#err. ahem. you broke him

[mr-t-stark]

He's lost in the pleasure. Tony doesn't need to think; he just needs to do, and to feel. Some part of his mind is fully aware that he's putting himself in a vulnerable position like this, on his knees, but another part of him knows he's the one holding the wheels here.

Natasha's pleasure is his. She will only take what he gives her, and he's willing to give her everything. Sex is more meaningful with her this way. It's always been, for the record, but this? The willingness to peel away everything and lay theirselves bare, existing only as two beings driven by pure want?

It makes Tony feel ecstatic.

When the praise falls from her lips, that's when it happens. It's like a flipped switch. Tony's cock twitches involuntarily, thighs squeezing together. His mind zeroes in on the feeling of her wet heat on his mouth. His tongue moves, eager, wanting to please. He laps up along her cunt, suckling on the clit. He pulls back to mumble, a little deliriously, "Forget about showering. Bed?" He grips her thighs, a question in his eyes. It's her decision.

closed starter for @redxinmyledger

Tony cards an oily hand through his greasy hair. He stifles a yawn, exhaustion creeping into his vision, but he quickly blinks them away to focus on the task at hand.

"JARVIS, turn up the volume, will you?"

The chorus of AC/DC's You Shook Me All Night Long reverberates through the room. He can feel it in his bones. This is what he needs.

It's a new suit; he's made several blueprints already, all with different uses in case different battles call for a different suit. He needs to be prepared for every possibility. Every one of them.

After the New York invasion and the whole fiasco with Loki and the Chitauri, Tony's been on edge. He's never seen the universe so... dark. A vast abyss.

Tony's a scientist. An engineer, first, but a scientist second, still. He knows the universe. It's endless and bright and filled with so much life. But what he saw out there?

It was terror. Everything spoke of a dark age. Everything spelled an incoming danger.

That's why he needs the suits. They're everything to him. Tony can't protect the world, or his loved ones--Pepper, Rhodey, Happy, the team, and by god Nat--just as Tony Stark.

But he can as Iron Man.

And you may be thinking: Why so many suits? It's not like it's the end of the world, Tony.

Well. To that Tony says: Fuck off, I'm Tony Stark. You don't get to tell me what to do.

So here he is, not exactly remembering when his last meal or his last shower or his last nap had been, cooped up in the lab and tweaking his newest project--Mark... uh, he's lost count--with a screwdriver.

That's when he hears the doors to the lab sliding open, jumping at the sound. He readies his repulsor, aims it as he turns--

Only to land his eyes on a familiar figure. He pulls his gauntlet back down.

"Couldn't have warned me?" The music turns down as if on cue. "Don't turn down my music, J," he says, disappointed, and turns back to his work. "And hi to you too, I guess." That one he directs to the person in question.

[sparkarrestor]

So we all know that Awdry originally had James as a GSWR Class 403 since it fit the description of an inside-cylinder mogul, but later changed James to be an English design. This post stems off the thought of "What If Awdry kept James Scottish?"

This whole thing was also brought on by @mean-scarlet-deceiver's Tales of the G&SW excerpts.

Beware, my writing of a Scottish accent is terrible, try not to cringe.

What If Scottish James

Written By: SparkArrester

1929

James was in a foul mood. Henry, like usual, failed. Now he was stuck with his coal train. That he had to arrange himself. Apparently the new shunter was busy with something that wasn’t shunting.

“Stupid Trucks, stupid coal, stupid everythingggg”, He moaned as he marshalled his train, “All that time being cleaned was a waste!”

The trucks, sensing an opportunity for mischief, made it their mission to give James the worst morning possible. They jammed their brakes, ran hot axles boxes, and some even derailed in the yard. The breaking point was when an old tippler’s front hatch flew open. Coal poured out onto the rails, and onto James, coating his front end. The trucks all burst out laughing, but they were soon cut off.

“Yee wretched little INGRATES!”, Burst out James in a perfect scottish dialect, “Ye all oor jus’ little devious muckle nuisances that are no fit ta scrape ta scale oof me boiler, ye little wee gobshites!”

This continued for some time, until James heard a familiar whistle, and immediately blanched. Percy rolled in looking gobsmacked.

“Err, uhh, hey James?”

“Wha arr ye -ahem- what are, uh, you doing here Percy?”

“Coming to take over the shunting.”

“Ah, right.”

“...”

“... Percy.”

“Yes?”

“Please don’t tell anyone…”

“James, I’m pretty sure everyone on this side of the island heard you.”

“... Dang it.”

1951

James sat there, covered in tar. His crew had already gone to the station to phone for help, and one of the old Suddery Tanks brought a crane to assist. He was hoping for an engine like Edward or Henry to take him to the works. In the meantime, quietly grumbling to himself was good enough. In fact, he was so absorbed with himself that he forgot his surroundings.

“Stupid wee muckle nuisances…”, he muttered, “Stupid Toby. If ‘e wasnae a huge prat my red coat wouldnae be in ruins. Honestly, those wee branchline engines are nothing but great big pieces ‘o-”

A ring of a bell broke him out of his thoughts. He jumped back as he realized Toby and Percy were right beside him. He prayed they hadn’t heard him. They did.

“Ark ay Percy!”, Chortled Toby in a terrible Scottish accent, “Whatever isnae that dirty object!”

“That isn’t even how you use isnae…”, muttered James, but of course they took no notice.

They continued speaking in terrible accents all the way to the sheds. James didn’t know if he should be angry at their teasing, or their complete butchering of his old dialect (one he had tried his hardest to shake), so he settled for both. 

1959

The Fat Controller had brought a new goods engine to help out. James was glad at first, now someone else could work the pick-up goods while he got more passengers. He had heard that there was something up with the new engine when it had arrived, but he didn’t put much stock into it. Later in the day, he was backing down on what would hopefully be his last pick-up goods in a while when he heard a whistle. A deep-toned whistle that he had not heard in years. James grimaced as a Caledonian steam engine pulled up on the adjacent line, giving him the stink eye.

“Well Well Well…” The Caledonian spat, “A Sou’-West engine. And one of Pee-Wee Drummond’s oven-boxes! Ah hoped we saw the last ‘o ye back ‘ome!”

“The feeling is most certainly mutual!” He replied with vitriol that wasn’t really there. He hoped to leave everything pre-sodor behind. But of course it had found him. At least he still had a slight bad opinion towards the Caledonian, it did him good in this confrontation.

“Ark aye!”, Exclaimed the Caledonian, “Why do ye soond like tha?”

James was taken aback, “Like what?”

“There it is again! Aye Douggie!”

The question of who “Douggie” was got itself answered quickly, when an identical Caledonian  engine pulled up besides the first.

“Aye Donnie. What’s up!”

“Wait wait, just let that Sou’-West engine speak!”

James defiantly shut his mouth, but then his crew chose that exact time to ask him something. He replied as quietly as possible. But not quiet enough.

“O Aye!” Exclaimed “Douggie”, “He soonds like a wee sassenach!”

James went red in the face, “Well! I-I-I-”

“Tha accent is ass!” Chortled “Donnie”, and soon “Dougie” joined in.

They continued until James left, his face matching his paintwork. He put a good few months practicing his accent, and it was hard. He now figured out what exactly was up with the new engine: there were two of them, and they both sucked.

[we-ask-beforewe-bite]

Volo: With fragulous crown, and with sceptre abrade, Dror Ragzlin short work on the innkeeper made! Gribbo: Hur! Volo: The inn burned to ash! The captives were many! Goblinkind had reduced them to cowering filfenny! So, raiseth your goblets, and drain them with pride! Dror Ragzlin, the true soul, hath led you galide! Gribbo: Hur! HUR! Wyll: I reckon Dror Ragzlin's the gobbo in charge, the way this ones carrying on. Levis [bard][performance]: Continue rhyming: For a soul's not been truer than the Ragzlin named Dror... Gribbo: Huh. That was good, carry it on pigeon. Volo: Um... Hah... ' ... And if you saw him killing manlings, you'd have to yell ... ahem.... proooaaaar! Levis [bard][performance]: I heard Ragzlin casts shadows that are 20 leagues wide! Volo: Um... Why... Err... He's a meatier creature than any I've spied! oh, balderdash... Gribbo: Oi, stranger, you meddlin' with my pigeon? He's talking stupid now. Volo: Come - let's continue our ballad! Ahem. Dror Ragzlin, Dror Ragzlin, we, erm... I, erm ... Dror Ragzlin, untumptous, Dror Ragzlin, erm ... Gribbo: Bahh. You broke 'im! Volo: Wait! Wait! Dror Ragzlin, we... pray... we... Gribbo: C'mon pigeon. Back to your cage, Volo: (Now look what you've done!)

[untilthenextencore]

Faithful Angel Ch. 4: The Dragon Has Spoken~...

This takes place after a (fictional) concert in Germany in the late 70s~...

As ever this is forever under construction~...

Please be kind~...

Thank you~...

Enjoy~!...

~

With the cheers of the audience ringing in her ears, almost to a deafening extent, Amina grabbed the towels & water bottles passing them out to the four gentleman who the cheers were for. Four older English gentlemen who were sweaty & tired after yet again damn near tearing the roof off the place & burning it down! Leaving the stage with a resounding "Thank you, Mannheim! Err... Danke! Good night!" Coming from the ever effusive poodle haired blonde lead.

That was classic Robert. Stumbling over his own peppered & fractured German in a last attempt to further ingratiate himself with the audience. The said stumbling only serving to pierce the usual veil of bluster & bravado & HE-MAN LEO MANLINESS & allow the tiniest glimpse of a glimmer of sheepish aw shucks boyishness. The cub inside the man cub. Or the He-Man-Cub as it were. Classic Robert nonetheless. Amina would expect nothing less from him.

He was the third off the stage. Before him came the bear like -and at his best Papa Bear like - moustached & bearded brunette drummer, John aka Bonzo. He was made to play the drums! No matter how many times she saw it in shows or rehearsals or in TSRTS, Amina could never get over his skills. Both with his sticks, brushes & even his bare hands!

Second was the similarly paternal and now somewhat rooster haired redheaded bassist - slash - jack of all trades musician, John Paul. Give him the world's smallest violin & he could probably play it so well it'd make even Paganini weep & flip in his grave.

All three gave Amina a hug as they thanked her for the waters & towels. Bonzo & Jonesy ones that were very paternal or avuncular even.

Robert less so...

His was a bit more lingering...

Pressing...

He nuzzled her in a way she'd seen typically reserved for Audrey or one of his other "road wives", nearly kissing her cheek in an equally lingering & less than paternal or avuncular way.

That startled her...

Only more so when...

"Ahem..."

Robert finally released her & turned just as Amina tilted to the side to see past the big 6 foot blonde blockade in front of her to see him... Him. Her knight in shining stagelight. Dressed in white silk in lieu of armor. With his trusty Gibson in lieu of a steed.

Robert instantly did his best to turn on the charm. "Ah, Jim! Sorry about that! Go ahead & get your things! Hit the showers, mate! Meet you at the club, yeah?" He chuckled, patting the slight older man on the back a little too strongly & effusive. Effusive enough that the ash from Jimmy's cigarette broke off & fell to the floor, barely missing his bespoke bottoms or shoes. Jimmy just grumbled in kind behind his bent cigarette.

And just like that, as Amina at last was able to pass Jimmy his towel & bottle, Robert was gone. They were alone. The techs working elsewhere in breaking down the Goliathic Zeppelin staging. Though she didn't know what to say, she still found herself speaking, or at least trying to speak.

"Jimmy, I..."

She also found herself silenced by a hushed warning, from the older guitarist.

"Don't let him touch you... Not like that..."

Despite the brusqueness, Amina knew he meant it more gentle than it sounded. She could see it in his eyes. Lids falling heavy beneath knitted brows over glittering, penetrating green eyes that were focused on her. She could feel it in his hand cupped & braced her arm. How it'd momentarily squeeze her before softening & massaging the spot he clutched, only to repeat it. She could see it in his aforementioned bent cigarette that was bent from nervous chewing & twiddling of his fingers. She could hear it... In his words...

"Aminadarling..."

There went that name again...

The one that made her knees buckle...

And buckle they did...

"Don't worry..." She smiled, doing her best to play it off by cupping his cheek. Wiping sweat away from his profile & brow. Flicking some off of his fringe. "I'll be fine... I'm safe, Jimmy... He's harmless, really... Just a bit of chest puffing & innocent mauling from your local friendly lion I guess..."

"I do worry, Aminadarling... He may be harmless... But his thoughts are less so I can assure you... As is the kind of mauling he'd have in mind for you, likely... I do worry... Really..." He then cupped her cheek in kind & swept in for a quick kiss that made her jolt in surprise, before adding in a hush. "You're too precious..."

That's it!

Amina glowed at those words!

She shone brighter than the brightest stagelight & felt twice as hot when as she responded to his statement with another shy, smile he swooped in yet again & fused her lips to his.

He clutched her to his rail thin frame, sweat dappled skin be damned. Spots of her t-shirt dampening & sticking to her as he enveloped her. Coming closer than close. Silken clad rock god becoming her second skin.

Amina could no longer tell if the mist in her eyes was the dry ice or lovedrunkenness. She was in a haze.

Without even thinking, she mewled out. "Mmmm... Jimmy, I need you..."

For his part he growled. "Amina... I need to see you... Alone..."

The word brought with it implications that despite the dry ice haze were crystal clear...

And banana daiquiri sweet...

With a heartbeat pressing into her inner thigh that matched her own beating between hers...

Her head was spinning...

She had a myriad of questions swirling about her, all which fountained from her lips in the rare instances he allowed hers to part from his alternately tender & bruising kisses amidst his tight clutching embrace. "Really?... Why?... When?..."

"Tonight... I'll come see you after the club..." He answered coolly before then singeing her with the heated, rasping whisper in her ear as he nipped the shell & kissed her temple. "You know why~..."

That was it...

The dragon had spoken...

[angloie]

 In Between • 1/2

Being in the same classes as Travis isn't easy for Katie. His stupid pranks that left her in a mess one way or the other, or his tendencies to say some rude joke in the middle of something serious. The universe must really hate her as to make him her roomate.

But maybe Travis isn't such a jerk as she thought he would be. Maybe it just took a little time. But that's a good thing. Step by step, right?

tratie college au, swearing, fluff, suggestive themes, weird (and lame) jokes from the two of them, a college party. 

a/n: sry i tried 😔 oh! ahem @trollisgirl it's here lol

Katie had always believed in coincidences.

You know; some things just happen to take place at the exact time, exact place, with the right people. And it was logical if you asked her. She never understood people who said otherwise. Coincidences were something like deja vu; they just happened.

But there was a difference between fate and mere coincidence- per se- fate was meant to happen.

This wasn't just a mere coincidence. No, this certainly isn't.

It must be the universe's way of saying 'screw you!'.

That; being college roommates with her number one tormentor.

Travis Stoll.

"Oh," He pauses when they lock eyes in front of their shared apartment complex, boxes in arms. "You? Seriously?"

Katie thinks that the universe must really, really hate her.

She grits her teeth in irritation. "What they hell do you think you're doing here, Travis?”

When she put up the applications for possible roommates a few months back (err- flatmates?) Katie was expecting someone more... likeable. In other words: anyone but him. The paper simply read: 'looking for a roomate, please contact me for more info!' 

No expectations. No requests. Only a simple 'background check' that consisted a check of any criminal record and other history. 

How stupid of her, thinking back to it now.

"Excuse me?" Travis scoffs. "I'm your roomate? Why else would I be here?"

"Why are you, of all people here? You could've just went with someone else- did it just have to be me?" Katie glowers, her voice annoyed. Her fists clench beside her.

"To be fair, my brother just signed me up for whatever.  Dont get caught up thinking I actually want to be here right now. And if I remember correctly..." He jeers, leaning in. "You were the one who accepted my request.”

She's seething now. "I did not,” Katie says, voice on edge. “My friend did. So go find a place to trash, you troll!” She tries to slam the door on his face- but he wedges his foot in before that can happen.

Travis has the audacity to swing the door open. “Too bad, it's already settled.”

“Yeah right! just let me call the landlord and see what-”

“I’ve already done that.”

“File a complaint?”

“It was overruled.”

“...Search for another building?”

“My friends are asses, I live too far, and I'm broke as fuck.”

Katie exhales like her soul had just left her. “That makes two of us.”

“Are you going to let me in or what?” Travis asks impatiently. “Promise, no pranks while I'm here.” He reaches a hand out to shake- a deal of whatever agreement he has in mind.

With a reluctant hand, she takes it. Gods, what if he was some serial killer? Why didn't she do a background check? And most of all: Out of the seven billion people in the world; she just had to be paired with him?

Are you freaking kidding her?

Well, there's no going back now. He did promise to not pull anything (though Katie doesn't buy it for a second- that guy was a menace to society).

“Fine.”

And so it begins.

Believe it or not, Travis is a person who indulges in daily routines.

And no; not like wake up at three am, go bench five hundred, eat a orange slice and go to classes. Trust him, he's heard of people exactly like that.

It's more of a: wake up at six thirty, lay in bed, go shower, eat breakfast that consists of sugary cereal or bacon, go on his phone to spam people. Oh- and torment Katie. Like today!

“Wakeeee uppp,” He nudges her at precisely seven thirty. Even though her classes start at nine for the day (he checked the schedule on her desk for bored reasons) he has quite the time bothering her. “The building is on fire!”

She jolts up with a scream, eyes widening. She looks around, and,

“Kidding!”

Travis shakes with laughter as Katie glares at him. He finally let's out a bowl of laughter, holding his stomach. 

“You really do fall for anything, do you,” He wipes a very fake year from his eye. “It must be nice to be that clueless.”

“What!? I get better grades than you do, Mr. 'I was failing math in highschool for two years straight!” Its hard to shout at him, it really is, when she's met with his torso. Katie has to crane her neck upwards from her low spot on the bed to see his smirk.

“And how the hell did you even get in here? I locked the door!” She groans.

“A hairpin can do many wonders,” Is all Travis replies with before he twirls around to make his exit, nearly tipping over one of her many potted plants.

“So you've been sneaking in here!?”

And it's only been one week.

No pranks Katie's ass, because all Travis does is literally bully her, day in and day out. Nothing too serious- although it makes her consider if murder is really illegal. 

She doesn’t even know why he does it. But, gods, it's seriously annoying. His stupid things strewn all across the living room floor, laundry found in the most unsuspecting corners, and his sugary foods stored in the cabinets.

Worst of all, his tendencies to walk around the place... A little less than fully clothed.

Yeah. Let's put it like that.

Travis yawns at the kitchen island, scratching the back of his head with a lazy hand. Completely shirtless, Katie might add.

Now she wasn't your hormonal teenage girl. So what if someone had no shirt on? Like, it's just skin covering blood and bones? So what's all the commotion about?

Him, on the other hand-

When the hell did he get like that? What happened to that scrawny kid?

Not like she was distracted. Not at all even when he walks past her fully open door- clad in a flimsy towel. Not even when Travis comes back from his morning jog, his thin muscle shirt clinging to his sweat like some sort of second skin, the sight making Katie get warm in the face.

Nope. Not at all.

“You have a staring problem or something?” He asks, shoving a peice of bread in his mouth. She can't tell if it's Nutella or peanut butter- or possibly a mix of both.

“W-what?” Katie immediately looks away. Was she actually staring? “Don’t accuse me of such false accusations, dolt!”

Despite rolling his eyes, Travis smirks. “I know my charm is irresistible, but you don't have to ogle at me like that.” He leers. “At least, don't stare at me when I'm looking!”

She flusters. “Just put on a shirt, you thirsty bitch!”

He finishes the last of his breakfast with a extageratted gasp. “So rude!” Travis gets up. “But maybe if you beg, then i'll-"

“Hell no!” Is all Katie screams before he trails to his room with a sigh.

That insufferable little crap.

If this was the college life from them on out, then you could just kick her out already. Maybe her classes could provide a little more normalcy.

Yes, classes. Katie was never the best scoring student, but rather on the little-above-avergae scoring students. Being most of the professor's favourites made it a little more enjoyable too.

“So how's Travis doing?” Her friend- Miranda- whispers beside her.

Katie chews on her bottom lip. “Fine.”

“That all?” Miranda leans back in her chair, legs pressing against the cool metal of the table's legs. “I thought you hated him or something.”

“I do,” She insists, lips curled into a frown. “But I'm trying not to think about him to ruin my mood. Plus, he hasn't pulled any pranks. Yet.”

“You know...” Miranda trails off.

Katie shifts her gaze to her. “What?”

“A lot of people would kill for your position. Being roommates with Travis and all.” She twirls her pen in hand.

'A lot of people would kill for your position’? Are you kidding her?

She thinks a lot of people (more than she would like to admit) doesn't truly know how Travis acts. And Katies willing to bet her life's worth of money that they'd want to kill him if they had to live together for any more than three days. Sure; he was nice to look at. But that's be all of you asked her.

Cold? Maybe, but he deserves it.

“yeah right!” She guffaws. “That bastard is the biggest pain in the ass I've ever encountered!” Pain in the ass doesn’t begin to explain it. The bane of her existance. Her enemy. The number one person Katie wants to absolutely demolish from the earth with a laser beam.

“Its just... Can I live with you? Please?”

“Unfortunately, I’m not looking for another person to house.” Miranda laughs. “But if it's that bad, then just go live in a motel or something.”

“And get broke into every night? No thanks.” She shudders at the thought.

The first month passes, and so does the little sanity Katie has left. Maybe she predicted it from the start- but Travis’s so-called promise only lasted for that very slowly moving month.

But not slow enough.

“Why the hell is my underwear on the couch!?” She screams at the sight in the morning, the pink a bold look compared against the dull dark color.

Travis shrugs. “Aw, they're not called underwear, Katie. They're called panties.”

Katie, frozen, twitches. Her body shudders in pure disgust. “I hate that word! It's underwear, not- not that!”

“Panties!”

“Underwear!”

“Panties!”

The neighbours must be having a good time listening to the two bickering about undergarments.

“How the fuck did you even get that!?”

He smirks and shakes his head, making his way to his room. “Take your best guess.” (He really got it as a fake, but now that Katie actually believes it, he might just use it more often. And actually, Travis just likes the flustered look on her face.)

“You sick fuck!”

You can't be fooled, surely, if you think Katie puts up with his pranks with no qualms. She knows that he doesn't like all the houseplants she keeps- so why not use that do her advantage?

The following night, Katie sneaks into his room. He, thankfuly, is fast asleep. 

And so her plan begins.

Plant by plant, leaf by leaf, she places them in his room. And trust her when she means everywhere. The apartment slowly becomes empty of her plants; now stored in the cramped space of his room.

Gods, is it a sight for the books.

Travis wakes up with a scream.

“What the hell-" He looks around, bewildered. Everywhere- and anywhere- there's a green mass of plants. On top of him there's six succulent plants. On the floors, aloe vera, and hanging on the ceiling from the curtain racks there's literal vines.

“Katie!” He yelps, arms stiff with the weight of the objects. What, is this his room or the amazon jungle? “What the hell did you do!?”

When there's no reply, Travis groans and (slowly) peels his covers off. There's a calming scent filling his senses; which is the only reason he's not storming out of there.

Aloe, lemon grass, mint... The scent makes his half-consious self think that he's in some sort of forest. (somehow, he hasn't tipped over any potted plants yet.)

That calmness ends when he opens his clothing drawers. 

All kinds of cacti stare back at him. Okay, not so bad, until you realize the pricks are all over his clothing. It isn't even funny; they're all over. His shirts, pants, and, um... boxers.

He's going to kill Katie when he see's her.

“Im begging you Miranda,” Katie groans, stretching her arms stop the other girl's bed. “Please let me stay here. I'll go insane if I have to stay there for another day!”

“What a sad sight,” Miranda clicks her tounge. “But cheer up! We're going somewhere today!”

“So is that a no?”

“yup.”

Katie stiffles yet another groan and sits up. She sighs gingerly. “...Fine. Where to?”

She grins. “A party.”

“...What?” Katie’s eyes widen, hands digging into her friends bed. She tilts her head. 

A party? As in, a real, live, party? Don't get her wrong- she's been invited to many. But campus parties were something Katie wasn't used to- considering that this would be the first one of the semester. Not to mention her messed up sleep schedule was begging her not to go.

As if reading her thoughts, Miranda speaks up. “It won't be far,” She reassures. “Plus, a couple of people I know will be there! It'll be fun! Neither of us have classes tomorrow, right?”

She frowns. “Yeah, but...” her eyes find Miranda's. “You know what? Sure.” Anything to get away from Travis.

“Great!” Miranda springs up and grins. “You won’t regret this! Now, what do you have in your closet?”

.

.

.

Dressing, as simple as it may seem, is hard.

For Katie, at least.

They clothing they go through back at her room leave Miranda frowning and grimacing for reasons she can't understand. She has herself dressed up, glossed lips and nails and all. They've came there at a good time at least. The resident loser wasn't home to torment her.

Where was Travis anyways? He should’ve been bursting into her room any second now babbling about how stupid she looked. Not that she was complaining about it.

Katie snaps back to attention when Miranda huffs. “Your closet is, like, eighty percent denim!”

“Is there something wrong with that?” She rolls her eyes. “They’re comfy!”

“Comfy my ass.”

“Shut up.”

“Oh! Here we go!” She holds up a a black silk body on dress that seems to fit her. “What about this?”

“Are we going to a wedding or something? What's the occasion?” She grabs it with a scowl.

“It doesn't hurt to dress up a little once in a while y'know,” Miranda shoved her into her bathroom, pushing an slightly oversized jacket to wear alongside it. “You’ll look hot!”

“I already am hot! She yelps as the door shuts.

So much for wanting a nice, relaxing night.

You know, if you asked Katie what she would be doing at that time of night, she probably wouldn't respond with the thing she was doing right now.

Standing front such a... Chaotic household.

Multi-cloloured lights stream from out of the windows and into the night sky, illuminating the darkness with liveliness. People scatter both inside and the porch, and the music- gods, the music. It blares so loudly that it makes the ground rumble and vibrate. The word chaotic is more than enough to describe the scene.

She sucks in a breath. 

Miranda, on the other hand, giggles. “C’mon,” She urges, taking her hand and pulling her towards the building. “It’ll be-"

“-Fun,” She finishes with a small smile. “Yeah. I hope so.”

Theres someone at the door of the large house, looking at the two of them Miranda says something to him (she can't quite remember) and they're let in with a grunt.

“Was I even invited?” She whisper shouts to Miranda. She looks at her with a light grin.

“Don’t worry about it.” Somehow, that makes her even more nervous.

Fuck.

It's even more louder inside (of course,) music thrumming through the floorboards. People are literally everywhere- on the couches, at the kitchen, at the ping pong table. Katie winces at the sight of a couple heavily making out as if no one's watching them.

And by the way people just walk past and ignore them she thinks they already do.

“So what exactly-" Katie turns to Miranda: which is just open air.

...And she's already lost her.

Oh, no, Miranda waves to her from the ping pong table where a group of others gather to play what looks like beer pong. There's a bunch of people she doesn't know, and those drinks look drugged. No thanks.

So instead Katie shakes her head and heads of elsewhere; to the kitchen to get something actually safe to drink. Who knows? Maybe she'll recognize someone sooner or later.

A couple of people bump into on the way there, babbling nonsense that she thinks to be apologies. They walk off stumbling. 

The kitchen isn't much better, a kitchen island covered with inished drinks, beer, vodka, liquor, you name it. And not to mention the body on top of it where people take shots. 

Katie can only manage to grab a beer before she leaves immediately, slightly grossed out by the scene.

The living room- people making out, watching some obscene show, or what she can manage out as rolling a blunt.

The stairs are occupied with even more couple doing some things she doesn't want the describe, the basement has a awful scent reeking, and every corner is stuffed. 

So the question is: Where exactly can she go?

As Katie sits stiffle on one of the alcohol-smelling couches, she contemplates a few desicions. One: Go home. Two: Stay there until Miranda drags her out.

The latter doesn't seem very reasonable. But She doesn't want to hurt her feelings, and who would really care if she sat down there for a few more hours?

She would care. That's who.

It's just so overwhelming- the talking, the music, the dude who won't stop staring at her- it's almost too much.

“Are you okay?” Someone puts her hand on her shoulder, making her jolt. Katie meets a unfamiliar face.

“I... I'm sorry?”

“You look kinda... Overwhelmed.” The girl says, blonde hair cascading down her shoulders. Her glossed lips pull into a frown.

“Oh, yeah,” Katie sits up, hands fiddling. “Im kinda just here for my friend, but I can bring myself to leave.” She laughs.

“That so?” Her brown eyes seem to light up. “I know a place you can go, though.”

“Really?” She asks.

“Mhm,” The girl looks over and pints to a large door, a place where people don't seem to crowd. “There’s a closet over there that's pretty comfy. Air conditioning and cushions and all.”

Katie stumbles off the couch and upwards, her own eye meeting hers in a greatful way. “Seriously? Thank you! So much!”

“No problem! I kinda owe you, after all.”

She cocks her head. “Kinda?”

“If I'm not mistaken, you’re from my fine literature class,” The girl grins. “You were helping the professor collect some fun the work one day and I forgot mine. I remember you made an excuse- and that made me actually pass the class. So thanks.”

“Oh!” Katie beams, “Its no problem.”

The girl, fortunately, is absolutely right. The closet seems like some sort of safe haven compared to the rest of the house, cool and quiet. Carpeted floor is soft on her skin, cushions stuffed in both containers and on the floor. Overhead, a single lightbulb illuminates the cramped space.

She feels like throwing up.

How nice.

The music still seems to find her through the paper thin walls, the song a mess of words that slur together in Katie’s haze.

It's calm, yes, but her head pounds like crazy. She leans against the wall, sitting, for support, the cool texture soothing against her skin.

Katie's headache seems to cool it after what seems like ten minutes. The music becomes rythmatic, and she can find a pattern to the beats. 

Babump. Babump. Babump. Its repetitive.

Now if she could fall into a deep slumber ight now, that would just be-

The door slams open.

-Nice.

“Fuck,” Someone grumbles, cramming themselves into the already crammed space. That voice, Katie can't help but notice, sounds all too... Familiar. Fuck indeed.

Travis, breathing heavily and heaving, stares down at her.

“Katie?”

a/n

im splitting this into two parts because my head feels like splitting in half hhnnng but,,,, im going to be inactive for a week or so so I dont think I can update it for the next week T_T plus my flow of writing doesn't feel quite right... i'll try to work on that!

[danurso]

That's pretty D.U.M.B

Part 0 - Part 1 - Part 2

After the explosion occurred, the room was filled with a light blue mist.

Ruby: *cough* *cough* what was that!?

Yang: i can't see anything! Can someone open *cough* *cough* the window!? 

Pyrrha: found it! *open window allowing the smoke to leave the classroom.

Jaune: what the hell was that?

Oobleck: no idea mr.arc *looking around the room, which is still intact, just filled with smoke* but apparently the explosion didn't damaged anything.

Weiss: *gets up, massaging her head* oww, tell that to my head. I said this was stupid, and apparently it didn't give any results.

Jaune: what the hell are you already whining about princess?

RWBY/Pyrrha: *freezes*

Ruby: jaune?

Jaune: *leaving the smoke, with a different armor on and a scar on his left eye* what do you want now reddish? I'm not in the mood to- *freezes and looks at weiss, walking her way and holding her face*

Weiss: *blushes* w-what are you-

Jaune: *with a shocked expression* what happened to your eye? What is this scar?

Weiss: *breaks free* what? Shouldn't we be asking you this? besides, don't ever touch me without my permission again!

Jaune: *confused* . . .what bite your rich ass today princess? *looks back at oobleck with a scowl* was it you with your crazy inventions again?

Oobleck: *confused* mr.arc? Is this really you?

Jaune: and who else could i be? Did you broke your glasses or all that coffee finally fucked up your brain?

Ruby: jaune. . .what happened to you?

Jaune: the hell are you talking about reddi-

Jaune: *normal jaune, leaving the smoke massaging his head* oww, was that thing supposed to throw me away like that?

Weiss: *leaving the smoke too, this weiss however doesn't have a scar and her ponytail isn't to the side like usual* *whining* oww, my head hurts.

RWBY/Pyrrha: *speechless*

Oobleck: IT WORKED!!!

Jaune: what work- *stops, staring at the other version of himself and to weiss before looking at the weiss on his side* w-wait, what? Why is there other me here!?

Alternative Weiss: *looking between the jaunes* *gasp* jaune! There's two of you!

(A)Jaune: *with crossed arms* don't tell me princess, i'm not fucking blind.

(A)Weiss: *taking a closer look at jaune, with a large smile and stars in her eyes* he's just like you! Just scraggly and without the scar!

(A)Jaune: i can see that.

(A)Weiss: *bolts to her normal version* look! This me has a scar just like yours! I look kinda cool with it.

(A)Jaune: two princesses, this probably the worst day of my life.

(A)Weiss: or the best one, imagine having two me's around.

(A)Jaune: *deadpans* it would be twice as annoying.

(A)Weiss: yeah, but you would get twice the affection. *gives him a sweet smile*

(A)Jaune: . . . *looks away with a pink on his cheeks* shut up, will you?

(A)Weiss: *grinning happily*

Yang: . . .okay, that's kinda disturbing. Why is that ice queen so nice and that vomit boy so mean?

Oobleck: it's simple miss xiao long, these versions of mister arc and miss schnee are from a world different from ours, and if you think about the infinite possibilities of the multiverse, there are probably many other versions of them besides those.

Jaune: w-wait, so he's me from another universe?

Oobleck: Precisely! The D.U.M.B worked perfectly! And thanks to it we can meet these alternative versions of you two.

(A)Jaune: what the hell are you talking about? And what is going on?

Oobleck: *ahem* i'm sorry for disturbing you two with this experiment, but this place is a dimension different from your original one.

(A)Jaune: . . .*raises eyebrow* did someone put vodka on your coffee or have you always been crazy like that?

Oobleck: i can assure you mister arc that i'm very sober and sane. *points at D.U.M.B* you see this device here? It's a dimensional and universal magical bridge, but you can call it D.U.M.B to shorten.

(A)Weiss: *snort* dumb.

(A)Jaune: *rolls his eyes* it had to be.

Oobleck: this is the device that allowed us to bring you two to our universe.

(A)Jaune: so let me get this straight, you used this weird machine to bring us here, a world different from ours.

(A)Weiss: that's so cool! it's just like that show rick and morty!

Weiss: what?

(A)Weiss: you don't have rick and morty here?

Ruby: we do! And it's such a cool show!

(A)Weiss: i know! It's one of my favorites!

(A)Weiss/Ruby: *start blabbering*

Weiss: this is. . .very disturbing.

Yang: i don't know, i kinda like nice weiss, she's just like you but probably doesn't have a log stuck up on her ass.

Weiss: who are you calling stuck up you idiot!?

(A)Jaune: i don't know which one is worse, the one who keeps shrieking all the time or the one who has way too much energy. *sighs, looking back to oobleck* when are we going back to our world?

Oobleck: you'll be back in a few moments mr. Arc, D.U.M.B has a time limit of half an hour. Meanwhile, i just wanted to know if you and ms.schnee could answer a few questions before going back to your world?

(A)Jaune: not interested.

(A)Weiss: sure thing!

Oobleck: Stupendous! So, i wanted to know if there's a glaring difference from your world compared to this one?

(A)Weiss: *looking around* hmm. . .no, everything looks the same.

Oobleck: *writing on a notebook* i see.

(A)Weiss: *looks to the group and raises an eyebrow* why is blake wearing a bow though?

Blake: *flinches and starts sweating*

Yang: she always wears that bow, even to sleep. Why? Your blake doesn't use a bow?

(A)Weiss: wait, so they don't know about. . .

Blake: *shakes head*

(A)Weiss: o-oh, *sheepishly* sorry.

Yang: wait, do you know something we don't?

(A)Weiss: err. . .no, nothing! Blake will tell everyone when she's ready.

Yang: what is she hiding? *looks at blake* now i'm curious.

Blake: n-nothing.

(A)Weiss: blake is really quiet here.

(A)Jaune: she's always been quiet.

(A)Weiss: i know, she just looks more quiet then our blake.

Ruby: so your blake is different too?

(A)Weiss: not really, she's just a bit more. . . 'Open' about herself. Everyone looks the same aside from her, well, except me and jaune of course.

Ruby: but why are you two so different? Why are you so nice compared to our weiss?

Weiss: hey! I am nice!

Yang: *cough, cough* like a punch in the gut *cough, cough*

(A)Weiss: well. . .i don't really know, i just try to be myself, that's what my dad always told me.

Weiss: wait, your dad told you to be yourself?

(A)Weiss: *smiling* yup!

Weiss: and not to be something you don't want to be?

(A)Weiss: what? No! daddy would never do that, he hates people who control their children for their own benefit.

Weiss: *shocked* . . .is your father really jacques schnee?

(A)Weiss: that's his name.

Weiss: . . .can you tell me more about your- our family?

(A)Weiss: sure! My mom is always helping my dad with his business at the emprise, my older sister winter is one of the biggest designers of atlas, my little brother whitley is studying most of the time to be a good business man like dad but he always takes some time to have fun with us, and even helps me by playing piano in my concerts, and dad is the head of the SDC, the biggest and most controversial emprise in remnant.

Weiss: controversial?

(A)Weiss: unfortunately, yes. People in atlas are selfish and try to maintain a certain 'status-quo', humans rule and faunus suffer, but my dad's emprise treats everyone the same and helps faunus that suffer to rise and have a good life, but unfortunately for us, the rest of atlas doesn't share his vision and treats him and my family terribly, this lack of respect with my family's name is one of the main reasons why i decided to be a huntress.

Blake: *eyes wide* w-wait, so in your world, jacques schnee isn't a racist?

(A)Weiss: what!? No! My father dreams with the peace between humans and faunus, he even made an alliance with the leader of the white fang, ghira bell- i mean, with their leader ghira to help them on their movement for equality, my father is their biggest supporter. Why are you asking that? Isn't dad like this here?

Weiss: no, our dad here unfortunately isn't so noble. He only cares for profits and hates faunus, probably just as much as he hates his family.

(A)Weiss: wait, what?

Weiss: he forced me to do everything he wanted ever since i was young, even used my voice to profit. My mom is a drunkard who never leaves her room, whitley is dad's puppet and is becoming just as rotten as he is and winter is a specialist at atlas military.

(A)Weiss: w-what!? dad can't be bad like that, i-it doesn't make sense.

Weiss: he is, i guess that's why you and me are so different, you had an way easier life.

(A)Weiss: wow, this sounds so sad. . .wait, does that means your version of jaune had an easier life too?

Everyone: *looks at jaune*

Jaune: err. . .yeah, i mean, my life was pretty easy if you don't count the annoying sisters and how my parents didn't wanted me to be a huntsman.

(A)Jaune: *raises eyebrow* your parents didn't wanted you to be a huntsman?

Jaune: not really, i tried to convince dad to train me when i was younger but he never let me, so i just had a normal life until my seventeen years.

(A)Jaune: lucky you, looks like you at least had a happy life.

Jaune: so. . .what happened in my life that made my like this?

(A)Jaune: i don't wanna talk about it.

Jaune: but-

(A)Jaune: *glaring at him* no buts, just zip it.

Jaune: *terrified* o-okay.

(A)Jaune: . . . *looks to the side* what do you want?

(A)Weiss: *holding his hand* come on, tell him.

(A)Jaune: i don't want to.

(A)Weiss: come on, pleeease.

(A)Jaune: i said no already.

(A)Weiss: *hugs his arm* pleeease. . .for me? *gives him a puppy look*

(A)Jaune:  . . . *sigh* i fucking hate you princess.

(A)Weiss: *with a victorious smile* no, you love me.

(A)Jaune: keep dreaming. well. . .where do i start, my mom died when i was five because of a disease and since then my asshole sperm-donor raised me, he trained me to be a champion and forced me into several tournaments to make me stronger, he locked me away from my sisters so i wouldn't have any distractions during my training, said training that pushed me to my absolute agonizing limits. When i was fourteen i had enough and fought him off, but he defeated me and gave me this scar as a reminder of how weak i am compared to him, then when i turned seventeen i joined beacon where i became partners with an annoying ball of unlimited joy.

(A)Weiss: that's me!

Yang: wow. . .that's really dark.

Jaune: is dad really that bad in your world? He was always so soft with everyone that is kind of hard imagining him like that.

(A)Jaune: take a wild guess dumbass. *points at the scar in his eye* what kind of good father would do this to his kid?

Jaune: yeah. . .guess you got a point.

Pyrrha: wait, did you say that weiss was your partner at beacon?

(A)Jaune: unfortunately, yes. This idiot who never even trained before and didn't even had aura had the great idea to buy some transcripts and join beacon, i didn't wanted her as my partner but since she was aimlessly flying into her death during initiation, i had to save her ass and become her partner.

Weiss: . . .by any chance, am i retarded on your dimension?

(A)Weiss: HEY!

(A)Jaune: probably. What kind of sane person would be stupid enough to do that?

Pyrrha: this story sounds. . .very familiar.

Jaune: *sheepishly* i-it does.

(A)Jaune: who did i got partnered with here?

Jaune: pyrrha.

(A)Jaune: lucky you, different from princess here, pyrrha knows her limits.

(A)Weiss: you talk like me being your partner is the worst thing in the world.

(A)Jaune: because it is. you're reckless, annoying, stupid, ignorant, selfish, suicidal and-

(A)Weiss: and you still love me regardless.

(A)Jaune: . . . *looks away* i don't know what you're talking about.

(A)Weiss: yes you do, im talking about this. *tiptoes and kisses his cheek*

(A)Jaune: *recoils and blushes* what the hell are you doing!?

(A)Weiss: i'm giving you a kiss. Why? you wanted it to be on the lips?

(A)Jaune: like hell i would want that, princess.

(A)Weiss: hmm. . .

(A)Jaune: what are you doing?

(A)Weiss: *tiptoeing, reaching out her lips for him* waiting for you to kiss me.

(A)Jaune: i don't want to kiss you.

(A)Weiss: hmm. . .

(A)Jaune: stop it already dumbass, you're just embarrassing yourself.

(A)Weiss: hmm. . .

(A)Jaune: *looks back to her*

(A)Weiss: *still waiting for him*

(A)Jaune: *pink* . . .i fucking hate you. *leans down and kisses her.*

(A)Weiss: *returning the kiss*

(A)Jaune: *wraps hands on her waist and pulls her closer*

(A)Weiss: *deepening the kiss*

Yang: well. . .that's a scene i never thought i would see.

Ruby/Blake: *nods*

Pyrrha: *nods as well but with an way more forced and scary smile*

Jaune: *blushing*

Weiss: *red and mortified* w-what are you two doing!?

(A)Weiss: *giggles* sorry, sometimes we get lost in the mood.

(A)Jaune: 'we'? You're the one always dragging me into this stuff.

(A)Weiss: i'm not the one who drags you away after a hard day just so we can make out on a empty classroom.

(A)Jaune: *red* can't you just stay shut for five seconds princess!?

(A)Weiss: *smiling brightly* nope.

Yang: wait, wait, wait, are you two like, dating?

(A)Jaune/(A)Weiss: no/yes.

Weiss: h-how is that possible!? What do you even see on this idiot!?

(A)Jaune: *glaring at her* i made my mind, you're the one i hate the most.

(A)Weiss: what's there not to see on him? I mean, yeah, he is always being mean to other peoples but thats cause he had a rough life, the real jaune buried under all that anger is really kind and sweet. He was the first person that believed that i could be a huntress, he teached me how to fight and picked me up whenever i thought about giving up. *hugs his arm* he was the first guy that loved me for who i am and that's why i love him so much. *looks at him* Right?

(A)Jaune: *looks away, face totally red* speak for yourself, i don't know what you're talking about.

Weiss: i can't believe you. . .how did that even happened!?

(A)Weiss: you mean how we got together? Well it was during the ball at beacon, neptune invited me to go but i refused.

Weiss: YOU WHAT!?

(A)Weiss: i refused. *pink* i was hoping that a certain someone would invite me.

(A)Jaune: hmph.

(A)Weiss: but well, things didn't went like i wanted and i went to the ball alone. I stayed there for some time but gave up and went to the rooftop to take a breather, that's where i found jaune.

(A)Jaune: yeah, i was enjoying the peace and the silence until you showed up.

(A)Weiss: *chuckles* He was being grumpy because he heard neptune inviting me and thought i had accepted.

(A)Jaune: i wasn't being grumpy because he invited you, i just hate that guy's guts.

(A)Weiss: we cleared some things up and i invited him to dance a bit, we danced on our own for some time and talked a bit, he complimented me for the first time ever since i met him and even admitted that i was someone important in his life *with a wide smile and rosy cheeks* i was so happy that i gave him my first kiss without even thinking about it.

Yang: aww, that's so cute.

(A)Jaune/Weiss: *red* SHUT IT!

Weiss: that's enough, we don't wanna hear anything else about this!

Yang: speak for yourself ice queen, keep going nice queen!

(A)Weiss: well. . .i was a bit scared at first but when he kissed me back i got a lot calmer,  we kept kissing for some time and things got. . .a bit out of control.

Blake: *very interested* what do you mean with 'out of control?'

(A)Weiss: *red* err. . .well, w-we got a bit carried away and kept kissing until we were back to our room, and when we got there we did. . .*ten times redder* couple stuff.

Weiss: wait, so you just went and slept with him like that!?

(A)Weiss: yeah. *sheepishly* i know someone's first time should be something we think about carefully, but on that day all i could think of was how happy i was that jaune was my first. *hugs his arm* and until this day, i never once regretted that decision. *smiles at him*

(A)Jaune: *red* t-that's enough! *turns to oobleck* how the hell do we go back to our world!?

Oobleck: all you need to do is place your hands on the D.U.M.B or wait for the thirty minute mark. But before you leave, i still have some que-

(A)Jaune: fuck your questions, we're leaving princess.

(A)Weiss: sure. Just give me a moment. *goes to weiss* can i talk to you for a second?

Weiss: what do you want to talk about!?

(A)Weiss: wait. *holds her and drags her to the farthest corner, away from the group*

Weiss: what do you want?

(A)Weiss: i just needed to know, are you and jaune dating?

Weiss: W-what!? No! And we never will!

(A)Weiss: i see, i think i understand now.

Weiss: good thing that you understand, now please leave.

(A)Weiss: you like him.

Weiss: *blushes* i don't like him! I hate him!

(A)Weiss: *chuckles* you're just like jaune when i first met him. He was closed, distant and very cold with everyone, and he said he hated me all the time, but that was just him trying to keep his guard up, trying to protect his damaged heart from even more damage.

Weiss: what are you talking about?

(A)Weiss: what i'm talking is that just like my jaune, you're putting up barriers and keeping people away to avoid getting hurt, but maybe you don't need these barriers to be up all the time, maybe all you need is to let in someone who can help you heal.

Weiss: let me guess, someone like arc.

(A)Weiss: maybe. I'm dating jaune for awhile now and despite he still being much like his older self, i can't see myself being more happy with anyone else that isn't him. I know i might be biased but seeing that the only difference between us is that our roles were inverted, i think you wouldn't regret being with someone like jaune. Just think about it, didn't you ever noticed anything that jaune may have done just to see you happy?

Weiss: well. . . *gets a small flashback about the ball and neptune telling her everything jaune said*

(A)Weiss: sooo?

Weiss: i-i don't know, nothing comes to my mind. And look, i don't care what your reasoning is, i am not going to date arc.

(A)Weiss: well, i can't force you to do anything really, but if you can, just give him a chance *with a sincere smile* i know you won't regret.

Weiss: *sighs, rubbing her temples* if i tell you i'll think about it, will you go away?

(A)Weiss: sure thing!

Weiss: then i'll think about it, just please leave me alone.

(A)Weiss: okay, see'ya then me! *goes back to the group, joining jaune and hugging his chest* missed me?

(A)Jaune: no.

(A)Weiss: i missed you too my archangel.

(A)Jaune: *pink* didn't i told you to stop using this stupid nickname?

(A)Weiss: *chuckles* oops, sorry.

(A)Jaune: *sigh* let's just leave for god's sake. *places hand on the D.U.M.B*

(A)Weiss: *also places her hand on the D.U.M.B*

They both slowly start to get surrounded by a light blue aura, just like when jaune and weiss first used it.

(A)Weiss: bye everyone, It was really nice to meet you.

Yang: same, it was really good to see how weiss would be if she wasn't always on her period.

Weiss: YANG!!!

(A)Weiss: and weiss!

Weiss: *looks back at her* what?

(A)Weiss: just one chance, i promise you won't regret.

Weiss: i already said i'll think about it, i'm not going to make any promises.

(A)Weiss: that's already good enough, bye me!

Weiss: goodbye.

(A)Jaune/(A)Weiss: *vanishes*

Blake: well. . .that was something.

Jaune: i-it really was.

Ruby: weiss?

Weiss: yes?

Ruby: what did you and the other you talked about?

Weiss: well. . . *glances at jaune for a moment before looking away slightly* i-it was nothing okay? just something stupid.

Ruby: oh, okay.

Pyrrha: so, what do we do now professor?

Oobleck: we continue with the experiment of course! Meeting these alternative versions of mr.arc and ms.schnee was interesting but there are a lot of questions that need answers!

Weiss: i-i'm not going to use that machine again!

Oobleck: you wouldn't be able to use it even if you wanted ms.schnee. The D.U.M.B can't be used by the same person twice in a row, that rule goes for everyone except mr.arc of course!

Jaune: okay, but why does this machine needs me so much to work? You said i'm some kind of axis but why-

Oobleck: I DON'T KNOW AND AT THE MOMENT I DON'T CARE MR.ARC!!! RIGHT NOW THERE'S ONLY ONE QUESTION YOU SHOULD BE ASKING!!!

Jaune: a-and it is?

Oobleck: *grins and looks at the girls* which one of you is going next!?

[hazelandglasz]

Jack is out of town for their anniversary (a game/family emergency/photoshoot/meeting with another team about a possible trade to a major NHL team, whatever floats your boat) and he feels awful for leaving Bitty by himself on what is supposed to be their day but it was unavoidable. As he's sulking in his hotel room that night, there's a knock on the door from what he assumes is room service but it's actually Bitty there to surprise him.

On AO3

He had planned everything.

Their second anniversary was at the end of the month, and Jack had it all figured out. He had the day off, there was no game scheduled, no charitable event set up by George.

Bitty would go to work and then he would come home to a full dinner, served by Jack himself, in an apron (still debating on whether there would be something underneath the apron or not). The very thought makes him blush, but he knows it could make Bitty laugh that adorable tingly laugh that warms Jack from the inside.

And then they would…

Well, there was a good chance that Bitty would snuggle up to Jack, wrapping himself around his body before kissing him into the night.

Maybe they would have sex, maybe not. (That would be up to Bitty, really.)

But, to paraphrase Burns, the best laid plans of mice and men often go shitty.

As it is, his mom broke her leg on the Québec house’s stairs while his dad is away on the North American leg of his book tour.

“You shouldn’t have come, baby,” his mom says from her hospital bed, leg wrapped in a cast that looks heavier than her. “What about your anniversary?”

“Bitty understands, M’man,” Jack says while he finishes brushing her hair. “I rescheduled everything for next week, when Papa is back from his tour.”

“Still,” Alicia says before being interrupted by a yawn. “And you have to sleep in a hotel nearby, too.”

Jack smiles, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Bitty picked it, if that makes you feel better. I prefer to be close without sleeping on this chair, if you don’t mind.”

Alicia laughs softly, eyes blinking close. “You’re right. My beautiful baby, always right.”

Jack huffs a laugh before tucking the blanket around her. “Sleep tight, Maman. I’ll be here in the morning.”

Closing the door behind his lightly snoring mother, Jack leans against the door and sighs.

He’s glad it’s nothing more serious than a broken bone, but...

But he can’t help but worry: his parents are in their prime, sure, but there is no denying the effect of aging on their bodies.

How long until the next incident is worse?

Jack shakes his head, taking a deep breath. Dr. Leroy always tells him not to let his anxiety take hold of the “what ifs” that swirl around his head.

He focuses on the present moment, and another kind of emotion takes over.

Right now, he would give anything to have Bitty’s warmth near him. To have his husband by his side, supporting him with his strength and his presence.

But he couldn’t ask Bitty to drop everything just to be in Québec with him. Not that Bitty would have refused, but Jack would just never ask that of him.

The auberge Bitty found is comfortable—it even brings a smile to Jack’s lips, as it reminds him terribly of Bitty himself.

As he climbs up the stairs, Jack can’t resist the need to hear Bitty’s voice.

“Hey.”

“Hey yourself, Monsieur Québec,” Bitty says, his Southern drawl making his French irresistible. “How is Alicia?”

“Maman is fine. Completely loopy on painkillers.”

Bitty laughs softly. “Tell me you recorded it.”

“No! I would never.” Jack pauses, patting his jacket for his key. “She would never forgive me.”

“And an angry Alicia—”

“—is a runaway-from Alicia.”

Bitty lets out one of his soft laughing sighs. “Exactly.” He pauses, the sound of fabric rustling in the background. “How are you, Jack?”

Jack wants to instantly reply that he’s fine, but he knows better than to give an empty answer to his husband. “I miss you,” he whispers in the phone, closing the door behind him. “I feel terrible for leaving you alone on our day.”

“Jack,” Bitty admonishes immediately. “It’s not like you asked your mama to get injured so you can be out of town, did you?”

“Of course not.”

“Then don’t feel bad. It’s just a delay.” Bitty pauses, and more rustling can be heard. If he closes his eyes, Jack can picture him. Bitty is probably coming home from work, maybe he bought some take-out just to pamper himself. “I’ll see you very soon, and we don’t need a special date to celebrate what we have.”

Jack closes his eyes as he smiles, the need to wrap Bitty in his arms overwhelming. “Oh, Bits.”

“I’m here, Jack. Wherever you go, I’m always with you.”

Jack doesn’t say a word—he doesn’t need to.

“You’re back at the hotel?”

Jack sighs. “Yep. I’m about to order some room service and go to bed.”

“No cakes.”

That makes him laugh and he reaches for the menu, already nodding like Bitty will see him. “No cakes.”

“I love you, Mr. Zimmermann.”

“It’s Mr. Bittle for you, Mr. Bittle. I love you too.”

Bitty laughs before sending him a kiss through the phone.

Jack looks at his screen, his thumb caressing the picture of them acting as his lock screen, courtesy of Lardo. Oh, how he wishes he could do just that.

He calls the lobby to ask for a burger and a salad before going into the bathroom to freshen up and put on his shirt and soft pants.

(Well. Honesty time: it’s one of Bitty’s bigger shirts that he sneakily stole to sleep in while he’s here.)

He’s mindlessly zapping between the channels, his heart squeezed in his chest as he stops on a cooking show, when a soft knock on the door disturbs the relative quiet of the room.

“Coming,” he calls, reaching into his discarded pants for his wallet to retrieve a tip for the delivering boy. “Oh.”

Because behind the door, it’s not someone holding a burger and salad.

No.

Behind the door stands his husband, looking a little bit tired, just a little shadow on his jaw and his jacket slightly rumpled.

He has never looked more handsome in all the years Jack has known him.

“Bits.”

Bitty smiles, pushing away from the doorframe to get closer, one hand automatically reaching for Jack’s cheek. The moment his warmth radiates close to Jack, Jack puts his hands on Bitty’s waist.

“Happy anniversary, amour.”

Jack gulps audibly before replying the only way he knows how, by lowering his face to Bitty’s and pressing a kiss to his lips.

“Ahem.”

Behind them, a blushing teenager stands, holding up a tray and looking at pretty much anything but them.

Bitty presses his forehead against Jack’s shoulder before reaching for the crumpled note in his hand, passing it to the young man. “Thank you very much, sir,” he says with a wide smile. “I’ll take it from here.”

The teenager looks between them, clearly hesitating. Bitty smiles crookedly before lightly elbowing Jack.

“Oh, right. Sure. You need, um, my signature on the receipt?”

He can almost hear Bitty’s eyeroll. 

“Yes, Mr. Zimmermann, sir,” the teenager says, holding up the pad. “And, err, if it’s possible to get an autograph? If it’s not too much to ask?”

“Sure,” Jack says, forcing himself to smile at the young man when all he wants is to press said smile into his husband's skin. “What’s your name?”

Regis, as it so happens, is delighted to have an autograph from his idol and leaves them alone fairly quickly, not even tripping over his own feet on his way away.

Bitty holds the tray like a professional waiter, hips cocked to the side. “Now, where were we?”

Jack smirks. “At a place where I am very hungry,” he says, pulling Bitty into the room and closing the door on Bitty’s sudden laugh, silencing it with a kiss.

(The painting of a trio of kittens only knows which hunger Jack decided to satisfy first, and it won’t tell.)

[zikadraws]

🌼Chara's Resort - Chapter 1 :'' ''I call monkey business on this hotel, partner'' or 'the Introduction' ''🌼

''*Are you 100% sure about that, partner ?''

Frisk eye rolled and with a big sigh made Chara understand that yes, they were and no, there was no need of asking that for the 387th time.

''*A-Alright then. Sorry, I shouldn't be the nervous one.''

Frisk gave their little undead partner a patient smile, and then a global look at the hotel. It was absolutely huge. Like, real huge. In the night they could barely even see the roof, and there was too many windows for them to count. It gave the young human a slight feel of anxiety, wondering if they would really be able to take care of something that big...

''*...why is it so little lightened ?''

Huh. Good question. The building was indeed barely lightened outside as for inside, and Chara completed their question with the observation that it was weird for a construction that seemed that brand new. Perhaps every customer was already asleep...?

''*At ten in the evening ? Every window ? Seriously, partner ? What do you think it is, a military camp ?''

Hmpf. Cut off the sass, Chara. There was anyway only one way of learning more, since whatever Frisk would say, their hirer didn't told them anything about the job yesterday.

''*Aaand right in the problems Chara & Frisk are bulling agaaain~'' crooned Chara ''Team-Rocket'' like, while their partner eagerly swinged open the front door of the building, ready for everyone and everything... Except for finding the check-in hall to be as darkened as the windows, and maybe even emptier than Jerry's personality -Chara !!!!

''*What ? He HAS the emptiest personality. And I'm the narrating one here, so frick off. Beyond of this, you gotta admit, this is like, really abnormal... Make me think of a horror movie scenario... y'know ? With the clueless guys who enter in a isolated recently bought house, and then- Nonono, don't close the door !! It's always once it's done that freaky stuff happens... Wha- NoI'mNotScaredButSeriouslyPleaseLetThatDoorOpen.''

Low-key laughing at their friend's nervousness, Frisk stepped deeper in the entrance, checking around for any clue of someone, in vain. The hall was inconfortably spacious... The silence didn't help, and Frisk rapidly felt their partner gripping their suit's leg, having decided to ground themselves in the hope to feel less exposed. The aspiring janitor frankly smiled at this sight. They did not know Chara still had scared child instincts.(*muttering*''*Mrrrmmrr....As if you didn't, you stupid mrmgrownup...(pfff)'')

Openly giggling this time, Frisk reached the check-in office and officializing the lack of reception, got ready to wait, gently messing the incorporeal hair of their pouty ghost friend.

Five minutes passed. Five more.

As it was getting to a quarter-hour, Chara had calmed down and Frisk was getting less and less sure about anything concerning their job. Their partner started swinging playfully around the deck, happy to feel getting closer the possibility of leaving the place, as they've been arguing about it during the whole wait.

''*That's just as what I'm killing myself in telling you, partner~ Nothing about this stuff is right ! 🎶Huge place, dark place, no one around...🎵 Nothing is right, yet here you are...🎶 Hmm hm hm hmmm... Oooh yeah~...🎵''

Hearing Chara starting to sing almost got the best out of Frisk, making them stand up all of a sudden and eye-dagger their smuggy brat of a friend, who promptly tempered.

''*Woah- hey, cool partner ! I'm just saying that apparently no one was warned you would come. That Gadd guy probably didn't bothered to get someone... (And honestly, for how he behaved yesterday, that would not surprise me...) ...Huh- wait, don't make that face !! Don't be sad, it's probably just an oversight... (...) Tell you what : let's ring the bell here, and if really nobody shows up, we'd get out of here, how about that ?''

Frisk sighed but had to admit it was the best option... Though before reaching out for the bell, they hesitated and then, to Chara's startlement, turned to them and bowing, waved in the bell's direction with a wink. After some confusing seconds, Chara understood : their partner offered them the first hit.

''*Wha-- But Frisky, I am a ghost. It won't do anything and you know it, right- oh.''

Of course they knew. But Chara could see it in Frisk's eyes. They wouldn't just get away with fifteen minutes of whining. And perhaps even wouldn't get away at all, if they didn't lowed themselves in that reminding of their incorporeal misery. Not while knowing how Frisk was.

''*... Alright then...''

Chara loomed over the bell, arm raised, eyesiding their partner's already satisfied grin. Swallowing their indignation, the little ghost sighed hard and hit that humiliating call bell with all of their frustration. ''*Here goes nothing-"

"Diiiiinnngg~🎵!!!''

...

...the echo of the ringing rolled in the entire hall. Leaving the equally stunned duo in a deafening silence.

---

''*...Waitwaitwaitwait. How the fuc-''

Despite being genuinely confused, Frisk had that reflex of reminding language manners to Chara. For who it was really the leastest of their problems.

''*Partner, I just did physically interact with a material object after one hundred ghostly years of not even being able to interact with magic. I can talk however the hell I want. What- NO I have no idea. I did not do anything special- I wasn't even fricking expecting it to ring... No I don't think there's anything special with it. I mean it's a goddamn bell ?? It's not even glowing or anything... Oh danggit---I'm so damn confused !!! Why does it have to happen now...''

''...Hum, hello, and err...How may I help you ?''

The unknown voice caught the arguing duo off guard and, turning up towards the origin in unison, opening baby owl eyes, they faced an... unexpected figure. It was a skinny man-like creature, standing behind the desk, with a blue and transparent body ; whose eyes and mouth, and general being actually, was strangely glowing ; and was dressed as a groom ; and manifestly waiting for a response.

After a couple of seconds Chara broke the silence. ''*...You, huh. 'You encounter... (Wait lemme *CHECK...) ...Stuart Gangers.''

The newcomer suddenly looked like choking on that name evocation. ''Wait wha- How- how do you know-''

''*...Said 'Steward'. Like his fonction, which is outrageously convenient...''

''Hey !''

''*...Basically the ghost equivalent of Burgerpants ; doing his very best.' ...Hooold on : 'ghost' ??? But wait, then does that mean...''-

''HEY !!!''

''*----OooohMyGodI'mSoSorryIDidn'tThoughtYouCouldPerceiveMe.''

...

Some seconds of overwhelming tension passed between the more-lost-than-ever duo and the rather mad bellhop. Finally, this last one decided it was not worth keeping up such an atmosphere if it didn't ended with anything good from those two unexpected visitors, and with a big sigh suggested them to forget about it and start over instead. So hello visitors, you can call me Steward, welcome to the Last Resort, new version, and how may I help you ?...

''*... Yeah'', croaked that strange-looking little petty ghost of a brat (having to be polite to customers didn't forbid him to think his mind) who guessed his true identity. ''*Yeah. Good idea. That's surely better. (Sorry). So, hum... Greetings mister... The names are Chara and Frisk Dreemur, and huh... Frisk here came in this place because they got hired as a janitor yesterday by some weird gu-(ahem)-Imeansomeone of the name of E. Gadd ; youuu...might have been warned...?''

Seeing the young spectrum getting shyer and shyer, to the point that their words gradually sounded less and less audible, restored Steward's sympathy ; and so that was honestly smiling that he informed them that indeed, he has been warned that the new janitor would come tonight, though the professor did not care to tell at which time. But on the other hand, he had in fact warned the entire staff hotel, including the residents, about this and that he wanted them all to meet the new employee (''for some reason -I don't really get it... they never did something like that before ??...-ahem-'') and so he had gathered them in integrity in the reception room, a bit next to the hall. May he leaded them in...?

A perplex silence fell through the ghosts and the human, before a steady-as-a-broom ghost kid finally asked : ''*...the 'professor' ? ...And... What do you imply by... The residents...?''

Steward squinted. ''...What...You mean that he did not told you ??''

As he faced the embarrassed look of the duo, it occurred to the incredulous bellhop that he had to brought himself to give them a summary on his own. How come the professor did not warn them... ??

''...god is it a funny story... So... Let's see...''

...

Ten minutes of wide explanations later, Frisk had to sum up to Steward. Did he really just said that 1) their hirer was a scientist focused on ghosts studies ; 2) the hotel itself was inhabited specifically by ghosts ; and 3) they were about to meet them all at once ??

''That's the long and the short of it, yes.''

But it was amazing ! It meant that Chara could for once meet up plenty people who could actually see them, hear them ! They could even make friends, finally !

Turning up to share their enthusiasm with the said children, Frisk brutally felt their happiness fade to concern. Noticing the human sudden worried face, Steward followed their eyes... and felt his chest tighten.

Chara was standing on their feet, abnormally steardy, eyes wide open and darting the ground, the whole spectra ran by violent shakes, their aura producing small red zaps of energy - an expression of fear iridiating from their whole being. It was a major panic attack, like Steward never could bear himself. No need to be a genius to understand that the kid wouldn't be able to interact with anyone in those conditions.

That establishment done, Steward turned to the alarmed human and suggested them to begin heading to the reception room by themselves, while he would take care of this. The young mortal hesitated but consented at the empathetic look on the bellhop's face. Giving a timid wave at their -oblivious- partner, they slowly engaged in the hallway. Once Frisk was out of view, Steward flew around the desk and crouched himself next to shuddering Chara. ''Hey kid. Are you feeling okay ?'' ''* . . . '' ''It's alright, okay ? I'm just sitting there. I swear I won't hurt you or anything else. Nobody will.'' ''*... I...I-I'm---...'' ''...There... See ? I'm just going to touch you on the shoulder... Here. Take a breath.'' Steward has cautiously began to open his arms, and Chara, still intensely shivering, instinctively moved themselves in. ''*I'm...I-'' they stuttered, as Steward very carefully closed his arms on the child's back. ''There, there... Shhh. Don't worry. You're safe. It's gonna be okay.'' Chara stared in shook, then their voice cracked down as they given back the ghost's hug, with all the force their violent shudders allowed them to use.

''*I'm sorry...''

---

Meanwhile, Frisky has already reached the reception room door.

They hesitated at the entrance. Being without their little partner felt so wrong... Having grown up with that constant -although sassy, and overly curious, and sometimes kinda annoying- presence, the young human felt unusually lonely. And worried for them. Would they really be alright...?

As Frisk was lost in their thoughts, the doors suddenly BUSTED open. Brutally brought back to reality, a startled Frisky eyecatched an obviously out of patience Professor E. Gadd, blabbering aggressively while being followed by some blue ghost.

''It's been almost an hour now since they should have arrived, what in the world is that guy doin- OH ! It's you !'' exclaimed the scientist, radically changing their tone at Frisk's recognition. ''We weren't expecting you anymore ! What took you so long ?'' As the newest janitor timidly attempted to remind Gadd that he literally did not told anything about what the program would look like, he interrupted them and grabbing them by the arm, dragged them towards the room ; ''Yeah yeah whatever. Anyway, we're so glad to finally have you here. You'll see : everyone's been waiting for you !'' Then practically pushed poor Frisky through the entrance.

Bursted up suddenly into the large place, bewildered Frisk reduced themselves to that latest rough treatment, and, blinking at the sudden relative amount of light, eyed the room... And almost let fall their backpack in amazement. Here, in this room, were standing (or more floating for some ominous reasons) dozens and dozens and dozens of ghosts, all sizes, all forms (perhaps as varied as monsters species), who were all doing (it wasn't the least astonishing thing to Frisk, knowing Chara) who were all doing normal corporeal people stuff, including eating for some !!...aaand were, hum. All staring at Frisk. The young human felt briefly their chest tighten at that last realization. But really briefly, as a ghost of tall stature, with blue sweater, cap and body (and a rather massive chin and pointy nose) approached to greet them -with the friendliest behaviour :

''Why, bonjour ! You must be the new concierge, n'est-ce pas ? Pleased to be meeting you, I'm Morty ! If you want, I can present you to everyone ! ^^''

Relieved by the reaction of the spectre, Frisk smiled widely and felt their loneliness flew away. Perhaps it would in fact not be as terrible as foreseen actually...

E. Gadd discreetly grabbed his captors.

---

In the meantime, back in the hall, Steward finally managed to get Chara to calm down... Well, sort of. If you can call calmed down a child sitting in ball-like position against the check-in desk, hidden under their hood, sobbing (gradually quieter, gotta admit). The bellhop was sitting right next to them, gently patting them, and wait for their hiccups to fade off to prudently ask them what got them to stress out that brutally.

''*...'' ''You don't have to tell me, but I think it would be better for us both to clear that up. If it's okay with you.'' ''*...I'm sorry... it's just that... (Hic) it's just that it's all happening at once... That's all.(snif)'' ''What are you talking of ?'' ''*But everything, whined the young ghost. We just came up in this creepy place and then... Then I'm able to touch things out of nowhere ? I just can't understand...'' ''...you mean it was the first time ever for you ??'' ''*Ever since I died, yup...'' ''How long-'' ''*One hundred and fifteen years.'' ''... Woah. Seriously ?'' ''*Huh-hu. ...Why ?'' ''Well actually, I did never heard of ghosts on the late...I was personally physically fully interactive hours after my death, in fact.'' ''*...'' ''Buuut I mean, it's okay. You seem to be an unusual...hum, special type of ghost anyway, so it's probably not that weird.'' ''*... what do you mean, exactly ?'' sneaked the little ghost, squinting. ''... Well... By example...''started the nervous bellhop, feeling he probably shouldn't have come up with this subject. ''I mean your appearance -and aura- is radically different from ours. Like you see, I have a tail and you seem to naturally have legs.'' ''*Oh yeah, smiled the small ghost. I did not notice it at first. It's funny.'' Encouraged by his achievement in getting a smile, Steward continued. ''Also, unlike mine, your eyes got pupils... (And your mouth is not glowing)'' ''*Yep... but, doesn't red pupils look a little weird though ?'' wondered the kid, suddenly sad. Getting that it was a sensitive topic, Steward eluded by assuring them it gave them an interesting look, and quickly switched to another subject (''And are those actually ears under your hood ?? Man, kid, you don't get your luck !!'' ''*Heee~ ! Quit it, it tickles !!''), effectively getting them to laugh, finally.

So after having managed to get Chara finally better, the blue ghost dared, after a short pause, to ask them if they wanted to head to the reception room with him, as he had to go there anyway. The little ghost shrinked on themselves. Then quietly confessed to Steward that in one hundred and a bit, they've never been able to interact with anyone but Frisk (''*and some rare exceptions... -ahem-''). So the perspective of having to meet plenty of new people able to perceive them in one shot, just like that, was a terrifying one. They just could't do it.

''*I'm really sorry...'' apologized the kid, rubbing their eye.

''... it's okay. I feel for you.''

''*I'm already happy to have met you today. I'd met the others, but like... Eventually'', stated the kid with a frank smile.

Steward felt his chest warm up at this one... ''Awww, thank you kid. That's fine, take all the time you need. We're all staying here anyway. And by the way, if you really have trouble with developing your ghost abilities we could teach you how it's done'', he added with a friendly wink ;).

Chara's eyes (and hair) bloomed with stars (and flowers (??)) at this unexpected offer ; but then, got melancholic...

''*...Do you really have to go ?''

''...yes, kid. Or else they'll be looking for me, sorry.''

The look on the child's face pitied the bellhop as he was getting up. Then an idea came to his mind, and with a wide smile he suggested Chara an alternative at being alone. Would they mind to try ?

''*...huh... Yeah, I guess ?''

So turning up, Steward clapped his hands, and a quartet of blue, yellow, red and purple glowing forms appeared from the walls. The bellhop informed the stunned kid that those were Goob, Slinker, Hammer and Sneaker. And as they gently approached the little ghost, and as the said 'Goob' managed its way through the very arms of that curious-looking new kid, Chara nearly teared up in awe.

''*Awww~ Oh my god they're so CUTE- thank you Mister !!!''

Steward nodded and, after making sure that the kid was in good escort, -gloriously- initiated his way to the reception room.

Plenty satisfied with himself for once.

---

Within the said reception room, Frisk was living their glorious hours. The guy named Morty knew indeed everyone and nobody got forgotten. The residents were globally really satisfied with the new janitor ; although being a little confused about if it was a boy or a girl, they all recognized their obvious ability to adapt to any given situation, their friendliness and, which wasn't the leastest of qualities for some, their quietness. In fact, the ghosts were really wondering how that human managed to be understood by everyone ? They did not see him/her open their mouth to actually talk even once !! But ah, in the end it didn't really matter. They were optimistic about...-well, in doubt- them, anyway. The atmosphere was sincerely light (ironically---hum.).

But as the presentations went along, the professor E. Gadd, who was keeping himself apart from the assembly, in a corner where he had a wide sight of the entire room, surrounded with complex instruments, seemed himself, less and less satisfied. The goobs who were providing the service were gossiping between themselves about how much he looked like he was searching for something and couldn't find it.

To the point where the friendly festivities got brutally interrupted when he jumped out of his seat and bulled towards the ghosts, arguing that something was not right.

''Wha- What's wrong, Professor ??'' asked the gal called Chambrea, confused. ''Everyone is having a good time. What's the matter ?''

''If something is wrong ? Yes something is definitely wrong. Don't you fellows ghosts sense like, I don't know... There's something off in that room ?''

''... ... ...''

''... Steward's... missing ?'' risked someone, bewildered.

''I don-''

''Not anymore~ !🎵'' whistled the interested, who just made his entry through the door-

''I DON'T FRICKING CARE ABOUT STEWARD !!'' shouted the professor, way more violently than he intended. Ignoring the shook he just caused in the gasping audience (and without even a look for poor Steward), he went on : ''What I mean is... Did really none of you guys perceive some strange presence, or aura, around 'Frick' here ?''

''...No, professor. ''Answered a tall purple ghost in costume in the coldest of tones. ''Why ,professor ?''

''Really ?'' enchained the said professor, totally oblivious to the inner menace. ''None of you did notice anything unusual with 'Frick' ? Nothing else than him (or her...?) ?? Utterly, positively, absolutely sure ???''

''Yes, professor.'' completed a rich-looking yellow ghost lady, in a similar tone. ''None of us. Why that question, professor ? Was there something you did not tell us, professor ?''

''...Bad timing.''

The scientist brutally turned away, gathered some of his instruments, and busted out of the room -nearly jostling away poor Steward, who glared at him suspiciously- while repeating over and over : ''Bad timing. Bad timing. Bad timing.''

Bad timing.

-----

🌼~End of Chapter 1~🌼

-----

Thank you very much for having read it all until the end. I hope my style did not bore you. And that you liked the plot.🥰

Love you all.

(Phew, it was really exhausting... Hope it was worth it at least^^''')

[smitten-miqitten]

Date

In which Era and Cid go on a date. Of the three chapters I mentioned working on, I ended up doing this one without waiting for people's picks. Sorry >.<

AO3 link here

"Alright, that's it. I'm done. This draft is finished, those orders are filled, and I'm done."

"Yes yes, you've done enough for today." Jessie sighed

"I've attended those damn investor meetings.."

"And even stayed awake!" She encouraged, clearly wishing this would become a more regular occurrence.

"And I finished those orders ahead of schedule. All while working on my own projects", Cid said proudly and somewhat defensively. He was fishing around for something in the drawer of his workstation and, upon finding it, swiftly pocketed the small ornamented box.

"You've done good Chief! So, whatcha got planned for tonight?" Wedge asked excitedly. It wasn't often one saw Cid so energized.

"Made a reservation at the Bismark..."

"Not with company funds I hope...", Jessie muttered

Cid continued as if he hadn't heard, "And afterwards we'll do a little flight through the Sea of Clouds..."

Biggs chuckled, busy tidying up his own workstation, "Nice and romantic, eh? Got something other than that coat picked out?"

"Of course! Was just about to get ready..."

The door to the workshop opened, and Era walked in. She was dressed in a lilac, airy shift with sparse flowers dotting the hem. Hair loose, with a ornamental clip to keep it out of her face. Far more girlish an outfit than she was often known to wear. Seeing the befuddled faces of everyone around, she asked "7:30, wasn't it?"

"Yes, but you're about an hour early..."

She pulled out a little pocket watch from a small handbag she carried, another uncommon wardrobe accessory for her. She seemed puzzled, but upon looking up at the chronometer on the wall, a look of understanding crossed her face. "Cid, that chronometer is slow. This watch just got wound, I'm certain it's accurate."

And so it was. Spurred on by their Chief's sudden increase in productivity, everyone had worked to the point that, of all the engineers that present in Cid's workshop, not a one had noticed the chronometer had needed repair for some two weeks now. Jessie, bless her poor overworked heart, was horrified. "But that means... oh gods, all the orders we got out on time were late! Every single bleedin one of them....." The woman looked near to tears.

Wedge tried to cheer her, "It's alright Jessie! None of our clients seemed bothered, else we'd have noticed wouldn't we? Probably didn't expect.."

"Probably didn't expect us to produce things on time?! That's alright is it? Seven hells..."

Era, feeling rather responsible for Jessie's sudden distress, tried to think of a way to right the issue. "If another day would be better..."

"No, absolutely not! This is the first day in damn near a month we've been able to meet! Jessie..", Cid began, turning to his second in command, "Though I doubt anyone is genuinely upset about items being an hour late I'll apologize to the clients tomorrow. No one noticed the bloody chronometer, it's nobody's fault. We've all been working hard, and you lot need to rest. Now", he said, turning back to Era, "If that clock is slow, we're going to be late if we don't leave for Limsa soon. Let me change and we'll be off."

"Might give your face a quick wash, you've got a bit of grease on your nose!" Biggs called after him as Cid made for the adjoining living quarters.The others slowly began to head off to their quarters, whether the adjoining ones or private apartments.

Cid returned wearing a white collared shirt, sleeves rolled at the elbow, first two or three buttons at the chest inevitably undone, and nice black pants and shoes (would it kill him to wear color?). His usual pendant was present, but to Era's surprise his forehead was devoid of his customary goggles. He claimed it 'killed the look', but Era suspected there was a little more to it than that. He almost never took them off, except when bathing or sleeping (unless he fell asleep at his desk, of course)... or when they were alone together. Perhaps it was a gesture, a 'this is me and you time' sort of thing. Or perhaps it really did just kill the look. He forgot the grease smudge Biggs mentioned, as she knew he would, so she dabbed at it with a damp towel she had at the ready.

..................................................................................

The flight to Limsa was largely uneventful. They both simply enjoyed the trip. Era loved flying, specifically Cid's flying, and had long since passed the point where she was embarrassed to admit as much. She used to dislike the cheeky grin he gave whenever she was too plainly excited about the trip, thinking he was making fun of her. In reality, as she came to learn, he was just pleased that she was so happy and was more than a little proud. Cid took a lot of pride in the things he did, for the most part, something that took Era a very long time to relate to but very little time to admire. For much of her time in Eorzea, her achievements had not felt like something earned, but rather things done by means of an unfair advantage. Cid had earned everything he had (which included her, she supposed), and she admired him immensely for it. Only once she began to feel responsible for her own accomplishments did she truly begin to understand that aspect of him, and one of the only real barriers between them finally break down. He was not unreachable, and she was not unworthy to be with him.

She was grinning. Cid loved it when she did that. He had never been able to make good on his promise to get her memories back, but it seemed that her expressions had returned for the most part. It wasn't just his doing, of course, but he felt he could take some credit for the little things. The time she giggled at some asinine joke of his, and couldn't stop for damn near 20 minutes. The time, following a particularly, *ahem* energetic night, that she had an almost permanent smile on her face and blushed furiously when informed of it. When, after Cid had a unusually bad dream regarding Meteor and the events leading up to it, she lost her head and swore up and down she'd clock Gaius next she saw him and then the entire imperial family following. Perhaps because it's so blatant in her case that it sticks with him so. The fact that she loves him. She loves him to the point that such simple events broke down barriers set by (presumably) Hydelyn herself.

Of all the people who have ever claimed to care for him, markedly few have been genuine. Fewer still, when he tried to pursue any kind of relationship, were interested in much more than fame or looks. The early days in Eorzea were rife with such occurrences; he had been young and just fine with a few of the shorter term liaisons, but after a while it began to wear on him. Many of the ladies who approached him were either reluctant or outright refused to let him remove his goggles even. They liked his appearance and his reputation just enough to tolerate his heritage, but not enough to look at it. This had not been the case with Era. Their first intimate night together, she had removed them herself. It was 'silly' to leave them on, she said, thinking he had forgotten they were there. Her first time, nervous as could be though she'd not admit it, and she still had enough gumption to tear away a barrier that all others insisted on and called it silly.  This was the woman he was taking on a meticulously planned date this night, and for whom he had been working on a little project of his own for the past month.

..................................................................................

Their dinner too, was largely uneventful. Their conversations were composed of what details of the past month that could not be discussed over linkshell. Era's adventures, Cid's new inventions, the Scions' shenanigans and the latest in workshop gossip. Hands were held, loving looks exchanged. However, underneath all the sweet words, heartfelt glances, and romantic gestures, Cid seemed to be antsy. Was it because of that stupid chronometer? Despite his stubborn attitude, Era knew Cid took Jessie's concerns and advice to heart. She wouldn't be his number two if he did not. Era fully expected that come tomorrow the entire workshop would gang up on the poor lazy timepiece and modify it to the point it would never err again. She redoubled her efforts at sweet talk, so that she might take his mind off the matter. Still, as dinner drug on he grew increasingly restless.

..................................................................................

When finally they set off toward the Sea of Clouds, Era broached the subject. " Cid... Is there something the matter? You seem... well, I dunno. You seem like there's something on your mind."

Cid just looked at her for a bit, a curious expression on his face. And all of a sudden, it was filled with resolve. He made for the nearest island and set the ship to rest. "Era, I've been working on something I haven't told you about for some time now.  As much as I hate our long separations, it did provide me with the opportunity to finally do so." His hand was in his pocket, holding a small item of some kind.  "We've been together for some time now, and I like to think neither of us plan to change that, so I thought...thought that perhaps we might make it more official."

"What do you..." Era began, but stopped when Cid started to kneel. And in that moment, her brain was trying really very, very hard to process what was happening.

"Era Hess, would you be my..." Cid was taking the little box out of his pocket and had started to open it, but no sooner had the word "Wife" left his lips than two arms were flung around his neck, hugging him almost too tightly. She hadn't even looked at the dammed thing.

"Yes" was all she said. All she could say, with her head swimming so. Cid hugged her back, at a loss for words himself. He had been in a strange state the whole night, both expecting the answer she gave and fearing the one she did not. After a while, when he had come down somewhat from his elation, he chuckled and made to prise her from him.

"As flattered as I am that you didn't even pause, I really did work hard on this. Here.", He said grinning ear to ear, and handed her the box. Inside was a small silver ring of intricate metalwork. It was split in two halves, one resembling a vine with leaves and little flowers made of small blue gems. The other was a simple, straight bar with a streak of similar blue down the center, ending in both spots where it met the vine. In the very center was a flower, petals of more blue gems and a little glowing blue spot in the middle of it. An engraving similar to that of an Arcanist's book wound around the inside of the ring. "I had a little help with that part", he said as she looked at the engraving, trying to make sense of it. "It's a meant to draw upon your aether to cast a small, perpetual protection spell. In the event you can't use your aether, the tiny amount of Ceruleum in the flower and the surrounding water crystals should be able to pick up the slack."

"It's lovely". Era was in awe of it, it really was beautiful.

"It had to match its wearer", Cid said cheekily. After taking it from her and putting it on her finger, he hugged her once more, the two staying like that for what seemed to be ages, neither wanting or needing to speak. They reveled in the silence, as it seemed that all the world had disappeared from around them.

It was just them, the ship, and the endless sky.

[fallenqueen2]

Writer’s Month 2019 Day 14 [Tangled/ Justice League crossover]

Writer’s Month Day 14

Trope Prompt: Fairy Tale

Fandom: Justice League & Tangled

Pairing: Bruce Wayne/Clark Kent

Bruce squeezed his eyes a few times as he slowly woke up. He turned onto his side, flinging his arm out to rest over one of the pillows he had left on the free side of the bed the previous night. Instead, Bruce was rudely awakened when he fell on a cold, stone floor, his head throbbing from the contact but it didn’t stop him from jumping up into a crouching position and taking in his surroundings.

Bruce blanched at the sight of the all the pink and frills, it looked like a princess’s room out of fairy tale’s that he vaguely remembered from his childhood. Bruce rose to his feet once he saw he was alone and tried to take a step but something heavy tugged on his head.

“What the? Oh, you have to be shitting me,” Bruce groaned as he twisted around until he saw a mirror in the corner of the room and showed he had extremely long hair now. Bruce followed the length of the black locks until mouth slightly gaping as he took in the way his new hair looped and wrapped around the room. He tried his best not to focus on the purple outfit he was stuffed into at that moment; he had more important things to focus on.

“Stupid long hair, princess room… Please don’t tell me I’m in a tall tower.” Bruce moaned as he shoved his hair behind his shoulders and hurried towards the small balcony.

“Come on,” Bruce moaned as he peered over the stone lip of the balcony and he was indeed inside of a tall tower.

“Err… Hello?” Clark’s voice rang out and Bruce’s head snapped up and he leaned over the side of the balcony. Clark was indeed standing below the tower on the green grass, clad in medieval style tights, white shirt and vest.

“Clark? What the hell is happening?” Bruce called down, he found himself unable to move any further over the side of the balcony, he was sure this was magic and God he hated magic.

“I was going to ask you that… What are you doing up in that tower?” Clark came closer; an annoyed look on his face and Bruce had to surmise that his powers weren’t working.

“I have a theory and I don’t like it,” Bruce admitted and Clark craned his head back obviously waiting for him to keep talking.

“I think we’re trapped in some sort of spell, something to do with fairy tales… I think this is one is Rapunzel…” Bruce gritted his teeth together.

“Oh, so this is going to be easy then,” Clark said cheerfully.

“Easy?” Bruce blurted out, pushing some of his hair back in annoyance.

“Ahem, Bruce, Bruce, let down your hair.” Clark spread his arms wide and Bruce stared down at Clark in disbelief.

“You’re kidding me,” Bruce deadpanned.

“Bruce, Bruce, let down your hair,” Clark repeated looking far too relaxed for Bruce’s liking.

“Oh for the love of,” Bruce muttered as he grasped some of his hair and flipped it over the edge of the balcony. Rather annoyed as it fell to the forest floor below without any problems.

“Just climb up you idiot and save me.” Bruce huffed as Clark just smiled up at him. Clark somehow managed to shimmy up the length of Bruce’s black hair and Bruce stepped back as Clark hauled himself over the edge of the balcony.

“Hi,” Clark said pleased as Bruce crossed his arms over his chest.

“You’re here so hurry up and get me out of here.” Bruce huffed and Clark pouted.

“What? No kiss?” Clark teased and Bruce’s shoulders slumped in defeat.

“I suppose you did ‘save me’.” Bruce hummed before curling his fingers in his boyfriend’s collar and yanked him down for a kiss. Clark kissed back quite pleased and felt something odd wash over his very being.

Clark broke the kiss to see both him and Bruce were back in their normal clothes, Bruce had his usual style of hair and the tower was slowly fading away around them.

“Let’s go, home princess,” Clark smirked as he scooped Bruce up into his arms, bridal style and floated up into the air.

“Call me that one more time and you’re sleeping on the moon.” Bruce huffed as he crossed his arms from his place in Clark’s arms with his cheeks burning and Clark’s happy laughter in his ears.

Bruce just really hated magic.

[infinityknight25]

Deadpool vs Joker part one

Gotham city is a dark and very gothic seeming place filled with crime and villains. A place where “ Hi there! It’s me dead pool. Your probably wondering why I’m in Gotham. You see, I stumbled across some magic while in Dr. Strange’s abode and was tinkering with it and wound up traveling from my beloved universe to this one where the live action movies are terrible and the video games and and animated movies are great.” “ Ok Mr. Wilson who are you talking to?” a Gotham city detecive asked. “No one you would understand my rotund civil servant.” “All you super hero and villain types are all crazy I’m writting on your chart that I recommend you be sent to arkham asap.” A knock came at the door of the dimly lit interogating room. A man poked his head in. He was white haired very tired looking with a mustache as white as his hair and hadnt shaved the rest of his face in a few days. “Sergeant I’ll take over from here.” The larger detective seemed flustered as he walked out. The older man walked in he was taller and well built. “My name is James Gordon I’m the comissioner of the GCPD. Would you mind telling me how you came to Gotham?” “ It all started when me and my dog toto were living in this bronze colored world with my aunt and uncle. And I was a hopeful young girl who had issues with a mean old lady who hated me and my dog. One day she tried to take my dog and a horrible tornado came through and picked up our house my dog, the mean old lady and me and…” He dropped his fist onto the metal table showing he had reached his limit. “Why don’t we cut the crap alright. I don’t know how you got here but either way you solicited your mercenary skills to the falcones and succesfully killed Boss Maroni. Now I’m willing to look the other way on both these facts if you are willing to cooperate with my offer. We have a masked vigilante in Gotham known as the Batman. He’s disappeared as of late and we suspect it’s because he’s hurt. But that’s not the main problem right around the time you showed up in Gotham a high profile criminal escaped from Arkham asylum. He is highly unstable with multiple personality dissorder so much even that with some of his personalities not only does his personality change but so does his appearance. He calls himself the joker. Now here’s where you come in. From the short period of time that I’ve known you you’re the only person who is as crazy or crazier than him. ” “I’ll do it not cuz of what you have on me but because if he is as crazy as you say he is it’ll be loads of fun trying to get this Joker guy. Now one question do I need to bring him in alive?“  Commissioner Gordon sat thinking for a moment. ” At this time I don’t care what you do or how you do it. This man’s a menace and has hurt countless people.“ Another knock came at the door "Who is it?” Asked commisioner Gordon. A well dressed man in his mid 30’s being pushed in a wheel chair  by an older gentleman who was in a very fine suit with gray hair and also had a tired look about him but not as tired as the commissioner. The older gentleman’s demeanor suggests a military background. “Sorry James I hope I’m not interrupting something too important.”“ Your fine Bruce I’m almost finished with this. Why don’t you and Alfred wait in the hall and we can catch up in a minute. Actually why are you in wheel chair?” Bruce chuckles “I had a bad skiing accident over in Europe I’ll be in this for the next couple of months.” “Ahem! Yeah hey! Hi. Dead Pool over here remember main character and such?” “Hmmm? Oh yeah Bruce this guy calls himself Dead Pool he was the mercenary that killed Maroni.” Bruce’s facial expressions tried to convey surprise like he had no idea what was going on but Dead Pool could tell other wise. “ Really ? Being out of the country I hadn’t heard much about it. I did hear that the Joker escaped. There was a story about it on the radio while we were on our way over here.” Gordon looks the direction of Dead Pool. “I think we have that situation well under control.” “I see the use of a masked vigilante can prove to be useful” “Okay my silence limiter had just run out you know your talking to Batman right? I mean cmon I bet this guy hasnt been on vacation since he was like fifteen. I bet some bad guy broke his back or something. Was it that super muscle freak who’s missing? Yeah I read the papers I know what” “shut up will yah!!!!” Shouted Gordon. He looks back at Bruce and Alfred. “ Sorry this guy is crazy but I think it will help take down the Joker. And with the Batman missing the extra help finding the Joker can’t hurt right?"  Sitting there thoughtfully Bruce replied "Hmmm no I wouldn’t think it could hurt but is the goal to catch the joker and send him back to Arkham?” “Ha! Catch yeah that’s what I do pointy ears.” “Enough! I’m sick of your mouth one more word out of you and I’ll send you to Arkham. Geez your on crazy son of a.” “Um Jim I’m sure you have evertrying well at hand but if there’s anything I can do to help.” “Actually I could use some more ammunition and maybe some new guns. Oh! A driver I need a ride places can I borrow your butler?!” “Master Bruce if I may this might prove to be an ingenious idea that would provide Dead Pool with a certain inconspicuousness that could help with this mission . I’m sure that he wouldn’t put me in harms way.” “Ha! I mean yeah sure no harm will come to Alfred.”

“Welcome to the munitions wing of Wayne enterprise’s Deadpool.” said Bruce. The munitions wing had several rooms that branches off the main room but it had almost a garage type feeling to the main room it was wide open with a concrete floor. And a few long steel tables throughout.  On one of the tables was a wide array of guns. Pistols, machine guns and high powered rifles. “Oh boy! It’s just like Christmas!” exclaimed Deadpool. “I’ll just take these and some of these.” he said sweeping pistols and machine guns into a duffle bag. “It’s like Batman is my Santa Claus who knew?!” Bruce chuckled. “Come on do you really think that a billionaire in his mid thirties would run around in a suit of black spandex fighting crime. Isn’t that what the police are for?” “Aww so cute you trying to act like your not Batman. Also once this is over I would like to get home to my own universe where our movies rule the box office and our top hero is from the same planet we live on. Here is the magic ritual I used to get here but it won’t work to get me home. Any idea on how I could?” “Hmmm I’ll do some studying on this and get back with you.” Bruce said taking the information from Dead pool. “Sir! Sir!” an employee came in wearing a white Wayne enterprise coat. Presumably a scientist. “You have to come see what’s on the tv.”

“City hall has been attacked and the mayor has been taken hostage as well as several others employed by the city of Gotham.” a female news anchor on the tv said. She was dark haired and appeared to be of German decent. “ Hmmm I bet she smells nice.” said Deadpool. Everyone turned and looked his direction “What?” “Wait I’m getting information now.” The anchor waa listening to someone talking to get through her earpiece. “ The captor has a hold of a news camera and has requested….” suddenly the screen switched to a different camera. It was inside city hall, what appeared to be the mayors office it was dark. Too hard to tell what was going on but you could tell the camera wasn’t focused on anyone. “Ha ha ha ha!” the camera turned to show the joker in the mayors chair as the room got brighter. The Joker was wearing a deep purple suit with with a white shirt and green tie. His hair was slicked back and green. A face white as snow but not from makeup. Lips blood red with scarring around the mouth that looked like he was permanently smiling. But he was smiling as well. “Citizens of Gotham! Your new mayor is ready to make his initial speech.” “Dang I should’ve made some food I never watch good dramatic tv without food. Can we pause this so I can raid the vending machine? Oh I saw one of those frozen vending machines they have chimichangas! I have to have chimichangas!” Dead pool exclaimed. Again everyone turned and looked his direction. “What?” “First I an decreeing that all inmates from Arkham be released immediately. Secondly I am now hiring more city employees. If  no one applies. Well then they will be drafted. Like my new scretary.” The camera turns away from the Joker to a woman sitting on a couch. She was middle aged and had blonde hair. The most notable feature was her bizarre smile. “Joker must have used some sort of Neuro toxin on her. If can get in there and stop Joker we can get to her and whoever else and develop an antidote.” said Wayne. “If my demands aren’t met in 30 minutes. Well then I will blow up city hall with everyone in it.” The camera went through the door in the hallway showing the building lined with explosives. Joker laughed maniacally “Deadpool can you disarm those once your inside?” Bruce asked. “Yeah I would think so. Just incase though we may want there to be some sort of evacuation plan. Alfred I’d say it’s time to go.” They started to head for the door. “To the Wayne mobile.” Deadpool said in a Batman voice.

Our hero and his ride……“Shhhh lemme take over for a while said Deadpool.” “I’m sorry sir did you just shush and then refer to yourself in the third person?” Alfred questioned. “Eh kinda you wouldn’t understand it…..you know it’s a crazy thing.” “Hmmm I see well you and Joker should be well matched then.” “In a deep sounding narrator our hero contiued to tell his own story while he new found companion continued to drive the very fancy limo belonging to Batman….err I mean Bruce Wayne sorry I forget you guys don’t like to give out your "secret identities” Dead pool said notably.“ "My and I thought the Joker was strange.” “The sleek black ultra fancy limo pulled up  outside the ghastly city hall and our hero grabbed his bag of goodies to kill er I mean  to capture the evil Joker. Dead pool said in his deep narrator voice again. Switching back to normal voice now. Thanks Alfred and you know what story teller guy why don’t you take the story telling back for a bit I’m gonna be busy for a tad.”