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ladykailitha · 6 months

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Grief (A Friend Indeed) Part 9

Hello, everyone! We are almost to the end. I have all twelve parts completed and will be posting them every Thursday until the story is fully published.

So what's next? With Royal Pain being done as well, I'm going to try and finish Well Met By Moonlight and Find Your Shade By the Moonlight. I will be back working on the soulmate AU Batshit Soulmate and the next book in the Boy with a Bat series called Never Hold Back Your Step for a Moment. I'm also starting that omegaverse story I thought up here.

We meet Steve's family and find out more about why Steve's parents didn't like that side of the family much.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8

****

Eddie and Steve wandered around town for a couple of hours, doing a little sightseeing, a little shopping, and a lot just being themselves for a moment or two.

Soon it was getting close to time and they headed to the diner. They pulled up and got a booth.

Eddie and Steve slid into one side and told the waitress that they were waiting for someone and to just grab them a couple of waters.

The waitress nodded and quickly came back with the waters.

They didn’t have to wait long before Percy came through the door, the little bell announcing his arrival.

Steve waved him over and he smiled in return, hurrying over to the table. Once he was settled he told the waitress they were waiting on one more but if they could get a pot of coffee and two cups please. Eddie and Steve both got sodas.

“Who are we waiting for?” Steve asked nervously.

Percy twisted the ring on his ring hand, looking down at the table. “A friend.”

Eddie and Steve shared a glance, wide-eyed.

Eddie wrote something down on a paper napkin and slid it over to Percy.

Percy took the napkin with frown and then he gasped. “Both of you?”

“Both for me,” Steve murmured.

“Just men for me,” Eddie added.

Percy glanced around the diner nervously, but no one was paying any attention to them at all.

“Oh.” He let out a shuddering breath. “Just him.” He pointed to someone walking up to the diner through the window.

He was a tall man, thin. Long black hair, braided to the small of his back. He wore a suit just as nice as Max’s in a beautiful silver color.

He came over when Percy waved at him. He slid next to Percy and looked Steve and Eddie over.

“Who are these boys, Percy?” he asked gravely.

“This my nephew, Steven and his friend...” Percy began.

Eddie stuck out his hand. “Eddie. Eddie Munson. We’re actually in Kentucky because of my own grandma’s funeral. Steve wanted to come visit his grandma’s grave so we took a drive.”

“Where you from?” Percy asked. “I catch a bit of twang to your voice.”

Eddie grinned. “Indiana mostly, but my family’s from Ashland.”

Percy smiled. “Nice town.”

Steve smiled. “It has been so far.”

“This is David Estevez,” Percy said, shyly. “The reason you’re parents haven’t spoken to me in over a decade.”

“Ah,” Steve said. “Yup, Clint Harrington is a lot of things, but tolerant isn’t one of them and of course my mom just went along with it. Even though it’s her money and her family.”

Eddie clicked his tongue against the back of his teeth. “Let’s see, not white, not from here, judging from the accent, and not straight... anything I missed?”

David burst out laughing. “Not the right kind of rich. I’m a self-made man. I worked hard to be where I am today and they hate that. I grew up poor in New Mexico and made my money building computers in my mom’s basement. Now, I’m a multi-millionaire CEO of a major tech company.”

“Dustin would love you,” Steve and Eddie said together.

“Who?” David asked with a chuckle.

“He’s this kid we know,” Eddie explained. “He built a CB tower just so he could talk to his girlfriend in Utah and not rack up his mom’s phone bill.”

“He sounds like fun,” Percy said, rolling his eyes.

David dug his fingers into Percy’s side, causing him to squirm and squeak. “As if you wouldn’t love it if I did that for you.”

Percy blushed. “Maybe.”

He cleared his throat. “How are your parents, Steven? I saw on the news that there was a horrible earthquake last March.”

Steve gulped and Eddie gave his hand a squeeze.

“I really wouldn’t know,” he mumbled, looking down at the table, tucking his hands between legs. “I haven’t seen them in a while.”

David and Percy shared a glance.

“They did come back after the earthquake, right?” Percy pressed. “To see if you were all right if nothing else.”

Steve shook his head. “They didn’t come home when I was caught in the mall fire, why would they come home for something as inconsequential as an earthquake?”

“Mall fire?” Percy asked.

“You remember, darling,” David said, “the one from last year where there were thirty people who died?”

Percy expression cleared as understanding dawned, and then it turned horrified. “They didn’t come home for that?”

Steve shook his head again. “They didn’t come home when I got a concussion so bad I was out for several hours, or anytime I got hurt.” He rubbed a scratch that was in the surface of the table mournfully.

“Mom follows Dad around to make sure he keeps it in his pants. Not that it deters him,” he explained. “I heard him bragging once about how it’s a game to him now to see what he can get away with.”

The waitress appeared with their drinks. “Are you guys ready to order?”

“I’m not hungry,” Steve murmured.

The rest of them ordered, with Eddie ordering a side of cheese fries in addition to his regular side of fries.

Once the waitress had gone, Percy leaned forward. “How long has this been going on?”

“The trips started when I fourteen or so,” he continued. “But the older I got, the longer the trips were, until they just stopped coming home sometime around Christmas of last year.”

“Stevie...” Eddie whined. “Why didn’t you say something?”

Steve shrugged. “I’m an adult. It’s not as though I’m a kid anymore.”

Percy took his hand in his. “No, Steven. That’s not how parenting works. Ever. They’re supposed to care about you enough to at least tell you were they’re going and when they’ll be home.”

Steve looked up and into his uncle’s eyes. “The money changed them. They haven’t been my parents in over a decade. I’ve just been this trophy they pulled out whenever it suited them. Had to be first in everything. I’m surprised they only let me get away three sports instead of making me try everything.”

Eddie looked stricken. “The sports weren’t your idea?”

Steve shook his head. “It was a way that they could legally pawn me off to other adults. Probably the reason for all the piano lessons and the tutoring. How I met Nancy by the way. Gotta have the best grades, until someone puts a plate through my head, then I was just as disappointing as they feared I would be.”

Everyone else at the table let out noises of distress.

“You never should have had to go through that,” David whispered fiercely. “Ever. I’m sorry your parents were awful.”

Steve shrugged. “It wasn’t all bad. I have had adults in my life that cared about me. The Chief of Police always kept an eye on me. Dad stopped hitting me after the second time Hop, Chief Hopper, I mean brought me home after...” he trailed off and looked anywhere but at the people in the booth with him.

He cleared his throat.

Their food arrived and that last sentence was left to dangling in the air like the sword of Damocles over their heads.

Percy watched as Eddie pushed the side of cheese fries between him and Steve, taking a bite periodically, but mostly focusing on the rest of his food.

Steve reached out and took one of the fries, chewing mindlessly. And then another and then another.

David smirked when Percy indicated to what Steve was doing.

Eddie pushed them in front of Steve and he just dug into them like a starving man. He took half of his burger and handed it to Steve, too.

Steve took the half with a blush. “Thanks, Eds,” he said softly.

Eddie just smiled fondly and finished his half of the burger.

David started talking to Percy to help fill the silence and soon the sense of dread dissipated as they fell into easy conversation.

Soon they were done and their plates taken away.

David lifted his chin to indicate to Steve. “Where did you learn that if you got cheese fries Steve would eat?”

Eddie and Steve glanced at each other and Steve blushed.

“Is that what he did?” he muttered.

Eddie laughed. “It’s trick I learned from his best friend. When he’s upset he won’t eat, even when he needs to, but if you put something like cheese fries or onion rings near him, he’ll graze until it kick starts his appetite again.”

Steve looked over at him in shock. “Holy shit, I never realized. Who else does that?”

Eddie smiled at him, that closed mouth, fond smile that he was got around Steve. “Dustin and Max mostly. But El and Will have been known to do it once or twice.”

Steve blinked.

“Sounds like you’ve got a lot of people that care about you, Steven,” Percy said with a grin.

Steve nodded, blushing. “Yeah, I guess I do.”

He looked at his watch and sighed. “How’s this,” he said, “why don’t you use that business card I gave you when you get home and David and me will come out to visit you for a few days?”

Steve lit up. “Yeah? You’d do that?”

Eddie grinned. Steve had just gotten his boyhood wish of having an uncle that cared and he could feel the joy and surprise radiating off his friend.

“I’d love to,” Percy said. “I would love to meet your family.”

Steve grinned. “You’ll love them.”

David smiled, too. “I’m sure we will.”

They got up and hugs were passed around everyone and they said their goodbyes.

“Goodbye Uncle Percy,” Steve said, his voice a little rough with emotion. “Bye, Uncle David. I’ll see you both soon.”

David looked happy and shocked at being called Uncle. Jasper’s daughter would never. But here was this nineteen year old boy whom his partner hadn’t spoken to in literal years being more caring and decent after a single afternoon with him, then Beatrice had her whole life.

So he did the only thing he could, he hugged Steve again, more fiercely this time. “Thank you.”

Steve nodded. He wasn’t sure exactly why David was so grateful, but he understood enough.

As Steve and Eddie walked away, Percy and David watched them get into their car.

“How long do you think it’ll take before those boys realize they’re in love with each other?” David asked.

“I don’t know Eddie very well,” Percy said, thoughtfully, “but I imagine they’ll figure it out before we come visit Hawkins.”

David hummed. If he was a betting man, he would have said the end of the week.

But he just had to wait and see.

****

Pt 10|Pt 11|Pt 12

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#my writing #stranger things #steddie #ladykailtiha writes #minor character death #dealing with grief

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ofoceansandtombsanew · 2 months

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I Cherish You, Halcyon Days: iv.

“You’re gonna die, kid. In the worst way possible.”

tags: afab!reader (she/her), angst, slow burn

pairing: gojou x reader + onesided!getou x reader

summary: You’re 15 years old when you’re told you’re going to die. You’re 17 years old when you realize who your killer will be. And you’re 17 years old when you make peace with the fact you wouldn’t want it any other way.

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You hum in pleasant surprise when the taste of green apples and mango hit your tongue. This really could have been hit or miss, you sip again. Still as good as the first sip. Just because you like experimenting with food and drink, it doesn't necessarily mean there will be a good payoff. Fruit teas from random shops are always either too sweet or just right for you, never something tolerable in between.

Thankfully, this place understood that the sugar is only supposed to enhance the drink, not drown it. You look over at the tall and lanky boy a few short steps away. Tea isn't Gojou's thing, hence why he is the only member of the group who hadn't ordered anything, but you think this one will be right up his alley. "You've gotta try this," you angle the cup slightly above your shoulder. "It's this green apple mango flavor they're promoting."

Without taking the cup from your hand, Gojou simply leans down to take a drink. "It's alright," Gojou shrugs before sipping again with vigor. "Needs more sugar."

You snort and lean away, bringing your beverage with you, "well if it's only alright, stop drinking it then."

"You know," Gojou sighs and you already know it's going to be some bullshit spewed out of his mouth coated in false philosophy and maturity. "Here in Japan we have a saying that food tastes better when you share it."

You roll your eyes but grin at the fact you called it, "well we just shared it and it still tastes exactly the same so," when Gojou attempts to take your cup, you turn immediately. "You better follow your best friend's example and get inside that tea house and order yourself a drink!"

Gojou slumps over your back with a whine, "what if yours tastes better than mine for some reason and they give me a bad one?"

You're giggling but no dice, "no!" You shove your straw back into your mouth and lean over your drink protectively. Get your own drink, you point at the tea shop once again with a mumble. "You have pretty privilege, there is no way they'll fuck yours up!"

"Stingy," Gojou clicks his tongue but he drags himself across the street where Suguru is standing in line anyway.

Crisis avoided.

"... What was that?" Utahime's eyes widen while her brow furrows.

It's a chilly April day in Moriya and the lot of you are enjoying the last bits of spring vacation. School holidays work differently when you go to a jujutsu school, you learned quickly. As far as the higher ups were concerned, vacation just meant more free time to send students on missions. Sure you're in a completely different part of Japan doing a lot more traveling than you'd ever do in your typical high school experience.

But in reality, this trip to a ryokan in Ibaraki Prefecture is nothing more than a glorified work trip with sightseeing sprinkled in. They could have at least sent us to a coastal town if they were sending us to Ibaraki. You shouldn't expect much from an institute that still does school on Saturday when the rest of the country stopped doing it in 2002. At the very least, the mission had been wrapped up and this final week of spring break before the new school year started, you get to enjoy yourself.

Next week, I become a second year student, you did it. You managed to survive your very first year at Jujutsu Tech. You'll miss having Fujioka-sensei as a teacher, she was kind and had lots of fun anecdotes. But you can't stew in awe and nostalgia with how Utahime is staring at you like you've lost your mind.

"What was what? It's green apple mango fruit tea," you cock your head before sliding your cup to the traditionally-clothed girl's side of the table. "Wanna try it too?"

Utahime promptly slides it back in disgust. "After he put his mouth on it? No thanks," you only shrug in return before sipping at the fruity goodness all over again. That's more for me then. Your nonchalance drives your upperclassman into mania. She looks at Shoko like she's the only other sane person at the table. 'What the heck is going on?!' her lips move silently. "Why am I the only one freaking out about this!?"

The brunette holds up a hand in the most laidback display of defensiveness you've ever seen, "they've been like that for a while now, everyone just got used to it." Shoko's words only make Utahime's more aghast.

Oh right.

That.

You smack your lips together with a weak laugh, avoiding your friend's accusatory gaze.

Something shifted in the cosmos after December 8th, 2005 without your meaning to. You aren't exactly sure how long it took after your birthday for sharing food with Gojou to become habit, but it did.

Something is too sweet or too spicy? You swap plates.

You get an assorted bag of snacks and sweet treats from helping a random grandma cross the street? There isn't really a point of keeping any of the stuff you know Gojou will like.

But you never realized how ingrained into normalcy it became until one particular day you leaned over to eat a chip Gojou held in his fingers. "Does this taste kinda soapy to you or is it just me?" He asked, shaking the bag it came from. They were roasted cumin lamb skewer flavored chips imported from China.

"Yeah, I think it's just- wait, give me another one?" You chewed more slowly that time around, really feeling at the flavor. "No, I'm getting it too."

Suguru and Shoko made faces that looked exactly like the one Utahime is wearing right now. "[First]!"

"Look it isn't like we're friends or anything," you tell the soon to be fourth-year. "When there is food involved, the We Hate Gojou Alliance calls forth a truce," you explain seriously, folding your hands and resting your chin on them as if you are Ikari Gendo. "For how can we hate if we are not properly nourished?"

At the bullshit you spew, Utahime's expression shifts into one that is purely unamused as her brow furrows and she purses her lips. It takes a lot out of you to not laugh then and there. "And since when was that an addendum we agreed on?"

"It's one I made out of personal interest," you close your eyes, nodding at the memories. Food comes before any quarrel you have with an annoying classmate. If it came down to it, you'd become Gojou's best friend for a sandwich. "When food is involved, Gojou Satoru isn't that bad."

"You're full of it," Utahime fights the twitches of her lips trying to curl upward. "Very, very full of it." The upperclassman relents with a sigh a beat later, knowing her arguments are futile. "You're a traitor. I hope you know that you're a traitor to our cause, [First]," you bite your lip to prevent yourself from laughing again. You're failing the longer she goes on. Shoko is your mission partner, but you think it is arguably fair to say Utahime is who you're closest to besides her. When you transferred to Jujutsu Tech, it was Utahime who gave you a tour around the facility when the teachers were suddenly too busy. She was a kind and beautiful upperclassman who came with a lot less monetary baggage than Mei Mei. "First Getou and Shoko, now you," she sips her matcha with a pointed glare in the direction of the tea house windows. Whatever Gojou does, it makes Utahime's amused scowl turn into an annoyed glare.

"I was technically never part of any alliance to hate on Gojou, I'm only an affiliated acquaintance," Shoko laughs lightly, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. "Utahime-senpai, you just have to accept this as part of the new reality. [First] and Gojou have become friends," your mission partner rolls her eyes when you shoot her a pointed look. "Apologies, food-based acquaintances."

Satisfied with her correction, you nod.

It's then Suguru finally reappears, a beverage in hand. Gojou is still waiting by the window for his own order to finish. "What are you guys talking about now?"

"I was telling them about this convenience store by my old high school everyone went to to have mental breakdowns," it's always a pleasure when Suguru looks at you like you've grown a second head. Laughter slips from your lips as easily as breathing. "It's called Adachi's ー that's the owner ー but the joke was to call it Adachi 7-11 because it rips off the 7-11 color scheme. He's a sweet guy though," you quickly add before continuing your spontaneous tale of the incredible 7-11 knock off store.

You eloquently tell your friend that Adachi is the kind of grownup who understand kids have it rough. That it's unknown who it was from Tsubame High that started the tradition of finding aisle to just sit and cry and snack in, but eventually it just became the spot to have freak outs. If you stayed to eat while you freaked, you simply paid for what you ate or drank when you were ready to leave.

Respect someone else's crying space. If you couldn't avoid going into their aisle for something, just politely pretend they don't exist.

If you really needed a cry, Adachi's office is free for someone having a particular trying time.

And last but not least, Adachi's was a judgement free zone.

It was like having a bartender for teenagers. Except in this instance, the only services the bartender offered were snack food, cheap wagashi and a select variety of beverages.

"First, I promise people don't go there to cry as often it I made it sound. Second, I know it sounds weird but it actually was kinda cool," you chuckle as the cursed user shakes his head the longer you go on. "Exam week? We're all basically in there studying and freaking out while eating a bunch of snacks." It really built up a surprising amount of comradery among your classmates you make sure to tack on before taking a break to finish the rest of your tea. "Before you ask, if I'm gonna have a mental breakdown, I prefer having it in the privacy of my own room," or in front of a beluga whale, but that explanation will take forever and a half. "And that... is the story behind Adachi 7-11," you conclude dramatically.

Suguru shakes his head but his expression is playful, "I give you points for the improv, but I'm taking away points for how long your story was."

You click your tongue in mock annoyance, "everybody's a critic. I just wanted to cover all the bases in case you felt so intrigued you wanted to know more about your mysterious classmate."

"You don't have a mysterious bone in your body," Shoko chirps and when you lightly kick her ankle under the table, she kicks back. "Utahime-senpai just feels betrayed that [First] is getting along better with Gojou." At the reminder, Utahime squints in your direction again. 'And after all I've done for you. I should have gone to Kyoto Tech', Utahime sighs into her warm cup. "The We Hate Gojou Alliance is turning into the I Alone Hate Gojou Alliance."

This is when Gojou finally saunters over, drink in hand, "that's because I'm cool and charming."

"You know, if you have to say it, you're probably not as charming as you think you are," Suguru advises with a grin. Gojou promptly ignores it as if he never said anything at all.

"Sucks to be you, Utahime," Gojou sticks out his tongue at the songstress. "[First] and I are practically best friends. Right, [First]?"

The more you deny it, the less convincing you know you sound so you stop with a heavy breath. "Anyway," you pivot the conversation to something other than your food-based truce. "Does anyone know if there are going to be any new 1st years? Or is it gonna be a while before we start seeing some new faces?"

Suguru nods, "I heard from Fujioka-sensei that there are two first years coming enrolling," you perk up at this information. It's a small jujutsu world, so small you didn't even know if you'd be getting any underclassmen. Two 1st years coming in still just seem so small though. From what you've learned though, 2-3 students per grade is average and the school lucked out with your 1st year class having four kids. Suguru points a finger back and forth between you, "she didn't tell me much about them but they're recruits from non-sorcerer families, like us."

Sometimes, life decides to grant you little miracles. "Finally, we're growing in our ranks," you cheer, bumping your cup against Suguru's. "That's less clan politics to hear about!"

The closest you've ever gotten to clan politics in Japan were from anime and dramas and the occasional snippets you learned about the imperial family on the news. That changed when you became a sorcerer. It's a small jujutsu world, you learn things here and there whether you want to or not. Interesting as the stories can be, however, you're glad your family is normal. Everyone at your school from a sorcerer family makes clan politics sound annoying at best and harrowing at worst and that's just from the things you learned from Utahime, Shoko and Mei Mei.

Your other peers aren't so keen on sharing what goes on in their families.

Yamada isn't the friendliest of your upperclassmen.

As for Gojou ー the only one of your classmates from a family apparently worth mentioning ー he doesn't care about clan politics in the slightest and opts to ignore it.

Thus, the Big Three Families still are a mystery to you even with Gojou's close proximity to your person. Nor are there any students at your school that came from either the Zenin or Kamo Clans. There are a couple enrolled at the jujutsu school in Kyoto apparently but you haven't had a chance to meet them. You only had three summaries to go off of when it came to the big name families in jujutsu, all courtesy of Gojou back in May of last year since you couldn't participate in the Sister School Exchange Event in Kyoto.

(Apparently having two special-grade sorcerers for students gave Tokyo Tech the biggest advantage so only Gojou and Suguru got to go. Jerks. Utahime threw a big fit over it too, but at the very least Tokyo won last year.)

"Do you like having rights as a woman?"

"Um, yes?"

"Then you won't like the Zenin Clan. You know Carnage from the Venom comics in the States?"

"Yeah, my mom reads those."

"That's the Kamo Clan."

"Okay, well what about your family? What's their deal?"

"They have me."

Vague, but clear enough descriptions to paint the necessary pictures ー the Amazing Sexists, the Bloods and the Jujutsu Jesus Havers Club.

Considering that this year the Sister School Exchange event will be taking place in Tokyo, you wonder if this will give you a chance to meet these fancy jujutsu folk. You tell your group as much, sighing in wonder. "It's a good thing you and Gojou won the exchange event, I wanna meet the kids from the other school." That was what you'd been most excited about before Fujioka-sensei dashed all your hopes and dreams. You wanted to see the differences in the campuses and what sort of crazy the teachers had going on. C'est la vie. "What were they like when you went there? Were the big clan kids more refined than Gojou over here?"

You barely dodge the definitely cold hand that was about to touch back of your neck in retaliation while Suguru chuckles out an explanation, "They have a couple folk from the Kamo Clan. They were... nice."

"You hesitated before you said nice," Shoko deadpans.

"They were polite," Suguru pivots his next selection of words in his attempt to remain neutral.

Gojou sticks out his tongue, unimpressed by his best friend's attempts to be cordial, "they were whatever. We didn't really talk to them."

"Boo, you're boring," you shake your head in heavy but mocking disappointment. "Should have just asked Utahime, she's seen them more." Your gazes turn to the oldest person at the table.

Utahime shoulders square off in satisfaction at being deferred to. "There are a couple of Kamo Clan kids at Kyoto Tech, one of them won't be coming because he'll be a fourth year student like me," her spirit drops for a moment and you offer a small smile of reassurance. Fourth year students don't get to participate in Sister School Exchange Event. Hence why she'd been so upset that she'd been unable to participate in it. There's not much you can do to comfort your friend, nor is there anything either of you can do about the past. At the very least, Utahime is nothing if not an optimist. She'll just kick ass in a different category. "As for the younger Kamo, Ririka, she's actually pretty nice when you talk to her but she can be a bit intimidating at times. She'll be a third-year student once school starts."

You make a noise of pleasant surprise, "Kamo Ririka, I'll keep an eye out for her." There's nothing better than a nice but intimidating woman, in your opinion.

"As for everyone else, they're all definitely a lot more tolerable than Gojou, it's not even a competition," Utahime glared at the sunglasses-wearing boy pointedly. He shrugged back without a care in the world, unperturbed as ever. "But while I was visiting home, my mother told me that Zenin Naoya is enrolling in Kyoto Tech so we'll be seeing him in a few months as a first year."

Whoever Zenin Naoya is, just mentioning him immediately makes Gojou groan in annoyance. "I was hoping that brat was gonna get homeschooled," he chews on his straw. You aren't sure how irritated he actually is but you do note how white brows curl in displeasure.

Gojou makes a face, "Zenin Naoya. I can't stand that guy."

You nudge him, lips curling into a light smirk, "I'm sure your fancy rich kid beef isn't that serious."

"No, Gojou actually isn't being hyperbolic this time," you glance over at Shoko. She and Utahime are sporting matching grimaces, brown eyes glancing at one another in understanding. "Zenins are bad but Zenin Naoya is the worst."

Well god damn. You share a look with Suguru who shrugs back, just as lost. That's the problem with not being born into the world of jujutsu, you're behind on all the history and beef going on behind the scenes. You have to learn little by little whether that be through being told or stumbling your way into procuring the knowledge on your own.

Zenin Naoya ー a member of the Amazing Sexists. You glance back at Gojou who has gone back to drinking away at his cup of tea. His partially obscured face doesn't make it any easier to read how he may be feeling underneath the surface.

Either way, you'll form your own opinion on this Naoya person when the sister schools converge in Tokyo.

Second year is definitely going to be something.

index | previous chapter | next chapter

Extra:

Fun fact for my fellow Americans and anyone else whose school holidays work differently, while here in the states, the end of summer vacation is when we go up a grade, students go up a grade at the end of spring break in Japan.

Summer vacation in Japan is about 30-40 days long depending on the prefecture from the end of July to the end of August. In Tokyo, I think it's from about July 21st to to August 24th. You come back and you're still in the same class. Winter break is from about December 26 to January 7th. And Spring break is about March 26th to April 5th. Like I said it can change prefecture to prefecture, but the mentioned dates are the standard for Tokyo give or take a few days or two depending on the ward.

Just wanted that knowledge to be shared, if you were curious as to why the reader is going up a grade after spring break. In Japan, the school year starts in April.

I really wanted to work on Reader's initial dynamic with her peers and her personal philosophies in these first few chapters before kicking off into the heavier stuff that comes in 2nd year. Considering how in canon, shit pretty much was smooth sailing for Gojou and co. during their 1st year until the 'Toji really beat the breaks out of 2 teenagers' mission, I wanted to reflect that in these initial chapters. Hopefully you guys have been enjoying it as much as I have. The Sister School Exchange Event is around the corner and those folks are coming to Tokyo, I wonder how that's gonna go >:3c (not that you can participate but there's plot, I assure you).

#look she's writing #jjk x reader #gojo x reader #gojou x reader #geto x reader #getou x reader #gojo satoru x reader #gojou satoru x reader #geto suguru x reader #getou suguru x reader #i cherish you halcyon days #utahime finally makes a proper appearance #and naoya gets a mention we love/hate to see it

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hunterbunter3000 · 1 year

Text

It was hard deciding which kneeling incident I wanted so I wrote all of them together lol (hell, maybe they all happened) pick which one is your favorite and let me know!

Shoutout to @imonmykneessir and @ruler-of-the-nether for wanting to know more about 141 Sweetheart and her simps HAHA

- ❀

Laswell: Where are you off to, Keller?

Alex: Oh, I'm taking Sweets to town. Just to sightsee and things.

Laswell, smiling: That sounds fun. Where is she by the way?

141 Sweetheart, walking out wearing a sundress and sandal wedges: I'm here!

141 Sweetheart: Hi Laswell! How you doin'?

Alex, seeing Sweetheart:

Laswell: I'm good, Sweetheart. You look beautiful in that sundress.

141 Sweetheart: Aww, Thank you! Hey Alex, you ready?

Alex, braindead: Mhm.

141 Sweetheart: Oh wait- I think I forgot my phone... Wait here, Kell.

Alex, still braindead, gets down on his knees, eyes still trained on Sweetheart:

141 Sweetheart:

Laswell:

141 Sweetheart: ....You can- you can stand. And wait. Think that'll be easy... for your knees.

Alex blinks out of his trance and stands: Oh-- shit yeah.

(An awkward silence is in the air)

Alex, coughing: Do you need help finding your phone?

141 Sweetheart, already moving on: Sure.

Lil Bonus!

Laswell, smirking: Are gonna talk about what that wa--

Alex: No

-❀

Alex, whining: Sweets, pleeaaassseee

141 Sweetheart making tea, sighing: Alex hun, no! I'm not gonna tackle you just so you could feel my thighs again. You tricked me one too many times.

Alex, scoffing: It's not because of that!

141 Sweetheart giving him a 'really bitch' look:

Alex: --The first time! It- wasn't because of that the first time... but just one more? I'm legit trying to get that move right!

141 Sweetheart: Okay, you want me to teach you?

Alex nodding:

141 Sweetheart, turning back to her tea: Then beg.

Alex:

(He then drops to his knees insanely close to Sweetheart's legs)

141 Sweetheart, bug eyed: WHAT THE-

Alex, laying it on THICK: Sweetheart, please. Please teach me. I beg of you. You're so strong and powerful... you know so many fighting techniques. I just want to learn one? Please?

141 Sweetheart, stunned:

(Alex feels bold, fingers ever so gently feeling her calf and slowly going up, causing Sweetheart to short-circuit)

Alex with big, pleading puppy eyes: I'll do anything you say, Sweetheart. I promise.

(He places a soft kiss on her knee, mind immediately wanting to worship her entire being. He shakes that thought away and then looks up at her)

Alex: Can you please teach me?

141 Sweetheart, nodding slowly:

Alex, face lightning up and leaving: Okay good! I'll get changed and you do the same! See you in 0.58 minutes! (Half an hour military time)

Alex, smirking: Really? Are you sure?

141 Sweetheart, mumbling: Y...yeah...

141 Sweetheart:

Laswell, who walked in seeing only half of this: What the hell was that?

141 Sweetheart, still stunned and a bit flustered: I don't... I dunno...

-*-

Alex lied. It was definitely just to feel her thighs around his neck and face.

Alex, eyes closed and face pink: Mmh... I'm going to heaven again~!

141 Sweetheart: GOD DAMMIT ALEX

-❀

Alex, stressed and looking out the window: The storm's not letting up. We have to wait longer than we need to...

(After a mission gone awry, Alex and Sweetheart got split up from 141. They found an abandoned house and called for backup or evac. What's worse is that Sweetheart got shot. And what's even worse is that there's a hurricane outside)

141 Sweetheart, holding her bleeding arm: Heyyyyy that's okay! We'll-- ugh-- We'll be fine.

Alex, frowning: We? Fuck a 'we', you're the one who got fucking shot, Sweets. Not me-- God dammit can this storm go away?!

Alex, scoffing with a faux grin: Always so positive...

141 Sweetheart, slouching on the broken couch: It'll let up, Kell. I know it will.

(Alex stares at her for a bit. He wonders how a person with so much hope join the military)

Alex, trudging to Sweetheart: Always seeing the good in people...

Alex: Can you see the good in me? Can you?

141 Sweetheart, looking up at him confused: Alex?

(He drops to his knees hard on the mildew covered floorboards. He looks defeated. After a beat of silence, his glossy eyes bore into hers. The vulnerability surprises Sweetheart)

141 Sweetheart: I--

Alex, whispering: I'm sorry.

Alex, tears welling in his eyes: I let you down, Sweetheart... I couldn't keep you safe. You-- You got hurt because of me.

(He leans forward, head laying on her knee and hands conjoined on top of her thigh, like he's praying for her forgiveness.)

141 Sweetheart with sad eyes: Alex... Honey, there's nothing-- ow- nothing to be sorry for.

(She cups his cheek, making him look at her blinding smile)

141 Sweetheart, chuckling: I'm in the army for damn's sake. Was gonna get shot someday!

141 Sweetheart: And of course I see the good in you. I always have and I always will.

(She wipes away a tear that Alex didn't know fall on his cheek. He huffs and smiles. A genuine smile. His hand claps over hers, thankful that she's here with him)

Alex: Thank you.

-*-

(They made it out. Sweetheart did fine when the bullet got taken out but cried when she had to get stitches)

Thank you so much for the amazing positive feedback on these! I'm so happy and honored 💖💕

#task force 141 #tf 141 #cod imagine #alex keller #alex keller x reader #black reader #black fem reader #cod x y/n #cod oc #modern warfare x reader #cod incorrect quotes #cod fanfic #x reader #black!reader #alex keller x you #141 sweetheart

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unabashednightmarepizza · 1 year

Text

𝐻𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐴 𝑀𝑢𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑟

Warnings: Heavy descriptions of death, Clickers, mentions of blood and trauma, Joel and reader being harsh to each other, implying on not being enough, mentions of SA

Series Masterlist | Next Chapter

“Look, all I'm saying that a boyfriend would be good for you Y/N! I didn't insult you or anything!”

“It's an insult for me, Tommy and since when are you a matchmaker?”

“Since my best friend decided that it was a good idea to spend her life alone in a shitty world!”

You chuckled under the mask at his playfullnes and shook your head in fake disappointment. Ever since he rescued you, he and Maria had been nothing but kind to you, even having you over their house almost all the time in the town they made, Jackson. You were grateful for the second chance given to you, and in exchange you wanted to keep the town and everyone living in it safe...

Therefore suggesting to take over an iron factory, and creating a weapon strong enough to kill whoever stood before you...

Who knew an anime would come true?

“Is it not heavy for you? We’ve been walking for quite some time...” he asked, eyeing the heavy weapon over your hips apprehensively, which caused you to raise a brow playfully.

“No, it’s not... I’m used to wearing them all the time Tommy, and besides I was meaning to ask you something.” He groaned at you not caring about what he said once again, dismissing the topic entirely but nodded nonetheless while cutting the plants that made it harder to move. It wasn’t like he wanted your bad, he just wanted you to be happy with someone who could understand you, be there for you...

But it seemed that your decision was made.

“You and Maria normally send me to further areas, you know close to bandits and Fireflies to kill them... Why are we patrolling a dead city?”

“Because... I don’t know, I just felt like there was gonna be something important...” he mumbled and looked to the back of the building you two were standing on, watching the area on a rooftop with guns ready. It wasn’t a good explaination, it wasn’t enough to convince you but you trusted him.

Besides it wouldn’t be too bad to go some sightseeing-

Seeing a movement in front of a building away, you squeezed your eyes to see it and cocked your gun out to zoom on them. Humans... Two humans, entering a building where there were probably a bunch of infected...

“Oh Jesus fuck..! Uhh, Tommy? I’m gonna say something but you aren’t gonna gasp and choke, okay?”

In the end, he did it anyways and you both ran to save whoever they were. Adrenaline pumped through you, getting slightly excited to kill an infected but you two rather found...

“Bandits... always popping out from somewhere...” you sneered angrily while ducking behind a wall, watching them taunt a little girl. You knew how bad those fuckers were and hurriedly made a plan. Tommy would circle behind them to get whatever you two needed while you dealed with them and later, you two would decide on what to do with the girl.

“Hello there~”

And in the end, they weren’t that strong to do any harm to you. All of them laid either dead or unconsccious, which was good enough for you turn and worry over the girl who had been watching you with wide eyes. She had never seen someone be so fast and strong, someone especially a woman make people shake in fear.

You were the first one she saw, after Joel...

“Hey, kid... Are you oka-“

“JOEL, DON’T!” Your body hit the ground harshly with a man on top of you, trying to attack you. The sight of a man above you brought unpleasant memories, resulting in your pulling your legs to yourself and kicking his stomach, knocking the air out of him. You brought your sword above your face as the man tried to hit you with one of his knives. You both grunted at the sheer force both sides applied and you widened your eyes at how the veins in his arms were popping.

Holy shit, just how strong is he-

“Joel, stop! She didn’t hurt me, she saved me!” Ellie screamed at Joel in fright, shaking off the ropes around her wrists to make him stop. The anger and adrenaline started to go away at hearing her voice and Joel was able to see what's in front of him...

A woman...

The red wore off and he got up on his feet while you jumped up and pointed yoyr sword to him, while he watched you warily with his hand above. “What the fuck you asshole? I saved your lives and this is the thanks?!”

Though you screamed, your face was still neutral with no hint of just how much you were scared a few minutes ago. “No one wanted your help, woman! Who the hell are you anyways?”

Before you could have opened your mouth, Tommy appeared from the door way and you instinctively tried to move closer to him...

But the sight of both men widening their eyes and slowly walking to each other made you and the young girl tilt your heads confused.

“Tommy?”

“Brother?”

Ain’t no way...

“For fucks sake, just when I think it couldn't be worse...” you sighed exasperatedly while swinging your sword around. Tommy chuckled and hugged Joel happily, seeing him well and alive had been one of his dreams and he never thought that the people they would be saving were them...

“It’s good to see you in one piece, brother.”

“It sure is, Tommy... God, I can’t believe- Where the hell were you?”

“I strayed a bit but then found a community, a safe place. I save the survivors and bring them there with her. You’re lucky that we have been patroling here and that she was here with me.” Joel eyes your form looking at Ellie’s wounds and helping her, still apprehensive of you. If the life he lived tought him something, it was to never trust anyone.

Especially ones who had such force with them, like you.

Seeing him look at you with pure bad intentions, non-trusting eyes, Tommy sighed and patted his shoulder. He knew that it would take a while for him to get used to you, with your snarky comments and his grumpy nature, but he hoped that you two would get along well. “ Look, I know what you’re thinking but she isn’t all that bad. You attacked her first and she did what any normal human would-“

“I can hear you two talking behind me, guys. I’m not deaf.” You pointed a knife to them carelessy while your back was turned and your crouched down to inspect her wound, to wrap a bandage around it.

“ Good, you were meant to...” You rolled your eyes at the man who stepped closer to you and looked at the girl closely for any injuries, and the ghost of a smile over his lips almost made you faint because holy shit, he actually smiles other than insulting!

“I don’t care if my brother trusts you, I don’t. And until I do, you aren’t getting close to us.”

“Oh yeah, and what were you planning to do with all the bandits and infected around?”

“What I have been doing for the past years, kid. Kill them. Something you clearly are bad at. Who do you think you are, just because you killed some men?”

“ Just a humble trash can trying to roll my way through life, old man. Who are you?” Normally you would have bit down your tongue and keep your sarcasm to yourself, especially in a situation like that. But all your comments always amused Tommy, and now Ellie too.

But not Joel.

All the things, all the deaths happened in front of him and all the stress came out like tide waves. Even a man like him had a limit and unfortunately, you were the one who was at the reciveing end.Both Tommy and and Ellie yelled at him when he cornered you against a wall, sneering at you but you didn’t phase. Men, no longer scared you. Especially those who were like Joel.

“Listen, if you think you can win me over with those sarcasm, think again. I have seen and experineced more than you, lost more than you-“

“Oh yeah? I didn’t know your mind was amongst what you lost but here is the drill: You’re calling me selfish and mighty, but look at you, thinking your pain is worse than anyone. Let me tell you something quick, motherhugger,” you said, pointing your knife that always stood hidden to his stomach which caused him to step away from you and put a distance while he watched you with angry eyes, shocked to see such passion from you while Tommy tried to stop you from potentially killing him or saying anything you might regret later.

Because he knew that you would be offending him in the most dangerous way.

“ Maybe you lost someone dear to yourself, but trust me everyone in this room lost everything they had! We all faced death, and no one acts like the apocalypse only hit them! So, stop thinking with your dick above your head and let go of-“

The first rule of a zombie apocalypse was to be always careful for any movement around you...

The second one was to be silent...

And guess which one you didn’t apply?

The only sound that would stop an entire room and go silent in this world, was the sound of a Clicker.

And the only thing that would be able to scare Tommy, was four of them standing right before your group.

Joel thought that you would scream or trash around while he had to be the one handling the situation, but to his surprise you went silent and unmoving as a corpse, eyes strictly trained on the Clickers, watching them lurk deeper inside the building. Your eyes turned to Tommy who was keeping Ellie silent, and he shook his head agressively at what your eyes told him. Rolling your eyes at him, you nudged your head towards Joel and signed to him.

Tell your brother to let me go and deal with them before more of them comes...

“You can’t do that... There are so many of them, they never lurk alone...” he whispered angrily before you made a face that made him shut up.

“Cut the shit, Tommy... I’m the only one with the gear and you know of the things I did with this. So, Joel, move your ass so that I can save your asses.”

Lightly shoving him away from you, Joel made a move to stop you from getting yourself killed when Tommy stopped him with a shake of his head and he stayed back while you slowly moved away from them, an eye on the ground looking at the soil while Ellie nudged Tommy to ask what you were doing and he silently whispered to not alert anymore of them.

“ The infected are connected through soil, like a hive. One movement on the part where they are connected and a thousand of them would come... She is looking out so that she wouldn’t alert any...”

Joel nodded in amazement, his anger from before dying out and watching you walk cautiously. He didn’t expect someone to know that much, and probably that was one of the reasons you survived...

She wouldn’t be a bad partner... I guess...

It is odd, you thought while looking over the walls that had many fungi attached to it. When there were four of them here, now none could be seen except the ones glued to the wall at the corners in an odd shape.

They couldn’t have died that soon, right?

“Holy mother of rectangles...” Tommy and Joel turned to each other at your voice from the other side and followed the same path as you. When they entered they saw you closely looking at one of the infected with an amazed look and an unknown protective side made Joel run to you and snatch you away, not caring you utter in shock and amazement.

“Don’t come here! Those things spread spores like shit, you could get infected...” you held a spare mask out to him, urging him to take while he looked at you a bit baffled but accepted nonetheless. He took his lighter over his shoulder to put it on, and didn’t hold back from asking. “Why are being worried about me? Thought you wanted me dead?”

“Just because I'm helping you doesn't mean I care. Your death would be a minor inconvenience in my end but a major one on his. That’s all.” You said, pointing to where Tommy and Ellie were looking to find something while him and you were crouched down next to the body on the ground. What his brother said raked through Joel’s mind, that you knew a lot and that was one of the reasons you survived for so long, and at first he didn’t believe like any sane man. You didn’t look much older than 40, and you would have been a 20 something when the Outbreak happened...

But his curiousity got the best of him.

“You’re lookin’ at the body as if you had been doing that for a long time...”

“Do what exactly?”

“Inspecting bodies, analyzing, that type of shit.”

Snorting slightly at him and how he said all of those, probably understanding no shit, and how unfazed he was even after you telling him that you were fine with leaving him dead- though you didn’t really mean it- you bit your lip and got up while dusting yourself. “I used to do science when I was younger, anotomy always fascinated me... Too bad that... I can’t...” your voice slowly died down and Joel shook his head in question why you did so suddenly when his lighter found the two Clickers standing behind you and his eyes widened in fear...

What would have been a worry for his life only, now has spread to your life too... And it scared him more than the Clicker before him.

You looked ahead, not moving an inch, fearing that they might caught you and looked over to Tommy to see him with wide, scared eyes and a terrified Ellie. It was no wonder, Tommy had been your best friend for so long and Ellie was just a kid...

But what caught you off guard was that Joel having the same expression on his handsome face-

Wait, did I think of him as handsome or...

You squeezed your eyes momentarily and re-opened them, feeling their disgusting breath on your neck while the clicking sounds they made sent shivers down your spine. Your hand twitched, tingled to get a hold of your weapon and kill them...

And that was what you will be doing.

The swishing sound of a sword being pulled out alerted them and they ran to get to where the voice came from and Joel yelled curses at you while Tommy knew what was gonna happen in a few minutes.

Joel and Ellie watched you with shock as you swinged your swords to your back while the four Clicker from before came closer and killed them with one, clear cut, sending their head flying away. Unfortunately, one of them hit the connection while dropping and the body you were inspecting before suddenly came back to life...

And Joel was its closest prey.

With a pounding heart, you readied yourself to throw the sword to him but a Runner came from nowhere and sent you tumbling down. It went straight to your neck, trying to bite on you but your sword stopped it from getting any close and with a kick to its body, it went away from you but not enough.

It’s not a big deal, that’s enough distance...

Taking out the axe you kept on your back, you cut its neck and it limped before going down and choking on its blood. You huffed out in relief, not having a zombie all over you when a gluttural growl made you turn swiftly to see that two more of them tried to attack Joel, Ellie And Tommy, the last one dropping his gun and being cornered alongside the other two. Not stopping to think even for a second before throwing both swords right at the back of the two Clickers, you sent them into the sweet embrace of death.

Tommy slumped back in relief and for a second, you thought the older male had heart attack when he snapped his neck up and scolded you angrily.

“If I die, I'm haunting you first, you crazy woman! Stop giving me scares all the god damn time! I’m old...” you giggled at him and pulled him up while Ellie did the same and pulled him to the exit with a deep heave.

“Oh, don’t be ridiculous Tommy! At least your ghost would be stuck with a chick like me!”

Ellie, now shaking with amazement and a slight, barely-there fright let out a curse and you turned to look at her while pulling the swords out from the bodies and cleaning them for now.

“Whatever possessed you to do that should possess you more often... You just went woosh, and they went bam!” you smiled sweetly at the girl, kinda starting to have an impression how she was. She had the mouth of a sailor, that one was for sure. She was witty, and snarky much like you but still, there was a sweetness that coated her that you just wanted to hug her...

Not in your current state though.

Joel grumbled under his breath, and you bit your lips hard at hearing it. It seemed that no matter what you did, he would still hate you. And you didn’t see, but Tommy gave him dead stare for what he said, for causing slight tears to appear in your eyes.

“yeah it came a bit late... No wonder people died on her...”

“That’s it! What’s your problem with me, huh?” you took fast steps to him, panting angrily and feeling your hands go cold in fight or flight mode. Chest to chest while he looked down on you and chuckled humorlessly...

And spat his poison unmercilessly.

“ My problem is your saviour complex, honey. You act all smart and strong but I can see your true shit. You are a little girl who wasn’t able to do shit before, and thinks she is at the top of the world because she saved three people now...”

Snap...

Something snapped inside, heart breaking inside. You didn’t have to be reminded of your failures, of the count of how many people you had lost and how much blood you had on your hand Right at that moment, looking inside his brown eyes, all you wanted was to hurt him. Make him feel the same kind of pain he inflicted on you...

“You know what? You’re right... But at least I don’t act like I’m a saint when I killed people willingly. I worked my ass off to save them, to protect them when you only shed blood of others because your little heart was hurting. At least I got to save people, when you couldn’t save any...”

And with that, you slipped away and to the car outside to drive back to Jackson while Tommy and Joel had a scuffle with Tommy stopping Joel and defending you, calling out to how shitty he behaved and how he had to get along with you if he was gonna live in the city.

Damn, it’s gonna be one hell of a journey with them, right?

“Hey...”

“Hey.”

You watched the girl you saved alongside the man earlier, Ellie and Joel, you learnt later, sat down in front of you with a cautious yet noncholant face which made you raise a brow at her in question. For someone who had been chased by a Clicker, she seemed like she didn't care and was rather interested in your guns and fighting skills. Ever since you brought them to the safe zone you had helped Tommy and Maria build and protect, she always asked you questions about the “Tactical Gear” you had made which was the same gear the people in an anime you used to watch when young.

Happy, unaware of the future and your only worry being getting good grades...

But those days were no more.

Now all there was is blood, chaos and death in the apocalyptic world. Busses that once drove kids to school was now left to wither, the memories of the good days now a distant memory. Buildings that was once the sign of how strong the human kind was crushed under the heavy smell of death...

Mother Nature, in the end, took her sweet revenge in the most deadly way possible and you had no one to blame except yourself, and other humans.

The only part where you felt like crawling into your bed and cry like a little kid, was the children. So many times you crossed paths with them, and so many times there was nothing to do for them.

Except granting them a quick death.

It wasn’t by shooting, but a kind of poison to put them in a deep sleep, one that they could never wake up from...

One that you made back when you weren’t in Jackson, one that you used all of your scientific knowledges....

“So, uh... Ellie, right?” she nodded at you happilly and looked at you as if you were a star which made you chuckle slightly. You liked the girl for the smart-ass she was, and hearing her roast Joel was way funny to you.

And you guessed that they were both hungry and Tommy couldn’t cook anything to save his life. “I believe you’re hungry, as well as Joel. Do you like chicken?”

And if there was any reasons to not like you for Ellie, there was absolutely none, now that you offered the best looking full course of meal to her. “Holy shit, you made all these?!”

“Hmm, Jackson is far larger and bigger than you think it is. We have a healthy farm, and clean soil to grow food. The weather is fine here, too.”

“You are my second favourite person from now on, gosh this tastes amazing!” you smiled warmly at the blush on her cheeks and how happy she trully looked. It has been a while since I saw a kid genuinely happy in this shithole, you couldn’t help but think and sat down before her with a hum and a groan at the bruise forming on your back after being thrown away by one of the fuckers you saved them from.” Well, I guess it’s a good thing but who is the first one for you hmm?”

“Joel, of course. He found me and saved me first and you did for the second place.” She didn’t lie when she said that, surprised that you actually thought of the man who insulted you, riduculed you right in front of them. You actually didn’t do it for his own good, buth for the sake of Tommy and it showed in the way your face twisted angrily.

Ah, that pain in the ass of a man...

You couldn’t help but let a scowl appear on your face, lips snarling and eyes burning. Ellie let out a “opps” and gulped down the last bit of her water hurriedly. “So, uh I know you and him don’t get along, after that exchange...”

She remembered how you went back and forth between throwing snarky comments at each other while walking back to the cars... With you not giving him a fuck which annoyed him more.

“Are you even listening, woman?!”

“Yes, it just takes some time for me to process all the stupidity all at once!”

Or that when time when you killed a horde of infected as cool as a cucumber that this time, it was him who couldn’t keep his tongue. “ She is crazy! It’s been a few hours that I knew her and I started to think I reached the bottom of it... Seems like there is a whole underground city there!”

Or that time when neither she nor Tommy understood whether you and Joel were flirting or fighting...

“ Are you clinically insane or incredibly annoying, you newborn baby?!”

“Nah, darling but probably both...”

Ellie knew that he was both irritated and impressed by you, but apparently the only thing you felt for the man was... anger, by the angry scrubbing ot the plate as expected. Normally, she would boost whoever was making fun of him or having an argument but through time, she came to love him like a father, knew his soft side whenever he would shield her or give her the warm place to sleep.

So, she wanted you to see that side too.

“You know... Even though he doesn’t talk much, I know that Joel only talked like that because of the pain. He lost many people.”

“I know that Ellie, trust me. Even if he sees me some kind of a kid when I’m a whole ass adult.” You sighed exasperatedly and continued with cleaning around the kitchen while the girl watched you with keen eyes. Ever since you found them, she had been watching you, observing you. You mostly kept to yourself, never giving more than a few curt answers to them while walking ahead of the group, eyes careful for the slight noise that would alert you.

But deep down, she knew that you had a good, kind heart. She saw how you tried to give the quickest blow on those who were infected so that they wouldn’t hurt any longer than they already did, how you helped around the people around the safe zone...

You reminded her of how Joel was, she knew that he was amazed by you even though he said you were being stupid, and even though she heard Tommy talk about how Joel was at the first year of the outbreak... He still had enough goodness to help her and do what he was doing now.

Save as many as possible.

While she pouted at the thoughts running through her mind, she flinched when she heard the harsh thud of your hand on the counter and saw you bent over it while panting hard.

Anger, it was anger coursing through you.

It wasn’t like you hated his guts, no. You understood why he was the way he was, harsh and even rude, and for the sake of Tommy, you didn’t say anything but his behaviour...

He was acting like he was the only one who lost everything.

And he had no right for that.

“ I can understand the pain he went through Ellie, really. But you can’t tell me that he is the only one. Fred, Dina, Eric, everyone! Even Gustavo, the ever cheerful man, lost someone!” your chest heaved up and down, harsh breaths leaving you while memories of your past life resurfaced.

Blood, screams, tears, more blood...

Ellie was, for once, left speechless as you burst out. She had seen some people do that, not in front of her though, and thought of you to be that invincible woman.

But the dangling bracelet said otherwise.

She felt her heart pound at her chest, breaking a little as the single tear that ran down your cheek and scooted closer to your form on the chair sitting defeatedly, playing with that red string your sisters gave to you before they...

“I used to have a family too, despite what might people think...” She gasped silently at the words, realizing you wanted to tell her your story, unaware of the man standing behind you.

“You know the kind where they annoyed each other but loved everyone so much? Yeah, that was my life. My only worry was to get high grades, graduate and do what I love. I would occasionally take care of my two sisters, who were in my opinion little gremlins, who wouldn’t leave me alone.” Ellie smiled at that, even though she didn’t know what you were talking about. But she understood that they were your family, people to be always there for you and... she knew that feeling.

“ Before the shit went down, they came barging in my room in the middle of studying and begged me to close my eyes, putting the bracelet around my wrist happily. They said that even if they annoyed me, it was because they loved me and that I was the best big sister ever... And then, the infection happened, everything went to south and now we were trying to survive while protecting our mental health.” Looking at the almost worn out bracelet in thought, your heart clenched painfuly at your chest and you brought a hand to where your heart was, rubbing it for some comfort while Joel watched you with wide eyes and guilt crawling inside him like a spider.

Never in his long life would he think that someone so stern, rude and cold would endure all of these... Endure what happened to him. He felt the sharp pricks of guilt hit him heavily and after 20 years, he felt like a total douche for treating you with nothing but harshness. He remembered how he said that it was normal for people to die on you, as if you weren’t capable enough to protect and fight...

And how it affected you...

But, a part of him wanted to listen more, hear more about you and your story. He felt like you wouldn’t be this vulnerable with anyone, let alone him after asking about you around the town only to receive shrugs, and this was his one chance at understanding you and he shuffled closer to the door when you spoke again.

“ It was first my mom, who got infected. My dad, the man I thought that wouldn’t break, couldn’t kill her and after securing my sisters, he gave me his gun and told me to kill both of them... I was just 16-17 or something, I didn’t understand why he was doing it. But soon got my answers when he let her bite him and he too became one of them. That was my first two kills, to protect my sisters. Even to this day I still blame my dad for everything that happened but a part of me understood why. He just didn’t want to be without her, knowing that he was her killer... But wanted me to live as their killer.”

“You aren’t their killer, I’m sure that they also know it. Humans had done far worse things than that and I dunno, I just feel like they are happy you did that because if you didn’t, someone else would and you would be both dead.”

“Maybe, you’re right... Still doesn’t help though. Anyways after that, I did anything, anything to protect them. I became the shell of the girl I was, killed mercilessly, trained non-stop and became one of the most feared woman. I raised two girls when I was a child, protected them from the insane part of humans...” you spat the last sentence disgusted and both Joel and Ellie tilted their heads at the meaning behind it.

“What do you mean by that?”

Chuckling humorlessly, you faced the girl with a sad stare. You didn’t want her to know everything, but she too was a girl and the world that waited her wasn’t good anymore.

It was her destiny.

“You don’t know, but the way women and children were treated when this shit didn’t happen was bad. Women was raped, children was kidnapped, there were pedophiles who raped or assaulted kids... And those all happened even when there were laws and governments. No punishment was given, and police wouldn’t do anything about it... What do you think would happen to them in a world like this?”

Joel clenched his hands angrily at what you said, knowing how bad it was. He remembered how many times he watched them on the breaking news, how Tommy and Sarah would look in disgust and worry...

No wonder you had been that cold to him, and was able to knock the air out of him when he jumped on you, thinking of you another bandit, fear evident on your orbs for a second.

His heart softened at everything he learnt, how similar your lives were. Your sisters are lucky to have you, they would be good friends with Ellie- Seriously, where are they? The house seems empty-

“I’m... I’m sorry.” Ellie seriously didn’t know what she should think. She wasn’t stupid by any means, she understood what you meant and felt envy. She never had a person like that in her life, no one was there to protect her until Joel and she couldn’t help but wonder if you would do the same for her.

But a part of her, a part of humanity and child, wanted to meet them and see how amazing they were. Were they like you? Better? Where were they?

“Your sisters must be proud of you so much! I really want to meet them, where are-“

“I hope you never do, Ellie...” you smiled at her obvious innocence and squeezed your chest as if you were in pain at how she reminded you of them. Ellie tilted her head curiously, not understanding why you suddenly became 10 times older and why you didn’t want her to meet them...

But Joel did.

“No, don’t say that...”

“Because they are dead, Ellie... I killed her.”

Her mouth was left open at shock, not expecting that much to happen to you. She knew that a lot happened to you, that you did pretty unimaginable things... But this was too much even for a grown-up.

“How did it...” she asked unsure, her mind slowly realizing that you were no hero but a real human.

“The older one begged to come with me and I let her, she was 15 at the time. It was a simple mission but there were a bunch Clickers and one suddenly jumped at us. I was able to move away but... she wasn’t. It bit her and she begged me to kill her so that she wouldn’t turn to them. I had to do it and... well, she died between my arms.” You shrugged your shoulder as if it didn’t bother you anymore but in reality, you were crushing under it.

The way your sister screamed at you in anguish to kill her..

Sister, please! I don’t wanna be like them!

“And what about the other one?”

“The fuckers who hated me waited so that I would leave, they killed the man I trusted the youngest one with and kidnapped her... I searched everywhere, every place but... I guess she is also dead too... For days, I wasn’t able to wash off her blood and for months after that, the only thing I saw was blood of them...and the hands of a murderer...”

Silence welcomed you, Ellie was heartbroken for all the things that happened to you and even more amazed at how you still had that good side in you. She always wanted to be a strong woman, but now that an amazing role model was sitting down before her, she knew what her next goal was.

You gave a soft smile at the girl who was already worming inside your heart and got up, slapping your knees playfully and trying to ease the sad vibes.

“And that’s the story of how I became that cold bitch around here! I’m sorry I dumped my trauma at you but I guess, I kinda needed-“ your voice died down at the shocked man standing beside your door, hands crossed in front of his chest while he stood frozen, not expecting you to turn around so fast. Your face went pale at the realization, knowing that he heard everything. Clenching your hands thighter on your sides, Ellie’s curse went to deaf ear by both adults who were busy looking at each other.

And you were surprised to see a tear sitting at the corner of his eyes.

Joel wasn’t a stranger to self-loathing, to hate himself more than anyone in this world. He, too killed people and most of the times, he didn‘t care. Maybe, that was one of the reasons he got angry at you for pointing that out.

Because you were right

The first night it all happened, he saw how humanity would go berserk with one little thing and how government would do anything to protect their power.

How they would kill without a reason and decided that why couldn’t he do that too, if the worl wanted him to?

But looking at you, he trully never believed you to be a murderer, even when his tongue betrayed him. Not because of your smaller form but for the way you still had compassion, saved people to get them to a safe zone. He was shocked to see many of town’s folk greeting you happily while children horded around you and jow sweetly you smiled at them even when you were dead tired. And for the first time ever since meeting you, he trully looked at you for you and saw how kind and nice you were. How authoritative you were but gentle enough to pat the heads of the children and selfless enough when one of the younger teen in your squead came rushing to you with a happy frin and whispered something in your ear that made you grin at the young boy.

He would never say it to your face, but he found you to be slightly annoying and pretty much impressing. The brutal force you used required to be trained all the time and your agility and stealth was not to be messed with.

It was enough for him to not realize that you sneaked upon him with him noticing.

He cursed at himself for being an asshole to you, especially after learning why you were the way you were. Tommy’s words rang in his mind and for once, he wished that he wasn’t right, that he wasn’t fucked up and needed to apologize...

You don’t know her story, Joel... You two are more alike than you realize...

Too bad that he only stood like a dumb young boy there, umable to form words which only fueled your anger.

You scoffed at him, even though he didn’t do anything bad particularly. But protecting your dignity was more important at that time and that was what you did.

“Wow you are really a douche enough to barge in my home and listen, huh? Didn’t expected that low from you, Miller.” You said, disappointed and tired while slipping away and into the street with Ellie running after you, worrying meanwhile Joel tried to find a way to do something he hadn’t done in a long time.

Apologize.

But for now, you didn’t want any apologies. You didn’t want to see people, and their pity.

You just needed air.

#joel miller imagine #joel miller x you #joel miller x reader #the last of us x reader #the last of us imagine #tlou imagine #tlou x you #tlou x reader #pedro pascal x reader #pedro pascal

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i3bucky · 2 years

Note

Hii, can I request some jonathan byers x m!reader??

Where M/n took jonathan for a night drive around hawkins, talking about what they wanted to do after graduation and jonathan decided to confess about how his feeling to M/n these few months and without saying a word M/n just kissed him because he has the same feeling too and maybe leads to making out.

“after all this time” — jonathan byers x male!reader

content warning! confessions, fluff, making out, slightly suggestive(?). this isn’t a warning but i love jonathan <3

not proofread!

taking rides out through the town to sightsee and look at the sunset was something classic. a moment in time reserved for only you and jonathan.

it was a monthly thing for the both of you, a way to get out of your heads and just relax — even if it was only for around an hour.

this time though? this time it was special. this would be the last late night car ride through hawkins for a while. it’s the night of graduation. all of the excitement and feeling of freedom of getting your diplomas has faded. now it’s filled with the bittersweet feeling departure and going your separate ways.

you thrummed your fingers on your thigh along to the beat of whatever song was humming in the background. jonathan drove through the melancholy and bitterly empty streets of the backroads of hawkins.

the car ride to a stop in what was declared yours and jonathan’s spot. it was a little off one of the backroads, a clearing tucked away from the population of hawkins. trees that surrounded the area parted just slightly so that the sunset peaked through them.

you sigh, staring at the warm colors of the sunset. jonathan looks anxious besides you, face slightly flushed and and hands gripping at the wheel even though the both of you had parked.

incredulous plans for graduation had already been shared, some that seemed a bit too far out of reach. there were talks of college acceptance letters, how much you’d visit hawkin, if you’d even visit at all.

but conversation had long died out, replaced with tense silence. it wasn’t long before jonathan spoke up himself.

“this is our last night in hawkins before our acceptance letters come back.” he begins, finally relaxing into the seat of the car and turning to look at you. “i don’t think i could move on and actually get to live without telling you this, y/n.” he sighs, almost refusing to make eye contact with you.

it was your turn to speak up while he gathered the courage to actually speak his mind. “take your time, byers. we have all night…” you murmur, leaning into the car seat.

“i think im in love with you.” jonathan says. and he says the words so slowly, they were impossible to mistake for anything else. johnathans eyes are glossy too, filled with unshed tears.

the words register in your brain. jonathan byers is possibly in love with you. you’re fighting the inevitable smile that tugs at your lips, and instead lean across the armrest. he makes a small sound of slight surprise when your lips connect with his.

he kisses you back, eager and excited. the position is slightly awakened, but with the way you’re handling him like he’s the most fragile thing on earth makes everything okay.

he whines against your lips, the kiss growing needy fairly quickly. he all but crawls into your lap, breathing heavily when your hands tangle in his lengthy hair. he awkwardly grinds into your lap, softly whining.

“i think im in love with you too, jonathan byers.” you grin against his lips.

#🍀 — i3bucky #dom male reader #top male reader #dom!reader #jonathan byers x reader #jonathan byers x male reader #stranger things x male reader #stranger things x reader #stranger things #johnathan byers x male reader #johnathan byers x reader

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the-badger-mole · 24 days

Text

Uncharted Waters: Rumor Has It

Despite being tired from their journey, they went back down the main street after dinner, hoping to find some information about the bending tournament. They stopped at a stall selling sweets and bought hotteok and pretended to window shop and sightsee as they maneuvered themselves near large groups. A few times, they did manage to catch snatches of people talking about the tournament. If it was supposed to be a secret, it was a poorly kept one. At least until they tried to get more information.

“Excuse me,” Katara approached a group with a friendly smile.

“Yeah?” One of them, a woman in her late twenties or early thirties, eyed Katara suspiciously.

“We,” Katara gestured vaguely towards Zuko, “we heard you talking about the earthbending tournament. We would love to go see it while we’re in town, but we don’t know how to get tickets.” The woman snorted derisively at her. She looked at her friends, and then the entire group burst into laughter at Katara.

“Girlie, if you have to ask, you’ll never find out,” another of the group, a thin man with thinner hair, chortled.

“Beat it,” the first woman said, jerking her head up the road. “Go home before your mama starts worrying where you are.”

“We just wanted some information!” Katara glowered at the group. “If you don’t know you could’ve just said.”

“Don’t worry about what we know.” The woman stood up to her full height, with a good few inches on Katara. Her shirt sleeves had been cut off, revealing two muscular arms covered in tattoos. Her dark eyes narrowed dangerously, but Katara met her glare with a stubborn set to her chin. The woman’s friends were looking beween her and Katara with sharp interest.

“Little kids like you should be home this late,” the woman said. “Why don’t you get gone before I give you the home training your parents forgot to beat into you.” Katara drew back indignantly and was about to snap back, but Zuko’s hand fell on her shoulder. He glowered at the group, but he spoke to Katara.

“Forget it,” he muttered. “We don’t need them.”

“But-“ Katara started to protest. Zuko took her hand and led her away from the still laughing group.

“Come on,” Zuko said. “We don’t need them.”

“We have to find out where the tournament is being held!” Katara insisted. She dug her heels in and forced Zuko to stop. “What’s the matter with you?”

“Didn’t you see those people were getting ready to jump you?”

“I could take them!” Katara huffed and crossed her arms.

“There were eight of them!” Zuko rolled his eyes and shook his head.

“So, you wouldn’t have helped me?” Katara planted her hands on her hips and glared up at Zuko.

“Of course I would.” He threw his hands out to his sides. “But then we’d risk drawing the wrong attention. How would we find the tournament if we end up in jail? How would we get any information about your brother and the Avatar? How would we get to Chameleon Bay?” Katara turned her sullen gaze to the ground.

“She didn’t have to be so rude,” she muttered. Zuko rolled his eyes again. Suddenly, he was aware of how big of an apology he owed his uncle.

Read the rest of the chapter here

#atla #zutara #uncharted waters #zuko never thought HE would have to be the voice of reason

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fy-mina · 4 days

Text

MINA Harper's BAZAAR June 2024 issue

translation by MarisaTheCube

"Mina of TWICE poses against the shutters on a balcony offering a wide view of Paris, with a line of Hausmann-style buildings.

“I’ve wanted to try doing a fashion shoot for a magazine overseas. And the setting is Paris, which I love! The city’s buildings and the townscape are so beautiful, so it would make for a wonderful shoot, so I’ve been really looking forward to it.” When looking at a photo of herself dissolving into the Parisian scenery, a happy expression comes over her face. As the shoot continues, Mina changes into countless outfits and quickly captures their design, moving actively or standing still with a mature mood. Her movements are widely varied, just like a top model.

“Paris is known for its classic cityscape, but the people living there are also wonderful. There’s a calm atmosphere, and I admire the way people spend time at cafes, use chic fashion in their own ways, and dress up at night to enjoy the nightlife. When I first visited Paris, I was looking forward to sightseeing. I was able to go see the outside of the Louvre, but there wasn’t time to go inside, so I was looking forward to going there the next time. If I had an opportunity to stay longer, there are so many other plans I would want to do, like getting up in the morning and going to a café, going to the market if the weather was nice – spending time here as though I lived here,” she says with a sparkle in her eye.

In order to embody Mina’s dream plan, the shoot this time is themed as if Mina was studying abroad in Paris for a short time during the summer season. She wears Fendi’s summer collection in a bourgeois-chic apartment to express the feeling of spending time freely in the summer.

“The Fendi summer collection that I wore for the shoot this time has a fresh style of Western clothing and swimwear. When you think of swimwear, you often get the image that it’s only worn at places like the beach or the pool. But if you wear a jacket and skirt or denim pants over it, you can wear it around town, and it’s very new and cool. My personal favorite is the combination of a short jacket and striped skirt with swimwear.”

Mina travels around the world as a member of TWICE. In 2023, the group embarked on their fifth world tour, becoming the first girl group to perform at stadiums in Japan, and set records for days in a row, including setting the record for the first girl group to hold a sold-out performance at LA’s SoFi Stadium. The group’s tour is ongoing, and they are currently scheduled to hold a performance at Nissan Stadium, where they will be the first overseas female artists to perform. Mina is enthusiastic, saying, “It will be a challenge for us.”

Furthermore, last year, she began unit activities with MISAMO. “The three of us - Sana-chan, Momo-chan, and I – have been working as hard as we can to support each other. This year, we hope to go on tour for the album we released as MISAMO.”

Mina shows off her beautiful new faces one after another, both as a member of the world-famous girl group that captivates audiences with their amazing live performances, and as a model participating in fashion shoots as a brand muse. In January of this year, she attended Fendi’s couture collection as a guest, and made her show debut. She expressed that she was nervous about going to the show alone, but said, “Personally, I love Fendi, so I was even more excited for that. I bought my first knitwear a few years ago, and thought it was really cool and comfortable. After that, I bought a bag, and now I use it regularly. Personally, I like the “Peekaboo” collection. Fendi generally has very feminine collections, but they also debut some very imaginative items, so I’m always looking forward to surprises.”

As mentioned, this was Mina’s first time coming to Paris alone for a fashion shoot since her debut. She gave the impression of a female image that was simultaneously cute, intellectual, and elegant. What kind of expression will she show in her next fashion shoot? We can’t take our eyes off Mina as she continues to put forth effort and gain experience to update her form.

Mina is a member of the nine-member girl group TWICE, who are scheduled to perform at Nissan Stadium this year. Also, last year, she formed MISAMO with fellow Japanese members Sana and Momo and began unit activities."

#mina #twice #240419 #p: magazine #e: endorsement #harper's bazaar

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pettypuppy-jonghyun · 10 months

Text

Little Old Library|Seungmin

Summary: bf!Seungmin takes you on a walk to see one the biggest historical libraries

Notes: I'm sorry if the information is a little off, I've never been to Dublin before😅

Warnings: I've literally never written a full Seungmin fic before I am so sorry

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"Take a walk with me."

You look up at the sound of your lover's voice, head cocking to the side ever so slightly. "A walk?" You bemused.

Seungmin nods, hand reaching out to yours to lift you off the couch. He could understand your hesitancy, as you had done plenty of walking the days prior. You declared just yesterday evening that you were officially done walking the area, tired and sore from not packing the right shoes. Now, he offers to go again, unprompted.

He grabbed his long brown coat, draping it carefully over his shoulders before doing the same to yours. Satisfied, he took your hand and led you down the black spiral stairs and out of the motel. The once-foreign town was becoming familiar with each passing day of your vacation. Every tourist attraction was nearby and accessible by foot. The long rows and rows of apartments and businesses in brown buildings was what made the walk worth it. Eventually, you came across a bus that led you to the needed destination.

Seungmin walked hand in hand with you, adjusting the black bag on his shoulders after exiting the bus. "We are here!"

You look around for signs, a little bewildered at the large building before you. "Where are we?"

Although this location wasn't on your list of to-dos, Seungmin's encouragement to check it out was hard to ignore. He tugs you along silently, a smile pulling at the corner of his lips. He paused his movements upon getting closer to the large tower before him.

"Wow, this is beautiful!" Your eyes couldn't help but wander around, not recognizing anything. The old tower with a dome-shape top bore a gilded cross and articulate designs all over. The design was meant for a bell tower, now an arch many people were underneath to cross sections of the land.

"This is the Campanile," your boyfriend explains softly, watching you with light eyes as you look around. "A bell tower made in 1853. It's part of the Trinity College; the buildings are just on the other side."

Impressed with the sudden overflow of knowledge, you send a smirk his way. "Look who decided to do research beforehand," you teased, patting the lips of his jacket against his chest.

Seungmin rolled his eyes with a tsk. "If I didn't tell you any of this, you'd wonder why we're here."

Surprised to know there was more to anticipate, you followed closely behind him as he began to move forward again. You couldn't help but be in awe of your surroundings, the historical buildings designed so intricately you could see it from far away. There was many others stopping to snap photos, probably none knowing nearly the same amount of information your boyfriend did of the landmark.

Finally, after small stops to sightsee different rooms, he took you into the place he truly wanted you to see. He warned you ahead, hoping to prepare your heart, that pictures could never describe the feeling of it in person. And while he didn't mind taking photos with you before, he wanted you to enjoy the sight you were about to see.

"You're so dramatic," you laugh at him, rolling your eyes. "What could possibly be so amazing-oh my God."

Your words stopped in your mouth upon the sight of the large room. Rows and rows, shelves upon shelves, all stacked with neatly placed books. The hallway lined with signs to signafy where to go in case one got lost in the maze-like building. A library so large, a bookworm would never leave.

Seungmin happily watched the sparkle glow in your eyes. "This is only part of it," he informs you with a smile. "But it's the largest. 'The Long Room in the Old Library'."

"How did you find something so amazing?" You gasped in excitement, unsure where you land your eyes first. The overwhelming feeling of the large arches towering over you, hallway after hallway filled to the brim with books, had you near tears of joy.

He followed behind you as you went to the left side first, softly gazing at you with pride. Min was proud to make you so thrilled to see the library, feeling as if he accomplished something huge. Although aware you weren't willing to do anything on the last day of your vacation, he just knew he'd regret it if he didn't drag you there. Seeing you smile so brightly, calling him over to your side to see the books together, his heart warmed.

"These books must be a million years old!" You gasped.

"Something like that," he agrees. "They have copies of all works published in Ireland. Dating back to like, 1801."

Your eyes widened. "That's insane." After a moment to sink in the information, you glanced at your lover from the corner of your eye. "Is this why you stayed up so late last night?"

A sudden sheepish look skimmed across his features. "No," he lies, tearing his gaze from yours. He clears his throat, attempting to move to a new section of books to change your attention.

After a moment, the two of you began to hold hands again to stroll down the hallway with interest. Seungmin played with your fingers occasionally, finding it soothing to have you right there beside him at all times. The pride that bubbled in his chest didn't go away, even during that evening when you both lied in bed and settled down for the next day. It stayed there, simmering alongside the content your smile made his heart.

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hatredmadeofgold · 7 days

Note

Your fanfic pushed me to set up a trip to Prague. I'm going soon, and I'm really excited.

Hey anon! Honestly this blew my mind when I found your message in my inbox last night because I didn't expect someone to actually get so interested in travelling to Prague from just reading Sing to Me but omg I hope you're having tons of fun there!

I sat down and made you a list on google maps for all the locations mentioned in Chapter 5 and 6 together with notes where what exactly happened + some locations from the Eastern Europe Chapter of MGS4, in case you want to check these places out yourself.

I do recommend walking or taking public transport instead of a taxi or car to explore the city, Prague is extremely walkable and all these locations are within walking distance from each other. Yes, I walked to all of them when I first went back in 2021, but for someone who isn't used to walking much it might be a little more. Luckily I was in Prague as well back in March this year together with @cyborgdumptruck and took tons of photos and videos for the revisions of those chapters that I still got on my to do list and I thought I could share some with you :]

From left to right:

Náměstí Míru Metro station (Line A)

Bazilika sv. Ludmily at Náměstí Míru (Peace Square) that Sam wanted to take a photo of but Raiden didn't let him, saying that they weren't in Prague for sightseeing

Arkada Hotel, the hotel that they were staying at which is just a few hundred meters walking distance away from the square

I didn't mention the exact location of the restaurant that Sam ordered himself some dinner while Raiden just waited impatiently for him to finish eating, but I imagined it being somewhere near Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square) where you can also find the famous Pražský orloj (Astronomical Clock). The restaurant in that scene I made up because honestly the area is a very popular tourist spot and therefore the prices are ridiculous compared to other places in Prague where you could get something to eat. This is also why I wrote in the current version of Chapter 5 that it's a less busy street near the square and not directly at it, but it's also a point that I have on my revision list of things that will be changed about the chapter. They definitely walked through this place though, and Raiden gets annoyed at Sam wanting to take photos of the area since it's overall a nice spot with beautiful old buildings that even have hand painted walls.

Popular tourist spot aside, it's absolutely possible to get good photos and videos of the clock and the area overall and we were there during warm weather on a sunny day around Easter, so it was quite packed with people already.

Karlův most (Charles Bridge) with Pražský hrad (Prague Castle) in the background. Raiden took Sam across this bridge to show him around the Malá Strana (Lesser Town) district, but then started to heavily dissociate on their way there and began 'acting strange' in Sam's eyes.

This is, by the way, also close to the location where Liquid Ocelot massacred all the joint army-marines unit trying to stop him at the end of the Eastern Europe Chapter in MGS4, and also where EVA (Big Mama) died.

Maybe you'll get an idea now why Raiden might have dissociated so heavily when they crossed the bridge, although he wasn't present at those events... it's not because of those, but they're connected (¬‿¬)

This is Kellyxír! (Maps Link) The bar that Raiden dragged Sam into, and then got shitfaced right in front of him. I also took Sam's diary with me that I got last year to take a photo for the @mgsr-sing-to-me blog that ended up becoming a GIF instead (I love the Live Photo function of iPhones ngl). I had also ordered the same drink that Raiden had, The Breath of Uroboros, the Dragon (costs 333 Kč which would be around 14 USD). Sadly I had to crop the video because I am not comfortable sharing my face on Tumblr for now.

I have to say that in the revision of Chapter 5, I'll try to make that scene a little more elegant than it currently is.

On their way back to the hotel, Raiden nearly pukes on Sam from having absolutely overdone it with alcohol at the bar. I imagined this happening when they just reached Malostranské náměstí where they could take a tram back to Náměstí Míru to get back to the hotel.

Fun fact, when I was checking the locations that I mentioned in my fic, we coincidentally found the church in which Solid Snake (Old Snake) met EVA (Big Mama) in MGS4 and it's literally around the corner to Malostranské náměstí. And yes I am pretty sure that it was that exact church given the photos on Maps showing the insides of it. Unfortunately we didn't manage to go inside due to it only being open for visitors for an hour per day.

This is a really funny coincidence if you ask me, I was in tears when I noticed it 😂

The agreed rendezvous point with their client Tomáš Růžička in Chapter 6 is the Bazilika svatého Petra a Pavla located inside the Vyšehrad fortress. Getting up there takes a little while, especially when you're getting there from the Vyšehrad Metro Station (Line C), you'll be walking at least 20 minutes when you aren't familiar with the area 😅 But it is a really nice walk! Also there is a beer garden (Na Hrádbach) at the fortress where you can get something to eat and drink without paying tons of money. Just please take cash in CZK with you just in case, I am very unsure if they let you pay with card.

Lastly, here are some photos of Magistrát hlavního města Prahy (Prague City Hall). Sadly the building had construction work done when we went back in March, so those aren't the prettiest pictures. I will change the scene in revision of Chapter 6 where they get here because I am not really happy with it ಠ╭╮ಠ Getting to the place though helped a lot with making decisions for what exactly will be changed.

Anyway, hope you're having tons of fun in Prague and thank you so much for letting me know that you're reading my fic and got inspired to travelling there because of it. It really made my day :3

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daily-twice-content · 11 days

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MINA Harper's BAZAAR June 2024 issue

translation by MarisaTheCube

"Mina of TWICE poses against the shutters on a balcony offering a wide view of Paris, with a line of Hausmann-style buildings.

#mina #twice #240419 #p: magazine #e: endorsement #era: with you #harper's bazaar

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obscureblorbofics · 11 months

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Dracula and Chill (NSFW)

Foxy Coltrane x gn!reader

18+ only! Minors be gone!

Summary: reader goes on vacation to Mexico with friends and meets Foxy in a bar.

Warnings: smut, mention of Foxy being a serial killer (does it really need to be said? If you've watched the movie you already know), alcohol

Length: 3.5k words

(For the purpose of the fic, reader is American and AFAB)

-----

Your phone rings.

"Any chance you'd want to go on vacation with us next month?"

Alexis had been your friend all throughout high school and was trying to set something up with a few friends so you could catch up without the pressures of work or responsibilities. You think for a second before responding back.

"I have some vacation time saved up. Let me know when and where"

"Durango, Mexico. Not the most interesting place but it's cheap and it'll definitely be a nice change of pace for a week. Thinking February 16th to the 23rd. Brooke already said that week is free for her and I'm still waiting for a response from Ryan"

You check your calendar, seeing nothing pre-planned to stop you. You put the call on hold and call your boss to ask about getting that week off. He makes note of it and tells you to have fun.

"Yea I'm free that week. Need to get my passport updated before then but we should be good"

The plane lands, jolting you awake. The drunk bachelorette party a few rows in front of you woops and hollers rowdily. You look to Alexis, who had mentioned a headache a mere 20 minutes into the flight. You offer a sympathetic glance, to which she responds with a smile. You grab both of your carry ons out of the overhead bin, handing her hers and checking on the row behind you that contained the rest of the group. The four of you exit the plane and go through the usual post-flight bathroom breaks.

After everyone is out and accounted for, the group heads to the rental desk and goes through the process of renting a car. After maybe about twenty minutes of driving, you come upon the shabby little hotel Brooke's uncle owned and had left to her cousin upon his death.

Once checked in and settled in your rooms, the four of you leave to get dinner. You find a little restaurant nearby and order food.

Dinner conversation is mostly tame and what you'd expect from the group. Alexis commented on how Brooke's cousin flirted with her when offering the group a discounted rate. Ryan tells the group about scoring his dream job that he'd be starting in April. Brooke showing everyone pictures of her son and talking about how motherhood has treated her.

The next morning the group of you set out sightseeing in the city nearby rather than stay in the small town for the whole time. Once you head back, Ryan has an idea.

"I saw a bar not far from the hotel. We should check it out. Might be interesting" he shrugs and you all agree it's worth trying.

The four of you make your way to the bar and order your drinks. They're out fairly quickly, and you get to exploring the place. There's a few rowdy men throwing knives at a particle board target, some women who seem to be there mainly for the purpose of getting laid and not much else, a few isolated groups of patrons, and the trio at the other end of the bar. They're all roughly middle aged, but the blonde woman with them has the energy level of a teenager. She seems to be the life of the party in the bar.

The two men with her, however.. The older one seemed irritated at the woman's antics, clearly trying to pick up a woman at a table nearby. The other one was attractive to say the least. Tall and lanky, with longish honey brown hair and blue eyes. You'd always had a thing for older men. And he was looking straight at you. His face broke into a smug grin and he winked before bringing his attention back to the other people he was there with.

You take this as a sign to get back to your friends as well. You tune back into the conversation, noting it to be about everyone's college experiences. Not much for you to add. You finish your drink up only to see another slide in front of you once you put the empty one down. You arch an eyebrow in a silent request for explanation. The bartender shrugs and points to the end of the bar. At the man you were just observing. He gestures for you to come over.

You let your friends know you're going to look around some more and 'socialize with the locals' as you so put it, before slipping away and joining the stranger.

As soon as you approach him, he gives you the same shit eating grin as earlier. "Hey sweetheart, come here often?"

You roll your eyes at the cheesy overused line. "First time. Vacation with friends. What about you?"

He shrugs. "Been living in the area 'bout 3 months. Not much to do 'round here" He pauses for a moment. "Oh where are my manners? I'm Foxy."

You offer a weak smile at his introduction. "I'm (Y/N)."

He smirks. "Lovely name for a lovely person. Mind sticking around a while?"

"I don't see why not."

He offers you a chair and you sit down.

The two of you talk for what seems like hours before Brooke approaches you. "We're heading back to the hotel. Here's the spare key to the room whenever you're ready." She drops the key in your hand and you stash it away in your pocket.

Foxy takes a look behind him real quick. You notice the other people he was there with are gone. "Well. It looks like Otis and Baby ditched. How bout you join me and we ditch too?"

You agree and he pays off your tab for you, throwing an arm around you and guiding you out of the bar. After walking down the street for maybe ten minutes you come upon a modest building. The other man from earlier, Otis you presume, is sitting in a lawn chair with a beer. He notices the two of you and waves at Foxy but says nothing.

Foxy holds the door open for you, and swats at your behind as you enter.

You take a look around, checking out your surroundings as you head for the couch. Nothing too out of the ordinary besides the large number of weapons either openly out on display or poorly hidden. To be fair you did hear about some gang activity nearby so it couldn't hurt to be cautious if you live in the area.

He sits down next to you. The two of you talk about backgrounds for a while. You find out the people he was with earlier were his siblings. Otis you had seen on the way in and Baby was out doing who knows what. He mentions being really into classic movies and having amassed a fairly large collection of them. You offer to watch one with him if he didn't mind and he leads you to the bedroom.

The inside of Foxy's bedroom is exactly what you'd expect. Old movie posters on the wall and a large hunting knife on the nightstand accompanied by several empty beer bottles. You sit down on the bed and he puts a VHS tape in the player before sliding into bed next to you. Once the movie starts you notice it's the original Dracula.

About twenty minutes into the movie Foxy wraps his arm around your shoulders and you instinctively lean into him. You don’t take your attention off the movie to look at him, but you hear a low chuckle beside you.

After another half hour or so a hand makes its way to your thigh. You ignore it at first, but then it slides higher and begins to squeeze, so you glance over at the man beside you. Same shit eating grin you’ve come to associate with him.

“Well don’t look at me, babydoll. Pay attention to the movie.”

You cautiously obey, not sure where this would go, but certainly not mad at the development. A minute or so of squeezing and rubbing your thigh later, he goes for your pants button. You turn back around to say something about it, but he quickly stops you, shushing you gently before replying in the same cocky tone that got you into this situation to begin with.

"I said focus on the movie. Don't mind me havin’ a feel."

The second he says that, you feel his hand slip into your underwear. He uses the arm still around you to move you into his lap. His fingers make their way down, checking for evidence that you’re enjoying this as much as he is. He drags his fingers through the wetness he found there, bringing them up to play with your clit. At first he was gentle, barely touching you. Ghosting over where you wanted him most and teasing you experimentally to see what made you gasp and squirm. He figured this out rather quickly, judging by the way you were panting and squirming and trying to close your legs around his hand.

You lay back into his chest and feel him hard and poking into your back. This somehow makes you even wetter. He gets you right to the edge but when you're about to cum, he backs off.

Foxy waits for you to cool down before he begins again, filling this time by placing soft kisses all over your neck. You moan and tilt your head to give him better access.

Once he deems it safe to continue without you finishing too soon, he moves a finger down to your entrance. It stays there for a moment, gathering you juices, before he easily slides it all the way in. You gasp and grab onto his thigh next to you. Your legs begin to shut again on their own accord, but he holds them open, making sure you can’t move away. He pumps it in and out experimentally, waiting until you calm down to add a second. His fingers curl up inside you, perfectly hitting your g-spot. When he figures out he found the right spot, he rubs it in soft circular motions. Your eyes flutter closed and he stops.

“Watch the movie. It’s almost over. Wouldn’t want you missin’ the ending, now would we?” Foxy flashes you a toothy grin and you try to focus on the screen.

He starts again, and you’re careful to keep your attention on the movie rather than Foxy. You only really have to hold out another ten minutes before the movie ends and the screen fades to black. As soon as the movie is over, he grabs your throat, squeezing just hard enough to be pleasurable.

He pulls his fingers out of you and cleans them off in his mouth.

“Damn, doll. You taste good. You should have a taste.” and with that, he kisses you. It’s sloppy and dirty, but still soft enough to be enjoyable. You can taste yourself on his tongue, and he’s right. It is good.

You get off his lap and stand up to take your clothes off. He watches closely as you expose more and more skin.

Foxy jumps up and joins you, quickly throwing his shirt off and unbuckling his belt. He rips his pants and underwear down his legs and pushes you down on the bed. His hand cracks down on your ass and your hips jolt forward, away from him. He cackles like a madman at your reaction and slaps the other side with just as much force. This time you’re expecting it, and it actually feels good. So naturally, you lean into his touch.

“Dirty little thing, aren’t ya?” You nod, rubbing your thighs together to try to get some friction. “Ya want some more?” You nod again. “Gonna have to ask me nicely.” You whimper out, trying to muster up a singular brain cell to give him a coherent response.

“P-please Foxy. Please give me more.” you stutter out shakily.

“Gladly.” He rapid fire gives you six more slaps before grabbing and squeezing your ass. It stings and you can feel the warmth radiating from your flesh, but you can also feel how soaking wet you are. So can he. You feel the head of his cock slipping through your wetness. You try to push back on it, desperately needing filled up. His grip on your hips stops you in your tracks.

“Patience, sweetheart. You’ll get it soon. I like to have a little fun first.” He takes the next few moments to slowly, torturously tease you with his cock before he finally lines up with your pussy and pushes inside. He lets out a deep pleasured groan directly into your ear. You moan at the feeling of finally being stretched open. It’s been a while, and Foxy is giving you exactly what you need.

“Damn, dollface. You feel so good. Might have to keep you around just for this.” He rolls his hips a few times experimentally, figuring out what you do and don’t like, and which spots to hit to make you writhe beneath him. Just like with his fingers, he finds it quickly and you moan, definitely louder than you should've considering there are other people in the house, but you’re too focused on the pleasure Foxy is giving you to think about anything else. He grabs your hip with one hand, and the other goes down to rub your clit. The room is full of the sounds of his hips slapping against your ass, your wetness squelching around his cock, and the combined noises from both of you and that ambiance is more arousing than you would’ve thought. After a few particularly hard thrusts and his hand that was previously on your hip making its way around your throat, you feel yourself begin to get close. The hand around your throat squeezes enough to make your vision start to blur and it intensifies everything you're feeling in a way you’ve never experienced before.

“Foxy, yes! Don’t stop!” You cry out, feeling your orgasm moments away.

“That’s it. Cum for me, sweetheart”

Your orgasm hits, and it’s blinding. You’re vaguely aware of Foxy groaning beside your ear and a warm feeling spreading inside you. He fucks you through your orgasm before pulling out and rolling to collapse beside you. You crawl back up into the bed and he follows you. Your head makes its way to his chest, sweaty bodies slightly sticking together in a way that would otherwise seem gross, but in your post-coital bliss is endearing. It doesn’t take long for the two of you to fall asleep in your comfy embrace.

The next morning, you wake up, naked, in an unfamiliar place, using someone’s stomach as a pillow. You look around and remember the events of last night. Finding someone at the bar. Going home with him. Watching Dracula. The sex.

You quickly get dressed and sneak out of the house, walking back to the hotel. You unlock the door to the room you’re sharing with your friends, and they're having breakfast. Brooke glances up to look at you, and laughs.

“Ooh the walk of shame. Assuming things went well with mystery man from the bar last night?”

You nod, looking anywhere but her. “I’m going to go shower.”

That night, the group decides to go back to the same bar, reasoning that they had decently good drinks and were reasonably close to the hotel, so they could get drunk without worrying about having a designated driver.

The group orders their drinks and finds a table. Not long after sitting down, Ryan elbows you in the ribs to get your attention.

“Hey (Y/N), isn’t that your guy from last night?”

You cautiously turn your head to look in the direction he’s gesturing to and see Foxy with his siblings that you briefly met yesterday. Otis and Baby, you think. But of course you weren’t focused on too much other than him.. And that damn movie he wouldn't let you look away from. You nod.

“You should go talk to him” Alexis encourages, quickly catching onto the gist of the conversation.

You shook your head. “Nah. I figured it was more of a one night stand than anything else.” The thought was tempting though. He was cute, great in bed, and from what you knew you got along well with him. But he lived here and you were just on vacation. You had to go back home in four days. Better not to get too attached to people you meet on vacation.

However, across the room, Foxy was debating the same thing. Hook ups were nice and all, but sometimes he got greedy, wanting more than the limited connection allowed by one night of sex. He had explained his dilemma to his siblings. Otis laughed, accusing him of going soft on them, then suggesting he just kidnap you. That wouldn’t work. They had just built a decent life where no one would be looking for them, it wouldn’t be good to ruin that because he wanted pussy.

Baby, however, was a little more sympathetic to his situation and had better advice than kidnapping. She suggested that he just talk to you. To lay the charm on thick the way he was known to. He thought about it for a moment, before concluding she wasn't wrong. It was at least worth a shot. So he got up and started heading for your table

The conversation had moved on from what you did last night to what your former high school classmates were up to now. Ryan’s eyes widened slightly, and you didn’t have time to ask why before a set of hands settled themselves on your shoulders.

“Damn, sweetheart. Didn’t even wake me up for a proper goodbye?”

You blushed. Apparently the decision of whether or not to talk to Foxy again had been made for you. Your friends immediately started paying attention to the two of you, deeming this much more entertaining than what they were previously talking about. You, however, didn’t really want to have this conversation with an audience. So you got up, telling Foxy you wanted to go somewhere more private to talk. He agreed, and led you to the bar’s patio area.

The two of you sit down at a table outside and discuss the things that happened last night. How you liked the movie. How you liked what happened during and after. Why you left without waking him. He found a piece of paper and scribbled his phone number down on it, hoping you’d at least stay in contact for the rest of your vacation. You shoved it in your pocket with the key for the hotel room, making a mental note to call him later. Then he drops the line you were hoping to hear, but unsure if you would. He wanted last night to happen again. So did you. So it did. You actually waited for him to wake up before leaving this time and were rewarded with some nice morning sex. That happened two more times before you had to leave.

Once back in the states, you had maintained loose contact with Foxy. Of course a good majority of your phone calls would end in phone sex, but getting to talk to him was always nice, long distance fees be damned. One night, you’re on the phone with him while you make dinner. The news is playing on the TV in the background, and you're only barely paying attention to it. But the one time you do look over to the TV, you drop the phone in shock. Three mugshots are displayed on the TV with the information that there’s been a search for them for several months. One of them being Foxy, and the other two being his siblings that you’ve come to be acquainted with during your visits to their house. You knew they seemed familiar for a reason. You scramble to pick up the phone and put it to your ear to catch Foxy asking if you’re still there and asking what happened.

“You’re.. You’re on TV” you manage to whisper out.

“Aw fuck, babydoll. This isn’t how I wanted you to find out” He then briefly explains what all happened and asks if you’re going to try to turn him in. Your mind however, is somewhere completely different.

“Wait.. your name is actually Winslow?”

“Yeah.. really doesn’t fit me too well, does it?”

“I absolutely get why you go by Foxy now.. No offense, but Winslow is an unmoanable name if I’ve ever heard one.” you chuckle, completely unfazed that you’re talking to a serial killer. To you he’s still Foxy, the guy you met in a bar in Mexico, and got a little too attached to.

“To answer your question, I’m not going to turn you in. This won’t change much. Besides, I always did have a thing for bad boys”

#winslow foxworth coltrane #foxy coltrane x reader #winslow foxworth coltrane x reader #3 from hell #foxy x reader #foxy coltrane smut

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081314 · 1 year

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Azul Ashengrotto (Vignette) – Glorious Masquerade

Below is my translation of Azul Ashengrotto’s vignette from his Glorious Masquerade card.

Spoilers below the cut!

Part 1

Azul: *sigh* I had been wanting to take my time and enjoy the City of Flowers, but last night turned into such a disaster… My whole body is still sore from having to run around all night combatting those darn plants, and I hardly got a wink of sleep. Goodness, I’m exhausted…*yawn*

Azul: However, I certainly can’t let this opportunity go to waste. I’ll go do some sightseeing and will see if I can't find some good ideas I can leverage for my business aims. I know the other students are all snoozing the day away resting up for the ball, but I haven’t the time for that. I’ll be off, then.

Azul: Ah, the townspeople have such a lively zest for business! And it looks like the shops here have already resumed normal operations, despite all the hullabaloo from last night. Thanks to that, I was able to enjoy such a lovely brunch with all those goat milk products. Now then, where to next…

Rook: My, is that you, Azul-Kun! Bonjour.

Azul: Oh, if it isn’t Rook-san. Good morning… Ah, well it’s a bit late in the day to say that, I suppose.

Rook: I hadn’t been expecting to bump into you in the middle of town like this. It’s all thanks to you and the others that we’re able to enjoy this marvelous morning at all! Certainly, you must be exhausted from having to deal with such a grueling ordeal, no? Shouldn’t you rather be resting in bed?

Azul: I will admit I am quite tired, but my desire to see the city far exceeds my fatigue.

Rook: Heh, what a coincidence. I very well bounded out my room this morning as I set off to stroll through these beautiful streets. Since we’ve run into each other like this, how about we continue our sightseeing together? What say you?

Azul: Hmm, going together with you… I suppose I might be able to obtain a new perspective on things that I wouldn’t otherwise have on my own. Very well, then. I’m honored by your invitation. Please, do let me accompany you.

Azul: Despite everything that happened with the crimson flowers, the festival decorations and whatnot look untouched. It’s much less crowded here than it was yesterday, and now we've got a clearer view of all the buildings and the scenery around here.

Rook: Yes, it’s just as you say…. Ah, look up there.

Azul: Up? Oh, I see it. There are some sculptures up on the rooftops and those pillars over there. Wait a second… That statue there has got two… no three faces on its torso!

Rook: That statue depicts a kind hearted youth and his companions. Come, look closely.

Azul: A youth…and his companions? Ah, you are indeed correct. Looking closely, you can see a number of people gathered together, forming the silhouette of a woman. So that one there is the youth, and the woman is his friend. And there’s one more face, it’s some sort of animal… I gather it’s a goat, then?

Rook: Très bien! You’ve figured it out splendidly, Azul-kun.

Azul: Ah, so my suspicions were correct. One could tell just from looking at the statue itself, but I knew that the townspeople here treasure goats, so I thought that’s what it might possibly be.

Azul: However, I do wonder just what this piece is supposed to represent. The figures are posed in such a comical way, and yet they bear awfully serious expressions.

Rook: It appears to have been constructed based on an old anecdote. There’s this one scene where, in an effort to deceive the eyes of the wicked, a group of people synchronized their breathing with one another and posed together as though they were a stone statue. And this statue depicts that scene, or so they say.

Azul: Oh, I see. Now that you’ve said that, I suppose their expressions might carry a sense of urgency, rather than gravity. Certainly, one’s impression of the statue can vary greatly, depending upon one’s knowledge of that anecdote you spoke of. Rook-san, if it’s not a bother, would you mind showing me around and telling me more about the other things here in the city?

Rook: Heh, I’m happy you asked! Then let me show you my personal recommendations.

Azul: Please, do! And just what do you recommend?

Rook: Ah, you’ll just have to look forward to finding out until we get there! Don’t worry, I promise you we’ll have a wonderful time.

Part 2

Azul: Rook-san…. As we were exploring that solemn, stone-built edifice a little while ago, I could truly feel the history of the city coming alive before my very eyes! That “outfit of the king” they had on display in that one glass case was also incredibly intriguing.

Rook: Indeed. That mantle, the cane, and the crown made of cloth… Long ago, those articles were all just another part of the Topsy-Turvey Festival. Even simply imagining how the people back then made use of that outfit, it really is interesting, isn’t it?

Azul: Certainly. And while we were there, I was able to learn so many interesting tidbits of history that I hadn’t come across in any of the guidebooks I've read. Rook-san, thanks to you, I feel I was able to further deepen my understanding of the arts.

Rook: Oh, I’m happy to hear you’ve such an interest in all this. Ah, speaking of the arts… You yourself have quite the singing voice, Azul-kun!

Azul: You mean….me?

Rook: Oh, yes! From day one of our rehearsals, you’ve been hitting every note just right. And yet, your voice became even more refined with each passing day. I’ve no doubt you must have been practicing diligently on your own, away from our prying eyes. Your vibrato in the second half of the song has such an intoxicating depth to it! It’s clear you’ve been practicing with great intent. Ah, what dedication towards the echelons of refinement! It’s truly Beauté! I hadn’t expected anything less from you, Roi du Fort. I’m just brimming with excitement for tonight’s performance!

Azul: Y-you puzzled out my training regime just from hearing me sing at our rehearsals… Ahem! Would you mind saving the remainder of your kind words until after our performance? It won’t do us any good to keep standing around talking. Come, let’s get a move on.

Rook: You’ve got a point! Well then, let's go west next.… Oh, my! What is that!

(Rook runs off)

Azul: Huh? Do you really intend to go into that narrow little alleyway? ….Aaand, he’s gone. Guess I’ll just have to chase after him.

Azul: …….Pardon me, Rook-san?

Rook: Whatever is the matter? You can ask me anything, don’t be shy.

Azul: We’ve been going ‘round and ‘round these narrow roads for a while now. Just where are we headed towards?

Rook: Oh, I’ve not got a destination in mind. I’m just wandering through this unfamiliar city at my leisure. ‘Tis the true charm of traveling, after all.

Azul: You’re WHAT!?

Rook: These alleyways are as intricate as a maze, don't you think? Why, if my prey were to seek refuge down here, I can imagine it would be quite the struggle to track it down.

Azul: Yes, it certainly would be.

Azul (Whispering to himself): Good grief….What a waste of my precious time. And here I’d been hoping to see so much more of the city…

Azul: Come, let’s head back to the main street. I’ll use my phone to look up where we are… What’s this?

Rook: What’s wrong, Azul-kun?

Azul: It’s just, I’ve got the city map pulled up on my phone, but the way it depicts the alleyways is much too simplified. Here, please see for yourself. It doesn’t even show the road we are standing on right now.

Rook: My, my, you’re right. This whole area, with all its twisting and turning paths, is naught but a blank space upon the map.

Azul: …..

Rook: Azul-kun? Are you alright? That's quite the stern look on your face. If it’s our orienteering you are worried about, fear not! After all, even if we’ve gotten ourselves lost, all roads eventually connect to each other at some point.

Azul (Whispering to himself): What a haphazard man….

Azul: Ah, I mean, I’m not worried about that. It’s this blank space on the map, I feel like I’ve seen this shape somewhere before… Now where was it… Ah!

(Azul takes out something from his pockets)

Azul: Heh heh heh, now I understand. “Whosever puts on this charm, the city shall become theirs.” So that’s what it all meant.

Rook: My, what an unusual necklace! Why have you brought it out just now?

Azul: Oh, this little thing’s been in my pocket all day and I was worried I might have dropped it somewhere. I see now it’s fine, so let’s go ahead and get back to our sightseeing, shall we? After taking a look at my phone’s map, I’ve identified the route that'll get us out of here.

Part 3

Noble Bell College Student: Azul-san, your singing was spectacular. I got goosebumps listening to the ending of the song, it was so moving.

Azul: Thank you very much! I’m glad all our practicing was worth the effort. To think, I’d receive such a lovely compliment!

Noble Bell College Student: You’re not only an excellent student, a great singer, and a hard worker, but you’re also such a warm and friendly person! As a fellow mage-in-training, I would be delighted to keep in touch with you. I’m glad we had this chance to get acquainted.

Student from another mage school: Good evening. You are Ashengrotto-kun, yes? Your performance was truly amazing! And I heard you run some sort of lounge at your school, is that right? I’d love to hear more about your business.

Azul: Really? I’m happy to hear that. Yes, there’s so much I’d love to discuss.

(The scene transitions to the end of their conversation)

Azul: Thank you, it was a real pleasure talking with you. I’ll be eagerly awaiting to hear from you, then.

(The student departs).

Azul: Heh heh, thanks to our performance, all these suckers - I mean, students from other schools - are coming up to talk to me one after the other. Looks like all the blood, sweat, and tears I poured into my vocal training really paid off. And I’m glad I ordered more business cards before the trip, I might’ve run out otherwise. I was able to rub elbows with so many new people, and got to become acquainted with the City of Flowers. All according to plan, heh heh heh.

Rollo: Sounds like the laugh of a scoundrel to me. Just what are you plotting now, I wonder.

Azul: Oh, Rollo-san. I’m so glad you look to be in good spirits. Though I must say, that whole “scoundrel” bit is rather uncalled for. I was merely reflecting on all the fun I had sightseeing today, is all.

Rollo: You were out sightseeing today, as well? Oh, my. It appears you’ve taken quite a liking to the City of Flowers.

Azul: That’s right. And I had a very productive day today. After grabbing some breakfast at a café, I then accompanied Rook as we perused a variety of architecture and sculptures near the festival grounds. After a while, we stopped at a coffee shop to rest our feet. They had a live piano performance going on, and we got to hear them perform some love songs, as well. Oh! And we went to the marketplace, too. It was bustling with townspeople, and it was delightful just watching everyone going out and about. We crossed over a bridge on our way back to the campus, and the view there was simply breathtaking… Ah, we did get a bit lost in the alleyways at one point, but we still had a great time.

Rollo: ……My, in that short amount of time you had until the ball, you certainly were able to stop by a lot of different places.

Azul: Indeed. And that’s because I was able to get my hands on a very good map.

Rollo: A good map, you say?

Azul: Yes, it’s this one I’ve got here.

(Azul takes the necklace out of his pocket)

Rollo: That necklace…!

Azul: You seem surprised, Rollo-san. Heh heh heh. So I was right, then. You see, when we got lost in the alleyways, that’s when I realized something. Those intricate pathways we were walking through that were missing from my phone’s map, and the webbing on this necklace here, they matched right up with each other. To think, such a secret would be hidden in an age-old charm like this! By using the necklace as our map, we were able traverse the city in a much more efficient manner.

Rollo: ………..

Azul: I only noticed it when I was checking the city map on my phone, but there was something else that gave me confidence that I was right. While looking at that blank space on my map, I thought back to when we were climbing up the belltower, and I remembered what the layout of the city looked like as we gazed down at it from above. As you well know, we did end up enjoying that bird's eye view on more than one occasion...against my best wishes. Anyways, that's what made everything click for me. Thank goodness, those perilous ascents weren’t for naught!

Rollo: …………You truly are a devious man. The secret of this necklace is supposed to be known only by the citizens here. And yet out of all people, a scoundrel like you had to go and figure it out.

Rollo: I know not what vile intentions you have up your sleeve, but whatever they may be, I can't help but fear for the future of my city.

Azul: Rollo-san, you needn’t worry. I have no plans to divulge the necklace’s secret to anyone.

Rollo: When you say that with such a wicked smile, I must admit it’s not the least bit reassuring.

Azul: You see, I bought this necklace as a gift for my friends specifically because it looked like some meaningless little thing. I'm counting on the recipients to be absolutely perplexed upon receiving it, but my plans would go to ruin if they were to find out the secret behind it.

Rollo: Apologies, but I don’t quite follow. What on earth are you talking about?

Azul: In short, I wish to ensure this necklace remains as nothing more than a mysterious little charm, as doing so will be much more convenient for me. Heh heh. I can’t wait to see the baffled looks on Jade and Floyd's faces! Ahh, it really does feel good when you’re the only one who knows a secret that nobody else does.

#my tl #twst #azul ashengrotto #rollo flamme #rook hunt #glorious masquerade #twisted wonderland #vignette

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