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roxannarambles · 4 months

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Title: The Bloodmoon Graves (Part 1/7)

Ship: Juliana/Nemona

Rating: T/PG-13 (for Spooky Scary)

Summary: Nemona learns about the rumors of a fabled "Bloodmoon Beast" and decides they should all go for a camping trip out in the Timeless Woods to search for it. They end up finding a bit more than they bargained for.

Tags: Action/Adventure, Horror, Romance, Established Relationship, Halloween Special

Warning Tags: Blood/Injury, Body Horror, Claustrophobia, Pokemon attacking humans/humans attacking pokemon

Chapters: Ch 1 - Ch 2 - Ch 3 - Ch 4 - Ch 5 - Ch 6 - Epilogue

Notes: Okay look. I know it's December but look. I just really wanted to try writing a horror story, so here's your Halloween special. 🎃There's a bit of Julinemo fluff in here too as a treat but this is mostly a horror story. So. I hope somebody reads it despite it not being super ship-focused lol

This is technically a sequel to my Teal Mask fix-it fic but that's not required reading. Just know the Paldean Pals joined Juliana on her trip to Kitakami. As it should be.

“Penny! Hey, Penny! You gotta hear this!”

Penny glanced up from her laptop, sighing. She had been hiding out in the Community Center, playing games, but seemed she’d been discovered. Nemona and Juliana bounded up to her.

“So this is where you’ve been hiding. You been avoiding us?” Juliana teased. Penny answered,

“No. Not avoiding. Just . . . taking a break.”

“From what?”

Penny shrugged,

“I dunno, all the majestic nature and junk, I guess. Some of us aren’t as outdoorsey as others, you know.”

“Oh, okay, I thought you were gonna say you were taking a break from us.”

“Well, that too.”

Juliana opened her mouth to protest, but Nemona impatiently cut her off, waving her hands,

“Nevermind all that! Penny, Jules and I just heard something awesome! There’s rumors of this super-powerful, super-rare Pokemon that lives in Kitakami, and we’ve been talking to the townspeople about it, and it’s been living out in the Timeless Woods for like ages and everyone’s scared of it but it’s really reclusive and mysterious and only shows up on really foggy late nights when it’s all spooky, isn’t that cool?!”

Nemona had her hands curled into fists, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Penny blinked at her.

“Uh . . . I . . . guess so?”

“And get this– it’s an Ursaluna! That’s already a super rare Pokemon, but this one’s a special Ursaluna, it doesn’t look like the others at all!”

Juliana cut in,

“Tell her what the townspeople call it.”

“Oh right, right! Hehehe, get this Penny, the townspeople call it– The Bloodmoon Beast! Isn’t that awesome?!”

“They say the mark on its head glows blood-red like the moon during an eclipse!” Juliana added, pointing at her forehead. Nemona agreed,

“Yeah! And on those nights, the Beast’s blood boils and it goes mad with fury, seeking to avenge its fallen fellow Ursaluna!! Or that’s what some kid told me, anyway.”

“Uh-huh. If you guys say so,” Penny said flatly, looking back at her laptop.

“Hey, it’s real! Probably,” Juliana replied.

“Yeah, it’s definitely real! Some famous photographer got some photos of it not too long ago. Gimme a sec,” Nemona said, flicking through her phone. She pulled up the photos posted to some website and angled the phone at Penny, cycling through them. Most were very blurry, depicting a hulking figure in the fog, but the bright-red mark on the blurry figure’s forehead was very noticeable.

“I guess that’s probably a pokemon,” Penny conceded. Nemona nodded,

“Yeah, this photographer lady is legit, I think her name was Perrin? She posted a firsthand account, so we know it’s real! She went out camping in the Timeless Woods to spot it. She only had her Growlithe though, so she barely escaped with her life, apparently, after she took those pictures.”

Penny had pulled up an article on her laptop with impressive speed and hummed,

“Mmm-hmm . . . Perrin Kongōseki, 26, multi-award-winning photographer of international fame, recently has released controversial photos about the folklegend ‘Bloodmoon Beast’ from rural Kitakami. While locals have hailed her as a hero, critics have argued it to be a transparent grab for media attention, as the once highly-popular photographer’s reputation has slipped in recent years . . .”

Juliana scowled and crossed her arms. “Oh, c’mon Penny, why do you gotta try and suck the fun outta this?”

“I’m not, I was just curious! Sorry. I agree it’s probably a real Pokemon, though maybe not anywhere near as impressive as these stories claim . . .”

“Well that’s why we’re gonna go find out!” Nemona said, beaming. In a tone that suggested mild concern, Penny asked,

“And how’re you planning on doing that?”

Nemona grinned,

“We’re all gonna go camp out in the Timeless Woods tonight and look for it!”

Her concern quickly increasing, Penny said,

“Wait, all of us? I don’t recall volunteering for this–”

“Weren’t you just doubting the Beast is even all that scary?” Juliana asked her quickly. Penny frowned, grumbling,

“Well I– it’s not that, it’s just– l-look, I’m not real big on camping out, you guys–”

Nemona said,

“Aww, it’ll be fun, Penny! When’s the next time you’ll get a chance like this? The Caretaker said we’re supposed to explore Kitakami while we’re here, remember?”

“Yeah. I was hoping he wouldn’t notice I wasn’t doing that,” Penny mumbled.

Juliana chuckled. She said,

“I know camping isn’t your favorite, Penny, but one night of camping can’t be too bad, right? Arven’s got everything planned out for us, and we’d hate for you not to be included.”

Penny’s brows lifted.

“He does? I’m kinda surprised he wanted in on this too.”

“Well, I think mostly he wants to do it because he enjoys hiking and camping, he’s a bit indifferent about the Bloodmoon Beast, but still. Even if we don’t find a super rare pokemon, it should be a fun time.”

“Yeah! And if we DO find the Beast, we can fight it and maybe even catch it! It’s a win-win,” Nemona agreed with enthusiasm. Both girls looked at Penny expectantly.

Penny sighed.

“All right, fine . . . I guess I’ll go.”

Nemona cheered,

“All right! This is gonna be the best!”

“You should get packed and ready, then. We’re leaving in an hour.”

“But it’s only like, two o’clock. I thought you wanted to look for this ‘beast’ at night?”

Juliana nodded.

“Yep. But the Timeless Woods is a three-hour hike, plus we wanna do some exploring before it gets dark, y’know?”

“Three hours?”

“Eh, three, three-and-a-half, something like that. We’ll meet you in front of Peachy’s, okay?”

“Wait, wait–”

Penny groaned as her friends bounded away from her, too excited about the trip to notice Penny’s protests. She was regretting this already.

The hike out to the Timeless Woods was indeed a long one. There actually were two different routes they could have taken, and the path through Fellhorn Gorge was technically much shorter, but it was also far more rugged. Thus, they opted for the longer but flatter path through the Wistful Fields, then past the Paradise Barrens, and on through the Kitakami Wilds. Arven and Juliana carried the heavier packs that included the tents, as they both had more experience with backpacking. Of course, things would have been much easier if they had brought Koraidon along, but the oversized lizard had been particularly lazy that day; besides, Arven had encouraged them all to not rely on their ride pokemon too much when it came to hiking. Juliana eventually let Nemona and Penny switch off riding her Tauros anyway once they were tired enough.

Their trek took a little longer than expected due to the number of breaks they took– it was summer and the weather was pretty sweltering during the day– but once they arrived at the gorgeous old-growth forest that was tucked away in a valley like a special little secret, it was far, far more comfortable. They took a little time to dip their feet and splash around the idyllic little pond there, just relaxing and unwinding from the hike. However, before long, Arven was up and telling everyone it was time to set their campsite up.

“Arven, we just got here! Sunset’s still a few hours from now, what’s the rush?”

Arven put his hands on his hips.

“Yeah, and we need to get everything set up well before it starts getting dark. C’mon guys, work first, play later.”

“Unnnghh,” Nemona groaned, leaning against Juliana where they lay in the grass, making no move to get up. Her feet dangling in the water, Penny stared at her cellphone and pretended she didn’t hear Arven.

“Guys, c’mon, I’m serious.”

When still nobody moved, he scowled and said,

“All right, if nobody helps then I won’t be making dinner or setting the tents up. Or building a campfire. Did I mention it cools down a lot at night? Enjoy your cold trail mix and sleeping in 4 degree weather without shelter.”

Everyone grumbled and reluctantly got up.

“That’s more like it. All right, we’re starting with the tents. Everyone help me scope out a nice flat spot over on the high ground this way.”

Once they chose a good site, they cleared the ground, unpacked and pitched the two tents, while Arven explained to the camping novices how to put things together. When Juliana and Nemona finished, they tried to leave, but Arven stopped them.

“Where are you two going? You need to finish your tent.”

“It’s finished! See?”

Arven shook his head,

“You haven’t put the rainfly up yet.”

“Arven, it’s not going to rain!”

“There’s a 20% chance of precipitation tonight.”

“Oh my god Arven–”

“Better safe than sorry. Put it up.”

“You’re being ridiculous.”

“It doesn’t take that long, and it’s good practice. Just do it.”

Juliana grumbled and they returned to the tent.

“Is he always this bossy about camping?” Nemona asked.

Juliana sighed.

“Yeah, unfortunately. Let’s just get this finished, he gets bent out of shape if things aren’t done right.”

After they futzed about with the rainfly and eventually got it into place, Arven doled out more tasks to help prepare the campfire and cooking equipment. Everyone dutifully did their chores, unpacking equipment and arranging some seating. Penny was then sent out into the woods with the joyous task of establishing a bathroom site, and Nemona and Juliana were tasked with clearing an area for a campfire.

The moment Arven turned his back, though, Juliana grabbed Nemona’s hand, holding a finger to her lips and grinning. They snuck away quickly before he noticed; eventually Arven realized what was going on and he shouted after them, so they broke into a run, laughing.

It seemed Arven soon gave up on pursuing them, and the two were able to wander the forest in peace. Juliana let Ogerpon out of her ball; the pokemon was thrilled to be back in the Timeless Woods, hopping up and down in excitement and trilling happily. They spent the time just meandering and exploring, letting Ogerpon choose the direction. When they spotted a little pink Gligar skulking through the underbrush, they gave chase for a while, trying to catch it. Alas, the pokemon proved to be too illusive for them, somehow sneaking off and giving them the slip. However, the sting of disappointment was soon forgotten when the two girls stumbled across a cave entrance they’d never seen before. Hopeful for some excitement, they ducked low and poked inside. Ogerpon followed after, chirping curiously.

“Oof. It’s dark. Dunno what I expected though, I guess that makes sense,” Nemona giggled.

“Yeah. I wish we had a . . . oh wait sec, we do. Where is that . . .”

Juliana fiddled around with her bag until she located the headlamp Arven had given her. Sticking the strap to her head, she flicked it on.

“Oh, much better!”

Juliana aimed the light around. The cave was rather bare, a few Spinarak on a web in one corner, and a dozing Munchlax in another. It didn’t take them long to walk the length of the little cave, which sadly didn’t turn up much beyond rocks, dirt, more cobwebs and a lone Dunsparce.

“Aw, man. I was hoping for something really cool,” Nemona sighed, sitting down on a large rock. Juliana nodded.

“Yeah . . . me too. I guess Kitakami caves aren’t as exciting as Paldean ones.”

Ogerpon had been wandering about the cave, apparently very much at ease in such a setting– likely due to how much time she’d spent in one. Nemona and Juliana took a few minutes to rest, sipping from their canteens and chatting about one of Juliana’s camping trips with Arven when they’d been hunting the Titan pokemon.

“. . . and he sounds like a Snorlax when he sleeps! I could hear him half a mile away, I swear.”

Ogerpon began to chatter excitedly, but the girls didn’t notice at first.

“Ahahah, oh my god! How did you deal with it?”

“Well I got my own tent, but I still could hear him, so I had to pitch my tent further and further away from him– Ogerpon, what’s up?”

The excited pokemon had vanished from sight, which worried Juliana. Both girls got up and went to the corner of the cave.

“Oh, Ogerpon, be careful– I don’t think you should go in there!”

The little pokemon had located a small gap, very well hidden, near the floor in the darkest corner of the cave. She had crawled inside and was climbing deeper and deeper into the secret tunnel.

“Ogerpon! Come back, wait! Ugh. Well . . . there she goes.”

They could no longer see her, but they could hear her further in the cave, making her excited, happy cries. At least they knew she was all right for the moment.

“Right, well, better give me that light, Jules, I’ll go after her.”

Juliana frowned as Nemona plucked the headlamp off her.

“We could just call for her to come back? She’s bound to get bored in a few minutes.”

“No, no, we gotta follow. She could be in danger! Lost and scared!”

Opergon’s giggles echoed from deeper in the cave. Juliana raised a brow.

“. . . if you wanna explore the creepy secret tunnel you could just say so.”

Sticking the light’s strap to her head, Nemona clasped her hands together and said excitedly,

“Okay, yeah, I really wanna explore the creepy secret tunnel!”

Juliana laughed.

“I mean, I do too, honestly.”

“I thought you were claustrophobic?”

Juliana took a moment to consider the gap Ogerpon had disappeared into; it was definitely pretty small and would probably require a human to get down on their hands and knees, a thought that made Juliana’s chest squeeze a little. It wasn’t so much the tight space itself as the thought of it caving in and burying them alive. Which was admittedly unlikely.

She answered,

“Y-yeah, I am a little bit, but sometimes my curiosity wins out over that.”

“Well, okay, but I don’t want you doing anything that makes you too uncomfortable . . .”

Juliana was poking into Nemona’s bag.

“Nah, it’s okay. If I start feeling too anxious I’ll back out. I think there’s– yeah, here it is.”

She took the second light from her friend’s bag.

��Oh, I had one too? I didn’t even realize.”

“Arven passes them out right away before camping. Safety and all that. He can be kinda annoying but I admit it does come in handy sometimes, too.”

After getting their headlamps properly attached, they squatted by the tiny tunnel entrance.

“You want me to go first or you?”

“Take point, my fearless leader!”

Nemona laughed.

“All right then. Let’s go!”

Nemona began to crawl into the tunnel, Juliana watching her progress for a bit. It actually didn’t look so bad; yes, she was on her hands and knees but it still looked pretty roomy, as far as creepy secret tunnels went. Juliana got down and started climbing in after her. The ground was a bit damp and muddy and it was a little hard on her knees but she felt okay. Of course, it helped that she had Nemona with her.

“Ooh, I can see the cave gets bigger just a little further ahead! Almost there!”

After a pretty short crawl, they both emerged into a larger cave, one that dropped in elevation at a fairly steep angle but was still easily walkable. They looked around the space, casting their lights about and taking it all in. Nemona said,

“Yeah, there’s a whole hidden section to the cave here! That’s so cool. And look, I think it opens up even more that way!”

“Yeah, looks like it.”

They stepped along the declined ground, careful not to slip, daring to explore further and further into the cavern. After ducking under an especially low portion, the two girls gasped at what they came upon.

The pocket of cave they had found opened up before them, and it was full of shimmering, glittering light– the light of their flashlights being bounced back at them by hundreds and thousands of crystal formations. They were the same exact rainbow-colored crystals of the Area Zero caverns.

Nemona turned to Juliana, saying,

“Oh my god, Jules!!”

She squealed back,

“I know!!”

They rushed in to explore the crystal-encrusted cave, admiring all the formations, in awe of their discovery. Nemona exclaimed,

“It’s exactly like Area Zero! You think this is why the pokemon in the Kitakami region can terastallize? I mean, this looks even more concentrated than the crystal pool’s formations are, there’s gotta be a ton of energy here.”

“Probably! Although the water from the crystal pool feeds down into the river, and I noticed the water was all glowy from the tera energy, so that probably does a lot too! One thing’s for sure, Paldea isn’t the only place on the planet to have this phenomenon. Kitakami is loaded with this energy.”

Nemona nodded.

“Definitely. This is so wild.”

The cave also appeared home to some Pokemon; mainly Carbink, although the girls woke up some Noibat snoozing from the ceiling and a few Geodude rolled about underfoot. Juliana watched the Carbink slowly drifting their way over to them, their glittering eyes curious. She then realized that there were some Glimmets floating among them. That made sense; Juliana had really only seen Glimmets and Glimmora in the presence of these tera crystals.

Outloud, Juliana mused,

“So . . . I always thought maybe the reason for the tera crystals in Area Zero was because the meteorite that caused the crater was carrying something special. But there’s no craters here. I bet there’s nothing special about that crater after all– it just happened to expose the deep caverns where the crystals were already growing! And some caves just grow them naturally, ya know? Like here and the crystal pool. Carmine told me the crystal pool has a cave attached to it, and the water itself seeps up from an underground cavern.”

Nemona angled her headlamp away so it wouldn’t blind her friend and enthused,

“Ooh, I didn’t know that! That makes sense, though. You should totally tell Mrs. Briar your ideas, I bet she’d love them. Oh man, if you could help her figure out how tera energy works, we could bring tera battles to other regions! Imagine!”

Juliana grinned at the thought.

“That would be pretty incredible.”

Nemona bounced a little and said,

“Oh, oh, and we should go explore the crystal pool’s cave too! We gotta remember to do that!”

Juliana laughed,

“Okay, but we should probably finish exploring this one first, don’t you think?”

Nemona grabbed onto her and giggled,

“I knowwwww, I’m just excited and planning ahead!”

Juliana felt a wave of affection for the wonderfully silly girl holding onto her. She tilted her head back and nuzzled against Nemona a moment, then placed a soft little kiss to her lips.

“You’re cute.”

Their relationship still brand-new, Nemona was flustered by the casual compliment. She squirmed and glanced away, mumbling with a smile,

“No’m not.”

Juliana grinned at how easily she was flustered. She leaned in again and pressed her lips against Nemona’s ear and murmured to her,

“You are unbearably adorable.”

Nemona squirmed harder and made a delightfully embarassed noise that only confirmed the truth of Juliana’s statement; Juliana squeezed her and they both giggled.

The familiar cry of Ogerpon brought them out of their antics, reminding them of why they were there.

“Whoops. We better go find her.”

“Right.”

Once they ventured a little further in, they easily located Ogerpon, who had been busy chasing the Carbink and Glimmets with a gleeful smile. Apparently she liked how they sparkled. It was a relief to see that Ogerpon was fine, although they hadn’t been too concerned to begin with– Ogerpon had proven she was very good at taking care of herself. Albeit, she did have a tendency to wander. Juliana leaned down.

“Try not to wander off without telling us, Ogerpon, okay? We don’t want you getting hurt. I admit you did lead us to a pretty awesome cave, though.”

“Jules, look! I think there’s an underground pool here!”

Juliana glanced to where Nemona was headed– the ground slanted downwards as the cave continued deeper into the earth. Quickly, Juliana and Ogerpon followed her.

When they’d gone deeper, they found it was indeed an underground pool . . . just not the sort they’d expected. Juliana had envisioned crystal-clear, cool waters, bathed in the light of beautiful columns of tera crystals.

Instead, the pool contained a thick, goopy, pitch-black substance. Steam was rising from the pool, and sticky, viscous bubbles slowly formed and popped in the pool.

“What the heck?”

Nemona ventured closer, staring down into the strange mess.

“What is this stuff?”

Juliana hazarded a guess.

“It looks like . . . tar?”

As she came up beside Nemona, her face wrinkled.

“Euugh. Smells like tar, too.”

“Tar? Why the heck would there be a pool of tar here? Who’d do that??”

Juliana shook her head,

“No, I think– well, it’s naturally occurring sometimes. Uncommon, but not unheard of. There’s some pretty famous tar pits back in Unova. They study them because lots of ancient pokemon fell inside so there’s lots of fossils in there.”

Nemona looked thoughtful.

“Huh. That’s wild. So this could be an important scientific discovery?”

“Yeah, it might be, if nobody else knows about this!”

Nemona laughed and patted Ogerpon’s head.

“You could be famous, Ogerpon! If they discover any new pokemon fossils here, they’ll have to name them after you!”

Ogerpon chirped, not understanding but happy for the attention. Juliana stared down into the dark bog. She mused,

“It looks like it’s pretty hot, too. I wonder how hot it is? And how deep it is?”

“Hey, I think I see something poking out in the middle there.”

“Where?”

Nemona leaned against a large column of crystal growing from the ground along the pool’s edge, pointing towards the pool’s center.

“There, sorta around the middle but a bit further back, it looks like–”

“Careful, Nemona.”

“--might just be a stick but it could be a bone–”

There was a cracking sound and the crystal Nemona had leaned against started to fracture. Eyes wide, Juliana grabbed onto Nemona and pulled her back, the huge column of crystal giving way soon after and tumbling down into the tar pit, making a huge ‘gloppp’ noise and splashing tar about before slowly sinking into the black. They watched it vanish into nothing, the foul stench of tar the only thing remaining.

The girls looked at each other. Nemona laughed nervously.

“Ahahaha . . . maybe we should stop messing around near the tar pit.”

“Yyyyeah . . . why don’t we head back to camp?”

“Sounds good.”

The three quickly retraced their steps and exited the cave. Had they remained just a little while longer, they might have heard a strange rumble coming from the tar pit, bubbles forming much more rapidly than before and the surface of the pool roiling in strange shapes . . .

#pokemon #pokemon s/v #pokemon scarlet/violet #julinemo #terajules #nemona #juliana #arven #penny #the teal mask #kitakami #julinemo fanfic

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xuminghao-de-qingren · 1 year

Text

Part 1

One Friday night, your friend suddenly cancels your supposed Girls Night Out. So you decided to play around with the dating app while doing your self-care routine.

Pairing: the8 x freader; minghao x freader

warnings/tags: explicit sexual content, oral, face-fucking, unedited so there may be missing words or typos

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

You were just finishing your day at work, excited to clock out when your friend suddenly cancels your GNO. You were so pumped up and ready to party because recently you've been so stressed about your projects and you need a release but the introvert side of you somehow found joy in it.

As you arrived at your apartment, you decided to relax and meditate in the bathroom. While preparing your bath tub, you were at the kitchen preparing your mini cheese board and pink moscato wine tray. You lit up some scented candles and put your lights at a dim, got into the bath tub and start meditating.

You were not a fan of doing this kind of thing because, honestly, you think its impossible to find peace living in a fast paced influenced society in a middle of a super busy city. You recently were curious about meditating because of your favorite idol, Xu Minghao, from Seventeen.

"Ah, Hao, I sure hope this works." You washed you face a little to feel the warm of your bath water. You enjoyed the soothing fragrance of your bath bomb and scented candles: berries and roses. You hear traffic sounds and some noises from outside your apartment as you keep your mind clear and move along with your meditation process.

5 minutes later, you're done meditating not sure if it worked but this a first so you thought "oh, wells". You grabbed a piece of cheese as you open your phone and browse through a dating app.

"Let's see..hmm" as you swipe left several photos in a few seconds. There's this one guy who caught your attention. He's wearing a white weird looking hoodie, face mask almost reaching the lines of he's eyes while he's trying to make an effort opening them more for a selfie, and eyeglasses, sitting somewhere doing a weird peace sign like a hippie.

"Should I?"

"Umm, sketchy"

"He's photo is unique, tho!"

"His description is a bit catchy too: 🖤🎱"

"NOT!!"

Just when you're about to swipe left, your fidgeting thumb accidentally swiped right.

"Oops" as your face showed an exaggerated regret. "I'll just have to get on with it." You stowed your phone to the bathroom shelf beside your tub and finish off your first glass of wine.

After a relaxing bath, you fancy nothing but to feel sexy for tonight's sleep so you wore your one and only-slash-favorite Victoria's Secret nighties. "Huhu, your're so expensive." As you try it on while looking at your body mirror. This is your kind of self love, while everything else in your mind is chaotic you still manage to prioritize your mental health. "Gotta make the most of this weekend, ugh, sad though I've really wanted to go out." Suddenly you heard a "ding" from your phone and a notice came from the dating app came.

A message from "🖤🎱" came:

🖤🎱: "I'm just wondering how'd you find me attractive after seeing my photo here 🤣"

You: "Well, I think its a fake photo. Lol"

🖤🎱: "Heeey, come on!"

You: "🙃"

🖤🎱: "So what do you need my damsel in distress?"

You: "Guess."

🖤🎱: "Sex"

You giggled quietly. "Of course I'll be looking for sex. Why else would I be pampering myself right?" You reply in thought.

You: "Duh. Lol"

🖤🎱: "Unfortunately, I can't go out to have one tho. 🥲"

You: "Why?"

🖤🎱: "It's a secret."

You: "Okay."

🖤🎱: "Wow, you're a savage one."

You: "Sorry, the truth is I suck at this. I really don't know how to respond. Lol"

You: "Can you teach me, sensei?" - your famous flirting line. Lol

🖤🎱: "Well, first, tell me what are you wearing?"

You: "Wow, what are you? A teenager?!"

🖤🎱: "I'm kidding! I'm kidding! 🤣"

🖤🎱: "But seriously tho, I do wanna know. 🥺"

You sent your selfie that you took a while ago after changing showing your back side.

It took him a while to respond.

You: "Are you still there?"

🖤🎱: "Yeah, sorry."

He calls you through the video call portal of the dating app. You answered. He's wearing a bucket hat, chic glasses, and face mask. You were a bit shocked coz he looks very familiar to you but you did not bother because you were trying to maintain your confidence and flirt around some more. Also, you were bothered why he covered his face so much and positions his phone away from his face so you can see side part of his face and shoulders.

He tries to check your face again.

🖤🎱: "Wait, is that you? Y/N?!"

He sounded so familiar.

You: "Huh? What? You sound so familiar. I How'd you know my name? Stop moving your camera, I can't see you!"

🖤🎱: "Huwaa, it is you! Wow, you're still hot!"

Just when you heard his voice again, your heart skipped and was running fast as you respond.

You: "Hao?!"

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

Yep, it was Xu Minghao, he was your high school fling. It was a short while before he started training in his agency then. After that, you lost contact.

You remember your first hook up at your bed room when it was supposed to be a study group session. You were both curious about the deed until it became a fling.

You covered yourself with your blanket as you go on with you video call with Hao.

"Hey, how have you been? And why are you in a dating app?!" You asked.

"Y/N, why are you covering your body. Come on now, I already saw them." His clicks his tongue as he reacts to your body language.

"Oh shut up." You giggled.

"Boo." He replied with disappointment.

"You must be in town since you showed up in my list. Where are you staying now?" You asked him while checking google for Seventeen updates.

"Oh just somewhere, we're currently on a work break." He said while removing his covers and fixing his hair. Then smiled at you looking like a kid who's excited to see his playdate.

"You sly sly sly dog! Why are you in a dating app? Are you trying to get girls vajected tonight? You're so mean." You tease him.

"What are you saying, stop talking and show me those nighties please." He pouts at you.

"No! We're adults now and we're friends. Hold on, I'll wear my robe." You stood up away from your phone.

"No!" He laughs "Don't change please."

"Stop it, Hao." You laughed while walking back to your phone and try to focus on catching up with him.

He clicks his tongue in disappointment again. "Yep, I'm here in town for a while and I decided to spend my break with my family."

"I see." You smiled back. "Then, welcome back, Hao!"

"Thanks." He replied. "So how are you? I assume you don't have someone right now since you're in this dating app we're using." He giggled teasingly.

"Yup, there's nobody right now." You laughed. "Can you introduce me to Jeonghan or Joshua? Hihi"

He replied in a fake smile ignoring your request. "You still look the same! It's like you did not aged. A bit of maturity showing which is a good thing, I think?"

You both feel excited as you try to catch up with each other's life recently.

"Hey, I'm glad to see you today." He said. It seems he's trying to end your call soon.

"Me too." Smiling back at him. At the back of your mind you remember the times you play around. As you feel hot and try to maintain composure, there was an awkward silence.

You heard a long sigh from him and asked: "Are you sleepy?"

"No, I still need to finish these." As you turn your camera showing your serving tray on you bed.

"Shall I join you?" He asked looking like a happy puppy hoping you say yes.

"Sure, you haven't changed at all, Hao. I know what you're up to and I do hope it's not gonna happen. I'll send you my address." Hao laughed at your sarcasm. You ended the call and sent your details through chat. You got up from your bed and changed into your casual clothes. You were so lazy to change so you just put up an oversized sweater enough to cover your night wear.

After an hour, your doorbell rang. "Gosh, it's still 8:30pm?" You walked to your door to see if it's him. He was fully covered in black outfit to make sure no paparazzi could manage to see him. You open your door and greeted him. "Woah, you brought food! You shouldn't have." You took the take-out from his hands and lead him to your kitchen. You busy yourself preparing your wine and snacks.

Meanwhile, Hao's checking out your place while removing his coat and covers. "Nice place you got here. Very you."

"Thanks!" Smiling back at him while carrying the food you prepared on your food tray and putting it on your living room's coffee table.

You both sat down and you enjoyed the rest of your catch up while having dinner and drinks. You reminisced about your silly friends and the things you've done during your high school days and laughed so hard about it.

"I'm glad we stayed friends after 'all' that." You told him still giggling from your last topic.

"Yeah." Hao agreed taking a sip from his wine.

An awkward silence filled the room and your speakers started playing: Fallin' all in you by Shawn Mendez

"You know, we can still do it again. I mean if you want to." Hao breaking his silence in a small tone almost a whisper while looking away.

"What?" You asked shockingly.

"Only if you want to! I'm not gonna force you. You know I'm not like that." He immediately retreated after saying those words.

"Are you asking me to be your fuck buddy just now?" Asking him again.

"Well, hmm.. Ye-es?" Then he paused. "I just thought, what's the reason we're both in a dating app a while ago?"

"Hey, you're an idol and I don't know what you were doing in that app but as for me my reason is valid." You explained in a laughter.

"I'm just looking for a hook up!" Hao reacted childishly.

"While wearing a face mask?!" You tease him.

"No, just someone who I can talk to through a video call.. And uhm, if I get lucky someone might show their hmm.." He bashfully explained while making a gesture of removing clothes. "So you know, I can get my needs.. you know satisfied."

"I see.." nodding your head sarcastically pretending you listen to his bullshit but really he's telling the truth. "Sucks to be you." You laughed at him.

"Hey! Huhu" He said while pouting.

You both laughed. "Let me think about it for a second."

Knowing you, the fact that he's an idol rising to stardom, you don't really care about his status. He's just looking for someone for release with no strings attached. To you, he's just "Hao", the one you met from high school and your friend. It would probably run for a short while since he's just here for a break. He'll definitely go back to Korea for work.

"How long will you be staying here?" You asked him.

"2 weeks? I'm on a break this week and have a few shoots here and there.." Hao replied.

"And this "fling part 2" should only be valid for this schedule?" You asked again.

"Hmm, that depends.." he replied.

"What do you mean?" You asked back.

"Let's just focus on our time right now." He whispered slowly grabbing your hand for a kiss. He rest your hand on his toned shoulder as he kissed your lips and play around with your tongue. He kissed your cheek down to your neck. You can smell his scent, that familiar scent you used from your bath and once again, you felt high on his touch. You definitely remember the feeling, the ecstasy that this thing gave when you were both in high school.

It's getting a bit steamy so you stopped him gently because you can't take it anymore. You stood up and pull him as you lead him to you bed room. You pushed him to your bed. Hao giggled and sat while undoing his buttons showing his well-toned torso. You removed your over-sized sweater and showed him personally your nighties. His tongue clicks in excitement as he pull you and place you on him, sitting on his thighs, and kissed you. His hands are all over the place and enjoys the touch of silk on your body. He touches your back, your waist, and your butt. He moved his lips away from yours and kissed your chin as look up making his way to your firm breast. He moved a bit of your clothing to gain access from your firmed nipple. You moved your arms and hugged him from his head as you enjoy his lips playing on your breast. You brush his hair back and you catch his wild eyes looked at you then looked away enjoying every bit of your soft skin. You focused on rubbing your hands all over his head and shoulders. He moved your body over to his side and dropped you on the bed panting. Your heart raced as you looked at him examining your body once more. He positioned himself over you and kissed you intensely. He removed your top over your head and pulls your panties down until you're completely naked. You placed your arm over your eyes covering it from him, the same thing you did first time with him.

"Hey, really? This again?" He said. "Like I said from last time: don't worry I'll be gentle." He tracked soft sweet kisses from your lips down to you neck, chest, belly button, then down to you clit. You released a soft moan as he started to play around with your pussy. He's so good you shake softly while biting your fingers to avoid making a noise from his licks. "Ni tài shīle, Y/N." He whispered back at your ear.

"Put it in, Hao, please. I want more." You begged. You looked at each other panting as you trail your hands on his torso down to his black denim pants, you felt his erection as he pushed it towards your hand giving you permission to cup it. His eyes locked on you. You undid his zipper and pull down his pants. "Can you show me the way please." He requested. You rubbed him once then lead his hard thing inside you. Hao dropped his face beside yours as you both moan and pant up and down. He likes it slow at first enjoying every inch inside you. You release this kind of heat that makes him so crazy that eventually accelerates your pace.

"Oh my, Hao~" You screamed softly.

"More please, more." You whispered.

"I'm near, Y/N." He said.

"No, let me go first." Asking him to relax.

Hao slowed down his pace. You turned over riding him. He sat down so he can easily kiss your lips while fucking you. You lead him on to your pace as you race to cum first. He's holding you by your waist to assist you as you fuck him. "I'm coming, Hao." You moaned. "Yeah, babe, cum for me please." He replied. Then finally you look up breathlessly as you feel your warm release over him. "Oh, shit." Panting and feeling you. He's still hard inside you. You kissed him and moved out of his erected cock. You went down to his pelvic area and sucked him. "Y/N, you're making me crazy." He said as he enjoys your mouth. He bit his lips as you pace your blowjob well. Your tongue swipes around his head teasing him. "Mmm.." he moaned. His entire length inside your mouth. He can't help but fix your hair up so he can control your face the way he wants to. From here on you thought nothing but to satisfy him and making him cum inside your mouth making you both excited. "I'm coming, Y/N." He moaned and you moved a bit faster. Suddenly, you felt that sweet warm flavor inside your mouth as he holds you on your head while releasing making his leg twitch. You wiped your drools and moved back up beside him tired but satisfied. You both laughed it off and Hao kissed you. "Your so hot, babe." You closed your eyes still awake but resting. You giggled to his flattering comment and replied: "You too. I'm glad to see you back, Hao. Thank you for today." He moved you placing you on his shoulders to a hug. "I'm glad to see you too."

#xu minghao x reader #minghao x reader #minghao x y/n #minghao x you #the8 x reader #the8 x you #seventeen au #seventeen xu minghao

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illumins · 7 months

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CHAPTER ONE

Encounter

The night shift at the café unfolded as it usually did, with the establishment half empty and permeated by a bone-chilling cold that seemed to numb rather than induce shivers. The café, delineated not by walls but by expansive windows, offered a view of the dark city outside. Seoul sprawled with its sprawling advertisements, myriad streetlights, bustling shops, and an ever-present stream of vehicles. Yet, within the glass confines of the café, tranquility reigned.

Scattered individuals and couples occupied the sparsely populated tables, and occasional sounds of cups and plates clinking punctuated the silence. I, Sora, as per my responsibility to keep things running until the next shift arrived, kept a vigilant eye on the patrons. My six-hour shift, from 3 to 9, often took a toll on me, but the money was a necessity. As I momentarily vacated my spot behind the counter and navigated among the tables, I deftly collected abandoned plates and cups. My practiced skill allowed me to stack them on my arm while I wiped down the tables with a dingy rag. Customers greeted me with nods and brief hellos, which I reciprocated with polite smiles.

My job wasn't disagreeable, but it was far from what I yearned to be doing. I longed to huddle in a corner of my room, crafting stories that might ultimately find their home at the bottom of a trash can. My mind often wandered, conjuring ‘what ifs’ and characters known only to my imagination. Yet, my sense of responsibility tugged at my heart. My stories and the specters of my characters could wait; my grandmother's well-being could not.

As I added another empty coffee mug to my already burdened left arm, a slight tug on my apron drew my attention. Glancing to my left, I encountered a woman with wavy blond locks who smiled at me with an air of self-assurance. “Yes?” I inquired.

“When does this café close?” the woman asked.

“At 3 am,” I replied.

“It must be hard to keep working until that late, hmm…” The woman craned her neck to get a better look at my name tag. “Sora... what a pretty name.”

Feeling uneasy, I nodded. “Thank you. My shift is actually about to end. But thanks for the concern. I hope you're enjoying the cake.” I noticed the untouched Triple Choco De Grande on the woman's plate.

The woman glanced at the cake and smiled again, setting me further on edge. “Yeah, I heard it's one of this café's famous pastries.”

I was uncertain how to respond, and an uneasy silence fell over us. The woman, sitting elegantly with a black jean jacket and black shades, seemed to unnerve me. Perhaps it was the absence of eye contact. “Yeah... well, I have to continue. Bye.” I resumed my tasks but was called back by the woman.

“Yes?” I inquired once more.

“I just wanted to warn you about the man who's been standing outside the café for a while.”

My breath hitched, and I quickly peered outside at the crosswalk, streetlamp, and bustling pedestrians. Among the lively crowd, however, no one seemed out of the ordinary. I looked back down at the woman, but to my astonishment, she had vanished. I wondered if I should ask the other customers if they had witnessed my conversation with the mysterious woman, but the fear of sounding irrational held me back. I needed this job.

After taking a few deep breaths, I dismissed the encounter as my imagination running wild. “It's been a while,” I murmured to myself. With that, I returned to the counter and ventured into the back kitchen. One by one, I deposited the dirty dishes into the sink, but the overpowering odor of the overflowing trash commanded my immediate attention.

Removing the trash bag from the can, I tied it securely and headed for the café's back door. As my hand reached for the door handle, I hesitated, reminded of the woman's warning. Several seconds passed as I grappled with my fear before regaining my composure. It'll be quick. I didn't see anything anyway.

I turned the doorknob and pushed the door outward, darting through the narrowing gap with the bag in tow. Behind the café stretched a dimly lit alleyway shared with a neighboring boutique named 'Stellas'. At the far end, facing a small park, stood a large dumpster. Although I saw nothing suspicious, my imagination played tricks on my emotions. I hastened to the dumpster and, with furtive glances around, disposed of the trash bag.

With the task completed, I hurried back toward the café's back door, ears attuned to any approaching sounds. I felt a bit silly, but my fear outweighed any embarrassment I might experience later. As I neared the door, I reached out to grasp the handle. Instead of the cold metal meeting my fingertips, searing pain shot through my back as I was forcibly pressed against the brick wall.

Instinctively, I balled my fists and attempted to push away my assailant, who had pinned me with unrelenting force. My efforts were met with sharp, escalating pain in my shoulders. Yet, I continued to struggle, my fists delivering futile punches.

“Open your eyes,” a voice demanded.

With a lingering sense of fear, I gradually obeyed, my gaze locking with that of a man standing before me. He appeared to be only slightly taller than me, his eyes as dark as onyx and partially concealed by light brown bangs. His thin lips formed a fierce scowl.

“Where's the dagger?” he demanded again.

I could do little more than stare, my panic intensifying as my attacker's patience wore thin. His grip on my shoulders grew excruciating.

“Answer me,” he insisted.

“I... I... agh!” I winced, my voice trembling as I struggled to form words. His fingers bore into my shoulders, causing me to yelp in pain. “I don't know!” I blurted out.

“Don't lie.”

Desperation surged within me as I futilely attempted to pry his hands from me. The pain had become unbearable, and I cried out between my pleas.

“I'm not! Please, I don't know what you're talking about!” I pleaded.

From the shadows behind him, a calm and soothing voice reached our ears. “Jisung, let her go.”

Jisung, his focus solely on me, responded with a stern refusal. “No, we found her, and now we get what we want.”

“Not like this; we're scaring her and potentially driving the dagger away.” An eerie silence passed between the two strangers, and Jisung's grip on me remained unrelenting. Eventually, he grudgingly released me and retreated into the shadows, never allowing me to leave his line of sight. He vanished into the darkness, leaving me staring into the void in shock. Without hesitation, I rushed back inside the café, securing the door behind me. I found a safe corner in the kitchen, far from the back door, and collapsed, my legs drawn to my chest as I hugged them tightly. Overwhelmed by emotions, I sobbed quietly, that wasn’t fake, it can't be.

divider: @saradika

#kpop fanfic #kpop ff #kpop au #illumins #haechan au #haechan fanfic #haechan vampire #vampire haechan au!#haechan #lee donghyuck #lee donghyuk #mark lee #kpop vampire au #nightdoveseries

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dyrewrites · 5 months

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Q&A

Got tagged by my sisser (@rmgrey-author)!

I am tagging @starbuds-and-rosedust @pb-dot @stesierra and @deanwax (mostly out of curiosity, but feel free to ignore the tag =P)

Now, let's get early 2000s up in this place and answer some personal questions that absolutely aren't being scraped for nefarious purposes.

1) Are you named after anyone?

Not a person, but a fantasy series. I am named after the Chronicles of Amber. Which I could never finish, because young me found it terribly boring...I should really try again.

2) When was the last time you cried?

Yesterday! I was watching the Blue Beetle movie and it got me good.

3) Do you have kids?

Yus. I has a son, he is a teen now and I am afraid for him.

4) What sports do you play/have you played?

I used to play baseball, and basketball, and had a lot of fun with tennis. Not on any teams or anything though, I don't do competition.

Now not really, but I do box at home with a bag...does that count?

5) Do you use sarcasm?

Oh, no never.

6. What’s the first thing you notice about people?

Eyes. You will find a focus on them in my writing as well, because I can't help myself.

At one point in my life I had a lot of grown ass adults convinced that I could read their minds by looking into their eyes. Truthfully I just couldn't stop staring at pretty eyes and needed an excuse that wasn't too creepy.

7. What’s your eye color?

Hazel.

8. Scary movies or happy endings?

What an odd pair to choose from.

I love scary movies, but I also enjoy happy endings.

My favorites are bittersweet endings, however.

9. Any talents?

I got skills what I have worked at. I don't know about talent though. Singing maybe, but I also worked at that through years of choir. So...hmm. I don't think so?

10. Where were you born?

Anaheim, California.

11. What are your hobbies?

Reading, gaming, writing, art, baking.

12. Do you have any pets?

I have two kitties, one senior tuxedo baby named Mr. Nefarious and one teenage black goblin named Spook.

13. How tall are you?

5'4"

14. Favorite subject in school?

English (except in middle school wherein it became Typing, but I credit the fun teacher we had for that)

15. Dream job?

Full-time author. I don't need to be famous, or even well known, but I'd like to make enough to support my family while hopefully filling a considerable number of people's lives with a little extra dread (and joy, of course, but mostly dread -- I want you to toss my books across the room and then go pick them up and keep reading, that is my dream).

#writeblr #Q&A #tag game #seriously this felt like one of those quizzes my friends used to email eachother #i half expected to be asked what kind of boys i like #fun though!#hope someone finds it interesting

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sofiahahaaa · 2 years

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HEY NEIGHBOR - Tom Holland x Reader

Description: Reader is new to LA, trying to get her start as a screenwriter. She finds out on her first night in town that she has some famous company in her apartment block, and she never seems to be on the right terms with him.

A/N: So, I had this idea, and I requested it from a writing blog I really like, but I can’t force them to write anything, so I decided… finals are over, I should just write it myself! And this way– I HAVE TOTAL CONTROL. Anyways– I haven’t published any of my writing since my PJO series… which is still incomplete. AHEM. Let’s not talk about it, I don’t have the motivation to finish.

Alright. So. This is not a writing blog, but I do enjoy writing! So I will do this! For myself! And everyone else who reads, of course. That is to say, it's been a while, but I hope you enjoy!

Warnings: 18+ some cursing, mentions of sex, and a little bit of angst. Fem!Reader, sick hurt/comfort, heavy alcohol use, possessiveness/jealousy. Girlboss reader.

Wordcount: 12.6k

Pt 1. WELCOME

I brushed my hair back as I waited for the front desk to hand me my new keys. My nerves had me picking my hands raw.

This was it. I was in LA, lo and behold, and I… had no plans. I should’ve made plans.

I bit my lip anxiously, trying to tune out the annoying clicking of someone’s keyboard. Don’t be stressed. It’ll all be okay.

Finally, the meek man at the front desk popped back up, his wild blue hair flying everywhere. He stuck out his hand awkwardly, key dangling from his dirty fingers.

“Here you go Ms… ms…” He looked positively in pain as he tried to remember my name.

“Y/N is fine. Just, um–” I grabbed the keys and picked up my bag again. “Which unit?”

“Unit– uh– 320.”

“3rd floor?”

“Um– yes. Yeah.”

“Okay, thank you, Mr. Laurence.” I said, glancing at his name tag. The guy was certainly a hot mess. I hoped I didn’t look that way.

Traffic made the ride from the airport to my new apartment building about an hour long (double the time it should’ve been), and after a 2-hour plane delay, I was just rushing to make sure I got here in time to meet the moving guys. I hadn’t had a chance to check that I still looked… presentable.

I lugged my carry-on suitcases down the hallway and up the stairs (elevator wasn’t working) until finally, I found my apartment. Man, having to make that walk all the time would not be enjoyable.

I shuffled around in my bag for about a minute trying to find the damn keys, which I couldn’t have possibly lost already– oh, there.

Finally, with a satisfying clunk, I slid the keys in and unlocked the door, opening it to take in the wonderful smell of… apartment. It was so plain. A fresh start. This was a good sign.

My boxes were already there, complete with a little note. Guess I didn’t make it to meet the moving guys. It was alright, though– everything seemed to be there. And because it was just a one-bedroom, there wasn’t really a ‘wrong’ place to put the boxes.

This, I could work with. I moved around to set my bag down on the counter, taking in my new digs. It was surprisingly nice for how cheap the rent was. Relatively new doors, modern appliances, barely a sign of ceiling stains from water leakage. There had to be something wrong, right?

Just then, I heard a loud crash from next door. Hmm. Maybe that was the issue.

I shrugged it off and started tearing open boxes. It was such a small apartment; I didn’t get why my mom insisted on me hiring moving guys. I told her that if she wanted to keep all my stuff from my old place, she could just hire the moving guys to come to her house. The apartment wasn’t furnished yet, but it wasn’t like I had to keep my old stuff. I liked the idea of starting anew.

Alas, my mom is the kind of person to always get what she wants, so thus, the moving guys were hired, and now my apartment was already full of stuff, and I had just arrived.

I had only torn open 2 boxes by the time my phone started ringing, lighting up with my mom’s caller ID. I left the stack of books I was trying to organize and picked up the phone. “Heyyy sweetie…”

“Hi mama. What’s up?”

“Well, I figured you were all settled right about now and that I should call you to make sure you’re doing well!”

“Actually, mom, I just landed.”

“What? But your flight was for 11 am!”

“Yeah, but it was delayed from Phoenix.” I paused, holding my scissors between my teeth as I looked for my bedding box.

“No! LAX is such a nightmare– I can’t believe I have to fly through there every time I want to see you.” My mother huffed, hard to read but hopefully in a playful tone.

“It’s not so bad.” I tried to interject, but she left me with silence. “Okay, so it’s pretty bad. Anyways, I’m just unpacking some stuff before I go out to dinner.”

“Dinner? Do you have plans with someone? Not a date, right?” My mom already sounded worried.

“No, mom. Just me. I mean dinner, like… Chipotle. Not a fancy dinner.”

“Oh, okay. Well, stay safe!”

“I’ll try.” I hung up before she could carry on the call. Seriously, the sun was almost setting and I had barely fixed the apartment.

I had been at it for what seemed like hours, blasting my favorite music and unpacking things at rapid speed. I wasn’t new to unpacking, either. My old job in sales and marketing had me traveling all the time, so I was in and out of my old apartment every other day. It was probably why I could never hold down a relationship. It was sad and lonely, but it paid really well, especially since I was straight out of college.

Finally, with enough savings, I had decided to pursue my true dream in Hollywood: writing stories that so many people around the world would see. My work, on the big screen.

It was risky. My employer was shocked when I handed in my two weeks; I think because he had basically given me everything I could ever ask for. Sure, I felt bad, but it wasn’t like they relied on me 100%. And I wanted a change, quick.

So here I was, arranging chairs at the countertop and throwing my old throw pillows on my old couch. Shiny new apartment, shiny new city. Exhilarating.

All of the sudden, I heard a loud knock at my door, sending me out of my unpacking haze. I rushed to the door, straightening out my shirt and trying to hide my sweat stains. Ah shit, my hair.

Whatever: I don’t care if my neighbor sees me like this, it’s going to happen a lot more.

I opened the door wide, immediately shocked with who was on the other side.

“Tom… Holland?” I took a deep breath and blinked hard. I had to be seeing things.

“That would be me.” He smirked a little, straightening his cuff.

“Sorry, are you my neighbor?” Why did Tom Holland live in a moderately priced apartment building– not to mention one that was decently far away from anything significant?

“Well, I do live in the apartment unit right next to yours, so I suppose I would be.” He was being… snarky.

I couldn’t lie, he was attractive– I was a huge fan of Spiderman and, well, how he plays Spiderman, but I’d never expected him to be so… uppity. No, that wasn’t the right word. He wasn’t posh, necessarily. Just had an air about him that made him seem superior to you. I was sure he could be perfectly sweet if given the chance, but with me– he would never get the chance. I’d make sure of it. I’m going to be working with celebrities all the time if my career takes off; so, I have to learn to speak to them– like normal people. Right. Just some practice for the big leagues.

“You suppose?” I said, mocking his accent. He made a face.

“You got me. I’m British,”

“Funny.” I held in an actual laugh, knowing that just a chuckle from me would boost his ego through the roof. “But in all seriousness, is there a reason you came over? I know you are a star and you know, you have such a busy life–”

“Oh, if that’s how it is–” He made like he was going to walk out the door. I bit my lower lip and decided to have some restraint.

“No, I’m sorry. I’m being rude. Why did you choose to grace me with your presence on this fine day?” He turned back to me, resting his arm on my door jamb.

“Well, I know you’re new, but the blasting of music… you gotta keep it down. We have thin walls here, darling.”

I swallowed a gasp when he called me darling. LA is absolutely surreal. “Oh… I see.” I pouted, “You don’t like my taste in music?”

“It’s not the music, love. It’s your singing. It’s like in the shower, except we can hear you. And you don’t have range.”

I rolled my eyes. “Ouch! You think you can do better?” I instantly winced, remembering he had a history on the West End. Stupid.

“I definitely can.” He was still smiling, though– so, no harm, no foul.

I raised my hands up playfully. “Okay, I surrender. I’ll stop singing– but the music is staying on.”

“Actually, I do have a date over right now– so could you turn it down? Or… put in some headphones?”

I could feel my heart beating. A date? So he wasn’t… flirting.

Or maybe he was. Maybe it was a casual thing with his… date.

“A date? Didn’t know you were dating anyone!”

“Well, it’s not exactly public. We are thinking of moving in together, however, so I suppose you should meet her as well.”

So it was serious. There go my chances. “Any other secret roommates you want to tell me about?”

“Actually, yeah. My brother Sam is living with me right now. He’s quite the chef, so maybe you could come over for supper in the future.”

“I might; I’m not exactly financially equipped for gourmet, so a free dinner is appealing.”

“You’re a funny one. Alright, well–” His apartment door came open, the girl who I assumed was his girlfriend poking her head out the door.

“Babe? Are you coming back to bed?” She whined. Yikes, wouldn’t have taken him to end up with this kind of girl.

“Soon, sweetheart. I’m introducing myself to the new neighbor.” He explained, eyes tired.

She stepped out of the doorway, and thankfully she was dressed. “Hmm,” she moaned lightly. Does his girlfriend always make sex sounds when speaking casually? She was eyeing me up and down, eating me up with her eyes. “She’s pretty,” she said, a hint of jealousy in her eyes. Jealous? Of a girl he just met? “Are you sure she’s not some crazy fan?”

“She’s right there, baby.” Tom reminded her. “And I doubt she’s ‘some crazy fan’. She seemed genuinely surprised that I was her neighbor.”

“Who even is she?”

“Why don’t you ask her?” Tom replied. She shrugged. Seemed like… a brat. “Okay– actually, I don’t remember your name– please tell me I haven’t asked yet.”

“No, you haven’t. My name’s Y/N, uh, L/N.”

“That’s a pretty name,” he said almost without thinking, then immediately looked guiltily at his girlfriend. Apparently, that’s exactly what she was looking for, because she was pouting at him for making that comment. “Um, but– the prettiest of all, the queen of my world right here– her name is Emily.”

“Nice to meet you, Emily.” I stuck out my hand to shake hers, but she neglected to return the shake. I let my hand drop to my side and rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly. “Well then. Tom, Emily, nice to meet you both. I’ll turn down that music for you. We can… catch up soon.”

I dropped back into my apartment, sitting on the floor, defeated. That girl was… toxic– but I couldn’t get involved. It was someone else’s relationship. For now, I would have to focus less on the hot neighbor, and more on the journey ahead of me.

Pt 2. REFERRAL

“Yep. Yep, got it. No, it’s totally fine. Yep. Okay. Bye.” I hung up the phone in frustration. Another rejection. Nobody would hire me with no experience and the wrong degree. All of the work I had done independently was nothing in this kind of industry. I slumped face down onto the floor, my face hitting the cold wood.

“AHHHHHHHHH,” I screamed in frustration. 2 weeks of nothing but rejection and tears. The stress was building up, and my part time job at the Starbucks down the street wasn’t paying the bills. “FUCK!” I screamed again, kicking the ground as hard as I could without hurting myself.

I had been laying there, crying, for a couple minutes, when I heard a knock on my door. I didn’t answer it. I didn’t want anyone to see me like this.

“Y/N?” Ugh, it was Tom.

You know, being neighbors with Tom wasn’t all I had hoped it would be. I had barely spoken to him since the night you’d met, save for a couple interactions on the way to get the mail or take out the trash. I’d almost seen his girlfriend more than him, and everytime she saw me she gave me that horrid catty look. She was… the worst, to put it lightly.

Oh, and the sex. No, not with him. Him and… Emily, just going at it. If anything, I guessed Tom was staying with that nightmare because the sex was good. Sometimes the moans coming through the walls were so loud that even my sound-blocking headphones wouldn’t block out that shit. That paired with the sound of the bed hitting the wall made me want to jump off the roof of the building.

Tom went silent, and I sighed, hitting the floor with my forehead again. Then, I heard the door creak open. Before I could sit up to protest, Tom spoke. “You left it unlocked.”

“So you just walked in?”

“Being a friend, I wanted to see what was wrong with you.” He shrugged.

“Gee, thanks. Besides, what makes you think we’re friends?” I shot back, genuinely upset.

Tom mocked being hurt. “What’s wrong with me?”

“I could tell you, but you have to answer my questions first.”

“Okay, sounds fair.”

“Is your girlfriend going to barge through that door in a second and kill me for speaking to you?” I sat up fully.

“I don’t… think so? She’s away at the moment. And why do you say it like that?” Tom had a small frown scrawled on his face.

“She’s… I’m going to be honest with you, because I honestly couldn’t care less if you hate me. She’s a nightmare. She’s so rude. I can’t believe you’re– actually, I’m not going to finish that sentence.” This time, he seemed genuinely shocked.

“I didn’t realize you felt that way.” I couldn’t decipher whether he was disappointed or just upset with me for being so blunt about it.

“Of course not. We’ve barely spoken.”

“Yeah… yeah. Okay, you said ‘questions’. What are the other ones?” He sat down on my couch, kicking one of his legs over the other in a weird cross.

“Why did you come over?”

“Because you were screaming. It was really loud– and distracting.” He crossed his arms.

“Oh nooo, me losing another job is so devastating to you, oh noooo.” I rolled my eyes.

“Apologies, but did you say… another job?” I was ready to blow up on him right then and there, but I held it back in my throat.

“Been having some trouble getting a job with practically no experience.” I coughed out, blinking away my emotions.

“What do you do?”

“I’m trying to get a job writing for a show or movie… or, anything.”

“I know a lot of writers,” he said, and I interpreted it as him being boisterous.

“Yeah, that’s great news for me.”

“No, no– ugh, I mean, I might be able to connect you to someone, and like, maybe you could assist or something.” He tried to explain.

“Or something.” I hummed.

“Yeah, if you’re interested, I’ll submit your resume to some of my colleagues. I’m sure they won’t mind taking a look.”

“Why are you doing this?” I was surprised by his sudden interest in helping me.

“Don’t want you to keep crying.”

“That’s… sweet.” He held up a wary hand.

“Because it’s loud, and I am trying to get some rest.”

“Oh, wow.”

“Will you please keep it down?”

“Yep. Sureee. No problem.” I slumped my shoulders again.

Without another word, he had left my apartment, leaving me with the most confusing rollercoaster of emotions waiting to come crashing in. I had almost forgotten I was suppressing them. I just took myself to my bed to cry softly, making sure to not disturb him. Life is messy. What is wrong with me? Why do I have to rely on my stupid hot actor neighbor to get a job? And… why am I crying?

I hope he can’t hear me. Wouldn’t want that to interrupt his wonderful sex life.

Pt 2. Alternative: Tom’s POV

I had been trying to find an excuse to talk to the new girl for so long, it was really wearing on me. I felt like every time I intentionally ran into her, she was in a rush to leave, even though she was always in her apartment. She literally only left for work, and that was less than half the day; so why did she avoid me?

I knew Emily hadn’t exactly made the best impression on her, but she was just intimidated by the new, pretty face in town. I had been really impressed by how she was able to keep up banter with me without shaking. It was so refreshing.

And now she wouldn’t talk to me.

I hadn’t even gotten her number– I mean, we did live next to each other– but I never got the chance to invite her over to dinner with Sam. I didn’t even know if she’d be interested.

So, when I heard her cry out like she was in pain at 10pm, I had to check it out. I was dying to at least have a conversation with her.

When I walked in, she just looked so defeated. I felt really bad. I had to fix it, right?

She just… made it so hard to be nice. I knew it was all fun and games, but this was dangerous. What happens when I cross a line? We weren’t close enough for me to know where that line is.

So there I was, stepping in and out. And that’s when I hear that she is trying to be a writer. I don’t tell her, because I don’t want to get her hopes up, but there’s a writer’s position open on the next project I’m working on, and it’s a big one. It would look great on her resume.

So I mention it, act like I’m being a decent person, and leave before I get ahead of myself and start spewing nonsense about wanting to be her best friend in the whole wide world. Finally in my apartment, I danced around the room erratically, so crazy happy that I had a conversation with her, despite it being… neutral, to say the least.

When I finally settle down into bed, resting comfortably, I hear quiet sobs coming from the other side of the wall. It takes me a second to remember that Emily isn’t here; her crying was a regular occurence. It’s Y/N who’s crying. I take a second to listen, hearing that she doesn’t stop, she just keeps sobbing quietly. I hear a soft thud, and muffled sniffle.

“Fuck.” She says softly. Then she starts crying again.

Wow. Did I… make her cry?

But– I tried my best to be nice, and I practically opened up her future to success in one conversation! Way to be grateful.

I should be nicer. It was probably something I said. Or something Emily said. She just doesn’t know how to control herself sometimes. I’d leave her– but the sex is magical.

I was bordering on wanting to have her move in and wanting to break up with her entirely, and it stabbed at my nerves every time I went to bed with her. I felt guilty. I can’t keep my life so unstable with a woman I can’t see myself with in the future. But… at the same time, she’s… my cure to loneliness.

What to do, what to do.

And how to sleep, since Y/N won’t stop crying? Not that it’s that loud, but I can’t sleep knowing I’ve caused her that much pain.

Finally, the crying subsides, and I hear light snores. So she’s sleeping. That’s good.

Pt 3. BREAKFAST

I climbed out of bed the next morning feeling weak, like I had a hangover. My mouth was dry and my face was red, but there was no alcohol involved. In fact, I remembered everything vividly.

I had to push it down. If Tom had done what he’d promised, there would be an offer on the table… or, a rejection. So I just had to wait. I decided I would treat myself after finding a spare 20 in my coat pocket, heading to town to grab a bite of breakfast to eat. As I walked into the Rising Sun Eatery, however, it seemed that… someone else… had the same idea as I did.

Tom and Emily were sitting at a table at the far back of the restaurant, Tom hidden behind a large pair of sunglasses and a hood. It didn’t matter, though. I recognized Emily clear as day with her platinum blond locks that reached her backside, and her flashy pink talons, which I liked to imagine were a reflection of her true personality. It looked like Sam was also there, currently engrossed in his phone.

Immediately, I shrunk down, asking for a table outside. Emily wouldn’t see me anyways, she was facing the other way. I was just on my way to be seated when, unexpectedly, someone yelled my name. I swiveled around, scanning the room for anyone else who could’ve said it. Some people were looking around for the cause of the commotion, but no possible perpetrators, except for– well, Tom, who was waving his hand over for me to join them.

I felt like I was obliged to join after that, so I apologized to the hostess and awkwardly made my way over to their table. “Hi… guys.”

“Y/N! This is my brother, Sam– he’s in town for the next two months or so while I get a start on this new project– he’s my, uh, personal chef and brother!”

“Hi Sam, pleasure to meet you,” I stuck out my hand, and he thankfully shook it, smiling at me kindly. He seemed a little meeker than Tom, perhaps– a spray of freckles and a shyer smile.

“Pleasure is all mine,” He replied, beckoning for me to take the seat across from him, which, naturally, was next to Emily. She smiled, poison dripping from those glossed lips.

“Y/N, right?”

“Emily, dear, don’t be silly. You’ve met Y/N, several times I believe.”

“Oh, yes, how could I forget? The pretty one next door.”

“Thanks Emily. I don’t mean to intrude on you guy’s brunch, so I’ll just head out if that’s alright.”

Tom bit his lip uncomfortably. It was hard for me to figure out whether he did that because he wanted me gone or because he wanted me to stay. I mean, he did call me over, so it would be weird if he wanted me gone– but perhaps he had a lapse in judgment and had only now remembered that his girlfriend hated me with a burning passion.

Sam, oblivious to this whole affair, put away his phone. “Nonsense, Y/N, I would love to get to know you! We’ve been neighbors for so long and I haven’t even had you over for dinner!”

“Oh, that’s alright. I’ve got a busy schedule, anyways.” You saw Tom quirk his eyebrow at you and you sent him a challenging look right back. What gave him the right to judge you for not leaving the apartment?

“Still, I’d love to have you. How’s Friday night sound?”

“Uh…”

“But Sammy, I won’t be avail Friday night!” squealed Emily. I lifted my head.

“Friday? Friday sounds great.”

“I’ll be there too,” Tom added. I almost immediately regretted my choice, looking away from Tom’s penetrating gaze.

Emily was still pouting, but I liked seeing her so upset. Almost made up for how mean she was.

The waiter dropped by with their dishes, noticing me at the table. “Oh, pardon miss, I didn’t realize you were seated here as well! Do you have an order?”

“Um, no. I’m alright.”

“What? Y/N, it’s lovely here. Order something.” Tom insisted.

“I don’t want to spend your money on my food. That wouldn’t be right.”

“I do it all the time for Ems here; it’s not a big deal.” I tried to ignore his comment about Emily always letting him take the check and just shook my head.

“No, that’s okay.”

“Okay then. Everything alright with everyone else?”

“Delightful, absolutely delightful.” Tom hummed as he took another bite of his pancakes.

Sam looked at me with sad eyes. “If you won’t spend Tom’s money, will you at least have some of my omelette? I promise I don’t mind.”

Knowing he wouldn’t give up, I surrendered. “Sure, I’ll have a couple bites.” Emily huffed, rolling her yes, and I tried to ignore it. Sam forked over almost half his dish before I had to stop him, “Whoa, not the whole thing! You still have to eat.”

“You’re too kind, but ever since I got into culinary school, all I’ve been doing is eating. I’ll be fine.”

I took a tentative bite of the omelet, then a bigger one. Wow. “Um, this is really good.”

“Heavenly, right?”

“Yeah… no kidding–”

“Just between you and me, my omelet is better. But this will serve.”

“I guess I’ll just have to try yours,” I shrugged, and Sam smiled.

“Finally! You’re in a good mood!”

“I was before!” I protested.

“You were not!” Sam chuckled, wiping egg off his lip. “I really like you, Y/N. You seem very kind.”

“And you seem very wise.” I joked back, finally laughing. You saw out of the corner of your eye that Tom was leaning back in his chair, furiously typing something. You ignored it, focusing on conversing with Sam, who was quite a racket.

“Hmph,” Emily whined softly. Nobody paid her any mind, so she did it again, but louder. When everyone ignored her again, she spoke up. “Tommykins, who’re you talking to?”

“It’s work stuff,” He said, brushing her off, still totally engrossed in whatever he was typing.

“Tommy, what kind?”

“What?”

“What kind of ‘work stuff’? Why are you so worked up, babes?” She said in a cutesy high voice, making me wanna stick a hand down her throat.

“It’s nothing. You’re never interested in whatever I’m working on, you won’t be interested in it now.”

“Tommykinsss,” Emily dragged out, finally making a grab at Tom’s phone. He snatched it back, and she made another grab, this time looking serious. “Tom. What the fuck? What are you working on you little asshole? Huh? You can’t keep secrets from me, I’m your one and only. Hand over the phone.” Tom looked like he was in pain, but he submitted to her, handing it over.

I gave him a concerned look, but quickly changed it to disgusted. I can’t believe he just lets her walk all over him like that.

“What. The fuck. Is this?” Emily cocked her head, holding out his phone. I couldn’t read it from my spot but it looked like an email.

“Ems, it’s an email dear. Just a little referral. Networking.”

“Yeah? Just a little ‘referral’. Why does it say ‘Cherry’?

“It’s my next project, love.”

“Yeah, duh. But why does it say Cherry and her name?” Emily hissed. Tom swallowed, red rising in his cheeks. He was so hard to read. Was he angry, embarrassed? She was obviously causing a scene, and making me very uncomfortable.

Sam raised his hands up defensively. “Who’s name?”

“It says here. ‘Addressed: Joe and Anthony Russo and the writing team. During the current production stage of Cherry, I would like to make a referral to a new friend of mine who is new to the scene in LA. Below is listed her resume, credentials, and information. Please consider having her added to the team, as I feel she could be an interesting added perspective.’ And below that, name of referral.”

“Yeah?” Sam pushed.

“Y/N L/N.”

“What?” I said, eyes wide.

“Yes, you little boyfriend-stealing bitch, he referred you to his new team. Which he’ll be working with for the next year. So, he wants to spend time with you for a year, huh?”

“No– I don’t think that was it, I just am really struggling– and he, um, probably just felt bad.”

“Yeah,” Sam piped up, “as a member of the writing team, Y/N isn’t going to be working that closely with Tom at all. It probably isn’t as it seems.”

“Tom?” Emily asked accusingly. He looked defeated, his eyes holding her with regret.

“I referred her to them because I believe she would be a good fit.”

“How do you even know that?” Emily pestered. How does he know that?

“I read one of her scripts. She’s a talent.” Tom explained, but sadness laced his voice. He read my script? Why?

“I’m not putting up with your womanizing shit, Tom. It’s me or her.”

“What? Emily, that’s so unreasonable.”

“You heard me. Either you retract your statements of recommendation and bar her from working on this project with you, or I leave you.”

“But… this is her livelihood. It’s her job. I can’t just take that away because you’re jealous.”

“I’m not jealous! I’m being perfectly reasonable about my boyfriend prioritizing me over some– some crazy bitch!” Emily exploded, getting up from the table. “You have 24 hours to decide.” She stormed out of the restaurant, drawing eyes to the table.

“What the fuck?!” Tom said, to nobody in particular. I held my head in my hands, ready to cry.

Sam looked so taken aback; he just patted my arm in sympathy and watched her leave. “Tom, there are too many people watching. We should leave before the paparazzi arrive.” Tom was shaking his head in bewilderment.

“Okay. Y/N, need a ride?”

“No thanks.” I let them leave and then started my lonely walk home.

I wished this had never happened. Why did I have to leave my cozy suburban finance job for the big city? Why did my dreams have to revolve on everyone around me being sane?

Pt 4. CHOICES

This chapter is written from Tom’s perspective. In the future, chapters will start being shorter and switching between the two a lot. I hope this is not too confusing.

When we got back to the apartment, I was still in shock. Sam had been rattling off on me the whole ride down about how I was a bloody idiot for trying to make things with Emily work.

“Tom, seriously. What was that? She’s mental, talking to you that way– giving you an ultimatum. You know what the right choice is.” Sam declared.

“Do I? We were so serious about moving in together. We had a future.” I said, hope still lingering somewhere in the distance.

“Key word: had. And besides, things change. Or, in her case, they don’t. Don’t lie, she’s been like this forever. You can’t have a girlfriend who’s a jealous mess over any girl that you come across! You're adored by millions, it’s in the boyfriend application.”

“Sam, don’t talk about her like we aren’t together.” He was being so… frustratingly off it. He’s my brother, he shouldn’t take a side. He should support whichever side I take.

“As far as I’m concerned, you aren’t. Not like this. Don’t be a prick. Y/N is bloody brilliant. She’s so sweet and… genuine. Nothing like Emily. If anything, you should be dating her.” That did it.

“Sam, will you fucking SHUT UP about dating– for another 24 hours, I am with Emily. And, who knows. Maybe after that. Just– fuck– don’t mention Y/N. I feel guilty enough.”

Sam groaned. “You never learn.”

“Pipe down, too, okay? She can hear us.” I added. Sam rolled his eyes, leaving the room with his middle finger right up.

“Fuck right off, mate. If you don’t stand up to Emily, I’m gonna release your phone number to the masses. Bite that one off.”

I sighed loudly, crashing onto the bed. Why, why, why.

Pt 5. OPPORTUNITIES

I sat alone in my living room, wondering why on earth life had me collide like this. I was just hitting wall after wall. A week since Emily had started that huge scene, a week since I’d spoken to Tom. Not a text. Not even in the hallway. It was so quiet, I almost thought he’d moved out. Until I heard the noises. Those god-awful sex noises.

So they were back together. Right on– and I had no job. Again. I couldn’t believe Tom, betraying me to… stay in that nightmare situation. God has no mercy on me– and I am going to go homeless by the end of next month. Maybe mom would let me move in with her again.

I rubbed my hands across my face, holding back a loud cry that I wanted to let out. I knew Tom was home. He made a racket coming in. It was so late at night… why? Why was he disturbing the peace so late at night?

I opened my phone again, surprised to see there were text messages. And they weren’t from my mom.

Unknown Number

Hi, this is sam. ~9:46am

Please get back to me ~12:04pm

Can we meet up for dinner? ~3:57pm

Okay I don’t know if you aren’t seeing these or if you’re ignoring them but we need to talk. ~8:12pm

Hi– I didn’t see them. We can call, or you can come over. ~12:02am

I’ll come over. ~ now

You opened the door to Sam’s light knock and saw him looking kind of ghastly.

“Hey Sam, what’s up? What’s… is something wrong?”

“Uh, Tom doesn’t know I’m here. So if we could… is there a place where he can’t hear us?” Sam asked, looking around anxiously.

“Um, not really. But we can be quiet. What’s wrong?”

“I’ve been really sick these last couple days, and usually Tom helps me get better when mom’s not around; like with soups and stuff, but I don’t know what’s going on with him. He hasn’t been around at all. I collapsed next to the sink when I went to… the restroom,” he flushed.

“It’s okay, we all do that.”

“And I, um, I was crying for him to come… and he never did. He showed up so late, that I had already made it back to my bed, and when he saw that I had really badly cleaned up my, uh, vomit, he just got really angry at me and hasn’t spoken to me since. He was so drunk, and… and, I know I’m such a big baby for needing him to take care of me, but I’m really sick and I just… hic! … need my brother.” I felt a surge of panic and sympathy towards Sam, so despite his kind-of stained clothing, I pulled him into a tight hug and held him there. He let out a deep breath.

“I’m sorry, buddy. He has no right to treat you that way– everyone gets a little helpless when sick. You can stay over here until you’re better, I don’t trust you alone over there, what with Tom acting the way he is.”

“I’m sorry ms. Y/N. I’m… hic! … so sorry,”

“Don’t be. You’re fine, bud. Just relax and I’ll get you settled on my bed. I’ll take the couch.”

“You don’t have to! It’s okay…”

“In the words of someone very wise, ‘nonsense, you must stay!’ Trust me buddy, you’ll be better in no time with doctor Y/N on the case.”

He smiled weakly and allowed me to lead him to the bed, instantly snuggling up under the covers. “I can’t sleep,” He muttered softly, and I sat up next to him.

“That’s okay. I’ll stay until you do.”

“Don’t you want to ask me about Tom?”

“And why would I want to do that?” That was exactly what you wanted to do, but you couldn’t, because your priority was keeping Sam safe.

“Because he’s being weird and you barely know why.”

“Okay, you got me. I do want to know. What happened?”

“He sent in the offer anyway. Broke it off with Emily. She took everything the first day, told him it didn’t matter; she never liked him, she was cheating, and left. She literally hasn’t said anything since. He was so bummed, naturally, because that was super hurtful. But he knew he had to do it.”

“So he’s gone out drinking to what? Pick up chicks? Rebound?”

“That, and he never heard back from them about your referral. They’re not working closely yet, so it’s purely digital contact, and he’s done all he can to get you the job. And radio silence from them.”

“Oh.” I didn’t know how to react. He… he put himself forward for me when I thought he’d abandoned me… and he’d still lost everything. He didn’t even have the satisfaction of knowing he did a good thing; knowing that I had a job now. This was because of me and my shitty writing. I made him hurt, with my shitty writing and my shitty experience and my shitty communication with his crazy ex. He probably hated me so much for tearing his life apart. Tearing him away from a girl he could've loved for forever.

I was the mistake.

“Y/N, why are you crying?”

“‘M not. You’re seeing things.”

“Y/N, it’s not your fault.”

“Yeah, it is. It’s my fault, and now Tom hates me. And he's drunk. And he yelled at you!”

“I yelled at him first.”

“For what?”

“When she gave him that ultimatum, I told him to shove it up his arse and just cut her off. I said… a lot of things, actually. And I got really mad at him. Called him some names.

“Oh, Sam…”

“I had only met you but I knew you were some kind of national treasure. I wasn’t going to let my idiot brother choose his lunatic girlfriend over you getting a job of a lifetime.”

“But I didn’t get the job.”

“They haven’t rejected you yet, Y/N.”

“But haven’t they? It seems like a sign. I should move back to the suburbs, start a family with some unassuming upper-middle class gentleman, and forever work in finance or as a housewife.”

“Since Tom said they were good, I went and read the scripts you wrote. They really are good, you have talent. You’re meant to be a writer, Y/N, and no one can take that away. This is just a speed bump. You have great things ahead.”

“Thank you… Sam, for the speech. You’re probably right. I can get through this. But, can Tom?” I waited for Sam to say something ridiculously optimistic, but then I saw he had fallen asleep, a small bit of drool leaving his mouth. I tucked him in tightly, then hopped off the bed to rest on the couch.

We’d talk tomorrow.

Pt 6. SICKENING

This chapter is written from Tom’s POV.

When I woke up, my mind still felt hazy with the memory of the night before. I felt the edges of my thoughts tickling my head, making me dizzy.

God, I hadn’t had a hangover this bad since Haz’s 20th birthday.

I felt instantly as if I was going to throw up, so I stopped trying to lift myself up and just breathed.

I knew I had brought a girl home last night… Shay? Ray? I didn’t remember at all. She wasn’t there, but I had to tread lightly in case she was in the main room. Sam would probably be bothered if there was a strange woman while he was trying to prepare breakfast, if he was even doing that since I went off on him.

I hadn’t really spoken to him lately, but I’ve been busy– not that there are any pressing projects or filming, but I’ve had meetings here and there. He was sick, but he just kept leaving stuff everywhere! I mean, I’m a busy man. I don’t have time to take care of his sorry ass when he gets a little fever.

I finally cleared the spots in my eyes enough to lift myself out of bed, taking a stroll to the main room. Oh, she was gone. Thank god. I hated having to put up with the girls who didn’t understand this was a one time thing.

Just to clarify, I’m not usually a… one-night kind of person. But I’ve been bloody miserable since Emily left, and a man has needs. LA is the kind of place where I can get my needs fulfilled.

I checked my phone for messages. I still felt a twang of sadness when I saw no notifications from Emily, but… it had to happen.

Or maybe it didn’t. Clearly, the Russo’s didn’t care much for Y/N’s writing, despite me thinking it was amazing. And Y/N hadn’t spoken to me either, so I had just lost twice. Three times? I was too bogged to count.

Seeing as Sam wasn’t up yet to cook, I might as well take him to breakfast on the town again. He’s been wanting to try this place near the pier that has weird crepe flavors. Maybe I’d humor him.

I knocked on his door loudly, “Sam? In the mood for a bit of a walk?”

No answer. Hmm. Well, it was my apartment. I opened the door, which, to my surprise, was unlocked, and peered through. He wasn’t… there.

That’s weird. He usually texts me if he’s going out someplace.

I open up my phone again to see if I missed anything. Huh. Nothing since… yesterday? Asking me to buy him Nyquil. So he was still sick? He really shouldn’t be out and about, then.

Sam, where r u? ~ 9:17am

Can u respond pls, trying to make brunch reservations. ~ 9:22am

Are u coming? ~ 9:23am

Sam. ~ 9:46am

Hello? Are u dead? ~ 10:12am

I was honestly shocked. What the hell had gotten into him? Immediately, I dialed up mum, wondering if she knew. “Mum, do you know what’s gone on with Sam?”

“Sammy? He is alright, isn’t he?”

“Well, I can’t find him and he isn’t responding to my texts, so ‘alright’ doesn’t cover it about now.” I said, now slightly panicked.

“Hmm. I did get a call from him the other day. He seemed sad. Are you treating him well, sweetheart?”

“I am housing and feeding him, no?” I sighed. “Okay, just, tell me what he told you on the call.”

“Well, he expressed the feeling that he wanted to return to England. I don’t think he was having a very good time. He also seemed sick, so I told him that if he had to come home, at least get better first.”

“He wanted to go home?”

“That’s what he said,” my mom seemed perplexed at how I was acting. “Why, is it the first you’ve heard of it?”

“Actually, yes. It is. If you don’t mind, mum, I gotta go. Don’t put out a missing persons report for another 24 hours, alright?” “‘Course, sweetie. Well, if you do find him, tell him to call me. Alright. Bye, love.”

I hung up, sweat beading on my forehead. Holy fuck. Sam ran away. God, what a childish move.

And before you go thinking I’m a bad person– of course I was worried! But sometimes you have to put logic first, and in this case, my logic says: Sam’s gone and lost his marbles.

I mean, where would he be? He’s not exactly stacked with cash, and LA hotels are not cheap. There’s no way Emily would allow him in her apartment; not that he’d want that. Hmm. He was sick, so maybe he took a visit to the doctors? There is a 24 hour clinic close by that he could’ve walked to.

I didn’t really think he was so sick that a clinic would be necessary, but knowing it was a possibility sunk into me coldly.

So I rushed to the hospital and asked them to look for records of Sam visiting.

“Sir, it does look like we have Sam Holland in our records from today, around 8 am. He’s since left, though.”

“Can you tell me what happened?”

“I’m afraid we are not allowed to disclose any personal details of any of our patients.”

“I’m his brother, for fucks sake!” I had lost it at this lady. Who did she think she was? “Fine. Just tell me: did he come in alone?”

She looked taken aback at how I had just blown up on her, but she quickly composed herself and pursed her lips. “I really shouldn’t be telling you anything.”

“Please, please– just tell me who he was with, if– just tell me!” I was on the verge of tears. Angry and sad and guilty ones. My face stung with emotion.

“I believe it was a girl. Same age.” That was an awful description if I’ve ever seen one.

“Anything else? Hair color, eye color?”

“I don’t recall. In any case, that would be too much information to give someone,” she paused, scrutinizing me. “Even you, Mr. Holland.”

‘Ugh. Whatever,” I said, leaving the hospital. I refused to believe that Sam was actually hurt, but where on earth could he be? What girls did he know? I was fairly certain he didn’t have a girlfriend, and as far as I knew, he wasn’t too close to anyone from his work. Who would know where he is?

In a last ditch attempt, I doubled back from my apartment door. I locked eyes on the one next to it. I remembered Y/N and Sam had gotten along quite well at that disastrous brunch… and he had later defended her, even against me.

He probably wouldn’t be with Y/N, but it was worth it to ask.

Was it?

Ugh, I couldn’t bring myself to speak to her. I had let her down, let myself down, and worst of all, she probably hates me.

But I had to, for Sam.

I knocked twice, then stepped back, holding my breath expectantly.

I heard a weird shuffle going on in the apartment, a small yelp, and the sound of a large object falling.

She opened the door, looking fresh out of a magazine. How did she manage to look good on mornings like these?

Then again, she hadn’t gone through the hell I’d been through.

“Sorry, I fell off my chair,” She explained, finally looking me in the eye. I could see her eyebrow tweak downwards, and I already knew I had upset her.

“My apologies– I didn’t mean to, uh, startle you.”

“Um. Okay,” she started, her line of sight trailing her right. I swallowed, and she snapped back to focus. “Sorry, is there a reason you’re here?”

“My brother, Sam. I can’t find him and he’s not answering his texts.”

“Ah,” She nodded slowly.

“Do you know where he is?”

“Can’t say I do.”

“I really, really need to find him. Please, do you have any idea where he might be?”

She looked deep in thought, her hands fumbling around together. “I might not, but I think that if he went to these lengths to avoid you– sorry, to escape you– I think he probably just wants to be left alone.” Her face was right below mine, but she was not small. She was almost frightening.

“And how would you know anything about what HE wants?” I yelled, finally letting the walls crash down.

“I’m just saying– I don’t think it’s a smart idea for you to pursue this; I’m sure he’s safe.”

“You don’t know that. I’m his brother, I need to take care of him and I said I would and I was doing just fine and I’ve fucked up and he’s gone.” I cried, holding the collar of her shirt in my hands. She was shrinking. Oh no. She was scared of me.

“Please, Tom– let– Tom, let go I can’t–” I instantly released her, tears in my eyes.

“I’m sorry,”

“Tom, what the hell? Are you drunk?”

“No, I’m– I’m not, I promise. I’m so sorry. Please just help me find him. Please help me find my brother.”

“I don’t think that it’s the smartest idea, Tom–”

“Please! What– what if he got kidnapped, or hurt, or– I mean, I don’t know! He was in the hospital, they told me! And I don’t– what if something’s really wrong?”

“He’s fine, Tom. He’s fine.”

“How would you know–” I was cut off by the sound of another person in the apartment. “Do you have someone over?” Something in my brain starts throbbing, rage filling my senses.

Y/N winces. “Not really.”

“Not really? What does that even mean?!” I feel helpless. In so many ways.

“I can’t– Tom, no. I can’t.” She moved to go back inside the apartment, but I held her arm tightly. “Tom, ow! What the hell? Stop–” Apparently, too tightly. Then the door opens all the way. It’s Sam.

“Tom, what the hell are you doing to her?” I release her arm and panic rises in my chest.

“What– what is going on?” I ask demandingly. Sam looks livid. Is he mad at me? And why is he not wearing a shirt? What the hell is going on between them?

“You shouldn’t be here.” Sam says coldly. I notice he still looks ill; his nose is reddish and his skin is really pale. Y/N is holding her arm and wiping away a tear. What have I done?

“Are… are you guys together?” I say, my heart beating really fast. They did hit it off at brunch. Maybe a little too much.

But then, Sam shakes his head. “No, I wouldn’t do that to you.” He’s scowling. At me. “I came over because I have no friends in this shithole, and when I was relying on you to take care of me while I was sick, you left for the bars.” Sam was still so angry.

“Yeah, and unlike you, I cared about your brother enough to take him to the doctor to get checked out. He has a minor case of the flu, paired with pneumonia. Didn’t know that, did you?” Oh god, and Y/N too.

“I really didn’t mean to. I’m just very overwhelmed right now.”

“So overwhelmed, yet you can still bring home girls? It’s not like you, Tom. I’m staying here until you fix whatever is going on.” Sam spat, placing a solid hand on Y/N’s shoulder.

They went back inside, and I heard the click of the lock almost immediately. How did this happen?

Pt 7. NEWBIE

“Hi Sammy,” I called as I got home from work. Since the devastatingly slow pace of my writing career, I had taken up being a contracted marketing advisor to some small companies. It paid, but not as well as I would’ve liked. Still, Sam was working on his degree and had two part-time jobs on the side, so he was finally helping pay rent, and the load taken off of my back was huge.

In the month and a half since he stopped living with Tom, he had permanently moved in and I had rearranged the already cramped living room to fit a futon/bed for him. He bought a cute little divider so he had his privacy in the early mornings, but besides that, we pretty much shared the same space.

Tom hadn’t texted me at all. I didn’t know what had gotten into him, but I knew he needed to sort it out on his own. Besides, I knew deeply that he was probably hurt from how I had caused his breakup, and nothing would change that. I was a failure, and I had dragged Tom down with me.

“Hi, Y/N. I prepared dinner for you. It’s sitting on the counter, but I need to go to the bathroom real quick.”

“Thank you so, so much. Man, I’m starved. Work was a nightmare today.”

“You can tell me all about it,” he bounced up and down on his heels, “once I pee! Eek!” I laughed and settled down at the table, where I found he had prepared the exact dish I said I had been craving! He really seared the Korean beef to a perfection for an amateur, and the sauce was the perfect mix of tangy and sweet.

“Do you like it?” He said as he left the bathroom, beaming at me.

“Yes! It’s perfect. You should make it more often.”

“I think I will– believe it or not, it only took me like 10 minutes to cook, not counting how long the sauce had to sit.”

“Awesome. Alright, so how was your day?”

“It was lovely! So, you won’t believe it, but I think…” I continued to gobble up the dish as Sam rattled on and on about his day, which sounded super chill in comparison to mine. He was one of those people that really liked the praise of other people, and everytime I smiled at one of his jokes, or mentioned something that he had said to me in passing, he would just light up. I was always taking mental notes to keep him on his toes. And happy, most of all.

Just as I was going to fish out my phone to take a picture of the sun setting behind the Commerce Tech building, loud rock music started blaring. I looked around the apartment for my speaker, wondering if I had accidentally turned it on, but Sam had it already and it was off.

“Do you think it’s Tom?” I asked him.

“WHAT?” Oh, he couldn’t hear me.

“I SAID, DO YOU THINK TOM IS PLAYING THE MUSIC?”

“NO, I DON’T THINK SO– IT’S COMING FROM THE OTHER WALL.”

“ACROSS THE HALL?”

“NO, OTHER WALL!” He pointed towards the wall that faced him and I nodded my head.

“I’M GOING TO GO OVER AND ASK THEM TO QUIET DOWN.”

“OKAY!” My head was ringing with the loud percussive noises. Jesus, did these people know they lived in an apartment?

I had just made it to the door that was sourcing me with enough decibels to break a wine glass, when I stopped in my tracks. Damnit.

“Hey, Y/N,” he said tersely, his chest heaving with a breath.

“Hi. I was, um, just going to–”

“File a noise complaint with the new neighbors? Yeah, me too.”

“They’re new?”

“Yep. Big douchey bachelor dude. Came knocking on my door the first night he arrived asking if I had a spare beer.”

“You did, didn’t you?” I knew he was still getting drunk on occasion– I probably shouldn’t have mentioned it.

“Well, yeah, but you don’t just go on asking a man for his beer.”

“Are you going to knock or what?”

“Um, yeah. I’ll knock,” Tom stood back as he waited for their response.

“So, not a good impression of him?”

“No, not anything like yours,” Tom said offhandedly, but I caught it.

In the past month or so, I’d had lots of time to mull over some things– like how the last time I spoke to Tom, Sam had said that we weren’t a thing, and then said ‘I wouldn’t do that to you’. I knew, of course, that this implies Tom had a thing for me, or something similar. But if that was the case… Why did he treat me so poorly? And why had he made so little effort to make it better?

“I seem to remember our first meeting was a little less orthodox than most. And that it quickly turned… unenjoyable.”

“If we pretend Emily was never there, it was pretty decent.”

“I can’t pretend she doesn’t exist.”

“Why not? I do.” I went silent. He wasn’t happy, I could tell. It pained him, maybe, to see me.

“How has he still not answered the door?” I asked, exasperated.

“Well, as you well know, I’m not a stranger to just opening it anyways.”

“Oh, I do recall that quite vividly. You are… strange.”

“Whatever.” That seemed to have struck a chord with him, so I kept it in my mental no-no’s box. He went to open the door, revealing the inside of the new tenants apartment to be… horrendous.

There were about 50 people in this tiny-ass studio, all laughing and throwing shots, and none of them seemed to care at all that they were causing quite the cacophony.

“Yo, is that Tom Holland?” One of the drunk party goers shouted, and Tom immediately ducked his face down.

“Nah bro, you’re so high right now! Tom Holland doesn’t go to parties with us.. Heh,” his equally-drunk friend responded, clapping his hands really loudly. Tom rolled his eyes.

“What, are you what they say you are? Do you not enjoy parties?”

“Not these kinds of parties, Y/N. Come on, let’s get the idiot who owns this place to keep it down.” Tom grabbed me by the wrist, which sent me back to the last time he had done that. I shook my head and tried to wash out the discomfort, and even though I didn’t see him look, he still loosened his grip as he led me through the crowd.

“Alright, party people! Is this the best house warming party or what, Double G style?” A beer-bellied man with a fizzing bottle of beer in one hand and a girl on the other yelled out to the crowd.

“Wow, Mr. G, this place is popping– the deposit must have been cray!” One of his scummy friends said, right before slapping his girl on the thigh.

“Wow. This is revolting.” Tom said, shaking his head.

“Yeah. I’m beginning to see why you don’t like these kinds of parties. I, myself, don’t enjoy being sexually assaulted– and I doubt she does.”

“These people aren’t exactly classy. They don’t care about how she should be treated. Let’s just get out of here.”

“So, Mr. Good Guy, you treat women with the utmost respect?”

“That’s how I was raised, darling.” Darling. Tom never stopped, did he? We had finally made it to Double G, and he was currently eyeing me up and down like a toy.

I snapped my fingers in his face. “Hey, eyes up here. I’m your new neighbor, and I’d like to request you keep it down. We have thin walls, you know.” Tom raised his eyebrow.

“That’s my line,” He whispered in my ear.

Ignoring you, he faced Tom. “So what, she your broad?”

“Sorry, broad?” I asked incredulously. What was this, the 1950’s?

“She’s a woman, an independent one, and her being ‘mine’ is frankly revolting.”

“Okay, I see you’re into this ‘politically correct’ stuff, yeah? I mean, is she your girl? Because if she is, tell her she should really be dressin’ it up. She’s like a 2 dressed like this, but showing a little more skin? I’d tap that.” Tom made a face.

“It doesn’t matter. Turn the volume down, or we get an official sound violation set up.”

“Bro, what’s your damage? Just quit tryna stop the party and wear headphones or something!”

“It’s shaking the walls, mate. Just turn it down.”

“You’re really getting on my nerves, neighbor. I’ll turn it down, on one condition.”

“What?”

“You let me feel up that girl of yours.”

“What? Hell no.” Tom said before I could step in.

“Then no deal, homie.”

“Turn it down, or you’re getting in legal trouble.”

“Whatever, dude! Get out of here!” One of ‘double G’s’ friends said, splashing their beer at Tom. Tom stepped back reflexively, and it hit another girl right in the chest. She started hollering, immediately rushing forward at the dude, slapping him. She threw something, which in turn caused someone else to throw something, until pretty much everyone was fighting each other.

“Jesus, Y/N, let’s get out of here.”

“I’ve never agreed with you more,” I replied as we squeezed by to leave. As we stepped into the hallway, Tom held up his hand to stop me from saying anything.

“I don’t wanna waste any more of your time. I’m going to leave– just don’t bring this up with Sam, okay?”

“I was just going to thank you for standing up for me back there,” I said sheepishly, watching his eyes droop.

“Look, it’s nothing. And sorry for letting them believe I was your boyfriend or… whatever.”

“Again, it’s fine. I’m thanking you.”

“You shouldn’t,” he sighed, turning his head away so I couldn’t look him in the eyes. His lips tightened. “I’ll be on my way.” I didn’t know what to do, so I let him leave. The music had shut off completely, which made me think someone had broken the speaker. Thank god.

With that, I headed into the apartment to try and sleep.

Key word: try.

“Hey, Y/N, wait–” Sam said before I entered my room.

“Yeah, Sam?”

“I um… didn’t mean to overhear your conversation with Tom outside but–”

“You heard that? Oh, man. Um–”

“No, I’m not gonna ask you about it– I mean, I am, but you don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to.”

“Okay, go ahead.”

“Do you… have feelings for Tom?”

“Well, no. I mean, I don’t think so.” I bit my lip. I really didn’t think I had feelings for Tom– I mean, I spent a lot of time thinking about him, but it was mainly to worry about him not liking me. Sam met my eyes and narrowed his.

“Okay. Yeah,” Sam looked down. “Are you totally… sure?”

“Maybe? Oh god, please don’t make me have a crisis right now.”

“I’m sorry– I shouldn’t have asked, it was out of place.”

“No, it’s fine. There’s no harm in that question. I just don’t dwell too much on it. I haven’t had a relationship in forever, and now that I’m kind of settled– it might be a good idea.” I smiled at him. “So, if anything, I thank you for reminding me.” Sam let out a chuckle.

“You don’t let anything get to you, huh? How do you do that?”

“I let things get to me, I promise. I just… don’t show it as externally so others realize.” I let out a tight smile, but my eyes were sad.

Sam rubbed the back of his neck, not looking at me. “I hope you feel better, then.”

“I hope so too,” I laughed sadly, blinking a lonely tear away.

“Okay, goodnight, Y/N.” He hesitated, then looked me in the eyes and held out his arms to bring me into a hug. I accepted gratefully and threw my arms around him tightly, wiping my tears on his hoodie.

“You smell… so bad.”

“Thanks, Sammie.”

He let go of me, keeping his hands on my shoulders. “I love you and you deserve everything.” He said earnestly, staring right at me. I swallowed a sob and shook out a reply.

“Not everything. I don’t deserve you.” He shook his head and let out a chuckle, then turned to go to bed. I took a refreshing breath.

Sam was too kind. And to think… with the way we met, I never would’ve expected this to happen. For us to become friends, for him to live with me.

I thought happy thoughts as I lay myself to rest that night, thoughts that were louder and much nicer than Tom’s grunty snoring.

Pt 8. ACCEPTANCE

This chapter is written from Tom’s POV

I couldn’t rest that night. Not after… seeing her. I had dreamed of talking to her– making up for ruining everything. I had dreamed of finally getting her number. Finally being real, certified friends.

I was so desperate for Y/N to like me. It was pathetic, frankly. Maybe I just had the love to spare after the devil herself left me in the ice.

Too much love. Too little to love.

I sat at my dining table, eating another sad takeout meal whilst scrolling pointlessly through Instagram. I missed Sam’s awesome cooking, and I missed Sam.

A part of me wanted to burst through their door and declare that I cared about them and that I wanted to not be lonely– but I knew these things couldn’t just be… left behind.

So I’ve been cowering. Like that’s the answer.

There were 2 weeks until filming for Cherry started (finally. I’m so bored, sitting at home doing nothing.) I’ve yet to visit my mum, but I haven’t been missing her as much as I usually do. Maybe it’s just because I’m occupied missing other people at the moment.

And still no email from the Russo’s. It almost pained me more to not have heard anything. You would think I would at least get a rejection. Now all I had was false hope and hopeless sadness.

And it was all my fault.

It was already noon. If I went out in a couple hours, I could be brainlessly drunk with a girl on my arm by sunset.

Somehow, I felt I didn’t want to do that tonight. After my short encounter with Y/N the previous night, I felt fresh. Not fulfilled, exactly– but I remembered what was wrong. And how… sleeping around wouldn’t help a thing.

This whole situation was killing me slowly. I could hear Y/N’s laughter through the walls, and it was pure torture. My brother probably had something frying on the pan, and they were probably watching her favorite trashy TV. Why couldn’t that be me?

Why am I so stupid… How did I let her go like this?

It wasn’t that I was obsessed with Y/N. Or in love, or whatever. But… I was single. She was single, as far as I knew– and… well, she’s amazing. Maybe that’s too enthusiastic. It’s just– her. She’s so brilliant and pretty (no, beautiful. That’s the proper way to describe a woman.) and… God, she is powerful. The power she had over me… not that she forced anything over me, but I would willingly follow her to the ends of the Earth. She had an air about her that made me want to pledge myself to her side forevermore.

Oh god, maybe… I am obsessed. Maybe… in love? God, that’s a concept. But, I barely know her– kind of, I mean– I can hear her uneven breaths when she has a late night. I know she’s been having trouble sleeping. I know she cries too much to be truly happy. I know she curses a lot when others aren’t around, and that she watches Mean Girls religiously. I heard her explain to Sam that it was her favorite movie, and though her scripts are considerably more deep and riveting than… Mean Girls… she still gets emotional defending it. I know that she thinks Love Island is ridiculous (it is, but I love it. So shut up.) but will watch it if Sam begs enough. I know she hasn’t talked to her dad in ages but speaks to her mom nearly every other night.

I know her. We don’t know each other. In her eyes, we are basically strangers. If I wasn’t such a fucking weirdo, I wouldn’t know all these things. These private, private things.

These things can’t be dwelled on, though. Especially when she ignores me and hopes I’ll stop existing.

She never said that. But it feels like she did– her cutting me off was so painful to me. And for what?

For what…

I had been resting on the couch, for a large amount of time, I think, contemplating things I could do to get my mind off my loneliness. Things that didn’t involve drinking the night away and forgetting 5 hours of my life.

Then, there was a rapid knock on my door. Really quick and sharp. And it was relentless.

“Hello? Hello? HELLO?” I shouted at the door, too unbothered to remove myself from my comfortable spot on the couch.

“It’s me, you idiot! Open up!” An assertive voice said. Y/N.

I nearly hopped out of the couch in anticipation, scrambling to get the door open.

“Sorry I don’t leave it open for unsuspecting strangers,” I coughed, as the door opened all the way.

She rolled her eyes at me, looking almost pissed, but seemed to remember something. Her whole face lit up, in the most perfect way…

Ugh. God. No more gross love-bird stuff. “What… is it? Why are you so– happy?”

“I got a job!” She exclaimed, holding a fist up to her chest in victory. I took a second, and smiled for her. I suppose I should be happy. And if getting a job meant she would speak to me again, I guess it wasn’t so bad that I failed her the first time around.

“That’s wonderful.”

“You aren’t as excited as I thought you’d be.”

I sighed, then fixed myself with a faulty ‘ecstatic’ face, taking a look at her. “Is this better?”

“Oh, come on– I mean, I’ll be working with you, and it’s– well, you got me the job!” I cocked my head.

“Wait– the job you got is my job, as in the job I– as in Cherry– like, that job?”

“Yes! That job!” I raised my eyebrows in surprise and fought back the urge to scream ‘THANK YOU!!!’ to the heavens.

“Oh my god! Um, wow! Congratulations!” Without thinking (at least, not very hard), I took a huge step forward and pulled her into a crushing hug. She was stiff for a second, not expecting it, but just as I was going to pull away, she hugged me back.

I felt like a great weight had been lifted off of me, and it was all thanks to this job offer going through. If only they’d accepted it earlier.

“So… you don’t hate me anymore?” I said softly, trying my best to ignore the way her hair tickled my nose as we still embraced.

“What?” She said, confused. Oh. Shit. I really should’ve kept my mouth shut. I pulled away and rubbed the back of my neck with my hand, searching her eyes for what she was thinking. “I didn’t… hate you.”

“But you… you didn’t speak to me after brunch. And we had that argument about Sam. And… I thought that I didn’t get you the job.”

“After brunch, I thought you had gotten back with Emily. I was so upset that you would choose that… nightmare over… well, me. I know that sounds so shallow but I– well, you didn’t. You put me first, in the end. I just didn’t know.” She lowered her eyes. “Sam explained everything to me, anyways. The only reason I was mad with you is because of how poorly you treated Sam. He was just looking for his brother to take care of him, and you went off drinking when he needed you most. And when you… came to speak to me… you were really different. Scary.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.” She held her wrists carefully, seemingly remembering what happened. God, don’t think about it. Or you might change your mind. “I just… instantly bonded with Sam. And you… well, you never came to me. At all. It was devastating. I thought you blamed me for losing Emily and I thought you resented me for everything that had happened.”

“I don’t. I never did.”

“Never?”

“The only thing I resented was everything I had lost.” You. I can’t say that, though. “I didn’t blame you for it. It was my decision.”

“It wasn’t exactly free will.”

“Not quite. But you weren’t at fault and it would be unfair for me to say you were.” I explained to her, begging for her to look me in the eyes again. For me to be met by those kind eyes would cure everything. Right there.

“I can’t believe we haven’t spoken to each other. All we needed to do was speak.” She said in exasperation.

“It’s rather ironic.” I said, a small smile finally breaking from my lips. And it wasn’t acting this time.

“Not quite the word. I think you’re thinking of ‘theatrical’.”

“Perhaps.”

“I’ll think about making this into a story.”

“Would you really?” I hoped she wasn’t kidding. I would read it.

“It wasn’t a promise,” she raised her hands playfully, and I had a sudden flashback to the first time we had met. When she had done the exact same thing. And here we were, almost two months later, and yet our relationship had barely budged in any direction. All these ups and downs and we were back to the start.

I realized with a start that I wanted to make things clear to her. I reached out a hesitant hand to cup her cheek, and rather than push me away, she allowed me to step closer to her. “Is this okay?”

“My hot neighbor just made physical contact with me. I’m not sure what’s okay anymore.”

“Are… we okay?”

“We always were.” She smirked playfully.

“Okay.” I parted my lips, feeling her nose in a whisper of a touch against my face.

“Okay.” She closed the gap between us, her kiss a reassuring gesture that she was ready for our next adventure, and she was leaving the old one behind.

A loud creak sounded, followed by the disruptive clink of a wine glass meeting the floor. “In the hallway? Really?! Get a goddamn room…” I heard Sam huff, before closing the door on us again. There we stood, alone and in each other’s embrace, finding some security in our relationship for the first time.

#tom holland #tom holland fanfiction #tom holland x reader #peter parker x reader #sam holland #hurt/comfort #enemies to lovers #spiderman #peter parker fanfiction #original female character #miscommunication

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manygalaxiesinone · 3 months

Text

Disgaea 7 DLC Episode: Persona 4

Part 1: Prince Detective Naoto

Young Detective: "Now then, is there anything else I need to go over?"

Pirilika: "No. That's all I have for the testimony. Thank you again so much for coming out here on such short notice, especially since you're supposed to be relaxing."

Young Detective: "It's alright Pirilika. Consider me stubborn if you may, but I can not simply leave any case unsolved."

Pirilika: "So cool..."

Fuji: "The hell's going on here?"

Pirilika: "Fuji, stay right there! This is a crime scene!"

Fuji: "Huh?"

Pirilika: "Someone stole the new dress I was working on last night!"

Fuji: "Okay... and? This is the Netherworld. Thefts are bound to happen. It's your fault for not keeping a tighter lock on your stuff. Wait... you're not keeping all of your cash lying around in the open, are you?!"

Pirilika: "Of course not!"

Young Detective: "May we please get back on track to the case at hand?"

Fuji: "Who's this kid?"

Young Detective: "Kid?"

Pirilika: "Don't mind Fuji, he's just very blunt. This is Naoto Shirogane, a famous detective from one of the human worlds. He came to Hinomoto with his friends and offered to help out."

Fuji: "A human detective? You sure that's a good idea Piriko? I think you're wasting your money here."

Naoto: "Care to elaborate on that statement, Fuji?"

Fuji: "Didn't you hear what I said earlier? You're in the netherworld! Whatever criminal that did this is probably too powerful for you to handle even if you do find them."

Naoto: "In other words, you are doubting my combat capabilities, correct? Perhaps a test in strength would change your mind, if you would be so bold to face me that is."

Fuji: "He he... bold is the wrong word for it. I'll be sure to do my worst so you'll see what the Netherworld is all about!"

Part 2: Captain Ressentiment, Yosuke

Fuji: "Alright, not bad. You're tougher than you look."

Naoto: "I suppose this means the results are to your satisfaction, Fuji."

Fuji: "For the most part, but I'd better tag along anyway. Wouldn't want to wake up to phone calls of your friends yelling how we got you axed during a vacation."

Pirilika: "Fuji, if you wanted to help investigate, you could've just said so."

Fuji: coughs blood "You know damn well that ain't true!"

Naoto: "Blood? Do you need to go to the emergency room?"

Fuji: "It's just my allergies, I'm fine."

Naoto: "Allergies???"

Pirilika: "Fuji has an empathy allergy."

Naoto: "Is this a demon specific allergic reaction? It's the first I've heard such a thing."

Fuji: "Hey, didn't you say we should get back to the case at hand?"

Naoto: "R-Right... my apologies. Now then... hmm?"

Pirilika: "What is it, Naoto?"

Naoto: "It appears the culprit dropped a weapon in their haste to steal the dress."

Pirilika: "Doesn't look like a knife any of the prinnies carry."

Fuji: "In fact, it doesn't look like a knife you can find anywhere in Hinomoto."

Naoto: "In that case, that narrows our search down to one potential suspect."

-later...-

Shop owner: "And don't let me see you around here again, got it?!"

Brown Haired Guy: "Geez, getting kicked out because I asked for a bowl of ramen? How was I supposed to know this was a pasta shop?! Ugh, so much for nothing bad happening on a trip for once."

Naoto: "There you are, Yosuke senpai."

Yosuke: "Oh, Naoto. Man am I glad to see you right now. Who's the cat girl and horn guy?"

Naoto: "They're my new clients for a case today."

Yosuke: "Of course you'd be working when we're on vacation."

Pirilika: "I'll be sure to make it up to her when we're done, but right now, would you mind helping us out?"

Yosuke: "I already got a bad feeling down my spine, but what's up?"

Naoto: "Pirilika's dress was found missing this morning. The culprit left a knife at the scene of the crime. This knife to be exact."

Yosuke: "Wha- that's the knife I've been looking for all day yesterday!"

Pirilika: "This is your knife?"

Fuji: "Sounds like an open and shut case to me."

Yosuke: "Wait, hold on! I didn't take the dress!"

Fuji: "Nice try. I suggest you hand it over now before things get ugly."

Naoto: "Fuji, wait! We should at least hear his testimony first."

Yosuke: "Seriously, even you think I'm a suspect?!"

Pirilika: "You DID say it was your knife..."

Yosuke: "Give me a break already."

Part 3: Kingpin of Steel, Yu.

Naoto: "So you realized late afternoon yesterday that someone took your knife and searched for it well into the evening?"

Yosuke: "Yeah, that's what I've been trying to tell you. Yu was helping me look this whole time so he can verify!"

Fuji: "I don't know. Why were you so hard pressed on finding some knife?"

Yosuke: "In case I need to fight, why else?"

Fuji: "I get that, but couldn't you just buy another one?"

Pirilika: "Don't you get it, Fuji? That knife was a family heirloom that's been around for generations! He was so afraid of disappointing his father after losing it that he spent all day looking for it, otherwise he would have to spend the rest of his vacation bracing himself for severe punishment when he returns home!"

Fuji: "Piriko, what did I tell you about making up backstories?"

Yosuke: "Sad part is, I can totally see that happening if it was an heirloom. I'm actually just trying to save enough money as I can to buy a motorcycle. Chie seriously put me in a bind after buying those clothes for Teddie."

Fuji: "Now that I can relate to. It ain't easy being broke."

Naoto: "Very well senpai, as long as we can verify your testimony, you'll be in the clear. Do you happen to know where he is right now?"

Yosuke: "Last I saw him, he was playing with some cats not too far from here. I'll show you the way."

-later...-

Catsaber: meow

Silver haired male: "There you go. I caught another big one for ya."

Catsaber: purr purr...

Silver haired male: "You sure seem happy. I better check up on the others. Let me know if you get hungry again, alright?"

Catsaber: Meow!

Peppy Pigtail Girl: "Senpai!"

Silver haired male: "Ah, Rise. I was just about to look for- ah!"

Rise: hugs tight "Senpai, I can't tell you just how happy I am right now!"

Silver haired male: "I see the cat's not the only one in a good mood..."

Rise: lets go "How could I not be now that I got this new dress. What do you think?"

Silver haired male: "It looks great on you. You look like you're ready for your next huge show."

Rise: "Ooh! I knew it! I'm so glad you got it for me! I can't thank you enough right now!"

Silver haired male: "Wait, but I didn't-"

Pirilika: "There it is!"

Silver haired male: "Hmm?"

Pirilika: "My dress! We finally found it!"

Rise: "Wait, YOUR dress?"

Naoto: "Rise, you're currently in possession of the dress that went missing from Pirilika's wardrobe earlier this morning."

Rise: "What?! There must be a mistake. It's probably a duplicate."

Pirilika: "It can't be. I started making the dress myself yesterday only for it to disappear when I got up this morning."

Rise: "But... I got this as a gift from Yu senpai."

Yu: "But I didn't-"

Yosuke: "Come to think of it, whoever stole that dress did steal my knife too, but you wouldn't do something like that, right partner?"

Yu: "Of course not. I was-"

Fuji: "Seems to me we found our culprit. All that's left is to detain him."

Naoto: "Does Fuji usually rush into everything so recklessly?"

Pirilika: "Not all the time, but he does enjoy a good fight."

-after the battle...-

Yu: "Can you please hear me out now? I didn't-"

Naoto: "I know. You are not the culprit senpai."

Yu: "Please stop cutting me o- Oh wait, you knew?"

Fuji: "He's not guilty? How?"

Naoto: "If you let Yu senpai explain, he was probably going to tell you that he didn't give Rise that dress. He was with me all morning before Pirilika gave me the phone call to help her with the case."

Rise: "Wait, what were you two doing together?"

Yu: "We were just eating breakfast and talking about what we were planning on doing for today. Once Naoto received the phone call, she rushed out the door."

Fuji: "Wait "she"? You're a girl?!"

Pirilika: "You really are full of surprises, Naoto! I'm so glad I hired you."

Naoto: "If you don't mind me asking, how exactly did you get that attire, Rise?"

Rise: "Some weird looking penguin gave it to me as a delivery. The box said to me from Yu. I had no idea it was stolen."

Fuji: "So it WAS a prinny."

Pirilika: "Hold on, Fuji. The prinny probably didn't realize he was delivering a stolen item as the real culprit hid it among inside his delivery bag."

Prinny: "Special delivery for Miss Rise dood!"

Rise: "Hmm? Another one?"

Prinny: "That's right. Another gift from Yu. He must really like you, dood."

Yu: "About that, I don't remember sending anything to anyone lately."

Prinny: "Wait, Yu?! What are you- I mean... maybe you probably just...forgot dood. It happens."

Yosuke: "No, he has pretty good memory. He definitely would've remember doing something like that."

Prinny: "Okay well maybe he was trying to keep a low profile to sending gifts to Risette, dood!"

Rise: "Wait, how did you know I'm Risette?! I've been keeping a low profile since we got here!"

Prinny: Tries to back away. "Uh, well... you see dood... I-" Bumps into Fuji and drops the box he was carrying.

Fuji: "Going somewhere?"

Pirilika: *Gasp!* "That's the swimsuit I was going to pitch in my next meeting!"

Yu: "I also notice a few pictures of Rise coming out of his satchel."

Naoto: "It appears we have yet another Rise stalker scenario. He was likely trying to sneak rare photos of Rise in outfits Pirilika's company haven't released to the public."

Prinny: "Crap! My cover's blown! You'll never take me alive dood!" Runs away.

Fuji: "Piriko?"

Pirilika: "Fine, just don't go overboard."

Fuji: "You know I can't promise that. It's time to do my worst!" Runs after the prinny.

Rise: "Ugh, even when I'm on vacation in another world I just can't escape. I like being an idol, but I just want to relax together with senpai."

Pirilika: "I'm sorry for putting a damper on your brigade. I didn't mean to mess up your vacation."

Yosuke: "It's putting a damper on your parade and it's not your fault. If anything, you're as much of a victim here as any of us."

Yu: Scratches behind Pirilika's ears. "He's right. We're just glad it worked out in the end, so don't worry."

Pirilika: "Mmm... that feels so nice... I-I mean, I still want to make it up to you all. Especially Naoto for helping me out with this case to begin with. I really can't thank her enough."

Naoto: "Being able to provide assistance is rewarding enough, Pirilika. Don't be afraid to ask for my aid in the future."

Pirilika: "You're so cool, Naoto! A real spitting image of an ace detective. Actually, there is one thing. Fuji and I are traveling across Hinomoto to look for internal treasures so we can take down the shogunate that's been corrupting the land. I understand if you don't want to, but if you help us out, you can stay with us on my ship with your own room."

Naoto: "Hmm... I would more than happy to assist you, however a case such as this would require a team effort. Therefore, it would be more prudent to consult with our leader."

Yosuke: "She's got a point. If we're gonna help save the world, then we gotta stick together. We work a whole lot better as a team."

Rise: "What do you think, senpai? You up for spending our vacation by going on another adventure?"

Yu: "..."

Pirilika: "..."

Yu: "...When do we start?"

Pirilika: "You'll help?! Thank you so much! I promise, I'll take good care of you all while you're with-"

Boom!

Yosuke: "What was that?"

Pirilika: "Sounds like Fuji finally caught up with the prinny. Don't worry, I can heal him so he can be interrogated."

Yu: "What kind of adventure did we just sign up for?"

#persona 4 #disgaea 7 #fuji #pirilika #yu narukami #yosuke hanamura #rise kujikawa #naoto shirogane

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aeoki · 11 months

Text

Magic Lantern - Prologue

Location: Seisou Hall Courtyard Characters: Subaru & Sora Season: Autumn Writer: Akira

< Middle of October. Seisou Hall courtyard. >

Subaru: Hey~ Daikichi~? Where’d you go?

We’re playing hide and seek after tag? Come on, you know I’ve never won a single game against you.

(Hmm… I underestimated him. I thought it would be fine for me to let go of Daikichi’s leash around the Seisou Hall area.)

(He’s usually tied to the leash, so I wanted to let him have a taste of freedom once in a while!)

(Daikichi’s like me – we both love being free…☆)

(But I was careless. I should’ve known he would be over the moon once he learns he’s free, and would run around everywhere. He loves freedom as much as I do, after all.)

(It’s not the season for dogs to run around the garden happily~)

Sora: Heey! Sparkling Onii-san!

Subaru: Hm? That sounds like…?

Uhh? Oh, there you are! Heey, Yellow Kid~♪

What’re you doing up there? You’ll get hurt if you fall!

Sora: HaHa~♪ Sora is playing by himself! Sora’s trying to go from the school to Seisou Hall to Sora’s room without ever touching the ground or the floor~♪

Subaru: Sounds interesting! Don’t know if there’s any point in doing that, though!

Sora: It’s something you do because there’s no point in it! Master~ told me that~♪

Subaru: Ahaha! It definitely sounds like something Natsume would say – Natsume language is full of confusing things that are hard to understand!

Sora: No, it’s a magic spell ♪

Subaru: All the stuff about magic and spells is just pretending, right? …Well, anyway.

Yellow Kid! Sorry for bothering you while you’re busy playing, but have you seen Daikichi around here?

Sora: Daikichi? Your dog?

Subaru: Yeah! He stays with my mum when I’m busy with work, but he’s turned into a wild thing since the last time I saw him!

My mum spoils Daikichi way too much.

Sora: Hmm. So does that mean Daikichi decided to run away because you’re stricter than your mum?

Subaru: No, my mum spoils me too. I’m the type of Subaru Akehoshi who’s famous because I’m strict with both myself and others.

Sora: There are other types? Are they differentiated by colour?

Subaru: Nope! There’s always only one of me in the world…☆

…Uhh, what were we talking about? Yellow Kid, you tend to latch on to weird parts of the conversation, so it just goes nowhere~

Sora: Really? Sora hasn’t heard many people calling Sora “weird” lately~

But! It makes it sound like it was Sora’s fault, so Sora will find Daikichi as an apology! It should be super easy to spot him if Sora looks from a high place~♪

Subaru: No, it’s not your fault at all. I guess that part of you is a bit weird and odd~ I shouldn’t be the one saying that, though.

Sora: HiHi~♪ Target found! Daikichi is digging a hole in a corner of the courtyard~

He was easy to spot because he was wiggling about! Wild animals are good at erasing their presence, so it’s hard to find their “colour”?

Alrighty! This way, Sparkling Onii-san!

Subaru: Woah, don’t just jump down like that. It’s dangerous, you know…?

Sorry. You were having fun playing but I’m just being a bother.

Sora: It’s fine! Sora prioritises someone’s happiness over Sora’s fun!

Subaru: That so? My dad was the same sort of idol. The more he loved and cared about someone, the more the people around him suffered.

Sora: ……? I don’t really understand but Daikichi’s this way! Look over here, Daikichi ♪

Subaru: Ohh, you’re right. Thanks, Yellow Kid – you’ve got quite a sharp eye.

Sora: That’s Sora’s good point! Sora’s good at hunting for easter eggs~♪

Subaru: It’s not really the season for easter, though? Is that game slang or something? Natsume has a habit of using weird words like that and smiling to himself~

Anyway, look at you, Daikichi… Why did you leave your master behind and run off? You’re a disgrace to the Akehoshi family.

Sora: You don’t have to go that far. Wait, is that just a casual joke people would use towards their family members?

…HuHu~?

Subaru: What’s up now, Yellow Kid?

Sora: Well… The spot Daikichi was digging at is super sparkly and glittery.

Subaru: Really? Daikichi loves things that sparkle, after all~ It’s a trait of the Akehoshi family!

In my family, we’ve been dedicating our lives ever since we were a baby to mastering the secret behind all things that sparkle!

But, huh? There’s nothing sparkly there at all? There’s some sort of device-looking thing that’s covered in dirt, though…?

Sora: Yes! It looks sparkly to Sora!

Hmm? What is this? Sora hasn’t seen this sort of shape before.

Could it be something from a UFO…?

Next Chapter →

#magic lantern #enstars translation

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machifuwa · 2 years

Text

- Sunshine - Sunny Side Episode 4

On the same evening, Seisoukan Theatre Room

Ritsu: Heyya~

Oh, it's just you? Where are the others?

Tsukasa: Leo-san and Narukami-senpai are not here yet. Sena-senpai is lying on the sofa over there.

Ritsu: You're right. Falling asleep where ever you go is supposed to be my character though. Hooow annoying♪

Izumi: ーKuma-kun, don't imitate me. Hooow annoying.

Ritsu: Ooh, it's the original. You're awake, already?

Izumi: Yeah. I was tired because of the time difference, so I rested for a bit. If I sleep longer now, I won't be able to sleep later.

Staying up late is bad for the skin and personally I'd rather go to bed early. But I have to anyway, since someone had to call a meeting.

Tsukasa: Uuu... Please be patient a little longer. We will finish this as soon as possible.

...Ah, they've arrived.

Arashi: Sorry for the wait. Looks like everyone's getting along, no?

Leo: Ooh, it's Sena. You're back in Japan? Welcome back!

Izumi: Yeah, yeah, I'm home. I thought I already mentioned it in the "Knights" group chat though? I guess you didn't see it.

Leo: Yep, I didn't ☆

Izumi: Don't be arrogant. O~i, Kasa-kun. Now that everyone's here, get on with it. Finish as soon as possible, right?

Tsukasa: Ah, right. Everyone, thank you for coming even though it's already late at night.

About Leo-san's reckless request... we have found a job where we can make money while having fun.

First of all, please watch this video.

Leo: Ooh, it's an island! There's also the mountains and the sea, how amazing!

What's next, an outdoor festival? Nice, nice, looks like fun!

Tsukasa: This is the [Sunnyside Festival], abbreviated as [SSF], a famous music festival that brings together artists from all over the world.

The event will be held on an island near the equator. There are no direct flights from Japan, so we will have to enter the area by connecting airplanes and ships.

The event will last for three days. We will probably perform on the last day of the event, so the first and second days are free. What do you think, Leo-san?

Leo: It's great! I want to participate! I've always wanted to perform in a festival~

I'll give you a perfect score for your "ideal way to spend your summer vacation" ☆ What do you think, Naru?

Arashi: It's really great. I think a vacation on a southern island is a luxurious and nice thing to do.

Leo: Right, right~! And Rittsu?

Ritsu: Hmm~ Japan and the tropics, both have hot weather. Anything's fine.

If everyone else is going, I'm going too. It would be weird if I was the only one who wasn't there.

Leo: Okay, then. I guess we're going!

Tsukasa: Wait, please. Can you not make a decision when the two of us haven't shared our opinions yet?

Leo: Hmm? I don't really have to ask. You two are the type who just "tags along with everything", right?

Tsukasa: No, we are rather the ones who are "against" the idea.

Leo: Eeh!? Why's that!? You two are the ones who brought this to our attention!

Tsukasa: We have a big problem on our hands when it comes to participation.

Leo: What? What is it? Just spill the tea!

Tsukasa: If we stay for three nights and four days, we should have about a week to spare, including the time it takes to travel.

But we have already taken some work in the relevant period.

Ritsu: So, we can't participate? If we neglect work in favour of holiday, we'll just lose credibility, and we won't be able to face the newcomers, will we?

What a pity, Tsukipi~

Leo: Uu~ not you, too...

Whatever! Just me and Naru's fine!

Arashi: I don't know about that. We have to work without exception, don't we? We can't just skip work.

Leo: How dare you!? You've made me so excited, and now you're making me feel like a fool! You're an ogre! Devil!

Ritsu: By the way, Su~chan. Can't we just move our work during that time?

Tsukasa: I'll look into it. Please wait a moment.

..........

Photoshoots, magazine interviews... I think we can adjust our schedule in a way that it can be brought forward instead.

As for the PV shooting, it's a temporary hold. If it proceeds without delay, we can just withdraw from it.

Ritsu: Hoho, I see, I see.

In other words, if we do our jobs well, we can still join this [SSF], right?

Tsukasa: That seems to be the case.

Izumi: So? Can you promise us that, Leo-kun?

Leo: I promise! I'll do my best in every job, and I'll even write a song for [SSF]! So, please!

Tsukasa: Thank you, I was waiting for you to say those words.

Izumi: No take backs, alright? Let's do our jobs properly, 'kay?

Leo: Yep, understood!

Wahaha! I can't wait~ White sand! Blue sea! Three days and three nights of music festivals...☆

...Hmm, wait a sec. Isn't this story going too smoothly!

You guys set me up, didn't you? Naru and Rittsu, are you two in this as well?

Arashi: How rude. I was not informed of any of this, you know?

Ritsu: Same. But somehow, I knew what they were trying to do, so I tried to help.

I can't believe those two worked together just to outsmart him. Su~chan can be really sneaky sometimes too, huh...♪

< EPISODE 4 END >

Story: "Summer Breeze!" [Sunshine Shimmering in a Foreign Land]

Story by: ゆーます

Collaborator: 日日日

Season: Summer

Characters in this Episode: Leo, Tsukasa, Izumi, Ritsu, Arashi

Reminder: I did not create this story, but I translated it, so please refrain from reposting my translation on other social media platforms.

I apologize if there are any mistakes as well.

(Prev - All - Next) Thank you for reading!

#ensemble stars #enstars #leo tsukinaga #tsukasa suou #izumi sena #ritsu sakuma #arashi narukami

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jampc · 10 months

Text

last summer whisper

pairing: platonic!jotaro × jolyne × okuyasu × josuke × tomoko × joseph

characters: joseph joestar, jotaro kujo, josuke higashikata, tomoko higashikata ,okuyasu nijimura.

words: 2,015

content warnings: none.

tags: fluff, sfw, family bonding.

rating: G

a/n: this might be my favorite scenario because I love josuke and okuyasu a lot and I think they would get along with jolyne a lot,I guess I'm just a fan of the three of them together :')

jotaro kujo and his daughter, jolyne, are in japan to visit some relatives. the girl has always been fascinated with her father's home country, and asked to visit it frequently. she loves seeing new places, so this is no exception. they're staying with jotaro's grandfather, joseph joestar, who lives in a traditional japanese house near the ocean.

"what's this place called?" jolyne asks, looking down at the sign.

"this is morioh-cho," says joseph. "it's a small seaside town."

"morioh-cho," repeats jolyne, tasting the word. "cool."

joseph laughs. "there's not much to see here, but you should go sight-seeing with your father sometime."

"where should we go?" asks jolyne.

"hmm." joseph taps his chin. "how about the old man's place?"

jotaro frowns. "i've told you to stop calling him that."

"sure thing, youngster."

jolyne giggles. "old man."

"ah, don't tease him," joseph says, but he's grinning too.

"come on, dad," jolyne says, tugging on jotaro's sleeve. "let's go!"

they get a taxi, and jolyne watches the scenery outside the car window. it's a sunny day, and the sky is a bright blue. jolyne wonders what kind of birds are flying around up there.

when the taxi stops in front of an small house, jolyne gets out and looks around.

“josepphh~fuuuu♡ kya ♡kya ♡kya~~~~!!!!”

tomoko higashikata screams at the top of her lungs, startling jolyne. she runs towards the taxi and wraps her arms around jotaro.

"d-dad..." jolyne mumbles.

“tomoko, why do you do this every time i come over, i’m not joseph. you know that, right? my name is jotaro kujo. say it. jotaro. jotaro kujo. not joseph joestar, okay? and stop screaming like that, it's embarrassing."

"oh my god, jotaro! i can't believe it's actually you! i mean, of course you're actually here, but you're in japan again!"

"i told you i was coming, and i even called you ahead of time."

“who’s this cutie? oh my gosh, she's adorable! you must be the famous jolyne!" tomoko picks up jolyne and gives her a big hug.

jolyne blinks. "uh, hi. i'm jolyne."

"you can call me auntie if you want to," says tomoko. "we're practically family after all!"

jotaro rolls his eyes. "she's my daughter, tomoko."

"awww, so cute!" tomoko coos.

jotaro grumbles something about 'the joys of fatherhood'.

jolyne feels a little embarrassed. she doesn't know what to do.

"come on inside," says tomoko, letting jolyne go. "i just finished making lunch."

the front door opens, and a boy walks out of the house. he has black hair, and his face looks familiar.

“oh, josuke!" tomoko says. "just in time!"

josuke freezes when he sees jolyne.

"um... hi," says jolyne. "i'm jolyne."

“i’m your great great grand uncle! and your dad is my nephew!! wow, that's wild!" josuke holds out his hand for a handshake. "nice to meet you."

jolyne looks at jotaro, who nods. she smiles and takes josuke's hand. "nice to meet you too."

"well, i'm starving," says tomoko. "let's eat."

the four of them sit down at the table. jolyne eats her rice with her hands, which makes josuke look surprised. she wonders if she did something wrong.

"it's so good!" jolyne says. "the rice is really fluffy!"

"i'm glad you like it," says tomoko.

jolyne glances at josuke, who's staring at her. "is something wrong?"

"no!" josuke says quickly. "nothing at all!"

after lunch, tomoko takes jolyne upstairs and shows her the guest room. it's got a big window, and jolyne can see the ocean outside. there's also a futon on the floor.

"you can use that," says tomoko. "i'll get your suitcase for you."

"thanks," says jolyne. she sits down on the futon and looks out the window. the view is nice. she wonders how long they're going to stay here.

when tomoko comes back with jolyne's suitcase, she tells her that she can go explore the town if she wants to with josuke.

“really?" jolyne asks. "thanks!"

josuke is waiting outside. he waves at jolyne and smiles. "you ready?"

jolyne nods and follows him outside.

"so, uh...do you want to meet some of my friends?” josuke asks as they walk down the street.

"sure," says jolyne. "who?"

"well, there's okuyasu, and then there's also..."

josuke goes on talking about his friends, but jolyne doesn't pay attention. she just nods and smiles when she needs to. she wants to be nice, but she's kind of bored. she looks around as they walk. there are a lot of people out today.

“okuyasu!" josuke yells, waving his hand in the air. "over here!"

a tall boy comes over and waves back. he walks towards them with long strides.

"hey josuke," says okuyasu. "who's this?"

"this is jolyne," josuke says. "my nephew's daughter."

"what?" okuyasu looks at jolyne. "wait... your nephew?"

"my great great grand nephew," says josuke. "his dad is my nephew, my nephew's dad is his nephew, and so on."

okuyasu looks confused.

josuke rolls his eyes. "never mind."

"josuke, man, you really need to learn how to talk properly." okuyasu turns to jolyne and smiles. "i'm okuyasu nijimura. nice to meet you."

jolyne smiles back. "nice to meet you too."

"do you wanna go to the arcade or something?" asks josuke.

"sure," says okuyasu. “jolyne get on my back you must be tired, huh?"

jolyne gets on okuyasu's back, and he carries her down the street.

"here we are," okuyasu says. he lets jolyne down on the sidewalk.

jolyne stares up at the building in front of her. it looks like a huge, red tower, and there are all sorts of things hanging on the side of it. there are also metal platforms sticking out from the sides, and lots of people are walking around them.

"whoa," jolyne says. "that's a long way up."

"yup," says okuyasu. "let's go inside."

inside the arcade, jolyne finds out that there's a bunch of different machines inside, all with different games. there's a screen and a joystick on them, but no buttons or buttons. she tries pressing the buttons on a few of them, but nothing happens.

"what's this game?" jolyne asks okuyasu.

"that's a fighting game," says okuyasu. "you can play against me if you want."

"really?" asks jolyne. "what does it involve?"

"i'll show you," says okuyasu. he chooses a character from the screen, and jolyne chooses another one. then the screen turns black, and a white figure with a big head appears on the screen. a sound effect plays, and then okuyasu starts tapping the joystick.

the white figure on the screen moves around, and okuyasu moves his joystick to match the movements. the white figure punches and kicks, and okuyasu blocks them. he jumps and kicks the white figure, who falls down. the screen flashes red, and the word 'ko' appears.

"you did it!" says okuyasu. "i lost!"

"how did you do that?" asks jolyne.

"i just move the stick like this, and then when i hit him i press the button."

"cool!" jolyne presses the buttons on the machine, and nothing happens.

"try doing it like this," says okuyasu, moving his hand across the joystick.

jolyne presses the buttons again, and this time she manages to do it. her character slams into the ground, and then a screen appears saying 'ko'.

"good job!" says okuyasu. "you're a natural at this."

"i wanna play against jolyne now, see if she can beat the master!" josuke says to okuyasu.

"bring it on," says okuyasu. he gets out of the seat. "go ahead, jolyne."

they fight and jolyne ends up taking josukes 1st place spot, much to josuke's dismay. they keep playing until the arcade closes.

"we should go home," says josuke. "my mom will be mad at us if we stay out too late."

they walk back home in silence. the sky is turning dark, and a few stars are coming out.

when they get home, tomoko is sitting on the couch reading a book. she looks up when they enter the house.

"how was it?" she asks. "did you have fun?"

"yeah, we played a bunch of games," says josuke. "i lost to jolyne though."

"wow, really?" says tomoko. "i'm surprised."

"dad, let me stay up for a little bit," says jolyne. "please?"

jotaro scowls. "no. you need to go to bed now."

"but dad-"

"jolyne." jotaro looks at her sternly. "bedtime."

jolyne pouts but doesn't argue any further. she goes to her room and sits on the futon. she's not really tired yet, and she wonders what she's going to do tomorrow. she guesses she could go swimming or something. she thinks about all the fun she had today, and wonders if she'll get to go out and play tomorrow too.

she lies down on the futon and closes her eyes. she can hear the waves crashing against the shore outside, and the sound lulls her to sleep.

when she wakes up in the morning, josuke is sitting next to her. he's smiling and holding a plate with cookies on it.

"oh, hey josuke," says jolyne, sitting up. "good morning."

"morning," says josuke. "i made cookies for you." he hands her the plate. "my mom baked them."

jolyne takes a cookie and bites into it. it's chocolate chip and soft and delicious. "thanks."

"we're going to go to the beach later," josuke says. "do you want to come?"

"yeah!" jolyne says. "definitely!"

"cool," says josuke.

later that day, jolyne follows josuke to the beach. it's a sunny day, and there are a lot of people there. jotaro is standing by the shore with okuyasu and joseph, watching the ocean.

jolyne walks over to them and joins them by the shore. the water is very clear, and she can see the rocks on the bottom of the sea. there are shells scattered around on the sand too, and she picks one up and shows it to her father.

"this is cool," says jolyne. "see?" she puts the shell in his hand. "you can see all the things that are under the water."

jotaro looks at the shell, then at jolyne. "yeah," he says quietly. he puts the shell back down on the sand, then reaches into his pocket and pulls out a seashell of his own. it's small, but it has a pink glow to it. jotaro turns it around in his hand, and jolyne notices that the light seems to be coming from inside the shell.

"what's that?" she asks.

"it's a gift," says jotaro. "my father gave it to me after one of his tours."

jolyne holds out her hand for him to give it to her. he looks at her for a second, then places the shell in her hand.

jolyne smiles and looks down at the shell. it's warm to the touch, and it smells like the sea. jotaro closes it inside of her hand and covers it with his own hand.

"i hope you like it," he says softly.

jolyne grins at him. "i love it! thanks dad!" she puts the shell in her pocket, then runs back towards josuke and okuyasu. she sees them building sandcastles, and decides to help them out.

jotaro watches them build their sandcastles with amusement. he knows they're just playing, but he also knows that jolyne will enjoy herself all the same. he sits down next to joseph on the beach and sighs.

“something wrong?" joseph asks him.

jotaro shakes his head. "no." he looks over at jolyne, who is laughing as she plays in the sand with josuke and okuyasu. "she seems happy."

joseph grins at him. "of course she is." he pats jotaro on the back. "she's spending time with her family."

jotaro doesn't say anything in response, but joseph can see the smile on his face.

a few weeks later, jotaro returns to america and jolyne goes back home to florida. she keeps the seashell he gave her as a souvenir. it's become her most prized possession, and she likes looking at it whenever she feels sad or lonely. it reminds her of her dad, and she thinks about him whenever she touches it.

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simphic · 10 months

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Tag game.. WELL YES. Thank you for tagging me! @sheplayswithlifee🫶🏾

1. What’s your favorite sims death? Dying from laughter or being angry, it's so funny djfndj

2. Alpha CC or Maxis Match? I used to be just a straight alpha girlie, but I've been playing with mm last and this year. So both!

3. Do you cheat when your sims gain weight? Uhhh N-O. I love it after the pregnancy phase as well. If my sim likes going to the gym, I'll include that into their daily routine.

4. Do you use move objects Well YES.

5. Favorite mod? Hmm I love overrides. I think more colums and traits would be a fav mod. Also the Relationship & Pregnancy mod!

6. First expansion/game/stuff pack you got? I think it was Get Famous, City living, or Seasons. All I know is I started off with those first.

7. Do you pronounce “live mode” like aLIVE or LIVing? I'm confuseddd but I say LIVE as in going LIVE

8. Who’s your favorite sim that you’ve made? Between Shanti & Yassah.

9. Have you made a simself? I never have sjdhfh I should try, but idk I feel like it wouldn't look like me idk?

10. What sim traits did you give yourself? I would give myself hmm.. Funny, Cat lover, Out-going, and creative!

11. What is your favorite EA hair color? Honestly the light and dark brown, the orange, and the like dirty blonde!

12. Favorite EA hair? The box braids have been eating lately so..yeah.

13. Favorite life stage? Honestly like Teen to YA but I love when they are kids as well, it's a slay!

14. Are you a builder or are you in it for the gameplay? Not much of a builder but I can decorate some rooms now! But I love gameplay so yeah.

15. Are you a CC creator? Nah not at all. I know how to do some recoloring but I would love to get into creating my own cc at some point.

16. Do you have any simblr friends/a sim squad? Well, SORTA KINDA.

17. What’s your favorite game? Well aside from TS4. I love to play videogames so Fortnite, Until Dawn, TallTales TWD series.. love it so much!! The Last of Us 1&2, Hitman, GTA 5, Saints Row (the one with aliens) just a bunch of stuff chile!

18. Do you have any Sims merch? Did not know that was an actual thing... nah.

19. Do you have a YouTube for sims? Nah. I tried to make a tutorial for blender and stopped.. idk why hm. But no I do not.

20. How has your “sim style” changed throughout your years of playing? I stopped downloading every damn thing. But, I stopped using realistic skins as much, laid off on the alpha furniture, and incorporated more maxis match cc into my gameplay.

21. What’s your Origin ID? Sapphicyxnce WHY YES.

22. Who’s your favorite CC creator? I really enjoy Whoopsims content and cocogames!

23. How long have you had a simblr? For like a year now I believe? Or like 10-11 months idk..

24. How do you edit your pictures? Gshade and Photoshop!

25. What expansion/game/stuff pack is your favorite so far? I love growing together for the infants like yesss. I love parenthood, cats and dogs, and city living!

26. What expansion/game/stuff pack do you want next? I don't even know chile.. I feel like they should re-up parenthood. But anyway something that's fun and will have a nice world is all I'm hoping for!

Tagging anyone that wants to do it!!!

#jay's ted talk 🤔#🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎

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gildedmuse · 2 years

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[Like five people read this original post so here is a way too long follow up.]

This post has been super evil towards me.

So originally was going to write an intro but, you know, never mind that I've had to struggle so much with this post. Also, apologies to @space-windu47 who I accidently sent an unfinished answer to privately and now this thing won't even let me tag. Fine, Tumblr, just keep being difficult.

[Why yes, there will still be horrible fonts with their cheesy names scrawled across this post in neon letters. Thank you for asking.]

Nami's plan is simple: STOP GETTING THEM CHASED OFF OF EVERY ISLAND BY A MOB OF PEOPLE TRYING TO KILL THEM!!!!

How to achieve such an impossible goal? Easy, they'll just make themselves look so beautiful and rich and cool that everyone will immediately love them (and possibly want to give them money to make them look as fashionable in return). What? Why are all of the boys giving her that look!? So far all they've managed to do was have them run off from each and every port they've come across!

Now, Nami will be their fabulous, beautiful, awe-inspiring captain and she will make sure the people of this next town are so mesmerized by them that they would never THINK of firing canons at them (unlike Usopp's plan...) She'll have to dress you lot up of course... her, Robin and Sanji could pass it off but the rest of you... No one is going to believe you're part of the world famous Glamour Pirates with such drab, terrible clothes. Oh, and Sanji,they're going to need a really high quality meal; they need to impress these people. If they look wealthy enough no one will suspect we're they're to rob them! ("But we're not trying to rob them anyway!") That's not the point, it just means they'll be more likely to trust them! Everyone is always trying to be nice to rich people even when they hate their guts. Trust her, Nami has done this before.

Robin: I think it sounds like quite fun. But Navigator-san, won't it be difficult for you to make such an elaborate entrance while guiding the ship?

Hmm.... Robin has a good point.... Not to worry! Nami KNOWS this will work, which means there won't be any real need for a navigator. She'll just be a proper captain and tell the crew where to steer the ship ("Hey! I direct the crew. I told you to head towards that island a few days back!" / "Idiot, that's why we're here.") They'll pull up to the dock, spend however long resetting the logpose, And then be on their way. Nice and calm. They just need someone who is strong enough to handle the ship and....

*looking around at her choices*

Zoro!

Crew: She picked Zoro!?!?

It's fine you guys! Like she said, nothing is going to go wrong, he has to do is stand at the wheel and turn it a few times (besides, what else can she have him do? Him and Luffy will ruin this whole plan if she lets them... Speaking of which, she needs to find something even a child can do to help keep Luffy out of the way....)

In the end the crew break down is as follows:

Nami and Nami "Cat Walk" Gold: Beautiful, Wealthy Model/Fabulous Rich Fashion Icon/Captain

Usopp Yorohiness "Snapshot-King" Uso-san: "Vice Captain" of Production, World Class Photographer, Ex-Arch Duke of West Blue (also, the crew chronicler and look out!)

Robin as Fabuloso "Designer Chic" Robbi: Premiere Fashion Designer of The Grand Line, Designer for Celestial Dragons, Most Wanted Fashionista In All The World. Oh, plus, the designer of our very own Merry!

Sanji as Alhellth "Blue Eyed" (give her a break, she had a lot to plan....) Sanki: Nutritionist, Personal Trainer, Health Expert & Body Upkeep ("what!? My sweet Nami-swan is trusting me to care for her body! I could have never even dreamed of such a gift, oh N-"/"Usopp, which writing do you like better?"/"Eh, the one on the left definitely says rich fashion heiress, but I think it still needs to be more eye-catching."/"I quite agree, Long-Nose-kun. Perhaps something so it can catch the light of the sun?"/"Excellent job you two, the three of us should be able to pull this off no problem!"/"Ah, just look at two such perfect flowers working together to keep us from further danger. I shall take my momentary job as the keeper of your body's shape as-"/"No one is listening to you, Stupid-Brow.") Anyway, the doctor, chef, and All around medical advisor about the Going Gold ("you just called it the Merry! You can't change the name halfway through!")

Chopper as Roi-al "Silky Sweet" Cho-po: Mega Rich South West Prince, ProffesionL Philanthropist, Representative from the kingdom of Cherry-Cherry Realm, Backer of this whole project. He's also, um, an amazing Ambassador! For all the ports we visit!

Luffy: Background Model

Zoro: Helmsman/Body Guard to Miss Nami Gold (all you have to do is stand there looking intimidating in this suit... He's, just like that, perfect! Now just stand around and don't speak or do anything unless someone threatens my safety!) And obviously, the ship's main weapons expert.

Chopper: 🤩 Zoro you look so cool like that!

Usopp: I always knew you were scary, but this look is a whole other level!

Robin: Our Kenshi-san does look particularly good like this, doesn't he?

Luffy: Oye, Naaaami, why do I have to wear these boring clothes?

Nami: Boring!? You would say that after I'd taken the time to find you such a fashionable look.

Luffy: I wanna dress like Zoro! He looks badass!

Nami: *sigh* You know what?

Luffy: Model/Bodyguard

Nami: I mean as long as it keeps him from causing trouble....

Spoiler: It doesn't.

[I know that Love-Love is often the translation of the Mero-Mero No Mi, but it also sounds like random ridiculous English that Sanji would use to name the crew on his turn, okay? Regardless of how this seems, this was actually Sanji's terrible choice, not mine.]

For the record, Sanji thinks Nami's plan was absolutely perfect and he loved it and it's not her fault that Luffy and that Marimo ruined the whole thing (and of course there is no way she could have ever known about that South Blue reporter who now lives on the island.) However, he has decided to take a different approach.

To help the women of this next island, however he can!

Usopp: He's just running around doing whatever they tell him –_–💧

Zoro: At least it keeps him out of the way.

Usopp: Hey, Sanji, you forgot to have us put your name anywhere!

His name and identity are unimportant, lost to the winds of time and love. The beauties of the Sea that they strive to help know him only as -

On'na-Hero

Chopper:💧💧 He's really serious, isn't he?

Usopp: Everyone else is getting a turn, I suppose it's only fair if we follow Sanji's plan while he's captain. 😅

Nami: 😮‍💨 He can't really expect women to call him that, can he?

Robin: *giggle*

Sorry to make you wait, Nami-swan! Robin-chwan! I'll be happy to tell the roles to two vice captain's of my very own heart!

Crew Breakdown:

Sanji: Captain of the Love-Love Pirates, a heroic, masked stranger who shows up at islands and strives to make the lives of the women there as perfect as possible. Followed by a crew of those who have taken vows to help women with their many great abilities (and also Marimo, since they wouldn't let Sanji kick him into the water.... What, he can swim. Water is a marimo's natural home, he'd be fine.) They will travel for miles at the faintest cry for help, will fight navy ships at a lady's command, will take on entire kingdoms rather than see a single tear fall from a women's ("Tch, ero-cook, we get it already. Just tell the rest of us what we're doing so we're not standing here all day!" / "So hungry..." / "So sleepy...." / "How long can he possibly go on like this?" / *Sigh* "We're definitely getting run off another island again...." / *Giggle*)

Nami: Vice-Captain, Navigation ("but Nami is always the navigator!" / "There, there Chopper...." / "Try to be understanding, Cook-san is trying his best for the crew." / "Mm, don't be sad. Sanji just doesn't understand how much fun some ladies have playing Pirate..." / "Hahaha, did he say Navigator!? That's obviously not what he meant because, err....")

😔😔

Chopper: Navigator

😏😌

Nami: Vice-Captain and Future-Guru: she helps all the girls out there unsure of what they will do in the future! Whether it be about money, career, or style as they grow! Nami-swan -

😔😔

Err, Beautiful Future-Swan can figure it all out!

Robin: Vice-Captain / Doctor ("obviously she's the only one left who is intelligent enough to be-" / "Oh, I think I'd much rather be the swordsman, this time around." / "What!? But I mean of course Robin-chwan, you'll be the most beautiful masked swords woman the world has ever known!" / "How do they know her if she's wearing a mask though? 😓" / "It doesn't make much sense. 😅") Beautiful Mask Swordswoman / Love-Guru: No matter how complex the maze that runs through your heart, Beautiful Love can cut straight through to where your prince is waiting on the other side!

Usopp: Ship Doctor / Cupid. That's right, Cupid goes around delivering wonderful gifts for any girl who is lonely or depressed or simply needs a chocolate surprise! For miles off he can spot sign of the slightest blue heart and fires these delectably wrapped bundles of perfectly made chocolate and strawberry tarts to the lady to brighten her day!

Chopper: Navigator / Love Tanuki ("What!?!?!?") He is Love's Lucky Charm! Whatever ales your heart, the Love Tanuki can heal with one sip of his magic potions! ("Chopper, listen. We may be playing pirates, but any woman on that island who needs a doctor, only you can really help you. Do you understand?" / "Mm! *Serious face* You can count on me, captain!")

Luffy: Helmsman (Chopper can't be expected to steer you guys...) / Love Angel: where ever the girl needs to be, Love Angel can take her in a snap!

Zoro: ..... ("I can think of one position that hasn't been filled." / "I have been wondering what we'll do after a long day using up all this energy helping these girls. I'll probably be starving, what about you Robin?" / "Indeed, Navigator-san, after such work they will likely all want nothing more than to come home to a warm meal! But surely Cook-kun will be in town with them all day, helping out with all these poor girls in need of a hero." / "Well, seeing as he hasn't assigned anyone else to be the cook, I guess Sanji-kun won't actually be saving any of the ladies himself." / FINE!) ... Grr... Cook. Marimo can be the cook.

He better not make the two ladies sick with his disgusting grilled fish!

[If you're wondering, Robin let Chopper and Luffy help with drawing the new Jolly Roger, though obviously since she has twice as many hands the majority of it was done by Robin. Oh, the design? No, that was 100% her.]

If she may, Robin would be quite happy to try her hand at captaining.

Zoro: Oy, you know this isn't a game, right? We're trying to get away from these islands without anymore of the ship being blown off....

So serious, Kenshi-san. Of course, Robin has given a lot of thought over the passed nine days to their situation.

Nami: See, Zoro!? I can't believe you're still so cynical about her after everything we've been through. (Besides, her plan can't possibly be worse than Sanji-kun's.....)

Chopper: Mhmm! If Robin says she has a plan to help get us out of here then we should listen! She'll definitely know what to do! (Unlike Sanji....)

Usopp: We should at least give her a chance, Zoro. Robin is super smart (and way smarter than Sanji) so I'm sure she's thought up something great!

Luffy: Plus, there's no way she'll screw up like Sanji did!!!

Sanji: *from the infirmary* We have to go back 💕💕💕 My heart can't take being away from my beloved!

Group: *sigh*

Robin is very grateful for all the faith this crew has placed in her. 😇

Now, they should all start changing into the costumes she's prepared for them....

Crew Registrar for The Last Psychopomp:

Rusalka "The Raven" Raven (Robin): Captain

The Captain of the Pirates of the Shinigami, who has been out sailing the sea for over twenty years in search of the soul of her lost lovers after they were torn from her arms and swept away by a freak hurricane (likely having drowned in the storm, only after hours of having their body tossed around, beaten by the fierce winds to near unconsciousness, though still calling her name through the howling tempest before being dragged beneath the waves and slowly suffocated at last).

Kallippos "Quick-Shot" Shishi (Chopper): Vice Captain, Sharpshooter

Vice-Captain of The Last Psychopomp and the best quick fire in the four blues. He's now come to test himself on the Grand Line, and to make new friends for Minklandia, his home back in East Blue. It's a small, beautiful tropical island filled with Fairy-People like Shishi. He left after promising their president (who is a dachshund whose desk is a giant wicker basket and who always wags his tail when he talks to good boys like Shishi) to make as many new friends for their island as possible!

Princess Victoria of Troimazon: Swordman, Wild Animal Whisperer, Witch Doctor

Born to a royal family, Princess Victoria was only three years old when her father and mother were brutally drawn and quartered before their body parts were displayed to the whole kingdom after their corruption drove the island to starvation and ruin. That might, to spare her from the rioters, her nursemaid dropped her down to the river, where Princess Victoria was saved by a mermaid farmer who brought her home and raised her as her own child. She has been attempting to make amends for her parents sins ever since, learning all the traits a good leader must know such as defense and healing. She hopes to one day return to her land and fulfill all her duties as the princess of Troimazon such as feeding her people, protecting them from evil pirates, keeping their treaty and marrying into the Alabaster Family, and freeing those who have been imprisoned during her exile.

Magellan "Wave-Rider" Clouds (Sanji): Helmsman, Muscian

Born in the North Artic, MagClouds spent his entire life sailing the rough Northern Seas in just a small, handcrafted rowboat. At 12 years old, he was throwing his spear towards a fish when it got caught in the fin of a giant singing whale. The whale pulled him along for miles and miles, and MagClouds could have let you of the rope at any time, but he chose to hold on, wanting to remove the spear from the whale's fin. When the whale finally stopped and he was able to remove the weapon it taught him a song, and whenever MegClouds needs the currents to change, he sings this song to summon the powers of the whale and change the ocean currents. Unfortunately, the whale then left him stranded in the calm Belt, unaware of the boy's plight. He stayed out there for nine days before a marine ship passed and took him on. There he meant the kindly, handsome young lieutenant Greenwood Apollo and his evil scientist father, Blackwood Danse. While Blackwood would spend many years forcing the ever grateful MegClouds to do his bidding, it was Apollo-san who saved his spirits and kept him from simply giving into the darkness of his current situation. It was only when the other boy was assigned to the New World that MegClouds finally abandoned his past savior, setting out to follow Apollo-san to the end of the world.

(Robin will keep some of her notes to herself)

Monster Cookie (Luffy): Cook

Their much loved cook, the boy once ate a strange fruit which allows him to take the nutrition he takes in from food and growing his muscles and limbs at super fast speeds! Thus, his name has long been forgotten the world over as he is only known as the Monster Cook. However, the truth is that their Cookie is a sweet and kind boy who always looks out for others, protecting his friends and anyone else in need. He does have to eat an extraordinary amount to use his powers, though, and so he spends most of his time locked away alone in the kitchen!

Kyoyūshi "Sniper Of The Giants" Usopp: Navigator, Pirate Captain, Prisoner

You may have heard of this unimaginably horrible man. He is a legend around the world, after all, and a known slayer of giants ("That's not what that name means!") The crew had the misfortune of running into him only a few nights ago, and while he was alone - nearby Islanders had killed and ate the others of his crew in a cannibalistic sacrifice - he still managed to dispose of most of those journeying along The Last Psychopomp. This includes their dear, sweet navigator, a young girl of only 14.... ("Robin.... Why???" 😮‍💨💧💧) Since then they have been forcing him to act as their navigator until they can find their way back to familiar territory, at which point they will do the honorable thing and slice each of his ("okay okay! Just move on to Zoro!")

The Man Of A Million Faces (Zoro): Preformer

Zoro: ....

Robin: *smiles*

Zoro: ....

Robin: *smiles*

Robin: I believe with such a colorful and terrifying crew it may be necessary for us to offer the locals some kind of entertainment.

Zoro: *sneer* And what do you want me to do about it?

Robin: I'm sure they'll find something about you to enjoy, Kenshi-san.

#I may have to add on to that last one #it ended up sounding like Robin was openly whoring Zoro out #which I mean she's not OPENLY doing it #she just knows people won't mind staring #she had this whole Monster Cookie/Man Of A Million Faces love story planned but Luffy already struggled #sitting still through her explination #and she figures Zoro will act like he's in love with Luffy whether she tells him or not #Luffy and Zoro are just gonna be themselves regardless #hence her not even bothering that much with a Luffy cover story #one piece #roronoa zoro #cat burglar nami #nico robin #vinsmoke sanji #one piece fanfiction #the strawhats #strawhat antics #Nami gets to glam up #Sanji gets to moon after girls #and Robin gets to make everyone freak out and also probably give Chopper more candy #don't ask about that last part she just fits it in #ask and you shall receive #amusing musings

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