chocolate confession ♡

fem reader, part 2 for the ring pop proposal miniseries since yall were asking for it ! fem reader, soft n worried katsu, white day chocolates, katsu n reader r in highschool (ignore the no dorms blehh :P) in this one, this also reeks of my ocxcanon ship msorry yall lolololol, i dont think there are any warnings, but lemme know if i missed sum else !

the first person who realizes katsuki is trying to confess to you is his mom because he hasn't left the kitchen since he'd banished everyone from coming in as soon as the sun peeked through the curtains.

the older woman had no idea what the sounds of pots and pans clanging, mixed with not-so-quiet cursing meant, at first. but she figured it out quickly, call it mother's intuition, or the fact that she checked her calendar and realized tomorrow was white day.

mitsuki knew her son was going to confess to you when he came back from school with a cutely wrapped box of chocolates. her katsuki was still rowdy—if not rowdier and even less approachable than he was as a chubby cheeked little boy, so she guessed by the blush and barely suppressed smile on his face that—

"ouuu, got yourself some chocolates ? aren't you a heartthrob.." she teased "who'd you get those from ?"

katsuki scoffed at his mothers teasing. he rolled his eyes, but they wouldn't—or rather couldn't stray far away from the wrapped sweet treats. he runs his thumb over the ribbon tied in front.

"..yn gave 'em to me." he huffs proudly.

as she guessed, they came from you. of course.

katsuki is still—if not even more protective over everything that involves you, practically growling at his mom's not so sneaky attempts at trying to sneak a chocolate when he had opened the box "yn made 'em for me, so no touchin'." he snarled, stomping over to his room and ignoring his mom's knowing smirk when he made his way up the stairs.

this memory brings her back to now when she suddenly hears..nothing. absolute silence in contrast to all the ruckus from only a few seconds ago. and then the door creaks open just a bit and mitsuki sees her son's head peek out from the corner. she looks up from her magazine to raise a brow in question and the blond boy glares, jolting his head to the side in a silent plea for her to come over.

she saunters to the door, knowing smirk growing wider the more her son's grumpy face comes into view. she gets a peek of her kitchen through the small crack her son allowed her to see. she had to admit, though rowdy, katsuki was anything but messy. even though the dishes piled up, she knew he'd clean them up soon enough. she looks down at him and he avoids eye contact.

"can i come into my kitchen now ?" she smirks. katsuki scoffs at his feet. he grumbles something unintelligible before side stepping and telling her to 'just come in already.'

the woman is greeted with a batch of freshly made chocolates, which she assumes are one's you like if she knew how enamoured her katsuki was with you.

"ouu, who are these for, hm ?" she teased, but if he knew her son well enough she knew that these—

"sh-shut up !" katsuki snapped, cheeks turning red and eyes drifting around the room "you know who.." he challenges. mitsuki smirks wider, crossing her arms.

as she guessed, they're for you.

"okay.." she humors him, shifting her weight to her other leg " and what do you need me to do here ?"

katsuki inhales shortly to himself. he picks up one of the chocolates, not from your tray because those were for you and no one else, but from another tray she hadn't noticed of sloppier batches.

"try this." is all he says. handing her a little piece of deformed chocolate and she plops it into her mouth. she takes the time to let the sweet treat melt on her tongue before letting out a pleased hum. katsuki straightens up and his eyes shine and brighten the slightest bit.

"mhm, these are good." she acknowledged "but why don't i get one of the pretty ones ?" she teases. her katsuki all but scoffs in her face, simply stating that "these are for yn, not you."

and mitsuki realizes. he must've been working for hours trying to make these chocolates perfect for you, she guessed. her heart warms and her eyes soften at her son's adoration for you.

"but the one you gave me is good too, why can't you just give her one of those ?" at that, katsuki shoots her an incredulous look, like she had just told him something utterly unimaginable.

"i can't go around givin' her shitty chocolates ! 'specially not if i.." he trails off suddenly, grumbling with balled fists. he wipes at his cheek to try and wipe off his embarrassment. mitsuki feels her smile practically reach her ears. she's too good at this.

"if you what ?" she sings, leaning towards her son. he grumbles.

"if i—stop looking at me like that ! s'creepy so knock it off !" the blond snapped, face and ears a bright shade of pink and mitsuki can't help but bark out a loud laugh at her son's flustered state, her laugh drowns out the low growl he makes. she decides to spare him after a good giggle.

"okay, okay. i get it." she reassures. because she does, of course she does. but she sees something is wrong with the way her son seems satisfied for only a second before he's chewing at his lower lip and the way he wipes his hands against his pants. she knows her katsuki is extremely hard to handle. he could be quite the brat, but also extremely stubborn (she thinks she might know where he got that from.) so asking him simply what was wrong was out of the question. so she decides to coax him into it.

"you gonna give them to her tomorrow ?" he nods, hiding his eyes with his bangs.

"they're good. so i'm gonna give 'em to her tomorrow." her son nods at his mumbled pep talk, but the tension between his brows doesn't let up and after a moment, he sighs grumpily.

"what if i, like, fuck it up..?" mitsuki's eyes soften at her son's insecurities showing despite himself.

"how would you do that ? all you gotta do is hand them over." she asks softly. katsuki huffs.

"it's not that simple," he retorts "what if i make it weird ? what if i make things between us weird an' she doesn't wanna be with me anymore..." the sad tone of voice and the angry little puppy dog eyes make mitsuki melt, despite growing up a lot. despite being quippy and rowdy and a major brat, her katsuki will always be her little boy tugging at the bag of sweet ring pops he'd begged her to buy at the grocery store. her little boy who smiled a bright determined smile as the bag crinkled in his hand following his proud stomps to the car back home, ready for tomorrow.

a surprised throaty noise escapes katsuki when his mom places a hand in his hair, running her fingers through it. he makes a displeased noise, again, but doesn't try to stop her. mitsuki does realize her son is trying to confess to you with these chocolates, but she's a woman too and she knows you, she's known you since you were small and she knows how much you care about her son. she knows from the way katsuki kept the chocolates to himself, the barely supressed giddiness in all of his actions and the way he took his time enjoying every bite she knows and realizes that these chocolates were most definitely just for him.

and she guessed maybe you were trying to tell him something too.

she knew her katsuki had absolutely nothing to worry about, because you carried you empty ring pop container around with you in your bag and proudly explained it was 'your husband katsu' that gave it to you with a giggle. because you'd kiss his cheek without worrying about the ooh's and the kissy noises, only her son's cherry red cheeks but proud smile. because you'd giggle and laugh when he still called you his wife well into elementary school, and because you still smile so wide at the mention of his little ring pop proposal. and so, she smiled. startling katsuki by rubbing his hair fast like an almost noogie. he growls at the sudden shift, gripping his mother's arm and pulling away with a scowl, rubbing and trying to fix his hair. "the hell are you doin', hag ?!" her son seethed, and all she can do is smile.

"you got nothin' to worry about, katsuki." she says sincerely, the boy's arms drop and altough his barely there pout remains he tries to act tough, raising a brow at her "how do you know that ?"

"call it mother's intuition." her smile widens at his scoff and rolled eyes, he's better at it now and she laughs. " why do you wanna give these to her ?" she urges. he thinks for a moment, before his cheeks burn red again but his eyes go soft and warm and so much more enamoured with you than he was all those years ago in the car.

"cus..i like her.." he confesses "an' i don't want anybody else to do it before me." he finishes bitterly.

he's always been protective of you. any other boy you were paired up with or sat next to when the class seating order changed was considered public enemy number one for a while. of course, you had him on a leash, always being able to soothe him by saying that he was your number one best friend. and that was more than enough for him to throw smart glares and snarky smirks, grabbing your hand and dragging you off somewhere to show you something cool. something he knew you'd find cool because he prided himself in knowing exactly what you liked more than the other boys. your favorite ice cream, flowers, and chocolate flavor.

and mitsuki smiles. "right, you like her. so you can't let that scare you off, can you ?" mitsuki feels her heart soaring with pride, albeit with a little amusement when her son scoffs in response "course not. i ain't scared of shit." he states, she decides to ignore the irony of his statement for now.

"of course," she nods "and just between us, i think she likes you, too. i dunno how she does but.." katsuki's eyes widen like she'd just told him something ridiculous, completely ignoring her jab at him. she has to hold back a harsh laugh at how oblivious her son could be.

"that's just my guess though !" she shrugs nonchalantly "but there's only one way to find out if i'm right.."

after a beat, katsuki nods to himself with a grunt, grabbing the tray of chocolates and putting it in the fridge, ready for tomorrow, and wordlessly rolling up his sleeves and starting the dishes, as mitsuki guessed, and she smiles. she pets her son's head again briefly, ignoring his dissaproving grumbles, before giving him a pat on the back and wishing him good luck.

the next day, katsuki walks over to her, sat on the couch, immediately after coming back from school, with a proud smirk and gleaming red cheeks. and mitsuki knew she had nothing to worry about as she grins back.

taglist *if your name is pink i unfortunately couldn’t tag you :(( : @73isthebestnumber @gold24fish @m-inluv @katsuisbaby @teddiiursulas-ink @moonbabysstuff @brandydel @queenpiranhadon @chuugarettes @starieq @aishio14 @andysdrafts @hyunorue @touyasprettydoll @itsfiive @annoying-bitxh @h0nestly-though @atinytiredpanromantic @mikalame @itzjustj-1000 @deepressed @evam23 @erenstitanweave @m-0ona @chaoticgay13 @lotusstarr @koreluvsspring @giannitaa @waterstarz @nayeonsdoormat @the-crazy-star-12 @kovu-bunnbunn

tumblr is tweakin so if some of your tags don't work m'so sorry :(((

Taco Tuesday

a/n: Soooo, this is my first fic post on tumblr, and my first writing since I was a wee teen like 7 years ago, lmao. Be gentle, but I would love feedback on improvements! I hope I captured his accent well, I tried to draw from some popular writers. Hope to be writing more, I love wolfrry so definitely some of that to come! Xoxo- R

word count: 2.6k

summary: stressed Harry comes home, Y/N makes it better with tacos, and a shower ;)

warnings: angsty (kinda, not really?), female masturbation, smut (minors dni)

She was tired. Mostly mentally, dealing with her own demons, but that takes a physical toll as well. Laying across the couch, where she had been the majority of the day, she hears the sound of the garage opening, closing, then the door opening, then closing with a thud.

Y/N watches Harry walk down the hall, craning her neck to get a good look at him. Joggers and a well-loved shirt hang off his body as he kicks his trainers off, his spiraling hair falling in his face, only to be pushed back, in annoyance. Silence still between them, thoughts surging her mind.

“Hi, how was your day?” she asks, meekly, looking over at him with doe eyes.

“Can I get it over with ‘fore I talk ‘bout it.” He doesn’t phrase it as a question, walking into his office with purpose.

She thinks he must have been a hard day at the studio, most of the week had been difficult, him working in his office after the studio, for hours, which wasn’t the norm. But Harry hadn’t been so curt with her, at least giving her an ‘Ello, lovie’ and a peck on her lips before going into the office.

It, of course, made her mind swirl with what she could have done wrong. Last night was fine, him falling asleep with her hand smoothing over his back, after having a slow love making session. And today, even though Y/N’s mind wanted the worst of her, she mustered the energy to do some house work, making it clean and tidy.

She let the seemingly large space between them rest a bit, diverting her own thoughts to her phone, mindlessly scrolling. Finally summoning the energy (and courage) to meander into his office.

The door was cracked slightly, and taking a peek in, she saw his shoulders slumped, elbows on the table top, the golden skin of his arms littered with tattoos flexing a bit , hands mussed in his brunette curls, sitting in front of the mixing console. It wasn’t as large as the ones they had in studio, but he said it did it’s job of reminding him how he wanted certain sounds. In front of him he had his journal and MacBook open, with one of his many guitars leaning on the desk to the right of him.

Without a word, Y/N pushes the door open gently, her legs making enough swishing sounds to let Harry know she was there. He straightened a bit, leaning back in the chair with a sigh. Her hands made their way to his shoulders of their own volition.

Squeezing his shoulders a bit and raking her hands through his hair, had Harry melting, with soft moans falling from his plush lips. Catching Y/N’s wrist, he gently guides her down to his eye level, giving her a peck on her own sumptuous lips, swollen and red-tinged from obliviously biting and mushing them together from her earlier anxiety.

“M’sorry for earlier.” he breathes against her. “Feelin’ like all the studio brings, recently, is stress. Know it’ll pass eventually. Hang in there fo’ meh, yeah, poppet?”

All she can do is hum a contented sigh, muttering, “I know. Wish there was more I could do to help ya.”

“Oh, darlin’, you’re ma muse baby. Couldn’t do any of it without ya.” Harry mumbles with a smirk playing on his lips, so close to hers he can feel her warm breath, making him shiver to his spine. “S’why ‘m stressed, want everything ta be perfect, from the lyrics, to the bass, jus’ like ma girl. Perfect, perfect girl.”

A smile can’t help but spread across Y/N’s face. He thought she was perfect. Not that he didn’t tell her all the time, but some times she needed more reassurance than others. “Sounds like you’re having a time finding all the right pieces, but I know you and the guys will find the perfect sound, you always do. Can you be done for the day? You deserve a break, you’ve worked hard all week. Plus, it’s taco Tuesday, and you know how busy they get later in the night.”

The thought sharing a meal together makes both of them smile, soon heading out the door to get delicious tacos.

- - - - - - -

With their bellies satiated with fresh food from the truck down the street, they tuck in on the couch, Harry grabbing the Xbox controller to settle on his latest game. Letting her food settle a bit, enjoying watching Harry play, Y/N decides to take a quick shower to wash off the humidity from the night.

“I’m going to hop in the shower, lovie” she says, giving a peck on his cheek, earning a hum from him.

“M’kay, petal. Ya know where ta find meh, darlin’.” Harry mutters, focused on his game.

Swaying up the stairs, Y/N turns the shower on, letting the warm water reach the shower head. Throwing her hair up in a high bun, grabbing a towel, and taking off her rings, she has a last minute thought to grab her favorite sex toy. She usually doesn’t feel the need to get herself off, with her sex god of a husband, but she thought to herself, why not.

She pulled the toy out of it’s satin bag, the ‘clit sucker 3000’ Harry likes to call it. She’ll usually just smack his arm a bit before getting it to work. But she’s alone at the moment, so no jokes are made.

Before hoping in the shower for some alone time, she takes a peak at the pictures she has of Harry that turn her on. They’re not inherently sex photos, but the subject of them turns her to jelly.

Some of them are photos she’s personally taken of him when he looks especially yummy. Towels hanging low on Harry’s hips, showing off the V shape his muscles make in between his hips, water droplets dotting his body, hair wet and pushed back. Pictures of Harry in bed from the waist up, taken from the angle on Y/N sitting on him. The morning sunlight flecking over his face and tattooed chest, with a small smile on his lips, eyes closed in contentment.

Some pictures, though, are taken from him on stage. Some from the photographers that he’s chosen to bring on tour, but some from fans. She can’t lie, the fans had good taste, and good angles, getting him from a 360 point of view.

Most recently, her favorite was the pictures of Harry in his denim get up, pants and a vest, bare chest showing off his muscles and tattoos. It made her salivate, thinking back to that evening when he got off stage, Y/N instructed him to leave them on, desperately shoving his pants down enough to pull his already growing erection out of them. She sucked him roughly, and he fucked her back just as feverishly.

She already felt heat going straight to her core just viewing her husband on her phone. She stepped into the steaming shower, letting the hot water wash over her shoulders and back, releasing any tension from the day. Turning the toy on, Y/N put it straight to her center, whirling it around a bit to push her already swollen folds to the side. When it hit the spot the thing was literally made for, her knees almost buckled.

Moving to the tiled bench in the shower, she flung some water on it, trying to warm it up some before sitting down. She reveled in the feelings, warm water splashing on her periodically, toy vibrating on her most sensitive spot, the muscles of her legs and stomach contracting with each wave of pleasure, small moans making it past her lips.

But something was missing. She felt empty, feeling her pussy clenching around nothing, when she knew Harry would be happy to oblige, she cries out his name, half a moan, half a beckoning for him. She knows he may not hear her, his game probably engulfing him.

So she removes the toy from herself, partly stepping out of the shower, drying her hands quickly. She opens her phone to Harrys contact, quickly typing.

“Are you in a game?”, she hopes he isn’t.

“No. Do you want me to quit the queue?” Harry texts back quickly. His mind jumps to the worst, hoping she isn’t hurt or upset.

“Can you come fuck me?” Y/N texts back quickly.

The text bubbles appear, then disappear quickly. She imagines him throwing his phone on the couch, tripping over himself to make it to their bathroom as quickly as possible. It brings a smirk to her face as she gets back in the shower, standing and putting the toy back between her legs.

As quickly as she can get it back on herself, the bathroom door is flinging open. Y/N meets Harry’s eyes, dark with lust. “Ya playin’ with yaself, pet?” He murmurs as he quickly pulls his shirt over his head, pushing his joggers and briefs down in one fell swoop, leaving him naked, save the rings on his fingers that he doesn’t bother taking off. His cock is already stiff, proudly standing, reaching his belly button.

All she can muster is a hum, that sounds more like a moan, “I need your cock, H, please.” She sounds so needy, and he loves it. He loves it so much he has to make her beg for it some more.

He strides into the large tiled shower, pressing the front of his body against her damp one, cold from being out of the shower for a brief moment, goosebumps gracing her chest and arms, her nipples already pulled into tight buds.

“Ya need it even when ya tryin’ ta please ya self, huh?” Harry whispers against the shell of her ear, only to place hot, open mouthed kisses against her neck.

“Please, H. M’ so empty, need you to fill me up.” Y/N all but whines, suddenly gripping his cock firmly, giving it a few pumps, the way she knows he likes.

A groan falls from Harry’s lips, as he allows for his head to lull back a bit. His ringed fingers find their way to Y/N’s core, pushing the toy, she previously had glued to her clit, to the side. She abandons it to the bench, without a second thought, as his fingers glide smoothly against her folds and a gasp escapes her lips.

“Mmhm, so slick for meh already, petal. C’mere, outta the water. Not good lube, ya know.” Harry gently pulls her away from the stream of warm water. He knows if she doesn’t give her what’s she’s asked for, she’ll take it for herself, when would admittedly be unbelievably hot, but he’s just as needy as she is at the moment.

He reaches his tattooed arm towards the crook of her leg, bringing it up close to her chest, leaving her only one foot to balance on. Before she can complain about it, he lines his dripping cock to her folds, soaking his prick in her arousal, bumping against her clit on the swipe up.

Moans fall from both their mouths, and Harry pushes into her dripping hole, soon to be sheathed into her, the perfect tightness gripping him.

“Fuck, H. Just what I needed.” Y/N breathes against his lips, capturing the bottom one in her teeth. Before she can get too unstable on one foot, he wraps his other arm around her waist, gripping her tightly all the way around her back, to her other hip, where his hand clutches so tightly it’ll leave finger shaped bruises.

Harry begins a steady pace, careful not to drill too relentlessly for Y/N to loose her footing. As he bores into her, keeping her steady, moans falling from both of their mouths, as he glides over the spongy spot inside her, passing it and reaching deep with the position they’re in.

“God damn, Y/N, feel s’good round me cock.” Harry mutters, while burying his face in her neck, her sweet natural smell filling his nostrils.

“Harry,” she whines in his ear, “gettin’ wobbly, fuck me from behind.” Y/N whimpers, kissing over his chest.

“Got you baby.” Harry whispers, pulling out, with a whine coming from her. He gently sets her leg down, and moved to the side, giving her a moment to get the feeling back in it, before removing his arm from her waist, up to the middle of her back to push her over.

Y/N eagerly arches her back, using the bench in front of her for stability. Ass in the air, she looks behind her to see Harry, too lost at the beautiful sight in front of him to look at her immediately. When their eyes meet, his are even darker, if possible. The look in her own eyes is all he needs to shroud himself back in her, ringed hands tightly gripping her hips.

He establishes a deliberate pace that has Y/N snapping her hips back to meet his. The only sound in the shower, save the ambient water falling and obscene noises coming from their meeting place, are whimpers falling from her lips, and quick groans falling from his. Unbeknownst to Harry, Y/N has attached the clit sucker 3000 back to it’s home, causing her knees to buckle a bit, moans getting louder and more consistent.

“C’mon pet, let me feel you cum.” Harry bellows to her, with a sharp smack to her ass.

She yelps, grinding her ass back onto him, in the beat of his now relentless pace.

“Shit, H. You fill me up so well. Oh, god. Fuck! I’m cumming, I’m cumming, I’m cumming.” She chants, head falling forward, and body relaxing a bit.

“My, god. Takin’ me so well. Wanted meh to fill you up? Damn, baby, bout to fill you up even more.” Harry grunts between thrusts, seconds away from his own release.

“Give it to me Harry, god, I want it.” She encourages.

That’s all he needed to fall over the edge, her name falling past his lips, as he continues to rut into her until he’s too sensitive to continue. He watches as his seed seeps out of her. A sight to behold, he thinks.

He removes himself from her, earning a bit of a hiss from both of them.

“H, feel like I’m in a fish bowl, can’t hear right.” She breathes as she moves to sit on the bench. She looks up at him, eyes still blown with lust, but now hooded doe eyes mixed in, gazing up at him.

A chuckle leaves his chest, his hand coming to rest on her cheek, and she leans into it.

“Filled ya up too much, huh, petal? Got your ears feeling underwater? M’sorry lovie, I’ll give it to you a lil’ less next time yea?” He jokes, knowing that won’t be happening. He watches as a scowl reaches her face.

He leans down to kiss it away, but Y/N’s hand sneaks it’s way around Harry’s neck, keeping him there for a beat longer.

“Need ta wash me dick now.” He chuckles.

Before he can move, she’s reaching for the body wash on the bench next to her, pouring some into her hand. He believes it’s for her, for a moment, until she reaches up and gently applies it to him, starting on his well-groomed pubic hair.

Gingerly, she moves around his cock, softly grasping it, just enough to clean. Then even more lightly, moving to his balls, moving around just to get the suds there.

“Didn’t take you long to get hard earlier.” She smirks to herself, remembering he had a hard on as soon as he waltzed into the bathroom.

“Never long ta get a proper stiffy for you, pet. Got it half way to the stairs, hadn’t even reached them.” He mutters, smoothing over her shoulder.

“Alright, yah cleaned meh up, your turn now, lovie.” Harry guides her by her hand into the water, slowly sudsing her smooth body, loving every crevice and relaxed moan she’ll give him.

fin.

(requested by mathmaticalknight; continuing a series)

“Ya know, I dunno why I thought she mighta been jokin’ ‘bout the tuxes.” Croissant was blushing brightly as she was getting her measurements taken.

Mostima shrugged. “I don’t ever plan on getting married, but one of us was bound to tie the knot sooner or later, and Texas needs to find an officiant who will sign two certificates for her discreetly before it’s even an option for her. Where are your hanger-ons, by the way?”

“With Angelina, doing the same thing we are.” The Lupo had a Pocky stick in her mouth like a cigar, taking it all in. “I wouldn’t marry Sora, though. Exu maybe, but not Sora. She’s a good girl, but the whole ‘idol worship’ is a bit much.”

“She’d really want you to praise her that much?” The Sarkaz smirked.

Texas rolled her eyes. “Funny.”

“If any’n’s worshippin’ any’n, it ain’t Tex.” The Forte chuckled, but had to stop when the tape measure came ‘round again. “Hey, how tight this need ta be? Least gimme a lil’ room ta breathe ‘ere.”

“Don’t question my judgment, ‘less you wan’a punishment. I been wearin’ this look a lot longer than you.” Emperor bit back, making the last few notes he needed.

The three shared a glance. “You wear T-shirts over your feathers, though,” Mostima observed.

“Well, yeah, cuz’ I like the style,” he replied, “but if ya ever see me rockin’ my birthday suit, you’d know I’m just as fuckin’ classy. Got killer shoes to boot.”

“What, yer feet?” Croissant glanced down at the penguin’s openly-visible legs.

He nodded. “Damn straight. The boys will have your suit to ya within a couple days; when’s the big shindig, anyways?”

“Uh...I dunno.” The Forte shrugged. “We’re gonna sign the papers a week from now, but we don’t have money for a ceremony.”

“Well, then, imma have to do it myself.” Emperor opened his notes again and walked away, pen scribbling faster than before.

Texas shook her head. “That’s how you know you’re the Boss’s favorite, Cross.”

“Aw, shucks, I didn’ wan’im to pay fer it.” She sighed. “I’m gonna be payin’im back ferever at this rate.”

“Could be worse - if he died before forever came along, the debt would probably go right back to the company.” And with that, the Sankta left, the other two not too far behind, to meet Bison in the lobby.

Meanwhile, Magallan was moving at a more leisurely pace, listening to Angie recount the proposal story. “That sounds exactly like I imagined. Empy’s was a lot more ostentatious, but I had no idea what was coming, either. WIth him, he could’ve been holding an impromptu concert.”

“That’s the Emperor, alright.” Exusiai sighed. “I can’t imagine what it’d be like to go through something like this. Can you, Sora?”

“Hmm?” The ‘Lupo’ had been doing just that, actually.

Angelina smiled. “Oh, I think she can. I’ve had that look on my face for the past week now...It’s too bad we can’t afford to have a ceremony, though.”

“You can’t?” The Liberi measuring her stopped. “Oh, dear, why didn’t you tell me? I’m sure Empy and I can help you with that; consider it our wedding gift to you both.”

“You’d really do that? But they’re so expensive...” Her fiance’s sense for money was rubbing off on her.

Magallan chirped merrily. “Oh, it’s no big deal; we’re making so much, it’s a drop in the bucket. How does three weeks from today sound?”

“Oh, Magallan, I can’t just blindly agree without talking to my Croissantwich first...buuut that’ll probably be okay.” The Vulpo was about to explode from happiness; luckily, they were done with measurements at this point (because of Liberi efficiency), so she was free to detonate with glee as she burst out of the dressing room. “Croissaaaaaant!”

“Angie?!” The Forte heard her and turned around in time to be slammed by a full-speed makeout machine which managed through sheer enthusiasm to knock her to the floor.

Texas nodded as the other two followed out. “Ceremony?”

“Ceremony,” Exusiai confirmed. “Emp and Maggie paying for the whole thing?”

“That’s what he said...Wonder if he’ll pay for ours.”

Two Penguin Logistics members turned bright red as Bison and Mostima had an intense but muted conversation off to the side...Yep, just another day in Penguin Logistics.

-----------

“Wow. They really did pull out all the stops, didn’t they?” The Doctor and Amiya took back their IDs from the door guard as they walked into the auditorium that’d been taken over. “It’ll be hard to match for ours.”

“Doctor darling, we probably shouldn’t compete with the Emperor like that. He doesn’t like to back down from a fight.” Besides, why would she need a grand ceremony? Just her and the Doctor at the altar, Kal’tsit as the Maid of Honor, Savage and Blaze as bridesmaids-

There was a tap on her shoulder as her date gestured to the seating. “I wonder if they expect to fill the place tonight.”

“Everyone’s sitting so close to the front, it’s hard to tell.” The Cautus shrugged. “Let’s sit back here. It’s a bit crowded there...So many emotions at once might overload me.”

“As you wish~ Oh, they’re about to start, I think. One question: why is Texas on the other side and wearing a suit? And why isn’t Emperor, even though Lappland is in one?”

Amiya shrugged. “Hard to say, Doctor. How did Lappland get to be a groomsman when Bison is- Oh! He’s the officiant.”

“When did he get that certifi-” He stopped as soon as Bison began to read.

“Friends, colleagues, and esteemed leaders of Rhodes Island,” the Forte began. “While I stand before you today acting in a merely ceremonial capacity in this celebration, I cannot begin to tell you how exciting a day this is not just for us at Penguin Logistics, but for Rhodes Island as a whole. Never have I seen a pair more in love than the two who come here today to declare their union in holy matrimony. Will the groom please come forward?”

From a door off to their right, there was a bit of a ruckus, followed by Croissant stepping through with a sheepish smile on her face as Emperor walked her to the altar before taking a front-row seat. Evidently, she’d knocked over a coat rack or something as she’d approached the door, but that wasn’t what grabbed people’s attention.

The Doctor squeezed Amiya’s hand. “Our Croissant is a rather handsome woman, isn’t she?”

“Oh, hush, dear.” She lightly slapped his hand, which was resting atop hers on the chair arm between them. “I think she looks lovely.”

“That’s what I meant, darling, just in a masculine sense. The style matches her perfectly, and the tailoring is also impeccable, honestly.”

She gave him a look. “Have you been studying this sort of thing?”

“It’s important to have a broad knowledge base.” He smiled as the Forte stepped up to the altar, clearly noticed she’d missed her mark, and shuffled a little to get into place. “Oh, Cross...”

“Uh...thank y’all for comin’. Wudn’t sure how many people’d wanna come when we’d already tied the knot on our own, but uh...It means a lot ta both of us, I know. Uh...” She probably had more, but she choked up with tears in her eyes in the face of Rhodes Island’s full support on display. “Th-thank y’all so much...”

As Texas patted her on the shoulder, Bison continued. “Is the bride ready?”

“As ready as she’ll ever be,” Mostima muttered as the opposite door opened to reveal a procession: Greyy with a pair of rings displayed on a pillow walking with Gummy, who was sprinkling the floor behind them with flowers. Behind them, Magallan was arm-in-arm with Angelina, who was wearing a suit of her own.

“Oh my God,” Amiya gasped in wonder. “Doctor-”

He nodded, squeezing her hand. “I see her, too, dear.”

“Hot damn,” Emperor audibly muttered, catching the attendees off-guard and eliciting more than a few laughs.

“Thank you, Emperor.” Angie smiled at him before turning to the crowd as Maggie took a seat. “My parents aren’t here, and I doubt they’d have agreed to attend if I’d told them, but Penguin Logistics is more like my family than anyone. The other day, I finally married into it, and...I just wanna say, to everyone from Rhodes Island who was able to make it, and the folks who had work to do, I appreciate everything you’ve all done for Cross and me since I got here. Even if this probably isn’t what any of you saw coming...Bison?”

He smiled. “Greyy, if you would?” The Perro held out the pillow for the couple to each take a ring. “Excellent. Now, as I wasn’t able to be fully ordained in time for this ceremony, I can’t lead the two in a recital of their vows, but they asked to be able to each say something here today. Angelina, if you will?”

“I think my wifesband should go first,” she teased, grinning at the blush that turn of phrase created.

“Well, ya only get ta do this right once, huh...” The Forte wiped at her eye. “Hoo boy. I was there the night Angie realized her feelin’s fer me, but I’ll a’mit, e’er since the firs’ day I saw ‘er, I ‘ad a pretty good ide-er just ‘ow wun’erful she is. Ain’t a lotta girls in’a world that got both a good ‘ead on ‘er shoulders and a warm ‘eart like she got, but ‘at ain’t e’ry’in ta love ‘bout ‘er either. Not sure if she ‘members this, but first time we met was back when she aksidelly went’n PL lookin’ fer the Doctor. Nothin’ like ‘avin’ some’n so gorjus tell ya ‘Sorry, was lookin’ fer some’n else,’ ya know?”

A bit of laughter from the crowd before she continued. “I reckon I ‘ad the last laugh there, tho’, cuz’ guess ‘oo gets to call ‘erself Mrs. Ajimu now...Angelface, we were friends long ‘fore I thought we ‘ad a chance at bein’ lovers, so you know when I say I’ve seen ya at yer best and yer worst, I ain’t tryin’a diss ya. There ain’t a nuther person in ‘is room as lucky as me t’day, ‘cuz the love of my life loves meh back...Ya prolly shud stop meh, else I’ll just keep ram’lin’.”

“That’s alright; even if these folks have other places to be, I’d listen to every word. You know, darling, if it was a nightmare that inspired you to propose to me when you did, I have to wonder what happens when you have a good dream, but I think I’ve been living in one since the day we had our first date. Between movie nights with the company and waking up to your smile in the mornings, it’s like living in one of the cheesy teen novels I loved reading after floating up to one of my usual spots. Loving you is a flashback and a memory and a dream and a reality all rolled up in knowing that, whatever happens - arguments, deployments that separate us, maybe even one of us getting hurt - there’s nothing in the world that’ll stop me from needing you, wanting you, standing by your side...Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me...” Having said her piece, tears in her eyes, Angie reached out and slid her ring on Cross’s finger, who did the same in turn.

“I think I’m gonna cry,” the Doctor whispered to his date, who already was. “G-good call on the back sea--” And there went the water works.

Across most of the auditorium, actually, save for those physically incapable, and Bison, who soldiered on regardless. “That said, before we get to the festivities provided by Emperor and Magallan for the evening, it’s my duty to ask: if anyone here has any objection to this union - not that it will matter from a legal standpoint - speak now or forever hold your peace...Good, because I’d punch you myself if you did. Then, by the power invested in me by Rhodes Island and subsidiary company Penguin Logistics-”

“When did that happen?” Amiya asked in a hushed voice. “I thought we were just partners with them?”

“Closure and Emperor came to some kind of understanding. I wasn’t there for the process, I just signed the agreement.”

“-I now announce you to the world as Mrs. and Mrs. Ajimu. You may now kiss your bride.”

You didn’t have to ask them twice.

The celebration afterwards was wild as hell. Emperor had an impromptu concert (as expected); Bison proposed to Mostima, who actually agreed before falling apart in a spectacular show of emotion Exusiai had thought was impossible for her; the Doctor and Amiya tore up the dance competition that broke out, but narrowly lost to Croissantwich and Angelface in the karaoke contest afterwards; Lappland admitted that she wasn’t actually in love with Texas but trying to rile her up into a duel so she could get to Exusiai the entire time, which actually got the Texas family’s most composed to go full Mafia Samurai on her ass as the Sankta and the idol looked on in a mix of horror and “omg I knew it;” and through it all, drink was had, and merry was made.

Terra was a difficult place to live in. Poverty, inequality, terror, bloodshed, fear, hatred, jealousy - they’re no less potent or prominent on its surface than any other world’s, a product of the inevitable confluence of humanity’s imperfections magnified across a barely-numerable and broadly-scattered population. With all that said, though, there was much to live for, and as Angelina and Croissant made it home and threw themselves out of their clothes for the ‘real’ celebration of the evening, none of that mattered. Tomorrow would come, or it wouldn’t, but that night was theirs in a way no other would be...

OC Interview with Raz

I got tagged by @rheisa-midnightfury and while reading over their answers I just thought if answered by Raz it’d be most interesting. 

I’m tagging: Who ever wants to do this! 

1. What’s your name?

“Wolfmon Raziax. But ju ken call meh Raz.”

2. What is your real name?

He paused and blinked before flashing a cheeky grin. “Tusky D. Da heck mon. Raziax be me real name.”

3. What is that huge bottle of wine is for?

“Dis? Oh no mon. I be a brew kinda boyo. I promise Sashrui I pick dis up fah her. She like dat weird elf stuff. Nah my taste if ja ask.”

4. Are you single or taken?

Raz gave a pause. Looking down with a sigh. He shifted his weight and shrugged. “Single. Tings jus’ didn’t work out in da end. No bad feelins ‘tween us. Tings jus’ nah meant t’be.”

5. Have any abilities or powers?

“No ‘hooby jooby’ as Bru’mon say, ha! But I nah a bad shot wit a bow.” He winks. 

6. I'm afraid we don't have time for long answers. So can you just tell the... main point.

“I given ya short answers! Da heck ju want?!”

7. What’s your eye color?

“Deep amber, I been told.”

8. How about your hair color?

“Bright red an’ I brush et back like a wolf’s mane.”

9. Have you any family members?

“Aye. Got mah sistah. We be close cos we be all we got. Mah mum died when I be very little. But she taught me many good tings b’fore Bwonsamdi take ‘er. I dun like talkin’ bout mah fathah but hims very dead.” He said in a cold tone. 

10. Any pets?

Raz looked back at the pack of wolves and anklyodon. His biggest white wolf lay regal next to an equally huge black wolf, whom lay with his head between his paws. A smaller white wolf was closest to Raz. She watched a grey wolf pup bounce and bite playfully with the grey-blue anklyodon. “I gotta few.”

11. Tell me something about, that you don’t like!

“Oi… sumtin I don’ like… I pretteh easy goin’. I don’ like cookin’. Or fishin’. I git bored.”

12. You are the man of many words, aren’t you?

“Aye. I like ta keep ya riveted.” He smirked. 

13. Have you ever hurt anybody before? Physically or verbally?

Raz chuckles and shrugs. “Aye. Someone attacks da caravan I be protectin’ den… yea. Dey gonna got hurt. Usualleh physically.” 

14. Well… both?

“S’pose a broke a few hearts in me younger days. I was nah interested in anyting long term. Told more den a few boyos dey was nuthin’ but a good time.” He shrugged. 

15. And have you ever killed anybody?

“Aye. Like I said. I protect caravans. An’ if bandits attack den dey meet my arrows an’ wolves. But… I once had… a much shadier job. Killed lot more often.” He said looking down. 

16. If you have the chance for revenge, would you take it?

There was a quiet yet dark glint in Raz’s eyes. “When ya go et comin’. Aye. I be happy t’take revenge. But it be rare.”

17. Any hobbies?

He motions to the many hand carved bone jewelry. “I realleh enjoy carvin’ bone. It be soothin’ and sells well when I do sell em.”

18.How about your sexual orientation?

“I do prefer mons to ladies. Honestleh ladies jus’.. well I jus’ nah attracted to em.”

19. Did you go to school or are you currently partaking in any educational courses?

“Ehhhh noo. No school on’ tho Narthok be teachin’ me t’ read an write orchish.”

20. Do you ever want to marry and have kids someday?

“Kids? Mebee adopt. Nah to keen makin’ em the traditional way. But married? Ju know. I said once b’fore I nah gonna let a boyo close again so me heart nah got broken an’ I gon’ an’ got et hurt again. I’d like to but is jus’ nah gonna happen ok?”

21. What are you most afraid of?

Raz paused a moment as if reluctant to tell. “Losin’ me sistah. But I see now dat she be far strongah den I give ‘er credit for… And commitment.”

22.. What do you usually wear?

“When out an’ about? Ah casual I wear jus’ leathah pants. Barren’s be a hot place so no shirt usualleh. But I do have full sets of scale or mail armor when out protectin’, huntin’ or fightin’.”

23. Do you love someone?

“Ju askin’ some hard questions.” He sighs. “I did, yes…”

24. When was the last time you wet yourself?

There was a long pause. “Now ju jus’ askin’ weird shit. Ah donno! When I was a babe mebee?!”

25. How many friends do you have?

“Oh lotta friends. Mah best boyo be Nar’thok. Hims a soft spoken Frostwolf but hims an orc. Dey usually speak through action, nah words. Brugran. I’d say hims a friend. Tho hims a hot headed boyo an’ I gotta git quickah t’dodge him fists.” He chuckled. “I’d consider Bear a friend. Good honorable tauren. Sashrui a friend. I guess. Too flirty but good people.”

26. What are your thoughts on pie?

There was a long pause and a quizzical look. “Pie is… alright? I guess? Nah much’ova sweets guy.”

27. Tell me about your favorite place?

Raz smiles as he speaks, “Ju know. B’fore dem demons attacked the Broken Isles, I went on a spiritual journey to meet Goldrinn. Hyjal be an ancient place an’ ju ken feel da powah dere. Ridin’ on wolf back through the forest o’ ancient trees was… Jus’ as spiritual as meetin’ da ol’ wolf.”

28. Are you interested in someone?

He just smiles and shakes his head ‘no’, although it’s clearly a forced smile.

29. You seem a bit dow, is everything ok?

“Ju keep askin’ bout me love life. Which reminds meh of me broken heart.”

30. What’s your bra cup size or how big is your willy, depending on which one applies?

Raz gauffs. “I don’ do peep shows. So ju gonna have’ta jus wonder.”

31. Well then! What is YOUR type?

“I like dem tall boyos. Lanky but masculine. Fit ya know? Long hair. Mature tho. Nah so interested in dems jus’ finishin’ adult rights.” He smiled.

32. You only mentioned (male or female, or other).

“Yea. Jus’ boyos.”

33. Any fetishes?

Raz laughed and waggled his finger. “I don’ kiss an’ tell. But. I do bite.” He grins a wolfish grin. “Das all I’ll say.”

34. Well, I have some other questions, but each is so personal and such… So, I think I’ll leave you alone.

“Ju ask me da size o’mah dick. I dunno how less personal ju ken git.”

The Arrow and the Flame, xx

part xix

Summary: You want to be happy for Yondu, really, but thinking about him leaving isn’t easy. 

A/N: Sorry if this chapter is kind of...meh. I wanted to bring someone back into it just once more before moving on. Not my best work, because it’s basically just a filler.

Tags: @thewildomega @pitrymcbride @fandommemporiumm @grippleback-galaxy

Words: 2079

~~~

For a long time, things were pretty normal. Or as normal as they came on Ravager ships. You and Yondu spent so much time on the third deck, helping your father run the faction, that it almost felt like you weren’t missing anyone at all. You thought that your father Yondu him even more than he liked Martinex sometimes, though the First Mate hardly seemed to notice (or care).

In fact, he joined your little group. You, Martinex, Yondu, and Kraglin worked together a lot. After a bit, you weren’t so suspicious of him, especially when he helped Yondu find resources to start his faction. It was happening quickly, but the plans were just in the preemptive stage still.

“So you’ve got a First Mate,” Martinex said one night at the Iron Lotus. “What about a name for the faction? A mission statement?”

“I gotta have a mission statement?” Yondu asked.

“Technically, yes,” you said. “Reyus would know exactly what it should be, too.” You almost frowned, suddenly missing your childhood friend more than you had since they left.

“I’m sure they would,” Yondu said with a chuckle.

“What will your colors be?” Martinex asked.

Yondu smirked at him. “Ain't it obvious?” he asked, holding out his arms in a wide gesture. “Blue’n red, a’course!”

Martinex nodded. Kraglin took a swig of his drink. You laughed with Yondu, even though you were still kind of sad. Thinking about Reyus and Yondu both leaving wasn't exactly your favorite thing to do. And Kraglin would go with Yondu, which meant you’d be left with occasional visits and Martinex. You knew it had to be that way, but you didn't like it.

“Captain Charlie would be another good one to ask about the mission statement,” Martinex said. “He and Korri set out to change the way Ravagers were perceived, but the rest of us don't always help that.”

You shook your head. “I think he’s changed his mind on that one,” you said. “Now it’s all about helping the less fortunate. Taking from the rich to give to the poor.”

“I hear there’s a Terran hero that does that,” Martinex said.

“There are heroes all over the galaxy that do that,” Kraglin said. “Cap’n Charlie just fancies himself one of’em.”

You finished your drink and put the glass on the table. Yondu finished his as well, then picked up the glasses.

“I’ll get us ‘nother round,” he said as he got out of the booth. He turned back to kiss you before heading across the room to the bar.

You crossed your arms and looked back at Martinex, who was watching you closely. “What?” you asked him.

“You don't want him to go, do you?” he asked back.

You stared at him for a beat, then sighed and realized you couldn't keep the thought to yourself forever. “I want him to be successful, and I know he’ll be an amazing captain.”

“But?” Kraglin asked.

“But...I already lost my mom and Reyus. I never see them anymore except at Alliance meetings. I can't stop worrying about that happening to us.”

Kraglin shook his head. “Yondu ain't gonna let that happen. He tells me all the time we’re gonna make all the same stops you do. He i’n’t gonna wanna go too long without seein’ you either, ya know.”

You nodded. “I do. He’s told me, too. But I worry. I saw what happened to my parents and they lived together!”

Kraglin went to respond, but you didn't let him.

“Don't tell me we’re not my parents, please,” you begged. “I know. I do. It doesn't help.”

“What would?” Martinex asked.

You shrugged. “I don't know,” you whispered, despite how loud the club was. “If I could leave, he could have everything. If he stayed, I’d have everything. But if he goes and I stay, neither of us have anything.”

“That ain't true,” Kraglin said. He looked like he went to say something more, but the words got cut off and his eyes drifted across the bar.

You figured he was looking at a bot he liked, but his brows lowered and he looked confused.

“Ain't that that Ego guy we ran into on Sovereign?” he asked.

You turned around and saw what he was seeing: Yondu was talking to the Terran-looking feather-haired man that had almost knocked you down months ago. You don't know how or why you remembered the man, but there he was. Yondu was smirking at him, but something about his expression didn't look genuine. It looked like he was trying to be polite, though you didn't know why he’d bother.

“I’ll be right back,” you said before standing. You went to the bar and stood between the men, trying to smile despite the weird feeling in your stomach.

“I’ve got big plans coming along,” you heard Ego say before he noticed you. He stopped then, smiled, and stood a little straighter. “Hey! You’re the one I knocked into.”

You nodded. “I am,” you said, turning to Yondu. He had both drinks in his hands, but made no effort to leave the bar. “Did you need help or anything?” you asked him.

He shrugged. “Just catchin up with Ego here,” he said. “Tellin’ him ‘bout our plans and such.”

Your eyes widened without your command. “Were you now?” you asked, turning to look at Ego. Why would he want to know about some lowly Ravagers? Why was he even at the Iron Lotus, alone, in a place full of the nastiest people in the galaxy? You wondered who he was and what his big plans were. Something about his presense set you off balance. You didn’t like it one bit.

“Yondu appears to have made a name for himself among your ranks,” he said.

“He has,” you said, forcing your smile to grow. You hoped you looked more genuine than Yondu did. “Soon he’ll have his own faction.” You didn’t know why you said that, even if it didn’t feel important.

“Not that soon,” Yondu answered. He turned toward you and tried to move away from the bar before Ego spoke, drawing him back.

“Well, I’ll have to congratulate you when that happens,” he said. “In the meantime, have a good night, Yondu. You as well…” He stared at you as if he didn’t remember your name.

You honestly couldn’t remember if you’d told him or not. “(Y/N). Ogord. Have a good night, Ego,” you said. You put your hand in the bend at Yondu’s elbow and led him away from the bar. “What the fuck was that?” you asked, getting as close to him as you could.

He shrugged and handed you your refilled drink. “I’unno, he just stopped me and started askin’ questions!”

“What kind of questions?” you asked.

“Shit about work, I guess,” he said. “I tried not to tell’em too much. He kinda gives me a bad feelin’.” He looked over his shoulder and almost walked into another table. You pushed him around it and guided him back to your booth.

“Me too,” you said, sliding into the booth next to Kraglin. “I don’t know what it is about him, but I already don’t like him.”

“What’d he want?” Kraglin asked.

Yondu took a sip of his drink and shrugged. “Nothin’ important, I hope,” he said.

“You know who that is, right?” Martinex asked.

The three of you glared at him, freezing in the middle of whatever each of you were doing.

“Obviously not,” he said. “He’s a Celestial.”

You were caught off guard by how...casual he was. Martinex didn’t smile or feeze or even move, really. Except to take a drink. You watched him carefully, wondering how he knew who Ego was. It was Kraglin that asked anything at all, though.

“What the hell does that mean?” he asked.

“He’s...basically made out of Space. He’s an entity instead of a person,” Martinex said. “Probably millions...even billions of years old.”

“He looks like a Terran though,” you said.

“That’s the form he’s chosen. For now, anyway,” he said.

“So, what, he’s...powerful?” Yondu asked.

“That doesn’t even cut it,” you said. “If he can imagine something, he can make it happen. A Celestial is a part of the universe, something born out of a necessity to create.”

“What’s he doing here?” Kraglin asked.

You shrugged. Martinex did, too. It didn’t make sense. Celestials had much better things to do, surely, than hang around in seedy bars and brothels on Contraxia. There were better establishments he could afford to visit, and more exciting places to be than the neon strip Ravagers loved so much.

“I can’t imagine anything good,” you said without having meant to. It just slipped out, but no one argued with you. No one spoke up, even. After a minute of silence at the table, you took a long swig of your drink and tried to drown out thoughts of Celestials and questionable motives.

Eventually you sighed and looked at Yondu. “You’re gonna need a name for the faction,” you said. “Most of them are just...the names of wherever the Captain is from. You’d definitely be the first Centaurian faction, if you went with that.”

He put his glass on the table and shrugged. “Wouldn’t be bad to represent, I s’pose.” He smiled at you, but you didn’t know if it was genuine or forced. That unsettled you. You took another sip of your drink as he put his arm across your shoulders.

“Then again, it at least two of the factions chose different names,” Martinex said. “Aleta couldn’t really be the Arcturian faction Captain because Stakar already is, so she picked the name of her ship.”

“I was wonderin’ where Disciple came from,” Kraglin said. “Aleta never seemed like the religious type.”

“She’s not,” you said. “But she picked the ship up from an extremist group. They wanted quick cash.”

“Well I ain’t got a ship to name a faction after yet,” Yondu said. “So I got a while to pick, I guess.”

“We can start looking for good ships soon, if you want,” you said, so low you were sure he was the only one that heard. You tried to smile at him, to make it seem like everything was normal. You wanted to be happy for him, really, but all you could think about was that he was leaving. Maybe it wouldn’t happen tomorrow, but it was going to happen. And Ego showing up certainly didn’t help. So you didn’t smile, and he noticed.

He shook his head. “‘S enough ‘bout me leavin’,” he said. “Let’s dance.” He didn’t give you much of a choice - not that you’d decline anyway - as he took your drink and put it on the table. Then he took your hands and pulled you out of the booth and across the room to the crowded dance floor.

He put your hands over his shoulders, which you clasped behind his neck. His hands went to your hips, then around to rest on the small of your back. He held you so close you almost felt like one person for a moment. You wondered if that was the point of the marks - were you just one entity split into two beings? Was that why it hurt so much to see him move up in the Ravager world? You were normally so proud of him, so happy to see him do well and overcome the obstacles that had been set before him years ago, before he’d come into your life.

But becoming a Captain himself meant he was leaving. You wouldn’t get as many moments like this, where he just cradled you in his arms because he could and he wanted to. You wouldn’t be able to wake up to him or fall asleep beside him. You wouldn’t hear him tell you he loved you as much. It all hurt to think about, even as you swayed against him around and through Ravager couples and sexbots.

He cut through your thoughts when he lifted your face to his by your chin. His hands were rough and calloused, but his touch was gentle. His lips were like that, too; chapped and textured, but his kiss was soft and warm. You reminded yourself that he was still with you. You still had time with him. And even when he left, you’d make time. You’d see him, just not as much. It would be fine. Maybe.

Edie & Buster

Edie: oi my sister there Buster: She's at work Buster: Are you alright? Edie: tell her come home so everyone get off my dick Buster: I can't tell her what to do Edie: ha yeah u can Edie: i know how she is Buster: Come on Edie: What I thought you want everyone 2 know Edie: or that not include me Edie: wouldn't be the first Buster: 'Course you're included, Eds Buster: Alright fine, I'll be honest Buster: I don't wanna tell her to come home Buster: Do you get that? Edie: oh i get it Edie: its fucked up but i'm with it Buster: Call me a selfish cunt if you want but that's how it is Edie: Why'd I call u that Edie: u didn't do that shit den bounce on us Buster: Yeah but I want her to stay here Edie: yeah u getting ur dick sucked Edie: i said i get it Buster: It's not like that Edie: it is tho man Edie: i'm sorry to tell u actual Edie: but whatever she chat, you ain't special to her, you know Edie: that's just how she do Buster: Nah, babe Buster: It's different Edie: oh mckenna mckenna Edie: thought you was smart Buster: I am Buster: That's why I know what I'm saying is legit, yeah? Edie: the timing ain't got u fucked Edie: oh no i'm in trouble, here's another distraction, like Buster: Like I said, it isn't like that Buster: Me and her have been together long before Drew did what he did Edie: and she's wanted drew to pipe her long before you Edie: ain't none of us believe that just came outta the blue Buster: Don't Buster: She's never wanted him like that Buster: It was one sided, all from him Buster: Yeah, he's been playing that way for a while too but Edie: I'd hear her and Indie talking you know Edie: now that's fucked up, catch her talking to me like that and he ain't even wanna be my dad Buster: What do you reckon you've been hearing? Edie: 'low it, KNOW what i hard Edie: heard, whatever Edie: she thought he was soooooo hot, like every other bimbo in this family Buster: Maybe for one second when she was a kid Buster: It doesn't mean anything other than that Edie: oh boy you drank too much koolaid Buster: Nah Buster: I've been there when he's been acting up, I've seen it for myself how much she wasn't about him like that Buster: Trust me Edie: obvs she ain't gon be wid it when you're about Edie: like at the baby shower Edie: she ain't thick Edie: smarter than u Buster: She isn't ever Buster: It's fucked up Buster: He is Edie: save the spiel baby Edie: he's this family's scapegoat for when they wanna do the fuck shit they wanna do Buster: He's a cunt regardless Edie: u cute Edie: don't let her play u the same Buster: You wish, babe Buster: I know exactly what I'm doing Buster: Do you? Edie: haha Edie: babe, is it really that good it worth dis Edie: i always know what i'm doing Edie: whatever i want Buster: It's worth way more than this shit Buster: Believe it or not Buster: Like it or not Edie: no one like it but what they gon do right Buster: They can do whatever they want Buster: So can I Edie: dun know who u think u preaching at or why Edie: i don't give a fuck what u do Edie: came here cuz i need em off my dick and back on hers and i'm outta here Buster: Why are you chatting at me then like you wanna save me from her or something? I don't buy it, Eds Buster: You could have just said that and left Buster: You care Buster: So talk to her Edie: i care bout me Edie: they're pissing me off more than normal Edie: shame if they get u too but ain't gonna be crying over it baby Buster: Come to London Buster: You can stay here Edie: i dont like u like that mckenna Edie: soz Buster: Shut up Buster: You know what I mean Edie: rahhhh u actually so fucked up lmao Edie: i got places i wanna be Edie: thats the point Buster: You want your fam off your back I'm offering you somewhere to be where they won't be Buster: That's the point Edie: who she Edie: just cos she wanna try out for new step mum Buster: Aint I always had your back? Come on Buster: She isn't gonna give you grief like that Edie: you alright but dont get it twisted u ain't know me like that Edie: i don't wanna see her again at all Buster: I'll get you a hotel if you wanna come then Edie: hell no u cant buy me Edie: i ain't no hooker like ri be Buster: Don't call her that Buster: You know it ain't true Edie: it is tho Edie: she can do what she want but i aint gotta respect it or call it by a diff name to make her feel good bout it Buster: Don't be stupid Buster: You ain't a kid, you know how this all works Edie: she gets paid for her company Edie: what u wanna call it Edie: what makes u feel better Buster: Forget it Buster: I'm not trying to hit my head against the bricks Edie: hahaha thats what they always say when im right Edie: well if she aint gon go back for them she should know her man going pure apeshit, wilding out again like he think he the age he feelin Buster: Nah it's what they say when you won't be told. Not the same thing, like Buster: For the last time, he ain't her man. She doesn't give a fuck what he does or doesn't do Edie: meh whatever you say boy Edie: someone needs to go cheer him up Buster: Not our problem Buster: You do it if you're that bothered Edie: well he won't speak to me will he Edie: i ain't that fuckable, clearly Edie: or he got more morals than yous, either or Buster: Fuck's sake. Don't say shit like that to me Edie: awh mckenna only playin Edie: it's kinda funny tbh Edie: she act like she give the most shits about this fam Edie: and then she ruin it like that cos she wanna bang Buster: Hilarious Buster: She hasn't ruined anything Buster: Behave Edie: yous don't know u ain't here Edie: i'm tellin ya, why u think i'm jumping ship Buster: Neither are you, babe so don't act it Buster: If anything's fucked it's cause Drew fucked it Buster: You should be used to that as a concept Edie: didn't fuck himself mckenna Edie: all yous carry on blaming him til he the only one left tho Buster: I'm blaming him for this 'cause it's his fault Buster: I'm not trying to go any further back in time Edie: what u so whipped for Buster: Fuck off Buster: I know you'd love it to be that simple but it ain't Edie: u actually serious u think u love her Buster: I do love her Buster: I know that Edie: gon take up heroin next mckenna Buster: Grow up Edie: not the one still playing kissing cousins Edie: cute Buster: I don't care what you think Buster: And if that's the best you've got, don't bother, like Edie: good Edie: me either Edie: easier init Buster: Sometimes Edie: don't do halves Buster: Me either Buster: But you ain't the only one getting grief and feeling over it so Edie: fair you are chucking one in your fam, what u expect Edie: i've not done shit Buster: Whatever you say, babe Edie: ha tell me dickhead what have i done u reckon Buster: You're a bit of a cunt honestly Edie: boohoo Edie: if i was i'd fit right in Buster: You are and you do Buster: Deal with it, like Edie: all i do is deal with the unfortunateness of it trust Buster: Don't we all Edie: well bondings been fun babe but i got to go Edie: tell 'em all fairwell from me if you could tah u a real one Buster: Not your errand boy, sorry about it Buster: But not Edie: oh well Edie: they'll deal with not hearing it Buster: Since you ain't giving 'em a choice, yeah, they'll have to Edie: since when did u have to Edie: i ain't had 1 Buster: You've had plenty Buster: There's always choices Buster: Don't chat that bullshit to me Edie: nah Edie: god bless thank god u pretty Buster: Yeah Buster: On both counts Edie: i never had any it was all decided 'fore i even got here Buster: Nah Edie: yeah, mckenna Edie: he ain't want me, ma did Edie: i don't want her Edie: what a sad lil circle Buster: That's a cop out Buster: None of us got to pick our parents, babe Edie: least yours picked you Buster: Your ma picked you and Caleb Buster: You've got a mum and a dad same as I do Edie: well i don't want either of 'em Edie: so i'm offski Buster: Like I said, choices Buster: That's yours Edie: yeah it is Edie: finally Buster: Alright Buster: So stop wasting both our time with this chat then, yeah? Buster: It ain't going nowhere and you've decided you are Buster: Somewhere to be, like Edie: oooh Edie: touchy Edie: i'm waiting for my ride n my time Edie: what u even doin Buster: You don't care so what does it matter Edie: long as it matters to you babe Buster: Cheers Buster: Good insight Edie: ikr Edie: talents are wasted on this town Buster: You and me both Edie: shut up dickhead Edie: streets are paved with gold are they not Buster: Again, you wish it was that simple, babe Edie: why u even invited me then Edie: n u don't wanna fuck me Edie: rude Buster: I can only offer what I can offer Buster: I said it was an out from your fam not a fix all paradise, like Edie: lame and untrue to boot Edie: unfortunate but happens to the best of yas Buster: Whatever Edie: you might be ignoring the family tree like Edie: nothing in it for me Buster: Fine Buster: Don't come Edie: wasn't gonna Edie: doubt we got enough disel to get that far Buster: That's what planes are for Buster: But you know Edie: you know i ain't got that money Buster: I wasn't suggesting you paid for it Edie: kai has less than me lmao Buster: Him either Edie: mckenna mckenna mckenna if she's really doing that bad a job there's places you can go, people you can see Buster: This is boring Buster: You're just repeating yourself now girl Edie: you ain't my first choices either baby it's cool Edie: he's picking up Buster: Very gentlemanly Edie: like i ain't paying for it lmao Buster: If that's your way of saying you need money, make your mind up, like Edie: i'm saying that's where my money goes and is why he ain't getting on no plane Edie: paranoia man it'll get ya Buster: Yeah Buster: I bet Edie: Poor baby Edie: and Charlie thought he left all that behind him Edie: unlucky Buster: Can't say he don't know how to handle it at least Edie: that's a joke init Buster: Are you laughing right now? Edie: Big time Edie: got even less of a handle than ali and caleb Buster: Sure the judgement really helps too Edie: who's judging Buster: You Edie: Nah Edie: I don't care enough for that, I'm just laughing at the mess, not commenting on it Buster: Whatever you say Edie: how much would you give me Edie: outta interest Buster: How much do you want? Edie: ha you're such a bullshitter Edie: wouldn't stall if u was serious Buster: It's a serious question Buster: I don't know how long you're going for or where Buster: Not just gonna pull a number out the air Edie: for good and wherever we end up Edie: guess there's no ballpoint on that eh Buster: That's what you're saying now but if you're gone for a day and I give you a grand its not you who looks like a mug Edie: you a mug thinkin u get to tell me what to do with it like her Edie: its drug money mckenna don't act dumb Buster: Have I said shit about how to spend it? Nah Buster: Be serious and I will Buster: Tell me how much you want Edie: wow you really are dumb Edie: be careful out here baby Edie: even i ain't gonna play u like that but so many will Buster: Fuck off Buster: You're all talk, kid Edie: i'm serious Edie: ain't got your rents biz head have u jesus Buster: You don't know shit about what I'm got or not, Edie Buster: Don't act like you do Edie: you showed enough cards Buster: Nah, I'm showing you I can help you Buster: But be stupid Buster: How far you think you're gonna get with no money and no way to get any? Buster: Unless you're gonna play it the same way as Rio does whilst judging her for earning it Edie: you can help me get high? you and half the punters in this postcode, my da included Edie: ain't special baby and i ain't tryna enter yours so i don't need much Edie: plenty ways of getting cash that don't involve selling your ass Buster: Yeah, you're really smart Edie: aw thanks Buster: Cheers yourself Buster: Not a waste of time at all Edie: You're precious Buster: I know Edie: I reckon we've talked for sufficient time you can play you tried to stop me now Buster: I'm not gonna bullshit anyone Buster: That's for you to do Edie: as you like Edie: oh, tell ri gracie keeps crying, like ALL the time Edie: more than usual Buster: Tell her yourself Edie: alright Edie: she didn't reply last time i wrote her tho but worth a shot Buster: Try saying something worth reading Buster: I know it's a stretch but Edie: aw darn, i really thought i was smart Edie: oh well Buster: Bye, Edie Edie: laters mckenna Buster: Unlikely from how you're selling it, but sure Edie: see i don't know what u reckon the point of u is if you ain't gonna let me hit u up on the reg for cash Edie: you ain't know how this works Buster: I'm not trying to be anything for you Buster: Not my job Edie: knife thru my heart Edie: she always got the best of everything so used to it Buster: yeah yeah Edie: there u go again 💘 Buster: Poor baby Edie: u got jokes Buster: I know Buster: Pretty, smart and funny Edie: when u suck urself off that's somehow grosser than the incest Edie: eurgh Buster: Hilarious Edie: no jokes Edie: i reckon that's hurting your chances more Buster: I didn't ask and I don't care Edie: awh so in love is it Buster: Even if I wasn't, not gonna take advice from you Edie: why not Buster: Not gonna write you a list either Edie: i get laid Edie: by people i ain't related to n all, craziness Buster: Well done Edie: why thank you Buster: Sure your boyfriend wants to talk to you more than I do Buster: So on you go Edie: probably not if he's started without me but you know Buster: Well all the more reason to catch him up then Edie: ha you really don't like me do you Buster: You're not as stupid as you sound Buster: Good to know Edie: its chill b Edie: i dont like me either Buster: Do something about it then Edie: who for? Edie: this cunt Edie: i think not Buster: For you maybe Edie: that's the cunt i was referring to Edie: keep up Buster: You're just being so edgy right now, like Buster: How can I? Edie: we all know u aint vanilla now boy quit playin Buster: You first Edie: what u chattin i'm bein painfully real Buster: You're trying too hard, babe Edie: at what lmao Buster: This game Buster: Been there, done it Buster: You ain't been real this whole convo Edie: tragically i have Edie: soz you found it disappointing but same Buster: Disappointing ain't the word Buster: If you wanna put any in my mouth, try even harder Edie: you should save the wiser older brother bit tho Edie: ur actual sis would probs benefit Buster: I'm not trying to be that for her or you Buster: Unlucky Edie: now who's not being real Edie: it's cute, don't be ashamed Buster: Why should I be real for you? Edie: u shouldn't Edie: just a bit weird to be lecturing me Edie: unless you really tryna kick it daddy and its all do as i say not as i do Edie: i'm with you Buster: Weird ain't the half of what you reckon I am so why do you care? Edie: why do you Buster: Why do I care about you? Buster: Don't be stupid Edie: i'm not u got no reason Buster: Yeah I do Edie: ha sure Buster: Whatever Edie: you're as bad as her aren't you Edie: i got it fucked feeling sorry for you at the start Edie: you gonna chat like family means anything, god, at least i thought you were committed mckenna Buster: She ain't bad, that's your first mistake Buster: She's better than me, that's your second Edie: three strikes and i'm out? Edie: fun Edie: lemme think Buster: If we were playing that you'd have been out ages ago, babe Edie: good to know Edie: underestimated myself again but that's life Buster: I wouldn't know Buster: Not how I'm living Edie: hmm i wouldn't peg you as a total jump the gun cum in your pants type but if you insist Buster: You ain't got a clue how to peg me but it doesn't matter Edie: i been in the know on that but like i said Edie: don't like u like that Buster: Good Edie: lmao gotta draw the line somewhere mckenna Edie: glad to know it's at butt stuff Edie: on that note, peace Edie: my ride here Buster: Bye again Buster: Been a pleasure, obviously Edie: put it on my tab Buster: 'Course

Better Eight Than Never --- Chapter 23: Some good and knot so good feelings

VZZTVZZT

Toda groaned.

VZZTVZZT

“I’m trying to sleep, phone...” He murmured, turning over in his bed, and then cringing in pain as he put pressure on his leg. Oh right, his life wasn’t exactly normal anymore… He carefully sat up, pulling the blankets off to get a look at his leg. Bato’d put the bandage up as high as he could, most of it able to be hidden under a pair of shorts, but he’d still have to wear actual pants if he wanted to be on the safe side… He took a moment to watch a few raindrops trickle down his window before leaning over and picking up his phone; There was a chance these texts would be important. When he saw it was from Jill and neither in all caps, or spelled properly, he relaxed and pull the covers back over his lap.

J: Hey T are you up yet?

J: I was wondering how u r

T: yah im up

T: im donig okay, prty sore tho

T: wbu?

J: Im good

T: good 2 haer

J: shoulder still hurts

J: aLOT

J: not suprised ur sore tho

T: yeah

J: r u feelin sick @ all?

J: jus gathrin info 4 S

T: hm...

T: no, i dnot thik so

J: good! :D

T: :)

T: wht bout u?

J: Im fit as a skattele!

J: *Fiddle

T: lol

T: hwo fit s a skattele? :P

J: theyre pretty fit

J: easy ot fit in ym mouth!

J: omnomnomnomnom!

T: LOL XD

J: Do u like skatteles?

T: nto my al-tim favrite, btu i liek tem

J: Ok, then wh@ candies do u like?

T: nything wit choclate

T: especly milk chocolte

T: espcily peant m&ms

J: I'll keep th@ in mind. XP

J: Especially th@ u dont have a peanut allegory

J: *Alligator

J: *A L L E R G Y T: lol XD

T: yah no allergies

J: I cant type 2day!

J: it is a cuuurrseeee

T: sems lik it :P

J: A hilarious curse...

Toda wasn’t quite sure how to reply. He decided he’d try to figure it out while he got himself some clothes for that day. He carefully swung his legs over the edge of the bed and started to stand slowly, but as soon as he started to put weight on his bad leg he winced and sat back down quickly. Alright, it's fine, there's no hurry... He took a few deep breaths, then tried to stand again, putting a hand on his nightstand to brace himself as he put the weight on his leg again. “Okay, so at least I'm standing now...” He murmured as he started to limp towards the closet. Once there he leaned against the wall and looked over his available clothing. His usual layered anchor shirt needed to be washed… and to have the sleeve stitched up…  He supposed he’d wear his part-time pirate, and a pair of baggy pants he hadn’t worn in forever, that was bound to be much easier to put on than a pair of jeans, or worse… He just remembered to grab a pair of socks as well before staggering back to his bed and sitting down. Thank Judd that was over, now he could take a bit of a break before changing clothes. Oh, Jill’d messaged him again while he was picking out clothes.

J:... T, how many of th messages did u read from after u stoped rplying yetsrday?

T: um.. I ddn’t rly

T: y?

J: You may want to look again.

T: ok?

Toda frowned a little, starting to pull up the group chat. He hadn't remembered receiving a notification for one after that, though he'd had no signal just before Oz came, and his phone had been muted too--

S: Toda!

S: No

S: answer!

S: Toda Pleaes

S: Toda pleas eanswer

S: I love you

He stopped, eyes settling on the message at the bottom of the chat. "Oh." He said aloud. A blush crept up his face, his stomach butterflies seemed to wake up and promptly triple in number; some of them made their way into his chest, making it feel lighter. "Oh." He repeated, his voice a little softer this time. He couldn't seem to come up with anything else to say.

He sort of lay back for a second, staring up at the ceiling. So.. so his feelings weren't unrequited. They liked him too, loved him too. He actually started to smile, feeling some of the worry that had been sitting with him the last couple of days ebbing away. He should call them and... wait. Should he just call them and tell them? What exactly would he say? Was now even a good time? Maybe in person would be better... but that might not be for a while; he didn't know if they were going to be up to coming to the plaza today... probably not... or would it be better to let them bring it up first? He rubbed his forehead, feeling a few knots starting to mix in with the butterflies, though these were slightly different knots than before.

He realized that Jill was probably waiting for an answer, so he picked up his phone and started to bring up their 1-on-1 chat, when it... occurred to him that Simon had confessed in their group chat room. He grimaced a little, feeling his blush become darker. Oops... He brought up Jill's messages, but the only thing he could think of to say was still just:

T: oh

J: Im sosorry this wa snone of my busniess Ishount ave sad anythung imsosorry i wish idneevr seeniut Ijsut fiue

J:ds thatsome ofs waht s isupsetbout i can hear thm pacing abd i got curios and

T: nonoonno

T: its fin

T: rel yit sok

T: wai

T: r they ok?

J: Im right below their room

J: Theyre pacing more than usual

J: I think... they thought you knew they said that.

T: oh

T: no, i hdant sen it til now

T: m phon was mutde

T: nd teh siganl wsa rell bad ther

A short pause.

J: Do u like them back?

T: yeah, i do

T: I really do

J: Oh thank goodness...

Toda smiled a little, taking a deep breath and trying to get the blushing under control… Simon had been a little awkward after they’d found him… was this why? They thought he’d seen the message?

J: Theyre pacing faster D:

J: MayB when u come over u should talk 2 them

J: or @ lest try.

T: yah...

T: wold tey b up 2 tha tday?

J: MayB

J: Probably just thruogh the door tho

T: ok...

J: @ this point u stand a beter chance than me...

T: oh...?

J: We... havnt been connecting as well snce... the stuff happned.

T: oh...

Toda felt more knots, of a different kind. This wasn’t good…

J: Theyre so distant from me now.

J: Its hard...

J: Sometimes I wonder if... he said something 2 them...

T: ... yeah... its posibl...

J: I wish I could help thm

J: But our encounters r so... the complt opposte.

T: yeah...

J: sryy 4 droppin heavy stuff....

T: its ok

T: i dont mnid

J: are u sure?

T: im sure

T: :3

J: if u say so...

Toda waited a moment, then sighed and began to change his clothes. Part of him wanted to stay at home, his leg hurt so much, but he had to go to the plaza anyway to meet with the squid sisters, so he didn’t really have a choice either way.  He’d just have to take some pain medication and hope for the best. And have breakfast, if there was one thing he was fairly sure he’d never do again, it was take food for granted.

He stood up on wobbly legs and straightened his clothes, then slipped his phone into his pocket and limped toward his bedroom door. He paused with his hand over the knob, casting a glance at his Splattershot Jr. and ink tank. Nope, not going to take any chances today. He grunted and bent down to pick them up, and fastened them on before finally heading out of his room and going to get ready for the day.

Bato awoke that morning to the sound of rain tapping on glass, his room dimly tinted gray from the dappled light coming in through his window. He yawned and sat up, looking toward his bed, where he saw Hachi already awake and watching the raindrops glide down the windowpane. "Morning." He greeted, voice still a little heavy from drowsiness.

Hachi gave him a quick glance, but then looked back out the window.

He fell silent, watching the rain as well. It was awfully calming, he had to admit. “How are you feeling?” He asked.

“… Meh...” She croaked after a moment’s pause.

"Looks like it might be a while before we can leave for the plaza." He continued.

Hachi nodded.

“… How long have you been up?” He asked.

She tried to speak again, but just started to cough, deeply and painfully.

He grimaced a bit. "Do you want something to drink?" He asked her.

She nodded, rubbing her throat.

He nodded as well, then stretched and groaned, feeling a bit of pain from where Hachi’s kick had bruised, then got up to get her a cup of water. As he did, he wondered how well Toda was going to be able to watch her with his hurt leg. He could always offer to help, he supposed. And if Toda didn’t let him help, he reassured himself that he was in the same building, so he could respond quickly if something went wrong. He walked back into his room, holding out the glass of water. “Here you go.”

Hachi gave a small nod, then took the glass and took large gulps of water. When she’d finished drinking, she cleared her throat. “Testing… Okay… So what things aren't going to go according to plan with you today?" She asked, voice still a bit rough.

He chuckled. "I think right now all we have planned is to go check in with the Agents at the plaza... I guess anything else will depend on how everyone's feeling. And the weather."

She paused. "... I'm... actually hungry this morning."

"Well, that's good." He said with a nod. "It sounds like both my parents left early this morning, likely to get to work before it started raining, so... There's leftovers we can heat up again, or I could look at making something quick."

"... You have any more oranges?" She asked quietly.

"Yup." He replied. "Stepmom got quite a few the other day."

She nodded. "One of those."

"Alright... hm..." He thought for a moment. "There's still some casserole left... or... I wonder if there's still any pancake mix left, that wouldn't take too long..."

"I'm not having dinner again." She clarified.

"Okay then, that's fine." He said with a small shrug. “Do you think you’ll be able to walk by yourself today?”

“We’ll see.” She grunted, then swung her feet off the bed and stood. “… Looks like we’re okay.”

Bato nodded. “Good. Come on, let’s get some breakfast.” He turned and lead the way down the hall and into the dining room, pulling out a chair for her to sit in. “Go ahead and sit while I get you that orange.” He said, then stepped into the kitchen. As he was opening up the fridge, he got a text from Jill. He began to text her intermittently as he peeled the oranges.

J: B is it raining @ ur house 2?

B: Yup. Might be a while before we can get over there.

J: k

J: just curious.

J: hows 8?

B: She has a bit more of an appetite this morning, so that's a good sign.

J: Oh good

J: She stil fevery?

J: oh man she went through yestrday w a fever course she was so upset

B: I think she's over the fever now

B: Yeah...

J: U think u got it?

B: Not that I can tell

B: And it has been a few days now...

J: Well im not feelin it yet ethir

J: ima have 2 ask T

J: mayB its just an octo thing

B: Maybe

Bato separated the orange slices and put them on a plate, bringing them out to the dining table and setting them in front of Hachi before stepping back into the kitchen. He opened up one of the cupboards and sure enough, there was a box of pancake mix at the top. He brought it down and got ready to start cooking.

J: I realy hope we dnt get it

J: if only 4 S's sake

B: Same here

J: Did ur moms let 8 stay or did u have 2 sneak her in?

J: just curious

B: They let her stay

B: I had to do some pretty fast talking though

J: wh@ did u have 2 tell them?

B: Mostly just reassurances that nothing serious was up

B: I think SMom was starting to think that she was in trouble with the law or something

J: Well....

J: I mean shes probly not WRONG

B: Yeah, probably not

J: I hope theres a rainbow 2day

J: th@ would b cool

B: Yeah, that would b cool

J: U think 8's ever seen a rainbow?

Bato had to consider that for a moment.

B: Hm... I don't know actually

J: MayB u should ask her

J: but if she doesnt kno just leave it a surprise

B: I might do that.

J: :D

After that, Bato began to pour pancake batter onto the griddle and didn’t check his phone any further. He figured that at least if Hachi had seen a rainbow before, that wasn’t what they called it, since she didn’t know what rain was. Then again, that lingual quirk could have survived, he theorized. Language was interesting… Where had words even started in the first place? Probably the word ‘Mom’, it was easy to say, and it had such an important meaning. He’d know, he had two.

He put the pancakes onto a serving plate and turned off the burner, then went back into the dining room. "They're ready--" He broke off, realizing that Hachi was absent from her chair. He quietly cursed and slammed the plate down onto the table, then jogged to the front door. Who knew how far away she could be by now, he should have paid more attention to her, he should have--

The sound of a toilet flushing broke into his thoughts and he froze on the spot. Oh. She’d just gone to the bathroom. He sighed in relief and headed back to the kitchen, getting out another plate and some silverware, then went back into the dining room and started setting up while Hachi came back and sat down.

“Great, more forks.” She muttered.

Bato chuckled a little, turning to head back into the kitchen. "It'll be easier than last night, trust me."

“I don’t think that’s a mistake we’re going to make again.” She replied.

He huffed, then went to the fridge and got out some syrup and butter, setting them down on the table and then sitting down himself. “Alright, so these are pancakes.” He explained. “You eat them like the… um… the breakfast from the other day.”

Hachi’s nose wrinkled in disgust, and her tentacles curled up a little.

“--That is, you put butter and syrup on them to flavor them.” He continued. “Go ahead, try some.” He pushed the bottle of syrup toward her.

Hachi paused, then picked up the bottle and flicked open the cap. She sniffed it, looking a little weirded out. She poured a little on her plate and then licked some off her finger, immediately recoiling.

“Not a fan?” Bato asked.

"Why do you make everything so sweet?" She asked. "Eeegh..."

He couldn't help chuckling a little. "It's what we like, I guess." He said with a shrug, taking the bottle and drizzling some on top of his own pancakes. "You don't have to put any on if you don't want it."

Hachi hesitated, then cut off a bit of butter with her knife and then tried that, face scrunching up again.

“We don’t usually eat butter all by itself.” Bato explained. “Try putting some on a little bit of pancake and let it melt in first." He suggested.

She raised an eyebrow at him and then cut off another piece of butter, dropping it onto her stack of pancakes. She attempted to spread it, but ended up just tearing it while scowling in frustration.

"Let it melt a little first." He advised.

She sighed. “I hate that I can’t go a single meal up here without instruction...”

He paused. “It’ll get better.” As she tried to spread the butter, he dug into his own pancakes, nice, light, and fluffy. They weren’t quite as good as they could be, this box was a little old, but it was still just what he needed this morning. He glanced at Hachi as she finally got a piece of pancake into her mouth. “Well, what do you think?”

“… It’s okay.” She said.

“Not an orange, huh?” He asked.

“Nope.” She agreed.

He nodded and went back to cutting up his pancake. “So, I think I’m going to bring the backpack with me today, just in case you can’t handle walking.”

“Keep running to a minimum.” She snapped.

He nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

She nodded. "I've never thrown up while transformed and I don't want to find out how it works."

He grimaced. "Yeeeah, I can't imagine that would be pleasant."

Hachi paused. "...I say that and then I get curious, but I still don't want to know. especially not in a bag."

He couldn't help chuckling a little bit, but then nodded. "I'll try my best; hopefully we won't have a reason to run anywhere today anyway."

She. "And hopefully I can walk."

"Hopefully." He agreed, taking another bite of pancake.

They ate quietly for a while, until Hachi sighed glumly.

"... You doing alright?" Bato asked.

She shrugged. "I still hurt inside and out, and whatever these things are made of its weird."

Not knowing how to reply, he just nodded.

She paused. "Are these things made with the same thing as the sandwich?"

He nodded. "It's not quite the same, but they're both basically bread."

"Hm... is it plant?" She asked curiously. "Because it doesn't taste like meat."

"It's made with flour, which is ground-up wheat, which is a plant." He replied. "It's basically made by making a dough out of flour, water, yeast, and other things depending on the sort of bread you're making, and then baking it."

“Flour? Oh! I heard of that!” Hachi said. “I think more high up people get to have and use that… But… I thought it was made from grain?”

He blinked. “Well, wheat is a grain.”

“No no no, grain!” She said. “Little white bits about this big.” She gestured with her fingers.

He frowned a little in thought. Why did that sound familiar…? “Oh! We call that rice!” He said, finally making the connection. “Rice flour is a little bit different than wheat flour. Bao is made with rice flour, actually.”

Hachi nodded a little. “… I’ve been missing out on stuff like this all this time...”

Bato gave a huff, only a little amused. He got a text and realized he’d left Jill hanging, pulling out his phone. Though, it wasn’t Jill, it was Toda.

T: u 2 bout redy?

T: rains stppd

"It's from Toda." He said. "He's wondering if we're ready to go."

“I need some water.” Hachi said. “Then I’ll be ready to go.”

He nodded.

B: Yeah, give us about 10 minutes T: k T: tahts probly hw lng itll tke me 2 gt 2 teh elvator nyway :P

Bato and Toda are Knitter’s characters

Hachi, Jill, and Simon are Shuckle’s characters.

Splatoon belongs to Nintendo.

Please consider liking or reblogging if you enjoyed, it’s nice to know we’re doing things right.

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[<PREV] [INDEX] [NEXT>]

(requested by mathmaticalknight; continuing from this)

Bagpipe whistled merrily as she skipped through the halls; a good day’s work always put her in a good mood, but today was special - namely, she had somewhere to be, and someone to go home to...It was a wonderful thing, honestly.

“Chenchen!” The Vouivre called into the office. “Ready to go home?”

Ch’en rolled out of her office in her chair, tired but smiling. “Hey, Pippy. I started something right before you came in, and if I don’t finish it today, I won’t be able to submit it. Do you mind waiting for just a little bit?”

“Naw, do wucha gotta, there’s time. Hey, you feelin’ okay?”

“Hmm? At least the same as usual.” She yawned. “And...done. We can go home.”

Something was bothering her, though. “Ya look real tired, Chenchen.”

“Like I said - the same as usual.” The Lung staggered to her feet and closed the distance between them.

“This is normal?” Bagpipe shook her head. “I thotcha figr’d out howta pace yerself.”

She shook her head. “Nope. It’s why I fall asleep at my desk so much.”

“And ya think ya won’t fall asleep in the mil’ of it?...Akshully, that ain’t the worst thing in’a world. Let’s getcha home.”

“Yeah...” Ch’en stretched her arms out. “Carry me?”

The Vouivre chuckled. “Aww, I ain’t sayin’ no to that puppy-dog face. C’mon.”

“Thank you~” As she left the ground, she wrapped her arms around her Bagpipe’s neck and began softly humming to herself.

‘I ferget she gets like this when she’s tired,’ the vanguard noted to herself. ‘Used ta be rare to see ‘er so tired tho...I know she don’t want me worr’in ‘bout ‘er, but how’m I gonna i’nore some’in so obvyus?...Well, I’ll let ‘er sleep while I make dinner, at least.’

Bagpipe left the Lung on her own couch - still not clean enough at the alternative, after all - and started on dinner. Between the time they’d spent together in college and her girlfriend’s surprisingly open mind when it came to food so long as it met her nutritional needs, she was free to auto-pilot something while the focused on something much more important: figuring out why it was Ch’en could only leave her office thoroughly exhausted.

When after an hour the answer didn’t seem much clearer but dinner was finished cooking, the Vouivre walked back to the couch...and found that in the middle of her nap, LGD’s finest had turned around to squeeze the pillow her head had been resting on for all she was worth. Smiling to herself, the vanguard tapped her on the neck. “Din’rs ready, Chenchen.”

“...” She stirred a little, but only to bury herself further into the pillow.

“Right. Welp, I tried.” With a bit of a chuckle, Bagpipe lifted Ch’en off the couch and over her head, using her as a makeshift dumbbell as she began to chant: “One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand, four-”

That was enough to do the job. “I’m awake, I’m awake...How long was I out?”

“Long ‘nuff fer me ta finish din’r. Yer sure ev’ythin’s a’rite?”

“...I never said it was alright, Pippy,” the Lung replied as she was carried into the dining room. “If I had, I’d be lying to you, and I’ve never liked doing that.”

Not that she never had...interesting. “Well, c’mon now, don’t keep me in ‘spense or som’in. What’s wrong?”

“My job is literally eating me away into nothing.” By this point they were at the table, serving themselves.

“Well, shit, I kinda thought this might ‘appen.” The Vouivre sighed. “Ya always burnt yerself at both ends, didn’cha?”

Ch’en nodded. “There’s a lot of work to be done to make Lungmen a place people can call home, but to be honest, I know I don’t have to push myself so far to still make strides. Knowing that and actually stopping myself, though, are two wildly different things, so...I need your help.”

“All ya hafta do is ask. Whatcha need from me?”

“I don’t have any specifics,” she admitted, “otherwise I’d tell you. Honestly, I think I’ll be able to start changing by keeping the thought of making our time together worthwhile at the front of my mind, but if it’s not, I’m sorry, but you’ll have to meet me in the middle while I’m trying to improve. Are you okay with all of that?”

Bagpipe moved her plate and some other dishes aside so she could reach her arm across the table. “Ch’en, I’d move ‘Ev’n and Terra fer ya if ya needed meh ta. I been waitin’ a few years now ta hold ya, and a lil’ competin’ fer time ain’t gonna scare me away.”

“...Thank you.” The Lung squeezed her hand, a tear falling from her eye. This was why she was the one, no doubt about it.

“I know ya had a nap,” the Vouivre continued, “but we ‘ad a talk earlier this mornin’, and I was won’rin’-”

That managed to draw a giggle. “I’m glad you remembered. I think I have the energy for something.”

“Ya sure? If yer tired, I don’ wanna-”

“Tiring me out will help me sleep better,” Ch’en assured her, “and I’ve been waiting on you this whole time, too. Strike while the iron’s hot, like our Strategic Assessment instructor used to say.”

Her girlfriend smiled mischievously at her. “But yer always gonna be hot, Chenchen.”

“Is that city girl flattery? From Pippy? Well, I never.” How consciously she was doing this was hard to tell, both for herself and Bagpipe, but the Lung was sending a message in Morse code with her hand-squeezing: “F...U...C-”

The Vouivre got the message loud and clear.