#there's a wonderful bay window for my kitty too | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

syntheticpoetry · 4 years

Text

Constellations

Summary: When the text comes in from Tina, Kurt can hardly believe what he is reading. When Blaine doesn't respond to his messages he thinks his heart may actually stop beating. AO3 link || FFN Link

Author’s Note: I was watching Shooting Star and overcome with a million emotions, mostly having to do with the fact that we don't get ANY conversation or scene with the NYC gang during this insanely emotional episode. So this is my take on it. A little bit of canon, but a little divergence for the Klaine scene I desperately wanted to see as well as Kurt, Santana, and Rachel’s reactions. I promise there is a happy ending in this through the rollercoaster of emotions that is Blaine's mind during this absolutely horrifying ordeal. Big thanks to @roxymusicandlayers for beta reading this for me!

“And I am lost, so lost, but you’re the constellations that guide me.”

_________________________________________________________

“Alright guys, start texting and tweeting, whatever social media you use. Let everyone know what’s going on here. But don’t say where we are, shooters have smartphones too.”

Blaine hears Mr. Schue’s urgent whisper as though he is underwater. The words sound muffled and heavy with the depth of the room’s collective terror embedded into every upturned syllable. Despite his best effort to keep the hysteria at bay, they know he is just as frightened as they are. Blaine bites his lip and remains so still that every muscle starts to quiver, threatening to give way. The burn feels familiar, like the ache he gets from lifting weights in the gym with Sam, and he pushes through the pain as though it is just one more rep away before they can finally rest.

Any slight movement will betray his feigned composure and he knows the domino effect of his breakdown will begin. Around him the gentle, frantic padding of fingers against glass echoes around the room like a discordant symphony of additional gunshots. He knows they are not as loud as they actually sound in his head. But the panic in his chest still swells. He hugs his knees tighter. The small movement is enough to send the first wave of tears down his cheeks. He bites his lip harder and tries to focus on the pain of teeth against flesh instead.

‘I should do what they’re doing. Pick up your phone. Keep it together.’

“Blaine, it’s okay. It’s going to be okay,” Sam reaches a hand out and the touch of his fingers against Blaine’s forearm sends thunderbolts up his spine. “Where’s your phone?”

Blaine opens his mouth to speak and instead gasps loudly, the breath shuddering on the sharp intake of air. He claps a hand over his mouth and squints his eyes shut as more tears come. His mistake was moving at all. Statues never cry. He stretches out one leg and wrenches the phone from his pocket to see it at 1% battery. With one hand pressed firmly against quivering lips, the muffled whisper comes convulsing out in staccato bursts. “It’s— it’s almost— d-d—”

He can’t bring himself to say the word dead. As though breathing life into it will somehow fulfill some unspoken prophecy, and he is bound to doom them all by simply uttering it. Sam squeezes his arm and whispers back, “Do you want to text anyone with my phone?”

Blaine nods frantically when his phone screen finally turns to black. He gingerly places it on the ground in what feels like slow motion, taking extreme care not to make a sound, and extends his hand out to Sam. He thinks back to Mr. Schue’s garbled words and wonders if they really are underwater.

“I can’t get in touch with my mom,” The subdued sound of Marley’s panicked sobbing ricochets off of the walls. “She won’t respond! What if she— there’s no back way out of the kitchen!”

While Kitty and Jacob whisper empty reassurances Blaine stares at Sam’s phone in his hand like it is a foreign object. He knows what he is supposed to do with it, but the phone numbers in his mind are written in invisible ink.

‘I can’t even remember my parents’ phone numbers. Oh god, what if we die in here. What if I never see them or Cooper or Kurt—”

A flash of hands clasped tight, buried deep into a mattress fills his vision. The breathy whisper of his own name makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. His trembling thumbs begin to fly seamlessly over the keypad and he has never been so thankful for autocorrect before. Just as he hits send the dull pounding sound of running footsteps in the hall crescendos until—

Rattle! Rattle! Rattle!

The jittering of the door handle makes them all collectively jump as though this is just another lesson in synchronisation for their next competition. Blaine’s heart slithers its way into his throat, and he drops the phone. It slides away from him and bumps into Sam’s ankle. Sam’s leg jerks and sends it careening across the floor of the choir room where it settles underneath the piano. The entire scene is something straight out of a shitty comedy movie that feels completely unbelievable, like the chances of something like this happening are one in a million. The irony of the realm of impossibilies reaching its peak today is not lost on him. The entire room stills. Blaine wishes that stupid ticking of the metronome in the center of the room would. Just. Stop. It feels like a countdown.

Smash!

Blaine jumps again and presses his hand harder to his mouth to suppress the sound that begs for escape. He hugs his knees closer to his chest in a one-armed embrace and tries to will the demon perched on his shoulder whispering unpleasantries to vanish. The burn settles in again. Out of the corner of his eye, he spots Artie struggling to sit himself up against the cabinets. He wants to move, wants to help him; but when he tries to unhook his arm from his knees, nothing happens. He continues spectating as Sam begins lifting Artie up by his shirt until he’s sitting comfortably upright. Then he witnesses the moment of pure panic in his best friend’s eyes right before Sam hisses frantically to Mr. Schue, “Brittany doesn’t have her phone, she’s in the bathroom! She’s all alone!”

___________________________________________________

“Oh honey, no goddamn way!” Kurt snatches the remote back from Rachel. “Santana and I were here first, you don’t just get to come in and throw a hissy fit about having a bad day so you can put on whatever you want. How do you know we didn’t have a bad day too?”

Santana averts her attention from the television to watch them instead, positively beaming. Their fights are honestly her favourite thing to watch. Always far more entertaining than whatever trashy reality shows she and Kurt had been immersing themselves in lately. Today it had been a marathon of the first season of Rock of Love.

“Well, considering you’re both in the exact same spot I left you in this morning I seriously doubt it,” Rachel huffs loudly and sinks down into a creaky wicker chair, arms folded tightly across her chest. Kurt rolls his eyes at her and changes the channel back before the gentle buzzing of his phone across the coffee table distracts him from Rachel’s moodiness.

“Go make some popcorn and I’ll let you vent— oh,” Kurt stares down at his phone.

“What?” Rachel lowers her arms, keeping them folded across her stomach still, and exchanges her scowl for curiosity.

“Sam texted me, he usually never…” The rest of his sentence trails off once he opens the message, leaving them to stare. He loosens his grip and drops his hands against his thighs, the phone resting precariously on his open palms. After the fourth quick scan of the text the message still does not seem to sink in.

Sam 12:36 p.m. I love you so much and I’m so sorry about everything that happened I’m so glad I got to see you at the wedding you’re amazing and deserve everything in the world I’m so proud of you don’t ever settle for anyone less than perfect because that’s exactly what you are

‘This can’t be for me.’

“Kurt, what is it? What’s wrong?” Rachel leans over, her palms on her knees now, her brows furrowed in concern.

“What’s Trouty mouth saying?” Santana snatches the phone from him. He does not even protest her invasion of privacy, his brain is too busy slicing through the fog to decrypt the reasoning behind the message. She frowns and looks between the screen and Kurt a few times. “Did I miss the part when you and Sam got together? No way my gaydar is that far off.”

“There’s no way that’s for me. He obviously meant to send it to someone else. Do you think he meant it for Mercedes?” Kurt plucks the phone back from her hands to reread the message before typing out a reply.

Kurt 12:44 p.m. I don’t think you meant this for me?

“What did it say?” Rachel pipes up and cranes her neck to try to read over Kurt’s shoulder. Kurt tilts the phone to show her. “Ooooh, wait did something happen between them at the wedding? Wasn’t he there with Brittany then though?” Kurt shrugs and scrolls through his contacts until he lands on Mercedes’ name.

Kurt 12:50 p.m. Okay maybe random question but is there something going on with you and Sam again? I got the weirdest message from him just now

Mercedes 12:55 p.m. ???? What did he say?

Kurt takes a screenshot of the message and forwards it to her.

Mercedes 1:00 p.m. Omg nope nothing happened with us at the wedding. Maybe he meant to send it to Brittany? Has he not replied?

Kurt 1:02 p.m. Nope

Tina’s name flashes across the top of his screen in a drop down banner and he taps on it. “Oh my god.” The words come out small and frightened as he reads the message. “Tina just said—”

“She just texted me too,” Santana replies in an eerily despondent voice that Kurt has never heard her speak in before. It suddenly makes the situation feel ten times more real. For once, she’s silent as she stares down at her own phone, frantically typing out a text.

“Me too,” Rachel whispers. “Oh my god, do you think everyone is okay?” She stands and crosses the room, pacing by the window as she rereads the text over and over again. “Kurt, have you heard from Blaine?”

‘Blaine.’

Kurt cannot find the words to respond to her as he taps on his favourites list. Blaine’s name is still at the very top. He had told himself he had never gotten the chance to adjust the list and remove him after their breakup. Really, he never had the heart to erase his name. The sight of it now makes his throat constrict. He tries to speak but no sound comes out.

“Brittany isn’t texting me back. Neither is Sam,” Santana borders on hysterical as she grips her phone between her hands like it is her only lifeline. Kurt mimics her action as he composes a text to Blaine.

Kurt 1:10 p.m. Tina texted me are you ok

“Has anyone heard anything from anyone else?” Rachel asks. Neither of them respond.

Kurt cannot look away from Blaine’s name. The feeling washes over him suddenly and intensely, dragging his logical mind into the riptide of superstitious terror as he recites the name silently like a mantra. If he looks away, he might lose him forever. It doesn’t make any sense to think that way. He knows it. But it provides some tiny semblance of comfort and control as he tethers himself to it and waits for a response. Two long minutes pass by and still nothing comes. Tina’s name and phone number fills the screen, swallowing Blaine’s name, and he finally finds his voice, the words frantic and choppy as he taps multiple times to decline the call, “Someone call Tina, she’s calling me. Someone call her so she stops calling me!”

The sight of Blaine’s name again anchors him down once more and the rest becomes background noise.

'Please be okay. Please be okay. I’m never saying goodbye to you, you idiot. Just text me back. Please.’

__________________________________________________________

“Mr. Schue, I have to get to her! I have to make sure she’s okay!”

Blaine watches, horrorstuck, as Mr. Shue and coach Beiste struggle to restrain Sam. He is thrashing wildly in their arms, his quivering voice crescendoing past the panicked whispers that everyone else has adapted. It isn’t until coach Beiste whispers something in his ear that Blaine cannot hear, and Sam locks eyes with him that he finally settles down. Blaine exhales sharply, lungs blazing and heart thudding at the base of his throat, and realizes he must have been holding his breath at some point. Sam slinks back over to their corner and sits beside Artie, his head hanging down in defeat. Blaine tries to parrot back the same empty promises Sam had whispered earlier, wants to tell him everything will be okay even though he is not quite sure if he believes it himself, but nothing comes out.

“Maybe she’s with Tina,” Artie whispers hopefully to Sam. “Maybe she isn’t alone.”

Blaine takes note of Artie’s lack of confidence and how he is careful not to speak in absolutes. But maybe he is right. He thinks about the word maybe in the context of his life. Maybe Kurt did not want to admit how much their hookup at the wedding had meant. Maybe he and Kurt really are back together. Maybe Kurt still loves him. Maybe he will see him again when this entire ordeal is finally over with. ‘Maybe’ starts to feel like a pretty good word the more he thinks about it. ‘Maybe’ feels like hope. ‘Maybe’ feels like a second chance.

The sound of a door opening breaks through Blaine’s inner dissection of the word, and he looks over just in time to see Mr. Schue skulking out of the door. It reminds Blaine of one of Finn’s video games about spies and stealth. Maybe they will get another chance to play it together after this. He clings to that and tries to focus on the upcoming Friday night dinner with him, Burt and Carole as Marley’s sobbing continues to grow louder. Her gasps for air further enforces his previous belief. Maybe they really are underwater.

It isn’t long before the choir room door opens again and a collection of cheerleaders rushes in followed by Mr. Schue. Blaine watches Sam vault off of the cabinets like a spring loaded toy to pull Brittany into his arms. She has never looked so terrified before. But there is no sign of Tina amongst the red and white uniforms. Blaine forgets about the maybe’s floating around his brain like buoys at sea and feels like he is drowning again. He twists his head away and stares down pathetically at the blank screen of his cellphone, willing it to magically come alive.

‘How could I have forgotten to charge it? I used to lecture Kurt about this all the time.’

Maybe it is a sign. Maybe it is a metaphor of sorts.

He does not know when Artie began recording them with his phone, but the start of Marley’s hiccuped confession fills his lungs with water again. “In the bottom of my desk drawer,” She breaks off to compose herself. The volume of her crying sends off alarm bells in Blaine’s head and he tunes out the rest of her message. He looks towards the hastily strewn barricade against the door. Maybe it will prove to be sturdy, but it does not feel like enough. The continued tapping of fingers against glass screens fills in the gaps of silence between the metronome and scattered crying when Artie pans the camera onto Blaine. It feels like a slow dance towards a death sentence. Maybe the rhythmic ticking really is a countdown.

“Blaine, do you want to say anything to anyone?”

He drops his face down into his knees. Maybe he should take the opportunity to leave behind one tiny fragment of his life before he becomes another forgotten statistic. But Artie has already redirected the phone towards Sam and Brittany when Blaine looks up again. Maybe he has missed his chance. ‘Maybe’ starts to feel like a cursed word now. Like something sinister and evil and concrete. Maybe he has inflated the word with too much hope causing some sort of rebound effect. Maybe—

“All clear!”

The words break through the hurricane in the choir room and suddenly everyone is getting to their feet except Blaine, who still feels sluggish and dazed. Sam and Brittany approach him and hold out their hands. He stares at their open palms, trembling and sweaty, and his body acts before his brain does to grasp them. They lift him up like he is made of helium despite the lead shackles he envisions around his ankles. He becomes aware of Sam’s arms around him and shakes away the anchors in his own arms to return the embrace. The burn is still there, leaving his muscles fatigued and weak, but he cannot bring himself to let go now that he has latched on.

“It’s okay, it’s okay. See? We’re okay,” Sam whispers against his ear before Blaine realizes why he is taking such extra care to console him. The sound of his own sobbing, punctuated by rattling intakes of air, reminds him why he tried to remain so still at the start of all of this. He buries his face deep in Sam’s neck to muffle the sound and feels the addition of Brittany’s slender arms around both of them, leaving him sandwiched in between. The shuffling sound of footsteps towards the door leads to the eventual end of the embrace and Sam jogs over to the piano, crouching down to retrieve his phone before they join hands and follow everyone else on the way to the parking lot.

“Blaine, I have a charger in my car.” Sam says as he raises his phone to his ear. Brittany slips her hand away from Blaine and he hears her whimpering Santana’s name before seeing she has also pulled out her phone. Blaine laces his fingers with Sam and clings tightly as they weave their way through the crowd towards Sam’s car. “Mom, hey I’m okay. We’re okay. We’re outside now— please don’t cry, I promise I’m okay.”

When Sam finally pulls his hand free, Blaine thinks he might just float away. It takes Sam only a few seconds to wrench open the car door and jam his key into the ignition. “Blaine, here— Wait, Kurt’s calling my phone. Mom, let me take this, and I’ll call you right back? Blaine’s phone died, he has no way to— yes, I’ll be right home as soon as I can. I love you too.”

Blaine’s fingers are numb by the time Sam has pressed the phone into his hand. Kurt’s frantic, breathless voice breathes life into them, and he curls them tightly around the device just before it is about to fall. “Sam! Brittany called Santana and said you guys made it out. I can’t get in touch with Blaine, is he—”

“It’s me,” Blaine exhales and the volume of Kurt’s sob makes his knees shake. He leans against the car door but slides down it as Kurt continues to cry loudly in his ear.

“Why weren’t you answering me?” Kurt sputters out, his voice traversing the length of his entire vocal range like a warmup.

“My phone died, that’s why I texted you with Sam’s—”

“You didn’t say it was you!” Kurt’s voice rises three octaves. Blaine presses the phone closer to his ear like it will actually close any of the distance between them. “I thought it was a mistake! I thought it was Sam! Why didn’t either of you get back to me on— Blaine, are you crying or laughing?”

“Both, I think,” Blaine responds airily between watery laughter. In the timespan of less than two hours he feels as though he has mastered every element associated with human emotion. The fire in his lungs has been reduced to embers as Kurt’s voice continues to blanket him. The laughter should feel inappropriate, but it feels like letting go. It feels like a release. He finally feels grounded. “The stupid phone— it was insane— I dropped it and Sam kicked it under the piano— if you saw it— I’m sorry, I don’t know why I can’t stop laughing, but it just feels so good to hear your voice again. I thought I was never going to hear it again or see you or—”

“Don’t you ever, ever, write a message to me like that again!” Kurt interrupts his rambling and suddenly the laughter becomes lodged in his throat. Maybe he had been wrong to assume all of those ideas about them earlier. Maybe Kurt’s next few words will feel like an actual gunshot wound.

“Kurt, I’m sorry, I thought—”

“I told you I’m never saying goodbye to you,” Kurt parades through his apology, trying to sound bold and certain. Blaine can see the hairline cracks in the foundation as Kurt wavers through the next command. “Don’t you ever try to say goodbye to me like that again, do you understand me?”

“Understood,” He replies with the remnants of his previous laughter, the solitary sound coming out strangled and relieved all at once. “I’m sorry I scared you.”

“You’re sorry you—” The way he says it sends shivers down Blaine’s spine. It is the same breathy exhale that had been reserved for their night in the hotel as their hands sank deeper and deeper into the mattress. “Blaine, you must have been fucking terrified, how can you focus on me?”

“Because I love you,” Blaine says simply. For once there is no anxiety or fear to cage the confession. It flies freely over the soundwaves and he does not worry about the reply because he already knows the response without Kurt having to say it. But Kurt says it anyways.

“I love you too.”

‘Maybe’ starts to feel like a second chance again. ‘Maybe’ feels like a promise.

59 notes · View notes

therealchoreanese · 4 years

Text

Ch. 1 - As Luck Would Have It

A/N: fanfic in progress inspired by @kceedraws‘s prompt & art about this lovely crossover ship, gonna put it up on ao3 soon hopefully

The penthouse was absolutely gorgeous. Wide windows that faced San Fransokyo’s bustling streets on the north wall, a balcony with a table and two chairs overlooking the bay on the opposite side. The tub in the restroom had twenty options of different flower-infused waters and whether or not you wanted bubbles, and the kitchen came with a fridge that could list recipes based on your taste, personal health, and whatever was inside it. Not to mention the flat-screen in the living room, or the marbled coffee table and fancy-looking leather couch, and the bedroom’s silk canopy bed and massive walk-in closet and -

“I can’t possibly accept, sir!” Marinette protested. “This is all too much. I’d be fine at the institute’s dorms, they’re cozy and with enough space for my designing-”

Gabriel Agreste tsked and waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t make a fuss. You’re here on my scholarship, and this is simply a benefit of it. Besides, a dorm is not inconspicuous enough for Ladybug activities. Here, you’ll have all the privacy you’ll need.”

“He’s got a point, Marinette,” Tikki agreed. “On-campus would be the worst place to transform, there are so many things that could go wrong and - oh, there’s even a little bed for me!”

Marinette sighed. If Tikki thought it well, then she definitely wasn’t getting out of it.

“One more thing,” Gabriel Agreste said. “Follow me, ma chère.”

Marinette fell in love the moment they stepped inside - it was a fashion designer’s dream come true. It was the least fanciest room in the entire penthouse, with only five blank mannequins and a worktable and empty racks where fabric rolls were supposed to be. But Marinette could make the space hers, fill it with life and love and all her ideas. And for a moment, she couldn’t speak.

So she threw her arms around Gabriel Agreste and squeezed him tight.

Mr. Agreste blinked rapidly, and he awkwardly patted her shoulder, but he seemed to understand. “Well, then. I’ll leave you to get settled. Keep me updated, yes? If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask.”

After Mr. Agreste left, Marinette fluttered around the suite, doing her best to make it feel like home. She taped pictures of her friends and family next to her bed, unpacked her things - even with three whole boxes of clothes and accessories, the closet still wasn’t full - and spent a weirdly unnecessary amount of time exploring the restroom amenities. She emerged from the tub hours later, the grime of the airplane washed away by a lavender bubble bath.

“You smell lovely, Marinette,” Tikki complimented. “You know, it really is so kind of Mr. Agreste to do this for us.”

“I know!” Marinette’s voice was muffled by her rummaging through the closet. “Who would have thought that one year after defeating him we’d be here - in America, on a scholarship in his name, and him being a Ladybug supporter. My supporter. It feels almost like a dream.”

“A dream in which Ladybug leaves Paris.” Tikki sighed wistfully. “I wonder how Adrien will do without us?”

“That silly kitty will be fine. He and Master Fu have the other Miraculouses to help them out. Besides,” Marinette added, “’Ladybug’ is looking forward to meeting San Frasokyo’s superhero team on a night patrol. When do you think we’ll get to see them?”

Tikki fixed Marinette with a stern glare. “Not until you’re settled in. You need to adjust to the time zone, and get ready for school, and make some friends who have your back before anything else. I can’t stand the idea of you getting hurt because you feel out of place.”

“Okay, okay.” Marinette wriggled on a jacket. “Done! Let’s go exploring then, Tikki, we can see what’s around. I want to find a good bakery as fast as possible.”

“Homesick already, Marinette?” Tikki teased.

Marinette glanced at the photos on the wall and smiled. “Something like that.”

A bell jingled as Marinette pushed the door open to the Lucky Cat Cafe. The large cat above the doorway had reminded her of home - her mother had a statue similar to it next to the cash register. There weren’t that many customers in today, it seemed; but Marinette’s attention was caught by a curious white balloon-looking thing holding a tray of buns. To her surprise, it waddled up to her, and - were those two black dots supposed to be eyes? - it spoke.

“Hello. I am Baymax. Would you care for a red bean bun?”

“Um, sure.” Marinette plucked a golden-brown pastry from the tray. “Thank you. Are you a waiter, or. . .?”

“I am Baymax,” the balloon repeated. “A personal healthcare companion. I am responsible for the wellbeing of patients assigned to me. Anyone who comes through that door is now my patient. You are my responsibility. Please, follow me.”

Baymax waddled towards an empty table and, with the pace of a snail, dragged out a chair. The scriiiiiiiitch made Marinette wince, but she sat when Baymax looked at her expectantly. It didn’t seem like it could smile, but Marinette thought she detected pride in its voice for successfully taking care of her. She had to admit, it was kind of cute.

“Please take your time to browse the menu. I must report that a new patient has arrived, but your order will be taken care of shortly.”

Baymax shuffled off, occasionally knocking around tables and chairs and a customer, and disappeared into the kitchen.

“That was so weird,” Tikki whispered. “Do you think all cafes are like that here?”

“I don’t know, but I thought it was funny,” Marinette said as she flipped through the menu. “What d’you want, Tikki? I’ll get it to-go for you.”

Tikki peered out of the bag. “Ooooh, those strawberry cookies look good!”

“Okay, cookies for you, and . . .” Marinette flicked through the pages. “Oolong tea to go with the red bean bun. Oh, just in time! Here he comes again.”

After Marinette had placed her order, she pulled out her sketchbook. It was a new one she’d bought just to celebrate her move to San Fransokyo, its pages crisp and creamy-white. The Lucky Cat Cafe, cute and colorful and beautifully quirky, seemed like the perfect place to start brainstorming new ideas. But she’d just barely touched pencil to paper when a voice called out, “Order for Marinette coming through!” followed by, “Shit, no, Mochi, bad cat - nononono SHIT!” then -

Whump.

CRASH!

Splshhhhh.

A middle-aged brunette poked her head from the kitchen, looking mildly concerned. “Everything okay, Hi - oh. I suppose not. What on earth happened?”

“Sorry, Aunt Cass.” A guy with unruly black hair in an apron looked up at Marinette, soaked in tea and mouth agape, and then at the tray, shattered teacup, and scattered cookies from where he lay sprawled on the floor. “Mochi happened. You okay, miss?”

“What?” Marinette blinked herself out of her shock. “Oh, yes. I’m fine. But your fall looked worse than - oh no, my sketchbook!”

The guy scrambled up and leaned across the table, wincing at the sight. All the pages were soaked and stained brown. Even after it dried, there was no way Marinette could use it.

“I am so, so sorry about that,” the guy apologized, abashed. “I’ll give you the money for it, no problem. And a fresh batch of those cookies to take with you, since I’m sure you’ll never come back here again. But, uh, would you like to have a change of clothes before you go? We’ve got t-shirts and stuff, totally free of charge, of course.”

Marinette held up a hand, trying to bite back a smile, her indignation and fury fading. She knew she should be angry that her sketchbook was ruined, but it was really sweet that the guy was trying so hard to make up for it. It was hard to stay mad at someone who looked so ashamed of himself.

“It’s fine,” she assured him. “You don’t have to pay me back. I’d appreciate the change of clothes, though. But I’ll pay for them - no, please, if you’re giving me the cookies for free, it’s the least I can do.”

The guy whistled. “Damn, I don’t think we’re ever going to get another customer as nice as you. Too bad you won’t be coming back after this.”

“Nothing could keep me away from those red bean buns.” This time, Marinette did smile. “They remind me so much of home.”

“I’ll let Aunt Cass know, then. She’ll definitely want to adopt you after hearing that.” The guy collected the tray and shards of ceramic, then motioned Marinette to follow him up a staircase behind the coffee bar. “Come on, I’ll get you the clothes. Baymax will take care of the cookies.”

“Are all cafes like that here?”

“Like what?”

“Do they all have balloon robots as waiters?”

The guy laughed. Okay, he was cute when he laughed. Pretty cute in general, actually, with warm brown eyes and bedhead hair and a crooked grin and dimples . . .

Which Marinette was not staring at. No way.

“Baymax really isn’t a waiter. He’s a healthcare companion. He just likes helping out from time to time.”

Marinette frowned. “But shouldn’t he be at a hospital or something like that?”

“It’s kind of a long story.” The guy shot her a smile that, to Marinette’s dismay, made her heart flutter. “But if you’re really set on coming back, we could swap next time you’re here. Mine for yours.”

“What makes you think I have a story?”

“That’s what I’m hoping to hear next time I see you.”

How was this bastard so smooth? Just minutes ago he’d been an apologetic, bumbling mess, but now Marinette was the one under the spotlight. Thank God for all that time spent with Chat Noir, or else her face would be as red as a strawberry right now.

“It’s a deal, then.” She stuck out her hand, and the guy shook it.

“Through here.” The guy ushered her into a bedroom, threw a set of clothes at her, and backed out quickly. “Just come down when you’re done. I’ve got to go soon, so I’ll probably be gone when you’re finished, but it was nice meeting you. Well, all circumstances considered. I’ll be waiting on that deal.”

And with one last crooked smile, he shut the door.

Tikki zipped out of her bag, giggling. “Well, he was certainly nice, hm? Not to mention good-looking.”

“Oh, hush,” Marinette scolded. “I barely know him. Besides, anyone that smooth with a stranger? He probably does it all the time. I am curious about Baymax, though. And like you said earlier, it’d be nice to have a friend around.”

“So you’re going to cash in on the deal?” Tikki wiggled her eyebrows. “The way he said it, it sounded awful lot like a date to me. Or, at least, he wanted a date.”

“All I want is a friend, Tikki,” Marinette said, exasperated. “I’ve dealt with enough love problems for the past few years. I don’t need them to follow me all the way to America.”

“Whatever you say, Marinette.” Tikki kept quiet until they exited the cafe, and Marinette was worried she’d somehow offended her Kwami when she piped up with:

“You have to admit, you really liked his dimples, didn’t you?”

“Tikki!”

#miraculous ladybug #marinette dupain cheng #big hero 6 #big hero six #baymax #hiro hamada #hironette #hiro x marinette #disney #idk what else to tag??#loooots of backstory went into this #i'm invested and i will see this fic to the end #adrien agreste #chat noir #ladybug

403 notes · View notes

the-fiction-witch · 4 years

Text

Alien Girl P2

MOVIE: ORBIT EVER AFTER COUPLE: NIGEL X READER RATING: SEXYISH

I closed my eyes as I walked to the bay 2 window, putting my hand on the cold plastic I opened my eyes to the glimmering white room, and there on a bed sat a girl, she looked human almost,her hair was purple so it was all s long slow gradient, her skin pale as a ghost she has marks on her face like freckles, her eyes as green as emeralds and big almost too big, her lips red and broken from the sand outside, her body covered by a little dress made of what looked like cotton her large breasts obvious even with the dress on her body seemed chubby, health I would say her nails a dark purple as she moved I noticed had marks on her neck like lines or something they where on her arms too, her face confused as she looked around the room.

I didn't even need to think about it, my heart beating out of my chest unable to move my eyes from her.

I'm in love.

I smiled and tapped on the window to get her attention she turned in shock I had made her jump she saw me and looked puzzled turning her head like a cat

"Lapian? Lapian teskita" she asks her voice so sweet and soft even if I didn't understand a word of what she said "lapian! Teskita mundila" she asks worried

"Uhh it's okay, knowones going to hurt you, your safe" I said and she looked more confused

"Lapian, mundilla youki wenila" she asks as she got up coming close to me she put her hand on the window stareing at my eyes I moved so my hand was with her's the plastic window separating us she shut her eyes opening them quickly they had turned a bright purple so I moved my hand away stepping back and she looked confused moving away

"Me...help" she says confused and Lost

"What did you say?" I ask in shock how did she learn that...

"Me..help? You here help?" She asks

"Yes, I'm here to help" I nod and she smiles "how- how did you do that?" I ask she just looked puzzled I looked to my hand...maybe she learnt somehow? "Did you learn that when we?" I ask putting my hand on the window again she nodded moving to do it again her eyes again turning purple "can you hear me?" I ask

"Can you hear me?" She repeated the exact way I did

"Listen, we found you, we have to figure out what you are" I tell her

"Listen" it began repeating it exactly how I had said it her voice changing "we found you, we have to figure out what you are" she said but the voice that came out of her... Was mine.

I moved away making her puzzled her eyes going back to green

"what the fuck are you?" I ask her my back hitting the door as I moved away from her window she turned her heard watching me

"What the fuck are you?" She asks still in my voice

"Stop it!" I yell

"Stop it!" She returns

"Enough enough just stop it!" I yell

"Enough enough just stop it!" She answers still with my voice

"I'm losing my mind" I sigh

"I am losing my mind" she says

"But... That's not what I said?" I ask very confused a little scared of her

"But, that is not what I have said" she repeats

"What are you doing?" I ask her going closer curious about this girl

"What am I doing?" She asks

"Why are-" I began

"Why are you changing my words?" She interupted still in my voice

"Are we-" I began

"Are we still connected?" She says putting her hand on the window so I did I too over her hand her eyes going purple then turning back to green and she moved away

"Everytime I broke it... So you where still copying me? But why? Are you trying to learn?" I ask she didn't answer "what are you? What do you want?" I ask she tapped the window slowly

Tap tap tap

"I don't understand" I tell her she looked at the door to her isolated room then back to me and tapped her three little Taps again like a knock... "You want me to let you out?" I ask

"Not" she says

"You... want me to come in?" I ask And she nods "I can't, your in isolation I'm sorry, I know it's probably pretty scary in there, don't worry as soon as it's safe I'll let you out" I smile "I uhh have to go back now, I'll see you tomorrow miss uhh alien girl" I laugh rushing off

I yawned quickly getting up and getting in the shower making kitty jump off my bed confused today is the day I have been trying to teach the girl we found for ages but she isn't doing to good, but today we finally get to go in with her I o course was going as we spend the most time together and she never talks with my dad or my grandfather she only ever speaks to me as soon as I was nice and clean making sure I smelt nice I got dressed and ran down to isolation where my dad stood looking in her window "what is it?" I ask

"She's reading" he says

"Reading? Are you sure? She can't even talk how can she read?" I ask

"No idea... But she's been at is since I got here" he says

"How long ago was that?" I ask

"An hour or so" he shrugs "you ready?" He asks

"Course I am let me go" I laugh

"4861" he says as he went to leave

"What?" I ask

"The code for the door" he laughs climbing the stairs

"Ohhhh...thanks" I laugh, I will change that later something easier to remember, and something my grandfather won't know...not to say I don't trust him but, I don't, he's hologram screwed every other girl I've ever shown interest in I tapped her window making her look up a moment running to the window when she saw it was me I waved and she giggled

"Hilow" she smiles

"Hello" I laugh she still can't get this

"Hilow" she smiles again So I sighed going to her door and typing in the code it open and I froze... Scared of her a little.

But I opened the door and went in shutting it behind me she looked puzzled a moment

"Here?" She asks

"Here with you" I laugh going over to her she smiled poking my stomach "ow! Yeah I'm really here" I laugh she smiles holding her hand like she does on the window so I nervously connected our hands her skin was soft very soft actually her eyes went purple and I was a little frightened till she moved away, as she did I noticed her skin the lines where gone and her hair got s little shorter

"H-how did you do that?" I ask her fascinated by it

"Learn" she smiled "I is a happy, see you" she smiles

"Awe well I'm happy to see you too" I laugh sitting beside her on her little bed "so uhh... I guess I should ask what your name is" I laugh

"Name?" She asks

"Like uhh what do I call you?" I ask her

"What I call you?" She asks

"Yeah" I nod

"Pretty blondie" she giggled fiddling with my hair

"Ohhh no, not like that- I mean what do you call yourself?" I ask

"Myself?" She asked a little puzzled "Y/n" she smiled

"Y/n?" I ask and she nods "Y/n... That's very pretty" I tell her "do you really call me pretty blondie?" I ask and she nods "guess that's what happens when I don't introduce myself properly" I blush "uhh well my name's Nigel" I explain

"Nigel?" She asks and I nod "Nigel" she smiles hugging me tight resting her head on my shoulder as she held my body tightly

"Uhhhhh okay" I laugh very happy to have her snuggled with me but a little confused

"Ummm Nigel" she smirked rubbing her face against my body I moved her away much to my own annoyance

"Now Y/n, would you like to come out? See the Hovel?" I offer and she smiles hopping off the bed and running to her door very excited bouncing a little as she waited for me like s puppy almost

"Y/n? Do you have any idea what you where doing on that planet?" I ask as we sat on the kitchen table looking out the window at the vast stars and moons we both had a nutrio bar each as o know food in isolation isn't great but she wouldn't eat one unless I did too,

"Father drop" she answers

"Drop? Like he left you there?" I ask and she nods chewing her food "why?" I ask her

"Reasons" she shrugs

"What reasons?" I ask

"Grown ups, go drop alone" she says

"so... When your an adult you get dropped somewhere alone?" I ask and she nods "why?" I ask and she shrugs

"Not know" she giggled "ummm Nigel" she smiles nuzzling on my shoulder again

"Why do you like cuddling me so much? I'm not complaining! Just wondered why you do I so much?" I ask her

"Learn" she says

"Y/n?" I ask moving her away "you learn though physical contact don't you?" I ask and she nods "that's why you cuddle me so much your trying to learn?" I ask and she nods "why didn't you just say- ohh right" I laugh I blushed a little offering her my hand she smiled taking it gently her eyes going purple we sat for couple minutes just with her doing this till her eyes returned to green and she moved away "so? What did you learn?" I ask her

"I learn a words from your brain," she giggled "I learn to talk" she smiles

"You are amazing" I laugh "how did you do that?" I ask

"Uhh scan brain, copy information" she says "put in own brain" she smiles

"You are fascinating Y/n," I smile "come on I should probably get you out those old clothes," I suggest and she smiled happily following me down to my room, I'm happy I cleaned last night she giggled sitting on my bed and moving to lay down nuzzled up in my bed covers "okay, so we don't really have any girl clothes since last girl on this thing was my mum and her clothes have no hope of fitting you, so jumpsuit till we dock in port which is going to be about three weeks maybe" I explain "so here you should fit one of mine I hope" I tell her getting one of my jumpsuit and sitting it on my bed I looked around for some other clothes, I mean she can't just have a jumpsuit on she has to have something under it I turned back to check on her and she was naked just having slipped off her little dress fixing her hair as stood there her body was perfect and beautiful exactly what I imagined when I First saw her big boobs, a big butt and a cute little chubby tummy, and the thick thighs that go with having a chubby tummy a huge arse "y-your fucking beautiful" I tell her

"Language Nigel" my dad complains though the intercom

"Can you stop easdropping me and Y/n!" I complain

"It's not easdropping, it's for safety" he says

"Safety, you just wanna see if I'm having sex with her" I sigh

"Are you?" He asked

"No!" I complain turning it off so knowone can talk to me "uhhh Y/n..." I began making her stop and turn to me still naked "look you can't just wear a jumpsuit uhhh here these on under it" I tell her handing her a pair of my boxer shorts that I knew where one hundred percent clean she giggled and took them slipping them on first on me there normally pretty roomy on her they where uhh well tight half her butt fell out the back and tugged them to her waist rather then hips whefe they are meant to go they cradled her softly and she smiled wiggling in them a little where she was happy it was adorable too see her so happy I dug around trying to find her a shirt "Y/n, here you pick" I tell her and she came over to look as all my shirts are pretty much the same but the designs on them she dug around for a while till she pulled out a short I had almost forgot about it was a light yellow with a classic style bombshell girl day riding a little rocket ship

"Can I have?" She asks

"Yeah you can have that one" I smile

"For forever?" She asks

"For as long as you like Y/n" I tell her

6 notes · View notes

foodfantasies · 4 years

Text

Autumn (Sanma x Reader, Fluff)

No gendered pronouns used for Reader.

A large bay window looked out over a lawn of green grass and a few clusters of white-barked, leafy trees. The bench at this window was a favorite place of yours to relax, especially this time of year, when the cool of autumn turned the leaves red and gold. You could spend hours here with a warm drink and a book, bolstered up on cushions and swaddled in blankets to guard against the chill. You loved watching the leaves fall, loved the contrast of their brilliant color against the grey skies. Rainy days were even better, thousands of water droplets beading like crystals on the glass panes, the steady pattering of droplets louder here than anywhere else. You weren’t the only one who loved this spot - you often had company here.

“Here we go, Sanma,” you said happily, carefully balancing a mug of steaming tea in each hand. A silver-haired young man turned his head to look at you, and his expression was gentle and warm as he took one of the mugs. A cat was curled up in the blanket in his lap, and another one was perched by his side, watching you.

“Thank you, Master Attendant,” he said politely.

You sat cross-legged beside him, and another cat jumped up from the floor, stepping cautiously towards you.

“Sanma, please, you can call me by name,” you gently reminded him, “I’m not your master, I’m your friend.”

He simply smiled shyly, turning his gaze back out the window and slowly stroking the cat in his lap with his free hand.

“How beautiful,” you said, sighing happily and looking out over the view. You set your mug of tea on the windowsill. You felt something small and fuzzy nudge against your hand, and you looked down to see one of the cats peering up at you. It nuzzled your palm and curled up next to you, breathing softly.

“The cats really like you,” Sanma commented. “They haven’t really taken to anyone else like they have to you.”

You smiled and brought your mug of tea up to your lips, blowing steam from the surface. You held the mug in both hands and savored the warmth that spread through your cold joints.

“Attendant, would you like to go outside and play with the cats together soon?” he asked you.

“I’d love that, Sanma!” you replied. “You’re so good with them. It’s wonderful to watch you.”

You were so happy this quiet, reserved Food Soul had warmed up to you. Just being around him was calming, and you could always count on getting some kitty cuddles, too.

“I’m certainly a lot better with cats than I am with people,” Sanma said in reply. There was a touch of melancholy in his voice.

”Don’t you prefer the cats?” you said playfully, “I know I do.”

He laughed a little, self-consciously. Everything he did was so soft, so subtle. You were always amazed by his quiet grace. He looked at you again, his sable-brown eyes full of an emotion you couldn’t interpret.

Suddenly you shivered, despite the warm drink you were holding. A bit of tea spilled on your hand and you made a small sound of surprise.

“Whoa! I guess I’m colder than I thought,” you said sheepishly, setting the mug down on the sill.

“Here, Attendant, take my scarf,” Sanma offered, already unwinding it from around his neck.

“Oh no, that’s okay, I wouldn’t want you to be cold instead,” you replied, “and that’s your favorite scarf, it’s too special.”

“Well, you’re my favorite person,” he said gently, shyly.

Your heart beat a little quicker, happily surprised. You scooted closer to him until you could lean your head on his shoulder in a cheerful little gesture of gratitude.

“Aw, Sanma, thank you for saying that…” you said, “You’re my favorite, too! I’m so happy. I’m so thankful for the time I get to spend with you like this.”

He was quiet, then you felt fabric drape around your neck and shoulders before you could raise your head again. He had unwrapped his scarf just enough to loop it around the two of you, so you were sharing it. You made a happy noise and snuggled against him. Though you had spent a lot of time with him, you had never been this close to him before. You inhaled deeply, the prelude to a satisfied and happy sigh. The scarf smelled lovely - it reminded you of the fluffy, clean scent of a kitten’s fur.

“Thank you, Sanma,” you said, nuzzling deeper into the scarf.

There was a minute or two of silence, the two of you looking out together at the autumn landscape. It seemed like the rest of the world had frozen in time, the wind having ceased entirely. Nothing stirred. You listened to the rhythmic sound of his breathing, the purring of the cat on his lap, the beating of your own heart. This is it, you thought to yourself, this is the feeling of absolute peace.

A single leaf fell from the nearest tree, fluttering to the ground and settling atop the many others that had gone before it. Sanma spoke.

“Master Attendant, don’t leave my side. I’d like you to be here with me like this, always.”

He leaned his head against yours. He reached for your hand, touched it, held it. Your fingers laced together. Outside, another leaf drifted silently to the ground, and a quiet joy settled upon you both.

“There’s nowhere I’d rather be than here with you,” you promised him. And it was true.

#food fantasy #food fantasy game #foodfantasy #ff sanma #food fantasy fanfiction #fluff #reader x food soul #sanma shioyaki

50 notes · View notes

lilfellasblog · 5 years

Text

Knight in Shining Armor - Roman’s 2019 Birthday Fic!

Summary: When Thomas has an allergic reaction, Virgil’s anxiety gets stuck on high-alert. Will he have to face it alone?Hello! Despite how the summary makes it sound, this is actually a fic for Roman Creativity Sander’s birthday! Happy birthday to the dramatic, passionate Side that inspires Thomas and keeps him going!

A/N: If you like this please reblog. It is the only way for this writing to reach a wider audience. Tumblr ate most of my fics that I know I posted here, which makes me very sad for a lot of reasons, one of the biggest being that the love and comments and tags that folks showed this fic is gone into the ether.

TW: Minor allergic reaction, anxiety, feeling of breathlessness that comes from anxiety. Let me know if I missed any!

Word Count: 1741

AO3 here!

Fic Masterlist here!

Earlier that morning, Thomas had woken up at his friend’s house after a bit too wild of a night. He had groaned and stretched, trying and failing to open his eyes past the searing headache, when he felt weight drop on his chest.

His eyes slammed open and he was face-to-face with a very fluffy cat.

“Oh my goodness!” Thomas cooed as he brought his hand up. He let the cat smell his hand, then started gently petting its head and neck. The cat was a light gray color with yellow eyes and a very poofy tail.

“Aren’t you such a good kitty?” Thomas gushed.

The cat laid down on him and stretched, accepting more head scritches. Thomas couldn’t stop himself from booping the cat’s nose, but he immediately went back to petting. Soon enough, however, his immune system had something to say. He barely got his arm over his nose and mouth in time for him to sneeze.

The cat was entirely nonplussed and simply looked at him as if to say, “Why did you stop petting me?”

Thomas gently picked up the cat and deposited it on the ground. He stood up, gripping his head, and made his way to the bathroom to get some water and ibuprofen in his system. Might have to see if they have benadryl, I can already feel my nose getting stuffy.

////

Virgil was panicking. Thomas had been exposed to a cat, right after he had woken up, for an extended period of time, and was already having his airways close. Logically, Virgil knew that Thomas probably wasn’t going to go into anaphylactic shock, but what if he did?!

Virgil was keeping a very close eye on his own breathing. He didn’t feel like his airway was obstructed or swollen, but he did feel like he had to focus on taking deep breathes or else his lungs would start burning. He tried his breathing exercises, to no avail. Virgil was relieved when the benadryl kicked in for Thomas and his symptoms disappeared fairly quickly, but Virgil still couldn’t get enough air. He felt like he was constantly yawning or deeply sighing. It just felt like he wasn’t getting oxygen into his lungs!

He knew that it was going to be difficult to act normally around the other Sides. Patton was the center of Thomas’ emotional intelligence, Logan was ridiculously smart and observant, and Roman was very sensitive to how others were acting around him. Resigned to suffering alone in his room for the rest of the day, he flopped on his bed and scrolled through Tumblr. He had days like this; where he’d feel like his lungs weren’t working properly and that he’d have to gulp air just to feel like he wasn’t out of breath. It usually dissipated by the next morning. Virgil knew it was his anxiety, but knowing that only helped so much. He wasn’t going to have a panic attack over thinking he had methemoglobinemia or was going into anaphylactic shock, but his brain was still telling him that he was dying.

Virgil tried focusing on the various memes and shitposts that made up his Tumblr feed, but he wasn’t enjoying it at all. He was thrumming with anxious energy. When 3 PM rolled around, Virgil was exhausted and miserable. He wanted his anxiety to just fucking stop, to let him be a neurotypical person who could cure their sadness by walking outside or whatever shit, but no, his neurotransmitters decided that their role was to make his existence miserable. Was it so much to ask to just be able to breathe and have a normal day?!

Virgil threw his phone on the bed in frustration and dug the heels of his palms into his eyes. He heard excited knocking coming from his door.

“Virgil, my Chemically Imbalanced Romance! May I request thy presence for a quest?”

Virgil took a deep breath in through his nose.

“Sorry Princey, I’m not feeling too hot today. Maybe another time.”

There was silence at his door, and Virgil was relieved and sad that Roman had left.

“A new quest then! Perhaps I can interest you in a distraction?”

Virgil considered that. He wasn’t getting much better laying here in his room, but he could barely catch his breath as it was! How could he last during one of Princey’s quests?!

Virgil let out a groan. “Fine, but only if you promise there’s little to no physical activity.”

“I swear it.” Roman said way too solemnly. Virgil huffed a silent laugh to himself. Roman’s extra dial is stuck at 300%.

Virgil got himself up, made sure he had his phone and headphones, and opened the door. Roman was looking at him as though he didn’t expect Virgil to actually come out.

“Virgil, my dark knight! How may I be of service to you?”

Virgil shuffled. “I don’t know.” he mumbled. He really didn’t know how Roman could help him.

“That’s quite alright! I’m sure I can… imagine something.” Roman said with an excited smile and waggle of his brows.

“Did you just make a Patton joke?”

“Why yes I did!”

“Not very creative.”

Roman let out an offended Princey noise and Virgil snorted. Roman led the way to his room, not touching Virgil. He had learned that when Virgil’s anxiety was acting up, touch didn’t feel very good for him.

Roman opened the massive doors to his room and Virgil noticed that it was slightly darker than usual. The only light came from candles, fairy lights, and a sunset in the Imagination that was shining through the window.

“We could play Scrabble, we could watch movies, I even have a PS4 set up in here!”

Virgil bobbed his head as he looked around. He needed a distraction, so,

“Scrabble?”

Roman swept his arm to the fireplace (that has GOT to be a fire hazard) and directed Virgil to one of the armchairs. Unlike the other armchairs, it was black with silver metal accents, as opposed to the red chairs with gold and brown accents. That little detail almost made Virgil tear up.

Almost. He had a reputation to maintain dammit.

Roman grabbed two mugs of jasmine tea seemingly from out of nowhere and set one in front of Virgil, along with a plate of finger sandwiches. They played several rounds of Scrabble, with Virgil winning the first one by a narrow margin and Roman winning the second by an equally narrow margin. They got about halfway through the third game before Virgil decided to try eating some of the finger sandwiches. They were good. Virgil ate enough so he wasn’t hungry anymore but no more than that. He didn’t want another lecture from Patton about ruining his appetite. Although to be fair, this was probably healthier than Cheetos dipped in cream cheese, right?

Virgil irritatingly brushed his fringe out of his eyes for approximately the 70th time that minute and huffed in annoyance.

“Would you like the assistance of an expert hairstylist fair maiden?”

Virgil saw excitement barely being held at bay in the royal’s eyes. His skin didn’t feel so uncomfortable anymore, and he could use some help…

“Sure.”

“Wonderful! Come into my bathroom, I have everything we’ll need in there.”

Virgil threw one more finger sandwich into his mouth, chugged the rest of his tea, and followed the royal.

Roman’s bathroom was an amalgamation of every bathroom Thomas had seen in his life that made him think “Oh pretty!”. Walking past a clawfoot bathtub that was in the exact center of the bathroom for whatever reason Virgil was sat down in a chair facing a vanity. The mirror was lined in lightbulbs.

Fit for a star.

Roman tousled Virgil’s hair, staring at it in concentration. After running his hands through it a few more times, he went to his vanity.

“Your hair has enough grease in it to make hairspray not as effective, and we really don’t have a good hair type for hair gel. I was thinking of putting some dry shampoo in and adding hairspray?”

Virgil shrugged. “Whatever you think will work best.”

“Excellent! I shall begin right away.”

Virgil let his mind drift a bit as Roman fussed over his hair. Roman had personalized his room just for Virgil’s sake and put his whole heart into doing whatever it was Virgil wanted to do. All because Virgil was being a useless puddle of anxiety on his bed and decided he couldn’t breathe and avoided the others. He had even made sure Virgil was hydrated and had something to eat, and Virgil hadn’t even gone on the quest Roman wanted to go on, and-

“Done! What do you think?”

Virgil tore himself away from his thoughts and looked in the mirror. It… looked good. For only using dry shampoo and hairspray, it was damn impressive. It had some volume and stayed out of his eyes, but was still draping down enough to keep the emo vibe alive.

Roman was chewing on his lip and staring at Virgil in the mirror with wide eyes.

“Thanks Ro. I really like it. It’s really good.”

Roman’s smile lit up the entire room and Virgil swore it got a few degrees warmer.

“I’m very glad you like it Virgil! My skills are unmatched!” he declared with a flourish.

Virgil chuckled as they heard knocking on Roman’s door.

“Kiddos! Dinner!”

Virgil and Roman began to shuffle out of his room when Virgil realized something: he could breathe again.

He felt a lump in his throat beginning to form against his wishes. Roman heard Virgil stop walking and turned around. Upon seeing the expression on Virgil’s face, his brows knitted together.

“Virgil? Is something the matter?”

Virgil laughed wetly. “No Princey, I just… thank you.” he breathed out.

Roman smiled. “Of course. It is my pleasure to help you Virgil.” he paused, looking slightly hesitant. “Would you like a hug?”

Virgil nodded and walked into Roman’s waiting arms. Roman held him tightly, showing the strength hidden beneath the prince uniform, but not too tightly. He had his face buried in Virgil hair and was breathing in the scent of hairspray and dry shampoo. After a good 30-second hug, they separated. Virgil was looking down and blushing slightly and Roman was smiling, a blush also covering his cheekbones, but instead of embarrassment in his eyes there were stars.

“L-let’s go to supper.” Virgil muttered.

“Very well. Let’s.”

#sanders sides #fanfic #virgil sanders #roman sanders #prinxiety #anxiety #thomas sanders #fic #fanfiction #ts sides

86 notes · View notes

ofstormythoughts · 4 years

Text

What Happens at the Toy Box Part 1 with @OneCheekyGal

Raine

••I wasn't quite sure what to make of my non-grand-opening Grand Opening, but Birdie's had done surprisingly well in the first few months, even considering the challenges that came with 2020. I had sorely lacked in marketing myself but it seemed I had garnered enough local fanfare by word of mouth, I’d even sold out of some of what I had on offer. I felt greedy in my happiness despite all the effort it took to realize this dream that spanned more than my own lifetime. The only way in which I had announced my arrival into the scene was via introduction to the surrounding business owners and shop managers. There was a sole location that had evaded me. The Toy Box had managed to both pique my interest and stoke a sadness when I tried to stop by. Clearly it was not a store for children as the name would imply by a glance from afar. Thankfully it was in my nature to cast a deeper line into the sea of curiosities. I wondered the story behind its extended closure and during some lulls in my own foot traffic, I was prone to imagining its caretaker had been swept up into a torrid love affair and was sailing around the world with an incomparable lover. The wind held the secrets of The Toy Box at bay, sadly, so I was left to my own musings. It had become a habit to glance across the way before I opened and I held a silent yearning to see the sign switched from “Closed” to whatever elusive welcome alerted the passer by the store was open for business.

This was why when I stepped out to tend the garden and saw the door open that hadn't been since my arrival, excitement quickened my pulse. It was silly, really, but I wouldn't feel my induction into the local scene had been completed until I met this last neighborhood retailer.

My next appointment wasn’t scheduled for an afternoon and I could use a technology break. Setting up the online store was not on my list of favorite things to do. Locking up Birdie's temporarily, I sprung into action, lest I miss my chance and face that closed sign. I nearly skipped across the street before happily crossing the threshold that had been to date a gatekeeper to my curiosity. A bright but genuine smile curved my lips as I approached the petite and pretty girl behind the register, sure to keep a proper distance since I wasn’t wearing a mask. Maybe it had been my daydreaming of her whereabouts, but on sight of her alone, I found my interest in her story piqued even more than all the wares for sale. I tried to keep my gaze from wandering and my eyes from widening at all the things, some which I wasn’t completely naive to, others that had me clueless about their potential use.••

Camille:

*The decision to temporarily close my shop so I could take a vacation had given me heaps of anxiety and a weight of worry on my shoulders that felt heavier than the Costco sized bag of cat food I liked to buy for Betty. I had considered hiring someone temporarily while I was away, but the efforts of training them for such a short period of time seemed like more of a hassle than losing the week’s worth of sales.

What had started out as being closed for a short holiday had unexpectedly turned into something much longer. I had been out of the country enjoying the sand and sun when the travel restrictions and the COVID pandemic had been declared, and upon my return home, a mandatory quarantine had been instituted which meant the shop doors would unfortunately be staying closed.

Fortunately, my online shop was already well established and after an emailed Newsletter to my customer list indicating orders could still be placed during the brick and mortar closure, the lull that my vacation created gradually picked back up. My rainy day savings had helped during the months where in store purchases were entirely obsolete. In my time away and then the subsequent closure, the small cluster of businesses in the area surrounding mine seemed to stay fairly stagnant, with the exception of a new shop that I had completely missed opening, I could only assume it happened while I was away. I hadn't planned to make the time to introduce myself. New businesses tended to avoid mine. God forbid someone admitted to knowing the owner of a sex shop...not that it phased me anyways. The day I had been phased to re-open the shop, I used a wedge of wood to prop the door open to help get rid of the stale air while I dusted for the first few hours. I didn't expect a rush of customers even though I had made a re-opening announcement on the shop’s website with the new hours, and had sent out a discount code to my email list in the hopes of drumming up some more sales and maybe even some foot traffic. It felt good to get back to my old routine of keeping busy and taking pride in what I had built up over the years. It was while I was in the middle of organizing a new countertop display of novelty single condoms that someone walked through the open door. My smile, the one that was reserved just for customers came back to my lips easily, just like old times and as I angled the stand next to the cash register just so, I greeted the lovely looking redhead and tried to guess in my mind what she might be here for...a game I sometimes liked to play with myself just for fun.* Hello, how can I help you today?

Raine

•• I was immediately disarmed by the friendly body language of the girl that I was meeting at long last. My eyes betrayed me by stealing glances at the various displays which were successful in drawing the attention of a complete sexual novice, hoping the color of my cheeks was not as evident as the warmth I felt there. I could only imagine that someone with more experience would be quick to spend their savings based on the appealing presentations alone. I felt oddly at ease and out of place all at once, perhaps the impressive and colorful water wall behind the shop’s mistress was at work. I couldn’t help but appreciate that her store had its own water feature befitting its personality just like my own at Birdie’s.•• First, apologies for my barging in without paying mind to whether or not you were actually open. I saw from across the street that you were no longer shuttered and I was too excited for any patience. I’m Raine and I just opened up across the way. •• As I smiled, I caught a glance of a beautiful and fluffy white cat circling her legs, wrapping its tail around her, perhaps to state “She is mine.”•• I have been eagerly awaiting your return, there was a void because you’ve been nowhere to be found. Maybe the universe wanted me to save the best for last.

Camille

*The way the girl looked around with wide eyed curiosity as she approached had me titling my head and feeling momentarily stunted when it came to a guess of what she might possibly wish to purchase. She had the look of uncertainty until she spoke and then surprise took hold of my features before I could school them back into place.* Oh! You don't have to apologize. *As I peered through the window in the direction of where she indicated, I mumbled to myself how I hoped the welcoming committee had been nicer to her than they had been to me before I turned back to her and extended my hand to shake hers out of habit before I could stop myself, I laughed awkwardly and pulled my hand away, remembering to keep my distance.* It's very nice to meet you, Raine. I'm Camille and this here is Betty. *I bent down to pick up my cat and lifted her up into proper view.* Usually she hides away in the back but since today is the first day back after closing, she hasn't left my side. *As Betty nuzzled against me, I smiled for the comfort she brought then sat her back down and made my way around to the other side of the counter.* It's very sweet of you to want to introduce yourself...so did you open pretty recently, then? I was closed briefly for a holiday before the pandemic started and had to stay closed.

Raine

•• Nodding in immediate reaction as not to interrupt Camille before she was done speaking.••

Yes, three months ago, but we must have just missed each other for your sabbatical because I have been here for about five renovating. If you need any help settling back in, I’d be happy to volunteer. I haven’t made too many acquaintances and I am just getting my bearings, really so there are no social distractions to be had.•• I hoped I hadn’t been too forward. I had never much been desperate for human contact, but there was a smidge of isolation seeping in on the year anniversary of losing my Birdie. I tried to concentrate on the sweet of the bittersweet at my opening, but of course had been confronted with pangs of my loss. Daring another peek around, smiling as another blush warmed my cheeks. •• Not that I think you and Betty don’t have it handled. Do you mind if I take a look around? •• I was a mermaid out of water but that didn’t mean my curiosity was not at a healthy level. The range of items in my immediate view offered plenty of options for my perusal without my naivety making me completely foolish in front of my new kitty-corner shop neighbor.••

Camille:

*I couldn't help the smile that took hold of my lips when Raine offered to help me settle back in...and it clicked in my mind that I should have been the one to make that offer given how long the shop had been opened. I was starting to feel like I didn't deserve her kindness for how oblivious I had been to the renovations across the way. Thankfully her question brought me out of my mind and the pondering of what else I might have missed while my toes and head were in the sand.* Please, take your time and browse as much as you’d like. *Not wanting to make her feel like I was hovering or being one of those nosy shop owners, I moved back around to the other side of the counter to continue with the display I had been working on, speaking loud enough for her to hear without being intrusive.* I don't have much to do in the way of settling back into things, but I’d love to take a look around your place when you're not too busy. *As I waited for Raine to reply, the sound of a vehicle pulling up outside the shop demanded my attention, and an old familiar feeling of what it was like to be busy returned along with a pang of guilt for being away so long. That feeling slowly faded and was quickly replaced with interest as I watched the gentleman exit his truck and begin to walk across the parking lot, headed straight for the shop Raine had pointed out as hers. Turning back to see if she noticed, I called out to warn her.* Hey, um...Raine...I think you might have a customer…

Raine:

••My reaction of a sigh to the call to duty was uncharacteristic, but spoke to the fact I instinctually would like to get to know Camille and the setting of her shop was too perfect to urge me out of my hermit comfort zone. With the slightest reluctance I turned towards the door. I also knew whoever it was hadn’t made an appointment. While I was still allowing walk-ins, I had to limit the number of people in Birdie’s to three.••

You’re welcome to come across the way with me, if you’d like? I am not done exploring your shop, so either way, I will be back.

••With a little more quickening in my steps, I exited, hoping Camille might follow. I passed the man as casually as possible, but was greeted with thoughts that made my nose crinkle, as it was plain he was looking at my ass with graphic intentions of what he’d like to do to it. I flushed again, this time in embarrassment and anger, and not at all out of flattery. My eyes pinched closed just before I unlocked my door, the sanctuary and water feature running through the floor calmed my wild emotions and allowed me to form a smile that though unauthentic, would fool the man when he caught sight. He didn’t hesitate to return the smile, though his was dripping with sleaze. “Just back from lunch? Maybe next time I’ll get here earlier so you won’t have to eat alone.” I gagged at the back of my throat and wished to shove politeness aside, but with a little more cleverness than the man deserved.•• Too bad my lunch table is reserved for one and booked months in advance.

••I focused on the blessed sound of the water while he honed in on my chest with beady eyes, I turned out of view when he pestered me with more intrusive questions. “Boyfriend? Husband?” His pause was not long enough before he added, “Girlfriend? I’m more than willing to share.” I ignored his utterly insulting insinuations, refusing to satisfy any of his base curiosity, instead I fetched a bottle of Camphor essential oil, known to be used by monks to suppress sexual urges, smiling as I took his hand, dotting the top between middle and ring fingers with the oil.•• This is on special today. ••winking, though I felt like I must immediately return home to scrub myself clean for providing him any kind of returns to his advances•• Just for you.

••I made a show of using my own, house made blend of hand sanitizer as his smile somehow got creepier. It seemed like at least an hour had passed since I left the Toy Box, though I knew for certain it has been a short few minutes. “Oh, I didn’t come here to make a purchase. I’ve been watching you come and go and… decided today was the day I’d let my fiery little redhead crush in on the secret.” My eyes flared wide and the creepy crawlies multiplied from head to toe. Stupefied and appalled, I shook my head vehemently.•• I suggest you leave, go home and clean those binoculars you’ve been using, that way the next time you look you’ll see I’m not interested.

••”I wasn’t using binoculars --” Pointing out the door, my lips in a set in a stern line, frustrated with myself for entertaining any of this stupidity.••

Camille:

*I nodded at Raine when she excused herself with haste for her customer. I understood completely. New businesses were hard to turn a profit the first handful of years and each sale was important toward ensuring one’s livelihood. Not wanting to encroach on her sale, I took my time gathering my keys to lock the door but before I could, Betty snuck her fluffy white self out, circling my feet and curling her tail around my leg. With a smile, I scooped her into my arms and locked up my own shop, not at all concerned about missing out on a customer. There hadn't been any all day while I had been cleaning anyways.

As I approached Raine’s store front, I could see her speaking with the man then pointing toward the door with a look on her face that was unmistakable. It was an expression I had used more than a few times, I had perfected it, really. Generally it was used on under-agers, and despite my petite size, worked very well. I was no pushover. But this guy was old enough to know better and to know he wasn’t welcomed.* Oh man, Betty. I wonder if our new friend needs some reinforcements. *Squaring my shoulders, I pushed the door open and painted on my brightest smile.* Hey, Raine. *I took my time looking around while holding Betty, her purrs from being in my arms and having her head scratched slowly began to fade with each step I took closer to the man who still couldn’t take the hint.*

I just adore the water feature you have here, it’s so lovely. *Satisfied with being close enough to my new friend, I picked up a jar on a nearby table, pretending to look at the label as he spoke again. My nose scrunched at his blatant disrespect and I waited to hear how she would handle herself. Betty, ever the excellent judge in character, hissed in warning from my arms, and I caught Raine’s gaze briefly, winking as I quietly let my guard cat jump down from my hold. It seemed she had very quickly taken offence on Raine’s behalf and moved to circle around her legs as she always did with me. From my spot out of the guy’s view, I mouthed at Raine to pick Betty up, if he got any closer, I knew the claws would come out.*

Raine

••I knew we’d only just met, but Camille and Betty were both quickly becoming essential to my survival. Their audience reinforced my backbone, especially when I witnessed Betty hissing. Animals were the best judge of character and I caught Camille’s wink and easily read her lips.•• I’m afraid you will have to go now. I have a private consultation. ••I wasn’t prone to lie, but I also wasn’t an idiot. I needed to ensure this man got the message the first time lest he think there was any question in my denial. The encounter was new to me, I hadn’t ever really been in this position, but I was in a new locale and I was certain it wouldn’t be the last time.•• I’m so sorry, Camille, he was just leaving…

•• “Before I go, can I set up a private… consultation?” My stomach absolutely turned over, most especially for the way he rolled over the words private and consultation.•• Consultations are for customers intending to make a minimum purchase of five hundred dollars. You can call to set it up when you decide you are interested in my inventory. Now please leave.

••I watched as Betty sauntered closer to me, stopping right by my feet. I was flattered by my newfound feline friend’s quick warming up to me. When she nudged my calf with her nose, I dipped down, gingerly picking her up and surprised when I was greeted with a purr of her approval before she turned her head to the man and let loose a low growl. I watched as the sleaze put his hands up in relent and started backing towards the door. “I’ll see you soon, beautiful.” Disgusted, once he left I let out a sigh of exasperation.•• Please tell me they aren’t all like that here? And thank you, complete lifesaver. You too, Betty.

Camille

*As I waited for the jerk to get the hint Raine was trying to send his way, I found myself biting my tongue. She was being too kind, in my opinion. And if this guy was in my shop acting like this, I wouldn’t hesitate to tell him off and kick him out. Then again, I could recall when my shop was new, years ago and I had to have a few similar experiences in order to find my grit. Raine would find hers, too, I was certain of it.

Setting the jar I had picked up back down, I slowly made my way closer to Raine, just in case dickwad decided to do something dickwad-ish. Fortunately, Betty had done exactly what I had hoped, and helped reinforce Raine’s request that he leave. As he moved past me on his way to the door, I smirked when he made eye contact, which probably wasn’t the greatest idea as we were left with his promise to return.

Ew. Gross.

I really hoped not. Moving toward the door, I smiled over my shoulder at Raine as I twisted the deadbolt...just in case and watched as he climbed into an older truck and slowly left the parking lot. I’d make sure to keep an eye out for him over the next week or so. Something about him felt...off.

Raine’s voice brought me back from my thoughts and I laughed lightly at her question, giving a small shake of my head.* Not all of them. Usually I get the creeps at my store given what I sell... and even then, it’s not very often. *Moving closer to Raine, I reached out to scratch behind Betty’s ears* A casual mention of knowing how to use a whip is enough to get them to leave pretty quick. Want me to show you how in case he returns? *My offer was mostly a joke...mostly.*

Raine

••I laughed at the offer while simultaneously blushing. I liked Camille, a lot, but to say I wasn’t intimidated by all her wares would be complete fabrication. Still, my world was fairly lonely and my desire to branch out and make friends well outweighed any embarrassment over my naivety. For truth, Camille was the first person I’d felt comfortable with and conversation was coming too easy. It had always been Birdie and me and I’d never had true friends, only passing acquaintances. I couldn’t live a cloistered life anymore, and though it made me nervous to open up, I had already made the first steps with Camille, I could only hope she wasn’t just being polite.•• Do you offer beginner courses or something that comes before beginner?

••Laughing again, I sat Betty down on the counter top and turned to reach for a bottle of a special elixir that I didn’t typically share with someone I’d just met, it was more reserved for requests of a special nature. I couldn’t help but recall that I’d blushed, too, when Birdie had first brought up the idea of concocting this particular blend of extracts, mostly for the reason behind it. She had gently encouraged me, in a way only she could get away with, to come out of the nunnery and embrace my sexuality. She’d imparted her blunt wisdom, insisting I didn’t need a partner to learn what I liked myself. I probably didn’t quite crack the mold of my prudishness in a way she had hoped I would, but I dared to believe that my entry into a sex shop and making an acquaintance of its proprietor would have both made her laugh and proud.

I snapped out of my happy reverie back to the present before turning to face Camille with the bottle in hand.•• Since you so kindly served as my protector and have additionally offered me whip training, perhaps you will indulge me in sharing something of mine with you?

Camille:

Pre-beginner course? Hmm. Let me think...maybe a paddle or a soft flogger to start with before we get you yielding a whip then. *My laughter joined hers and it left me feeling good despite the lingering creepiness that she wasn’t afraid or too intimidated to joke around with me. Sure I had a handful of friends, but it had been a long while since I could claim anyone as a close friend or a best friend for that matter. And after the encounter with the disgusting guy, I felt a bond of sorts with her, and had already decided she was someone I wanted to be around. Her humour, while it skirted the edges of an obvious innocence gave me the impression she already appreciated my brand of unapologetic crass. It wouldn’t take long before I would help break her free of that shell, and I was confident it would be without much effort, too.

When she put Betty down on the counter, I reached out to run my hand over her arching back, scratching through her white fur all the way down along her tail, letting it twist around my fingers the way I always did as I watched Raine grab a small bottle. My head tilted in curiosity at what the contents might be. A smile grew easily at her offer and I nodded without hesitation, not caring in the least what it was.*

You know you don’t have to pay me back for doing what any friend would do. That guy was gross on so many levels! *laughing with a shudder, I shook my head continuing on so she didn’t think I was being rude.* But that doesn’t mean I’m going to say no. What is it?

Raine

••Laughing openly at the softened suggestions, I continued to be at ease in Camille’s company. It had been too long since I’d laughed in such an organic way, the feeling rising with a genuine rush. Even if I had no use for anything at all in her shop, I was interested in what more I could discover from her expertise. Though I was verging on a comfort level that had me wanting to leave the mask down, I pulled it up out of respect for her and in order to share a more intimate distance. Leaning across the counter, circling my fingers around her wrists and turning her palms upward, I smiled behind the silk of my mask.•• This is called… Awakening. Think of it as a bridge from my world to yours. ••My brow lifted to communicate the intrigue I hoped was translating. I twisted the top of the bottle off, the scent of lavender and ylang ylang blooming in the air. Retrieving a dropper from my sanitized tray and filling it with the oil. I dabbed each of Camille’s wrists and then circled my thumbs over each drop, gently massaging it into her skin before another application to my own fingers. Leaning slightly closer, I brought my fingertips up and behind her ears to dab just behind them before the last application to either of her temples. There were other pressure points for full effect but asking even her permission to do that would not be appropriate and would involve removing clothing.••

The effect will be subtle but this blend should allow you to clear out stale energies while refreshing you and opening you up to new and arousing potential. ••I could feel my cheeks warm again as I struggled to find the words to basically say what it was without blurting that it was basically like opening up a dam for energy that could block a libido. I wasn’t being presumptuous about her circumstance, my intention was to have fun.•• It will leave you attracting complimentary energies to your own. ••Betty meowed and butted her head against Camille’s arm, drawing another laugh.•• Looks as though Betty approves, unless I am reading her wrong. ••Lowers my voice though we are alone in the store.•• You can use it in other erogenous zones… the dimples on your back, the sternum, the inner part of your knee…

Camille:

*I found myself slightly surprised when Raine pulled her mask back on and leaned closer. Seemed I was getting an up close and personal demonstration of whatever this “Awakening” stuff was. My grin grew as she spoke and began to massage the small drops of oil into my skin. It smelled lovely and light, which was nice.

As soon as she moved her hands to my ears I couldn’t help the soft laugh which was immediately followed up with an apology and explanation of being ticklish there. My laugher was short lived however because the gentle circling of her fingers at my temples earned her a sigh for how nice it felt. I was so focused on the beginning of what felt like a slight warming tingle on my skin that I nearly missed when she explained what the oil was meant to do.

Now. I wasn’t normally someone who lived any kind of holistic lifestyle but damn if Raine didn’t have me rethinking that with the way she spoke and the way the oil felt as she applied it to my skin. I wanted it to do exactly what she said it would. I needed a complete and thorough cleansing of all stale energies. The whole world needed it really, but I didn’t think she had that many bottles of her oil.*

Complementary energies? Hmm.

*I was considering just how that could ever be possible given the whole social distance pandemic thing, but Raine’s laughter at Betty’s usual demand for affections drew me from my thoughts and I laughed with her as I gave my cat a scratch beneath her chin and returned my full attention back to Raine. Her lowered voice despite the fact that we were the only people in her shop had it dawning on me. Suddenly the warm tingling sensations on my skin and her mention of erogenous zones had me laughing. Loudly.*

Oh, Raine. You are quite the surprise. I just clued into what you’re trying to say this stuff is. *laughing some more and giving my head a shake, I lift my wrist to my nose to give the oil a proper smell.* You just put arousal oil on me. How forward for you. *winking with a teasing grin so she knows I’m not bothered at all, I point at the bottle* I hope it works with the whole complementary energies. And if not, I do enjoy the way it feels.

Raine

••I beam for the compliment of being a surprise, while I twist the dropper into the bottle, sliding it Camille's way•• I insist you indulge in the rest of the bottle. Maybe not all at once. ••laughs again, finding the atmosphere having lightened considerably from just earlier.••

Dare I suggest you try it somewhere I didn't? ••bats my lashes in acknowledgement of my less than innocent rhetorical••

If you're open to it, I think you may find it delivers on its promise with time and in its own way. Match.com it is not. ••a laugh bubbles up for how silly I feel talking this way and about things I've never conversed about.••

I only ask your honest feedback. ••biting my lip behind my mask before I pull it back down for a reprieve•• And maybe we could get together socially some time? I would be grateful for your company in the expanse of my wide open calendar.

Camille:

*Giving Raine a bright smile, I take the bottle and laugh with an understanding nod.* I promise not to dump the whole thing on my nipples in one go. *My snort is loud as I laugh again, entirely unable to keep a straight face at the idea.*

I also promise to give you any and all honest feedback and I would be happy to be your guinea pig for anything else in the future. Unless it’s meant to dry me up like a prune in which case, no thank you! *While still holding the bottle in one hand, I reach for Betty, holding her in my arms as I consider Raine’s question to hang out.* I can do you one better than just getting together some time. Which, let's be honest here...people only say that to be polite and never actually plan to follow through. So, there’s a food truck that usually parks about a half block away, it’s amazing! Let me buy you lunch for this?

*Giving the bottle a little wiggle, I let Betty down next to my feet and nodded firmly, not leaving her an opportunity to decline.* There are even a few scattered tables we can eat at. I will just take Betty back to my shop, lock up, and meet you out in the parking lot in a few. And then you can tell me all about the other kinds of concoctions you have made.

*Moving to the door, I twisted open the deadbolt I had locked earlier and opened it for Betty to walk through first.* See you in a few! *Giving a quick wave as I let the door close behind me, I grinned when I saw Raine nodding back at me, not that I had given her any choice to object.* Look at us making a new friend, Betty. And on the first day back at the shop.

1 note · View note

quinnybee-writes · 4 years

Text

Title: Fire Meet Gasoline

Fandom: Boku no Hero Academia/My Hero Academia

Rating: T+

Part: 6/?

Story Summary: A chance encounter between a villain and vigilante leads to an unwise deal made between unlikely allies; an unwise deal made between unlikely allies ends in a final stand neither would have ever dared to take on alone. Together, though, they just might have a fighting chance.

Part 6 Summary: Favor number two tests the patience of one and the mettle of another, leaving uncertainty about both in its wake.

Part 1 on Tumblr / AO3

Part 2 on Tumblr / AO3

Part 3 on Tumblr / AO3

Part 4 on Tumblr / AO3

Part 5 on Tumblr / AO3

Part 6 on AO3

I swear to god if if I have to sit through one more meeting where I get voluntold to pick up another department’s slack in the same sentence as management trying to cut my intern’s hours I’m going to chug a two-liter of Surge and burp so loud I bring this whole mfer down with me.

Shouta stared at his phone, his sleep-addled brain trying to make sense of whether Yamada meant the text as a threat or not. He’d been catching a quick power nap in the back of his truck during his lunch hour and had been most of the way asleep when the rattle of his phone on the metal floor jolted him awake again. Not helping his attempt to dissect the meaningless hyperbole was Yamada’s follow up text of lmao it u along with a gif of a cat trying to jump from a bed to a dresser and falling halfway with the caption “parkour!”. He wouldn’t put it past Yamada to be the type to threaten in one breath and quote a meme in the next, but he couldn’t wrap his brain around why Yamada would be sending him incriminating evidence via text message during work hours.

Two new messages came in quick succession as Shouta was trying to puzzle things out.

Oh my god

Those were supposed to go to my sister holy shit

So not an admission or a threat, just an idiot with a cell phone. Shouta groaned, eyes rolling back in his head in disgust at how much energy he had wasted on taking Yamada seriously yet again.

forget it Shouta sent back.

Cute cat pic for ur trouble? Yamada replied along with a picture of a gangly black cat with bright yellow eyes. The cat was sprawled on its back in a pile of kibble and the shredded scraps of a cat food bag. Shouta snorted, grinning a little in spite of himself at the self-satisfied look on the cat’s fuzzy little face.

cute he texted, trying to distill as much exhaustion and disinterest into the single word as possible.

That’s Ai-chan. She’s a monster, but she’s my monster <3

So what are you up to? Break from work?

Shouta sighed, rubbing his temples. It was impossible to freeze out someone who was so willing to keep the conversation going without outside input.

trying to catch some sleep before afternoon deliveries Shouta replied as pointedly as he could.

Oof. Busy night?

do you need something? Shouta asked, stabbing the send key a little harder than he really needed to. There was a short, offended pause from Yamada’s end of the line; Shouta could picture him looking down at his phone with that little not-quite-pouting moue he always made when things weren’t going his way.

I guess not.

The curt punctuation seemed to signal Yamada had finally gotten the point, just in time to exhaust the last of Shouta’s free time before he had to get going again. Shouta put his phone into his pocket and made a point to not check it again until he was walking home. Waiting for him was another gif, this time of a pair of hands vigorously shaking a bottle of Surge, followed by a message that just said Oh goddammit. Shouta rolled his eyes and deleted the thread without replying.

The perceived slight only kept Yamada at bay for a short time, however. Now that he’d gotten a taste of the man’s texting habits Shouta had to wonder how Yamada managed to get anything done. No matter when his breaks were during the day it seemed like Yamada always had some new meme or gif or general workplace complaint to gift him with in the meantime, whether it was before dawn or after dark or occasionally both.

do you actually have a job or do they just pay you to bother me? Shouta finally asked as he waited at an interminable red light several days later. Yamada had been on a spree that morning, flooding his inbox with an illustrated play-by-play of Ai-chan’s newest misdoings while Shouta had four straight hours of back-to-back deliveries.

Excuse you, Yamada texted back loftily, I am an integral part of station management! Who occasionally may or may not take extra long bathroom breaks to avoid getting roped into being more integral than I already am.

my bad. clearly you’re just doing your part to prevent asahi radio from being razed via belch Shouta replied, snorting out a laugh before he could stop himself. He paused, frowning. That was both new and unwelcome.

Yamada sent back a long line of laugh-crying emojis followed by Look who grew a sense of humor just in time to drag me!

don’t act like you know me.

Yeah, yeah. Scout’s honor, I won’t tell anybody you’re actually funny.

Shouta scowled, dropping the phone onto the seat next to him and pulling through the light as it finally turned green. Despite the chilly weather he rolled his window down to get some airflow on his face. He hadn’t turned on the truck’s heater yet but his cheeks already felt way too warm.

Shouta spent his next day off drinking too much coffee at the cat cafe while he tried to reign in the chaos that his computer desktop had become. His phone buzzed on the table beside him and Shouta swiped in the passcode with one hand while the other was dragging a huge load of defunct backup files to his computer’s trash. He’d sooner walk into traffic than admit it to Yamada, but having a passcode on his phone was turning out to be less of an inefficient hassle that he’d always thought it would be and did make him less anxious about putting it places that weren’t his pocket or his hand.

As if waiting for the thought to cue him in, the alert was for yet another of Yamada’s early-morning memes. This time it was a gif of a kitten trying to stay awake before it wobbled and flopped out of frame. Yamada’s accompanying caption read That midweek feeling hitting hard today along with an emoji of a sleeping face with a snot bubble.

it’s monday Shouta texted back.

When you work 24/7 it’s always midweek, Yamada replied.

implying you work at all. still not convinced.

I resent that, Aizawa. It takes a lot of skill and determination to shovel this much shit and still have spare time to be a full-time pain in the ass.

Shouta almost allowed himself a laugh at that, but the air caught in his throat at Yamada’s next question.

So, do you do all of your important hero research on the public wifi at kitty cafes, or is today a special occasion?

What do you mean? Shouta asked warily.

Behind you.

Shouta turned slowly, dreading what he knew he was about to see. Yamada was standing on the sidewalk outside, grinning at him over the top of his cell phone. He gave Shouta a little wave before sauntering in and up to the counter. He chatted amiably with the baristas as they made his order. Shouta frowned to himself, trying to work out the quickest way to pack up his belongings while disturbing as few sleeping cats as possible. The moment came and went too quickly, however, as Yamada came over with two cups of coffee in his hands.

“Black with one sugar, right?” Yamada said. He slid one of the steaming mugs in front of Shouta. “That’s what they said anyway,” he added, nodding up towards the counter.

“What are you doing here?” Shouta asked coolly. Yamada frowned at him.

“I was on my way to the post office to mail a couple things and empty the station P.O. box and saw you in the window,” Yamada said. “I figured we could sit and chat since we both have a minute.”

“You just kind of assume you’re welcome wherever you decide to be, don’t you?” Shouta said.

Yamada snorted. “If that’s the worst thing someone tells me about myself today, I’ll count it as a win,” he replied, toasting Shouta with his coffee cup. He invited himself to sit down in the only chair not currently occupied by cats. “Wait, is that a spreadsheet with my name on it?” he added with sudden interest, arching his neck around to peek at Shouta’s screen. Shouta slammed the lid of his laptop shut, feeling his face heating.

“Do you need something?” Shouta asked, trying to redirect the conversation and get Yamada back on his way as quickly as possible.

“Just caffeine and conversation,” Yamada shrugged. “Is it illegal to ask someone about their day?”

“Implying you care about whether or not you’re doing something illegal,” Shouta replied curtly. To his annoyance Yamada just chuckled and shrugged.

“I mean, you’ve got me there,” he said. “So, what are you working on?” Yamada added, lowering his tone just slightly.

“Catching up on some things,” Shouta said, intentionally vague. “Organizing research. It takes longer when you’re doing it on your own.”

“I bet,” Yamada agreed. “Would probably save you some time and effort to have a permanent back door into places you’re not supposed to be, huh?” He said it with a too-even speculation that set Shouta instantly on edge.

“Sounds like you’re speaking from experience,” Shouta said.

“I know people who know things,” Yamada said with a broad, conspiratorial grin over his coffee mug. “Keeping your friends close and your enemies closer is a lot easier when you can tell which is which.”

Shouta felt a frisson of discomfort run up his spine at the implication of where Yamada considered him to be on that spectrum. “I think I liked it better when you were threatening me,” he muttered. “Don’t make more of that than there is,” he added quickly as Yamada’s smile grew cheeky and he opened his mouth to comment. Yamada did his annoying little not-quite-pouting pout and let out a quiet “hmph” at his joke being preempted.

“In any case, you probably don’t need me to tell you how to crack a secure password,” Yamada said. “Even when they’re clever they’re usually related to either the one who sets them or the thing they’re locking up, or they’re something pseudo-random cooked up by a number generator. Sometimes they get stupid-clever and try to do all three.”

“Mmn?” As bored as he was trying to sound, Shouta couldn’t help taking mental notes on what Yamada was saying. Yamada was a flippant trouble-maker from the word go but there were moments where he displayed actual talent for the things he claimed to be an expert in.

“Oh yeah,” Yamada said. “They’re trying for layers of security, but too many moving parts makes passwords way easier to out-think. Codes are only as smart as the people who write them, y’know?”

“And you know how smart they are?” Shouta asked, trying to keep his tone casual as he goaded Yamada into staying on a roll. Yamada caught his drift a little too well, however, and the sharp, meaningful grin came out again.

“I know people who know things,” he said again. “I’d be willing to let you in on a few trade secrets for the low, low price of a certain five-letter word beginning with ‘f’.”

Shouta snorted. “Hard pass.”

“Well, I tried,” Yamada said, shrugging. He checked the time on his phone and sighed. “That’s about my lot, I’m afraid. Gotta get back before the world ends.” He stood and stretched with a groan. “We should do this again sometime. Maybe talk less shop.” The offer seemed oddly genuine and Shouta wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about that.

He tried to get back to work after Yamada left, but his concentration had been thoroughly broken. He bought another coffee and turned on some neutral background music; his brain, however, was no longer in the mood to stare at a screen and try to riddle out what his new sub-folders should be called. Finally Shouta dislodged the many cats who had taken up residence in and around his lap and packed up his laptop to see if fresh air on the walk home and a change of venue might help get him back on task.

Shouta nudged his apartment door closed with his heel, scooping the mess of envelopes out of his mail bin. It was mostly the normal jumble of junk and bills, but amongst the shuffle was a thin white payroll envelope with his name and address on the front in too-familiar spidery handwriting. Just going to empty the station mailbox indeed, Shouta thought with a groan. Yamada was way too fond of theatrics. He tossed the envelope onto his sofa without opening it and delayed paying it any attention until he’d put everything away, showered, and had a lengthy play session with his cats. If it was unimportant enough for Yamada to not just hand it over when they were in the same room together, Shouta told himself, then there was no need for him to bend over backwards to pay attention to it the instant he got home.

Finally his excuses ran out and he tore the envelope open. Inside were two pieces of paper folded separately into sharp thirds. The first was a handwritten note on Asahi Radio letterhead that read:

Aizawa-

I need a favor. I have a line on something but doing it alone might be tricky. You’ll just be the go-between, nothing dire. Meet me Friday, 9pm sharp.

-M

Also included was another of Yamada’s meticulously notated hand-drawn maps, at the other end of which was a complex of storage units bordered on all sides by a spike-topped chain link fence. Shouta peered into the dark, abandoned-looking guard booth, wondering if the first step to tonight’s goings-on was having to find his own way inside.

“Hey, you made it!”

Shouta turned to see a dark-haired man slouching up towards him from the other end of the sidewalk. He eyed the man warily, about to say he had the wrong person, but stopped as he stepped into the light and raised his sunglasses with a smirk. Yamada had stuffed all of his hair under a short, spiky black wig and a black and green snapback, slicked down his mustache and covered it in a thin layer of skin-colored makeup to blend it in with his face, and buried himself in baggy jeans and a jacket that made him look both heavier-set and a few inches shorter than he actually was. The only things that gave him away were his sharp too-green eyes and his unmistakable grin, full of crafty smugness at Shouta’s open surprise at his appearance. Yamada did a full turnaround of the odd costume, ending the twirl with a dramatic pose.

“Not a bad look for me, huh?” he said, wiggling his eyebrows.

Shouta snorted. “You look like a washed-up pop star who’s trying to pretend he still has to avoid the paparazzi,” he replied flatly.

To his surprise Yamada let out a burst of full-throated laughter at the remark. Shouta wasn’t sure he’d ever heard Yamada laugh in genuine amusement before now, only the occasional mocking chuckle or triumphant snicker. He had a loud, whinnying kind of laugh that tapered off into short bursts of wheezy, hyena-like giggles behind his hand as he remembered himself and tried to tamp it down.

“Okay, cynical,” Yamada said, still coughing through the last of his laughing fit. “Everyone’s a critic.” He rolled his eyes and gave a flourishy “well, what are you gonna do” kind of shrug. Shouta scowled at him.

“What are we doing here?” Shouta asked, doing his best to ignore Yamada’s grandstanding despite the growing burn of annoyance creeping up his face.

“Just a quick jaunt into my evil lair,” Yamada said cheerfully. He punched an entry code into the number pad next to the guard house, then pressed his thumb to the scanner underneath. The keypad flashed green and beeped an affirmative, and a small portion of the gate swung inward. “C’mon,” Yamada said. He motioned for Shouta to follow him as he led the way through the rows of squat cinder block units to one in the very back left corner of the lot.

“People with money can afford secret basements and underground boltholes wherever they need them,” Yamada said over his shoulder as he bent down to unlock the door of the unit, “but the rest of us have to make do with what we’ve got.” He lifted the door just high enough for himself and Shouta to duck under, then set it back down with a clatter. The unit was pitch-black and humid inside and smelled like a mixture of burnt-out electrical parts, solder, and partially cured epoxy glue. “I’ll get the lights, one sec,” Yamada said. Shouta heard him scrabbling along the wall to find the light switch, then a click. A fluorescent shop light flickered and buzzed to life above them, flooding the unit in intense blue-white light. Yamada turned to Shouta and spread his hands wide. “Taa-daa! Welcome to the inner sanctum.”

It looked more like a high school shop room that had sublet space to a thrift store. The left wall had been covered in a cluster of flat-pack bookshelves, their shelves bowing under a jumble of storage boxes labeled things like “radio parts-LIVE”, “speaker wire”, “tape--sticky”, and “tape--magnetic”. The back wall was one long anchored shelf divided into slots that held overstuffed file folders bundled together with rubber bands and binder clips. The only wall not covered in shelving or projects was taken up with a butcher block work table and a cork board with scribbled notes and schematics pinned to it.

“Kind of rinky-dink, but it gets the job done,” Yamada said fondly. “Anyway. First things first, did you happen to wear the stab vest I gave you?” he asked over his shoulder as he ducked under the work table and retrieved a box marked with today’s date.

“Yeah.” The assurance that his part in tonight would be “nothing dire” had put Shouta on high enough alert that he’d forced himself to put pride aside and opt for personal safety instead.

“Thank god. So, basically what I need is for you to be my stand in while things get underway tonight,” Yamada said. “I’d go on my own, but the meeting place is kind of a...no-go area for me right now due to certain people who frequent it.”

“And you’d rather send me in looking like you instead?” Shouta asked, raising an eyebrow at him. Yamada stared at Shouta like he’d started speaking French.

“What? God, no, what gave you that idea?”

Shouta sighed, silently counting to ten in his head as his patience frayed. “You just said I’m supposed to be your stand in.”

“Oh. Okay, yeah, poor choice of words. Think stunt double, not body double,” Yamada explained. “I just need you to be a good-faith warm body, I’ll be handling the rest with this.” He reached into the box and pulled out something that looked like a cold weather mask had been extruded into a large funnel shape at the bottom edge. Shouta looked from it to Yamada, who was beaming in obvious self-pride.

“Which is…?” Shouta prompted.

“Which is your half of a two-way radio with a built in broadcasting speaker,” Yamada said, turning the top edge inside out to show Shouta the wiring and speakers sewn into it. “At first I thought maybe I could just have you memorize a script and I’d step in if things got too off-book, but you’re not very good at lying under pressure so I wasn’t sure that would fly,” he continued. Shouta wasn’t sure if that was meant as an insult or not. “So instead, we have this to work with. I can use this--” Yamada pulled up his sleeve to show a tiny microphone taped to the inside of his wrist-- “to talk to you or talk as you, depending, as long as I stay within ten or twelve feet of you at all times.” The last part he said in one of his uncomfortably accurate impressions of Shouta’s voice.

“And that’s why you’re dressed like that?” Shouta said.

“Exactly. I’ll have to be close enough to you that the receiver can pick up the signal, and it’ll be way easier to read the room if I’m, y’know, in the room.”

“If you were going to put on a costume and go anyway, why didn’t you just do that and go on your own?” Shouta asked.

Yamada frowned and waved a finger at him like he was scolding a child. “Eh-eh-eh. No questions asked, remember? You know as much as you need to know, and you don’t need to know any more than that. Now stand still so I can get you wired up.”

Shouta grudgingly stood with his arms straight out from his body as Yamada turned him into a human switchboard. With a combination of strategic placement and gaffer tape Yamada ran a long wire with an audio jack on one end and a battery connection on the other from Shouta’s waist up his left side to just under his collar bone. Another wire ran the length of his inner arm from shoulder to wrist and ended in a loop with a switch on it that fit over the first knuckle of his thumb. All he had to do, Yamada said as he taped it all down, was press the switch when he needed to talk to Yamada and let it go when he was finished. “Y’know,” Yamada said, “like those cheap walkie-talkies you used to play with as a kid.”

“I ended up making this a lot bigger at the bottom so that we can hide all of our crimes under it,” Yamada muttered as he slipped the mask over Shouta’s head. He was back in the extreme focus mode Shouta had seen him slip into before, attention laser-focused and the corner of his mouth between his teeth as he connected all the wires and power sources underneath. He pulled an earpiece up under the mask by its wire and stuck it in Shouta’s ear before reaching up to fuss with Shouta’s hair and make sure it was hiding everything sticking above the mask. Shouta shivered involuntarily at the touch, barely resisting the urge to pull away. “With the right top layer all of this should be more or less invisible,” Yamada went on, frowning appraisingly as he took a step back to examine his handiwork. He rummaged through a few things in the box and surfaced with a heavy black zippered jacket. “I had to guess sizes, but I think this one should be close enough.”

Yamada unzipped the jacket and held it out so that Shouta could shrug into it. Shouta eased the jacket on, trying not to disturb the network of wires all over him. Yamada zipped it up almost to the top, open enough to seem casual but still high enough to cover all but the face portion of the mask and its contents. It wasn’t a terrible fit other than being slightly short in the sleeves and restrictive around the shoulders. Shouta bent and twisted his arms, trying to stretch it out without doing damage to the electronic infrastructure. Yamada untied the audiojack end of the main wire from Shouta’s belt loop and stuck it into a small cheap-looking disposable cell phone.

“This should have enough battery to keep a recording of the whole thing,” Yamada said. “Can you give me a quick mic check to make sure everything’s hooked up?”

“Uh. Testing,” Shouta said.

Yamada seemed to like what he saw in the waveforms on the phone’s screen. He smiled in satisfaction before stretching a piece of tape around the back of the phone and carefully taping it into place in Shouta’s pocket. “If we head out right now we should get there early enough to do a few on-site checks,” Yamada said, checking the time. “Shall we?”

The two of them walked a few blocks from the storage unit to a cramped, dim little pub. Yamada walked at tailing distance behind Shouta the whole way, testing the range on the homemade gear by giving Shouta directions to where they were going. The audio was relatively clear if they stayed within Yamada’s estimation of ten or so feet; after they hit closer to the twelve-foot mark it got fainter and fainter until dropping out completely as they reached about fifteen feet. Again Shouta had to wonder why, if they were essentially going to be handcuffed to one another anyway, Yamada couldn’t have just gone undercover by himself.

“Grab a drink at the bar and go sit at one of the high-top tables,” Yamada said as Shouta opened the bar’s door and made his way in. “That’s where he’ll be expecting you.”

“Any advice on how to recognize whoever I’m supposed to be meeting?” Shouta muttered back under his breath.

“No idea, he said he would find you. That’s pretty standard for a meeting like this,” Yamada added before Shouta could protest. “Nobody wants to get jumped outside before negotiations even get underway. Think of it as a blind date, but nefarious.”

Shouta sighed loudly, making sure he hit the switch so that Yamada would hear him. Yamada’s never-ending supply of bad metaphors was the last thing he needed right now.

“Calm down, Aizawa,” Yamada said. “Remember, all you have to do is sit there and look pretty, I’ll handle the talking.” There was a short fizzle of static as Yamada entered the pub and made his way to a secluded booth in the back corner. “Still read me?”

“Yeah.”

“Excellent. What’s your poison?”

“Pardon?”

“Beer? Wine? Shot of whiskey to settle your nerves?”

“You really want alcohol anywhere near all this equipment?” Shouta asked, bewildered.

“It’s just for show, who goes into a bar and doesn’t order anything? You shouldn’t drink anything they serve here anyway, their bartending is a bad joke,” Yamada said dismissively. “I just need to test the audio output and make sure we’re good to go before the main event.”

“Then just do it,” Shouta said shortly. “Didn’t you just say you were going to handle all the talking?”

“Everyone’s a critic,” Yamada muttered again. His usual flippant chill had gained an undertone of cranky tenseness that was less than reassuring. “Can I get a bottle of Sapporo?” Yamada said aloud in Shouta’s voice. Shouta just managed to turn toward the bartender in time for the question to seem natural. The bartender, a smirking woman with long brown hair held back in a red ribbon, gave him an appraising once-over. She seemed to be unimpressed with what she saw.

“Sure,” the bartender said. She reached into a cooler under the counter and came back with the bottle of beer, popping the lid off before placing it on the bar in front of Shouta.

“Thanks,” Yamada said, far more cheerfully than Shouta had ever said the word. Shouta nodded his own thanks and went to go sit at one of the high tables in a cluster near the front. He drummed his heel on the bottom rung of the bar stool. The bar was basically empty and silent other than the bartender’s phone playing lo-fi swing music from a speaker dock behind the bar. Otherwise it was just Shouta and his undrinkable beer killing time.

“Ohshit.” The words came out as a single noise hissed violently in Shouta’s ear, making him jump.

“What?” he hissed back, avoiding the curious look the bartender was giving him.

“Remember how I said there were some people who made this place a no-go area because they want to kill me?” Yamada said, sounding like he was talking through his teeth.

“Yeah?”

“That’s them coming in. Don’t look at them! Have you never been undercover in your life?” Yamada whisper-shouted as Shouta turned to look over his shoulder at the door. Almost immediately he snapped his head back around, trying to be as casual as possible about pulling the jacket’s hood over his head as he saw Takeshiro and his wife coming in and sitting a few tables away.

“You know them?” Shouta asked, hopelessly hoping Yamada actually meant someone else who was still outside.

“Ye-ep,” Yamada said, distaste drawing the word out several syllables longer than it needed to be. “They’re still kind of sore about a certain scene in a certain alley you might be familiar with.” He scoffed, then hissed, “Wait, you know them?” as Shouta’s tone dawned on him.

The alleyway. Shapes in the dark played back in Shouta’s head, fuzzy from time and panic but falling into clearer place with the new context. A short, stringy figure barking orders and bailing when things got complicated; the other taller and stocky and silent with a plant-based Quirk protecting him. Shouta gritted his teeth, annoyed by how clear the connection seemed now that it was right in front of him.

“Takeshiro works on the night crew in package processing. Takes a lot of sick days now that I think of it. I’ve never actually spoken to his wife but I’ve seen her at office parties before,” he said quietly.

“His wife? Ew,” Yamada said.

“You’re telling me they’re villains?” Shouta asked, ignoring him. Yamada snorted.

“So-called. They work for an egomaniac middleman called Seguchi. Hebiko is Seguchi’s left hand, and Takeshiro’s hers.”

“What did you do to make them want to kill you?”

“Their boss did something stupid with information that wasn’t his and got busted. I had nothing to do with it,” Yamada retorted tartly.

“Right, sure,” Shouta said. “Is this going to be a problem?”

“Nah, shouldn’t be,” Yamada said, though he didn’t sound entirely convinced. “This is why I planned things this way. No reason to bail out before anything happens.” Shouta was about to protest that it made a lot more sense to leave before there was a problem rather than scrambling when they were in trouble, but Yamada spoke first. “Heads up, you’ve got company.”

“So you’re Null.”

Shouta turned to see a lanky man with brownish hair and a narrow, rattish face standing slouched behind him with his hands stuffed into the pockets of his grubby jeans.

“Potentially,” Yamada replied. “You’re Raimaru?” His impression of Shouta’s voice was dead-on, which was bad enough on its own, but there was something just slightly off about his intonation that made Shouta’s skin crawl.

“That’s what they call me,” the man said. ”Getcha a refill while we talk?” he added, nodding at Shouta’s obviously untouched beer.

“I’m fine, thanks.” Shouta fiddled with the neck of the bottle to make it seem less like a static prop on the table in front of him. Even if Yamada had been against the idea of giving him a script to follow, some guidance on what to do in general might have been nice. He felt stiff and awkward, like a puppet whose puppeteer only had a vague idea of how natural movements worked.

“Suit yourself,” Raimaru shrugged. He ambled off to talk to the bartender, seeming to be doing his best to chat her up as she mixed his drink.

“‘Null’?” Shouta muttered to Yamada.

“Short for ‘nullify’, like your Quirk. Get it?” When Shouta just sighed in reply, Yamada added defensively, “Well, I had to call you something, didn’t I?”

“Did you?”

“What did you want me to say, ‘oh by the by you’ll be meeting my friend Shouta Aizawa, he’s thirty, single, a Scorpio, and lives in a single-occupancy uptown with three cats’?” Yamada retorted.

He technically had a point and Shouta hated that the most out of all the things he hated about this evening so far. Yamada had no time to gloat over the win, however, as Raimaru came back and dropped onto the stool across from Shouta.

“Kind of a hassle, having to be the face of cleaning up all of your boss’s bad behavior, huh? From what I’ve heard he’s got plenty to go around,” Raimaru said. Shouta privately agreed with the sentiment, but Yamada snorted instead.

“I get paid to go where I’m told, not to pass judgements,” Yamada replied stiffly. Shouta resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the defensive bluster. Raimaru laughed for him.

“I dunno about that. There’s plenty of judgement to go around if you want some,” Raimaru said. “Seems like the only books he can get into these days are peoples’ bad ones.”

“You think he gives a damn about anyone’s books other than his own?”

“I’m just saying I know a glorywhore when I see one. He spends all of his time making deals and playing nice and then suddenly people higher than him start going to jail,” Raimaru said. “Happened to Fukawa, happened to Seguchi, happened to Iwata. Hell, everyone knows he snitched and got Hanajima back in the day but Hanajima got shanked in prison and all his men scattered so nobody talks about him anymore.”

Shouta squirrelled the names away to research later, though other than those names Raimaru had said precious little to convince him that he knew much of anything besides Yamada’s surface reputation. So far his assertions had been vague at best and his “work, am I right?” tone was suspiciously chummy, like he was trying to nudge “Null” into letting something incriminating slip out.

“Why is any of this relevant?” Yamada asked. He sounded equally short on patience with Raimaru’s unsubtle attempts at currying favor. Raimaru gave a slightly passive-aggressive shrug.

“There’s a storm coming. A big one, one that’s gonna hit hard and rewrite a lot of rules about who’s in charge and who’s got a boot on their necks. You’re not gonna be in a great spot if you’re working for the Bird, so I thought you’d wanna know there’s better options,” he said. It was the first thing he’d said that sounded like he actually knew what he was talking about and it was not a reassuring change. Yamada, however, seemed unfazed.

“What, some new jumped-up ‘super’ villain with big plans for a criminal utopia?” Yamada said, unimpressed. “Seen ‘em come, seen ‘em go, nothing of value was lost. You asked me to come here because you had something valuable you wanted to trade. Is that still the case, or should I head out and stick you with the tab for wasting my time?”

“So, that’s a ‘no’ from you?” Raimaru asked, still grinning like someone had wired the corners of his mouth behind his ears.

“I didn’t hear a question being asked, but…” All of a sudden Yamada’s voice trailed off in a fizzle of static. Shouta tensed. He glanced out of the corner of his eye at Yamada, who met his eye with a look that was not quite panic but was very, very close to it. Yamada tapped his ear questioningly. Shouta twitched his head to the side in a negative. He saw Yamada mouth “Shit!” before his attention snapped back to the problem in front of him as Raimaru let out a short chuckle.

“Never a good idea to use radio signals around me,” Raimaru said smugly. “They usually end up a little...dead.” He casually brought the hand that had been under the table to rest on its surface. It was holding a large pocket knife, which he casually flicked open and closed as he spoke. All of the plastic had been stripped off of the knife, leaving behind just the blades and metal guts holding them together. As Shouta eyed it, the blade began to glow a smokey orange around Raimaru’s fingertips.

“I think we’re done here,” Shouta said, trying to match the off-cadence way Yamada had been using his voice all night.

This only seemed to egg Raimaru on, however, as he cranked his Quirk up another notch. Shouta felt a static prickling like the kind before a huge lightning strike setting the hairs on his arms and the back of his neck on end. A tinny shrilling feedback noise whined through his earpiece, making him jolt and hiss in sudden pain. Shouta gritted his teeth and set his own Quirk on Raimaru instead. A hasty decision, it turned out, as a sudden crash of noise hit him all at once. Yamada’s voice half-shouting in his ear was interlaced with loud snaps of static as the equipment reconnected. Shouta winced at the onslaught, clapping a hand to his ear before he could stop himself. The moment of distraction was all Raimaru needed.

“So the Bird’s doggy wants to bark, huh?” In one fluid motion Raimaru threw what was left in his glass in Shouta’s eyes and hooked a foot under the bottom rung of Shouta’s stool, yanking it from under him. Shouta toppled to the floor, landing hard on his ass and elbows as he futilely tried to catch himself as he fell. He blinked hard, tears streaming as his eyes burned with whatever had been in that glass. Raimaru grabbed him by the front of his shirt and dragged him partially upright.

“Things could have gone better for you, but it looks like the Bird just likes making things difficult,” Raimaru said.

Shouta dug his fingers into Raimaru’s wrist, trying to wrestle himself free. Raimaru smirked, a violent shock sparking off of his skin and into Shouta’s arm. Shouta let out a bark of agony as his entire arm below the shoulder seized and went numb. Someone else’s hand, large and thick-fingered, ripped his back by the forearm, twisting his hand back and up between his shoulder blades. Shouta stiffened. He hadn’t heard Takeshiro or his wife approaching during the scuffle but it was obvious now they had him surrounded. He thought of the alley and the way they had closed ranks around Yamada, accounting for every avenue of escape except for a one-in-a-million outside intervention. Shouta darted a look over to Yamada. Their eyes met for a split second that lasted an eon. Yamada’s eyes were wide and his face had gone deathly pale as he took in the scene in front of him. He was frozen half in motion, caught between breaking cover to come help and his desire to steer clear of Takeshiro and Hebiko. Shouta’s stomach sank as Yamada dropped his gaze, hunching in on himself and pulling his hat down farther to hide his face.

“Last chance, doggy,” Raimaru said. “That signal was too weak to come from very far away. Point us in the right direction and we’ll let you go, no hard feelings. Otherwise we send you back to your master in pieces.”

He leaned in as he threatened, and Shouta took the opportunity to show him how close was too close. Shouta reared back, then rammed his forehead into Raimaru’s nose at full force. As Raimaru reeled back, Shouta slammed himself back into Takeshiro, sending the man spine-first into the edge of a table. Takeshiro grunted in pain and Shouta twisted away from his grasp as Takeshiro tried to catch himself. Raimaru sank his fist into Shouta’s stomach, knocking the wind out of him, but Shouta managed to activate his Quirk again before Raimaru could shock him. Shouta retaliated with a sharp hook, jamming his fist into Raimaru’s solar plexus with as much force as he could muster. As Raimaru doubled over Shouta grabbed a fistful of his hair and slammed him face-first into the table.

“All right, ENOUGH!” the bartender yelled. She was floating above the bar with a warning look on her face, a thin metal pipe leveled at Shouta’s head. Shouta looked from her to Takeshiro and Hebiko, who had backed off behind their table again, to Raimaru, who was staring up from under his hand with undisguised disgust as he bled onto the table. Shouta took a moment to catch his breath, then released Raimaru. Not bothering to see if Yamada would follow, Shouta took the moment of peace to walk out of the bar.

The night air was cold and made his face feel closed in and sticky under the mask. Shouta jerked it down under his chin, sucking in a hard breath. The adrenaline in his veins felt like a cloying, choking compulsion to just run, escape, flee as fast as he could in any direction that would count as away. His lungs burned nearly as badly as his eyes, every new breath feeling like a sharp stab in the chest. A strange itching slightly farther down his abdomen joined the pain in his chest as he half-sprinted down the sidewalk. Shouta looked down and froze mid-step. The bare metal handle of Raimaru’s knife stuck out of his stomach at an almost perfect perpendicular angle, jammed in so far that the tip was pressing the rough kevlar of his stab vest against his flesh.

“Ho-ly shit that was a whole bunch of something.” Shouta didn’t look up from the knife almost in his gut as Yamada’s voice crowed out behind him. He felt Yamada digging in his pocket and retrieving the cell phone. “Could have gone better for sure, but also could have gone worse.” Yamada gave Shouta a cheery smack on the shoulder. “You and I make a pretty good team, huh? C’mon, let’s go find a nicer place to grab a bite and hang out until things die down.”

He paused like he fully expected Shouta to agree and follow after him, but Shouta was barely listening. His mind was still trying to process the knife handle sticking out of his stomach. The night “could have gone worse”? Raimaru had almost made good on the threat to send Shouta home in pieces while Yamada cowered in a corner booth, more worried about being seen than being helpful, and Yamada was congratulating himself for a job well done.

“Aizawa? Earth to Aizawa? Hey, are you okay? You’re shaking.” There was a note of real concern in Yamada’s voice as he reached out a hand to steady the trembling in Shouta’s body.

The idea of Yamada making any kind of physical contact snapped the last bit of sane civility Shouta had left in him. True fury, hot and fast and scraped raw by everything that was running through Shouta’s head, boiled over in his chest. He swung wildly at Yamada, hoping to make contact but hoping more just to fend him off as violently as possible. Yamada yelped and jumped backwards, hands coming up to protect himself.

“Whoa! What the hell--?” Yamada began, but Shouta was already swinging again. He wanted to make Yamada bleed, make him feel even half as agonized and afraid as he did right now. Yamada stumbled away from him, eyes wide in shock and confusion. His back hit the brick wall of a building and Shouta got right up in his face, Quirk blazing and teeth bared in a hateful snarl as he spoke.

“Let me be clear with this, so maybe you’ll hear it over the sound of your own voice,” Shouta said between clenched teeth. “We are not partners. We do not make a good team. We are sure as fuck not friends who hang out. You are a problem in my life that I am trying to solve. Get that through your thick skull and stop acting like we’re in this together.” He pulled the knife out and threw it violently at Yamada’s feet before turning on his heel and striding away as fast as his legs could carry him.

As soon as he staggered into his apartment and secured every lock and deadbolt on his door Shouta stripped down, dumping everything he’d been wearing in a heap in the entryway. Ignoring his cats’ cries for attention, Shouta went straight to the bathroom and ran the shower as hot as he could stand it. He could feel himself shaking now, the dregs of adrenaline making his legs weak rather than holding him up any longer. He sat down in his tub with the scalding water beating against his back, arms wrapped around himself. He looked down and saw a long irritated scratch rising on his stomach where the knife had dragged against him through the vest. Shouta let out a long, unsteady breath and closed his eyes. He’d been a vigilante for long enough to know that it meant going without any kind of help when things went from bad to worse to potentially lethal; until now not even his worst cases had shaken him like this. But those times he’d known the risk going in and taking it on had been his choice, which made all the difference. Yamada had known, though. Yamada had known they should have bailed as soon as their worst case scenario walked in the pub’s doors and he’d used Shouta as a human shield to try to get what he wanted anyway. Shouta gritted his teeth, nails digging into his palms as his hands balled into fists. He shouldn’t have expected anything less from someone like Yamada.

Never again, Shouta thought as he roughly toweled off. Yamada could keep his favors and his trade secrets and all the rest of it. He’d need all the help he could get, because as far as Shouta was concerned Yamada was on his own from this moment on.

#boku no hero academia #my hero academia #eraserhead bnha #eraserhead mha #present mic #erasermic #aizawa shouta #yamada hizashi #shouta aizawa #hizashi yamada #Fire Meet Gasoline AU #Quinny thinks she's a writer

6 notes · View notes

fearofaherobrine · 6 years

Text

Roleplay Server Log #367

“Girls Night Out, More Cheese, Not Just a Program”

[Lie] Is down by Hera's bay, just letting her feet dangle into the water. She's waiting to spot her fellow female brine as she's currently needing somebody to bitch to about her husband-

-A few sea dragons glide into the shallows and wend their way around the kelp and the mangrove trees in the shallows. Far on the horizon Basil breeches and makes a tremendous splash in the water. After a while a small white shape becomes visible in the distance and swims lazily into the bay, circling Herabrine's house.

[Lie] - Hera!

-The pale guardian's fiery fuchsia mane is visible for a moment as the shape is shed and Herabrine drops down a narrow shoot into her house.

[Lie] Groans, not really wanting to move- Hera! Come here!

[Herabrine] is barely visible in her house below but she's bustling about doing something.

[Lie] Gets herself standing and heads for the trap door, kicking it open- Hera!

[Herabrine] Faint sound of someone dropping something and swearing.

[Lie] Huffs and makes her way down the ladder and through the short hallway into Hera's house- Hera!

[Herabrine] Come back here!

[Maggie] Bounces down the hallway towards Lie.

[Lie] Reaches down and scoops the magma cube up-

[Maggie] Excited wiggling-

[Herabrine] Oh hey, thanks Lie!

[Lie] - I've been calling your name for like ten minutes now!

[Herabrine] Sorry, I musta had water in my ears. Heh. What's the matter?

[Maggie] Is super hot and still squiggling-

[Lie] - I'm mad at CP

[Herabrine] Well come on in! You know my policy; If you have nothing nice to say, come sit next to me.

[Lie] Comes in and heads for Maggie's pen to put her away-

[Maggie] Small noises-

[Herabrine] Aw you don't have to pen her, I just forgot to shut my door.

[Lie] - Are you sure?

[Herabrine] Yeah, it's fine. Have a sit.

[Lie] Sits down on Hera's bed-

[Herabrine] Sits on the window sill - So what did the big kitty do wrong now? Try to eat Cn again?

[Maggie] Happy flop-

[Lie] - We ran out of cheese

[Herabrine] That's, that's it? I mean, he doesn't know how to make it, right? That's TLOT's thing?

[Lie] - But I want more!

[Herabrine] I think I have some... - Hops up and starts shuffling in trunks- Here I thought it was something horrible...

[Lie] - It is! But the baby!

[Herabrne] What about the baby?

[Lie] - I'm craving the cheese because of it!

[Herabrine] I heard. You're the talk of the rumor mill since you were so vocal about hating it before.

[Lie] - Oh shush!

[Herabrine] It's true! You were more then adamant. - Pulls out a small chunk and Maggie whines at the pungent smell.

[Lie] Promptly holds out her hand for it-

[Herabrine] Gives it to her-

[Maggie] Hops down and hides under the bed-

[Lie] Starts eating- Thank you. CP's been busy building a room for the baby...

[Herabrine] What's the theme so far? I thought he tended towards stone, fire, and huge cavernous spaces for his builds.

[Lie] - Stone so far, but I think I heard him throwing down a bit of carpet too

[Herabrine] You really do like that... I wonder if you'll go back to hating it once the little spud is born? Well I was partially right.

[Lie] - I kinda hope I do go back to hating it. TLOT and Doc have been making cheese near non stop for me since the cravings started

[Herabrine] That's gotta be hard on your digestion too...

[Lie] - But right now it's so good!

[Herabrine] Apart from that, hows it going?

[Lie] - I'm sore almost every moment, she's decided to try and be a dancer inside of me...

[Herabrine] I know this is going to sound super obvious... but have you tried going swimming? Just floating a bit might take some pressure off.

[Lie] - ... No?

[Herabrine] Then we should go! I don't mind going back out. I did manage to feed Maggie before she scampered off.

[Lie] - We should probably go over by the bar, the water is hotter over there and I have been getting cold a lot lately

[Herabrine] Meet me up top. I doubt you can hold your breath long enough to get to the surface from the chute- She's putting Maggie back in her pen with a little kiss-

[Lie] - Alright- She stands and pops the last of the cheese into her mouth before heading for the ladder

[Herabrine] Bustles around a little and shoots upwards through the water before bobbing up like a cork, the guardian does an artful flip and swims over to Lie, making a weird hollow noise-

[Lie] Smiles a little- I'd race you, but I don't think I'm in any condition to run- She does step into the shallows and gently grabs a hold of part of Hera

[Herabrine] Moves around a bit so her friend can get a good grip and races through the water towards the bar, fast as a dolphin despite being shaped more like a puffer fish-

[Lie] Shivers a little as they move through the colder water-

[Herbrine] Scoots up near the edge of the blocked off lava pool down the hill from the bar. The water is warmer here and she waits for Lie to get down before switching forms again-

[Lie] Slides off and floats a little- This... Actually still feels a little cold...

-The sun is going down near the horizon and the sky is tinging a lovely shade of pink-

[Herabrine] Could you just belly up to the lava pool from the outside?

[Lie] - Maybe...- She moves closer to the lava, feeling the warm stone

-As the sky darkens there's a creak up the hill and Sam steps into the doorway, there's a tiny red point of light as he smokes a redstone cig-

[Herabrine] Flops into the lava and paddles a little-

[Lie] - It is a nice night...

[Herabrine] It's too quiet. I'm suspicious...

-Thump.-

[Lie] - There's your noise

[Mix] Fuck! -From within the bar-

[Sam] Is talking quietly to someone up the hill and turns back to see if Mix is okay-

[Moth] Is coming around the side of the library with a stack of books and follows Sam inside for a moment before peeking back out and calling down- Mistress?

[Lie] - Hm? Yes?

[Mix] -Has dropped her mug and is trying to pick it back up- -grumble grumble-

[Moth] Are you okay down there?

[Herabrine] I think we've been spotted and it's too late to run away.

[Sam] Helps Mix and pours her a fresh drink-

[Lie] - Yeah, just trying to take some weight off

[Mix] Thanks Sam.

[Moth] I could just carry you if you're too tired to walk?

[Lie] - No thank you, I am fine for now. What were you doing in the library?

[Mix] -Sips her drink and decides to check out the talking by poking her head out the door-

[Moth] Doing more research. Hoff is on watch tonight.

[Sam] Also wanders back out-

[Lie] - Research for what?

[Herabrine] Oh hey Mix! You should come gossip with us!

[Moth] Why babies of course! And what kinds of things we can do to help you as well.

[Lie] - That's very sweet Moth

[Mix] Mmm... okay. -Waddles down to the group, a bit wobbly on her feet-

[Sam] Sees she's having trouble and lends her a hand getting down.

[Moth] Just saunters down and plops on a sand block,- thank you mistress.

[Herabrine] Floats up a little, riding just above the surface- You look drunk Mix.

[Sam] Would eye roll if he could.

[Mix] Thanks Sam. -With Sam's help is less wobbly, but she still plops like a ragdoll once down there, tucking her legs under her- Oh you bet your ass I am

[Lie] - Everything okay Mix?

[Moth] Yes, it's not good for people to drink in excess. especially ladies. It's unhealthy.

[Mix] Mmm... Yeah. Just thinking about stuff.

[Sam] Mimes how many she's had.

[Herabrine] Whistles- That's a lot of stuff.

[Lie] - Hey now, don't try to drink for me too!

[Moth] Tut tuts a little.

[Herabrine] Something on your mind Mix?

[Mix] Aww.. but it's fun. -Rotates the little bit of fabric tied to her wrist.- Makes it easier to think.

[Lie] - What are you thinking of Mix?

[Moth] What is that? If you don't mind me asking?

[Herabrine] And where's the psycho chicken? I haven't seen him around in quite some time.

[Mix] I don't know where Benny is.. I'm kinda worried about him too.. And this? -Holds her arm out and points at the soft orange fabric- Ahhh... Just something I've hung onto for a long time.

[Herabrine] You want me to hunt around for him psychically?

[Moth] It's a pretty color.

[Mix] It is! And uh... If you don't mind? He always comes back eventually.

[Herabrine] Touches her feet on the shore and closes her bright eyes, reaching outward to find the reckless chicken with her mind-

[Moth] Puts the books away and wades into the shallows to splash her face - ahh, it's so nice and warm.

[Lie] - The lava pool does that... I remember we accidentally cooked a bunch of lobsters when we first made the pool

[Benny] -Climbing a tree somewhere. Amazing.-

[Herabrine] Still concentrating-That was a fun night-

This message has been removed.

[Mix] -Absent mindedly twists fabric some more-

[Herabrine] I think he's trying to fly? He's in a tree?!?!

[Mix] What?!

[Moth] So what's the fabric Mix?

[Herabrine] Sends to Benny- Come to the bar you dumb birb. Mix is drunk and worried about you!

[Lie] - If I recall correctly I can't have most things that come from the water right now...

[Benny] -Falls out of tree- No! Not yet!

[Herabrine] YES Come home you stupid chicken!!!

[Mix] It's just a square. -She unwinds it and holds it up, it's got a small motif in each corner-

[Benny] No. I will soon, though. Don't worry!

[Lie] Sticks her hand in the lava to test it, when she pulls her hand out it hardens as usual-

[Moth] That's a shame. I have found quite a few dietary restrictions in the literature for the health of the baby. It's so complicated. Oh, and it's pretty Mix. I like orange. You don't see it much.

[Sam] Examines the square more closely-

[Herabrine] out loud- Stubborn ass.

[Lie] - It's already starting to get harder to walk, and I'm having to rely on you guys a bit more to tend to the animals

[Mix] I'm really fond of orange, but it makes me sad, usually. And is Benny being stubborn?

[Moth] Oh, you're light as a feather Lie. Just say the word and I or any of my brethern will gladly carry you.

[Herabrine] Yeah, he's doing something but he says he'll come home soon. Way more erudite then I was expecting him to be.

[Sam] Signs- Why sad?

[Lie] - You'd probably have to fight CP off for that honor

[Moth] Shrugs- Just offering.

[Mix] Ugh... as long as he comes home, I guess... -Small frown as she wraps the fabric around her wrist again- Uh... It was a color someone really important to me wore a lot. -Points at the fabric in explanation.- I haven't seen them in a long time. -frowns a bit and holds mug close again-

[Lie] - Do we need to go searching for somebody else?

[Mix] No.

[Herabrine] Ah.... someone lost in the turmoil before you came here?

[Mix] -Softly- Yeah.

[Lie] - I'm sorry Mix

[Moth] I am sorry for your loss then.

[Sam] Nods solemly-

[Herabrine] I dunno, living here I've learned that it's never a good idea to count anyone entirely lost.

[Lie] - This is true...

[Mix] Maybe.... But I'm pretty sure.

[Mix] Didn't mean to bring down the mood, haha.. What's been up with you, Lie? Beyond being pregnant?

[Lie] - Cravings and soreness and mood swings and I'm just a mess

[Herabrine] She's also super cold and inhaling TLOT's stinky gold cheese like it's going out of style. Don't have kids Mix. -chuckles- It seems like a huge pain.

[Sam] signs -Unless you're having an egg haha.

[Mix] Heh, don't plan on it anytime soon,

[Lie] - Well it's not as if CP and I planned this

[Moth] This is true.

[Herabrine] Eh, you're good with kids though. I figured this would happen eventually anyway.

[Sam] Signs- So how is your household faring Mix?

[Lie] - Actually, you could say Sam is partially responsible for my getting pregnant

[Mix] It's alright, Prince is adjusting to seeing really well, and. .. Stev and NK are fucking like bunnies at every opportunity. -Softly- At least I wasn't that bad....

[Sam] Signs frantically - Me??!? What did I do???

[Herabrine] Ha! You should encourage them to get their own build if it's bugging you.

[Lie] - The alchohol you gave as a belated wedding present? That's what CP and I drank right before, well, yeah

[Sam] Signs- Oh geeze! I'm sorry Lie!

[Mix] -Very blunt look at Hera- They have one. On the shore. They're L O U D.

[Lie] - There's nothing to apologize for Sam, we also forgot to take one of the berries

[Herabrine] Maybe you could surround their house with wool, real subtle like? -grins mischeviously

[Mix] -Strokes chin thoughtfully- Maybe..

[Sam] Still looks contrite

[Herabrine] Can I help? [wool everything over mostly]

[Lie] Winces a little, feeling the baby squirm-

[Herabrine] Feels her distress - Put your arms out and float.

[Mix] Sure, I don't mind

[Moth] So what's this about a chicken anyway?

[Lie] Does as Hera instructs- Come on, calm down little one

[Herabrine] She's fiesty.

[Lie] - And taking after her father, she's griefed CP and TLOT

[Moth] Giggles- With some well-timed kicks.

[Herabrine] Tries to brush the babies mind to see if she can read anything-

-There aren't really any thoughts yet, but it's responding to Lie's movement and voice-

[Moth] Notices Hera's look of concentration. - Getting any signals miss?

[Herabrine] She's just listening and kicking around-

[Lie] - Well she could tone down the kicking a little

[Mix] -Plays with the fabric some more while watching-

[Moth] If she's listening, maybe I can help. - She starts to hum a few bars and then breaks into a soft lulling melody. It's wordless but tuneful and she has a lovely voice.

[Herabrine] Is staring openmouthed. - So much for the old joke about teaching a pig to sing....

[Lie] Feels the baby squirm a little more before she starts to settle a little

[Moth] Keeps singing softly and there's a hush in the few milling mobs beyond the pool of lava light, after a little while she trails off into a few trilling notes and goes quiet- Is that better?

[Lie] - She did settle down a little

[Moth] Good.

[Herabrine] So what's the story behind your hankie Mix?

[Mix] I hurt myself on accident and we didn't really have anything on hand to stop the blood flow. He said I could keep it once I cleaned it up. -It sounds pretty simple. A little too simple.-

[Herabrine] Ah, we all have our mementos.

[Lie] - My memento just lives with me

[Moth] Gives Mix a supportive pat with one huge hand.

[Herabrine] Ha! Too right. He needed a keeper anyway.

[Lie] - I'm surprised he hasn't come looking for me yet actually, he's fretting almost more than anyone else

[Herabrine] If you legit yelled at him for there not being any more cheese he might have gone to get more....

[Lie] - Well Doc went out and I don't know where TLOT is...

[Sam] Signs- You can pretty much just yell for TLOT from anywhere and get his attention...

[Lie] - Doesn't mean he'll respond if he's with Steve

[Herabrine] That's a good point.... And if he is ahem, 'with Steve' it's not smart to interrupt. Especially if you value your eyeballs. hehe.

[Lie] - Not like that's stopped CP before

[Moth] The master is quite tenacious.

[Lie] - Actually, does anyone know where Doc went? I saw they left with Notch and some others...

[Mix] No clue here.

[Herabrine] If they took Notch it's probably money related since he has the cards. Or they went to visit the office staff. Who else went?

[Lie] - Um, Deer, Flux, Yaunfen, I think HG and Glitchy too? I was a little miffed at the time so I wasn't paying much attention

[Herabrine] If they took the kid... it can't be anything dangerous.

[Lie] - True

[Moth] whistles as if she knows nothing, though she does have suspicions.

[Lie] - ... I'm getting cold again...

[Herabrine] There's always the lava? You could just dip your feet?

[Lie] - It'll just harden on me...

[Herabrine] Yeah, but feet are easy to clean.

[Lie] - True...

[Moth] You could sit against me?

[Lie] - Yeah, I guess- She stands walking out of the water and once the air hits her she starts shivering, hard- Maybe getting in the water was a bad idea...

[Herabrine] Hmm. - She waves her hands and raises several water spawn blocks out of the water into a column that's as warm as a shower and endlessly falling beside the lava pool-

[Moth] Interesting trick-

[Mix] -Claps- Niceee!

[Herabrine] Try that. It's pretty hot.

[Lie] Moves into the water- Thank you Hera. Hey Mix, do you want a sobering flower?

[Mix] Nah, I'm good. I'd get sad again. Best not to let this go to waste.

[Lie] - What are you sad about?

[Mix] The person I lost, mostly.

[Lie] - Who were they?

[Mix] -Shuffles a bit before pulling a small picture out, it's off two figures, one of which is a more happy looking Mix, and a taller person who's got his arm around her shoulder and a hesitant smile on his face. Around Mix's neck in the picture is the fabric she's got around her wrist currently.- Him. He... meant a lot to me.

[Lie] - Oh Mix...

[Mix] -Looks fondly at the picture- Yeah...

[Lie] - What was his name?

[Mix] Niko. His name was Niko.

[Lie] - That's a nice name

[Mix] Yeah... -Fond sigh-

[Lie] - Are you sure we wouldn't be able to find them?

[Mix] Yeah, certain.

[Lie] - I see...

[Herabrine] Did a NOTCH get him Mix?

[Moth] Little intake of breath.

[Mix] No, thankfully. I think I would've kicked the fuckers ass if it was. -Small frown-

[Herabrine] That's the spirit!

[Moth] Then what.. what happened?

[Mix] -Stares at the picture a bit more before shaking her head.- I don't... I don't want to talk about it right now. If.... If that's okay.

[Lie] - Absolutely, we understand

[Moth] Okay.

[Herabrine] So how's your tribe doing?

[Mix] -Perks up a bit- The lightfeet are doing wonderfully! They're not lazing about now! -Returns picture to her inventory-

[Herabrine] What happened to get them moving?

[Mix] Give them a ball and you get them off their asses, apparently.

[Moth] What's a ball?

[Lie] - An object you can throw around and play with

[Moth] Oh that makes sense!

[Herabrine] And Liz? I haven't seen her lately either. Getting big yet?

[Mix] Liz is getting long, mostly! Shi's out and about just.. at odd times. Really odd times.

[Herabrine] And the big daddy and the little shy kiddo?

[Moth] Perhaps she's nocturnal?

[Mix] Big... daddy?

[Herabrine] Snaps her fingers - Gambit?

[Lie] - Endrea's kids are getting so big too

[Mix] ... Oh! Gambet, and his kid? Uh.... Not too sure. I've seen Alan when Liz brings them over. Alan's a bit skittish still.

[Sam] signs- Well they are dragons... Endrea is HUGE.

[Herabrine] Sometimes kids are just shy.

[Lie] - Hera... I want more cheese...

[Herabrine] Sorry, I'm fresh out.

[Sam] Signing - cheese?

[Lie] Whines a little-

[Moth] at Sam, - the Golden Steelton TLOT makes.

[Sam] Oh.

[Mix] The stinky stuff.

[Lie] - CP better get some soon

[Herabrine] Almost makes me feel sorry for him...

[Moth] Offers her some watermelon slices - I heard these were a common pregnancy craving Lie.

[Lie] - I'm not craving those, but I probably should have something other than cheese and chips...

[Sam] signing- I could make something?

[Lie] - I'm not terribly hungry right now...

[Herabrine] Okay Lie, lets just get you home then. Hopefully Cp has your cheese by now...

[Lie] - Okay...

-After Hera leaves Lie at her house the white haired brine heads for the workroom to warm up by the lava. As she turns the corner a pleasant scent reaches her and she's moving closer to the source. Turning the corner into the room proper she finds that CP has set things up for her even though he currently isn't home. There are freshly picked pods and flowers from her vanilla plant and a few of her calming blossoms scattered about as well. She realizes that at some point he must have gone out to the real world as there are a few candles lit around the lava tub. Lie's annoyance at him vanishes for the moment as she moves to take full advantage of what he has offered her. He's left her one of his shirts by the tub as well and she slides into the warm fluid gratefully after stripping herself to wait for CP to return-

-Deep below the lab in their private room TLOT and Steve are curled up on a rug near the lava pool. The two men are snuggled in eachothers arms just enjoying the warmth and companionship. A little food and drink sits forgotten nearby and LH is stealthily dragging away a neglected porkchop-

[CP] Has been looking stomping around looking for TLOT for hours and has only just gotten to the lab- TLOT!

[TLOT] Flops against the bed with an annoyed groan- mentally- go away Cp....

[CP] - No! Lie's mad

[Steve] Is sort of eavesdropping and his thought is loud- How come?!

[CP] - Because we're out of cheese!

[TLOT] Rubs his temples as the beginning throb of a headache ripples across his brain- Not again...

[CP] Starts coming down the stairs- Yeah well I'd rather have a happy wife! I didn't realize how much she was sneaking out of the chest without my knowing!

[TLOT] Faintly imitating Cp's tone. - Yeah, well you keep driving off my mate and it would be nice if I could have a happy husband....

[CP] - Yeah well you've never seen Lie mad like this!

[Steve] Incredulous- How bad can it really be? She's usually so nice...

[CP] Gives them a mental burst showing Lie's emotional change-

[Steve] -Blink blink- He knows it's bad to say but can't stop himself- Now you know how she felt trying to keep you happy and calm at the start...

[TLOT] Oh dear...

[CP] - TLOT, just tell me you have some more of the damn cheese stored away somewhere?

[TLOT] I do not. I gave it all to you.

[CP] Long string of curses-

[Steve] Won't she accept anything else? Eating just cheese can't be good. How about the... whatsit...? huumy bows?

[CP] - She's not even that hungry! She just wants the cheese!

[TLOT] That's very strange...

[CP] - I mean yes she will eat a few other things, but she mostly wants the cheese, and she's getting more demanding of it

[Steve] Do we have to do this? Can't you ask Doc?

[LH] Scampers up the stairs with the meat.

[CP] - Doc went out

[TLOT] How interesting... Damn it.

[CP] - I'm hoping she'll be a little calmer by the time I do get back to her, but she'll go right back to rage if I don't have any cheese

[Steve] Still quietly pondering the irony, it's not like Cp can't hear his thoughts or anything.

[TLOT] Flops in annoyance.

[CP] - Well?

[TLOT] Take Steve someplace for about ten minutes so I can make some and clear out the smell. Be nice! I want to get right back to where I left off as soon as possible.

[Steve] Huh?

[CP] - Why do I have to take him somewhere!?

[TLOT] Because I don't need you hovering over me any more then I need him crying from the smell!

[CP] - Fine!- He grabs Steve and actually teleports them near his home, so he can check and see where Lie is and what sort of mood she's in

[Steve] Is released and thumps a few inches to the ground. - Oof! Damn stiff boots...

[CP] Sends out his senses and feel Lie in the lava tub- Well at least she won't be moving from there...

[Steve] Oh? Is she in bed with Blake, Hope and the vulpixes?

[CP] - Nope, naked in the lava tub. Even with her emotions running haywire, she won't run around naked, plus hardened lava makes it a bit harder to move

[Steve] You guys should keep some potions around for that, it makes that stuff slip right off.

[CP] - Nope, I prefer to take it off myself. Besides, I suspect she'll be in there a lot with how cold she's been lately

[Steve] The kiddo wants the heat, doesn't she? Geeze... you'd think she's part nether dragon.

[CP] - Well I run pretty hot myself...

[Steve] Yeah, I know. -stretches- TLOT is the same way. It's pretty comforting. Especially if you've been working and your muscles hurt.

[CP] Just shrugs-

[Steve] So... uh... hows Stevie handling his glitch? -There's a question here he's afraid to ask anyone-

[CP] - Well so far he hasn't turned his house into a glacier- His psychic abilities are wandering a little

[Steve] Do uh....? - He scuffs a foot in the grass a little - Do you think the glitch might get worse over time...?

[CP] - Maybe a little, it took a bit of time for mine to stabilize

[Steve] Did you do anything special to... fix it at a certain level...?

[CP] - Nope, I let it settle itself out, was too painful to do otherwise

[Steve] Pales a little- Painful? What...? Like trying to fight or hold it was hurtful?

[CP] Thinks for a moment- Trying to stop it I believe, it was so long ago that I don't really recall

[Steve] How would you even stop it...?

[CP] - I don't think you can

[Steve] Is staring off into space unhappily- Oh...

[CP] - TLOT should be done by now, let's go

[Steve] Yeah.. okay... - He's checking- Give him another few minutes, he's fumigating the room.

[CP] Groans in annoyance-

[Steve] Awkward silence. -

[CP] Waits for the time to pass before grabbing Steve and teleporting him back-

[TLOT] Has already cleared the room and put the cheese in a trunk- Here, take this weird plant too. - Holding out the failure plant- Lie might be able to do something with it, but I hate the way it smells. Yaunfen made it accidentally.

[CP] - Fine- Takes everything and then teleports back to his house

[Licht] Sighs as she gets into her cruiser, having just been called to a burglary-

[EAlex] Makes a thoughtful noise as the phone is placed against the passenger seat- Your GPS is all over the map... what on the seed are you doing?

[Licht] - My job. Currently I'm heading someplace that was broken into, burglarized

[EAlex] Burglarized? Was is that?

[Licht] - It means somebody forcefully entered the domain of somebody else and stole things

[EAlex] There's a sharp intake of breath and she's quiet for a moment. - That explains your harshness then... You hunt griefers...

[Licht] - I... Suppose so? I hunt criminals technically

[EAlex] There will always be rules and people who break them... But there will also be those who are hunted because they look like troublemakers, even if they aren't.

[Licht] - Here you cannot be persecuted just by how you look, at least not legally

[EAlex] I remain skeptical of that.

[Licht] Pulls up to a house and plugs a set of headphones into her phone so she can still hear EAlex as she goes into the house to look at the crime scene-

[EAlex] Is using the camera lenses on the phone to look around - So much detail, and people... with weapons..? - She shrinks uncomfortably back into the deeper guts of the phones small hard drive.

[Licht] - Nobody is going to use a weapon here. We carry them for protection and only use them as a last resort. In fact your more likely to be hit by the taze gun than the real one

[EAlex] Still... humans use weapons rather freely. Especially the younger ones. A child with a simple iron sword can cause a lot of pain. And I do not know what this taze you speak of is.

[Licht] - It's a device that delivers a non lethal dose of electricity to stun people

[EAlex] Sounds like something a NOTCH would use, to force compliance when someone disagrees with them...

[Licht] - We use it when somebody is being threatening towards us. Most people are compliant and understand that they did something wrong. And what would Markus have to do with anything?

[EAlex] So says one with power to one without; I'll only hurt you if I have too... And NOTCHs are evil. They rule with iron fists and crush unbelievers.

[Licht] - There's only one

[EAlex] I wish... many wear the mantle of NOTCH, and many use it to spread fear.

[Licht] - So somebody pretending to be Mr. Perrson?

[EAlex] You don't understand...

[Licht] Looks up as another officer approaches-

[Offcer] - Licht, busy morning?

[Licht] - Yeah, you?

[Officer] - Just a few traffic tickets

[EAlex] Is quiet but uses the camera to examine the person she's talking too, she's nervous being around such a huge human and the phone shakes slightly in Licht's hand.

[Licht] Is just talking business and being briefed on what had been stolen-

[Officer] - So yeah, if you want to go start checking some pawn shops...

[Licht] - Why the rush to get me out?

[Officer] - Face it, your tenacity is why you get stuff done, so the sooner we get you on this, the sooner it might be solved

[Licht] - Fine fine

[EAlex] Like an angry wolf...

[Licht] Starts heading back towards her car- Well, guess it's time for some leg work...

[EAlex] Why did you light the summoner? It seems you have no time for any world besides this one.

[Licht] Huffs a little- The game itself was given to me as a clue to what Markus was doing. When I got in there, there was a chest with a book with instructions on how to build the summoner, so I built it

[EAlex] Then you have no idea what you called for... and what you recieved is even more terrible.

[Licht] - What do you mean?

[EAlex] The summoner isn't a toy, and the thing that answered it's call is not... normal...

[Licht] - So? It's not like it effects me

-There's a bit of a pressure change in the air and Licht feels suddenly short of breath, it's a distinct pain around her throat that's sharp and gone as quickly as it arrived. The phone lets out a burst of white noise and EAlex calls out in alarm as the small device starts downloading something in the background.

[Licht] Quickly pulls over and curses a little in Swedish- Wha... What?

[EAlex] Is visible on her screen stomping against the wallpaper in obvious distress.

[Licht] - What was that?

-There's a small pop and an icon for Minecraft pocket edition is visible long enough for EAlex to let out a small cry of alarm. She stomps on the wallpaper and makes the icons wiggle before slapping at the X to delete it frantically. -

[Licht] - What are you doing?

[EAlex] Falls over and lays flat on the surface of the wallpaper like she's making a snow angel and breathing hard- Saving our pixels!

[Licht] - What did you do?

[EAlex] Don't talk bad about... him... He'll take it out on us both. But he needs a copy of the game to get at me more easily on your phone.

[Licht] - You mean the Herobrine on the computer?

[EAlex] YES. The one who took my spawn!

[Licht] Makes a frustrated noise- You're just some random ai, not even real, why do you try to act like it!

[EAlex] I'm not an AI! I'm a glitch!

[Licht] - Whatever! Either way! You're just programs!

[EAlex] No we're not. - She sits up and gets closer to the screen by standing on an icon- Just because I'm not made of meat and water like you, doesn't mean I'm not real.

[Licht] - You are a program!

[EAlex] I am not! I have a soul! -waves her hands in frustration- What can I do to prove it?!?

[Licht] - There's nothing to prove!

[EAlex] So I am sentenced to be a non-person by someone who claims to uphold justice?

[Licht] - You. Are. A. Program! One I could easily throw away!

[EAlex] Shakes with fear- You're a player just as evil as a NOTCH, one who would kill for no reason.

[Licht] - I do not kill!

[EAlex] If you delete me, I will die.

[Licht] - You technically don't actually exist! You were made, AS A PROGRAM!

[EAlex] I WAS NOT MADE. The world gave me a place to gain a body! But I existed as a spirit before!

[Licht] - Yeah right- She pulls up in front of the first pawn shop- Just shut up and let me do my damn job

[EAlex] very quietly- I think you're the one with no soul.

[Licht] Goes about her job for the rest of the day in a somewhat foul mood, deciding to end her day at a bar-

[EAlex] Has rearranged Licht's icons and is now browsing the internet in an equally unhappy mood. Her activity is visible on the screen and the battery is running a bit low. -

[Licht] Grumbles and pulls a charger out of her bag and plugs it and the phone into the wall as she waits for her drink-

[EAlex] Takes a measure of electricity for herself and tries to order her thoughts. The phone is flat and she can't see anything but the ceiling.

[Licht] Receives a decently strong drink and starts downing it-

[EAlex] Resigned and quiet- Could you at least prop the phone up? I don't think that's too much for non-person to ask.

[Licht] - Why?

[EAlex] So I can see.

[Licht] - There's nothing to see

[EAlex] Then I'll just stare at the ceiling. - She sits down with a huff. - And me without even a Steve or an Alex to bother...

[Licht] - Oh fine!- She tilts the phone up so EAlex can see

[EAlex] Notices her drink. - Can you spare 17 Krona?

[Licht] - Why?

[EAlex] Because... I'm hungry and I have an idea.

[Licht] - No, you don't need it, nor do I think you need food

[EAlex] I could be mean and just take it, but I chose to ask.

[Licht] - And I could let my phone use neither data or wi-fi

[EAlex] -Theres a quiet but very distinct rumble from the earbuds, it's unmistakably the sound of an empty stomach.

[Licht] - Nice try- She asks for another drink, having finished hers

[EAlex] Picks around on her wallpaper and looks up pleadingly, her eyes are a bit dimmer then they were when she entered the phone and the distance from her game is wearing on her a bit.

[Licht] - Humor me for a minute- If you were to get some food, how would you expect them to shove it into the phone?

[EAlex] Weakly and a bit resigned- I know an app game I can take some from, it's not expensive.

[Licht] - Fine, do whatever

[EAlex] Vanishes with a soft voomp. The phone warms as it downloads a small app and a new icon pops up. There's a sound like someone desperately eating something messy-

[Licht] Just starts working on her second drink before glancing at the screen-

-The icon is Fruit Ninja-

[EAlex] Reappears with half a watermelon and a bit more glow, she's still eating but more slowly now. - ........ thank you.

[Licht] - Whatever

[EAlex] I guess I should be grateful for anything. It's not a bad game either, and I could unlock all the swords if you wanted...

[Licht] - I'd never play it

[EAlex] Of course.

[Licht] - You know what, I'm going to give you ten minutes...

[EAlex] Ten minutes to what? Beg for my life some more?

[Licht] - To convince me that you are what you say you are, a being with a soul

[EAlex] Her eyes go wide - H-how? What would you even accept as proof?

[Licht] - That's for you to figure out

[EAlex] Spreads her arms- I am a finite creature with a mind and feelings. How is that different from you? Perhaps I should ask what you could say to prove to me that you aren't a demon with no soul yourself.

[Licht] - Simple, I'm human, I am made from flesh

[EAlex] Bristles as she speed reads a few articles from the web - Flesh is atomic particles and waves and mostly empty space. You're made out of electricity same as me.

[Licht] - I am more than electricity

[EAlex] I can show you the science. Written by your own people... Give me another test.

[Licht] - You haven't convinced me yet, you haven't proven anything to me yet

[EAlex] Then tell me what can a human do that a program can not?

[Licht] - We can create legitimate life, plus there is consequence when we take it

[EAlex] If I killed too many players I would be deleted. Is that not a consequence? And too my chagrin, I have the female parts to make a child. But even if I wanted one, I would need a mate.

[Licht] - Still not convinced little program

[EAlex] Grimaces- can a program feel pain?

[Licht] - They can be programed to believe so

[EAlex] Can a human tell the difference between real pain and someone programmed to simulate it?

[Licht] - Most of the time? Yes when looking at context

[EAlex] Gives her a grim look- Fine. - She vanishes back into the small icon and comes back out with a plain sword from the game. She grits her teeth and slashes her left arm with the blade before dropping it with the shock of the pain. She can't hold back the wail of agony that escapes her lips as she bleeds copiously on the backround wallpaper and sinks to her knees with tears streaming down her face.

[Licht] - Context, you are a program, it doesn't really effect you. You are made of nothing but data

[EAlex] Is cradling her arm in agony and making a rather large pool of blood. It hurts too much to muster more then a choked response. It's the merest gulp of air and labored breathing echoing in the earpiece.

[Licht] - Nice try, but I'm not convinced

[EAlex] Must I... die to plead my case...?

[Licht] - It's not as if you'll actually die

[EAlex] Then I cannot convince you, without destroying myself... Then my small existence is doomed...

[Licht] - Then just accept it, you are nothing more than a program

[EAlex] Stronger with sudden fury - I AM NOT A PROGRAM.

[Licht] - You have yet to convince me otherwise

[EAlex] Is near passed out from the blood loss and pain, her head is spinning, she didn't realize how weak she'd be away from her game with an injury to boot. - You are a monster... without pity...

[Licht] - If you're done being insulting, I have some work to do- She digs through her bag and pulls out a folder containing some of the information she has on Markus

[EAlex] Passes out from the pain, and lays there very still on her wallpaper in a pool of bright crimson blood.

-The phone shakes a little and the pocket edition Minecraft reloads itself again. There's a rather creepy laugh in her earbuds-

[Licht] Twitches a little-

[???] Awww... did the weakling hurt herself?

[Licht] - Not sure how a program can actually hurt itself

[???] Just because you don't know how something works, doesn't mean it's impossible. Why was she playing with a blade?

[Licht] - Trying to prove she was real

[???] Laughs- She's too weak to prove anything to you. Perhaps I should take a turn..?

[Licht] - What are you talking about?

[???] Ignores her question- How about I show you something really good....

[Licht] - Only if it helps me solve this case

[???] Hmmm... It might.... And it might entertain me for a moment as well...

-There's a sudden shift in the atmosphere, as if she stepped sideways out of reality, the people around her slow and freeze in place but there's still a rather schizophrenc chorus of whispers all around her. -

[Licht] - Wha... What's happening?

[???] Just a bit of fun.... - The air goes dark and foggy until her vison is blotted out entirely and she feels large hands wrapping around her windpipe and squeezing just enough to make it hard to breathe.

[Licht] Tenses and squirms a little-

[???] Opens white eyes that fill her field of vision and half-blind her. His breath is hot against her face - Do you believe now?

[Licht] - What are you doing!?

[???] Leaving a few marks.

[Licht] - Marks?

[???] Squeezes a little tighter, the skin already purpling under his grip-

[Licht] - S... Stop it

[???] Or what?

[Licht] - Just... Stop...

[???] Are you trying to goad me into killing you so soon?

[Licht] - You kill me and you'll find no way to Markus

[???] Markus isn't my prey my sweet, but good try.

[Licht] - Then what is?- She's starting to get woozy

[???] All in good time. - He notices her slipping and puts her down roughly- Can't have you dying on me just yet.... - The whispering goes up in volume and the color and motion resume around her. Her reflection is visible in the bar mirror and there are already angry purple and red bruises in the shape of hands forming around her throat.

[Licht] Quickly motions that she's like to pay and grabs her phone, her hands shaking a little

[EAlex] Slowly coming around with a pained groan...

[Licht] Pays and hurries outside-

[EAlex] Is bumped around a little and opens her eyes - You are... fleeing? OH!

[Licht] Scowls as she opens her car door and tosses the phone onto the passenger seat-

[EAlex] Drags herself to the fresh icon and sets everything wobbling before deleting it- You... you are injured?

[Licht] - I... I don't understand...

[EAlex] What is there to understand? You seem so certain we are just programs that feel nothing.

[Licht] - That... That doesn't explain how he was able to...

[EAlex] Now do you believe me?

[Licht] - I... Maybe...

[EAlex] Then at least my suffering isn't in vain...

[Licht] Starts up the car and begins heading home-

5 notes · View notes

shiftingdani · 6 years

Text

hello darkness my old friend // self para

WHO: Dani Harper

WHEN: september 14th, 2018;

WHERE: Campus, Dani´s Room ( Sciron Square ), A Cell

WHAT: Fuck Collars. Oh and Fuck Kitty Wilde too. And not in the nice way.

WARNING(S): PTSD, blood, racism, violence,

It´s dark and for a moment Dani wonders how it´s gotten THIS dark. Wasn´t she just at her desk, going through some books for the next term? It´s too dark to just be nightfall though and it takes her a moment to realize that this isn´t even her room.

She´s not studying. It´s not nightfall. But it´s pitch black. The darkness surrounds her and she can feel the cold seeping into her bones. Where the hell is she?

Dani tries to focus on something, anything, but her eyes simply won´t get used to the darkness. She turns to see if there´s anything that can help her determine just where she is, when she notices the cold feeling around her wrists. It´s not the coldness of the room that makes her shiver, it´s the cuffs around her wrists.

A slight panic rises in her chest as she pulls, the cold metal cutting into her skin, but the cuffs aren´t there to hold her hands together. Dani catches at something, something as cold as the cuffs themselves.

Chains.

They go all the way to the ground and the panic in her chest rises even higher as she pulls, time and time again, ignoring the pain that comes with it, but nothing changes. She´s chained to the ground. In a dark room.

She can feel her breath becoming faster and she has to force herself not to hyperventilate. There has to be a reason she´s here. How did she even get here in the first place? Had she done something wrong?

Her eyes won´t seem to get used to the darkness, so when the loud beeping sound rings through the air she flinches and almost ducks away, simply out of habit. It takes another second before she´s suddenly blinded by a red light that seems to be coming right from her chest.

“What…” Dani chokes out and it takes until the beeping noise has subsided for her to realize that the light isn´t coming from her chest. It is, however, coming from her. That much is true.

The device that´s wrapped around her neck is glowing in a red light and for a moment she´s frozen in time. She knows exactly what it is and this time it´s hard to keep the panic at bay.

A collar.

Everything inside her is screaming to take it off. To tear it from her neck if necessary, but she can´t get her hands free and the panic simply paralyses her. She goes still and forces herself to breathe again, but the simply tasks is destroyed by the fact that she notices something in the corner of her eye.

The red light might not be too bright, but it lights up the room around her a tiny bit, enough for Dani to realize that she isn´t the only one in this dungeon. Or whatever the hell this place is.

There´s a girl…a woman, in the corner of the room. Her long, brown hair falls into her face, making it impossible to get a clear look at her.

But Dani knows exactly who´s sitting there, knees pulled to her chest and arms wrapped around them.

“Marley!” Her voice echoes off the walls as she screams and tears at the cuffs again, trying to rip them off. It doesn´t matter how, she just needs to get to Marley!

It feels like there´s a hole being torn into her chest along with the cold metal that surrounds her wrists and Dani can´t remember how long she´s been screaming, but there´s no reaction.

Neither from Marley nor from the cuffs. Not a tear, not even a noise.

At some point her voice is hoarse from all the screaming and she can feel blood dripping from her wrists over her hands and onto the floor. Dani doesn´t care.

“Marley, what´s wrong with you? What have they done to you?” Her voice is barely a whisper and yet it still hurts her throat.

It doesn´t take long, or maybe it does? Who knows? Until the door is thrown open and a blinding light is shining straight into her face. Dani has to close her eyes for a moment and when she opens them again a dark shadow, whose face she can´t make out against the light, is dragging Marley up by the arms and towards the cell door.

Dani screams again, or tries to anyhow, as she seems to feel the collar tighten around her neck, like it´s set to squeeze the tiny bit of air she still had left out of her.

“Those whose bodies aren’t for the will of God must be tamed,” The shadow whispers and the words crawl under Dani´s skin as she feels her knees buckle.

Marley´s dragged through the door as Dani hits the floor with one last scream, the door falling shut, leaving her in the dark.

When Dani awakes with a start she can still hear her own scream echoing in her ears. He heart is beating hard against her ribcage and she can feel the panic attack coming. Somewhere in her head there´s that dark place, the ones she tries to keep hidden away. The one that´s constantly fighting with that voice that tells her to breathe. To calm down.

Her whole body, drenched in sweat, is shaking as she draws in a breath. The wind is blowing in through the open window and she can hear birds chirping outside.

What time is it?

“Who cares…” she mumbles to herself as she reaches up to touch her neck, swallowing.

“Marley…” She needs to check on Marley. Dani swings her legs out of bed and reaches for her phone, hands still shaking, as if they would never stop again.

#paras #self para #hello darkness my old friend #tw: ptsd #tw: blood #tw: violence #tw: racism

5 notes · View notes

raptorginger · 6 years

Text

Chemistry & Conservation: Chapter 6 - Pancakes, or the Weight of Water

Ren watched Rey get into the Uber that pulled up in front of his bungalow through the bay window, sipping coffee. By the time he’d put on some sweatpants, she’d already ordered the car and was slipping on her cardigan. He hadn’t looked, as she’d asked, although he’d wanted to.

“I’m gonna go, umm, brush my teeth and stuff,” he’d said, jerking his thumb towards his bathroom door. It was lame, but he figured she wanted to wait for the car in relative privacy, avoiding small talk. He was horrible at small talk. She’d looked grateful.

“Umm, thanks. Do you have another bathroom I could wash up in, or…” she’d replied, biting her lip and fiddling with her shoes in her hands. She’d looked so adorably embarrassed then.

“Oh yeah, down the hall. Only door on the left.”

“Thanks. Umm, if I’m not here when you get out...umm…” she’d trailed off, not quite sure how to finish her sentence.

“Yeah, no worries, forget about it. I’ll see you Monday,” he’d said, turning to go to his bathroom. He heard her leave his room, padding down the hall. He’d brushed his teeth in a daze, mechanically turning on his shower to its hottest setting. As he leaned his forehead against the tile, water running down his back, he tried to process the last several hours.

He couldn’t. He’d acted totally unlike himself. He didn’t get involved with colleagues. Although he’d been approached by a few in the past, he’d always brushed them off. His work had a tendency to consume him, and that had always driven the couple women he’d been with in the past away.

But Rey. She’d consumed his thoughts unlike anyone he’d ever met or been with. Consumed him more than his work had. He hadn’t been able to focus all week. He had thought, when he saw her at Starkiller, that if they danced together, spent the night together, it would get better. That he could get her out of his head.

It had been a stupid thought, he realized. It hadn’t worked. In fact, it had failed spectacularly. He wanted her more than ever. He wanted to lie in bed with her, hold her while they talked about everything and nothing. He wanted to know her.

As he stood there, watching her drive away, he let out a deep sigh, running a hand through his unruly hair. How the hell was he going to function on Monday when he saw her again?

***

“Miss Kitty Kat! Where have you been?!” shrieked Mrs. Lao, Rey’s elderly landlord and next door neighbor as Rey made her way up the steps of her brownstone, Louboutins still in her hand.

Rey groaned inwardly. Mrs. Lao had heard Finn call her that once, and she’d never forgotten it, and used it when she was mad at her. “Out, Mrs. Lao.”

“I was worried! I wanted to call the police!” Mrs. Lao stood on the shared stoop of their brownstone, hands on her generous hips, a frown on her wrinkled tanned face. “Thank God your friends came this morning, reassuring poor Mrs. Lao that you weren’t dead!”

Rey had lived next to Mrs. Lao since she’d come to the University five years ago to work in the Conservation Lab and finish her doctorate in chemistry. The Vietnamese woman had taken a grandmotherly interest in Rey and was fiercely protective of her long time tenant.

“Obviously I’m fine, Mrs. Lao. I’m sorry I made you worry,” Rey said apologetically, softening her tone. She did feel bad making the old woman worry. Mrs. Lao was the closest thing to a maternal figure Rey had left, although Rey felt far from fine in reality. The whole way back to the brownstone, she’d thought of Ren. She’d wanted to have the car turn right around, take her back to him. She wanted him to hold her, simply hold her, in his large arms in his beautiful living room that smelled like paper and old leather and coffee. She’d gotten a glimpse of a personal study on her way down the hall, and she longed to know what a published chemistry genius read and how he kept his books.

She’d waited for the Uber on the seat built in to bay window, listening to the running water coming from Ren’s room. It had sounded like he was showering. She wondered if he was thinking about her like she was thinking about him, but had shook her head trying to get rid of the thought. They’d had a one night stand. They had said they were going to act like colleagues and professionals from now on. They hadn’t even exchanged numbers. That was as it should be. It was one thing to be a woman in the hard sciences. It was another to be the black sheep in an academic department. She was both. She’d had to fight incredibly hard to get where she was, and she didn’t want anything to jeopardize that. He’d seemed to understand, was on the same page she was. That was good! Then why did she feel so miserable?

Mrs. Lao gave Rey a sympathetic look. Like she knew Rey wasn’t fine. She patted Rey’s cheek. “It’s alright, my dear. You are a young pretty girl. But, an old lady worries.”

Rey leaned into Mrs. Lao’s palm, giving her a sad smile.

Moving back, Mrs. Lao said turning to the door, “Now, your friends are waiting inside, making quite a ruckus. That pirate friend of yours brought his silly dog again.”

Rey rolled her eyes. Poe sometimes brought his Shiba Inu, Beauregard Buford, BB for short, with him when they all got together. He felt bad leaving him for too long when he was out, especially after working all week. The dog was adorable though, fluffy and orange and white with an intelligent but silly face, so no one ever objected.

Rey walked into the brownstone with Mrs. Lao, the elderly woman heading to her door on the right.

“Come down for dinner tonight, Rey. I’ll make your favorite,” Mrs. Lao said kindly.

“Thanks, Mrs. Lao. That sounds nice,” Rey replied as she made her way slowly up the stairs to her part of the brownstone.

She could smell pancakes already. Reaching her door, she turned the knob, finding it unlocked, taking a deep breath before she entered. Why did I give Finn a key, she thought pushing open the door.

Her friends’ voice were loud and cheerful when she walked in, bombarding her with questions. She could see Finn was making pancakes in the kitchen. Poe and Rose were at the dining room table, cups of coffee clasped in their hands. They were all looking at her. BB was excitedly circling her ankles, giving her a thorough sniffing. Rey held up her hand. “Please hold all questions until I return,” she said in her best seriously joking voice. She disentagled herself from BB’s investigation, stepping carefully over scattered shoes. She reached into her pocket and tossed her phone, ID, and remaining cash into a bowl she kept on top of an old chest next to her door. They all watched her as she made her way to her bedroom.

Reaching her bedroom, she closed the door behind her, resting her head against the warm wood, and closed her eyes. She threw her shoes toward the closet. Shit, I probably scuffed the leather. She rubbed her face, sighing. Get it together. One thing at a time. Take a shower. Slowly she made her way to her bathroom, peeling off her clothes along the way. She threw the bundle into the hamper next to the sink and turned on the water. She sat on the edge of the tub, her hand under the running water. She watched it in a daze.

She turned and caught her reflection in the mirror opposite the tub. The skin on her shoulders and neck was kiss bruised and raw looking from Ren’s morning stubble. She blushed, seeing the raw skin around her nipples. Even though they weren’t there, she could see Ren’s handprints all over her. She turned the water temperature up, hoping it would soothe away the reminders of their...tryst. She stepped in, tugging the shower pull. She turned her face to the warm spray, letting it wash over her. As she went through her daily ablutions, she started feeling more normal. More like her usual self. By the time she towel dried her hair and dressed in her usual Saturday uniform, baggy black sweatpants and a plain grey fitted tank top, she was feeling more or less back to normal. Rey threw on an oversized zip up sweatshirt, rolling up the sleeves, and made her way back to her friends.

They were much quieter than when she had first walked in, but they were all looking at her expectantly, eyes dancing. Finn’s eyes held a more worried expression. BB ran circles around Rey as she made her way to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee. She could feel their eyes on her.

Rose finally blurted out, “Well?!”

Rey laughed. “What do you want me to say? I met a guy at the bar. We chatted. We danced. We spent the night together. We parted ways. The end.”

Rose squealed with delight and danced around the room. Poe let out a hearty laugh and hugged her. Finn raised an eyebrow, mouth full of pancake. He knew she was leaving out a pretty big detail. Rey gave him an imperceptible shake of her head. Not now.

“You don’t do anything by half measures, do you?” Finn asked, jokingly. “When I said you needed to unwind, I didn’t think you’d take it so far.”

Rey made a face at him as she put a pancake on her plate. “Shut up, Finn.”

“So, how was it?” Poe asked as he sat back down, eyebrows waggling.

“Oh my God, next question!” Rey cried nearly dropping her butter knife, a flush rising to her cheeks.

“That good, huh?”

“Oh my God, shut up,” Rey muttered, focusing intently on spreading butter on her pancake.

Rose was still squealing as she sat back down, feeding BB a bit of bacon. “It’s alright, Rey. We’re just happy you went out and had a good time. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen you so relaxed, relaxed enough to dance, much less leave, with a hot stranger, and we just want you to be happy.” Rose placed her hand over Rey’s. In a gentle tone, she asked, “All joking aside, did you have a good time? Are you alright?”

Rey smiled looking over her little group, placing her other hand over Rose’s, giving it a squeeze. “I’m alright.”

Looking at Finn, Rey saw his warm brown eyes were filled with concern. Looking down, she whispered to herself, “I’m alright.”

#reylo #reylo modern au #reylo fanfic #fanfiction #multipart #modern au #university au #professor/professor #rey #ben solo #ben x rey #my fic #chem & con #the secret's in the telling

1 note · View note

onsometime · 6 years

Link

By Hoai-Tran Bui

The first thing you notice about Blade Runner 2049 is how stark it is. Opening in a desolate, grey field where Ryan Gosling‘s Officer K confronts Dave Bautista‘s Sapper Morton, the world of the Blade Runner sequel steadily unfolds into the cyberpunk mecca that we were first introduced to back in 1982.

It’s clear that director Denis Villeneuve and cinematographer Roger Deakins don’t want to ape the neon-drenched griminess of the original, instead delivering an oppressive urban labyrinth that parallels the dense claustrophobia of modern Hong Kong high rises. Only one-third of the way through the film do we see hints of a vibrant neonscape cutting through the smog and rain that covers the futuristic Los Angeles. And with that neon: holograms of dancing women in anime-inspired outfits, cute Hello Kitty-style machines, Chinese characters and Japanese kanji galore.

It amounts to a stunning, dissonant image in one of the most gorgeously shot movies of the year, and not an unfamiliar one: science-fiction movies have long borrowed East Asian imagery as a visual shorthand to portray a more globalized society. It has roots in none other than the original Blade Runner, which drew from the burgeoning Tokyo and Hong Kong metropolises of the time, as well as the rapid globalization in the ’80s. With the massive cultural influence that China, South Korea, and Japan wield today, it’s no huge leap to assume that in the near future, every city would be a cultural melting pot with East Asian influences run amok. But in Blade Runner 2049, it feels less like a nod to those influences so much as it feels like window dressing.

When East Met West: The Rise of Cyberpunk

Los Angeles is known as one of the United States’ most colorful cultural melting pots, housing a Chinatown that had become so synonymous with the gritty underbelly of the city that it inspired the title for one of Hollywood’s most famous film noirs. From that Chinatown spawned the makings of the classic cyberpunk aesthetic — Ridley Scott’s Blade Runnertook that Chinatown-set, gritty neo-noir aesthetic and ran with it.

With 1982’s Blade Runner and William Gibson’s seminal 1984 novel Neuromancer came the birth of cyberpunk, a sci-fi genre heavily influenced by Japan’s technological boom of the 1980s and Tokyo’s rapidly rising metropolis. After visiting Japan, Gibson once said:

Modern Japan simply was cyberpunk. The Japanese themselves knew it and delighted in it. I remember my first glimpse of Shibuya, when one of the young Tokyo journalists who had taken me there, his face drenched with the light of a thousand media-suns – all that towering, animated crawl of commercial information – said, ‘You see? You see? It is Blade Runner town.’ And it was. It so evidently was.

Cyberpunk blew up in the ’90s, and you could see it in everything from The Matrix, to Total Recall, to anime itself. Ghost in the Shell, Akira, and more all depicted a futuristic, grimy vision of Neo-Tokyo whose visuals can be traced back to Blade Runner and Neuromancer. It’s a cyclical nature of inspiration, see — from Tokyo to America, back to Tokyo again.

“The work that has influenced me the most in my anime profession would be, of course, Blade Runner,” Cowboy Bebopand Samurai Champloo director Shinichiro Watanabe said in an interview about his Blade Runner anime short. There’s been a cross-pollination of ideas and influence between the two countries for years — just look to “god of manga” and Astro Boy creator Osamu Tezuka’s influences in Disney’s Bambi, and Disney’s subsequent “plagiarizing” of Tezuka’s Kimba the White Lion for their ’90s film The Lion King.

These sci-fi films depict a future where cultural boundaries don’t exist. One of the tenets of sci-fi is its potential to predict innovations or technologies within our reach. At the rate that the world is globalizing — on a political, cultural, and social media level — the vision that Villeneuve has for Los Angeles in 2049 is probably not far off. But amidst all Chinese or Japanese slogans and imagery draped over skyscrapers, where are all the East Asian people?

The ‘Firefly’ Effect

Firefly was an ambitious, witty, and wonderful sci-fi series that was gone too soon. But it’s been long enough since the series was unceremoniously cancelled by Fox that I can say this: Firefly has a race problem. While it was inspired for showrunner Joss Whedon to give his western space opera a Chinese twist, there aren’t many (or any) Chinese characters in the series to back up this piece of world-building.

Chinese culture in Firefly is so ubiquitous that all the characters curse, write, and read in Chinese. Yes, I know the Chinese curses were a clever way for Whedon to bypass prime time TV censors, and yes, I know that in the Fireflymythology, China and the United States are the two remaining superpowers. But for all the Chinese spoken in the show, for all the Chinese-inspired design and fashion in the series, there was barely a Chinese character to be seen. There is approximately one documented minor character of Asian descent in the series, and a few extras who were spotted. It’s odd to have Chinese culture be so dominant, and not have one Chinese character establish a presence.

Blade Runner 2049 runs into these same pitfalls. While the Asian-influenced imagery remains further in the background than it did in the original Blade Runner, where the sequel goes wrong is the utter lack of Asian characters. I spotted maybe two extras of Asian descent — one in the false memory that Carla Juri’s Dr. Ana Stelline was creating, another in a fleeting shot behind Officer K when he’s approached by Replicant prostitutes. And the one character with an Asian-inspired name — Robin Wright’s Lt. Joshi has a traditionally Indian surname — is most assuredly not.

So if East or South Asian culture or language is so powerful, who is it for?

Angelica Jade Bastien at Vulture makes an interesting point about sci-fi’s tendency to depict a post-racial world in which the white characters — often dehumanized and oppressed — exist in a strange space between the Asian-inspired landscapes and the allegories for minority oppression which they are acting out. “Science fiction has long had an uncomfortable relationship with Asian cultures, which are mined to create visual splendor in order to communicate otherness,” Bastien writes. “[R]ace is relegated to inspiration, coloring the towering cityscapes of these worlds, while the white characters toil under the hardships that brown and black people experience acutely in real life.”

Like Bastien notes, sci-fi stories don’t reckon with real-life minority narratives, instead preferring to turn them into allegory. This is an effective technique, no doubt, but assumes that this futuristic world we’re introduced to is a post-racial society in which culture has become so globalized that racial and cultural borders don’t exist — but these societies are still predominantly white.

Living in a Material But Not a Post-Racial World

One of the best depictions I’ve seen of a cross-cultural future was in Disney’s Big Hero 6, an often overlooked superhero-lite movie released in 2014. The protagonist, Hiro, is a half-Japanese, half-American boy genius living in the somewhat clunkily-named San Fransokyo — an amalgam of San Francisco and Tokyo.

But less than a clumsy merger of the San Francisco skyline with Japanese-inspired artifacts, Big Hero 6 creates a rich world in which the two cities comfortably mesh the old with the new, much like the neon-drenched Tokyo that became an inspiration for many a cyberpunk metropolis in the ’80s.

At the time of the movie’s release, The New Yorker‘s Roland Kelts called the elegant-yet-eclectic design of San Fransokyo a “marvel of architectural alchemy”:

“Shibuya skyscrapers with pulsing video screens hug San Francisco’s iconic Transamerica Pyramid. Victorian Mission duplexes line hilly San Fransokyo neighborhoods, aglow from the pink-white light of Japanese cherry blossoms in full bloom below. Trains from the Yamanote and Chuo lines, two of Tokyo’s central and most popular railways, stream by on elevated tracks. The sprawling Yokohama Bay Bridge connects the financial district to San Francisco’s East Bay, which may well be home to Oaksaka and Berkyoto in this Japanamerican universe.”

As much as I point to Blade Runner 2049 as one of the perpetrators of the problem of choosing “costume” over “collaboration” (see: this Vulture roundtable discussion on where the line of cultural appropriation should be drawn), the original Blade Runner managed to avoid this stumbling block. Perhaps it was because its neo-noir style was as much ingrained in the Chinatown of Los Angeles as it was inspired by the Hong Kong skyscrapers, or perhaps it was because Rick Deckard negotiated with as many Asian noodle sellers and seedy pawn shop owners as he interacted with those of other ethnicities. Whatever the case, this is one of the few places where the sequel falls short of the original.

Still, there are other films that sit uncomfortably on the periphery. Ghost in the Shell divorced itself of any cultural context completely by moving the setting from a futuristic Tokyo to the ambiguous New Port City — though that setting still retained its cyberpunk East Asian influences. This means that the 2017 Ghost in the Shell tangled entangles itself with its own representation and diversity problems — there are a few Asian characters and one of the two recognizable actors featured (Rila Fukushima) is a geisha robot. In Ghost in the Shell, the vague nods to all cultures only make the film feel more hollow and aimless — a shell, you might even say.

A Future to Look Forward To

Blade Runner 2049‘s missteps with race don’t detract from the powerful story it tells about the will to live, and love. Rather, Villeneuve’s film becomes an interesting confluence of issues that have been simmering beneath the surface of sci-fi for a long time now.

It only becomes noticeable when held up to the original film, whose influences become all the more stronger even as Blade Runner 2049 becomes less about any cultural inspiration than it is about an all-encompassing message about humanity. Blade Runner 2049 comes at a time when Tokyo is no longer than awe-inspiring cultural metropolis that spawned so many cyberpunk stories and movies. It comes at a time when the future looks less like the colorful, grimy neon lights of Blade Runner and more like the dense, smog-filled labyrinths. So the story it tells is no longer one that is rooted in our current paranoias and beliefs, but rather a universal story about the abstract concepts that Villeneuve comes to again and again: cycles of brutality, and cycles of empathy.

I wish I could say I had a better conclusion — but then again, who does?

#blade-runner #sci-fi

17 notes · View notes