When noble long-suffering Odysseus saw how old and worn and burdened with grief he looked, he halted under a tall pear-tree, tears in his eyes.

Bokuto Koutaro x Reader

✯pairing: Bokuto Koutaro x Reader

✯genre: strangers-to-lovers au!! with fluff, cRack aND!! smut!! slight angst too. uhh the several uses of the term “fat c0ck” because bokuto has a big dick

✯summary: meeting bokuto was a roller coaster you weren’t ready for, but you knew that if you had the chance you’d ride on it over and over again just to experience everything all over again

✯wordcount: 3.7k

✯note: hey guys i’m slowly pushing requests out so i hope you guys can bare with me!! this is for @gulfwanq​ who’s writing i absolutely love!! keep making great content love, muAh

you first met bokutou when you went to the local convenience store near your school

you really wanted some onigiri plus you didn’t have lunch

aNd onigiri miya was closed today

sigh

rUmbLe RuMbLe

gosh you were hungry

when you went to grab the last onigiri on the shelf you were surprised to see another person grab it before you

like huh

do i have to bite this stupid persons hand of-

you turn your head to look at the culprit and

your jaw DROPS

this man is gorgeous

and he looks like an owl

a really cute owl

owo

“if you could kindly take your hands off of my lunch i’d greatly appreciate it >.

and that’s the nicest way you could tell someone to fuck off really

but he just smiles and pulls the onigiri towards him and turns to walk away

oH NO YOU DONT BEEFY BOY

you jump on his back and try to choke him?? and steal the onigiri back??

and this dude is just laughing

what part of this is a JOKE to you HUH

this is LUNCH

LUNCH IS NOT A JOKE

you were not here to play games with cute boys

but you would make an exception if he played with your-

ANYWAYS!!!

the store owner sees the two of you fooling around and just kicks you both out

in the end neither of you ended up with the onigiri

“did you see what you did horn head? now i’m hungry”

and he just grabs your arm and pulls you into a different direction

“hEY- wHere are you tAking mE” you yelled exasperatedly at the random boy who was pulling you

“we’re going to get ramen”

oh ok

but like,, was he going to treat u or,,,

“i’m paying, come on”

wEll

who were you to turn down free food??

especially from a beefy looking dad-

aNYWAYS

“wait a minute,,, who aRe you?”

“hEY HEY HEY!!! dOnt you know me y/n??? i’m bokuto koUtaro!! i’m in the top 5 ranking of japan’s aces!!! i’m the best!!!”

his name,, did not ring a bell

nothing at all

“uhh,, ok,, how’d you know my name?”

ruh roh

bokuto started sweating profusely when you asked him that question

siri how do you tell your kouhai that you’ve noticed her ever since she was a first year but you were too pussy to actually talk to her or ask her out until you saw her trying to get the last onigiri at a convenience store so u say ‘hey why not steal her onigiri and make her fall in love with me’ so that’s exactly what u do

siri: here are the search results for “adult diapers”

sIRI THATS NOT WHAT I SAID

“ahh i’ve noticed you around before n i kinda thought you were cute”

take in bokuto didn’t even care that you didn’t acknowledge him before like he just cares that you’re talking to him now

n he was just avoiding your gaze but all u could think about was how cUTE!! he looked

wow

babie

and that was how you met bokuto koutaro

now he was almost leaving you

and through the months, bokuto had weaseled his way into life as your best friend, and in your heart, but as something more

it was easy to catch feelings for him

i mean,, who wouldn’t

you were currently in his bed, waiting for him while he showered

bokuto had graduated just today and you were gonna miss him so much :((

while you were thinking about bokuto, you didn’t realize that he had already exited the bathroom, sHIRTLESS

his grey sweatpants were hanging low on his hips, giving you a show of his v-line and delicious looking abs

wow

he turned to you and gave you a heartwarming smile

unfAir

he was too cute for his own good

“kouuuu come lay with me”

he dried his hair a little bit more before hanging the towel back into the washroom, then made his way to your spread out figure on his bed

he crawled on top of you and wrapped his arms around your waist while his head rested on your chest

your hands automatically made their way to bokuto’s head, massaging his salt n pepper locks just the way he liked it

he looked too pure right now

“kou?” “mm?” hummed bokuto

“i’m gonna miss you. so so much.” you forced out, feeling your tears starting to drip down your cheeks

bokuto immediately noticed the quiver in your voice and looked up, only to see his precious girl crying

“oh no bAby please don’t cry, please don’t cry i’m so sorry pretty girl come here” he cooed as he sat up and scooped you up into his arms, sticking you back in forth as you buried your face in his neck

but this only made you sob harder

“whyre you crying pretty girl? i’m not leaving tokyo, and i’m still gonna live here. you’re still gonna see me” he reasoned

he didn’t gEt it

he was going to go to a different school, meaning he wasn’t going to be with you all the time

and going to a new school means meeting other people

what if he meets someone and falls in love with them

and what if he just leaves you behind

you wouldn’t know how to deal with all that pain if that ever happened

you knew that bokuto was a busy man but you weren’t ready for him to leave you completely

like yeah you coUld come to his house to see him but you wouldn’t want to distract him from doing work or anything

you just weren’t read to let your kou go and that was okay

“i-i don’t want to be left behind” you sniffled

instead of comforting you even more, bokuto just tightened his hold on you and started laughing, letting you head the deep timbre of his voice

his laugh was so cute

“what do you mean pretty? im not going anywhere so how can i leave you?”

gOSH

did u rEALLY have to spell it out

bokuto looked at you expectantly as he lifted your chin to make you face him

you shifted your gaze to the suddenly interesting pillow at the foot of bokuto’s bed

“i’m scared that you’ll find someone better than me” bokuto’s eyebrows shot up in surprise and opened his mouth as he was about to interject-“i’m not the prettiest, or the smartest, or the coolest or the most athletic, but yet you chose me to be your best friend kou” you mumbled

all bokuto could do was watch as his love broke down in front of him, spewing all these lies about herself, degrading herself in front of him

honestly bokuto was pissed

who inserted all these negative thoughts into your pretty little head?

who made his special girl feel like she wasn’t enough for him, when it was him who didn’t deserve her?

she is kind, understanding, and loving. she is also vEry smart. which is why he couldn’t figure out why you thought you were less than what you were

he didn’t understand how you couldn’t see how wonderful you are

“i’m scared that you won’t return my feelings”

ah

there it was

bokuto pushed you by your shoulders, far enough to let you see his beautiful face, but not too far to the point where it seems like he’s doing it out of disgust

“oh y/n. my sweet girl, my special girl, you have absolutely nothing to worry about! y/n, i’m in love with you, i’ve been in love with you since you were a second-year. and i never doubted oNce that you were the one for me.” he stroked your cheek

“im so sorry if i didn’t reassure you, pretty. i just thought that you already knew these things. i’m kinda stupid, even for one of the top 5 aces in japan!!” he joked, causing you to let out a few giggles

you looked into his bright eyes, and cupped his soft, warm cheek, and slowly leaned towards his pink lips

“kOu!!! y/N!!! dinners ready!!”

goodamnit

you immediately placed your hands on his chest, planning to push him away and coax him to going down for dinner

until

he leans down and captures your lips with a heated kiss

your hands made their way into his still damp hair and tugged, making him groan into your mouth

your body involuntarily arched at his touch, letting you feel his bulge as he pressed into you

you started to rock your hips against his, wanting to feel the friction between your clothed groins

“k-kou— kou please‘ you whimpered into his mouth, not knowing what exactly you were begging him for

“shit babe i gotta stop or else i won’t be able to hold myself back,, and i want our first time to be special” he mumbled against your kiss bitten lips

gOsh

he was so cute :(( he wanted your guys’ first time to be special :((

mom :( i’m :( in :( love :(

“okay kou, lets go downstairs then” you suggested as you tried to push him off of you

“bUt pretty giRL—“ “no whining kou, lets go big boy, you must be hungry” you said as you finally got him off of you and sitting on the edge of his bed as you tried to pull his arm

“yeah i’m hungry just not for food tho” he mumbled lowly, not letting you catch it”

“what was that?” “nOTHING i’m starving haha let’s eat” “oh okay”

after the both of you made your way downstairs, bokuto i’d mom had immediately noticed your interlocked hands and started cheering

“I KNEW IT!! Y/N WAS GONNA BE OUR DAUGHTER-IN-LAW” she yelled in her husbands face as the both cheered while you and bokuto just stood there

“i’m so proud of you son, you finally grew a pair and asked her out after what? months and months of pining after her? ‘dAd how do i ask a pretty girl out?’ and ‘daD she’s so beautiFul i feel like i’m gonna pEe myseLf’”

“dAAD STOP EMBARRASSING ME”

any time spent with bokuto was never boring

after that day, bokuto had taken you on several dates, until he formally asked you out

and he was the best boyfriend you could ever ask for

he always had snacks ready

he always made sure to text you and call you to tell you whenever he was busy so that you wouldn’t worry

he always made you one of his top priorities which felt nice

and bokuto just gives you so much love

but one thing is that,,, bokuto is very jealous

he would get all mopey and dejected whenever a guy or girl would come up to you and ask you for your number, or if you wanted to hang out with them sometime

obviously you declined, informing them that you had a boyfriend

but the fact that people still wouldn’t leave you alone pissed him off to no end

he voiced his thoughts to kuroo, who just thought that he was being stupid

there was no way you are gonna leave him for anyone else

bokuto was stupid to not see how utterly and completely in love you were with him

all you had in your heart was bokuto and nobody else was needed

but there was this one incident, where someone had groped you in public, right in front of him

and he went ballistic

if it wasn’t for his friends and you who held him back, he would’ve certainly gotten arrested for assault

even though it would’ve been fair

sexual assault is a big no no

after that day, you made sure that whenever you sensed bokuto feeling down or jealous, you would insure him that he was the only one and will only be the only one

which usually got him feeling better in a span of 2 minutes

when bokuto had gotten into the MSBY Black Jackals, you were so proud of him

you were happy that he was able to do what he loved and made it into his career

he was really an excellent volleyball player

you would try your best to make it to all of his games and he honestly really appreciated it

he was so thankful for you for being as loving and supporting as you were to him, he honestly didn’t think that he deserved you

but let’s be honest

bokuto deserves the world

meeting some of his teammates for the first time was hEctic

they had all come over for a small get together at yours and bokuto’s condo

hinata wa stour favourite, just because he was cute and you saw how much he admired bokuto

and sakusa was very nice?? surprisingly you got along with him just fine?? which surprised everybody else

but miya atsumu

whew

this boy was something else

you lOved him!! honestly!!!

but he was just a little shit sometimes it made you want to rip out your large intestine and eat it

he would sometimes crash at your shared condo with bokuto, after a night of drinking with their team

and he’d let you clean up after him AND your boyfriend, as they were both drunk out of their minds

there was one night where you had to sleep in the guest bedroom because koutaro and atsumu had fallen asleep in your bed

while cuddling each other

wow

but all in all he was a great guy, and someone you loved as your brother

sometimes

phew

the first time you had sex with bokuto

you were afraid

bc of the fact that you were a virgin n it was your first time

but luckily it was kou’s first time too!!

which put you at ease a little

but you were still afraid that you might not be able to satisfy him?? like what if he says that it doesn’t feel good?? or if he says that you sucked at sucking dick??

that would be so sad

so you did what you had to do

you contacted all your female friends and asked them to teach you how to uh sex

which was a very awkward conversation between your friend group, since most of them were virgins too

they suggested to take it slow and not spring it on him all at once, especially since most days he’d be too tired from practice

so after practice, you made your move

bokuto had just gotten home and had gone straight into the shower after giving you a little peck while you were cooking in the kitchen

you decided that you were going to let him eat to gain some strength before you sucked him dry

after his shower, he excited the room with black sweatpants hanging low on his hips

kinda like deja vu

this was a scene that would never get old

you say him down and fed him, knowing that he liked being babied on some days

and you honestly didn’t mind, you liked taking care of your boyfriend

he was just too cute

after dinner, you washed the dishes and pushed him on your shared bed, face first

you sat on his bum and started lather his back with lavender oil, knowing that he loved the smell and how warm it made his back feel

you started to massage his back, slowly starting to press your thumbs into the knots in his back, making him groan at the feeling

it went like that for at least 45 minutes, you finished up after tending to each knot in his back, making you feel very accomplished

you flipped him over, only to see his blissed out face. his eyelids were drooping and he had a little dopey smile on his face

you put your hands on his chest and slowly made your way down until they reached the hem of his sweats, which you slowly pulled down

releasing his semi hard cock from its confinements

you felt yourself start to drool at the thought of gagging and slobbering all over his fat cock

he was barely conscious until you licked a fat strip from the base to the tip

which woke him up pretty well

“s-shit babe“

his large calloused hands tangled themselves into your hair and started slowly pushing your head back onto his awaiting dick

which you gladly took into your mouth

he stared with a slow place as you caressed his cock with your warm tongue as he pushed your head down, and suckled on his tip when he pulled back

you loved the feeling of his fat cock going down your tight throat

the feeling of your drool and his precum mixing made you clench your thighs, which didn’t go unnoticed by your boyfriend

“fuck, thats it pretty girl, take it down your throat. you’re such a good girl. baby’s gonna take my load right? you’re gonna be a good girl and swallow it all for me right?” he teased as he pulled you off of his dick

you coughed and nodded your head, moving your face near his crotch again, wanting to keep it in your mouth

he chuckled at the desperate look you had given him when he didn’t give you what you wanted

luckily, you had only been wearing your panties and one of bokuto’s oversized shirts

you loved wearing his clothing especially because you liked having yourself covered in his scent

he just smelled so nice

he pulled you up and pushed your hips to turn you around

which made your hips over over his awaiting mouth while your were faced with his dripping cock

you started to slowly give the head kitten licks, until those licks turned into long and hard sucks

he pushed your panties to the side and grabbed your hips, pushing your pussy into his waiting mouth

his tongue was relentless

alternating from roughly licking your clit to dipping his tongue in your slit, moving his tongue with vigour

his manhandling had made you work even harder, getting him closer to his euphoria

cuz you are the cause of bo’s euphoria🥺

yEah yEAh yEah yEah yEah yeAhhhh

anyways

once hit started to stroke your clit with his thumb

it was over.

you were done and creaming on his face while bokuto was releasing on your face as well

shiT

bokuto really do be hitting different

he gently pushed your body off of his and reached for a towel, gently wiping your face while whispering apologies

after he was done he gently kissed your lips and got on top of you once more, using both his hands to spread your legs to reveal your glistening slit

(psa sex isn’t really like this irl LOL i’m exaggerating it,, but if u find someone who cares enough about u then it might just be like how i describe it👁👄👁 my first time having sex was with a skinny weeb gamer boy who sold marijuana to the crazy people downtown so,,)

anyways

bokuto shoved two meaty fingers into your hole, spreading you out even more and scissoring you

making you arch your back off of the bed

shit bokuto felt like he was about to bust just looking at you

“i’m gonna make you feel so good pretty girl, you won’t even remember anything but my name.”

👁👄👁 ok den

one thing bokuto loved to do was go on late night drives with you??

it was surprising that bokuto had a license in the first place but after he had graduated you had forced him to get one, because obviously it was necessary smh

he had taken you to your guys’ favourite spot 

which was just on top of a hill that had a beautiful view of all the city lights 

his car always had extra pillows and blankets just in case you guys had a last minute trip to your spot

he immediately set up the pillows in the trunk and beckoned you to come over and sit next to him 

““i love being here with you kou, it’s like just yesterday i was still tackling you in the convenience market for the last onigiri” you reminisced 

he laughed and buried his nose into your hair, loving the smell of your fragrant shampoo

his large hands rubbed your sides, making you snuggle into his side even more than you were 

he was just so warm  and cuddly 

it was hard not to just bury yourself in him 

“i love you y/n. you know i’d give you the world if i could right?” ““i know kou, i love you too. you don’t need to give me the world because i have you, you are my world”

damn 

you never failed to fluster him, after years of being with each other 

you were so in love with this boy 

all you knew was bokuto 

he was your first everything, and hopefully your last 

he slipped out of your hold and stood up, admiring the view of the city as he walked a little, until he suddenly turned to face a confused you 

like y was he suddenly standing up 

until he wasn’t 

this was bokuto koutaro, the love of your life, down on one knee, as he held a white velvet box, which contained the prettiest diamond ring you could ever get 

you immediately felt tears starting to stream down your face, even though he hasn’t said anything yet 

“y/n,, i’m so in love with you. i don’t wanna be with anyone else but you. you give me happiness, love, faith, and courage. i want to be by your side until we grow old together. i have loved you since you tried to choke the shit outta me in that convenience store. you loved me at my worst, and my best, you are the cause of all good things in my life. you are the cause of my euphoria. no, you are my euphoria. pretty girl,, will you continue being my euphoria?”

you couldn’t help yourself as you jumped into his arms and started peppering kisses around his face while mumbling yes with each kiss 

he took your hand and gently slid the ring on your finger 

now he could show people that you were his, as he was yours

“i love you kou”

““i love you more, pretty girl” he mumbled as he kissed the top of your head 

“kou,,” “mm?” 

“i’m pregnant”

“wha”

A Girl and a Ghost Ch. 2: Wandering the Trails

YAAYYYY I FINALLY GOT MY LAZY BUTT TO POST THIS

anyways, as promised i finally wrote a second chapter! i hope you enjoy it :)

@salamifuposey @monsterbride99 just lettin y’all know this exists sjjddkfkd srry for taggin yall so much hope u dont mind aa

It had been a few weeks after Jawaii had met Phantom, and she began to see him regularly. After her meeting with him, Phantom had secretly slipped a note in her pocket that had the lyrics of a special song. If she were to sing said song, he would arrive.

Some mornings, Jawaii would wake up feeling as if befriending Phantom was all a dream. Like it never even happened, it was all in her own mind. But alas it was not, luckily for her. They would explore the town and forests and just generally have fun with eachother.

Jawaii was discovering so many new feelings... feelings she had never really felt before finally having a best friend. Each one was just as wonderful than the last.

One morning, Jawaii ran to the forest, summoned Phantom and they began to talk about what they wanted to do for the day.

"So what do you wanna do today?" Jawaii asked eagerly.

"Hmm, I'm not entirely sure... but perhaps I could show you my homeland?" Phantom suggested.

"Ooh! What's your homeland like? I bet it's cool!"

"It's quite creepy, I'll admit, but it does have a nice atmosphere."

"AWESOME! Can you take me? Pleaaaase?" begged Jawaii.

Phantom chuckled. "Of course! Now stay close, I don't want you getting lost."

And so, they were on their way to Spooky Trails, Phantom's home. Jawaii kept constantly pestering Phantom on the way, asking if they were there yet. When they arrived, it was indeed quite a creepy place, but of course Jawaii didn't mind.

"Wow... so this is your home? You like, actually live here?" asked Jawaii.

"Indeed it is! Hopefully it doesn't creep you out too much though..." replied Phantom.

"Dude, are you kidding? This is the most amazing place EVER!" she yelled.

Phantom was a bit startled by Jawaii suddenly yelling. "Quiet down, you'll disturb the spirits. They don't like being disturbed." the ghost gently reminded.

"Oh. Sorry spirit people. You guys are super cool though!" Jawaii began to skip ahead, with Phantom catching his breath trying to catch up to her.

"You're quite a brave young girl, I'll say. Not scared of Spooky Trails, ghosts in general... it's quite a surprise! I never knew there was a human who enjoyed our company and wanted to befriend us... let alone a child!"

"Duh, of course I'm not scared of you. You're amazing! And I bet all the other ghosts are just as wonderful as you are." said Jawaii.

"Aww, why thank you! However... it's quite rare that humans actually want us around, you see. They're either terrified of us, see us as an annoyance, or want us gone."

Jawaii began to realize how much she had in common with Phantom. She knew he had told her something similar the day they had met, but she never knew that he too was hunted down and wanted dead.

"...Me, my siblings and my dad are all wanted dead. Just because we're "evil". We barely even hurt anybody... I know my dad destroys planets for a living, and I guess that can be seen as bad, bu-"

"Jawaii, dear, apologies for interrupting of course, and I don't see you any different or anything, don't worry, but your father does what now?" Phantom had never heard of such a thing. Annihilating planets for a job! Who would do something like that?

"He destroys planets for a living. Besides, Dad tells me it's an important job, because if there's too many planets the galaxy could get overpopulated and it would be bad." explained Jawaii.

"Ah... fair point actually."

Eventually they made it to a large gate. It had bars shaped like musical notes and a dial shaped like a full moon.

"This is the Moon Gate, beyond it lies my stage, where I reside." said Phantom.

"You live on a stage? That's really cool!"

Phantom smiled. "It's sort of the only "house" I have. I'm glad you enjoy the concept though!"

Jawaii ran up to the gate and pushed it, pressing her entire mass against it trying to open it.

"Why won't it open?!" Jawaii growled, frustrated.

Phantom effortlessly pushed the gate open with his hand. "There you go!"

"...WHAT?!" Jawaii stood there, staring at him with her jaw dropped. "How strong even ARE you?"

The ghost rabbit laughed quite a bit. "I'm the only one who can open the Moon Gate when it isn't a full moon, I'm not THAT strong, of course."

"Ohhhh. That makes sense." replied Jawaii.

They walked up the pathway that lead to the stage. It was an absolutely massive stage, but also looked quite old. The curtains were a torn and tattered, and the wooden floor looked very scratched up. There were strange blocks scattered everywhere, with seemingly no purpose. The place definitely looked like it had seen better days.

However, Jawaii adored it and stared in awe and wonder at it.

"Your house is awesome, Phantom!" said Jawaii, running off to explore the place.

"Thank you, my dear friend! It certainly isn't much, but make yourself at home."

Jawaii climbed up and down the pipes, examined all of the spotlights, and she even poked around in the wires despite Phantom begging her not to. Needless to say, she would have nearly electrocuted herself if it wasn't for Phantom.

He introduced her to many of the Peek-a-Boos and Spooky Trails Rabbids who also resided here. She enjoyed talking to them, and yet again, it felt so nice to have people treating her as if she wasn't a threat, just a normal child. She could never get enough of that feeling. It was so wonderful to her.

About an hour later, Jawaii sat down in boredom.

"I'm bored now." Jawaii mumbled.

"Well, we have been here for quite some time, so I could see why. Would you perhaps like to go somewhere else in Spooky Trails?" asked Phantom.

Jawaii's eyes lit up. "There's more of this place? Heck yeah I wanna go!"

Her eagerness made Phantom smile. "Well then, let's head off shall we?"

They crossed a bridge over a rushing river (which Jawaii threw a stick into), passed by a few giant jack-o-lanterns and fed some hungry crows a bit of (probably very stale) bread that they found. Then they came to an enormous manor, which looked abandoned and loomed over the forest.

But Phantom was very uneasy about this mansion.

"J-Jawaii, let's explore this mansion a for just a minute and then we'll turn back, all right?" said Phantom, his voice shaking.

"Wait, what's up? Are you all right?" asked Jawaii, with concern.

"I'm fine. Just... look around for a bit and we REALLY must go back. Besides, y-you must be hungry after all of this, we should get a snack!"

"...All right, if you say so."

Jawaii wandered around the front yard of the mansion. She picked some flowers, examined some mushrooms (she tried to eat one), and threw stones against the wall of the mansion.

Phantom floated up to her as she was throwing the stones against the wall. "...We really need to get going,"

"But wh-" Just as Jawaii was about ask why, she accidentally threw a stone straight into a window in the mansion. There was a loud shatter and a horrifying shriek. Phantom immediately jumped in front of her, hiding her behind his large, round body. A big, spherical ghost with a crown emerged from the wall of the manor. He had piercing, glowing purple eyes with a cruel, furious stare. He had sharp teeth, which were bared in fury.

His crown's jewel had a massive crack in it.

Oh my God. thought Jawaii, immediately realizing how reckless she had been.

"FIRST YOU TURN MY TROOPS AGAINST ME, AND NOW YOU DESTROY MY CROWN?!" the ghost with the crown shrieked. "YOU'RE GOING TO PAY FOR THIS, YOU CRUEL, DISGUSTING FOOL. YOU'RE GOING TO REGRET EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE TO ME."

Phantom quivered in terror, not knowing what to do other than to hide Jawaii behind him.

He gained the courage to speak. "I never turned them against you. I made them realize how horrible you treated them. If anything, YOU'RE the cruel one."

Jawaii knew she had to do something too. She couldn't just stand here and let the only friend she had possibly be harmed, or far, far worse.

She went out from behind Phantom. "I destroyed your crown." Jawaii said, staring the crowned ghost in the eye.

"J-Jawaii, no...!"

"WHO IS THIS LITTLE BRAT?! AND WHO DOES SHE THINK SHE IS, GOING AND DOING THIS TO I, KING BOO, THE RULER OF THE UNDEAD?" King Boo screamed.

"If you must know, she is my friend. And she is not a brat, you demonic marshmallow." said Phantom, still quaking, but trying to be brave.

Phantom's insult just made the king even more angry.

"ANGRY MARSHMALLOW? LOOK WHO'S TALKING, YOU OVERINFLATED BLIMP OF A RABBIT!" he screeched.

Jawaii came a bit closer to King Boo. "HEY! Nobody insults my best friend like that, you ugly hag!"

"...What did you just call me, you little DIRT GOBLIN?"

"You heard me loud and clear."

Unable to come up with any witty comebacks or clever responses, King Boo angrily sputtered out, "ALL RIGHT YOU TWO PESTS, GET OUT OF HERE BEFORE YOU BOTH REGRET IT."

Without hesitation, Phantom picked Jawaii up off the ground and flew off with her.

King Boo angrily cursed under his breath and went back inside his mansion, plotting his revenge on the ghost Rabbid and the young alien.

abt the last ask: u dont have to include it ofc (if u write it at all) but i thought id let u know that its based on the mental image i suddenly had of j climbing up to pats window, knocking on the shutters, pat pulling him in by his lapels and immediately kissing him (if you can even call it that with how hard theyre smiling) & then sometime later pat hearing like his dads footsteps coming toward his room as theyre making out so pat scrambles off his bf & shoves him in his closet (the irony)

Anon, finally, here you have it, but with a twist. This got completely out of hand, as per usual when I write anything. Since you were so nice (/li) to send me your request in two parts, I will actually break your prompt into two parts, otherwise, it’s never going to end. I hope you’re pleased by the first part, also, I am answering to this first because it matches the content of the first part. 

Thank you so much for your lovely prompt! Hope you enjoy! 

If anyone wants to be tagged for this let me know in a comment!

AO3

Chapter 2 >>

We call it an affair because it’s a forbidden romance

Summary:  An encounter in the dark. The disdain of society. A forbidden romance. Royalty is involved and a title is at stake. Will an aspiring count, Patton Morandi and his rogue lover Janus overcome the barriers laid in front of them?

(We're in it for the drama)

---

“So long away and what I least expect is not you saving my life, but finding myself having missed your nonsense”.

“Is it nonsense when I make you smile like this?”

Word count: 3848

Pairings: Moceit, future Prinxiety.

TW:  Homophobia, internalised homophobia, deadnaming a trans person, misogyny, mentions of religion, hopelessness, ideological things you would expect from the period (I'm not sure if there's anything else, but please tell me).

Chapter 1 of 2: 

Balcony kiss

How the moonlight shone in its quiet dance with the nightly air. It was a mostly clear summer evening, the second day of the week-long festival. The sounds of music and colourful lights could be heard and seen from the distance, but gradually decreased as a certain thief made its way across the gardens of Villa Morandi. For certain, the head of the family would not be excessively happy about the entire ordeal, but no disgruntlement could come out of those things of which one has no knowledge of, and Janus surely intended to keep his entanglement a secret. 

He crossed the bushes and jumped over marble balustrades expertly, careful to avoid the lights of the servant quarters, where their residents were reading themselves for departure. 

“Signor Morandi seems to be in good spirits lately, it is fortunate that most of us can leave for the festival”. 

Any news about the man was something worth listening to, given his situation, so he decided to stay and see if they mentioned something useful. Also, he, admittedly, enjoyed gossip. 

“Loretta! Don’t be such a bragger in front of us!”

“Why? I’d say the only one lamenting not being able to go is you. You should be ashamed for dragging poor Virginia in with you to make yourself sound less self-centred”. 

Janus silently nodded. 

“That is not true! I am merely trying to make the newcomer feel welcome! And here you are making her feel excluded, who is now in the wrong?” 

Weak retort, wannabe-partygoer, he thought. 

“Va, va…” the other maid answered dismissively “Quit holding her like that! Don’t you see she’s uncomfortable?! Povera bambina”. 

“Come on Virginia, don’t you think it’s a waste for such a wrinkly woman to be let out instead of us?” 

“Who are you calling old?!” 

“You did, but now that you so kindly brought it up, you are old! Turning wrinklier by the second!” 

Alright, at this point, Janus could not help but be rooting for Loretta, going for the old card was the low-hanging fruit. 

“I may be your senior, but I promise you that regardless of that nonsense about wrinkles you’re babbling I’m ten times more fair looking!”

“Ah!” she exclaimed with feigned indignation. “Can you believe her? She’s delusional!”

“Well then, the delusional one will not search for a man at the festival, such a pity I will not be introducing anyone to you this week!”

He smiled at the comeback. Way to go, Loretta. 

“Loretta! Just because you had the luck to get engaged doesn’t give you the right to rob others of their chances. Don’t be so mean, I’ll apologise if I must”. 

“Alright, but never dare call me wrinkly again, for you will owe this old woman when I find you a husband. Virginia, I can help you too if you want it, I know plenty of young lads who would love to…” 

“Oh, no, I’m not really interested”. 

At this point Janus had quenched his thirst for amusement and begun to lose his interest, having more pressing matters to attend to. But, one new comment made him reconsider the usefulness of his eavesdropping for longer on the ladies’ conversation. 

“That’s right, Loretta, don’t you see she’s here on official duty. To suggest for her to slack off with men… ts, ts… “

“Oh, you shut up! Don’t fret, Virginia, dear, I should have remembered you were sent for an urgent matter”. 

“True, true! Tell us if you can, is it as they say? Was her ladyship done in by pirates?” 

“Elda! Such crude language, you dare call yourself a lady, how can you say something so insensitive?”

“What? You want to know as badly as I do, besides, if it is true, then there is no changing it, and if it’s not then it’s fine, as her ladyship is still alive”. 

“I’m so sorry, Virginia, just ignore her”. 

“Don’t worry. As far as I’m willing to say, her ladyship still lives but I cannot disclose any further information”. 

Oh. 

No. 

When one spies on others, bad news exists as a possibility, but, usually, in the form of getting caught. This happened to be worse. Being spotted? That he could deal with. Having his heart ripped out after one stellar month? Not so much. 

He ran. 

Not from his problems. More or less towards them. 

The marble balcony seemed as unreachable as ever. A sense of dread loomed over his thoughts, while a mix of feelings, now turned into urgency, settled in his heart. 

Raising a hand Janus willed his trustworthy companion to fall from the nightly skies. Meanwhile, he began to climb the walls of the manor. There was an undeserved elegance in his motions, not becoming of such an honourless goal, and, nevertheless, fitting for a thief like him. 

The hawk swept inside the room from a window and cast the doors to the balcony open. 

Janus promptly grabbed onto the bass of the marble balustrade. One month ago he had received news of something that would simplify his life. He knew he should not care, it was going to end poorly no matter what. But, rereading two months worth of love letters and hoping for an uncertain future, he could not help but feel happy. That made his resolve to return in time for the festival. 

From the room came a sound of rushing footsteps. 

Three months of yearning to see a face again. 

That image made Janus more desperate, and, in his haste, he committed one fatal mistake. His grip on the marble slipped. At a thirty feet height, the ground beckoned him. 

But, just when his doom seemed so certain, he was caught by the front of his cape and safely gathered against a pair of lips. 

With such smiles stretching their faces, it could barely be called a kiss. But, the intensity of the affections behind it rendered the notion meaningless. 

“My love”, Janus muttered as they parted ever so slightly. 

“You scared me, silly. I miss you for three months and when you’re returned to me I almost lose you for good”. 

“Let’s be happy you were there to catch me”. 

“Thank the Lord, and if He wills it, I will always be”. 

“I ought to be grateful to you, my dear, not the ones above” he answered while stepping to the safe side of the balcony. 

“Well, our poor feathery friend can’t be too happy about that” Patton laughed dismissively, gazing at Janus’ hawk. 

“You’re right. I neglect to show my gratitude, perhaps you could give me somewhere to start?”

“Oh, but how can I hand you my room, my sweet, the stones of the house are too heavy!” 

“So long away and what I least expect is not you saving my life, but finding myself having missed your nonsense”. 

“Is it nonsense when I make you smile like this?” 

Janus laughed in delight. 

“Let me make you smile in turn, then”, he said, whilst extending his hand. 

The touch of Patton’s palm felt like a warm pressure through the barrier of his leather gloves. Perhaps all of his interactions were as imperfect as their naked hands not being able to meet. Janus’ fake gallantry, their hopes, may be short-lived in the face of change. But, for now, he would rather enjoy pretending. 

He pulled Patton to the inside of the alcove. 

“Are you refined now?” Patton laughed. 

“Of course, I have always been. Whatever could lead you to ask such a question? If I were to be a thief, which I am not, I would be the most honourable”. 

There was a certain amount of delight to be found in catching his lover in the midst of changing into his night robes, judging by those being laid out onto the bed’s ostentatious covers. Despite such a degree of luxury surrounding Patton, he still refused to task any servant to dress him. What was there not to love about the man? 

Patton made a motion as if to hold his hands, only to surprise him by pulling his gloves off. Any other person, and it would have been a display of sensuality, coming from him, it was like movement turned into honey, perhaps a mixture of both. Indeed, there was everything to love about him. 

Maybe not all. Janus dreaded to admit how deep in he had allowed himself to be for this man. 

A fool for a good man. 

His hands felt the light night coldness in their grip on the linen shirt. Janus almost wanted to chastise himself as the thought of kissing away the kiss of the midnight breeze came to mind. He hid in the curve of Patton’s neck, sliding his lips along it, feeling like a coward whispering a lie. Countless lies. Telling himself this was enough, that he could bear the thought of this man taken away from him by a woman, that the thrill in this forbidden form of vice was not his worry taking yet another disguise. 

“Oh, you’re a thief alright”. 

“Is there something of yours I happen to have taken?” Janus retorted with a vague tone of amusement. 

Patton cradled his left cheek in a firm request to see his face. Who was Janus to deny him? 

“You know all too well you have”. 

Oh. 

“Well, that would make two of us”. 

Patton’s expression melted into more honey. It always made Janus unsure as to whether he had made a mistake, no matter how unfounded the doubt was. 

“Thank you” the words rebounded in proximity against the other’s lips. Janus didn’t know Patton could also be cruel. 

“A little sincerity never hurt anyone”. 

“You are not anyone” he smiled softly. 

“Then make the pain up to me”.  

Both their lips made contact like a wax seal on a letter. Janus pushed Patton against a low piece of furniture. From how the other fumbled, he could tell a corner was pressing against him. Despite the sting, Patton still committed himself to their affections. If that wasn’t a metaphor for their relationship Janus didn’t know what it was. Janus knew Patton would disagree, of course. 

It seemed that exchanging one piece of furniture for another, the bed, would not be possible. Someone was knocking on the door. 

“Janus…” Patton panicked in a hushed voice.

“Not a problem, my dear, this is my speciality” he smiled at him. 

Janus’ feet almost flew over the carpet, muffled by the Persian fibres and his expertise on avoiding the parts of the floor that creaked. He turned the key of Patton’s wardrobe without the distinctive noise most people couldn’t avoid. Luckily for them, he wasn’t most people. The door mysteriously closed itself from the inside. Janus could swear to hear Patton draw a breath in wonder as to how he had done it. 

“My son, let me in!” a voice came from the corridor. 

“On my way, father”. 

The mule-like bray of the alcove’s door hinges Janus detested preceded the sound of a set of footsteps he knew and loathed just as well, if not more.

“Were you reading yourself for bed? Ah, do not answer, I can already see your night robes over there. How many times need I tell you, call the servants to dress you, it is unbecoming that you do not. Moreso with the status you are to acquire”. 

Janus almost scoffed upon hearing it.

It wasn’t that Janus outright looked down on Signor Morandi. He certainly held an admirable reputation and an even more admirable wealth. He contributed to the church, upheld his honour, was a patron to a few talented artists and did everything expected from someone of his status. By societal definition, he was an outstanding man. But, he could never understand Patton. Yes, Patton’s behaviour in public also stood to scrutiny. He was a young man to be admired, for sure. Yet, it somehow mismatched any other person’s strive for reputability. Patton lacked this performative quality, eagerness, if you will, that he found time and time again in people. 

At first, Janus struggled to comprehend it. Everyone had desires outside of the strictly polite, they either pretended they didn’t or tried to hide it, that’s why they paid the church, after all. Janus didn’t believe people made an effort to actively align with the global canon for morality, just to look like it or deceive themselves. This theory on society made it so when he met Patton he simply dismissed him as a try-hard, later to relabel him as self-deceiving. Maybe he was a victim of his own biased cynicism. 

As they grew closer, he started to get the whole picture. To his surprise, Patton tried to get his desires to align with what he perceived as morally correct, sometimes failing miserably. Janus’ presence in his room didn’t qualify as a success by society’s criteria... Patton’s effort to be ‘good’ did not come from a place of wishing to be perceived as such. Patton didn’t want to look good, he needed to be good. A good man. The realisation was hard to process but true. 

Once he understood that, Janus could not let go. It stands to reason that, if that kind of person were to earn his affection, someone like his father would awaken his spite. Signor Morandi had simply never made an effort to understand his son’s motivations, unlike Janus. If he was a cynic, Patton was a victim to his own good intentions. 

“I do not understand”. 

“Lady Renata Regio is alive”. 

“Oh”. 

“Yes, it is most fortunate, you will no longer have to stay inside and miss the festival”. 

“Well, father, I am not sure if that is appropriate, her ladyship must be feeling poorly after such a horrid experience. Perhaps it is best if I stay in and promptly send a letter to help soothe her”. 

“Patton, it honours you to be willing to put the weak’s suffering before yours, but it is not needed in this case. You do not have to concern yourself with her. I am afraid that she is safe and sound on the account of having planned her own kidnapping. Lady Renata Regio has joined the pirates bringing disgrace upon her family, the wretched woman”. 

Yes! Janus thought. Neither the wardrobe nor the entire room could contain his joy at hearing it. 

“That is most unfortunate, should I reassure her family that I do not hold any resentment towards them?” 

“It would be no good, there is going to be a scandal!” Signor Morandi sounded too happy. 

Janus could not help but to smile a little.

“Are we going to pursue any retaliation?” Janus almost saw Patton shudder in the tone he used. “I do not think it necessary, it is a matter of marriage, although important, there are many other options that--” 

“Yes, there are many other women to pursue, that is the spirit! In said spirits, I must inform you of the most wonderful news I have just received”. 

What? 

“Today a trusted servant from the Regio estate arrived at our home”. 

“Yes, Virginia Fusco”, of course, Patton knew her name. “I personally received her, she refused to tell me exactly why she was sent here, also insisted to wait to talk to you”. 

“Precisely, well, it turns out she is the personal servant of Lady Romina Regio”. 

“The eldest of the twin daughters of the Regio?” 

“Indeed. Let me be frank with you son, the Regio know they cannot keep the true actions of their lesser daughter hidden forever, a rumour is meant to surface eventually. This is very unfortunate for them, I have heard they were planning to match Lady Romina with a higher member of the nobility. Her sister’s actions have ruined her chances, it is unlikely that whoever was to marry her will accept such a union. My son, you know I always have your best interests in mind, Lady Renata Regio was a fine choice to provide you with connections to nobility. In turn, her family would have got access to our wealth, which, after their losses in the war, they need”. 

Oh no. 

“This being the circumstances, they have to choose how to align themselves in the future and what would be more advantageous to the family”. 

“Shit” Janus said under his breath. 

“We are about to reach an agreement for a marriage between Lady Romina Regio and you. I need you to understand that, if you are to accept, you will have to face some troubles, at least initially. The rumours about Lady Renata’s motivations may taint your reputation for a short while and the Regio’s rush to marry off Lady Romina will raise more rumours”. 

“What choice would please you the most?” 

“Oh, Patton, you idiot”. 

“The union could make your child a count, you could potentially obtain a title depending on how we negotiate with the family. It is my wish that you accept this marriage”. 

“Will this bring honour to our family?” 

“Certainly”. 

“Then…” an air of doubt went through Patton’s voice. 

Janus was debating whether or not to burst out of the closet, either to tell him to refuse or to scold him for not accepting immediately what was probably the best opportunity of his life. 

“Of course I will accept”. 

“You make me very happy and proud, my son. I will meet with the servant girl to send her back with a letter requesting to meet with Lord Regio”. 

The words were spoken carelessly. Signor Morandi often did that around his son, not knowing how many times he had been overheard by him. He may be a great man by society’s standards, but he could never be a good man. 

Janus slumped against the back of the wardrobe, surrounded by pieces of clothing he could never afford. There was a world in which Patton had refused. But Patton hadn’t been left a real choice, so he could find some comfort in knowing this thing between the two had to end due to him being backed into a corner. Better than having Patton’s morals come between them. That, he would never reconcile with. 

This was better than before. Being cast away for something as mundane as marriage, no matter the useful connections involved, was one thing, being left for a countess, well, if that’s what it took to refuse him he wouldn’t complain too much. 

He would have preferred a marchioness or a duchess. 

He would have preferred to be the only thing standing in between Patton and kingship and still win. 

He would definitely prefer it if Signor Morandi was to accidentally fall down a flight of stairs on his way to writing his pesky letter. 

There was nothing like a fire to persuade someone, even a countess… 

But Patton would be upset. 

His hawk screeched from the roofs above. Then footsteps rushed to his side, followed by candlelight flooding the inside of the closet. 

Patton had no right to look so humble yet so marvellous. Not even the warmth of the flame could rival with that of his gaze. A gaze that was his’, not of any countess. But, still, a gaze that deserved to become a count. 

“Janus…” 

Honey clogging up his ears, that was the shape of a whisper. 

“I suppose”, he shook off the dust of his cape and held his head up with dignity, “this is when we part. I’d love to say it’s a pity, but we saw it coming. Guess it was nice to enjoy it while it lasted. I’m always a letter away, my dear, that countess of yours wouldn’t ever find out”.

This was the bitter taste of selflessness. He never understood how Patton enjoyed it. 

Janus turned around, ready to make his merry way out of Villa Morandi or fall off the balcony properly this time. Suddenly, Patton’s armed chained the two of them to their spot in the room. Patton’s chest heaved pitifully in a mockery of a hiccup. 

“I’m sorry. What was I supposed to do? There was no other choice. I didn’t wish to upset you. Please--” 

“What do you think you’re doing?” 

He promptly let him go. 

“I…”

Janus turned back to face him.

“You think crying will make this easier? Do you seriously think I enjoy this? I would gladly rob you of everything and have you entirely to myself. It is taking so much self-restraint to not get your father into a tragic accident, my dear. If anything, you’re making it worse by crying. I am doing this for you. Don’t you dare ruin the one honourable thing I will do in my life”. 

“How can I pretend to be happy when you’re leaving?” 

There were sparks of light encased in his tears. Something about their ironic beauty left him even more heart-broken. 

“What am I going to do, then? I can be selfish to an extent, but I cannot take the rest of your life too. You’re being offered a title and a wife, all the things someone at your level could wish for. Don’t be more of an imbecile, keep it. It is already inappropriate for you to be seen with the likes of me, and it’s even worse with me being a man”. 

“You’ve never cared about that”. 

“But you do! Let resume, dear”, he tried to say in his most condescending voice. It didn’t sound even remotely like it. “You go to church each Sunday, you have five bibles just in this room and the most sincere good-samaritan complex I have ever seen. I know you can’t bear to live in sin”. 

“I can’t bear to live without you either!”

Oh, Patton, you fool, silly, ridiculous man…

  “What…” he felt as if he was going crazy. 

A chuckle escaped through the spaces in between his teeth. Janus looked downwards and whispered. 

“What are you saying?” 

This self-consciousness, he had never felt anything like it before. Was he blushing? 

“I love you… I know it’s wrong, so why doesn’t it feel like it?” 

More honey. What a way for his plan to backfire.

“This is ridiculous, you should be concerning yourself with more important--” 

Patton placed the back of his hand under his jaw to raise his head with such gentleness... stupid. 

“Is it ridiculous when it’s making you cry like this?”

A compassionate man’s tears were not worth his. He had never been as sure as now that this was a mistake. Yet he longed for him more than ever. 

“Of course not” he wiped away his tears feigning some kind of dignity. 

As quickly as ever, he also pretended to regain his composure. 

“Do you have any sort of plan for what you’re going to do next? Under pressure, you’re a terrible improviser, my love”.  

“Well...I can’t let you go. I know as much. I should, for my family, father, my honour. But I will not. You’ve shown me that acting selfishly doesn’t make someone evil. I will find a way to fulfil my duty without giving you up, you have my word”.

Hell and Back Pt.1

Peter Parker x bisexual!reader

Peter Parker x fem!reader

Peter Parker x black!reader

Peter Parker x villain!reader 

Warnings: Language, drug use, mentions of death/the dead, parental neglect, mentions of selling hard drugs, brief mention of drugging, self deprecating thoughts, near death.

Word Count: 4.5k

Songs: Trouble Dont Last Always- Rev Timothy Wright, Violent- carolesdaughter, Feel Better- Penelope Scott, Kids- Current Joys, Never (feat. O_super)- Mag.Lo, Weary- Solange, Sleepwalk (Remastered 2010) Santo & Johnny, Dark Red- Steve Lacy, Glitter- 070 Shake. 

“‘I wish I could be a religious person. They always seem so happy and carefree. To be able to put that much trust into something or someone. I know you were never religious but your family was. My family isn’t really all that religious but they did always feel like prayer could solve all. I’d been praying my whole life and not one had ever been answered. All my family is a bunch of hypocrites and sinners, but hey hate the sin not the sinner right? Ha yeah right.”

A/N: The part two of this chapter should be out soon and there was only two proof reads sorry for any mistakes. 

Series Masterlist     Previous Part    Next Part

October 13th 

‘Dear Rose, This is stupid, this shit is for white people. Wait let me try again.’

I ripped the paper in half. I was trying to do that thing where you write letters to dead people to help you get over their deaths or whatever. I never had a diary and I felt stupid doing this in the first place so it was definitely hard. 

I was sitting in one of the queen-sized beds of the hotel room with an empty college-ruled notebook. I heard Bri and MJ go down to get breakfast, but I pretended to be asleep, I wasn’t hungry.

I’d already ripped three pages out but, I was going to do this, I started it and I wasn’t gonna back out now. 

‘So I don’t really know why I’m doing this but I miss you, like a lot. I cried last night. For like the first in at least 6 months. I don’t know why I felt that was important, but it was relieving. I’m in the fanciest hotel I’ve ever stayed (legally) at right now. You’d like it. It's just a Marriott but it’s pretty big. I don’t know if I believe in heaven (or a God even), but I truly hope you’re there right now. I know I’m probably not going if it is real. If it is I know you and my mom and everyone else is there and I just don’t want earth to be the last time I saw y’all. I just feel ungrateful because I’m not happy. I’m not happy to be where I am right now. I know I’m better off than almost everyone else in Melrose but I didn’t earn my spot. I lied and cheated my way to where I am. 

I remember that one argument we had. The biggest one back when you first started selling. I had the audacity to get mad at you for just trying to provide for your family. Then became everything I despised. I was trying to look back on the “good days”. Which was depressing because looking back at what we thought were goods days were just days that weren’t terrible. 

At least when you were selling you never lost yourself. I don’t even know who I am anymore. I just feel burnt out. 

Yesterday me and Bri were fooling around in the hotel which was fun so I guess that’s good. I’m tryna stick to the positives of my day. Another good thing was that I found one of Jay’s hoodies in my bag . It’s pretty comfortable. I miss him too. I’m trying not to think about all the people I’ve lost because that list could go on for eternity. I might do this again, I don’t know it doesn’t feel so stupid anymore. I’m burning this note though. I know you always said no one lives forever but why’d you have to go so soon, the good ones always do. If there’s truly life after death tell my mom I love her for me and I love you too.

Sincerely Y/N,’

October 14th 9:03am

‘I wish I could be a religious person. They always seem so happy and carefree. To be able to put that much trust into something or someone. I know you were never religious but your family was. My family isn’t really all that religious but they did always feel like prayer could solve all. I’d been praying my whole life and not one had ever been answered. All my family is a bunch of hypocrites and sinners, but hey hate the sin not the sinner right? Ha yeah right.

I remember Ms. Williams with that stupid  “Shoot for the moon and if you miss at least you’ll be among the stars” poster. It was tacky and we were always making fun of it. I never realized how much it bothered me until now though. I’d say I have selective memory if I have any memories at all,  but that poster is seared into my mind. I think it might be because I felt like it was mocking me because she knew goddamn well none of us were making it out this city. Let alone ever getting anywhere near the stars. Now, I was the closest to the stars and out of everyone who could've been here it was me. The person who deserves it the least.

Sincerely Y/N,’

October 14th 8:57pm

‘I think the reason I’m still doing this letter thing is because I don’t wanna stop missing you because missing you was better than feeling nothing. I don’t truly think I do anymore. Which sounds bad, but I just mean I’ve gone through the grieving process which I guess means, it’s time to let you go. I’ve never actually gone through a full grieving process without someone else dying in the middle of it. I read this thing once about people having favorite people or a favorite person and I think that was you for me. It means you basically can’t function without that person and when they're not around it makes your emotions go crazy. I don’t really want to say goodbye cause I miss the feeling of you in my life, but when it comes down to it I don’t remember it much. So I guess this is the final goodbye. 

Love Y/N, ’

  I was getting really fucking tired of Thorn. I was getting tired of Y/N L/N too. Why couldn’t I just exist. I don’t wanna have to be anyone. I just wanna get high and eat fruit snacks damn. but I could never have what I want could I.

I was sitting under some storage containers in a warehouse with all these old white men working on weapons and shit. Waiting for Vulture to come in. He flew into the warehouse I could almost see the anger, radiating off of him before he stepped out of the wings. He looked oddly familiar, if I hadn’t killed off all my brain cells I probably would have made the connection sooner but it got made and that’s all that matters. 

The Vulture was Liz’s dad. 

This is a fact I could and would be using to my advantage. I pulled out my backup phone and snapped a couple pictures of the people around me as a torn up van pulled up. 

A man hopped out and Liz’s dad immediately started yelling at the man about something. He seemed to think it was funny though. Like he was high on adrenaline or something. I caught the words Avengers. Then something about Shocker and getting fired. I’m guessing the Shocker had the same idea as me to tell his family about his business. He picked up the closest weapon and fired it at the man. He instantly crumbled to the floor in ashes. That was nasty as hell. 

Now these weapons are wayyyy more dangerous than I thought. He stormed out after bestowing another man the title of Shocker. Then it was only me and the guy working on some weird weapon left. I walked over to him and knocked him out. Taking the anti gravity gun with me and some shiny thing I thought looked cool I placed a tracker with a camera and mic on the Vulture suit before leaving. 

That was about two weeks ago. Now, here I was, on the back of the truck of some random company following Vulture around like a lost dog. I should be back at the hotel right now, but I’ve never been known to do what I was supposed to. 

He was talking to someone about a plan to steal more fuel for these weapons. 

I was hiding behind a dumpster and I accidentally hit something on my way to leave. 

I know he saw me. 

Fuck.

I didn’t have time to think I was just running and running. I didn’t even realize I was practically hyperventilating until I made it back to the hotel. I didn’t have the key to my room. I must’ve dropped it somewhere. 

I dropped it because I’m a dumb fuckup who’s gonna get herself and everyone else killed because I could never do anything right. I’d be better off dead. 

I knew Bri and MJ were asleep and I didn’t wanna wake them up. I was sitting by the door trying to keep myself from going into a full blown anxiety attack. I pulled the hood of Jay’s hoodie over my head and pulled my legs up to my chest. 

I think I might’ve drifted off for a second because I opened my eyes and Peter was standing over me looking concerned.

“What?” I asked sitting up. 

“It’s just,” He brought his hand up to his forehead in confusion “Why are you on the floor? Are you okay?” He asked.

“I’m fine, what are you doing up?” 

“I was just walking around,” 

That wasn’t a very clear answer. Suspicious. 

“Are you sure you’re okay? Your eyes are puffy,” 

“I’m fine, probably just allergies,” He hummed like he didn’t believe my answer. 

“You can go back to your room now,” I added since he was still standing there staring at me. 

“You still never answered my question on why you were sitting out here on the floor,” 

I just ignored him and pulled the hood back over my face. 

He slid down on the floor next to me. 

“I’m not leaving until you answer me,” 

I didn’t feel like talking and honestly? I didn’t want him to leave. 

I turned to face him before saying 

“Looks like you’re gonna be here for a while then,” 

I ended up telling him eventually and he offered to let me stay in his room saying Ned wouldn’t mind. I was too tired to decline the offer. 

“Y/N,” I was awakened by Peter shaking my shoulder. 

“Hmm?” I hummed. 

“You gotta get up,” 

I rolled my eyes and pulled the throw blanket back over my head. I would have flipped over but I probably would’ve fell off the couch.  

“Everyone else is already at breakfast c’mon,” 

He pulled the blanket off of me reeling back when he brushed against my skin. 

“Y/N, you’re burning up,” 

“Mhm hm,” I hummed again turning onto my side. 

“I’m being serious Y/N get up,” 

“Ugh, fine” I exclaimed sitting up. 

“Do you feel sick?” He asked, touching my forehead again.

“I feel fine,” I said pushing his hand away. “Thank you for letting me stay here but, you seriously need to learn to stop being so repetitive,” 

I went downstairs where everyone else was eating breakfast and let MJ and Bri know I was okay. 

Now it’s really fucking stupid to smoke pre-rolls if you don’t want to be drugged but last night when I was watching out for Vulture someone offered them to me. Perks of pretty privilege I guess. MJ was all of my impulse control and she wasn’t with me so I smoked it. 

And when I tell you this shit was strong I mean it was strong. I have a high tolerance when it comes to weed because I smoke a lot but this hit hard. Surprised I wasn’t shaking. Maybe I was. 

Normally you don’t get full body highs from smoking. It’s usually edibles that do that but this wow. Couldn’t tell if this was Indica or Sativa. I thought it was Indica at first but I had too much energy for that. Maybe it was a hybrid if so, that’d explain the fog over my brain. 

I wasn’t thinking clearly I knew I shouldn’t get any closer to Peter than I already was, but I was bored. 

Now we were on top of some middle school jumping the roofs. I'm pretty sure he was only here because he wanted to keep tabs on me since he found me on the verge of a panic attack last night and currently thinks I’m sick. 

“Are you sure this is safe?” He asked.

“Yes it’s safe, don’t be a pussy,” I rolled my eyes “Besides I do it all the time,”

“So you go to D.C and jump to different roofs of a middle school all the time?”

“You know what I meant smartass,” I elbowed him lightly and he laughed. 

I laid on my back and shortly after he joined me. 

“How do they get shirts so soft,” 

“What?”

“I said how do they get shirts so soft,” I sat up. 

“I don’t know probably lots of thr-” 

“C’mon let’s go down there,” I interrupted pointing at the building before hopping down. Running through the mall looking through almost every store I’d spent about $1,000 just shopping for everyone who came to mind. Eventually I walked into Zumiez with Peter trailing behind me. I was looking at the hoodies by the skateboard rack. 

“I always wanted a skateboard as a kid,” He said coming up behind me. 

“Pick one,” I nodded my head towards the rack of decks. “I’ll get it for you,” 

“ I can’t let you do that,” He said. 

“No, I insist,” I laughed at my word choice “That’s a fancy word” I laughed and he laughed too “No but for real, pick a deck and I’ll buy it for you,” He shook his head “I’m not leaving until you do,” I turned his words from the earlier night onto him.

“Fine,” he sighed walking back over to the shelf. 

After picking the rest of the accessories for the board he said. 

“I still have no idea how to ride it,” 

And with me still not thinking I said

“Ok then I’ll teach you,”

We headed back out the mall but not before I got a diamond chain because why the hell not. We were about to get on a train to head back until I interjected. 

“Wait,” I grabbed his arm. “Come with me,” 

“Are you sure this is safe?” He asked as we sat under the bridge that the train runs over. 

I laughed at his nervousness. 

“I do this all the time and I'm still here, aren’t I? Don’t be a pussy,” 

Waiting for the next train coming over I put on a song that's been stuck in my head for a while. Weary by Solange. I didn’t realize I was singing along until he complimented my voice.

“You should sing more often, you have a really nice voice.” 

“Shh” I hushed feeling my heats heating up at the compliment. Soon I felt the train coming “Just live,” 

I leaned back on my elbows and closed my eyes. I guess this was some form of therapy. The rumbling of the tracks traveled through my body. It would’ve been loud but I’ve picked up the ability to block out noises I don’t want to hear on command. After the train passed the sun was already setting. I figure I might as well get food. This would classify as the first real meal I’ve eaten in awhile. I’ve heard of people not being able to eat unless high which I never thought would or could happen to me. Right next to the restaurant we ate at. There was a 7/11. I’m not sure how many people know this but almost every night shift employee at 7/11 is a plug.

“Can you hold my bags real quick?” I asked.

He nodded so I let him know I’d be back quickly and I had to go to the bathroom 

I did not.

The employee I ran into proved my earlier statement.

He had about 10 mg of adderall and some xans. I wasn’t really planning on taking the xans, maybe I’d just sell them. I went back and forth adderall because it’d enhance my brain function instead of actually producing a high. I got two slushies and some other bottled soft 

drinks. 

 I put the key up to the door then slowly opened it. They were on the couch and looked up at me when they heard the door open. If I knew they weren’t gonna be mad at me for just leaving and not telling anyone, I’d actually be happy because Bri was getting along with my friends. 

“So where’d you go?” MJ asked.

“I just went out mom,”  I replied, sitting on the dresser by the door. 

“Well you clearly went shopping,” Bri said. 

“Yeah and?” I rolled my eyes. “Don’t worry I had a babysitter,” I rolled my eyes again. “You know you can come in right?” I referred to Peter who was still standing by the door.

He moved in, still not moving any farther than the bathroom door. I moved to close the door behind him before sitting on the bed closest to me.

She moved closer to me and looked into my face. 

“Are you high right now?” She asked gazing into my eyes.

“Really?” I asked incredulously “No I’m not, and fuck you, now I’m not gonna give you your shit,” 

“No! I’m sorry,” She said and I rolled my eyes, a smile cracking onto my face “What’d you get me?” She made grabby hands at the bags. 

I handed her the one from Hot Topic. 

“There’s a whole buncha stuff in there but…” I reached into the bag and took out the socks with weed plants on them. “These,” I held them up to her. “These are mine,” 

“Alright weirdo,” she said looking through the bag. I went to go over to MJ but Bri grabbed my arm. 

“Hey where are you getting the money for this?” She asked in a hushed voice.

“Don’t worry about it,” I waved her off. 

I got MJ at least 7 books from a series she was reading and Peter said he had to go back to his room. 

I was watching a movie on Bri’s phone while MJ started reading her book. 

We heard a knock on the door.

I gave Bri a look that said I’ll get it. Then pushed off the bed. It was Liz.

“Hi,” 

“Hey,” 

“Me and some other kids are going to go down to the pool, so we were wondering if you wanna come?” 

“Yeah just gimme a second I’ll be down,” 

I ended up convincing Bri to come with me because I didn’t want it to be awkward. 

It was nice. The pool I mean. There was a slight breeze and pretty much the whole team was there. Minus MJ, Ned, and Peter. 

I didn’t really think about getting my hair wet. People were playing games toward the end of the pool. Bri was halfway in and halfway out on her phone. 

I was floating on my back. It was as if I was drifting down a long river with my eyes closed. The breeze over my body pushing me along. There was a heavy weight on my back that had been building since birth, but the water took a hold of that weight for me. 

I just lied there on my back floating and breathing. 

Things were peaceful at the pool. They however were not back at the room. 

I could not sleep. Believe me I tried. I looked through my bag with “everything” I brought. It wasn’t much since I hadn’t been home in a long time. However I did pack that cart I had in class a while back.

I was scrolling through Tiktok and remembered it was still next to me. I made a tiktok to that one audio with the whistles where you ghost the vapors on each whistle  because I thought it looked cool and I can do whatever I want on my account.

 I don’t know how long it’d be but I finally felt my eyes fall shut for the night.

When I woke up it was weird because I was already at the decathlon. I’d already been working on whatever problem it was that’d we’d gotten, but I didn’t need to because MJ had already gotten us the answer and we’d won. 

I should’ve been more excited. 

 Why wasn’t I excited? 

You couldn’t tell I wasn’t as happy as I made myself seem. I had become quite the little actress over the years and by actress I meant liar, I’m really good at lying. 

I didn’t realize Peter was missing until we’d gotten on the bus to go to the Washington Monument. 

“Hey,” MJ waved her hand in my face “You okay? You’re doing that thing where you scratch your inner arm, and you only do that when somethings on your mind.” 

She placed her hand on mine to stop me 

“So what’s up?” 

“Nothing much like you said just thinking,” 

“About?” 

“Everything,” I didn’t want to tell her what I was really thinking about because things would get real awkward real quick. 

MJ just wouldn't drop it though.

“There’s clearly something bothering you so just tell me what it is you can tell me anything,”

“I just told you,” I sighed. 

“Tell me what you’re really thinking about,” 

“Death,” I looked at her, who looked back at me, “There, you happy with your answer now?” 

“No,” She said and I looked at her knowing it was a look of exasperation. “Who’s death?” She asked.

“Mine,” 

“What about your death?” 

“Just wondering if it’d be painful,” 

“Oh,” 

“Yeah,” 

When we pulled up Bri was standing by MJ, she didn’t want to go into the tower because of it being built by slaves. I understood that I didn’t really want to go either but my feet were moving on their own accord. 

I could’ve fallen asleep right then and there on that elevator. It was if my brain was checking in and out all day. 

I might've. I don’t know. The rip off police officer was saying something but it all sounded like gibberish to me. 

I closed my eyes and leaned on Liz’s shoulder. She patted my head and went back to whatever she was doing. Then there was an audible snap.

Followed by a jerk of the elevator.

My shot open and I looked up at the ceiling and there was a circle of singed metal.

“We’re all gonna die here,” The kid who I believe's name is Abe claimed. 

And for my sake I pretended I didn’t hear him. 

Everyone staring up at the ceiling, another student said.

“We’re freaking screwed,” 

To think I was just thinking about death less than an hour ago and here I was about to taste the sweet kiss of it. 

“I know that was scary, but our safety systems are working,” The police officer said. 

Yeah fucking right that’s what they all say. They just didn’t want us to panic but that’s exactly what I was doing. Panicking. 

“We are very safe in here,” she added. That's what they say seconds before everyone dies. 

The trap door above the elevator opened and everyone began to move again. I could feel the elevator shaking again. No way was I gonna move and risk snapping the cords. 

I was gonna die here. 

Most of the team had gotten out already. Then it was Flash’s turn and he just had to put the fucking trophy up with the rest of everyone. The elevator fell farther as he got out. I wanted to move but I couldn’t. My brain power wasn’t stronger than my muscles. I couldn’t will them to do what I needed them to. 

Something hit the ground above us and the elevator was free falling. 

It stopped second after we were launched to the ground then low and behold Spider-man 

I swear it was like he was stalking me. I’d be kinda freaked out if I didn’t know he was Peter.

When he spoke it was in a very poor accent. 

He was telling Ned not to move because he was shaking the elevator. 

He pulled the metal death box up to the doors and Mr. Harrington, Ned, then Liz got out. 

Spider-man or “Peter” said something but I couldn’t make out what exactly I was still trying to process everything. 

Then the elevator was falling, I reached out towards Spiderman but wasn’t close enough to reach him. 

A web caught my arm but I was still hanging.

Until I wasn’t. My feet were planted on the ground but my brain was moving too fast for me to keep up. 

“Y/N?” My shoulder was being shaken.

“Yeah huh?” I said trying to locate and place an identity to the voice it was Bri. 

“I was asking you if you needed a ride home,” 

Oh yeah she didn't know. 

“Uh I don’t know maybe,” 

“Alright…” She said turning back over to whoever she was talking to this time. 

Since I was the one to almost fall they wanted to check me out in one of the ambulances. 

Which I do not trust at all.

The whole medical field is a giant scam so is insurance, ask MJ she’ll tell you. 

Once we’d gotten back to the school. Everyone’s parents were all freaking out over them and asking if they were okay. Majority of everyone had already left. Peter had his Aunt. MJ had her parents. Ned has his dad. Bri had her dad. Everyone has someone.

Well almost everyone. 

Flash was still waiting too. With Mr. Harrington off in the distance. 

Then there were two 

I moved over and sat down on the curb next to him.  

“You got no one either huh?” I asked.

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business,” Fair enough. The hostility was understandable. I did punch him in the face less than a week ago.  

I kept talking though.

“My dad never picks me up from anything either. “ I didn’t really want him to but he could’ve at least asked while I was still living at that apartment and now he expects me to come back like it’s nothing. 

A car pulled up and some random white guy who was probably a chauffeur picked up Flash. 

Then there was one 

I wanted to go home but I had no home.

I guess I had one home in the cemetery. Everyone I love leaves me. That’s something I learned over the years. It applies to many and the sooner you learn that the easier life will be for you. I hadn’t been back here in the longest. I’d normally just show up and clean the graves of the people who I’d known closely. 

This was embarrassing but sometimes I’d talk to my mom. Today was one of those days I sent. I stayed talking to my mom and Rose so much for stopping the letters which I did for way longer than I thought I would. 

I was already in my old neighborhood and before I knew it I was at my “house”.

I really didn’t mean to come home. I just did before I could stop myself.

Taglist: 

@tomdiddlyumptious

The Skater Boy (Pt.2) - Yoonbin

❀Angst 

❀ *WARNINGS: Parental abuse (GRAPHIC) & suicidal thoughts

❀ Word Count: 6.3 K

❀ A/N: dont ask me for a part 3 :) your ask will not get answered :)  anyways hope you guys enjoy this !! i really enjoyed writing this series hehe thank you for all the nice comments/asks/reblogs ! I really enjoyed reading them and it made me feel happy so many people were supporting me and this fic! and p.s. im not saying not to send me a part 3 ask to be mean, but im not going to write a part 3 so itll be a waste of my time and your time to ask for one 

❀ ❀ ❀ 

I woke with a jolt.

I uncrossed my arms and looked around at my surroundings. It was raining hard and darkness was still surrounding me, meaning it was night time. 

I eased myself down, feeling nothing around me. 

Until I heard shouting to my right. My heart beat faster at the intense fear of being found by my father. But, my father would never look for me.

“Y/n! OPEN THE DAMN DOOR!” 

Wait... I recognize that voice.

I quickly unlocked my side door and Yoonbin came flying in, soaking wet and all. I groaned and scooted away from him as the coldness oozed off of him. 

Then, after the disgust, shock suck in.

“What are you doing out here? You should be home.” He deadpanned like he didn’t just walk to me in the pouring rain, and only God knows how the boy found me. 

My jaw was still dropped in confusion while the boy just wanted an answer.

“Y/n, what are you-”

“How did you find me?” I interrupted. I was immensely confused and this whole night has been....something else. 

Yoonbin sighed and wrapped himself in his wet coat. I rolled my eyes and took off his jacket, which surprised him. 

“Start talking.” I snapped. The boy gulped and started to spill.

“Ok, after I hung up the phone, I was so mad at you that I wanted to talk to you face to face so I took off to your house. That’s when your dad answered the door, telling me that you left and didn’t live there anymore. So I asked him on places you would be and then... he shut the door on me so I went searching myself.” I nodded slowly, barely comprehending his words. 

“Wait, where is your car then?” The boy gave me a cheeky smile. 

“Um, I had to drive back home so that my parents would think I was home...” He trailed off, scratching his head while doing so. I almost let out a laugh.

We sat there in silence as he was now sitting in a short sleeve shirt and dirtying my entire passenger seat. 

“I’m not going back home.” I stated with a stern look. “You can’t make me.” I mumbled the last line. The boy stayed silent. 

“Fine. I know a place, let me drive.” He tried to get into the drivers seat but I pushed him away. “Yoonbin, dude-” 

“Just trust me on this!” He was too strong for me and pulled me over to the soaking wet passenger seat. I closed my eyes at the disgusting, irritating feeling. My back and butt were all wet thanks to Yoonbin. I opened my eyes and saw the boy grinning back at me. 

“Fine, I have no where else to go, I guess.” The boy said nothing to my grumbling but instead started up the car. We drove in silence through the night sky and pouring rain. 

Soon, he pulled into a driveway, leaving me to raise a brow. The house wasn’t too big, but wasn’t too small. It looked like a normal suburban house in the area. I raised a brow at him. 

“Where are we?” Yoonbin smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

“We’re at ... my house.” 

My jaw dropped in surprise. The boy got out of the car and then grabbed my bag for me. Quickly, he came to my side and opened the door for me. I squinted my eyes at him, but got out of the car anyways.

“I didn’t know you were so much of a gentleman.” I joked to hide my racing heartbeat at the sight of his home. 

What would his parents think of me staying over? What would they assume of me when they see their son drenched in water? Or what would they think of my tear-stained face? What would-

“Don’t worry, my parents are really nice people.” Yoonbin ushered me forward and opened the door quietly. He poked his head in, and then waved me forward.

I didn’t think he would wave me forwards if his entire family was sitting in the living room. 

But he did.

And now they were all staring at me. 

I recognized their faces vaguely and nodded and bowed to them. 

“Oh? Yoonbin? You weren’t home? Who’s this?” His mom bombarded him with questions until she saw him soaking wet. “OH MY GOODNESS! I’ll go get towels!” The shorter woman sprinted away as Yoonbin gave me a gummy smile. 

His dad stood and walked over to me. I felt my palms go sweaty and my head go numb. I felt Yoonbin grasp my hand gently and squeezed it. 

Yoonbin’s dad was now right in front of me, his expression unreadable. He lifted his hand, causing my body to go into a frenzy. 

He’s going to hit you. He’s going to hit you. He’s going to hit you.

Surprisingly, he patted my shoulder and peered down at me with a concerned look. 

“Sweetie, are you okay? Do you need some water or clean clothes? Or some food? We can heat up leftovers.” 

My body froze and my throat closed up, unable to speak. 

“We just had some fried chicken, an easy meal. It’ll be real easy.” His dad continued, taking his hand off my shoulder.

Yoonbin squeezed my hand gently which zapped me back into reality. 

“N-no sir, I’m fine. I just ate not too long ago.” Lies. I hadn’t eaten dinner or breakfast today. But I didn’t have much of an appetite anyways. 

Yoonbin’s dad laughed. “Just call me Mr. Ha. And if you change your mind, just take whatever you want from the fridge.” I nodded and thanked him. 

Suddenly, Yoonbin’s mom came flying down the steps with a bunch of towels in her hand. 

“Here, here, dry yourselves.” She threw a towel at her son, then one at me. I caught it clumsily as Yoonbin had to retract his hand. “Why are you all wet, Ha Yoonbin! You’re going to get a cold! And in the middle of the summer!” She tsked. I bit my lip to hide my laughter when Yoonbin just rolled his eyes. 

Then, his mom turned to me. “Sweetie, if you need something, just call us. First, you both need a change of clothes.” She shoved a pile of clothes at me. “Here, these are Yoonbin’s sister’s clothes who is currently working in Germany. And Yoonbin will show you to the bathroom.” 

She glared at the boy, but then smiled. I opened to my mouth to protest, but she was already pulling me away to follow Yoonbin. The boy tilted his head in the direction he wanted me to go.

“Here, you can use my room. I’ll just change in the bathroom in there since I need to dump all the wet clothes in bathtub anyways.” I nodded and stepped into his room. 

It was exactly how I imagined. The walls were a dark blue, close to black, and there were posters of random bands hung around. The only light source besides the lights on the ceiling was a black lamp that was seated on his desk. Clothes was flung around and I almost tripped on his t-shirt that was lying on the ground. 

“Sorry, I’m a bit messy.” He scratched the back of his neck and blushed. I shrugged and gave him a small smile. “It’s the first time I’ve brought a girl home, so sorry they’re all doting on you.” 

That surprised me. 

Yoonbin was anti-social as an anti-social person could be, but he was an attractive dude. He had fierce features and a smile that made me melt. His humor was dry and he could be quite annoying, but he did have a caring side even if he didn’t want to admit it. 

I mean he was letting me stay at his house. 

“It’s fine, it’s the first time I’ve been doted on.” I said honestly. We awkwardly stood and stared at each other until Yoonbin cleared his throat. 

“I’m going to get changed now, um, I’ll knock before I come in.” 

I nodded and he gave me a tight smile before disappearing into the bathroom. I looked down at the clothes his mom had given me. I pulled on the simple black leggings and the red t-shirt that hung nicely on my body. I then felt the t-shirt stick uncomfortably to my body because of the wetness, so I stripped it off and dried my torso with the towel.

Suddenly, I heard Yoonbin knock on the bathroom door. 

“Wait-”

Before I could respond, the boy opened the door, his eyes immediately landing on shirtless body. His eyes widened and I could see him visibly gulp. 

I raised a brow and cocked my head. 

“Yoonbin, what was the point of knocking if you were going to open the door before I could speak?” I teased. The boy turned beet red and shrugged. 

“Um, I thought you would be done.” He finally tore his eyes from my body. “C-can you please put on a shirt now?” He stuttered out, breaking his cold facade. I decided to tease him a little more. I left my shirt on the bed and took long strides towards him. 

He tried to look everywhere but my body. 

He’s so cute.

I reached out and pulled him closer, inhaling the smell of his fresh clothes. I brought my head closer to his neck, breathing softly for only him to hear.

“Y/n, please, don’t-” He whispered quietly in a small voice. I ignored him and softly kissed his neck. His whole body turned stiff and his hands clenched, willing himself to stay still. “Please.” 

Then, I raised my hand and flicked him on the forehead. “OW! What the fuck!?” 

I laughed and pulled the t-shirt over my head. 

“I’m starting to think you had ulterior motives bringing me to your house mister Ha Yoonbin.” I scoffed and turned away from him, who was still dazed from our previous encounter. “Yoonbin, c’mon, you can’t be that hot and bothered, if we stay in here too long, your parents will think we’re fooling around up here.”

Yoonbin then snapped out of it and followed me to the door.

“You’re something else.” He mumbled, a blush still apparent on his face. I smirked and shook my head. “And no, I did not have ulterior motives, it was an accident, ok?” I rolled my eyes but before I could say anything, he opened the door to walk downstairs. 

Immediately, we ran into his mom. 

“Changed already? Good, good. Now, I’m sorry to say this but we don’t have a spare room since we painted it this morning and it’s all stinky and chemical-smelling so you’ll have to stay in Yoonbin’s room, if that’s alright with you.” 

I felt my body freeze at those words. What kind of parent would let their child sleep in a room with the opposite sex? Or with anybody really? 

“That’s fine.” Yoonbin replied quickly. I almost glared at him. Almost. But instead I nodded at his mom.

“Ah, that’s fine.” 

His mom nodded and winked at me. “I trust you guys, but if you do anything, just please, be quiet.” 

I felt blood rush to my face in embarrassment and a sudden shyness and wonder in front of his mom.

“Mom! Oh my god, it’s not like that.” Yoonbin shouted with two red blotches on his cheeks. His mom giggled and hit him on the shoulder.

“Just joking!” She winked at me. Oh gosh, she thinks it’s like that. “Oh! We also heat up some fried chicken for you just in case you were hungry!” She picked up the bag she had on the floor and plopped it in my hands.

“Goodnight kids, and nice meeting you y/n.” 

“Thanks for letting me stay here.” I said before she could leave. All of a sudden, she got a soft look in her eyes. 

“Anytime, honey. Anytime. As a mom, I can’t leave a child lonely. It’s not in our blood.” She  patted me softly on the head and nodded to Yoonbin before heading to her room.

I felt my eyes well up with tears at her kind gestures. First they let me stay in their house, then they give me clothes, food, and love. 

Something I never received much of.

“C’mon.” Yoonbin guided me to his room and set down the bag of chicken on his table. I wiped my tears hurriedly so he wouldn’t see them, but they were falling out like raindrops. 

“Why are you crying?” He whispered gently. I suddenly broke, hearing his soft voice. He wrapped his arms around me, shaking me back and forth to calm me down. 

“Your parents... they’re just so nice.” I cried out. I felt the boy pat me on the back slowly. His hug was tight, yet I could tell he was scared of breaking me. I pushed him away slightly to wipe my face with the tissues he gave me.

Yoonbin gave me a gentle smile. “They are.” He rubbed the back of my head gently and pressed his lips against it as well.

“Um, m-my dad... he.” I took a deep breath, unable to finish my story. He then patted my back softly. “It’s fine, I don’t have to know if you don’t feel comfortable or ready to tell me. I’ll be here for you.” 

I felt more tears spill onto the floor with his words. 

“Do you wanna eat the chicken now or tomorrow morning?” My stomach felt like it was going to eat itself, but my eyes felt like they were going to shut any minute. 

“Tomorrow.” I whispered. He nodded and placed it in the bathroom so we wouldn’t be able to smell it. 

He started to take some blankets and set them on the ground. 

“What are you doing?” I questioned out loud. He looked at me like I was dumb. 

“Um, setting up a makeshift bed.” I shook my head and stopped him. “No, I don’t sleep with that many blankets, I’ll be fine.” Yoonbin gave me a weird look before laughing.

“Y/n, I’m sleeping on the ground. You’re sleeping on the bed.” My eyes widened in surprise while he pinched my cheek. “You’re so cute.” He mumbled. 

I pretended to ignore that, unable to say anything when he was the one teasing me.

“Are you sure? I don’t mind sleeping on the ground.” Yoonbin rolled his eyes, not even listening to my words. “Positive. Now sleep, you look like you’ve aged 60 years from just today.” I rolled my eyes, but I knew he was right.

Soon, Yoonbin rolled in his bed and stopped moving. I bundled up in his bed, inhaling his scent on it. I wiggled around on the bed, feeling like I was sleeping on clouds. 

“Thank you, Yoonbin. For everything.” I whispered, not thinking he could hear me.

A few moments later, I heard him whisper back “you’re welcome”. 

❀ ❀ ❀

I woke up to a loud alarm. 

It wasn’t even a song, it was just a loud beeping noise. 

“Yoonbin, turn it off!” I whisper-shouted. The boy groaned and searched for his phone. I rolled out of bed and sighed. “Do we have school today?” The boy yawned and nodded.

I laid back in bed. “Can’t I just skip?” I mumbled. Yoonbin pulled me out and shook his head with a grin. 

“Nope.” He guided me towards the bathroom and took something out of his cabinet. “That’s a spare toothbrush. You’re welcome to use it.” 

Suddenly, I broke into my normal routine, feeling at ease with Yoonbin by my side. 

I decided to go to school in the clothes Yoonbin’s mom gave to me. 

I already knew school was going to be hell, like it always was, but I felt better with Yoonbin with me. He made me feel safe, secure, and like I had a friend.

“Ok, first things first, no one can know we’re living together. And second, nothing has changed about us now that we live together, ok? If we stick together like glue, people will definitely think we are dating. And that cannot happen.” Yoonbin spat. I felt my heart hurt at his harsh words.

What would be so wrong with dating me?

I didn’t bother to ask and just nodded my head, trying to hide the sadness in my face. 

Do something y/n would do, don’t be sad.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “Okay weirdo, I’ll stay away from you. I do owe you one anyways.” Yoonbin nodded, almost surprised that I agreed so easily. 

As we walked towards the school, Yoonbin walked a bit faster than me. I felt empty once he left my side. 

Soon, Yedam and Jihoon caught up with him. I swear, these boys come out of nowhere. Jihoon then looked back to me and waved. I gave him an awkward wave back.

“Hey, y/n, how’re you doing?” Jihoon asked. I was confused for a second, wondering if Yoonbin told him my homeless situation. 

Yedam nodded rapidly. “Oh yeah, that hit you took to Yoonbin’s body was pretty bad, as well as that fall. Are you better now?” 

Oh, they were talking about that. 

I laughed and nodded. “Oh yeah, I feel fine now. It wasn’t really too bad when I got hit, more surprising than anything.” That answer seemed to calm the two boys.

“Hey, Yoonbin!” Suddenly, a girl popped in front of Yoonbin. “Did you do that homework sheet from Mrs. Hong over the weekend? It was absolute torture.” A girl I noted who was in my computer science class asked him. She had long brown hair and big doe eyes. She was stunning, but also nerdy. Probably more of Yoonbin’s type than me.

The boy smiled goofily and put his hands in his pockets. “Uh yeah, it was terrible. I hated every second of it.” The girl laughed and held his arm while she did, something girls did when they liked a guy. 

“Yeah, like she wants us to fail or something! Anyways, you going to the skate park this weekend? I mean.. I know you went on Friday but...” Her eyes flickered over to me and suddenly, I felt awkward. 

Yoonbin’s eyes followed her’s and he shook his head rapidly. “Oh no, we’re not together. That was an accident, uh, she fell on me. You know Changbin, he’s clumsy and accidentally tripped her. I barely know her.” The girl laughed and brought her hand to his arm again. I felt my blood boil as he looked at her with kind eyes.

“Oh that’s funny! Anyways, see you later today then?” He nodded rapidly and I saw him gulp nervously. The bell rang and she took his hand.

“Of course. Um, let me walk you to class.” He mumbled. 

Then they were gone. 

Yedam and Jihoon were still on both sides of me, watching the same scene play out in front of me.

“Y/n, he doesn’t like her, not really, he’s just-” I held up my hand and rubbed the back of my neck. Jihoon looked at me with sad eyes.

“It’s fine, I know he didn’t think of me that way anyways. I didn’t expect anything.” I lied. I thought our entire relationship had changed over night. 

I was wrong. 

I barely know her. I heard his words echo throughout my mind.

I felt tears sting my eyes but I blinked them away. 

“Whatever, let’s just get this day over with.” I walked ahead of the boys who were obviously distressed, but I had no time to ease other’s pain when I didn’t know how to ease my own. 

❀ ❀ ❀

Lunch rolled around soon enough. I walked into the lunchroom, seeing Yoonbin, Yedam and Jihoon laughing and gooding around a their table.

I grabbed my tray of food and started to walk over to them. 

“Hey, guys! What’s up?” The same girl came out of nowhere and sat at their table. Yedam and Jihoon’s faces brightened immediately, easing her into their conversation. It was a very different experience when I had sat at their table. 

I felt my heart drop as they laughed with her, talked with her, and welcomed her as their own. Yoonbin’s face was smiley and giggling with her. As it should be.

People like her, smart, kind, bubbly girls deserved to be with boys like Yoonbin. She was someone who could make him smile. Someone who could bring him out of his shell. 

I turned around, tears threatening to fall from my eyes, and dumped my tray in the trash.

And then I ran out the back door of the building.

❀ ❀ ❀

He never liked you. You can’t really be mad at him. 

I chanted in my head. 

I just ditched school and I felt amazing about it. The warm air hit my shoulders as summer was approaching. 

It was a beautiful day.

It was unfortunate my mood was so sad. 

I felt a buzz in my pocket and I pulled out my phone. 

‘where were you during lunch?’ -yoonbin

‘on a walk outside’ I lied.

‘...why didn’t you sit with us?’

‘i thought you told me to leave you alone.’ 

I saw him typing which made my anxiety buildup. 

‘i didn’t think you would listen’

‘well now im listening, aren’t you supposed to be thinking me?’ I snapped over text. I saw the familiar dots appear.

‘well ... thanks i guess’

I didn’t bother responding. 

❀ ❀ ❀

I found myself walking back to Yoonbin’s house for some odd reason. I sighed and saw my car sitting in the driveway. I thought about how easy it would just to run away. 

“Y/n? Hey, what are you doing back so early?” I jumped up at the voice. I turned and saw Yoonbin’s mom staring at me with a smile on her face. “Doesn’t school end in a couple more hours?”

I felt my mind try to cough up some lies. “Oh yeah, I had a bad headache after lunch so I decided to go home. I couldn’t focus anyways.” I lied. His mom frowned. 

She brought her hand up to my forehead. “You’re warm, must be getting a fever.” She sighed and opened the door for me. “You should’ve told Yoonbin to drive you home. He doesn’t focus in class anyways.” I chuckled and shook my head.

“It’s fine. I don’t feel too bad.” She sighed and patted me on the back. “Go get some rest honey.” I turned walk to Yoonbin’s room, but turned back around.

“Um, by the way, thank you a lot for letting me stay here. I’ll be out your hair soon.” Instead of saying ‘you’re welcome’ quickly, the woman stared at me until I started to feel holes in my face. 

“I don’t know what’s wrong with your home life, but I could never let you go home knowing you aren’t safe.” She then took my hands and patted them gently. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. I know Yoonbin seems like a pain in the booty, but he’s really a nice kid. You’re the first girl he has taken home, and he rarely even lets his guy friends in the house. He’s quite secretive like that.” She winked at me and then shooed me along. “Now rest child.” 

I nodded and fell face flat into Yoonbin’s bed, trying to hold back my tears.

From the sadness, anger, and happiness all surrounding me. 

“Go to your room.”

“Why?! I want to eat chocolate cake!” The cake was swiped off the table immediately. I gasped and tried not to shrink back in fear, but it didn’t work. 

“You don’t deserve cake! You’re getting bad grades in all your classes! And you’re only 8 years old, you’ll be a disappointment when you’re older. GO!” My father yelled at me. His face turned red and spit splattered all over the floor. 

I started to cry and ran to my room. 

I felt myself cry at the memory, hoping I had found a better family.

❀ ❀ ❀

“Get up!” I felt the blanket being stripped away from me, making me shiver at the air. “GET UP!” I felt someone shaking me, which made me roll over. 

“Why are you waking me up?” I asked numbly. 

Yoonbin tsked and tried to sit me up. “You’re going to get sick germs all over my bed, my mom said you were sick. And I hate when sick people sleep in my bed.” I rolled my eyes and stumbled out of the bed. I could feel my forehead was burning when his cold hand pressed against my face. 

“You have a damn fever. Ugh, you ruin everything!” I stood in silence as Yoonbin threw his sheets off his bed. “First, you ruin my perfectly normal, humble life and make it a big shit show! Then you ruin my afternoon with a girl that is actually normal?! What did I even do to deserve this?” He spat, falling on his bed. He covered his face with his hands.

I didn’t know how to respond as I was feeling groggy. I guess lying about being sick gets me sick. Karma. 

“First of all, I didn’t ruin anything of yours. Second, why didn’t you just go out with that girl!? It’s not like I was stopping you!” I shouted. He stumbled at my volume. He then stood and glared down at me.

“Because my mom said that you were fucking sick! And that I had to come take care of you like you’re a baby or something!” 

“Well, I didn’t ask you to be here so why don’t you just leave!?” I felt my head throb at every word I said and every word I heard. 

Yoonbin laughed maniacally. “Leave?! This is my house, y/n, if you didn’t know!” 

I grabbed my keys and said, “fine, then I’m leaving. I can’t stay here and look at you!” I turned towards the door but he jumped in front of me. 

Usually, I let him do this, but this time, I shoved him out of the way and glared at him. “Why?” I whispered suddenly, shocking even me.

He furrowed his brows at me. “Why what?”

“Why did you even let me stay here?” 

The boy shrugged and avoided my gaze. “I don’t know. I really don’t but I regret it now.” 

I pulled my lips together and scrunched my nose around. It felt like neither of us were breathing and the only thing I heard were out heartbeats, or just mine. 

Then, I sighed and opened the door.

“Fine then.”

His parents were nowhere in sight when I left the house. 

“Y/n, what are you doing?” 

“LEAVING, DUMBASS, WHAT DO YOU THINK?” I shouted loudly, letting my feelings out. He looked distraught at me moving to get in the car.

“Wait, wait! Just wait, just listen!” He tried to stop me, but I shoved him away. Tears filled my eyes as he stared at me with sad eyes.

“Just stop, Yoonbin. Haven’t you done enough? You’re already ignoring me at school, don’t you realize I have no friends? No family? No one!? I literally have no one but you right now and...” I shrugged while laughing. 

“And that’s nowhere to being enough.” I said softly. I stood against the car, willing my tears away. I looked up at Yoonbin, and he wasn’t even shedding a tear.

“Goodbye, Yoonbin.” 

I got in my car and drove away.

And he didn’t try and stop me.

❀ ❀ ❀

I didn’t know where I was going. 

I drove aimlessly in the cold air with a throbbing headache and tears falling down my eyes.

I drove until my hands hurt. 

And I drove until my gas ran out. 

“Shit!” I yelled while hitting my steering wheel. I pulled over quickly and parked at an abandoned skate park. 

Of course, it just had to be a skate park. Just another thing to remind me of Yoonbin.

It was pitch black at this point and I hadn’t eaten anything in two days. I was going to die and I wasn’t even sure if that was going to be a problem with me.

I hit my head. No, don’t think like that. Don’t ever think like that.

I pulled out a blanket I always kept in my backseat and leaned my chair back. 

I was always alone. I had to do things alone. How did I ever think I would get a stable family with a stable life?

I closed my eyes and fell asleep. 

❀ ❀ ❀

I only had enough money for gas. 

I had enough juice in my phone to look up the nearest gas station and filled up my tank. I was sad to see I hadn’t gotten any messages from Yoonbin or even Jihoon, anyone, but it was expected. 

Everyone pushed me out of their lives anyways.

“Hey girlie, you driving out here alone?” I fought the urge to roll my eyes. 

“Yes I am.” I said curtly while getting back in my car. I drove off before he could do anything else. 

I looked in my wallet and saw the 5 dollar bill and a few quarters. 

I had to go back. I had to set down my pride and do what was right for my health. No longer my mental health, but my physical.

I drove back on the same road, regretting every second I was driving. 

I parked my car and got out. I placed my hand on my chest before knocking on the door. I felt my heartbeat pick up as I waited for a response. 

In about one minute, the door opened. 

I swallowed my scream as my father pulled me inside

❀ ❀ ❀

He was sober. 

I wish he was drunk. 

He got clumsy when he was drunk. 

He was precise when he was sober. 

I felt a hit on my head, making me fall to the ground. I gasped at the pain. It hurt 10 times worse when I was sick.

“YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST LEAVE AND THEN COME BACK? WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?” He grabbed my flimsy sleeve and pushed me backwards, making me hit the counter. I hissed in pain at the sound of my shoulder hitting the marble.

“YOU COULDN’T EVEN SURVIVE ON YOUR OWN, YOU’RE WEAK. AND STUPID!” He laughed in my face while clutching his knuckles. I felt another slap hit my face, causing me to bite my tongue. 

Beginner’s move. 

I spat the blood on the ground out of instinct. 

“YOU ANIMAL, THAT’S DISGUSTING! CLEAN IT UP!” He picked me up by my hair and made me stare at him. I tried to ignore the dirt caked underneath his fingernails as he slid them against my face. 

I held in my tears, but they came naturally at the pain.

“Crying? How pathetic.” He spoke sternly. I tried to hide them, but it was no use. He already saw. “I didn’t raise someone so pathetic.”

I left my pepper-spray and taser at Yoonbin’s house. 

I teared up even harder, knowing he wasn’t even looking for me. He was probably glad I was gone. I coughed loudly, trying to hide my sobs.

I felt him drop me on the ground and followed by kicking me. I grunted at the pain. He kicked me again.

And again.

And I don’t know how many times. 

I felt my vision blur and I lost count if it was him hitting me or was it me just imagining the kick as they came at a constant pace. 

I closed my eyes, feeling the fight in me give up.

Right at that moment, a bright light blinded me and I flinched to avoid it. 

I felt no more kicks as I heard grunting and ringing in my ears. I felt someone pick me up and carry me away. Like I was floating in the air.

“You’re okay, you’re okay.” Someone yelled in my face. 

“You’re going to be okay.” The same voice said. 

“Y-yoonbin?” I mumbled out. I caught a glimpse of the face as I pried open my eyes.

“No, it’s Jihoon.”

Then.

It.

All. 

Went.

Black.

❀ ❀ ❀

White.

All I saw was white. 

Being in the darkness for so long, you forget what the color looks like.

“She’s awake, she’s fine. No major injuries.” A feminine but stern voice said. 

My vision was blurry as I tried to force my eyes open.

“Ssh, don’t force yourself.” The soft voice said once more. I blinked rapidly and suddenly a full force of colors came flying at me. 

I saw a smiling Jihoon staring down at me.

I couldn’t help but smile back.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” He mumbled while patting my head brotherly. I tried to give him a small smile, but it came out forced. 

“Thank you.” I whispered. He nodded. I looked around the room and saw Yoonbin’s parents sitting there. I gave them a small smile as his mom patted my leg. 

“I’m glad you’re safe now. You almost gave us a heart-attack.” The woman tried to keep her tone hushed, but it still came out kind of loud. 

“He’s in the bathroom.” 

I stared at Jihoon. 

“Yoonbin, he’s in the bathroom.”

I felt a rise of nervousness run through my body at the name. 

Soon enough, the door flung open.

Yoonbin stood and stared at me with wide eyes. He was wearing a baby blue sweater and looked like he hadn’t slept in a few days.

As we locked eyes, I felt the whole world stop. 

“Um, we will be waiting outside.” Yoonbin’s dad said as the three of them stepped outside. 

Yoonbin took careful steps towards me, like he was afraid of me running away.

I scoffed. “You’re being too cautious, it’s not like you.” I joked. 

Suddenly, tears started to flow down his face. He sat down in the chair next to me and held my hand tightly. I didn’t tell him it hurt; he seemed to need the comfort more than me.

“Yoonbin-”

“I’m sorry.” He breathed out. His speaking was deeper than usual and he had to force words out. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” He chanted while tugging at my hands a little harder. “I should’ve-” I held up my hand to stop him.

“Stop right there. You can’t change what already happened.” I said sternly. He didn’t seem comforted by my words as his tears fell harder. 

“I’m sorry.” He buried his head on my stomach. I patted his head gently as he sobbed even harder. 

As he pulled away, he cleared his throat, needing to tell me something.

So I took the change to speak first.

“Why did you flirt with that girl?” I deadpanned. 

He paused and wondered who I was talking about. “Oh, you mean Sooyoung? I don’t know, I guess I... I don’t know... good practice?” I rolled my eyes at his dumb answer. 

“Then why didn’t you flirt with me?” He calmly looked in my eyes as he told me the answer.

“Because... it feels too real when I flirt with you.”

We said nothing for a few moments, enjoying each other’s company as well as wondering what the other was thinking.

Then, he grasped my hand tightly. “Y/n, I know I’ve been a jerk to you, and an asshole, and just a dumbass, but...” He took a deep breath, like he as struggling to say the words. I’ll admit, I was amused. “But I realize now that I like you, and a lot. And I know I’m bad at showing my feelings, but this is all so new to me and I’ve been a jerk, but I’m willing to change.”

He cleared his throat and looked me in the eyes. 

“So, um, yeah, I like you. What is your response?” He said awkwardly. I gave him a small, yet sad, smile.

“Yoonbin...” I trailed off which made him flinch. “I like you too...” He gave me a tight smile which broke my heart.

“I hear a but coming...”

“But I just can’t right now... you’ve hurt me so many times, Yoonbin. So many. Not even romantically, but also as a friend. So right now I just can’t, I’m sorry.” I spoke softly, careful to speak my words gently. 

His head was down for a second, but he lifted it slowly with a sad smile.

“I expected that. I know I was a douche.” I nodded. “Totally.” I agreed.

We laughed about it until he looked at me seriously.

“Ok, you might not trust me now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn to trust me.” I raised a brow and slunk back in my bed.

“I’m going to fight for you. Just like how you tried to fight for me and tried to get me to be your friend. It’s my turn to fight for you

because you deserve to be fought for.” He sounded proud as he said those words, like he really meant them. There was a competitive glint in his eyes which meant he was serious. 

I held in my tears at his  passionate words, but a few dropped from my eyes.

He wiped the stray tears, yet some still stained the white bed.

“Do you really mean that?” I whispered softly. He smiled. 

“I mean it. One thousand percent. I’ll make sure you’ll come back to me, you’re too good for me to lose.” He said cockily. I let out a burst of laughter and ruffled his hair. 

“I’m holding you to that, skater boy.” He nodded and held my head close to his.

“I never liked skater boys anyways. Do you think you can change my mind on that too?”

“I promise.”

Symphogear, EP.7 (Cont.)

“i have not now, nor ever, liked this creepy ass church elevator.”

“kanade please get out of my head, just because im hungry doesnt mean you have to tell me every time i am”

Hibiki finishes getting a full body X-ray. She’s fine.

“that anime protagonist immunity is really kicking in well!”

“by the way, your wife is here! and she’s looking mighty miffed., as opposed to me, mighty milfed.”

“you dont strike me as a mother figure but ill play along for now”

“i just hope miku’s okay...”

“oh, she’ll be fine! see, i’ve seen these kinds of plots before. big secret revealed, another lover is shown, the victim watches as they’re thoroughly cheated on, and they get to lik-”

“please stop breathing”

Genjuro’s wasting away again in Margaritaville. Looking for some daughter to adopt. SOME PEOPLE SAY THAT THERE’S A, WOOOOMAAAAAN TO BLAAAAAAAAAAME, BUT HE KNOWS

XYLOPHONE RIFF

THAT’S IT’S ALL HIS FAULT

XYLOPHONE RIFF

“i hate it when he gets like this. jimmy buffets not a good look for him.”

“for once you and i agree. seeing the commander sulk like this like a middle aged perma-tourist is genuinely miserable”

“hey homies! im back and i brought some bitches! oh, jesus, why does this place smell like mistakes in miami?”

“its me. im sorry. every time i feel like i failed as a dad, my anti-dad energies manifest. imagine every midlife crisis rolled up into a single ball, smacked into the face for eternity. thats the depth of my pain for failing this girl.”

In a moment of positivity, the friendship between Tsubasa and Hibiki is cemented.

> Tsubasa has joined the party.

“FRIENDSHIP!”

“fweindship.”

“uuuuhhhhh... dadship? yeah thats close enough.”

“WE’RE ALL GOOD FRIENDS!”

“ya tiddies are ringing again, better go get it”

Ryoko also points out that Hibiki’s relic is fusing with herself at an alarming rate. This is important to keep in mind.

Meanwhile, at night.

Miku is posing in the motherly “you done fucked up, where have you been young lady” position. A cold scolding is coming.

“.........................hey miku......”

“you can come in. are you worried im gonna bite? you suplexed a car. that shouldn’t be an issue anymore.”

“miku, i.... i wanted to tell you.... but.... the plot wouldn’t let me, miku....”

“should’ve told the plot to fuck off anyway. now you’re gonna live with that. you’re sleeping... on the bottom bunk.”

“b.... b..... b...... b.... b...... bottom bunk...?”

They slept separately that night. God, this is so stupid. All of this is so goddamned stupid. “I’m so mad at you even though you saved my life.” This is just so. AUGH. THIS IS DUMB. KANEKO WRITE BETTER ANGST THAT MAKES SENSE THAT ISN’T THIS.

Meanwhile, far away from this garbage...

Chris, having been evicted from Fine’s McMansion, wanders the streets of mumblemumble aimlessly. Don’t be fooled by her new fancy dress. Basically, she’s a combat-competent hobo.

“no food. no home. no victories. this sucks. whyd you do it, fine? we coulda been great together. but no. ya fired me. now i look like im prancing the red light district with a highly advanced superweapon around my neck.”

“no... hibiki’s to blame. ever since that genderbent little mac showed up to fight me, it’s been all downhill. fine thought me a laughstock because i couldnt take out her oversized boxing gloves, and now she beat me while i had nehushtan. god... i wish i never met that damn hamster faced chubby cheeked nerd.”

“wait, whats that crying”

Chris spies two kids talking to each other, one of them crying. Chris immediately makes an assumption, believing the big bro is bullying his sis.

“hey! stop nicking her lunch money, twerp”

Chris currently is a firm believer of corporeal punishment.

But the sister deflects the blow. Chris can’t even defeat children right now. Truly, this is a record low for her. You know you blew it when even kids are schooling you on basic morality. She then tells the little girl to stop crying, ironically mirroring her brother.

The infamous double T-Pose maneuver. Chris, you might as well get a shovel and start digging your own grave.

“i keep doing bad things badly, and now im doing good things badly... when fine said i was bad... did she just mean im not talented?”

Chris, finally, does a good thing and helps these kids find their parents.

“yeah. hibiki saved a kid when she got her gear. guess what? bam! im saving two! that’s fifty percent more kid per kid saved. take that, weirdo.”

The kids call her out on Chris singing unconsciously, and Chris gets flustered over it. Dawwwwww.

Chris manages to get them to safety to their Dad...

...while brutally lying about it, making Chris look like a predator. There’s a very crushing irony at play here, given who Chris used to serve.

“ugggggggggggggggghhhhhh hes not even gonna payyyyy meeeeeee why the fuck did i dooooo thiiiiiiissssss”

“hey, you know. you kids have a really nice relationship with one another. care to give me tips on how to be an empathetic human being capable of making friends?”

“maybe we’re born with it”

“maybe its maybeline”

“maybeline...”

Meanwhile...

A cold wind blows through Lydian Apartment 69-L. (I don’t actually know if that’s their room number, I just made it up.)

“jesus take the wheel, because i’m jumping out the passenger seat to save this current wreck of a relationship”

“miku please i saved your life, doesnt that count for anything”

“you already killed me the moment you lied. also im taking the bottom bunk so i dont have to see your face coming down the ladder.”

“miku you cant hide in this depression den forever. i know i hurt you and im sorry for it, but please understand i literally couldnt do it. you saw there were punches and violence and stuff... i didnt want you tied to that...”

“what was that? i cant hear your apologies over my incredibly loud snoring. SNOOOOOOORE. SNOOOOOOOORE. SNOOO- fuck, i just swallowed my spit, fuck”

“i hope this cocoon of displeasure you’ve made for yourself lets you erupt into a butterfly of acceptance so i can fly with you again.”

“......thats not fair. you cant say those beautiful metaphors and get away with it. let me be mad... sniff... let me be mad...”

Sadness wafts in the den of lies Hibiki has been forced into.

No music plays. There is only heartbreak, and woe.

In the midst of this pain...

Ryoko loredumps about how the Symphogears work and are immune to the noise on her blog, ‘hornyonmainforscience.org’, her hybrid science journal slash kink zone. It’s mostly a recap with some pretty good soft techno beats in it.

“i made a custom brew of red bull, five hour energy drink, coffee, and cream. i call it gamer girl piss.”

“damn. that’s some good piss.”

She muses about how Hibiki has managed to break the limitations of her Symphogear, making her a totally unique specimen. Wait, where have we heard this before...?

Hey... Ryoko... let’s just... cool it a bit with the Hibiki pictures... come on...

Ryoko touches upon the Custodians and the Curse of Babel. We ain’t touching that shit until later, because that’s another shitfuck box of crazy just ready to jump us in a dark alleyway to rob us of our wits.

Back to Lydian:

“miku whats the answer to the first three multiple choice questions”

“B. A. D.”

“oh, thanks. huh, BAD.”

“yeah. you are.”

“mmm. taste likes dissapointment. just like my life.”

“hey table for two haha get it cause there’s two chairs and miku for the love of god, please, forgive me”

“ive surgically removed my eyes and drew eyelashes over them with sharpie so i dont have to see your bird bangs.”

“thats very rude to both me and my hair. also, wig.”

Even Hibiki’s meal is judging her. Mainly for not eating it. Fucking look at this. God, that looks amazing. Fuck, why did I write this while I was hungry.

“miku you cant do this forever. i might die and youll end up crying on my tombstone going ‘oh god, why, oh god’, and really, i cant live with myself if that happens. mainly because id already be dead by then”

The Anime Janai crew show up to break some icebergs with a goddamn sledgehammer. As the self-aware Gods of this realm, they got very tired of this poor display of angst, and have decided to directly intervene.

Nevermind. They came for her kneecaps, and they most certainly got them.

PLEASE. I’M BEGGING YOU. END THIS GARBAGE PLOT THREAD.

“look. imma lay down the facts. yall are gay. yall are in love. yall are angry for the wrong reasons. its nobody’s fault here but the writer. so please kiss and make up. pretty please.”

“kaneko... you fool... we all know what the original sin is. its your hack writing making this stupidity in the first place. let the pencil go, asshole!”

They bring up the fact that Hibiki isn’t doing her work and wonder if she has a job on the side, which isn’t allowed by the school. Miku gets annoyed and bails, with Hibiki running after her. Unfortunately, Miku runs faster...

“oh god miku not the rooftop whatever you’re thinking just dont do it! please!”

“no. i came here to angst, since this is the Maximum Angst Zone.”

“i..... okay! okay, that’s fair! rooftops are the perfect place to look sad while getting proper air ventilation, thats fine”

It really would have been better played if it was played off that she felt hurt not because of the lie, but because she felt like she could have helped her better having known the truth, and it being a self-loathing sort of scenario for not being there better for her and not fully understanding the risk at play.

But no, instead, we get this.

Absolutely obliterated. A heart ripped, shredded, and sent to the Shadow Realm.

The episode ends on that note, but has a post credit scene.

Naked. On an old timey telephone. On a computer. Wearing stockings and long gloves.

The main antagonist of the series, everybody.

She’s talking the best English possible to some random-ass American when suddenly bursting through the scene is none other than:

“I WANT WORKERS COMPENSATION YOU BITCH, BEFORE I UNIONIZE YOUR NAKED ASS”

“AND I WANT A GOOD REFERNECE FOR MY FUTURE EMPLOYER, AND ALSO A SEVERANCE PACKAGE SINCE I’M FUCKING HOMELESS”

“i paint my eyelashes with mascara made from the tar of freshly carbonated corpses manufactured through noise, what on gods green earth compels you to think id give a rats ass about you?”

“so you never cared, huh! you’re just a nasty naked hedonist trying to- trying to- what the fuck are you even trying to do?!”

“i want to live the dream every spicy little fossil like me yearns for.”

“I WANNA FUCK GOD!”

“how- what? what? how do you even- what? are you- do you want to be the pope? is that it? does the pope get to fuck god? are you- is this a larping thing? you’ve really been into larping lately! i don’t like this!”

“youve never read the old testament, have you. ass out, pussy bare, hips up and barefoot. that’s how god’s always liked it.”

“now get lost, punk. you tipped off my hand to genjuro and now you being here is going to ruin everything. if you still feel any semblance of devotion, eat one of your own bullets and call it a day.”

“it’s 2012 bitch, if the mayans dont get you, I WILL”

“what god gives, He takes away, and so do i. i built you from the ground up. your relic, which was good for jack shit on you. the nehushtan, which you failed to do anything with except zap a couple hundred people. stop wars? you’re a walking war, waged by me, for me. and your cartridge has just run out of bullets.”

“uh oh! hand’s acting up again! better bail before i send you back to smacktown where all the bitter little shittalkers like you strut around spending their lives being useless as hell.”

“ah fuck, im not dealing with no manos: the hands of fate bullshit again”

“and guess what else i got on motherfucker”

“i see the union efforts have officially been busted. understandable, have a nice day ma’am”

“LEAVE.”

“I’M GOING, I’M GOING”

Oc rae adventures

Ive never had a problem with casting my screwball brother out of my sight. Its no big secret he wSnt very popular with anyone except his friends. My brothers name was jeroge, and he was 13. 13 and very odd. Very.. Violent, Not violent in a way that endangered everyone. But in a very rugged way. He was very skinny and had styled his hair to be messy and multicolored. All he wore were band t shirts noo ne had ever heard of or maybe even liked. Im talking about him in a past tense because hes gone missing, we cannot find him. And.. Im running out of all the hope i can carry. As if i started with a huge armful, and now its just this twiggy tree. Ive decided to tell you this because anonymity is what makes mysteries great. You share your story and some people couldnt care leas, but others.. Others, they make sure to scrape every little detail they can get their hands on. Im Vincent, Im 20 years old. Its been 3 years since my rother went missing. And i miss his nerdy embrace. I miss him. It used to be that i searched for him everynigjt. I mean, every single night. I just couldnt fall asleep without going and looking for him. My mom... She.. Shes.. Not taking it too well.. Ever since Kevin came over with another woman and gave my mom cheap vodka and whiskey. Shes been laying around trying to avoid my gaze. I must remind her too much of Jeorge. We looked just alike. I make sure i got rid of the vodka and whiskey. And i put a balnket ariund my mom. I kiss her head lightly and fill up a glass with water. "Mom.. You.. You.. You need to take your pill.." She sits up and again looks down, I wait till she says nothing and slink away. Kevin.. Kevin really was a sick joke. I havent seen dad in all my life. That kind of makes me sad. I remember once him being there when Jeroge had almost died. Hed been fooling around with the medication in moms cabinet. The doctors had to pump his stomach and then he had to have surgery on his kidney. The chances were slim but jeroge had made it.  He spent weeks after that recovering.  I cant remeber his name. I look to my left and glance at the tree house next to me, Rae wiped the sweat furiously off of her forehead and upper lip and glared at Marasada. "Im not getting any better!" She growled.  "In never garanteed youd get better, i said i would help you with your skills.. Obviously your skills arent any good, at all." "It fucking helps if you have metal plates protecting you, the only raid ive been on, i didnt pick up anything worth shit." She said angrily. "You watch your tone with me." Marasada warned steppping her boundaries further into RAe's space. Rae narrowed her eyes at the tall dark beautiful girl. "Or what." She demanded. Marasada only folded her arms. "Yeah, because wether you like me or not, you NEED this help. You need extra group members because your last raid, was a fail." She said without hesitation.  Marasada only pushed Rae up against the tree. "Listen, your ego must be bigger and better than your skills, you havent hauled your weight at all.. Its your fucking job to get your own armor. I dont need ANYTHING from you. Youre a replacement, a faulty. Im just being polite. Maybe the reason youre not getting better is because, you refuse to let go of that fake image in your mind." Marasada finished flipping her hair over her shoulder. Rae pushed her forward. "I hate you." She said and then tip toed to kiss her roughly. Marasada pulled away and pinched her cheeks together.  "I hate you more," she growled. She met her lips in a lust filled kiss and bit her lips. Rae groaned and gripped her forearms angrily. Leaving nail marks. Marasada left her lip bleeding. "Follow me. We will talk after." She demanded. She didnt give Rae any time to protest or to wipe the blood from her lips. She was honestly feeling helpless. How had that escalated so quickly? Was she weak? Marasada basically threw Rae into her tent and Rae hit the ground with force. She felt it in her hip, the one with her missing leg. She moaned. "You like it rough?" Marasada asked. "Not... Particularly..." Rae said apologetically. "Me neither." She said jokingly. She leaned over Rae and they made out for a couple minutes before Marasada slipped Rae's shorts off. Rae's breath hitched in her throat and all she heard was a shhh... Rae furrowed her eyebrows at the immediate intense feeling. She let out a whimper and the leader just giggled. Rae had never felt like this ever... She was enjoying this.. "Release all your tension.. Okay? It will make it feel better.." She suggested. "How?" Rae stammered out. Marasada stopped for a moment, just sort of teasing her. Playing with her. "Well... Rough play can really help somebody out. If you use proper safe words its alright. Its using your body's senses to gain pleasure. We can continue to spar after this, youll see improvement." She said matter of factly. Rae groaned falling onto her back. Marasada went back to her work. Afterwards Rae was outside. After that incredible time she had had, the leader had wanted her outside. In all honesty, she liked being bossed around by her. She liked her determination. "Okay, come at me with all you have." She whispered. Rae didnt need to be told twice. She sprinted forwards and went in for a kick to the stomach. Marasada dodged it and made a hit for Rae's exposed back. She landed squarely in her shoulder blade leaving a sharp pain. Rae winced and backed up hastily. "Dont leave your back exposed, ever." She warned. Rae nodded frantically. She rolled her shoulders and ran in again. Marasada managed to dodge and counter all Rae's hits. Meanwhile talking through it. It made rae mad. "Dont just come in and hit blindly, aim your hits, look at your opponents weaknesses, use it against them. Analyze their character. One cant win if the other is left to the full advantage." Rae was hit in the leg and she was down on the ground in a second. She grunted in pain and looked up at marasada, for any apology. "Like that." She said. She turned her back and began to walk away. Rae was up before she could even turn around. Marasada caught both of her fists. She kissed Rae, biting her lips and drawing blood. Rae tore away. "Take that as a warning. It is disgraceful to attack an unarmed opponent. Especially when their backs are turned."  Rae's eyes sparkled with tears. "You look tired little wolf... Want a break?" She asked. Rae smeared the blood on her cheeks. "Fuck you," she spat. "Bad language is encouraged." Marasada teased engaging in her defensive stance. Rae rushed her with all her force and slammed the metal plated hand. Rae was holding her twisted wrist. "Fuck.." She groaned. "Thats a real shame.. Go see the healer. Come to me, when youre ready to listen and learn." She finished. Rae had limped her way, in quiet and mournful shame. She had just lost another battle! To the same infuriating girl... The know it all... Rae had managed her way through the tent doors and to her dismay, angekis came to her aid. "Rae! W-what happened?" She asked, concerned. Rae gave a small pained chuckled and with her help sat down on the stool. "I was training... In the outskirts of the fields.." She lied. Angekis furrowed her eyebrows. "You know, the fields are very dangerous, right? You need to go with a squad. Next time, you just give ME the word, and Ill go with you." She said carefully taking off Rae's shirt. Rae sat there letting Angekis's eyes roam her body for marks. She gasped. "These are brutal.. What attacked you?" She asked while she grabbed a bucket and filled it with water. Rae considered the question greatly. "A joklis, not terribly challenging.. Makes for a hell of a fight, though." She said weakly. Angekis gently and gingerly cleansed the wounds and bruises. Rae brought her hand to her lips and bit down on her hand. After she had finished, she felt a soothing tide wash over her. She closed her eyes. In her minds eyes she saw angekis trying to devoid any emotion at all, failing only slightly. Sparkling grey and green washed around the wounds. As she finished Rae sat up. When she stood she wobbled. Great. Her leg was fucked up. Angekis held her hands behind her back. "Rae, please.. Tell me anything.. Im here, always." She said. Rae nodded solemnly. She smiled. "Thank you.. For everything, Angekis." Rae limped out of there and sighed, thanks to marasada she now had only two hours of rest before their next raid. Knowing how she ran things, they would be leaving people for dead... And for some odd reason... Somewhere deep inside her, she didnt want that to happen.  She limped all the way to the nearest shop and rapped with her knuckles. Eyes peeked out from the crevice between the boards and then the door creaked open. "Sorry to disturb your rest.. But my leg is messed up.. Can you help me?" She whispered and then the candles were lit. They revealed a dark skinned beauty with jade green eyes and blood red lips. She looked rae over once and then turned her back. Rae gulped. "I will help you.. On one condition.." She said circling her table and then placing her hand down on it. Rae pulled at her ragged shirt collar. "You tell me your name." She suggested thoughtfully, all intensity melting away as if she was a lifelong friend. Her eyes lit up and were now a bright green, her luscious red lips turning into a quirky grin. She wore a form fitting purple shirt which ended just below the ribs and showed her tattoes. The tattoos connected to a banner that hung around her hips, underneath was a skirt and fishnet tights. She again smiled awkwardly... All the girls here were beautiful. "R-Rae.." She managed to scrape out. The girl nodded and then motioned for her to sit on the table. Rae stepped carefully over and onto the table. The girl's radiant eyes scanned her leg in quick succession, before she pulled away. "What caused damage like this?" She inquired. Making light conversation while she moved around gathering tools. Rae watched her intently, finally sort of relaxing. This girl did not mean her harm.. "A joklis.. A wild joklis.. Not a very skilled one, but, im a rookie." She said scratching at her small scar beside her eyebrow. The girl returned with a saw, nails, and a hammer, and just gave her a knowing look. Before her eyes flicked back to what she was doing. Rae's on the otherhand were widening. The girl giggled and took out the saw first. "Relax.. It will be fine. Ive done this lots." She reassured before closing in. She was inches away from Rae's leg and rae was wondering why she didnt just forcefully do shit. It was like she was actually respectful to her boundaries. She searched Rae's dark pools before rae gave a tiny nod. The girl gingerly unclasped the leg and said a spell in quick tongue before removing it. Rae glanced away and all over the room. "This is your place?" She asked as she moved her head to get a good look in. The floor was all hardwood and was covered by a huge old fashioned rug, similar to that of the girl's banner. The table she sat on was placed on the corner right beside the opening to a darkened kitchen. A desk was in the middle of the room and on it were candles and maps and tools and the works. It was definitely homey, and had that feel to it. "The one and only, yes." She said and sighed a little, her eyes sad. For some reason Rae was sorry for the girl in front of her, and as she turned back, she was wondering why the girl wasnt making a clanging noise as she brought down the hammer again and again. Rae raised her eyebrows. The girl wiped her sweat away, and looked up again. "Ah... Its a silencing spell. It lets me work on all my projects without messing up, or waking anyone." She informed Rae. Rae nodded and brought her hands to her lap. She snuck a glance at her amputated leg and then turned away in disgust, how had she managed to get a leg cut off? Why was she the weak link.. The girl in front of her only gave her a sympathetic smile and put the hammer down. "Hey... Having an injury, it does not mean you are not strong... It merely means, that you tried your hardest and needed someone to help you. Youre that new person right?" She said all at once. Before returning her gaze to the leg in her hands. "Y-y w-well, i guess so... I dont remember much about my ending up here, but i know that i must have been attacked.. By something strong." She muttered. "Yes. It managed to get your whole leg! Im glad it didnt hit an artery." She said and then stopped her sawing. "You know, i was the one that made your leg. I tried to make it as efficient as one could, but.. I guess its maybe not the best.." "Are you kidding? It feels just like my old leg." She said and then softened her eyes. The girl blushed a little before continuing the straightening of the leg. "Well in any case... Im glad to have you here with us.. There. All done." She said as she gave it a once over and then clasped it back onto her thigh. Rae stood up with the help of the girl and then took a few steps to test it. In her first try she collapsed and the girl caught her. She helped her on the second try and soon Rae could walk normally.  She turned to the girl and stuck out her hand awkwardly. The girls gaze softened and they shook hands. "Thank you.. For everything... But i didnt get your name." She said as they held that firm grip. "Astrin. Astrin Lekinley." She said and Rae nodded. At the door she waved to Astrin. And Astrin whispered to visit again sometime. Rae held her bleeding nose and swiped at her bleeding lip clumsily. She was shuffling quietly as she could back to the healing tent and she prayed that angekis not find her again, because she wasnt sure she could come up with a good answer. To her relief Angekis has left early and another healer patched her up, making light convo. He said to take care and she waved back to him.  Astrin sat on the stone and beckoned her over. She was perched with a bucket of potatoes, just peeling them. When rae hit her with a puzzled look she just giggled.  "These are for the fancy dinner we will all be enjoying tomorrow, in all the rookies honor, we do it for everyone. And its a good time to socialize." She explained. Rae smiled and sat down beside her. "Oh my god... What happened?" She asked concern in her voice as she dropped her knife and potato into the bucket. At the same time Rae thought she would drop the knife and she reached over clumsily so they both ended up with their hands on each other. Astrin's were on Rae's face and Rae's were on her hands. They both blushed and Rae flinched and took their hands away hurriedly. Rae smiled a lot at the little incident, and Astrin picked up the bucket again, She cleared her throat. "Im so sorry... I shouldntve... Really... That was so uncool.." She said. Rae shook her head furiously. "Astrin. Its okay." She said. Astrin smiled when she said her name. "Youve.. You got a piece of equipment, i see. Some shoulder pads, beads and... Oh! A piece of metal? I can work on a breastplate for you." She said happily. Rae looked at the poorly formed metal around her stomach and then agreed. "Would you?" "Metal is a specialty of mine, you know." She teased lightly and smiled softly. Rae's eyes lidded a little and they talked. About everything, their lives before the group.. Although they sometimes skipped over some parts. Rae didnt mention her dad and Astrin never mentioned parents. Rae helped Astrin peel potatoes until the sun came up. Astrin spotted it and then clasped a hand to her mouth. "We have been speaking since night.. We need to go to bed and then be on time for dinner.." She said worriedly. Rae only shrugged and picked up the bucket. "I can take that Rae.. Its no trouble, youre hurt..." She said gasping a little more when the light brought new bruises and cuts into focus."what happened..?" She asked taking the bucket against Rae's protests. "You need rest.. Im serious... Come to my place. You can crash there, i bet your tent is all cold." Astrin said warmly and gestering her to come. Rae followed Astrin and they both lay down on the floor, with Astrin having found blankets and pillows. They awoke later on to the rapping of knuckles on Astrin's door. Astrin groggily stood and walked to the door. She opened it and in stepped Marasada. She wore a cold look on her face at the sight of Rae. "I expected youd be in your tent. But i assumed wrong. Have you forgotten? We have a raid and a hunt today," she said and with that tossed Rae's fisher helmet at her. Rae caught it clumsily and put it down while she clasped her leg on. She was dressed from last night and then threw on her helmet. "I didnt forget. Why would i?" She asked as she walked out swiftly behind Marasada with a last look at Astrin. The girl only smiled warmly. Marasada spun around when she knew astrin was t there anymore. "What were you doing in there, huh?" "What is it to you? We arent together. Did it occur to you that i might have a sleepover here? No." She said satisfied. "Look. I like Astrin. Shes cool. But you stay away from her from now on. You made a commitment to me." Marasada spat out bitterly. Rae bit her lip angrily and crossed her arms. "Good." Marasada said shakily. They walked to the armorey and got Rae some handmedowns and a small metal dagger. (Rae wears white shorts, white tank top, bandages around her arms and leg, a metal leg from the thigh down and has a small dagger for safety at first. She is handed a fisher helmet to cover her for the meantime. Next she will recover metal sheets, clay beads and shoulder pads. Then she will gain meatl strips, better shoulder pads and a nice shirt. Then a jacket and pants, and gold bracelets. Finally she'll gain a purple head bandanna from Astrin.) Rae wiped sweat away from her forehead and bit her lip with anxiety. They were overhead a small lost group of refugees, who looked very sick and hurt. They wouldnt put up much of a fight. Rae hated this. She detested this with all her heart. It made her sick. Marasada made a bird call to her fellow raiders, there were five in total, and they descended upon them. Marasada jumped onto a helpless man and knocked him out. The baby in the small group let out a frightened wail as one of their gang members tied him up. Rae stood there frozen while all of them grabbed some of their meager supplies. Marasada tossed some shoulder pads, a shirt off the rack and a metal strip. She then raised her knife ready to kill when Rae tackled her. "What th fuck are you doing?!" Marasada screamed at her and struck her with all her force, leaving Rae with a bruised cheek that was split. She rolled off her. "Dont kill him! Please! Let him live... Please..!" She sobbed bringing a hand to her cheek and staunching the bleeding. Marasada's eyes and nose flared. She spat at the ground where Rae lay and stood wobbly. Drenays an older woman, furrowed her eyebrows. "Why did you striker her with so much force? We should spare these people, as she says. Shes a rookie. Marasada. A fucking rookie," she said forcifully. Marasada looked with disdain onto Drenays and then took a shuddering breath. "Youre right." She grumbled. Drenays look with satisfaction and then knocked the baby boy out. Rae winced and her cheek hurt even more. Derynises helped Rae to her feet and Marasada pushed past her, too mad to speak. "You all right? Took quite a hit there. You know, its not best to be on her bad side..." And with that her sleeve rolled up and revealed deep scars. Rae gulped and then tried for sarcasm. "So ive heard.." But it came out shaky and hurt. Derynises patted Rae's shoulder and helped her attach the shoulder pads and the nice shirt. "You dont have to feel bad for these refugees... It may seem harsh.. But.. Well. Im not sure i could help your conscience. Dont listen to me. Theres a feast in your guys's honour. All the rookies." She said tying up the shoulder pads tightly. Rae nodded grimly and bit her lip. "Derynises, Rae. We need to leave." A girl named kyndley, called following the already ahead group. "Come." She said warmly, and they walked. When they got back Marasada marched off to tell people what to do and Sile'a trailed along with her. Derynises advised Rae to see the healers and then ran off to her friends. Kyndley nodded at Rae and then left as well. Rae smeared some blood on her lips and neck to make it look less bad and then trudged off into the healer tent where an anxious and worried Angekis tended to her. "Rae! Oh my wood... What did this to you?" She asked dipping a wet cloth in some orange liquid. "A hubriy, we ran into one on our hunt... We caught quite a bit." She said dejectedly staring at the ground. "Rae... That looks an awful lot like a nail mark.." She said but didnt continue. Angekis finished healing her up and then patted her knee. "Tell me anything.." She pleaded. "Sure thing." Rae said with gritted teeth. She needed Astrin. "What the fuck happened?! Rae!!" She said and then examined the wound. "Hubriy..." She mumbled half heartedly. Astrin furrowed her eyebrows and her beautiful eyes swarmed with passion. "I.. I dont want to pressure you, Rae... but feel free to talk to me anytime.. Please?" She said. Rae nodded and they both sat in silence. Finally, Astrin took a deep breath and said something about Rae's new equipment. "Youve got new shoulder pads.. And a shirt.. And oh! A metal sheet. Come and follow me." She said and they both left towards Astrin's cozy home. When they got there she began to slave over the metal as they both talked. They talked about everything. "Thank you so much, Astrin. I couldnt have done any of this without you.." She said looking down at her shoes. "Rae... Im merely a metal worker. It is what i do. Have i told you my welding apprenticeship story?" "No, but i would like to hear--" "What are you doing here?! I thought i told you to get working? For Blists sake, Rae, youre just as bad as my other recruits. Go! Come with me!" She yelled hoisting Rae up by her bad arm.  She let out a cry of pain and the arm seemed to bruise a little more "Agh! Im sorry! Im Sorry! Please! I didnt hear you, when you said that.." Marasada glared at Astrin and Astrin stood up. "Why are you grabbing her with such force? Huh? She will come! Let her go!" She said and Marasada seemed to realise her forceful hands. She let go and spat at the floor. "You come to me. You hear? Astrin, isnt going to defend your bad behaviour anymore." She said and with that she stalked out. Rae collapsed onto the floor in a heap of shuddering sobs and shaking shoulders. She covered her mouth and held her arm. Astrin kneeled gently beside Rae and Rae hugged her furiously. "Its... Its going to be alright... Rae... I will come and help you prepare yourself for the dinner tonight." Rae stopped shaking a little and calmed herself. "What about your.. Y-your helping times." "It will be alright. I think." She said and helped Rae stand and helped her to the healer tent. "Rae! Again? Blists.. Come and sit.." She said and they both helped her into her seat. Angekis considered Astrin for a moment and gave her a hug. Astrin responded with a friendly pat on the shoulders and Angekis began working on Rae. "I.. Im not going to ask... Im just going.. Just going to address your bruises." "Thanks, to both of you." "No need to thank me. It is a duty of mine, and you are a friend." Said Angekis. Rae closed her eyes. That night Marasada beat a whole world into Rae. She slapped her and kicked her hips and shoulders. She showed almost no mercy. Rae managed to block only a few of them and even broke through her defence once.. But Marasada finally kicked out Rae's leg and Rae collapsed. Her nose bleeding profusely she was about to give in. Marasada kicked Rae's stomach and Rae pleaded for her to stop. She was done.  Marasada wiped sweat away and skulked off. Rae's vision was fuzzy and hazed, she saw things double. She lay in a ball for a couple hours just passed out. Her leg was out again and her nose was still bleeding. A dozen bruises and cuts were embedded in her shoulders, arms and leg. Her face was swesty and dirty and gross and she needed a healer and a bath... But.. She was so tired. Finally she awoke to a small humming and she was laying on a bed. She sat up so quickly she knocked heads with Astrin. Rae tensed up on herself and immediately broke into apologies. "Shhh... " she chuckled softly, but it was strained. Rae saw the worry in her eyes and she just lay back down, ashamed. It twisted in her gut, the shame. Astrin only wiped the cuts and bruises gently and bandaged some up. Afterwards Rae lay fully covered and helped out. Astrin was working on her leg and making sure it was properly aligned. Rae attempted tos it up so as not to ashame herself further. "Rae... I know... I know who... I know who it is.. Now." She spoke rough and faintly, like the words were hard to hear. Rae squeezed her eyes shut and then winced, as her cheek was still badly cut open. "P-p-pleSe... As--astrin.. Ple-please dont .. Say it..." She rasped. She had finally managed to sit up but wobbled a lot. Astrin stood up quickly and held Rae gently, tenderly, gingerly. Rae looked up her eyes filled with tears. She kissed Astrin very slowly. Astrin pulled away quickly. "I.. I.. You.. Youre not even... Youre not fully aware of what youre doing. Im sorry.." She said softly. "Astr--astrin.. Please.. I-im sorry.. I shouldnt have..." Astrin only smiled sadly and took a seat next to Rae's cot. "I havent told you my welding story, have i?" Astrin said. "No.. No.. Y-y-yo-you... Di-didnt.." She said grateful, to astrin, that they werent treading on bad memories. "I was very young, when i was born into the clan of innovators and builders. So you can imagine, the effect it had on me, an impressionable child. I decided naively that i wanted to be a welder, or forgist, as my mother had been. Now, my mother was a very hardworking woman, but she was in her own world, you know? She didnt have time for her daughter.. Ill get back to that.." She said and got up to make tea for both of them. "Now, the forgist clan was a tight knit group of refugees who had banded together, sort of like this one... Like the gogruel gang... They took to the dessert sands and set up a plathora of tents.." She said and her eyes got misty and faraway. "Working in the dead sun and baked sands was unlike any other experience ive ever had... My family was the refugees.. So it didnt matter that my mother never paid attention to me.. At least i know that now. As i was little i worked my self to my limits to get through my school apprenticeship, unbeknownst to myself, i was actually trying to get my mothers attention." She sniffed a little. "Anyways.." She shook her head. "I had my friends and my mentor, whom i loved dearly.. Sahianna, Mahour, kafalla, gengifer, and helenkis." "Helenkis, worked with me tirelessly to make sure my dream of becoming a welder came true. I wanted to make my ideas come true, and i viewed this as the only way to do so. It was when i was 10 that my mother took her profession to new lengths and heights. She soon decided to relocate us... She woke me up and told me to pack my things.. But i wouldnt budge. My family was where i had grown up." "She scoffed and left. I never saw her again, to this day.. I dont know where she went.. And it eats me alive.. I need to know.. Did she accomplish herself?" Tears flowed down her face and Rae took her hand from the cot. Astrin scrunched her eyes up and cried into Raes stomach. "I loved my family.. I loved my mother.. It was like two separate worlds.. I couldnt be apart of either... On one hand i had people who really loved me, you know?.." She couldnt continue for a moemnt. "But you loved your mother too. And you couldnt let her go." Astrin gulped and nodded. She wiped her tears away and continued. "Noticeably helenkis and my friends noticed my unusual quietness.. Helenkis and i saw each other for the last time that night. I had to trail my mother. I had to follow my dreams. I had to do something.. Had to find out if she loved me.. Welder.." "I remember so distinctly.. She kissed my forehead.. I touched her shoulder.. Then i turned away. She had a family to be there for. My friends came with me. They came with me.. They came with me.." "I found a shop in a small village and worked on becoming a welder." She said and stopped. "What about your friends?" "Dead and gone.. As far as i know.. We were separated.. In a town raid.." She said with anguish, covering her mouth. "I could.. I coild.. I could never do it.. I couldnt weld after that.. I just.. I just fucking couldnt.. The lady who had originally taken me in, let me go. She pitied me.. I had to find another way.. I wondered for many miles before, coming along this death trap. Ive been here ever since." Rae hugged Astrin for a long time after that. Astrin pulled away a little and looked Rae full in the eyes. They both moved further in and kissed tentatviely. Testing the waters... Rae then began to go a little deeper and moved her hands. Astrin pulled away again and looked down. "Are you sure about this?... You... You.. Need so much more.." She whispered. Rae only went in for more kissing. It turned into a whole lot more than that. The next morning Rae woke up to the sweet smell of sage and perhaps sweetgrass coming in through the window. The sun shone through in beams through the plywood and paper. Astrin was hugged up against Rae and Rae grinned. They were both undressed and they were both a mess, but they were more together now then they had ever been. It brought a fuzzy warm feeling flooding through Rae. But she shuddered... She would have to go again today.. With Marasada.. Who couldnt control her upsurges of anger. She sat up groggily and winced. Her whole body ached and also buzzed. Astrin lay fast asleep. Rae smirked and made to stand. Well at least astrin's floor was clean.  "Rae? Are you..." She said sitting up. She giggled and got up to help her up.  "Morning, beautiful." Rae gushed kissing Astrin. Astrin pushed lightly on Rae and she sat down. "Come on, youve got to get out before Marasada marches in here." Astrin said not smiling anymore. Rae grimaced and slipped on her regular white shirt and slid on her clay beads. She clasped the gold bracelets and Astrin reattached her metal leg. Rae stood wobbily at first and then slid on her new pants. Astrin pulled Rae close. "My rae of sun." She mumbled and kissed her. Understand keys and krates Gaang sitting down and eating as teenagers sort of Assassins creed conner and achilles sitting down for lunch