always feel like a bit of a hypocrite for hating incorrect quotes but loving alignment chart memes. like. that’s their cousin.

Take Me To Church

(Long post, sorry!)

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“Hiya, Father.” Dean moves around a bit to get comfortable and thinks about what he could ‘confess’ to in order to bait the monster they were after.

“Pardon me?” The priest is confused by being addressed informally. This was surely not one of his regular church goers. Perhaps this person was new to the faith. Father Delaney looks over and it was officer Allman from before. What sins would he confess to?

“Pardon you? I thought it was the other way around.” He chuckles at his own joke, which he does because he feel out of his element. To Dean, praying was like abasement, calling out into the void… no idea if anyone is even listening. Groveling at the universe. “Just…it’s…” He clears his throat. “So, uh, I’m here to– here to clean house. I need to get some things off my chest.” Dean hadn’t planned beforehand what he would say to the priest but he new it had to be horrid enough to bait the being who had been killing the congregation. It was all unfaithful men… promiscuous… Dean knew what he could say to get the -ghost or spectre or whatever they were dealing with here- all riled up.

Father Delaney nods and prepares himself to be patient and understanding and non-judgemental. He had no clue what Dean would confess to, but he was prepared to listen and support him. “Oh. All right. Continue.”

Dean tries to make another joke to cover up his nervousness. “I’ve never done this before, so… here goes? Gosh, if I had known these benches were so stiff I would have brought a pillow or something!” He chuckles and looks at the ground, contemplating. If this goes wrong would he end up killing himself or Sam? Dean decided to cast such thoughts away. He decided he might as well just go for whatever story he could make up to make him sound as like as much of a jerk as possible. “Um…it’s the... women, Father. Where do I begin?” He chuckles.

The Father chuckles. “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned,” is usual.

“Right. Good. Yeah. So, uh... that, and, um… so, the women. Uh, and this is not something that I’m proud of, but I let them think that we have more of a future than we do, you know?” Dean remembers a time and reminisces for a moment. “Ah, Gina…” He smiles slightly, and then sighs.

“Gina?” Dean’s attention is brought back to the Priest. Right, he had a job to do. Might as well sell it like he did the neighborhood watch persona. He took a deep breath and looked around in the confessional to see if he could spot any peeping toms or listening ears. Dean didn’t quite feel comfortable revealing anything true about himself, especially since he knew someone would be listening.

“Well, now, don’t get me wrong. I mean, she was – it was good times. I mean, you know how it is – the sex, the lasagna – but I was not honest with her. And sometimes, I was seeing two, maybe three girls at the same time, sometimes in the same day. Haha, you get the picture. And it wasn’t just Gina. It was endless. It’s making me sick…”

Now there was some truth to that last line. His sleeping around has resulted in nothing good. Ben might have been, maybe is his son. Sam had to kill his Amazonian daughter. All it did was temporarily fill the void, just to leave it empty again. At least he felt something different. Something that wasn’t the guilt, pain, resent, and confusion that he walked with everyday. But, he wouldn’t be able to tell Sam any of this. It wasn’t because he wouldn’t understand. It was really because he had to keep up the image of invincible big brother, it was because he wouldn’t know where to begin with how to express himself. There’s so many emotions he doesn’t know how to describe, so many he suppresses… There’s so much inside of him that he feels. Some days he doesn’t think twice about it and other days it’s all he can think about. Each day it gets a little bit harder for Dean and he knows it. He doesn’t want to admit it but he knows it. Dean can’t believe he’s getting emotional with a near stranger. He blinks away a few would-be tears and takes a deep breath.

The Priest looks over at him concerned and then nods slowly. “And you wish to be forgiven, my son?”

Dean clears his throat and remembers to keep up with his performance. He has a job to do. “I do. I-I need to clean up my act…” He smiles, a transparent facade.

Father Delaney examines Dean and sees the anguish within his micro expressions. He wouldn’t pry, for sake of privacy but he did want to be sure and help Dean in any way he could. “As penance, you shall say five ‘Hail Mary’s’ two ‘Our Father’s ’, and reflect on your transgressions.”

“And then, that’s it? then I’m good to go?”

“Well… One would hope some inner exploration might occur. The prayers are just the beginning to some serious soul-searching.”

“Hmm… You done any soul searching yourself, Father?” Dean begins to wonder if perhaps he should suspect the priest.

“That, I have. I continue to do what I can, when I can. We all have our crosses to bear, agent. But it doesn’t mean we are alone. There will be peace when we are done.”

Dean is lost in thought for a moment, reliving all of the recent events, and some of the past ones. Was peace in the cards for Dean? He thought he deserved less.

Father Delaney sighs and looks ahead, thinking that perhaps if he didn’t look at him, then Dean would feel more comfortable and less like he’s being held on trial. “Is there anything else on your mind, Agent Allman?”

Dean chuckles, using laughter to mask his fear and anxiety; his weariness and his frustrations. “I don’t know…” Dean looks over at the priest and sighs. “There’s a lot of things I got on my plate… with the job, you know. It’s bloody. Messy. I have seen things that you wouldn’t believe...“ Dean looks down. “I just…”

“It’s alright, son, take your time.” He reassured Dean.

“What if I said I…I didn’t want to die…yet, you know, that I wasn’t ready?”

The Father asks a question. “Are you expecting to?”

“Always. You know, the life I live, the work I do…I pretty much just figured that that was all there was to me, you know? Tear around and jam the key in the ignition and haul ass until I ran out of gas. I guess I just thought sooner or later, I’d go out the same way that I live – pedal to the metal, and that would be it.” There’s a tense tightness in his chest as he says this. He thought that all he was worth was worth. Canon fodder. Soldier. Scapegoat. He thought he would die bloody and that would be it.

The Father noticed Dean spoke in past tense which led to another question. “But now?”

“Now, um… recent events, uh… make me think I might be closer to that than I really thought. And…I don’t know. It- It’s terrifying. I mean, you know, there’s still so much I feel I have left to do. There’s things I want to do, places I want to see... There’s… people in my life I want to spend more time with….” Dean pauses for a while after that.

“Unfinished business? Well you should tell those people how you feel. Tell them you appreciate them. Tell them you love them. Lots of people regret not doing that before it was too late. And I certainly hope it’s not too late for you, my son.”

Dean nods slowly. “There’s all these new feelings that I-I-I want to experience differently than I have before, or maybe even for the first time…”

The priest smiles slightly. “I see…” He looks over at Dean and nods. “They…” He paused for emphasis, must be very special to you. “ Dean nods and his heart feels heavy. “Go a little deeper, perhaps… than with ‘Gina’s. Explore yourself some more.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m just starting to think that… maybe there’s more to it all than I thought. I used to operate in a small little,” he glances and The Father and chuckles, “department, you could say. Same old rodeo everyday, and on Thursdays we have pie.” He smiles. “But now there’s a whole lot more out there. I learn a bit more every day. I always thought it would just be black and white, you know? Simple job. Catch the baddie, go home. But now a whole wide world has opened up, and… maybe it’s not all junk…” Dean clears his throat. “I just mean to say, that after a certain encounter a few years back, things have changed. Everything. It made me realize some things…”

Father Delaney nods. “Learning there’s more to the universe than your tiny world can be a frightening discovery. Especially when it prompts you to rediscover parts of yourself...” The Priest looks over at Dean. “Do you truly believe in God, Agent? Because that can be a comfort.”

Dean sighs. “I believe there is a God. But I’m not sure he still believes in us.” He falters, and then clears his throat.

“It’s okay to have doubts. We all have them. You just have to find your truth and what you believe for yourself. I believe we are all God’s children, Agent Allman. That there are angels above watching over us. I believe that no matter what happens, we will be where we need to be, when we need to be there. It will all work itself out. Have faith and you shall see.”

“Faith, trust and pixie dust. Got it.” Dean smiles and waits for a bit before standing. “Thanks Padre.”

Dean walks out of the confessional feeling lighter. He had forgotten he and Sam were working a job, and he shuddered. It was time to get back to work. He tucked away his vulnerability once again.

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There’s a little headcanon of mine 😌 This is what happened in my version of spn, so to speak. 😁 this is what I think took Dean so long. Hope you enjoyed 😝

(Edited)

It’s just a moment (Kamilah Sayeed & MC)

Book: Bloodbound (property of Pixelberry Studios) Pairing: Kamilah Sayeed & MC: Amy (I do not own those characters, they’re the property of Pixelberry Studios as well.) Warnings: fluff

Author’s note:  I’m not a native English speaker, I’m sorry for any mistakes (feel free to correct me).

Hi, it’s been a while since I posted 😄

It’s a one-shot story, yeah, I know, you can be angry at me for not continuing Meant To Be, and instead, writing something new haha 😅  

I hope you’ll enjoy this short story 💕 

~ 1900 words  

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It’s just a moment

A sound of quiet scratching of the pencil on the paper filled the air in Central Park in New York.

It was dark outside, as almost everyone in the city was sleeping for a long time, except for Amy. Instead, she was sitting there near the lake, with her earphones on, lost in her drawing.

A delicate gust of wind was brushing her blonde hair from time to time, making it fall on her face. That was the only thing interrupting Amy’s creative process as she had to every couple of minutes tuck her hair behind the ears to see anything.

Beyond that, everything around her was peaceful, as always.

Recently she had been spending most of her evenings out there. She usually went to the park after her classes at college or her part-time job finished. Then, she used to stay there until the evening, writing down her thoughts next to the drawings she made during the day.

That night would have been no different, except something happened.

Amy was in the middle of sketching the panorama of the city when she noticed a slight change in her surroundings. Maybe it was her sixth sense that people keep talking so much about… perhaps not.

It had to be so much more… fate?

She looked up from her work to see someone walking far away from her in a different direction. Because of the faint light of the lamps, she could only recognize the shape of a human. Someone who, like a shadow, was hidden behind the darkness of the night.

The girl took out her earphones. The sweet music faded away, making it possible to focus on the quiet sounds of the park. But as soon she did that, the shadow disappeared, impossible to find anywhere.

“Weird…” Amy muttered to herself.

But since the person she saw was walking in a different direction, she decided there was nothing to worry about. Just to be more cautious, she left the earphones alone, turning off the music and focusing back on her work.

Another few lines appeared on the drawing, creating shadows of the buildings. Amy wanted to check something in her notes, so she put the current sketch and a few previous ones aside. Suddenly, the wind got more powerful, and even if the girl managed to catch in time most of the sheets of paper, the one on the top went flying in the air.

Her eyes followed the journey of the drawing until she saw it landing on the ground a few matters ahead. The girl let out a short sigh of relief as the sheet of paper might have as well landed in the water.

But her relief faded away when she noticed someone bending over to pick it up.

Amy stayed in one place stiff, but luckily it was just a strange woman that probably went out for a walk in the dark of night.

She was wearing a fancy, and probably expensive, burgundy suit. When she stood up straight, Amy was able to look closely at her features. They were absolutely perfect, creating a beautiful image that left the girl speechless.

“Out of pure curiosity,” the woman spoke aloud, an intoxicating sound of her voice certainly wasn’t helpful at that moment. “What a young artist is doing here at this hour?”

Corners of the woman’s mouth curled up a little, making Amy finally stop staring at them. Instead, she moved her gaze up, meeting those beautiful chestnut eyes, getting lost in the view… again.

Say something, the girl scolded herself, prying for her own voice to sound natural.

“Um…” she slowly got up, gathering her things. “I’m no artist.”

The woman looked at her confidently, taking Amy’s whole appearance in. For a moment, the girl could swear that she saw a red spark among the warm brown shade inside her iris. That’s when another gust of wind appeared, messing Amy’s hair, causing her to blush a little.

“Alright, No-artist,” the woman said when the wind went down. “That doesn’t alter the fact that it’s still late,” her eyes squinted, “and dangerous for you to be out here.”

This time Amy was the one with the confidence in her green eyes. She didn’t like to be bossing around, and despite aura this woman had around herself, she felt like the stranger was crossing the line.

“Well, I’m not the only one out here,” Amy smiled teasingly, pretending to sound like her, “at this hour.”

The woman raised her left eyebrow at those words, quite impressed. But even this small gesture caused Amy to lose all of her previous confidence, making her cheeks turn pinkish.

“Fair enough,” finally, the brunette spoke, giving Amy a short break from her intense stare. “My name is Kamilah.”

She took a few steps toward the girl, reaching out her hand. In the other one, she was holding the drawing of Amy’s. But the girl completely forgot about that, paying all her attention to this intriguing person she had just met.

“I’m Amy,” she shook the hand, feeling the electricity coming through her body as their skin touched with each other.

Again, this spark in the woman’s eyes. Amy was almost sure that she saw a crimson shade inside of them, but… that’s not possible, right?

“Haven’t you had enough art for one day?” Kamilah took her hand away, keeping eye contact with the girl.

“Excuse me?” Amy stiffened slightly, a mistrust building inside her chest.

But the woman only smiled softly, noticing this change in her appearance. She was able to easily sense her muscles tensing, breath getting lighter before it would, as the opposite, become heavy from fear.

She knew the pattern of her victims.

“Can you see this enormous building?” Kamilah pointed in the direction, making Amy’s eyes follow. “That’s my company, Ahmanet Financial,” she said, still noticing a misunderstanding in the girl’s eyes. “I can easily see you from my office, sitting here every day, drawing.”

Amy looked once again at the building, measuring the distance inside her head. After a moment, she laughed shortly, looking back at the woman.

“What do you have there, a telescope?” Amy laughed again, but seeing that her joke made no impression on the woman, she bit her lower lip to shut herself up.

“Let’s call it,” Kamilah stared for a moment at her mouth before she looked into her eyes, “good eyesight.”

“Sure…” Amy let go of the topic, but inside her head, thoughts were fighting with each other.

How good eyesight she had to have to notice her from such distance? To recognize her?

“And now,” Kamilah went back to the question, “why, pray tell, are you still out here?”

For a moment, Amy considered if she should answer this question. But, after a while of searching for a hint of bad intentions inside the woman’s eyes, she gave up.

“I…” the girl wasn’t sure what words to use, but Kamilah’s encouraging nod helped her keep going. “I like drawing during the day because I can capture the moment of people’s life. The one and only moment from my perspective, as the couples sit by the lake, talking. Children play around after finishing school. Owners come out with their dogs for a walk…” she smiled, reminding herself all sketches that she had of those situations. “I like it a lot, but what I truly love…” she paused, looking at the surroundings, “…is cherishing those moments. Improving them on the paper, maybe adding something new, taking something away… it depends.”

A short silence fell between them, as Kamilah was listening, lost in this answer. After a while, she lifted the piece of paper that she held in her hand all this time. And for the first one, she looked at the sketch.

“So,” her voice full of curiosity, “what kind of moment do you capture by drawing the city that will remain the same for years?”

Amy laughed sweetly at this clueless tone of the woman’s voice. But in return, Kamilah only gave her a small smile, nothing less, nothing more.

“The city will stay the same,” the blonde started patiently, “but I won’t. It’s about capturing how I see it tonight. Tomorrow my eyes might see this building differently. I might focus on different aspects, "she looked at the panorama covered with darkness. "What if I can’t come here tomorrow, and today is the last opportunity for me to catch this memory?”

Their eyes met again. Brown with the green ones, looking into each other’s souls. The invisible connection was growing between them with every second.

“I know,” Amy laughed again, looking down, “it sounds crazy, I’m sorry, I got lost in this explanation.”

“No, it does not,” Kamilah’s confident voice made the girl lift her gaze. “And don’t ever apologize for being passionate about something,” she returned the sketch. “And this is really a good drawing.”

For a while, they stood in front of each other speechless, but there was no awkwardness between them. The silence seemed natural until Amy interrupted it after catching herself on getting lost in the woman’s eyes once again.

“So…” she started quietly. “What about you, Kamilah? Why are you here tonight?”

The question clearly caught the woman off guard as she moved slightly, composing herself. She wasn’t expecting Amy to ask her anything, she wasn’t expecting anyone to be curious about her at this point.

And for sure, Kamilah didn’t plan on telling the real reason for her visit to the park.

“I wanted to get some fresh air after work,” a lie smoothly escaped her mouth.

“At this hour?” Amy tilted her head to the right, smiling.

“Yes,” Kamilah smirked at this adorable human being. “I work late, and I really appreciate the night air. There is something calm about being outside when everyone around is sleeping, waiting for the next day,” she closed her eyes for a second, taking herself out of those thoughts. “See? You’re not the only one talking crazy,” Kamilah laughed nervously.

“You’re not talking crazy,” Amy was listening to her mesmerized.

Another gust of wind picked up, breaking the tension between them.

“I should get going,” the woman spoke after the wind calmed itself.

“Wait,” Amy’s voice sounded more panicked than she wanted. “I mean… why don’t you stay with me a little bit longer? I could use some company.”

She didn’t want to scare the woman with her invitation, so she added a little smile, patiently waiting for an answer. Kamilah studied her face for a few seconds, considering her options.

She could stay there with this charming young woman, enjoy her company, learn more about her. Maybe even let her in. But it wasn’t hard for Kamilah to predict how it would end up for both of them.

The vampire knew too well how this whole situation would have turned out if not for this one piece of paper landing in front of her, interrupting her previous plan.

“I really appreciate the invitation,” chestnut eyes looking deeply into hers. “Maybe some other time, Amy.”

The wind picked up much more, making Amy’s hair fall on her face, leaving her struggling with it for a moment.

“I’m looking forward…” the girl finally regained control over her hairstyle, just to find herself alone in the park, “…to that.”

She looked around, but the mysterious woman was nowhere to find. Amy was confused, but she decided to not overthink the situation too much. Instead, she sat down on the ground and took out a new sheet of paper.

The graphite of the pencil left several lines on the white surface.

As Amy was capturing another moment.

Flashworld (Ralph Dibny x Reader)

Rating: G

Summary: During a storm, a freak accident sends you into a very familiar world - one you happen to watch every week on TV - and come face to face with a member of Team Flash.

A/N: As soon as I read this request, it made me think of the beginning of Netflix’s Dramaworld (and if you haven’t seen it, I highly suggest checking that out).

“Oh my God, Ralph’s first super suit!” you exclaim to yourself, with a laugh. “It really was terrible in season four.”

Holding your phone in your hand, you are so into this episode of The Flash. It’s one you’ve seen before, obviously, but with your intense rewatch of the series, nothing would distract you from the small screen.

Not even when you should be cleaning up on your late shift at work. And truth be told, you kind of don’t want to leave the building yet. That storm outside is pretty nasty...

Everyone had gone home already, the doors are locked, and as you clean up everyone’s mess from earlier, you still have your phone in one hand. The Flash blares on.

“Ralph had such great character development,” you continue to talk to yourself. “He’s such a sweetie on the inside. Ugh, look at that smile!”

Thunder rumbles outside and nearly breaks your concentration from the show. Nearly.

“It’s so heartbreaking when DeVoe takes over his body. I’m in no hurry for that episode.”

Miraculously, something breaks through to your concentration and commentary on the episode when you hear the tell-tale sounds of riffraff outside the building. You groan and head towards the window to crack it open.

“Hey, you kids!” you shout down at them from above. “Get a move on! There’s no loitering here!”

“Yeah, whatever!” they holler back rebelliously, and maybe seem like they’re about to leave after all. Ugh, youths.

“I can wait here all night! Or do you want me to call the-?”

You aren’t even able to finish your sentence because it’s in this very second that the impossible decides to strike.

Literally.

While one hand holds your phone, and the other still grips the metal handle of the window, lightning strikes you. At first, you feel a jolt, then this odd and frightening sense like you’re spinning. Is this what death feels like?

Everything is dark and wet. Did you fall out of the window? If so, then why aren’t you in severe pain? You are inundated with a series of questions, but first, you decide to hurry back inside your building.

Except it looks nothing like your building.

Climbing the stairs, you reach the second floor - your floor - and find the door down the hall and on the left. But what you find at the door is not the business you work for. Absolutely not. What you do find is something that makes you scream.

Ralph Dibny

Private Investigator

“What the actual hell? What is going on here?” In a continuing series of outbursts from you trying to decipher who’s playing this joke on you, the door you’re so concerned about starts to open.

“What’s all the commotion about…?”

You hear the familiar voice before you lay eyes on the extremely familiar face, finding yourself blinking and gaping at the very real and attractive face of Ralph freaking Dibny.

What the actual f-

Shoes still wet from being outside, you slip on the slick floor, arms flailing and all. But ever the hero, Ralph catches you in the nick of time. Were those his stretchy arms? Is it really him? Is this seriously happening?

“Whoa now, up you go,” he says, getting you to stand back on your feet again.

“I- Is this a dream?”

“Don’t worry, I have that effect on the ladies,” Ralph tells you with a wink as if it’s a secret.

“...Thanks. For that,” you gesture, referring to him catching you. “I’m sorry, but where exactly am I? Just so I’m sure.”

“You’re at my office? Did you need a private investigator?”

“Not at this moment,” you reply, still trying to wrap your head around this… this is a dream, right? “And I’m in…?”

“One hell of a pair of jeans?” Ralph offers. Oh my God, is Ralph Dibny flirting with me??

You can’t help the giggle that leaves you at the sheer insanity. This is unreal. “I meant the city. This is… Central City, correct?”

“That’s right. Have you been hit in the head, by chance?”

“Not as far as I know,” you murmur. “And, you know, just for laughs, what year is it?”

“Two thousand eighteen, baby!” Ralph confirms for you. “Although I still find myself writing two thousand seventeen, don’t you?”

"Haha, yeah, totally.”

This is such a trip.

So, if you really are in season four of The Flash as you’re suspecting, then things will play out like in the show, right? What about the in-between bits of the episodes, what happens then? Your head feels like it’s going to explode. You need to figure out when exactly you fell into the show.

“Say, Ralph- can I call you Ralph?” you ask.

“You can call me anything you want and any time you want,” he replies smoothly.

Okay, keep it together. Keep it together.

“Noted,” you play-punch his arm and you mentally scold yourself. He may seem familiar to you because he’s on your favourite show, but you’ve never met him before now! “Um, anyway, right, so, how’s Barry Allen doing? I know you’re friends with him. I’ve been trying my best to keep up with the news…”

Ralph looks a bit taken aback at the mention of his friend and Team Flash leader. “He’s a real champ, doing the best anyone could in his situation. You know, he’s completely innocent.”

Ah, okay, it’s around Barry’s trial.

“I believe that he is too,” you tell him. “Actually, Ralph, I was wondering-”

“-Yes, you can have my number.”

You laugh again. He really is incorrigible. Ralph appears proud that he keeps getting you to laugh so easily.

“Slow your roll, Casanova. I want to help.” You look around the corridor for prying ears. “I know things.”

Ralph narrows his eyes at you. “What exactly do you know?”

“I kind of know what happens in the future,” you say, bracing yourself.

“You mean you’re psychic? Are you a meta?” he whispers.

“Uh, yes?” Oh great. You’re lying to an actual investigator. Funnily enough, though, Ralph seems to buy it. “And I know your secret.”

“My secret?” he asks warily.

“Your very elongated secret. But don’t worry, you can trust me. I’m a big fan.”

That came out far too fangirly than you’d expected. There’s a bit of a pause in the conversation as Ralph surveys you. You expect he’s trying to get a read on you.

“How would you like to work with me?” he asks straight out of the gate.

“Wow, what? Really? Just like that?”

“Sure. I could use a psychic meta on my cases, and I know some other folks that might appreciate your powers. Especially right about now.”

He means Team Flash, he means Team Flash!

“Yes, okay, I would love to work with you, Ralph,” you reply with a grin.

“Great. Why don’t you meet me back here at ten tomorrow morning? We can get started.”

“Wonderful. Awesome. Sounds good. See you then.” With one last glance at the PI, you turn around on your heels and make your way back from which you entered. As you begin to leave the building, even more questions start to fill your head.

Will things change the timeline of the show now that you’re here inside it? Are you able to change things - like Barry going to jail or DeVoe taking over Ralph’s body?

Does this mean you’re a character in the show now?

Are you… being watched by millions of people at home at this very moment?

You give a little wave to nowhere in particular, and start to think about where you might stay the night in Central freaking City.

~

Requested by @kurtbastianlover​: Hi can you write a one shot where reader would appear in flash universe and she would know what happens to Ralph and how in the end they defeat de voe because in her reality she watched the flash on TV and Ralph would be attracted to her because she would get his jokes and also have an eye for detail and help him as P.I.

Wanderlust

A/n: I low-key forgot to post this, holy doodoo. I’ve had some stuff going on so this completely slipped my mind. Crazy, I know. But hey, here it is. Not that anyone’s really looking forward to reading this, haha. Anywho, for those of y’all that are actually reading this: I appreciate you.

Disclaimer: I found this gif on google. I’m too lazy to make gifs of my own.

Word count: 6124

Chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Chapter 3

In just an hour after her recommended pill ingestion time passed, the effects of failing to take the medicine were more than obvious. Her nails were a lot longer than she originally had them, her canines were abnormally long and sharp, and finally, she had an insatiable hunger for blood. The nails were the least of her problems, she’d gotten used to them already, even grew to think they were cute. Well, not really. Since she’d gotten her nails done a few days before her flight, her acrylic nails were still attached. With nothing to do but travel around in a carriage and look around at the moving scenery, she gently picked and picked and picked until she was able to pull the acrylic nails off her real ones. Keep in mind, her idea of gentle, is not gentle at all. Instead of being careful, she just ripped all her nails off. It was pretty painful, in case you were wondering. But the pain only lasted a second before the nails grew right back. Her canines were a minor inconvenience, but an inconvenience nonetheless. Because they were abnormally long and sharp, she kept biting her bottom lip. Which would heal quickly, yes, thanks to that wonderful healing ability vampires and dhampirs have, but it still hurt like a bitch every time it happened. And the biggest inconvenience to present itself thus far, was her appetite. She felt like she could die right then and there.

It felt terrible, she couldn’t wait to rid herself of her hunger. She grew more and more desperate as time passed, she even considered, for lack of a better term, eating her new human companions. She shook her head violently, clashing her hand to her mouth. No, she couldn’t do that. The mere thought of it was disgusting on her part. She couldn’t believe the idea had even crossed her mind. But they’d surely understand, right? There was no doubt they’d let her feed off of them, right? She bit down on her hand, immediately drawing blood as she did so. However, in an attempt to subdue her cravings, she only made things worse for herself.

“Stop the carriage, Belmont,” she heard Adrian command. Trevor groaned, “We’ve only been moving for an hour–” “Trevor, just do it.” Said Sypha, prompting yet another complaint to leave the hunter’s lips before he ordered the horses to stop moving. “Why are we stopping?”

The blond didn’t bother answering him before climbing off the wagon and turning to the other dhampir. “Out.” Aurora didn’t budge. It was like she hadn’t even realised he existed. She was in her own world. “Get out.” He repeated, though he knew it was pointless and he’d have to get her attention some other way. Alucard knew she was hungry, her pathetic behaviour was quite an indicator for it. He was considering drawing some of his own blood, knowing it’d do the job, but he heard some rustling in the woods around them and decided to go after whatever unlucky creature that was making the noise instead. He came back with a hare clutched tightly in his left hand. He brought his right hand up and lifted his index finger. His nail grew quickly and he used said nail to slice the hare open. Rory’s nostrils flared as she took in the smell of fresh blood. Her head slowly turned to face the source of the smell. She let out a sigh, “Is that for me?” “Yes, it is. But you’re going to have to step out of the wagon if you want it, otherwise, you’ll have to spend some time cleaning before we start to move again.” Adrian didn’t have to say anything else, the girl practically ran out and snatched the poor animal; sucking the life out of it behind one of the trees in a flash, thanks to her ‘super speed’. The man waited until he heard the slurping stop before he spoke once again, “Are you finished?”

“Mhm…” “Are you still hungry?”

“A bit, yes…” She was still very hungry, but she wasn’t going to say it. She felt too embarrassed to admit that.

“It’s not much for you, but it should hold you off in the meantime. We’ll go look for something bigger to eat after we finish.”

“Finish what?” Rory gulped nervously. “I’m going to start teaching you how to use your powers.”

It was dreadful. While Sypha and Trevor slept, the dhampirs fought each other in the name of 'training’. Even though the male was holding back a lot of his built strength and knowledge for fighting, the girl was worn out after a couple of hours. Thankfully, Alucard didn’t care much to continue and kept his promise. He caught a deer for her to eat. They’d share. Well, he’d drink a little bit of the blood and let her have the majority of it, but it’s still considered sharing. After that, they’d spend some more time talking about different things: what life was like for them before this point in time, what other people were like in their respective times, etc. Though, it did take some time for Rory to open up about her childhood and for good reason. There were many things that were difficult for her to speak about: her father’s death being one and the abuse she’d gone through afterward because of her mother’s bad taste in men being the another. Those were things she didn’t open her mouth about. Whenever the topic came up, she’d subtly change the subject. It never once went past Adrian, but he wasn’t the type to pry, either, and so, he’d always go along in the direction that she moved the conversation.

After a week of doing the same thing every night, -training more and more furiously each time- Adrian thought it would be quite fun to try something different. He’d already taught her how to use her telekinetic abilities, but he had yet to teach her how to float. It wasn’t imperative for her to know how to float, but he figured that it would be nice to take a break from combat training. When he told Rory about this idea, she was actually pretty excited.

And when she actually managed to do it, she felt great. At first, she thought, “cool, I can float.” She loved the idea that she didn’t have to use her legs to get to point A to point B. But once she started to float, she couldn’t stop floating. And that was why, while everyone else enjoyed sitting outside of the carriage, watching things as they passed, she stayed inside yet again; sitting with her arms and legs crossed. Or, at least, trying to since every moment she forgot about the floating issue, she floated to the very top before she managed to bring herself back down– often times asking the vampire tutor himself for help.

“There. That’s my tree.” Trevor pointed. The other three people in the vicinity looked at it. “I used to play in that tree, we’re almost there.”

Oh thank God. She was really struggling to keep still. “It’s hard to imagine you playing.” Aurora heard Sypha say. “Yeah. I suppose so. But it was everything, that tree. It was my house and my boat and my fort. Anything I wanted it to be.” Trevor looked back as they continued, “goodnight, tree.” Aurora decided to go to the far back of the carriage, using the skinny pieces of wood to help her manoeuvre her way over to the unbothered blond. “Hey, why don’t you come and sit down?”

Adrian turned around and looked inside, “I don’t really want to.” Aurora shot him a look that told him she wasn’t amused by his comment and that was all it took for him to climb inside.

They sat in peace and quiet with the occasional complaint about the floating issue. “I guess I won’t be sleeping for the next few days. Between taking care of you and finding ways to kill my father, my hands are full.”

She smiled nervously, “sorry about that.” Adrian shook his head, “It’s quite alright. I don’t even need to sleep, I’m half-vampire, remember?”

“Even still…”

“Like I said, it’s fine. Believe it or not, this is a… pleasant distraction from what is happening.” “I’m sorry about that too…” Once again, he shook his head. “Don’t be. It’s not your fault, you haven’t caused me any trouble apart from floating uncontrollably. It’s my father that is making things difficult for everyone.” His little speech was interrupted by the vampire hunter that worked part time as a chauffeur.

“We’re here,” Trevor announced once the wagon had come to a full stop. “Get out, bloodsuckers.” Sypha elbowed him before they hopped off their seats. Alucard stepped out and walked toward the ruined building without a second thought. “Um… Alucard.” Aurora called out.

“Yes?” “Do you mind helping me out here?” “You’ve got legs, you can help yourself out.” “What if I float away?” “That won’t happen, don’t worry.” “But what if it does? How can you be so sure?”

Alucard sighed, he knew he wasn’t going to win this mini argument. He reminded himself that this was entirely new to the girl and that she didn’t know any better. The blond walked back over to her and offered her his left arm. “If it makes you feel better, you can hold onto me.”

Aurora didn’t hesitate to grab onto the dhampir’s arm and cling to it as she got down from the carriage and floated alongside him into the destroyed Belmont family home.

They walked in through the front, each of them lit and held their own torch, except for Alucard, of course, since he was too busy letting the seventeen year old hold onto him. “This was your home?” Sypha asked as they walked around the ruined mansion.

“Yeah.” Trevor responded. “You grew up here?” “Yeah.” “I can’t imagine what it was like to grow up in a single place.” “Are you a gypsy or something?” Aurora asked from where she was. “No, I’m a Speaker, I told you.” “Okay, cool. Thanks for clearing things up.” Trevor sighed, ignoring the interaction and answering what he was asked, “It was fine. Wasn’t the worst way to grow up.” “How old were you when your family home was taken?” Alucard stroked the doorway when he asked this question before stepping away toward the only other man in the building, completely unbothered by the teenager that clung onto him for dear life.

“Oh, thirteen? Fourteen? Something like that.” “You’ve been on your own since you were thirteen?” Sypha was obviously shocked by this information. “Maybe twelve. Who remembers that sort of thing?” Aurora just listened, she couldn’t imagine what it had been like for him. She couldn’t imagine being put in his position. “Twelve,” Alucard repeated. “Is there a point to these questions?” “I’m disturbed to find that I had more of a childhood than you did.” Trevor dusted himself off as he stood back up, “and your dad’s fucking Dracula.”

Alucard chuckled. Pretty soon everyone in the ruined room was giggling. But it ended just as quickly as it started. Trevor and Sypha left the room together first. Then so did Alucard, stringing Aurora along with him as they looked around before Trevor announced that he found the opening to the hold. They all gathered around, Aurora’s eyes scanned every face in front and beside her as they all spoke.

“Your hidden entrance looks like a hearthstone.” Alucard jested. Trevor grunted as he picked up one of the giant pieces of rubble, “just help me clear it.” He ordered and he struggled to set it down somewhere that would be out of the way. Alucard smirked to himself and did the same with ease. It was so easy for him, in fact, that he was able to throw the stone across the room one handed, though he had no choice but to, he had someone at his side that would not let go of his arm.

“Aurora, you’ve got super strength too, don’t be lazy,” Alucard called her out, prompting the soon to be eighteen year old to turn her face and look at him. “Uhh… Are you sure I’m gonna be able to pick this up?” She expressed her doubt.

“You’re half-vampire, are you seriously telling me you don’t think you can pick up small pieces of rock?” Trevor glared at Alucard, not amused by his comment. “They’re pretty big–” she stopped herself when she saw one of those ‘small pieces of rock’ flying toward her face. Her hands unclasped themselves from the man’s limb and instinctively moved up to protect herself, catching it in the process. “Hey! What the hell?” “Is it heavy?” “No, but–” “Okay then, maybe next time I tell you to do something and I’m clearly capable of doing it as well, you’ll do it.” “Fuck you.”

“No thank you, my bed is only suited for one person at a time. Typically, I’d be able to squeeze a woman in if I wanted to, but you’re a bit… big,” he responded nonchalantly as he finished moving the rocks out of the way. Did he just call her fat? Yes. Yes he did. Rory rolled her eyes. “Congratulations. You’ve just discovered a big piece of stone.” The brat announced before turning to face Aurora, “congratulations to you, too. You’re not floating anymore.” The girl looked down and smiled. He wasn’t lying, she wasn’t floating. Her smile faded once she looked down at the ‘door’.

“Why’d you even bother me about moving those rocks if you were gonna do it yourself, anyway?” She muttered in annoyance as she stepped to the side.

“It’s the door,” Trevor corrected him a little too late, the feeling of agitation was still fresh, regardless.

“Do we lift it, or…?” Sypha questioned, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion whilst she looked at said door.

Alucard didn’t waste a second, immediately attempting to lift the ‘door’ off the ground. When he couldn’t just pop it open, Sypha ran her hands over the engravings. “I see now. You won’t be able to lift it.”

“Well, my family got it up somehow. I was taken down there as a child.” “Did you see them lift it?” “No, they brought me through it once it was opened. They told me they’d teach me how to do it one day, I supposed there was a special trick.” “Oh, that’s nice.” Aurora cackled cynically. “Were your parents magicians?” “No. I mean, they knew a lot, but this door was put in by one of our ancestors.” “Well, I guess the special trick was passed down the generations, the way we speakers transmit knowledge. Your parents knew the trick, but didn’t know where it came from or what it really was.” Sypha stood up straight. “Stand back.” Without a peep coming from anyone, they all moved away before she magicked that door away. Yes, away. That door was gone and Aurora was confused. “Open sesame.”

“Was that an Enochian word?” Alucard asked as he handed the woman her torch.

“Yes, I know that language.” She said proudly as she took it. “Well, well, naughty Belmonts hunting the terrible things of the forest but sitting on a magic door opened by occult language.” “I didn’t know it was a fucking magic door. Doesn’t make us black magicians.” “But you know that the word ‘teloch’ means ‘of death’, right?” “Shut up.” He muttered as he walked down the stairs. “It’s the magical door of death, Belmont.” “Are you coming or what?” They went in, climbing down the stairs. Aurora admired the architecture as they did so. She loved old buildings, more specifically, the ones from the dark ages and prior. They were so beautiful in her eyes, nothing could compare to them. “Belmont isn’t even a Wallachian name. That just dawned on me.”

“Yeah, it’s French,” Aurora answered absent-mindedly. Trevor smiled at her answer, “yes. My family’s originally from the Kingdom of France, but we moved out of there a few hundred years ago.” “Moved or chased?” Alucard teased. “Moved, thank you very much.” “With people behind you waving pitchforks and torches?” Aurora giggled, having seen Sypha facepalm in response to Alucard’s remarks. Alucard thought she was laughing at his comments and felt pleased with himself for it.

“No. No, we’re professionals, we move where the work is.”

“What does that even mean?” Sypha scoffed. They’d just reached the bottom of the stairs and were standing in front of yet another door.

“All the dark things moved into the east. I think it was a Leon Belmont who entered the region first.” He explained, wagging his finger around prior to opening the door. Luckily, this door didn’t require magic to open, but it did take a little bit of rattling to open. “And he built this house and dug the foundations for everything underneath it.

Sypha used magic to bring light to the hold Deluminator* style. Aurora was amazed, “Yo, I think JK Rowling stole that from you– holy shit this has more books than every library in Miami combined.” She continued to scan the area with her eyes, “holy fuck are those real skeletons? Qué chévere*!”

“My God,” Sypha let out, handing her torch over to Alucard who seemed unimpressed.

“The memory of my family. All that’s left of us.” Trevor walked down the steps. The older woman followed him down, “is it organised?” She asked, “is there a way to find things?” Alucard stepped down as well, “I imagine one sacrifices a chicken and divines the location of the book you want from the intestines. Maybe Belmont has a crystal ball in here you could ask.” Trevor glared at him furiously, “shut up..” “It’s an impressive tip, Belmont, but it is, nonetheless, a tip. Your ancestors were apparently mentally ill hoarders. I fully expect to find family cats mummified under some of these shelves. Unless your family preferred to eat them.” Trevor shoved him, passing him down the steps, “There’s an index on the lectern at the bottom.” “So this really is a managed collection?” Sypha thought aloud. “It’s the work of generations. An archive of everything we’ve found and learned since the days of Leon Belmont.” Alucard separated himself from the group, as did Aurora, but she went in a different direction, eager to see the statues she’d spotted from the top of the staircase up close.

“What was your Leon Belmont doing in Wallachia?” “Hunting Dracula.” Alucard said as he stared at the glass case that contained vampire skulls. “Here it all is, then. The last of us.”

And the group discussion continued, Aurora drowned them out as she admired the sculptures. The conversation didn’t interest her until she heard Sypha admiring the contents of the structure. “This is quite amazing. Isn’t it? It’s amazing.”

“Charming.” “You’re not even a little bit impressed?” “Yeah, Al, you have to admit, this place is bomb as fuck.” Aurora called from where she was. She could feel his glare from across the room.

“It’s like a museum dedicated to the extermination of our people, so no. Not thrilled. And you shouldn’t be, either.” He lectured before walking away from the glass case that only served to fuel his disgust.

“Someone’s salty.” Aurora murmured, moving her attention away from the statues and heading over to the index Trevor told them about. She prayed the brunet’s family had what she needed to find: anything related to time-travel and locators. She hoped the things she saw on her TV had some truths to them. She hoped the Vampire Diaries got that locator spell thing right. She read the different categories and found herself a bit disappointed, but she didn’t give up completely. She re-read the pages as if anything would change. Of course nothing did, but she did notice a category she hadn’t picked up on before. She grinned, it was exactly what she needed. Well, for the most part. While there weren’t any locator spells, she did find one for time related things. Thanks to that, she was able to have some sort of starting point, some place to start looking. Her smile dropped. It was really shitty of her to be amid the population of literate beings and not offer to help the very people that helped her. She felt a bit guilty, she was being selfish.

“Al,” Aurora called, still scanning through the index in case she still missed something. Not even a second after she summoned him, he appeared behind her.

“What do you want?” His arms were crossed. “To help you.” His gaze softened, “but I don’t know where to even start looking or what you’re looking for…” she finished.

Alucard smiled softly, “you want to help me, hm? Can you even read?” “Do you think I’d be offering to help if I didn’t?” “What languages can you read in?” “Well, I can read in English, all the romance languages, and German. Hopefully, I can be of some help.”

“It’s better than absolutely nothing. Belmont can’t even read himself.” He commented, “wait, do all humans read and understand more than one language in the future?”

“Not everyone knows how to read, but the vast majority do. And not many speak and read in multiple languages… I was raised speaking mainly English, Spanish and Romanian. Romanian from my mother, Spanish from my father and his side of the family as well as the kids in school that only spoke Spanish that I’d translate for. English because that was the main language that was mainly spoken in school. My mom made it a point to drill the importance of learning as many languages as I can. I didn’t really mind since I figured it’d help me when I become a doctor and needed to help someone that doesn’t speak English.”

“You want to become a doctor?” He repeated, finding that to be very interesting, he didn’t really expect for her to say she wanted to be a doctor. “Yeah, I like to help people, believe it or not. I know I’ve acted a bit selfish for the past few days, I promise I’m not usually like that,” she explained. “Anyway, what do I look for and where do I look for it?” Alucard directed her to the general area.

“Don’t worry yourself too much about helping us, a lot of the texts are in languages you might not understand, regardless. We don’t mind if you look for your own things.”

“I still want to help any way I can since you’ve all been nice to me. I’ll look for my stuff later tonight before I go to sleep or something. But I want to prioritise this since this is the more pressing issue.”

Alucard nodded and started walking off before he stopped and turned to speak to the seventeen year old again. “If you need help in your search, don’t be shy about asking me.”

Aurora smiled at him and nodded, “Okay, cool.” “Cool? You’re feeling chilly?” “No,” she giggled. “How do I explain what cool means to a guy from the fifteenth century? In this context, I meant that it was fine. However, sometimes it’s used to say that something or someone is impressive? It’s also used as another way to say ‘yes’ or ‘sure.”

“Ah. Alright. Thanks for the unnecessary lesson,” he chuckled. “Oh, fuck you.” “As I’ve stated before, I prefer to keep my bed to myself.”

Aurora rolled her eyes aggressively and walked off to start looking through the many books in the small section Adrian had pointed her to not too long ago. She took her phone, plugged her headphones in, and hummed along to the music she was listening to as she searched the gigantic archive. Adrian watched her closely as she read and sang before looking through some books himself.

“Alucard, look what I’ve–” Sypha stopped speaking the moment she saw him staring at the other dhampir and quietly walked backwards toward the spot she was at previously. The young blond didn’t even seem to notice.

Hours had passed since then, Trevor and Sypha had already gone to sleep; Aurora and Adrian stayed up as usual. She’d forgotten the dhampir didn’t sleep because it was so quiet in there. She took this opportunity to do what she normally did when she was alone in her room at night back at home: cry. If not cry, then just allow herself her time alone to feel every emotion she’d suppressed throughout the course of the day. It was her way of making up for her unhealthy habit of keeping her remotely negative emotions locked off. But even when she was ‘letting it out’ in private, she still held herself back. She never let herself fully eject these sensations. Along with struggling to speak to others about her problems, she struggled to admit them to herself as well. She was her worst therapist. Her worst friend. Her worst enemy. Since ‘everyone was asleep’, she let herself cry. Adrian heard her and walked over to her quietly. He watched her wipe her tears as they streamed down her face all the while, she kept reading the book she held in her hands. She told  herself to stop crying and stop being an idiot as she keeps skimmed on through. Adrian’s eyebrows furrowed at the sight. He found it cool that she still kept going even though she was visibly stressed, but he didn’t like seeing her cry. It irked him for some reason. She looked up from her book and finally noticed he was standing there with his arms crossed. Quickly, she wiped her tears and fixed her hair in a lame attempt at looking presentable. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough.” “Hm…” she looked back down at her book. “You’re not going to sleep?” “I don’t need to.” “Ah, yeah, right. I forgot about that.” “How are you feeling?”

“I’m good,” she shot him a small smile before turning her attention back to the book. But she really couldn’t concentrate on it now. Not that she was completely focused before, but it was worse now that Adrian was talking to her, now that she’d been caught crying, now that she was a bit embarrassed.

“You don’t have to lie to me. I imagine this can’t be easy for you at all.” He sat down next to her on the floor. She didn’t speak. His golden eyes narrowed, “You’re awfully quiet for someone who always has something weird or slick to say about everything.” He saw another tear slip from her left eye. “Sorry, I–” “It’s alright, you don’t have to speak if you don’t want to…” Aurora smiled softly, her way of silently saying 'thank you.’ “How are you feeling?” She asked. “If I tell you, then you have to tell me.” “It’s not that easy…” “It’s not easy, but you seem to need it. I mean, look at you. You look terrible.” She scoffed, “fine…”

“Well, I’m going to put this as bluntly as possible: I feel like shit,” he sighed. And then he elaborated. Aurora listened intently as he did so. He expressed how utterly terrified he was, expressed how depressed he was about the fact that he was going to have to kill the very man that raised him. “It’s been tearing me apart for the past year now. He’s too far gone, he’s gone completely mad and there’s no going back for him. My mother didn’t want him to get like this, but that doesn’t matter. What matters to him is revenge, not even I can convince him otherwise because I don’t matter to him any more.” He continued on. And when he had finished, he told her to speak to him, to tell him how she was feeling at the moment. Adrian didn’t typically care about hearing others talk about their feelings, but there was something in the way a woman’s tears– that woman’s tears made him feel. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling at all. It twisted his stomach around in ways he didn’t think his stomach could. He found himself genuinely wanting her to be okay, willing to invest his time and energy to ensure she would be.

“I’m scared. I don’t want to sound like I’m clingy, because I’m not, but the fact that I don’t know where or when she is, is killing me. She’s been my best friend since birth and this is the longest I’ve been apart from her without knowing where or how she was. I can’t imagine how scared she is. I mean, knowing her, she probably isn’t. She’s got a stronger personality than I do, she’s very stern, ya know? She’s smart, too. Very smart. But I can’t imagine how she might be feeling. What if she didn’t pack her pills and suddenly vamped up without knowing what was going on? And my mom, I can’t imagine how she’s feeling. She must be scared out of her mind. We came to Romania to visit without her. We told her we’d text her the moment we got to the hotel. She hasn’t heard anything from us, she must be so worried.” She let out an exasperated sigh. “I’m sorry, I ended up ranting…”

“It’s alright, you don’t need to apologise, I asked you to talk to me,” he chuckled; pressing his elbow against his thigh as he propped his head up on his left hand, watching and listening to the girl. “If it’s not too much for one night, would you mind telling me what your childhood was like? Being that you come from a different time, I’m hoping I’m right to assume that it was probably a lot better than any of ours.”

Aurora grimaced. The thought of her early childhood physically pained her, made her stomach flip, made her throat dry. He’d noticed this and once again, his softened face hardened. His eyebrows furrowed and his eyes narrowed as he paid close attention to her. He was a bit scared of what he was going to hear. “It wasn’t entirely bad, in the technological front, it was a hell of a lot better than yours. But it’s just a time in my life I really don’t like to think about. I don’t really like to let myself think about it… I haven’t really told anyone about those things, not even my sister. And don’t get me wrong, I’d love to talk about it but it’s just kind of… Actually, no. I can’t,” she started to cry again. “Oh… I’m sorry…”

“I’m not going to force you to speak, but I’m going to give you a small piece of advice. Whether you choose to let me be the one to hear it or not, you should let it out. It’s obviously affecting you now and it’s only going to get worse for you if you let it continue to sit in the back of your mind.”

Aurora stayed quiet, tears still flowing out of her eyes. Adrian stood up, not wanting to pry or make her uncomfortable. He was ready to walk away when Aurora grabbed his wrist. “Stay? Please?” She sniffled loudly. Adrian looked down at her, gazed at her sympathetically and sat back down. He pulled his hand out of her grasp and replaced it with the other so he could wrap his right arm around the girl’s shoulder and pull her closer. Aurora rested her head on his shoulder.

They stayed quiet for the most part. The seventeen year old sniffled repeatedly and her teardrops slipped out of her eyes and fell onto the man’s white shirt. The more she thought about it, the more visible her pain became. Even if she needed to speak, she didn’t want to. She was grateful he didn’t push for the topic. She cried so hard that it was almost impossible for her to speak, she hiccuped profusely and had to wait until she was able to calm herself down a bit before she could speak again.

“Thank you, Alucard,” she sniffled, clutching onto the sleeve of his shirt. He took his hand back out of her grasp so he could wipe the tears off her face as if to tell her he wasn’t asking her to re-live her pain. “Stop calling me Alucard when you know very well that isn’t my name,” he chuckled.

“I’m sorry,” she let out a choked laugh.

Adrian wiped the tears off her pale face once again, this time letting his hand cup her cheek. The hand that was resting on her shoulder moved to rub her back in an attempt to comfort her. “I’d like to apologise–”

“No. Don’t do that,” she told him. “Do what?” “Don’t apologise. I don’t want that. I don’t want you to feel sorry for me.”

“I feel horrible that you’re suffering like this, but I can assure you, I do not pity you. I admire you,” he rubbed her cheek with his thumb, careful not to scratch her flushed face. “I just think that strong character of yours is doing more damage than good for you.” He stared into her bright blue eyes and she stared back into his golden ones.

“Strong character, my ass. I’m crying like a little bitch,” she laughed at herself scornfully. They fell silent once again.

“I do hope you find your sister soon and that she is somewhere safe in Walachia this year.” He thought aloud, not realising his thoughts were out in the open until Aurora sniffled and let out a tiny giggle, “Why? You want me to stick around?” She was reading into what he’d said and shamelessly voiced that fact.

“Well, yes.” He answered bluntly. Aurora held herself back from grinning from ear to ear and looked away, “You really want me to stay?”

“Well…” there was no point in saying otherwise now, he’d already said too much. “I said that much already. I don’t think I can be clearer than this.” He looked ahead as well, not wanting her to pick up on the fact that he was visibly flustered.

“I still need to find a way to go back home, though.”

“Ah, yes, of course. I’m not saying you have to stay, I’m not going to force you. The choice is entirely up to you.” He was desperately trying to mask his disappointment. He felt like he was being rejected. Of course she wouldn’t want to stay with him, she had a whole life to get back to and he was just one random stranger she met by chance. He couldn’t expect her to just give that all up for him. It was stupid of him to even consider the possibility of her prolonging her stay.

“I’d have to at least tell my mom goodbye, I can’t just let her think I’m lost or dead, you know? But that’s obviously if I even find out how to get back there. Regardless, I might just end up staying. That is, if you really do want me to stay.” She smiled sweetly before placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. Adrian’s eyes widened then shot back to their normal size before Aurora could catch it. “Are you seriously considering it or are you just saying that because it seems like the appropriate thing to say right now?”

The girl shook her head, “I am… considering it.” The blond shot her the most beautiful smile she’d ever seen in her life.

“I’m glad, then.” He couldn’t be bothered to wipe his smile from his face. “Why don’t you tell me about your sister? You seem to love her very much.” “I do,” She giggled, “but she’s probably the biggest pain in my ass. She always goes off on a tangent about how she’s the mature one out of the two of us, how she’s more reserved than I am, but she throws the wildest tantrums and everyone can read her like an open book.”

“Do you throw a lot of tantrums?” “I don’t think so…” “Are you sure? You’ve yelled at me quite a few times.” “Okay? But those aren’t tantrums. I was yelling at you because you deserved it.” She slapped his thigh playfully. “Your twig ass called me fat way too many times, you’ve gotta face some sort of consequence.”

They giggled quietly. That’s how they spent the rest of the night, curled up to each other, skimming through many books and talking about random things that came to mind, and laughing about stupid things throughout the late hours until morning.

this one is a bit random so ignore it if you can't think of something to write for this but! I thought maybe the one where you stay 18 until you meet your soulmate would be interesting for toughcookie? just because of how they both were when they were 18 haha. fucking dumb teenagers that think they Know The World (and of course if you need help writing 18 year old Cookie let me know~) or ignore this if you want to!

I luckily had a little idea that I thought would be funny, haha, so here you go! Hopefully I got Cookie right, I did my best to kinda portray him in a fitting way for his eighteen year-old brain, haha.

“I don’t know why ya got fuckin’ follow me around,” Mortar grumbled under his breath, hands stuffed into the pockets of his slightly oversized jacket. “I can hold my own, ya fuckin’ asshole.”

Rob rolled his eyes. “Cops think you’re twelve, boss. Not my fault you’ve got a baby face. Just wanna make sure you don’t get picked up. Again.”

“That was a fluke,” he countered, fists clenched. “Told that asshole I was eighteen and I’d been eighteen for seven fuckin’ years, but he didn’t believe me! Stupid fuckin’ cops with their patronizing bullshit. ‘Do you know your parents’ phone number?’ Fuck that! Stupid moron thought you were my dad, we don’t even look nothin’ alike. Coulda just let me go, but no!”

“Uh-huh.”

“Don’t you fuckin’ start too, I’ll gut you right here and now…”

“Whatever you say, boss.”

“I will, don’t test me,” he muttered with a pointed glare up at him. “Anyway, we need to find my goddamn soulmate soon. All I gotta do is meet ‘em, right? Nothin’ says I gotta keep ‘em around?”

Rob raised an eyebrow. “If you meet your soulmate, you won’t wanna kill ‘em, boss.”

“Are ya callin’ me weak!?” Mortar snarled. “Don’t fucking forget who I am! I’m the guy who broke free from the IBP single-handed! And got us all out of that piece of shit hellhole! No one can get in my damn way, not even my soulmate!”

“Soulmates are supposed to be compatible, boss. You’ll like them too much to do them in.”

He turned to sock Rob right in his gut- the perfect thing about being small- but froze at the sight on the other side of the road. His heart pounded in his chest and his mouth went dry, and something in his soul rose up and screamed at him.

Across the way was the most adorable sheep boy he’d seen in his life. Purple wool, pink hair with a cute little curl in the front, the most fitting little overalls. The amount of pastel softness radiating from him was almost suffocating. The only thing that put him off were this big, black eyes, but after just a second he saw the meekness lurking in them, none of the confidence that the assholes back home had.

His body worked on its own. Breaking out into a run, he cut across the street. One car almost hit him, he has to basically dive over the hood of another that just barely stopped in time. From behind him he could hear the genuinely horrified shout of “Boss!”, but he knew he’d be okay.

It seemed like his stunt caught the attention of his soulmate, but while a slight burn in his lungs made him stop to catch his breath, a new obstacle blocked his way. Once he hadn’t really noticed earlier.

“Boy, what the hell do you think you’re doing!?”

Another sheep, looking a lot like his soulmate, but more aged and without that meekness about her. She glared at him with her hooves on her hips, pointedly standing in between him and his goal.

“Outta my way, ya old broad!” he snapped, reaching up to look over her shoulder at the sheep boy that grabbed his heart. “I’m tryin’ to talk to my soulmate!”

A moment passed where he thought she’d listen to him. But then she grabbed his ear and pulled him down with such ferocity that it shook him to his corer. What the hell was this lady!?

“Don’t you talk to me like that!” she snapped, and a chill ran down his spine at that look on her face. “Didn’t your parents teach you any respect? You think you’re going to get to talk to my little Cookie like that?”

He reached up to try and pry himself from her hold, but it was like iron. “I ain’t got no parents! Let go! This shit fuckin’ hurts!”

Finally, Rob showed up, looking uncertain on what to do as he took in the scene before him. Mortar snarled and glared at him to try and get him to do something.

“Does he belong to you?” the old lady asked Rob as she lifted Mortar back up to full height.

“Uh, I guess?”

Mortar huffed. “I don’t belong to no one! I’m my own fuckin’ man, now let me talk to Cookie!”

“Boss, you’re really not helping yourself right now…”

“Shut up, Rob!”

“U-Um…!”

The softest voice. Slowly, Cookie stepped out, in front of Mortar, face flushed and hooves nervously fidgeting in front of himself. He stared down at the ground for a long moment, then finally met Mortar’s stunned gaze with a shy smile.

“Cookie, you don’t need to get involved with this hooligan, he’s clearly not good for you,” the old lady muttered, a certain gentleness to her tone. “And I have my doubts that he’s your soulmate. Just look at him.”

“I-I did…” Cookie almost whispered. “And… He’s my soulmate. I can… I can feel it, I think?”

Mortar opened his mouth to say something, but the warning look Rob shot him kept his mouth shut. Alright, fine. He’ll watch this play out.

“Cookie… You can’t be serious.”

“I… I am, mom.” Something in Cookie stirred up, and he looked a little more confident as he stood his ground. “Please, let him go? Um, I just… I want to talk to him. And you can watch, but… I know he’s the one…”

For a long moment, nothing happened. But then a surge of relief went through Mortar as she finally let go of him, and he rubbed away the pain. He scowled at the ground, but a gentle touch to his arm made him look up and instantly melt. That smile on Cookie’s face was so sweet, it made his heart race. And a little part of him wanted to make sure it always stayed. He’d kill anyone who made his Cookie upset.

“Alright, the two of you can go on a little date,” Cookie’s mom finally said with her arms crossed. She looked over to Rob. “You and I will supervise. Keep your son under control.”

“Yes, ma-am. Will do.”

Fucking bullshit.

While Rob and Cookie’s mom exchanged numbers, Cookie softly asked, “So, um… What’s your name?”

Every gear in Mortar’s brain screeched to a halt at the realization that Cookie was actually talking to him. And he had no idea what to say, but his mouth gave an answer anyway.

“Uh, M-Michael?”

“Michael,” Cookie repeated softly, and it sounded so beautiful coming from him. “I like it…”

Mortar’s face grew too hot, and he didn’t know what the hell was happening to him. Was he getting sick? Or was this a soulmate thing? One look at Cookie told him everything would be okay either way. And now he could finally look forward to getting older with his soulmate.

Even if that wasn’t the original plan.

Sansa x Pod with “Can I Hold your hand?” Is on the prompt list :)

This was supposed to be a tiny little drabble but it turned into a super long, sappy thing. (I’m going to write a second part with smut because I can’t help it with these two haha.)

You won’t find Father down there, you know.

Sansa frowns at the statue of her father, chewing over her sister’s words from earlier that day. Arya had caught her stealing away to the crypts after supper–a habit she now indulges with growing frequency–and attempted to deter her with the blunt, almost cold declaration.

“I know that,” Sansa had insisted, a bit wary. Arya’s detached attitude about death is peculiar to say the least; but then, Sansa has changed, too. Everything has.

Winterfell isn’t the safe haven of her childhood, not anymore. It is almost unrecognizable after the rounds of destruction and repair, with new defenses on its perimeter and new faces housed under its roof. It is an entirely different place without her mother and father, without the sound of Rickon’s laughter and the glow of Robb’s smile.

But for everything they have lost, there is something new to try and fill its place–stronger and higher battlements to the Northeast, unfamiliar lords and ladies populating the halls, and new responsibilities on Sansa’s shoulders.

So while she knows better than anyone that her father’s spirit isn’t waiting to greet her in the solitude of the crypts, Sansa retreats there anyway for a rare respite from the clamor of the court and the obtruding eyes of its people.

Down here it is dark and damp, and a few years ago she would have been frightened by such a macabre setting. Now, it is the only place where Sansa can find some peace and quiet, where she can be alone without any weapon shipments to approve or Winter rations to calculate.

Even after all she has been through, though, standing before Father’s statue–however poor the likeness–sometimes erodes at her resolve.

I miss you so much. Winterfell needs you more than ever. I need you.

She cannot help but wonder what the great Lord Eddard Stark would think of her now, ruling in his stead as Lady of Winterfell. She had never been groomed for it. She was meant to be the wife of some high lord, raising his children and keeping his household. Father had wanted that for her.

When you’re old enough, he’d vowed, I’ll make you a match with someone who’s worthy of you. Someone who’s brave, gentle, and strong. Sansa cannot imagine such a future anymore. She had once dreamt of finding that man, a valiant knight like someone from the songs, who would whisk her away from the dull North to a fantastic life full of passion and adventure. 

Now her dreams are replaced with nightmares that are all-too-real, and she hopes only for the strength to keep four walls around Jon’s subjects for one more day, to keep food in their stores and wood in their fires. It affords her a new respect for Father, learning all that he had managed every single day.

The pack survives, he had said to them once. Sound advice. Without Arya and Bran, Sansa doesn’t want to imagine what might have become of her with Jon away in the South and Baelish circling her like a shadowcat stalking its prey.

But their pack is smaller than before, and she finds that even during her busiest days, she is as lonely as she has ever been.

She gazes steadily at Father’s statue, trying to fill in the sculptor’s gaps with her own memory, to visualize the lines of his face. He had often been a dour man, her lord father. But his grim expression had easily given way to smiles and laughter, an exuberant sort of joy he reserved just for his family. There is nothing in the world that Sansa wouldn’t give just to see him again, chuckling behind his hand when Arya arrives late and caked in mud to a feast. Nothing she wouldn’t trade for the simple pleasure of letting her mother brush her hair at the vanity in her old room.

It is only when her vision goes blurry before her, the light from the torches distorting into a fuzzy, orange glow, that she realizes she is crying. It seems senseless to weep for them now, after all that has happened. But she was never allowed to mourn them properly, and it is more trying than she imagined, being back in her home–their home–without them in it.

Sansa removes her leather gloves with a sigh. Tucking them away in her cloak, she raises her fingers to swipe the tears from her eyes, collecting herself. She ought to be getting back soon, and as lady of her house, the last thing she needs is to show weakness to the dissenting lords.

Before she can make her exit she hears approaching footsteps, the padding of boots on the moist earth echoing throughout the dark chambers. A figure heads toward her from the hall at her right, bearing a torch that casts bobbing shadows against the walls and ceiling with every step.

Her chest clenches with panic at the sight. The appeal of the crypts has always been their distinct lack of people who might intrude on her introspection, and Sansa is wholly unprepared to be observed in the act of weeping and hiding when she should be overseeing the castle.

As the visitor draws near, Sansa recognizes him as Brienne’s squire, Podrick Payne. Of all the inhabitants of the castle who might come calling, Podrick is perhaps the least threatening. But that does nothing to temper her frustration at being interrupted in such a state, and by the time he steps up alongside her before the statue, she’s bristling with anger.

“My Lady,” he greets her, his voice soft and hesitant. He walks a bit bow-legged, no doubt the result of riding on horseback day and night on the journey home from King’s Landing. There are still snow flurries melting in his dark hair, as if he’s come straight from the saddle to her side.

“I see you’ve had a safe journey,” Sansa observes dryly, looking away so that Podrick might not see her tear-stained cheeks, the red in her eyes.

“Ah. Um, yes, My Lady. Lady Brienne sent me to notify you that we’ve returned.”

“Good,” Sansa replies, sniffing and clearing her throat. “And what of my brother and Daenerys Targaryen?”

Pod shakes his head and shrugs.

“I don’t know, My Lady. If they haven’t arrived then I suppose they delayed before their sea voyage.”

She frowns. More bad news. The sooner Jon returns the sooner he can resume his duties as king, and the sooner they can both formulate a plan for facing the threat marching their way from the North.

“Very well,” she nods in Podrick’s direction. “Thank you.”

She says it with the sort of finality that ends a conversation, hoping that Podrick can take a hint and leave her with her dignity still intact. But he doesn’t budge, and Sansa can feel his eyes on her, peering closely through the faint light of the torches.

“Lady Sansa,” he murmurs, daring a step closer. “Are you well?”

“Of course,” she snaps, still tilting her face away from his prying eyes. “You can go, Podrick.”

“You’re crying, My Lady. Is everything alright? Do you need–”

Sansa wheels on him, blinking back stinging tears as her patience snaps like a banner in the wind.

“Seven hells, Podrick, can you please just leave me alone? Go!”

He winces like a beaten dog at that, but still finds the courtesy for a perfunctory bow before taking his leave.

A sharp jab of guilt threatens Sansa then, as Podrick turns and strides away with so much haste that she has to double-take to be sure he isn’t running. After all, it isn’t his fault her family is gone. He isn’t to blame for her years of repressed grief and loneliness. She cannot fault him for trying to do what he was told, as he always does. And Podrick is a decent, even kind man, truthfully.

Sansa’s mind wanders back to a night in the Red Keep long ago, when Podrick had heard her crying after Mother and Robb were killed. He appeared unexpectedly at her chamber door bearing a tray of fresh lemon cakes and a flagon of sweet plum wine. When she had asked if Tyrion had sent him, Podrick had confirmed that yes, it was her lord husband who had ordered him there. But the following morning, when Sansa had thanked Tyrion for the kind gesture, he hadn’t known what she was talking about. It had been Podrick’s own doing all along.

And then there was the day that Brienne had come to her rescue when she and Theon had faced a grisly fate at the mercy of Ramsay’s hounds. Podrick had been there, too, fighting–albeit clumsily–to protect her. And when she had forgotten the words to swear Brienne into her service, he was standing by, ready to come to her rescue again.

So the sight of his forlorn, retreating form tugs at her heart, and Sansa calls out to stop him.

“Podrick, wait. Wait. Please.”

He stops short, turns back, and even at this distance she can see the hope and relief on his innocent young face.

“I’m sorry,” Sansa announces, eager to fill the silence, offering him a watery half-smile. “That was unkind of me.”

“It’s alright,” Podrick assures her, making his way back through the darkened hall. “You’re upset.”

Yes, Sansa muses to herself. And why must that be so shameful? She wears strength like a coat of armor but it gets heavy after particularly rough days, and sometimes she longs to shrug free of it. Podrick seems as safe a soul as any to bare her heart to.

“I am,” she agrees. “I miss them.” She gestures to the crypts around her, the resting place of the bones of her father and little brother, the ghostly memory of her mother, of Robb.

“And it’s hard,” she continues, her voice quavering on the edge of a sob. “To carry on as if nothing has happened. To pretend that I’m strong like Mother was, or a leader like Jon.”

“Begging your pardon, My Lady, but you are,” Podrick interjects.

She scoffs, casting him a dubious glance.

“I’m not,” she argues, shaking her head. “You don’t need to say that just to be kind.”

“That’s not it,” Podrick says with conviction. “When Lady Brienne and I were camped outside of Winterfell before you escaped, watching out for your signal, we were there for months. And we heard things. What he did to people. The kind of man he was,” he explains, pausing to assess Sansa’s darkening expression carefully. “To go through that as you did, to endure it and escape … You might not be a warrior like Lady Brienne, but you’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met.”

The corners of her lips tug up in earnest at Podrick’s sweet words, even if they are just flattery. But Sansa suspects that shallow compliments are not really his style. He is too sincere, too polite, too wholly good to be so superficial. She feels her throat constricting with emotion, overwhelmed with gratitude for him in that moment; for his tactful omission of Ramsay’s name, for taking the time to lift her spirits even after she had just scolded him like a unruly servant.

“Thank you, Podrick,” she whispers.

“It’s only the truth, Lady Sansa,” he presses on, emboldened by her smile. “And His Grace will be very proud of how well you’ve done when he returns. Lord Tyrion always used to gripe about how hard it can be to placate all of those nobles at court, but you’ve done it so well that many of them want you for their queen.”

“Oh, yes,” Sansa agrees sarcastically. “Jon will be thrilled to know I’m trying to take his place in his absence.”

“But you haven’t,” Podrick protests. “You’re loyal.”

Sansa turns to face him properly now, stunned by his praise. It is comforting and fortifying at the same time, hearing someone support and validate her this way–honestly and without agenda.

“I don’t know what to say.”

Podrick fidgets under her stare, rubbing his free hand at the back of his neck bashfully.

“I - It’s nothing, My Lady,” he stammers. “I just wanted you to know that you shouldn’t doubt yourself. It’s my pleasure to serve under you.”

“Is that so?” Sansa asks him slyly, arching her brow.

No sooner do the words leave her lips than Podrick’s face colors redder than the crimson of his gambeson, and Sansa cannot hold back her snort of amusement at his mortified expression.

“Or - I mean, I’m proud to squire for someone in your service,” he corrects himself hurriedly.

“The honor is mine,” Sansa replies. She is rewarded with a beaming grin from Podrick. A nice grin, she decides. One that warms her from top to toe.

“We’d best get back upstairs for the evening,” she suggests.

Podrick nods quickly, and she collects her torch from the sconce on the wall before heading back toward the entrance.

Sansa stays near at his side as they walk along. Carrying the torch in her left hand, her right dangles close upon his, and every now and again his knuckles brush the backside of her palm. She half expects the jumpy and unfailingly proper Podrick to flinch away and put a more appropriate distance between them.

Instead she feels him wiggling his fingers reflexively, and he clears his throat into the quiet, preparing to speak.

“Can I hold your hand, My Lady?” he asks, his voice unusually high and strained, as though the words are a great burden he’s struggling to lift.

Sansa is taken aback at the strange question. She can’t recall anyone ever asking her permission for such a thing before. Yet the trauma of Ramsay’s abuse casts a pall over her still, and even now–over a year later–she isn’t especially fond of being touched. Podrick is one of the few people aware of what she suffered, and it occurs to her that he is trying to be considerate of that, even as he–

What is he doing?

Taking pity on her? Comforting her? Flirting with her?

Sansa doesn’t know, but reasons that it doesn’t much matter. The thought of holding Podrick’s hand is unaccountably appealing, so she gives him her answer by slipping her palm around to his and taking his hand. He trembles with the barest hint of a shiver at her touch, but his skin is warm and pleasant, and she can feel the rough calluses on his palm from hours of unforgiving practice at swordplay.

Podrick laces his fingers through hers and grips her hand a little tighter, the pulse in his wrist pounding out a nervous beat against her own. She chances a peek in his direction, only to find him already looking her way. The instant their eyes meet Sansa drops her gaze, blood racing to her cheeks. It is foolish, childish even, to be flustered by something so insignificant. She can feel her heart pounding so hard she is sure even Podrick can hear it in the silence.

But when Sansa sneaks another glance at him out of the corner of her eye, it is as though she really notices him for the first time. It isn’t that Podrick is exceptionally handsome. He doesn’t have the fine features or roguish confidence she used to admire in young men like Loras Tyrell. But there is a comeliness in his brown eyes that charms her. He is barely taller than she, but what he lacks in height he makes up for with the broadness of his shoulders, the thickness of his strong arms. And the longer Sansa peers at him, the more she fancies the soft look of his lips.

As a girl she had ignored him almost entirely, measured him nothing more than a silly boy who happened to share a name with that vile, leering Ser Ilyn. But walking hand-in-hand with Podrick now, there is a giddy flutter in her belly, a tingle where their fingers are clasped.

When they emerge from the crypts she releases his hand quickly lest someone should see them. With the light of the moon and the many torches illuminating Winterfell’s yard, it all seems a bit award now.

“Will you be alright?” Podrick asks timidly.

“I’m much better now, yes,” Sansa assures him. “Thank you.”

“Good evening, Lady Sansa,” he says, dipping forward into a parting bow.

“You as well, Podrick.”

For the rest of the night, Sansa doesn’t once feel lonely or anxious. Lying awake into the small hours, her busy thoughts have nothing to do with quarreling nobles or shortages of grain.

She had nearly forgotten what it even felt like to be excited by a man after all these years living in fear of them. Perhaps that is part of Podrick’s allure, for Sansa knows he would sooner fall on his own sword than harm a lady. He is a safe bet, but one that still manages to intrigue her.

And when she drifts off to sleep at last, her dreams are fraught with a dark-eyed knight who can do all sorts of things with that stumbletongue of his.

I hope this isn’t terrible! I’ve never written this for this pairing. I’ve never even written Sansa haha! Thanks :)

Or Else

Request: Hello! If your requests are still open (if not then just ignore this haha), if it's okay, could I please request 3 and 20 from the latest prompt list, and with Jungkook of BTS? Maybe something where you keep pushing yourself too much and just keep going, until you actually collapse/pass out? 💙

3) “I’d be a terrible person if I let you do something stupid alone.” 20) Your bias takes care of you as a trainee. 

Member: BTS Jungkook x Reader

Type: angst/fluff

You picked unhappily at the handful of almonds you had been nursing yourself through practice with. Unsure of when they had actually surfaced in your dorm, the flavor had long since gone stale, and you were left chewing on something similar in consistency to packing peanuts. You smacked your lips and clicked your tongue, attempting to clear the debris from your mouth as soon as you had swallowed. 

“You alright over there?” one of your fellow trainees groaned through a stretch. “Cause you kind of sound like a camel.” 

“Because you’re well versed in what camels sound like?” you muttered, dusting off your fingers on your jeans. You plopped alongside her and began to stretch as well. 

“I know they’re always smacking their damn lips,” she muttered. “I watched planet earth, I’m educated.” 

Rolling your eyes, you leaned forward, touching your toes. A growl in your stomach echoed through the room, causing your label mate to look up again. 

“Shut up,” you muttered, leaning into a different stretch. 

“Are you coming to dinner with us tonight?” she asked hesitantly, shifting her position as well. 

“Can’t,” you sighed. “I have plans.” 

“Practicing does not count as plans,” she muttered. 

“How do you figure?” you grumbled. “Technically that is my plan. I plan to come to the practice room.” 

“You can practice after,” she sighed. “And you just got done practicing.”

“Well...” you trailed looking up from the mirror across from you and to the clock on the wall. “I have plans to get dance lessons.” 

Your friend lifted her brows as she finally leaned up. “Oh?” 

“Oh,” you nodded, already growing tired with her prying. 

“If you couldn’t tell, that meant I was waiting for you to continue,” she chuckled. 

You took a deep breath before glancing toward her. “Jungkook is-”

“Whoop, there it is,” she laughed, clapping her hands. “Whenever those boys are in town, it seems like you live in this place.” 

“I live in this place no matter what,” you complained. “Not just when they’re in town.” 

“But it helps,” she grinned. “So you ran into him and he offered to work with you?” 

“We’ve danced together before,” you muttered. “It isn’t a big deal.” 

“Until you come back to the dorm with hearts in your eyes,” she teased. “I get it, he’s a good looking guy. I can’t blame you.” 

“It’s not like that,” you hissed. You would not give a man credit for your work ethic. Not any man. 

Not even Jeon Jungkook. 

“It is SO like that,” she chided. 

“He’s a great dancer and really successful,” you muttered. “Any girl around this place would be scrambling to get some one on one time with him.” 

“Maybe not for what you think,” she giggled with a wink. You shot her a dirty look only to see her expression grow into one of horror. Her eyes were wide, focused on something behind you. 

“Uh...hi?” a soft voice hummed from the door. You winced as you glanced over your shoulder, confirming that Jungkook had arrived early. 

“I didn’t mean-” your fellow trainee stuttered. “I wasn’t being-”

“I didn’t hear anything,” he chuckled, shaking his head quickly. “Don’t worry about it.” 

“I’ll just...I’ll be leaving now,” she whispered, quickly coming to her feet. She gave a short bow to Jungkook before waving sheepishly at you and disappearing from the room. 

“Nice seeing you!” he called after her as she practically ran down the hallway. He laughed nervously as his eyes scanned the room, finally falling on you. “Why aren’t you going to eat with them?”

“You’ve really been standing there that long?” you groaned, pulling yourself to your feet. Your legs felt as if you had walked the entire city of Seoul and weren’t necessarily eager to have you standing on them again. Taking a shaky step forward, you immediately had to catch yourself. You looked up in surprise at Jungkook before attempting to laugh the misstep off. 

“I’ve been standing here long enough,” he murmured furrowing his brows. “Are you sure you want to do this today? I mean, it can wait until-”

“Until you come back in town?” you grinned, staring at him knowingly. “We know how that works.” 

You knew you shouldn’t be talking to a senior musician at your company in this way, but things had always been comfortable with Jungkook. He was relatively close in age and always made time to spend with trainees. He was extremely talented and very knowledgeable, so you weren’t about to pass the time up. In general he was shy and quiet, but your rapport with him had grown to something more warm and pleasant. You knew he could take your comments in stride. 

“Sometimes rest is more important than rehearsal,” he cooed. 

“And that’s all fine and good,” you nodded. “But I can rest tomorrow just as well as I could rest this evening. Rest isn’t going to get me to debut.”

Jungkook nodded quietly, realizing the truth in your words. “Sometimes I wish it didn’t have to be that way.” 

“I put in a stupid amount of hours sometimes,” you sighed. “I’ll admit it.” 

“And I’d be a terrible person to let you do something stupid alone,” he grinned. “How long have you been in here anyway?”

You winced as you glanced up again at the all-knowing clock, counting back the hours. “Um...two...three...we broke for lunch....ten hours?” 

“Holy shit,” he whispered. “Oh, sorry. Uh, oh my gosh. Don’t you think you’ve done -”

“If you try to talk me into leaving one more time Jeon Jungkook,” you grumbled. 

“You’ll what?” he teased, eyes wide. 

“I’ll....uh....I’ll tell everyone that your new self proclaimed skill is aegyo and you want to show it off at variety shows whenever you get the chance,” you nodded. 

“Pfft, like anyone will believe you,” he grinned. 

“If I get Jimin and Taehyung on the case, the whole company will believe me,” you teased, wandering over to the computer that controlled the sound system. 

“That’s fighting dirty,” he murmured. 

“Then what song would you like?” you smiled, glancing over your shoulder at him. 

“Put on Boy in Luv and tie your shoe laces,” he sighed. “You’re in for a rough night.” 

“Y/N,” Jungkook gasped. “No more.” 

“One more,” you groaned, stumbling across the practice room. “One more and we can stop.”

“You said that last time,” he hissed through heavy breaths. “And the time before that.” 

“But I mean it this time,” you argued, grasping your stomach. It was so empty at this point that you weren’t even sure if your body would accept food if you had attempted to eat. You felt hollow down to the ache in your bones. 

“Keep making promises like that,” he muttered. “I won’t be able to take you seriously anymore.” 

“Come on, Kookie,” you winced, now leaning against the wall mirror. You placed your cheek against the cold surface, getting lost for a moment in the moisture your breath was creating on the reflective exterior. 

“I said enou-” he began, but stopped short. His eyes grew wide with alarm as he watched you. “Y/N, are you okay?” 

“Why wouldn’t I be okay?” you muttered, closing your eyes for a moment. Admittedly, you were dizzy, but nothing that was any different than how you normally felt after practice. 

“The look on your face,” he said quietly, narrowing eyes. “You look like you’re in pain.” 

“This is my fulfilled face,” you muttered, words becoming more difficult to grasp as they left your mouth. “I did well today. Don’t you-” 

You halted before you could finish your sentence, simultaneously feeling like you would pass out and vomit at the same time. Sliding down the mirror, you gripped your stomach, and let out a soft whimper. 

“Y/N!” Jungkook gasped, leaping across the room in only a few short bounds. He gripped you around the shoulders and situated himself behind you, pulling you in so your back could lean against his chest. You tilted your head, allowing it to rest on his shoulder. Slowly, your eyes fluttered open, allowing you to gaze at the underside of his jaw. He looked down at you, his eyebrows knit with worry. “You have to drink something. When was the last time you ate?” 

“Lunch,” you confirmed shortly, not wanting to waste what little energy you had on speaking. 

“Which consisted of?” he muttered, his voice more edgy than you expected. 

“Almonds,” you whispered, your voice barely above a breath. 

“For fuck’s sake,” he hissed, shaking his head. “Come on.” 

“What?” you hummed, hardly coherent. It felt like someone had placed a buzzer in both of your ears, making it nearly impossible to keep your attention on the conversation. 

“Come. On,” he gasped, keeping hold of your body beneath your arms as he situated himself to stand before you again. He let out a groan as he lifted you up, taking most of the burden from your body weight.

“Where are we going?” you hummed, your eyes hazy. 

“To the cafe,” he nodded. 

“Why?” you grumbled. 

“Because food,” Jungkook sighed. 

You nodded quietly, letting him essentially carry you down the hall and get you into the elevator. By the time you truly realized what was happening, you were sitting in the corner of the BigHit cafeteria with a nervous Jungkook pacing before you. 

“Here,” he hummed, setting down a large bottle of water. “Now tell me why you didn’t have lunch?” 

“I had lunch,” you pouted, pulling the bottle toward you and taking a large swig. 

“Now both you and I know,” he nodded. “That that is a damn lie.” 

“Alright,” your grumbled. “I just...I really need to get these routines down. Do you know how long I’ve been training for and I don’t even know when I’m going to debut?” 

“And you’re never going to debut if you’re dead,” he said sternly. 

You bit your lip, unsure of how to react to his words. Never having seen this side to Jungkook before, you were at a loss with how to handle it. “I’m sorry.” 

“Don’t apologize to me,” he grumbled. “Actually, yes, apologize to me because you scared the shit out of me.” 

He plopped beside you and began to push various, plated, baked goods in your direction. You gratefully took a muffin and began to disassemble it before shoving it into your mouth. 

“You should be apologizing to your body,” he murmured. “Your body is what is going to make you famous, Y/N.” 

You lifted your brows, slowly giving him a side eye. 

“Not like that,” he groaned. “Your vocal chords are your instrument, your legs and coordination carry your skills. We don’t have resumes like typical people. All we have is our talent, and you can’t convey your talent very well if you are neglecting your body.” 

“I know,” you whispered. 

“Promise me that will never happen again,” he nodded. “Promise you’ll keep snacks on your person at all times - and I’m not talking about almonds.” 

“I promise,” you grumbled. 

“I’m going to be constantly texting you now,” he muttered, leaning back on the bench, and releasing a heavy sigh. “I guess I have to keep a better eye on you.” 

“I made a mistake today,” you huffed. “It’s not going to happen again.” 

“You’re right,” he confirmed. “Because I’m going to text you at least three times a day to remind you to eat. And if you don’t like it? Too bad. I’ll get the other members to do it too. Every time I eat, I’m going to send you a selfie.”

“Alright, Jungkook,” you groaned. “I get it.” 

“But do you?” he asked, tilting his head and narrowing his eyes. “I have to take watch over you, Y/N.”

“Why?” you hummed, finally looking up and making eye contact. 

“Cause I care about you,” he nodded. “And if you cared about me, you’d take care of yourself.” 

“I’ll take care of myself,” you whispered, your heart quietly skipping a beat. 

“Damn right you will,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Or else.” 

“Or else?” you chuckled. 

“Or else...” he trailed. “Just or else, okay?” 

How about Breakeven by The Script?

hi hello im sorry this took so long but I was like brainstorming and didn’t know how I was gonna write this haha (also ily and thank you 💕💕)

pairing: stenbroughwarnings: crying, heartbreak, iTS SUPER LONG AND SADalso they’re like 18 or 19 in this okayyy

“You’re here alone today?” The waitress asks as she approaches the booth Bill is sitting at. She places a napkin and some silverware down on the table and pulls out her notepad and pen as she waits for a response from the boy.

But Bill is far far away from Linda’s Diner. In his mind, he’s back in his and Stan’s apartment - he’s gone back to that night. He can’t help but go back and remember all of the hurtful words that were thrown each other’s way, the way Stan just kept yelling and yelling and Bill just stood there crying and trying to make sense of it all. Bill was shaking and trying to breath normally and Stan was so fucking angry and trying not to cry.

The fight started because every night for four weeks straight, Stan would come home late, claiming he was studying for classes with a friend or at a study group and it ran late. Bill would always act like he believed Stan, but deep down he knew something else was going on. So Bill confronted his boyfriend about it.

And the fight happened.

“Kid,” the waitress said again, noticing Bill was out of it. She sighed and began snapping her fingers in front of his face. “Hey, kid. Wake up.”

Bill blinked, looking up at the waitress with short dark hair and almost too much makeup. He tried to smile.

“Sorry,” he said.

“So,” she said, nodding. “I see you’re here alone today. You’re usually with that other boy with the curly hair.”

Bill felt his heart jump because he knew she was talking about Stan. He wanted to cry then, but he honestly felt as if he’s cried all his tears away already and there’s nothing left.

He just shrugged, not really knowing how to respond to the waitress’s words.

“What happened to him?”

The waitress was prying and Bill was starting to get annoyed by it. He didn’t want to talk about Stan. He hated even thinking about him, but he does so every second of every day.

“Can I just have… can I just order, please?” Bill sighed, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands. His eyes burn and they’ve been red with dark circles under them for days now, basically weeks. It’s been weeks.

The waitress stared at him for a second before nodding and looking down at her notepad, the pen hovering above the paper.

Bill ordered his food and gave the waitress the menu before she left.

He slumped back down into his seat and began fiddling with the napkin dispenser next to him. He zoned out again.

And then he felt a tap on his shoulder.

“Mind if I join?” He turned around and saw Beverly Marsh standing there, short hair wild as always and smile wide and dazzling.

“Bev?” Is all Bill could say, confused. He was happy she was there, though. He didn’t like being alone.

“I’ll take that as a ‘oh I don’t mind Beverly’,” she said, letting out a small laugh. She walked around to take a seat in front of Bill on the other side of the table, sliding into the booth.

“How did you know I was here,” he asked her.

“Mike told me,” she shrugged.

Mike’s been staying with Bill at his apartment since Stan moved out. Bill told his friends he’d be find staying in the apartment alone, but they knew that was bullshit. So Mike volunteered to stay with him for a couple of weeks, being that he’s a super supportive friend who cares so much about the ones he love.

So whenever Bill has a breakdown or wants to get drunk and call Stan, Mike is there to hold him and calm him down and stop him from doing something stupid.

And Beverly comes over occasionally to check up on him. She hasn’t been able to do so lately because of school and work, so she decided to drop by the apartment to hang out with Bill and Mike, only to see that the latter was the only one there. Mike told her Bill had had another breakdown and left to clear his mind. There’s only one place he’d go. He told Beverly Bill was at Linda’s Diner.

“You didn’t have to-”

“Hush,” Bev said, shaking her head. “I’m not letting have lunch alone. Plus, I really want a strawberry milkshake.”

That made Bill smile a little, his eyes falling down to his hands that are now resting on the table in front of him. He’s been biting his nails a lot lately and they look fucking terrible.

“I guess Mike also told you I had a really bad breakdown this morning,” he said, not looking up.

“Yeah,” Bev said. “He said it was pretty bad. Are you feeling any better?”

Bill didn’t say anything to that, he just shrugged.

“I understand,” she said reaching over the table and taking ahold of one of Bill’s hands.

It was quiet for a minute after that, Bev rubbing the pad of her thumb over Bill’s knuckles, trying to comfort him. Bill just kept his eyes on the table, feeling numb.

“How is he?” He asked.

“What?” Bev’s eyes went kind of wide then.

Bill finally looked up at her and he pulled his hand away from hers, shoving both his hands into the pockets of his hoodie.

“How’s… how is Stanley?” He asked again, his tummy going fuzzy as he said the boy’s name. “I know you’ve been hanging out with him and everyone else too.”

Bev sighed, pursing her lips. She didn’t want to make her friend any more upset than he already is. But she also didn’t want to lie to him.

“He’s… he’s been doing good,” she said, nodding. “He’s uh-”

“Still with that one guy?” Bill butted in.

Bev’s heart sunk at the look of brokenness on Bill’s face. She hated it.

Bill was talking about the guy Stan was cheating on him with. No one knew his name, Stan never told anyone his name. But everyone besides Bill knew the guy was a total dick, being that everyone but Bill has met him.

“We all hate the guy he’s with,” Bev said. “He’s really nothing special. He’s not nice. He’s a real douche bag.”

That was supposed to make Bill feel better, but it didn’t. It just made him wonder if Stan stopped liking Bill because he was too nice.

“Does he look happier than he did with me?” Bill asked quietly, and towards the end of his sentence, his voice broke. He wanted to cry but he couldn’t. Not in public.

“He… he-”

“Nevermind,” Bill shakes his head. “I don’t wanna know.”

Moments later, the mattress brings Bill’s food and Bev orders herself a strawberry milkshake.

“Want half my burger and some of my fries?” He asks Bev, a small smile on his face. “I don’t think I can eat it all on my own.”

They share Bill’s burger and fries and Bev’s milkshake comes and they share that as well. And when it’s over, Bill says he’ll pay for Bev’s milkshake, which she says no to, but he does so anyway.

The Waitress give them mints and wish them a safe trip home and a good day as they’re leaving.

It’s freezing outside and Beverly asks Bill how he got to the diner.

“I - um - I walked,” he said, shoving his hands into the pockets of his hoodie.

“You fucking walked here?!” Bev yells. “It’s freezing out here, Bill!”

“I’m fine-”

“I’m taking you home.”

The ride to Bill’s apartment in Bev’s car isn’t quiet or silent at all. She plays The Goo Goo Dolls and U2 and they both sing along to all the songs and laugh when they forget the lyrics. Bev makes sounds with her mouth to try and replicate a guitar and Bill does the same with the drums while he pretends to actually play them.

They make it to his apartment and as Bev’s parking, Bill notices a car parked beside his. Stan’s car. He can’t stop staring at it.

“You getting out or what?” Bev asks, looking over at Bill as she began to get out of the car. She realizes Bill is staring at something and so she follows his gaze and when she sees what he’s looking at, her immediate reaction is to get back in the car and close the door.

“What is he doing here?” Bill asked quietly, not tearing his eyes away from Stan.

“I don’t know,” Bev said, her voice just as quiet.

They both sit there for a few more moments until Stan drives away, his car coming towards them.

As his car gets closer, Bill sees another figure in the car. Stan’s new boyfriend.

Bill turns away as the car passes him and Bev, not being able to look either of them in the eyes.

And when they’re gone and Bev turns to ask if he’s okay, he finally let the tears fall and sobs are set free.

Bill’s heart is fucking broken and he can’t see any of this getting better soon.

was this okay??? it’s super long soz haha

The Captain’s Log

Prompt: “How did the girl with the stars in her eyes...?” Score: Didn’t place

Is this on? Hello? Oh, no answer. I guess I should have expected that. Uh, well, hello. C-Captains log, er, number one. Am I allowed to say that? I mean if the captain dies the next in line becomes the captain and I’m the, uh, last one. So, I think so. You know what, it- Whatever. It doesn’t matter.

Captains log, number one.

The ship crashed about one hour ago. Captain Trigge and First Officer Myers both fell in the initial hit, and most of the officers died at the same time. I wasn’t in the room so I- Well, I was in the pit, trying to fix the A/C. How dumb does that sound? I was fixing the A/C when everyone died.

Anyway, uh, the crew all perished in the subsequent flooding. Lower decks of the ship closed to keep the water at bay and, well, a lot of the crew were locked down there when that happened. I guess they could still be alive but it’s, well, unlikely.

There’s no sign of the creature that knocked our ship, and the exterior lights went out when we hit the sea bottom. I looked out the window once and it was, uh, pretty dark out there. I wasn’t really interested in seeing more of that. Not that there was anything to see.

As it is, I’m trapped in the pit and there’s no way out. Well, there’s one way out, but I don’t have a wet suit and I’d probably drown. Not the best route. Oh, and for those who don’t know—I don’t really know who’s listening into this and frankly I doubt anyone will, so I think at this point I can say what I want. Er, where was I? Oh, yes! The pit.

Okay, so. The pit is basically this big shaft in the middle of our ship. It’s got all our important business in it, and each tier is separated by an automatic steel door. Just so that, in the case of a flood, the whole pit doesn’t get ruined. Kind of like- Well, kind of like today. What that means is that I’m trapped in one part of the pit, the part right by the emergency exit into the ocean, and the rest of the pit is flooded. Well, most of it. There’s not a lot of water in the tier above me, but I’d rather not open the door just in case.

Well, I don’t really know what else to say. I guess that’s it for now. Just me and the ocean for the night. Day? Hard to tell. Anyway, logging off.

Captains log, number two! I assume I slept for the normal eight hours. I’m usually good with that kind of thing. Miraculously, I didn’t suffocate in the night. I’m kind of surprised the oxygen didn’t run out. It begs the question…where am I getting it from? As far as I know, all exits out of the pit were sealed. Either locked or blocked with water.

Huh.

Well, I won’t question a miracle! No, I’ll just worry over it, obsess with it, and then study it until my untimely death. Assuming I do die. Who knows, I might be a miracle case, haha.

So, onto the facts.

I’ve got limited air supply, unless some gracious god decided to extend my life. I’ve got no food, and only saltwater to drink. And we all know that’s a bad idea. Even if my air doesn’t run out, I’ll probably, uh, starve or become too dehydrated to do anything. Oh, and I’m in the deep sea. I wouldn’t be able to swim to the top, and even if I left the ship the pressure of the water on me would probably crush my lungs immediately. All of this cumulates to the fact that I’m going to die.

But no worries! I thought about it overnight and, really, I think I’m cool with that. Obviously it’s, uh, a bit of a bummer. It’s already kind of a bummer that all my crew and friends are dead. Um. Yeah.

Right, so, here’s the problem. I don’t mind dying, really, but on the whole I would rather not, you know? So I’m gonna try to not do that. The first obstacle is food. There’s still food in the kitchens, but I’m pretty sure those are flooded now. I checked before this log and, um, I’ve got three unflooded tiers of the pit. If I open a door to leave, I lose that tier to flooding. Then there’s the matter of getting into the airy tiers again without flooding them too. Yeah.

Once I’m sure I won’t starve to death, there’s also the issue of, you know, escaping. I don’t have a wet suit, or even an oxygen tank, and I’ll need something to pry the emergency doors open. Normally a button would open them but, well, no power.

Alright, well, first problem first and then we can work the rest out. I’ll make another log if I survive the food run. If I don’t… Erm, goodbye?

Log three. I did it! Got some jerky and some cans of soup. Cold soup is kind of gross and I had to smash it against the wall to open the can, but it’s fine. The pit is clean. Mostly. Anyway, that takes care of that problem!

But that’s not even the good news! The good news is that I, er… This is kind of gross, but I found a wet suit. It was on a guy, one of the pit workers, and… Well, he wasn’t using it. It doesn’t fit perfectly since it was made for men, but the auto-suction still makes it mostly form fitting. And now my ribs won’t be crushed into my heart when I go outside! There’s still the “I need to breath” problem, but, um, I can figure that out tomorrow. Until then!

Loooog four. Alright, so I didn’t sleep last night. Well, I did kind of. Not for very long. An issue has arisen! Water is leaking in from somewhere, and the top tier is beginning to fill. Not a whole lot, but it is an issue. That means that when I escape, water will get into the other tiers. Kind of a downer.

I’m going out now, before more water comes in. I’m gonna find an air tank, or, uh, die trying. Hopefully not die. That’d be nice. I guess this’ll be my last time in the pit. I can use the recorder in the suit to keep you updated. Er, well, to let myself keep updating. It’s easier to talk.

See you in the suit!

Is…on…lo? Hold o…le… There! Little bit of static in the beginning, haha. Alright, in the suit! And I’ve got air. It’s a miracle! Not a lot of air, mind you, and I might run out before I reach the surface. Here’s hoping I don’t.

Alright, uh, I’m back in the main deck. It’s completely flooded here and there’s, uh, lots of the crew floating around. I’m trying to not look at them, haha. It’s, uh, yeah. Yeah.

Okay, so. The facts. I’m about to go into the deep sea with only my suit lights to guide me. I’ve got to swim up and up and up… It’s a long swim. I’ve got to, uh, reach the top of the ocean and then I- Huh. Well, I guess I just swim? I don’t know, it’s- I’ve got to find land. We were on a long trip, if I recall, so… I don’t really know how far land is. This suit has an emergency switch, but it’s not really doing anything down here. Maybe it’ll work on the surface. Maybe I’ll live. Maybe, maybe.

Anyway, time to stop dawdling. Let’s get these doors open! Alright, I’ll just… God, these are tough. Okay. Okay, ow, ow, ow, ow… There! Phew. That’s a lot of water. Alright, kicking off… And I’m, uh, out of the ship. Cool. Nice. Love it.

Alright, well I don’t want to waste oxygen. Gonna be quiet for a bit while I swim.

What was that?

Okay, that time I definitely saw something move. Kind of big… Bigger than any fish I know, I think.

Something is following me. It’s been that way for a while now. It’s huge and dark. It blends into the dark of the sea, and that’s why it follows from below. Not that I can really see a lot of light above me, either.

I don’t know what it wants, if it was going to eat me I think it would have done so already. I’ve been swimming for a couple of hours now, and, uh, it’s done nothing. I don’t know. I don’t get it. I’m kind of…scared, I guess.

Alright, I actually see a little bit of light now. Only enough so that I can kind of tell when my glove is in front of my face, a vague sort of silhouette. The creature is still following me, and it must be really huge. I went through a sort of wall of rocks and heard it breaking them behind me. Apparently it doesn’t really care that much for subtlety. It was, like, half an hour of it just forcing itself through those rocks. Kind of horrifying, haha. Just a bit.

God, I think I can see some light now. It’s kind of cool, but, uh… I can also kind of see the, uh, creature behind me. It’s pretty ugly. Well, it’s from the deep sea. Those guys are usually not very pretty, haha. Right.

Okay, so, it’s definitely huge. Bigger than a whale, dark as oil, and I think blind? I can’t find any eyes on the thing, but it’s definitely following me. It’s got a flat head, really huge, and that’s sort of the only part that I can really see. I don’t know how it swims, all of that junk is hidden behind its huge head. Don’t really care for checking out the rest of it. Let’s just assume it has teeth.

You know, I’m looking at this guy every now and then. Just sort of look down and check him out. It’s still too dark to, uh, see anything really, but I can make out key features. And you know? He glows. I mean most sea animals that live in the deep sea do, at least a little bit. But this guy… I found his eyes, kind of hidden in these folds. They only reveal every now and then when he, uh, breathes. His eyes look like stars, I swear. Like the friggin’, uh, night sky is sitting in them or something. It’s weird.

Alright, so. Update. He’s a she. Wanna know how I know? Take a guess. If your guess was the release of hundreds of little babies, you guessed right. At first I thought it was, uh, ink and- Hold on, ow, shit. Okay, sorry. They’re trying to eat me, haha. It’s, uh. Not really that funny. I’m scared, ha.

Okay, so I thought it was ink. It wasn’t. They’re really small, about as big as my fist. And they do have teeth, or at least the little ones do. I guess mama thought the ship was food, found out it was metal. Then there’s me, stupid and blind, swimming out of the ship. Obviously not metal.

The wet suit is pretty good against piercings, so their teeth aren’t puncturing it but—ow, dammit—it really pinches. And I think, uh- I think once a few of them work together, chewing and stuff, they’ll get through. They’re not very fast, not faster than me, but I’m getting tired. It’s been such a long time.

All the babies have these huge eyes. Star filled eyes, just like their mother. It’s…kind of beautiful. God, I sound insane, don’t I? The eyes of these carnivorous babies are pretty. Great.

I keep getting slower, and I don’t think it’s because I’m tired. One of them pierced the suit, right at my shin, and of course the suit sealed itself above that point to keep in the air, but I still got bit. It hurt only a little bit, but then I felt my leg go numb. And now- Now I’m so tired. I’m so damn tired.

I think- Shit, I think it’s paralyzing me. I don’t know. I can’t tell. I feel- I guess I feel confused? Like there’s somethin’ in my brain and I just can’t...get it out. I don’t know. Where am I?

I’m underwater. I’m scared to breathe, because my lungs are on fire. Those little guys are all over me, with their star eyes. They’re not biting anymore. I think they know. They’ve got me, and they know it. I’m paralyzed.

Where am I? I’m lost. I’m lost, and I… I think I’m dying? It looks like stars down here. Stars. In the ocean. That- That doesn’t seem possible. Is isn’t, right? Gosh, these stars are so pretty. And my lungs don’t burn anymore—that was a thing, right? I remember… I think my lungs hurt before.

My gas tank is running out of oxygen. I really need to breathe. I’ve been tearing off my suit, but it’s so slow. I think- There. Finally free from that, it really made my skin itch, haha. Damn, these stars are so pretty. Kinda reminds me of a grassy field. All that fresh air. I miss fresh air. I bet if I just take off my helmet. I really want some fresh-

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 51

first day of school is always the hardest

Akutagawa: *moves to the center of the room...* *blasts out black tendrils* teacher: woah! shadow entity summoning. very nice. Akutagawa: *knocks down the dummies--one landing in the front row of students* tamaki: fuck! Arthur: o_O Akutagawa: "...Then you should have gotten out of the way." tamaki: *growls and cat tails* Akutagawa: "..." *summons another black tendril* Arthur: *moves away* Chuuya: "!!!" teacher: *blows whistle* now now, everyone settle down! Akutagawa: "...'Kay." tamaki: *pouts* fiiiine. Chuuya: Q~Q tamaki:....oi, shorty, whats you're problem? Chuuya: *starts sobbing* "I'M NOT SHORT! YOU ARE!" tamaki: O-O; Chuuya: *hugs Tamaki* "I won't let him hurt you ever again!" tamaki: G-GET OFF ME! *knees him in the groin* shinra: hey arthur, some stranger is flirting with your girlfriend again. Arthur: "..." *removes Excalibur* "I will slice you where you--" Chuuya: *levitates Arthur* shinra: oh shit. Arthur: o____O "HE'S A WITCH! BURN HIM!" Chuuya: *still clutching his groin* several witch students: RUDE! Chuuya: *tosses Arthur up into the air* Arthur: "Curses!!!!" -they got the baryion punishment later- Chuuya: O___< "My balls ache from this rock..." Arthur: >____> "It's your fault!" tamaki: =3= ow. Akutagawa: "..." -elsewhere- Kyoka: "...The food here is disappointing." atsushi: *nom nom nom nom* =w= Kyoka: "..." *tries to take his slice of pie* -elsewhere- Hawthorne: "What exactly is he planning?" taxidermist: beats me. he said something about looking for a 'book'? dunno what that's about. *glancing at the incubator* Hawthorne: "Hmm. That detail makes sense. What is the incubator for?" taxidermist: growin a baby. it was inside the body. so im growin it cause im bored. Hawthorne: o____O taxidermist: .....do you think the white dress would look better on her or the red one? Hawthorne: "...THIS IS AN ABOMINATION TO ALL THAT GOD HIMSELF DESIRES! A SIN! A RED MARK UPON YOU, YOU DESPICABLE, WICKED, NO-GOOD TINY LITTLE MAN!" taxidermist:.....you do know im a girl, right? Hawthorne: "NONE THE LESS! YOU SHOULD JUST LET IT BE DEAD AND HAVE THAT BE THE END OF IT! YOU CAN’T GO AND PLAY GOD LIKE THIS! HAVE YOU NO SANITY-" taxidermist: *gets out duct tape and tapes his mouth shut* there. better. Hawthorne: *muffled screaming* FD: =___= "Shut up out here..." -elsewhere- Kenji: *pouts, looking through clothing magazine* -elsewhere- Ponera: *looks around...* grimoire: looking for something? Ponera: "!!!" *slaps a hand over his mouth, pulling him with her into a room* grimoire: ?! Ponera: *locks the door* "Shh...I don't want Shaula or Medusa finding my book..." grimoire:...is that it? Ponera: "It's a spell book...my first. And I keep secrets in it. Kind of like a diary..." grimoire: ah. shaula: chill girl. if im gonna pry through anyone's diary, it's gonna be medusa's. Ponera: o_____o "HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS LOCKED ROOM?!" shaula: scorpion through the vent. Ponera: "Damn it! Well, go back and read your sister's diary--" Medusa: "Read what now?" Ponera: .___.; "I need new locks..." -elsewhere- Kyoka: "What do students do after school?" atsushi: i guess hang out around town? Kyoka: "Very well. Where would you like to go?" Kyoka: *stomach growl* -elsewhere- kouyou: he got into a fight? Chuuya: *pouts* "Not my fault..." kouyou: *grumble* oh son of a bitch. mafioso: you're words! kouyou:.....*realization*. o_o Chuuya: "I don't wanna go back to school...It all reminds me of pain..." hirotsu: *ear tug* you're going. -_-; Chuuya: TT_TT "You can't make me!" Akutagawa: *looking at numbers...phone numbers...* kouyou: make any friends today, akutagawa? Akutagawa: "I don't know. Random girls kept handing their phone numbers to me." kouyou: oh my~ Akutagawa: "...This one has her name dotted with hearts over the eyes." Chuuya: Q~Q *tosses his notebook with numbers in the trash* higuchi: *cracks whiskey glass...her hand bleeding* Mori: "...Please, don't get blood on the floor, Higuchi." higuchi: *through teeth* my...apologies....sir. also. may i have a word with you later? Mori: "??? I have time right now." higuchi: in private. *dark tone* Mori: .w.; "Like I said, I have time..." *opens a door* higuchi: *takes a seat* Mori: *shuts the door...locks it* "Now, then..." *sits* "What did you--" higuchi: you realize rain was pregnant when she died, right? Mori: "..." *smiles* "No." higuchi: more likely than not, she had become the mother of your child....which lead her to make a sacrifice to end her life by breaking her condition. Mori: "These are strong accusations. What proof do you have she was pregnant?" higuchi: i found a pregnancy test in her garbage. it was positive. and i know just what you did to her all that time... Mori: "And what evidence do you have to accuse me of sleeping with Rain?" higuchi: dont give me that! you know how often you sexually abused her! she told me this when we went out together for drinks. Mori: "And you believed her?" higuchi: of course, she's my friend. and she seemed very sincere. Mori: "Then I owe you a sincere response..." higuchi: *listening* Mori: "I take nothing that is not available to me." higuchi:.....? Mori: "If I can take it, it is mine." *stands* higuchi: ..... Mori: *walks by her* "And when it is mine, I do as I wish. This Mafia serves me--as does everyone in it." *a hand rests on Higuchi's shoulder* higuchi: *cold chill* Mori: *small squeeze on her shoulder, as he leans down and whispers* "Just remember that. And please, don't think I am a terrible person. After all...the way Rain screamed?" higuchi: *resisting the urge to punch him* Mori: "Those were screams of pleasure." higuchi: *stands up and walks away* Mori: "Let's talk again soon, Higuchi. Maybe over drinks~" higuchi:....*walking away* Mori: *smirks* -elsewhere- Kyoka: =w= "Tasty..." -elsewhere- Arthur: TT_TT "My aching groin..." maki: tamaki kick you in the loins again? Arthur: "Not directly...Punishment at school because of a fight." maki: oh jeez, what happened? Arthur: "This weird short guy was hugging Tamaki--and I threatened to light him on fire." maki: oh jeez. Arthur: TT~TT "Why did this have to happen today? That stupid shorty brat..." -elsewhere- atsushi: and that's what happened today. Kunikida: "...So...The Mafia?" atsushi: *nods* Kunikida: "That is troublesome. You, then, will keep an eye on them." atsushi: ._. right... i heard he was with some short guy with red..orange hair? *Footsteps heard running quickly* Kyoka: *standing by the door, about to bite into ice cream cone--* *The door slams open, crashing into Kyoka's face* Dazai: "YOU MET CHUUYA?!" atsushi: O-O; not.....in person. o-o; *The door slams open, as Demon Snow appears, cradling Kyoka--and Dazai tumbles down the stairs* Kyoka: *glare* *The door slams shut* kirako: eek! O o O Dazai: "Ow ow ow ow--" *crashes* Kyoka: *holding onto Demon Snow* "We will keep an eye on the small one and the creepy one who is getting way too close to Atsushi for my comfort." -nice catch- kirako: are you....alright? ._.; atsushi: um...thanks.... ^^; Kyoka: "...I don't like doors slammed in my face." =\\\\= "And my ice cream fell on the floor." kirako: mr dazai? Dazai: "..." *thumbs up* -underground, music can be heard over a gramophone- zoey: *dancing quite gracefully* FD: *seated, the small table next to him with a bottle of vodka and two small glasses, watching intently* "..." *smiles* FD: "Elegant." zoey: *smiles as she finishes* FD: *claps* zoey: ah... FD: *holds two glasses of vodka* "You are so graceful, Ballerina." zoey: only for you, master fyodor~ FD: *hands her the glass* "Of course. Thank you, my dear. Cheers." -clink of the glasses- zoey: ^^ FD: *sips* "I had no idea you were a dancer." zoey: i think..i had lessons.....at a young age.... FD: *sits...and pats his lap* "Tell me." zoey: *she does as instructed and sits in his lap, facing him* FD: "What do you remember from your lessons?" *holds her in his lap, letting her sit relaxed* zoey: *whispering into his ear* FD: "Mmm...I wish I could have seen you..." *rests his hand on her hip* zoey: ah...~ FD: "Did you have some fun in your classes...?" *slides his hand up and down lightly* zoey: *shivering* i-i suppose... FD: "Did you get along with the other girls..?" *his hand now goes up under her skirt, just brushing her skin* zoey: i-oh! d-dont recall... FD: "I'm sure you got along well...You were probably the cutest of them all." *his hand slides to her thigh...* zoey: *soft moan* FD: *whispers in her ear* "Is my cute girl wearing her underwear?" zoey: y-yes~ FD: *sits her up, and has her on her feet* "May I see?" zoey: *lifting her skirt up, showing both her undergarments and her branding scar* FD: "..." *gets on his knees...stares at her scar* "...Does it still hurt?" zoey: only if you want for it to hurt.... FD: *smiles* "Always the correct answer..." *he traces a finger along the trim of her panties* zoey: a-ahhh~ FD: *kisses above the waistband, before he starts to pull them down* -elsewhere- Victor: *sipping soda* nozomi: how's everything in here? Victor: *shrug* "Not much more progress. Feel a little stuck." -in another room- karin: ..... Akitaru: *knock knock* karin: door's open! Akitaru: "Hey, Doc. I got the inventory report for you." *hands her a clipboard* karin: thanks. *puts down a photo back on her desk* Akitaru: *spots the photo* "..." -it's a photo of karin, toshiaki, a baby nozomi, and another woman- Akitaru: "...Nozomi was so young there..." karin: yeah....she sure takes after her dad....she's a good kid, and i want the best for her. Akitaru: *nods* "That's all you can do..." *looks at the woman in the photo* -she bears a strong resemblance to karin- karin: that's nozomi's mom...*sad smile* and my sister. Akitaru: "...I had no idea that..." karin: that i'm nozomi's aunt? Akitaru: "Yeah." karin:.....she's got her mom's eyes. kinda. Akitaru: "Y-Yeah...Um...Does Nozomi know?" karin: of course she knows, haha!....i actually became her legal guardian after toshiaki.... Akitaru: *nervous laugh* "Ha ha...I just...I mean, I never hear her call you her aunt...And...Yeah." karin: ah. i guess she is pretty professional with work, just like her old man, haha. Akitaru: *nods* "...I'm sorry for your loss." -elsewhere- Kid: "Zzz..." stocking: ....*tucks him in, kissing his ear* Kid: *slight shift and giggle* stocking:....*gets in with him, being big spoon* Kid: =w= *sighs* stocking: *nuzzles* Kid: "Zzz..." -morning- Arthur: *groans* shinra: *watching, waiting* any second now. *smiles at relan* Relan: *trying not to laugh* Arthur: *moves his hand* -flrp- Arthur: .|||||. "...You...You...You!" Relan: *laughing, as he starts running* -elsewhere- Chuuya: *still asleep in bed* -something smells delicious- Chuuya: *rises out of bed...like, floating, following the smell* rain?: good morning mr nakahara, i made breakfast. ^^ Chuuya: *smiles* "Mmm...That sounds delicious, R--" *eyes break open* "!!!" *he collapses* hirotsu: oh, you're awake. Chuuya: *picks himself up from the floor, looking around* "Wh-What happened?" hirotsu: we're making you breakfast. -hirotsu has a little frilly pink apron that reads 'please refrain from touching the cook'* Chuuya: ._______. "..." *slaps his face* "Wake up. Wake up. Wake up." gin: *pours water on his face*.....better? Chuuya: "...No. But at least that takes care of my shower." -elsewhere- Kyoka: "What is for breakfast?" -elsewhere- higuchi: *SNEEZE* guh.... higuchi's sister: honestly, sis... *Knock knock* higuchi's sister: yes? ???: "I am here to see Higuchi. Is this her residence?" Higuchi’s sister: yeah. hey sis? you have a visitor! ???: *steps inside* higuchi: mmn? Akutagawa: "Good morning." higuchi: O/////O r-ry-ryunosuke! Akutagawa: "Yes. Hello. I was passing by on my way to school. How are you?" higuchi: sick...i think i caught a col- *COUGH COUGH HACK COUGH* guh.... Akutagawa: "..." *holds up a bag* "I was bringing hot soup to lunch...You should have it." higuchi:...*sniff* thanks....*checks calander. it's still august yet.* i thought....school started next month... Akutagawa: "Visiting. Wanted to get the lay of the location." *sits at her bed* higuchi: i-i see... *pulls blanket up to her nose* .////. Akutagawa: "...How bad is your temperature?" higuchi: havent checked... Akutagawa: "..." *puts his hand on her forehead* higuchi: .//////////////////////////. Akutagawa: "Damn. You're burning up. Perhaps get you to a doctor." higuchi:.... =////= *muffled* good idea... Akutagawa: "We can have one visit from the Mafia...We need you to take care of yourself. Can't afford to have you suffering." higuchi: r-right. Akutagawa: "It is a good thing that Mori is a doctor--" higuchi: NO! Akutagawa: *falls back* "Wh-What?" higuchi: ..... 7-7 m-mori and i...are kind of at odds with each other right now. Akutagawa: "...You don't think he will set that aside and perform his doctorly duties?" higuchi: dont we have any other medics? Akutagawa: *nods* "I will see who is available--and I will make sure it is not Mori. I promise." higuchi:...thank you. QuQ Akutagawa: *pulls out his phone, calls, looks at her* "...You'll feel better soon. Now, smile." higuchi: *awkward smile* Akutagawa: "...I would kiss your forehead, given how pathetic you look--but it would get me sick." higuchi:.... *KO* Akutagawa: D: "Oh no! I'm going to need an ambulance!" -elsewhere- FD: "Good morning." taxidermist: mornin. still not sure what dress to give her. also i had to strangle hawthorne into unconscious cause he was being a dick. FD: *looking at the corpse* "Why's it got to be a dress?" taxidermist: ...*shrug* they were the only ones i could scrounge up. FD: "But imagine her in a business suit. Or a swimsuit. Or a maid outfit." taxidermist:....yyeeeeeah mind keeping your fetishes out of my work station? that'd be great. FD: *shrug* "Just offering guidance...Where did you leave Hawthorne's body?" taxidermist: oh he isnt dead. i just locked him in the shower....taped up. FD: *smirks* "And you criticize my fetishes?" taxidermist: he was being a judgmental prick for growing this lil shit here. FD: *sigh* "I'll set him straight..." *walks to the shower* "..." Hawthorne: X_____X FD: "..." *turns on the cold water* *LOUD SCREAM* taxidermist:......*smirks* serves you right, <stupid bastard>. Hawthorne: "GET ME OFF OF THIS! I WILL NOT BE MOCKED IN THIS MANNER--" *rip* FD: "...Huh. I hope ripping off that tape didn't take off too much hair. And skin." Hawthorne: *wails, as he crawls away...* FD: *smirks* -elsewhere- Kyoka: "I am hungry. Let's get food." atsushi: alright then. -elsewhere- Kid: *yawn* stocking: morning~ Kid: *smiles* "Morning, love." *smooch* stocking: mmmm~ Kid: "Sleep well?" stocking: yeah. Kid: "I'm glad..." *stretches* "Ready for today?" stocking: *nods* Kid: *sits up, gets out of bed* "Breakfast?" -elsewhere- Rin: *checking his watch* shura: charter bus should be here soon. Rin: "And then that takes us to Kyoto?" shura: yep. shiemi: ^^ <isnt that exciting?> .....bon and the others have been teaching me. ^^; Rin: "Oh, cool! I'd like to learn some phrases!" Bon: "..." shiemi: well...uhh.. izumo: *rolls eyes* i'll teach you some stuff on the way there......well _someone_ has to!.....weenies. Rin: "Thanks, Izumo! Okay, how do I say, 'Where is the bathroom?'" -elsewhere- Dr. John: "Hello. I was told there is a patient here?" higuchi: *raises hand* Dr. John: *smiles, waves* "Hello. I'm Dr. John. And you have a cold?" higuchi: *nods* Dr. John: "Okay. Let me take your temperature." *offers the thermometer, then takes a clipboard* "Do you have any allergies?" -elsewhere- Takehisa: *sniff* iris: feeling better? Takehisa: "A bit. My hand-eye coordination is still off." -elsewhere- Hibana: "...Do you know anything about this Licht kid?" gabriella: you mean the piano player? Hibana: "No--the tall creepy guy the 8th got assigned." gabriella: oh right!...i've been searching, but nothing's come up. weird. Hibana: "...Maybe check his fingerprints." -elsewhere- Kuro: "Am I going to have to go with you to school again?" mahiru: yep. Kuro: "...You could drop out of school.” mahiru: im not going to do that. -_-; Kuro: "Home schooling?" -elsewhere- Mephisto: "Any word from our traveling troops?" exorcist: they're heading to kyoto today. there was a landslide that kept them from getting there earlier... Mephisto: "How odd...Hm. Can't be helped. Any injuries?" exorcist: thankfully no. Mephisto: "Good. Well, let me know when they arrive in Kyoto." -elsewhere- Dr. John: "I recommend plenty of sleep, but you should recover quickly." *smiles* higuchi: thank you. *John's phone buzzes with a text* Dr. John: ^^; "Well, if you need anything, just call." *waves* higuchi: *nods and rests* Dr. John: *once outside, looks at phone* "..." Text: [how is the patient?] Dr. John: "..." [recovering. recommended rest] Text: [good. keep an eye on her for me~] Dr. John: "..." *shakes, biting her lip* Dr. John: "..." *walks* -elsewhere- Yukio: *points at map* "We'll be checking these locations." seiya: *nods* Yukio: "We have all supplies? Water? Food?" -elsewhere- Rin: "I got the snacks and drinks!" shura: nice. Rin: "Yep. Here's your beer--I was surprised they let me buy it with your ID." -elsewhere- Higan: "You all ready for school soon?" naho: yep! lilac:...*nod* Sakuya: *grunt* naho: i got a new pencil case too! Higan: "That's good." Sakuya: "...Looks cute." naho: ^^ -elsewhere- Shamrock: "..." -elsewhere- Chuuya: *shivers* -a stray cat walks up to him- Chuuya: "!!!" *sits back* cat: *rubs against his leg* Chuuya: "..." *tentative pet* cat: ^w^ Chuuya: "...Where did you come from?" *pet pet* -elsewhere- shura: here we are! -they've stopped at a ryokan- izumo: ?? a ryokan? Rin: "...Um...What's a ryokan?" Bon: *shaking nervously* izumo: it's kind of like an inn. same basic concept. -several people have noticed bon- person: ah! it's bon! Rin: "Neat! Who runs the ryokan?" hey! bon's back! Bon: *waves his hands* "Hey! Hey! Back off!" Rin: ._. woman: ??....!! ryuji....you......YOU DYED YOUR HAIR?! ARE YOU TRYING TO BE A ROOSTER WHEN YOU GROW UP?! Bon: "MOM! LET GO OF MY HAIR!" Rin: ._____. Shima: -_-; Rin: "...Okay. That _can't_ be Bon's mama. She looks so...small and nice." bon's mom: hmm? oh! renzou, neko, so good to see you again. konekomaru: likewise, ma'am. izumo: oh i get it, bon's the <young master> here. maybe i should start calling him 'bonbon' *snickers* Bon: "DON'T YOU START, IZUMO!" *his mother mussed his hair until it is a mess...a bigger mess* Rin: "Huh...And your family owns this inn?" bon's mother: yes. the temple was struggling, so we needed a side business for some income. shura: thanks for letting us stay here. bon's mother: oh it's no trouble at all. bon, renzou, neko, it's been so long since you've been home, why not visit your families? Shima: .w.; Bon: "..." Rin: "???" -later- bon's mother: yaozo? you have visitors. Shima: "!!! D-Dad!" *runs to Yaozo* yaozo: renzou? *coughs* bon's mother: you should be careful... Shima: "I'm here, Dad..." yaozo: relax, torako. i'm not dead yet...how is everyone? Bon: "We've been doing our best, sir." bon's mother: they're alright. no one died, thankfully... yaozo:...konekomaru. konekomaru: *gulp* y-yes sir? yaozo: thank you for looking after bon. you've done a great job. konekomaru: w-well....um...i-uh- Shima: "I-I've been looking after Bon, too, Dad--" -CHOP- yaozo: ALL YOU'VE BEEN DOING IS DYING YOUR HAIR AND CHASING SKIRTS! Shima: *holding his head* "I still fit in time to protect friends while still flirting with girls! Sometimes both at the same time!" yaozo: why you little-…. *grumble* bon....you're father.....you're father's fine...he was just a little startled by the whole thing. Bon: "...Where is he?" bon's mother: he goes to the temple every day, but he doesnt have a cellphone.. Bon: "...Oh. That's...pretty far." -in a hallway- ???: hey hey there, mind giving an old man some help? Rin: "??? Um...Sure? They just have me moving trash around..." o___O "Are those watermelons?!" old man: yep. freshly picked, too. they're for the patients, so do you mind cutting them for me? you're welcome to a slice too. Rin: "..." *stares at his sword* "...Yeah, I better use the slice." *sets down his sword* "Surprised you kept these hidden so long. End of summer, you know..." old man: yep. with school just around the corner for you kids...ah, im just ramblin'....so, i heard some people from death city came here. i take it you're with them? Rin: "Y-Yeah...Actually, I'm with True Cross, too." old man: i see. so i guess you're friends with my son, ryuji then? Rin: "...'Friend' is a bit strong. Dumb old rooster head doesn't like me..." Rin: "...!!! YOU'RE BON'S DAD?!" old man: yep. see the resemblance? Rin: "...No? I thought Bon's dad would be 'GAWR! I'M ANGRY AND ON FIRE!' kind of a guy?" ryuji's dad: oh?.... *laughing* you sure have quite an imagination, kid. Rin: "..." *small laugh, remembering his dad* "I guess...Dad always says so." ryuji's dad: ah...by the way, what's your name, kid? Rin: "...Okumura. Rin." ryuji's dad: !!! .... (thinking: oh, so then he's.....) say, you said you and ryuji havent been getting along, right? Rin: "...Since he...Um...Y-You already know what I am, don't you?" ryuji's dad: actually, ryuji and i have been on difficult terms recently as well. Rin: "Really? What's been happening?" -elsewhere- izumo: .....(thinking: jeez, that girl).... ???: I'M SICK OF LISTENING TO YOUR CRAP! izumo: ?! *listening* ???: "Please, calm down--" ???: dont you forget that the deep keep is the hojo jurisdiction! the only reason we're in this mess is because your security is such a farce! ???: "Your face is a farce!" izumo: *peeeeks* Mamushi: "Back off, or you'll be bitten." hojo sister 1: you tell him, sis! juzo: tch- you hojo's have some damn nerve! Mamushi: "We have nerve--that's what you lack." juzo: why you-! *staff smack* izumo: O.O ao hojo: mamushi! nishiki: *grrr* you damn shima's are all the same! izumo: ?!?! (thinking: SHIMA?! so then, these guys are shima's-) Mamushi: "That's it! Naga, attack!" *summons snake, thrusts it at Juzo* -the door slams open- izumo: ?! (thinking: bon!) juzo: bon! Bon: "Stop this arguing!" Mamushi: "!! You have returned?" juzo: ....my apologies, bon. Bon: "...Whatever. Just keep the noise down..." *turns* Mamushi: "..." nishiki: come on sis, lets go. izumo: .....(thinking: so refined....) nishiki:...*smirks* nice eyebrows~ izumo: !!!........*calm but fuming* i dont think i like those girls very much. -elsewhere- torako: do you think you can bring these to the field office's guardhouse? we're a bit short staffed at the moment. Rin: "Sure!" -later, after bon and konekomaru went to do their own thing- Rin: "..." *sighs, opens can of juice* -phone call- Rin: "???" *answers* "H-Hellllos?" kyouko: hey rin, its me, kyouko, how's the trip? Rin: "..." *sets down his juice* "S'Fine...Just...Everyone h-here is all upset..." kyouko: jeez, that bad, huh? Rin: "I guess they're still reeling from...well, what happened when I was born." kyouko:....just try not to let it get to you too much, ok? all you can do is move forwards. Rin: "...I hope. How is everything at home?" kyouko: doing well. uncle shiro's been doing a bit better, thought its not saying much. with school starting soon, me, madoka, and the others went out and bought school supplies. Rin: "You all get all you needed?" kyouko: yep. -elsewhere- ???: ryuji. Bon: "?!" *turns* "...Hey." uwabami hojo: thank you for defusing that fight earlier. i apologize for mamushi's attitude. Bon: "...It was nothing." uwabami hojo:...i actually wanted to talk to you about something. the recent attack, there's a rumor someone in the myoda was responsible. i was hoping to gather everyone together for an internal investigation. Bon: " 'Everyone' meaning not people from True Cross?" uwabami hojo: everyone in the myoda sect. even your father is under suspicion. Bon: "And you come to me, telling me my father might be a suspect--and you trust me to help you on this?" -elsewhere- shura: !!!!!....oh crap...this is the soda....then that means.....aw crapbaskets. -hojo estate- Rin: "...The hell youse staring at?!" Shima: .____. nishiki: GET OFF OUR ROOF YOU SHIT! Rin: "No! You get _on_ the roof! 'Cause we're gonna raise it tonight!" Rin: *dancing* "We gonna party!" Shima: *covers his face* "Mortifying." -elsewhere, on the roads on the death city outskirts- serpent: it's closssse now. Yukio: *shivers* "I just got a chill, too..." ("...Rin, don't screw up...") "Take us to the site." -much later in the evening- hojo girl: *brushing her hair* *A lute being strummed is heard* hojo girl: ?? (thinking: who's playing a shamisen at this our of the night? *opens her window* ?! Shima: *strumming* "Oooooh, my Juliet! I embrace the trembling you!" hojo girl:.... <what the hell?> Shima: "Praaaaaaaaaayers surpass time! Tell me, oh the wind that spreads across the ocean, as I go toward the still unseen you-oooooooo!" hojo girl: ...........*twitch* Shima: "Oh, pret-tay snakey girl! I am Shim-zo--Renzo Shima! And I confess my loves to you!" hojo girl: <s-shima?!> O _ O Shima: *hiccup* "Come on down...or should I come up~?" hojo girl: <WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?! I DONT UNDERSTAND YOU!> Shima: "...Oh!" *clears his throat* <"I want to be with you tonight!"> hojo girl: !!!! <y-yo....you-> Shima: <"Me-Me wants to be the Romeo to your Juliet! Like I was singing, I seek the unseen you!"> hojo girl: *throwing a hairbrush at his face* Shima: *p0wned* *falls off the roof, the shamisen flying upward--then crashing down on his crotch* .\\\\. -windows slammed shut- nishiki: <the hell was that?> hojo girl: <a devil had come for my soul...> Mamushi: >___< <Keep quiet out here...And if it's a devil, then exorcise them, damn it.> hojo girl: <a pink haired devil...> Mamushi: "..." *smirk* <He's not your type?> hojo girl: .... <he's...outside...> nishiki:...!!! YOU! Shima: @~@ "My tiny Renzo is in pain..." -morning- Rin: *snoring* -elsewhere- Chuuya: *asleep...the cat is resting on his belly* hirotsu: oh. i didnt think you were a cat person, chuuya. Chuuya: *sits up* "Huh?" *looks down* "...This cat...found me." hirotsu: ah, i see. cat: =w= Chuuya: "..." *strokes cat's back* "I guess I better start my day...We got any cat food?" hirotsu: .....we'll have to buy some. Chuuya: *nods* "Canned fish then to start..." -elsewhere- Kyoka: *snore* atsushi: *making breakfast* Kyoka: "..." *sniff sniff* *bounces up, quickly walks into the room* "Breakfast." atsushi: morning. Kyoka: "...Morning." *sits down* "What is for breakfast?" atsushi: egg toast. Kyoka: "...Okay. I want a big helping, then the bathroom." -elsewhere- Hawthorne: *groans* yana: oh, you're up. Hawthorne: *glares* "What happened?" yana: .....you slipped on some ice. *putting the finishing touches on rain's corpse* Hawthorne: "I'm sure..." *stares at Rain's corpse* "..." *turns to leave...* yana:....*shrugs* mitchell:........*no reply* Hawthorne: *sits beside her bed...takes her hand* -no response- Hawthorne: "You will come back...Your family will be redeemed. I will help you." -do you promise?- Hawthorne: "??? ...I promise you." -if anyone tries to prevent you.....eliminate them- Hawthorne: "...Always." -....good- Hawthorne: *small squeeze on her hand* FD: *watching* *smirks...* -elsewhere- Belkia: "Only a few days left of summer--time to do something fun!" naho: water park! Sakuya: "Sounds good." Higan: *big smile* -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: "When's the end-of-summer celebration?" fang-hua: it's on the 31st this month. Tsukiyo: "Yay! Gonna party hard! You figure out your outfit?" -elsewhere- Akutagawa: *knock* higuchi: it's open... Akutagawa: "Hello." higuchi: ./////. g-good morning ryunosuke... Akutagawa: *nods* "You look better. How do you feel?" higuchi:....better... Akutagawa: "Good. I am happy to know you will be back to work soon." *steps closer* "You know what else you need?" higuchi: ?? w-what is i- Akutagawa: "Something...to quench that thirst of yours..." *leans closer* higuchi: .////. w-what do you mea- Akutagawa: *leans closer--then holds up a bottle of sports drink* "You can't afford to dehydrate." higuchi:....*sips* thank you.... -///-; Akutagawa: *nods* "You are covered in sweat, too. I recommend a shower or a bath." -elsewhere- Ranpo: *reviewing papers* -elsewhere- Bakugo: *staring inside a jewelry store* "..." eijiro: looking for something? Bakugo: "!!! ...You never saw me here, and I certainly was not buying a necklace!" eijiro: um...ok? OwO; Bakugo: "And if you tell Itsuka, you'll be pulling your teeth out of your butthole!" eijiro: oh, the girl from class 1-B? Bakugo: "WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT TALKING ABOUT ME BUYING A GIFT FOR ITSUKA?!" eijiro: *shutting up* Bakugo: "..." *holds up a necklace* "How's this one look?" -in the bushes- Monoma: *glare* pony: hey nate? why're we doing this again? Monoma: "Because I do not trust that trigger-happy explodely man being around _my_ Itsuka!" pony: you know, you're being kinda creepy. and its stuff like this that made itsuka dump you in the first place. Monoma: "_I will win her back!_ I just have to show her evidence how awful Bakugo is--then she will realize how concerned I am for her safety." *pulls out camera* pony: ..... *facepalm* Monoma: "Just got to get photographic evidence..." *snaps pics* -elsewhere- Aizawa: "We have a problem." nedzu: oh? Aizawa: "We have lost track of villains, and I anticipate they will try to reach out to other factions in this city." nedzu: perhaps a security sweep? Aizawa: "Agreed. I have recommended some teachers and students for this task." nedzu: we've also gotten reports of some vigilantes in the area. Aizawa: "We'll investigate those as well. Which addresses?" -elsewhere- Rin: *holding ice to his head* shura: learn your lesson? Rin: *pouts* "Yeah. Don't let you hand out drinks..." shura: shaddap. Shima: *collapsed on floor* TT~TT "I didn't even get to first base..." konekomaru: you were really playing baseball so late at night? [<=virgin=] Bon: "..." *snort laugh* Shima: *turns over* "Shut up..." konekomaru: ??? Rin: "??? Um...If it makes you feel better, I don't think she'd be into you. Something about she already has enough snakes in her life." Shima: Q~Q konekomaru: ?????? Bon: *struggling to stifle himself* izumo:...*PUNCH* Rin: D: *knocked back and--* Shima: @~@ "WHY ME?!!!" -elsewhere- Kunikida: *reviewing files* yosano: find anything interesting? Kunikida: "Yes. Dazai's expense reports are obscene, Kenji needs to stop giving the office number to potential suitors--" Kenji: "Only way to get them off my back..." Kunikida: "--and I have a lead on a Guild operation." yosano: ok. one. try using a fake phone number. and two, oh really? Kenji: "...I don't remember fake numbers very easily..." Kunikida: *nods* "A skirmish in town..." *whispers* "...that includes someone who looked like the Guild's leader." yosano: !!! Kunikida: "...Don't tell Atsushi yet. It would unnerve him to know until we confirm." yosano: *nods* Kunikida: "Speaking of which, how has their orientation in school been?" yosano: they've made some new friends. *smiles* Kunikida: "Are they bad influences on them?" yosano: well, i wouldnt say so. kirako: that reminds me, wasnt dazai on a date with one of the teachers a while back? Kunikida: "...Oh no--" *Footsteps heard running* yosano: *steps aside* *The door slams open, revealing--* Dazai: "THE WOMAN WITH THE EYE-PATCH THAT I ASKED TO JOIN ME IN A LOVERS' SUICIDE PACT?!" Kenji: "???" Kunikida: "...Yep." Dazai: "...I WILL USE ATSUSHI TO SCORE ME ANOTHER DATE!" yosano: *facepalm* kirako: O.O (thinking: HOW DOES HE HEAR THIS FROM SO FAR AWAY?!) Kunikida: "If you ruin things for Atsushi and Kyoka, I will make every last moment in your life into hell." Dazai: "Already there!" Kunikida: "And cut your pay." Dazai: D: -elsewhere- FD: "My dear, please pass that book to me." zoey: of course, master fyodor. *hands it to him* FD: "Thank you. Did you finish your other tasks?" zoey: of course. *smiles* FD: "Would you like your reward now?" *opens his desk drawer* zoey: yes~ *already on her knees* FD: *removes a piece of candy, unwrapping and holding it up over her* zoey: *opening her mouth* FD: *drops the candy onto her tongue* zoey: *licking, moaning slightly* FD: "You know what I added to this candy today?" zoey: *squirming* mmn. *slightly panting* FD: "Yes, this will stimulate you...but I have a rule for you to follow." zoey: a-anythiiing~ FD: "You can't touch yourself." *smirks* "Enjoy." zoey: *squirming* mmmmnnn~ *pant pant* FD: "Are you horny, my pet?" zoey: y-yesss... *biting at her thumbs till they bleed as not to touch herself* FD: "Hey. Stop that biting. Do I have to handcuff you?" zoey: *stops, still panting* FD: "...I did have another gift for you..." zoey: ah~? FD: "But I need something in exchange. The dress. Off." zoey: anything...anything for you...*undressing* FD: *hands her a small rectangular box* "You may touch yourself with this..." zoey: *taking it and opening the box* *Inside is a very long vibrator* -elsewhere- Montgomery: *holding up school uniform* "...Blech." dorm lady: is there a problem, hun? Montgomery: "I don't like this uniform. Looks silly." dorm lady: i think it's a lovely color on you. ^^ Montgomery: -\\\\- "F-Fine. I'll try it. But I think this whole plan is goofy." dorm lady: take your time, hun. Montgomery: "...Okay. Thanks. I'll try it on to make sure it fits..." -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *passed out* reimi: *putting him in a wash basin of cool water* Mr. Tsubaki: *slight shiver before relaxing* =w= reimi: didnt want you to get heat stroke. Mr. Tsubaki: "Th-Thank you...My fur never grows well in this weather." reimi: .....say....how long did you plan on staying here? Mr. Tsubaki: "...Do you want me to leave?" reimi: im not saying that! i was just curious. Mr. Tsubaki: "...I am scared. Those C3 freaks will be after me...and you...and the rest of my family." reimi: ...... Mr. Tsubaki: "...I'm not ready to take the fight to them. Not until we find their weakness." reimi:...*nods* -elsewhere- Meme: "Candy kit!" mio: neat. Meme: *lays out the pieces* "Which one do you want to play with?" -elsewhere- Police Officer: "Rather slow day..." sancha: nyeah. Officer: *checks watch* "Should be off duty in a few minutes..." *points across the street* "What's their story?" sancha: *looks* Fitzgerald: "--so we will need a lot of funds." -elsewhere- Kyoka: "Zzz..." -elsewhere- mono: *looking at her school uniform* .... *cuts off one of the sleeves* better! Shotaro: *thumbs up* "Can't wait!" Emine: "..." lin-kimpur: isnt this exciting? Emine: "Yay." Assi: @_@ Zuno: "...What's going on?" -elsewhere- Yukio: "...Those bodies..." gilda: *already making burial preparations* Yukio: *sigh* "What does this have to do with the Impure King's eye? What was being hidden?" seiya: i cant be certain... adrian: it's pretty messed up... Yukio: "Any new leads on their identities?" -elsewhere- FD: "I think you're done..." yana: how does it look? i think i did a pretty nice job. *smiling proudly at the corpse* FD: "Hmmm..." *smiles* "Exquisite." yana: im sure with this, we can convince that petit mafia to help us. FD: *stares into the corpse's face* "Sublime." zoey:..... FD: "...Dearest, you're going to catch a cold." *removes his jacket, puts it over her* "What do you think of her?" *pointing to the corpse* zoey:....alright...i suppose.... FD: "??? Something the matter?" yana: <im assuming she's jealous....> FD: *nods* *whispers in Zoey's ear* "You know that you are far more perfect than this corpse~" zoey: ...ahh~ *blush* FD: *kisses lightly behind her ear, holds her hand* "You are warm, full of life...So vital." zoey: *shivers* master fyodor~ yana: ugh, <get a room, damn you.> FD: <Gladly> *takes his jacket off of Zoey, picks her up bridal style* -elsewhere- Kid: *stretches* stocking: *streeeeetch* ah. Kid: *hug* stocking: *smooch* Kid: *nuzzle* "You know..." stocking: hmm~? Kid: "We won't get this much time to ourselves when we both get back to work." stocking: i know...*smooooooch* Kid: "Mmmm~" *smooch, holds her* "We'll have to make the best of this time...and make time when we can." -elsewhere- Sakuya: *holding up his swimtrunks* naho: ./////. Sakuya: "??? What?" naho: >///w///> n-nothing... Sakuya: "...You want me to put these on?" tsubaki: it may be a good idea. ^^; Sakuya: *shrugs* "Okay." *exits for bedroom* -elsewhere- Triple A: "Marie, I--" marie: yes? christa: TnT Triple A: "I was wondering, if you would consider--" ???: "MARIE!!!!" marie: ?? Triple A: "What the devil--" *Dazai pushes Triple A out of the way* christa: ^u^ marie: O_O; um... Triple A: *knocked down* Dazai: "Long time! Nice to see you again!" *holds Marie's hands* "Have you considered what we had discussed?" marie: um. i have a daughter to raise and a job to do! Dazai: "...How about when she is 18?" *pats Marie's hand* marie:.....*CHOP* no. Dazai: "...Ow." *looks up, smiles* "Then may I invite you for a simple date, just so I may see you smile?" Triple A: *slowly gets up...unsheathes his sword* marie: ^^;;;; Dazai: "???" *turns* "Oh. Nice knife. You use that for spreading butter on toast?" Triple A: "Cursed knave! I, Arthur Auguste Angel, will--" Dazai: *blows raspberries* "Jeez, Marie, you're hanging out with this loser?" marie: O-O; christa: *giggles* Triple A: *swings his sword* "Have at thee!" Dazai: *dodges, moving Marie and Christa out of the path* "Temper, temper, Sir Drools-A-Lot." marie: D8 christa: *laughing* Triple A: "Incompetent fool!" *swing and a miss* "Troll!" *miss* "Bloody reprobate!" Dazai: *steps back* "Ha! Missed me!" *then his pants fall down, showing heart-print boxers* "...Okay, you got my belt. But that's about it." marie: O_O Triple A: *pushes back Dazai, who trips over his pants* "I end this..." *lifts up his sword* Dazai: o___o -DOUBLE SHOCK- Dazai and Triple A: *electrocuted* o____O -KO- marie: now both of you just knock it off! D8< Dazai: "Whatever you wish~" Triple A: "B-But he started it!" -double ear tug- marie: no excuses, mister! Triple A: "Ow!" Dazai: -\\\\\- "...I mean, 'ow'!" christa: *giggles* Triple A: TT~TT "First time I made Christa laugh..." christa:....*glaring at triple A* Triple A: o____O Dazai: *whispers to Marie* "You really want to be with a dude who doesn't get along with your child?" christa: *reaching for dazai* ^u^ marie: well... Dazai: "Hee hee..." *waves at Christa* Triple A: o\\\\o "I-I am a provider!" christa: \(^o^)/ Dazai: "...May I pick her up?" marie: um, well...just be careful. Dazai: "I will." *bends down, carefully picking up Christa* "Hey, buddy." Triple A: *clenching his teeth* -elsewhere- Rin: *holding ice to his head* *groan* izumo: and thats why you dont sleep on the roof. Rin: "I didn't mean to. Who was the one who gave me beer instead of juice?" Q~Q shura: *glaaaaare* Rin: "What you getting mad at me for?! You gave it to me! And to Shima!" Shima: *black eye* "..." nishiki: *glaaaaare* hojo girl:....*looking away, blushing slightly* Shima: .\\\. *looks away--and crashes into a wall* "...Ow." izumo: .....shima....what....did....you...do? Shima: "...I don't remember? But it involved a musical instrument?" -elsewhere- Belkia: "Coming with us to the pool?" lilac:...... Belkia: "Aw, come on! It'll be fun! Get to cool down, put on floaties, have burgers and shakes by the water..." lilac: i'll just....wait here..... Belkia: "...Well, not alone. Someone should stay here." otogiri: i'll stay here with him. Belkia: *nods* "Okay..." *pats Lilac's back* "Hang in there, buddy." -elsewhere- Touma: *looking over files* "Giant whale...Man-Tiger..." mafura: ~? Touma: "These are resources I want to learn more about." *hands off a file* "Find out what you can about their location, names, schedule." mafura: *nods* Touma: "We may find some allies..." *smirks* "Or new playthings." -elsewhere- Vulcan: "Yuu! Hold this..." *hands him a heavy engine* yu: um. grk-....*shaking under the weight* Vulcan: *sweeps the dust on his workstation* "Okay. You can drop it back there now." yu: *place it* phew... Vulcan: "Good. Now organize those parts." *thumbs at a pile of supplies rising to the ceiling* -elsewhere- Hibana: "Zzz..." -elsewhere- misora: *relaxing in her room* *Ring ring* misora: *answers* misora speaking~<3 White Hood: "Have you prepared?" misora: yep. i've been working really hard~! so what's up next? White Hood: "How would you like to visit a scrapyard?" misora: a dirty old scrap yard? sounds so laaaame. =3= White Hood: "...They have fluffy animals?" -elsewhere- Takehisa: "Okay...I think I have enough strength to cook something...What do you want?" -elsewhere- Tachihara: "Just saying, you could change up your outfit..." gin: *ignoring him* Tachihara: "At least show your face. Why you hiding it all the time?" gin:.....reasons. Tachihara: "What, afraid I won't keep my eyes off you?" gin:........ -_-; Tachihara: "...Oh, screw this!" *grabs for her mask* -KO- gin: denied. sit down Tachihara: *pool of blood underneath his twitching body* -elsewhere- Poe: "..." *shudder* karl: O^O~? Poe: "J-Just chilly in here, Karl..." *pat pat* -elsewhere- Anya: *staring at Ao* "..." ao: yes~? ^^ Anya: "...What's your game?" ao: oh? Anya: "Ever since you came here, you have always had some weird vibe to me--like you hate me or something." ao: that's quite a strong accusation. Anya: "Really? What do you call standing over my bed all the time with a knife? Or back-handed insults? Or that time you slapped my face?!" ao: oh that? mind refreshing my memory a bit? Anya: *glaring* "February 17, 4:37 PM. You said a mosquito was on my face. There wouldn't be any mosquito in the middle of February!" ao: oh that. perhaps my eyes were playing tricks on me ^^ Anya: "...And what if I slapped you right now...?" ao: well it would hurt. but i would like to avoid a confrontation at the moment. for tsugumis sake. Anya: *frowning* "...You will use that excuse all the time, won't you?" ao:....well, i do because i love her. Anya: o\\\\o "WHAT?!" ao: of course. and i guess....i was jealous of you, for having been so close to her. Anya: o\\\\o "Y-You think I-I am close t-t-to Tsugumi?!" ao: well, you are one of her meisters, are you not? and she often spoke of you and miss tatane when the two of you were away... Anya: o\\\\\\\o *grabs Ao's hands* "What did she say about me?" -elsewhere- Relan: *sits in bed* -elsewhere- Yohei: "Things'll be quieter when so many of them are at school." chie: yeah. Yohei: *picks up Toru* "And you and your cousin will have fewer people to play with while they're in school?" toru: *pout* io: -3- Yohei: "But they'll be home after school. And your parents will be here!" *pats Io's head* io: ^u^ saki: ^^ chie: ^^ Tool: "..." *picks up Io* io: hehe! Tool: *bounce bounce* "Not too long before they'll be in school, too." saki: yeah. nea: ..... Shinoda: *pat pat* "You okay?" nea: yeah. -elsewhere- Chuuya: *petting the cat* "Comfy?" cat: *pleased meow* Chuuya: *smiles, strokes her cat* "I hope so..." *sigh* "...I miss her..." cat: o^o~? Chuuya: "..." *pets the cat* "She didn't deserve this...I just..." *teary-eyed* cat: *nuzzle* ^w^ Chuuya: *hugs the cat* "Don't leave me, too..." cat: *purrs* Chuuya: *strokes cat's back...* "You still okay with your name...Mito?" mito: *mreow* ^w^ Chuuya: QWQ *pets...* "And I'll have to get you a scratching post..." -elsewhere- Arthur: *wearing a crown and cloak, holding a scepter* nozomi: ?? Arthur: "...I am merely guarding these until the King returns." nozomi: the king? Arthur: "Yes! One whose majesty will grace this planet in the light of goodness! My namesake, Arthur himself!" *presses a button on a tape recorder, playing applause* shinra:....*not even shocked* Takehisa: "...Please clean up when you're done. I'm tired of your glitter getting on the carpet." Arthur: *hold up scepter* "BOW TO THE TEMPORARY KING!" Takehisa: "..." iris: never a dull moment, huh? Relan: ^^; "No kidding--" Takehisa: *picks up Arthur by the collar, flinging him across the room* Arthur: ._____. Relan: D: shinra: yikes. Takehisa: "Do not boss around your supervisor, 'King.'" Arthur: "AAAAAH!" *crash* -lets just say arthur....had a soft landing.- tamaki: KYAA! shinra: *digging a grave* -the grave reads 'here lies arthur boyle's dignity. again.'- Arthur: =\\\\\= "At least I landed safely..." Relan: "..." *hides behind Iris* -too violent to show- Relan: Q~Q "Horrifying..." -elsewhere- Higan: "...Tall slide." naho: ......challenge accepted. Sakuya: "Same..." *follows her* -elsewhere- Mori: "Updates?" kouyou: still looking for a replacement for Ace. Mori: "Hmm...Any prospective candidates? Perhaps from other organizations?" kouyou: we did make an offer to hirotsu, however he sadly declined. Mori: "Why? Not enough money?" -elsewhere- Akutagawa: *face-down* Q:...*pokes with a stick* Akutagawa: "Please don't. I want to lie on the floor." Q: are you dying? Akutagawa: "...No? This helps me contemplate my problems. You know, like killing a coworker, tracking that Man-Tiger, figuring out what is wrong with Higuchi." Q: oh. ok. Akutagawa: "...Why does it all hurt and confuse me?" Q: *shrug* Akutagawa: "..." *imagines...being hugged* "..." Q: *walks away, humming* Akutagawa: -\\\\- *muttering to himself* "Hold me in your big strong arms..." -elsewhere- atsushi: did anyone else feel a cold chill or is it just me? OwO; Kyoka: "...Have a hot meal and a bath?" atsushi: good idea. Kyoka: "Good. Make a hot meal for me as well." *returns to reading* -elsewhere- FD: "And what have we learned?" -elsewhere- Emine: *hiding under blankets* lin-kimpur: there you are! Emine: "...Hello." -elsewhere- Sakuya: "...What a rush!" naho: woohoo! Sakuya: "Yeah! Get ready for splashdown!!!" *SPLASH* naho: WHEEEE! Sakuya: *pops up out of the water, underneath Naho* "Woo! That was awesome!" naho: hehe ^^ Sakuya: *lifts her up, like chicken game* "Spot anything from up there to check out?" naho: hmmm *squints* Sakuya: "Oh, right-- your glasses...Need to go get them?" naho: im good. -elsewhere- Patty: "..." liz: hmm? Patty: "I'm bored." -elsewhere- Dazai: "Well, here you are. Have a good afternoon, Marie." marie: you too. 7.7; christa: bye bye! Dazai: *waves* "Bye-bye, Christa!" *smiles* Triple A: "..." -after marie closes the door- Dazai: *smirks at Triple A* "You still got blood on your nose--" Triple A: *picks up Dazai by the collar, shaking him* "Don't you dare come between me and Marie!" Dazai: *smirks* "She didn't let you in. I'd say I don't need to try..." Triple A: *pulls back his fist* "I will not stop until you are a smear on my fist! Then Marie will--" *KICK* Triple A: X____X *high-pitched whimper, as he drops Dazai* Dazai: "...Huh. Your balls are sensitive..." atsushi: there he is! Dazai: "Hi, guys! Meet my new friend, Mr. No-Balls!" Triple A: *fetal position* atsushi:....*looks at kunikida* Kunikida: "...Brat, pick up the injured man. We'll have the doctor take care of his injuries." Triple A: *high-pitched* "Thank you, good sir, for tending to my wounds..." Dazai: "...You won't be happy for long~" -elsewhere- Yumi: [how was the date?] marie: [it didnt go as hoped.] -she explains what all happened- Yumi: [i'm really sorry. on the one hand, good you got away from them. on the other hand--you now have men fighting over you] marie: [whether this is a pro or a con has yet to be seen] Yumi: [marie...how are things with arthur?] -elsewhere- Kid: "Keep them closed..." stocking: ok... *has her eyes closed* Kid: *walks her forward, then to a seat, which he pushes closer to the table* stocking: .... *A plate is heard set down* Kid: "Okay...Open!" stocking: *opens her eyes* ah! *The table is set with black and white desserts* stocking: aw, kid, honey~! Kid: *holds up a spoon and fork* "For you, my sweet~" stocking: ahhhh~<3 Kid: *smiles at her* "I would give you anything, Stocking..." stocking: i know. ^^ Kid: "Well, let's dig in~" -elsewhere- Anya: o\\\\\o ("Just going for a walk...Clear my head...") ???: and did you see what they did to the pool? they flipped the bitch! Anya: "???" *looks* -elsewhere- Higan: "...Think we went too far?" lavender: well, security didnt chase us out, so no. Higan: "Good point. Well, better get our meal before heading out. Where is everyone?" -elsewhere- Victor: *on the phone* "...Yes...Yes...I understand." nozomi: ?? Victor: "Right...Drop it off tomorrow, and I'll get to work. But I wish you had sent it sooner. Feels like it's been months." nozomi: ??? Victor: "Right. Right. Love you too. Goodbye." nozomi: who was that? Victor: "Hmm? Oh, Nozomi! Hello. That was my aunt. She is delivering a pickup truck tomorrow for me to repair." nozomi: oh. i see. *smiles* Victor: "Wanna help? I could use a hand with attaching this--" *picks up a claw device* -elsewhere- Hyde: "I AM GOING TO JUMP OFF THIS ROOF!" licht: good luck. Hyde: "AND LIKE THE VAMPIRE I AM, I WILL FLY TO SAFETY! YOU CAN'T STOP ME, LICHT!" julian: you turn into a hedgehog! not a bat like your brother! or a butterfly for that matter. Hyde: "...Hedgehog's bounce though, right? Like, on those springs, right?" julian:.....*silently weeps* Hyde: owo;;;; "Maybe I should just reconsider all of this and--" *slips* o_____o; "Oh no..." -elsewhere- Yumi: *falls back in bed* lord death: long day? Yumi: *nod nod* "Looking over case files, Shiori ran me tired, Marie has men problems--" lord death: *listening* Yumi: "I just want to lie down..." Yumi: "Mmm...Busy day...Trying to figure out the attack with that whale..." -elsewhere- Sakuya: "Zzz..." naho: zzzzzz -in the hospital- himiko: ^w^ *holding her newborn son* Kurogiri: "Congratulations. He is precious." Dabi: *hiding in the corner* himiko: =w= baby: zzzz.... Kurogiri: "Have you and the jerk considered a name?" -elsewhere- Dr. John: "Veronica, do you have the hospital records?" veronica: yes, right here. Dr. John: "Hmm...Files missing?" veronica: three actually. two patient files and one staff file. Dr. John: "...Who was the staffer?" veronica: it was zoey's file... Dr. John: "...Oh." *looks down* "Thank you. What do you remember about the two patient files?" veronica: one was comatose, the other had really bad injuries.. Dr. John: *nods* "Remember anything about them?" -elsewhere- Mori: *smiles* "Got the information I needed..." kouyou: oh? Mori: "It helps to have an inside-person. May lead us to what has happened to the remaining Guild members." -elsewhere- Kyoka: "Zzz..." *whimper* atsushi:....*puts blanket over her* Kyoka: *pulls it over herself* "M-Mama..." atsushi:....*hugs* ...... Kyoka: *holding on* "...Zzz..." atsushi:....(thinking: her mother.....).....*closes his eyes, remembering being hugged by kirako...the soft warmth.....* -the next morning, he woke up in a sweat....and took a long cold shower- Kyoka: *knock knock* "Are you going to be in there all day?" atsushi: im...f-fine.... .////. (thinking: STUPID PUBERTY!) -elsewhere- Akutagawa: "This is the address. Follow me." higuchi: *nods* Akutagawa: "Here should be the last location of the Guild leader...Search for clues." higuchi: understood. Akutagawa: "Hmm..." *looks in the room* "Looks as if they cleaned up. No fingerprints? And..." *bends down, picks up--* "...Do you recognize this coin?" higuchi: *examines the coin* Akutagawa: "Seems...Foreign? Or old?" *checks front and back* "I don't recognize it..." higuchi: hmmm... Akutagawa: "...Hang on." *checks his phone* "...There. That's what it is..." higuchi: a subway token? Akutagawa: *nods* "Do you have money to buy our subway fare?" higuchi: yes. Akutagawa: "Then let's find the station...We'll be on a lot of subway lines today." -elsewhere- Fitzgerald: *examining his coat* louisa: how is it? Fitzgerald: "Acceptable. Is it within our budget?" -elsewhere- Arthur: X____X -elsewhere- Nals: "Then we draw out their fire here--" milia: *nod* Nals: "And you'll cover there until we procure the item for Shaula. Ready?" -elsewhere- Dazai: =w= atsushi: good morning. Dazai: *wave* "Howdy. Isn't today just beautiful?" atsushi: i guess. kirako: morning. atsushi:.... .////.;;;; Dazai: *looks back and forth at Atsushi and Kirako...then...smirks* "Yo, Kirako, one of the light bulbs in the ceiling went out. I'll hold the ladder, you put in the bulb." atsushi: i can put the bulb in! Dazai: -3- "Fine...Kirako, keep the ladder steady, too, 'kay?" kirako: right. Dazai: *holds the ladder with Kirako* -objective complete- Dazai: "Great!" *shakes the ladder a bit* "You were so cool, Atsushi!" atsushi: thank you. Dazai: "Wasn't he great, Kirako? Our little boy is doing so good!" *pinches his cheek* atsushi: ^^;; kirako: ^^; Dazai: "Good work, buddy!" *pats--hard--on Atsushi's back* atsushi: oof...thanks. Dazai: "Oh, I have your next task." *holds up paper* atsushi: what is it? Dazai: "You are investigating a series of thefts. Lots of valuable items going missing in one neighborhood..." *points on a map...around Gallows Mansion* -elsewhere- Chuuya: *buying school supplies* "...Still need more pens..." -a couple of the girls from school are giggling- Chuuya: *stares at them* "..." -some of them wave at him- Chuuya: "..." *nods at them...* "Hi." girl: so, you seeing anyone~? Chuuya: "...Sorry. I am not dating." girl: oh. 7-7 Chuuya: "...I'm sorry. I just..." *shakes* girl 2: maybe we should leave him alone... girl 3: i bet its just like dead man evans... Chuuya: "Wh-What? 'Dead man Evans'?" girl 2: yeah, that kid soul? his partner died and it really messed him up. he kind of looked like he was barely alive... Chuuya: "..." *breaks down crying* girl 2: !? girl 3: dude holy shit! Chuuya: "R-Rain...I can't do this..." ????: come on, give the guy some damn space. girl 2: !!! soul: jeez, some people....oi. you ok? Chuuya: *can't speak, just sobbing* soul:...easy there...*pats his back* need something to drink? Chuuya: *nods* -he got him a canned coffee- Chuuya: *sniff* "Th-Thank you..." *sip* "I'm sorry. I'm just a wreck..." soul: yeah, i sure as hell know that feeling. Chuuya: "O-Oh?" *trying to sip more* soul: yeah, it's tough. but i've been getting by. Chuuya: "...I don't know how...I just feel..." soul: like dying? like nothing really matters anymore? Chuuya: "..." *nods* soul: ....but you know...even after they've passed on....they're never really gone. Chuuya: "...How so?" soul: *smiles* a part of them always stays with you. in your heart, your mind....your soul. Chuuya: "..." *puts his hands over his heart* "...I'm worried I'll forget..." soul: that's the thing. you never really do, as long as you keep their memory alive. Chuuya: "..." *nods* "I have to figure out how..." -elsewhere- Victor: "Okay...claw is almost attached..." -elsewhere- Dazai: "How did healing the creepy knight guy go?" yosano: i think he's fine. if a little shook. Triple A: Q~Q Dazai: "Super! I'd hate to see anything bad happen to him...Unless you make something bad happen to him. Then that's okay." -elsewhere- Hyde: *lying in hospital bed* D: licht: have you learned your lesson? Hyde: "That Mother Nature should've made hedgehogs with wings. Or jet packs." licht: *facepalm* Dr. John: "And how is the patient--" Hyde: "And I need more of your blood!" Dr. John: owo;;; licht: doing fine. just give us a moment. -elsewhere- Kyoka: "Who is going with you on the investigation?" atsushi: seems it's going to be dazai. Kyoka: "Oh. Keep an eye on him." atsushi: can and will do. Kyoka: *takes his hand* "And be safe." atsushi: *nods* i will. Kyoka: "Good. Because I need someone to make my meals." Dazai: *overhearing, smirks* atsushi:...right. *sweatdrop* Dazai: *appears, slaps Atsushi's back* "Ready to investigate, partner?" atsushi: y-yes sir! Dazai: "Later, Kyoka!" *waves* "We're going to meet with rich people at their houses!" *puts on a bowtie* atsushi: ok. then. Dazai: "Hmm...But you could stand to look a little fancier, too. Better get you new threads." atsushi: oh, um... ._. -and so- Dazai: *adjusts his own suit* "How you like it?" atsushi: looking good. Dazai: *takes Atsushi's tie, adjusts it* "Yep! Nothing better to impress a client than a sharp-dressed detective!" atsushi: r-right. well, here we a-..... O_O;;; Dazai: "...Day-amn. Big place." atsushi: ARE THOSE GUILLOTINES IN THE FRONT LAWN?! Dazai: owo "I LOVE THIS PLACE ALREADY." *presses the doorbell* ellen: yes? Dazai: "We're with the Armed Detective Agency, here investigating local robberies." ellen: ah, i see. we havent had problems here. gallows mansion has very tight security. Dazai: "I'm sure." *pulls out notepad* "Have you seen any suspicious people hanging around the premises?" atsushi: *looking around* (thinking: this place is really big....and....symmetrical....) *sweatdrop* Kid: "Ellen? Who's there?" ellen: some people from a detective agency. atsushi: ??? Dazai: "Investigating recent thefts and--" Kid: *already nose to nose with Atsushi* *stare* atsushi: um.....hi? OuO;;; Kid: "Your hair...It is not...symmetrical." atsushi: neither is yours. Kid: "HOW DARE YOU!" atsushi: EEP! stocking: easy there, hun. *rubs kid's shoulders* Kid: =\\\\= "Okay...I still think we should give him a haircut..." Dazai: *stares at Stocking* stocking: ....who the heck- Dazai: "Osamu Dazai, Armed Detective Agency, here to investigate reports of thefts in this neighborhood." *hands her his card* stocking: i see.... Dazai: "Have you seen any suspicious persons hanging around the premises? Perhaps ones in gaudy obvious outfits that stand out? Or ones trying to hide their identities?" -elsewhere- Chuuya: "Th-Thanks again, Soul..." soul: no problem. anyway, i think you're gonna do great, kid. Chuuya: "??? Why's that?" soul: call it instinct, i guess. Chuuya: *nods* "Well...This is me." *points to his apartment* "Later..." soul: later...*exits* Chuuya: *opens the door, heads to his room...enters* "...Mito?" mito: mreow! *nuzzles against his leg* Chuuya: *smiles, pets her* "Hungry?" -elsewhere- ???: *looking over loot* "One heck of a haul..." *picks up a ruby-encrusted tiger statue* "This one is the best...And that just leaves...Gallows Mansion." -one goon pummeling later- Tiger Goon: X___X "Ouchie..." atsushi: i see this solves the catnappings....eh?...eh? anyone? kirika: *holding mocha close to her* Dazai: "Boo." *pats Tiger Goon on the head* "Now, who exactly were you selling these items to?" Tiger Goon: "Hmph. I will say nothing." Dazai: "...Who wants to interrogate her?" stocking: please. allow me~ ^^# -too graphic- Dazai: owo "She is impressive." Kid: "Don't even think about it." Dazai: "THINKING ABOUT IT!" Tiger Goon: *loud screams of pain* "That's his address! Just stop hurting me!" stocking: welp. that settles that incident~ she was even kind enough to reveal the one responsible! Kid: *smiles* "I knew you could, sweetie." *smooch* Dazai: "...Huh. I guess you did more of the work than we did--but we still get to take the credit!" *pats Atsushi's back* -elsewhere- Victor: *holds up the keys* "Ready for a test drive! Who wants to call shotgun?" -elsewhere- Hawthorne: *on his knees, praying* -who do you pray for?- Hawthorne: ("Mitchell...") -do you remember what did this to her?- Hawthorne: ("Yes...That Mafia monster...")) -he did this to her....monsters like that....did this to her.....monsters like that....must be purged...dont you agree?- Hawthorne: ("Yes...Exterminate these monsters...Cleanse the world of these sinners...") FD:....*smirks* -elsewhere- Kunikida: "It seems the mission was completed. Surprised Dazai and the Brat did so well..." atsushi: looks like everything went pretty well. Dazai: *nods* "Yep! We made a good first impression on the rich people in this town! And they are friends with Marie..." -elsewhere- Excalibur: "FOOLS!" -ELSEWHERE- Free: "Call back your folks?" eruka: yeah. they're doing good as usual. *smiles* Free: "...Glad you do that. I..." eruka: hmm? Free: "...never get to do that." eruka:...*pats his back* Free: *nod nod* "Yeah..." *taps his head* "There are times when I remember...then they're gone." eruka:....*hug* Free: "!!! ..." *hug* -elsewhere- Anya: "...Tsugumi? Can we talk?" tsugumi: what is it? Anya: "...Are you happy with your meisters?" tsugumi: of course, you guys are like my best friends. ^^ Anya: "...'Friends,' then?" tsugumi:...is something wrong? Anya: "..." *nods* "...Do you like Ao?" tsugumi: aochi? of course. she's one of our partners, after all. Anya: "...You know I have not always gotten along with her." tsugumi: i've noticed. it's far more tense than when you and meme were my partners. Anya: "...I thought she didn't like me...now...I don't know." tsugumi: oh no, did something happen? Anya: "...I asked her what she thinks about me...and about you. She said she...loves you." tsugumi:......eh? *tsugumi.exe has stopped responding* Anya: *not noticing* "I don't know how she meant it...but it makes me...jealous." tsugumi:....ehh? Anya: *holding hands over her heart* "I don't know how I feel...but I like you...I love you, too. I just...I don't know what it is that I'm feeling." tsugumi:....*she's blue screened* ......*steam is coming off her head* Anya: "And I...I...Tsugumi. Please say something." *finally turns, looks* o\\\\o "TSUGUMI!" *clutches her shoulders* "Wake up!" tsugumi: IM UP! THE ANSWER IS NUMBER 4! Anya: D: "...Maybe you need to rest...Let me get you to your bed..." -elsewhere- Izuku: "And this was the action figure my mom gave me when I was three." -elsewhere- Relan: "Any word from Vulcan?" shinra: nothing yet. Relan: "...You think he's a good guy?" shinra:...i know he is. stubborn, yes. but im know he's a good person at heart. just got to keep trying. Relan: "...I guess a good person would see that." *pats Shinra's hand* shinra: *smiles* iris: ^^ Relan: "How about we have something to eat? I found out where Takehisa is hiding snacks..." -elsewhere- Dazai: "You should have seen the great job Atsushi did back there! Amazing how he knocked that cat-burglar around!" atsushi: .u.; all i did was knock them back at that lady.... Dazai: "Maybe--but we still get to take credit for the attack. Which means..." *holds up a check* "BAM! Payday for returning that loot to those robbed houses!" atsushi:......*JAWDROP* Dazai: "Should keep us funded for a bit...Imagine how many drinks I can get. How many meals you can buy Kyoka. And who knows what else everyone else here wants to buy..." -elsewhere- Vulcan: *hammering at engines like he's playing drums* yu: master vulcan. do you have a moment? Vulcan: "Hmm?" *lifts up his mask* "What's up?" yu: i wanted to show you this prototype i made. Vulcan: "Wow...Yuu, this is amazing!" yu: ^^ lisa: hey guys! dinner's just about ready! -elsewhere- Giovanni: "We are ready." -late in the night- shinra: gah! *waking up in a cold sweat* *Knock knock* shinra: *opening the door* ?? Relan: "..." shinra: rel? you ok? Relan: *stares* "I could ask you the same..." shinra:...bad dream...no...a vision, maybe.... Relan: "..." *takes his hand* "Come on." shinra:....i think vulcan is in trouble. Relan: "...Just a feeling? Or do you need to tell the Commander?" shinra:....think you can get the squad? Relan: *nods* "I already got some tea brewing...Go get some." *forehead kiss* shinra: right. -after that, shinra explains the situation- iris: that sounds scary. Arthur: "...But this was your dream?" shinra: yeah, but it's like what happened in asakusa. Arthur: "Okay...So, what's the plan? We head on over, talk to Vulcan?" tamaki: if this is the case, then i have a plan. shinra, arthur, and iris will go to vulcan's and investigate. while me, relan, and nozomi stay as home base. iris. if anything is wrong, call us and we'll send back up. iris: right. Arthur: "..." *takes Tamaki's hands* tamaki: just be careful you guys. shinra + iris: *hugs relan* Arthur: "I will return, victorious." nozomi:...... Relan: ^\\\^ "Be safe." -and so- -knock knock knock- Vulcan: *grouchy* "Who the hell is knocking at this hour..." *looks through peephole* iris: we've come bearing a fruit basket! OuO Vulcan: "!!!?!" *throws open the door* "I don't like fruit! I like soda!" lisa: vul...*yaaawn* what the fuck? *in an octopus shirt and undies* iris: sorry to disturb you, but we wanted to ask you about something- Arthur: o\\\\\o Vulcan: "Just spit it out, Sister!" iris: we think you guys are in danger! Vulcan: "??? Um, that's nothing new. We know. Giovanni is after us--" *a scream is heard* iris: ?! yu: *running* t-theres....there's crusaders! outside! iris: ?!?!?! Arthur: *reaches for his Excalibur and--* "...Oh. I left it at home." iris: NOW?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Arthur: "It's late at night. How was I supposed to remember?" lisa: shit. everyone get inside, now! Arthur: *pushes Yu inside* "Okay..." -in the wooded area- shinra: no sign of anything yet.... ???: "Kill all in the workshop." shinra: ?!?! *peeeks* !!! (thinking: giovanni! oh no...) Giovanni: "And make it look like an accident. Understood?" shinra: *turns to warn the others* *Two fingers poke his eyes* shinra: OW! jeez!....what the *grabs the hand* aha- *It's a disembodied hand, wriggling in Shinra's hands* shinra: what the heck? creepy- *The hand starts to feel warmer...before it is burning hot* shinra: *lets go* GAH! what the hell?! *The hand moves forward, slamming Shinra in his chest, knocking him back* shinra: OOF! what the-... *looks up* oh fuck. Giovanni: "Hello. You found lefty." *The hand wraps around Shinra's neck, pulling him up the tree* shinra: grk- *puuuulllll* -he managed to break free- shinra: *coughing* what the hell?! Giovanni: "I will be capturing you now." *fires his right hand at Shinra* shinra: OH MOTHER- -back at the workshop- iris: so that's the plan? Arthur: "I need a sword. Forge me one." Vulcan: >_< "IT IS 2:30 IN THE GODDAMN MORNING, AND YOU HAVE FIRE ABILITIES BUT CAN'T JUST GO OUT AND FIGHT--" iris: ok um.... here! take this! Arthur: *holds up a mallet* "Is this a sword? No, it is not. So make me a sword." Vulcan: "...Yuu. Can we use him as a human shield?" yu: how about this? Arthur: "...I don't know what this hand-cranky-wrench thingie is. But it hardly can hold a flame...So make me a sword, engineer." Vulcan: "...Yu, keep him busy. I'll make him a goddamn sword." Arthur: "And make me a horse." Vulcan: *angrish* -and so- shinra: nn....huh? ...!!! *struggling to break free* Giovanni: "Do not make me electrocute you again, Kusakabe." shinra: what do you want from me, giovanni? Giovanni: "Adora..." shinra: !? -back at the workshop- iris: come on arthur! dont give up! Arthur: *slicing at Hoods* "High-ho, Silver! Let us ride into battle against these monstrous Hoods!" lisa: ...... Silver: *annoying donkey noises* yu: do your best! lisa:...vul...*hugs him from behind*.....no hard feelings..... Vulcan: "???" -she then tasers him- Vulcan: "!!!" yu: MASTER VULCAN! lisa wha- lisa: get out of the way, yu. *kicks him into the wall* iris: !!! Vulcan: "Wh-What...?" lisa: *takes a knife and holds it to vulcan's neck* dont come any closer, or i'll kill him. Vulcan: "L-Lisa...Stop..." lisa: it doesnt have to be this way vulcan. just give me the key to the amaterasu. Vulcan: *dazed* "Amaterasu? Key? I don't--" lisa: you do. after all, your family did build the amaterasu, didnt it? Vulcan: *struggling to push her away, but he's too weak* "What are you doing?! Lisa, we're family--" lisa: *slaps him* please...dont make this harder than it needs to be. Vulcan: *holding his hand to his cheek* "...Lisa...No...You're not...You're working with Giovanni?" -she doesnt say a thing- -in the wooded area- Giovanni: "Good...Wrap him up in the fire-proof sheets and take him back to headquarters. I will bring the key and eliminate Vulcan." shinra: dammit!.... Giovanni: "And tape his filthy mouth shut." -halfway out of the woods, several feather bullets attack the hoods- shinra: ?!?! ???: there he is! Hood: "URK!" *collapses* ???: good, we werent too late... shinra: mmmn? ???: *yawn* "Yeah, great..." ryuuko: *takes the tape off his mouth* shinra: ryuuko! mikami! *looks up* um.... Hibana: "What the heck did you get yourself into, Shinra?" shinra: how did you know to find me? mikami: i had a dream that....you were in danger....no..it was more of a vision... shinra: so then....!!! we need to get back to vulcan's workshop! Hibana: "With all these hoods around? I think you'll need cover..." ryuuko: hmmm. Hibana: "Okay. We'll provide backup for Shinra..." shinra: ryuuko, the two of us will be the combat team. hibana and mikami are defense team. mikami: *nods* Hibana: "Okay." *pats Shinra* "Now get running!" shinra: you can count on us! *runs* ryuuko: i shall not fail. *flames surround her arms like wings, as she takes flight* Hibana: "So, Mikami, how are you at beating on Hoods?" mikami: i-i dont know...im not much of a fighter... Hibana: *pats her shoulder* "Hey. When in doubt, aim for their junk." mikami: their garbage? Hibana: "...Their daddy parts." mikami:....eeehhhh? Q-Q -in the workshop, shinra has burst through the window, and knees giovanni in the face- iris: shinra!......*snaps a pic* Giovanni: *muffled yell of pain* ryuuko: *lands, gracefully* honestly kusakabe, you lack tact. Vulcan: "!!!" shinra: well, i now know what its like to be tamaki. Giovanni: *collapsed against the wall, weezing* *muffled* "Mmmrah Krusakmmbbb..." ryuuko: *glares at giovanni* i knew you werent to be trusted, giovanni. Giovanni: "Rymmmko? Mhat rawr ruu booing mhrree?" Vulcan: "PULL YOUR GODDAMN MASK OPEN, YOU BASTARD!" Giovanni: *knocks the back of his head into the wall--pushing open his nose* *inhales* "Ah. Better. Now, then..." *pulls himself up* "Ryuuko. I am surprised you have come. And dare attack your commander." ryuuko: the only person i attacked is a criminal. Giovanni: "I am simply here to fulfill what I was destined to." *points his cane at Lisa* "Has he given up the key?" lisa: he's still being stubborn... shinra: lisa?! -outside- Arthur: *slicing at Hoods, getting only duplicates--then he faces a Hood that looks like him* "...Who's this fool?" -something pierces through a fake white hood, causing it to disperse- Arthur: "?!!!" mikami: l-like that? Hibana: TT_TT "I am so proud. Now, this time, make him _really_ feel the pain..." mikami: u-understood! *kicks arthur in the junk* Arthur: Q~Q "I'm not...the Hood..." *collapses* "Save me Silver..." mikami: m-mr boyle? oh my goodness im so sorry! Q-Q Not!Arthur: *lifts up his sword at Mikami* mikami: !!! x-guard! *her hair ignites and forms an X to deflect the sword* *Not!Arthur dissipates into nothingness* Arthur: "Whyyyyyyy?" Hibana: "Because women do not discern between idiots." -inside- lisa: isaribi! attack! Vulcan: "...What the fuck...?" Giovanni: *chuckles* shinra: GAAH! Vulcan: o~o "..." -fiery tentacles shoot out and attack shinra- Giovanni: "You can't escape her, Kusakabe..." *preparing his fist...* ryuuko: *kicks him in the face, causing him to hit a button* Giovanni: *mask punched in again* "HMPH!" Vulcan: "...Oh, not again--" *BOOM BOOM BOOM* -outside- mikami: EEP! Hibana: *sending flower petals at different Hoods* "Hohohoho! Cower before me, mere worms! I am the Princess Hiban--" *A bear head hits Hibana in the head* Hibana: "...Ho." *collapses* X___X mikami: Q___Q Arthur: "...Iris?! Did you hit the button again?!!!" -inside- Giovanni: *struggling to breathe through his mask* *cough* "I-I'm tired of this...What do I have to do to convince you to surrender Vulcan?" Vulcan: "...Nothing. I will die before you get anything from me." Giovanni: "...So, only death will convince you?" -on a hilltop- ???: it appears the fun started without us. such a pity, wouldnt you agree, lord sho? Sho: "...There. That's where the Adora is...No. _Two_?" arrow: this is unexpected. Sho: "Indeed. I wonder whether Giovanni has succeeded..." Hibana: *pointing up to the sky* "Is that a bunny cloud?" mikami: princess, please pull yourself together! -BOOOOOM- Vulcan: "Crap!" shinra: OH YEAH! HOW DO YOU LIKE US NOW BIRDBRAIN?!....no offense. ryuuko: none take-.....we have company. shinra: wha.........!!!!!!!!!!! Sho: "..." *whispers to Arrow* "Why is that guy staring?" shinra:...sh....sho.... *tears begin to fall* SHO! Vulcan: *looking around...and sees the projector, wrecked...and...* "!!! Yuu!" Sho: "...Who are you?" yu: *coughs* shinra: sho it's me! your older brother shinra! Vulcan: "No...No!" *struggling to crawl, his ribs broken* "Gah!" Sho: "...So, the story is true. Brother?" iris: what...what do i do? shinra: yes! im alive! it's ok sho! we're getting you out of here! then we can be a family again! Vulcan: "Sister...Get Yuu to safety..." mikami:...a family.... Sho: "...But...I have a family." shinra: eh- *Sho has disappeared...and a feather seems to pass by Shinra and Mikami's faces* mikami: eh- *SLICE SLICE BOOM* shinra: !!! mikami: !!! mr kusakabe! Sho: *in front of Mikami* "You will also be valuable." *lays a hand on her arm* ryuuko: !!!! *CHARGES* DONT YOU DARE LAY A HAND ON HER!!! -feather bullets rain down, injuring her- mikami: !!!! RYUUKO!!! -a female figure is in the air, with flames on her back, almost like angel's wings- seraphim: what a pity... Sho: "???" seraphim: as you were saying, lord sho? shinra: lord? sho....are you really.... Sho: "I want these tools collected. We are bringing them with us to begin the conversion." shinra: what are you talking about?! mikami: *paralyzed, tears falling* Giovanni: *coughing* "S-Sir? I have the key..." *holds it up* "We have all we need...I give the Adora to you...Please...take them..." Sho: "...Okay." Vulcan: "Sister...Call for help..." iris: already did.... Sho: *his hand approaches Shinra--* *Low rumbling heard* shinra: ?! nozomi: EEEEEEP!!! Sho: "???" Victor: *honking the horn* "DELIVERY!" *The truck is heading right for Giovanni* Giovanni: "...Oh bother." mikami: !!! *CRASH* *Giovanni is hit, slamming into the junkyard* Victor: O___o "...I'm gonna lose my license, aren't I?" nozomi: *cough cough* is everyone alright? shinra: we need to evacuate! Vulcan: "I-Injured..." Arthur: X___X "My balls..." iris: *grabs the key off of giovanni and runs* Hibana: *getting up* "My head..." Giovanni: "You little...b-b-bitch..." mikami: ryuuko! tamaki: i got her! Sho: "...Seraphim. Kill all but the Adoras." Victor: owo; "..." *taps his phone, causing a poker card to appear* seraphim: understoo- *BOOOOOOM* -smoke bomb- lisa: what the?! ???: "Ha ha ha...Oh, hey, aren't you that octopus girl?" lisa: ?! Joker: *kicks back Lisa in the head* Vulcan: "!!!" lisa: GRK- Sho: "...Who is this fool?" scarlet: this is why i hate fighting up close and persona-.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *Playing cards hit Hoods in the head and shoulders* mikami: *eyes wide, pupils small*....a...kami? scarlet: *her heart drops to her stomach* Joker: "...Oh, shit..." Sho: "..." *removes his sword* "Fine. I'll kill them myself." Vulcan: *cradling Yuu* "Lisa!" scarlet: !!! *points to victor* you! get mikami and the others out of here. NOW! lisa: ah...v-vul.... mikami: AKAMI! *trying to reach for her* Vulcan: "..." *reaches to her* Joker: *pats Scarlet's shoulder* "You talk with her. I'll have fun with Shinra's bro." Joker: *rushes at Sho* Sho: "..." *slice* mikami: akami! come with us! Sho: "You block with a mere card?" Joker: "Well, you're so short--" scarlet: i....its not that simple....please...just forget seeing me here. Vulcan: "Please...Lisa..." lisa:....*turns away* im sorry.... mikami: AKAMI! PLEASE! Vulcan: "...N-No..." scarlet: STOP CALLING ME THAT! Victor: "...I don't have time for this." *hits the gas* mikami: *tears falling* ah... scarlet:......*bites her lip* Vulcan: "Lisa!" *The truck drives off, avoiding blasts from Sho and Hoods* Victor: "...Hospital? Hospital." -escape successful...- scarlet:......... Joker: "Now, 'Hero'...Or 'Angel'? Or maybe 'Dem--'" *SLICE* Joker: *cut in two* "...Well, this sucks." Sho: "..." Joker: "Hey, Red! Let's get out of here!" scarlet:....right. seraphim: *watches the truck as it drives away....looking at nozomi in the window* oh....so that's where you are now....my daughter. Joker: *tosses smoke bomb* "Until later..." *Joker and Scarlet disappear. Sho stands on the hill. Giovanni is a mangled mess. Vulcan's workshop is a mess* arrow: damn. the girl took the key.... Sho: "...Then we take the girl." -on the hill- scarlet:...........dammit.....she....she wasnt supposed to be here.... Joker: *checking his chest* "Hmm...No harm done." *looks at Scarlet* "...It could not have been predicted." scarlet: .....hopefully, that so called 'idol' has some information on the hoods we could use..... Joker: *nods* "And I'll have Victor give us a report on what the 8th has learned..." scarlet:....(thinking: mikami....you're going to be ok...i promise...) -the next morning- Arthur: "And then this weirdo appeared with a donkey between his legs--" Relan: Q~Q *hugging Shinra* Hibana: *holding ice to her head* "I hate hospitals..." gabriella: TT~TT Vulcan: *his ribs are bandaged...but he is standing, looking over Yuu* shinra: ...hey vulcan? for the time being, it might be best to stay at the 8th....f-for your safety... Vulcan: "...So, you finally get to own me, huh?" shinra:..... mikami: how've you been, relan? Relan: *sniff* "F-Fine...I really like the 8th more than our old branch...and I think I had good reason to." *weak smile* "...I'm so sorry..." mikami: it's ok....*smiles* ryuuko and i have decided to join the 5th. Hibana: ^^ Relan: "Hey, great! I'm happy for you both..." mikami: they seem to know a lot of stuff, and....maybe i'll understand what this is...the adora burst.... shinra: i think it'll do you both some good. Hibana: "Gabriella and I will mold you into successful, powerful young ladies!" ryuuko:....*faint smile* unfortunately, this puts us in the same brigade as kishiri. but hey...small sacrifices. Hibana: "...I can have him removed." ryuuko: it's fine. we'll manage. Hibana: "...Fluffy hair man..." Victor: "??? Yes, Princess--" Hibana: *wraps her hands around his neck* "IF I FIND OUT YOU WERE INVOLVED WITH ANY OF THIS, I WILL CUT YOUR HEAD OFF AND PUT IT UP ON MY SHELF!" Victor: X____X Vulcan: O____O Relan: *hides behind Shinra* nozomi: ^^;;; if it means anything....i-i think you did a great job, victor. *smiles* Victor: *collapsed on the floor...gives a thumbs up* "Thank you, Nozomi." shinra: *whispers in mikami's ear* good luck. you're gonna need it. mikami: ^^; Akitaru: "I know it's asking a lot, but Takehisa will need to take statements from you." mikami: i understand.....(thinking: akami....) Takehisa: "Mikami, I can start with you first..." mikami:....right. Takehisa: "How did you know to come to the workshop?" -elsewhere- scarlet: *in her bed, staring up at the ceiling fan* {mikami: Big sister!} {akami: hehe! up ya go!} {mikami: Hee hee...Higher!} scarlet: ......... {akami: *aiming*} {servant: did you hear the rumors? i heard ----------.} {akami: ?! *shoots, but it hits mikami in the eye* !!!! MIKAMI!} {mikami: *screaming*} {norio: MIKAMI! akami, what the hell did you do?!} {akami: n..no..it was an accident..i didnt mean to...} scarlet: ..........*sigh* *Knock knock* scarlet: doors open... Joker: *holding up a bottle and two glasses* "..." scarlet:...thanks. Joker: *sets down the glasses, fills up each* "...Next step?" scarlet: soon....just...need to cool off after- *winces*....... Joker: "??? You haven't tended to injuries?" scarlet: physical ones, yeah.....the emotional ones on the other hand.....heh, you know..i honestly cant tell if you're being sincere right now or not... Joker: "...I can't have you being down. That's not productive. So, for now, let's drink..." scarlet: right...bottoms up. Joker: *clinks glasses* scarlet: *downs the glass* ah...much better. Joker: *smiles* "Good." *fills up another one* "I talked with Victor, so that's taken care of...So, let's finish this bottle." scarlet: yep. may have to get out the jack daniels too. long night. Joker: "Then pull that out! Hee hee..." *sips his next glass* -elsewhere- Giovanni: *tied to a chair* "...Sir...I said I was--" Sho: "Silence." Giovanni: "..." Sho: "...Seraphim, take care of him." -elsewhere- karin: vul! good to see you again! Vulcan: -_-; "Hiya, Doc. I'm in pain. How are you?" karin: just handling things here. seems we're gonna be working together now, isnt that great? Vulcan: "..." *ugly tears* karin: *sweatdrop* Vulcan: "Yuu is injured! Lisa was secretly a villain! My workshop is totaled! They smashed my projector!" karin: jeez....its gonna be ok kiddo. -elsewhere- Kishiri: "Welcome back, Boss Lady. How is--" owo ryuuko: *rolls eyes* mikami: um, h-hi.. *holding her suitcase full of her belongings from the 3rd* hanako: mommy! *hugs hibana* Hibana: "Sweetie!" *her head is bandaged, but she picks up Hanako* "I'm so happy to see you!" gabriella: hi honey~ *nuzzles hanako's head* hanako: hehe! ryuuko: oh, so this is your daughter then? mikami: aww, how sweet. Hibana: *smiles* "Our pride and joy. Hanako, this is Ryuuko and Mikami. They're moving into the 5th." Rino: "...Oh. Super. I get to clear more rooms. Darn it." hanako: hiya! mikami: um...h-hi there...im mikami kurai. ryuuko: and im her girlfriend, ryuuko. Rino: "...Hi. My name is Rino. My life is a never-ending H--" *spots Hanako* "...Heck." hanako: rino were you about to say H-E-double hockey sticks? Hibana: *glares at Rino* Rino: o\\\\o "N-No! I wasn't!" *nervous laugh, patting Hanako's head* hanako: ...im calling bull on that. Kishiri: *already picking up Mikami and Ryuuko's suitcases* Hibana: "AND HOW DID SHE LEARN THAT, RINO?!" Rino: o____o -elsewhere- yu: ....*opens eyes* mooom? Dr. John: "??? Um...Hi." yu: oh....!!! master vulcan! lisa! are they- sachiko: easy there, its ok. Dr. John: "You were admitted after injuries sustained at the local junkyard. You were shot...hit with debris." yu: *winces* ah... Dr. John: "Lay back...You will need to heal. Your friend, Mr. Vulcan, will be here later for visiting hours..." yu: oh....b-but lisa- Dr. John: "...I think you should wait for your friend to speak with you. It's complicated." yu: ...... Dr. John: "...I wanted to check on your healing. I know your wounds have to hurt." -elsewhere- Fitzgerald: "Junkyard! That is where money can be made!" louisa: s-sir? Fitzgerald: "We dumpster dive! Remove the valuable parts and sell them at markup! How are your sculpting skills? We can refashion scrap iron into pricey statues!" -elsewhere- Touma: "--so we have a book, a key, and random people going on fire." yumikage: and before all we had to deal with was vampires. god, fuckin, dammit. Touma: "Your work is cut out for you." *passes a phone number to Yumikage* "I want you to make a phone call." yumikage: who the hell is this? Touma: "A contact I made with one of the Brigades..." -elsewhere- Akitaru: "...You've been quiet." shinra: sorry just....a lot to take in. Akitaru: *nods* "Want to talk about it?" shinra:....well, we managed to save vulcan and yu....lisa's still MIA.... Akitaru: *nods* "We'll find her." shinra:......sho.... Akitaru: "??? 'Sho'?" shinra:.... -he explains what happened last night. all of it- Akitaru: "...Jeez. Your brother..." shinra: yeah....i knew he was alive....but this.... Akitaru: "...We have to investigate this. First the fire at your home...then your brother ends up with the Hoods..." shinra: and how does joker play into all of this? Akitaru: "And whose side is he on?" shinra: i dont know...but that woman with him...with red hair....mikami's sister.....she told victor to get us to safety... Akitaru: "...You think...?" shinra: i heard it myself..... heh, with the adora burst and our siblings....seems mikami and i have a bit in common. Akitaru: "..." *pats his head* "You got such a good attitude!" -elsewhere- Hood: "Come with us, Tako." -elsewhere- Kyoka: *asleep on couch* atsushi: *watching tv* Reporter: "--and the fire was put out. In other news, we have a new restaurant review..." Kyoka: *murmur* atsushi: morning. Kyoka: *opens an eye* "...I had slept here, waiting for you to get back." atsushi: ^^ -elsewhere- Dazai: *picking produce--puts his hand out for an orange and--* "Oh, sorry..." ruby: its cool, man. dia: ... pearl: ah... Dazai: "Oh, hey! Neat uniforms!" ruby: thanks. though dia has the fancier one, being a company commander and all. dia: 7-7; Dazai: *staring at the sleeve on Dia's coat* "Yeah, I see. Fine fabric." *holds up a business card* "You ever need a detective, you know you can call me!" pearl: oh goodness, you're all bandaged up! are you alright? Dazai: QWQ "Of course. I just have to tend to my injuries...physical and emotional." pearl: oh, you poor thing. Dazai: *nod nod* "I just have to power through the next day. That's what I tell the young people whose minds I mold." *sniff* "So proud of them." pearl: i see.... ^^; Dazai: "And what is your name, ma'am?" pearl: i-it's pearl fiamma, sir. Dazai: "Osamu Dazai, with the Armed Detective Agency." *shakes her hand* ruby: im ruby, and the lady with the white hair is dia. dia: ... Dazai: *waves at Dia* "You running errands, too?" dia: yes. that would be correct. Dazai: "Yep, same--got to get them for coworkers, pick up donuts and coffee...'cause I'm generous like that." *winks at them* dia: *unamused* pearl: ^^; Dazai: "I think my Agency is on the way to your branch. Need help with your groceries?" -elsewhere- Kid: "Got the whipped cream..." -elsewhere- Joker: *hungover* @___@ scarlet: it's barely been a day.... -_-; Joker: "The beer hit me harder this time..." *lies on the table* "How do you do it?" scarlet: i didnt have that much, for starters. -_-; Joker: "Zzz..." *fetal position on the table* -elsewhere- Akutagawa: *typing on his laptop* elise: *peeeeek* Akutagawa: "And then...I just need to fix this chapter ending...make it more realistic...Hmm...Is that even possible?" *spots Elise* o\\\\o *slams laptop shut* "Wh-What?" elise: noooothing. Akutagawa: "It-It's rude to read over someone's shoulder! Do you do that to Mori?" elise: sometimes. Akutagawa: "?!!!" elise: but to be honest, it wouldnt have been the weirdest thing he asked me to do for him. -ELSEWHERE- Kunikida: "...It's rather quiet here...Okay. Where is Dazai?" -elsewhere- Dazai: *tied up, hanging in an alley* "...At least don't bruise the oranges..." taoka: be silent you. pixie: hehe~ Dazai: "Sorry, I'm not too good on being quiet. I talk all the time. Like, if I start, I just keep going--" taoka: *aims her spear at him* bothersome.... Dazai: ^^ "So I've been told. Tell me, are you an ability user?" taoka: depends on what type of abilities... Dazai: "Hmm? I guess it wouldn't work anyway...So, I'll try a different tactic: would you like to form a suicide pact with me~?" taoka: ......foolish. pixie: nah. i still have stuff i wanna do still~ Dazai: "I could help you finish that bucket list! Maybe make out with a handsome man?" pixie: well~- taoka: do not. Dazai: "Okay, okay...I guess we need another solution...What do you want? Money?" -elsewhere- Vulcan: "...This vehicle...this 'Matchbox'?" karin: yep. Vulcan: "...Looks busted. One smash of a lightpost on it, and the engine is out of commission for a month." karin: guess we're fixin this puppy up then? Vulcan: "..." *takes off his shirt, puts on his mask* "Let's get started." karin: *cracks knuckles* hell yeah! -elsewhere- Izuku: *cleaning up debris* "...This junkyard is really wrecked." ochako: yeah. phew. mei: *putting some stuff in her back* i'll fix you up, lil babies. Izuku: "???" ochako: oh, you're from the UA support department, right? mei: that's right. mei hatsume, at your service! Izuku: *waves* "Izuku Midoriya." mei: nice ta meetcha! ^^ -elsewhere- FD: " 'Seraphim'...Quite an angel..." zoey: ....... FD: *lying in bed, with a book opened, showing a photograph to Zoey* "See? They have such long wings..." zoey: ....i see.... FD: "Have you ever seen an angel?" zoey:......i dont....recall.... FD: "...I have." zoey: really? FD: *looks at her, smiles* zoey: ah.... FD: "And an angel brings people closer to Heaven..." *kiss on her cheek* "Whether through love...or by sending them to meet their maker..." zoey: yes....*blush* FD: *holds her hand* "Your blush...shows you have more life than the angels in this book...and we may find their angels, for our purposes..." -elsewhere- Dazai: "Hi, all! I'm back!" atsushi: WHERE WERE YOU?! Dazai: *his head is poking through the door* "Well, I got groceries, was going to bring donuts and coffee, met some lovely Fire Brigade girls...then I was mugged." *opens the door, revealing he is just in his boxers* atsushi: .... ._.; yosano: dang. Tanizaki: *covers Naomi's eyes* naomi: eh? Kyoka: "..." *thumbs down* Kunikida: "We do have a dress code, Dazai. Change into clothes in the locker room, then report for your next missions." -elsewhere- Hibana: "How are you settling in?" ryuuko: fairly well. mikami: the room is really nice. thank you princess. ^^ Hibana: ^^ "You're welcome. I do have a favor to ask..." mikami: oh? Hibana: "Watch Hanako for a bit?" mikami: ok. ryuuko: a-alright.... hanako: yay! Hibana: "You'll be a good girl for Aunt Mikami and Aunt Ryuuko, right, honey?" hanako: ok mama! Hibana: *smiles, waves to Hanako* -elsewhere- Triple A: TT_TT caliburn: oh cheer up. you'll find someone. if not, you still have me~<3 Triple A: "Thank you, Caliburn...but I don't think Marie is going to speak to me again...and I want love..." caliburn: *pouts* Triple A: *sniffs* "What am I to do...?" *looks at his phone* -elsewhere- Benimaru: "...Troubling." kirei: ..... Benimaru: "..." *holds her hand* "I have reached out to the 8th..." kirei: *nods* Benimaru: "We will be participating in some searches for Giovanni and others..." kirei: right. Benimaru: "...Would you like to go with me to a meeting?" kirei: if you wouldnt mind. Benimaru: "I would prefer it." kirei:...*smiles* i'll speak with the shrine head. -elsewhere- Kuro: *asleep* mahiru: *cleaning around the house with the TV as background noise* TV: "--and if you order now, we'll throw in these five vacuum attachments--for free." -elsewhere- Giovanni: *beaten...his mask is ripped off* *wheezing* dahlia: have you recovered as of yet? Giovanni: "M-My mask...My failure...Give me something to breathe..." -elsewhere- misora: is that what happened?! Joker: *groan* "Not so loud...I'm still hungover...But yeah, Scarlet ran into her sis, we just barely got the 8th out of there, and they got the key..." misora: damn. well, things are still uneventful here with squad 0... also im gonna need a new phone since that wretched worm got a hold of my number and keeps sending me stuff to annoy me. Joker: "Right, right, I'll send you a new phone...Wait--what 'worm'?" misora:.....*excalibur face* _that_ worm. Joker: "...Oh. Say no more. But I need a favor..." misora: what is it, mr manager? Joker: "Get close to the 5th. We got an Adora there to keep an eye on." misora: can do~! Joker: *smiles--then winces* "Also, get me a coffee, some ibuprofen...and something nice for Scarlet." misora: i'll send it your way~<3 Joker: "Thank-ee..." -text on her phone- misora: O^O~? Jonah: [oh divine work of art. 'tis been so long since i have seen your face. for your mere smile, i would paint on any surface to remember forever] misora:.... [i hope you choke on your own spit and die <3 ] Jonah: [i'd rather choke on your spit <3 ] misora: *disgusted* *blocks number* *ring ring* misora: hello~ Jonah: "I got multiple phones~" misora: *hangs up* *text alert* misora: *smashes the phone* Jonah: "??? ...Why doesn't she want to talk?" miwa:.... ._. misora: telemarketer. miwa: ah. -elsewhere- Takehisa: *passes plates to Iris, Tamaki, and Maki* -elsewhere- Kyoka: *wearing Dazai's clothes* naomi: the coat's so big on her it's adorable! Dazai: -w- "I'm just glad someone found my clothes--and bought them at the pawn shop!" Kyoka: " 'Would you like to form a suicide pact with me, pretty lady?'" kirako: ^^; *pats her head* Kyoka: *small smile, nods* "Thank you." atsushi: ^^; Kunikida: "We do have work to do...Chibi Dazai included." Kyoka: -_-; -elsewhere- Burns: *on the phone* "...Yes...I understand...We will consider this." dia: who was that, commander? Burns: "A contact with the investigation unit monitoring that attack on Vulcan's junkyard." dia: ah. any reports? Burns: "...The 8th is amassing quite a number of outcasts..." dia: ..... Burns: "Now they just happen to attract Vulcan to their unit? I don't like it...Perhaps it's time someone had a talk with our old friend, Kotatsu." -elsewhere- Arthur: *sigh of relief* tamaki: hey arthur. Arthur: *smiles, waves* "Hi..." *limps towards her* "You don't know how happy I am..." tamaki:........ Arthur: *hug* "I missed you..." tamaki: you....*shaking him* YOU IDIOT! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW SCARED I WAS?! Arthur: @~@ "R-Really, really scared?" tamaki: you could have died, stupid!...*hug* Arthur: "...I know." *hug* "And when I was facing death, there was only one person I was thinking about...You." tamaki:.... *sniff* 7////7 Arthur: *cuddles* "Tamaki...I love you." tamaki: U/////U i love you too, dummy. Arthur: "Hee hee..." *smooch* shinra:...i'll...i'll just give you two sometime to- tamaki: *GLAAAAAARE* Arthur: *GLARE* shinra: leavingnowbye! *exits* Arthur: *sighs* *pats her back* "...I'm happy." -elsewhere- Neuhaus: "..." michelle: *asleep* Neuhaus: *holds her hand* exorcist: she's been sleeping a lot since removing the jorogumo... Neuhaus: "How is her recovery?" exorcist: we arent sure... Neuhaus: "...Then...I only hope sleep helps...Please, Michelle...be well." -elsewhere- Sakuya: *struggling* "Stupid tie..." lavender: need help there, kiddo? Sakuya: *nods* "I wanted to try on the school uniform..." lavender: ah. *helping him out* there we....go! Sakuya: ^^ "Thanks!" *looks in the mirror* "You think the colors look good?" lavender: looks good, kiddo. *thumbs up* Sakuya: "Cool...I guess I'm about ready to go back." -elsewhere- Chuuya: *looking over a file* "Hmm...Subway tokens leading to secret rooms...What on earth was Akutagawa looking at...?" *holds up paper to Mito* "What do you think?" mito: *meow of 'i dunno'* Chuuya: "Same, kitten." *pats Mito's head* "Hungry?" mito: ^w^ Chuuya: *gets up, walks to kitchen and puts out a dish of tuna* "Enjoy." mito: nyan! *nom nom nom* Chuuya: *smiles, watches her eat* "..." ("Please, be in peace, Mito...") -elsewhere- Hyde: *leg in a cast, walking around the hospital* "...Hey, you. Tiny kid. What're you in the hospital for?" yu: i almost died. Hyde: "...That's rough, buddy." *sits* "Seen enough of that...I'm Hyde." yu: im yu. Hyde: "..." *looks back and forth* "You're me?" yu: no no, my _name_ is yu. it says so on my chart. Hyde: "..." *picks it up* "Oh. So it is. And you were--jeez, shot and had debris fall on you? That sucks." yu: im just....glad im alive... Hyde: "...You got family?" yu: well.... -elsewhere- Joker: *knock knock* "Coffee." -elsewhere- Vulcan: "You. Muscle Girl. Come over here." maki: yo. Vulcan: "You look strong. keep pressure on this part of the engine while I replace the valve." maki: alright. Vulcan: "Right, just like that..." *removes the valve* "Keep a hold on it..." *reaches for the new valve* "And now, put this in...Done. Thanks...Um...What's your name again?" maki: its Maki. Vulcan: *nods* "Maki. Vulcan. Good to know." -elsewhere- Steinbeck: "...How did Fitzgerald do all of this?" twain: *shrug* i dunno. Steinbeck: "Let's see...We still have this building for surveillance, this one for weapons...Twain, we need recruits. Muscle." twain: *smirks* leave the recruitment to me~!....btw, you still arent shook up over the whole 'toshiko' thing, are ya? Steinbeck: "...Only that he--they?--still aren't interested in working with me. You?" twain: like i said, isnt the first time i've fallen for a guy dressed like a chick. but i've got other things ahead of me now. Steinbeck: "Such as?" twain: scoring a date! ^^ Steinbeck: "NOT BEFORE ME!" -elsewhere- Sho: "...I want our forces gathered." seraphim: understood. dahlia: of course. guruna: okaaay~ Sho: "With the 8th knowing of Giovanni's allegiance to us, what is happening to his Brigade?" -elsewhere- Mephisto: "I am sorry about those thefts in your neighborhood, Death--but at least the culprit was found!" lord death: and so, all is well! the neighboring houses have amped up on security as well. Mephisto: "If they need any help, I can recommend--or loan--some of my security..." *sips tea* "But I came here for something more important to discuss with you..." lord death: oh? Mephisto: *slams a baby catalog down in front of Death* "Why have our precious children not spawned yet?!" stocking: DAD! D8< Mephisto: "Hello, sweetie~ Are you pregnant yet?" -elsewhere- Yohei: *writing out a math equation on the mirror* chie: *smooch* Yohei: "!!! Oh, hey...." *smiles* "Sorry, got distracted when I thought up a way to fix up the speed on the Silver Gun--" chie: ah. Yohei: "...Sorry. Nerding out again." *hug* "How are you?" -elsewhere- Wes: "Ah...How is this?" *in a suit* liz: looking good. *kiss on the cheek* Wes: *smiles* "Thanks...I'm excited. This should be a good performance." -elsewhere- Jacqueline: *screams into a pillow* kim: jackie?! what's wrong?! Jacqueline: *muffled* "My new boss is an idiot!" kim: what happened? Jacqueline: *lifts her head* "I work there for so long, they open a position as supervisor--and some mumbling, lanky guy gets the job--with a raccoon!" kim: ......a raccoon you say....? Jacqueline: "...Sorry. I didn't mean anything by that." kim: i-its fine. but jeez, that sucks. Jacqueline: *pouts* "And he's so ineffectual. He just spends the time writing down his 'novels' instead of helping people asking questions. And his raccoon keeps sneaking into the refrigerator." -elsewhere- PlushFix: "..." *loud screaming* hina: whaaaat?! what is it?! saku: ?! PlushFix: "NOTHING IS HAPPENING, AND I EITHER NEED TO KILL, FUCK, DRINK, OR EAT!" hina:...wanna go murder some shit? PlushFix: "Fuck yeah!" PlushFix: *pulls out a newspaper* "Find me the target!" -elsewhere- Kid: -_-; "Our fathers are drunk..." stocking: so unprofessional... Kid: "...So expected. I just can't get over how obsessed they are about kids..." lord death: zzzzzz *asleep....on top of a book case some how* felisia: *carrying mephisto back* nice chatting with you. ^^; Yumi: "Likewise. Say hello to your staff for me, Felisia." -elsewhere- Relan: "...Can I get you anything?" -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *in fox form, sitting in the shade* =w= -elsewhere- Hibana: "Was she much trouble?" mikami: not at all. ryuuko: .... 7///7 mikami was....a natural. mikami: aww. ^^ Hibana: "...You two are adorable. Remind me of Gab and me." *picks up Hanako* "Time to put this girl into her bed...I owe you two." -elsewhere- Vulcan: *lies down in bed* "Not happy about sharing a room..." karin: it's temporary for now.. Vulcan: *sigh* "Who's my roommate?" -elsewhere- Meme: "Good night, Mio." mio: night meme... =u= Meme: *pats Mio's hand* "Night, Tsugumi." tsugumi: zzzzz... Meme: "Good night, Anya." Anya: o\\\\\o Meme: "...Um...Night, Ao!" ao: zzzzzz Meme: "..." *shrug, pulls up the covers and turns off the light* "Mmm...Zzz..." Anya: O\\\\\O -early morning- Kid: *kitten yawn* stocking: morning kiddo~<3 *smooch* Kid: "Mmmm~" *holds her, kissing back* "Good morning, indeed." stocking: hehe~<3 Kid: *smiles* "I think today should be good...Father and I are finishing preparations before new student orientation..." stocking: ah. Kid: "How about you? Any prep work at True Cross?" stocking: yeah. things have been kind of hectic though. Kid: "Since the Impure Eye?" stocking: yeah. Kid: "...Anything we may do to help?" -elsewhere- Vulcan: *muttering* shinra: how's he holding up? Takehisa: -_-; "I couldn't sleep all night with his teeth grinding and sleep-muttering." shinra: jeez.... Arthur: "I think he's visiting his friend in the hospital today." shinra: we should pay him a visit too... Arthur: "Sounds good. What about you, Captain--" Takehisa: *fell asleep in his bowl of cereal* "Zzz..." -elsewhere- gabriella: so how was your first night at the 5th? ryuuko: it went well. mikami: the beds are much more comfortable than at the 3rd. Hibana: "Only the best for my troops~" gabriella: ^^ Rino: -_-;;; *puts down plates of food for breakfast* "Eat your damn food." Hibana: -3- -elsewhere- Kyoka: *snore* atsushi: *yawns and gets breakfast ready* *Inside a cabinet is...Dazai* atsushi: hey dazai....wait dazai?! Dazai: "Funny story. I wanted to see whether being locked in the kitchen cupboard while smelling delicious cooked food could torture me to death...but I'm just stuck." -one dazai removal later- Dazai: owo "Thank you! May I have breakfast?" atsushi: alright then... -elsewhere- Akutagawa: *passed out* higuchi: RYUNOSUKE! Akutagawa: *lifts up his head* "Wha...?" higuchi: are you ok?! Akutagawa: "...Am I dreaming?" *Underneath his head are books on subways* higuchi: no, you're awake... Akutagawa: "...Then why is an angel looking at me...?" higuchi:... ./////////. um...w-well... Akutagawa: *falls back asleep* "Zzz..." higuchi:.... *carrying him to bed* Akutagawa: *holding onto her* *inhales* higuchi:....*blush* Akutagawa: "Higuchi..." higuchi: ?? Akutagawa: "Teach me..." higuchi: ??? Akutagawa: "Teach me...how to be normal..." higuchi: eh? Akutagawa: "I'm...weird." -elsewhere- Black Star: *doing push-ups* "9978, 9979, 9980..." tsubaki: *keeping count* Sakuya: *puts out pancakes with a smiley face made in chocolate chips* -elsewhere- Tachihara: "One Frappuccino." barista: coming right up, sir. gin: .... Tachihara: "...What, you aren't ordering?" gin:....one coffee please. Barista #2: "On it!" Tachihara: "Hmm...Kind of a simple order." gin:....so? Tachihara: *shrug* "Thought you'd want something more extravagant. At least add some whipped topping." -elsewhere- Anya: "...Here's your tea." ao: why thank you. ^^ Anya: "...I wanted to speak with you, about how we can...I can, start getting along." ao: oh? Anya: "As you said, we are both Tsugumi's meisters...and I care about Tsugumi as well." ao: *nods* have you come to term with your feelings on the situation? Anya: "...Not entirely. But I'm trying." *sips* -elsewhere- Giovanni: "You have been quiet, Lisa." lisa:..... Giovanni: "We have work ahead of us. So I need to know that you will serve our leader." -elsewhere- Dr. John: "He's right this way...Yuu? You have visitors." yu: hmm? master vulcan! Vulcan: "...Hey, kid." *walks up to his bed* "How're you doing?" yu: a lot better now. Vulcan: "Heh...Stronger than you look, huh?" yu: yeah, haha. Vulcan: "...Yu...I...am having to get security protection from the 8th." yu: i heard... Vulcan: "D-don't think I trust those guys or anything!" yu: ^^ Vulcan: "And when you get out of here, you'll end up under their protection, too." yu: well, i dont think i'd mind....they seem really nice. Vulcan: "...I wouldn't go that far, but they seem like people who aren't going to...hurt us..." yu: ..... Vulcan: "..." *covers his face* "I'm the real idiot." -elsewhere- Burns: *tosses a file at Dia* "We got our lead." dia: oh? *examining the file* *Inside is a photo of Lisa* dia: hmmm. foien: that's the girl from vulcan's workshop, isnt it? Burns: *nods* "Our task is to find her before the 8th does." dia: *nods* understood. Karim: "Sir? How did you get this profile before the 8th--?" Burns: "Hard work and investigating. Now, get to work." Karim: "..." ("What's with him?") pearl: ... -elsewhere- Mori: "Progress report, now." secretary: i got the files here, sir. Mori: "Thank you...Um...What was your name?" elise: who cares. XP secretary: -_-; Mori: "Excellent point, my dear~" *reviews the files* "Hmm...So, can't find where the last Guild member went...Perhaps he ran to the Agency?" secretary: it's likely. Mori: "Then I think we should send someone to visit the Agency...Black Lizards or Chuuya?" -elsewhere- Kunikida: "...Have you seen these receipts?" kirako: hmm? Kunikida: "$100 for breakfast with a client? That's excessive. Tell Dazai we're keeping meal reimbursements to $10 per person." kirako: understood. Kunikida: "And as for medical supplies...Doctor, you could switch to the cheaper bandages..." -elsewhere- Chuuya: *walking to the wine shop* clerk: afternoon, mr nakahara. Chuuya: "Afternoon. I wanted to see which year you had in." -elsewhere- Aizawa: "Ready for a new semester?" nedzu: *nods* how are preperations for the sports festival? Aizawa: "Slow, but should be ready in time." nedzu: good to know! Aizawa: *zipping up sleeping bag and lying in the PE field* "I'm taking my nap now. If you need help, ask my assistant, Sadface Former Villain Guy..." yuuji: i have a name, you know. -__-; Aizawa: =_= "Zzz..." -elsewhere- Kurogiri: "We have the baby's room ready." himiko: yay! fang: zzzz Kurogiri: "I put in the baby monitor, so how about you sleep, while Dabi watches--" Dabi: "I don't wanna." twice: who wants to take bets on who's quirk the kid's gonna inherit? Kurogiri: *puts Dabi in a headlock* "I hope not the father's..." -elsewhere- Tsukiyo: "Another slice of watermelon, please!" fang-hua: here you go! Tsukiyo: *smiles* "Thanks for doing this." *nom nom* "You finish reading that report from Beni-Hottie?" fang-hua: *sweatdrop* yeah. giovanni is still MIA. Tsukiyo: "Nuts." *spits out a seed* "Hope they find that guy soon. Always seemed like a creep...Is the Commander meeting with anyone at the 8th?" fang-hua: we'll have to wait and see. -elsewhere- Vulcan: "..." *sitting in hospital hallway* shinra: i got you some soda from the vending machine. Vulcan: "..." *takes one* "Thanks." *pops the top* shinra: ....so i heard yu is going to be starting classes again with us. Vulcan: "Yeah. Felt it better he be around some strong people and learn something." *sips* "His engineering sucks." shinra: still, practice makes perfect. Vulcan: "...Not fast enough...I was blind." shinra:......so, i learned something interesting about miss karin...turns out, she's not only nozomi's mentor, but also nozomi's _aunt_! can you believe that! Vulcan: "...Duh." shinra: ??