#had to force myself to stop as well XD or else the process would just have gone on
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I don’t know what possessed me this morning to spontaneously draw Undertale fanart but here y’all go.
#my art#mettaton#mettaton undertale#undertale#undertale fanart#yes I’m mildly overtagging just cause I don’t go here#also I wish I had more little nuggets of entertainment to sprinkle into these tags but to be honest I just kinda#hunkered down and got on with this one#emerging to go hmm why did I do that when I had many chores and errands today#had to force myself to stop as well XD or else the process would just have gone on
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Stargazer Lily
Words: 1,699
God of Storms AU: Lily
Characters: Hatake Kakashi & Hatake Sakumo
Note: thank you to @mushroombitchboy for giving this a quick read through and pointing out a horrid word placement mistake XD
Sakumo was in the midst of planting his latest creation in the garden just outside of his temple when he heard his daughter’s footsteps behind him.
Light as air, her feet barely touched the ground but gave off just enough sound to alert him to her presence. A calculated move he'd begun making after accidentally sneaking up on the other gods one too many times.
“One second,” he whispered as his hand cradled the flower's delicate petals. “Just need to make sure- yes!”
It was perfect. The flower sat straight and true, displaying its beauty to the world without hesitation.
“Gorgeous,” his daughter spoke, but her voice sounded different from what he was used to. A little bit deeper, and with a bit more happiness than he was used to hearing from her. “Did you just create it?”
“I just finished it,” he confirmed. “The process took a bit longer than usual, but I wanted it to come out perfect and, well-” Turning around, he opened his arms to greet his daughter with a hug, only to stop when his eyes landed on her.
Where she’d once had long, flowing silver hair hanging down below her hips, there was now short spiky hair that pointed up in every direction. Rather than greeting him with that blinding, toothy smile of hers, she said a silent ‘hello’ with a smile that was covered by a cloth mask. It was a smile that still reached all the way up into her eyes and forced them shut, her face glowing with pride in a way Sakumo had never seen before.
Her whole attitude was different.
Her facial features were perfectly covered by the mask, but her auro was full of a confidence she’d never been known to hold herself with before.
“You look-”
“Strange?” her back straightened, confidence disappearing from her eyes when she glanced away from him, but shining even brighter than before when she called up the courage to meet his gaze once again.
“Handsome,” dropping his arms down to his side, he tilted his head. “Where did this come from? Last I checked my d-” Stopping himself, he forced himself to take one more careful look at her.
‘Daughter’ didn’t seem to be the correct descriptor anymore. For the first time since he’d held them in his arms, he knew he wasn’t looking at his precious little girl. She was gone, and someone new stood in front of him.
Someone wonderful.
“My child,” he finished, his heart blooming with a comfortable warmth when their eyes lit up with excitement. “What changed?”
“Not much, really,” they shrugged their shoulders and leaned a little to the left to get a better look at the flower he’d just been admiring. “I just sort of realized something about myself.”
“And what was that ‘something’?” taking a step to the side, he watched as their eyes darted up toward him. For a moment they watched him, examining his face before forcing their attention back onto the flower.
Reaching out, they grazed their fingers against the flower’s petals. “Just that I- well,” tucking their bottom lip in under their top teeth, they sighed. “What would you think if you-if I…”
“If my daughter wasn’t my daughter?” Sakumo finished for them, a gentle laugh dancing on his lips. “I don’t think that would matter, really. You’re…” he stopped himself before he could say their name, wondering if it was even the name that they wanted to go by anymore.
“Kakashi,” they whispered, the name lingering in the air between them as Sakumo went over it in his mind. “It’s the name I use when I’m…you know.”
“When you’re with him?” A shy nod serves as an answer to his question. “I see. How long have you been using it?”
“A year, maybe two,” they whispered. “Maybe something like twenty.”
Twenty years. Sakumo couldn’t help but laugh at himself when he’d heard that.
For Twenty years his child had been introducing themselves as someone else to others. Presented themselves as someone completely different from who they had been born as, and never once told Sakumo about it.
“Where did I go wrong?” he asked a deep sadness weighing on his heart as he thought about all of the time he’d lost with the child he was supposed to love.
“Nowhere,” they whispered. “I just didn’t know how to tell you.”
“I should have been the first one you told,” he whispered. “Or at least, the first one you were comfortable with telling.”
“I didn’t tell him either,” they admitted, finally dragging their eyes away from the flower and looking back at him with such deep sadness in their eyes that Sakumo felt his heart breaking. “I just sort of showed up as ‘Kakashi’ and went from there.”
“So he doesn’t know?”
“No one does,” they confirmed. “Except you, now. So, You kind of are the first one I’ve told. It just took me a while to gather up the courage to do it.”
“Twenty years,” Sakumo repeated with a heavy heart. It was such a short amount of time in the grand scheme of things, but it was still too long. Years that he could have spent referring to his child by the correct name, and loving them for who they truly are, were wasted away.
“Father,” Kakashi called out, a tender smile on their face when he dared to lift his eyes off of the ground. “I’m telling you now.”
“But-”
“Twenty years is gone,” they reminded him. “There’s still a few thousand ahead of us. Why don’t we focus on that time instead?”
Thinking about it, Sakumo sighed. “On one condition.”
“And that is?”
Motioning for them to face him, Sakumo waited until they turned their full attention to him. “Introduce yourself.”
“Introduce myself?” they raised an eyebrow. “To my own father?”
“Fine,” he rolled his eyes up toward the sky. “Reintroduce yourself.”
“I-”
“Hello,” holding out a hand, he grinned when Kakashi looked down at it with a bewildered expression. “I’m Sakumo, your father.”
Standing there in front of him, Kakashi stared at his hand for what felt like an eternity before finally reaching out to grasp it in a firm, confident hold. “Hello,” he repeated, his eyes sparkling with joy as he stared back at him once again. “I’m Kakashi, your son.”
There were many times in his life when Sakumo had felt proud of his sons: The first time Obito molded a mortal soul into a star and placed it into the sky, or the moment when Kakashi’s rains first filled the skies and brought life to the withering plants all over the world. Now, standing in front of his son watching as a spark of excitement and joy twinkled in his eyes, he felt the warmth of a father’s pride once more as he watched his son step out of the shell that he’d been hidden in for all of his life.
“Ah,” an idea came to him suddenly. “Let’s celebrate!”
“Celebrate?”
“Yes!” Grabbing his son’s shoulders, he turned him back toward the flower he’d just finished creating and pointed at it. “Your first act as ‘Kakashi, God of Storms’ should be memorable. Something that will be whispered among mortals in a hundred years or so. Naming the flower I’ve just created is the perfect start.”
“You want me,” he pointed at himself, confusion tugging his eyebrows toward the center of his forehead. “To name the flower that you made?”
“I can’t think of anyone better to do it,” he grinned. “Obito would probably call it something silly. He’s amazing at creating things, but naming them…well, I don’t think I’ll ever forgive him after he decided to name that flower he made for Rin ’pickerelweed ‘“ No matter how much his younger son tried to convince him that it was a good name, he refused to agree. Even Jiraiya had better names for the things he created, and he was the man who’d give one of his creations the name ‘Tanuki’.
“Well,” examining the flower, Kakashi tilted his head. “How about, the stargazer?”
“Stargazer?” Sakumo couldn’t help but laugh. “Have you been spending too much time with your brother again?”
“Probably, but that’s not the point,” cupping the flower in his hand, he smiled down at it. “It’s pointed toward the sky, even now when it’s nighttime. It’s like it’s looking at the stars.”
Weighing the name in his mind, Sakumo chuckled. “Well, it does sound like a good name, and I have no doubt Obito will like it too,” in fact, he was certain that as soon as he heard the name Obito would try to claim the flower as his own. Unfortunately for him, this one already belonged to someone. “A perfect flower for a perfect son, don’t you think?”
Kakashi’s head whipped around, his eyes wide as he stared at Sakumo. “P-perfect?”
“Of course!” laying a hand on his son’s shoulder, he smiled so wide that his face actually hurt a little from the way his lips stretched all the way up into his cheeks. “My gift to you, to celebrate.”
Today wasn’t supposed to be a day of celebration. He hadn’t planned to create a flower to commemorate such an important milestone in his son’s life, but there was only one God who could see the future, and it wasn’t Sakumo.
So, when the future came barreling toward him and introduced him to his son, whom he’d been calling by the wrong name for years, he simply rolled with it.
“A Stargazer lily,” the flower opened a little wider as if greeting them when it heard him call its name. “A gift for you, to celebrate today.”
Kakashi simply shook his head. “You are such a dork.”
“Ah, true,” moving his hand off of his son’s shoulder, he reached up into his hair and rumpled his hair. “But I’m your dad, so you’re stuck with it.”
Kakashi’s smile only grew wider when he heard that, and for once instead of complaining about his hair being ‘ruined’, he leaned into the touch. A silent offer to let his father continue messing up his hair, which Sakumo happily accepted.
#AU-Tober#Au-Tober 2023#Hatake Kakashi#Hatake Sakumo#Trans Kakashi#Trans Hatake Kakashi#God of Storms AU#God of Storms Kakashi#God of the Lost Sakumo
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I want to request!! Victorr I want to request victor x mc, so the condition is victor is out of the country for an important meeting (like usual) and suddenly he get news from mc coworker that mc had an accident but the coworker didn't get detailed with what accident that mc got. So he didn't even concentrate during the meeting and decided to go back to loveland city. When he come to mc's house.. then he know that THE ACCIDENT was just a SLICE when she cut fruits 😆😆🤣
Hi, nonny!
Sorry for taking so long to answer. I wanted to edit it but I guess that's not gonna happen anymore. xD
Hope you like this!
Dedicated to my wonderful friends, @playmlqc @mariaoz @sassykittynoir @helgabatwrittings and @smileytrinity! ❤️
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Goldman looked down at the phone in his hand. From the speaker sounded a very desperate, pleading voice. It was his boss’s girlfriend, and he knew the utmost priority Victor put her in. On the other hand, Victor was in a really important meeting. Should he really interrupt?
“Please? I really need to talk to him.”
Goldman looked once again toward the closed doors. He cursed the situation he was in and his incapability of figuring out basic situations. This was supposed to be in Assistant Guidebook 101, but that was in a situation your boss didn’t explicitly state that he talk to said girl.
He let out a shaky breath. “Okay, okay!”
Goldman forced himself up. From the other end, the girl’s sobs were now barely-contained hiccups. It was better than crying, but he still hated the strange sounds that left her mouth.
He stopped right before the big doors. This would be a very big risk for Victor, but it was an even bigger risk for Goldman if he didn’t tell him.
Hesitantly, he knocked on the door. Seconds ticked by, and with it his confidence dwindled. He swallowed, and found himself looking back at the curious eyes focused on him. He gave a sheepish smile, but it didn’t do too much to his utter mortification.
“Come in!”
Goldman swallowed and turned back to the doors. He pushed down the door handle, and slightly peaked his head inside the office. Victor was the first one to meet his gaze, and the other board members didn’t try to hide their interest either. Goldman straightened his back as he forced his gaze back to Victor. His superior raised a brow expectantly, and Goldman spoke.
“It’s MC. She… had an accident of some kind.”
He hated the way his voice shook, but the transformation of Victor’s face was worse. The smile that rose to his lips at the sound of her name disappeared, leaving his mouth in a thin line.
“What happened?” His deep voice asked.
Goldman’s eyes swept the exasperated members. He forced a smile before he once again met Victor’s eyes. “She didn’t say.”
A shaky sigh escaped Victor’s mouth. “She spoke to you? Good.”
Just as Goldman was about to answer, a woman cleared her throat. “Excuse me? If I’m not mistaken, we were in the middle of a conversation here.”
Victor stiffened. “Of course. Goldman, make sure everything’s okay, please.”
His assistant nodded. “I will.”
He closed the door as they once again fell into negotiations. Goldman walked back to his place, the phone right at his ear. “Hello? I’m back.”
But there was no answer from the other end.
Desperately, he tried to dial her again. And again. And again. And again. But no matter how many times he tried, Goldman couldn’t reach her.
Just as Goldman was about to tell Victor about his fruitless attempts, the door opened. Victor walked out, his brows furrowed, as he looked for his assistant. The moment his eyes landed on Goldman, determination set in. He walked to the poor man so he cornered him the way one would with future prey.
Goldman’s legs shook.
“What were your results?”
He hated how unsteady his voice was. “I couldn’t contact her. I tried calling everything from her cellphone to the hospital, but to no avail. She didn’t answer, and the hospital said they haven’t seen her. So I doubt there’s any need to…”
“Cancel all my meetings today, Goldman,” Victor commanded. His voice was colder than ever, but his shaky hands expressed exactly how much this news bothered him. “I’ll check to see if everything is okay.”
Victor buttoned his coat, gathered his belongings and walked out. Goldman gaped at him, but there was nothing really to do.
His phone pinged a few minutes later. On it was one short message, curt and precise.
Just like the boss he knew so well.
I trust you to represent our company in the meeting I left. Don’t fail.
Goldman sighed. Today was proving to be a much worse day than he expected.
***
“Minor, you don’t understand! I made it sound urgent!”
Victor frowned as he neared the familiar apartment. The voice was sweet, innocent and entertaining, a sound he loved more than anything in the world.
It was the girl, who sounded perfectly fine to him.
His first instinct was to let out a sigh of relief, but then confusion settled in. What happened, then?
He knocked on the door. The moment he paused, her high voice reached his ear. “Oh, no! He’s here!”
The door opened. The girl beamed at him, like he was a gift from heaven, but there was something very forced about her smile. Victor scanned her body to check everything was in order, before he met her eyes once again.
“I heard you were in an accident. I came as fast as I could.”
She nodded. “Yeah, Minor told me. In fact, he’s right here!” She walked back inside. Victor followed her, only to meet her blushing co-worker. Victor found himself smiling at his shifting demeanor, a sight the CEO wasn’t unaccustomed to.
“Hello, sir.”
Victor gave a curt nod in reply. Minor continued fidgeting, while the girl just stood on the side. From her shifting gaze, Victor knew there was something she wasn’t telling him.
So he asked her. “You still didn’t tell me about the accident.”
The girl blushed, before subtly glancing down at her middle finger. “I cut myself.”
Victor froze. “That’s the accident?”
She nodded, still unable to meet his gaze. “Yeah. I was… I mean, I cut myself while I was making fruit salad and then my phone fell in the bowl I cleaned the fruits in so it was all wet and then I tried to make it work but it didn’t so I thought of using someone else’s phone while it was fixed but then I remembered I don’t know your phone number by heart, so…” her blushe deepened, and she scratched the back of her neck with despair.
Victor tried to process everything she was telling him. Once she finished, a laugh escaped his lips. “Oh, dummy.”
Her only answer was a sheepish smile.
#mlqc#mr. love queen's choice#mr love queen's choice#love x evol#mlqc victor#mlqc fanfiction#kate answers#fluff#my writing
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Gladiator: 200th Chapter Celebration
Tagging: @kigozula @seyaryminamoto
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Seyary, this is a great milestone for you. Just want to let you know that I’m happy for you and impressed by the work that you have done over the long years of writing this story. You’ve inspired others to get into Sokkla as well as to have fun with the ship. Its been a great pleasure!
When I first picked up this story, I was still in college and rediscovering ATLA. Gladiator, as well as your other stories (which I recommend that others read as well) really cemented my liking for this ship. Years later, I’m still here, though all the ups and downs.
Now, despite me liking Gladiator a whole lot, I’ve admittedly fallen behind on catching up with it, chapter by chapter. That said, I do want to read it at my own pace and as I read more I still find myself loving the story, as there is much to enjoy.
So, to that end, I’ll be commenting on the parts of the story I have been caught up with, Chapters 1 to 100. I hope that’s okay.
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1.) Favorite Character: Sokka
Now, this doesn’t mean I don’t like Azula. Of course not. And choosing one over the other is such a hard call to make that I would rather have them both occupy the same spot. But I decided Sokka in this case for a number of reasons. Others have commented on Azula in their own posts, so I thought giving my reasons for Sokka seemed only fair.
We’ve seen Sokka change a lot over the course of the story and I seeing him morph into the character he is now is such a stark contrast to the one we saw at the very beginning. He hated the Fire Nation and was unwilling to cooperate with Azula. And yet, after trial and error and harsh circumstance, we have seen become a great warrior in his own right and the closest companion Azula has ever had, being her secret lover. It has been such a treat seeing him change and adapt and grow in this story. And as someone who really does like him as much as Azula, it was (and still is) a thill to see him get an all-star treatment in a story.
And yet there are lingering complexities within him in this story, as far as I have gotten in it. There is still that awareness within him of who he serves and what he is doing, along with a nagging feeling of inadequacy that has hounded him at every turn. Bit by bit, either by his own efforts or with a little help, he is clawing his way forward internally to find some reconciliation. And I find that very compelling.
And also its fun to see him thrash gladiators.
2.) Least Favorite Most Dreaded Character: Ozai
Well, that’s not true really. I don’t dislike any of the reoccurring characters actually.
The best way to describe this particular choice is “Most Dreaded Character”. I chose Ozai for this one because I dread the moment in when he finds out Azula and Sokka’s little affair. Now, again, I’m only on Chapter 100, so things could have changed by now. Yet, I believe still that if Ozai finds about about all this... a lot is going to change for Azula, Sokka, and even the Fire Nation. He will be a consequential character in the chapters to come and dread to see the his wrath and what that will mean for everyone else. It will not be pretty.
3.) Favorite “Antagonist”: Toph
When I first picked up this story and saw Toph introduced as an adversary, I was hyped. Like, you have no idea how hyped and pumped up I was for them to brawl. And I was not disappointed.
See, for me, Toph represented more than just a metaphorical torn in both Sokka’s and Azula’s side for a good chunk of this story. She is at times a very compelling mini-villain, as if she is straight out of a Disney movie. She loves what she does and enjoys it, and knows just how powerful she is. And flaunts it in spectacular display. She has such a simple yet understandable motivation and was a very real threat to Sokka’s own life in the very first fight they were in. And despite both Sokka and Toph eventually learning to respect and even befriend each other, there was always the nagging thought that they would eventually fight again, and each one knew they wanted to win that rematch. Toph provided Sokka and Azula a reoccurring adversary to strive toward beating. Even as other gladiators came and went, they always knew Toph would be their biggest obstacle. So much build up was focused on training for that eventuality. And all of it was compelling enough to paint Toph as this great rival to them. Her being a part-time ally in some cases and even being a friend didn’t really change that until after they had fought a second time.
Its because of this that I now believe firmly that Toph should be used as an antagonist more, if a story needs one. She is just so fun and so good as villain that hope others come to use her as one in AUs.
As I read more, I’m sure this might change in time. But, even with all the fights Sokka has had, I firmly maintain that Toph was his greatest adversary on many levels.
4.) Favorite OC: Rui Shi
Honestly, I think this guy is a sprit animal to someone out there. He’s just a guard trying to do his job right and the person he protects consistently makes that job harder for him in the most ridiculous ways. “Oh great, my princess is in an affair with her Gladiator and that won’t stop fucking like rabbits. Joy.”
Honestly, this man needs a vacation. A long one. And Seyary hasn’t given it to him, because she likes to make his life hard. Rude.
For the longest time, I actually thought Rui Shi was much older than he actually is in the story. So until a picture of him was finally made, I pictured him as a 40 year old veteran with a graying mustache and beard. Even with how he actually looks, I wouldn’t be surprised if his job made him grow gray hair from all the stress.
Good OC, one of a few I like.
5.) Favorite Suitor: Zhao
Should probably be no surprise. Where I am at right now, he’s essentially the suitor to beat as well as having the ultimate Gladiator for Sokka and Azula to defeat. Azula even admired him at some point. Though that has changed, I feel that Zhao has his eyes set on courting Azula further. Its a move that Ozai would likely not object to, provided Zhao pulls off something grand to earn that honor. And although every suitor has made Sokka angry, I feel Zhao would anger him on a deeper level as his interest in Azula grows.
I look forward to seeing him more.
6.) Favorite Gladiator(s): Jet and Suki (For Chapters 1-100)
Jet being a brainwashed Gladiator highlighted a dark aspect to the games. He was also a brutal berserker when in the ring and one of Sokka’s most bitter adversaries. Suki to me was an interesting contrast to Sokka his situation with Azula. She was to me a kind of noble gladiator, an Amazon in the ring put gentle when out of it. Putting the canon characters in as Gladiators was always a treat for me and actually lends itself to some world-building.
7.) Favorite Gladiator-Canon Pairing: Sokka/Azula
This should not be a surprise :P
I could go on and on about it, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll keep things short. This should not be surprise because the driving force and the very soul of this entire story is about a warrior-princess falling in love with a tribal gladiator. Their differences and how they reconcile them, their fears and pain, their passion and drive, all propel this story forward. Things have changed in this story because of them and they themselves have changed because fate brought them together.
If that isn’t enough to make them my favorite, then I’m sorry I don’t know what else to say to convince you XD
8.) Favorite Arc(s): Rough Rhinos Arcs
Two arcs hit me hard on an emotional level - The end of the introductory arc and the Rough Rhino’s arc. They literally crawl out of quagmire, find a dragon in the process, and have one of the most touching and sincere heart-to-hearts in the story thus far. It was one of my favorite arcs to read and the emotional stakes were high. As I read more and continue, this might change, but for now I maintain this is one of my favorite arcs.
9.) Favorite Places/Locations: To Be Determine
This is the down side of having to catch up. There are a lot of locations in the story and in the ATLA universe that I like, and its always a hard choice for me to decide. I am a big fan of settings for a story and when I find a setting I like I usually latch onto it in all its locations. So for now, I will not decide on a solid choice.
... however, in any AU it might show up in, Bs Sing Se is my first choice by biased default. I just love that city and I always appreciate when a story fleshes it out in little ways. Gladiator being set for a fraction of its time in the city was great for me as I got to read more about the city I like so much.
10.) I wish to see Sokkla in...: More tender, couple-like moments
Surprising, I know. But I what I mean is this - moments where they refrain from arguing, don’t bicker, and just enjoy being around each other, doing small things together. And its hard for them, they have to train they, have to keep their relationship a secret, they can only be a true couple for fleeting moments because of how dangerous and vulnerable it will leave them. And it claws at my heart every time. So I cherish the moments they have when they can be themselves around one another, fleeting as they sometimes are.
11.) I believe Sokka and Azula’s relationship will be revealed when/like/because of...:
... when they get careless. When they feel that they are safe in their secrecy, complacaent in their routines for keeping their relationship hidden, that’s when it will be revealed. Its a kind of Hubris of sorts.
And when its revealed, it will lead to something bad and irreversible for the both of them. You can only hide something like this for so long. Even historical royal affairs were never as secret as theirs. And they have taken painful precautions to keep it all under wraps.
So when it finally does, it will change everything. And that’s going to be quite the wild ride.
12.) I believe at the end of Part 3...:
... that a sacrifice will be made. A death or a relinquishment of something. Sokka and Azula will be together, but something will have to be given up, and it will test them for the final time.
I can’t say what it will be, but I’m going to enjoy finding out.
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Daily Blog #3: August 10, 2021
Getting up today was weird: I woke up at 6:00 and couldn't fall asleep again until around 7:00, but then proceeded to sleep until 9:00. This gave me over 8 hours of sleep for the night, which should have been more than enough, but I was mysteriously tired all day.
I just went about my business, neglecting to eat breakfast, until my mother decided that she wanted to go out for lunch. She chose to go to China House, so I said to call and see if they had anything vegetarian, or else I'd just stay there and eat something else because, quite frankly, I didn't care enough to bother. She refused to call and made me go along anyway.
I didn't bring my keys or license outside, because she didn't bring it up, so she proceeded to oh so reluctantly drive my car and complain about it for the 2 minutes we were driving.
When we got there, she yelled at me again for not having my wallet, despite her not mentioning it at all, because that meant that she had to carry her own purse instead of putting her cards in someone else's pocket.
So the restaurant was closed, and I told her she would have figured that out if she called about the meal options like I asked, but she turned that on me and said that I should have called, even though I didn't want to go.
We ended up going to some other place, which was fine. Didn't really have any arguments there; I just ate.
We got home and I immediately grabbed my wallet and my bag and headed to Community Aid.
I hadn't mentioned up until this point that I was wearing some green skinny jeans and a blue top, which I'm honestly digging rn.
Btw, I use my shaping underwear several days in a row by wearing another pair of underwear inside of them so they don't get dirty. They're like $12 a pair, I'm not buying 5 of them xD. They're honestly great tho and I'm so happy that I bought some.
IN COMES MY MOTHER, AS IM WRITING THIS, TO TELL ME THAT I NEED COUNSELING.
I AM SO FUCKING fed up with her narcissistic, controlling, and manipulative ass. "Maybe the counselor can help you see that I'm not an asshole." YOU LITERALLY YELLED AT ME TODAY FOR NOT HAVING MY WALLET WHEN YOU DIDN'T EVEN FUCKING BRING IT UP!!! YOU SCREAM AT ME IF I MOVE YOUR PURSE TO USE THE TOASTER, AND SCREAM AT ME DOUBLE IF IT'S AT 10:30!!! YOU CALL ME A FUCKING WEENIE AND A PANSY FOR NOT WANTING TO KILL ANIMALS AND EAT THEM!!! YOU LITERALLY PUSHED ME BACK INTO MY TRANS CLOSET FOR A MISERABLE 2 YEARS BECAUSE YOU WEREN'T READY TO ACCEPT THAT.
And yeah. I need counseling so I can have a better relationship with you. That's the ONLY fucking reason she's given me; not so I can learn to love myself after spending 2 years forcing myself to believe I was a man and having issues with my weight that you put upon me. NOT so I can try and get rid of this disgusting internalized racism you've taught me or wean me off of my extreme dependence on my partner, shopping, and electronics from a lack of love and connection for 17 years, but so I'll like you.
FUCK OFF.
Anyway, I went shopping at Community Aid today for about 3 or 4 hours, and ended up trying on a ton of pairs of pants and a ton of tops, but only leaving with a bra, 4 pairs of pants, and 6 blouses that cost me $12 in total. Even though looking through every shirt they had felt tedious and tiring, it still beat staying at home, especially since I can keep replacing my male wardrobe now.
I got home and sat down to watch YouTube, but passed out for about an hour; like I said, I was really tired today for some reason.
When I woke up, I ate dinner and then grabbed the PlayStation, which I was yelled at for again despite my mother using the TV, and played some Apex and talked to people while my new clothes (and the ones I had worn throughout the week thus far) were going through the washer.
I put them in the dryer after a bit, put the game down, and started a movie, only to realize the right surround stopped working. This prompted me to replace the 8 different audio cables I was using to supply the 2 surround speakers with some longer, more durable ones I had just gotten from the school. They almost reached both speakers without having to combine cables, but the left speaker was a little too far away, so I just joined it with another cable and called it a day. Both speakers are working now, and that whole process took about an hour.
By this point, my clothes were done drying, and I grabbed them, folded them, and put them away; I know I'll be wearing one of those blouses to work tomorrow.
I sat down in bed, told my partner I was gonna write this, started writing it, got interrupted by my mom, as you have just read, and that brings us to where we are now, with me finishing this story up. All-in-all, not the worst day I've had, but it could've been a lot better. Oh well.
It's not all bad; at least I get to be myself when I'm not home.
If you've read all of this, thank you. Means a lot that I can just talk and rant here; really helps me out. I think I've been feeling more mentally healthy since I've started this blog.
Anyway, I'm signing off.
This has been Leonna,
Goodnight, and be good people.
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Self Care - Finn Shelby
Pairing: Finn Shelby x reader
Requested: By @foggysportsbananawagon and anon.
Prompts: #20, #21, #22 and #32 from the angst-list.
Warning/notes: This is a combination of this, this and this request. It turned out a bit messier and more angsty than I originally planned so I’m warning you for cringe xD (NOT PROOFREAD)
Wordcount: 3667
Summary: Following John’s death, Finn has been trying to fill the empty space left behind by taking on too much work, something that causes conflict between the two of you.
Finn Shelby was way too good for the business his family was running. Hell, he was too good for all of Birmingham, and probably too good for you, as well. But still, you had been together for a year now.
You had grown up jumping around between families and orphanages and most of the orphanages and families had treated you alright.
But you were a handful growing up, acting out because of the lack of stability in your life, so you never got to stay very long at the same place.
As you entered your early teenage years, you cleaned up your act. Or, well, you got better at concealing your anger, and this resulted in your final family keeping you for all time to come.
Unfortunately for you, however, the final family ended up being the only one to not treat you alright.
The family consisted of a woman, her husband and their three sons, all of whom were older than you by a minimum of seven years, and all of whom were going to mentally and physically abuse and sexually harass you for the next five years of your life.
The first three years, between the ages twelve and fifteen, you were still a weak, lanky little thing who, despite already having quite the temper, was too scared to actually do anything when the three brothers started asking, or rather demanding you, for… favors.
You guessed you were lucky in a way that your body blossomed very late as you during those first years “only” had to touch them but got away without being touched yourself.
But once you passed fifteen you grew into your feminine shapes, which caught their attention in an entirely different way. They tried to force themselves on you, but curves weren’t the only thing you developed.
With them, your muscle mass also increased, which made you able to defend yourself, which in turn, caused the sexual exploitation to take a more violent turn.
Everyone in your neighborhood knew what was going on. They saw the bruises on your arms and the vulnerable look behind your eyes.
But everyone turned a blind eye to the entire situation, shrugging it of with the reasoning that ‘war did that to a man’ and that it was ‘only natural for them to crave physical intimacy after being alone and scared for so long’.
This went on until you neared your eighteenth birthday, when finally, someone stepped in and did something.
The Shelby brothers.
They were passing through your town on business, heard the yelling and cursing coming from both you and your supposed “brothers”, and discovered the four of you in an alley behind a shop, where you were cursing them out and swinging at them with a metal pipe while they laughed and tried grabbing at your dress.
Now, violence against women wasn’t unusual in the slums of Small Heath, and usually, they wouldn’t bat an eye. But you were young, they were three against one, and you had a certain fire to you that they couldn’t turn a blind eye to.
John was the first one to come to your rescue, taking you under his arm and pulling you away to allow Arthur and Tommy to do what Peaky Blinders did best; slash their eyes out with their blades and leave them to bleed to death.
Even though you had been fighting back with more ferocity than most women sported, you were really shaken up and refused to leave John’s side during the entire ride back to Small Heath.
And even when you had arrived at the Shelby household where Polly greeted you with open arms, they noticed by the way you would glare at everyone else, that John wasn’t going to be leaving anytime soon.
So he stayed the entire time Polly cleaned your cuts and took care of you, and by the time Finn arrived back home from the boxing ring with Isaiah in tow later that night, you had calmed down and was sitting at the kitchen table playing cards and joking around with John and Arthur while Tommy and Polly sat by watching.
You hadn’t had the most gracious first meeting with the youngest of the Shelby siblings, seeing as this was the time he had began developing his whole hostile “I can do what I want because I’m a Shelby”-attitude.
But after a cuff upside the head with the kitchen towel from Polly, he had to get to terms with the fact that you were going to be staying with them. And only a few days into it, it was all good.
John tried keeping you out of the family business to his best ability, but once in a while he allowed you to come along on the safer jobs, where he was certain no violence would be involved.
You basically either followed John around wherever he went or helped Esme out with the kids when he wasn’t able to. And Finn, he followed you around wherever you went, which wasn’t all too appalling.
John took care of you and you started taking care of Finn once your relationship took a romantic turn, and that’s how it continued for almost a year. Until John passed away at the hands of Changretta, breaking the entire family apart.
You had never felt such an intense sorrow as you did at John’s passing, not even over your own parents. After all, he had been the one to look after you for the past year, taking you in as if you were one of his own.
Two months had passed since his funeral, and although you got along with the rest of the family, you weren’t as close with them as you were John and Finn, so the latter was pretty much the only one you had left.
At least that’s how it felt. And now you were losing him too.
Ever since John died, he had been trying to fill in the empty space he left being, trying to walk in his footsteps by taking on more work and responsibility than he was able to handle, pushing you away in the process.
You had tried voicing your worries a few times, but he had always waved it off and walked away. And you didn’t want to pressure him, knowing that he was mourning and therefor wanting to give him the time he needed.
But now it was getting ridiculous, and you couldn’t be quiet any longer.
The walk from your shared house to his office wasn’t very long, but it felt longer today as the weather was absolutely horrid.
Rain was pouring down and hitting the top of your head roughly, and no matter how hard you hugged your coat around your form, you still couldn’t stop the slight tremble that was going through your body.
To say you were happy to get inside once you reached your destination was a huge understatement.
You stopped in the doorway briefly to shake the rain off your arms, unbuttoning your black coat and slicking your wet hair back so that it wasn’t sticking to your face before continuing into the building and in the direction of Finn’s office.
His door was closed, something that rarely happened unless the two of you were fooling around, which instantly caused suspicion to arise inside of you.
You quickened your pace, the heels of your shoes clicking against the hard wooden floors, and you wasted no time in flinging the door open upon reaching it, your eyes instantly spotting Finn snorting a line of snow from the surface of his messy desk.
He instantly raised his head at the sound of the door hitting the wall, sniffing and using his fingers to rid of the excess powder from his nose.
He didn’t have the chance to say anything though, as you were already marching over to him with furious steps and wasting no time in wiping the two remaining lines off of the desk, watching the white powder spread into the air.
“What the fuck, Finn?!” You exclaimed, dropping the bag in your hand to the floor. “You told me you quit with the snow!”
Unlike the soft eyes he would usually look at you with, his eyes only showed pure anger, staring back at you harshly.
“I did.” He glowered down at you. “I just needed some fucking release.”
“Release?!” You yelled, throwing your arms out. “You’re addicted, Finn! It’s not healthy, none of this is healthy!”
“It’s my life! I’m an adult and a fucking Peaky Blinder, I can do whatever the fuck I want and you don’t get to decide what’s healthy and not for me!” He yelled back, which only made you more agitated than you already were.
“How daft can you be?!” You demanded. “Open your eyes! This behavior is the result of your brothers constantly using you to do their dirty work and not sparing a single thought to how it’s affecting you! They’re working you to an early grave!”
Finn stepped around his desk quickly at that, raising a finger and pointing it in your face while his other hand stayed in a fist at his side.
“Don’t talk about my brothers like that.” He snapped. “You have no right.”
You scoffed at his words, crossing your arms over your chest.
“I have every right.” You corrected him, glaring fiercely and fearlessly into his eyes. “I love them like my own flesh and blood but they’re idiots. Tommy has the emotional range of a fucking teaspoon, Arthur is as independent as a five year old and no matter how much I love and care for them, I love you more, and I’m fucking tired of how they’re just turning the cold shoulder to how you’re turning out. It needs to stop and if you’re not going to tell them to lay off on you, I’ll do it myself. In fact, I’ll go do it right now.”
Without waiting for his response, you turned whipped around and moved to head back the way you had just come from, but you only got to take one single step before Finn’s hand clamped down around your upper arm.
Your brain instantly went into panic mode at the feeling of his tight grasp squeezing your flesh. It didn’t hurt, but the feeling triggered the hundreds of traumatizing memories you still struggled to bury from your years spent with your last family.
The feeling of the three brothers’ hands on your body, trying to feel you up, and then hitting you with all their might when you wouldn’t let them.
“Why can’t you just stop putting your nose in other people’s business, (Y/N)?” Finn yelled at you, still holding on to your arm. “I can’t take it, no one can take it! You’re fucking insufferable!”
In any other case, his words probably would’ve brought tears to your eyes, but right now, you could barely even register them as they were spoken. Instead, the cause of the uncomfortable stinging feeling in your eyes was the painful memories being brought back to the surface by the familiar and dreaded feeling of being manhandled.
Your eyes slowly looked away from his and to the side, glazing over as your breathing got heavier and heavier.
Finn was still speaking. You couldn’t hear him, but you could see his lips moving in the corner of your eyes. When you suddenly stopped responding, however, your arm now handing limply in his hand, he instantly came to his senses and let you go.
And the second he did, your senses returned to normal and you began coming back to reality, now being able to hear his voice again.
“I’m sorry.” He told you, his voice coming out as a breath. He took a step back, seeming to get lost in thought for a moment before he regained his composure and walked up to you again, grabbing a hold of both of your upper arms but this time a lot gentler.
“I’m sorry.” He repeated, bringing his thumbs up to your cheeks. “Please don’t cry.”
You hadn’t even realized the stinging in your eyes had turned into fully developed tears until you felt the wetness between his thumb and your cheek.
Raising your eyes back to meet his, you noticed that all of the anger previously held behind his baby blues were gone and replaced with guilt.
“I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He whispered, taking another step closer to you and joining the hand that wasn’t wiping away at your cheeks with one of yours. “I’m sorry.”
As he closed his eyes and leaned down to press his forehead against yours, you took a deep breath, responding to his actions by squeezing his hand in yours.
“You didn’t hurt me you idiot.” You whispered, causing him to open his eyes again. “What’s hurting me is that you’re hurting yourself.”
You swallowed, feeling a new set of tears building up at the brim of your eyes. “You’re killing yourself by trying to fill John’s shoes. I cared for him just as much as the rest of you. He was the one who got me out of that horrible place, out of the grasp of those even more horrible people. He saved me and now he’s gone and it breaks my fuckin heart every day. But you’re not him. You’re not supposed to be him. No one is, but him, himself.”
You paused briefly, squeezing your eyes shut in an attempt to stop the tears from falling, but it was to no use.
“I know it hurts and that you’re scared.” You continued with a shaky voice. “But it’s not your fault and no one is going to hurt you. I’ve tried to help; I try to talk to you about how you feel but you just keep pushing me away.”
You opened your eyes to look at him again. His nostrils were flaring slightly and his jaw was tense, a clear sign that he was trying his hardest not to let his walls down, and the words leaving his lips a second later did nothing to prove the opposite.
“There’s nothing to talk about.” He shook his head, removing his forehead from yours and taking a step back. “I’m fine.”
Your body grew cold again when he walked away from you to lean on his desk, and you instantly found yourself missing the feeling of his skin against yours.
“That’s what you always say, but it’s not true, is it?” You inquired. “If you don’t want to talk about it then say so, don’t lie and pretend you’re fine when you clearly aren’t.”
You wrapped your arms around yourself in a desperate attempt to get some of the warmth he had taken with him back, but it did nothing. You let out a shaky breath, squeezing at your own arms.
“You can’t make everyone happy.” You sniffed. “You can do anything, because quite frankly you’re fucking amazing, but you can’t do everything. The person who tries to keep everyone happy often ends up feeling the loneliest. Just look at your brothers. They have families that love them, but they’re both fucking miserable because they keep pushing everyone who care about them away. John was the only one who didn’t. You want to be like him? Follow his example on that. Don’t try to be like him with the sole purpose of proving yourself to Tommy. I know you think you have something to prove but you don’t. And either way, you shouldn’t even feel like you have to prove your worth to your own fucking brothers. They’re supposed to see it by themselves, and if they don’t, then fuck them. In fact, fuck everyone else. A lot of what weighs you down isn’t yours to carry to begin with. If someone asks you to do more and you have a big reaction inside, it may be a sign that you’re already doing too much. You can’t live your life for other people. You’ve got to do what’s right for you, even if it hurts some people you love. You have to think about yourself, Finn.”
You finished your long rant with a deep breath, barely even having taken a second to breathe in between sentences and being left winded.
Finn was still leaning on his desk, his hands squeezing the edge of the wood to the point where his knuckles were turning white. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, another clear sign that he had been working way too hard, and his back was rising and falling as he breathed heavily.
Even though he was turned away from you, you could see clearly that he was trying his hardest to keep his cool as he listened to your rant, without a doubt just as conflicted by his own feelings like he always was these days.
“They need me.” He responded without moving an inch. “They need me to step up and fill the space he left behind. You just… you don’t understand.”
But you did. You understood better than anyone.
“You’re wrong.” You shook your head. “They don’t need you. I’m the one who needs you. I’m all alone and I-“
You had to cut yourself short as you were overcome with sadness, having to bite down on the inside of your cheek to keep the sob from leaving your lips.
“And I… I don’t know how much longer I can stand by and watch you destroy yourself. I already lost John. I can’t lose you too.”
This time, you couldn’t keep the sob in no matter how hard you tried, and Finn perked up immediately at the sound, pushing himself off the desk as you continued, now staring down at the floor.
“You’re slipping through my fingers, Finn, and I can’t seem to stop you from slipping further and further away. If this is how things are going to be, I don’t know if I can stay with you. With any of you. I can’t take the helplessness; I can’t take all of the chaos. I need something stable, and besides John when he was still alive, you were the only stable thing I had. And now you’re just…”
You couldn’t find the right words, but you clearly got your point across as Finn whipped around faster than a man finding out the pregnancy test results.
“No.” He shook his head, marching over to you and taking your face in his hands, pressing his forehead against yours and looking into your eyes so desperately. “You can’t leave me. You’re all I’ve got. I’ll change, I promise. I’ll start listening to you. Please.”
You could barely comprehend the words spilling out of his mouth, they were coming out so rushed.
“I don’t want you to listen to me.” You answered, giving him a stern look. “I want you to see things for what they are and stop trying please everyone and listen to and take care of yourself.”
He looked at you, scanned your face and searched your eyes for something you didn’t know. You stayed like that for another few seconds, just looking at each other. And then he nodded, moving his hands away from your face to the small chest pocket in his vest, pulling out a small bag of the same white powder you had caught him snorting when first arriving.
Your eyes hardened at the sight of the substance, your mouth turning sour. “What are you doing?” You asked, glaring slightly.
But he was completely unbothered, simply answering; “I’m taking care of myself.”, before turning around and walking over to the fire to the right of his desk, where he tossed the small bag into the flames, the plastic letting out a loud sparkling sound when it met with the heat.
“Finn.” You called out, wrapping your arms around yourself once again to make up for the warmth that he had taken with him.
But he didn’t listen, simply going over to his liquor cabinet and grabbing the two half-full bottles standing on the middle shelf, walking straight past you again and heading directly for the window where he started pouring out the contents of the first bottle.
You furrowed your eyebrows slightly, calling out again. “Finn.”
But yet again, you got no answer. He just put down the now empty bottle and picked up the second one, starting to undo the lid.
With a sigh, you uncrossed your arms and walked up to him, ignoring the chill that overcame you when the cold air from the window hit your clothes that were still wet from the rain, and grabbed a hold of the bottle just as he was about to start pouring it out.
You pulled it out of his grasp and put it down on the windowsill, and then proceeded to grab a hold of his upper arms to turn him to look at you.
He was breathing heavily and looking like he was on the verge of crying, which only proved further how broken and overworked he really was.
Your tears had finally stopped falling, and your sobbing had ceased. You sniffled, bringing his face down to yours like he had done to you only moments before, but rather than resting your forehead against his, you pressed a kiss to his lips.
His hands moved to your waist out of pure instinct, pulling you closer.
You pushed your lips harder against his before breaking apart slightly, not enough to stop your lips from touching but enough to allow you to speak.
“I’m not going anywhere.” You whispered, moving your hands from his face to the back of his head. “I promise.”
He closed his eyes, letting his head fall into the crook of your neck and pulling you closer by your waist. “I’m sorry.” He mumbled into your skin, and you took a shaky breath, letting your eyes fall shut too.
“I know.”
#Peaky Blinders#peaky blinders x reader#peaky blinder imagine#peaky blinder fanfic#peaky blinder headcanon#finn shelby#finn shelby imagine#finn shelby x reader#Tommy Shelby#thomas shelby#john shelby#arthur shelby#ada shelby#polly gray#michael gray
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Hey! If you're still taking prompts for FF7R, I was wondering if you could write something where Cloud gets hurt when he jumps off the train with Tifa. But it's a Secret Injury that he keeps to himself, because they've got a job to do and he doesn't want to appear weak. It becomes a problem at a really inconvenient moment and Tifa and Barret have to take care of him.
Hey! Sorry it took so long to fill this prompt XD. This is kind of the shorter, slightly different version of a longer fic I’m thinking of working on centering around this premise, but I hope you like it anyways! Thanks so much for the prompt :)
*TW for self esteem issues, self hatred, head trauma, and injury
- If you want to send in a prompt, the guidelines are HERE and HERE!
The walls echo with the sound of Barret’s distant fight as Cloud follows Tifa down the railways, and every step brings with it a jarring, agonizing pain. He’d known as soon as he hit the ground that something had broken on impact. Tifa’s weight and the momentum of the train had only exacerbated the issue of colliding shoulder first with the stone cold ground - bouncing off of the concrete and rolling end over end on battered ribs.
He doesn’t regret it, of course. Landing with Tifa had been the only option. Helping her - protecting her - had been worth the injury. Yet now his ribs ache and his chest stutters and his shoulder feels like it’s on fire. Breathing hurts almost as much as moving his arm does, and walking makes something shift in his side that has him desperately wishing he could break composure even for a second to shudder through the pain.
They’re on a mission, though. Already one woman down and waiting on a deadline. Tifa trusts him to do this and Barret would be more than angry at the inconvenience. Cloud isn’t weak, either. He’s a SOLDIER and a damn good one. No small, insignificant injury should be able to stop him from doing his job. Any fighter worth their salt should be able to power through something like this. Tifa probably could and Cloud knows Barret could, and Cloud’s not going to be the one holding the party back when anybody else would just keep going.
So he ignores the pain, grits his teeth through the worst of it and runs down the railways behind Tifa like he means it. Every step makes his stomach turn as he fights back the crawl of bile up his throat, and when Tifa turns to him from the gate between her and Barret. Worried and rushed and saying “we’d better hurry.” All he can do is let out a breathless, pained “yeah,” and power through in the hopes that she won’t notice.
Dashing up the stairs is dizzying. Worryingly so, if Cloud were to truly focus on the extent of his injuries, but he doesn’t. Instead, he pushes it all from his mind, blank and soundless in a void of calming white as the world rushes by around him. Crossing over to Barret and pulling his sword from his back when even so much as lifting his arm makes his chest flare and his shoulder burn.
But he doesn’t think about it. Doesn’t think about anything as he fights, movements that much more reserved, and it’s only by the sheer skin of his teeth that he doesn’t end up getting torn to shreds right then and there when he falters on an offensive strike and overreaches. Saved by Tifa’s furious blows and a ring of gunfire from Barret. They’re both still focused on their own battles, intent and unaware of his current state, and he’s more than grateful that they didn’t see his fuck up - that they didn’t witness his pathetic show of weakness like he’s some sideshow attraction and not a fucking SOLDIER.
Shame wells in him when the battle ends. A confusing mixture of wishing he’d told them and being grateful he hadn’t. At risking their lives by allowing them to rely on him when he’s so weak and at being so damn weak in the first place. For letting it get to him and for even being hurt at all when he’s not supposed to be.
He’s supposed to be better than this.
Cloud’s fingers twitch with the need to wrap around his shoulder and hold it steady, but he swallows the urge and puts away his sword, blinking away tears as he walks over to Barret and Tifa. They’re standing together, happy and pleased as Barret sings a victory song, and Cloud is overwhelmed with another surge of burning self hatred as he realizes that he’d been the one to almost take that away from them.
He clenches his jaw and pulls inward, arms crossed and muscles shaking from the tension as he listens to Barret and Tifa explain their plans. He tries to act natural through the haze of pain, but standing still doesn’t settle it down nearly as much as he’d hoped it would, and when they start moving again he can barely remember where the hell they are, let alone anything Barret had said in the past few minutes.
Fool. He’s a fucking fool. He’s going to get them all killed because he can’t keep his head through a few bruised bones. Telling them about the injury would help them, but if he speaks now then they’re definitely going to know what a failure he is. That he’d tried to be strong and he still couldn’t do it. That he’s as worthless and as selfish and incompetent as Barret had thought he was the very first time they met. That he isn’t even worth the time of day.
Cloud thins his lips against a whimper when they come to a halt in front of a set of stairs, trying to hide the shaking in his arm as Tifa and Barret go up ahead of him. Gathering the courage to follow after them is a quick endeavor, because he can’t let them know and because if he waits too long then he won’t ever end up doing it, but every step up has him biting his tongue to stop from screaming.
When he reaches the top alongside Tifa and Barret and sees another set of robots waiting to hold them off, the nausea that pools in his gut feels a lot like dread.
“Well, come on! These bots ain’t gonna fight themselves.”
“Y-yeah.”
“Little set of stairs got you winded, SOLDIER boy? Maybe we should have brought Jessie along. after all.”
The sting of the words has nothing on the pain he’s feeling right now, but for some reason they hurt so much more. His heart drops, throat tightening, and Tifa’s sigh isn’t enough of a defense when Cloud knows Barret’s right - knows he’d been a poor substitute when a simple fall has him out for the count.
He doesn’t say anything in response, raising his hand with forced speed to grab the hilt of his sword. Lifting it has his entire torso protesting, but he steadies the shake of his hand and brings his other around to help prop it up, charging in right alongside Tifa and Barret. Just as he had the last battle and the battle before that. Just as he should be doing for every battle afterward.
Cutting through the first bot is no trouble. Lighting arcs through the air and fire explodes around it, and within seconds he’s turning to another and swinging his blade in a wide arc. Only this time his arm explodes, acid burning him from his shoulder to his fingertips as he cries out in pain, buster sword clattering to the floor. He staggers, clutching his arm to his throbbing chest and curling inward as he tries to push through it. He just needs to-
“Cloud!”
“The hell is going on, merc?!”
“It’s fine,” he forces out, diving for his sword as a deadly flash of steel cuts through the air where his head had once been, “I just-” He’s cut off with a gasp when he tries to lift his sword again, choking back another cry as he’s forced to abandon it, dodging beneath another blow. Scrambling to put some distance between himself and the bot attacking him, he looks around wildly for the others, relieved to see that they’re both safe and holding their own.
Then there’s a glint and a hiss as a bot’s blade snaps down for a killing blow and his arm gives out completely as he falls to the floor. His heart hits the back of his throat in fear, and when Tifa’s hair whips in front of his eyes, gauntlet catching against the blow to deflect it aside, the flood of relief is indescribable.
“Cloud, are you alright?” Tifa sounds worried and stressed, already fretting over whatever she thinks might have happened, and Cloud can’t even speak through the shame. Can’t do a thing as Barret shoots down the last bots in front of him and Tifa puts hers into the ground with such ferocity Cloud thinks she might’ve sent it straight into the underworld.
As soon as it’s dead she turns to him in a panic, eyes wide as she falls to her knees beside him and looks him over. He pushes himself to a sitting position on one arm and wavers as his vision spots.
“Is he okay? Shit, kid, you had my heart nearly jumping out of my chest with that stunt! Think I lost ten years of my life…”
“I’m fine-” his voice breaks unconvincingly on the word and he scowls, “really, I- I only…”
“You only got injured,” Barret huffs, “shit happens. We’ll look it over and see if we can’t heal it up.”
Tifa nods with a smile, relaxing ever so slightly when he doesn’t appear to be on death’s door. “No need to push it, Cloud.”
He blinks, not quite processing, and has to swallow against the gathering of tears in his eyes. “I’m not- It’ll hold up for the mission.”
“Mission ain’t goin’ anywhere until everybody is ready to go!” It’s Barret who says it. Barret, of all people, who Cloud knows hates him. It’s Barret who wants to hold up his own mission to take care of someone like Cloud.
“I’m already ready to go,” Cloud pushes, because he’s not fucking weak like he knows they think he is, now. Like he knows he is every second of every day that he has to live with himself and with Sephiroth- “I can take care of myself.”
“Cloud.” Tifa’s voice is gentle and soothing as she puts her hand on his knee, and he has to look away from the compassion in her eyes before he drowns in it, “we just want to help. Let us take a look?”
“It won’t fix anything.”
“It’ll fix plenty,” Barret huffs, and the next thing Cloud knows there’s a hand grabbing his good arm and hauling him up. Pulling until Cloud is gasping, nearly collapsing from the surge of pain that sears through his body as Barret moves him. “Sorry, kid. Shit, I’m so sorry.”
Cloud’s seated on a box of some kind, heaving with each strangled breath as he teeters on the edge of consciousness. Fingers prod at him, a large hand in his hair to keep him steady as someone pulls up his shirt and draws lines of agony across his skin.
“Shit, that looks bad.”
“This didn’t happen a couple of minutes ago, Barret.” Tifa’s whispering but Cloud still hears her anyway, and the tears are harder to keep at bay when he can hardly think from the pain.
“What the hell?! Have you been hiding this from us? For how long?!”
“Barret, dont-”
“I’m sorry,” Cloud finally breaks, squeezing his eyes shut as Tifa keeps prodding, “I’m sorry. I- I fucked up.”
“Damnit. Look, I didn’t mean it like that, okay? You can’t keep things like this from us, though. This could'a killed you, do you understand?”
“I’m not weak. I can still...I can still do the mission. I didn’t fail you. Please don't abandon me, I swear I didn't fail you.”
"Hey!" Cloud jumps. "Nobody's abandoning anybody. Is that really what you think of us?"
"No...no. 'm sr..." he slurs and fades, world spinning sickeningly.
“Is his head okay?”
“No, I- Shit, I think he hit it.”
There’s more prodding, this time with thick fingers running over his forehead and through his hair, carding at the strands in a way that would usually make him want to purr in satisfaction. Except this time the fingers brush against something swollen and hot and his head splits in two at the feel of it. He whines and jolts, attempting to twist away from his attacker. Yet not two seconds later there’s a small apology, fingers smoothing away the pain in a bid for forgiveness, and he submits again to the touch.
“That one’s recent. It has to be from the fall.” There’s a sigh, irritated and frustrated and lengthy enough to make guilt swarm in Cloud’s chest, another apology falling from his lips before he can stop it.
“It’s okay,” Tifa whispers, patting comfortingly at his knee. Cloud reluctantly opens his eyes, expecting to see any number of accusations or deceptions, fearful of her inevitable fury. Yet all he sees is her peering up at him with a furrowed brow, expression one of complete concern. It isn't enough, though. Because he knows he failed - he knows he fucked up - and now they know it, too.
“I’m not weak,” he repeats desperately, “I can still go on. I won’t fail again, I swear.”
“Nobody here thinks you’re weak, merc. Hell, don’t tell anybody I said this, but you might be the strongest damn person I’ve ever met.”
Affection makes Cloud dizzy for a moment, high on the feeling of caring for someone - of knowing they care back. Then Tifa speaks as well, and his heart bursts.
“You didn’t fail us, Cloud. We failed you. We should have noticed and we should have done something. I could never think you’re weak.”
“I’m not...I’m not like I promised I would be.”
“Oh, Cloud," she sighs, and it sounds like grief and understanding and something he could never name, strung together by a heart of gold. His chest pangs even with the sound of her voice. "Everyone needs help every once in a while. Would you blame me for needing it. Would you call me weak?”
“Of course not.” Cloud would never. He riles just at the thought of it, head aching with the sudden rise of emotion. Barret’s chuckle is a low rumble above him, accompanied by Tifa's hum of amusement as she rummages through her bag for something. After a time she brings out a glowing green materia, giving it a triumphant look before turning her beautiful red eyes back to Cloud.
“Then you shouldn’t do so to yourself, either. You aren’t held to a different standard here. Nobody in the group is expected to hurt themselves and punish their bodies just to get a mission done. We care about our own.”
“I'm not…”
“You are,” Barret states, firm and unrelenting, "you're one of ours and you're one of mine, and we care. All of us."
"...oh." It's small and pitiful, but Barret doesn't seem to take it for a sign of weakness, either. Instead, he turns joking as he ruffles his hand through Cloud's hair.
“Uh-huh. So I think you owe Wedge an apology or twelve.”
“And you owe him several as well, Barret, now hush and let me work.”
Cloud fades after that, lulled by the gentle cradle of Barret’s hand on his head and the wash of energy through his veins, light and healing as it wipes the pain away. Until his eyelids are heavy and his limbs limp, exhaustion tugging at his bones until he's falling into a warmth, wrapped in a tender embrace. There's breath across his cheek when he rests his head against a steady shoulder, thumbs rubbing soothing circles into his hands as Tifa speaks.
“Sleep, Cloud."
"What about..."
"Sh..." She presses a kiss to his forehead, soft and loving. "Sleep. Trust us. Don't worry about a thing."
#cloud strife#tifa lockhart#barret wallace#whump#hurt comfort#promptfills#ffvii#ff7#remake#cloud strife needs a hug#cloud strife whump#hidden injury#that Train Scene#lmao#cloti#but only if you squint#tbh i was squinting when i wrote this so...#ngl i wrote this on two hours of sleep#it isnt my best
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RWBY V8E4 LiveThoughts
And were back at it again, this week with turkey and Italian preserved sausage as a snack! Lets see what RT has for us this week.
Oh, 20 minutes. Are they normally this long?
Oh, wait, the openings almost 2 minutes long. Thats more like it.
And now to Robyn and Qrow. Seems Robyns actually liking Qrow a little bit now.
Guess the cells aren’t secured if a fly got into Schnee’s. This a “Fly on Mike Pence’s face” reference?
Qrow sounds more growly again. Did he get smacked back two seasons by Clover dying?
If by “darkness” you mean “Tyrian” then, yes. Also dude, its Clover. He was shit anyway. All the Aces are shit. Dont feel too bad about him.
And he’s got a point too. If Clover had thought with his head instead of his dick (yes, Im sure they were gonna fuck, Fair Games totally a thing), he probably wouldnt be dead now, and Tyrian would be the one with the sword through his chest.
But of course this is RWBY and V7/8 so things cant go their ways.
Ouch. Deep thoughts of Qrow. And some interesting stuff from Robyn too. I still think I’d prefer hopeandharmonizing’s Briar, though.
Marrows glare gives me life. Hare’s just a moron right now though, but thats no real surprise. She’s immature emotionally.
Honestly, shes...kind of like a less bad version of our current President. Always has to be the best at everything, fastest, leader, whatever.
Thats probably why this is grating on her so much. Even though shes TECHNICALLY the Ace’s leader now (I think? Seemed like she was Clovers lieutenant, so by rate of succession she’s in command now)
A glance at the little floating control pad...
“Clerance access only”. Okay, that...seems weird. Shouldnt it say something like authorized personell only? Maybe it means access by clerance only or something.
Then Robyn’s name, and then process ID 4591-27. No idea what thats useful for but its there.
Also Marrow seems to be the only competent member of the Aces rn.
Ah now we get to see some of the hills around Atlas. For those of you who have seen my headcanons on the Hunter-Killers and their base of operations, Fortress Academy, its out in these hills somewhere.
The music sounds like a boss fight.
The screen on Ren’s hoverbike reads “HVB Rhino” and “HD5800″
I can only assume HVB stands for “hoverbike” and Rhino must be its name, like how the dropships are Mantas. No clue what the number is.
Also apparently the cold in Solitas is so bad it corrupts machinery?
Ahh, good, some action. Lets see what we get now.
Ohh, teamwork. And again, signs that aura allows you to move faster and farther than a normal human
Heh, it really is like a boss fight, like the chase scene at the end of the first Viking level in For Honor.
Oh, and it can call for reenforcements literally out of nowhere? Or is the whole tundra of Solitas just CRAWLING with Grimm?
Yes, yes it did just call for backup, Yang.
Maybe these are all forward scouts and ambush units from the Grimmstorm. They did say its the biggest...
Another banger from Casey Lee Williams...
What the hell happened in Solitas to cause this geography? Seriously, its a line of bridges over a gap in two cliffs...that cant be natrual, not that equal in distance.
Man, those bikes didnt even last half an episode...I guess thats fair, they are facing obsurd odds. Or maybe they just want Yang to be the only one with a bike.
And there goes the dropwall. Woops.
Also you can just kinda see it but they bounce off the rock and thats why they slow down. Useful.
Also this part with them falling off the edge reminds me of the ending cutscene of Halo 4s Forerunner level, where Chief flies out of a portal and almost goes sailing off a cliff in a Ghost.
Except here, the bike stays on the land and THEY go off the cliff.
I paused at just the right time cause YANGS FACE XD
Holy shit what are Ren’s weapons cables MADE OF? The one atop him is holding him AND the weight of his two teammates. And the one below has both Jaune and Yang. No sign of slippage or breackage at all.
Ahhh there’s the whaleship (Monstra? Fuck it Im gonna keep calling it the whaleship). So yeah my headcanon now is the mountain its right next too is Menachite, where Fortress is.
Oh hey back to the Schnee manor of all things! Does...this mean military invasion of the Schnee grounds.
Hey Whitley. Lesbians are here.
Someone make a video cut of Weiss banging on the door to the “Knock knock open up the door its real!” part of that one song.
Hehehehhe. Nice Weiss.
Also convenient about the house staff. Good thing RT doesnt need to animate them or Willow now...
I hope the staff took some of the silverware and some paintings on the way out.
Why is MAY the one carrying Nora.
Ah so now they’re stuck out there with no cell service. Hehe.
Ah okay so the cold in Solitas DOES eat aura. Good, my headcanon still kind of stands.
I wonder, does wearing proper cold weather clothing (like bundled up stuff) help? Or does it cut right through...
Why is JAUNE the one hauling the bike? Isnt Yang the strongest? Or maybe they take turns.
Ahhh inter-team talking. Also, outpost. Hmm. Atlas one? Overrun if I had to guess. Unless he saw Fortress. Which I doubt.
I do love the circling shot here, with the light on Yang’s hair and the shadows on Ren. Its...really artistic and emotional. GREAT WORK RT.
Rens got points. And hes saying stuff I myself have been saying for ages, which is good. I wonder why this is how Ren is now...working with the Ace Ops? Being afraid of loosing Nora? No one tell him what happened last episode.
Also, Jaune’s hair seems to have gotten less crazy in recent episodes. It looks less like a banana and more like a close tactical cut.
Yangs got a point.
Ahhh and now we get to see the inside of the whale.
SALEM FOR THE LOVE OF GOD STOP SHOWING THE FUCK OFF. SERIOUSLY. WE GET IT.
...this is gonna be a really criingy torture section, isnt it.
Someones gonna take that “hound didnt break you” line in the WRONG direction
It is amusing the only thing holding Oscar down is the Hound actually.
Ah so they’re still searching the remains of Beacon.
Also I like how Salem calls them “her forces” as if its anything but a random bunch of expendable monsters. Like, bruh, you cant search anything with THAT.
Ignoring the boring chat between these two, notice how the Hound’s shoulder literally flexes and shifts when Salem touched it. I dont think this thing is solid at all aside from the head and the bone claws...the whole thing is just amorphous Grimm material that can adapt to whatever situation it requires. A specialist unit. A...Hunter hunter.
Yo what the fuck was that. Magic? Huh. Did we actually SEE magic for once in the show? Only took us 8 FUCKING SEASONS...
Doesnt seem to be anything but an energy blast/pain never firing though. I assume his auras still gone, cause its completely singed his shirt, but it didnt do much else.
...Im not impressed.
She really needs to stop touching his face, its creeping me out.
HAHA SHE CANT DO IT HERSELF SHE HAS TO RELY ON HAZEL BEATING THE SHIT OUT OF HIM. I think we know where she stands now, doesnt she...say what you will about her letting Hazel have his vengeance (which is very valid, even he admits hit), but me? I think she A) cant actually beat up on Ozma herself because she still cares and B) shes almost out of magic too. Its weakened as the Gods have been gone and shes been forced to rely on the Grimm and on pawns. Basically, once she and Oz are both gone? That’s it for magic. Remnant will belong to the Grimm...and to technology.
At which point without Oz around to hold them back Atlas is going to go fucking BONKERS and basically ensure the Grimm get pushed back into a corner and then finally permenantly STAMPED OUT.
More Whale insides. Seems like most of its empty grandious spaces. Or possibly muscle? Hard to tell. Either way theres a lot of open air in there...with tight corridors.
If you fired a thermobaric warehead into one of the chambers the resulting blastc could possibly blow the doors off and send a raging fireball through the entire thing...Hmm. Filing that away for later.
NEO IS SO SHORT ITS FUNNY TO ME. I know its just positioning BUT SHE LOOKS EVEN SHORTER IN THIS SHOT THAN USUAL.
More note on the Hound; the “flesh” around its right shoulder spike actually sinks down when it stops moving. Its neck shifts and moves too, like the material isnt solid, but recirculating.
I also dont see any eyes. And it looks like it has some kind of...forehead mouth? Def looks like teeth down the ridge of its spine.
Oh boy yeah that...whole thing is basically melting in on itself.
I wont lie; hearing Cinder get berated by CORTANA (and yes, I still hear Cortana in Salem, espeically now that the two characters are kind of one and the same, both megalomaniacal leaders of giant armies, bar the fact that one of them is about a TRILLION times more dangerous than the other because one of them has access to Guardian Custodies and the other one is...well kind of lame and has to have beefy dudes beat up on small children etc) is pleasing to me.
Get fucked, Cinder.
And THERE is Cortana again too.
Neo Marry Popins’s Ya’lling is fucking CUTE. And I love her little smirk.
Wait the whale’s that close?
..oh my...hold on.
...thats it. THATS ATLAS’S AIR FLEET!?!
12 AIRSHIPS? 12? EXCUSE ME!?
ARE YOU LEGITAMETLY TELLING ME THE BIGGEST MILITARY ON REMNANT HAS FEWER AIRSHIPS THAN THE SMALLEST NAVY ON EARTH HAS FRIGATES? YOUR FUCKING KIDDING ME RIGHT? THERE HAS TO BE MORE SOMEWHERE. THIS IS A JOKE, A STRAIGHT UP FUCKING JOKE.
...
No, thats...thats it. Thats Atlas’s airfleet. 12 tiny vessels. I swear it was bigger last season...
...HA! HAHA! HA! Oh, Ironwood, and Atlas as a whole...you deserve everything your about to get. I hope you die SCREAMING, and that when your bodies fall bleeding and shattered to Mantle, the people down there will realize that, no. You cant just assume Hunters will do all the work for you
THIS IS REMNANT. ITS KILL OR BE KILLED. YOU EITHER MAKE A FORCE POWERFUL ENOUGH THAT THE GRIMM RUN FROM YOU OR YOU DIE INSTEAD. ATLAS FAILED. NOW THEY SUFFER.
Emerald stop simpin.
Also that is...the SHITTEST outpost...I have ever seen in my life.
My overall thought process of Atlas is...sinking even LOWER than before.
Though it seems more like a waystation. Bed, Dust, some dudes coat on it. Dead heater. Its probably a rest spot for Specialists out in the tundra.
Ren does the emo sit. Lol. Yang even says it. Brood himself to death.
Alright whats this now...something forcing itself out of the tundra?
And thats it for today! Cool ass concept art at the end there too.
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I just got home from the Frozen 2 advanced screening at Disney Studios (as pictured above, got more swag than I thought I would). Gonna give my immediate thoughts and comments, with a more coherent post at a later date. Obviously, if you don’t want to be spoiled, don’t read below:
WARNING! MAJOR FROZEN 2 SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT!
-I’ve been listening to “Show Yourself” non stop since the soundtrack came out and it was gorgeous seeing the accompanying animation. The song starts as Elsa is riding Nokk towards Ahtohallan and continues as she makes her way through the cave. What was also unexpected for me is that she transforms into her “final form” at the end of the song, so she’s wearing that outfit throughout a good portion of the movie, not just the epilogue, so I hope that means there will be more merchandise for it!
-After that, she wanders through Ahtohallan which is made up of moving “sculptures” made of snow/ice that show memories: she sees some of herself and Anna when they were young playing with Olaf, various people in Arendelle, and of Iduna and Agnarr (I believe Iduna was saying something about being afraid to reveal what she really is, a Northuldra). Some funny parts, Elsa walks by a memory of herself at the end of “Let It Go” and makes a face like “yeah, I was silly back then” XD But the best part was when she walks by a scene of Anna and Hans about to dance at the coronation. She gives it a cold look and then breaks the Hans sculpture, lol.
-The important memory she finds is that King Runeard was using the dam against the Northuldra - something about cutting off their resources so they’d be forced to trade with Arendelle, or something like that, I don’t remember exactly. A poignant part was when Elsa first sees the memory of Runeard and he’s talking about how he hates and doesn’t trust anyone who uses magic, to which she says angrily that his fear is blinding him. And again, Elsa is wearing her final outfit during all this, so there was so much time to ogle it XD
-The “gone too far” part is when she follows the memory of Runeard as it fades down into a deep abyss. He was talking about something suspicious regarding the Northuldra, so she decided to jump down into the depths to find out even though she remembers the song’s warning. She sees that Runeard attacked (and likely killed) the Northuldra leader. She begins freezing as she’s down there and before she gets completely frozen, she sends a burst of magic up above, calling out to Anna (and the fact that Elsa “dies” here is proof that she’s not immortal even after becoming the fifth spirit). Her magic reaches Anna and Olaf in the cave and shows them what happened. They realize they have to destroy the dam but Olaf starts to “flurry” - pieces of snowflakes peel off him and drift away, and he tells Anna that Elsa isn’t okay. Anna pulls Olaf into her lap and holds him there as he fades away. He doesn’t melt exactly and we don’t see the full process: we see his flurries gently flow out of the cave and land in a pile somewhere else. Bruhni watches sadly from a ledge below.
-The saddest thing to me was that, after the aforementioned scene of Olaf’s “death,” the scene fades to black, then opens up again overlooking the same cave but it looks like a different time of day, then cuts to Anna crying inside - so she was literally crying alone in the cave for what could have been hours! I thought right after Olaf melts is when she’d start singing The Next Right Thing, but she spends who knows how long grieving. That is just too sad 8_8 Before she starts singing, she says “Olaf...Elsa...what do I do?” My heart shattered then. Another part that shattered it more was when Anna confronts Matthias and the soldiers as they try to prevent her from approaching the dam. When they ask her why it has to be destroyed, she tells them and says “My sister gave her life for the truth, we can’t lose anyone else.”
-Oh my gosh, the reunion at the end was my favorite part and so sweet~ After the mist around the forest fades, Anna and Kristoff approach the pillars with Anna looking like she’s ready to burst into tears...until some snow crystals flutter around her and then behind to where the shore is (not sure if it’s the shore of the Dark Sea since it’s daylight at this time, or it could just be a nearby beach). She sees Elsa riding Nokk - she starts running toward her but then stops because she’s still not sure it’s really Elsa. When Elsa says her name and holds out her arms, she runs to her and they share a beautiful hug (while Anna is sobbing). Honestly I can’t remember exactly what was said because I was an emotional wreck at that point, but Elsa tells Anna that she’s the fifth spirit, that Anna saved her, and that the bridge has two sides: herself here and Anna in Arendelle, and they’d fix the past wrongs together. And I also loved the fact that Kristoff comes over and is relieved that Elsa’s okay: he says “Elsa, you’re alright!” and gives her a hug, then (humorously) says “ you look different...did you cut your hair?” She also gives Sven a little pet. I’m so glad they included this part as it shows that Kristoff doesn’t just see Elsa as a cockblock to Anna, lol. Kristoff proposes to Anna here as well (Sven tears up a little seeing it XD)
-As for Olaf’s revival, Elsa tells Anna “I have a question for you” “What is it?” “Do you want to build a snowman?” She then concentrates and we see the pile of Olaf’s “flurries” come flying down from the cave to become Olaf again. Elsa says it’s a good thing water has memory, implying that he still remembers everything despite being “resurrected.” The epilogue just had so many cute moments - Anna and Elsa share another hug as they walk back to the stone pillars, Elsa wipes away a tear on Anna’s face, they put there foreheads together at one point when they’re talking, Elsa takes Anna’s hand and leads her to one of the now tamed earth giants and they both gently touch his giant nose, and Frohana share a warm hug. I cannot wait to get HD screenshots of it all!
-And for Anna’s coronation? To be honest, it didn’t seem like a coronation to me - it literally just had Kai announcing Anna as she walks outside (onto a stage I think? Don’t remember exactly) but right after that she’s out in the streets with Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven, who are dressed up. So it must have been some kind of event, but wouldn’t the coronation have a party in the castle and a ceremony, like Elsa had? We then see Matthias outside with another Arendelle citizen (he’s discovering the new technology of photograph, lol) - wouldn’t they be part of the ceremony if there was a coronation, and not just out in the streets doing whatever. It just didn’t seem like a major event was happening, I’ll have to see the movie again. Regardless, they reveal statues of young Iduna and Agnarr (they should have had statues of Anna and Elsa too!) and Anna notices Gale flying about and asks if he/she (does Gale have a gender?) to deliver a letter to Elsa. Gale carries it over to the forest and Elsa reads it. As we know, it’s a reminder about charades. Anna ends the letter saying “I love you” to which Elsa says “I love you too, sis” (that’s where this line that we heard in one of the teasers came from - pretty crazy they’d use a line from the very end of the movie, knowing we wouldn’t figure it out!)
-I mostly talked about the ending here but I’ll say a few things that stood out in the rest of the movie to me: Some Things Never Change was adorable. Anna and Elsa share a sweet hug at the end, during the “holding on tight to you” lines. And I absolutely cracked up during Kristoff’s verse when he’s doing Sven’s voice and telling him about getting down on one knee with the ring - some nearby townspeople see him and it looks like he’s proposing to Sven and they get the most awkward looks on their faces XD The scene in their parents’ ship was really emotional: Anna and Elsa clinging to each other with tears in their eyes as they see the memory of their parents take shape...my heart was breaking. The ensuing scene where Elsa’s overcome with guilt and runs outside with Anna telling her she’s not responsible for their actions, and she believes in her more than anything, etc., More was said between them here and I’m having trouble remembering it exactly but it was deep.
-Oh, and the post-credits scene was hilarious: it’s Olaf telling the events of the story to Marshmallow and the Snowgies (Frozen Fever is canon!) just like he does earlier when he describes the first Frozen to Matthias and the others (”it began with two sisters...”) The funniest part was his dramatizing lines of the latter part of the story - ”Elsa is dead,” “Olaf is dead,” “Anna’s crying alone” - it’s hard to describe, it’s funnier when you see it.
Later I’ll write a post with more coherent thoughts about the movie itself and not just a spoiler list - I might do that soon or wait until I see it again this weekend. But I will say that I loved it - having seen it for myself, I truly believe there’s no “tragic separation” that we’ve been fearing. There’s really nothing bittersweet about it, nothing like Anna saying “will I ever see you again?” because it’s a given that they can still be a family and nothing is keeping them from seeing each other whenever they want. At this point, it’s not that I dislike the ending as it is “I want to see what happens next!” It left me even hungrier for more Frozen, like a short reassuring us that they’re still a family by having another charades scene or something like that. Or another movie is always welcome! There was also some lore/plot-wise things I’m a little confused about, but that’ll be for another post. It’s 1am here and I need to decide if I can sleep or not, lol. If you have any questions, please send them via direct message. I’ll either answer them right away, or tomorrow if I do manage to sleep tonight.
The shock of finally seeing this movie after six years of pining hasn’t sunk in yet but it will soon.
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2, 8, 9, 10, 15 📝 asks
2. What is your approach to world building?
Well, that’s easy. I wait and see what my brain will vomit at me and then try to find a way to connect everything so that it makes sense. Any initiative from my side is expressed in just thinking about stuff I want to include and throwing it all in only to start stirring and trying to find a way to make it all fit together. If it’s fic we’re talking about and it’s an AU, I will try to pick a starting point (if my brain hasn’t done it already) and from there figure out what the story needs by looking for parallels to canon and just feeling for what is right. It is all pretty intuitive. I just catch a thread from the tapestry before me that I can’t even see and start feeling my way up, down and sideways until I’ve made it through the whole image and can actually put something comprehensive on the sheet.
8. What’s your philosophy on writing romantic relationships?
Um... banter? Sarcasm? Joking around with each other? Honestly, I am not all that sure HOW I write romance. It just happens. I guess one thing that is a constant in writing romantic relationships is trust. That is what I put in the core of every romantic relationship I write and it all goes from there based on how much/little of that there is and what are the reasons behind the shifts in that. It doesn’t have to be trust in each other necessarily. It can be trust in themselves, in the relationship, in the circumstances, in the universe, etc. That starts creating a conflict in the story and that is pretty much all that is important to me in a story - the conflict. There has to be something that is creating struggle and tension - not necessarily inside the relationship but concerning it in some way in order to make the characters start reacting and turning the cogs of the relationship between them. The best way to really show a relationship is to push it into motion and make the characters work with and for it.
9. How do you write kissing scenes?
I sigh, repeat how much I don’t want to do it, try to resist the temptation to bang my head against the wall, spend way too much time thinking about it until words have lost all meaning, get fed up, bullshit my way through it, then sob when I realize that I will have to get back to it and fix it later on. I try to think about the feelings that it expresses and try to make sure everyone has exactly two hands - no more, no less. I get outraged when I know I am not done and I need yet another paragraph even though I don’t know what to put in it. I think about it some more. I curse myself for deciding to be a writer. I decide I am done with it and I don’t care how well it has turned out because it will have to do since kisses are literally my least favorite things to write about... I think I need to try a more minimalistic approach when it comes to kissing. Or at least, like... more concise. Aka I have to stop overthinking everything and go with the instinctive approach. Works for everything else, might work for that as well because the current approach is just torture. You tell me how well that is shown/hidden in the ready product. I’m sorry if this sounds like a joke. I am absolutely serious. I dread kissing scenes because I never know what to do with them.
10. How do you choose where to end a chapter?
I flip a coin. XD Okay, that was a joke. I haven’t perfected a foolproof system yet. Sometimes it just feels natural to end a chapter somewhere and other times I have actually planned the whole thing well, meaning that I know what the arc for that chapter is and end the chapter when I think the arc is complete. And other times, I use the chaotic approach and end it at a place I think will create tension and trepidation for the next chapter. Honestly, endings either come to me or I have to force them on the page. Left to Heritage, for example, was a goddamn beast when it came to the ending because I knew WHERE it had to end but I didn’t know HOW to end it. One of my kinktober entries was running overly long and I caught myself just writing useless paragraphs so I had to delete the last three or four and finish the damn sentence before that. It didn’t feel like a good ending but it was certainly better than when the text was running away from me. Usually, the idea is to end a chapter when it feels enough. Either I have said everything I have to say or I don’t think I should say more just yet. However, that is not always true. In A Home You Never Knew How to Have I had to split a couple of chapters in twos because they were getting obscenely long and that was not really done in a “correct” manner but I tried to look for a place where the split wouldn’t feel like you’re falling off a bridge that hasn’t been finished but would feel like you’ve stopped at a gas station to get yourself a drink and an ice cream/chocolate... croissant... I think it is time to end this chapter. XD
15. If you could go back in time and give your younger self a piece of writing advice specific to you, what would it be?
Hmm, specific to me... I am pretty content with the development of my writing skills on a technical level so I think that I would say to myself “Don’t take pride in your stories, take joy in them.” When you feel like you have done something so well, when you think of a story as an accomplishment and then it doesn’t get the response you were hoping for, it feels like your accomplishment is invalidated and it starts getting boggled down with all those negative feelings. Instead, if you look at the stories as sources of emotions, it makes that almost impossible because everyone reacts differently to the same emotions and you can never talk about objectivity when it comes to them. It makes it a lot easier to shrug off things like that because the story has already fulfilled its purpose - to bring you joy (or tears) and putting it out in the world can only bring more of that if it also manages to do the same for someone else. I think that detaching your ego from your work can be a wonderful thing for both the writer and the writing because it makes everything about the process, not the product. And the process is the product in a way. A story written with heart and passion will always be more touching than a story that’s written as some sort of a contest entry to prove your skills. I am astounded by how long it took me to get to this point and I think it will be hard to start actually adopting this view and implementing it when it comes to writing simply because of the way I have been taught to do everything - to realize my potential and achieve what hasn’t been achieved yet. Really, the superiority complex has been woven in me through my upbringing from the very start and it will take a lot of effort to disentangle it from my brain and my fingers but I think it can only do me good to get used to the idea that my worth does not depend on my creations and the response they get. I am not here to impress anyone but myself. And I impress myself with every single sentence I write with the love it reveals for the story, for the characters, for the writing itself and for myself by expressing my inner world instead of hiding it as if it shouldn’t see the light of day. And I would also tell my younger self to watch the usage of “when” and a couple other words because it got extremely excessive at one point and I am still mad about how long it took me to notice that. Though, I guess that was just from excitement to get the story out and I need to let it go as a first step towards that new process of writing I am aiming for.
This got pretty rambly and not very concrete but it got me thinking about upgrades I need to make to my writing process so thank you for sending this!
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Adult Chucky ohmygod that's exactly what he is too! With Mahito I just- I get WHY he's like that but it doesn't stop me from wanting to punch him in the nose. Which I acknowledge means he's a well written character but- I. Just. Can't. Stand. Him. 🙃🙃🙃
Ok with those hints- and this is just my gut feeling- I'm gonna say it's Geto....is it Geto??? If not that's my only guess ._.
Nanami Kento is a tsundere?!? You heard it here folks Nanami is #1 tsundere and we stan a good dad who protects his children even though he denies it! Though I'm not like into Nanami that way, I'd still die for him to make him happy? If that makes sense? So I'm excited for those relationship headcannons because I feel hes over looked!
And someone else who reads too fast for their own good! Join the party! I don't hate spoilers so I gobble everything up and skim through everything so I've got a gist of the storyline and extra characters. But now I'm like sitting down and dissecting each chapter as I go so I can be super familiar with it for when I decide to write fanfics oops nerd alert
Throw me in that bin of anti Toji...he hurt my baby and I just- My heart and soul belongs to Megumi and if he hates him then I gotta hate him. I don't make the rules ¯\_( ツ)_/¯ Mai is another one I'm having a hard time warming up to. I've warmed up to Todo asdfghjkl him and Yuji bro fighting to best friends is perfect but besides that really everyone else I like bc the story is just THAT good. But I'm only on the exchange arc that I'm like in detail reading. But as I gobble up 5 or more chapters every time I have down time it won't take me long 👁👄👁
💛anon
I'll stand by and cheer while you beat the shit out of Mahito. I promise. I too want to see this sewer rat dissected. He's taken away two possibly three of my favorite characters and shows no sign of stopping so I hope Yuji slams his face in the concrete a couple times soon.
Nope! Although, Getou was on my shit list for a while. I kinda automatically didn't like him at first because he was a "bad guy", but that was short lived. I went from hating him to trying to force myself to hate him. It was all because of the Hidden Inventory arc (which, may I add is officially called Gojo's Past arc? I just refer to is as the flashback arc 👀) and I realized I just.... Can't hate him. For a while I was neutral toward him and then episode 7 happened and now it's game over he's pretty okay
I mean; am I in it totally for the looks?
.... No but maybe.
The person I don't like is Mai! I can't stand her. I think it's ONLY because she reminds me of Lisa from Fire Force (if you haven't watched it, ignore that reference) because I get so pissy towards people who hurt my comfort characters oh my god
I don't like what Mai does to Nobara, and how she treats Maki.
HOWEVER. I do feel like in the current arc she might show up and do something good that will get her off of my shit list. I'm not holding my breath but maybe.
Nanami Kento is the best dad and that's on GOD. Pfffft I was gonna say "what no don't die I need you 💛" but also I would die for Nanami so... I can't say shit xD ahhhh I miss Nanami. Honestly I was a Gojofucker when I started (I mean... Who wasn't?) But I'm attracted to Nanami. Gojo is kinda just a cool character, don't get me wrong like I wanna be his best friend, but I rlly do wanna get Nanamin my heart and my body if he asked politely, which he would do btw he asks before he even so much as kisses you
👀 oop- fanfics? Wanna... Drop a few links in my inbox? I haven't been reading fics lately (ahaha brain go brrrr)
Well! I am 100% not spoiler free. If you ask I'll tell you anything, unless it's something I want you to experience the way I did. I made my friend watch Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious without telling him anything just because I wanted him to be as distraught as I was. It worked.
I do be upset at Toji for what he did to Megs but also? Some events take place in this arc and 👀 I'm kinda hoping Megumi changes his standpoint. It'll be great for his character development, because he's been growing since the first chapter and it's cute. I can't see him completely forgiving his dad, however, we haven't gotten Megs' thought process on What The Fuck ™ happened in the current arc, and he might connect the dots and go "... Huh. So that happened."
... it could also go the wrong way and make him more of a gloomy piece of shit
I rlly just wanna give Megumi a hug I stg. Like. I want to be thrown into the jjk universe, not to live out my own story, but just give everyone a damn hug and just tell them it's gonna be okay l, especially Yuji, Megumi and Gojo bc the first two are having difficult times with their emotions and the second because uhhh. I had this scenario pop in my head and idk why I thought of this, but I guess Gojo and I were fighting about something? And for some reason I was beating the shit out of him. And he was letting the blows land. Like he didn't have infinity activated. He must have done something shitty to allow himself to get beat up and somehow I ended up straddling him and I was yelling shit like "oh, now you won't talk? You won't even look at me in the fucking eye, get this shit off-" and I ripped his blindfold off and I was met with the absolute heart wrenching sight of Gojo Satoru's baby blue eyes swollen with tears. And all he did was smile and say "gomen ne" in his cute little voice (kinda childish, like how he dragged out Yuji's name in the first ep. 'Itadori yuuuuuji') and this scene rlly got me thinking what if the happy go lucky attitude is just a facade he uses to hide how broken he is-
But that's its own separate post lmao
I think I answered everything, have fun reading this shit show
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Dating My Brother’s Archenemy Pt. 2 (ARCHIVED)
CrAzYArtist: Party? Like full out high school party? Drinking and drugs and everything? O.o I didn't know you were into that...
GreenThumb: Yeah... and my sister is making me go. But it'd give us a chance to hang out.
MonKeybiz: I'm for it! As long as you don't make me do anything against my will...
$Cha-Ching$: Fine by me, never been to one before.
CrAzYArtist: Where's it at?
GreenThumb: Ermmm... It's Amber's party... My sister is friends with her and she's dragging me a long as her ride back home. Can't see why I can't just wait around in town until she's ready...
MonKeybiz: ...You're kidding, right?
$Cha-Ching$: Gives Kori a perfect chance to speak with Nathaniel though...
MonKeybiz: True...
CrAzYArtist: Say one more word about that and I'll break the record of my grudges.
$Cha-Ching$: No idea of what you mean, but I can tell you're serious. Not crossing the line
MonKeybiz: I second that!
GreenThumb: Besides, it gives you three a perfect chance to crash Amber's party.
CrAzYArtist: I'm in!
$Cha-Ching$: Me too!
MonKeybiz: Me three! lol
*RabidsingeR has signed in*
CrAzYArtist: Clear you weekend calendar, Lexsie, we're going to crash Amber's party!
MonKeybiz: And do a little matchmaking between Nath and Kori on the side.
$Cha-Ching$: Hey, this is Penni!
GreenThumb: Plus you finally get to meet me in person!
RabidsingeR: You had me at 'crash Amber's party' XD I'm going to thoroughly enjoy this...
"You are not going out like that." Castiel said, not even looking up from his guitar. I looked down at my pure white flowing knee length dress and sheer tights with snowflakes picked out in silver. Lysander, who was sitting across from him scribbling away, glanced up, raised an eyebrow then looked at my brother, "She's not dressed inappropriately." Castiel still wouldn't look up, "She's going to that stupid party, so she's dressed inappropriately." He stated simply. I rolled my eyes to Lexsie who kept dabbing at her make up while Penni kept slapping her hand away. I wondered how Lexsie could even like my brother, he was just a pain sometimes. Penni smacked Lexsie's hand away again, "If you keep touching it, you're going to smudge my work!" The blonde girl snapped. Savannah sighed, "Really Lexsie. You're the one who wanted Penni to do your make up..." Lexsie's fingers started inching their way towards her face again, but one glare from Penni stopped them.
Castiel finally looked up, "You look fine Lexsie. Stop fussing." He said flatly. Lexsie didn't really need the bright pink colored blush after that, she was so red in the face that the base couldn't hide it. Savannah, Penni and I giggled. Over the few days that we had to get our costumes ready for Amber's Halloween party Lexsie and Castiel went from Stage 1: 'You're Just My Friend, Whatever' to Stage 2: 'Blushes and Compliments.' It was all according to Tansy's '10 Stages of Relationships' chart. Penni was at Stage 7: the 'Can't be Without You' stage. Savannah was still at stage one with Lysander. Tansy said I was between Stage 5: 'Shyly Skipping Around the Subject of Dating' and Stage 6: 'Small Kisses and Presents.' I thought it was strange that Tansy had this whole thing already worked out, and that it made sense, somewhat.
I sighed and snatched up my white wedge heels, “Let's go we're going to be late. Hey Castiel, are you using the car?” My brother, squinting at a page of lyrics, shook his head 'no'. I smirked, now came to part of tricking him, “I need the keys really fast, where are they?” Still trying to decipher the Lysander's writing, Castiel pointed to the small bowl sitting on the table, “There, stop bothering me.” He snapped. Before my twin realized he had been duped, I grabbed the car keys and ushered my snickering friends out the door, calling over my shoulder, “We'll be home late, see you later!” Before I closed the door, I could see Lysander smirking at me, he winked. So he knew my plan, but didn't bother to tell my brother. Guess he was on my side again.
vvv
So far the party was a total bore. The only thing exciting was when some random couple got into a major fight which ended with a major make out session that made me want to gag. Penni seemed to be enjoying herself though, having never been to a stereotypical teen party. Even I had been before, when Lexsie dragged me to one our freshmen year, that was when we met Savannah. And I met Ty, much to my later misfortune. I kept to the seats, sandwiched between couples who couldn't keep their hands off each other and druggies smoking themselves silly. Savannah had left in search for a soda, knowing it would be a lost cause, while Lexsie was busy warding off guys hitting on her. Penni, however, had headed straight for the dance floor. From my view, I could tell she was owning the floor with her crazy moves. I hadn't even known she was into dancing.
Savannah reappeared, two Dr. Peppers in her hand, “Guess Nathaniel is cracking down on the beer, I couldn't find any.” She said as she handed me one of the frigid cans. I shot her a look, “Were you looking for them?” I asked suspiciously. Savannah plopped down next to me, not caring if her medieval lady dress was wrinkled in the process, and laughed, “Of course not. But you know how hard it is to find a coke at these parties. I was kinda suspicious when the first cooler was nothing but sodas, so was the second and the third... after I looked around, I couldn't find any beer.” I popped the tap on my soda and took a nice long drink. Something bumped into me, causing me to spew my drink... just as Amber walked past in her skimpy pirate girl costume.
As Lexsie would say: It was an opportunity worth dying for, and from the look Amber gave me, I thought she really was going to kill me. Savannah dying of laughter beside me didn't help my case of it being an accident. Suddenly I went from being the invisible snow princess, to the girl facing Amber's wrath. I slouched a little in my seat, bracing myself for the hurricane that was about to be unleashed.
“YOU LITTLE BITCH!! You did that on purpose! Why are you even here, I know I didn't f***ing invite you!” Amber started, her voice shrill to the point that I knew any dogs within a mile could hear her. I slumped down a little lower, my cheeks flaming red. I didn't like being the center of attention and suddenly I was on Broadway. “Uhh... I'm sorry, I didn't-” I started, but Amber didn't even let me explain, “You ruined my $200 costume! You are soooooo paying me back, bitch! Don't think you won't!” Amber shouted then stomped away, her whole right side drenched in my backwash. I buried my face in my hands, not sure if I should cry or laugh. Lexsie came up just as the rest of the crowd started returning to normal, “What happened?” I was still embarrassed to speak, but Savannah wasn't, “Well, you see. Kori decided it would be a good idea to spill Dr. Pepper on Amber and-” “It was an accident!” I practically wailed, both my friends cracked up.
vvv
Hours late Jade finally showed up as a green haired vampire. I didn't even have to make introductions, Lexsie and Savannah spotted him the minute he walked through the door, his bright green hair as out of place as Savannah's purple hair or my white locks. When I saw that there would be no awkwardness between the three I went to find Penni. She was surrounded by jocks trying to flirt with her, and she didn't look very pleased at all. I smiled and joined her, “Hey Penni, Jade's here. Do you want to meet him?” I asked. Penni looked at me confused, she had already met Jade before he went back to his own school, and she knew I knew that. I gave her a look, trying to express with my eyes that I was giving her the perfect chance to escape the jock's unwanted attention. She finally got the message and nodded before dragging me away with a force I didn't know she had.
Of course, we never made it that far. As we walked underneath the upper story walkway, there was a voice shouting, “There she is!” It was followed by a show of ice cold water down on my head. I shrieked at the sudden change in temperature, throwing up my arms to deflect most of the downpour off my poor head. Laughter filled the air, and I was dragged back to the day that Amber had altered the comic I had drawn. Only this was worse, this was physical discomfort.
Penni was staring at me, mouth open wide and eyes nearly popping out of her head. None of the water hit her luckily. Her gypsy costume was still in tact, but the same could be said for my snow princess dress. It had gone from gleaming white to sheer in .03 seconds, plastered to my body like a second skin. I hastily crossed my arms over my chest, shaking from the cold air that now wafted at my body. Amber appeared before me, taunting, “I told you you'd regret it, little bitch. How does it feel?” Penni glared at Amber and opened her mouth to defend me, but someone else beat her to it, “Amber! That's enough.” Shivering I looked over my shoulder just as Nathaniel wrapped a blanket around my shoulders. His sister backed down with a pout.
Nathaniel took me to his bedroom. I sat on his bed, the blanket wrapped around me, watching him as he carefully made sure his door was cracked two inches. I couldn't help but smile at that, “I-It won't m-m-ma-matter. The-They w-w-will a-a-a-as-assume the w-w-worst.” I stuttered, my teeth clattering together loudly. Nathaniel didn't answer as he shifted through his drawers and pulled out a pair of grey sweats and a formless white T-shirt. He motioned to a closed door on the other side of the bed, “Bathroom is through there.” I didn't move. I just stared at the pile of clothes he gave me, then up at his golden eyes, “Why do you always help me?” I blurted out.
Nathaniel blushed a little and looked away sheepishly, “Uh... I guess I feel responsible for what my sister does to you.” He said uncomfortably. I looked back down, disappointed, “...oh...” I stood and moved toward the bathroom to change, but Nathaniel grabbed my arm, “Korianna, wait...” I looked up at him, half hoping half dreading what he would say. Nathaniel studied me for a while before saying, “You know I like you, Korianna. I guess that's the real reason why I want to protect you from my sister's stupid pranks.” I stared at Nathaniel for a minute, my brain trying to catch up to what he just said. Nathaniel blushed even harder and started to let go of me, thinking that I was rejecting him, when I threw my arms around his neck and crashed my lips to his. Surprised he stumbled back a step and I was dragged with him, my feet skittering forward to avoid doing a face plant. Somehow my left foot got wedged behind his right and he tripped over it. To avoid falling to the floor, Nathaniel twisted and we both ended up on the bed, me on top of him, kissing...
...just as Melody opened the door.
The three of us stared at each other for a minute, all of us blushing. Then I bolted off Nathaniel and fled for the bathroom, the clothes he gave me clutched in my arms. I stood leaning against the door, breathing heavily. I could not believe Nathaniel and I had just been caught by the girl who had a crush on him. Castiel seeing us kissing was bad enough, but Melody wasn't one to keep a secret like my brother. She was almost as bad as Peggy when it came to gossip, except when it dealt with Nathaniel. I just hoped her policy of not telling Peggy anything about Nathaniel would cover this incident. I could hear Melody speaking in a chocked tone, “What's going on? I-I came to tell you I was here and she- Did Kori... was she...?” Then came Nathaniel's much calmer voice, “Someone spilled something on Korianna's costume, she came to me for extra clothes.” His voice left no room to question how I had come in his bedroom looking for extra clothes and ended up kissing him. There was a small muffled sob and the sound of a door slamming.
I finished tugging on the white shirt and tying the sweats tighter around my waist before leaving the bathroom, my wet dress flung over one arm. Nathaniel was standing in the middle of his room, staring down at something in his hands. I peered around him to see a pair of yellow cat ears attached to a head band teetering over his palm. Melody must have given them to him before she left. I gently touched his shoulder, startling him. Biting my lip I looked down, “I'm sorry... I-” Nathaniel pressed a finger to my lips, “You shouldn't be sorry. It's not your fault.” He said softly. I tried a small smile and took the cat ears from him, “These are nice. You should wear them.” I said timidly, trying to change the subject to a safer track.
Nathaniel snorted, “I don't celebrate Halloween. I think it's stupid.” He said dully and I rolled my eyes, “You would.” I muttered then shoved the car ears down on his head, laughing at his expression of surprise. “There! You know, the ears really look good on you, I think you should wear them from now on.” I said between giggles. Nathaniel frowned at me and tried to pull the ear off, but I swatted his hands away, “No I like them. Leave them in.” Slowly he lowered his hands and didn't try to take them off again. I grinned at the thought that Nathaniel would wear something even if he didn't like it, because he knew I did. Mentally I made a note to tell Tansy I had gone from between Stage 5 and Stage 6 to fully on Stage 6 of her 10 Stages of Relationships. I knew she would be thrilled.
*CrAzYArtist had signed in*
$Cha-Ching$: Hey so what happened after the water accident yesterday? No one saw you after that.
MonKeybiz: Seriously, girl. I know you want to be with your boy, but spend some time with your homeys!
RabidsingeR: Savannah, don't try to be gangster. It's just atrocious.
CrAzYArtist: 8 points for Lexsie!
RabidsingeR: We're not playing Scrabble, Kori...
GreenThumb: Back on subject... where did you go? I didn't get to even say hi before you disappeared.
CrAzYArtist: No reason... I just didn't want to be in that house anymore
$Cha-Ching$: So either you got into a fight with Nath or kissed him again...
RabidsingeR: I'm going with kissing... At least here's hoping ;P
CrAzYArtist: Since you'll drag it out of me anyway... Yes, Nath and I kissed again, and Melody walked in on us.
MonKeybiz: ...Oh snap... doesn't she have a crush on Nath?
$Cha-Ching$: Yep... ladies and Jade, prepare for World War 3
CrAzYArtist: Oh come on! Melody and I are rational people, it's not like we'll end up cat fighting in the middle of the hall.
RabidsingeR: When it comes to guys, all rationality goes out the window.
$Cha-Ching$: Yeah, I mean look at how Lexsie first treated me for the whole Lysander mess... and she doesn't even like him (not like Savannah)!
RabidsingeR: THAT WASN'T THE REASON!
$Cha-Ching$: *read in sarcasm* You're right. It was because Kori forced Castiel into the whole mess, since that makes a whole lot more sense.
MonKeybiz: Penni you're hilarious!
RabidsingeR: Grrrrr...
CrAzYArtist: Get over it, Lexsie.
GreenThumb: Back on topic girls.
MonKeybiz: lol, what are you the Topic Police?
GreenThumb: Yes... don't make me write you a ticket! ^^
MonKeybiz: I'm shaking in fear, Jade.
CrAzYArtist: Has anyone seen Violette? She hasn't been on.
GreenThumb: She was on briefly yesterday while you were getting ready for the party.
RabidsingeR: Oh... and what did you two... discuss...? Hmm?
GreenThumb: How nuts you are.
$Cha-Ching$: 'You' as in all of us, or 'you' as in Lexsie?
GreenThumb: You as in Lexsie.
RabidsingeR: Love you too Jade! X(
MonKeybiz: Okay guys, we have a crisis on our hands. Kori is possibly facing a cat fight with Melody...
CrAzYArtist: I can handle myself, Savannah...
RabidsingeR: We all know you can't, Korianna.
CrAzYArtist: ...
MonKeybiz: Nice going, dummy.
RabidsingeR: ...Oops...
*CrAzYArtist has signed out*
I glared at the log in sign for ChatRoomzNet, normally I was used to Lexsie's hurtful comments, knowing she didn't really mean them, but that was just too far. Crossing my arms I slouched in my computer chair, but the more I thought about what she said, the more I realized... Lexsie was right. I couldn't take care of myself. It was always my brother or my friends who stepped in when something didn't go right. Now Nathaniel did the same. I closed my eyes wondering if I surrounded myself with people who had an instinct to protect me, so I wouldn't have to do so myself. Did I make friends or bodyguards? I shivered, scared of the answer. Maybe I wasn't so innocent as everyone made me out to be, maybe I was just a manipulative girl and a coward.
My cell phone buzzed, bringing me out of my self depression. I answered it without thought, “Hello?” “Is this Korianna?” Someone, a guy by the deep tone of his voice, asked. I frowned, wondering who could have gotten my number. “Yeah, who's this?” “Nathaniel... You gave me your number last night, remember?” I shot straight up in my chair, I had forgotten that we had exchanged numbers when he walked me home. I leaned back in my chair, my right hand pressing into my forehead, “Sorry... I didn't add your number in yet, I was too tired last night.” I shut my mouth, knowing I was about to start babbling. There was a pause on the other side of the line, “Korianna... are you alright? You don't sound very happy.” Nathaniel ventured. I mentally cursed, why did Nathaniel have to be so good at guessing someone's emotions? I stayed silent, debating if I should tell him or not. I sighed, unable to lie to the guy who had been nothing but nice to me since I came to Sweet Amoris, “I'm not. I-” Nathaniel cut me off before I could explain “Don't say anything else. I'm coming to pick you up, then you can tell me what's bothering you.” I couldn't help but smile.
vvv
“Alright, now what's the matter?” Nathaniel asked after he returned with two ice cream cones, handing me the chocolate one. I licked the frozen dairy, taking my time in answering. When I didn't answer for a while Nathaniel shrugged and leaned back on the bench, eating his own ice cream contently, waiting patiently for me to answer. Crunch! I pulled back realizing I had just ate all my ice cream and was working on the cone now. I was stalling. I sighed and turned to Nathaniel, “Do you... think I'm helpless?” I asked him. The student council president blinked several times, his blonde eyebrows pulled low over the bridge of his nose. Nathaniel shot me a funny look, “What makes you say that?” I sighed and looked down at the remains of my melting cone. “Something Lexsie said earlier, about how I can't take care of myself.” I saw Nathaniel's gold eyes narrow and hurried on before he could say anything, “I think she's right. Looking back, I've never been able to get out of a mess by myself. Lexsie and Castiel were always taking care of my problems. Then Savannah and now you. I can't think of any time I solved a problem by myself.”
It took forever to Nathaniel to answer. I could tell by his frown that he was still trying not to get angry at Lexsie and failing miserably. Finally he exhaled deeply, his head bent so that his bright blonde hair covered his face, “Do you... want... to not be protected?” I tilted my head, “Huh?” I asked him confused by the question. Nathaniel looked at me, “Do you want your friends not to care about what happens to you?” He asked, his expression unreadable. I shook my head, still confused at what he was asking. Nathaniel closed his eyes and smiled, “Then you have nothing to worry about. We all love you Korianna, that's why we step in, because no one wants to see you hurt.” My eyes widened a fraction at the word 'love' but I shoved that thought out of my mind before it could fully form; now wasn't the time to be thinking like that. I stared at my lap, dimly feeling the cold sludge of chocolate ice cream sliding down my fingers. I hadn't thought of it that way. I pushed a smile on my face, "Alright if you say so..." I murmured. Nathaniel grinned and wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer. I blushed, but didn't pull away, I could get used to this...
vvv
*CrAzYArtist has signed in*
RabidsingeR: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! FORGIVE ME! I'll never say another word again!
CrAzYArtist: Just drop the subject Lexsie...
$Cha-Ching$: Please! You've been going on and on about this for hours.
RabidsingeR: You would too if your best friend is super mad at you!
$Cha-Ching$: First off I wouldn't have even said it. Second, Ken would never be mad at me, it's against his nature.
MonKeybiz: Well we all thought it was against Kori's nature to get mad enough to LOG OFF!
GreenThumb: You three are terrible friends. Kori, are you okay?
CrAzYArtist: Yeah...
RabidsingeR: It doesn't sound like it! TELL ME WHAT'S WRONG!!!
MonKeybiz: Seriously? You're the one asking that?
CrAzYArtist: Nothing's wrong. And Lexsie...
RabidsingeR: *gulp* ...yes...?
CrAzYArtist: I'm only forgiving you because it got me a date with Nathaniel.
RabidsingeR: WHAT?!?!
$Cha-Ching$: O[]O
MonKeybiz: GIMME DETAILS WOMAN!!
GreenThumb: Well what do you know? There IS a silver lining to every thundercloud! CX
“So then my mum was all for sending me across the Pond to my uncle's home, studying abroad as it were. That's why I'm here.” Tansy explained before class that morning, twirling a strand of her springy brown hair around her finger. She was nodding her head to a song only she could hear, her teeth latching onto her bottom lip, her rabbit earrings bobbing at the motion. Lexsie nodded eagerly, determined just to keep the girl talking so she could listen to Tansy's accent. I would feel sorry for the British girl, if she wasn't so talkative to begin with. Savannah yawned and laid her head on my shoulder, “Wake me when the bell rings.” She mumbled, closing her red eyes for a few extra minutes of sleep. I glanced at my sleepy friend then returned to my sketchpad. It had been a while since I had drawn, not since Amber got a hold of that cursed comic. It was only because Ms. Orion, the art teacher, was determined to make me enter a drawing in some annual art exhibit that I was even drawing. I would have said no, but then the miraculous thing happened and both Nathaniel and Castiel said I should enter something.
I had decided to continue working on the piece I started when I first moved to Sweet Amoris, the one with Ken and Penni smiling at each other. I filled the blank spaces with pictures of Savannah and Lexsie with their arms around each other's shoulders, both laughing. Opposite of my two friends I had drawn Tansy, her face aglow with the light of her laptop. I erased Nathaniel in the library and replaced it with another picture of him bent over a filing cabinet, leafing through some papers. I also erased Amber and her crew and replaced it with the principal when she was calm and grandmotherly. Now I had a problem of small spaces in between the drawings, too small to be of any use, but big enough that they were noticeable. Tapping my pencil against my lip I tried to think of a way to fill in the spaces. Shading them in would be tacky and would ruin the drawings, clashing with the light shading. Maybe I could smudge the drawing around the edges to get rid of the white spaces. Tilting my head I scanned my drawing, trying to imagine what it would look like. If done correctly the pictures would appear to be coming out of a fog, but it would be hard to get the smudges exact. If I did smudge the drawing, it would probably take up more time than drawing actual pictures.
“Wow. You're really good.” Penni said behind me, causing me to startle. Savannah grunted and sat up, giving me a bleary-eyed glare. The blonde behind us was still staring at my drawing, more specifically Ken. I shrugged, “I've had a lot of practice.” I said, but I knew she wasn't listening to me, her stormy grey eyes were still on Ken. Tentatively her fingers reached out to graze her best friend's penciled cheek. I watched her, amused. “You know, if you want, I can copy the drawing for you so you can have one of your own...” I offered. Penni gave me a wide eyed look, “Really? Yeah, I'd love one!” She said in a rare show of excitement. I smiled at her and flipped the cover of my sketchpad back over the drawing, “I'll give it to you tomorrow then.” I told her. Savannah leaned against me again, “What about Lysander? Will you draw him for me?” She asked in a sugary sweet tone. I glared at her, “No.”
vvv
“I'm eating here.” I said to my friends at the beginning of lunch, pointing to the Student Council Room. My decision earned knowing looks from the girls and a glare from Castiel. Lysander just smirked, he had forgiven me for crashing the date with Penni, but we were just overly polite now. At least he helped Lexsie drag Castiel away, so I could avoid the drama of Nathaniel and Castiel butting heads. Nathaniel looked up when I entered, smiling when he saw who it was, “Hey Korianna.” He said before popping a carrot stick in his mouth. I gave him a flat look, “Carrot sticks? Really, Nathaniel?” I asked. Nathaniel shrugged, “My mom always packed them in my lunches when I was younger. I like them.” He stated nonchalantly, nibbling at another carrot. I shook my head and sat down in the chair to the right of his. “Well, my mom packed brownies. I think I got the better deal.” We both laughed.
Nathaniel raised an eyebrow at my lunch; a roast beef sandwich, iced tea in a thermos, and a wild berry muffin. I chuckled sheepishly, “I like to cook...” I said sheepishly. It was Nathaniel's turn to shake his head, “Is there anything you're not good at?” I answered him quickly, “School.” It was true. Castiel didn't apply himself at all and managed to make As, I studied hard and still barely made Bs. Nathaniel seemed surprised, “Really?” He asked. I nodded glumly and waited for Nathaniel to start comparing me to my brother, but instead he said, “If you ever need help studying, I can help.” He offered. I shot him a surprised look, seeing that blush of his that I loved. Reaching over I swiped one of his carrot sticks, “Alright, thanks Nathaniel.” I said, biting the stick in half with a Cheshire Cat grin. Nathaniel shot me a dirty look, grumbling something about thief under his breath. I only smiled and finished off my stolen carrot stick.
vvv
A hand appeared in the middle of my face, waving. I jerked back, blinking and glared at Penni. The blonde was glaring back at me, “You should really get your hearing checked, girl.” Penni snapped. I began to turn back to the book Nathaniel had loaned me, but Penni snatched it out of my hands before I could focus on its words. “Oh no! You're going to put this book down and converse like a normal person.” Penni said. I crossed my arms, “Study Hall is supposed to be for studying, not talking.” I retorted. Penni scoffed and waved her hand around the room, “And how many people are actually studying? Zero.” I opened my mouth, but my blonde friend cut me off, “You were reading for pleasure, it doesn't count. Besides... if you read you can't read the letter Ken sent me...” Penni finished with a sly grin.
I suddenly forgot the book, “Give me!” I yelped reaching for the crumbled paper that Penni was waving around. Penni rolled her eyes, “Geez, you're just like a three year old.” She said as she dropped the letter in my grasping hands. I stuck my tongue out at her, but my eyes were already on the scrawling handwriting:
Hey Pen!
Got your letter, finally (you wouldn't believe how long the mail takes getting here...). I'm glad I'm still your bestest friend! XP Can you believe how long it's been since we last saw each other? Too long in my opinion! And don't worry, I'm sure we'll see each other again before we're both sixty, maybe fifty-nine, lol. So you finally met Kori? I never got to talk to her in person, but like I said she sure seemed nice. Glad you could rectify that! See what MS is teaching me? 'Rectify' such a wonderful big word. Man I hate it here, it's all 'do this, do that, listen to the Sergeant or get your butt handed to you.' That's a direct quote from one of my MS friends. Her name is also Lexie, like the girl who's a friend of Kori- the one who seems to have it in for you. I've made a total of two friends at MS. Lexie, who is sarcastic and stubborn as a mule at times, but she's a good kid (lol I sound like an old man). Then there's Carson. Ooo Carson... that guy is
Hey. I'm Lexie. Kentin isn't here right now, and he left this letter in plain sight, he should know better by now that if anything is left in the open, I'm going to be all over it! I'm a raccoon in a sense... MUST. HAVE. SHINY!! lol but it doesn't have to be shiny, just interesting. So, Pen... are you a guy or a girl? To be honest the name doesn't really give anything away, no offense. Kentin really doesn't talk about his life before he came to MS, but then I don't know anyone who does. Sergeant Krisp would probably go on and on about how wussy it would be if someone shared their sob story BC. Sorry, using MS lingo here. BC means 'Before Camp' kinda ironic, no? Ha ha, I sound like a frenchy. So, Pen, have any dirt to share on our good friend Kentin? That kid is as solid as a steel wall when it comes to BC life. I mean, even I'm more open then Kenny-boy and I've had a hard life. Not that I'm going to tell you, I don't even know you! Oops! Gotta go, Kenny is comin' back!
Sorry about the paragraph above, I'm too lazy to rewrite this letter, and too lazy to scribble out what Lex wrote. Anyway, before Lexie got a hold of this I was talking about Carson. Well, I have to say if you weren't my best friend already, Carson probably would take that title. I think he might be a long lost brother or something... but we look nothing alike so it couldn't be that. Maybe a distant cousin. And yes, I wrote to my mom like you asked *cough cough ORDERED cough cough* I haven't received a reply yet. I wonder if my 'wonderful' father/master burned the letter, he probably did considering contact with someone's mother makes the person a wuss. Sorry, Pen, but MS can make a person bitter. Only the thought of you keeps me me. I know that sounds extremely cheesy, but it's true. You're the only person who ever thought of me as Kentin and not who I should be. That's why you're my bestest friend!
Say hi to 'Cuddles' for me!
Kentin Pierce
P.S. What's this about Kori drawing us? I want to see! Can you send me it? And tell Korianna thanks for doing that.
4rm Lex: Hey, Pen. So after reading Kenny's letter (behind his back I might add) and concluded that you were a girl (at least I hope), I have to know. Do you like like Kentin? Or are you just 'bestest friends'? Not that I'm trying to move in on your space, girl, just want to know. Cuz if so I'll be keeping the other ladies off Kentin's back. Not that he needs any help, but Kenny-boy is a real catch in MS. Probably the cutest guy here. All the girls swoon at the sight of him! Anyway, send me an answer! Us girls have to stick together and protect our men! ;3 (Kentin's probably going to kill me for this, but I don't care!)
I set down the letter very slowly, then turned to Penni. “So what did you write in return?” I asked, carefully keeping my tone nonchalant. Penni glared at me, probably mad that I could read her mind so well, and pulled out a neatly folded piece of paper. I unfolded it and turned my back to Penni so she wouldn't see what I was doing.
Dear Ken,
I'm glad things are going so well, and that you made friends. Does Lex really call you Kenny-boy to your face? O.o And Lexie, I'm not tell you if I like like Ken or not, I don't want to create any confusions as to how I feel for Ken, besides that information is between him and me alone. But if you feel it necessary to keep other girls off him, go right ahead. Ken, I'm not going to send you the drawing Kori did of us, because I can use it as another incentive to come home, you know... blackmail. X)) Besides seeing me again of course. And also, when did you get so popular? WHERE'S MY DORK AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HIM!?!?!?! lol XD Anyway, me and Lexsie are now relatively good friends, we still have our hard times, but that's because she's a hot head and has a crush on Kori's twin brother (you remember Castiel, right?). Well... I guess that's another long story to save for WHEN you come home, there's a lot of long stories. Like how Kori has a crush on the student body pres Nathaniel Powers and visa-versa (they're such an adorable couple!!) or how there's now a British techie girl going here. Oh! How about the Amber's Halloween Party Mishap? Starring Korianna, Amber, and an accident involving soda... that one is a doozy! I swear, if you put Kori and Amber withing five feet of each other, there's bound to be some interesting (and very amusing) events that will- whatever I completely forgot what I was going to say.
I scooted a little farther away from Penni and started writing:
Hiya! This is Korianna West, and this is to Lex (I'm just going to call you that since my own best friend is names Lexsie- with an 's' though): Penni likes Ken. I repeat, Penni likes Ken. She likes him just as much as I like Nathaniel, which is a lot, just sayin'. And since I'm sure Ken is reading this... if you break my friend's heart I'll track you all the way down to Military School and castrate you with a rusty spork. Don't think I won't, after all my twin brother is Castiel! But other than that you're good! ^^ But I still have to approve of you before I give my consent for you to date Penni. Otherwise you're out of luck. So when are you coming back, Ken? Cuz I'm tired of having to chase off idiot boys who thinks they have a chance at our lovely Penni (one of which being my own friend; and boy was Lys pissed at me! O.O). You had better come back and claim what's yours cuz
The letter was snatched from my hand before I could finish. Penni was standing over me, red in the face. I could almost see the steam coming out of her ears like a cartoon. I smiled at her, “I've got his address now, so I'll just send my note to him if you don't.” I told my friend, knowing how much it would frustrate her. Penni turned even more red, if that were possible; for a moment I thought she would hit me.
*$Cha-Ching$ has signed in*
$Cha-Ching$: KORIANNA!
CrAzYArtist: Really? I thought you already blew all your anger off at me in Study Hall.
MonKeybiz: Now I'm curious what you did, Kori.
RabidsingeR: Who isn't?
GreenThumb: If it has anything to do with boys, then I'm not. Why can't we have a NORMAL discussion?
MonKeybiz: Because you happen to be the only guy here.
XxSilentBlossomxX: It is true Jade.
GreenThumb: Kori! Make Nath join!!!
RabidsingeR: Really? Then they can just flirt over the internet too.
CrAzYArtist: Thanks for talking about me like I'm not here. AND WE WOULD NOT!!
$Cha-Ching$: Hey, I have a crisis here!
XxSilentBlossomxX: Oh no! What happened?
$Cha-Ching$: Kori wrote to Ken that I like him and then blacked mailed me into sending it.
CrAzYArtist: Guilty as charged!! X3
RabidsingeR: ROTFL!!!!
MonKeybiz: Oh so cruel, Kori. I commend you!
XxSilentBlossomxX: That wasn't very nice, Korianna...
GreenThumb: I agree with Violette.
RabidsingeR: WOULD YOU TWO JUST DATE ALREADY!?!?!?!
GreenThumb: LEXSIE!
CrAzYArtist: BTW, did you know Ken apparently has a friend also names Lexie? She doesn't spell it with an 's' though.
$Cha-Ching$: Kori...
MonKeybiz: You know, I think Violette fainted...
RabidsingeR: That could be a valid reason why she's not answering.
GreenThumb: ...I'm going to murder you one day...
RabidsingeR: But you won't! ^^
$Cha-Ching$: Back on topic...
CrAzYArtist: Oh please, I know you played matchmaker that day you and Nath took me to the mall. Pretty convenient for your parents to show up JUST THEN.
$Cha-Ching$: …
MonKeybiz: 1 point to Korianna.
RabidsingeR: Tell me one person who can out-argue our friend.
GreenThumb: I can name two- Castiel and Nathaniel.
MonKeybiz: Oh, touche. :{D lol mustache!
RabidsingeR: I seriously question your sanity, Savannah...
MonKeybiz: Why do you and Kori always say that?
CrAzYArtist: Because it's true!
RabidsingeR: Like that time you made us perform live in the courtyard of the school! I told you we weren't ready for publicity!
GreenThumb: Oh geez, here they go again... talk of the old days.
$Cha-Ching$: You have to admit it is amusing to watch them...
CrAzYArtist: I don't even know why you made me play along, I can't play an instrument or sing worth a flip.
RabidsingeR: You're still the prettiest of us three. Plus you were popular back then.
CrAzYArtist: I'm not the prettiest!!
MonKeybiz: No I really think you are. Your silver hair and purple eyes really works, makes you look exotic. As opposed to Witch Eyes over here.
RabidsingeR: Or Goth Girl. Admit it Kori, you're the prettiest!
CrAzYArtist: AM NOT!
MonKeybiz: Oh really, then why are you the one with a semi-boyfriend and neither of us have even a smidgen that our crushes even notice our presence?
RabidsingeR: You might as well agree, when Savannah starts actually making sense you know that she's right.
CrAzYArtist: I. AM. NOT. THE. PRETTIEST!!
GreenThumb: She's right. I'm the prettiest, can we change the subject now?
$Cha-Ching$: XDDDDDDDDDD I think I'm going to die of laughter!!!
MonKeybiz: ...I don't even know how to respond to that...
CrAzYArtist: I think Penni has the good idea.
RabidsingeR: *cough cough* Kori's still the prettiest! *cough cough*
CrAzYArtist: LEXSIE!!!
“Ouch!” I yelped and stuck my jabbed pinkie into my mouth to try and suck away the pain. The couple in front of me shot me a strange look, but didn't pay me any other attention. I glared at the pencil that I had pricked my finger on, if it wasn't so important I would have snapped the drawing utensil out of spite. When I was sure that the pencil didn't have any other evil plots up it's sleeve, I grabbed it again, careful to keep the point away from my fingers this time, and started sketching a rough outline of the couple. I had originally meant to spend the day at the park, just drawing scenery, but then someone saw my drawings and asked if I did portraits. I was about to tell him no when the man shoved a ten dollar bill in my hand and sat his girlfriend down in front of me. After that I started up a little business of drawing people for ten dollars a drawing, twenty if they wanted it colored.
As I began finding the right curve of the woman's cheek, a shadow fell over my drawing pad. I looked up to see a sleazy looking teen, the kind normally found smoking pot down shadowy alleyways, leering down at me, “Hey there... haven't seen you here before.” He sneered. I scrunched my nose up in disgust at his breath, no wonder Castiel didn't like me coming here. The couple frowned at the guy, but didn't move. I was glad, I had already sketched them out and didn't want to ruin the pose. Besides, I could handle one druggie teen. My ex-boyfriend, Ty, was an addict as well, so I knew how to deal with drug heads. “Excuse me, I'm trying to concentrate, can you wait?” I asked politely, though I knew he wouldn't do anything. The sleaze cast a bloodshot glace at my drawing, “You're good... what do you say of drawing me?” He asked, smirking. I wanted to gag. I shot him a look, “Do you have ten bucks?” I knew he didn't, there was no way, and even if he did he probably wouldn't want to pay for a picture.
Before he could answer someone sat down beside me and threw an arm around my shoulders, “Sorry to keep you waiting, babe. This guy bothering you?” A new guy asked. The couple sighed and I gave them an apologetic look before turning to my rescuer, “Yeah...” I mumbled. The new guy shot Sleazy Druggie a cocky smile, “Begone, and stop bothering my girlfriend.” He ordered airily. Sleazy Druggie gave me a glare, as if it was my fault he had to leave, and slunk away, his greasy dreadlocks dangling low over his face in defeat. False Boyfriend grinned at me when Sleazy Druggie was gone, “So... my name is Kyle, what's yours?” The couple I was drawing groaned, exchanging knowing looks. They thought I was about to hit it off with False Boyfriend, as if. I did smile at him, knowing it would be rude not to at least thank him. “My name is Korianna, thanks for saving me, but I didn't need help.” I said. Kyle seemed to ignore that last part, “Korianna, huh? Nice name. So what are you doing right now?” I gave him a look that said 'I'm on to you', “Being paid to draw. Can I finish this couple please?” I said flatly. Kyle gave me a winning grin, “Sure, I'll go get you some ice cream while you are!” He hopped up before I could tell him no. Sighing I returned to drawing the poor couple, making sure I made it perfect, they deserved to have the best drawing I could give them after waiting patiently.
Kyle came back just as I handed the couple their finished drawing, two ice cream cones in his hand. He handed me the vanilla one, much to my dismay. At least Nathaniel knew I liked chocolate. Kyle sat down again, too close for my comfort, but considering my side was already pressed against the arm rest of the bench, I had no where to go. Kyle gave me an appraising look, “So, Korianna... where do you go to school, I think I would have noticed your white hair if you went to my high school.” I took a cautious lick of the vanilla ice cream and had to suppress the grimace, I really didn't like vanilla. “I go to Sweet Amoris.” I said nonchalantly. Kyle laughed, “Really? That place is the most drama filled school in this town.” I frowned at the guy, that comment was making him lose points, not that I cared; I was still sitting there because I was too polite to blow him off, especially after he rescued me from Sleazy Druggie. Kyle seemed to catch on to what I was thinking, he faked a cough, “Sorry...” He mumbled, looking sheepish.
I pretended to check my watch, “Excuse me, but I'm supposed to be meeting my boyfriend for lunch.” I said in a false cheerful tone. Kyle's face fell, leaving no doubt that he had been trying to flirt with me. “Bye!” I called as I walked away, waving over my shoulder as I headed for the cafe across the park. I hadn't ever eaten there myself, but it seems I was the only soul in town that hadn't, even Savannah and Lexsie had been. I was seated almost immediately, given a small two-party table in the back corner of the cafe, near the kitchen. I set my drawing supplies on the table in front of me and ducked behind my menu, lest some other creepy guy decided to hit on me today.
I hadn't even scanned the first column before my waitress was at my table, asking if I was ready to order. Talk about super service. When I didn't answer right away, she began blathering about today's special and what her favorite meal was. I ended up choosing the special, something called Slammer's Choice, which turned out to be nothing but a fully loaded hamburger, and a chocolate milkshake topped with whipped cream. I was hoping that the milkshake would help tone down on the super sweet vanilla taste still coating my tongue. I opened my drawing pad, intending to work Castiel's birthday present, a drawing of Demon, while I waited for my food.
“One Slammer's Choice and milkshake.” Someone said a little later, while I was coloring in the right eye of Demon. My head jerked up at the familiar voice and I found myself staring at Nathaniel, looking very odd out of his crisp white shirt and blue tie he always wore at school. “Korianna?” He asked, startled, proving it wasn't just my imagination. I shook my head in disbelief, “You work here? I didn't know that.” Nathaniel blushed and looked away, "Yeah... My father wants me to have a job, and this was the only place hiring." He said sheepishly. I smiled and shook my head again, this time with amusement, "Only you, Nathaniel..." The blonde's eyebrows drew together and he opened his mouth to speak, but I continued before a word could pass his lips, "I used to work at an art supply shop, it's what got me hooked on drawing. Who knows, maybe you'll become a great cook!" "I don't cook the food." Nathaniel said flatly, I shrugged playfully and grinned at him fluttering my eyelashes, "Then you'll be a great host, for when your all rich and famous and host all those fancy parties with your spoiled wife and bratty kids." The look on Nathaniel's face could curdle milk, I hid my milkshake from view just in case he ruined it.
Just as Nathaniel opened his mouth to speak, a boy our age pokes his head out of the kitchen, “Hey Nate, stop flirting with the pretty girl and come get Table 7's order!” Nathaniel rolled his golden eyes and called back, tucking his serving tray underneath his arm, “Alright, TC, be right there.” The boy, TC, grumbled something under his breath that I didn't catch and disappeared back into the kitchen. Nathaniel looked back at me, “My shift is almost done, do you want to wait around...?” He asked hesitantly. I smiled, “Of course.” I said, I could wait for Nathaniel forever, but I kept that part to myself.
vvv
I eagerly licked at my second ice cream cone of the day, this one chocolate. Nathaniel walked beside me, still laughing over my story of the flirting fiasco I had suffered before I ran into him, “I knew you were pretty, Korianna, but-” Nathaniel broke off laughing again. I rolled my purple eyes at him, “I'm going to take that as a compliment and ignore the 'but'. Also, if you ever buy me vanilla ice cream, I won't speak to you ever again.” I said snippishly. Nathaniel started to crack up again. After a while I nudged him in the ribs, “Okay, your turn to tell a funny story.” Nathaniel shrugged, “My day isn't as... interesting as yours.” He said nonchalantly. Having already suffered through one of his failed attempts at a joke, I conceded the point; Nathaniel was too serious to have funny days.
“Fine, tell me about TC, what's those initials stand for?” I asked, changing the subject. Nathaniel made a face, “Why are you thinking about getting him to flirt with you too?” He teased. I mock glared and swatted his arm, “Speak!” I demanded playfully. Nathaniel laughed and threw his arm over my shoulders and drew me closer, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, “Well, TC's real name Tyrone Cyril, so you can imagine why he goes by his initials.” I snorted, “And I thought Lexsie's full name was bad!” I said between giggles. Nathaniel smirked, “Yes... what is her full name?” I turned my nose in the air, “She made me promise not to tell. A secret is a secret and nothing, not even a kiss, will pry it from me.” I said airily, Nathaniel smirked, “Oh come on, Korianna. I told you TC's real name, and he made me promise never to tell either... I won't tell a soul.”
I looked my boyfriend up and down, pretending to consider if he was trustworthy or not. Finally I stage whispered, “You promise?” He nodded, trying to act serious, but his lips kept twitching. I glanced left and right and dramatically waved Nathaniel down. Grinning he leaned down until our faces were inches from each other. The air suddenly got a lot tenser and more serious. We stared at each other, aware how close we were. My tongue darted out to wet my lips, and Nathaniel's gold eyes zeroed in on my mouth. I couldn't believe how much I wanted him to kiss me, how much I needed him to. Nathaniel leaned even farther in, so close that I could feel the presence of his mouth, just millimeters from mine. One tiny movement and we would be kissing.
Nathaniel's eyes flicked back up to my wide ones and he smirked, “I'm not kissing you until you tell me Lexsie's name.” He said, pulling just a little farther away. I glared at him, darn his everlasting sense of cruel jokes. I think he was learning too much from the villains in those mystery books he was always reading. With one last look of surliness, I leaned up and whispered Lexsie's name in Nathaniel's ear, nipping at his earlobe just to get revenge. Nathaniel jerked back, his golden eyes wide with surprise, then he crashed his lips to mine. I guess I lied when I said a kiss wouldn't be able to pry the secret from me, because when Nathaniel finally pulled away from my tender and kiss-swollen lips, I was ready to spill any secret he asked, just so he could kiss me like that again.
I was trying to concentrate on my English paper due next week when my cell phone buzzed on my bed. It was Savannah, *U better get on ChatRoomz.* I sighed, I had specifically told my friends last night before I logged off that today I wasn't going to get on so I could finish my homework. *Homework, remember?* I texted back. Savannah's answer came quickly, *K, I just thought u might want 2 defend urself. Jades gettin pretty tired of doin the job 4 u* I blinked at the text, was it just me or did Savannah sound mad? I minimized my essay and pulled up ChatRoomzNet, dreading what was going to happen.
*CrAzYArtist has signed in*
RabidsingeR: YOU!
GreenThumb: Finally!
*GreenThumb has signed out*
RabidsingeR: HOW COULD YOU?!?!
CrAzYArtist: Whoa, whoa what did I do?
$Cha-Ching$: You staying on Savannah?
MonKeybiz: Yeah... someone needs to be the mediator.
$Cha-Ching$: Alright then I'm out, text me when the chat room is safe again.
*$Cha-Ching$ has signed out*
MonKeybiz: Will do!
RabidsingeR: Korianna Rillei West, who did you tell!?
CrAzYArtist: WHO DID I TELL WHAT?!
RabidsingeR: My ****ing name!
MonKeybiz: Hey hey, let's keep it PG.
RabidsingeR: Butt out, Savannah! It's none of your business.
MonKeybiz: Are you sure Kori is even the person who told?
RabidsingeR: Because she's the only person who actually knows my full name besides my PARENTS!
I gulped staring at the screen and suddenly understanding what Lexsie was so upset about. I quickly swiveled my chair around so I wasn't facing the computer and texted Nathaniel *Please tell me you didn't tell anyone Lexsie's full name...* It was a long moment before he answered *No, why?* *Because someone must of overheard us and told everyone else. I'm dead* Nathaniel took a while in answering, *I doubt Lexsie will kill you.* *Well if I don't show up Monday you know who to blame. I have to deal with this mess now. Bye* *Good luck O.o* I turned back to the computer screen and grimaced. I hadn't spent more than a minute texted Nathaniel but Lexsie was already shouting at me again
RabidsingeR: KORIANNA YOU COWARD, COME BACK AND FACE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!!!!!
MonKeybiz: Castiel might have had something for her to do. She hasn't logged out.
RabidsingeR: KORIANNA!! Get your butt back on and take it like a woman!
CrAzYArtist: I'm back. Geez I had to ask Nathaniel something, sorry!
RabidsingeR: What did you ask him? If he told anyone my name?
CrAzYArtist: ...yes...
MonKeybiz: Kori! O.O
RabidsingeR: WHAT?!?!? You actually did tell your boyfriend my topmost secret in the universe?! You promised never to tell!
CrAzYArtist: It's a name, Lexsie.
RabidsingeR: SO? You made a promise never to tell, and guess what, *****, you did!
MonKeybiz: Hey hey, PG remember?
CrAzYArtist: It's Nathaniel I told, do you really think I would just share with anyone? You can trust Nathaniel, he can keep a secret.
RabidsingeR: Yeah sure, that is why Amber texted me about my name this morning? Because your boyfriend can keep a secret?
*SBPrez has joined the Chat Room*
CrAzYArtist: She must have overheard us!
RabidsingeR: Uh-huh, sure. You told her AND Nathaniel! I know you did.
CrAzYArtist: Are you even listening to yourself? I hate Amber, why would I ever tell her anything besides 'get lost'?
RabidsingeR: Because you are always defending her when I try to talk bad about her.
CrAzYArtist: That's because I hate gossip and you know it!
RabidsingeR: I don't know anything about you Korianna West. I thought you were a promise keeper, but obviously you're not!
CrAzYArtist: You are over reacting, Lexsie. It is a NAME!
RabidsingeR: That you know I hate!
CrAzYArtist: You know what I find amusing? You have no qualms of spilling other people's secrets, say... Jade's crush on Violet, but I dare whisper your real name and suddenly I'm the most horrible person on Earth!
RabidsingeR: Well, if the shoe fits.
CrAzYArtist: Alright, hypocrite. I'm the most horrible person on Earth. I should just bow down to you and beg for forgiveness for all eternity, because it's obvious that I will never be able to redeem myself.
RabidsingeR: What did you call me?
CrAzYArtist: Are you so incompetent that you don't understand the word 'hypocrite'? I'll try to spell it out so you can understand: It means that you can do anything you want but God forbid someone else do the same thing. Do you understand now?
MonKeybiz: Kori... calm down.
CrAzYArtist: You asked me to defend myself, I am. So BUTT OUT!
RabidsingeR: Geez, aren't you defensive when your little innocent image is at stake. You know I'm glad I found out what you were really like so now I can just avoid you.
CrAzYArtist: I guess you'll have to give up your foolish dreams about Castiel then, since he is my twin.
SBPrez: BOTH OF YOU SHUT UP!
MonKeybiz: Hey who are you? This is a private chat room, how did you get in here!?
SBPrez: I'm Nathaniel.
RabidsingeR: Great, did you tell your boy to come and defend you, Korianna? Two against one is it? You're a coward.
SBPrez: Korianna didn't invite me. Penni did. She thought I could give a better explanation.
RabidsingeR: I'm all ears, traitor.
SBPrez: Alright. I blackmailed Kori to tell me. She tried to not tell me, but I got it out of her. She also made sure no one was around before she told me and whispered your name in my ear.
RabidsingeR: So how did that *****y sister of yours know my name?
SBPrez: -_- When I asked her about it, Amber admitted to breaking into the Student Council Room and stealing some student files. She happened to grab yours, Lexsie.
*RockStar has signed in*
RockStar: So Penni told me to get on and break up a fight between Lexsie and Kori... My solution: Stop butting heads and forgive each other already. And Kori, it's your turn to make dinner.
SBPrez: Oh great...
RockStar: Please tell me that isn't who I think it is.
MonKeybiz: *gulp* Why am I suddenly in the middle of two fights?
CrAzYArtist: Lexsie?
RabidsingeR: What?
CrAzYArtist: Call a truce so we can watch Nath and Castiel fight? :)
RabidsingeR: ...alright...
SBPrez: Sorry to disappoint you, slacker.
RockStar: Say that to my face, Goody Two Shoes.
SBPrez: Gladly. You're reading the computer screen, so I said it to your face.
RockStar: I MEANT IN PERSON!!!!
SBPrez: I'm typing this in person, slacker. So I'm saying it in person.
RockStar: Stop being a ****
SBPrez: Gladly, when you do the same.
RockStar: GRRRRRRRRRR!!!! You're dead tomorrow Mr. Goody-goody!
SBPrez: You've been saying that for years, West.
RockStar: Well this time it's real, Powers.
CrAzYArtist: Ah, be silent both of you before I come after you!
SBPrez: Fine.
RockStar: HA! You're whipped, goody-goody!
I glared at my brother's response, he was going to regret that. I dug around my drawing until I came up with a small silver whistle. Sticking it in the corner of my mouth I began blowing with each breath as I continued to watch Nathaniel and Castiel fight between them. Demon began barking like crazy and I could hear loud crashing downstairs. My brother started yelling at me, but I was too busy blowing on the whistle to answer. Finally he typed on ChatRoomz:
RockStar: KORIANNA RILLEI WEST!!! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!
MonKeybiz: Huh? She's not doing anything.
CrAzYArtist: I'm blowing a doggy whistle. I thought I told you to stop fighting.
RockStar: **** it, Kori!
SBPrez: Hey, watch your language.
RockStar: Oh I remember when you used to say that, goody-goody. Don't deny it.
SBPrez: Shut up...
CrAzYArtist: Do I smell a back story?
RabidsingeR: Tell tell!
RockStar: Never.
SBPrez: For once I agree with West, I'm not telling. And you were stupid, slacker, to believe her over me.
RockStar: Oh was I? I saw you, Goody Two Shoes!
SBPrez: Ever thought that it was her fault?
RockStar: She wouldn't ever do anything like that!
SBPrez: You obviously didn't know her then.
RockStar: I'm sure you knew her.
SBPrez: As much as I would say I did just to annoy you, that would be lying.
RockStar: Yeah, right.
RockStar: KORI STOP BLOWING THAT **** WHISTLE!!
CrAzYArtist: Then stop arguing with my boyfriend. And Nathaniel, stop arguing with my brother.
SBPrez: You don't have a whistle to bother me with.
CrAzYArtist: I'm not kissing you again if you continue.
SBPrez: ...fine...
MonKeybiz: Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, you got him there, Kori!
RockStar: *gag* I think I'm going to vomit.
RabidsingeR: I'm still mad at you, but I have to say that is perfect blackmail.
CrAzYArtist: I should know, that's what Nath used to get me to tell him your name.
RabidsingeR: In that case... I guess I forgive you. Kisses are hard to abstain from.
“So... how bad do you think it will be?” Lexsie asked me and Castiel as we started up the stairs towards Sweet Amoris. My brother shrugged, not commenting. I tried to keep an optimistic view on it all, “Well, not many people really like Amber, so they will probably zone her out if she tries to talk to them and-” I cut off abruptly when the three of us entered the main hallway, my mouth dropping open a little at the sight of the redecorated halls. Everywhere there was papers taped to the lockers and walls, scattered over the floors, and in neat stacks by the doors. Every last one had Lexsie's student ID photo and her full name printed in capital letters across the page in red ink. If that wasn't injury enough, drooping from the ceiling was a white banner that said LEXSIE LIARD IS LEXSINGTON CONCORD LIARD!!* Castiel and I exchanged worried looked over Lexsie's head then looked down at our friend. She actually looked like she was going to cry.
Some jerk spotted us standing there at the entrance of the school and shouted, “Hey! There's the Walking History Book!” Everyone standing in the hall started laughing. Castiel glared and stalked towards the source of the jerk, murder written clearly on his face. Everyone made a clear path for my brother, giving me a clear view of the idiot who opened his mouth and signed his death warrant. I only knew it was him because Lysander had the guy by the collar, the usually laid back musician looking about as murderous as Castiel. Seeing that the boys had it handled, I nudged Lexsie towards the Student Council Room, knowing that she would be able to escape the scrutiny there. This reminded me too much of my own problem when Amber decided to doctor my art and show her work to everyone else.
Nathaniel glanced up when we entered the room, his gold eyes serious. He didn't say anything as I forcibly sat Lexsie down in one of the chairs, since she was too stunned to do so herself. I walked over to my boyfriend, “Is there anything you're doing?” I whispered, with a cautious look to Lexsie. She just sat there, her green eyes hazed over as every nightmare over her name probably came to life. I felt sorry for my best friend, nothing could compare to having your worst nightmares realized. Nathaniel looked at Lexsie as well before saying quietly, “I already had my sister suspended. Someone went to get a ladder to take that stupid banner down and Savannah, Penni, Iris and Lysander are collected the fliers as we speak.” I nodded and sat down beside him with a sigh, “Man... I don't want to deal with this.” I grumbled to myself. Nathaniel reached out and took my hand, “You need to be there for Lexsie. She was there for you when Amber bullied you.” He said. I nodded slowly, he was right of course. He always was when it came to things like this.
My brother burst in at that moment and Nathaniel dropped my hand quickly. I schooled my face so not to show the hurt as I turned to my brother. Castiel was glaring at Nathaniel, for whether he saw us holding hands or for another reason (which was plausible), “I'm taking Lexsie home.” He growled, it wasn't a question. Nathaniel narrowed his own golden eyes, “You don't have guardianship over her. She cannot leave without parental consent.” I sighed, of course the two boys in my life would find something to argue over in the midst of a crisis. Lexsie didn't even seem to acknowledge that she was being talked about, she sat in her chair as still as a statue. As I watched her, my friend drew in a shuddering breath, like those when you were crying, and burst into tears.
Nathaniel and Castiel halted in their argument to stare at Lexsie, both looking extremely uncomfortable to be in the presence of a girl's tears. I glared at them both for being idiots before I sat down beside Lexsie and pulling her into my arms. Lexsie didn't notice, she just continued to sob. Fat tears rolled down her face, leaving black trails from her mascara as huge gasping wails shook her body. Her hands were curled up in front over her, as if trying to hold her heart in. I shushed her, petting away her shoot green highlighted black hair away from her wet cheeks. Lexsie continuously shook, like a small dog in the cold. her face turning blotchy red. Crying was never beautiful, no matter how many movies made them. It was an ugly business, to be seen only by those closest to you. But even I had never seen Lexsie cry, she was an impenetrable wall, holding all tears inside to be saved for a later time.
I shot a nasty glare over my shoulder at Castiel and Nathaniel, who still stood there dumbly, staring at poor Lexsie. Guys should never see a girl cry, it was an unwritten rule. Especially when one of the guys happened to be a crush. Nathaniel was the first to recover, probably used to seeing Amber cry over nothing, he practically had to shove a still stunned Castiel out of the room, shutting the door behind him. The faint click of the door shutting sent Lexsie into a full out bawling fest, it was as if she had been waiting for the boys to leave so she could let her reservoir of tears loose. I just held my friend tightly, knowing that no words or friendly gestures could stop such a flood.
...
$Cha-Ching$: So... you think she's getting on?
MonKeybiz: Probably not.
CrAzYArtist: Castiel took her out for ice cream, because ice cream makes everything better.
MonKeybiz: I worry about your philosophy sometimes, Kori.
CrAzYArtist: It's not mine! It's a West family belief!
$Cha-Ching$: All of you West's are strange.
GreenThumb: Remind me never to meet your parents...
SBPrez: I wish I could say the same.
CrAzYArtist: If you want to truly date me, Nathaniel Powers, then you have to meet my dad. It's the law.
SBPrez: It is not the law.
CrAzYArtist: It is in the West family. My father has to approve of every single guy I ever date.
MonKeybiz: So how did Ty pass the Great Test of the Century?
CrAzYArtist: Don't get snarky with me... and that little prick could charm a homeless man into giving up his last pair shoes.
SBPrez: So why did you two break up?
MonKeybiz: Oh you know, cheated on Kori then tried to make it as if she was the reason he cheated. The usual stuff.
GreenThumb: Ouch.
MonKeybiz: Yeah, Lexsie knocked a few of his teeth out when she heard about it.
SBPrez: Should I be worried?
CrAzYArtist: Just don't screw up and you'll be fine. But Lexsie would be the least of your worries if you ever did anything to hurt me. I know Castiel is looking for a chance to lay into you.
SBPrez: WHO'S SIDE ARE YOU ON?!?!?!?!
CrAzYArtist: My side. CX
MonKeybiz: Okay lovebirds, we have a serious crisis on our hands. What are we going to do about Lexsie?
CrAzYArtist: I'm sure if something evil happened to you the best thing to cheer you up would be to go get ice cream with Lysander. Trust me, it's being handled.
MonKeybiz: ...I hate you...
$Cha-Ching$: Is it bad that I'm laughing so hard?
GreenThumb: No... So Penni, any news from Ken?
$Cha-Ching$: o///////o HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT?!?
MonKeybiz: Kori have you been spilling secrets again?
CrAzYArtist: I take offense to that.
SBPrez: I thought we cleared this up last night.
MonKeybiz: Nath stop standing up for your girlfriend! Let her answer the question.
CrAzYArtist: I did Savannah. I said I take offense to that, meaning NO!
SBPrez: Nath?
$Cha-Ching$: You're name takes to long to spell out, so we shorten it on chat.
SBPrez: Savannah's name is only a letter shorter than mine...
CrAzYArtist: But her name shortened sounds weird. Savan doesn't have a ring to it.
MonKeybiz: Plus it sounds like a guys name...
SBPrez: So... Savannah is the only person who doesn't have a nickname?
CrAzYArtist: And Castiel and Jade and Ken.
$Cha-Ching$: Actually Ken's real name is Kentin, so yes he had a nickname.
SBPrez: I wasn't counting Castiel.
CrAzYArtist: You might as well start, buster. He's my brother which means your going to be seeing him a lot.
MonKeybiz: Careful what you say, Nath, Kori loves her brother.
SBPrez: Don't call me Nath, please.
MonKeybiz: Why not?
SBPrez: Reasons I don't wish to share yet.
CrAzYArtist: You're just as closed off as Castiel sometimes.
GreenThumb: Oooooooooo, burn!
SBPrez: Shut up Jade...
MonKeybiz: Well I'm not going to stop calling you Nath until you tell me. So there!
*RabidsingeR has signed in*
CrAzYArtist: LEXSIE! How are you feeling?!
RabidsingeR: better... you're right, Kori. That ice cream philosophy works wonders.
CrAzYArtist: HA! Take that suckers!
MonKeybiz: We never said you were wrong.
$Cha-Ching$: Just strange.
GreenThumb: And that we never wanted to meet your parents.
SBPrez: *eye roll* All of you are nuts. Why do I get on is beyond me.
*RockStar has signed in*
SBPrez: Bye, Korianna! See you at school!
*SBPrez has signed out*
RockStar: At least I don't have to deal with that goody-goody tonight.
CrAzYArtist: You do realize how stupid you sound when you call him a 'goody-goody' right?
RockStar: Shut it, Kori.
CrAzYArtist: NEVER!!! Mwahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!
RockStar: I'm not related to you.
CrAzYArtist: So... you don't want to be with your non-related family when Nathaniel meets Dad?
RockStar: I'm related to you again.
CrAzYArtist: Too bad! You're not going! XD
MonKeybiz: Hey, let someone else have a chance to speak, CRH!
$Cha-Ching$: CRH?
GreenThumb: What does that mean?
RabidsingeR: Oh, you two aren't new to the chat room atmosphere. CRH means Chat Room Hogs. It's for people who take all the spotlight
CrAzYArtist: I think they got that without the explanation, Lexsie...
RockStar: KORI! Stop being a prick.
CrAzYArtist: A. Who are you and what have you don't with my brother? B. Who are you and WHAT ON EARTH HAVE YOU DONE WITH MY BROTHER!? C. I'm not going to be pussyfooting around her. That is the last thing she needs.
MonKeybiz: Awwwww, Castiel is so cute when he's all protective.
CrAzYArtist: Castiel stop cursing, you're burning my ears.
RockStar: I'LL STOP WHEN YOU STOP BLOWING THAT **** DOG WHISTLE!!!!
CrAzYArtist: It's the only way to make you behave. Besides, it keeps Demon happy.
MonKeybiz: It is effective.
RockStar: Kori, go to bed before I call Mom and tell her you're still up.
GreenThumb: You still have a bed time? Even when both of you live without adults supervision?
CrAzYArtist: There's a flaw in your plan, Castiel. When on earth has Mom EVER enforced our bedtime? And I know you won't call Dad, because you'll both just start arguing.
RockStar: STOP BLOWING THAT GOD**** WHISTLE!
CrAzYArtist: Then stop being stupid. I have homework anyway, good night everyone! (except Castiel)
GreenThumb: You don't think she's mad right?
MonKeybiz: Kori? Naw, the twins just like arguing for fun. It's actually kinda funny.
RockStar: Shut up Lucky...
MonKeybiz: YOU PROMISED NEVER TO USE THAT NICKNAME AGAIN!!!
*CrAzYArtist has signed off*
I shook my head and shut down my computer. As I pulled out my math textbook to work on the problems due Friday, my phone buzzed. I glanced at it then smiled when I saw what Nathaniel sent me. *Sweet dreams, Korianna* I unlocked my phone and texted back: *Don't let the bedbugs bite ;)* Though I had only been dating him for a few weeks, my relationship with Nathaniel was already better than that of Ty. I hoped it continued that way.
Monday we were back at school, a mass of yawning zombies just wishing for those ten more minutes in our heavenly bed. Everyone except Nathaniel of course. He was bright eyed and energetic when I came stumbling in the Student Council Room, groggy like always. My golden haired boyfriend raised an eyebrow as I plopped down in the closest chair, “When do you go to bed, Korianna?” He asked as he returned to his task of filing away a file. I raised my head a little from the table to glare at him, “Less talking, more sleeping.” I spat. Nathaniel, bless his soul, didn't respond. I laid my head down on the table again, letting a small happy sigh escape my lips. There was fifteen minutes to the morning bell, maybe I could get at least ten minutes of dozing if I just laid there, thinking of how tired I was...
The door burst open, “Nathaniel! You wouldn't believe- Oh.” I twisted around to glare at Melody. Lexsie, Penni, and Iris all stood behind her. Lexsie was the only one who wasn't surprised, she just giggled behind her hand. Lexsie knew I wasn't a morning person, and she found great amusement when other people discovered how grouchy I could really be. I saw Nathaniel roll his eyes in my peripheral vision, “Korianna, try going to bed earlier if you can't get enough sleep.” He said. I shot him a glare as I laid my head back down, grumbling, “Tell Castiel that, then maybe he would stop playing the stupid guitar at midnight.” Luckily Nathaniel didn't hear me. No need to give him another reason to hate my twin.
vvv
“And so... if you carry the two, you will get that the function of the graph equals...” Mr. Gordon said monotonously. Half of the class was already nodding off, their eyes drooping closed, while the other half of the class were keeping themselves entertained with whatever. Only the geeks who found mathematics fascinating were actually paying any attention to Mr. Gordon. Even Nathaniel, sitting a row over and a seat ahead of me, was only half listening. He held his pen in one hand, but his eyes were on the book he was reading, hidden carefully behind the student sitting in front of him. I dug my fingers into my white hair and yanked subtly, trying to wake myself up, as I continued to doodle all over my math notes.
Charlotte, Amber's friend, leaned over to whisper to me, “Hey, did you get question five on the Physics homework?” I glanced at her, Charlotte was actually okay when she wasn't with the two other members of the Terrible Trio. Although, Penni was convinced Li was the nicer of the three. Still, neither couldn't be as bad as Amber. Charlotte had been a little nicer to me since the cruel prank Amber pulled with the artwork. I pulled out my homework and quickly passed it to Charlotte when Mr. Gordon wasn't looking. I knew helping Charlotte would be helping Amber in a way, but I didn't care. “Here, I don't know if it's correct or not, though. I haven't had a chance to ask Nathaniel.” I whispered to Charlotte. She smiled her thanks and snatched the paper quickly just as Mr. Gordon was turning around.
“Korianna West. What is the answer to the problem?” The teacher asked. I felt something shrivel up and die, “Uhhh...” Was the only sound that came out of my mouth. Of all my subjects, I was worse at math more than anything. Instinctively I glanced at Nathaniel. My boyfriend was half looking over his shoulder, the corner of his mouth that I could see was tilting up in a pitying smile. One of the geeks was waving his hand wildly in the air, his eyes wide with determination to answer the question. Mr. Gordon ignored him, no one but the person he called on could ever answer the question, his beady little eyes glaring at me, “We're waiting, Miss West.” “X equals x squared over four x to the fifth.” Everyone turned to see who dared disobey Mr. Gordon's orders. Not only was Mr. Gordon the most boring teacher in the history of school, he was also the evilest.
Mr. Gordon glared at Castiel who was hunched over in the back of the room, lolling across the desk. It was obvious he had just woken up. Lexsie, sitting to the right of him, had her eyes glued to her notebook. She didn't like being called out by teachers, having a fear of speaking in front of a crowd greater than ten. “Castiel West, have you been sleeping in this class?” Mr. Gordon asked my brother. Castiel, being Castiel, smirked, “Yeah... could you tone down on the talking? It's disturbing my sleep.” In one movement everyone turned to look at Mr. Gordon, who was looking very red. I could almost see the steam rolling off him. Nathaniel didn't look very pleased either, I knew he had a big thing about respect. Right then, I didn't care. I wasn't in the spotlight anymore, my twin had taken the hit and that's what twins are for.
vvv
“So where were all of you this weekend? You didn't even get on ChatRoomz!” I asked over lunch. Savannah shifted in her seat, her face downcast. The picture of guilt. Penni quickly shoved another slice of roast beef into her mouth, preventing her from answering. Lexsie was the only one who looked me in the eye, “We all went to Melody's birthday party.” She said flatly, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. And it would have been, had Melody not have a crush on my boyfriend, “Wait, what?” I asked, not sure I heard her right. Savannah pipped up, “We didn't go because we wanted to! We thought we would find out why Melody liked Nathaniel or whatever.” She looked frantic, her purple hair actually frizzing out of her braids as she spoke. Lexsie shot her a look, “Savannah's right. We only went to tell Melody that her little crush was useless.”
I blinked and sat back, “Let me guess, the reason why I didn't even know of the party was because Melody didn't want me to know... right?” I asked. My three friends exchanged looks. I rolled my eyes, “You could have told me you were going. It makes you look stupid that you didn't.” Penni ducked her head, “I know... we weren't thinking. Forgive us?” I stared at each friend for a long time, until all three were uncomfortable. Then I grinned, “I will... if you have anything interesting to tell me.” “Lysander has a tattoo on his back! Rosalya told me!” Savannah blurted out. Lexsie smacked her upside the head, “Dummy, we're not supposed to tell.” I shook my head, “Not interested anyway.” “Capucine said some very rude things about you.” Penni added. I rolled my eyes, “I don't care what that wannabe thinks of me.” I said then turned to Lexsie sitting directly across from me. This was their last chance to redeem themselves. I would forgive them anyway, I just wanted to tease them a little. Lexsie smirked, “I know why Amber has a crush on Castiel. And it has something to do with Nathaniel.”
I perked up and leaned forward, now that was interesting. Lexsie giggled, “First of all, explain how Castiel and Amber could know each other when they were younger.” I sighed, “My family is actually from here, but we moved when Castiel and I were about four.” Savannah conceded the point, “That would explain why Castiel chose to live here when your dad kicked him out...” She muttered to herself. I ignored her and pointed at Lexsie, “Speak, firecracker.” My black haired friend glared at me, but said, “Now I don't know the full details, but apparently Nathaniel and Castiel are like polar opposites of what they are now. Nathaniel was supposedly the bad boy and Castiel the perfect angel.” I rolled my eyes again, “Well duh, you grew up with us, remember? Castiel was really nice when we were younger. It wasn't until junior high that he went all crazy.” Lexsie waved her hand and continued, “Well the story goes along the lines of Nathaniel broke Amber's doll or whatever and Castiel fixed it. She's had a crush ever since.”
Penni snorted, “If she wasn't such a bitch, I'd say it was cute...” She grumbled. I didn't bother to snap at her for her swearing. What she said was true. Lexsie huffed and crossed her arms, “Besides, it's cruel to support Amber being with Castiel when one of your own friends has a crush on him.” “Who has a crush on me?” Castiel asked from behind me. I nearly jumped three feet in the air and turned to see Castiel staring down at us girls, eyebrows raised curiously, with Lysander watching behind him looking extremely amused. Lexsie miraculously didn't seem fazed by it, “None of your business, West.” Castiel smirked at her as he sat down beside me, across from Penni, “Someone has a crush on me, I think it is my business.” I tuned the conversation out as the two started debating if it was Castiel's right to know who was crushing on him or not. Lysander sat down in front of Savannah, “Nice dress.” He commented. Savannah, going all shy once more, eeped and blushed. My eyes darted between the two as a sly grin pushed up the corners of my mouth, this was getting interesting.
…
*$Cha-Ching$ has signed in*
CrAzYArtist: Savannah and Lys sitting in a tree!
RabidsingeR: K I S S I N G!
CrAzYArtist: First comes love!
RabidsingeR: Then comes MARRIAGE!
MonKeybiz: SHUT THE HELL UP YOU TWO!
CrAzYArtist: THEN COMES BABIES IN A BABY CARRIAGE!!!!!
RabidsingeR: One with white hair and one with black,
CrAzYArtist: And two adopted aunts who've got your back!
MonKeybiz: ...jerks...
$Cha-Ching$: Uh... what did I miss?
RockStar: Oh, Kori and Lexsie are just teasing Savannah about Lysander. Ever since we all logged on.
SBPrez: It's starting to get annoying.
RockStar: For once, I agree with you Powers.
GreenThumb: The universe must be ending...
RockStar: Jade, I will end you.
CrAzYArtist: Hey! Stop terrorizing my friends, Castiel!
MonKeybiz: Oh he can't, but you can?!
RabidsingeR: What you didn't like our song? I'm hurt
MonKeybiz: Not yet you're not... when I get through with the both of you you'll know what hurt really means!
RabidsingeR: RUN! Lucky is making threats!!
MonKeybiz: LEXSSSSSSSSSSSSIE!!!!!!! Stop using that name!
CrAzYArtist: What name, Lucky?
RockStar: Alright you two, as amusing as it is to see Savannah angry, dial it down.
RabidsingeR: Phooey, I hate it when you get all responsible, Castiel...
MonKeybiz: He needs to be if he ever marries you...
RabidsingeR: SAVANNAH!
RockStar: What?
GreenThumb: I shouldn't be laughing so hard...
$Cha-Ching$: You're not the only one... XDDDDDDDD
CrAzYArtist: Lexsie and Castiel sitting in a tree!
MonKeybiz: K I S S I N G!
CrAzYArtist: First comes love!
MonKeybiz: Then comes MARRIAGE!
CrAzYArtist: THEN COMES A BABY IN A BABY CARRIAGE!
MonKeybiz: And one of the hip!
CrAzYArtist: And one pulling Castiel's hair!
MonKeybiz: And one running naked through the streets!
SBPrez: Now I'm worried...
RabidsingeR: SAVANNAH KNIGHT! KORIANNA WEST!
I was just about to type out my answer when I heard Castiel roaring my name as his footsteps thundered up the stairs. I winced, maybe it wasn't just a good idea to tease someone when they were under the same roof.
CrAzYArtist: NATHANIEL! I need a get away! Castiel's coming to kill me! Meet you at the park!
SBPrez: *sigh* the things I do for you... fine
*CrAzYArtist has signed out*
*SBPrez has signed out*
After snapping my laptop closed I grabbed a pair of sandals and climbed out of the window and onto the fire escape just as my brother began beating against my locked door, “Korianna Rillei West! You are dead, do you understand me?! Say your last prayers, pest, because I'm going to kill you and send you back home in a box!” I laughed as I started for the fire escape ladder, “You're just repeating yourself Castiel. Can't you make up a better threat. By the way, I'll be home whenever!” I didn't hear his response as I quickly descended the ladder, barely escaping with my life.
“I wish you would put something on that covered you more.” Castiel muttered for the hundredth time. I rolled my eyes, “Look buster. You're not my father so you can keep your comments to yourself.” I snapped, not bothering to look up from the book I was reading. Castiel glared at me, “No, but I am your older brother and the one responsible for you since Mom and Dad live in another town.” I pushed my sunglasses farther up my nose and ignored him. He was only older by two minutes, so it really shouldn't count, but I knew if I told Castiel that he'd start getting logical on me and I didn't want that. It was summer vacation and after much begging I finally managed to drag Castiel down to the beach. I was starting to regret my decision since all he did was throw a tantrum over my bikini bathing suit.
The false red head opened his mouth, no doubt to start another round of bikini lectures and the danger of lustful teenage boys, when I ripped my sunglasses off to glare at him, “Look, before you say another word, just think of your reaction if Lexsie would come marching up here in a even skimpier black bikini.” I snapped, shoving an accusing finger at my brother's bare chest. Castiel glared at me, but shut his mouth. So he knew that that would be a pointless argument to get into. I smirked, “Good, cuz here she comes.” I said slyly and pointed over my twin's shoulder to the black haired girl sauntering up to us. I don't know who's reaction was more amusing when Castiel turned around: Lexsie's bright blush or Castiel's mouth dropping open. I cackled, “Need to step into the cold ocean for a moment, Castiel?” I asked sweetly and got two equally dirty looks from both Castiel and Lexsie. I just smiled as I returned to my book. And here I thought I wasn't going to get a chance to play matchmaker.
“I thought you went home with Savannah.” Castiel commented to Lexsie as she sat down at the edge of my beach towel, her back facing me. Lexsie shrugged, “I was, but I figured it would be more fun here then at home with my parents nagging at me to get a summer job.” I sighed exaggeratedly, “Poor Savannah... she doesn't get to be around her crush all summer.” “KORI!” Lexsie screeched and turned to me, her face red. I grinned up at my best friend, “What? I was just commenting that she won't be able to hang out with Lysander, is all.” I said innocently. Lexsie glared at me, she knew what and who I really meant. Castiel, being the blockhead that he was, looked confused, “Savannah likes Lys?” He asked. I rolled my eyes at him, “Well duh, why do you think Lexsie and I made up that song to sing to her on ChatRoomz?” I asked. Castiel shrugged, “Because you two are idiots. I'm going to walk Demon.” My brother said as he stood, the dog's leash already in his hand. Demon pranced around his master's legs, panting happily. Castiel started walking away before something made him stop, he turned back to Lexsie and I, “Oh and... I'm not going to help you crash another date for him, got it?” Castiel growled. I smiled happily and waved my hand, “Don't worry, I want them together. They're perfect for each other. Go, walk your slobber monster, and try not to get dragged in the dust.” I said. Castiel gave me a sour look before walking off, Demon already pulling hard on his leash, wanting to run.
Once my brother was out of earshot, Lexsie turned on me, “I can't believe you did that!” She hissed. I smiled as I turned over on my stomach, and opening my book, “Oh boo-hoo, he didn't notice I was talking about you. Castiel is a hard head, remember? And very dense when it comes to girls that like him. Remember Amanda? Or Christie?” Lexsie humphed and crossed her arms in a pout, “Yessss...” She ground out, no doubt trying to forget those awful snotty girls who thought they were in love with Castiel. Their mistake was they were cruel to Lexsie and me, whom Castiel was very protective over, and thus ruining their chances of every landing a date with the 'hottest guy in school'. I grinned and continued listing off names, “Or Georgia? Or Jessica? Or Sarah? Or Renee? Or-” “I get it!” Lexsie snapped and I broke off with a giggle. My friend was so fun to tease. I opened my mouth to tease her some more, when Lexsie sighed, her shoulders slumping, “I get it... I don't have a chance with him. I'm just another girl who likes Castiel...” She said dejectedly. I blinked at her, did she really think herself like that?
I smacked her up side the head. Hard. Lexsie startled and turned to stare at me, her green eyes wide while I glared at her, “None of that self-pity, missy. A lot of girls like Castiel, sure, but do you know what he thinks of those girls?” I asked. Lexsie shook her head slowly. I smiled evilly, “He thinks they're all shallow insects that care more about the fact that their in a relationship than who they're in a relationship with.” Lexsie was starting to look down again, so I hurried and added, “And do you know what he thinks of you?” Immediately Lexsie perked up, her attention zeroing on me. I silently prayed that Castiel forgave me for telling Lexsie something that was supposed to be kept between the two of us, “He thinks you're, and I quote, 'an original who knows who and what she is.'” I poked Lexsie in the cheek, “Now, are you going to tell me that you don't have a chance with my brother again? Cuz I have plenty other proof that says you're the best pick.” I said teasingly.
Lexsie giggled like a normal girl, “Does he really say that?” She asked, a blush riding up her cheeks. I rolled my eyes, wondering what monster I had created, “Yes, but if you dare mention I spilled, Castiel will murder me and then you'll be without your best friend. Plus Nathaniel will murder Castiel and then you'll be without your future hubby.” Lexsie's happy little blush when darker with anger, “KORIANNA WEST!!” She snapped and I burst out laughing, glad she was back to normal. Fortunately, before Lexsie could get a hold of my neck, someone behind us asked, “Uh... why would I kill Castiel?” Lexsie and I both turned to see Nathaniel standing behind us, his golden head tilted curiously. I brightened, “Hey I thought your family was still in the Caribbean!” When Nathaniel told me that his family was vacationing on some island in the Caribbean, something they did every year, I thought he meant he would be gone all summer.
“Obviously not.” A voice I really didn't want to hear said behind Nathaniel. Lexsie groaned, “Great. Just when I thought I could get away from you.” My friend said, glaring at Amber who was standing there haughtily. I kicked Lexsie's foot, “Be nice.” I said through clenched teeth, I really didn't want to reprimand her, but Amber was Nathaniel's sister so I might as well try to be nice. Not that Amber was making the job easy for me, “Yeah, Lexington, be a good puppy and obey your girlfriend.” The blonde haired girl sneered. Nathaniel took a deep breath, his golden eyes looking heavenwards as if to ask for help. Meanwhile I was too busy trying to keep Lexsie from tearing Amber's throat out. Amber, apparently not realizing her death was emanate, laughed, “Geez, Korianna, I didn't know you had such a hard time keeping your girlfriends. Maybe you should let her go, she obviously doesn't want to be near you anymore. Can't really blame her.” I was awfully tempted to do what Amber was suggesting and let Lexsie murder the girl.
Luckily for Amber, her brother finally turned to her, “Amber, stop it.” He said lowly. Amber frowned at Nathaniel, “I'm only playing around. I don't see why none of you can get jokes.” She said in a fake hurt voice. Nathaniel gave her a look, “You're jokes are hurtful. Stop it.” Amber's blue-green eyes filled up with crocodile tears, “Why are you being so m-mean to me?!” Amber wailed, bringing almost everyone's attention to us. My boyfriend looked like he was at the end of his rope. He turned to us, “Sorry, I'll be back.” He apologized before dragging his sister off. Lexsie and I glanced at each other, the black haired firecracker looked like she was about so say something when Castiel came back... with a new friend.
“Kori, do you have a first aid kit?” Castiel asked as he practically shoved the girl down on his towel. Lexsie and I blinked at the newcomer than at each other. Castiel glowered down at us, Demon's leash clutched tightly in his fist, “Do you?” He growled. I rolled my eyes at my older twin and yanked my beach bag closer to me, digging through the massive thing to find the small first aid kit I had brought. Lexsie looked surprised, “Wait, you mean you actually brought that a kit?!” Even the new girl looked shocked. I snorted and jerked my thumb at the happy slobbering Demon, “With that monster out in public, of course. Trust me, this isn't the first time he's caused a riot.” Castiel looked offended for his dog, who just barked. The mysterious girl flinched away from Demon, her sea green eyes fearful of the animal. I smiled at her as I produced the little white box from the bottom of my beach bag, “Don't worry about him, Demon's all bark and no bite... with the occasional accidents.” The girl didn't answer me as she put her wrist out, showing the sand scrape from wear she hit the ground.
Lexsie winced in sympathy, “I know how that feels. First time I ever held his leash, Demon yanked my feet out from under me and made me scrape my knee. But the Slobber Monster is just a big softie.” The black haired girl told the ginger. Castiel glared down at Lexsie, “He's a guard dog, he's not supposed to be a 'softie.'” My brother snapped. Lexsie rolled her eyes at him, “Well then you might want to talk to him, because Demon is the wimpiest dog I know.” I rolled my eyes at the two arguing, “Oi, lovebirds. Take the argument, and the Slobber Monster, elsewhere.” I snapped and earned two glares. I grinned, “Why don't you go get ice cream to cool off?” I asked innocently then tossed a few bills at Lexsie, who snatched at them hurriedly before they got blown away by the breeze, “Go on then. I'm busy.” I said, shooing the two away before they could argue with me. Shooting me sour glares the two hotheads left, Demon prancing between them, his stubby little tail waving madly.
With them gone, I smiled at the shy girl, “Hi! Don't mind those two, they're just blockheads. My name is Korianna West. That guy is my twin, Castiel, in case you didn't know. And the black haired girl was Lexsie Liard. What's your name?” I chatted away. The ginger silently watched me as I applied disinfectant spray, not even flinching at the sting, and putting on a large cotton bandage. When I was finished she retracted her hand, cradling it against her chest, “Eva... Eva Biaglow.” She whispered so lowly I almost didn't hear her. I smiled, well at least she was talking. I settled down on my towel, turning so I faced the ocean. “Yeah. Hey are you new here? Or do you just go to another school. I go to Sweet Amoris.” Eva shook her head, “No... I just moved.” I glanced at the quiet girl. She was more shy than Savanna and Violette combined! “Oh, do you know where you'll be going to school yet?” Eva nodded, “Sweet Amoris.” She said quickly. I sighed, this conversation was feeling more like an interview. I hoped Castiel and Lexsie got back soon with that ice cream, and I hoped they were considerate enough to get me some!
I heard rustling and glanced up to see Eva standing, “I have to go. Thank you.” She murmured and left without another word. I watched her go, her head down as she scurried across the beach as fast as she could without running. I raised an eyebrow before turning back to face the ocean, well that was odd.
vvv
It turned out that Lexsie and Castiel not only forgot about my ice cream, but they seemed to forget that I existed altogether. Both disappeared on me like they were never around in the first place. I scoffed and laid down on my towel, leave it to those two that the time they decided to go all doe eyed and finally admit to their feelings (at least I hoped) was when they had someone else with their party. Oh well, at least they weren't making out in front of me and making me feel like the very awkward third wheel. I reached into my beach bag of wonders and pulled out a novel. Just as I was turning to my dogeared place someone cleared their throat behind me. I laid my head back so I was looking at the person upside down. “Yes?” I asked politely.
The guy smirked, his chest, and a very fine one I had to notice, puffed out, “Hey, I'm Dake and you're hot.” My polite expression fell flat as I stared at him, was he really that obtuse? Did he think a name and one stupid compliment would get him anywhere? I turned my gaze back to my book, resting my right arm under my head to serve as a pillow, “That's nice. Now go away.” I said flatly. Scratch just forgetting about me, I was going to murder Lexsie and Castiel for forgetting about me and not saving me from obvious flirts like this guy! The guy wasn't so easily deterred, “Aw, come on, babe. I know you're not that cruel. You stole my heart, being as lovely as you are.” Dake said as he came and sat down beside me. Flat Look numero dos was sent his way, “So, you're saying that beauty is the only thing that matters to you? Can you be more shallow?” I snapped. The guy didn't take it as an insult, “When it comes to you, I'll be anything!” The flirt declared. My eyes gleamed, “Oh really, can you be nothing but a bad memory?” I asked sarcastically. Dake chuckled, “Come on, sweets, I know you're playing hard to get. You want me, I can tell.” He said confidently. I wanted to hit him, “You're right... I want you gone.” I growled and turned my eyes back to my book, determined to ignore him. Mildly I hoped I didn't set the pages on fire with my glare.
Suddenly the book was gone from my hands, I shot straight up, “Hey! Give that back you jerk!” I yelled and reached out to take the book Dake was dangling from his fingers. “First, a kiss.” He said and leaned in his cheek ready for a peck he obviously thought he was getting. I would love to disappoint him. As my fingers curled into a fist and my arm went back, ready to knock a few teeth out of this idiot, someone grabbed my elbow, “I do believe she asked you to leave her alone.” Nathaniel growled harshly. Dake blinked up at the golden haired guy then down at me, as I tried to scorch him with my glare. He was soooooo lucky Nathaniel came along when he did, otherwise Dake the Flirt would be a few teeth shy of a full smile. The guy scoffed and stood, “Fine fine, I can see I'm not wanted... see ya, baby.” Dake said airily, trying to brush off the fact that he had just been rejected. I rolled my eyes as he walked away, muttering, “Apparently you can't...”
Nathaniel sat down beside me, giving me a strange look. I smiled brightly at him, “Thanks for saving me!” I said then leaned in to give him a little kiss on the cheek. Nathaniel raised an amused eyebrow, “Where's Lexsie?” He asked. I shrugged, “Eh, her and Castiel went to find ice cream a while ago. They better have a good 'we had a frank discussion of emotions and we're now dating' story if they want me to forgive them...” I grumbled. Nathaniel laughed and sat back, his hands propping himself up. I leaned against his sun warmed side, smiling, “What happened to Amber?” I asked curiously. Nathaniel shrugged, “She had an allergic reaction to some nuts and had to go home.” I blinked, “Oh.” I really didn't know what to say. Yeah I was glad she was out of the way so I could spend some time with my boyfriend, but- “Is she okay?” I asked. Nathaniel nodded, his eyes closing as he turned his face to the sun, “Yeah. She's not that allergic. Not the way I am to pollen, or my mom to cats.” I giggled, “What's your dad allergic to?” I asked teasingly.
Nathaniel cracked one eye to glare at me, “Ha ha, very funny.” My boyfriend said sarcastically before grabbing me by the waist and letting us both flop back, my torso securely pressed against his chest. I blushed madly, “Nathaniel...” I said and tried to ease up from his chiseled chest. Mildly I wondered why on earth a student body president would have such a nice body. The boy beneath me gave an amused snort and tightened his arms around my waist before tilting his head up to nuzzle my neck. My breath hitched when I felt his smiling lips press into the soft skin under my jawbone. I tried to push away again, but Nathaniel stopped me by latching on to my earlobe with his teeth. A tiny gasp escaped my mouth when he tugged, my heart fluttering like some flighty bird in a cage. Before I had time to respond, Nathaniel flipped us over so I was on bottom and he was laying halfway on top of me. Slowly Nathaniel traveled up and down my neck, taking his sweet time to explore ever inch of skin with his mouth. He buried his nose in the defined hollow of my throat, kissing the skin just below it periodically.
With a barely suppressed groan Nathaniel finally leaned up to capture my mouth with his. His tongue probed against my bottom lip, asking for entrance. My lips seemed to part on their own accord and Nathaniel's tongue dipped in, giving me a whole new sense of the word 'kiss'. My mind drew a blank on everything; where we were, what day it was, the fact that Castiel could walk up on us at any time, even my own name slipped away briefly. I seemed to forget that Ty used to kiss me like that all the time, that every time the jerk kissed me he would forcibly shove his tongue down my throat. Nathaniel's kiss was more, so much more, in ways I couldn't begin to explain. I moaned into his mouth, my hands running over his bare chest to his golden hair, my fingers tangling in those locks. Nathaniel seemed to enjoy my reaction and stroked the roof of my mouth with his tongue as a reward. I groaned again. Nathaniel retracted his wet muscle from my mouth and sank his teeth gently into my lower lip, drawing back slowly so that his teeth scraped against the tender flesh. “Nathaniel...” I groaned, my breaths coming in at shallow pants.
Hearing his name must have shook some sense into him, for Nathaniel leaned back, looking about as breathless as I was feeling. “Korianna, I'm... going swimming.” My boyfriend managed to get out before scrabbling off of me. Though still a little giddy from that make out session, I couldn't help but grin, “Why, Nathaniel? Need a nice long cold bath?” I teased. Nathaniel shot me a nasty glare before grabbing my wrists, pulling me to a stand, “No... come on your coming with me.” He said determinedly. I laughed and shot forward out of his grip, “Last one in pays for dinner!” I yelled. I could hear Nathaniel's shout of cheating behind me, but ignored it, laughing the whole way.
Of course, Nathaniel beat me. He had managed to snag my waist just feet from the water and spun around so that he was the one closer to the waves than I before letting me go. I was still trying to find my footing when Nathaniel dove head first into the brine, earning first place and getting a cold soak all in one. I laughed at him when I finally gained balance and pounced on his back, causing both of us to go underwater. When Nathaniel finally surfaced, one eye closed as the other narrowed dangerously at me, I just continued to laugh, my white hair plastered to my body. “Korianna... you're going to regret that.” He growled playfully and started towards me. I 'eep'ed and dove under the water in an attempt to get away from my boyfriend. He just grabbed me by the ankle and dragged me back, catching me up against his chest. I squealed and struggled, but not too much. It seemed that Nathaniel's form of punishment was a quick nip at the neck, that wasn't something too bad. I giggled and tried to get away playfully, until I noticed that my bikini top was strangely loose. Tilting my head in confusion I began to reach backwards to see if the knot was loose or something when I felt something along my side that definitely wasn't my hair.
It was my bikini strap.
I went red and pressed myself further against Nathaniel's chest as my arms crept up to keep my top in place. Of all the things that could happen to me, having my top come off in front of my boyfriend, in a public place no less, was one that I didn't want to happen. Somehow I would have to think of a way to get it tied again without Nathaniel knowing. If only Lexsie were here, she could do it for me and none would be the wiser. “Hey what's this?” Nathaniel suddenly asked and I felt a small tug on my top. I mentally groaned, now karma was just trolling me. “Uh... Korianna, I think your...” Nathaniel trailed off when I nodded, “I know. C-can you... tie it back?” I asked awkwardly. Without a word Nathaniel took a step back, the water sloshing around us, lapping coldly at my hips, as Nathaniel took the two untied straps between his fingers. There was a few sharp tugs and I felt the relief when my bikini top once again laid snug against my skin.
All in all, I'd say it wasn't that bad a day at the beach.
*MonKeybiz has signed in*
CrAzYArtist: Heeeeeeey~! How's your summer coming?
MonKeybiz: Fine... except for the fact that all my friends are a state away, and so is my crush.
CrAzYArtist: Awwwwww, poor Savannah! You need a hug!
RabidsingeR: lol, Kori have you been eating sugar again?
CrAzYArtist: I'M STILL NOT TALKING TO YOU!!
RabidsingeR: …
RockStar: By stating that you're not talking to her is talking to her, Kori.
CrAzYArtist: Did I ask you?
MonKeybiz: Okay, what did I miss?
SBPrez: Well... West and Lexsie abandoned Korianna at the beach last week.
RockStar: Butt out, Powers! It's none of your business!
SBPrez: You left your sister, whom I am dating, alone. I say it is my business.
RockStar: Kori is perfectly capable of taking care of herself.
SBPrez: I don't doubt that, but it's still rude and careless to leave her to fend for herself.
RabidsingeR: See what you did, Savannah?
MonKeybiz: I think it's kinda sweet! ^^ Nath is standing up for his girlfriend!
CrAzYArtist: While Castiel is covering his butt.
RockStar: HEY!
RabidsingeR: Kori stop being mean.
CrAzYArtist: Okay... as soon as you admit what the heck you two were doing when you were abandoning me!
SBPrez: Oh this should be good...
MonKeybiz: I am super duper curious now.
RockStar: We didn't do anything!
RabidsingeR: Yeah! We went to get ice cream, that was it!
CrAzYArtist: Nice excuse. Except I could see the ice cream stand from the ocean. You weren't there.
RockStar: What were you doing in the ocean? You said you didn't want to go swimming.
CrAzYArtist: Nathaniel wanted to go swimming. And stop trying to change the subject. I'm not letting this go.
RockStar: NATHANIEL POWERS!
RabidsingeR: Kori!
SBPrez: We are dating. It's perfectly acceptable to swim together. -.-
VictorianPoet: Among other things.
CrAzYArtist: SHUT UP LYS!!!
MonKeybiz: Wait! When did he get here?!?!?!
VictorianPoet: I joined shortly before you logged on. You had just missed the conversation.
MonKeybiz: Oh... well then, HI LYS! Welcome to ChatRoomz!
VictorianPoet: Thank you, Savannah.
RockStar: WAAAAAAIT a damn minute. What do you mean 'among other things' Lysander?
CrAzYArtist: Say one word, Lysander, and I'll ban you from my chat room.
RabidsingeR: You can do that?!
CrAzYArtist: As the administrator and creator of this chat room: yes.
VictorianPoet: I do believe that is blackmail.
RockStar: I don't care if you ban him, I want to know what you and Goody-goody were up to!
SBPrez: Nothing more than what you and Lexsie were up to.
RockStar: KORIANNA RILLIE WEST! You. Are. Grounded!
CrAzYArtist: What?! You can't ground me!! And what were you and Lexsie doing anyway, if I was grounded?
RabidsingeR: Nothing!
MonKeybiz: lol a little too fast there, Lexsie... you just made it obvious.
RabidsingeR: Where are Penni and Jade?
CrAzYArtist: You're subtly is very lacking. (They're both on vacation)
SBPrez: Just admit you two were making out already!
RockStar: NATHANIEL!
MonKeybiz: lolololololol I think that's the first time Castiel has every called Nath by his first name. XDDDD
RabidsingeR: We weren't doing anything!
CrAzYArtist: Then where were ya'll and why won't you tell the rest of us since you're SO innocent?
RockStar: ...You're sarcasm is not appreciated...
VictorianPoet: They were making out... more so than Nathaniel and Korianna.
CrAzYArtist: LYSANDER!
RockStar: Traitor.
RabidsingeR: Imma going to KILL you!
MonKeybiz: I'm going to die of laughter!!!!!!
SBPrez: ...I think you are enjoying this, Lysander.
VictorianPoet: Very much so.
RockStar: Kori will you ban him now?
CrAzYArtist: I'll ask him one question before I do...
VictorianPoet: Hm?
CrAzYArtist: ARE YOU A BEACH SPY OR SOMETHING?!?!?!
VictorianPoet: Yes.
CrAzYArtist: …
VictorianPoet: And I commend you on how well you handled that Dake character.
SBPrez: lol how long were you watching us, Lys?
CrAzYArtist: Regardless of what he answers, he's dead anyway...
RockStar: Who's Dake? And what was he doing?
SBPrez: Flirting nonstop with your sister shortly after you and Lexsie abandoned her.
RockStar: ARGH! I'm going to kill him than you, Powers, for messing with my little sister!
CrAzYArtist: I'm TWO minutes younger than you! And you're not going to kill my boyfriend unless I get to kill you for messing around with Lexsie!
RockStar: I didn't do anything!
CrAzYArtist: Yeah yeah... keep talking. Denial is strong with you, but I'll break it eventually.
VictorianPoet: ha ha
MonKeybiz: *sigh* Why am I not there to enjoy all this drama?
RabidsingeR: If you were I'm sure we'd be having this discussion about you and Lys.
VictorianPoet: Hm?
MonKeybiz: BAN HER KORI!! BAN BAN BAN!!!!!!
SBPrez: I'm hungry. When are you taking me to dinner, Korianna?
CrAzYArtist: Shut up you cheater.
SBPrez: You cheated first~! ^^
RockStar: No one is taking anyone to dinner!
VictorianPoet: I thought you were taking Lexsie to dinner tonight...
CrAzYArtist: YOU SAID YOU WERE GOING TO PRACTICE WITH LYSANDER!!!!!
RockStar: Damn you, Lys...
MonKeybiz: lol, Lysander I never pegged you as a troll.
VictorianPoet: Is that internet lingo? I'm afraid I don't understand.
MonKeybiz: I'll teach you if you want!
CrAzYArtist: Great, now that everyone has a date tonight, bye! I gotta go get my wallet...
MonKeybiz: KORIANNA!
RabidsingeR: I'm going to murder you the next time I see you!
SBPrez: Better make sure you have a lot of cash. I have expensive tastes, honey.
CrAzYArtist: ...I hate you...
“I thought you said you had expensive tastes.” I said as Nathaniel lead me into a restaurant that wasn't too fancy; it wouldn't suck my whole savings dry. Nathaniel smiled at me as he held the door open, “I do, but I decided to be nice. Besides, most fancy restaurants make you reserve ahead of time.” He said cheerfully. I glared at him, “Nice to know you're so worried about my wallet, Powers.” I growled sarcastically, my boyfriend's smile only grew wider. My eye twitched as a funny thought came to me, “You know... you're last name makes you sound like some type of lame superhero.” I pointed out. Nathaniel's grin turned into a smirk, “Oh? So can you imagine me in a cape and tights?” He asked seductively. I blushed brightly and pressed my fingers into my temples, closing my eyes tightly, “Ahhh! The mental image! It burns!” I squealed. Nathaniel just laughed, not at all offended like most guys would be.
After the tired looking hostess showed us out seats and took our drink orders, Nathaniel turned to me. “So, what's my price limit?” He asked teasingly. I glared at him, “Nothing over forty bucks, got it?” He gave a mock salute, “Yes, ma'am!” He said before turning to the menu. I studied him, intrigued by his sudden display of cheerfulness. At school, Nathaniel was always so serious and focused, he rarely ever got distracted from school stuff. The guy sitting across from me wasn't like the Nathaniel at school at all. He was cheerful and more relaxed than I had ever seen him; he actually made jokes that were funny. I mean this was the guy who kissed me in public at the beach, at school Nathaniel was too busy with student council stuff and academics to barely even walk me to my next class. I liked the Nathaniel at school, but I was starting to like this Nathaniel a little more.
My boyfriend seemed aware of my gaze, his golden eyes looked up from the menu to meet my own, “Yes?” He questioned, his mouth turning up in an easy smile. I returned it, “Nothing... just noticing stuff about you.” I said in an almost dreamy tone. Nathaniel's eyebrows started reaching for his hairline, “Oh? What kind of stuff?” He asked as he set the menu down, giving me his full attention. “You don't act the same in school as you do out. You're not so... serious.” I said. It surprised me that Nathaniel frowned and shifted in his seat, looking extremely uncomfortable. “Yeah well... my dad is very strict when it comes to school.” He said, sounding like the School Nathaniel I knew. I tilted my head, confused at his sudden change in personality, “Most dad's are, mine is too.” I tried to tell him, but Nathaniel just shook his head. I shrugged and looked down at the menu, determined not to ruin the night over something Nathaniel clearly didn't want to talk about.
vvv
“That was nice. We should do this more often.” I said as we walked out of the restaurant. Nathaniel smiled and snatched up my hand, entwining our fingers together, “Sure, and I promise I'll pay next time. Do you like sea food?” He asked. I stuck out my tongue, “No thanks. I don't like fish at all.” From the look on Nathaniel's face, I might as well said that I enjoyed kicking kittens or something. I laughed at his expression, “You should see your face.” I giggled. Nathaniel looked away with a pout, “How can someone not like fish?” He asked. I stuck my tongue out at him, “The same way you don't like sweets. I just don't.”
Nathaniel glanced at me out of the corner of his eye and let go of my hand to wrap his arm around my waist, pulling me closer to press a kiss into my temple, “You're cute,” was all he said. Suddenly I felt extremely shy, as I remembered making out with Nathaniel on the beach for some odd reason. Lately he had been acting more like a boyfriend and less like a... friend, even though we had technically started dating back during Halloween. Nathaniel chuckled at my blush, “You're even more cute now.” He commented and tightened his hold around my waist. I was starting to feel as shy as Savannah when she was around Lysander. “A-are you ready for school to start?” I asked, stuttering only a little.
The golden haired boy laughed, “Not really.” He admitted. I stared at him, honestly I had thought he would be happy that school would be starting. Nathaniel seemed to be that kind of person, the one who looked forward to school for whatever reason. I on the other hand could stay in my room drawing or hanging out with my friends for the rest of eternity and never go to school again. If I could get away with it, I might actually have considered dropping out; but since no one ever succeeded as a high school dropout, I continued to go to school. Nathaniel smiled at my shocked expression, “What? I'm a normal teenager, Korianna, I hate school as much as anyone.” He said amused. It was my turn to turn away with a pout, “You could have fooled me...” I said. I only got an eye roll from my boyfriend.
“Kori...?” A boy called. I frowned as I turned around, that voice sounded oddly familiar. My jaw dropped when I saw who was walking towards Nathaniel and I, “T-Ty?!” I sputtered when I saw my ex-boyfriend walking towards us with a quick stride. He had changed drastically from the last time I saw him, before I moved to Sweet Amoris. Back when we were still dating, Ty managed to keep that 'All-American boy' look and hiding his less than stellar activities. Now his plain blonde hair, which used to be so wavy, hung limply over his washed out blue eyes. Bags sagged under his eyes, dark against his pasty skin. Looking at Ty, I could hardly believe that the boy who looked like the typical football jock had turned into such a sleaze.
Completely ignoring Nathaniel, Ty wrapped his still muscled arms around me and squeezed tightly. I gagged at the rancid smell of his shirt pressing into my face. Was this the only shirt he owned?! “Kori! I can't believe it's you! When I heard that you moved into this area I was ecstatic! Babe, you don't know how much I missed you, I even moved here to find you!” Ty pulled back and gave me a grin that I once melted for before ducking his head to kiss me.
Instead of my lips, his mouth met Nathaniel's fist. Ty stumbled back, letting go of me in the process, and cradled his jaw, “What the f*ck was that for?!” Ty garbled as he glared at Nathaniel. My golden haired knight in shining armor stood in front of me with his arms crossed. What was with boys trying to flirt with me out of the blue all of a sudden? It was like they were all waiting for me to enter a relationship before they decided to crash things! Ty glared at Nathaniel, “Dude, who the hell are you?” Ty snapped, blood dribbling down his chin a little. Nathaniel didn't look amused in the slightest, “Korianna's boyfriend.” He said flatly.
Despite the situation before me, I couldn't help but do a happy dance on the inside. Nathaniel admitted it so easily, as if it were only natural that he was my boyfriend. When I had been dating Ty, he always laughed it off and changed the subject. If he actually did admit that he was dating me, Ty would always seem reluctant to admit the fact. I glanced between Nathaniel and Ty. I hadn't realized how bad a boyfriend Ty had been compared to Nathaniel. They were practically on the opposite spectrum of boyfriends. Ty laughed harshly, “So that little bitc-” Nathaniel slammed his fist into Ty's face again. I was honestly surprised that he was so violent. I never expected Nathaniel to be violent prone. Sure, he and Castiel almost got into a fight when I first moved to Sweet Amoris, but I had thought it was a one time thing. Guess I was wrong.
“Refrain from calling Korianna that.” Nathaniel actually growled. I had seen enough. I tugged on Nathaniel's sleeve, “Come on, he's not worth it.” I said softly. Nathaniel glanced at me out of the corner of his eye before nodding and turning his back on the still moaning Ty. I smiled as I looped my arm through his. Other than the incident with Ty, which I hoped never happened again, tonight was a good night. I got to see a part of Nathaniel that no one ever did and I knew that he wasn't ashamed of me like Ty had been. I had gotten a better deal with Nathaniel than I'd ever get with Ty.
RockStar: WHAT?!?!?!?!
SBPrez: You heard me. I want to know all about Ty.
RabidsingeR: Why? And how do you know about Ty? We've never mentioned him by name... that I know of.
SBPrez: ...he tried to kiss Kori...
RockStar: WHAT?!?!?!
SBPrez: Is that the only word you know?
RockStar: Shut up, Powers. What happened with Kori and Ty?
SBPrez: We left the restaurant, some guy called out to her. She called him 'Ty'. He started babbling about how much he missed her and tired to kiss her. I smashed my fist into his face. When he called her a bitch, I punch him again.
RabidsingeR: Nath... I love you. Don't ever change.
RockStar: HEY!
RabidsingeR: I love him like a brother!
VictorianPoet: You know... he might be your brother-in-law one day.
SBPrez: You're matchmaking is not appreciated, Lysander.
RockStar: *gag* LYSANDER! Stop trolling.
VictorianPoet: No.
MonKeybiz: Stop it! Oh dear heaven and earth! For all that is holy, STOP! I'm dying of laughter!!! XDDDDDD
MonKeybiz: Where is Kori anyway? She hasn't logged in at all.
RockStar: It's Saturday before school starts.
MonKeybiz: Ohhhhhhhhh...
VictorianPoet: What does that have to do with anything?
RabidsingeR: I shall explain for you newbies to the mysterious ways of Korianna West. Come in closer, little children, as I spin a tell of woe and misery.
SBPrez: Cut the dramatics and speak plainly.
VictorianPoet: You fail at theatrical speech anyway.
RabidsingeR: ...jerks... Anyway, we all know Kori hates school. So she has a tradition of sleeping in extra late on her last true day of summer. The record is sleeping for eleven hours straight. She didn't get up until 5 pm.
RockStar: Yeah, and that was when Dad flipped her mattress over and dumped her out of bed. If he hadn't interrupted she'd probably have slept all day, literally.
SBPrez: Why are you always more talkative when your girlfriend is speaking?
RockStar: Why do you even care?
SBPrez: I don't.
RockStar: THEN WHY DID YOU ASK!?!
SBPrez: To see you get defensive. It's amusing.
RockStar: …
SBPrez: Also, it's nice to know that you admit to dating Lexsie. I'm sure Korianna will be happy.
RockStar: NATHANIEL POWERS!!!!
MonKeybiz: lol Lys, I think you're rubbing off on Nath.
SBPrez: Don't call me Nath.
MonKeybiz: Tell me why you don’t want to be called that name and I'll stop calling you that.
GreenThumb: Since Kori isn't here to keep you on track... we WERE talking about Kori and Ty.
RabidsingeR: ...oops. It's amusing to see Castiel and Nath dish it out, why don't they do that normally?
VictorianPoet: Because they're both whipped by Korianna.
MonKeybiz: lol that's true! XD
RockStar: ...I'm not even going to respond to that.
SBPrez: I still want to know about Ty.
RockStar: You'll have to ask Kori. It's her story, not ours.
SBPrez: You couldn't tell me that to begin with?
RockStar: No.
SBPrez: ...you're a dick.
RabidsingeR: ...O.O Did...He...?
MonKeybiz: HE DID!!! NATHANIEL JUST CUSSED!!!!!!!!!!!! THE WORLD IS ENDING! THE WORLD IS ENDING!! Lshdklgjakdlgjlaksjdfl!!!!!
SBPrez: -_- ...You two are weird.
VictorianPoet: You can't really blame them. I've known you almost as long as Castiel and this is the first time I've ever heard you cuss.
GreenThumb: It is strange hearing that coming from you, Nathaniel.
SBPrez: *sigh*
RockStar: Ha ha! Everyone thinks your a Goody-goody!
SBPrez: Shall I go into how you were as a child?
RockStar: Lexsie already knows, and of course Kori does too. So your plan is flawed.
SBPrez: Then how about why you became a jerk?
RockStar: Stop right there, Powers.
SBPrez: ^^ I wasn't going to say anything.
RabidsingeR: Okay, this is too muck OOC in here. NATH GO BACK TO BEING A SERIOUS STICK IN THE MUD! CASTIEL START HATING NATH AGAIN, STOP WITH THE POKING FUN AT EACH OTHER!!!!
GreenThumb: I agree with Lexsie, it is a little weird.
SBPrez: I'll be a stick in the mud when school starts.
RockStar: I DO HATE HIM!
SBPrez: The feeling is mutual, West.
RockStar: Shut the hell up, Powers.
GreenThumb: *sigh* Here we go again...
MonKeybiz: Ring around the rosy, Pocket full of posy! Ashes ashes we all fall down!
SBPrez: You do realize that song is about the Black Death right?
MonKeybiz: Really?! Cool!!
RabidsingeR: *cough cough* NATH IS A NERD!
VictorianPoet: Knowing trivia doesn't make someone a nerd.
RockStar: Says the guy full of useless trivia.
MonKeybiz: Hey! I love trivia! Don't spoil my fun, Castiel!!!
RockStar: Don't worry I won't!
MonKeybiz: ...I hate you... Nath and I are going to start at Castiel Hate Club.
RabidsingeR: Hey! Don't hate on my boyfriend!
MonKeybiz: You were the president of his fan club back home, it's only right that I be the president of his hate club here!
RockStar: ...What?
VictorianPoet: ...
GreenThumb: XDDDDDDD
SBPrez: lol
RabidsingeR: SAVANNAH KNIGHT, I'M GOING TO MURDER YOU!!!!
MonKeybiz: *sigh* just like old times.
“Kori, I need your help, get down here!”
I paused in shading the last bit of my art project and called out. “Why? You said you didn't need any help.”
“Get the damn dog outta here! He keeps getting in the way!” Castiel snapped back.
Sighing I set aside my drawing pad and wondered into the kitchen where my brother was, “You know… I don't think Lexsie will really care if you-”
My brother cut me off, “Take Demon for a walk!”
I rolled my eyes as I whistled for Demon to follow me. The slobber monster practically knocked my feet from underneath me in his hurry to get to the door. Instead of reaching for the leash, because not even Castiel could hold back that dog sometimes, I grabbed the dog whistle and a baggie of treats.
First holiday this school year, and I was spending it walking my brother's uncontrollable dog. I hadn't had any downtime since the summer ended, what with my AP classes that Nathaniel convinced me to sign up for and more extracurricular activities like the art club and Theater. And even though it was Thanksgiving holiday, I still had to write a five page essay over Hawthorn’s 'Scarlet Letter', finish my still life for the art club before Christmas break, and finish painting the props for Theater’s spring play.
Tansy had convinced me to get into Theater, saying that I would be just the girl for it. She didn't tell me that they only needed my artistic skills for painting the backdrops and props. Oh well, at least I was needed somewhere. Lately it seemed like I was just getting under everyone's foot. Some people I could understand, like Nathaniel who took nothing but AP classes as well as being the student body president, were very busy; but ever since Lexsie and Castiel started officially going out she never so much as said 'hi' to me, even though she was in our apartment almost everyday.
I didn't blame her of course, Castiel had only asked her out three weeks ago so I knew that Lexsie was still getting used to her 'in a relationship' status. Nathaniel had been the only thing in my radar when I first started dating him and even before that. But it still hurt that she only had eyes for my own brother and I was forced to be around her constantly anyway.
Demon suddenly took off, probably after some stray cat. I wasn't too worried about him, Demon was a city dog; Castiel had told me that the first and last time Demon had ran into the streets he got hit by a car and broke his right foreleg. Since then the giant slobber monster avoided walking even near the curb. It was one thing neither my brother or I had to worry about.
Jumping up on people and knocking them over was still a problem, unfortunately.
Demon disappeared around the corner of the bank and not five seconds later a girlish shriek resounded. I groaned and quickened my pace, I just hoped that whoever Demon 'attacked' wasn't some uppity snot who was going to file charges or threaten to call animal control.
I didn't know who the girl was, but I did recognize the boy who was helping her up.
Jade grinned when he saw me, “Kori!”
I blinked at my green haired friend before smiling back, “Hi, Jade. Uh, sorry about Demon. He's kind of… uncontrollable.” As if to prove my point, the slobber monster took off again, this time barking after a skateboarder who had just shot past us. I helped Jade pull the girl to her feet, “I really am sorry, are you alright?”
The girl stood up, dusting off her floral print skirt and held out her hand, “Oh I'm fine! My name is Ruby, and you're Kori, right?”
Ruby, huh? I glanced at her bright red hair, her parents name her right at least. I shook her proffered hand, “Korianna, but my friends call me Kori.” I glanced between Jade and Ruby, “Are you… related by any chance?”
Ruby laughed, “It's the names, isn't it? That's how everyone else always guesses. Our mother wanted to name her children after jewels. Something about how precious the 'family jewels' were.” I smiled again, if there was one thing to be said about this strange girl, it was that she was a lot more outgoing than her brother.
I glanced at Jade to see him rolling his eyes fondly. They seemed to get along at least. He turned to me, “So how have you been? You haven't gotten onto ChatRoomz in forever and everyone always says you're busy.”
I smiled sheepishly “Sorry. I signed up for more extracurricular activities this year and they're really taking it out of me.”
“Yeah I know, when I went to Sweet Amoris to help out with the garden again this year you didn't even drop by.”
“You were there? You didn't tell me that!” What else have people been neglecting to tell me? Lexsie didn't even tell me when she started going out with Castiel, it was my brother who told me about an hour before their first date! And Penni never told me she started taking dance lessons until she asked Castiel for a ride to the dance studio one day.
Jade shrugged helplessly and rubbed the back of his neck, “I'm not allowed in the school since I'm not a student. Why do you think I always made you run errands for me?”
I hung my head in defeat. Some vacation this was turning out to be. All my friends were turning up and doing things without telling me, which made me feel incredibly left out. Hopefully it wouldn't be so bad when I went to have dinner at Nathaniel’s house tonight.
Ruby giggled and patted my shoulder, “Don't worry about it, Korianna! Jade here is just a fuddy duddy,” The red haired girl leaned in as if she was going to tell me a secret, “I think it's because he won't tell anyone who he has a crush on! It's effecting his life, ya know?” She said loud enough that Jade heard her.
He turned bright red and sputtered while Ruby and I laughed. Smirking I tilted my head to the side and raised a hand to shield my mouth from Jade as I said back, “Oh? Do tell~” I hadn't talked to Violette in a while, but from what Savannah told me she still had a crush on Jade. Could he have a crush on her? It would make my matchmaking job much easier.
Ruby gave me a one armed hug that was more like a strangle hold, “Oooo I like you! Jadey-boy why didn't you tell me your friends were so fun?”
“Jadey-boy?” I snorted as Jade's blush turned darker. If I ever got back on ChatRoomz I was going to announce his silly nickname to everyone.
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Ideas on Xan's relationship with Antauri and Mandarin and how he could have treated them differently?
:D i’ve seen a few different people’s answers to this, so i think it’s. finally time that i give you some as well :P (also this ended up kind of long, so! i’ve put a lot of it under a readmore :D)
I believe this is something that I’ve halfway talked about before? But that was... idk, a year or so ago? So, I don’t necessarily think that my thoughts now will match up with my thoughts then XD
As a mentor, I think Xan was very strict and distant? I think he was a very tough mentor who expected the best from both of them at all times. He wasn’t necessarily cruel when they failed, but there was always that... disappointed feeling from him, behind the mask. Success, though, was usually rewarded. Rare compliments were given out, or maybe they would be allowed to take a long break / a day off, or something? I don’t know. I feel like he rewarded excellence, did nothing for mediocrity, and assigned tougher / crueler tasks if you were slacking off.
I also feel like Xan had a very holier-than-thou attitude that was sort of... encouraged / cultivated by the other Verans. I mean. You have this whole group of people who are just... super entrenched in the Power Primate (and the fact that theyre apparently glowing humanoid beings is honestly a waste. a planet full of sapient gorillas or smth would have been cooler, imo. but i should stop, before i go on a tangent / give myself ideas :p). They know a lot about it, they’ve obviously collected all the lore that they can about various galactic mythos and such, and...
They do nothing with it.
Did they warn the people of Shuggazoom that their planet was the host of a Dark One egg? No! Did they monitor the state of the Dark One egg? No! Did they keep an eye on Skeleton King, someone corrupted by Dark One forces? No! What about Yoggasoth (or whatever the water-god’s name was)? Did they take the box he was sealed in away for containment? No!
They seem very much content to ignore the goings-on of the rest of the universe, and that’s why I have the tag #varon mystics hate blog.
I feel like Mandarin was always something of a perfectionist. The type who could not, would not accept failure. I feel like the Alchemist would have done his best to sort of... get him to accept failure as part of the process? But that Xan, on the other hand, encouraged those perfectionist tendencies, making them more prominent and perhaps even worse.
Which, like, I don’t want to take away all of Mandarin’s agency, BUT I also like to think that if certain things had been different, he would have tried to take over Shuggazoom. And one of those things might have been having a better mentor.
*clears throat*
Anyway!
However, outside of that, I feel like Mandarin and Xan clashed a lot. Xan strikes me as someone who very much likes to hear himself talk, and to wax poetic---two things Mandarin has no patience for. In part because Mandarin also likes to hear himself talk---though he’s more likely to get straight to the point.
I also feel like part of Mandarin’s desire to sort of take over the city stemmed from wanting to help. Like. I definitely think there was some arrogance to the plan, maybe he got a little lost in being the absolute boss---but I think at the end of the day he really did just want to make the city safer? Like. The people of Shuggazoom really don’t seem to know how to handle being attacked, even though it literally happens all the time.
So, obviously, Mandarin wanting to do the opposite of the Verans and actually, y’know, keep people out of danger; wanting to implement proper safety procedures; and... well. Live out some of his more grandiose fantasies, where he’s the kickass leader / ruler that everyone looks up to.
But, of course, it backfires, and that’s part of the reason that he clashes with his team, because they don’t get where he’s coming from, because all they read from him is arrogance.
And probably other, more complicated things to? Because like I said, I don’t want to take agency from him, or gloss over / remove the fact that he was wrong, but I also think it was more complicated than it was presented in the show.
As for Antauri, I think he was very much the model student in some ways, and less so in others? I think parts of the Veran’s training came easily to him, like meditation & the inner primate & such, but I think other parts came harder to him. So he and Mandarin were more or less equal in that way?
However, I feel like he got on better with Xan. The two of them could engage in long, complicated philosophical debates, PLUS Antauri was (unfortunately) more easily manipulated than Mandarin. So, Xan very much treated him like a teacher’s pet / someone to use. & he very much filled Antauri’s head with a lot of things---like emotional distance & not letting people in & doing his duty above all else & other, not immediately obviously harmful stuff, but which (in my headcanon) did do damage to him, and very much affected his relationships to the team.
Part of Mandarin (the part that look for approval, however much he denies doing so) was jealous / angry about that. The other part felt sorry for Antauri, because... oof.
I also kind of feel like Xan would have pitted them against each other? Made them compete for his approval / affection? Not necessarily in an obvious way, but! & I feel like, it wasn’t until after they left Koralodal that Mandarin & Antauri’s relationship recovered. (Though it never really did fully, which is why Mandarin considered Otto his closest confidante. Maybe?)
As for how he could have done things differently!! Um, I think he could have been easier on them, and let them know it was okay to fail. I think he could have taught them that yes, making decisions based on logic and not emotion is a good idea, but feeling things isn’t bad --- and neither is cultivating relationships!
#oh look#i just made a really long post where#out of all the characters#i projected onto MANDARIN#i mean#i love the little goblin bc the potential is outstanding#but!!!!!#did not think i would be projecting on him today#& yet here we are#monkey talk#metamonkey#asks and answers#lovely anons#veran mystics hate blog#xan#the mentors#mandarin#antauri
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Prompt: Both Ahsoka and Kanan get couched on the same night. They decide to meet up for a few drinks (which turns into many drinks) and both return home drunk which gets them couched again.
Hey anon... here is the prompt all written out for you as promised. Hope you like it. I took your idea and expanded it a bit, as well as changed a few things around to fit an idea I’ve had for a while. Don’t worry though, it still keeps what you requested intact, just in a different way that I doubt you will be expecting. Hope it’s not too depressing.
Enjoy
Oh, and I will be uploading this to my fanfic/archive account as well as a parting gift before I vanish for a bit, so yay for that. XD
Ahsoka and Kanan ‘Couched’ Prompt
“Oh come on Hera! It was just a small mission! Ahsoka needed my help!”
The only response Kanan got was the slamming of a door in his face, one that narrowly missed impacting his nose in the process. Kanan supposed that at least was lucky. Dealing with both a pissed off wife and a broken nose was not something he needed right now.
Sighing to himself, Kanan turned on his heel and allowed the Force to guide him. He may not be able to see with his eyes anymore, but he still knew his way around places he was familiar with. The hallway leading from the spare bedroom in the Tano-Larte residence was no different.
It had started out innocently enough. Both Kanan and Hera had decided to pay Ahsoka and Kaeden a visit for their monthly catch up. As the only other couple they really knew and enjoyed spending time with, it had become something of a tradition to visit the apartment in the middle of the fields of Alderaan’s moon.
At first it had gone well. The four had caught up, traded stories, and even played a round of Sabacc with each other. Kaeden had somehow won, a feat that had astonished the two Force users in the room.
And then that damn bird had arrived! Morai, Ahsoka called her.
Kanan had nothing against the bird personally. In fact, he loved animals.
Morai however had not been nice that day. Upon arrival she had dropped a small holorecorder onto the table in the middle of the seventh round of Sabacc, one with a recorded message from Maul.
That one message had opened up a can of worms for both Ahsoka and Kanan. Maul had proceeded to thank them both for their help in investigating a Sith Temple, and thwarting a Sith cult from rising again.
Naturally, both Hera and Kaeden had been furious. They had demanded to know why they hadn’t been told about the mission and what it entailed. They had demanded to know why they hadn’t thought it wise to inform their partners of the possible dangers.
And then, stupidly, Ahsoka had said that they didn’t want to worry them, and that it wasn’t really all that dangerous in the first place!
Kaeden had stormed out at that point, disappearing up stairs with a distraught Togruta pursuing her.
Hera meanwhile had thrown her drink at Kanan, before retreating upstairs to the spare bedroom, but not before banishing him from the bed for the night.
So now Kanan found himself heading back down the stairs alone, without any company for the night.
Still, it could be worse. At least he’d have a semi decent place to sleep.
Or so he thought.
Upon entering the living room of Ahsoka’s apartment he sensed the presence of the Togruta herself, as well as heard her quiet mumbling to herself. The Force projected an image of the Togrutan woman, curled up on the couch, the very same couch he had intended to make his bed for the night.
Realizing what had happened, Kanan sighed and spoke.
“You too huh?”
“Yep.” Came the reply from Ahsoka, before she turned over and sat up, hands resting on her head. Her signature in the Force was one of deep distraught. Clearly Kaeden wasn’t happy with her if she too had been banished to the couch, and Ahsoka being Ahsoka, she was taking it very badly.
Moving over to sit next to her, Kanan wrapped an arm around Ahsoka’s shoulders, offering what comfort he could. He knew this feeling well.
“We should have told them, shouldn’t we?”
“Probably, though if we had done they'd only insisted on coming along too, and we both know that’s exactly what we were trying to prevent.” Kanan replied to Ahsoka question, recalling their discussion before heading off on the mission in the first place. They hadn’t wanted Kaeden or Hera to worry about them as they so often did. It wasn’t like they were going alone after all. They had each other, and Maul, to watch their backs.
Besides, Sith Temples were not the sort of place either Kanan or Ahsoka wanted their partners visiting.
Still, it had resulted in both of them being banished to the couch, so now they would have to make the most of it.
Patting the Togruta on the back, Kanan rose from beside her and moved over to a nearby cupboard in the kitchen, the Force guiding him all the way, painting the image before him as he moved. Upon reaching the cupboard he sought, Kanan opened the door, moving his hand inside to extract a tall bottle of wine that Kanan himself had gifted Ahsoka for her lifeday. Now seemed like a good time to open and share it.
Returning to the couch with wine bottle in one hand and two glasses in the other, Kanan sat back down beside Ahsoka, placing both glasses down on the table before the couch and pouring them a glass of wine each.
“Thanks.” Came Ahsoka’s response as she reached forward and picked up her glass, downing the entire contents in one gulp.
“Might want to slow down there buddy. You don’t exactly handle your drink well from what I remember.” Kanan spoke, reaching a hand out to stop Ahsoka from pouring herself a second glass.
“Why the kriff not. I can’t do anything right it seems. May as well just sit back and accept my fate. Not like anyone would miss me if I died of liver failure after all is it?”
Despite his lack of vision, Kanan’s eyes widened in surprise at Ahsoka’s words. Did the Togruta really think that no one cared for her? Had Kaeden banishing her to the couch had such a profound effect on her that she was contemplating drinking herself to death?!
Kanan knew from personal experience just how dangerous a mindset that was. He had once been nothing but a drunken outcast, grieving over the loss of his Master and the betrayal of the Clones he had called his friends. What Ahsoka was going through was different, but at the same time much the same. She had, in her mind, tried to protect Kaeden.
And Kaeden had responded harshly, kicking her out of her own bed. Ahsoka owned the apartment after all. If anyone should have left it should of been Kaeden.
But she hadn’t left. Kaeden could have very well packed her bags. Instead, she had chosen to stay, albeit separate from her partner for the night, but she was still here.
“Perhaps I should have just stayed behind when the Death Star exploded. Everyone knows I’ve got darkness inside of me. Safer for you all if I hadn’t come back really. Or maybe I should have just let Vader kill me on Malachor.”
“Ok, that’s enough of that.” Kanan interrupted, keeping his voice steady, even with the heartbreak he was currently feeling. How could Ahsoka even think like that? It was only a small argument that had happened. Nothing worth contemplating one's own mortality.
Oh perhaps there was something more. Ahsoka had always kept her cards close to her chest. She didn’t reveal anything she didn’t want or need to. If Kanan were to guess, Ahsoka had likely been carrying around some inner guilt or self hatred for years over what had happened.
And now that she was at one of the lowest points he had ever seen her, it was all coming out.
Kanan was just glad that he was the one to receive it. He understood better than anyone else what it meant to be lost.
“Enough of what!” Ahsoka spat in reply, pushing aside Kanan’s hand and grabbing the bottle of wine again, pouring a second glass and consuming it equally as quick as the first one.
“Thinking you’re not worth something Ahsoka. I know better than most what that feels like, and I sympathise with you I do. I could say many things about how you are being ridiculous or pathetic and a coward, but none of those would help, nor would any false pleasantries that people so often pass around about feeling sorry for you and understanding that you need some time. None of those help in my experience.”
“So what does Caleb!” Ahsok spat again, using Kanan’s previous name in an obvious attempt to anger him. It didn’t work. As far as he was concerned, Ahsoka was one of two people allowed to use that name in private. The other was naturally Hera, but the Twi’lek refused.
“Well, slowing down on the wine would help first Ahsoka.” Kanan replied, taking a gentle sip of his own drink in the process before continuing. “All you need to know is that if for some reason someone decided to harm even a single metaphorical hair on your body, they would very quickly become public enemy number one with lots of people in this universe. Kaeden, Maul, Obi-Wan, Ezra, myself and Hera, hell, even Hondo would hunt down whoever so much as hurt you to the end of the galaxy, or even to the end of other galaxies and make them suffer, just as you would do for us.”
“And what if it’s not someone hurting me physically? How do you make a mental state suffer?” Ahsoka replied, her voice quieter now, bordering on tears.
“I’ll admit that's one of the hardest fights out of all of them. Seriously they make facing Sidious seem like a simple levitation trick.”
Kanan’s response got a small chuckle out of the Togruta, for which Kanan was glad. Just that alone proved that Ahsoka was fighting against whatever mental stress she was suffering through.
“In all seriousness though, all you can do is take it one day at a time. Every time you make it to the end of one day, you’ve beaten whatever mental stress you have. The more you do that, the less of a grasp it will have over you, no matter how many times it tries to come back in whatever form it pleases.”
Ahsoka nodded her head slowly, her signature in the Force calming from the rapturous storm it had been moments earlier, understanding settling in.
“So, you don’t think Kaeden’s gonna leave me?” Again, Ahsoka’s voice was timid and on the edge of tears.
And once again, Kanan knew exactly how she felt. He too had wondered in the past if Hera would just abandon him after an argument. He had over time realized that she would never do such a thing, and if Kanan knew Kaeden well enough, he knew that she too would never leave Ahsoka.
And if she did…
“She won’t leave you Ahsoka… and if for some selfish reason she did, then once again, we’d all hunt her down and make her pay. No one stabs our friend in the back and gets away with it.”
Kanan’s comment was meant to appear as a jest, something that again Ahsoka chuckled at, a grateful smile coming to her face. Despite that, Kanan knew full well that part of his comment was not a jest. If anyone ever dared hurt his hero… well…
Nothing would stop him from avenging her.
“Thanks Kanan. I’ll try not to let it get me down anymore. I just…” Ahsoka began to speak again, her tone more stable this time, yet still shaky.
“It’s hard, I know. You don’t need to explain yourself to me Ahsoka. Just know that I’m always up for a chat if need be.” Kanan interrupted, finishing Ahsoka’s word for her. She needn’t struggle anymore than she currently was.
“Yeah.. ok. Thanks buddy.”
“Anytime buddy.”
*******************************
Hours passed by with both members of the ‘couched’ squad finding little to do but talk. Both of their minds were too occupied to sleep.
The bottle of wine had slowly been consumed more through the night. Upon realizing how quickly she had drunk her first two glasses, Ahsoka had promptly slowed down, drinking her third one at a much slower pace.
As it turned out, that third drink had been her last. Kanan had gone on the drink the rest of the wine by himself, bringing his total to five glasses, a feat that also led to the bottle being completely empty.
In the end, both had dozed off, Ahsoka curled up on the couch as before, whilst Kanan took to the large armchair. It hadn’t been the most comfortable night of his life, but it could have been worse.
Waking up to a slight headache from the alcohol, Kanan’s first thoughts were to the sounds of movement in the kitchen. Widening his already partially dulled senses, Kanan reached out with the Force to find Ahsoka, up and on the move, preparing what looked like a breakfast for the four of them.
Rising from his chair, Kanan called out to Ahsoka.
“Hey? You doing ok after last night? Hold your alcohol alright?”
“Yeah, surprisingly, just a minor headache. How about you?” Ahsoka responded, shooting him a smile that Kanan could see through the Force in the process.
“Same here. Making something nice?”
“Yeah. Figured it’d be a nice apology for them both. I did drag you along on that mission after all.”
“Quit blaming yourself Ahsoka. I volunteered to help.”
“Maybe. But thanks again for last night.”
Sending a rush of support through the Force to Ahsoka, Kanan moved towards the table where the empty wine glasses and bottle still stood.
However, upon reaching down to pick them up and move them to be washed, an aggravated voice echoed throughout the room.
“Are you kidding me! We kick the two of you out for the night for a damn good reason, and you come down here and drink alcohol all night! I bet the two of you were laughing at us all kriffing night!”
“Kaeden I… it’s not…”
“No… it’s exactly how it looks Ahsoka! Don’t think your coming back to bed tonight! And don’t think making a breakfast is gonna make up for it either!”
The anger in Kaeden’s voice was shocking, so much so that even Hera, who had entered behind the human woman now had a complete look of surprise on her face.
Hera’s reaction however, nor Kaeden’s anger were what Kanan was focusing on. Instead, all his attention was directed towards Ahsoka, and they way he felt her spirits shatter, instantly undoing all the repair he had helped her achieve the previous night.
“Ahso….”
Kanan barely got two syllables into her name before a loud crash echoed throughout the apartment, the shattering of plates following it.
Self hatred had overtaken the Togruta, resulting in her flipping all of the pots and pans she had prepared food with over onto the floor, several plates following them and breaking into many sharp pieces. It occurred to Kanan in that moment that Ahsoka was barefooted and surrounded by various sharp objects that would easily puncture skin.
“Oh yeah, real mature Ahsoka. Just can’t accept the fact that your wrong.”
Kanan flinched at the harshness of the words that left Kaeden’s mouth, knowing in that moment it was the wrong thing to say to the Togruta who was suffering.
Ahsoka’s response was exactly what Kanan expected it would be. The Togruta huffed before moving across the kitchen, stepping on sharp fragments of broken plates in the process without a care in the world, likely slicing into the skin in the process.
The Togruta stormed through the room, past Kaeden and Hera, ignoring both of them in the process, before heading out into the hallway and out of sight.
The only indication of where Ahsoka had gone that Kanan got was the loud slam of the front door, followed by the slamming down of mental shields in his mind, blocking everything and everyone out.
In that moment, anger roused within Kanan. He had told Ahsoka last night what he would do to anyone who messed with her. Kaeden was no exception.
“What the hell is wrong with you!” Kanan boomed across the room, turning all her attention to Kaeden, who looked back at him with shock.
“What?” Came Kaeden’s response, clearly not understanding why Kanan was so angry at her. She would regret that.
“That! You know for a qualified Doctor you certainly suck at figuring some things out!”
“Excuse me!”
“Kanan?”
Kaeden’s own anger was directed at Kanan now, whilst Hera was watching with deep concern.
But Kanan didn’t care. He would make Kaeden see just how wrong she was, and just how fragile Ahsoka currently was.
“The sole reason we didn’t tell you about the mission was because we didn’t want to worry the two of you! However, instead of having faith in us, the pair of you reacted instead with anger rather than understanding! Hera I can understand, that’s the sort of relationship we have! But you Kaeden?! Are you even aware of the effect your reaction had on Ahsoka!!!”
“What are you saying Kanan?” Hera’s soft voice responded for Kaeden, the dark skinned woman currently stunned at the way the normally calm and serene blind Jedi was outright shouting at her.
Pushing himself on, Kanan continued.
“Your girlfriend is suffering Kaeden! She thinks that your gonna leave her over this! Hell I wouldn’t be surprised if that was always on her mind! That wine last night? You know what she told me! She said it would have been better if we had left her on the Death Star when it exploded. Or how she wished that Vader had killed her on Malachor! Ahsoka is afraid of her own self! She’s afraid to lose what she has! And by shouting at her and blaming her for trying to keep you safe all you have done if fulfill all of those dark thoughts that Ahsoka is currently having!”
Kaeden face fell in an instant, realization setting in to her. She understood now.
But Kanan wasn’t done.
“If you want to keep her by your side Kaeden you need to get out there and find her before it’s too late. Ahsoka was a Rebel Spymaster for years after all. She’s an expert at disappearing! Do you want that to happen?”
“No! I… kriff!”
“Kriff indeed! Let me make one thing clear for you Kaeden! Rex… Maul… hell even Leia… they’d all seek to punish you if you dared harm Ahsoka. But compared to them, anything I would do would be ten times worse. No one, and I mean no one, harms Ahsoka on my watch! Now… get out there and find your girlfriend before I think of something else to say!”
With that Kaeden nodded, turning and sprinting out of the doorway, her voice calling for Ahsoka in the distance.
Taking a deep breath, Kanan calmed himself down, centring himself in the Force once more.
“Are you ok?” Hera’s soft voice was quite the contrast to Kanan’s shouting only seconds before, and was a welcome sound to Kanan’s ears.
“Yeah.. yeah I’m fine. Ahsoka just told me some things last night that reminded me of, well, me. I wanted to help her, so we pretty much just stayed up all night talking. The wine was just there as something to do. I thought I was getting through, but then Kaeden came down and…”
“And she upset Ahsoka without realizing what it was all about, I understand.”
“Do you think they’ll be ok?” Kanan asked, unsure for the first time in several hours. Around Ahsoka he had to be the strong one for now.
Around Hera however Kanan could reveal his true feelings. He was worried for Ahsoka. She deserved to be happy.
“They’ll be fine, especially now that Kaeden knows how Ahsoka is feeling.”
“Yeah… I hope so.” Kanan replied, moving over to the kitchen to begin picking up the various broken pieces of plate.
A few moments passed by before Hera spoke again, this time her voice sounding slightly annoyed.
“Hang on a minute! Is this the bottle of wine you got Ahsoka for her lifeday to share with us! You two drank it all by yourselves!”
“Um… yes?”
“... you know your still banished to the couch for this right? Can’t believe you didn’t wait for me or Kaeden to have some too!”
Sighing to himself, a smirk coming to his face in the process, Kanan replied.
“Yeah… I know.”
#The One-Shot Saga#ahsoka tano#kanan jarrus#hera syndulla#kaeden larte#kanera#kaesoka#ahsoka has severe mental issues#kanan knows what thats like#kaeden sticks her foot in it badly#hera is just there watching
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Everyday (Midoriya Izuku X Reader) PART 2
IT’S DONE! IT’S DONE!! I DID IT!! I DID IT AND I HAVE FINALLY FINISHED THIS THING!! AND I’M CRYING BECAUSE I ACTUALLY REALLY LIKED HOW THIS TURNED OUT!!
The third part...:
First Part: https://ice-cream-kitsunegirl.tumblr.com/post/182685534444/i-gotta-go-my-own-way-midoriya-izuku-x-reader
Second Part: https://ice-cream-kitsunegirl.tumblr.com/post/185436534409/everyday-midoriya-izuku-x-reader-part-1
We are officially cool for the summer! This is OFFICIALLY my longest fic EVER!! ENJOY IT YA’LL!! :3
P.S SORRY FOR ANY OOC-NESS!! I TURNED UA INTO HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL AND I’M NOT ASHAMED!!! XD
AT YOUR HOUSE
“Oh you know, you know, you know, you know… I’m bad at love~…
That song came to your head for some reason as started baking some desserts for the upcoming bake sale that you had taken part of as a means to raise money for the little guys. And you were in just the right mood after coming back from Yoarashi’s super-passionate training and a little fun-time of dancing at the arcade with him and Shishikura. Yoarashi was very proud of you for having joined this little event and was more than willing to help you with it.
Shiketsu was different from UA, they weren’t super intense or high-tech as UA, and the little charity events you had been joining in the past month thanks to Shiketsu’s sponsors weren’t big, scary hero work but at least you would be actually trying to do something and help people out there by raising money for them. To Yoarashi, going out of your way to help the little guys was passion on your part since you were helping people, and in his eyes, that’s what made a hero, a hero. And you thought the same.
After spending time with yourself and some of your new friends, you felt you had grown a real lot already. You became a lot more versatile with your quirk, stronger and more confident as you proved to be a brilliant asset for your friends in helping them get to places faster, or escape quicker, and keeping villains at bay with your warping.
Yet… you were still missing your friends very much. You had kept in touch with some of them, but at the same time it was really painful doing that. Of course, you didn’t want to face them after just leaving the way you did, and you especially couldn’t see your dear Izuku after that. You didn’t text nor call him because you feared that you’d make a bad decision again and you didn’t want to risk getting hurt again.
Nor did you want to risk hurting him again…
Even with all the new training, you still missed that boy with all your heart. You still loved him…
However, a loud, rough barrage of knocks at your door interrupted your thoughts. Yoarashi was a passionate young man, but you knew that couldn’t possibly be him because he was never rude like that. Yoarashi’s knocks were vigorous but never rough or aggressive. There’s only one person who has a violent knock like that too.
“Hey! Warp-Girl! Open this damn door!”
What the hell was he doing here? Rolling your eyes and scoffing, you kept at your work, you didn’t have time to mess with him.
“I know you’re in there! I’m not going anywhere until you open this door! Open it before I break it down!” Bakugou point-blank demanded because this wasn’t something he was unfamiliar with. You always pretended to not be home whenever he came over and he never left you alone until you let him in, even threatening to break the door down. Needless to say, you banned him from your house years ago, but he never listened to you.
Of all your classmates why did it have to be him coming over for an uninvited visit?
You sighed in annoyance, knowing that he was true to his claims and wasn’t going to leave unless you talked to him, even though you had no idea what he even wanted. So, you reluctantly opened your door, looking indifferent and openly irritated to the even more irritated blonde.
“What do you want Bakugou? I’m busy. Can’t you go torment someone else?” You curtly remarked as he growled and clenched his fists, quickly he shouted.
“Shut up! Deku’s a zombie because you had to just get up and leave like a quitter! All he does is sulk every damn day in your old room listening to that shitty song from that shitty show you idiots watch on a goddamn loop all the time and now he’s even more fucking annoying than normal!”
Now that made you widen your eyes ever so slightly, and you felt the guilt creeping in when you processed and envisioned everything your childhood friend was saying, but you didn’t dare show it. You missed Izuku so much even though things had been better for you ever since you broke up and left. You knew you made the right decision as you allowed yourself to grow beyond him, even though you still missed him. But was he really that broken up about it? Bakugou wasn’t a liar, he never lied, he might have indulged in sarcasm every now and then, but he wasn’t a liar. Obviously, he was telling the truth, but just imagining all of that… concerned you, and made you feel sad for your beloved Izuku. However, you couldn’t give in…
“That’s… that’s not my problem… Izuku’s a big boy. He can handle things like this himself.” Remaining stoic, you tried to close your door but Bakugou gripped the door knob and firmly held it open, making you flinch as he let himself in, glaring at you angrily.
“Well he’s not! You two need to talk or something and get your shit together because everyone’s too busy crying about you and his dumbass, and it’s pissing me off! And I have that stupid fucking song stuck in my head now!” He said, not mincing his words at all as you leered at him and crossed your arms. Even though that last part amused you, you weren’t going to back down. You never backed down against Bakugou, even if he was stronger than you.
“I’m not obligated to come back Katsuki. We already talked, and I left because it was my choice that I made freely. I’m sorry, but I’m not coming back. I made up my mind, I’m attending a new school now and I’ve gotten better since then. I’m more confident and surer of myself than I’ve been in a very long time. I can’t just go back because he’s not taking it well. And I won’t. If that’s what you came here for, to tell me to come back just to make him feel better. I won’t.” You shook your head, turning your back to go back to what you were doing. For once Bakugou calmed down in your presence, but you didn’t even see it.
He wanted to force you to just come back, to kiss and make-up with the damn nerd, but for some reason that would make him feel SLIGHTLY guilty later. As much as he wanted to lose his temper and just scream at you until you complied, he knew that wasn’t going to convince you to come back. He hated admitting it to himself, but that was why he had some respect for you. You were always tougher than Deku, and harder to push around because you never put up with his nonsense.
“Tch. I still never took you for a quitter.” He muttered, sounding calm for a change as you grunted in annoyance. Breaking an egg audibly as the yolk ran down your fingers, and you started to wonder if he really came over here just to piss you off.
“Bakugou. I’m serious. I’m not in the mood.”
“I don’t care if you’re not in the mood! You wanna break up with Deku? Fine! But that’s no fucking reason to just quit the school you worked your ass off to get into! And being sad about it is no fucking excuse to not even say a damn goodbye to all the stupid extras you bothered to get close to!” He quickly yelled, which made you cringe when you realized that Bakugou wasn’t being an asshole for once. Well, he kind of was, but he wasn’t saying this to be a dick.
“All our idiot classmates won’t stop bitching and moaning about how you just got up and left without saying good bye. And now they’re dealing with all the bullshit you left behind.” He said, leering at you and you finally turned to see him. It was shocking, but Bakugou wasn’t giving you his typical glare. You couldn’t believe it, but Bakugou was trying to… help you? In a weird, completely abrasive way?
“I really don’t care about what happened between you and that damn nerd, but at least take all that bullshit with you, and don’t let everyone else deal with it.” The more he spoke, the more you actually listened. And you realized that this is probably the first real conversation you actually had with your old friend in such a long time, “And on top of that, quitting UA over Deku? Really? You’re even dumber than I thought…”
Growling quietly, you narrowed your eyes and glared at him, “Why throw that away? Is he really worth it?” He asked you calmly, expecting an honest answer, and it did make you stop to think once his words sunk in. And about how you left the situation rather than properly deal with it. Maybe you should have done more than just get up and leave without warning.
A heavy sigh left you when it was silent between you and Bakugou for a good minute. “Katsuki… I know you don’t care for me saying this, but I loved him… I still love him… I still think about him everyday…” Your voice started to break as you willed yourself to not get emotional, keeping your tears at bay as you didn’t see Bakugou almost cringe when he thought you were about to start crying. He really hoped you weren’t, he wasn’t good with crying people at all and he already had to deal with his classmates when they all cried today…
“I guess I just… thought that if I broke things off and stood there… it’d be too painful… and… well… I just thought I wasn’t getting anywhere focusing on just him… I know he apologized… but when he told me that I wasn’t progressing, and that he didn’t need me… it hurt. Still hurts thinking about it…” You averted your eyes even though you were finally being honest; something about Bakugou made you feel comfortable with opening up since he was the most candid person you knew.
It shocked you to see him paying attention, even if he didn’t really soften up or anything. That you knew of at least, and you had no idea that he actually felt bad for you. It’s not like he had a soft spot for you or whatever, if he did he’d never ever let you know…
And Bakugou scoffed when he thought about what Izuku of all people said to you, even if it gave him some satisfaction knowing that he was right all along in that you left because of him. “He really is a fucking idiot if he said that bullshit…” He muttered a little bit, and for a moment you weren’t sure if you heard him right. “I don’t think that damn nerd is even aware of some of the stupid shit he does and says…”
Despite what he was calling your beloved ex, you still looked at him in surprise and wiped away the tears in your eyes. You DID hear him right…
“I still don’t care if you get back together with him or not. But the least you could do is get your shit together rather than leave the mess you made the way it is.” He finally gave you some advice, hoping you would take it since he was tired of all the unnecessary drama and tired of seeing all the idiots he grew to care for all upset. Including you AND Izuku…
You didn’t expect Bakugou to actually give a shit though. And it honestly touched you, despite your past issues with him and the way you always argued with him about Izuku. He was still an old friend, and so far the only old friend who told you the truth and what you NEEDED to hear as opposed to what you wanted to hear. Heartfelt, you looked at him with tearful eyes, which made Bakugou uncomfortable when he realized you were staring at him
And he flinched and shouted angrily as soon as you suddenly hugged him, “W-What the fuck?! Get the hell off! I’m not a damn hugger like Deku’s stupid friends are!” Bakugou tried to push you off of him, hating how warm his cheeks were getting.
“Tough shit!” You exclaimed, not letting go until you felt like letting go of your old friend as he reluctantly let you hug him as he growled and used all his willpower to not blow you up right then and there.
“So, are you gonna do it?” He asked you with a small scowl, and you nodded with a smile, knowing what he meant. It was time you went back to clear everything and hopefully… make up with Izuku…
“Yeah…” You giggled a little bit, which just annoyed Bakugou even more, “What the hell is so funny?!”
“It’s just that… hee… it’s been a while since we’ve actually had a civil conversation Katsuki… and you know what? I actually like you… and I finally get why Izuku and Kirishima like you so much, because you’re such an asshole and such a nice guy at the same time.” You grinned and covered your mouth to quell your giggles when you saw Bakugou turning red from anger, or at least you thought it was anger.
“HEY! Shut the hell up shithead!” He shouted at you while you just laughed a little bit, and for once you were happy that your old friend had talked to you. He really opened your mind, and now you were getting an idea…
And as soon as it popped in your mind, you ran to get your phone. “What the hell are you doing?” Bakugou didn’t leave your house yet since you decided it was okay if he stood for a bit. “Getting my shit together. I have a plan and it requires me to call quite a few people… and then I’ll see YOU sooner than you think… but you’re not gonna like it.” You warned him and that smile on your face was proof enough…
He groaned as soon as he had an idea of what you were planning, “How stupid can you get…?”
“I watch a LOT of old movies, old musicals, and ultimately lack creativity because I love calling back to my childhood nostalgia.” You stated your somewhat poor reasoning as Bakugou growled at you in annoyance…
“This shit better be good…” He muttered in annoyance as you tried your hardest to not laugh as soon as you reached Yoarashi on the phone. You had a feeling it’d be good…
TWO HOURS LATER…
“Really?! Yes! That sounds wonderful! We will all be there! All of us! I’d be more than happy to help you and see you again!” Yaoyorozu chirped as she spoke to you on the phone, stars in her eyes upon hearing your familiar voice again. She missed you terribly, obviously not to the extent that Izuku did but she missed you…
And she was beyond ecstatic over the news you had just given her! She couldn’t wait to tell her classmates, and as much as she didn’t want to hang up so quickly, she was still excited for what was going to happen soon.
“Everyone! Good news! Very good news!” She cheerfully made her way to her somewhat glum classmates, who were all still a little bit down since Izuku was still in your room playing up that James Blunt song. But Yaoyorozu’s mood had snapped them out of it a little bit.
“Yes Yaoyorozu?” Iida was the first to ask since she was the vice president to his class rep roll. “All together, come on in~.” She was giddy even when she had everyone huddle up in a big group. As she explained what was going to go on, every one of her classmates faces lit up at the news…
However, they couldn’t tell Izuku about it, because the plan was to surprise him…
And they knew Bakugou must have known since you had told Yaoyorozu that he was with you. But everyone was aware of the plan, and they were all hoping that this little event planned would help Izuku. And potentially get you and him back together…
THE NEXT NIGHT…
It took some permission from Aizawa and Principal Nezu, but since Class 1-A had time on their hands for now, their teacher and their principal allowed them to attend the charity event being held at the Musutafu Country Club by Shiketsu High and hosted by the Yaoyorozu family.
Not everyone was happy to dress nice for the occasion, but they had classmates to try and convince them to wear their best clothes, even if they refused to wear a tie.
As for Izuku…
“Come now Young Midoriya.” All-Might had to be the one to convince Izuku to come out of the bus, but he was trembling where he sat. He was aware that you attended to Shiketsu high now, but after what happened between you and him, he wasn’t sure he even deserved to see you again. And it’s been a month since he last saw you, and after so long it felt terrifying to think about you seeing him again…
“I… I can’t… I-I don’t think… I-I don’t think I can… (Y-Y/N)… s-she’s… s-she might be…” He felt his breathing speed up, almost like he was having a panic attack as he couldn’t stop shaking, and All-Might could tell as he sat beside his protégé and rubbed his back gently. “Breathe… remember to breathe…” He said rather softly as the boy slowed down ever so slightly to take deep breaths as he focused on All-Might to try and regain his composure.
“(Y/N) could be there… and if she is… I’m sure she will be excited to see you again.” All-Might didn’t want to get the kid’s hopes up too high. Or at least that’s what he wanted Izuku to believe, because he knew what the other students were up to...
“The two of you have had your space. It’s okay to see each other after that much time away from each other… and frankly… it’s about time you get up out of the dorms…” He said somewhat bluntly and Izuku had the grace to look ashamed. Even when he was moping in your room, he felt guilty for bringing his classmates down, but felt too ashamed to try and apologize because he felt that he didn’t deserve their forgiveness. Not from them, and not from you either.
All-Might could see the look on his face though, so he had to encourage him to leave the bus as he walked him out and took him inside the lavish building so he could join his friends.
Izuku was finally speaking to his friends, and was thankful that they were talking about this event rather than anything else he had been focusing too much on. But at the same time, he was frantically and nervously looking around to see if you were there. There were other students from Shiketsu, but he didn’t see you around at all, which really disheartened him as he sighed and almost felt ready to sulk again. At least until he reminded himself that he was at an event with his classmates, he couldn’t break down here in front of so many people…
So he had no choice but to grin and bear with it, but all his classmates frowned in sympathy when they saw Izuku’s broken smile. And they thought that it sure was a good thing that they were all here at this calculated event…
“Hey Deku!” Uraraka’s cheerful voice caught his attention though, “I heard that this event is actually a musical fundraiser and that there’s going to be a big musical number! How exciting is that?!” She happily exclaimed to the somewhat stunned boy as he gave her a small smile. “O-Oh. Really? W-Wow that does sound… interesting and… unique…” But Izuku started to wonder just who made up this event…
“I’m not much of a singer, but I’ve always wanted to… maybe one of these days all of us can go do karaoke together. I bet that would be just so fun… we could all just sing together without judgment. Just have fun.” She wondered outloud, and Izuku didn’t know it, but when she said ‘all of us’ she meant her, him, Iida, Tsuyu, Aoyama, Todoroki AND you. But when she said that, Izuku’s smile looked even more forlorn.
Still, he couldn’t bring himself to brush off his dear friend when she was trying to help him, “Y-Yeah… I think that would be a great idea…” Although, Izuku wanted you to be there, he wouldn’t go without you because he knew how much you loved singing and doing karaoke. And Uraraka could tell that he was thinking about you.
“I’m sure you’d be a good singer. You’re good at a lot of things Deku.” She said, blushing with a sweet smile which made Izuku blush a little bit, unable to help but smile bashfully, “I… I don’t know about that…” He mumbled rather shyly, remembering how you often tried to get him to sing. You said he sang great, but he honestly didn’t think so…
“Don’t doubt yourself! Especially for tonight! Come on, let’s go outside!” She excitedly lead the confused boy outside where everyone else was, and he couldn’t argue as he stuttered out an ‘okay’ as he followed her out. And once he was outside, he started looking around for you again even though he knew you couldn’t be here…
It was stupid of him to even try. Why would you be here? Why would you want to see him again after everything that’s happened?
He sighed sadly as he looked down at his feet, looking deep in thought and not even hearing what everyone else was saying. Not his classmates, not Yaoyorozu’s father talking in the loud microphone, not All-Might, and not even when his name was suddenly called.
At least until his classmates all started calling him and was only snapped out of it by a smack from Bakugou. “Pay attention you damn nerd!!”
Izuku yelped a little bit once he was hit, blinking in confusion as he took the time to remember where he was at, but had no idea what was happening right now, “W-What…? W-What’s happening…?” He asked rather nervously, but all his closest friends did was just smile at him.
“We told Mr. Yaoyorozu that you would sing on stage! The person who had this event in mind said that the UA students singing would encourage even more people to donate! And we chose you!” Uraraka didn’t miss how nervous and flushed Izuku had gotten the minute she said that HE would be singing, but she still had to keep up the smile so he WOULD do it…
“W-What?! N-No! N-No I can’t… I-I can’t… I-I can’t sing I… n-no I…” He blushed quite terribly, breaking out in a sweat as his heart started to race at the thought of singing in front of ALL these people. The crowd was large and many of them were wealthy people, some from Shiketsu too and his classmates…
“You can handle the Sports festival but you can’t handle a little singing?” Shinsou pointed out, not being mean per se, just somewhat amused that Izuku could handle the even larger crows from the Sports Festival, yet this crowd had him frozen like a deer in headlights. Although he was one to talk, he would never ever sing in front of people… it was embarrassing…
“T-That was completely different!” Izuku anxiously exclaimed, since trying to show off your hero skillsets was vastly different from singing. He wasn’t a performer like Mamoru Miyano or Justin Timberlake…
“You can do it Midoriya.” Todoroki gave his friend some encouragement, aware of how nervous he seemed and having learned to be a bit more supportive when a friend got anxious. Izuku was only somewhat reassured, but he still felt very hesitant to actually get up and sing in front of people. “Shinsou has a point. If you can handle a really big crowd from the Sports festival, then a smaller one like this one shouldn’t be too bad for you.” Tsuyu was as candid as ever, but not at all mean or unsympathetic.
“Exactly, so stop being such a goddamn pussy and get up there!” Unlike his nicer friends, Bakugou literally shoved Izuku ahead to make the nerd just hurry up and get it over with. His classmates didn’t approve, but at the same time… it was for Izuku’s own good.
Gasping sharply from being pushed, Izuku didn’t glare at his childhood friend even though he was freaking out. Even when he saw Yaoyorozu’s familiar, friendly face up on stage and at the piano to play it. He trembled like a leaf as soon as he got up on stage, breathing rapidly as he felt the hundreds of eyes staring at him as he felt uncomfortably damp from how much he was sweating.
Izuku could only hear his heartbeat ringing in his ears even when Mr. Yaoyorozu gave him his microphone and told the crowd to give it up. And he jumped with a nervous whimper when he heard the rich man say ‘Midoriya Izuku!’ and the crowd started clapping and awaited the performance. But as soon as Yaoyorozu started playing the piano, Izuku swore he had heard that song somewhere before...
He looked over at her, and there was nothing suspicious about her as she just looked at him, giving him a soft smile and mouthing ‘you can do it, I’m here’ to encourage him to not be afraid. For some comfort he moved a little closer to the girl, since she was his only source of reassurance so he didn’t have a panic attack or anything.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc7hy_cAozM
He knew the song, but his nerves outweighed the confusion as he reluctantly and shakily started to sing the first lyrics he memorized from that movie you and him watched in middle school…
“Once in a lifetime, means there's no second chance… so I believe that you and me should grab it while we can…”
Izuku had no idea why he was doing this, it felt almost wrong to be doing something he swore he would sing with you one day. And now you weren’t even here to do it with him. All he wanted was for you to be here with him, because he was still nervous and barely able to even sing that out without his voice tremoring.
“Make it last forever and never give it back…”
Someone suddenly sang right after him which made him quietly gasp because he swore, he’s heard that voice before. Izuku began looking around frantically but he couldn’t find the source and turned to Yaoyorozu for an explanation, and she only smiled knowingly at him as she continued playing the piano. But now he suddenly felt a little less anxious as his gut told him to just keep singing, and maybe he would hear it again.
“It's our turn, and I'm lovin' where we're at…”
As he sang, the spotlight suddenly shined down on you, revealing where you stood among the rest of your former classmates as you held a microphone, and you smiled at your friends Uraraka, Iida, Todoroki, Tsuyu, Aoyama, Kirishima and even Bakugou.
Widening green eyes met bashful (E/C) eyes as you blushed and grinned at your ex-boyfriend shyly as he gasped, becoming overwhelmed with shock and absolute bliss as your face brought so many feelings he hadn’t felt since you left. And he looked to see his classmates all smiling at you and him, Iida, Uraraka and Tsuyu smiling wide and waving to him as the latter cheerfully squealed beside you, with Tsuyu giving you and him a thumbs-up and Aoyama flashing the two of you a wink while Todoroki gave you both a small smile and nod.
Bakugou was the only one not smiling back but he was somewhat glad now that you AND the damn nerd were finally happy as he made sure you both caught his glare. Yet despite that, all you did was giggle and smile at your abrasive childhood friend, making him scoff and turn away.
Izuku did his best to not tear up as you both sang while you started walking towards the stage to him with a big smile on your face.
“Because this moment's really all we have…”
“Everyday of our lives…”
“Wanna find you there, wanna hold on tight.”
“Gonna run while we're young and keep the faith…”
“Everyday, from right now, gonna use our voices and scream out loud…”
The two of you began to sing with each other as neither one of you broke eye contact for a second. It felt like you were both communicating with each other just by looking into each other’s eyes as you both sung.
Izuku wanted so badly to tell you more apologies, and you wanted to just tell him how much you loved him, but somehow you both already knew what you were telling each other just by singing together as you both grinned at each other while the two of you sung and moved closer to each other.
“Take my hand, Together we will celebrate… (Celebrate)… Oh, everyday!”
You reached out for Izuku, tears in your eyes as the shaky boy quickly went over to you, nervously taking your hand to help you get upstage with him. Finally, your hands interlocked as you and Izuku pulled each other in closer in a soft, warm hug after a month away from each other as you smiled adoringly at each other.
However, you and Izuku instantly blushed as soon as you heard a lot of loud ‘Awww’s’ from the crowd, and especially your classmates who were cheering rather loudly the minute you and Izuku stood with for the first time in what felt like forever. Mina, Kirishima, Kaminari, Sero and Uraraka were clearly the most excited as you watched them all bounce with joy, and Izuku could hear them all cheering ‘Way to go Midoriya!!’, which made him blush even darker.
They always cheered for him just for having a girlfriend, and he didn’t want to get his hopes too high since he wasn’t sure if you were trying to get back with him, but he didn’t focus on that. All that he focused on was the fact that you were here, singing with him for the first time.
Now he felt more comforted with you here and he could forget about all the people staring at him as you gave him one of your bright smiles that he had missed so much.
“They say that you should follow, and chase down what you dream. But if you get lost and lose yourself, what does is really mean?”
You saw how nervous Izuku was, so you started to walk around rhythmically while you sung, and Izuku felt a new rush he’d never felt before as he followed your lead and sung with you and actually danced with you, a flash of confidence in his eyes that you had never seen before as you and him smiled at each other.
“Oh, no matter where we're going”
“Ooh yeah, it starts from where we are”
“There's more to life when we listen to our hearts”
“And because of you, I've got the strength to start”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah!”
Your voices matched up with each other almost perfectly as you followed each other’s leads. Izuku had passion, but you could hear it more when he sang with you, his smile never leaving.
Both of you could tell that it had been an extremely emotional month without each other, and yet the two of you learned a lot about yourselves during this stressful time. You discovered your own strengths and weaknesses and that your beliefs about fun and happiness were relative, but also learned that you still loved Izuku and that you could go back and forgive him and that you had new loved ones to also be with and have fun with. And Izuku learned to not be as hyper focused on his training, and to embrace the fun times he had with his friends and loved ones, but he also learned that he couldn’t live without you at all and that he loved you more than anything.
Now you were both singing your feelings with each other as you gladly took Izuku’s hand when he caressed your arm and held your hand for a moment. Grinning, you playfully booped the giddy boy on the nose before you both pulled each other in closer.
The two of you looking happier than you’ve ever been, and the crowd was eating it up and many were recording it. But neither you or Izuku paid much attention, because you were both too busy loving and singing with each other.
“Everyday of our lives, wanna find you there, wanna hold on tight.”
“Gonna run while we're young and keep the faith…”
“Oh, everyday from right now, gonna use our voices and scream out loud!”
“Take my hand, together we… will celebrate~ Oh, everyday!”
Holding hands tightly, you and Izuku skipped over cheerfully to Yaoyorozu, who was smiling as wide as you were. As she played the piano, she couldn’t help but sing the lyrics with you and Izuku while you both kept your fingers interlocked with your arms outstretched over your friend.
Pulling away, you skipped around the piano and happily made your way back to your beloved Izuku, who took your hand and twirled you around as you spun to the middle of the stage, and you widened your eyes when Izuku spun along with you.
He was like a completely different person on stage with you there as he danced theatrically with you. This was everything you wanted to do with him, and you were loving every bit of it as you held each other’s hands yet again, but then pretended to pull away as you and Izuku skipped to the opposite sides of the stage to sing to the rest of the audience once you both remembered that there WAS an audience.
Whom were all entertained and even singing with you both. Izuku threw his fist in the air victoriously as he sung, hearing the rather loud cheers coming from his friends Kirishima, Sero and Kaminari, and of course the Dekusquad, especially Uraraka, Iida and Aoyama had cheered rather loud, and they were all dancing to the song rather enthusiastically and singing along.
You shook your hips as you raised your hand, waving at your cheering friends, even the low-key ones like Todoroki, Tokoyami, Tsuyu and Shinsou? They didn’t need to dance or anything, you could see the smiles on their faces which was enough for you to know that they were happy.
And you saw Bakugou too, he might have been scowling at how loud the song was and the fact that it’s from a movie he thought was dumb, but you knew he was happy too, and probably shocked to see Izuku become so outgoing with you up there. But all in all, Lord Explosion Murder was happy for you and the damn nerd.
Because finally you, and said damn nerd were as happy as can be as you both walked right back to each other.
“We're taking it back. We're doing it here together!”
“It's better like that. And stronger now than ever!”
“We're not gonna lose, cause we get to choose!”
“That's how it's gonna be!”
With more energy, you and Izuku gave each other determined looks as you slowly moved closer. The lyrics saying exactly what you wanted to tell each other about what you wanted to do as aspiring heroes together, as you expressed your feelings through dancing.
And you moved a little more sensually, giving him a wink and mentally grinning at how you saw him blushing even while he was still singing.
Yet, Izuku’s adrenaline rush from the singing pumped him with confidence to touch your arm and lock his fingers in with yours again.
“Everyday of our lives… Wanna find you there, wanna hold on tight…”
“Gonna run while we're young… and keep the faith…”
For a moment, you and Izuku closed in on each other, eyes locked in a stare as if you were the only two people here and this was yours and his song for the world to listen to.
Smiling, you put your head on his shoulder as he warmly blushed and smiled as he squeezed your hand lovingly, never wanting to let you go ever again. And he let the world know as he looked to the crowd and sang, before he looked back at you to sing with him.
You met his beautiful green eyes, the two of you moving in closer in a near kiss as you both sang a little louder, more passionately, never once separating. Never again did you want to separate from each other…
“Keep the faith!”
“EVERYONE!!”
“Everyday! Of our lives!”
“Wanna find you there, wanna hold on tight!”
“Gonna run while we're young!”
“And keep the faith!”
You and Izuku turned in surprise to see Mina suddenly command the rest of your classmates, and they each (sans Bakugou) joined in with the song as quite a few of them rather enthusiastically singing along and started coming up to the stage to dance beside you both. Well, Kirishima and Sero had to grab Bakugou to get him to join them, and he did reluctantly and angrily comply. While Kaminari had to drag an even more reluctant Shinsou to join in on stage until he finally complied…
Which you and Izuku were all too happy to accept as you both giggled and shrugged. You skipped over to your friends, grabbing an enthusiastic Aoyama’s hand to invite him upstage with Iida, Uraraka and Tsuyu happily following with your encouragement. Izuku then brought an awkward Todoroki up on stage beside him as the rest of the class all huddled up together and held each other’s hands, singing loudly with you and Izuku leading them.
Never in his months with his Class 1-A did Aizawa expect these students to actually sing together like some sort of weird High School Musical thing, and yet here they were now. And even if singing and dancing wasn’t his thing, he couldn’t help but feel extremely proud of his class for this…
“Gonna run (Gonna Run!)”
“While we're young!”
“And keep the faith!”
“(Woah, yeah, yeah) Everyday (everyday)!”
“From right now (right now)!”
“Gonna use our voices and scream out loud!!”
“Take my hand (take my hand)!”
“Together we will celebrate!”
“Everyday!”
Together, Class 1-A all sung along and danced with each other in a circle, and it felt just like gospel. Although you did see a grumpy Bakugou just moving his lips and a flustered Todoroki trying to follow everyone and doing his best to sing along with them since it was his first time ever doing anything like this. You could tell he kinda liked it though…
But you smirked when you saw Mineta attempting to go over to Yaoyorozu and crawl under the piano in an attempt to see her panties while she stood up, dancing as she played the piano. You sure didn’t miss him, but you missed having a punching bag and beating the shit out of him for peeping on your friends.
And quickly to protect your friend, you threw a ball of energy that opened a portal and he fell right in with a terrified screech. Yaoyorozu kept playing and singing, but she gave you a grateful smile as you happily winked at her.
To no one else’s knowledge but your own, he landed further out in the dumpster full of trash (where he belonged) and he could only hear the music from a distance…
“Live everyday! (Oh-oh, everyday)”
“Love everyday! (Woah, woah) (Oh, everyday)”
“Live everyday! (Now, now, everyday)”
“Love everyday! (Oh, yeah, yeah)”
“I’m singing everyday! (Everyday!)”
“Everyday! (Everyday!)”
“Everyday! (Everyday!)”
“Everyday! (Everyday!)”
“Everyday! (Everyday!)”
“Everyday!”
Class 1-A was the Hero Course united with you back as you and Izuku brought everyone together, many of them dancing and singing loud for everyone to hear. It was the happiest All-Might had seen them all, everyone was smiling and having the time of their lives.
He clapped his hands with the biggest, proudest smile on his face when he saw Izuku and you together. After seeing Izuku so miserable for a month, he felt his heart swell with bliss and rejuvenation when he saw him smile like that. The boy was beyond happy up there with you by his side and among his beloved friends as everyone sung and danced and looked so happy, even the ones who didn’t smile much. It was clear that they were happy too.
“Everyday…”
“Everyday…”
You and Izuku both giggled shyly as the song concluded and your classmates all clasped their hands together, raising them to the crowd as you all took a class bow and the crowd roared with cheers and applause. Before you could turn to look at Izuku, both of you pulled away from your hands when Yaoyorozu came over to the two of you and pulled you both in a tight hug that you and Izuku happily returned.
And you rather tightly hugged your friend when it was just you and her, but she pulled away to clap for your performance as you grinned and immediately you practically jumped into Izuku’s arms, giving him the biggest hug. Almost desperately he wrapped his arms around you tightly, tears of joy in his eyes as he couldn’t help but spin you around a little bit as you promptly squealed in delight.
In the crowd, many of the pro-heroes there, along with some teachers were clapping and gave your class a standing ovation. Aizawa even stood up to clap for his class with a small, proud smile on his face, as did All-Might, but his claps were much more vigorously and fast. “That’s my Young Midoriya!! I knew he had it in him!” He exclaimed before suddenly coughing up a lot of blood, much to Aizawa’s annoyance and slight concern.
“BRAVO!! BRILLIANT!! SO MUCH PASSION ALL IN ONE PERFORMANCE!!!” Inasa probably shouted the most in the crowd, running up on stage to somehow lift you and Izuku both with his great strength, startling you both as you both let out little yelps.
“It’s him again…” Todoroki muttered as soon as he saw him, a little bit of annoyance crossing his features, but he was too happy for you and Izuku to be annoyed with him. At least Inasa was being nice to you and Izuku.
Of course, you and Izuku were both pretty flustered with how much the crowd was cheering and at how small they all seemed thanks to Yoarashi carrying you both. But you still couldn’t helpbut giggle a little bit, still having your microphone in your hand.
“Everyone… you have just witnessed Class 1-A of UA: The Musical.” You said playfully into the microphone as the crowd laughed a little bit in amusement, “They’re my classmates… my beloved classmates… I recently transferred to Shiketsu… and I met just as amazing classmates… you guys know who you are…” Smiling you looked at a grinning Yoarashi, and then at Shishikura in the crowd, and if you didn’t know any better, you would say that he was tearing up a bit.
“I learned a lot from Shiketsu… including how to be more socially aware… that’s why I kinda gave some people this whole idea for this thing… I did it for charity and for my friends, to hopefully send out the message of happiness, kindness and love.” You said, looking over at your classmates, especially Izuku, Yaoyorozu, Aoyama, Iida, Todoroki, Tsuyu, Uraraka and at Bakugou and Kirishima.
“But… being at Shiketsu… further reminded me of why I wanted to become a hero in the first place… And… my friends reminded me of why I wanted to become a hero in the first place, and I why I went to UA in the first place too…” You fondly looked at Bakugou, who just scoffed and blushed ever so slightly as he looked away. “Because I believe in love, and I want to fight for love… for the people I love.” Then you looked at Izuku, who’s eyes widened a little bit as he blushed quite madly at how you smiled at him. The same smile you gave him when you asked him for the very time to go out with you…
“And that’s why… I’m going back to UA.” You then finally announced, earning a ton of gasps, shocked looks and then a rather large round of applause as your friends, particularly Yaoyorozu, Mina, Kirishima, Kaminari and Uraraka all started to cheer and whoop in glee at the news. And Izuku gasped, his eyes somehow widening even more as he felt the tears coming back in his eyes, was this really happening…?
However, you didn’t notice him walking away from the stage momentarily as you let the crowd cheer for the rest of your classmates until you let Mr. Yaoyorozu take the floor. As soon as you saw Izuku get off the stage, you quickly ran over to him but you gasped in shock when he fell to his knees on the grass. You figured that he must have gotten emotional, but it still broke your heart when you heard him sobbing…
“I-Izuku…” You were quick to kneel down to his level, putting your hand on his back as you were oblivious to the concerned looks from Iida, Uraraka, Todoroki, Aoyama and Tsuyu as they had followed you to check on their friend.
Izuku did eventually look at you though, still crying as if he still felt horrible for everything that happened, “(Y-Y/N)… a-are you… are you really…?” His voice was desperate, pleading almost as he kept his tearful eyes on you, and you smiled and nodded, “Yes… I’m here. And yes… I’m coming back to UA. I already called Principal Nezu… he said he was waiting for me to come back whenever I was ready…” You explained to reassure your very happy, very emotional Izuku as he then sobbed with joy, but there was still guilt in his expression as he looked down with a sad look.
“I-I… I’m so sorry… I-I never… m-meant… a-anything t-that… I’m so sorry (Y/N)… f-for everything I did f-for being… a-a terrible boyfriend… I-I didn’t… I-I didn’t deserve you…” He choked out an apology, looking ashamed as he turned away, feeling like he didn’t deserve you here with him at all even thought it was all he had been wanting.
It was so heartbreaking you teared up and pulled him in for a tight hug, “Shhh… it’s all okay… I forgave you a long time for all that… you weren’t terrible… just… bit inattentive but… that’s okay… it’s all okay now Izuku… we’re okay…” You gently hushed him as you hugged him tightly, letting him know how much you loved him as he clung to you, having missed your warmth and finally he felt true happiness again as he embraced you.
“I never stopped thinking about you ya know? I missed you SO freaking much… God Izuku I missed you so much you’ll never know just how much I missed you…” You let a few tears fall; you truly did miss your dear Izuku regardless of everything that happened. And you could tell that he missed you just as badly, if not worse.
“I-I… missed you so much… I missed you too… It was painful… I missed you so much it hurt every single day… I just… wanted to tell you how sorry I was… without you it felt… I-I felt… so miserable…” His tears didn’t stop, but he was just so happy and yet still so guilty about the break-up, even though it was all too true that he missed you more than you’ll ever know and that he fell into a depression when you were gone…
“You don’t have to be anymore…” You couldn’t let Izuku beat himself up though, and you pulled away to grin at him and kiss his cheeks affectionately as Izuku gasped and perked up, both his freckled cheeks instantly turning bright red just from feeling your lips again. He’ll never not get flustered by your affection as you giggled and blushed. “There’s my Izuku…”
Before you could kiss him a little somewhere else other than his cheeks, your friends had all gathered up to see you and hug you. Yaoyorozu was the first one as you got up to run over to her and let her pull you into a warm hug, “(Y/N)!” She sounded beyond excited as you tightly hugged her, having missed her so much. “Momo! I missed you! Oh my God I missed you so much girl…” You said softly and warmly as you squeezed her a little bit.
“I missed you too! And I’m just so excited that you’re coming back! Our class was missing something… and everyday I thought to myself, ‘It’s (Y/N) we’re missing...’” She teared up a bit when she thought about it, and of course you could feel your own tears resurfacing at how much your friend loved you.
“We all did (L/N)… every one of us missed you every day.” Iida followed shortly after Yaoyorozu’s sentiment, sharing at as you saw your elevated friends smiling at you. However, now you were feeling guilty as you gasped shakily when all the feelings started to overwhelm you. You felt so guilty for leaving all of them, not just Izuku, everyone else…
“I-I’m so sorry… I’m sorry everyone… I… shouldn’t have left things the way they were… I should have said something to you guys first… I… I don’t regret making the new friends I made but… I could not, I literally could not stop thinking about you guys and missing you guys every single day… I’ve been a real boob… do you think you guys could forgive me…?” You unloaded all of your guilt as you apologized to your entire class, almost not expecting forgiveness, until suddenly Kirishima surprised you and tackled you with a big hug.
“Of course we forgive you!” He held you tightly, lifting you off your feet as you couldn’t help but laugh, letting some tears slip as you hugged him back just as tightly. “We’re just so glad you’re back! It wasn’t the same without you! We missed you!”
“We all did! Everyone thought about you everyday.” Uraraka’s cheerful voice surprised you, but you still actually smiled at the girl, and Kirishima gently put you down to let you hug the girl. “Ribbit.” Tsuyu then followed shortly to join in your hug. “I can’t tell you how happy I am knowing you’re coming back…”
“Tsu… Uraraka…” You were touched as you hugged the girls tightly, but then you squealed when Yaoyorozu, Jirou, Mina and Hagakure all showed up to hug you. “Everyone has to hug (Y/N)!!” Mina announced, much to your delight as you made sure to hug all of the girls each.
“Hee~.” As bad as you felt for leaving, getting all this love made you feel really good as you hugged Yaoyorozu again before she let you go and hug everyone else. “Iida~.” You waved to your bespectacled friend.
“(L-L/N) I know I make a fuss about physical contact, but like everyone else, I did miss you very much and…” He seemed a little flustered since he wasn’t much for hugging, but you shut him up by hugging him with a grin, “I missed you too you square…” Giggling a bit, Iida did hug you back despite your little playful joke.
“It’s great to have you back…” He said to you softly as you smiled wide, “I can’t wait to go back~.” You beamed before waving to the rest of the guys like Kaminari and Sero, and quickly you went over to the guys, hugging each and every one of them even if they tried to act all cool.
But Todoroki really surprised you when he didn’t seem uncomfortable when you hugged him, and actually hugged you back. “I missed you.” Your eyes widened a bit, and you knew he was being honest, that was just Todoroki for you, but you didn’t expect such affection from the half-hot, half-cold boy. Still, you smiled widely with an excited giggle. “I missed you too.”
“But I have to ask…” Todoroki surprised you again with a sudden question and you wondered what was going through that mind of his, you hoped it wasn’t about Izuku…
“Why Yoarashi?”
You blinked a little bit, trying not to snicker but ultimately failed as you laughed heartily, even doubling over as you saw Todoroki’s confused expression. “Well Todoroki… he was nice to me from the beginning… yes he’s loud, a little extra but… he was nice…” You explained, and Todoroki seemed satisfied with your answer, because you were right. Despite his past issue with that guy, Yoarashi was nice…
And then you perked up a bit when you saw a somewhat familiar face, it was Shinsou from General Studies, or at least he was from General Studies. If he was here with your class that meant he had gotten in! He looked a little nervous though when you put your eyes on him as he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.
“It’ll be good to have you back. They spoke very highly of you.” He muttered a little bit, not really looking at you as you giggled a bit, “Yeah… they’re a wild bunch… you learn to love them. And you’ll love them hard…” You chuckled a little bit, somewhat able to tell that he had some concerns.
“Don’t worry by the way… I might be coming back, but you’re not going anywhere. I’m just gonna be there to even out the pack. I’m glad they finally let someone in that actually deserves a spot.” You said to reassure the brainwasher, and upon hearing that he then looked you in the eyes, giving a small smile. “I guess this means we’re classmates now huh?” Shinsou asked you in slightly amusement as you grinned widely and nodded.
“That’s right~!” You sang-songed, suddenly hugging him as he flinched and grunted in surprise, his eyes rather wide as his body froze at the contact. “W-What… w-what are you…?”
“Hee~. If we’re gonna be classmates Shinsou, you gotta know that I’m a hugger.” You said somewhat playfully before you pulled away with a big grin, giggling at how flushed he had gotten. “G-Good to know…” Shinsou said, still a bit flustered from such physical contact as he let you go with the rest of yours and his classmates…
So that’s why they all liked you so much.
And speaking of like…
You saw Bakugou with his typical scowl as he watched you hug Deku, Todoroki, Shinsou and all the other ‘extras’, and you smiled the entire time which just annoyed him even more as you made you way over to him.
“I take it you enjoyed yourself?” You asked him with a cheerful voice, and he wondered if you were trying to annoy him on purpose. “No. And that is the LAST time I ever do anything that fucking stupid and humiliating for you EVER again…”
Bakugou knew you had set this entire thing up on purpose and had the rest of your class’s consent to all get up on stage together, but it didn’t mean he liked it. Much…
“Oh come on… I know you’re no drama dude but I heard you singing with everyone too~.” You played with him a little bit, and of course he started to yell at your accusation.
“NO I WASN’T! I HATE THAT SHITTY MOVIE! ALL OF THEM! None of them make sense!” Bakugou almost started ranting as you just laughed, “It’s okay if you did… singing is good for the soul… and besides how can you not sing when everyone else is?” You wondered out loud as the ash-blonde scoffed.
“And I finally got my shit together… I look forward to seeing you again in class Katsuki… I don’t think I’d be here if not for you…” You had to admit, you owed it to Bakugou for even being here since his words got through to you after you had been avoiding all your problems for the past month.
“Yeah? Well that’s also the last time I bail you and Deku out…” He grumbled in annoyance, and you quickly hugged him, “Dammit! (Y/N)!! No more damn hugs!” Bakugou shouted and tried shoving you off, but you kept your grip on him.
“C’mon bring it in you bastard! I love ya!” You exclaimed playfully despite his annoyance as he growled angrily and reluctantly let you hug him, hating how hot his face was getting with all the mushiness…
Bakugou made sure to glare at you even when you pulled away and grinned, “Now if you’ll excuse me~.” You started to skip off, and Bakugou knew exactly who you were going to…
Izuku had watched you hug all of his classmates, and he couldn’t imagine how much you had missed them since he knew you were close to a majority of them. And he was relieved when you went over to all of them so he could recollect his thoughts and breathe…
Although he did wonder what you were talking to Bakugou about, and he felt a little uncomfortable little twinge of envy when he saw you hug his rival. But that dissipated as soon as he saw you coming over to him, his cheeks suddenly flushing bright red as your smile made his heart start to race.
He smiled at you shyly as you grinned and brought your hand out for him to take, and despite how nervous he felt he shakily held your hand as you started leading him to the grassier fields. “Guys! Come on! There’s gonna be fireworks!” You announced to the rest of your classmates, and that excited them as they rushed over cheerfully and awaited the fireworks.
You and Izuku walked together to stare up at the starry sky together, and you and him gasped loudly along with your class when a bright star suddenly shot through the dark.
Silently you made your wish as you closed your eyes, and you cracked one open to see Izuku with his eyes closed as he made his own wish. You wondered what it was, but you weren’t going to ask as he opened those lovely eyes of his and smiled bashfully at you as he then looked to see all of his friends laughing and smiling together under the stars.
“I missed the hell out of everyone… I’m so glad I’m coming back to ya’ll…” You spoke your thoughts outloud, your smile never leaving your lips.
“M-Me too… I’m… r-really happy that you’re coming back… UA needs a hero like you…” He said to you softly with a warm expression, squeezing your hand a little bit as you blushed and you felt yourself become a little coyer.
“Well… here’s to the future Izuku.” You said happily at your beloved as you both took another gaze up at the stars, but Izuku looked at you thoughtfully as his soft expression made an anxious glee start pumping into your chest.
“Not the future (Y/N)… here’s to right now… to everyone… to us.”
A loud whistle shot up into the dark sky, a beam of light signaling all the fireworks as popping, flashes of brightly colored sparks of red, orange, yellow, blue and green shined down on you both, illuminating the fields just for you and Izuku was unable to look away from you, and your cheeks lit up a bright pink when he leaned into you carefully. Closing your eyes, you met his lips as he gently kissed you, feeling a pulsating excitement throughout his trembling body, his face automatically turning bright red and he pulled away slightly, feeling self-conscious for a moment and looked at you nervously.
But you smiled at him with a sugary kindness that made his nerves start rolling off his shoulders as you draped your arms around him and covered his mouth with another saccharine, passionate kiss as he pulled you in for a hug, eagerly returning the kiss as his eyes closed in pleasure.
Neither of you noticed how your classmates all gasped and blushed heavily at the sight, while a few such as Mina, Kaminari, Sero and Kirishima started to cheer and whoop victoriously, and they all knew that this meant that you and Izuku were FINALLY back together.
Bakugou scoffed at his squad’s antics though, looking disgusted when seeing his two childhood friends sucking face like that. But deep down he was just glad that you and the damn nerd finally got your shit together and had your stupid smiles back on your face again…
It felt like it was only you and Izuku in the whole world alone together as you didn’t part from his mouth, at least until someone suddenly popped in right in between you both. “YOUR LOVE STORY IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!” Yoarashi’s loud voice made you both pull away as he startled you both for the second time.
“Y-Yoarashi!” Izuku trembled as he blushed even darker upon realizing that he and everyone else had been watching you both kiss.
“I’M SO GLAD THAT YOU ARE BOTH BACK TOGETHER!! THE PASSION, THE PINING!! YOUR LOVE IS TRUE LOVE!!” There were waterfalls of tears running down his face, but his enthusiastic expression was the same and his yells were sincere and sweet. Yoarashi had actually supported your decision to return because he loved how passionate you and Izuku were for each other.
“Thank you Yoarashi…” You giggled shyly, unable to make your flushed cheeks cool down as Todoroki approached the taller boy.
“Stop ruining moments…” He muttered to the loudmouth, and instead of arguing with Todoroki, Yoarashi just smiled.
“Todoroki! It’s good to see you again!” He greeted him cheerfully, before looking at you and Izuku again. “I AM VERY SORRY FOR INTERRUPTING YOUR MOMENT!!” Once again, Yoarashi apologized to you both in his strange but zealous way by bowing his face into the ground and making himself bleed yet again. And you were relieved when Todoroki tried to give you and Izuku your moment back by pulling Yoarashi away from you both.
As you watched your friends give you both your space, you and Izuku couldn’t help but giggle happily with each other and neither one of you could take your eyes off of each other. Izuku’s gleaming eyes drew you back in, his arms seizing you into his embrace as you took in everything you missed about him as you sank your face into his warm chest, snuggling him close as you put your arms around him. Holding each other close, the two of you smiled upon seeing your classmates all laughing and smiling together.
Both of you finally at peace and looking forward to the rest of your upcoming school years, but enjoying everything right now, and every other day you would spend together as you and Izuku would both become heroes together.
You are the music in me...
#bnha x reader#boku no hero academia#bnha#izuku x reader#midoriya x reader#izuku midoriya x reader#deku x reader#deku angst#bnha angst#mha angst#midoriya izuku#boku no hero academia x reader#boku no hero academia angst#boku no hero academia fluff#songfic#my hero academia#mha x reader#hsm2#hsm#high school musical#high school musical 2#deku fluff#bnha fluff#boku no hero academia imagine#deku#deku midoriya#izuku fluff
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A Touch of Pneumonia
Summary: Violet checks on her girlfriend to find her sick, but with no intentions of following orders and staying on bedrest XD
Read on A03:
Violet stood by the front gates, impatiently kicking the ground. It was well past sunrise. She and Prisha had planned to take a morning walk together, but she’d been waiting over an hour and had still not seen Prisha emerge from the school. Violet swayed uneasily on her feet. She wanted to go in and see if Prisha was in her room, ask her what was going on. But she also didn’t want to be a stalker. What if Prisha had just forgotten? Would she think it was creepy if Violet hunted her down in her room? It was better to wait, even if standing here doing nothing was eating her up inside.
Omar emerged from around the corner of the school, carrying a basket of herbs and greens he had taken from the greenhouse. She had offered to help, but Omar had simply shook his head and went on his way. He had his morning routine of breakfast prep down to an art form. Bringing someone else into the process would only irk him.
Clem stood up on the watchtower, casting a concerned glance down at Violet from time to time. She’d tried to strike up a conversation once or twice, but Violet was too distracted to keep it going. AJ had gone off on patrol of the grounds, taking Rosie with him. Only Willy, Ruby, Aasim and Louis remained inside.
And Prisha.
Where was she? Was she trying to send some sort of message that she didn’t want to go on the walk after all? Violet shook her head in annoyance. No, that was stupid. There had to be a valid reason she wasn’t here. Prisha wasn’t the non-confrontational type.
“Maybe you should go check on her,”
Violet looked toward Clementine.
“It’s unusual for her to sleep in this late,”
“I guess,”
Awkward silence.
“If you want to cover watch, I can go in and check on her instead,”
Should she take her up on the offer? No, that was stupid. God, Violet, get it together! You can do this – just go knock on her door.
Violet straightened her shoulders, steeling her resolve. “I’ve got this. I’ll see what’s up,” With that, she was off in the direction of the dorms.
It didn’t take long before she was standing in front of Prisha’s door. Pausing for only a moment, Violet knocked on it resolutely.
No response.
What should she do?
“Uh, Prisha, are you in there?”
“Violet?”
“Clementine sent me to check on you,” Coward. Mention the walk!
“Violet, I…” her voice cut off.
“What was that?”
Nothing.
“Prisha? Prisha, I’m coming in!” Violet swung the door open, heart pounding.
Prisha lay upon her cot, her face flushed and sweaty. Her sheets lay in a twisted heap at her feet, her blanket pulled up to her chin. Prisha’s eyes met Violet’s, hazy and dark. She inclined her head to speak. “I think I have a touch of pneumonia,”
“What?!” Violet spat out. “A touch of pneumonia?”
“Yes, but don’t worry. It took me a bit longer to get out of bed, but I’m on my way now,” Prisha sat up, swaying a bit to the right as she did so. She dazedly reached for one of her boots.
“Prisha, you look fucking awful,”
Prisha tried to manage a smirk. “Is that any way to greet your girlfriend?”
“You know what I mean. We need to get you to Ruby right away,”
“Please,” Prisha shook her head in scorn. “This is nothing. If I truly had pneumonia, I would have a terrible cough to go with it. One with plenty of hacking and phlegm… but I’m breathing perfectly fine,” As she pulled one of her boots up, her body seized up and she began to cough violently, her body shaking with the force of it. She lifted watery eyes to meet Violet’s. “That was simply an example of what I don’t have,”
She’d had enough of this. “Ruby!” Violet shouted, booking it out of the room and down the hallway. “Ruby, get your ass out here now! Prisha’s sick!”
About a half hour later, Prisha was propped up in bed with a plethora of extra pillows, looking quite peeved at the current arrangement. Violet stood by her bedside, arms crossed, daring Prisha to just try and escape again. She had already failed twice. Ruby was crushing some herbs in preparation to give to Prisha. Violet felt like rolling her eyes into the back of her skull. Prisha had been right with her self-diagnosis: she had pneumonia. Apparently her girlfriend was just too much of a stubborn ass to actually follow the medical protocol to get herself better.
Ruby walked over to Prisha’s bedside with a small bowl in her hands. “Alright, I’ve mixed the false boneset in with some berries to help improve the taste. Try to eat all of it, you hear?”
“Thank you, Ruby,” Prisha said, reaching out from her swarm of blankets to take the bowl. “You really didn’t have to trouble yourself,”
“Why, Sug, of course I did! We can’t have you being sick and worrying poor Violet here half to death,”
“It wasn’t that bad, really,”
Violet glared daggers at her.
“Well, if you don’t want to take it as medicine, the juice is rumored to work as a sort of aphrodisiac, so that’s a bonus,”
The girls stared at Ruby in horror.
“Anyways, I’ll leave ya girls to it. Make sure to stay in bed and drink plenty of the water Aasim brought up. Bye now!” With that, Ruby bustled out of the room.
Prisha looked down at the bowl with distaste, but scooped out a spoonful. She gulped it down loudly. “Whoopee,” she croaked. She turned her head to Violet. “Do I look sexier now?”
“If it’s an aphrodisiac, it would be working on you, not me since you’re the one who’s eating it, dumbass,”
“Ouch,” Prisha scowled. “You’re rude sometimes, you know that?”
“I’m only rude to idiots,”
“Now that’s taking it a little far, wouldn’t you say?”
“You refuse to acknowledge you’re sick, try to sneak out of bed and won’t even take all your medicine! What am I supposed to fucking call that?”
“You know,” Prisha said, tossing a pillow to the floor. “A couple years back when I was pinned down by some walkers in an old dental office, I picked up a copy of Scientific American and it said that studies showed there was no proof of causation between bedrest and recovery from the common cold,” She threw another pillow to the ground.
Violet crouched to pick the pillows up and began chucking them back on the bed. “Well, you don’t have the common cold, you have fucking pneumonia!”
It became a race to see who could get more pillows onto the floor or the bed. Competition was fierce at first, but Prisha quickly grew winded and entered another coughing fit. Violet rushed forward to prop pillows behind her and lay her back against the fluffy mass. She began to place the extra pillows around Prisha’s sides.
“Violet, you’re smothering me,”
“I’m smothering the illness out of you!”
Suddenly Louis popped his head in. “Hey, there. Just thought I’d check in and see how you lovely ladies are doing,”
Both girls turned toward him with a look of vitriol. “Get the fuck out of here, Louis!”
“Ok, ok! Yeesh, message received!” As soon as he had appeared, he was gone.
The girls turned back toward each other.
Prisha eyed Violet warily. “If I promise to stay in bed and eat the rest of the medicine, will you stop hovering so goddamn close?”
“Fine,” Violet growled. “It’s a deal,” She made her way over to the other bunk and plopped down on it. “But don’t think I’m letting you out of my sight!”
They sat like that for hours, Prisha dozing in and out of consciousness, Violet curled up on the opposite bed, never taking her eyes off her ward. Omar came by sometime in the afternoon with food, stating that Ruby had mixed more medicine into Prisha’s portion. Violet made sure Prisha ate it all and drank half of the pitcher of water on the dresser. The afternoon dragged on, hardly a word passing between the two. Willy and AJ had dropped off some books for their entertainment (and Garbage, though she had immediately scrambled out the door), but Prisha was too tired to read much and Violet couldn’t be bothered to try. Finally, as night began to set in and Violet lit the room’s candles, Prisha spoke.
“I’m sorry for being an ass,”
Violet was silent, unsure and unwilling to respond.
Prisha sighed and continued. “You know I was on the road for years. During that time, I didn’t have a bed. I hardly ever had medicine. When I got sick, I had no one to depend on but myself. I couldn’t rest because I had to keep moving. And I survived. I didn’t let any illness take me down, no matter how fucking awful I felt,”
Violet couldn’t meet Prisha’s eyes. “That doesn’t mean you have to do the same now,”
“I know. I know I should be grateful that I don’t have to press through anymore, that I have people to take care of me…” Prisha drifted off. “This is going to sound fucking stupid,”
“Try me,”
“When you came in and saw how sick I was and got Ruby, hauled all these pillows and blankets in here and made sure I was eating and drinking water and lying down…. It reminded me of my mom,”
“… Is that a bad thing,”
“No, it isn’t.” Prisha let out a heavy sigh, laying back on her pillows. “Whenever I got sick when I was little, she would absolutely bury me in blankets. She made this special soup full of spices and veggies that she said her grandma had made way back whenever my mom was little and got sick, and she’d forced me to eat every last bite. She’d sit with me all day and we’d watch all these Indian dramas on TV, really stupid, soap-opera type shit. She wouldn’t leave me for a single second,”
The room was quiet. Violet heard a soft sniffle. Was Prisha crying? She turned to look.
Her girlfriend’s eyes shone with tears and her nose was running. She was gazing out the window. “I know I shouldn’t project my own shit onto you. It’s just… you taking care of me made me miss my mom so fucking much,” She was crying now, her sobs catching in her throat.
“Hey,” Violet exclaimed, approaching the bed. “Hey, no, it’s alright. That’s not stupid,”
“Yeah, it is,” Prisha insisted, burying her face amongst the pillows.
What could she possibly say back? Unsure what else to do, Violet crawled up on the bed, laying beside Prisha and wrapping an arm around her.
Prisha turned her head back in shock. “No, don’t. You’ll get sick,”
“Don’t worry about it. Pneumonia’s not gonna fuck with me,” Violet nestled herself deeper against Prisha, the blanket pile enveloping both of them. Prisha adjusted her right arm which lay above them both, reaching out to gently play with Violet’s hair. Violet felt some of the tension leave her body as she relaxed under the covers.
It was a minute or two before she spoke again.
“My mom worked three different jobs. She wasn’t home most of the time, and neither was my dad. Whenever I got sick, she’d call my grandma to come over since she couldn’t miss her shift, then head out,”
“So you were alone at home?”
“Yeah, but that’s how it was most days anyways,”
“Did your grandma stay with you then?”
“Sorta. She’d come by after a few hours with a can of Campbell’s soup and heat it up in the microwave. Then she’d sit in the living room and watch her shows till my mom got home,”
“She wouldn’t sit with you?”
“Sometimes I’d go out in the living room with my blanket and watch with her. When she fell asleep, I’d switch the channel to cartoons,”
Prisha paused in her hair brushing. “I’m sorry,”
“Why?”
“My words must have come across as inconsiderate, complaining about missing my mom when yours wasn’t even around when you were sick,”
Violet shrugged. “Everyone’s got their own lives. Ours were just different,”
Prisha didn’t say anything, but she continued to stroke Violet’s hair. Violet could see herself starting to drift off amidst the warmth of their blanket cocoon.
“Violet?”
“Mmm?”
“Thank you for today. For staying with me,”
“Not like I had much else to do,”
Prisha chuckled. “If you say so. Oh, and one more thing,”
“Yeah,”
“Once I have Ruby’s permission to get off bedrest, we’re going on that sunrise walk together,”
She’d remembered.
Violet felt herself smiling. She was too far under the blankets for Prisha to see it though. “Ok,”
“Goodnight then,”
“Night,”
The next day, Violet woke with a cough.
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