#[ and then shortly after 'the point is: it's not time for drastic measures yet.' ]

[orchideae]

1) Opens up drafts with my head empty, ready to be flooded, not knowing where I'll go. 2) 30 seconds later: Okay but I will go feral any day of my life over Perilous Trail, and the fierce dichotomy of Xiao and Yelan. While they're far from being 'the same', they both view themselves as soldiers in one way or another (it's a very difficult word to use for Yelan, so I'm using it very liberally and very loosely), they have both suffered losses on the 'battlefield' and carry the burden thereof in their own ways. And yet they stand so firmly in opposition throughout the entirety of that questline up until the very end of the 'the end of the line' conclusion of the quest. Yes, I know that she offers him her gratitude in its aftermath and it is genuine, but she still never agrees with him and the decision that he made moments earlier. It simply 'worked out' because of Zhongli's interference, he's the only reason it worked out. And it's because of that, that she doesn't give him a hell of a hard time (obviously she can't go down there, but imagine the inner frustration of severe extents; when you condemn someone who you can't even see anymore). In the same way that she would do to anyone who would sacrifice themselves for others, but in this case, I think it's 'beautiful' that it's to Xiao; the one who seems most adamant to do so (which honestly, fits into the contract that the Yakshas chose to sign with Morax; 'the ultimate sacrifice' to protect for Liyue; 'for Liyue', and Liyue has always centered itself around its people), the one who everyone reveres (and so does she, as she notes in her voiceline, 'if I ever have the honor to fight alongside') and respects for good reason, she stands against him, because in that moment, regardless of his status, he makes a call that she considers wrong. And he doesn't even... fight her on it very fiercely, and that's what actually hurts me the most, it's as if the following line hit the nail directly on the head?

"Besides, if you were really so determined to end it all, you wouldn't have given us the opportunity to share our opinions."

#[ mini study. ] that which hides inside her… that constant calling; it is the blood of heroes which has been howling for 500 years. #[ and then shortly after 'the point is: it's not time for drastic measures yet.' ] #[ /shakes ven into another dimension. ] #[ i thought the ost at the end of perilous ruined me enough. but tale of the yakshas may actually ruin me more. ] #[ also i love how i typed up the bit of the contract and 'for liyue' and zhongli in my head isn't rattling at bars but-- ] #[ he's sipping his tea (the equivalent). one day ven. i /promise/ you. one day you'll get him from me. ] #[ he'll likely be the 2nd genshin blog to run alongside yelan if/when i get to being able to run two again. ] #[ but until then. can we talk about the dynamic of xiao and yelan until we're blue in the face? i'd like to do that too. ] #[ i type this as if i'm perfectly chill but i'm not. i'm really not. the concept of self sacrifice and sacrifice as a whole. ] #[ BETWEEN THESE TWO. drives me /insane/. and part of me sits here and goes-- ] #[ god. what happened with yelan and her team down there? we know that despite every plan she ever made and prepared-- ] #[ their enemies (WHAT WERE YOU FIGHTING??) were too powerful and more specifically-- too smart. too calculating. ] #[ ... and too strong (okay literally what on earth were you fighting? are we talking the khaenri'ah soldiers? like what? or abyss mages?) ] #[ (but abyss mages don't exactly entirely fit the description in her story. ugh. UGH). ] #[ any way-- it was her and her team. /they/ all died and she didn't. yanfei describes it as... ] #[ 'knowing that your life was saved when others weren't'. surely the millilith didn't intervene or happen to arrive. yelan must've... ] #[ gotten away? or something? but that doesn't feel quite right. but i'm just sitting here left with the idea of... when you lead a team. ] #[ you bear the responsibility of even their lives. and yet despite bearing that responsibility; she's exactly the one who lived. ] #[ the only one who did. that has to be a /stupid/ burden. it's like the captain who has to go down with the ship but is the only one... ] #[ who gets to live. only one who gets to survive. i just. ] #[ i didn't think i'd love a character as much as this one. where did she come from; jesus christ. ]

[danganronpasurvivoraskblog]

The Truth of Survivor. [End of Arc]

Alright...So, I assume all of you are ready?

Yep...Though I can’t promise I’ll actually understand anything you tell me.

It’s ok. You’ll have time to dwell on it it. I plan on telling you the truth and the whole truth.

But first of all...I would like to apologize...

What for?

Remember when Hina and Boss were chasing down Uchui? And they got attacked and knocked out before they could grab him?

The person who attacked you...it was me.

Wait, WHAT!?

Why would you do that?

In order to make this plan work, we needed Uchui to evade capture. And the reason he was even in the area that day was because I planned to meet him.

I couldn’t have the Future Foundation get in the way, so I took drastic measures. Boss already knows the truth of this, of course.

*Everyone looks towards Makoto.

So, you knew the truth the whole time?

When I came to, I found that Kuripa had left a note in my pocket. He explained his actions and his reasons for what he did, and told me to buy him some time while he sorted things out.

So...I did. I’m sorry that I kept it from you. I trusted him. And I still do. I can only hope that he tells me the full truth now, since I don’t know it.

On that note, there’s another thing I need to apologize for keeping from you. About me and Rantaro...

The Katagiri incident back in the US...It was not our first meeting.

Huh!?

When had you met before?

Uchui introduced us personally. He’s been working with our group for a short while now, and has had connections way back when, even before the Future Foundation’s fall.

It was sometime after Kuripa returned from the campsite where my old friends were presiding.

What do you mean, “your old friends?”

I don’t know if we’ve ever actually openly admitted this to everyone yet...But Rantaro is from our world. 

He’s another participant in the Danganronpa V3 Killing Game.

W-Woah...

That must have been shortly before we all decided to disband and go our separate ways. Did Uchui tell you what he had done by then?

Selling out secrets, locations, maps, and everything Zetsubou would need to launch an attack on the Future Foundation? Yes, he told me.

You knew Kamukura had betrayed us all this time and you didn’t tell us!?

He had his reasons. We all did. It was all part of the big plan.

What “big plan?”

The plan to destroy Organization Zetsubou, once and for all.

Destroy them?

I don’t get it though! You still basically fucked us over! What was even the point!?

True, and I apologize for that, but it was integral.

In order to make this work, I needed to gain Zetsubou’s trust to the point where I would be allowed to preside in their secret base.

I needed to get Shirogane’s attention, and I figured that was a good way to do so. Lo and behold, it worked.

Now, because of my status and intellect, Shirogane is making good enough use of me. I wouldn’t exactly call our relationship “trust” but still, it’s good enough for me.

So...What you’re basically saying is...

Uchui never ACTUALLY betrayed us?

Take it how you will, but it was kind of a “to trick your enemies, you’ve first got to trick your allies” deal.

Yes, quite so. Uchui did indeed sell the Future Foundation’s secrets to Organization Zetsubou.

But he did so to get into Shirogane’s pocket, and then sell Organization Zetsubou’s secrets BACK to the Future Foundation.

Wait, what!? We haven’t heard any secrets though!

Is that really true? 

Wait...You mean the information we received...!?

What is it Taichi?

We got information about the Zetsubou lab...or rather the FF lab that Kaede was trapped in for a while, from an anonymous source. When we dug deeper, that’s when we found it.

Could that anonymous source have been-!?

Uchui?

Most likely. No, DEFINITELY. After all, Uchui already became aware of Kanata Inori’s situation, and how Zetsubou were blackmailing her with her father’s life.

Now that Doctor Ando is free, there’s no problem.

...The more I think on this, the more things seem to make sense.

It’s been bugging me for a long time now, but there’s something that I just couldn’t wrap my head around...Based on the information Rantaro was receiving, Uchui must have known about our movements, even after the Future Foundation’s fall.

You mean he knew where we were all going after we split up?

Yes, that would be true. In order to make this strategy work, I needed the Future Foundation to gradually trust the members of ERR0RM3SS4GE. Zen Katagiri seemed like a good way to do that.

But how would you have even known about the Katagiri situation? You were already at Zetsubou base by then and was dealing with your own problems.

Yeah, you couldn’t have kept track of all of it so easily. How’d you pull it off?

In order to do this, I needed information on all three major factions that the Foundation had been split into. Those who remained at the Foundation, those who went to the UK, and those who went to the US to hide.

I could keep track of things at the Foundation myself, so it was the other two groups I needed tabs on. Which is why I told two other people about my plan beforehand, and roped them in on it.

You hired your own spies to report?

Yes. As you might have guessed, one of these; the one reporting from the US; was Kuripa...

And the other...

Was me.

Kibin!?

Hatsudoki was keeping tabs on the group in London. She’s the one who told me of Shuichi, Kaede and Mii-Yu’s coming. Had anything drastic happened over in the UK, she would have reported it to me.

That’s it...Kibin was also summoned from the UK. We just happened to intercept her message.

So she was in on this the whole time...

Heh. I offer no apologies.

You guys make one hell of a trio. You’re kind of like your own Kyoko/Byakuya/Makoto...

I’d ask which one’s which, but we don’t have time for that.

Agreed. In any case, we know how Uchui pulled it off.

What we don’t know is the why and the what. Why Uchui felt like he had to go to such measures, and what exactly he gained from it.

Yes...While I accept that Uchui likely went this far with the intention of helping us and destroying Zetsubou from the inside, we’ve taken far too many losses because of his actions and too few gains.

I still hold out with the hope that he’ll come around, but surely there must have been some easier way to achieve this without having to sacrifice so much.

Think about what it is we’ve lost because of you! We’ve lost our home and some of our friends are DEAD! What could POSSIBLY be so important that you find that acceptable!

I DON’T find it acceptable! I’ve committed the gravest sins imaginable on the Future Foundation, and I will have you know this...

I have a mission to complete...But once I’m done...

I will take responsibility...and kill myself for it...

...the fuck...!?

A-Ain’t that a little bit much!?

Death is the only punishment I deserve...No one will accept me after all of this. And to top it all off, my motives for going this far are purely selfish.

Let me guess...It has to do with the serum, correct?

Serum?

The Hope Serum. The concoction that granted both Ayumu Fujimori and myself infinite power and Talents.

In truth, Uchui is the last surviving descendant of the Kamukura bloodline. His father was also the lead researcher of the Kamukura Project; his research in which the serum was created for.

What the hell!? You’re a Kamukura!?

Regrettably, yes...A fact that the nightmares and hallucinations remind me of every single day...

But if I do this...This may be my chance to get rid of them, once and for all. I have to get my hands on the serum...! I HAVE to!

Meeting your family’s expectations, even if it means kicking others down and betraying them...

Can’t say I agree with that ideology.

It’s what my family lived for...But you know what?

I agree...

Eh?

Wait, what do you mean? I thought you-

I wanted to use the serum to experiment on people and achieve my goal of reaching other possibilities? Half true...

The second half is indeed my goal in life, one that I don’t hope I will ever complete but the first half? I’m a better man than to use human experimentation, like my father and grandfathers before me.

Then what the hell is the goal?

The truth is...Uchui doesn’t want to make use of the serum. He lied about that.

He wants to get his hands on the serum...

So he can completely destroy it.

*There is stunned silence.

So, he took it upon himself to erase the serum from history?

Why did he not just come forward and ask for help?

Oh, what a good idea!

Why wouldn’t you come forward, admit you’re a descendant of a line of psychos and murderers, and ask for help to combat something that you’re responsible for in the first place!?

True...It would have been impossible to just dump that on us. Especially if he held it in for so long.

Makoto, wasn’t Uchui a student at Hope’s Peak post-tragedy? Surely he must have files on him, right?

Uchui was accepted into Hope’s Peak as Uchui Porosen. His uncle was his legal guardian at the time, and he had also taken in the same surname. There was no record of his parents or his lineage past that.

When did YOU find out, Kuripa?

Shortly after we became friends. He trusted me and I helped him deal with a lot of his family’s issues.

We can save that for another time though.

Indeed. The other thing you asked, Kyoko, is what he discovered.

Yes...Has he sent you any new information in regards to Zetsubou’s plan?

...

...

Wh-What’s up? Why did you both just go super quiet?

Come on, spill. What’s Shirogane planning?

I...I uncovered the truth...

Of Shirogane’s Killing Game...Danganronpa Survivor.

The truth? But...we already know the truth. She wants to hold a Killing Game with the Survivor’s of the previous Killing Game’s, right?

...

*Uchui shakes his head.

Well, what is it then!?

The fact about the Survivor’s being the participants is indeed true, but it’s not so simple...Let me ask you this.

Where do you think the setting for Danganronpa Survivor will be?

The setting?

So like how the First Killing Game was a school, and the second was an island...

Is it not this factory? I thought that’s why we were being held here?

No...The truth is, the setting of Danganronpa Survivor is...

The ENTIRE world...

Wh-WHAT!?

I’m sorry...!? 

This is all that Shirogane has been working towards for a long time...The military power, the reason why she wants an Ultimate Hope army! She plans to use this world as her stage, but to do that...

She needs to remove what’s already here...

...Oh my god...!

What!?

*Fuyuhiko turns towards everyone with a snarl.

She’s gonna wipe out all of humanity for the sake of her god damn egotistical DEATH GAME!

!!!??

!!!??

!!!??

That...That can’t be...!?

Why not? Shirogane is a delirious bitch, you really think she wouldn’t go this far.

And the fact that she’s already gathering the Survivor’s now means she must be close. 

Hold on though...Wh-What does wiping out humankind achieve!?

According to Uchui, Shirogane’s plot goes like this.

The 16 Killing Game survivors will wake up with no memories of their previous lives, only remembering that they are Ultimate’s with talents, and attended Hope’s Peak Academy.

They will be told through some anonymous source that the planet is dying, and that humankind has escaped to other pastures through space travel. The only remaining people on the planet are themselves, and the other 15 survivors.

They will be given an ultimatum. They will be granted salvation, but only under one condition.

They must find the other survivors...and kill them, correct?

And the last remaining survivor is the winner?

Good guess. It’s not exactly your typical Killing Game rules, but it’s not like they’ve not been broken before.

You see now why I couldn’t let you take Uchui in!?

Sure, he’s done us a lot of bad, all for the sake of this plan of his, but now he is the ONLY person standing in between us and ARMAGEDDON!

!!!??

Do you...really think she can DO it?

Maybe not at once...But with the Hope Serum and the sheer military power she’s built up over the last 8 years or so, I think she might have a shot.

Tsumugi is putting everything on the line for this Killing Game. She’ll either make it happen, or die trying.

Either way, lots of people are going to get killed because of her. We can’t let her do this.

It looks like there was more to the title of “Survivor” than just being the survivor of a previous killing game.

Yes...It appears the participants will also be the only surviving members of humanity besides her and her Zetsubou goons.

Hold on a sec though! That doesn’t make ANY sense!

What doesn't!?

Shirogane has an ego the length of Cambodia. She isn’t throwing a Killing Game for the sake of casual enjoyment. 

She wants people to SEE it. If she wipes out all of mankind, WHO will be her audience!?

...

Kaede’s right...! No matter how you look at it, it goes against everything she believes!

How can you be sure this is even true?

Well...That’s the thing that Uchui told me most recently when I got a chance to meet him.

It turns out that Shirogane has actually been looking into his research...And for a while now.

...

...!

!!!???

I see our lovely lady detective has already figured out where we’re going with this...

What is it Kyoko!?

Uchui Kamukura is the Ultimate Theoretical Physicist...After his exposure, I looked into some of my research himself...

As we know, he’s proven that it’s possible to bring people from other universes into your own, but he ALSO documented another study he made years ago...

The power to send out and receive broadcasted footage across dimensions using science...

...You don’t mean-!?

Shirogane is going to...!?

Broadcast this game across the MULTIVERSE!?

In the very least, I know she plans to broadcast it to the world that I brought her from...

But knowing her, she’s not going to stop at one. She will make as many people as possible watch her despair-inducing game, and no one will be able to stop it.

All kinds of people, young and old, across multiple realities, will be forced to bare witness to this horrifying game...!

So you see, those who will die and be forced to play part in this game will not be the only victims. She’ll bring her despair to EVERY OTHER WORLD in the multiverse if she can...

And She CAN...

I know that we all have our differences, and I’ve done things I’m not proud of, but this can’t continue!

Because if we don’t stop Shirogane...

NO ONE WILL BE SAFE...!

[END OF ARC]

#danganronpa survivor #danganronpa #danganronpa 1 #dr1 #danganronpa 2 #dr2 #oc #danganronpa v3 #drv3 #rise and shine arc #kuripa kurafto #uchui porosen #rantaro amami #kaede akamatsu #fuyuhiko kuzuryu #kazuichi soda #yasuhiro hagakure #makoto naegi #kyoko kirigiri #sayaka maizono #aoi asahina #byakuya togami #taichi fujisaki #shuichi saihara

[bonny-kookoo]

Ready Player 01 | JJK x Reader | 🔞❤️☁️

Pairing: Jeon Jungkook x Reader

Genre: dystopia!AU, former Game developer!Jk, former pro gamer!JK, former IT specialist!Reader, former programmer!Reader, romance, Smut, slight cyberpunk elements

Warnings/tags: injustice, forcefully controlled public, violence (police/government officials against citizens), unfair powerplay, interrogation, tech talk, Jungkook be antisocial as FUCK but so is the reader lmao wbk, fear of physical contact (Haphephobia), past trauma and mentions of a bad childhood, insomnia, crime, smut because yes it’s me hello my content isn't kiddy-proof in the first place what yall want from me I'm not sure, but that’s waaY at the end ya know, friends to lovers, a slightly sassy AI but we love her, reader struggles with emotions, I mean same tbh, they're both so sweet tho I cant, not proofread because let me live

Summary: there’s a war going on; silent, but it’s there. Media has been strictly become controlled and regulated- to the point of making it illegal to own a TV or phone with internet access without a valid license. But there’s always some people that will try to break free from the controlling force.

"-a new age. This is a new year. And remember; we're doing this for the greater good. Until tomorrow." The news reporter stops talking after she somberly looks somewhere behind the camera that is pointed at her.

Your room is dark- the TV brightness on it's lowest setting so you can see what's going on- but outside, no one can see the light shining in your tiny apartment. Investing in blackout curtains had really paid off at the end of the day.

You don't want to get caught.

There's an announcement van driving past your window; the tiny slits in your curtains where the light from outside can creep its way inside brightening a bit as the headlights pass your windows. Something is spoken, and by now everyone knows the routine speech.

"Electricity will be shut down in five minutes. We advice to save all progress immediately- and we wish a good nights rest. Electricity will be shut down in five minutes..-" It repeats, over and over, counting down the minutes. You slowly move into your kitchen, opening one of the loose floor tiles to turn on your own emergency electricity system. With well practiced movements you close the tile again, moving the rug over it as you walk back into your living room, swiftly sliding the TV behind your wardrobe to make it disappear. As if on cue; there's a knock at your door.

The same as always. Routine. Two times, loud and clear. You don't even have to look through the peephole to know what awaits behind it.

"Yes?" You ask, rubbing your eyes as if you had been already asleep. The officer behind the door nods at you shortly, a mild smile on his face as he looks down at you.

"We didn't mean to wake you miss. Just routine, as usual." He says, peeking into your apartment to look for any electronics still running. It's pitch black however- so he simply nods, as his colleague notes something into his tablet. "We wish a good nights rest miss. Again, sorry for intruding." He apologizes, and you nod, closing the door.

Only when the street lights turn dark, do you move from your bed.

"Creator." The AI voice chimes up, her voice greeting you as as you lift the tile on the floor again- your phone connecting to the AI to show information you instantly decode and note down inside your head. "Player01 has just connected." The voice states, and you sit down on your cold kitchen flooring, smiling a little. "He has sent a message. Would you like me to play it?" The voice asks, and you take a deep breath.

"Yes." You say, and there's a small sound indicating the start of the voice message. A male voice is head.

"Hey, whats up?" He asks, and you can hear something in the background- maybe an empty can or something similar. "I uh.. I'm on my way. Should I bring anything? Ah wait, I know the answer to that.." He says, chuckling at the end of his sentence, and you can hear him zip up his jacket as he moves around. "Yeah uh.. just text or something, I'll bring stuff over. Can't have you starve." He ends, and the AI speaks up again.

"Would you like to repeat the message?" She asks, and you shake your head at her; a signal the artificial intelligence has come to detect quite well. "Should I archive it?" She questions again, and this time, you nod- something your invisible assistant can pick up due to motion sensoring.

"Send him a message." You say. "Tell him: I only need you. Get yourself here in one piece and I'm happy. And I'm very capable of taking care of myself." You state, and your phone shows a small loading message- indicating that the voice is doing as you said. It chimes up after a moment. "Thanks Kana." You say.

"No problem creator. Would you like for me to run through the databases now?" She asks, and you nod, a smile on your face. "Database search in progress. Estimated time: sixteen minutes and eighteen seconds." You huff out a breath as you look at the tiny display on your arm; tiny, yet powerful as it's your way of keeping Kana- your AI assistent- close at all times. Tonight, there would seem to be a lot to dig through.

They really added a lot of content these days.

It's not the door that makes you notice that there's a visitor after a while- He never uses it anyways for some reason. You're sitting on your kitchen floor with a small cup of tea in your hands- kept hot inside a slightly beaten-looking thermos can since you can't use to water boiler at night. Using anything other than Kana would cause a spike the police would be sure to notice; and you're not ready to get caught yet.

Not tonight.

It's a boy who, after a moment, opens the unclosed kitchen window to climb in; his combat boots getting a little snow and dirt from the outside into your apartment as his 80's looking jacket makes distinctive noises as it brushes against the sides of your window. His blonde hair has grown out a bit these days you notice- the roots clearly showing. It's a little wet and slightly curly from the moisture. It must be snowing outside- or maybe it had. You couldn't know for sure.

You never left your apartment.

He closes the window after slipping on the tiles inside a little, the plastic bags noisy as he almost drops them- sheepishly taking off his boots as he smiles at you. His socks are different from one another- but that's another thing so distinctive and just so.. him. He's his own person, always has been; it's what brought you two together, after all. You both stood out against the 'regular public' these days; with his brightly almost white-bleached hair he was like an albino in a sea of crows.

But you knew he didn't need that to stand out to you.

You can still remember the first few times the boy in front of you has visited you; the times where he had just dyed his hair to rebel out, or when he pierced your ears in exchange for you to do it to him as well. It was like you had made a blood pact in your kitchen that night- you had somehow gotten closer, formed a little more than just a simple companionship in order to riot against the law. He began growing close. Gave you a nickname. Began calling you his player 2. Began calling you his 'ace'. He had explained that he thought of it from memories of his gaming days; the two fighting teams always called red and blue, and one of his favorite weapons having that nickname- simply because it always 'saved his ass last minute'. He had rambled on about his last tournament after that, eyes sparkling and cheeks round from cold noodles.

You had become friends.

"hey." He says after sitting close across from you on the cold floor; the opened tile and Kana's core exposed to you two, the only source of light apart from your bracelet. The colorful LED's paint marks on his face and illuminate his features to you; but it does the same to you from his point of view. It's a familiar sight. "How are you?" He asks, almost shyly, but you know that's not what's bothering him.

"Hey Jungkook." You simply say with the hint of a smile, as you answer him. "Haven't slept well these days but, what's new I guess." You chuckle, and Jungkook smiles too- though a glimpse of concern is still shown your way. He knows however that forcing you to sleep won't do much good- your insomnia was too bad to really conquer it in a day or two just by taking naps.

And also; who was he to talk about solving personal issues.

"Have you seen the most recent reports?" You ask him, and the boy somberly shakes his head.

"I was unable to." He states. "They were patrolling close to my apartment complex because there had been someone reporting a Glitcher today." A 'glitcher'- a slang word now commonly used for people like Jungkook and you. People who went against the nightly routines, people who tried to trick the system by using electricity at night, owning media, consuming it, or dealing with it. It somehow became worse than underground drugs. "They pulled him out at around twelve or so- but they seemed too on edge the entire day, so I didn't risk it." He says, and you nod. Jungkook had always been a very good person when it came to calculating risk versus reward. He was good at reading people too- even though he didn't interact much, he got out of his apartment a lot more than you did. "Anything important?" He asks, and you shrug.

"There was a report that China and Japan were still on edge- with the chinese government arguing that they would soon start with 'more drastic measures to get things under proper control', whatever that means." You say, and Jungkooks brows furrow as he starts to pick on the skin of his jaw. "Let's just hope the flood doesn't throw us under the sea as well if it escalates I guess.." You say, and the boy across from you nods.

"Creator." Kana's voice chimes up, making Jungkook look up before remembering that the only source would be your bracelet, which you look at as well. "My scan of your body shows that you have not consumed a sufficient amount of calories today. I recommend a meal in the next five to eight minutes to avoid malnutrition." She says, and you groan. "I take this as a form of verbal communication. Running data search..." She says, as Jungkook looks at you; thoroughly amused by the teasing banter between the AI and his friend. "My data search concludes that you are annoyed, creator. I have only stated a fact however-" She continues, and Jungkook steps in.

"I've brought some leftovers from my dinner today we can eat." He says, pulling out some plastic containers as he moves to get proper cutlery out of your drawers. He makes sure to push them towards you, making sure to nod with a smile as you nod and thank him a little embarrassed. "It's nothing. You know I love you too much to let you starve!" He states with a grin, bunny teeth on full display as bitterness creeps up your throat- something you make sure to swallow down before beginning to eat.

Because the kind of love he's talking about right now, is not the kind of love you want him to feel for you.

"You forgot to give it a proper validation there-" He points out as you type away. "Otherwise it will just run instantly, and everything at once. That could crash older systems, and we know that V95 uses an older laptop, so we should take that into account." He says, and you nod, clicking back to the spot Jungkook is talking about.

This is what you're both good for.

Writing code for you had always been something you did with a passion- simply because you were good at it. Numbers and short phrases were something you could remember with ease; but you never had to think much about the visual aspect of programs in your department back when you were able to work for a simple programming company. You had simply always been tasked to program security systems and automatically updating firmware, or simple AI's for factory robots. Jungkook however had been all about the visuals; he had been programming games after all. That's why you two fit so well together in this scene. Whenever he would be in complete awe of the broad knowledge you had about official guidelines and security breaches, of staying undetected and unseen while still gaining as much as possible from every single line of code, he could always throw in his input to make sure the program you were both writing and updating for the glitch community was easy to use and simple enough so it could run smoothly on as many systems as possible. Be it phone, laptops, PC's- you two made it possible.

This program was connecting Glitchers all over the globe- and with yours and Jungkooks knowledge, you made it almost invisible. And even if it was somehow detected; there was no possible way to track down any of it's users.

The fact that you had to hide a simple program from the government made you sigh.

"Okay. Yeah I think that fixed the bug." He says, and looks at your arm- at Kana. "Oh, by the way, Kana?" he asks, and the chime gives him the cue to talk. "I heard you had a bug-fix too recently." He says, and the AI chimes again.

"I did, Player01." The AI answers. "The addition of code to my current program has proven to significantly increase my ability to observe and save more data." The female voice answers, and Jungkook grins. "You are happy, Player01." She states, and he nods.

"I am." He says.

"Why is that?" The AI asks, and Jungkook shrugs.

"I'm just happy you're doing well. Someone has to take care of ace when I'm not close by, yeah?" He states, and you try not to react to it. Jungkook is by now used to your more stoic expression; you're not too emotional and barely let things get under your skin. You've been hurt before, he knows this even if you never told him- he can see it in the way you hide inside the safety of your home, how you're so cold on the outside but still clinging onto him. Sometimes he wishes he could touch you; run his hand over your head to ruffle your hair like in those cheesy movies, hold your hand, or simply give you some reassurance in the form of a gentle hand on your back whenever you struggle.

But he's got his own demons, and they love clinging onto him just as much.

"V95 has connected to voice chat. Would you like to talk to him?" Kana states, ripping him out of his thoughts as he watches you nod.

"JK? Y/N?" A deep voice asks.

"We're here. Heard there was a raid close to you?" Jungkook asks, and he can see you grow a bit more serious at that. "Are you okay?" He adds, and V answers, although quite.. tired?

"I'm good. They got Jimin though." He states, and you sigh, running a hand through your hair as you stand up, frustrated. Jungkook knows you're trying to calm down by pacing. He doesn't mind. "They didn't officially arrest him, took him for 'questioning' though. We know what that's about." He states somberly, and Jungkook takes a deep breath.

"Jimin is a master manipulator V. He'll get himself out of it, I'm sure." Jungkook tries to reassure, but it doesn't gain him much than a hum from Taehyung on the other end of the line. "What about Sleeper?" He asks, and a chuckle is heard.

"He's been checking the videofeed from inside the past few nights. He said he's send some of the big bites to Ace though?" He says, and Jungkook looks over at your form.

"Yeah I've seen it." You simply say, though Jungkook grows uncomfortable with the way you're suddenly standing there. You're a little hunched, biting the skin on your thumb as you look at the tiles as if they suddenly began to move. He knows himself that things inside the 'rehabilitation centers' weren't all that nice to see- but you rarely ever displayed so much distress over it. "Let's just hope Jimin get's his ass out of this situation. We can't afford to loose him." You say, and V stays silent before he sighs.

"Yeah. I tell sleeper you've seen the stuff. Oh, and our prince charming has asked for a date with Ace. Again." Taehyung chuckles, and you groan- while Jungkook can't help but clench his jaw. Kim Seokjin was a very good asset to the team; with connections reaching deep inside the government and his position as a former lawyer- but he still hated his guts.

You didn't need to waste your time dating. You were totally capable of taking care of yourself, you had even said it personally! And for anything else Jungkook would provide for you. You didn't need anyone else than him.

He was totally not jealous of him.

"Can he not use our underground connections for that circus?" You say. "I don't even go grocery shopping, why would I want to go on a fucking date?" You mumble, sitting down next to Jungkook as you take a spoonful of rice. Jungkook feels a weird sense of satisfaction about the situation.

"Who knows." Taehyung says. "Alright, 10 Minute mark- I'll hear from you two soon. Take care." He says, and you both say your goodbyes before the line goes silent.

Although Jungkook hates physical contact, he likes keeping you close.

His heart is melting like chocolate as he notes the way your hand grips his jacket tightly as the two of you walk through town to get your license renewed- a way of holding onto him, and he somehow wishes it could be his hand. He knows yours would fit so perfectly in his, and yet he can't bring himself to do it.

His body is not cooperating.

He remembers vividly how his fear had developed; with his father and mother both being dramatically overworked and overwhelmed with having a kid at a young age, they had no idea how to make a child behave. Every second touch would bruise, every time he had been held would be force.

And at some point, he started to dislike physical touch completely.

It had just been like his growing interest in freelance climbing- the way he would walk and jump high over the heads of unsuspecting people, away from all judgemental gazes they'd throw his way for behaving the way he did. Only when the wind could hit him freely, only when he couldn't make out faces of anyone down below, only when he was high up- that was when he felt safe. The ground below had nothing of interest for him, no point in going down, as his apartment was located on the top floor of the complex. Jungkook never took the elevator, always the stairs.

He liked being reminded how high he lived.

And yet, there's one thing that pulls him down, brings his feet to the earth below, calls him like a siren song. It's you, hidden away from everyone's sight inside your tiny home, just as troubled and judged as himself.

He'd fallen in love with you the second you told him his name.

It had been a rainy night, his clothes drying on your heater as he was wrapped in two of your blankets; the smell of your fabric softener and something so typically you surrounding him like a mother's hug would a child. It had given him a feeling of comfort he had never quite experienced before, and it had also been the first time he had imagined what it would be like to hug you.

To have you close.

He had explained to you why he had freaked out when you reached for his arm to steady him when he almost fell inside your apartment through your window; had apologized and bowed his head in shame until you had simply shrugged.

"You don't have to justify yourself to anyone, Jungkookie." You had said. Jungkookie. "You're you. And I like you." You had said, not looking at him as you typed in some code to Kana's internal system.

His heart had warmed up at that.

And while you had accepted him, he had accepted you just as much. While at first caught off guard by your quiet and sometimes harsh way of treating him, he had also gotten to know just how gentle and delicately you treated the ones you loved. You were a loyal person, always going out of your way to be helpful, and silently basking in praise any time it was directed at you.

He loved that view. The way your cheeks would grow warm, how your eyes would sparkle; and he loved most of all, that he had been, according to Taehyung who was the second closest to you, the only one to see you smile.

You even laughed with him.

It filled him with pride to know that you were able to let go around him, even if it was just a little. It made him feel like he did something huge. It helped him sleep at night knowing that you were trusting him enough to let down your guard a little.

And it hurt him even worse knowing that he couldn't do the same thing for you.

He was a coward-

and you deserved a hero.

"Ace?" He asked, slipping through your window as he noticed the apartment silent and dark. Nothing greeted him. "..Ace?" He tried again, maybe you were asleep? But your apartment was quiet, empty, nothing spoke of your presence. Dishes were in the sink, a cup of water left untouched on the counter, and something inside of him churned painfully at the way this looked. He checked the kitchen tile, sliding it to the side like he's seen you do it countless of times.

It was dark.

Instead, he was greeted by a post it note. "Underneath the bed. Take care." Was all it read. He stood up, pushing your bed away from the wall noticing how your carpet had been torn a little. And as he lifted the cut flap of carpet, there was an envelope.

Your watch. A small in-ear piece, and your old IT-identification, folded.

A noise outside your hallway made his head snap up as he pushed the bed back into place, making an escape for it as he climbed outside the window, watch safely inside his jacket as he climbed back up on top of a building, before he examined it further, turning it on, after putting the earpiece in.

"Hello, Jungkook." Kana greeted him, and it felt weird to hear the AI say his name like that. "Creator has advised me to answer all questions you might have, and assist you from here on." She said, and Jungkook simply put the watch on, making his way to his own apartment.

"What happened?" He asked, his face serious as he walked.

"At around 6:12 O'clock, creator was taken into further questioning regarding illegal possession and knowledge of classified information and technological equipment. She had shown no resistance and complied with authorities. My observations however showed that she was taken with more force than necessary." Kana explained. Jungkook shook his head. "She had prepared for this instance during the night, approximately twenty-six minutes after you had left."

"She knew?!" He suddenly said, shutting his apartment door violently as he started to pace around, throwing his jacket on the couch. "Why didn't she contact me?"

"Analysis; your body shows signs of-" Kana started, but Jungkook interrupted.

"Shut up. Why didn't she tell me?" He asks again, and Kana seems to hesitate for a moment.

"Considering her close relationship to you, she probably wanted to not get you involved." She stated, and Jungkook sighed, sitting down on his couch as he gripped his hair. He should've stayed. Hell, it wasn't the first time he wanted to stay. He had dreamed of staying over, of fucking living with you for months to no end by now, but he was a coward. And this was his paycheck.

"Kana." He said lowly, and the small tune gave him the cue to talk. "Contact V95. Tell him it's urgent. We got an emergency." He says.

"I can't watch this." He says, jumping up and holding onto his head as to not punch his wall, unable to go through the videofeed of your interrogation room.

There's not much to see, but Jungkook knows that's simply because they haven't had the time to see to you yet. You and him knew best what really happened in these rooms, and he hated knowing that deep down they wouldn't go easy on you simply because you were a young woman. It didn't matter to them.

He'd seen teenagers way younger than you and him getting the rough treatment before- and elderly didn't get spared either.

The government bragged about having everything in order; yet they couldn't even control their own law enforcement it seemed. When he really thought back on his history lessons in school, not much had changed at all.

The world was still in utter chaos.

His palm shuts his laptop harshly- earning a tiny chime from the AI he’s already forgotten shares his home with him now. “I suggest that you practice care in treating your electronics to-“ he groans, successfully shutting it off at that. “Why are you frustrated?” It- she? Asks, and he sits down.

“I don’t know how to help her.” He admits in shame, thinking back to the footage of your hidden camera; the way they had pushed you to the ground, before grabbing you, leading you out of your apartment a few minutes away from him. “I don’t know what I should do.” He says.

There’s a bit of silence, until the AI speaks up again. “Do you have a romantic interest in my creator?” She asks, and his head snaps up at that.

“What the fuck? Why would you ask me this?!” He barks, unsure where to look since he can only hear the voice.

“I have observed both my creator and your behaviors; you seem to have a very deep rooted interest in each others well-being and opinions. This is commonly found in partnerships. I was only asking you to confirm if my assumption is correct.”

He’s silent for a moment, until he speaks again, watching the announcement van pass his window; voices dull and unintelligible though the walls and windows. “It’s no use anyways. Who wants someone they can’t even shake hands with?” He sighs, looking into his lap again. He hates that he’s like this; that even though he very much loves and adores you, there’s no magic moment that makes him forget- even though he craves the contact, he can’t do it. Every time he’s close to you, he knows that he could simply hug you; or let you rest your head on his shoulder, like in romantic movies. He wants to hold your hand, wipe your tears- but his body won’t cooperate. He can’t do it.

Not even with you.

“Creator seems very comfortable with you.” The AI states. “I have been asked to archive all text messages and phone calls of you two recently. When I asked for a reason, she claimed she would need it someday- I was unsure what she meant.” Jungkook furrows his brow, raising his head again. “Sometimes, when creator is deeply upset, she has the habit of playing some of the recordings of you singing, or reminding her to take care. My research has shown that it slows down her heartbeat to a more normal level and also improves her insomnia.” Jungkooks eyes widen at that.

Does that mean.. that you like him back?

"Kana, fuck- cut the feed." He says, agitated.

"Are you sure?" She asks, and he sighs, before yelling his frustration out, sitting down to take a deep breath. He slowly shook his head no. He couldn't let all your hard work go to waste like this.

He couldn't stay a coward.

"Jungkook, it appears to be that the creator is being let go." Kana suddenly chimes up, and Jungkook rushes to his pc setup to see for himself. And she's right- your arm is being held tightly, and something is being said to you, but your hands are no longer chained to the chair- you're free.

What just happened?

Jungkook sometimes really hates himself for being the way he is.

There's no sugarcoating it that you need comfort now more than ever, even though you don't openly show it to him. He can see it in the way you're still biting your nails, he can see it in your eyes which never stay on one point for too long. And he can definitely see it in the bruises on your upper arm, and the cut on your lower lip where you had bitten in anger and frustration. He wants to comfort you, he knows you'd let him- and yet he can't move any closer than where he is right now; only the length of his palm of space between you two. And yet it's like his joints are locked into place. He can't touch you.

What if he hurts you?

And it dawns on him right then and there while he watches you drink your can of overly sweet soda while typing your code like second nature, that he's not scared of you hurting him. He's scared of doing to you, what's been done to him. Because deep down he is aware that his parents never had bad intentions, never hated him or wanted him to suffer; they were simply unsure and not at all confident in how to really care for a child. They had been caught off guard and gotten overwhelmed by the sudden shift in their situation that they never truly knew what to do. And nowadays he felt like he was simply heading down the same road.

He was starting to feel like he was becoming just like them.

"Hm?" You ask him, ripping him out of his thoughts as he looks at you, your eyes wide and worried as you put down your almost empty can of soda. "What is it?" You ask him, and he wants to scream. He wants to throw a fit like a child at the way you seem to worry for him every time you should worry for yourself. He's a coward, he's useless, he's everything you don't need nor deserve in his eyes, and yet you always look at him like he's the main character of your favorite movie.

If he was, he was sure he'd be merely a sidekick- because you deserved to be the focus of every story told in his eyes. And if you weren't included in the tale, he knew he didn't want to ever know about it.

He swallows, before he manages to make his hand move, finger pointing at your arm where a green-ish bruise already formed. "Does it hurt?" He asks, and he's not even sure if he's asking you about the bruise, of if he's asking something else. He doesn't know what he's saying, doesn't even know if he's asking you or himself.

"No." You answer, and he looks at you, searching for any hint of a lie in your eyes. But he only sees that slight smile, lips turned a little, almost unnoticeable. But its there, he can see it, and he wants to print it into his mind to never forget it. You were so observant, knew him so well, that he was almost certain you knew of his inner fight and what he really meant with his blurted out question. "Are you okay?" You ask him, and he swallows again, eyes stinging with unshed tears as his body grows rigid like an unoiled machine, only moving with as much force as he can manage to come up with. His breathing is heavy as his eyes can't leave the spot on your arm, and your watch him with wide eyes as his shaking hand slowly reaches out.

He doesn't know what he expects to really happen.

Maybe like those electric shocks you get when someone had rubbed their socks on a carpet before touching someone else. Maybe he had expected to recoil instantly. Maybe he had expected nothing- but he was suddenly in a rush the moment his fingertip touched your warm skin, delicate, soft, everything his rough hands weren't.

And you were still as prey in front of a wolf.

But the wolf in this scenario was holding his breath while his tears finally fell. He wants to speak, but he can't, he doesn't know how to ask for something when he doesn't even know if he wants it.

But suddenly he moves again, his palm now resting fully against your upper arm, shaking, as it moves over the length of it, softly, as he imprints the way your soft skin feels. "Jungkook.." You whisper out, and he suddenly snaps, leans forward, his legs on either side of your body as he snakes his arms around you from behind, pulling you close to his chest. You can feel him shake as he holds you, his cheek resting against your back and you don't care about his tears staining your shirt as he suddenly cries openly and possibly for the first time since he was a mere child.

He's unsure, overwhelmed, because you're so warm, you smell so nice, you're so soft, and he can't let go, doesn't want to let go. He whines out as you turn a bit as he thinks you're moving away but you're simply placing your legs over his as you sit in his lap, hugging him back as you make sure to give him a gentle squeeze.

He calms down after a long while of simply existing. Of breathing you in, of feeling you. "You're right." He whispers into your neck, and you can't help but shiver, leaning into his hug.

"It doesn't hurt at all."

"You know, I get why you come up here." You comment, as Jungkook makes sure to hold your hand tightly in his, your feet dangling off the edge of the building you're sitting on top of. "It's nice." You say.

He's not listening that well though.

All he can really do is watch your face, illuminated by the neon lights of the city, hair swaying in the wind as you look down below. He doesn't quite know what you two really are, doesn't know how long it will take him to really come out of his shell and give you the love you deserve, but he's trying. He's fighting, he's left his cowardly self behind.

He want's to change.

And not just for you alone, because while he hates seeing you hurt, he knows what you two are doing- what all of you are doing- is for the greater good.

Jungkook hates your ideas sometimes.

Simply because he knows they will work, but also end up with you getting into danger at the end of it. And just like now, all he can do really is hope that you make it out as he keeps a watchful eye on your movements from above, giving you directions via Kana as you sometimes trip and stumble a little.

You're not a very active person; running wasn't really your thing.

Fuck, you were basically a hermit, the most you walked around was from your bedroom into the kitchen!

But then again, sacrifices had to be made somewhere. And Jungkook really admired you; because every time he thought that you had reached your limit, you would face it head first and break through it.

"Ace, try and somehow get to higher ground. They're caging you in from all sides." He urgently tells you as he watches police chase you down the roads, pushing citizens aside to not loose sight of you.

The plan had been simple. Gain all the attention so Taehyung could infect one of the police station's servers with a new worm, giving you all a better and easier access to any data and communication of the area. Jungkook couldn't play the bate well enough; and you had been on their radar already, making you the best option to gain their interest quickly enough.

Although Jungkook hated that part.

"Come on, ah fuck it." He grits out, jumping down to grab a ladder, making his way to a nearby area he could pull you up. There was no way you could reach any of the fire ladders yourself, and by now, things were getting too hot for him to risk anything. "Here!" He barks out, not thinking twice about grabbing your hand and helping you upwards, trying not to worry too much about your heavy breathing. And then there's it.

A pop, loud, followed by another, and another, and another. You're suddenly falling, scraping your knees on the ground below as he can't catch you, too startled by the fact that they had actually decided to shoot to react quick enough. "Fuck!" He says, eyes wide and pupils blown as he looks at you.

"Jungkook, why the fuck aren't you running?!" You yell at him, a scratch on the top of your left cheek as you push his leg away from you- the only thing you can reach. "Go!" You bark again, and he growls out something, before he manages to pull you onto his back, adrenaline not letting his brain process what he's doing.

He can't just leave you.

"Taehyung, get out, Ace has been shot. Whatever was uploaded has to be enough." He says via the in-ear piece, doesn't wait for a response. He still gets it.

"Fuck, what?! Okay okay, I'm out" He says, and Jungkook can only catch a glimpse of the older man leaving the building via the backside entrance. He's only concerned with getting you somewhere safe.

"Urgh." You groan, slowly sitting up on Jungkooks couch. "I mean, I know paintball hurts, but rubber bullets? Jesus.." You complain, while Jungkook looks at you with a dark expression. "What?" You ask him, and he huffs.

"You sound like you haven't almost been killed yesterday." He grimly says, and you shrug. "Stop. I'm serious." He tells you, and you let yourself fall back down onto his couch.

"Whatever. At least we killed their communication." You say, closing your eyes. "Must've at least pissed them off." You say.

"Kana." Jungkook suddenly says, waiting for the familiar sound to tell him she's active. "Shut down for now." He says, and you sit up, hissing instantly at the sudden movement.

"Hey- ah fuck!" You say, as you watch on your bracelet how Kana complies; shutting down. "Why would you do that?" You say in an offended matter, before you grow quiet, watching him go onto his knees in front of you, as he lets his head rest on top of your lap.

"I just want.. you to myself. Just.." He mumbles, and you slowly bring your hand to his hair. "Just for a moment." He says, and you sigh. Jungkook had been under a lot of stress recently, you no doubt being the main cause of most of it recently. So you simply let him be, as he closed his eyes. "Y/N?" He asks suddenly, and you answer him. "I love you." He says, and your body stops moving.

What?

"It's okay if you don't." He says, not moving from his spot, and neither opening his eyes. "I mean it. I only want you to know." He explains further. "Because I.. couldn't fucking live with myself if something happened to you, and I've never told you." He admits, and you can't help but stare at him. Jungkook looked down on himself so much that it was sometimes frustrating to see; simply because you saw him as such an amazing human being with countless talents and beautiful flaws.

You knew you couldn't muster up the strength to actually answer him; not so spontaneously. You weren't that expressive, you couldn't communicate as freely and colorful as he could. All your words seemed black and white to you, mixing into grey and mundane sentences while his words seemed to bloom into the most amazing paintings. He had a way of charming those around him- and he didn't even know.

You slowly leaned down instead, moving his hair to the side as you placed a feather-light kiss to the top of his cheek, close to his eye.

You hoped he would somehow understand you.

And as he moved again, looking at you with eyes that sparkled brighter than any city's skyline ever could, you knew he did.

He'd always understand you, no matter how you communicated with him.

You didn't need words to understand each other.

The shy kiss you two shared, bathed in the purple glow of the neon lights outside his window, spoke enough.

"You should try and sleep." Jungkook tells you, taking away your can of soda as you whine at him. "No buts. Come on, I'll finish this for you." He says, and you let him take over the keyboard of your laptop. It's something you really only let him get away with- anyone else would've probably lost a finger or two trying to touch your work.

You don't trust anyone but him at this point.

"I know that Kana snitched." You comment, as you lean your back against his shoulder. He chuckles. "Can't believe my own creation goes behind my back like that." You mumble, and Jungkook has a light tune to his voice as he speaks.

"Well, it's a good thing though." He tells you. "I worry about you." He says.

"Ugh come on, you know that's not the part I meant." You laugh, and he grins.

"Oh, you mean the part where you listen to my crappy ass singing to help you sleep?" He tells you with a teasing undertone. "No wonder you got insomnia trying to find rest to that." He chuckles, and you playfully hit his thigh.

"Shut up, your voice is nice." You say, and he's glad your eyes are closed, and you can't see him blush.

Somehow, moments like these re-energized him again. Because it proved to him that there was still a piece of that innocent and untainted you inside that thick shell you had put up to protect yourself. And considering that you let him see you like that made his pride grow taller than any of the skyscrapers of his city.

Maybe one day the two of you will have a future together that won't be so difficult and unfair like your current one was. Maybe one day, you both will have changed enough to teach the next generation about what you've overcome.

But then again; living in the moment seemed to fit a lot better in his eyes, as he watched you sleep soundly against his shoulder.

Yeah, this moment was more than enough for now.

The world won't change over night- you both know that. All of you know that. But small things were starting to make a difference here and there; for example, the letter you held towards Jungkook as his eyes widened.

"..and we have officially decided that we no longer want to participate in the case against the defendant. The result of this agreement is that all charges against Y/N L/N have been dismissed and are no longer being investigated." He reads out loud, almost whispering as if saying it too loud could make it a lie. "They let you go?" He asks, and you nod, the small bandaid on your cheek making you look even cuter in his eyes as you shrug.

"Jimin had reached out too. They've let him go home as well." You say. and Jungkook huffs out in disbelief.

After infecting the police station with the worm you had all worked on, you had scared the entire country enough to take a step back from the overall aggressive tone. It wasn't much- but it meant that they knew you were there. You existed, and you were not bowing down.

You were still untamed.

Jungkook smiled brightly as he put the letter down to the side, reaching out to you to pull you onto his lap. He simply holds you for a moment, his lips kissing the skin of your shoulder as if in a trance. "I love you." He tells you, and you smile, squeezing him a bit in your arms. "I really do." He assures you, and you nod.

You don't answer him, and he doesn't seem to mind as he leans back from you, his eyes crinkling at the edges as he grins, hands holding your face so delicately as he places a kiss onto your lips, making you close your eyes as he breaks away from you, letting you rest your head against his shoulder.

He's still not letting anyone very physically close other than you; he's still scared of going out and around like everyone else. You're still rather hiding inside his apartment- both of your apartment now- and you still have trouble sleeping.

But Jungkook keeps the nightmares away.

And you make him brave in exchange.

It's really weird to hear the sound of a radio nowadays.

Things are still far from normal- but recently, citizens had been given radios to listen to public broadcast again. It only played crappy music with some rare good tracks here and there, but it was better than nothing.

Jungkook couldn't help but think that your breathless voice was far more entertaining than any music station he can remember from his youth.

While he hates touching other people, even friends and family, he can't help but feel a rush whenever he touches you.

His hands can't stop on one specific spot, can't seem to stay still even for a moment as his lips nip and suck at the flesh of your neck and shoulder, marking what's his, visualizing that you really belong to him. He bears the same mark on his collarbone from last night, and he should have been satisfied, but even an early morning couldn't keep him away from you.

The rain hit the window harshly, but he didn't notice at all. All his eyes could see was your form underneath him, skin glowing as he moves above you, euphoria filling his veins as he can't look away from where you're connected, where his cock disappears inside of you over and over and over again.

"I love you." He breathes out as he comes undone, holding you close, resting his head against your shoulder, as you hold onto his arms, a smile, a genuine and big smile thrown his way as he can't help but smile along.

"I love you too, Jungkook." You say, and he chuckles.

The radio in the background still playing, as you lay in each others' arms.

(c)Bonny-Kookoo. Please stop reposting my content on AO3 thinking I won't find it. I'm literally everywhere you clowns.

To everyone else: Thank you for reading this mess- I really apologize for the messy storyline, but I just wanted to put this out before the entire thing escaped me again and I would end up struggling to find my way back into it (cough cough flashback to mean lmao). I promise to somewhat post more regularly. Thank you for your kind words and for sticking with me!

#bts imagine #bts #bts fanfic #jungkook imagine #bts fic #bts smut #bts jungkook #jeon jungkook #jungkook #bts reactions

[a-world-in-grey]

Sola/Blood of My Blood - Coming of Age III

@secret-engima and here’s part three as a belated christmas/new year’s present!

.

They arrive at the banquet hall shortly after Noctis and his Retinue. They’ve got their own glaive tailing them - Pelna, if Sola remembers the short list of glaives her brother won’t accidentally toss out a window for getting too close.

A list Luche, Axis, and Tredd are not on. Noctis is trying, they’re her Retinue, her chosen brothers, but he doesn’t trust easily anymore and if anyone understands the irrational effects of trauma, it’s the Galahdians. So they keep a polite distance, Nyx dropping back to take Tredd’s vacant spot at her left as they come to a stop between Prompto and Ignis.

The suits are Ignis’ influence. All black - suit, shirt, vest, tie, and pocket square - with silver detailing on the cuff links, tie, and pocket square. The vest has more silver in an absolutely stunning embroidery, but it’s not visible and Sola only knows about it because she took Noctis’ initial measurements and did the final fitting because letting a stranger get close to Noctis with anything remotely sharp is just asking for a catastrophe.

Sola wishes Ignis was able to do the same for Papa. Luche might complain about her fashion choices but at least she’s never worn pinstripes!

The colorful Galahdian outfits hardly merit more than a glance from Noctis and his Retinue. Sola warned Noctis how they’d be dressed weeks ago, and this isn’t the first time Ignis and Gladio have seen Galahdian formal wear, since Sola’s always made a point to wear such ever since her adoption into the Clans even when attending formal functions as Sword to her missing King. Prompto doesn’t have the experience with Lucian formal events to know what is and isn’t unusual.

One look at her little brother’s expression tells her all she needs to know how much Noctis is not looking forward to this. And already hyper-aware, he's going to give himself a stress migraine before dinner is done at this rate- "Can I do your hair?" Sola blurts.

Noctis blinks, brow furrowing in confusion, but his focus is on Sola and not the banquet hall beyond the double doors. He raises a hand to the feather-fine strands, but doesn't quite touch the low ponytail. "Is there something wrong with it?"

"If I don't get to wear a ponytail," Sola says, sticking her nose in the air with an exaggerated huff, "neither do you."

Libertus grins wryly when Noctis' Retinue glance at him. "She already got ta me."

Noctis' lips twitch in a brief smile. "I can see that." He turns, conjuring a makeshift seat out a horizontal Shield, and sits to make Sola's work easier. Her little brother has gotten very good at using Shields in unconventional and more utilitarian ways like Sola does. Sola forces herself not to think about the reason for the drastic improvement in what was Noctis' least favorite spell.

"Do you want any pins?" Sola asks, taking the comb Ignis produces for her. She's not surprised when Noctis hums a negative. Sola works quickly, braiding his hair into a simple plait and ties it off with a black hair tie. While her hands work, her brain tries to come with something for Noctis to distract himself with throughout the night. "Done."

Noctis' hand brushes her work, and he blinks in surprise at how close the braid lies to his scalp. Even his fine hair will be hard pressed to escape, and anyone trying to grab hold will find their efforts stymied.

Utilitarian, rather than ornamental.

"Thanks."

"Anytime." Sola smirks. “I've got a game for you."

Ignis eyes her. “I feel we should be concerned.”

“Nah,” Prompto disagrees. “She’s not showing teeth yet.”

There’s a moment of silence, before Gladio turns to Prompto. “Meaning?”

Prompto blinks large blue eyes up at the Shield. “She doesn’t bare her teeth unless she’s threatening someone.” Under the weight of everyone’s stares, while Gladio and Ignis look like they’re reevaluating every time they’ve seen Sola smile, Prompto fidgets. “Am I the only one who noticed?”

Nyx snickers, grinning fondly at the kid. “You’ve known Pipsqueak-” Nyx casually leans out of range of the hand aimed at his gut, “-for what, a couple months and already figured that out? I’m impressed. His Highness sure knows how to choose them.”

“You say that ‘cause you needed six months and a broken nose.” Libertus deadpans.

"How was I supposed to know those were threats?"

A trio of snorts sound from behind them. Nyx shoots Luche, Tredd, and Axis a look of outrage.

"What's the game?" Noctis asks.

"Finding the most hideous outfit by the end of the night." Sola says brightly. With the recent trends in Lucian high fashion, they won't be short on options. As though both of them can hear her thoughts, Ignis and Luche twitch.

Noctis smirks. "I'm game."

"Ooh! Can we play too?" Prompto asks.

"Only if you want Ignis or Luche to win."

Prompto studies the two Hands with a thoughtful look, then grins. "I'll take that challenge!”

Perfect. “We’ll compare in the morning.” Sola says. She waves a hand towards the double doors. “After you, Little Brother.”

“See you at the bottom.” Noctis takes a fortifying breath and straightens, then nods for the servants to open the doors and sweeps into the banquet hall, pausing to allow the usher to announce him and his Retinue. At Prompto’s introduction the slight lull in ambient chatter vanishes, but Prompto's chin is high and his shoulders straight as he follows Noctis down the stairs and out of Sola's line of sight.

Axis, Tredd, and Luche retake their positions in the formation. Nyx brushes his magic against her in a silent query. "No yet." Sola murmurs, barely loud enough to reach her Sword's hearing. "Wait for Noctis to reach Papa." They're putting on a show - it would be rude to start before Noctis and Papa finish their formalities and can fully appreciate it.

Now, if only Sola could still stretch her own senses that far, that would be fantastic.

The usher glances over to them, wondering over their delay, and Sola can see the exact moment the man registers their clothes and quietly despairs. Sola's lips twitch up into a smile. The poor man knows Sola well.

"Now." Axis says, and the formation around Sola and Libertus changes.

Luche and Tredd fall back to flank Axis. Nyx also falls back, sliding to Libertus' right and allowing him to pass before taking position behind as Axis drifts left to take up position behind Sola. The entire maneuver finishes before Sola and Libertus cross the threshold of the banquet hall, as smooth and disciplined as only the Kingsglaive at their best can be.

After Noctis and his Retinue, they're a riot of color. Blue, green, purple, yellow, grey, and orange, stark against the black and gold.

"Presenting Her Royal Highness Sola Ostium of House Caelum, Princess of Lucis, Chief of Clan Ostium, Sword of Crown Prince Noctis Lucis Caelum, His Royal Majesty's Kingsglaive."

The crowd, still murmuring excitedly from Noctis' introduction, quiets when the usher announces her surname. In the lull, the man's next announcement is perfectly clear- "Escorted by her husband, His Highness Libertus Ostium of Clan Ostium, Prince-Consort of Lucis, His Royal Majesty's Kingsglaive."

And there goes the chatter. And the cameras, ow the flash.

Sola keeps her spine straight and her head high with every bit of royal arrogance she can muster. Libertus is a solid presence at her side as they descend the stairs slowly enough for her Retinue to keep pace as they are announced to the court.

Lord Axis Arra of Clan Arra, son of House Amicitia, Shield of Princess Sola Ostium, His Royal Majesty's Kingsglaive.

Nyx Ulric, Chief of Clan Ulric, Sword of Princess Sola Ostium, His Majesty's Kingsglaive.

Tredd Furia of Clan Furia, Heart of Princess Sola Ostium, His Majesty's Kingsglaive.

Luche Lazarus of Clan Lazarus, Hand of Princess Sola Ostium, His Majesty's Kingsglaive.

At the bottom of the stairs, Papa gives her a smile and a brush of fond-exasperation-grudging amusement in his magic. Sola smiles back, more than pleased with the whispers racing across the room and utterly shameless about it. "Your Majesty." She greets formally. "Crown Prince Noctis."

"Your Majesty. Your Highness." Libertus echoes genially.

"Princess Sola. Prince Libertus." Papa replies, lips only barely twitching from his polite smile. Uncle Cor holds no such reservations and is smirking at her next to a masterfully stoic Uncle Clarus.

Noctis echoes the formalities, relief edging out the wariness in his eyes. Prompto beams at her. Gladio's smirk is a match for Uncle Cor's, but it's the ever so slight curl to Ignis' lips and the gleam in his eyes as he dips his head to Sola that gives Sola's own smile a vicious edge of satisfaction.

Of everyone in Noctis' Retinue, he's the only one who'll immediately pick up all the nuances of Sola and Libertus' introductions without having to be told beforehand. She can already see his brain kicking into high gear, cataloguing the reactions around them to analyze and use later.

True to expectations, half the nobles that swarm them beeline specifically for Sola and Libertus. Those who don't are too distracted to ask about Noctis' disappearance or his health.

Gossipy hens.

This is only the beginning, Sola knows as the dinner bell rings and everyone is herded away to their seats. The first rush is always the greedy and the nosy, those insecure in their status and looking for any favor they can find. Annoying, but easily distracted by the newest and shiniest thing dangled in front of their noses.

The others will prove more challenging. They have the patience to wait and watch while others surge forward.

Noctis takes his place at Papa's right, then Ignis, Gladio, and Prompto. As Sword and a royal of higher 'rank' than Libertus, Sola should sit next to Prompto. As a pregnant Lucis Caelum in a technically vulnerable state, protocol allows for Sola to be bracketed on either side by her own spouse and Retinue. It hasn't been used since Merula the Honest - the Wise's grandmother. So it's no surprise that Libertus taking the seat next to Prompto draws a fair few frowns. No one actually dares comment after Papa barely glances at Libertus' supposed social gaffe. Papa knows Sola will cheerfully toss protocol out the window the first chance she gets. Of all the rules she could be breaking, giving Libertus 'her' seat isn't something to kick up a fuss over.

Sola's Retinue taking the seats to her right extends the buffer between Noctis and the nobles. Conversation isn't impossible, but it won't be easy and Sola can easily interject when needed. Given how Carmen's little brother Aedes is already staring at Noctis, Sola gets the feeling she'll be doing a lot of that.

Leaning forward under the pretense of adjusting her skirts, Sola catches Aedes' gaze and gives him a pointed look. The younger man blinks, flushes, then quickly faces forward again to busy himself with the first course being brought out.

Sola turns to her own food and settles in for a long couple of hours.

Oh well. No rest for wicked

#ffxv #Shadow of Heaven's Light #Blood of My Blood verse #fusion #Sola Lucis Caelum #Noctis Lucis Caelum #Libertus Ostium #Nyx Ulric #Tredd Furia #Luche Lazarus #Axis Arra #Gladiolus Amicitia #Ignis Scientia #Prompto Argentum #Regis Lucis Caelum #Cor Leonis #Clarus Amicitia #Pelna Khara #some notes on royal titles #'royal' is added to the address to indicate those born to the royal family versus those who married in #so Sola and Noctis are Her/His Royal Highness while Libertus is simply His Highness #Regis is His Royal Majesty while Aulea was Her Majesty #in full formal introductions like above titles like Prince-Consort and Queen-Consort are also used #and the 'royal' part is dropped when addressing the royal directly #but in quick introductions someone can introduce Sola and Libertus as Her Royal Highness and His Highness #and still indicate that Libertus married into the family #the practice started when female LCs could finally take the throne #and indicate that Queen was higher ranked than King without having to tack on '-Consort' every time

[talldarkandroguesome]

11th of Sun’s Dawn, Fredas

I took the girls today to the marketplace. I asked at every alchemist, apothecary, and trinket peddler for anything resembling a Shard of Aetherius, but to no avail.

I could feel my hope diminishing with every failure to obtain one.

I thought to bother someone at the Mages Guild about it, but I did not wish to seem overly interested in such things, just in case I was being watched.

Kuna asked me why I was so interested in finding one of these Shawds of Athernus. My heart, it was so adorable. I explained to her that they were the crystals that I had before that when I touched caused me to glow.

She recalled it, but did not seem overly interested in the memory. Apparently once the novelty wore off, it was not to be regained. I suppose she has seen a great deal more interesting and unusual things since then.

Even with the girl’s idle chatter, it was hard for me to concentrate on anything other than what it was the Nettle might attempt in order to procure the result the House desired.

My hand held tightly to Kuna’s. There is every possibility that they may try and take her. They see her as their heir, not mine. They act as though I am trying to keep their child from them! She is Nabine and my daughter.

True, she is a member of the House and has some obligations, but she is still a child. A very young child. She cannot take on any proper duties because she has not come of age.

Sure, she has certain obligations, but they are minor. And I have no doubt that if Nabine were even so much as a Dunmer or a noble, that none of what was happening would be considered more than a slight inconvenience. We would have none of this over dramatic demands with veiled threats.

I have no doubt that the House would be willing order Nettle to take her without remorse.

My birthgift is still strong. I think I need to ensure that Nettle will not be compelled to work against us. At this point, his will is that of the House. I must prevent any drastic measures. I think I need to force him to hand over the letters he has had with the House and to have him confess all his plans. It may be the only way.

There is so much I wish to tell Nabine. To warn her. To talk to her about Summerset. About what really happened.

But with Nettle around, I cannot risk it.

At least the girls are remaining positive. Nabine has told them that their grandmother has a long recovery and that she is half in a dream. So they have taken to interpreting her words as part of a dream and constantly speculate over what kinds of dreams she may be having.

It is rather beautiful some of the things they come up with for their grandmother. A child’s imagination can be so pure and hopeful.

Not that the bizarre and dark are not there also, but generally, they think of wonderful scenarios of the adventures their grandmother might be having.

I often sit by the sick woman’s bedside myself, singing softly and strumming the mandolin. I play soothing songs. I play songs of joys. I play hunting songs. I sing the Velothi prayers for healing.

There is so little I can do. But this, at least, I can contribute.

I have so much time with nothing to do, I wonder about visiting the nearest Nest, if only to see how things are done there. Then I think about my Weaver and Zithith’s words of recruitment. I have no idea if the Cathedral of Webs is truly prepared or not for visitors, let alone new members.

I should return to the Cathedral of Webs and see how the repairs are coming along. See how everything is progressing. I am sure there is much that yet needs to be done.

Perhaps I can get Nabine’s permission to just pop in over there. With my teleportation spell and my mark set here in Grahtwood, I forsee no problems with taking myself there, speaking with Zithith, then returning shortly after. I might be gone an hour, two at most. It would hardly even seem as though I were gone at all.

When next I see Nabine, we will discuss it.

#ESO #TES #RP #Dunmer #Elder Scrolls Online #The Elder Scrolls

[kyouxa]

Diabolik lovers Chaos Lineage: Shu Sakamaki (Story 13)

In terms of the gameplay: The black choices lead up to a bad ending, the white choices lead up to a good ending. Please no reposting onto other sites, ask me before translating this into another language too!

Monologue

A true state of emergency has come over us. Both families, Violet and Orange, aimed for us at the same time.

However, the battle between us has temporarily stopped because of Violet and Orange’s members suddenly being put to sleep by Shu-san’s unexpected entry.

Although Ayato-kun and everyone else still don’t have their memories back, once they wake up they might try to attack us again.

Luckily Shu-san tied them all up, and then continued to roll them down to leave them in the living room for the time being.

Place: Scarlet mansion — Living room

Ayato: …..

Yui: (Ayato-kun, even in his current state he’s able to sleep soundly…)

Reiji: Even if they would be to wake up, they would not be able to cause trouble.

Yui: T-That‘s right.

(Even though they came here for a household search, it was quite easy to tie them up and make them unable to do anything once waking up again…)

By the way, what about Yuma-kun?

Shu: I carried him to my room. He’s probably still comfortably sleeping in my bed as we speak.

The others might just end up being confused with him being here anyway. With this, there’s no need to wake him up yet.

Yui: ...But to be honest, I’m confused myself. Reiji-san seemed as if he knew Shu-san would come back at some sort of point.

To me, it came out like the both of you were having some sort of advanced meeting to set a timing for him to come back...

Shu: It was hard to stay silent about that. But as you already said, everything that happened has been arranged beforehand.

Yui: It was arranged?

Shu: Do you remember it? It was when Ruki attacked us and tried capturing you, the day I remembered everything.

That was also when I decided to get help by taking the opportunity to talk to Reiji.

Yui: Just the two of you? ...Ah.

So that’s why Reiji-san preached me not to stay in your room,  you didn’t want me to be able to listen to your plan—

That’s the only time I was taken out of your room, right?

Shu: Yes. On that day we—

*flashback starts*

Reiji: Well then? What is it that you wanted to talk alone about? Has your mind finally decided to be at least a little obedient now?

Shu: I want to ask you something before answering that. Do you somehow remember the name “Sakamaki”?

Reiji: Pardon? I have never heard of this before.

Shu: So it’s as I thought...

Monologue

I wanted to get back Reiji’s memories, which is why I tried revealing the truth to him.

The Sakamaki mansion. Ayato, Kanato, Laito and Subaru being our younger brothers and all about that.

However, Reiji didn’t even bother trying to listen properly to me once I started talking about it.

Place: Scarlet mansion — Shu‘s bedroom

Reiji: I was already wondering what you wanted to talk about, but for you to tell me such a joke instead...

Shu: This is not a lie or whatever. It’s the truth that you’re my younger brother. You’re the second eldest son of the Sakamaki family.

Reiji: It is impossible for me to believe you talking about such a foolish thing. Good grief, how ridiculous.

Shu: (I already expected it to be complicated… but it seems as if she really had a hard time trying to get me to remember, as well as I do right now)

(I thought there may be a way to regain someone‘s memories without them experiencing an intense shock…)

(I really didn‘t want to use the truth against him… but I have no other choice)

Say, Reiji… do you remember someone named Edgar?

Reiji: ...Edgar… ?

Shu: This used to be a human’s name. I knew him from olden days, and you’ve met him as well.

*weird sound*

Reiji: Kch… Nn… why… my vision, ngh…

Shu: That guy was very close and dear to me. But one day, the village he lived in was burned down.

And he himself jumped into the flames—

Say, Reiji. You can‘t have forgotten about that, isn’t that right?

The one who burned down Edgars village… that was you.

Reiji: ….. !

Shu: You’ve been jealous of me, the eldest son of the Sakamaki family… and because of that jealousy, you’ve burned down Edgar’s innocent village.

Reiji: That is wrong! I am… the eldest son of this mansion… Nn.

Shu: Remember them… the sins you’ve committed.

You’ve gone made because of pure jealousy, and that’s why you burned him down, Reiji…!

Reiji: Kch… Ngh… Ahhh.

*weird sound*

Reiji: Haa… Haa...

Shu: And? Did you remember everything now?

Reiji: Yes… I have remembered… good grief… what a drastic measure of treatment...

Shu: ...I honestly couldn’t think of another way to phrase it.

I had no other choice, but in order to have you regain your memories, I needed to talk about this.

Reiji: It is fine with me… owing to your actions, all of my memories have successfully turned back.

Shu: I have no intention of continuing this absurd fighting we’re supposed to participate in anymore. But I’ll need you to help me with that, Reiji.

I need you to cooperate with me, in order to return everyone back to normal—

*flashback ends*

Yui: That means, Reiji-san’s memories returned back to him ever since that day happened!?

Reiji: Exactly. I must excuse myself from saying nothing about it until now.

Besides, I must have been a bother ever since I lost sight of myself in this space. To you… and to Shu.

Yui: Not at all… I’m just really happy Reiji-san finally returned back to normal. I’m really, really happy about this… !

Reiji: It appears as if you are not holding onto the difficulties, I must have cause with acting delighted. Despite that, I will inquire to make up for my actions.

Yui: You don’t need to repay us with anything. All of this happened to us because of someone confusing our memories, so you haven’t done anything wrong.

Reiji: ...I see. Well then, I truly am charmed by your kind words and will certainly do as you wish. I will do so for the sake of keeping focus on finding a resolution to this situation.

Yui: Ah… and here I believed the both of you really had a huge fight going on.

Shu: That was part of Reiji’s strategy. We did so to ascertain deeper into our investment.

The part of me leaving and the fight the both of us had, it was all included in our play.

Yui: I think I understand now...

I’ve never felt so relieved till now… I truly believed the relationship between you would always have its discrepancy.

Shu: It’s not as if we’re going to treat each other nicely because of that now.

Reiji: I at least can only agree on that relating point.

Yui: A-Ah...

(Nevertheless, they still decided to cooperate with each other to come to a conclusion)

(Thinking about that, it looks as if the entire Sakamaki family is completely gathered in this mansion now. Is that also because of Shu-san?)

Ayato: Nn… Hmm...

Yui: By the way, what kind of a bomb did you throw at Ayato-kun back then in the hallway?

You said something like if you start inhaling the pollen, you’ll be put into a sudden sleep...

Shu: I was told this is a simplicity bomb that contains a hypnotism effect. Reiji has made this one with materials from the provision.

Yui: (A-As it expected from Reiji-san…)

Shu: I received it from him right after pretending to leave the mansion. Just shortly afterwards I’ve been hiding myself nearby the mansion.

Yui: Thereupon you must’ve known Ayato-kun and the others were about to show up to attack the mansion...

Choices

1) I wanted you to tell me about it (black)

2) That was an amazing strategy (white) ♡ ♡ ♡

— I wanted you to tell me about it

Yui: I wanted you to tell me about your plan though. Did you know how awfully worried I was about you?

Shu: Sorry about that. But you wouldn‘t have stayed silent if I told you about it, would you? Just looking at your expressions would reveal it all.

Yui: Uhh… it might’ve been the right choice not to inform me about anything of the plan after all…

Shu: Thought so. Your selfish facial expressions are always the most unusual ones.

Yui: Please stop looking at me like that.

(If he continues to intriguingly stare at my face as he has done until now, I’ll seriously start to feel awkward…)

— That was an amazing strategy ♡

Yui: That was an amazing strategy. You must’ve put a lot of time and consultation in thinking about it.

Shu: This has been Reiji’s strategy too. His abilities have been the reason why I wanted to be able to pull him into my plan.

Yui: Seems as if you put a lot of trust into Reiji-san.

Shu: Don’t start joking around. There was no other way but to put at least some faith into him.

Yui: (I-I guess I’ll have to wait until he completely admits it)

(But I shouldn’t tell him yet. I still want him to continue believing in Reiji-san, at least a little)

*Shu comes closer*

Shu: After all, you’re the number one person I’d always put my trust into first… Nn…

*Shu kisses Yui*

Yui: Nn… !?

W-Why did you just kiss me!?

Shu: All you talked about was Reiji and more Reiji, so I shut you up.

Yui: Please don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by jealousy again… !

end Choices

Ayato: Nn...

Yui: Ah!

Reiji: It seems like you have finally woken up.

Ayato: Ah!? What’s this!?

Kanato: Why have my hands been tied together? I can’t move like this.

Subaru: Shit… untie me right now!

*Subaru struggles*

Yui: Everyone calm down, please! The circumstances we’re in right now...

Laito: Looks as if we’re done for now. Maybe this was a plan to catch all of us from the very beginning?

Ayato: Are you serious? Does that mean the letter we all got was strange after all?

Laito: Well, it might’ve been so.

Ayato: Fuck, then it must’ve been those assholes who sent the letter! What a cowardice move!

Reiji: No, we have not taking part in writing this letter.

Yui: Eh? But I genuinely thought you send it for the sake of getting Ayato-kun and everyone together too...

Shu: That’s not it. Having Ayato and everyone else come here to start a raid was as unexpected for us as it was for you.

I instead started to pretend leaving, in order to set a trap to discover what kind of a person the one planing this secession is.

Yui: W-What do you mean by that?

Shu: Didn’t I talk to you about it? The mastermind behind this entire messing up our memories situation must be lurking around somewhere in this place.

I already expected them to start moving once I disappeared. But I’ve now caught this certain someone out — it‘s that guy.

Yui: Eh… ?

*footsteps approach*

Kino: Ah, I thought you‘d show me an even more showy sort of fight. Is this already the end of this?

Yui: Kino-kun!? So you’ve been doing fine until now too—

Reiji: Do not approach this man.

Yui: Huh?

Shu: When you noticed how everything you came up with went conversely, you must’ve finally decided to come out.

You are the one who instigated these guys to come here, right? Kino.

Kino: Fufu, I can’t help hiding it anymore then. Well, I was slowly losing interest within this, so I kinda just wanted to get rid of unnecessary ballast.

But there was no way I would’ve thought this argument you had was all a simple fake. That’s an unexpected result for me too.

The fact that you’ve ruined my entire work… that’s what annoys me the most though. What’s your reason for that?

Yui: Kino-kun… what do you mean?

Kino: You’re seriously a child with bad judgment, huh. The one who sent the letter to Ayato and the others, that was me.

When Reiji and Shu had their little fight, I thought this would’ve been the ideal time to have them attack and let me get Eve.

Ayato: Damn, this bastard tricked us!

Kino: Fufu, I even was ridiculously successful with that plan too.

Every last one of you must seriously have a low intelligence to fall for that crap.

Subaru: Shut up! I’ll beat that disgusting smile outta your face when I’m free!

Yui: Why did you do all of this… ?

Kino: I obviously did this to have the Sakamaki family crush each other once they’d meet each other.

Yui: Crush the Sakamaki family… ? No way, Kino-kun, you...

Are you the mastermind then? Did you gather all of us in a place like this, removed our memories and then set each other up to kill?

Kino: If so, what would you do?

Yui: ...Nn!

Shu: Just what kind of a person are you?

Kino: Ah, come to think of it, I’ve never properly introduced myself to any of you.

As formerly said, I’m Kino. Karlheinz’ illegitimate child.

Yui: Karlheinz-sama’s...

Shu: ...Illegitimate child?

Ayato: Karl… heinz… ?

Ngh… what’s this…

Yui: (Ayato-kun?)

Reiji: No way, our father would never have an illegitimate child...

Shu: It’s not impossible if you remember that the person we’re talking about here is our father.

In other words, you’re saying you and we are siblings, right?

Kino: That’s right. I’ve already observed a bunch of information of you guys, before everyone started losing their memories.

Yes, I’m even willing to share interesting informations with you. Remember how we talked about Carla supposingly visiting Ruki’s mansion?

That was because he secretly wanted to see his true younger brother again. He doesn’t even seem to remember yet, but he still considered it important.

Now comparing those two to you guys. It’s already shameful how you snarled at each other. Pretty funny how my own brothers acted like this.

Reiji: Kch...

Yui: Why… Why are you laughing about this? Aren’t they your brothers, Kino-kun?

And despite being brothers, you still let them fight against each other… why would you enjoy such a thing!?

Kino: I’ve always enjoyed it so far. These guys existences are only a huge hindrance for me and my plan anyway.

Yui: ….. !

Kino: The one inheriting our fathers power at the end of this will be his zeroth son, me.

Therefore, would those hindrancing siblings of mine continue to comfortably kill each now?

Yui: That’s… so cruel…

Kino: The one obtaining the power reignings everything. The one obtaining them will become stronger than anyone else. That‘s the life this world is about.

Shu: You did all this to aim for our old man’s powers? And you even ordered us to fight against each other now, only to be the successor to his power...

Even if you may be able to obtain what you wish for, you’ll never experience satisfaction. Besides, there’s no way you’ll be able to handle them.

Kino: Hah? As if you’re in the position to discern my body’s strength. Who do you even think you’re facing and talking to right now?

Shu: This is simply a fact. You’ve withdrawn yourself from everything until now. And now in order to obtain those powers, you even wrote this letter.

Kino: So you’re still looking down on me? For real… everyone of you has always screwed with me...

*Kino activates powers*

Yui: (Ngh, the atmosphere around Kino-kun changed itself!?)

Kino: I thought it would be nice to see my siblings come together and massacre each other, but my plans changed.

Shall we decide who will become the king now?

Shu: What do you mean?

Kino: Becoming the king, or in other words, becoming Adam. With Eve’s approval, the chosen one obtains great powers.

I for now and forever, want to settle who the appropriate one among us is.

Yui: The supreme ruler… will become Adam? Eve should approve him...

(That means, this battle about becoming the king is nothing other than choosing who’ll become Adam…)

(Then the chosen one becomes Karlheinz-sama’s successor and inherits all his powers… !?)

Shu: I wasn’t interested in my old man’s powers to begin with. To make it clear, I don’t care about them.

But… Yui is different. I won’t lend her to anyone.

Yui: Shu-san...

Shu: We’ll take on that match you challenged us to then. With doing so, we’ll represent the six siblings of us.

Reiji, I’ll leave this matter in your hands.

Reiji: Understood.

Shu: About Ayato and the others, I’ll keep them tied up in order to prevent them from interrupting.

Subaru: Hah? If so, get your ass up and do something!

Kanato: How dare you to continue your incomprehensible talk while totally ignoring me like an idiot… are you making fun of me or what!?

Reiji: Be quiet!

Subaru: ….. !

Yui: (Reiji-san’s loud rebuke seems effective!)

Reiji: ...Please leave them to me. You will have to deal with him.

Shu: Yes, please do.

Yui: Shu-san...

Shu: You have to trust me once more, just like you’ve always done so far.

Yui: (To believe in him… that’s right. I won’t hesitate to keep doing so)

Understood. I’ll continue to believe in you, Shu-san.

Shu: Yes.

Yui: (I’m sure Shu-san will safely guide us through this situation—)

Shu: Let‘s end this quickly then.

Kino: ‘Kay, but this definitely will be my victory. Now, let‘s have a last deciding match—

#KINO MY BELOVED RAT #He has no rights to own me in all routes like that #diabolik lovers chaos lineage #Diabolik Lovers #diabolik lovers translation #Shuu Sakamaki #sakamaki shu #Shu Sakamaki #shu sakamaki translation #diabolik lovers shu #diabolik lovers chaos lineage shu sakamaki translation #diabolik lovers shu sakamaki #shu sakamaki chaos lineage #diabolik lovers chaos lineage shu sakamaki #diabolik lovers chaos lineage shuu sakamaki #diabolik lovers chaos lineage shuu sakamaki translation #chaos lineage #translation #otome game

[depressedkakashihatake-fics]

Some Time Alone

Hatake Kakashi/Maito Gai

1903 words

Kiss: Lower-Lip sucking kiss

For: @grumpygaybaby and @temarihime​ (if you want to read some Kakagai today lol)

An escape, at last. 

Three days ago Kakashi left Konoha with his husband, and to say he was looking forward to a chance to unwind and relax after being handed the Hokage’s hat all those years ago was an understatement. He couldn’t wait to be as far away from all the responsibilities and expectations.

Unfortunately, Naruto had decided to throw a Kunai in his plans by sending one Mirai Saratobi along with them on body guard duty.

A body guard. The sixth Hokage and one of Konoha’s top Jonin, with a bodyguard.

He’d be insulted if he hadn’t spent the last three days pissed because Mirai refused to give him and Gai any space at all, citing her responsibilities as their guard whenever he tried to get her to go somewhere else for even just an hour.

Not that he blamed her. She was just doing her job.

This was Naruto’s fault and Kakashi was certain it was payback for him sending Genma to watch over the brat’s honeymoon with Hinata. Usually he’d let it slide too, but when it came to Naruto ‘trouble magnet’ Uzumaki, he had to be a bit more cautious. Genma had intercepted three different attempts to interrupt Naruto and Hinata’s honeymoon without them noticing and he should be thankful damn it.

But no, instead he was vengeful and now Kakashi was stuck with a 15 year old who was determined to prove herself and refused to leave Kakashi and Gai’s side no matter how many times he begged her for just a little bit of alone time with his husband.

Drastic times called for drastic measures.

“Are you sure about this?” Mirai looked at the bath house skeptically. “Isn’t there something else you would rather do?”

“No, this is exactly what i want,” it was a perk of being in a relationship with someone who was the same gender as him. He could go into a bath house and not have to be separated from Gai. “it’ll be good for us all Mirai. Bedside’s, if anything happens we’ll be right next door. You just can’t see us.”

The words didn’t seem to make Mirai feel any better about the situation. “Fine,” she crossed her arms over her chest and gave him a look that reminded him a little bit too much of her mother. “But if anything happens i’ll be there in an instant.

“I have no doubt about that,” he smiled, “but try to relax. That’s the point of this stop after all.”

Finally, some peace and quiet. Even if they weren’t completely alone, at least they would be able to relax a bit better without Mirai breathing down their necks, and maybe she would finally unwind a little. 

Stepping out into the bath area, Kakashi couldn’t help but feel a tiny bit excited. It was better than he could have hoped for.

Empty.

The entire bath was empty. Not a soul to be seen. 

There was no better outcome he could have asked for. A whole bath for just him and Gai. No one around to judge if he slid in a little too close. No prying eyes if he decided to take off his face towel.

No real need for the face towel at all really.

Seeing Gai coming up to his side, he glanced down towards the man he had decided to marry. The beautiful human he would spend the rest of his life with. If they were really lucky no one would show up at all until they were ready to leave.

He would get Gai all to himself. 

A small smile tugged at his lips. “You mind?” He took a step forward and turned to face his husband, one hand reaching out towards the other man.

Debating the unspoken question for a moment, Gai took one look at the bath waiting for him behind Kakashi and slowly nodded his head. With permission given, Kakashi closed the distance between them and bent forward, tucking one arm behind Gai’s back and the other under his legs. 

With his hands in place Kakashi lifted his husband out of his chair with surprising ease. Perhaps when Gai had joked with him earlier that week about how he carried him around their home too often these days as a substitute for his old morning training regimes, he hadn’t been too far off. 

“A whole bath to ourselves,” Gai chuckled as his arms came down around Kakashi’s neck. ‘What shall we do with all of this space, Rival?”

“Well first we’re going to find you the best spot possible,” Kakashi muttered, turning around in his spot and scanning the area. Picking out a small rock close to the edge of the bath, he started walking. The last thing they needed was for Gai’s cast to get wet. That always ended up being a mess that neither of them wanted to deal with.

“And after that?” 

“Once we’re settled in and the water is working its magic on our old fagil bones,” Gai roared with laughter, loud enough that Kakashi was sure Mirai could hear him on the other side of the bath house. “Well then I’ll just have to enjoy the precious little personal time I get with my fantastic husband.”

Stepping down into the water, Kakashi groaned as his body started to relax. This was already the best idea he had all day, and he hadn’t even made it all of the way into the water yet. 

“You look happy,” Gai commented, lifting his leg up over the water while Kakashi slowly submerged the lower half of his body in water. “A nice relaxing soak to recharge us for our next challenge. A grand idea you had, Rival!”

Another challenge was not something he was ready to concern himself with. Not when he had already lost the handstand race from their room to the front door of the Inn they were staying at, which surprised absolutely no one. 

No, now was the time for cuddles and kisses, not talks about challenges.

Reaching his target, Kakashi positioned himself perfectly so that Gai’s leg was hovering over the rock and proceeded to carefully set his husband down in the water. Thankfully both of them had decided to forgo their towels in the locker room, deciding it would be easier that way. A choice made much easier for Kakashi since he had been able to get top surgery shortly after becoming Hokage. 

An accomplishment made much easier to achieve without the threat of impending war or a constant need for him to be ready for missions looming over his head. 

“Mmmm, you’re right,” Gai grinned. “The water is perfect. There is no doubt we will be able to do anything we wish after a long soak.”

‘Anything’ seemed like a bit of a stretch, but he was willing to let his husband have it.

Once Gai was settled into his spot with his leg safely propped up out of the water, Kakashi took a step back to admire his work, forcing Gai to release the hold he had on his neck. 

“Are you going to join me, Rival?” Tilting his head, Kakashi thought about it for a second before reaching up to carefully remove the towel he had wrapped around the lower portion of his face. 

Leaning over Gai’s body, Kakashi set his towel down right behind his head and smiled down at the Taijutsu master. Gai was one of the few people who never reacted when he took his mask, or in this case towel, off to show his face, and it was one of the many things he loved about the man. 

“You’re cooking something up in that mind of yours,” Gai teased, reaching up to poke Kakashi in the nose. ‘Stop it. Bath houses are for relaxing.”

“And relaxing is exactly what i’m going to do,” Kakashi assured him even as he leaned in close and brushed his lips against his cheek. “Having fun is part of relaxing is it not, turtle?”

If anyone else had been in the bath with them Gai would have gone bright red at the use of that old nickname. Even after all of these years together it still seemed to embarrass him. 

He claimed it was because it was only nicknames Kakashi ever used for anyone, but Kakashi was certain that it had something to do with the fact that Gai still couldn’t believe that out of all of the nicknames he had access to, he chose to hang onto that one. The silly little nickname he had come up with when they were fourteen years old, and had refused to let go of since then. 

“A whole bath to ourselves, turtle,” He enunciated the nickname, chuckling when Gai shifted awkwardly in his spot. “There’s so much we could do.”

“If you’re suggesting what i think you are, i would like to remind you that you are a screamer and Kurenai will slaughter us if her daughter hears...that.” A fair point. The last thing Kurenai would want is her daughter finding out what the sixth hokage and his husband did when they were alone, and he did have troubles keeping quiet when he was with Gai.

Clearly the more risque activities would have to wait till later. When they were alone in a room. Perhaps Kakashi could convince Mirai to go somewhere where she couldn’t hear them. That was a challenge for him to face later.

For now though, he had a different idea.

Rubbing his nose against Gai’s cheek, he slowly made his way in towards his mouth while gently pressing smell kisses against soft skin along the way. The way Gai shivered under his assault was intoxicating.

The man who never broke.

Who had survived opening the eighth gate and lived through something that no one should ever have been able to live through.

That beautiful, unbreakable man was shivering because of him. He was weak, because of his actions. 

Kakashi held all of the power in this moment and he loved it. 

“My precious Turtle,” his breath tickled Gai’s skin, causing him to squirm just a bit under him. “So beautiful, laid out in front of me like the most delicious snack I could lay my eyes on.”

Gai snorted. “Snack? Did you get that one from Tenten?”

The answer was yes. Who else would he get such a ridiculous saying from? 

Still, that wasn’t his concern at the moment, so he continued without a word. Making his way towards Gai’s lips slowly while he continued to whisper sweet compliments against beautiful skin.

Finally reaching his goal, Kakashi pressed a quick kiss against Gai’s lips before gently sucking his lower lip into his mouth, his hands coming down to settle on Gai’s chest as the Taijutsu master arched up into the kiss.

While Kakashi gently started to suck on the trapped lip, Gai ran his hands up his arms and into his hair. His Fingers settled in short silver strands, sending shivers down Kakashi’s spine. 

Finally, Kakashi released his hold on it and moved back to admire his work. Gai’s eyes were half lidded and there was a peaceful, calm look on his face. The most beautiful picture he had ever seen. 

“Perfect,” he smiled brightly “My beautiful Turtle, all to myself.”

“And i wouldn’t have it any other way.” Gai assured him with a fond chuckle.

#Kakagai #Hatake Kakashi #Maito Gai #Boruto Era #Vacation arc #i thought it was a cute arc to use #lol #Kakashi Hatake/Maito Gai #Hatake Kakashi/Maito Gai #Trans Kakashi #25 Days Of Kisses

[leviathanswingman]

Touch Up; Solomon/Asmodeus

TW: eating disorders, body image issues

Asmodeus was lounging on the couch, lost in thought in the middle of flipping through a fashion magazine as he felt the most peculiar feeling. It was uncanny, an unbearable tickling filling him from head to toe, prickling almost to a painful degree.

Almost immediately, he knew he had been hit by a magic spell. Although judging from the way he was feeling right now, he could safely say that the culprit hadn't been Solomon. He had been spelled by him a couple of times already, and could safely say that Solomon's magic felt entirely different after all, more intoxicating and not this clumsy. The spell Asmodeus had just been hit by gave him the impression of a toddler taking its first shaky steps.

He sighed deeply as he put down the magazine, stopping dead in his tracks as his gaze fell upon his hands. Instead of seeing slender hands with perfectly manicured nails, he was now faced with slightly more pale, rougher hands, the purple nail polish that was decorating his nails chipping away roughly.

„What in the,“ Asmo mumbled as he rushed towards his full body mirror. What he then saw choked the air out of his lungs.

The only thing that had remained closest to its original form was his face. His body however, had been badly compromised.

Asmodeus studied himself with wide eyes. Going off the clothes he was now wearing, there was no mistaking it. Whoever had hexed him had put him in Leviathan's body, switched out like someone had ripped off the head of a mattel doll and sloppily glued it onto a no brand barbie's body.

„This can't be,“ he muttered in terror. A certain kind of anxiety took a hold of him, heavy and dark, weighing him down so much more intensely than his own occasional bouts of panic would do. His heart was beating up to his chest as shaking fingers travelled over that body that wasn't his, taking note of dry hands, gangly limbs and ripped abs.

Not that Leviathan had a bad body, he was surprisingly ripped for a hikkikomori, and after all, Asmodeus had no problem finding beauty in any kind of body, no matter the shape or form. However, even though he knew how hypocritical it sounded, Asmo couldn't apply those principles to his own self.

As the demon of lust, he was known across Devildom as the most perfect demon to walk the grounds. So to maintain this title, he was stuck in a circle of strict training regimens, daily weigh-ins and caloric restriction to keep up this unattainable perfection. Asmodeus stuck to the perfect calculations of a weight slightly below average, followed by immense guilt and shame whenever it surpassed a certain point. After all, he knew everyone desired him the most when he looked tiny and dainty.

For the majority of his life he had believed otherwise, had clung to the assumption that he would be loved, no matter what, but after a certain incident, his mind had been reset.

The imagine in the mirror looked disturbed to him. Sharp collarbones and slender hands with small wrists, a slightly protruding ribcage and soft yet firm muscles were nowhere to be seen. Asmodeus could practically feel his self worth going down the drain. Everything he had worked for so passionately and desperately was gone. How could people love him when he wasn't the poster child of perfection?

With shuddering breaths, he touched his face, his imagination already painting pictures of decaying skin and rotting teeth.

He stayed like that for a minute, just staring at that version of himself in the mirror, so common yet so painful.

Then, he suddenly heard noise coming from the common room. He took a deep breath, picked himself up and headed towards the door. Considering the fact that he himself had changed so drastically, it was quite logical to assume that he wasn't the only person this had happened to. In the least, Leviathan had to be compromised as well, judging by the fact that Asmo was currently residing in his body.

Before he could even reach the common room he already heard his brother's voices overlapping in a chaotic chorus.

As he entered the room, the first thing he saw was Yuuta trying to calm down his brothers. They all looked incredibly messy.

Mammon was clad in Lucifer's clothing, his body looking more broad and less lanky, looking incredibly inappropriate. He was currently arguing with Satan, whose body had apparently been switched with Asmo's. Levi, sporting Satan's ugly lime green sweater was eyeing the books on the shelves with an uncharacteristic sort of interest.

Asmodeus turned his head, looking for the rest of his brothers. Beelzebub and Belphegor were sitting next to each other in comfortable silence, observing the room, their bodies switched out as well. They seemed to be dealing with this strange situation the best.

Yuuta was standing in the middle of the room as he cleared his throat nervously, looking properly ashamed. “Guys!” he brought out, his voice cracking slightly. “Ahem, guys,” he repeated himself, this time with a sturdier voice. “So I don't really know too much about what happened, but it's my fault, I'm so sorry! Solomon taught me a spell which was supposed to make you switch bodies with the person in front of you.” He worried his lip as his eyes darted from brother to brother. It didn't really work out the way it was supposed to, I'm really sorry.”

Satan sighed in slight annoyance. “It is what it is. Nothing much we can do about it now, so don't feel too bad. Speaking of feeling bad though, shouldn't he feel more guilty?” Satan pointed his finger in the direction of the accused. “Solomon, why did you go ahead and teach Yuuta something like that? Such a spell practically begs for trouble.”

Sitting on one of the couches, one leg crossed over the other, Solomon chuckled quietly. “Hmm, you could say I did it out of  childish curiosity. Anyway, I didn't expect it to turn out like this either. What an an interesting development.”

“I just want my own body back, FML!” Levi cried, looking decently uncomfortable. “Lucifer, fix this please!”

Lucifer, who had just entered the room, not perplexed in the slightest, looking completely out of place in Mammon's bad boy attire, crossed his arms and tilted his head to one side in exasperation. “Levi, I can't just snap my fingers and fix everything. Besides, I already attempted to reverse the spell. It did not work.”

“Huh?!”

“Even Lucifer can't fix it? Then it's that serious?!”

Leviathan pulled at the edges of that horrid lime green sweater which, in Asmo's humble opinion, deserved to be burnt to the prettiest pile of ashes. “Man, this dumb normie sweater is so itchy! I think I need to- Huh?!” Levi stopped in his tracks, pulling at the sweater once again. “ Stupid piece of crap! I can't take it off!”

Lucifer sighed once again. “At least that gives me some kind of reassurance that none of you will cause the bodies any harm.” For one reason or another, Lucifer's gaze was locked on Mammon as he mentioned this.

Asmodeus pulled on one of his sleeves testingly. The fabric really did not budge.

His heart was still racing to his chest and he could feel cold sweat running down the small of his back. In a state like his current one, he couldn't help feeling unclean, dirty.  All he wanted to do was lose himself in the routine of his facial care or the familiar warmth of a bath until he felt perfect and pure again. Then suddenly, realization hit him.

“Wait a sec,does that mean I won't be able to take a bath? There's no way I'm taking one with my clothes on. This hoodie is so heavy, I'd probably drown in it anyway,” Asmo ranted, throwing  himself onto the couch next to Solomon in a moody little fit. “How much more cruel can life get?”

As he sat down he shuffled uncomfortably. He was hyper aware of the feeling of his stomach when he was sitting down and it made him nauseous to the core. Subconsciously, his fingers wrapped around his wrist, measuring the width of it, checking whether his thumb and his pointer could touch.

Instead of sitting normally, Asmo changed his position and leaned against Solomon instead, his body sprawled partially over the couch and partially over Solomon's body.

Lucifer watched his little brother and cleared his throat with a raised eyebrow. At this point, Asmodeus was pretty sure Lucifer had caught on to the fact that there was something going on between Asmodeus and Solomon, but was kind enough to not ask about it. Even if he did ask about it, Asmodeus probably wouldn't know what to say. His relationship to Solomon was special and not easily definable.

“That leaves us no other choice.” Lucifer's eye twitched slightly. “Solomon, if you're not too busy putting your hands all over my little brother, would you mind telling us if there's a counter spell you could use?” he asked as he was tapping his foot on the ground impatiently .

Solomon smiled at Lucifer as he threw his arm around Asmo's shoulders and inched even closer, that challenging smile still on his face. “There is no counter spell, I've already tried everything I could.”

In response, Lucifer's finger's twitched in warning as a dark look crossed over his face. Although surprisingly, he kept quiet in face of Solomon's obvious teasing.

Sensing the weird atmosphere, Yuuta quickly cut in. “Isn't there any other way for them to get their normal bodies back?” he asked Solomon.

For a moment, Solomon simply sat there, thinking about the possibilities they had. ”A way to return everyone back to their normal selves...” he mused. “The best option would be to let those affected know that you care for them, no matter how much their bodies and personalities may have been temporarily altered. In this case, honesty is key. If you lie it won't undo the spell.”

Lucifer nodded his head in understanding. “So what you're saying is that we have to convey our true feelings? That sounds simple enough.”

Asmodeus perked up, his head shortly lifting off Solomon's shoulder. “Oooooh! It sounds like something straight out of a fairy tale,” he gushed half-heartedly. He had spent the last five minutes of their conversation slowly and inconspicuously slouching lower and lower until his head laid on Solomon's chest, listening to his heartbeat. It helped distract him from his own mind when he listened to the rhythmic thumping. To his brothers, it would just look like he was being clingy, which was nothing new for them. After all, in the same way that Asmodeus attracted attention, he was also suspiciously good at evading it.

Belphie rolled back his shoulders to ease any sore muscles, apparently not tired for once. “As long as it's not too much of a hassle. Let's all give it a try.”

For a moment, silence filled the room and the brothers eyed each other awkwardly. “Yeahhh, no. I don't think that's' gonna happen,” Mammon threw in and Beel nodded.

“I don't think we're capable of expressing stuff like that, I agree with Mammon.”

“I don't know if I can agree with you two,” Asmodeus threw in. “But I think someone in this room certainly cares enough about us to be fitting for the job.”

The room was filled with silence as most of their gazes shot to Yuuta. Solomon was busy checking his fingernails as the brothers sat there in momentary awkward silence.

“Why is everyone looking at me?!” Yuuta panicked. “Stop looking at me like-” he paused and then pointed at his chest, eyebrows lifted high. “Do you mean me??”

Asmodeus made finger guns towards him. “Bingo, it's you! It's safe to say that we're all counting on you to break the spell!”

They all started talking all over each other again until Lucifer announced that the first turn would be his. He lead Yuuta out of the room, his hand hovering inches apart from Yuuta's back, both of them looking quite uncomfortable.

“Damn, I would pay good money to see this,” Mammon drawled as he leaned against the door frame, looking after the two. “Lucifer better not try to do anything dirty to my dearest Yuuta!”

Picking up a book and putting it down almost immediately after, Satan chuckled. “There's no one more emotionally repressed than these two. I can ensure you that the only thing happening over there will be awkward small talk. Anyway, I don't feel like wasting my time waiting, so I'm heading out.” He waved with one hand as he left the room.

Slowly but surely, they all trickled out of the room, minding their own business.

In the end, Asmodeus and Solomon were the only people left. A heavy sigh left Asmo's lips as he snuggled against Solomon for a moment more, taking comfort in his warmth.

“Will you now tell me what's been bothering you?” Solomon eventually asked as he slowly let his fingers run through Asmodeus' hair.

The demon went stiff in his arms and suddenly sprung up. “You're imagining things!” he quickly brought out, turning his back to Solomon. “There really is nothing wrong with me, I just remembered I need to be somewhere, that's all!” he yapped on before turning around for a second, flashing Solomon a blinding, yet obviously put on smile. “I have never been better!”

“Asmod-” Solomon started, but Asmo had already bolted out of the room.

Although Asmodeus was dazzling in person and character, he was a terrible liar, had always been one and would always stay one.

Perhaps, Solomon had grown used to the demon after having spent so much time with him, had grown used to deciphering the hidden messages which were out in plain sight and had learned to figure out Asmodeus' true character, not the persona he put up so effortlessly.

After all, he could tell that Asmodeus was not coping well. He had been twitchy and on guard ever since the spell had gone backwards, a state that seemed rather unusual for him.

With all of their bodies and possibly also parts of their personalities swapped, Solomon knew he wouldn't find Asmodeus at one of his usual spots. He had to find him though. Solomon reached inside his pocket and pulled out his spell book. Of course, he could just summon Asmodeus through their pact, but something told him that that wouldn't be the correct approach at the moment. He flipped through the pages, looking for the tracking spell he knew had to be in there.

After having fled so cowardly, Asmodeus found himself taking refuge in Levi's room. He couldn't tell what had led him there, but he found himself feeling slightly less panicked over there, alone and encased by four stony walls, the room softly illuminated by the giant aquarium. Pulled over his head was the thickest blanket he could find, bringing him a childish sense of security. He tried not to think as he trembled under the weight of his thoughts.

If there was one thing he couldn't deal with, it was his emotions. Usually, he'd carefully repress them, wouldn't think about them on purpose and lose himself in the safety of a warm body worshipping him. Now, that safety had been taken from him, mixed in with Levi's feeble state of mind, forming a whirlwind of disaster.

Without thinking, Asmo grabbed a controller that was near him on the ground and switched on one of Levi's consoles, almost as if he'd been doing this for all his life. Mindlessly, he started playing a game which didn't require too much attention, thankful for the distraction.

After a while, he heard footsteps behind him and paused the game, pulling the blanket further over his head as he took his knees closer to his body. Maybe if he stayed like this the intruder would mistake him for a rock or a gigantic pillow and just leave him be. All of a sudden, he felt someone touch the blanket on his head, hand resting there before the person stepped around Asmo's body.

The first thing Asmo saw were boots, followed by legs clad in their school uniform. Then, the person kneeled down in front of him, hands grabbing either side of the blanket that had been framing Asmodeus' head.

“I think we both interpret 'there's nothing wrong' in different ways,” Solomon said as he stared at Asmodeus' face. “You look like there's plenty of things wrong, so don't fault me for being worried.” Carefully, he placed his hand on Asmo's cheek, only for Asmodeus to turn his head away from it.

“Stop it with the act,” he mumbled, letting go of the blanket and hugging himself tightly before dropping his hands quickly down onto his lap. “I'm disgusting, aren't I? It must take you so much effort to even look at me. I wish nobody could see me like this, I'm a nightmare!” he forced out, limbs trembling as he shook his head. “See?! How can I live looking like this! I am the Avatar of Lust, and look at me! I am not perfect, my skin is breaking out and my hands are dry! I am the definition of a disaster! How could people ever love me when I'm not the picture of perfection? I worked fucking hard to have the perfect weight, the most agreeable personality and the most alluring of presences. No one can lift the spell when I'm like this! Everyone-”

Solomon inched closer as he shushed Asmodeus, eyebrows drawn together. “No one will think of you any different. Your emotions are being negatively influenced right now since you are in Leviathan's body. If you would just-”

Terror was painted on Asmo's face. “If I would do what? What, if I would just calm down everything will be alright? Is that what you're trying to say?” A dry laugh escaped his lips as he tilted  his head backwards, staring at the ceiling. He took in a shuddering breath to calm himself. “Do you know what happened the last time I got sidetracked and let myself go a bit?” he asked, his lips trembling. “It was all over the tabloids. The whole thing was more of a scandal than that one  time someone had secretly taken a photo of Lucifer sneaking into Diavolo's chambers late at night. All the magazines were all over me, saying the same thing over and over. Asmodeus is losing his charm! The Avatar of Lust has gained weight! Asmodeus is looking more healthy and less thin these days?!” A tear rolled down his cheek and he wiped it away furiously. “ There's no pleasing them, no matter what I do I am not enough. So excuse me if I can't believe you when you say blatant lies like you're worried about me. I've learned and I now know better. People love me for my body and that's it. They see what I want them to see and whatever's left just doesn't matter in the end.”

Solomon gripped Asmodeus' face, forcing him to look him in the eyes. Asmodeus blinked back at him out of teary eyes.

“Look at me, Asmodeus. We are in a pact, aren't we?”

“Y-yes.”

“And you know me. Would I form a pact out of grossly superficial ulterior motives?” Solomon asked bluntly.

Slowly, Asmodeus shook his head. “You would never do that,” he muttered as Solomon started to stroke his cheek. Subconsciously, Asmo leaned in to the touch.

“You're right. After all, I formed a pact with you because you are powerful and dangerous. The way you look couldn't bother me any less. You are charming and you elude the most alluring of energies, that's why I find you so irresistible. What other people say does not matter, they don't know you like I do,” he said firmly. “They don't need you like I do.”

In the blink of an eye Asmodeus threw his arms around Solomon, burying his face in the crook of his neck. Wet tears started to stain Solomon's clothes, yet he remained in place, putting his arms around Asmodeus as a soft light started to surround them and the spell finally lifted itself.

“There, there,” Solomon mumbled as he softly let his fingers run through Asmo's hair. For several minutes the demon didn't move an inch. He simply took solace in the comfort of Solomon's body. Eventually, he lifted his head again and distanced himself a little.

Solomon took Asmo's hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it lightly. “All better now?”

Asmodeus simply stared at Solomon until his gaze wandered over to his hand. Now, he saw nothing but his perfectly manicured nails,chipped purple nails nowhere in sight. He had changed back.

“How-” he started, but then froze in place as realization hit him. His eyes widened. “Solomon...” he whispered as the man in question still held his hand softly. “Did you just-”

“Use magic? No.”

“Then why did I change back?” he asked reluctantly.

Solomon froze in place and shifted slightly uncomfortably.

He was one of the greatest sorcerers the world had ever seen, yet dealing with intimacy and most of all honesty was incredibly difficult for him. He generally preferred to be seen as a mysterious, unreadable man. For Asmodeus however, he had to make an exception and jump over his own shadow. “I figure the requirements to lift the spell have been... fulfilled,” he finally said and Asmodeus' face lit up reluctantly.

He already felt much better, taken the fact that he was back in his own body. His thoughts were still racing, his insecurities much too obvious, but the missing presence of Levi's anxiety helped alleviate his mood a whole lot.

For a moment, Asmo pondered over Solomon's words. The wheels in his head were turning until he finally came to a conclusion. “Oh!” he exclaimed softly, feeling uncharacteristically shy. Slowly,he reached out towards Solomon, grabbing the jacket of his school uniform. “Can I-” he nodded towards Solomon's chest.

Solomon simply nodded. “Go ahead.”

Quickly, Asmodeus took off Solomon's coat before starting to work on his shirt, hands that were still shaking undoing the buttons skilfully. Seconds later, Solomon was sitting there, chest exposed, countless of sigils littering his skin. On his chest,right over his heart was the one Asmo had been looking for; the sigil that had sealed the pact between them.

Carefully, he let one finger run along the dark lines as he felt a light buzzing running through his body. Looking at the sigil, at the sign that depicted the importance of their bond, filled Asmodeus with the gooey-est feeling of pride. A deep sigh escaped his lips as he lowered his head to plant a soft kiss on Solomon's chest, right over his heart where their sigil was. He planted a few more butterfly kisses all over until he pulled himself up, one hand on Solomon's shoulder, the other on the base of his neck.

“Thank you,” he mumbled as he closed in, brushing his lips against Solomon's in an innocent manner. Solomon smiled against his lips in relief.  

“My pleasure,” he simply said, knowing that when he was with him, he didn't need to explain himself for Asmodeus to understand. They didn't need big words or empty phrases. Their bond was strong and alive. As long as they could support each other without any limits, they would be fine, since from the moment they met, they'd been connected by the string of fate.

Asmodeus deepened the kiss, his hands roaming over Solomon's body lazily. Time around them seemed to slow down as they simply relished in each other's company. Solomon parted ways with Asmodeus' lips as he made his way down his neck, leaving soft kisses before he started to softly suck on the skin, taken over by a certain kind of possessiveness. Noticing what Solomon had in mind, Asmo simply tilted his head to the side, granting him better access.

After all, Solomon found himself to be quite possessive when it was about Asmodeus. He wanted to mark him all over so the world could see how loved he was and how appreciated he was, no matter what everyone else thought or said. Asmodeus was, after all, perfect in every way and deserved to be treated accordingly.

Just as Solomon brushed his tongue over a big hickey he'd just left, someone knocked on the door and they both jumped a bit in surprise. Seconds later, Yuuta entered the room. “Asmo?” he asked  before his eyes zoomed in onto Solomon and Asmodeus.

For a split second, they all just stared at each other without saying a word, Yuuta standing in the doorway, Asmo straddling a shirtless Solomon who had one arm wrapped tightly around Asmodeus' midsection and the other on his neck. None of them moved.

“I- I guess I'm not needed here!” Yuuta finally blurted out, slamming the door behind him as he rushed out of the room.

Solomon and Asmodeus stared at each other, perplexed for a moment before breaking out in laughter.

#my writing #fanfiction #obey me! #shall we date? obey me #obey me! asmodeus #obey me! solomon #asmodeus x solomon #solomon x asmodeus #solodeus #body switch panic #normally i wouldn't put a ff under the read more thing #but i really don't want to accidentally trigger anyone so #read more thing it is #also fuck if i know what this is #obey me! lucifer #obey me! mammon #obey me! satan #obey me! leviathan #obey me! beelzebub #obey me! belphegor #hurt #comfort #tw eating disorders

[forgottenyogurtgods]

This Conspiracy

PART II - THE NEW ONES

Chapter 24

In Which There Are a Great Deal of Many Terrors

Before any of them knew it, another Greenie had come. He was older and a bit rough around the edges. Always growling at anyone who talked to him. He didn’t listen much to anyone that first day and had to be knocked out before he ran into the Maze. It had Archie wondering if drastic measures were always taken in cases like that.

He woke up in time for the bonfire, shortly after the Doors had closed for the night, and he spent most of his time moping on a log near the fire. Flossy and Newt had tried to talk to him, but they were only able to wheedle out a few words from him – one being his name, Oscar.

He was promptly dubbed Oscar the Grouch, which had a nice ring to it. The Greenie didn’t like it very much.

So, Archie ignored the Greenie and enjoyed his time. He talked with his fellow Gladers and wrestled Gally and Ben – both matches were close and he lost, but it was all good natured. 

As things began to wind down for the night, he found himself sitting next to a somber Newt. Archie wasn’t sure how much he’d had to drink, but by the state of his eyes and slur of his voice it had been quite a bit.

Archie tapped his leg with the toe of his boot.

“Hey,” he said. Newt simply waved at him with the hand holding his mostly empty jar. “Do you need help getting back to your room or are you going to stay out here all night?”

“What’s the point?” Newt said.

“Well, a neck cramp isn’t that fun to wake up to. And you’re already going to have a bit of a hangover so –”

“No, running the Maze. What’s the point?”

“The point? I think you guys are running it to find a way out. At least, that’s what everybody tells me. I could be wrong though. You guys could be playing the most intense game of tag.”

“We’ve run it all. So many times. We have maps and maps and maps of the shucking thing. There is no way out.”

Archie frowned at this information. Had it come from someone like Gally, he wouldn’t have believed him. He’d call them a shuck-faced shank and go on his merry way. But Newt? Newt was a Runner. He was the Keeper of the Runners. He knew the Maze, knew how it worked and what to be afraid of. If Newt was despairing, well… he wasn’t sure what to think.

He hoped it was just the special brew talking.

So, he did what he could. He took away the jar – dumping the rest of the contents in the grass, much to Newt’s displeasure – and hauled the skinny shank to his feet. He practically had to carry him since no one around was going to be much help. Most had had too much to drink, were too out of it, or already in bed. 

He deposited Newt in his hammock, making sure to take off his shoes – did he ever wash his feet? – and set them to the side. The shank was going to regret drinking so much in the morning.

When he closed the door, he saw Gally escorting Flossy to her room – where the sounds of Adne’s snoring could be heard. He quickly ducked away, wanting to give them their privacy.

He wasn’t entirely sure what was going on with them – no one in the Glade was – but when they were together, they generally left the pair alone. No one seemed interested in intruding on those moments. It felt… wrong.

So, he let them be and saw himself out of the Homestead. The Glade was quiet of any human voice. The cricket songs, the croaking of frogs, and the wind whispering through the trees were a balm to the creaks and groans and thumps of the Maze moving about and the clicking and whirring of the Grievers.

He stopped and thought about the Grievers for a moment. In all the months he’d been there – four whole months – he had yet to see them. He knew there was a window near the West Door that would enable him to view the monsters that creep about, but he never felt the need to go there until that moment.

He slowly trekked through the Deadheads, keeping to the path lined with glowing fungi – their luminescence too bright to be natural – and found himself at the West Wall. It was just as over taken with ivy as any other Wall, but one patch seemed particularly thick. 

That was where the window was, something in the back of his mind told him. It made every bit of sense for it to be hidden.

He moved towards it and brushed the ivy aside. It took him a moment, but his eyes adjusted and he could see shadows moving on the other side. The way they took form and altered was too mechanical to be organic, and then he understood what Gally had said about them, the Grievers.

They weren’t natural. They were created by somebody to… to keep them in the Glade? To keep order? To keep them prisoner? To keep them from doing… something? He wasn’t sure.

But he knew one thing, he had definitely seen them somewhere before. If only he could place the memory.

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#the maze runner #maze runner #maze runner fanfiction #the maze runner trilogy #maze runner trilogy #james dashner #tmr fanfic #tmr fanfiction #tmr this conspiracy #tw suicice #suicide tw #tw suicide attempt #suicide attempt tw #broken bones tw #tw broken bones

[imagine-loki]

Soulbonds and Fairy Dust (rewrite)

TITLE: Soulbonds and Fairy Dust (rewrite) CHAPTER NO./ONE SHOT: 6/?

AUTHOR: nekoamamori ORIGINAL IMAGINE: Imagine one of the fae has been helping the Avengers, jumping in to help them on missions and vanishing before Shield can bring her in.  Loki joins the team and convinces her to come talk to the team and consider joining before Shield takes more drastic measures. RATING: M NOTES/WARNINGS:  This is a rewrite of the original work of the same name.  Also on AO3 here

Sigyn couldn’t help jumping with Jarvis announced that dinner was ready.  She glared up in the direction that the voice seemed to be coming from while Loki chuckled at her discomfort. “I am not much of a fan of the computer myself. Primitive technology,” he scoffed.

She raised an eyebrow at him.  That didn’t sound like Loki at all.  “You haven’t upgraded it yet?” she asked as she stood from her bed.  Dinner sounded like an excellent idea, but the mystery was more interesting at the moment.  She had also come up with at least three different upgrades to do on the stupid primitive technology without even seeing it. She knew Loki was equally as smart, so why hadn’t he done the same?

Loki shook his head, clearly grumbling and annoyed.  “Stark is very protective of his technology. I tried upgrading it when I first arrived, but Stark seemed to be prepared for that and has banned me from his lab,” Loki whined. He wanted to help and he wanted to improve the primitive technology.

She giggled and gave him a mischievous smirk.  “Maybe I’ll do it instead,“

He returned her smirk and it felt like old times.  “Be my guest,”

“We should probably get to dinner before Hammer-brain eats everything,” she reminded Loki. Her magic shimmered purple around her for a moment and she was soon in a forest green floor-length gown with a golden belt that looked gorgeous with her coloring.  Loki gave her a look she couldn’t quite identify.  “What? Do people not dress for dinner around here or something?” she asked at his expression.  It seemed almost longing?  Delighted?  Impressed by her looks maybe?

“Not usually. People are much more casual nowadays.  Well, at least on Midgard. Asgard still has their feasts every evening,” he clarified, imagining her at home, back in the clothes and culture she belonged in.  The image was distorted as he tried to reconcile the woman in front of him with the girl he’d known. 

She sighed, missing the court dinners she was used to and let her clothes shimmer back to the baggy second-hand clothes she’d been wearing earlier. "Shall we, then?” she asked him softly and started to leave her room to head back to the main floor where she assumed dinner was served. 

Loki held out his arm for her to take.  “Will you allow me to escort you to dinner, old friend?” He asked with a kind smile.  He was so relieved to have her back in his life after so long. He didn’t want to do anything that might ruin it.

She smiled and took his arm, placing her hand lightly on his sleeve and gave him a warm gentle caring look.  “The honor is mine, prince,” she replied just as kindly. It seemed so comfortable with Loki and she was finally starting to feel like this could be home. 

Until she stepped out of her room.  “Brother! You cannot monopolize the affections of our old friend!” Thor boomed in his usual jovial way.  Sig’s hand tightened on Loki’s arm and she sidled closer automatically. She was getting comfortable with Loki, but she was still shy and skittish around the others and Thor surprised her with how loud he was.

Loki glared at his brother. “Quiet, you oaf. You don’t need to yell when I’m standing right here,” he grumbled and rolled his eyes at his idiot brother.

Thor ignored Loki’s glare as per usual.  “My point remains that you cannot monopolize our Lady Sigyn’s affections,” he said and took her free hand to kiss her knuckles.

Sigyn saw Loki’s glare harden and he tensed up at Thor’s teasing.  She squeezed Loki’s arm reassuringly and huffed in annoyance at Thor.  “Can’t you stop antagonizing your brother for five minutes, hammer-brain?” she asked, rolling her eyes.  He huffed at the nickname.  "Healing stab wounds is such a pain,” she whined at Loki, easing his tension with her joking and teasing.  Just like old times indeed.

Loki chuckled.  “Very true,” he agreed, the threat to his brother clear. He would stab Thor if he remained annoying.

“Some things have not changed it seems,” Thor told Sig warmly and walked down to dinner with them.  The rest of the team was already sitting around the dining room table and Sig’s hand tightened on Loki’s arm again, shy and skittish of all the people.

Loki shifted his position slightly, drawing her closer reassuringly. /I’m right by your side, Little Sigyn. You’re safe/ he reminded her telepathically.

/They don’t like you either/ she reminded him as Loki pulled out her chair for her and seated her at the table.  She smiled at him, acknowledging his courtesy with a nod of thanks.

The team went around the table giving introductions.  When they were finished, they looked at her expectantly.  She hesitated and thought over what to tell them, unsure how far to trust these people.  Just because Thor liked them didn’t mean anything.  Thor liked everyone.  Finally, she settled on the truth.  “I’m Sigyn, lady of Asgard and lady of the seelie court of the fae,” she told them softly.  They all seemed surprised to learn she was of Asgard and Thor told them how he and Loki knew she as children before the fae stole her.

/Darling, are you there?/ Frigga asked her son while they were all eating dinner.

His eyes unfocused as he concentrated on answering her. /I’m here, Mother. Is something wrong?/ Frigga didn’t usually contact him across the realms.

/I’ve been trying to find Sigyn’s family…/ she started, sorrow in her tone. Loki dreaded the information but waited for her to continue patiently.  /Her father died in the battle on Alfheim shortly after Sigyn went missing.  Freya… Freya died of the heartbreak of losing her daughter and husband in such a short period of time.  I’m sorry, darling, but we’re the closest thing to family she has left…/ Frigga was clearly upset at the news and at having to tell Loki.  Especially from so far away.

Loki’s eyebrows furrowed as he thought over what she said, his heart breaking for Sigyn and knowing he would have to tell her before she returned to Asgard. /What does this mean for her?/

/What do she mean, darling?/

/I mean, does this make her a princess of Asgard? Should we return home? What does the Allfather think?/

/No, she is not a princess. I simply meant that we are probably the only ones she has a chance to remember as her parents are lost to us and she was their firstborn.  She retains her title as a duchess. There is no need for her to return home until she is ready to do so/ she paused, wondering why her son was always so suspicious of his father.  /Your father is grateful she has finally been found, of course, and would like to see her when she is up to coming here/  she paused for a long minute before she asked.  /By the way, darling, is her hair an unnatural red color now?/

Loki’s expression hardened even more at that question. /It is. Why?/ he demanded, instantly jumping to try to protect Sig, though he didn’t know from what or why.  That was a strange question from Frigga, though and it had him on edge.

/That simply explains a vision I had many, many centuries ago is all/ she explained, and her tone made it clear that she wasn’t going to tell him more. 

His curiosity could be felt through the link, but he was smart enough not to pry into things Frigga wasn’t prepared to tell him.  She knew he was curious, but she equally wasn’t going to give him more of an answer right now.  Some visions would not come true if the subjects knew about the vision. /Alright. I will be sure to let her know that she is welcome to return to Asgard whenever she wishes. What should I tell her about her family?/

/I would suggest telling the truth for once, darling/ she teased him and she could feel Loki’s smirk and laughter across the link. /However, if you do not wish to tell her, I will when you inevitably come to visit/

/I can tell her. I just might wait until she is more comfortable here. She was already forced to uproot her life to move into the tower. I don’t wish to spring this news on her as well, not so soon with everything else/ He hadn’t done well with sudden revelations in his own life and he didn’t want the same to happen to his Sigyn.

/Of course, darling.  I just thought she should know sooner rather than later.  I love you, my son/ Frigga told him warmly and ended the connection. It wasn’t the easiest thing to maintain across the realms. 

#Loki #Lover #Submitted fic #submission #soulbonds and fairy dust #rewrite #chapter 6 #nekoamamori

[aion-rsa]

Every Cyberpunk 2077 Controversy So Far

https://ift.tt/2L1A5cF

Cyberpunk 2077 may be the most anticipated game of 2020 but its long road to release can be measured by numerous controversies that have often attracted the wrong kind of attention.

From delays to questionable tweets, Cyberpunk 2077 can easily be considered one of the most controversial games in recent memory, and it hasn’t even been released yet. While time will tell if Cyberpunk 2077 can “usurp” The Last of Us Part 2 and become 2020’s most divisive game, the project is already at the center of several heated debates that are causing fans to take sides.

If you’re wondering where you stand on the game’s most contested topics, here’s a rundown of every notable Cyberpunk 2077 controversy (so far):

The Numerous Delays and Long Development Time

Believe it or not, there have only been three official Cyberpunk 2077 delays so far and all of them have happened in 2020.

Cyberpunk 2077‘s first official release date was April 16, 2020. While developer CD Projekt Red noted early in the year that the game was “complete and playable,” the studio delayed the game to September 17 as part of an effort to better optimize its performance.

On June 18, the Cyberpunk 2077 team announced via Twitter that the game’s release had been delayed again and was now (at least at that time) scheduled to be released on November 19. Again, CD Projekt Red cited a “huge number of things to iron out” as the reason for the delay.

Finally, on October 27, CD Projekt Red announced that Cyberpunk 2077‘s final release date had been rescheduled for December 10. This time, the team cited not just bug fixes and optimization as the reason for the delay but the challenges presented by their desire to release the game across so many platforms.

Before we dive into some of the other delay related controversies, we should point out that much of the fan frustration regarding Cyberpunk 2077‘s delays are closely related to the fact the game was revealed via a teaser trailer released in 2013. While we don’t know what the status of the game was at that time, the popular perception is that Cyberpunk 2077 has been in development for seven years. That means that each one of the game’s 2020 delays has stung some fans harder than they otherwise may have.

The Crunch Schedule

You can’t talk about Cyberpunk 2077‘s delays without talking about the game’s controversial crunch development schedule.

We’ve covered this topic before in greater detail (you can read our full report on this subject here), but the gist of the situation is that developer CD Projekt Red had previously stated that they would not force the Cyberpunk 2077 team to work through a crunch schedule. In September, though, CD Projekt Red boss Adam Badowski confirmed reports that the studio asked employees to begin working additional hours. In exchange for the extra work, they would be compensated with overtime pay and additional funds offered by the company’s profit-sharing program.

That information triggered two additional debates. The first saw those who opposed the company’s crunch schedule battle those who claimed the company’s employees were being fairly compensated for their extra work. While it was generally agreed the company was compensating its employees for overtime more than other game developers have done in the past (and that some employees anonymously stated they were fine with the schedule), many argued that crunch development is an industry problem which needs to be addressed whenever it appears.

Finally, there’s the matter of the game’s delays. The latest Cyberpunk 2077 delay was confirmed after the report of the company’s crunch schedule had broke. If the insinuation was that the crunch schedule was implemented as a desperate measure intended to ensure the game was released on time, then could CD Projekt Red have skipped the crunch schedule and just delayed the game a little longer?

The PS4/Xbox One Controversy

When news broke that the most recent Cyberpunk 2077 delay was partially attributed to the struggles of launching the game across so many platforms, it didn’t take long for some fans to worry about the PS4 and Xbox One editions of the game.

Why? Well, some people expressed their concern that the previous-gen versions of Cyberpunk 2077 may hinder the day one quality of the next-gen editions. CD Projekt Red has stated that the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions of Cyberpunk 2077 will benefit from day one upgrades, but the “full” next-gen versions of each title will not be available until a later date.

Others had the opposite concern and worried that the next-gen editions of Cyberpunk 2077 would be the “real” versions of the game and that the PS4 and Xbox One versions would suffer from serious performance downgrades. There’s currently no evidence which strongly supports that claim, but it does ring loud at a time when it’s nearly impossible to find a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S.

The Gender Tweet

One of the earlier Cyberpunk 2077 controversies involved this now-deleted tweet from the Cyberpunk 2077 Twitter account:

The tweet itself was sent in the midst of a greater debate over the use of that term and whether or not it had become a way to mock transgender people or those who sympathize with the struggles of transgender people. Basically, there was some concern that the Cyberpunk 2077 team’s use of that term was meant as an insult

CD Projekt Red deleted the tweet and issued the following statement regarding it:

“Sorry to all those offended by one of the responses sent out from our account earlier. Harming anyone was never our intention.”

As some noted at the time, this controversy was amplified by another incident in which GOG (a digital store owned by CD Projekt Red) tweeted a GIF of a Postal character urinating on a tombstone that read “Games Journalism” and “August 28th, 2014.” That date is believed to be a reference to GamerGate.

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The Transgender Poster

Arguably the most infamous Cyberpunk 2077 controversy involved this in-game poster:

The poster showcases a transgender model advertising a soda with slogans could be interpreted as references to transgender people. Given that this poster was circulated shortly after the aforementioned tweets, some felt that this was another example of CD Projekt Red using transgender people as a punchline.

In an interview with Polygon, the CD Projekt Red artist who designed this poster, Kasia Redesiuk, explained her thought process behind it.

“Personally, for me, this person is sexy,” Redesiuk said. “I like how this person looks. However, this model is used — their beautiful body is used — for corporate reasons. They are displayed there just as a thing, and that’s the terrible part of it.”

Redesiuk also stated that she had no intentions of directly offending people but did note that she was aware the image was inherently provocative.

“I would say it was never the intention to offend anyone,” Redesiuk said. “However, with this image of an oversexualized person, we did want to show how over-sexualization of people is bad. And that’s it.

The Gender Choice Character Creator

Cyberpunk 2077 would once again find itself at the center of a gender-related controversy, but this one was a bit different than the others.

In an interview with Metro, Cyberpunk 2077 artist Marthe Jonkers explained that the game would not offer simple male and female gender options during the character creation process.

“You don’t choose, ‘I want to be a female or male character’ you now choose a body type,” Jonkers explained. “So you choose your body type and we have two voices, one that’s male sounding, one is female sounding. You can mix and match. You can just connect them any way you want. And then we have a lot of extra skin tones and tattoos and hairstyles. So we really want to give people the freedom to make their own character and play the way they want to play.”

While some felt that this was the company’s attempt to cover up for their previous actions, much of the blowback in this instance came from fans who saw this as an example of the Cyberpunk 2077 team “pandering” to critics. There is currently no information available that suggests the game’s character creation process was drastically altered in response to any such criticisms.

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The Animals and Voodoo Boys

The reveal of Cyberpunk 2077‘s gangs caused some to question whether or not the game was relying on racial stereotypes.

This debate focused on two gangs: The Animals and Voodoo Boys. Some fans felt that the “Animals” name was intended as an insult directed towards a gang that appeared to largely be comprised of people of color. As for the Voodoo Boys, there were concerns that the gang’s name, design, and background were designed to exploit racial and cultural stereotypes.

CD Projekt Red later stated that The Animals is actually a multi-racial gang and that that the initial portrayal of them as a gang that consisted entirely of people of color was based on the specific scenario of the gameplay demo they were showcased in. Cyberpunk 2020‘s creator also offered this response in regards to these controversies:

“As for the Animals–the WHOLE FREAKING POINT is that they think of themselves as POWERFUL, DANGEROUS, WILD ANIMALS. You’d have thought the Lady named ‘Sasquatch’ would have given them a clue…The original Voodoo Boys were a scathing commentary on cultural appropriation. I LOVE the idea that real practitioners of Voudon moved in and took back their turf. And they even got the Creole right…Who the (bleep) do YOU think you are to tell ME whether or not MY creation was done right or not?”

The Microtransactions

Earlier this year, CD Projekt Red’s Adam Kicinski caused a stir by implying that Cyberpunk 2077 would have microtransactions despite previous implications that the game would not.

“We’re never aggressive towards our fans!” Kicinski said during an earnings call. “We treat them fairly and we’re friendly. So of course not – we won’t be aggressive – but you can expect great things to be bought. The goal is to design monetization in a way that makes people happy to spend money. I’m not trying to be cynical or hide something; it’s about creating a feeling of value.”

The Cyberpunk team later clarified that statement somewhat with the following tweet:

Nothing changed. Cyberpunk 2077 is a single player game with zero microtransactions. One single purchase. No tricks. Don't believe the clickbait. https://t.co/qX0iZwsAf2

— Cyberpunk 2077 (@CyberpunkGame) September 7, 2020

The issue of microtransactions is typically controversial in and of itself, but the debate was amplified in this instance by CD Project Red’s apparent “anti-microtransaction” culture and outward consumer-friendly image. Furthermore, Cyberpunk 2077‘s multiplayer has been its own source of controversy due to the mysterious nature of the concept and concerns its development has further delayed the release of the Cyberpunk 2077 campaign.

The First-Person Controversy

It feels so quaint now, but one of the earlier Cyberpunk 2077 controversies involved the game’s first-person perspective.

In 2019, the Cyberpunk 2077 team confirmed the game would largely take place in first-person with third-person angles being used for certain cutscenes and driving sequences. This upset some fans who were not only led to believe the game would be third-person based on early footage (and The Witcher 3) but were concerned by the implications of a first-person game. Namely, they worried that the game would end up being a first-person shooter and that first-person cutscenes would not be nearly as “immersive” as the third-person storytelling featured in The Witcher 3.

Some fans also felt that a first-person perspective would limit the impact of the game’s character customization options, but CD Projekt Red later clarified that you’ll be able to see your character in mirrors and on the inventory screen.

The post Every Cyberpunk 2077 Controversy So Far appeared first on Den of Geek.

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#aion-rsa #Den of Geek

[onwesterlywinds]

Ingvald Bloodhound: There you are, you hellion. Helisent Wynter does a 'who, me?' gesture. Ingvald Bloodhound: Yes! You! Helisent Wynter: ... What did I do this time? Ingvald Bloodhound: My first-ever linkpearl call from my brother, and it's about you. And your antics. Ingvald Bloodhound smirks. Ingvald Bloodhound: Well done. Helisent Wynter bursts out laughing. Helisent Wynter: You should've seen his face when I fell off the cliff when he refused to teach me initially. Ingvald Bloodhound: Oh, he told me of that. I can just about imagine the face he made. Helisent Wynter grins at that, shrugging. Helisent Wynter: I felt bad for giving him a heart attack so I kept it to a minimum for the next few days. Lif Silverlode descends the stairs with several books in her arms and nods a greeting at at the two unfamiliar Hyur as she passes them. Helisent Wynter snaps her fingers. Helisent Wynter: You're ... Lif, right? I think we met a while back. Ingvald Bloodhound is still ready to berate Helisent Wynter - lovingly - but stops at the arrival of the young woman. Lif Silverlode squints at the woman, taken aback, then her eyes light up.

Lif Silverlode: Oh, you're...Helisent, right? I think we met shortly after I first came here. Helisent Wynter: Mhm! Yeah, that sounds about right. How've you been? Lif Silverlode: I've been well, thank you for asking. Work has been slow, but I've kept myself busy with the Sandsea's library. Lif Silverlode gestures to the books in her arms. Lif Silverlode: How have you been? Helisent Wynter: Terrorizing his twin brother so he will teach me how to be a monk, she says, motioning at Ingvald. Ingvald Bloodhound: It's going well. For her, at least. Lif Silverlode turns to the stranger. Lif Silverlode: My apologies. I haven't introduced myself. I'm Lif. Ingvald Bloodhound: Reading anything interesting? Lif Silverlode: I just found a few books on Sil'dih that I haven't read before. Helisent Wynter's head tilts curiously at that. Ingvald Bloodhound nods in greeting. Ingvald Bloodhound: Ingvald. Lif Silverlode nods. Lif Silverlode: A pleasure to meet you. What brings you to the Sandsea? Are you another Riskbreaker? Ingvald Bloodhound: Something like that. I patrol Gyr Abania most of the time. Lif Silverlode nods to Ingvald Bloodhound. Helisent Wynter gives him the most innocent grin. Ingvald Bloodhound shrugs at Helisent Wynter. Lif Silverlode looks at Helisent Wynter with relief. Lif Silverlode: I was actually just wondering that. I don't think I've met your sister yet, but I'll keep an eye out for her. Lif Silverlode: So how do the two of you know each other? Ingvald Bloodhound: We're both Gyr Abanian. We met at some point during the reconstruction, and she hasn't left me alone since. Helisent Wynter: He looked like he needed some brightness in his life, really, she shrugs. I also met Orella, his partner, while I was traveling through the Fringes. Lif Silverlode: Well, after everything Ala Mhigo's been through, I think most of your people could do with some cheer. At least you now have a chance at finding some. Ingvald Bloodhound doesn't quite know what to say to that statement, except for the opinion that he thinks “cheer” may still be a ways off. Ingvald Bloodhound: Hm. Helisent Wynter kicks his shin. Helisent Wynter: Stop brooding, for fuck's sake. Just be happy. Ingvald Bloodhound: Ow! Helisent Wynter kicks his shin again for good measure. Helisent Wynter: Or do I need to do something drastic. Ingvald Bloodhound: You brat! Lif Silverlode bites her lip, suddenly realizing how flippant her statement had been. Lif Silverlode: I am so sorry. That was insensitive of me. I did not mean to make light of what Ala Mhigo's been through. I am truly sorry. Helisent Wynter sticks her tongue out at Ingvald Bloodhound. Ingvald Bloodhound: No, I should apologize. As this one can doubtless tell you, I'm an ornery old man with little to no conversational abilities. Helisent Wynter: I mean, yeah, it's been horrible, but ... You also kinda have to learn to try and be happy, or you just stick in the same patterns of sadness and bad moods. That's why I'm working at getting him and the other block of wood to at least smile sometimes. Ingvald Bloodhound: You are deeply unpleasant. Helisent Wynter: And that's why you kicked me off to go bother your brother! Ingvald Bloodhound: Well, it worked. Helisent Wynter stage-whispers to Lif Silverlode. Helisent Wynter: He likes me, don't let him fool you. Lif Silverlode can't help but smile at the antics of the two Gyr Abanians. Lif Silverlode: I'll have to take your word for it. Lif Silverlode's smile falters for a moment as she feels a stab of nostalgia and longing, but she quickly numbs herself to it. Lif Silverlode: You sound like siblings. Ingvald Bloodhound sobers at that. Helisent Wynter: I implied that he and Orella adopted me, actually. Helisent Wynter gently guides the conversation away from siblings. Helisent Wynter: They both had heart attacks. Ingvald Bloodhound just sighs. Lif Silverlode: It sounds like you didn't have much say in this, Ingvald. Ingvald Bloodhound shrugs at Lif Silverlode. Ingvald Bloodhound: She knows I can throw her into an ancient Ala Mhigan pit if she ever truly irks me. Helisent Wynter: ...You know I can fly, right. Ingvald Bloodhound: Oh, I'm all too aware. Ingvald Bloodhound: ...And now, so is Wilhelm. Ingvald Bloodhound can't help but let out a single chuckle. Helisent Wynter sighs; a breeze that ruffles her clothes, despite being indoors. Helisent Wynter: True. I can only play that joke once on unsuspecting people. Lif Silverlode: I don't mean to pry, but who is Wilhelm? Ingvald Bloodhound: My aforementioned brother. Ingvald Bloodhound has never willingly divulged information about him before. Lif Silverlode: Ah, I see. Lif Silverlode nods, but does not pursue the topic, having sensed the tenderness around the subject. Ingvald Bloodhound: What about you? How long have you been a Riskbreaker? Helisent Wynter looks over interestedly. Lif Silverlode: Only a few months now. I joined up shortly after I first met you, Helisent. Helisent Wynter blinks at that, not having really realized that at all. Lif Silverlode: I'm still trying to learn faces, and there has not been much work to do, but I try to make myself useful where I can. Helisent Wynter: Hey, that's more than I can really say, honestly. I'm mostly here at Nive's invitation. Lif Silverlode: Well, you clearly bring some much needed levity to all of your dour countrymen. Ingvald Bloodhound: Have you been put to any tasks as of yet? Ingvald Bloodhound ignores that last comment. Lif Silverlode: No, I mostly impose upon the Grand Steward's hospitality and read her books, unfortunately. Ingvald Bloodhound: Then we've that in common, at least. Helisent Wynter: That sounds about right. I also heal people, on occasion. Lif Silverlode: Well, at least you didn't accidentally lure a foul-tempered Seeker here. Honestly, I'm surprised I still have a job after that. Helisent Wynter gives a slow head tilt of incomprehension and starts to mentally go through a list of any Seekers she may know. It's not a lot. Ingvald Bloodhound makes an almost identical face. Lif Silverlode: An old friend of mine followed me here and forced herself into the free company. She's a good person...but she can be... a lot. If you see a small, brown-haired Seeker with a scar on her cheek, tread carefully. She's prickly. Assuming she hasn't gotten herself killed antagonizing someone bigger than herself, that is. Ingvald Bloodhound: Given the nature of this company's membership, I imagine that would be most everyone she meets, if she's a Seeker. Lif Silverlode: She's small, even for a Seeker, so you're not wrong. Helisent Wynter smothers a giggle, mostly at Nivelth Ajuyn's offense. Helisent Wynter: I'll keep an eye out. Oh, speaking of short Miqot'e: If you want a research partner, Nive might be willing to help. I don't know if she knows anything about Sil'dih, but... Lif Silverlode: I appreciate that. I am just reading for pleasure, but I always enjoy talking with people who know their history. Ingvald Bloodhound: Supposedly there's an author in residence at the Sandsea. I've not met her yet. Helisent Wynter: I'm not much of a scholar myself. I can read and write, and I know a fair amount of history, but that's mostly because I travel around a lot. Lif Silverlode: An author... Might that be... Priscilla, I believe? The Ga-er... *ahem* Ingvald Bloodhound: Hm? Helisent Wynter knows that name from somewhere, she thinks. Then she turns slightly pink, and coughs, looking away. Ingvald Bloodhound: What. Helisent Wynter: Nothing. Lif Silverlode: I... met a woman named Priscilla who said she was an author. She handed me a book to read, but it had a different name for the author. It was... something. Lif Silverlode turns pink and shifts uncomfortably. Helisent Wynter: That they are. Ingvald Bloodhound looks back and forth between the two young women, and shrugs. Lif Silverlode: *ahem* Anyway... Helisent, you said you are a healer? As I recall, you are skilled in conjury, correct? Helisent Wynter nods at that, grateful for the subject change. Helisent Wynter: Mmhm. Gridanian trained, at that, though I left the Fen. Lif Silverlode smiles, pleased that she remembered. Lif Silverlode: And what kind of work do you do, Ingvald? If I may ask. Ingvald Bloodhound: Red magic. As to what I do with it, that's another question entirely. Ingvald Bloodhound isn't even sure of it himself - aside from hunting down fugitives and surveilling for Garleans. Lif Silverlode nods, inwardly pleased that her guess had been correct. Lif Silverlode: A red mage? That's a talent you don't see much anymore. I'm not sure I've even met one outside of a book. Lif Silverlode is very careful to keep her expression straight and her voice curious. Ingvald Bloodhound: Which makes it difficult to learn from others, as one might for a more common discipline. Helisent Wynter taps her chin, thinking. Lif Silverlode: I bet it does. I'm glad that there are still some that art alive, and I hope that a day will come when I can meet more. Ingvald Bloodhound: As do I. Ingvald Bloodhound looks around briefly. Ingvald Bloodhound: Speaking of which, I'd best get some training in. I hope you'll excuse me. Ingvald Bloodhound: It's good to meet you, Lif. Helisent Wynter: I've heard stories of the Crimson Duelists, while I traveled around Gyr Abania, actually. They sounded interesting. Ingvald Bloodhound: I'll tell you what I know of them. Perhaps another time. If you're good. Lif Silverlode: It was very nice to meet you, Ingvald. Feel free to seek me out any time you're here. I will be around for the foreseeable future. Helisent Wynter, in true contrary fashion, goes to kick his shin again. Helisent Wynter: I'm always good. Ingvald Bloodhound manages to dodge this time. Helisent Wynter almost overextends and faceplants, only to be saved by a breeze that seems to push her up from the ground. She makes a face at Ingvald Bloodhound. Helisent Wynter: Spoilsport. Lif Silverlode: The same goes for you, Helisent. I would love to talk with you again at some point. Helisent Wynter turns back to Lif Silverlode and grins. Helisent Wynter: Sure! I'd like to get to know you some more, if that's alright. I'm just currently sort of in training, and only came back to grab a few things. Lif Silverlode: Ah, right. The monk training you mentioned. I hope your training goes well, and you don't give your 'parents' too many grey hairs. Lif Silverlode smiles. Helisent Wynter: Orella's hair was already grey. Ingvald Bloodhound makes a straight face. Helisent Wynter: ... Don't look at me like that. I'm the light of your life. Ingvald Bloodhound thinks it's more silver, but says nothing.

#Lif Silverlode #Helisent Wynter #Ingvald Bloodhound

[canyouhearthelight]

The Miys, Ch. 34

Okay, we finally hear from our saboteur, and why she did it.

Once Conor was escorted from the room to wait in the corridor, I braced myself for what was to come. Where the other members of the Council had their assistants standing behind them to locate and send them relevant information, I was surprised to see my sister standing behind my chair. “It’s temporary, until we can find someone else to fill the role,” she responded to my questioning glance.

Translation: I don’t trust anyone else to be here right now. “What did you have to promise to be allowed in here?” She had previously injured herself pretty badly trying to break down the door between her and the woman who would shortly be standing in the room with us.

“No assaulting her, no talking to her, I can’t even walk on the same side of the room where she will be,” Tyche rolled her eyes and sighed before perking up. “But, if she comes over here, I’m allowed to take any action necessary in defense of myself or my sister.” A shiver trailed down my spine at the feral and bloodthirsty grin on her face.

Time to change the topic. “Did you really have to sedate Conor?”

She just shrugged. “He was shouting, and it was upsetting you even worse than you already are. When your nose started bleeding like that, I thought you ruptured your sinuses again. I would have sedated you if I was one-hundred percent sure it wouldn’t have reacted badly with the medications you’re already on.”

“Fair enough.” Wait. “What d’you mean, rupture my sinuses again?”

“Short answer is: your sinus cavities were crushed when you were assaulted, plus internal soft-tissue damage.  At one point while you were unconscious, your blood pressure spiked hard enough that several of the blood vessels in there ruptured because they hadn’t healed enough. Noah induced a coma to keep that from happening again. You almost both drowned and exsanguinated, which I didn’t even know was a thing, but they got you right again.”

I shook my head carefully. “When am I going to get the full list of what all needed fixing?” I gestured to my head.

“After the trial, which is about to start,” she shushed me, nodding to the opposite side of the table.

Some cruel trick of fate, or possibly putting my sister as far as possible from her potential victim, had placed me directly across from the space where Arantxa would stand for her trial. I tried to remind myself that, while I would have to face my attacker and traitorous former friend, she would also have to sit directly across from the person she failed to kill.  There was at least a little sense of drama from whoever decided the seating arrangements. Eino called for us to stand as ‘accused’ was ushered into the room.  Once she was escorted, hands bound and head held high, to the empty space, the charges against her were read.

“Arantxa Bidarte,” Eino intoned. “You are here on trial for the charges of attempted murder of a sentient being, conspiracy to commit murder of a sentient being, conspiracy to sabotage a rescue vessel, and conspiracy to exterminate the human race. Evidence of your actions has already been provided to those present.  Under Galactic Law, which we have chosen to exercise here, you are allowed an interval of time equivalent to no less than twenty Terran minutes, unless you waive the minimum, and not to exceed six Terran hours in which to make a statement in your defense.  After your statement has been given, you will be questioned in regards to the crimes of which you are accused.  Do you understand what will take place here?”

“I do,” she answered crisply.

“Council, be seated,” Eino allowed.  I noticed that Arantxa was forced to remain standing and had not been provided a seat. I made a mental note to ask about it later.  Once seated, he nodded once more at Arantxa. “You may begin.”

Head still high, she looked around the table before her gaze fell on me. She had the decency to look ashamed once she saw the purple and green splotches making up much of my face. “Ladies and Gentlemen of the Council,” she began. “I stand here today accused of several atrocious acts against this ship and the community within it. I was caught in the act of one such act by two of the Councillors in this room, and I am sure you have already spoken with the others involved while I was convalescing, so I will not insult your intelligence by claiming innocence.”

“Humanity is a plague,” she spat, her tone changing from one of righteous dignity to one of disgust. “We made the planet we came from unlivable.  We gave priority status to the rich, the same people who exploited Earth’s resources for profit, again and again.  Hundreds of species of plants and animals, none of which did anything to deserve what we did, were driven to extinction when we stole and destroyed their habitat. When the Global Parliament was instated, we told ourselves that everything would be better.”

“We lied. We lied to ourselves, to those who trusted us to lead them, and to any future generations. The only thing that changed was that we spent all the time we previously used to wage war on each to wage war on our own planet.  The sheer amount of processing and production of materials needed to complete the Icarus Project caused irreversible climate change. More animals driven to extinction, more plants.  Millions died from heat waves, droughts, floods… and we promised it would be okay! We told ourselves, over and over, that we could fix it by solving the problem of overpopulation. A new world, we said.”

“An entirely new world for us to destroy and exploit.  And again, the rich were given priority, allowed to leave the planet they convinced us to ruin in the first place.  We could not allow that; yes, Earth was already past the point of supporting our lives, but we could not allow humanity to spread like a virus to other worlds, drive whole new species into extinction.  So yes, we sabotaged the ships headed to Goldilocks.  And yes, we fully expected it to cause all global power and information systems to go dark. Humanity was supposed to die on that planet, quarantined to protect any other species out there.”

“But even then, as Councillor Reid has summed up so well when recounting waking on the Ark for the first time, we can’t even die properly.  Instead of the inevitable decline that a plague deserves, our gracious hosts have decided to spread us around to the rest of the known universe.  How kind of them!  Imagine my horror waking up here, realizing that all the hard work my people had done was for nothing!  Ten thousand plague-bearers, chosen for how robust we were and being taken to a new world to grow like a bacterial culture. Everything I had worked against, coming to fruition.”

“I was not the only one, as you already have discovered.  I was assigned as an Administrator, and cultivated a relationship with Tyche Reid.” I could hear my sister growling from behind me. “Imagine how fortuitous it was for me when I was assigned to her sister, the newest member of the Council.  I knew the gods were smiling on me when I was given a perfectly solid reason to have access to human staffing for every portion of the Ark.  I already had a friendly working relationship with Sophia’s sister, and further ingratiated myself into her little so-called family at every opportunity.  Ridiculous woman just adopts people,” she scoffed.  I felt like I was being stabbed; I realized that part of me still hoped that our friendship had meant at least something to her, but here she was practically admitting I was nothing but a tool she had used.

“Yes, my conspirators and I made a plan to hopefully destroy the ship, or at least throw it off course far enough that we would have time to take more drastic measures.  No one anticipated the Ark would immediately drop out of FTL when the sensors went offline. Then, that damned pilot was on board. How did a pilot who was supposed to be dead get on board this ship!?  Can we not just die properly!?” she practically shouted before taking breaths to calm herself. “Even drugging everyone on Level One could not work properly, because Tyche Reid had to be allergic to a drug that has been in use for centuries, and that damned idiot pilot wouldn’t fucking eat!”

“And then,” she blew a harsh breath out through her nose. “Then, Sophia had to start figuring things out, connecting all the dots. As soon as I heard her talking to herself in the shower, I knew something had to be done.  It was already known that someone on Level One was responsible, thanks to the slip up with the drugged food being found out.  If she reasoned out that I was primarily the one behind all of it, she would have stopped us. I realized no one would ever suspect me; I was her best friend, her sister, and all that nonsense.  Yet again, she wouldn’t just die. Oh no, she fought back, and by the time I thought she was dead, they had to walk in while I was trying to get my hand out of her fucking hair.” She gestured at Xiomara and Grey before shaking her head. “You have to understand, we cannot be allowed to spread into the universe.  We are death incarnate.  We killed a planet that, by all rights, should have killed us first.  We wiped out several entire animals on our home world that should have eaten us alive, but we domesticated them and killed off the rest.  Being allowed to start all over again is a mistake. Please do not allow this.”

I was stunned.  She had just admitted to acts of global terrorism, two attempts at genocide on humanity, and two attempted murders. And she wanted us to listen to her?

What the actual fuck.

Looking around at my fellow members of the Council, their faces betrayed the same thoughts.  She apparently saw the same thing, because she started speaking again. “Do not discount my words because of my actions.  Instead, take my actions into evidence of how barbaric we are, deep down. Take into account Derek Okafor’s actions against me, as well; if a kind, shy boy can deliberately inflict pain, deliberately break bones, what does that say about humanity?  Tyche Reid, as well, in regards to her attempted actions when her sister was injured: instead of waiting by her bedside, her first instincts were to attempt revenge and damage herself in the process.  We are savages,” she growled.

Grey Hodenson was the only person who could unclench their jaw long enough to speak. “Do you have anything further to say, Ms. Bidarte?”

“There is nothing that will convince you people,” was the response. “So, no.”

Grey nodded and stood. “Under Galactic Law, intended victims of the accused who are aware of the crime committed are allowed to speak.  Miys has waived their right to such a statement due to need for impartiality, which is customary for their kind.  Sophia Reid, would you like to make a statement?”

I took a deep breath to brace myself before nodding and standing. “Do I have the same time constraints as she did?”

Grey nodded. “We cannot stop you before twenty minutes have passed, and you may not exceed six hours.”

“I won’t need six hours,” I shook my head. “I doubt I will need twenty minutes.” I turned my head to where the fuming accused stood. “Arantxa Bidarte.  You were one of the first people I met on this ship. We worked hand in hand for several months, two parts of a whole.  I welcomed you into my home, shared my family and dreams of what humanity could become with you. I watched one of my dearest friends fall in love with you, with no reservations. Yet you stand here today, admitting that it was all a lie on your part, that you used us.”

“As much as that hurts – and it does, worse than being cut in half did – what hurts even more is knowing that you listened to nothing that we talked about in all that time.  The entire reason that Noah and their people tried to save humanity is because they saw something worth saving.  I do not deny that the wealthy and corrupt held power for too long, and that is a mistake we have all recognized.  You yourself said to me that you thought I would be a good leader because I did not want to lead.  Maybe that was the problem on Earth; we allowed those who wanted to lead to take the reins, but that is something that we can fix, if we have the chance that you want to deny us. See, for all the evils that you stand there accusing our entire species of, there are amazing things that we have accomplished as well.  We always try to better ourselves, to learn from our mistakes.  You mention Derek’s reaction to seeing what you did to me, but you cheapen it.  Derek is not a vicious monster, like you try to make him sound.  Despite the fact that he doesn’t like touching people, he overcame that to protect his family rather than stand there helpless and watch me die. That’s not barbaric.  Tyche’s actions as well: she was willing to injure herself to make sure you could never hurt me again, and from what I understand she hurt herself pretty badly.”

“Yes, we made our planet unlivable, but we are trying to learn as much as we can to prevent doing that once we reach Kepler 442b.  How can you have spent so much time around Conor and not noticed how we are trying to adapt our plants to Kepler’s environment, if and only if the native vegetation will not sustain us?  And all of it is being engineered to prevent it from becoming invasive and killing local species off.  Animals will not be released into the wild, not even the aquatics, for the same reason. Giang’s people are trying to create sustainable structures that require minimal natural resources.  But all you see is what you want, that we wrecked one planet and presumably will wreck this one.  No one on this ship wants that to happen, except you.  We just spent a decade surviving a slow apocalypse that you admit you caused, on an already dying planet, because the rich and wealthy left us nothing.  We are so much better than you think we are, and we deserve the chance to prove that.”

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#the miys #humans are weird #humans are space orcs #earth is space australia #aliens #science fiction

[pulveremcomedesligulas]

When Will My Life Begin

Part 2 - Tangled AU

Based off of the @linkeduniverse comic

On ao3

first | next >

“Wild!” Four’s voice carried across the clearing. Wild’s head shot up from the pan he was currently stewing vegetables in. He saw Four heading towards the cabin, the body of a wild boar slung across his shoulders. “I got the meat for dinner!”

“Awesome! I’ll take care of that in just a minute,” Wild answered, putting a lid on the vegetables. He stood up and brushed off his trousers. He frowned as he noticed how the pants left his ankles uncovered. Stretching his arms above his head revealed a similar problem with his shirt.

Wild sighed as he wandered over to where Four was hanging up the boar for them to skin and drain. The shorter teen always struggled hanging the heavier animals they caught, but Wild was also terrified to offer any help after the last time when Four nearly bit his head off. It takes a couple of extra heaves of the rope for Four to get the boar strung up and tied off. That was enough time for Wild to collect his tools and strip to his underwear.

Four glanced over at Wild and scoffed at the sight of Wild’s lack of clothes.

“Really, do you have to strip down every time you skin an animal?”

“I don’t have many clothes options, Four,” Wild said. “And this saves on laundry.”

“What laundry? You just jump into the pond with your clothes on whenever they’re dirty.”

Wild whirled around and pointed his carving knife at Four. “It’s the quickest way to get the dirt out!”

Four sighed and waved him off. “Just keep skinning the pig Wild.”

Wild grumbled but did as he was told. They were silent for a few minutes, nothing but the sound of the crackling fire and Wild’s knife.

“I found some staggered cliffs on the backside of the plateau today,” Wild said conversationally, not turning away from his current, messy, situation. He silently braced himself for Four’s reaction.

“Wild…” Four sid slowly. “We’ve been through this. We’ve tried to get off the plateau. And even when we almost did…”

He trailed off, but his point was made. Wild flinched, the scars on the side of his face flaring at the reminder.

They had gotten so close to getting off the plateau. They’d had a plan. But the day they were putting that plan into action they were ambushed by strange spider-like and flying machines that shot burning lasers at them as soon as they even got close to the edge.

Wild had taken the brunt of the hits, because the machines had targeted him. Even with Four shooting half their stock of arrows at them, they paid him no mind.

Wild had only been thirteen. He’d been taller than Four at that point, but that hadn’t mattered when Four had dragged him back to safety.

“I think this way may be clear of them,” Wild said, pushing the thoughts from his mind. “We haven’t tried this way yet.”

Four lifted the lid on the pot and stirred it slowly.

“I just… I don’t know Wild,” he said. “Maybe if I had my sword…”

His voice was quiet on that last part, but Wild knew well enough about Four’s sword anyway. It was the reason Four was on the plateau.

Wild sighed, lowering his knife.

“I’m just tired,” he said. “Tired of being up here. All my life… or, all my life that I remember, this has been all that I’ve known.” He gestured to the area around them. The small cabin that he and Four had built shortly after Four had found him in the Shrine.

He… didn’t really have memories from before that. Maybe because he was so young, maybe because of the way the Shrine worked. It didn’t really matter either way. The fact was that as far as Wild was concerned, he had spent his entire life stuck on this plateau, with only Four and the local wildlife for company.

Four let loose a breath as he put the lid down. He pushed himself to his feet and walked over to Wild. Wild didn’t flinch as the shorter teen wrapped his arms around him from behind, instead just sighed and leaned into the contact.

“We’ll get off of here one day, Wild,” Four said quietly, his voice muffled by Wild’s shirt.

Wild nodded, giving a small hum to acknowledge what Four had said. Then he cracked a grin as he leaned more into Four, his center of gravity drastically so that Four took on more and more of his weight.

“Oh no,” Wild cried in a fake tone. “Gravity is increasing on me!”

“Don’t you even start, jackass!” Four shouted, giving Wild a rough shove back onto his feet. He gave a pull on Wild’s long braid for good measure as he stomped away.

Wild stumbled a bit as he regained his balance, laughing as he did. Four just grumbled some unflattering words as he sat back down next to the pot with the vegetables.

“Shut up and finish with the meat,” Four said. “The vegetables will be done soon.”

Wild didn’t bother to wipe the grin off his face as he turned back to his work, knowing Four wasn’t actually upset with him.

Trapped as they may be, Wild would always be thankful Four was there with him.

#linkeduniverse #linked universe #lu tangled #things i wrote