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#we dont need to unpack it any further <3
yunogf · 1 month
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alternative covers for NCT 127's original horror game FAVORITE: VAMPIRE
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mybiasisexo · 5 months
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Entangled - Part 9
Pairing: Chanyeol x f.Reader Chapter Warnings: Alcohol Consumption | Language take a shot whenever you see the f word smh Word Count: 8.3k Author Notes: So...Im sorry 😬? But aye, what's a story without a beach chapter, am I right?? I can't believe how close we are to the finish line. I think we have 3 chapters left ??? give or take. wooow will I actually finish a story for the first time in my life?? (like a real one not just a lil scenario haha). Sorry for the late update, I was gonna post on yeols bday but thought this wasnt a great present lmfaooo As always, dont be shy with letting me know your thoughts on the chapter, a def will need to know how you all feel at the end of this one 😮‍💨. Thank you to everybody still rocking with the story, it means sooo much to me 💕 and give our boy chanyeol some loooove MWAH!!!
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It doesn’t take Seulgi and you long to change and head down to the beach. Being able to see the guys from up in your room, you join them quickly.
They got their hands on a grill somehow, and you find Jongdae already cooking on it, beer in one hand.
“Already looking like a dad, Dae,” Seulgi announces in greeting, taking in his unbuttoned green Hawaiian shirt, oversized sunglasses, and fisherman’s hat. He grins brightly and rewards her with a fresh piece of juicy meat.   
Beside Jongdae and the grill sits a long table covered with food, drinks, and a bluetooth speaker currently playing chill R&B. A little further behind him is a blue canopy to block the blazing sun from your sensitive skin, chairs littered underneath it.
This area of the beach is privately owned, for hotel residents only. Despite how large the hotel is, only a few other families dot the shore, all far enough away that your little party is practically secluded.
You drop your bag onto a chair and dig into it, pulling out a bottle of sunscreen. You rub it into any skin of yours exposed before walking out of the canopy, holding it up for everyone to see. “Who needs some?”
Sehun and Jongin come running towards you, both only wearing swim trunks. You suck your teeth, their backs are probably already screaming at them.
Jongin gets to you first. You turn him around and begin to apply the protective lotion onto his back, where it will be hard for him to reach.
“We missed you last night,” he says.
“I know,” you reply. For some reason, your throat constricts, dragging your voice down to a deep mumble. “I’m sorry for leaving. I just….”
“I understand,” he says, patting one of your hands. Throwing his head back, he tosses you a sweet grin. You return his smile before handing him the bottle so that he can cover the rest of himself.
With Jongin preoccupied, Sehun makes his way over, already trying to get a read on you. He understands the language of your body enough to fill in blanks you don’t even know are empty.
“Good afternoon,” you greet, keeping your voice neutral. 
“He’s in the water,” is his reply.
“Who?” Damn this man. He’s good.
He scoffs. “Please, you’ve been scanning the area non stop since you’ve arrived. Baekhyun had to drag him out as soon as he got here. He was getting pretty worked up about something. I’m assuming it was the fact you weren’t here.”
“Weird,” is your convincing response. You push his arm, leading him to turn around so that you can attempt to save him from skin cancer.
“Weird, indeed.” Despite not being able to see you, his curious gaze can still be felt. “Makes me wonder what happened after you left the reception.”
“Not something I really want to talk about.” You wince, knowing you’ve slipped up and said too much. The simple sentence bares a lot to unpack, and Sehun loves other people’s dirty laundry.
But, in Sehun fashion, he doesn’t push. It’s one thing you love about him. Instead, he faces you and grabs the sunscreen, silently lotioning the rest of his body. When he’s done he reaches over to you, pulling at the black kimono you had meticulously put on over your swimsuit, to return the favor.
“Sehun!”
He yanks the thin fabric and it falls off your shoulders. You both freeze. He only lifts an eyebrow as his eyes rake down the expansion of your exposed skin littered in harsh dark bruises. His gaze lingers for an uncomfortably long time. You want to pull away, but find yourself paralyzed, a mouse caught in the stare of a hungry snake. 
“Stop staring.”
The voice is gruff. A wet hand pulls at your arm, ripping the kimono from Sehun’s frozen hand. You stumble backwards until you hit a chill wetness that makes you hiss as it soaks into your back. Sehun’s eyes are the only thing to move as they shift to the person protectively hovering behind you. His expression is cool, but you catch the way his eyes alight in amusement. Swallowing thickly, you work the courage to see who’s caught his attention….
Chanyeol stops glaring at Sehun long enough to spin you around so that you’re facing each other. With gentle fingers, he fixes your pullover, maneuvering it so that it’s covering your neck, hiding most of the damage. 
He clicks his tongue in dismay. “This won’t do.”
“I have a shirt,” you inform in a small voice. “It doesn’t have a collar though.”
“One second.” Chanyeol walks away, no longer blocking the radiant view of crashing teal waves, powdery sand, and miles of blue sky. White clouds speckle the troposphere, the negative image of your neck and chest. Off to your right, Sehun still stands, a glorious statue made of pale marble.
You can’t bring yourself to acknowledge his presence. 
Chanyeol returns. In his hands is the ugly Hawaiian shirt Jongdae was wearing.
You become aware of the rashguard covering his torso. The collar is high, covering the base of his neck where any hickeys can be hidden, although you can just barely see the start of one peeking out. You curse yourself for not thinking of buying one. 
“May I?” He gently asks. Is that not how he asked to strip you last night? The reminder takes your voice, as does the reserved look in his eyes. He’s testing the water, trying to see where you both stand at the moment. You nod, allowing him access to touch you, lost in his grim expression.
Gently, ever so gently, his fingers brush over your shoulders, sneaking under the thin garment. You battle a shiver as he lifts the back of his hands, knocking the fabric off with his knuckles. You roll back your shoulders, helping him make the cover cascade onto the sand below.
Chanyeol’s bright eyes wander over your flesh. He grunts in satisfaction at the sight of the marks he’s made, pride coloring his features. And you’re transfixed, gulping back saliva flooding your mouth like high tide. Your breathing grows erratic, fingers itching to touch him in return. Apparently that tension hasn’t fully gone away. Looks like you’ll be attracted to him for life.
You want to say something, want to voice an excuse to get your hands on him, but a sharp whistle cuts through the air before you can speak, breaking the spell Chanyeol has you falling under. You blink away your thirst, remembering where you are, of the audience you have.
“Looks like you got into some fun last night!” Jongdae, the culprit of the whistle, points out in a yell. 
You’re now hyper aware of all your friends. Baekhyun, who you’re just now noticing, sits in the shallow part of the water where the waves roughly push him, dressed identically to Chanyeol. He’s looking in your general direction, squinting against the sun to see what all the commotion is about. Seulgi stands beside Jongdae. She’s in the middle of applying sunscreen, one of her legs lifted like a flamingo. She doesn’t have to say anything for you to hear her ‘oh shit’, wobbling as she balances on that one leg. Sehun is still staring right next to you, but the whistle was able to jolt him back from stone. Then there is Jongin, who jogs back to where everyone is congregated to curiously see what is going on.
Being the only one moving, your head spins over to him, seeing how his mouth slacks and his eyes widen in shock.
“What happened?” He asks, concerned.
Embarrassed, you snatch the shirt out of Chanyeol’s grip, rushing to put it on so that everyone will stop staring at you like you just told them you murdered someone.
“Mind your business,” you snap. You regret it instantly when Jongin’s face falls like a kicked puppy. It can’t be helped, you have a tendency to lash out when embarrassed.
“Dae! The meat!””
Gratefully, a hard gust of wind blows in, lifting the aluminum foil with the cooking meat off the grill, falling onto the sand.
That distracts everyone from you. You thank a higher power.
Jongdae stares forlornly at the meat, watching sand coat it like seasoning. 
“What are you doing!” Baekhyun yelps, rushing to his feet. “Pick it up!”
That pulls Jongdae out of whatever trance he was in and he lurches forward, grabbing the hot foil and tossing it onto the end of the table. He hisses and shakes his hands, sticking a reddening thumb into his mouth.
Baekhyun rushes over to the table for quality control and his shoulders slump at the damage.
“This batch is no good.”
“Way to go, Jongdae,” Chanyeol chides. He then peeks over to you, surreptitiously checking your reaction.
“Shut it!” Jongdae snaps back.
Seeing a good opportunity to escape, you go to make your way over to Seulgi. Chanyeol is not having that, and you only get one step in before he’s snatching your wrist, holding you in place in front of him.
“Don’t go,” he begs under his breath.
You refuse to look up at him, knowing that whatever expression he currently wears will kill what little resolve you have. You know you need to discuss what happened the night before, and why he woke up alone this morning, but you hate confrontation and don't want to have this conversation right at this moment. To be honest, you just want to relax for a bit. Is that so wrong?
You remain silent, not really sure what to say to get him off your back for the time being.
“Just talk to me,” he urges. “You were gone when I woke up, and….”
He falls silent, and you can’t resist the temptation any longer. You break and lift your chin, sucking in a breath at what greets you. It’s that same tortured expression from yesterday. Nerves, apprehension, and defeat swim in his opaque orbs, purple his lips. And you know you can no longer prolong with conversation. He’s hurting. You’re hurting him, and it’s not fair to keep tormenting him like this.
“Did I do something wrong?” He asks dejectedly, intently searching you for the answer. 
You open your mouth to answer him. To tell him no, he did nothing wrong, but then Seulgi is calling your name and running up to you. She grabs the arm Chanyeol isn’t holding. “Let’s get in the water. It’s hot.”
She completely ignores Chanyeol as she heads for the shore, dragging you with her.
“I’m sorry,” is all you’re able to get out before you’re pulled completely from his gentle touch. He releases your wrist without a fight, letting you retreat glumly.
“I’m going to have to talk to him eventually,” you tell Seulgi, rolling your eyes. You hit the water and hiss from the shock of the freezing temperature.
“You two don’t get much talking done when you’re together,” she answers, breathless from the cold of the water.
Ignoring–and also maybe even embracing–the pain from the waves chilling your warm skin, you both run until you’re thigh deep and then dive right in, swimming deeper into the abyss. 
You float on your back and try to focus on the paradise you’re in, instead of the devastated look in Chanyeol’s eyes. To no avail.
There’s some crashing noises that pull you upright to see Baekhyun running in to join Seulgi and you.
When he’s close, he jumps onto Seulgi, pulling her under water. Not one to miss an opportunity, you hop onto his back. The three of you break the surface, sputtering for air.
You stay secured around Baekhyun as you all catch your breaths. 
“What the hell,” Seulgi coughs, splashing him in the face. He laughs, but chokes on the sea salt, and you squeal when you’re caught in her attack.
Letting go of Baekhyun, you swim back around so that Seulgi and you are turned towards the shore with him facing you both.
“Is he still sulking?” He asks.
You dare a glance over to where Chanyeol is, refusing to acknowledge how quickly you’re able to seek him out. He’s in the chair you had claimed, watching the water with a sullen pout as he rests his chin in his hand.
“Oh yeah,” Seulgi answers. “The clouds around him are turning gray, he’s in such a mood.”
“He wouldn’t be like that if you’d stop avoiding him, you know?”
“I’m not avoiding him,” you say. “We just spoke.”
Baekhyun snorts. “Yeah and I can tell you’re both on the same page. Nice talk.”
He throws you a sarcastic thumbs up, you stick your tongue out at him.
He grows solemn. “Please, say something to him. The poor man is beating himself up right now.”
You sink further into the water, dipping in until your mouth is submerged, and run a hand over the tiny waves bobbing you. 
Beside you, Seulgi sighs. “I may have ruined their talk.”
Baekhyun throws his head back and groans. “You’re killing me, Smalls.”
“How was I supposed to know?” She asks. “It looked like they were about to ditch us and fuck again. I’m just trying to help her not make another decision she’s going to instantly regret.”
“Whatever happens between them is their business, Seulgi,” Baekhyun says, sounding uncharacteristically reasonable. “You have to let them work through it their way.”
You wave your hand above your head like a needy sim. “I’m right here, you know?”
Seulgi pouts like a chastised child. “You’re right.”
Both Baekhyun and you spin your heads towards her in surprise.
“Did you just say I’m right?” Baekhyun asks. His shock quickly morphs into cockiness, if the grin splitting his face is any indicator.
She’s now the one to groan. “I will not be repeating myself.”
“I’ll cherish the moment for the rest of my life.” Baekhyun turns to you and his smile softens. “Talk to him soon. He’s getting annoying.”
“I will. I promise.” You assure. “Thank you, Hyunnie, for doing this. I know it isn’t easy for you either, being in the middle like this. I appreciate it.”
He shrugs. “You’re both my friends. I want to see you happy. I just hope you can work it out.”
Jongin and Jongdae come barrelling towards your group. As soon as you see your sweet friend, you can’t help but hold your arms out for him.
“Nini!” You cry. He laughs and falls into your embrace, tackling you back into the depths of the sea. When you both emerge, you apologize for yelling at him.
“You’re forgiven,” he says, never taking anything to heart. “But I was surprised. I didn’t expect to see all your bruises. It looks like you got beat up.”
You whine his name. “You’re making it worse.”
“Hey, they do say that weddings are the best place to pick up chicks,” Jongdae says. “Well, I guess dudes for you. Unless….”
He gives you a wicked smirk and you splash him.
“Anyway, good on you for getting some. You deserve it.”
“Thanks, Jongdae,” you say dryly, rolling your eyes. “Also, my bad on the shirt. I forgot I was wearing it before I got in here.”
He takes notice of his button down floating around you and gasps dramatically. “You better wash it before you give it back. It was expensive.”
You look at him skeptically. “This tourist shirt?”
“Do you really think it’s a good idea to have those two cook the meat?” Baekhyun asks, putting your incoming argument with Jongdae to a halt. All five of you turn to the last people still on dry land. The tall boys stand over the grill, Chanyeol with the tongs in his hand. His eyebrows are scrunched as he listens to Sehun adamantly speaking, nodding and answering occasionally. it’s a deep conversation you don’t want any part of.
Jongdae shrugs. “I need a break. It’s hot.”
You all play in the water for some time. Once hunger becomes too great to ignore, you swim back to the beach. Immediately, you crack open a cold beer, nearly moaning when it hits your belly. Now this is what you need. You’ve been sober far too long.
Jongdae wasn’t lying about the heat. Even under the canopy, you can’t escape the sun’s harsh rays. You succumb to the weather and peel off Jongdae’s now dry shirt, not caring anymore if the other’s see your marks, it’s already old news.
Slowly, you all make your way to the table. it’s out in the open and everyone is a bit hesitant to sit out there, but that’s where the food resides. Both Baekhyun and Chanyeol take off their shirts, overwhelmed by the temperature.
“Holy shit, Yeol,” you hear Jongdae say. “What happened to you?”
Everyone glances over to the tall man and your heart sinks at the sight of his exposed back. It’s hard to miss the rows of scratches you carved down his shoulder blades, red and angry.
At the mention of his name, Chanyeol turns around, revealing his neck, shoulders, and chest that look exactly like yours. Actually, his marks are deeper, darker. You were really letting him have it. In your defense, he did encourage you to do your worst, so it is hard for you to find any sympathy to send to the giant.
A loaded silence fills the area as he locks eyes with you. You sigh. That’s enough of an answer for everyone.
Giving up, you chug your beer empty as the extra heat of everyone’s attention bounces back and forth between you both, connecting the purple and blue dots.
“No way….” Jongin’s fingers trace the trail of his eyes. “Did you two…?”
You close your eyes in dismay. You’re going to hear it now.
“Wait a damn minute!” Jongdae’s loud ass voice echoes over the speaker. “You mean to tell me Chanyeol was the one who left those hickeys on you!?”
He gives you an impressed grin. “You naughty girl.”
You simply sink lower into your chair.
“Are you guys together now?” Jongin asks, bouncing on his toes in giddy excitement.
“I mean….” Chanyeol searches you out in hopes you’ll answer that question for him as well.
The attention has you awkwardly laughing, readjusting yourself so that you’re sitting properly again. 
“Please, you guys,” you say, laughter coating every consonant. “It’s nothing.”
Chanyeol’s head tilts at that, eyes fluttering in confusion. “What do you mean ‘nothing’?”
Your heart sinks as you realize you’ve made matters much worse. Chanyeol’s getting worked up now, and the last thing you want is to fight in front of everybody.
“I just mean it’s not a big deal.”
If your first sentence was you putting your foot in your mouth, this one is the whole damn leg.
“Not a big deal?” He repeats skeptically. He turns so that he’s properly looking at you, making sure he’s understanding correctly. “You think us having sex is ‘not a big deal’?”
“Okay,” Jongdae drawls. “Not together then.”
“That’s not what I meant,” you begin to explain, really wishing this conversation wasn’t happening like this. “It was a big deal to me, okay? But they shouldn’t expect more because of it.”
“Like us getting back together?” He continues to question in a monotonous tone. “You’re saying that they shouldn’t get their hopes up about us getting back together just because we had sex.”
“Exactly!” You clap, glad he understands.
“So that wasn’t us getting back together?”
His disappointment is hard to disguise, and it makes you feel bad. Again you’re reminded that if you’d just talked before this wouldn’t be happening. You sigh and prepare yourself to explain where you’re coming from.
“Chanyeol–”
“Meat’s getting cold,” Sehun interrupts, ending the real conversation before it can start. You’re grateful for it, still not mentally prepared to break Chanyeol’s heart any further, although it seems you may be past that point. Chanyeol’s jaw is tense, honestly everything about him is tense as he nods his head like he finally understands something before stomping over to the table, sitting at the end furthest from the canopy. He grabs a beer, cracking it open and guzzling it down rather aggressively. 
Everyone else reluctantly takes Chanyeol’s lead. When Baekhyun passes you, he grimaces, politely letting you know that you messed up. Sehun is the last to walk past. He stops and reaches a hand out for you to grab. You sigh before taking it, allowing him to pull you up.
“The last thing I want right now is a lecture,” you tell him.
“I’m just checking on you,” he assures. “You good?”
You stare at him. ‘Do I look like I’m good’ written all over your face and he grins, gaining the reaction he wanted. It’s gone as quick as it comes, an air of seriousness taking over.
“I thought we talked about this.” He starts. 
You point a finger at him. “Lecture.”
He purses his lips and lets his attention wander to the table. Everyone is trying their best to lighten the mood. You look also and are surprised to see Seulgi attempt to make small talk with Chanyeol, although he doesn’t appear that interested in the conversation.
“Okay, no lecture, but let me say one thing.” You groan. “Don’t leave this island with unfinished business. That’s only going to hurt you both more.”
You’re still taking in the table as he speaks, and Chanyeol must feel it because he’s looking back at you. He holds your stare for a few seconds, then catches himself and breaks the contact. It’s selfish, but you’re comforted by the familiar longing still lingering there.
You nod at Sehun’s words, turning back to him. “Yeah. Got it.”
He doesn’t believe you and his expression says as much.
“Hey! Hurry up and grab a plate!” Jongin orders you both. 
Sehun pats your arm and heads over to the table, you follow a few steps behind. The food is delicious and the alcohol starts flowing. Soon the sun starts its slow descent, and with full bellies, you all relax more. At this moment, you can’t help but to miss Junmyeon. He’s always the one taking pictures, annoying everyone by forcing you all to pose for what feels like hundreds of photos. Sehun, his successor, makes sure to take as many candids and selfies as he can. You find it easy to smile whenever the camera is focused on you, even when Chanyeol is also in the frame.
Speaking of Chanyeol, the beer, good food, and friendship seems to be working in lifting his spirits. His loud voice carries throughout the beach, and you catch his boisterous laugh from time to time. You’re relieved to know that you haven’t completely ruined this trip for him. 
By this point, the sky is a lovely pink and orange, and you’re a bit tipsy. You close your eyes and sway to the beat of whatever song is playing, snapping along. Someone holds your hand, causing your eyes to spring open to see Jongin gently urging you out of your seat. You allow him to drag you into a clear patch of sand near the waves. You start dancing with him, connected hands swinging between you both as you reluctantly laugh. Jongin is your designated dance partner. He’s one of the better dancers of your group, and you’re shy. He got into the habit of getting you out onto the dancefloor to loosen you up in college. Now is no different. You both roll your bodies and sway your hips to the beat, encouraging each other. The longer you dance, the closer you get, until your forehead rests on his collarbone, arms wrap around each other’s waists, and Jongin’s cheek presses atop your head.
“Are you okay?” He softly asks.
His question causes your vision to blur. You stare unseeingly into the now gray sea, waves crashing urgently and tighten your hold around his torso.
“I don’t think so,” you confess. 
“I don’t understand,” he says, sounding both confused and frustrated. “You both love each other, right? Why fight?”
“It’s not that simple, Nini. I wish it was, but….” You shake your head, not really knowing how to finish the sentence.
“Is it because of her?” He presses.
You close your eyes at the reminder of Yerim, another person your actions will hurt, and she’s yet to find out of your betrayal.
“Partially,” you admit.
Jongin rubs your back. “It'll work out. As long as you know what you want.”
You wipe your face and pull back to smile up at him, clipping his chin affectionately.
“Now that we’ve had that talk,” you say. “Let’s dance! We’re on vacation! I need to feel like it!”
He chuckles and spins you around so that your back is pressed against his torso.
“Turn the music up!” He orders. Whoever is in charge of the tunes obliges and you’re pleased when a song you can grind to comes on. You throw your arms up into the air and instantly lose yourself to the music, dancing back on Jongin who matches your moves easily.
Not really paying attention to your surroundings, you fail to notice someone joining your little party, but they make themselves known by gripping your arms, ripping you out of Jongin’s hold.
“What the–”
For the second time today, Chanyeol has pulled you away from someone. His hands are wrapped so tightly around your forearms, you wince from the pain. He doesn’t catch your discomfort, too busy giving Jongin the fiercest stare you’ve ever seen.
“Get the fuck off of her!” He snarls, dragging you even closer to him so that your face is pressed against his naked heaving chest.
You lean back and attempt to stare him down, but all you see is his sharp jaw.
“We’re just dancing,” you explain defensively.
That makes him look down at you, and you nearly gulp from the fury reflecting in his black orbs.
“That’s not how you ‘just dance’ with someone!”
That’s when you notice the way his words slightly blend together, notice how unsteady he is on his feet.
“You’re drunk,” you point out disappointedly. Remembering how good that did you both the last time he was under the influence.
He chuckles darkly at that. “So are you.”
Ugh, you aren’t anywhere near as faded as he currently is. You attempt to free yourself from him, but he’s holding onto you too tightly to break. There is no escape.
“Chanyeol, Bro, I swear that’s all we were doing,” Jongin calmly reassures.
“Don’t call me ‘bro’,” Chanyeol hisses. “You’ve always been like this, Jongin. You were always touching her! Don’t think I never noticed.”
“She’s my friend,” he says slowly, carefully, as if he’s speaking to a child.
“And she was my fiance!” Chanyeol all but roars. “But that never stopped you!”
You glance around. His outburst draws everyone’s attention and they watch the three of you curiously. Baekhyun and Sehun start to get up from their seats, probably intending to de-escalate the situation, but you don’t want to get anybody else involved. This is between Chanyeol and you. What is happening now is the consequence of you stalling the ‘what are we’ conversation you should’ve had the night before.
“Leave him alone, Yeol,” you mutter. “He’s not the one you’re mad at. It’s me.”
He doesn’t even spare you a glance, too focused on the man behind you. “Why won’t he answer me then? I’m right, aren’t I?”
“I promise I–”
Before Jongin can finish defending himself, you cut him off by putting your hands on Chanyeol’s chest, throwing your weight to shove him. In any other circumstance, he wouldn’t have budged, but his inebriation works in your favor, making him stumble a few steps. Unfortunately, he takes you with him, and you fall forward. He lets go of your arms to catch you by the waist, steadying you both.
“You okay?” He asks with worry.
“Yeah,” you huff. You pat his shoulder. “Why don’t we go for a walk?”
There’s a boardwalk a few meters away that looks deserted, that is probably the best place to have this discussion. Not waiting for an answer, you easily break his hold and start walking towards it. Chanyeol says something to Jongin you can’t catch over the sound of the sea, but it sounds smug enough that you sigh deeply in dismay. You’ll apologize to Jongin tomorrow, you promise to yourself.
When you pass the table, you lock eyes with both Baekhyun and Sehun.
“It’s okay,” you assure them, not even sure if you believe it. It’s enough for them, they stand down and nod, trusting you.
The journey is silent. The sun has disappeared completely by the time you’re on the worn wood, enveloping you in an almost foreboding darkness. The crashing of waves are intense beneath you, doing nothing to soothe your nerves. When you reach the end of the walk, you turn around to the man you know was following you the whole time.
He’s on you before you can even speak. His mouth moves roughly against yours, urgent and desperate. His frustration is felt, as is his still present affection. You fall easily into his kiss, giving into him as naturally as you always have. Your hands curl around his neck, pulling him closer. He cups your face, the palms of his hands squishing your cheeks, puckering your lips more for him to devour. He walks you backwards, until your bare back hits the splintered wood of the banister. it digs into your skin, making you whimper, but it’s not enough pain to distract you from the punishing pressure of Chanyeol’s lips.
The groan he lets out in response is tortured, long fingers desperately begin pulling at the band of your swimsuit bottoms, eager to feel all of you again. 
In sync, your mouths fall open, tongues colliding and lewdly twirling together. God. Fuck. You want him. You want him so bad it’s driving you crazy. You’re going to fuck him again. You’re going to fuck him right here on this damn boardwalk, space be damned–
But, that’s exactly the problem, isn’t it?
“Stop,” you gasp between kisses.
He hums before tilting his head to kiss you even deeper. Those wandering hands of his slide down to squeeze your ass. You shutter and press yourself more against him, slipping your arms fully around his neck to drag him lower so that he’s curved over you. A sheen of sweat the only thing between your boiling bodies.
Still, you can’t bring yourself to fall back completely into the make out session. Disappointment floods you. Seulgi is right, the two of you can’t be alone for even a second without falling into this toxic habit.
Now annoyed with how weak you are, you finally muster the strength to shove Chanyeol back, officially breaking the kiss.
With much needed space between you, you feel the fog of lust begin to clear and can think better. Chanyeol doesn’t say anything or make a move to resume what you interrupted. No. He just stands there, watching you with an expression you find hard to read as you both attempt to catch your heaving breaths. 
“What?” He finally asks, voice hoarse and deeper than hell. “You don’t want me anymore, Mel?”
There’s no sorrow, none of the longing or anger he’s shown throughout the day, which is surprising. It’s almost as if he knew this was how the night was going to go. Like he knew you were going to push him away.
“That….” You swallow thickly. “That’s not it.”
“Then what’s the problem?” He asks, taking a step towards you. You try to counter it, but that leads to more wood stabbing you. You’re sure some break the skin. He takes another step and now he’s directly in front of you, a mere breath away. He lowers his head to be more level with yours, giving you a close up view of his wound up fury.
“The problem,” you nearly stutter, overwhelmed by the hostility now coming off of him in waves. He’s never directed his anger towards you–the situation maybe, but never you–it’s intimidating and scary. You lick your dry lips, trying to find your voice, and he watches detachedly. “My problem is the opposite, Chanyeol. I still very much do.”
“That doesn’t seem like a problem to me.”
“Look at us!” You say. “We can’t be alone for five seconds without being all over each other! Last night was not supposed to happen the way it did! We weren’t supposed to sleep together!”
“But we did,” he snarls through clenched teeth. “And that means something, whether you want it to or not!”
“All that it means to me is we need space. This is too much for me, Yeol. We need time apart to figure out what the hell we actually want.”
“What is too much for you?” He asks, sounding exasperated. “The way I feel about you? The way you still feel about me? What is there to figure out? We still want each other, nothing else matters!”
“We still want each other physically!” You clarify. “I can agree with that, but the longer we’re together, the more I think that’s all we want!” 
“Of course not!” He finally yells. You flinch from the volume and that makes him catch himself. He huffs out a breath before repeating in a much gentler tone, “of course not.”  
He grabs one of your hands, thumb caressing your knuckles. “You are way more than that. You always have been. This is more than physical to me.”
Everything inside of you is screaming to believe him, and he himself is asking for that. For you to have faith in this, and to give it a chance. 
“Then why didn’t you say it back?” 
He doesn’t answer. Instead, he stares at the forming tears in your eyes and the slight wobble of your lips in confusion. He searches for the context to your question. It takes a minute, but then his eyes widen in realization and his mouth falls open, a slight ‘oh’ leaving before he’s snapping it back shut. The look he gives you after that is something akin to pity.
And there is your answer. You pull your hand out of his grasp, using it to wipe away the tears that slipped past your waterline. “Whatever. It doesn’t matter.”
He scrambles in alarm from your withdrawal. “Can you please stop saying shit like that?”
“Why?” You snap. Your irritation grows with every second he doesn’t give you the answer you desire. “It doesn’t. I didn’t mean it anyways. It just slipped out, so…yeah.”
You fidget nervously and try to make out the waves crashing against the wood underneath you. You’re so focused on that, you miss the way Chanyeol recoils in shock. You also miss the reigniting flames of his dimming anger.
“So when you told me you loved me, you didn’t mean it. Yet, you’re mad at me for not saying it?”
Him saying it out loud makes you cringe in embarrassment. As if he hasn’t done enough, you sense mockery in his tone. When you meet his eye again, the anger is still there, but it’s mostly frustration you notice.
“I’m not mad that you didn’t say it,” you deny.
“Yes you are!” He lets out a humorless laugh. Yeah, he’s definitely frustrated. “Is that what all this is about? Why you left this morning? Look, I’m sorry! It wasn’t because I didn’t feel the same, I was just…preoccupied.”
“Preoccupied with what?” You ask in disbelief.
He gives you a steady look, eyebrows raised in a way to say, ‘you know what’. It takes a minute for you to decipher what he’s alluding to, but then you remember what happened right after your little confession and groan his name, appalled.
“See?” He’s grinning like a madman now, pulling at your arms in an attempt to catch your attention. “That’s all I ever wanted to hear. And once I did, I couldn’t control myself anymore. You telling me you love me made me cum.”
“Be serious right now,” you say, frowning in disgust.
“Oh, I’m very serious right now,” he says, that gleefully large grin still on his face.
You throw him a skeptical look. “You’re smiling and talking about cum. You think this is a joke.”
That makes his smile slowly disappear. He says your name. “I don’t think this is funny. I’m telling you the truth. You want me to prove it to you? Hm? I’ll say it right now. I lo–”
“I don’t want to hear it now!” You interrupt in a shout. “If you had said it then, things might’ve been different, but you didn’t. I don’t care why you didn’t either. That was all the confirmation I needed. We have no idea what we want from this.”
“Here we go again,” he groans, walking a bit away from you.
You jut your jaw at that. “I’m going to repeat myself until you get it through that thick skull. Whatever happened, happened. It’s done. We’re done.”
Chanyeol’s frustration is back with a vengeance. His fingers run through his dark hair, yanking at the strands as he starts pacing in front of you. “How can you say that when you had your tongue down my throat minutes ago? You let me cum inside you! You told me you loved me! And that’s it? There’s mixed signals and then there’s whatever the fuck you’re doing right now.”
“There you go talking about cum again,” you mutter to yourself. Louder, “I’m being realistic! It’s only been three days. Three! And, what? We’re just supposed to pick up right where we left off? Act like the past few years never happened? That’s not how this works, and I doubt that’s healthy. We need more time.”
“I already told you that I’ll always love you, and I meant that. I know you’re scared, Mel. Hell, I’m scared too. You’re right, things are moving fast, but that’s because we still care for each other. I know you still love me. You wouldn’t have said it if you didn’t. This wouldn’t be us pretending we never broke up. This can be us realizing that we’re better together. That we’re even stronger now that we’ve had time to figure out who we are apart. Isn’t that what you wanted?”
“It was,” you’re quick to emphasize the past tense. “But I’ve changed a lot since the last time you saw me, Yeol, so stop acting like you know me.”
Something you say catches his attention, and he narrows his eyes suspiciously. “You haven’t changed much.” He says your name. “I still know you, probably better than anybody else here. Just like you still know me.” 
He’s stilled from pacing, and it’s a bit ominous after watching him frantically walk for the past couple minutes. He runs a hand over his face tiredly and lets out a heavy sigh. “So, that’s really what this is about.”
You raise an eyebrow questioningly and he laughs, shaking his head.
“I was hoping it wasn’t, but what you just said…. It all makes sense now.” He’s muttering under his breath, talking to himself.
“What are you going on about?” You ask.
“This morning, when I woke up and you weren’t there, I knew. I didn’t want to believe it, that you would do something like that, but I knew what happened the moment I realized you had left me.”
Your body begins to shake, and it isn’t from the cold. Foreboding chills your spine, causing goosebumps to rise, sharpening once he locks eyes with you, the accusations hard to miss.
“You still hate me.”
His hands curl into tight fists at his sides, trembling–as are his shoulders, his voice. He closes his eyes, taking deep calming breaths you doubt help him much. 
“And now you’re telling me you didn’t mean it when you said you loved me. That you changed since the ‘last time I saw you’. Was that your plan all along? To seduce me? Make me think you still gave a shit so that I’d let you fuck me and then leave? Was last night revenge sex?”
“No,” you gasp, genuinely shocked by his conclusion. “I already told you, it was a lapse of judgment–”
“I’m not playing this fucking game with you!” He shouts. His voice breaks, just like his heart currently does. “You don’t get to hurt me again. You can’t play with my feelings everytime I allow myself to be open with you. Maybe you’re right, Mel. Maybe I don’t know you anymore, because I never thought you could do something this fucking cruel.”
“Me? Cruel?” Your anger flares up. “What the fuck about you? You come here, bring some other girl you care nothing for, and then pretend like we never knew each other! Then proceeded to ignore her the whole time to flirt with me any chance you got!”
“We’re not talking about this trip!” Chanyeol dismisses. “I should have never brought her, I know that now, but that’s not what this is about. This is about the time before that, when you gave me back the engagement ring!”
Sehun mentioned the night before the wedding that you have a baseless grudge against Chanyeol, one that twisted the love you have for him, crossing that thin line over to hate. He was positive you made something up, a ‘lie’ he called it, to keep Chanyeol at arm’s length from your heart in order to protect it. The truth is that Sehun grew cocky. He believed so deeply that you couldn’t keep anything from him, that it was impossible to with the way he can so easily read you, that he never suspected when you did. It was only one thing. One thing you decided to keep to yourself, refusing to confide in even Sehun. The reason? To protect the man in front of you, the same way he protected you.
The last thing you want is to bring it up, but technically, Chanyeol is doing it first.
“Gave it back?” You’re in total disbelief. “You took it back the morning after you slept with me and then completely ghosted like I was some one night stand!”
“That’s what you wanted!” 
“When?” You ask, baffled. “When I invited you over? Or was it in the middle of us having sex?”
He runs a hand roughly through his hair. “Okay, but why did you invite me over?”
“Because I–”
He doesn’t let you finish, his own anger from that day getting the best of him. “Because you wanted to give me the ring back!”
His voice has risen, and it silences you completely. 
“Fuck!” He’s saying your name again, but there isn’t an ounce of affection. “You wanted to return the ring. It was the one thing–the only thing that gave me hope. I told you to keep it, because I knew as long as you still had it, there was still a future for us. But then you called me. It hadn’t even been a year since our separation–because that’s what we were, separated not broken up–and the first time I hear from you it’s to tell me you want to give me back your fucking ring!”
Your head is spinning, attempting to comprehend everything he just admitted, filling in blanks you have been trying to figure out for years now. You hate to admit it, but some things are starting to make sense. 
“So, which was it then?” You question rather calmly. “You were still hurt from when I broke things off, so when I reached out you saw your chance to return the favor? Or was it because you thought that’s why I asked you to come over, so you got upset, slept with me, and left as a big fuck you?”
“Neither,” he reveals, evident disgust from your thought process. “Sleeping with you that night just happened. I didn’t do it with the intention to hurt you.”
“Sounds familiar,” you point out. He pinches the bridge of his nose. It feels like you’re going nowhere. Like you’re speaking in circles. “But okay, fine, say I believe that you didn’t do it to hurt me. Why did you leave?”
“Because I didn’t want what happened that night to become our normal,” he admits. “You knew how I felt about you, and I didn’t want you to take advantage of that–of me. Come on, Mel, you’ve always known the power you have over me. If you had told me that night that all you wanted from me was sex, I’d given that to you. Hell, if you told me right now that’s all you want, I’d give it to you. I’d give you anything. You’re my Melody.” He takes a deep shaky breath. “But I knew that if I reduced myself to that just to keep you, it would destroy me. I didn’t want to lose myself like that. And I don’t ever want to hate you. That’s why I ultimately left. Took the ring–like you told me to–and ran before you could change my mind. That was me setting a boundary for myself. I had to let you go before I allowed you to use and break me.”
Your heart sinks at his explanation. “Do you really think I’d treat you like that?”
“Do you really think I’d make love to you and not mean it?” He counters.
Again, you’re back at square one. Blinking at one another, trying to figure out where you stand in each other’s hearts. With the newfound knowledge of Chanyeol’s thoughts on that infamous day, you look internally. To be honest, his words don’t sway you much. The hurt from that day is still painful. You vividly remember the way your heart shattered when he was nowhere to be found. To add salt to the wound, he had blocked you on everything, so that you had no way to contact him afterwards. Yes, you really did believe he was capable of doing that.
“No matter what your intention was that day,” you start. “The result is still the same.”
Once Chanyeol hears this, you watch him build up a wall, closing you off from him for the first time. Until right now, you believed he wasn’t capable of doing that to you. That it couldn’t be helped or that he felt comfortable enough to let his guard down in your presence. But watching all the vulnerability, all the honesty, all the affection he had for you vanish before your eyes, you realize you have been giving yourself too much credit.
“I guess that makes us even now, right?” He asks bitterly. 
You turn away, partially out of guilt, but also because you can’t stomach the haunted shadow dulling him. He’s right, in a sick way. You both ran away, hurting the other despite the reasoning behind it.
“So, that’s it then?” He asks when you fail to say anything.
“Chanyeol….” You turn back to him and instantly are bombarded with regret. You can so easily fix this. If you really want to, you can tell him that you forgive him for that night, that you truly never meant to hurt him and that the night before meant everything to you. You can walk off this boardwalk hand in hand, laughing with giddiness from falling back in love with your soulmate. Rejoining your friends who would be nothing but ecstatic and supportive of you working through your issues and returning to one another. You can do that. It will only take one simple sentence. 
But you don’t forgive him, and you haven’t really resolved anything. Your new relationship would be built on the foundation of ignorance, avoidance, and lust. You didn’t want that, not if it is the cost of having him back at this moment. You both have some healing to do before jumping into this again, and this conversation proved that. You aren’t ready.
“I–yeah. I think it would be for the best if we end things here.”
“Yeah,” he agrees in defeat. He sniffs and scratches the back of his head. “You’re probably right. There’s not much else I can say to make you stay.”
He takes you in one more time. In his reluctance, it’s as if he’s giving you a chance to change your answer, but you both know you won’t. Guess he does still know you well. He clears his throat and without saying goodbye, walks away. 
He’s about to clear the walk when you’re yelling at him to wait.
He does. He faces you and watches with wide eyes as you run hastily over to him. You stop at a safe distance, close enough to see him under the dim moonlight, but far enough away that you can’t feel the distracting heat of his body. 
He observes you warily, probably wondering how you’re going to break his heart this time. It’s that bit of doubt that made you run. There’s one last thing he needs to know, the one thing he needs to take away from this conversation, if nothing else.
“I don’t hate you.”
It’s the last thing he expected, and his reaction reflects that. His eyes grow glossy and he does his best to blink the unshed tears back, while also fighting the frown weighing the corners of his lips, causing them to tremble. Wordlessly, he reaches out to you, cupping the back of your head, and you let him. You allow him to touch you, to bring you close to him, relishing in his heat against the chilling bite of the ocean’s breeze. He pulls you in and presses a tender lingering kiss onto your forehead.
“Thank you,” he whispers against your skin.
And then he’s gone, taking all the warmth with him.
And you watch, as his fire dims and he blends with the gray of your surroundings before disappearing out of sight.
You pray to god that’s not a metaphor.
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terra-feminarum · 11 months
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Do you have any tips for people who are questioning political opinions? I am REALLY confused about all of this, should i be pro-queer or pro-radfem and i really wish i was the type of person to say "i dont care about this political shit". I am asking you this because you seem like a more considerate/kind radfem-alligned person.
I also want to make sure that i am actually not a newby radfem, it kinda went the opposite way. I was always more alligned with radfems, and now i am questioning everything. And its an everyday struggle, should i be trans, should i desist? First it started as an emotional "i dont want people to hate me and want to fit in" thing, but now i was actually seeing some rational things that queer community is saying (i actually want to send some of them to radfems/lgb blogs/i know the opposite way wont work) But i also want to say that still, queer community is inconsiderate of sex-based rights, it acting like afab/female people have nothing in common is wrong
Tbh the question has gone off the rails, i just really would like to hear your political journey, thanks
I think it's great you think about this. You don't have to pick either or. There isn't a finite number of political stances, but you can form your own opinions even if there might be no one else who thinks exactly the way you do. I consider it a lifelong journey. There will always be issues that might clash with something you've believed until now and you need to readjust. I consider these clashes very interesting: from these you will find the weak spots of your thinking, or things you don't have enough knowledge on and so on.
My political journey is still a work in progress, and having been an adamant trans rights activist and now having opinions on feminism that many would consider quite extreme, I am critical of my own thought and of how certain kind of echo chambers affect it; whether the echo chamber consists of trans people or radfems. Everything that induces a feeling of rage or superiority in me should be further inspected and I recommend this approach to everyone.
I think it's important to realize it's not "pro-queer" or pro-radfem. A lot of radfems are bi and lesbian women, many of whom are GNC, some of who are dysphoric, as you probably know. A lot of radical feminists are also against discrimination of trans people, as they consider trans people simply very GNC males and females. This is very much in line with gender abolitionism. So "queers" and radfems aren't the opposites some people see them to be.
But there is a conflict and the conflict of interest I see happening has at least three parts: 1) What does it mean to feminism when females/AFABs transition? What does it tell about how our society sees women? What kind of ideas does it enforce when masculine women transition? 2) Can males be considered women, or females as some of them claim to be, and can a male become female and thus have a say in female issues? and 3) Is the trans movement enforcing traditional gender roles rather than dissolving them?
The personal choice to transition or not to transition is a complex one. Personally I'm fairly sure the wish for females/AFABs to transition is often, if not always, connected to misogyny*. But the thing is, we can't have a world free of misogyny right now. Also, we can't rewire our brain from birth to understand a different kind of womanhood that we would feel comfortable in. The patriarchal idea of womanhood lives in our head to some extent whether we want it or not. Some of us have rougher surroundings than others when it comes to misogyny. Some of us have more resources to unpack what patriarchy has done to our self-image. So some of us will transition and it will be a personal relief, but it's not a victory for women and feminism.
[*How I conceptualize gender dysphoria is purely an opinion based on my own experiences and observations and if I would be given sufficient proof, I might change my opinion.]
One huge problem I see in the trans community is their misidentification of the actual enemy. Trans people are very prone to point their finger to the "TERF", women who allegedly want them all dead. Actual violence towards trans people and women has a common perpetrator: cis men, and in the case of feminist women, trans women are a real threat, too. So, it's males we all need to be afraid of, even those who are males themselves are primarily hurt by other males, not females. Radfems aren't violent, but radfems are blamed of the violence perpetrated by men. Somehow the it's the radfems who receive the death and rape threats, rather than the violent men. This is misogyny.
The problem with trans community is their lack of understanding of patriarchy and misogyny. A lot of them - past me included - thinks cis women are oppressors who hold as much power as cis men. From this point of view their hatred of radical feminism seem logical.
Now I'm just rambling. I haven't really come into a final conclusion about a lot of things. I think it's important to tolerate uncertainty when it comes to political opinions.
Of course this might land you into a place most people don't want to be in: trans people will consider you a TERF and radfems will consider you a TRA. But it's worth it to form your own opinions, and you are free to change what you think when you learn more. You can contradict yourself and later you can resolve those contradictions. It's not a purity contest nor a popularity contest. It's about finding out what you believe to be true, about defining your values, about practicing empathy towards yourself and others without succumbing to intellectual dishonesty or resorting to blind hate. Often it's about being able to be not liked by others. People tend to like others more when they agree with a certain set of ideas without questioning.
If you don't mind, I would be really interested to hear what kind of persuasive things you've learned that are in contradiction with radical feminism and what you think about them.
And good luck, I hope you find what works for you the best! Whatever you choose, I hope you will consider women's rights important in the future, too. If you choose to transition, you will still understand the radfem side better than most people on that side, and that position as an ideological bridge, or as an "ideological bilingual" is extremely important. Right now the polarization of societies is accelerating and considering or even learning about the stance of the "enemy" is considered almost impure, so I thank everyone who are willing to have actual dialogue, even if we might not agree.
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castielsparkle · 1 year
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I'm so jealous of your dad I got my mom into supernatural and obsessed with cas but she was soo confused when I even mentioned there being gay undertones. And she thinks dean's annoying 😕
/!!3?2$2; that is so crazy to me because . well. ok let me explain. my mom personally is evil and insane and when i was like 12 i would tell her about youtuber rpf and like. she is actively homophobic however she was a legit truther about youtube rpf ships which is. an entire thing. not an rpf guy btw need this to be known . not a fan. not about it whatsoever. actively disdain for it. Moving on. she still talks abt that stuff to this day. unprompted. despite being lgbtphobic love and light. MOVING ON. my dad literally like..... We did Not ask him to fucking do this . he started watching spn and anytime its on tv around him he starts going off about his gay dean truthing and how like. he doesnt subscribe to him being bi hes of the belief dean is a gay man. he also vibes with dean beinng a trans dude. he will make a comment about this at any opportunity . dean scene where hes like 'my boobs are real' cue my father unprompted immediately talking abt top surgery dean . hes insane. he says he is quote 'indifferent' abt trans dean headcanon. he says hes also quote 'indifferent' abt gay and bi dean however he 'sure does act gay with cas' which . is really fucking funny to me bc he put on a destiel compilation on youtube (?? did not fucking ask him to . i wanted to watch the 'deans gay thing' scene) and then it ended up being him critiquing fan compilations of deans behaviors and he even starts bringing up like . 'remember that time he looked at that guys ass in like the 50s' or whatever. like to prove there were better portrayals of dean being gay than in the destiel fan compilations on yourube. my god. he said yesterday separately to both me and my older brother about how he (my dad not dean) is like if gay was a gender and not a sexuality. not unpacking all that rn. but he said it to me when we were watching destiel compilation he put on and he had my older brother back him up abt how he said it earlier GSHJF. i dont remember whrte i was going w this. oh yeah. further context i am his only bio child ever . my older brother is found family we met like five years ago and he moved in w us at the end of last yr. bc dad offered. and before that he offered to move in my other bestie who i went to hs with who ive known for approx four years now and like . we are all trans guys btw. he offered to pay for our t if we set up ghe shit w insurance (this is happening rn i literally got my first t shot yday‼️) ANYWAYS.... all of this to say. my dad is always saying shit about jow destiel are gay or whatever. hes insane. no clue why. he insisted that like Yeah No its not even undertones is so blatant and overt that hes gay . he will say stuff like 'im not a fangirl i dont have headcanons' (insane sentence to hear btw) if u ask him directly abt it when were not watching spn bc it 'stays reserved for when were watching the show' but also like he will just. he. will say things. so much.
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edit requests my dad has given me courtesy of my roomie from when they watch spn. in the car on the way to the store tonight he (my father) told me ANOTHWR idea he had which was when cas tried to speak to dean in lazrising and shatters all the glass and shit and hes like . quote. itd be a meme with the caption like 'autistic me not being able to control the volume of my voice.' which yeah. fire image idea. love it. he just says shit. hes always talking about how gay dean is and how detiel is real sorry i know this sounds like fucking down with cis bus and oppa homeless stylw and ahit i literally promise u im being so fucking for real. the first con i ever went to my dad took me and he dressed as naruto bc he doesnt 'kin' naruto but he says if he did kin it wouldbe naruto and pinkie pie . he also is obsessed w weird al. he knows rhat pinkie pie and weird al are married and have a child. he makes. interesting comments abt it when he talks abt how he would kin pinkie pie if he had to kin a my little pony. sorry this got way off the fucking rails. he also twitch streams twice a week. ive never watched sherlock but he did back in the day when it was popular. we also both watched doctor who together. sorry this got so divorced from ur ask anon my dad also got divorced he loves divorce. okay im so sorry im done now . also he says that sam is annoying sometimes
WDIT: SO FUCKING SORRY i forgot to add my dad said he quote 'kind of' would endorse this compilation . https://youtu.be/4McX1GUE3K8 he felt fairly positive about it.
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princessdreamie · 6 months
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DBH part 15
New character/s: Sa: Sandra (C's old penpal)
A few days later
In C's car
C finally drove off with his friends to enjoy their trip. C had the biggest car of their group, so he was in charge at bringing some stuff they might need when they arrive. He packed a few music cds, a gaming console (+ games of course), a few of his favorite books and a small radio. The car still had some space left, so some of his pals drove in his while Lv took the rest of them.
C's passengers, which consisted of 3 stereotypical party guys, goofed around while c tried to concentrate on the road. Which was quite a task on its own, since his friends talked too much for his liking. On the other hand he was glad that he had only 3 of them inside. Lv had to make do with 2 of their Gfs (who really like to gossip for hours) and Fa & Mel. And Mel is always open for some girl chat. Even if it was just about mundane stuff, like the newest music albums. A few hours went by and they finally arrived at a big cottage near a river. This building belongs to one of their friends and since their parents hardly come by they thought it would be a great opportunity to get away for a while.
While they guys unpacked their equipment out of the car, the girls went inside and were blown away at the size of the entrance hall. Suddenly a noise came from one of the upper rooms and they went to investigate. They figured out that someone was in the washroom, Mel wanted to knock at the door but one of the girls just opened it without a second thought.
The 3 girls were shocked to see another girl in the middle of nowhere. One of the 2 Gfs asked the intruder who she was and what she was doing in this house. She introduced herself: „Hey, my name is Sandra (Sa for short). I am a friend of C. Nice to meet you.”
The 3 girls put their guard down as she was dropping C's name. As it turned out, C invited her to come along the trip, to which she quickly agreed to. C eventually introduced her to the boys. Some time later the teenagers decided to make some lunch.
Fa & Mel were put in charge in cooking while the rest made the table. Some of their friends teased Lv & C that they had to set the table by themselves and dont get special treatement as in their homes. C laughs with them hiding the fact that he usually doesn't eat at home all to often and just makes a stop at a coffee shop for breakfast. Back then he would eat with his fam at the table but he started to make his own thing after a few years. Se was sad that his big brother doesn't eat with him that often but he understood that he could go out for school unlike him.
After some time Fa & Mel brought out their lunch and placed everything on the table cloth. Mel made some Miso soup and Fa had his hamds full with the main course (something they usally ate in the novel. Just think of something on your own).
While they dug into the soup one of the guy friends was wondering how C and Sa knew eachother. Everyone else was hoping for an answer too so C made a quick summary for his friends.
„Back in my last school we had an Assignment to pick a penpal from an other school. We put some names in a box and then blind pick one of them. I ended up with Sandra. We wrote each other every week. Even after our project ended i still wrote her every now and then.”
The 2 told them stories on what they usually wrote in their letters. Eventually they exchanged phone numbers and texted each other every once in a while. One of the girls asked if they had made it official.C & Sa looked at her in confusion. After some explaination on what the girl meant both burst out laughing. Sa came clean to the rest, explainig that both of them werent having any romantic feelings for one another. Sa wasnt C's type and Sa was already in a relationship.
Mel then asked why she didn't bring her partner with her at this trip. Sa became shy and just mumbled that it is complicated. Not wanting to press any further, Lv kept the conversation going with some of his new gadgets he helped building with his dad. C swiftly glanced at Sa and noticed that she was feeling uncomfortable after Mel's query.
Later as they cleaned up the room, C asked Sa if everuthing was alright. Sa was on her phone texting someone. „You know that you have your worries. But i assure you that my friends wont Judge you if you decide to tell them.” Sa nodded at him. She felt blessed to have C as an understanding friend.
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urinterwebpuppy · 2 years
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😭
like im sorry but
😭
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let puppi unpack dis lil respons3
these ppl are trans they tick da boxes of being trans. dysphoria is the mental illness that most trans ppl suffer from. chu dont need dysphoria tho! if anything im glad sum ppl dont suffer from dysphoria cus its painful and makes life harder. u dont need a mental illness to b trans!
the lgbtq community is made 4 ppl showing gender variance and have diff sexualities ∪・ω・∪ that arnt cis het
this includes ppl attracted to multiple genders/aesthetic and romantic attractions etc for eg bisexuality u are attracted to multiple (so are the micro lables like pansexuality etc >:3) or those who are polyamorous etc.
aro and aces hav been apart of lgbtq history for years. they are apart of us. they are us. they make us. i cant imagine our communiti wifout dem honestli (ง˙∇˙)ว
we are not going to exclude them now because u say so♡♡♡♡
pronouns dont always = gender. that sounds like the common lgbtqphobic statments i hear cis ppl say. he/him lesbians simply feel comfy with masculine pronouns. some could b trans femme but are fine with he/him they are still women tho dont go down that lane that isnt a hill u wanna die on. u cant dictate whos gender is wat. and whos valid.
just like how sexual attraction is included if u experience none, u are still apart of the community. they belong. u dont have to be sexually attracted to ppl to b a true queer. or romanticaly attracted to ppl to b queer either. ever heard of queer platonic relationships?
i never said religous ppl are aesxual or aromatic. u seem to b a lil lost there (°ヘ°)
aesxuals are just ppl who experience lil to no sexual attraction. some may b aspec etc etc and etc theres so much diversity here
not my fault u dont like how are community varies :c
not my fault u dont like how some lgbtq+ individuals dont suffer from mental illnesses :c
the defenition of somone trans is somone who identifies as a gender not assigned at birth.
also alot of ur analogys dont add up. yes unicorns arnt real or proven to b real (yet :33) but these ppl like non dysphoric trans ppl etc are acc living and breathing, we cant deny their excitense. science still hasnt fully comprehended or understood lots of things. dosnt mean they arnt real.
neurodivergent ppl (like myself) who experience gender in diffrent ways that dont fit our description of gender arnt any less valid. u cant say wat we are or are not. (reffering to neopronouns and xenogenders)
the things u are saying are things cis ppl have said to us. often ppl do it to either please the cis or reinforce their ideologies on us. its jus queerphobia man but go off ig ( ´つω;)
we wont stop exsiting cus ur mad.
so mani trans meds puppi has spoken to refuse to go further with this debate or block me after. please dont deny history. dont exclude ppl who have fought for us and alongside us for so long.
dont push them out now.
dont tel us who and who is what because u believe a ceartain thing. u cant tell us who we are.
we arnt invading any spaces. i mean except ur little one the one u feel entitled to and invalidate other because u suddenly have the guide of how to b a queer person and who and who cant b involved.
thnk chu (〃´・ω・`)♪
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edit:{ive edited a phew things cus i think i adressed things tuu loosley i said queer when i meant gender queer and should of said trans to b more specific ( ´つω;) i made a few mistakes so im tryna correct it thnk chu}
edit2: {removed dis from aro positiviti tag due tu complaint! im new and im sorri if the og poster statment upswet chu :c i truly apologize 4 puttin it in a plce meant soley 4 positiviti 💔 /gen /pos will try tu b mre careful in da future♡}
edit3:{puppi haf another response tu their stament wif sources and links! feel free tu lwook 4 it♡}
i may b a digital puppi but i wont stay silent wen i sense inequality
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tortilla-of-courage · 3 years
Note
Describing it as being like home is actually pretty accurate yeah.
And YES! I am totally willing to talk about my modern AU.
I've been calling it the Adoption AU because Time ends up adopting all of the boys. It mostly started as, I saw an edit for a tweet someone did with Wars and Wild that involved Taco Bell (cannot remember the blog or post for the life of me though), and so I wrote a thing about Warriors sneaking out of his university dorm to pick up Wild, who snuck out the window despite his broken arm, and then got extorted by Legend in exchange for silence at 3am.
This was followed by a fic where Groose decided spray painting a public building was a good idea and got himself and Sky arrested, set earlier in the timeline.
So then I made a timeline. Twilight is Time and Malon's biological son, and he found Wild on the side of the road one day (Wild's backstory involves a bad car wreck and an underground hospital, but no conspiracy bullshit. Yet). Wild has no memory, so they keep him. Wild brings home Legend, who was told his uncle died at school before a holiday. They then also keep Legend. Malon finds Four in her barn one morning for complicated reasons, and they keep him too. Twilight finds Warriors, who is in his class, hiding in an alley one day after he ran away from an abusive home and brings him home too. SS Impa (who I've nicknamed Shield because there are enough prominent Impas here that they should get nicknames too) is a social worker who's trying to find Sky a home and has run out of options, and turns to Time, who has a record of successfully housing 'unhousable' youths, and asks if he can take one more. He can. Wild finds Hyrule and brings him home because 'Rule needs a shower even more than Wild does. Hyrule stays. Wind's grandma ends up with Wind and his sister but can't financially take care of both and so Wind ends up with the boys and everyone is +1 Grandma.
Twilight has a fic detailing how he knows Midna and Dusk and I ended up shooting him (oops) but at least their social project gets handed in on time.
Then I started hashing out Time's backstory and suddenly this AU had plot. And organized crime. And a conspiracy. And secret societies.
The summarized version is that the gems from OoT are like, Idk what they do yet. Haven't gotten to a point where I need to figure that out yet. But they are Important and have to be carefully guarded. The Great Deku Tree (just called Deku because he's not a tree here) was Time's foster father before Ganondorf killed him. Also, Ganondorf is Deku's half brother. Because. However Time 'stole' the Emerald and he and Navi ran until OoT Impa (Sage) and Lullaby found them. So Time got adopted into Lullaby's family. Ruto inherited the Sapphire from her mother who also died from mysterious circumstances, and Darunia has the Ruby. Lullaby got the Ocarina from her late paternal grandmother.
Then Ganon finds them and tries to steal the Emerald from Time, so Lullaby goes looking for help and thus finds the sages. Saria is an anonymous hacker who uses the screen name 'Kokiri'. Time reveals he didn't steal the Emerald, he was Deku's heir, and then Navi goes missing. Time is home worried enough that he's physically sick, and Ganon decides to try and attack the home. Only Lullaby's family is Olde Money, and they live in a big, old manor, so Lullaby as Sheik decides to play 'Home Alone' with the secret passages in the walls and they piss off Ganon because when did that brat get a sheikah bodyguard??? Sage and Rottla (Lullaby's mother, who is fully sheikah as well) rush home from a thing and Kokiri is running a play by play watching the security cameras.
I pull in my headcanon that Time was killed in the Downfall Timeline by getting impaled on Ganon's tusk and Ganondorf stabs him with the tusk of a mounted boar head and then Sheik shows up to protect his brother, and then Mama gets home and is not happy to find this man in her home attacking her kids. Time is fine, but Navi stays missing. (She's alive tho.)
Also, Time's foster dad was the last leader of a secret society known as The Order of The Lost Woods, and Time learns this upon meeting Tatl, who gets him sucked into another event that would probably make a good action movie. I have thought too much about the Order and it's hierarchy, but what's important here is that Time ends up with a standing job offer and Tatl and he remain friends and we find out how I fit FD into this AU. It's not pretty. This is where Time loses his eye too.
The AoC came out and I added that Link in as Wild's twin brother and he shows up during the main plot.
Which starts with Twi getting kidnapped. (I'm not really meaner to him than the others, I swear, he's just the most logical choice to be Time's heir. Which he is. He doesn't know this though.)
So he's kidnapped by Ganondorf, who broke out of jail, Zant, who shot Twi in highschool, and Ghirahim, who has some history with Sky I haven't fleshed out yet and a very public rivalry with Warriors over twitter. About six weeks later Sage finds him in an abandoned warehouse (because of course) with a shackle on his left arm and a lot of new injuries. He ends up fine, but he tells Time later in the hospital what happened and he's both message and messenger and Time is this close to just committing murder. Tatl talks him down.
Somewhere here is the half finished fic where I introduce AoC Link as Luke/Knight, and this is as far as I've plotted thus far.
Other tidbits: Wild and Lullaby/Sheik are both genderfluid, Lullaby/Sheik married Ruto, Wild has a very popular YouTube channel, Twi does drag racing sometimes, Sky has a pet bird, Four has DID to explain how the Colours are here too, and Wolfie exists in the form of a random wolf-dog Wild found and brought home that Legend somehow convinced half the family was Twilight. Also, Warriors has somehow befriended an entire sorority and he doesn't know how this happened.
This... got long. As you can see I have a lot of thoughts about the Adoption AU. It's gotten a bit away from me, I'll admit. This went from 'Wild does stunts on his motorbike and keeps breaking bones but somehow not the bike' to 'Twilight got kidnapped and Time is the target of a mafia that Ganon runs and also maybe killed a man once' and I don't know how that happened. Also, this is the condensed version of the summary. My actual summary/outline is much, much longer than this. So if there's any detail you want more on, feel free to say so and I'll happily go into more detail (there are so many things I didn't even mention....)
And yes, Robbie having a bong is very important to my best friend, for some reason. He has one in a modern AU and he probably invented one in canon. I happen to agree that this makes sense for his character, if anyone would invent a bong in LoZ it's Robbie (this is such an anticlimactic end to this ask after the stuff about the modern AU...)
Also, sorry for the long ass ask. I genuinely don't know how to condense the Adoption Au down any further. There's a lot of important plot beats to cover, and I still skipped things.
-Attllhak
oh my GOD???? if you ever write and post this somewhere id love to read it, the level of "crazy" conspiracy/action movie elements implemented sound sosososo cool, from Ganondorf being Deku's half brother to trying to "send a message" via Twi and- just- all of this is SO good.i sat here and reread this ask like 3 times as if that would magically spawn more info about it ahaha
there's so much to unpack here but it's honestly so worth it i love every single detail!!! i can imagine the actual outline being way longer, nad honestly that just makes me the more excited/curious about all that might be missing from this ask - i cant believe it started with Wild and Wars going to Taco Bell of all things
also i can totally see Robbie making a bong, no matter the setting or AU. fits him a lot I'd say
and dont worry about long asks!! i adore opening up my askbox to see one ask take over the entire thing, it makes me really happy aha
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sweetiejunie · 3 years
Text
It’s Because I Love you
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Summary: Soobin dug himself into a hole and needed his bestfriend to help him out
Genre: Fluff, Friends-to-lovers, Slow-burn(ish)
Word count: ~10k (oops sry)
💕 Requested 
A/n: to the anon that requested this. I’m so sorry this took me forever... haha~ I hope you liked it! And writing this actually reminded how much i like writing these. Do you guys prefer these kind of longer fics or the shorter reaction type fics?
Warnings: Some swearing
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      “Y/n i fucked up.”
      Was first line that came out of soobin’s mouth when you opened the door. It wasn’t unusual for soobin to randomly show up at your place. But you really weren’t expecting his presence today, since you knew he would be busy packing to head home for the week break. You were about to greet him but before you could say anything, he beat you to it, his sentence laced with regret and panic.        “What did you do this time?” You answered, “aren’t you supposed to be packing?”        “I- excuse you what do you mean ‘this time’?” He mocked. “Okay, whatever, we’ll get back to that and yeah, i am, but I fucked up real bad,” he repeated.        “Huh?” You took a step back so soobin could enter. “Are you alright? What happened?”       “So you know how all my cousins and sibling are in a relationship right?” Soobin continued, making his way to your couch to sit down. Resting his head back against the cushions as he groaned.       “Yeah, what about it?” Tilting your head as the conversation got more confusing by the second. You closed the door behind you before joining him.        “Well... my brother just called me and may have been bothering me about being the only one that isn’t in a relationship...” he trailed off, “and erm, i may have said i... had a girlfriend. And now my family wants met her.”        You couldn’t help but burst out laughing at his confession, “you did what? You really dug yourself into a hole this time.”        Soobin was the youngest of his family. He was always the one that chose to focus more on his grades than actually making friends. Sure, he went to parties and drank every now and then, but other than that, he rarely did anything short of the ‘perfect son’. But despite all his efforts, there was always one thing his sibling could tease him about, and that was the fact that he was 21 and has never been in a relationship. Soobin always tried to not let this bother him, but i guess today, he just snapped.        “I really did,” he sighed. “That’s why i need your help.”        “How can i possibly help you out of this, soobin?” you ridiculed, glaring at him. “You do know that you’re one of my only friends, right? Meaning, I won’t be able to find anyone to play girlfriend with you.”         “Um, actually about that... i kind of told my family that my girlfriend goes to the same school as me and studies the same major as me. I also kind of told them that she has y/e/c eyes and y/h/c hair.” He sat up, looking for a reaction from you. Instead, all he saw was your blank expression, staring back at him. “Yeah so, if you hadn’t caught on yet, i might have, sort of, just described you to my family.”         Your eyes widened at his statement, you weren’t sure what to reply. You met soobin all the way back in high school, and you’ve stayed friends ever since — 5 years, 11 months, 23 days, to be exact. Not that you were keeping count or anything. You remember the first day you approached the shy boy, the new transfer student sitting at the back alone. He was the first friend you made there. And to makes things worse, you’ve had a crush on him, but you knew better than to confess and possibly ruin the friendship.         You’ve suppressed all your feeling since then. Maybe. Probably. Okay, no. But you’ve tried. And all this talk of ‘pretend girlfriend’ did nothing but make your heart start racing again.        “Why on earth would you do that!”        “I dont know! You were the first person that came to mind! So are you okay with doing me the favour of playing the role of my girlfriend?” Soobin said with a slight pout and puppy dog eyes. A move he knew you could never refuse, “You’re free this break, right?”        His sudden confession was like a blow to your heart. The first person that came to his mind... but it’s probably just because he didnt have many female friends, right?        “Erm...” you paused. The more you thought about his proposition, the more you found yourself weighing the consequences.        “Come on y/n. Please? We already get engaged every other week at clubs for free drinks. This won’t be that much different.”        “Would your family believe it? I mean, it’s me.”        “Sure they will. And it’ll be easy to fake it since you already know me.”        You paused for another second before replying. “Hm, right. Fine. But you owe me. Do i have to bring anything?” You were helping out a friend.         A friend. Nothing more, nothing less.        “Nope, just bring enough clothes. You don’t need anything too fancy,” he stood up, leaning down to give you a quick hug. As he walked towards the door, he looked over his shoulder before leaving your apartment. “Thanks for doing this, i really owe you. I’ll pick you up at 7 tomorrow after our classes, alright? See you then.”
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        After an hour, three outfit changes and completely unpacking and repacking your luggage twice, you were finally satisfied and ready to go. It was only a weeks worth of clothes in a small luggage, yet, you still found a way to overthink it. In the end, you had settled for a simple tee with jeans and a coat to keep you warm for the ride.         Already, you were beginning to regret your decision of going along with this whole ‘fake girlfriend’ act. It had nothing to do with soobin or his family. They were absolutely wonderful, his parents were kind, his siblings were fun and sweet and his baby nephew was, well, a baby. The only problem was what if your heart liked the idea of being his ‘girlfriend’ just a little bit too much?         You had met his siblings and parents a handful of times when they visited him at his apartment. They’ve always been nothing but nice to you, and now, you were going to have to lie to them. The more you thought about it, the more your mind was playing angel and devil with you. On one hand, you didn’t want to spend the weekend being dishonest and possibly screwing up the image soobin’s family had of you. But on the other, you wanted to be selfish and be able to call soobin yours, even if it were just for a few days.         You sighed quietly, sitting in your living room waiting for soobin to pick you up like he said he would. The entire day you had been unable to focus in your classes, whatever your lectures said just going right through your head. At this time on fridays, you would normally have found soobin dressed in any lounge wear he had, crashing at your place to watch whatever movie he found that week. But now, you were going to find him dressed up, ready to bring you to meet his parents. The relationship sure escalated quickly. Just as your mind started drifting further, your doorbell rang.        “U ready?” Soobin’s signature eye smile greeted you, his front bunny teeth exposed. You’ve always noticed how soobin’s appearance resembled that of a bunny, but no matter how many times you tried to tell him, he didn’t want to believe it.        “As ready as ill ever be,” you returned the smile, grabbing your luggage and locking your front door.        Well, this was it, no turning back now. Helping you with your things, soobin lead you to his car and started the journey. It was only about a 3 hour drive and a car ride proved to be a great distraction. You hadn’t been to soobins hometown before, so being able to look out the window and see the scenery was no doubt better than sneaking glances at soobin in the drivers seat. You just knew that if you saw soobin, with one hand on the steering wheel, and the other propped on the arm rest, you might have gone into cardiac arrest.        The ride was quiet for the most part, that was until soobin pulled up at a red light. “I made a playlist,” soobin flipped his phone around to show you and connect it to his car. “It’s like, if you were my real girlfriend, this would be the playlist i would share with you.”        You couldn’t help but smile when you realised how sweet soobin would be in an actual relationship. His future girlfriend is really lucky. But you had to control yourself, reminding yourself that it’s all just pretend for the week.        “I’m sure its great. You have great taste in music,” you faked a laugh. “Um... so... soobin? How exactly are we supposed to fake this? I mean, what we supposed to do? What will your family do?”        “Oh...” he started, his eyes focusing back on the road, the lights turning green again. “To be honest, i haven’t actually thought about that part yet.” Drumming his fingers on the steering wheel as he thought. “Mmm, when my brother first brought his girlfriend home, my family teased him a lot, just to make fun of him and get her reaction. But they already did that with you whenever they visited me so... I’m not sure what they’ll do, honestly.”        “Oh...” That was completely unhelpful. Pulling your knees to your chest, you continued staring blankly out the window.        “Hey, don’t worry too much okay? We’ll just wing it like we do everything else. And that’s worked out for us so far, right?” Soobin chuckled, trying to comfort you. “As for what we need to do. I guess it’ll just be all that couple stuff like holding hands and hugging. And you’re already such a cuddly person, that shouldn’t be a problem for you. We got this, alright? And I’ll be with you the entire time.”        You nod a response, “yeah, we got this.”        On the outside, you tried to seem cool and composed. On the inside however, you were a mess. Sure, you and soobin already had your fair share of cuddles when he showed up for a movie night at your place. And on the days he was too lazy to go back to his dorm, you would find him whining and groaning for you to make him breakfast the next day. But now you were expected to act that way in front of his family? That was a whole new level of stress you didn’t think about when you agreed to this.         After a while more of driving, it was a little over 10pm when soobin finally pulled up alongside the curd in front of his house. The remainder of the car ride had been relatively silent, except for the playlist that soobin had made for you, and the occasional mindless singing you would start that turned into a carpool karaoke. Getting off, soobin unloaded his and your luggage and lead you to the front door.        Probably noticing your nervous state, soobin grabbed your shaking hands. “I’m right here alright?” He smiled, “it’s show time.”        With that, he rang the doorbell. And not 15 seconds later, soobin’s sister answered the door.        “Soobin!” She greeted, pulling him into a hug, “we’ve been waiting for you and- oh! Y/n! I knew it. Same major, y/e/c eyes, y/h/c hair. If it wasn’t you, i was about to kick his ass.”        “Hah, yeah, surprise?” You said, the last part sounding more like a question than a sentence.        “Aish, this boy. The previous night on the call, he just told us he’ll be bringing his girlfriend home, gave us a description but never told us who. Left us all to wonder who she was and well,” she chuckled, putting an arm around soobin’s shoulders, “if she even existed. I’m glad it’s you, the first time we met you, i already knew you two would end up together.”        “Wait, so you all took guesses on who it was?” Soobin chimed in, shooting a glare at his sister.        “Well, yea! All of us pretty much guessed y/n. Except for mom though, she’s kept quiet about it. But i guess it was just because she didn’t want to get her hopes up.”        Looking at soobins annoyed expression, you laughed. Shrugging of his sisters arm, soobin grabbed both your luggage, pushing past his sister and pulled them into the house. “Alright, alright, just let us in already, its freezing out here.”        “It’s nice to see you again y/n,” his sister said as she held the door open for you.        “Likewise.” You smiled before stepping in.        You’d never been to soobin’s house before. Sure, you’ve seen bits and pieces of it when the two of your FaceTimed over the holidays, but never in person. In the hallway where you stood, were the stairs that you presumed lead to the bedrooms. Sporadically placed were a few house plants that looked as if they had been watered quite recently.  The walls were littered with family photos, and most noticeably, soobin’s baby pictures. You smiled looking at them, taking a mental image of the cute, little baby this giant once was.        Closing the door behind you, soobins sister spoke, “you guys wait here. I think mom and dad are in the living room. I’ll go get them.”        As you saw her silhouette disappear towards one of the entries, you felt the nerves building up again, “soobin...” you tilted you head up to look at him, your face portraying nothing but worry.        “Don’t worry okay?” Taking your hand in his, gently squeezing for reassurance.“ Just follow my lead and pretend you’re in love with me. Which should be easy since I’m your favourite person,” he joked, in attempts to lighten your mood.        ‘Pretend to be in love with him’. Okay, shouldn’t be too hard, considering the fact that you actually were in love with him and spent years pretending not to be. “Yea, alright.”        Letting go of your hand, soobin walked forward to hug his parents when he saw them approaching.        “Soobin, we were starting to wonder how long more you would take,” his mom said. “How are you? How’s everything at school?”         “Everything’s fine,” he replied. Turning to you, he held out his hand for you to take. “Mom, dad, you know y/n.”        Accepting his hand, you stepped forward to greet his parents. Just hoping that your nervous trembling wasn’t too obvious to the naked eye.        “Ah of course! How could we ever forget,” his mom smiled.        “We always knew the two of you would end up together eventually. He’s always been so obvious about you,” his dad added, causing blood to rush to your cheeks, and soobin to immediately retaliate.        “Dad! Stop it. No i have not!” You looked around at him just in time to see him cross his arms and roll his eyes, cheeks pink and eyes shining. He met your eyes and looked away, but the grin on his face never faltered.        Hitting her husbands arm, soobins mom scolded, “aish, stop teasing them, they just got here. Speaking of which, have you two eaten?”        “No we havent, actually. We came right after school,” soobin answered.        “In that case, you can take yours and y/n stuff up to your room and get settled in. I’ll order some food for you. Pizza sound okay?” his mom spun soobin around, pushing him back to where your luggage laid.        “His room?” You thought out loud. Of course they were expecting you to share a room with soobin. What else could you have possibly thought.        “Of course his room,” his mom answered, “you have known each other for such a long time. And i have no doubts there are days that soobin stayed over at your apartment instead of his dorm anyway. There’s no way I’m letting you sleep on the couch.”        With that, you and soobin grabbed your things and headed up to his room. Sure, the nights soobin stayed over you have shared a bed before. But this time, it just felt different. Even though everything was still purely platonic, the element of you being in his home, pretending to be his girlfriend, was still no doubt intimidating.        “See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?” Soobin asked rhetorically, snapping you out of your thoughts. He laughed, clearly taking the whole situation a lot lighter than you were.        Opening the door to his room, it was exactly how you pictured it when he called you. You stood at the doorway, it seemed so familiar, yet unknown at the same time. His bed in the corner of the room with a few pillows and plushies, at the other end, his desk and wardrobe filled with clothes he left behind. His walls were mainly bare, except for one that had a few old polaroids hanging loosing from the ceiling. It felt weird being there.        “Well, don’t just stand there,” soobin grabbed your luggage from you, pulling you in to the room so he could close the door behind you and crashing down on his bed. “First, let me give you the official welcome to mi casa. My family is a lot, but you already knew that. Make yourself at home.”        “Honestly, i cant believe they bought it so easily,” you let out, taking a seat next to him.        “Told you they would. My family probably loves you more than they love me.”        You laughed halfheartedly, still feeling a bit awkward about the whole thing.        “We should clean up before we head back to the wolves den for dinner. The bathroom is right down the hall to the right. You can go first, ill clear a drawer for you,” he offered.          You nod, gathering your things for the night.        This is all just pretend.
————-————-————-————-
       The shower definitely helped calm you down a bit. You loved the warmth of the water against your skin.        “It’s just for a week. Dont get used to it,” you muttered to yourself.        Getting out, you quickly dressed yourself in a tshirt and some shorts. The normal attire you wore to sleep, anything else was always just uncomfortable for you.          “You’re turn,” you announced when you entered soobins room again.        “That was quick. Here, take one of my sweaters.”        “What for?” You shot him a look, raising brow. It wasn’t as if you hadn’t stole his hoodies before, it was just the fact that he was offering it this time.       “You’re supposed to be my girlfriend, aren’t you? Girlfriends always take their boyfriend’s clothes.”        Fishing a plain, red sweater out from his wardrobe, he threw it in your direction, hitting you directly in the face and causing you to yelp a little. “Besides, you already take all my hoodies. This is no different,” he continued, eyeing you as you pulled it over your head.        As usual, soobin’s clothes were huge on you. And this sweater was no doubt oversized, even for him. “How do i look?”        You looked to him when you didn’t get a reply. But this only caused him to turn away from you quickly, mumbling something to himself before answering, “it’s my clothes, it’ll look great on everyone.”        Scrambling to gather his things, he left for his shower. You could have swore you saw him blushing when he was looking at you. But you brushed it off as your overactive imagination. You decided to swiftly blow dry your hair before laying on his bed, scrolling through your phone while waiting for him. You were hungry, practically starving, but there was no way in hell you were going to face his family again on your own. With your new status, god knows what they would do or say.        A mere 15 minutes go by before you hear the door open again. Revealing a damp haired soobin, dressed in a white tee and sweatpants. A simple look you have seen many times over the years, but one that still made your head and thoughts hazy.        “Ready to go down?” He spoke, smirking at you, almost knowingly, “I’m starving.”        “Ye- yeah,” gathering your thoughts, bringing yourself back to reality.
————-————-————-————-
       Dinner with the family wasnt all that bad. Sure, there was the occasional teasing and questions. But that was to be expected. Any parent would have been curious, right?        You let soobin take the lead on most of those. You didn’t want your cover to get blown by having any clashing answers. Once in a while you would feel soobin grab your hand under the table when he needed your help, but for the most part, they were the basic questions like “since when?” Or “who confessed first?”. The usual relationship stuff, nothing too hard. And it was a lot easier with the fact that it was you and soobin, the two friends that have mastered the art of bullshitting your way out of situations.         At the end of the day, the awkwardness ended soon after it started. With it being past midnight, Soobin’s family had long gone to bed, leaving you two alone in the dimly lit kitchen to finish up your dinner, which had quickly became supper.        “So, how was day one of being my girlfriend?” He looked over to you, munching on another piece of pizza. Even in that horrible lighting, he still managed to take your breath away. No one could possibly look good with dull, ugly, yellow kitchen lighting, but somehow, he did. The way the soft light bounced off his skin, partnered with the reflection in his eye that gave that perfect shine to them. You were sure you looked horrid next to him.        “Mmm, it’s alright i guess,” you teased, earning a pout from soobin. “You big baby. I’m just kidding,” nudging him on the shoulder, causing you both the laugh.        You didn’t know why this question surprised you as much as it did. Maybe you wanted to flip the tables, or maybe you just weren’t expecting the answer he gave. “So how was day one of having me as your pretend girlfriend?”        He thought about it for a second before facing you and speaking. “Honestly, it’s been fun. Even though we haven’t done much. But then again, i always knew you would be great girlfriend to someone one day.”        ‘Someone’. If only you could tell him how much you wanted that someone to be him. If only you had the guts to say what’s was on your mind.        “Want to play some music?” Breaking the silence, soobin picked up his phone, quickly scrolling through his playlists before stopping on one he named ‘midnight’. “It’s just some chill songs i found that i thought would be nice to listen to at night.”        The playlist started and the first song to play was ‘what falling in love feels like’.        “Oh, i love this song,” you mindlessly stated between bites.        “Really?” Soobin replied. “I never heard you listen to classical music.”        Your eyes widened slightly when you realised what you said. You didn’t just listen to classical music. You’ve also imagined what it would be like to slow dance to it.        “I never really told anyone... but i always wanted to dance with someone to this song. It’s kind of embarrassing to admit,” you trailed off, the surface of the counter suddenly becoming more interesting. The dead of night had you confessing unspoken words.        There was another second of silence. You could feel soobin’s stare on your face. He was judging you. You were sure of it. Now you were just mentally preparing yourself for a laugh-        “Let’s dance.”        “What?” You weren’t expecting that. You shot your head up, seeing his outstretched hand.        “Let’s dance,” he repeated.        You reached for his hand, but didn’t grab it. You were hesitant. Never would you have thought you’d be slow dancing with your crush — of over 3 years, in the kitchen of his childhood home — at midnight.         He held you hand, helping you to stand before twirling you into his arms. He lead your hands around his neck and his around your waist. You fell in step, letting the rhythm control your movements. Your eyes gazing into his brown, glistening ones, a soft smile on his face. It felt like a dream. Your surroundings and any other disturbances dissolved. It was just you and him. Right here, right now. You stayed like that, dancing. Everything felt just... perfect.        “You know i’d never judge you right?” He said, his eyes watching your expressions closely. “I know that’s what you were thinking earlier.”        You looked away, unable to find the right words. Soobin always had a way to read you so easily. Every once in a while he would remind you how expressive your face was. And you were certain a blush had crept to your cheeks when you heard soobin chuckle.        “You silly girl. You can tell me anything. You know that. After all, you are my best friend.”        “Right... best friend,” you offered a small smile to mask the resignation in your words.         And just like that, the song ended. Soobin let go your waist. Leaving nothing the ghostly feeling of where his hands once were and the sensation of having his body so close to yours.        “It’s nearly 1am. We should go to bed soon,” he nodded towards the clock on the stove. “You can head up first. I’ll clean up here and join you in a bit.”        You nodded. Once you were back in his room, you crashed on his bed. Regret and agony the only things left for you to feel.        Why did you agree to this. You knew it would be hard. But not this hard.        You rolled over to your side of the bed. And true to his word, soobin entered shortly after. Climbing under the covers with you, poking your side when you paid no attention to him.        You jumped, immediately facing him. “What was that for!?”        “Nothing,” he laughed. “It’s just fun to do that to you. I have a fun day planned tomorrow, so get up early. Good night y/n.”        “Good night, asshole.” You scoffed.
.
.
.
       The next morning you woke up to a post-it on your head. You tore it off and looked around the room but soobin was nowhere to be seen. You groaned, sitting up to stretch and read the note.        ‘Wake up sleepyhead. Come to the kitchen for breakfast.’        Oh, how you wished the entire night before had been a dream. But alas, it wasn’t. Pulling yourself out of bed, you cleaned yourself up and descend the stairs. The smell of fresh pancakes engulfing the entire house.        “Good morning y/n,” soobin’s dad greeted you when you entered the kitchen. “Grab a seat. Breakfast is almost done.”        “Your dad cooks?” You whispered as you pulled out the stool next to soobin.        “Mainly breakfast. But yes,” he whispered back.        Soobin’s dad placed a plate in front of each of you. 3 pancakes a piece, and more to come. “Butter or maple syrup?”        “Both,” soobin smugly answered.        “And you y/n?”        “Ill have both as well, thanks,” you smiled before facing soobin. “Where’s your mom and sister?”        “My mom went to the store. And my sister doesn’t get up till later.” Soobin grabbed the syrup his father had just put on the table and poured a generous amount. His attention was fully on his food.        You couldn’t help but grin at his childlike manner. He always loved breakfast. Or any dish that can be both sweet and savoury actually. You both enjoyed your breakfast, watching soobin’s father flip pancakes, cheering when it landed, and messing around while cooking as your morning source of entertainment.        “The pancakes are really good, mr choi,” you complimented.        “Why, thank you y/n. You always have been such well mannered,” he said. “Hopefully some of that will rub off on my son soon.”        “Hey! I am well mannered,” soobin retorted.        “Oh, really now,” you taunted, giving him a look of disbelief.        Soobin tsked, lightly pushing you over. “Okay, whatever. Anyways, hurry up. I’m going to show you around town today.”        “You two don’t come back too late now,” his father added. “And bring a coat, it’s supposed to get colder today.”        Stuffing down the remainder of his food, soobin linked your arms and dragged you out of the kitchen the moment he saw your plate empty.        “Hey! I’m not done yet, i wanted one mo-!”        “Bye dad!” Soobin interrupted, ignoring your plea.
————-————-————-————-
       “So much being well mannered.” You mocked.        “Not my fault you wanted to eat so much,” he shrugged.        Both of you strolled along the road. You weren’t sure where soobin was bringing you, other than his aforementioned ‘town’. Despite it just being the two of you, soobin still dressed nicely, in a turtleneck and scarf with a black coat to go over it.        “Wait...” you started, noticing a passing sign. “Why does that say the town is the other way?”        “Cause i changed my mind. I’m bringing you somewhere else,” he replied, shooting you one of his, oh so charming, eye smiles. “I’ll bring you to town another day.”        “This way’s to the forest,” you raised an eyebrow. “Are you planning to kill me or something? After 6 years of friendship. This is how you want to end it?” You dramatically gripped your chest and joked. “I’m sorry for whatever i did. I can change, I swear.”        Soobin rolled his eyes and guffawed. “Of course. This has been my plan all along. To befriend you then brutally murder you among the trees where no one can find your body,” he played along. “Relax, I’m no murderer. An avid liar? Maybe. But not a murderer. I just want to show you something.”         You hummed a response and continued on your way. Not long after, soobin was leading you down a path in the deserted forest. As the path reached deeper into the woods, the trees got denser.        “Erm, soobin, where are we going?” You called from behind him. “I’m really starting to question the whole murder thing.”        You’re not going to lie when you say the woods kind of crept you out. You could have sworn you felt someone behind you. But when you turned around, there wasn’t a soul. The twigs and dead leaves making a deafening crunch under your feet as the — seemingly never-ending — journey continued.        “Just trust me,” he provided a simple answer that proved to be of no help in ensuring you.       As you continued, the sound of snapping twigs got louder. You turned the corner and the sudden sound of birds fleeing their nest startled you, causing you to jump and grab soobin’s coat from the back.         “Are you really that scared?” He laughed. “Don’t worry,” he continued, turning around and reaching for your hand. Gently running his thumb over yours the rest of the way. “We’re almost there. It’s worth it, i promise.”        Having his hand in yours definitely provided some comfort. But it was also making you feel things that you shouldn’t be feeling. After another minute of walking, you finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel. The horrid crunching sound had been washed out by the sound of, well, rushing water.        A waterfall.        You gasped in astonishment at the clarity of the Caribbean-blue waterfall. It was spurting over the basalt rock, spilling eel-like over the ledges. Its clamorous passage at the foot of the mountain threw up bubbles of spray. They sparkled uneasily in the beams of light that shined through the leaves of surrounding trees.        When it toppled into the ecstasy-pool, it foamed it at the bottom. The rest of the pool was as clear as cellophane, allowing you to see down into the rocky bottom. Fronds of forest-green plants waved gently in the depths. The waterfall looked like a sheet of blue velour as it swished down. Its edges were hemmed with whipped-white lines.        “Wow,” was all you managed to utter out.        “I told you it was worth it,” soobin grinned. “Come on.” He lead you closer, collapsing on the bank and letting the nougat sweet smell of flowers wash over him.        You followed suit. “How did you find this place?”        “A friend of mine showed it to me when we were kids.” He said, leaning back against his palms. “We used to hang out all the time here. The five of us. That is, until i moved away for high school.        “I wonder what they’re up to now.” He added after a slight pause.        “You don’t see them when you come back for the holidays?” You asked.        Soobin shook his head. “I don’t get to see them much anymore. I barely leave my house, y/n, you know that. Besides, they’re all busy with their own lives.”        You listened to soobin reminisce about his childhood. You would listen to soobin talk for hours if you could. His words are were like gold to you, or perhaps some elixir you’ve been waiting all your days to hear. He had nothing but good things to say. It sounded like he had a lot of fun here, in the small town he grew up in. You both sat there for a while, gawking at the waterfall when the suddenly rustling of the bushes behind you caught your attention.        “Y/n,” soobin stood up, holding you behind him as the rustling got louder. And then a figure walked through, a boy. He was wearing a brown furry jacket. His hair was a strange shade a pink, but it complimented his skin tone nicely.        “Soobin?” The boy said, folding his arms. “No way. Is that actually you? Mr choi soobin. After all these years.”          “Yeonjun?” Soobin replied, letting go of you and walking up to yeonjun. “What are you doing here?”        “I was on my way out and thought i saw you earlier entering the forest so i decided to follow you. Who else knows this place anyway?” Yeonjun laughed, swinging an arm around soobin’s shoulder.        “So you practically followed, what could have been, a complete stranger into the forest?” Soobin shot him a look. To that, yeonjun just smiled and nodded. “You never change, do you?”        “Nope,” yeonjun answered confidently. “Anyways, are you going to introduce me to the pretty lady or do i have to do that myself?” He gestured a smile towards you.        Beside him, soobin stiffened, his jaw slightly tensing before he answered. “Right... Yeonjun, y/n. We met in high school, she’s my best friend.  Y/n, yeonjun. He was one of my friends i was telling you about-”        “Yeah, until this bastard moved, changed his number and practically became a hermit that never left his house much.” Yeonjun jibed.        “Hmm, that sounds about right. The only place I’ve seen him, other than class or the library, is at my apartment binge watching shows,” you added, causing yeonjun to burst out a laugh.        “You guys are mean.” Soobin grumbled, pushing yeonjun’s arm off him.        “I have a feeling she and i are going to be great friends.” Yeonjun said matter-of-factly.        The three of you sat there, talking for what seemed like hours. Soobin and yeonjun continued to tell you about the different adventures they had together as kids with their friends, beomgyu, kai and taehyun. They recounted all the accidents that happened, all the fun moments they had together. Yeonjun eventually proceeded to tell you about all the embarrassing soobin stories he could think of, sharing jokes and making you laugh. The entire time though, soobin barely directed any conversation at you. Let alone laugh at Yeonjun’s ‘jokes’.        As your laughter died down, yeonjun spoke again. “I have to ask though, what’s she doing doing here? Not that there’s anything wrong with it. I’m just curious. Does she live around here too?”        You looked to soobin, unsure of how or what to answer.        “It’s okay, yeonjun won’t snitch,” he said. “Y/n’s pretending to be my girlfriend for the holiday.”         It hurt you every time he said it. In your head you wished so badly for it to be real. To think, by now you would have learnt that wishing only wounds the heart. And each time soobin said it out loud, it was like a punch to the gut.        “Pretending to be your-“ yeonjun cut himself off by scoffing. “What for?”        “Well....” soobin started explaining the whole situation to yeonjun. To which the only response he got out of the other boy was mockery and disbelief.        “Are you serious?!” Yeonjun exclaimed. “So you two aren’t together?”        You shook your head.        “Oh... good....” he mumbled, grinning in the process. “You have got to be kidding me. But you guys do you, i guess. My lips are sealed.        “I hate to ruin the moment but i have to go. It was nice meeting you y/n.” He tipped an imaginary hat. “It was nice to see you again too, soobin. But let know, the next time you’re back.”        “Right, ill keep that in mind.” Soobin replied.        Just as yeonjun started to walk away, he stopped and turned around once more. “Oh! Right. How long are you guys staying? I’m meeting beomgyu, tae and kai on monday at the diner. You should come,” his eyes travelled to you, “both of you.”        “We cant-“        “We would love to!” You cut soobin off, “come on soobin, you haven’t seen your friends in ages. I would be nice to say ‘hi’ again.”         Soobin stared at you for a second. Maybe it was the excitement in your face or maybe he truly did want to see his friends again. But in the end he agreed.          “Great! Ill see you two monday at 5.” Yeonjun ended, giving a small salute before leaving, for real this time.        Soobin went back to the bay, laying down on the grass, letting out a long held sigh. He stared up at the sky that was quickly becoming darker. The stars and moon announcing their arrival.        “You alright?” You asked, sitting down next to him.        “Yeah, why wouldn’t i be?” He answered, his eyes still closed.        “I don’t know. You just seemed... off just now. Like my or yeonjun’s presence bothered you.”        “It’s nothing. Im just tired.” He sighed again, sitting up. “While on the subject, we should head back. It’s getting dark.”        He stood up and started walking without another word.        Was he mad at you? No... he had no reason to be, right? Was he mad about the joke you made with yeonjun?        You quickly caught up to him and followed him out of the forest. Other than your footsteps against the concrete road and the cicadas that came out to say their daily greetings, the awkward silence followed the rest of the way.        “I’m not annoyed at you, if that’s what you’re thinking,” soobin broke the silence. The entire walk you had your focus on the ground, not noticing the stolen glances soobin took. “Stop sulking. People are going to think i kicked your puppy or something.” He chuckled, bending his waist slight to look at your face.        His face was mere inches away from yours. Memories from the previous night came flooding back. You didn’t offer a response, not trusting the words that would escape your lips in that moment. Instead just turning your face to the other side to avoid his stare. Soobin let out a light hearted laugh and continued walking.          You recalled how soobin always said you had an expressive face. He must have seen something you didn’t realise.        The sky got darker as you continued down the road. The cool winter breeze greeting the concrete and skin just the same, causing you to shiver and wrap your arms around yourself. Mentally cursing the fact that, other than your khaki coat, you didn’t think to wear more layers that morning.        Of course, this didn’t go unnoticed. “Are you cold?” Soobin asked, already shedding off his cherry red, wool scarf.        “No, it’s alright, you’ll get cold,” grabbing his hands to stop his actions.        “I’ll be fine. And we’re only about 5 minutes away,” he argued, wrapping his scarf around your neck. He took your hand, pulling you behind him the rest of the way quickly before you ‘caught a cold’.        The scarf sat snug to your skin, soft and gentle, the ends becoming a colourful flag in the wintry winds. It was still warm from where it sat before. You could smell of his cologne on it. Faint, from the day’s activities. But still prominent enough to know it’s existence.        Your hands trembled in his and you thanked the cold for that excuse. Burying your face deeper into his scarf before he could make out the slight blush that painted your cheeks.        When you reached soobin’s home again, there was a faint chattering echoing through house.        “Oh, i think my older sister’s came for a visit.”        Soobin’s older sister. The one that’s the account, married, with the baby — soobin’s nephew — and the lovely husband. You’ve only ever met them once, well that, and the occasional pictures soobin would send you of him and his nephew. Seeing soobin with babies did things to your heart thats you didn’t like. You’ve already imagined the unlikely scenario of what it would be like to have soobin as your boyfriend. You can’t go fantasising an entire family as well. But you had to admit, he would make a great dad one day.        “Soobin!” His older sister ran and hugged him. He’s always had such a close bond with his siblings. “Mom and dad told me you brought your girlfriend home this time.” She wiggled her eyebrows.        “Hey sis. And yeah, y/n. You know her,” soobin turned to you.        “Of course. The last time i saw you two I knew you’d end up together.” She cheered as if she had just won the lottery.        So, from what you’ve gathered, soobin’s entire family had always had some hopes on the two of two. You wanted to smile at that fact. But at same time, you were lying to them right now. It was a bittersweet feeling.        The remainder of the night went on rather unproductive. You had dinner with his family, chatted with them, played with the baby and that was about it. The worst part came when the family decided to watch a movie together. The movie was great, dont get me wrong. You all sat together and watched kingsman again. Even though it was the tenth time you’ve seen it, it was still yours and Soobin’s favourite.        The bad part came when you had to find a seat. The family couch say four, soobin’s mom, dad and sisters. The older’s husband took one of the arm chairs, leaving you and soobin to share the other. In other words, you ended up having to sit on his lap.        “I can just sit on the floor, its no problem,” you suggested.        “Nonsense. I won’t let you sit on the floor,” soobin rebutted, holding your waist, pulling you back onto his lap.        You swear, if it wasn’t for the dimness of the room, the redness of your face would have matched that of the fire place. Throughout the movie you found it extremely hard to pay attention. Soobin had left one of his hands to rest on your knee and the other around your back. Sure, he was probably just putting on a show for his family. But he didn’t have to do the thumb thing as well. Or gently whisper in your ear, so close that you could feel his breath against your neck.          The rest of the time you couldn’t help but fidget in your seat — which just so happened to be soobin’s lap. As interesting as the fight scene on screen was or the dramatic music playing, the only thing you could focus on was the fact that soobin’s hand had now traveled to your thigh.        And underneath you, soobin’s breathing was becoming short and uneven. He was starting to stir as well before getting up, forcing you to stand and murmuring, “I’m going to head to bed early. You guys enjoy the rest of the movie.”        Within the next beat of the soundtrack, he was dashing out of the living room and running up the stairs.        What...?        You weren’t the only one wondering that. Soobin’s family were now staring at you, his mothers brows furrowed, his sister’s head tilted quizzically. “He said he’s tired,” you blurted, face-palming in your head.        Great. You already felt out of place and this certainly wasn’t helping. You sat down on the, now vacant, chair and continued the rest of the movie with his family.        I’m sure he’s fine. You can always ask him tomorrow.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
       You woke up to an empty bed again. But this time there was no post it note or anything from soobin. So you assumed he’d be in the kitchen like before.        “Morning y/n,” it was his older sister this time.        “Morning.” You looked around. No sight of soobin. “Where’s soobin?”        “Oh he didn’t tell you? He went out for a walk around 20 minutes ago.”        Why didn’t he wait for you?        “Yeah, he didn’t. Did he say where he was going or when he’ll be back?” You asked.        To that, she just shook her head.        Oh...
       “I almost forgot,” she continued. “There was a note for you. I left it on the counter for you.”
       You picked it up, hoping to see Soobin’s name as the regards, telling you his whereabouts. Instead, the note was fairly short.
Hey y/n!
Once again i just wanted to welcome you to town. It was really nice meeting you yesterday! Maybe we could hang out some time?
(Hopefully) Your friend,
Yeonjun
       Did Soobin see it? Either way, why does it matter.        After breakfast, you decided to wait for soobin to come home. If he didn’t tell where he was going, it means he cant be gone long, right? You sat in his room, figuring it would be the only place you didnt have to face his family members.        It was only about an hour and a half of waiting and a lunch break, that you got bored. You could only scroll your phone so much before it started to get more redundant than it already was. So, checking the weather report, you got dressed and left for a walk around. You hadn’t seen much of the area yet, it wouldn’t be harmful to do some exploring. Learning your lesson from yesterday, you put on a wool sweater underneath your coat. A pair of dr marten to match.         It was a rather fine day out. You walked under the sun that warmed your skin, but the cool winds keeping the temperature cool enough. The only thing that would make this better would be if soobin were with you...        “Y/n!” You heard a familiar voice call from behind you.        You turned around and saw a familiar lock of pink hair running towards you, frantically waving his arms. He was wearing a leather jacket today. Behind him was someone else that chased after him. He had nicely styled, bleached blonde hair and was slightly short than yeonjun was.        “Oh, hi.” You greeted the two of them. “Fancy running into you again.”        “I know, right!” He agreed, a bit more enthusiastically than what you would imagine. “Why are you alone? Where’s soobin?”        “No clue. He just took off this morning. Didn’t tell me anything and i got bored of sitting around alone.”        “Maybe the pressure of a relationship getting to him,” yeonjun suggested.        “It’s fake though,” you mocked.        He just shrugged. “Doesn’t make it any less of a commitment.”        You hummed a reply. “Fair enough.”        “Anyway. If you have nothing better to do... taehyun and i,” he said, gesturing towards to boy beside him, “were just headed to the arcade in town. Care to join us?”        “Sure, I don’t see why not.”        You followed as yeonjun and taehyun lead you through the town soobin said he would bring you to. Every corner they turned, they greeted someone new. From little kids to elderly ladies and gentlemen. Small town, i guess everyone knew everyone.        Eventually, they stopped in front of a building, the arcade. The pings from the pinball machines, the bullets from the shooting games, and the ‘jackpot’ announcements, all a dead give away. From the outside, the building looked old and rundown. The paint was old and cracking as if it hadn’t been repainted in years. Even the neon signs provided to the retro aesthetic, casting a purple-red hue over everything.        You stood there, taking in the atmosphere for a second. It sure was different from any arcade you had back in the city. You glanced around, when a figure at one of the pinball machines caught your eye.        “Soobin?” You spoke out loud.        Confused, yeonjun and taehyun followed your gaze to said figure.        “What in the?” You walked up to him. the further into the arcade you went, the louder everything got. Tapping him on the shoulder, you just about had to yell to have any sort of conversation.        “Y/n?” He asked, looking at you with the same expression as culprit that had just been caught red-handed.        You scoffed playfully, crossing your arms. “So you ditched me to come play games alone?”        “Um, kind of? Not really though,” he said. His eyes darting towards the two boys that to came up behind you. “You came with taehyun and... Yeonjun?”        “Hey soob, long time no see,” taehyun added.        “I went out for a walk and ran into them,” a quick and easy reason. “You could have just told me if you wanted to come to town alone, you know? You don’t have to sneak off at the crack of dawn.”        “Nice to see you too tae. And I do want to show you around the town. It’s just,” his eyes travelled between you and yeonjun, back to you in a blink. “I just needed a break from things for a while.”        “Hm, alright,” you accepted his explanation, but something still felt weird.        “Since we’re already here, there’s no use standing around.” Yeonjun spoke. “Y/n, come play the shooting game with me!”        Before you could reply, yeonjun was already dragging you towards one of the machines. Leaving taehyun and soobin to do whatever it was they did. He handed you one of the guns available and scanned his arcade card. The entire time you could feel eyes watching you, but shook it off.        Yeonjun was pretty good at the game, you had to admit. He spent a lot of time here, you assumed. Time seemed to disappear the longer you were in the arcade. The atmosphere around you never changed. It was still as lively and colourful as when you first walked in. The bright lights and loud music blasting, disrupting your senses. But outside, the sun was quickly setting.        “Good game, y/n,” taehyun offered a handshake after you beat him at yet another game of air hockey.        You took it. “Not too shabby yourself.”        Beside you, yeonjun and soobin clapped for your victory.        “We should probably go back soon,” Soobin said, showing the clock on his phone. It was nearly 8pm. Time sure flies when you’re having fun.        You all travelled back together. Turns out yeonjun and taehyun only lived a street away from soobin.        “See you tomorrow,” taehyun and yeonjun waved goodbye as you parted ways, leaving you and soobin to go your way.        Neither of you said a thing to each other. And for reason you were having trouble thinking of a conversation starter, this hasn’t happened before. Usually you and soobin had endless things to talk about. It didn’t matter how stupid or unimaginable it was, the two of you never ran out of things to say.        “When you were a kid, did you ever pretend you were smoking in winter?” You said the first thing that came to mind, the cold air making your breath visible, helping to elaborate your question. You laughed at yourself, holding your fingers up in a peace sign, imagining a cigarette between them.        “Yeah, when i was like 7.”        Okay, ouch.        Soobin’s answer was short, providing no further conversation. You pressed your lips together, stuffing your hands in your pockets as embarrassment crept up on you. So much for never feeling judged.        The rest of the night you didn’t speak much. Every attempt you made just being shot down with one liners. Every time you showed soobin a funny video or meme, he gave little to no response. And eventually you gave up.        This continued to the following day. Sure, soobin was an introvert. You knew that. But he’s never ignored you to this extent. Was he getting sick of having you around everyday? If that was the case, he should just tell you, you’d give him all the space he needs.        You can’t lie and say you weren’t hurt by that thought. Your crush was ignoring you. That would have hurt anyone. And right now, you felt nothing more than a parasite in his home.        “Come on, we have to go meet the others,” the first words he’s said to you in hours.
      You followed quietly as soobin brought you to the diner. When you arrived, the others were already there. Yeonjun and taehyun, along with two new faces. Beomgyu and Huening Kai, you figured from previous conversations.        They sat at a semi-circle booth meant for four with two extra chairs at the end. One of which occupied by taehyun as the other three shared the banquette bench.         “Soobin! Y/n!” They waved.         Yeonjun sat at one of the ends and shifted when he spotted you enter. “Y/n, i saved you a seat next to me,” he said smugly, smirking and cocking his head to the space beside him.        You rolled your eyes at his antics, lips curling upwards. Soobin’s expression remained hard, unbothered and unimpressed even. But you didn’t question it, he’s been like that since yesterday. And frankly, you’ve gotten sick of it. Might as well spend time with someone that actually wants your attention.        You got along well with the boys. You learnt that Kai and taehyun went to the same school and beomgyu had just graduated recently. Most of the time though, was spent whispering jokes between yeonjun and yourself. And at some point of the night, he had managed to sneak an around the back of the booth. On the other side, Beomgyu and Kai snickered to each other and eventually shook hands, some bet or deal you presumed.        All of a sudden you heard one of the chairs beside you shift. The feet scratching against the tiled floor. And the next thing you knew, soobin was walking out the door, the bell ringing behind him.        “Where’s he going?” Kai asked.        “No clue,” Beomgyu answered. Taehyun just shrugged. All your attentions still on the door that had already been shut.        “Um, ill go check on him,” you announced, running out of the diner after him. Sure, you and him weren’t on good terms at the moment, but nontheless he was still your best friend, and a huge part of you still cared for him.         “Soobin, wait!” You called, but he kept walking.        “Soobin!” You tried again, chasing after him.        “Stop right there choi soobin!” You yelled, your voice echoing through the empty street. The boys silhouette stood still. But never did he turn to look at you. “Dont you dare take another step!”        Never once in five years have you ever felt intimidated by him. But with his large figure being illuminated by nothing but the dull, yellow street lights, you couldn’t say that anymore. There was silence as you gathered your thoughts, making your way towards him. You had him right in front of you. Now what? You wanted soobin back. Your soobin.        “What’s going on with you?” Your feet stopped on their own accord, right behind the tall boy. “You’ve been acting strange.”        No answer.        “Soobin, don’t ignore me!” You said again, desperation and annoyance laced in your tone.        “I don’t know what you want me to say y/n,” he sighed, trying to keep his temper from exploding.        “I want a damn explanation, soobin,” anger from the previous day slowly consuming you. “Do you know how much of an asshole you’re being? God! I try to talk to you, but it’s just like i’m talking to a god damn wall! So, you can either tell me what’s going on or I’m on the next bus home tomorrow.”        No answer. But you could tell the last part hit him hard. He couldn’t look at you. If he did, he was sure you would see the remorse and anger in his eyes. He hated that you were mad. He hated that you were yelling. But most of all he hated that he was the cause of it.       “You asked me to come play girlfriend with you and i did,” you sighed, continuing when he started walking again. “I only did because,” swallowed the lump in your throat, “you’re... you’re my best friend.”        Best friend.        “I’m your best friend... you can me anything, you know that.” You quoted his words.        “There’s some things better left unsaid,” he offered before walking away again. “I’m sorry y/n.”        “No!” You cried, stopping his tracks. “Apology not accepted.”        You could see frustration building in soobin. His hand pinching his temple, his shoulders tensed as you spoke. “You said you’d be by my side the whole time! But since the waterfall you’ve barely talked to me! You leave me in situations on my own, you’re ignoring me and you randomly take off without a word. You’re doing it right now! So, again, you can either tell me what’s going on or-“        “It’s because i love you, okay!?”        Now it was your turn to stay silent.        Soobin let out a sigh, turning to face you. “Is that what you want to hear?! I love you, y/n!” His tone got softer, “I love you so much. For as long as i can remember knowing you. It hurts when I see you with other people. Especially people that so blatantly flirt with you in front of me. You’re stunning, beautiful. Even a fool could see it. But you’re also so much more than that.        “You were the only person that bothered to come talk to me the first day of school. Others probably viewed me as the weird, loser kid that sat alone during lunch. But you didn’t. You were my first and only friend for years. Before i knew it, i had a crush on you. At first, i thought it was just a phase. But it wasn’t, y/n. And now, im so hopelessly head over heels for you.        “I know, I haven’t earned your heart. I never will. I could spend a million years worshiping you and still not earn it. You’re my best friend, i know I shouldn’t be feeling this way. I know you’re mad at me. And i know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. But please... please, don’t leave me.”        He sounded raw, real in a way you’ve never heard before. When he was done, he was closely inspecting the road, afraid to look up. Chewing on his bottom lip nervously, waiting for your rejection.        “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” You asked, keeping emotion from your voice.        He shrugged and laughed. “You’re my best friend, I didn’t want to lose you.”        You let one hand slide against his cheek, resting your palm there. “You wouldn’t have.”        “Wha-“        “I love you too, you doofus.”        You felt the pull of a muscle as his lips twitched. “Really?”        “Yes. Really. For as long as i can remember.”        Soobin, your best friend — now, boyfriend — pulled you into his arms. “I love you, y/f/n. And I’m so sorry for the way I’ve been. What can i say to make you forgive me?”        “Words only mean so much. Actions speak louder, don’t you agree?”        “I do.”        He lowered his head and brushed his lips against yours.        “Am i forgiven?” He asked rhetorically.        You laugh. “Only because i love you.”        “Yes! I told you so!” You turned and saw Kai yelling and celebrating, pointing fingers at beomgyu. Taehyun and yeonjun shaking their heads in disappointment.        What a crazy group of friends they were.
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umm klaus, "dont judge me, but i may have murdered someone"
 Ok, just a fair warning, I’m kinda in the mood for dumbass-wholesome-family fics rn so....
Allison started awake to a loud rapping on her door. Blearily squinting at the time blinking red on her alarm clock, she quietly cursed whoever decided to loudly wake her at 3:28 in the morning. She slowly rolled out of bed, the pounding on her door making her head throb. Bundling her blanket around her shoulders like a cape, she stumbled to the door. Opening it, she nearly got a punch to the face as the person kept knocking, momentarily not noting the absence of door. Their green eyes lit up when they noticed Allison slumped in the doorway.
Klaus grinned sheepishly, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Don’t judge me, but I may have murdered someone.”
“Allison! How is my most dearest sister this lovely-”
“Goddamnit Klaus, you know it’s the middle of the night? Someone had better be dying.”
Allison’s eyes widened and she rubbed her thumbs against her temples, dropping her blanket to the floor with a soft whoomph. “Klaus, for Christ’s sake, you better be joking.”
Grabbing her car keys and locking the house behind her, Allison followed Klaus out to her driveway. She silently started the car, Klaus sliding into the passenger’s seat. Before she left the house she sighed, tiredly resting her head against the steering wheel. She loved her brother, but god, he was an idiot.
“Who do you think you killed, Klaus?” she asked, her words muffled by the wheel. He laughed nervously.
“Well, tonight was boy’s night out, y’know, all the Hargreeves bros out on the town,” he explained, waving his hands around as he talked. “And we all got kinda tipsy, and well, we got to, erm, practicing those weird little jujitsu moves Dad taught us. And, it turns out fighting little Five isn’t a great idea now that he’s... little. He, uh, might currently be unconscious” Allison groaned into the wheel. She took it back. All of her brothers were idiots. 
She slowly peeled her face off the wheel, starting the car as she glared ahead. “If Five isn’t dead, I’m going to make you all wish you were,” she muttered, adding something about how doing martial arts drunk was the stupidest thing she’d ever heard of. They drove in prickly silence, Klaus occasionally tapping quiet beats on the window with his fingertips, his sparkly pink nails picking up the light of passing neon signs. 
Allison looked over when they stopped at a red light. Klaus looked, if anything, scared. She gently tapped the back of his hand. Sure, she was still a little mad and very worried, but she knew Klaus would blame himself endlessly if anything happened to Five. Since they’d gotten back from the sixties, the whole family had silently agreed that they’d look after Five, who desperately needed safety, love, and most of all, a nice three-day nap.
“Hey, Klaus, I’m sure Five is alright. Don’t beat yourself up.”
He smiled weakly. “Beating myself up? Who, me? Never happened, missy.” Allison smiled back reassuringly, turning her attention back to the road as the light turned green.
“Knowing that tiny old man, he’s probably bitching about how you must have cheated to beat the incredible Number Five in a fight,” she said teasingly. It would probably take a lot more than bad judgement and poorly thought out jujitsu to kill him. Klaus drily chuckled back.
“It’s like trying to kill a cockroach, right?”
Allison nodded as they pulled into the bar’s parking lot. “Exactly. He’s gonna be okay, you’ll see.” She quickly parked the car and grabbed the first aid kit from her trunk before hurrying in. As soon as she entered the bar, her still-slightly-intoxicated brothers waved her over to a large booth near the back. Just as she’d suspected, Five was nursing a bleeding cut with a developing bruise around its edges, snapping bitter comments under his breath.
She set down the first aid kit. “Okay, is everyone alive?” Half-hearted mutters met in response. “I’ll take that as a yes. Right, everyone but Five go wait in the car with Klaus, and no damn fighting.” The boys shuffled out to the parking lot, occasionally stumbling against each other as they moved. 
Allison slid into the booth, taking an alcohol wipe out of the kit. Five shrunk back, mumbling something about how it would hurt to clean the cut. She placed the package down. “Five, look, it’s almost four in the morning. I’m exhausted, you’re exhausted. Just let me clean this and we can go home and sleep this all this shit off.” He crossed his arms, but at least stayed still while she wiped off the blood and covered the wound with a thick square of gauze. “Right, that should hold you until morning. I’ll check you for a concussion once you’re a little more sober.” Honestly, what kind of bar did the boys go to where no one noticed a child knocking back a few pints? Good lord. “Ready to go?”
Five nodded, still sulking. They both stood, only to have Five almost immediately trip over his own feet. Allison sighed for what felt like the hundredth time that night. Once they were all sober, she was going to actually kill them. “Just... lean on me. You can sleep in the car on the way back to my house.” Five quietly exhaled, leaning lightly on Allison’s shoulder as she packed up the kit and the two made their way outside at a snail’s pace. 
Once they made it to the car, her three brothers moved from where they were leaning on the doors. Klaus walked up to them nervously. 
“Is Five ok, Alli?” he asked, rubbing his nails like he always did when he was suffering anxiety. She nodded, smiling drily, before opening the door to the backseat. Five slumped in, falling asleep the second his head touched the headrest. Allison pinched the bridge of her nose, her head aching from the stress of trying to take care of her brothers.
“Everyone in. Since you possibly gave Five a concussion, we’re having a family lockdown at my house to look after him. Someone call Vanya...”
The ride back to her house was uncomfortably silent, save Klaus calling a very disgruntled, tired Vanya about the impromptu sleepover and the bumper of her car scraping the road due to Luther’s weight. Pulling into her driveway, she piled her brothers out of the car, picking up an exhausted Five. She fumbled with her keys for a moment before Diego offered to get the door for them. Her bones feeling like lead, she led the boys to the carpeted living room. Gently laying Five on the couch, she made a mental list of what she’d need to take care of four boys with no self-preservation.
“The blankets are in the corner, and I’ll go get water and Advil. You guys are absolutely going to need it in the morning.”
She returned minutes later, her arms loaded with pillows, water bottles, and a bottle of headache meds. Placing them on the coffee table, she unpacked a half dozen blankets, laying a few on Five and leaving the rest for Diego, Luther, and Klaus to divy up. Feeling a major panic attack from overworking coming on, she sunk into an arm chair, letting the night catch up with her. Before she could actually get any rest, the doorbell rang and she scurried to the door to let in Vanya. Who Klaus had apparently told very little about their situation.
“Is... is everything alright? Klaus sounded pretty worried on the phone,” Vanya inquired, her eyes filled with concern. Allison groaned, quickly running through an explanation of the night. Vanya’s eyes widened even further. “Allison, you look exhausted. Why don’t you go get some rest? I had some experience looking after Harlan when he got hurt, and I doubt Five will be too different.”
“Oh my god, thank you Vanya. I feel like I’m either going to strangle them or fall asleep standing up. Or possibly both...” The two sisters giggled as they made their way back to the living room. The boys were quietly bickering over who got which blanket. 
“No more fighting,” Allison yawned. “You guys owe me big time.”
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lethbians · 4 years
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can you explain what's going on right now? i keep seeing big IT blogs talking about some discourse or something but i have no idea what they're talking about other than it involves you lol
alright i like. i truly do not like having diScOurSE out in public because i’m not one to air out my dirty laundry 24/7 but seeing as how it was brought into public against my will i feel like the least i can do is clear up the situation for those who’ve been seeing the posts. 
i’m putting this under the cut bc it’s long. tws for some biphobia, brief mention of transphobia and, at the end, a rape mention. 
so if you don’t know: hi, i’m migz, i’m an it fandom blogger. its okay, i know, its really cool. part of my shtick here is that i like to turn normal thirst tags into works of art for the sake of comedy. perhaps you’ve seen some of my highlights from my “fhg” tag - perhaps your brain has been spared. either way, it became kind of “my thing” around the third or fourth week (mid nov) of me having this blog. at first, i tagged just about every ask i got mentioning the thirst tags with “bill hader” - they had to do with him, so why not tag him? it would draw more like minded people! about two days into that i got a message asking me to tag my nsfw. i am a big dumb idiot, and apologize for not initially doing it. i havent had a following bigger than like 10 in several years and completely spaced on basic etiquette. so by the end of november i was tagging everything applicable  with “notsfw” and “bill hader”. 
now you’re caught up.
on december 1st i got this message from user billhaderanti:
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now i want to start by saying i absolutely was in the wrong here. i didn’t even think about how many people were being subjected to the asks i was getting - especially ones who had no idea they were all jokes. i don’t track the bill hader tag, so it just didn’t even occur to me - that’s ignorance on my part, and to anyone who was subjected to the terrors of me before my tagging system: i am genuinely sorry. i relay the same sentiment in my response, though you can tell i’m on edge.
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and they replied:
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clearly they Were offended by it but thats.. not the point. at this point, im feeling Really weird about the whole interaction, but still understanding, because again - i GET it. i know my posts are gross - that’s the point. it doesn’t make it excusable, though, which is why i understand why people are offended. so i responded with the only solution i Knew would keep us both safe and happy posting on our own blogs. 
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so i thought this would be the end of things! i’d been pretty anxious lately already since i’d started to receive anons telling me i was gross and whore-ish for thirst posting in this way (i delete all of those, so if ur thinking about sending one, i guess no one’s stopping you but it won’t be seeing the light of the dashboard). i’m unsure if it was immediately or a few hours later, seeing as how i have a bad concept of time and the post-dates are right on the edge between nov 30 and dec 1, but i went to their blog - because anyone who has been on the internet knows the opportunity to vague post is near irresistible. and...what do ya know
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fair! it’s their blog. however i am an emotionally fragile egg girl and immediately got freaked out. the odds that they were the only one who thought this were low. and, again, i’ve been very open on my blog about how important it is to respect boundaries; my posts are absolutely prone to breaking those boundaries people have created for themselves. 
so i made my own, semi-vague post, letting my following know (and i’m pretty sure i’d answered asks about it before, but this is going to be long enough w/o me searching those up too) that i understood if they wanted to block me or unfollow or whatever - people need to create their own safe spaces. the tension is pretty clear in the tags, i’m not trying to hide that. i felt that the way this woman slid into my dm’s was pretty abrasive (just my opinion/how it made me personally feel) and i let myself be a lil emotional about it in the tags of my post.
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alright! maybe this is the end. maybe we both go our separate ways and post happily on our own blogs... except it’s not the end. later in the day (some of this was happening like 1/2am, so now its Day day, i believe - again, not good w time passage lol)
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clearly, i’m upset. my groupchat double checked that i didn’t get too emotional in my response - did i mention im anxious about discourse lol - and apparently.. it did the trick. she didn’t message me again. great. it was over. 
at this point, i decided i needed to make an even bigger change. so a few days after i’d calmed down i created an entirely new tag for my thirst posts so if people hadn’t already hidden the notsfw posts or just blocked me outright, they’d have a third option to escape the madness. at this point, id had my blog about 6? weeks, but there were still 2k posts for me to sift through - some of them were completely untagged. i also had to do it post by post, because one of xkits features - the mass re-tagger - was getting blogs deleted for some reason, and i wasn’t going to do that. so i spent a few days going through all 2k+ posts, adding the “fhg” tag. 
YEEHAW! a brand new tagging system, no more hopping into the bill hader tag (minus one or two really funny, not super explicit asks, like the bill hader farquaad meme), and, tbf, i’d completely put this woman out of my mind. i don’t seek out drama and do my best to stay in my lane. yesterday, i checked my activity for the first time in awhile since id put out a couple new original posts that had started to get traction and i Love reading tags. i noticed a mutual had @’d me, and realized i havent checked my @’s in...ever, maybe. i see a post from my good pal billhaderanti. 
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since i dont follow them and never check my @’s, i’d completely missed it. however, once i did see it, i was horrified. id gone through all that fucking work to keep my blog My Blog and also respect everyone’s boundaries and it still hadn’t been enough. i’d been awake for almost 24 hours and went. a little crazy. and i didn’t reply immediately because i just had no words. i sent it to my friends because i... i just wasn’t going to be able to figure it out myself. 
there’s a lot to unpack in this post alone, but whatever, i’m gonna put my own grievances with the immaturity of 1. making a callout post to begin with when i’d been nothing but civil 2. making a callout post about something as (in the grand scheme of Life) minor as some tags where i refer to a someone’s genitals as a “whack pack” and 3. making a callout post in such a rude way - aside. at the end, she calls me (and whoever else!) a demonic mlw (man loving woman, we assumed, and then later confirmed with a post further back on her blog). 
which - yeah, we started scrolling. at first we were looking for more vague blogs, and then we just...started finding things. billhaderanti is a self proclaimed lesbian separatist, which... fine. but it’s already pretty clear that this woman hates me on some level simply because i am a bi woman (demonic mlw, remember!) which is just. damn man i can’t believe we are still fighting the biphobic fight lol. so the more we scrolled, the more we uncovered - and not just the biphobic / vaguely mtf transphobic things they posted (or put in tags), but we also found that they had their OWN thirst tags. certainly not as hyperbolically comedic as mine, but they were there, talking about his body and his person the same (and, frankly, a bit creepier for other reasons) as mine. 
there’s one post in particular that snatched my wig in it’s creepiness - and i say creepiness in the sense that it feels personal. like this woman feels like she knows bill to some degree where she can say these things. my tags have always had a sense of distance, as they’re written for humor. and maybe this particular post was written for comedic purposes, but it doesn’t read that way, and if it WAS, then she has no right to call ME out for MY comic tags and posts. 
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i’ll let it speak for itself, mostly because i don’t want to read it again. 
i also won’t be going through her blog again to find the posts with biphobic and other Interesting:tm: tags because there are plenty and i just really! want to be done with the whole ordeal! her blog is public and i’m sure you can all find it and look to your heart’s content. 
feeling a bit feral and a bit pissed off now that we knew the depth of how rotten this woman’s vibes were, a couple of my pals made a post or two similar to what my tag’s are like except turned up to eleven (if possible) - and tagged them with “bill hader” (and notsfw!!). yes, a bit childish, but at this point, the entire situation was childish, and making jokes was truly the only way we were going to get through it. another vague post went up on her blog soon after.
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talking down to us, calling us children, and then for whatever reason calling us virgins... whatever, weird post. around this time most of us (est) went to bed, because it was nearing 3 or 4 in the morning. 
and then today happened. i woke up fresh and ready for the day after a wonderful 4 hours of sleep and found that jane had made an incredibly intelligent post in response to the situation. i won’t ss it, but i’ll LINK in case you missed it. attached there in the reblog is my own response. i think they can speak for themselves. 
after that, things were kind of jumbled, since i wasn’t online a lot and when i was i was Not checking my activity simply because i was afraid of what i’d see. for the most part, it ended up just being support (which i am very grateful to all of you for - it means a lot that you all enjoy my content to any degree). 
there was some more vague posting from both “““““sides”””””” of the “““““argument”””””” - mostly just people restating the fact that this is a public space and we should All be aware of how we effect others. i still hadn’t heard directly from billhaderanti, so i assumed we’d all be dropping and disengaging and moving on. i still wasn’t blocked, though, so who really knew what would happen. 
eventually, it culminated in this last post. tw for mentions of rape
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i’m going to start by saying that 
1. there are nearly no teenagers that were involved in this. im turning 23 in january and most of my friends are 20+. maybe one or two are 19. 
2. none of us sent any sexually violent asks - most of us didn’t send asks at all. i believe one or two of my friends admitted to sending asks however they assured me their nature wasn’t bad; as far as i know, everyone remained civil in whatever went on (again, unclear to me as to what was being sent; no one was actively posting or talking about it. if billhaderanti wishes to elaborate, they can, but i don’t have anything to put in). 
3. before i finish this, i would like to apologize to billhaderanti. as a comedian - not just my stupid tags, i mean in real life, too - i know that humor can hurt. it’s not always funny, it’s not just stupid hahas. sometimes things that are supposed to be jokes just hit people differently and cause bad things. i recognize that. i never meant to trigger you (if you’re reading this) or cause you any severe mental/emotional harm. i apologize for my humor bringing up your trauma, and i never meant for that. regardless of my own thoughts and opinions about the nature of my posts/the thirst tags themselves, they hurt you, and i’m sorry. 
anyway, i’m going to wrap this up (i’m bad at endings, what can i say! steven king and i took the same writer’s class!). if you read all this... sorry. i probably won’t be taking any asks about it, because i find the whole “drama” of this to be stupid and rooted in some seriously biphobic issues this fully grown woman has. 
tldr; i attempted to contain my blog so this woman could exist and function safely on her blog, but it wasn’t enough for her, so she called me out, and then some of the fandom called Her out for being biphobic and mean and overall just immature about the situation. as of now, she’s yet to block me, though her and her wife have blocked a few of my friends. her wife continues to clown on my friends. this post was made for clarity’s sake. the end, i’m getting a drink. 
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failes-xtra-bits · 4 years
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Prince's Gambit Review Ch 3
Chapter 3 opens with Damen trying to get some sleep. Laurent returns and Damen gets up unsure of Laurent needs him, but Laurent ignores him. Laurent writes a dispatch and seals it before snuffing out the candle with his finger tips (wouldn’t that hurt?????).
They wake up the dispatch has been sent off while everyone else is doing the prep. Everything seems fine and dandy. The suddenly Laurent appears (dramatic bitch) and Damen makes his way over because the atmosphere is getting tense. 
We hear Aimeric (almost auto corrected to America) apologising to Laurent who asks him what provoked him to which Aimeric doesn’t give a straightforward answer. 
Laurent then calls for Govart and sends Orlant to look for him. 
Orlant was so long in searching for Govart that Damen, recalling the stables, silently gave Orlant his sympathy, despite their differences.
Govart is a complete dickwad is all I have to say. Anyway they wait.
“Things began to go awry. A silent communal snigger sprang up among the onlooking men and began to spread across the camp. The Prince wished to have public words with the Captain. The Captain was forcing the Prince to wait on his pleasure. Whoever was about to be taken down a notch, it was going to be amusing. It was amusing already...The longer Laurent was forced to wait, the more his authority was publicly eroded.”
This reminds us of Lauren’t precarious position and perhaps even indicates at a lack of respect which is probably what the regent wants.
Govart arrives thinking he’s the shit (he is a shit but not the shit mind you) for having just had sex (rape? Was it consensual? who knows, I dont think I’m allowed to go all lawyery here.) 
“Am I keeping you from fucking?’ said Laurent.
  ‘No. I finished. What do you want?’ Govart said, with an insulting lack of concern.
  And it was suddenly clear that there was something more between Laurent and Govart than Damen knew, and that Govart was unfazed by the prospect of a public scene, secure in the Regent’s authority.”
Once again we are reminded of the politics at play here (really Pacat could give GRR Martin a run for his money). Then something interesting happens.
“Before Laurent could reply, Orlant arrived. He had, by the arm, a woman with long brown curled hair and heavy skirts. This, then, was what Govart had been doing. There was a ripple of reaction from the watching men.
  ‘You made me wait,’ said Laurent, ‘while you bred your get on one of the keep women?’
  ‘Men fuck,’ said Govart.
  It was wrong. It was all wrong. It was petty and personal, and a verbal dressing down wasn’t going to work on Govart. He simply didn’t care.
  ‘Men fuck,’ said Laurent.
  ‘I fucked her mouth, not her cunt. Your problem,’ said Govart, and it wasn’t until that moment that Damen saw how wrong it was going, how secure Govart was in his authority, and how deeply rooted was his antipathy for Laurent, ‘is that the only man you’ve ever been hot for was your broth—”
  And any hope Damen had that Laurent could control this scene ended as Laurent’s face shuttered, as his eyes went cold, and with the sharp sound of steel, his sword came out of its sheath.
  ‘Draw,’ said Laurent.”
This exchange is interesting for many reasons. We are reminded of Veretian culture regarding bastards. Further we get the beginning of the fight. But we also get the incest rumour here. We know that Laurent worshipped his brother and weirdly enough I was like “hey this might be true" when I first read, considering how fucked up Vere was and how much I hated Laurent. But as you read, this view also breaks down. I love the unravelling of Laurent. 
Anyway Govart and Laurent start fighting and we get a very worried Damen.
“Damen’s heart jammed itself into his throat—he hadn’t meant to set this in motion, for it to end this way, not like this—and then the two men came apart and Damen’s heartbeat was loud with the shock of his surprise: at the end of the first exchange, Laurent was still alive.”
I like to think this where Damen started to  care, just a little bit. Sure its mixed with his own goals, but yeah this is what I like to think.
“ he was, persistently and remarkably, still alive, and watching his opponent calmly, measuringly.
  This was intolerable for Govart: the longer Laurent went unscathed, the more the situation embarrassed him, for Govart was after all stronger and taller and older, and a soldier. This time Govart didn’t allow Laurent any respite when he attacked, but pressed forward in a savage onslaught of cut thrust attacks.
Which Laurent turned back, the jar of impact on fine wrists minimised by exquisite technique that worked with the impetus of his opponent rather than against it. Damen stopped wincing, and started watching.
  Laurent fought like he talked. The danger lay in the way he used his mind: there was not one thing he did that was not planned in advance. Yet he was not predictable, because in this, as with everything he did, there were layers of intent, moments when expected patterns would suddenly dissolve into something else. Damen recognised the signs of Laurent’s inventive deceptions. Govart didn’t. Govart, finding himself unable to close as easily as he had expected, did the one thing that Damen could have warned him not to do. He got angry. That was a mistake. If there was one thing that Laurent knew, it was how to prick someone into fury and then set about exploiting the emotion.
  Laurent turned back Govart’s second surge with an easy grace and a particularly Veretian series of parries that made Damen itch to pick up a sword.
By now, anger and disbelief were really affecting Govart’s swordsmanship. He was making elementary mistakes, wasting strength and attacking in the wrong lines. Laurent was physically not strong enough to weather one of Govart’s full-strength blows straight on his sword; he had to avoid them or counter them in sophisticated ways, with those angled parries and shifting momentum. They would have been lethal, if Govart had landed any of them.
  He couldn’t manage it. As Damen watched, Govart swung, furiously, wide. He was not going to win this fight with anger driving him to fool”ish mistakes. That was becoming obvious to every man watching.
  Something else was becoming painfully clear.
  Laurent, possessing the sort of proportions that handed him balance and coordination as gifts, had not, as his uncle claimed, wasted them. Of course, he would have had the finest masters and the best tutelage. But to have attained this level of skill he would also have had to have trained long and hard, and from a very young age.
  It was not an even match at all. It was a lesson in abject public humiliation. But the one teaching the lesson, the one effortlessly outclassing his opponent, was not Govart.
  ‘Pick it up,’ said Laurent, the first time Govart lost his weapon.
  A long line of red was visible along Govart’s sword arm. He’d given up six steps of ground, and his chest was rising and falling. He picked up his sword slowly, keeping his eyes on Laurent.
There were no more anger-driven blunders, no more wrong-footed attacks or wild swings. Necessity made Govart take stock of Laurent, and face him with his best swordwork. This time when they came together, Govart fought seriously. It made no difference. Laurent fought “with cool, relentless purpose, and there was an inevitability to what was happening, to the line of blood blossoming this time down Govart’s leg, to Govart’s sword lying once more in the grass.
‘Pick it up,’ said Laurent again.
Damen remembered Auguste, the strength that had held the front for hour after hour, and against which wave after wave had broken. And here fought the younger brother.
  ‘Thought he was a milksop,’ said one of the Regent’s men.
  ‘Think he’ll kill him?’ another speculated.
Damen knew the answer to that question. Laurent was not going to kill him. He was going to break him. Here, in front of everyone.
  Perhaps Govart sensed Laurent’s intention, because the third time he lost his sword, his mind snapped. Throwing aside the conventions of a duel was preferable to the humiliation of a drawn-out defeat; he abandoned his sword and simply charged. This way, it was simple: if he carried the fight to the ground, he’d win. There was no time for anyone to intervene. But for someone of Laurent’s reflexes, it was enough time to make a choice.
  Laurent lifted his blade and drove it through Govart’s body; not through his“stomach, or chest, but through his shoulder. A slice or a shallow cut was not going to be enough to stop Govart, and so Laurent braced the hilt of his sword against his own shoulder and used the whole weight of his body to drive it in harder and stop Govart’s motion. It was a trick used in boar hunting when the spear wounded but did not kill: brace the blunt end of the spear against the shoulder, and keep the impaled boar at bay.
Sometimes a boar broke free, or snapped the wood of the spear, but Govart was a man run through with a sword and he went to his knees. It took a visible effort of muscle and sinew for Laurent to pull the sword out.
  ‘Strip him,’ said Laurent. ‘Confiscate his horse and his belongings. Turn him out of the keep. There is a village two miles to the west. If he wants to badly enough, he’ll survive the journey.”
I know I know I know, long excerpt but I love this fight scene. There is a lot to unpack here, but I love the bit where Damen notes the difference between Laurent and Auguste.  I also love the men growing respect for Laurent and basically driving a knife through the Regent’s plans.
Anyway the regent’s men move to obey Laurent’s orders without hesitation (another bit that shows their fear if not respect)
“The response among the Regent’s men was more varied. There were signs of both satisfaction and amusement: they had perhaps enjoyed the spectacle, admired the show of skill. There was a hint of something else too, and Damen knew they were men who associated authority with strength. Perhaps they were thinking differently about their Prince and his pretty face now that he had displayed some of it.”
  Lazar breaks the tension by tossing Laurent a cloth to wipe his sword. Laurent addresses the men gathered there and takes advantage of their new found awe and gives the order that they will ride hard and fast. Laurent then appoints Jord as captain and Jord starts giving orders. 
“Lazar, who had thrown Laurent the cloth, didn’t look as though he was going to be mouthing off about Laurent again. In fact, the new way he was looking at Laurent reminded Damen unmistakably of Torveld. Damen frowned.
  His own reaction had him feeling oddly off balance. It was just that it was—unexpected. He had not known this about Laurent, that he was trained like this, capable like this. He wasn’t sure why he felt as though something, fundamentally, had changed.
  The brown-haired woman picked up her heavy skirts, walked over to Govart, and spat on the ground beside him. Damen’s frown deepened.
  The advice of his father came back to him: never to take your eyes off a wounded boar; that once you engaged an animal in the hunt, you must fight it to the finish, and that when a boar was wounded, that was when it was the most dangerous animal of all.
  That thought nagged at him.”
Our thoughts about Laurent as well as Damen’s are unravelling. We are also starting to grudgingly admire this kid who managed to get the whole army to respect him. (Side note I like how the woman spat at Govart, you go girl, which reminds me. I wish we had more female characters here). The bit at the end reminds us that all is not over though.
Laurent sends riders to Arles, in order to inform the regent of what had happened. 
The company start to ride towards Vere’s eastern border with Vask. We learn that the men are more willing to obey Laurent’s command. 
Damen reports to Jord and we get this exchange:
“I could tell from your face. You didn’t know he could fight.’
  ‘No,’ said Damen. ‘I didn’t.’
  ‘It’s in his blood.’
  ‘The Regent’s men seemed just as surprised as I was.’
  ‘He’s private about it. You saw his personal training ring, inside the palace. He’ll go a few rounds with some of the Prince’s Guard occasionally, with Orlant, with me—laid me out a few times. He’s not as good as his brother was, but you only have to be half as good as Auguste to be ten times better than everyone else.
  In his blood: that wasn’t quite it. There were as many differences as similarities between the two brothers: Laurent’s build less powerful, his style built around grace and intelligence, quicksilver where Auguste had been gold.”
We gain an insight into Laurent’s abilities. It’s not because his family were warriors or something but there is something more calculated behind it (whispers: its revenge). We also get another comparison between Laurent and Auguste which I live for bc ngl love Auguste.
They arrive at Nesson and Damen notes the difference between it and Baillieux. Damen goes into the bedchamber and lights the candle. Here he contemplates public punishments (both Laurent’s ‘embrace the slave’ and Govart’s recent punishment).
Laurent arrives and we get this:
“He said, ‘Did you pay that woman to fuck Govart?’
Laurent paused in the act of stripping off his riding gloves and then, deliberately, he continued. He worked the leather from each finger individually. His voice was steady.
‘I paid her to approach him. I didn’t force his cock into her mouth,’ Laurent said.
Damen thought about being asked to interrupt Govart in the stables, and the fact that there were no camp followers at all riding with this troop.
Laurent said, ‘He had a choice.’
‘No,’ said Damen. ‘You only made him think he did.’
Laurent turned the same cool look on him that he had turned on Govart. 
‘Expostulation? You were right. It needed to happen now. I was waiting for a confrontation to arise naturally, but that was taking too long.’
Damen stared at him. Guessing at it was one thing, but hearing the words spoken aloud was something else. ‘“Right”? I didn’t mean—’ He cut himself off.
‘Say it,’ said Laurent.
‘You broke a man today. Doesn’t that affect you at all? These are lives, not pieces in a chess game with your uncle.’
‘You’re wrong. We are on my uncle’s board and these men are all his pieces.’
‘Then each time you move one of them, you can congratulate yourself on how much like him you are.’
“It just came out. He was in part still reverberating with the blow of having had his guess confirmed. He certainly didn’t expect the words to have the effect on Laurent that they did. They stopped Laurent in his tracks. Damen didn’t think he’d ever seen Laurent caught completely “without words before, and since he couldn’t imagine the circumstance was going to last long, he hurried to press his advantage.
We get an insight into exactly how intelligent and meticulous Laurent can be. We realise that he orchestrated this. In Littlefinger’s words, he fights every battle, everywhere in his mind. Also rereading that little jab made by Damen must have hurt considering what know about what the regent did (kill him with fire).
“If you bind your men to you with deception, how can you ever trust them? You have qualities they will come to admire. Why not let them grow to trust you naturally, and in that way—’
  ‘There isn’t time,’ said Laurent.”
I like this bit because we get a contrast between Laurent and Damen. But we also understand that they fundamentally share very similar cores (those of goodness). We know Damen is honest but its weird that this quote insinuates that perhaps if Laurent wasn’t in desperate and  had the time and resources he perhaps would not result to deception but rather be like Damen and do things with honesty. Once again unravelling our perception of him.
“There isn’t time,’ Laurent said again. ‘I have two weeks until we reach the border. Don’t pretend that I can woo these men with hard work and a winning smile in that time. I am not the green colt my uncle pretends. I fought at Marlas and I fought at Sanpelier. I am not here for niceties. I don’t intend to see the men I lead cut down because they will not obey orders, or because they cannot hold a line. I intend to survive, I intend to beat my uncle, and I will fight with every weapon that I have.’
  ‘You mean that.’
  ‘I mean to win. Did you think I was here altruistically to throw myself on the sword?’
  Damen made himself face the problem, stripping away the impossible, looking only at what, realistically, could be done.
‘Two weeks isn’t long enough,’ said Damen. ‘You will need closer to a month to get anywhere at all with men like these, and even then, the worst of them will need to be weeded out.’
  ‘All right,’ said Laurent. ‘Anything else?’
  ‘Yes,’ said Damen.
  ‘Then speak your mind,’ said Laurent. ‘Not that you have ever done anything else.’
  Damen said ‘I will help you in whatever way I can, but there will be no time for anything but hard work, and you will have to do everything right.’
  Laurent lifted his chin and replied with every bit of cool, galling arrogance he had ever shown.
  ‘Watch me,’ he said.”
The chapter ends there and we are shown how dire the straits really are. This scene also solidifies the dangerousness of Laurent and his and Damen’s relationship changing.
(SIDE NOTE: I love that Laurent is arrogant in this, wot a king).
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cantdance · 5 years
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carlycrays replied to your photo “marvel writers and editors trying to decide what to do with loki in an...”
Oh, sweet summer child, you clearly don't know how this works. Loki literally can't stay dead. That's a canon rule. Also, while Marvel hasn't had the best track record with the transgender community, when have they made transphobic jokes at Loki's expense?
nothing has ever made me jump out of bed and race to my computer faster than seeing this message. what is it this weekend that makes people feel like they need to answer my joke posts with a novel telling me how dumb i am?
first of all, allow me to allay your fears. at this point i have read over 400 issues of the original 1966 thor series, and i am still working my way through the rest. ive also read several of the modern retellings of the old comics, journey into mystery (2011) with kid loki and all the tie-ins, loki: agent of asgard, both of the angela series, vote loki, jane fosters entire run as the mighty thor, loki: sorcerer supreme, infinity wars (2018), the current thor series, and now war of the realms. ive also read a little thing called the mythology, as well as a few other modern adaptations. so, to recap, thats easily around 500 issues of asgardian comics, as well as the originating material, and assorted other sources. i know what the fuck im talking about, and i am not your sweet summer child, you condescending ass.
beside that, i am a real human being deserving of basic respect, and if this were actually a case of me not knowing something, you could easily communicate that without being so patronizing. people do it all the time! there are tons of things that i dont know about. unfortunately for you, this is the one thing i know a LOT about.
as for when loki has been subjected to transphobic jokes, well, thanks for giving me an excuse to make a post that ive been meaning to make for a while now. let me start off by saying: loki is genderfluid, and i am genderfluid myself. this list contains things that i personally found to be insulting or uncomfortable. not every trans person may agree with me, but that doesnt mean it doesnt need further examination. this list may also not be exhaustive because im not going to spend hours trawling through comics at 10:30 in the morning no matter how badly i want to prove you wrong.
we all know that loki was officially recognized as transgender and bi/pansexual (depending on your preference i guess, i like them as pan) in loki: agent of asgard (2014). however, never once does anyone in the series use any of the actual WORDS to communicate this. never does anyone say “genderfluid” or “transgender” or “bi” or “pan” or “queer” or even “lgbt”. odin calls them “my child who is both a son and a daughter” which is very binary and not a great take on genderfluidity, but hey, odin right? this isnt part of the list, i just think its something that people need to talk about more.
anyway, after that is when the bullshit starts. i mean, ignoring how making loki a queer-coded villain from the beginning was scuzzy, ignoring the almost 50 years time where they did play that role, and ignoring the whole lady loki thing where they were pretty much portrayed as a man pretending to be a woman. heres the list:
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vote loki (2016) issue 1 by christopher hastings and langdon foss
loki “turns into a woman” because it might do better in the polls. the reporter whose name i dont care to look up points this out because thats a totally acceptable thing to do when you see a trans person. after these few pages it never comes up again. lokis genderfluidity is being used for a cheap joke here. dont even get me started on how female-presenting loki is portrayed as being more clean and feminine than male-presenting loki, which is in and of itself a form of transphobia: that transgender women have to be ultra feminine to be accepted as the gender they are.
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the mighty thor (2015) issue 3 by jason aaron and russell dauterman
loki summons a bunch of other versions of themselves for seemingly no reason, and of course all of them are presenting in a masculine way because lokis genderfluidity is only acknowledged when convenient. lady loki from dark reign pops up and says that since shes the only REAL female loki, its her job to fight jane as thor. now, im not going to sit here and unpack all of that for you, so please fire up your critical thinking skills and try to decide why exactly this is bad.
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infinity wars (2018) issue 5 by gerry duggan and mike deodato jr
i went and scanned my physical copy of this just for you. here we see loki leading their team to talk to the child version of gamora who lives inside the soul stone. once they get there, emma says that she and ms marvel will go in alone because it “calls for a womans touch” and loki would just get them killed. in case youre missing the subtext, emma is saying here that loki cant do this, but a woman can, which means she is calling loki a fake woman, or at best, shes completely ignoring their gender and calling them a man.
these are just the three examples that stick out the most in my mind. its worth mentioning that the only time loki has “become a woman” (i hate using this phrase btw) is in those couple pages in vote loki, and the only time that loki has been actively called genderfluid was in squirrel girl (2015) issue 27. yknow, squirrel girl. the series that no one takes seriously and will insist isnt canon even though it is?
there is a very insidious form of quiet transphobia simply in the fact that no one at marvel will acknowledge lokis identity, much less say it out loud or use the correct terminology. in fact, ever since agent of asgard (the series that cemented lokis trans and pan-ness) ended, many writers including jason aaron and gerry duggan have all but ignored that it happened, erasing the progress that loki made as a person as well as their newly gained autonomy and, indirectly, the fact that they were ever confirmed as genderfluid and pansexual.
one last thing that i want to say is that while it may be a rule that loki never stays dead, subjecting a trans and gay character to repeated deaths for the sake of furthering plot is NOT a good thing. having the gay come back does not erase the fact that you buried them in the first place. being that loki is amab, this is extra sketchily tied to violence against trans women, which is a point that we all need to consider.
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skizmin · 6 years
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Ravenclaw Woojin
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genre: fluff of course, sorta?? enemies to lovers but?? not really???, an adamant y/n and a soft woojin,,,, none of the other members appear which i didnt even realise until i finished
okay so woojin is ravenclaws most trusted prefect as hes the eldest one and literally does The Most to make himself available for others
seriously once he asked the defence against the dark arts professor for a 2 week extension on his assignment so he could tutor 5 people for the upcoming charms exam 
like,,,,,,,, damn
anyway so you actually do this extended course of charms, youre in the same class as woojin and for some reason??? the fact that hes so naturally good at it pisses you off
especially when youre falling slightly behind in that class
okay a LOt behind
your like,, only friend in that class is dropping it next term to focus on her divination classes and she doesn’t get it either but it doesnt affect her grades not nearly as much as it affects yours. 
shes all “dude just ask for woojin to tutor you” and youre like 
No NO no
no way are you being tutored by kim woojin. the idea just embarrasses you
you’re usually fine with getting help from peers but woojin?? everyone goes to him for tutoring and you sorta just dont??? wanna put yourself into that group???
you feel like it makes you inferior to him for some reason which is the worst feeling ever
(even tho you totally arent bc youre beating him in potions anyway)
anyway so its a wednesday morning and the class is about to end to allow the students to go have breakfast (you know how extended courses are out of normal school times ye??)
you’re tired as fuck
confused as fuck
hungry as fuck
everything as fuck
but then “y/n!” called you to your senses and you stopped packing your things
your professor had just called you up, an ancient tiny little man who was apart of the great battle of hogwarts some time ago
“yes sir?”
“come here would you?” 
you shoved your ink jar into your bag and nodded, walking out from behind your desk and saying bye to your friend who was leaving already
god she really did hate this class you thought lmao
the majority of the students were still packing their things away in a slow drawl probably instigated by the dim, sleepy light of the chilly morning
“anything i can help you with?” you awkwardly asked your professor who smiled at you, stepping down from his place standing on books to look up at you
“yes actually, ive noticed you’re falling behind.”
you cringed, hard, not even wanting to turn around and see who was watching
“i suggest you get a tutor if you wanna get an A for this semester, y/n.”
“sir, i don’t have time to be tutored!”
“well then i guess you’re going to fail this course y/n. just be tutored enough to catch you up on the syllabus and then i can help you with the rest, okay?”
you internally groaned. this was bad
“you’re smart, it’ll only be about 2 weeks before youre caught up. im sure theres plenty of people that would tutor you.”
you nodded and politely fare-welled the teacher before turning to walk out of the classroom
the classroom was surprisingly empty, and you were happy to see that, not really excited about your professor sharing the fact that you were failing the course
sighing to yourself, you walked out of the door, planning to go meet your friends in the great hall
“hey! wait! y/n!” 
you whipped around, half scared to death
the halls were practically empty yet
there was kim woojin
standing right next to the doorway you had just exited
your head tipped back. had he really been standing there the whole time?
“do you wanna meet tonight or something? we can go to the library?”
you gave him a pointed stare
“what? why?”
woojin was a little taken aback, he grew smaller under your gaze.
“oh, so i can- you know, tutor you? i heard you were behind by a bit.”
he looked almost embarrassed at how you were responding to his offer as you sharpened your gaze on him
“i dont need you to tutor me. i can find someone else.”
and with that you left a frowning, dumbfounded woojin standing in the hallway as you stalked off to the great hall
stupid woojin
who did he think he was asking you to meet him in the library
surely you can catch up on your own, you really dont need his help. you’re like, shaking your head lmao
smh
but anyway, the end of the day comes and you grab all these phat stacks of parchment and take you study charm books to the library and sit at the farthest ever table away from literally everyone
you start studying properties of all the spells youve learnt this second term
you get to the third spell, aparecium, one youve been having a lot of trouble remembering
you groaned, looking up in your book what exactly the spell meant and remembering it was in fact a revealing charm and you didnt have any pages with invisible ink on them. 
you began flipping further into the book, trying to find the incantation for concealing ink writing so you could practise 
“h-here.” 
you fuCKING LEAPED IN YOUR SEAT
BITCH TF
THAT SCARED YOu oh my god what was he doing here
“s-sorry for scaring you b-but, its got concealed writing on it so you can, like- practise?”
he sounded sorta hopeful as he slid the paper over to you, hands nervously twining with each other in front of him afterwards
your pride was getting to you tho so
“i’m good at that spell, i don’t need to practise it.”
woojin blinked and squinted at you a little, trying to figure out whether or not you were lying
“ooookayyyy. anyway, anything else you want help with? i can explain it a little bit for you?”
you resisted the MASSIVE urge to roll your eyes at him
we get it, youre good at this
“im okay, thanks.”
you expect woojin to leave then, and it seems he does too as he stutters in his movement before clenching his eyes shut
“do you not l-like me or something? or did i-, did i do something to you?” he peeked an eye open to gauge your reaction
he looked almost
scared?
oh no, oh no
what was this guilt? you could feel your glare softening in an instant
why are you liKE THIS
“n-no! i dont!” you stuttered out a reply, eyes widening slightly
and then, he smiled. and he smiled wide
you felt blinded almost, your heart started palpitating. so this is what it was like to have woojin smile at you, and you only.
you were fucked
“oh! okay then! sorry i just-, i just thought i’d annoyed you or something so..” he trailed off, tapping his shoe on the ground suddenly very interested in the lamp on the library desk
“anyway!” he spoke up again. “i’ll uh, i’ll leave you to it. and don’t forget to practise aparecium. it’ll be on the next test for sure.” he grinned at you again and you sorta maybe might have felt heat crawling to your cheeks.
“t-thanks woojin.”
he nodded at you, still smiling before leaving
you banged your head on the table, what in the world was that interaction
whilst burying your face in your hands you noticed he had left the enchanted paper with you, you shrugged
might as well use it, right?
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, shit
1 and a half hours later yu were groaning out of pure frustration with yourself. no matter how perfectly you practised the incantation or how directly you swished your wand at the page, nothing appeared
no writing or anything
you were beginning to wonder if woojin gave you the right piece of parchment, that this was the one with the invisible ink
you shook your head, looking at the clock closest to you and deciding it was too late to be studying and that your brain mustnt be working right,
you packed up your stuff and went back to your dorm, making sure to get as good a sleep as possible because you had another extension charms lesson tomorrow morning
,,,
anyway so you woke up late in the morning with a sore neck and red eyes. 
this was Not Good
quickly tugging on your robes and frantically shoving things into your bag whilst brushing your teeth you rushed out of you dormitory and ran all the way to the charms classroom
you ran in out of breath, your professor looking at you with an unimpressed look. “glad to see you could make it y/n.” he drawled before turning back to the blackboard
you whined as you saw him writing a test warning for 2 weeks time, sleepily stumping your way over to your friend who was laughing at you loudly
unpacking your things, you glanced around the room. eyes landing on woojin who had a hand resting under his chin staring right back at you
your cheeks went a bit red when he smiled at you, giving you a small wave before turning his head to the board again
your friend next to you shoved you a little bit, when your turned your head you face her she simply mouthed an i saw that
you rolled your eyes and paid attention to the rest of the lesson without any distractions
anddddd thennnnnn it was over
you blinked, your notes were cleaner today than usual
“hey, y/n!” you looked up to find woojin standing in front of your desk, toothy grin on his face as per usual
your heart sorta skipped a beat before you were able to tell it not to
“hey woojin :))” you smiled, trying your best to sound friendly whilst not looking like an absolute fool
he sorta squinted at you a bit before “so uh, how was studying?”
it was your turn to look at him sceptically this time
“it was,,,,,, good??” you questioned, unsure of how to respond
woojins smile sorta falters before coming back with a somewhat sad lilt to it
“ah, right. well i gotta go. my friends are waiting.” and with that he nodded at you and left
you were confused as fuck
well, that was certainly weird
anyway, for the next week and 3 days, woojin completely avoided you
you’d be fine with this of course if you hadnt gotten that little soft spot for him a while back
it sorta hurt when your smiled at him and he sorta just sadly smiled back and looked away, or if you were gonna say hi to him he’d scurry away before one word could leave your mouth
you were really down about it honestly
bUT you also didnt have time to worry about it
your test was in FOUR. DAYS. 
AND you had studied everything else to the best of your ability apaRT from the revealing charm, aparecium.
you wanted to cry, no one could explain it well enough to you and you could say the incantation right bc everyone spoke too fast and apparently you had to use it MULTIPLE times on the tes to maKE QUESTIONS APPEAR. 
QUESTIONS
INVISIBLE QUESTIONS THAT COUNT TOWARDS YOUR MARK
basically, you were having a mental breakdown and you knew there was only one person left to try and explain it to you
kim woojin
again, he was A V O I D I N G    Y O U
which made you angry bc you neED TO GET AN A
anyway, so your class on a tuesday was an afternoon class and you sorta just planned to corner him there after class
flitwick usually left 10 minutes early to arrive at his choir practises on time and put a charm on the door so no student could leave early
so the time comes, the bells ring and students rush out of the class you go and lie in their beds or whatever most teenagers do nowadays
and you make your way over to woojin’s desk as he packs up his things, he was always the last to leave
you coughed to get his attention, when he looked up his eyes widened
“i need your help.” you stated, eyes boring into his, you could swear you saw pink flush over his cheeks
“im uh, im busy. sorry y/n-”
“just one charm? please? i really need it, no one else can explain it.”
woojins eyes softened and he bit his lip. he was contemplating.
“okay.” you smiled at him widely “lets try now, okay?”
you nodded, placing you bag down and grabbing out some enchanted pieces of parchemnt, including the one he gave you
you sat down next to him and he look confused
“whats the paper for?”
“the aparecium charm.” you replied simply, turning to face him
a look of realisation dawned over his face
“i thought you said you were good at that charm?” he muttered
you looked at him weird, why was he acting so strange?
“i lied, i didnt want help back then but i do now. so,”
and then he grinned widely, taking a piece of paper that wasnt the one he gave you and telling you to watch closely
“aparecium.” he said, clearly. swishing his wand almost expertly
you looked at the paper in front of you and saw the writing of hello appear on it in your cursive handwriting
you looked up at him in aw.
“can you say it again? slowly? i dont think im pronouncing it right.”
woojin giggled
G I G G L E D
and repeated himself, clear and slow. you nodded at him, taking a random piece of paper and clearing your throat
“wait!” woojin yelped “use this one!” 
you furrowed your brows as he shoved the piece of paper he gave you in the library in front of you
“uh, okay?” you replied, glancing up at his smile
clearing your throat again, you swished you wand and spoke clearly. “aparecium.”
nothing happened to the paper and you groaned loudly
“oh, y/n, your pronunciation is perfect. its the swish thats wrong.”
you bored your eyes into him “what?”
“youre doing it this way. youre supposed to do it this way” he flourished his wand to demonstarte to you the wrong doing
you still furrowed your brow, not really seeing the difference between the two
“here, i’ll show you”
o hMY GOD HE 
HE JUST GRABBED YOUR HAND HOLY SHIT
SIRENS CALL THE AMBULANCE
YOU REALLY ALMOST CHOKED ON AIR
suddenly you felt fire all over. red surely covering your face as you tried to concentrate but holY SHIT
“okay so youre going like this.” he moved your hand in his own, making out the movement you made before
“but you should be doing this.” 
o h
ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh
now you get it
you wanted to bang your head on the table for being so dumb about it
“oH RIGHT! woojin you’re literally a life saver!”
he laughed again, retracting his hand from yours as red splashed over his cheeks and onto his ears
“well, go on! try it!
you smiled, looking down at the paper and saying a strong and clear incantation whilst moving your wand exactly how woojin showed you to
you squeALED in excitement as ink dotted onto the page! 
you grabbed woojin by the forearm and raised it above both of your heads in celebration
he laughed and cheered along with you before you settled down, beginning your massive thank you speech.
“seriously i couldnt have done it without your help i could have faile-”
“y/n, read it.” woojin smiled at you
“what?” you replied, confused
“read the parchment.”
eyebrows furrowing once again you looked down at the parchment with now visible ink
do you wanna maybe go to hogsmeade with me this weekend?
your eyes widened
no way
no way no way no way
you snapped your eyes up to meet his
this is why he avoided you! he thought youd rejected him in such a selfish cold hearted way!
“i’ve uh, actually liked you for a while. we missed last weekend but im down to go next weekend if you want?”
“i- i, i mean, y-you! of course! i’ll go with you, yeah! oh my god i am so sorry you mustve thought i was such a bitch i shouldnt have lied im an awf-”
oh my fUCKING GOD
CODE FUCKING RED HIS HANDS WHERE ON YOUR CHEEKS
AND HIS LIPS ON YOURS
BREATHING? WHOS SHE
your eyes clenched shut as you reached to grab the front of his robes, kissing him back
you felt so goddamn dizzy, your mind cloudy at the absolute bliss of the feeling of his lips and how they moved against yours
he started smiling against you and had to pull away, his eyes glimmering and heart beating out of his chest
“i’ll pick you up at your dorms at 10, okay?”
god, youve never smiled harder.
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elliotthezubat · 6 years
Text
DEATH CITY DAYS 84
the rats have a new base, sturm goes to paris, and new students
[[cont from part 83]]
Adam: "That's the last of them..." yana:....*sigh*...what a pain... Ivan: *lying in a gurney* Q_____Q zoey: this is your fault..... Gogol: "...Which one?" zoey: *glares at ivan* you let this happen, and now my baby's gone..... Ivan: -____- "He wasn't your baby. He was some demonic hellspawn you adopted and brainwashed." Gogol: "Phew! I thought she was blaming me." ^_^ zoey: *punches ivan's leg* SHUT UP!......at least....i still have master's baby....inside me.....it feels....so good.... elizaveta: *frowns* Ivan: *screams* "Ow-ow-ow..." T~T "Young Master, help..." yana: zoey, stop being petty for a moment. Ivan: TwT -elsewhere- etta: we're heeeeere~ Walter: "..." *looks up, cups his hands* "Hello!!! Echo!!!" hans: wow, fancy. Kafka: -n- "I doubt the beds will be sanitary." Leroux: "..." etta: *looks out the window* wooooow! Leroux: *sees the city* "...” etta: so pretty. *shiny eyes* Kafka: "...Yes, I suppose it is." hans: *checking pamphlets* Walter: "Where to after we finish unpacking?" etta: let's check out the Eiffel tower! Leroux: "..." etta:.....roro? Leroux: "Yes~?" ^_^; etta: are you sure you're ok? Leroux: "J-Just fine. Why?" etta: you deserve to enjoy this trip as much of the rest of us. *smiles with concern* Leroux: "...Right. I will. Thank you." Kafka: "..." -elsewhere- Fyodor: "..." guard: ......... guard 2: call for you. Fyodor: "??? Me?" guard 2: *hands him the phone* Fyodor: *takes the phone* "..." yana: bad news boss.... *she explains what all happened* Fyodor: "...Disappointing." yana: when are you gonna get out of prison, morale hasnt been good here... Fyodor: "Wait." yana: hm.... Fyodor: "You know what is expected of you." yana:.....right... Fyodor: "So do it. I expect to hear good news." yana:...understood....*hangs up*..........(i feel i should be crying now.....but i dont feel anything.....) ...*leans back in her chair and sighs* Gogol: "..." *pokes in his head* yana: *leans her head back to look at him* <what?> Gogol: <Did he blame me?> yana: <no one's blaming you for anything, gogol.> Gogol: "..." *nods* <Good. Thank you, Boss.> yana:....<not to bother you with pointless bullshit but.....do you think there's a reason i exist?> Gogol: <Way beyond my paygrade. I don't entertain existentialist questions.> yana:....<forget i said anything then...> Gogol: <DONE!> ^w^ yana:..... -elsewhere- Magaki: "I'm done." *hands the book over* tsubaki: thank you. Magaki: *nods* "It was enjoyable. I liked the descriptions. Do you read a lot?" tsubaki: *she nods* sometimes. Magaki: "It's helping me with the language. What kind of stories do you read?" -elsewhere- Q: OwO kirako: ._.; aya: *opens arms* kirako:......*hugs Q and aya* Q: QWQ *squeeze* kirako: ^^; Dazai: "Just careful, given his ability--" Q: *HISS* kirako: ^^; noted. Dazai: ._____. Q: *nuzzle* -w- naomi:....no comment. Tanizaki: "Stay away from the child, Naomi." naomi: oh no need to tell me twice. sylvia: ..... Q: "??? Who's she?" sylvia: *hides behind kyouka* eep! >A< Kyoka: *intense stare at Q* "Stay away from Q, Sylvia." Q: ._. sylvia: o-o-okaaaay.... Q.Q;;;; Q: Q_Q *squeezes Aya and Kirako more tightly* atsushi: *sweatdrop* odasaku:...what did mori even _do_ to this kid? Q: "C-Can I stay here, with Aya and with, um, any parent?" yosano: for the time being. Q: QwQ atsushi: (never a dull moment with the agency...) Kunikida: "..." *rubs his eyes* aya:...kunkida? Kunikida: "...I'm sorry." aya: it's ok. im here, right? Kunikida: *nods* "And good for you to reach out to Shousaku." aya: .....right. Kunikida: "...We'll...have to find their new location." aya: *nods* Kunikida: "For now...let's get you a meal." kirako: what do you want, Q? Q: OwO "Cookies?" kirako: *pokes nose* after dinner. ^^ aya: pizza! Q: O\\\\\O -elsewhere- Anya: *tapping her foot* mio: ...? Anya: "They've been in there a long time..." ao: so.....t-tsugumi..is there someone you like? Tsugumi: OwO;;;; "...You'll have to be more specific." ao: do you...have romantic feelings for anyone? Tsugumi: O\\\\\w\\\\\O;;;; "...Specifically?" ao: y-yes. Tsugumi: "..." *covers her face* "I don't want to tell! I'm just someone who has a lot of love and don't know what it is that I want!" >\\\w\\\< ao:....do you think....you could love someone like me? Tsugumi: "...Wait...You..." ao: y...yes... *looks down, blushing* i've....liked you a long time now... Tsugumi: "O-Oh?" .\\\\\. "I-I'm sorry I didn't figure that out...I guess I sort of knew given how close we are..." ao: r-really? *blushing* Tsugumi: "I guess? I just didn't think to misread or anything in case it was just in my imagination that you liked me--you know how romantic and over-thinking I get reading into things too much when I start on a roll with my--" ao: tsugumi? Tsugumi: *blinks* "...Yes?" ao: you didnt answer. ^^; Tsugumi: .\\\\\\. "...I-I'd need some time to think about that one. It's a bit of a paradigm shift...But there's nothing about you that I couldn't see myself loving someone like you." ao: i see... im glad though. even if you didnt feel the same for me, i would still be glad to be with you, tsugumi. ^^ Tsugumi: ^\\\^ "I'm glad to be with you. Just...be patient while I try to figure this out? I'm sorry I don't have an answer yet." ao: i understand. mio:....*looks at anya* Anya: *has her ear pressed to the door* Q\\\\\\Q mio:...*pat pat* that's rough, buddy. Anya: T\\\T "Shut up, Mio..." mio: *pap pap* Anya: T________T -elsewhere- Lily: "YAY!" *tosses rose petals* misono: you seem happier than usual. Lily: "Spring will soon be upon us~ We'll be able to escape the chilly confines of this cramp estate and enjoy all of nature--" *throws open his coat* misono: just keep your pants on! Lily: *is standing with a pair of jeans and a sheer shirt* "??? Oh. Sure~" misono: *sigh* Lily: "Are you okay?" misono: yes. Lily: "...Okay." -elsewhere- Relan: *drenched in water* =_=; iris: *wraps him in a towel* Relan: T~T "Thank you...I didn't even see it coming..." iris: *pap pap* Arthur: *still holding the firehose* "Hang on, I see another fly--" maki: *chop* no. Arthur: >_< "You knew I couldn't be trusted!" -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: "FAAAAAAANG!" T~T "I need help..." fang-hua: whats up? Tsukiyo: "The invitation says 'Plus One.' I don't have one!" fang-hua: *sweatdrop* Tsukiyo: *sniffs* "How do I find one?!" fang-hua: im sure there's someone in the area. maybe go to a mixer? Tsukiyo: QwQ "Mixer?" fang-hua: yeah. Tsukiyo: *takes her hand* "LET'S GO!" fang-hua: it's later in the week! Tsukiyo: "LET'S GO GET MY OUTFIT!!!" -elsewhere- rowena: *rings doorbell* lenore: *perched on rowena's shoulder* Blair: "???" *opens the door* "Hello~" rowena: hello, miss blair. hope you dont mind us dropping in. lenore: *nod* Blair: "Not at all! Come in!" *wiggles a finger to set up a chair* rowena: *sits down* thank you. Blair: *heats up some water* "Tea?" rowena: yes please. lenore: *POOF* *takes a seat* Blair: ^^ "Comfy?" *sets out tea cups* lenore: as comfy as i can be. you got any seed on ya? im starvin' Blair: *holds out a hand* *POOF* "Here you go~" lenore: *nom nom* rowena: so you two know each other, right? lenore: yeah, from back in the day. Blair: "..." *smiles* rowena: what was it like? Blair: "It was...an experience." lenore: we were familiars to an old witch. it was me, blair, and melas. Blair: *stares into her tea* rowena: i see. lenore: i remember our mistress was an old lady, a bit of a hermit, even by witch world standards. Blair: *nods* "She...seemed to appreciate the company." rowena: *listening* Blair: "She was far away from others, and I think she needed companionship." *sad smile* "For many people, having a cat around can make even the most un-homely place feel cozy." rowena: right...or in edgar's case, a raccoon. Blair: "Hee hee~ I suppose so. ... Lenore, do you think our mistress liked having us around?" lenore: i think so. i mean, she had to have liked us enough to grant us magic, right? Blair: "..." *nods* "...She gave us a bit..." -elsewhere- Dazai: -n- ("He's eating all the pizza...") Kunikida: "..." ("I'm going to be reprimanded for what happened to Aya...I'm just glad she's safe...") Q: ^w^ "Want my slice, Aya?" aya: *already eating her slice* yosano: kunikiiiidaaa~ ^^# may i have a word with you? Kunikida: ._______. "...In private?" yosano: *grabs him by the ponytail and drags him off* -too violent- Q: OwO;;;;; "...Are they doing adult things?" atsushi: .__________________________________. *shocked look at Q* aya: ........................ sylvia: like t-taxes? Q: OwO *stares at Atsushi* "...Very loud taxes." atsushi: ehehehe...yeah... ^^;;;; Q: "Huh..." *nom on pizza* Kunikida: X_____X -elsewhere- Rin: "How have your classes gone?" madoka: tiring *yaaaawn* Rin: "..." *pats her back* madoka: =///u///= Rin: "I could make some tea. And some cookies..." -elsewhere- Kid: "--and then we'll have to check on when your delivery arrives, re-do the drapes in our room, fix up Father's study, and--" *turns to look at Stocking--and just stares* stocking: *has her hair in a ponytail*...hm? Kid: "..." .\\\\\. "...Sorry. I just...haven't looked at you for so long..." stocking: kid... Kid: "...I like your hair like that." *smiles* stocking: hehe~ Kid: *reaches for her hand* stocking: *squeezes and kisses him* Kid: "Mmmm~" ^////^ stocking: hehe~ Kid: "...Even if I don't say it enough, please don't doubt that you are the most beautiful person." stocking: and you're the most handsome guy, kiddo~<3 Kid: ^\\\^ "D'aw..." *hug* stocking: hehehe~ i love you so much~<3 Kid: "I love you so much, too." stocking: *smooooch* mmmm~<3 Kid: "Mmm..." *pats her back* -elsewhere- soul: .......*tucks the kids in* Damon: "Zzz..." becky: zzzzz soul:....*closes the door*....*sigh*......*glances at maka's room*............*goes in and sits on the floor* .......... *There's a bit of dust on the desk* soul:.....(i've left your room untouched for so long.......) *There's a creaking sound* soul:......(yeah....you're right....ok. i'll get started first thing tomorrow...) *SLAM* soul: ?! *goes to check* *A book has fallen from the shelf* soul:....*picks it up, dusting it off* *It looks to be a children's book* soul:......*smiles* -elsewhere- hans: *looking at a tour guide pamphlet* Kafka: *reviewing a French phrase book* Walter: "How much further?" etta: it should be coming up soon, right roro? Leroux: *looking around* "Yes... hans:....i know, this is a big challenge for you to see it again after such a long time... Leroux: "...Yes." hans:..ah. there it is. Leroux: "..." *shakes* etta:....*pats his back* Leroux: "Th-Thanks..." hans: well then, shall we go in? Leroux: *whimpers* hans:....you can wait in the car if you want to.... Leroux: "I-I can do it...R-Right, Christine?" Kafka: -____- ("Can I stay in the car?") christine?: .... Leroux: "..." *steps forward* -inside- woman: <hello and welcom-...> !! Leroux: Q___Q Woman: <gaston! is that you?> Leroux: <...> *nods* woman: <it's me, meg giry! remember?> hans: <a pleasure to meet you, ma'am.> Leroux: *whimper* hans:... leroux, if you really are uncomfortable- Leroux: "I...can't back down." hans:....right. meg: <do you want to take the tour?> Walter: "Yes, please!" ^w^ Death the Kid: Kafka: -_____- ("Ruining a moment...") -and so- meg: <this room is the main theater, where all the shows took place.> etta: *shiny eyes* woooooah! Leroux: "..." Walter: "Etta's on stage a lot, too!" meg: <is that right?> etta: hehe~ <i am an actress back home after all~> *wink* meg: <i see.> ^^ {christine: *on stage, singing*} {Leroux: *staring* ._____. } {-she looks so lovely in the spotlight-} {Leroux: "..." *sighs, leans his hand on his chin*} Leroux: T~T etta:...*pap pap* -elsewhere- Steinbeck: "Zzz..." Hemingway: *fishing at a stream* twain: =w= *also fishing* oscar: its so peaceful, right? Hemingway: "Hmm." dorothy:.....bored. =A= baum: we'll remedy that right away! Hemingway: "???" oscar: i have an idea, dearies~ why not play the~king's~game~? twain: ohohohohoho! sounds good! Hemingway: "How's that work?" oscar: well in this case, i do have popcicle sticks. one stick is marked with red, which represents the 'king'. and the other sticks all have numbers, for all the other players. everyone draws sticks, and the person with the red marked stick is the king. the king then chooses a number or numbers and gives the order for what that person has to do. Hemingway: "..." *shoves Steinbeck* Steinbeck: "Ha-Wha?" Hemingway: "We're playing a game." -and so- Steinbeck: "..." *takes a stick* emily: since we have two minors playing with us, lets keep the game wholesome, ok? Hemingway: "Agreed. No booze." ebie: ^^ dorothy: ... baum: =v= Lovecraft: .~. twain: alright. who's gonna be the kiiing~? ebie: ok! im king! hmmm.....3 has to pat 8 on the back. Hemingway: "..." *holds up 8* oscar: *pap pap* hmhm ^^ Hemingway: *sighs* *hops on* -who is the king this time?- Steinbeck: *holds up the stick* "I am the king. And...2 has to put make-up on 7." -ebie did lovecraft's face up, spiderman style- Lovecraft: ._____. Steinbeck: "D'aw..." ^^ -it was twain's turn next- twain: alright....4 and 2....have to hold haaands nyohoho` =v= emily: ... 4.... .///.; Steinbeck: *holds up 2* emily:....*hand hold* .////////////////. Steinbeck: "..." ("Huh. Soft.") oscar: my my, seem she's all red, hoho~ Steinbeck: "... ... ..." Hemingway: "Oscar, please." emily: .///////////. *steam coming off her head* Lovecraft: "...John? Are you--" Steinbeck: "... ... ... ..." ebie: O.O mr steinbeck? Steinbeck: *opens his mouth--and only a squeak escapes..." dorothy:....they're in heat, arent they? baum: D8 oscar: OvO twain: O_O ebie: ?? Hemingway: "Nah, they haven't engaged in the traditional mating rituals." emily: 0______________0 Steinbeck: "..." *lets go of Emily's hand, doesn't look at her, just stares forward* emily: ah- Steinbeck: *squeaks* "N-Next king?" -elsewhere- Shousaku: *chained to a floor* "..." zoey: you knoooow.....im pretty upset now....my baby's run away....we had to move base....all because of that little brat.....and you tried to help her.......you knocked me down....you almost hurt master's baby.... Shousaku: "..." zoey: fufufufu.....ahhhhh~ *pant pant* i wanna kill you so much~ Shousaku: "...Is that...what 'master' wants?" zoey: .......perhaps....i'd have to......ask him......*exits* Shousaku: *sighs* -elsewhere- Magaki: *lying awake* "..." otogiri:....cant sleep? Magaki: *shakes their head 'no'* otogiri:....is something bothering you? Magaki: "...Guilt." otogiri: how so? Magaki: "I didn't ask to desire human blood. It...almost feels like a natural urge to consume." otogiri: ....that's understandable... Magaki: "...Sorry. I know it's not like...I mean, I don't know why any of us are like this." otogiri:....in our case, it's easier to explain.....our master, tsubaki *whisper* his name is also tsubaki, so try not to get confused, *normal* saved us. Magaki: "...Why would he do that?" otogiri: he was lonely.....he wanted a family. Magaki: "...Makes sense. ...Did you want to be in his family?" otogiri:.....do you know how we differentiate from other vampires? Magaki: *shakes their head 'no'* -one session of long exposition later- Magaki: "...I'm sorry you lost him." otogiri: he is alive, somewhere. we're certain of that. Magaki: "Hmm. That's good." -elsewhere- etta: *nom* mmmm~ so yummy~ =w= meg: glad to hear that. this was actually the theater's concession stand long ago. Leroux: "..." *inhale* meg:...<can i talk to you a moment, gaston?> Leroux: <...Of course.> meg:.....<listen, im sorry for everything mama, papa, and big sister did to you. i wish i could have understood better, then maybe...> Leroux: <I don't blame you.> meg:...<i know coming back is....probably hard for you, given all that's happened.> Leroux: <...That's an understatement...> *looks at the walls* meg:......<even though most of the main theater and structure was damaged, there were some places that werent burned. like the basement.> Leroux: <...I could see it?> meg: <well, it's not open to the public....but this place was still your home so...i suppose i'll make an exception this time.> Leroux: *nods* <Thank you.> -downstairs- meg:....<if you wanted to gather any of your old belongings-> Leroux: <Hmm.> *walks to his previous home* -the room is virtually untouched...save for the dust- Leroux: "..." *looks at the lights* -several bulbs have burnt out- Leroux: *disappointed grunt...turns and looks at the wall* -the poster is still there, if a bit aged- Leroux: *sad smile* -upstairs- etta: *checking the gift shop*... ah! Kafka: *following* etta: *picks up a CD; 'Julia Leroux Vocal Collection Remastered Edition'* *shiny eyes* Kafka: "??? Something you're getting?" etta: mmhmm! it's gonna be a present! Kafka: "...Hm." *looks around* -there are two men talking- man 1: <yeah, i heard this place has ghosts residing in it.> Kafka: "???" Man 2: <You think ghosts are everywhere.> Kafka: *opens his phrase book* man: <it's true man! there's two ghosts in particular that stand out. 'the lady in green' and 'the lady in white'.> Kafka: *flips* (" 'Lady'?") Man 2: <'Green'? 'White'? What, plaid wasn't available?> man: <haha screw off. anyway, they were apparently singers that preformed here long ago, and supposedly died on the premises. the lady in green haunts the theater, while at night, the lady in white haunts the theater, calling out to someone, probably family.> Kafka: *trying to keep up* (" 'Singers'...'Family'...") "..." *looks at Etta--and the album* etta: <sir, is there a place i can listen to this?> Clerk: <We have a player over there.> etta: <thank you~> *listening* (pretty....) Kafka: *listening* "..." *looks up at the ceiling* -elsewhere- meg: <are you done yet?> Leroux: <May I take this?> meg: <the poster? no offense meant, but it seems kind of....old now. ^^; > Leroux: <Consider me nostalgic.> meg:....<right> Leroux: *carefully takes down the poster* "..." <Thank you.> meg: ..... Leroux: "..." *carefully rolls the poster...he's crying* meg:...... {madame giry: <this is that wretch's fault that this happened! his mother never should have given birth to him!>} meg:... (shut up...) Leroux: "???" meg: <j-just remembering something> Leroux: "..." *sad smile* <A lot of that going around.> meg:....<yeah...well, we shouldnt keep your friends waiting.> Leroux: *nods* <After you.> -upstairs- Kafka: *flipping through more pages* Walter: ^w^ "Good dancing, Harriet." harriet: *tapping on the table.....people are leaving money down* Bystander #1: <So cute~!> hans: i guess this place still attracts performances after all. Kafka: "...I'm not sure they ever stopped, Hans." meg: <we're back~> ^^ Leroux: "..." hans: how was it? Leroux: "...Bittersweet." hans:...i see. meg: <find anything you all liked?> Walter: "You got some good tunes here..." meg: <ah. well if there's anything you want, i'll tell the clerk to give you a 70% discount today> Walter: "Excellent!" <Thank you!> Kafka: "..." *sighs* ("Of course Walter speaks French...") -____- hans: ^^; Leroux: *listening* "...!" meg: ?? Leroux: "Th-That music..." meg: ??? Leroux: "..." ("Mother...") meg: <gaston?> Leroux: <What is that music?> meg: *listening* ?? Leroux: <It...sounds like mother.> meg:.... *glances at the cd* Leroux: "..." *shaking* "It's beautiful..." meg: ..... Leroux: "...W-Walter, could you put this away?" *hands him the rolled-up poster* Walter: "??? Sure." *takes off his poster canister from his back and slips the poster in carefully* etta: ?? roro? Leroux: *sniffs, wipes his eye* etta: roro? are you ok?? -in a mausoleum- ???: *listening to the CD* .....julia...............no...nononononono! *throws the CD against the wall* IT DOESNT SOUND THE SAME!! it doesnt have....your cadence.....fools....they cant match your perfection.... *a drip is heard in the room* ???:......*goes up to the body.....strokes its face* just a little while longer.......only a few more i need....then we can be together..... .........*kiss* *the body is stiff against the kiss* ???: soon we'll be together.....and the rest of them will pay....for what they have done to us.... -morning- Dazai: "Zzz..." kirako: zzzzzz Dazai: *turns* Q: zzzzz Dazai: -_____- *groans, gets out of bed* Q: *snuggles up to kirako* mommy.... uwu Dazai: *heats up coffee, waffles* Q: *sniff* O.O *gets up* Dazai: *pours some glasses of orange juice* Q: *peeeeeeek* Dazai: "??? ...Want cereal?" Q: sure. Dazai: *pours a bowl, passes it to him* Q:..... Dazai: "...Did you want yogurt or something on it?" Q: strawberries! Dazai: "I think we got some...Yes!" *grabs some and washes them before slicing them and dropping them onto the cereal* Q: thanks bi-....dazai. Dazai: "...Yeah, sure." *takes out the waffles* -elsewhere- Damon: "???" becky: mr spirit, why are we hanging out with you today? Spirit: "Because you kids deserve to have some fun!" ^^ becky:...ok? izumi: ^^ Spirit: "Where you want to go first? We could play games, check out the toy shop--" becky: *looks out the window* *The weather is warming up a bit* Spirit: "??? Becky?" becky: yeah? Spirit: "Did you want to go out for a walk? Maybe the park?" becky:...sure. Spirit: "..." *looks at Izumi with a face that screams 'HELP'* izumi: there's even a playground there too! Damon: "!!! Really?!" izumi: yep! mom took me to play there all the time when we moved to death city. ^^ Damon: "..." izumi:...it'll be ok. Damon: *sniff* becky:.... *pap pap* Damon: *hugs Becky* -elsewhere- Kafka: "Zzz..." hans: *making breakfast* *some dinosaur growls are heard with each footstep...* hans: ??? Walter: *steps out in dinosaur-foot slippers* "What's for breakfast?" owo hans: *sweatdrop* Kafka: *tosses in bed--then falls out* "...Ow." etta: *in bed, still asleep* Kafka: *crawls up* *looks into the kitchen* "Where's Leroux?" hans: still sleeping. Kafka: "...Hmph. Let him sleep, then. Is there any fruit?" hans: there should be. Kafka: *takes some from the basket, slices up an apple* "Where did the boss want us to visit next?" -elsewhere- Yumi: "Update on the city?" nygus: security cameras have been upgraded with tech from manhasset. Yumi: "..." *sighs* "That's some relief. Did footage find anyone of interest?" -elsewhere- Justin: *washing dishes* oriko: *watering flowers* Justin: *turns off the sink, dries his hands* "...The flowers look like they're coming in nicely." oriko: *smiles* Justin: "Any plans for today?" -elsewhere- Hemingway: "...I'm worried. He just sat up straight all night." Steinbeck: O_____O "Zzzzz..." oscar: you dont think the poor dear's sick, do you? baum: *prods him with a stick* i just hope whatever is wrong with him isnt contagious. that would just suck for everyone. Steinbeck: O____________O ebie: *spider mode, sitting on his head* owo Steinbeck: O_________O "...Ebie, please get off." ebie: are you still alive, mr john? Steinbeck: "Yes. What time is it?" baum: around 11 am. Steinbeck: O_________o "Jeez, that's too late. I need coffee and a cold shower." oscar: on it~ Hemingway: "And some protein, too. I'll cook up a steak with eggs." -elsewhere- Black Star: "...You sure about this, Soul?" soul: *nods* it's about that time now....i'll keep her things somewhere safe. Black Star: "...She'd appreciate this." soul:...yeah.... Black Star: "...Are _you_ okay with it?" soul:.....*nod* Black Star: "..." *pat pat* soul: i think it'll help both parties... Black Star: "True." *packs some books into boxes* "What you going to do with the kids? Put them in school?" soul: guess so. Black Star: "..." *small laugh* "You at parent-teacher conferences, though." soul: *chuckle* yeah, who'da thought... Black Star: "...How the heck did we end up with 'kids'?" soul: life's unpredictable, i guess. Black Star: "True...When do the kids' beds arrive?" soul: soon i hope. Black Star: "And that still leaves whatever decorations you want up." soul: i should probably let the kids pick their own decorations out. Black Star: "What do they even like?" soul:..... ._.;;; i need to learn more about them, dont i? Black Star: "Yep, 'Dad.'" soul: *sweats* -elsewhere- Chuuya: "..." sonia: *reading* Chuuya: "..." *sets down some boxes* "Sonia? Is that for homework?" sonia: *nod* Chuuya: "Did Kajii ask you to take notes?" sonia: i think so.... Chuuya: "...Could I help?" sonia: sure. Chuuya: *takes a sheet of notebook paper* "Let's see what to write down. What subject is this?" -elsewhere- Panda: *staring at the microwave* "Come on--hurry!" sasori: ........ {sasori: *strapped to a table, crying*} {???: "Stop that."} {sasori: <m-mama! papa! im scared!> *sob*} {???: "They are not here."} {sasori: *cries*} {???: "Relax. It'll end quickly."} sasori:.... Panda: "DING!" inka: awesome! popcorn's ready! Sancho: "What's the movie?" -elsewhere- Alone: "So what are we doing again?" shaula: hell if _i_ know. Alone: .w. "Well, you're the smart one. I mean, besides Grim." shaula: hmmm..... Kurogiri: "Ah, there you are. I had questions about why there are scorpions in tanks under the bar." shaula: they're my babies! Kurogiri: "...Your babies are too young for the bar." shaula:....har-de-fuckin-har. Alone: "Ha! Dad humor!" shaula:.....oh. 7_7 Kurogiri: "...Thank you. Now, onto other business--we have a meeting." shaula: cool. Kurogiri: "We will need the others-- ...Where are the others?" -a loud female moan sounds from one room- beatrice:....well we know where kinuta is. Kurogiri: "..." -______________- "Make it stop." shaula: so who's going in NOT IT himiko: not it! beatrice: not it. Alone: "Wait, I wasn't invited! Not it!" Kurogiri: "?!!! I-I didn't know we were doing that!" >_< twice: no-.....darn.....*opens door* O________O WOWZERS! kinuta: hm? oh, hey. Dabi: "...You mind?" twice:...meeting in a few minutes. see ya there. *closes door*.......excuse me, i need to wash my mask. *blood is leaking where his nostrils are* Kurogiri: "...Gross." himiko: *pouts* not enough for me to use. boo. Kurogiri: "Himiko, please." Alone: "...So she's a vampire?" himiko: soooorta but not really~ hehe~ Alone: "??? Vague, but not the weirdest thing I've heard." -elsewhere- Damon: *sits on the swing* ._. becky: *pushing him on the swing* Damon: "..." ^w^ becky:...*smiles and pushes* Spirit: "She seems to take good care of him." izumi: must be nice to have siblings. Spirit: "...I think it is...I wish that you had that chance." izumi: .... Spirit: "...Maka...would have liked you." izumi:...yeah... Spirit: "..." *wipes his eyes* izumi:... *pat pat* Spirit: *nods* "Thank you..." -elsewhere- Kid: *lifts up Shiori* shiori: kid! Kid: "Hello! Ready to go?" shiori: ya! Kid: *sets her in her stroller* "Let's roll." shiori: ^u^ Kid: *opens the door, wheels out* "Really bright today, isn't it?" shiori: sunny! Kid: "Yep! No clouds...but the trees are budding." shiori: OuO Kid: "Soon there will be leaves, flowers growing again--it'll be warmer." shiori: fwower! Kid: "Yes! And flowers with butterflies." shiori: buffy! Kid: ^^ "You like butterflies, too?" shiori: *giggle* Kid: "I like them, too. So symmetrical..." =\\\= shiori: ^o^ Kid: " *ahem* Let's head to the park--you can go on the swings." shiori: ok! Kid: ^w^ "And you'll go high and high up on the swing...” izumi: ?? oh, hey mr kid! becky: ?? Kid: "Oh, Izumi, Spirit. Hello!" Damon: "..." *whispers* "His hair..." izumi: *covers his mouth* ^^;; becky: is that his daughter? shiori: ? Kid: ^^; "No, this is my baby sister, Shiori. Say 'Hi,' Shiori." shiori: hihi! Kid: "You're Becky and Damon, yes?" becky:...yes? Damon: "..." Kid: *holds out his hand* "I'm Kid." becky: arent you a bit old to be a kid? Kid: ^^; "It's short for 'Death the Kid.' My father is the previous Death." becky: ...oh... Damon: Q__Q "...You're a zombie?" Kid: ._.; "...No?" izumi: there is a zombie in town, but he's really nice. ^^; Spirit: "Kid is a shinigami--a death god, responsible for putting departed souls to rest." becky:.....oh.... Damon: "..." *crying* shiori: ?? baba? becky:..*hugs damon* Kid: "...I am sorry, to both of you, for your loss. I don't know what you feel...but I have known this loss as well." becky: ...... Kid: "My mother...passed away when I was very young." becky:....oh..... Kid: "I know it hurts. And I don't think the pain leaves. But you find ways to remember and honor those you lost--and share the love you had with your parents to others who are invested in your well-being." Damon: *crying* *sniff* becky:....right.... Damon: "I-I don't understand..." Kid: "..." becky:....mr soul...said he'd look after us, right? Damon: "Y-Yeah?" becky:....then we'll have to trust him a bit more... Kid: *smiles* "I have known Soul a long time. You can trust him." becky:.... -elsewhere- Sakuya: "..." *sighs* naho: *leaning against him, her back to his chest* lilac: zzzz *his chest to sakuya's back* Sakuya: =\\\= *hugs Naho* naho: ^w^ Sakuya: "Mmm..." *yawns* -elsewhere- Meme: "How are they all?" mio:....they seem to be ok... Meme: *sigh* "I hope so. Anya looked angry." mio: ..... Meme: "And Tsugumi has enough problems..." *smiles at Mio* "Maybe we can cheer them up." mio: hmmm.... Meme: "Maybe movie night?" mio: sounds good. Meme: "Let's find something for them." -elsewhere- yana: ..... Ivan: <Master~?> yana:...yeah? Ivan: "What's wrong?" yana:....just tired.... Ivan: "I'm sorry. Perhaps nap?" yana: just woke up from one... Ivan: "Oh...Tea?" yana:...sure. Ivan: ^w^ *heats water* yana:...... {yana: .......} {Fyodor: <Speaking yet?>} {yana:.....*looks at him*} {Fyodor: "..." <I am Fyodor.>} {yana:....*grunt of reply*} {Fyodor: <And I will guide you.>} yana:...... Ivan: *sets down some cups* yana: .....*stares out the window* Ivan: "It's not the worst view..." yana:....must look nice on a rainy day.... Ivan: "Mm! Wait for spring." yana: i guess...... Ivan: "We may even be able to plant things--if we can avoid being detected." yana: *nod* Ivan: "Maybe wind chimes~" -elsewhere- Mall Customer #1: *skating* erina: excuse me, you'll have to take that outside. Mall Customer #1: "Why? Nothing illegal to skate here." erina: it's more of a safety concern. Mall Customer #1: "I'm wearing a helmet! Get off my back, lady!" erina: sir, had someone fall into the fountain earlier in the week. Mall Customer #1: "...Okay, I don't think you're listening, bitch--" erina: sir, please calm down. Mall Customer #1: "No! I keep dealing with shit from people like you trying to keep me and my skateboard down--" ???: "Is there a problem, fellow young person?" Mall Customer #1: *spins, swings his fist* Jordan: .______. *barely ducks* "!!!" erina: *cuffs the guy* sir, im going to have to ask you to come with me? Mall Customer #1: "HE STARTED IT!" Jordan: "DUDE! RUDE!" erina: sir, he only just started talking after us. Jordan: Q_______Q "You almost made me drop my purchase. It makes soda and everything--" *finally recognizes Erina* "!!! Oh! Erina!" erina: *nods* hey. i'll talk to you later, im on shift right now. ^^; Jordan: OwO " 'K-Kay! Go reprimand that miscreant!" Mall Customer #1: "That's not my name, douche!" erina: come on. *drags him off* Mall Customer #1: "Maaaaaaaaan! Mom's gonna ground me..." T~T -elsewhere- Black Star: *asleep on Soul's couch* "Zzz..." soul: *checking his phone* Spirit: [ready for them to come home?] soul: [still setting up. maybe have them sleep over @ izumi's?] Spirit: [i think they'll be fine with that. i would talk with them on the phone though--kids like to know they can talk with their parents any time] soul: [right.] Spirit: *looks at the kids* becky: *playing* Damon: *picks up a doll* -elsewhere- Blair: "..." lenore: well, thanks for having us over. Blair: *smiles* "Of course! Come back any time!" rowena: *nods and exits, waving* Blair: "..." *shuts the door...lays a hand on it* -elsewhere- Motojiro: "How do you feel?" leo: well...*rubs her stomach* Motojiro: "...Upset tummy?" leo: *shakes head* just nervous. Motojiro: "...O-Oh! Right..." *rests a hand on her stomach* It'll be okay." leo: *nuzzle* Motojiro: =w= "Mmm." -elsewhere- Leroux: "..." hans: *knock* Leroux: "??? Come in." hans: how're you feeling? Leroux: "...I don't know. I feel sad..." hans: ....i understand it was hard for you today...*pat pat* Leroux: "Yes...I miss her." hans: she's still with you... Leroux: "...In my memories?" hans: *nods* and in your heart. Leroux: "..." *sad smile* hans: get some rest. we're going to be visiting the louvre tomorrow. Leroux: *nods* "Thank you..." -elsewhere- Kid: "..." *brings Shiori inside* shiori: hehe lord death: hey kiddos~ *hug* Kid: "..." *hug* "Hello, Father." lord death: you two have fun on your walk? shiori: babu! Kid: "..." *sad smile, nods* lord death: something on your mind, kiddo? Kid: "...I met the children Soul is taking care of." lord death: ah. i see. Kid: "It brought up some sadness, to lose a parent." lord death:....*pats his back* Kid: *nods* "Sorry..." lord death: it's ok shiori: bubu... Kid: "..." *strokes Shiori's hair* shiori: =w= Kid: "...I miss Mother. And...I want to do right for her." -elsewhere- Kuro: "..." mahiru: *pacing* Kuro: "??? What's with you?" mahiru: s-sorry....just a bit nervous because of this whole school thing....what's C3 planning? Kuro: "...Nothing good, I'm sure." *digs through a closet* mahiru:...... Kuro: *pulls out a mop* "...For real?" -elsewhere- Kishiri: *blowing a bubble...and floating up with it* OoO;;; ryuuko: *shoots a feather bullet* *POP* Kishiri: *suspended in mid air* "..." *and falls like a lead balloon* *lands in a conveniently placed bush* "..." *coughs up leaves* ryuuko: *sigh* Kishiri: "I'm okay!" -elsewhere- Kafka: *walking through street, staring at a map...and lost* *grumble* ???: *walking* Kafka: "Grr...Um..." <Pardon me? I am lost.> ???: .... <i see...> -the man has long black hair and red eyes..- Kafka: ._______. "..." <Where is the metro?> man: <two blocks to the right.> Kafka: *stares* <...Thank you.> *turns* man:...... Kafka: ("Stay calm, keep walking, just your imagination...") *shudders* ("Creep.") man:....*skulks into the alley* *The alley is quiet* man:....<soon...my dearest...> -elsewhere- Dazai: *driving* atsushi: O_O;;;; Dazai: *grabs his Big Gulp, takes a sip, still driving with only one hand on the wheel* "SLUUUUUUURP. So...Excited?" atsushi: my adrenaline certainly is pumping... Dazai: "I know--errands do that for me, too. But keep your eye on the goal, and we'll be home in time for whatever Lucy cooks for you." *turns sharply* atsushi: *faceplants against the window* Dazai: "...HOLY SHIT!" *slams the brakes* atsushi: grk- Dazai: *kicks open the door, runs to the front of the car--and gets down to asphalt level* atsushi: dazai? what? *There are baby ducks and their mother walking right in front of the car* Dazai: Q____Q "I almost hit them..." atsushi: *phew* that was close.. *sits and waits for them to carry on safely* Dazai: *sits on the sidewalk, staring forward* Q______Q atsushi:.... Dazai: "The little baby quack-quacks...and their mama quack-quack..." atsushi: yeah... odasaku: ..... Dazai: "...I'm not cut out for this." atsushi:...*looks at dazai* Dazai: "Akutagawa...Q...Not exactly parental or brotherly material." atsushi:.....i think maybe you're doing better than you were. you've been takng care of me, right? kyouka too. Dazai: "..." *sighs* "You two would be fine without me." atsushi: *shakes head* if i hadnt met you, i'd probably be living on the street still. and besides....you're the one who helped me understand my ability. Dazai: "..." *nods* atsushi: *hugs* i think you're doing great. Dazai: "..." Q___Q *pat pat* odasaku:....*smiles* Dazai: "..." *looks up* atsushi: ..... Dazai: "...Is it going to rain?" atsushi: later this evening, i think... Dazai: "..." *sighs* "I guess we have our work remaining..." atsushi:...right. Dazai: "..." *stands up* "...Want to drive?" atsushi: i dont have a license... ^^; Dazai: "Then we'll practice!!!" atsushi: .-.;;; -elsewhere- Chuuya: *folding clothes* sonia: *sitting on her bed, with mito on her lap* Chuuya: "How's Mito?" sonia: she seems happy...*pet pet* mito: *meow* Chuuya: *smiles* "Good...I'll get food going in a bit." sonia: ok. Chuuya: "Anything you're craving?" sonia: *shrug* Chuuya: "Maybe some pasta?" sonia:...ok. Chuuya: "..." *sits on the bed with her* sonia:...*leans against him* Chuuya: *pat pat* "I love you." sonia: i love you too, papa. Chuuya: "...You're such a perfect person...and a gift." sonia:....*hug* Chuuya: *hug* -elsewhere- Shamrock: "Black Star still isn't home?" tsubaki: he's staying the night. soul told me he just crashed after working all day. ^^; Shamrock: "I've seen him practically lift buildings--and household moving tuckers him out?" *sets out tea and a slice of pie* -elsewhere- Gogol: *asleep on the floor* yana:.... -_-; Gogol: =w= *growls* yana:... lydia: *lifts him up and carries him to his room* Gogol: *sucks his thumb* lydia: -_-; <stop that.> Gogol: "Sing me a bedtime story~" lydia:....*sigh* -elsewhere- Crona: *shakes* mami: *holds them* Crona: "I-I'm sorry..." mami: its ok. *strokes their head* Crona: "J-Just bad dreams...So much blood..." mami: shhh, im here now… Crona: "..." *nods...inhales* -morning- Kid: "Zzz..." stocking: zzzz Kid: *hug* stocking: mmm~ =w= Kid: "Good morning." stocking: *snuggles* Kid: =w= *hugs, kisses her cheek* "Sleep well, then?" stocking: yeah. ^///^ Kid: *nods* "I feel better after... ..." *hug* stocking: glad to hear. *kiss* Kid: =\\\\= *sniff* "Th-Thanks..." -elsewhere- Black Star: *snoring, talking in his sleep* "No, Tsubaki...No, pecans are stealing my money..." -elsewhere- -seems to be raining now- Motojiro: *lying beside Leo, listening to the drops* leo: *sleeping* Motojiro: "..." *tucks her in* leo: *smile* Motojiro: <Warm enough?> leo: <yes.> Motojiro: *hug* <Any plans?> -elsewhere- Akitaru: *watches raindrops on the window, sips his coffee* -the firefly pulls up to the 8th's base- Akitaru: "???" *opens the door* miwa: *waves* heyyy~ hope you dont mind us dropping by! Akitaru: "Not at all! Come in, get dry..." -and so- sayu: *eating pancakes* Akitaru: "Eat up! We got more..." sayu: thaaanks~ nayumi: *nom nom* tamaki: =w= Arthur: *stacks pancakes into another castle tower* Akitaru: "What brings you over?" miwa: thought we'd pay a visit for a while. Akitaru: "Well, we could use the help. We're still recovering after Hoods and other work." padma: *nods* Akitaru: "I don't suppose you all have encountered any of them?" miwa: not that im aware, no. misora: i did, remember? and that creepy guy? *CRINGE* tamaki: oh right, she-....she was there... Arthur: "They could be following us, even to our frontsteps." tamaki: well we should be on our guard, just in case they sneak in our ranks... misora: ..... Victor: .w.;;; Akitaru: *nods* "I think we may go back to a buddy system." -elsewhere- Damon: "..." *picks up the spoon* sachiko: *making breakfast* Spirit: "Anything you're craving, kids?" -elsewhere- Black Star: *yawns* "...Looks good enough." soul: yeah. they're gonna love it. Black Star: "Heh...Look at you being all giddy." soul: ?? 7///7; Black Star: "You're going to be great dad material." soul: sure hope so... Black Star: *stretches* "Need anything else before I head home?" -elsewhere- Walter: *looking at the itinerary* etta: *shiny eyes* Kafka: "...Hm. Not that bad." hans: *looking around* Leroux: *points* "Then there is the cafe over there..." hans: *smiles* Leroux: "...Maybe some pastries..." etta: =w= Kafka: "..." *stomach growl* -elsewhere- Bon: "You found nothing?" konekomaru: *shakes head* Bon: "Damn it...Where could they be..." Rin: .___________.;;;;; *hiding* Bon: "I still can't get the smell of sawdust out of my nose..." -elsewhere- Sakuya: "Come on, let's head out." naho: yay! lilac: o-ok! >.< Sakuya: "We can even get you some hot chocolate!" -elsewhere- Dazai: *humming, chopping apples* Q: *staaaaare* Dazai: "...Want peanut butter?" Q: cant have peanuts. Dazai: "Oh...Good warning. How about yogurt?" Q: okaaay. Dazai: "Sleep okay?" Q: i guess. Dazai: "...You seemed quiet. Not kicking as much..." Q:....*looks down at his cereal* Dazai: "...Something's bothering you." Q:....just lonely.... Dazai: "...Aya or your new-mommy?" Q:....mama... Dazai: "Hmm...You know that wasn't your real mom." Q:....i know... Dazai: "...But you wanted her to be." Q:...*whimper* Dazai: "...Hey. Not everyone has parents...You can't just grab onto the first one who offers a hand. You got to pick better ones." Q:.........are you gonna send me back to the mafia? Dazai: "...Yes." Q:.......are they gonna lock me up again? Dazai: "...I'm going to talk to them." Q:..... Dazai: "Just...It has to get better." Q:........ Dazai: "..." *small smile* "Have a little faith in me." Q:.....*looks down at the floor* Dazai: "..." *pats his head* Q:.... Q~Q Dazai: "..." Q: uuuuuu...... Dazai: "..." *hug* Q:.....*awkward hug* Dazai: *pat pat* Q:...c-can i do one thing first? Dazai: "??? What's that?" Q: *KICK TO THE SHINS* THAT'S FOR HAVING ME LOCKED UP IN THE FIRST PLACE! Dazai: Q___Q "Ow ow ow! You little-!" Q: >XP atsushi: *sweatdrop* so much for a touching moment... Dazai: "Ow...Atsushi, finish his breakfast...I need to put ice on this..." -elsewhere- Hemingway: "At least he's talking again..." twain: hey buddy, you ok? Steinbeck: "F-Fine. Just dandy." oscar: you still look a bit red, johnny boy. Steinbeck: -\\\\\- "I'm. Fine." -elsewhere- Black Star: *opens the door* "I'm home." tsubaki: welcome back. ^^ Black Star: ^^ "Miss me?" tsubaki: *hug* Black Star: ^\\\^ *pat pat* -elsewhere- Poe: O~O "The rain just keeps coming..." lana: yeah. spring will be here soon. Poe: "Hmm...Warmer weather, then." *holds up Karl* karl: ^o^ Poe: "..." *smiles* "At least you'll get to play outside more." -elsewhere- Kyoka: "And this is us on the Ferris wheel--" *swipes the phone screen* sylvia: w-wow...that's...p-pretty high up.. .~. Kyoka: "Hmm. It was worth it for the view." sylvia: .... Kyoka: "..." *flips to another screen* "There's a petting zoo in town." sylvia: hmmm... Kyoka: "...Do you like animals?" -elsewhere- Damon: "..." soul: got a surprise for you two. becky: ?? soul: *opens the door* you're own room. becky: *shiny eyes* Damon: "!!! F-For us?" soul: *smiles and nods* we can go out and buy decorations today if you want. Damon: "...A-Are you sure?" soul: *he nods* becky: thanks mr soul! Damon: "..." *smiles* -elsewhere- Kurogiri: "I gave them some tasks to keep them busy..." ???: good. Kurogiri: "It's a rather odd group..." ???: sounds like it. Kurogiri: "They provide muscle, some new experiments..." ???: *listening* Kurogiri: "We could always release a few..." -elsewhere- Kafka: *nom nom nom nom nom--* Walter: o_o hans: .... etta: ._. Walter: "M-Maybe go slower on those macarons, buddy--or at least share--" *reaches for one* Kafka: *hiss* hans: 0-0; -elsewhere- Lily: "Welcome, Mahiru~" mahiru: hey. *wave* misono: so you're transfering to the DWMA next month? mahiru: im every bit as shocked as you are. Kuro: "It's a pain." -_- shinoa: that means we'll be seeing you more often. Lily: "You can have study groups!" mahiru: *smiles* Kuro: *grumbles* "The lessons can't be that fun..." -elsewhere- Spirit: *driving back home* -red light- Spirit: *comes to a stop* -someone is...climbing on top of the car?!- inka: >83 Spirit: "?!!! What the hell--" -light turns green- inka: YEEHAW! *The car drives forward* Spirit: .____. "..." *follows* inka: *hanging on* Spirit: *carefully pulls up to the side, signals to the driver to lower their window* driver: ?? Spirit: *shouts* "Pull over! You have someone on your roof!" driver: ?? *looks up* inka: hey. driver: HEY GET DOWN FROM THERE! Spirit: "PULL. OVER!" -the driver does so- inka: *pouts* awww... Spirit: *stamps forward* "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING?!" Inka: *sticks out tongue and runs* driver:...weird kid.... Spirit: "Oh, no, you don't!" *runs after her* -elsewhere- Patty: *holds up Takeru's jacket* "Taaaaaaaaaaaaaaall!" takeru: yeah... i-it is pretty big... ^^; hito: ... Patty: "Hee hee..." *puts on the jacket* "Hito! Look! I could fit another half of me in this!" hito: i suppose so. Patty: "Hey, how's training going?" *leans forward* -elsewhere- meg: *opens door* im home.... ???: <welcome home, young madame> meg: ?!?! <w-who are-> ???: <i have come to clean up some loose ends...> *twisted grin* -later- Leroux: "..." etta: today was a good day. ^^ Kafka: *holding a brown paper bag* =\\\\= hans: well, seems we all learned a few things today. Kafka: *hugs the paper bag* >\\\\\< "I don't have to share these..." hans: *chuckle* etta: hehehe~ Kafka: .\\\\~\\\\. "..." Walter: "Where next?" hans: maybe check out one of the parks? im sure they'll be lit up tonight. Leroux: "...Yes, they will be." hans:...it's already so late.... -singing can be heard in the distance.....a familiar voice...- Leroux: "...?!" etta: ?? roro? what is it? -it seems to be coming from the alley- Leroux: "..." *runs* hans: h-hey! wait! etta: *follows him* Leroux: ("It can't...It isn't...") *turns into the alley* -the voice seems to be coming from inside a graveyard- Leroux: *shaking...approaches* gravekeeper: ....?? <sir? why are you here so late-> Leroux: <D-Don't you hear it?> gravekeeper:.... <i dont hear anything...> -a scream is heard from one mausoleum- gravekeeper: ?! Leroux: <What the devil?!> gravekeeper: *takes out keys and heads over* hans:.....*uneasy* Leroux: *follows* Kafka: *panting* "Wh-What is he..." Walter: *wheezing, takes out inhaler* etta: roro! what's gotten into you!? Leroux: <How is this possible?! It can't be--> hans: leroux, what did you hear? Leroux: "Singing..." hans: ?? etta: well we did hear that scream... Leroux: "..." *approaches the entrance* gravekeeper: ...??! <it's unlocked?!> *opens the door* <HEY! Who's in here?!> meg: <PLEASE HELP!> ???:..............*glares* Kafka: "!!! You?!" ???: <how dare you....how dare you interrupt this....i was finally going to make them pay for all they have done...she was to be the last to bring her back....> Leroux: "..." <'Her'?> ???: <my beloved julia....she died because of this girl and her family! they tore us apart, and left her to die... i already eliminated them and their first daughter before....and now she will join them in hell...hehehe~ and soon, my darling julia will return to me~> Leroux: "..." meg:....<you.....you're erik destler....a former theater employee, right?> erik: ....<seems you have done your research...but it wont do you any good...> Leroux: <Step away.> erik: ?? meg: ?? <gaston?> Leroux: <Whatever you are planning, I cannot allow it.> erik: <i simply wish to be with my love again, how can you not understand that?> Leroux: <Believe me...I know.> erik: *putting on a claw glove* <then you would let me have this...> Leroux: "!!!" *looks around* meg: !!!! Leroux: *spots a sword* "..." *takes it from the wall* erik: <farewell-> Leroux: <Leave, scoundrel!> *swings his blade* erik: <you insufferable CUR!> *slashes* meg: *pulling off the other bindings and runs to the stairwell* Leroux: *blocks* <What did she mean to you?> erik: <she was an angel... her voice could move the heavens themselves. we were young, and so happy together. knowing she loved an insignificant man like myself, made me feel like my life was worth something.....> Kafka: *watching* "..." ("Move...Move, you idiot! Why won't you do something?!) etta: *helping meg upstairs* Leroux: *continues to slice, trying to keep Erik back* <How did you know her?> Walter: "Oh, man...What did we get ourselves into?" erik: <it is as the girl said, i was but a simple stage hand, who fell in love with an angel of music. my beloved Julia Leroux.> Leroux: <...What do you know about her family?> erik: ??? <she was pregnant with my child.....but the child is likely long dead...> Leroux: <No...That child is not.> erik:....<what do you mean?> Leroux: <I am her child!> erik:.....<you're lying.....you're lying you're lying YOU'RE LYING YOU'RE LYING!!!> *attacks* Leroux: "!!!" *dodges* erik: <i'll kill you, i'll kill you!> AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! -FWOOOM- erik: *dodges* hans: *had sent a fire blast* LEROUX! COME ON! Leroux: "..." *follows her* erik: *follows* gravekeeper: <you all go warn the police, i'll hold him off!> Walter: *already calling on his phone, trying to keep up* Kafka: "..." *not focused as he runs with them* -shrk- gravekeeper: !!! *claw through the gut* hans: !!!! erik:................*rips the soul out*....<you'll just have to do.....> *runs back downstairs* etta: !!!! meg: *shocked* Leroux: "!!!" <Monster!> *starts to run--* meg: <gaston dont! he's too dangerous!!> -halfway down the stairs, a loud screech is heard- Leroux: "!!! ..." *continues slowly down the stairs* -there is a female figure, crawling out of the casket, adorned in a green dress.....but her body has since mummified, leaving a bony withered corpse behind- 'julia': *lets out a dry groan* Leroux: "..." <No...> erik: *takes her bony hand* shhhh <there there, my love. i'm here now....> *he smiles* <absolutely beautiful...> Leroux: <What have you done...WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!> erik: <my darling julia is alive again....and as beautiful as the day we met~> *strokes 'her' face* <soon, we will be wed, and we will be together for eternity....> hans: !!!!!!!!!!! meg: *SCREAMS* 'julia': *turns to look at them* *dry groan* erik: <that girl, she is the last of the damned giry family who tore us apart.....we will put an end to them here...> 'julia': *SCREEEEEEECH* Leroux: *points the blade at them...his hand shaking* <Don't do this.> erik: <i've already eliminated most of those fiends! i even set that accursed theater ablaze! all for her!> Leroux: "!!! You...You killed her..." meg: !!!!! hans: oh fuck. erik: ?? Leroux: "...YOU KILLED CHRISTINE!" erik: oh? hans: leroux now is not the time to fly off the handle- Leroux: "AND IF IT WAS SOMEONE YOU LOVED THAT HE KILLED?!" hans: .... 'julia': *lunges at them screaming* Leroux: "..." *tries to grab her* 'julia': *dry groan.....strokes his face*.... <y...o...u..r..........f..a...t..h..e...r..s........e...y...e...s.......> Leroux: "..." *tears up* erik: <YES! FINISH HIM OFF!> Leroux: <Mother...No...> 'julia': *SCREEECH* *holding 'her' head* Leroux: "..." *crying* <It hurts, doesn't it?> 'julia': *grooan* *shaking* erik: <julia? darling? what's wrong?> *going over to her* Leroux: *aims the sword at Erik* <STAY BACK!> erik: <GET AWAY FROM HER!!> Leroux: <YOU HAVE MADE HER SUFFER! YOU HAVE MADE ALL OF US SUFFER! MURDERER!> erik: <all i've done, i did for her! after what they did-> Leroux: <This was NEVER the way to fix any of this! There has been enough death! Now stay back!> erik: <i've worked so hard to be with her again! i wont let you take her away-> ?! *he cant move* Leroux: "?!!!" etta: *holding them in place* meg: <please, just stop this! i dont know what my parents did to upset you, mr destler! cant you at least explain it to us?!> Leroux: "..." erik: ..... meg: <i know, you're both hurting, but fighting isnt going to solve this!> erik:.....<as you know, julia was a songstress, and i, a simple stagehand. we were happy, but the madame didnt approve our relationship...eventually, she had me sent away. i was gone for years, and when i returned....my darling julia was dead...> Leroux: <...In childbirth.> erik:.....<what?> Leroux: <She died...giving birth to her son.> erik:....... {julia: <you have his eyes....you have your father's eyes...>} Leoux: "..." *looks up, tears coming from one eye...his hand reaches for his mask* erik: ?? Leroux: <I am Julia's son. And yours.> erik:......*too shocked to move* hans: !!! etta:...roro... Leroux: <...This is not fair to her...> erik: ........*tears falling* <i dont....want to lose her again....> Leroux: <We can't...bring them back.> erik: .................. Leroux: <Please...Let her rest.> erik:..............*shaking* <julia.....> hans:..... miss leroux? please hold still......*looks at leroux* Leroux: <She's suffered enough...> hans:....i'll make it quick.....*ignites her* 'julia':.......... *she doesnt even scream* erik: no- NO!! *sobbing* ???: "It's okay." erik: *looks up* *There is Julia, smiling* erik:.....*holds her tightly* Julia: <It's okay...I'm here.> erik: *whimpers* <please.....dont leave me....> Julia: <I won't...I promise.> erik: *holding her, stroking her hair* hans:..... Leroux: *watches* "..." -later- Leroux: *sitting on the steps* "..." meg: <well, he'll be sent to a psychiatric center to get help...> Leroux: *nods* meg:.....*covers her face* <i cant believe mother was so unfair to them....and to you....> Leroux: *shakes his head* <None of this that...that he did was ever justified. It is I who is sorry...> meg: ?? Leroux: <I am sorry for your loss...> meg:.... <same to you....> Leroux: "..." *wipes his eye* meg:...*hug* Leroux: "..." *pat pat* etta: *hug* you're not alone, roro. dont forget that, ok? hans: *hug* Walter: *hug* T~T Kafka: >_> "..." *pats Leroux's shoulder* Leroux: Q____Q hans: ...well, we should at least enjoy the rest of our trip, right? Leroux: "T-Tomorrow...We all need rest..." hans:...right. -elsewhere- goethe: *staring at the ceiling* ...... Jakob: -3- "I'm bored." wilhelm: im hungry =3= goethe: same. wilhelm: ...hey mr goethe, why do you hate that four-doors guy so much? [note; he means fyodor] goethe: cause he's a sack of shit. Jakob: ._. "...Oh. How is he a sack of shit?" goethe: lets say our goals contradict each other. Jakob: "...So he doesn't want to help ability users?" goethe: far from it kid. {goethe: 'eliminate the sin of ability users’, you say?} {Fyodor: "Of course."} {Ivan: "..."} {hans:...} {goethe:...*giggles....before he starts cackling*} {Fyodor: "???"} {Ivan: *head tilt*} {hans: johann?} {goethe: oh my god! HAHAHA! how ludicrous! how unthinkable! KAHAHAHAHA! i heard that russians had an odd sense of humor, but i didnt think it was this bad! HAHAHAHA!!!} {Fyodor: *smiles* "I was not joking."} {goethe: oh this has to be a joke, otherwise, i draw one of two conclusions. *holds up one finger* conclusion number 1, you're stupid. *holds up two fingers* conclusion 2, you're REALLY freaking stupid!} {Ivan: "HOW DARE YOU INSULT MASTER, YOU LAYABOUT!"} {goethe: seems i just did. do you have a problem with that?} {Ivan: "Let me hurt him, Master--"} {Fyodor: *holds up a hand to say 'no'*} {hans: *glares at them*} {goethe: it seems our goals are too different. an alliance between us is impossibly impossible!} {Fyodor: "Well, that's disappointing. And a bit of a stumbling block."} {goethe: not my problem. you may now kindly leave the premises, and throw yourself into a burning pile of shit on your way out.} {Fyodor: "You misunderstand. When I encounter a stumbling block--"} {*CRASH*} {*Ivan's Golem fist attacks*} {hans: !!! *fire blast*} {Fyodor: "I knock it down."} {Ivan: *tries to encase the fire in rock*} {hans: !!! *flame blast at ivan's feet*} {Ivan: "!!!" *leaps back* "Witch!"} {hans: no, just gifted is all.} {goethe: *grins*} {Fyodor: "..." *stares at Hans*} {hans: i believe he asked you to leave.} {Fyodor: "..." *smiles* "Tell me...Have you ever had a nosebleed?"} {hans: ?? what does that have to-} {*SLAM*} {hans: *knocked back*} {goethe: !!} {Fyodor: "Thank you, Ivan."} {Ivan: ~<3 *has a Golem that knocked Hans*} {Fyodor: *walks up to Hans, removes his glove*} {hans: !!! *FIRE BLAST*} {Ivan: <MASTER!>} {Fyodor: *stops just short of the flames...but his hat catches a small flame*} {hans: *smirks* i may be knocked down, but im not knocked out.} {Fyodor: "..." *smiles* "The next time I touch you, you'll be dead."} {goethe: then hopefully we never cross paths again.} {Fyodor: "...Hope as you wish. But I do not ignore the possibility." <Until we meet again.> *turns*} wilhelm: *gulp* ._.;;; miss hans is badass. Jakob: "Those men sound dangerous..." goethe: just keep an eye out for them, ok? wilhelm: will do. ._.;; -elsewhere- Relan: "It's a bit more crowded now." ^^; "How long are they visiting?" shinra: not sure. i think oubi mentioned something about another training camp? Relan: "Oh..." *rotates his shoulder* "Hope it's not as rough as it could be..." -elsewhere- Kishiri: -_____- "I don't wanna..." ryuuko: kishiri.... Kishiri: "It's dumb. More training and working together?" ryuuko: *hard glare* Kishiri: "..." Q____Q "Don't look at me like that. I'll do it." ryuuko: glad to hear that. -elsewhere- Todoroki: *walking home* ochako: see you guys tomorrow!....hm? oh hey todoroki. *wave* Todoroki: "Oh. Hello." *smiles, waves* ochako: just got off shift for the night. *streeetch* Todoroki: "...Oh. How...did it go?" ochako: it went pretty good i think. ^^ Todoroki: "How far along are you with raising money?" ochako: i should have enough for a sleeping bag by april! Todoroki: "That's great. Will you continue after that point?" ochako: ....*sweats* Todoroki: "...Sorry, I said something wrong, didn't I?" ochako: oh no, you didnt do anything wrong! ^^; though it brings up a moral dilemma. it's a temporary job, but i dont want to feel like a quitter. =3= such is the struggle of life. Todoroki: "...People do move from job to job. You're just getting that experience sooner than most. And is this the kind of job you thought would lost longer than just a few months?" ochako:...that is a good point. Todoroki: "..." *nods* "I know you'll do what you need to." ochako: *smiles* thanks. Todoroki: "You're welcome. ... Heading home?" ochako: yeah. Todoroki: "Same..." -awkward silence- ochako: soooo... Todoroki: "...Which way is your home again?" ochako: this way. -morning- Shotaro: *hanging from the ceiling* "Zzz..." setsuna: showtaro, breakfast. ^^ Shotaro: *eyes open* OwO *has bat teeth, wings, and feet* "Coming!" *descends from the ceiling* mana: so kepuri, you used to be in the dokeshi federation too, right? Kepuri: "Um...Yeah?" mana: how did you first find out about being a dokeshi? Kepuri: "...When I stopped growing taller." T___T nea: well, at least its better than being locked in a freezer. Kepuri: "?! Seriously?" nea: by an enemy family. it was really cold in there, i begged for someone to save me...and thats when my abilities awakened. Kepuri: "...And I can imagine what happened to them?" saki: i see. *writing something down* Kepuri: "??? What's that?" saki: im just working on a little pet project. *shows the paper; it seems to be a note on all the dokeshi living in dokeshi house, their ability, condition, and some side notes* chie: wow. impressive. Kepuri: "That's...thorough. And kind of wiki-y." *looks over Saki's shoulder* -there are notes indicating if an ability was awakened by necessity or by chance- Kepuri: "Hmm...Could be useful for determining patterns as to how Dokeshi are awakened--" *stone face* -kepuri's height; 4'10" (sans heels)- Kepuri: "That...is off by a half-inch." saki: well i did double check medical records- Kepuri: "...Wait. HOW DO YOU HAVE MY MEDICAL RECORDS?" setsuna: ^^; saki:..... >w>;;;; io: bwah? Kepuri: "..." *cracks her knuckles* -elsewhere- Relan: "...Is she supposed to be an idol singer, or just a poser?" padma: well.... *looking around* she accidently burnt her parents when she was younger. badly, and she uses her 'idol persona' as a coping mechanism. Relan: "...Oh, God, I'm sorry..." padma: it's alright. you didnt know. *adjusts her glasses* Relan: "You've been in the squad long?" padma: yes. i was one of the founding members. Relan: "O-Oh? Were you in another brigade before?" padma: before founding squad 0, miwa and i used to be in the 3rd. Relan: "How was the commander?" padma:....miwa and the 3rd's commander....didnt see eye to eye. Relan: "...Oh. I...understand that." -elsewhere- meg: *holding a camera* <alright, all together now.> -they're all posed to spell out 'paris'- etta: ^u^ Leroux: TwT Walter: *holding his pose as "S"* "THANK YOU, YOGA!" Kafka: *just standing as the I* "..." -_- meg: say cheese! etta: cheeese~<3 -click- Kafka: -____- "We done?" Walter: *stretches* "How did it turn out?" meg: <looks great!> Leroux: *stares at the photograph* "..." ("Mother...I think I found...another family...") etta: ^^ hans: *smiles* Leroux: "..." *sniff* Kafka: "???" etta: roro? are you ok? Leroux: "I-I-I'm...fine. Just fine." Kafka: "..." *sighs* "Here." Leroux: "???" Kafka: *hug* etta: awww, hehe~ ^^ Kafka: "There. Just a hug. Completely normal hugging. Just...normal." Walter: "Forget that noise!" *group hug* etta: *HUUUG* hans: ^^; meg: ^^; Leroux: "P-Please...You're all squeezing Christine." *holds up the doll* "Isn't that right, Christine~?" hans: ...*sweatdrop* meg: .... Kafka: "..." *somehow facepalms inside the hug* Walter: ^^; "Same as it ever was..." etta: *sniff* true love as its finest. *wipes her eyes* Kafka: "..." ("What the *@%# kind of definition of 'love' is that?") hans: i guess the more things change, the more they stay the same. Leroux: ^w^ Kafka: "CAN WE GO HOME NOW?" hans: next stop, the new base in death city! Walter: "AMERICA!" Kafka: "...Let's not. It's full of weirdos." hans: boss' orders. Leroux: "BROADWAY! BRIGHT LIGHTS!" Kakfa: T_______T hans: it's in nevada. Leroux: "...RENO COMMUNITY THEATER!" -elsewhere- Lucy: *flipping through some photographs* "..." -some pictures of kirako during her high school years- Lucy: "...Did you like high school?" kirako: it was nice. Lucy: "...Did you like high school?" kirako: it was nice. Lucy: "...They have those in school? What do you do?" kirako: my job was to make sure all the books were in order. Lucy: "Ah. There's something like that at the Academy's library--Edgar told me about it." kirako: *smiles* {Lucy: "No! Give it back!" *she's at the river* "Give me back my book!"} {girl: aawww, you want _this_? *looks at them* its not even that good.} {Lucy: "Just because you can't read and need pictures isn't my problem! Please, it's all I have--"} {girl: how good are you at swimming, pipsqueak?} {Lucy: "...!!! No--!"} {girl: *toss* oopsie~} {Lucy: "..." *wheezing, huffing* "YOU JERK!" *rushes forward* } {girl: *shove* whoops~} {Lucy: !!! *SPLASH* "*gulb* H-Help!" *waves her arms* "Help--" ??:...cy? lucy? *shaking her* lucy are you ok? Lucy: *panting, shaking, struggling to breathe* "N-No!" kirako: lucy! please! Lucy: "..." *sobs* kirako:.....*hugs her* shhh, there there.... *head pet* Lucy: *shaking* "...I-I'm sorry..." kirako: it's ok... Lucy: "..." *sniff* "J-Just a bad memory..." kirako: you're here now. Lucy: *nods* "A-And I can swim like a dolphin!" kirako: should be useful when the pool opens up again. Lucy: *sniffles but looking proud* "I'll swim circles around the rest!" kirako: we believe in you. ^^ -elsewhere- Dazai: >_> yosano:...nervous? Dazai: "Not looking forward to...this. Shin-damage. Whatever Chuuya will do. And what they'll do to Q..." Q:....*shaking* Dazai: "!!! Th-That's just..." *sigh* "We'll see. If it's that bad, I'll pull you out." Q:..... Dazai: "Sure." yosano: we'll have to be careful. given the warrant on the mafia.... Dazai: "...Got any sunglasses?" yosano:...do you really think that's gonna help him? Q: *hugs his doll* Dazai: "Sure. Hat, sunglasses--maybe put him in a girl's dress--" Q: wouldnt be the first time i've done it. Dazai: "Perfect! Who has a little girl's dress?" yosano: ..... aya: noooope. atsushi:......... maybe just get him a coat? Dazai: *glares at Aya* "Oh, come on! You _are_ a little girl!" Kunikida: -_-# *hands Atsushi a coat* -rip dazai's shins. again- Dazai: Q_____Q atsushi: here you go, Q. Q: thank you mr tiger, i can see why akutagawa loves you so much. atsushi:...^^;;;;; riiiight..... Kunikida: "At least Lucy wasn't here to hear that..." atsushi:.... QwQ;;;; Q: ?? Dazai: "Just...help my poor legs get into the car..." -elsewhere- Motojiro: "--and that's why the taste of pudding reminds me of head injuries!" katya:...thats.... pushkin: i dont even know how to feel about that. Motojiro: *holds up pudding cups* "Feel like vanilla or chocolate?" -elsewhere- Daisy: "..." *staring into her tea* louisa:....?? Daisy: "...What were you doing before you worked with Fitz?" louisa: i did attend school, even though i didnt have very many friends. Daisy: "Hmm...Bullied?" louisa: i just kept to myself. Daisy: "Never had to deck a girl in PE?" louisa: oh heavens no! Daisy: "Hmm. I had to put two in a locker..." louisa: ._.; Daisy: "...Although now that I think about it, maybe _I_ was the bully? ...Huh." louisa: *sweatdrop* Daisy: "Hmm. So, after school, you just jumped into the organization?" louisa: lord francis did see potential in my ability... Daisy: "What, he was checking out high schools or something?" louisa: n-no! he just heard about my ability through word of mouth! Daisy: "He must have some connections, then...Given how he was able to trick Tom, not too surprising, then." louisa: yeah.... Daisy: "I wonder how Tom is doing in prison..." -elsewhere- Aizawa: "...You look like shit. Didn't you sleep?" yuuji: *groaning into his desk* Aizawa: "..." *puts a blanket over his shoulders, takes a travel pillow out of his drawer* yuuji: thanks. Aizawa: *pat pat* "Get some sleep...We'll catch up later." yuuji: will do, dad.... Aizawa: "..." *turns, goes back to his desk...small smile* yuuji:...zzzzz Aizawa: "..." *goes back to grading* -elsewhere- Yohei: "..." *picks up Toru* toru: baba! Yohei: "..." *smiles* {Mr. Nanami: "He's still locked in his room?"} {mrs nanami: he said he was working on something. *knock* yohei? sweetie?} {Yohei: "One second!" *turns one lock...then another, another, another, another--*} {mrs nanami: ._.; } {Yohei: *finishes unlocking the door, peeks out* "..." ^w^ "I made something!"} {mrs nanami: oh, how lovely. we thought you'd be hungry, so we made you a bento.} {Yohei: "??? Really?"} {mrs nanami: *hands it to him* ^^} {Yohei: "..." ^^; "I lost track of time...Thank you, Mom."} Yohei: "..." *holds Toru, takes his phone, taps 'Mom and Dad'* mr nanami: y'ello? Yohei: "Hey, Dad..." mr nanami: how's it going, yohei? Yohei: "Doing okay...Toru wants to say hi to Grandpa." toru: baapa! mr nanami: hey sport, how're ya doing? toru: *babble* ^o^ Yohei: *smiles* "How are you, Dad?" mr nanami: doing well, you're mother's doing good too. Yohei: "Glad to hear. Any plans this week?" -elsewhere- Damon: *sips fruit juice* =w= soul: *making lunch* Damon: "Mr. Soul? What are we doing this afternoon?" soul: we're gonna head to some stores for decorations for your room. becky: awesome. Damon: "Can we get stars?" soul: sure. like those glow in the dark ones, right? Damon: *nods* soul: sure. ^^ Damon: "..." ^_^ -elsewhere- Steinbeck: *thumbing through the atlas* "Hmm..." *marks a line* ebie: *peeeek* Steinbeck: *not even turning around* "Come in, Ebie." ebie: *takes a seat* whatcha doooin? Steinbeck: "I was thinking how to map our next trips...Maybe some interesting places to visit." ebie: like where? Steinbeck: "Might be some interesting spots in the Carolinas." ebie: *loooks* *Steinbeck marked one location: 'Moon Eyes'* ebie: ooooh. Steinbeck: *nods, not looking up* "Been rumors of different people we've never seen..." -elsewhere- Hyde: "So your parents run a business? But what do they do for fun?" ochako: well, we have gone on a few hikes in the past. and sometimes my mom and i do disc shooting. Hyde: "Oh--didn't think you were a disc shooting kind of person." ochako: you'd be surprised. pe-chew! Hyde: ^^; "Okay, Trigger. But you don't cheat with your Quirk on that, do you?" ochako: of course not! >3< Hyde: "A'ight, a'ight...But I think the judges better keep their eye on you out there." -elsewhere- Shima: "--and that's all I can report." illuminati higher up: hmm, i see. Shima: "Is there anything else?" -elsewhere- Dazai: "One kid's meal and one bacon burger." employee: coming right up. Q: *in big sunglasses, coat, and a wig* Dazai: "So, what kinds of toys does the kid's meal have this month?" -later- employee: here you go....sir...*notices Q* Q: *siiiip, wave* employee: ._.;;; Dazai: ^^;;;;;;;;;;;;;; "Please don't stare at my little sibling. They're sensitive." employee: i...see....have a good day sir.........*looks at coworker* Employee #2: =____= "I don't get paid enough to question." employee: dude....i think that was an E.T. Employee #2: "I wouldn't know--I'm so high everyone looks like an alien." employee: dammit dude! -elsewhere- Lily: "Be still!" misono: >~~~~< Lily: "It'll just be to check your overall health. Unless you want my nurses and I to handle it~" misono: *whiine* Q~Q;;;; Lily: "...Maybe the doctor will give you a lollipop at the end~" Dr. John: *steps out* "Oh, there you are!" misono: ._.;;; Dr. John: "Your doctor asked me to bring you over--I didn't see that you had an appointment with an OB-GYN." misono: O_O LILY!! Lily: "That won't be necessary~ Misono has not gotten any girl pregnant yet." misono: *pierced with an arrow that reads 'ouch'* Dr. John: ^^; "I see...Well, bring along your, um...partner." misono: =~=;;;;;;;; Lily: "I'm his nanny!" misono: (kill me.) Dr. John: "...D'aaaaaaaaaaaw!" *shiny eyes* "So considerate! Right this way--the nurse will see you in a moment." misono: if it looks like im crying, im not. Dr. John: "Nervous?" misono: i need to pee. Dr. John: "...I think we have a bedpan over there--" misono: D8< Dr. John: "Kidding--kidding! The bathroom is next door on the right." -elsewhere- Magaki: "It's...still weird." tsubaki: ?? Magaki: "..." *inhales* "Okay. This house isn't as big as I've seen other ones, yet you can fit so many people in it. You two do missions, yet Black Star seems far behind so many other people. And I still don't understand so many arrangements, where people came from, how they got here, what is a 'Mahiru,' and--" tsubaki: easy now. one at a time. Magaki: *sighs* "Okay...Tell me about your missions with Black Star. What are your other ones like?" tsubaki: well, part of our job is to find monsters causing trouble and-....put them to rest.... ^^;;; Magaki: "...Yes. And you collect their souls." tsubaki:...thats right. Magaki: "And the souls...do something to your weapon form?" tsubaki: in a manner of speaking. Magaki: "...Is this like a video game?" tsubaki: eh? Magaki: "Sakuya was showing me one. Do you collect souls to level up and unlock some other feature?" tsubaki: i....guess so. ^^; Magaki: "And when you receive this upgrade, what will you do?" tsubaki:....not sure yet. -a few days later, it was march- Kuro: "...Well, this was fun. Let's go home now." *tugs his sleeve* mahiru: oh no you dont. *heads up the steps* Kuro: *whines* "There are too many steps..." -and so- mahiru: *pant* we....made it... TTuTT Kuro: Q________Q "That was the harshest ordeal...What monsters make this school? I don't even see a handicap ramp..." misono: there is. you just have to have the key for it. Kuro: "..." *climbs up, grabbing Misono by the collar, shaking* "You could have told us at any time..." misono: -__- lets just get you to your starting class, ok? Kuro: *grumbles* -there seem to be a few new faces at the school- Kuro: "I don't know who any of these people are." Lily: *in butterfly form on Misono's head* "New faces!" girl: *playing on a PSP* Kuro: "..." *looks at the PSP* girl:....*looks up* Kuro: "...Cool PSP." girl: <thanks> Kuro: "?? Um...Qué es ustedes jugando?" girl: <persona> Kuro: "Man...I wanted that--but he won't buy it..." girl: *glances at mahiru* mahiru: um... <hi> *wave* girl:...<your boyfriend?> Kuro: "...No." girl: <oh. ok> mahiru: kuro? your face looks red. Kuro: =\\\\\= "Just get me to class already so I can sleep." -elsewhere in school- sayaka: new students~! so hype! *Someone is holding an umbrella, walking through the outdoor hall* sayaka: hmm? well hello there, newcomer! Magaki: "!!! ..." *nods* sayaka: how do you like it here so far? Magaki: "...It's rather bright." *puts on sunglasses* sayaka: well it is springtime now. Magaki: "Yes...How long have you been here?" sayaka: i'v been here a long time, so im pretty experienced! *kung-fu chops and bumps into someone* oh shi- sorry about that! ???: its alright, sayaka. sayaka: wait.......*rubs eyes* HITOMI?!? hitomi: ^^ *wave* Magaki: "...???" sayaka: Owo; sorry kiddo, didnt mean to interrupt our chat there, just happy to see an old friend, haha. hitomi: ^^;; Magaki: "Oh." *small bow* -elsewhere- hans: *hugs goethe* we're here. wilhelm: *gag* grown up love, groooss. the cooties! Jakob: >_< hans: *sweatdrop* Goethe: *strokes her head* "Glad you're...*yawn*...here." hans: ^////^ etta: paris was a reeeeally eventful trip. Leroux: "..." *holds 'Christine' close* Goethe: "...Huh. What's up with Leroux?" etta: a really. eventful, week. Jakob: “....Ok?” wilhelm: ...where are our gifts?! hans: we have them right here. wilhelm: AAAWESOOOOOME! 8D Jakob: ^w^ Kafka: "Zzz..." =_= harriet: o)_(o Walter: *stretches* "I call dibs on my room!" *runs* hans: ^^; Goethe: "Zzz..." hans: *sweatdrop* Leroux: *looks around* "It's a sizable location..." -elsewhere- Black Star: "Zzz..." tsubaki: .... (will they be ok?) Black Star: *yawns* *opens his eyes* "...Hey." tsubaki: *smooch* *smiles* Black Star: ^\\\\\^ "...Where's everyone?" tsubaki: kids are at school, grownups are here Black Star: "...How you think the kids are?" tsubaki: well, i hope. -elsewhere- Q: ...... Motojiro: ^w^ "And that's how you do trig!" sonia: ah. Q: ...... Motojiro: "...Q? Is it okay?" Q:...y-yeah. sonia:...i think he's just sad about something. Motojiro: "Ah...Being away from here takes some re-adjustment..." leo: *concerned* Q: "..." *sniffle* leo: *hug* Q: .\\\\\\. "Wh-What?" leo: it's ok. Q: "B-But...I miss my mommy..." leo: *looks at motojiro* Motojiro: "...Then...perhaps seek family elsewhere?" Q: "???" leo: we can be your family. all of us. Q: Q_______Q "R-Really? B-But I thought...You're going to lock me away again..." higuchi: can you behave yourself, Q? Q: "Uh-huh...Unless it's Dazai. Then I want to kick him." higuchi: and mori. he is terrible. the worst kind of terrible there is. Q: "...Okay. I-I'll not hurt anyone else..." higuchi: *head pet* then thats all we need to know. ^^ Q: QwQ "..." *hugs Higuchi* higuchi:.... TwT kuniko: ._.; Gin: ._.; Motojiro: *sniff, wipes his eye, puts a hand around Leo* leo: *smiles* Q: >w< "And can I see Aya?" -mass sweatdrop- Q: OwO "...???" higuchi: i'll give you a soft 'maybe' on that. Q: "I'LL TAKE IT! Then we can make it a hard yes!" pushkin: *CHOKES* katya:.....<what the fuck....> Gin: *glares at Pushkin* "No." pushkin: I DIDNT EVEN DO ANYTHING! D8> Q: *smiling, flowers of happiness practically blooming off of him* =w= -elsewhere- Sid: "Oh, Izumi--got a sec?" izumi: yeah? Sid: "Some of the new students are having difficulty getting around--can I have you guide one of them around?" izumi: sure thing, sir! Sid: "Great!" *looks behind him* "Hey, come on--stop hanging back and say 'hi' to Izumi." izumi: *wave* mahiru: hey. Kuro: "Zzz..." Magaki: ._.; izumi: ^^; right this way please. -elsewhere- Damon: "...Mr. Soul?" soul: yeah? Damon: "Why do you have a motorcycle?" soul: transportation. Damon: "...Without a helmet?" soul:...*puts on helmet.....gives helmets to the two of them* becky: ... Damon: "..." *looks around* "...Is there a sidecar?" -elsewhere- stocking: *snuggle* u///u Kid: ^\\\^ "Care for another treat~?" stocking: yes please~ Kid: *offers a blindfold* stocking: oh~ *puts it on* Kid: "Keep your eyes closed..." *reaches under the bed, removing a box of chocolates and some chocolate-dipped fruit* "Say 'ah'~" stocking: ahhhh~ Kid: *slips a small chocolate into her mouth, his finger just brushing along her lips* stocking: mmmmn~<3 Kid: *smirks* "Want to make it more delicious?" stocking: how so~? Kid: *brushes a cloth strap along her right wrist* stocking: ah~ Kid: "May I?" stocking: yes... Kid: *ties her wrists carefully to the bed...removes the blindfold...he's shirtless, holding a chocolate up to...his lips* stocking: o/////o i fucking love you, you know that? Kid: "Hee hee...I love you, too...But how badly do you want this chocolate~?" stocking: so fucking bad...*squirms, her tongue hanging out of her mouth* Kid: "Say it...again." *holds the chocolate at his teeth, as he leans to her face* stocking: kid, sweetie, please... Kid: *lets the chocolate rest on her lips--* stocking: mmmm~ Kid: *slips the chocolate onto her tongue, leans back, smiles at her* stocking: hehe~ ^///^ Kid: "Did the tantalizing influence make it tastier~?" stocking: you know it did... Kid: *strokes her cheek* "And there's more...because you deserve so much more." stocking: ahh...*looks down, licks her lips* Kid: "What do you want next? Perhaps the strawberry?" -elsewhere- Haumea: *tapping a finger on a radio* "...Nothing yet." guruna: kururu.... Haumea: "Guruna, anything you heard upstairs?" guruna: not that i heard, no. Haumea: "I keep asking around, someone to sense the Fifth--nothing. Nothing!" *holds her head* "AAAH! So annoying..." -elsewhere- Akitaru: "I used to read this to my kid all the time..." sayu: *pats the sheep* fluffy. Akitaru: ^^ "Yep! Really good for learning the senses, words...It's cute." sayu: hehe. ^^ Akitaru: "Want to read a few of these?" sayu: can i? *shiny eyes* Akitaru: "Sure thing! Just stick to the appropriate books..." *takes out a manual* "Something like this may be a bit boring." -elsewhere- Kafka: "And how exactly did you afford this place?" goethe: you'd be surprised. Kafka: "I'm sure I would...I don't remember seeing it budgeted." goethe:...well, im gonna go for a walk now. Kafka: "Hmph. Meeting someone, I'm sure." goethe: maaaybe.... Kafka: "...I have work to finish here." *turns back to his files* -elsewhere- Dazai: "..." atsushi:...dazai? Dazai: "Hmm? What's up?" atsushi: you ok? Dazai: "...Just thinking about Q." atsushi:...oh..... Dazai: "I mean, it's not like we can just walk into the Mafia and see how they are doing..." atsushi:....yeah....just how _did_ info on the mafia's actions get revealed? i know the rats have something to do with it... Dazai: "You'll have to ask Ranpo for that--seems someone started spreading intelligence...or that the intelligence just popped up." atsushi: ..something seems off with him, though....he seems sad about something... Dazai: "After this case especially...I think the disappearance of the suspect is part of it." atsushi: *concerned* Dazai: "..." *slides a newspaper to Atsushi* atsushi: *examines* *It shows an arrest the Agency helped make last week* Dazai: "Look at the fourth paragraph--how they refer to one of us..." atsushi: *squints* Newspaper: "--with some of its members having alleged to have involvement with organized crime--" atsushi: !!?? Dazai: "...Better keep an eye on Kyoka." atsushi:...right... *looks at the main article....a 2nd murder....* Dazai: "And other crimes..." atsushi: ..... newspaper: -a deputy commander of the coast guard was found with his head melted down to the bone by corrosive acid. cause of death was neurogenic shock. Dazai: "Not how I would've written the article. I think 'he has no head' is a clear enough cause of death." atsushi: ...... Dazai: "I know Kunikida is trying to get Ranpo to find a trend--but it's not easy." atsushi:...do you have any errands for me right now? Dazai: "Yes." *hands an envelope* "I need this deposited." *hands a key* atsushi: got it. *takes the items and heads out* Dazai: "..." *shakes slightly* -on the subway- atsushi: ...... -an individual with white hair is seated a few spots down from him- ???: .... atsushi:....?? ???:....*glances and smiles* atsushi:... ??? ???: you have a fascinating ability... atsushi: wait how do you- -the person is gone- atsushi:.... ._.;;;;; (that was weird...) .... (well, here's my stop.) *exits* *The stop looks rather busy* atsushi:.... (i was probably just seeing things....) *heads to his location...* *There's a bank on the corner* atsushi: *heads in* -elsewhere- child: *running, with a loaf of bread under their vest* *A hand reaches out of the alley* child: ?! *The child is grabbed and pulled in* child: ?!?! h-hey- Goethe: "Shh...They'll find you otherwise." child:......... Goethe: "Trying to hide?" child:....*looks away* Goethe: "Hey. I'm no snitch. It's too exhausting." child:...whats it to you? Goethe: "I'm a curious person. That's about the most busyness I can handle." child:.....maybe i sort of...'borrowed' some bread.... Goethe: "So, stole." child:.... *grumble* 7~7 Goethe: "No cash?" child: i...dont have much on me.... Goethe: "That sucks. And no parents?" child....i do have them, just not in the city… Goethe: "Then how did you end up here?" child:....left home. Goethe: "...Bad terms?" child: i just.....felt trapped. Goethe: "Ah...I know that pain." child: ? Goethe: "Just need a break from people...I had to get out from my, um, 'family' of sorts." child: ...... Goethe: "Just kind of cramped, so I figured I'd take a walk, see what's what." child:....what does that have to do with me, then? Goethe: *shrug* "Beats me. I'm the one making conversation while you hide from the fuzz." child: hmm.... Goethe: "Think you'll go back home?" child: doubt it. its too restricted, i just want to be free to live my life how i want to. Goethe: "...Need some help with that?" child: ?? Goethe: "Maybe just something so you're not scrounging around for food like a common thief." child:....like what? Goethe: "Tell me something--if you could have something to make things easier for you, what would it be?" child: .....i want freedom to go where i please. to be free like water, i guess. Goethe: "...What's your name?" child: uhh... george! george eliot. Goethe: "Well, George, I can help you. I am an ability user." george: ability user? Goethe: "Haven't heard of them?" george: vaguely, through word of mouth. Goethe: "Well, they're not like Dokeshi with any condition, and they aren't Quirks that can be genetic and bodily--it's like something you gain." george: ....alright, what are you able to do then? Goethe: "I can give abilities." george: .... Goethe: "I can give _you_ an ability." george: how is this gonna benefit me? Goethe: "You would be given freedom of movement..." george:... Goethe: "While not having to be without shelter." george:.....alright... Goethe: "All you need is to contract with me..." george:...ok, you have a deal... Goethe: "..." *holds out his hand* -elsewhere- Ivan: "...Quieter now." lydia: *she nods* Ivan: "Especially without that child." lydia: .......the medic locked herself in her room, i can hear her muttering in there.... Ivan: "...About Master or the child?" lydia:...both. Ivan: *sighs* "Who is speaking with her?" zoey: *mumbling, cutting at the walls with a scalpel* lydia:...she's muttering to herself... Ivan: "I mean, who _should_ speak with her?" *instantly raises his hand* "NOT IT!" lydia: ..*glances at gogol* Gogol: "..." OwO "Want to see me work? You got it!" *knocks on Zoey's door* zoey: *muttering incoherently* Gogol: "...Hmph." *uses his ability to have a hand reach for the doorknob inside* -click- Gogol: ^w^ *throws open the door* "Hello, nurse! What are you...up...to?" O_O -she has gouged at the walls with a knife, and is stabbing at the walls, kneeling on the floor- zoey: ...... Gogol: "...How's it going?" zoey: my baby's run away...*stab*...all because of that kid...*stab*...because of him....becauseofhimbecauseofhimbecauseofhimbecauseofhim...*stab stab stab stab stab* ahhhhhh~ i want to make him hurt... *drags the knife down* i want to stick pins in his fingertips....i want to burn his eyelids....i want to slice open his abdomen and fill it with salt.... Gogol: "..." *pulls up a chair* "...Go on." zoey: *rubs her stomach* i want my baby to be born...i want my baby to be born want my baby born want my baby born wantmybabywantmybaby.... hehehehehe....i want master to be here again.... Gogol: *eyeroll* "Yes, yes, your baby...But go back to the torture stuff. I mean, do you think Master would want that?" zoey: if he wished for it......i want to feel him again..... Gogol: "...Uuuuuuum...Well, he still has to finish his...life sentence..." zoey:.......*lunges at him* master...will return....he has to....he has to he has to he has to.... Gogol: "!!!" *grabs her by the shoulders* "O-Okay! I've heard enough! I assure you, he'll get out--" zoey: ........... Gogol: "..." *sigh* "You miss him, right?" zoey: of course.... Gogol: "...Then wait for him to get out already, and stop being a weirdo in your room alone! Jeez!" zoey: ............ Gogol: " 'Oh, when will Master come back?' 'Oh, my baby!' GROW UP! He'll be back when he's back! And you're pregnant, so worry about your child first!" zoey:........*lays on her bed, facing away from him* Gogol: "..." .________. "...Did I say the wrong thing?" zoey: just leave me alone.... Gogol: "..." *opens the door* lydia: <how did it go?> Gogol: "..." Q______Q <I made it worse.> lydia: ... elizaveta: *pap pap* Gogol: *sniff* <She's inconsolable, misses him, is obsessing over killing What's-His-Face and that kid...> yana: ..... Gogol: <Can't we, I don't know, kidnap a therapist or something?> yana:....i dont want to be _that_ person....but maybe we should put her out of her misery....? Gogol: "..." *blink* <What about the child--> Ivan: *already sharpening his knife* lydia: v-vanya.... *sweatdrop* let's not get ahead of ourselves.... yana:....i'll ask the boss about it... Gogol: <Maybe we need another doctor...So, kidnap one therapist, one physician, and a dentist--> yana: *sweatdrop* -elsewhere- Spirit: "That'll be it for today. Finish Chapter 1 tonight and the questions at the end. Tomorrow, I'll have a surprise for your lesson. Class dismissed." mahiru: *sits up* Kuro: *asleep at the desk* Spirit: "..." -____-# "Can you wake him up?" mahiru: kuro? *nudge* Kuro: "No...No, the aliens want the grilled cheese--but it's mine..." Spirit: *slams a book down* Kuro: *bounces up--and clings to the ceiling* .__________. -elsewhere- Kyoka: "Here, try it." *hands video game controller* sylvia: um..*looks at it* w-what do i do? Kyoka: "If you press that button, it makes the vehicle move forward." sylvia: *presses it* *The vehicle darts forward--into the wall* sylvia: D8> *Then the vehicle explodes, catching fire* Kyoka: "...Okay, now press the other button to reverse." -elsewhere- Takehisa: "--9, 10--Keep it going. Tamaki! Keep up with the jumping jacks." tamaki: *still at it* Takehisa: "Very good. Keep it up before switch to stretches--" *stares* "...Arthur." Arthur: *moving up and down* "Yes?" Takehisa: "...Why are you on a horse?" shinra:....where did he- Arthur: *on a horse that is imitating jumping jacks* "Because I am a knight." Relan: *struggling to keep up* T~T Takehisa: "..." *takes out a carrot* Horse: OvO *gallops up* Takehisa: *pets the horse* "...Arthur, get off and do your actual work." -elsewhere- Paku: "...You're going to try to see her?" izumo:...y-yeah....im really nervous.... Paku: "It makes sense you would be...but at least you can see her, right?" izumo...y-yeah....*takes the key and gulps* Paku: "..." *smiles* "You can do it..." izumo:....*puts in the key and opens the door* *Air blows through the door* izumo: *looks through* -there is a large, modern style mansion- izumo:....*glances to the back yard* *There is a child with a watering can, tending to the flowers* izumo:....*gingerly walks up to the fence* *The child fills up the can again, turns--* Tsukumo: "!!!!" izumo: hi tsukumo....*smiles* Tsukumo: ?? "Sorry, Mom told me not to talk to strangers..." izumo:....oh....*tosses a fox doll over the fence* you dropped that. i wanted to return it to you. Tsukumo: "!!! My doll!" *grabs it, hugs it* >w< "Where did you find it, ma'am?" izumo:...i guess i got lucky....*waves* bye....*leaves......closes the door* ..... Paku: "...Izumo...What--" izumo:.....*smiles, tears falling* she seems to be happy where she is.... Paku: "..." *hug* izumo: she doesnt remember me.....even if it hurts, i shouldnt be upset... she's alive, she's safe...thats all i need to know... Paku: *nods* "Right..." -elsewhere- Walter: *wipes his brow* "Okay! Ethernet cables now run through the place!" *flips open his 3DS* Leroux: ^w^ hans: goethe's back. and he brought a new member. Kafka: "?!!! Oh, for crying out loud..." Jakob: "???" wilhelm: woot! new kid! george:...hey. *wave* Goethe: "New kid, this is the team. Team, this is the new kid..." *lies down on the couch* george: 'names george eliot...and im new....and i have no idea what's even going on here. Walter: "MAGIC, NEW PERFECT CHILD!" Kafka: -__________- -after hans explained everything- george: i see.... my head's spinning... ._.; i dont even know what kind of ability i was given. like, how do i _know_?! Leroux: *brings out tea* "We all find out based on what we desire, or what Goethe--" Goethe: *asleep* "Zzz..." Leroux: "...said to us. For example, Kafka--" Kafka: *DEAD SERIOUS GLARE* Leroux: ._____. *hides behind Christine* george: .....um......o...k? Leroux: *sets out the tea* "Careful--it's hot." Walter: "...No cookies?" hans: i'll have to do some grocery shopping, it seems. Walter + Kafka + the Twins: T____T
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psyseven7 · 7 years
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Well. took me ages longer than it should have but finally I am ready to Show Amber! One of my new Squiddos that ive been working on for a while now, she has indeed chnaged quite alot since original concepts but nonetheless im happy how it came out. :D
Amber Rose "child of the people"
Age: 19
species: ERROR: NULL.13732707438 CANNOT RETRIEVE INFORMATION.
iris colour: Cyan
ink colour: Amber/Dark tan-ish brown
height: 5'11
Gender: F
weapon: Grim blaster
Bio: Everyone has their own stories of their Pasts, some good, others tragic, most however Both. as for Amber only few know of her story. the few she told are some of the most important People she has ever known,
the Story she has to share all begins in the Slum stacked mini cities in the lower districts of Inkopolis. At the Age of 12 and due to unforeseen events Amber was forced out of her home, a Stainless chromatic coloured Complex, the sheer size and grandous design is shocking to see amidst the Slums of the city. Having no place to call home Amber wandered the streets of the shadow-lit lanes of the messy district, aside from the few Xenon glows of street signs After walking for so long Amber found a half-opened storage area, having no other options, amber crawled into the room and found a pile of old aprons and table cloths. Sprawling onto the Soft fabric Amber quickly slept till the sun arisen, Once morning had arrived the shopkeep returned to his establishment only to find a sleeping child in his Storage room, however unlike most the Shopkeep, a Kind-hearted humpback whale, let the child rest and prep her a meal. shortly there after the young girl woken up to her surprised was greeted with open arms.
after regaining her energy and given a comfy raincoat she was sent off with a small bag of treats thanks to the kind owner. Amber begun searching and exploring the Shanty mini-city she came across few who resented and despised her. However, she hadn't the faintest clue, until a group of ruffians terrorized the Young amber, eventually leaving her on her side down in a puddle, all of her treats and gifts taken from her, But just as she was to get up and Run off she heard rather Mechanical noise that seemed so uncanny to normal whirl and spurts of the average machinery in the mini-opolis. Upon further curiosity she peered and in front of her lied a simple mirror, and the guzzling of an old generator. Amber giggled at the odd noise until it Spurted and suddenly ceased to make noise. all the lights, the signs, and screens vanished to black as if leaving Amber alone, Yet. there was a faint glow, a faint glow of the few rays of light reflecting off the small girl's Unusual eyes, and for the first time Amber saw her own self, her eyes were as green as her poncho but amidst the sea of green lied a small island of Bright Cyan, her iris colour, starstruck by the gaze of her own reflection amber grew fearful, fearful of her own self. So. she ran. she ran as far as possible, hoping to escape the Gaze of her own sight...
Years passed, amber begun wearing a bandanana over her face just barely showing her eyes, Amber was a silent lass. Going around and Helping kind residents in exchange for shelter and a meal, Eventually it became a norm to Spot Amber residing in another's home soon the entire Shanty knew her as "the child of the people"
eventually at age 17 Amber was doing a simple Delivery for an old hermit couple when she uncovered what seemed to be some odd machinery, it seemed to Clean and pristine to be anything from the slums, curious Amber stashed the Package of goods for the hermit couple in a box, and then hid beneath an old door, afterwards She headed down the damp alleyway. Upon reaching the other side she saw two oddly shaped beings in the dark, cautious Amber hid from view behind a stack of pallets and peered through the gaps. what she saw next terrified her to her core. Two pairs of the same Green tinted eyes glinted in the light hanging above, it was as if the eyes were staring, piercing into her. Panic struck amber as she Bashed down the Pallets in front of her and made a mad dash for the alleyway she came through. but however even more eyes of the same tint pierced the darkness of the shadow caked alley. Amber crumpled to the ground weighed by pure terror. she was used to fighting but this. this was something that is not even possible to describe in sheer words alone. yet. she stayed firm, and looked forward eyes wide with a coat of anger hiding the thick wall of absolute terror. and after what seemed like an eternity to her, they withdrew and lurked into the shadows, leaving no trace... aside from a peculiar object of unknown origin, but unlike herself she took the object and slid it into her woven coat's pocket. she ran and grabbed the package and hurried back to the couple before anything else could happen. the hermits allowed Amber to rest in their home for the evening, however Amber couldnt rest, she had met such uncanny beings that yet, showed a striking resemblance to her, even if she only saw the eyes of the 8 that were present.
Time passes and the norm of her Unnormal life returns, Time passes to the eve of winter night, With no where to go and a now 18 year old Amber is shivering and stumbling down the empty streets of Mini-opolis, the name she given the shanty city she grew so accustomed to, all of the residents seem to be asleep or not present. all besides a lonesome cafe, just 4 blocks down. Freezing and running out of any energy she can muster she heads to the home. after knocking faintly on the window sill she is Greeted by a Young but aged Orca, the man sees the Child and without even knowing of who she is he lets her rest upon his sofa and lets the weary child rest. The next Day Amber finds herself in front of a nice steaming bowl of soup, what is in the soup, even amber doesnt remember. as Amber is eating a Young little orca child peers out slightly scared and watches Amber, all amber does is shrug. its not the first time shes been given looks but others when residing in their abode. the Man walks out from behind child shortly after and sits down across from Amber and Greets himself, After a small conversation the man now known as Ox, welcomes Amber into his home, she quietly nods and thanks him and his family for the hospitality. as Amber gathers her belongings the man stops Amber just as she is about to exit the home. "You dont have a place to call home do you? well. we do have a spare room you can have as long as you wish, i know it isnt easy fending for your lonesome." these words stopped Amber in her tracks, it was the first time someone actually offered her a place to stay long term. not knowing what to say all she could process was a grateful bow and begun to unpack her belongings into her new room, it wasnt much but it didnt have to be much. Yet that Night while resting there she spotted the one thing she would never hope to see again. outside her room's window overlooking a damp alleyway still uncovered by the blanket of snow lies 3.. 3 pairs of the same Green tinted eyes, staring back at her, they did not move, or disappear, the lingered for what seems like decades, however as daybreak finally started to peak over the highrises to the East, they retreated to a sewer grate lurching just out from the shadows and as the shadow from the building receeded, so did any evidence of *them*
Now at age 19 and current time Amber sets off waving goodbye to her new family for the day and heading off to the square, ready to see what lies ahead of her. Yet she still cant shake the feeling of the same eyes as her own. watching, and lurking from where ever the normal glance cant spot. but perhaps it wont matter as long as she has those she cares for around her.
And thats that, the brief story of Amber, although there is a few loose ends in her memory such as anything to do with the mysterious complex, or the eyes. but not all questions need to be answered or perhaps some have yet to be found out? its possible in time these loose ends may finally be tied up.
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inkstainedfanfics · 7 years
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To an Old Friend, With All My Love
Request: "To you, with regret just made me cry ugly tears, your writing is so beautiful. It makes me feel all kinds of emotions. A part 3, please?"
Word Count: 3,214
Pairing: None
Part 1   |   Part 2   |   Part 4   |   Part 5
Tag List: @1madster @elyza-jeanette @red-roses-and-stories @myrtus-amongst-the-stars @dont-give-a-bother @heneed-somemilk @caseoffics
Requests are currently open! Feel free to send one in
The knock on the door is loud, strong, assured. Sighing, you push yourself to your feet, leaving the comfy ruby couch behind you.
A tiny body zooms past you as soon as you pull open the door.
“Dorothy, stop!” Exasperation rests comfortably on the pretty face in front of you. Shaking her head, Evelyn meets your amused smile. “Don’t laugh. She’s yours this weekend.”
“I think I can handle an eight-year-old.” You step out of the way so your old friend can lug in a suitcase.
“I said the same thing when her birthday rolled around last weekend but,” she sets the suitcase on an armchair and sighs, “you’d be surprised.”
A shriek of laughter sounds from upstairs. You lift your eyebrows. “She must have found the dolls I bought her.”
Evelyn laughs once. “You didn’t have to buy her any toys. She has plenty.”
Shrugging, you step around her and return to the couch, falling onto it and patting the empty cushion next to you. “I didn’t know if she’d bring any of them. Besides, if I’m going to be the cool, unrelated aunt, I have to spoil her.”
Evelyn sits next to you, crossing her legs. “You know she already thinks you’re better than me. You have no clue how many times she’s asked if you could be her mother instead.”
You smile. “I’m sorry for stealing your child’s affections.”
“Oh please.” She waves her hand. “I know you don’t want them too badly. You’d have to be married to Charles.”
“Is he still spending late nights out?”
She nods twice, somber. “He comes back so late, sometimes I wonder…” she trails off, then looks up at you. “But this weekend trip should do some good, I hope.”
“I hope it does.” You nudge her foot with yours. “I’m always here to talk if you need me.”
She gives you a sad smile. “I know.” The room falls silent save for muffled shouts from Dorothy upstairs. “Hey,” Evelyn perks up, “how’s the marriage front looking for you? Meet any cute men in Bulgaria?”
“You know I’m not looking.”
“I know, but if you did meet one, would you approach him?”
You stare at your hands. “I don’t think so.”
“Oh, come on. You deserve to be happy.”
“I am.”
“You haven’t taken a break for the last four years. I mean, you received your NEWT scores then took off to the first offer in France. You haven’t looked back since. Not even to spend a weekend around the town with me.”
“What does that have to do with my happiness?”
“Everyone can see how exhausted you are.”
“I’m fine.” You insist, trying to conjure up a smile.
“When was the last time you were in this house?”
You gulp, considering the question. “What does that matter?”
She scoots toward you, taking your hands in hers. “You haven’t relaxed since graduation. You can’t live in hotels. I know you have enough money to slow down some.”
You shake your head. “I want to work.”
She tilts her head, frowning. “Honey, if you keep working, you’ll make a mistake. You already almost let that Horntail get the best of you.”
Leaning forward, she brushes her fingertips over the new scar on your chest. It starts just behind your shoulder and wraps around to the front to trace the length of your collarbone. The Horntail’s claw had come from nowhere, and you hadn’t told anyone, just excused yourself from the field. They’d found you in the researchers’ hut, passed out from blood loss.
“I thought I could heal it myself.”
She leans back. “You need to slow down, okay? One of these weekends, I’ll take you out. We’ll just relax.”
“All right.”
“You’ll slow down?”
You break into a small grin. “I’ll schedule some time for you one weekend.”
She rolls her eyes, scooting back so she’s on her own cushion. “I know why you’re working so hard.”
The smile fades as you cock your head, challenging her. “Because I love my job?”
“No, because you miss—“
Dorothy comes tearing around the corner. “Mama, when are you leaving?”
Evelyn opens her arms as Dorothy jumps into them. “In a little bit. I was just catching up.”
“I want you to go now so I can play with Auntie.”
Evelyn laughs, but she eyes you over Dorothy’s blonde curls. Taking in your thinned lips and rigid posture, she drops whatever her original comment would have been. She leans back to look her little girl in the eyes.
“You really want mommy gone?”
“Yes!” Dorothy shrieks, giggling and wiggling in Evelyn’s arms.
“Fine, I’ll go.”
Dorothy shouts and leaps from her mother’s lap, dancing in the middle of the room.
The two of you stand. You walk Evelyn to the door. “Everything she needs is in her suitcase. She knows how to behave, so put her in a timeout if she does anything naughty.” You open the door for her, but she turns to face you when she steps out. “I know you miss him, but you have to get over it. For yourself.”
She turns to leave, waving at her daughter and smiling at you. Dorothy bobs under your arm, peering up at you. “Can we go play now? Please?”
You stare at Evelyn, watch her hail a taxi and get in, before you look down at Dorothy and force a smile to your face. “Only if I get to be the doll with the blue dress.”
Dorothy lights up and dashes away. “I want the pink one!”
“I’ll be downstairs, okay, sweetie?” You press your ear against the bathroom door to make sure Dorothy heard you. “The fluffy towel on the rack is yours, and I left your clothes on the counter.”
She doesn’t reply, too busy playing with the bubbles you’d let her fill the bathtub with. Turning away, you shake your head. The eight-year-old is a bubble of pure energy, so much more energy than you’ve had in a long while.
Gripping the railing, you start down the staircase. Sun pours through the tiny window opposite the steps, lighting up both the sill and the steps. You wince at the sight of them. Dust coats both in a thick layer, and it’s easy to see with the sun beaming straight down on it. With a flick of your wand, you open the window and send the dust flying outside to catch the wind before you continue downstairs.
You’d meant to clean the house before Dorothy came, but the healer had kept you in Bulgaria longer than you’d expected. When you’d made it back on Thursday and pushed open the front door, you’d realized just how poorly prepared you were to babysit for three days. The fridge was warm and empty, the living room clear of furniture, and the bathroom a nest for wasps. You’d rushed out to order furniture, arranging for it to be delivered the next day. Then you’d gone to the grocery store, stocking up on all sorts of food that a kid might like to eat. You’d dropped the bags off at the house and promptly left again, heading to a toy store. By the time you’d returned home for the evening, it was midnight and you were exhausted. You’d fallen asleep in a kitchen chair, only to be woken up at noon by the men with the furniture. Once they’d carried it all in, you’d had time to sweep up the living room and carry your own bags up to the bedroom, unpacking quickly and using magic to make the bed. You’d placed the toys for Dorothy on the bed, cleared the wasp nest, then walked downstairs to relax. A minute after you fell onto the surprisingly soft couch, though, Evelyn knocked on the door.
You drag yourself into the living room and fall into an armchair. Only a night and a day in and already Dorothy had drained you of your energy. You still have half of tomorrow to entertain her. The thought exhausts you even further. Still, it beat remembering why you never visited here. The blank walls glare at you every time you walk through the hall. It has been four years—four years—since you last said his name aloud, yet now every time you turn the corner, you expect to see his face.
You squeeze your eyes shut, blocking out the memories of the living room, trying to tune out the jazz music you’d danced to, refusing to picture his face. He left you. You remind yourself time and time again that he chose someone else, someone worse, over you. The pain of that still sends tears to your eyes. You’d had so much fun together and gone through so much together, and still he’d chosen someone else. He’d chosen her like you were nothing, like all of your friendship was little more than a way for him to pass the time. Like everything you’d given up for him, all the time you’d spent with him, all the things you’d told him meant nothing.
You press the heels of your hands against your eyes and stand. You won’t remember him. He means nothing.
Walking into the kitchen, you grab the dishes from supper and stack them up. Magic would be easier, but you need the burn of the hot water to distract you. Biting your lip, you focus on that and the rough feel of the sponge in your hands.
Dish after dish after dish, you scrub away the sound of his laugh and the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles and the fantastically odd ideas he comes up with in the middle of the night.
The clatter of the pan against the others in the dish drain blocks out Dorothy’s footsteps until she’s beside you. “Auntie, can we play? Are you okay?”
You wipe at the tear on your cheek and smile. “Fine. The smell of your breath is as bad as onions, though!”
Dorothy giggles and blows in your face. “I didn’t brush my teeth yet.”
“I can tell.” You pull the plug from the bottom of the sink to let the water drain and dry your hands on a towel. “Why don’t you go brush your teeth? Then we’ll get you tucked in.”
“No playing?”
“Not until we both get some sleep.”
“Fine.” Dorothy runs back, feet pounding on the steps.
You follow her, shaking your head. You had let the past catch up for a moment. Not good.
You fall asleep in a sleeping bag, restless, and waking up from dreams you don’t remember.
Sunday morning comes too soon, and Dorothy is shaking your shoulder, begging you to play with her before Evelyn returns.
“Breakfast, first, okay?”
She clings to your arm as you walk to the kitchen. “Can we play beauty pageant after that?”
Yawning, you nod.
“Mama always lets me try on her clothes and some of her necklaces when we play.”
“I just have to judge?”
“You have to use words like ravishing and delightful.”
You doubt she even knows what they mean. “Sounds fine to me.”
Dorothy cheers.
She hops up and down when you enter the kitchen. Stretching, you set the dishes and food into motion, cooking a pancake breakfast for Dorothy in a few minutes.
She jumps, grabbing for the ingredients zooming over her head. “I can’t wait until I can use magic. Mama says I have to wait a long time.”
“Your mother’s right. It’ll be a long time, but,” you bop her on the nose as you walk past her, “that’ll keep you safe.”
Dorothy nods, then swings into the kitchen chair sliding out for her. She gobbles up her breakfast, barely giving you enough time to sit and drink a cup of coffee before she’s flying upstairs, asking you to be ready to judge.
You shake your head. How Evelyn puts up with so much energy on a daily basis is beyond you.
Five minutes later, she saunters down the steps in your emerald top, a long blue skirt trailing behind her. The heels she slipped on clack against the ground. You fight a smile as she twirls into the kitchen, tripping over the skirt’s hem.
“So? 10?”
“Oh, that’s definitely a 10.” You clap as she bows and turns to leave.
The next outfit is one of your dresses, short on you but long on her, black jewels hanging off the sides. She matched it with a golden bangle and dainty silver chain. Three outfits later, a knock comes at the door. Evelyn walks in, immediately laughing at her daughter’s outfit of a yellow shirt, long black pants, and neon green necklace.
She pouts. “I had my next one picked out, mama.”
Evelyn glances at you before answering. “Your dad’s in the car outside, but I suppose he can wait for one more outfit.” As Dorothy rushes away, she takes a seat in a chair next to yours.
“How was the weekend?”
“Perfect.” She flicks her wand, summoning a mug full of coffee. “I think it was just what we needed.”
“I’m glad.” You murmur, truly meaning it.
“How was Dorothy?”
You suck in a breath. “Honestly? A handful. But she’s a wonderful kid.”
Evelyn smiles. “She is great. A bundle of energy, but the sweetest daughter I could have asked for.”
“She loves this beauty pageant game, huh? Do you play it with her a lot?”
“Whenever I don’t feel like moving. It’s so simple, and her outfits are always adorably horrifying.”
You snort. “What a lovely way to describe her fashion taste.”
Evelyn winks and takes a sip of her coffee. “How was your weekend at the house?”
You tense, knowing exactly what she means.
How many times did you think of him?
“I think I prefer being on the road.”
Evelyn stares at you. “You don’t mean that.”
“Look, Ev, this house just isn’t meant for me.”
She shifts in her chair so she’s completely facing you. “You need to face it.”
“I don’t want to talk about this right now.” Damn it. The tears are on their way.
“I know, but you need to someday.”
“Ev, please.”
“I just want the best for you.”
“If you did, you’d let it drop. Forever.”
“I wouldn’t be your friend if I did.” She turns, gasping. “Dorothy! You’re stunning!”
You turn, too, pretending to be amazed. “I love that necklace on you.”
She twirls, then sticks her arms out. “Do you like my watch? I don’t know why you kept it hidden, Auntie.”
Your smile vanishes as she steps closer.
“Could I keep it?”
“Where did you find that?”
“In the box under your bed. The one with those letters.”
“You mean the scraps?” It can’t be. It must be a coincidence.
She shakes her head, dancing around. “No, the letters.”
You feel faint. “Could I have the watch, sweetie?”
Dorothy frowns but slides it off, handing it to you. She dangles it over your open hand, leather strap pinched between two tiny fingers.
“Thank you.” You mutter, taking it from her.
Evelyn notices your expression. “Dorothy, go get changed and pack your stuff. Daddy’s waiting for you in the car. I’ll be right out.”
Dorothy spins, completely unaware of what’s happening.
Your breath shakes as you breathe out, running your thumb over the glass face. Black hands mark the time at 3:30. It’s hard to read the watch, though, as your hands tremble.
Evelyn wraps an arm around your shoulders. “What’s that?”
“I – I’m not sure.” You won’t be sure unless you flip it. You can’t, though. If you’re right, that means you have to think about him. If you’re wrong, you’ll still think about him. All you want is for it to disappear from your hands.
Dorothy runs into the room, suitcase thumping against the ground behind her. She sets a black box you’d completely forgotten about on the table. Dropping her suitcase, she pulls the top off the box.
“See? Letters and a key.”
You stare at it, wide eyed. There’s no way. You hadn’t fixed them, had you? No, you couldn’t have. You’d completely forgotten about it. Completely forgotten about him for years.
You vaguely hear the front door slam shut behind Dorothy, but you don’t register it. All you can hear is the booming beat of your own heart as you reach over and lift the key. Your key. The house’s spare key.
Ne— No, you won’t think of him.
A shred of paper drifts from the key to the tops of the letters. A piece of them that wasn’t fixed by whatever force did this?
You lift it.
No. Not a shred. It’s a complete message. A meaning for you and you only.
To You
With Regret.
A reply to the engraving you know without looking is on the back of the watch.
In Newt’s handwriting.
The dam holding back your emotions, your memories, your every repressed thought of your old best friend shatters into a million pieces with your heart, and you bawl.
Evelyn holds you as you sob against her chest. He was here. He was here in this house, when he knew you wouldn’t be here. He was here returning his two remaining pieces of you: the watch and the key. He cared. He cared enough to come back. He doesn’t think everything you had was just a way to pass time. In some way, it must have meant something to him.
You don’t know when you stop crying or how the ache in your chest will ever go away, but you do decide on one action.
Standing and asking Evelyn to stay, you lift the watch. An envelope flies to you with a quill and a shred of paper.
You set the summoned things down on the table and lift the quill. With shaking hands, you write out a message, then write the address of Newt’s mother’s house on the envelope. You stare at it. That was your second home, now it’s the only link you have to Newt. You have no clue where he’s gone, can only hope his mother will help.
You slide the watch inside and pad it with a washcloth. Praying your owl doesn’t break it, you walk upstairs. Just before you tie it to the owl’s leg, you slip the piece of paper in. It’s a note to Newt, a way for him to know that you forgive him, that you don’t mean for him to actually pretend you’re dead anymore.
To an old friend,
With all my love.
He’ll understand. Especially, you hope, since you add the key to the package: an invitation to him.
Tying the envelope to your owl, you whisper the address and watch it take off, flying away with the only hope you have left of finding your biggest regret. You watch it soar until it’s no more than a speck against the sky.
Praying, you turn away. You wonder if he’ll even forgive you after the things you said and did.
Taking a deep breath, you promise him and yourself a year. You’ll wait a year. If he doesn’t contact you before then, then you have your answer.
Then you’ll know he doesn’t love you anymore.
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