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headachecat · 3 years

Text

why do we not talk about muriel x asra possibilities

we all know asra wants nothing more than for muriel to find love and happiness, and WHAT IF that happiness could be found in one another?

what if

the beginning

growing up together on the streets brought them close, as they only had one another, Muriel spending sleepless nights, so Asra could rest peacefully and unafraid, tugging him close under his cloak, as it was one of a few things that could keep them both warm

he observed Asra’s deep breathing for hours, closing eyes to feel the slight twitching of his body and petting his arm to ease the nightmares

Muriel sometimes found himself asleep at dawn, as tiredness took him over. Asra would not wake him up in the morning, hugging him tightly and making sure he’s resting well

the world

as they grew up and eventually both found ways to cope with their reality, after escaping Lucio’s coliseum, Muriel stayed hidden in the forest and Asra moved on, traveling.

he would often come back to Muriel’s hut, the only place that would actually feel like home, quiet and cozy. he would bring so many things from all around the world, his eyes shining bright as he put them on the table one by one for Muriel to see.

Muriel nodded at many of them, taking more pleasure from Asra’s excitement rather than the trinkets he brought. he would listen for hours to Asra’s stories, that calmed him down and made him imagine how the world would be if things happened differently.

there were times when Asra would offer to show Muriel the Oasis, where they could spend time and explore, but Muriel declined each time. he had his own way of doing that. daydreaming was Muriel’s escape, even though his body still confined within the hut’s walls, his mind roaming freely, unafraid.

there was a day when Asra’s eyes were shining so bright, as he explained that he finally found someone he can teach magic and Muriel smiled softly, looking away.

the death

when the Apprentice died, Asra was gone. Muriel dreaded the day of his arrival. he would come to the Docks at night, closing his eyes, as he sat down on a brick wall, facing the sea. he would breathe in the smell of the water, shivers running down his spine. Inanna could feel it, as she laid her head on his laps, whining softly. he would then observe the Lazaret from afar, his head spinning with worry for what was to come.

when Asra learned what happened, Muriel was in the forest, resting under a tree, with Inanna tucked under his cloak. he could feel the tension in the air even before Asra arrived. he waited patiently, observing the lake, as lily pads floated slowly on its surface.

Asra found him in the evening. Muriel could hear him approaching, slightly turning his head towards him. Asra looked terrible, as his clothes were dirty with ash, soil smudged on his face, swollen eyes looking blindly in front of him. He fell to his knees next to Muriel, before resting against the tree, with his breath shaking and runny nose.

Muriel watched him for some time, before turning towards him.

“I am so sorry” he said quietly, his gaze fixed on Asra’s cheek. Asra covered his mouth, breaking down in tears, sharp breaths escaping his throat.

Muriel couldn’t bare to see him like that. For the first time it seemed like Asra did not have answers. He did not have control over what happened. He was so, so small, curled up under a tree, shaking with cries. Muriel closed his eyes with a longer breath, as he reached for Asra’s shoulder, touching it softly. He could feel the warmth from underneath the shirt, as he petted it gently. It was the first time in a long time they touched. And it was as soft as Muriel remembered from when they were kids.

Asra looked up at him with eyes filled with tears, cheeks red and dirty. He moved slightly closer, as Muriel’s hand fell on his back.

“Can I- please—“ he breathed out, choking with whimpers. Muriel nodded after a while and brought him even closer, letting Asra’s head rest on his chest. He leaned back against the tree, as Asra wrapped arms around his waist and cried into his skin. “Thank you. Thank you”

Muriel held him for what felt like forever and he did not mind it for a moment

the change

Asra stayed at the hut for a couple of days after arrival. Muriel was more than happy to give him the bed, as he himself lied in front of the fire place, holding Inanna close. He stayed awake some time after Asra fell asleep in the evening, to hear his breathing.

Muriel would get up early, hunt, make breakfast. Asra would awake by the time he was cooking, usually jumping out of the bed to help, clean up and keep him company. Muriel enjoyed these moments, listening to Asra’s comments on the weather outside. It seemed like it was the only topic Asra wanted to talk about and Muriel did not mind it. They would sit outside for breakfast, sharing one pan and making small, meaningless remarks about the clouds. It made Asra smile.

On the third day, Muriel rested in front of the fire place earlier than usual, tired from the intensity of the day’s chores. Asra sat down on the bed, but did not lie down, watching him quietly.

“It doesn’t looks comfortable”

Muriel looked at him briefly.

“It is enough”

“I can sleep there today”

“It is fine”

Asra smiled softly, before moving closer to Muriel and sitting next to the fire.

“Remember how we used to sleep in the forest in front of the fire?”

Muriel nodded, observing Asra closely. The shadows dances on his face, eyes shining as he looked at the fire. Asra’s back slightly brushed against Muriel’s knees. Muriel moved a little, making more space for them both.

They stayed quiet for a long time, just enjoying the warmth and each other’s company. Muriel turned on his side eventually. Asra followed, lying down next to him. Their shoulders touched for a second, before Asra moved away. Muriel let out a short breath. He did not know why, but he missed that feeling. The softness of Asra’s shirt. So, he moved closer, shoulders brushing against each other again.

Asra smiled slightly, looking up at Muriel, but he avoided their gaze. They both acknowledged the contact. They both enjoyed it.

In the morning, Muriel woke up to Asra lying on him, white hair tickling his cheek. He blushed severely, looking around the room. He couldn’t move. He did not want Asra to wake up. He could see the ash spilling on the floor from the fireplace and he sighed quietly. Uncertain, he wrapped his arm around Asra, moving them closer and further away from the ash, eventually laying them fully on top of himself. Asra murmured and breathed out, but did not wake up. He cuddled up closer, his head falling into the crook of Muriel’s neck.

Muriel could swear that he blushed more and more with each breath tickling his skin. Did he mind it? He’s experienced it before, why did it feel different this time. Asra— it was just Asra. Asra. Muriel looked down at him and moved some hair from his face delicately. Why did he do that. Goodness. He looked away again, keeping his gaze fixed at the ceiling for gods know how long.

He bit his lip when Asra moved, a deep breath escaping their lungs. Asra opened up his eyes, surprised at the position they found themselves in. He lifted himself off of Muriel, freezing above him.

“I’m sorry, M-“

“It’s fine” Muriel breathed out, avoiding eye contact.

Asra blinked a few times. He did not want Muriel to repeat himself. He nodded slightly, lowering himself back onto Muriel’s chest. Goodness, how good it felt. Asra breathed out softly, uncertain what to do with his arms. They lasted like that for a short time, one looking at the other discretely, before finally their eyes met. Muriel held his breath, as Asra looked up at him, his hair messy and cheeks blushed.

“Are you sure?” Asra asked in the quietest whisper. His gaze traced Muriel’s jawline briefly, before coming back to his eyes. Muriel stared at Asra long, his eyes opened wide. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“It’s— okay— I guess. Whatever” Muriel murmured back, his face flushed. Asra was so close, so damn near, he could feel his breath, his heartbeat. With every second it seemed like they were getting closer. Asra lifted himself slightly upwards. Muriel looked down, at his lips, for barely a second before closing his eyes and turning his face away, coughing. “I have to— I have to— hunt. Yeah. No. I’ll bring eggs.”

Muriel sat up quickly, holding Asra close to make sure he was comfortable, before releasing him. Asra nodded, smiling shyly and getting off of him. It did not surprise him how quickly Muriel left the hut.

They found him again in the forest, near a cave. He was resting his head against the cold rock, playing with some grass in his hand. Asra approached him carefully.

“Did you find the eggs?”

Muriel looked at him, before dropping his gaze again.

“I— I just thought a walk first would be— nice” he whispered, coughing quietly.

Asra nodded, walking up closer. He reached out to grab Muriel’s hand, before hesitating.

“Can I?” he asked

Muriel blushed again, closing his eyes, before nodding after a longer while. Asra touched his hand softly, squeezing it tight.

“I did not mean to make you uncomfortable.”

Muriel shook his head.

“It’s not— don’t worry. I’m- fine.” he said quickly, his gaze dropping on their hands.

Asra nodded carefully and Muriel could feel his eyes on him. His heart was racing, his head was spinning. What in the world?

“I need to tell you something, Muriel” Asra said quietly. “I— It’s important.”

Muriel thought he was going to die for a second. It felt like everything stopped. He nodded, unconsciously petting Asra’s hand with his thumb.

“I’m going to do something. That’s— dangerous. I don’t know what will happen or if it will work. But I have to try. If I can— If I can make it happen, it will be— a blessing” Asra voice was peaceful, although careful. Muriel listened to his plan in silence, eyes fixed on their joined hands. His heart was aching, but he did not know why exactly. It was difficult to pinpoint what really was happening inside his head. After Asra was done, he nodded again and again and thought to himself that they were fucking insane.

the fool

The Apprentice seemed healthy and quite alive. Muriel saw them sometimes at the marketplace as they paced slowly, hiding their face from the gossiping crowd. He felt sad for them.

Asra would travel more often now and Muriel haven’t seen him in weeks. Even if he was in town, he would rarely go visit the hut. He couldn’t help but wonder if it was of how he reacted to what happened between them. Has he not been such a fool, has he not act like a coward-

It was a quiet evening. Muriel was feeding the chickens before heading back inside the hut for the rest of the night, when he felt the presence behind him. Asra was leaning against the wall, observing him quietly with a soft smile on his lips. Muriel turned around and put down the seed basket.

“Your apprentice seems to be doing well” Muriel blurted out after a moment of awkward silence. Asra nodded, but a look of sadness run across his face.

“They don’t remember anything from— before. I’ve been teaching them, but there’s only so much I can do to remind them who they are.” they said, taking a satchel off his shoulder.

“It saddens you” Muriel pointed out, jumping above the fence and standing next to Asra. They shook their head.

“No, they are doing splendid. I don’t— regret anything.” he smiled peacefully. “From other news, they seem to be intensely engaged with a certain doctor we both know”

Muriel raised his eyebrows, before laughing quietly.

“Of course they are” he looked up at Asra’s face. “Is this— bothering you?” he asked shyly. Asra giggled, surprised.

“No! No. I’m fine with that. I guess I sort of let go a long time ago” he wondered for a minute “I’m happy for them.”

Muriel nodded, before turning and heading towards the hut. He stopped, noticing Asra followed him.

“Muriel I— want to apologize that I wasn’t here much recently.”

Muriel listened to him, his face displaying a hint of sadness.

“I suppose it’s not enough to just apologize for three years of barely coming here. It’s not— I did not mean to. I was busy with the teaching— it took a lot out of me. I did not want to project my tiredness onto you. Or my other feelings.” Asra scratched his palm, sighing deeply. “I am sorry. I figured you’d like more space— for yourself.”

Muriel closed his eyes, before turning and opening the door to enter the hut. He looked back in Asra’s direction.

“Do— you want to stay for the night?”

Asra smiled cheerfully, grabbing his satchel tightly and following him inside.

He noticed some things have changed. One chair was missing from the table and— was the bed bigger? He looked at Muriel, noticing blush spread across his face, before he managed to look away.

“I— made a bigger bed. Inanna wants to sleep with me more often recently. Figured it would be more comfortable for her”

Asra smiled widely, taking off his shoes and sitting down on the bed.

“I’ve brought some bread. It’s not the greatest quality but it was cheap, so I bought some more for you” Asra grabbed a loaf of bread from his satchel, standing up and putting it on the table.

“Thank you” Muriel dragged himself over to the fireplace, taking of his cloak and laying it on the floor. Asra observed him in silence.

Muriel sat down, squeezing his neck with his hand and sighing, as the pleasant warmth of the fireplace made shivers run down his spine. He did notice that Asra kneeled down next to him, taking of their hat.

“Here, let me” he reached to Muriel’s neck, gently placing his palms on it. Muriel did not flinch or shiver, the softness of Asra’s hands making him relax, as he longed for this touch for such a long time. Asra carefully ran his fingers down the muscles, massaging them and whispering calming words. Muriel did not notice when Asra’s touched moved to his shoulders, his mind focused on the pleasure.

“Can I- get in front of you. I can’t quite grasp it all from this side” Asra whispered, way closer to Muriel’s ear than he expected. He blushed, taking a long breath and nodding.

Asra stood up, walking over and leaning, as he placed hands on top of Muriel’s shoulders. Muriel opened his eyes, watching him for a second, before opening his mouth, like he wanted to say something.

“Hm?” Asra looked down at him, stopping the pressure on the muscles.

Muriel gestured awkwardly towards his laps, before coughing and murmuring.

“You can— just sit here”

Asra took a moment before smiling and agreeing. He carefully lowered himself onto Muriel’s laps, getting a better position. Muriel could not hide the blush on his face, so he just closed his eyes again, avoiding eye contact.

Asra pressed his skin in the most gentle ways, relieving the years of strain and stress from his body. Muriel’s lips parted as Asra’s fingers digged deeper, before suddenly letting out an unvolontary moan. Asra stopped, his eyes opened wide, as Muriel covered his mouth quickly, blood rushing towards his cheeks. He watched as the man completely hides his face in his hands.

“I’m sorry” Muriel muttered “That’s— I’m so sorry”

Asra laughed loudly, his head titling back. Muriel looked up at him, noticing the blush spreading on his cheeks as well. Asra moved hair back from their forehead and put hands on Muriel’s shoulders once more.

“Don’t be sorry! Oh my goodness, I loved that!” he exclaimed, laughing through his words. Muriel’s eyes opened wide, his gaze catching Asra’s stare.

“I- I’m-“ Muriel murmured, feeling his heart bursting out of his chest. “What?”

Asra’s gaze was soft and tender, and Muriel was so focused on it that he did not notice when they moved their hands on his cheeks. He could feel Asra shifting closer on his laps.

“I loved it. I— Loved it, yeah” he repeated, chuckling, his thumb petting Muriel’s skin. Muriel groaned, leaning into the touch, his head resting on Asra’s hands. He observed as they moved close until their noses barely touched. “Muriel-“ Asra whispered gently, observing him with a slightly concerned expression”

Muriel nodded, swallowing loudly and blinking a few times.”

“Can I?”

Muriel took a long time, feeling the warmth of Asra’s touch. How much he needed this, how much he longed for it, how could he deny it.

“Yes”

Asra leaned even closer, closing the gap between their lips, as the warmth spread across Muriel’s whole body. They kissed him carefully and sweetly and it seemed like it should never end. Muriel gasped into their kiss, before slowly kissing Asra back, uncertainly and longingly.

Muriel felt as Asra wrapped his legs around his waist, before parting and breathing shakily.

“Let me— let me show you how” he whispered and Muriel did not wait anymore, nodding, his eyes closing as he leaned into the kiss again and again. Asra lead him, turning his head gently and parting their lips, teaching him the sweetest of lessons.

Muriel was the first to move away, looking at Asra in disbelief. They smiled, placing a kiss on his cheek and jaw and again his lips, before leaning back. They looked at each other for a long time. as Muriel breathed deeply, his thoughts running wild.

He fell back carefully onto the floor, staring at the ceiling, before hiding his face in hand again.

“Goodness-“

Asra laid down next to him, their hands touching.

“Is it okay?” they asked quietly, looking up.

Muriel nodded, chuckling barely noticibly.

“Yes. It’s— yes—“ he repeated himself a few times. They lied in silence, their hands brushing against each other tenderly. Asra smiled widely, turning to the side, as Inanna walked over, placing herself on Muriel’s left side.

Muriel reached to pet her, catching Asra’s eye. He hesitated for a moment before wrapping an arm around him as well and bringing him close. Asra sighed and hugged him tightly, covering them with his cape.

Their breaths settled after some time, heartbeats calming down as well. Muriel felt himself drift away, his body relaxing. Asra caressed his shoulder, before chuckling quietly.

“Can I sleep here tonight? It’s very—“

“Familiar” Muriel completed his sentence. He smiled slightly. He tugged the magician closer, hand resting on his waist. “We can use the bed some other time”

Asra gasped and Muriel immediately opened his eyes.

“Not like— I mean to sleep—“

Asra laughed, placing a small kiss on his chest.

“I love it” he breathed out.

Muriel scratched Inanna and moved Asra up, feeling their breath on his neck again. And he loved it as well.

He loved him.

#muriel #arcana #the arcana #asra #muriel x asra #like come on it’s so soft it’s so tender #i love them #the arcana game #head canon #txt #lucio #julian #nadia #portia

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sycamoretrees · 3 years

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for the hockey dudes boning: Giroux and Crosby, draisaitl and mtkachuck, frederik andersen and connor brown. all together or as pairs ;3

anon the scope of your ambition is inspirational, unforch I know next to nothing about andersen and brown but the other two I can do!!

giroux and crosby: these two hatef*cking is well-worn territory (not a complaint), so let's say. '22 Winter Olympics (I've just found out G has never competed??? He probably wouldn't go to the next one either, anyway, details), Sid and G warming down after an early round win (gotta take that stuff seriously at their age yknow, no one's 23 forever), trading league gossip, Sid starts in on an anecdote 'yeah you remember what Luongo was like in Sochi, when he -' G cuts him off emphatically 'nope' really sounding out the plosive, huffs a laugh so Sid knows he isn't too upset about it. 'shit sorry man, forgot it was your first time'

G: ah fuck off, makes it sound like I'm a virgin

Sid keeps making jokes until G does actually start getting kinda frustrated, 'is this a thing for you?'

Spoiler alert: it is, they roleplay G being a virgin, maybe even a rookie, maybe with a bit of a hero worship crush on Sid, Sid being the Big Deal Captain who's the first guy to have rookie!Giroux choke on his dick, who gets crazy hot for G white-knuckling the sheets and gasping about how big he is, etc.

Sid's maybe kind of embarrassed after, G even worse off (like yeah they'd been pretending but he'd still begged for it, he'd still made those noises, he'd still -), but they get up the next day and play the next game and it's fine, and when Canada wins gold and they're doing some Q+A thing wearing these huge medals around their necks, and a reporter says 'this question's for Claude, you never been to the Olympics before, right?' G glances at Sid, smirking, before answering 'yeah well there's a first time for everything' and Sid spends the rest of the presser desperately trying not to laugh

Mtkachuk and Draisaitl: so part of my weirdly over-developed mtkachuk headcanon is he's self-conscious about his body for some reason, and this came up in a chat recently so i’m just gonna borrow my thoughts because maybe if i put it out into the universe someone will write it (under a cut because long)(ETA: THIS EVOLVED so warning for dubcon, general filth, bad language etc):

objectively there is nothing [about his body for him to be self conscious about] but What If it was: tits

I would enjoy a fic that explored that maybe. Maybe the other guy is nice about it.... But maybe............... They Are Not

the existing RL dynamic where Leon HATES him and Matthew is just like. Enjoys someone paying attention to him and is kind of amused at Leon’s depth of feeling and maybe also a bit turned on about it. And then Leon stumbles across the knowledge that he’s self-conscious about his body somehow and in his angry insults further stumbles upon the precise focus of said self-consciousness

Are they already fucking when Leon finds this out or does he find out and THEN they hook up, idk

If it's the latter it's because Leon says something about it (blindly) and it's the one thing that makes Matthew fucking SNAP

Like he's been blithely volleying Leon's insults while they circle each other on the ice, maybe doing that dumb upright wrestling thing that players do when they aren't ready to commit, looking like he's laughing at Leon all the while which drives Leon MAD and he's so DISGUSTED at himself for giving a shit about this ASSHOLE, and then Leon spits out something about fuck idk 'can see why you'd want to keep that covered up man, got the same tits as my 10th grade girlfriend' and Matthew LUNGES, not even just for the show of it like he usually fights but really trying to HURT Leon, but so frantic with it that he can't get anything to land

Oh actually they're not on the ice for this because I need Leon to realise that while matthew is indeed genuinely irate he is also FULLY boned up

And Leon is DELIGHTED to finally have something on matthew, to finally have the upper hand. like for once he gets to feel like he's not the one embarrassing himself by being too invested. And as soon as matt realises Leon's noticed - maybe as soon as MATTHEW notices - he scrambles away mortified and sprints the fuck out of dodge

And like Leon would LOVE to take the chance to feel superior, like maybe now he's come out on top for once he can get on with the rest of his life without feeling like he's got a score to settle with some mouthy smirking asshole with shitty hair who plays on a team that doesn't even MATTER, like, Leon WON. Now he can MOVE ON. except he can't stop fucking thinking about it, the hot flush on matt's cheeks, the raw fury making matthew's fingers bite into Leon's flesh and how maybe just for a second, just at the end there, it looked like maybe matthew was gonna cry about it

Anyway blah blah the next time they play each other and Leon tracks Matthew down in the [arena stadium idk] and Matthew tries to brush him off, none of the gleeful chirping he'd normally unleash upon seeing Leon out in the wild, but Leon doesn't let him, pushes and pushes and gets up in his space

Until Matthew shoves at him, drops his water bottle and his keys and his two fucking cellphones (one's for 'business') and gets Leon right in the solar plexus, and it hurts, enough that it makes Leon dizzy for a second and when he blinks back into clarity he's got Matthew against the wall, one of Matthew's arms twisted between them, the other hot in Leon's hand, his pulse so rabbit-fast it feels like humming

They're the same size pretty much, but Matthew's scattered, eyes darting all over, trying to pull free in every direction at once, and Leon's focused. Can channel all his energy towards Matthew, into him, keeping him here

Leon shifts even closer, leans more of his weight, yanks at Matthew's wrist where he was trying to twist it away

'you're gonna let me see them,' he says, face tucked in tight to Matthew's neck. Heat's coming off him like asphalt, humid and syrupy

'the fuck're you talking about,' Matthew grits, still twisting under him, and honestly Leon doesn't know, didn't know he was going to say that until he did, but it's there now, and the certainty of it keeps him in place like a lead weight, like a cliff face Matthew's throwing himself against

'you're gonna show me,' Leon says, 'your pretty fuckin' tits, gonna let me see'

'what - what -' Matthew's chest spasms under Leon like he's laughing, but the sound doesn't come out right, just this tight wet noise from the back of his throat

'yeah,' Leon says, letting his voice loose against the hot skin at Matthew's jaw, 'yeah, get you naked, spread out for me, let me get my hands on them'

Leon's blood never settled from the fight and it's pounding in his ears, thump-thump-thump like the bassline at a club, driving bodies forward, pushing them higher. His hands are sweat damp now but it doesn't matter, Matthew isn't fighting any more, not really, not like he's trying to get away. Squirming under Leon like - like -

'hardly got enough for each hand, huh, but you're gonna let me anyway,' and Matthew jerks so hard under Leon it takes the wind out of him for a second, so he doubles down, puts all his weight into holding matthew against the wall, all his limbs pinned. 'you want me to, right? Want me to look at you, it's all you ever fucking want, can't get enough of it'

If he'd been thinking he'd have braced then, because surely Matthew isn't going to let him keep saying this shit, but Matthew’s shuddering, this rumble that travels over into Leon’s body, and if Leon’s out of breath it’s nothing compared to Matthew, panting rough and raw

'you gonna jerk me off while I feel you up, huh matty? Get your hand on my dick, let me - fuck, let me come on you, come all over your pretty little tits'

Matthew sobs, wet, Leon can feel the tears smearing against his cheek, but he's riding Leon's thigh now, grinding against it like a girl really would. Leon slaps his hand over Matthew's mouth, ignoring the shocked little noise Matthew makes at that because he's being so loud

'would you get yourself off like that, with my come all over you? You think everyone would know, they'd smell it on you, how much you liked it, how much you wanted it -'

Matthew jerks against him, once, twice, the noise he makes muffled against Leon's palm, thank god, because it sounded like - it sounded like what it was. He lets his head fall back against the wall finally, and - and he’s a fucking wreck, bright red all the way up to his hairline, the faintest outline of where Leon's hand had been pressing into his skin just fading away.

'fuck, fuck, fuck,' matthew's repeating under his breath, eyes squeezed shut still. He hasn't looked at Leon.

Leon's so hard his balls hurt, and the hand he was holding over Matthew’s mouth is floating awkwardly near his shoulder, damp from Matthew’s tears, from his sweat. He has a powerful urge to move it back, slip his thumb into Matthew’s mouth, make him lick the salt off, but he - it doesn’t feel like he can, now

Matthew blinks open. His eyes are red, and Leon can see his tongue in his open mouth, wet and shiny everywhere.

‘you’re fucked up,’ Matthew says, hoarse. Leon nods, slowly, warily, because. Well, yeah. ‘you’re not gonna...’

He trails off, and Leon isn’t sure - not gonna tell anyone? is that what he was going to say? Leon isn’t, jesus fucking christ is Leon not telling anyone about this, where would he even start - and then Matthew swallows, throat clicking loud in the silence, and when Leon looks at him he lets his eyes trail down, down, past Leon’s face and his torso and... oh, ok. yeah. Leon lowers his hand, slowly, thumb catching on his waistband, still watching Matthew’s eyeline.

‘D’you want me to?’ Leon says, his fingers just edging under. Matthew doesn’t say anything, and then he shrugs, barely. Leon’s not even touching him any more. ‘Yeah. Yeah, you do.’

#UM #UMMMMM #HERE YOU FUCKING GO I GUESS #???????????#PLS HEED THE WARNINGS lmk if you want anything clarified #hockey #(fuck me this better not show up in the tag)#writing #tagging belatedly for organisational purposes #sidney crosby #claude giroux #matthew tkachuk #leon draisaitl #st.post

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cosmiciaria · 3 years

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Assasin’s Creed III Remaster review - Spoilers! - Long post!

I wanted to keep this spoiler free, but as this game is such a narrative experience, I don't think I'll be able to. I'll try to keep them at minimum, but be warned: there are major spoilers ahead. By the way, this game is almost a decade old, so y'all had plenty of time to get spoiled beforehand. And if you're reading this, it's because you like this game and you probably know how it ends.

Review under the cut because this is way too long.

As always, I express my feelings and impressions regarding my experience with a game – I write it because I like writing reviews instead of, I don't know, recording a video for YouTube. I'm not a YouTuber and I feel safer behind a keyboard where people don't point out about my weird accent (the accent every Hispanic person has when they speak English). Since the pandemic started, I found refuge and comfort in AC games, with Syndicate being my first contact with the franchise, and Unity solidifying my love for it. I found strength and weaknesses in all the installments I've played, which are almost all of them by now (excluding the first AC with Altaïr, the new saga with Origins, Odyssey and Valhalla, and Rogue). I've also platinumed three of those games I've played, and I'm on my way to platinum this one, so I think I can speak from a deep fan standpoint by now.

Since Syndicate, I studied from up close each of the protagonists of the mainline games. I felt drawn to Arno because he looked like one of my oc's (and his girlfriend looked like my oc's girlfriend as well); I wanted to learn about Ezio because he's a fan favorite; I wasn't at all impressed by Edward but ended up growing fond of him; I respect Altaïr for what he means to the Brotherhood; but I can safely say, that I haven't felt as attracted to a main AC protagonist as I felt with Connor.

From the moment I knew he was a native American (such a bold choice, it seemed for me) I felt instant attraction – but not the, idk, physical (he's a cutie I give it to you), but because of what he could bring about as a main character. A perspective we don't usually get to see, and personally, as I'm not American, a point of view to educate me on a different side of history. I wanted to see what they could do with him as the star of the game, I wanted to play with him and understand how someone like him could rise up and become a protagonist of such a well known and beloved saga of games. I applaud this decision from Ubisoft, whether they did it because they wanted to look progressive or not, I don't care, I'll always cherish that the protagonist of a famous videogame is a Mohawk. And with the American Revolution as the main stage, no less. Such an important scenario to strengthen the virtue of independence, patriotism and love for a country, going hand in hand with a character that represents America even more than the Founding Fathers.

(Also I'm a Hamilton Fan Trademark so I couldn't stop singing random parts of songs while playing this game, it was a nightmare every time Lafayette appeared on screen because I JUST HAD TO start mumbling Guns and Ships)

I lunged blindly into this game – I'd only spoiled myself the very ending because I played Black Flag before – so imagine my surprise when I first saw Haytham, Connor's father, as the main protagonist.

So here's the deal. Let's clear this out of the way.

I thoroughly enjoyed the game. It was what I expected and more.

But.

Yes, there's always a but in AC games, you know the drill.

As I kept playing with Haytham, charming though he was, I kept thinking to myself "ok but when does Connor come into play". I also already knew Haytham was a Templar, so the end of the first few sequences didn't catch me by surprise – actually, what caught me by surprise was that there was no mention of Assassins or Templars during the "prologue" with Haytham, instead you're left to believe they're all Assassins until he prays to the Father of Understanding and you realize with a gasp "oH NoO!".

You play with Haytham the first three sequences. One of these have the most memories out all of the sequences more or less. This whole thing can take up to three to five hours depending on how much time you wish to put into exploring or completing the optional objectives. And still no signs of Connor.

Connor does come eventually – as a child – by sequence 4. It's not until the end of sequence 5 that you get to play as (almost) adult Assassin Connor, so maybe five or six or even seven hours into the game and you're barely starting.

I know what they did here. I understand. And this is what I meant when I said they were going for a 'narrative experience'. To make you play as Haytham before, to lure you into a false sense of safety believing he was an Assassin working for a just cause, to make you feel invested in his relationship with Ziio – only to discover he's one of the bad guys, that will eventually give birth to our true hero of the game – it sediments everything perfectly. It tells you everything you need to know to understand these characters and their motivations. I can see where they're going and some of it can be quite predictable, but it was done right. On the narrative aspect at least.

I got used to Haytham by the time we switch to Connor, we're used to his cloak and his three pointed hat – his accent, his sassiness, his everything. You grow fond of him and you think, hey, maybe it isn't so bad to not play as Connor, I can roll with this – until the sudden change happens. The game completed its purpose: let you know and care for Haytham, only to strip him away from your hands and bring you the real protagonist with an interesting background that didn't need to be told, but it was instead shown to us players. What a better way to tell a story.

But the problem is – most of Haytham's memories are fillers. For starters, the very first memory where you appear in the opera house (similar to that one at the end of Black Flag… mmm) serves as a tutorial for climbing and killing with the hidden blade. Then the whole memory on the ship to Boston – completely expendable and removable, the story doesn't suffer from it. All the memories used with Haytham as tutorials – how to shield from an open line of fire, how to use ranged weapons, how to sneak and find stores and viewpoints, how to use horses and walk on snow, fricking Ben Franklin – everything, everything could've blended in better. You could still tell the story you wanted in only one sequence playing with Haytham, and end it the way it does end in sequence 3, without avoiding any important detail to frame Connor's backstory as well – but instead, this part with Haytham does feel like it overstays its welcome, and by the end you're just hoping it ends soon, it drags on for too long, and there's no real sense of thread pulling the strings together here, everything just kind of 'happens'.

But the never-ending prologue doesn't end there (badam tum tsss), because Connor still isn't an Assassin. Connor is not Connor actually, as I had been led to believe prior to playing this game: his real name is Ratonhnhaké:ton, which I wish it was used more often than it was. Ratonhnhaké:ton is like four or five years old when you first play with him, and his village is assaulted by what we assume are Charles Lee's men, a Templar and companion to Haytham. Ratonhnhaké:ton swears revenge upon these putrid British invaders and he grows up resenting the death of his mother, who died in the fire provoked by these Templars.

Not even knowing what a Templar or an Assassin is, Ratonhnhaké:ton is sent by one of "the spirit guides" (actually, Juno, one of the Precursor people) to seek the Brotherhood. When he's around 14, he sets out of his village into the wide world and finds Achilles, who will become his Assassin mentor – that is, after completing a set of tasks that yet again seem to go on forever. Ratonhnhaké:ton turns into Connor to cover his true origins, a name I thought it was random, but by the end I realized how wrong I was.

It isn't until Connor turns 17 that he becomes a fully-fledged Assassin – and you might think, well, Ezio became an Assassin at the same age – yes, but it didn't take him five sequences to reach there. I can't believe I'm defending Ezio.

It's not that I didn't enjoy playing as Connor when he was a kid, no, and I also don't think that part of the game should be skipped since it shows his people, family and friends – maybe comprised, yes, into only one sequence – the real problem here is the fact that first you need to play what could be considered the longest prologue ever, even longer than Kingdom Hearts 2's one, and you're teased with grasping the real protagonist but no, because there's still more 'prologue' to cover with Connor's rise to the Brotherhood. The real, real story, begins in sequence 6, and even then you still have a lot of tutorials to listen from the NPC on duty.

And if you do the maths – you're halfway through the game – halfway! – and you're just starting. The game has twelve sequences and the meat of the plot is on the last six. Then, why did I play all the previous parts?

For the 'narrative experience' thing I talked about. They wanted to lay the groundwork for a better, compelling storytelling, and I can appreciate it, but not when it hinders the pace of the game this way.

That is, certainly, my biggest issue with the game. The pace. If you're going to give me such a slow start, introducing characters non-stop, and only give me resolutions, discoveries and action packed sequences on the later half, then the story isn't balanced at all – I understand that at some points you need to slow down and sink in what's going on; you can't also introduce ten characters in one cutscene because that's just bad story telling – but the memories of this game are clearly not well organized and weren't thought with the player in mind, but rather with the story in mind. To think that the first mission you do as a full Assassin is to receive more and more tutorials on how the fast travel points work and how you can lower your notoriety (as far as gameplay goes in this mission, it's only walking around at a slug's pace to follow the NPC giving you instructions) it does feel like a slap in the face after all the things and hours and effort you put into it to finally reaching this point (which, I remind you, it's by sequence six!).

It's at this point where I can't blame people for not following through with this game. I have plenty of friends who abandoned it even before reaching this part. And I found myself having trouble to return to it: I only wanted to go back to it because I knew I had to like Connor, I knew he wouldn't disappoint me as a character.

Boy, was I RIGHT!

Now, to be honest, I may be biased, like I said: I was instantly attracted to Connor due to his backstory and I wished to see what he could bring to the table. And I have to say, he didn't disappoint me at all.

Maybe you know or maybe you don't, but up until this point, my fave Assassin was Arno: he showed weaknesses and he suffered the consequences of his actions, to the point of no return, that rendered him vulnerable and a mere human being. And I love me a good vulnerable character who knows their limits and strives to get out of that pit. I love me a good, compelling character that has growth and agency and isn't made of cardboard or has a one-dimensional personality. And Connor delivered on this front.

Connor might very well be my new fave Assassin. I'm sorry, Arno. I still love you babe. But Connor… I never found myself rooting for a character more than I did with him. I wanted him to succeed, I wanted his people to be saved, I wanted to see his ideals become a reality – and he's got so much agency, he's a storm when he comes into a scene, his naivety mixed with the brutality of his killings, the simplicity of his reasonings – he's an idealist, and he fights for it, whether we like it or not, and that devotion to his own creed is at least respectable, let alone admirable. He's never downplayed for his upbringing or his ethnicity, he works among the most notorious people as if he was another one of them, he's well respected in his community, he shows kindness and always offers a helping hand to those in need, but never doubts to plunge his blade into this opponent's throats, fearlessly, he doesn't mind telling George Friking Washington to shut the hell up and not follow him because he'll kill him (there's such a pleasure in a native reprimanding enslaver Washington) – he's, simply put, a great hero.

I've seen many complain that he's boring, or that the actor who played him, Noah Watts, delivered lines in an emotionless way – the only thing that could make him 'boring' is the fact that he's not a lady's man like Ezio was, and to my eyes that's a plus. He speaks slowly and modulates well in English because that's not his mother tongue, and I can appreciate when a company puts these little details, like his way of speaking changing throughout the game as he gained more confidence with this new language he was learning to use. As non-English native speaker, I certainly can commune with the feeling of adapting my tongue and my brain to a new language, and I also know that I speak weirdly to those who are native, maybe I don't have the same intonations, and maybe I sound emotionless as well, who knows, but I can't think of a better portrayal of a non-English character speaking English in videogames than this one. They remained faithful to his culture, and even though I noticed Noah didn't speak Mohawk as fluently as English, I can still feel pleased with the fact that Connor speaks in his mother tongue in all of the scenes he interacts with Mohawks (that's something they did better here than in Unity, where not a single character has even a French accent. I switched the language spoken to French in my subsequent playthroughs, much to my disappointment, because I really liked the Canadian actors). I know subtitles may seem threatening to some, but I wish they did this more often: deliver more lines in the original language of each of the protagonists. It shows care and respect. And I think this game excels at respect.

So, yes, I liked Ratonhnhaké:ton, as you can see. Maybe a lot. Too much.

I also really, really enjoyed his relationship with Haytham.

When Haytham appears back in to the fray it's when the plot picks up. Their interactions are gold: I love the rivalry, I love that Haytham is constantly testing his son, and I love the tiny bits that may show or make us believe that Haytham has a soft spot for him – I love that we never truly know what's going on through Haytham's mind, why does he do the things he does – but what I enjoyed the most about these two fighting together is the fact that they represent opposing forces, a clash of interest, and they bring back the concept of the blurred line between the Templars and the Assassins, their different methods. Haytham represents the collectiveness of the Templars, through him we learn of what they truly uphold as right and just, and behind some of his reasonings you can see sense and understanding – you comprehend his goals, you get to know your enemy, your antagonist, which is something, for instance, the Ezio trilogy lacks (because Templars bad bad pium pium die Templar bad guy) and Unity and Rogue tried to do but ultimately ended wasting its potential. I never understood Templars more than I did through Haytham, and sometimes I found myself nodding at some of his statement, like 'hey… huh… he's not that wrong about this…'. But still, we're led to believe that the good guys, the Assassins, are never wrong, so we pull through with Connor – only to realize that yes, Haytham was right in many aspects, and yes, Haytham has lied to us and he needs to be stopped.

It's here when my love for Connor reached its ultimate stage: when he denies both his father (Templars) and Washington (for whom the Assassins were working). It's here where you see the true agency of this character. It's not black or white, as Ezio's games were; it's not that he was expelled against his will from the Brotherhood like in Unity; it's not that because of a clash of interest now he resorted to the Templars, like in Rogue; no, it's the philosophy of the very first AC game with Altaïr: Templars and Assassins are one and the same, they only differ in their methods, and when Connor comes to this realization, his struggle is visible and he puts his people first. Like always.

He remains true to his personality. He's grown, he's seen the truth, but he must make a decision. And after all, we're here because we want to see him protect his people. That's his real main driving force and we root for him because of it.

Now, I've spoken a lot about our main character. But, what about the secondary ones?

Achilles, Connor's mentor, hides more than he's willing to share – but slowly his backstory unfolds. In his homestead, Davenport, you're able to build a community with different townsfolk that you can invite to live with you through special sidequests, which combine plot and gameplay seamlessly. Through the homestead missions, you get to know Achilles and the other inhabitants and you see them thrive and grow into a tight-knit community close as family. I daresay that these missions were my favorite out of the whole game, and seeing the town grow not only in NPC's walking around but also in sounds, steps, people working and laughing and dogs barking and kids playing, gave me all the fuzzy and cozy feelings of a warm blanket in winter. Most of Connor's innocence and kindness is shown through these missions, and there are also some really good jewels hidden there, like the quest that asks you to guide the pigs back inside – damn. This game gave me very good laughs.

On a gameplay level, this game is light years away from its predecessors – the parkour alone has been revamped and revitalized, making it more fluid. Free running now isn't a chore anymore. Now you can hunt, which is a great part of Connor's backstory and culture, so it's good to see they blend gameplay with plot like this. There's a crafting system that took me ages to understand, but thankfully I got the hang of it. The combat is pretty much the same (counter kills always for the win) and the difficulty remains quite easy, as the games that came before. I wasn't looking for a challenge so I'm fine with it. Now, if you're looking for a challenge… the optional objectives got it covered for you. Because, good lord, they made these stupid main missions so much unnecessarily HARDER and IMPOSSIBLE to complete without having three or four ragequits and sometimes you have to restart up to ten times. To be honest, I never found myself more enraged with the optional objectives than I was with these missions, and I thought Unity's optional constraints were stupid ass complicated, I was wrong. This game. Must be. The most. Annoying. Piece of videogame. To platinum.

Apart from the 'oh I want to die optional objectives' thing, you have naval missions – which, yes, you guessed it, take place on a ship – I guess they were testing the mechanics for a (not so far away) future pirate game, because I can see the seeds of what later Black Flag came to be. It's serviceable and it fulfills its purpose, but as I don't like ships much, I left it on hold for the endgame.

If you don’t dig the naval missions nor the main missions, there’s plenty to do in this game: you have the aforementioned homstead missions, the club challenges (which can take... quite a while), the underground fast travel points (a nice change of pace, though you can easily grow tired of them), the liberation missions, which will see you help liberate a city from Templar control and recruiting a new Assassin apprentice, much like in Brotherhood and Revelations; taking Forts, hunting like there’s no tomorrow, courier, delivering items and message delivery missions, a ton of collectibles, etc, etc.

You might realize I stopped talking about the plot by the time I reached sequence 6 – yes, it's because I'm a little upset with it.

I said that we're here because we want to see Connor protect his people and triumph against the Templars. Yes. We receive that, yes. Amidst. A thousand. History. Lessons.

In my Ezio's Collection review, I complained that in Revelations we were shoved history in the face – I hadn't still finished AC3, because then I would've mentioned something about it. Connor comes across all the important figures of the American Revolution in such a contrived way – he acts as a guardian angel of this revolution, aiding each of the emblematic characters that took part in. I can roll with it in my suspension of disbelief (how come this one person was present at every major event, you know), what I can't roll with is the fact that he was present at the Declaration of Independence – this is some Ken Follett level of bs of probability of something happening to a character. Besides, it's always latent though never truly explicitly addressed, but Connor's skintone was something that should've deterred him from even speaking to someone like Washington – let alone, be present at the moment they signed the Declaration. He does mention at some point that freedom and this new nation was only for white men, and that he acknowledged that slaves deserved as much freedom as everyone else was fighting for; I'm glad he addressed the elephant in the room, though I'm also glad they didn't make the whole thing about it, because normalizing a character like this as a main protagonist was the main idea, I think, when they chose a Mohawk to represent the American Revolution. Still, that someone like him was able to achieve all he achieved in a plot like this, it only means he has some kind of Main Protagonist Shield, otherwise I doubt this could've served as a realistic story for anyone else in the same situation as him. It's, uh, a little hard to believe, that's all. Whereas I can see Arno existing within the historical frame of the French Revolution, without being the one that let the guillotine fall on King Louis' head, this one was a little more far-fetched.

I haven't touched upon the Desmond part – the present day of this game is more, uh… present than ever. And I loved it! I loved it because it delved deep into the Precursor's lore, and also it fleshed out Desmond's relationship with his father, and we actually do shit with Desmond – though that part of the Brazilian stadium, huh, for a company that paid too much attention and consulted with experts on the Mohawks, they clearly left Brazil out of their investigations. I forgive them, they tried.

The music… didn't have as much personality as other installments, it was kind of there, and right now I can't evoke a single theme except for the main menu one, so there you go, it's quite forgettable for my taste, sadly.

I forgot to mention that: this game looks gorgeous. I played the Remastered version of the game, and sometimes it looked like it was done for the PS4 instead of being a remaster (it does look better than Black Flag which came afterwards!). Lighting is magical, the trees breathe life into the screen, the water effects are crystal and realistic; many times I felt like was horse-riding in a Last of Us game (yes, I just compared Ubisoft to Naughty Dog, don't hit me). Davenport Homestead is my favorite location, now more than ever, because it's not only beautiful, but it also means home.

This game accompanied me in a very important moment of my life: I sprained my ankle and I spent a week in bed recovering, while also pondering about my job and the prospects of my future; I took many decisions while playing regarding what I want for my life. I cried at the end because I realized I had become too attached to the characters and because I was so sad to see Connor keep losing things. It all comes full circle by the end. It's a very mature ending, maybe a little unfulfilling, but reality is often disappointing and not everything needs a happily ever after.

All in all, my major complaint goes to the structure of the game and the poor organization they gave to it (AND THE OPTIONAL OBJECTIVES DAAJKSDAD). But Connor as a character in itself made it all worthwhile for me. And I'll always cherish him. I know he won't resonate with everyone, but he resonated with me.

#videogame review #review #assasins creed iii #ac3 #aciii #connor kenway #ratonhnhaké:ton #ubisoft #haytham kenway #assassins creed #assassins creed 3

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shattersstar · 4 years

Note

can we please get some mandalorian with no. 6? Love me some quiet + mysterious mercenaries u know

the mandalorian + falling in love

warning: semi nsfw (mando f*cks!)

a/n: i got this request..so long ago omg I’m sorry for taking forever i was really excited to get a mando request bc i do be loving him. anyways feedback is always appreciated

You were dozing, back rising and falling, chest pressed into your mattress and blanket tossed over you haphazardly. He’d gotten up, you murmured into your pillow he can shower if he wants, blinding reaching to the end of your bed and pulling your comforter over you with eyes half lidded. He stood in the doorway for a moment, watching as sleep fell over your face, visor glinting under the setting sun that peered through the ajar window. He moved to close it before heading to the fresher, remnants of his clothes falling to the ground along with his helmet. He didn’t like looking at himself, avoiding his reflection in the mirror before letting the steady water pressure roll over his tired muscles.

He wanted to put all of his beskar back on—he was exposed like this, on a planet that wasn’t exactly friendly—but you were so soft. He wanted to lay next to you, even if for a moment, without the barrier and the dirt of his beskar staining your skin. Only bruises from his crushing grip should be the marks left on you, ones he knew you’d trace over absentmindedly when he’d have to leave again for weeks again, missing the light sting that made your muscles tense when you poke and prod them, awaiting your Mandalorian to return and leave more of those precious marks.

So he left his Mandalorian steel where it was carefully gathered in your room, you always removed it with such care, a lot more nimble after a dozen or so times. It was muscle memory at this point, and something about that made his chest tighten. You had barely moved from where you fell asleep, only shifting closer to the wall your bed was against, silently inviting him to come back. If he hadn’t, if he chose to barricade himself in again, you wouldn’t have said anything—you never do. The mattress dipped under his weight as he stayed sitting for a moment, you let out a long breath, before turning your head in his direction, eyes closed as you subtly shifted closer to him. He was always so warm, you could feel it when your fingers dug into his biceps, even with his tunic on, or when you buried your head as close as you could against his neck, taking in his scent that rolled over your skin in hot waves when he pushed himself between your hips, hands gripping and seeking, barren just for you.

He kept his gloves off, even now, hands resting on his thighs as he let his shoulders drop with a heavy sigh. “What’s wrong?” You slurred, half asleep, palm digging into your eyes as you propped yourself up on your elbows, eyes heavy as you looked up at him. He said nothing, gaze choosing to sweep over your body, your blanket shifted down your bare back, pooling at your waist and your equally bare legs slid out from underneath the fabric as you stretched, waking yourself up a little more. “Your sigh was different.” You continued, shuffling closer to him, forehead pressing into his side. He still hadn’t laid down yet, sitting with his back to you, only minimally turned when you first spoke.

“My sigh?” He wondered, voice glinting with amusement. You closed your eyes and pictured his grin—it must be beautiful.

“Yes, your sigh. You sound stressed, not your usual ‘I’m just breathing loudly for the sake of breathing loudly’ kinda sigh.” You teased, moving back to your pillow and dragging your blanket over your properly as you rolled onto your back.

“I can’t stay as long.” He explained, missing the warmth of you pressing against him.

“That’s fine.” You shrugged, a hand snaking around his forearm and slowly urging him to lay down. He complied with ease—stars you had him wrapped around your finger—a mix of a laugh and a scoff falling from behind his filter as you snuggled up against him the moment he relaxed into your mattress. Your head resting on his chest, naked leg tossed over his thighs as you hugged an arm across his stomach. He barely had time to react, not surprised with your antics, you did this often, yet still a little unsure of himself. No one treated him like he was soft, someone to hold and cuddle, and whisper random stories, and sing songs around in the haze of the night. But now you were quiet, letting the last words you spoke hang in the air as the Mandalorian ran them through his head over and over again like his voice that tumbled through his modulator.

He knew you meant that it was fine, you would be fine, that this whole situation was just fine, but the more he thought about it, the more it became like his voice. Different, harsher, darker even once it finally worked it was through his throat out his mouth and through the high pass filter. It made his jaw tighten because it wasn't fine to him. He was tired of sweeping you up for a moment and dropping you back down because a quarry was calling or the ship needed maintenance or whatever. Something always pulled him from your arms and lately, it was getting harder to leave. And he knew you noticed, you had to last time when he couldn’t go another day longer without tasting you. When it had been over a month since you last saw him and he showed up, barely any words spoken as he tied a fragment of an old cloak over your eyes and kissed you so hard you thought he might break your nose. He stayed like that for what felt like hours, holding your face and your jaw and your neck, tongue licking its way into your mouth, exploring it. His teeth bit into your skin and muttered unfiltered words against your ears and his lips always find their way back to yours.

You were nearly out of breath that whole day, lips kiss swollen and mind delirious with him. You hadn’t known what had gotten into him, what changed and made him so desperate for you, but you tried to give him what you could. Kissed him even when your jaw ached, quietly asked to touch his face, fingers skimming blindly over the untouched skin, both of you nearly jolting when your fingers ran through his hair, giving the thick locks a light tug that had him damn near growling. You had decided in that moment if he ever took his helmet off again, you’d never let your fingers leave his hair. The memory made you smile against him, in a longing sort of way. The memory of that day played through your mind like a dream, the thrum of his steady heart beat the calming soundtrack to the heated moments shared with his mouth all over you.

Despite the way your mind flitted through the memories, you were nearly asleep again, also acutely aware he’d be pulling away from your embrace and leaving sooner than you hoped. And it was fine to you, sure it stung, especially when he kept his helmet on this time, not that you’d even have the courage to ask him to take it off, to kiss you again despite how badly you wanted too. But you knew this was his way of life, his religion, his people, his everything as you were fine with being a sliver in what made up the Mandalorian, even if it was easy to wish you were more. Especially pressed up against him, unafraid of him, at your most vulnerable and still ready to give him more. You’d save those wishes for your dreams and just be present for him because that’s all you could do.

So, when the next words that left his mouth hit your ears, you were sure it was a dream.

“Come with me.” He stated, he didn’t ask, he didn’t plead or beg or suggest. He told you and it had your eyes flying open as you shifted to look up at him.

“What?” You blinked, throat suddenly a lot dryer then you had cared to realize.

His ungloved hand came to your jaw as he repeated his statement, “Come with me.”

“Like—permanently?” You asked dumbly, a little taken by the brazen words he had said, twice.

“Until you want to leave.” He answered pragmatically, yet something in your mind clung to the notion that his answer inadvertently meant he didn’t want you too—wouldn’t ask you to leave. The sentiment played through your mind now, the jumble of thoughts, processing slowly left you staring at him. You stayed quiet for long and he had come to regret his words—maybe he mistook what he thought you felt for him as something more, a facade you put up when he’d show up at your door and let his body meld so easily to yours. As you stared so blankly at him, chest rising and falling unevenly he mentally cursed himself, wanting to take his words back—a rare occurrence for a man of such few words already—and let you doze in his embrace until he'd have to go. He let out another breath, an audible one and opened his mouth to refute his statement when your eyes brimmed with tears, another reaction he was not expecting.

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” Your voice was barely above a whisper, tears threatening to pool and slip over at any moment. He nodded instead of speaking, nervous that his voice wouldn’t be able to hold steady as he tried to read you, tried to understand what mess of emotions swirled through you right now. He let his thumb sweep over your cheekbone, trying to sooth you in the small way his touch could. “And how will it work?” This time, a nod wouldn’t do.

“You can stay in the cockpit when I bring in bounties—I’ll carbonite them right away, and I can give you a blaster if you want.”

“And?”

“And if it's safe, you can visit the planet's surface with me. You’re not coming when I collect quarries though and you’re not allowed off the ship when I go to Nevarro.” You were sure this was the most he had ever said to you, maybe except when he was close to cumming, muttering anything and everything he wanted to you. Sometimes you assumed it was more than he meant, but you’d never bring it up, never make him regret or stop rambling those little secrets for your ears. “I can bring you back here whenever you want too.” He added, pulling you back to reality as your thoughts wandered to more lustful places.

“And?” The tears that threatened your eyes now subsided, the joy and confusion of it all settling in your bones as you looked at him with that desire that stole your thoughts–that still hung in your mind.

“And I‘ll get to fuck you whenever you want.” You were once again sure he was grinning under that helmet of his, the anxiety that crept up his throat only moments ago was gone as you let out a breathy chuckle and a smile fell over your face. You knew this meant something deeper, that you weren’t just being brought along to have sex with him more regularly instead of every few weeks—every few months even—but that didn’t matter now.

You’d figure all that out when you had to, because all you could focus on was nodding at his offer, breathing out a, “Yes, of course I’ll come with you.” And laying your head back down against him, this time the Mandalorian’s hand came to rest on your back, fingers tracing nonsensical patterns as a wave of calm washed over you both. And the two of you were aware about the storm brewing on the horizon, the mess of packing you up and saying goodbye to the only place you’d known as well as the emotions that he had been trying to hide, to ignore for the last months of this relationship coming to surface. But something about ignoring them, leaving you this time would’ve felt too suffocating, making something deep break in his chest, and neither of you knew what this change meant, it was easy to speculate, but as you were too giddy to rest now, holding him close and taking the moment in, the Mandalorian was distantly aware that this right here, in this moment was what his parents called love.

#the mandalorian x reader #the mandalorian imagine #din dijarin x reader #din dijarin imagine #star wars x reader #star wars imagine #sw #writing #ask

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grim-faux · 3 years

Text

2 _ 30 _ All Seeing Patience

First

In hindsight, perhaps being so lenient with the boy was not wise given how Mono could be so driven and overbearing at times. However, he was no stranger to this behavior. It wasn’t a frequent matter, only when he returned from a venture through the city.

At first it was pleasant, Mono was unbothered by his return and let him be. The child lingered around, checking in on him as per his way, or watching from the shadows of some furniture. Likely, the boy had gotten his exploration quota exhausted of the upper rooms, though, he was uncertain with how far Mono would extend his searches. The boy had no issue returning, to hold down the fort as it were. He couldn’t recall if the child faded off once, thus, he deduced Mono remained in or near the vicinity of the room. The further away the child ventured, the more ambiguous the transmission.

This slight distance preserved time for the Thin Man to ponder hypotheticals, of the Pale City, of his purpose now. A never-ending contest to deal with this child, content to keep on his heels, unwilling or indifferent of returning or departing to the hostile world he condemned that boy to. At times he did rouse from rest with a new creeping anxiety, this uncertainty of providing adequately the resources scrounged from a world that would not tolerate betrayal.

Betrayal. That made Him seem like the villain. That was laughable.

Then the source of his apprehension, on the floor tugging at his cufflink. “What?” No response. Just more of that insistent tugging. “What do you need?” Why did he even bother?

For some while the room was plain, the dull light gleaming more vivid than an incriminating spotlight. He settled on the recliner with a set of fingers digging into his temple, musing that he needed to do better of keeping track which districts of the city he visited. Likewise, track which areas might be suitable to escort the child through. The safest route.

Said child had come in, as he does whenever it suits him. Occasionally a toy accompanied him, and the few he brought stayed on the floor by the chair. The Thin Man tried to return them to the nest room, but they kept reappearing while his guard was laxed. He began shutting them away in cupboards, but they kept cropping up!

Now the only difference, the child began a tactic of prying at his suit and arm. Excessively. To an annoying degree. And refused to answer questions.

“What is it?” “Do you need something?” “Child?”

He tried to snatch the child, blindly and not driven. It usually worked to spook Mono off for a short while, if not longer. Alas, within a crying brief span, the child was back. The brash nuisance hauled himself up onto the arm of the recliner and shoved at the arm kneading at his hair line.

“Mono. What? What is it?”

The boy made a little noise and shoved his shoulder, his bare feet braced to the side of the recliner. “Go.”

“Go? Go where?” He reached over, but the child ducked away. Briefly, he debated stalling time and seizing the child. But the boy vanished, and he collected himself to check. He was somewhere. Desperate, he glanced up half-expecting the child to be on the headrest perched like a gargoyle. That persistent tugging returned, to his ankles.

“Why? Why are you like this?” The boy pulled and then pushed his leg away from the recliner base. He leaned over, but Mono flickered out with a squealing crackle. “Mono! Stop. Go play or something.” The voice piped up, beside him:

“With. T’look. Th't important,” the voice rasped. Before he could react, the boy once more flittered out in a glitch. Very reminiscent. He’d forgotten what that looked like, though, he supposed it looked much different when he phased around.

“No. There is no need! There are no dangers.” He looked around, perplexed to where the child with his limited skill might’ve managed. “Nothing for you to be afraid of. Are you listening? I am here.” Eventually, he’d wear himself out. That’s how this went.

“R'sad,” Mono whispered. Ah, there he was on the opposite armrest, and stumbling onto his lap. “Shu’d go.”

“No. No. No. No.” The child glared at him and tugged on the front of his coat. “No.” He went to snatch him, forgetting entirely to slow time. Mono vaulted, or might’ve teleported again. Sooner or later, he seethed. Shoving himself forward from the recliners back, he searched across the floor. Where now? Who knows? Probably to bite his ankles.

He snapped his leg up. “Mono!” The child was there, but vanished before he caught full view of him. Enough of this, he flickered into standing and abandoned the area completely. “I will not ț̶̅o̵̘͋ļ̷̈́ẽ̵̯r̶̝̽ȃ̷͉t̴̘͒e̶̻̒ this. That behavior is Ä̸̡́b̸̜̈ḥ̶̋o̶͚̐r̷͙̃r̸͓̈́e̵̝͐n̷͖̉t̴̓ͅ.̴̡̚” The diluted rasp peeled up from beneath his heels.

“H’vee look? Go? Help t’watch.”

The child followed him down the corridor. Of course he would. “For the last time, N̸̘͋o̵̺͘!” He pivoted and made another reach, this time drawing on time to drag on the boy’s movements. Mono still managed a good teleport to compensate, but it was lagged and not as impressive as his previous shifts. “Y̶o̷u̸ ̶A̸r̵e̵ ̸G̸r̵a̵t̴i̵n̴g̸ ̵O̸n̴ ̸M̸y̷ ̶L̵a̵s̵t̴ ̸N̸e̷r̶v̴e̷.̴”

Another shriek and crackle, as another propelled Mono beyond his grasp. Again, limited. The child scrambled toward the room, where he set up his nest. The Thin Man stooped in the doorway, while Mono rushed among his gifts, aimed for the crumpled mattress against the wall. Time resumed its normal wade, and the boy crashed into the lone standing leg post.

“Y̵o̷u̷ ̴A̶r̵e̶ ̴G̴o̵i̴n̷g̴ ̴T̴o̷ ̵S̶t̷o̴p̸ ̶P̸e̵s̸t̵e̵r̷i̶n̵g̸ ̷M̵e̴,̷ ̶U̴n̶d̸e̵r̷s̷t̸a̷n̵d̶?̷ ̸ Ň̷̺O̸͕͘!̶̧̋ ̵I̸ ̴A̷m̶ ̴V̵e̶r̶y̵ ̸B̵u̸s̸y̸.̷”

Mono wound around to him and began bouncing in place on his heels. This probably would go on for some time. Hours.

“I̷̤̾ ̷̤͑Ḍ̶͠ö̸̹n̶͕̚'̷̈́͜t̵̘̏ ̴̮͊H̷̠͛ä̶͚v̶̨͊e̸̪͗ ̸͔͗T̴̙̂i̴̠̐m̴̡̂ē̶̹ ̵̦͝F̷̞̑o̷̥̊r̶̝̾ ̸̟͂T̸̮͐h̵̝͠e̸͜͝s̵̳̽e̸͓̐ ̸̯̚G̶̨̕ą̴͘m̵͎̍e̷͎͘ș̷̋!̸̟̿” And snapped the door shut.

It was one of those games the child liked to play. Lurk around, get in close, and harass him mercilessly. He had to learn ‘No’ meant ‘Stop’. It was obnoxious and he wouldn’t be subjected to it.

The Thin Man straightened his hat and resumed his course through the corridor to the main entry. He needed to take off and have a look around, perhaps find a new area to deposit the child. Give the boy a while to settle down and think about this. It wasn’t as if he didn’t have plenty of toys and books to destroy.

Nothing of the Pale City’s roads or alleys appeared out of place, not even the gaping wounds winding through the city thoroughfares. For some time, days if the Thin Man wanted to get technical, the weather was in moderate order. It would have suited to depart the shelter and escort the child to a new station and provisions. However, he recognized that the child needed to recuperate from the long drag through the between. The whole of this process tedious.

Of the multitude of stores he perused through, none of the books nor literature provided insight to the Tower, let alone made mention of it. He is not surprised, given that he grew up within the endless corridors and coils, and in the end knew nothing of it. What he learned from the Tower, was that it was a bastard, and knew too much about him. He didn’t even know if the cycle was a reoccurring anomaly set in time, or if it was a repetitious recycle.

He knew only of his short time as a free child, and his time now as an adult. The few memories he shared with Mono… didn’t feel like they were truly his; a film projection or movie segment, he had no business or involvement in. If possible, they were fabricated somehow by the Tower, to mock him. Even when he was released to pursue his child-self, was not a similar event to when he – as a child – had fled from his distorted future shadow.

The upward ascending steps ended at an open wound which capped the remnants of a building, much of the brick and rebar pried from the ravaged cement stuck loose like fish bones in a spoiled carcass. In a flash, his form skittered around debris layered across what was a building interior. He idled around the wreckage determined to leave no stone unturned, regardless how pointless it was, how cemented it was to a forgotten road. Across the crumbling walls lay pages and some folders, rotten to tatters and barely discernable from the decayed bodies of a Viewer or other creature, perhaps a partially corrupted adult. Not quit a Viewer, not so far gone yet.

A drawer in a bleached desk popped open, and he cut the distance in a flicker to check what might’ve survived. Much of the folders and notebooks are overtaken by the merciless storms, stained and caked with mildew. With a curse, he tossed the package of pages to the floor.

In one of the partially built stone cubicles, a chair creaked on what remained of its wheels as it spun against the lashing mist. The clouds slathered the surface exposed to the air with thousands of glittering beads. The bill of the Thin Man’s hat whipped against the gusts, but he remained unbothered. He touched the cigarette at his lips and let the ember gleam.

Sometimes he found a calendar in an office or store, or room; they came about in frequency, but described nothing. The dates would always be wrong, the year and time of month. Not that time mattered at all in the Pale City, where the sky was choked by clouds and storms, driving rains to scrub off the city from the face of the wretched world. The Viewers were too preoccupied by the televisions which sprouted freely, all of them too busy to realize the days escaped them, that time was lost and forever gone. Abandoned….

Time was lost to him. To the Tower. Endlessly waiting.

He stepped to the edge of the sheared concrete wall and peered down, at a roof not far below. Lined along the furthest edge, the Viewers. All their affection to the entity which promised release, peace, everything this horrendous world would deny them. Even without his direct presence, they remained grotesquely devoted to the summons.

There in the distance, the gleaming piece of his burning ire. The Signal Tower cut through the storm and delivered its impassioned hypnosis over lesser creatures. Featureless bland and boring as the shell is, concealed the true horror of the thing within. Nothing so dangerous or depraved has ever been such a beacon, though ironically the Signal Tower is the beacon. And for some reason, no one ever thought of it, let alone gave the thing the time of day. It existed, to be ignored. It thrived on the dismissal, until it began to make promises. He imagined each contract it made to each denizen of the Signal, it kept. How lovely.

“It calls to me.”

The Thin Man bore holes into the horrid sacks of flesh blow. The ember chewed off a little more of the cigarette as he drank down the smoke. They deserved this, he reasoned. It was true, without a doubt. Mindless and deranged, infatuated with a private deception that promised without true fulfillment. Was it even a negotiation, if the Tower held no obligation to fulfill anything? It gave them what they sought, an easy way out. He supposed it was easy to make promises to those who had no idea what was truly good for them.

None of the artifacts strewn over the floor or desks could impart of what the building was, of what these offices catered to. The search was hopeless, but still, he sifted through the remaining filing cabinets seeking a shielded hollow which might hold insight. Perhaps, a dying smolder of light stuffed into a dusty corner. It was no different than seeking insight from a long dead writer, such as Jules Verne. Where was he to suspect where and when the Tower first appeared? Someone, somewhere in the entire time of the world, must have witnessed something pivotal.

He only knew the Pale City. Knew that he was meant to fall in the road, before the doors of the Signal Tower. So that a child could take his throne and assume his role.

The last shop he made point to search through had more promise than the office, or so he hoped. It was all pointless, he mused. Nothing ventured nothing gained, as the saying goes. He located a tattered and yellowed newspaper, beneath the counter of the cash register.

In cylinder racks besides the windows, the tattered remains of a dozen or so magazines. A few fresh pieces had been replaced, perhaps by Stockers. The shop didn’t cater entirely to literature, but held a few other pieces of inventory scattered about. It wasn’t much to pilfer, but he acquired a few books that had not been seized by the weather.

Upon returning to the location where he left Mono, he kept attention to the corridors and the few doors torn down or left open. The upper floors did not have active televisions, and none of the open dwellings appeared tampered with during his absence. All was in order.

The residence, as well. Even before he opened the main door, he knew the child was still within. He loosened the books against his side and leaned up, at his back, the door gave a soft click. At his proximity, the lamps flashed as he trailed through the rooms and corridor, ever cautious with his steps. Mono was very prone to be underfoot when it was not practical, which is never.

It’s odd… the child did not emerge. He flashed into the the spare room and set the books beside the recliner, his eyes shifted across the walls, searching for the unlikely glimmer of movement. No new plushies have come to invade, the transmission is not here. In a glitchy screech, he relocated to the corridor. Mono remained in the room, but usually he would appear and check the intruder. The tinge of the transmission hovered within the room. He didn’t… did the child leave at all?

He took the handle and cautiously pushed the door in. Not sure of what to expect, let alone lost to what might’ve happened. This could all be blown out of proportion, but he would be lying if he insisted he wasn’t fearful.

“Child?” He scanned over the floor and the broken bed. Then, a corner of a room, which imparted results. There the strange child sat with his knees tucked into his coat, and the paper bag on his head. The Thin Man sighed. “What are you doing?” He hated how the paper bag just gazed at him, impassive and blank.

Mono shrugged.

He pushed the door open further and leaned up, once he cleared the frame. “You didn’t wallow in here all this time, did you?”

This time, the child flecked his palms up with his shrug. The paper bag crinkled a bit, as he turned his head to examine the area over. The toys, intact. Untouched. Even the books didn’t appear traumatize, no more than when he first found them. It shouldn’t come as a grand revelation, the Thin Man after all spent the better part of his life in a room. Though that too irritated him.

Now the child climbed to his feet, using the wall to balance himself as he stood and began tracing the perimeter. When he neared his shoes the boy inched over and flipped the paper bag up and regarded the tall-tall figure. The Thin Man glared back, a lone eyebrow arched. This little stare off was unsettling; the child stood motionless, aside from his fingers working at the edge of his coat.

At long last, the boy dipped his head down and slipped past the Thin Man, to wander through the hall.

Curious, the Thin Man flashed into the corridor and observed from a distance, while Mono went to the other rooms. He followed to the entrance of the room with the recliner, and spied the boy give the entire area a strict examination from the vantage of his paper bag. He hesitated to admit, he didn’t like this.

The boy ventured to the other room, and the bathroom, skimming by the walls and homing in on any imperfection. As if he never saw this place before. From there, it was hurry past the Thin Man and go perform his exploration of the living area, the kitchen. Especially the kitchen, where Mono opened a few of the cabinets and checked the contents. He clambered onto the countertop and pushed up the paper bag, in order to scarf some of the food left sitting out. Unbothered that the Thin Man was beside the threshold, watching. What appeared last on the agenda was the one closet, then the main entry. Mono inspected it, ran another lap of the main living area, then scurried over to the collapsed sofa chair.

Mono went to the side and situated himself beside the wall and the fabric base, with his arms wrapped about his knees. Sleep, most likely. Or half sleep. Perfectly normal.

Uncertain, the Thin Man drew closer. “Do you understand… you were not meant to stay in that room?” Mono tipped the paper sack a little, but settled back down. “You could have left at any time. You did leave, didn’t you?” Once again, a shrug.

This infuriating child….

He took a book from his pocket and knelt, to set it beside Mono’s feet. He anticipated complete indifference, but he is optimistic when the boy uncoiled a bit and began flipping through the pages. That was better than the alternative ‘bad ending’ scenario he anticipated, but it was still too soon.

“How… are you?”

The child scratched at his bare shin and looked up at him. The bag nodded, and he went back to turning the pages in his book. Just nodding. No speek, for now. He supposed the child would be in this mood.

He shifted on his knee. “Well?”

Mono tiled his mask up. “Mm… t’danger,” he croaked. “Shh. N’wait f’r safe.” He kept prattling on about something or other, but the tone was very soft.

“What danger?” He could barely make out one eye in its little dark cutout blink at him.

“Dang-err-ous,” he whispered. “T’danger. Out. N’stay. F’r k’p safe. I… um, D’hide. Good.”

The Thin Man pinched the bridge of his nose. This child did not really isolate himself to a room he was not confined to. “Child. There was no dangers. None at all. I did not want you to bother me anymore.” A very quiet:

“D’t.”

Why? That’s all he asked. He would trade any knowledge of the Tower, if he could grasp why the child was so difficult.

“Mono,” he rumbled. The light in the room flashed. “Y̶̹o̷͎̍u̶̬͗ ̶̠Ḱ̶̙n̵̻o̷̙͌w̶̳̅ ̸̘̈́B̴̞̂e̶͕͑ṯ̷̍t̷̥̚e̸͉͠r̶͉̚.̴̦͋”

“Sure.”

He glared down at the child, watching him with that ridiculous mask. “What does that even mean? This ‘̶͇̓S̸͖͑u̵͈̇r̵̬͊ĕ̷̟’̴̬́?̷̠͠ It clearly Ḑ̵̛o̸̹͝e̸̡̛s̸̜̆ ̸̧̈N̸̻o̷̹̒t̷͈͗ mean what ̷̝͗I̸̹̚ ̸͙͝T̸͚̆h̴̜̚i̶̫̊ņ̷̒k̸̝͐ it M̶̧͆ê̴̺a̴͍͌n̵͈̆s̸͚͊.̶̝͠”

Rather answer, Mono hefted the book into his arms and began strafing along the wall, facing the Thin Man. The Thin Man flashed to his full height. “Mono!” The boy dumped the book and took off. “Don’t you dare go back to that room, or I̴̼͊ ̵̲̉W̵̫̊i̶̼͗ľ̵̫l̷̺̋ ̷͈̄W̸̨͊ǎ̸̙l̶͍̕k̵̫̔ ̸̝̌O̷̤͆u̸͕̚ť̸̜ ̷̮̂O̵̳̕f̶͙͊ ̵̥͑H̸̤͘e̸͓͑r̷ͅe̸̠ ̵̡F̴̬̀o̶͕̅r̸̛̫ ̵͉͊T̴͈̉h̷͍̍é̶̩ ̵̜̔L̶͍̒a̸͔̔s̵̩̚ṭ̶͛ ̵͈͛T̷͠ͅǐ̸̟m̵̦͊e̸̺͊!̷͈͗ Don’t T̷̥é̴͖s̶͙t̶̞͋ ̷̟͌Ṁ̸̩ȩ̵̚!̵̈́ͅ”

Mono tripped at the corridor’s entrance and toppled to his front. He recovered quickly, standing up by the wall and fidgeting, looking toward the open hall and then back to the tall figure. “T’n… w’leave?”

He was frustrated and angry at this child for so many reasons. Perhaps not the right reasons. Mono was absolutely perplexed and distressed, struggling in the looming shadow of what he was to become. Utterly unaware and helpless, in all regards.

With a grunt, the Thin Man turned away. “Mono. Come along.” As expected and as hopeless as his suspicion was, the child followed. With a hesitance in his step, he trailed after the tall thin man.

In the kitchen, the Thin Man went through the cabinets until he found the cups. The pressure in the faucet pipes was depressingly slow, but the water clean. He filled the cup halfway and lowered it to the child. He stood there watching this child practically inhale the water, at last seeing the face revealed. If briefly.

“Slow down. You’re not a fish.” Half a cup, gone. The child held the cup up to his fullest reach. “No. Wait a while, or you’ll make yourself sick.” He still relinquished the boy of the cup, and set it aside for later. He looked down at Mono, gawking up at him and waiting. Motionless like a statue.

“You are not confined to rooms, you know this. Don’t you?” He peered down at the boy, while Mono jammed his hand up under the paper bag to chew out… callouses, he suspected. “If a door is shut, it is not to trap you.”

Mono didn’t waver under the intense glare. Or maybe he did, and the Thin Man couldn’t see. “S’not safe.”

How to get through that barrier? “True…. When I leave you, you should not follow. But it doesn’t help, if you remain in one place. To trap yourself. Does that make sense?” The paper bag tilted. “Doors are only meant to keep dangers out. But it doesn’t always stop hazards, now does it?” Mono shook his head. That was better than a nod or shrug, he supposed. “You know not to stay put when you suspect you might be in danger, don’t you?”

“D’d’t leave,” he murmured. “Safe.”

Well, that was true, though the Thin Man didn’t want to tackle that topic branch. He sighed into his hand. “Listen carefully. You do not understand, or you can’t, I should say. There are things I need to do, and it’s too dangerous for you to come with me. I have much to do. One day, it will all make sense.” He took a glimpse of the child, still gazing up at him.

“Sum’busy,” he uttered, and turned away. “T’n d’watch. See.”

Though the boy appeared pacified and perhaps better equipped, who could say? — It… did not go well at all. What or where in all his little head, did that child… he was strange, and entirely too dutiful and trusting. Possibly, that hurt worst of all. At times timid, then on other (impractical) occasions that rebel cut loose. The child he had been, before he was discarded into the harsh pit of reality.

In ways he and the boy were polarities, while at the same time identical. The Tower promised him the opportunity to grow up, sheltered, provided for. The boy didn’t understand any of this. It was not his fault. The Thin Man was the child’s Tower now.

It knew him so well, the Signal Tower. The Flesh. The thousands upon millions of Eyes, swarming, laughing. It insisted and promised that one day, he would return with the child.

The Thin Man leaned back on the countertop and brought his hands to his face. An ongoing cycle. A never-ending loop, connected and spiraling far out of control. Not until the two ends connected, would he ever contend with the truth.

A short while later, he abandoned the kitchen to relocate the boy and see what he was getting into. The child had only returned to the side of the sofa seat, and crammed himself into the wall against the fabric side. Upright, with the new book clutched in his arms, his paper bag bent sideways.

The Thin Man leaned far over and reached out, to nudge the shoulder. Not even Mono’s steady breathing sputtered, the child was utterly out.

Once the boy roused, they could continue on this disastrous journey. For the time, the Thin Man flashed into the room with the recliner. His focus has not returned, the pages within the tomes impart nothing but dull prehistory, as bland and pointless as wilted flowers pressed between pages. He mused on what the chances might be, of if he did secure some media piece about the Tower – a piece that was not tarnished by the elements, after so long neglected?

He lit a cigarette, and recovered the folded newspaper tucked into his suit. Some of the marks are illegible, there’s a picture and a column about a missing child. He takes interest in a building disaster, but that is nothing more than a ruptured watermain or something. Disappointing. Still, he flipped through the soured pages, seeking something, anything. Any small sliver of salvation from his eventual schemes.

#little nightmares #mono #the thin man #thin dad #little nightmares fanfic #little nightmares fanfiction #fanfic #fanfiction #the man in the hat

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dreamingyouth · 4 years

Text

[Darth Maul x Bookworm!Reader] Part 4 - Little things

Hello ! Are you new here ? Be sure to check the other parts below :

- Part 1

- Part 2

- Part 3

- Part 4 : You're here !

- Part 5

Words count : 2200

Warnings : none

Inspired by this lovely ask, thank you again anon ! ❤

You were never great with goodbyes.

The sky was clear, two fluffy clouds taking bets on which would be the fastest to reach the horizon under the warm autumn sun. The blue infinity above your head appeared to you like a never-ending sea. Would you ever be able to sail and explore the unknown lands? You couldn't know. At least, it left you dreamy; you found magic in how it changed color, azure blending gradually with soft shades of pink and orange as the day came to an end. The sight was incredibly beautiful and yet was only an introduction, waiting for the night to take over with its countless shining stars illuminating a dark blue, almost black canvas.

The trees around you seemed to be inspired by it, the bright green of their leaves slowly changing to a set of warm colors- yellow, orange, red, brown, every one of them pleasing the eye as if it was looking at a master's painting. They were full of life, though: the wind was playing with the branches and inviting the leaves in a joyful dance, some of them slowly falling to the ground in a last curtsey.

This was a setting you could admire forever without getting bored. You were lucky enough to live on a planet blessed with seasons, each of them lovely in their own way; but what you were most grateful for was the male in front of you, his hands gently holding yours while you kept your forehead against his. It became a little habit of yours to do this before parting every night: you would close your eyes and enjoy the silence around you, faces close enough to touch softly and let you appreciate each other's presence one last time.

At times you would exchange the sweetest kiss, at times a longing gaze would be enough; not once was it easy to part and leave, even though you both knew you would see each other again the following day. Sometimes you wanted to tell him how you desired to keep him by your side, not having to be separated even for just one night. Would he think of you as a clingy person? Would it bother him? He probably needed his space just like you did, maybe even had secrets you never knew of.

"Maul...

- Yes, angel?"

You smiled. Hushed whispers murmured against your lover's lips was something you treasured preciously, just as much as the charming nicknames he came up with from time to time. The intimacy you both shared bloomed from the smallest things: it was all in quiet words and little touches, thoughtful gifts, the warmth of a loving embrace. You felt lucky, not only to have this but to have this with him: to many, he might look scary or threatening, his appearance more the one of a devil than one of an angel. And yet... You somehow managed to bring out the softest side of him, one you guessed no one has ever seen before you. Probably no one would even think of him having such gentleness and care in his heart. His vulnerability was a secret you kept dearly, and it made you feel special.

"There's... this book that will be out tomorrow, and I wondered if you would accompany me to the bookstore. Maybe we could meet in front of it? And spend the day together?"

Your innocent request and your soft voice made him smile fondly, though you noticed a hint of playfulness in his eyes as he spoke.

"So, you're asking me out on dates now, hm?

- What? I- No, I just- I just thought it could be nice to spend time together-"

He chuckled. His question made you embarrassed, your face heating up a little as you tried to justify yourself, looking to the side. This caused you to involuntarily expose your neck to him, which he obviously noticed; and to cut your rambling, he placed a long, tender kiss on your skin, his strong arms wrapping around your waist to hold you close. It caught you by surprise and you stopped rambling, your fingers getting a hold of his dark clothes while he murmured in your ear.

"I never said it bothered me."

He was playing with you, and you both knew it. You didn't mind, though: it was a part of him you loved, after all, and you wouldn't exchange it for anything else in the galaxy.

"Oh..."

Your lips stretched with a smile, embarrassment leaving your face with every second passing by as it was replaced with nothing but affection for the Dathomirian. He lifted his head up to lock his intense gaze with yours, which you probably enjoyed for a little too long before moving again. Your digits slowly traveled up, leaving the soft fabric of his tunic to brush against the tattooed skin on his neck, tracing the intricate designs on their way up to his sharp jaw. You could feel him slightly shivering under your touch and imagined such a gentle contact was something he wasn't used to. Maybe he never experienced it at all- yet he allowed you, blindly trusting you as you explored higher, palms finally cupping his cheeks before pulling him into a sweet kiss.

"Meet me there, then... and don't be late!

- You're one to talk."

His words made you laugh. He never forgot.

After exchanging a few words over the last details, you reluctantly let go of him, hands sliding down his arms to his hands and holding them as long as you could before you had to part and go home. This would be the first time meeting him anywhere else than under your tree or at home. Not to mention, this was your first real date, too. This was new, and it would feel a bit scary if you went with anyone but him; but you trusted him as he trusted you, and quite honestly, it felt like you could face anything coming your way if Maul was by your side.

***

You had been expecting this moment since the second you woke up. You made sure you looked your absolute best: your favorite clothes on, your face washed and fresh, you checked once more your bag and found that, for the third time, everything you've been planning to take with you was there.

You were going on a date.

You were going on a date with Maul.

Your excitement and slight nervousness met as you glanced at the clock on your wall, begging the hands to move faster until they indicated the time you were waiting for to leave your home. You didn't waste more time, your bag thrown over your shoulder as you rushed to your front door; you locked in a heartbeat before running on the path leading to the nearest city, each of your steps leading you closer to the one you loved.

As you approached the street where you were supposed to meet, you stopped. Your chest rose and fell in a quick pace, betraying your excited rush; he couldn't see you like this. He would mock you again, wouldn't he?

After catching your breath, you finally turned the corner of the street and walked to the bookstore. You could see him waiting in front of it. As usual, he was there before you, which you noticed was something he liked; after all, not once did you have to wait for him to appear, except this one time when he returned with the sun setting.

"Looks like my date arrived."

He welcomed you with a little smirk, his playful remark bringing a smile to your face. His hood was up, covering his horns and toning down the red tattoos on his face; it didn't hide them though, and you were grateful you could still admire the symmetrical designs they traced on his skin. They fascinated you from day one.

"Sorry I kept you waiting!

- I arrived merely minutes ago. You don't have to apologize for anything."

His arms, previously crossed, moved as he took off one of his black gloves to reach for your face. Slowly caressing your cheek, he took a good look at you; and as much as you were embarrassed about him touching you so tenderly in public, you loved feeling his fingers on your skin and allowed yourself to get lost in his flaming eyes for a moment.

"You look lovely today."

The truth was, he wasn't used to giving compliments. He barely got any from his master, and never got the opportunity to do so himself; learning about the enemy -the Jedi- and training hard day after day left little time to socialize. Not that there was anyone to socialize with in the first place. It came almost naturally with you, however, and your happiness was enough of an excuse for him to try.

His hand slid down your arm to hold your hand, his grasp a little more possessive than usual now that there were people around. You both made your way into the bookstore; you knew it by heart now, and it wasn't long before you were standing in front of the right section. Your gaze moved along the spines of the numerous books available, looking for the one you wanted before spotting it on the highest shelf. Letting go of the Dathomirian's hand for a second, you stood on tip-toe, eager digits reaching out to try and catch the copy above your head; yet it was too high, and you were struggling.

"It seems like someone needs help, hm?

- Maul !"

You turned around, only to find your lover looking at you with an amused expression, his strong arms crossed over his chest. You couldn't come up with anything more to say. How could you? He was right.

He took some steps forward as his soft chuckle reached your ears, his warm hand settling on your waist before he pressed a kiss to your temple.

"It's alright to be short, love. It's cute on you."

You could tell these weren't words he used often, and it only made them more precious. Focused on the sweet encouragements he offered you, you didn't notice him reaching up to grab the book you were longing for until he gave it to you, another kiss landing on your forehead; only then you went to pay, Maul's arm still around your waist and holding you close. You sure were a strange pair: he was dark and intimidating, but you were happy and full of life. It seemed like the two of you weren't meant to get along at all, yet you did, and more closely than you would've ever expected.

"You were waiting for this for a long time."

It was an affirmation, not a question; given how he knew you by now, you weren't surprised in the slightest by him being so confident.

"Yes... I feel lucky we're able to get it here. I was afraid it would only be available on other planets, if I'm honest.

- You know I would've gotten it for you if you asked.

- I know... but I didn't want to bother you."

You looked up with a small smile, your gaze lingering on his red and black skin before meeting with his eyes. You were grateful to have him. You were aware of how some people changed their path not to cross his, aware of the wary looks he would get from others. But you... you knew. You knew there was more to him than scary appearances and threatening glares, you knew there was a well-hidden vulnerability waiting for the right person to come and reveal it.

And you were so glad to be this person.

"Let's go home."

His words brought you back to reality. Without saying anything, he paid for your book, adding a beautiful bookmark to it before leading you out. Not once did he let go of your hand, his steps fast but adjusted to your own speed.

"You didn't have to. I feel like you're spoiling me more than I deserve."

He stopped. You were out of the city by now and on your way back to your house, the comfort of being alone with your loved one enough to bring you warmth on this autumn afternoon. He turned to you, his fingers lacing with yours gently as he brought his free hand to your face.

"I don't. I'd give you the galaxy if you asked me to."

Your gaze softened, and a fond smile spread on your lips. There was no way you could deny how sincere he was, given how it was perfectly conveyed by his tender words; you moved closer, your own free hand mirroring his as it rested on his cheek- not before pushing his hood down, revealing his majestic crown of horns to you.

"I know."

Your voice down to a murmur, you tilted your head up to press your lips against his, the taste intoxicating and getting you more addicted as days went by. But how could this be wrong? He was yours.

"I love you, Maul."

And you were his.

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

I don’t know what to feel about this one. Some parts I like, others not so much... I was very busy this week and I’m visiting family this weekend, but I still wanted you to have this new part ❤ I hope you’ll still like it ! As always, if you like this series and want to be tagged for part 5, please let me know !

Tags : @maulieber, @gooseyhouse, @gczanetti1, @noiralei, @catsnkooks, @brilliantbutbatty, @mother-0f-monsters, @farmelcarmel

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reyescarlos · 4 years

Text

we found each other in the dark

chapter 2/4: changing tides; word count: 4.8k || read on ao3

There's no doubt, the beauty that we see, Following the path, so much older than we Lovers built it with their hands, walked it with their feet Above the raging waters and the darkness underneath

Buck tumbles backward against the bed, his eyes glued on Ali above him as she slips off her shirt and makes quick work of his as well. A curious expression takes over her features as she looks down at him.

“Edmundo,” she says, tracing her fingertips slowly along his rib cage. “Should I be offended you didn’t tell me?” Her eyes are fixed on his torso before flashing to his face.

Buck takes a moment to try and understand what it is she’s saying but nothing about her words makes even an ounce of sense to him. His brows furrow in confusion.

“Wait, what?” He sits up, her hand sliding away.

“You’ve got the name printed on your skin. What do you mean what?” Ali asks teasingly.

Buck’s face falls, his heart sinking with it as he gently sets her aside and rises up from the bed hurriedly. Buck heads straight to the full-length mirror, seeing the name scrawled there backwards in the reflection.

There are seven letters there where they had only ever been one.

“No. No way,” he mutters to himself, trying and failing to reconcile with the image before him.

“You didn’t know?”

“It wasn’t there this morning,” he replies quietly, still staring in disbelief.

He definitely would have taken notice to a full name scribbled across his flesh when he showered and dressed for the day. That wasn’t the sort of thing that escaped a person’s notice, especially a guy who has spent the last nine years wondering if this would ever happen.

His throat is dry and his heart won’t stop racing. There’s a loud pounding in his ears that threatens to deafen him.

“So, you must’ve met him at some point today then.”

Buck scrolls through his memory of the day. He didn’t meet anyone new. He went about his day same as usual. Nothing out of the ordinary happened. He woke up. He went for a run. He ran errands. He stopped off for coffee—

But he did bump into someone when he was leaving, had he not? Buck had been so busy looking at his phone that he hadn’t even bothered to look up. All he could do was offer a half-hearted apology as he typed up his message to Ali, letting her know they were still on for tonight. Had he seriously blown right past the man he was supposedly fated to be with?

Buck finally tears his eyes away from his reflection to look back at Ali. She’s perched on the edge of the bed, eyeing him thoughtfully with one of her knees pulled up to her chest.

“We had a pretty good run,” she says, matter-of-factly. “We both knew this wasn’t going to last forever.”

That much was true. Buck had only had the letter E to go off of, but that was more than enough to rule Ali out as his soulmate. All the same, the full name of her fated partner hadn’t fully appeared either so the two were more than content with enjoying the downtime together.

Now that the compass within him has a true north, Buck can feel something shifting inside him already. This truly changed everything, putting it all into clearer focus now. There was no more doubting that he was actually destined to be with someone or that his true love had passed away or any of the other wild theories he’d wrapped himself in to help stave off the fear that this day would never come.

It was here now, the proof quite literally in black and white, that it was foretold he had another half, one that was walking the streets of L.A. right now and that he had crossed paths with. To know that he had narrowly missed his soulmate was a shock to the system but Buck had gone this long without having more than the first letter. Surely luck was finally on his side now and he would get the chance to actually meet this man—Edmundo, as it were—face to face sooner rather than later. This was a huge amount of progress to make in one day. If he could make leaps and bounds that great in less than twenty-four hours, Buck was feeling optimistic about what the future had in store.

“Ali—,” he starts off but she simply waves him off, already slipping back on her shirt.

“Seriously, don’t sweat it. I’m really happy for you, Buck. This is a good thing. Now you finally know what you’re looking for.”

Buck can’t help but to agree with the sentiment. Had he not spoken to Ali about this the other night? While he enjoyed hooking up because he didn’t think he had a soulmate, each time he met someone with a name starting with E he would always hold his breath in anticipation, waiting for the rest of the letters to fill in along his flesh but it never happened. Now he has a name in mind, something tangible to use going forward that hadn’t been there in the years before.

Ali gets up from the bed and walks over to him, slipping her arms around his waist. This is goodbye, he knows it, but that doesn’t make it any easier to accept.

“Good luck,” she says softly against his lips, kissing him for the last time.

Even though he knew Ali wasn’t his future, he still sincerely enjoyed these present moments with her.

“You too. I really hope you find your person soon.” He means it from the bottom of his heart. Ali is a great girl and whoever she ends up with is going to be extremely lucky.

Ali offers him one last smile and a peck on his cheek before heading out. Buck just stays in place and watches as she makes her way down the steps. It isn’t until he hears the door close that he turns back to face the mirror and the truth branded onto his skin.

~*~*~

Eddie takes off his watch, blindly rubbing at his wrist. He glances down briefly and does a double take. Instead of three letters he sees four. An N has now hitched itself to the end of his soulmate’s name—or at least what he had believed to be the name. All this time he had been convinced he was searching for a woman named Eva but there it was, clear as day that he had it all wrong. The universe wasn’t finished speaking to him yet; he was off base in his assumption on all accounts.

Evan, his left wrist reads in a hasty scrawl. Eddie traces his finger over the name, following the strokes of the four letters.

Eddie is stunned by this revelation for several reasons, namely that his soulmate is another man. Eddie has only admitted privately to himself that he’s attracted to other guys. He isn’t ashamed of it but he’s never really had the language or capacity to express that to anyone in his life. It was always easier, maybe even safer for him to get caught up in the idea that while Shannon wasn’t his true life partner, there was a woman out there who could be.

But now with this update to his soulmate marking, he’s forced to confront a truth about himself he hasn’t always been so keen on exploring. He reasons with himself now, however. There was no just cause to feel nervous. He is miles away from his unhappy life back in Texas. Los Angeles was meant to be a clean slate, a turning point in his life. It looks as if the city has every intention of living up to the expectations he had for it when making the decision to leave El Paso.

He doesn’t owe anyone any details about his life and, honestly, Eddie is more than tired of feeling like a guest in his own skin. It’s high time he settles into the person he was always meant to be. He owes that to himself.

Eddie sits on the edge of his bed, still staring at the name and trying to pinpoint when he met this man. There was the teller at the bank, he thinks, but Eddie quickly rules that out, recalling that the guy’s name tag didn’t say Evan. He hadn’t had much interaction with anyone. The barista at the coffee shop was a young woman, as was the person he spoke to over the phone with at what he hoped would be Chris’ school. Eddie starts to feel panicked. If he didn’t speak directly to Evan then he must have just been really near to him.

Though he’s had his whole life to grapple with that fact, it only hits him now fully how messed up that is. There are billions of people on the planet. He’s in one of the most populated cities in the United States. His soulmate could be anywhere and somehow the man evaded him even though they were close enough to each other to warrant the full name to appear.

Is it possible he had truly seen the face of the person he was fated to be with and not known it? A naïve part of Eddie thought he would just know the second he met his other half. That the marking would tingle or he’d just catch their eye and it would fall into place from there. Perhaps that was just some dormant romanticism rearing its head. But he knew better than most that life wasn’t that easy and hardly ever went according to plan, especially if it was for something you desperately wanted. At least that’s how the story went for him in virtually every aspect.

He lets out a deep sigh and flops back onto his bed, staring up at the ceiling for so long he swears he can see new colors in the white paint. Eddie closes his eyes and sighs once again wondering if the universe will show him kindness or if he’ll have to wait another nine years to solve the mystery of who his soulmate is.

He takes comfort in having a first name. He can’t imagine anything else will follow after this. Now the next leg of the challenge begins: tracking down this man.

“Dad?” he hears Chris call from the door.

Eddie sits up quickly. He hadn’t even heard his son approach with how wrapped up he was in his musings.

“What’s up, kiddo?”

“Can we have a movie night tonight?” Chris asks, a hopeful smile on his face. Who in the world could say no to that?

“Of course, we can. I’ll order pizza and you pick the movie we watch. Sound good?”

“Sounds perfect!” Chris counters. Satisfied with the answer he’s gotten, he turns around and heads down the hall toward the living room.

Eddie remains seated upright, soon burying his head in his hands. There’s so much he still has to figure out. How to be a single father, how to raise his son in a new city where he himself is still getting used to everything. It feels as if he’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders. His life is the very definition of busy, cartoonishly so. More often than not he doesn’t know which way is up but he’s trying; Lord knows he’s giving it everything he’s got.

Maybe now isn’t the time to go thinking about soulmates, now that he thinks of it. Just because the name appeared in its entirety doesn’t mean he has to do anything about it. After all, he reasons, there isn’t much he even can do. It’s not as if he can take out a billboard on Sunset Boulevard asking every man in the city named Evan to meet him in person. If he really is meant to find his other half, he’ll show up when he’s supposed to. Eddie has to believe that. Until then, Eddie won’t allow himself to open that door.

Renewed in his thinking, Eddie allows himself one more brief moment to come to terms with his decision before getting up from the bed. All he can do now is maintain control over the things in his life that are actual certainties. There’s a little boy a few feet away who needs his undivided attention and that is where his priorities will always remain. He can’t afford any distractions, not when there’s already so much at stake.

“You coming, Dad?” Christopher calls out. Eddie’s ready for action, swiping his phone from where it sits beside him on the mattress.

“I’m calling the shop right now,” he says back, already searching the number and pressing to call as he reaches the door to join Chris in the living room.

~*~*~

When Buck awakes the next day, his hand instantly reaches for the side of his ribs. He barely got any sleep last night with how wound up he was, fixating over the name that had worked its way onto his skin without him even knowing it. That was one of the hardest things for Buck to wrap his mind around. Something so monumental had taken place for him right under his nose and he’d been so ridiculously unaware.

He spent a great deal of his night thinking about Edmundo. He wondered what he looked like, what his hobbies were. He pictured him as being tall and dark haired. He imagined he was an adventurous guy who liked trying new things like him. If this was the person he was meant to be with, he figured they’d ought to have a few things in common.

In one day, he’s gone from not putting any real stock into wondering about the specifics of his soulmate to keeping a running tab on all the qualities he hopes the other man possesses.

Now you finally know what you’re looking for, Ali had said and it’s true. Buck had been directionless for years but yesterday’s update changed all that. He’s still unsure how or when he’ll get the chance to meet Edmundo again but he tries his hand at tempting fate, deciding to go back to the place where he believes this whole thing started.

He has a shift today so he can’t exactly hang around the coffee shop for a while like he wishes he could. All the same when he returns, he quickly realizes just how futile his approach is. He didn’t actually see the guy he bumped into. He can’t even safely guess at a description so truly any man inside the café could be the one. Moreover, the odds that Edmundo is even here right now are slim to none. It’s a brand new day and morning at that. Maybe his soulmate only comes here during the afternoon or maybe he just happened to be in the neighborhood yesterday and decided to drop by.

Variables. Far too many variables that make him uneasy.

Buck notes the time and sees that he has to go. As much as he’s caught up in his personal life, there are other lives he has to center his energy on today. He can’t afford to have his attention stolen away when people are counting on him. He decides to stick a pin in this for now as he exits the coffee shop with one last hopeful glance over his shoulder. Edmundo is out there; he can be assured of that, if nothing else. If luck isn’t on his side two days in a row, there’s still a stretch of time laid out before him for the miracle to take place.

~*~*~

Sometimes it felt like Eddie was the punchline to a joke the universe never grew tired of. His meeting at Chris’ school had gone well; the tour of the building exceeded his expectations. He’d been thorough online, combing through every page on the school’s site and reading up on what parents of students past and present had to say. With his luck he should have known a wrench would find its way into a situation that had, until this precise moment, been utterly perfect.

“All we need now is to speak with Christopher’s mother. After that interview, we should be seeing Christopher in our halls soon enough.”

Eddie blinks at the coordinator for a moment, running through her statement again.

“Is that going to be a problem?” she asks, picking up on his hesitation.

Eddie quickly shakes his head and clears his throat. He’s come this far. He’s not about to squander Chris’ chances of success because he’s caught off guard.

“No, not at all.” He isn’t sure how much truth there is to the statement but he’ll figure out a way to make this work. For Chris he’ll move mountains.

Eddie leaves the office and heads to the parking lot, his mind racing. It’s just one more hurdle for him to have to jump when he had felt confident there wouldn’t be any more obstacles in his path. He was dreading having to pick up the phone and call Shannon. He hoped the talk would go well but right now, he didn’t want to dwell on that. His next step was to get Chris and check in with his grandmother and make good on his promise to her.

Eddie heads straight to Abuela’s place to repair her kitchen sink. She’d spoken to him this morning about it when he dropped Christopher off and he’d given his word he’d take a look after his meeting. Her home isn’t too far from the school and he arrives about fifteen minutes later.

Before he gets out of the car, Eddie takes a moment to pull himself together. Though his thoughts are heavy, he doesn’t want his grandmother to see he’s stressing. He isn’t ready to talk about having to speak to and subsequently see Shannon so soon. He’d really convinced himself that he could have a bit of time before he’d have to see her face to face. But Chris’ education and comfort trumped his trepidation. He settled on the notion of calling Shannon when he got home later. He had no doubt the school probably reached out to her the second he left the office but still, he knew he had to relay the information as well.

Eddie quickly glances at himself in the rear-view mirror. His eyes look weary but he supposes his grandmother will just think it’s from getting settled in still. He nods once to himself and gets out, fishing his key to the house out of his pocket.

“Abuela?” he calls out once he’s let himself in and locks back the door.

“In here,” she shouts back from the kitchen. Eddie walks through the house, greeting her with a hug and kiss on the cheek. She has the toolbox already on the ground by the sink for him.

“Where’s Chris?” The inside of the house is oddly quiet. There aren’t any cartoon voices or beeping of electronics.

“He’s out in the yard. He felt like reading outside an hour ago. I certainly wasn’t going to stop him,” she muses.

“Naturally,” Eddie laughs. “Well, let’s have a look at this sink then, yeah?”

Eddie slips off his watch and sets it aside on the kitchen counter before kneeling to the ground and settling on his back under the sink. He gets to work, moving methodically and chatting with his grandmother as she recounts her day with Christopher. She, like literally everyone that knows him, is completely smitten. Not too long after, he’s done. Eddie sets the wrench aside and gets back on his feet. He reaches out to turn on the faucet when his grandmother hurries over, grabbing a hold of his wrist.

“Edmundo, what’s this?” she asks.

Eddie’s heart clenches the same way it does when one misses a step on a flight of stairs. He tries pulling back his hand but it’s too late; the damage is already done.

“It’s nothing worth talking about.” He doesn’t mean it to be rude or dismissive but if he can prevent this conversation from happening, he’ll steer the talk away from going there as fast as humanly possible.

The stern looks she gives him tells Eddie that he won’t be able to avoid it, however.

“You’ve met your soulmate? This…Evan,” she says, tilting her head and reading off the name.

Eddie is too distracted for a moment to answer her question. There doesn’t seem to be any shock to her that it’s a man’s name branded on his skin instead of a woman’s.

“I must have but I don’t know where he is or even who he is for that matter. It just filled in yesterday.”

Finally, his grandmother lets go of his hand and Eddie draws in a breath to steady himself. He grips the lip of the counter with both his hands, his shoulders hunched over. Through the window he can see Christopher in the backyard, laying out in the afternoon sun with his head buried in a book, so blissfully unaware of the turmoil his father has been feeling since he made the discovery.

“I thought—it said Eva for so long that this whole time I thought I was searching for a woman.” Saying the words out loud strikes Eddie differently than when the sentiment was just swirling around in his head.

“The heart wants what it wants,” Abuela says, as if it’s truly just that simple. Maybe it is but Eddie is still trying to piece it all together for himself.

“Well, it doesn’t matter what it wants. I need to focus on what my head is telling me.”

“Which is?” She sighs and shakes her head. “You can’t run from destiny, Eddie, no matter how much it scares you. One way or another, it’s going to catch up with you. It’s inevitable.”

Eddie wishes he didn’t find that statement as intimidating as he does but it terrifies him to his very core. Some people find comfort in knowing what the road ahead looks like. For a time, Eddie himself had clung to that too. When his fights with Shannon turned vicious and intense, he’d lie beside her in bed, facing the opposite way soothing his nerves with the idea that there was more for him out there. He’d feel guilty for it but there was no mistaking that he and Shannon brought out the worst in each other because they knew they weren’t meant for one another. They were trying to force something that didn’t come naturally and that was a method that was doomed from the start.

He’d picture Eva, her face always shrouded or constantly changing. Even without that certainty, the concept of her was enough of a beacon to guide him through the heaviest of storms.

Now that image he’s spent years fixating on has morphed into something he can’t even begin to guess at. It’s too much change all at once and Eddie can’t handle that kind of stress right now, he’s decided. He has more pressing concerns like continuing to get settled in Los Angeles. He’s got Christopher’s school situation almost secured and now he just needs to work on settling into the new job he’s lined up for himself.

“I’ve managed to avoid it for this long, haven’t I? It’s fine. I’m fine.”

She frowns and Eddie can’t bear the sight. He turns his focus back on his son, glad that he’s so far removed from all of this.

“I don’t think you are,” she says. “And I know you don’t truly believe that either.”

Eddie’s jaw clenches, his shoulders stiffening after being called out. Eddie knows she means well but it’s jarring to be seen so plainly.

He turns on the tap, letting the water run for a bit. He peers down under the sink to make sure pipe is holding up. Everything is just fine, as he knew it would be. There are at least some broken things he’s capable of fixing.

“I need to get Christopher home,” he says decidedly, glancing over his shoulder at her. He leans down and kisses her on the cheek. “Thank you for watching him. I really appreciate it.”

“Ed—,” she starts but Eddie doesn’t give her the chance to get any further as he heads for the back door and leaves.

He can’t afford to hear the rest of her statement. He can’t stand there being fed a lie that he deserves to be happy. He had fooled himself temporarily into thinking this update to his marking could be a good thing but his life was already hectic as it was. Adding in this new factor on top of everything else seemed more like a liability than an asset. And if there’s one thing Eddie doesn’t need in his life right now, it’s another complication.

~*~*~

Buck tries his luck at the coffee shop again though he knows better now this time than to have high expectations. He gets there a bit earlier to see if ten minutes will make much of a difference but he doesn’t hear anyone say the name Edmundo to their friends. None of the baristas call out that name either when drinks are ready to be served. Today pans out much like the last two days; frequenting the coffee shop has become part of his daily routine now.

Admitting defeat, Buck takes his coffee to go, finishing it on the car ride over to the station.

When he gets to work, he heads straight for the locker room, exchanging greetings with Chimney as he steps inside.

“Have you met the new guy yet?” Chimney asks, lacing up his work shoes on the bench as Buck chucks his coffee cup into the garbage bin by the door.

“There’s a new guy?”

Chimney switches feet and works on his laces again.

“Yeah, up from Texas. Apparently, he’s a lucky get. Bobby says another station wanted him but he picked us.”

Buck’s heart races a little faster. On any other day he wouldn’t have thought much about this. New recruits weren’t exactly uncommon but given the name he can practically feel tingling on his torso right this second, he can’t help but feel his curiosity pique.

He wants to ask flat out if the man’s name is Edmundo but that would raise questions he isn’t ready to answer yet. He’s about to ask just casually what the recruit’s name is but Chimney’s phone starts to buzz and he excuses himself to take the call.

Buck tries not to get discouraged but his heart still sinks regardless as he stuffs his belongings into his locker. His mind can’t help but to jump to the conclusion that this latest addition to the 118 is the man he’s spent the last three days trying to meet. It feels too coincidental that this guy would just show up out of the blue. That the station was lucky to have him. There was a possibility for him to land at another station but he found his way to this one just three days after Buck’s soulmate’s name presented itself fully after nine whole years of waiting.

Steeling himself, Buck leaves out of the locker room and makes his way up the stairs to the loft where he can hear the early morning chatter of his coworkers and Hen’s warm laughter.

There’s a new face seated around the table, one that—admittedly—Buck is attracted to.

Bobby is the first to notice his arrival and he gestures for him to come closer to where he sits at the head of the table.

“Buck, this is Eddie. I was just filling him in on what he can expect for his first day and introducing him to everyone.”

Buck’s knees almost give right then and there.

Eddie.

It’s a nickname that can apply to many different names: Edward, Eduardo, Edwin, Edgar. Hell, maybe his actual name was Eddie. But Buck holds out hope that it’s short for Edmundo. That the universe is putting his years’ long searching to an end.

“It’s nice to meet you,” he says a bit stiffly due to shock. He offers up a warm smile to make up for it and in return, Eddie flashes one back.

He’s got warm brown eyes that crinkle at the corners when he smiles. It’s such an open expression that Buck feels as if he knows him. Maybe it’s wishful thinking or maybe this is actually a sign. Either way, Buck knows that Eddie’s smile is something he can easily get addicted to.

“It’s nice to meet you, too,” Eddie says, extending his hand to Buck. “I’m really looking forward to us working together.”

Please let this be him, Buck thinks as he shakes Eddie’s hand.

A small part of him feels like it’s falling already.

#buck x eddie #buddie #evan buckley #eddie diaz #sulkybbarnes #rafasilvas #bisexualbuck #tylerhunklin #maysgrant #captainstennerstar #athenagrantt #kimmy writes

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stellar-imagines · 5 years

Text

SCENARIO REQUEST: ❝self-doubting.❞

[ Fandom: Boku no Hero Academia ] [ Characters: Bakugou Katsuki ]

「Scenario of Bakugou with his S/O where after they do the do, he leaves to go train and is oblivious to how much it was making you feel insecure, thinking that he was in the relationship just to get in our pants. The next time they makeout, the same thing happens and you.」

BAKUGOU KATSUKI

Bakugou's bed was, just like any other bed, comfortable. The sheets were soft against your bare skin and his pillow fitted your head too well. The air conditioner kept the air cool the entire time but despite all the naughty things you did, it felt like you were outside in the sun. Your body ached and was sweaty, there was also this force that made your eyelids droop. Though, knowing that you'd be able to stay in bed with your boyfriend blew all those uncomfortable feelings away. Speaking of your boyfriend, he had excused himself to the bathroom where you assumed he was changing his clothes. You stifled a yawn, rubbing your eyes as you blindly reached out for your phone that was on the ground.

Once you grabbed hold of the device, you raised it to your eye level and pressed a button. You winced at the bright light that caused discomfort. It took a few seconds for your eyes to adjust to the illumination. Your eyes were fixated on the large digits being displayed which showed that it was 4 in the afternoon. When you heard a click, you instantly turned your head towards the bathroom door where Bakugou emerged out from. He was dressed lightly, in a black tank top and some training pants. The male moved quietly, oblivious to the fact that you're wide awake.

You thought that he might join you on the bed, maybe lay down with you for a quick nap before dinner. You moved to sit up, groaning at the ache of your thighs and silently cursing your boyfriend for being too rough on you. Much to your surprise, he grabbed one of his bags and began to pick up a few things.

"Where are you going?" you asked, seeing that he, was shoving a few things into his bag and searching for his phone on the table. By now, you were somewhat awake, your eyes following Bakugou's every movement.

"You're awake? You looked pretty damn exhausted when we finished." he muttered, slinging the bag over his shoulder before making his way towards you.

"Who's fault is that? Have you seen all these marks you left?" you pointed at your neck with a pout.

"You're the one who tempted me." he shot back. Bakugou leaned forward, pressing a kiss on your forehead.

"I need to go train with Shitty Hair. You can leave when you can finally move."

"Right.....Don't push yourself too much." you masked your disappointment, giving him a small smile. Bakugou grunts in response and heads out of his room, shutting the door behind him. You didn't bother keeping your smile now that he's gone. A sigh passed your lips, your shoulders falling as you exhaled.

This was your first relationship. You knew that Bakugou wasn't a romantic person but that never really got in the way of your relationship. He had his own ways of showing affection and is more of the type to show them through actions. Your first time with him was a storm. There were tons of things that you both didn't know but you were willing to learn and open up. It took a lot of exploring and experimenting. In Bakugou's words, it took fucking forever to get to this point.

Being in UA's Hero Course meant that you'd be facing a lot of trials that will mature you into a hero. UA is the number one ranked high school for heroics and is considered the top Hero Academy in Japan. The teachers who are entasked to deliver education are experienced Heroes that the students can learn from. Students in the Department of Heroes learn everything they need to know to become a Hero. In short, it's no surprise that students would want to train in the very little spare time they have.

Even though, you knew all that, there was a part of you that wanted him to stay with you. What if he was like those guys who just want sex? To be honest, it's hard to tell whether a guy wants a relationship or is just faking it. You've read a lot of things regarding this kind of thing thanks to the girls. There were guys out there who acted nice, do everything right, buy their girl flowers, tell them nice things that they like to hear, he may be romantic, he can buy them gifts and seem to be serious about a relationship but when things get really serious.

After a few minutes, you decided to step out of Bakugou’s room and headed to the common room where all the girls were gathered. They had invited you earlier but you declined, expecting to spend your entire afternoon with your boyfriend. Maybe you should've asked him about his plans.

"Hey, [First Name]-chan! I see that Bakugou-kun has dumped you!" Ashido let out a small chuckle.

"Very funny, Mina-chan. He had some plans with Kirishima-kun. Now give me some of your cookies!" you sat right next to her, reaching for the cookies sitting inside the bowl that she was holding onto.

As the girls went on and on about some random topic, you couldn't help but forget all your worries related to Bakugou. When you think back to it, all you could do was shake your head and say that you were probably worrying a bit too much. When Bakugou came back from training with Kirishima, he joined you for dinner, sitting next to you as he ate. He had his arms wrapped around your waist as you two sat on his bed. The male felt you flinch but shook it off, thinking that he may have startled you. But when he pressed his lips against your neck, you trembled and gasped. He rose a brow, asking if you were alright.

You only smiled, saying that you were fine. But on that night, he couldn't help but ask himself if he had done something wrong. Not long after, you both said goodnight and you returned back to your room. The next day came by fast. You woke up later than usual as it was a Sunday, had brunch and lazed in your boyfriend's room. He was laying on the bed while you were seated upright, back against the pillow that was propped up against the headboard. After a while, he sought your attention. He was kissing you deeply which distracted you from whatever you were doing on your phone earlier.

Seconds after, the kiss turned into a full blown make out session that you had no intention of stopping. But when he pulled away from your lips, you couldn't help but think of yesterday.

"Do you have anything to do later?" you bravely asked as he rests his head on your shoulder. The male let out a small hum, feeling your hand weave through his ash blond locks.

"Yeah, Shitty Hair asked me to help with his homework. Tch, that idiot is fucking hopeless." he rubs his nose against your neck before pulling away. He was able to see the face that you were making. You seemed a bit disappointed, sad even. If he weren't so close he would miss the way your lips twitched as you smiled. The hand at was in his hair moved away, he almost wanted to complain and put your hand back to where it was.

"If that's the case, how about you get ready?" you slowly pulled yourself away from him, leaving him to sit on his bed all alone. He seemed to pick up on your rather peculiar behavior but he can't seem to figure out the reason behind it. Bakugou blinked a few times, looking a bit lost as you gathered your things.

"You're leaving?" he asked, moving to sit at the edge of his bed.

"Yes, I don't to disturb the two of you so I'll get going before he comes." you gave him a small wave before leaving the room. A small sigh left your lips as you made your way to the elevator.

Did he do something wrong? Was it because of how he left you alone yesterday and went off to train with Kirishima? He had been told that after sex, aftercare is important. Maybe he should've stayed with you instead? He shook his head, he didn't mean to leave you alone the other day. Sure he had been nervous the entire time and may have messed up a few things. He ruffled his hair and let out an annoyed grunt. Just what was bothering you?

Along the way, you bumped into Kirishima who had his books and other things in his hands. You greeted him, giving him a small wave which he returned, beaming brightly at you. You looked over your shoulder to see him knocking on Bakugou's door before walking away. Maybe you can finish off that anime that you were watching earlier.

"Hey, Bakubro! Thanks for helping me out!"

"Don't call me that, sit your ass down, I don't have all day. There are better things I could've done if it weren't for you." he grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest as Kirishima sits across Bakugou. He got out his books and stationery.

"You mean cuddling with [Last Name]?" he said. For a second, he recalled the makeout session you both had. The two of you were so into it and he was sure that it'd ended up with sex if you didn't decide to leave. He remembered the way you looked before you left.

"Are you sure? About leaving her alone? She seemed a bit upset you know. Don't you need to be by her side?" As much as he hated to admit, he still had a long way to go when it comes to relationships. More than anyone else, he himself was aware of how his personality wasn't the most likable. There were other guys who would've treated you the way that you deserved. But you had accepted him out of the numerous guys you could've picked. That alone proved how much you loved him.

"Shut the fuck up and start working on the damn homework." he growled. He knew it more than anyone and Kirishima didn't have to remind him.

He didn't know what was going through your mind but he was determined to turn you back into your usual self.

The following day, Bakugou showed up in your room unannounced. In his hands, he had a pack of your favorite snack and one of his blankets. At that time you were in the middle of setting up your laptop for a movie. You couldn't help but think of the possibility of him coming to relieve himself. He did not show up in your room that often and that was honestly, the only thing you can think of. He closed the door, sat next to you and said that he'd be watching with you. Deciding not to question his actions, you made room for him on your bed. You were happy that he was just cuddling you, watching a random movie you decided to play on your laptop.

He often came by when he needed to―ahem, unwind. You couldn't help but glance at him every 5 minutes. Bakugou had been oddly quiet the entire time. He was seated behind you, leaning back against your pillows while you leaned back to rest your head against his chest. It's a very comfortable position, especially with the way the blanket covered both of your bodies perfectly. You glanced at your boyfriend again who happened to be looking at you at the same time you decided to glance at him.

"What's up with you?" Bakugou eventually got a bit ticked off by your constant glancing. It wasn't surprising that he had caught your gaze with how often you had been glancing.

"Nothing, just a but confused." you hummed, twiddling your fingers as you tear your attention from the screen.

"You're acting a bit weird."

"You're the one acting weird. What the hell are you saying?"

"There's nothing wrong! Come on, let's just continue with the movie."

You laughed nervously, deciding not to bother him anymore. The conversation had stopped there. While you were busy watching the movie, Bakugou couldn't help but think that he was being a bit too mean. He knew that you were upset, at least yesterday you appeared to be unhappy about something. He can't pick up whatever hints you were dropping. At times he can be very observant but he's not a mind reader, he can't tell what you're upset about.

"Hey." he suddenly said while you were still staring at the screen. A hum was his response from you and he saw how your eyes never left the screen.

"I don't know what you were so upset about and I don't know if it's my damn fault or not either. But, I'm sorry....." he grumbled.

"I know that I'm bad at this dating thing and I don't know how to be romantic. You know that I really need to train to get stronger. Maybe I didn't give you enough attention or some shit like that. So, what I'm trying to say is that I'm not ignoring you on purpose or anything like that."

Bakugou doesn't normally apologize and when he does, it was something serious. But you could tell that it was something that he had been thinking about for a long time. After hearing him say all that, you came to realize that you were worried about nothing. You almost felt stupid for thinking that Bakugou was the type to get together with you just for sex. He looked a bit nervous, cheeks painted with a rosy blush as he avoided your gaze, lips pressed together forming a frown. You eased yourself in his hold, leaning back with a goofy smile on your face.

"What's up with you know?" he asked, seeing that you were being overly enthusiastic after hearing him pour his feelings out.

"No, I just feel a bit stupid for a few things." you chuckled.

"For what?"

"Well, the girls told me about how there are guys out there who are in a relationship just for sex. And when you left for training, I couldn't help but think that you might be the same. But I believed in you! I know that you wouldn't do something like that! So it was just me being stupid." you waved it off with a small smile. Bakugou stayed silent, embracing you tighter until you were all squished up against him.

"Heeyy, what's up with you, Katsuki? You're holding too tight!" you giggled.

"Just thinking about how ignorant I was. I thought you were fucking fine because you always understood my passion to become the number one hero." he grumbled, taking a whiff of your hair.

"I guess that makes us both dumb!"

"No, you're the only one who's dumb here."

"Now you're just being mean!"

Total: 2439 words Published: 23.10.2019

We’re open for some limited edition prompts featuring Fall and Halloween! Read more here!

Thank you for requesting! *｡٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و*｡ This was a super detailed request and we really did enjoy typing this! But we do hope that we nailed every single detail and Bakugou didn’t appear a bit too OOC. Hope you enjoyed it, anon! ― author Hibiki/Lou

Thank you for requesting! So, we got a bit too immersed in this request and it took us a long time to finish this. But we want to thank you, anon! For giving us such a detailed request so we didn’t have to make up too many things that you might not approve of! Sorry to make you wait so long, anon. ― author Natsuki

Please do not mind the grammar mistakes and typos.

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messagefromtheveins · 5 years

Text

Curious Warmth [Part 12]

A/N: I’m gonna quickly post this before any possible drama starts 👀

Words: 3.1k

Pairing: Shawn/reader

Warning: smut. a bit of cockwarming. other than that just slow and lazy sex.

Your heart hadn't stopped racing since Shawn had taken your hand into his. It had only taken him almost two hours and five failed attempts- which only failed because he had backed out again at the very last second- before he had finally built up the courage to reach for your hand. And his heart had felt so much lighter when you had twisted your wrist so he could intertwine his fingers with yours. He had actually released a sigh of relief when you hadn't pushed him away, which had thankfully been drowned out by your excited squeal as you had spotted a baby turtle in the big tank in front of you.

"Shawn?"

His head turned to look at you, a smile playing on his lips. You were on the way home from the nearest bus station, the sky above you dark already. He clearly noticed the blush that spread over your cheeks as he brushed his thumb over your hand, his heart roaring in pride. "Yeah?"

He stopped breathing for a second as you lightly leaned against his side, your free hand grasping his biceps and cradling his arm to your chest. "Thanks for taking me to the aquarium. I really had a lot of fun," you told him, his heart skipping at least two beats.

"Thank you for letting me take you out," he responded and gave your hand a gentle squeeze that you returned, making him smile softly. Your house came into view and his heart grew a bit heavier as he realized that the date was coming to an end, but then reminded himself that you genuinely seemed like you had enjoyed yourself.

You didn't exchange another word until you stopped in front of your driveway, not letting go of each other's hand as you turned to face each other. Similar nervous smiles spread over your faces, followed by quiet chuckles. "Thanks for bringing me home," you whispered.

"What kind of jerk would I be if I didn't?" he grinned.

Lightly biting your bottom lip, you hesitated before you spoke up again. "Do you think we can do something like this again sometime?" you asked quietly.

"You mean another date?" he asked, receiving a little nod from you. A smile spread over his lips as he quickly nodded, his cheeks flushing a bit as you returned his smile enthusiastically. "I'd love that."

Silence settled between you, but it wasn't uncomfortable. His heart raced faster than it had ever before as he gathered all of his courage to get the next words out. He was sure that his hand was getting sweaty and that you would be able to feel it. But before he could stop himself he quietly said your name.

"Yes?"

He could still say something else. It wasn't too late yet. But the thing was, he didn't want to back out again. He wanted to be brave and just risk it, without overthinking it ten times. And from the way you looked at him with almost expectant eyes he felt like you knew what he was about to say. "Can I kiss you?"

Had he thought of simply leaning in and waiting for your reaction whenever he had fantasized about this moment? Yes. Had he quickly changed his mind when he had read that asking for consent is a sexy thing? Fuck yes. From the way you blushed and bit your lip to stop yourself from smiling too widely he was sure that he had done the right thing. "Please," you breathed.

You wondered if his heart was beating just as fast as yours and you weren't sure if it were his fingers or yours that were trembling. But you quickly didn't care about any of it anymore when he started to lean in, his grip on your hand tightening just a little as your eyelids fluttered shut right before his lips gently pressed against yours.

For a second you forgot how to breathe. It wasn't anything like those movie kisses that you had dreamed of having as your first kiss, but it still made your stomach flip and heart skip a beat. His lips were simply pressed against yours for a few seconds, his free hand coming up to lightly cup your jaw before he slowly pulled back again.

Your cheeks were so hot and you were sure that you were red as a tomato as you opened your eyes again to find him smiling widely at you. "Goodnight, honey," he whispered and placed another soft kiss on your cheek before he let go of your hand and took a step back, watching you walk up to the front door. Like his dad had told him to, he waited until you were safely inside- after turning around and waving at him one last time- before he made his way down the street.

He waited until he was around the corner and definitely out of sight before he pumped his fist into the air. "Fuck yeah!"

Finals were absolutely kicking your ass- Shawn's too actually- and you were so glad that you only had one last exam left on Monday. You hadn't seen Shawn outside of school for almost two weeks with all the studying both of you were so busy with. But considering that both of you felt prepared enough for the last exam you had decided to fuck studying for one night- leaving the two of you in your room, a movie playing on your TV while both of you were peacefully sleeping, cuddled up in your bed.

The first thing he was fully aware of when he woke up was your body completely pressed up against his, arms and legs clinging to him and leaving him with his face pushed against your chest. He immediately smiled and deeply inhaled your comforting smell that lingered in the T-shirt you were wearing. His fingers curled on your back where he had pushed his hands under your T-shirt, eyes opening just to immediately squeeze them shut again.

Surprisingly bright light was flooding your room and it took him two more attempts to open his eyes before he managed to keep them open, squinting against the light and trying to figure out what the hell was going on. Lifting his head just enough without waking you, he caught sight of the TV that displayed the main menu of the movie that had ended long ago.

He knew the remote was somewhere behind you, one of his hands pulling out from under your T-shirt to blindly pat around on the mattress, but he was unsuccessful. Lifting his head a bit more, he found the remote on the pillow behind you and reached for it when your arms and legs tightened around him. "Don't go," you whined, your face pushing into his curly hair.

Absolute darkness engulfed the room as he hit the power button on the remote, his eyes falling shut as he carelessly let the remote drop somewhere on the bed while he tightly wrapped his arms around you again. Your body immediately relaxed against him. "I'm not leaving," he whispered and placed a kiss on your collar bone, "I was just trying to find the remote."

You were quiet for so long that he was sure you had fallen asleep again. "Did you want to watch another movie?" you mumbled, his soft chuckle muffled against your T-shirt.

"So we can fall asleep halfway through it again?"

You sleepily smacked your lips. "Bold of you to assume that I'd manage to stay awake that long."

Giggling, he shook his head and smoothed his hands over your back, trying to get you to fall asleep again. For a few minutes he thought he had succeeded, but then you suddenly moved your hand to tangle it into his hair at the back of his head. His chest was swelling with pure love as you started to leave little kisses on his hair while your nails gently scratched his head, a sound that was close to a purr rumbling in his chest. It made you laugh quietly.

He turned into putty in your embrace, enjoying the way you treated him so lovingly for several seconds before he tilted his head up. Neither one of you needed to open your eyes to find the others lips, meeting in a kiss that was barely more than a lingering peck. His forehead rested against yours as he broke away again, his breath lightly tickling on your skin and his hands slowly tracing up and down your spine.

Everything about this moment was so tender and romantic- from the way he kissed you with so much love, to his hands exploring your back with incredibly gentle hands, to his nose playfully rubbing against yours. You never wanted it to end. You wanted to stop the time and stay here with him forever.

A smile spread over your lips as he moved a hand down to your butt, but instead of grabbing and squeezing like he usually did he simply rested his hand there. His palm slowly rubbed back and forth, the cotton of your panties feeling incredibly soft against his skin. "I love you," you whispered into the quiet room, his lips immediately curving into a smile before he tilted his head to kiss you again.

Your leg slung over his hip tightened and your hand moved down to trace over his biceps- he had recently started working out to work off the stress and you'd be lying if you said that you didn't appreciate the bit of extra muscle. Breaking away from your lips, he peppered a few more soft pecks over your cheek. "I love you," he murmured, lips pressing against yours again. "So much," he added, barely getting the words out before you kissed him once more.

Moving both hands to your back, he tightened his arms around you and almost moaned as he had you completely pressed up against him, your covered core applying the perfect kind of pressure to his crotch- where he was sporting a semi under his sweatpants. You broke away from his lips with a giggle. "Really?"

Whining softly, he ducked his head down to hide his face in the crook of your neck. "Don't judge me," he grumbled and couldn't stop himself from moving a hand down to caress your bare thigh, "it's been so long since we've last had sex."

"It's been like 2 weeks," you responded dryly.

"So long," he whined, making you laugh once again. He wanted to complain a bit more, but his words got stuck in his throat as you lightly rolled your hips against his. His jaw went slack, lips parting with a shaky exhale as you moved a hand down his front, not even hesitating as your hand snuck beneath his sweatpants. "Honey..." he breathed and swallowed heavily, his length twitching as your hand wrapped around his base.

"You wanna?" you whispered and gave him a few slow pumps, smiling as you felt his lips on your neck while his hand reached down to your butt again- this time giving you a firm squeeze.

"Fuck, do you really have to ask?" he mumbled and gave your bum another squeeze before he moved his hand to your front. He simply traced his finger over your covered slit a few times before he pushed his hand under your panties.

Your quiet moan was muffled against his hair as his fingers immediately found your clit, tightly biting your lip to stop yourself from making another sound as he started to leave open-mouthed kisses over your neck. Your hands moved in almost perfect sync, the pace of your hand almost matching his. Tilting his head up, he immediately met your lips in a lazy kiss, though it didn't take long before he licked into your mouth.

He playfully nibbled on your bottom lip as you traced your pointer finger around his sensitive tip that was leaking profusely, the fact that he hadn't gotten to feel you like this for longer than he was used to leaving him quite desperate. He almost whined in disappointment as you pulled your hand back, but couldn't stop himself from grinning as he noticed that you were taking your panties off. "Turn around," he whispered, getting rid of his sweats while you twisted so your back faced him while clumsily taking your T-shirt off.

"Thanks for not asking me to be on top," you grinned and completely relaxed against him as he pushed his nude body up against yours, spooning against your back and pushing an arm under your pillow. Even though you wanted nothing more than to climb on top of him and ride him into oblivion, you knew that you wouldn't get far if you attempted it- your bones felt way too heavy. He chuckled softly and placed a kiss on your shoulder, his hand tracing over your side before he reached between your bodies as you tilted your hips back against him.

You reached for his hand that was sticking out from under the pillow, your fingers intertwining with his right when he slowly pushed into you. His grip on your hand immediately tightened and he released a sharp breath behind you, his other hand landing on your hip, fingers lightly digging in. You couldn't help but smile at the familiar stretch of him filling you out so perfectly, his hand gently squeezing yours as he stopped when he was buried as deep as possible.

"You feel so good, do you know that?" he murmured and placed a few more kisses over your shoulder while letting you get adjusted. Considering how often the two of you had slept together so far he had developed a rather good sense of when you were ready for him to move, not needing the little wriggle of your hips anymore.

But even when he was sure he could start moving he stayed still, his hand slowly caressing your side and thigh. "Shawn?" you whispered, amusement clear in your voice. He simply hummed in response, immediately placing a few tender kisses over your jaw as you twisted your head a bit, not managing to catch sight of him. "Everything okay?"

"So okay," he whispered, "more than okay actually."

"So...?"

He smiled softly and placed another kiss below your ear before he rested his lips against your shoulder again. "Just let me enjoy feeling you like this for a second."

Grinning, you slowly brushed your thumb back and forth over his hand. "So we'll turn this into a cockwarming session?"

He was quiet for a long moment before he grunted in confusion. "Into a what?" he chuckled.

"Cockwarming," you repeated, "you put it in and don't move. Just feel."

"Don't call my dick 'it'," he grumbled.

You laughed softly. "Alright, you impale me with your almighty sword."

He snorted against your shoulder. "Cockwarming," he mumbled under his breath, almost thoughtfully, "what kind of crazy fanfictions have you been reading again?"

"Wouldn't you like to know," you teased and squeaked as he playfully bit your shoulder. Tightening his arms around you, he cradled you as close as possible against his body and nuzzled his face into the crook of your neck where he left a lingering kiss while he started to move his hips.

It wasn't the kind of mind blowing or toe curling, moaning so loudly that your throat went sore kind of sex. It was just you and him, too lazy to do this properly and yet needing to feel the other so intimately. Keeping your eyes closed, you completely concentrated on how great he felt against you and around you- and inside of you. You felt so safe and protected in his embrace, his arms holding you so tight against his chest, almost like he was worried that he was about to lose you.

As much as you loved to try new things- and when he went a bit dominant on you- you also really loved this. The way his hips slowly rolled against yours, the feeling of his length sliding so perfectly against your walls something you had missed more than you had realized.

Giving his hand a light squeeze, you smiled as he in return placed a kiss on your shoulder, followed by another one behind your ear. His hand slowly traced down your front, caressing your skin in an almost innocent way and making you grin in excitement before it snuck down between your thighs. You moaned quietly as his fingers found your clit, tracing lazy and unhurried circles over the bundle of nerves.

You reached your hand back and tangled your fingers into his hair, your head turning to find his lips in a soft kiss. For a while the only sounds that filled your bedroom were the sheets rustling and your lips meeting and disconnecting over and over.

"I missed you, honey," he murmured as he pulled back, his forehead pushing against the side of your neck as you turned your head away from him again.

"'missed you a lot, bub," you whispered and gave his hand a gentle squeeze that he returned.

It took longer than it had ever before for him to come- and when he did, it was quiet and surprisingly drawn out. His grip on your hand had tightened to the point of you wondering if you'd be able to feel your fingers when he let go again. His quickened breaths hit your bare shoulder and occasionally a soft moan slipped past his parted lips.

He didn't pull out immediately, instead stayed nestled inside of you while he peppered soft kisses over the side of your neck and kept moving his fingers over your clit. You knew he wouldn't be fully satisfied until he got you to come.

The way you whimpered his name in a needy way right before you reached your high almost made him hard again. His head was spinning for a moment as your walls clenched around his half hard length- it overwhelmed it to the point of having to pull out right after you were coming, the feeling too much against his sensitive cock.

He kept you pressed up against his body as you squirmed and trembled, his fingers working you through it, though it wasn't nearly as intense as it had been all the other times. You took a deep breath as you relaxed in his embrace while he pulled his hand away again. His body shifted behind you as he pushed himself up on his elbow to lean over you, his lips meetings yours in a tender kiss after you turned your head.

S.Mendes+Team Taglist: @justanotherfangurl272 @alone-in-madness @waitonmedarling @shawnase @rechema @mendesromano @stradivariusbitch @desire-to-live @alinashawn @lifeoftheparty74 @particularstrings @liliane106 @herbeautifuldarkness @havethetimeeofyourlifee @pastelshawns @delightfullyspeedyearthquake @aargyy @adelaidebaby @mchutchmendes @as-she-pleases @my-elevenoutof10 @fluffsshawn @bensbuttercup @i-play-video-games @narrystoran4eva @learning-howto-be-myselfx3 @hugefangirl-22 @september-lace @shawnsmusical @shawnsparticulargirl

Curious Taglist: @vintageroses1014516 @hannahlouiseee @nervousyouths @marveloushawn @messy-cassy @iloveshawnieboi @yellowlimelight @rockstarshawnmendes @virgen-idealista @patron-saintof-sluts @peterbrokenparker @artemissravenclaw @kmainegirl @tnhmblive @stokedmendes @mendesilicious @cottoncandyshawn @enchantingbrowneyedgirl @feliciaceciliamariajacobsson @lillysaundersss @shutupgrayy @scandinavian-girl @bodaciousbonzi1996

(feel free to message me if you want to be moved/removed)

#wow #what the hell #the more I read this the more it sucks #sigh #shawn mendes #shawn mendes imagine #shawn mendes fluff #shawn mendes smut #shawn mendes blurb #shawn mendes fanfiction #shawn mendes fic #shawn mendes x reader #shawn peter raul mendes #shawn mendes writing #writing

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datawyrms · 4 years

Text

Still Robophobic?

Chapter 2 while crawling through all of K1-B0′s text so I can inanely chatter and make depth that probably wasn’t there because it makes me happy. and you can’t stop me. Once again I am serious this is all of his text so this is LONG. (and if you didn’t read my first super long post covering Prologue/ch1, you might want to do that first) someone make me work on my fics lol

Also I totally just realized Keebo is totally hiding behind Himiko after Monokuma’s return to life and I just MISSED HIM lol. He trusts Kaede and Shuichi, even when they’re being sketchy as heck and says he’ll think of plans too, because more plans are better than less. shame upon me for overlooking more of his trusting and trying to help nature. MOVING ON.

Cold open with the funeral that starts at Kaede’s portrait so you think it’s current but no this is for our viewing pleasure only...Gonta finds the horse a hint...Kaito abuses a doorbell and shepherds Shuichi out of the room...get to the dining hall and Keebs is muttering questions so he can be the first one talking in a scene again!

K1-B0: Writing...? Gonta: Yeah! Like someone try to hide writing in grass! Weird, right!?

keep shining on with your refusal to do anything but ask questions unless talking to Kokichi or a Protag, Keebo. As Keebo is garbage at people, he has zero reaction to the Hatless Reveal. The human has removed part of their clothing and he does not care. If you’re curious, Maki, Ryoma, Himiko, Keebo and Kiyo are the only ones not to remark on it at all. :v

Kokichi: Kirumi, be my mom! Gonta: Gonta want you to be his mom, too! K1-B0: ...What are you two even saying?

even keebs knows you two are being hecka weird by asking that guys. Which is probably the joke that the robot calls them on this. Or it’s him not getting the point of moms/what they’re asking for...since you know. Built in a lab...(Though he does know, since he made fun of Kaede that way.)

K1-B0: ... Kokichi: Hm? What's wrong, Kee-boy? You're not eating— Oh yeah! I totally forgot you can’t eat! Y’know, cuz you’re a robot! K1-B0: ... Kokichi: Hey now, don't look so down. I'll bring you a broken TV later. K1-B0 I don't want that... I'm not a waste receptacle. Angie: Nyahahaha! Keebo and Kokichi seem to be getting along swimmingly!

Everyone’s eating and Keebo is just listlessly staring at food. Till Kokichi decides to loudly announce to everyone that’s what he’s doing. Which, judging by the fact Kaede had to ask...Keebo might have told Kokichi based on how he says ‘he forgot’ that and no one has really noticed he just watches. It’s been a busy set of days, I suppose. Angie is right in a way, she notices how Kokichi’s poking isn’t getting as much of a response and how the little punk keeps pushing on to get some words out of him. Course, it mostly looks like he’s making fun of him, but that’s Kokichi! for an ‘emotionless robot’ you sure picked out his emotion, tiny terror. Things Keebo doesn’t call robophobic: being told to eat broken electronics. He is pretty down though, Kaede’s FTE makes it pretty clear he’s pretty jealous that he can’t eat. Considering it looks good to him and all. (Who programmed that. Why would you do that.).

Shuichi falls into the depressing narrative ‘everyone is faking being normal’ mode after that conversation, we talk about the horse a hint again/Gonta’s gullibility.

Kokichi: Nee-heehee... Gonta, you're so gullible. Y'know, if you keep being this gullible... You’ll be killed before you know it. Understand? Shuichi: ...Ah! The moment Kokichi said that word, the warm and casual mood shattered. K1-B0: What's wrong, everyone? Is there a problem with Kokichi's advice? Gonta: Oh, Kokichi... You no should say thing like that, even as joke.

Keebs can sorta read the air to tell the mood just got real nasty...but has no idea why because to him it’s perfectly sensible advice. this boy. If someone is tempted to commit murder, logically they’ll try to trick people. Who do you trick? Someone gullible. He knows it isn’t a joke. No one actually answers him either, though he can probably guess by Tenko calling Kokichi insensitive. this is why he’s bad at people, people ignore him aaa

Kokichi tries reminding people hey monokuma is totally gonna exploit your glaring weakpoints lol/ups his dislike score, said bear shows up, kubz give area unlocks/ make an attack on titian reference with the nape of the neck thing and they skadoodle. (keebo also having a neck weakness...tsumugi....)

Kokichi: Hmmm... Seeing that robot-looking one get left out makes me think of Keebo...

yes keebo, you really, really are. No one else even says anything about this, Maki moves the conversation to the items they just got. Poor guy wants to pretend he isn’t that left out. Oh well...he’ll probably figure it out...eventually... Shuichi gets given the job of rubbing items on things because he is the Protag so Go Unlock Stuff, Boy. Keebo hangs out with Tenko near the to-be-unlocked pool.

K1-B0: That item we received earlier...I think we can use it on this stone monument. Can you try?

Tutorial robot strikes again. There is information I know, so i am going to say it and have no fluff dialogue. Tenko has a pretty sweet little scene with Shuichi here and he’s just beep-boop my protagonist powers know a puzzle when I see it.

K1-B0: The ivy withered in seconds. What remarkable technology... Tenko: Ah! We can get in! We can go in from there, right!? K1-B0: ...You intend to go inside? That course of action seems dangerous. Monophanie: No, it’s not dangerous. There’s just a pool in there.

This is why no one invites you to their DnD sessions Keebo. Sure, it’s true they probably shouldn’t blindly blunder into new places but you literally just told Shuichi how to open the door. ‘Ah, a new discovery. Time to ignore it.’ Of course he’s impressed by tech bordering on magic, which is fun. I wonder if the Kubz got summoned to make sure Keebo didn’t chicken out on exploring :v He honestly seems to trust they won’t lie to them, or at least not blatantly/in ways that would get them killed.

Tenko: What should we do? There may be a pool, but we’re not going for a swim, are we? K1-B0: But...if it is not dangerous, then maybe we should take a look. It is never bad to have too much information. Shuichi: Yes, I suppose you're right...

K1-B0: It looks like there's a pool inside. We should take a closer look. It would be best to know the specifics.

Easily swayed, this robot. Two seconds ago you were all ‘let’s not go in there’ and now you’re This Is Totally Not Dangerous, time to Take A Look. Because the Monokubs said it was okay. It had the opposite effect on Tenko, but she’s outvoted by the ahogeholders. I’d say ‘make up your mind’ but this is how Keebo makes up his mind. If he knows something ‘for certain’, he wants to know more. If it’s iffy, he’s cautious. It does look like he’s indecisive as hell though xD

Shuichi: ...Then I suppose that dream is pretty far away. K1-B0: It’s not necessarily a dream of mine... But swimming with everyone does sound fun. If I tried to swim, I would just sink. Shuichi: ...And that one is even farther.

He tries to relate to Tenko a little bit here, in the swimming is her dream but really he just thinks it sounds fun to be included, he knows he can’t swim...they’re in the same boat in that regard! Tenko actually does want to learn to swim, it comes up quite a bit in URDP. Keebo not so much. He really is more chatty about himself in smaller groups :v

K1-B0: I wonder if the day will ever come when I can swim with everyone... Tenko: Keebo! I was wondering... If you fell off a boat and sank to the bottom...would you be stuck living under the sea, beneath a rock or in a pineapple!? K1-B0: What...? Shuichi: No, I believe that before you'd get too deep, your body would be crushed by the pressure... K1-B0: Please don’t say such scary things, both of you! Or I’ll never set foot on a boat!

K1-B0: ...If I ever get the chance to ride a boat, I will wear a state-of-the-art flotation device.

He’s scared. By both of them. He doesn’t get the reference at all, obviously. His hopeful wondering that he might be able to take part in something gets redirected into either being trapped alone at the bottom of the sea forever or crushed to death. From a question that basically comes out of nowhere! But he apparently is still willing to go on a boat with proper precautions. To not be left out. he just wants to be your friend guys. you could at least say sorry for freaking him out come on. His struggle with Not Being Swim Compatible continues.

Shuichi: This looks like...a storage room? K1-B0: I peeked inside and discovered all manner of pool supplies in here. It is fully stocked with kickboards, water polo balls, and even sturdy rubber inner tubes. Perhaps I can float in water if I inflate them and attach them all over my body. Shuichi: Ah, I think you would look like that tire company's mascot...

shh let him do it, it sounds funny. It’s interesting Shuichi’s willing to say this out loud, he usually keeps his snark in his head. Also, you got a lot of info from a peek Keebo. Thank you for also mentioning rubber inner tubes exist here, as this will be plot relevant later. :p

Tenko: Oh, Keebo! Are you a degenerate male or a girl!? Which is it!?

Shuichi: Really? How interesting...I suppose I did just assume he was a...he. But Keebo is a robot, so...

Non binary keebo is canon. ‘don’t know’ he/him pronouns on the profile page for the robot. Because he literally hasn’t even thought about it before. And it doesn’t seem like he intends to either! He doesn’t start rationalizing out which one he might be, just admits he...cares so little it never crossed his mind. but seriously how old are you. how long have you existed and not a SINGLE person asked you Keebo your backstory is super shaky. Or secretly depressing. also i totally forgot Miu gets way too excited by the tennis machine. no wonder she takes so long to drag keebo to the lab :v Shuichi wanders off to unlock everything else, and they all meet back up in the gym.

Angie: Alrighty then, check this out. K1-B0: That is a peculiar-looking flashlight...So, what of it? Angie: Umm, I dunno what it is either. I inspected it pretty good...Nyahahaha, but in the end I couldn't figure it out.

we’ve been here for two seconds and you’re back to asking questions aaa Though the fact Angie and Keebo have actually talked to one another again is good, it helps explain why she might have chosen to add him to her ‘friend group’ -cough- Angie then explains she asked Monokuma, he shows up, sorta explains the flashback lights.

Kaito: Hey! Don’t just give up on explaining after a single sentence! K1-B0: So...what should we do? Tenko: What should we do...? You mean, should we or should we not use the flashlight? No way! I refuse! It reeks of fishiness!

keebo i’m confiscating your question mark key. Taking relying on others opinions to entirely new levels, this robot. But hey he’s actually been answered twice! That’s better than posing the question to the sound of crickets chirping. Tenko seems to like him better in general after hanging out a bit too. (and the whole ‘is not a boy thing.) Kaito and Kokichi face off in ‘should we use the flashback light’ annnd

Tenko: I'm...staying. After hearing that degenerate’s speech, running away would just frustrate me! Gonta: Gonta also stay... Is what true gentleman would prolly do. K1-B0: I also agree with Kaito. Our defeat is 100% assured unless we stand up to this. That’s... how I feel, deep inside. Just a whisper- Kokichi: You hear it in your ghost? I'm pretty sure robots don't have ghosts, though. K1-B0: ...Leave me alone.

First mention of his inner voice! Kokichi pounces on that, which just gets Keebo to actually stand up for himself a little, though pretty pathetically. He doesn’t seem all that sure if it’s him feeling what’s right or the inner voice though...calling it a whisper. He’s completely convinced to go along with it though, he’s really more of a follower...but of course the outside world is going to compel the protag to get plot details. then they actually use the light

Shuichi: I can't either...I suddenly realized... I could not remember any important details of the Ultimate Hunt... K1-B0: It’s no use, I can’t remember either. I can only remember being chased... I can't remember anything else at all.

Way to echo Shuichi’s inner thoughts, Keebo. This whole flashback light should really be confusing him more than it does. but we’ll get to that.

Ryoma: Could the reason be that...we were caught by the Ultimate Hunt? Shuichi: Caught...by the Ultimate Hunt? K1-B0: You mean, we tried to escape by erasing our memories, but they found us anyway... And subsequently, we were captured as part of this Ultimate Hunt?

At first I thought Keebo’s ‘returned’ memory might have been slightly different to compensate for the glaring issue but nope! Here he is, stating they erased their memories. and he’s summarizing again lol. keebs. i don’t care if you throw your harddrive in a washing machine, you are going to very quickly re-learn that you’re a goddamned ROBOT. He doesn’t even question this memory, no one does! (ok, kokichi probably caught it based on what he does right after this but otherwise) did you think you were a slightly less ultimate robot how did this even logic in your head. Questions that will never be answered.

Kaito: We just gotta work together. If we cooperate, we'll make it out of here alive. Just like a certain someone said... Shuichi: ...Kaede. K1-B0: But I believe cooperating with each other is the most logical course of action— Kokichi: *snore* I’m snooooring! K1-B0: ...Why are you sleeping!? Kokichi: Whoa! Huh, what!? Tsumugi: Hey, Kokichi...we're having a serious conversation here. Kokichi: And is it written somewhere that I have to take serious conversations seriously? Kaito: Tch, quit acting so immature! Kokichi: Hm? I’m a teenager...so duh I’m immature. Aren’t you guys forgetting to act your age? K1-B0: But I don't have a biological age... Kokichi: Don't worry about it, Keebo. I'm just talking to the humans right now! K1-B0: ...Grgh! Kokichi: What were we talking about again? Something about working together to escape, right?

he thinks kokichi is actually sleeping. he genuinely buys it when he says I’M SNORING. you sheltered little robot. He is super bad with people in so many new and exciting ways. Which effectively stops him from being a driving force/leading anyone...which is probably exactly what sleepyhead wanted here. Then excludes him further with the not a human reminder, which Keebo still doesn’t actually contest. No fitting in for the robot, can’t be trusted. That and the conversation gets re-directed to the mastermind among them from this diversion. Use Robot for Free Topic Change :v Keebo doesn’t speak up again at all after this, but he’d probably have no idea what to say about Ryoma just casually going ‘nothing to live for bye’ so. Free time dialogue time!. First time slot...he’s in the dining hall

K1-B0: ...Shuichi, if you have free time, would you like to spend it with me? There's something I want to ask you.

Lookit him, taking some initiative and asking Shuichi to hang out. Negative five points because you want to ask questions. he’s a very curious robot. Second time slot he retreats to his room.

K1-B0: There's an area in this school that is closed off. It seems there are other hidden rooms as well.

There’s a lot of hidden rooms! He really doesn’t talk about anything but current events and the school... Free time ends, kubs bungle the motive delivery, Shuichi watches Kaito’s video...and goes to run off to tell him right away about his sad looking grandparents....

Shuichi: Keebo! Have you seen Kai-- K1-B0: Impeccable timing Shuichi! I was on my way to get you! Shuichi: You were? K1-B0: Everyone is gathering in the dining hall. Please come right away. I'll go get everyone else.

Keebo’s been promoted to sleepy student fetcher in the meantime, or more likely volunteered to help Kaito when he proposed gathering everyone to talk about it. Good thing Kaito didn’t beeline for Shuichi or he might have actually seen the video :v

Kirumi: Shall we wait for everyone then? Until then, I can provide you all with massages— K1-B0: Thank you for waiting! We gathered everyone else! Korekiyo: My word...and after I was about to finally experience one of Kirumi's famed massages... K1-B0: Wh-What do you mean? Are you also suggesting that I cannot read the air? Maki: So what is it? Why did you drag us here?

kiyo you’re hurting the robot’s feelings with your massage lusting. Keebo no idea and just assumes it’s a reading the air thing pffft. Getting everyone together to discuss the kubspads is a bit more important, even if they wanted to do something first. Not that anyone is going to tell him that :v

Kokichi: So, what are these videos? K1-B0: No doubt they’re the motives from Monokuma, but why were they all mixed up...? Gonta: Y-Yeah! Why Gonta get Tsumugi's video— K1-B0: No! Don’t say it Gonta! Gonta: ...Hm? Tsumugi: Aah...I heard it... I see... So Gonta has my video... Gonta: ...Huh? Gonta not supposed to say it? Miu: Who fuckin’ cares!? We’re gonna exchange ‘em anyway, right? K1-B0: No, we cannot exchange them. Shuichi: What? We can't? Ryoma: Why not? They're videos of the most important people in our lives. K1-B0: And that is precisely why we cannot exchange them. Although we do not know why our motives were mixed up...As long as we don't exchange them, we don't have to see our motives at all. Himiko: So it’s better to just ignore them... K1-B0: Yes. At least, that is what I think. Tenko: Th-That's true... If we ignore them, then we won't have a motive... Ryoma: I'm against that.

The robot has learned the technique of how to cut people off mid sentence, but was a bit too slow on the draw here. This is basically the first time Keebo takes the lead on an idea though, so of course it’s about keeping everyone safe. poor gonta. Innocently having no idea why the weird robot is suddenly pushy at him. The fact this clicked really quick for Keebo while Shuichi is still half ‘but i gotta show it to Kaito’ is pretty interesting, but makes sense. He’s probably less likely to have that emotional ‘oh friend would want to know this, i must let them know’ moment our detective is having. I expect he saw it as a motive first, and all else second. Kaito is the one who takes over when it comes to confronting Ryoma, because Keebo and conflict do not mix well. because he’s a doormat. He does speak up again though!

Kokichi: Who cares? Ryoma just stated his opinion. Actually...I feel the same way as him K1-B0: Are you...trying to cause trouble again? Kokichi: Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not saying we shouldn't care about killing or dying...But I think it'd be better if we didn't cooperate with each other...Actually we *definitely* shouldn't cooperate with each other!

...because Kokichi speaks up! Kokichi likes to remark on him, so darn it, he’s going to remark back on on the purple terror. He keeps going on for a long time here too. The fact Keebo was one to originally bring the ‘don’t share’ plan up might be why Kokichi goes so hard against it here. he doesn’t trust keebs as far as he can throw him, so anything he wants done must be obstructed. It’s early on enough that he hasn’t really had time to confirm Keebo is as harmless as he says he is (usually.) And hey if it doesn’t work he’s still showing himself as ‘difficult’ for future evil plans.

Kokichi: Anyway, I’m warning you all for your sake. Let's just exchange our motive videos instead of cooperating with each other. K1-B0: ...I cannot comprehend that logic. Kokichi: Well, now that I've said I won't cooperate, I can't afford to be seen with you losers...C’mon Gonta, let’s go.

good job keebo. don’t refute or argue, just state you have no idea how his brain works. He doesn’t speak up at all once Kokichi leaves either, not even when it devolves into Kirumi getting a bunch of orders. He isn’t one of the ones that leaves so apparently he just...watches everyone eat hot pot :v Then it’s time for more free times!

K1-B0: Everyone seemed to really enjoy that delicious-looking tripe hot pot... It's fine. You do not need to worry about me. *sigh*...

oh he literally did. I forgot this line. keebo. why do you do this to yourself. The food thing is...a big thing for him. Is this why you hate vending machines Keebo. Do you think those machines ate the food. In Free time slot two he’s alone still (he’s almost always alone, no matter where he is. Kokichi and Kaito were just in the room he’s in now the previous free time tho.)

K1-B0: I also want to know what is contained in my motive video... But...if a killing were to happen because of that... It would mean that we've betrayed the very wish that Kaede entrusted to us.

I want to know but am putting everyone being safe first. Though also ‘Keebo what on earth could you been shown that would make you thinking killing is okay suddenly.’ Then I’m ‘oh do you mean you don’t trust the person you trade with to not go murder’. Do you have Shuichi’s, Keebo? Is that making you double down on Kaede’s wish, right to Shuichi’s face? Kaito is surprised to know Shuichi has his, there’s nothing saying they had to be ‘swapped’ to match...it’s just interesting to think about. another interesting thing is Himiko and Angie are hanging out in the same room during this free time. V3 is pretty good about foreshadowing future events if you go talk to everyone! Anyway, Keebo shows up in Tenko’s parasol event/bonus scene.

K1-B0: I am grateful for your care, Kirumi. Kirumi: This is more people than I had been told. Tenko: I'm sorry... I just wanted Himiko to feel like a celebrity, too! Angie: Can I join? Atua says He wants to feel like a celebrity too! Himiko: If Atua wants to be a celebrity, then we might as well invite him too. Tenko: S-Sure... If that's what you want, Himiko. Grrrrgghhh...I just wanted to vacation like a celebrity with Himiko! Shuichi: ...Would a god want to be a celebrity?

This bit is interesting! Tenko objects to Angie coming, but she must have invited Keebo herself, as he isn’t here to set anything up. He doesn’t spend either of his free time spots at the pool, so it’s not coincidence that he’s there either. Maybe they’ve bonded over their inability to swim. He wouldn't just tag along of his own accord. Tenko then tries to shoo Shuichi away here because of course she does :v

Shuichi: ...What about Keebo? Tenko: Keebo's a robot, so he's neither male nor female! He barely passes! K1-B0: ...I cannot tell if that remark is robophobic or not. Shuichi: Well at the very least, you're better off than I am...

Want to be included...eclipsing need to be treated the same...Even though he’s self admitted to not being either! :v Keebo honestly doesn’t know what he wants. Shuichi apparently thinks you’re enough of a guy to get turfed out with him Keebo, so that’s probably something you like? It’s nice to see Tenko remembered though, considering she was the one who asked him in the first place.

Kirumi: By the way, Keebo... K1-B0: Yes? Kirumi: In your case, would you prefer oil over tropical juice?

Kirumi: Keebo, Tenko requested I help her feel like a celebrity. And she has included you as one of her guests... I will do my utmost to fulfill her request, for that is how a maid must conduct herself. So please tell me what food or beverages I can prepare so you feel like a celebrity Shuichi: Such pride and dedication... Kirumi's prowess as a maid is showing! K1-B0: Um...I do not require food. And I would not be able to taste it in the first place...

He’s a bit hard to read here! He’s happy with just the offer, but seems a bit awkward about it judging by the sprite being used. Actually being accommodated for seems to put him off a little. It seems he’s fine on oil on the moment so he has no need or desire for it though. Which conflicts with Kirumi’s goal and seems to actually irritate Keebo by pressing. He’s doing the exasperated hands up sprite when he’s stating he doesn’t need or taste food. Would it be nicer to just go ‘okay fine oil’, probably. but he doesn’t since uh. It could just be the ‘I just said no thank you why does no one LISTEN’ getting to him! that and we know keebo has like -10 to tact anyway. That and...asking him what he needs to ‘feel like a celebrity’ probably just sent him thinking ‘THAT’S A FEELING???’ so he just sticks to a fact and pretends he’s not at a loss. Keebo then spends his time more interested in the parasol than anything else, because of course he is. He honestly looks puzzled by it, it’s kinda cute.

K1-B0: Out of curiosity, do you really need that parasol even though we're indoors? Tenko: Of course! If you wanna feel like a celebrity, you absolutely need a parasol! A robot like you wouldn't understand what it means to feel like a celebrity, huh Keebo? K1-B0: Ghhhh... Th-This is a difficult feeling to understand!

Keebo cannot have a nice thing without getting dumped on for it almost immediately after :v He basically admits he doesn’t know what ‘feeling like a celebrity’ is like by trying to justify himself...but really tenko the question was fair and you just go ‘haha robot’ instead of maybe realizing it’s an atmosphere thing not a feeling thing. In the morning after Shuichi chats with Ryoma...

Shuichi: Good morning, Keebo. K1-B0: Good morning. Um, have you seen Kokichi or Gonta? Shuichi: Ah, I haven't seen them... K1-B0: I see...I saw them earlier...and they seemed to be sneaking around. Given Kokichi's penchant for mischief, do you think he's planning to cause more trouble? Gonta is very earnest but also very naive... Kokichi could easily fool him. Shuichi: That's true... That is a bit disconcerting. K1-B0: ...I wonder why Kokichi is so determined to undermine our cooperation. True, Monokuma does interfere with our attempts to cooperate, but consider this...Perhaps what Monokuma fears more than anything...is our cooperation. That is why I think that Kaede was not wrong. Shuichi: ...I think so too. I’ll always be thankful for what Kaede tried to do for us. K1-B0: That's right! If we all cooperate, I'm sure we will be able to escape this place! If we meet every morning for breakfast, we will slowly but surely become more united. Shuichi: Yeah! K1-B0: Well then, I will go to the dining hall now.

Keebo and Kokichi are mutually on one another’s case and it’s pretty hilarious. He doesn’t call Kokichi cruel or anything either...just mischievous. Even someone terrible at people saw what kind of person Gonta is, and has apparently decided Shuichi is the one who has to hear about his concerns. He’s pretty into the getting along and working together thing, but Kaito really takes the roll from him in most group settings, so we kinda only see it when Shuichi is alone. Though Shuichi maybe uh. don’t be thankful about the attempted...murder...I know that’s not what he means but hahaha it does not read well xD also Kokichi is totally Keebo’s rival, not Shuichi’s. because keebo is the real protag. :v he’s totally Togami levels of dickery to Keebo, who’s pretty Makoto-ish...even if I do read Kokichi more favourably at times for that sort of comparison :v Moving on to the dining hall.

K1-B0: According to my calculations, not everyone has gathered today. Shuichi: You can see that without doing any calculations...

You know you’re low on the totem pole when Shuichi will dunk on you. Out loud. This is the opening bit for this scene! You couldn’t remark on people missing, no. it is dunk time. Everything Keebo does is in numbers detective, he’s a robot! He doesn’t need to inform you that he calculated it, yes...but he’s trying to impress people and he just sucks at it >> anyway yes people did not come to breakfast.

Tenko: Maybe she's hiding a bunch of kids in there that she's secretly taking care of! Shuichi: What? She's not some stray dog on the streets raising pups... K1-B0: I also saw Kokichi and Gonta sneaking around together. Miu: A couple of virgins sneakin' around sounds like bad news to me!

Keebo reiterates the ‘kokichi is a menace and has gonta with him’ fact for the rest of the class/people who don’t read optional dialogue. Yet he doesn’t mention how this concerns him like he does to Shuichi alone! because that’s not a fact and we’re in a group setting.

K1-B0: Himiko is acting rather odd. I do not fully understand what she is doing...

The Ultimate Mage might not have anything nice to say about him, but he’s paid enough attention to notice the weird ‘calm’ Himiko isn’t normal. Better point it out to Shuichi! and keebo you don’t even halfway understand what she’s doing, it’s ok. Though I suppose 1% of understanding is technically not ‘fully understanding’ something too :v

Himiko: Nyeeeh...as long as I pray like this, I don't need to waste my energy on useless stuff. No matter what happens or what trouble lies ahead, my heart will be calm... K1-B0: I see...It’s escapism. Angie: No... She has merely abandoned reality to speak to Atua. Tsumugi: That *is* escapism.

He found an answer! it’s delightfully cynical and calculated and thus hilarious. He’s doing his little ‘hand up/i’ve deduced something’ pose so he looks pretty proud of it too. Tsumugi of all people backs him up on this! Though I suppose she’d know allllll about escapism! :V gdi moogie. Yet even with his short, matter of fact answer he’s still confused after all the back an forth/ the hug scene.

K1-B0: What’s going on...? Did Angie...do something to Himiko? Angie: Hm? I just undid her brainwashing, that's all. K1-B0: But...Himiko is clearly acting strange. Himiko: That’s rude. I’m not acting strange. This is my true self... I guess Atua's words can't reach robots... K1-B0: Wha—! You're being robophobic again! Angie: It's okay! Atua has compassion for robots who look human! K1-B0: O-Okay...

Aw. He’s worried about his friend...who doesn’t like him and said we should kill him. this boy, I swear. Very forgiving. We can add one to the ‘times Keebo actually outright said something was robophobic’ count...annnnd Himiko is literally using the reason that he’s a robot to invalidate his concern over her behaviour. i think he’s justified! Not to mention he instantly backs down when Angie basically goes ‘oh Atua would include you’ and doesn’t argue for any other robots here...really just say ‘stop treating me like i’m sub human’, but then they’d just say he is sub human so. robophobic it is :v He just wants to be included so badly...but he’s getting the message as a robot he can’t. and that is sad. of course he listens to angie later, atua and her will include him, even as a robot. Though not at first! The next time he talks...

Angie: No, noooo, that's wrong. It's not enough to simply live here forever. Our lives must also be full of divine purpose. In other words...We must make this academy heaven on earth! Shuichi: What...? Angie: In doing so...our desire to leave will vanish, and the killings will cease. K1-B0: Are you...being serious right now? Angie: This place provides us all with shelter, food, clothing, and wonderful friends! What more could you possibly desire? Do not give in to your greed.

He’s very much on the ‘no, we are not staying here forever’ train. He can’t parse if she’s being serious or not. He’s also doing the job of reacting since Shuichi is still mostly reacting in his own head instead of out loud. Her argument might compel him a little though, considering how alternate plans of escape haven’t really shown up...

Himiko: Now is the time to demonstrate my powers. My magic is the only thing that can heal your twisted hearts. K1-B0: But in our current predicament, performing magic tricks is quite illogical- Himiko: Nyeeeh, don't disturb my concentration. You gotta learn to read the mood already. And...it's called a magic show cuz I do magic. Not tricks

Cut off again and dismissed! Keebo needs to avoid people shorter than himself, apparently it never goes well for him. Though he does get an unintentional stab at Himiko here by outright ignoring her ‘magic’ bit to clarify that they’re tricks. He isn’t too great at telling a sort of performance could cheer people up, sure...but people really should be thinking of other solutions too. but no we’re gonna dunk on the robot and go ‘shut up you’re dumb’. The fact he still attends when he clearly doesn’t get how it should help, or why...he’s trying so, so hard.

Korekiyo: Kehehe... Faith as intense as this can be quite terrifying. K1-B0: There may be no cause for concern. This does not appear to be related to our motive videos. Kaito: You're only worried about that? K1-B0: Of course. We cannot afford to take Monokuma’s motives lightly. Tsumugi: But...everyone who isn't here could be showing each other their videos, right?

yes kaito, he already expressed concern over Himiko’s behaviour and basically got told to sit down and shut up. Twice. Of course he’s only focused on the only thing he didn’t instantly get shut down over. You should have backed him up earlier! I really do love Kaito, but Keebo never really benefits from Kaito’s good qualities. Free time again, he’s hanging out on the 3rd floor. Same general area as Maki’s lab...so basically alone, as usual.

K1-B0: A magic show...It seems unconnected to the killing game, so I do not foresee any issues with it...

Fortune telling is not one of his skills. Though I suppose the show itself has no issues, it’s what happens before...This is also the last FT slot in the chapter so I’m smacking the level one FTE here.

K1-B0: Since you have come to speak to me...I can only assume that you've taken some sort of interest in me. Shuichi: Ah, well...you are a robot, after all. K1-B0: Indeed. Curiosity is a very useful human quality...Very well, I shall humor you. Shuichi: ...Hm. I feel as though he's talking down to me a little... K1-B0: So first, I will explain my functions. As a robot, I'm somewhat extraordinary compared to you. Shuichi: But...I remember you saying something about having the strength of an old person... K1-B0: T-True, but...Considering the tragedy that occurred during trial production, it was a logical design choice.Now first, is my visual acuity. I have 20/13 vision... Impressive, no? Shuichi: ...You think so? I believe that's pretty normal... K1-B0: What are you talking about!? Over 50% of high school students have less than 20/20 vision! But no matter what, my visual acuity will always be 20/13. Shuichi: If it got any worse, I suppose that would count as a malfunction... K1-B0: My next function will definitely surprise you. Shuichi, please raise your hand. Shuichi: Huh? My what? K1-B0: I want you to put your hand in front of my mouth. Shuichi: ...Like this? K1-B0 Haaaaaaaaaaa... Shuichi: ...What the hell is this? K1-B0: Haaaaaaaaaaa... Shuichi: Lukewarm breath grazed across my hand. Well, Keebo is a robot, so maybe not "breath"... K1-B0: How about that? In addition, my warm breath also functions as a dryer. Shuichi: Ah...I see... K1-B0: Now, now, you can't be surprised just yet, okay? Case in point, my hand can turn into a multi-tool! With both hands, I have 20 tools at my disposal! My finger can detect wafting aromas, and even distinguish between different scents! I also have a music player for when I'm bored. I can even play tapes and records. Neat, huh? Shuichi: I'm still thinking about how weird your breath felt, I dunno about your other functions... K1-B0: Don't be too surprised. After all, I am the Ultimate Robot! Shuichi: ...

The start of Keebo’s FTE is almost word for word how he starts with Kaede. This is how he introduces himself to people. This is him being confident and secure. Unlike Kaede though, Shuichi has no qualms in pointing out Keebo’s shortcomings instead of letting him chatter on like he does with Kaede. He spends a lot more time trying to show him new functions, apparently thinking he just needs to show one that’s a bit more ‘impressive’ to get a positive reaction. Like being asked questions, or at least a ‘oh that’s cool’ instead of ‘wait aren’t you weak’. But we’ll gloss over the the tragedy in trial production AGAIN. To the point he takes Shuichi’s baffled silence as a more positive reaction than of the others he got, seeing as he seems to think the detective is impressed...even though we know he’s not. It’s true most people don’t have twenty tools always on hand and a music player that can take tapes and records on them at all times but...it’s easy to dismiss as not that interesting. Even though he’s desperately fishing for validation here. The nicest answer we can get out of Shuichi here...is clearly a lie, to be honest. (Keebo probably uses that music function a lot.)

Shuichi: Y-Yeah...amazing K1-B0: Right? I am Professor Idabashi's masterpiece, after all. The professor's technology has given me the functions to support a life of comfort. Shuichi: A life of comfort... I see. That makes sense. K1-B0: However...My greatest attribute is actually not a function at all.

He takes it as a honest statement and instantly brings up how great his creator is. Keebo...cares about Professor Idabashi a lot. He is bragging, about himself...but everything he is is something his ‘father’ made. Or at least that’s what he thinks anyway...He wants people to know how great his dad is. and that’s sadly sweet. (Since he probably doesn’t exist. or care about him if he was made for this...) The part where he supports of a life of comfort is interesting though. Are you built to bring comfort to the professor, or mostly yourself Keebs? It could be both. It’s nice to think Keebo’s father figure would want him to be able to live comfortably...be able to stand on his own two feet as it were. He might not have a use for many of the functions, but he’s clearly thinks they’re valuable

Shuichi: That's actually pretty normal. K1-B0: Gh—! Wh-What do you mean, "normal"!? What do you know about robots!? The meaning of "normal" is purely subjective anyway! Don't assume your definition of normal is the same as mine! Shuichi: Oh no, he's really mad! K1-B0: F-Furthermore...! My greatest attribute is actually not a function at all.

ahahahaWHOOPS. Good job Shuichi, you genuinely upset him. Because you said his ‘father’s’ work is ‘normal’. Without the context of the ‘nicer’ reply, this can seem really out of left field! Keebo is usually all about being ‘normal’ and fitting in ‘like everyone else’ but here he goes basically spitting fire at Shuichi for it. What do you know about robots indeed Keebo...But hey, we get some of that impulsive side here, getting overwhelmed and just spitting out what he thinks right away. This is WAY more fight than we usually see him give Kokichi, and that guy’s mocking him all the time. probably because he hopes Shuichi is a better/nicer person than him but still. In contrast...

Shuichi: Ah...is that it? K1-B0: Is that it...? You mean, you're not impressed? Shuichi: Well, I assumed you would have more...special...functions. K1-B0: ...W-Well, you know...I *might* have a special function of sorts... Shuichi: ...Might? K1-B0: But Professor Idabashi told me to keep it a secret. I hope you get the chance to see it someday. And besides... My greatest attribute is actually not a function at all.

He just takes it when Shuichi is unimpressed. Clearly Shuichi not being impressed with him is a shortcoming on his part, not the Professor, or his work. Being told he’s lame or disappointing is something we’ve seen a lot of...and apparently that doesn’t trigger his get mad buttons. Think he’s...kinda used to it by chapter 2. Though Keebo will still try and fish for later attention by suggesting he does have a ‘special’ function he’s been told to keep a secret. (Though...what Keebo things is special might not rate such praise from others)

Shuichi: It isn't? K1-B0: You can't tell what it is? It's my compact, lightweight design that makes my various functions possible! This is what truly drives Professor Idabashi's technological revolution! Well? Now do you understand just how amazing I am? Shuichi: I don't know how to respond to his boasting...Maybe someone like Miu would really appreciate his mechanics. Shuichi understandably is ‘ you’re like slightly less heavy than Gonta and he’s way bigger than you Keebo wtf do you mean’. This makes far more sense when you know KEEBO CAN FLY. He’s lightweight enough for that That is incredible. Too bad Keebo doesn’t actually like flying, according to him. Though really, being light enough to travel around where humans can fairly easily when he’s made is metal and carrying quite a bit of hardware is similarly impressive, even if Shuichi doesn’t really see it. He does correctly get that Miu would probably be impressed though! sorry keebo your attempts to look self assured have failed yet again. (As I wonder if Keebo feels he can be above or below humans, but not equal considering how little success he has and how his final FTE finishes but mhm we’ll get there.) Keebo is ones already grabbed by Gonta by the time Shuichi gets dragged in.

Korekiyo: The same is true of the rest of us. We were all seized by Gonta...and brought here. Tenko: But Shuichi's the only one who got knocked out. K1-B0: Gonta apologized for that. Apparently he couldn't slow down in time when he tried to grab you. Shuichi: What is this anyway...? Why did Gonta do this?

Gotta let Shuichi know that Gonta is sorry. Gonta is probably one of the nicer ones to him in general, so it’s not a big surprise that he’s already forgiving the guy for dragging him here, and hoping Shuichi doesn’t blame him either. Since we know who’s to blame....

K1-B0: I do not think Gonta would ever decide on his own to capture us. What is Kokichi trying to accomplish by taking advantage of Gonta's naivete? Regardless, I cannot forgive his nonchalant attitude about using people!

...haha keebo’s being nonchalantly used by tons of people...Anyway he doesn’t blame Gonta for this at all, understandably and is already going ‘what is that little gremlin up to?' He’s been concerned about this exact thing for days but wasn’t able to do anything about it. He even clarifies that even if there was a ‘good’ reason, he cannot stand for Kokichi just using Gonta like this...but unfortunately won’t be able to prevent it the second time either.

Kokichi: Isn’t it great!? Only an evil supreme leader like me could do something so...eeeeeevil! K1-B0: Kokichi...why are you doing this? Kokichi: Oh, I thought we could throw ourselves a little screening party with all our videos. With all you here, exchanging our motive videos wouldn't be that difficult at all...And I wanna see your videos, too, so I figured we could all binge-watch them together! K1-B0: D-Do you know what will happen if you do that? Kokichi: Ummm... Everyone will know their motive and a killing will be more likely to happen? But I like playing on Mean difficulty. Also, I don't run from battles in RPGs, either! I wanna win this killing game! So I'm not gonna run from it, I'm gonna crush it! That’ll be waaaay less boring, don’tcha think?

protag and rival square off. Or more Kokichi monologues his evil plan. Keebo’s the one to confront him about it first...and oh look, Danganronpa reference in regards to difficultly level. I wonder if he suspects he’s talking to a camera already. After all, he decides the gathered group is ‘enough’ for the little viewing party even though Gonta couldn’t get everyone. Five missing people is quite a few.

K1-B0: It seems I must be the one to take care of this. With my talent, Kokichi, I will stop- Kokichi: Yeah, yeah. I don't have time to listen to some robot. Let's see...it's exactly 9 pm. right now. I should be back by nighttime. Welp! Have fun with the bugs till then!

sorry keebo you don’t get to have monologues. He just listed to yours Kokichi, get back here and listen to the whole thing. It is good to see Keebo taking initiative though! Even if...people are not going to be all that impressed even though it works.

Tenko: M-My Neo-Aikido is no match for Gonta's superhuman strength either... K1-B0: ...We still have a chance when Kokichi comes back. That’s when I will take care of this. Everyone, please just endure it until then. Shuichi: E-Endure it—

Hey remember how all the cameras in the game are apparently magically tiny bug bears? So feasibly all CGs could just be shots from them? How are there bugs on the edges on such a tiny camera? ...Well we have a bigger camera at this scene, don’t we! keebo’s totally buried by bugs like himiko is ohno. Keebo might not be able to get bitten, but he’s not having a good time at the insect meet and greet either. He doesn’t talk during it, and his post dialogue doesn’t mention his own feelings. I imagine bugs crawling inside him would be unpleasant though :v Hopefully that didn’t happen. All those armored plates have edges for things to get at though...hm.

K1-B0: ...Thank you for enduring it, everyone. This is the last chance. Please leave the rest to me.

He is gonna help! do your best you funky little robot. Though if anyone had stopped Kokichi from leaving or made him have to listen to the speech Keebo could have done this an hour ago. This is why you back up your robot buddy, kids.

Kokichi: Oh, don't worry about it, Gonta. Just keep watch so these guys don't— K1-B0: That’s it! I won’t let you do as you please! Kokichi: Hm? K1-B0: I didn't want to use this unless I absolutely had to. It eats up a lot of my electricity. But that’s neither here nor there! I will stop you right here, right now! Shuichi: Keebo...what are you going to do...? K1-B0: ... Shuichi: Still glaring at Kokichi, Keebo slowly reach a hand behind his ear...and spun the mechanical parts there. Tsumugi: He's lighting up!? Is he gonna self-destruct or— *whirrr...* Tenko: Huh? What's that sound? K1-B0: One moment please... I'm rewinding the tape right now. Himiko: The tape?

Shuichi: Keebo shouted out and pushed his palm against his ear That's when... ‘Is this your doing, Kokichi? Did you have Gonta kidnap us?’ Was that...my voice? ‘Nee-heehee...he's so simple-minded. As soon as I told him that everyone who hates bugs was trying to get rid of them......he started crying, and said that he would get you guys to love bugs...or something like that.’ Could this be...? K1-B0: So, what do you think!? You just saw my audio recording function for the first time! Tenko: Did he really just whip out an audio recorder like it’s some kinda secret weapon!? Tsumugi: Really? It’s a cassette tape? In this day and age? K1-B0: But it’s metal tape, you know!? Tsumugi: The sound quality isn't the issue! K1-B0: L-Let's just put this aside now. More importantly, it seems to have worked.

Over the top and flashy for...recording audio with very good quality. No wonder it uses so much electricity if he needs to light up to get it to work. Or he was just trying to show off since he’s personally getting back at Kokichi for this actions here...or at least making sure he’ll see some consequences. Not that it matters, he just gets made fun of anyway...even if he tries to defend the tape being metal as a way to seem less unimpressive.

K1-B0: We must run while we still can! Tenko: Wait! We need to take back our Kubs Pads first! Shuichi: Tenko snatched the Kubs Pads from Kokichi. Kokichi: Awwww... Shuichi: Then, we all ran out of the lab. After leaving the room, I could still hear the muffled buzzing and Kokichi screaming.

yup keebo leads the fleeing out and totally leaves him there to his fate. With audible screams. He might be nice but he’s got limits. and apparently being locked in a room for like two hours being swarmed with bugs is one of those limits! Though I think he’s still more bothered by the ‘using Gonta’ bit. After they get out Monodam takes the pads to return them...

Tsumugi: But out of all of them, we can probably trust that one, right? K1-B0: Shall we go back to our dorms? It is well past nighttime. Angie: Nyahahaha, that's true! We have the magic show tomorrow.

of course you’d think that Tsumugi. We trust the robotic one that kills it’s siblings. Though they are the ‘friendliest’ cub...it just makes me think of another robot who gets determined to kill all their friends for the greater good hm. Keebo just thinks all his human friends should get some sleep, but he’s probably wanting to go charge if that light show just gobbled a chunk of his battery. It must be one hell of a drain if he can go a week normally without worry... Which he somewhat confirms in the morning.

Shuichi: Ah, Keebo. Good morning. K1-B0: Good morning, Shuichi How are you feeling today? Are you still sore from the events of last night? Shuichi: Ah, I'm fine. Are *you* alright? K1-B0: Yes, I’m fine. I’ve recharged the electricity that I used on my recording function. Even so...I'm very happy that I was finally able to use my functions to help everyone! Shuichi: Keebo's recording function... It's not exactly revolutionary technology, but it did help a lot. Yes, thank you, Keebo. You really earned your title of Ultimate Robot. K1-B0: Oh, it was nothing, really. If you ever need my help for anything, please don't hesitate to ask. Shuichi: Ahaha... Yeah, I sure will. K1-B0: So...the magic show is starting soon, yes? Everyone has probably gathered in the gym already. We should get going as well.

Shuichi actually asks if Keebo’s alright! Actual concern instead of more dunking! Keebo asking if Shuichi is okay is not as much of a surprise, but it’s nice to see he admits he’s happy that he was able to be helpful. He wants to be useful. Goes and downplays how he helped in order to keep stressing how ‘please ask me if you need help I WANT TO HELP’ :v Then he’s off to go to the Magic show, which he probably isn’t super interested in but Everyone Should Be There, so he’s gonna go. Also, we learn from Angie that Keebo and Kaito were the designated equipment carriers from Himiko’s lab. I guess it wasn’t too heavy, or Kaito might have been doing the brunt of the lifting. Also, when you talk to Angie before the show...

Angie: Tenko, you’re trembling. I've told you many times that Atua loves all His creations. Tenko: What do you mean, all his creations!? That's way too much love! What about Monokuma, huh? Does Atua love him, too? Angie: Of course. So we must love Monokuma, so that our love will reach him. Tenko: Shaddup already! Robots can't feel love! They can't feel any emotions at all! K1-B0: And yet...I felt a strange pain in my chest after you just said that...

y u gotta do this Tenko, he’s RIGHT HERE. or at least apologize! But no, we’re just gonna let Keebo know his emotions he’s feeling aren’t real I guess. You two were getting on okay, so of course he’s upset...but this does also set up a little more that Keebo’s heard Angie say Atua accepts robots twice now.

K1-B0: This is quite a professional-looking set. However, considering how unsettled Himiko is...We might not get to witness for ourselves the skill of the Ultimate Magician. How unfortunate.

Well, he’s impressed by the work his friends did! And seems like he’s at least semi-interested in seeing Himiko’s talent in action, even if he knows it’s trickery, not magic. He’s always ready to be a supportive sort of friend and praise their efforts. not that he gets it back all that much. He does get caught up in the tension of the show and seems to worry a bit after Gonta runs up to the stage.

K1-B0: Um...Less than ten seconds remain...

Notably, he’s also one of the ones who looks to be mid movement after this line...(there’s a lot of CGs for this part, huh)

K1-B0: Look! The piranhas! Tenko: H-Hurry! The curtains! Open the curtains already!

Then Ryoma is shown to be very very dead. Due to how everyone who wasn’t at the show rushes in, there aren't as many reactions before...well.

Kokichi: Yeah, break it. It’ll take too long to drain it by hand. Shuichi: But what would we even use to break— Kokichi: Gonta! Kee-boy! You’re up! K1-B0: Huh? What do you mean, we're up? Kokichi: Gonta, throw Kee-boy as hard as you can! Use that robot like a battering ram! K1-B0: Who are you calling a battering ram!? Gonta: Gonta throw Keebo! Got it! Tenko: Then, I’ll help too! K1-B0: N-Now wait just a second. You don't need to team up now—

K1-B0: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!

robot gets yeeted despite protests because guy no one likes says to. Why are all you guys so mean to this poor robot. You could have seriously hurt him! Good thing he’s waterproof, but he still got treated as a thing and probably got nasty blood water all over him >> Does anyone even say ‘sorry’? Or even thank you? NO. being keebo is suffering, like it’s pretty funny but MAN these kids are jerks to him.

K1-B0: I’ve...gathered Ryoma’s body and belongings...in one place... Shuichi: Keebo looks depressed... He *was* just used as a battering ram, so I understand why.

maybe apologize for what happened? or tell Kokichi off, or Gonta for listening and Tenko for just going along with it? no? ok sure we’ll just leave him staring listlessly after carrying the remains of his friend while soaked in his blood, why not. after all he doesn’t have feelings, apparently.

Korekiyo: In any event...let us begin the investigation. K1-B0: Investigation... So it's really going to start again. Tsumugi: I can't believe it... One of us killed Ryoma...

yes you can tsumugi. Why are you always talking near keebs this chapter. Unsurprisingly, Keebo still doesn’t really like the idea of a class trial and what it means, but I suppose it gives him something to think about that isn’t how he has zero respect around here. Anyway, Maki says ‘nope, i’m out’

Miu: The fuck is that bitch's problem!? She's seriously not gonna investigate!? K1-B0: That seems...rather irresponsible. Korekiyo: She likely assumes someone else will take care of it...and I suppose she isn't wrong.

Considering you all die if you’re wrong, irresponsible is certainly a word that works. He doesn’t do name calling or anything though, just points out the behavour. She’s busy trying to hide she’s an assassin, but it isn’t like the rest of the kids have too much time to worry about that. Keebo is probably a bit more shaken than he lets on though, he doesn’t confront or talk to Kokichi at all while he’s busy accusing Himiko, and usually he does!

Kirumi: To solve this mystery, we must first learn the trick behind Himiko’s Underwater Escape Act... K1-B0: We have no choice in the matter. Shuichi: He’s right...we have no choice. We have no choice but to find the culprit who killed Ryoma. This investigation is to save all of our lives...because we’re risking our lives in the class trial!

Behold as Kirumi tries to send both protags on a pointless wild goose chase! The underwater trick and how it works turns out to be completely irrelevant! Which of course, Kirumi knows and is banking on. :v She’s sneaky. Anyway, Kaito is Shuichi’s partner for this case...

K1-B0: Although there are many unknown variables, the first thing we need to make clear is...when was Ryoma murdered? Kaito: Well, in the middle of the show, obviously. The culprit knew how Himiko's trick worked and took advantage of it to kill Ryoma. In other words, everyone watching the show isn't suspicious. K1-B0: ...Kaito, you didn’t attend the show either, did you? Kaito: N-No, but I'm still not suspicious. I forgot a promise...so I was just eating breakfast. You got it!? I’m not suspicious! K1-B0: I do not understand how that explanation is supposed to convince me. Shuichi: Keebo does have a point...

Robot is right, ‘when’ the murder happened is one of the most important details of the case. So thankfully, he didn’t just immediately try and follow Kirumi’s ill motivated advice. Apparently if Kaito gets questioned by Keebo his brain just goes into shock. Kaito isn’t dumb but he has this weird habit of getting flustered with Keebo’s blunt questions. Maybe because he’s figured out Keebs wants some reasonable explanations! and he doesn’t really have one and just...tries to justify himself in a way Keebs is not impressed with at all. He doesn’t provide any other information, but that’s not a big shock. Considering he was both at the show and the meet and greet and had to recharge, he didn’t really have a chance to see anything of use for this case. this will be a trend.

Shuichi: The fragments of the broken glass water tank have been piled up. There are so many tiny pieces...Gonta and Tenko certainly didn't hold back when they threw Keebo at the glass.

More proof of robot abuse. but really Keebo doesn’t come up much in this investigation. Kirumi actually shows up a second time to distract Shuichi by giving the ‘clue’ that Gonta was the last to see Maki at 8PM. She really had plans to not get caught. We have no need to hear from our robot friend again until pre-trial time.

K1-B0: ...Is everyone ready? Gonta: Not like we have choice, right? Korekiyo: Kehehe... You are quick to understand. It's as though Monokuma has you trained.

Has all of you trained, Kiyo. But Keebo’s doing his protag job in asking the obvious question to prompt responses :v

K1-B0: I did not calculate that we would gather here under these circumstances again...What would Kaede say if she saw us right now...?

I suppose it is also your job to hope. Though it is a little sad that he’s worried about letting Kaede down. Most of the others are more concerned about the trial and the case surrounding it at the moment, but this is what he’s stuck on. Shame and disbelief. this robot understands empathy very well, okay. Class trial time :v

Kirumi: But it does point to Himiko being the most suspicious. K1-B0: Ryoma died during Himiko's magic show. Korekiyo: His body appearing in the water tank leads one to think the escape trick played a part. It’s only natural we suspect Himiko. She was the one performing the trick.

oh look who’s the first person to agree Himiko is suspect after Kokichi/Angie point to her. Keebo is just outright wrong here! This is why he is not the detective :v Somewhere along the way he’s decided ‘during the show’ was the time of death, whoops. This is also a bit weird becauseeee after the nonstop debate about the cause of death...

Angie: Ryoma drowned, Himiko changed places with him, and then the piranhas ate him. Right? K1-B0: No, Himiko only had 60 seconds to escape from the tank...Even if they changed places at the start of the show, that's insufficient time to drown someone. Kirumi: If that is the case, then when did he drown?

watch out the robot knows how long it takes to drown a man. But this is why his other comment is weird...he knows Ryoma couldn’t have drowned during the show? I suppose he didn’t know the cause of death...but it’s in the monofile...throwaway line you aren't meant to think about too hard but dang it

Korekiyo: Yes... By that point, he had already joined the ranks of the dead. K1-B0: Could that mean his body was hidden until the culprit made it appear in the tank? Gonta: Hidden...where? Kirumi: The culprit would have had to hide the body near the tank, and then show it during the act.

He gets back on the right track after Shuichi points out Ryoma had to die before the show. I super didn’t notice this the first time I played, but Kirumi is always here to make the correct idea seem unlikely and try and steer conversation away from it! and of course kokichi helps her derail it back to explaining the trick.

K1-B0: How did Himiko escape the water tank? Angie: Maybe she just climbed out and no one noticed.

So Keebo kicks off the non-stop debate about the water tank :v Because asking a question is his favourite thing to do, and he just tried suggesting the body could be hidden, so he’s filled his doing things quota.

Shuichi: The staircase also has an escape hatch, one facing away from us. It’s placed so that the water would not drain from the staircase. K1-B0: In which case, a person could exit and leave water inside the staircase. Shuichi: However, that person would be soaked, meaning that *some* trace should be left...That would explain why there was a puddle around the stairs...

Rephrase for the audience and give Shuichi a gap before he has to launch into another explanation. He’s quick to pick up the logic, but he doesn’t really need to apply it since Shuichi usually does that part too :v

Shuichi: ...It's because she changed her uniform. K1-B0: The dormitory is stocked with uniforms. Did you hide one behind the stage in advance? Himiko: Nyeh... Nyeeeh! Angie: I remember seeing Himiko go to the gym this morning, carrying a uniform and a towel.

He does get to do it here though! V3 is nice in letting the other characters also confirm things without Shuichi’s handholding, but he will still be doing the bulk of it, obviously :v keebs can be smart.

Miu: So Himiko went in the stairs with the body!? What kinda kinky shit is she into!? K1-B0: That seems unlikely. There isn't enough space for two people to fit in there. Tsumugi: Yeah, the stairs are pretty cramped. It'd be hard to fit even Ryoma and Himiko in there.

Keebo makes a point, Tsumugi takes the chance to reiterate it to be ‘helping’ by doing very little :v Angie argues for a switcheroo which leads to the next debate, Shuichi refutes it, leading to

Korekiyo: She had no need to worry about us witnessing her at that point. For the entire stage was hidden behind a curtain. To all but Gonta, anyway. K1-B0: Then the culprit never would have considered hiding inside the staircase with the body.Entering the staircase *after* moving the body is much faster, and seems more rational too! Tsumugi: Then...Ryoma’s body wasn’t hidden in the stairs?

He’s back again to confirm his earlier point was correct! With extra logic on his side thanks to Gonta going where he wasn’t meant to. and yes mugi that is what he just said please pay attention. He’ll keep defending it too, such as in the debate afterwards.

Tsumugi: It wasn't really in the stairs, was it? K1-B0: After all, there was only enough space for Himiko.

Shuichi’s busy agreeing with Korikiyo here since he actually goes into what another option might be other than reiterating it’s not the stairs. Trial goes on, Miu correctly accuses Kirumi but of course, it’s too early and baseless so we need to argue with her.

Gonta: I-Is too soon to tell. We should hear what everyone has to say, right? Miu: Fuck that noise! K1-B0: But, Miu, you don't have an alibi for when the crime occurred either, do you? Miu: Y-You think I’m suspicious? I...don’t even know where the gym is.

oh Miu. Robot is always glad to point out relatively simple contradictions like this and get people flustered. Not one to accuse though, since he might simply not know something...

Tenko: Anyway, among those four, the culprit must be the one who doesn't have an alibi! K1-B0: ...I apologize but given the circumstances, we have no choice but to suspect you. Tenko: Suspect who!? Who’s the culprit!?

Even though he says sorry, this triggers a mass panic debate :v Though it’s the logical thing to do, he can occasionally figure out putting people on the spot for murder can be uncomfortable and apologize for it. This is a friendly robot who is way nicer than most people are to him gdi. Miu, Kaito and Kirumi squabble it out. Keebs ends up being in TWO conversations :v

Miu: I have an alibi! K1-B0: What is your alibi? Miu: When I was running from Gonta...Things got a little...heated if ya catch my drift.

He caught it, and apparently had no interest in following up, as that segment switches to Angie asking after Maki’s alibi. Keebo decides to poke at Kirumi’s alibi instead. which is the weak point for this debate. All business today it seems!

Kirumi: That was five minutes before 9:00 p.m. K1-B0: Did you really leave the gym at 9:00 p.m.? Are you sure you did not stay at the gym?

Of course the bullet that breaks it is Kokichi’s account. Because Kokichi and Keebo get on like a house on fire :v which of course means it’s time for the two to squabble again.

Kirumi: This information could have been told to us beforehand. Kokichi: Sorry! Forgot! I definitely didn’t keep it a secret to make the trial more interesting! K1-B0: Forgot...? It seems far more plausible that you were telling another lie. Kokichi: Unlike robots, we meatbags can't pull out our memories from our hard drive. K1-B0: Was that supposed to offend me? Your irrationality fills me with pity...

Of course, the alibi ends up being worthless since the time of the crime isn’t what the kids think it is. (Later it’ll damn Kirumi but right now? not so much.) It makes Kirumi look like less of a suspect so it’s actively harmful, whoops :v So were you ‘forgetting’ because it won’t help solve the case yet...or just having fun. Either way, Keebo shows that he really needs to install a sarcasm detector, that was REALLY blatant. But sassy robot returns, he goes from angry to eye rolling once he realizes it’s more of a backhanded complement than an insult. ‘Why yes my memory IS better than yours, annoying purple meatbag’. Too bad it ultimately leads to Kirumi being off the hook so Kokichi can get his ‘make Maki and Kaito fightfightfight’ game on but I like this interaction. He gets to feel proud of himself a little :v He keeps this attitude for a bit, considering...

K1-B0: Most of that was unintelligible nonsense, but it would seem that Miu has an actual alibi. Kokichi: Yup. It took a while, but at least we got everyone's alibis cleared up...We should remember all of this, in case we need to recall these events again.

oh no they’re AGREEING. someone check hell it’s probably freezing over. But lookit that swipe at Miu. They really don’t start off on the right foot at all! We get the everyone’s alibi bullet which still ultimately means nothing(for now)...and Kokichi gets the fight ball rolling with a...surprising assist from Keebo?

Kokichi: If one of them is the culprit, then the innocent one should know who the guilty one is. Yeah? Because if you know you're not the culprit, then you can just accuse the other person. K1-B0: Yes, that is true. Kokichi: Which means, there is one person among us who definitely knows who the culprit is! To that someone who knows... Do your best to convince us! Work harder!

He’s still eye rolling here, but offers his agreement. which yes, it is true...if either of the accused is the culprit. Which they aren’t. Keebo doesn’t know this, obviously but it’s still weird to see them ‘working together’, but this happens more often the further we go. Mostly because Keebo will follow anything with a solid/logical backing. Kokichi might be a liar, but he generally has a solid bit of evidence or logic to springboard off of. (even when taking us in the WRONG DIRECTION. if you wanted to pressure maki we could have done this in a way easier way you little gremlin). So really, these two will team up more often than Keebo would with say...Kaito, who prompts his next line.

Kaito: Hmph... You don't get it. This isn't just any hunch...This is an official hunch from *the* Kaito Momota, Luminary of the Stars! Tsumugi: Wh-What...? K1-B0: How illogical... This is even more difficult to comprehend than Kokichi's antics. Kokichi: You're totally not serious! You can't be *that* stupid, right?

Yup. Kaito is more confusing than Kokichi. Kaito is basing Maki’s innocence on nothing but what he feels, which people can sort of get. We all have ‘hunches’, the backs of our brains picking up on little things that we might not actively be paying attention to, and he’s got a lot of belief and trust to give. We can get it, some people you just want to trust! Keebo doesn’t get it. Error, no input found, please give me a provable, actual reason for that hunch. I kind of think he doesn’t even get hunches himself. He can clearly worry, or have concern, but he might lack those sort of gut feelings on if you can trust something or not. After all, he can actively search through his own ‘brain’ and explain why he feels a certain way, he doesn’t need to just ‘have a feeling’. Kokichi following Keebo up here to slap an insult on an honest statement of ‘i have no goddamned idea what you’re on about’ is just expected :v

Kirumi: So...you do not have any evidence. K1-B0: Only baseless conjecture. Tenko: B-But...I totally get where he's coming from! Cuz I wanna believe in Himiko too!

Kaito’s inspiring speech broke zero ground in the ‘make the everyone understand’ attempt. Whoops. So Keebo’s backing up the murderer pointing out the lack of proof. As it is baseless conjecture. You need a fact, or at least a lie presented as fact to get him to understand what you’re driving at. This is honestly interesting, considering he’s ‘hope’ motivated later on. There’s nothing logical about a meaningless hope! So it feels less like him and more his...helpful voice telling him to ignore logic... Maki fesses up to say she saw Ryoma at nighttime

K1-B0: So Ryoma was still alive at nighttime!? Tenko: I thought the crime took place between 8 and 10 o'clock at night?

He’s not on board yet, but he’s listening! Even though if true, haha we spent all that time talking about stuff that doesn’t matter.

Miu: Quit fuckin' around! You think I'm dumb enough to swallow that line of crap!? Kirumi: Yes, this seems too convenient. K1-B0: But why did Maki wait until now to mention that? Kokichi: Ah-hahahaha! It’s totally obvious! Maki’s sooo desperate that she has to lie!

oh hi kirumi no big surprise you simply go ‘no it is garbage’. Keebo’s the one to offer a way out by asking why exactly she didn’t mention it until now, he’s not instantly saying it’s out of the question. Kokichi follows up to try and press that it’s a lie, answering his question. Which probably just tells him that he should keep listening, since Kokichi lies so much :v

Kirumi: Does this mean you an Ryoma recived one another’s motive video? Maki: Maybe... I actually didn't check the one I got, so I wouldn't know. K1-B0: Maki admitted earlier that she hadn't checked her Kubs Pad. Angie: Then why did Ryoma think that Maki had his motive video? Kaito: If he went around asking at random, he might've asked some people besides Maki. Miu: He never asked me! He probably never asked you guys either, right!? K1-B0: Then...who was it that told Ryoma about his Kubs Pad?

Flexing that good memory, and giving Maki a little backup. After all, Keebo’s an expert in what it feels like to get dismissed :v He them prompts Shuichi to Do His Thing in calling Kokichi out as the one who told Ryoma. (Though he doesn't actually get to make him answer before they get derailed again) Though even though he’s willing to listen and belive she possibly did see Ryoma...he’s still not too thrilled about Maki’s choice to keep it secret.

Korekiyo: *If* that story is true... Maki: ...It's true. K1-B0: Then why did you wait until now to bring that up? Maki: I didn’t say anything until now because I wasn’t in the mood to be suspected.

He’s pointing and everything. He’ll believe you but darn it explain. He wants to understandddd. But still, no name calling or excessive rudeness, because he is a good lad who doesn’t threaten or do such things. She explains not wanting to be suspected buuuut

Kaito: Well, whatever. Either way, let's just believe Maki. Angie: Yes, yes. Those who believe shall be saved. K1-B0: No, we need to wait. There is still more to confirm— Shuichi: Well then, why don’t we ask Kokichi?

couldn’t you wait for him to finish the goddamned sentence Shuichi. Still, Keebo’s not a hasty one, the second Kaito wants to just go ‘good enough’ robot is right back to WAIT NO THAT’S NOT LOGICAL. It does get Kokichi to properly admit he knows who had who’s pads though. More squabbling about believing Maki ensues...

Korekiyo: I find Maki's testimony suspicious. It's far too...convenient for her. K1-B0: This is...difficult to determine. Kokichi: Maki is lying! Like I said before, a liar like me knows their own kind!

Are you trying to convince Keebo, Kokichi? You keep reiterating your point right after he speaks. Keebo is basically admitting he’s completely undecided and not taking a stand either way, but he’s usually pretty wishy-washy...because having an opinion involves what he thinks. and he doesn’t like admitting what he’s thinking very much. Certainly not if he doesn’t have a fact to back him up. Shuichi lies in the following debate. keebo will basically always follow shuichi, he’s the ultimate detective. Though hearing everyone else agree/trust him first probably lets him consider it true more easily. (and kokichi just nudging shuichi he saw that lie but not doing anything about it...)

Himiko: So we're right back where we started... What a pain. K1-B0: However, it should be clear now that the crime occurred after nighttime began. Kirumi: But then when was Ryoma's body placed inside the piranha tank?

Maki’s testimony + Kokichi’s admitting of telling Ryoma Maki had his kubspad + Shuichi’s lie about overhearing= enough to set this as ‘the truth’ for Keebo. It is true, but here comes Kirumi to instantly derail them to the wrong detail first. When doesn’t really matter right now!

Miu: So did we fuck up by thinkin’ the body got stuffed into the piranha tank? K1-B0: I don't think so. We have evidence to prove that's what happened. Tenko: Then when did the culprit throw the body into the piranha tank?

There is evidence, and even then he’s saying ‘think’. he’s so hesitant to speak in absolutes right now. As he might be wrong :v The whole Maki debacle was confusing for him. But now Tenko is repeating the question Kirumi posed and we go on a merry goose chase and have a scrum debate about it. Keebo’s on Shuichi’s side again. (He always will be, with one exception.) He doesn’t actually have a line though! He just gets to shout THIS IS OUR ANSWER with everyone.

K1-B0: That means it was certainly possible to put the body in the piranha tank from the window... Shuichi: However, I’m also positive the pane dividing the piranha tank was set up beforehand. Korekiyo: That certainly couldn't be tossed in. It would need to be placed carefully. Kirumi: Even if the culprit were to throw the body from outside the window...The window is far too high. It cannot be reached from the floor.

protag explaining tag team. Shuichi speaks more confidently in trials, saying things like ‘he’s confident’ while Keebo is hovering around with ‘possible’. You think our detective is an anxious mess half the time? so’s the robot :v oh and Kirumi is once again pointing out ‘problems’ to try and get the line of thought dropped. It works, considering we start going on about the ladder and whatnot and slam headlong into a logic wall until Maki says ‘okay no, time to talk about Where Die, not how get in fish tank’. You knew too Kokichi don’t you ‘ Why didn't anyone realize this yet?’ me :v

Shuichi: That’s important to remember...it’s not as if everyone here *wants* us to find the truth. One of us is trying to sabotage this trial... K1-B0: Well then, let's discuss the crime scene to figure out who the culprit is. Himiko: That's not a bad idea for a robot. The last time I heard such a good idea was......when Nino told me to move in with her under the bridge to get out of the cold. Tenko: Himikawa Under the Bridge!?

it’s a Arakawa Under the Bridge reference :v Honestly there’s tons of references in the game in general and we can totally blame Tsumugi for them. Keebs is glad to be the one to agree to a new topic though. Then he doesn’t have to state an opinion and can just fish for everyone else’s thoughts! He doesn’t even react to the ‘for a robot’ crack at him. :c Though for good reason I suppose when no one takes you seriously and judges you on a dime. Next nonstop debate to establish the crime scene...

Angie: Wasn't it the dorm room? Ryoma was relaxing in his room when he got attacked. K1-B0: But the cause of death was drowning. There is nothing in his room that could collect enough water.

Refuting Angie’s idea with a pointless weak point. I DO think the white noise that goes across when Miu goes ‘S-S-Sow’ might be Keebo though. ‘This is difficult to watch’ does match his general speaking style, and probable opinion :v

Angie: Hmmm...How did those handcuffs get from the lab to the water tank? Maki: Because Ryoma was wearing them, right? K1-B0: Yes, though they were only visible for a brief moment when Ryoma appeared in the tank. I am certain he was wearing the handcuffs at the time. Kirumi: The handcuffs were left after the piranhas devoured Ryoma

He did it, he said he was certain about something! Good job. Considering perfect memory and the horror that was that moment it was probably very easy to recall. oh dear keebo has perfect memories of all his friends corpses. that can’t be fun. oh and the fun of being THROWN AT THE REMAINS. Kirumi ‘helps’ with the easy logic of handcuffs didn’t get eaten. :v Now we’re working with the angle of body movement now that we know it came from Ryoma’s ultimate lab. Tenko suggests just tossing the body from the pool area...

Kirumi: Your explanation contradicts some things we discussed earlier. The gym window was too high to reach from the pool side, even if one used the ladder. Tenko: That’s right! I apologize! I must go on a journey to reflect on this! K1-B0: We keep hitting dead ends, since we don't know how the body was thrown into the gym... Kokichi: Nee-heehee... Well, that didn't really give us any info about the crime.

So of course the murderer tries to make it sound impossible, since we’re getting a bit too close to the truth! Keebo’s frustrated at this point, he’s eye rolling again with no leads to how it was actually done. He hasn’t considered the new approaches that could be possible now that they know where everything started. Kokichi ‘agreeing’ with him should be a tip off though :v shuichi goes and drives a brain taxi and raises the rope possibility.

Kirumi: Is the rope long enough to reach both windows? Korekiyo: The rope is roughly 65 feet in length. As for the distance between the windows... K1-B0: According to the sign at the pool, the width of the pool is roughly 35 feet...and the distance from the edges of the pool to the windows is an additional 16 feet. Altogether, the sum total length from one window to the other is roughly 50 feet. Gonta: And pool is only thing between research lab and gym windows... Miu: You bet it’s long enough! Heh! That’s what she said!

Chatty when he can do something easy like math! Numbers make sense and don’t confuse him with believing and who is working against them. Miu does basically sum up what Keebo took a paragraph to say tho. Since he needs to show his work. he likes having proof, and assumes everyone else likes knowing how he got the answer too. oh and reminder gonta is still plenty smart, he points out how to do the rope trick here. Then we talk about the zipline-i mean ropeway.

Korekiyo: You say the culprit placed their foot on the windowsill? Isn't that against school rules? It would count as entering the gym, would it not? Monosuke: Last time we got asked that question, we decided it was okay. Stickin' your body through the window is an automatic out, but standing on the sill is— K1-B0: Wait, who asked you last time? Monosuke: ...Eh? K1-B0: It is quite possible that the culprit went to you to confirm the details of their plan... Monosuke: ... ...O-Oh shiiiiit!

He does know how to press on something suspicious! Not too surprising he’s the one to confront a Kub, he even cut him off to do this. Keebo seems to put more stock in what the Monokubs say or do at any given time anyway. Of course, he won’t answer, but it isn’t really necessary. Just confirming someone asked was enough, which that freakout accomplished. Kirumi tries to sidetrack again with the��‘multiple trips’ thing...

Korekiyo: Which is why the crime was committed during nighttime, while we all slumbered. K1-B0: But if the culprit was so careful to recover the rope they used to commit the crime...Why did they leave the inner tube in the pool? Shuichi: I believe that was an accident.

He really, really loves questioning things. This part doesn’t make sense, better ask about it, and hurrah, my detective has an answer ready to go. He might not contribute much himself, but he does provide setup :v Shuichi announces Kirumi as his top suspect...

Korekiyo: That is not yet a certainty. Let us hear her testimony first. K1-B0: Is this true, Kirumi? Kirumi: I cannot believe you would suspect me...If that is the case, then I will have to deny it. I will not let you make the wrong choice.

question.exe is always running. i swear. Still, never just taking it right away, he wants to hear an answer. Snap judgements are not his thing. Even if he does lean towards believing Shuichi. because he has secret protag sensing powers. Trial 2 is such a change from one with how hard Kirumi fights here. since kaede did not want to kill everyone :v Keebs says quiet until he’s heard enough proof to throw his support behind Shuichi again

Shuichi: Just tying the rope to the frame wouldn't cause so much damage. The rope that was tied to the frames must have been weighed down significantly. The frames didn't break, but they were left with distinct marks. K1-B0: Those scratches are proof that you used a rope to carry the body to the windowsill. Kirumi: ... Kokichi: Oh? What’s wrong, Kirumi? What’s wrong, what’s wrong!? Hey, what’s wrong? Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!?

Pictured: two very different confrontation styles. I suppose it makes sense Keebo would be knowledgeable about scratches on metal :v He’ll just state some proof that goes with Shuichi’s statement, while Kokichi attempts to annoy her into submission instead. Shuichi brings up the black fabric/the ‘everyone’ thing and Kirumi slips.

Kirumi: Y-Yeah, so what? You’re still wrong! Your logic is flawed!!! K1-B0: Kirumi...why are you becoming increasingly erratic? Korekiyo: Kehehe... There is such absolute beauty in trying to fight against the truth.

:c He’s confused again. Yelling out questioning perfectly good logic is strange for her, emotionally charged, and he hasn’t really figured out guilt and panic makes people act out strangely. He knows the feelings exist, but not the full extent they can go to. and really it can’t be fun to watch someone so collected start falling apart because they murdered another one of your friends and is going to die for it...

Shuichi: The extra uniforms in our rooms are made of the same material we're wearing now. We can test my theory by comparing the fabric scrap with your glove. Kirumi: Gh...grgh... K1-B0: ...Well, Kirumi? Will you allow us to compare the black fabric we found in the pool with your gloves? Kirumi: U-Uhhh...!

‘will you allow us to damn you’. Keebo, you sound like you’re mocking her if you ask now. but he probably doesn’t quite realize that. comic, kirumi spite votes shuichi...

Tenko: Th-There’s nothing good about this at all...! *sob, sniffle...* Wh-why did it have to be Kirumi...? K1-B0: Truly, this result was unexpected. Tsumugi: How can you be so calm about it...?

This time, the culprit actively tried to get away with it. He might not really know how to feel about the whole thing. Kaede was apologizing, while Kirumi was fighting the whole way (and will keep doing so). He probably would have said this about anyone though...suspecting friends isn’t something he likes to do. and you made him this way moogie shush.

Tsumugi: You mean like from the motive video? So Kirumi watched hers after all? K1-B0: Earlier, Kirumi mentioned that she had accepted a request...Perhaps that request came from a someone important in her motive video? Kirumi: ... Maki: ...Do you have nothing to say for yourself?

Going to ask more questions to try and understand, as per usual. Kirumi does use this as a chance to try and get away again mhm. Keebo isn’t using any of his distressed sprites here either. He might be coming off as a bit heartless at the moment, poking at ‘why did you kill’ and not even looking shaken. so guess who mentions that after Kirumi drops the ‘prime minister’ bit.

Kokichi: I don't think it's odd that an Ultimate-level talent could be *that* powerful. I mean, Kee-boy’s talent lets him pretend to be human, even though he’s a heartless robot. K1-B0: How rude! I am not pretending! I am still learning! Tsumugi: U-Uh...I see. Well...good luck, I guess.

Yes, this gets the biggest reaction out of him. That’s normal and easy to understand over ‘how do we feel about this.’ While Tsumugi mocks his attempts to learn because she’s terrible :v and Kokichi is almost another backhanded complement? ‘Pretend to be human’, so you do buy his ‘pretending’ and how he seems very human? even though you keep calling him heartless and emotionless...and getting him thrown at things...

Monokuma: I am the ruler of this world. Nothing is beyond my power. Shuichi: Nothing is beyond your power? What kind of arrogant, ridiculous— K1-B0: That is 100% a lie! It is impossible that he could bring disaster to a country! Monokuma: Puhu... Puhuhuhu

Keebo feels the need to cut Shuichi off here! To back him up, but I wonder if his inner voice was telling him he had to deny that claim. He’s throwing out impossible and 100%, certainties...while Monokuma is mugging for the audience. as he basically is a god in their fake little world. It would explain how he’s changed his mind by the next line...

Tsumugi: Kirumi's got the lives of hundreds of millions of people on her shoulders, right? K1-B0: Logically, Kirumi’s survival would result in fewer casualties than our collective survival would. Himiko: Geez... Maybe it would've been better if we'd gotten the culprit wrong...

He seems to believe it now. Not enough to say anything definitive, but he will say it’s ‘logical’. even though you can’t really assume that. Who knows what the collective rest could do for people? No one :v

Kokichi: Do you really think someone as desperate to live as Kirumi would give up so easily? Of course not. In fact, she probably still hasn't given up, even now. She was hoping that learning the truth would make one of us volunteer to die in her place. K1-B0: ...What!? Kirumi: ... Kokichi: But Monokuma would never allow a blackened to escape punishment, so maybe......she wanted everyone to rebel, so she could use that as cover to escape on her own. ...How about it, Kirumi? Am I close?

This shakes him. Lying over something so important is almost unbelievable. After all, he couldn’t see why someone would lie on someone else’s behalf with their life on the line in trial one. Not really a shock he doesn't consider the opposite being possible too. Keebo doesn’t really...lie. Basically ever. The closest he ever gets is a flustered non answer that is technically a lie in a back route. He still cheers her on when she makes a break for it though.

K1-B0: Run! Please hurry!

He doesn’t really react to the death, he’s prompted to speak by Angie.

Angie: ...Oh? Isn't that what Atua said? All desire, even your desire to escape this place, can corrupt you beyond redemption. K1-B0: It's Monokuma who is corrupt. He is the one who distributed the motive videos. Korekiyo: Those videos were more dangerous than we thought. To have driven Kirumi that far...

He’d still rather blame the obvious antagonist over the people he calls friends. Clashing with Angie here doesn’t stop him from getting roped in later...hhm.

Shuichi: That must be why Kirumi did not want to show the videos. She thought that if everyone felt the same murderous rage that she did...this killing game would be pure chaos. She...wanted to stop it. Kokichi: If that's the case, then we really shouldn't show our videos to each other! K1-B0: That was our consensus from the beginning. Not including you, of course.

Shuichi gives a pretty kind interpretation of her actions, and Kokichi earns some robot sass for his actions. Kokichi likely had his own video and was not driven to any such murder...figured out his own plan might actually be bad too little too late.

K1-B0: For now...we should rest. To me, that seems the most rational course of action.

keebo wants to be morgana. GO TO BED. While you just...sit around awake all night long and think about what happened, I guess. Of course, we won’t do that because we have another reveal to do first.

Kokichi: Maki admitted it during the class trial, remember? Ryoma wanted her to show him his motive video cuz he was looking for a reason to live. But that wasn’t the whole story... Ryoma was blackmailing you, wasn’t he, Maki? K1-B0: B-Blackmail? Ryoma just so happened to discover Maki's true identity. So he used that to blackmail her. I bet he said something like... “If you don’t show me my motive video, I’ll tell everyone what you really are.” That's why Maki didn't want us to know she met with Ryoma. She wanted to keep her true identity a secret! That’s why she kept quiet until the last minute!

That’s the last thing he does, enables Kokichi by asking for clarification :v Hope you liked to see Keebo do things, as the ‘trio’ forms up he has fewer chances to show up. He’s still got a few in 3, but in 4 and 5 he’s fairly sidelined. Well he TALKS a lot, but mostly just his normal questions :v

hahaha this took way to long why am i like this. when am i going to cover his gifting dialouge. who knows. aaaaaaaaaaa. feel free to yell at me about the robitt. or any of the characters :v Chapter 3 will come sooner than I expect I assume...

#danganronpa #drv3 #kiibo #keebo #K1-B0 #longlong post #i mean it #all of chapter two!#kaito and keebo are ideologically opposed #he's much friendlier than kokichi but they don't really get eachother #but that'll show more as we go #hopefully you enjoy rambling #tumblr plz put my stuff in the tag next time lol

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holidayblindspot · 4 years

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V-Day

This is a fic by rAnsomedrOgue on FanFiction.net, who doesn’t have a Tumblr but wanted to participate. I’ll be linking her to this post, though, so if you liked the fic, please leave her a comment here! :)

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A/N: This is all totally implausible but then again so is the entire show… Tried to write something fluffy, this is what happened.

<3 <3 <3

It was supposed to be the perfect day. He’d been thinking about it for ages. Valentine’s on a weekend, a day just for them. Time to reconnect with his wife after everything they’d been through.

Weller had filtered past a million ideas before coming up with two couple’s activities that he thought Jane would really appreciate. Things that said Jane to him, that made him push outside his own comfort zone. He didn’t want to just take her on a regular date, something boring and predictable. He loved his wife and had hurt their relationship badly. He needed to make a good showing of it.

What had boosted his confidence was the fact that she’d unexpectedly come to him the previous week, told him that she had something planned for Valentine’s Day. He’s usually the one that dealt with holidays, due to her having no memories and being raised by a terrorist.

They had ended up deciding to split the day; he got to plan the morning and afternoon, she got the evening and night.

But that all goes to shit when Weller wakes with a cloudy mind, tied to a chair.

<3 <3 <3

It had taken her forever to come up with anything good. All the traditions of holidays were baffling to her, especially blatantly commercial ones like Valentine’s Day. But she wanted to do something for Kurt, to show him how much she still loves him. They had both lied but that was behind them now. Now she just has to make sure he knows it, that he understands how much he means to her.

So Jane had google searched like mad, hadn’t even consulted with Patterson. It had to be all her effort, finding some appropriate romantic event just for Kurt.

A wormhole of key terms eventually led her to two viable options and she decided they needed to do both. When she told him that she had a date planned for Valentine’s Day he’d been completely surprised but clearly pleased. In the end it had worked out perfectly with Kurt planning daytime activities to complete the schedule. He had even looked adorably apprehensive about whatever he’d arranged, which had brought a grin to her face despite not knowing what it was.

Whatever Kurt had planned though, Jane is sure it isn’t this. Because she wakes with drug residue still in her head, their hands tied together.

<3 <3 <3

He knows it’s her by her scent, the texture of her breath. He senses the moment she stirs and rubs the side of her thumb, tells her it’s him.

They’re tied together but not gagged, which seems odd until a disembodied voice comes booming into the room.

“Welcome, Agents Weller and Doe,” the familiar snivelly voice says. “Today you face a test. The same test my own wife faced exactly seven years ago.”

Kurt groans, the source of the voice suddenly becoming clear. Edwin Scheer, a career criminal whose wife had died covering for his getaway. Weller had been the lead agent on the case, had tracked Scheer through his wife, then seen her sacrifice herself for him on Valentine’s day.

“It’s really quite simple. Whoever volunteers first will get the opportunity to die for the other. If no one volunteers, you both die by the end of the day.”

“What’s the point, you’ll just kill us both anyways,” Jane says defiantly from behind him.

“The point is, living on while suffering the guilt of bearing the sacrifice. A fate much worse than death, I’ll let you know. So no, I would certainly prefer one of you to live with the curse of eternal guilt.”

Weller knows a lot about eternal guilt, thinks how Scheer really nailed this scenario. He would definitely rather die than let Jane give her life for him. He couldn’t bear the weight of losing her, having to carry on.

She’s a runner, he knows that all too well. Also prone to being self-sacrificial, always willing to take it for the team. He can’t let her do it for him, even if it means Scheer wins.

Overprotectiveness is stamped in his DNA. He needs to save her, despite the cost. Before she takes the plunge herself.

Weller is about to open his mouth, let out panicked impulsive words when Jane grabs his hand, squeezes hard.

<3 <3 <3

He’s about to do it, fall straight into the Kurt Weller trap.

Jane reaches for him, clamps down on his fingers fiercely.

No, her hands say. You are not making this decision alone. We are in this together.

At the same time she bites back her own voice, the one that wants to yell ‘me, pick me, kill me, save him.’ Of course she would die to save Kurt, that’s the whole point.

Whoever this guy is, he’s been watching, obviously knows both their weaknesses. But right now, in a completely pitch black room, he’s probably only listening. They need a plan that doesn’t require either of them sacrificing themselves. And some method of communicating it without being heard.

She makes a pattern in his palm, uses her touch to tell him to calm down, think. When his breathing evens out she starts to fiddle with the knots on their hands, feels him use his fingers to expand the ropes, create more slack.

“This isn’t going to work,” Jane says, trying to distract their captor. “We’re not going to give in to your mind games.”

“Oh that’s what you think. There’s hours to go yet, plenty of time to think about the pointlessness of you both dying. Then there’s the part where you both get suspicious that the other is going to betray the pact, I almost can’t wait. Will there be arguing? Silence right up until one of you can’t hold back anymore? This is when you find out what someone is really made of. I know I’ll never be worthy of my wife. Now what will you find out about each other today?”

That we are stronger than this bullshit, Jane thinks to herself.

“We’ve got this, Kurt. We’re in this together,” she says. “I trust you with your life.”

<3 <3 <3

He snaps out of it just in time, the words about to slip off his tongue. Her fingers remind him that she’s there, that they’re not making decisions alone anymore. Then it’s her confident tone that slices through his fear, tells him she’s not going to run this time.

“I trust you too,” he replies. “No more secrets.”

Scheer laughs, snorts in response.

“It’s only been ten minutes,” he says. “Let’s see how long that lasts.”

Weller has to admit the psychopath is right, that the relative calm he currently feels will decrease steadily as time passes. But it helps that Jane has nearly freed their hands, just needs him to stretch out the ropes a bit more to get through the knots.

When their hands are untied they both quietly undo their leg restraints, then reach for each other once completely free of the ropes. The next step would be to stand and search the room that they’re in but first they need to cover the noises they’re going to make.

He’s trying to come up with some sort of conversation that doesn’t feed into the current problem when Jane starts talking, a bit louder than necessary and throwing her voice off the wall.

“So, what am I missing out on, Kurt?” she asks, while standing up slowly.

“What do you mean?” he replies, genuinely confused about her question but understanding her intent. He stands up as well, makes sure to hide any noise with his words.

“Your part of our Valentine’s date,” she says. “What were we going to do?”

Kurt groans internally, not entirely confident on the choices he had made. He had wanted to do something different, uniquely Jane. But of course then it had to be somewhat risky, because she certainly wasn’t a ‘normal’ girl.

He definitely did not want to talk about this in front of anyone other than Jane, but it was a relevant conversation to have while they silently stepped around the room, looking for an escape route. So he reaches for her hand, pulls her to him and blindly plants a kiss on her knuckles.

“Well, to start, there was this couple’s bikram yoga session,” he says, using his free hand to guide her by the hip as they slip across the floor.

“You? Yoga?” she asks, clearly surprised.

“I stretch,” he grumbles, feeling for the wall.

“But you don’t like it,” Jane replies.

“Yeah well, you do,” he says. “And it sounded kind of hot.”

She tugs hard at his hand in response, slips closer.

“It would have been very hot,” she whispers, just for him. “You’re full of surprises.”

“I would have liked that,” she says louder, as they continue around the room. “But I know that’s not all you had planned.”

Weller feels the walls, finds one locked door with what sounds like a guard behind it and nothing else of significance. He sighs to himself as he realizes they’ve almost completed a whole lap with no results.

“There was an art show too,” he admits. “A contemporary exhibit called Falling Love. At a pop up gallery that features different mediums.”

He says the words like he’s reading them off a pamphlet, has little sense of what most of them really mean. But he’d memorized it to tell her, just feels incredibly awkward doing so.

Jane relieves all of his worry with a laugh, wraps her arms around him from behind as they finish checking the walls.

“It sounds perfect,” she says, muffled into his back. “I love it.”

<3 <3 <3

Her husband is adorable. She sometimes forgets this in their danger filled day to day lives. But couple’s yoga and an art show? Those were not Kurt Weller activities. The fact that he was so willing to push his boundaries and explore her interests was beyond her expectations, made her feel flush with warmth.

She hugs him tight for as long as she dares, then puts her hands on his shoulders, trying to tell him what they should do next. Kurt picks up on her idea right away and squats down so she can climb on. Then, once she’s securely sitting on his shoulders, they start around the room again, searching for any vents or windows they could use to escape.

“So, what were we going to do after the art show?” Kurt asks, with real curiosity in his tone.

Jane grins to herself, hopes he appreciates her plans as much as she loved his.

“Well, first there was a true crime whisky tasting tour,” she says as she feels along the walls and the ceiling. “It’s prohibition themed and on an old trolley through Brooklyn. With specialty whisky flights and underground tours.”

“Whiskey and gangsters?” Kurt says with a grin she can hear. “Sounds perfectly sinful.”

He wraps his arms around her legs even tighter and she reaches down to run her fingers through his hair for a moment.

“Not as sinful as a chocolate buffet,” she replies.

“What?” he exclaims, all gleefully surprised. “You’re not serious.”

Jane laughs, leans down to kiss him on top of his head.

“Yes, there’s an entire buffet of chocolate at the Ritz and we had reservations. Plus, a room for the night, to recover from the whisky and sugar hangover.”

“Nooooooo,” Kurt moans. “How have I never heard of this chocolate buffet before?”

Jane shakes her head in amusement just before it almost smacks straight into a vent. Luckily she manages to see it in time and taps on Kurt to stop walking.

“What do they have at this buffet?” he asks as she takes out her hairpin and starts to unscrew the cover of the vent.

“Everything you can imagine,” she replies. “Pastries, cakes, fondue, crepes. Samples from all the best chocolatiers. Oh, fudge and ice cream too, of course.”

She’s got the grate off, passes it down to Kurt. Is about to crawl into the vent but he clutches onto her legs, refuses to let her go.

<3 <3 <3

Jane’s about to go into the vent they found when he realizes the problem. If they stop talking, they’re going to get figured out quickly.

Weller grabs onto her legs so she can’t get off his shoulders, knows he has to think fast or else she’s going to get impatient and just go anyways.

“That sounds too good to be true,” he says. “I can’t believe we’re stuck here because of me when we should be on the perfect date instead.”

“It’s not your fault, Kurt,” Jane replies, after a barely noticeable pause. “We’ll get through this together.”

“No, Jane. It is all my fault, you weren’t even around when this Scheer case happened,” he states. “You got dragged into this because of me. I can’t let you die here.”

“What, we just talked about this, Kurt!” she fires back. “You don’t get to make that decision.”

“I didn’t say I’d made a decision,” he argues. “Don’t put words in my mouth, I just said I can’t let you die here.”

“Which is the same thing as saying you’re going to give up on us, give up on what we decided together. So what’s the point of me even saying anything if you’re not going to respect my opinion?”

Her voice is steaming but she’s kissing the top of his head, holding him tightly from above.

“So what, you’re going to give me the silent treatment until we die here? What the hell is that going to solve?”

He squeezes her leg a specific number of times. Then does it again to confirm.

“It’ll stop me from yelling at you instead.”

She responds by reaching for his hand, gives him the same message back. Twice, like he had done.

“Fine, if that’s how you feel about this then don’t talk to me.”

He brings her thumb to his lips, plants a lingering kiss.

“Done.”

He pushes her into the vent with the last of their words and offers a silent prayer to keep her safe. Because their argument may have been fake but Weller wasn’t lying when he said he couldn’t let her die there, no matter the cost.

<3 <3 <3

Jane climbs the vent straight up for a few floors before finding an exit into an unoccupied storage room. The building appears to be an abandoned warehouse and she sees no one around as she sneaks back down towards the basement.

She wonders where Scheer is, whether he’s in the warehouse, wants to do his own dirty work. It seems unlikely though, based on the state of the place. There’s nothing in it except dust and a few stray auto parts.

Jane slinks through the structure, finds a piece of broken rebar to use as a weapon. Eventually she finds a set of stairs that runs straight down towards the basement where Kurt is. For a moment she stands listening for any movement and lets herself think about the day that should have been, how fitting it was that this was what they got instead. All she can do is sigh at the circumstances, return her head to the task at hand. Kurt was still waiting for her to get him out, she needs to come through for him.

As she nears the bottom of the stairs Jane starts to move in stealthy ninja steps, peaks around the corner to see the door to their prison, the guard sitting directly in front of it. Of course the approach down the stairs is long and comes right at him, impossible to make without dying long before she gets to the door.

So Jane forces herself to be patient and wait for Kurt’s move. She had made it there in time; trusts him to play his part in their silent plan.

<3 <3 <3

When the time comes, Weller makes a racket; yells that he’s done with the game. Hollers at an imaginary Jane that he’s giving up so she can have a better life without him, because it’s obviously what she wants.

It hurts even just to say it but he has to make it realistic. Then he waits behind the door for whatever is going to happen.

Almost immediately he hears the sound of the lock turning, the door scraping ajar. So there had been a guard right there, ready to come in and kill the on command, Kurt thinks.

Weller readies himself for action, waits for the guard to recognize the situation. But then the light flicks on suddenly before the door is thrown open, momentarily blinding him. He’s a sitting duck, trying to decide whether to just launch himself at his opponent without being able to see anything when he hears Jane tackle the guy just in time.

By the time Kurt’s pupils have adjusted to the light, she’s already got the guy pinned, is giving him one more punch to the head for good measure. Then they tie the guard up with the ropes they’d escaped from before taking his gun and using his fingerprint to start his cell phone.

It’s easy to identify the number the guard’s been contacting Scheer on and Weller gets Patterson on tracing it immediately. Within seconds she’s got an address and less than half an hour later she reports back that Scheer’s been killed in a shootout.

Weller double checks the perp is tied up securely and grabs his wife, leads her out into the light.

<3 <3 <3

Kurt wraps his arms around her, pushes her through the door and up the stairs. He feels so real and comforting behind her, her scruffy human security blanket.

Of course they made it out, she thinks. It couldn’t be any other way.

Not long ago she thought it was gone. The trust between them.

He had lied, she had lied. Big ones too, hurtful ones.

But in a dark room with only each other she had trusted him with all of her heart. The one still beating in her chest, that belongs only to him.

They had believed in each other, communicated perfectly.

It wasn’t the ideal date, the possible death part a bit too much. But it had been pretty hot, she thinks. Stealthily wrapped around Kurt, talking by touch.

Outside they wait for backup, forensics. Kurt still surrounds her, swallowing her up in his warmth.

“I’m sorry we missed our day,” he grumbles in her ear.

“It would have been perfect,” she agrees, smiling at the mental images of yoga with Weller. “You picked the most thoughtful things.”

Kurt squeezes tight, spins her around so she’s facing him. He’s wearing his familiar crooked smile, adoring and self-satisfied all at once.

“I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate you,” he says, so sincerely it hurts.

“Oh Kurt, I know,” she replies, reaching up to kiss him.

He pulls her in fiercely, hungrily. Relinquishes her lips only when sirens surround them, pull up close.

Still she’s encased in his arms, he refuses to release her even as agents start to hover close by.

“You’re going to have to let me go,” she says, her tone tinted in bemusement.

“Never,” he replies seriously. “You’re my valentine, Jane.”

She beams at him, a million lumens bright.

“But if we give our statements right away we can still make the chocolate buffet,” she says.

The boyish gleam in his eyes makes her giggle, snatch another kiss.

“I love the way your mind works,” he mumbles into her throat. “I love everything about you, Jane.”

“Happy Valentine’s Day Kurt. I love that we did this, together,” she mutters in return. “It wasn’t what we planned. But I think it turned out perfect.”

Kurt grins, squeezes her so tight she forgets to breathe for a second. Then she sneaks in one more kiss as they stand there entwined, ready to take on the world together.

#blindspot #blindspot fanfic #blindspot valentine #jeller

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