain he wouldn’t have heard it. Zero’s hand was shaking in his grip and Shadow squeezed to reassure him. Zero opened his eyes and glanced down at Shadow’s hand, then slowly traced it back up to Shadow’s face. He still looked afraid.

“What makes you think you’ll lose me?” Shadow murmured. His heart hammered in his chest like it did when they were sparring, but it was heavier, more intense. It felt like it could burst at any moment.

Zero’s eyes widened slightly, and his fear seemed to only grow. Shadow held steady, however, and waited patiently for the answer. He squeezed again, but did not release. He traced his thumb over Zero’s cheek softly, which made Zero’s breath hitch.

Finally, Zero closed his eyes and huffed through his nose.

“To hell with it,” he muttered.

Zero brought his free hand to the small of Shadow’s back and pushed him towards him. Shadow came forward with such force that his feet lifted off the floor and his chest pressed against Zero’s, the Phantom Ruby’s pulse thrumming against him erratically. Before he could even think or breathe, he felt Zero’s lips press against his.

Shadow’s eyes shot wide open. He stopped breathing entirely, and Shadow was certain that his heart had stopped beating. He looked at Zero and saw his eyes were closed, as if he were afraid to open them. Zero’s hand pressed firmly into his back to hold him close to him.

Suddenly, Zero’s eyes opened and he broke away from the kiss. He stared down at Shadow with wide, terrified eyes, his entire body frozen in place. After a moment of total silence, he slowly brought Shadow back down to the floor. Shadow had a hard time standing.

“I…” Zero breathed. He shook his head and backed away. “I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have--”

It was then that Shadow remembered that he was still holding onto Zero’s wrist. Before he knew it, Shadow pulled him back and brought Zero crashing back into him. Once Zero was close to him, Shadow let go of Zero’s hand and slung his arm around his neck.

He leaned forward onto the balls of his feet and activated his Air Shoes to give him extra height. Once he did, he brought his lips to Zero’s. Zero broke away from the kiss almost immediately, his eyes wide with shock. Then, after a moment of stunned silence, he pulled Shadow back in.

Suddenly, Shadow’s back was against the lockers. He blinked and looked up to see Zero, breathing heavy. He pressed Shadow gently against the lockers and hooked his hand behind knee, lifting it. Once he had it, he slid Shadow up the lockers until their faces were level with each other. Zero watched him intently as he pressed his hips against his to hold him in place.

Zero brought his free hand to Shadow’s face and rested it on his cheek. The warmth from his palms made Shadow shiver in the coolness of the locker room. His thumb traced lightly across Shadow’s cheek as he leaned forward for another kiss, while his other hand stayed locked in place behind Shadow’s knee.

Before he could fully process it, Shadow had closed his eyes and leaned into the kiss. He brought his arm back around Zero’s neck and pulled him in closer. His hand trailed up the back of his head, his fingers twisting around the thick, silver locks. Meanwhile, his other hand slid onto his back and traced into it softly.

The kiss was a lot softer than he had expected. He never thought of Zero as anything less than strong and defiant, but his lips were so soft and sweet against his own. Despite that, Shadow could feel the intensity behind it, and he wondered if Zero was holding it back. Part of him wanted to chase it, find it, unleash it.

“Shadow,” Zero whispered against his lips. His breath brushed over Shadow’s lips hotly, and at the sound of his voice, Shadow finally opened his eyes. He gazed up at Zero intently.

“What is it?” Shadow murmured.

Zero did not pull away, but Shadow could feel his hesitation. “I… I shouldn’t have… I’m…”

Shadow released his fingers from Zero’s hair and brought it back to his face. He cupped his cheek and brushed his thumb over it like he did before, soft and gentle. Zero leaned into his hand and closed his eyes.

“Is this what you afraid of?” Shadow asked quietly. He felt like he could hardly talk.

Zero opened his eyes and looked at him. “I was afraid you wouldn’t… I didn’t know if you…”

Shadow hushed him and leaned forward. Their foreheads pressed together softly and they remained still, their eyes never breaking from the other. Shadow continued to hold his face, while his other hand traced over Zero’s back. He didn’t want to move. He didn’t want to be anywhere else.

Suddenly, Zero stiffened. “Oh, shit.”

Shadow blinked. “What is it?”

“Shadow…” Zero said slowly. He leaned back a bit to look and Shadow saw the awkward look on his face. “Didn’t you… say you had to go back and finish your paperwork?”

The image of the stack of papers that Shadow left on his desk flashed across his mind and he felt his entire body tense up. He had come down to take a break, then he and Zero started sparring, and then they…

Shadow slowly looked down at himself. He was in his sweatpants, no shirt on, with his back up against the lockers while Zero was holding him up. He looked back up at Zero’s face and felt a sudden rush of heat flood his cheeks. Shadow brought both his hands down and put them over his eyes as he looked down, then slowly dragged them down his eyelids with a sigh.

“Rouge is going to kill me,” he groaned.

Zero cracked a smile and laughed. “She’s probably not going to be happy that you blew off work to make out in the locker room at your job, either.”

Shadow dropped his hands to glare at him. “You didn’t finish doing your work, either, you know.”

“Yeah, but Rouge isn’t going to yell at me for it, is she?” Zero told him. He leaned forward until his nose touched Shadow’s. “Might as well make the most of what little time you have left.”

Shadow chuckled and pushed Zero away gently. “As much as I’d like to spend my last day kissing you, I think it’d be better if I finished up my work so Rouge doesn’t find out that you’re the reason I didn’t finish it.”

“Oh, you traitor,” Zero said teasingly, his thumb rubbing against Shadow’s outer thigh, “then she’ll kill both of us.”

“That’s what you get for breaking the punching bag,” Shadow retorted.

Zero rolled his eyes. “Ugh, don’t remind me… I am not looking forward to paying for that.”

Shadow chuckled once more. “Mind letting me down? I can’t really work if you keep me up against the locker.”

As if he just remembered their position, Zero looked down. He slowly backed up so his hips weren’t against Shadow’s anymore, then brought Shadow back down to the floor. Zero unhooked his hand from behind Shadow’s knee and let Shadow stand on his own. His other hand stayed on Shadow’s cheek.

“Better?” he asked.

Shadow smiled. “Almost.”

His hand went to Zero’s cheek once more and he leaned forward onto the balls of his feet. Zero met him in the middle and leaned down, both of their eyes closing once their lips met. After a moment, they parted, but did not back away from each other.

“I suppose it would be too much to ask you to help me with my paperwork?” Shadow guessed, his eyes peering up at Zero.

Zero shook his head. “I got my own workload, but… Perhaps I could keep you company?”

“Well, then…” Shadow replied. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt if I asked you to come to my office tonight?”

“I suppose it wouldn’t,” Zero answered, his smile soft.

Zero’s hand wrapped around Shadow’s. Shadow squeezed and Zero squeezed back in response. He began to walk away, but he stopped when he saw Zero wasn’t moving.

“What is it?” he asked.

A light shade of red colored Zero’s cheeks. “You think maybe you should put a shirt on?”

Shadow looked down and confirmed that he was indeed without a shirt. He looked back up at Zero’s blushing face. He couldn’t stop the smile from going across his face. “Like what you see?”

“Shut up,” Zero muttered, his eyes shifting downwards.

Shadow chuckled. He let go of Zero’s hand and walked over to his locker. He pulled out a fresh tank top and slipped it on over his head, the fabric cool against his pelt. He turned back towards Zero. “C’mon. We’ll grab your stuff and head over to my office.”

Zero’s eyes slid back towards Shadow while a small, mischievous smile graced his lips. “Maybe once we’re done... we can pick up where we left off tonight.”

Shadow grinned. “It’s a bet.”

#the queen writes #sonic the hedgehog #infinadowweek #infinadow #shadfinite #shadow the hedgehog #infinite the jackal #ahhh i kinda rushed this i'm sorry #but i was late!!#i needed to finish this ok

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mostdangerouspotato · 5 years

Text

About the Mun

– one / NAME / ALIAS.

I usually just go by Lima! But I’m also called Laura or Laury, especially offline. (I like Lima the best tho)

– two / BIRTHDAY.

02/23/1993

– three / ZODIAC SIGN.

♓Pisces♓ and 🐓Rooster🐓 (Apparently I’m a Water Rooster but idk if that’s important)

– four / HEIGHT.

I’m 5′2½”!! The half inch is VERY IMPORTANT and because of it my doctor’s office has me as 5′3″ hehehe

– five / HOBBIES.

Video games!! But also I love crafts and stuff, I have a million projects started and I’m very slowly finishing them. Also, I like to draw and write when it tickles my fancy and I’m motivated, which doesn’t happen a lot.

– six / FAVOURITE COLOURS.

Anything PURPLE

– seven / FAVOURITE BOOKS.

Look I have stacks and shelves and stacks of books anywhere and I cannot tell you if I have any favorites. I wait a couple years, go "oh book! I don’t remember anything about this!” re-read the book, put it away, and repeat a couple years later. I am horrible.

– eight / LAST SONG LISTENED TO.

The Impression That I Get by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

– nine / LAST FILM WATCHED.

......I can’t really recall. I so rarely watch movies that when I’m asked this I don’t know! I think I went to a movie theater... maybe....

– ten / INSPIRATION FOR MUSE.

hhhh okay but I have like a million for FFXIV so I’ll just talk about the main three

Sasamu: Originally I wanted a punchy, dumb character, and for a while she was a body guard! Then I started to project a little lot and it became more of she was told she’s stupid so she believed it but now she’s working on that! As she grows into her own person and away from her parents she’ll find what makes her happy and I’m excited for her to learn how to like herself. (She also has ADD like me!)

Ron: He was supposed to be.. maybe not a bad guy but not a good guy either. Now he’s just tsundere! For him I try to channel negative emotions and such, although I’m such an emotional baby that he is too now. I’m sorry my son.Eventually I’d like him to learn how to be comfortable with other people, make friends, and not become a social butterfly, but at least be able to open up a little to friends he’s close to. I just wanna give him a noogie.

Harra: I wanted a character with amnesia and some angst. Then things became a bit more goofy when my husband, who plays Toki, threw some ideas in there. She still has amnesia, and of course there’s angst, but now her story’s a little softer than it was before. But she does have more of a personality, and I hope I can play her as the mischievous little gremlin that I imagine her as.

- eleven / GOD KNOWS WHERE IT WENT. god knows... (leaving this here because I love it)

– twelve / MEANING BEHIND YOUR URL.

Well, any short race in MMOs are usually my favorite, and in FFXIV I have three lalafells. On one of these lalafells, I got in a hot tub with some FC mates, prompting one of them to threaten to cook me and called me brave for getting in. Then FC chat exploded and nominated me Most Dangerous Potato of 2017 (or whatever year it was, I can’t remember) so when I wanted a new URL for my FFXIV blog I went with it! It still fits I think, since Sasamu is one of the characters I’m most active on, and she’s pretty reckless and dangerous.

Tagged by: @thebeauregardbros

Tagging: @theseventhdawn @norhimorovine @endangered-liaison and whoever wants to do this!!

#tag meme #about me #hhh #hi it's me #Behind the Characters

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izzyizumi · 6 years

Text

Taishirou Fic Notes: REPEAT?_

(For Chapters/Parts 1+2) Under the cut!... (... There’ll be spoilers for the entirety of the fic) (This is a preliminary draft/outline until I can make it neater ? looking yeah pfft) (Also see the original fic outline for more earlier elaboration)

-- Chapters 1+2 --

- These chapters are somewhat partly self explanatory; the ‘prologue’ of sorts that set everything up. I think they were the third/fourth or so pieces that I wrote / outlined for this thing? (After the couple of chapters towards the very end...) - This entire idea spawned when I was thinking of Taishiro AU ideas [including previous ones I’ve had] and basically going ‘what’s a Koushiro AU I hadn’t thought of yet??’ - Somehow my mind went ‘ARCHAEOLOGIST ..... KOUSHIRO’ ??? ‘PLUS TIMELOOPS / KAGEDAZE TAISHIRO AU’ ??? PLUS ‘COLLEGE AU’ ???? - Essentially I was thinking of careers Koushiro could have in the real world that would a) be suitable for him b) satisfy his thirst for Knowledge [while also relating to how Knowledge is used in the timeloops] c) would take him a while to complete, but be very worthwile to him in the end d) would have some mystery / intrigue involved, especially when connecting to the Digital World e) would keep him close to Taichi [because he relates tech with it, and is involved in higher education / etc., eventually it could lead to him still becoming a researcher like in the canon epilogue in the end, or in other spinoff AU thoughts... also Taichi having a law-related career that keeps him close to Koushiro] ... etc. etc. - then my mind went ‘OH THAT’S A GOOD IDEA I CAN ALSO RELATE IT TO ‘THAT THING’ YEAH’ (i.e. THE WELL the well where HE FINDS HIS CREST) - however in the back of my mind I was probably also thinking of a super-cute old Cardcaptor Sakura series 1 episode / moment in which then still mostly newly introduced “rival” to Sakura, Syaoran Li, watches Fujitaka Kinomoto’s archaeology presentation. Syaoran grows more and more interested the point he’s internally [and externally, but ‘hiding’ it (well ? from Fujitaka, badly otherwise)] cheering over it when Fujitaka offers to show him more archaeology related things in the future - only to immediately find out next Fujitaka is Sakura Kinomoto’s father [hahaaaa]. Of course Syaoran x Sakura becomes the canon couple in the end anyhow [hahaaaaa. sorry Syaoran ilu but you were pretty amusing back then and also v. tsun in that ‘fail’ kind of way] (some of his early tsun expressions kinda remind me of Adventure Taichi too??) (...Our War Game Taichi even kind of ??) - So my mind might have subconsciously been ‘combining’ all those things (along with an image in my head of photographer Koushiro from Tri studying things in the Digital World) and basically turning that implied Syaoran/Sakura + Archaeology things [if indirectly] into Taishiro + Archaeology AU yes - (also I was following CCS’s new Clear Card Arc at the time in both manga form first and then anime form, so ... yes it was at the back of my mind) - The first lines that basically spurred on this AU were the opening rambles / summary but more notably what immediately came to mind was Koushiro’s “Oh, I’M adopted.” - line, in response to Taichi’s dumb question literally HE WROTE HIMSELF (Koushiro - unfortunately - never has a scene in-show where he actually talks about it with the other Chosen, not even in an 02 era cd drama where he was literally visiting his biological parents’ graves and right after on the way home runs into the other Adventure Chosen sans Taichi and Yamato - and he STILL doesn’t even bring his biological parents up at all, not even that he was just visiting them like ‘oh, I was just on my way back from...’ - so essentially this is him saying it right off the bat and startling Taichi indirectly with it while he’s at it.) - It also prevents having to take forever to set that particular reveal up ... while at the same time taking forever to set that reveal up in Adventure universe and with more impact otherwise hahaaa. (CRY) - So, these two chapters are the setup. - You may notice there’s a feeling of ‘something’s definitely not quite right here’ or ‘something’s up’ all through these parts, the writing style (I basically kind of... mentally storyboard, then translate that into an outline, then storyboard again, then attempt to write anything etc. etc.), (but also the kind of ‘limited’ writing style, too) and basically the entire fic. That’s the timeloops effect lingering in the background, impacting events / feelings / actions, etc. Even the slightest things like Koushiro’s expressions as he regards Taichi, the tiniest movements he makes, or Taichi’s mind running a little (A LOT) more wildly than usual. - When Taichi first hears Koushiro’s ‘(smooth) voice drifting through the open door’, that’s basically the timeloops effect slamming into him right from the get-go. His mind is running wildly subconsciously too like ‘WHAT? WHAT?? WHAT???’ because he’s so confused / startled / scared / basically majorly freaked out to the point of a feeling of dread / horror etc. l-lolll poor Taichi I’M SORRY I love you really (this is also the KageDaze inspired effect because poor Hibiya there, too, [the boy] is basically this through most of the song) [specific dialogue notes] - ‘ok, he's not really a "kid", he's a fellow adult, but Taichi's mind seems to insist on calling him that, for some reason....’ and all of the ‘his age’ bits etc. - Taichi’s mind is subconsciously relating Koushiro’s actual age to him (‘he’s younger than you think!!! you KNEW HIM IN SCHOOL!!! BEFORE!!!’) except he’s not fully realizing, of course. - short-cut spiky red hair and pure black eyes ('why are you staring so intently at his eyes, idiot!!') Again, timeloops effect slamming. Taichi’s recognizing Koushiro’s features right away and what stands out the most are his hair [dark red] and his eyes [somehow pure black (...lol fandom injoke?)]. This also relates in ch. 4, “Bridge” - when young Taichi notices Koushiro’s red hair ‘stands out the most’ in the light, and Koushiro’s (eyes are) staring right at him (because that young Koushiro’s becoming aware of the loops and freaked out / feeling dread crashing into him, himself). (also other similar parts of the fic) This also relates to novels Koushiro knowing he ‘stands out like a sore thumb’ in class (and how that line relates later with the Izumis / his adoption, as well.) - social sciences? Psychology? Health in general? Science itself? ARCHAEOLOGY??! Basically Koushiro is a freaking genuis [timeloops.... effect] [but also natural hhhh-ha] and subconsciously-or-not relating his career to as many ‘Knowledge’-gathering fields as possible, yeah. SLOW DOWN KOUSHIRO - and he's talking so animatedly and precisely and smartly because again, Child of Knowledge / timeloops. (He’d probably be an amazing professional teacher too negl) (and also how do both his seiyuu/voice actors sound so good HOW). Ok but for real, this is also simultaneously Koushiro’s ‘professional mode’ and / or his ‘mask’ so to speak. He’s enjoying it too, mostly, but... at the same time, it’s like going through the motions.... Koushiro ;A;/ - Taichi keeps staring at him, how is he so... pretty - ('wait what?!') ('but he kind of is, in that way where he has this glow about him-') Timeloops effect reminding him yes, Taichi, you are definitely attracted to Koushiro Izumi (maybe a bit too much) Koushiro’s ‘glow’ is basically him becoming animated / excited whenever he talks about Knowledge-related topics he’s particularly interested in! (But also kind of like... his inner... glow ehehhh....) - The presenter (Izumi?) turns around and stares at him directly, sharply, (kindly?) with those black eyes and says semi-brightly despite the situation he's in, in front of this room full of dumb college kids like Taichi himself - "Oh, I'M adopted." Dun dun dunnnn (hey, Taichi, did you REALLY get Koushiro’s last name/name or-) (...he didn’t) Now Koushiro’s directly focusing his attentions on Taichi, subconsciously recognizing him while he’s at it. He’s staring ‘kindly’ because of the warm feelings his subconscious / past self has towards Taichi; while also out of genuine kindness / intrigue from this universes’ Koushiro himself. Koushiro’s definitely feeling that ‘pull’ but at the same time warning bells are going off like crazy in his head too, and maybe subconsciously freaking him out too (although he’s a little more logical about it than Taichi, maybe... ...? or trying to not panic before he finishes this thing anyway) - After the presentation is over, the kid is gathering up his things outside the room, and fixing his slightly moved tie all neatly, and Taichi approaches him awkwardly from behind. THE TRUE MEETING and basically they’re both subconsciously knowing they were going to have to talk here but .... - "Izumi" turns to stare at him, more intently, now. "It's all right. ...?" (He was a little confused as to why this cool looking kid [??] bothered apologizing to him for that, but he accepts it...) Koushiro’s staring intently because he’s so hyper-focused subconsciously, but also because he likes giving his full attention where it matters in general, too. Also ‘cool looking kid’ is Taichi’s mind thinking maybe that’s how Koushiro might see him, basically. (TAICHI PLS....) (ok but he also added the ‘??’ because he realizes... yeah TAICHI PLS) (Koushiro was a bit surprised this boy actually did think to apologize, but....) - Koushiro smiles slightly. Actually smiles. KOUSHIRO’S SMILES ARE VERY IMPORTANT IN THIS FIC OK Koushiro smiles so impassioned-ly at the start of everything (especially in this verse, where he rarely gets the chance to smile AT ALL it doesn’t help that this Koushiro didn’t go to the Digital World, didn’t make any close friends, DIDN’T MEET TENTOMON OR TAICHI and etc....) - so that when this Koushiro smiles genuinely, it’s SUPER IMPORTANT, OK - "Are you interested? I'm afraid the next dig is already scheduled very soon, but..." "Wait, you're leaving, soon-?!" ('Shut up, you idiot!!') Koushiro is looking at him oddly now - Taichi’s mind is going even more wild with the warning bells and basically yelling ‘SOMETHING’S DEFINITELY WRONG HERE DON’T LET HIM GO IF YOU LET HIM GO HE’S GOING TO UP AND LEAVE AND YOU’LL NEVER SEE HIM AGAIN !!!!!’ (Also his mind running wild kind of parallels Ep 21′s inspirations too??) (don’t forget Taichi hasn’t had a lot of his ‘character development’ here as well) Koushiro’s looking at him oddly because he’s having a similar feeling but trying to figure out what the heck is up with this and ... this boy... ? - Koushiro is about ready to have to leave again, and Taichi thinks as fast as he can. Taichi’s not ... as known for his thinking deeply in canon when he’s younger (lol) (well, um, pre...? SkullGreymon ? anyhow maybe w-wah) and considering WARNING BELLS he’s basically thinking of the ‘last resort’ type thing he can say / ask / (yell?) / etc. (or - BAM, TIMELINE OVER BAD END). - "W-Wait, which area are you in-?" Koushiro turns with a raised eyebrow and another slight smile. Koushiro’s raising his eyebrow / smiling because he’s basically internally thinking ‘...This one, hmm ..... ‘ - He lives in fucking Odaiba. Literally a block away from Taichi. ('SHIIIIIIIIIIT') ('TAICHI YOU ARE AN IDIOT') ... oh. (yeah) (TIMELOOOOOOPS EFFEEEEEECT) (TAICHI YOU ARE AN IDIOT) -- Chapter 2 -- (kind of) - He doesn't know how it happens, but in some other universe somewhere, he probably ends up not walking Koushiro home and regretting it for the rest of his life when Koushiro just ups and leaves on an archaeology dig somewhere and Taichi never sees him again - ('Seriously, stop thinking!!') So yeah, that part about ‘YOU’LL NEVER SEE HIM AGAIN’ ?? [Taichi(+Koushiro) avoided the BAD END ?? ?] [to be continued]

#izzyizumi posts #izzyizumi writes #izzyizumi writing #izzyizumi rambles #izzyizumi text #fic: repeat #fic #taishiro #fic notes #(OK BUT FOR REAL)#(it was fun hinting at these things literally all throughout the fic wahhh)#(basically foreshadowing. foreshadowing everywhere)#(Taichi voice 'HELP')#(... also thinking of all the spots the plot could have gotten them here t b h)#(among others)#(tbh though I wonder if anyone reading caught all the references)#(or the foreshadowing yeah)

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crying-saeyoung · 7 years

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Hey there! Is it okay if I request the RFA + Saeran reacting to a autistic MC who gets sensory overload from being in public places, like stadiums or musicals? I love your head canons so much, especially the one with Saeran and Saeyoung being autistic. Love you and your blog!! (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧

if anyone wants to request some more saeyoung and saeran autistic requests, feel free cause I’m totally for getting deep into that (the last headcanon it really was just barely touched)! For this imagine, Saeyoung isn’t autistic because of the given situation I wrote, but Saeran is! None of the other members are autistic, either, just Saeran in this specific headcanon. -Green

Yoosung:

-oh b o y

-you guys don’t go out that often, but there was one movie you went to go see at the theater, Ghost in the Shell (i went to see this movie recently and I strongly recommend that if you’re autistic to be wary of this film)

-right away wam bam no thank you mam . there was a bunch of heavy flashes, and you just couldn’t take it. not really sensory overload but stick with me

-you had to excuse yourself from the theater room and get yourself something to drink and close your eyes, take a few deep breathes because the flashes just kept repeating in your head and it really really hurt your eyes and gave you the worst headache

-thankfully Yoosung figured it out pretty quick that the lights were too much for you and came to your side

-he was actually kind of mad because he asked the ticket seller if it had too many flashing lights and he said no, but here you were in pain

-so he chewed the guy out and demanded for a refund and tickets to a new movie

-he apologized to you a lot, but by the time the Trolls title came down all you could do was laugh and kiss him

Saeyoung:

-a aa

-it really sucked because it happened in your own god damn home

-Saeyoung, while ignoring you hahaha, had music literally blasting all through the apartment, enough to have it shake

-he thought he plugged in his headphones and actually didn’t realize they were unplugged so he was acting like everything was normal

-unknown to him wow, you were sobbing on the floor and rocking yourself back and forth because you couldn’t even speak enough to tell Saeyoung to stop the music!! ! wow!!!

-the pressure of the loud music and the floors shaking made you feel like you were being torn apart and you just wanted to run out of the house but you felt like you couldn’t move

-the only reason he heard you sobbing was because his headphones were UNPLUGGED!!! W O W !

-saeyoung oh my GO D

-he takes off his headphones in worry like “wow why are you crying???” but then he understands when he. fuck i ng takes off his headphones.

- WO WOWW!!!! AmaZING how that works…

- “OH SHIT I’M SO SORRY”

-apologies don’t stop coming out of his mouth as he quickly turns off the music

-he has no idea what to doooo

-he tries to distract you???

-tells you a bunch of depressing jokes and gets some stuffed animals and starts to start a little skit with them

-it does manage to calm you down, but now you’re laughing and sobbing

-then you just sob and stop looking at him at all

-because the situation your in is depressing and you hate it. you hate it so much, and so does he.

-so for now, he holds you. and he wants to promise he’ll never let you go, but right now, he can’t.

-you two sob together and there’s really no happy ending here.

-wow

Jumin:

-you got a sensory overload when you were on vacation with Jumin

-Jumin had left your side at one of the parties you two were at, and it was really for a just a few minutes

-but when he left that’s when the band decided to come out and just blast music and shine neon lights from every corner in the damn room

-you didn’t have Jumin by your side to help you or distract you, so you had nothing else to do but look for somewhere to hide

-you were shaking and crying as you decided to hide under a dinner table and rock yourself while just trying to block out the noise and hide in your legs from the flashing lights

-you didn’t even notice how loud you yourself were being because you were so focused on trying to get all the noise ou t

-the reason Jumin found you so fast was because he heard your yelling and sobbing

-he didn’t even think of trying to get you out from under the table. instead he crawls under and joins you, shoving you into his chest, holding you so tight and rubbing your back and hair until you calm down

-he lets you shake and blubber around all you need, and he gets your chewlery out from your personal pocket in Jumins coat aww you fill it with all your small toys for situations like this, he always has it on him isn’t that cuute

-after you calm down a bit, he refuses to leave under the table until his guards shove the band off the stage and make the lights mellow and soft for you again

-and he will glare at literally everyone around the table who didn’t help you and threaten to sue them

-jumin my love no plz no

Jaehee:

- :(

-it happens in the coffee shop

-it was just a really really busy day for you two and was really just too much for only two baristas

-Jaehee enjoys it because she thinks that the place is becoming more popular!

-you would like to enjoy it , ,, because you are happy you two are getting popular !

-but serving the dishes and getting around all the people and all their talking is proving to be way too much for you

-what happened to the comfortable, homey atmosphere? the regulars and a few strangers sprinkled here and there?

-now there were strangers everywhere

-you were barely able to sit the last plate down before you rushed out of the shop, running right by a regular who you knew rather well

-you actually ran a lot farther then you were intending to,, you ran all the way to the public park

-which was a lot less public today. it was quiet and calm and let you just breathe

-you had no idea how long you were out there, just sitting all by yourself and holding yourself before you heard a familiar little pit pat of heels

-next thing you knew you were surrounded by a hug from Jaehee who was sobbing

- “Babe?? omg?? are u okay?!!”

-she was so wo r r i e d and she felt so BAD,,,

-Jaehee actually closed the store just so she could find you after the regular told her you ran out

-aww BABE,, you felt so bad but so special??? you knew how much those customers meant for the expansion your company

-she reassured you that now she would open up hiring so you can relax during the busy days and never have this happen again

-and the rest of the afternoon is spent cuddling on the park bench

Zen:

-lets face it, it ain’t that hard to get a sensory overload with this guy,,,

-the crowds surrounding you because of his popularity…

-the flashes of cameras from those crowds…

-the musicals…

-to be fair, since dating you Zen has acted more mellow and less intense or light savvy musicals. He always asks the director what he plans for sounds and effects before participating in a play

-bc?? what is the point?? of acting in a musical his darling cannot watch?

-there is no point

-but the one time he doesn’t ask because he was just so excited about the role… hhhh

-it was a live performance, so there was a lot of people there. Though you always got the special seat away from everyone else and practically just the best seat in the theater because you deserve only the best

-there’s a very dramatic part right before the intermission where Zen and another character fall to the ground, seemingly dying or smth

-but the lights are very BAM BAM BAM!!! the white lights in the dark theater flashing so fast, people who weren’t autistic would get a headache

-and the music… it was all made to be dramatic so there was such a heavy BOOM in it all that you could feel thunder in your chest and pulse inside you

-Zen is actually thinking of you the whole time this is happening because you’re the closest to the stage, you would get the worst of this and oh my g o d he’s never ran so fast

-as soon as the intermission is announced he actually jumps off the stage and runs to you to make sure you are okay

-you’re shaking quite a bit, and once he comes near you, you push and shove at him to get away because you’re freaked out from the sudden hit of everything

-god, it feels like you can’t even see. it was such a horrible experience you can’t even cry or yell, you just need to move and run and get out

-Zen does calm you down, eventually. the intermission is a little longer than planned because Zen’s whole break was spent holding you and calming you down

-he gets pretty mad at the director for not telling him about this, or warning the audience, because that was seizure worthy.

-when the two of you get home, expect lots of kisses and stims to be played with!!

Saeran:

-awww dang guys

-he wanted to bring you to one of his favorite parks as a lil cute date, but it was occupied by a huge farmers market.

-you’re already flapping your hands dude but you try to keep it at a minimum for your babe

-little do you know he’s EXACTLY the same omg you nerds

-why are you even GOING IN THE MARKET it’s such a bad idea but you two just want to have a good ti mee,,, is that too much to ask

-i cry

-you guys are experiencing it in different ways. Saeran surprisingly isn’t having that rough of a time because he has you as a distraction from all the people and noise.

-but u ain’t. you are crumbling apart and you’re only still on your feet because of your grip on your boyfriends hand

-EVENTUALLY he asks “hey, how are you doing?” and you’re just kinda like “you know, not that?/? great???”

-first he thinks that it’s because of him and his heart almost BREAKS but then,,, he sees you flapping your only free hand and Saeran is just like OH BABE NO

-legit picks you up and runs out of the market

-only stops when you tell him that OMG that’s far enough Saeran !! Aaa!?? where ARE WE,??

-Saeran really doesn’t care because he loves you so much and just holds your hands because he’s too scared to hug you or kiss you

-the two of you get really quiet after that and eventually you two spend the whole day laying down in the sun in the middle of nowhere in the city , just staring at each other and giving each other hand kisses every now and then

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waldos-writing · 7 years

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The Dig Initiative: Chapter 27

Mustard Alice

Sleep was a great tool when you had to waste time. It wasn’t perfect, of course, nor was it really a helpful coping tool, but it was all Alice had. And she used it. Even when she was brought to an examination room and was poked, stared at, examined by a team of doctors, her only concern was getting back to her cell so she could close her eyes and disappear into that sweet soundless nothingness.

It was the new sedative patch. They’d switched her over to the strong stuff, so she didn’t have the strength to pick at it with her freshly trimmed fingernails. DIdn’t have the energy to do other stuff either. Pull hair. Claw face. Throw herself hard on the ground. She was out cold when the door opened, vaguely aware of the bed jostling. It didn’t matter, wherever she was going. She’d sleep her way through that too.

“Hold on.”

Flashes of white flew overhead, long dizzy streaks through the cloud of the sedative. It was so hard to open her eyes. Maybe she should care. Put in an effort. The pillow under her head was firm and covered in a papery mesh. Not comfortable. Alice rolled her cheek into it.

They were moving. They were rolling fast, past doors and then past walls and then past windows. Alice tried to crane her neck to see who the “they” was, but her neck was all loose and wiggly. The lights kept flashing, becoming more solid. She barely felt a little tug on her shoulder, little teeth being pulled out of her skin.

And then the lights stopped flashing.

“Here we go.”

Elevator doors scraped open. The bed floated through and suddenly they were in a steel box. Maybe this was safe? The lights were low and the walls were bare. There was that musty smell, maybe construction dust, maybe the old mattress, maybe just Alice herself. Been a while since she showered. Couple of splashes in a sink wasn’t body wash and shampoo for sure. As her nose woke up, it all started coming at her. Made her sick. Made her morning sick. Oh god, yep, it was coming back, coming clear, there was a baby. Fucking baby. She’d been told at Sanctuary she was sterile, gave her a discount on the visit because of it. Those damn dirty liars. If she ever saw herself out of these walls, she’d march back there and give them a piece. Drag Devon with her and just shout and point and grab his face and kiss him hard cause he was just there oh god, where was he? Alice started crying instantly.

“Hold on.”

They put their hand on her shoulder, gentle. She couldn’t see it, if they were slender or thick or hairy knuckles or not. She just felt the light touch, the physical link to whoever was pushing the gurney.

“Hhhh,” Alice answered. Big, ugly crying, shaking crying, snot nose crying. The hand rubbed her shoulder like Ma would do when she was sick. Didn’t help. Just made it come out faster.

“We’re getting out.”

Something was wrong. Couldn’t see yet, face all sloppy with tears, but something was wrong. It was that bright electric ping in the air. A crackle. The doors slid open. Not just opened, exploded, forced back as something came thundering at them shouting “Get out now!” Alice wanted to, of course she did, she’d stand up with her arms raised above her head and promise it wasn’t her idea, that she complied, but she couldn’t.

The surgeon grabbed her hand and gave it a tight steady squeeze. A heat rose, like they’d opened the doors to a furnace, and Alice wondered if she was going to melt into the bed. So many people were yelling then. Alice felt the surgeon, whoever, jerk the gurney back against the elevator wall. Nowhere to run. Adrenaline started to shake her limbs, got everything turning, highly aware that she was in a thin medical gown without anything to protect her.

Oh my god, Alice chanted, eyes shut. Oh my god oh my god oh my god. We’re gonna die. Devon, babe, wherever you are, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.

“Hold on!”

The surgeon threw their body across Alice, shielding her as something zinged overhead. They were firing at them?! Another zipped by, closer than the first. Oh god, it was all going to shit. Alice managed to get one hand up and hook it around the surgeon. She was probably screaming.

“Jesus, Tommy, hurry up,” the surgeon whispered right into Alice’s ear, like a prayer. She recognized the voice. She did. Alice made a fist into the doctor’s back, the woman who had come to her cell. This was a disaster of an escape plan. Despite everything, though, she was terribly grateful that the doctor had tried. Failed, but at least tried.

Before anybody rushed them, the guards stopped shouting. A harsh blue light blinked overhead in stark contrast. The doctor stood up to see. Alice summoned some bit of strength to lift her head, straining her sight around the bridge of her nose.

They were just standing there. Every guard had their hands on their guns, pointed at the elevator, but they were frozen. Just like statues. Well, except for their eyes, freewheeling around in their skulls as they tried to see what was happening. There was that stink of terror. The guards strained against their stiff muscles, necks popping with veins, all in complete silence.

“Enough.”

A stranger stood at the end of the hallway. His voice was low and weak, but it travelled well. It carried across to each guard, like a little whisper that made them groan. The stranger lifted his hands, pulling thick invisible chords of rope. A pause. They all held their breath. The doctor held her breath. Alice held her breath. They waited for those hands in the air, waited frozen in the air, waited. And then they dropped.

It was like a light went out. Each guard fell to the ground in a thump of meat and broken bones. Just dropped, smack, empty. Whatever tension that held them snapped and even Alice felt herself relaxing against the gurney bed. One of the guards near them corkscrewed his back and it looked almost like a pile of clothes, like a fleshy suit that had been tossed there. Someone else smashed face first into the ground, teeth shattering. The closest guard opened his jaw until it snapped and vanished from Alice’s line of sight.

“Thomas!”

The doctor pushed the gurney out of the elevator, right into the wall of sewage smell. She was racing over to the man at the end of the hall. Alice could just see him as he grabbed the side of his head and stumbled over one of the dead guards. He was so tall, so tall. He could almost be double the doctor, which was impossible, but damn if it didn’t seem that way. He hunched down and dropped his head against her shoulder.

“Thomas, what did you do?”

“Go,” he whispered. He looked up, pointing a shaky hand. “She’s changing.”

“No. Not yet. She hasn’t had the treatment in a while, it shouldn’t—”

“She has,” he said, and repeated, “Changing.”

There was a ring of blood around the iris of his eye, big red splashes that trickled down from his tear ducts. He stumbled towards the gurney. Nobody cared that dead heaps surrounded them. Nobody cared that the blue light was still going on overhead. Thomas got closer and when he put his finger on her naked ankle, Alice felt the fever shimmering at the edge of her conscious. She sighed as Thomas went limp.

The doctor did not waste time. She was quick, snap, caught him before his head banged against anything. Tall bastard went limp, so she laid him flat on the floor. Her fingers went to his neck and she counted while chewing her lip.

“He okay?” Alice croaked.

“Alive, at least,” the doctor answered. “We have to go. I just don’t know how we’ll be able to take him.”

It was a small sacrifice, really. She was a tough broad, even in her worst moments. It was all she had. Alice pushed herself up, arms shaky, god damnit everything shaky, but she got up. It was all starting to clear and she even she thought her stomach didn’t hurt as much. She could actually focus. She hopped off the gurney, ignoring the doctor who demanded in curt hissing orders to stop, get back into bed, just think for a second.

“Help me,” Alice said instead. She hooked one of Thomas’s elbows with her arms. Maybe she was up, but she wasn’t strong enough to hoist him into the bed alone. Even in the peak of physical health, Alice probably wouldn’t have been able to do it. It was selfish of the doctor to think she could. Alice jerked her head back towards the gurney. “Help me.”

It wasn’t easy. He was big; skinny, but big. The doctor put the brakes on the gurney wheels and they struggled with his dead weight. When they finally flopped him up onto the mattress, they unlocked the wheels and started towards the end of the hall. Alice swooned. So much. Everything was so much. She wiped her head, but refused to stop.

And then, nagging like mad at the back of her head, it hit her as they run.

Is Devon still back there somewhere?

She was brought in alone, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t there. If she left him, was it forever? The exit was coming up fast and she had to decide if she’d go. But she had to. Fucking pregnant? Infected? The doctor and the crazy tall bastard on the gurney had risked their lives. It was wrong. It was wrong and selfish. All wrong. They had to go. They had to. Thomas knocked all those men out like blowing out candles. If she was lucky, Beard guy and Glasses were among them. Maybe even Neck Tattoo. She had to go. Thomas gave them the opportunity and she hated the idea of wasting it. Alice swore to herself that she’d find Devon and make it right. But, until then, she was going to escape. So they did.

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#The Dig Initiative #sci-fi #blood #writing #novel #self-publishing #Against the Gray

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