#I just think he would’ve taken one look at marx and been like ‘’what the fuck is that. kirby get away from that thing it probably has rabies

[pastebunny]

milky way wishes but meta knight is there

#redraw of smthn from like 4 years ago that I still think about contantly #I think milky way wishes wouldn’t have even happened if meta knight was there. not bc he wouldn’t seen through marx’s facade #I just think he would’ve taken one look at marx and been like ‘’what the fuck is that. kirby get away from that thing it probably has rabies #kirby #kirby gijinka #marx kirby #meta knight #kirby super star #hoshi no kaabii #kirby series #nintendo #pastedraw.png

[yeraskier]

the one where geralt works to earn jaskier’s trust again aka the apology worth forgiving (based on my insane level of dissatisfaction with how the apology was handled in 2x06, jaskier deserves better, general)

read on ao3 <3

Jaskier’s different.

Perhaps that’s not the right way to put it, because Jaskier seems to be completely fine with everyone who isn’t Geralt.

Jaskier still bickers with Yennefer, but there’s a certain fondness between them now that Geralt hadn’t seen in the past. Jaskier flirts shamelessly with Lambert who flirts back. Jaskier hugs Ciri in greeting every morning. Jaskier cracks jokes about Vesemir’s age and the witcher laughs at them, probably because the bard’s level of respect remains very clear despite the jabs.

Jaskier has effortlessly wormed his way into everyone’s hearts.

And it’s not like he’s cold towards Geralt. No, he’s as polite as ever and that’s the problem.

There is no more bickering, there is no more bantering, there are no more flirtatious remarks or tender touches or jokes Geralt never laughs at but finds funny nonetheless.

Jaskier’s just… polite. When he sees Geralt, he says hi, he smiles. When they’re in the same room, he doesn’t ignore Geralt but doesn’t start up a conversation either.

Things aren’t comfortable between them anymore. Jaskier isn’t comfortable with him anymore, and that realization hurts him more than anything has in a very long time.

—

In the end, it’s Yennefer who helps him understand.

“Well, of course, he’s different around you. You broke his heart, Geralt.”

—

You broke his heart.

The words echo in his mind and eat at him.

—

That night, he lays awake staring up at the ceiling, too deep in his own thoughts to bother with sleep.

How could I have broken Jaskier’s heart? His heart never belonged to me.

And it’s true, he knows it’s true. Jaskier would’ve said something.

Jaskier had no issue telling Geralt about all those who had hurt him in the past. That disgraceful bastard Valdo Marx and the selfish Countess and the endless string of lovers who didn’t deserve Jaskier, but the bard opened his heart to anyway.

Jaskier would’ve told him if his heart laid in Geralt’s hands. He would’ve.

Wouldn’t he?

—

By day two, Geralt’s infuriated.

He’s distracted, has been all day. Even worse, he’s distracted during training which gives Lambert several opportunities to knock him on his ass and boast about it.

His heart clenches as he sees Jaskier cheer for Lambert. He knows it means nothing, everyone else is cheering Lambert on too. It’s a new thing Ciri came up with, to cheer for whoever wins just because it feels good to know you did well.

Jaskier wraps an arm around Lambert’s shoulder to pull him in for a hug and all Geralt can think is Gods, what a stupid fucking ideology, which only makes him feel worse because now he’s insulting his own daughter.

That night, he doesn’t even attempt to sleep. He’s too worked up.

Why didn’t Jaskier say something?

Jaskier could have said something. Jaskier could have made his feelings clear. He had every chance. Geralt wouldn’t have said what he said back on the mountain if he knew. He would’ve taken a breath, he would’ve chosen his words wisely. Perhaps he would’ve even agreed to travel to the coast with Jaskier as he suggested only a day earlier.

But Jaskier didn’t say anything. He didn’t even say anything after Geralt had lashed out. He simply bid the witcher farewell and left. Why didn’t he just—

“If you don’t stop stomping around your room like a mad man, I’m going to put you to sleep myself.” It’s Yennefer, because of course it is.

There’s no heat in her tone or irritation on her face. She looks tired.

“Are you alright, Geralt?”

No, he thinks. No, because you told me something you shouldn’t have.

“I’m fine,” he says instead.

—

It doesn’t take more than an hour after laying down to rest for Geralt to understand that every bit of his anger throughout the day has been misplaced.

This… this is what drove Jaskier away in the first place, and that was all Geralt’s fault.

What he’s feeling right now isn’t because of what Yennefer told him. It isn’t because of how warm Jaskier is towards his brothers. It isn’t because of Jaskier not telling Geralt how he felt, it’s all because of him.

If only he had gone after Jaskier the moment he had realized he was wrong, Jaskier would be his friend right now.

If only he had made a genuine effort to apologize, instead of bottling up everything he truly wanted to say, Jaskier would be comfortable with him now.

If only he had never said any of those things at all, Jaskier would trust him now.

If only he had shown Jaskier how much he truly cares for him, things wouldn’t be the way they are now.

—

Geralt’s miserable the next day, and several days after.

He wakes up earlier than everyone else so he can eat alone. He doesn’t train, he remains isolated in his room and ignores all the knocks on his door. He has his supper long after everyone else has fallen asleep.

It’s Ciri who sees him first, spelling the door open and walking in. She takes in the state of him and something in her features crack. She doesn’t say anything, she just wraps her arms around his waist and holds him close.

He cries that night with Ciri still snuggled into his arm. She hums soothingly and promises that everything will be alright.

He doesn’t believe her, but it’s enough to help him sleep at last.

—

“I hurt him,” he whispers. It’s the first time he’s said it out loud.

He doesn’t have to specify, the look on Vesemir’s face tells Geralt that he understands.

“I hurt him,” he repeats, louder this time. “And then I waltzed right back into his life and said I needed him and that was all it took. He came back.”

Don’t cry.

“And why do you think he did?”

Geralt tries to get his lips to stop quivering. He fails.

“Because he loves me.” His voice breaks when he says it, the words heavy in his chest. “And I don’t know how yet, but I know he does. I just know that I broke his heart and he came back anyway.”

Vesemir hums thoughtfully. “How does that make you feel?”

“Like shit,” Geralt admits. “I didn’t even apologize the moment I saw him again. I waited until Jaskier made some comment about friends always coming back. I said it then. I told him I was sorry, and I meant it. I truly did.”

He meant it with everything in him. Vesemir seems to understand that too.

“And Jaskier brushed it off, made a joke out of it as he does with everything else. I know now that he was protecting himself, possibly as much as he was protecting me, but I didn’t see it then. I didn’t see it. I don’t know how I didn’t see it.”

He’s disappointed in himself for it. The hand Vesemir lays over his fumbling fingers tells him that the older man understands that, as well.

“And I know Jaskier has forgiven me. Not even because I deserve it because I don’t. He forgave me because he loves me.”

Don’t cry. Don’t cry.

“Hm. And what about you?” Vesemir asks.

“What about me?”

“Do you love him?”

Geralt hasn’t thought about that. Even after he came to terms with the way Jaskier feels about him, he didn’t let himself wonder whether or not he felt the same.

Perhaps it’s because a part of him knew that he didn’t need to because without even thinking about it, he says, “yes.”

Vesemir smiles.

“I want him back,” Geralt declares.

“Don’t you have him?”

“No,” he drawls miserably, “because I miss him. I miss him so much. He could be right in the room with me and I still miss him.”

Don’t cry. Fuck, don’t cry.

“He’s always there, always so close but out of reach, and I miss him so much it hurts. I know I have no right to because I did this. I lost his trust.”

Don’t cry. Please, don’t cry.

“You think you’ve lost his trust?”

“I have.”

“Okay,” says the older witcher, “okay. So how do you plan on earning it back?”

“I…” don’t know. It’s that realization that finally pushes the tears to fall. “I don’t know.”

He bows his head, defeated.

“Geralt,” Vesemir says, “Geralt, look at me.”

He does.

“You do know,” he assures, “if you didn’t, you wouldn’t have been able to admit any of this to yourself, let alone someone else.”

“Then why do I feel like this?”

“Because you’re afraid.” Vesemir wipes at one of his tear-stained cheeks with a soothing thumb. “You’re afraid that it’s too late, but it isn’t. As long as Jaskier is here, it isn’t too late.”

—

It isn’t just love. It takes bravery to let someone back in after they’ve hurt you the way he hurt Jaskier.

Jaskier is here. Jaskier is here because of Geralt. That’s the only reason he came in the first place. Maybe it isn’t why he’s stayed, but the fact that he’d still follow Geralt, his loyalty and devotion unwavering after all that’s happened…

Geralt decides he can be brave, too.

—

The next morning, when he sees Jaskier, he smiles.

Jaskier smiles back.

—

They’re going around the table telling stories the way they usually do during supper.

Geralt ignores the shocked expression on everyone’s face when he chimes in and proceeds to tell the tale of the time he had to save a very naked Jaskier from the very angry wife of a Duke.

“Blasphemy!” Jaskier cries out as they all burst into fits of laughter.

The bard rounds the table to pounce on him and Geralt allows it, his cackles failing to die out despite the half-hearted assault.

When Jaskier settles back down to listen to a story Coën has to tell about a young Geralt, he makes a space for himself beside the witcher.

He doesn’t leave Geralt’s side for the remainder of the evening.

—

“Is that a new song?”

Jaskier looks up at him and smiles. “Yes.”

“I like it.” He compliments, heart picking up at the soft look in Jaskier’s eyes, “mind if I sit with you while you play? I’ll be quiet.”

The bard laughs at this.

“I’d expect nothing else from you,” Jaskier tells him, “come, join me.”

—

Geralt sometimes takes Roach with him when it’s his turn to search for food. It makes for a quicker and more efficient hunt.

Today, Jaskier asks if he can tag along and Geralt obliges.

When Geralt climbs the horse and holds out a hand for the bard to take, Jaskier’s eyes it warily.

The witcher rolls his eyes and pats Roach. “Get on, Jaskier.”

Jaskier blinks once. Then again.

“Oh… Oh, okay,” he sputters before climbing on.

His hands hover over Geralt’s hips once he’s comfortably seated.

“You may,” Geralt says before he gets the chance to ask.

The bard lays his hand down, holding onto Geralt with a gentle grip.

—

Jaskier’s shivering.

Geralt drapes his quilt over the bard’s shoulder.

“Thank you,” Jaskier whispers.

He nods once in response.

Thank you for allowing me this.

—

Jaskier gets injured during training and instead of pummeling Aiden into the ground like Geralt desperately wants to, he helps Jaskier to his room.

“It’s just a sprained ankle, Geralt,” Jaskier croons, “no need to scrunch up that pretty face of yours.”

Geralt’s cheeks heat up. He hopes the light of the candles is dim enough to hide the smile on his face.

—

Geralt’s awoken by Jaskier’s scream from across the hall and is up on his feet before his eyes have fully opened.

When he enters the hall, Lambert is walking towards him— or more specifically, Jaskier’s room, which is right across from Geralt’s— and Gwain is approaching on the opposite side.

Both witchers slow in their movements when they see him.

He nods at them, hoping they understand. They do, nodding back in acknowledgement before retreating.

Geralt enters Jaskier’s room to see the younger man sitting up with his knees pulled to his chest and tears in his eyes.

He doesn’t say a word when he finds Geralt standing at his door.

Every move Geralt makes is cautious, giving Jaskier the chance to tell him to leave. That chance is not taken.

He sits on the bed, crossing his legs in front of him as he settles in beside Jaskier.

“Bad dream?” Geralt asks.

“Mm.”

“Okay.”

He places a hand on Jaskier’s shoulder. I’m here for you, he thinks and prays that the message is clear.

—

Jaskier’s hair is tickling Geralt’s nose when wakes the next morning.

The bard’s sound asleep and snoring, drooling onto his chest and wrapped around Geralt like an octopus, so even if he wanted to move, he couldn’t.

Thankfully, he doesn’t want to move.

—

It gets… better after that.

Things aren’t perfect. Jaskier still looks sad when they speak sometimes, like he’s waiting for something to go wrong. Jaskier still stops speaking mid-sentence sometimes, like he has more to say but feels that he’s said too much already.

But, Jaskier smiles easier around him now. Jaskier accepts his touch without question. Jaskier has even called him darling, which is new and makes Geralt’s heart flutter.

So no, things aren’t perfect, but Geralt’s never cared much for perfection anyway.

—

“I’m sorry.”

Jaskier looks up at him with a raised brow, “what?”

“Ah… fuck.” Geralt frowns at his boots— that is not what he meant to say. “I… meant to say that supper’s ready.” Food first, intense conversation later. He planned this, has been planning it since he woke up this morning, and yet…

“But that’s not what you said,” Jaskier states.

“No,” he sighs, “no, it’s not.”

“Geralt…”

“Any chance you’d be willing to pretend I said the second thing instead of the first thing?”

“Geralt.”

“Right…” Of course not.

Time to be brave.

He takes a deep breath and steps into the room, the bard’s eyes tracking his every movement.

“I’m sorry,” Geralt says again.

Jaskier sets his lute down and stands from his bed, features morphed into something worried yet curious. “What for?”

“For what happened on the mountain.”

“You’ve already–”

“But more than that, I’m sorry for the way I handled everything that came after.” The words flow out before he can let his nerves lock them in. “I’m sorry for telling you that I needed you and not showing it. I’m sorry for my insufficient apology. I’m sorry for failing to realize that you were still hurting. Jaskier, you deserve so much better than the way I’ve treated you.”

“Geralt, this isn’t necessary. I–”

“Jask, please,” he voices softly, “please let me finish.”

Jaskier presses his lips together and nods. Geralt continues.

“I’ve taken you for granted,” Geralt begins, “your kindness, your generosity, your love.” The younger man’s breath hitches. “You gave me everything you had and I dismissed it out of spite, and yet you still came back to me. You could’ve left, you’d had every reason to do so, but you’ve stayed. You’ve done nothing but care for me endlessly since we’ve met. I was undeserving then, and I still am now.”

Geralt watches as Jaskier blinks and a single tear runs down his cheek. He takes a step forward and envelopes one of Jaskier’s hands with his own.

“But please, give me a chance to be worthy of it now. I want to be worthy of you and all that you have to give. Please give me the chance to love you back, properly this time.”

The implication must ring clear. Jaskier’s free hand covers his mouth to muffle a cry as tears spill from his eyes. He closes the distance between them to bury his face in the crook of Geralt’s neck and the witcher doesn’t even hesitate before embracing him. Geralt holds him tight, trying to soothe the bard’s shaking form with tender hands.

“The most foolish thing I’ve ever done was let you go,” Geralt whispers, “I plan to make up for that for as long as you’ll let me.”

Jaskier hiccups, and pulls away. His cheeks are red and puffy and stained with tears, eyes gleaming and red-rimmed, and there’s a bit of snot coming out of his nose. He looks a mess. Geralt’s never seen anything more beautiful.

“Don’t smile at me,” Jaskier scolds, but there’s no heat to it. “You say like ten words to me in total during the two decades we spent traveling together and now you just drop all of… this on me and expect me to not feel overwhelmed?”

“Sorry,” he says. This time it’s a lie. Jaskier seems to notice that.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re sorry. Oh, my name’s Geralt, and I’ve wronged the person I love. Now I must set my angsty feelings aside and beg for forgiveness,” Jaskier mimics in his Geralt voice, but he’s circling his arms around the witcher’s neck and leaning his full weight against him. “No more apologizing out of you, please. At least not for another day.”

“And if I fuck up again?”

“Mm, I think you’ll be able to come up with more creative ways to say sorry.”

Geralt laughs at this. It’s lively and so loud he’s sure it bounces off the walls of the keep.

Jaskier’s gazing at him in awe— big blue eyes still glossy, lips still glistening, cheeks still flush, a few strands of hair still sticking to his face. Gods, he’s stunning.

Jaskier and his gorgeous face and his glorious voice and his neverending jokes and his comforting touch and his earth-shattering way with words and his capability to love beyond comprehension. He’s everything.

“Can I kiss you?”

“I might have to kick you in the shins if you don– mmph.” Jaskier’s arms tighten around his neck as soon as the distance between them vanishes.

Geralt never trusted the idea of the perfect kiss— the one where butterflies erupt in your stomach and fireworks explode into the sky and you feel like if it were to stop, you might actually die from the loss of contact (or want to die, at least).

But now, in this very moment, Jaskier has turned him into a believer.

#sort of a fix it fic because 2x06 did not do tjem justice #the witcher #jaskier #geralt of rivia #geraskier #my writing

[incorrectly-quoted-queers]

Maybe Loving Someone at Kaer Morhen (pt. 2)

@caspertheassholeghost, @ginbiscuit, @bardic-charm, and @g-l-o-w-y-l-i-g-h-t-s all asked for another part of this (if anyone else asked i apologize, I just picked out who I could find real quick) 

either way, enjoy!

...

For the past few days, Jaskier kept a close eye on Geralt after the weird encounter in his bedroom, where his Witcher revealed that maybe there was more between them. 

He contemplated using Ciri as a spy, maybe prying into Geralt’s innermost thought, using his weakness towards his little princess. After he realized how inconsistent children were, he figured easy: put himself in danger and make Geralt confess. However, he’d been in danger many times before and geralt would barely confess they were friends, let alone beyond that. Then he contemplated the old “I’m getting married” or “i’m dying” but he didn’t know if the damned man would be too shocked to even react. Everything he thought of had too many flaws, and he just couldn’t take those kind of risks. 

Not with Geralt.

So, he just spent the last couple days watching, praying inspiration came to him. 

But perhaps it was too close of an eye. 

When he was watching Geralt do some exercises with Ciri by the firelight, Lambert came out of nowhere with the kind of curiosity in his eyes that could get entire empires killed. “You’re watching big, white, and grumpy like a hungry hawk. What? Plan on eating him?”

Lambert’s annoying humor was not amusing. 

Well, it would have been amusing if it wasn’t aimed at him. 

At his interruption, the bard scowled. “Ha ha ha, you’re so hilarious. Buzz off, it’s none of your business.”

“Now I’m actually interested. Normally you would’ve loved that one.”

Making friends with Lambert during all his times here, waiting for Geralt, was now something Jaskier regretted. he was trying to devise a plan to get the Witcher to talk open and honest with him for once, not get drawn into his Lambert hijinks. 

Sure, he still wore that raisin bread actually filled with beetles prank like a badge of goddamn honor, but that wasn’t the point. 

He had slightly more important things at hand than trying to figure out how to trick the less enticing Witcher to make a fool of himself. 

When Jaskier didn’t answer, though, Lambert sat on top of the table, sidling in close, giving him this pathetic pout. “C’mon, shit’s so boring when you ignore me. I like our little games better.” Like a gnat flicking his ear, Lambert started to poke up Jaskier’s thigh, heading for his ticklish sides. 

For fuck’s sake, the man was a nuisance. His friend as well, to be sure, he kept him occupied when Geralt was being moody, but a nuisance nonetheless. 

Swatting Lambert’s encroaching hand, Jaskier scowled. “We can play “who’s the biggest dick at a later date. I need to focus.”

“On what, imagining who has the biggest dick? Cause it’s me. Easy.”

Jaskier didn’t mean to snort with laughter, but he did. Mostly because from all the bathtime assistance he was pretty sure he knew the real answer, unless all Witcher’s were packing under their leather pants. 

Rolling his eyes, Jaskier shoved his shoulder, trying to make some distance. “Oh fuck off.” 

Like the petty pest he was, Lambert instead leaned in closer to his ear. “Tell me what’s up or I will ruin whatever ploy you have going to get Geralt pay attention to you.” 

At his threat, Jaskier turned to him, stunned. Lambert just sat there, smirking with the smugness of a tourney winner who cheated on the final round, waggling his eyebrows. 

What a fucking bitch. 

This man he had an almost sibling-like rivalry with definitely knew too much about him. He might have to kill him. 

Before Jaskier could tell him off or strangle him with a lute string, he became acutely aware of someone standing in front of them. 

Looking up from thick leather belt to crossed biceps and finally to the scowl and yellow glare that came together like earrings and pendants, Jaskier swallowed slowly. Mostly because he looked pissed, but also because, despite all their years together, Geralt’s sex appeal still took him by surprise when he least expected it. 

Jaskier thought of bunny rabbits. And maybe Ciri and Yennefer playing with said bunny rabbits while listening to the awful musical talents of Valdo Marx (or the lack thereof). Literally the least sexy thing he could think of. 

But those yellow eyes kept peering. 

Leaning back on his palms, Jaskier said, “H-Hello Geralt. Nice weather we’re having today. What brings your leather-clad, muscle-bound, slightly sweaty self over to our delinquency?” 

His own description did not help the situation, and it stuck in his brain like thick tar, eating at his thoughts. Why not think about the way that leather and those muscles interacted? No big deal. No inappropriate wandering thoughts ever came from that. 

“What the fuck are you and Lambert doing?”

At first Jaskier’s brow furrowed, because geralt often found them being idiots. But then he remembered his own words: Lambert has a nice face.

Oh fuck.

Jaskier didn’t even have the time to clear things up before Lambert, idiot he was, starting talking for him. “Oh don’t worry about us, Ger. We’re just two friends sitting real close talking about things that only very good friends talk about.”

“Don’t call me that.” 

“I apologize, I think just talking to the bard has my head in the clouds. He so does that with his words and other fucking fanciful abilities, right?”

When Lambert flashed this toothy grin at him, Jaskier was ready to recoil into his own ribcage and live there like a damned turtle. He just kept looking panicked between Geralt and Lambert, one a self-satisfied ass of a man and the other a looming storm. 

The way the shadows were playing off Geralt’s face right now were only making him look all the more terrifying. 

Shaking his head, Jaskier, was trying to get it through Lambert’s head that this was not the time to fuck around. he had to plan this out carefully; he couldn’t fuck up making Geralt talk or he might never talk, ever. And he couldn’t bear that. 

Yet here was this chaotic asshole, tossing a ticking bomb into the situation. 

Maybe he understood why Yennefer had such a short fuse for his own chaos. And that was an even harder pill to swallow. 

His head turned to Geralt, and he insisted, “Lambert’s being an ass, it’s another dumb prank, I am not doing anything of the sort with him. I mean, look at his beard, Geralt. The way it scraggles is unbearable.”

The Witcher across from them only looked more confused.

Right, conveying style and grooming to Geralt wouldn’t quite work. 

Just as he moved to open his mouth, Lambert had this glint in his eye, the kind when he caught onto something he could exploit. And it sent a chill of feeling doomed through Jaskier’s spine, and his faced paled. 

Placing a hand on Jaskier’s knee, he smirked at Jaskier and said, “Don’t worry, sweets, Geralt will understand. He brings all those sorcereresses here, anyway.” He turned his face towards the man of Rivia that Jaskier was desperate not to lose, and the bard was afraid his attempt at meddling had taken the worst possible turn it could. He’d rather they stalemate like idiots than have geralt look at him like...

Well, how he was looking at him now. Like they were strangers. 

That didn’t stop Lambert’s big fat mouth. “Y’see, Geralt, your bard and I have a wild night together and-”

“Enough.” Unfurling his arms, Geralt’s jaw looked like it could bite through someone’s skull, it was so stiff. Jaskier swallowed and definitely never wanted to talk about how he thought scary Geralt was hot, too. “Jaskier. We need to talk. Now.”

Before the bard could even give a proper response, Geralt grabbed his hand and pulled him away from the common area, towards some halls where they would be alone. 

While fear was dancing a damn jig on his nerve endings, he also couldn’t ignore Geralt’s firm hold on his fingers. It was making his heart skips beats, which was pretty dangerous considering it was already seizing up from the previous goddamn conversation.

He dared a single glance back at Lambert, and the idiot man was mouthing “you’re welcome”. 

If this didn’t go well, he was going to kill him. 

...

Also apologies if i missed anything, I didn’t edit again cause am trash, but i think I’ll do a part 3 to probably round it out  

Because I could totally see mastermind Jaskier overthinking his plans just because he cares about Geralt too much to fuck up 

Anyway, thanks for enjoying <3 

Edit: Part 1 and Part 3

#Geraskier #Kaer Morhen #Lambert #Ciri #Geralt x jaskier #Bard x Witcher #friends to lovers #Jaskier's schemes #Jaskier vs. Lambert #Getting Geralt to confess #Fantasy boyfriends #Awkward Geralt #Jealous Geralt

[marlacrane]

『COURTNEY EATON ❙ CIS FEMALE』 ⟿ looks like MARLA CRANE is here for HER JUNIOR year as a JOURNALISM student. she is 22 years old & known to be inventive, dogged, heedless & blunt. They’re living in GORHAM, so if you’re there, watch out for them. ⬳ mia. 23. pt. she/her.

[without me by eminem plays muffled from the next room as marla wanders thru the door w a mickey of vodka in her left hand and the communist manifesto in her right]

tws for drug use, mental illness

history

she has a happy childhood in a seattle suburb. she’s the youngest of two girls, and even though her mom works all the time, and her dad’s overseas, everything’s fine. until marla gets to second grade, which she hates, gets into a fight with a boy, and nearly bites his finger off. this time she gets off with a warning. then, later that week, said boy and her are working on this paper maché duck together, and the teacher's keeping an eye on them at first but has now dismissed them as totally getting along, and then the teacher glances at them again to find that they have vanished, and so have the art supplies. the two of them are found six hours later hiding in a park. they’ve been hanging out there all day, asking for a quarter from each unsuspecting parent or guardian they’ve seen. they’ve used this to buy as much food from the community centre vending machine as they can carry. their goal: wait until their parents are sleeping, steal the tent from marla’s backyard, and go live in the treehouse in his backyard. upon discovery, they’re both grounded for a month. marla is no longer allowed to read calvin and hobbes  ––  her mom is pretty sure it’s what inspired the escape attempt.

she and this boy, whose name is jasper, regroup once they’ve been ungrounded. jasper and her are both the sort of kids who bite their nails at the sign of a group project. their fight had been over who got to read the classroom’s only calvin and hobbes anthology. their initial truce had been based entirely around a mutual desire for treehouse living. now, they just want insurance. so they agree to partner up, always.

they’re bad influences on each other. apart, they’re both a little feral, sure, but they understand that certain things are not possible, and they avoid danger if they can help it. when they hang out, though, they egg each other on. jasper breaks his arm because marla dares him to climb the school; marla’s suspended after jasper dares her to pull the fire alarm; jasper and marla accidentally burn down a garden shed; jasper and marla scam five people out of their lunch money so they can go see a movie after school. (they pay them back a week later. they’re not total monsters. also, they were getting scared one of the kids was gonna tell on them).

jasper’s parents are moving. jasper’s moving with them, out to the country. marla hates it, but she steels herself. she can be independent. she’s nearly sixteen now, and it’s about time she started. but she’s going to miss him. he tells her that nothing’s going to change, which she tells him is bullshit. he takes this the wrong way, and they stop speaking to each other. this goes on for five months. marla’s lonely at first  ––  she doesn’t know how to talk to people who aren’t him. she starts dating this guy, and that opens things up a little bit. he introduces her to his friends, and suddenly she doesn’t feel as wild. she’s no longer a product of the outskirts.

one night she thinks fuck it, that’s enough silence. she sneaks out at one am, texting jasper to meet her halfway. she borrows her sister’s car. marla figures she practically knows how to drive. she’s done it a few times. and, to her credit, she makes it to where she and jasper are meeting. she also wraps the car around a pole. she emerges relatively unharmed, and she panics. jasper doesn’t show up. he texts to tell her he got caught trying to leave. she calls him an idiot. then she waits there, arms crossed, incapable of doing anything but dreading consequences, until it’s nearly morning. that’s when a cop drives by and the process of being in trouble begins. it’s a clusterfuck. this is when her sister stops speaking to her  ––  marla’s been on thin ice with her for a long time, but now it’s over. it isn’t so much that her sister wants to hold a grudge. it’s just finally too much. and marla gets it. for once, she doesn’t try and change things, or slip out of trouble. that doesn’t mean she doesn’t get into a number of shouting matches with her mom. her phone is taken away, as is all of her money, which goes toward buying her sister a new car. her laptop is sold in the name of the new car too. she can use the family computer if schoolwork absolutely demands internet access.

she hasn’t heard from jasper in a long time. her now ex boyfriend is still sort of a friend, but not the kind she can hang out with. there was one girl she really got along with at their school, but they made out at a party and the next day the girl wouldn’t really look her in the eyes. she turns seventeen, the birthday celebrated more or less alone, and does a little stint in juvie for keying a teacher’s car. she then spends a year at a community college, followed by radcliffe. she picks radcliffe because she’s accepted, and because it’s far from home. being at home fills her with this sick feeling now  ––  something went bad somewhere along the way, and she’s pretty sure it was her that made the wrong turn at the crossroads. not her mom, not jasper, not anyone else that had power over her life. and she won’t reach out to her friend, or to her sister, because that would mean admitting she cares more than they do.

she sort of wishes she could go back to being a careful person. she wants to understand boundaries. she also wants her life to have a purpose, and she likes writing, and she’s always loved nancy drew, but being a detective would’ve meant being a cop and she'd genuinely rather die, so she’s gone for journalism. she’s not loving the university experience, but it’s better than before, and it’s provided a lot of distractions that she’s grateful for.

headcanons / personality :

she can be a little abrasive.

she smokes weed whenever she can afford it, because if she doesn’t she tends toward feeling depressed and highly uninspired. she carries this apathy with her, and then every once in a while she’ll snap, and either get a lot better or a lot worse. klonopin is her best friend now.

she’s 100% a leftist and the way to her heart at this point is through communism memes. she’s slowly but surely making her way through the works of karl marx. she’d probably be done by now, but she keeps reading romance novels instead. (this is also a secret. she reads them on her phone and deletes them the moment she’s done so that nobody can know).

she lives to pirate movies, but claims that the only movie she’s ever seen is showgirls. this is because she dated a film major during her first year of college and found him so insufferable that she’s decided nobody can ever know she watches movies. she gets that he was just a jackass, and she shouldn’t judge anyone by their major, and yet................ that said, she has a secret letterboxd account (when she made it, she found her ex’s account and blocked him, just in case) and on it there’s a list of films in which richard nixon gets punched in the face.

deep down she’s actually very sentimental and sensitive, which is why she worked so hard to Not Be That growing up. she does her very best to never show that side of herself  ––  if someone sees her crying she’s just gotta kill them ! those are the rules. and after a while it got more and more difficult to actually access that side of herself. when she cries, it’s an Event.

she’s always broke. she’s also somehow always capable of scraping together exactly enough money to go out.

she knows that if jasper contacted her now, even after the years of radio silence, she’d do anything for him. they’re still friends, even if that friendship only exists in her memories. she realizes she could text him, but that would violate her strict double texting rules. and she’s afraid to.

she definitely makes bad decisions while drunk. like, all the time. speaking of which, she’s up for anything ! wanna attempt to summon a demon at 3 am? she’s ur girl ! wanna break into someone’s house and move all of the furniture over by about an inch before stealing away into the night? she’s already there !

she’s actually a good listener, which is one of the only positive traits she credits herself with. that, and creativity.

she’s a taurus but like . there is almost definitely some pisces / scorpio / sagittarius on her chart

she can play piano. she’s actually pretty good at it. or she was, back when she had access to pianos.

she really really really really really really wants a dog but there is no way in hell she can afford one

she’s bisexual

wanted connections :

(i mean. i will love anything, but....)

exes  –  whether they dated for a while or just hooked up once or twice tbh

enemies  –  these are easy because marla often does not consider consequences, so she could easily have done smth :/ to ur muse

friends  –  pls ! she needs them

unrequited crush  –  on her part, probably ? maybe they’re friends and she doesn’t wanna fuck that up but she’s starting to care about them in a different way. I Love Repression. what a good trope.

if anyone’s down for spontaneous tattoos............ she loves those (@chase hi, hello, come here)

a good influence would be fantastic

anyone else from seattle / the seattle area who maybe knew her in passing

um i really want this

#radintro #drug use / #mental illness / #alcohol / #i didnt proofread this i just . replaced 'isla' w 'marla' and thats it. same intro

[winchester90210]

The BH 90210 Rewrite. 1x10: Isn't It Romantic?

Rewrite Masterlist

Read the previous chapter here!

My work is not to be reposted and/or edited without my expressed written consent. (Reblogging is fine and encouraged!!)

Chapter Summary: Dylan and Brenda's hook up causes everyone to reassess how they feel.

Warnings: A makeout scene! Lots of feelings, colds, condoms, more feelings, 2 different fights, mentions of sex, a little fluff, guilt, cuddling with a sick person, platonic (?) cuddling, swearing, angst, possible pining depending on how you look at it?

Word count: 4,000

A/N: This was definitely one of my favorites! Brenda and Dylan are one of my favorite couples ever so I'm looking forward to that. Don't cuddle with contagious people, folks.

Feedback is incredibly appreciated!

"Hey, B," you strolled over to Brandon in the Walshes backyard. The sun, per usual was unrelentless and aggressive, bright. But the birds were chirping, you were at the Walshes, and you felt great.

"Hey Y/N/N,"

"Uh-oh, how's Mondale?" You placed your hand on the hood of the Chevy, and tapped it with the pads of your fingers, observing the car's fleshed out state.

"Oh, he's fine, just tuning him up a little," A loose grey tank top hung on his shoulders, grease from the car in every odd place on his body. And he still had the audacity to look that good. "We're still on for the movie tonight, right?"

"What, like I would miss seeing Animal Crackers on the big screen? I'd hope you wouldn't take me for a fool, Walsh," You smile, and he grins back, wiping off the tool, twisting it in his hand.

Dylan slides out from under the car, just as grease-laden as his friend. He smiles up at you, squinting from the sun. He takes the wrench from Brandon, "That's what I kept tellin' him, no girl in her right mind can resist Animal Crackers."

-

All four of you crowd around the movie theater table, setting your drinks, various amounts of snacks, and a large bucket of popcorn down. A girl, tall with curly blonde hair struts over.

"Hi Dylan," she smiles.

"Hey, how you been?" He chuckles, lips wrapping around the straw of his soda.

"Great," she taps her straw on his shoulder, breaking it open and pulling it out with her teeth. With that, she walks off.

"Friend o' yours?" Brandon asks.

"Well, we used to hang out a little bit. I would've introduced you guys, but I forgot her name,"

"Nice," Brenda nods.

"What a gentleman," you add.

"Wait, it's not my fault! She keeps changing it! To-- to things like 'Tanya' or 'Blue' 'cause her real name is something like 'Gertrude', or 'Beatrice', or 'Brenda,'" He quips, dangerously close to cracking up at his own joke. Brenda takes her straw and jams it against his shoulder, taking it out with her teeth and walking off. You smile delightedly to the boys and follow Brenda in.

-

Rock music fills the apartment as you sit down on the sofa, Brandon directly to your right.

"This sound system is incredible! I mean, it's like it's alive!" Brenda praises the stereo as she sits down onto the ottoman.

"Yeah, you don't just hear it, you feel it!" Dylan enthuses.

"Sub-woofers, right?!" Brandon asks.

"You got it," Dylan answers. The doorbell to the apartment buzzes, making him hop to his feet. "Foodage!"

"Hey, thanks for letting me come with you guys," Brenda says.

"Oh, no problem! It's nice having another girl here,"

"Yeah, and you play cards, right? Maybe you could come with us again," he leaned over the back of the sofa, "What do you think, McKay?!" Brandon shouts back to him, who's got four paper bags in hand as he makes his way back.

"Absolutely!" The four of you pounce on the bags, immediately digging into them.

"Hey, these fries are just like at the hotel," Brandon comments.

"They are from the hotel, ever since my dad closed the suite, Henry sends them to me because he knows we need our fix," He juts his pointer finger out and wiggles it between you and him.

"He gave up the suite? What happened?"

"Long story," he sits onto the floor, and looks up at Bren, "Hey! It's your turn, pick 'em!" Brenda shuffles through the different rock CDs on the table.

"Okay, okay! What about--" she hands one to Dylan, "--that?" Dylan gives her a sceptical "Are you serious?" Look before taking it.

"Ha, yeah okay," He giggles, taking it out of the case. Dylan shows both you and Brandon,.to which Brandon responds

"Oh, no, absolutely not!" All four of you begin to bicker light-heartedly, the CD issue clearly very polarizing.

-

Oh, joy. Let the wonders of the Health class sex unit begin. With Steve Sanders directly behind you, Brenda to your left, and David & Scott in front of you this class was always... interesting. The class period starts and Steve leans forward.

"Did you ever notice that when the subject turns towards sex Mr. Kravitz starts playing with his beard?" You and Brenda turn forward and see-- you guessed it! Mr. Kravitz your 45-year-old, Jewish, white, male teacher playing and scratching beard. Twin looks of disgust are thrown back Steve's way. He was right. And you were never going to be able to unsee that. Gross.

-

You're sitting at Brandon's blanket-covered feet as he sneezes for the tenth time that night. The blue robe he's wearing matches his eyes and his scratchy, deep, sick voice has got you melting when it definitely shouldn't be. He's still hot when he's sick. What an asshole.

Brenda waltzes in, her shoes clicking against the hardwood, ready to go for the second night of Marx Bros. festivities. She sits next to Brandon on the ledge of the couch, legs on the ground.

"I hope you feel better!"

"Hey, come on. It'll be fun. You can be the nurse, and Dylan can be the orderly," He jokes, his voice low and raspy. Fuck hormones and the horse they rode in on, because you're actually attracted to him right now.

"You don't want us to get sick, do you?" She responds. Brenda hops up when she hears the car horn. "Bye guys!" She's out of the door before anyone else can get a word in.

"Wait a minute, she's going out alone with that guy?" Jim complains, stacking up the piles of paper on his desk.

"Apparently," Cindy shrugs. Jim's pouting like a child, and stomps out of the room. His wife is following behind him, looking to calm him down.

"So I see your dad's a fan of Dylan," you jokingly muse.

"Yeah, they're buddies, I think I think he’s inviting Dylan out for golf and a movie," He smiles, "Are you sure you want to stay here? I don't know how much fun this is going to be." Brandon raises his mug of tea to his lips.

"I'm positive. I mean I've seen Duck Soup about a million times anyway," you assure him, "How are you feeling, by the way? Need more cough syrup?"

"No, I'm good. Thanks," He sits up, scooting over yo the far edge of the couch, "C'mere."

"What? Brandon, you're sick,"

"C'mere!"

"Brandon,"

"Y/N,"

"Fine," You show faux discontent as you lie down in the empty space, "I'll bite. What are we watching tonight?"

"Well, I've narrowed it down to either Quantum Leap or Magnum P.I."

"Oh, go with Quantum Leap, no question."

-

You stir back onto your side from your stomach, and your nose is met with the soft skin of Brandon's cheek. You moan sleepily and inhale, preparing yourself to get up even though it's the last thing you want to do. You open your eyes, trying to blink the sleep out of them. Your left hand is currently draped over his chest, with your legs intertwined with his. You needed to get up but... he was warm, and welcoming, and gentle and... your home definitely was not. You inch yourself up, getting up as gently as possible, lifting your arm up from him. He lets out a gravelly groan and wraps his arms around you.

"Stay."

"It's late, B," you yawn, "I'll see you tomorrow."

He mumbles a sleepy "mhmm," and you stand up, straightening out your clothes. "Love you, Y/N/N." WHAT?!

Okay, he's hopped up on cough syrup. It doesn't mean anything. It might've been an accident. Y'know, like when you tell the pizza guy you love him? Right? Right?

-

You're sitting own on the carpet of your bedroom floor, parallel to Dylan. The plush eggshell carpet is soft under you but the air in the room is hostile, uneasy, tense. You were sleepy, fighting to keep your eyes open due to it being 3 in the morning. He got here around midnight, and it's been nothing but utter chaos since.

"So, you're sure you're good with me and Brenda?" He tries to catch your gaze but you actively avoid it, your eyes darting to the window, the closet, wherever.

"Brenda and I," you correct him jokingly, but the playful part of it doesn't carry through in your voice. "I'm happy for you guys."

"Y/N," He starts.

"Dylan, don't," you beg, "On the off-chance that I wasn't okay with it, what good would it do? What would it change?"

"I- I need to know where we're at," He stresses, "Because you're sending me about a million different signals right now. I'm exhausted, Y/N/N. I need to know how you feel."

"I think..." you sigh, pondering, "you need to be with Brenda, if that's what you want."

"Stop telling me what you think and tell me how you feel," He urges. You bolt to your feet looking to escape, but he joins you, with a gentle grip on your shoulders. If he was anyone else, you would've been scared. But it was him. And you weren't.

"I feel like you need to be with my best friend. She's the one wanting to be with you, and she's the one you started dating." His jaw clenches, and he takes a deep shaky breath. His grip on you drops before he speaks again, his voice much quieter, much softer than before.

"Do you have feelings for me?" You're taken back by his boldness, your eyes widened and your brows furrowed. You open your mouth to say something, but nothing seems right. So you stay quiet. "Y/N, come on." His eyes search yours, desperate for an answer, a hint to what's going on inside your head.

"Maybe I did when I first got here, but--" you run your hands through your hair, inhaling. "Dylan, we're friends. That's all we're ever going to be, and that's all I want to be," He paces around your room as you sit back onto the foot of your bed, it faintly squeaks under you.

"Do you really believe that?" He laughs sourly. "We've never been just friends, and you know it." The faintest scowl was on his face, whether it was from disappointment or annoyance you couldn't tell. "You really think there isn't anything between us?"

"Yes! Because there isn't!" You're shouting now, desperately. And by all meanings of the word you're frustrated. Intensely. And thankful that your parents decided to go out tonight. "I can't do this to Brenda!"

"You wouldn't be doing anything. She's not my girlfriend, we're not getting married, hell, we're barely even friends! It was one kiss!"

"If the kiss was so insignificant, why tell me at all?!"

"Why are you so bent out of shape over this--"

"Why are you?! I--"

"Would you just shut up for a minute?!" His voice was boisterous, livid, you wouldn't be surprised if Eric could hear from the other side of the house.

"Make me!"

You're not sure how long you two had been bickering at this point. It had been going on all night. About Brenda, about Brandon, Steve, Dylan's dad, Mondale, pie. And every single time it circled back to the same topic: feelings. It was a topic that both of you were well acquainted with but not always willing to talk through. Especially when it had to do with each other. But you weren't losing this without a fight, because if you cared about your friendship with Brenda at all, you had to stick up for her. The weird thing is, these past few months you and Dylan had been drama-free. No spats, no arguments, no sparring. And now? You were both swinging at the other person whenever you could get a hit in.

-

Wednesday morning came around, and Brandon was trying to catch up with Dylan as he raced down the hall.

"Dylan? How's it goin'?"

"Gettin' by, how's the cold?"

"Better, thanks,"

"Where's Y/N/N? Aren't you two usually following each other around like lost little puppies?"

"She's sick," Brandon sighs, "I feel real bad about it too, it's kind of my fault. She stayed over the night you and Bren went out." Yeah, cuddling with a guy that has a major cold? Bad idea. "How was the movie, by the way?"

"We didn't make the movie," He shrugs.

"Hi," Brenda grins. She places a soft kiss to Dylan's cheek as he puts his arms around her.

"Brenda, hi,"

"Why didn't you tell me you didn't go to the movie?"

-

"How'd it go with Brandon playing nurse?" Kelly smirks.

"Fine," you laugh, "He came over, we played monopoly, I got high on cough syrup, we watched some Hartley House reruns. It was... fine."

"Oh, he is majorly into you," Kelly muses.

"He is not!" You argue. Crossing your arms over your chest, you continue, "He's just returning the favor."

"He's totally hooked. What guy would spend 6 hours at a girl's house when she's phlegmy and sneezing if he wasn't already completely in love with her?"

"I agree with Kel, Y/N/N. Brandon didn't stop talking about you after he got back! Y’know, he can be so sweet when he's not faced with the challenges of sticking up for me and Dylan. It's like they're all in this conspiracy to take away the most exciting and best thing that's happened to me since we moved here!" Brenda rants. Kelly lies on her side, flipping through a magazine with her back to you both.

"That's why you're going to keep your date with Dylan and sleep at my house," You pick up one of Kelly's discarded magazines. "You can't let your parents stop everything fun that ever happens to you."

"This is going so fast," She's apprehensive as she speaks, her brows creasing slightly.

"And we're just talking about it, wait till you get to the real thing," Kelly smirks.

"I guess I'm more into the romance angle, like in the movies,"

"That's all well and good for the movies, but you do have protection right?" Kelly looks up from her Cosmopolitan to eye Brenda up. Brenda pauses, and swallows.

"Well, no,"

"Open that drawer," She points to her nightstand, and Brenda pulls out a small wooden box, "Basic rule number one-- Never rely on the guy. Memorize that." She opens it up,

"You sound so clinical," Brenda criticizes anxiously. Kelly rolls her eyes, taking a silver condom out.

"Dear, clinical is 'What time shall we schedule the procedure?'"

Brenda's jaw drops, "Kelly, that's awful!"

"Would you rather be sitting around and thinking about names? How about Dylan Jr. or Brendina?" Brenda sighs jaggedly.

"Fine, I'll take 'em. But this is not the part I want to be thinking about."

"If it goes well you won't be thinking at all. Here Y/N/N, take some too." She tosses a few to you, and you catch them with a soft clap.

"Kelly, I'm just getting over my cold. I don't think I'm going to be bedding anyone soon," you laugh.

"You never know," she shrugs, "it could come in handy."

-

"Hey Dylan, where you going so fast?"

"Got to be someplace, what's up?"

"I was hoping you could help me work on my car this weekend,"

"Look, I'd like to, but my old man got back in town. He's got... it's a long story,"

"You don't have time to tell me about it?"

"Not really,"

"Oh, but you do have time to make out with my sister and flirt with Y/N," He bites, nostrils flaring and eyebrows furrowed.

"What's your point?"

"My point is you better really like my sister. She's very romantic, and dreamy, and sweet and she's not going to move on that easily! Dylan, she's a virgin. And I don't think you should be messing around with Y/N/N when you've already got Brenda.

"I haven't been messing around with-- what kind of jerk do you think I am?" He scoffs, shaking his head, "Have a nice weekend."

-

You're frantically helping Brenda get dressed, get undressed, get dressed again, and are now helping her do her hair and makeup in the mirror. She's been so nervous all night, now you're nervous and it's not even your date.

"Earrings?" Brenda asks, playing with her hair, "No, I don't need earrings. What else do I need?" Brandon stands in the other side of the bathroom doorway, watching you both pace around the entire time.

"Shoes!"

"Shoes!" She repeats, "Shoes, shoes, shoes!" You race over to her small, but albeit nice shoe collection and help her slip both black heels over her feet. "Okay, okay! What do you think?"

"You look perfect, Bren!" You smile genuinely and excitedly, your eyes crinkling at the edges. She hugs you, and you could practically feel the nerves bouncing around in her. "Have a great time tonight, okay?"

"Okay! Bye Brandon, bye Y/N/N!"

"Bye!" His voice startles you. You'd been so wrapped up in helping Bren look flawless that you didn't even notice he was there.

"I hope everything goes well tonight." You pause, and then step over to him, "What's going on in that head of yours, Walsh?" He was watching you from the moment you got there-- not predatorily or creepily but... fondly. It was unlike him. He was always talkative, with a joke to crack or a comment to make. Dylan was more of the silent observant type. So to see him so speechless was almost concerning.

He says nothing and places a gentle hand under your chin. He lifts it and brushes his lips against yours. If this was a cheesy 80s sitcom, this would be the time the live studio audience would be going nuts because this kiss was... wow.

You return it, and it's an immediate switch of energy. Your hand goes to the back of his head as his hands find themselves against the small of your back and the kiss becomes hungry. Desperate. He worked his mouth against yours, and with his hands and his mouth and the way he felt against you-- your senses were ignited.

You pull away abruptly.

"What?--" you begin. You're both panting lightly, and he's just as flustered as you are. He draws intoxicating little circles on your arm as you both let your breathing calm.

"You wanted to know what was going on inside my head. There you go." Were you blushing? It felt like you were blushing.

"Oh." You look up at him, "Is there a possibility that your train of thought might need to be examined further in the near future?"

"Yeah, I think that's a possibility."

-

"Brenda?" You enter her bedroom through the conjoining bathroom. Inching closer to her, you see her as she's curled up at window sill, wet cheeks and puffy eyes. She drops the curtain wordlessly and turns toward you. Silently, you wave Brandon in. He tiptoes in and sits at the foot of her bed. You'd never seen her like this before. So vulnerable, so upset. So broken.

You wanna talk?" You ask, sitting down beside her as she sniffles.

"I've been talking to Kelly all night. And it didn't get me anywhere," She bellows, her voice breaking as she speaks. Your stomach wrenched.

"Well, we're open for the morning shift," Brandon offers,

"He didn't show up," she croaks out, "I was ready to spend the night with him. And he didn't show up." Oh, you were so going to kill him later. Brenda looks up at you for the first time that morning, shaking her head in disbelief. "What a jerk, huh?" That total asshole.

"He can be," you nod.

"Not him, me! I thought I was special," her voice comes out wavering and sad.

"You are, Bren," Brandon insists.

"Well, not to him obviously," she tucks a hair behind her ear, "And then finally I call him, and this man told me he was there but that he wouldn't speak to me."

"Brenda, you can't beat yourself up over someone like him," you put a soothing hand on her back.

"Why do you say that?"

"I don't know. I thought he was different... but he doesn't let people in,"

"I don't understand, Y/N! We were so there! Even yesterday out on the lawn, we were together! We were in sync! I was so happy," She's working herself up again, eyes redder and bottom lip quivering as she shouts, "I don't know what happened but something happened!" You were going to crucify that son of a bitch.

"I'm really sorry, Bren,"

"I have to find out what I did wrong," She cries out, "I need to know what happened."

-

You waltz into the robotics lab on your free period and find exactly who you were hoping for, sitting at the computer.

"Busy lately, Dylan?" Your arms cross over your chest as you lean against the doorframe.

"Well, if it isn't the queen of tact and diplomacy," he retorts, face still in the monitor.

"What the hell is going on with you?" You spit out, "I know you moved. Brandon and I went to your old house. They said you didn't even leave a forwarding address!"

"It's a long story," he dismisses, wheeling over to the other end of the table on his desk chair.

"Would you rather tell it to Brenda?"

"Y/N, don't start that with me, alright! I got the message," he barks, "you don't want me to hurt your best friend!"

"Then why is that exactly what you did?!" You reprimand loudly, trailing behind him as he gets up and walks to the other table. "I need to know that I had nothing to do with you standing her up, and that I had nothing to do with the utter pain that she's in right now." Your eyes are narrowing as he turns to face you.

"Look, it wasn't because of you. Okay? You gotta believe me-- something came up! That's all!"

"It's one thing not to talk to me, Dylan, I get it. But when you do it to her, she feels like she did something wrong!" As you finish your sentence his jaw clenches.

"It wasn't her!" He fumes, "It had nothing to do with her!" His fists clench against the white table.

"Tell her that! She was so upset, Brandon said she even stayed home from school today." You wait for his response, but he ducks his head, breaking eye contact with you. You scoff, "Fine. It's got nothing to do with her, nothing to do with me. Meanwhile, you're not talking to either of us. Makes a ton of sense!" You huff silently, "See you later, pal."

-

“I can’t believe him! He swears it’s no one’s fault but--” Steve cuts you off.

“You’re just way too emotionally involved with this, who cares? If he says it’s not your fault, it’s not your fault. Guys don’t beat around the bush like chicks always do. if he says it, he means it,” He scoffs as you both trail down the hall. You think for a minute. Somewhere under the misogyny and the blatant Steve-ness of that sentiment, there might have been a point. Maybe you were putting too much into it.  Maybe you just needed to take a step back and look at it objectively.

“Actually,” you sigh, “you might be right.” Steve’s eyes go wide. 

“Wait, really?” You nod. “Can I get that in writing? I want to have it tattooed.” Your eyes roll and you send a light push to his shoulder as you both laugh.

Objective. You could be objective. 

-

The next day you're standing against the beige walls of the school auditorium, as Dylan trots over to you.

"Dylan, before you say anything-- I'm sorry. I totally flipped out on you. It's just been a weird confusing week for me, so if I took out my frustration on you--"

"No, I put you in a weird position with this whole Brenda thing, If it felt like I was trying to make you choose... sides or somethin', well... I'm sorry," He says. You smile at him, and he goes to smile back but he sneezes into his sleeve. "But you can be sorry for giving me your cold," he laughs.

"So, you worked everything out with Bren, huh?"

"Yeah, uh, everything's worked out,"

Before you can respond, Brandon waltzes over to your other side, mumbling a "hey," and pressing a kiss to your cheek.

"Brandon, hi," you grin as he clasps your fingers with his, bringing your knuckles to his lips. He matches your grin, leaning into you.

"You guys good?" He asks, finger wiggling to you and Dylan.

"Yeah, we're good," you nod, "You two good?"

"We're good," Dylan confirms.

"Good!"

"Good."

"Good."

-

-

-

Taglist: @be-patient-be-good @mpmarypoppins @bevelyhills90210 @blueoz @harleylilo88 @princess-ghost-alien @hueycat2004 @l4life

#beverly hills 90210 #beverly hills 90210 imagine #bh 90210 #bh90210 #bh90210 imagine #90210 #90210 imagine #90210 x reader #brandon walsh x reader #brandon walsh imagine #jason priestley #dylan mckay #luke perry #shannen doherty #brenda walsh #kelly taylor #jennie garth #steve sanders #ian ziering #dylan mckay x reader #dylan mckay imagine #bh90210 rewrite

[postpunkpontypandyphantomthief]

Lolipops and Gumdrops (The Young Ones) (written October 2nd 2018)

The Young Ones was written by Ben Elton,Lise Mayer and Rik Mayall

The Young Ones was a sitcom that lasted from 1982-1984 

this fanfic is a exploration of the past,present and future for the characters

as in the ending of the show they were killed off because the writer’s had ran out of ideas.

The term "Lollipops and Gumdrops" is a made up term to describe feelings of wholesome mixed nostalgia

it's second meaning refers to the development of Vyvyan and Rick's relationship.

Chapter 1  (this explores the past of the characters prior to the events of The Young Ones)

 Before Scumbag

It was the early 1970s

In a fancy neighbourhood lived a family, and their son was sitting at the dinner table,

His parents were having an argument he had a vest and rolled up trousers with a few spots on his face.

His dad growled as he slammed his knife and fork on the table

“I SWEAR THIS NEIGHBOURHOOD HAS BEEN TAKEN OVER BY FILTHY HIPPIES!”

His mother nodded,

“Dominic I couldn’t agree more  useless layabouts all they want to do is do drugs and take up space on the roads with their protests”

Rick rattled his teeth as he nervously shook and timidly asked

“can I be excused?”

His dad shouted back

“Richard for the last time I said no talking when your mother is talking!”

His mum scoffed

“Yes, that’s incredibly rude  GO TO YOUR ROOM!”

Rick mumbled before he yelped, “I don’t have to do what you say fascists” as he attempted to flick a rude hand gesture

His dad glared

“HOW DARE YOU USE SUCH A OBSCENE GESTURE IN THIS HOUSEHOLD!”

Rick staggered up to his room when he shut the door

Rick’s room was his escape his shed of wonder, music and revolution

Philosophy and Marxism books on his nightstand, posters of Cliff Richard and The Who on his wall

And his prized possession...his record player   he looked through his records and put on his Ziggy Stardust ep as the opening chords of Starman were music to his ears

He stripped off his white shirt, replacing it with his black shirt while he sat on his bed reading a graphic novel and wrote a bit of poetry

He said

“I wish I could be like Ziggy or Cliff...be someone else for a change...not lonely pathetic Richard

Someone not like that, Someone who isn’t boring someone who doesn’t take rules from anyone...except Marx”

While he finished flicking through the pages he looked through his dressing table and took out...his makeup compact  he wouldn’t dare tell anyone at school about his androgyny

But he felt that he could be something unique…

He adjusted the brushes and applied the various eyeshadows, blush and lip gloss to his face canvas

He had a cigarette in hand and relaxed in his chair bobbing his head to bowie’s inviting eclectic voice.

Elsewhere down the street was another high class family the mother and father were a few generations older but they still moaned about “workers” and how the youth were a threat to society” in their back garden was their son Neil he normally had slicked back hair and fancy suits but when he’d go outside he’d show the hippie wallflower he’d later become

"Oh what a lovely day it is today Hello flowers, hello sun, hello clouds, hello plants"

anthropomorphic vegetables and plants grinned back at him "Hello Neil!"

he’d catch insects, wander the hedge mazes and grow vegetables..but amongst the pretty vines that decorated the patio he’d sometimes think about wrapping those wreaths around his neck until all he could see would be the beautiful sunlight...one of the days he did that his parents found out and he was diagnosed with clinical depression,his parents saw that as a disgrace he lost sleep and would stay up on some nights but as much as he was miserable he knew he wasn’t the only one so Peace Studies was what he decided to study once he finally got a place in uni.

In the city in a more dangerous side of town lived a barmaid Lindsay and her daughter Vivian

Lindsay would work at the pub the Kebab and Calculator leaving Vivian alone on some days

"Viv I'm just heading down to the pub alright"

"ok Mum"

Vivian waved and nodded frowning as she shut the door

"Vivian put on the cassette player and the sound of the Misfits was blasted, Vivian turned on the television to watch horror films and aggressively punch pillows.

Vivian had gotten used to bad luck,he had to buy her own birthday presents Lindsay would just give booze as presents while Viv liked the odd babycham it got old after he hit 17 when Vivian would be alone Vivian would either play video games,watch tv,get in street fights with fascists,study for her science exams or go to clubs to mosh to punk music Vivian at times felt lost...it didn’t help that at times socialising was hard for Vivian she’d retaliate with violence often

when Vivian was little she'd just listen to enter sandman on her walkman while blowing bubbles.

Vivian didn’t feel like a girl. she would dread looking in the mirror, Vivian eventually decided to transition, Vivian became...Vyvyan being a punk Vyvyan felt like he could show more of his self-expression through his appearance and attitude  he made his dyed orange hair spiky, got a few piercings and bought a ton of band merch and patches for his “battle jacket”

Vivian would bind but he'd only do it when he'd be alone when his mum did find out his mum couldn't tell the difference

There was also Mike a runway model influenced by classic Hollywood who would scam people for money usually the money was just so he and his papa wouldn’t end up on the streets again.

Chapter 2  (considering the original ending resulted in the characters getting killed off via a bus crash with no answer to what happened afterwards this chapter gives an alternate ending of what would happen if they did survive)

: Summer Holiday Part 2

The aftermath of the bus crash

It had been a few decades

Rick, Vyvyan, Neil and Mike were at Uni, Scumbag College specifically

Richard took up a different name "Rick", he took inspiration from ziggy's style and put plaits in his hair projecting an androgynous appearance he would've been able to show previously he openly wrote his poetry and got interested in political science and Anarchism self-proclaiming himself as "The Peoples Poet"....however, his tory side still could be seen in his pretentious, egotistical attitude.

Vyvyan didn't change anything, Vyvyan didn't give a toss what people thought of him sure his explosive violence and anger were repetitive at times but sometimes his compromises of destroying property were needed considering their lack of money and food stock.

Neil expressed the flower child that he truly was...but he was also a bit of a hypochondriac believing superstitions easily not the brightest crayon in the box but at least he had good cooking skills using the vegetables he had grown to make soups, lentils and other dishes

Mike just kept his "cool person" persona he couldn't get enough qualifications to get to mainstream colleges so he bribed the deen his course was business and advertising

It was kinda depressing...having to eat leftovers half the time, often having to deal with fights either from Vyv and Rick or from the people outside.

but they knew that they had nobody else, the country was in political hell so Rick's constant thatcher bashing was justified, Vyvyan's habit of destroying stuff was needed so they'd have money left, without Neil they'd not have much food and without Mike they wouldn't have someone to be the "voice of reason" in times of such chaos.

Thus the bank robbery ironically being at the same time as another bank robbery, in that bus, everything was nothing as they happily sung Cliff Richard's "Summer Holiday" only to drive off the cliff.

BOOM!

Neil and Mike got away quickly with minor burns...Vyvyan and Rick, on the other hand, we're stuck inside amongst the flames and debris

Neil shouted "Oh Mike this is very heavy, like more heavy than anything else we've ever experienced"

Mike nodded in response "I agree this is starting to be dangerously serious" as he flicked out his phone and called emergency services

"YOU BASTARDS YOU COMPLETE UTTER BASTARDS ARE YOU JUST GOING TO LEAVE US HERE TO ROT HELL?" Rick screamed in panic

"Oh damn I never thought it would end this way, I never got to have my first love, my first shag none of that I am going to wilt like the great leaders that came before me I guess the pigs have won I guess there is no future, no future for me," he started sobbing

Rick stopped sobbing when he noticed an uncomfortable silence outside of the roaring flames around him...the silence was coming from Vyvyan at the front of the bus

Rick out of his seat and crawled underneath the flames up to where Vyvyan was "Vyvyan?" he quietly asked as he shook the unconscious punk in front of him

he repeated himself "VYVYAN?" he yelled at the top of his voice

Rick knew this wasn't good "No! God no, please not him sure we had our rows, fights and disagreements but he never left, I enjoyed when we'd take the piss out of each other, I don't know how I'd continue life without him, I'm not letting the fascists win...Vyv he..., Rick gulped "he was my friend"

he grabbed Vyvyan's body and carried him over his back while kicking the doors and windows open

now on the ground away from the flaming inferno, Rick tried to process the situation and his background knowledge of CPR

he rested Vyvyan on the flat surface and begun to tilt Vyv's head back slightly putting pressure on his jaw

smirking in relief Rick noticed there was something else he had to do he looked sideways

he inhaled pinching Vyvyan's nose with his thumb and index finger as he placed his mouth over Vyvyan's and took some quick breaths

Vyvyan started to be coming back to him Rick released his nostrils he could sense Vyvyan breathing again

Vyvyan was confused as he attempted a punch only for Rick to block Vyv's fist and kiss it

eventually, emergency services arrived Vyvyan didn't give more punches as wires and patches were put onto him while he was placed onto a stretcher and being checked for injuries and burns"

Vyvyan coughed a bit and said

"What happened?"

Rick stood nearby smirking

"We crashed a bus over a cliff conveniently placed next to a billboard of Cliff"

Vyvyan gave a snarling type of expression

"No, you bastard to me, what happened to me?"

Rick kept his smile but spoke more solemn

"You...you almost died your oxygen was low and because you were at the front of the bus you took the most damage"

Vyvyan tried to process the information and raised his eyebrows

"and you saved me?"

Rick nodded,

Vyvyan gulped speaking in a less rough raspy voice

"Thank you"

Rick kept smiling cheerfully at Vyvyan when he saw Neil and Mike running up

"There you lot are what were you waiting for? the end of the world? there's more to life than being a cloud you know" he scoffed.

Neil moaned

"Sorry Rick, but that was very heavy"

Mike folded his hands

"Neil's right that was horrible what you and Vyv were dealing with" "still it was smart of you to save him like that, I'm proud of you

Rick blushed at the compliment

Mike continued "I understand why you call yourself a peoples poet you're a poet for the people, you care for the people or the "workers" as you call them" he then patted Rick's head in a fatherly way"

Rick smirked "Yeah not all people some people are fascists but...some people..some people are alright"

Later they were in the hospital and it was no different than when they were at home instead of moaning about thatch Rick moaned about the NHS, Vyvyan would threaten to attack him with medical instruments and they'd chase each other, Neil would get leftovers from the vending machines and cafes nearby and Mike would flirt with the nurses.

Rick sat in his hospital bed, bored beyond belief, "I hate this, the stupid education system, the ruddy NHS, it's no different than prison"

Mike read his magazine "Well you're lucky we aren't in prison I'm never going back into the slammer you hear"

Neil moaned, "we get it but maybe if we got jobs, we could get the house back and avoid prison"

Rick scoffed smirking "WELL FOR ONCE NEIL HAS THE RIGHT IDEA!"

Mike said, " Rick I'm trying to read"

Rick answered back, "well then again we are innocent, we scrapped through our GSCE's, the bus I stole was already about to be destroyed anyway and the bank was already being robbed when we tried to rob it,we've all got social diseases but our opinions shall be justified by the riots going on in this country, and if the pigs do give us a visit we'll give this alibi

"Gee, Officer Krupke, we’re very upset; We never had the love that every Child oughta get We ain’t no delinquents We’re misunderstood Deep down inside us, there is good!"

Mike groaned, "Oh no he's singing Broadway songs"

Rick kept singing out of tune "We’re no good, we’re no good We’re no earthly good Like the best of us is no damn good!"

Vyvyan yawned and lept out of his bed grabbing a plastic knife and fork, aiming them at Neil and Mike

Rick said, "if it wasn't for me you'd be dead"

Vyvyan shrugged, "well it does feel more like hell than it does a hospital"

Neil asked, "Vyv why aren't you, your usual aggressive self?"

Vyvyan chuckled to himself "I'm taking a break from that, the doctors say my anger levels give me a risk of having high blood pressure, headaches and other problems

Mike emotionlessly turned his head "Oh"

Neil then walked  off to the cafe and vending machines to get food

Vyvyan fidgeted with the plastic fork as sat by Rick's hospital bed smirking at him

"Well this is it, new world, new people yet you're still stuck with us aren't you?"

Rick grinned, "Yeah, in a way we are kind of like a weird family, We're the children, Neil's the mum and Mike...."

Mike rolled his eyes "your the one thinking of weird ideas, Rick"

Rick snorted "well your the one to talk Dad"

Vyvyan fell on the floor laughing, while Mike blushed bright red "Oi! nobody who isn't a date of mine can call me that!"

Vyvyan got up "I think we've heard enough out of you've listened to too much Frankie goes Hollywood"

Mike tried to backpedal "T-They said that song was about motivation"

Vyvyan and Rick smirked at each other ".....Sure"

Rick then looked at Mike smiling innocently "it's ok Mike, we accept you for the gay dad that you are"

Mike said, "I'm not gay, I like men but I like ladies as well"

Rick cheered, "So your Bi, like Freddie Mercury wonderful"

Neil walked back carrying a wooden tray of sandwiches, chocolate bars, chips, toast and sausages, placing it on the nearby coffee table

"Hi Guys, I got us some supper, and it's not lentils"

Rick jumped for joy hugging Neil "Thank you, Neil, you shouldn't have  Now! let's have the last supper"

Neil smiled "Uh, your welcome Rick, but why are you suddenly being so nice?"

Rick grinned as he walked back to his bed "I, Nice? Neil the people's poet is always thankful for their people and goods, it's just part of my nature"

in between bites of food he got more honest speaking in a softer tone "I've learned a lot from you,Vyv and Mike, I was an internally homophobic twat back then,I would lash out at others when I was really angry with myself,I became sarcastic I was angry with the world but was still learning how to shake off my parent's conservative values for the revolutionary Marxism I was studying,I am grateful I know you, and how your able to put up with a bastard like me, I love you, my comrades, we are all Young Ones,and I've accepted who I am too,I'm Rick and I am brilliant"

Vyvyan sat on the side of Rick's bed smiling at him hiding tears "that is the soppiest thing I've ever heard but now you've made cry, hope your happy"

a few years after that they performed alongside Cliff himself for Comic Relief 1986 their cover got the song in the charts again and it felt like they would always be "ThE YoUNG ONES"

who weren't afraid...to live, love while their love is strong even when they wouldn't be Young Ones anymore.

Chapter 3  (this explains what the Young Ones were up to in the 1990s)

: Common People

It was the 90s Rick was into Britpop, Vyvyan was into glam punk and industrial music like KMFDM, Neil was grunge and Mike wore dad Hawaiian shirts

they weren't tv stars like before though, the most they got was from US Reruns on Comedy Central

they still lived in the same house they just changed it up a bit Vyvyan spent more time going to industrial mosh pits or appearing in advertisements Neil also appeared in advertisements,advertisements for petrol in Austrailia...yeah I don't get it either Mike got back to college but studied a different topic he studied film and Rick well out of his still active political life oh! you should've seen

Rick stood on a blue stage that had his name sparkle on a neon sign above him he was in his old outfit of a rolled up shirt, tie and jeans

She came from Greece she had a thirst for knowledge, She studied sculpture at Saint Martin's College, That's where I, Caught her eye. She told me that her Dad was loaded, I said "In that case, I'll have a rum and coca-cola." She said "Fine." And in thirty seconds time, she said, I want to live like common people, I want to do whatever common people do, I want to sleep with common people, I want to sleep with common people, Like you. Well what else could I do I said "I'll see what I can do." I took her to a supermarket, I don't know why, But I had to start it somewhere, So it started there. I said pretend you've got no money, She just laughed and said, "Oh you're so funny." I said "Yeah? Well I can't see anyone else smiling in here. Are you sure you want to live like common people, You want to see whatever common people see, You want to sleep with common people, You want to sleep with common people, Like me. But she didn't understand, She just smiled and held my hand. Rent a flat above a shop, Cut your hair and get a job. Smoke some fags and play some pool, Pretend you never went to school. But still you'll never get it right, 'Cause when you're laid in bed at night, Watching roaches climb the wall, If you called your Dad he could stop it all. You'll never live like common people, You'll never do whatever common people do, You'll never fail like common people, You'll never watch your life slide out of view, And dance and drink and screw, Because there's nothing else to do. Sing along with the common people, Sing along and it might just get you through. Laugh along with the common people, Laugh along even though they're laughing at you, And the stupid things that you do. Because you think that poor is cool. Like a dog lying in a corner, They will bite you and never warn you, Look out, they'll tear your insides out. 'Cause everybody hates a tourist, Especially one who thinks it's all such a laugh, Yeah and the chip stain's grease, Will come out in the bath. You will never understand How it feels to live your life With no meaning or control And with nowhere left to go. You are amazed that they exist And they burn so bright, Whilst you can only wonder why. Rent a flat above a shop Cut your hair and get a job Smoke some fags and play some pool Pretend you never went to school, But still you'll never get it right 'Cause when you're laid in bed at night And watching roaches climb the wall, If you called your dad he could stop it all Yeah You'll never live like common people You'll never do what common people do You'll never fail like common people You'll never watch your life slide out of view And then dance and drink and screw Because there's nothing else to do I want to live with common people like you.....

"I LOVE YOU JOHNNY MARR,DAMON ALBARN AND MORRISSEY!!!" Rick shouted into his microphone

Vyvyan snarled at Rick "Shut up Britpop bastard"

Vyvyan snatched the microphone and bulged his eyes out at the audience he had dark purple eyeliner and vampire esque contour on "Oh the beautiful people, the beautiful people

Neil then took the mic "Where the lights out, "ENTERTAIN US!", "HERE WE ARE NOW!"

Mike finger-gunned the audience "I'll be here" singing the spice girls I'll be there out of tune

Chapter 4 (and now the present and future,how the characters are interacting in the 21st century)

: The Young Ones: Years on into the vaporwave moonlight

The Young Ones in the 2010s note:this chapter is littered with Internet references

Rick was on a parade float holding a guitar filled with "angst" he had a military type outfit on and his pigtails were undone so his semi-long hair could be shown

"When I was a young child, my dad took me into the city, to see the marching band," "he said, Richard, you'll grow up would you be the poet saviour for the people, broken, beaten and the damned

Neil would play post-grunge songs with local bands for events like weddings, pub parties etc. , Mike was in a rockabilly revival subculture and Vyvyan was a fan of White Stripes and Gorillaz

But a new decade was just starting to show

Rick said,

"Vyvyan that's the wrong tape rewind it"'

Neil moaned as he worried about the camera

"Oh guys stop being so heavy it's just a polaroid"

Vyvyan then adjusted the camera correctly and handed it back to Neil who was wearing hipster attire with a star necklace around his neck and tarot cards in his other hand

.......SHUTTER...........rec:o beep 02:10:18

Rick rested on his bed posing in an "aesthetic" way decorated in an 80s anime styled sweater with his name written in Japanese characters, a pastel coloured cardigan and his plaits out like before wearing light orange shades singing the song lyric "I want blood, guts and chocolate cake"

Vyvyan ran over to his side placing a tray of crisps, ketchup and chocolate on the dressing table dipping the crisps in the ketchup eating them as he begun to fidget with a fake rainbow coloured butterfly knife before shoving Rick's face into the chocolate cake

"VYVYAN YOU RUINED MY AESTHETIC!"

Vyvyan screamed "I WAS BORED, IT'S NOT THAT HORRENDOUS TO OFFEND OSCAR WILDE IS IT"?

on a book cover, a ghost of Oscar Wilde is folding his hands sarcastically "no I suppose not peasant"

later that night Vyvyan was sitting in front of his laptop recording with a torch, microphone and horror figurines around his room "Hey mates it's Vyvyan's spooky storytime of True Crime" "so there was this girl in Liverpool and she knew some boys of the neighbourhood who would frequently mock and harass her so...she stabbed them and hid their corpses in the local pond"

"BE QUIET IM TRYING TO LISTEN TO JAPANESE 80S MUSIC WOULD YOU STOP BEING A HYBRISTOPHILLIAC!" Rick shouted from next door

Vyvyan shouted back, "CULTURAL APPROPRIATOR"

Rick overdramatically gasped "How dare you I am no weeaboo unlike you"

the next day they were at Mcdonalds when Neil noticed something about their meal

" I don't think we should eat this, it's not vegan you don't get it I'm literally eating death"

Vyvyan shrugged

"It's no different than the rest of the manufactured garbage you get in these places"

Mike nodded and Rick smirked, "Yeah Neil, if you hate the place so much eat somewhere else"

Neil moaned "but I don't go anywhere else without you"

they all groaned while Neil kept complaining

"You see all your doing is killing and torturing these animals"

Vyvyan rolled his eyes "Yeah animals that eat their offspring"

Neil wouldn't shut up so Rick stabbed him with a fork

when he noticed Mike was telling a waiter about what happened he hid in the bathroom "I can't believe it I killed Neil, it was all over one silly argument how could I?"

Vyvyan opened the door "you, miserable sod you can come back out now Neil's still alive nothing serious"

Rick breathed a sigh of relief "Thank goodness"

a few days later Mike wanted Vyvyan to stick his head out the window again.....for the vine

"ok Vyv just do what you did before on university challenge," Mike said as he manoeuvred his phone

"Do not stick your head out the window, mmm I wonder why" Vyvyan then slammed his head against the window as the video was done being recorded

Mike smirked to himself "this will get me lots of hits" Vyvyan had a few cuts on his face, he wasn't happy "You bastard my face is gonna need stitches now because of this!"

Mike ignored him only for Vyvyan to say "It's not stopping me from wanting to kick your face in" as he chased Mike and had a slapstick fight with him

while they were in the middle of that Billy Balowski was nearby rapping badly "Hey it's Lil Balowski and this is what I'm doing today I'm kneeing this two for not giving their pay"

It was night-time and Vyvyan and Rick were watching the sunset Rick said, feeling nostalgic "remember the good old days when we would attack each other with cricket bats and call out thatcher in our satirical performances"

Vyvyan finished his cigarette and said "Yeah, those were wild times of complete madness the chasing like Tom and Jerry and constant mentions of bottom"

Rick laughed it off "I recall you wanted to kiss my bottom" Vyvyan smirked "I did not, you wanted to kiss my bottom, anyways we were young ones then and we aren't young anymore"

Rick looked out into the now present moonlight "technically we will always be young ones, the floating timeline keeps us this way, it's like hell but it's our personal hell an anarchic fun open hell, not a fascist one"

Vyvyan nodded "hey, what was your life before this like anyway?" Rick inhaled and said "Well it certainly wasn't all lollipops and gumdrops" "I had some elements of self-expression and I did love some parts of my life but other parts are overshadowed by negative memories being told to believe on the right wing side of things. Where nothing but political lies were fed to you with Teresa and Trump the world seems to be repeating itself, but I never got a chance to fully spread my wings until meeting you. I was usually a quite timid, shy bloke, heh I do like the others but it was you who I felt the most connected to...you had an energy that I wanted but now I know I already had it now I have someone beautiful to share it with."

Vyvyan was surprised that all of that was hidden in those whining tantrums Rick had back in the 1980s but he felt like his eyes had been opened he felt the same way, he held Rick's hand and smiled at him "I think so too, you, annoyingly revolting, amazing sod"

Rick blushed under his glasses

Vyvyan mumbled smirking, "P-Peoples Poet"

Rick then kissed Vyvyan he kissed back as they cuddled throughout the night

no cricket bats, no punches, no fighting

just love sickeningly revolting but wonderful...love

......Love is the answer ~ Rik Mayall (1958-2014)

#the young ones #tribute #fanfic #fanfiction #fluff #fluff and angst #rick pratt #vyvyan basterd #neil pye #mike the cool person

[edwad]

What's your takeaway from seeing that schematic on the paths that Marx's work took over his life? If he had lived another 10 years where would have the work taken him?

depends on what those extra 10 years would look like. he was already getting distracted by world events, life at home, health issues, etc. one of the reasons why the work he did took so long to come out was because he kept getting stopped by crises that he had to stop and study, so this probably would've happened a couple more times. it might have been that he wouldn't have been able to add much to it or put the finishing polish on what was already there. i think another 10 years or so would've been plenty of time for him to do it but he was also known for procrastinating or holding onto things until he felt they were perfect (he's a lot like marshall in this regard, which brings me to my next point). another thing that might've been interesting to see would be his reaction to the marginal revolution, which had only just begun toward the end of his life and which he hadn't put much time into (iirc he read some jevons). of what he saw, it was just a new vulgarity, but with 10 more years it would've put the entire discipline into motion toward a new mode of thinking and set of categories which he would likely feel compelled to critique. the outcome might've been a more relevant marx (not that he's irrelevant now, just that he would've already combatted the neoclassical turn rather than just anticipating aspects of it). another potential outcome, which come across as blasphemous for some but wouldn't surprise me much, is what he would've done with marginal thinking. i don't expect it would've forced him to reconsider his value/price theory (and anyone that thinks marginalism debunks marx misunderstands marx), but the centralization of the idea in mainstream presentations might've led him to incorporate it into his own work somewhat (and in some sense, it's already there). the marginalism of time and space, of worker productivity, etc could already be found in marx, but the real question is whether marx's response would've in some sense anticipated sraffa, or perhaps made him totally unnecessary. would something like the prelude have been written by marx, if he had a few more years to think and write? it's a fun thing to think about, and at the very least a lot of our frustration stemming from the unfinished nature of his manuscripts would've likely been avoided or transformed (maybe he would've just written more intriguing shit to leave behind without working out fully).

[jilliancares]

Cat and Mouse: Chapter 1

Summary: Dan Howell is the Panther. He's evil, nefarious, ingenious, and good at coming up with adjectives for himself. The Raven is a nuisance, but he's definitely the most fun part when it comes to being a villain. As a child, Dan had been scared of his powers. He'd been weak. He'd become strong, though. Strong enough to torment the city; strong enough to annoy the Raven with every opportunity he got. 

Phil Lester only had one goal these days. To become strong enough to defeat the Panther.

Word Count: 3.4k

TW: there’s a kind of hinting towards depression/suicidal thoughts, v p subtle though

you can also read this on ao3 and wattpad!

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CHAPTER ONE: 

Dan picked fastidiously at his nail, barely bothering to glance up and survey his surroundings. The waiting part was definitely less entertaining, and he was disappointed to say that this was taking longer than usual. With a sigh, he settled onto the edge of the roof, letting his legs dangle precariously over the edge. He leaned back on one hand, using the other to rub at the skin of his cheek just under his mask—sometimes the fabric scratched his cheeks and left red marks behind, which wasn't really good for helping to keep his identity hidden.

With an annoyed huff, Dan leaned further over the edge of the building, letting his weight carry him further and further, until he was just barely balancing on the edge. He briefly entertained the thought of letting himself fall—and with it, the thought of not activating his gear—but refrained from doing so. He had more entertaining evening plans.

Far below, a man loitered in front of the building, occasionally pacing a few steps in one direction and then another. He tapped his foot, appearing impatient. Dan couldn't help it—sometimes his own emotions interfered. And he did feel impatient; he'd been waiting for almost ten minutes now.

Almost as soon as he thought this, there was a change in the atmosphere. It was subtle, and Dan doubted whether anyone besides himself would've noticed it, but it was definitely there. Dan blinked slowly, his contacts settling easily into place and changing the outlook of his entire surroundings. They were nifty things, able to make him see in the dark as easily as if he were a cat—which was kind of the point. And it was only due to his aesthetic that he'd made them look like cat eyes as well, the pupils thin and slitted.

With them, everything was focused into a much sharper clarity, and Dan almost wished it was a new moon tonight. There was nothing so great as being able to see all of his surroundings while the Raven stumbled to and fro, unable to see so much as Dan's fist connecting with his face.

By closing his eyes, Dan's sense of hearing intensified, everything around him becoming sharp points of focus. It was thanks to his mask, and the enhanced features the cat ears contained, but it felt as much apart of him that Dan felt an acute sense of loss when he wasn't wearing it, when he couldn't comfortably hear what was happening on the other side of the room.

Now, he heard the soft murmur of voices on the street below, and the thrum of cars passing by. Far away, a car honked, and another one returned the greeting, its sound higher pitched. Closer, Dan could hear a rodent of some kind—how it got onto the roof of the building, Dan didn't want to know—scuffling over the metal of the roof, its nails clicking distinctly. Finally, he focused on what was really drawing his attention, what he'd deliberately saved for last. Carefully, quietly—though not quite enough—two human sized feet eased their way across the roof, coming closer and closer to Dan.

Finally, he thought irritably. Took you fucking long enough.

The careful footsteps continued on their way, and Dan let them. Though really, hadn't Raven's mother ever told him it wasn't polite to sneak up on your arch nemesis?

"You should be thanking me," Raven's voice drawled, and Dan felt his lips pull into a smirk. He'd been waiting for this. It was as if his body finally activated when Raven was around, his blood pumping, his senses coming alive.

"And why is that?" Dan drawled. He leaned back on his hands again now, tipping his head backward to look at the other man. He was taller than Dan, that was for sure—not that it was a difficult feat. Dan had long since become acquainted with his height, however, and it only helped his image. The Panther, he thought. Small. Lithe. Unarguably evil.

Raven looked as angry and righteous as ever. Dan knew that his blatant refusal to get angry, to ever appear like he was trying, infuriated the Raven to no end. And so Dan amped up his act, especially for him. Dan imagined he would do anything for the Raven; anything to keep him coming back, anyway. He was dressed in his signature outfit, his mask slightly pointed, as if to imitate a beak. He might as well have gone all the way, like Dan had. Cat ears and everything!

Raven's cape sufficed as wings, Dan knew, invented by the very man who wore it. He was beyond creative, Dan had to give it to him—and a genius too. He was always creating gadgets to fuck up Dan's plans.

"Because I could've kicked you off the roof," Raven finally answered, and Dan raised an eyebrow, though the expression was obscured by his mask.

"Doesn't that go against all your like, superhero morals?" Dan questioned. "Besides, I would've been fine." It was true, Dan's own outfit was made of a special kind of material that assured he wouldn’t be harmed, even if he were to fall a very, very long way. More important though was its ability to make him land on his feet—and from there he could start running.

"You're incredibly lax for a villain," Raven commented. This idle chit-chat was fine with Dan. In fact, he was depending on it.

"Am I?"

"You didn't even know I was here," the Raven said confidently. See, that's where you’re wrong.

Dan hummed. "Well, yes, that's what you think."

Raven scoffed. "You're just trying to cover up for your own inattentiveness."

"Perhaps," Dan answered. "Or perhaps I knew you were here the second your rubber-soled shoes squeaked onto the roof. Perhaps I knew exactly where you would stand. Perhaps it'd be a good idea for you to not stand where you are for much longer."

Dan closed his eyes, a feral grin gracing his lips as he heard Raven's heart pounding away. Typical.

Move, Raven, he urged silently. Move. Move.

He felt his connection with one of the men below the building tugging at him. Whilst the Raven had chattered away, more of Dan's subjects had gathered beneath the building. Now, he suspected, they weren't waiting around impatiently. They probably looked excited, maybe mischievous. Maybe murderous.

"Press it at 9:30,” Dan had instructed, pressing a small button into the man's hands. His eyes had glossed over slightly—he'd looked dazed—but he'd nodded obediently. "And stand below the building on the corner of Marx's Street," he'd added. And then tilted his head slightly. "Actually, press it at a quarter til. The Raven had a knack for being late."

Move, Raven, Dan thought. Or it'll be too late.

He knew already that if the Raven didn't move he'd be forced to save him. Most of Dan's fun originated from the Raven, and Dan didn't quite know what his purpose would be without the other man.

He lifted his wrist up before his eyes, staring at the face of his watch. It was black with silver lines along the side to mark the hours. 9:44. In the watch, he looked at the reflection of Raven, stood still with indecision. He'd already wasted an entire minute trying to decide whether Dan was bluffing.

Dan watched as the seconds ticked away on his watch. He glared. Was he really going to have to save Raven?

As the seconds eased down to five, Dan tensed, ready to spring to his feet and shove the Raven out of the way.

Suddenly, Raven sprang, leaping into the air and taking a quick step towards Dan, before perching on the ledge beside him, the wind making his cape billow out over the lengthy drop. And not a moment too soon.

Just then, in the exact spot the Raven had been standing (which had taken a lot of calculations and guesswork on Dan's part), the flooring disappeared, falling, Dan knew, for several stories. That part of the roof was located directly overtop a large stairwell, and he would've fallen the whole way down, his cape-wings too large to expand in that small space.

"See, Raven?" Dan said, and he glanced up at the Raven with a soft smile. "Don't say I never warn you."

The Raven's mouth was pulled into a sharp line, his displeasure evident through that facial feature alone. Dan didn't blame him. His mind was probably whirring, trying desperately to understand how Dan could've planned that out ahead of time. In reality it was probably just hard for Raven to believe that anyone might possibly be as smart as he was. Sure, Dan wasn't quite as skilled at inventing things, but he was great at plans. He'd gotten straight A's his entire school career, even when it had begun to merge with his more nefarious activities.

"So," Dan said, "shall we get started then?"

—

Dan groaned, loud and long, as he stumbled into his apartment. He was bruised all over, though he supposed he had some salve somewhere that would help with that. His head felt infinitely lighter now that his connection with all those men below that building had been severed.

He closed and locked the door of his apartment behind him, giving his shoulders an experimental roll and wincing when something in his back twinged. Yes, the Raven seemed to have kicked him there, at some point. Dan suspected he deserved it, having forced several civilians to blow up that building. It'd been empty though, Dan had made sure of that. Still, the boss of that corporation probably wouldn't be too happy to see his building reduced to rubble, but that's what he got for rejecting Dan's application. Being a super-villain didn't pay much, after all, and it was a bit exhausting to have to steal his way through all his groceries.

Dan suspected he also deserved to be captured and unmasked for all his other crimes, but that had still yet to happen. The Raven was good, yes, but he wasn't good enough to capture him. To prevent some of his more dastardly plans, yes. To get Dan bound in ropes and his mask ripped from his face? Nope.

With a long-suffering sigh Dan stripped off his clothes, struggling out of the layers of latex and carefully folding his mask into a small square that could fit into his pocket. Practical and compact, his gadgets were. Not to mention fashionable.

He coughed, and his lungs burned in protest. It probably wasn't a good idea to breathe in so much smoke, but his favorite part about blowing things up was watching it. The smoke that billowed away was just part of the added fun. The Raven had been properly peeved to see that Dan had gotten away with his plans. He succeeded just as often as he failed, all depending on which one of them had shown up more prepared.

Still, Dan knew he wasn't properly evil. He wasn't torturing innocent civilians, wasn't shooting down crowds of people. He was just having a bit of fun, sometimes righteous fun, at that. Just last week he'd hunted down and castrated a serial rapist—he should be thanked for some of his deeds! (Some, though definitely not at all. Dan knew he wasn’t likely to get thanked for, say, bewitching the mayor, but still.)

Plus, having been born with his powers, wasn't it only Dan's right to put them to use? His divine right, perhaps?

His powers were easy, and once he'd actually embraced them, they'd been simple to control as well. All he had to do was give someone a command with a bit of intent behind it, and they'd do it. It wasn't anything like hypnosis, it wasn't some kind of trick. He could make anyone do anything he wanted, anything under the sun. He could even make them rip off their own dick (which he'd learned just last week).

Limping into his bathroom, Dan turned the knob of the shower and watched it sputter to life. He'd at least returned a few of the more vicious injuries the Raven had given to him.

He closed his eyes as he slipped into the shower, remembering the events of the night.

—

"No time, Panther," Raven said, standing tall over Dan. He looked powerful, although he always did. "Today's the day you're getting captured."

Dan threw himself back against the roof, groaning loudly into the night air. If he were any less skilled of a villain he wouldn't be so ballsy as to do something like that. He supposed he was putting himself in danger whenever the Raven was around—making himself vulnerable to capture, or perhaps death, if the Raven could bring himself to do that. But Dan was faster than the Raven, stealthier too. By the time the Raven could take a step, Dan would be on the other side of the roof.

"You're no fun, Raven," Dan complained, and he looked up at the dark figure with a frown. "Don't you even want to hear my monologue? My tragic backstory? I prepared one like all the proper villains in the movies."

"You're not funny," Raven replied. True, his mouth didn't curl in amusement, though Dan didn't doubt his own sense of humor. The Raven was too serious for his own good.

"Besides," Dan continued. "You've never caught me before. What makes you think today's any different?"

"This." Dan hadn't, of course, been prepared for Raven's new invention. He was always coming up with new things like that, trying to trip Dan up. And it worked. Dan was left gasping and in pain as currents of electricity coursed through his body, until he finally managed to pull himself out of the pain and launch himself away from his opponent, ripping off the bugs that had attached to him with the Raven's attack. They appeared to be some sort of projectiles, ones that latched onto Dan's clothes and released an electric current in response.

"Good God," Dan muttered, breathing hard. "That fucking sucked."

"I thought it would," the Raven replied snarkily. And then Dan grinned. Raven grew visibly angrier, which only made Dan more excited. Fighting the Raven made him feel alive.

The fight was brief but brutal, quick, vicious exchanges that left their skin and muscles throbbing in complaint. At the end of it all, having been electrocuted twice more, Dan was forced to bring it to an end.

"As fun as this has been," he panted, clutching his side. "I've really got to go."

"But you haven't done anything yet," the Raven had pointed out.

"How kind of you to remind me." Again, the Raven had a lot to learn. He wasn't the only smart person out there, after all. Usually, Dan persuaded people on the spot, right in front of the Raven. He enjoyed the disgusted downturn the hero's mouth took. But Dan could persuade them in advance too, and he could command them to respond to certain signals as well.

With a sarcastic salute to the Raven, Dan brought his fingers to his mouth and whistled loudly into the night. The first rumbles of the explosion were echoing underneath them as Dan launched himself off the building, watching as the Raven sprang up into the air in flight, surprised. By the time Dan landed (on his feet, as usual), Raven was a speck in the sky, and glass was shooting from the windows of the building into the surrounding area, right before an explosion sounded below them. That’ll be the basement level.

Dan then set off with a run, years of practice under his belt, making something like running the easiest task in the world. He was quick. He was fast, just as fast as the Raven was, flying. Police sirens echoed all around, threatening to give Dan a headache. He sprinted on.

The damned Raven was following him from above, as Dan knew he would, and he giggled to himself as he sidestepped into a random alley and pressed himself against the wall. Suspecting trickery, Raven circled above him a few times, before deciding Dan had probably escaped into one of the surrounding buildings, and landed at the entrance of the alley. Dan stayed pressed against the wall. The art of melting into the shadows was as easy as breathing to him, and he stepped out of hiding when Raven was close enough.

The other man’s breath hitched quietly, just enough to let Dan know he’d truly surprised him, and then Dan pressed him against the brick wall with his body. He was strong for his size, he knew that, and it was all thanks to the muscle he’d built with his years of being the Panther. Raven was new to the equation, after all, but Dan was happier now than he’d been for a long while.

“Following me into a dark alley, Raven?” Dan whispered. He placed his hand on the exposed skin of Raven’s jaw, and the other man’s hand shot up to grip Dan’s wrist with the strength of iron. Dan concealed his wince—that was sure to bruise. He could feel the Raven’s body pressed against his, could feel him panting, due to all the rapid movement he’d been doing. “Don’t you know bad guys lurk here?”

“I could fucking electrocute you right now,” the Raven threatened. It was a bluff. If he could, he would’ve done it already, but Dan knew now, as he had suspected back on the roof, that Raven had used his last little electrocution bugs already. He was out of them.

“But you won’t,” Dan said sensually, and then he leaned up and whispered into Raven’s ear, “because you’re as turned on as I am?” The Raven made a choked sound, and he moved, just barely, likely about to deploy another hidden weapon. Dan wasn’t about to find out what other tricks he’d kept up his sleeve, and he leapt backwards, agilely perching on the ledge of a windowsill, several feet above the Raven’s head. This ability was another gadget installed in his costume—his shoes could propel him the length of two men into the air.

“You’re disgusting,” Raven snapped. Dan pouted.

“You’re homophobic,” he countered childishly, settling on the windowsill and dangling his feet below himself. Try to grab them, Raven, he silently urged. I dare you. “What a hero! A heterosexual hero. You wouldn’t save a queer, would you?”

The Raven growled, and he launched himself into the air, reaching for Dan’s feet. Dan laughed giddily, and he slammed the heel of his foot into Raven’s chest when he was close enough, delighting in the choked sound he made. Raven collapsed back onto the floor of the alley, and Dan jumped back down to squat beside him, breath knocked out and struggling to regain it.

“We really do have fun together,” Dan commented, and he cocked his head, staring down into Raven’s blue eyes. “We should do this again sometime! Maybe next week? I was thinking I might do something with the public library.”

Raven’s eyes filled with rage, and he bared his teeth. Soon enough, the air would flood back into his lungs, and he’d be diving to catch Dan. He stood, laughing as he stared down at Raven. He wasn’t quite at Dan’s level yet, but Dan was waiting anxiously for the day it came, for the day when it was actually hard, the day he could barely scrape a win. He was at quite the disadvantage, however. Raven was willing to do anything to capture Dan, but Dan would always let him go. After all, how else could he assure that Raven would come back?

“Don’t worry so much, Raven,” Dan said, and he jumped onto the window’s ledge again, and then another. “My plans are actually quite tame. I was thinking I might steal a book!” He was unable to keep himself from laughing in pure delight, at that, and he peered down from the roof of the building now, where below the Raven was struggling to his feet. Dan waved, and then he was running along the tops of buildings. After all, he had a microwaveable meal to get to.

~~

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for anyone who doesn’t know, i update every saturday! :]

#cam #cat and mouse #jilliancares #phanfiction #phanfic #phan

[havendance]

After the Storm

Summary:

When Nohr invades Hoshido, it's like a storm hits. And everybody is swept up in it. Age swap AU for the endgame of conques. Spoilers for the ending of Conquest.

AN: This was inspired by @rapis-razuri’s age swap AU Down the River Line. This was meant as a sort of continuation of the story so I would recommend that you read it first. It’s really good. You can read it on fanfiction.net  and ao3. There are spoilers for the Conquest path end game. You have been warned. I hope you enjoy reading this. :)

Ryouma

As soon a Ryouma sees the enemy, he knows that he cannot retreat and let Fort Jinya fall to them. Fort Jinya is one of the most important parts of Hoshido's line of defense, if it falls, Hoshido falls. He knows that his siblings sent him to the fortress to keep him safe, but he will not hesitate to fight, and fall, alongside his men.

They fight well, but not well enough, as the battle drags on, it becomes clear that the only options that remain are death and surrender. Ryouma knows nearly everyman under his command. He has learned their hopes and dreams and fears. He doesn’t want to see them die.

And so, when Corrin offers a chance of surrender, Ryouma takes it. But not for himself. He refuses to be a pawn of Nohr; to be taken prisoner and used as a tool. He knows what a samurai’s final duty is.

It is when he is lying on the ground, impaled on his own sword, with the world fading around him that he hears the screams of his men around him. The last thought he has before he dies is that he made the wrong choice.

Marx

Marx is disturbed by the massacre at Ft. Jinya, but he tries not to show it. He doesn't want to be an embarrassment to father. He will do what father wants, and right now, if father wants this slaughter, then Marx will do nothing to stop it. There is nothing he can do.

Afterward, as he walks through the fortress with Corrin and the others, he notices the body of the prince who was defending this place. He is lying in a pool of his own blood. Marx has heard stories of Hoshidan samurai warriors who would rather face death than dishonor. But he sees Corrin trying to not let his grief show, and he wonders if what the prince did was really all that honorable.

Confidence has never been Marx's strong suit, but this war is changing things. After walking through the carnage that day, he knows that he has gained glory and he knows that he can fight. But that doesn't stop him from wondering if what he is fighting for is really what is best for Nohr. Maybe, if he had the confidence to confront father, none of this would have happened.

That day, Marx swears that he will find the confidence he needs to help Nohr in the right way.

Hinoka

Hinoka watches the Nohrian army approach the Great Wall of Suzanoh. Takumi warned her that the army would try to come this way so she isn't surprised to see them approach. What worries her is the direction that they are coming from.  Ryouma was supposed to be safe at Ft. Jinya, she thinks, sending up a silent prayer to the Dawn Dragon that her little brother is safe.

She rallies her troops, not letting anyone see the nervousness that she feels. Hinoka knows that failing here means Hoshido will almost certainly fall. The stakes here are higher than any that she have ever faced. But she has never been one to back down from a challenge. Not ever.

No matter how hard she tries, she can’t stop the battle from turning in the Nohrians favor. Hinoka finds herself at the receiving end of a Nohrian archer's bow. She falls. She counts herself lucky that she didn't break her neck. But her faithful Tenma is dead and she can't help but remember that it was an arrow that injured it when they first met.

HInoka forces herself to walk away. She knows that this battle has been lost and that she must stay alive to fight Nohr if everyone else has died. She can't bring her mount with her, but she can bring Raijinto, a treasure that will serve her well if she must fight.

Let Nohr think that she is dead, she will rise from the ashes like the phoenix.

Camilla

Camilla never feels more alive than when she is risking her life. She swoops and slaughters on the back of her wryven. She has heard the fearful whispers of the Hoshidans. They talk of a demon on a dragon wielding a dark axe as they curse her name under their breath.

She doesn't care about what they think. So what if she’s not the young lady that she’s supposed to be? She will use the strength that she has to defend her siblings. Marx, Elise, Leon, and Corrin. Leon and Elise are not always appreciative of her efforts, but she will fight for them nonetheless. Corrin is different, he is older than her, but he acts like he is younger. Camilla decides that she will be an older sister that protects him.

So, at the Great Wall of Suzanoh, when she hears Corrin's tears for the sister that is no longer his, she goes and looks for the body. Camilla can't bare to see Corrin cry.

She finds the body of a temna in the forest, but no sign of the princess. Camilla tells nearly everyone that she is dead. Corrin is the only person she tells the truth. If the princess is still alive, she can consider her life a gift.

Camilla hopes that the possibility is enough for her brother.

Takumi

Takumi knows that as the crown prince of Hoshido it is his duty to guard the throne, to be the last line of defense against Nohr, but he insists that Sakura take that place. They previously received word that Nohr was pushing forward and had taken the capitol. There is no other reason that pride to keep fighting now when there battle is all but lost.

So he insists that his sister stay back because, while he knows that they are going to die, he can't help but hope that somehow he can push back the Norian army. He knows that it won't make a difference. He knows that they are surrounded and hopelessly outnumbered. He knows that they are going to die. It is clear that the question is not whether or not they will survive, but how much of the Nohrian army they can take down with them.

They fight Corrin's little army. Takumi wonders how his traitor brother can act like he regrets what he's doing, and still fight his family. He fights them furiously, but he can't win.

He is dieing from dozens of wounds and he can't help but think that if he had the Fujin Yumi, it would've made a difference, even though he knows he was doomed from the start.

Leon

Leon can see the worry in Elise's eyes when she looks at Corrin. Elise has always wanted to protect everyone, and Leon is quite content to help her do it. She draws him aside as they enter Hoshido's palace, and asks him to help her to find a way to save Sakura. She wants Corrin to have at least one of his Hoshidan siblings survive because she can see how their deaths hurt him. Leon tells her that he will try. They both know that his success is dependent on whether or not he can fool father.

Sakura is the last obstacle that they must face. She challenges Corrin to a duel, though it seems to Leon that she does it primarily out of a sense of duty. He watches as Corrin accepts, though it is clear that he has no desire to bar his sword against her.

While the chaos of battle rages around them, Leon watches Corrin's duel carefully. And, when he has defeated Sakura, but not killed her, Leon steps in to deal the final blow.

Father objects, but not as much as he would of if Corrin had argued with him once again.

Only Leon and Elise know what really happened. Sakura is injured, but not dead. Though Corrin weeps now, he'll know the truth soon enough. Elise will tell him.

And Leon will watch and continue to work his own brand of magic from the shadows.

Sakura

Sakura isn't sure why she is still alive. She wakes up in the care of none other than the Crown Princess Elise herself. When she first wakes things are a blur. There is talk of peace, a treaty, and a coronation. People are addressing her as queen. Bit by bit, she puts together the pieces. Takumi is dead. Ryouma is dead. For a time there is talk of Hinoka being dead, but she is alive. Sakura thanks the Dawn Dragon for small mercies.

Without explanation, Nohr packs up and leaves, as if the invasion never happened. Sakura is left behind to mourn. It is her duty as the queen of Hoshido to try and forgive Nohr and to forge a hopeful future. She tries, but it is hard act as if the two new graves next to Sumeragi's don't exist.

There is talk of a marriage in order to solidify the treaty. And, though Sakura knows that it will probably be necessary one day, she ignores it. Right now, she just wants to focus on rebuilding Hoshido and recovering from her own, personal losses.

She tries to comfort Hinoka, but her sister refuses to be comforted. Sakura watches as Hinoka fights as if strength is all she needs to bring back her family. She envies the way that her sister is able to forget herself in her training.

Sakura can't pick up the Fujin Yumi without remembering Takumi and how much he had wanted the weapon.

Sakura doesn't feel ready to take the throne. Queen Elise of Nohr is willing to talk and cooperate in ways that have never happened between Hoshido and Nohr before. There is so much resting on Sakura’s abilities to repair her war torn country. Everyone is looking to her to make things right; to solve problems that she doesn't know if she can solve.

Sakura finds herself admiring what her stepmother did more and more everyday.

Elise

Elise has finally achieved the peace she dreamed of. Tensions are still rocky between Hoshido and Nohr, but there's nothing that she won't be able to overcome. The largest problems that she faces are the ones at home. She pretends not to hear the rumors whispered behind her back saying that she was planning this all along, that she killed her father in a premeditated move, that she's going to destroy Nohr with her new policies.

But the words still hurt because she can't help but see the truth in them. Elise loved who her father used to be, she didn’t love who he became, but she stood by his side nonetheless out of respect for the man she remembered. The man who was a good king.

When Corrin told them that their father was dead, and had been for years, Elise hadn't wanted to believe him, but when she saw the monster that took her father's place, it was clear that their was no other choice but to destroy what he had become.

Elise remembers her father the clearest of all her siblings, and so she regrets their actions the most of all of her siblings. She knows that she must look to the future, so she leans on the father that she loved in the past. She has always leaned on her family even as they leaned on her.

The entirety of Nohr is her family now. Elise vows to live for it and protect it. It will be her monument to the family that didn't live to see this day.

Corrin

Corrin feels regret more than anything else. He has eyes. He could see the way that Sakura and Hinoka looked at him when they attended Elise's coronation. He has ears. He can hear the whispers calling him a traitor behind his back whenever he sets foot in Hoshido. He knows that he's not wanted by the people that he tried to help.

He blames himself for the deaths that happened. Mt. Garou, Ft. Jinya, Ryouma, Takumi. At least he managed to save the ice tribe. Corrin can't help but feel that if he made a different choice, those people would still be alive. He tells himself that he will find a way to make amends for his actions.

Corrin refuses to believe that Aqua is truly dead. He knows what he saw, and he saw her, he heard her, that day. He throws himself into a search for her, telling himself that if he finds her, he will finally feel that his actions were justified. She could always convince him that he was making the right choice

They say that he is living in the past, but they just don't understand that it is his duty to make things right.

Aqua

Aqua is lost, but not forgotten.

#age swap au #fire emblem #fire emblem fates #fanfiction #my fiction #sakura (fire emblem) #elise #corrin #azura #aqua #kamui #marx #xander #ryouma #ryoma #leo #leon #takumi #hinoka #camilla #conquest endgame #spoilers #posts i made #havendance writes

[fullmoonfireball]

OC Recap-thingy???

hecc i put this off for too long 

i dont really know what that anon meant when they requested this, but i hope this’ll do (readmore bc this is gonna be Long)

Crinoline Parisa

Ribbon’s mom

where’s her husband??? we just dont know

she’s doing her Best™ to be a good mom to Ribb

Lace Parisa

Mirror World!Ribbon

an edgy lil shit

very grumpy

why have i never posted a coloured pic of her

Shadeleine Walsh

Mirror World!Adeleine

Probably the OC I fiddle the most with.

She has a really strong Texan accent for some reason??? I don't know why I gave her it

Takes magic lessons from Wiz( that magician guy that no one seems to remember/care about?). As it turns out, their brand of magic is not anything she can pull off.

Works as their assistant sometimes... Even if it can be slightly terrifying because of their methods (their magic lets them make the tricks a bit more than just illusions). Shaddy has gotten cut in half (or more parts) more times than she cares to count.

Actually more interested in drama, but she's taken what she got.

She's good friends with Shadow Kirby! They hang out a lot!

Her name used to be Shado. And yes, that IS pronounced the way it looks like it is. She hated it.

Owns an oversized magenta sweater and wears it at ever chance she gets. Wiz hates it.

there wasn’t originally another character in this picture what are you talking about

Shadow Marx (left)

Mirror World!Marx (no duh)

Mild insomniac. He hates it.

Just wants to sleep, like any other noddy.

Dating Mirror Magolor

May or may not have kept him up with his late-night thoughts a few times.

Syzzle (right)

Mirror World!Gryll

Doesn't care about Star Stacker (or any similar game) in the slightest.

A complete NERD

Probably owns a library or something

Theatra (left)

Mirror World!Claycia

Complete drama queen

Which is good, because she's an actress.

Gay as hell for Shadow Elline

she’s supposed to have horns like Claycia, but I forgot them in this picture

Shadow Elline (right)

Mirror World!Elline (what a shock)

An inkbrush fairy-thing

Writes most (if not all) of Theatra's stuff

Gay as hell for Theatra

the ‘straight man’ of the duo, despite being neither straight nor a man

Mirror Magolor

Mirror World!Magolor (obviously)

An anxious little negg (nerd egg)

A cinnamon roll (unlike his counterpart)

Protect him

Knows nothing about where he came from

Dating Shadow Marx

Slightly annoyed by how much he keeps him up. But he stops rambling... eventually.

More info on him can be found here

Rose Symyva (left) and Violet Larivi (right)

They're married

Rose is pretty chill, Vi's a bit more eccentric.

Don't insult Violet unless you want to face Rose's wrath (which you don't).

I don't know much about them yet, they're mostly just designs.

Typhiste Nirymsu

DEAD (GOOD RIDDANCE)

He was An Ass

Dated Magolor at one point.

Used to be a prince (now he's just dead)

LEMME SMASH

Echo

Also dead, but less so.

Died from electrocution.

Doesn't remember anything about her life, which distresses her.

When she was alive her name was Iris

Updated version of one of my first Kirby OCs 

Niaviri Taysin

Also dead (for real this time)

A good little egg

Was a florist!

v gay with Odalania

Tislora Altryb 

Mags’ mom

v sweet egg

maiden name is ‘Azaress’

was closer to her son than Aparctias was

idk what else to say about her

Aparctias Altryb

Mags’ dad

firm, but kind

taught the egg most of what he knows about magic out of family tradition

also got him started on learning English

Hynwari (left) and Sanfyria (right) Rimaddim

only exist in the Popa AU

super dead, even in the AU 

both of them are Very Short (Sanfyria especially). they could make Meta Knight look like he’s average height

Popopo (the green half of Kirby)’s parents

she’s supposed to have speckles i just forgot them in the original pic

they were specifically targeted to be killed just so their son could be taken from them by Nightmare

Hazel Pesyphomia (left) and Amelia Evitheth-Pesyphomia (right)

MARRIED

Adopted a certain artist as their child.They love that noodle-orb a lot

Amy would absolutely fight you if you were to insult her wife or her kid.

Were honestly really scared the first time one off their kid's drawings came to life

Twila

You know her. She's the one with all of those scarfies.

Spoils those little beasts

Was actually supposed to be trained as a Spynum, not a Simirror, but was more interested in magic than archery.

Lives mostly-alone in the woods.

Amicia Tyopt

technically that’s not actually her in that picture but let’s look past that

as implied above, her body was stolen by sectonia (shown above)

idk anything about her personality yet tbh

Osgifu Amata 

handmaiden moth, in more ways than one

worked for Sectonia Way Back When

deceased

Eglantine Cujoi

Into™ gals

first body stolen by Sectonia

deceased in both body and mind

Kimiko

anime-verse oc

demon beast

just read this it’s got all you’ll need to know about her

Jordan (the one with the spear) and Coral (on top of Jordan)

BWD's siblings

Jordan is their older brother, Coral their younger sister.

He works as one of Dedede's guards. She's too young to work.

Jordan's a little jealous about Taylor (BWD) outranking him, but he's proud of them at the same time.Coral is a little ball of energy.

They were the other Waddle Dees in Dream Collection's intro, and the sleeping Dees with the eye implants next to Bandanna Dee in Robobot( in the modern train level I think?).

Odalania 

Dead

Really freaking good at magic

Lean Bean

Worked for Typhiste's family

Gay™ with Niaviri

also has a casual clothes ref

Magolor (not that one)

yes, every other time ‘Magolor’ has been mentioned I was referring to canon one. i call this one Old Magolor/Classic Magolor/etc. for simplicity

this is who canon mags named himself after

Old and Dead

one of the lor’s previous captains

lorlor

Cymboria Taysin

niaviri’s younger sister

she’s the bigger one

very sweet

good at magic

likes to travel 

often brings foreign flowers back to nia!

Morastrum Altryb/Nirymsu

doesnt exist in the mainverse

a Good Lil Girl

... even if her dads (mags and ty) are both Asses

last name depends on if Typhiste is alive or not

likes sweet foods

Myrdinia

mirror world!drawcia

an automaton made by wiz 

speech has a Low Quality Garble

incredibly bitter over the loss of her sister

always has at least 5 throwing knives on her

Glorious Nebula

really old 

their language shows their age 

how are they still functioning

no one’s really sure how they lost that quarter of their face

used to have one of those shooting star decorations, but it got broken off at some point i totally didnt just forget it

??? (left) 

old and dead

one of the ancients

married to garulin, was very happy with her

probably worked a lot on the clockwork stars, but did help with other artifacts as well

pleasant guy, but not really anything special if you ignore his place in history

Drusorig (middle)

also old and dead

another one of the ancients

i don’t have a proper ref for him, but there is this

he has dark fur, for all that matters

i dont trust him

very strong magic

the master crown was his own personal project

he didn’t trust anyone else with it so i think you can imagine who the subject of his experiments with it was.

destroyed most of the evidence of his experiments before his death so no one would know about them

it worked

Volzavair (right)

also also old and dead

guess who’s also one of the ancients (it’s him)

actually has a proper ref

SHORT

gay, but ended up marrying a woman out of convenience and desire for offspring

relatively weak magic, specialized in technology

worked on the Lor Starcutter, but died before it was completed

his oldest kid probably finished it

Kyneriun Snekell

press ‘f’ to pay respects

sweet pastel boy

loves baking

a little younger than magolor

Dalindia Nirymsu

dead

was queen regnant

could be a pretty strict ruler, but tried to be a just ruler

her husband is dead(er?)

ty’s mom

tried to keep him in line

Tiltaii

i’m not even sure if that should be their name but i’ll just... roll with it

theyre nonbinary

a literal doodlebug (pillbug artist)

painted these portraits

doesnt have any magical abilities unless floating their hands counts

bought Paintra from Paint Roller, and was... pretty surprised, to say the least when she suddenly came to life

regardless of their surprise, they’re trying to take good care of her

???

a honey bee

runs a cafe

very polite, but not a pushover

more or less a design with a few ideas attached at this point

Garulin

married to the unnamed green ancient

technically one of the ancients but not commonly acknowledged as one

pretty good at magic

mostly worked with the artifacts’ ‘mind’s, both through programming and magic

Shadow Sectonia

mirror world!sectonia (what a shock)

floralian jewel wasp

accidentally ended up corrupting other world!sectonia by having too much contact with her

naturally a wasp. hasn’t stolen anyone’s body

she’s too nice to do that

dead. actually got murdered around the same time her counterpart died

spoilery elements below (don’t worry he’s the last OC here)

Shadow Taranza

mirror world!taranza (who would’ve guessed)

overly-loyal

like, ‘would unhesitatingly die for someone he cares about’ kind of loyal

nervous mess, even before Sectonia died. that only worsened things

he’s not okay

#there's a lot of old art here so #youre welcome for that i guess?? #idk i dont want to look at it either #Vesper's OCs #LONG POST #save #ref #maybe i'll update this one day #probably not #lmao theres actually a few that are missing because ive never posted anything about them here #or anywhere #i dont expect anyone to go through all of this because of how ridiculously long it is but Congrats if you do

[queenofnohr]

if you don't mind me asking how did you flesh out madora so thoroughly? i've always wanted to do the same with my kamui tbh

Hmmmmm….

Honestly, I can’t give you an end-all be-all answer (but really, no one can, so take any writing process tips with a grain of salt) but, the main point of how I worked on Madora is…….

I fleshed her out as a concept, first. Instead of following some character guide sheet with “Likes,” “Dislikes,” that sort of thing, I though about what I wanted her to represent, as a character. And for me, that was human willpower. The ability to crush even god with determination alone. On a greater scale, I wanted her to become someone who represented “Victory” - but even that “Victory” was a concept I defined for myself. Instead of merely winning it was “not war, or peace, but the relief after a hard fought battle, that momentary joy, and exhilaration”. So she was meant to be someone who existed somewhere between war and peace, someone who wasn’t content with either, yet recognized both pieces as integral to one’s existence.

These are the two concepts I wanted Madora to embody.

Of course, this was also mixed with my own wants…. Who did I want this character to be? Even though I created her intending her to be Marx’s de facto wife, I didn’t create her with the notion of pushing things onto her that were simply “things Marx would like” (which would’ve been impossible anyway since the game wasn’t even out yet). Instead I simply gave her things I wanted to see in a female character. I was aggravated ( and I suppose, still am) how strong female characters could only be strong if they didn’t care about anything (except power/money/etc). It’s like, when you have a female character who’s a bad bitch in media, for whatever reason, they can’t love anything. Men are just playthings, family is a nuisance, friends are momentary delights, perhaps, but not things you can trust. Being passionate about anything or having hobbies that don’t amount to taking an empire is worthless. And as soon as she does care about something, all of a sudden she’s a slave to it! So for Madora, what I wanted was someone who could get shit done and be ruthless, but I tied her ruthlessness into her love for her family. But to avoid her just being a mama bear or somesuch, I made her family and their preservation a representation of a “good end” - not that she must have a family to be happy, but that the fate of having them die is a fate she must crush to dust with her will alone.

“What you want to see in a character” can also mean putting something in you like thinking about/conceptualizing/what your writing naturally drifts to. Mine, in particular, has some strange fixation on martyrdom. Not simply dying for an ideal and being commemorated as a saint, but any sacrifice of the self (whether physical, emotional, or both) for an ideal. This is represented in Madora as her viewing sacrifice, pain, etc. as the only way to know how determined she is. Pain/loss/sacrifice will be repaid. An alchemist’s creed.

After considering both “what I wanted to see in a character” and “what concept I wanted to focus on” I had the pieces to her puzzle lined up. Then you connect the dots to get your general impression of a character. How the generally act, etc. If Madora’s willpower was something to crush even god, then it was her greatest strength. But, looking at it realistically, someone who pursues something to that degree would have such a thing as a crippling weakness as well - pursuing something so one-track-mindedly makes one oblivious to other things and harms interpersonal relationships, etc. as an example.

On that note - think realistically about the traits you tag onto a character. It’s easy to be biased toward your own ideals, but thinking everyone (both in universe and out) will see that trait as a great virtue breaks a willing suspension of disbelief and weakens the writing. Look at every virtue and see how it could be a vice, and every vice to see how it might be a virtue.

The way you write other characters in a universe interacting with that character is also integral to selling that character. If you have characters act out of character without very solid evidence as to why, it weakens he writing by creating discrepancies.

On the subject of other characters, however, it’s sometimes helpful to use some as foils. I mostly had Brutus to fulfill that role, but it isn’t hard to use an existing character as a foil either (and in fact, you could foil Madora against either big brother).

I also work backwards from a character. I don’t say, “this is what my character’s past is like, so based on that, how should they act” I instead think of how I want a character to be, and have their pat reflect who they are now. Then, based on their backstory, I think of other details I’d like to give them (Madora’s love of flowers and her natural healing talent, making her secondary class a Troubadour.)

Lastly……. going back to the subject of “likes” and “dislikes,” I’ve always found them useless questions. As a person, there are many things I like, and even love, that have varying degrees on how someone perceives me. I find thinking of the FGO way or Pillow Book way best. For the FGO way, there are four rules. 1. A like or dislike or wish must tell something about the character. 2. Imagine this character isn’t filling out a form for their own personal benefit, but telling another person (this limits what they can/can’t say based on how personal, whether they must explain, and makes you think - okay, maybe they’re saying this, but is there something they like that tells me something of their character that they intentionally hide, etc.) 3. because they are telling someone, rather than just a list, construct it as a sentence (though things can be listed) 4. think of it as a line in a mobile game - they can’t go on and on forever about things they like, so keep it concise, yet interesting.

The other way, the Pillow Book way, is taken from the Pillow Book. Instead of listing likes/dislikes, instead make lists of things. “Elegant things” “Infuriating Things” “Things that Make One’s Heart Beat Faster” - if the amount of lists you can make is innumerable, then it really makes you put down things that a character would thing is “truly” elegant (would something fit more under “Things that Arose Fond Memories of the Past” or “Things that Make One’s Heart Beat Faster”). Of course, repeated items can be quite telling too (if Madora put a tender moment between her in Marx in the two aforementioned lists, of course it would elicit an eyebrow raise from a reader) but they are best done in moderation for impact. Having it this way also serves as a minor argument - if a character is putting it down in a book for others to see, they must think that others should agree with them on the topic (for example, Madora putting down “Hoshidan sunlight” as an “Irritating Thing” - she could list 1001 things that are irritating and that people would agree with, but listing “Hoshidan Sunlight” provokes thought, and is something she would want to put down because of her bias). For this, you can think of your own lists, but it’s sometimes helpful to consider Sei Shonagon’s own lists (they are also quite amusing). I don’t think there’s one single place outside of the Pillow Book that gives all the lists but you can find some just by searching.

#i forgot my writing ref tag #long post #tekkaguya #dei time audience chamber

[talpup]

Summary: Yami Sukehiro just wanted to join the Magic Knights and make his mentor proud.  He knew there would be trails.  He knew trouble would come his way.  Knew he would be faced with discrimination for being a foreigner and a peasant.  What he didn’t know.  Didn’t expect.  Was that literal Chaos would come his way.  That he and his mentor’s sister would be at the center of world ending trouble.  Or that he would fall in love with his mentor’s sister and face more than discrimination; but the jealously of Nozel Silva who loved the same woman he did.

Please remember this fic is rated mature and has warnings of violence, abuse, sexual tension, eventual sexual behavior, and other possible triggers.  For a full list of story tags please check the fics AO3 (link to that at the top of my tumblrs homepage).

Chapter 79

Zora had only stayed one night at the Black Bulls base.  Zara’s sister arriving the afternoon after Zara’s death to take Zora to live with her and her family in Rizon.  While probably fortunate for Zora’s mental and emotional healing, it was unfortunate for the case and cause of justice that Zora hadn’t seen anything.  With no idea who or why Zara had been killed, murdered in his own home; Zora seeing or hearing something would've be of great help to Magic Investigations.

It was mid-morning twelve days after Zara’s death when Julius arrived at the Black Bulls base.  He had been carrying the final report from Magic Investigations; brow deeply furrowed, lips set in a hard line, and furious tears shining in his eyes.  The case of Zara Ideale’s death was officially closed.  Zara had been more than a friend to Julius.  The man had enlightened and inspired him.  Which made both the report, and things he overheard when walking the grounds of Magic Knights Headquarters all the more upsetting.

Seated behind the desk in his office, Jax lowered the report and looked up at his friend.  “How could they find nothing?  No trace.  No lead. Is Magic Investigations really that incompetent?  I’ll send some of my people out and we’ll find something.”

Julius shook his head and downed the whiskey he had let Jax pour him when he first sat down.  Grimacing at the burn, he set the glass on the desk. “The case is closed.  Sir Jorah was adamant about that.”

Jax frowned at the empty glass, eyes narrowing.  “What’s going on here, Julius?  There’s something you’re not saying.”

Julius sniffed, lip twitching.  “I overheard some Purple Orcas.”  His voice cracked with emotion forcing him to pause and swallow the painful lump in his throat.  “They were conversing.  I didn’t hear a name.  But…  They were talking about having killed someone in their own home.”

Jax straightened in his seat.  Unable to believe it, he leaned forward and questioned.  “You think Zara’s comrades murdered him?”

Eyes stinging, Julius looked up at his friend.  “I’ve never known a Magic Knight to laughingly boast about having killed someone in their own home.  I had Marx check the mission reports.  There was nothing sent in from the Purple Orcas about entering someones home.  Let alone killing them.”

“But why?  Why kill one of your own?”  Jax asked, incredulous.

Julius’ hands balled into fists.  If he was right, just how far did this go? Surely Sir Jorah knew.  Why else would he be so adamant that the case was closed?  Why else would the Wizard King refuse to hear him out? Such news would be devastating for the Magic Knights.  Was that why Sir Jorah was keeping it quiet?  Or was it to protect the image of the nobles in the Purple Orcas?  No matter the reason, it disgusted Julius.  He had to get stronger and become Wizard King.  He had to fix the hierarchical corruption within the Magic Knights.  Sir Jorah might have taken the first step by implementing the star system.  But it wasn’t enough if things like this could happen and be swept under the rug.

More dismayed than he’d been in years, Julius replied.  “Heath may not have been the one to pick Zara for the Orcas, but he tolerated Zara well enough during his time as Captain.  Whlif on the other hand.” Teeth gritted, he shook his head.  “Zara might not have said anything.  But I could tell things got exponentially worse for on him when Whilf became Captain.”

“Are you saying a Magic Knights Captain had something to do with the murder of one of his own?”  Jax questioned, struggling to keep his voice down.

Rubbing his brow, Julius slumped back.  “Mana.  I truly hope not.  Not wanting to cause Zara any problems, I didn’t openly reveal we were good friends.”

Jax nodded, understanding.  Back in the day, before his rank had risen to the point of protecting him, Jamie and Pyter had set upon him more than once for forgetting his place as a merchants son and being friends with Julius.  Even now, he still occasionally got flack for his friendship with the royal.

Realization dawned, a deep foreboding crawling up Jax’s spine.  “There were three other royals and a noble who weren’t so careful about their friendship with Zara.”

Julius frowned and looked away.  He should have said something.  Should have told his sister and the others to be more mindful.  That hate and jealously among the nobles was a very real and deadly thing.  Maybe if he had...

“Are you saying I’m the reason for Zara’s death?”  Sounded a voice from the doorway.

Julius jumped up, knocking over the chair as he spun.  “Teris!  You shouldn’t listen in on others conversations.  Especially your Captain--”

“I wasn’t listening in.  I was coming to ask Jax if he’d heard anything from Magic Investigations about Zara’s case.”  Teris pushed the door open looking from her brother to her Captain and back.  “Was our friendship with Zara really the reason he was killed?  Murdered by members of his own--”  She fell silent unable to go on.  “What’s going to happen to them?  Will Magic Investigations need more time to gather irrefutable proof?”

“The case is closed.”  Jax said, pushing away a copy of the report Marx had smuggled out to Julius.

“So they’re being arrested?  The entire squad?  Or was it just a few? What’s going to happen?”  Teris asked.

Julius and Jax shared at look.

Heart aching, Julius stepped toward his sister.  “Teris.”

“No!” Teris stepped back.  “Don’t say my name like that or look at me with that face!  Something has to be done!”

“There’s no proof.”  Julius told her, throat constricting.  “I didn’t see who was talking.  Only part of a squad cloak.”  If only he had stepped around the line of shrubs.  “Even if I did.  I didn’t hear them say a name or give any details.”  He told both her and himself.  “They could argue it was a story.  A game.  A training scenario.”

Teris stared up at Julius with a look that hurt him almost as much as the wounded look she gave when he first left home after their mother’s death.  Only this pained look of hers carried a spark of hope.  As if she still believed he could do anything.

“You could go back to where you heard them.  Use your time magic.  Get a look at their faces.  Better yet, you could go to Zara’s and see exactly what happened and who did it.”  Teris said.

Julius swallowed, eyes red and shining with tears.  He shook his head.  If only he hadn’t been away on mission when Zara Ideale had been attacked and murdered.  “It’s been far too long for that to work and you know it.”

“Then Marx or Advisor Ellara.”  Teris tried.  “They could--”

“Teris. No.”  Julius interrupted, gently.

Teris spun around.  Julius grabbed her arm.  Pulling free, Teris made to light travel away.  Julius used his magic to slow the time around her and speed his.  He grabbed her once again and pulled her into Jax’s office, slamming the door closed.

Keeping a firm hold on her arms, Julius released the spell.  “Where do you think you’re going?”

“Where do you think!”  Teris snapped.

“You can’t.”  Julius said.

“Watch me!”  Teris growled, struggling to pull free.

Holding her tighter, Julius shook her.  “Teris!  Stop!  There’s nothing you can do.”

“There’s plenty I can do.”  Teris said.

There was wild look in her eyes that frightened Julius for her.  If she went to Magic Knights Headquarters or the Purple Orcas base and made a fuss she could be brought up on charges.  She could possibly even be dishonorably discharge from the Magic Knights.  Any chance she had of becoming Magic Knights Commander before her twentieth birthday would be ruined.  Slim as that chance was with Commander Greywright not looking to retire until Sir Jorah did, Julius didn’t want that chance taken from her.  He didn’t think he could stomach it.  Not when he would’ve been the cause, her having overheard him and Jax. Not when his friend had been murdered twelve days ago.  Not when his faith and love of the Magic Knights had been shaken to its core.

“No.” Julius said, grip tightening.

“Someone has to do something!”  Teris expressed, angry tears welling in her eyes.

“Not you.”  Julius mournfully told.

Tears slipping out of their banks, Teris stared up at him.  Silently pleading him to fix this.

Julius’ throat bobbed with emotion.  He had failed both his friend, and his sister.  His friend was dead, and his sister was hurting.  And there was nothing he could do about either.  He hated it.  He hated that the Wizard King he looked up to, and Magic Knights he loved would cover-up the murder of anyone.  Let alone cover-up the murder of someone as kind and generous as Zara Ideale.

Julius felt powerless.  Useless.  And in his current position he was.  But he swore he wouldn’t always be.  When he became Wizard King he would make sure nothing like this ever happened again.  He couldn’t seek justice for Zara.  But he could honor the mans memory by making the Magic Knights a better, safer, more welcoming organization for all people, no matter their societal rank.

Brows pinched together Teris uttered hoarsely.  “He was my friend, Juls. He had a son.”

Julius pulled her into a too tight hug.  His eyes squeezed shut.  A single tear escaped, rolling down his cheek to wet her hair.  “I know.  He was my friend too.”

79.2

A portal opened in the Black Bulls great room.  Jax tensed, the gateway similar but different from Bronn’s.  Fuegoleon stepped through with Randall and a group of other Magic Knights.  At the sight of two Purple Orcas, Jax cast a quick glance about the room.

“You!” Jax pointed and whispered harshly to the Purple Orcas.  “Go back the way you came.”  When the two stared wide-eyed and didn’t move, the Captain stepped to them and growled.  “Don’t think I’ll throw you through?  I said out!”

The Purple Orcas turned and slowly stepped back through the gateway just as Cob stepped through.

“Close it up.”  Jax commanded.

Cob looked back at the gateway.

“Now!” Jax ordered.

Confused as he was, Cob did as the Black Bulls Captain commanded.

Jax released a long exhale of relief.  The last thing he needed was Teris seeing two Purple Orcas in the base.  Looking at Cob, Jax told. “You’re lucky Bronn’s not here.  He’s territorial about people magicking into the base, and doesn’t like other Spatial Mages.  How’d you get in anyway?”

“Clearance.” Cob answered, cheerily.

Jax nodded.  He should have figured.  After all Cob worked for Magic Knights Headquarters.  He turned to the Crimson Lion’s acting Vice Captain.  “How’s Quince?”

“Still unconscious.”  Fuegoleon reported, holding out the mission order for Jax to take.

Jax skimmed it and handed it back.  “The geyser labyrinth, huh?  Then let’s find you Yami and Teris in a hurry.”

“Did you note Xerx and Revchi’s names on there?”  Fuegoleon questioned, referring to the two Purple Orcas Jax had ordered out and back through the portal.

“Drop the sarcasm acting Vice Captain.  It’s not going to happen.  You can have those two or you can my two Black Bulls.”  Jax said.

“Sir Jorah wrote the order and names himself.”  Fuegoleon told.

“I know the Wizard Kings hand.”  Jax said.  He turned to the Spatial Mage.  “Cob.  Fetch me Commander Greywright.  Quickly, please.”

“Righty’o.” Cob created a portal and stepped through.

“Bran!” Jax called, seeing the boy enter the room and immediately do an about face.  “Where’s Yami and Teris?”

Bran slowly turned back.  “Yami’s in the training room.  I think Teris is in the sun room.”

“Don’t think.  Know.  Go fetch Teris.”  Jax watched Bran disappear down another hallway.  He took in the Magic Knight’s gathered behind Fuegoleon.  It was quite a mix.  Randall from the Crimson Lions. Hamon and William from the Golden Dawn.  Charlotte and Fraya from the Blue Rose.  And Jack and En from the Green Mantis.

Knowing Jack was Yami’s friend.  If finding enjoyment from always fighting each other could be considered friendship.  Jax point at the Green Mantis then down the hallway.  “Jack.  Training room’s down that way.  Take the hall to the right.  First door on the left.  Go get the big lug.”  Thinking someone sensible should go along so Yami and Jack didn’t get caught up fighting, he added.  “Charlotte. Go with him.”

Fuegoleon stepped closer to Jax.  “Captain.  The geyser labyrinth--”

“I’m well aware the geyser labyrinth is only accessible for a set amount of time, acting Vice Captain.”  Jax interrupted.  More to himself, he went on.  “What’s curious is it opening up now.”

“Sir?” Fuegoleon blinked.

Jax smirked at the younger man and teased.  “What?  Didn’t know that the geyser labyrinth has been opening up like clockwork for hundreds of years and wasn’t set to do so for another two?”

Fuegoleon shook his head in answer.

Bran entered the great room with Teris.  “She was looking at the page of Chaos.”

“Traitor.” Teris glared.

Bran looked hurt.  “I only--”

“Teris!” Jax scolded.  “What’s the matter with you?”  He shook his head, waving off her excuse.  “I don’t have time for this.  The acting Vice Captain has a mission for you and Yami.”

“Acting Vice Captain?”  Teris echoed as Bran slunk off.

“You heard about Quince.  Did you expect Mereoleona to go without a Vice Captain?”  Jax questioned.

Teris looked at her cousin.  “You?”

“Just till Quince recovers.”  Fuegoleon said, too concerned about his Vice Captain to smile or be proud about the temporary position.

If he recovers, Jax thought.  From the sound of it, Quince was in a bad way.  Though the man was finally stabilized, he was still unconscious and the healers had no idea when or if he would wake up.

Greywright stepped through a portal.  “What is it, Jax?”  He frowned seeing the group of Magic Knights still present and followed the Black Bulls Captain in stepping away from them.

Yami arrived with Jack and a beet red Charlotte.

Concerned, Randall asked the Blue Rose.  “You feeling unwell?”

“I’m fine.”  Charlotte snapped.

Jack cackled.  “I think seeing Yami shirtless and doing pull ups with iron weights hanging from his waist might’ve been a bit much for her.”

“Dirty, disgusting...”  Charlotte voice tapered off, her face reddening further.

“Think she’s talking about you.”  Yami told Jack.

“I’m talking about the both of you!”  Charlotte scowled.

“Well now you’ve gone and hurt my feelings.  I took a bath this morning.” Yami said.

“Yeah. But after working out you stink now.”  Jack said.

Yami lifted an arm and sniffed.  Teris arched a brow at him.

Yami made his way to her, voice low and playful.  “What do you think, Princess?  Am I disgusting and dirty?”

“You could certainly use another bath.”  Teris remarked, admiring the way Yami’s shirt clung to his broad sweat drenched chest and chiseled abs.

“Maybe you could help me with that.”  Yami teased for her ears alone.

Thinking a change of subject was prudent, Teris asked.  “Did you know Leon was made acting Vice Captain?”

“Good for him.”  Yami circled around Teris and stood behind her.  His chest grazed her back with every inhaled, breath tickling her neck with every exhale.  “You smell delicious.”

“Stop it.”  Teris breathed, feet wanting to turn around, hands itching to touch him.

“You’re beautiful.”  Yami murmured, fingers trailing down her back where no one else could see.

“You’re hard.”  Teris shook her head at the mistake.  “I mean.  You’re making things hard.”

“You have no idea.”  Yami chuckled, hand sliding down to cup her ass.

Teris squeaked.  The gathered Magic Knight’s looked her way.  Yami chuckled again.  Hands slipping into his pants pockets, he took a step back from her.

Fuegoleon looked from Yami to Teris, noting the blush in his cousin’s cheeks. The acting Vice Captain shook his head.  Yami was a rogue.  A nuisance.  Fuegoleon would much rather have had Nozel on this mission.  He didn’t trust Yami to obey a Captain's commands, let alone his.  At least Teris was going, Fuegoleon thought, both grateful and disturbed that the foreigner seemed of bend to Teris’ will easily enough.

After a brief exchange with Jax, Greywright snapped, angry and annoyed. “Cob!  Go get two Silver Eagles.  I don’t care which.”  As Cob disappeared, the Knights Commander frowned at Jax.  “We’re wasting time.  The geyser labyrinth is only open for so long.”

“I know.”  Jax said.

“With it opening early, who knows if it’ll open when it’s suppose to.” Greywright said.

“Would you have rather I let it stay as it was?”  Jax questioned, quietly.

“Of course not.  Don’t be stupid.”  Greywright looked about.  “Where the hell is Cob with those Silver Eagles?”

“Geyser labyrinth?”  Teris looked at the Knights Commander and her Captain.

“That’s the mission.  We have-- Had six hours to get in.  Find the vault.  And get out before it closes back up.”  Fuegoleon told.

“Quit complaining.  You have the map showing the route those before you traveled.  You should find the vault easily enough.”  Jax told.

Greywright glanced at Jax knowing the Captain had been in the geyser labyrinth ten years ago when it opened at its scheduled time.  The place was a literal maze.  Hence the maps showing the routes previous explorers had taken.  And the command that current explores map their progress. No one knew how big the place was.  Only the entrance appeared when the labyrinth revealed itself.  But the mapped out portions hinted at the places massive scale.

“Seems the acting Vice Captain's afraid his first mission will be a failure.”  Jack cackled.

Teris made a face and turned away.  Yami saw her distaste and smirked.  He didn’t know why Teris didn’t like Jack.  Given that she couldn’t give him a straight answer when he asked her, Yami doubted Teris knew herself.

“I’ve been an acting Vice Captain before.  And had much success.” Fuegoleon reminded.

“Yami. Teris.”  Jax waved them over.

“Here it comes.”  Yami muttered, walking with Teris toward their Captain.

“I want you two back here as soon as the mission’s over.”  Jax said. “No delays.  No stops.  Straight.  Back.  Here.  Understood.”

“Why are you looking directly at me while you say that?”  Teris asked, already knowing the answer.

“Understood.” Jax repeated, unblinking gaze fixed on her.

Teris stared back.  Did her Captain really think she would head to the Purple Orcas base after this mission?  Now that she thought about it, the idea didn’t sound so bad.  She had no clue what she would do when she got there but she was she’d figure something out.

“Teris.” Jax prompted.

Teris rolled her eyes.  “Fine.”

“No. Not fine.”  Jax said.

“Understood.” Teris amended, snidely.

Jax's eyes narrowed.  He tried to recall if Teris had always been this difficult or if Yami was rubbing off on her a little too much.  He fixed his gaze on Yami.  “No deviations.  No delays.  You don’t let her out of your sight when the mission is over.  Knock her out and carry her back if you have to.”

Yami almost made a joke but took in the Captain's expression and Ki.  He shifted on his feet.  “Really?”

“Yes, Yami!  Really!”  Jax ran a hand through his hair, cursing under his breath.

Yami looked at Teris out of the corner of his eye.  It had only been four hours since he had seen both her and Jax at breakfast.  What had Teris done in that time to rile their Captain up like this?

“Jax. The Sliver Eagles are here.  Quit badgering your squad members and let them head out.”  Greywright told.

Cob opened a portal to the labyrinth.

Greywright looked at Fuegoleon.  “You have the countdown stones for each of the teams.  Vault or not, be on your way out with no less than an hour and a half remaining.  I don’t want anyone stuck in there when this thing disappears.  Got it.”

“Yes, Commander.”  Fuegoleon nodded.

Nozel and Neyres were sweaty and out of breath from their sparing session. The two Silver Eagles looked at their fellows wondering what was going on.

“I’ll explain as we head in.”  Fuegoleon told the Silver Eagles, leading them through the portal.

As soon as the group was gone Cob closed the portal.

Eyes on Jax, Greywright ordered the Spatial Mage.  “Wait outside if you would, Cob.”

“Yes, Sir.”  Cob said, cheerily.

When the front door closed behind Cob the Magic Knight’s Commander stormed.  “You told Teris it was Zara’s own squad?  What the hell were you thinking?”

Jax shook his head.  “I told Teris nothing.  She overheard Julius telling me what he heard some Purple Orcas say.”

Greywright frowned.  “Julius told me the same.”

“And?” Jax inquired.

“And what?  It’s hardly enough to bring them in for questioning.”

“They’re Magic Knights.”  Jax argued.  “We should expect questions. Especially when one of our own, a member of their squad, is killed. Zara didn’t die on some mission or battlefield.  The man was off duty--”

“We’re never off duty.”  Greywright cut over him.

“He was in his home.  His son was there.”  Jax said.

“And there might have been a different outcome if the boy had seen something.”  Greywright said.

“Who’s to say he didn’t?  Maybe he’s too afraid to talk.  Or has blocked it from his mind.  Did Ellara have a look?  Did any memory or communication mage?  Or are you all too afraid to look too hard cause you’ll have to do something about it?”

“Careful, Captain.”

“I mean Zara Ideale might’ve been a Magic Knight.  But like most of my squad, he wasn’t really one of you all.  Was he?  His life and service didn’t really matter.  Did it?  He was a commoner.  A peas--”

Greywright’s mana cloaked fist hit the stone wall.  Several large rocks crumbled and fell.  Cracks broke through the surrounding stones.  Spider web fractures splintered through the grout from ceiling to floor.  Voice dangerously calm, the Magic Knights Commander warned.  “Next time it’ll be your face.”

Jax stared at Greywright moment then lowered his gaze.

“The case is closed.”  Greywright said.  “Zara Ideale died in an unfortunate attack that we will never understand or have answers to. Magic Investigations combed the scene.  They spoke to everyone in town and interviewed his squad members.  It seems the man was loved by all.  He had no enemies.  No outstanding debts.  He rarely drank and didn’t gamble.  Everything he made went to provide for his son or help his less fortunate neighbors in and around the town he lived.”

“Julius heard--”

“Julius heard something that could’ve been anything.”  Greywright interrupted.  “He didn’t even see their faces.  What do you want, Jax?  You want us to question the entire Purple Orcas squad about something Julius overheard?  Even if anyone admits to being party to such a conversation it could easily be explained away as the most benign thing.”

“Ellara--”

“Isn’t going to enter the minds of upstanding Magic Knights so we can find out if they murdered one of their own.”  Greywright told.  “Do you have any idea the fuss that would cause?  Not just with the other Magic Knights but with the ranking classes?”

“If it were one of mine dead I’d freely volunteer if there was a chance justice could be served.”  Jax said.

“Leave it, Jax.  Do the smart thing.  Follow Julius’ lead.  Much as he doesn’t like it, he’s letting it go.  You need to do the same. You need to get Teris to do the same.  She’ll run into or have to work with someone from the Purple Orcas eventually.  I can’t be worrying about what she’ll do when that day comes.  She’s yours. Accident or not, you’re the reason she knows.  Fix it.”

“Knows what?”  Jax asked, latching onto the phrase.  “You said it was something we’ll never understand or know the answer to.  So what would she know?”

Greywright growled, mana rising again.  Did Jax think he liked this?  Refusing to dig deeper because of what they might find.  He was following orders.  And it wasn’t easy for Sir Jorah to make those orders. But the Wizard King did what he had to for the sake of the kingdom and the Magic Knights.  “Enough.  You’re beginning to make this difficult on me.”

“Good. It should be.”

“We live to defend and serve the kingdom and its people.  Sadly that comes with every sort of danger imaginable.  Even sadder.  Sometimes we die.”  Greywright said.

Jax shook his head.  “Not at home.  Not by attack from--”

“If you say ‘from one of our own’ Jax Jerren, I swear this squad will have a new Captain by the end of the hour.”

Teeth tightly clenched, a muscle in Jax’s jaw ticked.

The possible truth behind Zara Ideale’s death and Sir Jorah ordering the case closed with no findings had disenfranchised Greywright to the point he had seriously considered handing in his resignation. What further disturbed him was the reason that he hadn’t.  It had nothing to do with his promise to serve Sir Jorah until the man retired.  Nor was it because of anything the Wizard King had said. The reason Greywright remained was because of Julius’ suspicions about Ellara.  Greywright still had his doubts, but they weren’t as firmly held as they once had been.  If Ellara was working with the Agents of Chaos and using her magic to effect the Wizard King, Greywright couldn’t leave.  He owed it to Sir Jorah, to his Captain's and Magic Knight’s to make certain no one was controlling the Wizard King.

“It isn’t right.”  Jax said.

Shoulders slumped, Greywright turned toward the door.  “There’s a lot in this world that isn’t right.”

79.3

Yami stood beside Teris at the mouth of the geyser labyrinth.  He had thought that once away from Jax she would calm.  But the opposite happened.  Her mana flow becoming so rough and volatile he had to take a side step away from her to keep his harnessed.

Fuegoleon looked over the Magic Knights.  A spiteful, personal side of him wanted to put Yami and Teris on separate teams.  But like it or not, they worked better together.  And without Teris or someone Yami marginally respected, who would make Yami submit and obey?

Fuegoleon sighed and ordered.  “Yami.  Teris.  You’re with me and Randall.”

Nozel looked at the acting Vice Captain.  He wanted to challenge the call. But after the unquestioning support Fuegoleon had shown him during his time as acting Captain.  He didn’t feel it would be right.

Fuegoleon gave Nozel and Hamon, from the Golden Dawn, a time stone and copies of the mapped areas of the labyrinth.  “Nozel, you have Neyres, Charlotte, and Fraya.  Hamon, take William, Jack and En.  You heard Commander Greywright.  Vault or not.  Give yourselves at least an hour and a half to make your way back out.  Nozel, take the left split.  Hamon the center.”  He looked at Randall, Teris, and Yami. “We’ll take the right.  Be careful and good luck.”

The three teams entered the labyrinth and went their separate ways.

Fuegoleon, Yami, Randall, and Teris well into the labyrinth when Randall commented.  “It’s almost like we’re back in the Diamond Kingdom.”

“Hardly.” Fuegoleon said.

“Well, we’re missing Nozel and--”  Randall fell silent.

Teris glanced at the Crimson Lion.  “Can’t even say his name.”  Her nose wrinkled, lip curling.  “You disgust me.”

Fuegoleon watched his cousin take point despite her not having a map.  Randall made to speak, but the acting Vice Captain held up a silencing hand and shook his head.

Yami pulled up the rear, following in line behind Randall.  He looked up a head taking in Teris’ straight back and stiff shoulders, once again wondering what had gotten to her.  She had been fine this morning.  A little somber and more temperamental than usual, but much better than she had been during the first week after Zara’s death.  He knew she harassed Jax daily, inquiring what Magic Investigations had found and when the full report on Zara’s case would be filed and ready for viewing.  Maybe the report had come in and she hadn’t liked what it said?  But even if Magic Investigations hadn’t found the culprits. Whatever info they discovered might lead to finding them.  Teris might’ve been disappointed by such a report, but she wouldn’t be angry.

“To the right.”  Fuegoleon said, looking at the map.

Teris took the sharp left turn.

“I said right.”  When Teris didn’t turn back, Fuegoleon hurried his steps.  “Teris!”

Teris kept on walking.

Fuegoleon grabbed her arm and spun her around.  “ Don’t pretend you didn’t hear me.  I said we’re going to the right.”

“That’s the wrong way.”  Teris said.

Fuegoleon waved the map in front of her.  “The map clearly shows--”

“Then the map is wrong.”  Teris said.

Fuegoleon took a breath, trying to control his rising temper.  “The map shows where those before us have traveled.  Someone already went the way you’re going.  There’s nothing down there.”

“There’s something definitely down there.”  Teris looked at the three men. “Do none of you sense it?  Really?”

“Sense what?”  Fuegoleon asked.

“Maybe it’s a beast or some left over trap.”  Randall offered, knowing a royals magical sense was far better.

Teris looked at Yami, hope and question in her eyes.

Yami stayed silent a moment, focusing his Ki and magical senses down the path.  He looked at Teris almost apologetically.  “I don’t sense anything.”

Teris’ shoulders sagged, even as she insisted.  “There’s something down there.”

“What sort of something?”  Fuegoleon asked, impatience making his voice sharp.  They didn’t have time for this.  They had already lost twenty minutes when Captain Jax had refused the Purple Orcas and called for Commander Greywright.

“I don’t know.  But it’s powerful.”  Teris said.

“A powerful trap or beast?”  Randall questioned.

“No.” Teris snapped.

“So you don’t know what it is, but you know what it isn’t.” Randall said.

“Leave her alone.”  Yami rumbled.  He looked at Teris.  “I believe you.”

“Well now I feel so much better.  Yami Sukehiro believes his girlfriend.” Randall drawled.

“Hush.” Fuegoleon commanded his friend.  He turned to his cousin.  “We’re turning around and going to the right.  That’s an order.  Don’t like it.  You can head back out and wait.”

“Fine.” Teris snapped.  She looked over her shoulder down the path then headed back to the main tunnel.

Fuegoleon gave a nod of satisfaction and led Yami and Randall in following her. Fuegoleon frowned when Teris didn’t head down the path he had instructed.  Teris turned back up the tunnel they had been traveling that would lead her back out.

Fuegoleon sighed, exasperated.  “You can’t be serious.”

“You told me to head back out if I didn’t like it.  Well, I don’t like wasting my time so I’m heading back out.”  Teris said.

Fuegoleon ground his teeth.  He didn’t have time for this.  “Stay just inside the entrance.”

Teris waved and continued on her way.  Yami passed Fuegoleon, following her.

“Where do you think you’re going?”  Fuegoleon questioned Yami.

Yami looked back over his shoulder.  “Do you really have to ask?  Good luck, acting Lion King.  Don’t die down here.  Or do.  See if I care.”

Fuegoleon spun around heading down the soft sloping curve to the right. “Randall.  Let’s go.”

Teris walked another hundred paces and stopped.

Yami halted a step behind her.  “You’re about to do something I would do.”

“Yeah well.  What can I say?  You’ve rubbed off on me.”  Teris replied.

Yami’s eyes lowered to take in her backside.

Teris turned around.  She a lifted an eyebrow.

Caught in the act of appreciating her form, Yami smirked.  “This is the part where you usually try to reason with me.  I should probably do the same.  But all I can think of is rubbing off on you some more.”

“Yami. Can you focus.”  Teris chided, lightly.

Yami looked her over.  “I am focused.”

“On finding out what’s down there.”  Teris said.

Yami slipped his hands into his pockets.  “Not sure that’s a good idea.”

“You said you believed me.”

“I do.  That’s not the problem.”

“Then what’s the problem?”  Teris questioned.

“We don’t have a map to mark and follow to get out.”  Yami said, knowing how easy such a thing could be worked around.

“We can set blazes in the rock.”  Teris said.

“And we don’t have a time stone telling us how much time’s left before this thing closes up and disappears.”  Yami said.

Teris paused at that.

The fact that she was still considering doing this.  The fact that she had planned on doing it at all.  It told Yami that whatever she felt down there was pretty strong and inciting.

Looking about the tunneled cave, Yami sighed.  “Tell you what.  I’m gonna round the time remaining down to four hours.  And we have to head back out with two hours left.”

“Two! Greywright and Fuegoleon said an hour and a half.”

Yami crossed his arms.  “So now you want to listen to the Lion Cub?”

Teris looked away.

“That leaves you two hours, Princess.”

“Me?” Teris questioned.

Yami grinned.  “Don’t worry.  You’re not getting rid of me that easily.  But I’m following your lead on this.”

“Thank you.”  Teris smiled.

“You’re gonna owe me something big for this.”  Yami told.

“I’m alright with that.”

Yami grew serious.  “Soon as I call time we head back.  No arguments, Teris.  I have no problem hauling you out carried over my shoulder.

Teris gave a nod.  “Deal.”

“Let’s go.”  Yami sighed, already regretting this.

Teris set the blazes into the rock while Yami focused on keeping his breathing even as his counted down their time.  They had walked for roughly an hour and a half, and never once happened upon a trap.  It seemed as if someone had indeed come this way as there were faded blazes set into the stone.  As for creatures.  It was possible they sensed the same thing Teris did; but unlike her, were repelled by it.

“Thirty minutes left.”  Yami told.

Teris continued walking without a word.

Yami scrutinized her as he followed.  He wondered what she would do if time was up before she reached whatever it was she sensed.  Yami had begun to feel something as well.  Though it had happened so slowly, like a rising sun, that he couldn’t say exactly when the feeling begun.  It was sort of a teasing tickle of warmth.  He wanted to ask Teris more about what she sensed.  What it felt like.  How she knew something was there.  But he didn’t want to disrupt his breathing and mess up his counting of time.  He had rounded up every so often preferring to have them head back with more than two hours remaining rather than less.  He just hoped he hadn’t made a mistake in agreeing to this.  It was almost as if Teris was in a sort of trance. He should have made her promise.  Deals could be broken. Renegotiated.  But promises.  They had yet to break a promise they had made to each other.

As they went on Yami began to squint though he didn't know why.  The tunnel was no different.  The surrounding magical glow providing just enough light to see.  A sort of hum rang in his ears, distant but constant.  He began to sweat, the coolness of the labyrinth turning uncomfortably warm.

A sense of foreboding squeezed at Yami’s gut.  “We should head back.”

“How much time is left?”  Teris asked.

“Teris--”

“How much time?”  Teris persisted.

“Five minutes.”  Yami told.

“Then give me five minutes.”  Teris said, without glancing his way.

Yami took her hand as they turned another sharp corner, not wanting her out of sight or out of reach.  The turn led to a dead end.

The tempting, more sensed than heard, whisper that had first lured Teris down the left path had grown louder and more insistence the closer they drew.  Frustratingly, the voice hadn’t gotten any clearer. She still couldn’t understand what it said.  As soon as she came face to face with the stone dead end the voice had ceased, leaving a distant ringing hum in her ears.  As if her ears were trying to compensate for the voices absence.

Yami released her hand and placed his hand on the small of her back. “Time’s up, Teris.  Let’s go.”

“It’s here!  Just behind this wall.”  Teris said.

Yami frowned.  He didn’t doubt something was on the other side.  But his gut told him it was something they shouldn't mess with.  “I believe you.  We just don’t have time to break a wall down.  We have to head back.”

“But...” Teris fell silent.  Her hands pressed flat against the solid stone barrier.

Yami fought the urge to pull her back from the rock face.  He didn’t know why he was so unnerved.  “Come on, Teris.  You agreed.”

Teris stared at the wall willing something to happen.  Something to show itself.  She urged the wall to disappear.  Or the voice to return. Anything.  But nothing happened.  There was no doubt that something was on the other side.  Maybe it wasn’t meant for her.

Teris sighed in frustration.  “Fine.”

Yami relaxed then immediately tensed.  Teris looked back at him, feeling it too.  It started as a low vibration and quickly built.  The cave floor and surrounding walls quaking.  Yami reached for Teris but was too late.  The wall came alive, swallowing her.

“Teris!” Yami pulled his katana from its scabbard.  Cloaking it in darkness and himself in mana skin, he called upon all his strength and slashed out at the rock face in three quick successions.

79.3.2

“Yami!” Teris pounded on the rock wall.

She stepped back and raised a hand to blast a hole through the stone face.  A rustling caught her attention.  She turned, eyes darting around the enclosed space.  A skeletal corpse rose up from the ground.  Teris directed an outstretched palm at the mummified figure.

“I’d rather not hurt you.”  Teris said, a faint waver to her voice. Frightful as it was to see a dead body come to life,  the scholarly side of her couldn’t help but look on in wonder.  Could a living dead body feel pain?  Was it even still a person?  “I just want to get out of here.”

The corpses jaw fell open.  A bright golden light emanated from its mouth.

“I’ve been waiting for you.  Ray of Annihilation.”  A voice rasped in Teris’ head.

The hair on Teris’ neck stood on end.  She had been called ‘Ray of Annihilation’ before.  Once when Iban used his magic against her. And again by Alowishus Spade.  Yet it wasn’t the title that made her skin prickle.  It was the corpses voice.  It resonated with something inside her, carrying a familiarity.

“Who are you?  Why did you call me here?”  Teris demanded.

Again the voice, as dry and brittle as the mummified body standing before her, sounded in Teris’ head.  “I am the Light Bringer.  The Harbinger.  I called you here so I could fulfill my destiny and finally rest.”

Teris stepped back.  Her outstretched hand half lowered.  Her other hand reached behind her, touching the wall that had swallowed her.  “Why call me?”

“The Lord of Destruction is coming.”  The voice rasped like dry sand swirling in the wind.

“He’ll tear this place apart trying to get to me.”  Teris said.

“He will do much more than that for you.  And you for him.”

“Are you similar to the page of Chaos?”  Teris asked.

“I was a girl.  Blessed with light magic but not Light itself.”

Teris’ hand lowered fully, curious interest overshadowing wary concern. “You’re referring to the primordial forces the Agents of Chaos are obsessed with.”

“You hold the creation of Life and Chaos.  You are Light given form. Death’s greatest enemy.”

“By Death, you mean Alowishus Spade?  He has death magic.”

“Death needs you to wield his creation to his will.  Death and Chaos made the Darkness.  But only Light can bend Darkness.  Only Darkness can shape Light.  Light cannot exist without Darkness.  Nor can Darkness exist without Light.”

“What does Spade want?”  Teris asked.

“That is not my reasoning.”

“Then what do you want?  Why did call me here?”

“I am the Light Bringer.  The Harbinger.  I called you here so I could fulfill my destiny and finally rest.”

“Yeah. You said that already.”  Teris readied her stance.  “Get on with it then.  Fulfill your destiny.”

“I nearly have.”

Teris looked herself over, taking stock.  She felt no different.  Looked no different.  Lifting her gaze, she looked at the corpse.  “No offense.  But if you’re my Harbinger.  How is it that you’re locked up in here, nothing but a dried up husk?”

“I am the Light Bringer.  The Harbinger of Darkness.  I called you here so I could fulfill my destiny and finally rest.”

A cold prickle shot up Teris’ spine.  Her heart clenched, even as it raced.  “You said nothing about being the Harbinger of Darkness the first two--”

Teris stopped.  Her breath fogged, the air suddenly filled with a permeating cold.  Her feet shifted at an invisible pull.  As if the earths natural gravity was unseated.  The constant, steady tug came from the stone wall.  No.  It came from who was on the other side of the stone wall.

“Yami.” Teris breathed.  She stepped to the corpse.  “Let me out!”

The glow within the skeletons mouth dimmed.  “I can finally rest.”

The mummified remains collapsed into a pile of ash.  Teris spun to face the rock wall, hand lifted to incinerate the barrier.  But the wall broke apart before she could call upon her magic.  The once solid slab of stone exploded out in a mass of pulverized rock.  Before it could reach her, the debris was sucked back by the new gravity field.

“Yami!” Teris rushed to him only to skid to a halt.

Yami’s warm tan eyes had been replaced by black bottomless pools reminiscent of the small black holes he created with his magic.  He had his own gravity field which was growing stronger by the second.  Teris’ arms pinwheeled, her boots sliding along the ground, pulled closer to him.  She created a magical sword of light and thrust it into the rock floor, holding on to stop from being drawn in.

Yami radiated a biting cold that burned as badly as any heat Teris could create.  Teris’ hands dried and cracked in the bitter air.  The skin around her knuckles split open; blood freezing before it could spill.  Her cramping hands lost all sensation.  Fingertips turning blue, then purple.

Teris stared at her love.  What had she done?  This was all her fault.  If only...  “Yami.  I’m sorry I led us here.  Please.  Please, come back to me.”

Inky black waves rolled off Yami like smoke from a hearth.  The wisps of darkness consuming everything they touched.  The tangible dark plumes squeezed the space, choking the air out of the cavern.  The light of Teris’ magical sword began to dim.  Not because Teris’ mana was draining.  But because of the void Yami was producing.  It was smothering her magics light faster than the light could cast.

“Yami! Please!  I can’t do this without you.  I need you.  I love you.  I came back to you.  Please!  Come back to me!”

Even more quickly than Yami had broken through the wall, the darkness emanating from him pulled in on itself like the snap of a bow string. Teris was lifted off her feet, yanked horizontal to the ground. Cloaked in mana she held onto her wavering sword of light hoping it and her strength held.  Boulders bigger than Pilfer and No Name broke off from the cavern walls and went flying.  Sucked up into the retreating darkness.

In a fraction of an instant the darkness and its immense pull were gone. Teris fell to the stone floor with a thud, magic sword and mana skin disappearing.  Yami’s eyes returned to their natural tawny brown. Breathing heavily Teris rolled over.  She already loved Yami’s warm, tender eyes but decided in that moment that they were most beautiful color in existence.

“I told you.  Let’s go.”  Yami’s eyes slipped closed as he spoke the last two words.

Teris rushed forward and caught him.  Or at least tried to.  They fell together as she tried but was unable to bare his weight, too shaken and weakened.

“Yami. I’m so sorry.”  Teris pulled his torso onto her lap, hugging him close.

A great rumble sounded.  The entire space trembling with its vibration. Teris looked about, body shielding Yami’s unconscious form.  The labyrinth couldn’t be closing.  Could it?  That much time hadn’t passed.  Had it?

The geyser labyrinth had a powerful mana coursing through it that hindered ones magic.  As such Teris hadn’t been able to light travel.  But that overwhelming mana had disappeared.  Teris didn’t take the time to wonder how such a disrupting mana pool could come from a mummified corpse.  Nor did she think on anything that had occurred.

Holding onto Yami, Teris light traveled.  They appeared on a grassy knoll a couple hundred meters away from the labyrinths entrance just as the entrance crumbled and disappeared.  She had a moment of relief at seeing the others standing a ways from the vanished entrance.  Glad they had made it out safely.  Then she fell over on top of Yami, succumbing to hypothermia.

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and/or Happy Holiday's.

Thank you to those who have left hearts.  And a special THANK YOU to those who have recently left comments or re-blogged. They really mean a lot.

Next chapter snippet:

Greywright cleared his throat.  This was becoming uncomfortable even for him. And the Magic Knights Commander had both seen and given his fair share of dressing downs over the years.  Even though Yami had played a part and stood beside Teris, Jax mainly addressed his scathing remarks to Teris.  Greywright wondered how much longer the two could take it.  Though they both remained at attention.  Teris seemed to sink further and further with every word.  While Yami’s muscles tensed and trembled, hands balling into fists.

#yami sukehiro #julius novachrono #nozel silva #fuegoleon vermillion #black clover jack the ripper #Charlotte Roselei #Black Clover #light in the darkness

[theliterateape]

Meetings with Mayonnaise and White People

by Don Hall

There’s no question that following WWII Communism was a legitimate threat to the United States. Global positioning of military, spies on both sides, nuclear domination was at stake. It was a scary time. Intertwined with the anger and fear was a pernicious thread within that, in response to the national angst, in turn poisoned the reasonable fear with demagoguery. Born from that was the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC).

There is no question today that the time has come for the United States to deal fairly and effectively with the demonization and wholesale deprivation of black Americans in our country. Both the stories we hear and the data we parse through is a damning indictment of righteous laws written only to be enforced by the bigots who fought so hard against them.

It is hard, however, to see a cause so fundamentally right and long overdue be intertwined with demagoguery.

You’ve recommended Robin DiAngelo’s book on white fragility but you haven’t read it, have you? You regularly use the terms “systemic racism” and “anti-racist” but you haven’t waded through any of Derrick Bell or Ibram X. Kendri, amiright?

When it comes to Critical Race Theory, I was an early adopter. I dove into Bell’s Faces at the Bottom of the Well in 1997. At the time I thought it was interesting but flawed and good red meat philosophy for the college campus.

By 2016 I was twice divorced and living with an avowed anti-racist activist whose godfather was 1960’s radical revolutionary Bill Ayers. I saw America and specifically white Americans as fundamentally racist.

Following the third of three blow out breakups with her I had what was to be my final mentoring lunch with The Moth’s resident Latina storyteller.

“Racist is a term that includes anyone benefitting from a racist system,” I mentioned as the conversation turned to Chicago’s history of gentrification. “Bigotry is individual but all white Americans are racist by definition.”

“Even you?” she asked.

“I’m white so, by definition, I’m racist. I don’t think I’m a bigot, though.”

A month or so later, after coming to the fact that her own personal insecurities and need for a following had sent her head first into a path of radical indoctrination, I unfriended her on social media. All hell broke loose. She had people call and text me with threats of violence. She manufactured several fake Facebook accounts, had them engage her real account with insults, and then claimed I had created the fake accounts. She posted a video of her emoting heavily over the fakeness of my friendship.

One of her most potent missives to her following went something like this:

Don Hall is a racist! He even admitted it to me!! He is a confessed racist!!

I should’ve seen it coming.

Now, if this were the fifties, the HUAC could’ve branded me a communist or at least a communist sympathizer.

“Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?” 

“No, sir.”

“Have you ever read the works of Karl Marx?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Have you ever attended a meeting with communists?”

“No meetings -“

“Parties?”

“Parties...?”

“Yes. Meetings with alcohol. And communists.”

“...yeah...”

This guilt-by-association thing was the most damning and pervasive aspect of the HUAC and led to blacklisting, careers destroyed, terrified citizens quickly falling to their knees in supplication and naming names to avoid the stigma of being labeled a Commie.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines McCarthyism as "the political practice of publicizing accusations of disloyalty or subversion with insufficient regard to evidence." No one subpoenaed by the HUAC was ever convicted of being communist but a fair number were fined and jailed for refusing to play along. With the definition of who was or was not a communist being so open-ended and ill-defined, only those who either declared their fealty to anti-communism or named names were spared.

My guess is that if Senator Joseph McCarthy had had a Twitter account, his damage to the individual lives he publicly destroyed would’ve been a thousand times worse.

Mind you, the #BlackLivesMatter organization has very specific goals and outline them clearly. The Racial HUAC does not include them or, I’d suggest, the vast majority of those out there in protest.

Several arguments today, in the McCarthyism in Blackface, do their best to minimize the damage done. 

There is the thread that claims that those who are publicly accused of racism who then are fired from long-held jobs are just fine. Losing a job isn’t the end of the world, it is argued. I’d argue you go back and stream “The Front,” “Trumbo,” or “Good Night and Good Luck” and tell yourself how fine these people have it.

There is the claim that, in these sorts of cultural shifts, there is always some collateral damage. The term “collateral damage” comes from the Viet Nam conflict as a way to dehumanize and minimize the killing of non-combatants (also a dehumanizing term meaning “innocent people”) and accidental destruction of non-military property. The idea of there being collateral damage in the current culture shift is nice and abstract unless you are the collateral being damaged.

The troubles with our current cultural push is in exactly the lack of specifics and false justifications. Mind you, the #BlackLivesMatter organization has very specific goals and outline them clearly. The Racial HUAC does not include them or, I’d suggest, the vast majority of those out there in protest. While these protests represent a tiny slice of the population (polls suggest that the serious majority of Americans trust the police force and have no interest whatsoever in abolishing it; they are more in tune with the idea of substantive reform) the effect of these marches are showing some measure of progressive gain.

The RHUAC is motivated to upend the power dynamic completely and their means is in a definitive lack of specifics.

Structural racism is both quantifiable and data-proven. Organizational bylaws, economic measures taken, the laws of the land. Corporate hiring practices, diversity initiatives, and funding of public schools. These are structural and we can fix these things.

Systemic racism means that everything in the system of society is racist by default. It is racism in the gaps much like God’s will is divinity in the gaps. Prior to the Enlightenment, when someone couldn’t explain why something happened or offer proof one way or another, it was boiled down to Divine Providence. The Will of God.

Today, when something cannot be explained in terms of racial disparity, it is boiled down to systemic racism. White people are racist so anything that demonstrates a different outcome from black people (and strangely absent from disparities between Latin and Asian people) is, by default, racist.

For example, a common stereotype is that while white people generally prefer mayonnaise, black people generally prefer mild sauce. No big deal. Maybe it indicates that whites are more bland in their condiment choices while black people like things a bit spicier. Under the Derrick Bell theory, this is due specifically to white supremacy. How? Who the fuck knows aside from any difference between whites and blacks is automatically racist.

OK. You didn’t read any of Bell’s work. Here’s a quick breakdown of a few central tenets of his worldview:

Critical Race Theory believes racism is present in every aspect of life, every relationship, and every interaction and therefore has its advocates look for it everywhere. He posits a theory called “interest convergence” which states that reforms in the supremicist system are only created for black people when they also benefit white people thus no reform instigated by whites is to be trusted.

According to Bell science, reason, and evidence are a “white” way of knowing and that storytelling and lived experience is a “black” alternative. Pointing out logical exceptions to that lived experience is a sure sign of systemic racism.

As I wrote earlier, it’s a rather brilliant narrative frame. The RHUAC doesn’t have to define any behavior as racist or not because everything is racist when white. Everything. 

“Are you now or have you ever been a racist?” 

“No, sir.”

“Have you ever attended a meeting with white people?”

“Sure —“

“Parties?”

“Parties...?”

“Yes. Meetings with mayonnaise. And white people.”

“...yeah...mayonnaise...?”

“Are you white?”

In the 1950s most Americans were easily manipulated by the fear of Communism. In schools, children learned to “duck and cover.” The Red Scare was pushed on national media and the blind terror of bucking the system and refusing to play along with the game of public accusations of subversion was too great. This was a threat to the American Way of Life, they were told. Commies could be your next door neighbor, they were told. And they believed.

Today we are faced with another manipulation that far too many right thinking people are buying — that “white” equals “racist” without regard to behavior. To be white is to be fully complicit which is both ludicrous and horrifying to consider. There is a cult mind at play with racial hucksters driving an unrelenting academic campaign to grab power through money and influence. No subpoenas necessary, no Congressional hearings.

I grew up watching the movies about McCarthy and his crusade. I’ve read the manifestos of the zealots behind the Red Scare. I’ve read the theories behind the White Scare. They’re too similar for me.

#HUAC #McCarthyism #BlackLivesMatter #Derrick Bell #Critical Race Theory

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 119

the calm before the (fire)storm

Takehisa: *sweeping...passes Maki's desk and spots something* "..." *picks up a small object in the shape of an '8'* *sighs* *walks...knocks on Maki's door*

maki: *YAAAWN* commander? *rubs eyes*

Takehisa: "You left this behind." *holds up the '8'*

maki: oh, thanks. im gonna head back to bed now. see you in the morning.

Takehisa: "..." *nods*

-elsewhere-

Gin: "Okay, Q is asleep, your sister is going to bed, and Ryu is finally taking a bath." *crawls into bed*

higuchi: *sigh* what a day...

Gin: "More dealings with the Lotus?"

higuchi: more or less...the hostages still arent talking.

Gin: "Hmm. I would've thought Kajii's tactics would have helped. Nothing Hirotsu found?"

higuchi: nothing yet.

Gin: "Won't someone miss them?"

higuchi:...i try not to think about it....

Gin: "...Get some sleep. There'll be more to do tomorrow." *sets her blades under her pillow*

-morning-

-rain falls outside-

kirako: *yaaawn*

Dazai: *snores, sprawled out*

kirako:....*small smile* (so he came in here again....) *gets out of bed*

Mii: *standing guard at the door*

kirako: good morning mii-chan~ *snuggle* good kitty.

Mii: >_>; *meow*

kirako: ^^

Dazai: *turns--and falls out of bed*

kirako: oh! good morning. ^^; need some help?

Dazai: *sits up* "I'm good..." *looking out the window* "..."

kirako: ....want some breakfast?

Dazai: "...Sure. Thank you."

-elsewhere-

sonia: papa? are you alright?

Chuuya: *looking out the window* "...Yeah."

sonia:.....*gets into the bed and feels his forehead*

Chuuya: =~=

sonia: do you need a day off?

Chuuya: "I can handle it..." *tries to get up--and loses balance, falling onto his pillow* "...Yes."

sonia: ok. i'll call grandma then and tell her.

Chuuya: "...Thank you."

-elsewhere-

Kurogiri: "--and there are holes in the TV remote."

Twice: "MY ELECTRIC RAZOR HOLDS NO CHARGE."

himiko: *spinning in one of the bar chairs*

NOS4A2: "Provide me with sustenance, and none of this would be a problem. Isn't that right, child?" *holding Fang*

fang: *babble*

NOS4A2: "See? The child agrees--I need electricity! And if you won't provide it to me, I'll seek it on my own. Where's your nearest electrical station?"

-elsewhere-

Inka: *enters an abandoned subway car* "Wow...Imagine what you could do with this thing. Got any gearheads in the Hoods?"

arrow: well......

Inka: "??? Do tell~"

arrow: i suppose giovanni counts....sort of....

Inka: "...Okay, good, but how about someone less freaky and just mad-scientist-y eccentric?"

-elsewhere-

miura: *making coffee*

Mori: "..."

miura: here. this should help.

Mori: "..." *nods, takes it...sip*

miura:....pardon me if this is a bit personal, but why is it so important that you have a child?

Mori: "...To continue."

miura: *listening*

Mori: "Everything that a human is, is contained in their DNA. Half of that goes to each child. The family line must persist--to achieve our goals."

miura:......

Mori: "Therefore, I imagine much will be accomplished by the next generation that I could not fulfill--and I'm curious to see what comes of young Sonia."

miura: even though chuuya made it clear he doesnt want you being involved in her life?

Mori: *slight smile* "You're much too literal. I can honor the spirit of the agreement, even as I bend the rules."

-elsewhere-

sonia: *puts a cool compress on chuuya's forehead*

miyuri: *drawing a fluffy sheep to act as a pillow*

Chuuya: =___= *coughs*

sonia: grandma said she was sending someone over to help out.

Chuuya: *groans* "O-Okay..."

miyuri: do you want an animal parade to make you better?

Chuuya: "...Sure?"

miyuri: *drawing tiny animals that then float around the room*

Chuuya: "..." *lies back, slight smile--coughs*

-elsewhere-

Izuku: *hands a fruit smoothie to Samidare*

samidare: *sips* ^^

Izuku: *smiles* *looks at Tsu* "You're parents are at work all day?"

tsuyu: yeah.

Izuku: *nods* "Mom's going to be busy, too. Maybe the kids want to do something? I had some ideas--" *pulls out a journal: "Summertime Activities for Children"*

-elsewhere-

ochako: *sitting in front of a fan and talking into it* ahhhhhhh~

Trixie: *rests her head on Ochako's lap*

yuu uraraka: im going to be heading out. yamikumo and i have plans today.

Mr. Uraraka: "I could drop you off."

yuu uraraka: thanks, uncle.

Mr. Uraraka: "Ochako, anywhere you need to be today?" *grabs the keys*

ochako: not really.

-elsewhere-

Bakugo: "JUST PICK ONE. THEY'RE ALL RED." *points at shelf of hair dyes* "ALL OF THEM!"

eijiro: hmmmm. aha! this one!

Bakugo: "Ugh, finally--now get your wallet out to pay for it!"

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "Zzz..."

{-rain is standing by the edge of a cliff-}

{Chuuya: "..." *runs*}

{rain:.....}

{Chuuya: "Rain!"}

{-she turns to look at him-}

{Chuuya: *reaches out a hand--*}

Chuuya: "GAHH!"

???: chuuya?

Chuuya: *stares up...looks around*

-tachihara is sitting across from him-

Chuuya: "...What're you doing here?"

tachihara: hey. kouyou sent me over.

Chuuya: "...Ah..." *sits up, trying to breathe*

tachihara: brought some soup.

Chuuya: *sniffs* "Thanks..."

tachihara:....so...*awkwardly scratches the back of his head*

Chuuya: "Hirotsu keeping you busy?" *spoons out soup, eats*

tachihara: decently, yeah. crimson lotus are _not_ fun to deal with.

Chuuya: "...That's pretty dangerous. They'll come after any prisoners."

tachihara: the gremlin's having a good time though. she actually calls them 'too easy', can you believe that?!....then again, she _is_ a veteran from the war...so who am _I_ to judge.... *he sounds a bit bitter....*

Chuuya: "...No one is judging you here."

tachihara:.....*sigh* sorry, the war's kind of a hard topic for me....but you probably dont need to hear me complain about my personal problems.

Chuuya: "...Not to dig in too deep, but maybe consider what she went through in the war. Or what a lot of us have gone through. You're not the only one with...baggage."

tachihara:....*sigh* i guess.....

Chuuya: "...Look, I'm not an expert on any of this either. Hell, I don't go to a therapist or anything, but...maybe if something's bothering you..."

tachihara: it's nothing....welp, im gonna check on the kids now, make sure they arent getting in trouble. see ya. *exits*........*bites his lip slightly* (dammit.....)

-elsewhere-

Centipeder: "And this is the commissary. Sir demands donuts set out at 8 AM, coffee with a little milk and two sugars."

melissa: *taking notes* understood.

Centipeder: "And most importantly..." *puts a pair of Groucho Marx glasses over her glasses* "Perfect."

melissa:...*blink blink*

Centipeder: "Sir values balance in all things--and given the seriousness of our work, he admires the art of comedy, to help alleviate people's concerns."

melissa: i see. ^^; i guess i dont know too much about him, even with the stories i heard from dad.

Centipeder: *nods* "Did Dr. Shield hang out with Sir? I mean, since Sir's falling out with All Might..."

melissa: occasionally, but apperantly mr nighteye wasnt too fond of dad.

Centipeder: "He...takes some time to get to know. But he does light up around certain people. And if he wanted you here, he must care quite a bit for your father and you."

melissa:...i suppose so.

Centipeder: "...Hang on." *looks into the hall* "Bubble Girl, do you know where Sir's photo albums are?"

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *tossing in bed*

sonia: *looks inside*

Chuuya: "Ngh..."

sonia:......*tucks him in*

Chuuya: *seems to calm down* "Ra..."

sonia:....*goes to get something*

Chuuya: "Nnnn..."

sonia: *returns with a stuffed animal and gives it to him*

Chuuya: *hugging the stuffed animal, instinctively*

sonia:....get well soon, papa.

Chuuya: "Zzz..."

-elsewhere-

???: *inside Atsushi's head* "Hey, question..."

atsushi: (yeah?)

Oda: "So, yeah, I'm kind of out of the loop on some things..."

atsushi: (like what?)

Oda: (Well, Dazai, for one, seems a bit out there. Is he worried about impending fatherhood?)

atsushi: (i guess so. i couldnt imagine being in his position...what advice would you give him?)

Oda: (...I'm at a loss myself, having...lost my kids.)

atsushi:......(sorry. i shouldnt have-)

Oda: (It's fine...Things don't always turn out how you expect. I guess if it was me, I would ask him to be a bit more cautious.)

atsushi: (i'll...keep that in mind.)

Oda: (You okay? A lot has been going on for you...)

atsushi: (yeah, it has been.) *sigh* ..... (cant believe it's been a year since i joined the agency...)

Oda: (Really? Huh. A lot happening for just one year.)

atsushi: (no kidding.) *sigh* (actually, i think it was around this time when i met kyouka.)

Oda: (...Her leaving the Mafia was for the best.)

atsushi: .....(if you'd met her, would you have taken her in?)

Oda: (I would hope so.)

atsushi: ..... (it's funny. you helped out dazai, then he helped me, then i helped kyouka, and now she's helping sylvia...)

Oda: (A real paying-it-forward situation. That's how you make things better)

atsushi:....yeah.

sylvia: m-mr atsushi?

atsushi: hmm?

Oda: (???)

atsushi: oh, right! crepes! ^^; (i totally zoned out, haha. n-no offense!)

Oda: (No rest, huh? Sorry--get back to it.)

-elsewhere-

NOS4A2: *approaches the underground cells*

*there's someone sitting in one, bandaged all along her arms*

NOS4A2: "???"

Queen: *staring at the floor* "..."

NOS4A2: "..." *sets down a tray of food* "So, meatbags keep their own cows."

Queen: "...The hell are you? A toaster?"

NOS4A2: "?! I am the most advanced robot in--"

Queen: "And back to the wall." *turns around, staring at the wall*

NOS4A2: -_-#### *sparking* "Rude."

spinner: yeah, she's a bit crabby, that one.

NOS4A2: "What's she in for? Is she a traitor?"

spinner: well, it's a long story.

-spinner explains-

NOS4A2: "...That's unbelievable. How did the hand man pass for a student?"

spinner: well, he's younger than he looks, and honestly, he's a total manchild.

NOS4A2: "You hardly seem like one, however--much too serious for this line of work."

spinner: >3<

-elsewhere-

Vulcan: "--but then Gramps got so drunk he reached for the candle--and tried to drink it like a bottle of beer. He stopped when the wax hit his lips."

shinra: ouch.

Arthur: "...Well? What did it taste like?"

Vulcan: "Wax. What else?"

tamaki: sounds painful.

Vulcan: "Ah, my family has always had a high threshold for pain! Need to the number of times you can damage your thumb on a hammer--" *holds up a crooked thumb*

tamaki: 0_____0

Arthur: "PUT THAT THING AWAY! YOU'LL SCARE CHILDREN! LIKE SHINRA!"

shinra: D8<

-elsewhere-

Shotaro: *rips a car door off a burning vehicle* "Come on--I'll get you out of here!"

child: *hanging onto him*

Shotaro: "Is there anyone else?!"

child: bobo!

-a stuffed monkey toy is inside-

Shotaro: O_O; "Oh-kay..." *Beak of the Octopus, as a tentacle reaches in, dodging the flames, wraps around the doll--* "Come on--"

*KA-BOOM*

mother: !!!!!

*The fire engulfs the scene...*

mana: come on, come on...

*something rumbles below the asphalt--before a claw pops out of it*

mana: !!!

*the asphalt pushes away, revealing the child, clutching their monkey toy, as they're pushed up into the mother's hands by claws...*

child: mommy!

mother: *hugging the child* oh thank the stars, you're ok! *crying*

*some spiny creature pops up*

Shotaro: *coughs* *Bone of the Echidna* "Goo-Good..." *drags himself out*

mana: *phew*

Shotaro: *smiles at Mana* "See? Easy-peasy--"

*then a fire truck slams into Shotaro*

mana: D8

Pan: "Damn it, Juria--I said brake!"

-elsewhere-

Shamrock: *arms crossed, brewing coffee...glances outside*

naho: *running through the sprinkler* WOOHOO!

Sakuya: *fanning himself* =~=

Shamrock: *small smile, as he opens the fridge and takes out iced tea*

Belkia: *pumps up a Super Soaker...*

tsubaki: ^^

Shamrock: "They seem to be having fun..." *sets out tea in glasses on a tray*

Belkia: *sprays Sakuya*

Sakuya: "?!!" *falls back*

-elsewhere-

Kid: *reclining by the pool*

Patty: *splashing in the pool* "Hee hee!"

stocking: this is nice and relaxing, huh?

Kid: *sighs happily* "Yes--" *stretches* "A welcome break." *smiles at her*

stocking: hehe~

Kid: *kisses her cheek*

-elsewhere-

sonia: papa? are you feeling better?

Chuuya: *yawns* "Better, yeah."

sonia: uncle hirotsu's downstairs making lunch.

Chuuya: "??? Oh, wow--that's a surprise." *follows her* "Wonder what he's making..."

miyuri: *watching* 0w0

Hirotsu: *chopping up vegetables*

miyuri: hiya papa! uncle hirotsu's making something called...uhhh....what's it called again?

Hirotsu: "Sukiyaki."

miyuri: yeah, sookie-yacky!

Chuuya: ^^; "Thanks for doing this."

Hirotsu: *nods* "You need to conserve your strength..."

Chuuya: "..."

mito: *nuzzles chuuya's leg and purrs*

Chuuya: *reaches down, pets her*

mito: ^w^

Chuuya: "I'll have to check on some lessons for the kids--I heard Kajii was busy."

miyuri: mhmm! he taught us about 'foto-sinthy-sis'.

Chuuya: "Oh, like in plants?"

miyuri: mmhmm mmhmm!

-elsewhere-

Asher: *curled up in an aisle of the library* "..."

hibiki: there you are.

Asher: "..." *pulls their hoodie over their head*

hibiki:...hey, you ok?

Asher: "Leave me alone..." *they look exhausted*

hibiki: ...you sure dont look ok. *sits next to them*

Asher: "..." *pulls back the hoodie--has a black eye*

hibiki: ....how did this happen? *her expression is very serious*

Asher: "...Bad argument at home."

hibiki:.....

Asher: "D-Don't tell her I'm here. I'm not going back."

hibiki:...let's at least get you to the nurse...

Asher: "...Fine."

-elsewhere-

Poe: *head on school desk* T~T "This is harder than I thought."

rowena: *examining a yearbook*

Jonas (Athlete Ghost): *looking over her shoulder* "Yeah, that was my homeroom teacher--and that's the coach. Wow, Lord Death looked so young back then..."

*It's a photo of Lord Death with an afro*

rowena:.... ^^;

Jonas: "What about finding my old girlfriend? She'd know something, right?"

rowena: what was her name?

Jonas: "Marilyn--the most beautiful angel~"

rowena: i...i see. ^^; and her surname?

Jonas: "Marilyn Mortensen."

rowena: *checks the yearbook*

*She placed well in Track and Field, although she had an injury that sidelined her to cheerleading for a bit...*

rowena: this is her, right?

Jonas: *heart eyes* "Yes, indeed!" *reaches for the yearbook--but his hand passes through* "...Oh."

rowena:.....

Poe: "..." *sits up* "I'll begin finding her recent addresses!"

Jonas: T~T

-elsewhere-

Kurogiri: "--and we've received the destination."

tomura: about time!

Kurogiri: "Good things come to those who wait, Shigaraki..." *passes the folder to him*

tomura: hmmm.....

Muscular: " 'Bout time--I'm getting tired sitting here. When do we kill them?"

tomura: that reminds me....*takes out a USB card* a little gift for the new recruit so he can know who's who.

Muscular: "..." *picks up the tiny USB card in his big hands--and struggles to put it into the laptop* "H-Hang on--I can do this--"

Kurogiri: "No, you got it--No, turn it over, it's the wrong way--"

Muscular: "I already did turn it over--it's still not going in..."

tomura: -_-# not you, the tin toy.

Muscular: "HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW WHO TO KILL AND NOT KILL IF I DON'T SEE THEIR FACES?!"

NOS: -_-# *takes the card--and eats it*

tomura: well?

NOS: "Hmm..." *smacks his lips* "Ugh--couldn't you have paid for one of the high-end USB devices? This one has that noxious arsenic aftertaste--"

tomura: -_-# i didnt give that to you just for you to bitch about it. you have the info now, dont you?

NOS: *adjusts his 'monocle'--projecting files on UA students, flipping through them before stopping on--*

Muscular: "Katsuki Bakugo...Wasn't he that kid who got slimed?"

tomura: he was also the winner of that sports festival.

NOS: "He looks...pleasant." *opens up PhotoShop on his OS, starts editing Bakugo's frown into a really cartoonish smile*

tomura: ......... -____-

-there are files on the other students as well-

NOS: "Tail person. Gremlin. Devil. Ha--green hair.."

tomura: *growls*

Muscular: "Oh, touch a nerve there, Handy?"

tomura: shut. up.

NOS: "Oh, you didn't touch it--you ripped it apart--" *pulls up files--* "...What the deuce is with this running man's eyes?!"

tomura: tenya iida? robotic implants after one of our colleagues blinded him by the light. literally.

NOS: "..." *vibrating*

tomura: *DUCKS*

NOS: *electrical discharge out of his mouth* "I MUST MEET THESE STUDENTS IMMEDIATELY! WHAT ELSE DO WE HAVE--" *flips through more--and stops at Kaminari* "... ... ..."

tomura: he better not explode.

NOS: "I-I'm doing my best to contain it!" >\\\\<

-elsewhere-

kaminari:....anyone else feel a chill just now?

Bakugo: "Yeah--you turned the A/C up too high!"

-elsewhere-

Yohei: "You're lucky you aren't dead."

Pan: "A thousand pardons--" *through clenched teeth* "Right, Juria?!"

juria: tch. im....*forced smile* solly.

Shotaro: *bandaged like a mummy* "I'm Shotaro! Pleased to meet you-- ...Wait a minute..." *looks at her face from side to side*

juria:...what?

Shotaro: "..." *bites on a dog bone--and assumes canine features* "WOOF!"

juria: !??!

Shotaro: "You're a dog person, ain't ya?" *pants, scratches the back of his head with his hind leg*

Pan: "... ... ..." *looks at his whistle*

juria: .////. >///< s-shut up! im going back to the van!

Yohei: *pats Shotaro's head* "You really need to work on your people skills."

Shotaro: ^w^ *bark*

Pan: "Maybe it's coated with something..." *rubs the whistle* "First fox goddesses, now this..."

-elsewhere-

Scorpio: "YOU'RE EATING US OUT OF HOUSE AND HOME, YOU DUMB CRAB!"

cancer: you saying im fat, scrub?!

Scorpio: "No, I'm saying you're an insane fatass who keeps eating our food!"

Aries: -_-;

cancer: WHY YOU LITTLE-

*suddenly, a giant sword swings down in between Scorpio and Cancer*

cancer: O-O

Scorpio: *leaps back, bumping into Virgo*

King Leo: "ENOUGH OF THIS! YOU THINK FIGHTING WILL MAKE THINGS BETTER! ...It'll make your muscles all stringy..." *slobbering, looking at them all...*

virgo: Q____Q;;;;;

Aries: "Not cool, Leo--cannibalism is a big no-no...Capricorn, could you pass the lobster bisque?"

-elsewhere-

Natsuo: *head down at the campus library* -n- ("This is soooooo boring...") *pulls out his phone* [yo sis--how's it going?]

fuyumi: [pretty quiet.]

Natsuo: [students giving you any trouble? need me to have a talking with them ; ) ]

fuyumi: [actually, my students are on break for the summer ^^; ]

Natsuo: "..." [sorry, lost track cause of summer classes. U KNOW WHAT--ROAD TRIP TO SEE ME AT COLLEGE1 lets hang!]

fuyumi: [i'll see what i can do.]

Natsuo: [sweet! say hi to Shoto for me!]

-elsewhere-

Yoh: *flipping through the newspaper* <Yep--that city is insane, man.> *shows a headline out of Death City: "Fire put out by vigilante; police investigating"*

friend: <are you really going?>

Yoh: <Got my passport--and I have questions, especially with what's been going on around here. You see what happened to Hongchang's farm? Thieves raided his storehouse--then blew it up.>

friend: <i heard about that. scary stuff.>

Yoh: *nods* <I think Mana would know something--she's like a Dokeshi expert now. And if those people are showing up here...>

friend: <i thought it was infernals.>

Yoh: <I hear you, and you'd think that given all the Infernals over in the forbidden land--but this looked planned: someone pulled all the food out first--you can see some of it littering their path. And the footsteps--none were consistent. Some human, some animal-like.>

friend 2: <_I_ heard it was talking moles!>

Yoh: <NO ONE WAS TALKING TO YOU, CHEN!>

chen: QwQ;

Friend 3: <Don't mind Yoh--he's just all persnickety because he misses his little sis.>

Yoh: -_-;

-elsewhere-

mana: *ACHOO*

Kepuri: *fixing circuits* "Don't get your germs on my circuits! WASHU, deploy face mask!"

WASHU: deploying~shu!

*a face mask collides into Mana's face*

-elsewhere-

Mephisto: *locked in the bathroom...looks at his shoulder...*

felisia: mephisto? is everything alright in there?

Mephisto: *pulls on his bathrobe* "Sorry, just admiring my handsomeness~ Just a moment..."

felisia:....

Mephisto: *inhales...pockets a vial and exits, arms outstretch* "And here I am!"

felisia:...*hug*

Mephisto: "..." *hug, strokes her head*

felisia: i worry about you, you know.

Mephisto: "I don't want you to..."

felisia:....

Mephisto: "..." *smiles* "Let's look forward to the future, okay?"

felisia:...right.

-elsewhere-

Ango: *sitting at a cafe* "..."

waitress: would you like to order?

Ango: "Just water. Waiting for someone."

waitress: coming right up.

Ango: *looks out the window* "..."

-in a bush across the street-

mizuki: -_-; i cant believe you convinced me to do this. this is embarrassing!

Murakoso: "Aw, come on--you know you're just as curious!"

Takuichi: *looking through binoculars*

mizuki: isnt this invasive?

Takuichi: "Consider it practice in surveillance."

Murakoso: "And making sure the boss is safe."

mizuki: -~-;

Ango: *checks his watch* "..." ("Where is he...")

???: sorry im late.

Ango: *looks up, slight smile* "Oh, hello." *gestures to the chair*

Murakoso: OwO "Ooooo!"

mizuki: *looks*

xinyi: *waves*

Ango: "You're looking well. How has work been?"

xinyi: you know how it is. same old, same old.

Ango: "I can imagine...Is that a new watch?"

Takuichi: "I don't recognize them--professional contact? Why would the boss meet with someone outside the organization?"

mizuki: he's good looking.

Murakoso: "That explains why Ango is meeting with him!"

Takuichi: "???"

mizuki: >///<; murakoso, not so loud!

Ango: *slight laugh* "They even throw in a free cookie with the drink, so I like it."

xinyi: ^^

Ango: "Sorry for the short notice--getting away from work was a challenge...As you can imagine." *his back is to the bushes, but his eyes dart there*

xinyi: i can relate.

Ango: "Oh? Coworker problems?" *sips tea*

xinyi: you could say that.

Takuichi: "Hmm...They seem to be talking about work."

Murakoso: >w> "Oh? Is he rich?"

-elsewhere-

Mori: *tapping a pen on the table* "...Bring him in. I'd like to have a word."

miura: right away, sir.

Mori: *flips through a book at his desk--"The Great War"*

tachihara: sir?

Mori: *stands up, looks out the window* "Are you keeping an eye on Hirotsu?"

tachihara: yeah, he's old, but he's more than capable of handling himself...sir.

Mori: "Oh, you know that's not what I mean...So stop lying."

tachihara:.....what's this about, sir?

Mori: "Look at the desk..."

*there are photos of Hirotsu and Dazai at a museum...*

tachihara:....what, gramps cant have friends outside the mafia? even if it is a traitor-

Mori: "These kinds of entanglements need to be noted. This is not the same as when the Mafia collaborated with the Armed Detective Agency against the Rats' remains. This was before the Guild attack...Remind me, what were you up to when that whale was about to crash-land onto Death City?"

tachihara: hey, that was like, what, almost a year ago? i was probably doing mafia stuff or something.

Mori: *turns--a cold intense stare at him* "..."

tachihara: !!!! .....

Mori: "..." *sweet smile, eyes closed* "How silly! Tachihara, we must do something about that memory of yours. Please remember your movements far better--" *walks over, pats his shoulder* "I need you to be my eyes for Hirotsu, Higuchi, and Gin."

tachihara:....what's this about, if you dont mind me asking?

Mori: "I think Hirotsu's relationship with Dazai is one worth cultivating. I hope one day he can convince our prodigal child to return as an executive."

tachihara:.....

Mori: "Will you help me fulfill that dream?" *slight shoulder squeeze*

tachihara:...i'll....see what i can do.

Mori: *lets go* "That's all I ask~"

-elsewhere-

Asher: *holding ice to their eye*

nygus: do you need me to call anyone?

Asher: "..." *shakes their head*

nygus:...if you're having trouble at home-

Asher: "JUST SHUT UP ALREADY!"

nygus: !!!

Asher: "...I have to go." *tries to get up--and stumbles*

nygus:......

-elsewhere-

haydee: *licking albert's head*

albert: *happy baby giggling* ^w^

Dumas: "..."

mercedes: *filming* i think he likes it. ^^

Dumas: *nods* "Haydee is good with children..."

mercedes: and she's a rescue, you say?

Dumas: "Yes--I adopted her after...after my departure."

mercedes: hm...

Cervantes: "...Just about done! No worries!"

Dumas: "..." *facepalm*

marquis: wow! you did such a good job, gigi!

eugenie: thank you! uncle lucy taught me how to braid hair. ^^

Bene: "Come on! Don't be such a baby!" *tugging on Edouard's arm*

edouard: i'll be out in a minute. i just need to finish this chapter, first!

Bene: >_< "What's so good in that dumb book?"

edouard: it's not dumb, the subject matter is rather philosophical if i say so myself.

valentine: come on kids, dont fight. ms mercedes invited us over to have fun and enjoy the nice weather.

eugenie: *rolls eyes* brothers. am i right?

marquis: cant say, im an only child.

Cervantes: "??? Really? I come from a big family--so big Mama and Papa ran out of names. That's how we got Andrés and Andrea..."

Dumas: *staring at charred kebabs* "...How horrifying."

mercedes: oh my, must be quite the household. ^^;

Cervantes: "It makes holidays a challenge--OH CRUD, I FORGOT MAGDALENA'S BIRTHDAY!" *pulls out his phone* "Hap...py...birth...day...And send!"

-elsewhere-

Spirit: *walking through DWMA hallway*

nygus: *nods to him*

Spirit: "How's it going?"

nygus: it's been vaguely eventful.

Spirit: "That's...kind of vague. What do you mean?"

nygus: well...

-nygus explains-

Spirit: "... ... ..." *turns, seizes the door knob...then slices it with his hand*

nygus: !!!

Spirit: "...I'll send maintenance to fix that." *marches out*

{Spirit: *holding onto Mami*}

{mami:.....}

{Spirit: "I won't let you get hurt--just...don't give up, kid."}

-…-

{Spirit: *standing with Crona and Mami at Maka's grave* "..."}

{mami:....i really wish i could have been better friends with her.....}

{Crona: *wiping their eyes*}

{Spirit: *shaking, fists clenched*}

{mami:.....*hugs them both*}

{Spirit: *shaking and starts sobbing*}

{Crona: *losing it, holding on...*}

Spirit: *marches out the doors--and starts running down the DWMA stairs*

Asher: *sitting at the bottom of the stairs* "..."

Spirit: ("I'll find them! I'm not letting this happen again--") *and runs right by Asher*

Asher: "...???"

Spirit: *already across the street and down the block--then stops* "... ... ..." *turns back around* "...Oh, for f--"

*a car drive by, blasting its horn*

Spirit: "--sake..." *walks back...*

Asher: "...What the hell..."

Spirit: *walks up, panting, doubled over* "H-H...Hey..."

Asher: "...Hi, sir...You dying or something...?"

Spirit: *waves his hand* "I-I'm fine--just, you know, running..." *deep breath* "How're you?"

asher:....been better.....

Spirit: "...You hungry?"

asher:...*pulls their hoodie up over their face* i guess....

Spirit: "...What you feeling? Pizza? Sushi?"

asher:...cheeseburger.

Spirit: "..." *smiles* "You got it. Let me call Izumi..."

-elsewhere-

nozomi: mail call!

Arthur: "??? The courier was here? What did they bring?"

nozomi: a few bills, a letter for maki, a package for lisa, and some other things.

lisa: oh good. hey vul! the new parts are here!

Vulcan: "Sweet! Let's open them up..."

maki: *looks at the letter*.......oh...

Petra: "Fancy looking letter, Officer Oze."

maki:....*throws it in the bin*

rita: D8

shinra: ??? *opens the letter*

-seems to be from her parents inviting her to dinner at the oze estate-

shinra: ESTATE?!

Arthur: "CASTLE?!"

maki: 7__7 yeah, my family is rather well off...

shinra: that's surprising. you dont really strike me as the 'rich girl princess' type.

maki: *GLARE*

Arthur: "...Wait, the ogre is a princess--"

shinra: 0_0;;; IM JOKING PLEASE DONT KILL ME!

Petra: "..." *fast walks away*

maki: ....you can burn that.

Akitaru: *overhearing* "Hang on, Maki--this may be worth attending."

maki: if i dont want to go, i dont have to!

Akitaru: "..." *colder voice* "Come with me for a second, soldier."

maki: *pales a bit*...y-yes sir....

shinra: ._.;;

Arthur: "Dragon..."

Takehisa: *waiting in Akitaru's office* "..."

iris: i knew maki had problems with her family, but...

Arthur: "I didn't. She's always with her cousin and her cousin's cousin..."

tamaki: that reminds me. *sending a text*

Arthur: "?"

tsugumi: [hey tamaki! what's up? ^o^ ]

-in oubi's office-

Akitaru: "--so this is a good opportunity that the 8th can't pass up."

maki: ....

Takehisa: "Will you help us?"

maki:...ok. i'll go to the dinner.

Akitaru: *nods* "Thank you. This means a lot..." *glances at a photo on his desk*

-elsewhere-

tsugumi: hey anya? could i borrow some formal wear?

mio: ??

Anya: "??? Why would you need formal wear?"

tsugumi: tamaki-chan texted and told me that maki's been invited to her family's place for dinner. she asked me to go with her and help her out.

Anya: "Fufufu--how formal does it have to be if it's your extended family?"

tsugumi:... >w> welllll.....

-smash cut outside-

Eternal Feather: *sweeping--*

*a loud shriek is heard inside the dorm*

Eternal Feather: *her glasses shatter* "..." .____.;

-inside-

Anya: *sobbing into her pillow* "THIS RUINS ALL OF MY EXPECTATIONS!" >~<

tsugumi: *her hair has been blown back* ._.;;

mio:....you owe me new glasses, hepburn.

Anya: "..." *sits up, composes her, deep breath* "..." *intense stare at Tsugumi* "YOU. WE NEED MEASUREMENTS."

tsugumi: owo;

Meme: "?!!! WHO DIED IN HERE?!"

Ao: "Shall I call the cemetery?"

mio: meme? ao? that's you, right? i cant see for shit right now.

-elsewhere-

hito: cheers sir!

Honda: "Prost!" *sips, with pinky up on his tea cup* "Ah! Refreshing!" [[note; prost is cheers in german]]

hito: *sips* thanks for the invite, sir. hopefully this isnt seen as nepotism or something, haha.

Honda: "Perish the thought! I am checking with every single soldier as quickly as I can, tailored to their interests! I even went on that potato farm tour with Juggernaut!"

{Takeru: "WOO! IDAHO POTATO!" *chanting as the tram passes a single potato in a glass case* "IDAHO! IDAHO! IDAHO--"}

Honda: "...I am never getting those 4 hours back."

hito: *sweatdrop*

Honda: *sets down his tea cup, looks serious* "Is anyone giving you trouble?"

hito: not that im aware, sir.

Honda: "I just want to make sure. You know how hyper-masculine and gross the military complex can be."

hito: yeah, that's part of why im pretending to be a guy around the others. to be honest, a part of me is scared that they'll find out. even so, i wouldnt want to be in any other brigade. my family has worked with the military and the 2nd brigade, and it's only right that i follow that legacy as well.

Honda: "Highly honorable!" *pours another cup of tea* "You uphold your family's legacy well, soldier!"

hito: *smiles* thank you sir.

-elsewhere-

*someone sits at a police desk, staring at maps*

???: ("Got to memorize all of this...")

sansa: excuse me, mind if i come in?

???: "Hmm? Oh, sure." *turns around* "How may I help you?"

sansa: *hands him a letter* this came in the mail for you, sir.

???: "Thank you, Officer Sansa." *looks at the envelope--it's addressed to Takigi Oze* "Oh, it's from Mom!"

sansa: ah yes, your mother was part of the military, wasnt she?

Takigi: "...Yes, she was."

sansa: well, i'll be taking off on an evening patrol soon. you have a nice evening sir.

Takigi: "Thank you--good night..." *reading the letter* "..." *sighs*

-elsewhere-

izumi: ....

Asher: "..." *nom*

izumi:...thanks for taking us out, dad.

Spirit: "Happy to! You two look starved--eat up!"

izumi: *eating*

Asher: "...Thanks..." *wipes their eyes*

izumi:....hey dad, can asher stay at our place tonight?

Asher: "?!!"

Spirit: "Sure--Asher, up for that?"

Asher: "...I-I don't need that..."

izumi: you wont be imposing or anything.

Asher: *shaking their head* "I-I don't wanna...impose..."

izumi: it's fine, really.

Spirit: "Asher...It's an invite because we care about you."

Asher: "..." *nods*

-elsewhere-

Bakugo: "NO, YOU MIX THE DRY INGREDIENTS TOGETHER SEPARATELY BEFORE ADDING THE WET ONES!"

kirishima: right, right. ^^;

Tetsutetsu: "You are way too hardcore about this, man--"

Bakugo: *DEATH GLARE*

shouda: i've never made eclairs before, so i dont know how well they'll turn out.

Bakugo: "Jeez, you people are useless! You need to--"

Sato: "Now bring the wet to a boil--you're doing great!"

Bakugo: "..." *STARES AT SATO*

Hagakure: "Oh, it's looking good, Sato!"

pony: oooh, dat looks delish!

Bakugo: *shaking with jealousy*

Sato: "All through the power of collaboration! Oh, that reminds me--got to finish the chocolate glaze! Who wants to lick the spoon?"

itsuka: ^^; yours looks great, katsuki.

Bakugo: "Of course it does--I made it! I read the recipe! I memorized it and the whole dang book!"

Tetsutetsu: "Dude, breathe."

itsuka: ^^;

Hagakure: *has cake mix and flour on her face* "Thank you for preventing another Class A vs B rivalry, Itsuka."

Sato: *nods* "Baked good should bring people together--except on cooking shows. Then I will dominate."

itsuka: well, so far no one's gotten hurt-

momo: um, has anyone seen mineta?

jirou: *trapped him in the freezer*....no.

itsuka:....no one important anyway.

Bakugo: "..." *pinches the bridge of his nose* "Now we need to disinfect that thing..."

-elsewhere-

Kimizuki: *hangs up the phone* "..." *covers his eyes* "Damn."

mitsuba: what is it?

Kimizuki: "Just...talking with my sister. She's going through a rough day..."

mitsuba: ....

Kimizuki: "...I got to head over tomorrow--UGH! No! Drills are scheduled--"

-elsewhere-

Asher: *on the phone* "..."

cassidy: oh my god, where ARE you?!

Asher: "At Izumi's..."

cassidy: would it have killed you to call me and tell me where you are?! do you know how worried SICK i've been?!

Asher: "...Stop yelling at me."

cassidy: *her voice cracks slightly* i just....i was so scared...

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

cassidy:....are mr or mrs albarn there?

Asher: "Yeah..." *hands the house phone back to Spirit*

cassidy: hello?

Spirit: "Hi, Cassidy."

cassidy: how's asher?

Spirit: "I honestly can't say how they are since they left home...They have a black eye."

cassidy: *covers her mouth* oh my god....

Spirit: "What happened?"

-meanwhile-

izumi: *putting a compress on asher's eye*

Asher: *tenses*

izumi: s-sorry, is that too much?

Asher: "I don't know--I've never had to tend to a black eye..."

izumi: well, mom should be getting home soon, i could ask her...

Asher: "Yeah, sure..."

izumi:...do you want something to drink?

Asher: "...Water."

izumi: ok then.

Asher: "..." *tries to close their eyes--and cringes*

-elsewhere-

sonia: *having her hair blow-dried*

Chuuya: "Feeling okay?"

sonia: mmhmm.

miyuri: *laying in bed* =w= nice warm fluffy jammies~

Chuuya: "That's good. You have really lovely hair."

Mito: *paws at Miyuri's blanket*

miyuri: *giggles*

sonia: hmm......

Chuuya: "Okay, just about time for sleep. You used the bathroom?"

sonia: mmhmm. and we brushed our teeth too.

Chuuya: "Good girl. Miyuri?"

miyuri: yep. *YAAAWN*

Chuuya: *tucks Miyuri in* "Get some sleep--tomorrow's another busy day."

sonia: good night, papa.

Chuuya: "Good night, Sonia." *tucks her in, kisses her forehead*

-elsewhere-

higuchi: um...gin? why is Q burning a minion plushie in the backyard?

Gin: "...Where did Q even get one?"

Q: there needs to be a sacrifice for a successful harvest.

Gin: "...Where did you hear that?"

Q: *doesnt answer*

higuchi:....yeeeah _that_ totally isnt unsettling at all.

Gin: "You hungry?"

-elsewhere-

Spirit: "Just about done cooking..."

izumi: ok.

sachiko: *enters* =~= *siiiiigh* FUCK. TRAFFIC.

Asher: *sitting on the coach* "..."

Spirit: ^^; "Hello, sweetie. We have a guest..."

sachiko: oh? ah, asher so good to- !!!! what happened to you?!

Asher: "..."

sachiko: do you mind coming into the kitchen with me for a moment?

Asher: *follows*

-elsewhere-

Lovecraft: *humming a lullaby*

lavinia: *sleeping*

ebie: zzzzz

dorothy: *asleep*

Steinbeck: *looking up at the Moon, lying on the roof of the RV*

emily: so, where are we going next?

Steinbeck: *nods* "We'll have to get by border security as well."

emily: right. and we'll need to stock up on supplies.

Steinbeck: "That'll take a bit more cash..."

emily: hmmmm. guess we're going to be doing some oddjobs then.

Steinbeck: "I always had other ideas...Could sell Twain."

twain: me or my services~?

emily: *jumps* OH!

Steinbeck: "I was thinking your organs. Your kidneys probably'll fetch a good price."

twain: OwO;;;;

Hemingway: "No, no, that's stupid--the brain is what fetches good money at numerous research institutions..." *sharpening a harpoon*

-morning-

Asher: *snoring*

izumi: *yaaaawn*

Spirit: *sips coffee, looks exhausted, while he flips the pancake over on the griddle*

izumi: *sniffs* ??? *heads downstairs* morning dad.

Spirit: "Morning..." *yawns* "Sleep okay?"

izumi: yeah. asher's still sleeping.

Spirit: "Got a sense how they're holding up?" *he's already made 3 tall stacks of pancakes...*

izumi: yeah, i dont think the futon was any trouble for them...

Spirit: "Well, you're on break today--better let them sleep this off a bit longer."

-elsewhere-

maki: ...... *looking at herself in the mirror, holding a dress up to herself*

*knock on the door*

Vulcan: *outside* "Some fancy wheels just pulled up."

maki: ?? *looks outside*

*there is a limo with the Oze family chauffeur*

maki: ?!?!? (i thought the dinner was this evening?!)

*out of the limo appears--*

Meme: *looking up at the 8th* "Wow!"

tsugumi: *looks up* !!! *waves*

maki: tsugumi?!

tsugumi: hi maki-chan!

maki: hold on! i got to get changed first!

tsugumi: ok!

tamaki: hey girls!

shinra: *looks in the window of the limo* woah. fancy.

Chauffeur: *slaps Shinra's hands away* "No touching."

Anya: *looks into the entrance of the 8th* "...I'll wait out here." -^-

Arthur: *walks by* "Oh, hey."

shinra: hey arthur, your ex is here.

mio: *wince* ooh, zing.

Anya: >_>;

Arthur: "Don't make this awkward, demon."

shinra: owo me? nawww~

Anya: "...You're looking well."

Arthur: "Thanks. That is a lovely dress."

Anya: "?!!!" >\\\\< "It's nothing special! I'm just wearing it to fit in! It's Tsugumi's fault for completely revising her back story at the last minute and compromising all my head-canon!"

tamaki: <-<;;; you guys want something to drink?

Meme: "Water's fine." ^^;

Ao: "I think Anya could use some as well for her thirst."

mio: *SNORT LAUGH* >3<

Anya: >\\\\\< *angrish noises*

Takehisa: *approaches with snacks on a tray...he's wearing an apron that says 'Oregon Men Are My Sweethearts'* "Snacks?"

mio: um.....what's with the apron?

Arthur: "The Lieutenant is fashion-blind. He has no sense of what makes for good attire."

Takehisa: *looks at Mio* "That is a lovely dress."

Arthur: "See?"

mio: >n<

Meme: *punches Arthur in the jaw* "APOLOGIZE!"

tamaki: .___.

Anya: D8

tsugumi: gagantous!

Vulcan: "...So, Maki will be a few more minutes. Please make yourselves at home." ^^;;;;;; "MEDIC NEEDED AT THE FRONT STEPS!"

-elsewhere-

sansa: *looking at headphones* hmmm...

*look to be a variety of brands: Haijima, Detnerat...*

Clerk: "Finding everything okay?"

sansa: yes, im looking for some headphones, but it's difficult to find ones for my particular head shape. ^^;

Clerk: "We are authorized by Detnerat to make modifications to some of their brands to suit a variety of ears." *picks up a pair* "These are very popular with people with prominent triangular auricula."

sansa: oh, these look very nice! do they come in navy blue?

Clerk: *types onto phone* "...Yes! In the back room."

-elsewhere-

Axel: *pours an entire box of cereal into a bowl--then grabs another brand of cereal and pours that into the same bowl--*

zeke: owo;

Axel: *pulls an entire jug of milk out of the fridge* "Okay--I think we're about ready. Got the stream open?"

zeke: stream is open and the nurse is on standby.

Kanin: [this seems kind of reckless]

Yafeu: [CHUG CHUG CHUG]

*timer starts*

Axel: *starts spooning cereal into his mouth*

hibiki: [at least zeke has 911 on speed dial]

Duncan: [20 bucks says he vomits]

-elsewhere-

Asher: "..." *nom*

sachiko: how's breakfast?

Asher: "...Good."

sachiko: glad to hear.

Asher: "..." *stares down*

sachiko:..sleep well?

Asher: "...No worse than usual."

-elsewhere-

Axel: X_X "I'm dead...Send my remains home to Dad and Mom, bro."

zeke: sorry for calling you so early for a house call, miss nygus. ^^;

Nygus: "What on earth did he eat?"

zeke:....weeeeeelllll... >w>;;;;

-elsewhere-

Gin: "Mmm..."

higuchi: zzzzz.....

Gin: *hug, cheek smooch*

higuchi: =///w///=

-elsewhere-

inko: we'll need more paper towels soon.

Izuku: *writes it down* "And milk, too."

-izuku's phone rings-

Izuku: "???" *checks*

-call from kaminari-

Izuku: "What's up, Kaminari?"

kaminari: DUUUUUUUDE look outside!

Izuku: "..." *looks out the window*

-kaminari and mineta are waving to him from across the street-

kaminari: get down here! we're going to the school's pool for swim training!

Izuku: "Oh! But...there's no school today? We'd need approval--"

kaminari: relaaax, we got it covered! we convinced yaomomo to put a good word in for us with the teacher.

{vlad king: well, if it's for training...}

kaminari: we're good as gold my dude!

Izuku: "Oh! But...I have to run errands..." *looks at Inko--with puppy dog eyes*

inko: well....*smile* you go have fun. errands can wait for now.

Izuku: "!!! Thank you!" *hug*

inko: *hugs* just remember to keep in touch, ok?

Izuku: "I'll have my phone with me! I'll be home before dinner--and I can bring back the groceries, too!"

-elsewhere-

ochako: hey, why do you think the swimsuits at school look like this?

hagakure: maybe it's something to do with aerodynamics! or should i say hydrodynamics?.....that's not even a pun, im legit asking.

Jiro: =~=;

mina: i dunno, maybe it's averting typical swimsuit fanservice gags.

ochako: what?

mina: what?

momo: in any case, we should probably start with some basic stretches while we wait for the others.

Tsuyu: "Good thinking...I do this one before aquatic work."

ochako: yeah, dont want to get a cramp in the water, that would just suck.

???: "GREETINGS, CLASSMATES!" *wheeling a cooler to the poolside*

ochako: oh, hey!

Iida: *waves* "Hello!" *he's in a speedo already* "Ah, stretching exercises--very important to protect your muscles!"

momo: O//////////////////////////////////////////O *steam is coming off of her*

Jiro: "...Yeah, we're averting a lot right now." *looks away* "Like my stare." -_-;

mina: who ordered beef? *giggles at her joke*

Iida: "Have the others arrived yet? ...Momo, you look overheated. I have cold refreshing fruit drinks."

ochako: we just got here.

Jiro: "Yes, Momo. Are you thirsty?"

momo:..thank you.

mina: *cackling*

Iida: "??? Is this an inside joke?"

Jiro: "..." *opens her mouth--then promptly shuts it* "Too easy."

sero: we're here!

Sato: "Hey there!"

Tokoyami: *hiding in the shade* =~=;

Aoyama: "Bonjour~"

sero: i think tokoyami's gonna sit this out, scared he's gonna molt.

Tokoyami: "Ha ha ha...You know the real reason..."

Dark Shadow: T~T "I need a hug..."

momo: *snaps to reality* oh right! pool safety rules!

Iida: "Indeed!" *holds up fingers* "Let's count them down!"

-elsewhere-

Aizawa: *reviewing files* "Okay, that finishes the remedial lesson plans. Let's go over the security parameters again."

midnight: right.

Present Mic: "HOW WE GOING TO TRUST THE BUS DRIVERS THIS TIME?!"

-elsewhere-

NOS4A2: *sips motor oil through a straw*

twice: sooooo what does energy 'taste' like. i always imagined it tasted like poprocks. BEST SERVED WITH SODA!

NOS4A2: "I was not programmed with 'taste,' but as I've heard from my creator, it's far less that tingly electronic sensation and more like feeling a flow of power surging through your orifice into your very circuits."

twice: .....SOUNDS KINDA KINKY.

NOS4A2: "..." *looks around* "Is he...Is he 'normal'?"

giran: 'normal'? in _this_ place?.....BWAHAHAHAHA! good joke, buddy.

NOS4A2: O_O; "...What mess did I step into..."

giran: you thought shit was bad NOW? you should have met that teddy-bear guy and his mute clown friend. _THOSE_ guys were fucked up.

-elsewhere-

ManBearFix: =~= "You can stop poking me, Doc--you already checked my reflexes there..."

-elsewhere-

Izuku: *has changed into his swimming attire* "This'll be great! Swimming is good for having water resistance--so I can keep improving my speed and strength while cooling off!"

kaminari: heck yeah!

Mineta: "After all, how else can we be Pro Heroes if we don't follow the Plus Ultra mantra!" *winks* ("Kaminari, if you can read my mind, you know we are about to be blessed with the sight of divine greatness--those shapely curves...")

kaminari: NIRVANA HERE WE COME! *slips and bellyflops into the pool*

*electricity crackles throughout the pool*

Mineta: OxO;

Iida: "NO RUNNING, KAMINARI! You could fry the entire class!"

momo: *holds up a '6' card*

Izuku: "Oh, hey, everyone! I didn't know you all were training here today, too."

ochako: yeah, that just leaves todoroki to arrive yet.

Mineta: -3- ("I know I should appreciate the school swimsuit, but not even one two piece? Weak sauce--")

Todoroki: *walks out of the boys' locker room--the door slamming into Mineta*

ochako: oh, hey todoroki!

Todoroki: "...Oh. H-Hi." *waves* "I only just got Iida's text message..."

momo: now that everyone's here, we should go over the pool safety rules.

Iida: "Indeed! As Kaminari has demonstrated, NO RUNNING AROUND THE POOL!"

kaminari: im okaaaaaay =~=

Mineta: XnX

Iida: "No eating before swimming to reduce risk of a cramp!"

momo: right.

Iida: "Stay hydrated! We have numerous nutritious drinks full of electrolytes and fruit juice in the cooler! I also have brought sunscreen at various levels of SPF!"

Hagakure: "Thank goodness!"

momo: we should also probably do stretches as well.

Kyoka: *in a sundress* "It's pleasant outside..." *opens a parasol*

sylvia: *also has a parasol and sundress, her skin covered with bandages* .~.;

Kyoka: *small smile* "You look lovely."

sylvia: t-thank you, miss kyouka! >///<;

Kyoka: "You're welcome. Where shall we go? The aquarium isn't far..."

sylvia: s-sounds f-fun…

Kyoka: "..." *offers her hand*

sylvia: .////. *takes it*

Kyoka: -\\\\\- *walks with her*

-elsewhere-

Spirit: *pulls over* "I can be back in about 2 hours--or do you need longer?"

izumi: we'll be ok, dad.

Spirit: "Okay...I'll see you in a bit. Keep your phone charged!"

Asher: "..." *steps out*

-elsewhere-

ochako: ok, so how are we gonna do this training?

Hagakure: "We've done enough stretches--how about swimming, or volleyball, or--"

*noise is heard coming from the boys' locker room*

sero: >->; um...

*the door kicks open*

Bakugo: "HOW MANY TIMES ARE YOU GOING TO GET US LOST?!"

eijiro: i found him!

Izuku: "Kachan! How's it going--"

Bakugo: "SHUT UP!" *walks by, his sweat is already crackling* "WHAT THE HELL KIND OF WIMPY TRAINING IS THIS?!"

momo: we're doing some poolside training and-

Bakugo: "WHAT'S THE POINT WHEN YOU HAVE A POOL WITH LANES IN IT! LIGHTNING CALVES, LET'S RACE!"

Iida: "..." *looks at his calves* "...Um..."

ochako: i volunteer to swim on iida's behalf!

Hagakure: "Neat-o! A battle of wills!"

Mineta: "Can there be a prize?"

Iida: "Yes! Pride for a job well done!"

Mineta: "..." *walks away, sits on a beach chair*

jirou:....mineta, do you see that? by the treeline, what is that?

Mineta: *turns* "What? Is it boobs?"

mina: *picks him up and tosses him over the fence* YEET!!

Mineta: "WAAAAAH!" *CRASHES*

Izuku: "...Okay, we have 5 lanes, so we can have 5 people compete at a time!"

momo: we have ochako and bakugou volunteering so far, so that leaves 3 more spaces.

Hagakure: "Count me in!"

Aoyama: "Exciting--I'll join as well!"

Ojiro: "I'm game!"

Bakugo: *looks at all of them* "..." *points* "Tail Guy is dead, Twinkle Stomach is dead, Invisible Girl is dead, Ururaka is dead."

ochako: oh it is on, bakugou!

Ojiro: ._.; "Why don't we get our real names?"

Aoyama: <The curse of being a side character~>

Hagakure: *already lined up* "Who's refereeing?"

Iida: "What a challenge, to serve as an impartial judge...I VOLUNTEER!"

-and so-

Iida: "On your marks..."

Aoyama: *sweating*

Iida: "Get set..."

ochako: *takes her stance*

Iida: *blows a whistle*

*The students take off...*

-elsewhere-

Takigi: "--and all the disappearance center around this area--" *circles the map* "--on the outskirts of Death City..."

takigi's partner: that is troubling...

Takigi: "It's largely deserted, and most people who disappeared were members of an excavation team to check in after the collapse of the Nether."

takigi's partner: ....

Takigi: "I don't like it...The Nether wouldn't have gone down if not for the 8th..."

takigi's partner: that's the brigade your sister is in, right?

Takigi: *holding a pointer stick--which he snaps in half*

takigi's partner: ._.;

Takigi: "That sniveling four-eye weasel Hinawa used bureaucratic pressure to coerce my innocent sister...The monster..."

takigi's partner: um-

Takigi: "And every report about the 8th shows them to be an undisciplined force just pushing its way through!" *opens up a file, laying out news clippings, official reports, police complaints, and photos--*

takigi's partner: ._.;

Takigi: "An untrained gopher for the traitor Giovanni, a former member of the Hoods, some mad scientists and bitter angry nun--THIS ONE'S A FLIPPING NUDIST!" *holds up a photo of Tamaki, who is somehow dressed in ribbons*

takigi's partner: i think you're blowing this out of p-

Takigi: *throwing up articles into the air* "A GORILLA! A DEMON! A WANNABE KNIGHT! A-A-A- ...The smaller nun seems fine. A HAIJIMA BOOTLICKER--"

Sergeant: *steps in* "How's the report coming along--" *sees the papers scattered and the photos of the brigade members* "...What the..."

takigi's partner: i think he might be having a psychotic break.

minoura: oze, would it kill you to quiet down? -_-;

Takigi: "I AM C-- ..." *pushes back his hair* "I am calm..."

Sansa: *picks up photos of Tamaki* .________.; "I'm pretty sure this violates multiple workplace codes..."

-elsewhere-

tamaki:....maki. when you see your brother, punch him.

Anya: "??? Is that a traditional family greeting?"

maki: um...tamaki? are you ok?

tamaki: just fine.

maki: *sweatdrop*

Petra: *opens up an old yearbook* "Hang on--Kotatsu, this was your school?"

tamaki: hm? yeah....

Iris: "Aw! This was before you started nun training? You were so cute!"

tamaki: 7///7;;;

{Student: "Wow, so you got fire abilities now?!"}

{tamaki: y-yeah, it just kind of happened.}

{Student 2: "Tch--before or after you hiked up your skirt?"}

{Student 1: "Hey! That's not nice..."}

{tamaki: c-can we drop that, please?}

{Student 1: *glares at Student 2* "So, Kotatsu, are you going to join a Fire Force platoon?"}

{tamaki: eh? well, was thinking of joining the 1st brigade.}

{Student 1: "The one that Brother Rekka works at?"}

{student 3: hehehe~ he's so cool isnt he?}

{Student 2: "Studly, you mean..."}

{tamaki: t-that's not the reason at all! >///< }

{*in the courtyard, Rekka is training, flinging flames as he practices martial arts...*}

{Student 1: >w> "Want to watch his training?"}

{tamaki: m-maybe some other time. *exits*}

{student 3:....ugh, who does she think she's kidding, huh?}

{Student 2: "She's just trying to act holier-than-thou so people stop thinking she's a floozy..."}

{Student 1: "...That's not fair..."}

{student 3: careful her bad luck doesnt rub off on you.}

tamaki:.....

Tsugumi: "It was weird when I learned about my weapon abilities, too..."

tamaki: *snaps to reality* wha?

Tsugumi: "Oh--sorry! I just started rambling about what it was like when I left my school for the DWMA. All of my classmates were really excited for me--it felt weird getting all of that attention." ^^;

maki: yeah, you stabbed a door, didnt you, tsugumin?

Tsugumi: D8 "I apologized to the door!"

mio:.. 7_7; did they know you were a weapon?

Tsugumi: "Not until my homeroom teacher announced I would be transferring, and kind of spilled the beans why..."

mio: did they treat you any differently?

Tsugumi: "Yeah--I was a lot more popular! Kind of sucked that only happened right before I had to move away..." ^^;

mio: ....well yay for you. 7__7#

Meme: "..." *pat pat*

mio: *wipes her eyes* well, what time is dinner?

Tsugumi: "The invitation said to arrive by 4...He's always punctual..."

-elsewhere-

Maid: "Are you sure you don't want help, ma'am? There are many guests, and that's a lot of cooking..."

madoka oze: i'll be fine. not the first time i've made this much food.

Maid: "It's been so long since getting to see Maki back home...Mr. Oze is still pacing the halls, instructing the staff."

madoka oze: *chuckle* classic danro....i just hope this goes well. last they spoke, they werent on the best of terms...

Maid: *nods* "When she transferred?"

madoka oze: yeah....that was years ago now...

{Danro: "I FORBID IT!" *his eyes are narrowed*}

{maki: but dad, this way i can help people!}

{Danro: "Oh, and you're not already helping people now for the army?!"}

{maki: well there isnt any emergencies going on, so we're hardly doing anything right now!}

{Danro: "We need you to provide support from the base! That is where you belong--giving the support to those who need to be out in the field!"}

{maki: but this brigade needs all the members it can get! they're good people that just want to help!}

{Danro: "You think _Hinawa_, who was drummed out after executing his teammate, is _good people_?!"}

{maki: ugh, you're being unreasonable! i know in the fire force, i can save people, that i can make a difference!}

{Danro: "No daughter of mine is joining! You're staying in the army, and that's final!" *EPIC EYEBROW GLARE*}

{maki: *bites lip* WELL MAYBE I DONT WANT TO _BE_ YOUR DAUGHTER THEN! *storms out*}

madoka oze:....

Maid: "Maybe this meeting can be an opportunity to heal..."

madoka oze: i hope so...

-elsewhere-

Bakugo: "IN YOUR FACE!"

mina: =3=

Jiro: "Do you ever get tired of indiscriminately abusing your Quirk like that?"

Bakugo: "HEY! I ONLY HURT FEELINGS, NOT BODIES! DON'T LIKE IT? THEN YOU GO COMPETE!"

Jiro: "..." *lines up*

Izuku: .~.; *lines up*

momo: ready....set....go!

Izuku: *blasts forward with One for All*

momo:.....

Jiro: *smirks--as she vibrates the water with her new waterproof speaker support items*

tsuyu: is this regulation?

Iida: T~T "By this point, everyone is abusing Quirks and support items...So unprofessional..."

Ojiro: "Just take it as practicing Quirks and support items before using them in the field..." ^^;

momo: *sigh* alright. the final round will be a test of physical strength. swimming from one end to the other and back _without_ using quirks or support items.

sato: *sweatdrop* (why didnt you just do that from the start?)

Shoji: "Works for me..." *pulls on a swimming cap*

eijiro: hey sero, does the water affect your tapes at all?

Sero: "A bit, yeah, depending on what I eat--that's one of the things I'm trying to strengthen at summer camp, build up resistance."

eijiro: ah. makes sense.

mina: yeah, cause if the tape loses it's stickiness, you're basically flopping a long noodle around.

Sero: =~= "It-It could still be a deterrent!"

-later-

Todoroki: *stretching* "This is it..."

Bakugo: "PREPARE TO DIE." *lines up*

Izuku: ^^; "Good luck, everyone..."

momo: ready....set....go!

*The three boys leap--*

*Then something grabs them by the ankles*

Izuku: D8>

Todoroki: "?!"

Bakugo: "THE F--"

*SPLASH*

Aizawa: *has grabbed them by his scarves--and knocked them face-down into the water* "Time's up. All kids out of the pool."

ochako: wait. is it that late already?!

Aizawa: "School is closing up. Get out of here before the security bots start tasering you."

-elsewhere-

mio: so this is your house?!

maki: 7_7 yep. the old family homestead...

Meme: "Amazing!"

Anya: "...Seems quite small."

mio: HOW IS _THIS_ SMALL!?!?

Anya: "The family summer home is about 3 times this size."

mio: 0________________0 (these darn rich people!)

Maid: *exits* "Oh, Miss Maki--hello!"

maki: hey.

tsugumi: *waves*

Maid: "And Miss Tsugumi! Oh, this will be a family gathering! Takigi did say he will be a bit late, though..."

maki: joooy.

tsugumi: i brought my friends along. i hope that isnt a problem.

ao: good evening.

Anya: *small bow* "Hello."

Meme: "Hi-ya!"

Maid: "What a polite bunch!" ^^ "Come in--the heat is dreadful today..."

-inside-

mio: wow, fancy place you got.

Maid: "Your mother has made enough food to feed the army--so I'm sure--"

Anya: *studying the artwork* "Exquisite taste..."

maki: not much has changed, huh?

mio: *observing photos on the wall*

*Seem to be photos of children as well as some military photos...*

mio: huh....family resemblance....

*One man in them has...noticeable eyebrows...*

mio:...e-eyebrows.......*imagines maki with danro's eyebrows* >3< *stiffling a laugh*

tsugumi: ?? mio?

mio: IM FINE!

Anya: -_-; "Be on your best behavior..."

mio:....um, should i have brought a gift? is that a thing you're supposed to do when visiting a rich person's house?

Maid: "Your presence is enough--Mrs. Oze tends to be very particular about plans for the meal and...Well, Mr. Oze has so many collectibles..." ^^;;;;

maki: well, feel free to take a seat in the lounge, just leave your shoes by the door.

mio: kay.....!!! DUDE! YOUR COUCH IS AS BIG AS MY LIVING ROOM!!

Meme: "...Tsugumi, you've been holding out on us."

tsugumi: well, it's been a while since i was last here. ^^; i think i was like, 5 when i last visited. and last i saw them was when they came to visit for the holidays when i was 12.

Meme: "What're they like?"

tsugumi: well-

Danro: "MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKI!"

maki:...... 7_7 dad...

tsugumi: uncle danro! *hugs him*

Danro: "TSUGUMI!" *bear hug* "Look how big you've gotten!"

maki: 737

tsugumi: hehe! ^^

Meme: *stares* "... ... ...So bushy..."

mio: hello sir, i didnt bring a gift so please accept this lightly used paper clip.

Danro: "...HA! A MIRACULOUS PIECE OF METAL-FORGED TECHNOLOGY, THE NOBLE PAPERCLIP! THANK YOU, SMALL CHILD!"

mio: um...yes.....memepleasehelpmeidontknowwhatimdoingsaveme.

tsugumi: right. uncle danro, these are my friends, Anya, Meme, Ao, and Mio.

ao: a pleasure to meet you sir. *bows*

Meme: "Hello, commander sergeant lieutenant, sir!" ^^; *whispers back* "I don't know either..."

*the door opens*

Takigi: "Man, what a day..."

Maid: *takes his coat*

maki: *rolls eyes*

Danro: "Takigi! Don't just stand there! Your sister and cousin have visited! With friends!"

Anya: >_>; *looks over--* "!!!"

Takigi: *slow-motion bishie turn in Anya vision*

Anya: .\\\\\\\\.

ao: my, my, yet another crush, anya? im beginning to lose track of them all.

Anya: *angry whisper* "You shut your mouth, damn you!"

Takigi: "Hey, shrimp, muscles. Still getting thick?"

maki: watch it, bro.

tsugumi: hey! i'll have you know i've been drinking lots of milk since last time i saw you, so i should be getting taller! >3<

Takigi: "..." *picks up Tsugumi*

tsugumi: DX<

madoka oze: now now, settle down.

tsugumi: hi auntie!

Takigi: *drops her*

tsugumi: woah!

-nice 3 point landing-

Takigi: "...That's new."

maki: woah.

tsugumi: see? i've been training. ^^

madoka oze: that's right, you're a DWMA student now, right?

tsugumi: that's right. ^^

Danro: "Ha! Never thought darling little Tsu-tsu would be trying to be a fighter! Haven't you met a nice boy yet?"

tsugumi: wellllll.... <w<;;;;;

mio: can we eat yet, sir?

Danro: "Not up to me, ma'am--that's up to the misses!"

madoka oze: of course, dear. dinner's just about ready now!

mio: sweet!

Anya: *still staring at Takigi* .\\\\.;

Takigi: *in Anya vision* "What's to eat?"

Meme: *sniffs* "Given the miraculous scents coming in, what _isn't_ there to eat? "

-elsewhere-

Bakugo: *walking with Eijiro* "SUCH BULLSHIT! I'd have won that match without Eraser getting in the way!" *his nose is bandaged*

ochako: well, it was still fun for what it's worth.

Todoroki: "I suppose so..."

Izuku: *writing notes in his journal* "Well, I have to run to finish errands."

-elsewhere-

Danzo: "--and when she was five, she used to demand piggy-back rides!"

maki: =~=;

Takigi: "She was a lot smaller then, and Dad's back isn't that strong..." *fiddling on his phone*

ao: my, how fascinating.

mio: *NOMNOMNOMNOMNOM*

Meme: "This is delicious, Mrs. Oze--thank you for letting us join..."

madoka oze: oh, it's quite a pleasure. im just glad the whole family is here...well, most of the whole family. speaking of which, tsugumi, how are your parents?

tsugumi: last i checked, everything's doing well.

Danro: "Has Osamu found himself a girlfriend yet?"

tsugumi: havent asked. ^^;

Danro: "That's disappointing--a boy his age should be TAKIGI, PUT THE PHONE DOWN!"

Takigi: *reading texts* "Ha! Oh, that's adorable..." *texting back*

maki: .....

madoka oze:....maki sweetie, are you alright? you've hardly touched your food...

maki:....*SIGH* im fine, mom.

Danro: "Don't insult your mother's cooking: you know how much work she put into it."

maki: i wasnt insulting it!

mio: and you shouldnt, this is hella good food!

Danro: "Don't yell at the table!"

Takigi: "..." *texts* [dad is freaking again]

maki:...im not feeling too good. im gonna lay down for a bit.

Danro: "..." *looks down* *grunts*

Meme: "..."

Takigi: "Probably for the best--looks like Sis has been putting on enough weight--"

maki: it's NOT fat! it's _muscle!_ there is a difference!

Takigi: "You sure?" *pinches her arm*

maki: OW! stop that!

madoka oze: takigi, stop picking on your sister.

Danro: "...Maybe it would be better if you tried to look a little more--"

maki: look a little more _what_?

Danro: "You know..." *waves his hands into a certain shape* "More feminine."

maki: oh WOW dad! picking up takigi's backwards way of thinking, are we?!

Danro: "You're getting old! You can't keep running around if you can't settle down--"

Takigi: "Backwards?! You're just pissed I found someone--"

maki: you _SAY_ im getting old, but you still treat me like im a child!

madoka oze: .......

Danro: "YOU ARE STILL A CHILD--MY CHILD! AND I WILL NOT HAVE YOU RUNNING SLIPSHOD--"

madoka oze: *slams fist down on the table* that's ENOUGH!! all i wanted was a _NICE_ family dinner! if you cant sit in the same room without fighting among yourselves I WILL PERSONALLY FORCE YOU TO RUN LAPS AROUND THE CITY UNTIL YOU PASS OUT, DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!

*everyone sits down or sits up in their chairs*

Danro: "..."

Takigi: Q__Q;

maki:.....

ao:.....

tsugumi:......

mio:........*nom*

Anya: "...The rolls are delicious, Mrs. Oze..."

-elsewhere-

Izuku: *carries groceries inside* "I'm home!"

inko: welcome back!

Izuku: *carries groceries inside* "I'm home!"

inko: welcome back!

mitsuki: oh my goodness, look at you!

inko: oh yes, katsuki's mom came over to drop off a hotpot-

mitsuki: *pinching izuku's cheeks* oh i havent seen you in ages, you've gotten so big! ^^

Izuku: ^_____________^ "Hello, Mrs. Bakugo--Thanks! How are you?"

mitsuki: oh i've been just lovely. and how are _you_?

Izuku: "Okay! Kacchan and I were just at the UA pool for exercises..."

mitsuki: and how has he been? he's not causing you too much trouble, is he? because if he is...-

Izuku: OxO; "N-Not at all, ma'am! Ha ha..." ^^;;;;;;

-elsewhere-

Bakugo: "... ... ..." *shudders*

eijiro: you ok, man?

Bakugo: "I just sensed a disturbance...and I think I need to punch Deku."

-elsewhere-

jirou: im home.

-loud swearing is heard in the den-

jirou: let me guess, dad's playing games?

mika jirou: yep.

Kyotuoku: "WHAT DO YOU MEAN I DIDN'T GET 3 STARS ON THAT ONE?! DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM, ROCK STAR FOR THE NINTENDO WII?!"

jirou: dad! you know your swearing is a bad influence on bowie!

Bowie: "FUCK THIS SHIT! CAW!"

jirou: see?

Kyotuoku: "...Well, this is easy to fix. You just need to teach 'em new words. Say 'arpeggio'!"

Bowie: "ARSEFACE!"

jirou:...work in progress i see.

-elsewhere-

Honda: *sitting at a bar*

*the door opens with a bell jingle*

miwa: we're here! and look who i found on the way!

himari: *hiding behind miwa* .~.;;;;;

Honda: "WELCOME! BARKEEP, A ROUND!"

bartender: *nods and sends a glass to him*

Konro: "Greetings. I'm afraid young master had another invitation..."

miwa: his loss.

Hibana: "Barkeep, wine list!" *looks at the chair* "..." *snaps fingers* "And a better chair--one that doesn't look so uncomfortable..."

Honda: "HA! You just haven't been at this bar long enough! Take this chair--my chair! I have been here so long as to set my groove into it." *shifts his behind on the chair*

kayako: .........i'll just have water, since im the designated driver. -_-;

Akitaru: "And we appreciate that..." *tips the bartender, takes his beer*

miwa: cheers! *sips* hoo-wah! that's good stuff!

burns: ....so how have things been for you all?

himari: TT~TT;; im hoping that the new commander arrives soon so that i can go back to being a secretary. i dont think im cut out to be a commander.

Hibana: "That'll be up to Haijima--and why are you tolerating crap off of your subordinates? You need to show them who's boss!"

himari: i dont know what im doing! >~<;;;

Akitaru: "Okay, calm down--think through what you have to do first. You got enough people in the 3rd still? Or do you need recruits?"

himari: well, i-i think we have enough people? but a lot of people give us nasty looks lately...

Honda: "What're they complaining about?"

miwa: probably giovanni...that bastard.

Hibana: "You're being too kind..." *pokes Akitaru* "You're supposed to be finding him! Why haven't you?!"

Akitaru: -_-; "Kind of hard when the Hoods have gone quiet..."

kayako: hmm....and the rest of you?

Honda: "The 2nd would, if drafted into the service. Without official orders, my hands are tied."

kayako: -_-; i meant anything new with the rest of you.

Honda: "Oh...I finished painting my new miniature tank collection!"

burns: we received some new recruits.

Konro: "Oh? How's it going whipping them into shape?"

burns: they have a lot to learn

Akitaru: "Throwing them into the deep end, huh? It takes a lot of work to integrate newbies--we had that challenge with the newer recruits."

-elsewhere-

Patty: *yawns, cuddles* =w=

takeru: .//////////////.

Patty: "You feel warm."

takeru: *gulp* t-t-t-t-thank you.

Patty: *interlocks her fingers with his before kissing his cheek* "So cute~"

takeru: .//////////////////.

Patty: *rests her head on his chest* "How's your mom holding up?"

takeru: much better now.

Patty: "No more potato thieves? Because I could send some bombs over to take care of them!"

takeru: ^^; actually, she made a separate field for them to have, along with some other veggies.

Patty: "Oh? What does she like to grow?"

takeru: i think this side garden has carrots, pumpkins, corn, things like that.

Patty: "Oh!" *claps her hands* "Jack o'lanterns! You do that back home?!"

-elsewhere-

Asher: "..." *opens the apartment door*

cassidy: *opens the door* oh thank god! *hugs*

Asher: "!!! ..." *pat pat*

cassidy:....mom's not home right now...

Asher: "...Good. I want to go to bed."

-elsewhere-

tsugumi: *has a video chat open*

Osamu: *yawns* <Tsugumi?>

tsugumi: <hey bro, are mom and dad there?>

Osamu: <Yeah? Hang on...Mom! Tsugumi's on the Skype!>

yukari harudori: *enters* <hi sweetie!>

tsugumi: <hey mom!> ^^

Tsugumi's Dad: <You're up at odd hours--everything okay?>

tsugumi: <yeah, just got back from dinner with uncle danro and aunt madoka.>

yukari harudori: <oh that must have been nice!>

Osamu: <How is everyone?>

tsugumi: <doing well.....how's everything back home?>

Tsugumi's Dad: <Pretty well, I'd say--your brother's just recovering from-->

Osamu: <Dad! I'm fine! Coach just said to take it easy...>

tsugumi: *listening*

yukari harudori: <oh, the Hanasaki's just had a baby recently.>

Tsugumi's Dad: <Adorable little thing!>

tsugumi: *smiles and listens to them talk.*

Tsugumi's Dad: *laughs a bit, then notices Tsugumi* <...Hey, sweetie? We miss you.>

tsugumi: <i miss you guys too.> *wipes her eyes*

Osamu: <Hey, don't get all misty-eyed--we're not that far away from you.>

tsugumi: <i-i know...>

yukari harudori:...<sweetie, if anything's bothering you...>

tsugumi: <i-it's fine. i dont want to worry you.>

Tsugumi's Dad: <...Well, you stay strong. We're proud of you, Tsugumi.>

tsugumi: <thanks, dad.>

-morning-

sonia: *braiding miyuri's hair*

miyuri: ^w^

Chuuya: *unboxing something...*

miyuri: what are we gonna do today, papa?

Chuuya: "Well, I'm worried Mito isn't getting enough exercise..."

miyuri: ??

mito: =A=;

Chuuya: *holds up the box, showing a floor-to-ceiling cat furniture/scratching post*

miyuri: ooooooh!! what is it?

Chuuya: "It's cat furniture--helps to encourage Mito to jump up high and even has a scratching post included."

mito: *rubbing against it* =w=

Chuuya: "Well, just need to assemble it: I'll just lift this piece to--" *dawning realization, as one piece is nearly taller than him* "... ... ..."

-elsewhere-

Dazai: "..." *starts giggling*

tanizaki: ??

Kunikida: -_-# "Did you eat the 'shrooms again?"

Dazai: "Oh, no--just thinking of something funny..."

naomi: hey bro, can you come with yosano and i today? we're taking maki on a shopping trip!

*lightning strikes--but it's sunny outside, with no cloud in the sky...Tanizaki looks shook*

Tanizaki: Q_______Q "S-Shopping? Again?"

Kenji: "???" *opens the window, looks up* "...The heck was that?"

naomi: maki had a bad evening yesterday, so we're taking her out to cheer her up. ^^ we invited naho too, but she said she was busy with something.

Tanizaki: "..." *sighs* "Okay...My poor arms will support the weight of many, many shopping bags." TwT

-elsewhere-

Honda: "GOOD MORNING, TROOPS!" *sips--from a big-ass mug of black coffee*

takeru: good morning sir!

Taguchi: "??? Hajiki! You're out of uniform!"

Hajiki: "Oh, sorry--I forgot..." *looks down--he's still wearing bunny slippers*

hito: *sweatdrop*

Honda: "No time for that--LET'S KICK OFF WITH SOME DELIGHTFUL JUMPING JACKS!" *leaps--and slams his head into the ceiling*

-elsewhere-

Fris: "Oh, God, she kidnapped another one. I'm going to be sick..."

kagu-tsuchi: ??

Bee: "She calls them 'fresh meat' and 'future TNT.'"

kagu-tsuchi:.....

*KA-BOOM*

kagu-tsuchi: ?! *turns her head to the direction of the sound*

Ritsu: *steps out, covered in soot and...blood* "That was a no-go..."

-elsewhere-

Takigi: *holds up the folder* "We got a case."

takigi's partner: hmm?

Takigi: "Get your flashlight--we're going underground."

-elsewhere-

Meme: "I'm sorry how last night went, Tsugumi..."

tsugumi: i-it's fine.

ao: if you ever need to talk, let us know.

Meme: *nod nod* "You're not alone."

tsugumi: *sniff* thanks guys.

ao: i can understand how you must feel, im no stranger to familial disputes myself...

tsugumi: i know...

Meme: "..." *looks down*

mio:...*holds her hand*

Meme: *small squeeze*

Anya: "Have you spoken with Maki?"

tsugumi: not yet.

Meme: "Maybe text her? Even if she's not up to talk..."

-elsewhere-

Haumea: "Hee hee~ All is ready...Great work, everyone! I'm sure the Preacher is pleased..."

guruna: kururu~@ ^^

Inka: "I can't wait to see things firsthand!" *she's still bandaged from the last encounter with the 8th at Haijima...*

ritsu: i'd request you sit this one out, lady inka.

Inka: "WHAT?! But I want to see the explosions!" >3<

Charon: *his torso is bandaged* *inhales* "Some of us are still too injured to fight."

Assault: X___X *still wrapped like a mummy*

kagu-tsuchi: charon, please rest...

Charon: "I will...when Inka agrees to retreat. But she's always been stubborn..."

kagu-tsuchi:...miss inka, please...

Inka: "What's in it for me?"

-elsewhere-

stocking: hmmm.....let's build a pillow fort, kiddo!

Kid: "Oh? You have the time?" *picks up a pillow*

stocking: yep! ^^

Kid: "Well then..." *tosses a small pillow at her*

stocking: ah! kid! >3<

Kid: "Hee hee...Just sending a building block to you..." *sets down a stack of pillows next to them--gives her a cheek kiss*

stocking: *giggles and kisses his cheek too*

Kid: ^\\\\^ "For structural integrity, perhaps begin with the wider pillows first..."

-elsewhere-

Shop Clerk: "Oh, that one looks lovely on you--and it's on sale!"

Tanizaki: *carrying shopping bags* TwT;

maki: thank you!

Yosano: *looking at a sun hat* "Match this up with the right swimsuit, and you'd turn some heads."

maki: you think so too, right?!

Yosano: "Hell yeah!"

Shop Clerk 2: *helping Naomi--* "And these are the matching earrings..."

naomi: oooh!

Shop Clerk 2: "Tell you what--you get these, I'll throw in the necklace for free."

-elsewhere-

naho: *typing*

Sakuya: *sets down tea and cookies*

naho: hey sakkun, would you proofread this chapter when im done?

Sakuya: "Me? Sure, though that's not my strongsuit...How's the chapter looking?"

naho: we're getting into the really good stuff. *wide grin* zepher's giving nero a reach around~

Sakuya: .\\\\\.; "...I see..."

belkia: *shocked gasp as he covers lilac's ears*

Lilac: "???"

belkia: such language, toguchin! and in front of the baby!

naho: >3< im 20!

lavender: *stiffled laughter*

Lilac: "WHAT'S GOING ON?! I CAN'T HEAR NOW!"

Higan: "Hey, don't censor her art, man..."

-elsewhere-

NOS4A2: *collapsed on the rug* =n= "My battery is worn down..."

tomura: quit your whining, we got you more, you freeloader.

kurome: ...

NOS4A2: "Feed it...to me..." *opens his mouth, tendrils with battery ports sticking out*

tomura: *hands it to him* alright alright.

NOS: "AAAAAAAH--" *noms--the tendrils wrapping around Tomura's wrist*

tomura: !!!

NOS: *sucks on the battery like a pacifier* =w=

tomura: *yanks back his wrist, snarling*

kurome:...uncle shigaraki doesnt like being touched.

NOS: *re-charging* "And I don't like human germs--they upset the integrity of my circuitry. And yet, c'est la vie."

kurome: i guess.

NOS: "Shouldn't you be studying with a teacher?"

kurome: im not in school, papa teaches me. and sometimes uncle giran does it.

NOS: "I see...How is your math?" *his...robot tongue starts "licking" static electricity off his arms*

kurome: i know how to do adding and subtracting.

NOS: "Hmm...I suppose multiplication is a ways off?"

kurome: i know a bit, i think. two times two is 4. two times three is 6, and so on. division's a bit harder, though.

NOS: "Oh, you humans lack so much--limited by only so much grey matter..."

kurome: ????

NOS: "...You have a brain. I have a hive-mind that can process more ideas more quickly by allocating the work to separate hard drives--"

tomura: she's a toddler, not a collage student.

NOS: "So she's a step up from you..."

tomura: !!!! why you-

magne: are you two bickering _again_?

tomura: HE STARTED IT!

NOS: "It's true--it's quite easy to get his goat." *holds up a goat plushie*

twice: AYYYYYYYYYYY! that sucked.

shaula: well he is a vampire, so that makes sense.

beatrice: well said, lady shaula.

NOS: "...Miss Magne, what is wrong with his head?"

magne: long story, hun.

twice: NONE OF YOUR BIZ!.....it all started when-

-elsewhere-

-a young woman waits by the square's fountain-

*hands cover her eyes*

Jonas: "Guess who~?"

woman: ah! jonas!

Jonas: "Hello, Natasha~" *cheek smooch, hug from behind*

natasha: hehe ^////^

Jonas: "Thank you for coming...I...Um..."

natasha: your commander? ^^;

Jonas: *nods* "He was quite passionate about our workout..." *rotates his shoulder* "Gonna be feeling that tomorrow..."

natasha: you're probably hungry after that.

Jonas: *smiles* "Have something in mind?" *rubs her hand*

natasha: i heard the crepe shop has ice cream sandwiched between two belgian waffles!

Jonas: *his stomach starts growling* .\\\\\.;

natasha: i bet you're dying to try it, arent you?

Jonas: *nods* "Incredibly so..."

-elsewhere-

sachiko: ma'am, you have a visitor.

anton: *wave*

Shelly: *sits up with a tired smile* "Ant..."

anton: how are you shelly? sorry i couldnt come sooner, commander had us running drills. are you feeling well? are your feet comfortable?

Shelly: *giggles* "I'm fine, really--you worry so much..."

anton: ^^; sorry, it's just, pre-fatherhood nerves, you know?

Shelly: "Aw..." *rubs her stomach* "Say hi to Daddy, sweetie..."

anton: ^^ do we know what they'll be yet?

Shelly: "Hey, we talked about this--I want to be surprised..."

anton: right, right. ^^; the anticipation's just killing me is all.

Shelly: "You thought about names, though? Maybe a few that could work regardless who they turn out to be?"

-elsewhere-

Hirotsu: *lights a match, brings it to his cigarette...exhales, looks at the slummy alley*

mafioso: nothing yet, sir.

Hirotsu: "Hmm...They used to monitor here, years ago..."

gin: *feeling along the wall* ......

*there's a small bit of spackle over the wall...it's still wet and loose...*

gin: hmmm.....

*it chips away, revealing a straight line, like the outline to a door*

gin: bingo... *slides her knife along the line*

*the door comes loose*

Hirotsu: "Good." *nods to others to take sides along the door*

-they do so-

*inside...is a chair...someone is tied to it*

gin: *looks to hirotsu*

Hirotsu: "...Likely a trap..." *shines a flashlight onto the person--*

Person: *muffled voice, gag around their mouth...and what looks like a bomb attached to them*

gin: !!!

Hirotsu: *bored sigh* "Typical..."

*BEEP*

*KA-BOOM*

gin: *cough cough* damn...

Hirotsu: *dusts himself off* *points to the remains* "They even left us a message..."

gin:....the guy was a lost cause, werent they?

Hirotsu: "Likely...The explosive was likely triggered remotely, which means..." *gestures to both ends of the alley, then the rooftops* "Follow the target."

gin: *nods and heads off*

Hirotsu: *exhales...then walks to the other end of the alley* "...I take it you find this amusing?"

???: "Hey, just giving you a heads up is all."

Hirotsu: "This is Port Mafia territory--tell your friends to be gone."

???: "Not that easy--they were staking out the basement for an access point. Tell your people to clear out...Can I bum a smoke?"

Hirotsu: "..." *hands it over*

Joker: "Much obliged~"

-elsewhere-

lina: and that concludes today's meeting. dismissed.

tsukasa: *yaaawn* that meeting took so looong! when are the magius going to get done with this 'pet project' of theirs anyway?

Demongo: *passed out inside a vial* *snore*

white feather: it'll be done soon, amane.

tsukuyo: hmmm...

white feather 2: is there a problem?

tsukuyo: 'invoking the essance of the holy maiden'...what could they have meant by that.

black feather: wait, you mean the holy maiden of kamihama?! i thought she was only a myth!

kagari: holy maiden? do elaborate.

tsukuyo: the holy maiden of kamihama was a magical girl who existed many years ago. she was among the founders of kamihama city, and was said to be very powerful, some even say she had the ability to bestow contracts much like the incubators can. one of the most famous stories is of how she faced off against an incredibly dangerous wraith known as 'Walpurgisnight'.

Miyako: O~O; "This sounds like bad news..."

Mio: "Tch. Sounds like over-complicated horror tales..."

white feather: of course, over the years, it's difficult to tell fact from fiction, but her legend is forever immortalized in kamihama, even as far as to depict her in the winter parade. *places an article on the table of mami playing the holy maiden in the parade*

Mai: *frowns at the photo*

tsukasa: wow, another great article courtesy of Ryou Midori.

ryou: ^w^

white feather: ?!?!? what happened to anonimity?!

ryou: that's only to outsiders. =3=

Miyako: "EEP! It-It's just a parade..." >~<

kagari: interesting......

-elsewhere-

#death city days