#And Gao has gone and kicked me in the face

[lacunasbalustrade]

#Here I was being depressed about finishing the hundred season #And Gao has gone and kicked me in the face #Fcbf live-blogging #we’re back!

[robininthelabyrinth]

Targets - ao3

- Chapter 3 -

Meng Yao wasn’t supposed to be for sale.

His mother had worked hard her whole life to make sure of it, refusing every offer for him no matter how tempting or how desperate their situation. He was a cultivator’s son, she told him, a sect leader’s; one day, he would return to his father’s side, and if he was going to do that, he couldn’t have his past be marred with scandal. He couldn’t have a slave contract, and he couldn’t have done any work as a whore – it was one thing to do odd jobs in a brothel, but another thing entirely to actually work on your back, and somehow, somehow, someone would find out, and he’d be ruined. They would know.

The only way for him to really make it is if he never did anything like that at all.

So when the cultivator – a real cultivator, from the looks of him, not one of the fakers they often got – walked into their brothel and asked for Meng Yao, his mother said no.

The man frowned, then turned to the owner of the brothel who shrugged, indicating that he was helpless. “The boy doesn’t belong to this establishment,” he said apologetically. “But if the venerated Immortal would prefer something more boyish, I can direct you to some of our more masculine girls, or to a neighboring establishment…”

His voice trailed off when the cultivator pulled out a large chunk of gold, about half the size of Meng Yao’s thumb.

“You can keep it all – if I get the boy, a room, and your word to tell no one else that either of us are here,” the man said.

“No!” Meng Shi exclaimed, but Meng Yao knew from the look on the brothel owner’s eyes that it was too late. This wasn’t a good brothel like the one they’d been in before – the one that had kicked them out when they decided his mother was too old and her health too poor – but a lower tier one, less rich and more desperate. A piece of gold like that was more money than all the girls put together would make in a year.

If they continued to refuse, the owner of the brothel would use force. There were the bully boys at the door – they would grab his mother and drag her away, grab him and throw him into the room, maybe tie him down, rob him of any ability to defend himself…

So Meng Yao put his hand on his mother’s arm. “It’s fine, Mother,” he said to her, hoping to offer comfort where there was none to be had, and then forced himself to smile at the cultivator. “How can this humble one best please the venerated Immortal?”

The man’s eyes flickered between them, and his frown deepened.

“The woman comes with us, same deal,” he told the owner, who nodded, eyes fixed on the gold, and never mind that both Meng Yao and his mother had now frozen in horror. There were women in the brothel who sometimes pretended to be sisters and might even be, it was a popular request by clients, but – his mother… “All right, where’s the room?”

“I’ll give you the best one in the house,” the owner said, tone fawning, and showed them the way.

By the time they were upstairs, Meng Yao was shaking like a leaf and his mother looked on the verge of weeping.

The moment the cultivator closed the door behind them, shooing the owner away, she threw herself onto the floor in front of him. “Venerated Immortal,” she said, begging, and Meng Yao averted his eyes, feeling rage build in the pit of his stomach. “Spare my son, please. I will do anything you wish –”

“You misunderstand,” the cultivator said stiffly. “Your son is safe – as are you. I’m not here for that sort of thing…boy, get her off the floor and seated somewhere, get her something to drink to calm her.”

Meng Yao got his mother into a chair, pressing some wine usually reserved for clients into her hand. By the time he was done with that, he was more puzzled than anything else, even the rage at his mother’s mistreatment fading away into confusion. “What does the venerated Immortal want?” he asked delicately, and the cultivator shrugged.

“I actually have no idea what I’m doing here,” he said frankly. “I received a message from my sect leader that told me to find and secure a ‘Meng Yao, son of Meng Shi’ from Yunping City, and when I asked around it led me to you. I was hoping you could tell me the reason.”

“Your sect leader asked for me?” Meng Yao asked blankly. “By name?”

Could it be – his mother had always said –

“You’re not from Lanling,” his mother said, wiping her eyes, expression back to fierce and calculating. “My boy is the son of the sect leader of Lanling Jin, not…”

She trailed off deliberately.

“Qinghe Nie,” the cultivator said automatically, and even folded his hands in front of him to salute – perfunctorily, but still more than most would bother with for a whore. “The message said only that you were in danger, and that I was to hide you until the sect leader could come pick you up himself.”

So it wasn’t his father, Meng Yao thought, disappointed, but still – a sect leader of a cultivation sect, knowing him by name? Sending a message from far away?

He had no idea what to think of it.

And so they waited, each one sitting awkwardly in their own place, as several shichen passed. It was already evening when there was a knock – at the window.

The window on the third floor.

The cultivator got up and opened it, and a large fierce-looking man carrying three children – one on each hip with an arm around them, and another seated on his shoulders, clutching to his hair like reins – wiggled his way through, shaking all the children off as if his arms were hurting the second his feet were on the ground.

“Is that him?” he asked, nodding at Meng Yao, and the cultivator nodded. “He’s young.”

“Thirteen,” Meng Yao said, and noted that it was probably older than any of the three children who were looking at him in fascination.

“One of Sect Leader Jin’s bastards, Sect Leader,” the cultivator reported, and Meng Yao felt something fall in the pit of his belly at the term one of. There were many like him, then – perhaps his mother’s optimism regarding his reception in Lanling City was as misplaced as her optimism in buying all those pointless cultivation manuals that he slaved over and which accomplished nothing.

“Well, that can’t be the reason, then, or the list would be thrice as long,” the sect leader said, frowning. “I’d even started wondering…no, it still makes no sense. Regardless, no point in waiting around here any longer – I saw two Wen patrols making their way through the city as I flew in, and I have no doubt they’ll find this place soon. We should be gone before they do.”

“If this humble one can ask, what is the honorable Sect Leader’s plans for my son?” Meng Shi asked, ducking her head demurely and looking up at him flirtatiously through her eyelashes, even as she leaned forward a little in a way that set off her shape to its best advantage.

“Oh no,” the sect leader said, and took two full steps backwards. Without the fierce expression on his face, he looked much younger – in fact, Meng Yao thought with wonder and maybe even a little disbelieving amusement, it seemed like this sect leader was most certainly still a teenager, and awkward with it, too. “No, I – I don’t – Gao Jianguo, do something!”

“She’s a whore, Sect Leader,” the cultivator said, rolling his eyes. “They flirt. It happens.”

The sect leader was bright red. The children were all giggling.

“Madame,” he said, bowing to her – an actual bow, respectful, not even the perfunctory dip the cultivator had given earlier, and he didn’t have to call her Madame, either. “Forgive me, I’m not…I don’t have much experience with women. My name is Nie Mingjue, sect leader of Qinghe Nie. I have reason to believe your son is in terrible danger if he remains here, and I intend to take him with me to a safe location.”

“What assurances do I have of his safety?” Meng Shi asked, and Meng Yao knew then that she intended to send him whether he wanted to go or not.

Not that he didn’t intend to go. Such an earnest sect leader, this ‘Nie Mingjue’…even if it was all a mistake or misunderstanding, which had to be what had happened, there were benefits that could be gotten here. If Meng Yao could become a servant there, learn cultivation, he could maybe save up enough to later go to his father’s side – no matter what they asked of him, it would be better than a brothel, especially one where the owner had already seen an indication of Meng Yao’s worth as chattel.

And yet…

“You have my word,” Nie Mingjue assured her.

“I won’t leave without her,” Meng Yao suddenly spoke up, and ignored his mother’s glare. He didn’t want to leave her here. He wouldn’t, not unless he was forced, which seemed likely, but he had to try his best. “If I’m in danger, then so is she. They might want to use her to lure me in.”

“That’s a good point,” Nie Mingjue said, which Meng Yao wasn’t expecting. He even nodded in approval at Meng Yao. “Very well, we’ll take you both with us. Gao Jianguo –”

“The amount I’ve already paid would be sufficient to cover any slave bond,” the cultivator said. His frown suggested he wasn’t happy about his sect leader’s actions. “There will be paperwork –”

“Only for me,” Meng Shi said quickly. “My son is free, and always has been.”

Nie Mingjue looked out the window, clearly calculating – two patrols, Meng Yao thought, this sect leader thought someone was hunting him down for some unknown reason – and then glanced at the two of them. He sighed a little, almost imperceptibly, before firming up his expression once more.

“Take Meng Shi and buy her bond,” he instructed the cultivator. “Collect anything she wants to take with her and take her back to Qinghe through safe routes. I’ll take Meng Yao with me and we’ll meet there.”

“What should I do with the ownership papers? There’s a tax for taking slaves out of the county, and people might notice –”

“Burn them,” Nie Mingjue said, and Meng Yao’s heart gave a sudden thrill of delight. “She can travel as a free woman. Make sure she sees a doctor, if she thinks she would benefit from seeing one, and cover the cost – I want her to arrive at the Unclean Realm alive and well.”

Alive and well, Meng Yao thought, even more delighted. That was a warning, no doubt about it – telling the cultivator not to take advantage of Meng Shi during his trip. And a doctor! With his sect leader ordering it, the cultivator would have to take her to a good one, not some phony sawbones, and she could finally get that cough of hers looked at…

Meng Yao would do whatever this sect leader wanted. Just for that.

(It was more than his father had ever done for them.)

“Can you handle flying with four boys?” the cultivator asked, frowning, and – flying? “Especially if you already came all the way from Qinghe, and through Yunmeng, you must be exhausted –”

“I’ll be fine,” Nie Mingjue said shortly. “He’s thirteen; he can stand on his own and hold onto me, arms around my waist, while I hold on to the others…hey, are you afraid of heights?”

That question was directed at Meng Yao.

“I don’t think so,” he replied, aiming for honest. It seemed to be what this sect leader appreciated, and Meng Yao was good at figuring out and catering to people’s likes. He’d have to exert himself especially this time. “But I’ve never gone higher than the fourth floor.”

“Well, you’re about to,” Nie Mingjue said, and his saber unsheathed itself and floated on the floor. “All right, everyone back on – you can introduce yourself in the air. We still have to make the ride back to the Lotus Pier, and I’m sure your parents are worried sick already, Jiang-gongzi.”

#mdzs #meng yao #jin guangyao #nie mingjue #meng shi #my fic #my fics #targets

[absurdthirst]

Sorry for the sad ling post but I really need to vent to someone. I don’t know what to do anymore. My heart is so broken and shattered because I just found out my dog’s cancer is back for a third time and I am so scared that I won’t have him for mych longer and I cannot bare that. My family is devastated and I am worried about my family and I feel like they are angry with me because I won’t cry and I carry on like everything is normal so the dog doesn’t feed off of my emotions too. This dog is my everything. The only reason I am doing what I am and am here at this pount today is because of him and now life has just non stop kicked me in the face. I now have to take a gao year in between undergrad and vet school. Now a teacher is failing me for no reason and my school will do nothing about it and now I have to pay out of pocket four extra science classes and I cannot deal with this anymore. I feel like giving up on this stuff and just being an empty hollow shell. I can’t let my dog go. He just can’t go. I need him too much and so does my family. I am afraid if he is gone my family will no linger be a family.

I am so sorry hun. I know it is terrible to lose a beloved member of the family like a dog.

Your family should not be angry at you. They need to remember that everyone processes things differently and that should be respected. Just because you are not crying and having a meltdown on the outside doesn't mean you aren't devastated by the news.

I am sorry about the issues with your schooling, and I would as definitely gather as much evidence as I can to see if there is anyone that will listen to you.

Sending you a hug, hun!!! I know it's hard to get through but I know you will.

#real talk #pet loss

[liibrii]

Chapter 3: In the light, your name

Ojiro Aran x fem!reader

Series Masterpost || Ch. 1 || Ch. 2

wc: 4.7k

warnings: time skip spoilers, swearing, internalised guilt and shame, intrusive thoughts, self doubt, drinking.

a/n: this only took forever cause I got carried away (what a surprise). if you wanna be tagged in future chapters lemme know, and as always feedback is greatly appreciated! 

A step forward, two steps back. Like a dance, just like his mother taught him, dancing and laughing back home, only this dance holds no joy, only cruel turns and twirls and your hand slipping from his as fate whisks you away.

“One Ace special coming up!“ Osamu places a plate of freshly made onigiris in front of Aran. They look amazing, as if taken directly out of one of those fancy cooking books. The practice had been especially gruelling that day and yet Aran has no appetite. All he wants is to go home and sleep. He would have, if Gao hadn't dragged him to the newly opened Tokyo branch of Onigiri Miya.

More out of politeness than really being hungry he takes a bite. It's good, much better than ones he remembers Osamu bringing to practice. “Woah, this is tasty!“

Osamu practically beams at Aran's praise. Even he has changed, notices Aran. Has he grown a little? The grey of his hair is gone, and he smiles so much more. Aran doesn't remember ever seeing him so talkative.

Has everyone changed so much while he wasn't paying attention?

While chewing he pulls phone from his bag, in some silly hope there'd be a message from you. But the screen is empty and seeing his screensaver is almost a mocking to his hopes. What else did he expect? People don't always mean what they say, but a storm doesn't mean to blow away roofs either.

Lost in his thoughts Aran barely takes notice when Gao says his goodbye and other customers slowly start leaving.

Osamu closes the shop then places two more cans of beer on the counter. Without much enthusiasm Aran opens the can and pours the fizzling liquid into a glass. Which drink was it, third? Fourth? For a moment he considers telling Osamu everything. About you, how he feels and how he screwed up. Just to get it out there. But Aran knows Osamu talks to Atsumu, and Atsumu never learned what keeping a secret means. So he blames his sour mood on practice.

 Even if Aran was a good liar Osamu'd see through his little ticks. They've been the same ever since elementary school and so obvious; the nervous scratching of his nails, rubbing of his neck. Ever since he'd grown a beard he added rubbing it to the list.

“I should probably get goin',“ says Aran before downing half the glass in one long gulp.

“What's a few more minutes?“ Osamu doesn't bother pouring his beer. “I'll clean up later. Don't have any other plans anyway.“

A low chuckle leaves Aran's lips. “Life goin' that good, yeah?”

“Could say that. Could be far worse. How about ya?“

Aran massages his temples. He's getting light headed and still he takes another long sip. “Like ya said, could be far worse. Had a rough couple weeks. Women, ya know?“

Osamu hums and nods, wisely. “Women. Got dumped, did ya?“

“In a way...“

“What happened, did ya forget her birthday or somethin'?“

Aran laughs. Oh no, he knows exactly when your birthday is. “Said somethin' stupid.“

“Just somethin'? If she gets upset so fast then maybe she's trouble.“

“Wasn't like that. She trusted me and I... had a bad day and took it out on her.“

Osamu takes an onigiri Aran hasn't touched yet. “Have ya apologised?“ He asks with his mouth full. “Should start with that,“ he continues after Aran shakes his head, “treat her to dinner. I know some good restaurants if ya want. Or better, cook somethin' yerself.“ He opens the browser on his phone. “What's her favorite food?“

Aran tells him. “Whichever recipe ya find I can tell ya right now I can't cook it.“

“I found a few even Tsumu can make,“ laughs Osamu still scrolling through his phone. “What's she like? More into fancy stuff or more homey? Fried rice's easy but not very fancy, more of a safe bet. Maybe with an omelette. I can show ya how to make it to look like a panda. Success guaranteed!“

“How can omelette look like a panda? It's yellow.“ 

“A yellow bear then,“ Osamu shruggs before putting away his phone. “Does she like bears?“

“Does- I ain't sure...“

“Ya don't know?“

“No! Why would I? Is that what ya ask folk ya take on dates?“

“Usually I ask what they think about apple curry.“

“I don't think she likes apple curry... Or maybe she does...“ He gloomily stares at the empty glass in front of him. “Gimme one more.“

Osamu obliges and pours him one more, deciding this is the last one for him. Aran's eyes are getting glassy and he dreamily observes the white foam before downing half the glass.

“We went down to the Kamakura beach,” he says, scratching at his immaculate fingernails. “She looked s' pretty in the sunset... She likes sunsets... I think. Ain't sure 'bout anythin' these days.“

“Everyone likes sunsets,“ nods Osamu. “Never trust people who don't like seein' sunsets. I'm tellin' ya, buy her some udon. Or bring her here, I'll give ya a special discount.“

Aran bursts into laughter. “He'll know then...“ Osamu leans his head to the side, wondering what his old teammate meant by that. “She's ex of a friend.“

“Ow,“ is all Osamu says. That explains everything. You don't date a friends' ex. “Sorry. She sounds great.“

“Yeah, yeah she is... Kinda almost like a whasit's called again, kotatsu? Warm...“ He's just blabbering now, his mind a hazy labyrinth of disconnected thoughts. He misses you, he misses you so bad, and he fucked up, and he doubts cooking you a dinner would repair the damage he's done. Once it would be pretty easy to bribe you with the right snacks but you've changed. You've changed so much he still fears he doesn't know you at all. “Hey Samu? Hav' I changed?“

“Yea? I doubt the old Aran-kun wouldda come to me for advice.“

Corners of Aran's lips perk up. Why is his glass empty? “Yer a good guy ‘Samu. Can ya call me a taxi? I've got practice t'morrow.“

He has to stop visiting Onigiri Miya on the evenings Aran thinks on another morning after drinking and talking with Osamu till late night hours. The cool breeze of the early morning hours is refreshing but isn't doing anything to ease the hammering in his head. Sky without a cloud promises the day to be sunny and hot. Aran's just glad he found his sunglasses ad that the gym has air conditioning.

There's a distant ringing in his ears. Ringing that doesn't stop and causes other people on the train to send him sideway looks. It's because his phone is ringing but he's too focused on trying not to throw up to notice. He only does so once he's walking the short walk from the train station to the gym. Seeing your name over the 'missed call' almost makes him drop the phone. He calls you back, frantically tapping his fingers on his arm, hoping you'll pick up. You don't.

The sun is too bright. Pouring rain would be more appropriate to his mood. Aran's glad he can hide from the warm rays inside the gym. No matter his mood volleyball always takes his mind off things, and even now he hopes it will help him see things more clearly. The thought of you has become a wind chime, singing at every little thing that makes him think of you. Staying focused on the ball in front of him is harder than expected. But first and foremost he's a professional volleyball player with a new season just around the corner. He can't let his team, his fans down. Since your first year of high school you've been his supporter too. He can't let you down.

When his phone rings again he’s in the middle of receiving drills and this call too goes unanswered. Instead your message waits for him.

           (9. 45) Aran are u free this Sunday? the shrine down the street is holding a festival. wanna come?  

A wide smile spreads over his face. He's more than happy to come he writes back, his smile spreading even wider when only a few moments later you text him place and time.

“Ojiro what are you looking at?“ Gao peers over his shoulder and Aran quickly puts his phone away.

“Nothin'“

“Nothing, ey? Does the nothing have a name?“

Aran rolls his eyes and heads for the showers, ignoring the teasing laughter of his teammates. Honestly, he's too excited to see you to care.

Aran glances on his phone to check the time. Five more minutes and he'll be only ten minutes early. He kicks the small stone form the pavement onto the road. Then he straightens his shirt. Maybe this colour wasn't the right choice after all, maybe you would've liked the red one better. Once in passing Akagi said red looked good on him. He sends you a short message, letting you know he's already here.

Minutes later he catches the sight of your figure manoeuvring between visitors flocking towards the many stands. “Sorry, I got worried all the best mochi'd sell out,“ you apologise, pointing to plate full of different kinds of mochi in your hand. “Samu isn't here yet?“

“No.“ His heart clenches. He didn't even think about the possibility of you inviting anyone else. “He's probably just late,“ he quickly adds, “let me call him.“

“Always late,“ you complain, “tell him I got his mochi but if he doesn't appear soon I'll just eat them myself. Want one?“

He declines the sweet and you shrug. While he waits for Osamu to pick up he avoids looking at you. The call goes unanswered. “I'll send him a message.“

“Tell him every minute he's late is a free onigiri,“ you mumble, your mouth full of delicious mochi. “And he's paying for drinks. I saw a stand with soya smoothies up the street. And a stand with takoyaki.“

“Have ya mapped out all the food stands?“ chuckles Aran.

“Well you know Samu, food is his best motivator. You sure you don't want one?“

He gives in and takes the matcha one. He watches with a fond smile as you stuff an entire mochi in your mouth.

“What?“ you mumble when you catch him staring.

“Ya look like a hamster.“

You roll your eyes in an effort to cover the smile creeping on your face. “Very funny. How's life?“

“It's fine,“ he nods, awkwardly.

“Good.“

“Yeah.“ He rubs his chin. The beard is getting a little long. He glances over at you. He should say something. But what? “I'm really sorry about what I said,“ he finally utters. “I do care. About you.“

“We all say things we don't mean, right?“ The soft look in your eyes makes his throat tighten. He hurt you and yet here you are. Reaching out, again. “It's all water under the bridge. Besides, I really missed hanging out with you. So, where do ya wanna go?“

“Shouldn't we wait for Osamu?“

“Nah. It's his fault for being late, he'll find us. And he better buy us those smoothies. Want one more mochi? You should really try the chocolate one, it's amazing.“

Never again. Aran doesn't want to see you hurt ever again.

The festival is crowded, which is to be expected in Tokyo, and he keeps an eye out for you. The last thing he wants is to lose you somewhere in the sea of people. He stays close, quietly delighting in seeing your excitement over different attractions of the festival. A few times your hand brushes against his, sending a shiver down his spine.

Osamu never shows up, messaging about an hour later he got stuck at work, promising you both as many onigiri as you'd like the next time you come around Onigiri Miya. “A shame. I was hoping to hang out with him while he's still in Tokyo.“

“He'll have time in the future,“ says Aran, doing his best to ignore the pang of jealousy in his chest.

“Probably. But will there be fresh soya smoothie for him to treat me to?“

Aran buys you the smoothie you so crave, grinning upon seeing your excitement. You walk around the festival grounds and from time to time he steals sips of your smoothie. You pout and nag he should buy one for himself but don't stop him. 

As night falls you search for a good place to watch the fireworks from. Just after they start Aran puts his hand on the small of your back to gently push you forward so you'd see better. But you don't budge and he bumps into you, his chest to your back. The sounds of festival fade, as if the crowd disappeared and all that remains is you, looking at him, fireworks reflecting in your eyes. The softness of your gaze causes his heart to do somersaults. You snicker and flick his nose.

Tease, he thinks and tickles you. He wishes he could properly put his arms around you and rest his head on your shoulder. He wishes he was here as more than just your friend. He wishes he alone would be enough of a reason for you to always have the same soft look in your eyes.

But if Kita, the perfect Kita Shinsuke, Kita who knew you better than anyone wasn't enough, how could he be?

His hand lingers on your arm for a heartbeat longer. He could try, he could always love you with all he has and hope you'd love him back, hope he could be enough. But if he failed... he'd only hurt you more, wouldn't he? And you've been hurt enough.

During lunch break his phone rings and his hearts jumps, hoping it's you. But instead Osamu's name is written over the screen. A bit disappointed Aran picks up.

“Aran-kun whatcha doin' this Saturday?“ Not even a'hello'. So many years and still so rude.

“Practice till afternoon, then watchin' a movie.“

“Amazin'! Want some company?“

A boys' night out? Why not? It would be nice to spend some time with someone who wasn't his teammate. “'Course.“

Osamu laughs. “Knew ya would. I happen to know someone interested in a blind date. I'll tell her to meet ya at the cinema.“

“What? Osamu I'm not really one for blind dates-“

“The ex of a friend. She's Kita-san' ex, isn't she?“ Aran's silence is an answer enough. “Ya asked me for advice. This is it, go out, try meetin' someone else. Whatever you want to have with her it won't end well.“

Aran knows. He knows all that. He knows you returning his feelings would be the worst case scenario. Sooner or later he'd have to tell Kita. “I know,“ he says. “I know that.“

Osamu doesn't answer immediately, waiting if Aran will add anything else. “Just go on this one date, see how it goes.“

“I'll think about it.“

He does think about it. The entire day in fact. Meeting someone new would be nice and who knows, she might be the one he's waiting for. A part of him, the guilty part that's been way too loud in the past weeks, stays firmly against the idea. Searching for the right one when you're right here. What if this blind date is just a crazy fan who somehow found her way to meeting him? And what about you, it asks? It would be cruel wouldn't it, leading you on while going on dates behind your back.

But he isn't leading you on, Aran argues with the voice inside his head, you're just a friend anyway. He cares about you yes, but only as a really good friend. Osamu is right, you should never be more than that. You're Kita's ex. And you don't date your friend's ex. So why break his heart further?

           (17.48) I'll go on the date. send me time and place.

That's the thing about making plans, the moment you make them something else comes up. Just the following day his phone rings, making his heart flutter when he sees your name.

“Hey.“ Your voice alone makes him smile. “I, uhm, I have a request.“

No beating around the bush. It makes Aran wonder if you've been hanging with Osamu so much you picked up his habits. “Oh, do ya?“

“Yeah. It’s is a bit awkward... Listen, I have a very important exam next week but my roommate's gonna have her boyfriend over for the entire weekend. Let's just say earplugs aren't helping and leave it at that, yeah? So, could I maybe crash at your place till then? I just need a quiet place to study. I can sleep on the couch! Or the floor, I really don't care!“

“'Course ya can,“ says Aran without hesitation.

This is how we finds himself sitting with a bunch of your notes in his lap, you leaning on his back explaining one of the questions. There are at least 4 empty mugs on the desk of his living room. He hopes you've left some coffee for breakfast.

He's amazed by how naturally you fit into his life. Almost like the space beside his shoes in the closet was meant for yours and the jacket hanging beside his was always meant to be there. You've even found your favourite mug already. The bedroll on the floor of the living room is the only reminder you're only crashing at his place for a couple of days. If you asked he'd let you stay longer.

The next morning you wake up the same time as him, sipping your first cup of coffee for the day, half asleep and draped in the hoodie he strategically left on the counter last night. You don't even raise a brow when he takes your phone and asks you to unlock it. “I'll send ya a playlist. Just some classical music. It's good for studyin'.“

“Sure,“ you answer in a groggy voice. “Have fun bouncing the ball around,“ you wave him off when he gets ready to leave.

Your sleepy face makes him smile for the rest of the day. Practice runs longer than usual and he returns late, stepping over two stairs at the time. The lights are still on when he enters but there's no answer when he calls out. He finds you behind the desk, so absorbed in your notes you don't notice his approach. When he places his hands on your shoulders you jump and shriek. “Aran!“ You remove your headphones. “Do you want to give me a heart attack?!“ He laughs and you smack his leg before he sits on the floor beside you.

“Is the material so interestin'?“ He looks over your many notes and pushes an empty mug to the edge of the table.

“I was listening to music,“ you rub your eyes. He notices they look a bit reddish. He takes your phone and clicks the play button and music continues. It only takes him a moment to recognise the piece.

“Dmitri Shostakovich, Waltz number 2. My mom's favourite. Used to dance to it with dad every Thursday.“

“That's sweet.“

He stands up and offers you his hand. “Come, ya need a break.“

You take his hand without question, only raising your brow when he places his left hand on your back. “Ya have to put your hand on my shoulder,“ he grins to your more than apparent confusion.

“Oh, right,“ you mumble. “I can't really dance you know. Not waltz at least.“

He gently holds your right hand in his and gives you a reassuring squeeze. “Don't worry, I'll teach ya. I start with my right foot forward, ya step back with yer left, yep, just like that, then my left foot forward,“ you jump in surprise when he turns you around, “and the first turn, now yer right foot forward, then left, and turn. See, it ain't hard.“

“Easy for you to say,“ you disagree, your eyes fixed on his feet and your mind preoccupied with trying not to step on his toes.

“Just follow my lead,“ grins Aran, gently pulling you a little closer.

He counts the steps and beats in his head and step after another you relax and follow his lead. All those Thursdays when dad wasn't home and mom pulled him into taking his place are finally paying off.

“I didn't know you could dance so well.“

Aran laughs at your words and gently pushes you into a twirl under his arm. “I guess there's a lot ya don't know,“ he says when he pulls you closer again. 

You follow his steps and soon begin catch on the slightest of his moves. Music changes but you don't let go so you dance on through his living room, off beat and saying quiet 'Sorry's,' every time you step on his toes. The way your brows furrow when you mess up is adorable but Aran doesn't give you the time to ponder over the mistake, pulling you into the next turn with ease and certainty of someone who has danced these steps countless times.

When the last song ends Aran leaves his hand on your back. You're so close, your hand in his. Looking and smiling at him. His eyes linger on your lips. It would take so little to close the space between you. So little that would change so much.

He pulls away.“ Do ya want tea?“

“Don't I always?“ you muse and head to put the water on, then open the cupboard but the last cups stand on the highest shelf and even on your tiptoes you can't reach them. Aran gently pushes you to the side and reaches for them. “Here.“

He pours himself a glass of water then pulls his phone out to check the time. Shit. The blind date. That's today! He glances over at you, making your tea, humming the melody of the last song you danced too. His heart drops.

What is he doing? He can't... This is getting out of control. He clenches the glass tighter. You're so close, he wouldn't even have to fully extend his arm to tap your shoulder. If, right here and now, he told you how he feels, how would you react? He lifts the glass to his lips. Probably not in the way he wants you to. A leap of faith, one that could take him anywhere. To the love of his life, he thinks watching you stir, or to the stone to shatter the friendship you both tried so hard to rebuild. A risk he doesn't have the courage to take.

The half empty glass he leaves in the sink draws your attention. You watch Aran head for the bedroom and you don't think much of it. It's his apartment, he can do what he wants. It's only when almost ten minutes pass that you decide to poke your head through the door to see what he's up to. The clothes he's wearing certainly aren't what one would wear for staying at home. “Going somewhere?“ you ask, curious as to why he's wearing a pretty alright polka dotted shirt.

“I have a date.“ He awkwardly fixes his collar. He doesn't want to meet your eyes.

There's a short silence before you answer. “A date? In this shirt?“

Your judgemental tone makes him turn. “What's wrong with this shirt?”

You scrunch up your nose. “It gives you that,“ you wiggle your fingers, “successful businessman in his forties looking for a wife vibes.“

“What's wrong with that?“

“What's wrong with-?! Aran! You're a professional athlete!“ You enter his bedroom and start looking through the closet. “Don't you get invited to fashion shows and stuff? One would expect you'd get some fashion sense purely through osmosis. Ouch!“ you yelp when he playfully smacks your shoulder. “Here, this one.“ You hand him a shirt of dark violet colour.

He takes it from your hands and inspects it. Then he hands it back. “I like this one better. And I'm runnin' late already anyway.“

You shrug and hang it back. “As you wish Mr. CEO. Wait, are you bringing your date back here?! Shit, I need to clean up my stuff.“

“Relax. I'm not bringin' anyone back. It's a blind date anyway. Ya keep studyin' alright? I'll be very disappointed if ya don't get the highest mark.“

“What do you mean a blind date? Damn, I didn't expect that from you player boy,“ you tease and it's a distraction enough for Aran to miss the forced smile.

“Osamu's idea.“

A small “Ah,“ is all you reply at first. “Get going then, being late is the worst you can be on the first date!“ You push him out of the room. “Have fun, don't say anything stupid, and don't only talk about volleyball.“

“It's not my first date y/n, gosh, stop bein' such a mom. Why are ya so excited anyway?“

“Probably too much caffeine.“

When he returns you're still up. You have two cups of tea ready before he even takes his shoes off.

“So, how was it?“ You push the cup across the table. “Come on, come on, no need to be shy,“ you grin, “tell me!“

Aran rolls his eyes at your sudden excitement. “It was nice, but nothin’ special,“ he tells you.

“Just nice?“ You tap your fingers on the table. Aran recognises the rhythm, it's one of your favourite songs. You sent it to him a few days ago. “Dating must be harder now that you're famous,“ you say, absent-mindedly. “Or is it easier?“

Before answering he takes a cracker from the bowl on the table. “Harder,“ is the answer he settles on. “Ya never know if they're attracted to ya or yer status. What about ya?“ He focuses on chewing crackers and taking small sips of tea, anything to keep from glancing at you.

“Ah you know,“ you sigh, “have enough other problems at the moment. College is messing with my head enough already. Why put another person in the mix?“ This time Aran doesn't miss how your voice trembles, and how you rub your forehead. Maybe you just have a light headache. You do look exhausted.

He changes the subject, feeling the talk of dating is quickly approaching dangerous territory. “How are ya feelin'? With studyin' and all?“

You lean on your hand. “Could be much worse. It's just a lot. Probably should have started with studying earlier.“

“But with work ya didn't even have enough time, right? Don't be too hard on yerself.“

“Actually, I quit. I thought it would help me focus on studying,“ you say upon seeing his questioning gaze.

“Ya know what will help ya study better? Some good night's sleep.“ He takes your empty cup. “I'll do the dishes, ya go ready for bed. No talkin' back,“ he points his finger to your face, “ my house, my rules. No stayin' up past midnight.“

“It's one in the morning.“

“Past time for ya to go to bed then young lady.“

After that you don't protest and before he even finishes doing the dishes you're snuggled on your bedroll and half asleep. Seeing you fills him with warmth. He could get used to this, coming home to you every night. He turns the lights off.

When he lays in his bed he wonders what's with the sinking feeling in his chest. There's anger. Why were you so excited for his date in the first place? Why did you look almost disappointed when he said it was nothing special? He hugs his pillow, thinking he'd much rather it was you in his arms. You must be soft. If only you'd be here, his nose filled with the scent of your shampoo. Teeth of shame sink in his heart. Why does he have to feel like this?

He wants you to be jealous. It's so damn childish, he knows that. It's something his teenager self felt when you hugged Kita after a game but only gave him a high five and a head pat.

How long is he going to keep lying to himself? He's in love with you. Not the you he remembers. You here and now. You sipping your fourth cup of coffee, you frantically flipping through notes wearing one of his old hoodies. That at least hasn't changed; you still steal any hoodie you can get your grabby little hands on. Not steal, he corrects himself, borrow. You borrow them. For an undetermined period of time.

He buries his face in the pillow. You're not the always cheerful manager he remembers anymore. But you are still you.

Tag list: @aonenthusiast @rosecaffelatte @kara-grayson04

#ojiro aran #ojiro aran x reader #ojiro aran imagine #ojiro aran x y/n #aran x reader #aran x y/n #aran x you #hq #haikyuu fanfic #haikyuu x reader #inarizaki x reader #inarizaki x y/n #all that is gold #libri scribbles

[aloesarchives]

im sorry to hear abt ur situation! take it easy and don’t feel bad for not being able to write or post as much. that being said, do u think u could squeeze in a fluffy gaolang x fem!reader scenario where the reader is an artist and likes to use him as reference for practice? tysm!

Sure thing, Anon! Sorry if it's not as much as I usually write but I hope you enjoy.

Warning: Narrator(aka me) swearing

Having artists block is goddamn terrible. It's been like this for a month and you couldn't take it anymore. No matter how hard you tried to get inspiration, it either was an unfinished project or it wasn't enough to satisfy your artistic nature. The thing about you is you're a well-known artist that does digital but mostly traditional art. You always carry around a sketchbook where ever you go when the thought of drawing comes to mind. Besides doing commissions, you could draw something of your own free will without it looking like a bad art restoration project.

 But once you’re you know once you start drawing, you'll finish at least 3 art projects in a span of 3-4days. Now you just need something to get you going, but what should it be?

While you're sitting on the couch with your sketchbook in hand and chewing your pencil/pen, the clicking of the door snapped you out of the whirlpool of thoughts.

Gaolang's home from work

Upon announcing his return, Gaolang makes his way to the living room. Placing down your stuff on the table, you greeted your beloved with a kiss while taking his blazer to be stem later.

“How's work, Gao?”

“The same as usually, nothing too eventful.”

You nod your head and went to grab your stuff from the table. While walking back, the most random but inspirational epiphany came to your mind. Why not use Gaolang as one of your projects? You always used him as a reference and he doesn't mind it as long it wasn't time consuming. You used old videos of Gaolang’s fights for reference for most of your art work and one note you can make out was that he was beautiful in them. Then again, why wouldn’t he be beautiful? Anyway, your brain went into ultra instinct mode and straight started planning out the art piece. You practically spaced out so hard that Gaolang has been calling out your name for the past minute or so. Once your brain calmed down, you were faced directly with the Thai God of War and his chest.

“(Y/N), is everything okay?”

You looked up to make eye contact towards him with soft eyes.

“Yeah, I’m fine Gao...”

He raised an eyebrow at your answer indicating that he know there’s more behind your behavior. You sigh as you were there was no point in getting pass him.

“Umm, Gaolang, if it possible if I come watch you train tomorrow? I promise I won’t get in the way of your training since one of your boxing matches is coming up soon.”

Gaolang was going to ask why but after seeing the way your hand grasp your sketchbook, he put two and two together and understood what you were going to say to him. He nods his head before going into your shared bedroom to shower and change into more comfortable clothes.

As the next day rolls in, you’re sitting on a wall bench while watching Gaolang practice and train. Although his primary martial art is boxing, he still does Muay Thai training as it would be foolish to forget it. While sketching, you would occasionally stop yourself and watch his movements and strikes. It was almost mesmerizing to see, from fluid clean kicks to the firm precise strikes. It was beautiful. It was also the way Gaolang’s sweat marbled his muscles and the clear focus in his eyes was something for sore eyes. Besides getting sidetrack, you admitted from time and time again that Muay Thai is a gorgeous Martial Art and sport. After all, being the Thai God of War’s girlfriend made you appreciate the art even more. 

By the time he was finished, you already had the sketch completed. Now, it just needs color and the outlining. It took some time but it was worth it, it was finally down. It wasn’t bad either too. You drew Gaolang in one of Muay Thai’s traditional poses and in the background was a roaring tiger that was surrounded by wisps of fire. It was a pretty awesome the more you looked at it. Not a lot of bright colors but the wisps of the flames are an eye catcher. You’ll probably hang it somewhere around the apartment since it looked nice. You asked Gaolang for his opinion, and he said it looks good while kissing your forehead to look at the painting. In return, you hugged his side, slightly snuggling him. 

As you stayed like that with Gaolang, you can for sure know your artist block was gone(for now) as other ideas start to spur up in your creative brain. Most of them involved you and Gaolang together. Those heavenly depictions/mythical peaked your interest, along with the domestic ones as well.

Maybe one about your wedding in the near future but that’s on you to decide

#kengan ashura #kengan omega #gaolang wongsawat #kengan ashura × reader

[haileygarciasunshine]

Perfect

Pairing: Adam Driver x Reader

Word Count: 1,214

Warnings: angsty? & Fluff

Based on the ‘Perfect’ song by Ed Sheeran. Specifically the lyrics ‘You look perfect tonight’ —- except I don’t use the word ‘tonight’.

masterlist

The soft sound of ‘pitter-patters’ could be heard throughout the small one bedroom apartment. Waking up to the soft sounds of cars driving past your apartment, it was oddly quiet. Especially, since you lived in the ‘City that never sleeps’. It felt chilly in your apartment. The sort of chill that made it colder than it already was.

It was currently 6:30am. You were currently wrapped in blankets on your bed. Unraveling, from embrace of your blankets, you got up to look out of the window. It was lightly, raining outside, with a slight overcast. Even the weather, felt a little sad today. Thankfully, you didn’t have anywhere that you had to be, and didn’t have any pressing matters to attend to.

Your boyfriend Adam, was currently on set of his latest movie. He wasn’t coming back to New York, for at least another two weeks. The thought alone made your bleak mood worse. Sighing, you decided that maybe a nice hot shower would help lighten your mood. You had brought in a clean set of clothes to change into after your shower, which consisted of a black sweat pants, and a black sweater that said ‘Ben Solo’s Sweater,’ on the front, since you were missing Adam, this brought a smile onto your face. You put your hair into a messy bun, using the ‘Star Wars’ scrunchie, you received as a gift from your family.

Once, you left the bathroom, you headed to the kitchen and made Coffee. Your love for Coffee was something you and Adam both shared. Making, your way to the living room you decided to put in Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. It was one of the unsaid traditions between you and Adam, whenever it stormed, you would pop in the Harry Potter movies.

You hadn’t given your cellphone much thought since waking up. Hearing another, ‘Ping’, indicating you had gotten another message. Deeply, sighing you got up, going to your phone, to see who dare bother you, on such a gloomy day.

Opening your phone you read the few messages you received.

Thinking about you babe. I hope you don’t miss me too much.

I checked the weather back home. It looks like it’s a Harry Potter marathon type of day!

I miss you.

The weather just made you extra sentimental. It broke your, heart that he was often gone for long periods of time. You were always a supportive girlfriend. But sometimes you couldn’t help the overwhelming flood of emotions. Sometimes, the distance was too much for you to handle. Reading his messages, you hadn’t even realized the tears that had sneaked out of your eyes and down your cheeks. Once the tears started, you couldn’t stop them. It felt as if you were being suffocated in sad emotions. Days like today you just needed to be hugged extra tight, and loved a little louder. Unfortunately, you were alone. Normally, you loved being alone. It was your time to recharge, and recoup.

However, today being alone, felt dark, and heavily empty. When your mind betrayed you, and made it tough for you, it was moments like this you wished Adam lived with you. He lived within walking distance, but somehow it always felt like hours away. Your negative thoughts began to take over, you’ve been together for eight months, but haven’t said those three words yet. You couldn’t help but ponder…. What if he didn’t like you anymore? What if he found someone better? What if he didn’t like coming back home to you? What if you weren’t good enough for him? Why hasn’t he said ‘I love you’ yet?

Before you even realized what you had texted Adam, it was already sent.

Why are you lying?

Your anxious habits already kicking into full gear. A loud sob had escaped your lips. The heaviness in your chest becoming familiar once again. How could you expect him to ever love you, when all you did was push him away any chance you got?

Little did you know, that Adam was already in New York. He had just arrived to JFK airport. He wanted to surprise you by coming home much earlier than he had told you. He knew what you were doing. He knew you all too well. He knew your mind betrayed you more often then not. He knew that you push people away when you’re afraid of getting hurt, or even just afraid to let someone in. He often thought of you as a fawn. Just the slightest, move unexpectedly, and you would bolt the opposite direction in fear of getting hurt. Furrowing his eyebrows together, he frowned unknowingly. He knew it wasn’t you talking, but your bleak mood. Sighing sadly, he shook his head and put his phone into his pocket.

Back at your apartment, you were fast asleep, with ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,’ playing in the background. You were buried beneath a couple blankets.

Adam walked up the hallway stairs, that led to your apartment. He could hear the second Harry Potter movie going. Bringing a smile to his face, he unlocked your door. He chuckled lightly at the scene before him. Taking the TV remote, he turned off the movie. Crouching down to level with your sleeping figure on the couch, he couldn’t help but gently, bring his hand up to your face and lightly trail his fingers up and down.

Deciding he couldn’t take it anymore, he stood up and picked you up bridal style, bringing you to your bed. Looking down at you, he couldn’t help the shy smile that crept to his face with the slight shake of his head, as he read the words on your sweater, pulling the blankets up to your chest. He was overwhelmed with the feeling of love, he has been harboring the feeling of love for a while now. He was not one to be good at timing, so it was usually never the “right time”, he wanted it to be perfect and special, in the moments leading up to his confession. Letting out a happy sigh, he made his way to what is considered to be “his side”, of the bed at your apartment. During his motions, you had rolled over to lay on your left side, so that you were subconsciously facing his side, even when you were sleeping. Slipping under the covers, he laid on his side. Bringing, his face to yours he placed feather light kisses all over your face.

Your eyes fluttering open, you were greeted by the sight of your boyfriend. You excitedly, threw yourself onto him, causing him to chuckle happily. Rolling the two of you over, so that you were on your back, he nuzzled his face into the crook of your neck. He placed warm kisses along your neck. Pulling back, he rested his weight on his forearms, by your head. Leaning down, he captured your lips, in his soft warm ones. Pulling, back he looked into your eyes, as if he was talking himself up to a confession, leaving his expression unreadable.

“You look perfect.” he said softly, “I love you” fell from his lips.

Catching you off guard, a shocked expression took over, and a gasp fell from your lips.

Part Two? Thoughts?

Here’s a picture and the link to the mentioned sweater:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/753910992/ben-solos-sweater-star-wars-kylo-ren?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_b-clothing-unisex_adult_clothing-hoodies_and_sweatshirts-sweatshirts&utm_custom1=d488ce30-ea39-447d-b174-4cf702e0c471&utm_content=go_270945875_42140930374_199107753276_pla-376382708287_c__753910992&utm_custom2=270945875&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpfHzBRCiARIsAHHzyZrBzOF_R3F73X4SOl39-6_lhT_1Fg6Dug0m9NhaVeSvwfULApJozfMaAiIkEALw_wcB

For my fellow Disney Nerds, they also have this Hercules shirt too!

#adam driver #adamdriver #adamdriver imagine #adam driver imagine #disney #etsy #hercules #disneygeek #nerd #imagine #kylo #kylo ren #kyloren #kylorenimagine #oneshot #one shot #drabble #meg #meg hercules #star wars #star wars imagine #starwars #starwarsimagine #writer #preference #preferences #masterlist #adamdriverimagine #adam driver x reader #adamdriverxreader

[josie-cd]

Contains light spoilers for Halo: Last Light and Halo: Retribution!! October 23, 2558 ONI Research Vessel, Argent Moon Reactor Level

An armored body hits the deck with a resounding thud, quickly followed by the soft pings of shell casings. "That’s the last of the Covies, Chief. Looks all clear for now.” Kelly-087 announces over TEAMCOM, casually kicking the side of the dead Sangheili. “Good. Linda, contact the Ad Astra and let them know we’ll be on our way soon, Kelly, find us a way out of here.” Two green LEDs flashed in John’s HUD. “Fred, light the fuse.” One more green LED flashed as Fred turned towards the command console. “Shouldn’t be more than a second, Chief.”

Fred got to work, keying in the Argent Moon’s override code to confirm the intentional overclocking of the reactor. “And done. Wait, hold on.” The screen glitched for a fraction of a second before displaying confirmation of the reactor’s status.

“What is it Fred?” Kelly asked.

“Nothing. Console froze up for a moment, but it seems to have gone through.” As soon as Fred was done, the Argent Moon’s PA clicked to life

“Reactor core at critical levels. Initiating reactor shutdown.”

“An actual fail safe? Wasn’t expecting that.” Kelly muttered under her breath.

“I have an idea. Blue team, board the reactor.”

“Board?” Linda remarked

“Not the craziest stunt we’ve pulled. Alright Chief, we’re right behind you.” Fred replied, quickly joining John on the platform. As the reactor descended out of sight with Blue team on top, the holotank next to the command console came to life. A stream of blue light spilled out of the tank, and from it an androgynous humanoid coalesced. It had a long angular face, neat hair slicked back falling to just above the nape of it’s neck, and three cold calculating eyes, two where one would expect them on a human and the third resting in the middle of its forehead. The figure brought a hand up to massage the bridge if their nose with a noticeable expression of annoyance.

“Of course out of all the possible people the UNSC could have sent, they had to send them. I suppose I should be grateful that blasted inspector isn’t with them this time. No matter, this station is of no more use to me. They can destroy Argent Moon as many times over as they please, our plan is already in motion.” the AI turned to view a nearby monitor as surveillance footage of Blue team boarding Banshees came on screen. “You stopped me on Gao, and you foiled my plans with the Asteroidea, but the Reclamation is already under way, and you are hopeless to stop it.” Intrepid Eye’s thin lips curled into a large smile. “Now that the Didact has is with us once more, Humanity will finally know their place under the Mantle...”

#halo #josie writes #halo 5: guardians #blue team #john 117 #kelly 087 #linda 058 #fred 104 #FINALLY writing things down from the halo 5 fix it ideas i have rattling around in my head #this is very simple nothing fancy #and i'm also dead tired from work so this is like #very average tier #but #IT'S A START #and really i just want intrepid eye being a very obvious saturday morning cartoon villain

[weilongfu]

Wei watches History 3: MODC Ep 5

Before I begin, QUESTION, if Taiwan uses traditional characters, why is the Yu in Yu Xi Gu written as 于 and not 於? Or is it just that the simplified version is the one you would use for a surname? Pleco says that is the case, but I’m just mystified. 

OKAY FINE LET’S START THE EPISODE BECAUSE EVERYONE HYPED ME UP ALL DAMN DAAAAYYYY

Xi Gu is alone in the classroom studying at night again. But he seems very distracted! He keeps looking around, looking for Hao Ting maybe? He even checks his watch and looks very disappointed. But then he leaves and finds Hao Ting waiting for him outside. Xi Gu asks what’s wrong and Hao Ting brushes it off by saying seeing Xi Gu makes him happy. Xi Gu says there’s no need to hide his feelings. He even offers to tell Hao Ting a joke! He actually smiles about the prospect of telling the joke since he finds it funny and that brings a smile to Hao Ting’s face. 

Hao Ting presses Xi Gu for an admission that he likes Hao Ting or even a kiss instead. Xi Gu ignores the request, but tells the joke which makes Hao Ting happy anyway. 

Zhi Gang later asks Bo Xiang why he hasn’t gone home yet. Apparently we are dealing with the aftermath of the end of the last episode. Bo Xiang gets jealous because Zhi Gang seems to have a favortism towards Xi Gu because he won’t help Hao Ting get Xi Gu. Zhi Gang reminds Bo Xiang that he doesn’t have feelings for Xi Gu and kisses him on the crown of his head. But what makes Bo Xiang happy is that Zhi Gang kissed him openly. Zhi Gang gives him another kiss, but on the cheek. Bo Xiang reciprocates on the lips. Zhi Gang tells him he should go home now that he’s had his kisses and Bo Xiang cheekily rests his head over Zhi Gang’s heart and says he’s home.

At Xi Gu’s apartment, he stands on the roof and talks to his parents about how he’s doing currently. He seems pretty happy, saying many incredible things have happened.

In what appears to be Geography class, Xi Gu is called away. Later, Hao Ting acts very sappy looking at pictures of Xi Gu and Bo Xiang records his antics before giving him some apology drinks for what Zhi Gang said. Hao Ting accepts and asks Bo Xiang to apologize to Zhi Gang on his behalf. Bo Xiang finds out that Hao Ting was being sappy about Xi Gu and objects to Hao Ting’s behavior and mentions what would happen if Xi Gu was reported because of Hao Ting. The two continue fooling around but Gao Jun tells them Xi Gu has been reported for going to a gay bar. Boy squad holds Hao Ting back because there’s nothing he can really do. Apparently someone submitted a photo.

Xi Gu is currently being interrogated about his activities at the gay bar. As they ask him more questions, Hao Ting comes in and the school master says Hao Ting was the one that turned in the photographic evidence, it’s even signed by him. Hao Ting turns the situation around and says it was a photo manipulation, showing them how the signed photo is exactly the same as one on his phone. The school admins buy it and demand to speak to his parents. 

Xi Gu emerges from the office and reluctantly tells boy squad what happened with Hao Ting’s ploy. Hao Ting’s parents come to take him home and deal with the fallout. However the thread starts to fall apart under the continued interrogation with his parents there. Hao Ting manages to talk his way into a deeper trouble to keep Xi Gu protected, even fielding kicks from his dad. The school master says they will decide what punishment Hao Ting will get. 

Hao Ting’s parents are disappointed, but escort Hao Ting out of the school with his things. It turns out Hao Ting gets a 5 day suspension. Xia En and the rest of boy squad are upset and suspect that Xi Gu planned it all to get back at Hao Ting. Bo Xiang stands up for Xi Gu and says he can’t have done it and that talking in such a way will upset Hao Ting. 

Xi Gu later is confronted by Bo Xiang, who tells Xi Gu that Hao Ting didn’t turn in the photo. Xi Gu then asks Bo Xiang for help with something.

Later, Si Yu and her friend, Mei Fang, are walking. Apparently what happened has circulated, and Si Yu says it doesn’t make sense that Hao Ting would have done such a thing. It doesn’t suit his character and Si Yu admits even if the photo was signed, Hao Ting would be much more likely to confront someone directly than do something underhanded or through an intermediary. However Mei Fang remembers Ting An, their guy friend, asked for the photo. Conveniently he appears and Si Yu confronts him about the photo with Xi Gu. Ting An plays dumb, but Si Yu says Ting An had seen Hao Ting’s letter that he signed, so not only did he have a photo, but a way to forge Hao Ting’s signature.

Finally Ting An confesses that he did it to get revenge for Si Yu. However, Ting An is unrepentant. Si Yu gets mad and says that someone who does such a thing is not a good friend. Ting An confesses his feelings for Si Yu, upset at Si Yu’s reaction at his attempt at revenge, and walks away.

At the Xiang home, Hao Ting’s dad keeps fidgeting and getting closer to Yong Ching. Yong Ching tells him to speak his mind and we cut to Hao Ting alone in his room. Yong Ching goes to confront him and asks how he has the nerve to lay there and play on his phone after everything that happened. She holds up a tube of ointment and mimes their father playing sad songs about beating his kids. Hao Ting asks her mockingly to apply the ointment and Yong Ching hits him with his pillow. She then snatches his phone and the two have a totally realistic sibling back and forth to tease each other about what she probably didn’t see on Hao Ting’s phone.

Hao Ting runs out later to see Si Yu. Si Yu apologizes to Hao Ting for Ting An and the photo incident. Hao Ting asks how she knew about the gay bar and Si Yu tells him she only just saw Xi Gu entering. She didn’t know anything else about it. Hao Ting is not mad and tells Si Yu to keep the truth under wraps to further protect Xi Gu since he wouldn’t be good at protecting himself. Hao Ting then admits to Si Yu that he likes Xi Gu and Si Yu looks like she has a massive headache over the whole ordeal. However, she seems to accept it and is glad they’re already broken up at least.

Hao Ting goes home to find Xi Gu waiting for him. Xi Gu is amazed at all the things in Hao Ting’s room in comparison to his more empty room. Hao Ting waits a moment before banging on the door and revealing his sister trying to eavesdrop. He sends her away and tends to Xi Gu. Xi Gu tells Hao Ting that he knows Hao Ting didn’t submit the photo because he’s not that kind of person. Hao Ting is pleased and says Xi Gu really knows him. Xi Gu details more evidence as to why he thinks Hao Ting didn’t do it. Hao Ting turns it around and corners Xi Gu against his bed and says he knows Xi Gu likes him too. 

Xi Gu says that’s impossible and Hao Ting pulls out Mei Fang’s 132 photos of Xi Gu to use as evidence. He points out all the times Xi Gu was looking at him. Xi Gu smiles and admits he was looking at Hao Ting, but it was because he was curious since he thought Hao Ting was his competitor after the second year exam where Hao Ting came second. They were only four marks different. Hao Ting is upset that this was the reason. Xi Gu then says after that, he thought Hao Ting was unique and that he envies how carefree Hao Ting is because he can never be so free.

Xi Gu admits he doesn’t want to ever be a burden to others and Hao Ting asks how letting yourself be happy is a burden. Xi Gu tells him about his aunt and how he realized she must have been tired of taking care of him after she got married and had kids. So he decided he needed to be independent, but he wanted to be as carefree as Hao Ting. And that through watching Hao Ting, he felt like he got a little freedom too. Xi Gu then says after watching Hao Ting, he wondered if things would be different if he still had his parents, if he could also have that same freedom. 

Xi Gu starts crying and Hao Ting says from then on, Xi Gu has him and that he will give him everything he has. He holds Xi Gu as Xi Gu continues crying, offering support.

Later, Bo Xiang tells Zhi Gang what happened with Hao Ting and Xi Gu. Zhi Gang maintains that Hao Ting is not good for Xi Gu and upsets Bo Xiang since he keeps bringing up how young Hao Ting is and they’re the same age. Zhi Gang talks his way out of it by teasing Bo Xiang, saying that if he’s still getting mad over it, then that proves how young he is, but also that Bo Xiang is his little man. That pleases Bo Xiang. Bo Xiang then asks Zhi Gang to be at the gym Sunday when Bo Xiang has the closing shift and Zhi Gang agrees. 

The next day Xi Gu is surprised by Hao Ting bringing him breakfast at his apartment. Hao Ting gives Xi Gu a hug and says he missed him. Xi Gu says he made breakfast already, but Hao Ting tells him to eat the one he brought instead. Hao Ting then tells Xi Gu that he wants his help to study for the final exams to please his father. Xi Gu is skeptical about how much he can help especially with how little time there is. Hao Ting decides to take whatever time Xi Gu has on the weekend afternoons. 

Xi Gu also has a beetle. Hao Ting asks what the beetle’s name is and Xi Gu doesn’t have one for it. Hao Ting says to name it “Whitey” (Xiao Bai, lit. little white) and gives Xi Gu some chocolate.

Hao Ting is at home later, helping with the chores around the house in a very good mood. Apparently it is the weekend and Xi Gu is coming to help him study. Xi Gu introduces himself very politely and Hao Ting talks up Xi Gu’s intelligence. Hao Ting then quickly whisks Xi Gu away but Yong Ching tells their parents that she thinks something fishy is going on since she’s seen Xi Gu’s photo on Hao Ting’s phone and Hao Ting didn’t let her eavesdrop. 

Xi Gu puts Hao Ting to work and Hao Ting instead pesters Xi Gu to spend time with him instead of studying properly. Xi Gu pins Hao Ting with a stare until he complies properly. Hao Ting’s mom interrupts to bring them snacks, trying to keep an eye on them. Hao Ting manages to get her to go and his mom invites Xi Gu for dinner. Xi Gu is pleased by all the attention and he and Hao Ting share a smile afterwards.

At the gym, Bo Xiang and Zhi Gang keep staring at each other while Bo Xiang’s cousin reminds him to close up properly. Zhi Gang tells Bo Xiang to close up properly and he’ll take him out to eat.

Hao Ting waits for Xi Gu outside one of his jobs to bring him food. Xi Gu is pleased to see Hao Ting and Hao Ting gives Xi Gu a Christmas present. Xi Gu says he didn’t prepare one for Hao Ting, and Hao Ting says Xi Gu is his present. Hao Ting then persuades Xi Gu to relax instead of studying and takes him to some bikes and they pretend to ride them. Xi Gu asks where they’re going and Hao Ting tells him he can’t tell him yet. Xi Gu asks why and is answered with Hao Ting stealing a kiss before wrapping Xi Gu’s scarf around his neck better. The two finally pedal away properly. 

At the gym, Bo Xiang finishes up cleaning while Zhi Gang takes a shower. God what a man Zhi Gang is. Where can I get one like that?

Zhi Gang walks out of the shower in a towel and Bo Xiang kisses him passionately. Zhi Gang returns the kiss, just as passionately and the episode ends.

Overall a very good and cute episode. Where Xi Gu finally admitted that he was actually okay with Hao Ting’s affections kind of never really happened, at least not directly. But I think it was very in-character for Xi Gu to talk about why he noticed Hao Ting and what Hao Ting became a symbol of for him. 

#wei watches #history 3 MODC #history 3 make our days count #make our days count #spoilers #make our days count spoilers #history 3 modc spoilers

[walkingandpanicking]

What is this feeling?

*My first fic so don’t judge me, okay. This is Colleen while Danny was fighting with Madam Gao’s men in episode 6*

Colleen’s POV

Danny has been gone for a few hours. God, I’m so worried. What if he doesn’t come back. There is a solid 50% chance that he’s already dead.Just thinking about this makes me want to vomit. What the hell will I do with myself if he doesn’t return. I will literally lose my frickin’ mind. He's the first real friend I have had in years. Maybe the only one who gets me. Sometimes I want to call him family. Maybe that’s a little too far fetched but I can’t help it. Stop it, Colleen! You’ve only known him for a few weeks.

But there is something I have been feeling. I have no idea what this is but every time I think about Danny or talk to him, my stomach starts turning. Not in a bad way. Yes, It took time for that feeling to happen. I did hate his guts when he first showed up and literally wouldn’t leave my dojo like who even does that. I could have kicked his little billionaire ass right there but I didn’t. I let him into my life. Ever since he popped my hand bone back into place after my fight, I haven’t gotten his smiley little face out of my head. WTF is this?? Do I have feelings for Danny Rand. No. No. No. It can’t be. He's just a friend. Ally even. Don’t think about it, Colleen.

But he did bring me lunch and wanted it to be a date if I wanted it to be a date. Maybe he really cares for me. Maybe he is different. Maybe he won’t leave me. But he could be like everyone else. Appears once and then is gone the second that he doesn’t need me. I’m a lone wolf. That’s what I’ll always be. I can function without him. I did it before he showed up. Plus Danny could never be with me because he took that vow and all. He would never break it, right? Little part of me hopes that he's already over that vow but knowing the place his coming from, that last part is very unlikely. But I still want him alive and well.

I hate this. This is literally eating me alive. What the hell should I do? If I feel like this then I can’t be normal around him. I have to figure out what these feelings are. God, I hope he survives tonight. He’ll probably need some stitches later but maybe Claire can do them. 

I can’t risk seeing him right now. I seriously might have  feelings for Danny Rand.

#danny rand #ironwing #danny x colleen #danny and colleen #colleen wing #colleen x danny #iron fist #finn jones #jessica henwick #episode 6 #colleen and danny

[iainwrites]

Alright.  I finished Iron Fist.  And lo and behold, I didn’t enjoy it one bit.  Okay, maybe that’s a stretch and there were some aspects that I did like, but they were incredibly few and far between.  Why, and how, could I possibly feel this way?  Up to this point, Netflix was batting 100 when it came to its Marvel properties.  Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage all came in, and stared knocking it out of the park, each with their own unique aspects: Luke Cage for its “street-ness,” (”black-ness” coming from me just sounds wrong and racist, and besides, it was a very “on the street” series)  Jessica Jones for its paranoia levels and how dark it went, Daredevil for introducing us to this new iteration and of the world and yes, damn it, court room drama.  So how could I possibly feel anything but good when it comes to Iron Fist?  Well, there’s no pretty way to do this, but there is a logical one: step by step while being blunt.  Here we go, gloves off, no punches pulled and spoilers aplenty.

-Danny: Danny is a man who speaks in maxims and fortune cookie notions, but is incapable of following through and acts like a rash youth.  Danny is a man who has been trained by monks for over a decade, day in and day out, which he never fails to mention was incredibly strict, and yet acts like a spoiled child (His first meeting with Jeri had him call her “J-Money,” something his 10 year old self did, despite the fact that both of them grew up).  Danny is the Iron Fist, a Living Weapon, trained in countless martial art disciplines, and still manages to look like he’s in the early stages of practising and has the body of someone who keeps themselves in relatively good shape (do an image search of Danny in the comics  Guy is built. Finn Jones?  Not close to it.) Not only that, but he miraculously changes his face whenever a complex fight breaks out (Yes, Daredevil and Jessica Jones weren’t perfect when it came to fights, but Christ, at least they were engaging). Oh yeah, and you know those opening credits, where the artist is going through all the motions and stages and such? Not even Finn Jones, because boy, were they ever insistent that this Danny has curly hair and buddy in the credits has flat hair.  Add this to the mood whiplash that comes from nowhere, the general sense of blah that he exudes in most of his scenes or the over expression he does when it’s called for something emotional and you just get a poor outing.  And when your lead is painful to watch, then the rest of the show follows.  And the ending.  (Harold impaled, Danny walking away, etc etc.)  Know what would have worked?  Danny using the Iron Fist… to cleanse the elixir or whatever the hell we want to call it out of Harold (like they showed him doing in the convenient flashback for Colleen) and showing mercy.  You could have had Ward cap him at the end, but for Danny to show that he has learned that the fist isn’t just a weapon for destruction but to help would have went a long way.  But no. Danny didn’t learn anything that the monks hadn’t already drilled into his head.

-Ward: I hated him.  I rarely use the word “hate” because it hates requires energy that could be put into better things, but boy, did I hate him. And not just the character: I despised the actor (Tom Pelphrey) when he started showing up.  In the first half (and then some) of the series, he was just so bland and grating.  And I know: maybe that was the whole point to him.  But buggering hell, he sucked.  And the characterization!  He’s dismissing that Danny is alive, and he dismisses his sister, and he’s under his father’s thumb, and he’s selfish and wants out and is willing to walk away from the company and all the money but will fight so that he gets money from his severance and will screw his father and Danny over and will work with Danny anyways and try to make nice with a guy he’s been an asshole to his entire life! And he gets away with it all!  Our main character suffers through the show and the guy who spent most of the time kicking him while he was down becomes the head of his company.

-Joy: And Joy on the other hand!  … Well, I didn’t mind Joy.  Until the end.  Because even though Danny did nothing to her (or the stuff he did do would make sense to anyone able to put 2 and 2 together after everything is revealed to them) she’s talking with Davos at the end of the series about how they’ll work together to destroy Danny because it’s all his fault.  Seriously?  She was the smartest and most together character on the whole damn show and we’re left with her ready to dispose of the guy who was the most straightforward of her entire “family.”

-Colleen: Again, I didn’t mind her.  Sure, I’m a little annoyed that the co-protagonist who happens to be a woman ended up being in a relationship with the protagonist who happened to be male. And that she was completely willing to go along with Danny, even after being so broken up about going against the tenants of bushido and probably breaking a few more while she’s at it.  And no doubt a list of other things I’m forgetting at the moment because next to nothing about the character stuck in my mind. That’s its own shortcoming, I think: being forgettable.

-Claire: Why was she here? What did she do (besides treat people who had been wounded)?  Why did she not contact Matt when it came to going after Harold at the end, because Lord knows, that would have made sense, what with all the times she referenced her super friends (yes, I know, you have to keep the shows separate, which would make sense IF CLAIR WASN’T IN EACH OF THE SERIES AND YOU HAD NO PROBLEM BRING JERI IN FOR LEGAL HELP!)  If this is a shared universe and are calling it a shared universe, then make it work as a shared universe!  Not so much a Claire problem, but it ties into her.  It’s probably because we were coming off a Luke Cage high, where she was used pretty damn well compared to how they used her in Iron Fist, but damn it, they could have used her better or used her less.

-Harold: Norman Osborne. I wanted him to be Norman Osborne and he started going in that direction and I was so damn happy about it.  Manipulating a company behind the scenes.  Favoring the chosen son and being a dick to his biological one, with the reasoning being that “he needs to toughen up.”  Being obviously intelligent when it came to business matters. Doing anything to get ahead. Power/curse put on him that starts to damage his psyche.  Viciousness hidden behind civility.  Wenham could have gone there and done it well.  Hell, he did do it well!  And with the rights to Spider-man in Marvel’s hands, they could have gone there and encouraged the shared universe even further!  But no.  And for shit’s sake: he’s been dead for years.  I know he had “plans” but does he really expect that people would be perfectly fine with him coming back to Rand?

-Gao:  … I got nothing.  Anytime Gao was on screen, I was content.  I’m happy she got more screen time.  I’m happy she was fleshed out as being a manipulator of the highest level (she could manipulate with the truth AND lies in equal measure).  No complaints.  At all.

-Turk:  WHERE THE FUCK WAS TURK BARRET?  YOU MEAN TO TELL ME THE BADDEST MAN TO SWAGGER THROUGH NEW YORK WOULDN’T WANT A PIECE OF THIS ACTION?  BULLSHIT!  IF CLAIRE WAS THERE, WE DESERVED HIM, TOO!  Ahem.

-Jeri: I’m going to start with this: “[Scott] Buck said, "She has an extremely important role in Danny’s life ... she’s very involved in our story and Danny’s journey." Loeb added, "Danny has very much a hopeful optimism about him, and Carrie-Anne obviously lives in a different kind of world, and so being able to see those two worlds collide is just the beginning of the many obstacles that he goes through."  She has an important role?  When did that happen, besides when she was plot device #3?  Sure, it was fun to see her be no bullshit and smack Danny’s childlike self down, but important?  Hardly.

Everyone else left such a faint impression on me that they’re barely worth mentioning.  Davos being Mordo-Lite was disappointing (and yes, I knew he was Davos as soon as he did the throwing star, because Danny kept on mentioning “his friend Davos” which is short hand for “Oh yeah, he’ll be on the show eventually.”)  Bokudo and his Hand (again, not surprised, when the group who wear read shirts end up being the Hand, who have been well known to favor the color red in their shirts) were just a bland point, and really, just seemed like a side mission instead of being integral to the overall plot.  And… that’s it.  Nobody else worth mentioning or remembering.

In the end (although I’m sure this won’t be the end of my Iron Fist annoyance), this show just wasn’t any good.  And this last part is directed to Finn Jones, even though I know he likely won’t read any of this:

I didn’t enjoy it as a fan.  Yeah, I watched it critically, too, but I watched it first and foremost because I enjoy my Marvel outings.  I think Marvel has DC beat 9/10 times in recent years.  I’ve never been this annoyed at a Marvel property before (and I watched F4tastic 4 AND Ghost Rider).  But this show was bad.  Because of the writing and because of the acting.  I hope to Zod you step it up in The Defenders, because if it sucks, you’re the first person who gets my blame.  Everyone else has proven their worth; YOU’RE the weak link.

Don’t fuck this up.

#iain reviews #Iron Fist #spoilers #long post

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS 98

from witch battles, to sick days, festivals and birthdays

 Hyde: "So, how's this one?" *it's a resume saying 'children's theater director'*

teacher: .....

Kid: Hyde: OwO;

teacher: this is....*ahem* quite a lot.

Hyde: ^^; "I've had a lifetime of experiences..."

-elsewhere-

Older Witch: "...Too quiet."

Squirrel witch: the chimera should have brought someone back by now...

Older Witch: "...Check the perimeter. Do not be seen."

squirrel witch: understood.

*there seem to be footprints leading into the shrubs*

squirrel witch:... *transforms into a squirrel and follows*

*the footprints lead to a tree*

squirrel: *follows*

*the tree has scratch marks*

squirrel witch: hmm....

*the branches above shake*

squirrel witch: *looks up*

*PLINK*

*an acorn falls onto her head*

squirrel witch: *chitter* o^O

*SCRATCH SCRATCH SCRATCH*

squirrel witch: OAO;;

*there's the outline of a bear scratching their back on the tree*

squirrel witch: *sneaks up*

???: *groans, grumbles* "Darn it--I must be allergic to leather..."

squirrel witch: (what the fresh he-) O_O;

*Tezca is scratching against the tree*

Tezca: "Damn...We're going to need to buy ointment in town..."

enrique: gao gao =3=

Tezca: "Hey, I don't like it either, but what're we gonna do--use the leaves?"

squirrel witch: *backs away*

Tezca: " 'Course, could always ask an expert..." *stares at the squirrel*

squirrel witch: OwO;;;;;

Tezca: "..." *kicks the tree--and acorns fall, burying the squirrel*

squirrel witch: >A<

Tezca: "Let's have a chat, secret squirrel..." *holds up a hamster cage*

squirrel witch: QwQ;;;; (LADY LILUYE PLEASE SAVE MEEEEE!!)

Tezca: *reaches into the pile, pulling the squirrel out* "So, name?"

squirrel witch: um... *chitter* OwO;;;;

Tezca: "...Oh, hello Squeak Squeaker Squeak! I'm Tezca!" ^w^

-elsewhere-

Padma: ._.; "...It's...a little ostentatious."

misora: well i think it's super cute~

Nayumi: TwT "Yay..."

-elsewhere-

Beast: *shaking*

Meme: "Where do we hold something like this?"

kirara: *calling backup*

Anya: "...Will Esther be okay?"

kirara:...yes, she's just resting....i have to knock her out when she gets-....too intense...

Anya: O_O; "Should we be scared of her?"

kirara: she might seem over the top, but she is a good person...

Meme: "She saved us, too..."

tsugumi: *nods*

???: "Oh, there you all are."

tsugumi: mr tlipo-... um...

Tezca: *holding up a hamster cage* "We met a new friend!"

mio:....is that a squirrel?

squirrel witch: OwO;;;;

Tezca: "I think so? I can't place the species though..."

kirara:............ =_=;;;;

Tezca: "Can I keep her?"

squirrel witch: QAQ;;;;

enrique: *sniffs* D8< GAO GAO! GA-GAO!

Tezca: "Wait, for real? ...!!! I-I mean, of course! I knew that the entire time!" ^^;

tsugumi: eh?

Tezca: "Say hello to our witch!"

tsugumi: eh?

squirrel witch: TTwTT please let me out and dont hurt me?

Tezca: "I don't know~ Can we really trust--" *looks* "!!! Holy crap! You found a lion! With a boar's tusks?! And some scorpion tail!" *shoves the cage into Tsugumi's arms, walks up to the Beast* <Hello!!!>

Beast: =~= "Oh, kill me now..."

tsugumi: um i-.... ._.; um....hi?

squirrel witch: call me 'Fani'. and yes, i've heard all the jokes. =_=;

Meme: "???"

Anya: ._.; "...My sympathies."

-elsewhere-

Saria: *puts her lunch for tomorrow into the fridge* "I think that's everything."

saria's dad: glad to hear, pumpkin. *forehead kiss* you get some sleep, ok?

Saria: ^^ *nods* "Right! Night, Dad." *hug*

saria's dad: *hugs* night night, bugbear. oh, and dont forget to take your nighttime vitamins.

Saria: "Okay!" *fills up a glass of water*

-morning-

Spirit: "Izumi, time for breakfast."

izumi: kay. *streeeeetch* *YAAAAAWN*

*looks like some news alerts and text messages*

izumi: ?? *checks her phone*

Asher: [you finished soul studies homework?]

izumi: [yeah. u?]

Asher: [just done. not confident]

izumi: [understandable. if u want more tutoring hmu k?]

Asher: [k. thanx]

izumi: ....*checks alerts*

Headline: "Where has the League of Villains gone?"

izumi: *examines article*

Article: "Cases of the villains have been hard to come by. Can today's heroes actually combat this hidden threat?"

-elsewhere-

Bryn: "So my flight is in 2 days. You know what that means..."

mana:..*nods*

Bryn: *cracks her knuckles*

mana: *fighting stance*

Bryn: "..." *flinches*

mana: *charges*

Bryn: *dodges, reaching for Mana's arm*

*Mana slips out of her grip--*

Bryn: "!!!"

mana: *jumps and spin kicks*

-POW-

Bryn: *takes the hit at her gut* *coughs, knocked back*

mana: how do you like me now?

Bryn: *wipes the spit from her own mouth, smirks* "I'm gonna like it more when I knock you down."

mana: then bring it.

Bryn: *holds out both hands open, roaring as she rushes at Mana*

*grip, bear hug, still running*

mana: O-O oh shi-

Bryn: *tackles Mana into the grass*

mana: *KICK*

Bryn: "OW! Why you--" *starts swinging her fists--*

mana: OW!

Bryn: *pulls back her fist again--* *punches Mana's stomach*

mana: *HEADBUTT*

Bryn: "URK!" *knocked back*

mana: *getting up*

Bryn: *coughs* "You've been training..."

mana: yeah.

Bryn: "Let's see how long you can go..." *punches a tree, knocking down an apple*

-elsewhere-

Blair: "Hello, all~ What would you like for breakfast?"

keek: i guess some pancakes?

Blair: "Coming right up!" *twirls her finger, summoning ingredients and a skillet*

Katai: O\\\\\w\\\\\O

mrs harue: ._.;

Blair: "Pum-pum--" *POOF* *cat-shaped pumpkin-flavor pumpkins now served on plates*

keek: oh cool.

mrs harue: how festive. ^^; (even though it's springtime...)

Blair: ^w^ "Always a good time for pretty pumpkin pussy pancakes!"

Katai: .\\\\\. "...It looks too beautiful to eat."

keek: <-< (PHRASING)

Blair: *cuts some up, offers it on a fork to Katai* ^w^

Katai: "..." *passes out into his plate*

Blair: "?~"

mrs harue: ._.;;;;

-elsewhere-

Tsukiyo: *snoring, still in bed* "Zz..."

fang-hua: *YAAAAWN* *streeetch*

Tsukiyo: *groans* "Five more minutes..."

fang-hua: tsukiyo....*sighs and gets up and opens the door, letting in the morning sun*

Tsukiyo: *whines, pulls covers over her* "Too bright, Fang..."

fang-hua: ^^;

Tsukiyo: *yawns, sits up* "Hey...Sleep okay?"

fang-hua: yeah.

Tsukiyo: *stretches* "You look fine and rested...What's on the agenda?" *walks to the dresser*

fang-hua: might go for a walk around asakusa, see what's new.

Tsukiyo: "Good for patrol, too." *takes off her nightgown*

-elsewhere-

Kanin: "Good day!"

hibiki: mornin'

Zeke: "Hiya! How's your day?"

Kanin: "Just starting." ^^;

amelia: good morning.

Duncan: "Oh, Amy."

amelia:....*looks around*

Duncan: D : <

Kazue: *asleep*

Asher: *head down on the desk*

amelia: ....*shrugs and starts getting her workspace organized*

Zeke: *whispers to Axel* "She seems like the responsible sort."

axel: looks kinda tired too.

Zeke: "Huh. Lot of us seem like that...Maybe not enough sleep."

Sid: "Morning, students. Let's open our books..."

izumi: *opens to where she saved her page*

Asher: =_= *opens their book*

Sid: "Lukas, remind us what we talked about in class last time."

lukas: the different soul types, yes?

Sid: "Correct. We want to consider how there are humans, monsters, animals--"

amelia: what about different human variants? such as dokeshi, quirk users, ability users, and so on.

Sid: "Predicting whether someone has a quirk is a little harder, as that's more in the physical realm. And given the variety of Dokeshis and Abilities, we can sense qualities of their powers but not always the source..."

amelia: i see.

Sid: "For example, from soul sensing, you may even know the mood of the person you're hunting."

izumi: ...

Sid: "Therefore, you'll need to use that information to your advantage until you can learn whether they're a Dokeshi and what their condition is."

-elsewhere-

Bryn: *panting, doubled over*

mana: *wipes blood off her forehead*

Bryn: "Had enough?"

mana: g-good game...

Bryn: *nods* "Yes, it was..." *collapses*

mana: *lays down* *sigh*

Bryn: "Ow...My face hurts..."

-elsewhere-

Kid: "And this way he won't burp as much..."

felisia: *she nods*

shion: zzz

Kid: *smiles* "He seems healthy and happy."

felisia: ^^

Kid: "You'll do great. Just keep an eye on them--they can move fast." ^^;

-elsewhere-

Hyde: "And so, I will be one of your new drama teachers~"

becky: (oh boy.)

Damon: O_O; ("...This is going to end badly. And predictably.")

Hyde: "We will begin with 'Julius Caesar.'" *pulls out a dagger*

-elsewhere-

Padma: *looking around* *takes into earpiece* "Nothing unusual yet."

miwa: ok, and how's your end, serina?

serina: nayumi and i just spoke to some sisters, we havent found anything.

Nayumi: "It was fun to talk to others in disguise, though." ^^

misora: i havent found anything good yeeeeet. *texting*

52pickup: [what up?]

misora: [got any good info 4 me mr manager? <3]

52pickup: [i'm trying to get these newbies to follow directions -3- ]

misora: [oh?]

52pickup: [they are so difficult. 1 is super flirty, 1 keeps wanting to punch things]

misora: [yikes]

52pickup: [any leads at the holy c?]

misora: [not yet =3= u got anything?]

52pickup: [i know there's an underground entrance. find a way inside]

misora: [can do mr manager~<3 ]

52pickup: [thatta girl]

misora: ^^

-elsewhere-

Demongo: -~- "I'm booooooored."

tsukuyo: we'll be doing some recruiting tonight, if no one joins, you can consume them.

Demongo: >w< "YAY!"

-elsewhere-

Anya: "So, how old are you, Miss Witch?"

fani: *now in human form* my name is Fani.

Anya: "Oh, right--Fani. Um...So, age?"

fani: im fairly young by witch standards, around 47.

Meme: "Wow, looking good, ma'am!" *thumbs up*

fani: oh hey, you're that girl from earlier.

Meme: *her leg is bandaged* "Oh! I bumped into you. Sorry..."

fani: ...

Meme: "...I'm Meme, by the way."

fani: *nods*..... *she seems worried*

Anya: "What's wrong?"

fani: my teacher, lady liluye, she's probably wondering where i am and looking for me...

Meme: "...Did she make that chimera?"

fani:........*her hands shake*

Anya: "??? Miss Fani? We're only here to investigate..."

fani: i dont....want to betray her.

Meme: "How would you being here betray her?"

fani: if i tell you anything....i just cant...

Anya: "...Would your teacher be at all interested in speaking with us?"

fani: *keeping silent*

Meme: "..." *grabs Anya* "Excuse us!" ^^;

Anya: "?!" *pulled away*

fani: ......

Meme: *waves to the adults* *whispers* "What do we do?!"

kirara: hmm, seems we're backed into a corner...

Anya: "If we keep her here, her teacher will consider it a threat..."

ao: we could use her as bait?

Meme: "Really? What would her teacher do it she thought we were using her as bait? Fight us?"

ao: it's a possibility.

Tezca: "Then let's be prepared for that." *he's knitting*

-elsewhere-

Thorne: "..." *looks around* *he's in handcuffs*

shiemi: ....

Thorne: *nods to a tree* "We planted that before she was born."

shiemi: *listening*

Thorne: "...She played here...I wanted this to be hers...Teach her so much..."

shiemi: ....

Thorne: "..." *looks to the ground...gets onto his knees, starts digging with his bare hands*

shiemi: *watching for a moment, before getting down and helping him*

Thorne: *laughing while crying* "Th-Thanks..."

shiemi: *nods*

Thorne: "...Okay. That should be deep enough."

shiemi: ...

Thorne: "..." *opens the satchel* "...Rose..."

shiemi:....*saying a small prayer*

Thorne: "..." *lowers his head*

shiemi: .....

Thorne: "..." *covers the hole with the dirt again* "..."

-silence-

Thorne: *sighs* *wipes his tears* "Best to give just a bit of water..."

-elsewhere-

Liluye: *following a path, looking for clues* "..."

-there seem to be scratch marks-

Liluye: "..." ("What did they do? Did they...No. I can't let them get away with this!")

-elsewhere-

Poe: *locks the library archives door* "That should be everything..."

karl: *snoozing*

Poe: ^^ "Let's pick up the others to get home..."

-elsewhere-

Zeke: *waiting at the stairs*

hibiki: *wave*

axel: ayyy!

Zeke: "Yo! Ready to head out?"

hibiki: yep.

Zeke: "Where to?"

hibiki: lil slugger's pizza, then the park?

Zeke: "Awesome sauce! Pizza fries!"

-elsewhere-

Asher: *at the tutoring center* "Okay, I got this answer wrong. I thought weapon souls couldn't have soul perception."

izumi: i guess they can.

Asher: "Huh. Weird." *flips to the other worksheet* "And multi-weapon types--I don't get it. Can someone have 2 weapon forms at the same time?"

izumi: it has happened, some are double-bladed, others are like the nakatsukasa family.

Asher: "Hmm...Could someone summon two at the same time? Like a sword on one arm and a mace on the other arm?"

izumi: i'd have to look into it more. ^^;

Asher: "Well, if it's a challenge for you, that calms me down a bit."

izumi: *smiles* ^^;

Asher: "..." *transforms their arm into a tonfa* "I guess this is all I will do."

izumi: i guess for now, yes.

-elsewhere-

Kid: *napping*

stocking: *strokes his head*

Kid: =w= "Zzz..."

stocking: ^^

Kid: *kitten yawn*

stocking: comfy?

Kid: *affirmative mutter* "Um-hmm..."

stocking: ^^ *head pats*

Kid: =w= "This is pleasant..."

stocking: *smiles*

Kid: *yawns* "Do you feel tired?"

stocking: a little, but i'll live.

Kid: "Is this how exhausting child-rearing will be?"

stocking: i guess so, but it will be worth it.

Kid: *nods* "I hope we're half as good parents as ours..."

-elsewhere-

Daisy: "Wait, how many were in your 'Guild' before?"

louisa: certainly a lot more than there are now.

Daisy: "Huh. Who was the dorkiest in your group?"

louisa: um, well... *looks down* =///=;;

Daisy: "...Well, that answers that question." *slides a bag of chips to her* "No other nerds in your group? No one to talk about books and stuff?"

louisa: oh, poe and i do talk about books, he even writes as well, and i've actually read some of his manuscripts.

Daisy: "Emo vampire stuff?"

louisa: usually murder mysteries.

Daisy: "...Let me read one of those next time he brings it over."

louisa: well, it's....an experience. ^^;;;;

Daisy: "The kind of book that pulls you in?"

louisa: …..you could say that.

Daisy: "Got it..." *pulls out a bottle of rum from her desk drawer*

-elsewhere-

Relan: "..." *hug*

shinra: thanks rel...

Relan: *nods* "You look like you needed it..."

shinra:...*nod*

Relan: "I know it's a lot, but you need to take care of yourself, too. You ate?"

shinra: not yet today.

Relan: "Rice?"

shinra: *nods*

Relan: *smiles* "Good. And I'll see whatever leftovers the Captain made."

-elsewhere-

Ogun: "Um, Juria? You got a phone call left earlier from the 6th--"

juria: no i dont! im busy!

Pan: "YOU DO NOT LOOK BUSY, AND YOU WILL RETURN THEIR PHONE CALL!"

Ogun: ._.;

juria: *grumbles and picks up* WHAT?!

Asako: Q_Q "Um...C-Cadet? I wanted to thank you for the puppy." ^^; "They are recovering well..."

juria: O/////O ... 7///7 tch- d-dont mention it. seriously dont. =///=;;;

Asako: "Would you like me to email you photos?"

juria: !!! i-IM FINE THANKS! >/////<;;;

Ogun: .___.;

Pan: "???"

Asako: ^^; "Okay. Say bye-bye, Goldie!"

goldie: *barks*

juria: ./////////////////////.;;;;;;;; *HANGS UP* ...............YOUSAWNOTHING! *RUNS*

Ogun: "...Well, that's a new dimension to her personality."

Pan: -_-; "She should be honest with herself."

-elsewhere-

Tetsutetsu: *punching a bag* "BRING ANOTHER ONE!" *punches so hard the bag explodes into sand*

itsuka: we're going to run out of punching bags at this rate...

Tetsutetsu: "THEN HAVE SOMEONE MAKE ANOTHER ONE! Doesn't someone have that Quirk?!"

itsuka: i could ask momo.

Tetsutetsu: *quieter* "That would be lovely--thank you." ^^

-elsewhere-

Burns: *walking through the courtyard* "..."

sisters: good morning, commander.

Burns: *nods* "Sisters. Anything to report?"

sister 1: everything's normal here.

Burns: "Any visitors?" *looking at the walls*

sister 2: some of the apostles from the sun church visited earlier.

Burns: "I see...What did they want?"

sister 3: they wanted to speak with you.

Burns: *sighs* "I'll see them soon enough. I'll put in the call..."

-elsewhere-

Yohei: "Jeez, you two did a number on each other."

Bryn: *bandaged* >_>;

Helen: *shakes her head* -_-; "Unbelievable, Sis..."

mana: no holding back this time i guess. ^^;

Shotaro: "So who won?"

mana: i dont really know...

Shotaro: "Oh...So, when you going to fight again?"

mana: *glances at bryn*

Bryn: "...Rock paper scissors?"

mana: *nods*

Bryn: *starts to match with her* "Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!"

mana: *rock*

Bryn: "Paper!"

mana: ._. .... ^-^ congrats, bryn.

Bryn: "Thanks...The next time we meet, let's tag-team against someone else."

mana: sounds good.

Bryn: "Now, I sleep." *collapses onto a couch*

-elsewhere-

Zeke: *passes out the Italian ice* "Okay--the lake at the park. Mermaids, kappas, or a kraken--what you think is in there?"

axel: i did see a kappa chilling there once.

Zeke: "WOO! One-third correct!"

hibiki: so i guess lake kappa are a thing? i knew river and ocean kappa existed.

Zeke: "Ever see them?"

hibiki: my grandma once met one on a mission.

Zeke: " 'Mission'? Like a nun?"

hibiki: like a DWMA mission.

Zeke: "... ... ..." *light bulb* "HOLY MOLY!"

axel: sweet!

hibiki: yep, my gran taught me most of what i know, outside school of course.

Zeke: *shiny eyes* "Did she ever punch someone so hard they went around the world, reversing time?"

hibiki: ^^; well, that may have been an exaggeration.

Zeke: *disappointed face* Q_Q "D'aw...Was she a meister or weapon?"

hibiki: meister.

Zeke: "Neat! Who were her partners?"

hibiki: she went by the stage name 'Lady Spica', so her partner was a pistol.

axel: YOUR GRAN IS _THE_ LADY SPICA!?!

hibiki: the same.

Zeke: O_O "...WOOOOOOOOOOW..."

hibiki: i just have it in my blood to be a meister, i guess.

Zeke: "Teach us, oh meister spawn of Spica!"

hibiki: *sweatdrop*

-elsewhere-

Sakuya: "How's the clothing design going?"

naho: doing great so far.

Sakuya: *smiles* "Need any help?"

naho: just working on the final details. here's what i got so far.

-the design shows a pink chiffon underskirt under a red and light brown skirt with an alternating apple pattern. there is a yellow belt that also has strands of large yellow beads hanging off it and the top seems to still be in progress-

naho: i'm thinking of having the socks be red and white striped for a circus tend with red mary janes, and i'll have round, colorful hair ties to look like balloons.

Sakuya: "Festive. And the colors blend well."

naho: ^^ thanks, the underskirt represents cotton candy, the skirt is a caramel apple, and the belt is popcorn!

otogiri: why not go with a ringleader's top?

naho: BRILLIANT!!

Sakuya: ^^;

-elsewhere-

Motojiro: *checking homework* "Hmm..." *marks something*

ayako: *examining breads* =A= hmmmmmmm.....

Motojiro: "??? What you looking at?"

ayako: trying to determine which bread will be tastiest for my luncheon sammy.

Motojiro: "What's a 'sammy'?"

ayako: sandwich, duh! i'm going to make a peanut-nutella with marshmallow one.

Motojiro: "Oh! How 'bout honey?"

ayako: hmm, the honey bread may work.

leo: ^^;

Motojiro: "And we can hand-grind the peanuts and walnuts ourselves!"

-elsewhere-

Kanin: "..." ("I feel like someone is following me...")

amelia: ....

Kanin: ._.;;; *turns around*

amelia: i need to purchase my dinner tonight.

Kanin: "O-Oh? You haven't gotten any?"

amelia: *shakes head* after dinner, i'll head back to the school.

Kanin: " 'Back'? For extra schooling?"

amelia: ....sort of.

Kanin: "...Where do you get dinner?"

amelia: *shrug* somewhere affordable, i dont have much money on me...

Kanin: "Oh, I know a spot! It's not pricey."

amelia: really?

Kanin: *nod nod* "Great veggie platter, too. They don't have a lot of staff, but it shouldn't be long for takeout."

amelia: ok then.

Kanin: ^^ *leads the way* "What do you like to eat?"

amelia: chicken salad.

Kanin: "I heard it's really good. You like that a lot, huh?"

amelia: *nods*

-elsewhere-

genny: *shading panels*

Brother: "Yo, you're missing dinner."

genny: i'll be there in a few minutes!

Brother: "??? Don't overwork yourself."

genny: i know! *sigh* aaand... done. *phew* there, now to arrange them and send it to Fubuki-sensei.

Brother: "Email or mail?"

genny: i'll probably fax it to them as per usual.

Brother: "Okay. Then eat something before I take it all!"

genny: okay! jeez!

Brother: *small laugh as he exits the room*

mother: you two squabbling again?

Brother: "Nah, just some friendly banter."

mother: *nods*

-elsewhere-

Tezca: "...They've been quiet out there."

kirara: *uneasy*

Tezca: "..." *sighs* "I tried shining my mirror to track some people, but no luck locating this other witch."

kirara: any sign of the missing persons?

Tezca: "Funny you mention that..." *pulls out a map--of Mepphyland* "...Wait, wrong one." *pulls out a map of the city* "The mirror paths lead to this spot..." *taps a small area isolated from the rest of the city*

esther: oh!

Tezca: "We should send a few to visit..."

-elsewhere-

Asher: "I'm home..." *walks into their bedroom*

-seems cassidy isnt home yet-

Asher: "..." *sighs* *looks around*

-everything seems to be as it was-

Asher: "..." *sets down bookbag, opens a book*

-elsewhere-

Crona: *curled up under blankets* =w=

mami: *making hot cocoa*

Crona: *sniff* "Smells good..."

mami: it's just about ready.

Crona: "Yay...With marshmallows?"

mami: *nods*

Crona: =w= "Goody...I really love this."

mami: *smiles* ^^

Crona: "..." *smiles back, looking overjoyed*

mami: ^///^

Crona: *hugs her*

mami: !!!.....*hug*

Crona: "...I-I...I..."

mami: ??

Crona: "...Love."

mami: *blushing* chrona...

Crona: >\\\\< "This is really hard!"

mami: it's ok chrona, take your time. ^^;

Crona: *holds onto her* *nod nod*

mami:....*hugs* ....*soft kiss on the nose*

Crona: .\\\\. "...Thanks."

mami: ^^

Crona: "...Mami, I think the hot chocolate is done."

mami: o-oh! right!

Crona: ^^;

-elsewhere-

Iida: *smiles* "Now, then, I think we've all earned a good night's rest."

bee maid: of course sir. *bows and exits*

Iida: *checks his phone*

ochako: [how's packing? ^u^ ]

Iida: [COMPLETE! 👍 ]

ochako: [woot! \(^o^)/ ]

Iida: [How is your work progressing?]

ochako: [just about done!]

Iida: [Excellent work! We will be prepared for whatever this training throws at us!]

-elsewhere-

Padma: *looking around the corner* "..."

serina: ^^;

???: "What'cha all doin'?"

serina: !! *turns* oh!

Yotsuba: *waves* ^w^

sayu: hiya! ^^

Yotsuba: "Are you lost? I know some great local scenery in this part of town!" *holds up maps--they have glitter all over them*

sayu: oooh, cool!

serina: we were just walking around.

Yotsuba: ^w^ "Yay! Walking! What do you like most about walking? I like the feeling of bilateral movement!"

serina: well, the fresh air is quite nice, and it's actually quite good for one's health too.

Yotsuba: "And the sights! Like looking into the courtyard at the First to see all that is happening there!"

sayu: so what _is_ happening there? OuO

Yotsuba: "Well, one of the sisters watered the flowers, then Captain Fulham said this hilarious joke about--"

serina: *glance at padma* >->;;

Padma: ^^; "This is all very interesting, but we really must be going--"

Yotsuba: "Let me call you a ride!"

serina: oh, that isnt-

Yotsuba: "I can drive! I also prepared some fresh chocolate chip cookies!"

serina:...*blink*

Padma: "..." *picks up Yotsuba*

Yotsuba: OwO;

Padma: *tosses her over the wall*

serina: D8

Padma: "..." *runs away*

sayu: owo;

serina: captaaaaain waaaait!! D8>

Yotsuba: *landed on a beanbag chair that just happened to be on the other side of the wall* =w= "Aw, fancy."

-elsewhere-

Kanin: "Well, this is my stop." *stops outside an apartment* "..."

amelia: ok then. good night. *walks back towards the school*

Kanin: "...Hm. Night..."

amelia: *nods* ....

-elsewhere-

Kid: *rocking Shion*

shion: *snoozing*

felisia: *taking a nap on the couch*

Kid: *light smile, looks at Shion* ("Does look like his dad...")

shion: *YAAAAWN*

Kid: ("Wonder what his teeth will be like...Weird. And what will he sound like? Who will be his friends? And--")

stocking: *yaaawn*

Kid: *looks* *smiles*

-elsewhere-

Zeke: >w< *writing notes* "So freaking cool! Imagine the fights she saw! Did her and her weapons have matching costumes?"

hibiki: *looking up info online*

Zeke: "??? What you looking at?"

hibiki: research. also talking to gran on GB.

Zeke: OwO "..." *silent squee*

hibiki: *sweatdrop*

axel: can we watch?

Zeke: *nod nod nod*

hibiki: it's a private convo.

axel: right, right. we'll just play pokemon then.

Zeke: -3- *opens his 3DS*

-elsewhere-

Damon: "Good night, Dad."

becky: night dad.

soul: night night, kiddos. need anything before bedtime?

becky: im good.

Damon: *shakes his head* "I hope you sleep good."

soul: ok.

-elsewhere-

sonia: *walking to bed*....?? *looks inside chuuya's room*

Chuuya: *curled up, hugging a pillow*

sonia: papa?

Chuuya: "!!!" *wiping his face* "Y-Yes?"

sonia: are you alright?

Chuuya: "..." *weak smile* "Just...a little sad."

sonia:....want me to sleep here?

Chuuya: "..." *pats the bed* "Hop on in."

sonia: *climbs in and sits next to him, resting her head on his lap*

Chuuya: *strokes her hair* "Thanks, sweetie."

sonia: *nod nod*

mito: *hops up onto the bed and rests near them* *purrs*

Chuuya: *pets Mito*

mito: =w=

Chuuya: "...This is nice."

sonia: mm...

Chuuya: "...Sonia? Thanks."

sonia: your welcome, papa. love you.

Chuuya: *strokes her head* "I love you, too."

sonia: ....*closing her eyes*

Chuuya: "..." *closes his, sighs*

-silence-

Chuuya: "..." *inhales*

mito: *purrs*

Chuuya: *continues to stroke Mito's back*

-elsewhere-

Tezca: *looking outside*

kirara: anything yet?

Tezca: *shakes his head* "Just owls..."

kirara: hmm....

*sounds like a 'caw' noise outside*

kirara: ??

*looks like a bird flying overhead*

kirara:....*readies ofuda*

*the bird seems to be flying in a circle...before changing its path to form--*

Tezca: "!!!"

*the bird's flight path forms an array--that lights up the sky like fire*

tsugumi: !!!

*a wave of energy comes down in the array, striking the ground*

kirara: grk- tezca!

Tezca: *mirrors along his arms, reflecting back the energy* "Kirara! Behind me!"

kirara: right. *sends ofudas at the birds*

*some birds are caught, some claw and peck through*

Tezca: "A'ight, no one told me this was going to go full-on Hitchcock!"

tsugumi: *weapon mode*

ao: *SCYTHE BLADE SLASH*

*birds scatter, except for one hawk, which stays perched on a branch*

Hawk: "..."

fani: !!! lady liluye!!

Liluye: "Fani...Why are you with them?"

fani: i was captured by the bear!

Liluye: "..." *glances*

Tezca: "..." *waves*

Liluye: "...That's an ape in a bear head."

Tezca: "APOLOGIZE TO ENRIQUE!"

enrique: GAO! >3<

Liluye: "Silly people...Fani, come."

fani: *tries to run*

esther: *grabs her by the neck* i think not~ ^^

Liluye: "..." *shrieks, assuming full witch form* "She is not involved in this! Let her go, now!"

esther: so you're the one behind the chimera attacks, i take it~?

fani: *shaking with fear*

Liluye: "And I trust it is you who took it?"

esther: so what if we are? the fact is you've been endangering the residents of salem, right? ^^

Liluye: "Like humans endangered witches."

tsugumi: isnt there a way we can resolve this peacefully?

kirara:.....

esther: unfortunately, it's a bit too late for that, given the dead bodies you've hidden away.

tsugumi: ....

fani: we had our reasons!

Anya: "Enlighten us..."

fani: humans killed innocent witches for years out of hate, when we did nothing to them! humanity is the enemy! and any witch who says otherwise is either a traitor or a coward!

Meme: "..." *shaking*

esther: even though it was witches who experimented on humans and created demon weapons?

fani: dont you lump us in with the heretic gorgons!

Meme: "Or possessed us...Possessed me...Took away...everything..."

mio: *holding meme* it's ok meme, she's not here, you're safe.

Meme: "This isn't right, though...We don't want to hurt you! We want you to stop hurting innocent people!"

Liluye: "Innocent..." *holds up a hand with talons along it* "I see no one innocent here..."

tsugumi: (damn, no getting through to her...)

Liluye: "One more warning: release Fani, or I kill..."

Anya: "...!" *shakes--as an energy is around her*

Liluye: "That one."

tsugumi: anya!

Anya: "I-I can't move!" *trying to shift--before the energy pulls her up, slamming her into the tree branches* "URK!"

esther: well, the crime must be punished, so it's either the young witch's life, or yours~

fani: NO PLEASE!

Liluye: "...I get no enjoyment from this. Neither of us is dying today, Fani. But there will be blood."

*birds fly at Esther's head*

esther: *BLOCKS* *vicious grin*

Liluye: *glowers* "Insane..." *removes a feather from her hair, writing through the air, forming an array that reaches for Esther--and seems to encircle her*

esther: well, this is troubling.

kirara: !!! *sending ofuda at liluye*

Liluye: *ducks* "Magic?"

kirara: i suppose one could call it that. they're mostly used for sealing.

ao: indeed. *pulls out her own ofuda*

Liluye: "!!!"

ao: ha!

Liluye: *frozen*

fani: lady liluye!!

*the energy fades from Esther*

esther: aw...

Anya: *the energy fades from her--as she starts to fall* "!!!" *grabs onto a branch, hanging on* "Ah...Pfew."

tsugumi: anya! are you ok?

Anya: "Oh, you know...Hanging in there..." *worried laugh, as she swings on the branches before landing back on the ground*

Liluye: "..." *smiles faintly*

*the ground shakes*

tsugumi: !!!!!

*a giant clawed arm breaks through the ground, grabbing both of Kirara's ankles*

kirara: ??!!? what the hell?!

*a beak-face with multiple eyes pops out--it's another chimera!*

kirara: !!!!

*more arms pop up out of the ground, revealing more chimeras, all growling and hissing*

tsugumi: HOLY SHIT!

*there are 7 chimeras, all of different shapes, sizes, and forms--howling, shrieking, and rushing at the DWMA members*

tsugumi: *slicing at them*

esther: *attacking* *manic grinning*

*an elephantine chimera wraps a trunk around Enrique's torso*

enrique: *PUNCH PUNCH*

Tezca: "Let go of my friend!" *shines light into the chimera's eyes--blinding and singing their skin*

Elephantine Chimera: *TRUNK-TOOT, before it collides back into a tree*

Liluye: "Fani! Run!"

fani: *making a break for it*

Meme: "!!! Fani! No!"

Liluye: *summoning a bird to pick at the ofuda*

fani: *stops, her legs shaking*

Meme: "You _can't_ want this! ...I lost my parents because of _one_ witch! Not all witches--one! I lost so much because of her...Do you want to do that to someone else?"

fani: ....i have to help her, she's the only family i have left!

Meme: "Then help us convince her! We don't want--"

*SLICE*

Meme: "..." *collapses*

Liluye: *standing over Meme* "..."

mio: .......*blade arms and attacks, screaming with tears in her eyes* I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU!!!

Liluye: *claws out* "Not now..."

mio: *attacking and screaming*

fani: *shaking, unsure what to do*

Liluye: *dodges, shifting between humanoid and bird form to avoid the slices*

Meme: *she's bleeding out, unconscious*

mio: *hammer arm, swinging*

tsugumi: !!!! meme! *trying to stop the bleeding*

Liluye: "!!!" *flies to the treetop*

fani: (what do i do? what do i do?? i cant betray her....she saved me after my parents were killed. i owe her that much......but.....)

tsugumi: you're going to be ok, meme!

fani:......

Liluye: *passes through trees, trying to evade Mio's swings*

mio: dont you fucking think you can get away with this you bitch!!!

fani:......*bites her lip* please forgive me. *runs to meme*

Liluye: "One more dead human. Truly, a tragedy compared to the countless sisters I have lost to your kind..."

mio: SHUT UP! JUST SHUT THE HELL UP!!

*the chimera seem to be keeping the others busy--but two seem to be missing...*

esther: *ripping apart one chimera, it's blood splattering all over her as she laughs like mad*

kirara: (come on, please keep it together-)

Liluye: "...Truly, your kind is so responsible--"

*TWACK*

Liluye: *in bird form, knocked down by a mirror*

mio: *SLASHING*

Meme: "...Tsu..."

tsugumi: come on meme, dont die-

Meme: *choking*

fani: *kneeling near meme* ....*summons glowing green vines that wrap around meme's wounds*

Tezca: *cut up* OwO; "...Let's put the sharp stuff away..." *picks up Liluye's unconscious bird body by the wing from the ground*

Meme: "..." *sharp inhale and gasp*

mio: give her to me, i'm going to fucking cut her to pieces!!!

Tezca: "...Then what?"

-the vines seem to be healing the cuts-

mio: i-...i-....*she's shaking and crying*

Tezca: "..." *cups the bird, drops it into Enrique's hands* "Put her in the cage, buddy..." *hugs Mio*

mio: m-meme-

Meme: "Mio..."

mio: !!!!! *turns*

Meme: *she's wrapped up like a glowing green mummy* "...Am I radioactive now?"

fani: s-sorry! *the vines vanish*

tsugumi: how do you feel, meme?

Meme: *exhale* *catching her breath* "I-I don't know? Um, my mouth tastes like wood...Yuck."

mio: *TIGHT HUG*.....you idiot.....dont ever....ever get killed again like that.....*she's sobbing*

Meme: "..." *sobbing too* "MIO!" *hug*

tsugumi:....*sigh and sad smile*

fani:....

Meme: "..." *pulls back, holds onto Mio while taking Fani's hand*

fani: !!!!

mio:....7///7; t-thanks....for saving my girlfriend's life...

Meme: *nod nod* T~T "I was going to die! And you saved me!"

fani: ....it was nothing, really.....

Liluye: "Fani! Get away from them!" *beating against the cage--as it just keeps glowing and knocking her back*

esther: *still brutalizing chimeras and laughing*

fani: lady liluye!

Tezca: "Call off the chimeras, ma'am--you're both about done tonight."

kirara: san-nee-sai-na-men-go! *tosses ofuda at esther, causing her to faint*

Liluye: "...Let Fani go--"

Tezca: "TELL THE CHIMERA TO STOP BEFORE I DONATE YOU TO AN AVIARY!!!"

fani: please, dont kill her! *she's crying*

Liluye: "...Fani, are you safe?"

fani: i-i think so....

Liluye: "..." *closes her eyes...before letting out an ear-piercing shriek*

Anya: "AH!" *covers her ears*

tsugumi: AH!!

Meme: *grimaces*

*the chimera all fall down*

Liluye: "There. I--"

Tezca: *collapses* XwX

Liluye: *the cage falls with her in it--knocking her out again*

fani: !!! *running to the cage, trying to open it*

*the cage opens easily*

fani: come on, lets-

Anya: "Hold it right there!"

fani: !!!! *holding the bird close to her*

Anya: "You have a lot to answer for!"

Meme: "..."

fani: do what you want to me, but please, dont kill lady liluye..

Anya: "...Miss Kirara, can you have them placed into an anti-magic jail cell?"

kirara:....very well then.

ao: tsugumi are you alright?

tsugumi: i-i think so... *her ears are bleeding a bit*

Meme: "!!! Tsugumi!"

tsugumi: ?? *touches her ear* oh that doesnt look good.

ao: come inside, we'll get the med kit!

Anya: D :

kirara:.....*sigh*

-elsewhere-

yana: *laying on the roof* .......

Ivan: *preparing snacks in the kitchen*

lydia: she still hasnt come down yet.

Ivan: "Hmm...A lot is on her mind. She needs proper nutrition, too."

lydia: .....she is a partial clone of fyodor, right?

Ivan: "...Yes." >w< "Our own pride and joy, formed from his divine perfection~"

lydia: *sweatdrop* riiiight....but one thing does bother me....just what did he use as the DNA input? i'm almost afraid to know.

Ivan: "..." >w> "I'm sure only the best parts of him~"

lydia: that's...

Ivan: "His very essence: his blood."

lydia: oh. i see. (thank god, last thing i need to think about is my boss's-.....*CRINGE*)

Ivan: *thinking about his boss's--*SQUEE*

zoey: ......i'm going to make him a sandwich and put my blood into it so he may consume me.

lydia: dont.

Ivan: <YOU DISGUSTING WELP! Your behavior sickens me!>

elizaveta: *coloring, blissfully unaware of the nonsense behind her*

Gogol: *adjusting his mask*

-morning-

Zeke: "Heard we'd be getting a guest teach today."

axel: sweet!

Asher: "Hope it's someone knowledgeable..."

Duncan: "Pfft! This is the DWMA! Only the best are permitted to educate tomorrow's youth in the ways of--"

lei-lei: *CHOP* it'll be exciting to meet some new people! ^^

Kanin: ^^; "Morning, Amelia, Genny."

genny: *yaaaawn* g-good...morning...

amelia: *nods*

tsubaki: good morning, everyone.

izumi: oh! g-good morning, miss tsubaki!

Asher: "..."

Zeke: "Wow!"

axel: who's the other dude?

Black Star: "HA HA HA! Yes, it is I--the Almighty God of Assassins, Black Star!"

axel:....looks more like blue if y'ask me...

hibiki: *sweatdrop*

Black Star: *already grabbing Axel by the collar* "You want a time-out, newbie?!"

tsubaki: it's ok, black*star, it was a simple misunderstanding. ^^;

axel: QAQ;;;;;;

Zeke: Q_Q "Hey! Let him go!"

Black Star: "..."

Zeke: ._.; "P-Please?"

Black Star: "..." *sets Axel down*

tsubaki: ^^; i apologize for that, he can be a bit intense. ^^;

Kazue: "Zzz..."

preston: mah, mah, he's quite ah bit laihk yafeu.

Yafeu: "...I FEEL INSULTED SOMEHOW!"

Black Star: ^^# "Now who's ready to learn the art of assassinating?!

lukas: a-a-assassinating? ._.;;;;;

Kazue: "Zzz..." *holds up a sign: 'Already know it'*

amelia: will we be learning how to sneak into locations and poison people? and are we assassinating persons such as criminals and corrupt politicians?

izumi: 0-0;

Black Star: "HA HA HA! There's nothing to fear--because I am the best at it! A ninja is stealthy--"

Kazue: *sign: "You're loud"*

Black Star: "Resourceful--"

Kazue: *'Super loud'*

Black Star: "Badass--"

Kazue: *'How many souls did you collect again?'*

Black Star: *shaking Kazue* "SHUT THE HELL UP!"

Kazue: "Zzz..."

tsubaki: *chop* black*star, down. remember what i told you this morning about showing a good example.

Asher: "...Yeah, I don't think we're learning about poisons. Or much today."

Black Star: >~< "Okay...You talk."

tsubaki: ^^;

hibiki: soooo...we're going to be learning what again today?

Zeke: "I think covert ops." *raises his hand* "Miss Tsubaki, how do you stake out a target?"

-elsewhere-

Meme: *shirt pulled up, exposing her back* "How bad is it?"

kirara: ....

tsugumi: at least the bleeding stopped, right?

Meme: "..." *nods, looking downcast*

mio:....*holds her hands*

Meme: *sniffs, nods*

-elsewhere-

Rin: "Well, plant clean-up is now done!" *sits back in his chair* "Time for a break."

*he's in the classroom*

Yukio: "..." *slaps down make-up work* "You missed these."

Rin: O_O "!"

izumo: ._.;

Bon: "...Shit."

Shima: "Who wants to do my homework for me~?"

-elsewhere-

Magaki: *holds up an Occult Club poster* "How's this?"

rowena: it looks lovely!

alice: *thumbs up*

Magaki: *nods* "Thank you. I'll hang it up..." *but the bulletin board is already full* "..."

rowena: maybe tape it on the wall?

Magaki: *nods* *takes tape out of their arts-and-crafts tote--and taped* "...I hope that's not against the rules."

alice: people put posters on the wall all the time.......so it's not like......a new thing.

Magaki: "...Given the strictness of some rules here, I wasn't sure..."

-elsewhere-

Tezca: "And how are you two doing~?"

Liluye: -_- "Fine, all things considered. Except..." *she's stuck in bird form*

fani: .......

Tezca: "Side effect of the magic dampener..." *takes a seat* "Meme passes along her thanks for healing her."

fani: *gulps* ......*her hands tremble*

Tezca: "...What do you think will happen next to you two?"

fani:...........

Tezca: "...How many did you two kill?"

fani: *looking away*

Liluye: "Do you want us to beg for your forgiveness?"

Tezca: "...You know that those wanted by Lord Death may be executed for their crimes."

fani: please.....dont kill her....

Liluye: "Fani, be quiet."

Tezca: "Not up to me, kid--up to Lord Death."

fani:..........

Tezca: "Some punishment has to be made--we'll see when we get to Death City."

fani:.........

Liluye: "You will not kill us--you won't get away from this!"

kirara: ...*sigh*

Tezca: *laughs* "So, one kills, one heals, huh? Well, I'll leave you to chat..." *gets up to leave*

Liluye: "Ignore this fool...We'll survive this."

-elsewhere-

Dazai: "You back?"

kirako: yeah.

Dazai: "How'd it go?"

kirako: it went well.

Dazai: *sighs* "That's a relief."

kirako: .... ^^

Dazai: "I was prepping lunch--any cravings?"

-elsewhere-

Anya: *kicking a rock*

ao: ....are you feeling well?

Anya: "I'm fine...Just annoyed."

ao: is it about last night?

Anya: "...We almost lost Meme, Tsugumi was injured."

ao: ...it was frightening.

Anya: "To say the least...Those chimeras dead, Miss Esther rampaging..."

ao: and mio going berserk....

Anya: "...Are we ready for these kinds of missions if we can't stay in control?"

ao: ...we're still students. we're still learning.

Anya: "..." *sighs* "Right."

-inside-

mio: ......

Meme: "..." *hug*

mio:....*rests her head near meme's chest* i just...want to hear your heartbeat for a while....

Meme: *nods* *strokes her head*

mio:....you're here.....you're ok......you're breathing.....

Meme: *small laugh--before a slight cringe* "Y-Yeah..."

mio:....i love you.

Meme: "I love you, too."

mio:....*closing her eyes* .....

Meme: *holds her close*

mio:...im sorry....for not being able to protect you better....

Meme: "...I'm sorry I didn't pay better attention. I'm sorry..."

mio: ....mm...

Meme: "Let's both get better, for each other."

mio:....right...

Meme: *holds her, strokes her back, hums*

-elsewhere-

Kid: "Anything you want us to do before we take off?"

felisia: i think i'll be alright. if we need anything, we'll call you.

stocking: *nods* bye shion. *waves* ^^

Kid: *smiles*

shion: *reaching* baba!

Kid: "Looks like you made a great impression on him."

stocking: ^^

Kid: "Until next time, Shion." *waves*

stocking: *smiles*

Kid: *looks at Stocking* ("...Perfect.")

stocking: ^^

Kid: *holds her hand*

stocking: love you~

Kid: "Love you, too."

stocking: should we pick something up for the others for when we get back?

Akitaru: "No luck scoping out the First?"

serina: nothing much so far.

Padma: "Sorry, it was my fault. They got too close."

Akitaru: "Well, if it's nothing unusual, I'm sure we'll learn something in time. Thanks."

serina: *nods*

-elsewhere-

Zeke: *not eating his lunch* "They were so cool! It's amazing to hear instruction from such a versatile weapon!"

Kanin: ^^;

Kazue: "Zzz..." *holds up a sign* "She had more to say in fewer words than he did."

izumi: it was nice to talk to them again. ^^

Asher: "Hmm...You talked to them much before joining the DWMA?"

izumi: sometimes....they were friends of my sister's....

Asher: "...Ah."

izumi:...*sigh*

Asher: "..." *pat pat*

izumi:...remember that question you asked about the gorillaz a while back?

Asher: "..." *nods*

izumi: well, my sister's partner's adopted son's name is damon. weird coincidence, huh?

Asher: "...Heh. That's surprising."

izumi: yeah....*wipes her eyes*

Asher: "...I'm sorry."

izumi: t-thanks....

Asher: *nods* "Don't mention it...Just know that...um...Well...You're with friends."

izumi: right...*smiles*

Asher: "..." *small smile*

-elsewhere-

Bryn: *outside airport security* "You take care of yourself." *fist bumps with Mana*

mana: you too. ^^

Bryn: *smiles--then hugs Helen and the kids* "Love you."

helen: love ya too, sis. ^^

Bryn: *sniffs, pat pat* "How 'bout a hug, kids?"

-elsewhere-

Tezca: "How's Esther holding up?"

kirara: ....she's resting...

Tezca: "Hmm...Think she's going to be in control when she wakes?"

kirara: yes...she usually is after i calm her down....

Tezca: "Sorry--I know that was a hell of a fight."

kirara: *nods*

Tezca: "Can't help but worry whether she's getting worse..."

kirara:................

Tezca: "...Maybe need a stronger treatment..."

kirara:....*nods*

-elsewhere-

Kanin: *picking out library books* "This one may be good to read..."

genny: *doing some reading*

Kazue: *perched on the banister, reading a manga*

Kanin: *brings a stack of books to a table, sits across from Genny*

genny: !!! *looks back down at her book, hiding her face behind it*

Kanin: *not noticing, as he's taking notes about a book...taps his pencil on his chin*

genny: (OH FRICK MY CRUSH IS SITTING ACROSS FROM ME RIGHT NOW! THIS IS THE KIND OF THING THAT HAPPENS IN SHOUJO MANGA! THAT'S NOT EVEN MY MAIN GENRE!!!)

Kanin: "Genny, could you--"

genny: I WASNT STARING AT ANYTHING!

Kanin: "...lend me...a sheet of notebook paper?"

genny:....oh. here. *hands it to him*

Kanin: ^w^ "Thanks!" *his hand just brushes hers as he takes it*

genny: *PARALYZED*

Kanin: *seems not to notice, is writing notes*

Kazue: "..." *rubs their chin* ("Interesting...")

genny: (OHFUCKOHFUCKOHFUCK THAT WAS WAY TOO REAL FOR ME! i think i'm gonna pass out) *FAINTS*

Kanin: "?!" *finally notices* "Oh no!"

genny: *muttering nonsensical words*

Kanin: "..." *nudge*

genny: ororororororo.... (my first crush is a fucking wolfman. does this make me a furry?)

Kanin: "Genny? Do you need the infirmary?"

genny: yes that would be lovely this time of year thank you kindly for your service.

Kanin: "??? Um..." *picks her up in his arms*

genny: O////////////////////O (i think i just had a stroke and died.)

Kanin: *carries her to the infirmary*

Kazue: "..." ("...HA!")

genny: (i think i'm having an out of body experience)

Kanin: "Don't worry--Miss Naigus should have a bed set aside or something to let you rest, maybe medicine..."

-elsewhere-

Hibana: "We're going to need a lot of help to get this Fashion Show back on track..."

mikami: yes ma'am.

Hibana: "I was thinking of recruiting some at the Academy--maybe someone there knows woodworking, set-building..."

ryuuko: we could ask someone from the woodshop club.

Hibana: "Make it so."

ryuuko: yes ma'am.

Hibana: "Also, I heard from Iris the Eighth returned--but none of them have contacted me. Any updates?"

mikami: nothing i'v heard yet. maybe i'll talk to shinra tonight and see what's up.

Hibana: "That would be helpful." *smiles, snaps her fingers* "Well, I'm off to my next appointment. Keep up the good work!"

-elsewhere-

Anya: *kicking at rocks*

tsugumi: hey anya. i got you some snacks.

Anya: "..." *nods* "Thank you."

tsugumi: *smiles* ....you seemed like you needed a pick-me-up.

Anya: "...I'm sorry."

tsugumi: ??

Anya: "You shouldn't have been injured like that."

tsugumi: oh, i'm fine, really!

Anya: "Your ears?"

tsugumi: oh, right. miss kirara helped take care of them, but on the bright side, my hearing isnt too damaged.

Anya: "..." *nods* "That's really good news." *weak smile*

tsugumi:.....*hug*

Anya: "..." *sighs, rests*

ao: *watching from the window* ........*turns away and walks further into the house*

-elsewhere-

Zeke: "M-Miss Tsubaki?" *he's holding a small notebook*

tsubaki: hmm? yes?

Zeke: *holds up the notebook* "COULD I HAVE YOUR AUTOGRAPH?!" >\\\\<

tsubaki: oh, um. sure. *takes the notebook and signs it, with both an english and japanese signature*

Zeke: OwO "...THANK YOU!" *takes the notebook and runs*

tsubaki: ^^;

axel: 'scuse me, mr star? can you sign mine?

Black Star: "Yes! Anything for my fans!" *draws a giant star with "Black Star" forming out of it* "Biggest autograph there is!"

axel: sweeeeeeet!

Black Star: "YAHOO! Another satisfied fan!"

-elsewhere-

Tsukiyo: *hands the ball to a child* "Here you go! Be careful not to get it on the roof again."

boy: thank you, miss bunny!

Tsukiyo: "D'aw, you're welcome." ^w^

fang-hua: *smiles*

Tsukiyo: "Hey, Fang-Hua!" *hops over* "How was your patrol?"

fang-hua: pretty good. i got some ohagi for the road. want one?

Tsukiyo: "Um, yes!" *takes one* *NOM*

fang-hua: ^^;

Tsukiyo: "So good!" *she has a bit on her cheeks*

fang-hua: *offers napkin*

Tsukiyo: "Thankee~" *wipes* "So, what're we up to this evening?"

-elsewhere-

Gin: "How are you feeling?"

naoya: *groans* hangovers are a bitch. =~=

Gin: *pours black coffee* "I know." *passes it to her*

naoya: *sips* ah....so how's akuta?

Gin: "...It's been 6 months."

naoya: ....

Gin: "I'm worried what he might do."

naoya: it's understandable, but that doesnt mean we havent gotten our share of blood on our hands as well...

Gin: *nods* "This is different, though. He made an abrupt change in behavior--what if this turn back to killing is also exaggerated?"

naoya: .....im not sure....

Gin: "Then there's the promise the Tiger made to him."

naoya: that too.....

Gin: "He's been locked up in his room."

naoya: ....want me to try and talk to him or...?

Gin: "When you feel better--you take care of yourself first."

naoya: *nods* right.

Gin: *sighs* "Let me cook something up. Anything you want?"

naoya: im down for whatever.

Gin: "Some eggs and sausage, then." *turns on the stove*

-elsewhere-

Yotsuba: "And then she tossed me onto the most comfortable bean bag in the most comfortable garden under the most comfortable tree!" ^w^

Burns: "..."

dia:....<how does she even exist?>

Burns: "Thank you. I do wonder why anyone would be awkwardly visiting the First..." *looks at Dia, as if to warn her to be careful what she says*

dia: ....

Burns: "That'll be all, Yotsuba."

Yotsuba: "Okay! I'll get back to putting together our First Brigade Friendship Quilt!" *gets up to leave--glitter follows her*

dia:.....*siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh*

Burns: *closes the door* "I see someone else is interested in what is happening here...This isn't good."

dia: what do we do then?

Burns: "...I'm going to meet with the Church tomorrow. You will act like nothing is wrong--put the recruits through basic training."

dia: right.

Burns: *sighs* "Not looking forward to this talk."

-elsewhere-

Tetsuda: *sets snacks and drinks onto a tray, walks to her*

aimi: hi daddy! ^^

Tetsuda: "Hey! Hungry, sweetie?"

aimi: yep! i did my condition today, did you hear it? ^^

Tetsuda: "Sure did! It was pretty."

aimi: ^^

Tetsuda: "After snacks, want to go for a walk?"

aimi: ok!

Tetsuda: "Okay--maybe to the park."

-elsewhere-

Meme: *knocks* "Miss Esther?"

esther: come on in, dear. ^^

Meme: *pops her head in* "Are you okay?"

esther: i'm quite alright, thank you. and yourself?

Meme: "Recovered, mostly." ^^; "You were...really something out there."

esther: *chuckles* i supposed i got a bit carried away again. ^^; i get so excited that the events of what happens just slip my mind.

Meme: "Has it always been like this?"

esther: hmmmm. im not sure. ^^

Meme: "Does it scare you?"

esther: not really. because i always turn out just fine when i wake up.

Meme: "...Your meister really cares about you."

esther: indeed. she often is doting on me and making sure i'm alright.

Meme: "You were classmates?"

esther: i just know that we've known each other a long time.

Meme: "...I see..." ^^; "Want me to get you anything to eat or drink?"

esther: some coffee would be nice.

Meme: "You got it!" *walks away* "..." ("Her memories...")

-elsewhere-

Backdraft: *forms a barrier* "Please back up, citizen."

person: *doing so*

Backdraft: *calls to other heroes* "How's it going?!"

kamui woods: i'm in pursuit now.

*it sounds like thundering footsteps*

kamui woods: took you long enough!

Mount Lady: "Oh, I'm sorry--I was just DROP KICKING A GIANT OUT OF TOWN! What were you doing?!"

kamui woods: -_-;

villain: *still running*

kamui woods: *sends vines at them*

villain: O_O;;

-LE TOSS-

villain: AIIIEEE!!!

Mount Lady: *runs* "Pop fly!" *reaches like a baseball player to catch*

villain: OwO;; meep.

Mount Lady: *holds them in one hand, holds them to her eye level* "Hey. Ready to go to prison now?"

villain: am i about to get squished now?

Mount Lady: "??? No, because I'm a hero!"

villain: so will you let me go then? OwO

Mount Lady: "Woods, you got handcuffs on you? Villain here wants me to put them down."

kamui woods: *nods*

villain: QwQ;;

-elsewhere-

Honenuki: *reading a poster* " 'Occult Club.' Huh."

reiko: this is relevant to my interests.

Honenuki: "Hey, go to it--enjoy."

reiko: ok.

-elsewhere-

Tetsutetsu: *takes out a tray of cookies from an oven* "...These look done enough?"

itsuka: looks good.

yui: *signing* <best to let them cool first>

Tetsutetsu: "Right!" *sets them onto the rack but turns off the oven* "Woo! Can't wait to bite into them..."

itsuka: ^^

-elsewhere-

Ashi: "Okay, commencing 'Mail Cart Ride' Attempt 42..."

mono: is this even a good idea?

Ashi: "42nd time's the charm!" ^^

Zuno: "I thought this was the first try?"

-elsewhere-

chie: *doing some grocery shopping*

toru: *in the cart's baby seat, sucking on his pacifier*

Yohei: "We got enough?"

chie: i think so.

Yohei: "Cool. Anything we should get for the kiddos?"

chie: some more cereal might help, also hot pockets

Yohei: "Got it...Hope they're behaving..." *pulls down a box of cinnamon cereal*

-elsewhere-

Paku: "How's makeup work going?"

izumo: so exhausted....im gonna die.

Paku: ^^; "Not from this..." *picks up a homework assignment* "...Oh. This does look tough."

izumo: *sigh* these exams are gonna be killer, i swear...so, what's new with you?

Paku: "Still studying, too..." >w>

izumo: ah... 7-7 did anything happen with godaiin or...?

Paku: >\\\w\\\<; "N-Nothing...Just dating."

izumo: *ALMOST FALLS OUT OF HER SEAT* great for you. .w.;

Paku: "Thanks!" ^\\\\^"...So...How is _your_ love life?"

izumo: EW! BON'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND! DON'T BE GROSS! >3<

Paku: "...I didn't say 'Bon.'"

izumo: 0_0 ..... *forced laughter* g-good! because he totally isnt my boyfriend, and likely never will be! im not dating anyone, and even if i _were_, it sure wouldnt be him! hahahaha! OwO;;;;

Paku: "..." >w> "Oooooooookay." *regal laugh*

izumo: hahaha..ha..haaaaaaaaa........... .W.;;;;;;;

Paku: "...You okay?"

izumo: never better. *picks up her drink...and pours it over her own head*

Paku: O_O; "...Izumo? Y-You're supposed to drink through your mouth?"

izumo: oh right. nighty night. *FAINTS* OwO

boy: i think kamiki just short-circuited.

Paku: D:> "MEDIC!"

-elsewhere-

Wes: *tosses the ball to Ghost Dog*

ghost dog: *chasing it* OwO

Patty: "Go, doggy, go!" *watering the Oasis seeds*

-nice catch-

Wes: "Good boy! Bring it back..."

ghost dog: *does so*

Wes: *takes the ball, tosses it again*

Patty: *writes something into a 'plant journal'*

-elsewhere-

Takehisa: *stirring cake batter* "We'll need more frosting..."

iris: want some of us to go to the store?

Takehisa: "Yes. See if you can make a training exercise out of it..."

iris: *nods*

Vulcan: *walking by* "And remember, Yuu: air bags make most things better."

yuu: *nods*

iris: hey vulcan, yuu, do you want to help me pick up some groceries?

Vulcan: "Oh, sure. I needed more soda."

-elsewhere-

Kanin: "Will she be alright, Nurse?"

nygus: she'll be just fine. just passed out from nerves. a bit of rest will do her some good.

Kanin: *sighs* "That's a relief." ^^; "I also wanted to tell you: Nakatsukasa and Black Star did great leading class."

nygus: glad to hear that. *she smiles*

Kanin: *smiles back* "Well, I'm going to head out. I hope Genny feels better..."

nygus: she will soon.

Kanin: *nods* "Thanks. Have a good day!"

-elsewhere-

Liluye: "What are you going to do with us?"

kirara: report you to lord death, then he will decide which action to take.

Liluye: "Tch..." *pecks at a pile of seeds*

-elsewhere-

Jacqueline: "I'm home." *takes off her shoes*

kim: welcome back! ^^

Jacqueline: *smiles* "Good to see you..." *hug* "How was work?"

kim: pretty busy with cleaning up.

Jacqueline: "Ah...About the same--only fewer animals." *grabs an apron* "What you thinking for dinner?"

kim: i was thinking gratin, you?

Jacqueline: "Oh, good choice! Which cheeses?"

-elsewhere-

sonia: *walking through the halls*

Tachihara: *polishing a set of knives*

sonia: .....

Tachihara: *admires himself in the reflection, fixing his hair--then spots--* "Oh, hey, kiddo."

sonia:.....*nods*

Tachihara: "...Want to play with knives?"

sonia: i dont think that's a good idea.

Tachihara: "Oh. Well, I played when them when I was your age, and I--"

{Child Tachihara: *bleeding from his fingers* QwQ}

Tachihara: "..." *puts the knives away*

sonia: *pap pap* smart move.

Tachihara: ^^; "Your dad would probably kill me anyway...Want to play cards?"

sonia: sure. go fish or texas hold'em?

Tachihara: "Hold'em!"

sonia: ok

Tachihara: *cuts the deck* "How's Kajii's class going?"

sonia: pretty good.

Tachihara: *passes the cards* "He giving you a test or something?"

sonia: *shrug*

Tachihara: "Did he blow anything up?"

sonia: ...i still have problems relating to other kids. i know i complain about this a lot, but it's true.

Tachihara: "...I mean, you aren't like other kids, now are you?"

sonia:.......no....i'm not.....

Tachihara: "So it'd make sense you have problems relating to kids. Hell, it's not like everyone in this world gets along."

sonia:......

Tachihara: *studying his cards* "What even is normal? Abilities are weird, and they seem to adjust."

sonia: i guess....

Tachihara: "...Anything you're doing in class that leaves you thinking you're 'weird'?"

sonia: i guess i just know more than the other kids sometimes. im not trying to brag about that, so i just try to keep quiet...

Tachihara: "Huh...You ever ask your dad about 'skipping a grade' or tutoring?"

sonia: not really...i dont want to offend him or mr kajii.

Tachihara: "Aw, shoot! I've seen Chuuya handle worse news. And Kajii isn't going to be offended--unless you talk shit about lemons or something."

sonia: *faint smile* .....i havent seen uncle ryuu today, is he sick again?

Tachihara: "..." O_O; "Um...Yeah, sure."

sonia: oh...

-elsewhere-

Dabi: -_-# "That scorpion and her maid...Annoying."

tomura: they piss me off. but that plush doll pisses me off even more.

banshee: ...

Dabi: "At least you can shove the plush into the freezer--that shuts him up, even if it doesn't kill him."

-elsewhere-

Poe: *hug*

lana: ^///^

Poe: "How was work, love?"

lana: it went well, had some new guests come in.

Poe: "Oh? Anyone surprising?"

lana: there were these five people that were rather odd. ^^; but they seemed harmless enough.

Poe: "??? Odd? In Death City?"

lana: *chuckles* good point. ^^;

Poe: ^^;; "I think it's my turn to cook. I hope it'll be tasty."

-elsewhere-

Gopher: *folding an origami crane* "Like so..."

kotone: oh!

Gopher: *tugs on a wing, imitating a small cawing sound*

kotone: ah! it spoke!

Gopher: ^w^ "Ready to try?"

-elsewhere-

Dumas: *reclining in a bathtub* "Ah..."

marquis: *in the other room, moaning* ahh~<3

Dumas: -_-; *slinks down into the water, bubbling with his lips on the water*

haydee: *rests her head on the tub's edge* *whine*

Dumas: ^^; *pets her head*

haydee: ^w^

Dumas: "Who's a good girl?" *scratches behind her ears*

haydee: ^w^ *tail wags*

man: who's a naughty boy~?

marquis: i-i am! >///<

Dumas: O_O;;;

haydee: =_=

Dumas: -_-# *sighs* "So annoying..."

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: "It's okay--you can come out now."

sylvia: *peeeeeeks*

Kyoka: *smiles, waves*

sylvia:....*walks over gingerly*

Kyoka: "Feel okay?"

sylvia: *nods*

atsushi: this looks great, kyouka. ^^

Kyoka: "Thank you. I think the tarts turned out well."

-elsewhere-

Tanizaki: *walks in carrying groceries* "Sis?"

naomi: welcome back! *she's in the middle of reading...*

Tanizaki: "Hey! What you up to?" *starts putting food into the fridge*

naomi: just some educational reading.

-it's a BL doujinshi-

Tanizaki: ._.; "...'Kay...Learn anything?"

naomi: DaiTen is delish~<3

Tanizaki: O_O;; "...Is that a word?"

naomi: yes.

Tanizaki: "...'Kay. Well, dinner should be finished in, um, 30 minutes?" ^^;

naomi: sounds good. ^^

-elsewhere-

Daisy: *soaked* -_-# *holds up a cleaned Toby* "I'm done washing your rodent. He was difficult."

louisa: thank you, although foxes are actually canines, not rodents.

Daisy: "I'm gonna call this little shit who got me soaked what the fuck I feel like."

Toby: Q_Q

-elsewhere-

Gogol: >_> "..." <_< "..."

-seems clear-

Gogol: "..." *walks with his back to the wall, slinking slowly*

ayla: what are you doing?

Gogol: "!!!" *puts a finger over his lips* "SHH! I don't want them to find me!"

ayla: did you do something?

Gogol: "...N-No." >\\\\>;

ayla:....i see. *walks off*

Gogol: *sigh of relief* "Thank goodness..."

elizaveta: OwO~?

Gogol: *spots her* "!!!" ^^; "And how are you?"

elizaveta: whatcha doing, kolya?

Gogol: "N-Nothing. Just standing, like I'm normal."

elizaveta: ~?

Gogol: ^^;;; "...Don't tell anyone where I am, 'kay?"

elizaveta: okay!

Gogol: "..." *sneaks into a room*

-it appears to be a bedroom and study with various old books and occult items about-

Gogol: "..." *looks at items on a desk* "Hmm..."

-some old papers, used candles, ink jars, feather pens, and a photo of a younger shibusawa with a white haired man; their father-

Gogol: "Their father?!"

lydia: gogol?

Gogol: O_O "IT WASN'T ME!"

lydia: -_-;

Gogol: "...Don't tell them I was here."

lydia: are you snooping around where you shouldnt be?

Gogol: "No, you!" >_<

lydia: -_-; ...

Gogol: "..." Q_Q "I'm sorry. That was mean."

lydia: hmm..... seems they have a fondness for unusual knick-knacks...

Gogol: "Y-Yeah...A little creepy."

-elsewhere-

Shamrock: "How was teaching?'

tsubaki: exhausting...

Shamrock: "Oh? Were they difficult?"

tsubaki: i wouldnt say that, but there were a lot of questions. ^^;

Shamrock: "Ah, young minds..."

tsubaki: ^^;

Belkia: "Did anyone bring an apple for you to class?"

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: "..."

gin: *knocks on the door* ryuu?

Akutagawa: "...Enter."

gin: *opens the door slightly* i brought you something to eat...

Akutagawa: *he's curled up in bed*

gin:.... *sets the food on the nightstand* are you alright?

Akutagawa: "...I'm confused what to do next."

gin:....*pats his back*

Akutagawa: *slight shiver* "I made my promise..."

gin:...*nods*

Akutagawa: "...Will he honor his side..."

gin:...im sure he will....

Akutagawa: "...I hope...Are we ever leaving here?"

gin:....i hope so.....

Akutagawa: "..." *hug*

gin:...*hugs*

Akutagawa: *sniff*

gin:.....

Akutagawa: "...I want to...but I don't want to...It's like a game, or a challenge now..."

gin: *pats his back*

Akutagawa: "...Thank you."

-elsewhere-

Kid: *chopping fruit*

lord death: *humming to himself*

Kid: "You sound pleased."

lord death: we did get a report that the troublemakers in salem have been apprehended.

Kid: "Oh? That is good news. What did the report say?"

lord death: according to tezca and miss zukimura, there were two rogue witches behind the chimera incident.

Kid: "Oh dear...Any surprises in the report?"

lord death: other than a few injuries, the capture was a success.

Kid: *nods* "Where will the captured be held?"

lord death: in the dungeons for now.

Kid: "Understood. Any security with which I can assist?"

-elsewhere-

Meme: *lies on her belly* "..."

kirara: *applying medicine*

Meme: *slight inhale* "Ah."

kirara: i know it stings, but-

Meme: "I-I know...Sorry. It just hurts a bit."

kirara: ...other than that, how are you feeling?

Meme: "...Worried for the others."

-elsewhere-

Katai: *looking through surveillance footage* "...I don't see anything yet...Wait...Look at that. What is he--"

*the footage shows someone walking by a storefront--before he puts his face against it*

keek: is he licking the glass?

Man in the footage: *licking* *shouts in Spanish* <Excellent!> *waves to the shopkeeper* "Please open up! I wish to sample!"

shopkeeper: um, okay?

Man: "Excellent! Do you have anything for dogs?" *walks inside*

shopkeeper: there is a doggy treat shop a few blocks down, actually.

Man: "Wonderful! What about whips, chains, and ball gags?"

shopkeeper: ........................................*just stares at him*

Katai: *spits the Mountain Dew he was drinking*

Man: ^w^

keek:.....i need brain bleach.

Man: "You see, I have a roommate who--"

shopkeeper: please, take what you want, pay, then please leave.

Man: OwO "Oh! Thank you!" *grabs a box of donuts* "I will give you a positive review online!" *shakes the shopkeeper's hand* "My name's Miguel! And yours?"

shopkeeper: er...it's dan, sir.

Cervantes: "A pleasure, Dan! Until next time! I'll make sure to bring my associates! They'll love the atmosphere and convenient downtown shopping! Toodles~!"

Katai: ._.;;;

dan:.....*whispers* what the fresh hell just happened?

-elsewhere-

Dumas: *in his bathrobe* "...I don't know why, but I'm going to have to knock Cervantes upside the head."

haydee: *arwoo?*

marquis: *paying the man* thank you for your time~

man: it's not a problem. see ya later maybe~ *winks*

marquis: *giggles*

Dumas: "...Are you at least going to tip him?"

marquis: I'M GETTING TO THAAAT! >3<

-elsewhere-

Pan: *opens the box--inside is a flute* "..." *takes out a musical score* "..." *seats himself in his room, alone*

-silence-

Pan: *inhales, gets into position--and practices slowly through the notes*

-elsewhere-

gin:.....*sigh*....*kneels by the window, praying silently*

Hirotsu: *walks by* "???" *approaches*

gin:.....*finishes* oh, hello hirotsu.

Hirotsu: "Hello. How are you?"

gin: doing alright. i did talk to ryuu.

Hirotsu: "How did that go?"

gin: well, .....i'm worried for him....

Hirotsu: "Ah...How does he feel?"

gin: conflicted, i guess?

Hirotsu: *nods* "Why did he agree to this?"

gin:....*sigh* i dont know...there's a lot i dont know about him now....*tearing up slightly*

Hirotsu: "..." *pat pat* "He'll figure this out..."

gin: *sniff* r-right....

Hirotsu: "Just keep an eye on him, the best you can. And I will, too."

gin: *she nods* i will.

Hirotsu: "Good...Now, are you taking care of yourself? Did you drink?"

gin: yes hirotsu, i have been taking care of myself.

Hirotsu: *nods* "Good...Anything else going on?"

-elsewhere-

Benimaru: *patrolling* "..." *looks around a corner*

toshio: *bouncing a ball against a wall* ....

Benimaru: "Hello, Toshio."

toshio: ...hi mr shinmon...

Benimaru: "It's rather late..."

toshio:.....

Benimaru: "Your mother may be looking for you."

toshio:.....i guess....

Benimaru: "..." *picks up the ball, tosses it against the wall--bouncing it back with just his elbow*

toshio:...*small smile*

Benimaru: "...Ever play tricks in this game?"

toshio: *shrugs*

Benimaru: *kicks the ball back and forth* "I had to practice like this for combat."

toshio: cool.

Benimaru: *does one more kick--and the ball goes sailing into the sky*

toshio: ._.

Benimaru: "...Oh. That's why I don't play this game anymore."

toshio: yikes.

-elsewhere-

sonia:....

Chuuya: "Ready for bed?"

sonia:....yeah......*holds her hands up, wanting to be carried*

Chuuya: ^^ *picks her up*

sonia: *hugs* .......

Chuuya: *pats her back* "You okay?"

sonia:....i dunno......just a little sad, i guess....

Chuuya: "Want to talk about it?"

sonia:....im not normal...

Chuuya: "...Sonia..."

sonia:.....i want to cry, but i cant....i know too much about the world, and it scares me....

Chuuya: *holds her* "I know...You’re very smart...but you've had to deal with things someone your age shouldn't have to."

sonia:.....i shouldn’t even be alive, all things considered.....

Chuuya: "Hey--that doesn't matter. You're here now, and that matters. You deserve it..."

sonia: really?

Chuuya: "..." *nods* "It's that knowledge to help get through the day..."

sonia:.....i guess......i wish mama were here....

Chuuya: *nods* "...Me too..."

sonia:......can i sleep in your bed tonight?

Chuuya: *smiles* "Sure thing..." *carries her to bed*

sonia:...thank you, papa....

Chuuya: "You're welcome...Things'll be better in the morning."

sonia: ok....

-elsewhere-

Kid: *rests his head on the pillow*

stocking: kiiiiiddoooo~ *snuggles*

Kid: =w= *hug* "Hello~"

stocking: hehe~ *nose nuzzle*

Kid: *giggles* "Stocking..." *nuzzles back*

stocking: *smooch* mmm~<3

Kid: =\\\\\= *strokes her cheek*

stocking: say, why dont we take a bath together tomorrow~?

Kid: "That's a reason to wake up~"

stocking: it's a date then~<3

Kid: *a kiss on each cheek*

-morning-

atsushi: *yaaaaaawns*

Kyoka: *setting up breakfast*

atsushi: so, did you want to go to the park? i heard they have some events for children's day today.

Kyoka: *nods* "I think that would be nice..." *she sets down a bowl of rice--which is shaped like a tiger, with a little paper birthday hat*

atsushi: *smiles*

sylvia: i-it's very cute...

Kyoka: "Thank you."

atsushi: ^^

Kyoka: "Let's eat quickly so we don't miss anything."

atsushi: *nods*

-elsewhere-

Mori: "..."

miura: .....sir?

Mori: "What is it?"

miura: is everything alright in here?

Mori: "...Today..."

miura: ....

Mori: "...Today is her birthday."

miura:.....do you need some time alone?

Mori: "..." *nods*

miura:...very well... *exits*

Mori: "..." *hugs a pillow*

-elsewhere-

Yohei: *yawns* "Okay, kiddo--time to get up..."

toru: zzzz

Yohei: "..." *carefully picks him up*

toru: *YAAAAWN*

Yohei: *smiles* "Hey, little mister..."

toru: bubah... =.=

chie: *yaaawn*

Yohei: "Rise and shine--it's a new day."

-elsewhere-

Asher: "Zzz..."

cassidy: morning.

Asher: =_= "Hey..." *stretches* "What's up?"

cassidy: it's children's day today.

Asher: "...Huh. Meaning?"

cassidy: other than golden week being done, i guess we just enjoy the day for now. ^^;

Asher: "...Cool. You got work?"

-elsewhere-

Kid: *reclines in the tub* =w=

stocking: ahhh, this is nice~

Kid: "Incredibly so...Really undoes the tension..."

stocking: yeah... *leans her back against his chest*

Kid: =\\\\\= *hugs her from behind*

stocking: ah~

Kid: *smiles* "How do you get more beautiful each day?"

stocking: i could ask you the same thing.

Kid: ^\\\^ "Oh, that gets you a smooch." *smooch*

stocking: mmmm~<3

Kid: *strokes from her hand up to her shoulder* "So smooth."

stocking: ah~...hey, could you rub my back?

Kid: "Of course~" *proceeds to do so* "Like this?"

stocking: yeah. *smiles* i've been having a bit of back pain recently...

Kid: "Oh? And why is that..."

stocking: i think my chest has been getting heavier. =3=

Kid: "...Oh. I'm sorry..." .\\\\.; "...I think they look great."

stocking: did you want to massage them too~?

Kid: ^\\\\^; "Yes...If it'll help..." *his hands shift...*

stocking: *soft moan*

Kid: *holds them* "Does this help?"

stocking: yes

Kid: "I'm glad..." *rests his chin on her shoulder, as he massages them gently*

stocking: ahhh.... u////u

Kid: "..." *kisses her shoulder*

stocking: *soft gasp as she reaches behind herself, grabbing--*

Kid: O\\\\O

stocking: nnh~ *places her other hand between her legs and starts rubbing*

Kid: =\\\\\= "O-Oh, dear..." *small moan*

stocking: y-you like that?

Kid: "Hm-mmm! But I think this'll help you..." *his fingers move to her nipples*

stocking: *moans as she starts rubbing her clit*

Kid: "Aaaaaah...So good..." *light pinch on her nipples*

stocking: a-ah~!

Kid: *small smirk* "T-Too much?" *kisses the back of her neck*

stocking: kiddo, honey, you know i like it rough~

Kid: "Just making sure~" *pinches a bit harder*

stocking: ahhhh~<3

-elsewhere-

Crona: "Zzz..."

mami: ......

Crona: *yawn...shudder*

mami: good morning.

Crona: *smiles, nods*

mami: i was about to get breakfast started. ^^ *she looks like she had been crying*

Crona: "??? Mami..."

mami: ?? yes-

Crona: *hug*

mami: !!!....*hugs* *sniff* t-thank you....

Crona: *nods* "It's okay..."

mami:....*nod*....

Crona: "...We can stay in, or..."

mami:....d-do you mind if we rest a little bit before breakfast?

Crona: "Sure...I don’t mind at all." *holds her*

mami:...thank you...

Crona: *nods* "You're welcome..." *pats her back*

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "Zzz..."

sonia: zzzz.....

mito: *paws at chuuya's face*

Chuuya: >_< "Hmm..." *opens his eyes* "...Morning, Mito."

mito: *mew*

Chuuya: *pet pet* "Hungry?"

mito: *meow!*

sonia: *still asleep*

Chuuya: *looks to Sonia* "..." *carefully holds Mito as he gets out of bed, trying not to wake Sonia*

sonia: *she looks quite peaceful*

Chuuya: *small smile as he exits*

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: "..."

shinra: *knocks* may i come in, sir?

Akitaru: "Hmm? Oh, yes--come in."

shinra: say, i was wondering...d-did you want to go to the park later today at all? i-if you're busy then that's fine-

Akitaru: "That'd be fun."

shinra: *smiles* awesome!

Akitaru: "Great...We'll head out after the meeting."

shinra: *nods*

-elsewhere-

amelia: so what are these carp streamers for again?

Kanin: "I think they represent a family--like, the children in it."

amelia:....oh....

Kanin: ^^; "I'm not too familiar with the festivities, so this is new for me..."

amelia: i see....

Kanin: "...Want to try the food?"

amelia: yes please.

Kanin: "Okay...Um...Maybe the mochi--"

Hyde: "Coming up!"

-elsewhere-

Sakuya: "Cute outfit."

naho: thank you~ ^^

Black Star: "We'll meet back here at 2."

naho: okay!

Belkia: "Right this way~"

naho: okay!! >w<

Black Star: "...How bad you think this'll go?'

tsubaki: black*star!

Black Star: "I'm just being proactive!"

tsubaki: ^^;

Black Star: "Come on--I'll buy you lunch."

-elsewhere-

Lucy: *checking off items on a list* "Cake, streamers, presents--...Where's the soda?"

naomi: yosano's getting it now.

Lucy: "Great! And keep Ranpo from the cake!”

ranpo: =3= meeean!

Lucy: "No cake until Atsushi gets some!"

ranpo: >n<

naomi: oh right! how's the chazuke coming along?

kirako: it's coming along nicely. ^^

Kunikida: "Need any assistance?"

-elsewhere-

Spirit: *pulls over* "Okay--we're here."

sachiko: ^^

izumi: *smiles*

Spirit: "What'll it be first, fam?"

izumi: can we check out the game booths?

Spirit: "Sure thing!" *pulls out some money* "We'll get the tickets."

izumi: ^^..... ?? !!! hey! asher! *waves*

Asher: "Oh. Hello. Mr. Albarn...Um..." *waves at Sachiko* "Ma'am."

sachiko: oh, hey, izumi's told me quite a lot about you. ^^

cassidy: ^^

Asher: "...Thanks. This is my sister."

izumi: nice to see you again, cassidy.

cassidy: ^^;

sachiko: nice to meet you, i'm sachiko, izumi's mother.

Asher: "...What're you up to?"

izumi: thought we'd come visit the festival, you?

cassidy: same here.

Asher: *nods*

izumi: oh, cool. ^^

Asher: "...Games?"

izumi: sounds awesome! ^^

-elsewhere-

Saria: *looking at shirt booth* "Neat!" *holds up a really tacky looking sweater* "How much?"

EF: i'll take any price for it. TTwTT;

Saria: OwO "Um...Okay?" *hands $20* "Thank you, Miss Feather."

EF: you're welcome...

-elsewhere-

Yafeu: *NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM* *has his hands tied behind his back, face-first in pie* "ANOTHER!"

Lunch Rush: *holding a mic* "Um...Looks like he's running ahead in the pie-eating contest..."

satou: *going right for it*

hagakure: woot! go satou!

Ojiro: *clapping* "You can do it!"

Iida: "Bring honor to our class!"

-elsewhere-

Akitaru: *walking with Shinra* "What you up for?"

shinra: kinda hungry. can we get something to eat, then play some soccer? *shiny eyes*

Akitaru: "Sure! What you feeling like? Barbecue? Ramen?"

shinra: ramen please! ^w^

Akitaru: "Got it! Two orders of ramen, please."

Hyde: *cooking as fast as he can*

chef: coming on up! ^^

Akitaru: ^^; "...Shinra, does that other cook look familiar?"

shinra: there must be an army of him....

licht: that would be a living hell.

Damon: "Dad, is he going to take a break?"

soul: his endurance is quite astounding...

-elsewhere-

Zeke: "Go long, bro!" *aims the football*

axel: *running*

Zeke: *tosses*

axel: *opens arms to catch*

-NICE CATCH-

axel: WOO HOO!

Zeke: "Woo! Great work, bro!"

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: "How about this?" *holds up a shirt*

atsushi: that looks nice. *smiles*

sylvia: .~.;;

Kyoka: *nods* "Sylvia, what would you like?"

sylvia: n-nothing in particular...

Kyoka: "Maybe something for summer, like a dress?"

sylvia: i-i guess so...

Kyoka: "Try this one..." *holds up a blue one*

sylvia: a-a-are you sure?

Kyoka: "Sure."

sylvia: o-o-ok-kay...

Kyoka: "Atsushi, did you need anything?"

atsushi: i was thinking of picking up some groceries before heading back.

Kyoka: "We could use more rice. And juice. And make sure they have the right cut of meat. And--"

atsushi: *nods*

Kyoka: "And more ice cream. Green tea ice cream."

-elsewhere-

Meme: "All buckled in?"

mio: *nods*

Meme: *smiles*

Anya: "And the other two?"

ao: yes.

tsugumi: yeppers!

kirara: good to know.

esther: ^^

Tezca: "Can't help but think we forgot something..."

-back at the hotel-

maid: *looks at the flooded bathroom* ......*siiiigh* -_-;

Guest: "...I want a different room, please."

-elsewhere-

Liluye: -_-;

kirara: TEZCA!! =_=

Tezca: ^^; "...Whoopsie."

-elsewhere-

Asako: "This way, Goldie."

goldie: *follows* ^w^

Asako: "Good girl!" *sets out doggie bowl*

goldie: *tail wagging*

Asako: *pours food into the bowl* "Eat up."

goldie: *nom nom nom*

Asako: *pet pet*

-elsewhere-

Yumi: "Here you go, sweetie." *offers a small ice cream cone*

shiori: thanks mama *nom*

Yumi: "You're welcome." ^^ "Christa, how's yours?"

christa: yummy! ^u^

marie: hehe ^^

Yumi: "That's good..." *looks at the leaves back on the trees* "Nice day out..."

lord death: indeed it is.

Yumi: "After this, let's take them to the petting zoo."

marie: ^^

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: "Looks great."

sylvia: r-r-really?

Kyoka: "Yes. I mean it." *smiles*

sylvia: t-thank you...

atsushi: ^^ well, we should be getting back soon.

Kyoka: *checks her watch* *nods* "Let's go."

-elsewhere-

Sakuya: *seated in the audience*

announcer: up next, in the cute catagory, Naho Toguchi!

Sakuya: *claps*

naho: *pose* ^^

Sakuya: ^\\\^

Hibana: "Hmm...Definitely 'cute.'"

uwabami: and a very well put together outfit as well!

Hibana: *writes notes on her ranking*

-elsewhere-

sonia: *eating pancakes*

Chuuya: "How are they?"

sonia: very yummy.

Chuuya: "Glad to hear. Anything missing?"

sonia: i dont think so.

Q: *nom nom* ^w^

Chuuya: "Well, let me know..." *puts one onto his own plate with syrup and butter*

-elsewhere-

Meme: *in her seat, but looking around*

mio: zzz

Meme: *small smile* *tucks the airplane blanket over her*

mio: mmm...

Meme: *looks behind her*

tsugumi: zzzz

Anya: "Zzz..."

Tezca: *wearing an eyemask over his bear mask*

-elsewhere-

Spirit: *holding a mallet, trying to play the 'hit the bell' game* >_< *grunts* "I'm okay...I can do this..."

Asher: "..."

izumi: you got this, dad!

Spirit: ^^; "Right!" *lifts, swings--and doesn't quite hit center--and it sounds like something pops* Q_____Q

sachiko: are you alright? ._.;

Spirit: *squeaky voice* "F-Fine...I think I pulled something..."

sachiko: here, let me see.

Spirit: .\\\.;;; *tries to stand up straight--and grimaces, holding his lower back* "Ah!"

sachiko: hmm, seems you pulled a muscle there. hold on. *opens her medkit and pulls out a heat pad bandage* i'll put this on.

Spirit: ^^;; "Th-Thanks, Sachiko..."

Asher: "..." >_>;

sachiko: *tiny chop* you really need to be more careful.

cassidy: *glance at asher*

Spirit: ^^;;; "Just didn't want to look less in your eyes..."

Asher: "...It is rather heavy, huh?"

sachiko: *small smile* dont worry, i love you, goof. *kiss on the nose*

izumi: they do have smaller hammers, though.

Spirit: "..." Q_Q "That would've been useful to have noticed..."

Asher: *picks one up* "..."

izumi: *watches*

Asher: *stands in a safer position, lifts--and brings it down*

-it went about half way up-

game manager: not bad, kid.

marie: hey all. *waves*

Spirit: *waves weakly* "Hey, Marie..."

christa: hi speewee!

Spirit: ^^; "Hello, Christa!"

christa: ^^ *spots a big plushie* *shiny eyes* mommy i want that one!

marie: ok then. ^^

Spirit: "Hope you do better than I did..."

Asher: *nods*

christa: *swing* *it doesnt go far* *pouty face*

marie: why dont i give it a go?

game manager: alright, let's see how this goes for ya.

marie: *HAMMER ARM AND SWINGS DOWN*

-PING-

-the bell foes flying off-

izumi: ._.;

Asher: ._.

Spirit: O_O;

marie:....oops.

game manager: O-O....... you know what, just take everything, i dont even care anymore. -_-;

christa: yay!! ^o^

Asher: "...Ha."

-elsewhere-

Sakuya: "Great work up there!"

naho: thanks. ^^ a shame i didnt win though, but oh well.

Sakuya: "Great work up there!"

naho: thanks. ^^ a shame i didnt win though, but oh well.

lavender: then again, one of your opponents happened to be a popular idol, which i'm calling biased BS. =3=

Sakuya: "Who even is she?"

naho: are you kidding?! I GOT TO MEET YAMAMIN IN PERSON!!! *shiny eyes*

Sakuya: ._.;

naho: *pulls out her phone* here! misa yamamura! one of the members of glass coffin!

Sakuya: "Ooookay...And you're a fan?"

naho: *nods* i'm a huge fan of idols! they're like, my 2nd major obsession! next to BL of course~

Sakuya: ^^;;; "Of course..."

naho: *SQUEES*

-elsewhere-

Kid: "Cotton candy?"

stocking: merci~ *nom* ^^

Kid: ^^ *looks at all the families walking*

stocking: *smile*

Kid: *holds her hand* "This is lovely."

stocking: it sure is...

Kid: "...I remember the first time bringing Shiori to the park...She was looking at everything."

stocking: *smiles*

Kid: "We could bring Shion next..."

stocking: i would like that.

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: "Hang on--I forgot some paperwork..."

atsushi: oh, ok then.

sylvia: ...

Kyoka: *speaks up in front of the door* "Oh--I forgot my key. Atsushi, could you open it?"

atsushi: um, ok. *opens the door*

*it's dark inside--*

*POP*

atsushi: *SCREEEEEEEEAM*

Kyoka: ._.; "No, Atsushi, it's--"

*something like thin paper falls onto Atsushi's face*

atsushi: *STILL SCREAMING*

all: happy birthday, atsushi!

atsushi: AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-lightheaded now *faints*

Kyoka: O_O

Lucy: D : < "What the heck?!"

-a few minutes later-

atsushi: sorry about that, i just wasnt expecting this at all.

Lucy: *rubs his back* "Hence the 'surprise'..." ^^;

atsushi: yeah....*wipes tears* this is actually my first birthday party...

Lucy: "..." *hug* "Happy birthday."

Dazai: "Here, here!" *holds up a glass*

atsushi: *sniff* thanks, everyone.

*looks to be a few wrapped gifts and envelopes*

atsushi: i dont even know which one to open first. ^^;

Dazai: "Oh! Oh! Open min--"

Lucy: *pushes him away* "Mr. Fitzgerald sent a letter."

atsushi: oh...um... ._.;;; *cautiously opens it*

*It looks like a surprisingly cheap card--but inside is a gift card and a note addressed 'Dear Old Sport...'*

Lucy: "What does it say?" *not looking over shoulder*

*the note wishes him a good birthday, has a long-winded story about misspent youth--then ends 'PS If you hurt Miss Montgomery, I will rip off your hide and sell your parts for science.'*

atsushi: ._.;;;;;; (dont you need me alive to find that book though? ah, now's not the time to think about that.) j-just a happy birthday card. ^^;;;;

Lucy: ^^ "How nice of him!"

Tanizaki: "Here's one from Naomi and me."

atsushi: oh, thanks.

-naomi got him a notebook and pen set-

atsushi: oh, cool!

Kunikida: "Atsushi." *hands him a rectangular box*

atsushi: *opens it*

*inside is a new suit*

atsushi: woah! this is pretty fancy!

Kunikida: "You're a growing young man--you needed one that was more professional."

atsushi: thank you, kunikida.

ranpo: here's mine! here's mine!

-it's a self portrait of ranpo....art is not one of ranpo's strong suits-

Lucy: -_-; ("I suppose _not_ eating too much of the sweets was gift enough...")

atsushi: it's nice, thanks ranpo.

-knocks on the door-

Tanizaki: "???" *looks*

etta: hi, all~ ^^

Kafka: -^- "We are delivering."

atsushi: oh? from who? (oh jeez...)

Kafka: "Akutagawa." *shoves it into his arms* "AND YOU!" *points at Dazai*

Dazai: OwO

atsushi: um-

Kafka: "I demand your apology to Etta, now!"

Dazai: "...Apologize? Little ole me? What could I have done~?"

Kafka: >_< "YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID! YOU UNJUSTLY DEFILED ETTA AND GROPED AT HER BOSOM LIKE A FIEND!"

-in the background, a shojo-manga like scene of dazai grabbing her chest is shown, with the text ‘artist rendition of the incident’-

Dazai: "...OOOOOOooooooOOOOOO!"

Kunikida: -_-#

Dazai: "...Wait, we're still upset about that?"

yosano: *GLARE*

Dazai: "!!!" *gets on one knee, takes Etta's hand* "Dearest maiden, please accept my humble apology."

etta: ......

kirako: ._.;;;

Dazai: "I am sorry for embarrassing you, and to show my sincerity, why don't we engage in a lovers' suici--"

-KICK-

etta: DONT BE CREEPY, YOU BANDAGED PERVERT! >n<#

Kafka: *chittering noises* "I'LL STRANGLE HIM!"

Lucy: *stands in front of Dazai's mangled body* "Now, now! None of that! I will not have you do so."

atsushi: mr kafka, please calm down!

Dazai: XwX

naomi: *chop to kafka's head* behave yourself.

Dazai: "Thank you, Luc--"

Lucy: "I'M GONNA DO IT!" *rolls up her sleeve*

Dazai: O-o;

Kafka: *frustrated roach noise* "J-Just don't hurt me again..." >_>;

atsushi: who wants cake? it's-....what flavor is it?

kenji: funfetti flavor!

Kyoka: *already holding a knife to slice the cake*

etta: ooh, that sounds lovely! right, franzy~? ^^

Kafka: "..." >\\\>; "Is it...sweet?"

kenji: sure is. ^^

Kafka: "...Maybe a bit."

-elsewhere-

Tsukiyo: "YUMMY!" *takes another helping of ramen*

fang-hua: ^^;

Tsukiyo: =w= "I could go for--" *yawn* "--another helping..."

fang-hua: maybe it's time to go home before you get another stomach ache. ^^;

Tsukiyo: *yawns* "A'ight..." *leans against her side* "Walk me home..."

fang-hua: ok. *helps her up*

Tsukiyo: =w= *holds onto her arm*

fang-hua: ^^;

Tsukiyo: *muttering something*

fang-hua: ??

Tsukiyo: "I...and...you...Zzzz..."

fang-hua:...

-elsewhere-

Crona: *rubs Mami's back*

mami: *sniff* t-thank you...

Crona: "I'm sorry..."

mami: i-it's alright....j-just miss them is all....

Crona: "..." *nods* "I know."

mami: *hugs* it never gets any easier.....

Crona: *shakes their head* "...You're not alone, though..."

mami: r-right....i'm not alone...*smiles*

-knocks on the door-

Crona: "..." *lets go* "One moment..." *checks the peephole*

kyouko: anyone home?

Crona: "Oh!" *opens the door* "Hello!"

kyouko: hey chrona. *waves* hey mami, it's me!

mami: oh, kyouko, i wasnt expecting you.

Crona: *smiles*

kyouko: i brought some cookies for ya, since i know this is a tough time of the year for ya...

mami: *smiles* thank you, you can put them on the table, and i'll get some tea ready.

Crona: "Thank you, Kyouko..." *sets out a chair*

kyouko: *leaves her shoes by the door and walks in*

Crona: "How's work?"

kyouko: pretty busy, but i managed to get off today to take momo to the festival.

Crona: "Oh, how was it?"

kyouko: pretty fun.

-elsewhere-

tamaki: *riding her bike*

Spirit: "Thanks for driving." ^^;

marie: no problem.

Asher: *looking out the window*

-the bell falls down in front of tamaki's bike, causing her to trip over it-

tamaki: WAGH! OOMF!

Spirit: "...K-Keep driving..."

tamaki: ugh...

Asher: *rolls down the window* "Are you hurt?"

tamaki: i'm fine...

Asher: "That was a big fall...Do you need a ride?"

tamaki:.... Q_Q yes please...

Asher: *opens the door, looks around* "...Is that okay?"

izumi: hey tamaki.

tamaki: hey izumi, hey mr albarn TT~TT;;

Spirit: ^^; "Hi."

Asher: "...Who do you _not_ know?"

izumi: *shrug*

Asher: "...Meister or weapon?"

izumo: she's a member of the fire force.

tamaki: 8th brigade.

marie: indeed, the DWMA has expanded to quite a number of individuals over the years.

Asher: "...So why is it still called 'Death Weapon Meister Academy'?"

izumi: it just stuck, i guess.

Asher: "Huh..." *looks at Tamaki* "...Neat jacket."

tamaki: thanks.

-elsewhere-

Hibana: "Sleep well, sweetie."

hanako: ok, mama.

-elsewhere-

Liluye: "..."

kirara: we're here...

Liluye: *grumbles* *back in humanoid form* "How long will you insist on keeping these infernal cuffs on me?"

kirara: as long as needed.

Liluye: "That does not answer my question!"

fani: .....

Yumi: *standing with guards* "Kirara."

kirara: *she nods* i'll hand these two off to you.

Yumi: *nods* "Follow me."

Liluye: "...Fani, stay close..."

fani:.......

Lord Death: *standing in front of the mirror*

guard: sir, we have the witches from salem here...

Lord Death: "Oh! Howdy!" *waves*

fani: ....

Liluye: *grumbles*

Lord Death: "So, I heard you two were causing a bit of trouble..."

Liluye: "We are the ones being ostracized! Murdered!"

guard: keep quiet, you!

Liluye: "I will not be silenced!"

Lord Death: "...So, what're your names?"

fani: w-we dont....h-have to answer that....

Lord Death: "Oh? I have ways of making people talk..." *reaches into his sleeve--*

fani: !!!

Lord Death: *pulls out--a tray with a kettle, teacups, and treats* "Would you like a scone?"

fani:........*gives an odd and confused look to liluye*

Liluye: "It's likely poisoned!"

Lord Death: "Oh, I see--peanut allergy. Er, just skip the peanut butter cookies, then--"

guard: um....s-sir?

Lord Death: "Hmm? Did you want one?"

guard: sir, please focus on the matter at hand.

Lord Death: -3- "Oh, fine..." *ahem* "You have been charged with the murder of multiple humans and engaging in unethical experiments towards the production of chimeras. How do you plead?"

fani:....please....dont kill lady liluye...

Liluye: "Silence, Fani--we are not guilty of anything. We do not recognize your authority, you damn reaper--"

Lord Death: *ignores Liluye, turns to Fani* "And why is that, young one?"

fani: w-we're only trying to protect ourselves, s-she's the only family i have, so if you're going to kill us, then kill me!

Liluye: "No! Fani--"

Lord Death: "Huh...Um..." ._.;;; "This is a pickle...I mean, these are serious charges, so the worst penalty I would assign is to kill both of you--"

guard: well, 'fani' isnt on the rogue hit list. this is actually the first i've heard of her.

Lord Death: "Huh...So, only Liluye is to be executed--"

Liluye: "!!!"

fani: please, dont!

Lord Death: "I mean, if she threw herself on the mercy of the court--"

Liluye: "...I would rather die than beg for any mercy!"

Lord Death: "..."

fani: lady liluye....

Liluye: "Carry on for me, Fani! Make the humans pay tenfold for what they have done to us! Let them feel the pain we have suffered! Do not let these lowly cretins get away with--"

fani: *shaking*

Lord Death: *SLAM*

fani: !!!

Lord Death: *has a large foam hand that seems to have crashed down where Liluye once sat, his hand flat against the floor...*

fani: ah-....*shaking*

Lord Death: "..." *lifts his hand, revealing a cage with Liluye inside, back in bird form*

Liluye: "... ... ... ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!"

fani: ._.;;;

Lord Death: "Please escort Liluye to the prison cell, and Fani to the overnight room, with guards 24/7 outside her door."

guards: understood.

fani: ......

Liluye: "YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS, DEATH!"

fani: .......

Liluye: "Fani! Do not let them take you! Run! Ru--"

Lord Death: *drapes a cloth over the bird cage*

fani: *shaking*

Lord Death: "...Child? I assure you, you will be provided for while you are rehabilitated..."

fani: how can i believe that?!

Lord Death: "Well, you aren't dead yet, are you?"

fani:......*looks away* i dont trust any of you. humans and witches cant be friends...

Lord Death: "Hmm...So, why did you heal that meister?"

fani: !!!! ......

Lord Death: "Yeah...So why don't you get a good night's sleep in the overnight room, then we'll chat over brunch in the morning."

fani: .....

-elsewhere-

tsugumi: haaaa, so good to be back.

Meme: ^^; "Can get some rest..."

Anya: "Anyone want something to eat?"

tsugumi: pop tarts.

Anya: "A little simplistic, but..." *plugs in the toaster, opens the cupboard* "Let's go--"

Kana: *sitting in the cupboard, eating Pop Tarts*

tsugumi: hey kana!

Kana: *nods*

Anya: -_-# "Whose name is written on that box?"

*The box has the 'y' in 'Anya' crossed out, with 'K' written in front of it*

Kana: " 'Kana.'"

Anya: "I WILL RIP THIS CUPBOARD LOOSE AND SHAKE YOU FROM IT--"

misery: oh girls! welcome back! ^^

Meme: "Hello, ma'am." *smiles*

ao: hello. ^^

misery: we're working on getting the sunroom cleaned up a little more.

Anya: "That's lovely! Will it open up the windows?" *shaking the cupboard*

misery: indeed.

Meme: "We'll help--" *stands--and winces*

misery: oh? miss tatane? are you alright, dearie?

Meme: ^^; "Battle injury..."

mio: you're getting some rest. =A=

misery: i agree, you really should take it easy for a while.

Meme: "Okay, okay!" ^^;

-elsewhere-

atsushi: *looking at all the other gifts he got*

Kyoka: "Good haul."

atsushi: yeah, it's quite a lot of stuff...

Lucy: "Which is your favorite?"

atsushi: there's a lot to choose from actually ^^;

-among them is a thermos, a new alarm clock, a tiger poster and others things-

Lucy: *ahem!* *holds up a box* >\\\\>

atsushi: oh! *opens it*

*it's a locket*

atsushi: wow, thanks. *smiles and opens it*

*inside is a picture of the two of them*

Lucy: >\\\\<

atsushi: ^/////^ it's great!

Lucy: "Oh...Well, I'm glad!" >\\\\<

atsushi: ^^ ...... *glances at akutagawa's note and gift* ....*uneasy*

Kyoka: "...We could put it through bomb detection first."

atsushi: i dont think it's a bomb. ^^;

Lucy: >_>; "An x-ray doesn't seem like a bad idea. Perhaps Yosano has one. Or we could find someone with that ability..."

atsushi:....*gingerly opens it*

*there's a note*

Note: "Dear Tiger--I have not forgotten you, our promise, or my desire to escape this unfair exile."

atsushi: ....

Note: "I have not killed. I am keeping to that promise. When I am released from this exile, I need to know--do I continue to abstain? It is a conundrum I am not sure how to solve."

atsushi: ....(i dont know how to answer that...)

Kyoka: *looks at the back of the card* "Hmm...He still draws."

atsushi: *glances at the back*

*there's an intricate tiger calligraphy drawing*

atsushi: huh... *continues to read the note*

Note: "Until then, do not be weak and let yourself die in battle--or I will never forgive you."

atsushi: *sweatdrop*

Note: "Until then, congratulations on surviving another year. Sincerely, Ryu."

atsushi: oh jeez.... ._.;

Lucy: "...He didn't threaten to kill me again, did he?"

atsushi: thankfully no.

Lucy: -^- "Good. Do I need to go fisticuffs on him?"

atsushi: i dont think so. ....*puts the picture on the table* he has kept his word, as far as i know.

Lucy: "... ... ...Huh." -^-#

atsushi: it's gonna be a lot of effort to be friends with him, but who knows...and i will need help from both of you.

Lucy: >_>; "Of course..."

Kyoka: *nods* "He has changed a bit since I left..."

atsushi: *smiles* thanks.

Lucy: "..." *holds his hand*

Kyoka: *pat pat*

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: *curled up*

rashomon: *purrs*

Akutagawa: *pet pet* "Thank you."

-elsewhere-

Kid: *reading in bed*

stocking: *asleep*

Kid: *places the bookmark, sets the book on the nightstand--turns off the light, lies beside her*

stocking: mmm.. =w=

Kid: *hug* *whispers* "I love you."

stocking: love you too, kid.

Kid: =w= "Good night, love...Sweet dreams."

-elsewhere-

Asher: *sits up in bed* "..."

cassidy: *asleep*

Asher: "..." *gets out of bed, tucks her in*

cassidy: *she seems content*

Chuuya: "Zz..."

sonia: *walking through the halls*

Motojiro: *microwaving something*

sonia: good morning.

-there seems to be a light rain this morning-

Motojiro: "Oh, greetings!" *smiles* "You're up early."

sonia: *nods and looks out the window*

Motojiro: "I was just getting Leo's breakfast ready...Want something?"

sonia: ...omelette please.

Motojiro: "Coming up!" *opens the fridge, removes some onion and pepper*

sonia: .....*stares out the window*

Motojiro: "Looks to be inclimate weather coming in. Excited for some indoor activities?"

sonia: *nod*

Motojiro: *heats up the grill* "Not to spoil anything, but it will be...ILLUMINATING!" *slaps the spatula--which goes flying*

sonia: o-o;

???: "OW!"

sonia: ?? *goes to look*

Tachihara: >_<

sonia: are you ok?

Tachihara: "Fine...Better than Akutagawa..."

sonia: hmm?

Tachihara: "He's hacking up a lung."

sonia: oh no, should i call a doctor?

Motojiro: OWO; "..." *opens the freezer door, walks in, closes it behind himself*

Tachihara: "Knock yourself out."

sonia: ok then....should i call dr yosano?

-in akutagawa's room-

Akutagawa: =~=

pushkin: i'm gonna make some soup in a bit, ok? ^^

Akutagawa: *groans* "Which flavor..."

pushkin: onion gratin.

Akutgawa: "Fine..." *coughs*

gin: *feeling his forehead* jeez, you're burning up...

Akutagawa: >~< "Ugh..."

gin: you just stay in bed today, i'll get a compress for you.

Akutagawa: "Thank you..."

-elsewhere-

Asher: *pulls up their hoodie against the rain*

axel: oh asher, hey! *waves*

Asher: *gets under bus stop shelter* "Hey..." *wipes off rain*

axel: coming down pretty good, eh?

Asher: "Like cats and dogs..." *pulls back hoodie, putting hand through hair* "It's going to be like this all day..."

axel: good news for the plants then, eh bro?

Asher: "..." -_-;

Zeke: ^^; "Poor subject after plant monsters, bro."

Yafeu: "THAT WAS LIKE TWO MONTHS AGO!"

axel: ...... ._.;

Kanin: "At least that means no gym outside. Maybe we'll get to play basketball!"

Duncan: "Whatever, Teen Wolf."

Kanin: "..." -_-;

lei-lei: *CHOP* dont be rude, duncan!

Duncan: >_< "YOU ALL WERE THINKING IT!"

Asher: "...Not really. I don't watch teen drama shows."

Duncan: "IT WAS A 1980S CLASSIC!"

Zeke: "...Pft! Old!"

Kazue: *asleep, holding sign* <What's on the agenda?>

lei-lei: class, sillies! ^^

Kazue: *flips sign over* <Thanks for the obvious answer.>

hibiki: hey asher, you like sci-fi stuff, right?

Asher: *shrugs* "Some, yeah?"

hibiki: ever heard of 'stranger things'?

Asher: "Yeah...Haven't seen it..."

hibiki: well, i've heard good things about it from one of my online friends.

Asher: "...Yeah, I don't have a subscription, so can't watch. Tragic."

hibiki: actually the first season is out on DVD now.

Asher: "...Huh. Maybe the library will have it."

-elsewhere-

Kai: *looking out the window* "..."

kai's mother: kai honey, breakfast is ready!

Kai: "Coming!" *runs to the table* "What're we having?"

kai's mother: scrambled eggs and sausage with some hot cakes later. ^^

Kai: "Yay!" ^w^

-elsewhere-

Meme: "So much for a sunny sun-room today..."

tsugumi: *putting up the terubozu*

Meme: "Aw, cute!"

tsugumi: ^^

Meme: "I was hoping to stop by the Academy today..."

tsugumi: ah.

mio: want me to go with you?

Meme: "Would you mind?" *pulls out two umbrellas*

mio: it's fine, but...c-can we... .////. share an umbrella?

Meme: ^\\\^ *nod nod*

mio: thanks.

tsugumi: aww ^u^

Meme: *opens the door, takes Mio's hand* "Ready?"

mio: *nods*

-elsewhere-

madoka: *grocery shopping with tatsuya*

tatsuya: *checking the list* ok, we got the bread and the milk.

madoka: *nods* all we need now is the coffee, eggs, and cereal.

Jacqueline: *picks out a carton of milk*

kim: oh, hey madoka. *wave*

madoka: oh hey. ^^

Jacqueline: "How are you?"

madoka: just doing a few errands.

tatsuya: i'm helping!

Jacqueline: ^^ "Helping your sister find what's on the list?"

tatsuya: yep! ^^

Jacqueline: "Very organized!"

-elsewhere-

#death city days

[dracox-serdriel]

Daredevil + Bullseye and Season 3

Okay, so, it’s only a matter of time before Bullseye shows up on Daredevil. Bullseye can use virtually anything as a projectile. (Some thoughts on Season 3 possibilities.)

Under the cut for spoilers for the comics and all episodes of Daredevil and Defenders. (Also, some spoilers for events in Iron Fist.)

Bullseye is Bad News for Love One of the reasons I’m not hoping for a romantic relationship for Karen and Matt any time soon is because Bullseye will likely turn up on Daredevil in Season 3. In the comics, Bullseye kills Elektra (who is resurrected) and, later, Karen Page (who isn’t resurrected).

Of course, prior to that, Karen leaves NYC (and Matt) to become an actor, only to descend into addiction, eventually being so desperate as to sell Daredevil’s identity to support her drug habit. I don’t really see the Karen Page of the show doing any of this. She’s found her calling as an investigative reporter, which means she’s not likely to go off in search of some other career, regardless of what events transpire in her romantic life.

Bullseye also goes after Milla Donavan (Matt’s girlfriend - and later in the comics - wife).

Basically, Bullseye is a recurring villain, and one of his recurring themes is him attempting to kill/killing Daredevil’s significant others. (Though, arguably, his reason for killing Elektra isn’t Daredevil.)

Which means when Bullseye turns up, it’s very likely that he will kill (or nearly kill), whoever winds up being Matt’s current love interest.

Here’s the thing: According to the mythos of the Hand’s resurrections, individuals will spontaneously resurrect so long as they retain their heads. (This is what happened to Harold Meachum after his son stabbed him to death and left him in a lake.)

Bullseye doesn’t have a habit of decapitation. He’s a sharpshooter, but he also stabs/bludgeons as the need arises. That being said, there’s really no way for Bullseye to find out that Elektra will spontaneously resurrect so long as he head remains attached. Which means if Elektra is Matt’s love interest/girlfriend/partner-in-beating-the-crap-out-of-criminals-at-night AND Bullseye turns up, he will probably kill her. But he won’t know to cut off her head, so her death with (again) be temporary.

While that would be awesome in its own right (especially because there’s no reason Matt would know about the spontaneous resurrection thing, which means he’ll feel her loss... again), I think it’ll read/play as a cop-out. No matter how compelling her (temporary) loss might be, I think the audience will be tired/wary of that same story line.

I suppose the show might change up Bullseye’s character so he winds up killing mostly by head-shots. (Or maybe, if he does wind up kill Elektra, it will somehow be by decapitation...) But she’s already had her iconic Bullseye death, albeit at the hands of Nobu. So that doesn’t seem likely.

What is likely, however, is that when Bullseye turns up, he will injure/maim/kill Daredevil’s current love interest. And I really don’t want Karen to go out that way.

Born Again/Wilson Fisk There have been numerous comments on Daredevil Season 3 adapting some part of the Born Again story line, which includes Kingpin/Wilson Fisk discovering Daredevil’s real identity and going after Matt Murdock. You can imagine that this doesn’t end well for Matt... for example, he gets disbarred and becomes homeless.

But that story line requires Kingpin discovering that Matt Murdock is Daredevil. Though we saw Fisk’s interest peeked near the end of Season 2 after Matt’s visit to the prison, it’s a far cry from Fisk knowing (as in, with 100% certainty) that Murdock is Daredevil. It’s likely that part of Season 3 will be Fisk’s agents trying to confirm Daredevil’s identity. Whether or not Fisk is still in prison.

So, how does this happen?

The people who know Daredevil’s identity:

Karen Page

Foggy Nelson

Claire Temple/The Night Nurse

Frank Castle/The Punisher

Elektra Natchios

Stick (deceased)

Murakami (deceased? former Finger of the Hand)

Madam Gao (deceased? former Finger of the Hand)

Jessica Jones

Luke Cage

Danny Rand (possibly also Coleen Wing)

Nobody on this list seems likely to sell Matt’s identity to Kingpin, with the exception of Murakami and Madam Gao, who might be dead (though, as Fingers of the Hand who didn’t die on screen via decapitation, I decided they should remain on the list). I think it’s fair to say that however Wilson Fisk finds Daredevil’s identity, it won’t be due to betrayal/someone talking. 

Heck, maybe Fisk will say “Matt Murdock disappears after a building falls on Daredevil...” BOOM! Identity confirmed!

Personally, I think that Matt’s identity will be “revealed” in Season 3, only to be promptly protected. We’ve already seen that Danny Rand is ready to step in and be Daredevil. As a semi-famous dude, he’ll need to cover his face. This almost certainly means he’ll be donning the Daredevil suit (or an adaptation of it).

This opens the story to a favorite/common masked vigilante trope: the “I can’t bilocate” defense.

Simply, Matt gets brought in for questioning RE: being Daredevil, and while he’s in custody, Daredevil is kicking ass on the other side of Hell’s kitchen. The fact that it is easy to medically verify his complete blindness will likely push the cops to free him--after all, him being Daredevil is a hard-sell to begin with. The fact that Daredevil is active while he’s in custody will make their case too weak to argue.

BONUS: Though I doubt it’ll happen,  I’d really like to see Matt and Danny on important business (as Matt Murdock, lawyer and Danny Rand, CEO) when breaking news of Daredevil doing stuff happens. The mental image of them acknowledging one another and either silently wondering or whispering, “WHO THE HELL IS THAT?!” amuses me immensely.

Wilson Fisk’s Death While he has numerous “deaths” in the comics against various foes, including the prison being bombed, I think Wilson Fisk will either be killed by Elektra or, more likely, by Frank Castle/The Punisher. (The promise Frank made to Fisk in prison seemed too real to be a generic “I’ll shot you if I see you again” thing.)

Arguably, Elektra would have more reason to go after Fisk (regardless of whether she’s with Matthew/Daredevil in Season 3), because he will be out for Daredevil’s blood upon his return. I suppose if Karen died on Fisk’s orders, this would give Frank all the reason in the universe to go after Fisk. But again, I don’t want Karen to die, so... maybe Frank bumps into him while in NYC? Or maybe he feels responsible for Murdock’s identity being revealed because he’d “helped” Fisk in prison.

Will Fisk’s death happen in Season 3? I don’t know. But I think it would be interesting to have the Born Again arch which Daredevil thinking that he can save himself by putting Fisk away again--only to find that all his problem still exist after Fisk is dead and gone--would be a good way to adapt the (seriously depressing) story line and giving Daredevil/Matt Murdock that extra bit of challenge.

It’s also entirely possible that the show will take a different route. That Fisk will go after Daredevil with everything he has... leaving Vanessa / their son (who doesn’t exist on the show yet, but I’m assuming) vulnerable to his own enemies, who abduct them and use them as leverage over Kingpin. Daredevil saves Vanessa and the child (because they’re innocent and because... he’s Daredevil, damnit), ultimately leaving Kingpin in his debt. Either Kingpin leaves with his family or he returns to prison... either way, he lives and leaves crime behind.

That’d make a solid redemption arc that supports Daredevil’s worldview of not-killing-bad-people.

#daredevil #daredevil season 3 #daredevil season 3 predictions #bullseye #kingpin #random thoughts

[ruleandruinrpg]

CONGRATULATIONS, ALYX!

You have been accepted for the role of LEI YUL-KEUNG  with a faceclaim change to Godfrey Gao. Admin Rosey: Bless you, bless you, bless you. You have brought me the absolute joy of saying that we will be opening our roleplay with my sunshine LEI. Your para sample was what stole the show. It captured the moment so perfectly, so well, that it would’ve be a travesty if I had kept him from your capable hands. You laid out the application so carefully, so methodically, what with the elaborations on the different connections and plot points that I was almost disappointed because I wanted more. Thank you so much for this beautiful application! I am so thrilled to welcome you to Rule & Ruin! You have 24 HOURS to send in your account. Also, remember to look at the CHECKLIST. Welcome to Ravka!

OUT OF CHARACTER

ALIAS:  Alyx

PREFERRED PRONOUNS: She/Her

AGE:  19

TIMEZONE & ACTIVITY LEVEL:  CST and 8; I’m currently not in school right now (though I will be starting college in the fall after a gap year) so right now I’m honestly on 24/7 or at the very least lurking on mobile, and if I am gone I always let the main know about it.

TRIGGERS: OMITTED.

CURRENT/PAST ACCOUNTS: OPTIONAL.

http://lilyeldridge.tumblr.com/

http://gracesinclair.tumblr.com/

http://theosgreco.tumblr.com/

http://diemhynson.tumblr.com/

IN CHARACTER

DESIRED CHARACTER:

Lei: “Flower bud”

→ Lei’s home was always a child too cramped. The revelation that another child would be added to the mix was daunting, but the farther along the pregnancy became the more excitement filled the air. Lei’s mother would sing the unborn fetus to rest when she felt the kicks coming on. She would sing him tunes of the flowers that bud open in spring. “Rest, my little flower bud” she would whisper to it, knowing weeks in advance that it would possess the name that meant what it already knew so well: flowers. It was just meant to be that the boy possessed the ability of the thing the flowers needed most: water. It was a sign, a way of telling the family that the boy was a needed addition that would brighten up their lives. He was meant to bloom and grow big and strong. He was meant to bring beauty into their lives. Of course, after the death of his parents, Lei began to resent his name. He was no flower. He was not beautiful and pleasing to those around him. No, he was a weed. He was something that most look at in annoyance and disgust. Something that would be better off dead yet somehow always survives. No, Lei didn’t think he deserved the title of flower bud. Maybe at one point in his life but not anymore.

Shuang: “bright, clear”

→ That was what Lei always was to his family— a brightness, a clarity in the midst of their mundane lives. He was the sunshine child— the only who lit everyone around him up with his genuine happiness and carefree nature. His vision was clear and innocent. His vision was filled with childhood ignorance and a family who fought tooth and nail to preserve that.  He was happy, the human embodiment of a rainbow that appeared across the sky after a violent storm passed through the area, but rainbows don’t last forever. Where a rainbow appears, there’s another storm waiting in the wings, and it engulfed him. The sight of his parents’ dead and bloody bodies. The grip of the Shu Han court as they dragged him away from the parents he didn’t get to mourn properly. The look of pure horror on his siblings’ faces when his water released a flood. The sight of the men who took away his innocence all dead eyed and silent. The realization that he took away their voices, their lives. It all gathered together to form clouds that covered the brightness that once engulfed him. His vision became blurred with images of the monster he was and the shame he felt as he turned away from his family. He could no longer recognize his reflection in the mirror. The boy who shined so bright and clearly felt his light diminish and blur to form something of a shadow.

Yul-Keung: No known name meaning

→ A mismatched pair of people all thrown together. Laughs around the dinner table. Rushing out to go play while the parents and one child goes to clean up. Squeezing too many kids into too few beds. Games of hide and seek that became progressively more crucial as more village children were taken away. Days spent outside watching the water being moved from the crook in the leaves by a force they could hardly comprehend. Ancient stories getting told as the kids all raced over to their respected beds. Kisses on the forehead before the parents also disappeared to sleep. Nights huddle around the fireplace as bad weather terrorizes their garden and other outdoor areas. Fond memories Lei had of the people he cared for the most. Painful memories that Lei now held of the people that were either dead or looked at him like he was a monster who killed their sunshine boy. Arms that once embraced him held onto each other as he stood in the middle of a pile of bodies. Eyes that were once so filled with adoration and love viewed him as a stranger. Bodies he once fell asleep next to shrunk in size as he ran away from them towards a place that would be his reluctant home.

WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS CHARACTER?

I’m not going to lie, when the teasers were coming out the first thing I read was the quotes on the graphics. Quotes are always one of the things I use to really get a feel for a character, so it made it see if this were a type of character I would potentially feel connected to or one I know I wouldn’t do justice so I shouldn’t waste my time filling out an app when there’s someone else that could do this character well. With Lei, I immediately got heart eyes for his quote. I always say that my type of character to play would be cinnamon roll girls and broken boys (and my nonbinary babies bc can’t forget them) and Lei definitely fit my type.

I was definitely brought in by his quote, but I stayed for his bio. I loved the fact that he didn’t grow up tragic. There’s a saying that goes some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them, and I associate that with tragedy as well. For Lei, he definitely had tragedy thrust upon him. He was the heart of his family. He may have been one too many mouths to feed, but he completed their household and he was loved. They didn’t see his grisha abilities as unnatural or weird; they saw it as a gift just like they saw he was a gift. They would bottle his laughter up and save it for a rainy day if it were possible. No, he was not born a tragedy, but he definitely was made into one. Maybe if he had lived in a place that took better care of grisha. Maybe if he had done a better job of hiding his abilities. There were a million possibilities that could’ve changed his story, but I feel like it was fate that he was forced to lose his rose tinted glasses and realize that not everyone saw rain as a good thing. Though some days it could be a light rain fall that allows for the plants to grow and be harvested for food, others days it could be a storm that ravages the town and only leaves destruction in its wake. Lei had only known the former. He didn’t know true struggle until he saw his parents dead and really tapped into his powers and unleashed a side of it no one in his family really expected him to be capable of.

I also adored Lei’s connections and everything else about him. I love that he’s asexual. When I saw him on the list of LGBT+ characters in the rp I couldn’t help but smile a bit. I love his connection with Vera and the fact that it was hinted at to ship them without actually writing down that there’s something there. I love that he remembers Oyun’s face and has this complete loathing of her and she probably doesn’t even know who he is. I love that he and Katya have this similar vengeance and fierceness to them that they just click. Finally, I love the brotp with Aarvas and how they can both see the darkness lurking in the other and how they stick together despite Aarvas being super into religion and Lei not caring that much.

Overall, I feel like Lei is a complex character who I would love to explore. I would love to really be able to get into his mindset and flesh out the connections he has as well as make new ones with people you’d expect him to be drawn to as well as people that no one would expect the two of them to meet and get along. He’s a broken, beautiful boy and I hope I would get to call him mine.

WHAT FUTURE PLOT IDEAS DID YOU HAVE IN MIND?

Self: I don’t see myself in the mirror anymore

→I want to see Lei’s mask breaking. I know there’s only so long you can wear a facade before it becomes too much, and I want Lei to get to that point where the mask becomes more of a burden than a safety net. I want to do all of the self paras where you just see how worn out and exhausted he really is when he strips off the mask of this happy, sunshine boy he once was and reveals this sad, angry man that hid underneath it all. I want days when he forgets to flash a smile where he would normally and his eyes failed to show that same brightness he managed all the other days. I just want to see how much putting on his mask takes out of him and make him wonder if it’s really worth it to continue being someone that died back in Shu Han.

     →I want him dealing with the fact that he has no contact with his family anymore. Growing up, Lei absolutely adored his family and they adored him, so I would like to see him occasionally daydreaming of long ago memories of before the Shu Han came for him. I want the flashbacks of him first leaving his family and maybe just breaking down at one point because he could see in their eyes that they viewed him as a completely different person. I want him wondering how they were doing and what they were up to because it’s been years since he last saw them and they all talked about dreams that would be nice to have aspired to. Yeah, Lei’s all hardened and broken but I still feel like there’s a piece of his heart that his siblings have buried themselves too far in.

→ I want to see Lei interact with more people. I feel like he leaves himself closed off except for the select few connections he has, but I feel like he could expand his inner circle a bit. Maybe he strikes up a relationship of some sort (definitely more preferred if it was platonic) with a pyro just because who doesn’t like the idea of fire and ice together. I want to see how he interacts with the humans because on one hand his family is human and he deeply cared for them but on the other hand the people who killed his parents and tried to cut him open were also humans so his view on them could go either way. I want to see if he’s a bit nicer to those humans who kind of are more intrigued by his abilities more than anything or if he doesn’t bother with humans in general after that bad experience.

Vera: She was his sunset

→ I love this relationship! I want to explore Lei’s emotions and figure out what exactly he feels for Vera. She’s different than everyone else because he doesn’t have to hide behind his mask because she sees right through it. With her he can get back some of the joy that he’s kind of been missing for a long time. I like the fact that it was left vague in both of their connections that they know there’s something there, but neither one of them know exactly what it is, and I’d love to get at least one of them to actually figure out what it is that they’re feeling.

→ I want those deep conversations between Vera and Lei. I feel like Vera’s the only person Lei opens up to so I would love to explore him talking with Vera about some serious matters and her kind of healing his mental wounds along the way. I feel like Vera tends to bring out the memories that Lei tends to keep tucked away behind lock and key, and I would love to see Lei dealing with those and Vera healing his inner wounds. I want to see Lei genuinely excited to see someone, and I feel like he’d get that way mostly towards Vera.

→ I want to flashback to their first meeting. Did they get along right away? Did it take a while for Lei to warm up to Vera? When did they meet? All question that I would like to answer. I know it mentioned that there were other kids in his village that were grisha, but I want to know if they were only ones that could control elements or if Vera’s kind were also around, and that could be done through exploring that with the Vera rper.

→ This is a short one, but I want a small conversation of Vera and Lei kind of making fun of Oyun? Like I know neither one of them likes her, so I would love to have an interaction where they kind of bond over that and mimic her or something to entertain themselves a bit.

Oyun: He was a tide, but with her he was a hurricane

→ I want a showdown with Oyun and Lei. I know Lei has all of this built up rage in him for anyone associated with the Shu Han court after all of the stuff they put him through, and I want to see it all come out one day. I feel slightly bad for Oyun just because she didn’t necessarily order Lei to be taken and experimented on, but Lei’s targeting her anyways because she was the first name on the list he memorized to appear. I just feel like when Lei finally does release his powers on her that she won’t take it lying down and will have a few tricks up her sleeve, so I’m definitely looking forward to plotting out how that would go down.

→I want to see Lei just doing little things to inconvenience Oyun. While building up to his showdown with her, I would love to just see him maybe send a small wave of water towards her when she’s having a good hair day or pulling the water out of her cup when she’s about to drink from it. I just want Lei to do some little things like that because it would bring him a moment of joy before it was lost again in his sea of sorrow.

Katya: They were woven from the same cloth

→ She was probably the one who understood him best. Where Vera could see the broken bits left over by the storm, Katya was able to see the next big storm that brewed on his horizon. They were both built from the same ruination. They both had this vengeance in their hearts, and it’s evident when they train. She pushes him to be better, and he pushes her to be better as well. It’s nice being with Katya. He doesn’t have to worry about appearances. He doesn’t have to play a part. He can peel off the mask and show the anger that’s tucked behind his eyes. I want all the threads of these two training together. I want to see their powers working together and creating something menacing. I want to flashback to their first session and how his power was and compare it to now to really see how much he’s grown. I feel like his power was fairly weak when he first started out because he didn’t grow up training his ability that it would need to see how well Katya’s training has helped him.

→ I want to see Lei contemplating whether or not to tell her the true reason behind wanting to train her. It’s nice that she doesn’t bother to ask why he wants to turn his gentle waves into a hurricane, but it would also be something he could get off his chest and be able to tell someone who wouldn’t judge him or anything. She’s someone who understands his anger and grief so having a cute interaction of them bonding over their sob stories would be interesting considering the personalities of the two characters.

Aarvas: Darkness blankets them both

→ I want these two bonding over their abilities. I definitely feel like their friendship began on the basis that they’re both tidemakers and the big theme with their connection is that like draws to like, so I would like to explore that aspect of their friendship. I want them kind of being carefree a little bit like maybe they splash each other as a joke or something that takes away from their anger or faith for a little bit. I also want to see them training with each other because I feel like there’s no one better to help you with your powers than someone who also has those powers.

→ I want to see them talking about faith. Everyone is aware of how much into religious Aarvas is, but I want to explore the stark contrast between Aarvas’ big belief in faith and Lei’s lack of belief. I feel when Lei was little he believed in that stuff, but after all of the stuff he’s being through there’s definitely that attitude of if there were someone looking out for me he’s not doing a very good job at it. I just want to see their conversations about stuff like that and have them grow stronger despite the difference in opinion. I like the fact that Lei’s kind of become Aarvas’ apostle despite really wanting the job, so that’s another aspect of it to look into.

→ I want to explore the darkness between them. Again, like draws to like, and they both are aware of their own darkness. I wanted to get them, mainly Lei, to become aware of the darkness they both have haunting them. Maybe Lei shares a bit about his life that he didn’t intend on talking about and Aarvas and him get into a conversation about one another that really extends the already strong bond between them. Honestly, I just want Lei to not be alone in his emotions and to realize dark and light lives in everyone.

WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO HAVE YOUR CHARACTER DIE?:  Absolutely!

IN DEPTH

IN CHARACTER PARA SAMPLE(S):  

It had been 1 month since they last came. They had managed to take a little girl a few houses over that liked to watch as the fire danced on her fingertips before Lei had the sense to put it out. They always managed to take someone. Lei thought he was the exception. Lei thought his family was clever enough to be safe from that fate. No, there were no exceptions for the Shu Han.

Dirt and soot rained down as Lei raced out from under his hiding space. It wasn’t that extravagant of a hiding space really— just in a nook of a tree that was conveniently hidden by some shrubbery they planted to spruce the lawn up a bit. No, nothing in Lei’s life was extravagant, but it always seemed to work. He didn’t get buffets of food, but he still found himself going about the day with a satisfied stomach. He didn’t get a room all to himself, but he still slept soundly. His hiding space wasn’t some underground shelter, but he never got found.

Well, not yet.

When days like these rolled around, his family had a schedule: play hide and go seek until the sun disappeared, then go straight home. It seemed easy enough and it always worked. The kids would race out and play their games, completely unaware of the threat that awaited them back near the houses, and then they would come back and settle down for whatever their father would gather for dinner. Yes, it was a bit strange, but the light never left Lei’s eyes for the silly games he was told to play. No, he knew the ending to the story, and he knew this one would end like the last one did.

But it didn’t.

Lei wandered around the back of his home in search of the door that would allow him to quickly slip back into the warm, heated house. He found it rather quickly, but as he turned the door knob he could sense that something was off. It wasn’t the same inviting feeling he usually got during that time. No, it was a much colder feeling that shook him to the bone. He didn’t hear his parents talking around the stove. He didn’t see his siblings around the sink taking turns cleaning up for dinner. He didn’t see anything except two silhouettes near the front door.

Run, run little lamb

He was always a curious young boy, so of course he went over to investigate what was laying at his door step. He stepped over the loose edges of the carpets, and stopped short at the feet of what appeared to be his parents. He could almost make himself believe they were only sleeping, but the scarlet drops that were leaking out of their throats made it so the dream was only that. No, they were not sleeping.

Run away from the slaughter

Tears fell from his eyes as he looked at his parents before his attention became more focused on the two other figures that were now coming into view. He scanned their features, and he didn’t know it then, but those emotionless eyes would haunt him much later on. No, it didn’t immediately click that those were the same features of the men his parents warned him about. He had only seen their backs as he peaked out to see if it was time to come back in. Even then he never noticed the crying child in their arms. He never put the pieces together as they shot out fire or water as a sign for help— a sign Lei never picked up on.

A sign Lei himself would be shooting

After death, the proper thing to do would be to mourn. It showed that someone felt shaken up and upset about the loss. Lei got no time to mourn. He didn’t get to tell his parents goodbye, or to kiss their cheeks one last time. All he could do was let the tears pour out of his eyes, and even then it wasn’t long before the two guards took that away from him too.

They took everything away

“Your powers will be put to good use.”

“You’re going to serve our nation well.”

All veiled attempts to get him to cooperate. No, Lei was often a quiet kid, an obedient kid, but even he couldn’t have prevented the scream that erupted from his mouth as they started dragging him away.  He could barely see his parents’ bodies when it happened.

When the flood came to meet his call

Sweet little Lei. My sunshine boy. The missing piece of the puzzle. All former words to describe him.

Monster. A hidden storm. Murderer. All current words to describe him.

They say water was meant for rejuvenation. Water cleanses, water heals. In some religions water means rebirth, but there was no rebirth as Lei’s waves struck the men down. There was no healing when their laughter was smothered by water, when the air was replaced in their lungs by the liquid. The only thing clean was the water far enough away when it ended to not have been tainted that the blood that came out of the men so freely. Water may have been cleansing and loving in the past, but it was also a weapon that could be used for destruction.

A destruction Lei didn’t even know he was capable of. A destruction no one knew he was capable of. Yet, it didn’t compare to the destruction in Lei’s eyes as he noticed his siblings standing near the house. He was a stranger in their eyes. He stepped towards them, and they took two steps backwards. He had tried to speak, to apologize, to explain himself, but he was at a loss for words. Lei haven’t thought himself the monster until he saw the fear in Xiu’s eyes and the look of utter betrayal on everyone else’s.

And so he ran.

And ran.

And ran.

But he could never escape the life he left behind, the lives he took.

CHARACTER HEADCANONS:

Family: Blood is thicker than water

→ Lei is the youngest of five kids— 3 boys, 2 girls. The oldest was a boy named Hui. They named him that because, like the name meant, they knew he would be clever. He would often lift Lei up on his shoulders and prance around with him during the summer time. He and Lei had a considerable age difference, but that only made their brotherly bond stronger because Hui treated him like his own child. Hui wanted to enlist in the army, but he held off on it because he wanted to help his parents take care of the others. The second child was a girl named Mei. She would often tease Lei by saying that he wanted to be her so much he practically took her name. She was the most attentive one when it came to his powers. She would encourage him to practice it when the Shu Han court was not around because he had a gift and needed to nurture it. She was the most practical sibling. She longed to travel and make a difference in the world, though she knew more than likely she would just be a mother— something she was content with. The middle child was a boy named Shi. He was named that because they wanted him to grow up completely truthful with them. He was the one often lovingly teasing Lei and resulting in Lei calling his face ugly amongst other things brothers do to show their love. He was often the wildcard of the family and changed his mind greatly on what he wanted to do. When Lei last saw him he said he wanted to be a small farmer. The fourth child in the Yul-Keung family was a girl named Xiu. She grew up to be as charming as her name suggested. She was a ditzy, dreamer sort of child who spent more time running around in fields of flowers than inside helping out. Lei and she were known as the sunshine siblings because their smiles could light up even the darkest sky. He knew it was right to turn his back on his family when he saw the terror in her eyes.

2.   Letters: When words remain unspoken

→ Lei has been writing letters to his siblings and parents. He would never send them, but he uses it as a way to get out all of the words he was too shaken up to say when he left that day. The letters are in a stack in the corner of his room.

3.   Zodiac: Day of birth, day of death

→ Lei was born on June 12th, which makes him a Gemini. Gemini seems to fit him seeing as he could be described as two faced as the face he puts on for the public is not the one he wears in private. His parents found it ironic that he held the ability to control water when he was born an air sign. Back in his youth it was a joke that he was meant to be a pisces since he was able to control water and pisces are known to be more pure hearted and kind than some of the other signs, but people who met him now wouldn’t think of that at all.

4.    Kvas: Raise a glass to freedom

→ Lei knows how to hold his own when it comes to kvas. He never used to drink it back in Shu Han, but after all the events he went through he picked up the habit of having a glass or two after a long day of training his power with Katya or by himself. He wished it was stronger, but he deals with the drink as best as he can.

5.    Diet: Food of the soul

→ Lei eats everything but fish. Seeing as fish live in water and Lei controls water, he feels a connection to them and avoids consuming them. He most prefers fruits such as apples and oranges as well as the redder meats such as lamb and beef. He didn’t have a lot to eat growing up because there were so many people in his house and they weren’t the richest of families, so Lei usually only eats a small plate full and makes sure to clean his plate every time because he was always told to do that when he was younger. Lei also doesn’t really talk to people at lunch. He’ll nod and make small talk to seem polite, but overall he likes to focus on his meal then get back to whatever he was doing beforehand.

6.     Language: Lost in translation

→ Lei still finds himself talking in Shu a lot just because he did grow up speaking the language and he didn’t move to Ravka until he was older. He’s gotten good at conversational speak in the Ravka language, but he still mainly writes in Shu and there’s always some words that don’t translate over to Ravkan so he’ll try his best to explain the meaning or just stick to the Shu word.

7.       Pets: Who let the dogs out?

→ Lei doesn’t have any pets nowadays, but he did have a pet growing up. His dog almost exactly resembles a Chow Chow, but in Shu Han they’re called Songshi Quan, which means fluffy lion dog. His dog was named Little Dragon because His older brother Shi kept begging for a dragon for his birthday so his parents bought them the dog instead and merely named it that so technically they got him what he wanted. Lei liked the dog, but it became attached to Xiu more than anyone. Sadly, the day that the Shu Han court finally came for Lei, the dog was killed. It often stood guard outside of the house to alert them when unwanted visitors were coming, and that was an inconvenience to the guards who were hoping to kind of come in by surprise. It was another reason why Lei let his powers take control and killed the guards.

EXTRAS: I have an inspiration tag on my blog of quotes and graphics that I think fit Lei pretty well:

http://octaviablakewrites.tumblr.com/tagged/insp%3A-lei

ANYTHING ELSE? OMITTED.

#raraccepted #accepted: lei