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thebearer · 10 months

Note

no but i love your writing! ever since i watched s1 and 2 last weekend because of a youtube ad, i peaked in the carmy tag and was a surprised to see the amount of stories carmy had! would love a scenario where he’s married to a sassy, take no shit type of reader sim to natalie. his wife legit could work with him for all i care. but for whatever reason he does something w/o checking in— he prolly just forgot. she finds out and confronts him hella pissed (could be at family or during restaurant prep idc) and she says “oh, if carmen said it was cool.” not even carmy the full government name bro 😭. p much how natalie articulated it 🤣. can’t remember the ep but in early season 1 when marcus blew the fuse you can also include slick commentary from richie (and fak) if you’d like! tysm in advance 🥰. also if you don’t me me asking, do you have name/alias on this blog? what we can call you? enjoy your week

- 🥣

yes yes yes ahhhhh! he definitely needs someone who keeps him in line but walks that fine line where he can also keep them in line (bc dom!carmy is living in my heart rent free forever lol). also you can call me e if you'd like :) thank you for your sweet words! i hope you have a good week, and hope you enjoy this!

"What's this?" You ask Sydney, looking at the new box being unloaded from the truck- big and bulky in a crate, far too large to be a produce shipment.

"Uh, I think it's the new glassware for the bar." Sydney looked at her clipboard, back at you carefully.

"Glassware? What new glassware. We haven't picked that out yet." You frowned, looking at the crate carefully.

"Oh, well, it was in Carmen's notes for the day, so... I think that's the only shipment we have. Unless the hostess stand came early, which would be amazing, but you-" Sydney stopped her ramblings, seeing your soured expression. "You know what? Never mind, uh, ignore me. I'm just...Carmen's with Sugar and Richie in the back if you want to ask him."

"Thanks, Syd." You muttered, ripping the bell open with a shrill before bounding towards the back. You could hear them before you saw them, a familiar chorus of chatter and rising voices.

"Hey, so what's the delivery out front?" You ask, not bothering to wait for them to acknowledge you. If you did, you'd never talk, they all talked over each other.

"The new glasses for the bars." Sugar turned, smiling softly at you. "How are you doing?"

"Good." You muttered, eyes cutting to Carmen. "We haven't ordered new glasses yet."

"Uh, well, I thought you liked the ones from last week, angel." Carmen's eyes were bulged, clearly flustered.

"I said I liked them for basics, but I needed you to confirm a drink menu." You glared at him, arms crossing over his chest.

"You can't put the drinks in that?" Carmen asked, hand flying out towards the hall.

"Not if you want the specialty, no." You huffed. "Carmen, I told you to wait just a few days and we could get them at the wholesale market. The textured ones for the signature at least."

"Uh-oh," Richie muttered, snickering to Fak.

"Can you not use the glasses I got?" Carmen sighed.

"I can, but did you get enough? And did we decide if the signature is going in a whiskey glass or a cylinder one? Did you order double of those?" You lifted a brow, taking a step towards him. Richie and Nat watched, heads turning from you and Carmen like a tennis match.

Carmen paused, running a hand down his face. "N-No, but-"

"-So what are you going to do when we open and you run out of drinks, huh? When everyone orders the signature and it comes in different glasses? You think those travel groupie influencers won't notice? Won't post about it and make it a big fucking deal?" You countered.

"Then we'll figure it out!" Carmen huffed. "Look I gave the order to Richie, and-"

"-Hey, no fuckin' way cousin. You gave me your order." Richie held his hand up. "Sweetheart, Carmy said it was good so I just placed the order."

"Well, if Carmen said it was good, then it must be, right? He's the fucking boss." You snarl, glaring at Carmen furiously. "Seems like you've got it under control, Carm, so I'll leave it to you." You turn on your heel, furiously stomping away.

Richie and Fak wait until they hear the slam of the office door, to release their cackles. "Oooh! Cousin, you are in the fuckin' dog house now." Richie laughed, Fak's chorus of barks emphasizing his statement.

"Shut up, ok? Just shut the fuck up." Carmen growled, running a hand through his hair.

"Carmy, why wouldn't you ask her before you ordered? She's your mixologist." Nat sighed, shoulders heavy with disappointment.

"Also your girlfriend." Sydney added, poking her head in. "I told you to wait. Just saying."

"Thank you, alright, thank you all for your fuckin' helpful words." Carmen snapped. "Just... Nat, make sure they get all that shit set up right, ok? Make sure the dishwasher fucking works before we're open, please."

The office door was shut, and Carmen hesitated, reaching for the knob anxiously. He wasn't sure if he should knock- I mean, fuck, this is his office but... you were already so mad at him. Knuckles rapping on the door, he didn't wait for the invite in- knowing he'd never get one.

Carmen found you, sniffling in a furious pout in the corner, body angled away from the door. "Baby-" Carmen started with a sigh, shoulders falling gently at your upset state.

"-Don't." You snap, wiping your eyes. "Don't even start with me, Carmen." The way you say his full name sounds so bitter, too formal and full of malice to be from you.

"I-I'm sorry. I thought we agreed on it, and-and Richie was pressuring me and... And you're right. I shouldn't have made that decision without you, and I'm sorry." Carmen said slowly, waiting for your gaze to meet his, angry, wet, waterline.

"Yeah, you shouldn't have." You agreed bitterly, wiping your eyes. "I get this is your restaurant, Carmen, but don't ask for my help if you're just gonna do what you want anyways. That's-That's not nice."

"I know." Carmen nodded slowly, approaching you with the caution he would a wild animal. "I want your help. I do, and-and I like your idea that the house drink goes in the special glass. Makes it stand out."

You lifted your gaze up to his. "Yeah?" You asked, he nodded, sitting next to you. "Did you blow your budget?"

"No," Carmen shook his head, not a total lie. Fak had been able pull some strings with the new stoves, turns out he did have a guy. It left a little over five thousand left over.

"We could go to that place, if you want to. Go look and see if they have the glasses. Get a rough estimate of about how many we'd need." Carmen offered, his hand cupping your thigh gently, thumb rubbing over your leg in soothing circles.

"As long as Sydney or Nat does the numbers and not you." You snorted lightly, rolling your eyes at him.

He laughed, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, I'll get Sugar to run 'em, alright? Then we can go. Call it an early night."

You beamed at the idea, letting him slide in next to you, melting into your side. "That sounds good." You hummed, letting your head fall on his shoulder.

"I-I'm real sorry I didn't as you ." Carmen muttered. "That was shitty."

"Yeah." You sighed in agreement. "I just... I want to be included in things." You asked, looking up at him sweetly. "Not everything, but-but at least the things that apply to my area."

"I know." Carmen nodded, his hand catching your cheek softly. "I'll let you handle it next time, alright? I trust your opinion."

"You don't have to do that-"

"-No, you're right, I don't. But-But I want to." Carmen nodded. "I know you're lookin' out for the best in this place just like I am."

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alicedash2 · 4 months

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The "Terrible Killer" YN, who join the Straw hat crew

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

ah...YN was so terrible, so feared, she wandered the seas alone, no one knew YN's true identity, what did they know? only that she was a fearsome killer, she had killed a Tenryuubito when they tried to kidnap her when she was younger, she killed him and impaled the body of the man who abused her in the various areas, so her value for her head was enormous, she made chaos wherever she went, she didn't need much to do what the whole Navy could do...

but really, she's just a young lass who wanted some friends or to be part of some crew, she really didn't want to be alone anymore

on a certain island, she wandered, until she came close to an ordinary neighborhood restaurant, she saw a young 19-year-old boy wearing a straw hat, she knew who he was, she stepped inside, some people knew that nothing would happen if nothing was done to her, she sat next to and looked at the young boy desperately eating a plate of meat with rice and peas

-...- she look at him

the boy, whose name was Luffy, looked at her, he stared at her as he ate, they stared at each other

-....you...- Luffy started talking

they looked at each other again...

- you're the person there who killed a Tenryuubito, aren't you? the terrible killer...-

Luffy ate while talking, YN was a little uncomfortable, but ignored.

-....Yes...-

- hmmm...-

he would go back to eating, still looking at them, the people around would be kind of scared, trying to calm down and ignore

-...Luffy...?-

YN called him, he swallowed the food and paid attention

-...I know it's sudden...but, if I buy a plate of food for you, any plate you want, I posso...me gather your crew?- she said calmly, as much as she was fearsome, she had a genuine heart

- really?! Deal!-

Luffy smiled, It warmed YN's heart a little

"so easy..."-YN thought, a little surprised, so Luffy chose the dish, after Luffy ate, YN still paid for the previous dishes Luffy had eaten, he would not miss

- you're so cool, YN! and they say you are worse than Doflamingo or Kaido himself!- Luffy said

- and-I'm not like that! YN blushed a little

- the world government and the Navy like to exaggerate! but good, so no one disturbs me! - YN smile slightly

- oooh...we're here!-

Luffy says, arriving at Sunny, where he is greeted by the other crewmen, Luffy climbs up first

- guys, I brought a new crew member!- Luffy smiles, YN coming right behind, when everyone looks at YN, they are shocked, Zoro draws his sheath from his sword ready to attack

- stay away from her, Luffy!-

Robin said, sweating with nervousness and fear

- why?!-

Luffy was shocked to see some of his friends ready to attack

- she's a killer! but she's not just any kind of killer! do you know the damage it can do?! it is equivalent to what the world government could do! stay away from her! - Nami said, almost motionless

-...what? but...- Luffy looked back, staring at YN who was looking at them with a deadly look, smiling

- m..but..-

Luffy was trying to find something to talk about, but YN just gave a silly giggle and tuned his voice a little, trying to appear harmless

- how silly they are! - YN said, gesturing with she's hand

- I'm not doing anything to you! as long as they don't do anything to me...- YN said sweetly

everyone let their guard down for an instant, Usopp was arriving, when he looked at YN, screamed and fainted

- Oh...I didn't want that to happen!-

YN said softly, yes, YN is extremely strong, with she's reward a little more than Luffy, but in fact, YN was sweeter than sugar and sticky than honey

- Why Is She here, Luffy?-

Robin asked, Luffy looked at her

- ...we made a deal, she bought me a plate of food and I let her join the gang! -

Luffy smiled, Nami slapped her own face with her hand

- you're an idiot...Luffy! - Nami advances on Luffy, slapping and pulling his hair, while Luffy apologizes and begs her to stop

a few minutes later, everyone was at the dining table in the kitchen, deciding whether YN should stay on the crew or not, even Sanji, was nervous and suspicious...

YN pouted, wanted to join the gang, everyone was quiet except Sanji, who was standing, smoking

- good... why did you decide to join the crew, YN? - Nami asked

- w-well...it's just that I don't have a crew, and...everyone who ever tried to get in, always ran away, I tried to create my own gang, but I could not... - YN said kind of nervous, shy too

- and why just ours? - Nami specified

- I just happened to meet Luffy, so I took advantage of it... -

- ...I don't think it's safe...- Nami said, until YN took a small wooden box and opened it, revealing jewels and diamonds

- please, miss Nami! I need a crew! - YN said with a whiny tone

- AAAH! yeah, you can stay, you're younger than Luffy, right? my little sister...- Nami hugged her and blushed

Zoro sighed, knowing that he now has a new member

- I'm not what they say, it's serious! yes, I have done many things, but it has never been for evil! - YN said, she was just an 18-year-old girl who wanted some friends

- SUPEEER all right, welcome to the crew!- Franky said, smiling as Brook approached

- excuse me, miss YN, will you...can I see your panties?-- Nami kicked him away

little by little they accepted YN the crew, some were suspicious, especially Robin

-there's no point in just giving jewelry, I still don't agree,- Robin said softly.

- but you did the same thing! - Usopp said

- trust me, miss Robin! YN supplicava

Robin sighed, accepting, YN blushed and smiled, finally in a crew

YN's presence was very helpful in scaring and intimidating other pirates and sailors, YN is also playful, liked to entertain Luffy and others, always gifting Nami with jewelry and gold, giving sake to Zoro, and hanging out with Robin behind unread books,

- YN!- Luffya was knocking on YN's bedroom door

- YN! he'd shout, YN open the door

- Luffy, what is it? - She asked

- let's play! it's raining and there's nothing to do - Luffy said

"go play with Usopp or Chopper," she'd say.

- they don't want to, and I've already tried with Franky, he doesn't want to either-Luffy said, he without hesitation, walked into YN's room, they both sat on the bed

- Oh... - YN sighed

- ooh, you have a different way to decorate your room! - Luffy said, YN just ignored him

- Hey...- Luffy called her, getting her attention

- yeah?-

- ...why do they think you're so bad? like...you're cool! "I don't know why almost everyone runs away from you." - Luffy

- Oh...good.... YN hesitava

- when I was younger...a few years ago, I was captured by a Tenryuubito...-

YN said, Luffy listened intently

- e...I was tortured in various ways...but I managed to escape, but I had to do something drastic...-

-what did you do?-

- ...I killed...I killed a Tenryuubito...and I impaled his body so it was a warning...but...anyway...after that, I escaped on some random pirate ship, I don't remember...but, I began to wander the seas alone, I destroyed a few islands here and there...I did other things too...but anyway...because of this, I was alone for a few years until I found you, all the things I did was out of pure defense, I never wanted to hurt anyone, I just wanted to defend myself...but the government made me a murderer, so everyone ran away or tried to kill me...- YN said, Luffy had a serious expression

reminds me a little of Robin...Nami too...- Luffy said softly, he smiles sweetly, warming YN's heart again

- but, me and the staff know that you are a good person! you have proven that you really are not someone bad! - Luffys said, making YN blush

- I'm happy...didn't want to focus alone anymore-YN smile back

- but, I have many stories to tell, some funny and even scary -

YN was up

- if I'm so bored, I can tell you! - YN said with the same determined smile

- oooh! yeah! - Luffy gets up, they both walk to the dining table, where Alice tells more about her story and adventures

°•°•°•°•°♪°•°•°°•°°••°•°•°•°•°•°•°

#one piece #one piece x reader #straw hat luffy #monkey d. luffy #one piece luffy #mugiwara no luffy #luffy fluff #luffy #robin one piece #op nami #one piece nami #nami #nico robin

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ciaonicole85 · 15 days

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Chapter 2: Getting to Know You

I recently wrote a post-season 2 story about Carmy helping with Sydney's apartment search. I wanted to back track a little to get into his head space just after the Friends and Family almost disaster, but prior to the apartment hunt, during which he is hopelessly crushing on Sydney. Mostly, it's backstory and gives more context to why Carmen is who he is :)

When Carmy stumbled frozen and broken out of the walk-in the night of Friends and Family, Sydney was waiting for him. However, something in his eyes made her reconsider whatever she had been planning to say. She pointed him to sit on floor against a stove she had turned on and made him hot tea. Wordlessly she sat on the floor next to him until he finished. When he tried to speak, nothing came out. His icy mottled fist began to circle his chest, but Sydney closed her hand over his.

"We'll start over again tomorrow."

Weeks later Carmen asked her why she hadn't quit that night. She said "Your face…it looked like mine did when I lost Sheridan."

In return she had asked him what happened with Claire and if it had been her fault.

"No. She thought she knew me, but she didn't and honestly, we didn't have anything in common."

The more Carm thought about Claire the sorrier he felt about how he'd behaved and the less he regretted the break-up. Claire was his high school dream girl. She was always kind to him, despite being able to mingle in nearly every clique at school. She was as comfortable with the student government club, as she was with the skaters. Everyone liked her and for no apparent reason she frequently stopped at his locker to ask if he had gum or invite him to study. So he always kept a pack of gum for her, but was too shy to join her study group. Once she and two of her friends ambushed him after school and convinced him to come to a party the night prior to graduation. He decided he might as well not end his high school career without ever having gone to one. The party was held in woods behind one of the football player's homes. There was a bonfire, cheap beer, too few cups, and couples making out or swaying to "Die in Your Arms".

Claire found a clean Solo cup and they shared a drink as she gazed into his eyes.

"I love this song"

"Yeah…it's popular".

Natalie had been playing Justin Bieber non-stop for the last few years and Carm was almost willing to give up all music if he never had to listen to him sing another note.

He didn't remember the rest of the conversation, but at some point Claire kissed him. 12 years later when they began dating she brought up the night of the party and how he looked so surprised and blushed.

"You were so cute. I bet it was your first kiss!"

"No, but almost" he said a little taken aback. As pleased as he was that Claire was interested, he felt like her project. Something about their relationship reminded him of a cheesy 80's teen movie. Too sweet. Not enough acid.

He could have saved them both a lot of trouble if he'd not given her any number, much less a fake one. But it was Claire, the brilliant, fearless, beautiful girl he'd used to sketch over and over again and she wanted HIM. He liked her so much back then. She went off to Michigan State and he began peeling mushrooms at a restaurant eventually becoming Carmen Berzatto "the most excellent CDC at the most excellent restaurant in the entire United States of America."

But before Claire, in 7th grade summer school, there was Kyla Branson. Carmy needed to take 7th grade math again before they'd pass him to 8th grade and Kyla was a transfer student. She had just finished 6th grade, and was taking 7th grade math and English early, because she was a pianist. A whole freakin' prodigy that would be touring with Eric Clapton later that fall. The math teacher had told the class, much to Kyla's obvious discomfort.

On the third day the class split into pairs to do an assignment and Carmy and Kyla were paired. He could barely look at her. Kyla had thick curly eyelashes which framed her large black brown eyes, her hair was usually brushed up into a soft coily bun like a ballerina, she wore small white diamond earrings in her shockingly small ears, and she had an heart-breakingly cute overbite that showed whenever she smiled. Carmy was gone over this little black girl. She was very shy too, but an overachiever so she persevered in making him talk enough to get the work done.

Once she saw his sketches on the back of his notebook and said he was artist. Using his best charcoal pencils he drew a portrait of her in the privacy of the attic at home. On the last day of summer school he gave it to her when class dismissed and dashed out of the room, his face redder than Heinz ketchup. Kyla caught up with him outside and grabbed his hand leading him out of the view of the car pick-up line.

"Thank you Carmen. I think you're beautiful too" Kyla whispered and kissed him full on the mouth. For three seconds. Then she ran back to the car pick up line, got into her parent's car and Carmen never saw her again.

Once he thought he saw her. The eyes and overbite were startling familiar, but the name was different. It was the day that Sydney Adamu walked into The Beef. It was the day that someone saw who he really was again.

#the bear #sydcarmy #sydney adamu #sydney x carmy #carmy the bear #carmen berzatto #carmy x sydney #carmy berzatto #syd adamu #fan fiction #fan fic

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aerkame · 10 months

Note

Hi this is the person who had a lot of finfolk Howdy feelings. This turned into a wall of text so i completely understand if you decide not to post it

So this might be a bit of a ramble, and I don’t know much about finfolk lore. So I apologize if something doesn’t line up with the original lore, or I accidentally say something that conflicts with something you’ve previously mentioned.

Im imagining that Reader is a puppet from the port town on the mainland—the one that the neighbors commonly visit.

The mortal most likely meets Howdy for the first time during one of his trips to his restaurant. They had taken to going there on their lunch break and soon become a regular. Howdy is probably going by an alias and has shifted into another, smaller form (by his standards. he still towers over Reader) Still, he's outgoing by nature, and strikes up a conversation with the mortal.

They both find that they enjoy each other's company. Sometimes they can't talk for too long (the restaurant is busy. the mortal's work keeps them late. Howdy leaves for Home) but when they do meet, they find that time flies by.

Reader does take note of how he (very stylishly) keeps his arms and hands covered and how he's averse to touch. They assume it's a sensory thing.

Eventually, Reader opens up about their plans for their future. Specifically about their wanderlust. They talk about all the places they want to travel to-- major coastal cities, island nations-- places that, if they went, he could follow.

But, during another visit, Reader expands their list - backpacking through the country, hiking in the mountains, riding camels in the desert. And Howdy finds himself feeling very... possessive.

The more Howdy speaks to Reader, the more Reader opens up, and with that they begin to vent. They start to talk about an annoying thing their friend did, workplace drama, family gossip...

(this can be interpreted in two ways.

Either Howdy hears these minor annoyances and gossip, and builds them up into signs of a dangerous situation. Further justifying his possessiveness over Reader.

OR Reader really isn't in a good place on the mainland, but they just brush off any abuse like it's nbd. Meaning they're also not likely to catch onto any red flags Someone Else might be raising)

Whenever Howdy returns Home he gives updates on news from the mainland. That news can span from anything from major world events, any possible treats to them and Home, to simple gossip.

The neighbors start to notice Reader coming up often in these little updates. He mentions them more and more with each visit. And eventually the neighbors' eyes start to drift towards Wally.

Howdy was starting to sound like Eddie after he met Frank.

Maybe it was time to have a chat with Home...

Wonderlust is my new favorite word, next to sublime. Also I wanted to write only the aftermath of the neighbors asking Home for permission because I am already writing an x Howdy and I don't want to ruin that sweet sweet angst/romance. >.>

TW: Mentions plans of kidnapping and drugging, anything in Finfolk nature is a TW really.

It was no secret to everyone at this point that Howdy had eyes for you. The only problem was that you lived on the mainland and you were making plans to leave soon. Sure, it would be easy to just track you down again, but it would be better to have things done more quickly to attract less attention on things. It's hard having to keep track of witnesses and making mind-altering potions. Plus, they hate having to go through all the effort of pretending to be police or other government officials.

The rest of the neighbors seemed fine with you in all honestly. Having met you in person themselves in one form or another, they think you'd be a fine addition to their little island. All they needed was the approval of Home.

But of course, it wasn't difficult at all to get Home's approval. He already knew this entire time having watched you from his crystal baptismal font as the water kept rippling from place to place looking for your location. He's sure your adventurous nature would love what the peninsula and it's waters had to offer. They had surrounding reefs, caverns filled with crystals, and many more smaller islands nearby, all full of colorful creatures that don't exist on the mainland or anywhere else.

Now it was just a matter of getting you back home that needed to be taken care of. One of the neighbors could simply kidnap you in the dead of night, but you having a late-night job made things complicated. Either Howdy would need to invite you somewhere isolated where no one would be to do this or they would have to play things out slowly and wait for an opportunity.

No one wanted to wait however, from what things sounded like, things weren't exactly safe back at your own home and it seemed to be getting worse over time.

So, Howdy returned back onto the mainland with Sally and Frank.

Frank did his usual routine of shifting into a new person and taking on the persona of a police officer (Who would of thought he made for a pretty good cop huh?) and Sally went in with the disguise of a sweet florist that worked just down the street from where you lived. No one would even bat an eye at what took place here.

Howdy or Sally may or may not have had involvement in the death of the person that hurt you…oh well, it's not like anyone would remember that guy anyways! Literally. Not even you would remember.

Howdy was the only one to go in without a disguise, or at least staying in the form you knew him as. He had invited you to his restaurant as a treat, as a date really. You happily accepted.

It was so nice, so peaceful, and you were so easily tricked.

All it took was just a single touch to your hand and everything started to feel numb as your body gave out under you. With bare hands, Howdy carried you to the back of the restaurant to make a B-line for the back door. Not a single customer batted an eye, and not one employee or waitress gave the scene a second thought.

You awoke to bright rays of sunlight on your face. Sitting up, you found yourself in what had to be the softest and largest bed you've ever been in. Everything still felt so...tingly? Numb? What happened?

"Ah, I'm so glad you're awake minnow!"

I wanted to mention that the waitresses and employees at Howdy's seafood restaurant are cute remora dogs and shark dogs. Most of the customers tend to be sea-dwelling creatures like sirens, mermaids, etc.

#welcome home #welcome home finfolk au #welcome home howdy pillar #howdy pillar #welcome home howdy pillar x reader #howdy pillar x reader #x reader #finfolk #au

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starlightlacrimosazpsff · 9 months

Text

♧ 𝓑𝓮𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓪 𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓽𝔂 𝓜𝓪𝓼𝓴 ♧

CO-WRITTEN WITH: @heiayen EVENT HOSTED BY: @soleillunne

SYNOPSIS:

Being a spy has its own set of challenges. Being a spy for a vigilante group, in a nation ruled by corrupt officials that dare to usurp the rightful authority of governance, is at an entirely different level of difficulty. You decided to accept the job of spying on a pretty boy from Inazuma, suspected to be a threat for being an accomplice with a dangerous diplomat from Snezhnaya whom was also an exile from your own nation. Due to your own hubris, you may have just earned a new archnemesis.

ENTRY TYPE: Event Submission, GN!Reader

WARNING(S): fight scene with a bit of blood, descriptive violence, degrading language, etc...

CHARACTER: Scaramouche

•

Curse the gods and curse the heavens, this was the last time you signed yourself up for a bigger job! A political affair, maybe something bigger—Inazuma’s most important politician’s son is possibly colluding with one of Snezhnaya’s worst politicians. No one knew why and to make it worse, there was quite the chance whatever they were planning was in one way or another related to the very nation you lived in for years now: Sumeru. Frankly, it was a mess...

…and somehow, you managed to put yourself in the middle of it.

Everyone got concerned when Alhaitham first brought the news to light because no one knew what it would mean for Sumeru. The rulers here were not to be trusted, willing to do gods know what for their own gain. That was also why this group got created, to stand against them and fight for what was right. You offered to spy on him and, yes, you were greeted with objections from Nilou and Cyno— both claiming it would be too dangerous for you. However, in the end, you got the green light.

—and, oh, how bad of an idea it was.

Scaramouche had perfected the act of a corrupt politician's innocent son who did no wrong, and could not be judged by his mother’s crimes when he has proven to be different. He was polite to others, always with a gentle expression on his face. When you first started the job, you could not even believe that this man could possibly be planning something terrible.

Most importantly, he was really pretty.

You knew it should not matter to you, no; but you seriously could not believe someone with a face like his could be a bad person. Then again, they do say not to trust a pretty face.

Ignoring your inner crisis, the job was not that bad at first. Yes, it was pricey because Scaramouche was often a guest of expensive places; and you therefore got the chance to eat expensive food, drinks and just enjoy the life of luxury. It was not with your money either, because all of that was covered under mission expenses by Alhaitham. He did scold you to not order dishes that are too expensive, or you will be the one paying for them. You listened because you knew he absolutely meant it. Still, it was great to enjoy the life of the rich for once. Obviously, it was not all that pretty every time; and sometimes, you would just spend hours walking around with your camera while trying to spot Scaramouche and see what he was doing or if he was talking with anyone.

It was fun, until it was not.

The serenity that surrounded him, combined with the gentleness of everything he did was driving you mad. You were having a hard time genuinely believing that he was behind any kind of political affairs. He literally was so polite to an older waiter in a restaurant! You sat in your chair, staring in shock until another waiter placed food on your table.

There was just no way.

🦋

There was a way, actually.

It was sunny that day when you were simply sitting and observing him again. Nice weather, nothing was happening. You could have just spent this day at home, chilling; but alas, you still had a man to spy on. You could not rest until you were 100% sure that nothing threatened Sumeru, especially when two influential individuals from different nations are suspected to be behind said threat. Fortunately, it seemed that the heavens finally listened to you and you got a lead.

As you sat in a spot high enough to avoid being noticed, you suddenly noticed Scaramouche grab his phone. You wasted no time turning on your camera and zooming in to clearly capture his face.

It…was new.

That usually calm expression of his dropped and got replaced by a scowl. It was a new expression of his, one that you have not seen at all, so you watched him closely with blatant curiosity. Whoever he was talking to, they have clearly angered him—judging by the furrow of his brows and his lips curved into a frown. He yelled too, you noticed; and despite being no lip-reader, you could swear the words he yelled out were insults and curses. Somehow, a part of you felt satisfaction watching the person you were observing for weeks lose their cool completely.

You fought a smirk creeping on your lips. You could not explain why.

You shook your head and brought your attention back to him. The call went on for a few minutes before he ended it with a spat of insults, or so you guessed.

While you had no idea what he was talking about on the phone or if it was in any way related to your current mission, it was still a move.

Guess you should update Alhaitham about it…

🦋

The heavens were on your side for once. When you returned, you handed the recording to Alhaitham. Some time afterwards, you received the transcript of Scaramouche’s conversation. Some of the words were missing since he just was not able to lip-read them, but you were grateful for his work either way. You were even more grateful for the news that came with the transcript.

Scaramouche was, indeed, talking with the very person you and your team suspected: Il Dottore. In Snezhnaya, he was known for his questionable morals, to say the least...and work ethics. There was a saying that if anything was going wrong, it was probably his fault. He studied at Sumeru’s academy but was ultimately expelled and banned from the nation.

For the sake of your sanity, you did not ask why.

However, all this gave you a clear image of upcoming troubles if you did not act in time. You did not know the details yet, but knowing that someone as unpredictable as Il Dottore was related to the case—

You blinked. This was no good.

You looked back at the transcript.

According to it, Scaramouche and Dottore were meant to meet soon at some party for rich people which was actually great for you. You could spy on both suspects at the same time, after all. You knew it would be hard, but even the tiniest chance of getting any more information was worth the risk that came with it. Who knows? Maybe Scaramouche would yell some important details in some fit of anger, and you would overhear it…

That would be the ideal scenario, but not likely to happen.

You liked to dream sometimes.

Also, yes, you were right about the fact he was yelling curses...and insults. Plenty of them even, to the point where Alhaitham—according to the small note he left—just refused to write them down. You laughed to yourself upon reading said note.

Somehow, you could not help but feel… excited at the thought of meeting him.

It was weird. You could not give it a name, but you somehow became too intrigued and personally fascinated with him for your own good. You wanted to meet him, talk to him, and see the carefully crafted mask of politeness with your own eyes. You wanted to see it slip, see a part of the real him come out.

The ugly side that he tried so hard to hide from everyone.

Be the reason the mask slipped.

…gods. Maybe it was your sign to rest for the day. With even more questions and even fewer answers, you got up from the desk and started packing up your things.

The party was this week, after all. You should start preparing.

🦋

Dining in expensive restaurants was one thing.

Attending expensive parties full of important people was another.

Getting an invite for yourself would be hard, given how—well, you were not that important in society. Alhaitham was, on the other hand, so you simply went as his plus one. It was honestly not a bad thing since, thanks to it, you had someone to call for help in case anything went down.

You hoped nothing would.

The first part of your plan was—

“Oh! Are you alright?” A voice asked. You blinked and looked at just who exactly you bumped.

You blinked again. Oh.

You only ever saw him in pictures and from a distance, so only now you realized how…genuinely pretty he looks. He is so beautiful that he could pass as a vintage doll, very pretty.

Too pretty for a human, you would dare to say.

“Yes, yes...! I’m sorry for bumping into you.” You said, smiling.

Scaramouche smiled back, although something was off about it.

“Are you here alone?”

“Oh no, no…!” You shook your head, “I’m with my friend.”

You wondered how many questions he could ask and how many answers you could give him before it would get suspicious. You try to subdue your body language to absolute neutrality to cover your tells.

“Where is your friend?”

“He’s…” You looked around. Truth be told, you actually had no idea where Alhaitham was, “...somewhere?”

“What a friend he is, to leave you alone at a party.” He clicked his tongue and shook his head, “Mind if I keep you company?”

Oh, no.

“There’s no need.” You waved your hand, “You must be busy yourself, I don’t want to waste your time.”

You did not want to risk anything by spending even more time around him. Your plan was simple: it was to bump into him, stick the little microphone to his clothes, and happily listen to his conversation with the Snezhnayan politician. Once that was done, you deactivate the bug so it does not get traced back and you can go back to headquarters in Sumeru with Alhaitham discreetly.

You did the first part and managed to stick the microphone to the inner edge of his suit. Now, you planned on leaving as fast as possible; but alas, that did not happen.

“I insist.” He smiled wider.

A shiver ran down your spine.

You did not understand why he would insist on staying with you. From all the time you spent watching him, he did not seem like someone so willing to accompany a stranger for no reason. Even when he was wearing his gentleman mask, he would always avoid prolonged idle chats and act reserved in the background.

There was no way he somehow found you out, right?

“Well...?” He tilted his head, the curve of his lips dropping just a tad.

“If you insist.” You forced a smile.

His own grew back into a beaming grin.

You had a terrible feeling about it, but still let him lead you deeper inside his web.

“What’s your name?” He asked, and you gave him the first fake name you could think. You were not worried about him somehow calling your bluff. After all, how in the world would he find out?

You just hoped he would not ask about Alhaitham.

He hummed with a nod. “Your friend is…?”

“He’s a businessman!” You blurted out. Good gods, it was as if he read your thoughts and decided to make things harder! “He didn’t have anyone as his plus one, so asked me to come.”

“A businessman, you say?” He raised his eyebrows and you nodded.

“He’s a very busy man, so that’s probably why he left me alone here.” You figured that maybe rambling for long enough would buy you time to find a way of leaving, “He took over his parents’ company at a very young age and did very well, so obviously a lot of people admired him—huh?”

You turned your head at him when you heard him laugh under his nose. What was his problem?

“Do you always talk a stranger’s ears off?” Scaramouche questioned, a glint of amusement in his eyes.

“Well, I guess you’re special?” You shrugged; and before he could reply, you spoke again, “If you mind it, then maybe you should talk now? About yourself, maybe...?”

He looked at you and, somehow, you felt cornered by him in a room full of people.

“About myself...?” He chuckled lowly and leaned toward you, “Don’t you know it all already? Or maybe you’re not as good of a spy as you claim to be?”

You froze, stiffening from head to toe at his statement.

You were busted.

Scaramouche gracefully swiped a flute of champagne from a passing waiter. He keeps his eyes on you, the majestic midnight blue darkening into a burgundy shade. This is a glimpse into the true self you have been wanting to see, yet it sent chilling thrills throughout your body. To witness the seamless change between his hollow kindness to ominous threat, it almost made you flush with shame as a spy when you compared how his facade is legitimately smoother than yours.

“You sure hold a lot of confidence to spy on me,” he chuckled derisively, “yet you can’t even lie properly to save your life. Just from your rambling, I can tell you must have good backing. The downside is your supposed friend must be fairly recognizable. If you out him as your accomplice, your entire operation could fall.”

He took a sip from his glass, elegance blending perfectly with shrewd composure.

"The only smart thing here," he hums as he swirls the liquid, "is that plus-ones are not officially enlisted on the invitations. That means you get to hide your name from me, just a little while longer. That also means your friend gets to keep his dirty secret of being involved in these clandestine operations."

It was very impressive how he managed to deduce all that from one conversation with you. The sheer audacity that he was even laying it all out in the open for you showed how it barely made a difference to him. You have a lot to learn as a spy, it seems. This experience and encounter have just humbled you.

Scaramouche is quite a monster.

You shudder to imagine what it would be like to deal with Dottore.

“So, tell me.” He almost purred, “What’s your objective here, little mouse?”

You gaped incredulously, “Little mouse…?!”

Scaramouche blinked a few times, mocking a surprised expression.

“Oh, I’m sorry!” He teases haughtily, “I was trying to be nice but perhaps you prefer a more accurate nickname. How about a little fly? You sure love acting like one with how you kept hovering for the past few weeks just to get some dirt on me.”

You gritted your teeth as you glare at him, utterly humiliated and infuriated. He casually observes you from head to toe as he drinks the rest of his champagne. As he does, his other hand busied itself in dismantling the bug you implanted on him. With a smirk, he presents it to your face. He leans forward as if to intimately impart a secret.

“Not good at hiding your emotions either…” he notes tauntingly, “Am I your first job, little fly? Quite audacious of you, I must say.”

Your target sneers as he casually crushes the gadget in his fist, displaying an uncanny strength despite his delicate appearance. He drops it and stomps on the object for good measure, whispering to you. For the first time, you realize how dangerous Scaramouche could really be and how arrogant you have been by taking this job.

“You ain’t slick.” He laughs sharply, “How about I show you how it’s done?”

At that moment, he releases just a tad bit of killing intent that makes you instinctively shove him away from you without any coherent control over yourself. The rest of his champagne spills on your clothes, and he gasps—now playing the perfect gentleman again. He sets aside the glass on a nearby table, producing his handkerchief to wipe the stain on your arm and patting your torso lightly.

“A thousand apologies…!” Scaramouche said gently, “I didn't mean to startle you. It’s most fortunate the champagne did not spill too much on you.”

He then smiled so chivalrously that it made you blush. This man has a rotten personality yet his mask is flawless, especially with that pretty face! You know it is fake, a point being proven regarding how much he looks down on your own skills. In fact, because of this play, he has everyone’s attention now. He started the scene, and so he gets to control it—cornering you mercilessly.

“Go ahead.” His eyes seem to goad you, “Call for help from your friend. Let me see who else is behind your operations as I make you fall apart.”

To your credit, you managed to do the exact opposite. You were sure Alhaitham is also holding himself back from approaching for the same reasons. If you were going down, he cannot possibly reveal himself to Scaramouche and Dottore. It was all too clear you made too many mistakes when it came to spying on Scaramouche. The realization hurts your pride, but you have nobody else to blame but yourself. Thus, you did not resist as he touched your arm—deceptively tender as you feel his nails dig as a warning.

“Allow me to escort you to get cleaned.” Scaramouche offers gallantly.

It was not a request. Either you go with him, or he finds a way to hunt you down later.

You complied peacefully.

However, as soon as you are both out of sight and earshot, you will fight back. It was a shame you would have to bruise that pretty face, but the bastard deserves the hit.

He will pay for underestimating you.

🦋

Scaramouche saw your resistance coming.

In the dark of night away from the party, you turned your arm in such a way he was forced to bend his hold. With his balance off, you aimed your free fist towards his face but he dodged effortlessly—that pretty smile still on his face. Burgundy eyes gleam under the moonlight, as if pleased to see your spirit.

It was ironic how you had wished to be the reason Scaramouche’s mask falls off.

However, he was the one doing it to you.

That knowledge serves to piss you off even more as you lunge forward. Hit after hit, he dodges skillfully with the reflexes and agility of a graceful feline. At one point, he boredly taps your wrist away to misdirect your fist and proceeds to use your momentum against you by aiming his knee against your stomach. In a last minute maneuver, your body twirls in a way that would have made Nilou proud. As you fall, one of your hands plants on the ground to help you spin a kick towards his face. He raises his arms to block to which you swiftly flip away to gain some distance.

“Not bad,” Scaramouche smirks appraisingly, “it seems you’re not so hopeless after all.”

He flicks his wrists, showing that the power of your kick did not leave him unfazed. However, you paled a bit when he ended up producing a butterfly knife. Frankly, the tricks he displayed with it impresses you; but you quickly covered it up with a dark glower.

“Don’t pout, little fly~!” He coos in a sickeningly sweet tone, “If you’re dirty enough to intrude on my privacy, I’m dirty enough to use weapons on an unarmed person.”

You huffed, “You seem to put a lot of effort on someone you deem as an insignificant insect.”

He scoffs back at you, “Don’t flatter yourself. I just want to see you bleed for causing this much trouble for me.”

“If you kill me here,” you bluff, “you won’t have a way to cover it up.”

Scaramouche pauses before manic glee flashes in his eyes. He snorts before erupting into full chortles. His cheeks flush pink in genuine hilarity, lips spread wide open with laughter. It made him appear innocent, a young man who was having the time of his life. Alas, the context is darker than that for you. It shows from the glint reflected in those malicious amethysts that glare back at you.

“Why,” he chirps boyishly, “are you scared, little fly?”

He scowls bitterly, “You really think you’d be the first murder victim I’ve cleaned up in these sorts of gatherings. I have plenty of experience, and I know how to handle your type while making it look like an accident...or just have you go missing entirely.”

The blade in his hand glints menacingly as he points it at you.

Then, he attacks.

You sucked a breath through your teeth, flinching to instinctively dodge the stab he aimed at your eye. He is very fast! He is lightning fast, and fluid too. He was not just stabbing or mindlessly swinging. Every movement is precise and nimble, like an assassin who has eliminated all sorts of targets. For every swipe and thrust, he makes use of his entire body and especially his flexible wrist which flicks to aim at the slightest weakspot he sees within a blink. At one point, you manage to kick him back and his moment of shocked astonishment made your chest swell with pride. However, your smug grin immediately falters when he dashes at you while changing hands for his blade and vanishes in a split second—

—only to reappear behind you to hold your entire body in a chokehold, pointing the blade straight to your jugular. It applied enough pressure to cut, making you wince as your skin bled. His lips almost seductively graze your ear, chuckling softly.

“Give up, mousey.” Scaramouche murmurs.

You grunted, “Never.”

“Fine. Then perish.”

On cue, a smoke bomb drops by yours and Scaramouche’s feet. You did not hesitate to elbow him in the gut when his hold loosened in alarm and distraction. You then made a swift escape and barely dodged the blade that blindly flew past your cheek. It embeds onto the cobblestone pathway with a metallic clang. At the same time, your keen hearing detects the sound of a familiar bird call that can only come from the ever quick-witted Alhaitham. With a relieved sigh, you follow the sound into the darkness.

You need a drink as soon as you get back to headquarters.

🦋

Scaramouche silently stood alone in the garden.

He was leaning against a pillar, one hand in his pocket. He then holds up a vial of your blood to the moon, having collected it from the blade that nicked your cheek and neck. It was a meager sample but more than enough for Dottore to know everything about you once Scaramouche hands it over to him. The thought left a bitter taste of disdain in his mouth, but this is not his expertise and he wants results.

He wants to see you again.

Clacking footsteps made his ears twitch but he did not move from observing the crimson elixir as it glowed beneath the moonlit gaze.

“They got away.” Scaramouche informs the stranger coldly.

“Really now?” Dottore laughs humorlessly, “You’ve gotten soft.”

“Shut the fuck up!” The younger male hissed, “Let them and whatever company they keep have this false sense of security. It would be more advantageous for us anyway.”

He shoves the vial towards the unethical doctor, crossing his arms in haughty irritation. His dark burgundy eyes stared blankly at where he last saw you—held you in his arms, and felt shivers down his spine as you fought him with the ferocity of a wild beast.

“I know their type.” Scaramouche gruffly explains, “They would bite their own tongue rather than start talking. They make for a lousy spy based on their skills, but their attitude is stellar for the job.”

Dottore grins widely, “Ha! Careful there, Balladeer. You almost sound doting as you praise the vermin.”

Scaramouche gives him a murderous expression.

“Just get out of my sight!” He spat, “We’re done here.”

Unwilling to spend more time with his co-conspirator, Scaramouche makes himself scarce from the premises. One of his hands combs through his hair agitatedly before loosening his collar with a deep scowl. He can feel his arms bruising after the scuffle, making him laugh under his breath. You surely gave quite the fight even if he had no plans to really kill you tonight.

“Let the games begin, mousey.” He mumbled, “I do love a good chase.”

The Balladeer hopes you were better at running than spying.

It would be boring if he catches you too soon.

•☆••☆••☆•

82 notes · View notes

stellar-constellations · 8 months

Text

"I'll cheat death; it wouldn't be my first time."

GIF by kilruas

Carefree! Devil hunter! Fem! (Y/N) x Angel Devil

Reincarnation is mentioned.

(Y/N) is scared of spiders.

(Y/N) is intended to have romantic feelings, but the ending is vague, so you can choose how you interpret it!

(Y/N)'s devil contract is with the Dog Devil! It does not explain her sacrifice.

God is mentioned once or twice but (Y/N) isn't confirmed to be religious.

(Y/N) is said to be from America.

Manga spoilers!

Working in Public Safety's Division 4 isn't exactly the most favorable branch. The only reason I'm in it is because it's closest to my apartment. I, coincidentally, live in the same apartment complex as Aki, a coworker in the same branch of work as me.

The apartment complex is very chaotic and noisy considering there's two fiends living on the same floor. In the morning, you can hear Power yelling about breakfast and Denji arguing with her while Aki smokes on the balcony. In the meantime, I'm usually cooking a quick and lazy breakfast if I'm hungry (or trying to get extra shut eye since Power and Denji never seem to calm down, even when the whole complex is trying to sleep, but they've gotten better at being quieter).

The train ride is also very miserable for us and the passengers. Power doesn't quite understand the concept of trains, trying to break the window whilst Aki scolds at her not to. Denji is usually sitting next to Power yet is looking away, pretending to not know the crazed Blood Devil. I, too, am looking away from the scene, pretending not to know who these people are despite wearing the same uniform as them.

When we finally get to work, everyone finally calms down. We're assigned missions from Makima to track down the Gun Devil's scattered flesh (that we're more often than not sent all together).

I was with Aki, Himeno, and the two fiends when the Gun Devil's henchman attacked the Public Safety divisions; the only reason I'm still alive is I was in the bathroom during the attack. Almost all of the human agents died, excluding our special little team led by Aki. Somehow, we lived thanks to normal cotton jackets hiding our uniforms. Aki lived thanks to Denji taking the hit last second. If Denji was a second too late, Aki would be just like Hirokazu who I later found out died (rest in peace, I guess).

Kobeni survived. How she did, I'm not sure. I'm more shocked that she decided to stay in Public Safety, but I heard from Aki that she stayed because bonuses to the surviving agents would be handed out from Makima (I could use some of that money anyways).

But anyways, thanks to those jackets, we were able to survive having our brains become a morbid display on the small restaurants floors. Somehow, the gunmen exploded where they stood after Denji transformed to his devil form and fought the Katana Man that was in the restaurant. I later found out from Denji that Kobeni saved his ass from being kidnapped by Katana Man and that Snake Devil user, who we discovered her name was Akane Sawatari. She died, her Snake Devil killing her in a form of suicide, which Makima believes was immediately after she breached the contract she shared with the Gun Devil.

It took a couple days of me laying low before I met up with Makima. Makima congratulated m for surviving the attack, then immediately ordered me to meet up with Kishibe—apparently the best Devil Hunter out there—and his team to help defeat the Zombie Devil. I didn't need to be bribed of money or safety; I finally had something fun to do.

"It's like we're super agents! Working for the government to create world peace and defeat the enemy!" Denji cheered.

"That's cause we're doing exactly that." I stated.

"...Yeah, but there's like no car chase scenes or super slow motion walking away from an explosion." Denji spoke.

"That's just foolish human propaganda!" Power commented. "But I, too, wanna see the machines explode in black blood!"

"You just don't see the big picture." Denji groaned, his comment directed towards me.

We walked to the building where Makima told us to go to. Police cars were parked outside of the building along with a man—who looked like a depressed elder man and sounded even older—was talking with a squad of police officers. He had a jacket on, yet we could see the Public Safety tie.

If I was working for, like, 30 years of this job, I'd be pretty depressed and drained out too. I thought to myself, shoving my hands in my pocket and tapping my foot on the asphalt ground, impatiently waiting for the man to hurry up and explain to us what we're expected to see inside the building.

"Listen up, you included." The elder, Kishibe, spoke to all of us, pointing at me, then focused back at the officer.

Must've noticed the uniform...

"Special Division 4 is comprised almost entirely of non-humans."

Oh? We have other fiends than Power and Denji? I wasn't aware of that. Perhaps Makima wanted to keep the fiends away from the humans in case of "accidents". I guess all the fiends in the branch became so much that it was bound to have fiend-human teams working together eventually.

"If any of them get loose in the city, it'll mean worse casualties than the terrorists could've caused. I'm going to explain their unique characteristics because you need to be prepared to engage with them. Not the terrorists."

"There's the Shark Fiend. He can swim inside of any surface, including walls and floors. He can also transform into his devil form for brief periods of time."

That sounds kind of cool. Being able to swim in concrete and bricks. It's like phasing through a wall like some kind of ghost.

"The Violence Fiend. Normally, becoming a Fiend makes a devil weaker than they were, but even as a Fiend, this one's dangerous enough that we make the Violence Fiend wear a mask that dispenses poisonous gas. That masks stays on, no matter what."

The hell is the mask on for if it has poisonous gas? Is it supposed to make the Violence Fiend weaker or something? If that's the case, then what would be the problem if it's in there killing devils? It should have all the strength it needs, especially if it's on our side, but I suppose you can never be too trusting to a devil.

"The Spider Devil. Most of the time she assumes a human form. Humanoid devils tend to be friendly, but at the end of the day, they're still devils. They'll kill you for looking at them funny."

Aw, jeez. It better not be a huge spider. I'm scared of spiders. I'm probably one of the people who helped that devil become so strong by fearing it.

"The Angel Devil, bit of a special case: no enmity towards humans, but you'll wanna keep your distance. Physical contact means your lifespan gets drained away."

Angel? Like, the angels you see in movies with wings and halos? Or the biblically correct ones with horrifying appearances?

"Special Division 4 is fighting the Zombie Devil. You will be joining them—but be careful since if a human gets bitten, they turn into a zombie too." Kishibe explained.

"Like the Walking Dead." I commented.

Kishibe didn't look too pleased that I was a devil hunter in that moment. He sighed and took a flask from his pocket, taking a swig from it.

Well, that's definitely alcohol. He must drink bourbon since he looks like he's seen some shit.

I decided to get started with my mission as I walked into the place, finding the devils and fiends fighting zombies in the basement since I heard all the noise they were making.

A man was punching zombies with just his fists, literally knocking their blocks off. The guy had a gas mask on, so he must be the Violence Fiend.

I noticed Aki fighting the zombies with his katana, one I've actually never seen him use until now, so it's interesting to see him fight.

"Inu, tsk tsk!" I clicked my tongue.

A impossibly large black dog appeared from the ground, running around and biting the heads off zombies.

"Wow, big dog!" the Violence Fiend commented.

"Beam too!" a man with a shark fin on his head spoke. Suddenly, his whole head became a shark head with six eyes and insanely sharp teeth. So that's the Shark Fiend.

"Wow." I muttered, impressed to see the fiend in action.

"Oi! I didn't know you were contracted with the Dog Devil! Or any Devil for that matter." Denji shouted, pointing a finger at me as his other hand held a axe.

"I hate dogs! My Meowy is way cooler!" Power shouted loud and proud, causing a bark of protests from the Dog Devil.

"You never asked." I explained, watching as the ten-foot shadow dog ran around, crushing zombies under his feet as I avoided said zombies from where I was.

"Dogs are gross; their spit gets everywhere." A man with a halo and wings spoke as he carried a zombie head with a piece of its head bitten off.

The man had pretty reddish pink hair and dark red eyes. That's the Angel Devil; a fictional angel at that, not biblically accurate (thank god).

"I apologize that you have no taste." I spoke. "Would you like a handkerchief in case you cry or need to wipe slobber off of you?" I questioned.

"That'd be nice, actually. I do need one to wipe this blood off my shoes." The Angel Devil spoke.

I lowered my gaze at his shoes, seeing just a bit of blood. I raised my eyebrows, silently saying "really?" with my face, but I sighed and allowed him to walk over to me, handing him a handkerchief.

"I'm surprised you came this close, since I can shorten your life with a touch." He commented

"Trust me, you'd be doing me a favor..." I muttered, shrugging my shoulders before looking down to the cloth. "You can keep it. It's not like I'm using it anyways." I stated, avoiding eye contact as I forced myself to not converse with the Angel Devil any longer; he was making me feel weird.

The Angel Devil suddenly became interested in what was behind me, causing me to turn around.

BANG! BANG!

The devil's wing quickly concealed me from the shots as he muttered small "ows."

"I apologize, I wasn't looking for you to get hurt because of me." I questioned, seeing Aki take care of the gunman with a swift and powerful punch to the face that knocked the grown man to the ground unconscious.

I would not want to be on the receiving end of that.

"I'm fine." The Angel Devil answered, an eyebrow slightly raised as he looked at me a little confused.

"Thanks for protecting me, Angel. Thank you too, Aki." I spoke.

"Devil, take this one outside." Aki ordered.

"It wouldn't hurt to add a 'please' in that sentence." I commented.

"...Please." Aki hesitated, sighing as he raised an eyebrow at me, silently saying "is that better?"

I answered with a smile back.

"He gave me an order..." The Angel Devil seemed slightly dazed, talking to himself. "But I'll take that over fighting, I guess."

Guess he's a pacifist, just like an angel.

We both watched as he easily picked up the man and walked outside. Me and Aki made eye contact before looking away, continuing on with killing the zombies we saw.

I walked the Tokyo streets alone, having to since Makima wanted everyone in Division 4 to partake in the man-hunt with the Gun Devil. I didn't have to build my reputation to join in on the hunt, I've been here long enough, but for those who weren't really with the company for long—such as Aki and Kobeni—they have to kill more popular Devils in order to even enroll their name to the hunt.

I've been in Public Safety for almost eight years now, since I'm 23. I'm around the same age as Aki, the only difference is that I've been in Public Safety since I was 15.

Speaking of Aki, I can see him and the Angel Devil hanging out next to a soft-serve ice cream shop instead of working.

That's strange. I never thought I'd see the day Aki rebelling against Makima's words.

"I'm disappointed in you boys." I spoke, stopping behind Aki and clicking my tongue.

"Ah! (Y/N)!" Aki jumped, his face showing shock before it quickly morphed to his usual stoic expression.

"Makima would sure be disappointed." I commented.

"It's not like that. Makima paired me up with him, yet he just wants to sit around and eat ice cream." Aki sighed.

I looked at the Angel Devil, watching as he ate the clump of ice cream whole, minus the cone. My teeth hurt just looking at him pull off that accomplishment. I could never, since my teeth are sensitive to the cold.

Do devils not experience brain freezes?

"Why don't you just work while eating ice cream?" I questioned, looking over at the Angel Devil.

"No, he doesn't need anymore. He's already had three. Let's get to patrolling already." Aki sternly spoke.

"It's tiring to eat ice cream... Apparently even eating things takes stamina." Angel spoke.

Relatable.

"I also don't really want to work any more today." Angel stated calmly.

"There's going to be an expedition now that we know where the Gun Devil is. In order to take part in it, I need to build my reputation some more by taking out some big devils." Aki explained. "That's why I want to search for more devils. You're my buddy now, so help me out here."

Angel finished eating his cone and wiped his mouth with his hand.

"Hmmm...yeaaah." He dragged on, as if he was thinking. "How about I think about it after eating one more cone?"

"Get up. If I report you to the brass that you're unusable, you'll get killed like any other devil. Or would you rather die?" Aki demanded, placing his leg on the bench Angel was sitting on, trying to intimidate Angel.

I felt like I shouldn't get caught up in this, yet I stayed. I glared harshly at the back of Aki's head instead of verbally speaking up. There's no reason for me to get involved with their team drama, yet I'll express my argument with body language.

"Hmm... If it means having to work, then I guess dying is probably slightly better..." Angel spoke, his tone strict yet disinterested at the same time.

Relatable, again.

I bribed the Angel Devil off his feet, getting me and him both an ice cream cone (much to Aki's disappointment). I decided to tag along with Aki and Angel. It would suck for Aki to try and kill Angel. I also liked Angel's carefree and lazy attitude, it was a nice difference compared to dealing with stuck-up Aki all the time.

Aki fought what seemed to be the large Pig Devil in an alleyway. Me and Angel sat back and watched him kill the devil, out of breath when he finally slayed it.

"I've taken out the devil! Everyone please be careful not to touch its blood or flesh!" Aki declared loudly as bypassers stuck their noses into our job.

"Good work, Aki." I complimented. "You got done with that faster than I expected."

"Thanks..." Aki hesitantly responded to my passive-aggressive compliment as I smiled.

"Looks delicious." Angel spoke, crouching next to the dead remains. "Hey, Human. Come here for a minute." Angel demanded, pointing at Aki. "This guy seems like a private devil hunter. It looks like he was eaten by this devil, but his lower body is gone, so he's as good as dead."

I walked closer, seeing what Angel was talking about.

"Tsk." I clicked my tongue. "Well, that sucks..." I sighed, looking away from the gross scene.

"I- Ki- Ki-" I knew immediately what the man was trying to say, despite him not being able to spit it out, a sentence all humans say when they're in agonizing pain. "Kill me..." he finally requested after a couple tries.

"You can kill him painlessly with your power, can't you? Just let him go in peace." Aki passively-demanded.

"...Huh? Don't wanna." Angel spoke, disinterested with no remorse in his voice.

That's a little messed up. I thought. Well. I wouldn't really want to willing touch some covered in blood and devil spit too...

"I'm a devil before I'm an angel. I think humans should suffer as they die." Angel spoke, looking back at the dying man.

Cold, like his soft-serve. I thought to myself.

It makes sense though. Everyone always thinks of devil when they see him. It's how Aki speaks to him too. Being discriminated like that, it's no wonder why he'd want humans like us to die painfully. But if that's the case, then unless Makima forced him into the company, why is he working and conversing with humans on a daily basis? He also willing eats human food instead of humans or blood, and he shows some hate towards people to let the man experience something such as this when he has the power to do something about it.

Aki's stoic face was pissed, despite it seeming expressionless. He raised his sword high and stabbed the mans face. The man let out a broken "thank you" before dying.

"Yeah, I can't fake it. I just can't get along with you." Aki stated.

"That sounds like something you'd say." Angel commented.

We all walked away from the scene, Aki slightly pacing ahead. I looked over to Angel, observing his face and feeling my heart speed up.

Hm...

"For what it's worth, I like you." I spoke, watching as Angel looked at me, then stopped walking.

He observed my face blankly as I stopped and waited for him.

"...I don't care." He answered.

I shrugged my shoulders. "That's okay." I commented, then continued following Aki.

Aki killed more Devils as I occasionally made small talk with Angel, not that he responded back much unless it was to say a compliant or something that would piss off Aki. I felt a drop of water hit my head and I looked up, feeling another drop fall on my cheek.

"It's starting to rain." I acknowledged.

They both looked up and Aki spoke. "It looks like it'll be coming down hard too." He said, observing the clouds.

The civilians started to run indoors as we walked under a street roof, watching as the rain started to pick up.

Suddenly, Angel spoke up.

"Who do you think had it better? The Country Mouse, or the Town Mouse?"

"...What are they?" Aki hesitantly questioned.

"It's one of Aesop's Fables." Angel answered.

I knew the answer, remembering it from when I was in intermediate school, yet I listened and enjoyed the sound of Angel's voice as he explained it.

"The Country Mouse can live in peace, but can't enjoy the good food of the city. The City Mouse can have delicious food, but has to deal with the higher danger of getting killed by people or cats." Angel paused, a distant look on his face as he spoke up again. "I think the Country Mouse had it better... but I was caught by Makima and dragged into the city."

I looked up at Tokyo's bright and flashy lights, the skyscrapers all around us and compared it to the quiet countryside I lived in when I was in America. I wouldn't like the sudden change either.

So I was right. Makima dragged him here.

It's interesting how Angel could turn a childish fable into something he can relate and speak about. It's his own way of expressing what he remembers of his life.

"My heart is in the countryside though. I'm not interested in getting dragged into danger with a town sort of guy like you." Angel spoke. I knew he was talking about Aki, so I didn't feel no kind of offense.

"Um..." Aki muttered.

He decided not to go against it as he didn't say nothing more. I, however, wanted to enjoy the weeping of the rain.

It wasn't long before I ran into the Angel Devil once again, except this time he wasn't with Aki. The Angel Devil was hanging out at the same soft-serve ice cream truck I found him last time. I was off duty, and since Aki wasn't around Angel, I'm guessing Angel was off too, yet he still wore his uniform.

"Hey, Angel." I spoke, watching as he looked up from eating his ice cream.

"Oh, hey..." He seemingly paused as I stared, waiting for him.

"Did you forget my name?" I questioned as he looked down. "It's Y/N." I spoke, sitting down on the bench next to him.

He looked at me but didn't question it.

"Do you have a name other than the Angel Devil?" I questioned.

He paused, looking up and thinking.

"No...not that I remember." He spoke.

"Hm... I really like addressing you as Angel. I think it suits you." I spoke, then sighed. "Well, whenever you want to be called something else, just tell me. After all, you did say you're a devil before an angel. I don't want to accidentally offend you in any way." I spoke, leaning back on the bench and making myself comfy.

"It's not like my opinion matters anyways..." Angel muttered.

I sat up straight, glaring at him as he looked at me blankly.

"Don't be a Negative Nancy." I hissed through my teeth as I flicked his forehead. "Your opinion matters to me at least, so don't go walking around saying things like that, especially in front of me."

He looked at me, eyes wide like he saw a ghost as he stammered.

"Y-you touched me... You can't just do that!" Angel scolded.

"Yeah, yeah, I lost some minutes of life there. That's fine with me, it just shows how much I care for you and what lengths I'd go to show you I care." I waved my hand, pretending like I don't care.

I do care. Anyone would care that they're a step closer to dying. Humans run away from death and danger, it is a natural instinct for humans to abandon one another to help guarantee their chance of survival. However, devil hunters aren't exactly in touch with their human side all the way.

We sought out the strongest evils there were to sacrifice important things to us—whether it'd be an eye, an organ, your lifespan or your own sanity—just to get a measly portion of their inferior power. Devil hunters have found ways to not only bring peace, but preserve it by working with the enemy.

Dying sooner is just another flaw of being a devil hunter—nothing more, nothing less. It's that kind of thinking that makes regular civilians both admire and pity us. A saying that Himeno heard from Kishibe, then brought down to Aki, who eventually made it to telling Denji who told me: "Devils fear hunters with a few screws loose."

Well, those of us in Special Division 4, are pretty crazy, especially if we're sticking around merging Divisions 2 and 3 to Division 4, fighting alongside fiends and even full-on devils, we might just be as crazy as Power—we just express it in different ways.

So, I do care that I'm closer to dying. I do care, because I'm not satisfied with the amount of devils I've killed. I need to kill more devils. I still need to fall in love and have a family. I need to see whether I'd be a good or shitty person. I need to see if I'll find a new band I like. I need to cry at Himeno's funeral just like she requested. I need to pay my respects to Hirokazu for taking two bullets for the team. But in order to do all of that, I need to live.

"It's a pretty serious thing." Angel spoke. "Humans like you have short lifespans, so you should care."

"I never said I didn't care, did I?" I smiled, looking over at Angel who seemed confused and frustrated. "I do care. Something tells me I'll live a long life; I can't do that if I'm worrying about you though—you'll bring me to my early grave."

Angel looked down at his lap, watching as his fists clenched and unclenched, seemingly speechless but as well full of vibrant words and saying to scream and cry to me.

"I heard from a little blue Stellar's Jay that you don't fear death, in fact, you've been preparing to die for quite some time now." I spoke, looking up at the sky.

"It was Aki, wasn't it?" Angel sighed, his face slightly contorted to what seemed of anger and frustration.

"Perhaps." I smiled, letting out a soft hum to ease the mood slightly. "You remember when I said I liked you, right? I meant it. I enjoy your company. Because of that, I'm going to be selfish and not allow you to die. If, you somehow do die, I'll wait till the end of the world and longer until you come back to the Earth world."

"That'd probably be a long time; longer than you'd live." Angel stated.

"I'll cheat death; it wouldn't be my first time." I chuckled.

Angel paused, thinking, because letting out a soft hum of his own. "So...you're aware of how Hell works? I thought you're human?" Angel spoke, his tone questioning.

"I am. I do research on what I'm fighting—I'm not an idiot; therefore, I'm aware that you died in Hell once since you're now a devil, and because of that, if you somehow die here on Earth, you'll probably die in Hell again, and I'll find you. Sorry, Angel, but you're stuck with me." I smiled.

Angel went silent for some time, looking deeply in my eyes and thinking. "...You're one of the most complex humans I've met, and I've met Makima." He sighed, making it his mission to avoid eye contact with me.

I smiled, appreciating the compliment.

"Thanks. You want ice cream? I'm starting to crave it after sitting here next to the truck." I offered.

Angel hummed, showing his agreement.

Well, I got somewhere with him today.

Even after it's been years since everything went down. While many resigned from being devil hunters after what happened with everything: specifically, the crazy Bomb Devil hybrid chick that came from the Soviet Union—Reze, the international assassins, and even the Gun Devil, I decided to stay in the program since it's the most entertainment I get and there's still devils out there to kill.

Turns out me and many others were right about Makima being evil. She was the Control Devil, but she was murdered, then Denji—though stupidly yet smartly—ate her remains, effectively killing her and sending her down to Hell, where she was then killed in Hell and reincarnated as Nayuta, a small toddler that's in Denji's care since Kishibe ordered him to look after her since if she was taken to the government and raised by them once again, she'd just become Makima again.

I help Denji financially since he's a high school student that's being subtly-not-so-subtle at trying to disguise his devil persona, and since he resigned of being a devil hunter, is now a high school student which means he's not allowed to have a job, and he rips-off homeless people for money. He has no reliable source of income other than me and Yoshida (occasionally Kishibe, but that's when a miracle happens). I also help babysit Nayuta when he's at school purposely trying to blow his cover as Chainsaw Man (luckily, Yoshida saves the day every time that happens). The only reason I do it is to one: make sure Denji's doing well and the government's now after him, and two: Denji's a hopeless dumbass that needs help of taking care of a of a two-year-old(?).

It made me realize something. If Angel died to Makima on Earth, and if Makima died in Hell, then Angel must be somewhere in the Earth world since Makima's stronger than Angel, yet she died.

It's funny to think that my promise would actually be kept. I really did want to keep it, but it was almost impossible to keep a promise such as that, yet somehow, he made sure that I would fulfill it.

I was walking back to my apartment after leaving the grocery store. It was dark with the streetlights turning on so civilians could see what's around them, looking out for devils and such. I noticed that at one of the benches, a young boy was sitting down on a bench, a glowing yellow halo and white wings being able to be seen perfectly under the streetlight. He ate an ice cream cone peacefully and I could almost laugh at how much he looked and acted like him.

Anyone who saw the boy immediately turned around, running away from him. I walked towards him, sitting down right next to him as sighed.

"I can drain your lifespan with a touch." He blandly spoke, his voice was young, yet his words seemed aged and old.

"I'm aware." I smiled, then sighed, relaxed and relieved that he acts just like how he used to. "So, do you have a name? Or should I stick with calling you Angel?"

He finished eating his cone, then looked to me, confused. His eyes seem to widen as he looked at me, surprised.

"...You seem familiar." He said. "Have I met you before?"

"In another life, you have." I replied. "I'm surprised you kept our promise. You must've lied when you said you didn't care about me." I laughed as he looked at me with confusion. "So, do you have a place to go? Or are you living with someone?" I questioned, looking at his physical appearance.

He must've not been younger than five, his hair and face caked with dirt. He must be around six or seven, yet his dark red eyes were still just as expressive as when I last saw them. His hair was now long and black, his reincarnation being different than his last Earth-life's appearance.

He shook his head, looking out into the dark.

I hummed. "Wanna stay with me? I can give you a nice place to sleep and eat. I can enroll you in school so you'll have an education and a bright future." I suggested.

His eyes traveled back to mine. They were deep and broody as he thought it over

"...That sounds troublesome, but I suppose I could..." He muttered.

"Okay, Angel. Let's go home." I sighed in content as I stood up from the bench. He followed my lead, allowing me to guide him.

It might've been selfish, but I didn't want to bring up Public Safety. Being a devil hunter is what got him killed, and I'm not sure if I'd ever see him again if he got killed once more. Who knows what the future will hold? It's like those reincarnation books where the young reincarnation meets their old lover and dedicates their life to making sure their elder lover has the best time of their life as they could, before passing on (just I'm not in my eighties).

I'm not exactly sure what kind of relationship I'll have with this new Angel. Maybe I'll find myself to loving him like his past Earth-life. I'll protect him and love him as if he was my own lover, or I'll protect and love him like he was family—like his mother or like his older sister (like how Denji is with Nayuta). However, It doesn't really matter to me. All that matters is that I don't lose him again.

"Let's stop by at the next store we see. I need to get you a lot of stuff. And I need a pair of gloves." I spoke.

"...What do you need gloves for?" Angel questioned.

"So I can hold you hand. I don't need you getting lost in the crowd." I smiled.

It might've been a lie since I could easily spot him with his large white wings and glowing halo, but I wanted to make up of lost time. Besides, something a child needs in their life to not become a psycho or sociopath is to experience motherly love and care as they grow up, that way they can be functioning members of society and understand other emotions.

Angel blessed me with a soft smile and nodded his head.

"Okay."

Have any requests? Check my masterlist to see the characters I write for: Masterlist

#chainsaw man #angel devil #angel devil x reader #x y/n #csm #x reader #fem reader #x yn #x you #stellar constellations #csm spoilers #csm manga #csm anime #csm angel #chainsaw man angel devil #x female reader #x fem!reader #x female y/n

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mingiswow · 3 months

Text

Chapter 02

CW: mentions of anxiety, depression, and social anxiety, commentary on the industry, Hyunjin being a menace to Jisung, political commentary (?)

a/n: thank you so much for everyone who read the last chapter and for everyone's feedback. As always, taglist is open, feedback is appreciated, English is not my first language so sorry if there are any mistakes.

Y/N's POV

“A what?” I asked, unbelieving of my company’s director’s words, my voice cracking mid-sentence like a teenager.

After finishing my recording, me and Jiah went straight back to the company for the meeting with the director as scheduled. I was expecting anything but that.

“I know this is something new, but the government is studying to change a few things in the industry. And that includes things related to the idols’ image” the man said, unfazed by the idea.

Choi Hyunjae, the company’s director and founder, was a young man with a young mind. He founded the company as only a producing company. He wanted to create music with intent, with meaning. After a while, he decided to release a few artists under the company’s name, none of them in the K-pop industry. Not that they weren’t good, quite the opposite, it’s just that the industry wasn’t their goal, it never was. These artists, just like me and Hyunjae, wanted to put their art into the world while still being themselves.

Director Choi was the one who contacted me first, I was losing my hope of working in music back then, already getting a job at a local gimbap restaurant as a waitress. But one day he recognized me and asked if I wanted to work for him, just as a lyricist and producer. “If you don’t want to go back to stages that’s up to you, I just think is a shame the world to lose such an amazing writer as you, your lyrics are emotionally raw and I know a lot of people enjoy your music” was what he said to me back then, leaving me with a few days to think about and decide.

After signing the contract with his company, I worked for months writing and producing, but even though I loved doing that, I missed the chaos, the buzzing, the screams, the thrill of being on stage, the lights on you as you pour your heart out. So eventually I went back to doing my thing.

“But don’t you think a PR relationship is a step too big?” it was Jiah’s turn to speak, her voice calm, but I knew she was as lost as me. “Why this sudden change in the business model? This feels a little bit like a trap”.

“With the rising pressure of the US in the country and the recent break of the political and commercial alliance with China, the minister thinks is better to try to change a little bit” the man spoke again, his relaxed state showing he seemed rather stoked with the idea. “According to the minister, and I have to agree with the old man here, if they are going to keep focusing on the international market, they need to change the international view on our rules” he took a sip of his coffee, and leaned on his table, hands crossing. “The regular public already has a rather romanticized vision of our artists, but we need to prove we are like this, especially with the number of foreigners coming to the country”.

“But isn’t that even more unfair? These girls come here expecting something they won’t have” I spoke, that I was the worst part of my job, being part of this scheme, of this play-pretend. “And I get K-pop is dated and the fans are even more aware of the industry, but why not start with something simple like letting us be ourselves? And most importantly, why me?”

“Because you are our little chain-breaker, the odd one, and because the fuzz with Lee Ryuk gave them the perfect opportunity to test it out. That is, if you want to, I won’t force you to do anything” Director Choi smiled.

“Let’s say I accept the deal,” I said, my hands getting sweaty with anxiety once again that day, “what will I get with this?”

“Who will be her boyfriend?” that was a very good question. Who would accept this suicide mission?

Considering this could majorly affect anyone’s career, the most I’d get would be probably an idol from a small nugu group, or a small soloist. And even then, I would already consider myself lucky if anyone accepted this. I saw what happened before, idols being kicked out of their groups, and if not, having their so-called fans demanding their expulsion, sending death threats, giving black oceans at concerts. It wasn’t an easy change. It was something that needed to be done with time, little by little. Yet, that change was being given to me, put on my lap. I had the power to, at least try, to change the industry I was in.

“Once you accept, we will have two weeks to collect candidates” Hyunjae spoke. “You both would also get even more security, trained soldiers from the actual army, as well as psychological support”.

“Psychological support? They really are trying to change things up” Jiah sounded a little ironic.

“Actually, that was something I asked for, I won’t risk the mental well-being of my artist or anyone else”.

“Of course it was you, the government would never care about us” I rolled my eyes, arms crossing on top of my chest.

“I know it’s scary, but just know I’ll be here with you throughout all of this” director Choi squeezed my forearm gently, a soft smile on his lips. “And, again, you don’t need to accept. It’s up to you. I‘ll give you a few days to think if you need it, ok? Talk to your therapist, talk to Jiah, your friends, take your time”.

I simply nodded not knowing how to act or even respond. I took a deep breath. What did I want? I didn’t know. To be honest, I was very scared of the idea, it was a big commitment, not only for me, or the company, but also for the entire industry and the future of it. What if even with the psychological support I couldn’t handle it? What if the person was even worse than Ryuk? What if no one signed for it? There were so many questions in my head.

The whole ordeal scared me more than I expected, and how wouldn’t it? When I entered the doors of the company I expected everything but that. Deep down I wished I had only to write a stupid handwritten note apologizing and saying that me and Ryuk were only good friends. But to sign a PR relationship contract was never in my mind.

“Again YN, you have complete freedom to say no. Now go home and rest, Jiah and I cleared your schedule” the man got up from his chair, and I followed his gesture. He held me gently by my shoulders. “You know you are our little kid here in the company and I see you as my own kid. That being said, I would never put you in something I feel like it would be bad for you” I nodded as he hugged me. “Now go, I have to deal with a fucking plagiarism again, seem like that company loves our music, doesn’t it?” I giggled knowing exactly what he was talking about.

Me and Jiah left the building and went straight to our apartment, even after years we still lived together. Not only did it cut costs on our living, but also was very convenient. But also because I hated living alone.

The ride to our apartment was quiet, the radio playing some soft tune that I didn’t care to recognize, while the radio in my brain kept playing the director’s words over and over again. Sometimes the radio turned into a theater and started to play my most anxious thoughts. I tried to close the curtains, but it was hard, my apocalyptic thoughts taking over.

What if? what if? WHAT IF? WHAT IF? WHAT IF?

“I know that head of yours is already full of bullshit” it was the first words that came out of JIah’s mouth as soon as we entered the apartment. She knew me so well. “Go straight to the bathroom, make yourself a warm bath with the most relaxing bath bombs and bath salts you can find, put on that playlist that quiets down your brain, and while that I’ll make us a delicious lunch, okay?”

“Yes, mom” even with the irony in my tone, I was already taking my clothes off and grabbing my speaker.

Han’s POV

The people on the street already started to leave the establishments, feet stumbling, too drunk for their own good. The doors closing and leaving only the workers inside, the lights lighting the dark starless night sky as I watched Seoul slowly starting to go to sleep as I envied them, their simple, normal, and seemly easy life.

I loved comeback season as much as I hated it. I loved the creative part, the writing, the recording, the producing, the practicing with the boys. I loved all of this. I like that even on the hardest days we manage to have fun with each other. This was the fun part.

What I hated the most was the public presentations, the pressure of doing everything perfectly, the nerve of having to remember the lyrics and dance moves and maintain myself calm, having to deal with the swarm of people and camera flashes and sasaengs and still smile like nothing affected my mental state. Not to mention having to interact with some people as fake as their nose bridges and waists, and sometimes people that I admired. Like today, when I almost made a fool out of myself in front of one of my absolute role models.

“Earth to Jisung~ah” Minho, who always seems to notice when I’m too much into my brain, took me out of my inner monologue. “Are you okay?” he asked, hand on my shoulder as Felix and Hyuinjin happily talked about their interaction with Viviz in the front seats. I nodded in automatic mode, not sure if I was really okay. “Are you sure?”

The thing about Minho is that we have a really strong bond, which means we get along, but also means he knows how to read all my signs. Good or bad.

“I’m just a little tired, that’s all” I said, which wasn't a lie, I had the tendency of closing myself in my own world when I was tired or overwhelmed. Or both. As Jeongin liked to call it ‘when my brain got smoother than raw chicken breasts’.

“You do know we have dinner with manager-nim now, right?”

“More like breakfast, it’s literally 2AM” the older one rolled his eyes, always the loving one. “I know I just hoped I could say I’m not feeling well and go to bed”.

“As if that ever worked” even though it made me want to sulk and pout like a little kid he was right, that never worked, for any of us. Never.

Another of the worst parts of this job is that it wasn’t just a job, it was almost a life sentence, 24/7 locked in this cage, in this zoo, where people from all around the world looked at you, watched you perform, clapped at you but didn’t seem to see the pile of dirt and whatever fetid and putrid things you can imagine behind me. The pieces of my own skin and life I was leaving bit by bit in that pile.

It has been almost two weeks that I haven't had more than three hours of sleep per day. Living on coffee mixed with Pepsi mixed with energy drinks, and pills to keep us awake (that I wouldn’t be surprised if had some type of illegal drug in it). Thank god I didn’t need to diet much seeing that I worked out a lot, because if on top of all that I had to cut food income, I wouldn’t be here today.

“Does this meeting have to be today?” I threw my head back, a low groan leaving my lips, disappointment clear.

“What is Jisung complaining about now?” It was Hyunjin’s voice. I rolled my eyes, an old habit.

“He’s just tired, you know how he gets when he’s like that” Minho answered for me, his hand caressing my hair and I allowed myself to relax for the first time in so long. When was the last time someone touched my hair?

A low satisfied groan left my lips and the boys chuckled.

“You need a partner, Sungie” Felix spoke, and even though I couldn’t see due to my eyes being closed enjoying Minho’s playing with my hair I knew he turned his body to look at me with a smile on his face. “You’ve been pretty stressed lately, you need someone to talk to, to confide to, to play with your hair…”

“To wet your cookie on…” Hyunjin complemented and laughed at his joke.

“As if you’re getting some yourself” I responded a little ruder that I intended but sometimes it seemed that sex was all that he thought about.

He was about to answer with a witty response when his phone rang. By the responses he was giving it was our manager on the other line, probably mad that we were late or some. But I couldn’t be less bothered about it.

I just closed my eyes and enjoyed the feeling of Minho’s fingertips, now completely stilled, on top of my head, the heaviness of them making home on my scalp as I drifted off to sleep.

I dreamed of me, my future partner, and our kids living a secluded life on a farm with a bunch of animals.

Taglist (open): @venusmoonxnight @hanstarrs @mrskill2 @cupidcures @yoontaethings @soupbinlily @luvyev @adorawritesalot

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ridiasfangirlings · 1 month

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Fushimi as Kotaro while the s4 members as the other apartment tenants in a Kotaro Lives Alone AU. (I sometimes don't end up sending an ask cause I think I already sent too much before so I may or may not have sent this same ask to you before, I'm sorry if I have and feel free to ignore this. Thanks).

Imagine everyone just falling in love with poor little Fushimi who is all on his own D: Say in this AU Kisa dies young and her little son Fushimi gets her inheritance, though he’s unaware of it. Fushimi is taken away from his creepy dad and set up at an orphanage but when he’s found by Niki he decides to run away and go hide, living by himself at an apartment complex. His rent is paid by a ‘generous benefactor,’ which is actually Kisa’s inheritance that’s being handled by lawyer Munakata. Munakata would love to adopt this adorable child himself but is aware that Fushimi would reject him if Munakata decided to do this without getting Fushimi’s agreement first, so instead he just brings Fushimi money regularly and tries to play puzzles with him. He’s hoping that eventually little Fushimi will ask to come home with him but it hasn’t happened yet, even so Munakata is willing to be patient and does his best to support Fushimi from afar. Fushimi thinks Mr. Glasses is weird and creepy.

Meanwhile the rest of the tenants at the apartment complex become aware that there’s this little gloomy child living in one of the apartments and there doesn’t seem to be any parents anywhere (but this strange sparkly nerd man in glasses will show up every now and again). Awashima works with Munakata and helped him get the apartment for Fushimi so when she’s off work she checks on him in Munakata’s place, imagine she’s always bringing him giant stuffed animals even though Fushimi says he doesn’t need them (and imagine Fushimi with this huge collection and he has no idea what to do with them but also somehow he can’t get rid of them). Government employee Hidaka immediately goes full big brother mode with Fushimi, imagine Fushimi’s school happens to be in the same direction as Hidaka’s office and Hidaka likes to walk Fushimi to school every day. Hidaka’s always smiling and chatting, even with Fushimi glares and complains, but at the same time Fushimi is now never bothered by bullies because he has his ‘giant big brother’ with him. Hidaka’s coworker Enomoto walks with them too, imagine Enomoto trying to get Fushimi into conversations about anime and being crestfallen that Fushimi doesn’t watch anything like that (except secretly Fushimi totally does and loves it).

Kamo meanwhile brings Fushimi a lot of his food, he’s not allowed to see his own daughter and probably kinda tries to take a parental role towards this kid who’s only a few years older than his daughter. Kamo runs a sushi restaurant and brings Fushimi leftovers, though he quickly realizes that Fushimi won’t eat a lot of things and has to be particular in what he brings. Akiyama and Benzai are policemen who are like vaguely aware that a small kid shouldn’t be alone in an apartment and maybe they even find out that Niki is looking for Fushimi. They eventually realize why Fushimi is hiding from Niki though and use their position to throw Niki off the scent so Fushimi can be safe. The rest of the apartment complex finds out about this too and imagine Gotou putting up some cursed statues around the foundation just to be safe, while Doumyouji tries to teach Fushimi how to defend himself with a stick (this ends with Fushimi hitting Doumyouji with a stick for being an idiot while Doumyouji cries that Fushimi is mean). Even Fuse, who pretends he finds the kid annoying, is always keeping an eye out and making sure Fushimi is okay, the whole apartment complex wants to protect him.

#Fushimi Saruhiko #Talking K #nooo poor babu Fushimi on his own #imagine him as little elementary schooler trying to be self sufficient #all the alphabet boys as his big brother #and Munakata who desperately has to rein in his desire to Adopt

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thelreads · 3 months

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I’m surprised you came to such a hasty conclusion about Garden. What about all we learned about Garden during the cruise arc? Plus that later chapter where Shopkeeper himself basically noted both Loid and Melinda as possible future targets due to their affiliation with Donovan the War Monger. He wouldn’t do that, or have such a poor opinion of conservatives, if he was siding with their government.

Garden has been very consistently portrayed as a self-contained organisation with a clear leader and philosophy (especially in the cruise arc). They are wholly independent “maintainers of the garden” whose whole deal is keeping the peace no matter how it’s done - legal or illegal - putting them firmly on the anti-war side.

The red circus, on the other hand, seems to be made up of different shoots / groups with different values. Mr Restaurant Boom Boom certainly didn’t bat an eye at causing mass civilian casualties if it meant he could take down Yor with him. So it makes perfect sense that Yor was sent after that part of the red circus - they were dangerous mass murderers. Mr Dead Daughter, on the other hand, is probably only still alive because his no-kill policy hasn’t yet qualified him for Garden’s hit list.

During the Cruise arc we learned that the Garden wants peace, sure, but it leaves a few questions that seem to point at the way they actually operate. If they wanted to just prevent war altogether they could just murder Donovan. That would prevent an eventual war, and more than that, any other person who took power that had warmongering tendencies could also be eliminated rather easily, so why don't they do that?

And here's your answer: The Garden is not necessarily pro-peace. When the shopkeeper talks about them, he says

And just a little after giving Yor the mission

So, not peace, the Garden mission is to keep the world "beautiful"

And how do they do that? By taking down people who interfere in the natural course of things. Traitors of the nation like the Yor killed at the start, or a insurgent group that wants to disrupt things. Yor is the one that thinks that they are wanting peace.

Nothing here says that the shopkeeper doesn't believe that war and violence aren't part of nature, and therefore are part of this beauty

And this is even worse if the idea that the Garden is under the government orders is true. Sure, we had this scene when Yor was talking to him after meeting Melinda

But being honest, I think that the idea the shopkeeper was trying to pass here was not that the problem was that she was conservative, I think the implication was that if she ever decides to leave or go against Donovan then Yor would have to kill her, and because of that she doesn't recommend it.

Sure, there was the exchange about political beliefs

But that could be a way to warn Yor so she doesn't seem suspicious, it never seemed to me like the people of this country were that against Donovan, pretty much the everyone we see on the streets seems to be on his side

Then there was this exchange that makes it seem like Twilight is under suspicion for being interested in Donovan political party

But look at the whole conversation, Yor just said that:

1- Twilight already met Donovan

2-That Twilight thought Donovan seemed like a good person

those could be the things that ticked off the shopkeeper. How did he managed to already get that close to him? And worse, if he met him, how was he still under the impression he seemed like a good person?

The second one could just mean Twilight was an asshole like Donovan, but the first one... A regular person shouldn't be able to do that by accident, considering how paranoid and reclusive the man is.

So, I can't exactly chalk down this possibility. But I can't deny that, no matter how good intentioned Mr. Bombcollar here is, there are a lot of people under his command that aren't as keen on not hurting kids, or innocents. But he wasn't spared because of that, it was because he was hidden outside of the country, like they said at the start of this arc.

#theLreads #inbetween #SXFC73 #SPY aftertalks #ask

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archiveikemen · 11 months

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Koihana Bakumeiroku Prologue: Chapter 3

I do not own any of the Koihana Bakumeiroku content being uploaded on this blog, everything belongs to CYBIRD and Animate. Please support them by playing the game and buying stories. Not 100% accurate, expect mistakes.

read this before interacting with my posts

???: — Oh, hey there.

???: I’m the person you’re looking for, right?

Rin: Huh…!?

(“The person I’m looking for”...)

I blinked in surprise at the man who suddenly appeared before me.

Kido: — Doctor Mori, why are you here?

Katsu: Mori? … Oh, he’s that military doctor, right?

The man named “Mori” nodded enthusiastically in response to Kido and Katsu.

Mori: Oh? Nice to meet you. My name is Mori Ogai. I’m a military doctor and professional writer.

(“Mori Ogai”?)

My heart skipped a beat.

(He has the same name as the doctor in the letter.)

Mori: A government official who admired my skills called me here. I just finished the treatments.

Saito: ! There should be members of the Drawn-Sword Regiment among them…

Mori: Ah, your comrades? I treated them well, so they should have no problems or prognostic symptoms…

Saito heaved a sigh of relief at Mori’s words.

Mori: Anyway… I didn’t expect to meet you today, Rin.

Rin: My name…

(He knows my name. This is definitely the right person…)

Kido: … I see. Doctor Mori is the doctor Rin is searching for.

Mori: Exactly.

(He’s the person I’m searching for…!)

I was shocked to see that he looked younger than I had expected.

Moreover, I also didn’t expect to meet him here.

Saito: … That’s surprising. How did you know that she’s looking for you?

Mori: Hmm, because of my doctor instincts, maybe? And she's a former patient of mine?

Katsu: What nonsense.

Kido: … You were eavesdropping.

Mori: Am I caught?

Saito: Nevertheless, it’s great that the two of you met.

Saito looked at me and smiled, I nodded.

Rin: Yes…! It’s all thanks to you and everyone else.

(Thank goodness Saito brought me here…)

If it weren't for him, I might never have this lucky opportunity to meet Doctor Mori.

Saito: I didn't do anything helpful.

Katsu: Whatever it is, this is a good thing. So we’ll leave the rest to you?

Mori: Ah, of course. I’m done with my work here, so let’s head back to my place and have a chat.

Rin: Sure, thank you so much!

When I first arrived in Tokyo, I was worried about what could go wrong, but…

(Mm, it looks like things are going in the right direction.)

Rin: Then…

Just as I was about to say goodbye to everyone—

Kido: … Please hold on.

Kido stopped me from leaving.

Rin: Yes?

Kido: Do you have a place to stay in Tokyo?

Rin: Oh…

(Actually, I haven't decided on that.)

I was a little tight on cash, so I was intending to temporarily stay in a cheap inn.

Mori: You can come to my place!

Rin: What.

Mori made a suggestion, seemingly realizing what I was thinking.

Rin: But that would be too much of a bother to you…

Mori: You can help me with some work. Moreover, your cooking is delicious, so I welcome you with open arms!

Mori said while waving his hand in an exaggerated manner, and I tilted my head in puzzlement.

Rin: How… how did you know about my cooking?

Mori: Ah, your grandmother wrote about it in her letters to me.

Mori: She wrote that you made delicious dishes in her restaurant, and was of big help to her!

Rin: My grandmother said that?

(So that’s how grandmother talked about me.)

I felt a fuzzy feeling in my heart.

(Mori has had personal contact with grandmother, and if he’s saying this…)

Rin: Can I accept your offer and stay at your place?

Mori: Of course!

Rin: But I’ll feel bad if all I do is help you with things… I’ll definitely find a proper job elsewhere.

Rin: I’m thinking of getting a job as a kitchen assistant at a restaurant.

Kido: …

Kido was pondering about something while staring at me.

Rin: …?

I tilted my head sideways and he slowly spoke up.

Kido: … Rin. If it's alright with you, how about you work as a service staff for the Meiji Government?

#koihana bakumeiroku #ikemen series #cybird ikemen #cybird otome #otome #cybird x animate #koibaku prologue #niki translates

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richardsphere · 1 month

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Leverage Redemption Log: The Double-edged sword job

Presumed Client has a Presumed Stalker (Cop) Parker is playing with little dolls. Oh is this a Time-Skip client? Like an ex-client from the inbetween years? Cool pitch, im hooked. --- Well that line about the Israeli government shutting down the peoples access to the internet aged like a fine (though disgusting) wine.

Gut instinct: Harry is right. Its a cop thing, specifically the same way that Security Lady from episode one can recognise Elliot when Hardison's program is protecting you guys as well. Cops are scum, (i know that naratively, breanna is gonna be proven right. But the team is right to assume its an analog thing)

Oh the small town is a surveilance state.

Look Sophie, i understand that petty theft is beneath you all, but breanna is right to start the test small scale.

--- So this is our "newbie goes in solo" episode. Elliot is flirting with Supercop. (dont know wether "distinctive" is meant to be an admission she knows who he is, or just an attempt to draw parallels between the two) this show expects me to believe that the high-tech supercomputer doesnt have a firewall.

Oh its Minority Report bullshit. (Funny thing about minority report, didnt that end up with it predicting its creator/championing congressman would commit murder? Cause thats what we're gonna do. Make it predict that our Supercop will embezzle the black-ops money)

And they're trying to gass-chamber Breanna. --- Ok so quickly: Harry having to do an Elliot is cool, funny little gag about how Parker stopped stabbing people. (its good cause this one retroactively fixes a lot of the other "parker used to stab people" jokes by explaining the taser as the reason it only happened once.) --- Debriefing: Breanna might've been in trouble for more then just Twitter. Parker and Elliot have both done this for 8 years more then the rest, and the rest dont even bother asking what they're thinking. (like i understand not interupting them, but there is a reason we're having a debrief) --- Supercop is alledgely not part of the experiment. (she claims she's just investigating the miracle crime-drop).

Elliot gives them all 10 seconds to joke. Back to the debrief. "Just to be clear..." "metaphorically" everyone disliked that. (as do I, if this guy wants to be the only person alive who isnt recognisable to a supercomputer? See if his face ID works on cremated ashes) --- Parker I agree this guy is an asshole to the waitstaff, but if a customer orders something without coconut oil, it is the restaurants responsibility to either accomodate this request or tell the customer they cant make it that way. I know he's just a pretentious twit but allergies exist. (he's definitly an asshole for assuming he's enough of a regular to have "his regular" though)

Oh, RIZ is back. (Supercop works for them) Well looks like Cheng has a robo-nanny (and maybe a crush on robonanny) --- What a stack of hundreds and an awkward story about a roleplaying kink cant let these guys do. --- Ok and we're inside the house. The robot is scanning Parker The AI is scary AF, Parker is looking for a way out. AI is all-seeing, but apparently worse with faces then Searchlight. (Searchlight can recognise you of an out-of-focus nose. Al-Ayna cant recognise him if he lowers his voice) which can only mean one thing:

CHEMICAL WARFARE! Oh how i missed you, we've been waiting for your return all season. --- Private security provides Elliot with a good chance to teach Harry how a choke-out is done with proper form.

Cheng has recognised Breanna and has decided to make the stupid mistake of locking Leverage inside the safe they're trying to crack. By which i mean your house, that has your software, the one they're gonna use to make you look like a criminal.

and now our heroes have a superAI who is going to help them with their witness protection schemes. (Lower Hardisons workload a little as well.) Like how the camera zooms out to end the shot from Alayna's POV. (is she gonna be a recurring character? Probably not in a "regular castmember" way but definitly in a "we have continuity and on rare occasions she might be important" way)

#leverage #leverage redemption #leverage redemption season 1 #the double edged sword job

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beardedmrbean · 6 months

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WASHINGTON − James Freed, the manager of a lakeside city in Michigan called Port Huron, remembers the first time the follower posted a comment on his Facebook page. There were no words, just three "weird" smiley faces.

"Creepy," Freed recalled. "When I saw the smiley faces, I knew who this was."

The poster, Freed knew, was Kevin Lindke, who the local newspaper describes as a "social media figure." Lindke describes himself as an advocate who "goes after" public officials he believes are "unethical and dishonest." After Lindke criticized Freed's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in another comment, Freed had enough.

And so Freed blocked Lindke from his Facebook page.

First Amendment: How the Supreme Court could upend the internet

That decision now sits at the center of a case before the Supreme Court with potentially enormous consequences for how government officials − from the president of the United States to school custodians − interact with the public online. The dispute between the two men on the shore of Lake Huron could lead to a ruling that sets the terms for how voters nationwide communicate with and criticize public officials on social media.

The smiling emojis weren't creepy, Lindke says. They were activism. And they were protected by the First Amendment.

"That's just him trying to make me look bad," Lindke said. "Everything I'm doing is basically to give a voice to the people who don't have one."

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case, and another raising the same question, on Halloween.

"Civic dialogue increasingly takes place on social media, but it's a context where the boundaries between what's personal and what's official are much blurrier," said Evelyn Danforth-Scott, a staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union, which is siding with Lindke in the case.

“Getting this distinction right is critical – it ensures that government officials cannot evade constitutional limits like the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause by claiming to be acting in their personal capacity," Danforth-Scott said.

Raccoon and dog pictures: Are they a 'state action'?

Freed created his Facebook page in college, sometime before 2008, and over the years posted about the sort of humdrum of everyday life that billions of people share on the site: the raccoons in his garbage, his dog's birthday, pictures of his family. About a decade ago, Freed reached the site's 5,000-friend limit and converted his account to a public "page."

No other city employees had access to it and he posted to the site on his own time.

"If I thought that this was a public page, not private, I would never have posted photos of my kids. I would never have posted what I ate for dinner, you know?" said Freed, who was hired as Port Huron's city manager in 2014. "I believe more than 80% of the posts are all family stuff."

But it wasn't all family stuff. Sometimes Freed re-posted press releases from the city fire department. He occasionally answered constituent questions about city services. The post that really bothered Lindke went up in the early days of the pandemic: A picture of Freed and the mayor ordering takeout from a local restaurant.

"It's a very nice little café, but it's a little bit more expensive," Lindke said. "When everyone in the community is trying to figure out how they're going to pay their mortgage and put food on the table, it just rubbed me the wrong way."

The question for the Supreme Court is whether public officials who have their own social media presence are acting in their official capacity when they post to those sites. If a majority of the justices decide that Freed’s Facebook page was part of his government work, then that would trigger the next question, likely to be decided by a lower court: At a time when many Americans interact with public officials online, did blocking Lindke violate the First Amendment?

“The cases focus very narrowly on the question of state action: When is a government official acting as a government official as opposed to a private citizen?” said Alex Abdo, litigation director at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. It’s a threshold question but “a very important one,” he said.

The Supreme Court, Abdo added, is “taking it one step at a time.”

How Biden, Trump factor into the 'cancel' case

It's not the first time the question has been raised at the Supreme Court. Three years ago, former President Donald Trump brought a similar case to the justices.

Trump invited the court fight in 2017 by blocking users following his account on what was then called Twitter, now X. Seven users went to court, charging that Trump was seeking to "suppress dissent." A federal appeals court in New York sided against Trump in 2019 but the Supreme Court said in 2021 that the case was moot − since the Republican had by then left the White House − and it tossed the lower court's decision aside.

The current case, Lindke v. Freed, is one of several pending before the Supreme Court that examine the intersection of social media and the government. In one set of cases, the court will decide if Texas and Florida violated the First Amendment with laws that limit the ability of platforms like Facebook, YouTube and X to moderate content. In another case, the court will decide if officials in the White House and federal agencies violated the First Amendment when they leaned on social media companies to suppress content about the election and COVID-19.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati sided with Freed last year, ruling that his Facebook page was "personal." President Joe Biden's administration also backs Freed in a brief filed by the Justice Department.

But in another, similar case the Supreme Court will also hear Tuesday involving two members of a school board in California, the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the voters. The school board members created a public forum with their social media pages, that court ruled, and they violated the First Amendment by blocking parents from posting criticism of the school system on the pages.

Despite the years-long fight between Freed and Lindke, the two men agree the Supreme Court's opinion, expected next year, should bring needed clarity about how much control public officials have over their social media presence. Both men said they will travel to Washington to watch the justices debate the case.

"At this point, it's not even about me," Freed said.

"Now," Lindke said, "both sides are going to know what public officials can and can't do."

#nunyas news

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