Left the train and went into the ubahn and when i left it i looked right at the bavaria statue.... I might get sick

Like Lightning After the Thunder: Chapter One: Damned Smile

Fic Summary:

His breath wavered as he stared into Katsuki’s eyes. He knew he could get out if he tried. He could knock Katsuki out, hope that no one else would find them, and run back into the shadows where he belonged. Katsuki may have had him pinned down but he was in Denki’s range now and it would take little effort to send a charge through Katsuki to paralyze him temporarily.

It would take barely any additional effort to kill Katsuki.

As the sparks began to charge, lighting up the air around him, Katsuki refused to back down.

–

Katsuki always knew he was destined for great things.

He didn’t think he’d have to turn his back on all he’s ever known to get there.

Rating: T

Warnings: Eventual major character death, implied/referenced child abuse, psychological trauma

Other Tags: Bakugou Katsuki/Kaminari Denki, slow burn, alternate universe - canon divergence

Read on Ao3 (links to corresponding chapter) or read below

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--

Even years later, that damn smile haunted his dreams.

There was absolutely no reason for him to still think about the event. Everything had been taken care of when it had happened― injuries were treated, authorities alerted, information secured, and a press conference to tie it all up in a big red bow. There were no loose ends, no surprise second coming, no physical reminders of what happened lingering in his daily life. Katsuki would have labeled it as done, dealt with, and no longer relevant, shoving it aside in his memory so he could focus on actual important shit.

Except his mind had different plans.

When he was lucky, he could completely forget about the event for months. Other times, his dreams would be filled with nothing but that damn smile, taunting him with its silence. He could usually predict when the dreams would come― the anniversary of the event for example― but other times, it seemed like anything could trigger the memory. He once saw a bright yellow balloon and for the rest of the day, every time he closed his eyes he saw that damned smile, never wavering despite the curses and insults Katsuki spewed.

He wanted to forget it. He wanted so desperately to forget it. For the image to erase itself from his mind, for it to take the feelings away with it. He could deal with the anger, he could always deal with the anger, but when his memory reminded him of the wave of hurt and betrayal that nearly blinded him…

When his alarm jolted him from his sleep and freed him from the smile, he couldn’t get out of bed fast enough. He woke up drenched in a cold sweat, sheets singed and smoking lightly as he unclenched his hands, and Katsuki was, for once, very relieved that not all of his sweat was explosive. He slapped the singes a few times to ensure that all of the embers were put out before heading for the bathroom, cursing under his breath as he flinched at his own reflection in the mirror.

There was nothing particularly wrong with his appearance, if you didn’t count the dark circles under his eyes from a fitful night’s sleep or his clammy skin, but after being plagued by the smile, Katsuki could barely look at himself. His reaction to the smile made him feel weak, like he couldn’t handle himself and that there was something wrong with him. It was just a smile after all. There was no reason for him to react to it like a nightmare, no reason for him to lose sleep over it or to feel overwhelmed by emotions at the thought of it.

Yet when he saw the smile and saw how the corners of his mouth were tugged a bit too tight, how his eyes were open a bit too wide, how the only shine in his eyes were the reflections of light on tears that refused to fall…

Katsuki cursed.

The icy cold shower did little to help distract him from the memory, nor did his morning run nor the steaming shower he took after. He wasn’t supposed to head into the agency today, so he didn’t have any planned beatdowns for today, and yes he probably shouldn’t be hoping for it, but part of him hoped for a sudden emergency villain so he could distract himself by focusing on beating some villain’s ass into next week.

A few hours later when his phone refused to stop buzzing, Katsuki wondered if throwing his phone across the room until it stopped would be close enough to beating villain ass to work. He reluctantly decided that talking to people so they’d leave him alone was probably less hassle to deal with than having to replace his phone and distribute his new number (even if it would give him an excuse to ghost some of these damn extras).

A few individual texts and a group text were the cause of the buzzing. As the group text’s new message count continued to rise, he figured it would be easier to respond to the individual texts first. Just in case he changed his mind about destroying the phone.

Four Eyes (Rocket Legs): Hello Bakugou, this is a reminder about the upcoming Class A reunion. As the head of the reunion committee, it is my duty to ensure an accurate headcount for the event, and I have yet to receive your response about your attendance. Please ensure to respond via the following link by this Friday at 11:59PM. [Class A 10 Year Reunion RSVP]

Four Eyes (Rocket Legs): In case you missed the previous messages regarding the reunion, the event is March 28th starting at 7PM at the Shinjuku Hotel in Musutafu. If you need to rent a room for the night or the weekend, please alert the Shinjuku Hotel staff that you are part of the Class A reunion party by next Wednesday for an event discount.

Katsuki frowned. He wasn’t exactly looking forward to the possibility of being surrounded by all of his former classmates and even less at the idea of being socially obligated to spend the entire evening with them. At least when he met up with his friends elsewhere, he could always claim needing to leave early so he could make the last train or that work needed him to come in early the next day.

He closed out of the conversation, figuring he still had a few more days to decide if he really wanted to deal with his classmates for an entire evening.

Midoriya: Hey Katsugou! I was wondering if you’re going to go to the reunion? Tenya said the deadline to RSVP is coming soon and we haven’t heard from you, so I just thought I’d check in!

Katsuki: The fuck is Katsugou?

Midoriya: Oh sorry!! Typo!!

Midoriya: Anyway, are you coming?

Katsuki closed out of the conversation and moved on to the next one.

Shitty Hair: Katsuki! Are you coming to the reunion or not dude????

Katsuki: Fuck off.

Shitty Hair: Aww dude that’s no way to talk to your best friend, you know you love me!!

Katsuki: I’m blocking you.

He did not, in fact, block him. But he did close out of Eijirou’s texts.

Save for the newest text sent directly from Eijirou, all that was left was the backlog of texts in the group text. It had kept going off while he was reading the other conversations, so Katsuki figured it meant that everyone was either off for the day or on their lunch break.

Raccoon Eyes: guys!!!!! the reunion is COMING UPPPPPP!!!!

Raccoon Eyes: i cant wait to s

Raccoon Eyes: ee all of u guys again!!

Tape Face: lmao you saw us last week

Raccoon Eyes: yes

Raccoon Eyes: an eteRNITY ago

Raccoon Eyes: and like

Raccoon Eyes: kats left early so we didnt have everyone

Raccoon Eyes: so it doesnt count

Shitty Hair: Yeah Katsuki don’t leave early next time!!

Raccoon Eyes: we just have to hold him hostage next time

Raccoon Eyes: or like

Raccoon Eyes: AMBUSH him

Tape Face: i can always tape him up

Raccoon Eyes: YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES

Raccoon Eyes: tape him to the wall

Raccoon Eyes: and then like

Raccoon Eyes: steal his wallet

Raccoon Eyes: cant get on transit w no moneys

Raccoon Eyes: ei and han hold him down

Raccoon Eyes: i run to hide his wallet where he cant fi

Raccoon Eyes: nd it

Raccoon Eyes: probs keeps kats tapped to the wall all night

Raccoon Eyes: free up his arms so he can have a drink????

Tape Face: explosion palms dude

Raccoon Eyes: oh u right

Raccoon Eyes: he can just have a cup w like

Raccoon Eyes: a REALLY REALLY long straw

Raccoon Eyes: make sure u tape him up w his hands behind his back

Tape Face: you got it

Shitty Hair: He’s in this chat guys he’s going to see the plan

Raccoon Eyes: whatevs we can still totally blindside him

Raccoon Eyes: ANYWAYS

Raccoon Eyes: ure all going right?????

Tape Face: ya I rsvpd a while back

Shitty Hair: Yep!! Wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Raccoon Eyes: what about u kats

Raccoon Eyes: kats???

Raccoon Eyes: KAAAAAAAAAAAAATS

Raccoon Eyes: k

Raccoon Eyes: a

Shitty Hair: I’ll text him separately

Raccoon Eyes: t

Tape Face: he probably has this muted lmao

Raccoon Eyes: s

Raccoon Eyes: !!!!!!

Raccoon Eyes: how dare u ignore us

Raccoon Eyes: after everything weve done for u!!!!

Raccoon Eyes: thought we were ur ride or die hoes

Raccoon Eyes: dont tell me ur not going!!!!!

Raccoon Eyes: im so offended

Raccoon Eyes: how could u do this to us kats

Shitty Hair: Maybe he’s at work today?

Raccoon Eyes: boo

Raccoon Eyes: how dare he prioritize wo

Raccoon Eyes: rk over us

Raccoon Eyes: his best friends

Raccoon Eyes: the suns of his life

Raccoon Eyes: the bit of happiness in the cold

Raccoon Eyes: cold

Raccoon Eyes: cold

Tape Face: coooooooooold

Raccoon Eyes: COOOOOOOOLD

Raccoon Eyes: thing he calls a heart

Shitty Hair: Lmao

Tape Face: its got a bit of warmth

Tape Face: most of it is his temper

Raccoon Eyes: boom boom POW

Raccoon Eyes: well while we wait for kats

Raccoon Eyes: help me pick some photos for the slideshow!!

Tape Face: are you doing only UA pics or some stuff since then

Tape Face: somehow iida managed to not specify lmao

Shitty Hair: The info email was like ten pages, how did he miss it

Tape Face: idk

Raccoon Eyes: ive got plenty for both!!

Raccoon Eyes: momo said pref UA pics but some new stuff is good too

Raccoon Eyes: show how far weve come n all that

Tape Face: oh cool let me get some opinions then too

Shitty Hair: Anyone have any pics of the camping trip from second year?

Raccoon Eyes: before or after todoroki and kats’ fight turned it into a icy hot springs

Shitty Hair: Both lmao but probably before it went to hell

Raccoon Eyes: image.png

Raccoon Eyes: ofc ive got us chillin in the springs

Raccoon Eyes: well most of us

Raccoon Eyes: kats u never get in the water w us :C

Raccoon Eyes: lets go to the beach next time!!

Tape Face: hed prob boil the water w you in it if you dragged him in lmao

Tape Face: spicy acid time

Raccoon Eyes: id like to see him TRY

Shitty Hair: Don’t tempt him lmao

Raccoon Eyes: image.png

Raccoon Eyes: image.png

Raccoon Eyes: image.png

Raccoon Eyes: i got like a shit ton more

Raccoon Eyes: should i send some of THE FIGHT

Shitty Hair: Maybe not

Tape Face: yes

Tape Face: well

Tape Face: depends on how many pissed off katsuki pics youre putting in lmao

Raccoon Eyes: OH

Raccoon Eyes: OHHHH

Raccoon Eyes: OHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Tape Face: ?

Raccoon Eyes: dude

Raccoon Eyes: do u have the POMERANIAN pic

Tape Face: o shit

Tape Face: image.png

Shitty Hair: I still think Katsuki should’ve taken that pup home

Shitty Hair: They’re matching!

Tape Face: image.png

Tape Face: i also have this one

Tape Face: when she tried to bite his nose off lmao

Raccoon Eyes: kats couldve named her king explosion murder

Raccoon Eyes: or just murder

Raccoon Eyes: p sure she wouldve tried to murder kats at least o

Raccoon Eyes: nce

Tape Face: lmao she basically tried when he found her

Shitty Hair: Maybe it’s for the best that he didn’t keep the pup

Tape Face: look what i found

Tape Face: image.png

Raccoon Eyes: AWWWW YES

Raccoon Eyes: LOOK AT USSSSS

Raccoon Eyes: we look FABBBB

Shitty Hair: Is that from the dance?

Tape Face: ye

Raccoon Eyes: guys what if we recreate that pic at the reunion

Raccoon Eyes: the fits?

Raccoon Eyes: immaculate

Raccoon Eyes: the pose?

Raccoon Eyes: perfection

Tape Face: hotel?

Tape Face: trivago

Shitty Hair: I’m down for recreating some pics!

Raccoon Eyes: yessssss

Raccoon Eyes: u have no choice either kats u gotta do it

Raccoon Eyes: wherever u are

Shitty Hair: Oh he replied!!

Raccoon Eyes: SWEET

Raccoon Eyes: what he say

Shitty Hair: He said fuck off

Tape Face: as expected

Shitty Hair: Lmao he threatened to block me again

Tape Face: thought he said he was blocking you last week

Shitty Hair: Yea exactly

Raccoon Eyes: HOW RUDE

Raccoon Eyes: as punishment for not paying attention to us

Raccoon Eyes: im gonna send this

Raccoon Eyes: image.png

Tape Face: LMAO whend you make that

Shitty Hair: Is that Katsuki with a cat face and ears

Shitty Hair: Dude I don’t know if he’s going to kill you for that or for the pink hair first lmao

Raccoon Eyes: lmao made it just now

Raccoon Eyes: well MAYBE if he ANSWERED us

Katsuki: Delete it.

Tape Face: O SHIT

Tape Face: you summoned him

Raccoon Eyes: NO I WILL NOT

Katsuki: Delete it Raccoon Eyes or else I’m coming for you.

Tape Face: are you coming for the left shoes and shittin in them

Raccoon Eyes: NOOOOOOO not my shoes!!!!!!!!

Tape Face: its just the left shoes tho

Raccoon Eyes: BUT THATS MY FAVE SIDE

Katsuki: What the fuck are you two going on about?

Raccoon Eyes: DONT COME FOR M

Raccoon Eyes: Y LEFT SHOES KATS IM SORRY

Katsuki: I’m not coming for your fucking left shoes. Or any of your shoes.

Katsuki: I will be coming for you if you don’t delete that picture, though.

Raccoon Eyes: FORGIVENESS

Raccoon Eyes: I BEG

Raccoon Eyes: PLSSSSS

Katsuki: Delete the picture.

Raccoon Eyes: ugh fiiiiiiiiiine

Raccoon Eyes: its deleted

Raccoon Eyes: i wont send it to momo for the slide show

Katsuki: Good.

Raccoon Eyes: IF U COME TO THE REUNION

Katsuki: Fuck off.

Shitty Hair: C’mon Katsuki!! It’ll be fun!!

Tape Face: ya it wouldnt do if we didnt have our exploding star

Raccoon Eyes: ill send momo WORSE if u dont come

Raccoon Eyes: nd u wont know WHAT til AFTER

Raccoon Eyes: so PLSSSSSSSSSS

Raccoon Eyes: PRETTY PLSSSSSSS

Raccoon Eyes: PLS COME TO THE REUNION

Raccoon Eyes: ill spam u a lot worse if u dont show us proof of rsvp

Raccoon Eyes: pls kaaaaaaaaats

Raccoon Eyes: kaaaaaaaaats

Raccoon Eyes: k

Raccoon Eyes: a

Katsuki: Ugh fucking fine, I’ll do the RSVP now then.

Raccoon Eyes: t

Raccoon Eyes: YAY

Four Eyes (Rocket Legs): Good afternoon, Bakugou! I just wanted to confirm with you that I have received your RSVP for the Class A reunion. As a reminder, if you need to rent a room for the night or the weekend, please alert the Shinjuku Hotel staff that you are part of the Class A reunion party by next Wednesday for an event discount.

Katsuki: image.png

Katsuki: image.png

Katsuki: Four Eyes is watching the RSVP form like a fucking hawk apparently.

Raccoon Eyes: YAAAAAY URE RSVPD!!!

Shitty Hair: You know him, always dedicated to his work

Tape Face: sweet

Raccoon Eyes: are u guys getting rooms

Tape Face: yea musutafus too far for a round trip

Tape Face: esp since itll prob end late

Shitty Hair: I got one for the weekend!

Tape Face: wbu mina

Raccoon Eyes: booked a room already!!

Raccoon Eyes: kaaaaats wbu

Raccoon Eyes: u should

Raccoon Eyes: we could have a brunch or lunch or s/t thats just us

Raccoon Eyes: plsssssss kats

Katsuki: I’ll think about it.

Tape Face: better than a no lmao

Shitty Hair: If they run out of space or if you decide last second, you can room with me dude

Raccoon Eyes: awww why not a yes

Katsuki: I haven’t asked the other Four Eyes for the time off yet.

Tape Face: is this four eyes no4 or no15

Raccoon Eyes: four eyes no69

Raccoon Eyes: no wait

Raccoon Eyes: no420

Tape Face: haha blaze it

Raccoon Eyes: BLAZE IT

Shitty Hair: It’s number 7

Katsuki: Fuck you, I don’t have that many Four Eyes saved in my phone.

Shitty Hair: I’d be surprised if you had 420 contacts period dude

Raccoon Eyes: would b hilarious tho

Katsuki: Yes, it’s Four Eyes number 7.

Shitty Hair: I was right!!

Katsuki: Why would I ask any of the other Four Eyes for time off? They’re not my fucking bosses.

Tape Face: dunno

Raccoon Eyes: idk maybe ure secretly dating one a

Raccoon Eyes: nd have to confirm that its ok

Raccoon Eyes: ARE U SECRETLY DATING A FOUR EYES

Raccoon Eyes: U HAVE TO TELL US IF U ARE

Raccoon Eyes: URE LEGALLY OBLIGATED

Tape Face: o shit

Tape Face: scandalous

Katsuki: Shut the fuck up, I’m not dating anyone, secret or not.

Raccoon Eyes: thats what they all say

Katsuki: Whatever. I’m not dating anyone.

Raccoon Eyes: kats n four eyes no420 sittin in a tree

Raccoon Eyes: k

Raccoon Eyes: i

Raccoon Eyes: s

Raccoon Eyes: s

Raccoon Eyes: i

Katsuki: I’ll blow up all of your left shoes when you’re not home.

Raccoon Eyes: n

Raccoon Eyes: NO

Raccoon Eyes: IM STOPPING DONT DO IT

Shitty Hair: Hey what do you guys think of this photo

Shitty Hair: image.png

Tape Face: dude yes

Raccoon Eyes: AWWWW OUR FIRST BILLBOARDS AS PROS

Katsuki: Do we really need to send them pictures? It’s not like we fucking forgot this stuff already.

Tape Face: you can be a killjoy if you want lmao

Tape Face: im sure mina will send more than enough to cover for you

Raccoon Eyes: U BETCHA

Raccoon Eyes: image.png

Raccoon Eyes: image.png

Raccoon Eyes: image.png

Raccoon Eyes: image.png

Raccoon Eyes: image.png

Tape Face: lmao why do you have a pic of katsuki throwing ei

Shitty Hair: I still can’t believe you did that bro

Shitty Hair: WITHOUT WARNING TOO

Katsuki: I gave you plenty of fucking warning.

Shitty Hair: Saying “I’m throwing you” AS YOU’RE THROWING ME is NOT PLENTY OF WARNING DUDE

Raccoon Eyes: im always ready to document golden moments

Katsuki: Shut the fuck up. We won the training exercise so what’s it fucking matter?

Shitty Hair: YOU THREW ME!!

Katsuki: Tape Face caught you before you could get hurt.

Shitty Hair: YOU /THREW/ ME!!!!!!

Tape Face: barely caught

Katsuki: Whatever.

Raccoon Eyes: im still impressed by how eASY u made that look

Katsuki: What the fuck’s that supposed to mean?

Raccoon Eyes: o look conveniently timed distraction photo spam

Katsuki sighed as he continued the conversation, commenting here and there on the photos his friends sent for judgement. In retrospect, he probably should have tried to talk to Shion first, since there was a chance she would have denied the time off for the reunion. Although, knowing her, she would have accepted just to force Katsuki into socializing. He opened up a new text message, figuring that if Shion did decide to deny the time off, he would at least have a screenshot to send to his friends explaining the sudden change in plans.

Katsuki: I need March 28th and 29th off.

Four Eyes (Shitty Shion): Do my eyes deceive me? The great Katsuki Bakugou, asking for time off?

Four Eyes (Shitty Shion): I’m amazed! Usually I have to ask you to take the day off!

Four Eyes (Shitty Shion): Nay, not ask, but force!

Katsuki: Are you going to give it to me or not?

Four Eyes (Shitty Shion): Depends! What do you need the time off for?

Katsuki: Class reunion.

Four Eyes (Shitty Shion): Oh those are fun!

Four Eyes (Shitty Shion): Fill out the proper time off paperwork and have it on my desk by Monday. I’ll approve the time off.

Four Eyes (Shitty Shion): Just keep your phone on you in case we need you to come in for an emergency, but I’ll try not to ruin your reunion with work.

Katsuki: Thanks.

Well, so much for an easy way out.

Katsuki pinched the bridge of his nose when he noticed that his phone had already accumulated another thirty texts in the past few minutes, no doubt primarily from Mina. He scrolled through the backlog, sending a few mostly empty threats when he saw photos he did not want projected for the entire class to see, freezing when his gaze met a pair of familiar amber eyes.

Shit.

In his scramble to close out of the photo, to escape the genuine smile that somehow was more haunting than the one in his dreams, he left the group text completely. He briefly thanked his past self; he’d impulse or rage quit the group text plenty of times before that this wasn’t unusual behavior. If he was lucky, his friends wouldn’t have noticed the timing of his departure and would assume he was just fed up with the notifications or the conversation.

Shitty Hair: You okay, Katsuki?

A weak laugh escaped Katsuki’s lips as he read the newest notification. Of course Eijirou noticed.

Katsuki: I’m fine.

Shitty Hair: Okay

Shitty Hair: We don’t have to talk about it

Shitty Hair: But if you want to, I’m here dude

Shitty Hair: I’ll tell the others that you left so your phone would shut up and not to add you back yet

Katsuki: Thanks. Really.

Shitty Hair: No problem dude

Katsuki put his phone down, silently praying for the smile to leave him alone.

When he finally laid down for bed that night, he repeated the short prayer, for a peaceful night’s rest free of the smile, of the hurt, of the pain, of the guilt.

But as always, the smile came.

#3: keeping a pet with them (dog/cat)

MARK

mark would keep the dog 80% of the time

you get the dog when he’s busy w schedules or touring

he also keeps the dog 1/2 because he’s too attached 1/2 because he likes having more reasons to have you visit him

responsible dog owner — will make sure your dog is up-to-date with all of his shots and vet visits

sends you daily updates of your dog (more like sends you pics so he has reasons to take pics of the dog)

your dates would consist of walks in the park + dog cafes

yall would have a spoiled pupper 10/10

JAEBEOM

#1 cat enthusiast (+ bam)

would baby ur cat more than he babies u. deal with it

if he’s away on tour he would 100% text u asking about the cats everyday

jaebeom plz mind ur partner haha kidding... unless

the cats would stay with him also

would feel apologetic at first whenever you’d come over since cat hair would be everywhere

free-spirited paw parent. will let the cats do their thing but is also very attentive

will point out all cats u guys come across when on dates

JACKSON

would be kinda hesistant to get a pet cos a pet = commitment and ya boy is on-the-go 24/7 #mrworldwide

would end up agreeing after a lot of convincing

the dog would stay with u but jackson would come visit all the time

very affectionate since he doesn’t get to see the dog as often :(

would probably buy the dog the most random toys + stuff just because he feels bad he can’t be there all the time

i am almost sure the dog is getting a customized diamond collar

sometimes messages you out of no where to send pics of your dog just cos he misses him/her

you’re the master but the dog probably gets more excited seeing jackson

JINYOUNG

jinyoung didnt rly mind. thought the idea of sharing a pet was cute

he is a fair man so the dog stays with yall 50/50

u spend most of ur time at jinyoungs tho soooo hahahaha

jinyoung would TRY training the dog. success rate? idk maybe 65%

probably enjoys giving the dog a shower

10/10 sneaks treats when you’re not looking

your dog wouldn’t be as active/hyper but v loyal

YOUNGJAE

#1 dog enthusiast (literally fight me on this)

the dog becomes he & your literal world aw this is so cute

youngjae would 100% take the dog to his schedules if allowed

feels like ur the third wheel in the relationship half of the time

spoiled pupper — would probably have birthday parties thrown if u let him

dog stays with him sorry i dont make the rules

youngjae would collect cute outfits/costumes for ur dog (btw where is my arscoco collection merch)

friday nights are usually home movie nights with the three of you cuddling

ya dog is TRAINED for sure. youngjae would really prioritize that idk

sleeps on the bed

BAMBAM

#2 cat enthusiast

one cat is not enough he can handle it !

lemme spoil our children real quick -bambam,2020

half of his apartment is cat stuff

the cats stay with him mostly because he asked u if they could

whenever he’s out of town he makes u take every possible thing needed for the cats to be ok

my our cats -bambam,2020

actually loves all types of animals and would be willing to get a dog if u wanted one in the future

ur cats eat gourmet food probably

another v responsible paw parent

YUGYEOM

yugyeom would literally be the sweetest paw parent ever :(((((

babie taking care of another babie

would play with your dog all the time, watching them would be your favorite pasttime

dog stays with him 70% of the time u probably get to keep him whenever yug is super busy

goes for long runs with your dog when u dont wanna work out

has a lot of chew toys just bc yug thinks u can never have too many

will ask u to give the dog a shower tho hahahshshsj but he’ll support u by watching

would be the type to just stare at ur dog lovingly for minutes

Marinette’s list of Parisian Warcrimes (Or why I need to vent about all the bad stuff Marinette has done)

Yeah, I’m doing this.

People be talking on Tumblr about why Marinette is the best character in the show and talking shit about every other character, from Adrien so I think I'll do what I do best and piss off people.

 You want another Adrien salt Fic about why he’s a stalker to validate your sensitivity to everything that triggers you?

 You want another AU where Chloe goes full-on villain and asshole mode so that you can be just another Astruc stan?

 Do you want another Lukanette fanfic because Luka is the ‘Better Adrien’ even though all he does is play a guitar?

TOO BAD! THIS TIME WE BE DOING SOME MARINETTE SALT AND WE GOING IN HARD! WE ARE GONNA BE RUNNING THIS BLUE HAIRED GIRL INTO THE GROUND THE SAME WAY THE FANDOM TREATED THE OTHER CHARACTERS!

THIS IS PAYBACK FOR ALL THE SALT FICS THAT HAVE BEEN FORCED TO SEE THAT DON’T EVEN BOTHER TO USE NATURAL LOGIC!

(And I'm gonna love every bit of it)

So without further ado, Marinette is sentenced to be salted on the following charges:

Having a planner that tracks Adrien's every location/activity so she can stalk him at all times and actively uses (Stormy Weather).

Using her powers to prevent Adrien from dancing with another person (yes, even if that person is Chloe) (Bubbler)

Stealing Adrien's phone (Copycat)

Reading other peoples letters, even if they did throw it in the garbage (Dark Cupid)

Abandoning Paris (Ladybug Origins) (Yes I know people are going to be angry at me especially for this one, but if Everyone gives shit for Chat Noir for doing the same thing in Syren, then Ladybug gets it as well. No double standards on this post)

Literally destroying Max’s hopes and dreams by beating him in a game entering a tournament just so that she could be with Adrien. I don’t care who was better in the game or won, Marinette had no prior interest in the tournament and even knew how much Max wanted to enter, yet still done it anyway the second she realized Adrien was there. Yeah, others will say its cute that she wanted to be with Adrien, but if she really wanted to spend time with him, all she had to do was, you know, ASK LIKE A NORMAL PERSON!!! (Gamer)

Ladybug not listening to advice on where the akuma is all because she didn't like Chloe. who made a small lie before to her. Yeah Ladybug, someone making a little lie to save themselves embarrassment is really valid enough of a reason for their opinion and advice to be worth nothing. And it caused another akuma, good for you. (Antibug)

Oooh, a big one...Marinette stalked Lila and Adrien pretty much all day, under the guise of ‘not liking liars’ (yeah right) and once she had a ‘valid’ excuse to pretty much ruin Lila’s chances of wooing Adrien (whether or not she had an actual chance is irrelevant) she transformed into Ladybug and ABSOLUTELY EMBARRASSED HER AND HUMILIATED HER right in front of Adrien, when she could have just pulled her aside and just told her off in private and quietly so that she wouldn’t do it again. When Adrien questions her says she did it with the excuse of ‘not liking liars’. (Volpina)

Not telling Fu who the book belonged too when questioned on where she got it. I get that this was an excuse to prolong the shows run time, but if you were going to bring this up in the show and pretend that what Marinette did wasn’t a big deal, then they shouldn’t have added it in the first place. (The Collector)

Not bothering to tell her grandmother the truth and sneaking off to hang with her friends. (Befana)

Ladybug leading on Chat Noir. If she really didn't want to go, she could have just outright said No and be done with it, instead of just a ‘maybe’. (Glaciator)

Ladybug Literally not telling Chat Noir about the Guardian or where the hell all these heroes are coming from. There was literally no excuse, Adrien didn’t need to wait ‘until he was ready’, he literally became a hero the same time as Ladybug, it wasn’t like he was ‘the new guy’ and Ladybug was ‘the more experienced one’. I can give this to Fu as well, but I still feel that Ladybug should’ve told him regardless from the get go, she trusted a man she hadn’t properly met until 1 season later more than her own partner who stuck with her since day one. (Syren)

Taking pollen away from Chloe... yeah this really doesnt count. I just simply liked Chloe’s face in Malediktator when she saw Pollen again.

Talking shit about Chloe behind her back then acting all friendly to her as Ladybug when she needed her to become Queen Bee. Not really bad, it's just incredibly rude. (Maledictator)

Again, the same shit as Stormy Weather, instead of being punished for having the planner that details every bit of Adriens day to day activities, she gets rewarded by the writers. Not so much a Marinette crime as it is and ASS-truc crime. (Troublemaker)

Snooping through Marcs Private book, annoying him when he wanted to be isolated, and just straight up not having Marc give him the script himself. She could have tried just bringing Marc to Nathaniel and showing him the script together. (Reverser).

Making a lie about organizing a party when she definitely didn’t plan one. Yes, even if she was going to do it afterwards and planned to make the pastries herself for the party. She really is a hypocrite when she comes to lying, even though that’s a personality trait the writer's press is the reason why she hates Lila. (Season 2 Finale-Catalyst and Mayura).

Sabotaging Kagami’s attempts at being with Adrien. (Animaestro)

Marinette telling her Grandpa that rice bread is better than wheat bread. Anybody who has tasted bread would say otherwise. Although to be fair I blame Tom for this and this isn’t really as bad as the others (Bakerix)

Marinette throws Chat under the bus by pretending she loves him and leaving him to face Tom when the entire thing was her fault. I know she did it to protect her identity, but it still was an ass thing to do, and Chat found Marinette in her own house, Marinette could have used any excuse, including but not limited to, baked goods. (Weredad)

Marinette... LITERALLY... TRIED TO BREAK INTO ADRIEN’S HOME... ALL BECAUSE LILA WAS THERE...if the fireman was smarter than most other characters in the show he could’ve literally called the cops on her, leading to her getting arrested and Gabriel (or even Adrien) filing a restraining order against her. That and she steals Juleka’s bike. Not cool dude. (Oni-Chan)

Marinette not making it very clear to Chloe that she can’t get the miraculous back under any circumstances due to her exposed identity, especially after Chloe claims she’ll need them again. (Miraculer)

Marinette sneaks into the boy’s party despite wanting bro time, all because she wanted another botched attempt to confess to Adrien. (Party Crasher)

THAT CREEPY SCENE WITH THE ‘ADRIEN WAX STATUE’. I dont want to talk about it. You know which one I'm talking about. If you don’t, thank god, but IF YOU THINK THAT WAS CUTE IN ANY WAY OR THAT ITS ADRIEN FAULT BECAUSE HE STOOD STILL, YOU NEED TO GET YOUR HEAD CHECKED. (god i still have nightmares) (Puppeteer 2)

Not really a crime, but talking literally all the miraculi when you only needed a few. What would happen if she screwed up and Hawkmot got all the miraculous, or lost a few for the Akuma to obtain? (Kwamibuster)

Marinette (or Lady Noire) being an absolute dick to Misterbug during the entire time they were fighting Reflekdoll, insulting Misterbug for misusing his power when she does the same thing and claiming Misterbugs usual job is ‘easy’. Yeah...no. Fuck you Lady Noire, go eat a cataclysm to the face (Reflekdoll)

Marinette sabotaging Friendship day for Kagami just because she didnt want the latter to see Adrien.. at all. (Ikari Gozen)

Claiming Adrien is a good guitarist when Luka is an actual one. Not a crime, just dumb (Desperada)

Giving a Miraculous to Adrien when she can’t even control herself around him and could be distracted (Desperada)

Being too cute in that picture Marinette and Adrien sleeping together on the train. Yes i know this isn’t a crime, i do like some stuff about her, i just think the pic is really cute. (Startrain)

(Look at it, they’re adorkable. Awww....)

(Wait, aren’t I supposed to be salty?)

NOW, for the biggest crime of them all...

Literally not confessing to Adrien even once. Aside from the fact its turned the ‘romance part’ of the show into a joke, Marinette not telling Adrien the truth already or lying about her feelings is the reason we have the ‘Marinette is just a good friend meme’. No wonder he thinks you are ‘just a friend’. THAT’S ALL YOU HAVE BEEN TELLING HIM. 

My evidence? EVERY SINGLE EPISODE!!!

...

Ahhhh. Much better.

Well, now that I have successfully gotten rid of all that anger and salt and manifested it into a physical memento of my anger for this show and its main character, I’m going to relax while people get mad and triggered that I insulted the ‘Perfect Marinette’ and leave me angry messages. For all those that listened and don’t hate me or even agree with what I have said, thanks for reading my large amount of vented writing. I hope you have a pleasant day.

Let's hope for season 4 of Miraculous to be better now that Zag is back. The fandom knows we don't need another salty season.

ALL MY OTHER POSTS AND A BIG UPDATE.

My ex got residency three years ago and I got contact supervised by my family, or a few named agreed friends.

This was due to ongoing concerns from.my ex and members of his family, concerns they echoed for months, but never shared them with me, or my doctor, just with the nursery my cub was at.

These allegations, I still don't know what they were, but they were serious enough for social services to visit, once and decided that I had made mistakes because I was unwell, and that whatever those were they were completely unintentional (absent minded human errors, nothing serious, but got reported as safeguarding concerns)

Supervision lasted for 18 months, because it was up to him to decide when my time increased and my supervision decreased. That meant my mum had to sleep on my sofa almost every weekend for a year, my mum who has diabetes type 2, fibromyalgia and asthma which he knew about and when she didn’t my sister did. My sister who has two children of her own, both with additional needs, which he also knew about but we weren't allowed there..we weren't allowed to stay out anywhere besides my dads unless he gave permission, said so on the order. Wasn't allowed to take him on a playdate without it either, because there was four people named additionally on our order that were allowed to "supervise" me. It wasn't fun but I didn’t have a choice because his barrister had worded the court order so beautifully for the resident parent. I reapplied to court after 13 months of that order being in place, requesting supervision is gone and we have shared care and that the judge will give me permission to take him abroad and give me access to his passport that I applied and paid for..but they could only send to resident parent unless they had something from them in writing it could he sent to another address. He initially said he was too young, he may panic, he may get lost, someone may knock me over/out and snatch him, he may get sick, it might hurt his ears. He remembered and put in his statements that on our last holiday abroad that my nieces and little cousins got up to dance and no adult followed.I was 30 weeks pregnant.. so our child wasn't even born yet. I offered once he confirmed i could be unsupervised and finally have him over midweek sometimes meaning I could finally take him to school on my own that I would be happy to have him all three late shifts he worked each week but he had it covered almost always because of the fact he moved back to the family home and his mums a childminder so he had childcare sorted when he was working and it wasn’t my time. I originally got him one afternoon a week until 6, three weekends out of four Friday from 3 til sunday at 6 and half of all hols. That one afternoon was up to him because I wasn't working and he worked shifts on a rota so flexibility was key.   But meant it wasn’t often the same afternoon each week to begin with..then it mostly became thursdays which meant football training 6 til 7, so again I offered and asked if he could just stay here after and instead I was to drop him off after training (usually about half 7) After he confirmed I could be unsupervised and have alternate contact on his weekends he also allowed 6 to be extended to 7. Before he confirmed I could have him alternate time, every month for over a year it meant I had no contact with him for up to 9 days at a time Last year due to the way his annual leave went I didn't see him from last week of summer hols until his first morning back at school. That was 12 days of no contact. It took another 13 months to get a first hearing. In that time I chose to do three parenting courses, a first aid refresher, two Surrey adult learning courses and a second round of CBT. In that time I also volunteered as a parent helper at his school and joined the PTA and was heavily involved. I began training (studying/volunteering in another primary school as a teaching assistant) and I qualified last year. I am not back volunteering at either school because no non  paid members of staff can be on the premises. I fought back.I will always fight back I will always fight for what I think is right..and fair..and i will fight to be that boys mum. My mh was no concern to any medical professionals. Never had been but never got to exhibit that to the judge the first time. This time I did,plus added all my course certificates etc. In March I was given 50/50 joint residency, so every week since (bar the last four weeks of summer) I have had him from thursday to sunday. Some weeks I will have him weds to saturday. It’s his dad’s weekend off, normally he is working because the weekend he books off is our sons birthday, for the first time since he moved out he has also had his own birthday off work Our son is now 8. Despite all our clashes etc we have spent every birthday with him, just us three, the previous two years we even managed to throw birthday parties together..and we have spent every Christmas morning together too, because it makes the kid happy and both of us don't want to miss out, so we choose to share..he then gets family time still..we're not a family anymore but we're his. He pointed that out to me when he was 5 and it's always stuck in my mind All I want is the kid to be happy so if spending time with my ex makes him happy then crack on. Our son hero worships him and he is a brilliant attentive loving dad. They adore each other. Just like our son loves me loads as well. He's such a great kid Smart. Kind. Funny. Sassy. Very loving. His happiness will always come first..when he's older no doubt his wishes and feelings will change..but for now if the kid wants us both birthday and Christmas morning he's got us both. Here. I have to just deal with the current situation by letting him "win"  But the reason I am doing the Freedom Programme again is because I need to learn how to have boundaries, set them and stick to them. I am very much the fawn response.   I need help with the boundary thing.  As I mentioned above we have always shared our son’s birthday, plus christmas eve and morning, this time he didnt even ask if he could stay at mine He’s just invited himself round. It was the status quo before because the first year I still had to be supervised and that night it could only have been by him. I have 0 issue with him coming here first thing nor coming over christmas morning til half12 if that's what our son wants to keep happening. I would rather we share than either of us miss out but he didn’t even ask me if he was okay to stay, I'm more than happy for our son to see us both on his birthday and to have him here for a while but I don't want him staying here anymore. It sets my anxiety rocketing but I'm never going to let either of them know that or you know it's going to go against me My family don't think he should set foot in here at night time ever saying I can't trust him not to go through my stuff, to start taking pics, to take or hide other stuff, or to try and pull something else to mess with my head.  I'm well aware he doesn't love me. I'm not in love with him any more. I'm not ready to meet anyone or hook up with anyone else yet it’s having a boundary knowing it can backfire I dont want to miss any of his birthday either. But if he had his own place I'd have happily gone over in the morning, hell I'd have even bought bloody bacon sandwiches over ykno I've done fp twice prior to the 50/50 I want it because I need to figure out how to set those boundaries. Grey rock isn’t an option for me. Because my respectful amicable texts are what the solicitor said are like my trump card when I applied to vary. Done three parenting courses. My problem is I will fake it for our son’s sake, there has been nothing I haven't agreed to if it makes him happy. I can have my own life and make my own choices when he is bigger but now that smile is worth all the discomfort and to be honest with you when its just the three of us it's so easy going and it feels real. I see a genuine smile when our son and I are playing.. or a genuine one from me when they are. Like true co-parenting. There isn't a former. I met him when he was 21. I am the only person he ever bought home. The first and only girlfriend. I just feel like I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't but I will do anything for that boy regardless of other people's opinions, including my own So do I just need to suck it up? Am I wrong? People say to me you meet someone they won't tolerate you spending time with your ex..well I'm sorry but if our son wants to spend some time with his mum and dad then I will do it for him and if the person I meet doesn’t understand that then they don’t understand me, or how much I love my child. I feel awful sometimes for complaining because he has never raised his hand to me.   I feel like I am not worthy. But I totally know emotional and psychological abuse is just as horrendous and that my experience is as valid as everyone else's if you get what I mean.   I actually have a few good friends now and a few weekends ago my son was invited to a friends to play out, their mums were all having a laugh and including me and even shared some Prosecco with me. I still feel like I'm being spied on. And I actually don't think I am any more. I need to stop panicking and just enjoy being a mum without second guessing myself. I have voiced my concerns about the status quo remaining and as per all of my feelings are invalidated by him I am trying to put a boundary in and set it down but he is refusing to acknowledge my opinion. Same thing, different day. Will it ever end? I have fought to be the best mum I can be, the best role model to my cub. I have a more structured schedule to establish a real routine with him and it means I can now make plans, try and have a life. I spent all that time grieving a living loss, all my time and energy were on fighting this, now I have I want to grieve my relationship that ended almost four years ago, by granny. I want to move on with my life, I want to like myself and eventually love myself again, I want to establish an identity again as opposed to a label. I want to move on, to try and be happy in myself, in my life. I want to be me again. I want to heal, I want to stop feeling like a sufferer and realise I am a survivor. I want to be confident, I want to go out, trust people again, I want to stop feeling like I am under a microscope and I always will be. I have made some wonderful new friends, reconnected with old ones. I want to stop being controlled. I am not a remote. I am a person. I am a mother and a bloody brilliant one. I am a great auntie, friend, daughter, granddaughter and sister and I just want to be acknowledged as a good person.  I don't want him in trouble I want to give a clean slate and draw a line in the sand. I don't want any of the bad anymore. I just want to focus purely on the good now. Why am I still not allowed to do that? Why is it not okay for me to just be me?

the terror (2018), last 3 eps

this is primarily for @corinthes, whom i’ve been yelling at for the past few days bc of this show. it got a bit lengthy and and i doubt you’d enjoy reading this from the chat box. spoilers beware for anyone curious enough.

i feel like episode 8 is the calm before the shitstorm that is ep 9-10 and it certainly has the feel of a filler episode, but i love it nonetheless. people talk! people have lines and are given the time to deliver them! francis and james have this important conversation even before the credits roll and that makes it all the more important. i love this scene; i see what you mean about how it belongs to a stage. it's just two guys having a heartfelt convo, beautifully acted. when the camera goes further and shows them standing apart, right in the middle of the frame, in this vast wasteland, looking at each other and having an understanding--gaawwd.

tobias's delivery of "i would like that very much" was so good! so vulnerable and open and hopeful. even now, he needs validation and it's important that he gets it from francis. and francis--having labeled the ship as a confessor--fills the ships' gap and becomes the confessor for everyone apparently. and at this point, he's reached god-like zen bc seriously he looks so put together after everyone's spilled their guts out to him. til the end, he dispenses "i forgive you" and "you did your best" and "you're a good lad" like pancakes. and he starts calling people by their first name too. and this, coming from a francis crozier who has known to be miserable and disagreeable, is called d e v e l o p m e n t. further on, when tells his lieutenants that if they got sick, he wouldn't leave them either, i thought "yes, i would die for you, i would follow you to hell and back". thank you, jared, for this performance.

i loved the almost-hanging scene too. it's a very looong scene and it's sad how so few shows actually take the time to have their characters talk! i can easily imagine this on a stage, complete with atmospheric smoke and sepia lighting. i knew that letter was gonna bite francis in the ass. i was waiting for it and hickey put down that card in the best time possible. hickey, you are a murdering, mutinous son of a bitch, but i also can't help but admire you.

ep 9 is like one sucker punch after another. god wants you to live, can we sleep, bridal carry, what can i do for you sir--this is... too much. special props tho to goodsir bc he has been through some shit. this show has added so many actors to my watch-for-next-projects list and that includes paul ready. he goes through such a transformation, so filled with hope and optimism and empathy and by the time they ask him to butcher gibson, he just looks so fucking done. we know he's going to die and it won't be by anyone else's hand. i love the part where hickey stabs gibson and they get into a struggle, but it’s less a physical struggle and more a battle of wills. can't believe they brought out the bits of glass from episode xX. his death was so beautifully shot. first, from where he sits still and looks in the direction of the camera while the tent canvass behind him thrashes wildly. that was hauntingly beautiful. then when he cuts his wrists but we can't see his face, only his spasms. and then when he pictures the flowers and shells. that broke me. he was a science man to the death.

i have words for jopson but i will reserve them for ep 10.

francis gave a service for james but they did it alone. ok then! fuck me up some more! this, plus blankly's revelation that he's gonna die soon, chips at francis' state of zen and we see him break a bit. i love how his voice breaks in "why didnt you say aything?!" and then they're laughing and crying at the same time and yeah, there is no toxic masculity in this murderland, just a whole lot of love.

this show like oprah giving out prizes. "you get a monologue! and you get a monologue! and you get a monologue!" and i love it! hodgson and tover are relatively minor characters but they are given time to speak up, and despite their shitty actions, you can't help but empathize. and their breakdowns aren't the same either. goodsir breathes heavily, hodgson is still and haunted, tover hugs himself and shudders, and they all do it so well! how is everyone in this show so good?? jared did mention that most of the cast was theater-trained so i guess that played a part.

i have to tell you that before bingeing the last 3 eps i watched almost all the terror crack videos on youtube, so these last eps were, though still heartbreaking, were also a bit funny for me, in an absurd kind of way. when james fires the rocket, i can hear "rocketman" in the background. when goodsir mixes the poison, i almost yelled "chemistry time!". it's just... i needed to make fun of it or i wouldn't surive the heartbreak. which leads me to:

jopsoooooonnn! the best boi! the goodest boi! the most loyal boi who did no wrong! apart from his death, what's more heartbreaking is that he thought crozier left him. he didn't know that the captain was abducted so he thought he's been deliberately abandoned. his hallucination reduced me to tears. he was probably starving to death and here was all this food but no, he! just! wanted! his! captain! he sees the captain in his best form--well kempt, alert, emphatic--and at the end of it, his captain is turned away from him. fuck me up seven ways to sunday. i desperately want bts pics from this scene bc the eeriness of having a full dining table in the wastes must be jarring.

little doesn't get enough credit, because while he did mess up, his loyalty is also something to be admired. they were hungry and sick and dying--they could very well have just kept on south but he was still insistent to save francis. "you would leave our captain with that devil of a man?" yes, little, you did your best. you deserved to die last.

if tunbaaq is meant to be a metaphor for nature and balance, it's absolutely fitting how it's defeated by lead and chemical poison. ultimately, how we've used technology and industrialization kills the environment--or at least that's how i read it.

i really have to applaud adam nagaitis for his performance here and i do think he deserves top billing as much as the lead cast. by the end of it, he draws as much screen time as crozier and you can even say that he holds the last 2-3 eps together. and you genuinely fucking hate his character. were those really james' boots he was wearing? does that mean they dug him up and looted him? that unforgiveable swine, may he rot in hell, but gawwd adam pulled it off well.

i've been debating with myself if it was kinder and more poetic to have crozier die at the end so that he wouldn't have to grieve or go through survivor's guilt, but for my own mental health, i'm glad he survived. it's a small mercy but i'm glad he got to live. i'm glad he got to see what happened to his men, that he saw jopson one final time, and little too. his survival also sends the message that the one most willing to adapt (and respect the culture) will survive. he tries to follow silna but stops when the chief says "it's just how we do things". he understands and he lets it go. he learns the language and the way of life--and he lives.

i've watched featurettes and interviews for this series and from there you can really see that this show was a labor of love. it was a product of collaboration, research, open-mindedness, and a solid cast and crew. you can have all the special effects, all the expensive costumes, but at the core of it, what makes a good story is Dialogue. i can honestly say that it's one of the best scripts this decade has ever produced. the showrunners set out to tell a story and they did it to the best of their ability. i'll be coming back to this series for the next few months and rewatching it many times over.

thank u, thank u, thank u for introducing this to me. now come yell at me back

Good Coffee. Awkward Conversation.

Who: Noah Puckerman and Abel Hayward When: August 27th noonish Where: Lima Bean, Lima Ohio What: Puck runs into Abel in Lima and they finally meet.

To say Puck was tired would be an understand. He already had issues sleeping due to some shit he saw overseas, but with Saph in town, it was fair to say sleep was the last thing on his mind. The recruitment office was usually slow around lunch time, so Puck decided to dip out and run to the Lima Bean for needed caffeine. His uniform brought about the usual stares, but he was used to it by now. Puck ordered a large coffee, black and stepped to the side to wait for it to be made. He accidentally bumped into the man next to him and muttered an apology before looking up. The man looked familiar, but he couldn’t place an exact name to the face. “Do I know you?”

Abel was thankful for his mom when she told him that she would watch Issy while he slept. Though, he couldnt sleep any longer and didnt want to grab something to drink at home. So he got dressed, grabbed his skateboard and headed to the Lima Bean. He was scrolling through the tag photos he was in when he felt someone bumped into him. He looked up and noticed that the other guy looked familiar. “Maybe? Lima is a small town and everyone knows everyone, right? Or has that changed in the past two weeks.” He pocketed his phone and took off his sunglasses to get better look at the guy.

Puck furrowed his brow slightly as he thought of all of the people he knew from Lima. Once the other man took off his sunglasses, it all clicked in Puck’s head. “You’re….Dani’s roommate, right? The ‘hottest male dork’ she knows,” he said with air quotes. Chuckling, he offered Abel his hand. “Sup, man? I’m Puck.”

“Arent you the guy who called me Captain Ab-merica last week?” Abel asked when he looked at the guy better. “Yeah, Im Dani’s roommate and that is me.” He chuckled as he shook his hand. “Not much, you? And Im Abel, its nice to finally meet you.”

He laughed at the accusation and shrugged a shoulder. “Yep. I mean to be fair, you had just posted a shirtless photo.” Hearing his name being called out, he turned around to grab the coffee and thanked the barista before facing Abel once more. “On a quick lunch break. Needed a pick me up…someone kept me up all night,” he joked before taking a sip of the hot coffee. “You wanna grab a table? I got like 20 minutes before I have to head back to the office.”

Abel raised an eyebrow when he heard Puck and pulled out money for a tip before he took a drink of his coffee. He did a spit take when he heard Puck and coughed. “Saph’s here?” He asked as he used the sleeve of his hoodie to wipe his mouth.  “Yeah, that sounds good to me. I got an hour before I gotta surprise my daughter but let’s grab a table.”

Puck raised an eyebrow at the spit take. “You ok, dude? Yea Saph’s here. Wait…you know Saph?” he asked as he made his way to an empty table and took a seat. “Yea Saphira surprised me at work last week. It’s been amazing even though Lima is boring as hell and there’s nothing to do here,” he added with a chuckle. “You have a daughter? How old is she?”

Abel nodded as he cleared his throat. “Im okay, I didnt know that Saph is here and that, I do. We’re acquaintances, Saph asked me to write that article on Quinn a few weeks back.” He took the seat across from him and placed his drink on the table. “Yeah, but some of the people aren’t bad.” He casually said, took a sip of his coffee and placed it back on the able. “Yeah, um. Well, she’s still currently my goddaughter but Im in the middle of the adoption process and she’s seven, actually. She’s been visiting my parents for a month, that way she’s not in the midst of everything that has been going down in LA and in New York but Dani and I got a house this past weekend and we want to surprise her with it.” He paused for a bit. “I saw that you had a thing at the school, how did that go?”

Leaning back in his seat, he nodded slowly. “Ah I gotcha. Saph is awesome. Best partner in crime I could as for. You’re a journalist? That’s cool. I can’t spell worth shit to do that.” He sipped his coffee slowly as he listened to the other man speak. “Seven? That’s a good age. My daughter is eight. She’s a firecracker. I heard yall were moving. Are yall all unpacked yet? Moving is a bitch,” he commented as he played with the coffee cup in his hand. “It went well. Got a decent amount of interest. Just wanted to let them know there are options out there if college isn’t their thing, you know?”

Abel nodded when he heard the other guy. “Yeah, Saph’s one of a kind for sure. Im a journalist, Im also freelance artist at Cy’s comics in New York, model and Im also a voice actor who’s going to be taking acting lessons when I get back. That way I can get more acting roles since I love it. Thats why they have editors.” He said with a smile and nodded once more. “Yeah, she’s seven and it is, but Im worried since she’s already sassy enough, that she will be more sassier and a firecracker. For the most part, but Dani’s unpacking the rest and getting Issy’s room together. It is, yeah but hopefully we’re done moving for a while.” He listened to him, took a sip of his coffee and placed it back onto the table. “Of course, yeah and I wish I had that kind of information when we were back in high school, but I guess I had my calling.”

Puck couldn’t help but smile. “Definitely one of a kind. I’m a lucky dude,” he responded with a nod. “Shit, dude. That’s awesome. Sounds like you’re living the dream…and it explains the shirtless pic,” he joked. “She’ll probably get a little more sassy. I feel like the sassiness doesn’t stop until like teenage years are done.” He shrugged and took a sip of his coffee before setting it down. “Everyone has their place in life I guess. I didn’t think I’d be doing this when I was in high school. But I ended up loving it. Life is weird like that.”

“Yeah you are.” Abel agreed with a smile and slowly nodded with a chuckle. “And the bunch of magazines of me on the cover in the store.” He let out a sigh as he listened to the other guy, knowing that he’s right. “Yeah and even with that, it won’t stop. Her mother was sassy. Not only that, everyone around her is sassy.” He pointed out and knew what he meant. “Yeah, that’s for sure. One thing is happening and then the next, your life is changed.”

“Sassiness is genetic. You’re screwed man,” he joked with a chuckle. “Agreed. You never know what the hell life is gonna throw at you until you’ve already been hit in the face by it.” Puck took a long sip of his coffee before setting the cup down once more. “So how long have you known Saph? Got any secret insider information for me?”

“I’ve been screwed ever since she learned how to talk.” Abel chuckled as he shook his head at the memories. “Exactly and you’re never prepared for that either.” He leaned in his chair and hummed as he thought. “I’ve known Saph ever since April/May? During that time, things were fuzzy as fuck around those two months. Just, don’t get on Saph’s bad side or anything like that.”

Chuckling, Puck finished off his coffee and pushed the cup to the side. “Kids, man. They’re a handful.” He drummed his fingers on the table top and nodded his head. “Ah so you two have known each other for a little while, nice. It’s nice to meet people who know Saph who aren’t Quinn.” Puck couldn’t help but laugh at the bit of advice Abel gave him. “Yeaaaa I don’t wanna even know what Saph’s bad side is like. I’m gonna treat Saphira as good as I can.”

Abel nodded in agreement. “They are, but Im grateful for her.” He chuckled a bit before he shook his head when he heard Quinn’s name. “Yeah, we have and thank god, no.” He ran a hand over his face and looked at him once he leaned back once more. “You and I both.” He sat up a bit straighter before he gotten comfortable in chair and smirked a bit. “Speaking of that, we both know that Saph can handle anything. However, I started to care about Saph a bit more ever since the car accident.” He picked up his cup, twirled it around his in hand and looked at it for a bit. “Though, if I hear one thing about you upsetting Saph, in any form that’s not from happiness or hurt Saph. I know a bunch of guys who owe me a favor and I know that they’re not afraid to send you swimming with the fishes and I also know that they would make everything like an accidental kinda thing.” He looked back at Puck and continued to move the cup. “These guys, aren’t small, believe me. I wish I can say that they’re small and wouldn’t hurt a fly. However, I’ve known them for at least four years and I can at least name about, fifty guys who disappeared without a trace and the cops never solved their case. A bunch of cold cases.” He stopped the cup and placed the cup onto the table. “So, if you hurt Saph, I’ll make sure to be the journalist on that case and I will make sure Saph will be protected. Capisci?”  

He smirked softly as Abel spoke before reverting to the blank face he was trained to put on in the face of threats. Puck crossed his arms over his broad chest and listened carefully to what the other man was saying. “Heard and understood,” he replied. “But you should know, I care deeply about Saph. And I will never, ever, do anything to hurt Saph. Saph is the best thing that has happened to me in a very, very long time. I may be stupid…but I’m not dumb enough to fuck up what we have.” He leaned forward and offered Abel his hand. “You’re a good man, dude.”

Abel had to keep himself from chuckling after that, he couldnt believe that he went full Italian and he wasnt even Italian. “Good, if you do, I’ll let Saph deal with you then I’ll involve the guys.” He replied before he shook the other’s hand. “Eh, I try to be a good man, but thank you and you’re a good man too.”

“That’s fair,” he replied as he took his hand back. Checking his watch, he cursed softly to himself. “I gotta head back to the office. I’ll hit you up the next time I’m in New York, man” he commented as he stood up from the table. “See you around, Abel.”

“You better, or I would be hurt.” Abel replied as he watched the guy stood up and finished his drink. “See ya man.” He stood up as well and threw his drink away before he checked his own watch, knew that he needed to head back to surprise Issy.

Promptis headcanons

ok first can we talk about how much the boys must love water (Prompto always photographing Noct in front of the water ingame and ofc Noct x fishing)

imagine both of them going camping while in highschool and Prompto’s delighted because it’s the first time he really goes out of the city apart from school excursions and this is a huge deal for Noctis too because his father actually agreed to let him go?? On his own?! (PEACEFUL TIMES)

So they choose to go camping near a river, so that Noctis can fish and Prompto will take so many pics of the scenery, Noct will get mad at him bc the fishes are going away because of him but really he’s just so happy he’s out there with his bestfriend

NATURAL WATERSLIDES

Prompto splashing water at a napping Noct. Yes this ends up in a terrible waterfight

Prompto staying still in the water and suddenly he feels ?? Small things pecking at his skin ?? And in 30 secs this turns into 20 small fishes eating his dead skin

“Noctis do you think they’re gonna eat my freckles too ??”

Noctis suddenly being very aware of all the freckles that cover his friend’s body

Noctis blushing 

“O-of course not”

MIDNIGHT BATH and there are fireflies all around them

Regretting sleeping under the sky next to the river the following day bc they didnt plan to get THAT MANY bites from mosquitoes (you can bet your ass next time they’ll bring some anti mosquitoes products)

For the time being they’ll sleep in the tent

hiking up the mountain by following the river stream and Prompto litterally c r y i n g when he sees the view from the top and Noctis just hugging him from behind without saying a word

Watching the shooting stars from atop of the mountain while chatting about very personnal stuff

Prompto loving being massaged (unlike Noctis -throwback to Galdin Quay-) so at night in the tent Noctis will give Prompto massages after their long day’s walk and if you dont think Prompto moans and Noctis is hella flustered and stops everything then you’re very wrong

both boys trying to be subtle when they try to close the gap between their sleeping bags at night

ends up with both of them being milimeters apart but not doing the last move

You can bet in the morning they’re snuggled together

Prompto waking up first but being prisoner of the royal arm around his chest and yes he tries to break free (#nohomo) but he’s just ?? HELD EVEN CLOSER ?

And obviously he can’t win bc it turns out all those trainings with Gladio really did good for Noct’s muscles

So you have a sleepy Noctis and an overthinking (and hungry, maybe also wanting to pee) Prompto also very bothered by how cute Noctis is with his bed hair

the astrals shipping the fuck outta those two rn

Eventually Noct wakes up and is face to face to a Prompto who may or may not have been trying to get a taste of Noct’s lips bc anyways Noct was asleep ?? But he woke up just before it happened

They can feel each other’s morning breath on their own lips (which, let’s be honest, smell bad) and woooooo INTENSE STARING

Noct just kinda presses the hand he already had on Prompto’s back and Prompto can feel his heart beating even faster than it already did bc now Noct’s closing his eyes and oh my oH MY IS HE GONNA ???

fall back asleep

That Royal asshole

can you hear this sound yes it’s Prompto’s heart breaking in two

(that’s what you get for trying to take advantage of a sleeping prince, blondie)

Prompto finally goes outside the tent and is met by rain and yeah his day couldn’t have started in a worse way

But the weather’s still very warm so he takes off his clothes except for his briefs and wristband and stands outside

How long he stands there he doesn’t know

He suddenly has a lot on his mind and he’s angry at himself because this week end was supposed to be a special time with his bestfriend why did he have to let his feelings in the way

But next thing he knows Noct’s there too ??

“Couldn’t sleep with the rain. Let’s go”

Prompto doesn’t ask questions and just follows him a bit farther into the woods

That’s when he notices Noctis is also only in his t-shirt and briefs so he offers a silent prayer to Shiva to thank her for his view on the royal ass

And they finally reach a small waterfall with a large pond. It’s very humid and you cant see clearly the other end but Prompto has a feeling there might be more to it. He can hear frogs croaking 

Noct just offers him his hand, and although Prompto is intrigued and still a bit sulking, he lets him lead him into the water

When they’re midwaist and Prompto still doesn’t know where this is all leading to, Noctis tells him, a slightly bit anxious “ok, on three we go underwater. Keep your eyes open. Three…”

“but Noct you know that with my eyes-

Doesn’t matter here. Two… ONE !”

Noctis drags him underwater by force with his hand. Prompto, taken aback, forces himself to open his eyes, trusting his bestfriend. And then he sees.

Everything is light. The fishes are luminescent, shiny frogs are passing by him, and he feels safe in this water, almost at… Home. Noctis points him to rarestones that are emetting their own light. He’s never been more amazed. And flowers are growing from the bottom. Actually, they’re growing everywhere they can. Soon missing air, the boys quickly come back to the surface. Back to the dull and misty pond, assaulted by rain.

“Dude what was that ?!!

-Ok, you know the legend of that florist who died at the hand of the bringer of destruction?

-Yes it’s a classic

-So you know her true love left her dead body in a pond. Well now the legend has it that, when it rains, it means people are still mourning her death, and if you come to a pond pure enough with the person you love  then under those circonstances you can enter the realm of wonders her spirit built. Iris showed me the pond”

The last part had been said way more quickly than everything else. Prompto slowly processed the information

“Oh. I hope you and her will be happy...”

Prompto thought he had seen what was underwater only because he was with Noctis. Not because his feelings were reciprocated.

Noctis, eyes wide and suddenly very unsure, added “but Iris didn’t see what was underwater ! Only I did. Because I was the one she loved. It works only one way. I didn’t tell her I saw it, though. ... But you saw the flowers, right ?”

“Yeah... I did !”

Noctis looked at him and couldn’t hide his smile any longer. “So did I.”

Before he let his tears slip out, Prompto jumped at Noctis’ neck and brought him underwater. There, they exchanged a look that meant more than any word could say about their mutual affection, and it was as if the water brought them closer for a kiss only the flowers witnessed.

…. So yeah, Promptis and water are important to me.

tagged by: @qiu-jin thanks i love doing these tag things

rules: once you have been tagged, you’re supposed to write 92 truths about yourself. at the end, choose 25 people to tag!

LAST…

[1] drink: orange juice was the last proper drink but i am always drinking water 

[2] phone call: my mum probably i dont really call people i prefer texting

[3] text message: my best friend

[4] song you listened to: “liability” by lorde

[5] time you cried: within the last week (cant remember the exact day) because i let myself get feelings

HAVE YOU EVER…

[6] dated someone twice: need to date someone once for that to happen 

[7] been cheated on: no

[8] kissed someone and regretted it: no

[9] lost someone special: (i’m assuming in a romantic context??) yeah well they were special at the time

[10] been depressed: yes

[11] gotten drunk and thrown up: no 

LIST 3 FAVORITE COLORS:

[12] turquoise 

[13] magenta

[14] lime green

IN THE LAST YEAR, HAVE YOU…

[15] made new friends: yes

[16] fallen out of love: no

[17] laughed until you cried: yes, i did this on thursday actually 

[18] found out someone was talking about you: yes

[19] met someone who changed you: yes

[20] found out who your true friends are: honestly i feel like you can never truly find this out unless you go through something big so no 

[21] kissed someone on your facebook list: no

GENERAL…

[22] how many of your facebook friends do you know in real life: most of them, i think there’s only like 5 that i havent met irl yet

[23] do you have any pets: yeah a leonberger puppy called ziggy. I need to upload pics of him on here 

[24] do you want to change your name: sometimes maybe to my pen name 

[25] what did you do for your last birthday: it was just before exam season so i didnt do anything special

[27] what were you doing at midnight last night: sleeping, i was ill so i had an early night

[28] name something you cannot wait for: summer i have so many plans 

[29] when was the last time you saw your mother: an hour ago

[30] what is one thing you wish you could change your self: anxiety but im working on that 

[31] what are you listening to right now: nothing but im watching deidra and laney rob a train on netflix

[32] have you ever talked to a person named tom: yeah

[33] something that is getting on your nerves: a certain kind of arrogance 

[34] most visited website: tumblr

[35] junior school / elementary: i miss back when everything was stress free

[36] senior school / high school: i guess it could be worse 

[37] university / college: i know where i think i want to go but im scared of how much work im going to have to do or if its going to be whats right for me

[38] hair color: dark brown but i want to dye it 

[39] long or short hair: shortish but i want to grow it out

[40] do you have a crush on someone: not anymore

[41] what do you like about yourself: my writing and 

[42] piercings: none yet

[43] blood type: idk

[44] nicknames: loads once in spanish our table made a mind map that was filled with nicknames for me

[45] relationship status: single

[46] zodiac sign: capricorn

[47] pronouns: he/him or they/them

[48] fav tv show: ive not really watched tv recently but i love black mirror and the oa

[49] tattoos: none so far but ive got a design planned

[50] right- or left-handed: right

FIRST…

[51] surgery: when i was really young i dont remember it and i cant see the scar even

[52] piercing: don’t have any

[53] best friend: im not sure who my first one was but it was prob at my old school but i dont talk to anyone there anymore

[54] sport: rugby back when it was compulsory

[55] vacation: france when i was eight i think 

[56] pair of trainers: who can remember this 

RIGHT NOW…

[57] eating: nothing

[58] drinking: nothing 

[59] i’m about to take: idk what this means 

[60] listening to: it already asks this earlier

[61] waiting for: this movie to finish so i can go and pick up my books from school 

[62] want: to not be ill

[63] get married: no

[64] career: im wanting to go into forensic academia with consultancy work and move to canada 

WHICH IS BETTER…

[65] hugs or kisses: kisses

[66] lips or eyes: eyes

[67] shorter or taller: tall but im not picky 

[68] older or younger: same age

[69] romantic or spontaneous: why not both

[70] nice arms or nice stomach: arms but personality is more important 

[71] sensitive or loud: sensitive

[72] hook-up or relationship: relationship

[73] troublemaker or hesitant: troublemaker to balance out hesitant me so we actually do stuff

HAVE YOU EVER…

[74] kissed a stranger? no

[75] drank hard liquor? no

[76] lost glasses/contact lenses? dont wear glasses 

[77] turned someone down? kinda

[78] sex on first date? not sure if it was a date tbh 

[79] broken someone’s heart? no

[80] had your own heart broken? who hasnt

[81] been arrested? no

[82] cried when someone died? yes 

[83] fallen for a friend: no

DO YOU BELIEVE IN…

[84] yourself? sometimes

[85] miracles? honestly no

[86] love at first sight? no you can like at first sight but not love

[87] santa claus? this really asks this 

[88] kiss on the first date? yeah

[89] angels? no 

OTHER…

[90] current best friend’s name: alex

[91] eye color: dark brown

[92] favorite movie: girl, interrupted or anything with ellen page

tagging: @agentgalpal @pemberelys @enyos @followtheswarm @patroclus-chironides @outofthefireintothefryingpan @julietcapulct @lilyevians @athenuas @cyanopeplus @lunar--sunshine @gushing---gold @wesmallsparrows @quitefearless fuck it i cba doing 25 so this is enough

January Blues, February Brights

Time to get out of a mid-winter January funk. A record crop of Meyer lemons in the greenhouse might help.

It's been tough. I mean, I expected this. Book deadline looming and I just started writing. Even though I lost my job last winter I was fortunate to have a severance package, but it runs out in a month. I'm not ignorant to the fact that I am still quite fortunate, but I also know that changes are on the doorstep, and maybe I haven't prepared enough for them (hello? Health insurance?). Ive been trying to squeeze in doctor appointments and dental work before March. I usually like January too - not only do I love snow, it's my birthday month. I should mention that I've officially reached that time in my life when it's like "birthdays? Really? I'm not talking about it. Then there is this funk which is probably just a combo of everything. Not to mention Post-Holiday Diets, the unusually cold and snowy weather we've been getting here in the Northeast (bomb cyclone and the coldest weather in over 100 years). This all seems to have manifested itself into a "might-as-well-just-wear-sweatpants-all-day-long-and-watch-Netflix" mentality. Not healthy. I have no interest in opening mail. In ordering seeds, or even for looking at nursery sites. I've kind-of lost interest in these things. I dont think that it's depression really, more like the fact that I feel as if I've grown everything and I cant find something new to be interested in. At least, that's what I'm telling myself. I am feeding the birds which is begining to really sound like a very old-man thing - (don't say it).  Still, I'm not doing much more.  Its really only a function. Thistle feeder is out again, dump more in. I'm not 'watching' the birds, which is probably worse now that I think about it. Guilt feeding. They eat alone, (which they probably like). I had little problem writing for the book however, so I suppose that is a good sign. Sitting in my office with the snow falling outside has been one of the most favorite things to do. Yet my problem still seems like that I don't feel like working, or not working for that matter don't dont feel like buying plants, nor watering the ones I have anymore either. Nothing seems interesting anymore, and I've lost confidence in what I am doing. This week our weather seems to have entered another phase -  bit milder (fingers-crossed that it sticks). With these more average temperatures (highs near freezing and lows in the 20's) much of the drama from the early weeks of January has passed. I even am beginning to think about the future more. I actually sowing a bit of seed today -some flats of mesclun.  I even smelled the first whiffs of the Sarcococca hookeriana in the greenhouse (which we need to grow in a pot here in Massachusetts - don't taunt me Oregon or North Carolina!). I'm good with the potted semi-tender shrubs like Sarcococca because under glass on a snowy, January day the greenhouse smells just like Tahiti (OK, more like early spring in the Himalaya - whatever...). It warms my soul and I kind of need that lately. At least it provided some hopefulness that I'll 'like it all' again.

Some casualties from the cold include this Canarina canariensis, but after following lots of chatter on the Pacific Bulb Society newsgroup, its bulb-like root may be OK. Many say that I should plant this tender geophyte that has gorgeous orange bell-shaped flowers like in this post, in the ground in my greenhouse, and it might do better. I'm going to try this. I need something to do.

A few freezes didnt hurt the South African bulbs. I kept the soil dry through most of January, which helps the cells expand in case there is a hard freeze. We had the coldest weather in over 100 years with a week of night temps below -12° F.

My book on vegetable gardenings is underway, mostly photo editing and writing at this phase. So, that has been my focus - choosing the best pics, researching at the library at the horticultural society and writing.

The cyclamen are sturdy fellows, able to withstand some very frosty nights with no harm. As long as the roots don't freeze the more tender species like C. graecum, I'm OK. I was able to fertilize them this week on my first visit out the greenhouse this year,.

South African bulbs really don't seem to mind the cold and the wet. These Babiana fragrans may bloom by springtime. As you can see, I never cleaned up the foliage from last season. It's very fibrous and tough and needs scissors to remove it in when the pot is dormant in mid-summer. I figure that this is what happens in the wild (there are no baboons out there cutting the dead foliage down, just digging and eating the bulbs). The iris-like flowers will be pretty though in a few weeks.

Citrus like these Calamondin oranges are blooming, even though half of the plant died from frost.

Other citrus are just not handling this winter all that well. This is what is left of my big Kumquat tree. Not a victim of frost however, but of a misplaced electric space heater.

Tropaeolim - tjhe vining, high-elevsation tuberous types from the Andes seem to relish this weather though. They look so tender and frail, with thread-like stems yet after the hot, summer dormancy, take off covering little trellis' in just a month - blooms will soon follow.

Tuberous Tropeolum grow from round tubers like potatoes. Here is a new species I am growng -  T. ciliatum, a tuber that I acquired from a collector in September. Its  growth is still small and weak. I think that it will appreciate being moved to a sunnier spot in the greenhouse now that it is getting warmer in there.

Another tropeolum species T. tricolor  looked completely dead, and I feared its late emergence meant that something ate the bulb, but it was just last winters growth that I hadn't cleaned up in the summertime (see a trend here?). Not watered since May, I noticed a bit of thread-like growth earlier this week, and after carefully removing the dead foliage found these new stems twirling around.

Last weekend the sun came out, so after journeying out into the greenhouse - sweatpants and all - I coudl see that most of the Dutch bulbs and South African bulbs were emerging. I moved them all to a sunny sand bed, watered them and in just a few days, things have come back to life.

Scilla messeniaca a lesser-known scilla is beginning to show its buds.

The camellias that were planted in the ground always seem to bloom well even in the coldest winters.  One snowy night in a blizzard two weeks ago the gas man wanted to see what I had in the greenhouse around 2 am, but I told him that it wasn't pot - but I could tell by his expression that he didn't believe me so, I shown a flashlight through the frosty glass and this thing was illuminated. He said "Wow, what the Hell is that?". "Not pot, I replied."

Camellias in pots are hardy too if the roots dont freeze. More sturdy than the insulating bubble wrap it seems.

The South African plants are remarkable cold hardy. This Erica 'Winter's Flame' is just starting to bloom.

Narcissus cantabricus, a native North African narcissus species blooms early in the greenhouse sand bed. It is sweetly fragrant - like cottoncandy (which reminds me - when was the last time I smelled cotton candy? It's sweetly scented like a vanilla candle from Target.).

If I was to grow one Nerine, it would be this one - N. alata or N. undulata. I have six stems in bloom this year. It too didnt seem to mind a few light frosts in early January.

The chili peppers didnt like the frost. And while many people keep some chili pepper plants from year to year for a while (like Chiltepin type), these probobly wont make it. I do have some Chiltepin and Tepin pepper plants in the house, however.

The biggest citrus I have is a massive tub planted with a Mandarin orange tree. It was hit by the blast of the propane furnice, and I fear that it wont recover.

Moving forward, I have all hopes that I am moving out of this funk I'm in.  No worries, I'm a pretty positive guy and maybe I just need a challenge. I can't tolerate 'meh' for long. You're probably thinking that I am just depressed.  Maybe - just a little, but most likely I'm not sleeping because I'm scared, bored and for some reason not motivated because of a combination of all of those things - which is probobly completely normal, right? After all - this is a big life change I'm going through over the next few momnths. With my severance runnings out in march health insurance is my greatest concern (Cobra?).  IT seems that there is no shortage of freelance projects and consulting on my doorstep, but just how much and how fruitful or consistant it will all be, I dont know. I dont do well with inconsistancy - you know, used to that pay check every two weeks. SOrry for thinking aloud here, but if you've read this far, you can probably see that this is just like therapy for me. Social therapy. I've never collected an unemployment check in my life either, but ick - I may have to. I just feel like a failure too I guess. Yet I promise to not let things get to me too much, this blog which I thought that I would have so much time to redesign and improve, will still go on.  I need to move forward and think about the garden again - and what's next on the horizon for my projects. I have jsut started thinking about my annual 'special projects' list, which is a bit overdue.  I am thinking about gladiolus again, a genus I have been putting off for a while now because dahlias got in the way - there are so many lovely crosses if you've even attended a gladiolus society show you know what I mean. Then there are fuschias to try again, but raising them in a different way - training them as standards or as large tubbed specimens, and then perhaps exploring how to create a mini-cut flower garden at home, designed to offer cut flowers for every week of the summer and fall, a mini-flower farm, if you will. Last year I was reminded of how great coleus looks in group containers, and I am imagining an entire collection of coleus - growing them in odd or creative ways - espalier comes to mind. - Asian gourds, a big chapter from my book has inspired me to try on a greater scale. Especially after visiting Chow's parents (a Vietnamese friend of mine) whos family grew so many types in their back yard near where I live. Those will definitely be on my grow list this year - including luffa, sponge gourds and bitter melon and how to grow them, because even though many of us know what a bitter melon looks like - who knows how to cook with them? I've learned this year, and want to share it. Oh yes, and dahlias. And sweet peas. And the tastiest tomatoes - Amy Goldman Fowler's great book THE HEIRLOOM TOMATO has reminded me that the tastiest ones are not any of the varieties I have grown in the past. Thank you Amy! Get it and read it closely - it's fabulously rich with information and well researched. See? I'll be OK. There are then other projects which failed once again that I want to retry until I master them. More about those later. Those potted tubs of 19th century Miognonette are going to be mastered - I know it.

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 21

a new school year has started, and lots of craziness happens

Maka: "Soul..." (puts her arms around him) "There was nothing you could have done." soul: i dont think i could ever move on.........but all i can do is keep living...right? Maka: (nods, strokes his head) "You have to. For yourself, Soul. Please?" soul:...i'm trying my hardest... Maka: "I know...Can you keep living, for my sake?" soul:.....ok.... Maka: (smiles, kisses his forehead) -the next morning- Patty: "Ugh...What a messed up dream." soul:............... Patty: "You okay, buddy?" soul: .........been better.... Patty: "..." *hug* soul: *tenses* Patty: (lets go) "S-Sorry. You just looked like you needed one..." soul:............................. Patty: "Do you want me to...get you a drink?" soul:.......i'm good..... Patty: "...Okay..." (exits but leaves the door open) soul:...................... *Wind blows by his face* soul:......*weak smile* *Wind shuts the door* -elsewhere- Hibana: (chuckles) iris: hmm? Hibana: "Oh, nothing. :3 " iris:......*shrug* Arthur: (inhales) "At least I can breathe again." shinra: zzzzzz............. Hibana: "Is Shinra still snoozing? Iris, please go wake him." iris: *gulp* um...o-ok.... Hibana: (laughing to herself) iris: 0-0;; Hibana: "Go on, little lamb. Go on." shinra: zzzzzzzzz mmn?...........ack!- *WHUMP* ow..... Hibana: (stifling her laughs) shina: um....h-hi? *sweats* iris: are you ok? Hibana: *sparkling eyes* -elsewhere- Wes: (smiles at Liz) liz: thanks for last night...it was really nice. *blush* Wes: (nods) "Thank you as well for a great night." (kisses her cheek) liz: that....that was the farthest we've gone.... Wes: "Was it too fast?" liz: it was....it was nice. Wes: "But...too fast? You want to go slower?" liz: y-yeah. Wes: (smiles, nods) "Whatever you want." (takes her hand, kisses it) liz: *she smiles* Wes: "So...What next? We could head out for brunch, or stay in and have something to eat." liz: maybe help with breakfast? Wes: ^_^; "I'd like that...Just...be aware my cooking sucks." -at school- Black Star: "Soul, buddy, you don't look so good." soul: rough night...i'll just walk it off.... Black Star: "Maybe it was how you slept?" soul:.....maybe.... Black Star: "Hmm...Oh! I know!" *pulls out a box from his backpack* "Bam! Sleepy-time tea!" soul: um, thanks. Black Star: "Hee hee...You're welcome. So, what's on the agenda today?" soul: classes as usual i guess.... Black Star: "I hope it's something exciting, like training, or fighting, or gym, or home ec--" *blushes* "I mean...Um...Gym." soul: sure dude. -at lunch- Kid: "Now, keep your eyes closed, and tell me which dessert this is." stocking: ahhhh~ Kid: (passes the fork gently past her lips to take the cake) stocking: mmm~ chocolate gateau? Kid: (smiles) "Correct! Two more desserts to try...Let this one coat your taste buds..." (brings another fork to her mouth) stocking: mmmmn~ cherry pie, right? Kid: "Excellent! Last one..." (brings the fork to her mouth) stocking: cinnamon rolls! Kid: "Yes, my little cinnamon roll!" (kisses her cheek gently) stocking: hehehe, you dork. Kid: "You dork's angel..." (kisses her other cheek) stocking: hehe~ kirika: bleeeegh! some of us want to eat dammit! Kid: -_-; "Then finish your meal before lunch period ends..." Patty: "Or else I'll gobble up your lunch, Ki-Ki!  " kirika: *grumble+nom* Patty: "Hee hee..." (bites into slice of pizza--then tenses) "Ow!"

liz: patti? Patty: "I think that pizza hurt my tooth--" (pulls out a piece of metal) "...What the fuck?!" liz: !!! Patty: "Wait...It has writing on it...Sis, I can't make it out..." (holds it up to her) liz: ???? *she examines it closely*....... liz: *squiiiiint* stonebrook, minnesota....???? Kid: "That's odd...I will have to file a complaint with our food distributor out there. Wait...I didn't even think we had food coming in from Minnesota..." liz: well, we have it coming in from other parts of the world, so why not? Kid: "I suppose..." Patty: "I WANT TO GO UP TO THAT PLACE, GO TO ITS FRONT OFFICE, AND PUNCH ITS BOSS IN THE MOUTH! Owie owie owie..." liz: let's take it easy now... Kid: "I'll request that Father contact the office." -and so- kirika: i cant believe dad made me go on this stupid mission with you losers of all people... liz: .... Kid: -_-; "He is also my father, ergo you are the sister of a loser, which therein makes you a loser as well." justin: *he's driving them up* kirika: you just confirmed you're a loser, so case in point. liz: *shivering* stupid cold.... Kid: "NO, IT IS YOU WHO ARE THE LO--" Patty: "Sigh...I love the cold..." :3 justin: JUST A FEW MILES TILL OUR DESTINATION! *smile* Kid: "Hmph. Sooner the better..." (shoves Kirika) kirika: YOU WANNA GO MOTH- liz: come on you two, c-c-cant you just g-get along for one m-mission? Kid: "Stay out of this, Liz! This is between her and--" *something is heard shuffling in the back* Kid: "...What was that?" kirika: *peeeeak* !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you have got to be shitting me right now. -_-#; Kid: "???" liz: ack! Kid: o\\\\o Gopher: (meek wave) "H-Hello..." justin: ah, it appears that we've arrived. -it's a small, snowy town surrounded by a large forest- Gopher: (smiles at Kirika) "It looks lovely here~" kirika: eh, it's alright i guess... Gopher: "Maybe we can walk through the snow later?" kirika: kinda reminds me when we snuck in on that cabin trip, remember that kiddo? haha! Kid: -_-; Gopher: "Ha ha ha! That was enjoyable!" Kid: >.< kirika: remember when we wore those masks and freaked out all out? i think boyle tagged along too... Kid: "Yes, thank you for the walk down memory lane..." liz: it was fun. a lot of new experiences were shared there.... Kid: o\\\\\\\o liz: ?? Kid: "NOTHING! I'M FINE! HOW ARE YOU?" (Shinra-levels of nervous smiling) liz: i...i didnt even say anything... *sweatdrop* Kid: "YES, THANK YOU. THIS WEATHER SURE IS SOMETHING, ISN'T IT?!" Patty: "...Why is he yelling louder than Justin?" justin: HMM? DID YOU SAY SOMETHING? -and so, they arrive at the motel- Gopher: o^o "Rather creepy." Kid: -_-; "Rather asymmetrical." liz: it's....quaint...i guess....homey-ish... Patty: "I wonder whether it has ghosts--" ???: oh hello there! liz: *SCREAM* Patty: "?!" clerk: oh, sorry there, i didnt mean to startle ya, hun. *she seems nice enough* Kid: "Excuse me, we are on an investigation with the DWMA." clerk: ah, you're that fancy group from out west, ya? come along, i'll get your rooms set up. Kid: "..." (follows) -and so- Gopher: T_T "I wanted to be in Kirika's room..." justin: *he's reading his bible and listening to his music* Kid: (re-arranging furniture) "Don't even get me started on the dust in here..." (looks at his phone) stocking: [hey cutie <3 how's minnesota?] Kid: [cold--because you aren't here <:( ] stocking: [aw. *hug emoticon*] Kid: [and u, love? how are u?] stocking: [lonely.] -she sends a pic of herself laying in his bed- Kid: o\\\\o [that bed needs someone else in it] stocking: [U B safe, ok? < : ) ] Kid: [i will. i love you] justin: ...... stocking: [love U too kiddo~ *kissy emoji*] Kid: (smiles...Then sees Justin) "Oh! Um..." justin: ?? Kid: "J-Just a text from Stocking!" justin: ah, i see... Kid: "So...Tomorrow, we'll investigate." justin: *he nods* try to get some rest, young lord. we hae a busy day ahead of us. Kid: "Okay..." Gopher: "I can't sleep without some milk!" justin: i'll go and get you some then. *he smiles and exits* Gopher: (smiles) "Thank you..." (glares at Kid) Kid: "?!" -the next morning- justin: RISE AND SHINE EVERYONE! Gopher: (pawing like a kitten) "Five more minutes..." Kid: *grouchy* "Is the sun even up yet?" -at breakfast- kirika: *yaaaawn* morning assbutts. Patty: "Morning, butthead!" :D kirika: *mumbles and eats her pancakes* 's good. Kid: (slowly sipping orange juice, then stops) "Liz? You okay?" liz: *yaawn* yeah, i'm good. why do you ask? Kid: "You seemed quiet, and tired." liz: i'm fine, dont worry. *she smiles* justin: so, what did you want to do today? *he puts down a map of the town on the table* -seems there is a library, a park, a restaraunt, a campground, a lake, a school building, the sheriff's office, some residential homes, a diner, a pizzaria, and a few stores- Patty: "Ugh, pizzeria? After that awful pizza, no thanks." Kid: "Perhaps check with the sheriff's office?" justin: perhaps. Gopher: "I was thinking the lake...it may look pretty." kirika:.........uuuugh there's like...nothing to do here! Gopher: "The lake may have fishing? Or boat rides? Oh! Or maybe a romantic walk?" Kid: -_-; liz: the library might be fun...it even doubles as the town hall and a museum. Patty: "Let's go to the library! The museum could be fun!" liz: alrighty then. Patty: "Yay!" Kid: (smiles) Gopher: -^- -and so, justin and kid head to the sheriff, while the others head to the library- Kid: "Hmm...Sheriff, is this all the evidence you have?" sheriff: all we have to go on are weird noises in that old barn...could just be raccoons or somethin' but who knows... Kid: "It may be beneficial for Justin and me to sense the spiritual energy around that barn, however." sheriff: well if you think that's best, sure then... Kid: (nods) "Please stay back from the barn: if you already investigated, no point in having non-empowered persons nearby." sheriff: er....right. Kid: "Justin, come with me. We'll see what is happening." justin: of course. -at the library- liz: fancy place. Patty: "So many 'Do Not Touch' signs..." (moves finger close to one...) ???: i suggest you not do that. Patty: "???" -a woman in a nun's habbit and glasses smiles- ???: i dont believe i've seen you lot around town. Patty: "Nah, we're visiting!" (looks at her habit) "Hey, can I wear that?" liz: down girl. but yeah, we're visiting. ???: ah, i see. *she nods* Gopher: "What kind of volumes do you have here?" ???: hmm? what are you looking at, child? Gopher: "J-Just curious about what reading you have! I'm kind of an apprentice to someone who does a lot of reading." -seems to be just some local history books and textbooks- Gopher: "Oooooh, a local almanac! Neat!" liz: you're a sister for a church? i didnt see a church on the map... Patty: (still staring at the habit) Gopher: (trying to show Kirika a book) ???: oh the church is out in the woods, but it's only open to locals. however, i could schedule a private sermon here at the library if you like. liz: no no, it's fine. Gopher: (looks back..."Private"? What church is only open to locals?") ???: i see.....well, for now i'll allow you to continue on your way.....also, the hotel you're staying at....there's a 10:00 PM curfew....keep that in mind... Patty: "Why? Does something happen after 10?" -she already left- kirika:.....weird-ass bitch. Gopher: "That's not a nice thing to say about a nun..." liz: she was acting kind of unusual though....something about her....it doesnt sit well with me... Patty: "Hey...Maybe two of us should follow her?" kirika: maybe..... Gopher: (shiny eyes) "Kirika and I can follow her!" -later, at the barn- Kid: "Hmmm....I'm sensing something, and it's not raccoon droppings." justin: hmmm.... *he looks around* Kid: (scratches his arm) "The cold is making me itch..." justin:.....i dont feel any presences here...aside from our own, anyway... Kid: "Hmmm...Let me try something..." (removes a UV light) "Maybe we see something else this way..." -elsewhere- Yumi: "Stocking, could you hold Shiori for a moment?" stocking: sure thing. Yumi: (hands Shiori) "I'll get some snacks. Back in a moment." (walks to the kitchen...) stocking:.....*she holds onto shiori* ...... shiori: muugu? stocking:....*small smile* Yumi: "Aw, that's adorable." stocking: thanks... Yumi: "She seems happy with you. Must be your winning personality." (offers a glass of water to Stocking) stocking: it's a stretch... *she takes it* Yumi: (small laugh) "I appreciate the help. It's going to get harder soon: before I know it, Shiori will be running everywhere." stocking: *she nods and thinks about something* Yumi: "Something wrong?" stocking: no, just...just thinking.... Yumi: "Something close to home...or about Kid's mission?" stocking: i'm just....i worry about him....will he be ok? Yumi: "I don't know...I'm sorry to say it that way, but in our line of work, in the fact of uncertainty, all we have is faith and our will to face the worse..." (she looks at Shiori) stocking: .............. Yumi: "..." (takes Stocking's hand) "Kid will be fine. He's far too stubborn to let something happen to him." stocking:......*she nods* Yumi: (smiles) "I think you need a break. Up for a walk?" stocking: sure......mind if i invite someone along? Yumi: "Of course." -and so- Yumi: "It's good to have you here for this walk." (Shiori in baby chest strap) felisia: *she smiles* i'm glad you decided to invite me. it'll be nice to spend some time with my daughter and her future mother-in-law. stocking: m-mom! .////. Yumi: "Yes." (smiles) "We have a lot to discuss, don't we? Such as wedding plans." stocking: YUMI!! O////O Yumi: "Kidding!" (laughs) "Felisia, how has this week been for you?" felisia: i've been doing well. i got to work on my sewing. i even made some new dresses, this one included~ Yumi: "That's your own?! It's lovely!" felisia: well, i know my way around a needle and thread. i even made stocking's little doll. stocking: she sure did.... (thinking: in more way than one ^^; ) Yumi: "Maybe you could make one for Shiori!" -elsewhere- Hibana: "Darn. No luck." shinra: we're hoooome! Hibana: (tenses, smiles nervously) "W-Welcome home!" maki: we got to meet some of the new students in the NOT class! Hibana: "Really?" (hides some papers) "Fascinating. Any good prospects in the new litter?" shinra: well, there's a few, but a good deal stand out, for better or worse...that one guy, Katsuki Bakugou.....in laymans terms....he's a d*ck. Hibana: "Ah..." (she has hidden the papers she had) "That stinks. But I'm sure they'll grow out of that, once the upperclassmen knock it out of them." (nervous laughter) shinra: *sighs* that weirdo with the navel lazer is no better.....he's just....weird. like an even more annoying version of arthur. Arthur: "Yeah, except he was French--HEY!" shinra: *whistles* maki: shinra seemed to get along with that one other kid...i think his name was deku or something? shinra: yeah! we're gonna be brothers in arms! *shiny eyes* Arthur: -_-; "Dork." shinra: shut up, you can be brothers in arms with sir sparklepants! Arthur: "Why would I?! He knows nothing of chivalry! A knight does not showboat!" shinra: ...... *sweatdrop* Arthur: "I just want some peace and quiet, and no more--" (spots Hibana) "What is with you?" Hibana: o\\\\\\o "N-Nothing!" shinra: ????? Hibana: (behind her is a file, within Maki's reach) maki: *grab* hmm??? Hibana: *gasps* "No! Don't--" *Inside the file is something called OPERATION: MATCHMAKER* maki: oh. OH! OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH!!! *shiny eyes* shinra: ?!?! *Inside are photographs, a flowchart, and a calendar with set goals* Hibana: o\\\\\\\\o maki: *hands it back and grins* shinra: ???????????? Hibana: "...IT'S CONFIDENTIAL WORK I AM DOING WITH VERY IMPORTANT PEOPLE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THIS BRIGADE'S MORALE! GOOD-BYE!" (tries to run away) shinra:...........that just happened. Arthur: "What was in the file, Maki?" maki: oh nothing~<3 Arthur: "???" -elsewhere- Ponera: "How much longer...?" grimoire: she's due some time next month... Ponera: "Ugh...It's been rough trying to deal with her...I can't imagine what it's going to be like with a baby in here." -BLEARGH- shaula: grooooooss! Ponera: "???" -back in stonebrook- Kid: "Did you hear something?" justin: !!!!! -an elk charges out at them- Kid: o____o "Run!" -after running back to town- Kid: (panting) "Wh-What?" justin: *pant pant* goodness...that was quite alarming....*sigh* young lord! are you injured? Kid: "My leg hurts..." (rubs it) justin: *lifts him up* i'll bring you back to the hotel then. Kid: o\\\\\o "I...I'm sure I can walk, sir..." justin: *he's already carrying him back* Kid: "How mortifying..." (trying to cover his face) "Why did an elk even attack us there?" justin: we'll speculate once we've returned... Kid: "I just hope no one sees me like this--" kirika: BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Kid: >\\\\\\\< "I hate today..." kirika: all _we_ did was go to a library and then go ice fishing... Gopher: (shivering) "I-I-I was the bait..." kirika: it's called 'building character'. you're still alive, arent you? Gopher: "I can't feel below the waist..." kirika: well, tough it up kiddo. how do you expect to get any stronger if you keep expecting life to hold your hand through it? sometimes you just got to suck it up and get on with it. just keep pushing on forwards! Gopher: "..." (blushes hard, shiny eyes) "Marry me!" -tiny chop- kirika: too forward. Gopher: -^- "Ouchie..." Kid: -\\\\- "Please set me down, Justin." justin: oh. *he does so* -after getting dinner and explaining the situation- Kid: "We get attacked by an elk, and the most you find is a suspicious nun?" liz: i'lbe honest...this town...it makes me uneasy... Kid: "I feel the same, but I can't pin it down to any spiritual energy yet." -that night- Kid: "No sign of her..." kirika:.......hmm? *she sees someone going into the woods outside* Kid: "See someone?" kirika: ...say, want to do something actually fun? Kid: "What did you have in mind?" kirika: huehuehuehuehue~ *she sneaks down to the back door* Kid: "???" ("This can't end well...") kirika: *she pulls something out from her pocket and picks the lock* motherucking touchdown. Kid: "Hmph. Can you get us inside?" -the door leads to the backyard...- kirika: we got to be real fucking quiet, step where the footprints are.... Kid: "..." (follows the footprints) -they lead out into the woods- kirika: stick to the woods....and be quiet.... Kid: (nods..."How often has she snuck out from home?") -someone is walking up to a chapel- Kid: (whispers) "Who is that? The nun you saw earlier?" -the woman opens the door, looks around, and closes the door- kirika:.....yyyeeeeep. just about. Kid: "Nothing suspicious about going to a chapel...but why is she so furtive about it?" kirika: *sneaking up to the windows*.....................????????????? empty? Kid: "What?" (looks as well) "Where is she?" kirika:.......*shrug* -lots of people can be sensed underground- Kid: "...There are people downstairs...No...underground?" -the next morning- Kid: (shaking) liz: everything ok? Kid: "I got a bad feeling from that chapel..." justin: oh? Kid: (nods) "It was unsettling...So many people underground..." liz: did you see them? Kid: "I could sense their souls only...but..." liz: ?? Kid: "Those were not normal human souls. They weren't normal weapon souls. They were...terrifying." liz:....... justin: should we investigate? Kid: (nods) "I don't know how--the nun won't let us in..." kirika: *smirk* who said anything about her letting us in~? Kid: "...Can you get us in? We don't even know what to expect once we're inside." kirika: can i get you in? does a bear take a shit in the woods? Gopher: (raises hand, ready to answer the question with a bright, enthusiastic smile) -and so- Kid: (following Kirika) Gopher: (giddy to be involved) kirika: just turn here aaaand... babies first...kid you go on in. justin: *peeeek inside* Kid: -_-; "Jerk..." (enters) -the building appears to be very dusty- Kid: o_o; "Disgusting dust..." kirika: *cough* geh...ok, check everything... Kid: (looks around the room, including at paintings) Patty: "Wish there was a nun's outfit to put on..." justin: *at the front*.... ??? oh? Patty: "See something, Justin?" justin: it appears to be a trap door. Kid: "..." (inhales) "Perhaps best if we have two teams, one to stay here just in case..." -justin lifts it up, and a red light shines from inside- liz: iiiiii'll just wait up here. Kid: "Since I won't be able to use only one demon pistol, I guess Patty will stay here with you, Liz." liz: *gulp* kirika: gopher, keep an eye on them ok? Gopher: -^- "But who will protect you if I am not there?" kirika: *magical girl mode+claw blades* dis bitch. Gopher: oWo "So cool..." liz: *sweatdrop* Patty: "Be safe out there, you guys." -and so they head downstairs- Kid: "Hmm..." (hears something) "What was that?" kirika: *she heads down furthur* ooooohhhh.....this doesnt look good... Kid: "...My God..." -it appears to be a kishin worship room- justin: !!!! Kid: "..." (pulls out his mirror to call...) lord death: m'yello~ Kid: "Shhh...! Kishin worship room!" lord death: !!! where is this? Kid: "Underneath a chapel..." lord death: which one? Kid: "I think it's the only one in this small town..." -someone could be heard whimpering in the corner- Kid: "Justin...What was that?" justin:... !!!! i-it's ok young one... child: *sniffling* i-i dont want to die..... Kid: "...I think we need to get this child out of here first..." -justin proceeds to break the lock off- Kid: (watches...senses something...) "Please hurry, Justin..." -upstairs- Patty: "...They've been down there a long time." liz:.....i have a bad feeling about this.... Gopher: "What do we do? If we go in, we can't send someone back to let them know we d-d-died...But if we stay here, they could die..." ???: i'm afraid you wont be having much choice in the matter~ liz: !!!!!!! Patty: "Eeek!" (transforms into a gun into Liz's hands) Gopher: (throws a feather bullet attack at the voice) -it's the woman from the library- ???: didnt your mother tell you it's not nice to attack nuns? *she tears the side of her dress to get to a knife holster on her leg* liz: oh shit! *shoots* Patty: (focuses to let the soul wavelength bullet hit the target) Gopher: (aims another bullet at the nun) ???: ah! *scratched* fufufufu... AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! *she charges at them* -CLANG- Gopher: "?!" kirika: hey. Gopher: "My Angel!" kirika: says the one with a grigori soul! justin: kid, take this girl and run, we'll handle this one. Gopher: "Hee hee..." (blushes--then realizes) "Where are Kid and Justin?" Gopher: "Oh!" Kid: (grabs the girl) "Come on!" girl: o-ok! Kid: "Liz! Cover us!" liz: roger! Patty: " 'Kay!" Gopher: "How much trouble can a nun with a knife be?" -SLASH SLASH- kirika: *grips her cheek* FUCK! Gopher: "Kirika!" (glares at the Nun) "You bitch!" (dashes at her) "Bullet Wing!" (flaps two wings of feather bullets at the Nun) ???: *she's bloody, but still going* kirika: HYEEAAAH! *KICKS HER OUT THE WINDOW* y'know, i've never been much of a religious person... Gopher: (approaches Kirika) "You're cut...Here, let me bandage you up..." kirika: meh, i've had way worse... Gopher: (pulls out bandages...touches her cheek) kirika: 7//////7; Gopher: (applies bandage) "Your skin is soft..." -chokehold- kirika: aaaand you just made it weird. Gopher: (eyes bulging) "I'm just being honest!" -drop- kirika: w-whatever, let's just find sister psychobitch and finish her off. Gopher: *cough* *cough* Gopher: "R-Right..." -outside- justin: *battling against the woman* Gopher: (throws bullets at the woman) "Did Kid escape?" ???: you should really just kill me and get it over with...someone like me is far to much trouble to keep alive... kirika: not sure, but frankly i dont give a fuck. Gopher: (proud smile) ???: fufu....AHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! you fools, do you really think i care what happens to me or the people of this town? Gopher: "...Yes? I mean, there are a lot of people in this town--" ???: hehehe... HAHAHAHAHAHA! you really dont get it do you? do you honestly think human lives have any value? this world is filled to the brim with scum... human beings are truly cruel to each other... i've seen humanity at it's worst; bigotry, greed, obsession, the only salvation those people deserve is through damnation, and the rest? they will ascend that level and find new salvation; salvation through madness. justin:.... kirika: you're fucked up.... Gopher: "Y-Yeah..." (rubs his arm) "Let's get her out of here...Who knows who else in this city is this crazy." kirika:........!!!!! something's going on in town! Gopher: (turns--and his face turns white) "Oh no..." justin: *he starts running* -at the inn- liz: OH THIS IS NOT GOOD! -towns people are trying to break down the door- Patty: (tossing furniture at the door) "There's no one here! Go home! Leave us alone! We left ice cream in the fridge--go eat that!" girl: *crying* Kid: (holds her) "It's going to be okay..." (taps his mirror) "Damn...I can't get the signal to go through, so I don't know that we can escape through the mirror." liz: check upstairs! Kid: (still holding the child, he runs upstairs) "I see another mirror..." (taps it) "Damn...I can't get it to turn on..." girl: i-i'm scared....i-i want to go home... Kid: (stares at the mirror..."Damn." Turns to the girl, leans down to be at eye level) "Hey. You are going to get home: I promise. Now, what is your name?" girl: *sniff* Cynthia... Kid: (smiles) "Hi, Cynthia. I'm Kid." (keeps tapping the mirror, but he still can't get a signal. Looks around for other exits or weapons but keeps talking to her) "Do you like candy, Cynthia?" cynthia:...*she nods a bit* Kid: (smiles) "My girlfriend loves candy. When we get you out of here, I'll get you as much candy as you want..." (pushes a piece of furniture--and finds a secret door) "...Huh...Could this let us get out of here?" -seems to lead to a garage underground- Kid: "...Cynthia? We're getting my friends and getting out of here..." cynthia: o-ok.... -after the others made their way in, barricaded the door, and got their stuff- Kid: "Stay close, hurry, and don't trip: who knows when they will catch up..." -they make it into the garage where justin's van was parked- Kid: (lifts Cynthia and puts her into the van) Patty: "I'll get her buckled in..." cynthia:.... Kid: "Justin, are we all here?" justin: *doing a head count* yes, everyone is here and accounted for. Kid: "Good--let's get out of here!" justin: *revs it up and drives outta there* Kid: "Hang on to something!" (grabs the seat) -and so- Kid: "They stopped following us..." liz: death city ho? Kid: "Y-Yeah..." (pulls up his mirror) "Signal is back. I'm alerting Father--" lord death: kid? Kid: "Father! We just escaped the city! It was full of Kishin worshippers!" lord death: hmmm...we'll send a squad of DWMA out there. Kid: "We careful: it's a small town, but the numbers and abilities can be overwhelming. I suggest the goal should be to contain, not kill--not until information can be learned from them..." lord death: right. -soon- Patty: "Ugh...I just wanted to know why there was metal in my pizza--I didn't expect Kishin worshippers..." liz: well, we're home now... stocking: *playing with shiori* Kid: "...Stocking..." stocking: ??!!!! kid! *she hugs him tightly* Kid: T_T "I missed you!" stocking: i'm so happy you're alright... Kid: "I'm happy you are here!" (hugs tightly) "Are you okay?" stocking: yeah. shiori: kid! kid! *reaching up* Kid: "Shiori!" (giggles as he picks her up) "It's great to see you, too!" (kisses her forehead) shiori: hehe~ Kid: "You're happy, aren't you, Shiori? I trust that you enjoyed being with Stocking?" (looks at her while holding Shiori) stocking: yeah...i think i'm getting the hang of it... Kid: (smiles) "I'm sure you are..." (bounces Shiori on his knee) "When I was on the mission...we rescued a child..." stocking: *she listens* Kid: "She...likely lost all of her family, based on what we saw that those worshippers did with so many people in the town..." stocking:....where is she now? Kid: "Until she can be placed with a family, at the Law Church Orphanage...*Sigh* I...don't like this plan. A child like that..." stocking: ?? Kid: (shakes his head) "I promised when we get back..." (tearing up a bit) "I asked whether she likes candy, and I told her you did, and that when we got back I'd get her as much as she wanted...Now she's in an orphanage and I--I--" stocking: ......mind if we pay a visit? Kid: "I-I would like to." stocking: ok then. -and so- Kid: (points to her) "There she is...You have the chocolates?" stocking: *she nods and goes up to her, giving the chocolate bar to her....cynthia seems happy* cynthia: thank you miss. stocking: it's ok, i know it's scary...but i know what it's like to grow up in a place like this.... Kid: (smiles at Cynthia) "How have the nuns been?" cynthia: sister christina is really nice. Kid: "That's good to hear...Cynthia, do you like stuffed animals?" cynthia:...i guess so. Kid: "Maybe we can bring you one?" cynthia: that's ok. i'm alright. Kid: "...Do you mind if we visit you tomorrow? Maybe for lunch?" -later- Kid: "Thank you for coming with me, Stocking." stocking: no problem. call it maternal instinct or whatever. *shrug* Kid: (smiles, holds her hand) " 'Maternal,' eh?" stocking: *she smiles* Kid: "I like the sound of that..." (kisses her cheek) "I missed you..." stocking:... want to go anywhere else~? Kid: "Where were you thinking? Perhaps to pick up more candy since we depleted some giving it to Cynthia?" stocking: yeah, maybe get dinner, hit up a movie? Kid: (smiles) "Nothing would make me happier." (offers his arm) "Shall we?" stocking: indeed~ Kid: (walks arm-in-arm with her) "Any particular craving? Perhaps narrow down our list to the restaurants with the best dessert menus?" stocking: maybe someplace new tonight? Kid: "Perhaps Cafe du Monde? I heard its desserts are to die for." stocking: ooooh~ *shiny eyes* Kid: "Hee hee...So cute. It's just a few blocks from here..." -elsewhere- Asura: (shivering) heibito: zzzzzz...... mikan: is everything alright? Asura: "I sense something...off." mikan: oh? Asura: "One location...someone intruded...a Shinigami..." mikan: ........ *she holds his hands* Asura: "I think they're getting closer..." mikan: ..............*she hugs him* Asura: "I'm afraid...What if they find us..." mikan: it's ok....i know we will be able to fend them off.... Asura: (nods) "I want Heibito protected...I'm not letting them take our child." mikan: *she nods and holds them close* Asura: "I love you..." mikan: i love you too, so, so much... Asura: (trembling in her arms) mikan: *humming and running her fingers through his hair* Asura: (slowly stops shaking...sighs) -elsewhere- Arthur: (scowling) iris: i-is something wrong? Arthur: "Fake knights are the worst." iris: *confused* shinra: *grumble* stupid bakugou....i want to kick him in his stupid face... Arthur: "That showboating French brat--I COULD FIRE SOMETHING OUT OF MY NAVEL TOO!" shinra: i think you'd probably get hurt. Arthur: >8( *intense glare* iris: hey come on now, let's try to get along, ok? shinra: *blush* y-yeah... Arthur: (crosses his arms) "My kingdom for reliable knights..." shinra: but on the bright side, there's some pretty cool kids in the new class too... maki: that girl ochako seems pretty cool, and that izuku kid. shinra: we are brothers in arms after all. *grin* Arthur: "I have yet to find a worthy warrior in the set. Who needs superpowers when all you should need is a sword?" shinra: (thinking: isnt your sword and extention of your abilities?) Arthur: "In any case, I have other tasks to complete. I think I will wash off this outrage, then proceed with homework and--um...contact someone." shinra: alright. -a few days later- Kid: (taps his pencil against the notebook) -at lunch- liz: KID WE HAVE A PROBLEM! Kid: "What?! What's wrong?!" -BOOOOM- liz: that. -a few students are crowding outside- Kid: "?! An explosion?! Is someone attacking the school?!" kirika: tch- IS THAT THE BEST YOU GOT, KATSUDICK?! stocking: ooooh no.... Katsuki: "Tch..." (wipes a bit of blood off his mouth, smirks) "Just holding back--didn't want you to cry too badly." kirika: aw whats wrong, afraid i might laugh so hard i cry? Katsuki: (twitch) "Oh, you think you're tough shit?! Fine! Wait until I light you up so much people will think you're a goddamn Christmas tree!" *uses Explosion to leap up and fling down explosives onto Kirika* kirika: heh... *dodging* student: she's going so fast! Katsuki: "Fast or not, I'll just blow her ass up with an even bigger explosion! Watch out below!" (throws down bigger explosions onto the ground) tsubaki: shouldnt someone stop them? Black Star: "Yeah! That maniac is going to wreck my stage! Come on, Tsubaki!" tsubaki: *sigh* Jacqueline: "Professor Stein! Miss Marie! Someone!" liz: *she goes to get stein* Patty: "There he is!" Stein: "What the hell is going on?!" liz: kirika- Stein: "...Say no more. I'm going to knock her to the floor..." -outside- kirika: tch- try this one on for size. ~STEPPING FANG~ *she throws her claw blades at katsuki* Katsuki: (sweeps his leg at Kirika--to hit her with an explosion upon impact) *As he sweeps his leg, the claws do scratch him* kirika: !!!! fuck! Katsuki: "Ah! Bitch! That stings!" kirika: heh. Katsuki: "I'm going to wipe that smirk off your face!" (propels his punch with an explosion to increase impact of the punch...) kirika: !! Stein: "..." (leaps between them, slaps his hands along their faces--and sends them flying back with Twin Soul Menace blasts) kirika: *cough cough* fuck.... Katsuki: (lands on his head) "What the hell?! I was winning!" marie: ok everyone, settle down. student: i think it's a draw! Katsuki: (back on his feet) "Fuck a draw--I'm going to win this now!" (tries to explode forward--and slams face-first onto the floor) "...Ow..." kirika: *snerk* Stein: (takes Kirika and Katsuki by the ears) "No faculty referees? Fine. Enjoy detention..." (sneers) "I have a delicious punishment in mind..." -later- Kid: "So, how bad was Stein's punishment?" kirika: eh, i've had worse. but mr 'hotstuff' screamed like a little bitch. Katsuki: T_T "I DID NOT!" (sparks shooting around him) kirika: you're right, it was more like crying. Katsuki: (grabs her wrist) "We're not finished!" (pulls back his fist--) -DOUBLE CHOP- kirika: X-X *steam coming off her head* Katsuki: X_X "..." Kid: o_o (backs away) marie: right, anyway..... -after school- Kid: "Maybe we should pursue an activity that doesn't lend itself easily to fistfights..." kirika: ..... Kid: "Perhaps something that isn't violent...like get Mocha some new cat toys?" kirika: .///. ..........sounds good. Gopher: (pops out of a nearby garbage can) "Yes, it does sound fun!" (he has a banana peel on his head) kirika: i know i should be shocked and confused why you're in there....but im just not. Gopher: "Yay! You know me so well, my love--" liz: easy there puppy. Gopher: "Woof! Woof!" :3 Patty: "...Huh. So that's what does it for Kirika." kirika: oh shush. -_-; -At the Pet Supply Shop- Kid: (studying the fishes in the tanks) "Calming..." Patty: "Which aisle has the giraffe repellent?" clerk: i-i beg your pardon? Patty: "Giraffe repellent. If you don't have it in mace form, I'll take it in axe form." clerk: O-O;;;; Patty: "And do you have camouflage? And do you have human-size hamster balls? Where are your balls?" -elsewhere- Spirit: (mapping) "And that's the latest Kishin worship location..." (taps the map) "They're spreading, Sir." lord death: hmmm.... this is all very troubling. Spirit: "I wish we could just wipe those cities off the map..." (trembling) justin: unfortunatly, there's not much we can do at the moment... Stein: "Hmm...Food...Why was this all the start of just finding a piece of metal in pizza sauce? Is it just coincidence?" justin: or maybe someone was sending a message? a cry for help? Stein: "Perhaps...Odd coincidence, but a good one if it meant we learned about this city now rather than later. But all those people..." justin:...... Stein: (sighs) "Okay. Justin, you said there was an underground. What can you tell me about it?" -one analysis and explanation later- Stein: "No tunnels leading to another location or city?" justin: unfortunately, we didn’t have the luxury of time on our hands to investigate further... Stein: "Did you see anything familiar in the underground? Words? Symbols? Objects?" justin: *he draws a diagram of how the room looked with some notes* Stein: "Hmm...Secret entrances? A prison cell...What else?" -later that night- Gopher: "Does Mocha like it?" .W. mocha: *she seems quite happy* Gopher: "Yay!" (small claps) -in another room- stocking: cute jammies. *she is wearing white pajamas with black trim+details and a skull on the pockets* -kid's is the same, only the colors are inverted, IE black pajamas with white trim and details- Kid: (smiles widely) "Likewise. You look so huggable in them--" stocking: hehe~ Kid: (hugs her, sways with her) "I like these. Thank you." stocking: i thought they looked cute~

Death the Kid: Kid: (kisses her cheek) "They do~" stocking: *she smiles and nuzzles into him* Kid: (holds her) "I missed you so much when I was on that mission..." stocking: *listening* Kid: "I was scared that I...wouldn't be back." stocking: but you are... Kid: *sniff* (smiles) "And I'm so happy that I am..." -and so, one love making session later- Kid: (panting) "God...W-We broke in those new pajamas all right..." stocking: aahhh.. y-yeah.. *blush* Kid: (giggles) "Your body looked amazing when I unbuttoned the top..." stocking: *blush* hehe~ Kid: (smirks) "Did you think I looked good in the pajamas?" (kisses her neck) stocking: oh hell yeah~ Kid: "That's what I wanted to hear..." (small bite on her shoulder) stocking: ahh~ Kid: "Stocking..." (massages her breast) "I love you..." stocking: i love you too, kiddo~ Kid: (kisses on her breast--then licks her nipple) stocking: ahhh~! Kid: "You like that?" -the next morning- Kid: "Ah...What's today?" -at school- Patty: "Is Loud-Mouth McBoom Face still enrolled, or did Kirika scare him away?" liz: still here, but i think they're going to be avoiding each other a looong while. Patty: "Maybe he needs a hug...or a punch in the teeth." liz: ....... Kid: (looking through books) "Hmm..." -in another place in the school- Shotaro: "Um...Why is math relevant to me again?" -after class- Shotaro: "My head hurts..." ????: oh! you're the guys from the robot tournament a while back, right? Shotaro: (looks around, then at Mana) "Are they talking to us?" mana: i think so. yeah, that would be us. ????: that was so cool! i'll admit i was a little scared when that rubble fell but then shinra kicked it away and it was so awesome! Shotaro: "..." (quiet, sullen) mana: yeah.... ????: ah! sorry, i guess i was rambling again...a-anyway, im Izuku. i just started the NOT classes this year. Shotaro: "...Hi." (weak smile) mana: nice to meet you. I'm Mana Hinoki, and this is Showtaro. Shotaro: "Yeah...Um, Izuku? How are you doing in your classes?" izuku: i've been doing my best. -at lunch- Kid: (spots Izuku) "Hmmm...Looks like our new students are getting along." liz: *she nods* Kid: "That's good. Don't need more fights around here..." Black Star: "Yeah! I can't have anyone taking my spotlight!" (dramatic pose) tsubaki: *sweatdrop* Patty: (shining a spotlight onto Black Star) "Testify, brother!" Black Star: (microphone now in his hand) "I am the only star of this Academy! And don't none of your newbies forget it!" izuku: *sweatdrop* tsuyu: o~o ??? kero? ochako: ^^; Katsuki: "...I want to punch him in his shitty head." -elsewhere- Akitaru: (fixing lights in the Brigade) "Everything is so old in here..." maki: we should do a fundraiser or something. Akitaru: "That could work. Not sure what we can offer to funds raised, though, aside from our usual pleasant demeanor--" Hibana: (heard falling down the stairs) "Goddamn it! Where are the fucking lights?!" Akitaru: "...Our super, duper, pleasant demeanor..." -_- maki: *sweatdrop* -elsewhere- grunt: m-mr shinoda, you have a skype call. Shinoda: "Very good. I'll take the call..." (taps the screen) -the room on the screen looks like a young girl's playroom. there is a girl sitting in a chair with an older lady on the side of her- ???: greetings Shinoda. how's everything in the toykyo branch going? Shinoda: "A bit slow, unfortunately: it is so hard to attract talented people..." (sneers) "...unless you can convince them otherwise." ???: myogyogyogyo~ i think with my puppet ability, that shouldnt be too hard~ ????: miss Marisa, you do have to know their names first before you can do anything to them... Shinoda: "I have had my team find the names of some particularly talented people..." marisa: oooh, mind faxing them over~? pretty pleeeeease~? Shinoda: (smiles) "Gladly..." (hands it to Grunt to fax) ????: any updates on kepuri or akaderu? we lost contact with them after the death city tournament. marisa: jeez, Naoka. you're so impatient sometimes. *pout* Shinoda: "Our contacts continue to monitor her...Amazing the in-roads 'Happy Factory' can make thanks to our philanthropic donations to hospitals and neuroscience research facilities. Her brain is firing all neurons at blinding speeds, but that in effect makes her brain-dead." marisa: and akaderu? Shinoda: "In prison." (smirks) "And collecting a few more allies from within." naoka: what ever happened to that guy with the long nosehairs? Shinoda: "I...think he's dead? It was really unclear." naoka: hmmmm.... Shinoda: "His body was removed by another former employee, Assi...He disappeared after making contact with the Kyokotsu." marisa: oooooh~? speeeeeaking of, how's that emone doing? Shinoda: "He is increasing his number of bad deeds per day...At this rate, he will have fully empowered the Bai Ze." marisa: neat. Shinoda: (smiles) "Quite. I'll let 'Emone' know you said hi." ((Okay--get some sleep.)) naoka: -_-; Shinoda: "Oh, and send more apples. Red ones--not the green ones." naoka: we'll send the order asap. Shinoda: "And I'll look forward to it. Until then..." -the skype feed cuts out- Shinoda: "Hmm..." (bites into an apple) -knock knock- lin: shinoda, it's that time again. Shinoda: (sighs) "Okay." (stands) "Let's begin." -elsewhere- Spirit: (fixes his tie) "I hope I look decent..." blair: i think you look great. *she smiles* Spirit: (blushes) "Thanks...I appreciate your help with this." -later- Kid: -_-; "How can a baby make such a mess...?" shiori: guu! Kid: *sigh* "Well, I bathed you, changed your diaper, and cleaned up your toys..." (picks up Shiori) "What would you like to do now, Little Sister?" shiori: *stomach growls* Kid: "Well, that answers that question..." (smiles) "Let's get you something to eat!" shiori: ^w^ Kid: (places Shiori in her crib and brings food out of the fridge) shiori: *watching* Kid: (warms the milk and places it into the bottle) Kid: (picks up Shiori and brings the bottle to her mouth) stocking:.....*she smiles* Kid: "Okay, Shiori, drink slowly..." -one feeding later- Kid: (patting Shiori's back to help her burp) stocking: you're getting good at this, kid. Kid: (blushes) "Thank you. I've been trying...Do you want to hold her?" stocking: sure *she does so* hey shiori. shiori: ^^ Kid: (smiles at Shiori and Stocking) "She's so loving..." -later- Yumi: "We're home." lord death: hey there kiddos~ *he hugs shiori* Kid: (waves) "It's good to see you home safe. How was your evening?" lord death: it went quite well. spirit and his date we're doing well too. *muttering* but yumi still looked way cuter... Yumi: -\\\\\\- Kid: (chuckles) "I'm sure." (pats Shiori's head) "Little Sister was no trouble." shiori: mamu! mamu! Yumi: "Shiori!" (smiles, picks her up) "Hello, Little One." *snuggles* shiori: hehe~ Kid: "We enjoyed getting to babysit. We would like to again in the future..." -later- Yumi: (kisses Death) "I was happy for the night out..." lord death: yes, it was nice to get out and enjoy some time together. Yumi: (sighs) "Shiori will be running around soon..." lord death: i know.....she looks so much like you. Yumi: (laughs lightly) "Yes...It's uncanny..." (kisses his nose) "But she will have your hair..." lord death: *blush* hehe~ Yumi: (slides a hand along his hip) "Thank you." -the next day at school- Kid: (doodling) teacher: now, who can tell me who the first death scythe was? Kid: (looks up..."I know this...") tsubaki: it was Sakagi Nakatsukasa, wasnt it? teacher: very good. at least, that she was the first death scythe recorded in history... Kid: (waits to see whether someone will answer) -at lunch- Patty: "RAWR!" (chops into chicken nuggets) liz: so what do you want to do after school today? Kid: "I'm not sure...I was hoping to get Yumi something for her garden." liz: sounds good. *she smiles* Patty: "Oh, we should get her something, too! Mother's Day!" (opens her wallet--and pulls out $200) "...Huh. Didn't realize I kept that much on me." -at the mall- Kid: "Hmm..." (picks up a trowel) "Good weight..." stocking: *snerk* look at these garden gnomes! Kid: o_o (holds one up) "So...symmetrical..." liz: .... Patty: "Sis?" -the gnomes have lord death's mask on it- Patty: "Ooooooh...I didn't know Kid's daddy was a gnome." Kid: o_o; stocking: *laughing her butt off* Kid: o\\\\\\o "So embarrassing..." stocking: haaaa.... *ahem* s-sorry about that....it just looked so silly. Kid: "...How do you think Father would react if we bought him one?" -later- lord death:.................i should have 'gnome'. Kid: -_-; Patty: "Ha ha ha ha ha!" stocking: -_-; kirika: boooo! Yumi: "..." (tiny chop) "That corny joke earns you a love tap..." lord death: XP hehe~ Yumi: "Are we actually putting this into the garden?" lord death: if you want to. Yumi: (kisses his forehead, smiles) "I think it's cute." -elsewhere- Shotaro: (looking at a photo) chie: *she takes a peek* hmm? *It's of him, Chie, and Yohei* chie: that was a fun day at the amusement park, huh? mana isnt too bad with a camera. Shotaro: (nods) *sniff* chie:....hmm? showtaro? is everything ok? Shotaro: "...Emine and I...were orphaned..." chie: .......oh.... Shotaro: *sniff* "And now..." (smiles lightly at Chie) chie: .......*small smile* Shotaro: (glomp) chie: ...*she sighs and ruffles his hair* did you make sure to do your good deed today, kiddo? Shotaro: (small smile) "Isn't a hug a good deed?" chie: ^^; -elsewhere- Kid: "How was shopping for your mother, Love?" stocking: well, i decided to get her some new fabrics to work with. i also got her some shampoos. Kid: (smiles) "That sounds good." -meanwhile- lin:........*knock knock* emine? Emine: "...What?" lin: are you alright in there?.... (thinking: i know this time of year is discomforting for him....) Emine: (narrows his eyes) "I'm fine. Leave me alone." lin:....well....i-if you want to talk- Emine: "I don't. Leave." lin:....of course sir.......*sigh* (thinking: i wish i was able to make his suffering go away....) *A crash is heard in the room* lin: !!!!!! Emine: (wall demolished, his hands bloody) "...Clean this. Now." lin:...yes sir. Emine: "..." (collapses) lin: !!!! EMINE! Emine: (he's barely conscious) "M-Mama..." lin:....(thinking: at least he already did his bad deed today....) *sigh* *she carries him to his bed* Emine: (clutches Lin, shaking...) lin:.....*she holds him close* it's ok.... Emine: "Wh-why did you leave me?" lin: n-no! i would never leave you, emine. \useless kid....and a monster to boot. i should have just killed you as soon as you were born\ Emine: "M-Ma..." (cries) lin:...........*she strokes his head* Emine: (wailing, shuddering) grunt: h-hey, is he alright? Emine: (eyes break open) "AAAAAH!" *Dark Slice--through Lin's arm* lin: AH! *wince* grunt: O-O;;;;; *backs up and runs* Emine: "Leave me alone! All of you!" lin: ...... *she nods and takes her arm, exiting* Emine: (crying alone) -elsewhere- Wes: "How are you feeling?" (takes Liz's hand) liz: doing alright....you? Wes: (rubs the back of his neck) "Mother is not...easy to speak with." liz: yeah........... Wes: "...Sorry." liz: it's fine. i'm used to it. Wes: "You and Yumi..." liz:.....*she nods* -elsewhere- Kid: (hugs Stocking) stocking: oh~? whats this for? Kid: "I want to snuggle~" stocking: ..........>/////< oh my gosh you are the cutest dork ever. Kid: (whispers in her ear) "I know..." stocking: *smooch* ~<3 Kid: >\\\\\\< "I love you, too..." (kiss) stocking: hehe~ Kid: (holds her) "Stocking...You looked like such a natural with Shiori..." stocking: i've been practicing. Kid: "That means a lot to me, as well as to Mother and Father." stocking: *she smiles* i wanted to prepare for whenever we.....*blush* whenever we have kids of our own someday. Kid: (blushes as well) "Y-Yeah...I was thinking about that..." stocking: *she smiles* do you think they'll look like you or me? Kid: "Like you..." (rubs her hand) "Beauty is a dominant gene." stocking: *blush* Kid: "Hee hee...So cute..." stocking: oh shuuuush~! >.< Kid: "..." (kisses her lips lightly) stocking: hehe~ Kid: "Whatever our children would look like, I know they will have a loving mother..." stocking: *she smiles* Kid: "...I only hope I could be a good father..." stocking: i'm sure you will... Kid: (smiles) "Th-Thank you..." -elsewhere- chie: it was nice to talk to my parents again. Yohei: "I'm glad you did." chie: and your parents? Yohei: "...I haven't." chie: would you like to? Yohei: "...Might as well." chie: hopefully they dont react as.....intensly, as my parents did { [mr kagehime: if you do anything to hurt my baby girl, we're comin' after you buddy *brandishing a hammer*] [mrs kagehime: really dear? a hammer? if he does anything i say we pull out a katana on his ass ^^ ] } Yohei: T_T "Yeah...Your parents are...passionate." chie: i wouldnt say i blame them....after what happened with saki... Yohei: "Yeah...I understand that." chie:....soooo...? Yohei: "...Okay. But I have one favor to ask..." chie: yeah? Yohei: "I'm going to need a drink after that talk with the 'rents." chie: rents? Yohei: "Short for 'parents.'" (sweats) "Do young people not say that anymore?" chie: oh. sorry about that. ^^; Yohei: -_-; "Talking with Mom will be...interesting." chie: *she nods* Yohei: (rubs back of his neck) "Hope she will listen." chie: .....and your dad? Yohei: "...He'll probably not say much." chie: ah. Yohei: "Yeah...Uh, family reunions." chie:...you want to start off? Yohei: "Yeah..." (pulls up Skype call to his family's home) chie: *waits* ???: "Who's there? What do you want?" ???: *adjusts the screen+squints* yohei? is that you? Yohei: "Yeah, it's me. How you doing, Mom?" mrs nanami: how am i doing? how are you doing sweetie? Yohei: "Um...Okay. Great?" (glances at Chie) "I'm here with Chie..." mrs nanami: chie? chie: *waves* hi mrs nanam- mrs nanami: YOHEI, DID YOU FINALLY GET HITCHED?! Yohei: "...No." (SCREAMING INTERNALLY) mrs nanami: *slightly disappointed* oh. Yohei: "...We're happy right now, though, Mom. Very happy." mrs nanami: that's good to hear, so how did you two meet? -later- Yohei: "..." (sighs) mana: how did it go? Yohei: "Mom is the usual..." (glances at chie) chie: it went well i think. Yohei: "Hmm...She's looking better since..." chie: ?? Yohei: "...Mom has had some health scares..." chie: yohei.... Yohei: "Just...She's dealt with a lot, so I'm happy..." ("I was no help to her...") chie: *she nods and holds his hand* Yohei: "..." (small squeeze of her hand) chie: *she smiles* Yohei: "...Maybe I should take a trip to see her and Dad..." chie: sounds good. Yohei: "Maybe in the next week? How's your schedule look?" chie: free for the most part Yohei: "Too soon to try visiting Mom and Dad this weekend?" -elsewhere- Arthur: "I feel like something is missing..." shinra: hmm? Arthur: "Maybe a new piece of furniture?" shinra: .......what? Arthur: "The feng shui is off. Maybe we need something new..." (looks at Shinra's bed) "Maybe we can get rid of your bed and replace it with something else. Like a TV?" shinra: I NEED THAT! D:< Arthur: "We could set aside a cot for you. Maybe throw in a pillow, too." shinra:.......................*grumble* i'm going for a walk. Arthur: "Can you pick some new wallpaper, too?" shinra: GRAAAAAHHH!!!! *SLAMS THE DOOR* Arthur: "Hmph." (picks up an oyster shell) "Why do we even have this as furniture?" -elsewhere- ???: this should be the place....come on you two, lets hurry. Boy 1: "Where are we?" ???: *she looks up at an abandoned factory building* the place where you'll be saved.... Boy 1: "...'Saved'? From what?" ???: *she smiles* saved from the flames. Boy 1: "!!! I-I don't feel comfortable with this. I think I'm going--" Boy 2: i-i think we should listen to her...remember what happened to yuu-chan? Boy 1: "Th-This just seems different. And creepy." -inside- ????: .............(thinking: 5 people...?) Boy 1: "Why are there so many people here?" ???:............*grips the hood of her hoodie* (thinking: he should be here by now.....) girl: (whimpering) woman: shh, it's ok Nao, sweetie. Nao: "I-I don't like this! I want to go home!" ???:...... (thinking: captain.....will this really work?) Nao: "Please!" (tries to pull away) -footsteps could be heard- Nao: (shakes) "Wh-Who is that?" ???: !!! *she pulls her hood down to cover her face* Nao: "Wh-Why are you covering up?" ???:......... *she looks at the person entering* Rekka: "Welcome, children." Nao’s Mother: ah, a father of the 1st brigade...*sigh* that's quite a relief. Rekka: (pats a child on the head) "It is okay, child. You are safe here..." (he has his hand in his pocket) ????: ............ *she smiles weakly* (thinking: hopefully he doesnt see my face...) boy: t-thank you mr. Rekka: "Are you afraid of fire, child?" boy: a kid in our class was burned by the flames....i didnt think it could happen to kids but.... Rekka: "Yes, I can imagine. But fear not...I will cure your fear. And the way you cure fear is to face it bravely, yes?" boy:....*he nods* Rekka: "And that means...you have to face a trial by fire." *Presses something to the boy's neck* ????: !!!!!!!!!! boy: ah-... *Something bites into the boy* boy: ow! ????: *throwing her voice* h-hey man! what are you doing? Rekka: (looks around) "Just...Just trying to let this child face his fears!" (frowning, then growling as he pushes the boy to the floor) "Well?!" -flames surround the boy, who then faints- Nao: "No!!" (crying) Nao’s mother: oh god! ????: !!!!!!!! *she lunges in and tackles rekka* Rekka: "What?!" (grabs at the cloak and tries to rip it off) -the hood tears off- Rekka: "?! You?!" tamaki: !!!!!!!!!! *she looks at the others* WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! TAKE THE KIDS AND GET OUT OF HERE! nao's mother:....*she grabs the boy and runs with the others* come along now! Nao: "Tatsu!" (holds out a hand) "We have to save them!" Rekka: (fire-punch forward at the exit to block it) "No one...is leaving..." (sneers at Tamaki) tamaki: *she bites her lip* why are you doing this captain?! what did you do to that kid? Rekka: (chuckles) "I simply wanted to see how far we can take this...sharing the light of our power..." (holds up a flame in his open palm) "...to all people..." (brings the flame slowly to Tamaki's face) tamaki: !!! *she's knocked back, but manages to get up, spitting out some blood* geh... this...this isnt right! what did you do rekka? what caused those flames?! Rekka: "Just a little bug bite, courtesy of a bit of research from my predecessor, and your new BFF Hibana." tamaki: !!! w-what?! those bugs....what are they?! -she jumps and flame slashes at him- Rekka: (sleeve sliced, cutting his skin) "Ah!" (blasts flame at the ceiling above her, to send it down onto her) "Just a little something to fire these kids up! To infect them! Change them! Improve them! I am trying to unleash as many fire people as I can!" tamaki: !!!! *she roll dodges out of the way* you....you're using them as experiments?! this....this is unforgivable! i looked up to you... but i see now....you're just plain sick! and sister pearl....she admired you more than anyone, what would she think if she saw this?! Rekka: "..." (smiles) "I think she'd be proud...After all, I'm just giving us more company..." (uses the flames to propel himself forward--and seizes Tamaki by the neck, holding her up) "Give us a smile, Tamaki. You always looked better when you were smiling." tamaki: !!!!!!!!!! *she closes her eyes tightly* (thinking: arthur.....kana......amber......what do i do?.....i dont....i cant die like this!) Rekka: "...I said smile! Smile, damn you!" tamaki: ........ *she looks up and smirks* Rekka: "There. That's how I want my girl to look..." (charges his hand) "Let's keep that smile frozen on that face for a bit..." tamaki:.....*muttering* psycho getting kicked in the face say what? Rekka: (stops smiling, raises eyebrow) "...What?" shinra: HIYAAAAAAAAAA! Rekka: (foot collides with face) "Aaaaaah!" *knocked to the floor, panting* shinra: hey tamaki. tamaki: I ALMOST DIED AND YOU JUST SAY 'HEY'?! WHAT THE FUCK KUSAKABE?! shinra: i could see that, thought i'd.....drop in. tamaki:................*facepalm* really? *Fireball at Shinra's shoulder* shinra: !!! *turns and takes stance* captain hoshimiya, correct? sorry, but i'm afraid taking tamaki back to the first isnt in our schedule today. Rekka: (panting, but chuckling) "No problem...because neither of you is leaving here alive!" (propels himself forward with flames out of both fists, tackling Shinra to the floor) shinra: GAH! tamaki: !!! *she looks around* Rekka: (slamming his fist at Shinra's head, but he keeps dodging) "Aw, what a friendly smile! A gift from our Lord, Shinra, that you are bestowing upon me with your pleasant face! Let me show you the light, child..." (flares up his hand, ready to smash it into Shinra's face) tamaki: *TACKLES REKKA+HEADBUTTS HIM* Rekka: "..." (fuming, glaring) "You...have not seen the Light of our God...I'll make sure to change that, child..." shinra: *double footed kick* HAH! Rekka: (his knees buckle) "Ah!" (collapses...but he is slamming his fists along the floor, trying to burn the floor) shinra: *Picks up tamaki and jumps up to one of the rafters* tamaki: thanks, i guess. Rekka: "No!" (still can't stand, but he is surrounded by flames) "Get back here!" (blasts fire at nearby metal beams) shinra: !!!!! *he kicks back* (thinking: let this work, please let this work!) Rekka: (crawling, until he can grab the burning metal beams and, despite them burning his skin, shakes them) "Fall down! Fall down to this Hellfire, you demon!" tamaki: we need to get out of here. shinra: *fire kicks at rekka's face* GET OFF! Rekka: "AAAAH!" (clutches his face, lets go of the beams) shinra: come on. *he and tamaki begin running to the exit* Rekka: (lowers his hands, still struggling to crawl away...) shinra: *looking around until he spots the exit* *whispering* there! tamaki: *picks up shinra and leaps down* Rekka: "Get back here!" (collapses) "Ow..." (wailing) shinra:.........*run over to rekka* TAMAKI! GET THEM OUT OF HERE! i'll handle him. tamaki: shinra-...*sigh* damn....ok everyone, stand back. *cat tails to fan away the flames* GO GO! Rekka: "...This is my own Hell..." shinra: *kicks him across the face* alright. START TALKING! what's going on here? Rekka: "Ah! What the hell?! How is that supposed to get me to talk, you demon?!" shinra: *fire foot* .........*trying to remain calm, but he is tearing up* GAHHHHHHHHHH!! *he kicks away an empty barrel.....very hard....* Rekka: "Heh...Okay...Get me out of here, and I'll talk...I can't very well talk if I'm dead..." shinra:........*he looks around* *Chains are behind Rekka* shinra:.....*he takes the chains and ties him down, dragging him out* dont....move..... Rekka: "Heh...You like it kinky, huh?" shinra: shut up. *he seems tense..... tamaki:......i got them out...told them to head for safety.... shinra:..good call. Rekka: "Should've known you'd side with the Demon, Kitten..." tamaki: .........*she looks away* you dont have any right to call me that.... Rekka: "That's not what you said before..." (smirks at her) tamaki:....lets go. -later, after rekka is secured someplace safe and tamaki explains what happened- shinra: what?! Rekka: (still giggling to himself) shinra:.........*kicks him in the stomach* you shut up. start talking... NOW! *aaaand now he's straight up pissed* Rekka: (laughs, coughs) "You talking to me? How can I shut up _and_ start talking?" shinra: *clenches fist* start giving answers, stop bullshitting around! Rekka: "...I just wanted more like us, Shinra..." shinra: what do you mean? Rekka: "That word they called you, 'Demon.' Haven't you thought how lonely it feels for us? We're not even seen as human: we're seen as monsters." shinra: ........*thinking back* { [man: t-thank you..thank you mr fire officer] [izuku: you saved my life, i cant thank you enough for that.] [iris: you arent a bad person shinra, please understand that] } Rekka: "But God knows you are no Demon, Shinra. He knows you are one of his chosen..." (smiles) "Like me. Why else would He bless us with these abilities? This light we have inside of us?" shinra: ??? tamaki? what does he mean? tamaki: wha- why are you asking me? as if i'd know! Rekka: (sing-songy) "Tamaki...You're forgetting your catechism...The nuns taught you better than that..." tamaki:.............*she looks away* Rekka: "I'm saying is that, if we are God's chosen people...why should mere humans tell us how to behave? And why should we not share our gift with them? That's why I have the bugs...so that we can create new flame beings..." shinra: !!!!!! you.....you're fucked up. Rekka: "No...I am God's emissary! Just ask Commander Burns!" shinra:................ *thinking back to what hibana said about herself being a demon* .............. Rekka: "What they call a demon...I call a saint! I just wanted to spread our power to others! What is wrong with sharing that, Shinra? What is wrong with that?" shinra: but by turning people into flame humans?? Rekka: (shrugs) "Some conversions needs to be forced...A baptism by fire..." shinra: *kicks him across the face*....how many.....how many more have to die? Rekka: (coughs blood) "Damn...Do you know how many can be saved, Shinra? I'm not God...I'm just a human...I'm not perfect...There are going to be mistakes." shinra: *flames build up around him* tamaki: !!! Rekka: (laughing...and crying) "So, Shinra...You will be my fiery angel of death?" shinra:...........give me one reason why i shouldnt kick your head in until your skull breaks..... Rekka: "...Because you know I'm right. You know that if we don't convert them...they'll kill us." shinra:......(thinking: what can i even do?...........mom.......sho..........i said i'd become a hero but.......what do i do? i...im scared.....) Rekka: "...What will you do, Shinra?" shinra:....................... shinra:................*slaps him across the face* Rekka: "..." (shocked...crying...giggling) shinra:...... tamaki:....*worried* Rekka: "Shinra...Without your help, how will I find the Adora Burst?!" shinra: ??? tamaki: adora burst? Rekka: "The essence of fire itself...Blessed to those touched by the Sun God. It is given to a few and will guide humanity...That is what I want to give this world..." shinra: ......what do we do? tamaki:..... tamaki:......we should keep him at the 8th. taking him back to the first risks me getting caught, and i'm not the best at making a prison cell... shinra:...*weak smile* that makes two of us....*he calls in* y-you should head back. tamaki: good call..... Akitaru: (calling from afar) "Shinra!" tamaki: that's my cue....*She sneaks away* shinra:....yeah! i'm up here! Akitaru: (approaches Shinra) "What happened here?" -shinra explains the situation, only mentioning tamaki as 'a friend'- Akitaru: " 'A friend'? Where did they go?" shinra:.....(thinking: i shouldnt rat her out....) i dunno, they vanished as soon as they appeared... Akitaru: "Darn...I would've thanked them had I got here earlier..." (sees Rekka) "Hey, how's it hanging?" shinra:....what now? Akitaru: "We don't have much of a prison at the 8th...And we can't hand him over to Burns...I think Takehisa can whip up a prison ASAP." shinra:....alright....sounds good.... Akitaru: "Great! We better get Takehisa coffee--he'll be up for a few hours..." -and so- Takehisa: -_-; "It's finished. I am going to sleep for two days. The first person who interrupts my sleep dies." (glares at Shinra) "It better not be you..." shinra:............*cough*....excuse me....i need to lay down.... Akitaru: "You earned it, Shinra. I'm proud of you." (pat on the back) shinra: a.....dora....bur......*he collapses and faints* Akitaru: (catches him) "Wow, there! Let's get you in bed..." (cradles him like a baby as he brings him to his bed) Akitaru: "Huh...I wonder why he said 'adorable'... shinra:............. *he opens his eyes* ............. -something seemed off...familiar-...........(thinking: this.....my old room?) ???: "He's waking up..." ???: big bwo! big bwo! shinra:.....m-mom? Mom: (smiles) "Hello, sweetie. How did you sleep?" shinra: mom....y-you....and sho.... Mom: "You were out like a light! You must have been exhausted." shinra:....yeah.....long day.....mom, i- Mom: "Well, I'm happy you're up. Come on! I'm almost finished with dinner, so I could use another pair of eyes to watch Sho while I set the table." shinra: o-ok........ sho: why big brother? shinra: ??? sho: *grin* you let us die. Mom: "Sho..." -a large flame human begins to manifest behind shinra's mom- shinra: MOM! *he reaches out but.....* Mom: (ignites) "Aaaaaaaah! Shinra! Why?!!" shinra: MOM! NO! ???:....nra? shinra! shinra: AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! -thud- shinra: *grips his head* AH! d-damn!! *pounding the floor with his fist* GOD! DAMMIT! Akitaru: "Shinra? Shinra!" (goes to the floor) "Get a hold of your, son!" iris: shinra...... shinra:....*panting..........he then buries his face in iris' chest and cries* m-mama......mama....... iris:...............*she hugs him* i-it's ok..... Akitaru: "..." (leaves to get some tissues and water) iris:........*humming and rubbing his back* Akitaru: (returns with water and tissues...leaves the water on a table, stays near the door to listen) shinra: *coughing*.....s-sorry.....just....had a rough day today..... Akitaru: (returns with water and tissues...leaves the water on a table, stays near the door to listen) shinra: *coughing*.....s-sorry.....just....had a rough day today..... -at the girl's dorms- tamaki:...................................(thinking: shinra........if he hadnt been there i-.........maybe next time i wont be as lucky......that's why.....i have to get stronger.....for me....kana....amber.....everyone....) Kana: "Tamaki?" *yawns* "I can't sleep..." tamaki:....hey kana.....*she smiles a bit*....i cant sleep either....rough day..... Kana: "...Want to have milk and cookies?" tamaki:.....sure. Kana: (small smile, takes Tamaki's hand to lead her to the kitchen) tamaki:.....(thinking: kana....she lost her family to the flames......) Kana: (opens the pantry...pulls out cat-shaped cookies) tamaki:..... -the next morning, at school- soul:................ Black Star: "You okay? You look exhausted." soul:.........maka's birthday is in two days....... Black Star: "..." (kicks himself) "Sorry..." soul: it's fine.......we should do something.....to celebrate her memory. it's the least we could do. Black Star: "Maybe...something phil-er-thrope-ic?" [philanthropic] soul:....maybe....*he smiles* Black Star: (smiles) "Library fundraiser?” soul: sounds good. Black Star: "Maybe a birthday party where kids get free books? People reading to visitors?" soul: maybe a book trade? Black Star: "Cool!" -later- Kid: "Here are a few other volumes to donate..." librarian: why thank you. Kid: (smiles) "You're welcome. Doing it...for a friend." librarian:.....*he glances over at a plaque above the door* -Maka Albarn Memorial Library- Kid: "..." (sad smile) "I hope someone will get good use of these...I did." -outside- liz: how did it go? Kid: "The donation was...a challenge." (smiles) "But I think it is for a good cause." liz: ....*she smiles* Kid: "How about you?" liz: i'm good. Kid: "...Liz? I...got you something..." liz: oh? Kid: "A little something because...you are a maternal presence in my life..." (hands her a wrapped boxed present) liz: ah....thanks. i'll open it at home then. Kid: (smiles) "Sounds good..." -after school- Kid: (looks around the entrance...) stocking: *covers kid's eyes* guess who~ Kid: (smiles) "An angel?" stocking: that's one way of putting it~ Kid: (chuckles) "Is it...Stocking?" stocking: ding ding ding~ we have a winner. your prize is this~ *she turns him around and smooches him on the lips* Kid: "Hmmm~" stocking: hehe~ Kid: (hugs her) "How was your day?" stocking: it was good. you? Kid: "...We donated books today..." stocking: ah... Kid: (sad smile) "I hope they are valuable to someone..." stocking: i'm sure they will. Kid: (nods) "Any plans this afternoon?" stocking: not sure yet. Kid: "...Would you be interested in perhaps a small dinner, in private?" stocking: i would like that. Kid: (smiles) "6 work for you?" stocking: perfect. Kid: (kisses her cheek) "Very good. I'll finish preparations..." -later- stocking: wow, kid this is amazing. Kid: (smiles) "It means a lot to hear that...I was trying to find a dish that would be a bit special." [(Menu: honey garlic chicken with sweet dinner rolls, maybe a sweet wine to go with the more sweet/sugary dinner] stocking: it's great. and it means a lot that you did all this. you didnt have to if you didnt want to though. Kid: (small smile) "Stocking...I want to...I would give the world to you. There's something I want to say..." stocking: hmm? Kid: (inhales) "I don't say it enough, and I'm sorry for how many times I forget to..." (reaches out for her hand) "I love you. And I cannot imagine living without you. You make every day like heaven for me, and I can never adequately repay you for that." stocking:......*she holds his hands* i love you too kid.....*she smiles* i feel the same way. Kid: (smiles, holds her hands silently for a few moments...then laughs) "I guess we're letting the dinner get cold..." stocking: ah! right...bon appetit~ Kid: (small laugh, as he cuts into the food and eats...) -elsewhere- Yohei: "Is this tie too much?" chie: it's fine. it's actually a good look for you. Yohei: (blushes) "Thanks...You ready?" chie: yeah. Yohei: (pulls seat out for Chie) "Here you are." -elsewhere- Akitaru: "How's he holding up?" maki: he's resting right now...but he seems to be doing better... Akitaru: "Okay. Let him catch up on sleep. And how is our prisoner?" maki: he's not saying much.....i have a bad feeling about this. Akitaru: "Yeah...Not long before Burns starts sniffing around here, ostensibly to find Tamaki...And there is already a missing person's report out for Rekka...I don't know where to move him next." maki:...we need to get more allies Akitaru: "Been looking at that..." (pulls out a portfolio of options) "Within the Brigades, outside the Brigades..." (names of people in Squad 0, DWMA, and faraway) maki: the DWMA sounds like a good option, but i fear it might raise some questions. same thing with squad 0, seeing as they work with the 1st on occasion. Akitaru: "I know some people from my old firefighter platoon, but this may be beyond their skill set..." maki: or maybe.....*she glances at hibana* Hibana: "??? What? You want me to interview the captive?" -in shinra's room- shinra:............... Arthur: "I brought you some more water. Drink up." shinra:....thanks....*weak smile* Arthur: "Yeah...You sure you don't want me to stop by the bakery or somewhere? Maybe get you chicken soup?" shinra: it might help...maybe some PB n Js....those help. Arthur: "Okay...I'll get the chicken soup and make you some sandwiches..." (looks around furtively, whispers) "Stay away from Hibana! We know what her 'bedside manner' is like!" shinra: *gulps* (thinking: i dont know which is scarier, interpreting that with innuendo or without....NO! stop it hormones! ugh, now i need brain bleach...ech.) Arthur: (seizes Shinra's hands) "It is dangerous to be alone..." shinra: ah .////.;; Arthur: (removes one hand and brings out a sword...) "Take this." shinra: um....thank you? Arthur: (nods, disappears like a ninja into the hallway) shinra:...............................what just happened? Hibana: "Oh, Shinra, you're awake!" (enters) "Do you need anything?" shinra: arthur's got it covered. -elsewhere- Yumi: *yawn* lord death: aw, you tired? Yumi: (nods) "Shiori had me up five times last night..." lord death: ah.... Yumi: "...ZZZZZZzzzzzz..." *snore* lord death:..........(thinking: so cute!) Yumi: (nuzzles against him) -elsewhere- Wes: (on the phone) "Thank you for checking...Yes, that would help. Thank you. Goodbye." (hangs up) soul: who was that? Wes: o_o; "N-Nothing!" (nervous laughter) "J-Just something I'm looking into..." soul:.......oooook? Wes: (sweating nervously) "So...Hungry? Maybe we can get something to eat?" soul:....pizza? Wes: (nods) "Sure! Head out or order in?" soul: order in. Wes: "Okay--" (calls up pizza place) "What do you want on your side of the pizza? Any sides? Drinks?" -later- Wes: "I thought that was tasty..." (still nervous as he's cleaning up...) soul: yeah, it was pretty good. Wes: "G-Good...Soul? I...What do you want to do Sunday? Maybe we could take in a movie?" soul: maybe stay in and play games.... Wes: "Th-That works too..." (weak smile) "Here or your place?" soul: the apartment. Wes: (smiles) "Cool." -later- Kid: (sighs contently) stocking: mmmmm~ so cute~ Kid: (small laugh) "So are you..." (kisses her cheek) stocking:.........*she's still thinking about an incident a few days ago* kid...........i love you. don't doubt it, ok? Kid: "..." (frowns, nods) "R-Right..." stocking:.......*she pulls him in closer and snuggles him* Kid: (smiles) "Thank you..." stocking: *she nods and kisses his forehead* Kid: (lies in her arms) "Heh...You're so soft." stocking: (thinking: he does so much for me.....i should do something special for him too...) Kid: (nuzzles against her neck, purrs) stocking: hehe~ Kid: (kisses her cheek) stocking:....hey kid? thanks.. for being with me...i know i dont say it a lot but, you mean a lot to me. i feel a lot happier around you. Kid: "..." (kisses her other cheek) "That's all I need to hear. I love you, too, Stocking. You make me...feel whole." stocking: *she smiles* hard to believe i was so cold back then...*frowns* after what happened in my old school......i was scared of getting close to people again... Kid: "..." (sad frown, pats her hand and holds it) stocking: but....i think i've begun to overcome that now.. Kid: "Stocking..." (rubs her hand) "I am so proud of you and what you have accomplished." stocking: *she smiles* Kid: "I never want to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. I have to listen to you, and...If anything is not right, please, tell me." stocking: ok. Kid: (kisses her cheek, returns to the cuddling) "You're so strong...I feel safe in your arms." stocking: *humming* Kid: (sighs) "And you have a heavenly voice..." *small kitten yawn* -a few days later- Patty: (wrapping a gift) liz: whats that? Patty: "One of our gifts for Yumi!" (the gift's wrapping...leaves much to be desired) liz: ah. its....its nice. Patty: "Yeah! Wait until she sees what it is!" (whispers) "I got her a year-long supply of the best perfume ever!" (The perfume smells...really strong) liz: *gag* how....nice. liz: (thinking: it's probably just one spray and it lasts all year....) Patty: "Oh! And I got Yumi something new for the garden--" (holds up a venus fly trap--which starts chewing on Patty's hair) liz: o-o; Patty: "I named her Trudy!" (the fly trap is now covering half of Patty's scalp) Yumi: "Liz, Patty, I'm almost done with brunch and--" o_o "WHAT THE FUCK?!" liz: *trying to get 'trudy' off patti's head* help? Yumi: (transforms forearm into a muzzle, aims) "Let go of the girl, Fly Trap." Trudy: o_____o (lets go of Patty with a loud BURP) liz: ^^; Patty: (covered in plant drool) "Aw, now we ruined the surprise for you, Yumi." <:( Yumi: "Well, it's the...thought that counts." (picks up Trudy) "And you will behave!!!" Trudy: O______O liz: *sigh* say, do we have classes today? Patty: "I, um, lost track of time. Is it Mother's Day today?" liz: i think it was about a week or two ago. Patty: "Ooooooh...Trudy must have given me short-term memory problems." (looks at Yumi) "Hi, who are you?" Yumi: -_-; "You do have classes. Get your butts in gear and go to class." -in school- Kid: (smiles at Stocking) "Looking forward to today?" stocking: yep. i hear we have special classes today involving the old facility outside of town. Kid: "...'Old'? Um...Will it be...dusty? Disordered? Asymmetrical?" liz: easy there kiddo. from what yumi told us, we're going to be helping out the new NOT students. Kid: *loud sigh of relief* "Okay, that is doable..." liz: apparently it's a 'search and recover' lesson. Kid: "Ah, that will be good training!" -at the facility- izuku: (thinking: it looks pretty new....) student: it's so hot out here! why are we in a desert? student 2: well it _is_ nevada... Bakugou: "Why don't you babies shut up and deal with it? If you're too hot, quit now and just crawl back inside--I'm sure you can sip on ice cold water while the adults here actually show what they got!" nygus: -as for the lesson, it will be a simple search and rescue exercise. 4 students, 2 NOT and 2 EAT, will be selected. one person from each group will hide someplace deep within the facility. the remaining two will infiltrate and locate the hiding students and escort them back outside. ochako: oh, so it's basically like hide and seek then. Bakugou: (smirks..."Easy.") Kid: (watching as Nygus explains) nygus: the facility behind me is an old laboratory that was abandoned by it's former residents sometime during the late 80s and has since been reworked into our search and rescue training facility, however some of it's 'abandoned' aesthetic still remains… Sid: "Therefore, this is not some easy course you can cakewalk through: be aware that hallways will have debris, some passages blocked, and other architectural damage. Be alert, be safe." maruru: maybe i could squeeze through it? student 3: but you're kinda on the chubby side though... maruru: worst case scenario, i could just use my rolling quirk! Sid: "There may be other...surprises inside. Be aware of your surroundings once you're inside." izuku: *gulp* Bakugou: "Tch. Deku'll probaby shit himself." ochako: *she smiles at izuku* hey, you got this deku! izuku:...right. Bakugou: *glares at Ochako* Sid: "Let's get the students chosen..." stocking: ....... Kid: "...Stocking?" stocking: nothing, just thinking about stuff. Kid: "??? Something you want to talk about?" stocking: just...watching the new students. Kid: "..." (holds her hand, smiles gently) Sid: "Uraraka and Bakugou, front and center. Du Pre and Pheles, too." stocking: *she nods* ochako: *she follows* Kid: "Good luck, Love..." Bakugou: "Hmph..." stocking: so who's going to hide? Sid: "Bakugou and Stocking, go hide." Bakugou: (looks at Stocking) "What's your gimmick? Gothic lolita?" stocking: right. *she enters the building* it's called 'fashion'. Bakugou: "Some fashion. How is that even helpful in combat?" stocking: you'd be surprised. Bakugou: "???" Kid: (hands clasped) "I hope Stocking makes it out of this okay..." (frown) "And that she doesn't rip that punk apart..." -inside- stocking: this place is like a maze... Bakugou: "Weren't you listening? That's the point of a search and rescue mission. Duh." stocking: so find a good place to hide then. Bakugou: "...Fine. Don't get lost, or maybe they won't find you." -outside- Jacqueline: "Ochako, is it? How are you acclimating to the Academy?" ochako: it's a really cool place. pretty fancy too. are the classes here usually hard? Jacqueline: (shrugs) "Some more than others. It really depends on the teacher." ochako: ah. i see. Jacqueline: *demonstrating her lantern ability* "What are your abilities?" ochako: well i can touch things and make them have 0 gravity, but i get sick if i overdo it ^^ Jacqueline: "Zero gravity? That's amazing!" ochako: i guess so. but being able to turn into a lanturn, what's that like? Jacqueline: "...Kinda hot." (smirks) ochako:....*she laughs a bit* kim: booo! that was awful! Jacqueline: -_-; "And that would be my meister over there...Ignore her. I do." kim: aw come on, you know you love me! Jacqueline: o\\\\\\\o "I-I-I..." (looks at Ochako) "M-Maybe we can start the mission?" nygus: and...begin! Jacqueline: "Ochako, we can separate to cover more ground more quickly--can you get to the roof?" ochako: got it! -inside- Bakugou: (crouching behind debris) stocking: *hiding in a closet* ..... Jacqueline: (finds one hallway caved in) "Darn...I can't get through this way..." (heads the other way) ochako:.....*uses zero gravity to lift some debris and move it* release. *it drops* Bakugou: (hears Ochako's work..."Damn...I didn't hide well enough..." Spots a hole into the floor below... "No rules saying I can't _keep_ hiding...") stocking:........*hears something* ?? Jacqueline: (blasts some debris away) "Stocking! Bakugou? Ochako?" ochako: i heard it too....*She looks around* Jacqueline: "..." ("Is that someone's voice? Or is that the building settling?") ochako: ...... *BOOM* Kid: "?!" stocking: WHAT THE FUCK?! Sid: "!!! Azusa! What do you see?!" Yumi: "Hope that one boy doesn't mind..." Bakugou: "Damn it! What the hell was that explosion? Who was--" (seized by Yumi, who tracks the path of the building...) Bakugou: "What the hell?! Who's in my head?!" Yumi: (inside Bakugou's head) "Quiet. I'm looking for the problem--" *Yumi spots it...it's an Assassin* Yumi: "?! Someone infiltrated the building!" ochako: what was that? *Someone taps Ochako on the shoulder* ochako: eh? Assassin: (lifts Ochako under her arms and--) "Going up!" (tosses her towards the ceiling) ochako: eek! stocking: *sneaking out and looking around* Bakugou: (slapping the side of his head until Yumi's eyes are out of it) "Freaking teachers here! Going into people's heads. That's not--" *Assassin spots Bakugou* Bakugou: "...You?! Who the hell said you could come here?!" Assassin: (tosses kunai at Bakugou's head) Bakugou: "Jeez!" (dodges, sends explosive at Assassin--knocking the floor down and trapping Ochako with the Assassin) "Shit!" ochako: *elbows them in the stomach* let GO! Assassin: "Can't. I need a hostage for the actual prize--" stocking: *looks around* Assassin: (clutches Ochako's wrist, squeezing it) "I just need something from a little angel..." ???: aero....... Assassin: "Huh?" stocking: PUNCH!! *she punches the assassin away from ochako.* you ok? ochako: r-release. *she falls down* *cough* yeah..thanks... Assassin: (stumbles, but is crouching back on their feet) "And there's the target..." (tosses a kunai at Stocking's waist) stocking: ?! *she dodges* what the hell?? Assassin: (already near her, as he tries to knock her onto her back) stocking: !!!!! ochako: *she runs to the person and zero gravities them into a wall* stocking: *smile* thanks for returning the favor. ochako: hehe~ Assassin: *coughing blood* "Damn..." *plants something against the wall...and it is beeping* stocking: !!!!! *she grabs ochako and flies through an opening in the floor* THIS PLACE IS ABOUT TO BLOW! Assassin: "..." (small chuckle) "I'm not going that easily--" *BOOM!* Kid: "Stocking!" Bakugou: *hears the explosion* "Shit!" *runs the other way--but is hit by debris as he leaps out a window* "Ugh!" stocking: *knocked out, but is levitating* ochako:....*levitating herself and stocking outside* release! *the land safely, but ochako throws up* kim: JACKIE! Kid: "..." (runs towards Stocking and Ochako) "Stocking!" (holding her) "Oh God..." *No sign of Jacqueline* Sid: "EMTs, now!" kim: *she rushes in* Bakugou: (passed out on the ground) stocking: ..... *Inside is smoke and debris...and someone lying on the floor* Kid: "Stocking, please wake up...Please..." kim: *she shoves the debris off* jackie? stocking:..........ngh..... Jacqueline: *bruised, cut, looks like an arm broken, but breathing and heart beating* Kid: (looks to Ochako, then behind him) "Where are the EMTS...?" kim: *she drags her out and heals her wounds* stocking: *cough cough* o-ow... Kid: "Stocking...You're okay...You're okay..." Jacqueline: "K-Ki..." kim: easy now. *she picks up jackie and runs out* Jacqueline: "..." (muttering something into Kim's shoulder) *Medical teams are arriving* Bakugou: (still passed out) x_x kim: made it! izuku: *trying to get katsuki to safety* Bakugou: "D-Deku? Uh...Figures...Your stench..." izuku: dont worry kacchan, i got ya. Bakugou: (temper twitch) "Don't call me that, i-idiot..." EMT #1: "Kid, please stand aside...We'll tend to Stocking." Kid: "..." (steps back, quivering) stocking: it'll be ok kid. Kid: "..." (smiles) "Y-You're going to be okay..." Jacqueline: (still muttering) kim: hey we got another person who needs help! Jacqueline: "Kim...I didn't--" EMT #2: "This way, people! Over here!" (runs to Kim and Jacqueline) *BOOM* (Another explosion as the facility is on fire) kim: !!!! nygus: everyone stay back! -the 8th brigade arrives Akitaru: "Nygus!" (waves to her, with the 8th Brigade and Hibana present) "Man, what the hell happened?!" shinra: is everyone out? nygus: *doing a headcount* yes...everyone is out. Akitaru: "We'll put out the flames. Get everyone further away..." -after everyone is escorted back to the school- Kid: (pacing) liz: kid- Kid: "I know, I know! I'm just worried." ???: WHERE THE HELL IS MY BABY GIRL?! Kid: "...Oh boy..." Patty: "Mrs. Stocking's Mother?" ???: eek! m-mephisto you cant just go barging in like that! wait up! DX> Kid: o_____o (whispering) "I mustn't run away, I mustn't run away, I mustn't run away..." -DOOR SLAM- -and by that it got broken off it's hinges- mephitso: STOCKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!!!!!!!!!!!! *hugging aggressively* MY BABY!!! Q~Q Kid and Patty: (peek around corner into the room) o_o; -later- stocking: sorry about that. Kid: "..." (holds her hand) "I'm just happy you are here. I was so scared..." stocking:..........that assassin......... Kid: "...Who were they?" stocking: i dont know...who they were or what they wanted from me... Kid: "...Stocking...I have some...difficult news to give...That assassin..." stocking: ?? Kid: "There was no sign of them in the ruins...Only their outfit." stocking:.....*she holds his hand* Kid: "..." (light squeeze on her hand) "I'm sorry..." stocking:...im scared...what if they come here? Kid: "..." (small smile) "Then it's a good thing we have such capable new students here...I know this is scary, but we can have faith in others here at the Academy." stocking:.....am i able to go home? i just want to curl up in bed and be near you... Kid: "The doctors want to keep you overnight for observation, so you should be out tomorrow...I'm sorry." (holds her hand) "I had intended to stay sitting here by your side tonight..." stocking:...*smile* i would like that... Kid: (smiles...lets go of her hand, hugs her) -later, after it was decided that stocking would temporarily stay at pheles mansion until the situation blows over- stocking: kid, it's only for a little while, it wont be forever. Kid: T_T "I know...I'm just...I want you to be safe...So please be safe." stocking: i will. and you can come over and visit whenever you need, ok? Kid: (smiles) "O-Okay...I-I would like that...I don't want to overstay my welcome at your father's, though." stocking: on the contrary, he wishes you could come over more often. Kid: "...Really? I thought...I mean, does he feel uncomfortable with me visiting?" stocking: errrr..... (mephisto: say stocking, when are you and kid gonna get married and have a baby?) Kid: "??? I guess I could stop by...for a meal?" ("Why is she sweating?") stocking: sure. that'd be great. Kid: (smiles) "Dinner tomorrow?" stocking: sounds great. Kid: (kisses her cheek) "I'll bring dessert." stocking: sometimes you are too cute for words. Kid: (blush) "If I only had words to adequately describe how great you are...I love you, Stocking." (hugs her) "Please, be safe." stocking: i will. Kid: (waves goodbye to her...) liz: you gonna be ok? Kid: (wiping tears) "Y-Yeah..." (smiles) liz:...... kirika: i bet by tonight he's gonna be crying his eyes out in his room. Kid: (annoyed twitch) Patty: -_-; (drags Kirika by the ear) "Come on. You have to feed Mocha..." -and so- Kid: (looking at dessert recipes for dinner...) "Hmm..." -elsewhere- ???: "So much for that: the idiot let the Angel escape." ???: ooooh~? how boring. ???: "You should've let me gone! I would have ripped those socks off of her--legs included!" ???: now now, i know you're excited, but we need her alive for this. her mama too. ???: *grumbling* "I don't see why we need both. We just need the mother to know how to get the tech..." ???: it's bad enough she escaped her little holding cell... ???: "Then let me go! I could get what you need!" -the phone rings- ????: *she picks up* helloooo~............hmm? oh is that so now?.......wait how did you get this number?............sure......thanks~ *she hangs up* seems an anonymous tip came in. ???: "Anonymous tip? About what?" ???: the girl and her mother's location.... ???: "..." (sneers) "Excellent news." ???: they're hiding out in Pheles Mansion... ???: "I can be there shortly..." -later- Servant: "Miss Pheles, may I bring you anything else?" stocking: some tea would be nice. felisia: some tea for me as well, please. Servant: (nods, departs) Servant: (walks through hall to kitchen) felisia: so that's what happened since last time? stocking: more or less, yeah. Servant: (brewing tea...and adds something else) stocking:........ Servant: (smiles as she brings in the tea) "Here you are..." stocking: thank you....*sniff sniff* ??? Servant: "I blended some fresh berries to the tea for added flavor." stocking: really?....what kind? Servant: "Wild raspberries and a little blueberry." stocking: really? *sniffs again* smells like there's something else... Servant: "..." (nervous smile) "Maybe I should have skipped the berry honey? Maybe a bit too much of that? But I know how much you like sweet flavors..." (nervous laughter) stocking: say mom, what do you think? felisia: ?? stocking: the smell makes me kinda drowsy... Servant: "This is a sleepytime tea. It's probably just the intoxicating smell..." stocking:....say, come to think of it, you're a new face around here....when did you start working here? Servant: "A month ago." (bows) "I am Janice." stocking: is that right?....how 'bout i ask dad, just to verify? Servant: (nods) "Very well..." (removes bell, jingles it) ???: (outside the mansion) "Shit..." mephisto: myeeeeees? stocking: say, how long has janice been working here? mephisto:...janice? i dont recall any 'janice's on payroll... Janice: "..." (sighs) "Of course this couldn't be simple..." (throws the tray at Mephisto, then howls as she lunges at Felisia) -SLASH- stocking: i dont think so... mephisto: *TRAY SMACK ATTACK* stocking: you just got _served_. Janice: (knocked to the floor, stumbling) "Ha ha ha...Cute...It'll take more than that to keep me down..." (her sleeves start to rip...) stocking: ?!?! felisia:...stocking...mind lending me one of your swords? mama wants to show you a few tricks. Janice: (howling again, as she transforms into a werewolf) "Aw..." (stands...a werewolf in a maid's outfit) "Immortal Clan, you little creatures..." stocking: well. fuck. *armed with a blade* how about we escort this mutt out of the mansion? felisia: right behind you. Janice: "Take out the little one first! Your legs will be enough to start!" (barks as she tries to tackle Stocking) stocking: *jumps up* stocking: *dodge* Janice: (one claw scratches at her ankle) stocking: erk! *wince* felisia: *blade slashes* Feather Storm Dance! Janice: "Urk!" (collapses but with a claw around Stocking's neck) stocking: !!!!! Janice: "I just need one leg!" (tries to latch onto Stocking's leg--) felisia: -SLASH- NOT MY DAUGHTER YOU BITCH! Janice: "AAAAAH!" (stares at stump) "My hand! My fucking hand!" mephisto: oh goodness. seems you could use a hand~ stocking: -_-; are you serious? Janice: (blood coming out of stump) o_o "I LOST MY FREAKING HAND! I may be a werewolf and can regenerate it, but that's going to take time and--" (looks at the carpet) "Damn it! Now you're going to make me clean up the blood, too, aren't you?!" (reverts to human form) "Fine...I'm still your maid, so I'll get the cleaning solution..." ???: (watching from outside) "YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO KILL THEM! NOT CLEAN UP AFTER THEM!" felisia: *opens up the window* ???: (spotted by Felisia) "...Crap!" (tries to hide) Janice: "Okay, I'm back with the seltzer water to get the blood out of the carpet..." felisia: WHIRLWIND DANCE! *seveal small slashes assault the mysterious being* ???: (the slices knock them out of the tree and onto the ground) "Ugh! Shit! I'm compromised--" (tries to crawl away) maid: *holds a scythe blade to their neck* and where do you think you're going~? ???: "...Son of a bitch." (removes mask--revealing a woman) "Stupid werewolf maid..." mephisto: and just who are you missy? attempting to harm my daughter and her mama? ???: "...Like it matters. I'm dead anyway once they get to me...Why should I talk to you?" stocking: come on in. we have some....important matters to discuss. *aims blade at their neck* ok~? *sinisterly sweet smile* ???: "...Shit. I should've brought a suicide tablet..." Janice: (still cleaning) "Shall I serve drinks?" -later- Kid: (banging on the door of Pheles Mansion) "Stocking! Stocking! Stocking!" maid: can i help you? Kid: "What is going on?! I heard police reports about an attack on the mansion--and--and--" (spots Janice) "...Why is that maid in an asymmetrically ripped outfit and missing a hand?" maid: it's a long story, now if you could please calm down- Kid: (shakes his head to focus) "R-Right! Stocking! Her parents! Is everyone okay?!" maid: they're all right, if a bit shook up. Kid: (bows) "Thank you..." (stares at Janice...who sheepishly waves) Kid: "St-Stocking? Are you here?" stocking: kid! *she hugs him* Kid: T_T (hugs tightly) "I was so worried. Are you okay?" stocking: for the most part, yeah.... Kid: (sees scratches) "Oh, Stocking...I'm sorry. I should have been here." stocking: it's fine. could have been worse, right? Kid: "..." (hugs her...then spots Felisia and Mephisto) "Oh!" o\\\\\o (lets go of Stocking slightly) "Um...A-Are you two okay?" felisia: yes. mephisto: amazingly, yes. just so damn proud of my girls~! stocking: d-dad.... -_-; Kid: (nervous chuckling at Mephisto's remark...then spots the ???) "Um...Who is she?" ???: "Here to capture the Angels." stocking: *glaaaaare* you know that isnt going to happen.... Banda: "Tch." Banda: "You know more will be coming. They won't stop." stocking:........ Kid: (pats Stocking's shoulder) "She's too strong for that." mephisto; well we'll just have to amp up security then... Kid: "I would like to offer whatever assistance my family and I can provide, too." mephisto: say, why dont you spend the night tonight? Kid: o\\\\\o "O-Okay..." mephisto: i believe there is a spare room for you...follow me~ stocking you come too. Kid: "Y-Yes, sir..." -the room they are led to is large, with a big heart shaped bed and looks like it would fit in a love hotel- stocking: O////////////////////////O DADDY WHAT THE FUCK?! Kid: -\\\\\\\\- "Typical." -mephisto already left- stocking:....i am so sorry about this... Kid: "...It's...odd. But..." stocking: hmm? Kid: (blushing intently) "A heart-shaped bed is...hoaky but romantic..." stocking: y-yeah....well you know how my dad can be.....(thinking: what if he used this room for-.....EEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!) mephisto: *from down the hall* NOT TO WORRY! THE SHEETS ARE FRESH! Kid: o______o "Um...I'm going to check something..." (opens the door to the bathroom--and the tub is also in a heart shape, with a jacuzzi option) "Typical." stocking: -_-;;;; thaaaaaaaaaaaaanks.......... Kid: "...Stocking? The hot tub is..." stocking: shaped like a heart? im not surprised...what even is this, a romantic comedy show? Kid: "Yeah, but..." (scratches his cheek) "You don't think it's...romantic?" stocking: i guess it is...in a cheesy way. Kid: "...Are your muscles sore?" stocking: i'll live....maybe a quick dip? Kid: (blushes, smiles) "I-I'd like that..." -later- Kid: *yawn* stocking: say, since you dont come by this place often, want a tour? Kid: (nods) "I'd like that." -a few rooms later- stocking: and this is my room. well, my old room anyway. Kid: (smiles) "It suits you..." stocking: i guess.... -the room is quite large, and very ornate in a cute, rococo style- Kid: "It's cute...it feels warm and full of love..." (looks at a photo of Mephisto with Stocking) stocking: yeah... *she smiles and lays on the bed* still as soft as always... Kid: (smiles at her) "How soft is it?" stocking: want to find out~? Kid: "Thought you'd never ask..." (sits on the bed, then lies beside her) stocking: how is it? Kid: "Like Heaven...Ah~" stocking: hehe~...........*thinking back to when she first came to the mansion.* you know....when i first came here....i was scared....it was a new home, and.....i guess it was new family jitters, haha. Kid: "..." (frowns sadly) "It took a long time, didn't it?" stocking: yeah....but i'm happy.... Kid: (smiles) "You have a loving family..." stocking: as do you. Kid: (smiles at her, then notices Bulletin Board) "Oh, you kept notes for yourself?" stocking: yeah. they're probably kind of outdated. -there are a few pictures and other things- Kid: (small laugh) "You look so young in some of those photographs." stocking: yeah. Kid: (sees her desk) "That desk looks like a good work setting. -there is some stationary and plastic drawers, even a space for her laptop. there's also a little bobblehead- Kid: "??? Who's the bobblehead of?" stocking: just a pumpkin i thought was cute... Kid: (looks at her dresser) "..." -there are a few drawers. the dresser has a few plushies, and memorabilia. oddly there is a pink poo ring with a note 'from my dear uncle astaroth <3’- Kid: o_o; "A poo ring? Have I met Astaroth?" stocking: i dont think so, i think he's possessing some guy, but you'll know him when you see him....and that ring is his 'attempt' of being 'funny'....just looking at it pisses me of so much....it fills me with so much rage and disgust, yet i dont know why. Kid: O_____O " 'Possessing'?" stocking: to be fair, he _is_ a demon....that's just the norm for some of them... he's a lot more tolerable as 'astaroth' than the guy who's body he is using........_he_ tried to hit on me..........so i hit on him.....literally. Kid: o_o; "You wouldn't...have someone possess me, would you?" stocking: i doubt they could, even if they tried. Kid: "That is oddly comforting." (hugs her gently) "How about the closet?" -there are so many dresses and shelves for accessories. there is also two doors in the very back- Kid: "Doors? Where do those lead?" stocking: one of them is to a personal reading area with christmas lights and beanbag chairs. the other...... well. you'd have to look and see~ Kid: "Oh?" (grips handle to the door that is not the reading room...) stocking: o///w///o; Kid: (opens the door slowly and--) -[TOO KINKY FOR U]- Kid: (peeks in, sees a bit) o__________O (quickly shuts the door) stocking: yeeeeeah. Kid: "...But...Were you...doing that to yourself? You haven't tried that room with another person?" (taps his fingers together) "Maybe with me?" stocking: havent gotten a chance to....unless you want to change that~? Kid: "..." (approaches, and kisses her cheek lightly) "Yes..." stocking: do you have....y-you know....*blush* Kid: (nods) "S-Sorry...I guess I...had some ideas..." (gestures to his overnight bag, before he plucks at one button of the top of her pajamas) stocking: *blush* think you can handle whats in there? Kid: (unbuttons the top button, then the second, as he kisses along her neck) "With you there, I can handle anything..." (licks slowly along her neck) -later, after MUCH lewdness- Kid: (panting, blushing all over) "God!" stocking: *panting and shuddering, sweating* ahhhh......f-fuck.... Kid: (panting, as his mouth collides with her neck again) "God, that was incredible...You're so hot..." stocking: OH~! t-thanks....fuck that was intense...you're getting a lot better at doing that stuff. Kid: (giggles, as he hugs her) "Thanks...How are your nipples?" stocking: sore, but i'll live....as is everything else... *rubs her butt, which has a firm handprint on each cheek* Kid: (rubs his backside as well...) "I know the feeling..." (then he touches his penis...) "...all over...And yet...God, Stocking, you were phenomenal. I never felt so..." (he is obviously pleased with what happened...) stocking: .///////. *she's staring at _it_*.... Kid: o\\\\\\o "Sorry...I guess I'm still..." (he is staring at her breasts) "...God, Stocking..." -later, after MORE lewdness- -they are now in kid's guest bed....the heart shaped one- Kid: (purring in her arms--then winces) "Ow! Heh...Guess I'll be sore for a bit." stocking: yeah, haha *cough* same here.....was that the first time you did me in the butt or....? Kid: o\\\\\o "First...Definitely. I'm sorry--I was too rough, wasn't I?" stocking: i-it's fine...and you? i maaaay have gotten carried away using...*ahem* certain _things_ in that room on you... Kid: "...I was afraid...But I knew who was with me..." (holds her hand) "I trust you with my life." stocking: *she smiles* you're expressions were cute though~ as were those noises you made~ Kid: (moves up a bit, so he can face her...he smirks) "Your voice was musical...and your body divine...God, Stocking, you are the most attractive woman..." stocking: *she smiles and blushes* i love you, you handsome dork. Kid: "I love you..." (places his hand along her face) "...you beautiful angel..." (kisses her forehead) -the next day, at school- Kid: (holding hands with Stocking) liz: i'm surprised they let her come to school today. stocking: as am i. Kid: (sighs) "One of the most difficult things in life...is facing fear..." stocking:....right. *she holds his hand* Kid: (smiles) "I'm sure the interrogation will turn up helpful information. For now, one day at a time..." stocking:...*she nods* *Spirit enters the classroom* *Spirit is whistling and looks jovial* liz: *she looks at the chalkboard* Spirit: (smiling to the class) "It's a great day, students! So let's make this class a good one!" Patty: (looks at the chalkboard--then bursts out laughing) Spirit: "???" (looks behind him--and there is an arrow pointing down where he stands) soul: ??? CHALKBOARD: "SPIRIT ALBARN HAS A TINY THINGIE" Spirit: D: soul: *almost chokes* Kid: o\\\\\o kyouko: -_-; woooooooow.... Spirit: "Th-That's not true!" (flips the chalkboard over--) Chalkboard (other side): "It's true!" Spirit: "It's not relevant!" Spirit: (flips the chalkboard again) Chalkboard: (other side) "It's very relevant." kirika: how the fuck? Spirit: (twitch) "AAAAAAH!" (slice the chalkboard apart with his blades) *Stein is behind the chalkboard* *Stein is holding chalk* homura: this is the last time i assist you in such childish matters -_-; Stein: "Makes me smile..." Spirit: (furious face...) homura: *already in her seat* Spirit: "I was having a good day...and then y-y-you have to ruin it!" Stein: "Have a good date last night, then?" Spirit: -\\\\\\- "Leave." students: ooooooooh! Stein: *whistles as he leaves* Spirit: "ALL OF YOU ARE GETTING DETENTION!" sayaka: HEY! Spirit: "Double detention for Sayaka!" yukari: WE DIDNT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THAT SCENARIO AND YOU'RE JUST PUNISHING US? THAT'S ABUSING AUTHORITY AS A TEACHER! YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF! mizuki: *muttering* for once sis, i actually agree with you. Spirit: "Triple detention! And you know what else?! Run a lap around the Academy! And another thing! I'll--" *CLUNK* *Spirit collapses onto the desk* Spirit: x_x sayaka: O-O Patty: "..." (looks up) "Where did that book come from?" *Spirit has book buried into his head* -some students look to the doorway- *No one is there* Patty: "It's like a gift from Heaven." Black Star: o_o; (glances at Soul) student: *SCREEEEEEEEEEAM* GHOSTS! soul: .....?? Kid: -_-; "Everyone calm down. It's probably not a ghost. Let's just..." (stands, approaches front of the class) "I might as well handle today's lesson. Nothing too difficult for me to address..." Kid: (opens the book and proceeds with the day's lesson) -later- Kid: (exhales) "I never realized the challenge of teaching...and the thrill of it." kyouko: you didnt do half bad. i mean, yukio's an instructer, and he's younger than you, amazingly enough. Kid: (small smile) "I have a way to go, then, but at least it's progress." liz: soon you'll be on your way to running the school.... Kid: (blushes) "Aw...Well..." stocking: i'm proud of you kiddo~ Kid: "Th-Thanks...I really did enjoy it..." (leans, whispers to her) "Would you be my 'teacher's pet'?" stocking: o//////o perhaps~ kyouko: aaaand you ruined it. Kid: o\\\\\o "I-I was whispering to her!" -later- Patty: "What's up now?" stocking: lunch time~! Kid: (returns with his meal and a plate full of cupcakes) "A little treat..." stocking: aw~ *she smooches him* Kid: (smiles, blushes) "I hope they're tasty..." stocking: delicious~ Kid: (smiles) "I'm glad..." stocking: hehe! Kid: (just looks at her..."She's so...perfect.") -at another table- Shotaro: "...I can eat way more than you." Black Star: "Bullshit!" kilik: who's up to take bets? Harvar: "30 bucks on Black Star." Patty: "20 on Shotaro!" -later- Black Star: (passed out on floor) "Ugh..." soul: dude. Shotaro: *BURP* "Could I get a ginger ale? Maybe some saltines?" -later- Patty: (counting her money) "Sweet deal..." iris: s-should we take him to the nurse? Patty: "Might as well." (hauls him up over her shoulders) -later that night- Kid: (holding dessert for dinner...) -elsewhere- shinra: *brushing his teeth* damn that kishiri....him and his fake apple juice.... Hibana: "Shinra? Sweetie? Did something happen at school today?" shinra: nothing, just felt a bit sick at lunch today. (thinking: i'm doomed to a life of awkward moments...) Hibana: -_- "Who hurt you? I will smash them into the floor." shinra: i-it's fine, really! Hibana: "Give me a name, and I will make their life a living hell..." (flames crackling around her) shinra: IBLAMEKISHIRI! Hibana: "Ib Lame Kishiri? What kind of a name is that? Did his parents hate him?" maki: i think he means that weirdo with the bubble gum....*cringe* Hibana: "...One of mine did something to you?!" (hugs Shinra tightly) "This will not be allowed!" shinra: *screaming internally* (thinking: cant breathe....hug too tight!) Hibana: "Gabriella! Bring Kishiri to the 8th immediately! He will apologize!" gabriella: right away. Hibana: "Oh, poor Shinra. Let me hold you to my bosom..." -PANCH- maki: easy there princess. shinra: *cough cough* i didnt die. Hibana: T_T "It's just my desire to protect my new brigade..." -later, elsewhere- Yohei: (stretches) chie: you ready? Yohei: (nods) chie: *she knocks on he door* mama nanami: yes?... ah! yohei! *she hugs him* Yohei: (small laugh) "Hi, Mom." chie: a pleasure to meet you in person, mrs nanami. mama nanami: please, come on in dears. Yohei: (gestures for Chie to go in first, as he closes the door behind them) "You're looking well, Mom." mama nanami: as are you. -elsewhere- Kid: "I hope the dessert was tasty..." -elsewhere- grunt: mr shinoda, we have some unfortunate news... the head of our Nagoya branch, Mr Mikazaki, has perished. Shinoda: "Really? How did they die?" grunt:.....he befell the dokeshi curse. Shinoda: (sighs) "Our best scientists still haven't figured out how to cure it..." grunt: if we really mess up....are we going to become one of those...those things?! Shinoda: "Indeed: all the more reason to practice a healthy diet..." (bites into apple) lin: at least you dont have to worry about that, right mr ragey? ^^ Ragey: X_X Shinoda: "...Could you please get rid of that carcass? It's attracting flies." lin: i'll just fix him back up then~ Shinoda: "..." (eyeroll) "Yes, well, if only it was so easy with Dokeshi..." -elsewhere- Wes: "Here we are..." (hands drink to Liz) liz: thanks. Wes: "How are you holding up?" liz: it's been crazy, but i'll live. Wes: "...I'm sorry." liz: it's fine... Wes: "..." (holds her hand) -elsewhere- Kishiri: o\\\\\\o "Okay! Okay! I'm sorry! Alright!" shinra: that was terrifying.....i almost feel sorry for him....almost. vivian: ~<3 Kishiri: "Just put her away! I can't stand being near that bitch!" -elsewhere- girl: *walking along the road with groceries* ???: "That looks like a lot to carry..." girl: mind your own buisness. ???: "I'm just trying to be polite--jeez." girl: tch-.... ???: (follows) "So, why you carrying groceries at this hour? This place isn't very accommodating..." (reaches to grab at their groceries) girl: back off! *SHE SMACKS HIM WITH THE BAG* honestly, creepy guys like you are the 3rd worst kind of person. ???: (grabs her wrist) "I was asking nicely...Now I'm mad..." (reaches for her groceries) "I better set these down, so they don't break..." girl: *knees him in the groin and pulls out a kunai* i dont want to waste effort on you. i'd rather be using this thing on those dokeshi bastards. ???: "Omph!" (collapses to his knees, coughs) "Jeez!" (higher pitch) "That fucking hurt!" girl: now buzz off loser. ???: (double over, groaning) "What the hell is a Dokeshi...?" girl: ...........monsters.....they're nothing but monsters..... ('i'll get stronger! then we can fight dokeshi together, promise senpai?').......... ???: "Funny...You look rather monstrous yourself, you violent-ass bitch." girl: fuck off! *KICK* *mumbling*.....*she looks around* ???: "Ah! Police! Help! She's fucking insane!" girl: !!! *she takes off running until she loses them* *pant pant*...damn...may as well head back to the base... *Someone is following her, watching from above on the rooftops* girl:........*enters though a back door* dokeshi hunt member: oi, mono, you're late. mono: i had to deal with a 3 just now. Dokeshi Hunt Member #2: "A '3'?" dokeshi hun member: so some creep? a flasher? mono: just some guy who tried to mug me. i kicked him in the dick and he tried to call the cops on me! Dokeshi Hunt Member #2: "...Oh..." (watches Mono) Member #3: "That sucks..." mono: i'm gonna be in the training room. gotta vent my annoyance out somehow. Member #2: "O-Okay..." ("I hate when she trains...I always get stuck cleaning up the mess...") member 4: guess we're gonna have to replace another training bag, eh? Member #2: "Yeah...And patch more walls." member: it's amazing how she can decimate mannequins, but as soon as she's pit up against a living being, she runs away... why do we even keep her around? Member #2: "...Maybe she's too intimidated to actually hurt someone?" member: maybe....maybe she acts like a little brat cause nanami left....she really looked up to him. Member #2: (nods) "Never got to know much about Nanami. He really as impressive as everyone said?" member: beats me.... -elsewhere- Yohei: (looks at photo with him and his family) chie: *examines the photo* you looked adorable as a little kid. Yohei: (small smile) "Y-Yeah." chie:....was this a camping trip? Yohei: "Yeah...Dad really likes his fishing...This was taken before I accidentally knocked down a beehive." chie: ouch, haha.... we didnt do much camping, though mom did take saki and i on a hiking trip when we were kids... Yohei: "When's the last time you been hiking?" chie: i think a few years ago, i was 11 and saki was 13. Yohei: "Hmm...Up for doing a hiking trip some time soon?" chie: sounds good. Yohei: "Cool. I think I know a good spot, too. A lake is nearby." -the next morning- Kid: (looking through cereals) stocking: cinnamon rolls? Kid: "Oh, that would be tasty~" (pulls some out of the freezer) -elsewhere- mono:...........('mama...papa....please get up....') ('i'll take down every last dokeshi!’) Dokeshi Hunt Member (Dokeshi Hunter) #2: "Hey. Wake up. Practice starts in--" mono: i hear ya i hear ya.... Dokeshi Hunter #2: "Then get up already! I don't need crap from the supervisor because you're busy dreaming." -later, mono went for a walk- mono:.......!!!!!!! *she sees someone up ahead* Yohei: (looking at a fruit stand) "Shotaro needs more fruit...The guy eats so much meat--" mono:........*shaking with anger and rage* y-you....... chie: i just hope tuhl is taking care of them and making sure they stay out of trouble. Yohei: "Tuhl'll be fine. He's got Mana to keep an eye on Shotaro." (checks the blueberries) mono: *she follows them* Yohei: (chuckles) "I could always just tell Shotaro that Mana's underwear are fancy hats...again." chie: *tiny chop* you're such a butt. a cute butt, but still a bu-.......*facepalms at her pun* damn! Yohei: (chuckles) "Hey, you got a cute butt, you might as well show it off. One reason I have these jeans." chie: *chuckles* ............??? do you feel hateful eyes staring at you, or is it just me? Yohei: "???" (looks around) mono: *hiding behind a bush* ...... Yohei: "..." (pats Chie on the shoulder) "Let's finish our purchase and head out...Maybe somewhere more crowded..." mono:.......*steps out and tries to slash at them with her kunai* Yohei: "Shit!" (pushes Chie and himself away, the kunai slicing along his jeans) "Damn it!" mono: dammit! STAND STILL! Yohei: "Hell no! Why would--" (sees her) "...Mono?" chie: friend of yours? mono: HELL NO! *tries to slash at him again* Yohei: "!!!" (dodges) "Damn it! Chie, I'm gonna need a shield and an exit, now!" chie: right! ~dark restraint~ *dark restrain holds mono to the ground* mono: w-what?! Yohei: "Thanks, babe. Now let's run!" (shouts to the fruit stand owner) "Bill us later!" mono: HEY! *struggling* I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU YET!! Yohei: "Unfortunately, Mono, you are..." *tosses a smoke bomb* mono: *cough cough* yo-.......(thinking: that girl...was.....was she dokeshi?!) Yohei: "Keep running, Chie--we're going to have to ditch her, then get our family to safety." chie: right. Yohei: (while running, taps his watch, sending signal to Mana) mana: yeah? Yohei: "Emergency. Chased by assassin. Get Shotaro and Saki to safe room." mana: on it! chie: -_- (thinking: he's oddly calm about this!) Yohei: "Keep running. We want as much distance between us and her. Mono is obsessive when she spots a target." chie:....is she- Yohei: "Dokeshi Hunt..." chie:.....we should keep running... Yohei: "...Yeah. Need to shake her off our path so she can't find our home...But I worry she can still track us..." -later, mono had no luck finding them- Yohei: "Get inside, Chie. Then I can initiate security protocols." chie: right. *she goes in* Tuhl: "The hell is going on? You two were supposed to be getting groceries." chie: yeah, but we sort of ran into trouble. Tuhl: "Well, I doubt Yohei would be barricading the house if the 'trouble' was just shoplifting." Yohei: "...Shit. Did I forget to pay for these blueberries?" -after the situation was explained- Shotaro: "Wow..." Yohei: "..." mana: for some reason she bothers me just hearing about her. Yohei: "She's tenacious, but I usually could get away from her." saki: so what now? Yohei: "Either lay low for a bit until Mono gets distracted, or relocate." mana: what about your parents? Yohei: "That is an option...I'm just scared putting them at risk." saki:....maybe we could move them to death city? Yohei: "...Could work. Maybe. Although Dad'll be pissed: the fishing here sucks." mana: there are some great national parks near there though. Yohei: (nods) "Okay, that would convince him...I wonder where there's a bigger house for all of us..." -elsewhere- Gopher: .W. "I think it looks lovely on you~" kirika: *in a cat suit* stupid punishment game... Gopher: (happy claps) "Yay!" Patty: (struggling to hold in laughter) stocking: not a bad look for you kiddo~ Kid: (grumbling) "I hate this. The skirt hardly matches my eyes." stocking: it's cute though. should i be your tuxedo mask~? Kid: o\\\\o "You in a suit? Hell yes." stocking: ok then~ Kid: (small laugh) "I look forward to it..." -later- Kid: (jawdrop) "Damn." stocking: not bad i dont think. Kid: (admires how she looks in the suit...including behind) "You should wear suits more often." stocking: i guess. *she also has her hair in a low ponytail* Kid: "The mask also looks good on you. Very mysterious." -elsewhere- Dokeshi Hunter #2: "What the hell, Mono?!" mono: yeah. he was running off with that dokeshi bitch! Dokeshi Hunter #2: "What?! He's fraternizing with those abominations?" mono: he's a runaway _and_ a traitor.... people like that....are the second worst kind of person! Dokeshi Hunter #2: "...Second? Who's the first worst kind?" mono: the absolute worst....are those damned dokeshi!! Dokeshi Hunter #2: "Oh...That makes sense. So, you lost track of him. Now what? You kind of screwed up majorly." mono: i'll find him again...i'll make him pay for what he did... Dokeshi Hunter #2: "Until then, the commander will probably have a lot to say to you." -elsewhere- Arthur: "..." (looking at a photograph) iris: *also looking* *It's a photo of Tamaki with the 8th* iris: ..... Arthur: "...I still don't know where she is..." -elsewhere- Anya: (dusting the dorm) tsugumi: cant wait for the summer season! yeah! Anya: *shiny eyes* "So many new Death Bazaars!" tamaki: *in her room, asleep* Meme: "Tamaki still asleep? Did she get in late?" mio: maybe it's just a summer cold? Meme: "Hmmm...Better make sure we have some cold medicine, then." -at gallow's manor- Kid: "Perhaps I should avoid punishment games in the future..." stocking: it was still fun though. Kid: (blushing but smiling) "Maybe for you..." stocking: you looked cute though~ Kid: (bashful) "Thank you...You as well..." -elsewhere- mono:......*still looking around* Dokehi Hunter #2: (on radio earpiece) "What do you see?" mono: nothing yet, just busy city streets... Hunter #2: "No odd signatures on your equipment...Can't sense a Dokeshi nearby...A lot of electricity in that area, though..." mono: *examines a sign* Hunter #2: "What do you see?" mono:..... mono: seems an electrical plant is nearby.... Hunter #2: "It has higher than expected releases of electricity...That's odd. The plant had a break-in a few weeks ago, but no culprit found." mono: oh? what happened with that? Hunter #2: "No clue...So go look. Duh." mono: *grumbles and begins walking* Power Plant Security Guard: "Excuse me, may I help you?" mono: yeah, i'm from the detective agency here to investigate the break in. (thinking: please let this guy be an idiot...) mono: could i speak with your supervisor? i'm sure they'd let me in. Security: "Um...She's...kinda busy and doesn't like interruptions...G-Go on ahead. We can do the visitor paperwork later..." mono: thank you. *she smiles* Security: (opens the gate, lets her through) mono: *lookin around* *There seems to be a footprint...burned into the floor* mono:...*inspects the footprint* *Another one is further away...leading into a wall* mono: ???? *The lights go out* mono: !!!!!!! ???: "ha ha ha ha ha ha..." mono: who's there?! *A light turns on--then explodes from a surge of electricity* *The electricity seems to jump to another bulb* mono: *sweats* um.....hello? ???: "Little girl...Scared little piglet..." mono: *gulp* ???: "You murderous...Dokeshit Hunter!" *Electricity blasts towards Mono* mono: EEEEK! mono: NOOOOO!!! *she bolts.* *The electricity sails past Mono and into the wall* ???: "Damn it! Stand still, you little speck of bacon!" mono: I DONT WANNA DIIIIIE! Security: "Hey! What the hell is going on here?!" mono: GHOST!!! Security: "...Are you kidding me? There are no such things as--" *The electricity swirls into the form of a human* Security: o_O "GHOST!" (hides behind Mono) mono: *running* NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! *Electricity blasts at Mono, ensnaring around her ankles* mono: *screaming* s-someone help me!! i dont wanna die!! Security: "..." (tries to run) ???: "No..." *Electricity wraps around the Guard's neck, pulling him up to the ceiling* mono: *screams* *WHOOSH!* ???: "What--?!" *The electricity is encased...in ice?* mono: e-eh? Karim: (aims his Fridge Tuba--and repeats at the Security Guard, also creating an ice slide for him to fall down safely) Guard: "Omph!" mono: are you dokeshi?! Karim: "No. I'm Fire Brigade." (offers hand to help her stand up) mono: *she stands up* i was doing just fine. Karim: "...You're shaking. You're not fine. I don't blame you: this was a frightening situation." Security: (getting up) "No kidding! I'm getting out of here!" *runs away* mono: *also runs* -elsewhere, in brooklyn- luka: HE DID WHAT?!?! Solence: (shivering) "It went on all night...The smells..." NoFix: (shrugs) "Just want to make my lady happy. Not my fault you'll are prudes." luka: YOU CRASHED A CAR, covered i blood might i add, INTO THE SIDE OF A MCDONALDS!! NoFix: "You should've seen what we did to the ice cream machine." (offers a cone to Luka) luka: that's not ice cream, is it.... NoFix: :3 "Nope." kinuta: i'll take it. luka: *hurk* oh mother of god.... NoFix: "Oh, yeah..." Solence: (knocking his head against the wall) scientist: I JUST WENT STERILE! NoFix: (smiling at Kinuta) "Jesus, you're fucking hot...You're up for anything, aren't you, you sweet piece of ass." luka: STOP! NO! PLEASE TAKE THAT ELSEWHERE! I FEEL LIKE I WANT TO DIE 50 TIMES OVER! NoFix: (still to Kinuta, ignoring the others) "I want to make hot, steamy love to you right here in front of all these emotionally stunted fuckwads..." -in another room- mikan: *covering heibito's ears* 0-0; Asura: "...Should I just snap their necks and feed upon them?" -elsewhere- Burns: (looking over a file...on Rekka) "Damn...Now two of my soldiers are missing." pearl: i just hope he's ok.... Burns: "Find him. Had he told you why he was leaving on his own without clearing his departure with me?" pearl: he said he had been called in for something... Burns: "Who called him in?" pearl: i-i dont know. Burns: (studies Pearl) "Then find out. When you do, report to me immediately." (locks his files up) "Two of ours missing...Hibana's crimes...I think a meeting of the Brigades is in order, to discuss all of this." pearl: *she nods* dia: even squad zero? Burns: (flames crackle under his eyepatch) "Might as well..." -elsewhere- Kid: (folding laundry) liz: need any help? Kid: (sheepish nod) "Y-Yes...I've been struggling for five minutes to get the pants folded just right..." liz: *rolls eyes* here. let me help you out there. Kid: "Thanks..." (sighs) "I wish I had one of those flat boards that just folds everything uniformly..." liz: maybe we could put that on the shopping list then? Kid: (nods) "I appreciate your help with this, Liz." liz: no problem. Kid: "How is today treating you? You look a little tired." liz: i'm fine for the most part. Kid: (nods) "Course work going okay?" liz: i guess... Kid: "But something troubling you? Perhaps on a particular subject? Or something else?" liz: i'm fine, just......thinking.... *she was thinking about the news story on the incident in brooklyn* Kid: "...Have you been following the news?" liz:......*she bites her lip* Kid: "..." (pats her shoulder) "You know the DWMA is looking into this, right?" liz:....*she nods* Kid: "Have some faith...We have some of the best investigators finding the culprits." liz: ok... Kid: "...Want to talk about it? Maybe get involved in the investigation yourself?" -elsewhere- shaula: HEY PONERA! I THINK SOMETHING WENT WRONG! Ponera: "What is it? Medusa?" shaula: no, but something seems to be wrong with the book of eibon....a whole 'chapter' is just....missing....ish. Ponera: "Missing? A chapter can't just go missing. It's not like it got up and walked away..." (looks at Grimoire) "...Right?" grimoire:....let me see.... Ponera: (wringing her hands, glancing around the throne room) "...I don't see anything or anyone around here...Maybe nothing escaped the Book..." -somewhere, in the woods- *Someone is giggling madly* ???: i'm amazed that we havent been located yet... Mad!Kid: "I made sure to cover my path..." pandora: by killing those hikers...? Mad!Kid: "What? I didn't want someone to follow us. Besides, hikers are stupid. Those shorts are ridiculous." pandora: human fashion these days is very....unusual....at least they looked comfy and easy to wear. Mad!Kid: "Easier to kill, too. So soft." pandora: any luck finding that girl? Mad!Kid: "You mean...Angel?" pandora: yeah, her. Mad!Kid: *sniffs long* "I can smell her...Such a sweet scent..." (he points) "Long way to my destination, though." pandora: should i fly us there? Mad!Kid: "Please." -black, inky bat-like wings burst out of the fragment's back- Mad!Kid: "I'm coming for you, Angel. Soon, you will be mine." -later- Patty: *shivers* "Who left the window open?" stocking: not sure... Patty: "Hmph." (closes window, then pats Stocking's head) "Glad to have you back home!" stocking: same here. Yumi: (holding Shiori) "Someone else missed you..." (holds up Shiori) shiori: sokky! sokky! stocking: hey there, shiorin! Yumi: (smiles at Shiori as she hands her to Stocking) lord death: but i know who missed you most of all...*he looks at kid* Kid: (small blush, but laughing) "Of course..." stocking: *she smiles as she snuggles up to him* i'm just glad that mess is done with now.... Kid: (hugs her) "I'm glad you are here." -elsewhere- Rekka: "Oh Lord...Don't forsake me..." shinra:..... i really dont want to go down there again...... -elsewhere- tv reporter: -reports of a vampire sighting over london has the city in panic. ???: "Vampires? In London? What's next, werewolves?" ???: ugh, not funny man... -the one person eats some red gummies- ???: "I thought it was a bit funny...What about you, Red Guy?" akaderu: why should i care? right now i just want to find that kyokotsu.... ???: "Still? What's the benefit of getting the Kyokotsu?" akaderu: i want to eliminate that monster.....i'll make him pay for what he did to her.... ???: (derisive laugh) "Aw, you want to honor the memory of your girlfriend?" akaderu: *tenses up* want to end up being choked to death? ???: o_o; "...Not my thing, s-sir..." akaderu:..thought so... ???: "Um...Any leads on this Kyokotsu?" akaderu: nothing yet, but maybe we should lure him out....ever heard of the 'bai ze'? -elsewhere- Emine: (sipping his drink) grunt: *visibly creeped out by the fact he is drinking human blood* Emine: (a bit of blood is on the corner of his mouth) "Lin?" lin: *wipes it off* grunt: *cringe* Emine: "Thank you. Now, I must complete my bad deed...The phone, please." -elsewhere- Power Plant CEO: "I don't appreciate the Dokeshi Hunt and the Fire Brigade getting involved in affairs that are none of their business." brigade member: once again, we wish to apologize for the incident... Power Plant CEO: "What was your brigadier even doing here? Don't you have fires to put out instead? Maybe that explosion at the DWMA that got out of hand a few weeks ago? Where were you then?!" brigade member: the 8th was there! Power Plant CEO: "And we see how reliable that pack of misfits is! I have already had my dealings with a derelict commander like Obi, so I shouldn't be surprised that his group couldn't handle a fire!" Akitaru: -_- "I'm right here..." Burns: "You called us here to simply rattle off complaints to the commanders? What a waste of time..." Hibana: (glaring at the CEO) miwa: in oubi's defence, he and his brigade do manage to get the job done. CEO: "..." (crosses her arms) "The next time one of your members wants to investigate, use the front door and make an appointment. If this happens again, I will take it up directly with Lord Death himself." foien:....karim- Karim: "Yeah?" -outside- shinra:...... Arthur: "What's taking them so long?" fang-hua: beats me... Kishiri: "Tch. Just a bunch of old farts--and Hibana--talkin' about boring stuff." ryuuko: to be fair, commander tsurumaki doesnt appear all that old. sayu: she's older than i am, and thats good enough for me ^^ *Doors fly open--and hit Kishiri in the face* Hibana: "What an ass!" shinra: *snerk* Burns: "It is odd to have one of my soldiers here...Foien, why didn't you tell me Karim was here?" Karim: "..." -later- Akitaru: (sets out drinks for the 8th members) "Okay...So, we moving forward with the plan on Rekka or not?" maki: turning him over? Akitaru: "I don't know what else we can do, short of having an illegal prison. I don't know how Burns is going to take the news, or how we use this as leverage to find out what is really going on." Hibana: "I was thinking about this...and I noticed something odd about Rekka's rambling..." maki: oh? Hibana: " 'The priest'...I'm starting to wonder whether even Burns doesn't know about Rekka...If we dangle him in front of Burns, maybe we can out this priest and figure out who took my Fire Transformation research for such nefarious means..." (clenches her fists) "And maybe I can learn something else about...about..." (looks at Iris) iris:........*she doesnt say anything.* Akitaru: *sigh* "If we give Rekka to the authorities, maybe that will preoccupy Burns and keep his attention away from Tamaki..." shinra: it might work.... Akitaru: "...Takehisa? Make the call. Let's get ready for the police's arrival. Shinra, have your testimony ready to give to the cops." Takehisa: "On it..." shinra: r-right.....am i going to have to go to court for this? Takehisa: "Likely. I sure hope you are not having to face a particularly strong defense attorney...They will probably delve into every detail of your private life since birth..." Arthur: "Yeah, real shame to be you." Akitaru: (nods) Hibana: "Sure hope they don't ask embarrassing questions that go on public record." shinra: Q-Q;;;; i dont even own a suit.... Akitaru and Hibana: (eyes flash) "CLOTHES SHOPPING!" shinra:.... *nervous smile* (thinking: this is how i die...) -elsewhere- Rekka: "Oh, holy light of God...Bless me with your purifying gaze...Let me rise to see you...Lift my spirit and my body to you, where the flame removes all flaws and unites us all as one." -elsewhere- Patty: (crying) liz: *PROTECTIVE BIG SISTER MODE GO* PATTI?! Patty: "What's happening back home, Sis? I don't understand it..." liz:......*she hugs her* it's going to be ok, i promise.... Patty: (crying into Liz) "What is going on there? Why can't we do anything?" liz:...i'll see if we can help in some way.... Patty: (nods) "O-Okay." -later- Kid: "How is she holding up?" lord death: hmm? Kid: "Patty, I mean..." lord dearth: she's napping right now.....i do worry though... Kid: (nods) "There is something...off about this news out of Brooklyn...When I see the reports, it makes my skin crawl..." lord death:..... Kid: "...Father? I'm afraid." lord death:...*he hugs him* i know... Kid: "It just feels like...before. When...Maka..." lord death:...*rubs his back and hums* Kid: (calms down, cries a bit) lord death:..... Kid: "...What have you learned is happening in Brooklyn?" lord death: so far, this incident with the car is all we know... Kid: (nods) "I wonder..." lord death: hmm? Kid: "What are our options? Maybe someone needs to be there..." -later- Yumi: (reviewing news and reports) marie: what do we have to work with so far? Yumi: "It's New York--not much. Most accounts seem more like people desperately desiring attention, making up stories...But these three are odd standouts." marie: oh? Yumi: "This one is about a mummy...This one is about succubi...And this one...is about a McDonald's..." *shudders* marie: *examines the papers* Yumi: "I can't spot the connection, but it seems...familiar. And dangerous." marie:....we should send someone to investigate. Yumi: "Exactly what I was thinking...I know Patty and Liz are interested, but I worry this may be too close to home (so to speak) for them." marie:..... Yumi: "Any recommendations? Perhaps other members from Kid's usual team? Stocking? Black Star?" -the usual group went, plus nygus- Kid: (steadying his breath...) stocking: you ok? Kid: "I just sense something...disturbing. I'm trying to calm myself. Re-achieve balance." stocking:...*she nods* Kid: "..." (holds her hand) "We have to watch out for everyone out there..." stocking: right... Kid: "..." (inhales again, tries to focus) -soon, they arrive- liz:.............*all the memories come flooding back* (kid: if you want to kill me, go ahead....my life doesnt matter anyway....) (thinking: kid......back then.....) Patty: "...It all looks so different..." liz: yet still the same old brooklyn..... Patty: "..." (hugs Liz's arm) liz:.....*she nods* Black Star: (looking around, sniffs the air) tsubaki:.....*shivering* it's only june....why is it so chilly out? Kid: "This kind of abnormality..." (pulls out his mirror, taps the screen) "I'll report this immediately. Let's keep the updates going into the DWMA as we get them..." liz: right. stocking: *she nods* Patty: "I usually like the cold...This just feels wrong." Black Star: (looks around) "And people look...dead inside." liz: *looks around* weird....usually there is at least two people around this area.....but there's nothing...not even a rat... Kid: "...Any police reports on this location?" liz: this is, or at least used to be, the red light district..... stocking: *tenses*....... Kid: "..." (looks around) "So why haven't police said much about people disappearing here?" -clink- Kid: "?!" -a door creaks open- Kid: (watching the door...) -the building is empty, as if everyone left in a hurry- Kid: "I don't sense anyone inside...but something..." -something skitters onto a wall, it looks like a large spider.....with a human head- tsubaki: w-what the fuck?! Patty: o____O Kid: (covering his mouth, as he looks like he is about to vomit) thing: *it's eyes roll back and it screeches loudly* Patty: "..." (moving as if ready to squish it...) Kid: (to the Thing) "Wh-What happened to you?! Who did this to you?!" -something is heard in the back room- -a large figure, a human, female body, with no arms, with 4 large spider legs potruding from its back, with spidery looking hands, a bloated stomach, and a rotted face with a black tongue hanging from the mouth, comes out of the room- liz: O-O;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; that.........just......ew..... Kid: (tapping his mirror, filing report to send immediately to the DWMA) "Obvious laboratory for...mutating humans. Likely done to people kidnapped from this part of Brooklyn..." -the larger thing lunges at them- Kid: "Liz! Patty!" Black Star: "Tsubaki!" tsubaki: right! liz: on it! Patty: "Yeah!" Kid: (aims Liz and Patty) "Put their soul at rest!" (fires) -after a few minutes, stocking manages to kill it, getting some black ooze on her blade- stocking: eeeew! *shaking it off* gross... Kid: "We need to collect that sample, then disinfect your blade..." (looks at it) "Black...blood?" stocking: mayb- *she falls to her knees and trembles* a-AHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Kid: "Stocking! What's wrong?!" stocking: p-please.....stop it! i-i'll be good from now on, just please- *she's crying* Kid: "I think she's hallucinating..." (tries to take her by her arms, trying to reach her soul) "Stocking, please..." stocking: *she looks up at kid, her eyes seem....different....* Kid: "...Stocking?" stocking: k-ki-..... Kid: "Please, hang on...Nygus, we need medical and to put a quarantine on this neighborhood--evacuate five blocks from here." nygus: on it! stocking: i-i...i think....i'll be ok.... Kid: "...Still, a check-up will be good..." (hugs her) "What happened?" stocking: i-i dont know....i just....lost control for a moment.....we should keep going, i dont want to be a burden on the mission. Kid: "Are you sure?" ("Should we have the quarantine put in first before going deeper in this building...?") stocking: yeah..e-even if its scary, we just have to move forward, right? Kid: (nods) "Right, okay...Let's be careful out there..." stocking: *she nods* Black Star: (looking suspiciously at Stocking as they keep moving through the building) -a few floors later- Kid: (examining the walls, paying attention to corners and shadows for threats...) -something is heard from the end of the hall- Kid: "Someone watch our back, clear an exit in case there is a threat at the end of this hall." tsubaki: *nods* Kid: (proceeds to the end of the hall) ???: *in a static, gravley voice* iiiiizzz......ttiiii....... Kid: (approaches) "We are from the DWMA...We are here to help." -the figure appears female......but its arms are mangled, and it walks like a wounded animal....the top half of its face is gone.- ????: lii.....iizz.....mmyyy....chi....ldreeenn.... liz:...........*her heart practically drops to her stomach* Patty: "...Sis? Please..." (starts shaking her head) "No. No." liz:.....*she's frozen in place, staring at the monstrosity that used to be her mother* Kid: "My God..." ????: liii......iiizzz? *it stares, slackjawed at them* Patty: (crying, shaking) liz:........*stepping toward it* we should.... Kid: "???" liz: *gulps and wipes her eyes* w-we should...put her out of her misery....its....its the least we could to for her.... Patty: "But she is...W-We can't! There has to be a way to fix her, right? Kid, you know how to fix her! Fix her!" Kid: "..." stocking:....*she hugs patti* liz: patti....you dont have to watch.... Patty: "Let go of me! Help her! You can't do it! Liz, you can't! You can't!" Kid: (pulling Patty away) liz: what do you suggest, letting her suffer like...like that?! Patty: "There has to be another way! Kid, save her! Save her!" Kid: "I can't! She's gone, Patty! You have to accept that!" Patty: "..." (starts punching Kid in the chest, screaming) stocking: patti! please....i know you're upset but.... Kid: "Get her out of here!" (dragging Patty out of the room, leaving Liz alone) Patty: (still shouting as she is being pulled away) liz:.....patti's probably going to hate me.... stocking:...if it helps...i'll do it... Patty: (inconsolable in the hallway, crying, hitting Kid in the chest as he keeps holding onto her in a hug) stocking:...hey now....it's going to be ok....O, pitiful shadow lost in the darkness... O, evil spirit born of those drifting between heaven and earth... May the thunderous power from the garments of the holy, delicate maidens strike down upon you with great mercy and light, shattering your impurity and ending your suffering... Repent....and rest in peace... *SLICE* Patty: (hears the sound, stops crying...just falls apart, silent, motionless) liz:.....*silent, weeping* Kid: (holds onto Patty) stocking:.......liz i- liz: i know..... Kid: "...Nygus, please evacuate, now." stocking:.....patti....she's at peace now.... Patty: "..." (she's silent, not moving...her eyes are dead) stocking:....come on....we should go for now.... liz:....patti- Patty: (turns away from Liz, pushes away from Kid, walks ahead on her own) liz:......... Kid: "Give her time...It's not easy to lose someone..." Kid: (catches himself) "S-Sorry...I'm sorry, Liz." liz:................ -a few days later- Patty: "..." soul: are you sure you're ok? this isnt like you..... kohaku: yeah, usually it's emo the kid and dead man evans being like this~ kirika: FUCK OFF AANBA! cant you see she's gone through enough? Patty: "..." (approaches Kohaku within an inch) "You back off now, or I will kill you." kohaku: oh, you expect me to be nice cause she 'wost her mawmee'? tch- i lost my mother too, but no one ever gave _me_ sympathy... Patty: "..." (turns around, her back to Kohaku--then starts to turn back, ready to punch) -claws aimed at kohaku- kirika: bitch you have some goddamn nerve.... kohaku: go ahead and punch me, thats not gonna bring your mom back....or the useless little albarn.... soul: !!!!!!! *fist clentch* stocking: hey kohaku, how about you pay my grandad a visit? Patty: (stops herself...just stares at Kirika and Soul...then looks at Kohaku) "You aren't worth it. I hope you never go through what we have..." kohaku: ....... Patty: (turns and leaves...then starts running down the hall) liz: patti wait! Patty: (throws open janitor's closet door, shuts it behind her) liz: patti....patti come on....please? Patty: "Go away." kirika: *opens the door* fuckin-..hey, i dont usually get sentimental and whatever, but....*sigh* i kinda know what its like...losing family, i mean... Patty: "...We never should have left Brooklyn." kirika: if you stayed on the streets, you and liz might have ended up like that too...i heard her talking to kid about it.... liz: >:C Patty: "But if we hadn't left, then maybe--maybe we could have saved M-Mom!" kirika: even after she abandoned you? Patty: "...We left Brooklyn...We left her...and now she's..." liz:.......... kirika: was there anything you could have done? moping about it isnt going to change shit, all you can do is brush yourself off and get on with everything, you still have your sister, aunt, uncle, and cousins, dont you? and everyone else too... Patty: "..." (starts crying) "Mom..." liz: *opens the door and hugs patti* it's going to be ok sis....we're still here.... Patty: "Sis...I'm sorry..." (hugs her) liz: *humming* -later- Patty: (exhausted, asleep, eyes red) kirika:..... Kid: "How long has she been asleep?" kirika: good hour and a half now.....she gonna be ok? Kid: "It's going to take time...but I think so. I hope so." kirika:...hey, i said all i could, alright? i'll admit, it was hard for me to open up like that but.....w-whatever... Kid: "I know. You did great. I'm proud of you." kirika: ......y-yeah... Kid: "..." (awkward pat on the back) kirika: 7-7 Kid: "Thank you...Sister." kirika: y-yeah....sure....b...bro....buttmunch. >-<; Kid: -_-; "Close enough..." kirika: hehe~ Kid: "In any case, let's be there for Patty, okay?" kirika:...yeah... roxanne:..... Kid: "Roxanne, I'm sorry..." roxanne: *she nods* i know, Sheryl and i didnt really get along, but this.... Kid: (nods) "Have you given consideration to the offer to hold a memorial service?" roxanne: it would be for the best... Kid: (nods) "We can handle most of the organizing...Just let us know whatever you want included, such as any particular religious official you would like, if any." roxanne: i just wanted to thank you, for all your family has done for us... Kid: (small smile) "You're welcome. I've considered Liz and Patty family for a long time...and I would like to consider you part of that family..." roxanne: *she smiles* maybe i could reach out to them more....i should have taken them in sooner....

January Blues, February Brights

Time to get out of a mid-winter January funk. A record crop of Meyer lemons in the greenhouse might help.

It's been tough. I mean, I expected this. Book deadline looming and I just started writing. Even though I lost my job last winter I was fortunate to have a severance package, but it runs out in a month. I'm not ignorant to the fact that I am still quite fortunate, but I also know that changes are on the doorstep, and maybe I haven't prepared enough for them (hello? Health insurance?). Ive been trying to squeeze in doctor appointments and dental work before March. I usually like January too - not only do I love snow, it's my birthday month. I should mention that I've officially reached that time in my life when it's like "birthdays? Really? I'm not talking about it. Then there is this funk which is probably just a combo of everything. Not to mention Post-Holiday Diets, the unusually cold and snowy weather we've been getting here in the Northeast (bomb cyclone and the coldest weather in over 100 years). This all seems to have manifested itself into a "might-as-well-just-wear-sweatpants-all-day-long-and-watch-Netflix" mentality. Not healthy. I have no interest in opening mail. In ordering seeds, or even for looking at nursery sites. I've kind-of lost interest in these things. I dont think that it's depression really, more like the fact that I feel as if I've grown everything and I cant find something new to be interested in. At least, that's what I'm telling myself. I am feeding the birds which is begining to really sound like a very old-man thing - (don't say it).  Still, I'm not doing much more.  Its really only a function. Thistle feeder is out again, dump more in. I'm not 'watching' the birds, which is probably worse now that I think about it. Guilt feeding. They eat alone, (which they probably like). I had little problem writing for the book however, so I suppose that is a good sign. Sitting in my office with the snow falling outside has been one of the most favorite things to do. Yet my problem still seems like that I don't feel like working, or not working for that matter don't dont feel like buying plants, nor watering the ones I have anymore either. Nothing seems interesting anymore, and I've lost confidence in what I am doing. This week our weather seems to have entered another phase -  bit milder (fingers-crossed that it sticks). With these more average temperatures (highs near freezing and lows in the 20's) much of the drama from the early weeks of January has passed. I even am beginning to think about the future more. I actually sowing a bit of seed today -some flats of mesclun.  I even smelled the first whiffs of the Sarcococca hookeriana in the greenhouse (which we need to grow in a pot here in Massachusetts - don't taunt me Oregon or North Carolina!). I'm good with the potted semi-tender shrubs like Sarcococca because under glass on a snowy, January day the greenhouse smells just like Tahiti (OK, more like early spring in the Himalaya - whatever...). It warms my soul and I kind of need that lately. At least it provided some hopefulness that I'll 'like it all' again.

Some casualties from the cold include this Canarina canariensis, but after following lots of chatter on the Pacific Bulb Society newsgroup, its bulb-like root may be OK. Many say that I should plant this tender geophyte that has gorgeous orange bell-shaped flowers like in this post, in the ground in my greenhouse, and it might do better. I'm going to try this. I need something to do.

A few freezes didnt hurt the South African bulbs. I kept the soil dry through most of January, which helps the cells expand in case there is a hard freeze. We had the coldest weather in over 100 years with a week of night temps below -12° F.

My book on vegetable gardenings is underway, mostly photo editing and writing at this phase. So, that has been my focus - choosing the best pics, researching at the library at the horticultural society and writing.

The cyclamen are sturdy fellows, able to withstand some very frosty nights with no harm. As long as the roots don't freeze the more tender species like C. graecum, I'm OK. I was able to fertilize them this week on my first visit out the greenhouse this year,.

South African bulbs really don't seem to mind the cold and the wet. These Babiana fragrans may bloom by springtime. As you can see, I never cleaned up the foliage from last season. It's very fibrous and tough and needs scissors to remove it in when the pot is dormant in mid-summer. I figure that this is what happens in the wild (there are no baboons out there cutting the dead foliage down, just digging and eating the bulbs). The iris-like flowers will be pretty though in a few weeks.

Citrus like these Calamondin oranges are blooming, even though half of the plant died from frost.

Other citrus are just not handling this winter all that well. This is what is left of my big Kumquat tree. Not a victim of frost however, but of a misplaced electric space heater.

Tropaeolim - tjhe vining, high-elevsation tuberous types from the Andes seem to relish this weather though. They look so tender and frail, with thread-like stems yet after the hot, summer dormancy, take off covering little trellis' in just a month - blooms will soon follow.

Tuberous Tropeolum grow from round tubers like potatoes. Here is a new species I am growng -  T. ciliatum, a tuber that I acquired from a collector in September. Its  growth is still small and weak. I think that it will appreciate being moved to a sunnier spot in the greenhouse now that it is getting warmer in there.

Another tropeolum species T. tricolor  looked completely dead, and I feared its late emergence meant that something ate the bulb, but it was just last winters growth that I hadn't cleaned up in the summertime (see a trend here?). Not watered since May, I noticed a bit of thread-like growth earlier this week, and after carefully removing the dead foliage found these new stems twirling around.

Last weekend the sun came out, so after journeying out into the greenhouse - sweatpants and all - I coudl see that most of the Dutch bulbs and South African bulbs were emerging. I moved them all to a sunny sand bed, watered them and in just a few days, things have come back to life.

Scilla messeniaca a lesser-known scilla is beginning to show its buds.

The camellias that were planted in the ground always seem to bloom well even in the coldest winters.  One snowy night in a blizzard two weeks ago the gas man wanted to see what I had in the greenhouse around 2 am, but I told him that it wasn't pot - but I could tell by his expression that he didn't believe me so, I shown a flashlight through the frosty glass and this thing was illuminated. He said "Wow, what the Hell is that?". "Not pot, I replied."

Camellias in pots are hardy too if the roots dont freeze. More sturdy than the insulating bubble wrap it seems.

The South African plants are remarkable cold hardy. This Erica 'Winter's Flame' is just starting to bloom.

Narcissus cantabricus, a native North African narcissus species blooms early in the greenhouse sand bed. It is sweetly fragrant - like cottoncandy (which reminds me - when was the last time I smelled cotton candy? It's sweetly scented like a vanilla candle from Target.).

If I was to grow one Nerine, it would be this one - N. alata or N. undulata. I have six stems in bloom this year. It too didnt seem to mind a few light frosts in early January.

The chili peppers didnt like the frost. And while many people keep some chili pepper plants from year to year for a while (like Chiltepin type), these probobly wont make it. I do have some Chiltepin and Tepin pepper plants in the house, however.

The biggest citrus I have is a massive tub planted with a Mandarin orange tree. It was hit by the blast of the propane furnice, and I fear that it wont recover.

Moving forward, I have all hopes that I am moving out of this funk I'm in.  No worries, I'm a pretty positive guy and maybe I just need a challenge. I can't tolerate 'meh' for long. You're probably thinking that I am just depressed.  Maybe - just a little, but most likely I'm not sleeping because I'm scared, bored and for some reason not motivated because of a combination of all of those things - which is probobly completely normal, right? After all - this is a big life change I'm going through over the next few momnths. With my severance runnings out in march health insurance is my greatest concern (Cobra?).  IT seems that there is no shortage of freelance projects and consulting on my doorstep, but just how much and how fruitful or consistant it will all be, I dont know. I dont do well with inconsistancy - you know, used to that pay check every two weeks. SOrry for thinking aloud here, but if you've read this far, you can probably see that this is just like therapy for me. Social therapy. I've never collected an unemployment check in my life either, but ick - I may have to. I just feel like a failure too I guess. Yet I promise to not let things get to me too much, this blog which I thought that I would have so much time to redesign and improve, will still go on.  I need to move forward and think about the garden again - and what's next on the horizon for my projects. I have jsut started thinking about my annual 'special projects' list, which is a bit overdue.  I am thinking about gladiolus again, a genus I have been putting off for a while now because dahlias got in the way - there are so many lovely crosses if you've even attended a gladiolus society show you know what I mean. Then there are fuschias to try again, but raising them in a different way - training them as standards or as large tubbed specimens, and then perhaps exploring how to create a mini-cut flower garden at home, designed to offer cut flowers for every week of the summer and fall, a mini-flower farm, if you will. Last year I was reminded of how great coleus looks in group containers, and I am imagining an entire collection of coleus - growing them in odd or creative ways - espalier comes to mind. - Asian gourds, a big chapter from my book has inspired me to try on a greater scale. Especially after visiting Chow's parents (a Vietnamese friend of mine) whos family grew so many types in their back yard near where I live. Those will definitely be on my grow list this year - including luffa, sponge gourds and bitter melon and how to grow them, because even though many of us know what a bitter melon looks like - who knows how to cook with them? I've learned this year, and want to share it. Oh yes, and dahlias. And sweet peas. And the tastiest tomatoes - Amy Goldman Fowler's great book THE HEIRLOOM TOMATO has reminded me that the tastiest ones are not any of the varieties I have grown in the past. Thank you Amy! Get it and read it closely - it's fabulously rich with information and well researched. See? I'll be OK. There are then other projects which failed once again that I want to retry until I master them. More about those later. Those potted tubs of 19th century Miognonette are going to be mastered - I know it.