#Hes probably allergic to solid food at this point

[diavolosboobies]

Lucifer also get's senior citizen discount when making purchases and that's why Mammon wants to use his credit card. Peepaw Luci gets all grumpy when Mammon steals his pension

SOBBING He probably has 30 cents left in his pension because "Technically he didn't take *all* of it 🙄"

His back is probably fucked up from that slab of concrete he sleeps on

He probably has them thick ass bottle lenses and several braces

[thelocalconstellation]

hold on I know I briefly mentioned my origins mod based escapades when I commented on why Viking should in fact be feared and why also dominon fix I think was probably underestimated but does anybody want to hear about some of the weird shit I pulled. No? Too bad.

I was the resident enderian. Spawn was this tiny tiny fuckoff island about 8 blocks from the main continent. Yeah it wasn't that bad. By the time I was added to the server somebody had built a tunnel across so I was not melted trying to get to a tree. This was the first like, big thing I'd done since 1.14, and unfortunately the server got like. updated, rebooted, and I don't think anybody has logged on in years, so I cannot provide screenshots, but here's the thing. The main continent was adjacent to the ocean.

so when deciding on a spot to build my house, I picked the most reasonable spot for somebody allergic to water.

About 30 blocks off the coast of the continent, straight up On The Water. I then proceeded to build the worlds most obnoxious tower that I was planning having stretch to build limit (unfortunately I never got there due to server shutdown) but as part of my house, I had no stairs for a Solid chunk of time. I solved this by having platforms I'd teleport to. Everybody else? Uh. They didn't. I eventually added stairs but until then uh. I have no idea how they navigated.

For a solid chunk of time my storage consisted of 6 single chests and my inventory. I think at some point the server owner made me a basement and put an automatic storage system in there, I never used it. It was small and I just. never used it. I have never used an auto sorter I have never built one and uh. Yeah.

My backyard was fuckin strange though. Because yeah, Big Obnoxious Tower in the middle of the ocean? There's no backyard. it was all built by me. It started as a small farm so I could make a food thing that worked much better than standard food. Then I pathed out a little more and added a tree growing platform. And branched off for eventually a turtle farm, a sugar cane farm, and a creeper/mob grinder. I got sick of placing trap doors eventually and gave up trying to make it creepers only but I want you to imagine this eyesore of a creeper grinder guys.

Not only was it likely far, far taller than any sane creature would have ever suggested (I've made taller ones now, that were fully creepers btw.) but it was also made of netherrack. And had a small portion of dark oak planks iirc. and it just came down this obsidian tube because the creepers hated everything I live for and a pair of trap doors that were supposed to be a step stool for the inchling and the vex. tiny little bastards. anyways the vex (who is named E btw. yeah we just call him E I'm related to this fucker.) never flipped the trapdoors back down? I promised him vengeance for this crime. he never logged on I. The Least active player and there were guys I've never met.

anyways. I later added an axolotl tank. and an excessively large farm. and there was also a bee enclosure. the chicken farm always was and forever will be Something to me. the turtle farm was because I could use scutes to make water resistance potions and I kept taking damage from the water (for obvious reasons.)

I had the Villager Pit, known as I dug out 4 chunks drove all 6 villagers in the village into the pit using boats, sealed it, and then proceeded to place down enough beds to cover the entire area and threw bread and vegtables at them regularly. this was before I learned how to properly wrangle villagers. I built another huge fuckoff farm on top of this and mobs spawned underneath it all the damn time. I actually had the waypoint for this place saved as "PIA - Potentially Illegal Activities" due to the severe villager mistreatment that undoubtedly took place. Including the initial unintentional massacre. the server was on normal for a solid bit of time until it got shuffled to hard purely for the sake of my lag zone.

there were over 200 villagers there, most of which sat and did nothing. I got weirdly good at separating zombie villagers into their own slots before curing them. I did this by infecting them like. 20 at a time and then dragging the zombie back to his containment hole. it was absolute anarchy I've never done villagers that way again and I never plan to.

My mine was on another continent a few hundred blocks out and I remember taking probably about 5-10 minutes to run all the way back from the end of my tunnel where I was mining to get back home. this was with me teleporting my ass off by the way I was not walking guys.

I had a massive castle build planned and I spent so much time clearing the 13 x 17 chunks to build it in and I never actually got around to building it and it also likely didn't help that it was 80 thousand blocks out that I had to traverse every time I went out there. I also had a horrible habit of not setting my spawn out there, dying, and then spending 20 minutes flying 10k blocks across the nether roof. this would happen going both ways. I had actually started the terraforming part, I should have a go at building the castle again at some point.

I got really petty at E at one point or another and spent probably an hour and several several stacks of bone meal growing double tall grass in front of his house for several blocks. this man was half a block tall and could fly, he got so mad at me for it he refused to log on until I fixed it. it inconvenienced the inchling more than it did E.

I had a network of several base locations I was working on and lodestones to nether portals hidden everywhere.

I had far, far too many shulker boxes. it was definitely a couple hundred. I had 5 elytra on display and they had a habit of getting fucking stolen so I renamed them all 1-5 and they got stolen a lot less after that. I have no idea who kept stealing them.

oh yeah I had no back door. The way you got in and out was through a half slab placed behind my house which I would teleport through. The solutions others had were either going up, over, or around, or if you were Rose, phasing through the blocks, or if you were Tree, being tiny enough to crawl through the gap.

I kept hiding my shulker boxes in my walls, I think I had 30 or so just under the walls in the nether layer of my house.

each layer of my house was themed, the first two were standard house inside and out and I eventually placed just So Many Barrels which were incredibly disorganized on the second floor, and the third layer looked normal enough from the outside but it was a very tall nether themed floor. above that was the end floor, which I think I ended up with the dragon egg and I kept that on display there. above that was the ocean monument floor, I think I made a mushroom floor above that for my friend Mayo, and above that was the landing pad. I had more planned but I never got around to building them,

At some point somebody, I think it was tree, built several large enderman themed things in my house and they never left despite blocking off access to my initial 6 chests because I loved them.

I had a few pet endermen. There were 4. I know one was named mark. they all vanished eventually and it was distinctly upsetting because I thought somebody killed them. no there was just a weird server thing.

there is. probably more. Weirdass server sometimes I tell ya

[another-dr-another]

if ur gonna go to ur room might as well bring the blanket

Maeda, narrating - Oh, true…

Maeda - Better to have and not need, than need and not have, right?

//Maeda has gotten changed into his pajamas, and now grabs both his pillow and his blanket from his bed.

Maeda - Alright, I’m ready to go.

Maeda - I wonder if Maki, Tomori, and Kobashikawa finished their game yet-

Maeda - Actually, I wonder if dinner is ready…

//Maeda leaves his dorm…

~*~ 

//…And, Maeda enters Tsurugi’s dorm.

Hatano - Maeda, hey!

Maeda - Hi!

Kobashikawa - …Wait, Maeda, spin…

Kobashikawa - Like, three-sixty, show me your outfit!

Maeda - …

//Maeda slowly spins, obliging a very content Kobashikawa.

Kobashikawa - Solid. A bit similar to mine, yeah?

Maeda - Is that why you like it?

Kobashikawa - I like that you took inspiration from me, yeah-

Kobashikawa - Wait, you can’t even see-

//Kobashikawa tugs the collar of his jacket aside, revealing the strap of a tank top.

Kobashikawa - That’s what I’m on about. The similarities literally start and end with the existence of a tank top we’re covering up.

Kobashikawa - …

Maeda - …

Maeda, teasing - You think I look good?

Kobashikawa - Those pants are good for your legs. I didn’t realize how long they are- 

Kobashikawa - Y’know, you could probably get away with showing up to breakfast in your pajamas every morning… I doubt anyone would get after you, so…

Maeda - …Hm. I’ll keep that in mind.

//Kobashikawa is sitting on the floor, doesn’t seem to have moved an inch- but Maeda notices now that there’s a plate near him, with a slice of pizza. Particularly, Maeda notices this because Kobashikawa went to eat while Maeda was responding to him, and is now looking at Maeda wide-eyed. He quickly takes his bite, and picks his whiteboard back up.

Kobashikawa - Pizza’s ready!

Kobashikawa - Uh- obviously…

Kobashikawa - This is shrimp and corn, and then, they also made a margherita-type one…

Kobashikawa - Tsurugi and Ōtori started taking “orders” just a little bit ago, one of them should be back in a second, and you can let them know.

//True to Kobashikawa’s word, just seconds after Kobashikawa finishes writing-

Tsurugi - Ah, Maeda!

//-Tsurugi shows up, holding two plates.

Tsurugi - Hiya. So, I wasn’t sure what type of pizza you’d want, but everyone else had food already,

Tsurugi - And what was I supposed to do, wait and ask you? No.

Tsurugi - There’s one of each on each plate, but if you’re allergic to shellfish, or tomato, 

Tsurugi - Or just happen to be a person with preferences, then you can mix and match and take what you want!

//Maeda walked back over to the door while Tsurugi talked, and is now looking at the plates.

Maeda - …

Maeda - I honestly don’t care-

//Maeda takes one of the plates and smiles.

Maeda - Thanks, Tsurugi.

Tsurugi - Don’t thank me, thank Uehara. 

Tsurugi - I wanted to let you starve, but he pointed out that that may not be considered nice?

Tsurugi - I wasn’t convinced, but it looks like he was right…

//Uehara appears in the doorway- or rather, just behind it, as Tsurugis still in the way.

Uehara - I took a gamble.

Tsurugi - Uehara!

Tsurugi - Did you make sure the dining hall door was left open?

Uehara - Yeah, it should be good.

Uehara - I made Ōtori get the door, so… if he didn’t prop it open right, it’s not my fault.

Tsurugi - …Where is Ōtori-

//Tsurugi looks down the hallway, bumping Uehara in the process.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - He’s not- he can’t get the door, I’m gonna-

//Tsurugi starts trying to leave, with a plate still in his hands, and Uehara still behind him.

Tsurugi - Kinji-hold-my-food-

//Tsurugi pushes his plate at Uehara, and darts down the hallway. Luckily for him, Uehara managed to get a grip on the plate before Tsurugi let go of it.

Uehara - …

Maeda - …

Uehara - Hey, Maeda.

Maeda - Hey! Food looks great- haven’t gotten to actually try it, but-

Uehara - Oh, thanks.

//They both begin to walk away from the door.

Uehara - …Y’know, I didn’t actually learn to make pizza dough until after I was in Japan.

Maeda - Really?!

Uehara - Mhm. Found a recipe online- it’s crazy how different search results are depending on the language you use-

Uehara - But, I found a recipe, and used it enough times that I’ve got it memorized.

Maeda - Huh…

//At this point, they’re both in their respective spots across the room, and are both finished with the conversation.

Maeda - …

//Maeda begins eating. 

Maeda - …It’s really good.

Maeda - I’m not usually a fan of pizza- and honestly, I’m picky with seafood,

Maeda - But this is great…

//Maeda looks around the room as he eats. Iranami is sitting near the door, further away from the wall than she’s been most of the night. Higa has moved as well, no longer by the bathroom, now close-ish to Iranami. Uehara is in the general area he’s been hanging out in, much like Kobashikawa, Maki, and Tomori, who are sitting around where Maeda left them, and chatting together. Maeda watches Hatano leave the bathroom and go sit across from Taira, who has taken Higa’s old spot. The latter’s absence has led to Maeda somewhat encroaching on the space she used to occupy- they aren’t sitting across from each other, but Maeda’s closer than he was before he left to get changed. 

Maeda - It’s quiet, with everyone eating…

//Maeda moves backwards, now leaning against the wall as he eats. Ōtori and Tsurugi enter now, sparking a bit of hushed conversation, but they quickly settle into their spots. Ōtori goes in the middle of the Iranami-Higa-Uehara trifecta, while Tsurugi heads straight for Uehara, finally reprieving Uehara of watching over his food.

Maeda - It’s a solid amount of food though.

Maeda - I’m still hungry right now, but I don’t think I’m going to get through all of it right now.

//Maeda continues eating.

Ōtori - Ow!

//Maeda looks over just in time to see a marker fall to the floor by Ōtori, and watches as Ōtori rubs at his head.

Kobashikawa - Is that my pillow? Don’t get your shit on it!

Ōtori - God, asshole… no, it’s not yours.

Kobashikawa - No? Then where is mine, Ōtori?

Ōtori - Right there!

//Ōtori points to a few pillows stacked haphazardly in one part of the room.

Kobashikawa - That’s one of them, but I brought two. 

Ōtori - I don’t- I don’t know, what did you do with your things?

Tomori - Wait, Kobashikawa, is your second pillow behind mine?

Kobashikawa - Which one’s yours?

Tomori - Green one- one of yours is on top of it… at least, I think that’s your pillow.

Maki - No, I think that’s mine.

Kobashikawa - The one on top of Tomori’s?

Maki - No, the one behind hers.

Kobashikawa - …

Tomori - …

Maki - …

Ōtori - …

Kobashikawa - …God damnit-

//Kobashikawa gets up and quickly crosses the room, making his way to the pile of pillows, which he quickly disassembles.

//He moves one pillow.

Kobashikawa - Tomori.

//He moves another.

Kobashikawa - Maki.

//He grabs another.

Kobashikawa - …

Iranami - …I think that’s mine.

Kobashikawa - Thank you.

//He throws it, same as all the others.

Kobashikawa - Iranami. 

//He grabs yet another pillow.

Kobashikawa, tentatively - …Hatano?

Hatano - Uh-huh.

Kobashikawa - …

//He tosses her pillow as well- then grabs the last pillow left.

Kobashikawa - Mine.

Ōtori - …

Kobashikawa - …

//They stare at each other- and after a moment, Uehara stands, and starts to approach.

Uehara - …Okay, y’know, this is probably a good opportunity to just take, like… inventory of all the shit we brought in-

//While Uehara talks, Kobashikawa begins to shuffle awkwardly on his knees, closing the distance between himself and Ōtori. It only takes a few seconds before he’s satisfied with his progress- and whacks Ōtori with his pillow. Luckily for Ōtori, Kobashikawa is just close enough to reach him, but far enough away that he falls forwards in the process, keeping Kobashikawa from non-stop attacking Ōtori.

Uehara - …

Uehara - Ah.

Tsurugi - …Ue, move, I can’t see-

//Uehara moves to the side just as Kobashikawa regains his balance, and goes back to trying to beat Ōtori, who’s now prepared enough to try and fend off the attacks, though he’s still at a major disadvantage, as he’s still flush with the floor, and unable to get up with Kobashikawa’s pillow barrage.

Tsurugi - …Okay, seems fine.

Uehara - Really?!

Tsurugi - Yeah, this is chill.

Ōtori - Help!

//Tsurugi continues to eat.

Tomori - …

//Maeda watches Tomori crawl forwards on her hands and knees… to where her pillow lies.

Maeda - …Oh god.

//Tomori grabs her pillow, sits for a moment and waits… before chucking her pillow between Ōtori and Kobashikawa.

Kobashikawa - !

//Kobashikawa turns to look at her- giving Ōtori enough time to get a grip on Tomori’s pillow, and swing it at Kobashikawa.

Ōtori - Ha!

//Kobashikawa looks back at Ōtori, and rapidly begins beating him with his pillow.

Ōtori - Ow!

Taira - …Karma

Tomori - …

//Tomori grabs the pillow that started this whole drama, and begins to hit both Kobashikawa and Ōtori indiscriminately.

Ōtori - Aaaaah!

//Kobashikawa largely ignores her, and focuses on continuing to whack Ōtori. Tomori’s laughter rings above the sounds of the pillow collisions- until it suddenly gets cut out, and Tomori is knocked over for the first time.

Uehara - Stop instigating!

//Tomori pops back up, still laughing excitedly. She tugs at the pillow Uehara’s holding, but can’t compose herself enough to actually engage a single muscle in her body. Uehara not only keeps his grip on his weapon (likely the only time his strength will prevail against an athletes), but manages to wrench it back, and thump Tomori with it again, causing her to tip over, again.

Uehara - You’re making the problem worse!

//Tomori seems thoroughly exhausted, more from laughing than anything else. She takes a moment to lie on the floor and try to catch her breath, giving Uehara time to stare disappointedly at Kobashikawa and Ōtori, still dueling.

Uehara - …

Tomori, wheezing - M… Maki- Maki help…

Maki - …

Maki - I don’t… think I want to do that…

Tomori, out of breath - Noo-o… help me!

Maki - …

//Tomori gets up on her knees- immediately, Uehara gently taps his pillow against her, letting her fend it off with ease.

Tomori - Uehara- c’mere, come to the floor. 

Uehara - Why?

Tomori - I can’t hit you well if you’re all the way up there…

Uehara - Compelling argument!

Uehara - …

//Uehara obliges, and promptly gets hit by Tomori-

Iranami - …

//And quickly, Iranami, who’s been sitting nearby, joins in.

Uehara - What did I do?!

Tomori - Got in my way!

Tomori - Iranami, get him!

//Iranami continues to smack Uehara with her pillow.

Kobashikawa - …

//Kobashikawa has been laser-focused this entire time, and yes, is still attacking Ōtori, who at this point, has largely given up on fighting back. All hope seems lost for him until-

Tomori - Aaah!

//Tomori is knocked down once again- this time by Tsurugi, who begins randomly whacking at everyone in sight.

Uehara - B-Boy help!

//Uehara gets whacked by Tsurugi’s pillow. Approximately two seconds after, Iranami topples over on top of him- the unfortunate victim of both an attack from Tsurugi, and a poorly timed, worse-aimed counterattack from Tomori. 

Tsurugi - Aaa! Sorry!

Tsurugi - Tomori, you killed her!

//Tomori responds by winding up and whacking Tsurugi- finally giving Ōtori a chance at escape, as Tsurugi collides with Kobashikawa.

Kobashikawa - !

Ōtori - Finally!

Tsurugi - …Oh no- Aaaaa!

//Ōtori begins trying to attack Kobashikawa, who’s doing oddly well fending him off-

Tsurugi - Oww!

//But is a bit distracted by the fact he and Tsurugi are so entangled that Tsurugi can’t escape.

Tomori - …

Ōtori - …

//Ōtori seems to be considering easing up for a moment so Tsurugi can escape. He does not take the kind route- and promptly gets whacked in the head by Tomori. Maeda watches as Uehara and Tomori quickly execute their extraction plan- added at the end by a confused, but helpful Kobashikawa, who helps a bit with pushing and pulling Tsurugi away, but mostly just gets out of the way, which is help enough.

Tsurugi, panting - Jesus…

Uehara - Poor soldier…

Kobashikawa - …

//Kobashikawa looks at Ōtori, and just as he sits up, hits him with his pillow, quickly using Ōtori’s lack of balance against him to regain his advantage.

Iranami - …

//Hatano walks by, briefly obscuring Maeda’s vision- he notices she’s holding a pillow of her own, and watches her sit next to Iranami. 

Maeda - …

//Once again, its silent, bar the sounds of Kobashikawa’s pillow thumping against Ōtori.

Hatano - …

Tsurugi - …

Uehara - …

//Without exchanging a single word- all five students suddenly begin wildly attacking both Ōtori and Kobashikawa.

Hatano - Ha! Take that!

Tsurugi - Vive la révolution! 

Tomori - Death to the bourgeoisie!

//It very quickly devolves back into everyone attacking everyone. 

Maeda - …

//Maeda reaches a hand forward, placing it on Taira’s pillow- he quickly manages to catch her eye.

Maeda - ?

Taira - …

//She nods, so Maeda grabs the pillow, and quickly chucks it in the approximate center of the mass of students. Multiple screams ensue, and the pillow is briefly bounced around, before getting knocked out of the circle.

Maeda - …I’m just realizing I brought my own pillow.

//Maeda grabs his pillow, and once again gets Taira’s attention- this time, holding his own pillow up apologetically. She shrugs, unbothered, and goes back to spectating the fight.

Maeda - …

Maeda - …Fuck it.

//Maeda joins the fray, joining the others in swinging wildly- and quickly, gets swung at himself. It seems that in the middle of it all, Kobashikawa is still doing his best to hit Ōtori, though he’s frequently getting knocked around by assorted pillows. 

Maeda - Bad idea, bad idea, bad idea-

Maeda - Very fun, but a very bad id-

//Maeda is knocked to the floor for the first time.

Maeda - …Very fun.

//Maeda does his best to get back up- it takes a few tries, most of which are thwarted by someone or other targeting him, but eventually gets back onto his knees.

Maeda - Who should I get-

//Maeda spots Hatano, slightly tilted over, and quickly smacks her in the side with his pillow, further tipping her. She yelps, not expecting an attack from that side, and quickly whirls around to try and get the offender back. Maeda does his best to seem innocent- and whacks Kobashikawa, coincidentally syncing up with Tomori on a target. Kobashikawa gets knocked around slightly, but is generally undeterred 

Maeda - Damn. All this over a pillow?

Maeda - Well, I guess it’s more about the principle than anything n-

//Maeda is whacked in the head.

Maeda - !

//Maeda, still disoriented, tries to get up- just to get knocked down again.

Maeda - !!!

//Maeda blinks, and sees Taira, holding the pillow he threw earlier. She quickly hits someone- then looks at Maeda, waiting for him to try and get back up.

Maeda - …God damn it-

//Maeda shifts to his elbows… and tries to slowly, steadily get back up, watching Taira as she watches him back, waiting for the right moment-

Taira - !

//She swings, and Maeda braces himself- just to feel something under his arm a split second before he gets yanked backwards.

Maeda - Ack!

//Maeda ends up on his back once more- but this time, doesn’t land on the floor, rather, he realizes quickly that he’s landed on whoever tugged him away-

Maeda - Ugh…

//Maeda manages to inch away, further from Taira, and off of his savior. At least, he thinks he’s off them, until-

Maki - Ow! 

Maeda - Sorry!

//He realizes he wound up laying on top of golden hair- which he quickly identifies as Makis, once he scrambles away.

Maki - It’s fine… I don’t have a hair tie, so-

//Without a single thought, Maeda quickly tugs a hair tie from his wrist, and holds it out to Maki.

Maki - …Oh. Thank you.

Maki - Anyways- it didn’t seem like Taira had any plans to let you go, so…

Maeda - Playing favorites?

Maki - Instinct, honestly- I should’ve let her get you.

Maeda - I’m grateful for your instinct.

//Maki has finished tying her hair back, and now sits up, looking at Maeda. Before he can process that she’s grabbed her pillow- she’s hit him in the face with it.

Maeda - Aah!

//By the time Maeda has shaken himself off, Maki has left- now going after Tomori, who tries to get her back, just to get attacked from behind by Uehara.

Maeda - …

//Maeda hits Hatano with his pillow. Again.

Hatano - Maeda!

Maeda - …

//Maeda avoids the situation by attacking Kobashikawa. Again.

Tsurugi - …

//Maeda sees Tsurugi, across the huddle of students, get up, and leave- Maeda would try to see where he’s going, but he promptly gets bumped by a pillow with no owner?

Maeda - ?!

//Maeda looks around, and realizes that the only student who hasn’t joined the fray is Higa… who is lacking the pillow Maeda saw near him earlier.

Tsurugi - Kobashikawa?

//Kobashikawa turns to look at Tsurugi, and it’s as though he still holds some power over the group from being the first to start- everyone shifts around to let him see Tsurugi, and follows his gaze over.

Tsurugi - Is this your second pillow?

//Tsurugi is holding a pillow- not the one he’s been using (which Maeda recognizes as the one Uehara used to whack Tomori initially) but one… with the same pillowcase as the one Kobashikawa’s been using as his weapon of choice.

Kobashikawa - Yes!

Ōtori - …All this because you didn’t notice your pillow right there?!

Kobashikawa - No! No, this was exactly my point!

//Kobashikawa gets up and starts explaining.

Kobashikawa - No. Because, we started over here, you were sitting a bit to the right of where Tsurugi grabbed the pillow-

Kobashikawa - When I started hitting you, you went further to the right, so it makes sense the pillow, when knocked away, would go to the left- you went away from it.

Kobashikawa - You had the pillow you’ve been using, and underneath it was my pillow.

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - Then just ask me to put the pillow down?

Kobashikawa - …

//Kobashikawa dives at Ōtori.

Ōtori - NO-

//The class shrieks and scatters away, Maeda included, in what’s either a delayed response to almost getting trampled a few seconds ago, or a preemptive attempt to avoid Kobashikawa and Ōtori, both flailing.

Tsurugi - …Huh.

Tomori - Is now maybe a good time to call it quits, or…

Uehara - I meant to start organizing…

Tsurugi - …

//Tsurugi narrows his eyes.

Maeda - …I’m so out of breath. Jesus.

//Maeda watches as Kobashikawa slows his frantic smacking, rhythmically thumping Ōtori a few times, before slowing to a stop, standing up… and walking away.

Ōtori - …

Ōtori, panting - Holy… shit…

//Kobashikawa walks over to his second pillow, grabbing it from where Tsurugi had abandoned it just a moment ago.

Maeda - …Ah-

//Suddenly, Kobashikawa whirls around, and hurls both pillows directly at Ōtori.

Ōtori - !!!

//As Ōtori recoils, Kobashikawa drops to the ground like a stone, both feigning death, and closing himself off from any interaction, as he doesn’t have his whiteboard, and isn’t facing Ōtori.

Ōtori - …

//Ōtori tosses the pillows back to Kobashikawa- one lands on his side, and the other on top of the first. Kobashikawa doesn’t react beyond slightly shifting his position.

Uehara - …We should really organize…

Uehara - Does everyone have their own pillow, or?

//A solid fifty percent of the class abandoned their pillows in their attempt to escape Kobashikawa earlier.

Uehara - …Okay.

//Uehara stands, and starts grabbing pillows.

Uehara - Higa, this should be yours, this is Tomori’s…

//He tosses both pillows to their respective owners.

Uehara - Alright… Kobashikawa has his pillows-

//Maeda quietly moves back to where he was sitting prior to the impromptu pillow fight-

Maeda - …Wait- what a cliche!

Maeda - A literal pillow fight during a sleepover. Huh.

//And watches as Uehara begins to organize. Maeda would go help, but his belongings are all together still, and past that, only Taira’s things are in the area he’s in. Uehara seems to be concerned with getting everyone their own items back, and probably appreciates Maeda being out of the way.

Maeda - …

//Maeda finds his abandoned plate and begins eating again.

Maeda - Cold now, but still good.

//…Maeda gets hit with a pillow.

Maeda - !

//Maeda moves the pillow, and notices Taira looking at him.

Taira - Maeda, would you set that on my blanket for me?

Maeda - …

//Maeda obliges, and Taira smiles.

Maeda - She easily could’ve thrown that on her blanket instead of at me.

//Maeda readjusts, and goes to continue eating. He looks up- and immediately makes eye contact with Higa, still sitting across the room.

Higa - ?

Maeda - …???

Maeda - What is Higa looking at me like that for?...

//Higa gets up, and approaches Maeda.

Maeda - …Aw shit-

//Higa crosses the room, and sits down next to Maeda without saying a word.

Higa - Hey.

Higa - Do you know how to play Solitaire?

//Higa shakes a deck of cards he brought over with him as Maeda moves his plate off of his lap.

Maeda - …I think so, yeah.

Maeda - May not remember all the rules, but I’ve got the basic concept.

Higa - Cool.

Higa - Want to play a round with me?

//Higa is currently shuffling the cards.

Maeda - …

Maeda - Yeah, sure.

//Higa nods, and stops shuffling the cards. He sets the deck on the floor, fans the cards out, and quickly begins arranging them into a configuration that's vaguely-familiar to Maeda.

Higa - We start with Ace, and go up to King. When you find the Ace of a suit, place it here.

Higa - Usually, multiplayer Solitaire is just multiple people playing their own game, but we can work together, because you aren’t familiar with Solitaire, and I only have one deck.

Higa - …Uh…

Higa - I’m not used to explaining this.

Higa - Look- see how there’s a six of diamonds, and a seven of spades? Because they’re different colors, you can move the six on top of the seven- go ahead.

//Maeda…moves the six on top of the seven.

Higa - So, now we flip over the card that the six was covering-

Higa - Oh, perfect- so, it’s an eight, and it’s red, which means both the seven and the six should be moved.

//Maeda is already in the process of moving both the cards.

Higa - And now, we flip over the next card.

//Maeda has already flipped over the next card.

Maeda - We use the deck now, right? Because we can’t play with any of the cards that are face-up?

Higa - Mhm.

//Higa reaches for the deck of leftover cards, and flips the first one over.

Higa - Ace of spades!

Higa - Here, put it wherever- above the four right-most rows of cards.

//Maeda puts it above the row of cards three from the right.

Maeda - Is that gonna bug him, because it isn’t in the first or fourth spot?

//Maeda glances at Higa. Higa has already flipped over the next card, and is looking to see if he can play it.

Maeda - …Fine by me.

//Maeda and Higa spend some time side-by-side, working their way through the game of Solitaire Higa set up. It’s a bit oddly executed- it really isn’t a two player game- but despite Higa’s general behavior, and what Maeda was witness to earlier… it goes well. They idly chat, mostly about the game, and what move they should make, but mostly, they silently work their way through the fifty-two cards, and eventually have them all stacked up into their suits.

Uehara - Okay. Every item has a person, and every person has all their items, yeah?

//The class- at least, the students involved in organizing- all agree.

Tsurugi - Hooray!

Maeda, to Higa - …Is this what you were playing earlier?

Higa - Oh, yes, that’s correct. Solitaire is an iconic card game, and one of the few that are meant for one player.

Higa - All you need is a deck of cards- did you know, that whenever you shuffle a deck of cards, it’s near impossible that that exact order of cards has ever been seen before?

Higa - By near impossible, I mean, it’s unlikely the same configuration of cards will ever occur before humanities extinction.

Maeda - …

Hatano - We should pick out places for everyone to sleep now…

Tomori - Isn’t it a bit early in the night?

Hatano - Why not, though!

Maeda - …I’m gonna use my Lucky Student powers to make that happen. 

Higa - Oh?

//Maeda grabs the cards.

Maeda - Mhm. Here, I’ll start shuffling- grab a pen and paper, and get down the order of the cards.

Higa - …

Maeda - …Not only am I gonna get the same order twice, I’ll get ‘em in a row.

//Higa rolls his eyes- and while it’s not a light, teasing thing, Maeda doesn’t feel there’s malice behind it. Maeda shuffles the deck once, then hands the cards to Higa.

Hatano - Uhm… I’ll sleep over here!

Hatano - …Who’s pillow is this?

Higa - …

//Higa stands, sliding the cards into their box as he goes.

Higa - That’s mine, go ahead and toss it to me.

Hatano - …Okay.

//Hatano grabs Higa’s long forgotten pillow, and throws it to him. He catches it with ease, and lays it out by Tsurugi’s bed frame. 

Higa - …

Uehara - …

Tsurugi - …Okay, so, I’ll sleep here-

Uehara, quickly - I’m sleeping next to Tsurugi.

Uehara - …You all are scary and I need him to keep me safe.

//Uehara not only towers over the rest of the class, but is also just a generally intimidating person. Despite his quips, it’s obvious there’s a reason he wants to sleep by Tsurugi- with students starting to move to where they’ll be sleeping, this means Tsurugi and Higa will be by each other. Maeda recognizes that Uehara’s been repeatedly making an effort to keep them away from each other, so, of course he wants to be nearby.

Maeda - I’m comfortable right now…

//The class continues to organize each other, and wind up with the following layout. First off, Higa is next to Tsurugi’s bed frame, on an otherwise unused futon mattress. The mattress of Tsurugi’s bed is next to him, and currently holds Tsurugi and Uehara- because of Tsurugi’s nightstand, they aren’t sleeping in a line, rather, Tsurugi’s head is next would be next to his nightstand if he laid down, while the nightstand is at the top of Higa’s head. Hatano is lying perpendicular to Tsurugi and Uehara, along the wall, on the part of the floor that’s been taken over by tatami mats. All the way across the room from Hatano is Iranami, and next to her is Maki. After Maki is Maeda, and next to him is Taira, who somehow wound up with a whole mattress (taken off of Tomori’s bed) to herself- Maeda could probably fit on it as well, but he’s fine without invading her space. Those four are taking up just about all the room over there, leaving Tomori, Ōtori, and Kobashikawa. Tomori is lying near Taira, by Tsurugi’s footboard, across the room from the door, and closest to the bathroom.

Ōtori - …

Ōtori - We’ve done pretty well, given that we’re working around…

//Ōtori gestures at Kobashikawa, who still hasn’t gotten up from the floor after lying down earlier. Maeda would think he’d fallen asleep, or worse, be it not for the fact that Kobashikawa rearranged his pillows some time ago, moving one under his head, and the other being somewhere near his face- Maeda can’t quite see.

Kobashikawa - …

Uehara - I mean, you both have plenty of space there, yeah? If you both have room to sleep, what’s the issue?

Ōtori - …Yeah, that’s true.

//Ōtori and Kobashikawa are both in the empty space between Hatano and Iranami-Maki, and next to Uehara. Uehara’s right- they’ve found space for everyone to sleep, when the time comes. For now though, it’s still early in the night, and everyone’s bright and awake. 

Maeda - …!

//Very suddenly, Kobashikawa sits up.

Kobashikawa - Guys, we should play Uno.

Maki - …All of us?

Kobashikawa - I mean, whoever wants to play?

//Kobashikawa stands up.

Kobashikawa - …Except, uh, Tsurugi. Tsurugi, we’re kicking you out.

Tsurugi - …

//…Tsurugi’s lower lip trembles.

Tsurugi - …Again?

Tsurugi - First Blackjack, now this?

//Tsurugi starts to cry.

Ōtori - You didn’t get kicked out of Blackjack, everyone just decided your win didn’t count because you got 21 on your first go.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - Oh my god, you���re right!

//Tsurugi is no longer crying. 

Tsurugi - Okay, all better then.

//Kobashikawa has found the deck of Uno cards, and begins toying with them-

Maeda - …Oh shit, that’s right- he doesn’t know how to shuffle cards.

//Maeda gets up, and begins going over to try and take the cards off of Kobashikawas hands.

Tomori - …

Taira, amused - Tomori, are you okay?

Tomori - …

Tomori - Have you ever played Uno with more than like… six people before?

Tomori - If you get over ten people, it’s like…

Tomori - Guys, we have to all play. We can’t let this chance go to waste!

//Maeda silently extends his hands out to Kobashikawa, offering him the opportunity to pass the cards off. Kobashikawa smiles, and gives the cards to Maeda, who starts shuffling. While he fixes the deck, the class all begins to form a circle- Tomori’s dreams seem to be coming true.

Kobashikawa - Oh good, I’m glad you know I was joking, Tsurugi.

Tsurugi, in the circle - Huh?

Tsurugi - Oh! Yeah, I was just playing pretend. You have to let me play, or else…

Tomori - Or else I’ll be sad, because we need over ten people.

Maki - …Tsurugi, did you actually have a threat up your sleeve?

Tsurugi - I mean, I have an idea for one, if you wanna hear.

Maki - Yeah, I do- you’re not allowed to play anymore, Tsurugi.

Tsurugi - …You’ll let me play, unless you want me to start looking over everyone’s shoulder and saying what cards they have.

Kobashikawa - Wow.

Maki - Yeah, that’s right up your alley…

//Tsurugi smiles, and Maeda passes the cards to Kobashikawa.

Kobashikawa - How many cards?

Taira - Seven, and the person to the left of the dealer plays first.

Hatano - Yay!

//Kobashikawa quickly deals out eleven stacks of seven as Maeda looks around the circle. Starting from Kobashikawa and going left, there’s Hatano, then Uehara, Tsurugi, Ōtori, Taira, Maeda, Higa, Maki, Tomori, and finally, Iranami to Kobashikawa’s right. The circle is large enough that some of the students can’t reach the pile being dealt for them, and Kobashikawa isn’t even trying to get their hands near them. Rather, once Kobashikawa has set down the remaining cards to be pulled from, Iranami starts passing stacks of cards down, with Hatano following suit after seeing what she’s doing.

Kobashikawa - Everyone have seven cards?

//Once the students have checked and confirmed, Kobashikawa leans forward, and flips over the first card- a red three.

Hatano - Uh- gimme a sec to sort through my cards…

//Hatano quickly arranges her cards, then places down a red +2.

Tsurugi - Oh! Are we playing where, if you have to draw, that takes up your turn, or like… does Uehara draw two, then play?

Hatano - The former, it’s better.

Kobashikawa - …We’re doing a vote-

Hatano - Over this?!

Kobashikawa - You can cede to me, if you don’t care.

Hatano - …

//Hatano raises her hand.

Hatano - All in favor of playing- uh, the version I’m for?

//Ōtori, Tomori, Maki, and Higa raise their hands. After a moment, they lower their hands, and Kobashikawa raises his- followed by Uehara, Tsurugi, Taira, and Maeda.

Hatano - It came out even…

Uehara - …Huh?

Uehara - It shouldn’t have. We have eleven people.

Hatano - We do?

Uehara - Mhm. Tomori said earlier, uh…

Uehara - Shit- when Tsurugi was talking about playing, Tomori said he needs to because we need over ten people.

Uehara - Just one person determines if we have over ten people, or exactly ten, meaning the count is ten-and-one, or, eleven.

Tomori - Ah, good maths!

Uehara - Hell yeah!

Ōtori - …You could also just… count.

Uehara - Dude, why do you keep doing this?

Hatano - Who didn’t vote?

Hatano - Uh… Iranami!

Iranami - …Sorry.

Hatano - C’mon! You’re the tiebreaker- you have to vote!

Iranami - …

Iranami - I’m on Kobashikawa’s side.

Hatano - …

//Hatano places her head in her hands, and groans.

Uehara - …Wait, it’s my move-

//Uehara draws two cards.

Uehara - So, we… democratically decided I can play, yeah?

Higa - Mhm.

Uehara - Got it…

~*~

Maeda - …Bullshit talent.

Maeda - Kobashikawa can take his “taking you to Vegas” joke and shove it.

//Maeda is still playing, and has a solid amount of cards in his hand. Kobashikawa, on the other hand, got out first- 

Kobashikawa, earlier - …Lol. Lmao, even.

//Followed by Iranami,

Iranami, earlier - …Sorry- draw four, I’ll change it to… I don’t know, blue?

//Then Tomori,

Tomori, earlier - I placed on the podium! It’s thanks to all those rounds against my old cheer squad…

//And Maki, 

Maki, earlier - Hah! Thanks, Hatano- that’s just the color I wanted.

//Then finally (for now), Ōtori.

Ōtori - Shouldn’t have played that plus two against me, Taira. I drew nothing but wild cards.

Taira - I knew that was going to backfire on me…

Taira - That’s what optimism and refusal to believe in premonitions gets you…

Maeda - …When did you use a plus two on him? We haven’t reversed in awhile.

//Taira plays, and Maeda starts looking for a card to use.

Taira - It was a while ago, Ōtori just kept getting skipped over.

Taira - Again, I had a bad feeling, so I kept trying to skip him, so someone would hit him with a plus two, or a plus four…

//Maeda plays a card.

Taira - Great job of that, by the way, Tsurugi.

Tsurugi - Well I had a premonition that I shouldn’t have hit Ōtori with drawing anymore cards, so…

//The game goes on.

Tomori - …

//Tomori suddenly looms over the group, visibly dismayed. 

Hatano - What’s up?

Tomori - …You all aren’t finishing any time soo-

Uehara - Fuck you.

Tsurugi - Draw four!

Uehara - I’m drawing four!

Taira - …I’m sorry for what I said about your Uno decisions. I no longer have an issue with how you choose to play your cards.

Tsurugi - Does anyone have a reverse?

Taira - Don’t.

Uehara - I probably have one somewhere…

Tsurugi - Mmm…

Tomori - …

//Maeda looks up just in time to see Tomori walking away from the group.

Tomori - Okay, winners game of…

Tomori - …What do you guys want to play?

Kobashikawa - Bored?

Tomori - Yeah- pick a game, Kobashikawa.

Kobashikawa - …

Tomori - …This one?

//Kobashikawa shakes his head.

Tomori - This?

//Maeda strains to see what’s going on- Kobashikawa is trying to point at a game, with limited success.

Maeda - …He wouldn’t be having this issue if he hadn’t been an asshole and played all his cards.

//Kobashikawa has resorted to his usual tactic of “throw marker”, years of practice paying off well, as always.

Tomori - !

Tomori - …I feel like you’ve said before that you want to play Monopoly.

Taira - Maeda, your turn.

Maeda - Sorry!

//Maeda looks at the last card played, then his own card- and grabs the last card in the draw pile, which he can’t play.

Maeda - Gonna shuffle the cards real quick…

Tomori - Do you all want to play?

Ōtori - I’ll play-

Tomori - Ōtori, you should be the banker! Because, like, your talent is all about finances…

Ōtori - I’m going to launder money.

Tomori - I’m glad you know how to play true Monopoly already, then.

Kobashikawa - Is “true” Monopoly just illegal Monopoly?

Tomori - Yeah. You aren’t really playing unless you’re committing theft.

Tomori - …Right, Tsurugi?

Tsurugi - Uhhh… I wasn’t really listening, but… did you know that the most money lost to theft in the United States is wage theft?

Ōtori - Do you know about politics outside of the States?

Tsurugi - Yeah, but I don’t think it’s a great idea for me to be on camera talking about my love for…

Tsurugi - …I was gonna make a joke, but actually, I’m cutting myself off there. 

Tsurugi - Uno.

Maeda -  Taira, please tell me you have a draw two you can use.

//Taira hums.

Tomori - Maki, Iranami, are you two playing?

Maki - I guess I’ll try…

Iranami - …I think I’m good…

Maki - Isn’t it true that like… Monopoly was originally meant to be played with different rules that led to a better experience? As a model of some… economic theory?

Tomori - I’d say look it up, but…

Kobashikawa - I’m pretty sure that’s right. I don’t remember the details, but I know it was originally made by a lady- in England, I think- and there was a whole mess with patents.

Tomori - Huh.

//It’s silent for a moment, as the students playing Uno are yet continuing their game, and the students playing Monopoly work on setting up their own game.

Tsurugi - …

//Tsurugi plays his final card.

Tsurugi - Hah!

Uehara - Damn… gonna go play Monopoly?

Tsurugi - I’ll watch…

Tomori - …Iranami, remember when we played Sorry last night?

Iranami - Yeah?

Tomori - Do you want to play like that again?

Tomori - If you just play for a bit now, then it’ll be like… a team account that other people can play with later- you won’t have to sit through the whole game.

Iranami - …

Iranami - Okay…

Tomori - Hooray! The more the merrier…

//Tsurugi was about to go and sit down by the people playing Monopoly… but shifts back, and sits right where he’d been while playing Uno.

Maeda - If Taira doesn’t change the color, I can probably use the rest of my red-

//Taira plays down a wild card.

Taira - Yellow.

Maeda - …

Maeda - Damn it.

//Maeda uses his own wild card, and immediately changes it back to red.

Higa - …

//Higa plays- and once again, time passes, as the two groups of students play.

Maeda - I wonder what everyone else has in their hand…

//Maeda looks around- Uehara in particular has a lot of cards, predominantly from one bad streak where he just couldn’t draw a card he could play. Now though, he’s far from short on cards, and quickly plays, followed by Taira.

Hatano - !

Hatano - Ah!

Maeda - …?

//Taira has changed the color once again, going from green to blue, and sparking Hatano’s reaction. Maeda plays a blue card- he’s hesitant to do so, since Hatano has one card left, but doesn’t have anything else he can play.

Higa - …That’s an eight, right?

Maeda - Yeah.

//Higa puts down a red eight.

Hatano - !

//Hatano plays her last card- a blue eight.

Hatano - Let’s go!

Iranami - …Hatano, did you just play your last card!

Hatano - Yeah!

Hatano - Coming in… wow, dead center, actually…

Tomori - Hatano, do you want to come play Monopoly?

Hatano - Nah, I’m good- really not a fan…

Iranami - …

//Tsurugi is still hanging out around the Uno group- at least, he’s in the general vicinity. At one point he took Iranami’s place playing Monopoly for a bit, but that was only brief, and he’s long been back. Currently, he’s doing… something or other with the shelves by his bed- or maybe he’s looking through his nightstand? Maeda is a bit preoccupied, as he and the other Uno players are focused on their game…

Uehara - Uh, here- Ah! Wait, uh, nevermind… give me a second…

//…At least, mostly… Uehara’s having a bit of a rough time, as he still hasn’t been able to make a dent in the amount of cards he has.

Maeda - …I’ll bet it’s just getting worse for him, as time goes on.

Maeda - Which makes sense, right? If all he has is number cards, that means the cards that are getting shuffled are more likely to be action cards.

Maeda - So, even if someone else has to draw, they’re more likely to draw an action card, and he’s more likely to be skipped, or have to draw, because there aren't as many people.

Maeda - But, who knows, maybe all he has is wild cards and draw  fours, and he’s just making really bad choices.

//Tsurugi turns, and looks at Uehara.

Tsurugi - …

Tsurugi - You have so many cards, Uehara…

Tsurugi - Can I- guys, is it okay if I go through Uehara’s cards real quick? I won’t tell him what to play, I just wanna help organize.

Higa - …

Maeda - Yeah, go for it Tsurugi.

Uehara - Thanks…

//Tsurugi smiles- but it quickly drops, as he becomes focused on taking Uehara’s cards and organizing them. Uehara keeps a few, but most are passed to Tsurugi, who quickly starts flipping through them. Maeda, lacking anything else to do, watches Tsurugi sort, shifting different cards to be held in place by different fingers- 

Tsurugi - …

//Then quickly nudging at Uehara, and doing his best to wave a few cards at him. Uehara takes the cards Tsurugi’s offering, and passes the remainder of his cards to Tsurugi, who goes back to sorting.

Uehara - …Forgot I had these-

//Uehara plays one of his cards.

Maeda - …

//Taira sets down one of her cards- Maeda checks to confirm the card he wants to play is still viable, then places it on top of Tairas. Higa goes as well, bringing play back to Uehara, who’s a bit more prepared now (though Tsurugi is still straightening out some cards), and is able to quickly play a card again.

Taira - Back to you, Uehara.

Uehara - Ah, yeah, alright-

//Uehara sets down another card, which is immediately followed by one of Higas.

Higa - …Reversing it again.

//Uehara plays once more.

Maeda - …Assuming his cards are organized by color, and he’s holding all of his blues, then he’s almost out…

//Taira plays- a blue five.

Maeda - …

//Maeda looks at his cards, and elects to ignore his blue cards, instead, playing a yellow five.

Higa - …Cool.

//Higa places down a yellow skip- which Maeda now notices is his last card.

Higa, leaving - Have fun.

Uehara - …That skips me, right?

Taira - Mhm. My turn.

//Taira begins drawing cards- after she has to draw a few times, Maeda leans forward, and moves the deck to be closer to her, then shifts his spot to account for the amount of people that have left the circle.

Maeda - Just us now, so, no problem with moving it.

Taira - Mhm…

//Taira continues to draw- then eventually, grabs and plays a green skip.

Taira - Your turn, Uehara.

Uehara - Got it…

//Uehara sorts through his cards briefly, before settling on what he wants to play- a green reverse.

Maeda - …Second time I’m missing out on a turn.

//The three remaining students continue with their game, turns passing quick enough that Maeda doesn’t pay any attention to the round of Monopoly going on. Tsurugi stays sitting by Uehara, watching the game, and looking over Uehara’s shoulder at his cards- not offering any help, just looking. Eventually…

Taira - Uno.

Maeda - …

//Maeda looks at their cards- Taira does in fact, have one card left. He has a solid five or six, and Uehara… has many.

Maeda - …It’s not that Uehara can’t make a surprise come back, but…

Uehara - I’m starting to wonder if we should call it quits…

Taira - …

//Taira tosses down her final card- it’s green, which is all Maeda needs to see to know that if the game had continued, she likely would’ve been able to play it on her next turn, as he’d have no plans to change the color, and it’s likely Uehara wouldn’t have either.

Maeda - Yeah…

//He tosses down his own cards for everyone to see- three green, two yellow, and a blue.

Uehara - …

//Uehara organizes all his cards into one deck, then sets it down face-up, and dramatically lays them all out in one swooping motion.

Uehara - Voi-fucking-la.

Tsurugi - What a cool magic trick! 

Uehara - I’m so cool…

//Uehara is already in the process of laying down on the mattress.

Uehara - I get why you two wanted to give it up. It was really obvious I was about to win, so…

Uehara - Had one card left, and it was a wild! Victory was inevitable!

Maeda - I didn’t hear you say Uno, so that’s plus two.

Uehara - …

Uehara - La-la-la, I can’t hear you, la-la-la, you’re jealous of meee…

Tomori - Kobashikawa, I swear to god, I am never letting you pick a game ever again.

Maki - It doesn’t end… It just does not end…

Higa - That’s one of the issues with Monopoly- player elimination is a problem when the game is so long. It takes forever for people to get out, and someone to win, which is frustrating,

Higa - Not to mention, it’s a game of luck, not skill- even more so than many dice games. This makes the length worse, as

Maki - Higa, your turn. Roll.

Higa - …

Maki - I will roll for you if you don’t go now.

Higa - Alright, calm down…

//Maeda hears the familiar sound of dice hitting a board- before it’s drowned out by a cacophony of shrieks and screams. The students all begin talking, too fast, and too many of them for Maeda to work out what’s going on.

Taira - …

Taira - Do… you want to go see what’s happening?

Maeda - Getting involved in drama never had any negative impacts for anyone, right?

Taira - Right…

//Maeda arranges all the cards into one stack and slides them back into the box while Taira goes to look at the Monopoly board. It isn’t long before Maeda joins her and the majority of the class, but…

Maeda - …I have no clue what I’m looking at.

//Maeda’s Monopoly knowledge is failing him. Ōtori, Tomori, Kobashikawa, Maki, and Higa are all currently sitting at the board, doing their best to surround the four-sides equally. Maeda is behind Ōtori, who’s next to Tomori, with Maki on her other side, and Hatano looking over Maki’s shoulder. Iranami is furthest away, sitting across from Maeda- in front of her, and much closer, is Kobashikawa, with the last participant, Higa, sitting between Ōtori and Kobashikawa.

Maki - Can I just…

Maki - Is there any way I can intentionally bankrupt myself? 

Tomori - …I want so badly to tell you that that’s not in the spirit of the game, and to stay motivated and find something about this to enjoy…

Tomori - …

Tomori - But I can’t.

Tomori - It’s- we’re just playing endlessly at this point, and for what reason?

Tomori - Ōtori is going to win. This is obvious. There is no ending of this where Ōtori doesn’t win.

Kobashikawa - …Revolution?

Higa - …

Higa - ………

Tomori - …

Tomori - Have you ever played Monopoly before, Higa? This is kinda par for the course, but…

Higa - …

//Maeda and Tomori exchange a look.

Higa - …There’s no…

Higa - …There’s essentially just… no way you can come back from it once you don’t have the most property.

Maeda - …

//Once again, Maeda and Tomori look at each other- but now, rather than apprehensive, they’re both curious.

Higa - Once you start having to pay others instead of buying property yourself-

Higa - Though, we do start with the same amount of money, so really, it’s about how well you use it…

Maeda - We’re losing him.

Tomori - Yeah, but that’s the dumb thing about Monopoly- it’s just about luck. 

Higa - …

Maeda - …I think I just witnessed Higa’s first moment of feeling like maybe, the system may be flawed.

Maeda - Monopoly is far from a perfect example, but still.

//Kobashikawa rolls, and begins to ask-

Kobashikawa - Tomori, could you move my piece for m-

Hatano - !

//When he’s interrupted by Hatano yawning loudly.

Tomori - …

Tomori - Tired?

Ōtori - Damn…

Hatano - I guess- I didn’t realize…

Tomori - It is getting a bit late, huh…

Maki - Only, uh, nine or so…

Tomori - …Is there a clock in here?

Maki - Ōtori has a watch on.

Ōtori - You can see that?!

Maki - Shitty angle, so I guessed.

Ōtori - Ah… Maki’s right, though, it’s 8:54 right now.

Tomori - Mmm…

Hatano, embarrassed - I don’t think I’m going to fall asleep right now…

Taira - We should probably start winding down though- everyone has the things they need to sleep, right?

Hatano - …Oh, shit! I don’t have a hair tie…

Maeda - Is your hair long enough to tie back?

Hatano - Mhm… I was meant to get it cut the weekend after orientation, but…

Tsurugi - Do you want me to cut it for you?!

Tomori - Do you cut hair often, Tsurugi?

Tsurugi - I cut my own whenever I want it trimmed…

Hatano - …

Tsurugi - Which! I just cut it the way I like it- I could probably manage taking a bit of the length from your hair, Hatano…

Hatano - …Maybe…

Maeda - Right, she still needs a hair tie-

//Despite giving a hair tie to Maki earlier, Maeda still has more than enough to give away. He goes to pull one off his wrist when-

Iranami - …

//Iranami pulls on one of the tails of her ribbon, undoing her ponytail, sending her hair cascading down.

Iranami - Do you want to use my ribbon, Hatano?

Hatano - …Wait, for real?!

Iranami - Mhm. I don’t see any issue with it…

Hatano - No, there’s no problem! I’m just surprised, that’s all…

//Hatano takes the ribbon from Iranami, and looks at it.

Hatano - Thank you…

Iranami - Of course. 

Iranami - …You’re my friend, Hatano. What’s mine is yours.

Hatano - Aww…

//Hatano… continues to look at the ribbon.

Iranami - …

Hatano - …

Iranami - …Do you know how to use a ribbon to tie up hair?

Hatano - … I do not.

Iranami - Come here then, let me show you. I haven’t worked with hair short like yours before, but I’ll work it out.

//Hatano quickly darts over to where Iranami’s been sitting- actually, it’s already rather close to where Hatano’s bedding wound up.

Tomori - Let’s finish this and start doing something else, then…

Ōtori - Did you bring the projector?

Tomori - Yeah!

Ōtori - Let’s put a movie on, then, at least in the background.

Taira - Can I go pick something out?

Tomori - Oh, go for it! The movies are, uh… wherever Tsurugi put the projector.

Taira - Got it.

//Taira gets up, and goes over to Tsurugi, presumably to ask him where the projector and the movies are.

Maki - ...Fuck it. I cede.

Higa - Giving up?

Maki - Dude, you said it was a losing game! Do you seriously feel like sitting here and slowly going broke for the next four hours?

Higa - …

Higa - There’s certainly better ways I could be spending my time, that’s true.

//Higa rises, and steps away from the board.

Higa - If anyone else wants to play, step up now, be my guest.

//Higa walks off.

Maeda - …Where is he even going to go. Is he seriously going to go to his bed, near Tsurugi and Uehara?

Maeda - Anyways…

Tomori - …I’m bowing out of the game.

Kobashikawa - I am not.

Ōtori - …Got a strategy here, Kobashikawa?

Kobashikawa - Mhm.

//Tomori stacks up her money- and hands it to Kobashikawa.

Kobashikawa - Tomori’s donating her net worth to me- each and every asset.

Ōtori - That’s dumb, you can’t do that.

Kobashikawa - In game terms, she’s auctioning them to a closed audience of me, and I’m bidding zero dollars.

Maeda - …

Maeda - I’ll take the class’s assets- the one started by Iranami? I’d like to take control of those, and donate them to Kobashikawa.

Ōtori - That’s bullshit!

Kobashikawa - That’s the power of the collective.

Ōtori - You’re still an individual hoarding capital- you’re leaving them with nothing, don’t act like you aren’t part of the system!

Kobashikawa - …You stole money from the bank.

Ōtori - What?!

Ōtori - Maeda’s been watching me!

Kobashikawa - Not now, earlier!

Kobashikawa - You shouldn’t have been able to afford that final purple square- when you bought it, no one had landed on any of your properties, you shouldn’t have had the money!

Ōtori - Bullshit-

Kobashikawa - No! Because I landed on it my next turn, and if you look at how many times we’d gone around the board-

Ōtori - Oh fuck this-

Ōtori - If we play by normal person rules, I win, if we play by your- your capricious rules, then you win. Monopoly doesn’t have choices, it has luck and outcomes.

Ōtori - We can already tell how it’ll end, it’s just a matter of knowing what we’re playing by.

Kobashikawa - …

//Kobashikawa pushes the pieces in his reach towards Ōtori, trying to tell him to pack up the game. Ōtori understands, and does as such.

Maeda - …Are they… actually fighting over this?

//Maeda watches as Kobashikawa turns away from Ōtori.

Maeda - …Damn.

//Maeda moves to sit by Kobashikawa, as he does, Ōtori finishes putting everything away. Maeda reaches Kobashikawa, then Ōtori stands, and goes to put the box away.

Maeda - Kobashikawa, hey-

Maeda - …Oh my god.

Kobashikawa - Shh!

//Maeda realizes very quickly just why Kobashikawa turned away so suddenly. He took a few pieces of money from what he’d gotten in the game, and is folding them, quicker than Maeda can understand just what folds he’s making where. By the time Ōtori has walked past them, and over to where the games have been set, Kobashikawa has made a paper airplane, and folded a piece of paper to launch it with.

Maeda - …

//Maeda watches, rapt, as Kobashikawa quickly uses one hand to… work out the angle, or determine the height, or whatever it is he’s doing- before launching the airplane. It’s all so fast that it’s in the air before Ōtori turns back around, and the airplane goes so quickly, so precisely, that it lands, and sticks, nose in the collar of Ōtori’s shirt.

Maeda - Holy shit.

Maeda - Holy shit!

Kobashikawa - …

//Kobashikawa shifts towards Maeda- makes eye contact with him, then quickly drops it, lowering his gaze to the floor, and putting his hands in his lap- hiding the launcher as Ōtori walks by. Kobashikawa looks back up, briefly, and widens his eyes at Maeda- who gets the message (though he can’t quite word what it is), and similarly ignores Ōtori.

Maeda - …

//However, once Ōtori walks by, Maeda can’t help but sneak a glance up- confirming that the little airplane is still there.

Maeda - Damn…

Taira - …Tsurugi, can I move your stuff to make room for the projector?

Tsurugi - …My things shouldn’t be anywhere in the way?

Tsurugi - Where do you want to put the projector?

Taira - I don’t know yet, I just figured I’d ask.

Tsurugi - Mmm…

//Maeda turns to look at Tsurugi- he’s leaning with his right arm against his nightstand, and- it seems he found his black nail polish, as he’s currently painting Uehara’s nails.

Maeda- What did you pick, Taira?

Taira - Howl’s Moving Castle. First one I saw that I recognized.

Maeda - Solid pick.

Taira - Mhm…

Iranami - …I think the projector should be facing the door.

Iranami - If it isn’t facing the door, or facing the opposite wall, it probably won’t work with where people’s heads will go.

Taira - Oh, true…

Taira - I’ll see if there’s a way I can set it up to face the door.

//Taira walks off- ending up by the footboard of Tsurugi’s bed-

Maeda - Oh, that’s where Higa went off to.

Maeda - …

Maeda - I’m going to go get in my bed, then- just so I’m not sitting in the middle of everything awkwardly.

Maeda - …Nice shot, Kobashikawa.

//Kobashikawa smiles- and seeing that Maeda’s leaving, goes to his bed as well. It seems that most of the class has had the same idea- if they aren’t already in their bed area, like Higa and Tomori, they’ve still tucked away somewhere. There’s no longer any games going on, and though there’s a few conversations, it seems like everyone is calming down.

Taira - Alright, this should…

//Suddenly, the projectors menu is displayed on the wall with Tsurugi’s door.

Taira - There! 

Hatano - Yayyy…

Tsurugi - …If people are going to start falling asleep, we should probably close the door…

Tomori - Oh, true-

//Maeda sees Tomori get up, and go shut the door. As she does, Taira works on the projector, until eventually, the movie begins.

Maeda - …

Maeda - I’m not really tired…

//A bit of movement catches Maeda’s eye- Kobashikawa is shifting around, and accidentally makes eye contact with Maeda.

Maeda - …

Kobashikawa - …

Maeda - …

//Maeda raises both hands, index finger up on each. 

Maeda, silently - Chopsticks?

//Kobashikawa nods, before quickly turning, and rearranging his pillows to be more comfortable.

Maeda - Those damned pillows…

//Kobashikawa turns back around, and mirrors Maeda’s hands. Maeda points his right hand at Kobashikawa’s left, and the two go back and forth. Some time passes, with Maeda winning a game, and the two starting to play again, when-

Maeda - It’s so quiet…

//Maeda realizes that the class is truly starting to fall asleep. He glances over, and sees that Higa has gone to where he’s meant to sleep, while Tomori’s still off and about- but beside the odd bit of movement, and a few hushed murmurs, the students all seem to be enjoying their movie-shaped bedtime story, and are beginning to doze off.

Maeda - I think it’s the atmosphere more than anything…

Maeda - It’s quiet, and comfortable… nice temperature, and despite how many people there are, it isn’t stuffy.

//Maeda makes a move against Kobashikawa-

Maeda - …Shit!

//And belatedly realizes he’s left himself wide-open to get knocked out of the round. Kobashikawa grins, and takes advantage of the opportunity Maeda’s given him. Maeda lowers his hand in defeat as Kobashikawa grins.

Uehara, quietly - …Ōtori, what’s the time?

Ōtori - Oh, uh… quarter until ten, why?

Uehara - …

//Maeda glances over, and sees Uehara move- it doesn’t seem to be of his own accord though, it seems more like he’s getting nudged, or pushed.

Kobashikawa - ?

//Maeda sees Kobashikawa in the corner of his eye, and looks back at him. Maeda raises his head once again, and Kobashikawa smiles as they begin a third round.

Maeda - Oh, I bet it was Tsurugi and Uehara that’ve been talking…

//Maeda hears Uehara sigh.

Uehara - I think I’m going to head to the dining hall real quick, before it closes.

Tomori - Hungry?

//Tomori gets up, and sleepily-stumbles over to where her pillow and blanket have been left neglected. It’s obvious she’s about to fall asleep with how she’s trudging.

Uehara - Nah, I need to make some tea…

//Maeda points with two fingers at one of Kobashikawa’s hands, which has four. Kobashikawa lowers that hand.

Ōtori - Need?

Uehara - He’s acting silent like he has no clue what’s going on and isn’t involved, but it’s for Tsurugi, because he’s an asshole, and he won’t get up to make it himself.

//Kobashikawa “splits” his remaining hand, which had three fingers up- putting two on one hand, and one on the other.

Maeda - That’s not allowed!!!

//Maeda looks at Kobashikawa.

Kobashikawa - ?

//Maeda puts two fingers up on one hand, then splits it so there’s one on each hand. He then does the same again, but with four fingers, then two on each hand. After, he imitates Kobashikawa, putting three on one hand, then two and one- and makes a face at him.

Kobashikawa - …?!

//Kobashikawa understands, and firmly disagrees. Meanwhile, Uehara shifts and stretches, before standing up- the movie is briefly blocked as he darts across the room, but he crosses quickly, and stands by the door.

Uehara, louder - I’m going to the dining hall real quick, it’s going to close soon. Does anyone want to come?

//Maeda and Kobashikawa are bickering over the rules of chopsticks.

Higa - …

Higa - Yeah, I’ll go…

//Higa goes to join Uehara- he crosses between Kobashikawa and Maeda, redirecting Maeda’s attention. He watches Higa reach the door, and realizes that Iranami has joined Uehara as well.

Maeda - I’m fine with staying here…

//Maeda looks back to Kobashikawa… just in time to see Kobashikawa yawning. He blinks for a few seconds- it’s obvious he’s incredibly tired.

Maeda - …

//Kobashikawa looks at Maeda, and wakes up a bit. 

Kobashikawa - !

//Maeda looks at Kobashikawa again- then points to his own pillow, trying to tell Kobashikawa to go to sleep.

Kobashikawa - …!

//Kobashikawa shakes his head- he’s fine, they can keep playing! Maeda stays firm though, and Kobashikawa gives in quickly.

Ōtori - …I’ll come too, just give me a second…

//Kobashikawa smiles at Maeda, and lies down- the lighting is dim, so it’s a bit hard to see, but Maeda believes Kobashikawa has already closed his eyes. 

Maeda - “Fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow”…

Maeda - That’s something you see a lot in books, right?

//Maeda grabs his pillow, and tosses it so it’s against the wall, then lies down.

Maeda - …

Ōtori - Okay, I’m ready.

//Ōtori gets up, and joins the group by the door- Uehara’s already opening said door, and beginning to leave the room.

Tsurugi - Go ahead and leave the door open, just while you’re gone-

Tsurugi - People are still awake, so it’s fine…

Uehara - Got it.

//Kobashikawa sits up, and yawns once again.

Maeda - …?

//…Then, Kobashikawa stands, and stumbles after the group going to the dining hall.

Maeda - …Bitch. I bet he was faking because he knew he was wrong, and wanted to get out of the conversation.

Maeda - …

Maeda - He probably just wants a snack, but…

//Maeda shifts a bit, getting more comfortable in his bedding…

Maeda - …Oh my god, don’t I still have food?

//Maeda sits bolt upright, and begins searching for his plate- soon finding it half-under his blanket.

Maeda - …Huh.

//Maeda has his own late-night snack, shutting his brain off for a bit as he eats.

Maeda - …

//Maeda lies back down.

Maeda - I had fun today. It was really nice to spend time with everyone…

//Time passes.Maeda glances about the room, more because there isn’t anything to do than for any other purpose. Hatano, Maki, and Tomori, all seem to be either asleep, or falling asleep- Maeda can’t quite see any of their faces, but they all seem to be relaxed and still. Taira sticks out like a sore thumb compared to them- she’s sitting up, blanket pooled around her feet as she draws. It seems that she’s taken some of the colored pens Iranami was using earlier, and now, lacking her usual jeans, she’s taken to drawing on her legs.

Maeda - I remember my teachers telling me I was going to get ink poisoning if I drew on my skin when I was little…

Maeda - I was always really distracted in class. I wonder why Taira draws so much…

Maeda glances away, eyes naturally falling directly in front of himself, to where Tsurugi is. Similar to Taira, he’s sitting up, but unlike Taira, it seems that he’s struggling to stay awake. He’s leaning against the wall instead of sitting on his mattress, and has his knees drawn up- Tsurugi isn’t curled up, rather, it seems his knees are there so he has something to rest his arms on. Maeda watches as Tsurugi toys with his fingers and hands, likely a bid at fighting off sleep as he waits for Uehara.

Maeda - …

Maeda - If he’s tired, should I go talk with him, try and keep him awake until Uehara gets back?

Maeda - Or, actually… Taira’s closer, maybe I should ask her about what she’s drawing…

Maeda - …

Maeda - …Honestly? I’m content just sitting here…

Maeda - I’m still not really tired, but that doesn’t mean I have to go socialize- I’m fine to spend a bit of time by myself…

//Maeda readjusts his blanket, getting more comfortable, and…

Maeda - …

//He yawns a bit.

Maeda - ‘M not tired…

Maeda - …

Maeda - …Really, it’s still early in the night, I bet… hardly the time I’d usually fall asleep…

Maeda - … Ssnzz…

Maeda - Zzzznn…

Maeda - …

Maeda - Still… awake…

Maeda - …

//The light coming in from the hallway seems to flicker- he hears quiet voices, and thus reasons that it’s the dining hall students coming back. A quick glance to the doorway confirms the presence of silhouettes.

Maeda - …’S so bright…

Maeda - Snsszzz…

//Maeda faintly registers the sound of the dorm room door shutting, and it’s as though that was the cue his brain was waiting for to finally shut down…

Maeda - …

~*~

Maeda, narrating - …Zssznzzzz…

Maeda - Nzzss…

Maeda - …Szznnn…

Maeda - …

Maeda - Szzzz…

[Advance]

[bi-demon-ium]

hey do you wanna rant about mr benedict/milligan right now? to forget about that stupid porn bot and also because we all wanna see the Rant. like what is your favorite part about them, what made you start shipping it, etc 👀

Oh You Asked For It Buddy! You Asked For This! You! Asked! For This!

okay i mean like first of all. there's just something so compelling to me about how it begins like. they both meet at a pretty low point in their lives--although admittedly that's speculation on my part for mr benedict's side of things, but it makes sense (although it does assume milligan was the first he met, but to be fair i think it would still apply albeit to a lesser degree if he were the second, but i digress)--where they're alone, and they have this crazy story that no one believes, and it's just them against the world, you know?

and they meet and they have every fuckin reason not to trust each other. like, milligan is, to someone who doesnt know him, an intimidating man. and nicholas is in a fairly vulnerable position already, it wouldn't be hard to take advantage of his narcolepsy if you knew about it, and honestly, hypothetically, if milligan wanted to, he wouldn't even need to. nicholas isn't exactly the most physical guy and milligan is. large (affectionate) . you know? he could snap him like a twig. on the other hand, mr. benedict has like. money, a house, and he is in a position where he could easily help or hurt milligan, and even in helping him, if he wanted, could take advantage. obviously, just as milligan would never hurt an innocent person, nicholas would never do that. but the possibility is there.

so like both of them are, albeit in different ways, in a vulnerable position with the other. both of them have been through a lot and probably feel like there's no one around them they can trust. both of them have already been hurt and disregarded as "crazy". they have every! every reason not to trust each other! either of them could hurt the other so easily, either of them has every reason to be afraid, to not trust, and yet!!!!! and yet they do!!!!

they choose to trust each other anyway. they choose to work together and it PAYS OFF!!! IT WAS THE RIGHT CHOICE!!! bc they ARE both trustworthy people!! im biting the walls.

and like just imagine how that must have evolved, going from strangers living in the same house, just trying to help each other out of just. compassion. faith. to getting to know each other--what mistakes they might have made, what bumps on the road to becoming a team, a well-oiled machine--and becoming closer, eventually becoming friends. and that trust--fragile, at first, built on faith and hope alone--becoming rock solid, formed of friendship and truly knowing the other. and like, supporting each other, whether it's milligan's memories and how he wonders what kind of person he might have been, or mr. benedict's secrets and his own low self-esteem, being there for each other (when and if) and like. BITING THE WALLS I AM BITING THE WALLS

i just love the idea of like. how they got to know each other, develop that trust into something unbreakable, until they're at even just where we see them in the show, where they clearly trust one another implicitly and work smoothly together and like support each other at every turn and clearly know each other so well like AAAA

and the more domestic things, too, like how it's clearly just something they do when nicholas is reading ivanhoe out loud to them by the fire? like they just do that. that's a thing. in canon. things like that, and like cooking together, teasing each other--like number two's fruit leather being really really good (except the bark kind do not eat that kind), you know, things like that. and how casually they know how to help with his narcolepsy, but don't tiptoe around it, how they try to find things milligan enjoys even if he can't remember, whether it's food or hobbies, how nicholas keeps an epi-pen just in case he's allergic to something and they don't know. practicing first aid or morse code or maybe hand signals they all know just in case. and like they all work pretty well together as a team, in a way that speaks to me of like, experience and practice, even if rhonda is clearly the newest and has friction with number two they still all work together well and seem completely unfazed by bribery, forgery, breaking and entering, etc., so like. i feel like they've had to have done other things, likely in order to get information on the sender or evade him, so like. also that! missions, or research together, working together. you know? and like specifically with mr. benedict and milligan, god imagine that when they were alone. mr. benedict couldn't exactly do fieldwork very safely--or, he could, but with limits--but he doesn't love the idea of sending milligan in alone, either, no matter how capable he proves to be. but what other choice do they have? so like, times after that, whether it's mr. benedict helping him with first aid after a particularly close call, and the quiet intimacy of that (and later, when there's more of them, number two fussing and rhonda bustling about to get the first aid kit, it's not quite the same but it's still so good--but for now, they're alone, and it's just careful hands trying not to shake as they help clean a wound), or researching together, alone, quietly exchanging notes and ideas, and sometimes the conversation drifts to other things as they get to know each other...

like i think a lot about what firsts they might have had. the first time either saw the other had a nightmare, how that changed their perception of the other. how they might start developing little routines for it, too, hot cocoa or not pushing to talk but just reading together or sitting together or a conversation about anything else. the first time they hugged--why? what happened? in what context? and like, that'd be milligan's first hug ever, in his memory, and likely the first nicholas has had in some time, and what's that like? the first time milligan catches him when he falls asleep, how he feels about that, how milligan feels about that, and when was the last time that happened? how does it feel when one day nicholas realizes that it's so normal to him now he almost expects it, he isn't achy and bruised all the time, and that he's used to it? how does it feel when milligan realizes one day he hasn't felt that shaky desperate fear he had those first few weeks or months when he was alone in a long time? that he genuinely feels safe? that this house has become a home, one that nicholas is part of? what about when they both realize that when they have a nightmare it's almost automatic to see if the other is awake, to actually seek comfort, even passively? to know they can get comfort? what about their first serious conversation with each other, beyond milligan's first explanation of his story and nicholas's in turn--confiding in the other and somehow they seem to know what to say, realizing they trust the other to enough to share?

and of course the things they don't share, like nicholas's brother, or things they just don't talk about, don't quite acknowledge. not out of lack of trust but because it's too painful and the other knows not to push. and the things that don't quite click just right--'mr benedict' and 'sir' most of the time, especially during the day and during the work, because he feels indebted even though he has no fear nicholas would ever use that against him. nicholas's own issues with low self esteem, guilt that he's secretly a bad person, that he might be using milligan, that he's never told him the truth about his supposed 'true nature'. how it's not quite perfect, but they're still so close? you know?

(it makes me want to reach out and adjust it just a little, so the puzzle pieces click just right. and canon gives them that chance--milligan's memories restored, their mission done, nicholas's past revealed--there's plenty of chances now to be on completely even ground.)

and like, just. getting that far?? going from strangers bound by fate and necessity to true friends and partners?

and obviously this also applies to the other members of their little found family, them going from being alone to being alone together to slowly finding others, being a team, a family whether they'll admit it or not but like!!

it's about trust! and compassion! and faith and love and goodness in humanity! it's about being alone and finding light in the dark!!! about found family and friendships formed in being alone together trying to help people even when no one helps you!! about people helping and supporting each other!!! it's about friends when it seems hopeless!!! about thinking you're alone and everyone's turned against you and finding someone else like you!!! it's about trust! it's about kindness! it's about love! FUCK!

and honestly, all of this is still iconic and amazing and so so good if it's just like, platonic friendship. or even getting into queerplatonic territory, utterly good and valid 10/10. i'd genuinely be happy with that too. but i admit, i'm a little bit of a romantic at heart--as much as i hate how fandom tends to center shipping and how society puts romance over friendship, i'm kind of a sucker for a fictional romance anyway. albeit usually queer ones that i make myself. (i could probably get into all the complex ways this interacts with my sexuality, because im pretty sure im ace and i might be aro or demi, but honestly, i don't even know lmao. anyway) so i like exploring it as a ship anyway, you know? but it's just one way of looking at it among many, albeit one i tend to favor. (and to think this started as a half-ironic joke 😩 remember kids if you ship something ironically it will become unironic eventually whether you want it to or not)

ANYWAY! i think even once the others are there, like. now don't get me wrong, it's not a case of one or both of them loving the other More than the others. it's not like that. i mean, romance doesn't go above friendship anyway, it's just a different type of love, not More or Better. but like, they've been around together the longest, and they kind of have an understanding. i'm sure each has their own unique understandings with each of the other members of the team, but like, in this case, what i mean is like. milligan saw mr. benedict at his lowest point, even if he was trying very hard to seem fine, and mostly succeeding. especially as at that point they weren't the close-knit friends/colleagues(???? like. team members.) they are now. but he did see that, and i think while there's still plenty of like. that same respect (and again, the insistence that he 'owes mr benedict everything' and use of 'sir' so there is a like. distance there, in some ways--although this is firmly in the realm of headcanon i do believe that perhaps later, when they are alone, and not so mission oriented, he calls him nicholas sometimes. when it's important. you know) he sees him just a little differently. and that goes both ways, very much so.

and as much as i like the idea of just sort of being like and then they get together in some ambiguous pre-canon so i don't have to deal with as many characters or the main plot, i do also love like. post-canon for a lot of reasons like.

now we gotta/get to deal with:

they both have kids now (kate and constance!)

nicholas's evil twin + the main plot in general

milligan's memories are back! im sure this wont have any far-reaching implications for their relationship (and just in general)

the complexities of how specifically it was nicholas's twin brother who took those memories

the mission is over so one could certainly imply there is no longer a "workplace", but they're sticking together anyway (or you could go with the wetherall farm, which adds its own complications, but either way it's not like they're going to suddenly never talk again) so like. perhaps no more 'mr benedict' although old habits are hard to break, especially with curtain's new evil plans on the horizon (and will mr. benedict get kidnapped? hm)

generally just dealing with like. the various implications of the events of season one (the kids, curtain's future evil plans, sq, milligan's memories, etc etc etc)

which ujst brings so so so much to consider i dont even have time for all of this like. i just love the idea. like.

they're dads. they're both dads. this has so many implications. how they end up kind of co-parenting both kids even though technically constance is nicholas's and kate milligan's (and they were already sisters before they realized they were their respective kids anyway). how they each get to see the other being a great dad and just go ah..... hes such a good dad....... :). how they rely on each other and support each other (since again they are both just like Suddenly Single Dads ldkfgjdfg--they also, obviously, have the other adults, but again, they are both in kind of the same boat, albeit in wildly different routes to get there). how their kids do interact with this whole thing and see this and how they might react to "so our dads might be in love? hm" (both potential for angst and comedy, but in this case i lean towards the latter)

milligan's memories. like. remembering the person he was before, and who he is now, and like. choosing to let himself be both, rather than trying to force himself to be the person he was ten years ago? like he'll remember things--his childhood home, memories with young kate, memories of whoever her mother was, of his parents, of whatever from his past--and it's like. how could he ever have forgotten? and like. the fact that nicholas's twin took them from him. took kate from him. but like, he doesn't blame nicholas (even though nicholas very much blames himself) even when he remembers his time actually working at the institute and remembers curtain's face. like actually remembers being dragged off to the brainsweeper and curtain's face when it happened. and like, the good and the bad, knowing that as nicholas promised--i'll be there for you when you need me, when and if--that he has support, both with this and with kate, that he isn't alone anymore, that if someone tried to take his memories again, tried to take him again... he'd be missed, people would look for him, and even if he were to be taken, kate would be okay, because of course nicholas and the others would never allow her to be alone again. and like the implications of all these things coming back to him, from railroad trivia to chemistry to the people he once knew, and how it mixes with the memories and the person he's become over these last ten years... like. milligan choosing to keep the name milligan, because he's gone by it for ten years and all the people he loves know him as that and it is his name, now, and he chose it himself, he chooses to keep it. (not me wanting to talk about personal headcanons with him and/or nicholas being trans--) and like how these memories affect how he sees the world now, how he sees his newer memories now, how he might notice things he wouldn't have before, know things he didn't know... how would affect his perspective? their perspective, even? their relationship?

and like i just think that while there's a lot going on so it's unlikely anything would happen right away, it is like. fertile ground for the seeds to be planted. with their long mission over, the emergency finally vanquished, and nicholas's past out in the open, milligan's past unlocked and memory slowly becoming whole, they're on more even footing than ever. and even as they end up going against his brother again--and no doubt nicholas offers them all a way out, especially milligan who's already lost so much and could easily lose more, with kate still here, but not one of them takes it--they are once again fighting side by side (metaphorically speaking) which leaves plenty of room for tense situations and possibilities, and just like.

their relationship developing further, they get closer, more comfortable with each other now that those little things that never quite clicked have been adjusted. those firsts, again, do you think? the first time nicholas has a nightmare about his brother and actually shares what it was about, the first time milligan talks about his memories and his conflicting feelings about them, about kate and curtain...

(you could also get more tropey, like the first time they fall asleep together, because the day is long and the night is so dark and for once they're comfortable enough to just ask. just ask.

or getting a little sillier, things like 'the first time we totally had to like, pretend to date/make out/whatever. you know. for the mission/the distraction/the cover.' (this could also be pre-canon to be fair) or 'curtain attempts to give milligan the shovel talk because he somehow thinks he has the high ground. they're not even in a relationship yet. this does not end well' or whatever lmao)

and of course. i mean. first kiss! first kiss! so many possibilities! i'm falling apart! is it sudden, impulsive, in the aftermath of a horrible time or in the eye of the storm? is it slow and warm and it just feels inevitable, neither of them are surprised because they felt it coming a mile away? is it silly? is it casual? is it accidental? is it late in the night, warm and tipsy? or gentle, and one of them wasn't expecting it, but they melt anyway? is it desperate and before a parting, or full of relief in a reunion? do they talk afterwards or is there no need for words? or is there no time, no time at all? are they alone? with friends? among enemies? is it clumsy and unpracticed but sweet, or perfect?

and like where do they go from there? i feel like surprisingly not that much would change, especially outwardly--they're all already so close, and tight-knit, and they support each other so much already, it's just like. not that they need romance to heal but it helps, both just bc of where they're at with their pasts finally being dredged up and dealt with, and because they do have each other! maybe nicholas gets more openly affectionate, finally feeling like he's allowed, beginning to let go of his guilt, and maybe milligan begins to laugh easier again, smile more. but not much changes, just that sometimes when nicholas laughs himself to sleep with a dumb pun or beams brightly when one of them teases him, milligan leans forward to kiss him (and maybe the kids heckle them, delighted and teasing), and sometimes when milligan laughs nicholas doesn't even try to hide the lovelorn look and instead steps closer. and if they sleep in the same bed, it's not like anyone cares or has reason to notice, and if they end up basically being dads to each others' kids as well, honestly, the entire group is basically co-parenting All of the kids, even the ones that are decidedly none of theirs, so really, it's not a big difference.

and like a first date.... would they try a little too hard before realizing that they don't have to change just bc they've changed what their relationship is called? like a kinda awkward dinner or something where they're trying a little too hard to be A Romantic Relationship(TM) but then they actually talk and it's like okay fuck this fancy restaurant let's go somewhere more us and they end up like. at the library, or at the park, somewhere they've been before, and just like. talking. except now, you know, when he looks over at nicholas waving his hands animatedly while explaining something and thinks ah, i want to kiss him, he CAN. and so on. or you know, maybe that doesn't happen at all, maybe they don't feel the need for 'dates' in that sense, even if perhaps they do intentionally spend more time with just the two of them, maybe the transition is smooth and easy.

it's not like it'd be perfect or without problems, and the issue of their inexplicably intertwined tragic backstories, namely tied together by nicholas's brother, doesn't exactly go away. but like. they're all already so close? you know? and they love each other. and both of them cant help but like. wake up and see their partner--because boyfriend feels small, and they've been partners for a lot longer than they've been kissing--and just think they're so very lucky to have made it here. to have a family, to have come so far, no longer alone and afraid but surrounded by loved ones, now a father and a husband partner and just part of a family.

(of course, the wedding is a whole other thing. but you know.)

.

as for what made me start shipping it, honestly, it was half a joke at first. not like, in a bad way, but i wasn't serious, because this is a fandom i generally go gen for, considering it's so found family focused. even in this ask a lot of what i was talking about kinda shifted to that general found family vibe in my brain before i course corrected back. that's not a bad thing, again, but basically it was kind of a half-ironic idea, just because they had a few scenes that made me go 👀 (the 'when and if' conversation at the bonfire, the conversation outside the cabin ('i ask so much of you, of all of you' 'yes. but you give more'), the conversation at the telescope ('please. i know there's more.' '...we'll stay until we spot him') etc.) and also i noticed that the tent they camped in by the telescope was fuckin tiny and i was like "oh they were DEFINITELY cuddling. spooning perhaps. platonically or otherwise it for SURE happened that tent is tiny and neither of them are. ESPECIALLY not milligan. come now."

and not that there needs to be a ship, but like, most of the adults it would feel weird to ship (even if number two and rhonda aren't canonically confirmed as sisters or mr. benedict's daughters, it would feel very gross to ship any of those three together because it just feels weird) and as cute as kate and martina are, shipping kids like. more than just sort of super pg 'they'd be cute together <3' feels weird for me, as an adult. you know? and while i'm fine with no ships, my point being even if were to develop an attachment, options are limited. (rhonda/miss perumal has potential tho and i stand by that statement!)

anyway it was kind of a joke at first, since early on, obviously there was less show canon to work with so book canon shaped a lot of how i and generally the fandom viewed the characters (not that it still doesnt but now we have plenty to work with within the show. when season one was still coming out there was less, obviously.) so like. it's kind of funny bc obviously in the books mr. benedict is like a seventy year old grandpa and milligan is still a like, middle aged dad. technically i mean consenting adults but also what the fuck. obviously im over that by now but it did add a certain comedic dissonance to it.

but the more i thought about it, the more i thought about it seriously. until i started being like "wait. wait. wait oh no. wait i might--" and then i was like "STOP LAUGHING GIRL HELP IM SHIPPING IT FOR REAL" and then i was like "okay i ship it unironically now but it's just me and one (1) other person so i'm not gonna bring it up a lot and mostly just keep it to us" and then somehow along the way i lost whatever shame i had and dragged the entire active part of the fandom down with me into the canoe. it's still a small fandom and still basically just me and august writing any content for it, for the most part, but considering i've got most of the fandom to come around i'd call that a win. somehow. insane. not that i'm single handedly responsible but like. while i don't think i was the only one to watch it and think 'oh they have chemistry' i was, as far as i can tell, the first to write anything for/about it or talk about it openly? you know? yeah. anyway

the point is, the more i thought about it the more i was like.....hm. actually,

and now im here. captain of the nicholas/milligan ship. oops

.

as for the etc., here are some random headcanons:

mr benedict.... little spoon. However! not always.

that being said my reasoning is as follows: not bc milligan Big although also true. bc milligan is very much like. a Protector and feeling like. like someone feels safe with him, feels safer in his arms than alone, rather than in any way afraid of him or intimidated? particularly in such a physical way? is just like. it's nice. that his intimidating stature can equate to safety and protection and warmth and comfort rather than scary and danger and intimidation and violence. someone putting their back to him and being vulnerable and relaxing because of it? wow. conversely, nicholas very much needs a hug at all times have you met the man?? and letting himself have that, being okay with being the comforted instead of the comforter, is something that could just be. like. so good. so i think it would be really nice for both of them. that being sad that doesnt mean they could/would never switch because it's not like you're assigned little or big spoon at birth and you can never switch or change your mind. come on now. also milligan deserves to be little spoon too sometimes <33 and mr benedict? good big spoon. very good.

that first year they ended up picking a birthday for milligan. possibly he chose the day he woke up, or even better/sadder, the day he came to the house for the first time. they celebrate it every year, and the first time, nicholas may or may not have gone out and gotten like ten different slices of cake in different flavors in an attempt to find his favorite. turns out he's partial to red velvet and is not a fan of chocolate. milligan wants to return the favor (not the cakes thing, just the general like. making it feel like. special?) but mr benedict is weirdly evasive about his birthday and clearly not comfortable talking about it, so instead he picks some other holiday to make a special effort for. christmas is the logical option but also the idea of milligan going super hard on halloween to cheer nicholas up is utterly delightful.

stargazing. easy to do from the roof (if they dare 😩) or the garden, perhaps. very nice. lots of opportunities to infodump. not to project my Romance Fantasies but like, nicholas likes to like, basically infodump a bunch of information (bc honestly is there a better nd way of showing love than sharing information you care about with people you care about? bc it makes you happy and you want to share things that matter to you and bc you hope it's interesting and will make them smile?) and like, milligan genuinely likes to listen? like it's not a burden or something to put up with for someone he loves, he genuinely thinks it's interesting (and he's--he's cute all lit up and excited and explaining!!!) and enjoys listening and nicholas is like oh, i've been talking your ear off, i'm sorry, i tend to go on too long, it's alright if you need to tell me to stop, and milligan just like. says no, i enjoy listening. and eventually maybe he says it enough nicholas believes it, you know?

that being said it goes both ways, albeit less often, as milligan tends to be on the quieter side. but when it is about something he cares about or knows a lot about, nicholas is just as happy to listen.

and either way, whoever's talking, it ends up evolving into a spirited conversation as they ask questions or make their own connections and it's just great

(again i must say this isn't exclusively between them, the whole found family vibes with this kind of thing, but sometimes--i mean. sometimes it is just them, under the stars, and you know, i just. i'm picturing like.

nicholas is so bright and excited explaining something about constellations or observatories or pulley systems or classic literature or whatever it is, waving his hands, going off on tangents then trying to course correct back again, and milligan--he is listening, and he certainly doesn't want to miss any of it, but he can't help but also think i want to kiss him. because he's just. beautiful, passionate, and milligan loves him.

and he waits for a pause in the flow of information, where normally he might ask a question, and he does. because he can. and nicholas is kind of like. quietly pleased, what was that for? he asks a little playfully, and milligan just says, simply, like it's obvious, something like because you're you, or because i love how passionate you are, or even just because i wanted to, and nicholas smiles, and then milligan asks a question because goddamn it he was listening and nicholas lights up and off the conversation goes again)

also nicholas just loves doing so many like. little things? i feel like love languages are kind of bullshit because everyone is a mix, even if they favor certain things more than others, but with nicholas i feel like. the way to get through to him is generally touch, physical affection, although like. obviously the others (particularly quality time, and also maybe words of affirmation) help. but the way he shows it is in little things, being thoughtful in little ways. (also quality time. but. as i said. love languages are really not clear cut i think.) like sometimes that's gifts, or words right when they're needed, but he's good at reading what other people need. so like. little ways of being supportive, little gifts given not too directly so much as left, like he doesn't want to take credit, even when everyone knows it was him. with milligan that could be a lot of things--making sure that dinner is a favorite food of his when he seems down, leaving little gifts or trinkets for him or finding a way to sort of just. casually give them to him, because he didn't have anything when he came here and he deserved more than an empty room, he deserved a home, and even if he couldn't give him his memories he could damn well make better new ones, and like. whether it's little material things that are his (his, because he has things that are his now, that belong to him and him alone, not just the dirty uniform he showed up in that had never felt like his anyway) or thoughtful gestures or even, later, when they're in a relationship, things like flowers (probably carefully chosen both for their colors and meanings) and what have you, and just like. he loves doing nice things for milligan okay, more than any grand gestures, just. little things to make his day better, his life better

anyway this is insanely long so im gonna stop now. my point is: nicholas/milligan good<3

[asher-mccarthy]

I Wanted To Know || Alex & Asher

Tagging: @asher-mccarthy, @alex-abrams

When: Wednesday February 15th

Where: Alex’s house

Warnings: Just all the feels

Notes: Asher and Alex spend the morning after Valentine’s Day together and make things official

Asher was used to his night shifts dragging on most of the time but lately whenever he was planning on seeing Alex afterwards, the shift always went by super quickly. This shift had gone just like that and now Asher was driving back to Gradian. He picked up Buddy and his ingredients before making his way over to Alex’s place. He couldn’t wait to just see Alex again. Work was always keeping him way too busy and he never got to see Alex enough. He knocked on the door and waited, trying to keep Buddy from knocking the door down.

Alex willed himself to wake up early that morning after having stayed up some of the night cleaning to make sure the house was ready for Asher and Buddy. He sat, writing notes for his projects when he heard a knock on the door. He was happy because he knew that meant that Asher had arrived. He got up and opened the door with a big smile. "Hey Asher. Come on in!" His attention then turned to Buddy. "Hey, boys! Welcome!"

Asher grinned as the door opened and Alex appeared in front of him. He got so distracted for a moment that he ended up letting go of Buddy and he ran off into the house to probably destroy everything. “I hope he won’t destroy your place too much. He just forgets how big he is.” Asher shrugged and headed inside. “I hope you’re hungry! But not too hungry because I still have to actually cook everything.”

"I'm sure he won't destroy anything too precious." Alex smiled as he watched Buddy head inside the house. "I am. And I have a fresh brewed pot of coffee for you. I know thats definitely a must to get you through the cooking." The smile never left his face as he let Asher inside.

At the mention of coffee, Asher sighed happily. “You know that coffee and food is the way to my heart.” Asher liked that he had been to Alex’s place enough times now that he knew the place well so he was able to go straight to the kitchen with the ingredients and find everything he needed easily. “What did you get up to yesterday?”

"I do." Alex laughed as he closed the door and went to his desk to pick up his cup of coffee before heading to the kitchen. "Not much, actually. I just had a binge watch day and lounged around in pajamas."

Asher grinned as Alex joined him in the kitchen. He was pulling ingredients out of the bag as Alex talked. “What did you watch?” He glanced at the ingredients in front of him. “So I was thinking of making eggs, those waffle sandwich things you make that I love and bacon. You’re definitely not allergic to any of that, right?”

Alex watched as he took the ingredients out of the bag. "Star Trek." He listened and nodded. "That's all safe." Asher smiled. “What a great choice!” He pulled a few pans out of one of the cupboards. “I promise I will one day remember everything you are allergic too.” He frowned for a moment. “I might need your help with the waffles. I’m not making them from scratch but I still don’t completely know how to make them.”

Alex laughed and shrugged. "Well, in the mean time, I'm always here to remind you." He nodded. "That, I can do."

“Thank you. I don’t want to have to rush you to the hospital at any point because I forgot.” Asher nodded. “Thank god. I can sort of cook but some food I just really struggle with.” “You're welcome. And luckily, I'm not allergic to much." He chuckled. "With waffles and pancakes, it's all about timing." “I know but it’ll be just my luck I’ll accidentally feed you something that might kill you.” He shook his head. “See, I’m terrible with timing. I’m the type of guy that tries to make caramel and ends up with a solid burnt pan or the guy who burns pizza.” "I don't think you will." Alex chuckled before taking a sip of coffee. He put the cup down and moved to stand right beside Asher. "Practice makes perfect though."

Asher turned to look at Alex with a smile. “Alright, let’s hope you’re right.” He picked up the waffle mix. “That’s true. It’s lucky that I have the patience to practice and you have the patience to help me.” "I know I'm right." Alex smiled and looked at the waffle mix. "Very lucky. How about you mix up the batter and I'll throw it in the waffle iron." Asher nodded. “Sure, I can do that.” He grabbed everything he needed to finish the batter and started to mix it all together. “So I remember you mentioned about your idea to do a bunch of different genres of stories for your next project. Are you still thinking that or do you have a different idea?” Alex watched as he gathered everything he needed and started to mix it together. He sprayed the waffle iron with non stick cooking spray and turned it on. "I'm still thinking about that." Asher continued to mix the batter until it looked like it was all mixed together and handed the bowl to Alex. “It must be so hard to just like come up with ideas for stories or to find an idea that works for what you want to do.” Alex poured some of the batter into the waffle iron and shut it. He hummed a little. "It is sometimes, then at other times it is a barrage of ideas at the wrong times." Asher opened the packet of bacon and pulled some pieces out. He sprayed one of the pans and began to heat it on the stovetop. “Do you write the ideas down whenever you have them so you can use them later?” "If I get them when I'm able to write them down, I do." Alex nodded and watched the waffle iron. "Sometimes I have them while I'm driving or out doing something." Asher nodded and placed the pieces of bacon in the pan. “Oh, that is very inconvenient. Maybe you could do like a voice memo on your phone or something if you’re driving? Or even just call someone who won’t answer and record it as a message on their message bank?” "I try, but I don't want to get pulled over for being on my phone." He hummed and turned toward Asher. Asher nodded. “Actually, that’s a fair point. We wouldn’t want you getting arrested or anything.” The bacon crackled as he kept an eye on it. "Nope." Alex chuckled. He took the waffle out when it was time and poured more batter in to make another one. "How has work been?" Asher grinned and flipped the bacon. “It’s been busy. We’ve got a new resident so we’ve all been helping her out by letting her help us with some of the more difficult cases.” “That sounds interesting. I hope she's doing well with helping all of you." He said, watching the waffle maker.

Asher pulled the bacon from the pan before it started to burn and grabbed more pieces to cook. “It’s been good. I wish I’d had a chance to see some of the more difficult cases when I was a resident instead of trying to figure it out by myself after I became a doctor but hopefully we can help her out a bit.” "I know you all will definitely help." Alex smiled as he waited on the waffle maker. "Sometimes jobs are learning when the curve ball is thrown at you." Asher kept one eye on the bacon as he looked over at Alex. “That’s true. I think I would get bored if I wasn’t learning something new everyday.” “Same here." Alex looked over at him before taking the waffle out and pouring more batter in. He closed the lid. Asher nodded and listened to the bacon crackle. It was such a wonderful sound. “So I think we just need a bit more bacon and then I can do the eggs. Then we can eat!” "I have just a couple more waffles to cook." Alex mailed as he took the waffle out and poured more batter in. Asher pulled out the cooked bacon  and put the last few pieces into the pan. “I have been so excited for this breakfast. I have been thinking about it all night at work.” He laughed. "I've been excited as well. I barely slept I was so excited." Alex smiled as he tended to the waffles. “Really? I hope you got some sleep though because I would feel terrible if you’re tired because of me.” Asher smiled and blushed lightly. "I got some sleep. I set an alarm at my desk and get a few hours in." Alex reassured him and smiled at his blush “Okay, that’s alright. I can be excited at your excitement then.” Asher flipped the bacon as it crackled. Alex hummed as he took the waffle out and poured the last of the batter onto the waffle maker. "I didn't want to be grumpy for you." He giggled. Asher grinned as he listened to the bacon. “I don’t think you could ever be grumpy. Besides, I deal with that many grumpy patients that I’m sure any grumpiness you might have wouldn’t even compare.”

"Oh, I can be sometimes." Alex smiled a bit. "I'm sure I'm not as bad as your grumpy patients though." Asher smiled. “Well, I look forward to seeing your grumpy side. I think it will be adorable.” Asher pulled the bacon out and went and grabbed the eggs. “How do you like your eggs?” "It might be comical." Alex laughed a little then looked over at Asher. "I'll eat my eggs any way they're served to me, honestly." “I’m sure it wouldn’t be.” Asher grinned. “How about scrambled? I’m less likely to mess that up than any other form of eggs.” "Scrambled sounds nice." Alex nodded as he took the final waffle out of the waffle maker and turned it off. He broke the waffles down into smaller bites for the sandwiches. “Great!” Asher grabbed the milk out of the fridge and a bowl to mix the eggs and milk together before adding it to a pan. “I was thinking now that it’s starting to warm up again slightly, maybe we should go on more walks together.” "Going on more walks together sounds like a great plan!" Alex replied excitedly. He definitely loved Asher's company on his walks.

“I’m glad you agree.” Asher replied with a grin. He loved spending any time he could with Alex. He watched as the eggs cooked, stirring them as needed. Once they were finished, he turned off the heat and turned to Alex. “Breakfast is finally ready!” "Of course I agree. I love spending time with you." Alex smiled as he was done with the waffles. "Awesome!" “I always love spending time with you but you already know that.” Asher grinned and pulled out a plate to put the scrambled eggs onto. “You’ll have to show me how to make these breakfast sandwiches.” "I'm glad that we love spending time together." Alex brought over the waffles with a smile. "It's very simple. You just put your eggs and bacon or sausage...maybe some cheese if you'd like between two mini waffles and add some syrup." Asher nodded as he listened to Alex explaining how to make the breakfast sandwiches. “Okay, that sounds simple enough. We should definitely add cheese because who doesn’t love cheese?” Alex got into the fridge and pulled out the syrup and the cheese. "I have several different kinds." Asher grinned as he saw the cheese. “I feel like everybody should have several different kinds of cheese in their house.” "You never know when you're in the mood for something different to eat. Besides, sometimes having several different cheeses on a sandwich is really flavorful." Alex smiled before going back for the coffee and add ins.  “You’re right. It’s always better to be prepared than to want something and not have it.” Asher nodded. “Okay, let’s assemble these sandwiches so we can eat!” "Always." Alex nodded and grabbed the plates, utensils, and napkins and brought them to the table before sitting down. "Yes!" Asher followed Alex to the table with all the food and started assembling the sandwiches. Once he was finished, he sat down with a smile. “Let’s hope they don’t fall apart too much while they’re being eaten. But, breakfast is served!” "They shouldn't, but if they do, I brought forks just in case." Alex grinned and grabbed one of the sandwiches. He took a bite. "Mm. Very good." Asher watched happily as Alex took a bite of one of the sandwiches. He wanted so badly to do a good job with the breakfast for Alex. “I’m really glad.” He took a sandwich for himself and took a bite.

Alex gave him a smile and took a sip of coffee. He swallowed the coffee and took another bite of the sandwich. Asher finished the sandwich he was eating. “I um…I actually got you something.” He got up from the table and grabbed a wrapped present out of the bag he’d brought in. It contained a moleskin notebook that he’d seen in a shop in Newcastle. “It’s just a little something that I saw that made me think of you and I wanted you to have it.” He sat back down at the table with a smile and handed Alex the present. "You did? You didn't have to." Alex smiled at him. He hadn't gotten a Valentines gift in a very long time. He took the present and opened it, revealing the notebook. "It's beautiful. I love it!" The smile remained on his face as he sat it to the side so he didn't get any food on it. "I might have written you something." He got up to grab a piece of paper that looked like it had been aged and had a poem written in calligraphy on it. “I just liked that when I saw it, I thought you’d really like it so I figured I should just grab it for you.” Asher shrugged and smiled at Alex’s reaction. When Alex mentioned that he had written him something, Asher stared at him in shock. He read the poem with a smile on his face and the smile remained as he looked up at Alex again. “This is the best present I’ve ever gotten. I can’t believe you wrote this for me!” Alex nodded and smiled. "Well, I'm glad you thought of me while we were apart." The smile remained on his face as he watched Asher read the poem. "I figured a Valentines present should come from the heart, much like the notebook did. The paper craft I did because I wanted it to look special." The smile on Asher’s face wasn’t going anywhere. “I often think of you while we’re apart.” He gave Alex a quick wink and then laughed. “I always thought Valentine’s presents were just super cheesy and pointless but I’ve realised now that they really can mean something if they come from the heart.” Asher smiled again. “Actually, I had something I wanted to ask you too.” "I often think of you as well." Alex nodded. He did often find himself thinking of the other while apart. "I've always felt the same." He nodded again. "That's true." His ears perked up. "Yeah? Go ahead and ask." Asher grinned and grabbed a mug to pour himself some coffee. “I guess it’s different when you have someone that you actually want to spend Valentine’s Day with. Or in our case, the day after.” After adding everything he needed to his coffee, he took a sip with a smile. “Well, I’ve kind of wanted to ask this for a while but I always felt like maybe I wasn’t ready yet or you weren’t. But I figure I might as well just ask and the worst you’ll do is say no.” He paused to sip his coffee again. “I wanted to know if maybe you might want to be my boyfriend? Like, I know we’ve been on dates and stuff and I really like you and I guess I just wanted you to know that I only want to go on dates with you and be with you.” He laughed. “Sorry, that was a lot of words. I talk a lot when I get nervous.” Alex nodded. "I agree that having someone to spend Valentines Day with makes a difference." He listened and once Asher was done, he smiled. "I was actually thinking the same thing. I really enjoy the time when we're together and catch myself thinking of you when we're apart." The smiled left his face. "So yes." Asher’s heart was beating super fast as he waited for Alex to answer his question. He wasn’t sure why he was so nervous because he knew that Alex liked him, but sometimes he got a bit paranoid that maybe he was reading the signs wrong. So when Alex finally said yes, Asher breathed out a sigh of relief as his heart slowed back to a normal pace. “Wow, well, that’s really great. You are now my boyfriend. I really like saying that word.” He laughed as he picked up another sandwich and took a bite. "Yeah, now we're boyfriends." Alex nodded. He was glad of what the question was instead of what it could have been. He finished his sandwich before drinking more coffee and starting on another sandwich. Asher took a big gulp of coffee and another bite of his sandwich. “Did you have any plans for the rest of the day? I’d really love to just spend the day hanging out with you, if you’re free.” "I don't." Alex answered with a big smile before taking another sip of his coffee. "I kept it open just in case you wanted to do something." Asher grinned. “It’s like you knew I was going to ask.” He laughed and took a bite of his sandwich. “Do you have anything on particular you want to do or are you happy just hanging out here?” "I figured you might." Alex smiled then took a bite of his sandwich. "Honestly,  I don't have anything specific I need or want to do. We can just hang out here if you want." “Hanging out here sounds perfect! It will also allow me to take a nap when I need.” Asher grinned and finished his coffee. “Maybe you can finally show me those Blu-Rays you’ve been bragging about.” "You're always welcome to take a nap. All of my rooms and my couch are open to you. I can even get the comfy blanket from my bed and bring it out here." Alex grinned before finishing his sandwich and coffee. "You'd be okay watching Star Trek with me?" Asher finished his sandwich and relaxed back in his chair. “Thank you, I’m alright at the moment but eventually I will need to sleep given I haven’t slept for a while.” He started making himself another coffee. “Of course I would. Star Trek is great. Besides, you love it so that would be enough for me.” "That's completely understandable and I might take a nap myself." Alex said before finishing his sandwich and making another cup of coffee. "That means a lot." “We could always nap together and then we can both get cuddles at the same time.” Asher grinned and sipped his coffee. “It’s nothing, really. I just figure it’s worth trying out things you love because I like you and you like me so your tastes must be alright.” He laughed.

"That's true." Alex nodded. "I also want to try out things you like, too. I want to get to know you more." Asher nodded. “Sure, I’d love to show you the things I like. One of my favourite things actually is comic books. Especially Marvel and DC.” "Comics are cool. I have some graphic novels collected." Alex smiled. "My favorite is Deadpool." “Deadpool is amazing. My favourite is Captain America. Cliché I know, but you just can’t help but like the guy.” Asher sipped his coffee again with a smile. "Cap is pretty likeable." Alex nodded before sipping at his coffee again. "Who's your favorite DC hero?" “It also helps that he is quite an attractive man.” Asher laughed. “My favourite DC hero is Wonder Woman. She’s not only a fantastic fighter, but she is also such a great role model for women. If I ever have a daughter, I’ll be happy knowing that there are women like Wonder Woman to inspire her.”  "Wonder Woman is a great hero. She's kept Superman and Batman in check so many times." Alex nodded. "She really is a great role model." “Somebody does need to keep those two in check a lot.” Asher grinned and sipped his coffee. “Who is your favourite DC hero?” "For DC, I'm more into the villains than the heroes. I do like Harley Quinn's heroic exploits though, whether solo or with the Suicide Squad." “Oh, I feel you. The villains in DC are just something else. I think the villains in DC are just so much better than the Marvel ones. I mean, there’s nobody quite like The Joker.” "There really isn't anyone quite like The Joker. I think that's what gives the villains their appeal. They're all unique and stand out." Alex nodded in agreement.

“I agree. I love Marvel but DC has just created more unique and interesting villains. It’s the reason why The Suicide Squad is so popular.” Asher finished his coffee. "Exactly." Alex finished his own coffee and stretched. Asher smiled. “Are you finished with the food? I can tidy everything up and then we could watch some Star Trek?” "I couldn't eat another bite." Alex said with a smile as he leaned back in his chair. "I'll make some more coffee and get my comfy blanket off the bed." “Sounds like a plan!” Asher got up and stretched. He grabbed the plates of food and took them into the kitchen. He came back and grabbed everything else off the table and put everything away in the kitchen before tidying up what was left of the food. Once everything was tidied up, Asher headed out of the kitchen and into the living area where he found Alex. He made himself comfy on the couch and gave Alex a big smile. “I’m ready when you are.” Alex went straight to the kitchen and put on a fresh pot of coffee for brewing. Then he went to the bedroom and grabbed his comfy blanket, then put it on the couch. He then brought the tray of coffee and add ins, along with clean cups to sit on the table in front of the couch. The then sat down with the remote. Once Asher joined him, he put on Star Trek and got comfortable. Being cuddled up with Alex under his comfy blanket was quickly becoming one of Asher’s favourite places in the world. He smiled to himself as Star Trek started up on the TV. Alex put an arm around Asher as the opening credits started up. It was an episode he's seen lots of times, but it was special because Asher was around to watch with him. Asher really didn’t know much about Star Trek apart from the basics and what he had seen before but he was really enjoying learning about the world and people in the show. He rested his head on Alex’s shoulder with a smile. “Who’s your favourite character?” Alex looked away from the screen and at Asher before pointing out the ship's doctor, Dr. McCoy. "My favorite is McCoy. He's the ship's doctor. He often is the voice of reason within the show. He also has some good quips." Asher’s smile morphed into a grin. “So you’ve got a thing for doctors then, huh?” He laughed and turned his attention back to the show. “He seems great though. I’ll get back to you on my favourite once I’ve watched a bit more.” "Maybe. Especially witty ones." Alex winked, the turned his attention back to the show. "Sounds great." “Is that your way of telling me I’m witty?” Asher grinned at Alex’s wink. His attention kept being drawn back to the show as he was really enjoying it.

"I think you're pretty witty." Alex grinned before his attention was drawn back to the show. It didn't matter how many times he had seen these episodes of Star Trek, they always caught his attention. “I’ll make sure to add that to my resume.” Asher smiled to himself and then laughed as somebody said something funny on the show. Alex chuckled before laughing at the funny thing on the show himself. Even as Asher watched the show, he couldn’t help but think about how happy he was right in this moment and how glad he was that they had agreed to this date. He snuggled in closer to Alex and sighed happily. Alex heard Asher's sigh and smiled. It has been a while since he was this comfortable with anyone. He was glad that things were going well with the date. Asher was so distracted by the show that he found himself disappointed when the episode ended. He turned to Alex for a moment and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. “Please tell me we are watching another episode. Or even maybe a lot more episodes?” "We can watch as much as you want." Alex smiled as he skipped the end credits so that the next episode would start quickly. “Perfect! Let’s just watch it until one or both of us fall asleep.” Asher would happily spend the entire day cuddled up to Alex watching Star Trek. "That we can do." Alex nodded. He was happy that Asher seemed to be into Star Trek. It would give them more to talk about later for sure. “It will also give me more time to decide on a favourite character.” Asher smiled as the next episode started up. "That's right. You do still have to decide that." Alex chuckled. "There's no rush." “I’m sure it won’t take me long to figure out who I like the most.” Asher glanced at Alex for a moment and smiled. “Most of their personalities are pretty obvious straight away.” "That's true." Alex nodded before yawning. He didn't realize just how tired he was, but was determined not to fall asleep on Asher. Asher noticed Alex’s yawn and gave him a soft smile. “It’s okay if you fall asleep on me. I’ve fallen asleep on you several times already and I know I will fall asleep on you many more times.” "Are you sure? I don't want to be a bad host." Alex smiled softly at him and cuddled into Asher. Asher laughed. “You could never be a bad host. I don’t think it would actually be possible for Alex Abrams to be considered a bad host.” He smiled wider when Alex cuddled into him. "As long as you're sure." Alex yawned again before feeling his eyes grow heavy. Soon, his eyes closed for a moment before he opened them again.

“I’m sure.” Asher turned his attention back to the TV with a smile as he noticed Alex starting to drift off. He pressed a kiss to Alex’s cheek and yawned himself. He knew he would be asleep not long after Alex. Alex could feel himself drift off. He was soon asleep, cuddling more into Asher. Asher felt Alex cuddle more into him and then heard his breathing even out as he drifted off to sleep. He yawned again as he turned his attention back to the TV with a smile. There was no where else he could possibly want to be in this very moment.

He opened his eyes once more before closing his eyes again and falling asleep. Alex finally fully drifted off.

[queen-of-the-night-lights]

Beautiful (Omega x Mom!Reader x Bad Batch)

A/N: So, I have been seeing all of these other stories with a few scenes of the reader being a mom towards Omega and then the rest of the story being with a member of the batch. While I love those my brain went “ Give this little girl done love and support” and I came up with this story which is basically Omega and the reader just hanging out by themselves. ( I also left the ending open so you can imagine the batch member of your choosing😉)

Warnings: None/fluff

Plot: The reader does Omegas make-up for the first time.

“ What are you doing?” The young girl asked innocently. She caused you to jump slightly, it has taken a while to get used to a new voice around the ship. “ People on this planet wear a large amount of make-up so I decided to wear some while I go out to get food and supplies. Here I would stand out much more if I didn’t wear any, opposed to if I did.” You explained brushing on some finishing touches. Meanwhile Omega just watched you, she has never seen anything even close to what you were doing, but then again she didn’t know much about anything outside Kamino.

When you finished you turned to the child and asked “ What do you think?” She smiled and said “ It looks good. A little weird because you look a little different, but still good.” She gave a soft chuckle “ Well thank you, I appreciate your honesty.” Just as you were about to put your makeup away Omega chimed in “ Can I try some on?” You turned back to the girl as she gave you a curious and pleading look. With a small smile on your face you approved with a “ Sure. Come sit down.”

You stood up from your vanities chair to let her sit in it hoping it would make her feel special, in some weird way that’s how you thought of the chair. Pulling a stool close so that you could sit while helping her. “ Lets see...” You said studying Omegas face, you didn’t want to put too much makeup on her since this is probably her first time putting anything on her face. While doing this you noticed many qualities she did share with other clones, making Techs statement a few weeks ago resonate with you. She of course was very different from Regs just like the rest of the batch was, but little traits here and there are where you can tell they are related.

“ Okay so, since I don’t want to put too much on you just incase you have a poor reaction to the makeup, we are just going to do yours a little lighter than mine.” You explained and she nodded in acknowledgment before asking “ What do you mean by reaction?” You then explained how some makeup isn’t compatible with people’s skin and how sometimes people have allergic reactions. After noticing the slight nervousness on the kids face you soothed her by telling her that you only use hypoallergenic makeup and the likelihood of her having a reaction would be very low, but you just want to be careful. After that reasoning she seemed to have gone back to her usual curious nature. “ So usually we would start with foundation, that this part that covers the entire face...” you gestured a circle around yours as you continued “ ...but since I don’t have your exact skin tone of foundation , we are going to use this powder.”

Showing her the brush and translucent powder. “ Now let me know at anytime if you are uncomfortable. Then I will stop and we will make sure everything is okay.” With that you started gently brushing the powder along her face. She giggled at first “ It tickles.” You smiled at her adorable laugh “ Yes it does at first, but I need you to try to hold still the best you can okay?” She then nodded and you continued. The brush was big and soft she had never felt anything like it before. It was a nice feeling as you gently brushed and stippled along her face. You then decided to skip the eye shadow primer and things such as that. Those are for another time when you could teach her longer and had more makeup for her to try.

“ Next, I’m going to have you close your eyes and we are going to use this brush with these two colors and put them right on your eyelids. After that I’m going to wet this brush and put a little line of eyeliner on. That’s this around the base of my eyelashes.” You explained closing your own eyes. She smiled and closed her eyes trusting you not to hurt her. You and the boys always made sure that she was comfortable, no matter what. However there was this different feeling she had towards you than with the others. While she trusted them and loved being around them, there was this different kind of feeling of care you gave off. Maybe it was that “mother” feeling the others told her you had. You just seemed to know the right thing to say and how to say it. You also knew exactly what everyone needed when sometimes they didn’t know themselves.

“ (Y/N), can I ask you something?” As you switched colors you replied in a calm yet reassuring tone “ Of course.” “ How did you learn to do makeup?” You smiled at her question as memories started to fill your head. Taking a breath you explained “ I used to watch my mom. My mother she was, beautiful. With or without make up she had the ability it make a transport ship stop in its tracks. She had these two friends and sometimes they would all put their makeup on together before they would go out. They had this setup where they would put all their mirrors, like this one, all together in a row in front of this huge window we had at my family’s house. And from there I would watch them and think ‘ I can not wait until I am old enough to play with this stuff.’ “ As you finished your story you told Omega to open her eyes and instructed her on the next step. “ It’s all coming together now! This next part is a little scary, but I promise I will not poke you in the eye. I’m going to take this mascara wand and gently put this on your eyelashes.” Omega nodded an okay, then you explained “ Okay, I’m going to need to open your eyes really really wide and look right here.”

You pointed right at where your neck meets your collar bone and quickly put on the mascara. You remember how uncomfortable you were the first time you had it put on for you. Omega seemed a little more relieved after you put it on as well. She then blinked and fluttered her eyes as they adjusted to the new sensation. She then looked back up to you with your soft smile still adorned on your face and asked “ Do you think I’m pretty?” A little taken back you then confidently answered “ Yes Omega, you are very pretty. You have these big, round, and bright eyes, a cute nose...” you said giving her a light tap on her nose to emphasize your point. That caused her to scrunch it up and let out a little laugh. “ And you have this amazing smile.”

Omega had a small blush creep on to her face as you complimented her. You can’t imagine her life back on Kamino, even though she probably treated differently from the rest, you knew that her life, her beginning of her childhood must have been hard. Yet she almost always seemed happy. “ Alright here’s where the hard decision comes in, for your lips do you want a solid color or something shiny.” You said holding a lipstick and a lipgloss in each hand. “ Definitely the shiny one.” She said pointing to the one in your right hand.

“ Excellent choice! Now I’m going to ask you to make a really weird faces. Kinda make your lips go like this.” Omega then mimicked the pursing of your lips making sure she was doing it right. You always thought it was cute when she would try to do the same actions as you all did in the ship, her favorite person to mimic was Hunter, but you couldn’t blame her. “ Alright, now we blot. We want to make sure that our lipstick or lipgloss doesn’t stick or wear off to easily.” Grabbing a tissue of the vanity and showing her what you wanted her to do. Making you lips form a line and gently putting them together, but not actually putting the tissue in your mouth.

Once Omega finished you stood up and asked “ Are you ready to take a look?” She nodded her head with excitement and you spun the chair around to have her face the mirror. You saw her eyes widen and get bigger, if that was even possible, as they filled with wonder. A small whisper of her exclaiming “ woah” left her as she looked at the makeup you did. A bit of pride and affection towards the girl swelled in your chest as the girl copied the head tilts you did earlier as you finished your own makeup. “ Beautiful.”

She smiled as she continued to admire your work “ Thank you!” She exclaimed with a beaming smile looking up at you. “ You are very welcome, but you have to remember it is never the makeup that makes you look pretty, it’s how you treat others and what is on the inside that makes you beautiful.” When you finished that statement Omega turned the chair around and gave you a hug. With tears pricking your eyes you hugged her back. You felt bad for everyone that lived on Kamino, you remember the first time you hugged the others and they were a little taken back and confused by the gesture. Omega however was different due to her young age and hugged you quite often. You wished her the best in the galaxy and wanted to protect her and your boys, your family from any danger.

The hugged lasted a while but you didn’t care, what the two of you didn’t know was that someone was watching you from the doorway. His heart swelled at the interaction between the two of you. He wasn’t there long, he had only been standing there a few minuets. Everyone seemed to have changed a little when Omega came on to the team, and while you didn’t change as much as the others your personality amplified. The way you are able to take care of them became more noticeable, you just had this amazing way with all of them and your ability to care so much.

Everything you did was amazing, making sure they we’re rested, making sure that they had eaten, that they didn’t overwork themselves, reassuring them when they had doubts, and giving hope. He started feeling different about you after the first few months of you being with them. Back then he didn’t know how to describe what he was feeling, but now he knew. He had fallen in love with you. Seeing you with Omega assured him that you would always be there with his family and that you wouldn’t ever do anything to hurt them. He wanted a life with you, his brothers, and Omega. No one will ever take that dream away from him, ever.

[i-can-bench-220]

💙 (some of) my fred headcanons!! fredcanons™

(some of these are my expansions on actual canon facts about him, while others are entirely my own ideas! either way, i hope you enjoy them!)

his hair is dyed blonde, a 3am crisis-fuelled impulse decision he made as a fourteen year old that just ended up becoming his regular look. aside from his dark roots that often show, barely anybody remembers a time when he was a brunette. which is probably for the better

he similarly started wearing ascots on a whim, but ended up finding them very comforting! he has like ten of the exact same make and colour, but also a couple with funky patterns that he saves for special occasions.

the gang can work out his emotions based on what he’s doing with his ascot. if he’s twisting it around his fingers, he’s deep in thought about something he doesn’t want to talk about. if he’s twisting it around his thumbs, he’s deep in thought about something he does want to talk about. if he’s pulling at it, he’s stressed or frustrated. and if he takes it off, IT’S ABOUT TO GO DOWN™

he has dimples that are most noticeable when he smiles! which is a whole lot!! though he gets self-conscious if anybody points them out.

he loves cats, but is allergic to them. as such, he has ten boxes of antihistamine on him at any given time (usually for if he wants to visit his local cat café).

he has a terrible relationship with sleep, namely he will go a week without it and then completely crash from exhaustion somewhere. nine times out of ten that place will not be his bed

more specifically, he has a tendency to always fall asleep in moving vehicles (unless he’s the one driving, of course).

he once saw a recycling campaign as a child that said “save the planet” and became convinced from that moment forward that it was his job to single-handedly save the world by recycling

he has probably broken every single bone in his body at least once. this man’s danger awareness is the size of an atom and he knows every doctor at the er by name

his main special interest is traps/rube goldberg machines, but his others are space/astronauts, most sports, cars/mechanics, theatre, film and photography!

he has fantastic reflexes (for setting off traps at just the right time and catching people if they jump into his arms!!), but is surprisingly terrible at video games outside of the rhythm genre and arcade driving simulators.

speaking of video games he is a villager main when he plays smash bros with the gang i am not taking constructive criticism at this time

he has a small but very beloved plushie collection! this started with mr trapples of course, whom he has had since he was a baby. another notable plush friend is one of those big totoros, given to him by velma (frank welker voiced him in the english dub of my neighbour totoro!)

he has the music taste of an 80 year old. he mentions elvis on every occasion he can get in wnsd you know he’s out there listening to buddy holly and chuck berry as well. you know that he thinks rock around the clock was where music peaked. You Know This

his favourite film is pleasantville and he cannot ever get through the whole thing without crying (me neither) (please watch pleasantville)

he has a notorious sweet tooth that he tries so hard to deny, but the whole gang knows about the family-sized bag of crispy m&ms he keeps in the glove compartment of the mystery machine

on the other hand he cannot handle any spicy food At All but he wants to be able to someday!! he’s learning from the best (shaggy and scooby)

he’s better with sciences and math-based subjects, but he loves studying shakespeare almost as much as he loves performing it! he still knows all of hamlet’s soliloquies by heart and will recite any of them on command. o that this too solid flesh would melt

he’s been playing guitar since he was a child! he started because he was inspired by his favourite musicians, but also equally because daphne was an amazing singer and he wanted to be able to play accompaniment for her!!

his fingers are always covered in band-aids from trap-building and guitar practise… he’s also just that guy who will find a new bruise or graze on his body every week and think “huh. i have no idea where that came from”

he texts like a dad. shaggy will send a cursed meme to the group chat and he will respond with “Haha Thats Very Funny ! 😂”

he’s a dork and i care about him

[shihalyfie]

A meta and analysis on Takaishi Takeru

Of all of the Tokyo Chosen Children, Takeru is lucky enough to get significant attention for two full series from beginning to end, and his character also goes through some drastic changes in the process, especially through Adventure and 02. There’s so much going on with him that it makes it hard to give a short answer to the question “what is Takeru like?” because there’s so much you could say about him at so many different times.

Fortunately, that’s what we’re here to talk about today!

Takeru in Adventure

At first glance, Takeru seems to be the “tagalong kid” -- the obligatory “little kid character” you have whenever you have a party in a fantasy story. Generally, these “obligatory kid characters” are the kind constantly struggling to catch up with the older ones. Adventure being a series that loves to play with tropes and expectations, though, very quickly says no to that.

Seki: ...We also mixed up the children’s ages, for a bit of variety. Kakudou: The oldest one would be the most unreliable, and the smartest one would be one of the third youngest. Just a little to throw you off the usual, conventional track. Seki: The youngest one would feel too much like a burden to everyone else, and conversely would actually have himself together.

Takeru “doesn’t want to be a burden” -- meaning his feelings on this issue are actually rather much like Hikari’s. Unlike Hikari, though, Takeru reacts to this compulsion differently -- instead of simply repressing things and pretending the problem doesn’t exist, Takeru’s reaction to his own negative feelings is to “have himself together” and act as if he’s got everything under control.

Or, more accurately, pretend he has it together and has everything under control.

Takeru, for all intents and purposes, was not supposed to be on the camping trip the others were on, not having gone to everyone’s school -- he had to get special permission to go. Takeru’s family is very, very split harshly at this time, with his mother not even able to treat Yamato comfortably. Yamato deals with the familial estrangement badly -- alternating between approaching everyone awkwardly and exploding like an emotional fuse bomb -- but Takeru tries to take it as a sign  that he needs to be “responsible”. A lot of his actions in Adventure are him basically exuding this aura of “I can take care of myself!”, and in fact he works very hard to “assert” himself as if he were yet another peer. We even see him make the complaint directly in Adventure episode 43 -- while he is correct in calling out Yamato for coddling him and him only while recklessly disregarding the others, the fact he specifically complains about Yamato approaching him as someone holding them back if he’s not protected reveals a lot about his own mentality regarding the situation.

One of his first major scenes in episode 2 is him offering his own food for the pile of supplies everyone has, even though it’s just snacks. Which is, probably, a pretty accurate summary of Takeru’s character at this point: on the surface he’s responsible, well-behaved, and capable...but, in fact, he’s still about as immature as an average eight-year-old child would predictably be.

Yamato spends his Adventure character arc pretty openly angsting about his relationship to Takeru and how his family’s split has affected them, but throughout the entirety of Adventure (and, eventually, 02 as well), not only does Takeru rarely if ever touch on it, there are indications that Takeru deliberately tries to dodge the subject or not dwell on it too much. In Adventure episode 12, he actually outright lies to Patamon about his younger childhood memories, claiming he “probably doesn’t remember” anything about it despite the audience very clearly being shown that he very much did, and in episode 26 he comes very close to leaking his actual feelings about the group being separated being tied to what happened to his family, before quickly covering it up and trying to move on with the topic.

In other words, unlike Hikari, who knows exactly what she’s feeling but is compulsively unable to vocalize them, Takeru actively suppresses his negative feelings and tries not to dwell on them too much. Again, this comes from his desire to “not be a burden” on others -- he’s got this situation under control! Everything is fine!

And this has a very, very nasty payoff. While Yamato clearly deals with his emotional issues badly, tending to get very explosive about it, Takeru’s way of coping isn’t actually all that much better in the long run, because Yamato’s frustration and openness about his emotions at least lead him to being very straightforward about his feelings, incredibly self-aware and sometimes even self-conscious, and ultimately able to get at least some degree of catharsis from the situation. Takeru...not so much.

Takeru is a child, no matter how much he tries not to act like one, and it ultimately results in him reacting disastrously whenever something hits him too emotionally hard -- which results in Takeru suddenly becoming irrationally stubborn and even angry. We later see what it takes to actually break through Takeru’s facade of “totally having this together” in Adventure episode 22, which is also the first time he openly breaks down wailing in front of anyone besides Patamon -- and it’s, of course, when PicoDevimon convinces him that Yamato hates him. The interesting part is that this is so blatantly a lie that even Tokomon is able to quickly call bullshit on it, but Takeru, previously having worked so hard to maintain this facade of being responsible, falls for it completely with utter irrationality -- and it really does suggest that Takeru’s fear of losing yet another member of his family, and being a burden to Yamato, runs so deep that it causes that entire facade to shatter in one blow.

Which is where the problem lies: Takeru’s habit of suppression is so bad that once one of his triggers is hit, he completely loses all sense of rationality and blows up, and it becomes nearly impossible to reason with him because he locks down on becoming stubborn. It’s also dangerous because even he isn’t particularly self-aware of what he’s doing when he blows up like this; at least Hikari was very consciously aware of her suppression problem, but Takeru never really seems to have any awareness of the fact that his covering up of his feelings is directly related to some of his worst moments. We see it cause problems between him and Patamon again in Adventure episode 33, when Patamon asks a rather innocuous question about the brothers, and it hits Takeru’s trigger so badly that he snaps at him, resulting in the fight that kicks off the plot of the episode.

Adventure episode 52 is basically a major test for Takeru as to whether he really can hold himself together in a situation where everyone else older than him is gone, and “having himself together” is something he has to actually do instead of just have the surface facade of. He does, ultimately, pass, and this is why the Crest of Hope glows this episode -- but it’s also made clear that it wasn’t quite as easy for him as he would normally pretend it is. Of course, it also helps that Piemon is genuinely the scariest threat they’d faced during that time, but it also reveals that, yeah, ultimately, Takeru is an eight-year-old child who still has to struggle to put on a brave face so that Hikari doesn’t get impacted by his own fear.

For all it’s worth, although we get a ton of depth into his background and mentality, Takeru does not actually change that much as a character over the course of Adventure. This incident is probably what changes him the most in terms of him gaining a more solid core, and he also learns to accept the inevitability of fighting after his stubborn refusal to engage in it all the way back in Adventure episode 12 -- but for the most part he still does remain a bit naive about the world at large, and, more importantly, his issue with trying to cover up his problems with a confident smile never really gets addressed. At most, he’s willing to admit his grief over being separated from Patamon in Adventure episode 54, but even that is something Takeru tries to bounce back from quickly, much like with the first time he cried with Patamon in Adventure episode 12. But there’s nothing to indicate that his problem with emotional management isn’t going to continue being a problem from here on out if left unchecked.

That problem ends up taking another three more years to get addressed.

Takeru in 02

Takeru is one of the first people we meet in 02 (for reasons that end up revealed in the final episode), and right off the bat we learn that he’s a bit...evasive. He leaves a cryptic line to Daisuke about his goggles without coming even close to what we all know is the full extent of what’s on his mind (that the goggles specifically remind him of someone important to him), and later just...deflects Daisuke throwing accusations at him with a mild dismissal. In fact, even though Takeru pretty clearly understands very quickly what’s going on with Daisuke and how touchy he gets with the Hikari issue, he keeps dodging the question and constantly saying things that are evasive about it and therefore never truly helps his case until episode 17, when the circumstances between why Hikari and Takeru knew each other are finally properly clarified to Daisuke and he stops getting on their case about it on his own.

There were multiple points in time before this -- especially in episode 7, when Daisuke is practically at his worst in regards to approaching Takeru -- when Takeru could have easily said something to at least attempt to get Daisuke to stop bothering him, but Takeru never even asks him to cut it out! He simply continues to handle everything with a “yeah, okay, sure! :)” attitude, which of course confuses Daisuke (who’s rather allergic to people not being straightforward) rather thoroughly, and you wonder if he’s practically enjoying seeing Daisuke’s antics to the point he’s just enabling it further.

As a point of aside trivia, the official 02 website adds the fun detail that apparently he's popular with the girls at school but doesn't show much interest in them himself, and the Animedia audio commentary CD for Armor Evolution to the Unknown had his voice actor even express the opinion that he saw Takeru as someone who wasn’t really the type to think about romance at this age (adding in a separate interview for the 02 DVDs that he felt Takeru was respectful of girls primarily due to having been taught by his single mother to be such). The latter part of course isn’t something that comes from the writing, but given the website trivia I’m inclined to personally agree with it -- and, more importantly, the implication is that Takeru is at least aware of these kinds of things, but actively chooses to not think about it and deal with it when the time comes.

So in other words: That part about how Takeru actively suppresses things that are negative or inconvenient to think about, all for the sake of keeping a smile plastered on his face? Yup, still there.

In fact, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment from 02 episode 17 implies heavily that, even with their parents having developed a more cordial relationship after the events of Adventure, Takeru is now emotionally dealing with the aftermath of his parents’ divorce worse than Yamato is, since Yamato is at least able to speak about it casually and even joke about it openly, whereas Takeru keeps his mouth shut and the framing of the shot heavily implies he’s still extremely sensitive and unable to vocalize his feelings on it. Takeru never brings this up as something eating away at him for the entire series -- but BelialVamdemon uses it against him in episode 49, revealing that, yes, this is a problem that’s still tearing away at him, and yet he’s refusing to be open to anyone about it, even to Yamato himself. (Especially since, again, Yamato seems to be doing a great job trying to move forward; why kill his mood and thus be a “burden” to him?)

Even so, Takeru is very different in 02 partially because his circumstances are completely different. Adventure had him as the youngest in a group of older kids, so in terms of “being a responsible child”, that naturally meant being deferential and polite to everyone due to standards of propriety. 02 is where we learn a lot more about how Takeru interacts with peers his own age and people who are outright younger than him, when he has a bit more leeway to be more assertive.

On top of that, back in Adventure, Takeru was a young child who had a very small “range of periphery” -- as a young child still rather naive about the world, his emotional investment in things primarily pertained to loved ones and the people around him. But now that he’s a bit older, he’s gained a certain degree of strong feelings about “what’s the right thing to do”, and now has very strong opinions on it.

These things ultimately manifest in, unfortunately, Takeru losing his composure much more often than he did in Adventure, and for reasons that pertain to much wider things than just his brother. Still not having recovered from the trauma of losing Patamon back in Adventure episode 13, Takeru starts physically fighting Daisuke in 02 episode 11 because he perceives Daisuke as not doing enough to prevent Patamon from potentially becoming a slave to the Kaiser, and in 02 episode 13 he lashes out at Hikari in frustration about her refusal to do anything about her situation (which he of course ends up deeply regretting later in the episode).

Takeru’s infamous scene of suddenly switching modes on the Kaiser and punching him out in 02 episode 19 is basically the pinnacle of this -- because, yes, the Kaiser really did deserve it, but this really is not a good thing for Takeru either. This is Takeru getting the closest we ever see him to being a genuine sadist, and it’s basically everything to do with his emotional stuntedness coming out at once -- blowing up in anger out of nowhere with a passive-aggressive demeanor, succumbing to the weight of his trauma in the worst way possible, and mixing the ^^ front he puts on with his tendency to blow up angrily at anything that cuts him a little too emotionally close.

And for the first time, we see someone actually acknowledge how bad this is. Iori, one of the most consciously perceptive of the group, witnesses, for himself, the sheer jarringness of Takeru seeming to only really have two modes between “all smiles” and “unreasonably angry”. Sure, Takeru had shown a penchant for getting active as soon as there was something he needed to protect, but the moment it got personal, Takeru suddenly blew up in front of his eyes and almost turned into a completely different person. (Perhaps he’s not that different from Yamato after all...)

This is a very important moment because it sets up the base for what ultimately becomes the Jogress arc between Iori and Takeru. Daisuke ended up reaching out to Ken because Ken was someone who needed someone to accept him and teach him to move forward instead of drowning in the past; Miyako ended up reaching out to Hikari because Hikari knew herself to have a suppression problem but had difficulty doing anything about it, so the extremely in-your-face and aggressive Miyako could go in deep. But with Takeru, since his personality is genuinely volatile, and because Takeru goes out of his way to hide the fact he’s having emotional problems, personalities like Daisuke and Miyako wouldn’t help much because they’re too straightforward for someone like this who’s a bit unpredictable -- whereas Iori, who’s assertive but also methodical and thinks through everything consciously, is eventually much better able to reach out to him.

Once the relevant arc kicks in, in 02 episode 34, Iori continues to observe Takeru, and quietly notes the many “contradictions” in Takeru’s behavior -- since, after all, Takeru starts to sometimes violate what you’d think would be common sense whenever he gets too emotionally compromised. The fact that ostensibly one of the outwardly “nicest” kids in this group suddenly blows up in certain circumstances and basically goes “absolutely nope, needs to be killed!” in the midst of a few moral debates over killing sentient Digimon disturbs him deeply, and really, it’s not even about the killing part (after all, it’s later established in 02 episode 43 and after that Takeru and Hikari have a certain degree of acceptance of the inevitability that the others don’t) as much as Takeru’s being pretty gung-ho about it. Not “I don’t like it, but we have to” like he said earlier, but NOPE, GOTTA DO IT.

Iori refers directly to the duality of Takeru that he doesn’t quite understand multiple times in this episode (including in regards to the incident back in 02 episode 19), and it continues to torment him until the end, when Takeru only gives a very cryptic “clarification” that he doesn’t necessarily hate the darkness per se.

Iori, too intimidated to ask Takeru about it directly, goes to ask Yamato in 02 episode 35, and Yamato finally clarifies the background that we as the audience knew but Iori didn't: the story behind Takeru's trauma regarding the loss of Angemon back in Adventure episode 13. Yamato also makes a conjecture about why Takeru has been acting so ambivalent towards Ken -- you'd think he'd still be under Takeru's scorn after the events of 02 episode 19, but in fact Takeru's judgment of him in episode 25 was simply that he was certain something had changed, yet he couldn't tell what he was thinking (really rich coming from someone who refuses to tell anyone else what he's thinking himself!). Yamato guesses that Takeru is inclined to be a bit more forgiving of Ken due to understanding the feeling of losing a partner -- and the ultimate conclusion here is, basically, that Takeru's behavior is contradictory because he's acting based on what's personal to him, not necessarily via principles that make sense. After all, back in Adventure, it was clearly demonstrated that Takeru isn’t exactly rational when things hit too close to home.

The other important thing that happens this episode is that Takeru learns that Iori is actively trying to reach out to him, when Yamato drops him a line informing him that Iori asked. Despite complaining that Iori could have just asked him directly, after Takeru witnesses the face-off between Iori and BlackWarGreymon and a demonstration that Iori is clearly trying his best to make sense out of this entire mess, Takeru actively reaches out to Iori and says something to comfort him -- “a life is beautiful simply by existing.” It’s still cryptic as hell, but it’s not something he would have said in the midst of his anger in prior episodes.

It would be one thing if it were simply that by itself, but the following episodes further push the idea that Takeru really is starting to change after witnessing all of this. 02 episode 36 has him explicitly acknowledge what Iori’s been doing this whole time in trying to understand him for the sake of their Jogress, and, finally, during their meal later that episode, he says, very openly and honestly, that he thinks they’ll be able to do it now. After two instances of Jogress, these kids are very aware of what that entails -- so this is basically Takeru consciously acknowledging to Iori “yes, I understand that you’re trying to reach out to me, and I accept it and want to understand you.” Because Takeru is such a convoluted sort of person, this “understanding” ended up being something that didn’t span a single magical moment as much as it took several episodes and a diplomatic, conscious affirmation on both ends -- but it’s a fitting way to go for someone who had always indicated some pretty poor conscious awareness of where his feelings were taking him.

This is especially because, in 02 episode 37, his statements to comfort Ken are in pretty significant opposition to the sort of anger he’d displayed in earlier episodes, and are now a more pragmatic view of the issue in light of Iori’s efforts and everything he’d just witnessed with BlackWarGreymon -- and to drive the point home, the episode has, at the very end of it, Takeru making his first true explicit show of goodwill towards Ken after having been a bit touchy with him for so many episodes.

Iori himself, being the youngest of the 02 group, still has a lot to learn, and so Takeru, who had previously been one of the youngest in the Adventure group himself, now has his role inverted to effectively be a guiding mentor to Iori as he finds his own way. Basically, Takeru becomes responsible for the welfare of this young child, and so his way of treating Iori is markedly different from the more detached and playful way he would treat others from here on out. This is especially because, earlier, Yamato had informed him that Iori had taken a very roundabout way to help understand him better, and so Takeru probably understands that he scared the hell out of Iori earlier and needs to do better. While the Takeru of 02 episodes 38-50 still has a way of being playful, and while he still isn’t completely straightforward about his intentions, he is definitely much better about being open with the others, especially Iori, instead of doubling down on his “everything-is-fine” mode.

And perhaps this is what the other meaning of “hope” thus became in this situation -- learning to be forward-facing even in the midst of truly knowing and understanding everything that’s wrong with the situation.

Post-02

Although Takeru’s Spring 2003 track is addressed to no one in particular, meaning that it’s the most likely reason he’s so willing to be open about it, Takeru outright admits he’s having problems with his emotions -- especially those pertaining to Angemon’s death. We do, however, learn that Takeru’s started writing the early, early drafts of what’ll eventually end up becoming the novels he writes as a future career.

This being only a year after the events of 02, Takeru’s position is interesting. His decision to start writing is that he wants to have a record of everything before it’s forgotten -- because these things are very personal to him -- but he’s not emotionally ready for the huge task of finalizing everything in words, to the point he still hasn’t told his mother he’s started writing yet. After all, this is a book we eventually find out takes upwards of twenty years, and so this is the presumable reason why -- being able to get this down in a rational way that’s not emotionally compromising is going to be an upwards battle for him.

Even come Kizuna, there’s still a long way for him to go, because an actual line (in a very fast-paced movie) is dedicated to establishing that he’s still uncomfortable with his novel progress to the point he won’t even let Yamato see it. His official character profile and background details are revealing, too -- although he’s currently taking language classes in university and is even part of a children’s literature club, he still hasn’t actually decided on what to do with his future, meaning that he hasn’t determined that he’s going to be a full-time novelist with these yet. That means that even though he’s clearly still clacking away at his novel (multiple indications in the movie are given as such), his memoirs are still at the level of being so deeply personal, and not something he feels comfortable telling well, just yet.

I’ve pointed out before that despite not appearing directly with them in the movie, Takeru and Hikari have more in common with the others in the 02 group than they do with their Adventure seniors, and this is fully codified in the drama CD when Takeru is content to basically just “do whatever” with the rest of his friends instead of having any particular concerns about his future. And as someone who has a tendency to kind of just let his emotions take him wherever they’re going, this isn’t too surprising. Although he approximates as the closest to level-headed during most of the group’s antics during the CD, he’s still completely guilty of enabling them full-force, after all...

So, with the 02 epilogue, we get the massive meta reveal that the entire series was Takeru’s novels the whole time. This was planned to be the ending for Adventure before recording for the first episode had even started, but was postponed to the end of 02 when the second series was greenlit -- and if you’d followed the Japanese version, there are a ton of meta hints scattered around from day one:

The narrator of the series is Hirata Hiroaki, who played Takeru and Yamato’s father, and is revealed in this episode to voice him as an adult as well;

Episode 12 of Adventure is named “Adventure! Patamon and Me” and is the only episode title in Adventure or 02 to use a first-person pronoun -- and it’s of course a Takeru-centric episode, with the episode title using Takeru’s boku;

02′s first episode kicks off narrated by young Takeru opening the story, with Takeru himself suspiciously omitted from the opening vignettes;

02 episode 18 suddenly has the narration cut in when discussing Takeru’s trauma from Adventure episode 13, with the younger Takeru even filling in part of it himself;

02 episode 49′s “next episode” preview for 50 suddenly also starts using “we”, which also includes Takeru’s boku;

Finally, Takeru starts narrating right after Oikawa’s death, which fades into what’s revealed to be his adult voice.

In the context of Adventure, Takeru was “the youngest child”, so the idea makes sense that “the littlest one” would be the one to grow up and reflect on all of the adventures they had as kids -- and once 02 was added, it practically made sense that Takeru would be the one to recap both adventures, being the one person who was there to completely witness both (it also explains why Takeru and Hikari’s character arcs remain somewhat unresolved by the end of Adventure compared to others, since by this time it was apparent their story would be continued in the second series). So on a meta level, Takeru is, in a certain way, one of the most important characters in both groups.

On a level relevant to his personal character arc, on the other hand, the point here is that Takeru finally managed to put together his book and story in a way that he was comfortable telling the entire world about, to the point of choosing to make his entire career into it. That’s something that requires a lot of coming to terms with what happened, how he feels about it, how others feel about it, and everything about the whole ordeal in general, without compromise or (too much) bias.

And in the end, that’s really a lot!

[1plus1kiyoomi]

Chapter 5: 3-day free trial Day 1

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Day 1

A very rare day off. Usually, Sakusa would spend it cleaning his whole house, but this time Kia is around. Does he ask her to help? What does a 30-month old know about cleaning?

The night before, it was chill. Kia slept immediately after eating dinner and bathing, probably because she was tired from the flight. Plus, his parents were there to help him. He starts to think not to let the toddler nap so she’ll sleep immediately.

You are still in Tokyo, processing some papers for work and will arrive 3 days after. Which means, Sakusa has to take care of Kia alone for 3 days. He really has no idea on what to do. You gave him a schedule of Kia’s routines, but he thinks it’s systematically ridiculous. He has no free time at all.

6:30 AM: wake up (don’t let her stay in bed for a long time or you’ll suffer tonight)

7:30 AM: breakfast (she eats solid food and isn’t allergic to anything. she also isn’t picky. just make sure you cut her food into small pieces)

8:00 AM: bath (she loves playing with water. watch her carefully. she might slip and hit her head.)

8:30 AM: household chores (she likes helping with the chores, especially folding clothes and hanging the laundry)

11:30 AM: lunch

1:00 PM: nap time (give her milk. make sure you let her help you with the chores or she’ll not sleep. she has a lot of energy. also, this is your alone time. spend it wisely.)

3:00 PM: wake up. (give her snacks)

7:00 PM: wash.

8:00 PM: dinner.

10:00 PM: sleep.

She’s not as messy as other kids, but she’s still a child, she can’t help it but make mess. Go easy on her.

“Is this how she spends her time?” Sakusa stares at the piece of paper disappointedly. He checks the clock on the wall it’s almost time for Kia to wake up. “Right. Her mom said she’ll call any minute now.”

Sakusa goes to the room and opens the blinds, waking Kia up. She sits up, looking around the unfamiliar room. She sees Sakusa and raises her hands, a sign to lift her up, but he doesn’t understand. “What?”

Kia starts crying, confusing the hell out of Sakusa. He gives her a bottle of milk but she rejects it. She continues to raise her arms, her cries getting louder. Sakusa wants to throw her out of the window, but that would be murder and you will definitely kill him for it.

Kia stops crying then stares at him with teary eyes. They look at each other as if they are competing on a staring contest. And he wins, Kia says what she wants. “Carry.”

“We have to change your diaper first. Then, I’ll carry you.”

“Okay.”

Kia jumps out of bed and runs to the bathroom, Sakusa following behind her in a safe distance. He puts her on the changing station, lying her on her back. He changes the diaper in horror, but Kia is just enjoying the lights in the bathroom.

Not long after having changed her diapers, you call Sakusa. He puts Kia on the high chair, then answers your call. He takes a phone stand and leans his phone on it, so you can talk to your daughter properly. “Mama!” Kia cheers upon seeing your face.

“Baby!” You coo on the other line. “How are you? I miss you!”

‘Already? Pfft. It hasn’t even been 24 hours since you last saw her.’

Sakusa continues to make rice balls. First he makes his, since he is unsure of how much Kia can eat. He puts his finished onigiris aside, then stands behind Kia’s chair to see ask you.

The moment you see him on screen, a blush creeps on your cheeks. He is wearing a loose maroon shirt that shaped his shoulder way too good for your liking. You stare at him without realizing. ‘Has his shoulders always been that broad?’

“Hey, I’m asking you something.” He calls and you snap out of your thoughts. You clear your throat and answer with a hum. He rolls his eyes and repeats his question. “Is this enough rice for Kia?” He tilts the plate of rice, showing it to you.

You act as if you are examining the plate but you are actually too busy staring at his toned and veiny forearms. You nod at him and he leaves the screen again. You pout and forget about Kia who is staring at you. After a while of assessing your face, Kia finally concludes on why you look upset.

“Kyo, go back here. Mama’s sad. She wants to see you, too.”

The room falls silent, and your apartment that is hundreds of kilometers away from them does too. Sakusa, to save you from embarrassment, pretends not to hear Kia’s statement. Then, he hears you speak, “Kia, baby. I have to go to work now. Bye!”

You end the call immediately. Sakusa on the other hand still looks unbothered, but deep down he is smiling like an idiot. But Kia saddens upon seeing the black screen on the device.

“What’s that?” Kia asks out of curiosity and boredom, pointing at Sakusa’s hands that are molding the rice into tiny balls she won’t choke on.

“Your food.”

“What food?”

“Onigiri.”

“Why?”

“What do you mean why?”

“Why Onigiri?”

“What do you want to eat?”

“Onigiri.”

“Then, shut up. You won’t get to eat if you don’t keep quiet.”

“Why should I?”

Sakusa groans, then puts the plate of rice balls down on the counter rather agreesively. Kia’s lower lip quivers, staring at him in guilt. He takes a deep breath in before continuing to shape the ham and cheese as he prays for more patience.

Sakusa places the finished food on her tray, then lifts Kia up of her chair to bring her to the sink. He helps her wash and dry her hands before returning her back to the table. She bows her head, mumbling a soft ‘itadakimasu’ before holding onto her spoon. She attempts to put a piece of carrot on her spoon, but fails miserably.

“Feed me!” Kia announces in which Sakusa responds with a sigh. He leaves his food to feed her. He takes the spoon from her hand and attempts to feed her. He honestly wants to shove it in her mouth, but he doesn’t want a child to die in his house because of choking.

“Don’t make a mess,” Sakusa warns, and she nods. He continues to feed her and she is calm to his surprise. On her last rice ball, Kia looks at Sakusa in anticipation but only to be rewarded by a stare.

Sakusa puts Kia down before he cleans her seat and wash her plate. He continues to eat his and tells her to go to her room. She runs to her room and start playing with whatever toy there is in there. She spots a marker and takes the lid off. She runs to the wall and starts scribbling on it in delight. Sakusa finishes eating and washing with the dishes so he checks up on Kia.

“What are you doing?!” He shouts, seeing the markings on the wall. Kia looks at him in shock, dropping the pen to the ground. She starts crying as Sakusa marches towards her. “Why did you draw on the wall?!”

“I’m sorry!” Kia cries, feeling guilty of what she has done.

“You better be because you just made a mess on my wall!” Sakusa scolds, picking up the pen she just used. He takes the other pens on the table and throws them forcefully in the trashcan. Kia cries even harder which irritates Sakusa. “Shut up!”

Kia stops crying because of his words. “Do you not like Kia?” She asks innocently.

“I don’t like messy children like you,” he answers in a stern manner before he aggressively wipes the ink off the wall with wipes. He looks at Kia, expecting her to cry but she is only staring at the wall.

“I thought papa loves me...” Kia mumbles before sitting down on the floor. Sakusa didn’t hear her words due to the stress that is filling him in. Preoccupied with cleaning, he doesn’t realize Kia staring at the wall unhealthily.

Sakusa finishes and grabs clothes from her drawer and the baby bag you prepared in case they go out. He changes Kia then leaves the room. He places Kia in the highchair again so he can change into his practice clothes.

“I won’t be able to survive being alone with you for anymore time.”

-------

The two enter the gym, Kia garnering everyone’s attention. He instructs her to sit at the bench and not to move unless it’s necessary. Everyone is quiet, confused as hell, and cannot believe what they are seeing. Sakusa Kiyoomi with a child, a child that resembles him way too much.

“Is that your daughter?” Bokuto excitedly asks, the other members are so thankful and ashamed of him for asking the question they all want to ask. “She’s taller than I thought!”

“Did you think she was 1 foot tall or something?” Atsumu remarks, walking closer to the child with Hinata. Kia’s eyes glimmers as she sees them.

She stands on the bench, looking up to them. The volleyball players put their hands on their knees, crouching, to level with Kia’s height. “You’re very tall!” Kia exclaims excitedly.

Hinata blushes at her statement, “I am?” He giggles, lifting Kia up. “You’re so cute!”

Atsumu examines her features silently, glancing at Sakusa to do some comparisons. She smiles at the faux blonde and captures his heart immediately. He clutches on his chest exaggeratedly, making Kia giggle.

“You look like your papa but cuter!” Atsumu coos at her, pinching her cheek.

Kia’s eyes widen in excitement upon hearing the word ‘papa.’ She jumps to Atsumu’s arms, which he luckily catches her. “You know my papa?”

Everyone in the room becomes silent with Kia’s question. Atsumu tilts her head to the side, then looks at Sakusa. He is looking at the court, obviously not paying attention to Kia or what she is saying. “Isn’t he your papa?” Atsumu asks, pointing a finger at Sakusa.

“My mama said papa is tall and handsome with curly hair. He also has black hair and black eyes and fair skin! He is also very tall!” Kia rambles.

Isn’t she describing Sakusa? Everyone in the room thinks.

“But Kyo!” She points at Sakusa who is now staring at her. “He’s a monster!”

Sakusa grabs a volleyball and the team members stop him from hitting Kia with it. He shouts in frustration, leaving the gym. Kia starts crying in fear again and the boys help her quiet down. Atsumu hands her to Hinata before chasing after Sakusa.

Atsumu spots Sakusa at the lockers, sitting quietly on his spot. The blonde sits a bench away from him, giving him enough space. Sakusa looks at him and sighs. “I can’t believe you’re the one I’m talking to.”

“If you prefer to talk with Hinata or Bokuto, I’ll go call them.”

“Please, no. You’re the most sane out of the three.”

“Thanks?” Atsumu chuckles, then waits for Sakusa to say something again. He’s aware of how blunt Sakusa is with his words, but Kia just seem to shut him up. He can’t say anything to her.

“What seems to be the problem?” Atsumu starts, knowing Sakusa won’t say anything if he doesn’t.

Atsumu is seen as asshole by everybody, but he is definitely not a bad friend. Sakusa may not consider him as one, but he does. And he’s more than willing to listen and talk to him.

“Kia. I just don’t really like children.”

Atsumu takes a deep breath in before asking Sakusa a question that can get him killed by the ace. “So why are you trying?”

Sakusa processes his question then laughs. Atsumu is getting scared. He has always seen Sakusa as a psychopath and he is showing signs right now. He is about to flee the room but Sakusa answers him.

“Because I want her mom back.”

But he doesn’t want Kia.

--

After their practice, Sakusa, Bokuto, Atsumu and Hinata decide to eat dinner together. Atsumu lowkey scared for Kia. What if he doesn’t feed her dinner? He’s even thinking of bringing her home until you arrive.

They arrive in Miya Onigiri, the only place Sakusa trusts to dine in. They get seated in the private room, Osamu well-aware of Sakusa’s hate towards crowds. He got surprised about seeing Kia, too, but he didn’t say anything. He gives her a highchair and she thanks him gleefully. He ruffles her hair before helping her up in the chair. After taking their orders, he goes to the kitchen to make it.

Kia sits between Sakusa and Atsumu, while Bokuto and Hinata sit across them. Kia is busy chatting with the boys when Sakusa’s phone starts to ring so he checks it and see that you’re calling. He answers it and hands the phone to Kia.

“Mama!” Kia cheers. “Look! I’ve got new friends!” She shows Hinata and Bokuto on the screen, and your eyes widen. Bokuto quiets down and stares at you in shock as well.

“Akaashi’s cousin!” Bokuto says. “Kia is your daughter too? She’s Omi-kun’s daughter as well!” You chuckle awkwardly until they grey hair boy hits realization. “You said Kia’s father is dead!”

“I never said that!” You reply in defense. Upon hearing your exchange with Bokuto, Sakusa gets bothered. Did you really say he was dead to other people?

“Bokuto don’t shout at my mama like that!” Kia pouts. You call her and tells her to use polite terms with the three since they’re her uncles.

Atsumu laughs at your statement and his deep laugh catches you off guard. Kia shows herself in the camera again and Atsumu is seen too. “We’re at the age that we’re considered as uncles already, huh?”

“Yes, you are.” You clarify and Atsumu scoffs.

“I’m Miya Atsumu by the way,” he introduces and you introduce yourself back. The three of you, with Kia, continue to call as they wait for their food. Atsumu asks questions about you which is annoying Sakusa every time you answer it with ethusiasm. The food arrives so they say their goodbyes, then you end the call as soon as Atsumu says bye, not giving Sakusa the chance to talk to you.

“You can’t use spoon well yet?” Atsumu coos, taking Kia’s spoon. He feeds her as he eats as well, the irritation in Sakusa’s body growing even more.

After eating, it is time to say good bye. And Kia isn’t letting go of Atsumu.

“I wanna stay with you!” Kia cries, clinging onto Atsumu’s neck. Having enough of Kia being way too attached to Atsumu, Sakusa grabs Kia out of the blonde’s grasps, leaving her to cry. She throws punches on his chest which obviously has no effect, but she’s trying okay?

“He’s my papa! Not you!”

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[prev]  [next]

Random Facts:

Before Kia left for Osaka, Akaashi told her that Kiyoomi is her dad. She didn’t believe him.

Meian now has the baby fever.

Taglist:  @elianetsantana aoi-turtle ptv-hades  aquzairus a-applepi  justoneofthefangirls arianna-r13 morenabambinii

[sneezyminniejo]

So Much to Sneeze, So Little TO DO

This is a combination of two request. One fairly vague and the other one a bit more specific. I hope you enjoy.

The TXT members had returned to the dorm after a video shoot on a farm and had been relaxing and discussing dinner plans. "So for dinner I was thinking kimbap with so-" "heh-iEUGH" Soobin paused for a moment to see if Yeonjun was done.

"Bless you hyung. As I was saying, I was thinking of making some soup to go with the kimbap." After everyone agreed to Soobin's dinner plans, they all dispersed to do their own thing until dinner was ready.

Yeonjun sat on the couch to watch some TV as he waited for dinner. He groaned internally in frustration as his nose began to itch. He roughly rubbed at it with his hand, hoping to relieve himself of the sensation. He wasn't sure why, but his nose had become increasingly itchy over the past hour or so.

Unfortunately, the rubbing did nothing, but intensify the itch that had built in the eldest's nose. "Heh-stishhh, heh-istiew, heh-istchhh." Yeonjun then groaned out loud. He got up to look for the tissue box, hand clamped firmly over his runny nose that was still itchy.

The nearest box of tissues ended up being on the dining room table. The three younger members were sat at the table playing a card game when Yeonjun plucked a couple of tissues from the box and blew his nose rather productively. However, the nose blow caused the itch to come back full force and Yeonjun found himself doubling over with a loud sneeze into the tissues he was holding.

The three younger members stared at their hyung in shock. "Hyung, are you feeling okay? Taehyun asked. Yeonjun nodded as he blew his nose again. "I feel fine Hyunnie, but my nose is suddenly really itchy and sneezy for some reason." Yeonjun's sentence was punctuated with a sniffle.

"Do you want to play with us hyung, we're playing BS" Beomgyu asked. Yeonjun nodded and sat down to be dealt in. At some point during the game, the tickle in Yeonjun's nose got to a point where he couldn't focus on anything but the building sneeze. Yeonjun was seemingly zoning out, with his eyes half closed and his mouth partially open.

Yeonjun sat there for a solid thirty seconds just waiting. Kai decided to ask if his hyung was okay. "Jun hyung, are y-" "HEH-STISHHH, HEH-ISTIEW, HUH-UGHIEW!" Yeonjun was a little breathless after the intense display and accepted the tissues Kai offered him. Kai also put his hand on the older's forehead while he was at it.

"You don't feel warm, hyung. Maybe you're coming down with a cold." Yeonjun shook his head, nose still buried in the tissues. " I don't think so Hyuka. I've felt fine all day. At least until we got back to the dorm."

At that moment, Soobin walked in with the food. "Hyung, let's wait until tomorrow. If you're feeling better in the morning you're probably just randomly sneezy right now, if not you might be sick and we'll discuss staying home.

Yeonjun nodded in agreement before serving himself. Dinner was filled with the usual chatter amongst the five of them partnered with the occasional sniffle and sneeze from the eldest. Once dinner had ended, Yeonjun decided to head straight to bed in hopes of sleeping off whatever was bothering his nose.

The next day Yeonjun woke up feeling great. He was showing no sign of all the sneezing from the day before. Yeonjun got dressed and left his room. Yeonjun was greeted by his four dongsaengs and hearty breakfast.

"How are you feeling hyung?" Beomgyu asked. Yeonjun smiled, "I'm feeling great. I'm not sure why I was so sneezy yesterday, but I'm fine now." The others were happy to hear that and bustled about the dorm getting ready for the day's schedule.

The video shoot was rather uneventful, however things started to go downhill when the five of them returned to the dorm in the afternoon.

About half an hour after arriving at the dorm, Yeonjun's nose began to get itchy again. Yeonjun began rubbing his nose with his hand somewhat aggressively. His actions went largely unnoticed by everyone except Kai, who happens to be looking in the eldest's general direction at the time.

Kai quickly went to the dining room to grab the box of tissues and gave a few to his eldest hyung. It turns out Kai was just in time, as no sooner had he given Yeonjun the tissues, did his breath start hitching.

"Heh-istiew, heh-istchhh, HIH-TIEW." The other members stopped to stare at the oldest as he grabbed some more tissues and blew his nose. "You good hyung?" Kai asked

Yeonjun nodded into the tissues. "I'm fine, Kai. My no-nose just got re-eally itchy all of a sudden." Yeonjun bent at the waist as he unleashed another bout of sneezes.

"Hyung, maybe you should go lie down. Either on the couch or on your bed. You might be getting sick." Yeonjun knew that Kai had a point, so he nodded before heading to his room to rest. The other four looked on a bit solemnly as they watched their sick member walk to his room and briefly pausing to sneeze again.

Once Yeonjun got to his room, he decided to shower and change into his pajamas. He was also confused as to whether or not he was getting sick, as he'd never heard of someone spending the day symptom free during the day only for symptoms to manifest later in the day.

While in the shower, Yeonjun had another fairly intense sneeze fit. He ended up having to brace himself on the wall of the shower so he wouldn't slip. When he returned to his room, he found Kai placing medicine and tissues on his nightstand. Yeonjun went to lie down on his bed grabbing a couple of tissues in the process.

"Hih-nxtshh, heh-stishhh, heh-istiew. I hate this."

Kai smiled in sympathy. "Bless you hyung. I know it can't be fun, but you probably just need some rest." 

Yeonjun nodded and grabbed the box of tissues and walked out of his room to join the others for dinner, Kai following after.

The following day was much like the day before. Yeonjun woke up not feeling the slightest bit sneezy. He had left his room to join the others for breakfast.

"Hi hyung. How are you feeling today?" Kai asked when he saw the Yeonjun walk into the kitchen. The other three members looked up from what they were doing when Kai asked the question.

"I feel fine guys. My nose doesn't itch or anything." Soobin smiled at that before speaking. "That's great hyung, but I already called manager-nim to get you a day off to rest just in case."

Yeonjun nodded in understanding. He had definitely seemed like he was getting sick the past couple of days, so he grabbed breakfast and began planning how he was going to spend his day off. Yeonjun was sitting on the couch when the other members left for their schedules.

Yeonjun had spent the entire day relaxing and catching up on his favorite tv shows. When the others returned home, they found him watching a crime drama. Soobin sat down next to him.

"How was your day hyung?" Yeonjun smiled at his oldest dongsaeng, "I feel absolutely great, Binnie. I haven't sneezed once today and my nose hasn't been itchy either." Everyone was happy to hear that because it meant that their hyung wasn't sick. They all joined him on the couch with the promise that he'd be going to schedules tomorrow.

Just like the past couple of days, Yeonjun woke up feeling perfectly fine. He got himself ready for the day and went to join the others for breakfast. He was greeted by all of his dongsaengs, who had already sat down to start eating. “How are you feeling hyung?” Soobin asked, wanting to know if he needed to get the eldest another sick day.

“I’m fine Soobin. Just like yesterday I feel perfectly fine.” Everyone was extremely happy to hear that. They all started to eat their food as Soobin filled them in on what was planned for the day.

The group had been filming episodes of TO DO for the past couple of days. Although yesterday with the eldest out sick, they just did dance and vocal practice instead. Yeonjun was just happy to get back into the swing of things, even though he had only been out for a day. Filming had been rather uneventful, aside from the usual chaos that occurs during the episodes

Once filming wrapped up for the day the members returned to the dorm. They were all seated on the couch talking about how the thought filming went when it started again.

Yeonjun found his nose getting rather itchy all of a sudden, and knowing what it meant, immediately grabbed some tissues from the box that had been placed on the coffee table the other day. “Heh-itschh, Hih-iugh.” He blew his nose rather productively then groaned in annoyance.

The other members just looked at the older with somewhat perplexed expressions. “Hyung, I think you might be allergic to something.” Kai stated. Everyone looked at him to elaborate. “Think about it. If Yeonjun hyung were sick, he’d be sneezing all day and maybe even coughing, but he isn’t.”

The others nodded, then Taehyun spoke up. “While that theory makes some amount of sense, what would hyung be allergic to? It can’t be anything here in the dorm, he was totally fine yesterday.” All the members nodded in agreement as they tried to think about what Yeonjun could be allergic to. At some point Kai had excused himself to grab something from the kitchen.

Kai returned a couple minutes later with some tea and medicine. “Here hyung, we still have some antihistamines from when the pollen count was obnoxiously high a couple months ago.” Yeonjun took the medicine easily, as he wanted relief sooner rather than later. Even if they were testing a theory, as opposed to having proof it was an allergy.

Unlike the past couple of days when the sneezing picked up over the course of a couple of hours, it stayed fairly steady, before beginning to taper off. “I think this confirms th-that I’m all-allergic to somethi-tschh something. Now we just need to figure out what.

The members decided to try to figure out what Yeonjun is allergic to, but that’s easier said than done when all of the symptoms are taking place at the dorm. Beomgyu was the first to come forward with an idea.

“This might sound a bit weird, but I think hyung might be allergic to one of the farm animals we’ve been filming with the past couple of days.” The others stared at him somewhat blankly. Beomgyu was about to recant his idea, when Kai spoke up.

“Gyu hyung has a point. We’ve been filming with animals that we normally don’t encounter on a regular basis at all. It’s also not unheard of for someone to have a reaction hours after being exposed to the allergen.” The others hummed in agreement and Soobin texted the manager to update them and to get Yeonjun an appointment with an allergist.

Because their schedule was free the following day, the manager went ahead and got Yeonjun the earliest possible appointment with the allergist. It turned out that Yeonjun was allergic to horse hair, sheeps wool, and bird feathers. Since they had been filming TO DO on a farm this week, it made perfect sense as to why he hadn’t experienced any symptoms until a couple days ago when he first started interacting with said animals.

Luckily they had finished filming for the episodes, so Yeonjun didn’t have to deal with the symptoms anymore. When he returned to the dorm, he quickly updated the members on what the results were. They were all relieved to hear that the allergens were things they likely wouldn’t encounter again in the near future. Kai then started making sarcastic comments on how he had been looking forward to taking everyone to a ranch for horse riding lessons for his birthday. Yeonjun chuckled at the bad joke then joined the others on the couch to watch tv.

[kravkalackin]

i went back to that one au where kravitz gets stucks raising blupjeans baby angus cause i was posting it to my tumblr drabble collection on AO3 and oops  there’s more now

----

“Oh thank fuck, you’re still here,” a familiar voice said, and Kravitz actually jolted, whipping around. Of course that only made the infant cry louder, and Kravitz was not thrilled that the lich had managed to sneak up on him. 

“What are you doing here?” he snapped instinctively, and the lich didn’t have much of a face. It was still somehow easy to see it judging him as it rushed over, grabbing Angus from him before Kravitz could react in his flustered state. 

“Bringing you his stuff! And you could say thank you by the way,” the lich huffed, and with a quick flick of his hand a pocket dimension opened up, several bags levitating out. Most of them went to the floor, but one stayed hovering next to him, the lich immediately reaching in and grabbing a bottle. 

“Sorry for the late lunch little buddy, we’ll get unkie Krav on your schedule real soon,” the lich said, and Kravitz couldn’t help making a face at that. 

“I already told you not to call me that,” he said, and he had been around for a long, long time. The sight of a lich carefully and lovingly bottle feeding an infant was definitely one of the most surreal things he’d ever experienced. 

“I’m still not hearing a thank you,” the lich said, and Kravitz crossed his arms in a huff. The lich sighed, and Angus did seem to be in a considerably better mood now that he was eating. “Listen, I totally get you not trusting me, alright? But you’re gonna have to forgive me for being a little nervous about leaving my son with a total stranger and wanting to make sure he still has his favorite blanket and is eating on time,” he added, and Kravitz very reluctantly nodded. 

“I… imagine this must be very hard as a parent,” he said, and the lich nodded. The child seemed to be finishing up his bottle at this point, and the lich didn’t seem to even have to focus as he hovered the child at about shoulder height, starting to burp him. 

“I’m not an evil guy, I’m just trying to protect my family,” he said, giving what Kravitz could only describe as a forlorn look at his son before floating him back over to Kravitz. He was a little shocked that he was still going along with this so willingly, that he was so stable, despite the obvious distress he was in. 

“People have done a lot of evil in the name of protecting those they love,” Kravitz said, taking the much calmer child. He honestly looked a little sleepy. Maybe he would get lucky and he would take a nap when the lich left, and Kravitz could have a moment to actually fucking process everything that was going on. 

“You’re not wrong about that,” the lich said, a sad tone to his voice. “I know I’m more guilty of that than most people, so I’m not asking you to trust me. I just need you to work with me here,” he said, and Kravitz slowly nodded. 

“You already know the deal, I will not go back on that,” he said, the lich visibly relaxing. 

And then he seemed to perk up, starting to levitate some of the bags, pulling out items and speaking at a rapid pace that Kravitz found it very hard to keep track of. 

“Okay so in that case there’s just a few things I thought you should probably know before I head out for a bit. Obviously he usually eats lunch around this time. Dinner is typically sometime between 4:30 and five, and breakfast is bright and early at six, sixth thirty-ish. He’ll snack in between, but he’s probably not gonna be on solid foods for a bit. Naps after lunch most days, he’s almost sleeping through the night now, but usually wants a snack at about two or three am. Luckily, you’re not alive, so I don’t know if you really sleep, so that shouldn’t be an issue,” he started. 

“No, uh, that should be fine,” he said, and the lich nodded like he figured as much. 

“Cool, so this is his favorite blanket, don’t lose it okay? His mom got it for him and I wouldn’t- I sure as fuck wouldn’t be giving it to you if Angus didn’t like it so much. Let’s see, what else, what else. He likes books, can’t read yet but he likes turning the pages, got him some of the big cardboard ones so there’s no risk of papercuts. I think he’s gonna need glasses, but it’s a little too young to tell, so just keep an eye out for that. He’s not picky on the mush food, but he won’t eat peaches. We’ve been avoiding peanuts because his uncle and mom are both allergic so we didn’t want to risk it-” 

“Okay, okay, okay!” Kravitz cut in, quickly getting overwhelmed. It had been a long while since he left felt overwhelmed. “It will be fine. I promise, I will not let anything harm your child while he’s in my care,” he tried to assure the lich, who slowly seemed to relax some, before nodding. 

[poliel]

Surprise Egg: 8/13: Eggabell

Unsurprisingly striding back into town with Eggabell caused a commotion. Not even five minutes passed between her walking into town and everyone gathering to speak to her. There were many questions about Lizbert and what had happened to her all of which Eggabell deftly avoided and then quickly stopped via stating her reason for returning being to examine the egg more properly.

Apparently, it was Gramble’s turn to pouch it. He happily rushed over to give it to her. Buddy turned to leave. Since they were still stuck here they might as well go hunting for everyone and search more for the Snaxsquatch too while they were out. Before they could even pick which direction to head out in though…

“Hey Buddy,” Filbo said as he came up next to them, linking an arm through theirs. “It’s been a little while since we spent an evening together, you want to hang out?”

“You just want me to stick around so Eggebell can examine me before going back to Frosted Peak, right?”

“Huh? No. She only said she’d do that if you let her. I just want to hang out because it’s been a little while and I’ve missed you.” His faux innocence was cute and honestly would’ve been convincing if they didn’t know better due to the fact they’d just spent almost the whole day together climbing the mountain then coming back down. Not to mention this was the same tactic he often tried to pull when he wanted them to take another break once outright asking had started to fail. And like every other time he would either drop it with a sad sigh if Buddy persisted or would push the issue until one of them gave up.

Buddy sighed. “Fine.” The attempt at opening the stone doors failing meant that they had stuff they needed to catch up on in their journal anyway. … And they were tired. No amount of rest really made them less tired so there was no point in it a lot of the time but if it made Filbo happy then they’d put up with it. And they liked spending time with him too so why not?

~

“The egg’s underdeveloped,” Eggabell said as she poked her head into the hut after not evening bothering to knock before opening the door. “I don’t have the tools to determine anything more than that but I don’t think it’s fatally so, no thanks to a certain someone trying to give themself hypothermia and frostbite while carrying it.” She gave Buddy a pointed glare which was undeservedbecause they hadn’t known and hadn’t been trying to give themself anything of the sort. “The grumpling’s going to hatch small and probably weak too but with proper care I think they should be all right. But you guys aren’t in charge of it so that’s really all you probably want to know, right?”

“Yeah, thanks for telling us. Now uh….” Filbo trailed off.

“You want me to do Buddy?” She looked at them again. She’d already made it clear on multiple occasions that she was concerned about them but, like with her previous attempts to get them to do or not do something, if they refused she’d probably go back to looking for Lizbert without much of a fight. But…

“Fine.” With a sigh, Buddy flipped their doodling journal closed and extricated themself from the bed and cuddling into Filbo’s side. “But make it quick.”

“I intend to.”

~

Doctor visits and examinations were always the worst with the ice-cold stethoscope and all the prodding and the poking. Not to mention the invasive questions and ‘how would you rate your pain/discomfort?’s. There were two bright sides here though; she didn’t poke them with any needles and she had a salve to put over their various burns, making those spots at least feel better almost instantly – if they’d known such a thing was in her medical bag, they’d have stolen it long ago as they’d be doing from here on out.

“You’re malnourished and not recovered from giving birth in such a state,” she declared after what felt like forever.

They hopped off her makeshift examine table set up in the front part of her and Lizbert’s hut. “Shocking. I never would’ve guessed.”

She frowned at them. “I don’t know what your hang up is about not eating bugsnax but I suggest you let it go for the sake of your health.”

They’d have gladly given up their initial hang ups with it if they could. “I can’t. I’m allergic.”

“Oh! Uh… that’s really bad. How allergic are you exactly? If it’s just a mild rash or something it might be worth it to just suffer through it at this point.”

True and if that was the case they’d have done so long before now but… “I ate one and then spent the next few hours in outhouse.”

“Oh hmmm… definitely don’t then because in your state you could easily die from that.”

Buddy had not even considered that. All the more reason not to partake because that was not how they were going to die if they could help it.

Eggabell sighed before continuing. “You should probably go home then. Bring Gramble and Shelda with you too if you can. I know Gramble’s not going to want to go and probably neither is Shelda but…”

“No. I’m not leaving until I’ve interviewed Lizbert or we find solid proof she’s dead.” That made Eggabell flinch but Buddy didn’t care enough to apologize. “So not until we open the stone doors.” They’d find Lizbert, her remains, or no sign of her which would likely mean her body was buried in snow somewhere on the mountain.

With that said, Buddy turned to go. If they got out fast enough, they might even be able to leave town without Filbo noticing and trying to guilt trip them into resting for the rest of the day. Before they could do much more than open the door though…

“You know, you’re a lot like Liz.”

Pausing with their paw still on the doorknob, Buddy looked back her. “What do you mean?”

“Stubborn and passionate with a high tolerance for pain and discomfort but most of all stupid. You don’t ever pause to think about how being reckless and hurting yourself affects the people who care about you. Except you’re even worse about it than Liz ever was. Your body’s going to quit on you if you keep this up for much longer. You could die.” She’d started speaking in a calm tone but ended making exasperated gesture towards them.

“Well then, all the more reason to get those doors open as soon as possible.” Because they weren’tleaving until their story was done, they could hold on for that long at least. Speaking of opening the doors though… “You should ask Triffany for help with the stone door puzzle. She’s good at that kind of stuff.” They’d suggested going to her for help to Eggabell once before and got a vehement ‘no’ but the situation was a bit different now so…

Eggabell glared at them, doubtless mad about the change of subject but ultimately sighed – no matter what, she still cared most about finding Lizbert and that was easy to exploit. “No, I… I can figure it out myself.”

“Now who’s being stubborn?”

“I uh… you’re right. I’ll ask her. But you…” she walked up to them to poke them lightly in the chest, “need to go rest, okay? Until the stone doors are open you need to be sitting around doing as little physical actively as possible, got it?”

“Got it.”

She held her stern gaze on them for a couple seconds longer before they turned away and led the way back outside.

Buddy stood and watched as she headed for the research tent where Triffany could be seen working on something. As soon as Eggabell reached it without looking back at them, they glanced over at the freshly lit campfire. Filbo was there but he didn’t seem to have noticed Buddy coming out with Eggabell. He was distracted talking to Wambus and Chandlo. It was the perfect opportunity to slip away.

So, after sneaking over to Filbo’s hut to retrieve their pack they were headed off for the Scorched Gorge and Sizzling Sands. If they were lucky maybe they would actually find the Snaxsqautch this time and then return to learn that key to opening the doors had been found. Meaning they would be able to finish their story and finally go home and eat real food again. They could only dream.

***

Buddy slipping off unnoticed and without saying goodbye while Filbo had been distracted from waiting for them was not the least bit surprising at this point and he should’ve been on the lookout for such an attempt. But that didn’t make it any less disappointing or worrying especially after interrupting Eggabell and Triffany to ask for Eggabell’s general assessment of their condition. They should be resting and taking it easy as much as possible but instead they were off doing who knows what?

And there wasn’t a single thing Filbo could do about it. He didn’t even know where they’d gone, making going after them hard even if he’d stood much of a chance of convincing them to come back and rest – once they were out of town there was no getting them to come back until they wanted to. So he just put on a positive attitude and went on his rounds around town, a lot later than usual because he’d spent the bulk of the day climbing up and then back down Frosted Peak but whatever. He checked up on Floofty to make sure they were okay after the whole almost cutting their head off for science thing a few weeks ago. And Wambus and his garden. Gramble’s ranch and everyone else with their various things they were doing or working on. He inquired after the egg too of course. He still felt a bit weird about how it was biologically his but the relief of not having to be in charge of it and the little life within far outweighed that feeling. Besides it seemed to make those in charge of it happy and that was good to see.

The town really was starting to knit itself back together. And even if Eggabell wasn’t going to stay for much longer she was still back for now and interacting with Triffany and some of the others again. Now all they needed was Lizbert here and everything would be back to how it was before. Or actually, better because everyone was starting to get along more than even before they’d split. Some of that was centered around those caring for the egg but it was also just in general amongst everyone. It was very good to see, filling Filbo with that fuzzy warm feeling of wanting to get everyone into a group hug or something. He wasn’t going to push it though.

It was all mostly thanks to Buddy, getting everyone back and then helping with everyone’s problems. … The only downside was that they were running themself half to death while doing so and factoring into that was them having carried the egg unknowingly for months. They were really amazing and wonderful… he was worried about them. Nothing he could do about that right now though so…

Shaking that off for now he looked up at the others gathered around the campfire which was almost everyone in town except for Eggabell and Triffany. Even Floofty and Snorpy were here even if they weren’t likely to stay long, they never did. “We should have another party,” he said, drawing everyone’s gazes to him.

“Another one, really?” Beffica said though she didn’t sound quite as scornful as she used to when questioning his ideas. Progress was being made there too!

“Yeah. Almost everyone’s back now. So I was thinking we should celebrate. It’ll be fun.” And a party would be a good way to get Buddy to rest in town a little more. It could also act as an informal farewell to them since they should and would hopefully finish their story soon, allowing them to go home. Whether Filbo was going to accept their invite and go with them, he hadn’t decided yet but he had until they were actually leaving to make that decision. “So what do you guys say?”

There was a general murmur of agreement to indifference about the idea. No one was enthusiastic about it but that was fine, once the party actually started, they would all hopefully be more into it.

“If we’re going to do this party thing,” Snorpy spoke up over everyone else. “I need some time to make some uh, special party lights for uh, partying purposes.”

“This request has to do one of your ridiculous conspiracy theories, doesn’t it?” Floofty said, giving him that look that almost always led to an argument between them.

Before he could respond and make that argument a reality, Filbo spoke up cheerfully as if he hadn’t picked up on any of that tension. “We could use some cool party lights!” If doing whatever he was going to do the lights would make him feel better about attending the party than Filbo didn’t care. “So it’d be awesome if you could make some special ones for us. How long do you think that’ll take?”

Floofty rolled their eyes but didn’t say anything. Snorpy looked nervously their way for a couple seconds before looking back at Filbo – argument successfully averted, thank goodness! “A few days should do, no more than a week for sure.”

“Awesome! Let me know when you’re done and I’ll start setting everything up.” And maybe he could get Buddy to help with that too. While it wasn’t proper rest it would still be far more restful than running around after bugsnax and the Snaxsqautch had to be so it’d be worth to ask them.

[fenheart87]

Goats Gone Wild

The rehearsals went perfectly, despite everyone saying that it might fall apart and completely spiral out of control and that would to be expected as it was rehearsal and gave them time to fix it. The flower arrangements were gorgeous, Jagged cried when he saw his official wedding suit and Penny had successfully been conned into taking an actual spa day to relax and have a great time with the ladies in her wedding party. 

Tom and Sabine were of course on cake duty in providing other food and refreshments for the big day. With them in charge no one was concerned that the seasoned caterers would have any trouble. The tables and chairs were tastefully decorated and with just enough 'rock n' roll' vibe for Jagged to not complain too much because Jagged always be Jagged.

Of course, for the power duo of the music world, fate may have approved for them to meet, fall in love and live long enough to plan the wedding but it didn't have to be nice all the time. A small mishap and the power was out most of the night, delaying everything from food to simply getting ready for most of the practical preparations. 

Marinette was running on no sleep, no faith and after the power outage, no coffee. Everyone had their wedding clothes and the weather predicting rain at some point made it seem like a tiny accomplishment. Those who had cars to drive would be fine and most could take extra passengers but it would take some people two trips. She had spoken to her Maman and Papa already, they had put the cake in the deep freeze plus had a gas/solar powered generator to offer a space for others in the wedding party.

She still had no idea who would be escorting her down the aisle to fulfill her Maiden of Honor duty, there wasn't time to meet him now because they were sorely behind schedule. Pushing the thought to the side, Marinette slipped into a chic dress but not the one for the ceremony. That was safely at the venue they had booked just in case they needed a place to relocate. Sending up a quick prayer and a threat that this would be a memorable day, Marinette grabbed her clutch and left her apartment.

Marinette could distantly hear her phone ringing even though it was right besides her. She had yet to exit the safety of her car as she watched the chaos unfold. There was a small zoo of animals running around and Jagged was riding a llama, Fang happily scaring the poor creature. Nimbly she picked up her still ringing phone and answered it.

"H-hello?"

"Is this Marinette?"

"Yes I'm Ma-ma-Marinette… Who are you?"

"Ah I'm Luka the best man, Jagged and Penny paired us to walk down the aisle together. Things are uh pretty chaotic and I haven't seen you yet so just making sure you're not the one getting cold feet."

"No, I uh just pulled up. Where did the petting zoo come from?"

"Jagged's idea."

"You know, sometimes I forget he's technically a Couffaine then he pulls shit like this. Where is Anarka when I need the courage to slam his famous and insured face?" Her neck gave up trying to support her head and she let it flop forward to blare her horn, startling the llama and delighting Jagged as he fought to stay seated.

"I'll come to you." Luka's voice was actually soothing and calmed Marinette's nerves enough to move her head to the steering wheel. Distant sounds of goats screaming at each other and the loudness that was Jagged seeped into her quiet space within the car. A light knock on the window drew her from her quiet place within her mind, and Marinette emerged from her car instead of just rolling down the window.

Luka was tall and slender, ocean blue eyes matched the tips of his hair and would match the color of her dress for the ceremony perfectly. He radiated a soft aura that drew her into staring for longer than appropriate.

"Well hello there fair Maiden of Honor."

"Ah yes hello mysterious Best Man. Would you happen to know how bad things are?" The designer bravely faced the stream of messages on her phone, some only minutes old and others hours old. Asking for an update methodically from everyone individually, she let Luka guide her into the venue.

"Jagged is currently trying to convince Penny to keep a llama or a goat from the petting zoo, half of the guests are either not coming at all or left because of the chaos you see around you. The wedding party is here and just enough people to provide witnesses and news coverage. One of the photographers had to back out and the fill in is allergic to the flowers, his only allergy actually, nice guy otherwise. The goats have eaten some of the décor and their fearless mountain climbing leader took off with the ring pillow."

"Where the rings are sewed on… So at this point, the cake is the only thing safe. I can work with that, first let's find Penny because I'm sure her blood pressure is through the roof, next we need to remove the flowers that are a problem, if Ivan is here then he has the fake bouquets in his van and we can put those inside and have the photographer that's not allergic take the pictures outside. Jagged will be Jagged but when it's time he will behave and only have eyes for Penny so let him do his thing. We need to find the rings so get as many people looking for them as we can. Once I check on Penny I'll figure out the rest, I'm getting updates and rearranging as we speak."

"You know, this is kind of weird for me…" Sky blue eyes met ocean and time suspended again for a moment, "I know Jagged considers you like his unofficial niece so it makes it weird that you are absolutely beautiful and I feel like he might try to kill me for just being around you."

"N-no it's fine! I mean he chose after all, if he has a problem I'll take a page from the captain's book!" A blush graced her pale cheeks, accenting the light blush she had applied earlier. "Now go be a Best Man and make sure the groom doesn't sign his life away and marry a llama instead."

"Aye aye fair maiden." Luka winked and parted ways, leaving Marinette’s heart racing more than it was before.

"Stupid pretty boy with their stupid smiles… Penny, are you in here?" Marinette knocked on the door, waiting until it opened.

"Hey Mari, I knew what would happen when I said yes to Jagged but please no more animals."

"Don't worry, no more animals. The cake is fine but I need to find your rings which I guess a goat ran off with?" 

"Yeah, Jagged wanted to get a picture and the goat took advantage." Penny laughed and resumed her seat where Jean-Luc was already fixing her make-up.

"So this is going to be Plan P?" Marinette teased, taking a moment to change into the other dress.

"You bet! Once the circus is over here we will all meet up at your parents bakery for cake and food." Penny winked carefully, causing the younger woman to giggle.

"Let me go find those rings." Throwing on some flats, Marinette left the room with a wave and headed outside. If the goat was a mountain goat then he was probably hidden with the trees. Hiking up her skirt and trekking through the mud that was somehow everywhere and followed the distant sounds of child-like screaming.

There stood the goat, calming chewing on the ring pillow and staring at her with it's judgmental eyes.

"Okay, you give that back right now."

"MAAAAAA!!!" It bleated loudly before resuming its speedy chewing

"Don't make me do this…" The designer tried to get closer and the goat kept retreating with every step. "Oh come on! You know, what fine!"

"MAAAAAA!!" It screamed again and she took the chance to lunge and tackled the goat into the mud. Trying to get a solid grip on the ring piow was difficult as the goat kept trying to kick here or just rip the pillow in two, she wouldn't mind that much, after all it's the rings she was after.

"Just give me the rings and you can keep the stupid pillow you ugly stupid goat!" Marinette grunted as it became a test of tug of war, the sound of fabric ripping made her panic and kick the goat. It worked to get the goat to let go but it charged her and screamed in her face. The sound covered up the approach of the two men.

"Uh Marinette, why are you wrestling with a goat?"

"Oh you know, thought I would try my hand at it, have you seen these guns from gator chasing," She flexed one arm a couple times, "or how about these legs?" Hiking her skirt up wasn't her best idea ever but it was so worth the blush and cute word vomit from her wedding date.

"I uh well, yeah. I mean- you look hot as IN YOU'LL NEED TO COOL OFF BEFORE THE WEDDING!" Luka groaned and covered his eyes in shame.

"Oi mate, are you ogling my goat?" Dingo slapped his back, nearly causing the musician to topple into the mud with Marinette and the goat who resumed chewing on the ring pillow it had stolen, the rings recovered sneakily.

"Okay, the arch can burn for all I care and maybe fry up some bacon if we're lucky." She accepted Luka's help to get up and onto a less muddy patch of grass. The trio made their way back, Dingo as she learned, was fond of Napoleon and argued the entire way back.

"I'll 'ave you know that pigs are some the best pets!"

"No way, Hamster all the way! You can't even own one in the city unless it's a teacup pig and why would you even want one?"

"Oi! All pigs are cool, you can't just love one kind because that's not true devotion!" 

"Will you two stop-" Luka froze as the smell of smoke wafted closer and squinted thoughtfully. Was that, yup the arch was burning. 

"Great, Plan P is fully in action now!" The maiden of honor groaned, slapping her hands over her mud smeared face.

"Oh god no! Please spare Napoleon! No bacon at this wedding!" Dingo sprinted across the field to where the pigs were kept.

"Well let's find the bride and groom and get the hell outta here." Luka proposed, calmly walking the rest of the way with Marinette keeping pace. There was a firefighter giving directions to everyone to stand far away from the building and the burning arch.

"Well this is not what I expected…" A tall blond muttered to himself, standing apart from the rest of the group.

"Well it is a Couffaine wedding, they are chaos magnets." Marinette joked, attempting to rid herself and dress of the half dried dirt clods.

"Well Jagged has always been… Unique. Good to see you again Marinette."

"I resent that, Jagged is the dumpster fire and Penny is the best and craziest person on earth since she somehow agreed to marry that mess."

"Uh, who are you?"

"Me? Wait, Marinette don't tell me you're mad at me again!"

"Luka what on earth-"

"This is why I told Pa it was better if we didn't show up to his wedding, your anger issues. First you nearly gave poor Nona a scare when you wanted to eat Napoleon, then set the arch on fire and lastly took off after Samuel, a poor defenseless goat."

"Uh how do you know each other?"

"Oh this again?! Lemme tell you, this little spitfire is my wife and she's been pissed at me ever since our arranged marriage was official on paper."

"Luka! That's enough!" The mud on her face hid the blush but the tips of her ears were it began to flake glowed red.

"Baby, you know we're supposed to talk when you're angry with me, that was the agreement."

"Shove it up your ass!"

The wail of sirens startled the three adults but what nearly knocked them over was a blur of neon green, screaming at the top of his lungs.

"HELP ME MATE, I CAN'T GO BACK! IT'S NOT SAFE!!"

The station was filled with a workflow hum as the entire wedding party and a few guests waited in the cell block for someone to explain why everyone had been arrested and brought in. Marinette had made use of the sink and cleared off as much dirt from her being as she could. Penny was steadily ignoring Jagged who at this point had been pleading with her and trying to get a straight answer if they would still be tying the knot or not. 

"Couffaine! You're next!" The Sargent growled, shuffling paperwork around. Roger was slowly trying to inch away to not be caught in the crossfire and pulling the rookie away with him.

"Uh which one sir?"

"What do you mean which one?! Just Couffaine!" The Sargent snapped, taking a deep pull of his coffee. When he looked up to see a group of people his face went stone blank.

"Okay so uh, maybe start with the charges and we can help decipher the correct Couffaine?" The petite Chinese woman bite her lip in nerves, echoed by the blond dressed in a matching pink dress. Glancing around he saw a slender woman holding the hand of said blonde in pink, also in a nice party dress. A man with purple hair to match, oh Jagged Stone, was dressed in a suit with a spin. Another woman with purple hair standing next to him and dressed in the more elaborate gown. He easily recognized Anarka by her grey hair and fierce glare, even if she was cleaned up nicely. To the left of the only one brave enough to speak was a young man, a flower in his lapel matching the one on her dress but with light blue tipped hair. Behind him was a kid with a mohawk that nearly grazed the ceiling and a slender brunette who was trying to keep from bouncing around the cell.

"Sorry Sargent…?" The woman tried again, offering a hesitant smile.

"Sargent Le Grand and you are who?"

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng  uh Couffaine." He blinked twice and looked back through the paperwork.

"Why the hell did no one even specify male or female for the perp?! Or a first name, even an initial would be helpful!"

"Sorry Sarge, I uh just -"

"Forget it rookie, there are a pile of complaints and I can't read them aloud so why don't you tell me what you're in trouble for and I'll find the ticket?"

"Uh that's just it sir… We were all rounded up at the wedding and brought here with no explanation."

"I do not get paid enough for this." He downed the remaining coffee and left the desk, making his way into his office.

"Oi where are you goin'?! You can't keep us cage like a bunch of goats!" The mohawk kid finally escaped the brunette and rattled the jail bars.

"Someone figure out these charges and get them out of my cell!" Sargent le Grand promptly got up and went into his office, slamming the office door shut.

“Roger, why donna ya be a good boy and let me and me crew out of here? You know we have the Boat Fund for when you’re hoititty rules and our love of chaos clash.”

“Anarka, I really do have to charge the tickets before we can discuss payment. uh, “ Roger glanced at the Sargent’s door and saw it still closed. “Okay so we have one charge of setting public property on fire, one count of illegal animal petting zoo, “

“He said he was rock ‘n roll with her permits!”

“One count  of naming your pig Napoleon, haven’t seen that in a while…”

“Oi! I can name my piggy whatever I please!”

“Two counts of animal abuse, one for feeding the goats pillows and one for what’s assumed trying to bury it alive,”

“Oh please, I had to chase it through the woods and mud because it took off with the pillow in the first place!”

“One count for act of terrorism, this one being related to flowers and serious life-threatening allergy,”

“He was a fill in, he signed the disclosure and those charges are bogus.”

“And to wrap it up, one count of illegally sailing in the city.”

“Give me Liberty or give me death!”

“I’m just going to mark all this down and charge the fund. I do apologize for having to crash your wedding Mister Stone and Miss Rolling, I do hope you have plans to finalize your commitment.” Roger opened the cell door and everyone filed out, Dingo sticking his tongue out before being smacked by three different hands.

“Oi!”

“Oi nothing fashion hazard!” Marinette snapped, moving to the front of the group. “Here’s what we’re going to do, everyone is going to quietly make their way to my parents bakery which is just a couple blocks away. While we are there, we can take turns cleaning up and then enjoy a nice meal and some delicious cake that Papa has worked so hard to make perfect for today. At this point, if someone is ordained and could marry them while at my parents house that would at least complete my to-do list.”

“I got ya mate! Let’s gooooo!” Dingo whooped and took off running while Brielle shared a look with Luka before following.

“Well definitely a memorable day wouldn’t you say Marinette?” Penny asked as she slipped her arm around the younger’s.

“I’ll say… You aren’t thinking of having spawns with him are you?”

“Hey, rock n roll is the life for me, no worries my favorite rock n roll designer!” Jagged chimed in, pausing his argument with the Captain for a moment.

“Aye, with Juleka and Luka that’s all the extra chaos he needs.”

“Uh I can explain…” Luka hunched over and raised his shoulder’s to hide somewhat.

“Wedding first then you can use the rest of the time to explain.”

[misssquidtracy]

Laundry Duty

A short piece of Virgil-centric fluff for @fictivekaleidoscope to help her feel better after her op. I find Virg a challenge to write, so this took longer than the 10 minutes I originally promised XD. 

Please excuse me while I scamper back to Gordon’s corner with my tail between my legs. Writing anything other than him is a bit like learning a foreign language for me.

Genre: Humour & fluff.

Characters: Virgil, Scott & John, with young Gordon and Alan in the background.

Summary: Virgil is the domestic househusband we all fantasise about, but with a dark twist...XD.

-x-

Virgil was not amused.

At all.

As if a solid week of back-to-back rescues garnished with a healthy amount of sleep deprivation hadn’t been enough, the massive pile of dirty laundry that was taking up two thirds of the floor was yet another nail in his green coffin.

Thunderbird Two’s pilot was flabbergasted at Scott and John’s laziness. Sure, he was guilty of not pulling as much weight as he usually did, but he was on his first day off in two weeks. Scott was into his fourth day of not being deployed and John had left EOS in charge of Five while he was planetside. Last time Virgil had checked, both brothers were perfectly healthy and as a result, more than capable of laundering their own clothes.

Scott had shrugged when Virgil had confronted him on the issue, not understanding why he couldn’t chuck all his dirty clothes into a pile and offload them onto Grandma. When John had suggested that he might do the same thing, Virgil had capitulated and very grudgingly offered to toss their clothes into the washer with his own. The embarrassment of one of his brothers getting deployed in an unwashed uniform for the entire world to see (and smell) would be enough to send him to an early grave.

Except, what had seemed like a good compromise an hour ago didn’t seem quite so good when it became apparent just how many items needed washing. There were the regular and spare iR suits, plus six days and five bodies worth of jeans, shirts, socks, pyjamas, t-shirts, swimwear…

Virgil scowled and resisted the urge to stamp on a particularly filthy looking shirt of Gordons. He was no househusband, but even he could tell that it would take at least six, possibly seven loads to get through this infernal pile. And considering each cycle took an hour and fifteen minutes to run, plus the fact that he’d probably have to pre-soak all of Gordon’s contaminated items, he was looking at between seven and ten hours of laundry on what was supposed to be his day off.

No way. Absolutely no way.

Anger completely overtaking logical thinking, Virgil grabbed an armful of clothes (instantly wishing he’d pegged his nose beforehand) and dumped them haphazardly into the nearest washer. Not pausing to consider material, colour or degree of dirtiness, he shoved everything in together. When the first tub was stuffed to capacity, he rummaged through the remainder of the pile and pulled out his own clothes before depositing them in the second washer. Heaven forbid he throw all his good shirts in with Gordon’s bright green swim trunks.

John’s white polo shirt was a different story.  

Satisfied that the first washer was suitably stuffed (probably to the point where none of the clothes would actually get cleaned), Virgil double checked to make sure none of his own items were mingling with Gordon’s trunks and Scott’s socks. After finishing his inspection, he opened one of the cabinets and pondered over the choice of detergents.  

Virgil quickly realised why laundry duty was the least favoured chore amongst his brothers – there must have been at least ten different types of detergent staring back at him. Scented dryer sheets, stuff for sensitive skin, perfume pearls, organic this and that, et cetera, et cetera…

Deciding to indulge in some petty revenge, Virgil selected the most ostentatious, sickeningly feminine detergent he could see; a bright pink bottle with a picture of a cloud on the front labelled ‘Sunset Marshmallow’. He popped the cap, inhaled deeply and nearly gagged at the cloying scent that assaulted his nose. It smelt like something a unicorn had vomited up.

Thunderbird Two’s pilot upended the bottle and tipped most of the contents into the washer containing his brother’s clothes. As the cherry on top, he also dumped in an entire container of scented pearls in the fragrance ‘Dusky Rose’, before slamming the lid shut and hitting the start button with an air of flourish. His mood rose considerably at the thought of his lazy ass brothers stinking like a garden.

Virgil’s own clothes were treated to a modest amount of regular lemon scented detergent and no fragrance pearls. Heaven forbid that he be caught smelling like a pre-teen girl.

Leaving both washers happily humming away, Virgil breezed out the door and allowed himself a small snicker of amusement.

‘Lazy suckers.’

-x-

Virgil didn’t know why, but somehow all his revenge attempts always ended up boomeranging back to bite him on the ass.

After his brother’s hideously perfumed clothes had finished their wash cycle and been tossed in the dryer with some more scented pearls for an extra dose of revenge, Scott and John had arrived to sort through and collect what belonged to them. Virgil, who had been fishing his own freshly scented (but not too freshly scented) laundry out of the second dryer had noticed some raised eyebrows and grimacing faces as the combined scents of Sunset Marshmallow and Dusky Rose hit both Scott and John square in the face (and nose).  

All had seemed reasonably well up until that point. Scott and John had quickly caught wind of Virgil’s revenge act, but were both smart enough to realise that they had nothing to throw back at him. They had left their dirty laundry at his mercy, and now they (and John’s green polo shirt) were paying the price.

Virgil had insisted that they all eat lunch together before commencing their afternoon chores. Not willing to pass up the opportunity of free food, his brothers had agreed and were now sat around the kitchen island. Gordon was busy doodling on the sofa with a sandwich in his lap and Alan was taking a nap in Scott’s room.  

What started as a fairly civilised family gathering began to disintegrate when John started to sniff and rub at his nose. Several minutes later, a light rash broke out on his neck and along his forearms. Several more minutes later, he was folded in half as a series of violent sneezes shook his frame.

“What – ACHOO– was – AH– in that – AH– stuff you put – AH– in our laundry? ACHOO!”  

Virgil shrugged and resumed eating, “Don’t know. Price you pay for being lazy though.”

John wiped a tear from his eye as another sneeze took hold, “ACHOOOO!”

Scott grimaced as John directed a particularly powerful sneeze over his sandwich, “Argh, John! That’s disgusting! Cover your nose for god’s sake!”

“Virg,” John wheezed, doubling over into a flurry of slightly smaller, but no less violent sneezes, “Help me! ACHOO! Please! I – AH– can’t – ACHOO– stop! ACHOO!”

Virgil sighed and stood up from the table. He disappeared into John’s room and ferreted around in his brother’s ensuite before locating some foil wrapped tablets. Upon returning to the kitchen, he was mildly shocked to see the redhead tearing his shirt off and throwing it to the floor.

Virgil didn’t say anything, opting instead to hand John his tablets with a fresh glass of water. The medication disappeared down the middle brother’s throat in the blink of an eye, quickly followed by a large glug of water.

“How many of these do I have left?” John croaked, motioning to the wrapper in his hand before succumbing to another sneeze.

“That’s the last packet I could see,” Virgil replied, retaking his seat at the table, “Do you have some spares?”

John groaned and shook his head, “I’ll need to take – ACHOO– some more in about an hour – ACHOO– to get rid of the worst of it – ACHOO!”

Virgil sighed and dropped his head into waiting hands. He’d have to pick John up a fresh batch of antihistamines before the middle brother gave himself a nosebleed. The engineer kicked himself mentally, not out of guilt, but out of disappointment at his own stupidity. It was a well-known family fact that John was allergic to just about every damn thing on the planet. Peanuts, chamomile, celery, most types of pollen, kiwis, cinnamon and juniper to name a few. He’d even been allergic to the formula Alan had been given as a baby. Virgil had found that particular incident hilarious, but had retracted his humour after being informed that the redhead was honourably discharged from babysitting duty due being literally allergic to Alan.  

‘Bad call, Virgil. You should have just shrunk all his clothes instead.’

Depositing his plate by the sink, Virgil picked up his phone and made for the hanger stairwell, “I’ll be half an hour, Scott. The closest mainland pharmacy is right on the Australian coast.”

Gordon hastily crammed the rest of his sandwich into his mouth before jumping up from the sofa and sprinting over, “Virg! Can I come with you? Please? I promise I’ll behave!”  

Virgil didn’t have the energy to protest, “Fine, but don’t you dare wander where I can’t see you.”

Crumbs sprayed out of the little blonde’s mouth as he bounced up and down excitedly, “I promise! Let’s go!”

Scott snorted as Gordon rocketed out the door.

“Only half an hour, you say?”

In the background, John let out an exotic profanity as blood started to stream from his nose.

Virgil set his jaw.

“Half an hour.”

Revenge. Boomerang. Ass. Him.

[secret-engima]

Another Snippet of Calling for Rain

(something a little cheerful and funny Just Because)

...

     Abandoning his workout routine —maybe a fourth of what he used to do as a glaive, but for a seven year old body that was … way more than he probably should have safely been able to do—, Nyx trotted inside his house and scrounged around in his fridge. It took a few minutes to pull out the leftover meat skewers he’d made yesterday that actually tasted like something vaguely Galahdian and not tasteless meat on a stick —proper spices were so hard to come by in the compound, apparently the Uchiha had the tastebuds of limp caterpillars—. He reheated the sticks in the microwave, freshened them up a little with a new application of the sauce he’d made, and put them on a plate.

     He was no Libertus when it came to kitchens, but Libertus and Nyx’s own mhamó would have had his hide if he hadn’t been able to make passable food from at least a dozen clan recipes, and meat skewers were practically festival food. Only thing easier to make than festival food was … Nyx didn’t know. Raw meat maybe. Or the watery, tasteless horror mainlanders called canned soup —he’d had to crack open some of the soup cans from the compound, but he only dared taste them after dumping a ton of extra spices and a handful of freshly cut ingredients in there to make it actually taste like anything, good thing so many Uchiha had enjoyed growing herb and poisonous flower gardens rather than non-poisonous flowers—.

     Reheated skewers in hand, Nyx trekked back out the back door and made his way to the tree his instincts were fixated on. He stared thoughtfully at the trunk for a minute, decided his instincts thought his Anbu was still there, and then set the skewers on a nearby flat rock, “If you waste these by staying up there like a creep,” Nyx rasped to thin air —his voice was too rusty from infrequent use to pull off casual, but he tried—, “I will be very upset.” Then he turned, pointedly walked to the far side of the clearing from the food, and resumed his workout.

     It took almost a solid minute before he heard the soft swish of a shunshin and the faint click of the china plate bumping against armor. Nyx made a point not to look in that direction, because what little Sasuke had known about Anbu all pointed toward excessive secrecy. Like the animal mask hadn’t been a telling enough indicator. It took almost another minute before he picked up the sound of someone blowing faintly on the meat skewers.

     He turned around a moment later in alarm at the startled, desperate gagging noises. His Anbu still had his mask on, having only tilted it just enough to let him bite a skewer, and was now crouched over the plate, half-doubled over as he coughed and gagged. For a moment Nyx had the panicked thought that the man was allergic to one of the ingredients, but then he noticed the red flush to the Anbu’s ears. He started laughing, he couldn’t help it, he laughed so hard he literally fell over, wheezing and giggling even as the Anbu corrected his mask and shunshined over to stand menacingly over him, holding the plate of skewers out like a silent accusation.

     “It’s not … my fault … you have wussy … taste buds…” wheezed Nyx into the grass, trying to keep the tears from rolling down his face lest his laughing fit turn into another seven year old hormone-fueled actual crying fit. He managed to collect himself with some snuffles and a hiccup that was dangerously close to a sob. The Anbu was still standing there accusingly, and Nyx reached out for the plate, “Here,” Nyx sniffed past the last of his giggles, “I’ll prove it wasn’t poison. Gimme.” The Anbu handed him the plate and Nyx pointedly picked up the same skewer the Anbu must have tried, because it was missing one of the meat pieces, “Behold,” Nyx rasped through his mostly unused vocal cords, “watch as a little kid has more spine than a deadly ninja when it comes to his food.” While the Anbu radiated wounded pride and skepticism, Nyx cheerfully popped the skewer in his mouth and slid both remaining meat pieces free.

     The aura of skepticism morphed to one of horrified fascination as Nyx chewed and swallowed the —perfectly spiced thank you— meat pieces without so much as a flinch or flicker of red on his face. Nyx licked his lips, then offered the plate back to the Anbu, “See?”

     The Anbu made no move to take the skewers back, just stared at him incredulously and Nyx felt the beginnings of a smile tug on his mouth.

[mimic-octopus]

i’ve been social this week and my anxiety has been bad, plus things that make my life terrible and general complaints because I want to vent my conflicting feelings.

On Wednesday I saw a friend in person after more than a year of just texting because they were worried about me. I promptly felt like a didn’t deserve to have a friend who cares about me and haven’t reached out since.

I went today for an in person gala thing to raise money for a program in my city that my mom got a plus 1 for through work. The food was bleh (read, for people who are afraid or allergic to seasoning their food). There were probably/definitely unvaccinated people sharing the confined space with others/me. there was a raffle and the person doing that made comments about how after a year of not eating out and doing social stuff everyone should have money to spend. As if our city, like other state capitals didn’t have rising costs of living before the pandemic and like a bunch of people didn’t lose their jobs during the pandemic.

besides that on Friday two patients came sideways at my coworker and I got defensive with one of them. I hate my job and I’ve been trying to put a lid on letting that out but I sent a text to that coworker about how our pharmacists will never intervene. i pointed out that that is unacceptable from all the times I’ve gone home crying, stayed at work being moments away from crying, or had someone else (twice: pharmacy manage’s direct boss and an intern) step in so that I had a moment to breathe. I’ve gotten lip service from the pharmacy manager and I’m beyond exhausted. Like, I’m not paid enough to withstand these temper tantrum from grown adults. Especially considering that management will side with the patient and make our lives worse when a patient is acting out of line. I intrinsically know no one wants to come to the pharmacy for things to not go as planned but yelling at us isn’t going to help any. We want to help you because you getting help means you leave us alone and you are equipped to take care of yourself to avoid injury, hospitalization, or death.

I hate it here (existentially) and my mental health was doing ok before this past week (if you ignore the two days I was angry and distracted after putting Princess down then immediately going to work.) I feel like I’m trying to claw my way up a mudslide where there’s little to no chance of solid footing on the way up.

don’t even get me started on Chris Evans. That man’s face brings conflicting feelings because he’s somehow everywhere being celebrated for mundane stuff. Subtweeting 45 during that presidency? applause. (the fact that Stephen Colbert made his show orbit around 45 makes his show unwatchable and his general demeanor has changed into something I no longer find endearing.) Teaching Dodger tricks? Applause. Playing a Jewish character when he’s maybe Buddhist? Applause. (to an extent I know the Chris Evans thing is somewhat unreasonable. I’m at my wits end and his face/name makes me grumpy and so I’m including that here because I can.)