#I’m actually really curious other people’s guesses on what the next title will be!

[duskcowboy]

“A Court of Quiet Dreamers”

…has a nice ring to it 😚

[unholyhelbig]

I’ve always been curious about Kate bishops background and would love to hear a paraphrased version if ur okay with it

[Absolutely I can! Just a little disclaimer, I'm doing this mostly from memory, so I may get a few things wrong. But I promise the gist is there, and this has gotten way too long, so uh... part one? I guess? I didn't even get to the vampires. If people are into this. I'll keep going.]

Okay, let’s start with Kate’s backstory.

The Bishop family has issues. Eleanor, Kate’s mom, is distant but portrayed as a generally good person. She and her husband Derek have an estranged relationship. She travels a lot and is regarded as an activist throughout her life until her untimely death when Kate is still just a kid.

Kate develops admiration for her father. He’s a publishing magnate but it’s soon revealed that he has ties to the crime world. Kate, despite her young age, follows her father to a meeting with El Matador. While there, she gets captured by the crime lord to be held for ransom.

This is where she see’s Clint for the first time, who saves her with the rest of the avengers. She took an instant liking to him because he was the only human on the team without advantages. At this point, she does make Clint her role model and starts to distance herself from her family to focus on activism like Eleanor.

Kate didn’t’ truly start training in combat until she was attacked in Central Park. This kicked off her love of self-defense. She originally felt isolated and in some cannon media, this moment in the park still haunts her beyond belief. (Young Avengers Special #1 [2005]  is a great comic that’s stand alone & shows the mentorship between Jessica Jones and Kate. TW for SA.)

Que the Young Avengers.

(My personal favorite Kate Bishop Design)

Kate has an older sister that’s been completely written out of the MCU adaptation. Her name is Susan, and she doesn’t have the greatest relationship with Kate, they’re not openly hostile, but they don’t enjoy each other either. Still, Kate is in Susan’s wedding party.

During the wedding, the church comes under fire and the Young Avengers swoop in to save the day. But they awkwardly become hostages themselves and Kate uses one of Patriots throwing stars to get them out of the situation before the police show up.

Kate very ungracefully demands to become a part of the Young Avengers (The original team is: Cassie Lang, Eli Bradley, Tommy Shepard, Billy Kaplan, Nate Richards, and Teddy Altman). Kate originally doesn’t have a hero identity, so she raids the Avengers Mansion and dawns Mockingbirds staves and mask, swordsman’s sword and belt and Hawkeyes abandoned bow.

Captain America and Iron man were not happy about the team and demanded that they disband. But eventually gave in after the Young Avengers refused to back down. Kate was the only one to stand up to Steve and demand that they get better training. He agreed and put Jessica Jones in charge of the team. This is when Kate becomes Hawkeye. Steve gives her the title and the bow. She’s the unofficial leader of the Young Avengers.

What about Clint?

Dude is dead in the Young Avengers run. Clint makes his valiant return in the massive Civil War event that Marvel comics created. He was resurrected and is absolutely pissed when he finds out that Steve gave his name and his bow away.

Clint actually attacks Kate while she’s on a date with Eli Bradley in Central Park. He’s officially Ronin at this point and is impressed by Kate’s skills after she breaks into his place to steal her bow back. He unofficially (but also totally officially) allows her to take the mantle.

The Children’s Crusade

I’m skipping a lot of small side quests that Kate takes (even though they’re a lot of fun) because Children’s Crusade is possibly the most important part of her journey, and by the looks of it, is the basis for where the MCU is planning to go in the next few years.

Kate has a really strong friendship with Billy Kaplan, aka Billy Maximoff. He’s the strongest magic being to ever inhabit earth and when his powers become dangerous the Avengers decide to lock him up. That didn’t slide with Kate, and they ended up breaking him out of the tower and entering alternate timelines in search of Billy’s mom- Wanda Maximoff.

This was pure, time-warp chaos. Wanda had forgotten who she was and was about to marry Doctor Doom when the Young Avengers showed up and pulled her out of it. She regained her powers and her memories, coming to terms with Billy and Tommy being her sons.

Once in their original timeline, a massive fight breaks out between the Avengers and the x-men. It’s a whole thing that ends up killing Cassie Lang. Her death ends up disbanding the original Young Avengers who go their separate ways to come to terms with how dangerous being a hero really is.

Matt Fraction? Matt Fraction.

Listen, if you’re looking for the inspiration behind the general vibe of the show Hawkeye, this is the run for you. If you read anything from Kate’s comic journey, let it be this. You don’t need any prior knowledge to Kate or Clint to enjoy this one and the artwork heavily inspired the intro to the show.

In this series, Clint is the owner of an apartment building that’s since been taken over by the tracksuit mafia. Kate and Clint have an established friendship and the dynamic is very much like the show. But grittier. The series leans into Clint’s deafness and Kate’s trauma. It’s a basis for their relationship.

Los Angeles, baby

Kate goes to LA a lot. It’s her home away from New York and her arcs there are some of my favorite (it’s a guilty pleasure, honestly). During her run with Matt Fraction’s Hawkeye, she has a particularly bad fight with Clint. She takes Lucky and jets off to the beach to find her niche.

Kate becomes a very cool, very chill private eye for her first solo run; Hawkeye Private Eye. While she does eventually go back to New York to help out Clint, she starts her own business in Los Angeles where she teams up with Jessica Jones and Laura x23. Very fun, very goofy series.

[This took...hours. Literal Hours. But I have access to all the digital archives for Kate so, I'm more than happy to keep going lol]

[accio-victuuri]

i love interpretations like this cause i truly believe that wyb notices the yellow light signs and know how much cpfs show up for him. it may be too far away but this is hengdian hawekeye we are talking about who can see from a mile away. the viewers at home can read and see, so why can’t he, who is literally there. i’m referencing this analysis post by 圆呼呼的朝朝 so we can all enjoy it.

It’s IQIYI scream night and you can see WYB talking to Da peng. I actually see the difference in his demeanor here vs GRA. Tho you can say that GRA was a more formal event and he was nervous cause it’s his first time. Plus when he talked to Han Hong, he was covering his mouth, and people thought that’s for people to not lipread the conversation. In IQIYI, he was more smiley and talking freely cause the event was really chill.

the specific part of the close up fancam are these two. and i am aware that lip reads are notoriously hard to confirm and even believe, especially for international fans so just take this as fiction. 🤍

Oh..The turtle next to me is...all of them…

At first people were thinking turtle as in the big ass light sign of a turtle, you know what I mean, the infamous one you usually see at events with shades on. 😎

OP then did some incredible deduction of where WYB was located, the seating map of venue and the sections where certain CPF light signs were dominant. The turtle sign is allegedly on sections 213-215 which is way off WYB’s view. The best guess now is 304, there is a big ass sign on there that says: “Wang Yibo Passion Fruit is Coming” and the other sections have green lights which is WYB’s. This line is a reference to how comment sections related to this event were mostly filled with cpfs saying something like this too.

So it’s like he is explaining to Da Peng, that the light sign next to him ( his solo light signs ) are all of them ( bxgs ). Which is wrong btw, cause there are others he can’t see. but anyway, it’s fine Bobo. He is not the first person who is acquainted with Yibo who tends to ask about the light signs (if you all recall SDC 5 finale and Nathan. which i know i explained before but I can’t seem to find the post lol ). DP is also someone, who at the time of OnO promo was very nice to BXGs. Tho he might not know about the whole drama of the fandom, he was acknowledging the attendees who were bringing their dolls and were wyb fans. another example here was when his 9 grid photo featured a fan with cpf phone case, tho maybe he didn’t notice that. The point is, he is someone who knows that WYB has another side of fandom that’s not so/o. So maybe he was asking, cause tbh, who wouldn’t be curious? If I was a regular celebrity attendee, I think it’s normal to wonder. && of course WYB is happy to answer.

Here’s the funny part tho. The light sign said passion fruit but he still said wangba ⬇️⬇️⬇️

A reminder on why turtles are called bastards to those who have no idea.

王八 (wángbā) - a type of Chinese turtle. It's not a good word, often associated with cuckoldry or bastard, son of a bitch

but even if that’s the case, most cpfs are reclaiming this title and are like — so what? 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’m cackling cause this is so WYB to troll us. Look at his gremlin smile HAHAHAHAHA! Shut up WYB!

I also see comments that said, it’s because he wants the group name to have his “Wang” or it’s his resistance and revenge for us pertaining to him as a Pig ( but he is a cute piggy like bobi! ) 😂😂😂😂😂

this one tho ⬇️⬇️ 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Anyway, here, have some handsome photos of WYB that night! 💛

-END.

[ramblingroommate]

9-1-1 season 1 ep. 2 “Let Go”

I’m not dead! I know it took me a while to post this second episode but real life has been hard (had my hands full with work). I’ve actually seen quite a few episodes since I last posted but haven’t been able to write a comment until now. Fortunately I take notes when I watch the episodes so I don’t forget my thoughts. Let’s go with Let Go (plz don’t leave).

Poor guy :(

I feel so bad for him, he’s clearly uncomfortable. Also I’m watching 911 so I KNOW it’s not gonna end well for him :(((

What the fuck. Such awful cgi. What?

I think I’m taken aback because the stunts were really great in the first episode and this… is not.

*sigh* Yeah Buck we know. Also I shouldn’t feel so fond and long-suffering for Buck already. This is the second episode for god’s sake.

Shit they have a protocol for that. I mean, of course they do but that’s so awful to think about… pretend someone’s not dead so others won’t panic.

WHY DO WE HAVE TO START THE EPISODE LIKE THIS, THIS CALL IS BREAKING MY FUCKING HEART 💔💔💔

He could die any second and is more worried about the humiliation that will follow him everywhere after people post those videos… ouch 🥲

Shit… he’s not gonna make it, is he?

He let go 😢

Guess I know why that’s the title of the episode now

Sometimes it’s not that easy buddy. Sometimes that’s the hardest part

But it makes sense that Buck would react badly. It’s pretty obvious that doing a dangerous job excites him and overcoming impossibile obstacles makes him feel important. In the first episode they make it clear that he’s competent and gets results even if he’s reckless so that would reinforce that kind of mentality. Someone like that would have trouble understanding that for other people it could be the opposite (kinda like… if I can thrive under pressure and hardships then so can everyone else).

What’s that famous quote? “The same hot water that softens the potato hardens the egg” or something like that. The same external input can yield opposite results depending on what/who it’s been used on

Yeah basically this, not everyone reacts the same way. Although that didn’t really seem to be the guy’s specific case… he didn’t freeze up, he let go. The same concept still applies tho

Well… that sucks. I was wondering if that was the case considering his reaction but I thought that would have been improbable considering their job. I don’t really know how long he’s been a firefighter for tho

I’m really curious how they’re going to tackle this

Chimney’s perspective is not wrong but it’s a bit… cold or distant? Which makes it realistic, people in this line of work can’t fall apart every time things go wrong or they’d never be able to DO the job. But it also feels like the wrong thing to say to Buck when he’s clearly feeling shaken about what happened. Telling someone to not take it personally doesn’t work when the person has already taken it personally. He should be helped to process his current feelings and then they can work on not taking it personally next time.

Hen and Athena! So they are closer friends than I originally thought! Hen even feels comfortable inviting her to eat together at her workplace (can they do that? Invite a cop on duty -or anyone for that matter- to eat at the fire station? Well she is a cop so it’s probably fine… right?)

Also I love that she took the first step to bury the hatchet with Buck! She’s a hardass but so far she’s not unnecessarily mean or harsh.

To be recognized by the public.

Hey that’s the answer Buck gives too! “So people can easily identify us”

Chimney’s answer of course is “for the sex appeal”. I mean……….. he’s not wrong lol

Athena’s answer is not the first that came to mind but is soo true “when we take the uniform off at the end of the day, it symbolizes letting go of all the sad, crazy, inhumane things we’ve seen that day”.

It makes sense to bring it up considering this is a show about first responders and their struggles. That speech in ep.1 about needing alcohol/drugs/sex to cope with the job also comes to mind. I like how they’re talking about this topic, hope they’ll keep exploring it in future episodes.

Also I clearly have too much to say about these episodes so I’ll split this comment too. I hope it’s not gonna be more than two parts this time. Oh well, here’s part 2.

[piastrinorris]

@cheerscoopscentral's cheerscoops week 2023 | day 7: free space

Title: 36 Questions To Fall In Love Pairing(s): Steve Harrington x Chrissy Cunningham Tags: Stranger Things (series), fluff, no upside down au, set approx. 1991-ish, cw eating disorders Word Count: 7.7k Summary: Psychologists claim that they have come up with 36 questions which can lead to two people who know little to nothing about each other beforehand, to fall in love. Curious about the study thanks to their own forlorn love lives, Steve Harrington and Chrissy Cunningham both separately sign up to participate, not knowing who they might get paired up with. A/N: Sorry for the lack of consistency with fic banners! I forgot to change my old one when I changed the idea for this fic, and I don't have my iPad with me to change it in time. Anyway this was heaps of fun and I 100% recommend you fill out these answers with your own ships bc it's great.

read on ao3 here! preview under the cut:

5. When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else?

CC: [sheepishly] I like to sing in the shower, sometimes.

SH: [amused] Oh, yeah? Shampoo mic and all?

CC: [giggling, nodding] But only when the house is empty so that I can play my boombox in the bathroom to drown out my singing without upsetting everyone else.

SH: Never for anyone else?

CC: Well…

SH: Let me guess, you’re not going to tell?

CC: Actually, I’d sing to my brother, when he couldn’t sleep. When he was super little, of course, he’s in college now!

SH: Stop, that’s adorable. What would you sing?

CC: Just your usual lullaby kinda songs, nothing chart-worthy. What about you?

SH: I think I dedicated Queen’s You’re My Best Friend to Robin at a karaoke bar at the weekend. But a lot of that night is fuzzy, so I’m not sure if she’s just telling me that to fuck with me.

CC: [giggling] I’ll have to tag along next time you go to a karaoke bar!

SH: [flirtatiously] You gonna sing for me?

CC: As long as you dedicate something to me, too.

SH: Deal.

6. If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?

SH: Oh god, keep my body.

CC: Really? I feel like I’d want to know what was happening around me, even if it meant needing a little extra accessibility.

SH: Nah. I’ve lived through enough of life’s horrors. Just let me live the last two thirds of my life in blissful ignorance.

CC: [laughing] You make a good point.

7. Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?

SH: By the hand of Robin Ulysses Buckley.

CC: You seem scarily certain about that.

SH: We’ve got a thing.

[roryka]

i Cannot and Will not keep my questions to just one i am Too Curious chief, i'm almost wretched with how badly i want to ask about actualization report adljsfahsdjlfahsjlfsdhajlhasdlh im not sure i want to spoil it for myself though, i might just have to explode violently the moment you finish and post it :p

sfw teenybedo pleeeeease and 8, the cynonari one, for sure, and nsfw DRAGONFUCKER KOKOLUMI YES GIRL GET IT

you might be waiting a while for the next report haha, it's um. turning out Obscenely long. but it will definitely be worth the wait :)

anyway,

teenybedo: this one actually started out as a commission from a friend, which then fell through when i realised that the moment i'm getting paid to write something is the moment my brain decides it does not want to write it :D sjdfjdjhj though now that i'm not under any pressure to finish, i've been working on it again sporadically.

Albedo lifted the bottom of his coat up and to the side, displaying the remains of the potion that had dripped down his back. “I was wondering what sort of potion I was hit with. It appears as though it may be a shrinking solution of some kind— indeed, something of that nature would make it very easy to abduct a group of knights on patrol, wouldn’t it?” “Shrinking potion…?” Aether’s eyes widened. “Then… the knights who went missing…” “They’re likely still alive, at any rate. I also think you’re correct about the treasure hoarders being based in these woods. Though it’s too late to try and follow the one who escaped, we could—” “Albedo,” Aether interrupted urgently. “How… How fast are you shrinking?” Albedo blinked, his train of thought derailed. “I’m not sure. Anyway, the rate is potentially subject to change. Why?” “‘Why’?!” squeaked Paimon. “Because before long you’re gonna be even smaller than Paimon! We’ve gotta do something!”

cynonari but it's unhinged and unethical: okay so. hear me out. i love cynonari, big fan, but in canon (currently) they are Very Normal. an impressively well-adjusted and emotionally secure couple. so my thought was... what if they weren't always?

Cautiously, Tighnari stepped out of the narrow passage, on the alert for the sound of anyone approaching. The space was dimly lit, but he could clearly see that it was a research laboratory, just the same as some of the classrooms above. "Why would the Akademiya have a hidden laboratory...?" he murmured, wandering through the rows of messy desks and equipment. At the back of the room was a glass wall, seemingly looking into some kind of containment chamber. As he drew close, ears twitching with nerves, he noticed a figure laying on the floor of the tiny chamber, dressed in rags. Their bone-white hair was tangled and unwashed, and they looked terribly underfed. His eyes widened as the person straightened up, crimson eyes narrowing at the sight of him. "Who are you?"

kokolumi but lumine is a dragonfucker: h. hear. hear me out. okay. i (like a lot of people who have been playing since 2.4) was really confused and disappointed at the out-of-nowhere reveal that after all of hoyo's hinting at kokomi being the reincarnation of the hydro dragon (her constellation being "slumbering dragoness," the vishap research notes mentioning that the hydro dragon was supposed to be born in enkanomiya as one of the vishaps, kokomi supposedly being born already possessing her vision, among other things) it turned out be. some guy in fontaine. neuvillette i love you and this isn't your fault but you did not earn your dragon title and once hoyo remembers that kokomi exists at all-- okay well no that's not going to happen so i guess you're in the clear.

anyway, once i got over my initial frustration and started snorting kopium (that's kokomi-specific copium) again, i looked at neuvillette's lines and thought: "oh... he says the hydro dragon couldn't be born among the vishaps of enkanomiya because their evolution corrupted them... what if... what if kokomi was supposed to be the hydro dragon sovereign, but is instead more like a... failed, corrupted version?" and, well. we all know how i feel about corrupted dragon characters.

The great sea dragon, magnificent even injured, was dragging itself up the surf with a slow determination. Its gaze was locked on the cannon, glittering with intent. It had eyes like twin pools, Lumine thought, mirror-like and deeper than dark. She watched it approach without a single thought of running. When it drew close enough to rear its glimmering purple head over the outcropping, Lumine simply looked up at it, awe occupying her senses and drowning the tingling fear. It looked down at her as well, eyes reflecting so much that it looked like nothing. She had seen so many things since arriving in Teyvat, both beautiful and terrible, awe-inspiring and spine-chilling. To her, this dragon was almost like a culmination of it all. A fitting end, if an end it must be. Lumine didn’t want it to end. Not even like this. But her limbs were too heavy to raise a sword.  The dragon rumbled softly in its throat, plaintively, almost… familiar. Lumine's breath caught in her throat. “Kokomi…?”

feel free to send more asks if you have more questions, i have a terminal case of Can't Shut Up About Wips disease

[suzuran777]

New Holicworks game: Tokyo Satsujinki Gakkou no Kaidan

Last month Holicworks announced their new 18+ BL visual novel, Tokyo Satsujinki Gakkou no Kaidan! The scenario writer (Nakajo Rosa) and director (Kouji Mio) also worked on the company's previous titles (Tokyo 24ku, Taisho Mebiusline and Beniiro Tenjou Ayakashi Kitan). This time the artist will be Asahi Miyabi, who I couldn't really find any information about, but the art looks very good so far.

Synopsis Amaterasu has existed since ancient times, as Japan's supreme deity. Aramatsuri, on the other hand, symbolizes the evil powers that also exists in this world. Good and evil, happiness and misfortune, life and death, all of it was derived from Amaterasu and Aramatsuri. Aramatsuri sometimes materializes and causes disruptions to the world, which can also affect humans.

The main character, Yuzuru Kurotori, is a civil servant working for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. He belongs to the Aramatsuri Countermeasure Division, located on the 7th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The department gathers individuals who are able to see Aramatsuri. There are various methods to test this ability, but in the end, they have to be able to see a huge flower on top of the clock tower in Yoyogi (which can also be seen in the picture above). It has been three years since Yuzuru joined, but Aramatsuri can still be sensed in Tokyo.

I definitely recommend checking out the official website, the main visual you can see above is actually animated! I hope the game will have animated CGs too, something I really enjoyed while playing some of their older games like Taisho Mebiusline and Tokyo Onmyouji. I’m a big fan of the protagonist’s design, especially the high heels, black nails and black sword! The website also introduces a couple of other new characters, which are probably going to be the love interests. Tendou Taki (the one with the glasses) is Kurotori’s senior who works for the same organization. He’s from a family that specialists in magic and divination (Onmyoudou). If you’ve played Tokyo Onmyouji, you might be familiar with these themes!

The second new character is Inami You (left), a man who’s originally from Okinawa. Although he’s a temporary employee of the Aramatsuri Countermeasure Division, he has the longest history with the department and knows the most. Due to the complexity of his career, most people don’t know much about him. He’s able to use Amaterasu’s power. Next is Tsubaki Isuzu (middle). He’s an entertainer who works as a stuntman and an idol, and doesn’t seem to be connected to the organization the other characters are part of. The final new main character is Isshiki Seimei (right), a bartender who owns a bar in Shinjuku Sanchome. He’s technically also an Onmyouji, but because Onmyoudou has been on a decline recently he gave up on making this his career. Although it’s not his official job, he can still use some of his spells.

I really hope they will show some of the CGs soon, but I’m surprised they revealed so much information already! I am curious what kind of form the ‘’Aramatsuri’’ takes, right now I have no idea what the battles will look like or what the flower on top of the building even symbolizes. The second part of the game's title literally translates to ''school ghost stories'' but none of the main characters seem to be in school. I'm guessing the plot also focuses on murders, because that’s also in the game’s title... Either way, I’ll be patient and hope they release more info about the game later this year! 

[mdhwrites]

I Am Getting Tired Talking About the Designs

It is the main thing outside of Clois that I see talked about with My Adventures With Superman. I’ve even seen someone call the show’s style so far as ‘hyper realism’ because of how they’re doing the villain designs which... *stares at the person until holes bore into their skull* And here’s the thing: I don’t mind people complaining about the villains technically. The fact that both Livewire and Slade feel kind of samey next to each other doesn’t help the fact that the show is struggling to give its villains time to shine. They risk slipping into a territory where they feel there as a part of the mandate of this being a superhero show rather than interesting entities unto themselves and I’d be okay with people talking about that.

Or how about the fact that so far none have had a REALLY good or interesting fight with Superman so far? Ivo is the best on both fronts so far but otherwise we’ve see Clark grab someone’s fist before responding with an attack three times now and one of those was against a robot. The only one he hasn’t done it to is Livewire and she doesn’t exactly punch, does she?

I had my brother bitch at me yesterday, if you don’t want to talk about the villains, about Jimmy’s stuff needing a little more fleshing out if he’s suddenly going to be mopey about the two getting together, especially after pushing Clark and Lois towards each other at first. That isn’t an unfair complaint and even in my last review, for as much as I liked the episode, I still admitted there were issues and lacking payoffs, especially with Jimmy. There are issues. This isn’t a perfect show, though nothing should be perfect because perfect is boring. It probably does need to take a breath though because while it is shockingly well paced, it is juggling a lot at once and it is concerning for when one of the balls may drop.

But like... Unless they’re just fundamentally getting the character wrong with no chance for growing into their design, can we just stop bitching about them? Parasite from my knowledge was originally a dude who was fucked up by an experiment and went “Well, they can’t cure me so I guess I’m evil” which is way less interesting than actually having his personality and his personal goals be parasitic to some extent so that they match his powers thematically. I’ve heard Livewire is a cocky, annoying bitch. We all remember the “Smartest person here” banter, right? That bitch with real powers, and irreversible powers as was foreshadowed by her veins, is going to be INSUFFERABLE. And Slade? The fucker is twenty years younger, minimum, than his comic counterpart and has both eyes and his battle suit in the title sequence fits his aesthetics so maybe cut him some slack because his cocky attitude now is clearly setting up for a GLORIOUS fall.

Of course, this is all assuming the show does well by these characters but at least right now they definitely have potential to become like their comic counterparts, especially with the question of how Silver Banshee is getting her screams back after Clark broke her mask.

So unless you complaint is more than “I want them to look exactly like my comic books!” maybe let an adaptation be, you know, an adaptation. I mean, so far the show fits exactly how DC has marketed itself since... I dunno, from what I hear the New 52? Especially in television because *gestures at all the DC movies* so I might not be a comics guy but I absolutely see why DC was okay with this as the rights holder because this is EASILY the most interested I’ve been in literally ANY of Superman’s rogue’s gallery. And no, I’m not a comic book guy but I see people comparing the two and you know my response when people bring up the differences in design? Most of the time I’m curious. Like what is Siobhan like when she looks like some genetically altered mutant or just a straight up alien of some sort? What’s the backstory there? But I also enjoy the cocky, wanna be supervillain of Siobhan in the show with her glam rock hair and raspy voice.

But I will admit that I don’t know the pain of adaptation too well. The closest I’ve come is stuff like Guardians of Ga’Hoole (which frankly is a shockingly good movie for how much of a mess adapting that series to anything would be) and Percy Jackson, where I only bitched about Clarisse because making Annabethe Clarisse was both more boring and narratively pointless because Clarisse is KIND OF IMPORTANT to the second book of that series, bare minimum.

Nothing here strikes me like that and if you disagree... Let me know. I see adaptations like this as a chance to both enjoy something and learn but frankly, EVERYONE bitching about the designs and nothing else is just making me tired and that’s making me not want to learn which means afterwards, I won’t dig deeper which isn’t that what you want as a fellow fan of the character?

======+++++======

I have a public Discord for any and all who want to join!

I also have an Amazon page for all of my original works in various forms of character focused romances from cute, teenage romance to erotica series of my past. I have an Ao3 for my fanfiction projects as well if that catches your fancy instead, If you want to hang out with me, I stream from time to time and love to chat with chat.

And finally a Twitter you can follow too!

[pokeexehasstoppedworking]

A Champion Time For The Heart Ch27 The Champion Cup P1

(Or alternate title of the story: Reader Becomes The Gym Leaders' Go To Babysitter. if anyone here remembers Gordie has like four younger siblings and Milo is also a big brother. I do NOT know the names of Milo's/Gordie's siblings so for Story's sake they will be given headcannon names until if/when their actual names are actually revealed. Please know the names for the younger siblings are NOT cannon ones and are only being used for story purposes.)

The next morning you woke up to Gloria bright and early again on Christmas Eve and you were wondering why, when she reminded you that Leon was taking the three of them back to the fair today to see the things you missed. Oh right! She did mention doing that didn't she? Well it was all fine by you. You were too tired from last night to wanna do anything so when she offered for you to join them today you politely declined and she shrugged before going along with her twin and friend to meet up with Leon again. Which means you could do something that you hadn't been able to do for a very VERY long time....Sleep in BABY!! You fell back asleep all curled up in your sleeping bag like no one cared until around noon when you groggily decided to get up only because Silver was crying out loud and shaking your sleeping bag frantically until you did wake up and tiredly blinked at him. He took the chance to point at him mouth indicating he was hungry...and you flopped your head back into the pillow with a groan.....You felt his pink hand prod your head with a curious sound.

"I'm up. I'm up."

By the time you did get dressed and ready and room service had brought up some food for you and Silver, it was nearly two o'clock. Well it was all fine with you. You still had the whole day to relax and spend time with Silver who seemed content to curl up by you with his food by the tv which you flipped through boredly until settling on a nature documentary because why not? You liked watching pokemon run around their habitats anyways and learning about them. You weren't sure how long you had been watching TV and relaxing without a care in the world. It felt...nice to just sit back and unwind without having to do anything, travel, or worry about anything else like your mother....Sadly all that was going to end so- You looked behind you as the door opened and in walked not only Gloria but Victor too. Guess Hop must've headed back to his room already or was still hanging out with Leon. But none the less you smiled at them in greeting. You also tried not to dwindle on the fact that you were practically stuck here. HOP was going to be the one to compete against all the gym leaders and against all odds to battle against Leon. Not Gloria and not Victor. The two people WHO needed to fight Leon and become champion to end the game correctly so you could go back home. You had long since accepted that this WASNT a dream anymore and any hope of escaping the game world the traditional way was a no go. So what now?

The next few days were just plain. You would mostly stick with Gloria and the two of you would spend time just watching the tv, but sometimes you and the guys would go out into the city and hit up some of the local stores or cafes. Sometimes Leon would tag along, other times he'd take the guys out. But he was mostly busy. You could understand why as the Champion Cup was coming up really soon and with the chairman apparently 'too busy tending to something' it fell upon the Champion or Vice Chairman to take care of everything. So apparently the Champion was also an important member of the Galarian government in this world. Neat! It certainly explained why Leon seemed to have much more responsibility than his video game counterpart back in your world. Speaking of which, you hadn't really seen Piers or any other gym leader either. They also must've been getting ready for the Champion Cup as well. All that was left for Hop was to (maybe) defeat Leon and become the new Champion. More and more days slowly went by, until the day finally arrived. New Years Eve. The big day for everyone. You didn't know..why exactly you did it, but when you woke you had the urge to pack all of your things sleeping bag included as if you all would be traveling again. Strange. Must be a force of habit. Gloria was awake and dressed but didn't seem....there if that made sense. She didn't even seem to notice you had gotten up and ready to head out constantly staring off at nothing. You yourself only noticed her doing it when Silver tugged on your pants leg and pointed a pink hand at her. Upon you noticing you rose a brow at her.

"Gloria?"

"HA!" You blinked as she jumped back and whirled her head towards you like a mouse startled like a cat. But she quickly noticed the stare you were giving her and quickly straightened up. "Ohhey, Y/n! Ye look ready ta go!"

Your brow raised. "....Are you feeling ok?"

"Yeah!" She smiled. "M' good! Never better! Haha! This is the big day!"

You stared at her for a moment longer but shrugged it off. "Alright then. Did you eat anything yet?"

"Nay. I don' think I could keep if down if I did-" She blinked when you suddenly handed her a small oatmeal break bar thingy from your pack Silver hadn't gotten to yet. After a moment she took it from you.

"Eat. You'll feel better if you have something in your stomach before the match. Trust me. Where's the others?"

She gestured to the door. "Waitin' for us in the lobby."

"Alright. Then let's go meet up with them ok?"

She hesitated but did follow you reluctantly as you headed towards the door with her following behind. Out the door you both went, down the hall, into the elevator, pressing the down button, and down to the lobby you two went. It was a short trip with Gloria starting to nibble on her bar, and when you two exited the elevator you both found the two guys standing by the front desk waiting for you. Hop was first to spot the two of you, smiling and giving you both a full arm wave as you walked over making Victor turn his head over to the both of you.

"Gloria! There you are, Mate!," Hop greeted the two of you as you stopped in front of them. With a sigh he looked to Gloria. "This is it. Did you get enough sleep?" She nodded silently yes to his question. Hop proceeded to pump a fist into the air. "Man. I could hardly sleep a wink last night! I can't wait to face off against Lee in the ultimate challenge! Imagine it! Galar's first ever pair of Champion brothers!"

"M' pretty excited myself," Victor added crossing his arms, although he was still so covered up he looked like a walking closet. "After all the excitement lately, m' just glad that all o' this will be over soon."

"Yeah. You're right. After today the Gym Challenge will be officially over." Hop smiled. "And what's most important is just that you try your best. Win or lose doesn't matter. As long as you give it your best, then it's good enough for me!"

None of your four noticed the woman in league worker attire walk into the lobby you were in. She paused for a moment scanning over the lobby before spotting you four, more specifically Hop, and then proceeded to walk on over to you.

"Challenger Hop?," she asked when close enough and the four of you looked over to her, surprised to see her there. "The Finals will be starting shortly. I'm here to escort you to the stadium."

Hop's golden eyes widened in surprise but you were more surprised to suddenly see Hop take an unexpected step with an instant scowl. "What's all this! Didn't learn your lesson yesterday?! If you need another helping of Hop and his trusty wooloo, I'll be happy to give you one!"

"No! Wait please!," the woman pleaded all of a sudden holding her hands up quickly in a nonthreatening manner, "I'm not like those other league staff! I'm a good one if I may say so myself. I heard about what happened last week." Both boys gave each other a suspicious look. "Ms. Oleana can be a little extreme in her desire to assist the Chairman with his goals I'm afraid. It seems she was cultivating her own group of league staff in secret to be deployed for...well..things like that debacle last week. But you've no need to worry about today's staff! All of us are here for the right reasons."

Hop still stared at her for a moment. "Well...That's what she says. I guess we can trust her yeah, Glory?" He turned to Gloria who shrugged at his question.

"W-Would you like me to show you the way to Wyndon Stadium now?"

"Yeah! Let's go! I can't wait another minute!"

The woman nodded and gestured for you four to follow her. "Then let's be on our way."

Hop leaned back to the three of you and whispered before following. "Psst. Hey. I think something fishy's going on around here. It's better if we keep our eyes and ears open in case someone else tries to use anymore tricks."

You nodded. Couldn't agree more right there. That sinking feeling you got whenever the Chairman was around was back again, and it wasn't just your anxiety about not going home today eating at you either. You would've stayed in the hotel room, but you figured you should be there to support Hop even if you weren't ready. You all followed the woman right out to a corviknight taxi. Well...this certainly wouldn't be something you missed about this place. It was a little cramped with an extra person to ride with of course, but you were a bit busy trying not to lose your lunch on the flight over which wasn't as long as you remembered it to be. Like with the semifinals last week, the place was packed with A BIG crowd and like before you all landed in a small fenced off space in front of the doors.

"This is it," you heard Hop speak. "Here at Wyndon Stadium. The greatest stadium in all of Galar." He turned back to you with a wide smile. "I'm gonna show everyone the greatest battle ever, Mate! And set the world on fire!"

You followed the woman along with the rest of you upon exiting the taxi. Around you all was lots of people yelling out towards you all and many bright flashes signaling cameras were being used as well. As a result Hop waved beaming as you four were lead by the woman up the steps of the stadium and into the much warmer building in front of you all. It was a much better welcome than the cold snowy outside. Once inside she stopped and turned back to all of you before gesturing to the front desk smack dab in the middle of the stadium.

"Would the Challenger please check in and then go wait in the locker room with the other Champion Cup contestants to wait for the matches to start? I've been instructed by the Champion to escort the rest of you to the V.I.P lounge to await his arrival after the start of the first battle."

You three all left Hop and followed the woman over to the same elevator you all took before and once inside the woman pressed the top button and up you went. Once at the top floor you three followed her on a similar path from before and escorted you all to the same room as before when you watched the semifinals from here with Leon. There was only four other people in the room with you and they were the three trainers Raihan was training personally, all three were lounged on the couch, looked up at you when you came in, and then went back to talking ignoring you three again. You smiled at Marnie and greeted her. Exchanging a few words as she gave a small half smile to you before going back to whatever she was doing on her phone. The woman stopped in the doorway, asked you all to wait here until the Champion arrived to see you, and then left closing the door behind her. You all did as she asked and went around to stand near the window to wait for the ceremony to start. You stared out the window at the crowd below in the cold winter air...and sighed. This was it. The final day here and it just so happened to be another holiday too. But what better way to celebrate it than to watch the final matches?

"Hey look!" You were jolted back up into looking when Gloria suddenly looked out the window with a big beaming smile. And the crowd suddenly cheering. "It's Lee!"

Your f/c eyes blinked back out towards the window and you blinked when you saw the very small form of Leon walking across the field to stand directly in the middle of it. The giant TV screen was lit up with his bright smile as he waved with one hand towards the cheering crowd, the other hand holding a mic up to his face. This must mean the finals were about to start. Another person trotted onto the field and it didn't too long to realize it was the referee for the matches.

"Happy New Years Eve, Everyone! Chilly day out today, isn't it?," Leon asked his voice echoing loudly throughout the stadium thanks to the giant speakers the mic lead to. His answer was the crowds' cheering to his smile. Beside you both Raihan's trio of trainers and Marnie had gotten up to join you in watching out the windows. "I hope everyone here had a good Christmas or whatever special holiday you all celebrate this time of the year! And what better way to end off such a wonderful year than to go out with a bang! And welcome the new year with such positive excitement! It probably goes without saying but..." He shrugged. "Hello, Galar! I'm your Champion, Leon! The Chairman is tied up with some business, so I hope no one minds me stepping in on his behalf in order to lead you all to greater heights as pokemon trainers of the Galar Region!" Well judging by the cheers and reaction the crowd gave, no one seemed to be against the idea. "The time has come for you to battle it out until only the greatest challenger remains! So on behalf of the Chairman, allow me to say-" He suddenly pointed a hand out towards the field. "Let the final matches begin!"

The crowd roared and you couldn't help but feel a big excitement bubble up. Leon exited the field with an arm up waving good bye for now to the roaring crowd as he did so, and the intercom voice came back on his place. "Wasn't that just a thrilling start to the beginning finals? First up we have a duo who'll surely put the ghosts of past, present, and future to shame with his spooky winning streak! First Match will be Gym Leader Allister verses that lucky Semifinals winner Gym Challenger Hop from Postwick!"

"Hop?", you asked suddenly surprised.

"So soon?," Gloria asked before giving off a hum, surprised as well at the sudden choice of the duo.

"No. Actually that makes perfect sense."

....You both looked at Victor like he was nuts. "...HUH?!"

He sighed. "Ain't it obvious?" He gestured to the field as a figure, Hop, was slowly making his away across the field along with ....someone else. " From I've seen of that Allister kid, he's not exactly the most comfortable 'n the spotlight. If either loses they get to sit out a lot quicker, making it easier for him."

.....Ah...That actually made a lot more sense now. You would know you'd want to battle as soon as possible and win or lose if you were in either of their shoes. Made you appreciate Leon's good eye a lot more. Victor had turned back to the window...blinked, and squinted his eyes at the other person on the field who WASN'T Allister with Gloria. Before his eyes widened to the size of plates. You noticed his sudden expression and was about to ask him what was up when Marnie beat you to it.

"Oi. Who's that bloke?," she asked staring at the same person Victor was.

You looked to Marnie, then out the window. And your eyes widened when none other was BEDE standing there! Of course you couldn't hear what he was saying being all the way down there but he looked to be saying something to Hop. THUD! You jumped and turned to the source of the noise which was none other than Glori who was staring in shock at the white haired figure on the field. The noise coming from her suddenly putting her hands against the glass.

"BEDE!?," she asked both gobsmacked and annoyed, "What the absolute flamin' rappidash crap is 'e doing on the battlefield!?"

Victor spoke. "He certainly can't be competing in the matches. He was disqualified long before the semifinals began, and there's only one challenger allowed to compete in the Champion Cup."

You were interrupted by the intercom guy, "Former Challenger Bede has come for one last battle! We are currently debating what to do with Challenger Bede." Ah. So THIS is when Bede decided to make his grand reentrance for the last rival battle with him in game. But this wasn't Gloria or Victor battling him. Would Hop even have a chance to win? "To all our viewers, both here in the stadium and at home in front of the telly, we ask that you please be patient." Oh you could imagine Hop grumbled something about Leon not standing for this and you sighed- "We've reached a decision ladies and gentlemen! The Champion himself has accepted Bede's sudden interruption! Is the Champion showing his love by giving every trainer a chance to grow stronger? Or is it a trial for Challenger Hop? Either way....WE ARE ABOUT TO START A MATCH FOLKS!!" The crowd cheered as Hop glared daggers from the giant TV. Oh if looks could kill. "Challengers! Please take your places on the field!" You watched as both turned and walked to the opposite sides of the field. "Pokemon at the ready! Get set! Let the first round of this surprise match begin!"

You all watched as Hop sent out his corviknight and Bede sent out a mawile. Oh boy here you go.

"HOW IS LEE LETTIN' THAT NO GOOD FELLA JUST BATTLE OUT THERE!?," Victor shouted making everyone in the room look at him as he glared out the window at the battlefield.

"Calm down." You shook his shoulder as the battle began gaining his attention. "I'm absolutely sure Leon has his reasons. And besides even if Hop does lose it won't affect him being able to compete in the Champion Cup. Let's just watch Hop beat him and relax. Ok?" You never took Victor for someone who'd dislike Bede.

"*sigh* Yer right. Sorry guess m' just a wee bit frustrated from all his antics."

"It's fine. Let's just watch and see what happens now," You smiled.

First round Hop won. Second round he won again. Third round Hop bested him again. Wow. Hop really had gotten stronger. Then their pokemon had a dynamaxed fight. You remembered to hang onto something this time around to avoid falling over as the giant pokemon duked it out. Bede won this round. But considering Hop won three out of four, it was clear he was the winner.

"HA! Take that-"

"Vic. Don't be mean."

"It looks like Challenger Bede was no match for Challenger Hop and his trusted team!," the intercom man commented to the cheering crowd. "The stadium is filled with voices cheering on these two young trainers! Now. Both challengers please head back to the locker room so that you can rest up from that unexpected match and the field can be repaired for the first match of the finals. We'll be taking a small commercial break in the meantime folks. Stay tuned for the promised action."

You all watched as the two walked off of the field and the repair crew for the field started rolling out with their equipment and you sighed. Well at least that interaction was over and done with but you did wonder what Ms. Opal was going to do about Bede performing such a stunt like that. You got your answer in just a few short minutes. While waiting for Hop and Alister to eventually make their appearance back onto the field, you all had resorted to watching the repairs take place. None of you really moved an inch from the spot until the faint yells of someone saying 'Ow' over and over again came from behind you. You turned your head and was surprised when the door to the lounge opened and standing in the doorway all calm faced was none other than Ms. Opal. The old lady looked exactly the same decked out in her blue, pink, and white attire, with her umbrella over one wrist, and her hat. The only difference was that she was wearing a pretty thick blue and pink coat over her dress due to the cold weather most likely. You and Victor exchanged a confused look when she slowly walked in dragging something in the other hand behind her.....And that something was none other than Bede.

"Ow, ow, ow!! Let go of me you mad woman!!," he demanded slightly bent over from the fact that in old fashion grandmotherly style, Opal was dragging him along behind her by his ear.

....Gloria snickered but you gave her a small shove and scowl to get her to be silent. Everyone from you to Marnie watched as Ms. Opal dragged Bede over to one of the couches before finally letting him go. Bede immediately leaned back up with a hiss, a hand coming to his ear as he scowled at the woman.

"Sit." She demanded not even looking at him pointing one hand to the couch before continuing to walk over to you guys which did surprise you. But what surprised you more was the fact that Bede actually listened to her. Albeit with him huffing, crossing his arms, and turning his nose up from her as she approached you. You blinked as the slightly taller older woman stopped right in front of you. "Excuse me, Young Lady. I do hate to put a burden upon you, especially one you didn't ask, but would I be able to bother you to watch the boy for me until I am able to return from the matches at hand?"

.....You blinked. "Huh?"

"Oh, I know this is completely sudden and I'd expect such a reaction. But the boy already caused enough trouble for the day and I'd rather not risk him unsupervised for the rest of the day. Unfortunately I won't be able to see to him until the finals are fully over but if I can know he's in good hands my mind would be at ease. I've heard from Dear Leon you did a wonderful job looking after his younger brother but if it's a bother I can certainly ask one of the staff to keep watch on him for me."

....You looked from her to Bede still pouting away before back to her and smiling unsure. "Uh...Sure. I can look after him for you if you want."

gaining a satisfied grin on her face she turned. "Thank you. I shouldn't be too long." ..You looked back to Victor who shrugged as Ms. Opal took her leave. As she passed the couch she gave Bede one last look. "Young Bede. Now don't get into anymore trouble while I'm gone. I don't want to come back to a bad behavioral report."

Bede mumbled something under his breath as she slowly left. Everyone else with the exception of you, Victor, and Gloria turned back to the window once Ms. Opal closed the door behind her. You both exchanged a look before you looked back towards the window. You doubted Bede would cause anymore trouble now that his final battle was over but you were still going to keep an eye on him just in case. Eventually the field did repaired and as the repair team exited the field the intercom person spoke again.

"We're back and ready folks! The time for waiting is over! The Finals of the Champion Cup are about to begin!" The crowd roared and everyone quickly forgot about Bede for the moment in favor of looking back to the field as two familiar faces entered the field along with the ref. Their faces brightly shown on the giant screens. "The two trainers to face each other in the first battle of the first round are! A trainer endorsed by the Champion himself, Challenger Hop! And now to take him on here comes Gym Leader Allister! The boy known far and wide as the silent school aged star!" Whelp. There they were. Both children look really nervous despite Allister constantly wearing that mask to cover up his feelings as they met in the middle. "Challengers take your places! Get Set! Let the first round of the finals begin!"

First round. Here you go! Allister and Hop sent out their first pokemon. A mimikyu and wooloo. You all were excited to watch but paused..and turned your head over towards Bede. He still sat down on the couch and was still frowning off at the ground away from the rest of the others. Purple eyes stared down at his feet unmoving as he sat there equally unmoving. That old lady just had to embarrass him further in front of everyone by making a show of dragging him along like a toddler throwing a tantrum over a toy! Things were only going to be downhill from here unless he fixed thin- ..!? His head snapped up feeling the couch cushions dip next to him and he blinked when he saw YOU of all people gently sit down next to him with a smile and soft eyes. He stared at you for a long quiet moment before you spoke.

"Hey. I saw you battle out there. Nice strategy with the rapidash."

He still stared at you for a long moment before scowling with a huff and again whipping his head from you. "Like a woman like you would care about someone like me! Why are you even bothering me? Shouldn't you be watching your friend compete?"

You hummed before rolling your wrist. "Eh..Yeah I guess so. But you looked upset and I wanted to make sure you were feeling ok."

"Don't pretend to care about me," he hissed back scooting his back around to face you, "I know no one here really gives any hoot about me or my feelings!"

"Well that's not true. Ms. Opal seems to care about you an awful lot." He huffed and you rose your brow, debated on whether or not to say the next sentence, and decided to say it to get his attention. "And Gloria cares about you too."

You waited for a moment as Bede didn't move or say anything and for a moment you thought it wouldn't work. Until he ever so slowly turned his head to you. His purple eyes narrowed looking you up and down for a moment until he asked. "She ...does?"

You nodded. "You're one of her rivals aren't you? She wouldn't want to see you hurt. After all she did kinda save your life from getting crushed by a boulder back in Stow-On-Side. "

His eyes went wide. "O-Oh...*ahem* Y-Yes. I see." He turned back away. "Still. Why would you of all people care?"

You shrugged. Fair enough question. "I don't like seeing someone get hurt when they don't deserve it, and I don't think you of all people deserved what you went through either. Especially what that Rose guy and Oleana did." Like a bullet, Bede's head snapped around wide eyed to you faster than any scorbunny and stared. You sighed. "We both know what they did was wrong ok? And...I don't really blame you for anything you did either."

He stared at you like you suddenly exploded in flames. "......I-.."

"You were put under a whole lot of heavy pressure and a lot of responsibilities were put on your shoulders when they shouldn't be. ..Yeah. Destroying the Mural and all those mean things you said to my pals were uncalled for." ....He looked down in shame- "But I don't blame you for doing what you thought you had to do." Aaaand just as quickly looked back to your smile surprised. "I mean...You're just a kid. You can't be older than thirteen-"

"F-Fourteen actually."

"That only furthers my point!" In a dead serious tone you placed a hand to your chest. "Take it from someone who was pressured into a whole lot of stress inducing things at your age. Things look bad now but your perseverance landed you in a really good place now."

...His brow rose and that resting 'really?' face came back. "Oh really? How am I supposedly in a better place now?"

"Dude. Just look at yourself right now." Bede's brows rose in..well surprise. You guessed he wasn't used to just talking bluntly like this. You gestured to his pink and blue uniform. "You're working your way onto becoming a Gym Leader? Do you know how many people would want that position? Do you know how many people can brag about becoming the next gym leader of Bellonlea? It may not be as fancy as the Champion, but Gym Leader Bede has a ring to it. Dont ya think?"

Bede stared at you for a moment, but hummed in thought. "Gym Leader Bede. ..." he nodded. "Yes. That does sound like a title deserving of my struggles. And everyone already was cheering me on so I'll have to keep up my training with Ms. Opal to not disappoint them."

"That's the spirit!" You gestured over to the windows as more cheers filled up the stadium. "How about we go and watch the matches now? Watching battles is a good way to learn and who knows? Ms. Opal might even be battling next. Wouldn't want to miss her fight."

Bede seemed to hesitate for a moment glancing over to Gloria who had her back towards the both of you too wrapped up in watching the match, but ended up standing with a nod and smile. "I don't see why not. After all it'd look bad on my part if I missed my mentor's turn."

You smiled and got up from the couch Bede following as you both walked back towards the windows. Although he stood on the opposite side of you by Marnie away from Victor or Gloria, which might've been for the best with the way Victor sent an overly brotherly protective glare his way. You didn't want to get another headache from the two fighting. From the looks of it you two were just in time for the two to have their final round in their match. Hop's trevenant verses Allister's Genger. Dynamaxed. You hadn't known what had happened between the amount of time you two were talking, but Hop was looking very confident. You all watched as the two young children battled it out as the stadium shook under their combined attacks. Ultimately ending in Hop winning. The audience roared as the pokemon reverted back to normal size and not too long after the intercom guy came back.

"The winner of the first battle and the one advancing to the second round is Challenger Hop!," he announced as the crowd cheered in agreement. "The second battle of the first rounds will be against the Master of water types! The raging wave Nessa verses the Galar Karate Prodigy Bea! Two powerful lady gym leaders but only one will advance to the second round! Who will it be!? Stay tuned because after the small break for field repairs the second match of round one will take place! But now a word from our sponsors! The Swordward and Shielbert Enterprizes."

"Alright!," Gloria pointed towards the disappearing forms of the two of them exiting field. "That's one down and more to go. Hop's already advancin' 'imself ta the second round!"

Victor nodded. "That would seem so. But don't forget that the other gym leaders aren't gonna be as hesitant and nervous as Allister 's. he still could be taken out next round, especially if 's pokemon are already tired from battling twice already."

You didn't want to admit it but Victor did have a point there too. Allister was a powerful gym leader especially for one his age but he suffered from almost the same problem as Gloria. Beside you Bede looked away in guilt perhaps but you supposed it was too late for that. Not long after the two left the field that the maintenance crew got back out to patch up the damage left behind by the dynamaxed pokemon and their attacks. ...Well it'd be a while before anyone else battled. So why not get you something to eat? You turned towards the small kitchen area and excused yourself from everyone to head towards it, Silver following behind you interested in getting food himself. Leon got you some hot coco last time you were here, so it wouldn't be too far a stretch to assume there was some hot coco mix around here somewhere too. Right? You took to opening the fridge and finding some small snacks like yogurt and fruit cups but no coco. So you then moved onto the cabinets. Let's see. Coffee beans. Napkins. Plastic silverware. Paper plates. Red cups. Coffee creamer. Instant ramen cups. The door being swung open-.....You paused. ...And along with most everyone else looked over again to the open door and froze. Your first instinct was to see Leon standing there as promised by that staff lady but were surprised to see a lady gym leader standing there. And not Ms. Opal this time. Standing in the doorway was none other than Bea, resting angry face plastered on as she held Allister in one arm against her and her other hand on her hip. You stared at her stunned as she gazed across the seven teenagers there ...before turning her gaze to you and whipped a pointing finger at you.

"YOU THERE!"

"......Who me?" You blinked. She nodded and that just brought up a whole bunch of questions. Bea wanted you? Why? Did she remember you from Bede's Stow-On-Side incident? But why? That was such a brief encounter. She certainly can't be angry at you for that seeing as it was Bede's and the Chairman's faults. Even if you didn't blame Bede for his actions you'd rather not get blamed for it.

"Opal told me 'bout the babysitter set up here." ........Wot- "I remember Lee said his pal was taking care of his endorsed trainers but I didn't know he had his friend babysitting for everyone too." She rose a brow and gave another look onto the amount of kids in the room. "But considering the circumstances I can understand why. Opal sure seems to like the idea."

"....Huh?" Babysitter!? What babysitter? Who-...Wait. Did she mean YOU? Why would she think YOU were a babysitter-.....Wait. You turned your head to the teenagers staring back confused at you as Bea walked in and it seemed to click. OH. ....Well. You guessed it would kinda look like that. After all you were the only adult in here and you did agree to watch Bede for Ms. Opal, so you guessed you were technically a babysitter. But only for Bede! You weren't watching ALL of these guys! ..Oh no. You guessed Ms. Opal must've told Bea about you agreeing to babysit Bede for her upstairs and Bea must've confused that for you watching everyone here. Simple mistake. You turned to her. "I think-"

Before you could even finish your sentence, Bea was already in front of you and gently shoving Allister into your arms. The small boy silently held onto you as you blinked at him surprised in your arms.

"My match is next so I can't watch him while I battle," she spoke pointing a hand at you and you blinked back at her. "And everyone else is too busy handling other things. Al seems to already like you too so this works out great." She sighed. "Thank ARCEUS Lee set up this sitter thing. Last time he tried wondering off by himself looking for the kitchen and we had to postpone the whole next match to look for him." You opened your mouth- She held up her fingers counting on them. "There's some things you should know. He hates too bright light. Make sure he stays bundled up so he doesn't get cold. Don't try giving him white chocolate. He hates it and frankly so do I. Don't make sudden grabs at him. Don't let him wonder out of your sight or else you're in big trouble. He hates real loud noises they scare him. Don't call him weird for liking Ghost Types. And whatever you do don't let him feed his ghost pokemon human food or else they'll get sick and vomit ectoplasm everywhere and no one wants to clean that up. Got that?" .......You blinked. And she nodded. "Good. I'll pick him back up after the finals are over and pay you then. For now just hang tight and DONT let him outta your sight." Her expression suddenly did a complete 180 as she smiled at Allister. "You be good ok? Play with your friends and no wondering off this time."

"O-ok, Bea." You weren't even given ANY time to react as she turned on her foot and as quickly as she came left, slamming the door closed behind her. .....A silence passed through the room and everyone looked at each other in a mix of confusion and 'What just happened'. ....You slowly looked back to Allister who stared at you and for a moment the boy didn't do anything until he held his hand up and waved. "H-Hi."

"What just happened?," Gloria asked finally seeming to come out from the shock of Bea quick dine and dash like visit.

You turned to them with Allister now in your arms and shrugged. "I guess Bede's not the only one I'm watching now." You turned back to Allister who awkwardly looked around. "Hey. You want some hot chocolate?" He perked up at the words and nodded his head yes. "Ok. Let's go ahead and get you set up first."

You ended up getting one of the few chairs that were in the room and placing it down in front of the windows so Allister could just sit and watch the matches. Also you did end up finding the coco mix in one of the cabinets.....And ended up making every kid there a cup. Wouldn't want anyone getting too cold. By the time you were done making everyone minus yourself a cup, the repairs to the field were done and the announcer shouted out the start up of Bea's and Nessa's match. You wondered who'd win. Both were obviously pretty strong trainers. Allister did however perk up at the mention of Bea coming onto the field even leaning closer to the window to look out. You wondered if those two had some kind of brother sister bond. If so good for them. Allister could use someone as tough as Bea around to help him out. From the cheering of the crowd that must've meant their match must've started. With everyone else already having their drinks and being entertained, you decided it was finally time to get yourself something- Silver gave off a loud annoyed chirp and tugged on your pants hard. ...After you get Silver something. You didn't want to risk giving him chocolate. Maybe yogurt would be ok? You attempted to go back to the fridge. I saw attempted because just as you grabbed it the door opened once again. Only this time there was one or two knocks making a couple others and you look over. Who was at the door THIS time? Couldn't have been Bea. Her battle's not over yet.

"Knock, knock.~," a voice sang from the other side of the door before it opened. ..Oh no. You knew that voice- A fanged grin is what poked itself from the other side of the door as it opened making you groan. "I heard there was a meeting up here. And you didn't invite me?~"

You sighed. "Hello, Raihan." The man chuckled before defaulting to that lazed smirk and opening the door the rest of the way. You turned to him meeting him with crossed arms. "Ok. I know you're here to either ask me to dinner or something else. So which is it this time?"

He chuckled again holding up his hands. "You got me. And while my dinner offer still stands-"

"NO thank you."

"-I actually came here for something else." You rose a brow at him. "I heard you were the official League babysitter."

...You groaned. "Not...exactly." Your hand gestured to the kids. "I only agreed to watch two. The others were already here when I got here or came with me-..Wait. Why would you come here just to tell me that?"

"I was actually wondering if you'd mind keeping an eye on my little trio too? Just until the Champion Cup's over. I'm stepping out real quick to grab some stuff from the stands and I'd feel better knowing they were being taken care of."

.....You frowned. "Seriously?! Why are you doing that? What if you're called out next?"

"I won't be. Lee already scheduled everyone for first round. I'm not battling for another two matches."

"UUUUUUUHHHH!!!" Your head leaned back as you groaned. ....You pointed at him. "YOU owe me big time!"

"Don't worry. I'll bring you back something nice from the stands. I'll def get you a gift for when you inevitably fall for me-"

"I still have Silver."

He paused mouth open. "....Oh. Look at the time. Haha! I better head out. Don't worry I one hundred percent promise the triplets will behave themselves."

"Uh huh."

And just like that you went from watching one child to two to now five. UUUHHH!! Well at least they all seemed to be behaving themselves alright. Sebastian and his sisters seemed to be more interested in chatting to Marnie and Bede and the matches to cause trouble and you were pretty sure you didn't have to worry about Allister unless he tried leaving which you didn't think he'll do. You only had to worry about Bede since he seemed the most likely to start a fight, especially with the way he kept glancing over red faced towards Gloria and Victor kept giving him that suspicious look. Hopefully the matches would distract them both from that. Silver reminded you of his hunger and you went to work getting him something. Ended up getting him some of the yogurt as it seemed to be safe enough for him to eat. He's eaten trail food and curry before, so yogurt should be fine. It wasn't too long after the stadium shook with the dynamaxed fight between the two women shaking everything while you were attempting to make yourself something and the intercom guy came back on.

"Nessa's Drednaw is unable to battle! Therefore Gym Leader Bea wins and will proceed to the next round of matches!" More cheers as you pulled a ramen cup from one of the cabinets. "Next match will be between our fighting farmer, Milo and his opponent the ice cold professional Melony! For now we'll take a small commercial break to allow the field to be repaired! Stay tuned folks!"

"Did ye see the way Bea's machamp literally held the jaws of that drednaw shut?," Gloria asked Victor, "That was some serious upper arm strength."

Victor nodded. "And just remember Bea regularly practices martial arts with her own pokemon as well. The real question is did the pokemon become strong from 'er or did she become strong from the pokemon?"

"I'd hate ta be caught in her crossfires. No wonder Bede's scared of her after he had to pay her back for the mural."

"I-I'm not scared," Bede countered which made Gloria look at him. Head held up and arms crossed. "*ahem* I am simply cautious around her! I've become a better person worthy of my title! A better me. A better...person to be around." He opened one eye back towards her as Gloria patted his shoulder with a smile.

"Good on ye, Bede. M' glad ya can take a beatin' from Hop so well now!"

"....Was-...W-Was that meant to insult or compliment me?"

Well at least no one fighting now. And it gave you the chance to turn back around and start cooking that sweet, sweet ramen. You were hungry and while it wasn't as fancy as the hotel's dinner, it was better than trail mix again. After placing the ramen in the mini microwave the place had you took this time to sit yourself on the couch with a sigh. Definitely not what you expected on doing on your last day here after all but you guessed it wasn't the worse thing to happen- More knocking.....MORE. KNOCKING!!! Came from the door again drawing a few people attention as you looked on over and stared blankly. Until another knock came and you sighed as whoever it was just opened the door, and you prayed it was FINALLY Leon-...Nope. You stared as not one but SEVEN people walked in. And your jaw dropped a bit when seeing who it was exactly. Milo and Melony!! What the heck were those two doing here? Didn't they have to worry about their battle next? ...You got your answer as five children walked in with them. Three of them, boys all around Allister's age, giggled like little maniacs as they rushed in and ran straight for the chairs set up by the windows.

"Wha- Hey! Watch where you're going!," Bede barked as the three ignored him immediately clambering up the chairs only to press their hands and faces on the windows looking out at the repair team and crowds below.

You blinked as you stared at them, the three all had hair ranging from blonde to blondish-white hair and all with blue eyes. ...They looked a bit similar to Gordie actually.

"Boys! Where are your manners?! Be nice to the other kids."

You looked back towards the sound of the voice and saw that Melony was giving the three a frown as a girl stood next to her. She looked around the same age as Gloria, only like Melony she sported snow white hair and the same blue eyes as her and the boys. Were they related? The girl looked slightly embarrassed but next to her was Milo and standing right beside him was a boy also around the same age as Victor and Gloria. You blinked at first thinking you were seeing double as this boy could easily pass for a much younger Milo. But the boy looked different too. Both had the same pink hair and green eyes, but compared to Milo the boy had darker green eyes and lighter pink hair, and no freckles were on his face which was something Milo had that he didn't. Everyone was staring at the commotion that had once again walked in through the door and inevitably as the two grown ups looked around, Milo eventually spotted you staring back at them confused and shocked from the couch. He smiled back widely and gave a wave towards you.

"Hello!," he greeted catching Melony's attention over to you too as you stared. "Um. So sorry to barge in like this. Definitely not our intention." He have a sheepish smile. "But we heard from Raihan you were watching everyone's children up here for them." His hand came down to pat the smaller him on the shoulder. "My brother's visiting the city today and I think he'll be better off here out of the way. I'm kinda busy at the moment with things."

"As am I." Melony sighed before placing her hands on her hips in the way only a tired mother could. "I can't ask Gordie to just watch them and I hate letting my little frostlings out of my sight. Can't turn my back for one second and their trying to climb a wall like a Bug-type."

Raihan. Of course!! That guy just had to go on and blab about this to the others. You scowled in annoyance. "Im gonna put out that dragon's fire next time I see him."

"...Pardon?"

"Uh..Nothing." You looked back to them with a small smile. "Let me guess. You guys want me to watch these little guys too?"

"Aren't you a bit.." Milo gave a look over all the other kids already there. "...Booked? Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all. You look like you already got your hands full in here."

"What other choice do we have?", Melony asked looking back at him. "I can't just leave them in the stands by themselves? Elsa can't watch all the boys by herself, and Gordie's not an option either. It's either this or we'll both have to forfeit the match."

"I know. I know. It's just-"

"I can do it." They both looked back to you smiling and standing from the couch to face them. "It'd be no problem since I've babysat before."

They both looked to you before Milo asked unsure, "Are you sure? I mean Felix won't be any trouble, but we don't want to over burden you."

You waved him off. "Nah it's fine. You guys can just leave them here and pick them up after the finals are over."

Long story short...You went from five kids to watching ten now. Sigh. The triplets and their older sister immediately took attention to the window at least. Everyone seemed too distracted to really pay attention to you as you waited for your ramen to cook. You didn't even know Milo and Gordie were big brothers too.

"Ok Felix. Watch closely and learn how your big bro does things."

"Alvin, Allen, Alex. You boys behave or ELSE! Elsa you make sure to help keep an eye on your little brothers- Don't roll your eyes at me, Young Lady. Or else I'm not getting take out for dinner later."

And then they left. Leaving you with two other teens who made an effort to introduce themselves to the rest of the squad and the area by the windows all taken up by the kids. You probably couldn't get a good view now even if you wanted too, but you guessed you could always watch the matches from the giant TV in here too. You soon got your ramen and resorted to sitting on the coach to take a break from standing up and having the advantage of being able to see all of the kids from your place on the couch. They were all too busy excitedly watching the next match between Melony and Milo that had just begun. The peace and quiet (well quiet-ish since no one was bothering you at the moment-) was nice. Just sitting back, relaxing, and being able to eat something without hassle with Silver curled up next to you. But who knew how long things would last and stay this way? It was best to just enjoy things for now. Your stomach was full from the ramen and soon the battle outside was won with Melony winning and moving onto the second round.

"The third match of round one is over and has been decided! Gym Leader Melony has been bumped up to the second round! As we wait for field repairs let me announce the next round fighters! The fourth match of round one is against the hard rock crusher Gordie and his opponent the reclusive musician Piers! Stay tuned because we've only just begun!"

That caught Marnie's attention. But it seems there was going to be yet another break for field repairs before the fourth battle. CHIRP!! You jumped when Silver suddenly yelled out and jumped into the air. Clinging to the back of the couch like a startled cat. Your eyes blinked over to him ...aaand you soon found out why he was suddenly so jumpy finding Melony's three young boys standing there staring at him. What the- Where did they come from?

"Is that a real shiny?!," one asked excitedly staring at Silver wide eyed and pointing.

"I WANNA PET HIM!!," a second one declared instantly gripping onto the couch cushion and pulling himself up onto it to get to your pokemon.

!? You instantly reached out and stood while pulling the small boy away from Silver. "Hey there, Buddy. Don't do that."

"Ah." He looked back up to you. "But why?"

"It's rude to just walk up and try to do things with someone's else's pokemon without asking them first," you firmly but gently placed him back on the ground. It was like explaining a dog really. "And you can't just try to pet a random pokemon you don't know first. You don't know if they're nice or not."

"Is he nice?"

"Yes. ..Well." Silver gave you a frown. "Most of the time. But he's a bit scared. You three should give him a couple minutes to calm down." You perked your head up at an idea. "Hey. You guys want some hot chocolate?"

Their answer was immediate as the three immediate perked at the idea. "YEAH!!"

You gently shooed them back towards the windows. "I'll tell you what then. You three go back and watch the next match and I'll make you guys some. Ok?"

"Can I have some too?"

"Yeah, Y/n! Can I get a refill?"

You looked up towards the crowd of children....and sighed. "Sure. Not that I have anything else to do right now."

So back to making now thirteen children hot chocolate after shooing the triplets back to their older sister before you went to work. The poor microwave was going to become burnt toast after this. You were maybe three cups into making these guys some more drinks, when you paused, and you had an expecting feeling. Like clockwork there was yet again ANOTHER knock at the door. You groaned and feeling a bit annoyed you walked on over to the door as someone knocked from the outside again. Now who could it be THIS time? Bea? Melony? Ms. Opal? Nah. They were still competing. Milo? Raihan? No. One was busy and the other hadn't even fought yet. Maybe now it was Leon? You'd gotten to the door, grabbed the doorknob, and with an annoyed frown YANKED the door open as the person on the other side froze. Your mouth opened to ask what they wanted now- But you froze coming face to face with gold eyes and purple hair in the form of Leon. Silence followed as you stared at him. He stared back at you one hand in a fist as if he was about to knock again and in his other arm was the biggest paper bag you had ever seen with some kind of cafe-like logo on it. His eyes wide in surprise not expecting you to yank the door open.

......You sighed and leaned yourself against the doorframe. "Oh good Arceus. It's just you."

...He blinked. "Mmm hmm." He slowly smiled unsure, hand falling to his side. "Not sure who else I would be if I wasn't me?"....His brow rose as you rubbed your face. "You look tired."

"You think?"

"What happened to you?" You gestured behind you as your answer and with his towering height, it was easy for Leon to peer over you and figure out you were gesturing to the large crowd of kids in there. "..What about them?"

"Well! Ms. Opal asked me to watch Bede for her and I said ok." Leon nodded with a hum as you gestured with your hands. "And then Bea asked me to watch Allister for her which I'm also ok with. He's a good kid."

His brow rose. "But?"

"But then Raihan asked me to ask his trainers and then he gave everyone else the great idea to have me watch their little brothers and kids too."

Both brows rose in surprise as he looked from all the kids either practically having their faces pressed against the glass waiting for the next match or talking and then you again. "And you said yes to all of them? Didn't you tell them you were already busy as it was?"

This time is was your turn to pause as your eyes popped open comically like a looney tunes cartoon, and you slowly lifted your head from your hand. "I-...Weeellll-" He stared at you until you sighed. "Ok. I did say yes to watching all of them. Except Victor and Gloria. They came with me here and you haven't asked me to look after them at all, but everyone else here sure seems to like the idea of me being the babysitter."

"Then if you don't like it why did you even agree to it?"

"Well.." You made a motion with your hand. "I mean they were pretty busy. And I didn't want any of them running around in big crowds without anyone to keep an eye on them. Besides, they deserve to have a good time too. From here there's a great view of the battles."

He sighed closing his eyes and shaking his head. "There's a fine line between being helpful and just overworking yourself."

You sighed again. "Well to be fair everyone's been behaving themselves pretty well. Haven't had any problems aside from one fight almost starting and a couple of them scaring Silver. But don't worry. I can look after the twins too."

It was his turn to be surprised when he blinked at you. "What?"

"Well that's why you're here right?," you asked confused, "To ask me to watch Victor and Gloria for you? Everyone else has done it." It was then your eyes trailed over and finally noticed the big bag that mysteriously had the strong scent of hamburgers coming from it. ...You pointed. "And what's that?"

"The reason I'm here," he responded smiling holding it up to your blinking self. "I figured the kiddos were getting hungry with it nearly being lunch time and I got all these for them from one of the food stands outside." You slowly took the bag from him. "I would've asked Piers to deliver them for me considering how easily lost I could get but he's busy at the moment. He uh..also wanted me to ask you to watch over his little sister for the time being."

"Of course he would ask that." Whelp that's another kiddo under your watch. You smiled. "Ah. Thanks Lee. You're a real life saver you know that? I'll make sure they'll get it." You then turned back towards the inside of the room turning your body so Leon could have a clearer view inside. The twins hadn't noticed their surrogate brother was there too busy talking to Bede or looking out the window. "They're doing fine. Just drinking hot chocolate and watching the battles like everyone else."...You gave him a look. "But if you seriously want me to look after them for you I will. It's no big deal."

He once again gave you a surprised look as if he wasn't expecting that. "You're serious?"

"Yeah. Besides I've babysat a lot before. It's no problem."

He seriously started at you for the longest moment, hummed, looked between you and the twins for a moment, and spoke. "..Wouldn't mind knowing someone was looking out for them until I can come back. Are you sure though? I wouldn't want to burden you, after all you deserve to have a good time too."

"I'll be fine," you assured him with a smile, "Just focus on your upcoming match. You have enough to worry about." He opened his mouth. "Just take this as a thank you for your helping me out with everything you did the past year and helping me have the greatest Christmas I've had for a long time." You smiled wider. "We'll just call it all even now so no one owes any favors. Ok, Lee?"

He paused for a moment before looking away and his hand came to once rub the back of his neck. "Heh. Y-Yeah. Even." He nodded. "'Right then. Sounds good to me.".......He pointed behind him. "Field's almost done. I should get going to make s-sure things stay on track ."

You nodded. "Yeah. I look forward to watching you battle out there. And Leon?"

"Y-Yeah?"

"Good luck! You and Hop are going to give everyone a good show."

The man had thanked you and left in a hurry which was strange but you guessed he wanted to get to the field to make sure things ran smoothly before he got lost again. Poor Leon. Must have a lot on his shoulders at the moment. You didn't see the faint pink that was threatening to rise up from his cheeks...YOU didn't notice but someone certainly did. At some point Gloria had seen you two talking and didn't miss her Leon's reaction. You didn't notice her either too busy bringing in the food and closing the door.

"OK!! It's time for the fourth match of the first rounds! Both fighters please head out to the field and we'll get this show on the road!"

Oh. Looked like their match was starting a lot sooner than you thought. Unfortunately you didn't get to see the battle. You were too busy making the other ten hot chocolate drinks for the rest of the kids in fear of the boys trying to gang up on Silver again. Said poor pokemon had taken refuge laying on the back of the couch and didn't seem like he'd come down anytime soon. The kids took to the hot chocolate and burgers like hungry crows to a cornfield. One for everyone with one left over for you, but you chose to give it to Silver who showed interest in the food. Not wanting him to try and wrestle it away from anyone especially Allister. Plus you had ramen one or two hours ago by now. You could just make yourself some more if you got hungry again.

"Gym Leader Gordie has been defeated! Which means Piers will be advancing to the second rounds!" Oh. So Piers did win. You smiled. Good for him. Marnie seemed to be happy too as you swore you could see the faintest of smiles appear on her face. "Please exit the field for repairs! The fifth match will be against the Master of a Fantastic Theater! That charming fairy type user, Opal! And her opponent the Top Gym Leader, Raihan! So stay tuned for after the commercial break folks!"

Bede perked up finally eyes a bit more focused on the fields. And Raihan's trainers all immediately jumped their attention to the windows as well. Ah! So Ms. Opal and Dragon Boy would finally be battling. And it would be against one another as well. This should be interesting to watch. With everyone occupied with their food at the moment you took the chance to make yourself some more ramen and join them all finally able to watch the matches as well. Time passed and the field was repaired and the two gym leaders entered the field. The intercom voice announcing their arrival and the crowd cheering. You stood there peeking over the older kids to spot them eating your noodles as the battle began. It was a long and hard battle between the older lady and the top gym leader but in the end Raihan won and the crowd cheered along with his trainers. Bede looked crestfallen but you were sure if you pointed it out he'd deny it hard.

"Wasn't that a great battle folks?! Up next we have the final match of round one! Stay tuned for the finishing match between The Ever Burning Man of Fire Kabu and his opponent!" Ah. Well it looked like round two of the finals would be starting soon. As you waited for the final match to start you took a moment to look around you and check on all the kids. Everyone was here and behaving. Good! You finished your food no problem and waited for the final round with everyone else. Which didn't take long. "Ok everyone! It's time for the final match to begin! Fighters please head on out!'' Long story short, Kabu won but you didn't remember who he fought against. Which meant Kabu, Piers, Hop, Raihan, Bea, and Melony would be competing in the second match. "The second round matches will be decided while the field is repaired. So sit tight as we wait for the Second Round Roster to be announced." It was just a matter of going back and forth between keeping an eye on everyone, who all behaved pretty well anyways, and waiting for the second round to start. Which didn't take that long at all. The field was soon fixed and the announcer was back catching everyone's attention. "OK EVERYONE!! WASN'T ROUND ONE EXCITING!?" His answer was cheers. "The field is set, the match pairs have been decided, and the players have been withered down to just six challengers! But who will be good enough to make it to the third round and be one step further to taking on the Champion himself!?" More cheers were had. "The first match of Round Two is between everyone's favorite martial arts Queen Bea and that Fire Veteran Kabu! Please give them a warm welcome as they pave the way for the second round!" Long story short, Kabu won again. would make sense as he has been described as the second most powerful Gym Leader. You stood there and proceeded to watch as Hop and the Gym Leaders proceeded to knock others out one after the other during round two. "The second match is between that Winter Wonderland Lover Melony and the Rocking Piers!" Piers won. Which you were surprised at. Watching as his Obstagoon literally tear it's way through two rounds between being demolished by the dynamaxed pokemon in the third....Piers must've really not like to Dynamax. "The third match is between Dragon Tamer Raihan and Gym Challenger Hop!" You perked up as did Gloria and Victor as Hop entered the field and watched closely as the battle ended with...A tie?? "MY MY!! This is an unsuspected surprise! What ever shall-....Hang on a moment as I see what I'm being handed." A small pause followed as you blinked. What was going on- "The Champion has decided that both are allowed to advance to the next round where they will continue to battle it out as no one winner or loser has been decided. Please stand by for field repairs as the third round matches are decided."

"Alright!," Gloria cheered with a big smile on her face regardless. "Hop's made it to the next round!"

"Only barely," Victor corrected calmly as he held up a finger. "'S just most likely they're goin' ta be paired again in the next round to get rid of the tie between them both. He may still have a chance to go onto the fourth and final round but remember so does Raihan."

You nodded to him agreeing.. As you all waited for the third round to start, Allister had timidly walked up to you and tugged on your pants leg to gain your attention. When you looked down at him, he held up his cup to you silently. Obviously asking in his own way for more hot coco, which you obliged happily....Along with getting everyone else a cup who asked. Sigh. Well it wasn't the worst babysitting job you could've gotten. By the time you were finishing making everyone who wanted a cup one and handing them out, the field had been repaired and the announcer was once again shouting out.

"ALRIGHT!! Who's ready for Round Three, Folks?!," he asked loudly making everyone outside cheer for them. "Four lucky contestants left but only two can compete in Round Four. So who will lose and who will go on to get a chance to fight against Champion Leon himself!? Starting off where we left off for the first match will be Gym Challenger Hop from Postwick verses Top Dragon Trainer Raihan!!"

"Huh? So soon?"

"It's only fair," you answered Gloria who glanced at you, "Both of them left off with a tie in the last round and Leon was nice enough to let them both get bumped into the next one. It's only fair they at least have a tie breaker."

She thought for a moment before nodding. "Yeah. That does sound like a fair trade off ta me." Shee turned to the window again with a smile. "But I'm still countin' on Hop ta take on Lee for us!" She held up a fist. "I jus' know he's got the brain and brawn power ta take him to the top!''

You chuckled as the two made their way onto the field. "Well let's just wait and see. I'm sure it'll be a good battle."

You all watched as the two got onto the field and the first round of their rematch began with Raihan easily winning, but you weren't worried. There was still two rounds left. As the two slowly went forward into their second battle of their rematch there was a sudden commotion behind you. You all jumped when all of a sudden there was a loud squeal like sound only a little kid could make followed by a splash sound. You whipped your head around in a flash and what you saw absolutely SHOCKED you. Allister was standing there looking down at himself as the brown color of his hot chocolate was stained across his coat and gathered on the floor where the cup laid on the floor. Allister didn't seem to notice or care though because he was gripping his mask to his face hard and whimpering. Next to him equally as startled was one of the triplets. The one who's hair was most like his mother's. You all looked there stunned. Until the triplets' older sister, Elsa, gained a scowl and anger faster than a running scorbunny.

"ALVIN!!," She yelled startling the white haired boy into looking at his sister who placed her hands on her hips. Like mother like daughter. "Just what do you think you're doing!?"

"I-...I-I didn't mean to I swear!," he quickly defended himself quickly looking from Allister to Elsa again holding up his hands, "I just wanted to look at his cool mask! Honest!"

"What were you just told?!," Elsa insisted pointing at him. "You can't just walk up and touch stuff without asking!"

"I-I-...B-But-"

"S T O P!!" Everyone jumped at your loud yell your arms suddenly swinging out from your sides. Stunned, Elsa and her brother looked at you as you frowned back. After a moment of silence you sighed, arms flopping back to your sides. "There is going to be absolutely NO fighting. Got it! None. Zip. Nada. ZERO." You quickly turned and in one fluid motion scooped up the scared ghost type boy into your arms. Allister immediately latching onto you burying his still masked face into your shoulder as you picked him up with a frown. "First of all, everyone is going to calm down right now. Clearly this was just an accident. No one meant any harm." You turned to the triplet, Alvin, as Elsa called him who blinked. "But your sister is right. You can't just grab something that's not yours especially without asking. Now apologize."

Alvin stood there stunned staring at you. But after looking between you and his sister he frowned and looked away. "....I'm sorry."

You nodded. "Good."...Your f/c eyes glanced back to the mess on the floor then back to Alvin. "Now you're going to behave and get some of those napkins and clean this mess up." He frowned at you- "Or else I'm going to tell your mother and big brother what you did."

"NO!! DON'T!!," he suddenly shouted panic flashing across his face.

"Then let's make an agreement. You clean up the mess and I'll just let you off with a warning. Ok?"

"Ok, Ok! I will! I promise!"

You nodded. "Ok then." .....You paused looking back at the spilt hot chocolate before back to Allister. Oh. Right...He spilt it all over his coat. You sighed. "I'm gonna have to take Allister to the bathroom and try to get him cleaned up." You turned around and pointed to Victor who blinked. "Victor. You're in charge until I get back. Elsa, make sure your brothers don't cause anymore trouble until I get back." Your other arm wrapped back around Allister who hiccupped. "And NO. MORE. Fighting! Anyone who starts a fight while I'm gone is going straight to their big brother, or mom, or whoever brought you here and forbidden from watching the rest of the tournament. I'll be right back. I've gotta go see if I can clean Allister up before Bea gets back."

No one seemed to make any protests when you turned with Allister in your arms and without another word left out the door. Once you stepped into the hall you paused...Wait. Where WAS the family bathroom??.....You ended up having to ask a nearby staff member who looked surprised at seeing you carry Allister but did point it out to you. Turns out it was just two hallways away from the lounge and easy for you to get too. The cheers and announcer's voice almost completely muffled from the walls. You guessed the walls must've been sound proof to make it easier for the staff to work. You were able to take Allister to the family bathroom and once inside gently got onto your knees to set him down. He stood up on his own without much protest thank goodness still sniffling from behind the mask.

You smiled at him from your kneeling position that allowed you to be closer to his height. "Hey there, Buddy." You gently spoke in a soft tone as he looked at you. "Are you ok there?"

He shook his head no. "H-He tried to take my mask!" He choked out which made you frown.

Slowly you held out your hands to him and while he did jump a bit, didn't stop you from gently patting his arm in a comforting way. "I know. I know he did. He shouldn't have done that I know. It wasn't very nice of Alvin to try and take your mask without asking." ...He sniffed and blinked up at you. "I don't think he meant any harm and it was an accident when he made you spill that hot chocolate, but that doesn't invalidate how you feel either."

He paused...before sniffling again. "It..It doesn't?"

You shook your head. "Absolutely not. He couldn't have known how you would've reacted but he was wrong to still try to take your mask. You can feel upset about that." He stared at you silently for a moment before you looked back to the small spill on his coat. Thank goodness it didn't look so big. It only fell on his coat as far as you could tell and it seemed that the majority of the liquid spilt on the floor. Still, you couldn't let him go home all messy. "Here. Let's get you cleaned up. Ok?"

He nodded and you slowly stood back up to not startle him further. Taking a couple paper towels available for people to dry their hands, you ran a little bit of the tap water soak it before return to your kneeling position and starting to wipe at the part of the coat that was splattered with hot coco. Before returning to get more paper towels and repeating the whole process over again after scrubbing at the small splatters for a good ten minutes. Allister stood still the entire time sniffling and letting you clean him up. Once you were done you stood back to look at your handy work. You could visibly see the area where you had scrubbed but it didn't at least smell like chocolate anymore and you didn't think it would stain since the spill was little. Hopefully Bea wouldn't be too angry about it- You looked back up again as he sniffed and you blinked as Allister reached up to pushed his mask a bit up his face.

"Hey. Do you need to blow your nose or wipe your eyes?" He blinked back towards you surprised. You held up a small paper towel you hadn't used yet to him smiling. "Here. If you want I'll turn around and you can wipe your face really quick ok? I promise I won't look until you say so."

What followed was a long silent pause as you waited patiently until he sniffled again and asked. "P-Promise?"

"Swear to Arceus. And I always keep my word."

He....slowly took the paper towel from you. "O-Ok. B-But no looking."

"I won't," you promised before turning on your knees and facing your back to him.

True to your word, you sat there on your knees facing away listening to the muffled sounds of the battle currently going on...Or ending. By now Hop must've either won his match and advanced to the final round against whoever wins the last match of the third round or lost and Raihan advanced. You'd see when you got back. You sat there silently until Allister gave you the ok to turn around. When you did you found him with his mask back fully on and adjusting it a little bit. You smiled and slowly held your arms out to him. His response was to reach his arms out towards you and you took that as the ok to pick him up. You scooped him back up into your arms and stood up before exiting the bathroom. Back all the way to the lounge you went but you were in for one last surprise. When you opened the door back up everyone was either gathered around one of the couches or still by the windows watching what sounded like a battle taking place on the field. The mess was cleaned up and it didn't look like anyone else was fighting or in any back moods. Gloria was the first to notice you.

"Y/N!! There you are! Where were ye?," She asked happily.

"Yeah. I had to clean up a little spill but it's all good now. Sorry for missing the battle."

Gloria just waved a hand not even bothered. "Nah. It's fine. It's gonna be recorded and uploaded onto the official league website later anyways. Ya can watch it then. Oh. Ye just missed Lee too."

"Really? I've been expecting to see him all day now." Your brow rose towards the battle outside as Marnie intently watched. Kabu and Piers must've been duking it out down there. "Sounds like I missed a decent chunk of the next match too."

"Yeah," Victor explained, "He couldn't stay very long since he has to keep an eye on everything goin' on but he brought us some more food n' hot chocolate." Ah. Well that would explain why everyone was holding more burgers and cups. The brunette boy held up the bag with the same fast food logo on it from before. "'Ere. We saved ye an' Allister some."

You smiled and Allister perked up at the mention of food. "Hey! That's great! Thanks. Oh. By the way. Who won the match while we were gone?''

[vitaminwaterreviews]

Newjeans - Ditto

Alright, that was an experience. I started off kind of indifferent; this song has been hyped to all hell by everyone, so I was expecting something Great. And instead, I got something Good, and that was kind of underwhelming. But maybe being Good is exactly what it’s meant to be, y’know?

The contrast between this song and basically every other title track in kpop is very obvious. Kpop is energetic and loud and bright and exciting, and this song is muted and quiet and sad. The lyrics are kind of necessary to understand what’s going on, and once I had the lyrics, I think I was really able to get it.

I also want to mention how girl-next-door the concept is. Like, they don’t look like idols in the traditional sense; yes they’re absurdly beautiful compared to normal people, but they’re dressed like normal people and in normal people situations and doing normal people things. They could be students from your high school or your college and you wouldn’t be able to tell. Except maybe for the dancing in the middle of the classroom part, you’d be able to tell by that.

This song won daesangs from MAMA and MMA, which places it in that “truly special” tier of kpop song, right up there with songs like Cheer Up and Love Dive. I don’t know if I buy it yet. I liked it a lot, and I’m sure it’ll grow on me. But in the end, it is very different from kpop. But I don’t know if I like that difference; I usually prefer the energetic and excited and bright side of kpop. I’ll go with 8/10. We will see if it grows on me.

-

Alright, I’m gonna try a new format here. This time, I’ll listen to the song three times. First with the music video and no lyrics, then with just the lyrics, then all three together. We’ll see what I see. I don’t think I’ve heard this song before? Certainly not all the way through, and I’ve definitely never seen the MV. But this just won a MAMA and a Melon (plus it’s just, like, massive) so I’ve been meaning to get around to it.

Also apparently a performance video has the most views so I guess I’ll watch that instead of the MV.

First listen (just video):

Synths and vocals, very sad

Lol the birds there

Why is their choreo so fun when the song is so sad?

It’s Very minimal. Like, you can easily pick out everything that’s going on

I’m not sure I buy the drums on top of the melancholy everything else

The choreo is, unsurprisingly, very NewJeans

Initial reaction: Like a 7 I guess?

Second listen (just lyrics):

Nice, we get a random k, let’s go

Mkay, so it’s a love song

“Summer’s already gone and it’s autumn”

Mmm the lyrics do make this much better

Ohh I see, it’s “I don’t want to stay in the middle, like you a little”, because she wants to like them a lot

So it’s a song about longing for love. And it sure does sound like a longing song

Okay, yeah, better with the lyrics, we’ll go 8 this time

Third listen (both)

I’m actually gonna watch the Side A MV this time bc I’m curious if it adds to the story (I’m sure it will)

Oh look, it’s a home video, but with absurdly beautiful people instead of normal people, isn’t that cute

What, why does the MV get this pretty piano prelude

And what is this song they’re dancing to? We’ve heard like two songs so far and neither of them are the song

Omg it’s a guy

And a camera

Here we go, here’s the song

Oh I forgot to turn the captions on oops, let’s do that

Look at them, they’re normal girls doing normal girl things, isn’t that cute

Omg a rainy day scene, we did need that

Well that picture of a deer in the snow was Lovely

A cast on one hand and a single painted nail on the other

And she’s filming everything

Wow that was an Aesthetic ending

Glad I watched the MV, much better experience than the performance version

[astaroth1357]

Hello I really love your writing. I’m glad that you decided to open requests for a bit. I have a personal headcanon that the boys are a lot nicer to MC then they are to everyone else. Could you do a headcanon of the boys being out with MC and they are talking with MC happily. Then a lesser demon sees them with MC and says that the seven brothers have gone weak and they aren’t scared of them anymore. Thank you again!!! 😖 (Also the way you write Levi is great)

Aww thank you!! Levi's kind of my favorite character (if that hasn't become painfully obvious) so I try to write him well, you know? This one was a little hard for me to write because I just have a hard time imagining Asmo and Beel as something intimidating to the masses, but I tried my best! I hope you like it!

Lesser Demons Think the Brothers have "Gone Soft…"

Lucifer

If anybody had something to lose by acting sweet on a lowly human, it was Lucifer. His entire image was built on the back of power and intimidation, so really who didn't see this coming?

He knew there were whispers… Mostly in the RAD hallways. Students would see him with the MC and gossip amongst themselves… 

"Did you see them together again in the courtyard?"

"How did some random human even score a pact with him??"

"And I used to seriously look up to him, too…"

He'd always silence their chitchat with a well placed glare, but this was a symptom of something more… troubling. A decay of his social image if you will.

Perhaps it speaks to how well and truly enamored he was with the MC that this proud creature didn't just dump them the second he started looking bad, but still… a part of him really couldn't stand for this...

So maybe it was a blessing in disguise when he finally got an excuse to establish his superiority yet again!

He and the MC were walking the halls of RAD after school hours and they had just made an amusing joke at the expense of of his brothers. Unfortunately, Lucifer collided into a lesser demon student while he was laughing…

On most occasions, he would have expected someone of such station to pay him deference then offer an apology - they had just ran into Lucifer after all - but the student just scoffed at him!

Lesser Demon: "Oi! Watch where you're going, Lucifer! Or were you too busy sucking up to that human to notice?"

This… was maybe not the best response to have (if the "Oh shit" look on the MC's face was any indication) but for as annoyed as Lucifer was, he was also somewhat delighted.

Finally, he had the perfect messenger for just how cruel he could still be!

Lucifer: "MC, feel free to go home without me for now and tell my brothers to save my dinner for later…" *starts pulling out his favorite rope with a cold, but pleased, smile on his face* "I have a feeling I'll be home late tonight..."

The MC left him and his unfortunate victim to their fate and Lucifer later came home in the night with his uniform in a bad need of cleaning...

A new body decorated the RAD entrance hall the next morning - swinging from the ceiling and making an awful mess on the floor - but still alive enough give a very important message to the rest of the students:

"Lucifer hasn't changed a bit…"

Mammon

So, not even lesser demons see Mammon as some kind of high-ranking badass… 

Just to be clear, he is, but it’s hard for him to come off that way when he's begging for his next Grimm... Then enter MC into the picture and he somehow lost even MORE cred.

"There goes poor Mammon… Did you hear he got tricked into a pact?"

"Just look at him nipping at the human's heels! How pathetic is that??"

"Well that's Mammon for you… What a shit excuse for a demon."

Like Lucifer, Mammon wasn’t immune to the whispers, but unlike his brother he was able to push them mostly out of his mind. People look down on him? Yeah, what else is new?

To be honest, he didn’t really feel the need to prove anything to a bunch of lesser demon losers… But insulting his MC takes things a step too far.

He and the MC were out at the Devil's Coast, "enjoying" some of the haunted house attractions and generally having a good time…ish. 

Any time they managed to make it out of one, the MC would have to peel Mammon off their back and hold him to assure him they were back to safety (a process he seemed to like enough to repeat the horror that precedes it).

It was during one of these calm down sessions that the two were accosted by a couple of snickering lesser demons, clearly looking for a fight…

Lesser Demon 1: "Hey look! There's the 'Great' Mammon and his little master!"

Lesser Demon 2: "Guess the master fits the demon… Of course someone like Mammon couldn't even score a pact with Solomon and gets stuck with the weakling!"

Lesser Demon 1: "Well how's the babysitting going, Mams? I bet you can't wait for them to kill over, can ya?"

Lesser Demon 2: "Careful! With his luck, they'll probably get eaten by the end of next week! Haha!!"

Now… an important thing to know about Mammon is that you can fling all the mud and stones you'd like at him… but never at his MC. That's just asking for a bruising...

Mammon: *smiling like usual, but his eyes are practically burning with rage...* "Yo, MC… I'm gettin' a little hungry. Can ya go find us a snack over there? I'll meet ya in a bit…"

MC: "Mammon, are you-?"

Mammon: "Don’t worry 'bout me, babe." *takes his glasses off and flashes a fanged grin* "This is'a piece of cake."

And indeed, it wasn't difficult at all. No matter how fast those demons ran, they could never out speed Mammon and he was looking to give more than a warning…

The MC didn't know what he did while they were waiting in line, but they heard the sounds of pleading go silent before Mammon turned back up with a nice bruise on his cheek. Oh, how they fretted and dotted on him…

Meanwhile, the haunted houses just earned themselves a couple new mannequins!… when rigor sets in anyway.

Leviathan 

Levi has a… mixed reputation in the Devildom to start with. People who only know him for his titles usually expect him to be some kind of sea-hardened badass. Those who meet him are… well let's say less than impressed.

This isn't anything new to Levi. It does take a blow to his confidence sometimes but even still most people aren't dumb enough to say something to his face… most people.

Unfortunately, "most people" have been getting bolder after seeing him with MC - because Demon Lord forbid Leviathan actually look happy for a change…

He and the MC were out and about for once. There was a raffle for exclusive merch at Anidaemon and he brought them along to boost his chances. They were grinning and chatting about anime but well…

The human couldn’t hear this, but he could - sensitive demon ears and all that. There were a couple guys who were tailing him… heckling him just loud enough that he was CERTAIN they knew he could hear them...

Lesser Demon 1: "Is that seriously Leviathan hanging out with a human? Isn’t he an Admiral??"

Lesser Demon 2: "Ha! The whole family's turned into simps, are you that surprised?"

Lesser Demon 1: "Wonder what the human's giving them that's got them all brainwashed…"

Lesser Demon 2: "Well... I've got an idea." 😏

If there were ever a reason for bile to fill his throat, it was now. He might be a shut-in, but those guys were the real creeps…

To be honest, Levi isn't one for public confrontation. Even with how gross and disrespectful those demons were being, he would have let it slide if they had just left it at that… but no…

He and the MC were browsing the ani-music racks in the store when those idiots popped up again. They hovered a while until they MC suddenly left his side to go find a store clerk.

When he saw the other demons move their direction, he naturally put himself between them and the would-be harassers. It was a little telling that despite his ticked off expression, the demons just laughed in his face!

Lesser Demon 2: "Hey look, the puppy's come out to protect its owner! How cute!"

Lesser Demon 1: "I can't believe you're that predictable, Levi… Do you really think we'd be scared of you?"

Well. That settled it.

When the MC came back, they found that Levi had moved from the music racks to the merch tables near the bathrooms. They didn't think anything of it… but...

One body was paralyzed by his venom and stuffed head first in a toilet while the other getting strangled by his tail just underneath the tablecloth… Meanwhile, Levi was cheerfully rambling about the raffle like nothing was happening at all.

Maybe they should have been a little more scared of the shut-in...

Satan

This may actually be a case where the rumors have a point… The MC has made Satan "soft."

Well, if "soft" means actually in control of himself, anyway. 

Satan would probably call their effect on him both a blessing and a curse. Though he loved finally having a handle on his inner rage, it flew in the face of a lot of his public image… and people were starting to notice….

"Do you think there's something off about Satan…?"

"I saw the human step on his toes earlier and he didn't even flinch…! The old Satan would have torn them apart!!"

"He's gotten way too nice all of sudden… Wrath shouldn't be nice."

Was it a little frustrating? Certainly. Especially for someone as image conscious as him. But for as calm as he was now, Satan wasn’t any less cruel and he'd be more than happy to remind others of that fact….

His chance came when he and the MC were together having just left the local art gallery. The two were exchanging a healthy dialogue about a curious sculpture they saw on display when a latte suddenly went soaring through the air and ended up all over Satan's sweater… The culprit was plain to see, being the only other demon on the road that night.

Whether the act was intentional or not, the correct course of action would have been to apologize immediately and beg for mercy forgiveness… but all the demon did was laugh in his face…

Maybe he thought that since Satan had mellowed out and his human was right beside him that he'd be lenient… Oh no. Not gonna happen.

Satan's fist slammed into the guy's mouth with the force of a jetliner and knocked him over two benches before his back bent over a lamppost… To say it was a KO move would be an understatement.

He probably could have done a whole lot worse to the guy while he was down, but you know… the MC being there and "self-control" and what not…

The demon survived (barely) and only had to spend a few months in the hospital, if anything he got off light.

Not a soul would gloss over Satan's temper again and really he preferred it that way.

Asmodeus 

Well, to be fair not a lot of people thought that Asmo was tough to start with… but that's also his intention.

"Scary" is the opposite of "cute" and he prefers to be "cute" at all times! 😊

Buuut that doesn’t mean this scorpion is without a stinger. He CAN be quite brutal when he wants to be, you just have to push him that far and trashing his looks is a good way to start.

Asmo was out with the MC getting his hair done for the week at his favorite salon. They weren't the only people there that day, obviously. There were other customers - one being a lesser demon classmate of theirs - though neither he nor the MC thought much of him at the time...

Well… It was supposed to be a prank. Probably something the guy intended to use for social media clout. While the staff was too busy to notice, he snuck by and replaced Asmo's preferred conditioner with pink hair dye…

Asmo. Was. Furious. And honestly, the dude could have gotten away with it if he hadn't been laughing and recording the whole thing!

When Asmo's ire naturally fell onto him, he hardly looked fazed!

Lesser Demon: "Ah, please! You won't do shit to me with the human still around! You don't want to look any uglier to them do ya?"

Asmo: *freezes, but still furiously eyeing every sharp instrument within arm’s reach* "MC? Darling?"

MC: "Got it..."

Perhaps the prankster should have kept his mouth shut, because suddenly the MC needed to take a looong bathroom break…

They didn't come back out until they heard the sounds of screeching and broken glass finally die down and then they stepped back into a warzone… Broken mirrors and items seemingly flung everywhere in a fit of rage! The guy (and his phone) now nowhere to be seen…

The salon comped Asmo for the botched hair job and touch up… and then billed Lucifer for the property damage (which he got an earful about later). On the bright side though, Asmo actually looks pretty great with pink hair! Silver-linings. 🙂

Beelzebub 

… The concept of Beel "going soft" is almost an oxymoron. He IS soft, but his personality was never what made him intimidating to start with.

Behind all his kindness, Beel packs more firepower than at least 4 for his siblings combined and most people remember that fact. Hell, the guy looks like he could lift a semi and he probably would if he ever tried. 

However, that doesn’t save him from being underestimated completely... Especially when an upstart or two thinks he's too nice to actually start a fight...

He and the MC were coming back from the grocery store with the usual armfuls of sacks when the MC accidentally walked into a lesser demon on the street. Since their arms were full, several items spilled out from the bags and onto the ground…

The MC was quick to apologize to the demon and try to get down to clean the mess, but the asshole just kept walking… and Beel really didn't like that.

Beel: "Hey! Aren't you going to say, 'Sorry?'"

The lesser demon hardly looked over his shoulder to respond.

Lesser Demon: "Why should I? That's your human. Take care of them yourself."

Well it didn't take long for some of Beel's bags to hit the floor so he could lift the demon up by the back of the neck properly. When he turned the guy to face him, he made sure to bring his face reeaal close so he could hear him growl...

Beel: "Apologize. Or I'll eat you."

And like that, the asshole's mood went from "Do it yourself," to "Yessir Mr. Beelzebub, sir!" right quick!

The MC didn't have to carry a single bag another step and Beel got to keep his free hand so he could link it with theirs!... all while Beel kept mushing their new pack-mule forward like a sled dog back to the House. Thanks, Beel! 😊

Belphegor 

Kind of similar to Asmo, Belphie prefers to come off as unassuming on most days. But don't let his, "I'm a harmless sleepy boy" shtick fool you. He will cut a bitch if he's so motivated...

Thankfully for the world, he's generally not motivated. But that can be changed under the right circumstances...

Belphie and the MC were on yet another date to the botanical gardens. It's a peaceful place, though the MC can never go alone because of the frankly concerning amount of flesh-eating plants… Pretty, but also deadly, you know?

The two of them were walking to another rest spot when Belphie heard whispering from a demon behind them, seemingly on his phone…

Lesser Demon: “Yeah, I can see them right now…”

Lesser Demon: “I know right? It's so lame that these guys are in charge of us… They can't even say no to a dumb human!”

Lesser Demon: “What do you mean keep my voice down? Dude, it's fine! This is Belphegor we're talking about, the hell is he going to do if he hears me?”

… Huh.

The answer to the man's question was a simple one. Flash into his demon form for just a moment and whip out his tail... It only took a quick swipe to make him trip and fall right into the foliage. The man-eating… carnivorous… hungry… foliage….

Belphie was back to normal by the time the jerk let out his first scream and the MC almost stopped to see what had happened.

MC: "What the-oh my God!! Should we help-??”

Belphie: *puts his hands on their shoulders to keep them moving, not even glancing back* “Someone else will take care of it. Let's see the roses.”

Even when the desperate cries for help became distant, it took all Belphie had to stifle a smile…

Sometimes, you've got to love irony. 🤷‍♀️😏

[heyyyharry]

Happier

(inspired by happier by Olivia Rodrigo)

Word count: 2.4k

I'm selfish, I know, I can't let you go So find someone great, but don't find no one better I hope you're happy, but don't be happier

Part 1: Drivers License

Part 2: Deja Vu

A/N: I edited the original lyrics to match the POV :)

.

.

.

Harry had come up with a thousand scenarios of how this day would play out. Actually, he’d been thinking of this day since the moment he’d received the news. He didn’t dare to hope that she’d say yes to coming back for a sequel. He’d been sure that they would write her character off, give a lame excuse for how his love interest could not make a return and make his character forget about her completely to move on with a new girl in town. It would have been great if it was that easy in real life. Once someone was written off the script, they were gone for good. Real-life relationships were not that simple. Goodbye didn’t mean ‘never see you again’. You would still share the same friend circle and social bubbles, and it was worse when you two worked in the same industry. Harry didn’t know how he’d lasted a year without running into her, not since the Grammys.

“Didn’t you two date?”

“No.” Harry shook his head, but his eyes stayed glued on Y/N from across the room. She wasn’t looking his way, too busy saying hello to everyone else. “No,” he repeated, more to himself than to his co-star. “We didn’t.”

“But she wrote an entire album about you,” said the other twin. What was her name again? Lulu?

“Luna!” cried her sister, Lex. “You can’t ask him that!”

“No, it’s okay,” Harry said with a tight smile, slightly annoyed by the blonde twins, but he didn’t want to seem like an ass on the first day of filming. “And I don’t know if it was for me. You should ask Y/N.”

“Ask me what?”

Harry flinched when he looked up and saw Y/N padding towards them. She hugged the twins, who seemed way too excited. Harry guessed they were Y/N’s fans. They gave off crazy fangirl vibes, probably just pretending not to know the drama to interrogate him. He couldn’t blame them for assuming he was the villain and definitely could not blame Y/N for portraying him as one. It was more important that he knew who he was and how much he had changed since his last relationship. Maybe they could finally be friends.

“Were they bothering you?” Y/N asked him once the twins had left.

Harry nodded. “They’re your friends?”

“Oh, I met them last year on tour. I’m surprised you don’t know them. They were on Disney.”

“I don’t watch Disney,” Harry admitted with a smile. “Well, not today’s Disney.”

“Understandable.” Y/N nodded and bit her lip. She seemed guarded with her straight back and hands hidden behind her. She eyed him up and down, quite subtle yet noticeable. “How have you been?”

“Pretty good,” he said, nodding slowly. “You?”

“Yeah, but mostly tired because of tour.”

“You’re done?”

“Yup, last night was the last show.”

“Nice.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow. “Nice?”

Harry blinked. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No.” Y/N giggled. “You still sound very...you.”

“Well, shouldn’t I?”

“Yeah, you should. But it’s been a year so…I mean, you haven’t changed much.”

“Right,” he said lowly, his eyes falling to his feet. Harry supposed he should say something else, perhaps bringing up another random topic to discuss, but all he could think about was what had happened between them. Things had been messy, hadn’t they? How could they go back to before that? Before her first song about him. Before he’d chosen someone else over her.

Or he could talk about her new relationship. She’d been in a happy relationship for almost six months, right? No wait, hadn’t they broke up two weeks ago? He wasn’t sure because he hadn’t been catching up. If they’d broken up, he’d sound like an ass to even mention her ex’s name. He should just stay quiet.

“I’ll see you later?” she said, gesturing at her stylist who was waiting by the door.

Harry could ask her right now -- the reason she’d agreed to film the sequel to their first movie together. He’d heard from a very reliable source that she’d specifically asked her agent to decline any project that he was in. So did this mean they were good? That she didn’t hate him anymore? He could have gathered his courage and got the answer right then…

“Yeah, see you.”

...but he didn’t.

And so she gave him a smile and a little wave, then happily returned to her stylist.

.

.

.

“See you tomorrow, Y/N!”

“See you, Annie!” Y/N said as she put the rest of her things into her tote bag. Her new driver had got her schedule mixed up, and so she had to wait here for another half an hour. She was in no rush. It had been a light first day, and she’d had a fun time getting to know the new cast members and catching up with old friends.

She sat on the sofa in the lobby, legs crossed, texting her best friend about her day. She’d purposely left out the short off-screen conversation with Harry, and her best friend didn’t even bother to ask. In their world, he didn’t exist, and his name was censored in every conversation like a curse word that was even worse than ‘cunt’. Nevertheless, she didn’t hate him anymore. She was doing just fine on her own, being busy with her career, and she’d been in a happy relationship after her fall out with him.

She and the guy, a model, had broken up two weeks ago due to long distance and some differences that they could not change. They had ended on good terms and decided to stay friends. They said you could only stay friends with your ex when you still had feelings for each other, or you had never loved each other that much in the first place. For her, it was probably the latter. Her previous relationship had been more platonic than romantic, apparently. So she had nothing but the best to say about him.

As she was going through her camera roll, just reminiscing about the past, she heard footsteps approaching and looked up to find Harry. He offered a smile and gestured to the spot beside her on the sofa. “May I sit here? My ride is late.”

“Yeah, sure.” She hurriedly scooted over.

“Good job today,” he said. “You were great.”

“Thanks, so were you.” She smiled, and they both looked away at the same time. This was so awkward. She hated small talk. She’d never had to have small talk with Harry. Conversations with him used to be so easy and natural and silly. Whatever this was, it wasn’t them.

“Can we just be normal?”

At first, Y/N thought she’d been the one who’d said it, so when she realised it’d been Harry, she was speechless.

He swallowed and sat a bit straighter, still not looking at her. “I don’t want us to be weird and awkward.”

“Okay,” she said.

He cleared his throat. “Wanna try again?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Okay, not to sound like an ass but when Joey kept forgetting his lines, I was so pissed off, I could throw a chair at the wall.”

“Right?!” exclaimed Y/N, feeling free to have finally broken out of her shell. “Like, he doesn’t even have many lines. I know he’s new but damn...you can’t get far if you don’t learn your goddamn lines.”

Harry shook with laughter. “Oh God, we sound like dicks, don’t we?”

“Maybe.” Y/N laughed, covering her mouth. “But you know what? We can’t be nice in this industry. It’s impossible.”

“Shhh, if someone heard this, we would be into big trouble.”

“Oh please, I’ve had worse articles written about me than ‘Y/N speaks facts about her lazy co-star’.”

Harry tossed his head back and cackled. “The worst one I’ve got this week was ‘Harry Styles hates therapists.’”

“What?!” Y/N gasped. “No way! That’s so stupid!”

“Right?” Harry rolled his eyes. “I could get all my therapists to speak up for me but I’m kinda immune to bullshit now.”

“Therapists? Like plural?”

“Yeah, one in every city.”

“Damn.”

“Yeah.”

Y/N rubbed her hands onto her legs. “Rough year?”

Harry’s eyes rolled to the back of his head as he leaned back. “You have no idea.” Then he swept his hair out of his eyes, sucked in a breath, and finally looked at her. “I wish I could have talked to you, though.”

She bit her tongue, knowing what she was about to say next would disappoint her best friend so much, but she had to. “So do I.”

Harry looked taken aback before his lips curled into a smile. “It’s silly, isn’t it? I haven’t talked to you in a year, and I feel like I know everything that’s happened to you except that I don’t.”

What he’d just said might make no sense for most people, but Y/N knew exactly what he meant. She nodded and wetted her lip. “You only know as much as everyone else does.”

“Yeah, I got updates on you from the news and our friends.”

“Same.” Y/N smiled back. “I hate how they write articles about your new haircut but not mine.”

“I like your new hair colour.”

“Thanks. I like your new car.”

Then they both burst out laughing. It was fun and also a little bit strange that Y/N didn’t feel the same anxiety talking to him as she used to. It must be because they had grown and were now meeting again as better people.

“Damn, my ride's here,” Y/N said as she read the text from her driver. “I gotta go now.”

“Oh, okay.” Harry stood up and followed Y/N to the entrance. “Hey, just wondering--”

“Yeah?”

“Am I...am I still blocked?” He looked a bit flustered as she tilted her head and squinted her eyes. “On your phone. Because I remember you having my number blocked--”

“I unblocked you on your birthday.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah.” Y/N shrugged. “I should’ve sent you a happy birthday text but...I didn’t want your girlfriend to get the wrong ideas.”

“My ex.”

“Yeah, I know.”

They smiled at each other one last time before saying goodbye. Y/N knew it was silly, but she was hoping he would go after her.

Ding.

A notification popped up when she was in the car. She was almost home, and it was from Harry’s number. He’d sent her a link with a message that said, “Hope you like it :)”.

Curious, she tapped on it and was directed to an audio file titled ‘Track 5’. The upload date was last year. About two weeks after their short conversation at the Grammys.

Hurriedly, she fumbled inside her bag for her iPods and put it on before she pressed play.

“Hey, Jeff, I couldn’t sleep so I wrote this song. Listen and let me know if it should go on the album.”

Then came the piano intro. It sounded good, so Y/N wondered how it hadn’t ended up on his last album.

But when he started to sing...

We ended a while ago Your friends are mine, you know, I know You've moved on, found someone new One more guy who brings out the better in you

And I thought my heart was detached From all the sunlight of our past But he’s so nice, he’s so funny Does he mean you forgot about me?

Oh, I hope you're happy But not like how you were with me I'm selfish, I know, I can't let you go So find someone great, but don't find no one better I hope you're happy, but don't be happier

And does he tell you you’re the most beautiful girl he’s ever seen? An eternal love bullshit he might not even mean Remember when you were with me I meant it when you heard it first from me

And now I'm pickin' him apart Like cuttin' him down will make you miss my wretched heart But he’s charming, he looks kind He probably gives you butterflies

I hope you're happy But not like how you were with me I'm selfish, I know, I can't let you go So find someone great, but don't find no one better

I hope you're happy I wish you all the best, really Say you love him, baby Just not like you loved me And think of me fondly when your hands are on him I hope you're happy, but don't be happier

The song was for her. He’d written it when her new relationship had gone public. Y/N sat there, staring blankly ahead until the honking of a car tore open her inner peace, and reality came crashing back in. The driver dropped her off at her house. Instead of going inside, she stood on her front steps and replayed the song one more time. When it ended, she decided to text him: Why didn’t this make it to the album?

She didn’t know where he was now, but it showed ‘typing’ in less than a second, as if he’d been waiting in their chat since he’d sent that link.

You would’ve hated me, Y/N.

True, she replied. Still, I would’ve loved the song lowkey. And added, I love it btw.

He took so long to type that it was driving her crazy. She flopped down on the concrete stair with her phone clutched in her hands, her heart thundering against her ribcage. Anxiety popped like a balloon when his message appeared: Were you happier?

She reread it again and again.

No.

I wasn’t either, he responded. I kept getting deja vu.

Ha, nice reference.

That song is my guilty pleasure. Love listening to you roasting me on loop.

That last message made Y/N bury her face into her palm and giggle like a fool. She thought for a second and wrote: I could come roast you in person now if that’s what you prefer. I think we’ve never had a proper roasting.

Can we meet, Y/N? Or are you busy now?

No, not busy.

Great, I’ll pick you up.

Just tell me where, she responded with a smile on her face. I got my drivers license now :)

[satansaidmyturnintheh3llscape]

Everything Right/Wrong with Ninjago “Rise of the Serpentine” E4: Never Trust a Snake

“Never Trust a Snake” is actually my favorite season 1 episode, so I apologize for the person I became while making this… I also apologize for what some might consider to be excessive Lloyd love. Anyways, let’s get into it! DISCLAIMERS: Show owned by LEGO, this is not a professional review/critique and is primarily intended for comedy

Read below the cut! Comment/reblog if you read and follow for more!

- Episode title is snake-ist ❌

- Theme ✅

- Zane has his green ninja vision the same episode that Lloyd joins the team. That’s what I call ✨foreshadowing✨ ✅

- Does the golden dragon symbol on Zane’s pajama shirt count as foreshadowing for season 2? ✅

- ^Also, I’ve mentioned before that all the ninja have some sort of unique, element-based trait about their spinjitzu that makes it different (other than just the color) and I love how Lloyd’s is just ✨glitter✨ ✅

- Dream!Green Bean spinjitzu’s around a pole for literally no reason. Guess Zane just wanted to see him show off? ❌

- So Zane’s vision can predict a suit that has yet to be made and powers that have yet to be unlocked, and even picture the right eyebrows, but still gives the green ninja Kai’s voice?❌

- Also, Lloyd and the Falcon are never shown to be close or have any connection really, so why does it land on his shoulder? ❌

- Building off of the above, sin for teasing me with the potential of seeing kid Lloyd playing/messing around with the Falcon but never following through ❌

- “Sleeping in? You’re gonna be late for training.” You all look like you’re just getting out of bed now, so what makes you so different? ❌

- “We didn’t think you wanted us to. You looked like you were having some dream.” We know what Zane was dreaming about, but I’m curious as to what they thought was going on… 👀

- ^ Hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil reference ✅

- “Yeah, what else did ya see?” Kai steals Cole’s voice again. Look, I love watching fictional siblings fight, but this is getting out of hand. ❌

- “The rest of the day can be used for training. And tomorrow, for that matter…” “training? For how long?” He literally just told you, Fire Cracker ❌

- Always remember that had Skales and the Fangpyre general not been friends, Lloyd would’ve started a race war.

- “I let you out of your hole for a reason” I don’t know why but this line is so f*cking funny to me ✅

- “A tussle? A tussle! But I’m Lloyd Garmadon! Bringer of evil!” ✅

- Cole walks from next to where Zane was standing to over where Jay is standing for no apparent reason other than to make it easier for the camera to pan to him so he can respond to Jay’s line ❌

- “Had you released the Constrictai😡, the Venomaari😬, or 💫heaven forbid💫 the AnacOnDrAI😧🤭 THeN we would’ve had a tUssLe~ 🙄🤬😡😤🤬🙄” Lloyd mocking people is my religion ✅

- Simp for Pythor all you want, but he’s still depicted basically like a p3doph!le ❌

- C@nnibalism! For kids! ❌

- “Lloyd Garmadon😁😇 Son of Lord Garmadon, and future dark ruler😈😈😈” ✅

- Pythor’s voice actor appreciation ✅

- “Woah! I hardly have any friends too!” Sweetie nO- ✅

- Also Lloyd voice actor appreciation ✅

- “You know, Floyd…” Oh god I’m getting old meme flashbacks

- LLOYD IS SMALL ENOUGH TO SIT ON THE HANDLE BARS OF A SCOOTER ✅

- Where are these kids’ parents?? Why are there so many unsupervised infants lined up in the middle of the town?? ❌

- Lloyd and Pythor take all this candy from a village in the mountains and then WALK it back to the tomb in the f*cking desert ❌

- By the way, how is there a school that literally teaches children to be criminals? How is that not illegal? ❌

- “Should we infiltrate using stealth?” “We’ve done that!” So? You can’t use stealth again? It’s not like it was a specific plan, it’s just sneaking in as quietly as possible. Is Kai really willing to bet the lives of countless children on the ideal of them making a flashy entrance? ❌

- “I’m still working out the kinks on that.” Isn’t Jay the inventor? Why is Cole working on the vehicles and not him? ❌

- What kind of eye sight does this child have to be able to see that tiny a*s lizard from this far away??? ❌

- First off, this whole “drop down on the anchor” thing was a terrible plan ❌

- Second, it’s also f*cking hilarious ✅

- Cole slices the ropes on the kids and skeletons horizontally, but the cuts in the ropes themselves are vertical ❌

- “Stay out of school, kids!” So you mean to tell me a part of this episode was censored and it wasn’t this line?

- OH SO THE MASK IS THIN ENOUGH FOR COLE TO BE ABLE TO COUGH ON THE DUST BUT NOT ENOUGH FOR HIM TO BREATHE THE ANTI-VENOM FROM EP 1- ❌

- Lloyd Montgomery-Garmadon? LLOYD MONTGOMERY-GARMADON?!? This poor child stood no chance. How tf did Misako think he wasn’t gonna get bullied?

- The way Jay just throws him over his shoulder >>>>>>> ✅

- Lloyd’s bowl cut ❌

- Update: the polycule has a kid now ✅

Sentence: I love my dark strange son :)💚 (if you get this reference you get a cookie🍪)

[fanfictiondreamscape]

Alternate Endings (Pt. 2)

Title: Alternate Endings (Pt. 2) 

Genre: more angst, possibly more than the last part. this is your warning. 

Pairing: Victor Nikiforov x GN!Reader

Notes: This is a part 2 to the previous part, and I still used the angst prompt list from the aforementioned previous parts to form this piece.

With that said, I think that this will be the only part following the first unless I can find some way to continue the storyline. I intend to keep the ending somewhat depressing and sad, so I guess proceed with caution due to such. 

If you want something similar to this for any other character, please let me know, though! I may also mention that this went from a drabble, to a scenario, and now borders on an imagine - I can’t help that I got caught up! 

Part 1

Below the cut! 

You practically fell off the face of the Earth as soon as you left. 

Harboring all of the money you saved and deciding upon negotiations to make with your employer, you left Russia. You left Japan. You just...left. 

Travelling became a huge part of your life afterwards, and though many people had tried to regain contact with you, you ignored most of them - save for a few. Only Yuri Plisetsky and Yuuko Nishigori were available to your whims, but they were still advised to stay as quiet as possible regarding your whereabouts. 

You changed your whole appearance, changed your mindset, and even changed something as generally miniscule as your wardrobe. Still, as much as you did change and throw away, you couldn’t rid yourself of the many frivolous gifts that Victor had given you over the years. 

Some things you just can’t give up, but you knew that it would be fine. At the very least, you had something that would never let you forget about him. 

Victor, on the other hand, fell off the deep end. 

He had come across the note you’d slipped under his hotel room door and for the first time in a long time, he cried. A true mess was what Yuuri had come across, and as many times that he was able to help him through unconventional methods, this was nearly impossible. 

Victor didn’t leave Japan, but he did become so reclusive that even Yakov was extremely worried upon finding out about the occurrence from an offhand comment that Yurio made when talking to Yuuko over the phone before practice. 

Everyone around him saw the typically extravagant man become so dulled by misery that it became painful to watch. 

He didn’t even know where to start since he’d already tried to find you - looking everywhere that he knew you loved, everywhere that he knew you were often obligated to be at - but had failed to do so. 

It wasn’t until, when Yurio was free, that he overheard him and Yuuko talking at the front desk of the rink as Yuuri was warming up and he was getting his skates on. 

“Yeah, they’re in America right now. They just got a raise, actually - they were even thinking of dropping in when they get enough saved up,” Yuuko recollected, excitement dripping from her tone. 

“Well, they’d have to come by when Victor isn’t here. That would also mean that I’d be gone, but at least you could update me,” Yurio responded. He seemed more nonchalant about the whole thing, but Victor became hysterical. 

Granted, he did suppress what he could to eavesdrop further. 

“Of course! I am still a little worried about them, though - you remember how Victor had gone crazy trying to find them?” Yurio grunted in response. “Well, what if he decides to do something impulsive again and leave mid-competition?” 

The light-blonde teenager in front of Yuuko flinched at the thought. “That’s a good point...but we’ll never know unless it happens when it does.” 

A solemn chill fell upon the two, but the conversation split onto Yurio’s next routine and Victor left it to them. He stared wide-eyed, in pure disbelief, at the wall of lockers in front of him. 

“So they’re...(Y/n)’s in America....”

Ideas began to run through his head as the room became eerily quiet. Even Yuuri, who was sat in the corner and preferred a calm and quiet atmosphere, was perturbed by the sudden shift. 

“I know what I’ll do! Yuuri, skate if you want - I’m going to be out for a while,” Victor announced, generally resembling the flamboyant figure skating icon that everyone knew. 

He took his skates off and capped the blades, putting them into his bag and reaching for his cell phone and scrolling through listings. Katsuki was left dumbstruck, but he went on about what he was doing and decided to run through his routine a few times. 

Yurio had left by this point, and Yuuko was too far in the back to catch the tall man’s outburst. 

It wasn’t until the next day that he was extremely prepared and anyone who understood his issue was suspicious. Victor had hunted for every listing to America from Japan, and memorized the closest ones. Yuuko was the one person who was going to be there that he had to ask. 

“Yuuko, I must ask you something! Would you mind?” was Victor’s burning introduction, shocking the normally upbeat mother. She was a little taken aback at the bold attention grabber. 

“Mmm, yeah?” She tried to be as ‘typical’ as possible, considering that her suspicions were up now. She knew what was going on, she knew what Victor was burning for. 

“You said that you’ve been in contact with (Y/n), yes?” 

Yuuko deadpanned, eyes blank and dropping the facade that she was going to attempt to maintain. “I knew it. Listen, I know that you’ve been troubled since they left, and that they have been as well, but please - give them some more time.” 

Victor visibly deflated. He didn’t think it would work, really, but it was worth a shot. Maybe, just maybe, though.... “How about a hint? Is it hot? Cold? What is a landmark?” 

“No, Victor. Sorry.”

And he was back to his dejected being by the next hour. 

Victor was willing to annoy both her and Yurio, but gave up once they stood their ground with firm hold. “No. (Y/n) is fine, and they will come when they want.” It was always the answer, no matter who he asked. 

Daily, Yuuri would keep him company and skate to the best of his ability. It seemed to quench his troubles just a little bit before the up and coming competition season. 

Eventually, the Grand Prix rolled around again. Yurio was competing, as well as Yuuri, and Victor was there to maintain support for his ever-promising prodigy. 

Amongst the drama that had ensued, the two of them decided to take a break romantically and focus on the practice rather than devote too much issue to their worryingly stagnant relationship. 

It wasn’t until Yurio had pulled Yuuri aside when Victor was getting changed that he was let in on soem information that, had Victor heard, would send him into a frenzy. 

“(Y/n) wanted to me wish you good luck and let you know that they are here to watch. If you wanna talk, they’ll be waiting in the lobby.”

Yuuri almost faltered and told Victor, but decided against it. Your wishes were still high up, even if you two weren’t amazingly close. 

Sadly, Victor was still shaken and hurried. It was a large competition, and as much as he wanted to focus on the task at hand, you never left his mind. 

Over the year that you had fallen out of reach, he began to realize where he screwed up. Maybe he did like you at one time, but he let his own fears get the best of him and he fell to putting more of an interest to Yuuri. 

He truly loves Yuuri, but he truly loved you (romantically) at one point, and you slipped from his reach before he could manage to comprehend anything. 

So, upon making eye contact with a familiar pair of (e/c) eyes and an eerie copy of a blazer that he had given you as a birthday gift years ago, he was left idle. 

“(Y/n)?”

You sucked in a breath and shrugged, sighing afterwards and shaking your head. “Yep, it’s me. Hello, again, Victor.” 

Tears flooded his eyes as he ran to you, arms open and tight as his hug enveloped your frame. You didn’t reciprocate, not immediately at least. With obvious hesitance, you returned the hug, but pushed him away only a couple seconds later. 

“You’ve got a skater to support. We can talk later, okay?” 

“But, you’ve come back and-” 

“Victor. Go support Yuuri.”

He bit his lip, but nodded nonetheless and embarked to the rink. 

After the free skate, the next day’s events were prepared and everyone was sent out for the day. Yurio had caught up with you before heading to his hotel room, and Yuuri had popped in before he changed out of his costume, but Victor was most eager to meet you.

Upon seeing each other, yet again, in the lobby, the two of you parted ways but decided to meet at a restaurant in town. Yuuri would be dining with Phichit and some other competitors, and Yurio was with Otabek going sightseeing, so this was a prime opportunity. 

Silence loomed over the two of you, slow walking and sounds of nature overwhelming your senses. 

“So, you’re probably curious as to where I’ve been,” you began, breaking the tension as calmly as possible. You could have sworn that your heart was going to burst out of your chest if you let the quiet settle any longer. 

“Yes, (Y/n). I really have been.” Victor, for once in the time that you have known him, was quiet. He was never really afraid to speak to you about anything, but the way he was acting now let some of the more obvious pain show. 

“I’ve also been extremely worried. I never realized that you felt like that.”

You stopped upon the sentence, eyeing a nearby bench. Victor followed suit and looked down at you, eye contact being maintained. His gorgeous blue eyes were glassy and he appeared on the verge of tears. 

“(Y/n), darling, I never realized how much you actually meant to me. I was stupid. I- I really, truly did love you. I always thought that you were too good for me, though, so I tried to make the ideas disappear. It worked, but only for a while. I love you, (Y/n). Honestly, I really do, and...

“I don’t know how much longer I can endure this.” 

Your brows furrowed at his proclamation. The thought had never really crossed your mind, but you had always been drawn to his personality and how driven he was. You knew that he would do this, though, as he could also be notably daft regarding certain things. 

“Victor, I-.... Listen, I loved you at one point, but you found Yuuri. You found your match. You made your decision. Out of respect for you and him, I left. But I also did it to respect myself.

“I know my habits. I know that I can fixate, so I needed to get out of your hair if I wanted to feel better. So I did. I’m engaged now, Victor, and the person that I met is amazing. I thought that could have been you. But it wasn’t, and I’m okay with that now.” 

“You- you’re engaged?”

“Yes, yes I am. We haven’t planned our wedding date quite yet, but it is being discussed. The fact of the matter is simple: I knew what would happen if I were to stay, and as much as I love you, - platonically - staying here wouldn’t do me any good. Life comes, things change, and sometimes we just gotta give up.”

Silence fell on you two yet again, but it was interrupted by the slight sniffling coming from the tall Russian. 

“Victor, I came back not because I wanted to fight for your affection, but because I’ve been worried about you. I just want you to know that...I still do care for you, and I have still supported you and Yuuri. But what you want, what I wanted...that’s not possible anymore.” 

Pausing, you thought over your next words. Nothing was ever going to completely repair what was broken, but at the very least, you could try. 

“How about this? Here’s my new number,” you handed him a small slip of paper with the nine digits printed on it in your handwriting. “Let’s start talking again, and you can meet my fiancee sometime. Sound good?”

His mood nearly took a 180, but his demeanor was still sullen and sad. A weak smile crossed his face, and he responded in kind, “Of course. How about we go back to the group and enjoy dinner, though? You’re here again, and it’s more than I could ask for - but we have a lot of catching up to do.” 

[mxbeezkneez]

Graveyard Companions

Chapter 2: i'm coming back from the dead, and i'll take you home with me

Link to ao3: x

Warnings: Blood, Minor Injury, Cursing

Fandoms: The Addams Family

Relationships: Gomez Addams/Morticia Addams, Gomez Addams/Morticia Addams/Reader, Gomez Addams/Reader, Morticia Addams/Reader

Tags: Vampire, Vampire Turning, Human/Vampire Relationship, Hurt/Comfort, Married Couple, Blood, Polyamory, Eventual Romance, Eventual Relationship, Pre Relationship, Cursing

Summery: “I’m a vampire… a goddamn vampire,” you whisper.You wake up in the living room of a gothic house, and are told you were found unconscious in a graveyard. They claim you are a vampire. As crazy as it is, you can't help but start to trust the couple who found you.

Chapter notes: hi i'm back! i started thinking about the addams family, and well my interest in vampires didn't rlly diminish much... this chapter's pretty long, so i hope you enjoy! i apologize if my french or spanish is bad, i don't speak french, and i only speak a bit of spanish! i actually have like a whole plot n stuff planned, so i'm pretty hyped for this fic! hope u like it! :) (the title is from it's not a fashion statement, it's a fucking death wish by my chemical romance)

You wake up to a loud bang, bolting straight up out of bed. “What the hell?”

You rub your eyes before slipping out of bed. The night before feels very far away, almost unreal, but being in this room confirms your memories. You’re staying in the Addams’ house and are… a vampire. You take a slow breath before grabbing new clothing. You find a pair of black pants to match a dark sweater. While near the dresser, you look out of the room’s window. It’s dark outside, the sky a navy blue sprinkled with stars. The graveyard behind the house is illuminated by the moon shining over it.

You leave your room, deciding to try and find the living room once again. You wander through the halls before finding it. Inside you find Wednesday, the small girl, playing with a younger blond boy. She’s talking to him while holding a headless doll in her arms. You walk farther into the room, stepping on a squeaky board, alerting the children of your presence.

They both turn their heads to stare at you. You nervously chuckle.

Wednesday points at you, “That’s (y/n),” she tells the boy, “I heard father say they’re a vampire.”

“Wow really?” the boy exclaims, “Is it true? Do you drink blood?”

“Um,” you stammer, “Well, I am a vampire, but I haven’t been one very long so- no I haven’t drank any blood. Uh… what’s your name again?”

“I’m Pugsley,” he reaches over and offers his hand.

You shake it, “Well, nice to meet you Pugsley. What are you guys up to?”

“We’re playing the French Revolution,” Wednesday answers flatly.

You chuckle, “Huh. I mean I guess it was an exciting time. Who’s your doll there?” you point to the headless doll in her hands. To be honest, the beheaded doll was very unnerving, but the children themselves seemed nice enough, so you push your nerves to the side.

“Marie Antoinette” she says matter of factly.

“Oh,” you pause, “Explains the lack of head I guess.”

You stand there awkwardly for a moment, unsure of how to exit the conversation. “Do either of you know where your parents are?” you ask.

“I saw them in the dining room earlier. Uncle Fester was there, but I think he went upstairs to play with his dynomite caps,” Pugsley replies. Uncle Fester? Dynomite caps? There’s too much to unpack there, so instead you decide to find Gomez and Morticia.

“Okay, thanks.”

You head out the door, realizing you have no idea where the dining room is. You go to turn back, but the children are playing animatedly and you don’t want to interrupt, so instead you look for it yourself.

You find the dining room, and sure enough, Gomez and Mortica are seated next to each other at a long table. You walk over and take a seat near them.

“(Y/n)! How’d you sleep?” Gomez greets you.

“Like the dead,” you say flatly. A second later what you’ve said hits you and you blink slowly, “I mean, I slept well, thanks.”

“You did seem rather tired last night,” Morticia remarks, “I’m glad you got some rest.”

“Wait, did I sleep through an entire day?” you ask.

“Yes, though we did tell Lurch not to disturb you,” she answers, “We thought you needed the sleep. How are you feeling?”

“I feel…” you take a moment to survey yourself, “I feel okay. I think if anything I feel a little hungry.”

“We can get that squared away! Mama makes the best yak stew.” Gomez springs from his chair and over to a rope hanging from the ceiling. Remembering last night, you brace for a loud noise. Sure enough, once he pulls it, the house shakes as the ringing travels through the house.

“You rang,” Lurch grumbles.

“Yes Lurch, a bowl of yak stew for our guest!” Lurch groans and exits.

“Thank you,” you tell them, “You’ve both been very hospitable, I’m thankful you were the ones that found me.” You feel sincerity in that statement, you were not only grateful for their help, but another part of you has some feeling when you’re near them. You’re not sure what the feeling is, though you can confidently say you didn’t mind the couple, or hell, the weird household in general. Even if it is kooky, you can’t say you’re not charmed by their life.

Lurch comes back with a silver platter that he sets on the table. On it is a bowl of stew that he places in front of you.

“Thanks,” you say, before grabbing the spoon and looking back at the meal. Lurch takes his leave. You’re unsure about eating yak, but you are also hungry and the stew looks fairly appetizing. You take a scoop and put it in your mouth, surprised not only by the flavor of the soup, but also the feeling of chewing. It’s like you can feel your canines rip through the meat faster than before. In the time where you’ve been thinking, it’s completely slipped your mind that you probably have fangs now. That you’ve changed.

“This is- this is actually really good,” you remark.

“I told you, Mama is a culinary genius! Nothing beats her yak stew!” Gomez gleams.

You smile at Gomez. Something about him just makes you want to smile in a soft admission of admiration.

You turn your attention back to the stew, eating it quickly until there is nothing left.

“I’m glad you enjoyed Mama’s cooking,” Morticia smiles, “I’ll have to tell her you enjoyed it. It’s not very often she gets to feed guests.”

“It is very odd, usually most people never come back after eating her food… I can’t imagine why…” Gomez says with a puzzled expression on his face. You chuckle. You notice that you find yourself enjoying the Addams’ company immensely. A part of you feels sad that you will eventually have to leave.

“Ah, c'est la vie (that’s life) ,” Morticia remarks.

“Tish!” Gomez’s head swivels quickly to face her, “That’s French!” he exclaims, grabbing her arm. He begins to kiss it, from her hand to her shoulder, though is interrupted by Morticia, “Darling. We have company. Later,” she says with a sly grin. Gomez raises his head to meet her eyes, a dazed look on his face. “Later.” he remarks, before finding himself back in his seat, “So, Hester, any plans for the night?” he asks casually.

“Um…” you stutter, flustered by the show of passion from the man sitting across from you, “I- I don’t really know… I mean, I’m a vampire now so- does that mean I have to act like one too? I’ve never been in a situation like this, I don’t really know what to do,” you admit, staring at your hands. You look up towards Morticia, “Didn’t you mention you’ve known vampires before? Could you maybe help me?”

“Of course, darling.” Morticia says, “Why don’t we talk in the living room? If you’re alright with it, the children would enjoy listening, they are curious creatures.”

“Yeah, that’s alright. They asked me a question or two when I ran into them earlier. I don’t blame them for being curious,”

“Pugsley’s been very interested in nonhuman creatures lately, ever since that run in with that werewolf he’s been wanting to know more. Wednesday’s been teaching him some things, she’s always had a firm grasp on certain folklore!” Gomez said proudly.

The three of you walked to the living room and sat down, them on the couch, and you in a chair facing them. The children were still in the room, sitting on the floor. You fidget with your hands nervously. “So, do I have superpowers or anything now?” you half-heartedly joke.

“Vampires have very fast healing capabilities,” Wednesday states, “They are very difficult to kill, they must be stabbed with a stake to the heart or decapitated.”

“Very good Wednesday,” Morticia smiles.

“Huh,” you respond, “Alright, that’s not too bad.”

“There are certain weaknesses that should be mentioned, such as sunlight, garlic, crucifixes and running water.” Morticia adds.

“Wait I can’t eat garlic anymore?” you ask, “That kinda sucks, huh.”

“Well technically you can eat anything if you try hard enough,” Gomez says offhandedly.

Morticia cocks an eyebrow at him and sighs, “It’s not so much deadly, it’s more like a food allergy.”

“So I can still eat things with garlic in it?” you double check.

“As long as you aren’t a coward!” Gomez says enthusiastically.

You let out a laugh at Gomez. Wednesday is rolling her eyes, though Morticia just keeps looking at him lovingly. For a moment you forget about the obvious question hanging in the air.

“So…” you start, “I have to drink blood now?” you ask nervously.

“Yes, all vampires must ingest blood to keep themselves alive,” Morticia says, “You’ve got to be hungry by now I imagine,”

“Yeah… but I just ate.” you reply.

“You can still eat food, it just will never fill you. In order not to starve you have to drink blood.” she explains.

You look down at your shaking hands. Everything before now had felt unreal, but this? The seriousness in her voice is making everything too real for you. How could you possibly do that to someone?

“I- I don’t know if I can do that…” you voice shakes, “I mean- how… how could I?”

“Children,” Morticia addresses them, “Why don’t you go play with Uncle Fester while we talk with Hester.”

“Awwww, do we have to?” Pugsley complains.

“A vampire’s eating habits are quite personal Pugsley. I’m afraid so.”

“Alright,” he sighs and follows Wednesday out of the room.

“If you need help procuring someone, you just have to ask. Gomez and I would of course be willing to provide.”

“Provide…?”

“Bodies of course.” Gomez affirms.

“Human bodies,” you repeat, your mind reeling. You had noticed the family was quite odd, even creepy at times, but what they were offering? It sounded too close to murder. You suddenly become very aware of where you are: in a strange house with strangers. Your hands become clammy.

“Is everything alright darling?” you hear Morticia ask. Your throat swells up. You try to force words out, but nothing will leave you lips, leaving you in what is now panic. Finally something spills out, “You can’t kill people for me! You- you can’t!” you sputter out.

“Kill people?” Gomez repeats, “Why we’d bring them alive of course.”

You let out a breath, “Okay, alive. I mean- I just still don’t think I can…”

“Well I suppose there is another option,” Gomez adds.

“What? What is it?” you ask, hopeful.

“Animal blood! It doesn’t work as well, but it’ll do in a pinch.” he explains.

You perk up, “I can do that. That works.” you feel relief.

“Should we make some arrangements? The children could fetch some for tonight.” Morticia asks.

“You have been so kind, really. I would appreciate it, at least for tonight. Tomorrow I’ll work on leaving, I’ve been here long enough.”

“It’s been our pleasure,” Gomez responds, lighting a cigar, “It’s been so long since we’ve had guests.

“Well you certainly are great hosts,” you smile. Despite your situation, you’ve found yourself fairly comfortable here.

“Thank you,” Morticia says, “Now, we ought to ring for Lurch to get some blood. I’m sure the children would love to accompany him.” As she reaches for the bell, you ready yourself for the loud ring. Lurch walks in, “You rang?”

“Yes Lurch, could you gather the children and find some animal blood for our guest here?”

“Yes, Mrs. Addams,” he drawls. He leaves the room in search of the children. A quiet silence falls over the room. Deciding to strike up conversation, you pipe up a question, “So, when did you two meet?”

“Oh, on the best day of my life,” Gomez grins proudly,

“We met at a funeral,” Mortica explains, “It was a lovely day. Grey clouds filled the sky, thunder rolling in the distance.”

“Oh cara mia, I remember it like it was yesterday, our eyes meeting over the coffin,” Gomez starts, “I swear the whole funeral party had to be half as enchanted with you as I had been.” You notice the two of them becoming more enveloped in their memories of each other. You can’t help but smile at how truly in love they are, even if that love meant that you would sit there awkwardly wondering if they were going to just make out in front of you.

“Oh mon cher, you are as charming as you were back then.”

Gomez’s eyes dart up, “Tish! That’s French!” He grabs her arm and starts kissing it.

“Gomez darling,” she warns, “Later.”

He looks up dazed, “Oh yes, our guest. Where were we?” he asks.

“I think you’ve answered my question,” you smile awkwardly.

“Do you have anyone special back home?” Morticia asks politely.

“Well…” you begin to explain“There is this one guy, my roomate, I guess… but I don’t think he likes me like that.” you explain.

“Tiene que estar loco si no le gusta, eres muy guapo. (He must be crazy if he doesn’t like you, you are very handsome.) ” Gomez comments under his breath. You feel your face heat up. He must not know you speak Spanish, judging by how offhandedly he said it. You look over to Morticia who nods ever so slightly, making you even more flustered.

“Uh… gracias, pero… sabes que hablo Español, sí? (Uh… thank you, but… you know I can speak Spanish, yes?) ” you ask. Gomez’s hand, which was placed on Morticia’s knee, now grips it somewhat tightly. Morticia looks over to him in curiosity. His face seems flushed.

“¿Comprendes lo que yo digo? (You understand what I’m saying?) ” he asks tentatively.

“Sí, aprendí a hablar en Español en la escuela. (Yes, I learned to speak in Spanish in school.) ”

“Oh,” a breath leaves his mouth. His eyes keep darting back and forth like he doesn’t know what to do. You can tell his weight has registered onto the balls of his chair like he is about to leap off his seat, but something is keeping him grounded. You look back at Morticia, who seems about as intrigued as you. A heavy silence fell over the room as everyone sat on edge.

Breaking the awkward scene, Lurch walks in with heavy footsteps holding a platter, “Your blood.”

He sets the platter down on the table, removing the lid. On the platter is a wine glass with a dark red liquid in it. As soon as you see the glass you can smell it, the blood. Rather than smelling rancid, the metallic scent smelled like everything you could ever want. You quickly grab the glass with both hands and hold it up to your lips, gulping down the liquid. The taste of it floods your mouth, though some of it dribbles down to your chin as you frantically consume it. You drink the last drop and set down the glass, looking up.

“Shit,” you curse under your breath. You wipe off your chin with the back of your sleeve. “Sorry, I- I don’t know what came over me.”

“It’s quite alright,” Morticia affirms, “You’ve just been turned, I’m surprised you’ve gone this long without blood… well I guess there was last night.” You wince at the mention of that encounter. Trying to change the subject, you ask, “What happens if I can’t get blood?”

“Well, either you go to any length to get it out of pure hunger, or if you don’t, you die,” Morticia explains, “So it’s best you feed regularly.”

“So is that why I…” you try to think of a way to phrase it, “Why I don’t feel much restraint when I see blood?”

“Yes, though you’ll get more constraint as it goes on.”

“Oh, okay. By the way, I’m not keeping you up, am I? It has to be pretty late. I mean, I guess I’m already a night owl, so this isn’t too unusual for me, but you two probably should sleep, right?” you ask.

“If you don’t mind, I would like to get some sleep. Perhaps tomorrow if you plan on leaving, we can help you get back?” she asks.

“Yeah, that’d be great. And of course, go get some sleep. I’ll just hang out for a bit.” you say, putting on a small smile.

“Alright, good night then,” Mortica says.

“Goodnight Hester.” Gomez says.

“Goodnight.”

You stay in the living room much longer after they leave, lost in your thoughts. The weight of your new life- or death has started to sink in. Your mind drifts to drinking the blood earlier. The feeling of it had been great, though immediately after your chest felt heavy. You don’t suppose it has anything to do with your newfound changes. No, instead you recognize the feeling as the weight of your guilt.

You can’t help but wonder what kind of creature feeds off the life force of others. You try to reason with yourself by saying it’s like eating animals, yet you can’t accept the notion. This had felt different. Looking back to having Morticia’s blood makes your face flush, but you can’t also help but notice the difference from tonight. While the animal blood was good, and mostly filling, Morticia’s blood, human blood, brought a type of euphoria.

You didn’t need Morticia to spell it out for you. Using animal blood works as a substitute, but you know deep down you are now meant to feed on humans. The realization hits you as you think that. You are no longer human. On this thought your heart aches. What does this make you. Confused? Scared? Yes, those both applied. You feel lost.

You feel anxious thinking about going home tomorrow. Going home means it’s real. It means you have to face your roommate who you’re in love with and somehow not let him know you’re a vampire. You let out a huff. God, how are you supposed to do this? You take a small amount of solace knowing you have the Addam’s help. You’re glad they’ll help you get back home, you don’t think you could do it alone. You know even if you never speak to them again, their impact will be left on you forever.

You get up off the couch, deciding to go to sleep. You trudge to your room and plop onto the bed with a sigh. Eventually you drift off to sleep.

[buckyownsmylife]

Secret Door: the one where there’s a ball and some undisclosed feelings

President James Buchanan Barnes is the first president to occupy the White House without a first lady ever since… well, President James Buchanan Barnes. But he’s not too worried about it, since he got his best friend from college acting as his VP, supporting him just like only someone who knew everything about him could do. What happens when feelings from the past start to resurface?

Or the one where you and Bucky used to date but now you got a country to run.

for general warnings and author’s notes, please go to the fic’s masterlist.

Y/N’s P.O.V.

“Are you free?” I asked as I chanced a glance inside the oval room, only to find James looking down at nothing in particular with a defeated look on his face. My movement had him glancing up to meet my eyes though, and a beautiful smile brightened his expression at the realization that I was the one talking to him.

“For you? Always.” He excitedly waved me in, already leaping out of his chair. “Come here, darling. I need one of your hugs.” I opened a little smile of my own at his request, but more tentatively than I would have if I hadn’t seen just how tired he looked before he saw me.

I was worried about him. Even now, while I had his arms around my body, his beard tickling my neck, it didn’t seem like he was really here at all. And it felt like he thought the same if the way he squeezed me was any indication of just how hard he was trying to be more present in the moment we were currently still living in.

I tried to pull away, but his arms only tightened around my smaller body, and so I relented, letting him rely on me for as long as he needed to. It was the least I could do, not for the President of my nation, but for my best friend since college.

“Do you wanna talk about it?” I asked once he finally let me go, still keeping me close by holding my wrists delicately but with purpose. He seemed to consider my words, lips pursed in thought, that cute little frown that made me want to bury my thumb between his eyebrows appearing on his face, but ended up shaking his head.

“Not really. What I would like is for you to come have dinner with me tonight. Do you think you can make it?” Of course I could. No one in their right mind would pass up the opportunity for dinner with the President, if not for his title, at least for his personal chef, but it wasn’t my case.

I could never say no to him because his company was my absolute favorite. I’d always chosen him over anything, and he’d done the same for me. But tonight, I knew neither of us could retreat into any sort of personal encounter because we both had the same social gathering to attend.

“I’d love to, but the ball, remember?” I watched as realization struck over Bucky, and he slapped his own forehead and groaned, making me giggle. He really was such a manchild at times, even if only with me.

“Ugh, do we really have to go?” Rolling my eyes at his whining, I fixed his suit while I bit on the inside of my cheek, so I wouldn’t just relent and laugh. I knew he was only saying this for show, an immature effort to get on my nerves.

I really did know him too well.

“Yes, we do. We can have dinner tomorrow. I’ll ask your assistant to clear off your schedule, I don’t know of any major commitments you have to attend.” When I finished fixing his clothes, I noticed the lack of response, and so I looked up to find him staring down at me with the most lovesick expression in his eyes. I laughed, but only to try to soften the mood of the room, ignore the way it made my heartbeat pick up.

“You really are the perfect woman, have I ever told you that?”

“Only all the time.” I smiled, thinking back fondly on everything we’d shared that led us here. It was a hell of a ride, but it was definitely easier with him by my side.

“It’s because it’s the truth.” I nodded, accepting his words as I prepared to leave, but then a gentle hand on my elbow had me looking back. “What color is your dress for this evening?” The question made me curious, but it wasn’t entirely out of the ordinary. Bucky was always looking for ways to show me that he cared.

“Yellow.” He nodded, releasing me as a silent way to say that I could leave. I smiled back at him, nodding in return.

“I’ll see you tonight.”

Bucky’s P.O.V.

The sound of heels against marble in the nearly empty hallway alerted me of her arrival. Turning around, I found her wearing the most beautiful and elegant yellow dress, the exact shade I had chosen to wear as a tie for the evening.

“Oh, wow,” I commented, opening a smile after I was able to close my mouth. “You look wonderful, sweetheart.” She looked extremely suspicious of me, although a huge smile took over most of her face.

“I like your tie.” Chuckling, I subconsciously adjusted it before reaching out to take her hand, wanting to close the space between us as soon as possible. The feeling of her warm skin always made me feel comforted, even if I didn’t know that I needed any sort of comfort. 

She seemed to know it, though. She always did. It was why I knew my decision to ask her to become my vice-president was the right one to make, even though our previous history together would make our run a peculiar one, to say the least.

“Good, you were supposed to appreciate it.” She hummed in acknowledgment but didn’t give me any more shows of how it affected her, eyeing the knot I’d just secured before reaching out for it again. Maybe it should make me irritated, but I could only find it adorable, how she insisted on double checking my outfit when I was sure nothing was wrong with it.

“Sam helped you with it?” At the mention of my assistant, I looked up from her cute little face to see that he was standing right behind her, sporting a knowing smile on as he watched our interaction, just patiently waiting for us to decide to leave.

“You know it.” She smiled up at me then, and suddenly there was an unspoken conversation between us that I didn’t want to break. I wasn’t too sure if what she was trying to communicate was the same I wanted to hear, but a guy could hope.

All hope eventually ends up lost when there’s a presidential commitment to attend, though. I should have known it by now.

“We really should be going,” Sam’s voice interrupted us, and still I smiled. She returned it as well, knowing this was our life, this was what we did - at least for the next three years.

“Shall we?” I asked, offering my arm to her, who bowed teasingly before accepting it.

“We shall.”

Y/N’s P.O.V.

Time would pass and we would eventually step out of power and I still wouldn’t become accustomed to all of this. All of the press, the fake smiles, the insipid conversations. But it was a part of the job. And at least I had James by my side to help me deal with all of it. If there was one thing I admired about him, it was his ability to make every situation exciting.

“I don’t think I actually told you just how beautiful you look tonight,” a familiar voice murmured right by my ear, hands slotting themselves over my hips as one of mine clutched my chest in surprise. I guess I truly had been distracted, staring out at the beautiful garden from the balcony I managed to find so I could get a breath of fresh air.

“You really think so?” I asked, turning around to meet his eyes. He had a cheeky smile on his lips, the one that made him look younger than he was - the one I adored so much.

“Oh, yes. You’re also incredibly distracting. I couldn’t focus on a single conversation people tried to hold with me tonight. But you know what?” I hummed, tilting my head to signal him I wanted to hear what he was going to say. “I find myself enjoying this distraction.”

It was impossible not to giggle - he’d always been a charmer, and that was the reason why I fell so hard for him back in college. If there was a reason we worked well together, however, it was because I knew how to give him a hard time.

“I mean, I would too, if I was stuck in a conversation with Senator Johnsson. Although everything is distracting when you’re near that man.” He tried to control his laughter, he really did, but in the end, it broke free, floating in the air around us and coaxing my own to join his.

By the time he was finally able to breathe again, he was shaking his head, his eyes crinkling in the corners, in that familiar way that I knew meant he was thinking I was too much.

“Well, then. I think I’ve earned myself a small break from all that boredom. Mind if I join you out here?” It was my turn to shake my head with a small smile, stepping to the side to give him more space to breathe.

“Not even a little bit.” It was silent for a second as we stared out to the garden, just reveling in each other’s companies. Despite how frequently we saw each other, it wasn’t usually this quiet, or ever this peaceful. It felt good to just feel enchanted by his proximity again.

But I knew I couldn’t stay there too long, and if he wanted some time to relax, I should probably get back there and distract people so they wouldn’t come looking for him. That was my plan when I took a step back, almost turning around to open the door when I felt his hand clasping me.

Only it wasn’t over my shoulder or arm, which was probably his original goal. Somehow, in the effort to keep me still, he didn’t anticipate in which direction I’d turn, so he ended up with a hand curled around my breast.

“I-I’m sorry,” he was quick to apologize, immediately dropping his arm. “I didn’t intend to.” He looked so utterly embarrassed by the situation, it was almost heartwarming. I felt the overwhelming urge to console him, not even for a second feeling uncomfortable because of what had transpired.

Bucky’s P.O.V.

“James, it’s okay,” she comforted me, her hand over my shoulder. “I’ve felt your hands in far more intimate places, remember?”

How could I ever forget?

The door slammed behind us but we were too busy lost in each other’s lips to care. I almost tripped on a forgotten sneaker as I tried to guide us to the couch, unwilling to worry about one of my roommates walking in on us right then.

It’s not like it would be the first time.

Her hands reached around her own torso to get rid of her shirt and bra, and I was left with my mouth watering at the sight that really should be familiar by now. She still hypnotized me all the same.

“C’mon, James,” she whined, hands tugging on my hair to try to pry me away from her nipple. “No foreplay. I need you now.” I groaned, finally relenting and letting go of her breast to work on unbuckling my belt as my cock twitched at her words.

“Naughty little slut,” I sneered, wrapping her hair around my fist when she positioned herself on her knees for me, holding onto the armrest of the couch. “I’m gonna fill you so good.”

She gasped in satisfaction upon feeling my cock stretch her out, something that had my heart skipping a bit every time. “Only I can make you feel this good, huh?” I asked, pulling on her strands to make sure she’d listen to me, even despite how roughly I was pounding her.

“Tell me,” I ordered, all insecurities and nerves, a young man still in college, finally exploring all of his sexual desires with the woman of his dream. Thankfully, she always gave me just what I needed, not only physically, but emotionally too.

“Yes, yes, Bucky. Only you, baby. God, you fuck me so fucking good.” It always thrilled me to no end to hear her usual perfectly composed self say the nastiest shit when I had my cock inside of her. Only I got to have this side of her, only I knew all of her.

She felt like home, in more ways than one. Whenever I had her, it was the best, sloppiest sex ever, and even years after I’d last touched her, I could still remember it perfectly.

I don’t think I’d ever be able to forget.

“God, you are such a fucking tease,” present me jokingly chastised, burying my hands in my pockets so I wouldn’t reach out and touch her again. The need was always there though, and it was overwhelming each time.

“Too much?” She joked, biting her lower lip as if it wasn’t the sexiest fucking thing ever. It made me groan, more out of desire than frustration at her words, but she’d never know.

“Just short of enough. Maybe it’ll keep my hunger at bay for a little while longer.” I looked up at her from under my eyelashes, trying to gather how she felt about what I was implying, but other than seeing her eyes widen a little bit, she gave me nothing.

She really knew me all too well by now.

“Still,” I continued, trying not to let the situation become awkward. “It seems like you’re not wearing a bra…” I teased, eyebrows raised high as if I was judging her for it. “Care to explain yourself, madam vice president?”

When she threw her head back to laugh, it exposed more of her delicious neck, and I unconsciously licked my lips at the clear skin I saw there. It didn’t use to look that way when we were together. I was very much into marking her all over - immature, possessive, and extremely in love with the woman before me.

“With this dress?” She asked, looking down at herself and making me look down at her neckline automatically. God, she was incredible. “Of course not. Can’t wear panties either.”

And just as I groaned at the new information, she giggled, winking over her shoulder as she reached out for the door. “Why must you tease me like this?” I shouted over the music, but all I could hear in response was her delighted laugh, and honestly, that was more than enough.