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gainaxvel3o · 3 years

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A Miraculous Tale of Rubybug and Cat Blake Chapter 3

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If I don’t, who will?

Glynda Goodwitch was never one for tardiness.

Every year she'd get a new batch of students and they would all be the same. On one hand you have the lazy and unmotivated, the ones who coasted through high school and came here expecting an easy grade.

On the other hand, you have the tired and unfocused. These people struggled to get into Beacon and feel the weigh of expectations thrust upon them. They fear that they will not be able to pos the grade with even a C.

The last group are the ones she both loved and feared. These students are eager, motivated and ready. They are fearless in the face of error and have so much potential ripe to be unlocked.

The common factor among these groups was that they all needed discipline. And she would show them that discipline.

Glynda would most certainly do that for the girl who walked into the room just as she was in the middle of her lecture.

"Good of you to join us Miss Rose," She said. "Take your seat."

Ruby nodded, clearly embarrassed over being called out like this. Glynda wasn't sure which of the groups she fit in yet. She could only hope that the short girl learned her lesson.

"You will be taking your seat next to- OH FOR THE LOVE OF GOD YOU TWO STOP THAT!"

A pair of girls interrupted their passionate make out session to look at their teacher. One of them had long brown haired and blushed furiously at Glynda's outburst. The other one, who had a black beret on her head and a pair of sunglasses, only smirked.

"Sorry teach," Sunglasses girl adjusted them. "We just couldn't keep to ourselves this time."

Glynda was not amused. "Well since you clearly can't manage such a basic task, then you won't mind if I have Miss Rose take Scarletina's seat?"

"I… well." The shy girl said. "No it won't be a problem Miss Goodwitch."

She moved up from her seat, Ruby taking her place on it. The shy girl had to sit next to Ruby, a desk apart from Sunglasses Girl.

Yang had asked her to make friends this year. Ruby felt she was pretty lucky yesterday, Weiss aside. Maybe this time might also work?

"…Hi!" Ruby said whispering to the shy girl. "I'm Ruby?"

She really hoped she wouldn't get yelled at.

"Huh? I'm Velvet. Velvet Scarletina." The shy girl smiled. "Pleased to meet you."

Oh thank God it was another nice one. However, before any more conversation could be said, Glynda had already returned to the lecture.

"We have only 20 minutes before class ends, so pay attention." Ms Goodwitch said to the students. "The Fashion Industry is a harsh and cruel place where only talent and luck will save you. Thousands enter but only few make it to the top. Because of that, we need to perfect our skills to stand out among the crowd."

Ruby took out a pen and wrote down on her notebook. She was already late, but maybe she could get this right. Something had to go right today…

_______________________________________________________________________

After class ended, Ruby made a bee line for the bathroom.

No one was there (which was odd but she rolled with it), so Ruby rubbed the earrings. Out from them came Tikki, who looked concerned.

"Ruby!" She screamed. "I was so worried did something happened?!"

The girl was forlorn. She sighed sadly.

"I'm so sorry Tikki," Ruby said. "I went to look for Nooro but therewasthisbadguyandheturnedpeopleintomonstersandIcouldn't-"

"Slow down Ruby!" Tikki waved her stubby arms in front of her chosen. "I couldn't understand… did you say monsters?"

She nodded. "Yeah… that bad guy I beat up the yesterday, Roman… he had this tacky bowler hat and awful eyeliner and was calling himself Chadwick (like that Pinocchio character) and he turned all the prisoners into these… these donkey people! It was horrible!"

"Donkey… people…?" Tikki tilted her head in confusion. "Now I know something is strange, Nooro is a kind Kwami. His powers shouldn't be able to be used for evil gain."

Ruby herself had question marks written on her face.

"If that's true then how comes Roman was able to get this power?"

"Because he wasn't." Tikki said. "He was borrowing it from whoever is Nooro's chosen… they wee wielding dark power."

"Dark power?" Ruby asked, "What do you mean?"

The red Kwami hesitated. She closed her eyes, ha an utterly serious look on her face. It was the first time Ruby had seen her truly afraid. It worried her immensely.

"Ruby, this is more serious than I thought. The power… it's similar to an ancient evil that me and the previous Miraculous users faced before. When we lost the butterfly miraculous we just thought it was broken. That would have been preferable to this."

Tikki opened her eyes, a fierce glare.

"Nooro's power has been corrupted by the Grimm."

Ruby scratched the back of her head. "Okay… And who are they exactly?"

A few seconds pass.

"Oh right. You don't know the legends…" Tikki blushed a little. However, she regained her composure. "The Grimm were terrible things… evil things. They fed on the negative feelings human beings have and used it to become stronger. Nooro is the Kwami of Compassion. His power is supposed to heal and nurture whoever he possesses, help them overcome their flaws. Instead, his power is being used to corrupt people into monsters!"

"Like some kind of… Grimmification." Ruby hesitated to say, "It would explain his power."

"Yes that's exactly right! We have to find whoever is causing this and beat them!"

"I don't know Tikki… he managed to beat me this time what if he does it again? How do we even depower him?

"Don't worry about you losing that time Ruby!" Tikki quickly reassured. "It was your first real fight, and now that you know more you can do better this time! As for how to depower him…"

She conjured up the yoyo. Tikki opened it up.

"Nooro's power is to posses someone and grant it powers. However, each of these victims have a special item that contains the butterfly possessing them. If you can break it, you can use the yoyo to capture the butterfly and undo their effects on the world."

"Yeah! I can get help from Chat Noir!"

"Chat Noir?" Tikka's eyes widened. "Shit, that means Plagg's out."

"Wait, who's Plagg? Is he a Kwami?" Ruby asked. "What's wrong with him?"

"Him I don't have a problem with. It's his wielders I'm concerned about." Tikki said. "Beware of those chosen by the Cat Miraculous, Ruby. Such people tend to a sketchy history. I wouldn't want to get you hurt by them."

Ruby shrugged. "I dunno Tikki, she seemed nice. She saved me out today and promised she'd help me find Chadwick."

"She did?" The Kwami raised it's stubby arm to her chin, scratching it. "Just be careful. She could be manipulating you for her freedom. Previous users would woo Ladybugs to receive a kiss, made from love… and then leave them at a moment's convenience. I don't want you going through that heartbreak."

Ruby blushed heavily. 'True love's kiss breaks the spell, huh… like a fairy tale.'

Ever since she was a kid, Ruby loved fairy tales. Tales of heroes, princesses and creatures that lurked in the woods, she loved how even though they go through horrible and painful things they would eventually have a happy ending. Maybe even get married! That seemed nice…

Nowadays, she still liked them. They were entertaining, questionable moments from heroes aside. But Blake had been right when she said the real world wasn't like a fairy tale. Ruby kept that in mind when Tikki continued talking.

"We should go find him immediately! When do we get started?"

"I… I have to be with my friends first." Ruby said. "Once dinner is over then I'll get search for Chadwick again. I promise."

If Tikki noticed anything up with Ruby, she did not say. She only nods, and vanished back into the earrings.

Satisfied, Ruby left the stall. She opened the door only for it to bump into someone.

"Blake? Oh I'm so sorry!"

Her new friend waved it off. "Don't worry about it, Ruby. Where are you headed?"

"I was… umm…" Ruby chuckled. "I was heading to the cafeteria!"

"Good. Me too."

"…"

"So um… wanna walk together?"

"…"

"Sure."

_______________________________________________________________________

Chadwick sat down on a rooftop, panting heavily.

He had made a reasonable amount of distance from the prison. Roman didn't do that much exercise before or during his stint as a crook so this was a bit more than he could take. He wished he had a cool limo getaway car.

Or a scooter. Scooters were nice.

The more Roman thought about, his entire situation was pretty weird. The moment that butterfly landed on his hand and he heard a voice in his mind Roman thought he had been going crazy, Getting the power to turn people into donkeys and fighting those pesky heroes did nothing to soothe his worries about being insane.

Maybe the voice in his head would stop being vague and finally explain herself. He hoped for that as a glowing violet butterfly symbol appeared over his face again.

“You failed to get the miraculous, Roman.”

"Give me a break, woman." He said. "I was just about to when those stinkin' cops were about shoot me."

“If you hadn't gloated for so long you might have been able to take both. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't take away your power and give it someone competent.”

That wasn't good. Roman had to think about this carefully. If he wanted to keep this power, he needed a plan of attack.

"Wait your disembodied majesty, I may have something that can get your special magic jewels!"

The voice hummed in thought.

“Go on.”

He got down on his knees and begged, "Now see here, Mayor Ironwood's gonna give a speech later today. It's gonna attract a whole lot of press… and a mountain of cockroaches I call people. So many people that I can turn into big grey jackasses and overwhelm those so called heroes and steal those earrings! I can make this work, trust me I won't do any screwing around that isn't in service of your goal!"

Chadwick hoped this would work. He wasn't prepared to go back to being Roman Torchwick, the puny criminal who got caught by a freaking toddler. With this power he can be more.

A feeling of sinister content flowed through him. The voice seemed to have made her choice.

“Very well. This is your second chance. If you fail, it is your own fault.”

Good. This was good. Chadwick gave no one but the air a cruel evil grin.

"Thank you mistress… say, what do I call you anyway? I'm pretty sure sure you're not just a voice in my head."

"Well Mr. Torchwick, I could be your magical godmother or your evil queen. So I guess I'll be your very own… Monarch."

_______________________________________________________________________

"Breaking news! The most unusual prison break!"

Lisa Lavender's voice and image was for all the students to see. The cafeteria watched with passing interest at the latest news to available.

"Reports found that all the prisoners had mysteriously disappeared, with donkeys found all over the place! Ladybug and a mysterious new Cat Girl were last seen fleeing the scene. No word had been given but suspicions are now placed upon Vale's latest vigilante…"

On one table, one Yang Xiao-Long sighed.

"Oh great don't tell me she's a fake. A real shame, If I can't trust an anonymous vigilante who can you trust?"

The same table sat not just her, but her… friends? Acquaintances? She hoped that these people were friends

"They can't be the ones responsible," Jaune said. "Okay maybe the Cat Girl might have done something but Ladybug could be going after the real bad guy!"

"At least she got a better costume," Ren said. "The other one didn't feel like her if I say so."

"I just know that I like Cat Lady's outfit!" Nora yelled while raising her fists up and down. "Quick Ren, do we have time to go shopping for cosplay?"

Yang rolled her eyes. She turned to find her precious sister and roomie walking towards them. Noting the seemingly forlorn look on their faces, Yang wondered if something had happened. If she should ask any questions.

"Yo Rubes! Blakey! Why not come with the cool kids at the table?"

Blake glared at Yang. "Call me that again and I'll end your life."

"What's going on Yang?" Ruby asked trying to prevent a problem. "How's the first day for you?"

"It's been going fine Ruby. Boring, but I met some cool people." Yang pointed at the TV. "We were just talking about Ladybug. People disappeared from prison and the news think it's her and some Cat Girl's fault."

Ruby frowned. 'They didn't say anything about Chadwick? That's so strange… or maybe that's how it is. The bad get away and the good get blamed…'

Blake had her own reaction. 'I expected the cops to cover up for their own incompetence. Police look out for each other, not the people. But… Cat Girl? Seriously? Would it have been that hard to get my name right? At least translate Chat Noir to Black Cat or something, I hate this.'

"Hey Pyrrha, you haven't said anything yet." Jaune said. "What do you think of this thing?"

Pyrrha seemed nervous about something. He wasn't sure what about, but Jaune didn't want her to be left out. She seemed pretty nice.

"Ah, well," Pyrrha said. "I'd rather wait until more information comes through. Sometimes we have to wait for the truth to come through right?"

"Yeah… that makes sense." Jaune nodded. "I hope her name is cleared. She saved my bacon and I'm not sure what I'd do if-"

"Ah, Pyrrha Nikos! Right in our midst!"

The group turned their heads towards the offending voice. The sight of Weiss Schnee with something that wasn't a frown or annoyance would normally be a pretty sight, but the gleam in her eye indicated that trouble was afoot.

The way Pyrrha was shaking from her words rang some bells in Jaune's head. She looked around to see if anyone heard.

"Um, could you please keep it down? I'm not-"

"This will be perfect!" Weiss interrupting. She clearly wasn't paying attention to her discomfort. "The great fashion model combined with the famous Vale athlete! Together we will be unstoppable!"

Everyone at the table looked at Pyrrha. Ren and Nora didn't really care all that much. A pal is a pal after all. Yang had an eyebrow raised. Ruby was rubbing her chin as gears were turning in her head trying to figure something out. Blake just stared impassively, not caring either way.

Weiss kept talking over them. Jaune had previously asked her out because she was pretty, but the way that Pyrrha tensed up at being recognized made him have second thoughts.

"I can see it now! We'll be popular! We'll be even bigger celebrities together! We'll get perfect grades! Nothing can come between us now!"

That about did it. Jaune had stood up now.

"You know what else is great?" Jaune said. "Me. Jaune Arc. Nice to see you again, Snow Angel."

Weiss was irritated at the buffoon from yesterday speaking to her. "You again? Haven't I told you enough that your incessant flirting will get you nowhere?"

"Yeah I figured. But you're not exactly being friendly yourself right now soooo…"

Weiss looked annoyed. Blake observed how Pyrrha seemed relieved when Jaune spoke up. She'll admit that this moment was about the most spine he'd shown but Blake thinks Pyrrha could do a little better than Jaune. He showed basic respect and nothing else.

Still, anything that annoyed Weiss was good in Blake's book.

"Jaune, is it?" Weiss said. "Do you have any idea who you've talking to?

Jaune shrugged. "Not in the slightest. Should I?"

"Miss Schnee, please." Pyrrha begged. "I don't want anyone to know!"

The ice queen ignored her words. "This is Pyrrha Nikos! Graduated top of her class at Sanctum, she's a super star football player who's athletics are known far and wide!"

Looks like the cat was out of the bag. Yang's eyes widened in surprise while Ren and Nora stared at Pyrrha with awe.

Pyrrha for her part was angry. It would have been foolish to think that her secret would be kept hidden for long, but she expected at least a week before it happened. Not immediately the day after arriving. She readied her fist to pummel the offending Weiss right now.

"Really?" Jaune tilted his head in confusion. "Never heard of her."

… What?

Pyrrha reeled a bit from the shock. He really didn't know her? Wonderful words to hear admittedly, but… really? Her fortune couldn't possibly be this good.

Any moment of shock Weiss had quickly disappeared. She scoffed at this clearly moronic ingrate too low for her.

"Oh please, you mean to tell me you're NEVER HEARD of the invincible girl who won the Mistral Football Tournaments four years in a row, establishing a new record!"

Jaune scratched the back of his head. "Can't say I've heard of them no."

Eye twitch. Weiss was feeling a very annoyed eye twitch happening right now.

"There's no way you could not know! She's on the front of every Pumpkin Pete's Marshmallow Flakes box!"

A loud gasped was heard. It came from Ruby, looking as if a lightbulb was shining over her head.

"Holy crap you were on my cereal boxes!" She pointed at Pyrrha. "I used to eat Pumpkin Pete's all the time back at Patch and I didn't expect you to be a real person! Holy crud this is SO awesome!"

"Yeah, I remember doing that for a charity event." Pyrrha chuckled, shaking her head. "Sadly the cereal isn't very good for you."

Yang laughed heartily. "That's what I keep telling Ruby, but her sweet tooth overrides her common sense."

"Hey!"

"Wow I can't believe you didn't say anything Pyrrha!" Nora said. "Must be so fun being a famous football player! Closest thing to football was when me and Ren threw badgers at the trees expecting them to break down and reveal HIDDEN TREASURE! They didn't though which is so disappointing."

"I kept telling you it wouldn't work." Ren said. "You find treasure inside of caves, not trees."

"See Ren, this is why you're my other half!"

Weiss rolled her eyes at this most unorthodox nonsense. She simply had to get Pyrrha out of there for her own good.

"So, after hearing all of this do you really think you're in a position to talk to Pyrrha at all? You're not quite on our level."

Jaune frowned. "If she wants to talk to us, then that's her deal, Snow Angel. Not yours."

"Don't be ridiculous." Weiss said. "Pyrrha come with me, you need to be with people of your stature!"

At that, Pyrrha stood up from the chair. She glared at the Schnee with fire in her bright green eyes.

"And I'm telling your right now, I don't want to be around you. I asked you multiple times to stop and you haven't done it. Now leave me alone. I won't say it one more time!"

Her stare made Weiss take a step back. Her attempt to save this pure maiden from the savage ingrates had clearly failed. Oh well, she would try again another time. She wouldn't be intimidated by anyone. Definitely not going to run with a tail behind her butt because she was scared.

It was definitely that.

"Fine," Weiss turned around, scoffing. "Throw your lot with useless peons! But I'll be there if you need a true equal."

The heiress stormed off in a huff. As she took steps away, everyone on the table smiled in relief.

"Wow you handled her so well Pyrrha!" Nora said. "Maybe we can break her Schnees Knees next!"

"I… really wouldn't want to do that." Pyrrha sat down again, blushing in embarrassment. "I get enough press already. I just want to be a normal girl right now, at least for a while. Normal knees and all."

"I know what that's all about." Ruby said. Then she frowned. "Ohhhh and I have her for a roomie! Crud my life sucks."

Unable to help themselves, everyone laughed. Yang placed an arm on her precious sister's shoulder and rubbed it reassuringly.

"Hey don't worry Rubes. It's one semester. Soon as it's done we'll work on transferring you out of there into another room. "

Ruby smiled. She was so lucky to have a big sister like Yang around. It always seemed like Yang knew what to say, what to do… how to do it… Ever since Ruby was a little girl Yang had been her hero, the light that shined in the dark. In every way that mattered Yang had the qualities of a hero. She could have been a champion if Ruby hadn't been picked.

Maybe she should be. Ruby still had time to rectify it. Maybe Yang can be the hero she could never be. maybe-

"Ow! Stop it! Stop it please!"

Everyone at the table turned from the table. burly looking guy. He had an ugly crew cut and muscles meant for wrestling. He had been grabbing someone by the hair. Aside from a few glares, no one was lifting a finger to help.

"Shit man," Yang said. "Wonder if a teacher's here."

She turned to her sister, but Ruby wasn't there. Yang followed the sound of footsteps and found she was heading for the trouble.

"Hey Ruby? Wait a sec!"

Ruby wasn't listening. The girl instead travelled to where the noise came from. As she got closer, Ruby could hear words being exchanged.

"Fuckin' bitch, not so tough without your girlfriend here huh?!"

The girl- Velvet Scarletina. Ruby remembered her from class- strained against his grip. "Leave me alone, Cardin! You bastard!"

Cardin Winchester grinned. "Yeah? Well who's gonna stop me?"

"Hey!"

He didn't even notice the tight grip on his arm before he felt the punch coming.

_______________________________________________________________________

Blake Belladonna waited outside the conference room.

After the incident at the lunchroom, Ruby and Cardin had been called away to receive discipline. Cardin had left a few minutes earlier, not all that worried. Ruby had been inside longer.

Worry had built up within her. Blake hoped Ruby wouldn't get in trouble.

That worry only increased when the door opened. Ruby stepped out of it, looking… unlike herself. Previously Blake had seen with sunshine and smiles pouring from her very being. Now, Ruby's normally flashy grey eyes seemed dimmed, as if dulled by resignation.

It was not something that made Blake happy.

"You okay?"

Ruby looked at her. Thankfully a small smile seemed to form on her lips.

"Maybe… Surprised to see you here Blake." Ruby said. "Where is everybody?"

Blake shrugged. "The headmaster been called to attend a rally later. Mayor Ironwood will be speaking. I decided to stay behind to get you."

"Oh…" Ruby looked away. "Good."

"… Ruby." Blake said. "What did they say to you?"

The girl didn't seem sure what to say. She then sighed.

"Cardin Winchester acted out of line. But you shouldn't have acted so violently. You have to think about his future prospects." Ruby mimicked. She sighed. "They said if something like this happened again I would be kicked out."

Then, Ruby frowned. "It's so stupid. Cardin was the one hurting people. He got a tiny reprimand, but I'm the one who's punished? I thought it would get better in University… but it doesn't. It's so unfair!"

"I'm not surprised." Blake agreed, nodding sadly. "The world can be pretty unfair."

Ruby nodded, not saying anything.

The pair were walking outside. Ruby had noticed that the students were being filed into a line.

"Why are they lined up? Is it for that rally you mentioned?"

"Yes," Blake answered. "Yang and the others are in a different group. We'll see them later."

"Ooohhhh… nice!" Ruby said. "So what's this Ironwood guy all about? I don't really read much news."

"… Ironwood is… controversial." Blake tried to find the right words. "He's considered popular for raising the economy in Vale but some of his policies have been questionable."

"What do you mean by…" Ruby bit her lip. "Questionable?"

"Well," Blake said. "He increased funding for the police department, allowing them access to military grade guns and weapons."

Ruby raised her eyebrows. "Doesn't that seem… excessive?"

"Some think it's needed."

"What do you think then?"

"… I think it's horrible." Blake said. "I haven't had the best experiences with cops, and the last thing we need is to give them more stuff to harass people with."

"Sounds about right." Ruby scratched her chin. "The sheriff back in Patch acted all high and mighty 'cause he had a gun. Freaked my classmates out whenever he walked near the school waving that thing around. If that's one sheriff imagine the whole department like that."

They walked a bit further as the line continued.

There was a thought that had been nagging at Blake. A relatively simple question she wanted to ask. Considering that they were going to be there for a while, it seemed about as right time as any to start.

"Ruby…" Blake said. "Why did you do that thing earlier?"

The girl turned her head around. "What do you mean?"

"Punching Cardin." Blake said. "You knew you were going to get in trouble, but you did it anyway. Why?"

Ruby frowned.

"… Blake? Remember what I told you last night? How I wanted to be like the heroes of those fairy tales?"

Upon hearing those words, Blake's face morphed into a subtle glare.

"Is that it? You wanted to play a hero?"

"No no, it's just-" Ruby shook her head, pinching her nose. "Listen. Cardin wasn't going to stop harassing Velvet, and no one was standing up for her. No one. If I didn't do something, who would? Evil triumphs when good men do nothing. When someone's in trouble, you have to stand up for what's right even if bad things happen to you. Because if you don't… if I don't… then we would be no better than Cardin. The world's damned if nobody did the right thing. Just like you helped me the other day with Weiss, I had to do something. The fairy tale heroes worked for their happy ending. I'll do the same, maybe for everyone else. You understand?"

"…"

"… Sorry."

"No it's fine."

The two said nothing. They continued their walk.

At this moment, Blake felt an odd mix of emotions. Ruby thought she was saving her that time with Weiss… the girl didn't know. That time, Blake hadn't helped Ruby out of any sense of kindness. All she wanted to humiliate the mighty Weiss Schnee, nothing more.

Blake couldn't even say Chat Noir was helpful. She only helped Ladybug out because Plagg told her she would solve all her problems. A simple kiss was all that was needed, and Blake would wait until they defeated Chadwick to ask her for that.

If there was one thing Blake knew, it was that she was not a good person. A good person would help out of the kindness of their heart, wouldn't help people because it was convenient. A good person wouldn't run away when they did something bad, or stand around and watch as someone was going to get hurt. If she was good, she wouldn't have that accursed Plagg on her fingertips.

Every day, Blake looked at herself in the mirror wondering when she will feel fine. Perhaps…

She looked at the ring in her finger.

Perhaps with this, she might finally feel like herself.

_______________________________________________________________________

The crowd had gathered at Town Hall.

They surrounded a tall platform that was surrounded by several armed guards. The wide metal fences kept the people back.

Amid the cheers and screams of the audience were students either too tired or too jaded to care about the conference either way. One of those was Yang Xiao Long, who, bored out of her skull, searched around for her friend and sister.

"Where's Blake and Ruby?" She said annoyed. "They're supposed to be here aren't they?"

"Hey relax," Jaune smiled. "The crowd's pretty thick after all."

Yang knew as much. Upon hearing claps from the audience, she turned her head to see a tall bearded man in a white suit walking towards the podium. He waved, a practiced smile on his face and a slight shake on his right arm.

He cleared his throat, before taking the microphone into his left hand.

"Thank you all for coming ladies and gentlemen!"

James Ironwood considered himself a lucky man. Having served in the military for years, he knew the value of sacrifice. How men on the frontline were considered expendable by the chain of command, how compromise was necessary in order to complete the mission.

"In just a few months, elections will be heading underway. I will be running a campaign for reelection."

James kept that same attitude in the political arena. He had to pull strings and make alliances in order to get stuff done. Things that have made people uncomfortable, even suspicious. It was worth it in Ironwood's mind.

"Thanks to me, crime rates have gone down by 20% and the city infrastructure has prospered in my time. If you can get me elected again, we can do so much more."

The city is infected by lowlives and scum. He will do whatever it takes to ensure order in his city. He will protect the people from themselves.

His words faded into the background of applause, as Yang heard an apology or two from behind her.

"Sorry we're late," Blake said. "Thick crowd."

"See, I told you!" Jaune pointed at Yang. "Don't be so worried."

Ruby looked up to the podium. "Has he said anything interesting?"

"Eh," Yang said. "Just drumming up publicity for his campaign. Nothing solid, like usual for politicians."

"… on my soul, I promise," Ironwood said. "I promise to do a better job this time around than I did before. I will focus on the real issues affecting this city, and drive them out from our town!"

That got a round of applause from the audience. Ironwood basked in the praise, doing a little bow here and there.

This was not the best part of the job, far from it. The best part of the job is getting behind the desk and going through the boring, practical paperwork that'll allow him to make the big decisions. James smiled. Things were going well.

"Excuse me, Mayor Ironwood! Just a question!"

Now the questions barrage. Sometimes he wished Winter were still there to sort this stuff out.

"Of course," James said confidently. "Just as expected from the press."

"What do you have to say about the Ladybug vigilante? And her Cat-themed assistant?"

Ironwood breathed with a heavy sigh. Of course this would come up. Might as well get it out of the way.

"I will make my position clear. Ladybug is a threat to peaceful society as we know it. If we allow her to run the streets unsupervised she will bring harm the innocent and destabilize order. Her existence will cause an escalation in crime. If she cared to save people, she would join the police. As soon as this meeting is done I will put together a task force to hunt her down."

Now that caused quite a stir. The people were going uproar at Ironwood's declarations, some baffled, some relieved but most of all confusion.

"Guess someone's not a fan." Yang crossed her arms. "Not sure if I'm liking the guy so far."

"He has to pay lip service to law and order." Blake said. "Potential backers wouldn't be too pleased with a politician who openly supports a vigilante."

"That guy's a load of crap!" Nora yelled. "Ladybug's not a bad guy and I'm sure she'd do a way better job of being a mayor than that jerk face over there! Ren do we have the eggs?"

"Nora no"

"Nora YES!"

Ruby herself was not sure how to respond. Ironwood raised a good point. What if she made things worse by stepping in? Roman turned into Chadwick because of her. Maybe-

"Glad to find someone who isn't a fan of that bug!"

Several bowler hats spread around the area. The guards protecting the rally had them stuck to their heads, and dropped their guns. One fired in fear. That caused the crowd to disperse!

"RUN FOR IT!" Someone said. "They're gonna- AH!"

Ruby looked around in horror. Everywhere people ran, there were a couple or so who were writhing in pain, turning into creatures they were never meant to be.

"Get away Ruby!" Yang yelled in her ear. "Run!"

"YANG!"

Ruby felt her sister push her away. She couldn't see Blake, her friends or anyone she recognized in the crowd. Even amid the crowd she was alone.

Her earrings glowed.

Perfect.

_______________________________________________________________________

The situation had turned insane.

It was as if Ladybug was not a lucky charm but a symbol of a doom according to the world of James Ironwood. All it took was saying her name and then the cavalcade of bullshit reigned on him today. To think James was looking forward to a nice meal after this event.

He hid behind the podium. He could that his guards were being turned into hideous beasts, and despair gripped his heart at the thought he could end up like them.

"What the hell is going?!" James tapped his ear piece. "What's causing these attacks!?"

"I don't know sir," The voice on the other line. "Everything is getting chaotic. You need to get out of there."

"Spoken like a true detective," Ironwood said. "This is clearly a terrorist attack. Coordinate the police to block the perimeter."

The static in his ear gave him no answer as to whether his instruction was heard. Just then, Ironwood heard a thud. He surmised that someone had landed on the platform.

"Excuse Mr. Mayor," The stranger leaning his head on the cane. "I hope you don't mind if I take the mike."

Ironwood glared at this gaudy looking villain. He took out the gun from his pocket, only for the criminal to knock it out of his hand with the staff.

"You're a parasite to our city," James said. "I will stop you."

The criminal laughed. "Nah. I don't think so. You just sit there while I wait for the bug."

The man who was Roman Torchwick smirked at the Mayor glaring at him. He never liked Old Ironwood anyway. This has been the second most amazing day of his life. Seeing everyone turn into the horrible monsters they are deep down, causing chaos everywhere… It was truly an honor to see.

He would have to thank the Monarch. Chadwick will get the miraculous, after prying it from Ladybug's dead hands.

"Chadwick!"

Speaking of whom…

"If it isn't the stupid brat I beat earlier," Chadwick turned his head towards the teenage heroine. "Ready to hand over your earrings?"

Ladybug clutched her fists. "You wish. What are you doing here, Chadwick? Why are you involving innocent people into this?"

"Ignoring your remark about innocents." Chadwick said. "I can say with certainty that you are in fact the one responsible for this."

She hesitated. Her eyes widened in fear.

"I… what?"

Good, Roman thought. Shiny knight types tend to be the most easy to manipulate. Just use their sense of shame to your advantage and you win the deck instantly.

"That's right Ladybug, YOU are the one at fault!" Chadwick said. "I was but a mere criminal that night until my new master sent a teeny butterfly and VOILA! Chadwick got his start! I have the power to turn everyone I want into stupid little mules, which I wouldn't have been able to do if you didn't step into the limelight."

The violet symbol of the butterfly appeared over his face.

"Hand over the miraculous my child," A whispery, angry voice could be heard in synch with Roman's own. "and you will save everyone."

She had taken a step back. Roman was close to getting to her. If he kept talking, he would get the Miraculous from her own hands.

"Come on…" He smirked. "Hand it over… and do nothing."

Suddenly Chadwick was struck by a staff to his skull.

He fell to the floor, blood spilling from his mouth. Chadwick looked up to see Ladybug's partner.

"You are a liar and a cheat. Ladybug won't listen to you."

Chat glanced at her partner. Ladybug was breathing in and out, trying to control herself. Chat had seen this sort of thing before. What was needed was encouragement. That was something she could do.

"If Ladybug had not interfered, you would have endangered the life of an innocent boy. You've had a life of crime beforehand. All Ladybug did was beat you before you could perpetrate more harm. She did the right thing then, and she does the right thing now. Whoever your master is, they are not ones to be trusted. If they would endanger the lives of civilians to get the miraculous then how can Ladybug trust them to stand down when she does? The only way for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Neither of us will stand aside to let you do as you please. Not now. "

Chat could feel the presence of her lady next to her. Ladybug stood tall, with yoyo in hand.

"Not ever." She said, staring down the criminal in front of her.

Chadwick wiped away from the blood from his mouth. Slowly he got up from the floor, facing the heroes in front of him.

"Stupid girls like you, always demanding things go their way. Fine. I'll just rip off the miraculous from your dead bodies!"

Yang won't lie. The situation was pretty weird.

One minute she and her friends were sitting at a boring political rally. Then everyone was turning into… Donkey dudes? She couldn't really tell what they were.

All she knew was, she had to punch. So she did.

Her hand hurts a bit, but these guys went down easily. That's a good sign.

"LAY OFF MY FRIENDS YOU BUTTS!"

Nora was off to the side whacking people around with her own punches. Now that Yang could take a good look, that girl was jacked! Not quite as much as her, but if Nora told a story about how she suplexed a bear Yang would believe it in a heart beat.

Ren wasn't doing too badly either. He wasn't hitting anyone, but no one was hitting him either. He was swift, moving like the wind to avoid getting swamped.

"Watch out Yang!"

Yang was caught off guard, getting hit from behind.

When she came to, a giant Donkey Man was standing over her. It was snarling, ready to attack anything was in it's way.

And she was right in front of it.

"… hey buddy?" Yang said nervously. "Sorry for hitting your friends?"

"HYAH!"

Something had hit it.

The giant Donkey Men fell to the side. Yang looked up, wondering who could have saved her then. Was it Pyrrha? Nora? Did Jaune do a second cool thing and save her?

Nope.

She certainly didn't expect to see a panicking, scared out of her own mind Weiss Schnee dropping a fire extinguisher.

"You people are idiots!" Weiss was practically screaming. "There are MONSTERS everywhere in this god forsaken street and you're just standing there and fighting?!"

"… Yeah." Yang said. "Seemed about right."

Weiss face palmed at that admission. "Whatever. Come with me, we can get out of here!"

"JAUNE!"

Yang and Weiss turned to the scream. Pyrrha was holding Jaune in her arms… or at least they presume it to be Jaune.

His hoof hands and transforming face are making it hard to be clear.

"Stay with me Jaune!" Pyrrha held Jaune tight. "Fight it! Don't let it control you!"

Yang didn't wait to ask the question. "What happened?"

Pyrrha frowned.

"I was trying to get away, but one of the hats almost landed on me." She said. "He sacrificed himself to save mine."

Jaune groaned in pain. Pyrrha gently rubbed his hair.

"Hey don't worry about it…" Yang tried to reassure her. She wasn't particularly fond of Jaune, but this was too much. "Ladybug will find a way to save him. I'm sure of it."

Yang hoped she did. She wasn't sure what's gonna happen if she couldn't.

_______________________________________________________________________

Roman remember when he thought this was the second best day of his life? He was mistaken.

Trying to dodge Ladybug and Chat Noir's attacks was a tricky feat. Unlike before, where they were exhausted by his Donkey Men, this time they were coordinated. They worked together.

If he tried to jump, Ladybug would use her yoyo to pull him back down. If he tried to run, Chat Noir's staff would bring him in. He would dodge one of the staff's swings, but Ladybug would punch him. He would swing his staff to try hitting them, but that just left him open for another attack.

'It is getting ridiculous!' Chadwick thought. 'Why don't they just give the fuck up and let me go?!'

"Ladybug!" Chat yelled. "The butterfly miraculous needs items to possess people. We need to find the item to break the butterfly out."

"Right." Ladybug nodded. "Working on it."

Ruby remembered Tikki explaining Nooro's power as well. She tried to guess at what item could have been possessed. Her first guess was the cane, but Roman was swinging it around without worrying about it. It was pretty sturdy too.

That left only one other place. How did he transform people into those monsters again…?

"Chat!" Ladybug yelled. "Aim for his hat!"

Chat raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"

"I think his hat is the key! Break it or something and I can purify it!"

Roman was sweating bricks. He might actually lose…

"You're not stopping me! I have the power!"

He made a desperate charge at Ladybug, swinging his cane at her. However, Ladybug caught it between her hands.

"What the hell-?" Chadwick felt something come out of his head.

"Let's hope you're right, my Lady." Chat said. "Cataclysm."

The black bowler hat in her hand turned grey. Chat Noir gripped it even as the pieces turned to dust. Seconds later the wind carried the destroyed dust away from the palm of her hand. From the ashes, a glowing violet butterfly fluttered away.

"No no no" Chadwick was kicked away, tumbling to the floor. "Stop! Stop!"

Ruby knew what to do. She brought out her yoyo, and tossed it into the air. The yoyo opened up and captured the butterfly.

"Time to de-grimmify!"

"NOOOOOO!"

"Miraculous…CURE!"

The yoyo spun around. A storm of tiny insects burst from it, and covered… everything. Little ladybugs crawled everywhere, covering people, objects, anything in it's path. The average person would be horrified at the wave. It would have been a sign of a mini apocalypse.

However… it was the opposite of that.

The monsters that Chadwick brought into the world were undone. The donkeys returned to their original human shape, little by little.

"What… what happened?" Jaune groggily opened his eyes. "Did we… get em?"

"JAUNE!" Pyrrha held him close. Her eyes threatened to burst into tears. "You're alright!"

"Looks like Ladybug did it." Yang said. "Good on her."

The bugs where everywhere. More and more people were restored to normal. Any sign of damage had disappeared from their spread.

To make a bad pun… it was simply miraculous.

From the podium, Ladybug and Chat Noir were being watched by a curious audience. Some were frightened, unsure of what to say. Others…

They started clapping.

Ladybug and Chat Noir looked on at the audience applauding them. Both of them smiled. They beat the villain and saved everyone. What more would be needed?

"We did it…" Ladybug said, not quite believing those words. "We did it."

"Yeah." Chat placed a hand on Ladybug's shoulder. "We did."

Ladybug grabbed her hand. The two looked at each other again, closely.

"Was… there something you wanted to tell, Chat?" Ladybug had to ask. She needed to be sure about Chat's answer. "Anything at all?"

If she wanted to stop things here, if she wanted to be free from her curse… Ruby wouldn't have a problem. She did plenty, helping her today.

If Blake could hear those thoughts, she would violently banish them.

"No." Chat Noir said firmly. "We have yet to catch our mysterious butterfly villain. I will assist you until we manage to capture her, my lady. I won't let you down."

Hearing Chat say those words sent Ladybug's heart flutter. A blush appeared on her cheeks. She hadn't felt this way since…

Ironwood stood up from his hiding spot. He grabbed the microphone, and stared at the heroes in contempt.

"That criminal was after the likes of you two!" Ironwood yelled. "You two will be put under arrest!"

The crowd went insane. Yells and insults were thrown at the Mayor for his frankly godawful decision.

"What the HELL man?!"

"They saved our lives!"

"FUCK OFF!"

"LADYBUG! LADYBUG! LADYBUG!"

"I guess we should get going," Chat winked at her partner.

Ladybug nodded. "Yeah."

They jumped away from the scene. Ladybug swung in the air with her yoyo, while Chat crawled up the side of a building. The guards were disoriented from the earlier attack, so they didn't even try to fire on them.

Ironwood glared at the vigilantes.

"You won't get away with this, Ladybug. We'll hunt you down."

_______________________________________________________________________

"Oh thank goodness Ruby, thank you!"

Velvet had been crushing Ruby in a rather tight bear hug. She was shaking Ruby around wildly, which made the smaller girl dizzy.

"No problem Velvet," Ruby managed to say. "Stop crushing me."

"Sorry it's just," Velvet put Ruby down, smiling wildly. "Not a lot of people stand up for me, but you did! I'm super grateful for that!"

"Haha… it was nothing…"

"That was not nothing." Sunglasses girl came to the scene. "I'm Coco. Coco Adel. Thanks for helping my girlfriend out. Shame about Cardin not getting punished."

"Oh she was great!" Velvet hugged Coco. "I expected something like that to happen. I'm just glad she didn't sent away or something."

"Haha, that's true." Coco said. "Listen, Rubes? Me and Velvet need to do some work but thanks a lot. Hope to see more of ya in class."

The pair walked from Ruby.

Well that was nice. Ruby would say she did good today. She considered that a win. With that, Ruby turned around to head to her dorm.

Problem was, her dorm was all the way to the other side of the University. She'd have to cross the courtyard to do it.

It was also raining.

"I guess today wasn't so lucky," Ruby sighed. "Oh well. One bad thing in a day of good things I guess."

She was about to make a step, when she felt something over her head.

"Hey."

Ruby turned to see that Blake was standing next to her. She was holding an umbrella over her head.

"I was…. heading in the same direction." Blake said. "Maybe we could share?

Ruby blushed, but nodded.

The two headed out, the umbrella over their heads.

Ruby stole glances at Blake. She thought Blake looked so pretty then… it's like Chat Noir, the way she swore to help her and how she said she wouldn't let her down. Ruby knew that Blake wouldn't let her down either. Funny… both Blake and Chat Noir both caused her to blush so much today. She wasn't sure what that meant.

Blake thought about Ruby. All things considered, Ruby looked pretty cute right about now with the way she blushed. She also thought of Ladybug. Blake could have asked Ladybug for a kiss so she could go back to normal. Ladybug even seemed to give her an opportunity to do so. But then that would mean people would get hurt, and Ladybug would be alone. She won't let her down. Ladybug and Ruby inspired the good in her, it seemed.

As Blake protected Ruby from the rain, neither noticed two sets of eyes staring at them.

"I'm just gonna say it Ren," Nora said. "They're gonna be together together."

"It's incredibly obvious Nora."

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ruensroad · 4 years

Text

@bloody-bee-tea wanted some Jiang Cheng holding something baby and I couldn’t say no. So here it is in post-canon Xicheng. Yes, I am that basic XD

—

The sun was high over Yunmeng when Lan Xichen finally touched down in the fields surrounding Lotus Pier. It was quite the change from his last vist, when there had been endless rain for days, making it all turn to shades of mud and gray. Today the skies were vast and blue, horizon to horizon; the grass was green and tall, swaying at his fingertips. All over, the landscape was dotted in white and black shapes of sheep and cattle grazing, at peace in their simple existence.

He took the time to just breathe in the crisp air, the smell of tilled earth and crystal waters beyond. Jiang Cheng had often spoken of the peace he felt doing the same, and Lan Xichen found himself agreeing, especially as something settled inside him that he didn’t even know was restless, lulled by the serenity of Jiang Cheng’s home.

He made a note to thank him when he saw him and smiled as he set off again.

Seclusion had been an strang experience, in the end. Usless, surely, but also simply odd. Peace had not come through meditation, or in silence as he’d been taught to believe. It’d come on Jiang Cheng’s gruff company as he visited whenever he could, barging into his darkness and shining a glowing light.

Peace had been laughter and a new light in his heart; hope and love, planted like seeds so easily in Jiang Cheng’s skilled hands. He didn’t know if Jiang Cheng even knew how far Lan Xichen had fallen for him, or if Jiang Cheng realized Lan Xichen had discovered Jiang Cheng’s own feelings of love, but it hardly mattered now. Not when Lan Xichen was finally ready to act.

Adoration sat simply in Jiang Cheng, hidden well in his scowls, unspoken but very much proven through gentle actions under sometimes curt words, and Lan Xichen had come to desperately want that promise in Jiang Cheng’s eyes. Wanted it enough he’d come here, unexpected and unplanned, and with the first of what he hoped were many courtship gifts to come tucked in his sash.

Now all he had to do was find Jiang Cheng to tell him, and even that was proven easy.

There, a short trek from his own position, was a violet robed figure moving among the herd of sheep. Even too far to make out Jiang Cheng’s face, he was certain he’d know that proud bearing anywhere, and it was with a light heart he quickly moved off the road into the grass, not quite running to Jiang Cheng, but very much not walking calmly either.

He pulled up short, however, the moment Jiang Cheng noticed him and turned, surprise dancing over his sharp features, softening him for a moment. Had he not been surprised himself, Lan Xichen would have appreciated the sight more, but then the lamb in Jiang Cheng’s arms gave a sad bleat, and all thoughts sort of stopped a moment.

“Lan Huan? What are you doing here?” Jiang Cheng asked, brow furrowing and the softness twisting away as his mouth pursed. “Did something happen? Does GusuLan need aid?”

Lan Xichen realized, belatedly, that he must look a picture of windswept chaos, and had to laugh a little, embarrassed but unable to care about it, for once. The sound had Jiang Cheng relaxing regardless, which would always be a victory and made it all worth it.

“Nothing so dire, Wanyin. I just wished to see you,” Lan Xichen said, proud he could make Jiang Cheng flush with joy that way, even if it only looked like flustered exasperation. It was a testiment to how completely Jiang Cheng had captured him, the ease he had in reading him now.

Still, he had not expected this. “Who is your friend?” he asked, utterly charmed, and gently caressed the lamb’s grayish-pink nose.

“My... oh,” Jiang Cheng blinked down at the lamb and adjusted his hold with the confidence of a man far too used to holding baby sheep. It gave a half-hearted cry, then settled, eyes going squinty and calm. “I’m helping Old Farmer Po move the ewes to the lower fields. His son broke his foot and can’t tend them.”

“And this is common work for Sect Leader Jiang?” Lan Xichen asked, meaning to tease, but did not get a huff or smile as he’d wished. Instead, Jiang Cheng’s shoulders rose and he looked down at the baby lamb, almost like he was ashamed he knew how to keep it quiet.

“I know,” he said, voice resigned and tiredly defensive. “It’s quite the joke.”

Lan Xichen paused hearing that, a spike of worry piercing his heart. “What is a joke?”

“Someone like me, doing this,” Jiang Cheng said and nodded down at the lamb. “I’m not exactly known for being soft, Lan Huan.”

“Yet, I do not see it that way,” Lan Xichen said, all confidence, and smiled at the surprise he got for it. “You are perfectly capable of softness, Wanyin. I know it intimately.”

A blush again, progress, and he was helpless to smile at the bashful glare he got. “Fucking shameless.”

“Only for you,” Lan Xichen told him, because it was true enough, and gently stroked the lamb’s head again. “You are a protector, a guardian. It is not strange to see you be so in this case, not to me. And anyone that tries to convince you otherwise does not know the real you.”

“That would be everyone,” Jiang Cheng murmured, a crooked smile taking over his lips. It wasn’t fully happy, but it was trying to be sweet, and that meant everything. “Except you.”

Lan Xichen moved his hand to cover one of Jiang Cheng’s and squeezed his fingers, heart swelling with warmth and want. He knew it was there on his face and it felt so good to let it show. “I am blessed to know the real you, Wanyin.”

For a moment, he feared he’d said too much, too quickly, given how still Jiang Cheng went at his words. But before he could apolize, Jiang Cheng was already easing down again, hesitant but trusting, and leaned into him, just a little, to let him know he had the man’s full attention.

“Careful, Sect Leader Lan. You sound a little attached,” Jiang Cheng told him, swallowing, but meeting his gaze gamely. It was a dare, a plea, and Lan Xichen was powerless to disappoint him.

“Beyond,” Lan Xichen promised and gently eased his fingers between Jiang Cheng’s where they rested in the lamb’s curly wool. He leaned in too, until he could see a faint smattering of freckles over Jiagn Cheng’s nose; see flecks of near honey gold in those deep brown eyes. “Utterly.”

Jiang Cheng’s gaze was so dark, so warm, and it was far too easy to fall into it. Thankfully, Jiang Cheng was there to catch him with his lips, a soft grin against his mouth, and a breath of shaking laughter in the space they shared.

#ruenwrites #xicheng #less about the lamb and more about the kisses #whoops #hopefully this is alright!#lan xichen #jiang cheng

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minervahopebeyond · 4 years

Text

Blood Daffodils.

Hi!!! Oh this was so much fun to write💕 I hope you like it!! Tell me about it in the comments, I love to read your opinions on the characters✨ It’s so much fun!

Ps. I’ve checked but sorry if you find any errors in this one!

Chapter 4: Closeness.

Draco was kind of hating the way that Potter talked to him now. Even when he bursted into the room to call him out on his stupidity and the boy just blushed and agreed that it was his fault.

It happened because, finally Draco found something that could destroy horcruxes without burning the entire house: Basilisk venom.

He entered Potter’s room and found him using the discman. When he saw him, the green-eyed boy took off the headphones and gave him a confused look.

“It’s basilisk venom! It’s so poisonous that it can destroy it! I’ve just read it.”

He, at least, expected surprise in Potter’s eyes.

“Oh, yeah, I know. I destroyed the diary with that in second year.”

‘Show off’. Something clouded his thoughts just then.

“Potter.” He said with an unusual calm.

The boy seemed to notice that his tone was anything but peaceful. Draco saw him pulling his knees to his chest before asking ‘what’ in a really small voice.

“Were you aware of this when we were at Hogwarts?” The prat just nodded. “Didn’t you think that, maybe, passing by the chamber and getting a few Basilisk’s fangs would might come in handy FOR AN HORCRUX HUNT?”

He yelled that last part, that much was obvious. He half expected for the golden boy to say that he had other things in mind at that moment... Like fantasies about the she-weasel and other non-essential things. You can imagine his astonishment when Potter just blushed like a tomato and stuttered an apology.

“I- You’re right. I-I mean-“ The boy cleared his throat. “I didn’t think about that. Sorry.”

Draco wanted to smack him. He had prepared for that since the moment Harry said that he already knew. But, now, looking at this boy with guilty green eyes he just couldn’t.

“I can’t believe Granger, Dumbledore, didn’t think of this. They also knew about the diary, right?”

The dark-haired boy seemed to light up at the mention of the events not being, exclusively, his fault.

“Yes, they knew.”

“I blame your house. You always choose to make everything more difficult. Now we have to infiltrate the school.” Draco said like it was the most obvious thing in the world, but Potter only frowned and looked at him with indignant eyes.

“Are you bloody insane? Dumbledore is dead, the minute we put a foot on the grounds they are going to catch us.”

“Do you have a better idea, Potty?” He asked with that bickering tone that he loved to use with him. He needed normal, he needed to hear the boy to get riled up as usual. At least, as they did, back then, before their bloody fight. Or fights in plural, he couldn’t quite decide if they had fought for something in particular or for everything during those awful months.

“ Any idea is better, Malfoy.” He replied with a groan. “If we need to do that, the bare minimum request, would be to have all the horcruxes. That way, we destroy everything before they catch us.”

“Or they catch us and get all our horcruxes, to hide away in other places, before they kill us.”

“We are not going back to the school. I fucked up, I get it, but we are not giving ourselves in like that.”

His voice sounded so final, so commanding. Potter had always been a natural leader... it made Draco blush as he thought about unrealistic things, like how much he wanted to snog those determined lips until they were swollen.

The daffodils seemed so exited by his brilliant idea that they started to slam themselves against the walls of his lungs. It wasn’t quite hurtful as one would have imagine... after a year living this, having this symptoms, everything seemed more normal or smooth than before. After Draco had almost been chocked by a daffodil, everything else seemed simple in comparison.

He couldn’t help but to cough a few petals,though. The flowers seemed to reach out to the boy, jumping out of his mouth. Potter’s eyes saddened almost instantly and then looked away.

“I know you must miss him... I just can’t risk you being dragged back to the manor. I don’t know how your family would react but...” Something was strangling his voice, he could hear it, even if Harry was trying for it to come out as normal as possible. “If you want to go and be with him, I would understand. Maybe we would had to obliviate you, because you’ve been here and you know stuff... but I get that being away from him hurts you.”

Oh boy, this lie was getting a little out of hand, wasn’t it? Potter was actually offering him to go and be with Theodore. Even after what happened, after everything. He could not tell him that it wasn’t him, Draco had this feeling, in his guts, that the boy would put two and two together the second he did that.

He didn’t want to lie either, not again, so he just responded:

“Haven’t you figured it out yet, Potter? I don’t want to leave.”

The boy raised his eyes to meet Draco’s. Soft blush on his cheeks and nose. He thought that he had, not ever, been so close to kissing him. Their faces were barely apart, he could close the distance in only seconds. The daffodils seemed to realize that this was not the moment to make him cough, they just kept dancing around, inside of him, giving him this amazing feeling of anticipation.

Potter lowered his eyes and focused for fleeting moment in Draco’s lips. Anyone would had missed it... Everyone but him, he dreamed about this too many times for it to pass unnoticed.

They weren’t moving, the moment seemed to stretch out, time was much more dense, the air was so enchanting, and Draco could swear that Potter’s magic was calling for him.

This wasn’t something that happened with a straight man. He knew that Theo and Hermione had already pointed out that he stood a chance, but experiencing it? That was quite another thing. He thought he was going to die from the tickles in his lungs. And he needed to do something because as much time as the daffodils were giving him, if he kept on feeling them dancing, he was bound to cough a few petals... And he couldn’t have that: Potter would get awkward and scared.

Pansy’s voice telling him to try was echoing in his ears.

He tilted his head a little and closed the distance between them, planting a soft kiss on Harry’s cheek.

He felt the boy tense next to him, and the heat that was increasing under his lips, burning them, because of Potter’s blush.

He force himself to separate from him, if he were to keep on kissing his cheek, he might start tracing that jaw he loved so much with his kisses. That image promptly reminded him that they were alone in the room and that maybe he needed some private time quite urgently for himself.

Draco blushed horribly as he stood up. Getting turned on by kissing Potter on the cheek, how utterly desperate.

When he turned to look at the boy, he saw him as red as the Gryffindor flag, looking at him with wide eyes, expectant. But it was too much, at least for him, right now.

“I- I’ll go see if your- if your dad needs help with dinner.”

He said before he left the room and closed the door behind him. He went to his room before anything else, clearly.

—————————

Draco was reading again, he could not even close his eyes after that little moment he lived with Potter, the one that alternated between being the best thing that he ever did and the most embarrassing.

The flowers couldn’t leave him alone, they were making him cough, trying to get him to knock on Potter’s door in the middle of the night and finish what he started hours prior.

He didn’t even kissed him. It was on the cheek, it didn’t count. He kept repeating that like a mantra, trying to restrict himself from listening to the stupid daffodils.

He casted a tempus: 3.10 A.M... The Witching hour had barely started when he he heard Potter’s screams from the room next to his.

The daffodils reacted instantly, scratching their way out, suffering from hearing the boy. Draco leap off the bed, coughing the yellow petals as he walked across the bedroom, quickly as he could.

He opened the door of the boy’s room and ran towards his bed, where Harry was moving restlessly and making pained noises.

“Potter!” He called, shaking him a little. They boy didn’t wake up so he sat on the bed and shook him harder. “Potter, it’s a nighmare. Wake up! Potter!” When that didn’t work either, Draco leaned in, trying to be as close to his ear as possible, considering that he just kept moving. “Harry, you are safe. It’s not real. Wake up, Harry.” He said softly.

The boy seemed to cease his restless moving, although he didn’t open his eyes until Draco committed the huge mistake of brushing his hand through his black messy hair. He blames the stupid flowers, they always took down his inhibitions.

“Draco..?” Potter asked with his eyes half-opened. The green in them seemed to shine even in the darkness of the room.

“You were having a nightmare. It’s late, go back to sleep.” He whispered, in a lame attempt of getting the boy to close his eyes and forget that anything even happened.

He was standing up to leave the room when Potter spoke softly.

“Can you stay?”

The flowers twirled inside of him, enchanted by the whole thing. Draco blushed.

A lot of ways to respond to Potter flashed through his mind.

’No. There is only one bed Potty.’

‘Are you high?’

‘YES’

‘I think I might not control myself, Potter.’

‘You realize that I’m a queer seventeen year old boy? Hormones.’

‘Why?’

He took so much time to answer, only looking at the boy who was lying on the bed, that Harry interpreted it as if Draco were to agree. He saw him moving to a side to make a little more room on the bed for him. The blond boy just kept staring at him, one would think that he was confunded.

“I just dreamed something horrible. Please.”

He sounded so pleading... How could he ever say no to this gorgeous boy? The flowers kept moving, thrilled, inside of him. He was just glad that he didn’t cough as he laid besides Potter. The boy just frowned.

“Isn’t it uncomfortable over the covers?” He whispered and Draco blushed even more.

“I imagine that it would be uncomfortable if I were to sleep inside of them, Potter. It’s a single bed.”

A silence stretched between them, the blond boy thought that maybe Harry had fallen sleep until he talked.

“There are single beds at Hogwarts...”

And what was that supposed to mean? “...Did you sleep over the covers there as well?”

It sounded so naive, he couldn’t help to let out a soft chuckle. Well if he wanted to make comments about his live life, it was only fair that Draco got to do the same.

“Did you slept over the covers with Ginevra, Potty?”

The boy pulled a face, his cheeks darkened, he supposed that it was from blushing but with how dark the room was, it was hard to tell. Harry looked away from his eyes.

“I didn’t sleep with Ginny.” Draco frowned.

“She couldn’t stay over? Nobody covered for you two?” Potter sighed exasperated.

“No. I mean that we didn’t sleep together at all. Like... we just snogged. Only that.”

For the love of Merlin, it was the most precious thing that he had heard in months. Clearly, Potter could do what he wanted... he didn’t owe anything to him, Draco certainly did what he pleased with Theodore...

But Draco was an only child, one that was used to have all the things for himself, he didn’t share well, he hadn’t learned how. And now the love of his life was telling him that he only kissed the she-weasel and he asked him to stay with him after a nightmare...

It felt like a dream, maybe it was but he didn’t care. The flowers had never been so tamed, so relaxed, dancing around quietly in a haze of pure love.

Draco’s heart was beating so fast... He forced himself to ask the only questions in his mind right then.

“Why...? Did she want to wait or something?”

Potter’s eyes locked with his; filled with questions and demanding the truth. Draco thought that his gorgeous green eyes were worse than veritaserum for him.

“I didn’t want to... Do you remember the conversation we had? About relationships?” He just nodded. “It had to do with that, I thought it had to feel different... How did you know? With Nott?”

Draco wanted to go back to New Year’s Eve and punch himself on the face. This would be so much easier to explain if he hadn’t made everyone believe that his Hanahaki was caused for Theodore. He tried to be as ambiguous as he could.

“I just needed him. Didn’t plan it... everything sort of happened and I didn’t regret it.”

“Makes sense...” the boy whispered with a very vulnerable tone in his voice.

Draco couldn’t figure out why suddenly Potter was sad again but the flowers started to get anxious, begging him to put a smile on the boy’s face. He didn’t think much as he got off the bed and pulled the covers to get inside of the bed. His heart hammering against his chest to the beat of the daffodils slamming themselves against his lungs.

When he was covered, he looked at Potter who had this amazed look in his green eyes that clashed with the astonishment of his face.

“You offered, Potty. You can’t take it back.”

A soft smile appeared on Harry’s lips and Draco could almost hear the flowers roaring in triumph. Then, the boy snuggled a little closer and the smell of his hair invaded the blond boy’s nostrils. The flowers jumped a little.

“Close your eyes, Malfoy.” He replied with a fake annoyed tone.

Draco did as he was told. That night he slept and dreamed about Potter, as usual... The only difference was that, when he woke up, he found Harry resting his head on his chest, cuddling him.

Draco could not contain the big, beaming, smile that appeared in his face.

#drarry #fanfic #fanfiction #prongsfoot

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obwjam · 6 years

Note

Also Strange saying 12

“Please don’t be scared of me. I’m not dangerous, I’m just big.”

oh fuckkkkk i love this sentence starter so much. someone else also asked for 12 so yay!!

from this post

———————————————————————————————————–

“Please don’t be scared of me. I’m not dangerous, I’m just big.”

What this human didn’t realize is that to you, dangerous and big are synonymous.

You had been living in this building all your life. You have seen countless people– sorcerers, they called themselves– come through. Nobody ever stayed for too long, though. Over the years, you picked up that this was just some sort of sanctum and not a full-time home. While that was good for you in terms of not being seen, it certainly made you appreciate food a lot more. When things got really bad, you went outside and scraped food off the New York streets. But this new guy has been here longer than most others, and that meant there was a lot more food laying around.

And you had to stock up.

But you got greedy. You tried to fit too much food into your bag. You thought you could do it without getting caught. Now your bag was 10 feet away from you and were hiding behind a tall box, foolishly hoping this human would leave you alone.

“I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to talk.”

You scoffed so loud you were afraid the human heard you. He did.

“My name is Doctor Stephen Strange. I’ve been tasked with guarding this sanctum and protecting your reality from threats you can’t even begin to imagine. I’m not your enemy.”

Strange knew you weren’t going to move on your own, and quite frankly, he wanted to see you because he didn’t want to not know where you were and accidentally hurt you. Carefully, he grabbed the cereal box and moved it aside, revealing your shaking form. You whipped around and let out a whimper. He was huge.

“Don’t run!” he said preemptively, but you were frozen to your spot. You weren’t going anywhere anyway.

He leaned down, noticing how much he was towering over you. “What’s your name?”

You opened your mouth, but the words didn’t follow. You couldn’t speak.

Strange sighed, then smiled. “It’s okay, you don’t have to tell me until you’re ready. Can I ask you a few questions, though? Is that alright?”

You nodded, realizing you didn’t really have the leverage to say no.

“Would you like to go to another room? Somewhere more comfortable than the counter?”

You viciously shook your head no. You did not want to be touched, especially by this guy. You always noticed how his hands were shaking, and you did not want to risk being dropped.

“Alright, then,” Strange said, pulling a stool over and taking a seat. “Now, I don’t want to sound rude, but… what are you? Did someone do this to you?”

You sighed. “I-I’m…” you looked up, trying to see his reaction to him hearing your voice. He just kept looking at you.

“I’m a borrower.”

“A borrower. So you were born like this?”

You crossed your arms. That was kind of rude. But you nodded.

“That is fascinating. How do you survive?”

You rolled your eyes. “We live in human houses and take things they won’t miss. We’re not helpless.”

“We? Are there more of you?”

“Out in the world, yeah. But it’s just me here.”

“I can’t imagine you live in luxury. How do you stay clean? Do you shower? Wash your hands? Do you even know about dental hygiene?”

You were forced to sit there and listen to his degrading questions for at least 15 minutes. You gave short answers to all of them– you had never been sick in your life. You do wash yourself. And you most certainly did know about dental hygiene.

Strange let out a low mmm tp most of your answers. He knew you couldn’t have survived this long without taking proper care of yourself, but he couldn’t even image you had the resources to do it alone, especially while staying hidden. He was going to ask another probably condescending question before something popped into his head. “You know this place isn’t a home, right? It’s…”

You listened to him describe everything you already knew about this place. You didn’t bother to cut him off. Well, you were scared to.

“…and now I’ve been staying here full-time to guard the sanctum around the clock. I’m honestly surprised I didn’t know about… you… sooner.”

Suddenly, he remembered something. Slowly, he reached his hand out to you and you immediately cowered back, clutching onto the wrapping of a bread package as the sweat formed on your face.

But he didn’t grab you. Instead, he set something down in front of you. Your bag.

“Is this yours?” he asked, knowing fully that it was.

Picking your head up, you nodded. Most of the crumbs had fallen out, leaving just a few bits of food left. And none of it looked particularly appetizing.

“Were you collecting food crumbs off the counter when I found you?”

You shook your head yes, utterly embarrassed. He sounded disappointed in you. How was he going to respect you if this was the food you ate?

“I can tell you’d rather be anywhere but here, talking to me. But can you at least allow me to get you some real food? Have you ever had fresh fruit?”

He was right, you did want to leave. But your stomach knew you couldn’t pass up the chance to actually eat real food. You watched, fascinated, as he pulled a strawberry from a container and cut it up into tiny pieces. He pushed a few your way.

“There you go,” he said, throwing a few berries into his mouth. You bit into the strawberry, the juice squirting out and staining your clothes. This was amazing. You ate it in a flash.

“Haha, you’re quite hungry, aren’t you?” Strange said kindly, sliding more pieces your way. You nodded as you continued to chomp down.

“Are you ready to tell me your name now?”

You swallowed your last bite. You knew once you said your name, there was no going back. Strange would be on your case as long as you lived.

“I’m (y/n).”

#got damn i actually love doctor strange???#whomst knew #marvel g/t #g/t #asks

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fweeble · 6 years

Text

Episode 2: In Another Country

I hope everyone stays hydrated, whether or not they’re currently suffering through summer! I’ve got my set up all prepared (with the tissues and pillows being the most important, but that’s preference). Hope everyone else is comfy as we start episode two!

We’re gonna need it.

Looks like we’re jumping right in. OOF. Ibe’s face ruins me. He’s so worried about Eiji. Someone needs to hold my hand, my heart hurts and I’m already prepared to cry everywhere.

None of this was ever supposed to happen, Charlie. Just save Skip and Eiji --just save them, Charlie. Save them.

Ibeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. Your decision to cover American gangs will bring you so much heartache. So much. Q AQ

Not even half a minute into the episode and my boy Shorter makes an appearance. My heart. Look at that lighting... the glow... the colors. Oh my god, just slay me with the colors. Hnnnnnnng. Also: three motorcycles. I am secretly hoping that Shorter’s just casually commandeering Ash’s since Ash rudely yoinked his away. I can dream, can’t I? Disappointed how they cut out some of Shorter’s insightful dialogue, but time constraints, I understand.

Shorter, your gut is very spot-on.

Seriously, Mappa could just murder me with these gorgeous backgrounds. Look at the attention to detail. I know this is a hostage situation but let’s take a moment to bathe in the beauty that is this (old, abandoned) scenery. Aaaaah.

And here is Arthur, trying to look intimidating and ominous by hiding in the shadows, but he’s sadly overshadowed by everything else. As usual. Is anyone else impressed with all the effort that goes into everything? I’ll try not to wax lyrical but look at all those gang tags and planks left around, the cracked tiles and the smudges --someone had to draw that.

Everyone knows it’s a trap, Arthur. You’re clever, but you lack a certain degree of self-awareness and ability...

but do keep talking. Your only positive point is your smooth, buttery baritone. Nice. I will enjoy your villainous monologue. It will match your laughably stereotypical evil ‘do.

Truly, subtlety isn’t your strong point, Arthur.

Also, lying. But please, lie more.

Eiji and Skipper together is my favorite thing. Skipper is this tiny, determined ball of controlled kick-ass. Eiji is utterly out of his depth and looking around curiously because boy, Japan wasn’t like this!

These two cuties. Please.

Fuck ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooff.

PUNCH HIS FACE IN!!!

*WILL SMITHS THIS SCENE* I have so many feelings, I have so many things I want to scream about, I want to dissect just how much this one line underlines the differences between Ash and Arthur despite the fact there are plenty of superficial similarities between the two and I just --HNNNNNNG. *clenches fist* I HAVE FEELINGS AND THEY ARE STRONG.

Skiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiip. Eiiiiiiiiiiiiiijiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii. So many props to Eiji for staying relatively calm in a frankly terrifying situation.

Skiiiiiiiippeeeeeer. *STRANGLED DYING MANATEE NOISES*

*INTENSE SOBBING* SKIP, YOU ARE TOO BEAUTIFUL, YOU PRECIOUS STARCHILD. HE IS SO PROTECTIVE OVER EIJI. MY HEEEEART.

Why are you such trash, Arthur????

EIJI’S FAAAAAAAAAAAACE. SAAAAVE HIIIIM.

I’M TOO EMOTIONAL, SOMEONE FUCKING HOLD MY HAND ALREADY!!!

You didn’t even lose your fingers. You just have some scars. Talk about disproportionate retribution???

Oh my god there’s an actual opening segment, I thought they were forgoing it altogether because 19 volumes in 24 episodes, but I guess not. I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t prepared. Aaaaah.

Seriously, the background???? I’ll try to keep the gratuitous snapshots to a minimum. I’ll try. Honestly.

I think from now on I’ll start all my Nanner Fish Liveblogs with this.

Why does this break my heart. (No, don’t answer. Just leave me to wallow.)

Beautiful juxtaposition. Also, rude. I love that lighting through the trees, though. Q AQ

*HYSTERICAL SCREECHING* MAPPA, Y’ALL ARE THE RUDEST ASSHOLES TO EVER ANIMATE AND I AM SO OFFENDED, EVERYTHING HURTS, NOTHING IS MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN THIS, LAY ME TO REST.

Yut-luuuuuung.

WHY MUST MAPPA BE SO CRUEL AND HURTFUL.

GOSH, THIS IS GORGEOUS. MY HEART. WHY DO THIS TO MY DELICATE BABY HEART???

Guys, guys, guys. Look at all that gang tagging. SOMEONE HAD TO DRAW THAT. THE COLORS MAAAAN. Also: Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing.

FUCK OFF. I HAD TO STOP FOR A BIT. JUST. WHY. FUCKING WHYYY.

MAPPA YOU BASTARDS.

Every.single.fucking.time, Marvin.

*high pitched distressed noises*

Ash, you beautiful, sassy smartass. PLEASE BE A LITTLE LESS SASSY.

My heart.

Just call him Florence Nightingale.

*more strangled high pitched noises of distress* I wish Ash wasn’t so right.

THEIR SLEEPING POSITIONS. SKIIIIIIIIIIP. EIJIIIIII. MY HEART.

SERIOUSLY PUNCH THAT FACE IN.

Oh my fucking god. I thought he was just a random new mob character, but he’s that dude who looked exactly like Charlie!! The first time I read Nanner Fish I was convinced Charlie was a mole because of him!!!

HE ALSO LOST THE PORN ‘STACHE. CONGRATULATIONS. YOU LOOK SO MUCH BETTER. A LOT MORE INTIMIDATING.

I totally went off-topic. The topic being: Marvin is gross, the scum of the earth, and should be punched a lot in sensitive places.

Thank you, Skip.

I am the worst person, I’m sorry, because I spent this entire slow pan up Ash laughing hysterically. This is secondhand embarrassment at its peak. Pffffft.

Ash, please.

Poor Eiji. Pffffffffffffffft.

Marvin, you are honestly dumber than a bag of bricks. Beautiful wounded gazelle gambit, Ash. I love how Skipper is jumping with excitement, cheering Ash on, and Eiji’s holding himself like he needs protection from the latent gross that emanates from Marvin constantly.

*side whispers* This is it.

The turning point.

*blows kisses at Mappa* GORGEOUS.

I’m breaking things up a bit since I’m just. Full of feelings. Eiji making a decision, inspired by Ash. Skip automatically assuming Eiji’s making a Last Stand, because that’s what he is: a fighter to the last.

But Eiji is a civilian, and he doesn’t fight the way Skip does.

And this is beautifully animated, and it definitely shows Eiji’s resolve and determination... but it bugs me.

Because they gave one of Eiji’s lines to Skip.

They turned a line that showed Eiji’s determination, his acknowledgement that he could severely injure himself --could even cripple himself --but he was willing to bet it all on a chance, and made it into an argument Skipper has against Eiji’s Hail Mary decision.

And I hate it.

I really love the soundtrack they use, though. Nice.

How the cat fell in love with the bird.

Seriously, look at those colors? Look at that rainbow effect while Eiji’s in the sky. The textures. *sends all the kisses Mappa’s way*

Eiji... what about your bleeding. I mean, yes, run for help, but also: what if you pass out before you get help? A quick tourniquet, please!

He did indeed. It was beautiful.

Shorteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer.

HIS TINY SATISFIED SMIRK.

I AM TOTALLY UNBIASED. IT’S NOT LIKE I LOVE SHORTER A RIDICULOUS, LOPSIDED AMOUNT. WHAT LIES ARE YOU SPREADING. *cries* I just love Shorter so much.

More smartphones trying to save the day.

And again. No more phone booths!

Seriously, I suspect I will forever be smitten. Muwah. Gorgeous. Muwah Muwah.

Finally! Plotty things! And why automatically suspect Ash, Charlie?? You trusted him enough to let him near civvies but you automatically suspect him when Golzine’s up to something sketchy?

Oh, Ibe. You’re gonna have white hair soon, Eiji is gonna make you worry lots.

I know you are, Eiji. Q AQ

Nice, thank you Mappa! Now I know Eiji’s A pos. (Or AB pos.)

*wounded hippo noises* THEY ARE SO LOYAL AND DEDICATED TO ONE ANOTHER. SKIIIIIIIIIIP. AAAAAAASH.

CMSDKLFMLDSF. SOMEONE SAVE SKIIIIP.

Beautiful. The best part about Shorter and his garish colors is that you can always pick him out of a crowd. <3

I didn’t mention it last time, but I’m so happy to see Ash’s crew! Hi Aleeex!

Just casually taking snapshots of Shorter being awesome. That’s not a crime. I swear.

BONES! I think. I forget. I get their names mixed up. 8( Where’s the other one? You can’t be Ash’s power trio with just the two of you! (I guess Shorter’s there too. Q vQ)

Totally just took this screencap because I’m basically an embarrassing parent who likes to show of their kid. Lookit Shorter. Isn’t he awesome?

Nooooooope.

Nooo, no no no.

Marvin you idiot, Golzine said alive. Your Papa Dino? Remember him?

Nooooope.

For fuck’s sake, noooooooooo.

SOMEONE FUCKING KILL MARVIN FIRST.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. SKIIIIIIPPER. Q AQ

Skiiiiiiiiiiiippeeeeeeeeeeeer...!!!!!!!!!

KILL HIM.

Ash, what black voodoo magic did you do to get that car going??? You didn’t turn or put in any keys, you certainly don’t have the fancy electronic keys on you. What the hell? Did some lazy mafia asshole leave their fancy electronic key in the damn car?

ASH STOP LEAVING SHORTER BEHIND FOR FUCK’S SAKE!!!

I love how this implies the cops are on good terms with Shorter.

Shorter, did you even tell them where you were heading??? You’ve got a smartphone now!!! Use it!

Shorter...

Because you were stupid enough to shoot Skipper. All you had to do was not shoot.

CMLKSDFMLDSF. DINOOOOOOO.

Because people aren’t pets, Dino!!!!

Trust your instincts, Ash! Turn back!!

He honestly deserved worse.

Ash....

*sigh* I’m so smitten. That’s gorgeous. (Sorry, Ash.)

Jenkins and Charlie will believe you, Ash! But...

Obligatory corrupt cop Evanstine won’t let them help you. This is his jurisdiction. 8(

Oh, Jenkins. Charlie. You’re gonna regret it...

Another asshole who deserves his face punched in.

Is no one going to dress Ash’s wound? It’s still Eiji’s tourniquet there. It’s gonna get infected you shithead.

Fuck oooooff.

Oh look, someone who needs to slip on a pickle, fall, crack their head on the counter, and die face first in their own piss. That’s you, Evanstine!

Please. Die horrifically.

Ash... Q nQ

Please don’t take it personally, Jenkins... Skip just died in his arms... he was framed for murder... and a scumbag just ambushed him with his past...

Cmkalsdmfklsadf. DINOOOOOO.

We’re so blessed, guys! So much plot this episode!

Charlie... don’t do this. Please... don’t.

Oh, Charlie. You’re so earnest. You’re still so pure. Q AQ

And Ash... takes after his middle name. He is jaded. He knows better. He knows Dino. How do you indict someone with so much money, power, and influence? He has judges in his pocket!

And Charlie...

And an intermission from my previous thought because boy howdy am I still swooning over these gorgeous visuals. *blows even more kisses Mappa’s way*

Back to my previous train of thought: ...Charlie can’t give up.

Ibe’s face, though. It’s the face of a dad going “son, could you please stop putting yourself in dangerous situations I’ve already gotten fifteen new grey hairs and I’m only 30 please don’t do this to me.” Poor Ibe. That’s exactly what Eiji’s gonna do.

Charles Dickinson: Poster boy for Not Givin’ Up, We’re Taking Dino Golzine Down the Right and Proper Way, Just Believe in Us Ash!

Noooooo, not with the emotional blackmail, Charlie! (Besides, as much as I love Ash, preeeetty sure Eiji was incidental. He was chasing after Skip, wasn’t gonna let Eiji, an innocent civilian get caught in the crossfire of a gang war, and at no point did he risk Skip’s life. He contemplated his own, but never Skip’s.)

What a cute bird. Q vQ <3 <3 <3

*clutches chest* Eiji. Why.

Skipper... you will never be forgotten.

DAMMIT WHY IS NO ONE HOLDING MY HAND??? I NEED EMOTIONAL SUPPORT.

THE FUCKING ART DIRECTION. CMKSLDMFOWEMFDSLF. MAPPA NEEDS TO BE ARRESTED FOR MURDER. MY MURDER.

It’s okay, Eiji, I wouldn’t be able to, either... Q AQ

Seriously, how is that even remotely legal????

Fuck Golzine and his connections. Fuck him with a power saw.

*intense feelings about later volumes and how this relates to both Ash and Eiji* CMSKDLFLSDFJLSDJFOEWIMSFD. *strangled dying manatee noises about foreshadowing*

*lies on ground, emotional and useless*

Hnnnnnnnnng, that’s just gorgeous. Ominous, but gorgeous. u 3u <3

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand prison wardens are also in his pocket. Seriously, Charlie, do you not see why Ash is the way he is?

There’s also a brand new ED, but I’m seriously emotionally drained after the OP and Skipper... It doesn’t really have anything particularly foreshadow-y or relevant that my dead soul can see. It’s lovely and a nice end to an emotionally charged episode. I’m going to just quietly cry into my pillows now.

<<Episode 1 Masterlist Episode 3>>

#Fandom: Banana Fish #Banana Fish #Nanner Fish Liveblog #spoilers #tw: spoilers

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tauman942 · 6 years

Text

Teva’s Last Entry - Part III - 1

Section 3-1

The following being the personal electronic diary of Shas’La’Elsy'eir Li’kur, D114-HJ Expeditionary Force

Date: 04:26 – Fourth rotaa of survey for Sector 54-01 Location: Somewhere West by Northwest of our last position? Entry: 02:17:03

[Please note from here on out I refer to Shas’La’Vior’los Kilaa’tuya by his prime name or given name of Tsuex.]

Tsusex takes the jetbike higher, as we pass over green wooded bluffs and isolated buttes. Far out to the horizon rise the young blue mountains, white capped and magnificent. I can see far out to horizon the shimmering blue waters of the river, and somehow the whole river valley seems alive! We roll into a wide banking turn over the forest, that now turns greener and denser; while the sky above becomes bluer and the clouds wilder. I’ve never before felt anything like this in my life! My whole body shivers with the exhilaration, and my cir’etz scales tingle with excitement!

Now Tsuex levels off and punches the jetbike’s acceleration. Vi’suliig responds smoothly at first; but then the ride becomes more bumpy. The little jetbike shimmies and judders a bit; but I have no fear as I am cinched in tight, with my hands and legs are magnetically locked into position. As Tsuex accelerates the slipstream makes a terrible racket, when all of sudden, everything goes quiet.

<<Tsuex what happened? Everything’s quiet now?>>

<<I engaged the fluid dynamic energy field. It’s pretty much the same field created by a shield generator; but we it used instead to make our jetbikes more aerodynamic. That’s why we can fly at such high speeds!>>

He accelerates Vi’suliig even more, but now it’s silent as we streak past the forest and the waters below. My helmeted head rests on his right shoulder, and is nuzzled tight against his helmet’s right cheek. There’s a thrill to being this close to Tsuex, of going fast with him on a dangerous flying vehicle, of flying high with him above the world I love; it is all such an intense experience. My body aches with excitement, and my thighs are moist to the point of embarrassment; but I don’t care. I want this!

It’s then I notice his head is below the cowling, such that he can only see the instrument panel. And so I ask, <<How do you see where you’re going? Do you have a heads up display?>>

<<Yes, but better! It’s just like being a crisis suit pilot, I’m linked directly into the jetbike’s A.I. unit and it’s sensors. I see and hear what Vi’suliig sees and hears. It’s like I become the jetbike!>>

I am in awe at hearing this, when Tsuex flies us through some low wispy clouds above a ridge line. We pierce through the strands of vapour like and arrow. It’s like passing through fog; but only for a moment, and then we’re in the clear again. Now, without telling me what he’s going to do, Tsuex puts Vi’suliig into a slow barrel roll. At first I thought we were just turning; but after it’s only after we roll our of the inversion, that I realized what was happened.

<<Didn’t frightened you did I?>> he asks.

<<No,>> I answer laughing, which turns out to have been the wrong answer. Because now he puts Vi’suliig into a steep climb that then becomes a loop. The g-forces push me into the seat, and now really I’m gushing!

‘Please get me to the ground, so I take your clothes off!’ I think to myself.

<<Still with me?>> he asks.

<<Tsuex, I’m magnetically locked into my seat. Where else would I be?>> I laugh and squeeze my thighs tight against the seat; while screaming at him in my head, ‘Get me on the ground Tsuex, so I can give your shodoi a hard ride!’

He laughs and we fly for another twenty raik’ors or so; which is as exhausting as it is exhilarating. When he begins to descending down through the deep forest canopy. Decelerating Vi’suliig to a relaxed speed, he puts her down into a clearing, but doesn’t land the jetbike.

<<We’re not landing as we’re not staying here long; but there is something I want to show you here.>>

The magnetic seals release and the seat uncinches enough for me to dismount.

Tsuex dismounts and taking off his helmet says, ‘This way, but go ahead and take you’re helmet off first.’

We’re standing on uneven ground surrounded by ancient gnarled trees of immense girth, with huge twisting branches, that make a venerable silver green wall before us. Still moist and excited, I feel my whole body shift somehow. It was as if by stepping off the jetbike, something had changed inside me. There was now an inward feeling of awe and stillness, like one feels when walking into a shrine of the Tau’va on Elsy'eir. Tsuex beckons me, but I hesitate to step through that wall of silver green.

Seeing my hesitation, Tsuek takes me by the hand, and leads me into the thick wall of branches. Whereupon the sunlight disappears immediately! It’s nearly pitch black inside the forest, but somehow Tsuex still knows the way. And so not letting go of his hand, I follow him as close as I can. Inside the forest there is such a profound silence, the likes of which I have never really known. The only sound we hear is that of our hooves crunching the dry under brush as we walk. The ground is even more uneven, and here and there are large knotted roots bursting through the earth. Tusex has to help me up and over them, and then around that rocks and boulders that poking up between the trees. How he knows where he is going amazes me, as I would be lost the moment I stepped into this forest.

We were making are way when suddenly I feel the air change! The air became noticeably cooler and fresher; and there seems to be a lighter essence about it. And for some reason I feel at the same time a deep sense of dread and wondrous delight; but why this is I cannot say. Up in front of us I can see golden light pouring in between the leaves. Tsuex pauses before the branches, and turning to me with a wide smile, pulls back the branches and steps through.

Golden sunlight pours down from above us, and is so bright, that it almost blinds me. But I can see we are standing in the midst of a tiny clearing, at the centre of which is a small mound. On top of the mound is a solitary stone pillar, not more than a tor’lek and half tall; on which is inscribed a triskele made of three conjoined spirals. The stone is weathered and covered by moss on one side, and is obviously quite ancient.

Utterly amazed I ask, ‘So the Ar’cea really were here weren’t they? Are there any of them left? Do any live here now?’

‘Not that we’ve discovered,’ he says walking reverently around the edge of the clearing. ‘We’ve been here for more than a ninety five tau’cyrs. And we’ve yet to find any sign of indigenous Ol’res’sin…’

‘You mean the Res’cea don’t you?’ I ask walking cautiously up to the stone.

‘Same alien race, but our word for them is Ol’res’sin,’ he says now bowing formally towards the stone, before coming up beside me. He points at the stone and says in a hush tone, ‘Although we’ve looked, there are only a few such stones anywhere on the planet. There are some larger megalithic structures, including some stone circles, but only very few. Strange thing is, not only is there no one living here now. But there’s no evidence that anyone has ever lived here, not even in the distant past…’

‘Why did you bow? And why do you whisper?’ I ask.

‘Doesn’t it felt right to bow? As for whispering, you’re whispering too,’ he answers.

‘No, you’re right. It does feel more respectful to whisper,’ I say and then, and I don’t know why I did this, I myself bow to the stone.

We are both filled with awe standing next to the ancient stone, as it and we together, are bathed in the golden light from sky above. Looking down, I see there are small delicate white flowers long green stems, that surround the base of the pillar. I kneel down and touch the flower petals, and see they are of an iridescent silvery colour. It’s only when I touch the petals that I can smell their brightening scent! I cannot describe their smell, only that it cleared my mind and fortified me; giving me a sense of tranquillity that I have only felt in the presence an Ethereal. Tsuex watches me as I now trace the spiral designs with my fingers, as I wonder to myself, who the Ar’cea were that put it here and why.

‘Your people call this planet D114-HJ-5, and we call it THX11-58; but it doesn’t belong either to your people or mine. None of us have a right to call this world our own. It’s not for any of us to name,’ says Tsuex kneeling down next to me.

‘I wonder what its true name is? And what that name sounds like in the Ar’cean language.’

‘Whatever the name is, I’m sure it would sound beautiful.’

‘I don’t feel so bad any more that I can’t name this valley, or name any of the mountain peaks that surround it,’ I say standing up.

‘You’ve not picking a flower?’ asks Tsuex looking closely at me as he stands up.

‘No, it didn’t seem respectful to pick them,’ I reply.

‘Xhmm, everyone who comes here thinks about picking at least one of those silver flowers, but then no one ever does.’

We step away from the stone and back to the edge of the clearing when Tsuex says to me, ‘Teva, I have a lunch for us, but I want to take to you this place I know. There’s a wooded stream and a pool…’

I don’t let him finish, but instead reach up and touch his lips with my fingers. The same fingers I traced the stone spirals with. Then I say, ‘Tsuex, I’m tired of listening to the translation device. Please speak to me in your own voice.’

Tsuex hesitates and stares back at me in panic, but then wags his head in agreement. He touches a control on his vambrace panel to deactivate the device. And then looks at me and says, ‘Aye, if ye dinnae mind mah brogue?’

‘Tsuex. I don’t mind it at all. I rather like the lilting sounds of your Vior’lan brogue. Reka Tsuex, reka!’ I say bowing to him.

He bows to me in return, and then takes me in his arms; and we hold each other for a long time.

Entry: 02:37:77

‘Forgot tae tell ye something back at th' stone. Th' spirals weren’t cut by either stone or metal tools; boot war carved by either laser or plasma cutters. That’s nae something ye kin tell by just lookin’ at ’em; it’s only detectable by uise o’ heich resolushun electron microscopes,’ says Tsuex as he puts on his helmet.

‘So these stones were placed here by the Ar’cea, and not by any indigenous population?’

<<Aye, t’at appears tae be th’ case,>> he replies over the comlink.

We fly for another ten raik’ors following the path of a small stream as it wound its way beneath the forest canopy. We travel just above tree tops, since the trees nearly obscure the stream’s course. Then Tsuex turns off to follow another even smaller creek’ until finally he bringing down Vi’suliig through the leafy canopy, and touches down on a large flat rock. The rock lays in the middle of stream along side a deep pool that is surrounded by golden barked trees. These trees remind of the ones we saw when we arrived; but instead of red bark with with a glossy sheen, they have a deep a golden bark that shines in the sunlight. The leaves have a similar broad spade shape as well; but with a metallic green colour on top, and a soft gold colour underneath.

The water in the pool was crystal clear, and flows serenely past our flat rock. Beneath the water we can see small olive coloured fish darting to and fro along the shaded rock shelves. At the centre of the deep pool lay two large boulders, their massive bodies heated by the sunlight falling through the open branches of the trees. Our own flat boulder was made quite warm from the sun, but there was also cooling shade from the golden branches of the trees. Tsuex releases what I take to be a couple of individual recon drones. The small spherical drones take off and buzz around the pool and the flat rock.

‘No predators tae worry aboot, bit th’ wee animals hae no fear o’ us. And if thay fin' oor food to th’r liken’, thay willnae hesitate tae steal it,’ he says starting to remove his body armour.

‘The drones won’t hurt the animals will they?’ I ask removing my plackart.

‘Nae…’ he says smiling, ‘…Just give ’em a wee bit o’urt is all!’

We finish removing our armour and stack it next to the bike. With its wings folded up, Vi’suliig looks like a bird nesting on the ground. Tsuex then points at my undersuit boots and tells me I’ll probably want to remove those too, ‘Th' watter is fine and warm, ’n’ you’ll enjoy stickin’ yer hooves in it!’

As I’m doing this, I see him pull down top of his understuit top and tie it around his waist. This stuns me as he seems to have no shame about showing off his half-naked body! I can clearly see numerous scars; and I really don’t know him well enough, for him to be showing me his scars like that! Neither does he mind showing off the numerous red tattoos that cover most of his upper body. But of course it’s neither his scars, nor his tattoos that really bothers me. Rather it’s his taut muscular body that seizes my gaze! His broad shoulders and cerulean complexion are just to die for; and that rock hard three-pack of his…hiyate! But what makes my mouth water, and my kirsaal gush in my knickers, is his tight jiinsi tulgaa! Hoi, hoi, hoi! I just get weak in the knees just thinking about grabbing that tight tulgaa of his, as he’s slamming hard in the sleep unit!

That’s when he asked me, ‘Dae ye hae a set o’ quick sticks? If nae, Ah’ve got an extra pair.’

‘T’ah? No! No, I don’t have a pair on me,’ I mumble back blushing.

And then I notice his facial tattoos are a brighter shade of red then the rest of the tattoos on his body; and I wonder if perhaps they aren’t really tattoos at all.

Tsuex puts out an emergency warming blanket for us to sit on, and then starts pulling small containers of food, and a large drink container from compartments on Vi’suliig.

‘Where does he have room to store all of this stuff?’ I wonder.

He starts opening up containers and setting them down, when I reach over and take a hold of his face.

‘What’s this on your face?’ I ask scratching one red stripe with my finger nail.

‘T’ah…weel t’ae aren’t tattoos. T’ae’re just dane wit special body paint. Depends on yer cadre’s tradition if ye face is tattooed or nae.’

And with that he pulls a small packet from his equipment belt, and breaking it open, then proceeds to remove his facial body paint. Finishing, he goes over and splashes the water on his face, and dries with a clean cloth he’s also pulled from a compartment on the jetbike.

‘How can he store so much stuff on this jetbike?’ I think to myself.

Tsuex turns to me, but the effect of seeing his face without tattoos, is absolutely dazzling! As much as it was when I saw his face for the very first time. It’s so dazzling in fact, that I can’t help but stare at him now.

I most pause here to say things were starting to getting strange right about then; and I acted out of character for a firewarrior of my rank and experience. Why this happened I cannot say; but at that moment, I grabbed his face in both hands and gave him a long bite on the cheek.

Tsuex just sits there and lets me do it; but when I sat back, we were both startled at what just happened.

He recovers a bit and blurts out, ‘There’s red rice an’ spicy meat kabobs…t’eh…with blue onions an’ yella' peppers. And…t’eh…Ah’ve a set quick sticks for ye!’

He hands me a set of glossy red quick sticks, but avoids my eyes. Tsuex sets down two small ration bowls for each of us, and then shovels out a portion of red rice, and a portion of kabob for each of us. Silently we eat our food; but I cannot help but feel I somehow ruined everything, by acting so rashly and inappropriately. I can feel my emotions start to get the better of me; and fighting back the eur’ii moisture, I dig into my food.

But my mind is completely distracted by the taste of the food! Which was not a standard fire caste ration; but instead was a freshly cooked meal. And cooked only recently at that! To my surprise the “meat” is incredibly tasty, being both tangy and savoury at the same time.

‘Does your fire caste eat a lot of meat?’ I ask. ‘We don’t eat meat except for holidays and special occasions.’

‘Aye, we dae sloch a lot o’ flesh. Gave up th’ traditional T’au vegetarianism durin’ th’ Wars o’ Settlement.’

‘Xhmm…the meat doesn’t really taste like meat though. But more like…an edible fungus. Is it a mushroom of some kind?’

‘Aye. A wee bit o’ mushroom perhaps. Or maibee it tastes that wey, fur o’ w’at th’ animal fed ain,’ he says with his usual expressionless face, that I’ve learned is connected to his sense of humour.

However the food is much too delicious to stop eating; and when I ask if there’s any more, he graciously lets me have half of his uneaten portion. Tsuex now breaks out the drink container and pours each a bowl. The drink just turns out to be j’hal nectar watered down to make a punch. Like something I might have drunk at the holidays as a child.

‘Dae ye like yer kabob than?’ asks Tsuex.

‘Aye!’ I say and burst out laughing at my speaking like him. ‘Sorry Tsusex, I wasn’t trying to insult you really!’

‘Ah, knae. Dae yer reely like th’ kabob than?’ he asks still wearing his expressionless face.

‘What did you feed me Tsuex? What was it I ate?’ I ask leaping forward and threatening him with my quick sticks. This an utterly ridiculous thing to do, but once I’ve started it, I have to carry through with it.

‘Weel, it war a kined o’mushroom; boot a more mobile kined o’mushroom!’ His expression hasn’t change, but he does look down at the quick sticks at his throat. ‘It’s a fungoid life form t’at can walk ain it’s aine.’

‘So what was it I ate? Was it plant or an animal?’ I shout at him my quick sticks wavering.

‘It war a kweegee beest.’

‘T’eh? What’s a “kweegee beest”?! What the snae’ta is a kweegee beest?!’ I shout waving the quick sticks around in frustration. But then it dawns on me what he might be talking about.

‘Do you mean a squig?!’

‘Aye! Those nasty creatures o’ th’ Be’gel!’

‘Tsuex, did you just feed me squig?! Did I just eat squig?!’ I ask jumping away in disgust.

‘Aye, sae ye ate a kweegee? Yer kined o’ recht, than it war a mushroom,’ he answers.

‘Hae-YAHHH!’ I shout spitting viciously, but it’s too late. I’ve already eaten all of my squig kabob, and half of his too!

‘Boot t’ats war mighty tasty kweegee wasn’t it?’ he says finally breaking into a smile.

Like some petulant teenage shasaal, I want to throw my quick sticks at him; but instead I fight the urge and answer, ‘Yes, it was tasty!’

He looks at me still smiling, as while pulls he off the last of his undersuit; and asks, ‘Sae, wid ye lik' tae gang fur a swim?’ Then without waiting for an answer, he leaps into the pool of clear water.

But It only takes a moment for me to remove the rest of my undersuit, and I then plunge into the water after him.

***

#http://tauman942.tumblr.com #teva's last entry #wh40k fiction #wh40k tau #wh40k tau empire #wh40k farsight enclaves #firewarrior #n.y.a.b.x.t.t.

4 notes · View notes

go-redgirl · 5 years

Video

youtube

Israel Bans Entry to Reps. Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar After Trump’s Tweet

______________________________________________________________________

INDIVIDUALS/COMMENTS/POST:

iznet iznet 2 hours ago VERY GOOD!!! DECISION!! ISRAEL!!!👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏🇮🇱💙🇮🇱💙🇮🇱💙🇮🇱💙

REPLY Double D Double D 3 hours ago I wish they were banned from the USA

REPLY View 18 replies Daniel Roberts Daniel Roberts 2 hours ago They shouldn't be allowed back in the United States either.

REPLY View 6 replies J Sumrall J Sumrall 2 hours ago Good! You talk trash about me, you aint coming into my house! Its like that sometimes.. respect is earned and these two havent earned shi*!

REPLY I love America I love America 3 hours ago Good! We should denie them entry here too.

REPLY View 3 replies S Houston S Houston 3 hours ago That’s smart, Omar & Tlaib might have taken over the plane and flew it into a building.

REPLY View 14 replies H R H R 2 hours ago looks like Israel created a “tlaib-ban”. sounds like “taliban”

REPLY Thomas Decon Thomas Decon 1 hour ago GOOD DEAL ISRAEL!! NOW DONT LET THEM BACK INTO THE US!!!

REPLY MrHandss MrHandss 2 hours ago they shouldn't look at this as being banned, they should look at this as some people doing something.

REPLY Yoyo Ball Yoyo Ball 2 hours ago I don't blame Israel, i wouldn't want garbage near my front lawn either. good for them.

REPLY View 7 replies Faith Bee Faith Bee 1 hour ago Thank you Israel! You made a very wise choice. I'm appalled at the attitudes of those two who call themselves Americans. Truth be know, they both embarrass true loving Americans.

REPLY SEAL TEAMTECH SEAL TEAMTECH 1 hour ago if not for America, Isreal would be an oil field!

REPLY Grilled BBQ Grilled BBQ 2 hours ago Oh oh.. I see they both coming after vacay moaning, shrieking, cursing and instigating more hatred.

REPLY Rick Cook Rick Cook 3 hours ago (edited) You chose wisely Oh Israel. These are 2 of Americas Finest- when it comes to being hateful & bigoted. What these 2 thugs don't realize yet, is that their stay in MY countries capital city is on life support as well. Less than 1.5 years left of having to be exposed to their litany of vitriol and divisiveness. I wish I got paid $174,000 DOLLARS/yr just to be Trumps nightmare

REPLY peckaro 1 peckaro 1 1 hour ago Good now hopefully she goes to the middle east and stays there #sendherhome

REPLY Mel K Mel K 1 hour ago Good!, These 2 are trouble makers everywhere they go, let em go to Somalia where they belong! And they should be banned entry in the US too!!!

REPLY thegrandfinale2 thegrandfinale2 1 hour ago Kudos to our good friend Israel for standing for what's right.

REPLY Ho Lee Phuq Ho Lee Phuq 2 hours ago God Bless President Trump and the USA! And God Bless Israel

REPLY View 3 replies goronpaulpeace goronpaulpeace 3 hours ago this is Priceless they should ban all the other anti Christ people also

REPLY Belial Azul Belial Azul 2 hours ago Love it, terrorists should not be allowed anywhere except terrorist states. Your Democratic party with its true colors at last.

REPLY View 3 replies Story Time Story Time 57 minutes ago They won't be crying over being banned because they detest Israel and its people and are hoping to see the country fail if the boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israeli succeed

REPLY I eat lefties 4 breakfast I eat lefties 4 breakfast 2 hours ago I may be English but i love Israel and President Trump more every day!!!!!

REPLY View 2 replies Ectaki Nodgun Ectaki Nodgun 3 hours ago Absolutely they should be banned

REPLY Godisgood Allthetime Godisgood Allthetime 1 hour ago Good! They are bigots.

REPLY arthur curry arthur curry 58 minutes ago Maybe we could get Isreal to reconsider, be a great time to upgrade the Capitol metal detectors. Just sayn

REPLY Randy Miller Randy Miller 1 hour ago Outstanding!!! Now ban these POS sorry excuses for a U.S. Congresswoman from getting back into the US. That is what is really needed.

REPLY Farmin Fotay Farmin Fotay 4 hours ago Fox news had thousands of comments (many saying the US should ban them also) in the first fifteen minutes of airing this story but then disabled comments.

REPLY View 25 replies tubeMonger tubeMonger 1 hour ago Haha, this is just great!

REPLY Johnny Zeee Johnny Zeee 45 minutes ago Fantastic Mr. Trump and President Netanyahu ! These 2 have a hatred for Israel and the Jewish people; they don't belong in there, for any reason.

REPLY Remember Neda Remember Neda 1 hour ago Man has had his time and failed. He has wasted precious time, wasted the Earth, the Sea, the Rivers and Fountains of Water, and all that is good and protected and perfect of the World. It is time now for the Beast to be revealed for his true nature destroyed utterly. I don't fear all you that hate. I fear all that you must do in your own name to one another and you will bring such torment and anguish. The children bear witness to your failings and your crimes.

So I talk of all those innocents so brutally abused and harmed. I talk of the Epstein's, the Cosby's, the MBS's, the Kim Jong-un's of the world. You know who you are and the children you raped and killed bear the marks of your sins. You all will pay with such wrath and fury and no mercy will be for the wicked! Not this time folks. Read more

REPLY Larry Louis Larry Louis 1 hour ago I never understood entertaining the idea of allowing these two Jewish hating people in anyway. I applaud their decision and Trumps decisions.

REPLY Jose Luis Miletich Jose Luis Miletich 3 hours ago "ONLY DEMOCR ...A..." - Nevermind . . 2

REPLY Thunder Lightning Thunder Lightning 3 hours ago Ohhhh Ha Ha Ha Ha ! LMAO !! Trump Tweets NO ! No entry into Israel ! Hahahaha! Toooo Funnnnyyy !

REPLY View 4 replies 88Gibson LesPaul 88Gibson LesPaul 3 hours ago

0 notes

gldngrl7 · 7 years

Text

Karamel Fic: Edging Toward Synchronicity (2/8)

Author: gldngr7

Rating: Explicit

Began: March 11, 2017

Chapters: 8

Feedback: Encouragement and constructive criticisms are always welcome. Flames are destroyed with my freeze breath. Intentional Anti hate is taken as encouragement and a challenge to up my game.

Author’s Notes:

I’m not even kidding around anymore. This story is about a journey to intimacy and that intimacy includes heavy elements of BDSM, Dominance/submission and Daddy-kink. If you know you’re not into that or interested in seeing more, walk away now. Kid gloves are off, folks.

If you would like to know who to thank for this upping of my smut game, you can thank the Anti who left me a hate comment on my last story telling me that I was going to hell and that I needed to “atone for my sins” for “hating woman”. To this Anti: If you thought I had “out-grossed” Fifty Shades of Gray before…you ain’t seen nothing yet. Just so you know…”This was all for you, Damien. All for you!” Enjoy. And know that there’s so much more where this came from. I take your hate as

Dedicated to my fam member @mon-kai-el and dirty bitches squad (aka The Dark Side) whose dirty talk showed me that I could take the kid gloves off. Stay thirsty, my friend.

For those of you who care…there is in fact plot. And it moves forward and everything!

PSA: If there are any Babysubs out there who read this and think, ‘this is me’ and you don’t know what to do. If you want to talk, message me. It’s important that you know this: THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU! Not a damn thing, and don’t ever let anyone tell you differently.

Tagging: @mon-kai-el, @actualpuppychriswood, @pwettypwita, @contygold86, @karamelizedlove, @kelbottumbles, @starcrossed-comets, @emarasmoak, @fangirlintheforest, @ships-sailing-in-the-night, @lostin-the-desert

Hold

Hold on

Hold on to me

‘ Cause I’m a little unsteady

A little unsteady

If you love me, don’t let go

-The Renegades – “Unsteady”

Chapter 2/8

“Okay, clearly I am stirring up some unresolved feelings inside you…”

“Wait a minute,” Mon-El insists, his feet padding steadily on the treadmill at an easy two-minute-per-mile pace. “Isn’t that what you are? A manifestation of unresolved feelings?”

“You’re not entirely wrong. But I meant more unresolved feelings. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but you have a lot of them.”

“As evidenced by the hallucination of my dead friend.”

“Yes, and I’d really like it if we could deal with me first. I think I‘m a little more pressing in the overall scheme. Also, something tells me that the unresolved feelings about what just happened in there are going to take care of themselves.”

“Fine,” Mon-El capitulates. “How can I help you?” He rolls his eyes, utterly aware that he’s offering his assistance and his undivided attention to a figment of his imagination.

“Okay, let’s start with this. We are cohabitating with Kara. Now…I know there’s a lot to be happy about here. Making your latching official—“

“Mating,” Mon-El hastily corrects.

“Pot-ay-to, po-tah-to,” Ral chuckles, disregarding the correction.

“It’s not the same,” Mon-El insists. “Not here, it’s not. There’s mating first, and then there’s latching…if both parties agree. As I understand it.”

“I think we both know where this is going, Brother. Why obfuscate it?”

“Because…”

“Because she doesn’t know everything about you yet?” Ral offers.

“And when she does, this relationship will be over faster than you can say ‘liar, liar – pants on fire’.”

“Why would anyone--?”

“I don’t know. It’s just a crazy thing they say.”

“Maybe you’re not giving her enough credit...?” Ral shrugs.

“Our history when it comes to all things Daxam-related isn’t exactly stellar.” Mon-El feels his tense muscles finally begin to loosen as he slips into the rhythm of his run. Ral leans against the concrete wall in front him, his arms crossed while he strokes his chin thoughtfully. A stance he remembers well from the times when Ral’s devious mind was pressed into service in order to extract Mon-El from some mischief in which he had inevitably found himself embroiled. “What are you thinking about?” Mon-El asks, as if he doesn’t already know.

“She suspects something,” Ral announces. “We’ll have to be careful in our communications.”

“I’ll leave you secret notes on the fridge,” he whispers, conspiratorially.

“Will you be serious?”

“I don’t think that’s what you really want,” Mon-El answers.

Unexpectedly, Ral’s form shifts, and the image in his mind suddenly wears the form of a once beautiful young woman, blood pouring down her face from a savagely torn scalp. “Help me,” she begs. Her hand, clutching a small bouquet of desert blooms, reaches out for him. His feet falter on the treadmill, and before he can catch himself he’s face down, the moving belt spitting him off the machine like he’s a nasty tasting morsel.

When his body stops rolling, Mon-El comes to rest on his back, eyes staring up the fluorescent lamps on the ceiling. “What in the name of Bask!” he curses. He isn’t hurt, of course, just slightly disoriented and unable to get the sight of the woman out of his mind, as though she’s burned on his retinas. He digs his fingers into his eyes, attempting to erase the image. Mercifully, when his eyes open, Ral is standing above him, peering down upon him.

“Very graceful,” he comments, his eyes blinking slowly as though unimpressed by Mon-El’s full-bodied impression of tumbleweed.

“Stop doing that,” Mon-El groans between gritted teeth.

“Doing what?”

“Changing into her.”

“Oh, that wasn’t me,” Ral explains, lodging his hands on his hips. “That was all you.”

“But why would I…?”

“Unresolved…blah, blah, blah,” Ral says, checking beneath his fingernails as though their cleanliness might soon be witnessed by someone of incredible import. “Get used to it, my friend. Something tells me it’s going to be happening more and more often.”

“That doesn’t make any sense!”

“Doesn’t it?” Ral wonders. “It doesn’t make sense that the more secure you start to feel in this life, the more your mind might start to loosen its stranglehold on everything you’ve been keeping so tightly locked down? Seems legit to me. Maybe J’onn was right. Maybe you should see a Preceptor.”

“They call them therapists here.”

“Right. That’s what I said.”

Mon-El rolls over onto his stomach before popping up to his feet. He stares down at the still-running treadmill, its low-pitched hum now sounding to him for all the world like an aggressive growl. Done for the night, Mon-El reaches over and yanks the emergency-stop tab from the machine’s face panel, something he hadn’t had time to think about doing when he was busy falling ass-over-teakettle. “Useless piece of shi—“

Kara walks in on what looks like Mon-El abusing and cursing the gym equipment. She had hoped that the hour she took to run a few errands and do some shopping would have given him enough time to cool off, but just in case, she came prepared with her mea culpa. “I really hope it’s truly the machine you’re angry at and not me,” she says, interrupting the angry glare-fest directed at the treadmill.

Mon-El spins around at the sound of her voice, finding that the Supergirl from an hour ago is gone and that Kara Danvers stands in her place, her black floral skirt and pink blouse striking the perfect balance between sexy and innocent. He grimaces, embarrassed to be caught raging at an inanimate object.

“Though it’s better than being caught talking to a hallucination,” Ral adds to Mon-El’s thoughts. “Go with it.”

Her brow is crinkled with concern, more for herself than for him it seems, and for some reason, she’s waving a white gym towel at him. “Kara?”

“Are you still angry with me?” she wonders, waving the towel again. Perhaps she should have given him two hours to cool off instead of one, especially if his anger is spreading to encompass harmless gym equipment.

“What’s with the…?” he nods his head toward the towel.

“Oh!” she exclaims, realizing that he’s lacking crucial context to comprehend her display. “It’s a white flag,” she exposits. “Or at least it’s the best I could come up with on short notice.”

“A white flag?” he queries, curious about what lies behind this demonstration.

“In most Earth cultures,” she explains, strolling towards him, “a white flag is used to indicate surrender by one party for a battle to come to an end. It’s also used to request mercy for the conceding party.”

Drawn to her as though she’s the center of his gravity, he moves in her direction until they meet in the middle of the room. He knows he’s not supposed to touch her or exhibit any physical affection for her while in the DEO, but he theorizes that this policy is likely to remain a work in progress – perhaps for a bit longer than a while. “You’ve never needed a white flag to surrender to me before,” he smirks, the lids of his steel-gray eyes drifting to half-mast.

“You’ve never been this angry with me before,” she points out. “I mean, not since we…started seeing each other.”

“Seeing each other?” he muses, interest piqued by her use of the term. “That doesn’t sound quite complex enough for what’s happening between us. Does it?” He wants to reach for her, pull her into his embrace but twists his own gym towel between his hands instead.

“No,” she agrees, softly. “It doesn’t. It’s not nearly complex enough. I just know that you’re my partner…my mate…I chose you—“ she smiles as soon as the words are out of her mouth, knowing what he’ll do next.

“I chose you,” he insists, his smile matching hers.

Her lips tingle with the need to brush against his, to feel his breath mingling with hers as though the very act charges the air around them, turning it into a renewable power source. Kara bites on her lower lip in an attempt to stifle the rush of blood there, before she opens her mouth to speak. “Why do I get the feeling we’re going to be having this argument for a long, long time?”

Mon-El’s eyes widen, and a sadness quickly passes through them, like catching a glimpse of something in the corner of one’s eye, only to turn and find that perception mistaken. “I hope so,” he replies. “You have no idea how much.”

“I didn’t mean it the way it sounded,” she rushes, misinterpreting the source of his fleeting sadness. “J’onn and I got ahead of ourselves. We shouldn’t have been talking about you like you weren’t in the room. Making decisions about what you should do without consulting you first.”

“Kara, look, I know that you don’t think I’ve trained enough—that I’m not ready—“

“No, but that’s not it,” she interrupts, grabbing for him, her hands on his shoulders. “It’s your lead allergy,” she explains. “There’s so much of it out there, and it can all be used to hurt you. I just want to make sure you’re as protected as possible before you take on those calls, that’s all.”

“Really?”

“I couldn’t…” She bites her lip, her eyes glancing away from him as a blush stains her cheeks.

“What is it?” he presses, cupping her cheek to turn her face back towards his.

“Remember this morning when I was worried that the DEO would send a tactical team to find you, and you joked that there were worse ways to die?”

Mon-El recalls that she hadn’t found his joke funny and had insisted they issue a moratorium on gallows humor. “I remember,” he nods, with a shrug. “What about it?”

“Cadmus almost killed you and…” Her guts clench inside as she teeters on the edge of a monumental confession, just a stiff breeze away from tipping over the precipice. A frustrated moan rises in her, slipping through her tightly pressed lips as her eyes squeeze tightly shut, “…and Medusa.”

“That was a long time ago,” Mon-El says, his voice taking on a soft, soothing tone.

“It doesn’t feel that way,” she counters. “It feels like it just happened. Mon-El…I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you. If you were hurt out there, I wouldn’t be able to…” Her confession trails off as she becomes lost in his gaze, her blue eyes rising to meet his soft gray regard. She shakes her head, as though unable to continue, and seeing her growing discomfort, Mon-El takes over, filling the silence she left behind.

“I feel the same,” he admits. “Every time you go out there.”

“But—“

“You’re not invincible, Kara,” he interjects. “You can tell yourself that all you like, but that doesn’t make it true. I know that bullets can’t hurt you like they can hurt me, but that doesn’t mean that nothing can! And…at the risk of making you angry, you can be reckless, Kara – rushing into dangerous situations without gaining a full understanding of the risks. I know who you are,” he insists. “I see what you can do. But that doesn’t mean I’m ever going to stop worrying. I understand your concerns. I live them every day. But you’ve never backed down when facing an enemy that could hurt you. I don’t understand why you think I shouldn’t do the same.”

She feels her own brow crinkling as though to mirror his concerned countenance and raises a hand to rub at the overactive muscles there. Here is a topic they’ve never really discussed, not before they became involved and not after. Kara knows her own feelings on the matter, recalling vividly the events of the Cadmus hostage-taking and his brush with death in the form of the Medusa virus created by her own father.

Mon-El has only been in her life for a few short months and already she’s witnessed his near death on two separate occasions. And both of those occasions occurred before. Before she let him in. Before she chose him. Before she learned that she can’t breathe without him. Long before discovering that her body sings when he touches her, when he whispers against her heated skin, and when his eyes drift down to her lips, gazing at them like they’re his salvation.

She’d kept him at such a distance then, refusing to know him, talking a good game about his potential, but really refusing to see him as anything other than a Daxamite wastrel. She’d treated him accordingly, facing him in the direction she wanted him to go but citing his cultural upbringing each time he stepped off of her pre-approved path. Cursing the place of his birth as though it was something better forgotten to the ravages of an extinction level event, rather than a culture worthy of remembrance because of the loss of so many lives. It wasn’t just a planet that died but billions of hearts that stopped beating, and the last heartbeat remaining, stands before her now.

And more than anything, she wants that heartbeat to endure because…because she loves him. She loves him! Her stomach drops to her feet, and everything inside of her freezes as her own realization paralyzes her. Her tongue turns to hot sand, and her hands begin shaking. She loves him, and she doesn’t have the first clue if he feels the same – if she’s out on this limb all by herself. It’s like when she was a child, first learning to fly. The wind would lift her, carry her for a few moments, but then the ground would come rushing, rushing up to her, and all of her efforts, all of that soaring, would be for naught. Each attempt leading to crushing disappointment until one day she just…stopped.

Maybe she isn’t ready.

“Kara?” Mon-El’s fingers brush against her cheek, and she flinches from it slightly, raising his distress level. He snatches his hand from her skin, his fingers tingling as though venom were spreading through his bloodstream.

Mon-El’s voice interrupts her revelatory reflection. Her thoughts had taken her down a bit of a rabbit hole from which she struggles to emerge. “What?” she mutters.

“You okay, Kara?” he demands, his concern ratcheting up a few notches and filtering through the tone in his voice.

His voice brings her out of her haze, his face coming into clear, sharp focus. His lips are tight, and his brows have snapped together to create a deep crevice between them, but the most striking thing are his eyes: so deep and fathomless, those bottomless grays that hide nothing when his thoughts center on her; the emotions floating on the surface there inscrutable to her only because of her lack of experience in this arena. If only she could read their messages with confidence. If only her own feelings didn’t cause her to second-guess his.

“I’m fine,” she lies, shaking off her petrification like loose tree bark.

“No, you’re not,” he contradicts. She’s fearful suddenly, her eyes turning shiny blue, the crinkle in her forehead unmistakable to him. “You think I don’t know how you look when something’s bothering you?”

“I don’t….” she tries but trails off.

“Are you having second thoughts?” he asks gently, assuming he’s found the root of the problem.

“Second thoughts?”

“It’s okay to change your mind,” he promises. “I can keep staying here until I can afford to get my own place.”

“No,” she answers, violently shaking her head back and forth. “I haven’t changed my mind. I’m not going to change my mind.” He’s trying not to look overly hopeful, and she can’t bear the thought of taking that hope from his eyes. She wants him there, in her home, in her bed; promising to make breakfast in the mornings but rarely following through, leaving his pants strewn across her furniture, and putting too much soap in the washing machine. She wants all of that. More than, she realizes now, she has ever wanted anything in her recollection. Her hand brushes against her belly, not enough so that he would notice but just enough to remind her. She wants all of him. Even the part he doesn’t know about yet. Reaching up, she presses a kiss on his lips, quick enough that if they’re lucky, it might go unnoticed by the camera’s monitors.

“Are you sure?” he asks again. “Because you don’t seem that certain at the moment. You seem a little…lost.”

“I’m not lost,” she insists, staring unwaveringly in his eyes. “I know what I want.” Kara places a hand on his face, the pad of her thumb tracing the orbital bone of his upper cheek just beneath his eye. “Let’s go home, Mon-El,” she whispers.

Judging the truth in her eyes, Mon-El breathes a sigh of relief and nods. “I’ll pack my things.”

“I’ll help,” she offers.

She takes his hand as they walk out of the gym and head towards his quarters, loving the way it feels when his long, graceful fingers interlace with hers. Loving him and the way he looks at her, eyes soft and unguarded.

“So…this white flag policy,” he wonders, information gathering for future reference. “Does it work this well for all disagreements?”

Kara laughs at what she believes to be a jest – the kind of joke he would make to see her smile. “Why?” she teases. “Planning on using the technique?”

The pit of his stomach roiling with the stress of confining secrets bursting toward freedom and mayhem, he forces a smile and hopes she doesn’t notice the difference. “I have a feeling I might need to over the next few months. I’ve heard that living together can be an adjustment. Just…be patient with me?”

Kara squeezes his hand. “Promise,” she vows.

In his quarters, it doesn’t take very long to pack the modest belongings in his footlocker and to grab a few other things he’s hoarded in the months since his arrival. Kara requested a ride home from one of the SUVs in the DEO motor pool, thinking it imprudent to use any but normal means of transport in this situation. Less than half an hour after leaving the gym, they stand in the fourth floor corridor of her loft apartment.

“I got something for you,” she announces, her hesitant smile belied by the mixture of sparkling mischief and excitement in her eyes.

“You did?” he teased, setting the footlocker down in front of the door. “A surprise?”

Kara nods, digging around in her purse until she finds what she stashed there earlier. She removes a Supergirl keychain with two keys attached and a tiny bow wrapped around the ring itself. “Your keys,” she says.

Mon-El laughs but feels his heart race and his stomach flip flop, a shiver of heat racing down his spine. “For me?” he teases.

“For you.”

“A Supergirl keychain?” he wonders.

Kara shrugs. “They were selling them at the hardware store where I had the keys cut. I couldn’t help myself.”

“I’ll be able to carry a piece of you wherever I go now,” he says, his storm-cloud eyes growing darker as the pupils expand right before her eyes. “Even when I can’t be near you.”

Kara finds the notion odd but still romantic. Since their relationship became physical, when have they been unable to be near one another? Mon-El is a romantic at heart—she’s suspected this truth for a long time—one of the many things she loves about him. “Care to do the honors?” she suggests, indicating the door in front of them.

He nods and unlocks the door, swinging it open before bending down to pick up his chest of things. When he stands up, his knees nearly buckle beneath him because what he sees before him isn’t the loft he’s already come to think of as a haven but a burning, exploding wreckage of the palace he escaped decades ago. He can feel the heavy, tugging grip of hands on his shoulders but is drawn instead to the image of Ral lying on the floor, bloodied to the point of being nearly unrecognizable, his broken legs twisted grotesquely to either side of his body.

“There’s no time,” Ral rasps weakly around horribly split lips. “You have to leave me! I’ll only slow us both down. You can still escape.”

He can feel the heat of its fires on his face; smell the burning flesh of victims screaming for help as they reach charred arms out for him. His ears fill with the sounds of wordless screams as chunks of plaster and stone fall all around him, narrowly missing him as if their strikes were never meant to land. He can feel the disturbance of the ground around him as they smash against the ground splintering into shards that fly into the air all around him. A molten rock crashes through the crumbling palace ceiling and explodes at Ral’s feet, tearing apart the man’s body before Mon-El’s eyes and sending his remains flying in all directions. Mon-El flinches away from the carnage he can’t un-see, and his fingers lose their grip on the box of his things. “Ral?”

Unaware of the onset of his distress, Kara enters the loft as always, dropping her purse and keys on the kitchen island and flipping through the mail she retrieved from the mailbox downstairs on their way up. It’s not until she’s startled by the sound of his footlocker crashing to the ground that she realizes he isn’t in the apartment with her. The envelopes slip from her fingers when she spins back to the doorway, skittering across the flooring like shards of a broken dish.

“Mon-El?” she inquires. He’s pale as a sheet, his eyes squeezing tightly shut as his breath comes in quick gasps. Immediately, she’s by his side. “Mon-El, what is it?” When his eyes open, she recognizes the thousand-yard stare, one she’d heard Eliza talk about when she was younger. One she’s seen on J’onn’s face more than a few times. Not wishing to startle him, she refrains from touching his trembling body, using her voice instead to shake him from his memories. “Baby?” she calls, hoping for a response. Her voice is an approximation of cool and calm, while her insides are the exact opposite, performing frenetically like a squirrel jumping from limb to limb in a copse of trees. “Come back to me. Follow my voice. I’m right here, baby. I’m right here. Please?” she begs.

Her plea cuts through the mayhem, finding him in the middle of his hellish landscape. Melting the images away like hot water thrown on a still wet canvas. Slowly, the memory fades as Kara calls for him, softly but with total resolution, her voice becoming louder and louder than the din around him. The world comes back into focus, but it’s too late because he’s falling, falling to his knees and into her arms, taking her down with him. “Kara?” he croaks, as though he can’t quite believe she’s truly there with him. He can smell the violet-scent of her hair shampoo, and he clings to that like it’s the lone piece of driftwood in a raging river.

“I’m here,” she whispers into his neck, wrapping her arms around him, stroking his spine with long, soothing strokes. “I’ve got you.”

“What happened?” he asks, everything spinning around him. “I was…” His breath comes hard and fast, on the verge of hyperventilation. “I was…” He chokes on the words and the air around him. When he opens his eyes again the world whites out, becoming obscenely bright as though a flashbulb has gone off in his face. He slams his eyes shut to block it out, seeing the negative imprint of her and the loft on the back of his eyelids.

“You were there,” she hypothesizes, her voice shaking, a bit of fear seeping through. “Is that right? You were there?”

Eyes still shut, he nods into her hair.

“It’s okay,” she promises. “I’m here. I know what’s happening to you. You’re going to be all right. Just breathe.”

Slowly, in excruciating increments, he comes back to himself, back to this place, to her arms, opening his eyes to see everything as he’s come to know it. She wipes her fingers across his cheeks; erasing tears he hasn’t realized are falling. His heart still races in his chest, and a fine sheen of perspiration has broken out on his face, as well as down his neck and chest.

“Talk to me,” she begs, her voice barely above a whisper. “What happened?”

“I don’t know,” he confesses. “I opened the door, but instead of your apartment it was…”

“Daxam?”

“Yes. That day. There was screaming and fire and so much…screaming and the smell…”

“And you mentioned something,” she presses, gently. “A name…maybe? Ral?”

Mon-El remembers and like a flash, the pain sears through his head, his vision going off like a flash bulb again for a split second. He presses the heels of his palms against his temples. “Ahhhhh,” he moans, the pain streaking through him like an overload of electricity.

“It’s okay,” she declares. Something is triggering him, and the memories cause real, physical pain as they emerge. Like an infected boil in need of lancing, his memories require purging if he’s ever to process his grief. Her gut twists inside at the knowledge of what she needs to do. “I know it hurts,” she says. “Just tell me one thing. Who was Ral? Was he there with you?”

“Yes,” he groans. “Everything was collapsing around us, the world was ending, and all he wanted was to see me safe.”

“Why?” she wonders. “Who was he to you?”

“He’s my…he’s my…brother-in-bond,” Mon-El confesses, the pain easing slightly, the tightness in his chest loosening.

Kara shakes her head. “I don’t understand,” she tells him. “What does that mean? Your brother by blood?”

The stabbing pain in his head turns into a dull but insistent throb as he shakes his head. His breathing, at last, returns to normal, his voice dropping in pitch as though his vocal chords are exhausted. “Not by blood. There’s a word for it here, but I can’t…step!” he proclaims. “Stepbrother. Is that right? Step? I can’t think straight.”

“Ral was your stepbrother?”

“Yes,” he says, breathing a sigh of relief as the muscles in his neck and shoulders release some of the rock hard tension they’ve been holding. “His mother married my…father when we were just small boys. I was six, and he was seven.”

It strikes her then, like a heavy mallet against a gong, that he’s never mourned the loss of an individual to her knowledge. It all seems so vast, the loss of an entire world and everything that a person can identify with, that it’s hard to see the personal loss sometimes. He’s never mentioned his family or even any friends, and, to her shame, she’s never asked. “You can talk about him, you know,” she reminds him. “You can talk about…any of them. You probably need to.”

Mon-El’s eyes meet hers, finally, and the deep, incalculable grief in them shreds at her heart. “I don’t want you to think I’m weak,” he confesses, shame written plainly across her face.

“Mon-El, I would never think that!” she replies, shocked and saddened at the direction of his thoughts. She pulls him into her embrace, wrapping her arms around him with bone-crushing strength. But instead of cringing at her power, his body melts into the hug as though allowing himself to be absorbed by her.

He wants to spill everything, all of his secrets and believe from the bottom of his heart that she will understand – that she won’t be angered by it, or worse – sickened by him. Surviving the destruction of his world would be easy in comparison to watching the affection in her sparkling eyes turn to abhorrence. But he’s a coward. He always has been, and he’ll never be anything more, no matter how strong or fast his body is now or how impenetrable his skin.

Mon-El withdraws from the comfort of her embrace, undeserving of such sweet succor and casts his eyes about the room. “I need…” His shaky voice trails off. It occurs to him that they are still half in and half out of the apartment, the front door still open.

“What do you need?”

“I don’t know,” he realizes. He struggles to his feet, as if all the solar energy in his cells has deserted him. Reaching down, he picks up the footlocker he dropped, wondering where he’s supposed to store his things.

“How about a cup of tea?” Kara suggests, as she stands to her feet. She closes the front door, flipping the deadbolt to lock it. She rarely locks the door of her loft when she’s inside, practically daring intruders to try her, but tonight she makes an exception. ��It’s soothing. And then maybe…a hot shower before bed. That always helps me.”

Mon-El swallows the bitter taste in the back of his throat, unable to banish the acrid flavor no matter how many times he tries. “Tea,” he agrees with a weak nod. “Lots of sugar.”

“You and your sweet tooth,” she chuckles forcefully, hoping to lighten the mood as she grabs the kettle from atop the stove and begins filling the vessel with water from the tap.

Mon-El stands in the center of the apartment, footlocker in hand, wondering what he should do next; watching as she tinkers about the kitchen lighting the gas stove and turning the knob until the flame is just right. He wonders if he should just find an unobtrusive corner for his things. Movies don’t really cover the protocol for this part of cohabitation. This is usually the part where the credits start to roll across the screen, he realizes, his stomach sinking to his knees.

Confused by his inaction, she glances around the room as she pulls out the ingredients for tea and two mugs. The loft is so…her. She’s crammed the place with remembrances and decorative knick-knacks and more chairs than she can possibly fill even if everyone in her life came over at the same time.

She’s filled every corner, every nook and cranny. There’s not a spare inch of free space for him. Leaving the kettle to boil, she pastes a smile on her face. “Let’s make some room,” she declares. She takes the chest from him, carries it into her…their…bedroom, and places it on the bed. “I know, I have a lot of stuff,” she chuckles, covering her embarrassment at not noticing the problem earlier. Or being prepared for it. Had Kara been thinking ahead, it might have occurred to her to come home and clear a drawer or two for the man she loves, while he stewed in the DEO gym. But after getting his keys cut, she put out a three-alarm apartment fire instead. “Eliza says it’s because I came here with nothing, and so I hoard things. Collect them.”

“I may have gotten a little overexcited about purchasing clothes once I found the place of Good Will,” he points out, completely able to see where she was coming from. He grew up with everything he could have ever needed, and though he is surprised to discover that he doesn’t even miss most of those luxuries, he finds that he doesn’t like the idea of being without something to wear. Most of his garments, in the beginning, had been borrowed or provided by the DEO. Mon-El finds that the clothes he purchased with his own currency are the ones that mean the most to him.

Kara speeds over to the rack of hanging clothes on the east side of the room and begins pulling blouses and skirts and slacks from the rack. She folds them in a blur of movement and stacks them on the bed. Leaving empty hangers behind, swinging back and forth on the rod, for him to use.

“You don’t have to—“ he begins, feeling guilty that she’s making room to accommodate his presence.

“I do,” she disagrees. “You deserve space for your own clothes and jackets. These are all summer clothes anyway,” Kara rationalizes with a casual shrug. “I can store them under the bed until May and then switch out the winter clothes on the rack for the summer ones. It’s fine.”

Following her lead, Mon-El opens the chest and begins removing his clothing, beginning with his growing collection of jackets, which he hangs up on the empty plastic coat hangers. Over by the chest of drawers, positioned against the wall near the bathroom door, she clears the bottom drawer full of novelty sweatshirts and t-shirts she rarely uses. She can go through them later and perhaps find items to donate to the ‘place of Good Will’ this weekend. Mon-El hangs up his button down shirts on the rack, while she extracts his jeans, t-shirts, and pajamas from the footlocker and organizes them in the bottom drawer of her wardrobe. When she’s done, there’s space to spare.

She folds his boxers and rolls his socks, placing them meticulously in the top drawer alongside her socks and panties. The blood in her veins thrills at the sight, the visual evidence of their lives edging towards synchronicity. Despite her nervousness, she can’t deny that she wants this. His things mixed in with hers.

“You’re not a guest,” she says, turning around to face him, her hands clasping nervously together. “I want you to understand that. This is your home.”

His lips lift up on one side in a cock-eyed smile, hands shoved deeply into his pockets as he rocks slightly back on his heels. But his eyes gaze into hers without flinching away for the first time since his temporary breakdown. “Our home,” he amends.

Kara’s lips pursing coyly together as though trying to suppress a smile she really wants to give free reign. She nods. “Our home.”

TBC

#karamel fic #hanging on letting go series

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hypnoticharlequin · 7 years

Text

Hypnotist Posters (Again!)

I’ve done this once before, but there are so many interesting old hypnotist posters around I couldn’t resist showing off some more I’ve come across.

I covered the Flints in my previous post but I wanted to show this one off. I actually unironically love this poster as it reminds me of Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s works due to the floral pattern and the lush skin tone used on Miss Flint.

What I have found out since the last installment was that Miss Flint was heavily advertised as a solo performer, getting her own posters and other things. According to one source I found, she was famed for her dress collection and women would attend her shows, just to see what dress she was wearing that night!

Also, she had the cutest nickname a hypnotist has ever had. Seriously, “The Little Hypnotic Subeam” is just fantastic and would actually make her stand out amongst her contemporaries who went for much more formal and authoritarian titles.

I think this poster is from the 1890s. At least that is the date I see linked to this poster when it is mentioned and the art style sort of fits that date.

Obviously, the first thing that draws your attention is Kennedy and his pose. Where a lot of hypnotists went for a more intimidating or solid pose, Kennedy seems rather fancy-free.

Also, it’s nice to see the moon from Majora’s Mask getting work. This was one of it’s earlier appearances while it was still young and fresh faced. The people on the moon are pretty cute, I like the woman in the middle, I mean it takes a lot of effort to be having so much fun you almost fall off the moon. This poster seems to fit in with a tradition that saw magicians hanging out with various magical beings on their posters. Seriously, the sheer number of posters that feature magicians just chilling with Satan is pretty mind blowing.

If I could sum this poster up in one sound, it would be never ending screams.

Now, I can’t find much about “The Amazing Ormond” but I do wonder if this is Ormond McGill, better known as Dr. Zomb. He wrote the book “Encyclopedia of Genuine Stage Hypnotism” which is still considered to be the bible of stage hypnosis.

This poster is honestly terrifying. I’m not sure if it’s partially due to the reproduction, old paper stock with a black background is notorious for its inability to scan well. But the black eyes mixed with the uplighting give this a seriously creepy vibe, Ormond’s face having an almost uncanny valley look to it.

But, I can’t deny it worked, I’m not able to go through my folder of hypnosis posters without this one catching my eye. In fact, one of the main reasons I am writing this post is so I can delete this image from my hard drive.

I don’t know why, but this poster reminds me of a perfume ad. I’m not sure if it’s the color palette or Miss Brandon’s slightly wistful look.

Joan Brandon is pretty famous in magic circles for being the first televised female magician. She was famous for combing her magic with orchestra music (played by her own orchestra) and was very well known for her signature trick, a magic cocktail bar (a variation on the Think-A-Drink trick.)

In hypnosis circles, she is most known for her books, The Art of Hypnotism, Successful Hypnotism, The Science of Self-Hypnosis and Help Yourself Thru Hypnotism and Self Hypnosis which are all still good reads even to this day.

The Art Of Hypnotism is also known for its rather amusing photographic illustrations. It’s easy to find online but quite often turns up for a few dollars on eBay or in second-hand bookstores and I thoroughly recommend it.

This poster is one of those I see around a lot and only recently bothered to look into the history of. It’s from 1966 and I always thought it was from later on. This poster looks just so very 60s I really had it down as a later parody of the style as opposed to actually just being of that era.

It actually took me a long time to find out even the most basic things about this guy but Merlin (real name William Joseph Rawle) was from Australia and was Australia’s oldest performing hypnotist.

I want to zoom into the text under Merlin for a moment, as it is rather glorious.

It really is a throwback to older posters to have a description of the acts performed front and center, but compared to some of the older hypnosis posters (which promised utterly insane things) this seems rather restrained. In fact, these are now considered stock hypnotist tricks.

What makes me chuckle is the onion eating trick. It’s done all the time but it always interests me to see which fruit is used as the replacement taste. In the UK it always tended to be an apple, and I’ve seen orange used a bit in the US. I wonder if you could do a chart of “onion taste replacement fruits” arranged by geography.

Being the oldest performing hypnotist, Merlin has several other posters over the years.

This one focuses more on his mind reading as opposed to his hypnotism, but I utterly love the design. It has this almost 3D effect which makes it look like the poster has a few actual physical layers, but I do suspect it might be the issue with scanning black ink rearing it’s ugly head once more.

While the last one was pretty joyous this one is practically metal, with its skulls and very industrial images in the crystal ball.

This poster seems very old school compared to the other two, mostly due to how text-heavy it is. But unlike some posters, the claims all seem pretty normal by today’s standards. The only one that sticks out to me is the one about treating children for nervous complaints while they sleep. All the methods I have seen for this involve just standing and whispering to your child while they sleep because nothing helps the nerves more than an adult looming over your bed whispering at you in the deepest, darkest night.

Virgil and Julie were a big magic act in the 1950s and 1960s taking shows containing a few hundred illusions around the world.

Hypnotism played a part but it was nowhere near the focus of the show, but this poster is something to behold, it really is a mish-mash of everything that was hip in the era. The B-movie Esq UFO and the almost eerie-cutie spacewoman flying around it.

Julie’s costume is very similar to that of the Jeannie from the Tv series I Dream Of Jeannie which debuted in 1965 and went a long way to putting the “harem” costume we know today into the public consciousness.

I want to end on this poster which became quite the rabbit hole for me and I’m frankly not 100% sure I’m correct on all of it.

I had a real good laugh when I saw the Reveer because he looks like every stereotype of a magician and hero cowboy got thrown into a blender. The turban and the Lone Ranger mask just look so silly together.

I also found it funny that his name was close to that of Reveen, the hypnotist famous for his performances in Canada who would have been performing at around this time.

Then I got to digging and found I could find hardly anything on Reveer, apart from some poster seller listing him as Tony Cole, a magician who apparently worked sharpshooting into his magic act which does explain the Lone Ranger mask.

Tony Cole also apparently had posters of his own, but all I can find of them is the following:

And no, Tumblr isn’t going weird, that is the only image I can find of one of his posters. I did, however, turn up a news article on him from 1977 from “The Independent Record from Helena, Montana” advertising a show he was going to do.

As you can see the resembelence is there so I presume this is the same guy.

As an aside, you might realize this picture is totally and utterly unreadable. The place I found it had the plain text of the article, unfortunately, it was made by OCR copying the document and the results are an utter mess.

Some highlights include:

To be able to make someone do what another person desires carl brln^a gleam .into the eyes of ambitious people.

This impression oF hypnotism's power is one of the mast fallacious and dangerous, according to Cole, who when pressed will admit bis lull name is Tony Colo, a hypnotist, magician ami entertainer.

In between all the weird OCR errors, we can see a recurring theme that Tony Cole doesn’t like to use his first name, which means he is the Cole from the latter poster and would explain why he would make a stage character.

M PEOPLE L'NDEH HYPNOSIS won t do anything they wouldn't do normally, " ttie Canadian-born entertainer said In an Interview In Helena.

Cole recalled ihnl a Groat Falls A A W manager had been hypnotized and was told he was Elvis Presley. The man began gyrating and singing, dulng spills and performing in the late-lfloOs style (bat endeared Presley lo the teen set. Cole said. He added that the shy A & W manager would not normally rarry 1 don't think a person has to put someone in an embarrassing situation or use anything smutty or not in clean family fun in order to entertain.

I’m sure we can all agree that Elvis’ late-LfloOs style was by far his best style and one that really became his signature. And all of the teen girls were into Elvis for his pet bat.

He tries, to Tony Cole, a hypnotist, magician and all-around entertainer correct any misconceptions about hypnotism, anri he hypnotizes willing members of the audience.

He tries to himself? Is that some artsy way of saying he tries to be himself?

On his stage, people might shiver In Ihc arctic temperatures he has described or away In Lhc breeze like palm trees.

And his chauffeur and helper, Wayne Adolph, emphatically added In his gravelly voice. "It's real."

I don’t know why that bit made me laugh so hard, but it really did. I’m not sure if it’s the fact the guy is called his “helper” or just the fact he decided to just randomly join the interview.

MORE AND MORE PEOPLE are believing in Ihr authenticity of hypnosis, contends Cole, who has certificates from at least three schools of hypnotism and who has been licensed to leach hypnotism Physicians, dentists, psychiatrists, pollliuUnH, ministers, entertainers, teachers, lawyers, salesmen, atnletes and pilots are among those, who are studying or using hypnosis, Cole said.

Some beneficial uses for which hypnosis Is being sLudled include easing childbirth, treating alcoholism, slopping smokers from Indulging and treating empbysemn and asthma victims to breathe properly.

All of these arc medical uses or hypnosis and "the practitioner must by certified as a hypnolechuician and receive a doctor's prescribed order before he hypnotizes someone. Cole said.

Yes, everyone remember to become certified as a hypnolechuician, that is a very important qualification to have.

But ask him about himself and the answers dissolve in shrugs and evasiveness. He doesn't like to use his first name.

Again, some more information that works with the idea that Cole had a few side characters he played sometimes.

He makes good money at hypnotism and his oilier entertainments as he travels across the country and into Canada.

However, I do not wish to see Mr. Cole’s oilier entertainments.

"I know I have a talent but that talent should he scared. ]f pc0pte |,ave a latent and don't share it they re ripping it elf."

And your guess is as good as mine on this last one.

So there we have it, The Great Reveer, hypnotist and fiction all rolled into one oddly costumed package. I wish I could find more on this as there seems to be an interesting story in here, but unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any records I can find.

However, if this taught us anything, it’s that if I get bored of hypnosis, I can just turn this into a bad OCR blog.

#hypnosis #hypnotism #stage hypnosis #posters #design #hypnotists #ocr

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ohmytheon · 7 years

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A Brief Lesson in Chemistry (Rebelcaptain College AU, 3)

A direct sequel to this, but all you need to know is that they're going to a party and it's obviously going to be lots of fun while Cassian suffers. Because that's what he does in every universe. Part of me wants to do a fun "morning after" fic. Ah, college parties, so good and yet so very bad.

The night began with a twist -- because of course it did. Right when Cassian was about to text Jyn that he was heading over, resigned to the fact that they would be using his POS car, he received a text from her saying that she was on her way. It was the first time she had ever warned him that she was coming over, something that had Kay raising his eyebrows over Cassian’s shoulders as he read the message himself. Cassian never bothered hiding his phone from Kay, who was tall enough to see over everything it seemed.

When they walked out, a car was just pulling up. The passenger window rolled down to reveal Jyn, who waved at them. Cassian and Kay glanced at one another, steeling themselves for the night, and then got in the back. She spun around in her seat to greet them, grasping the back of the seat. “Figured since you invited us, we should give you a ride.”

Kay looked around appreciatively. “I did not expect you to have such a clean car.”

“Oh, it’s not mine,” Jyn replied dismissively. “It’s Bodhi’s.”

Bodhi, who was driving, waved a hand. “Hi.”

“We appreciate the ride,” Cassian put in, knowing that Kay would fail to say anything. Not because he was rude, but because he simply forgot and thought the gratefulness was already implied.

“No problem,” Bodhi said. “It just gives me a reason to not get drunk.”

Jyn gave him a mournful look and reached out to ruffle Bodhi’s hair. The driver tried to jerk his head away, but laughed as she messed his hair up. “A shame too. He’s really quite a fun drunk. Loves to sing and dance.”

“Except I’m terrible at both,” Bodhi added.

Cassian couldn’t help but smile. There was definitely something about Bodhi that smoothed Jyn out. She became softer around him, more at ease. Perhaps it was because Cassian had the same effect on her at times that Jyn had on him. Mostly comfortable, but sometimes incredibly tense out of nowhere. Bodhi was an all-around good guy, if not a bit talkative if he got on a subject he liked or was nervous, but it was easy to see that she was fond of him and even when he was nervous she was relaxed.

“Have you ever been to one of these parties?” Jyn asked as they pulled off campus.

“No, they are not my thing, as you pointed out,” Cassian answered. He didn’t care if it made him sound lame. At least Kay didn’t pipe up that it was because Cassian was too busy studying or playing video games and eating cheap jalapeno poppers for dinner or something like that. It would make him sound like a lame nerd. “But I did not think I should turn down the invitation either. It sounded fun.”

“Oh, they’re a bit more than that,” Jyn laughed.

“Have you been to one?” Kay questioned.

“Only once.” Before Kay could demand how, she continued, “I know some of the people that run in the same circles as Solo. It’s not like I got a personal invite.” She smiled at them, but there was something wolfish about it, like she knew things that they didn’t. Seeing as how she had been to a Solo party before and they didn’t, she very likely did. “It was very...interesting. Things can get rowdy and turn into a mess and some of the people seem downright unsavory compared to college kids, but Solo is pretty good at setting ground rules. Anyone that causes too much trouble gets thrown out and banned.”

“Sounds hypocritical to me,” Kay said. He had a high opinion of everyone outside of Cassian clearly.

Jyn shrugged her shoulders. “It takes a ruffian to deal with ruffians.”

The house in question was too far away from campus. It was in a little neighborhood with just enough distance from other houses to give neighbors some peace and mind. From what Cassian had heard, Solo had a deal with his neighbors so that he could throw these infamous parties. Cassian could not deny being intrigued. His eyes were glued on the house as they parked, watching people stumble about in the lawn and conversing, but when he looked away, he found that Jyn’s eyes were on him. She turned in her seat quickly. He couldn’t tell if she was embarrassed at being caught or if she was merely ready to get out of the car.

Unfortunately, Cassian found that he still had a few nerves left. He thought that he had rid himself of them long ago in the foster care system, but it appeared as if a few had straggled on, just to cause him social anxiety at a college house party. How inconvenient. Kay didn’t seem to mind at all, but then he was oblivious to most things. Nothing bothered him. He’d get to talking and loosen up after a few drinks. Jyn seemed utterly confident as they walked to the house. Only when he spotted Bodhi, subconsciously reaching up to adjust the goggles he wore for work but weren’t there, did he realize that he was not alone in being slightly nervous.

They pushed their way inside, Bodhi offering unheard apologies, both Kay and Jyn dead silent, and Cassian falling somewhere in between. Upon reaching the living room, someone called out his name and they all froze. Leia Organa managed to squeeze herself through the dancing mob, somehow managing to look radiant and very daring in a pretty white outfit, and threw her arms around Cassian, pulling him down into a hug that he somewhat stiffly returned. If she noticed, she didn’t care.

“You made it!” Leia exclaimed. “I’m so relieved. Most of the people I invited haven’t shown up yet.”

Cassian scratched the back of his head. “You invited me. It would have been rude of me to turn the offer down.”

Leia’s smile was bright and genial, making it very obvious why people gravitated towards her. She greeted all of them warmly, shaking Kay’s hand and introducing herself to Bodhi, though it was unnecessary. Jyn was the last one, hanging in the back, her arms folded across her chest. She didn’t look happy, but she didn’t look mad either, just wary for the first time.

“You must be Jyn,” Leia said in a more careful tone. Jyn glanced at Cassian, probably wondering how her name was known since she wasn’t well-known throughout the campus. Leia was smart though: she caught the look on Jyn’s face and a conspiratorial yet amused expression crossed her face. “Cassian told me about you when I invited him to the party.”

Jyn looked surprised, her eyes widening and mouth parting slightly. Cassian looked away before she could connect eyes with him again, clearing his throat, determined not to blush. His face felt hot though. If he kept his attention on the lopsided pictures on the wall, he wouldn’t have to look back at her. Kay huffed dramatically, either annoyed with Cassian’s refusal to admit things or with the fact that he’d talked about Jyn in the first place.

“But we’re here to have fun now!” Leia exclaimed cheerfully. “Come with me into the kitchen. It’s a bit grimy, but I’ll get you all some drinks.”

“I thought this was Han Solo’s party,” Kay pointed out, but he followed her regardless. They all did. Now that people recognized her, they gave her room to walk so that they didn’t have to fight their way through.

Leia winked. “We’ll let him keep thinking that, shall we?”

Kay didn’t know how to respond to that, so he stayed quiet, looking a little bemused. Cassian pat him on the back. Best not to overthink it. Solo had it bad for Leia and, since this was her first time here, he had likely told his group to make sure that no matter what, she was having a good time. Little did he realize that he was handing her this party on a silver platter. Luckily, Leia was a generous person, if not fiery.

True to her word, Leia got them all something to drink. Cassian was not surprised that Jyn stuck with a simple beer while both Kay and Bodhi opted for something fruity to hide the taste of alcohol. She seemed to have warmed up to Leia, but she was still cool and strangely quiet. The confidence she’d had walking in here was subdued as she held onto the beer with two hands, her fingers delicately laid over top one another. His eyes moved around the room, trying to think of something, when he finally spotted just what he needed.

Picking up the bottle and two small shot glasses, Cassian pushed his way over to her. “Shot?”

Jyn let one hand drop and lifted the other to take a swig of the beer, her eyes latched onto his. He didn’t look away, returning the challenging look. “Sure you can handle that?”

“Please,” Cassian scoffed, “it’s tequila.” He smiled. “Unless you cannot?”

Using her free hand, Jyn snatched the liquor bottle out of his hand. “Set the glasses down. No need to dirty dishes.” She titled the bottom of the bottle up, taking what looked like a monster swig, and then quickly chased the shot with a few gulps of her beer. He couldn’t decide whether to be impressed or scared, so he settled on merely gaping at her. She closed her eyes and took a few breaths to steady herself before opening them again and shoving the bottle against his chest. “Your turn.”

Cassian wiped the look off his face as he set the shot glasses down and took the bottle from her, a little harder than he’d intended. He took the same shot, but only needed one gulp of his beer to chase it. He slammed the bottle on the counter and grinned down at her. “Wasn’t so bad.”

“Oh yeah?” Jyn narrowed her eyes, took another swig of her beer. He did the same. Warmth tingled in his belly from the liquor. Luckily he’d eaten a hardier dinner than usual. No way was he getting sick. Besides, this wasn’t his first time taking shots, despite his so-called goodie-two-shoe ways. “Say, how are you at beer pong?”

“I have been told I have excellent aim,” Cassian replied. “Why? Want to be partners?”

“No,” Jyn said, stepping close enough to him so that her chest was barely brushing against his. He stopped himself from sucking in a gasp of air. She tilted her chin up and smirked at him, the look she always gave him whenever she got this close to him, the kind that made him want to lean down and wipe it away. “I want to destroy you at it.” Without warning, she brushed past him and shouted, “Shara! Want to partner with me and call next? We’ll mop the table with these boys.”

Cassian took a deep breath and raised his head. Stay cool. He had to stay cool. But he felt as if he had been holding his breath ever since he took that shot.

“You’re doing it,” Kay proclaimed disapprovingly.

“Doing what?” Cassian demanded, turning to face his dormmate.

Kay sipped on his drink. “Don’t feign innocent with me.” He wagged a finger at him. “You can trick others with that face, but not me.”

“I am not feigning anything,” Cassian replied, but then his eyes caught Jyn in the crowd and he stiffened when she stuck her tongue out at him. She disappeared into the other room with the girl she’d called out, a mutual friend he hadn’t known they had, leaving him with a scoffing Kay and a polite Bodhi pretending to know nothing. “If you will excuse me, I am going to walk around the place.”

“To find Erso?” Kay asked.

“No,” Cassian said forcefully before he walked in the opposite direction she had gone.

He wasn’t. He had been the one to invite her to this party; he wasn’t going to follow her around like some sort of forlorn puppy. Just because he wasn’t familiar to these sort of things didn’t mean that he was a social disaster. He knew how to mingle. He was pretty good at it too once he put his mind to it. Talking came naturally to him, but what he was really good at was getting other people to talk to him. Alcohol made it that much easier. He would not look for Jyn. He would wait for her to come to him. He didn’t understand a lot of her motives, but he knew that she would do that.

Thirty minutes later, as he stood in the backyard by a bonfire talking with a group containing a handful of college students, someone who may or may not have been dealing drugs, and a flight student, Jyn found him. One second the flight student was on his right and the next Jyn was at his elbow. Her hand stopped short of his arm when he turned back to look back at her.

“Still want to play?”

“Of course,” Cassian told her. “How else am I going to knock that ego down a peg?”

Jyn snorted. “Do you have a partner?”

“Hm, let me see…” Cassian glanced around and then clapped the flight student on the shoulder. “Kes, would you like to help me show the ropes to these ladies at beer pong?” Kes, the young man in question, looked taken aback, clearly not prepared to being called out. He was slick in a plane, but apparently had trouble elsewhere. Another beer and he’d be good. “Shara is playing.”

“I, uh--” Kes smiled nervously, but he was looking at Shara when he did so. The girl laid an arm on Jyn’s shoulder, taller than her, and leaned her head on top of Jyn’s in a show of physical affection that made Cassian strangely jealous. “Sure, Cassian, yeah, I can play. I’ve only played a few times though...”

“Do not worry about it.” Cassian held out a hand, allowing Jyn and Shara to lead the way. The two boys followed dutifully. One of the beer pong games was just finishing up, the losers chugging the rest of their drinks. All four helped reset the table, filling the cups with water instead of beer. This place might be a madhouse, but please, they weren’t above sanitation. “Need I remind anyone of the rules?”

“No,” Jyn said, throwing him a ping pong. He snatched it out of the air. Both of them stepped up to face off to see whose team went first. The first shot, their balls somehow managed to hit one another. Both Shara and Kes missed theirs. When Cassian and Jyn faced off again, Cassian sunk one in while Jyn missed by a hair. She smiled, but with her teeth, obviously displeased. “Age before beauty.”

Cassian chuckled as he handed a ping pong to Kes and lined up for a shot. “Calling yourself beautiful?”

“Do you not think I am?” Jyn asked innocently.

He missed his first shot so badly that Kes coughed and Shara laughed.

Oh, no, now Jyn was really going down. Cassian glared at her, ignoring Kes missing his shot as well, as she looked back at him smugly. The game was on. If she thought that he might go easy on her, well, she was wrong.

Kes had been honest when he’d said that he had only played a few times. He wasn’t that good. He got steadily better throughout the game, but kept drinking even out of turn, so that eventually he became a bit sloppy. Shara was sharp and Jyn was good as well. They made a very dangerous duo. He could definitely see why Jyn had immediately picked Shara as her teammate. They had done this before.

But Cassian hadn’t been lying. He was an excellent shot. He picked up Kes’ slack with ease and was bolstered by his partner’s confidence in him. Refusing to let Jyn get to him anymore, he kept an eye on any bounces. She caught one of his, smacking the ball so hard it knocked a guy in the back of the head and he almost started a fight. He was tossed out by a guy with shaggy brown hair that was somehow even taller than Kay and a lot more intimidating.

They were neck and neck in the end, one cup on each end and on their second drinks besides Kes who had gone through three beers. Neither one of them seemed capable of hitting the last cup. Jyn’s bounced off the edge every time while Shara either undershot or overshot. Kes’ aims were nowhere near, sometimes missing the table completely, while Cassian’s just barely missed. One slid around the lip, but Jyn had leaned down and almost gently blown it out of the cup. He had not enjoyed watching that happen one bit.

“I thought you were a sharpshooter,” Jyn teased.

“I thought you were going to destroy me,” Cassian threw back.

Kes cleared his throat and stepped forward, slightly swaying on his feet. He had the ping pong ball in one hand and a mixed drink in the other. Where had that come from? He lobbed the ball in the air and all of them watched as it plopped a few inches away from the cup and then bounced right in. “Oh,” was all he said.

Cassian didn’t care if he hadn’t done it himself. “We won!” People cheered around them. He could almost kiss the other boy for the sour look on Jyn’s face, but didn’t. Instead, he hugged Kes, who wore a loopy if not embarrassed grin, and took the drink out of his hands. Poor kid needed a break and deserved one after winning the game. Kes didn’t even notice, not when Shara came over to congratulate him.

As the next game was being set up, Cassian swung around the table towards Jyn, who was finishing her drink as per the rules. He couldn’t stop the broad grin from splitting across his face. “Well, that settles it.”

“I suppose it does,” Jyn replied before tossing her empty beer into a trash can. Again she wore that not happy but not mad look that he wasn’t sure what to make of. She had a more difficult time hiding how she felt than he did, especially after drinking, so she forced her expression into something else. “I suppose you get something since you’re the winner and all.”

“I was not aware that the victor got a prize,” Cassian said, still feeling high off his victory. He would have to thank Kes later when the boy was of sound mind and not completely focused on a very pretty girl. Because he was still feeling good about himself though, he didn’t catch the intent in her voice.

A strange look flittered across Jyn’s face: a cross between daring and shy. Her eyes hardened, but then she bit her lip, the two emotions contrasting beautifully on her face, like she was afraid of something but was going to do it anyways. “How about a dance?”

“A dance?”

The high was quickly fading, replaced by the steady buzz of alcohol. He let her take his hand and guide him into the very dimly lit living room where the music was thumping the loudest. If he had been able to pay attention to anyone but Jyn, who was gazing up at him determinedly, he would’ve seen Kay animatedly telling a story to two gawking girls while Bodhi looked on in amusement. He would’ve seen that Leia was actually dancing with Han Solo of her own violation. He might’ve noticed a hundred things that would’ve made him laugh.

But Cassian could only look at Jyn.

Both of them were either too nervous or uncoordinated due to the alcohol to dance well enough, but he didn’t care. She looped her arms around his neck and he slipped his around her waist, pulling her close to him so that her body was flush against his. She was soft yet firm, pliant in his arms as they moved messily to the beat. No one was dancing well here, but it didn’t matter. The room was hot and smothering and the music drowned out any chance of a conversation.

He pressed his forehead against hers and closed his eyes, just feeling the way she felt against him. This was the closest he had ever gotten to her. Normally, one of them pulled away, like the pull was too much to bear. With the help of alcohol though, he could ignore the fear that usually settled in his gut. He liked having her this close, wanted her closer even though he was close enough for her breath to mingle with his. She smelled like beer and tequila and mint. He kept his hands on her waist despite the urge to let them roam. He didn’t want to push his luck and have her running away on him if he misread things.

And then she spun around, sliding under his hands, and pressed back against him that forced him to hitch his breath. His hands moved to the front of her thighs, then one back to her waist again. He had to get control over himself. They were in public, after all, and he was acting like an idiot. Except then she slid down before grinding back up against him, this time causing him to bury his face in the crook of her neck and groan. Her skin was soft yet slightly slick. He had to pull away before he did something stupid.

She was trying to kill him. This hadn’t been a prize. This was torture.

“Jyn,” he breathed into her ear, loud enough for her to hear over the music.

“Hm?” She kept dancing against him.

Cassian pulled her tight against. “You have to stop.”

“Why?” So innocent and coy. She was playing with him. This was her revenge for losing. When she turned around to face him, it took every inch of his sanity that hadn’t been taken over by the alcohol and Jyn to not pull her into a hungry, demanding kiss.

“Because you are a very cruel girl,” Cassian told her.

“Not enjoying it?”

Oh, he was definitely enjoying it. Too much. Uncomfortably too much. Great, now he was going to have to excuse himself to the bathroom to calm down and there was probably a line. Awful, terrible girl. Even worse, if she was doing this, then she knew what effect she had on him. She knew. They were supposed to be friends, as strange as the friendship was. How was he supposed to face her now?

“Jyn,” he said again, because he didn’t know what else to say.

It was only then that he noticed how heavily she was breathing. Her mouth was parted slightly as she breathed, her chest rising and falling, and her eyes… It was dark in the room, but he could see how blown her pupils were when a random light flashed on her face. She’d stopped dancing, but she didn’t pull away from him. Only a few inches separated the two of them. He could kiss her now and no one would even notice probably. He wanted to and he thought, crazily enough, that she did too.

“There you two are!”

Both Cassian and Jyn jerked away from one another and whipped around to face whoever had shouted at them. It was, predictably, Kay, who was too drunk to notice what he’d interrupted. Even on accident, he managed to burst in at the most inopportune times. Curse Kay for being such a light weight.

“Where have you been?” Kay demanded. He blinked down at them. “Oh, you’re both sweaty. Gross.”

Jyn glanced around, looking everywhere but the two boys. “I, ah, I need some air.”

“I’ll get us something to drink,” Cassian added. Both of them darted out of the living room, leaving Kay on his own. It was rude and Cassian would apologize later, but right now, Kay was probably too drunk to notice how awkward the two of them had suddenly become. He merely huffed and waved a frantic hand at Bodhi while Cassian hurried to the bathroom instead.

After waiting in line and using the restroom, Cassian went to the kitchen to get two more drinks. He was waiting patiently, his mind elsewhere, when someone bumped into him and he glanced backwards.

“Oh, sorry!” It was only Luke Skywalker though, Leia’s twin brother. As nice as Leia was, it was very obvious to everyone that Luke was the nicer of the two. Unlike her, he had been raised in the country and was polite in a way that was extraordinarily genuine. “This place was built like a haphazard jigsaw puzzle.”

“It is nothing,” Cassian said. He got along well with Luke, though he was closer to Leia. The boy was endlessly friendly though in a way that Cassian felt like he could only match when faking it. Luke was the kind of person that was potentially capable of befriending a person that was trying to mug him. He just had a way about him that convinced anyone to listen to him. It was hard to stay mad at him.

“Say, I didn’t know you had a girlfriend,” Luke pointed out as both of them grabbed their drinks.

“What?” Cassian turned around and gave him a confused look. “I do not--” Ah, so Luke had seen him and Jyn dancing then. He did his best not to flush. “She is not my girlfriend. We are friends. That is all.”

Luke smiled, but his eyes glanced at the two beers in Cassian’s hand before returning to his face. “Of course. My apologies again. I’m stumbling all over the place. Not used to drinking really.” He pat Cassian on the arm. “I’ll see you around!”

After that debacle, Cassian shoved his way through the crowd until he could get outside. It was dark and it was hard to tell the difference between people, but he finally spotted Jyn standing in front of the bonfire he had been near earlier, except she was alone and staring into it silently. More subdued again. He thought it was being around so many people for so long. It wore her out. She wasn’t as capable at spreading her energy around like he was. Came from being something of a loner. Swimming was a loner sport, even during relays, from what he’d seen.

“Hey,” Cassian greeted quietly, holding out the beer for her. Jyn took it, nodding at him, but then went back to staring into the fire.

It would’ve been cold out if not for the warmth of the flames. A part of him wished that she would lean against him or he was brave enough to move closer to her, but they didn’t. He didn’t find her silence discomforting. It felt good to be quiet after all the noise of the party and the struggle in his head. He thought about making a joke about s’mores, but then couldn’t find the right words, so he merely stayed quiet.

Then, out of nowhere, he felt something brush against his hand. It happened again until he realized that it was her free hand, which was dangling down at her side. She moved to put her hand in her pocket, but then he grasped it, fitting her fingers in between his. She didn’t look at him or so much as smile, only took a swig of her drink, but she gripped his hand tightly so that he could not mistake her intent whatsoever.

This, he couldn’t help but think, holding hands with her, felt almost as intimate as dancing with her, if not more, because it was soft and gentle, none of the things she showed others. Maybe she had just needed a little liquid courage to get there herself. He could understand that. It even made him smile a little, but he hid it by taking a drink of his beer. It was a good party, the best one he’d ever been to, and the night felt like it had just begun.

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