#TRANSLATION: ooo!!! like the ringing things!??!?!

[codebreaker-0]

FACT OF THE DAY

Telephonophobia is the fear of telephones

OOO!!! L1KE THE RING/1NG THIGNZ?>??!?

[shotorozu]

their favorite clothes

— .｡*ﾟ+.*.｡ 2.5k followers milestone

character(s) : multiple characters (bnha)

legend : [Y/N = your name] gender neutral— they/them pronouns, quirk not mentioned

headcanon type : fluff, spice if you squint but not nsfw (x reader)

note(s) : this is what would be their favorite clothes (that they own) on you. thank you all for 2.5k 🤍 also im so sorry for the lack of posts, and im gonna be real about this— it was my writer’s block 💀 good news, it’s gone now :)

‿︵‿︵ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ・❉・ ʚ˚̣̣̣͙ɞ‿︵‿︵

midoriya izuku

↛ honorable mention — his hero costume

↛ he absolutely loves it when you wear his shirts, like— i’m sure you know which one im talking about. the one that says ‘t シャツ’ i don’t know! his fashion sense isn’t the MOST fashionable, and the t-shirt itself isn’t very appealing to most eyes, but he absolutely adores how it looks on you. look, you can be the tallest being on this earth, to the point it makes his shirt look like a crop top on you, or you could be literally 4’5 and make the shirt look like a dress, he doesn’t care at all. he just loves how it looks on you, it makes him feel all warm on the inside, kinda like a *heart squeeze* moment, y’know? and no, there’s no exaggeration. he’ll just stop, and look at you when you wear his shirt. it’s just so personal, and he loves it.

bakugou katsuki

↛ honorable mention — though sweaty, his hero costume, and literally any other piece of clothing he has.

↛ then again, you could literally wear any kind of clothing of his, and you could have a ring adorning that finger of yours by the end of the day. he likes to pretend he’s absolutely not infatuated by the way his clothes look on you. if you force him to say what’s his favorite, he’ll mutter out ‘black tanktop’ because how could he not say that?? have you seen how delectable you look in that tanktop of his? it’s a surefire way to render him speechless, from the moment you walk into the room, to the moment you leave it— those gorgeous red irises will be on you. similar to midoriya, katsuki doesn’t care if you’re tall or short— just,,, wear his clothes, and if you want to seal in the future, then the black tanktop is the way to go. because he’ll probably get mad at you if you don’t wear his clothes to bed

todoroki shouto

↛ honorable mention — shouto’s button up shirt from his old hero costume, even though his old hero costume was HIDEOUS

↛ in his opinion, he loves anything on you (yeah, even a trashbag) but he does really love how you wear his turtle neck, he loves the fit. how it either loosely fits on you, or how it snuggly hugs your form— it really doesn’t matter. anything you wear would look really high end in his opinion, quite literally anything. but his black turtle neck really takes the cake. oh boy, when he saw you wear it for the first time, he froze up and almost charred his feet, cheeks firing up a warm red to match his scar. he has the money to buy a bunch of replicas of that exact black turtle neck, and he could give it to you but,, no. how could he do that? how do you look absolutely stunning in such a simple turtle neck? he doesn’t really know. anyways! he eventually ends up unofficially making the turtle neck yours, and he only wears it when he needs to douse his scent into the fabric once more— when it has almost completely faded away.

kirishima eijirou

↛ honorable mention — i wouldn’t say there’s an honorable mention, since he’s extremely loyal to his statements.

↛ his boxers. there, i’ve said it— and wait for a sec, let me explain. it’s not what you think, and you’d expect it to be like that but no, it’s not. at first, he thought you looked great in something simple as his sweater, or shirts but you were running out of clothes during laundry day— so you rummaged through your boyfriend’s clothing drawer, and pulled out a pair of red boxers, with black trimming. when he saw it peaking under your oversized shirt, he swear he saw the heavens. and from that moment on, you found yourself frequently wearing his boxers, but more specifically that pair. no, i’m serious— eijirou will get all pouty if you actually don’t wear his boxers, even when most of them are in the laundry. why does he like them so much? hm,, maybe it’s the security, and knowing that he’ll be the only one to see you in his boxers.

kaminari denki

↛ honorable mention — his boxers but you say no because he’s quite gross about it 🤢 anyways,

↛ his shorts. yes, they’re not the same as his boxers, but they’re the kind of shorts that you lounge in. now, i know you thought i was going to say “ooo he’s love to see you in a sweater with a lighting bolt embroidered in the middle!!”but then, the thing with these shorts was that he’s literally had them since he was in what,, the end of middle school im surprised they still fit, but they’re so dear to him? in a way that seeing you in those exact shorts makes his heart stop— only for it to start up again. thing with these shorts is that they’re oddly so,, pretty? i mean, his wardrobe is so questionable, but these shorts? there’s a mini reflective lighting bolt logo imprinted on the corner of the shorts. so quite literally, you’re seen with these shorts a lot— and the bakusquad give him hell for that 💀

monoma neito

↛ honorable mention — uh,, he does say that he ‘doesn’t know what you’re talking about! i don’t have more favorites on Y/N’ but you know damn well he does have more than one

↛ his hero costume, because well,, it’s very fashionable! but it doesn’t really look like he’s such a big fan of the entire ‘i wear your clothes!’ thing. because his clothes are his clothes, and your clothes look good on you anyway, end of the story! but if you do force him to say anything, he’ll admit that he does love seeing you in his hero costume. neito once walked in on you wearing his hero costume, and as to be expected— he made fun of you, but he did really like how it looked on you. but i suppose that’s the power you have on him, and he’ll admit it when he wants to, otherwise— he’s just teasing you for now. but pls wear it :,) he’ll basically be at your feet for the entire time

shinsou hitoshi

↛ honorable mention — a black sweater that has a silhouette of a purple cat printed at the center. it’s his favorite sweater, that’s why.

↛ his sweatpants. you and hitoshi had to switch clothes for a dare at a sleepover, and when he saw you in his lounging sweatpants, that’s what did him in. ever since then, he’s been quite obsessed with seeing you in them. hitoshi could care less about the sizing aspect, he just loves seeing you in his sweatpants— and it is quite a treat to come back from an especially gnarly day at school, and to be greeted by you lounging in his clothes, ‘instant recharge’ he says. he finds himself toying with the string of the sweatpants, when you’re on his lap, pressing kisses on his cheeks. anyways— if you want to kill him even more, then you should wear his sweater AND his sweatpants. he might as well just lock you in his room for him to keep forever (he’s not serious about that.) but it does surprise some people, because they never would’ve expected shinsou hitoshi to be the clingy/needy type. but you’re the only one that gets to see it indoors.

amajiki tamaki

↛ honorable mention — his button up shirt, i’m sure theres a gif of him wearing one in the anime somewhere, and i hope you know what i mean

↛ not really a clothing article he wears on the daily, but his cape. omg his cape. he sort of glitched out when he came back from interning, and saw you snuggling on the couch with his cape. like,, are you trying to unalive him? and he’s not slick about it either— everytime he comes back, and sees you using his cape as a blanket, draped over your shoulders, he nearly faints. it’s that intense, that’s why nejire and mirio brought his hero costume’s cape and gave it to you when it was time to sleep— he couldn’t get a wink of sleep because of the image of you with his cape, ugh! anyways, he does manage to leave it with you when he has to go away for a bit, because it says that it’s almost like he’s there with you. tamaki usually has to scramble on why he doesn’t have his usual cape.

»»————-　♡　————-««

likes and reblogs are appreciated, thanks for reading!

i do not own bnha/mha and it’s characters. boku no hero academia/my hero academia belongs to horikoshi kohei, i only own the writing and i do not profit off of my hobby

do not plagiarize, reupload, translate, or use my works for audio readings without permission

[supbbam]

are there songs that you associate with georgebur? :>

ooo this is hard cuz like i have 2 playlists about songs i associate with georgebur HAHAHA but! ( very very long post ahead )

1. Enchanted by taylor swift

"The lingering question kept me up 2 AM, who do you love? I wonder 'til I'm wide awake And now I'm pacing back and forth Wishing you were at my door I'd open up and you would say, "Hey"

It was enchanting to meet you All I know is, I was enchanted to meet you"

This song has always been on my mind because idk it just gives georgebur vibes so much! i just want to imagine that two of them are saying to each other that they are glad that they get to meet the other :]

2. Habang Buhay by Zack Tabudlo ( Translate : Forever ) ( its a Filipino song ! )

Tingnan mo lang ang aking mga mata ( just look into my eyes ) 'Wag kang titingin na sa iba ( don't look at other people ) Akin ka na wala nang iba ( you are mine and not someone else's )

Andito 'ko hanggang sa 'ting pagtanda ( i am here with you until we grow older ) Mamahalin kita basta't pag nahulog ( i will love you so if you fell ( for me ) ) Nakahawak ako 'wag ka lang bibitaw ( i will hold on to you dear i wont let go ) Habang buhay na ako'y iyo ( i will forever be yours )

idk if this counts since its not in English and if the translation is accurate, but this song is so catchy and i love the vibe so much T-T

3. Taunt by Lovejoy

comeon now do i have to explain? that song is literally about GEORGE

4. Paper rings by Taylor Swift

"I like shiny things, but I'd marry you with paper rings Uh-huh, that's right Darling, you're the one I want, and I hate accidents except when we went from friends to this Uh-huh, that's right Darling, you're the one I want In paper rings, in picture frames, in dirty dreams Oh, you're the one I want"

basically strangers to friends to lovers type of beat !

5. Mean it by Lauv, Lany

Don't kiss me right now Don't tell me that you need me Don't show up at my house All caught up in your feelings Don't run me 'round and 'round Don't build me up just to let me down Just to let me down, down, down (ayy)

Don't mess with my head Don't tell me you're falling With your feet still on the ledge I'm all out of breath Baby, don't run me 'round and 'round Don't kiss me, no, don't kiss me right now On your lips, just leave it If you don't mean it

some friends with benefits vibe cuz ya know aha "George I'm drunk and I'm lonely come visit me" /j

6. Unrequited Love (& other clichés) by Breakup Shoes

I'm a mess I don't know how to impress anyone And I don't want us to just be friends I'm a mess I don't know how to impress anyone And I don't want us to just be friends

I really believed you were into me I guess I'm a fool, you're so tricky I really believed you were into me I guess you fooled everyone I really believed you were into me I guess I'm a fool, you're so tricky I really believed you were into me I guess you fooled everyone

Of course we won't miss the angst, idk whose POV is this but I guess it can be any :))

7. Model Buses by Lovejoy

Both of them like it :))

[hazelcephalopod]

The Great Hunt Ch 19-20

Making decisions to fight and run really work better when you make the decisions!

Disclaimer: this is my first read thru but I’ve watched all of the show thus far and been spoiled on some book things. So… I’m going to lean into that. Enjoy figuring out what I know, and what I think I know, and what I just don’t. Also s/x I add commentary when I edit.

Spoilers for the first and second book and all of season 1 under the cut. Potential spoilers for later books -idk if they’re light spoilers or not.

Ch 19

Horn

POV Rand

…kinda surprised it’s not like Perrin or something

At least his sword isn’t stabbing him in his side this time. Guess he got better at sleeping with it

You poor sweet woolhead

…and it got real sad

Honesty it’s just hurt no comfort for a while now huh?

Wtf are you doing now Selene?

Woman in white standing in the moons shadows while Rand is in the ground wrapped in something huh…

Yea get the fuck rid of it!

…like it do believe Moiraine was trying to help but like, maybe a miscalculation

…tho he’s maybe being a bit paranoid. Idk. People really don’t like the Dragon and I’m not sure how much they know. Selene would. I’m pretty sure Selene already does tho

…we’ll get on with it.

The awkwardness is visceral

Wait… Lmao. Selene just, keeps getting cock blocked doesn’t she? That hilarity does make it, uh, better I’ll say

“Moonshadows veiled her face in mystery…” -(Rand) as Selene continues doing her weird seduction thing

She is for sure magic-ing them

Glory just sounds like way too much attention

“It means Brother, and is short for tia avende alantin. Brother to the Trees. Treebrother. It is very formal but then, I've heard the Cairhienin are formal. The nobe

Houses are, at least.” -Loial on what alantin means. It’s the Old Tongue

Idk if Saidin is trying to warn and help him there or the opposite

Oh btw they saw a fire and went to investigate. And it is in fact Fain and some Trollocs

…just Rand and Loial tho. Selene did convince Rand to take Loial (I soon learn that was actually a good and helpful idea)

Oh back to suspense! Thank all that is good (this is just good to read)

Ok. So the void stuff is cool but I will say, for the show, it would be difficult to translate to screen. I’m curious to see if and how it might be tho

Yea don’t touch that

Or… yea. Just grabbing it quickly works.

Oh… he really does just want to

Oh fuck. Just also grabbing the horn?!

And everyone is awake and starting to follow

Time to run!

Or to fight?!

Oh that’s good combat writing. Especially with resisting saidin at the same time.

Oh they got it

Lol. Yea g’luck with all that Selene

“Those Friends of the Dark…” - Selene. Interesting phrasing

Off he’s so repressed that her seduction is just a burden on trying to manipulate him. Lol. (I have to just find the humor in it)

…well she got him to go to Cairhien

Just only didn’t overplay her hand

Putting the dagger in the chest too (I soon learn that is a very good idea)

Ooo late POV shift, to Fain

I mean. He’s pissed. Wants his shit back and Rand dead

“You will pay for what was done to me, al’Thor! The world will pay!“ -Fain

Ch 20: Saidin

The Dragon’s Fang

POV Rand

Ya leaving in the night was wise

She really wants that Horn.

Haven’t had a skin tingle in a while

Oh good job Rand.

…I mean she’s so obvious tho. She must be using magic

Two times that regal-ness has been associated with Aes Sedai.

He is so young. Yes. She’s manipulating you. Anyone can

Good idea! Dunno if it will work

Umm. Sudden archeology dig?

Giant crystal sphere in the ground?!

I’m sorry a large statue of a bearded man holding a giant ass sphere? This is just that wizard meme

Yes! Domon did mention another one!

And immediately saidin called to him

Ahhh fuck that was good.

Can’t escape the power. It will call forever

Remembering what just happened or something else I wonder?

Village found: Tremonsien

Oh cool! Village built into the stone! Alongside buildings built from stone

Inn: The Nine Rings

…apparently named after one of Rand’s favorite adventure stories

He is like… so naturally good at just foiling peoples plans. It’s kinda great.

That was a short chapter!

[lancermylove]

Hidden Message (HC)

Fandom: BSTS

Pairing: All x fem!Reader

Warning: None

Requested by: @weebslawyer

Prompt: So.. This idea popped up in my head last night so I want to request HC with bsts guys and Unei with a fem s/o. But the thing is.. What if she can make silver jewelries? And it doesn't matter if they are rings, necklaces, bracelets or earrings. And at some point in their relationship she give them something made by her, they can be even matching rings or something, but somewhere they can see something like. "-. - -   - - -  . . - / . -   . - .  . / - -   -. - - / - -  - - - - - -  -." who means "you are my moon" in morse code and for everyone is a different meaning but never straight "I love you".This, sounds so complicated. I am so sooorry😭

A/N: Ooo this is such a sweet request! X3 It’s not complicate at all~ I like unique request!

———————————————

Your message to him: “-.-- --- ..- / .- .-. . / -- -.-- / ... --- ..- .-.. -- .- - .”

Mokuren finds the symbols to be unusual and asks, "What do these marks mean?" 

You are too nervous to reply, so you mumble, "Look up Morse Code." 

Moku watches you walk away quickly before pulling out the phone and searching for the meaning. 

The next day you receive a text: "If you think of me as your soulmate, then I would like to be by your side forever." 

Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / - .- -.- . / -- -.-- / -... .-. . .- - .... / .- .-- .- -.--”

Qu finds the designs to be unique and questions, "Why did you choose this particular pattern?"

"O-Oh..that's Morse Code for...you take my b-breath away," you whispered nervously with your eyes on your feet. 

A light blush spreads on his cheek as he leans down to kiss your forehead, "You take my breath away as well." 

Your message to him: “.. .-..-. -.. / -... . / .-.. --- ... - / .-- .. - .... --- ..- - / -.-- --- ..-”

Kasumi squints and tries to make out the message but chooses to leave it for a later time. "Thank you for this beautiful gift." 

Before he closes Starless, he looks up the meaning, and a wide smile dances on his lips when he reads the words on the translator: "I'd be lost without you".

He sends you a text message: "Thank you for loving me as much as you do. I love you, too." 

Your message to him: “.. .-..-. -- / - .... .- -. -.- ..-. ..- .-.. / ..-. --- .-. / -.-- --- ..-”

As Hari examines the necklace, he recognizes the patterns on them right away. "Thank you for this thoughtful gift. You put quite a bit of effort into it...it shows."  

He waits until he returns home to translate the message. Hari is pleasantly surprised when he sees the words: “I’m thankful for you”.

He smiles to himself and sends you a text: “Your gift is lovelier than I initially thought.”

Your message to him: " -.-- --- ..- / -- .- -.- . / -- . / -... .-.. ..- ... ....”

Zakuro sees the code and chuckles, “Ara Ara, I know you well enough to know these dots and dashes are not there for show. What do they mean?” 

"Look it up,” you chuckle and walk away. The singer raises an eyebrow and takes out his phone. 

Within a few minutes, your back is pressed against a wall and his face is only a few centimeters away from you. “Oya Oya, do I make you blush? Then it will be my honor to turn your cheeks the color of a tomato.”

Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / .- .-. . / -- -.-- / .-. . .- ... --- -. / - --- / .-.. .. ...- .”

"Thank you," he smiled softly, "I will cherish this gift forever." 

 As he studied the bracelet, Kei recognizes the Morse Code. He doesn’t tell you right away, but he checks the meaning a little later. 

When he sees the translators displaying: "you are my reason to live", the gentlest smile appears on his lips, and he finds you quickly. 

Kei pulls you in a deep kiss and whispers against your lips, “and you are my reason to live.” 

Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / -- .- -.- . / -- -.-- / .... . .- .-. - / .-. .- -.-. .”

Sotetsu runs his thumb over the message on the bracelet and asks, "What does the Morse Code translate to?" 

You blush and mumble, “You make my heart race.” 

His signature smirk finds its way on his lips as he tilts your chin up. Sotetsu stares into your eyes and whispers, “Is that so? Let’s see how fast I can make your heart beat.” 

Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / .- .-. . / -- -.-- / ... .... .. -. .. -. --. / ... - .- .-. ” 

Ginsei is surprised to learn that you make jewelry as well. "This is the first time someone has made me a gift by hand. I will guard it with my life."

One day during Team K's rehearsal break, he asks Kei what the dots and dashes mean. Kei takes out his phone, types the message, and shows it to Ginsei: “You are my shining star”.

Ginsei's cheeks turn vermilion when he sees the message, and they only get darker when Sotetsu teases him.

A few days later, Ginsei gifts you a matching handmade necklace with the words “you are my sun” on it. 

Your message to him: “ - .... .- -. -.- / ..- / ..-. --- .-. / -.-. --- -- .. -. --. / .. -. - --- / -- -.-- / .-.. .. ..-. .”   

"Thank you," he smiled, but his smile was soon replaced with a slight frown, "what are these symbols?"

 "That is Morse Code for 'thank you for coming into my life'," you explain to him.

"You like that I am in your life?" Gui asks with an innocent smile.

When you nod, he wraps his arms around you and whispers, "Thank you for coming into my life."  

Your message to him: “ .. / .- -- / -.-- --- ..- .-. ... / ..-. --- .-. . ...- . .-.”  

Yoshino sees the ring and is happy but nervous at the same time. In this apprehensive state, he doesn’t register the Morse Code. 

A few days later, he studies the ring carefully and approaches you, "Do these marking means something?" 

You chuckle and nod, "Yes, they mean 'I am yours forever’."

Yoshino turns bright red and mumbles with averted eyes, “I...want to be yours forever too.” 

Your message to him: “-- -.-- / .... . .- .-. - / -... . .- - ... / ..-. --- .-. / -.-- --- ..-”   

He sees the Morse Code and frowns, “The hell did you choose dots and dashes for the pattern?” 

“It’s not just dots and dashes!” You pout and stomp away, leaving a stunned Kokuyou behind. He finds Takami and asks him what the patterns on the bracelet say. 

“This is Morse Code for ‘my heart beats for you'. Did a fan give it to you?” Takami asked out of curiosity. 

“Yeah...something like that,” Kokuyou mumbles and takes the bracelet from his teammate’s hand. 

He takes out his cellphone and sends you a quick text message: "you are even sappier than I thought. Thanks, I like the gift."

Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / .- .-. . / -- -.-- / .-. . .- ... --- -. / - --- / ... -- .. .-.. .” 

"You made this? It looks great!" He grinned, "Maybe I should ask you to make all my accessories."

He held the gift in front of his face and stares blankly at the message for a moment, “Um...what are these symbols on the necklace?” 

"Oh, it means,” you avert your eyes and whisper, “you are my reason to smile.” 

The singer flashes an ear-to-ear grin before pecking your lips, “And I will continue to be your reason to smile.” 

Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / -- .- -.- . / -- -.-- / .-.. .. ..-. . / .-- --- .-. - .... .-- .... .. .-.. .”  

"Thank you," Sin smiles and glances at the Morse Code for a bit. 

When he returns home, he looks at the translation: ‘you make my life worthwhile'.

Sin immediately sends you a message: “water cannot form without cloud as clouds cannot form without water.”  

Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / .- .-. . / -- -.-- / .---- ..- .--.”  

 As soon as Taiga gets his gift, he hugs you tightly. "Thanks! I'll wear it." 

He looks at the ring again and examines it carefully. He runs his index finger over the markings and says out loud, “You...are..m-my...1 UP.” 

“Wait, you know Morse Code by heart?” 

Taiga chuckles and nods, “If I am your 1Up, then you are my super mushroom...you give me the strength to break through any block standing in my way.” 

Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / .- .-. . / -- -.-- / ... - .-. . -. --. - ....”  

"Such a beautiful gift. Thank you," he returns his gaze to the bracelet, “do you see me as your strength? If so, then I will continue to be your strength forever.” 

He kisses your forehead and walks away chuckling, leaving you in shock.

You spend the rest of the day wondering how Takami has Morse Code memorized, and for what reason. 

Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / -- .- -.- . / -- . / .... .- .--. .--. -.--”  

Mizuki is happy about receiving a handmade gift from you but misses the message completely. 

Only when Ran asks what the symbols on the necklace mean does he notice them. 

Mizuki finds you and asks, "What are these dots and dashes?"

"It's Morse Code for ‘you make me happy’," you smile. 

He rubbed the back of his neck and averted his eyes, “Why don't ya just tell this to my face? Um...you make me happy too." 

Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / -- . .- -. / - .... . / .-- --- .-. .-.. -.. / - --- / -- .”  

Kongou sees the message but doesn’t want to ask you directly, so after he thanks you for the hard work you put into the beautiful gift, he finds Sotetsu. "Do you know what this means?" 

Sotetsu examines the bracelet and looks up the translation on his phone. “Seems like this fan of yours is in love with you. It’s Morse Code for ‘you mean the world to me’.”

Kongou turns red, thanks Sotetsu, and comes to find you. He quietly pulls you into an embrace. “I love you too.” 

Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / .- .-. . / -- -.-- / .- -. --. . .-..”  

Heath stares at the message but doesn’t say anything. You pick up on his confusion and say, “That's Morse Code for ‘you are my angel’.”

He is startled but shakes his head, “You are my angel. You give me the strength to push on and make me happy.” 

Heath wraps his arms around you and buries his face on the top of your head. “Please always stay with me.” 

Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / -... .-. .. --. .... - . -. / -- -.-- / .-- --- .-. .-.. -..”  

“Woah, you made this? It’s pretty! Hm?” Ran traced out the code with his thumb and tilted his head slightly, “What are these symbols?” 

“T-That’s Morse Code,” you reply with a smile, “it means ‘you brighten my world’.” 

Ran’s eyes start to twinkle and a grin dances on his lips. He throws his arms around you and holds you close to him. “I love you too!”

- Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / ... - --- .-.. . / -- -.-- / .... . .- .-. -”

Rico sees the Morse Code and wonders why you would choose such a design. Though he doesn’t want to ask you, thinking that it might break your heart. 

When he’s sitting in the break room staring at the bracelet, Sotetsu sits next to him and asks, "Do you know what that means?"

“Why do you care, and why should I care? They’re just some dot and dashes.” 

“It’s called Morse Code, go look it up.” Team K's member laughs and walks away. 

When Rico checks the translation, he is shocked to see the words: "you stole my heart".

He lowers his head to prevent anyone from seeing the tears in his eyes.

Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / .- .-. . / - .... . / .-. . .- ... --- -. / .-- .... -.-- / -- -.-- / .... . .- .-. - / -... . .- - ...”  

“Thank you for this precious gift. I promise to wear it in all my performances,” he says softly while smiling sweetly, “but these marking...I feel as though I’ve seen them before.” 

“Are you familiar with Morse Code?” 

“Ah, that’s it. I have heard of it. What does this message mean?” He asked and patiently waited as his heart nervously pounded against his chest.

“You are the reason why my heart beats,” you replied. 

Rindou’s eye grew wide momentarily. He took your hand and pressed it to his chest, “I can say the same.” 

Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / .- .-. . / -- -.-- / ... ..- -. ... .... .. -. .”  

“This is the best gift I’ve ever received. Thank you so much,” Sinju flashes one of his bright smiles and presses his lips to your forehead. 

“There is a special message for you on the gift...please look it up,” you whisper and walk away, blushing. 

He examines the code, takes out his phone, and searches it online. Sinju’s lips stretch widely when he sees the words “you are my sunshine” appear on the translator. 

He touches the bracelet to his chest and blinks away the tears. “I l-love you, (y/n).” 

Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / .- .-. . / -- -.-- / .--. .-. .. -. -.-. . / -.-. .... .- .-. -- .. -. --.”

"Thank you for the gif-", Maica stops speaking when he sees the dots and dashes. Without looking at you, he takes out his phone and looks it up.

You see a playful smile on his lips, “I am your prince charming? Then, my princess, would you give this prince the honors of taking your out on a date?” 

Maica slightly bows and holds out one hand in front of you. “I promise to make this date memorable.”

Your message to him: “ .-.. . - .-..-. ... / -... . / - --- --. . - .... . .-. / ..-. --- .-. . ...- . .-.”  

Menou, being meticulous, notices the message right away and shifts his eyes to you. “What does this mean?” 

You translate the message for him in a shaky voice, “Let’s...b-be together for-forever.” 

Menou chuckles, “Seems like we will have a lot of hot spring dates.”

Your message to him: “ .. .-..-. -.. / -.-. .... --- --- ... . / -.-- --- ..- --..-- / . ...- . .-. -.-- / - .. -- .”  

Yakou stares at the necklace pendant for a moment before whispering, "Thank you for working so hard on his gift."

When you walk away, he quickly looks up the meaning of the Morse Code. 

His eyes scan the words over and over to make sure he is not misreading it. “I’d choose you every time...”

Your words make Yakou happy to the point where his eyes get a bit moist. “Thank you for not rejecting me like everyone else.” 

Your message to him: “ -.-- --- ..- / .- .-. . / -- -.-- / -- --- --- -.”  

"T-This is for me? T-Thank you so much!" He bows and gives you a genuine smile.

Unei is very happy to get a ring from you and thinks the symbols look familiar. He is too nervous to ask you directly, so he tries hard to think what it could mean. 

While he is browsing his blog, he decides to type the symbols exactly into the search bar and is shocked to see "you are my moon".

The next day he brings a special lunch for you with a note that says "thank you for the beautiful gift. I will treasure it."

———————————————

➣ BSTS Masterlist

[heniareth]

For the ask meme: I've really enjoyed chatting with you about DA so far :D I appreciate that you really delve into the games and have a lot of thoughts on the characters, the world, the story, and just all of it. It is very nice to share the excitement! And since you asked me about my url, I cannot help but return the question :D What does yours mean and how did you come up with it? :)

\OoO/ Thank you!!! This makes me very happy!! I've enjoyed talking about the games with you as well (like, a lot), it's just so fascinating to share all the thoughts you have about a story and get to hear theirs in return. I mean, the sharing of ideas is what I love most about fan-made content. I love it XD

As for the url: it dates back to teenage me's obsession with The Lord of The Rings and all things Tolkien. I set out to learn sindarin one day (I still have the documents on my computer and an actual workbook from school that O was using for that). I never got very far, but one of the things left over from that period is my url. I still remember that the ending -reth or -eth is the feminine ending for any given noun (similar to the -in in German). Other bits I remember of sindarin are the endings -iel and -ion, "daughter of" and "son of" respectively, as well as -wen, which means woman. Arwen would be translated to "noble woman". And of course well-known words like mellon and such. Outside of that I'd need a dictionary to understand anything else. But yeah, that's the story. Thanks for the ask ^^

[kabalow]

Tagged by: @alwaysraineh (tysm!! 💛💛)

Rules: Answer 30 questions an tag 20 blogs you are contractually obligated to know better.

Name: Lucy. If ya want more than just that uhhhh ask. I also 10000% made a mild pun with my name >:)

Gender: fluid. Lately it's been freezin in girl but today was rather boy y'know?

Star Sign: Aquarius babey

Height: 5'9" (p sure that's like. 175cm)

Time: I forgot to note when I stated buuuut it's 9:19pm rn

Birthday: February 4th of the year 1999. Yeehaw

Favorite bands: ooo uhm I rlly like Ninja Sex Party, Krewella, Paramore, Asian Kung-Fu Generation, ONE OK ROCK an uhhh Imagine Dragons have good stuff

Favorite solo artists: Serj Tankian (stuff is so fun an better than System of a Down to be tbh), Carly Rae Jepsen, Louie Zong, Corpse Husband, Zedd (do they count? I know they're a DJ), Miku

Last movie: Knives Out. Fantastic movie

Last show: RWBY. Only like...my favorite show lol

When did I create this blog: archive says abt March 31, 2015... could've sworn I had this longer

What I post: yeah. I try an do rwby related stuff or whatever I'm interested in

Last thing I googled: Poison Street Fighter

Other blogs: nuh-uh

Do I get asks: not as often as I'd like (please interact with me I'm begging). So no

Why I chose my url: I like rwby, I thought bein a random side character while the important stuff happens would be funny sooooo I'm just a resident of Remnant. Also secret but about to be not secret lore is that I was gonna be an in-universe rp blog lol

Following: 283

Followers: 378...oh uhh hi y'all. Send asks please

Average hours of sleep: like. 6 ½ ish

Instruments: used to play trumpet, ocarina, figured out some piano in the past but unfortunately don't actively play anythin 😔

What I'm wearing: oh you know ;) I'm kiddin sweatpants, a simple blue t-shirt, black ring, colorful friendship bracelet, My Hero Academia socks that say PLUS ULTRA and an Aquarius constellation necklace

Dream job(s): uhhh I dunno. Author? Professional gamer? Stand User?

Dream trip: I rlly wanna see Italy an the Philippines. Germany an France are up there tho. Australia too. No specific spots rlly

Favorite food: mmm phad Thai, lumpia, pancit, lasagna, chili... I can't choose!!

Nationality: American (yeah. I know) but my mom is rlly rlly Italian an my dad is rlly rlly Filipino

Favorite song: rn it's prolly Electric Forest (Andrew Oliver remix) by I See Stars

Last book: I'm currently re-reading RWBY: Before the Dawn by E.C. Myers. If that doesn't count then uhm I believe it was either Beowulf (Seamus Heaney translation) or The Trials of Apollo book 4: The Tyrant's Tomb by Rick Riordan

Top 3 fictional universes: Remnant obvs. Fairy Tail has some funky magic an the way things seem to work is oddly comforting? to me? And uhh prolly pokemon. I'm assuming the world my longest OC is from doesn't count lol

Actually had 20 in mind but if I didn't tag ya here, yes I did 💛 (if ya wanna do it say I tagged ya, mk?)

@and-grace-too @blappery @halberdierminister @walrusofdoom @the-final-world @rehtona-tsuj @blake-belladonna-defence-force @oxidization @abyssreturning @violentlylaughsatnothing @hemogoblin-s @thecalciumman @instagrampa @slytherinpokegirl @sleeplessangels @aunty-inflammatory @domicileensnared @froggiedog @shsl-anxious-lesbian @phasewonder

[thelittlesttimelord]

The Littlest Timelord: The Fall of the Eleventh Chapter 47

TITLE: The Littlest Timelord: The Fall of the Eleventh Chapter 47 PAIRING: No Pairing RATING: T CHAPTER: 47/? SUMMARY: Elise Smith is now a teenaged Timelord. In addition to losing the Ponds, the fields of Trenzalore are calling. But first they have to figure out exactly who Clara Oswald is.

[A/N - Oh my god. We’ve come to the final episode of this book! I’m both ready and not ready.]

“Every ship I go on, they just shoot at me. Handles, I said, put me on a ship. I didn't say, put me on a Dalek ship. Don't put me on a Dalek ship when I'm holding a broken bit of Dalek!” the Doctor ranted. He hit the Cyberman head with the Dalek arm and it bounced off and hit him in the head. “Ow!”

Elise sat reading a book on the stairs.

“You could help, you know?” he snapped.

Elise ignored him. She’d been feeling sad lately, but she couldn’t put her finger on it.

“You did not indicate a preference,” Handles told the Doctor.

“Use your head.” He picked it up and carried it around the control room. “It's not like you've got a lot of alternatives. They're all here. Daleks, Sontarans, Terileptils, Slitheen. And they're not even fighting, they're just parked. Why?”

“The message was received throughout the universe.”

“Yes, yes, the message, the message. Even I can't translate it. I mean, why is everyone here if they don't understand it?”

“You're here.”

“Well, you know, I'm OCD. What's their excuse? What does this message mean?”

The phone started ringing and the Doctor put Handles back on his stand. “Oh, no. And remind me I've got to patch the telephone back through the console unit. This is getting ridiculous.”

“Thank you!” Elise said, “I don’t know why you moved it in the first place.”

“Attention. Information available,” Handles said.

“Okay?” the Doctor said.

“You must patch the telephone device back through the console unit.”

“No, no. No, no, no, no. No, not now. Remind me later.”

“When?”

“I don't know. Just later. Just pick a time.”

“When?”

“I don't know. Just any old time. When you think I've forgotten.”

“When?”

“Just pick a random number, express that number as a quantity of minutes, and when that time has elapsed, remind me to patch the telephone back through the console unit.”

“Affirmative.”

“How those Cyber-evenings must fly.”

“You know, this would easier if you just let me do it,” Elise told him.

“No, no.”

“But you never let me work on the TARDIS!”

“I do too.”

“You do not!”

The Doctor opened the door and grabbed the telephone. “Hello, the TARDIS. Ding dong. Okay, brilliant. I may be a bit rusty in some areas, but I will glance at a manual.” The Doctor ran a hand through his hair.

He walked over to the console, phone in hand, and picked up Handles. “Oh, that was quick. It's a roller coaster this phone call. Well, I hope you're nicer to the next one. So? Yeah, I did that once and there's no easy way to get rid of an android. Yeah.”

The scanner picked up a new spaceship entering the orbit of the planet.

“Handles, that's a new ship. Okay, we'll take the TARDIS this time. Sorry, missed that last bit. Got to dash.” The Doctor hung up.

Elise was looking at him. “Clara, again?”

“Yes. She wants us to come for Christmas dinner.” He ran out of the TARDIS with Handles and then quickly ran back in.

The phone started ringing again, so he popped out to grab it again. “I'm being shot at by Cybermen! Yeah, why not?”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Clara came running into the TARDIS, soon after they landed. “Doctor, I so need you!”

“Clara!”

“No, stop, stop, don't move. Don't do anything,” Clara told him.

He was naked. Completely naked. “Why? What is it? What's wrong?”

Clara turned around, facing the door. “You're naked.”

“Yes, I am naked. I wondered if you'd notice.”

“Doctor, why are you naked?”

“Because I'm going to church.” In the blink of an eye, he had clothes on again. “Better?”

Clara turned back around. “Oh, that was quick.”

“Hologram clothes, projected directly onto your visual cortex.”

“So you're still naked underneath?”

“Everybody's naked underneath.”

“Ugh, don't say things like that. It's Christmas. Come and meet my family.” Clara noticed that a certain redhead was missing. “Where’s Elise?”

The Doctor scratched the back of his neck. “Um, not coming.”

“What do you mean?”

“Elise...well you know how she is.” How could he explain that the last Christmas dinner they’d had was with Amy and Rory?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Elise was in the control room when they re-entered the TARDIS.

Clara was carrying an uncooked turkey.

“You can't keep using the TARDIS like this,” he told her.

“Like what?”

“Missed birthdays, restaurant bookings. And please, just learn how to use iPlayer.”

They went underneath the console.

“Ooo, vortex cooking?” Clara asked, placing it inside.

“Yep, exposure to the time winds. It'll either come up a treat, or just possibly lay some eggs,” the Doctor said.

“Information available,” Handles told them.

“What's that?” Clara asked.

“Oh, just a bit of a Cyberman. He'll get us to the church on time,” the Doctor explained.

“I have developed a fault,” Handles said.

“The organics are all gone, but there's still a full set of data banks. Found it at the Maldovar market.” The Doctor flipped a switch and they were back where they were before Clara called them.

“Planet identified from analysis of message,” Handles said.

“Right, cool. Go on then. Okay, tell us, what is the planet? Go on,” the Doctor told him.

“Processing official designation. Processing.”

“Okay, in your own time, dear. Don't rush.”

“So why haven't you just gone down there and had a look?” Clara asked.

“It's shielded. Even the TARDIS can't break through it.”

“Gallifrey,” Handles said finally.

“What did you say?”

“Excuse me?” Elise asked.

“Gallifrey,” Handles repeated.

“What are you talking about? Gallifrey? What do you mean?” the Doctor asked.

“Confirmed. Planet designation, Gallifrey.”

The Doctor grabbed Handles and walked him over to the monitor. “You see that? Gallifrey is our home. I know it when I see it. That is not Gallifrey.”

“Doctor, are you okay?” Clara asked.

“It's not Gallifrey. Gallifrey is gone.” He walked over to the door and opened it.

“Unless, unless you saved it. You thought you might have,” Clara said.

“Even if it worked, it’s still in its own pocket universe,” Elise said.

They went back inside.

“It can't be,” the Doctor breathed

. A loud fog horn blast came from outside.

“What's that?” Clara asked.

They looked outside and saw a big square spaceship.

“Papal Mainframe. It's like a great big flying church. The first ship to arrive. They are the ones who shielded the planet. They can get us down there,” the Doctor explained.

A large holographic face appeared and the Doctor bowed.

“A friend of yours?” Clara asked.

“Tasha Lem, the Mother Superious,” the Doctor said.

Tasha crooked her finger at them.

“Oh, she's inviting us aboard.”

“Why?”

“Because I asked her. Swallow this.” He held out a little pile to Clara.

“What is it?”

“Your hologram projector. You can't go to church with your clothes on.” He blew a kiss to Tasha and landed the TARDIS inside the mainframe. He held out a small pile to Elise. “Take it.”

“I’m not going in there with no clothes on.”

“Elise, you have to. It’s disrespectful.”

“I don’t care.”

“Elise Amelia Smith.”

Elise took it from him and swallowed it.

Clara tried hard not to laugh.

Despite being well over 500 years old, she still acted like a spoiled child sometimes.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

They entered the Papel Mainframe.

“I don't feel like I'm wearing anything,” Clara said.

“I know. Relaxing, isn't it?” the Doctor asked.

They walked between two rows of soldiers.

“What is this place?”

“The Church of the Papal Mainframe, security hub of the known universe.”

“A security church?”

“Yep. Keeping you safe in this world and the next.” The Doctor bowed and Clara curtseyed.

Elise did nothing.

“I venerate the exaltation of the Mother Superious,” the Doctor said.

“Welcome to the Church of the Papal Mainframe. Your nudity is appreciated,” the man standing next to Tasha said.

“Hey, babes,” Tasha said.

“Loving the frock,” the Doctor told her.

“Is that a new body? Give us a twirl.”

The Doctor spun around. “Tash, this old thing? Please, I've been rocking it for centuries.”

“Nice though. Tight.”

Elise wanted to gag.

“So, er, hello. Also here,” Clara said.

“Elise, Clara, this is Tasha Lem, the Head of the Church of the Papal Mainframe. Tash, this is my…my associate, Clara Oswald. Miss Clara Oswald,” the Doctor introduced.

“And the girl?” Tasha asked.

Before Elise could open her mouth, the Doctor answered, “My daughter. Elise.”

“Daughter? My, Doctor, you’ve been busy.”

The Doctor blushed.

“Exquisite tattoo, by the way.” Tasha turned to her second in command. “We'll go to my chapel. All honors in place, no sacrifices required.”

“Oh, well that’s good,” Elise quipped.

Tasha smiled. “She has quite the attitude, doesn’t she Doctor? I can see why you keep her around.” Tasha gave Elise a wink before they started off for the chapel.

[semperintrepida]

The Sellout, chapter five

five: the changing levels

Kyra awoke with something hard jabbing into her thigh. She pulled the sharp corner of a book away from her leg, and blinked back the veil of sleep while she regained her bearings. The chair she sat in was uncomfortable and unfamiliar, and she shifted positions, feeling wool under her fingertips, concrete under her feet. She was still in Kassandra's condo, and this hadn't been some stress-induced dream.

The owner of the book and uncomfortable chair and concrete floor was still sleeping on the couch nearby, blissfully oblivious to her presence.

Kyra glanced out the windows. What time was it? The skies outside were chalkboard black, the city winking back at her through the glass. She touched the screen of her phone awake. Two-thirty in the morning. Opening the shop in three hours was going to suck.

She only had herself to blame. She was the one who'd offered to drive Kassandra home. She could have ignored Kassandra's protests and called an ambulance. Let the EMTs haul her away. Problem solved.

That there was a problem to be solved at all was also Kyra's fault. She'd left the front door unlocked, and the shop's bright lights had drawn that tweaker inside with the gravitational pull of the sun. If she hadn't done that, he wouldn't have been able to attack her, and Kassandra... Kassandra wouldn't have put herself in danger by stepping into his path instead.

The incident took no more than a few seconds. Kyra's memory of it flickered past in still frames from a blurry video, but there was no mistaking the central figure in each one.

Kassandra.

She'd done Kyra a reckless, foolhardy kindness, despite Kyra's best attempts to give her every reason not to.

Kyra looked at Kassandra again. She really was gorgeous, stretched out like a slumbering lion across the couch. Kyra shook the thought away and studied the book in her hands, with its thick cover and mix of heavy paper and vellum pages, hefty for an otherwise small volume. Anne Carson's reimagination of Antigone. I like a good argument, marrow versus marrow...

The moment Kassandra had fallen asleep, Kyra had gone to the bookshelves and found a collection of tomes as tasteful as everything else inside this concrete box of a condo. All the titans were there, from Atwood to Zola, Booker prize-winners rubbing covers with Pulitzers, their spines uncreased and bookstore-fresh.

None of the books had been read. It was as if Kassandra had arranged to fill her bookshelves with a cross section of capital-L literature without bothering to crack them open even once. Kyra had a vision of Mars as seen through an old telescope, its surface cloaked with dark expanses once mistaken for seas until closer inspection revealed them to be as barren as the rest of the planet.

Kyra had rolled her eyes at the fakery, but then her gaze snagged on a book unlike the others, and she realized that her first glance may not have been entirely accurate. Then curiosity took over, which was how a copy of Antigonick had ended up in her hands. Apparently, there was life on Mars after all.

With hours to fill, she'd settled in and started reading, flipping pages in a book so worn that its cover flopped open flat on its own.

Now it was two-thirty in the morning in Kassandra's home, with Kassandra's book in her lap, and she remembered how the Greek chorus in that book sang accusingly at the god of desire: You change the levels of a person's mind.

She stood up abruptly. She returned to the row of shelves, slid the book back where it came from, and studied the others, looking for signs of wear, looking for signs of life.

She was snooping and she didn't care. Kassandra slept on, none the wiser, as Kyra found worn covers on predictable heavyweights like Wolf Hall and The Prince mixed with surprises like Chiang's Stories of Your Life and Others and a copy of the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius that was so tattered from use it nearly fell apart in her hands.

She never would have thought Kassandra a stoic. Spartan maybe, given the simplicity of her surroundings, but not stoic.

The surprises kept coming: in the amount of poetry contained in Kassandra's shelves and in the fact that the poetry was more likely to have been read than the prose. And then Kyra hit paydirt, in a heavy, library-bound tome with "Ψάπφω" embossed on the cover, filled with pages of photographic reproductions of what looked to be papyrus fragments.

And in the margins of each page were annotations written in a forceful, propulsive scrawl. English mixed with what looked like Greek. Kyra would have to take the words written in English at face value; despite her Greek heritage, she'd never learned the language or any of its ancient forms.

among mortal women, [know that?] you could release me from every care

Kyra couldn't read the book's title, but she still had a good guess what it was. She turned the page, then the next, skimming translation after translation, some crossed out, others given a second attempt, and then she spotted one that leapt off the page:

someone will [did??] remember us I tell you in another time

The book in Kyra's hands was Kassandra's attempt at translating Sappho.

If studying Kassandra's bookshelves was snooping, this suddenly felt like reading her diary. Kyra shut the book, the covers closing with a loud snap, and she winced and held her breath while Kassandra stirred on the couch.

A momentary rustling, then silence again. Kassandra hadn't woken up. Kyra returned the book to its home on the shelf and went to the windows. There wasn't just life on Mars, but an entire hidden ecosystem, and now having discovered it, she wished she could forget it existed.

She frowned into the darkness. Somewhere to the east, Mount Hood was waiting until dawn to make its grand entrance onto the cityscape. Kassandra's view would be spectacular, as a view from a penthouse should.

Kyra's frown deepened. Penthouse. "PH" in the private elevator that serviced a private garage. Follow the trickle of money down to the space-age car, the hand-tailored suits, the twenty-dollar lattes. She'd missed the obvious, over and over.

A place like this couldn't be bought with a VP's salary — even one at Starbucks. It would take real money, fuck-you money, the kind of money that cascaded from one generation to the next in an endless flow. Kyra looked back at the couch and the woman sleeping upon it.

Kassandra wasn't just rich — she was fucking wealthy.

It made sense now: the careful curation of Kassandra's social media, the steady stream of favorable press, her reluctance to call the cops. It was how someone with vast amounts of money could hide in plain sight, floating through life without needing a security detail to protect her from the crazies like Bezos and Gates did.

But with all that money, why did she even bother with work?

Kassandra would take Kyra's shop, not because she needed to make a living, but because she simply could, and it didn't matter if she liked Marcus Aurelius or read poetry or translated Sappho. She'd do the job and Kyra wouldn't be able to do a damn thing to stop her.

Kyra didn't belong here. Maybe in another time things could have been different. In this one...

She walked across the room and knelt by the couch. "Kassandra. Hey."

Kassandra's eyes blinked open.

"You alive?"

"No," she said, then smiled. "Yes." She glanced around the room. "What time is it?"

"Almost three."

"Shit. I'm sorry." She sounded like she meant it.

"What time's your alarm set for?"

"Five-thirty."

Good. Kyra wouldn't need to stay much longer. "You've lasted this long, you'll probably survive to hear it."

The smile faded. "You sound disappointed."

"Get some sleep," Kyra said. "Five-thirty's coming up fast." She got up before Kassandra could answer, moved back to the chair, sat, and tried not to think of anything while Kassandra's gaze bore down on her with the weight of a hydraulic press.

It took forever before Kassandra's breathing finally relaxed and deepened with sleep, but when it did, Kyra quietly moved across the room and slipped out the front door. Her debt to Kassandra's inexplicable gallantry was paid in full.

The elevator whisked her to the building's lobby, an airy chamber of blonde wood and minimal metal, warm and smelling faintly of lavender. Then she pushed open the glass door, stepped into the cold, damp, river bottom air of the real world, and left Kassandra and her gleaming tower far, far behind.

.oOo.

Eleven o'clock and the Sunday morning brunch rush was still underway. The flow of customers had been steady since she'd opened at six, but as nice as it was to ring up sale after sale, she was running on fumes.

Pete could tell. They'd bumped elbows once and had a few near misses behind the bar, and after that he kept giving her sidelong looks.

She was pulling a shot under his watchful gaze when her patience with him finally frayed. "Say whatever it is you want to say."

"Take a break after this drink. Fifteen minutes would do you good."

And give every person standing in line an excuse to whine on Yelp because their drinks took a few minutes longer than they wanted? "Not yet."

"When?"

She lifted the pitcher of steamed milk, then stopped just before the pour. Her hands were shaking, and she couldn't get them to stop.

He stepped into her space, his bulky powerlifter's body towering over her, and gently took the pitcher from her hand.

She watched silently as he finished the drink for her, and when stillness returned to her hands and forearms, she picked up a to-go lid from the stack and gestured for him to put the drink down on the counter. "When Phoibe comes in," she said.

"Kyra..."

She snapped the lid onto the cup and handed it to the customer waiting on the other side of the counter.

The man sipped his drink and gave her a grateful nod, now fortified with enough caffeine to wait two hours in line for a seat at the diner up the block. Pete was already talking to the next customer, but before he could tell her what to make, a flash of color pulled her eyes to the front door.

A tiny, black-haired Korean woman bustled into the shop, dwarfed by a sprawling bouquet of flowers in her arms. Every eye in the shop turned to watch her walk up to the counter. "Are you Kyra?" she asked.

"Yeah."

"For you, lucky girl." She placed the glass vase at the edge of the counter and stepped back to inspect her work.

Kyra's hand slid into her back pocket for her wallet, but the woman wagged a finger at her and said, "No, no. All taken care of. Enjoy." Then she smiled brightly and disappeared out the door.

Kyra eyed the slice of meadow that had appeared as suddenly as spring: sprigs of white serviceberry blossoms hovering over matte green leaves, pink clusters of sea blush, all nestling contentedly in a bed of ferns, the serrated fronds twined with sweetpea vines in full bloom.

They were the real life inspiration for the tattoo that wound around her right arm, every plant and flower growing wild in Oregon. They'd greeted her every spring, after Nia had taken her in and they began spending the warmer months up at the homestead in Estacada, its lush forest and sparkling river a shocking change of scenery to a gutterpunk who grew up in the grey grime of Portland's streets.

A card peeked out from the greenery, its handwriting familiar. She could almost hear Kassandra saying its words out loud.

Thanks for the ride home — and for looking out for me.

-K

Kyra's ears buzzed and her head swam dizzily as she floated on a curious feeling of elation. Then she blew out the breath she'd been holding. It was the lack of oxygen making her feel loopy. That's all.

So Kassandra was observant. All hunters were. And Kyra would be a fool to think otherwise, that this was anything other than a ploy to soften her up.

Kassandra would be back. The only question was When?

.oOo.

It wasn't Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and after Thursday crawled by and Kyra had begun to hope that maybe, just maybe, her prayers had been answered and Kassandra had moved on to richer hunting grounds, the door to the shop clanged open five minutes before close.

This time, she didn't even turn around when Kassandra walked up to the counter. She just kept spinning the cup in her hand against the towel she'd been using to dry it off. "How's your head?" she asked.

"Much better, thanks."

She put the cup away with the rest, then turned to Kassandra, noting her lack of suit jacket and the extra button open at the neck of her dress shirt. Working late, perhaps. "I got the flowers."

"Good." Kassandra's face gave nothing away, her answer too short to offer any clues about the purpose of her visit.

"They were beautiful," Kyra said. "Where did you find them?"

"I've been exploring the city in my off hours. Sometimes I end up at a farmers' market and find a Korean family selling the most amazing wildflowers. Sometimes I end up in coffee shops where I find more than I bargained for."

Kyra tossed the towel next to the rack of cups. "Why are you here, Kassandra?"

"You keep asking me that."

"You never give me a good answer."

"I like the way you make coffee."

Kyra folded her arms.

"Ahh, you're not really asking about me then," Kassandra said with an air of amused patience.

She'd guessed wrong, but Kyra didn't correct her.

Eventually, she sighed into the silence. "Like I said, a new flagship store. That's the plan."

"There's already one in the Pearl." A massive shop, three stories high, a layer cake of espresso counters and seating and retail encased in a shiny frosting of glass and steel.

"Seattle has more than one, San Francisco does too. Time to add another on this side of the river. Little Portland's growing up."

Kyra stepped out from behind the counter. This time, she locked the front door before doing anything else. "You'd be better off at the Convention Center than all the way down here," she said over her shoulder.

"Probably. But I wouldn't be doing my due diligence if I didn't know the landscape of the entire east side." Kassandra moved to the windows and began helping flip stools onto the bar. "My offer still stands, by the way."

Kyra stopped mid-flip, then put the stool in her hands back down on the floor. "Suppose I said yes. What do you think I'd do with myself then?"

Kassandra didn't have a ready answer for that. She tilted her head, squinting at Kyra as she thought. "I don't know," she said. She seemed surprised by her own admission. "Take a vacation?"

"You're damn right I would. Someplace nice and sunny with enough five-twelve routes to keep me climbing for weeks. And afterwards, I'd come home and... what then?" She ran her hand along the bar. Ten years ago, she'd rescued the oak plank from the collapsing ruin that had once been the homestead's workshop. She'd attacked it with a sander, finished it with shellac, installed it against the window with her own hands. "Selling this place would net me — what, a hundred thousand if I'm lucky?" Ten years of work, only to end up with less money than she'd started. "That money won't last forever."

A rattle at the front door turned both their heads at the same time. A woman stared back apologetically through the glass. Just someone looking for a last-minute caffeine fix. Kyra mouthed a Sorry and nodded up at the inert neon sign above her head.

"You could open another shop."

"And bust my ass starting over from scratch while waking up every day wondering if today's the day another suit like you is going to show up? That sounds fun." She was tiring of this conversation. "But worrying about things like that isn't something you'd understand."

"What do you mean?"

"How much does a gallon of milk cost?"

Kassandra's eyes narrowed. "Between three and five bucks a gallon around here. I know the price of bananas too in case you think I'm too out of touch to know that either."

The question had pissed her off. Good. Maybe she'd go away sooner. Kyra started sharpening another volley of words, knowing that Kassandra would raise her shield, and look at her with that mirror-finished glint in her eyes she'd used to turn Kyra's pointed remarks aside before. Kyra's heartbeat sped up, ready to rise to the challenge.

Instead, Kassandra's shoulders sagged and a strange expression slumped across her features, one that took Kyra several moments to identify as hurt. It scattered Kyra's snark, and left her with a pounding heart and nothing to say. She stared at Kassandra as the silence grew second by second, and when she was finally able to muster some words, they snuck out from her with a weary softness. "You didn't come here to talk about work, did you?"

"No." Kassandra turned away, straightening the stool she'd lifted onto the bar so its edges were lined up square. "I was hoping to get your help with something."

It was bait. It had to be. The longer Kyra let this conversation keep going, the more likely it was that she'd do something stupid. "My help with what, exactly?" she asked, while her brain howled in frustration.

"I've been invited to a... gala of sorts."

Kyra didn't like where Kassandra was going with this. "A gala," she said flatly. "Like ballgowns and dancing?"

"Not really. More like Patagonia fleece vests and fat wallets bumping into each other."

"And?"

"Will you come with me?"

"I think you're asking someone from the wrong social strata."

Hurt flickered through Kassandra's eyes a second time, but she smoothed it over with a faint smile and didn't miss a beat. "On the contrary, you'll fit in better than you think. It's a fundraiser for the Multnomah County Library."

"Surely I'm not the only person you know who reads books."

"You don't just read books. You climb."

An oddly specific combination. "You're plotting something."

"Nothing shady, I promise. Just come with me and talk to people. It'll only be a couple of hours — and there'll be an open bar."

Kyra was half-tempted to lie and say she didn't drink. "You actually think I'll say yes to this? I don't even—" Like you, she meant to say.

"It'd be an excellent opportunity to expand your network," Kassandra said, but then she shrugged off her own suit-speak with a grin. "Anyway, the Library wants to build a new children's wing, and I'm on a mission to separate some people from their money for a good cause. I think you can help me do that."

Think of the children. Kassandra's audacity seemed to have no bounds. "When is this thing?"

"Saturday night."

Shady or not, Kassandra was up to something, and saying No would cut Kyra off from any chance of finding out what it was. "Fine. Two hours, then I'm done," Kyra said. Against reason, against her better judgement, brain still howling as—

Kassandra's face lit with a triumphant smile.

The kind of face that made Kyra do stupid things.

Chapter five of The Sellout. Continued in chapter six...

Author's Note: The translations of Sappho herein are loosely reworked versions of Carson's, from her foundational translation "If Not, Winter."

"among mortal women..." is a snippet from fr. 23.

The "did??" in Kassandra's translation of fr. 147 is a reversal of Casaubon's commonly-accepted emendation that changed "did remember" to "will remember". (Oh, to have a photo of the original papyri so I could puzzle out what the text actually said, but I'm no classics scholar...)

[everyone-has-their-story]

instagram commentary with my sister: Sander

his is very aesthetically pleasing but also a dedication to his relationship with Robbe and I respect that

(I’m so glad that I was still recording when she went through their IG)

I feel like I’ve just started dating someone and I have to go all the way back in their instagram to make sure there are no major red flags

Shoutout to my love Sander for having his captions in english because instagrams translations are not reliable

I’ll break however many records I want! So far...none

Oh he broke one record...he’s beating me

Sander in a white hoodie? I’m a fan

Stairway to heaven? I mean you are heavenly…

Oh shit that’s a cool picture

He looks great here, like really great...10/10 (black and white picture looking out the window)

Graffiti time!

Those are some big ass scissors...also, Sander you look 12 in this picture

Ooooooh paintball time! Remember that time you shot Britt like 10 times? LOLz

You will be king and I will be the peasant 

Ahhhhh what the fuck is that!!! Nooooooo! I hate halloween

Oh look, a hand! *shows it to me* It’s coming up from the depths of hell to bring you back! (She is talking about me not Sander 🤦🏻‍♀️)

Oh shit that’s a cool picture. Sander looks great in blue lighting...well any lighting, but this one in particular

A picture of Sander looking at a picture on his camera? Inception! 

Ahhhhhh the first Robbe picture!

They really like taking selfies in bed, huh?

And yes, you are in fact lovers. Good job, Sander!

Ohhhh the cuddle thing from the party!! Look at the look of love on Robbe’s face! So cute

The lock!! Ofc they mention universes! If Robbe doesn’t want to meet you in this dream then I will happily volunteer

Ooo look at you being all mysterious with your smoke and sultry looks

“Is this real life?” I ask myself that every damn day

More drawings! I mean I can draw a stick figure pretty well...thinking of posting it on my own IG

Ahhhh another drawing of them! Of course he did it for valentine’s day…

Oh hey that’s where I thought Robbe actually broke shit...I’m still fucking dumb

Sander is smiling in a picture!! That is probs my favorite picture of them so far. Both are so happy and smiley!

More drawings! More horny captions!

Oh shit you got a ring light? Idk what Robbe said in his comment but I agree (i tell her what it means) Oh yes, I definitely agree!

Hey cool graffiti lady! You look great!

A rainbow!! And of course he tags Robbe. Love that for them.

Ahhhhhh another anniversary post! Both of you taught us ALL what love is and I thank you for that. I love you too!! These pictures he chose are now my favorite...I’m aware I said that a bunch already I think. Sue me. 

Istg if [my boyfriend] ever posted this sappy shit I’d delete his instagram, but for Robbe and Sander I absolutely love it and they should continue to do so.

Next time y’all go shopping, hit me up!

***she didn’t see his brown haired post until after this was recorded, but I did post her reaction to it when I posted her episode 6 commentary

[is0gild]

Ice Cream and Fire Oven Pizza - Chapter 23

Pairing: Elsa x Lea/Axel || Side Pairing: Riku x OC

Summary: Modern AU. She's an introvert ball of nerves who works at Ice Palace, a mall food court ice cream shop. He's the outgoing, sassy goofball who works at the Pizza Planet across the way. Hilarity, snark, and fluffy romcom hijinks ensue.

Word Count: 11,552

FIRST CHAPTER || PREVIOUS CHAPTER || NEXT CHAPTER

Credit for super friggin’ cute and super friggin’ amazing cover art goes to the super friggin’ talented ky-jane here on tumblr!

"Sorry, did I miss a point back there where my car transformed into a submarine to cross the Atlantic Ocean?"

I turned my head towards Lea, knitting my eyebrows together. "Pardon?"

"Well I just don't see how else we would have ended up at freaking Buckingham Palace," he muttered, keeping one hand on the steering wheel while the other tipped his aviators forward for a better look at the mansion at the end of the long, extravagant driveway he was currently cruising his car down. He gave a low whistle, "Shit, all it's missing are those dudes in the highschool band uniforms and big fuzzy hats."

Rolling my eyes, I snorted softly. "Oh come now, it's not that big."

He scoffed, "'Not that big' is something girlfriends say about their exes to protect their insecure boyfriends' fragile male egos. It's not what you say about the Taj Ma-fucking-hal here."

The dreaded weekend was upon us at last.

You know. The Weekend. Capital T, capital W.

Aka, the visit with my parents.

Operation Boyfriend But Shh Not Really was about to be tested to the extreme limits.

The chateau in question (maybe villa would be a better word? Or manor, perhaps? Really, it wasn't big at all, Lea was just exaggerating) belonged to my parents. This was the home I'd grown up in. It was weird coming back here now after all that had happened. Was still in the process happening, I suppose. My fingers fidgeted with my braid as the mansion loomed ever higher the closer we got.

Actually… now that we were more up close and I was really seeing it again… oh gosh, it was rather enormous, wasn't it?

...had it somehow grown in size since last I-?

Shush, now, don't be ridiculous. That was just the anxiety talking.

Of which I was in no short supply of. I still had no clue what was in store for this weekend. Anna seemed almost just as much in the dark as I was, which was strange seeing as how she still lived here. Then again, I was pretty sure she'd been spending a lot less time around home lately in favor of staying over at her new boyfriend's place. A man I still surprisingly knew absolute zilch about, but I was hoping Anna had invited him to join us for this weekend as well. That way, I'd get to meet him and maybe even have a little of the attention taken off me. Long shot, I know, considering he was only Anna's still relatively new beau whereas I'd skipped out on my own wedding and shamed my whole family (apparently), so this guy was kind of small potatoes by comparison. But hey, a girl can dream, can't she?

It was actually Friday evening right now, so we were going to be in for more of a long weekend - in every sense of the word. Lea and I had both worked early shifts today before going to our respective homes, getting changed, packing bags for staying over for two nights and then finally heading up. Not knowing what this weekend was going to entail was wreaking no small amount of havoc on my nerves. That said, it could have been worse. Pretty sure I'd actually been more nervous for the audition a couple days ago than I was for this. Maybe that was because the audition had just been so last minute, whereas I'd been preparing for this little get-together for a couple weeks now. Even I had to admit that Lea and I made a pretty convincing couple at this point. Sure, I still got a bit awkward with PDAs, but I was no longer anywhere near as bad as I had been the day I'd seen father at my old condo.

...then again, doing the whole relationship act around the mall for the past couple weeks was one thing. Trying to pull off the same charade in front of my parents now, not to mention the Duke as well? Probably was going to be a lot more complicated.

I really had no idea what was going to happen the moment we passed through those ornate double doors leading into my parent's home.

But I was about to find out.

Whether I liked it or not.

"Alright, we made it," Lea announced as he parked the car next to the big fountain in the middle of the circle driveway, shutting off his engine. He shot me a grin, "You ready for this, my lil sötnos?"

I blinked over at him, then narrowed my eyes. "Do I even want to know?"

"It's a Swedish term of endearment. Its literal translation is sweet nose. And if yours ain't the sweetest, I dunno what is," his grin twitched wider as he reached over to tweak said nose.

"Sweet n-" I groaned, swatting his hand away. "Veto."

"Aw c'mon, I thought that one was cute!" he gave a little whine. I just drooped my eyelids at him and he sighed, stretching over to open his glove compartment and pull a black marker from it. "Guess America's just not ready for the sweet nose," he grumbled, pulling the cap off with his teeth and marking something off on his palm.

I frowned. "...what are you doing?"

"Regrettably giving up on what is arguably the greatest pet name of all time, that's what."

"No, I meant with your hand." I snatched his in both mine, yanking it over in front of my face to discover a small list written on the inside of his palm, located at the top of which was sötnos with a line struck through it. "...are these... more terms of endearment for me?"

He smirked as he leaned in closer to stare down at his palm alongside me. "Yup! Since the big weekend's here, figured I'd best come prepared. This is important stuff we gotta nail down!"

I squinted at the words before me, reading, "Kruzynko…?"

"It means breadcrumb."

Scrunching up my nose, I stole the marker from him and crossed that one off. "No. Bogárkám?"

"My little bug," Lea supplied, sounding more confident in this one.

A snerk. "Nope," I popped the P. And another one bites the dust. My tongue tripped uncertainly over the next one, "Blodyn tatws?"

"Heh… potato flowers?" he asked hopefully.

"Oh wow, I love that one."

He perked up, "Really?"

"Absolutely... not," I said flatly, looking him dead in the eye as I drew a line across it as well.

"Aw man, not cool!" He pouted, then pursed his lips to one side. "Hey, is now really the best time to be doing this? We, uh…" he chuckled sheepishly, holding up his second hand to reveal a whole other list scrawled on that one too, "...might end up being here all day."

I stared blankly at him. "Just how many more of those do you have?"

"I'd show ya, but that'd require me going a lil more half monty than you'd probably prefer I'd get in your parent's driveway."

My brow furrowed and I leaned away slightly, eyeing him up and down. "...where…?"

He waggled his eyebrows at me, "That's for me to know and you to find out."

I let his hand drop from my grasp, "I'm good, thanks." As he snickered, I looked away, rubbing my fingertips over one of my (now brought to a low simmer) cheeks. "Can't you just stick to El? It's simple. Nice… I like El."

"You do?" I heard him ask and I directed a furtive sideways glance in his direction. A slow smile was curling his lips, "Alright… El it is." But then he was peeking down at his palm again. "...and also krúttið mitt."

Biting back a grin, I swat his shoulder. "How would you like it if I kept calling you some weird pet name in a foreign language all the time?"

Lea beamed, "I'd like it very much actually."

"Really? Fine," I took up his hand again, scrutinizing his palm, "...mo chuisle it is then."

His eyes lit up, "Ooo, that one's spicy!"

Oh dear, why had I thought this was a good idea again?

"...what's it mean?"

He bent towards me, eyes hooded as he purred, "You just called me your pulse."

I've made a grave error this day.

"Ah-ah!" he chirped, pressing a finger to my lips as they began to part. "Too late! No take-backsies!"

I huffed, unbuckled my seatbelt and got out of the car, slamming the door shut behind me.

Lea looked far too smug as he climbed out himself, retrieving both our bags from the backseat of the car on his way out and slinging them over his shoulder. He removed his aviators, hooking them into the collar of his black, fitted v-neck shirt as his eyes took in the mansion before us once again. He'd reclaimed his leather jacket to wear for this, accompanied by snug jeans tastefully ripped at just one knee and a pair a black, heavy, steel-toed boots. He'd blinged out a bit as well, sporting a small sun medallion that hung from a chain down to his mid-chest, along a few strappy leather bracelets and a couple of rings decorating his fingers. His winged guyliner was somehow even darker and bolder than usual and his hair had been pulled back into a half-tail.

Not going to lie, my traitorous fingers practically itched to pet that little red tuft at the back of his head.

Instead, I settled for fussing with the necklace that rested against my skin just above my collarbone. The pendant was formed of three blue, almond-shaped gemstones gathered together at one point. A present from Rayne to wish me luck on this trip. I was a much bigger fan of her good luck charm than I had been of the one Lea had "gifted" me with for the musical tryouts. I wore the small charm with a classic little wrap dress in a soft lilac. Off the shoulder of course - it was me we were talking about here, so you can probably guess it before I even say it at this point - and with the hem of the skirt flaring out around the knees.

Needless to say, looking at him and me side-by-side right now, it was clear one of us was either severely over or underdressed. Considering it was my parents' door we were about to knock on, one guess as to who was what.

"Try not to scratch the paint, chief!" Lea chipperly called out as he was suddenly tossing his keys at one of the staff under my parents' employ who just so happened to be walking past us in that second.

Eyes widening, the man fumbled to catch them. As Lea turned to head towards the front door, I followed, quirking my eyebrow at him. "What was that?"

"I'm blending in," he flashed a cheeky smile, shoving a hand into one pocket of his jacket. "Whatcha think, do I sound like a rich asshole or what?"

I tipped my head to one side. "...actually, you kind of sounded like my ex."

A snort escaped through his nose. "I'll take that as a yes then."

We walked a couple steps in silence. Then, "That wasn't a valet, by the way."

He froze midstep, looking at me sharply. "What?"

"That was a gardener. My parents don't even have a valet."

"Oh." Lea glanced back over his shoulder, frowning. "...maybe I should go get my keys back then."

I hid a small grin behind my fingers. "Maybe you should."

Waiting politely, I watched him jog back towards the worker to do just that, along with offering what looked to be quite the humble apology. "Got 'em!" he declared once he'd rejoined me, flinging them up into the air before catching them again to slip into his pocket. "So even a proper gent like your old man feels the need to prove what a hot, young stud he still is, eh? Wouldn't of thought him the type."

"What?" I blinked a couple times. Where'd that come from?

He tossed his chin back towards his vehicle. More specifically, at the few other cars he'd parked next to. "I recognize Anna's Porsche over there, but that blue Ferrari reeks of midlife crisis."

"...that's my car." Then I grimaced and amended, "Rather, was my car."

"Huh?" he looked taken aback. "You drive? Since when?"

I gave a small shrug, "Since always."

"Then why're you always having me n' your roomies chauffeur you around? Not that I mind..."

"I don't have a car or the funds to purchase one." He wordlessly jerked his thumb back towards the Ferrari, face blank. I sighed, "My parents bought me that. It didn't feel right keeping it after… everything. Not with me trying to separate myself from them and make it on my own. No, I plan to buy my own once I've saved up enough."

"Shit, still shoulda kept it," Lea said and I gave him a dull look. He hastily waved a hand in front of him, "Even if ya didn't want it, you coulda sold it and made bank before giving all that munny away to charity. Ya know, just so you could really stick it to your folks."

Shaking my head with a soft chuckle, I started walking towards the entrance again. "Let's just get on with this."

"Aye aye, Capitaine," he gave me a two-fingered salute, catching up to me with his long strides.

Feeling my chest start to constrict as we drew nearer to those doors, I blew out a soft, slow breath. "I hope we're not late. I shouldn't have let you talk me into that salon visit after we got off work."

"What, you needed something to help ya relax and a quick spa day was just the ticket! 'Sides, I wanted to make myself all pretty for this! Whaddya think?" He stretched his arm out before us both, fingers wiggling to show off his fresh coat of black nail polish. "If this doesn't impress your folks and tell 'em what a man of sophisticated tastes I am, I dunno what will!"

I snorted. "I think my father is more of a mauve man himself."

"Really? Crap, you shoulda said something! I'd have asked for a matching color so he and I could be twinsies! Shucks," he snapped his fingers, "missed opportunity."

Coming to a stop on the doorstep, I reached for the bell, but my fingers hesitated.

This was so strange. I'd lived here. Spent my childhood here. I'd never had to use the doorbell before.

...why did the idea of doing so now seem so hard?

A sudden warmth enveloped my other hand. I looked down to discover Lea was holding it. He gave it a small squeeze as he said softly, "Hey. Whatever happens in there, just know I'm here for you."

I felt a small stutter in my chest as a tiny smile tugged at my lips. "...thank you," I murmured, squeezing back before looking to the doorbell once more. Taking a deep, calming breath, I pushed the button at last and a heavy chime could be heard within.

While we waited, a glimmer of something at Lea's waist caught my eye and I turned to see what it was. A crease formed between my eyebrows. "...is that… a wallet chain?"

How had I missed that thing until now?

"Hm?" he followed my gaze. "Oh! Yup! Heh, thought it might really pull the whole look together! Do I look like a punkass bad boy now or what?"

"Or what," I fixed him with a deadpan stare. "You look ridiculous."

He splayed a hand against his chest in mock offense. "Rude. Can't believe you'd talk to your pulse like that."

Face warming, I hung my head. "...I'm never going to hear the end of that, am I?"

"Nope!" he grinned wickedly.

"Would you just take that silly thing off?"

"No can do, sweetcheeks! Boys like to accessorize too, ya know," he sniggered, giving the chain a little twirl. "Just be grateful I left the spiked choker in the glove compartment."

"Spi-?!" I spluttered over the word before managing a scoff and crossing my arms. "Oh, trust me, I am. The point is to get my parents to back off, not to send them into cardiac arrest!"

...huh… Lea in a spiked choker…

"You're trynta imagine what I'd look like wearing it now, aren't ya?" he'd hunched down beside me to whisper into my ear with a smirk.

My cheeks burned so hot, you could have roasted marshmallows on the damn things.

"...am not."

I was almost grateful when the door swung open just then. And also a little surprised, because the face that greeted me wasn't that of my parents' house maid Gerda.

No, instead it was that of a pale, wide-eyed, huffing and puffing Anna.

(With Gerda right behind her, looking quite harried and put out by the fact that my sister had stolen her job.)

"Elsa!" she cried out in relief. "Finally! What took you so long?!"

Furrowing my brow, I began, "Anna? What-?"

"No time! Get." She lunged towards me. "In here." Her hands seized my shoulders. "Now!" I was forcibly yanked inside.

I heard the door booming shut behind me and could only hope that Lea had managed to slip in himself in time as well. Gripping my sister's arms, I tried again, "What's going on? We couldn't be more than a few minutes la-"

Her hand suddenly shot out to squeeze my cheeks together between her thumb and fingers, squishing my face and effectively silencing me. "Shush! No talkie! Only listen! Oh, it's bad, Sis. Really, really bad! It's him! He's here! Like, here here! Right friggin' now!"

"Who's here?" I asked, tugging my face free of her vice-like grip and working my jaw. I knit my eyebrows together at Gerda, who was frantically circling us as she kept trying and failing to get a word in edgewise. "The Duke? I already knew-"

"No! Not the Duke! Of course not, he won't be here until tomorrow! Gah! You know, Sis, sometimes you can be really-" Anna cut herself off in a tiny snarl, fingers curling in front of her to strangle empty air. "Ugh! Anyway, it's- I didn't- It was just- Out of nowhere- Mom and Dad, they- He- His-"

"I think she's trying to tell us something. What is it, Lassie? Timmy trapped in the well again?" Lea snerked as he let our luggage fall to the foyer floor beside his boots.

Ignoring him, I gently rubbed my hands up and down Anna's arms. "Breathe. Calm down. Take a minute to gather your thoughts."

"People!" she suddenly blurted out, startling me a bit. "Lots of them! Loads of them! So many people!"

I frowned. "People? Where? You mean here, now?"

She shook her head rapidly, "No, no, no, no! Not now people! Future people! Tomorrow people! And… and caterers! And musicians! And decorators and, and, and him! He's- Right now, he's- just down the hall, he's- he's-"

"Who, Anna? Who?" I insisted.

Her hands violently shook me, "Him!"

Right. Thanks, Sis. Big help you are.

Why was she like this?

The maid finally managed to pipe in, "What Miss is trying to tell you is that your-"

"Got it, Gerda, thanks!" Anna huffed out with a tiny scowl. Then she took in a deep breath, preparing to say something.

"Crap, I think that dude just robbed us," Lea chimed in first.

Holding a finger up to Anna, I whipped my head around to see what he was talking about: an older gentleman in a black suit walking briskly away with our bags. "Oh, that's just Kai."

Lea cocked an eyebrow at me, "The robber's name is Kai?"

"No, the butler's name is Kai."

"Why would the butler rob us?"

"He's not robbing us, he's just taking our things up to our room." I blanched. "Rooms." Plural. As in more than one. My parents would never, not in a million years, have put Lea and me in the same room under their roof… right? Oh gosh, why was the possibility only just now occurring to me? "He's, uh… he's p-putting them where we'll be staying. Separately. As in, not together. Completely and one hundred percent apart," I (overly) clarified, fighting that blush I felt creeping up my neck now.

Anna suddenly grabbed my head with both hands and forced me to look at her again, grounding out through her teeth, "You're. Not. Listening to me!" Then with a grumbling sigh, she snagged my hand in hers and started dragging me down one of the many corridors that branched off from the foyer. "Come on, we better hurry, they're probably wondering what's taking so long."

Gerda squeaked and scurried after us. "Right this way, please, and I'll see you to the Marigold Room where your hosts await your presence!" she awkwardly trilled, trying to maintain some semblance of performing her duties despite Anna's continued interference.

A whistle from Lea confirmed he was following as well. "Lemme guess. The Duke in the conservatory with the candlestick."

"Wha-?" my voice faltered as my feet tripped trying keep up with Anna, only barely managing to keep myself upright.

He grinned down at me as he strode along, shrugging. "This whole place is a legit, life-sized Clue board. Just trynta play the game here."

I stumbled again. "Ow, Anna! Not so hard. What is the rush?"

Not slowing down, she glanced back at me over her shoulder. "Come on, Elsa, think! What day is it?"

"Uh…" Was this a trick question? "...Friday?"

A low, agitated noise emitted from her throat. "No, what day?"

I squinted up at the ceiling in thought. "...the seventh?"

"Yes!" she spun around to tap her nose excitedly, her feet still moving backwards. "Which would make tomorrow…?"

"The eighth." Lost by this line of questioning? I know I was.

"Of?" she pressed. "What month, Elsa?"

"The eighth of… oh!" It finally clicked and I staggered again, my eyes growing round. "...oh no. It's his birthday. Oh gosh, he's here?! Right now?!"

"Yes! Finally! Thank you!" Anna cried out in exasperation.

"Who?" Lea asked, both eyebrows shooting up his forehead at my sudden change of attitude.

"It's-" I began, but that one word was all I got out before Anna took a sudden sharp turn, yanking me into the Marigold Room with her and bringing us face to face with-

"Grandfather!" I breathed, feet faltering as Anna brought us both to a sudden and jerky stop before him.

He cut an imposing figure, my grandfather. Tall, like father, and with the same red hair too that had been passed down to Anna. His however bore prominent streaks of grey at his temples - really the only sign of him getting on in years as he otherwise looked remarkably good for a man of his age. Still fit as a fiddle, barrel-chested, with a strong, square jaw and a sharp, piercing gaze.

A gaze that was so cold right now that I didn't know how I wasn't frozen into solid ice on the spot.

Anna had been wrong.

This wasn't bad.

This was catastrophic.

Because my grandfather? Not exactly the nicest person. Remember what my father had been like? Well, just think - he'd had to learn it from somewhere. And next to Grandfather, my father seemed warm and cuddly. Like sunshine and rainbows. Heck, Father was as friggin' teletubby by comparison to the man who'd raised him. Grandfather was cut from the same cloth as his brother, the Duke. The epitome of old fashioned and proper etiquette. The thing was, where the Duke was all bluster and tantrums, Grandfather just got quiet when he was angry. Like... really, really quiet. An ominous kind of quiet. A bone-chilling kind of quiet. Whenever Grandfather stopped talking, that's when I really got scared of the man.

No, scratch that. That was when I got petrified of the man.

So the fact that he was just staring down his nose at me right now, eyes narrowed, lips set into a grim, disapproving line, and not uttering a single word? Would have been enough to turn my hair stark white if it weren't pretty damn close already.

And to make matters worse? Mother and Father stood not five feet behind him looking rather unamused with me themselves.

Oh gosh, this wasn't going to be some pleasant, little family gathering.

This was going to be an execution. Mine, to be exact.

Gerda suddenly appeared off to one side, panting to catch her breath and making a hasty curtsy towards my parents and grandfather before announcing, "Elsa and her guest have arrived."

...thanks, Gerda. I think they figured that out already.

I watched as she turned and hurried to make her exit before reluctantly returning my gaze to Grandfather. Still, he said nothing. Just arched one bushy eyebrow at me and waited.

Oh fudge, he wanted me to be the first one to speak? Where do I even begin? What do I even say? Could I even talk right now? I don't think I could, not with how heavy my tongue suddenly felt, like it had turned into solid lead. What was I supposed to do here? How-

Suddenly, I felt it. A hand. Lea's hand, slipping across the small of my back and coming to rest on my hip, pulling me gently into his side. "Aren'tcha gonna introduce me, babe?" he asked, voice low and sugary-sweet as he grinned and pressed a kiss to my temple.

Grandfather's thick mustache gave a little twitch.

That's all it took for me to know. Not thirty seconds into this and there was absolutely zero doubt in my mind.

Before this weekend was out, Grandfather was going to murder Lea.

Inhaling and exhaling, I wrung my hands together and somehow figured out how to do this thing called 'talking' once again. "F-Father, you've already had the, uh… the pleasure, but Grandfather, Mother… this… this is…" I screwed my eyes shut, trying to steel myself.

Come on, Elsa, you can do this. Just one word. Just one measly, little word.

"This is my boooooo-" What was this? What was I doing here? "-oooooooooooooooo-" Why was I stretching the syllable out so friggin' long? What, had I gotten stuck? "-oooooooooooooo-" Dear god, how was there this much oxygen in my lungs? "-oooooooooo-" I didn't think there was even this much oxygen on the whole planet, much less inside my lungs. "-oooyyyyyyy-" Oh good. Progress. At this rate, I'd complete the word sometime this century. "-yyyyyyyyy-"

Anna, my divine saviour and blessed angel of mercy, jabbed her elbow into my gut.

"-friend!" I finished at last with a cough. "Boyfriend. This is my...my boyfriend. Yes. This is he. He is this." A beat. Then, "Lea! By the way. His name, that is. Yup. Lea the Boyfriend. My boyfriend. That's right, Lea is my boyfriend. My boyfriend is-"

"I think they get it, Sis," Anna hissed quietly out of the corner of her plastered-on smile.

Gee, I was getting so good at this whole lying thing, wasn't I?

"Pleased to meet ya, Gramps," Lea stretched out a hand towards him.

Grandfather didn't take it. Instead, he just stared long and hard at it. At the black nail polish and rings adorning it. Finally, he lifted his chin with a sniff and straightened his already ramrod posture even further. "That'll be Sir to you, young man."

"Oo, how formal. Whatever you say," he retracted his hand with a smirk, "Sir Gramps."

This had been a mistake, using Lea as my rent-a-boyfriend.

Actually… no, mistake would be an understatement. This was a powder keg and Lea was a goddamn burning match.

Pushing past my now rigidly stiff grandfather, Lea approached my parents next. "Pops, always a pleasure. Ma'am," he took my mother's hand in his to politely press his lips to the back of it, "lovely to make your acquaintance."

She looked slightly taken aback, blue eyes widening. However, Mother recovered quickly, delicately plucking her fingers from his grip to smooth at the tight bun her brown hair was currently up in before primly folding her hands together just below her waist. When she smiled, it was gracious but tight. "As it is yours," there was a briefest of pauses before she tacked on a hesitant, "Lea. Please, take a seat. Dinner should be ready shortly, but would anyone like a drink prepared while we wait?"

I was relieved to hear Lea answer with, "I'm good, thanks." Because a return of Wine Tipsy Lea was by far the very last thing this situation needed right now. As I declined as well, a quick look around brought to my attention the fact that we were the only two not partaking as it seemed the others had already started before we'd gotten here. Mother and Father were sipping at what looked to be some sort of dark red cabernet, while Anna retrieved her own glass and moved towards the mini bar to refill it - most likely with something sweet, fruity and potent enough to bring down an elephant, knowing her. On the low table around which all the seats gathered was a sturdy glass full of ice and an amber liquid. Probably Grandfather's. Probably bourbon.

I shifted over towards the sofa opposite the table from my parents and all three of us took a seat at the same time. Lea joined me soon after, slipping his arm around my shoulders as he flumped down into the cushions beside me. Grandfather, however, hadn't budged from where he stood since we'd entered the room. Not one inch. "Father," was all my father said to him - partially warning, partially pleading.

Grandfather's mustache twitched again and his left eye ticked. But then he moved to sit down in the armchair in front of the bourbon, snatching up the glass and sullenly nursing it.

Dear lord, this was a nightmare. No, this was Hell. That had to be it - I'd died and was now in my own little corner of the Underworld specifically designed and crafted to torture me in the cruelest way possible. I could already feel the stress burning an ulcer into my stomach and no amount of Lea's fingers lightly trailing up and down my arm would calm me down.

There was no point in putting it off, right? I should just do it now. Bring up the thing that was on all of our minds but no one was talking about. You know, the thing. The wedding thing… or rather, the whole lack of the wedding thing. I should just get this over with. Rip the bandaid off. Getting it all out in the open now had to be better than this. Anything had to be better than this… right?

Hands fidgeting furiously in my lap and this close to dislocating a finger, I licked my dry lips and managed to find my voice. "Perhaps now… we should discuss what exactly h-happened on… on my-"

"That is a topic that would be best saved for later," Father talked over me, his stern voice cutting me off. "Let us speak of other things right now."

My head rocked back at that, my forehead wrinkling. I flicked my gaze over to Grandfather briefly - who was still stewing quietly over his drink - then back to my parents. "But I thought-"

"Now's not the time, Elsa," Mother insisted firmly. "This is not a discussion that will be brief, nor will it be suitable to have over dinner. Besides, your father and I will have our hands full preparing for the party tomorrow evening, so this is a conversation that will just have to wait until the day after."

A frown tugged at my lips. "You're hosting a party?"

"For Grandfather's birthday," Anna plopped down onto the sofa beside me, freshened drink in hand. "Since, ya know, it's such a huge one. The big seven-oh. The whole family is going to be there to celebrate. And I mean, the whole family," she shot me a pointed look over the rim of her glass as she took a swig.

Oh. So that's what she'd meant earlier by "tomorrow people."

Why couldn't she have been this articulate when she'd greeted me at the door?

Mother added, "You are, of course, invited to attend the celebration as well, Lea. I know Father would be thrilled for you to join us."

Uh-huh. Sure. Grandfather looked positively pleased as punch over there at the very prospect.

"Sounds like a blast, count me in," Lea grinned.

Alright so… the birthday soirée would be tomorrow, then The Talk™ would be the day after. Roughly two days… forty-eight hours of waiting and worrying and dreading and- oh dear, I had to wonder what the world record for longest sustained panic attack might be. Start the timer, I was about to shatter that sucker.

A hush fell over the room, with the only sound coming from the clinking of the ice in Grandfather's drink accompanied by the ticking of the ancient but well-kept longcase clock in the corner. The ticking seemed to get louder with each passing second.

After one painfully long minute, Mother was finally the one to break the silence. "So Lea," she began, her eyes intent on him, "please… tell us a little about yourself."

"Where to even begin? Lessee here." Uh oh. I didn't like that little gleam he had in his eye as he rubbed a curled finger over his chin. "Well, I guess ya could say I had the kinda childhood every lil tyke dreams about: full of joy and love and the foster system." It was probably a good thing I hadn't gotten a drink because I'd probably be choking on it right now just like my parents were with theirs. "But I mean, with a druggie dad who bought the farm and a druggie mom who split outta my life first chance she got, where else was I s'posed to go?

"As for the rest after that, let's just give ya the highlights." Now he started ticking off his fingers, "College dropout. Ride a motorcycle. In a hardcore death metal band. Smoke ten packs a day." For the love of… he did remember the part about not giving my parents a heart attack, right? "Just got my thirty-day chip from AA - hey, fifth times a charm, right? Oh, I'm also a wanted felon in three different states. Wait…" he squinted one eye, pursing his lips to the left, "...make that four. Always forget about Connecticut. Which reminds me, I need to check in with my parole officer."

"He's joking!" I said quickly with a tiny, nervous laugh.

"Or am I?" he leaned forward in his seat to whisper conspiratorially, eyebrows bouncing. I pinched his arm, forcing a soft tch from him. "But let's not forget the most important thing ya need to know about me: how completely," he kissed my pinky, "and totally," another one for my ring finger, "head over heels," three more, one for each word and each remaining finger, "I am for your daughter."

Alright, you need to cool your jets, cheeks. This was all just part of the show, after all.

A show that was possibly being performed a bit too well. Grandfather's knuckles had gone so white around his glass, I was surprised the poor thing hadn't shattered into a million pieces yet.

Lea tapped his index to his lips now, "Hmmm, what else? Oh! Got a pretty cool story about this gnarly scar my half-brother gave me with a-"

"Anna!" I suddenly burst out, turning towards her at the same time I snagged Lea's hand, keeping him from lifting the hem of his shirt. She froze mid-sip, glancing at me out of the corner of her eyes. "What about you? What's new with you? You have that new boyfriend of yours, right? What about him, will he be joining us this weekend?"

Who me? Trying to change the subject? Psh, I would never!

She winced, averting her gaze and lowering her drink as she traced a finger around the rim. "Oh jeez, my…? Well... he, er… he was going to make it for dinner tonight but… something… unfortunately came up! But he should definitely be here in time for the party tomorrow, so… don't worry! Heh… I- oo, little cheeses!" she cried out excitedly as Gerda abruptly appeared once more to place a small platter of hors d'oeuvres on the coffee table. Anna immediately proceeded to stuff her face with them before pointing at her bulging cheeks and shaking her head, signaling she could no longer talk.

A crease formed between my eyebrows.

Huh… was it just me or was Anna acting kind of weird?

Maybe the tension around the room just had us all on edge, even her. Yeah, that was probably all it was.

"And you, Elsa?" Father's cool tone snapped my attention back to him. Each word that followed was slow and measured, as if he were picking them very carefully, "Tell us how you have been keeping yourself occupied during these past several weeks."

"Oh!" I gnawed on my lower lip, my fingers already tugging at my braid before I'd even realized it. "Well, I've… reconnected with an old friend - you remember Rayne from when I went to summer camp? Well she's married now with a baby on the way, can you imagine? And… and I've gotten myself a place to live and have found a job and-"

-and auditioned for a musical.

That was what I'd been about to tell them. However when I tried, the words got caught in my throat.

I knew they'd disapprove. That they'd probably scoff and wonder why I was still wasting my time on such childish, useless things. But it wasn't childish or useless, at least not to me. To me, the audition had been so important, had brought me so much happiness. I didn't want to give my parents the chance to belittle and ridicule it. I didn't want them to take this thing that was so special away from me.

So instead I released my braid and folded my hands in my lap, sitting up a little straighter as I simply said, "...and that's it really."

I could sense Lea's eyes on me. I think he knew what I'd purposely omitted. Thankfully, he kept his mouth shut about it.

"So… Lea…" Grandfather spoke up suddenly, his voice dangerously low and making me flinch. "I hear you're in the…" his lip curled in a slight sneer, "...pizza business? Is that right?"

Smirking back, he slouched a bit more comfortably into his seat. "That's right. I sling dough at a lil pizza joint in the local mall food court. Great place by the name of Pizza Planet… you ever been?"

His jaw clenched ever so slightly. "No, can't say that I have. But this... Pizza Planet," he said it like those were the two most offensive words in the english language, "...is that where you see yourself working for the rest of your life?"

Lea chuckled, his hand batting the air, "Nah, that'd just be silly! No, I won't be selling pizza forever." His mouth curved into a cheshire grin, "Instead I'll be selling ice cream."

"He plans to own his own business, Grandfather," I hastily clarified.

"His own business… selling ice cream," he growled, pointer finger incessantly tapping against his glass now. "And this is how you would plan to provide for and take care of my granddaughter."

"Pardon me, Sir Gramps," there was a hint of an edge to Lea's voice now, despite his unwavering smile, "but I was under the impression that your granddaughter was her own person fully capable of taking care of herself."

You know that chilling, goosebump-inducing, hackles-raising energy you can feel crackling in the air right before a devastating storm strikes and ravages the land?

That was exactly how it felt right now in the space between Grandfather and Lea.

Luckily, Gerda appeared in the nick of time to divert the tempest by announcing, "Dinner is ready!"

"Thank you, Gerda," Mother had stood in the blink of an eye and was already making her way over to Grandfather. "If you would be so kind as to escort me, Father?"

His hard, unblinking gaze was still on Lea and for a second it seemed like he hadn't even heard her. But at last he tore his eyes away with a harrumph and put his drink back down on the table with a sharp, audible clink. "Of course, my dear," he said evenly as he rose from his own chair, offering her his arm and leading her out of the room.

I turned to Anna, but before I could say anything she'd already bolted up and around the table to grab both of Father's hands in hers. "C'mon, Dad! Walk me to dinner too!" she yanked him up, startling a soft grunt out of him as he staggered to his feet. Then she was hooking her arm through his elbow and all but dragging him out of the room with her.

What the…?

...maybe Anna was just super hungry?

"I think that went really well!" Lea chirped, giving me a thumbs up.

I merely drooped my eyelids at him and said nothing.

Later that night found me in my old bedroom. I'd deduced this was where I was expected to sleep, seeing as how this was where Kai had deposited my luggage. As suspected, Lea had been set up in one of the guest rooms further down the hall, so it was just me alone in here now.

It felt odd being back in this room. Just like it'd felt odd returning to my parent's home or going back to my old condo. I don't know, I guess I just didn't feel like I... belonged here anymore. Like I was some piece that everyone else was trying to force into the wrong puzzle, even though my edges didn't fit and the picture didn't match at all.

Sighing, I shifted in my chair to face the mirror on my vanity once more - this one a lot nicer than the one we'd scrounged up for my room back at the apartment I shared with Rayne and Riku, as you might imagine. Having just finished combing out my hair, I set my brush aside and my fingers idly went to work on rebraiding as my thoughts began to wander.

Dinner had ended up just being the sequel to drinks in the Marigold Room. My parents had continued to try and maintain some semblance of being hospitable hosts while keeping up strained conversation. Grandfather had continued to be a seething ball of barely-held-in-check fury and I don't think he'd said more than two words for the rest of the evening. Lea had continued to… well, be Lea. And as for my sister…

I quite honestly had no idea what was going on with her. Maybe it was just my imagination but it seemed every time I'd tried to talk to her, something else had always gotten in the way. Like I'd open my mouth to speak but before I could so much as make a peep, she'd already engaged Mother or Father in some new topic. Or I'd ask her a question only to have her look at me, lips pursed shut against a mouth full of food and shoulders shrugging. There was even one time where all I'd said was her name before she'd accidentally knocked over her drink. At least, I thought it'd been accidental… unless...

Could it be that she was... purposely avoiding talking to me? Had I done something to upset her? I couldn't even begin to think what. Last I'd seen her a week ago, she'd been fine. Everything had been normal between us. What could have possibly changed since?

...maybe I was just reading too much into it. It was probably just a lot of coincidence and poor timing. In fact-

There was a knock at my door just then.

Ha! Bet you that was her now. See? Nothing to worry about, I'd just been overthinking it all. Tying off my completed braid, I rose to answer the door.

And indeed, it was a redhead that I found waiting in the corridor on the other side.

Just not the redhead I'd been expecting.

"Lea?" I frowned, both my eyebrows rising.

He snerked, "Yeesh, don't act too excited to see me."

"What? No, I'm- You're just not who I-" I pressed my lips shut, heaving a small sigh through my nose. "...nevermind. What brings you here?"

"Brought ya something," he grinned and for the first time, I realized he was hiding his hands behind his back. "May I come in?"

My head tipped to the right. "Uh...sure," I opened the door wider, my bare feet stepping off to one side as I absently smoothed at my dress - the same one from dinner. Lea had arrived just before I'd been about to change for bed.

He was still in his earlier clothes as well, though he'd left behind his boots and jacket. I couldn't help but notice he hadn't taken that cute little half-tail out of his hair yet. I also couldn't help but notice the way he carefully managed to keep whatever he had behind him out of sight, even as he walked past me into the room. I closed the door and when I faced him, he hunched down to my eye level, "Ya ready?"

I crossed one hand over my abdomen and gestured with the other for him to continue.

"Ta-da!" he brought one hand forward now, revealing a little black strip lined with sharp, metal points dangling from the clasp pinched between his fingertips.

That's right. It was the spiked collar.

...whatever I'd been expecting, it hadn't been this.

My eyes blinked once. Then twice. "...you were serious? You actually have one of those?"

"Course! What, didja think I was lying? I'm offended, madame," he hmphed, putting his free hand to his breast.

I snorted with a roll of my eyes, "Well no, not lying, but more so just joking."

"I never joke about studded leather," he waggled his eyebrows at me.

Nose crinkling, I delicately poked a finger into one of the spikes. "Alright, so why exactly are you showing me this?"

Lea smirked and shrugged. "Your curiosity just seemed so piqued when I mentioned it earlier."

I gave him a flat look. "It was not piqued."

"Keep telling yourself that," he chuckled then paused, eyes crinkling. "...so you wanted to know what it looked like on me, right?"

Cheeks lightly toasted now, I scowled, "I never said-"

He wrapped the thing around his neck, holding it in place with a hand instead of fastening the tiny buckle in back.

Oh.

Oh, I see.

...it was, um… hrm, it was… interesting.

Damn it, face, be cool. That goes double for you, heart! Don't go thinking I can't hear that racket you're making down there!

"Well, I guess that's one mystery solved," was all I said as I glanced away, hand coming up to cover one cheek in a vain attempt to hide the growing blush.

"Glad I could be of service," he murmured as he (mercifully) removed the collar from his throat once more.

"...why do you even own one?" I asked, hesitantly reaching for the accessory now.

He let me take it from him. "Just a relic from my pissed-off, rebellious juvenile delinquent days that I managed to dig up again recently. What a punkass lil poser I was back then, huh?" he hummed a tiny laugh as he looked down at his feet, lightly scuffing one against the carpet.

Intrigued by it now, I turned it over in my hands as he spoke before taking it over to the mirror on my vanity. "I suppose we all try to find different ways to express ourselves when we're young. Just a part of growing up and figuring out who we are," I said distractedly as I watched my reflection bring the choker up to encircle her neck, tilting her head slightly to the left with a thoughtful frown.

"Well I guess that'd make me a-" whatever quip he'd had locked and loaded was forever lost as he made a sudden strangled, choking noise.

I looked over at him sharply, brow furrowing as I lowered the spiked collar once more. "You okay? What happened?"

His fist thumped his chest as he fought for breath, which was making his face red. "N-nothing," he wheezed, rapidly shaking his head. "Just oxygen, man. That shit'll kill ya, am I right? Heh."

I squinted at him dubiously.

Lea was such a weirdo sometimes.

He averted his gaze now, rubbing at the back of his neck. "You, uh… that choker looked good on ya. Like really, really good."

"You think so?" I frowned down at where it rested in my palm before holding it out to him, "I'll just have to take your word for it."

"Keep it," he grinned, pushing my hand back towards me. "Ya never know when you'll need one for an impromptu angry goth phase."

I smiled at that, "I think I'm in the clear. Isn't that more of a teenager thing?"

"Please. Angry goth isn't an age, it's a state of mind."

"If you say so," I snorted, but put the choker down on my vanity. I had to wonder what my parents might say if they ever discovered it in here with the rest of my things.

"So," he piped up once more, pulling my attention back to him, "this is the bedroom that sweet lil El grew up in, huh?"

As I watched Lea take a few steps further in now, it suddenly occurred to me... this was the first time a boy had ever been in my bedroom. And not just any boy - this was my crush.

Wow… it felt so highschool when I put it that way.

To be fair though, this wasn't an experience I'd ever got to have while I was actually in highschool.

Better late than never, I suppose?

I only wish it didn't make me want to squirm so much as his eyes roved over everything in here, from the big, purple, gauzy canopy bed to the embellished, oversized wardrobe and matching dresser set. From the cushy, inset bench beneath a grand window in the unique shape of a triangle to the tall, antique shelves of neatly arranged novels and DVD cases of old musicals and plays. From the small sitting area in one corner furnished with plush red chairs to the vintage Broadway posters hanging from the walls in expensive frames.

The room was not small by any means, but him being in it somehow seemed to make it shrink. Like here was this big guy that had somehow found his way into a cutesy little dollhouse room. The comparison did not make me want to fidget any less.

Trying to take my mind off it, I began, "So… earlier at drinks and dinner, did you really have to be so…" I bit down on my bottom lip, trying to find the right word. "...just so, ah…"

"So much of a grade-A jackass?" he suggested brightly. Not exactly the word I would have used, but still, I gave a slow nod and he laughed. "Remember, the whole point was for me to be a total hooligan so they didn't just think me some pushover they could boss around or scare off. Think they got that message loud and clear. 'Sides, pushing every last button of the girlfriend's folks is kinda a hallmark of being a classic bad boy."

My fingers found their way to my braid, running up and down it. "But there's a big difference between pushing a few buttons and having a deathwish."

"Aw, how sweet, you worried about lil ol' me, El?" He paused briefly in his casual perusal of my room to glance my way, flashing me that cursed dimple of his, "I'm so flattered."

I shook my head, "I just think you didn't have to go to such extremes or be quite so-"

"Gotta question for ya," he interjected, coming over to stand in front of me. "Say I had showed up on my very best behavior. The perfect gentleman, minded all my P's and Q's and was just the saintliest boyfriend to ever saint. Do you think your family would be singing my praises right about now?"

My eyes shifted about and I tried weakly, "...well… maybe if-"

"Do you truly, honestly believe that your family would ever accept a white trash lil nobody like me dating their precious princess of a daughter?" he pressed quietly yet firmly.

I tucked in my lower lip, hesitating for a long moment before a tiny grimace twisted my face and I mumbled, "Probably not, no."

Lea gave a little smile that almost seemed a touch sad before he turned away once more, returning his attention to exploring the bedroom. "Thought so. I was screwed the second I so much as dared to breathe the same air as your gramps. So if they're all gonna hate my guts whether I play the part of boy scout or hoodlum, might as well go with door numeros dos and at least have some fun while I'm at it," he chuckled.

"Fine, I see your point," I crossed my arms with a frown. "But still, you might want to tone it back just a smidge. Grandfather has munny and connections. He can seriously make you disappear."

A snerk. "I'd like to see him try. I'm one tough son of a bitch to get rid of," he muttered as he neared my bed now, reaching out a hand to poke some of the draping aside as he peeked in, "Trust me, no one axes me that easily, got it memorized? He's in for one rude awakening if he thinks he can just- gah!" he stumbled back in surprise, blinking a couple times before shifting the canopy again for a second look. "The fuck is that ugly lil bastard?!"

I rushed over, snatching up the stuffed plushie sitting atop my neatly made bed and hugging it close as I glared at Lea. "It's a snowman and shush, he's cute! Cuter than you anyway!"

His horrified gaze darted from me to the doll and back. "Dear god, I hope not!"

Sitting down on my mattress, I spun the little guy around in my lap for a better look at him - it'd probably been at least four-some-odd years since I'd last seen the plush, after all. And okay, sure, I could admit he probably wouldn't be winning any beauty contests any time soon, but give the poor, stuffed snowman a break! I had had him since I was a baby and he had had to endure more than one stitch repair job, especially with what a destructive little toddler Anna had been. Despite all that, I still thought him rather handsome with a unique, quirky charm to him.

Giving Lea a flat look and hitching my chin, I said dryly, "My statement stands."

"Wow, guess it's true what they say, beauty really is in the eye of the beholder," he grumbled, narrowing his gaze on the plushie as I snuggled it close to me once more. But then one corner of his lips quirked up and he bowed down to look me in the eye, tipping his head to one side as he murmured, "Hope I at least rate a close second."

Resident cheeks be advised: flash fire warnings are now in effect.

I held my tongue and just glanced away.

The corners of his eyes crinkled as he straightened back up and shoved his hands into his pockets. "So… about that big party tomorrow…"

Thank goodness, a new topic! "What about it?"

Shrugging, Lea said, "Just wanna know what to expect."

My fingers idly stroked at the snowman's head - the fabric still felt soft after all these years, even if it had taken on more of a dull gray color by now as opposed to its original pristine, snowy white. "Well… it'll probably be held in our ballroom-"

"This small palace has a freaking ballroom too?" He shook his head with a snort, "I was kidding before, but this place really is just one big damn Clue board."

Rolling my eyes, I continued, "And it'll probably be packed with all our relatives. Believe me, there are a lot of us on both sides of the family. Acquaintances too. Honestly, it'll most likely all be rather boring. Just a whole lot of mingling, maybe a speech or two, and an over abundance of food accompanied by music."

"Music…" he repeated, frowning up at the ceiling now as one hand went to the nape of his neck, tugging at the little hairs there. "So that mean there'll be dancing? Like… the fancy kind?"

I cocked my head at him. "Are you worried about having to waltz?" Resting my stuffed doll against my pillows, I stood up, "I can teach you if you'd like."

He blinked at me, expression unreadable. Then, "Alright."

I stepped over to stand before him. Now that I got close, I was reminded of just how freakishly tall the man was. My stomach did a little somersault at that and I was already regretting this decision. But it was too late to turn back now. Beating the blush back, locking it up and throwing away the key, I schooled my face into seriousness.

I was going to handle this like a professional, damnit!

"It's fairly simple really, and you've probably seen more than your fair share of it in those sappy movies you like so much. Our hands come together, like this," I joined my right with his left, holding them up to one side. "While your other hand goes…" gingerly taking his wrist in my grasp, I tentatively guided his palm to rest on my hip, hoping the action didn't seem as awkward as it had felt, "...right there." Finally, I settled my left hand on his shoulder and looked up the few inches that separated us.

Big mistake.

Jeez, having eyes as green and beautiful and heart spasm-inducing as his should've been illegal!

And being surrounded by his warm, cinnamony boy scent was not helping matters one bit.

I hastily broke eye contact, opting to look down at our toes instead. Toes are nice. Toes are safe. "It's, uh... it's very easy. You just take steps in the shape of a square. Watch my feet and follow along, I'll go slow. Forward with your left foot first," I took a step back and he moved with me, "then to the side with your right… now bring them together… Good. Then back with your right… out with your left… and together again." I took him through it a few more times without issue. "See? Simple. You're already getting the hang of it."

"I just must have a really good teacher," he said in a low hum.

"At this rate I'll soon be the one following your lead instead of… wait," my forehead wrinkled, "...you are already leading." I looked up at him suspiciously. "Did you already know how to ballroom dance?"

He smiled sheepishly, "Heh… guilty?"

"You brat, why did you tell me you didn't?" I laughed, trying to step away from him.

"I said no such thing," his hand shifted from my hip to the small of my back, not letting me escape. To be fair, I didn't try that hard. "You just assumed I didn't know how. And you know what they say when you assume," he teased as he continued to lead me in our little dance.

I scoffed in spite of the upward tug I felt at one side of my mouth. "Where did you even learn to waltz?"

"My lil secret," Lea winked. "But you know the deal. I'd be willing to give it up for one o' yours."

"You want me to give you a secret?" My eyes darted to the left. "I'm not sure I even have anymore…"

He snerked, pulling me ever so slightly closer to him. "Now I know I don't believe that. You must be able to think of at least one."

...actually yes. There was… at least one more I could think of…

That of certain feelings I was having for a certain redhead.

Sensing a small, familiar heat creeping up into my face, I cleared my throat and shook my head, still not meeting his gaze. "No… no I don't think so. Pretty sure I'm all tapped out."

He dipped his head down next to mine and I could feel him smirking against my ear as he whispered, "You wouldn't be lying to me now, would you?"

His warm breath tickled and I had to suppress a shiver. Conceal, don't feel. Don't let him know. I finally looked at him with a small, playful smile that I hoped didn't betray my hammering heart. "Come now… does this look like the face of someone who'd lie to you?"

Lea bit back a tiny, crooked grin as his eyes hooded, his thumb tracing small circles against the fabric of my dress. Then his lips parted, about to speak.

That was when, for the second time that night, a knock came at my door.

That must be Anna. Smile widening as I continued to stare up at Lea, I called out, "Come in."

I heard it open followed by a soft, "Oh!" that caused me to pale and my feet to stumble.

That wasn't the sound of my sister's voice.

My head whipped towards it as I stammered, "M-Mother!" This time when I attempted to break free of Lea's hold, he let me.

She stood there, posture perfect and hands clasped together in front of her. "Sorry, I didn't think you already had company."

"S'okay, I was just leaving," Lea said before pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. "Night," he told me, voice low as his fingers tucked some of my hair behind my ears. Apparently, he couldn't just depart without giving me one final whammy of the warm fuzzies. Jerkface. "Ma'am," he nodded to my mother as he walked past her towards my door, closing it behind him on his way out.

My gaze followed his exit before drifting over to my vanity right beside the door.

More specifically, to the spiked collar still resting on top of it.

Fudge. Had I wondered what my parents' reaction would be if they ever discovered it in here? Yes. Did I particularly need to find out the answer to that little question this very night? Hell no!

Luckily Mother hadn't seemed to notice it on her way in and her back was currently to it as she said, "That young man is… quite the character."

Funny. That's what Father had said. Almost verbatim. I wondered if my parents rehearsed these things.

"He, uh…" I sidled past her, putting myself between her and the choker, blocking her line of sight to it. Then I forced an innocent smile and a weak chuckle, "...he makes me happy."

If she thought my movements strange, she was good at hiding it. "And he seems very fond of you."

"Ah… yes, I suppose so." I casually leaned back against the piece of furniture and slipped a hand behind me, discreetly moving the offending item into one of the vanity's small drawers.

Whew! Mission Hide The Goth Contraband was a success!

The small feeling of victory swiftly waned however and I frowned. "Mother, I…" I began, only to find I had no idea what to say to her.

I hadn't had any idea for years now.

It had not always not always been like this. In fact when I'd been very little, I'd felt like I could share anything and everything with her. She'd been my biggest supporter in all things, especially in my love of the performing arts. As I'd always been such a shy child, she'd gone so far as to even encourage the activity, perhaps in the hopes that it would build my confidence and make me more outgoing.

But as I'd grown older, our relationship had changed. She became more aloof and distant. I suspect she and Father had hoped my interest in theater was just a phase, one I'd grow out of eventually. But when it seemed I wasn't going to - not on my own anyway - she'd started taking a sterner approach with me. That's when she stopped being my friend. That's when it became harder to talk to her. And it'd only gotten harder and harder with time. Things were never quite the same between us after that.

She watched me now, patient for me to continue. Worrying my bottom lip between my teeth, I finally settled on, "Why are you here?"

"I would think the answer should be obvious." Her small, gentle smile caught me off guard, but not nearly as much as her now stepping forward to take both my hands in hers. "I wanted a little time alone with my daughter. Away from your father and grandfather... just the two of us."

My breath hitched, my chest constricted, and before I knew it I was blurting out, "I auditioned for a musical."

Her head reeled back slightly and I winced.

Welp. So much for not letting that cat out of the bag.

I swear, mouth, I can't take you anywhere.

Waiting with bated breath, I searched her wide-eyed gaze for any clue as to what she might be thinking. Was she angry? Annoyed? Disappointed? I couldn't tell as her face gave away nothing for several long seconds. Finally though, she tipped her head to one side, "...did it go well?"

I blinked, a crease emerging between my eyebrows. "I, uh… yes, I think it did. But they won't announce casting until next week."

"I see. Well," and here she was smiling again as she leaned in closer to whisper, "we can just keep that our little secret, hm?"

...who was this woman and what had she done with Mother?

I stared at her before slowly nodding. It was all I could do. Words abandoned me at the moment. I hadn't been prepared at all for this.

And I was even less prepared for what came next.

Mother's gaze softened as she brought her hand up, cupping her cool fingers to my cheek. "That must have taken a lot of courage. I'm very proud of you."

My throat tightened and I swallowed past the lump I felt forming in it. I blinked away some tears, my voice hoarse as I somehow managed to get out, "Th-thank you… Mother."

Had I entered some sort of Twilight Zone? If so, I never wanted to leave.

She regarded me kindly for a second more before her expression turned to that of concern. "You look tired. Have you been sleeping well?"

Honestly, I hadn't. The last good night's rest I'd had was the unplanned sleepover in Lea's room. Every night since then was one night closer and closer to this weekend and whatever unspeakable horrors awaited me. Every night had been less and less dreams, replaced by more and more tossing and turning. I'd actually spent all of last night wide awake, just staring up at my ceiling until the sun had at last arisen.

So, naturally, my answer to Mother was, "Yes."

Her quiet tsk said she didn't believe me. "Come here," she turned away, walking towards my bed and lowering herself down onto it. I hugged myself, feet rooted to the spot as I stared after her, bewildered. Sitting back against my pillows and tucking in her legs, her hand patted the spot on the mattress beside her, "Cuddle close, scooch in."

Instantly I was transported back to when I was a little girl. Back to the last time I'd heard her say those words to me. My response was automatic and before I'd realized it, I'd already curled into her side and was resting my head against her shoulder.

She started humming a familiar lullaby. One she had used to sing for me all the time when I was small. It was from my favorite musical, the same one that the song I'd sang in the tryouts had been from.

This was nice. It wouldn't put me to sleep, but still, it was... nice. Comforting. Nostalgic. Her hand was lightly stroking my arm, my hair, my cheek. Then she was trailing the tip of her pinky down the bridge of my nose slowly before bringing it back up to do it again. An old trick she'd used to use to get me to pass out. Cute. That may have worked when I was a child, but I was an adult now. There's no way it could still possibly have the same effect on me now, not in a million-

Within minutes I was out like a light.

Author's Note: Ah, it's finally here! The dreaded weekend with (dun dun dun)… The Parents (TM)! Elsa's spent most of the story in Lea's KH universe, now it's his turn to spend a few chapters in her Frozen world xP Let me tell you, when I was writing outline notes for this whole story, I had very little planned for this arc at first. I had a smattering of a few vague ideas, but hardly enough to fill even so much as one chapter with! But thankfully, Frozen 2 was released, coming to my rescue and giving me a whole new host of Frozen characters to include xD Then the ideas started flowing, thank goodness! Soooooo, more F2 characters to be introduced in the chapters to come! Fun Fact: Elsa's dress this chapter (complete with lil necklace) is loosely based on the dress she wears at the beginning of F2 for the Some Things Never Change song, just picture it shorter (cuz apparently I just want to do that to all her dresses) and with a maybe slightly poofier skirt.

Next chapter, what new trial and tribulations does The Weekend (capital T, capital W) hold in store for our couple? Is there something up with Anna or she just being her normal oddball self? Was there a reason behind Mother's unexpected show of affection? Will there be trouble brewing at Gramps' bday shindig? Just who REALLY is the cuter cutie to ever cute: Lea or Elsa's wonky snowman plushie? Stay tuned!

Thanks for reading, I super duper appreciate it! And an extra BIG thank you to those of you who’ve liked, reblogged, and followed so far, seeing those lil notifications always brings the biggest, goofiest smile to my face!

FIRST CHAPTER || PREVIOUS CHAPTER || NEXT CHAPTER

[kchuarts]

Flowers in Blood

A/N: Ooo the plot thickens! Also, I feel like I write my fics at a fast pace with time. Idk I don’t mean to write an entire novel (yet) Also, I KNOW that the gif isn’t The Night Manager but I ran out of gifs? Translations provided on AO3 because ya gurl lazy. 

Summary: Plans go wrong 

Warnings: THIS CHAPTER DOES CONTAIN VIOLENCE AND A NON GRAPHIC IMPLICATION OF ASSAULT. 

Taglist: @lucywrites02​ , @shiningloki​

Chapter 17: Wisteria p. iii 

Jonathan collapsed next to Katie, panting hard after their fourth round of sex that night. When they had gotten home, Katie suggested taking a shower and bath together… Which led to the third round of sex. After that, Jonathan wanted to go down on her properly which led to the fourth and final round of intense love making.

"I think-" Katie panted, looking over at Jonathan and giggling "I think maybe we should call it quits tonight." Exhaustion was evident in her voice and nuzzled closely to her boyfriend.

"I'm inclined to agree." Jonathan wraps an arm around her, chuckling at how much they fucked yesterday and today. "For God sake, you'd think I'm a spry young man again with how many times I've wanted to make love to you." He raised his brows and pulled the sheets over their cooling bodies. Sleep was not too far behind Pine either as his eyelids began to droop. He stared at Katie, watching her fall into a deep, peaceful slumber. Never before had he felt so attached to one person. He was crazy for this girl and it almost scared him from just how insatiable his feelings were for her. Despite the actions of tonight, Pine couldn't help but feel something was about to go wrong. Because of his grim intuition, Jonathan came up with an idea of how to take down Wisteria once and for all… Although he wasn't happy about what this idea exactly was.

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"I'm surprised you even agreed to it." Roper spoke, unlit cigarette between his lips.

Abbadon scrunched her nose in disgust and stared out at the sea. She and Roper were personally stationed at one of Masayuki's elaborate, traditional homes. This particular "sanctuary" was untouched by any sort of business as it resided on the cliffside. There was access to a private beach, a natural hot spring a bit further away in the forest, and other necessities of a cliffside manor. "I never agreed to anything, Roper." She huffed and pulled her shawl around her shoulders, chilled from the bite of the sea breeze. “I’m doing this for myself and my son, I’ve told you this.”

Richard took a drag off of his now lit cigarette and blew smoke out, putting his lighter away. “Yes, so you have. I’m just curious though… Do you actually think your tyrant of a brother will ever let you see your son again?”

Anger flared up in the woman’s eyes and she grabbed Roper by the collar of his coat, teeth bared. “You already know the answer to that!” She threw him back with a little force and snarled. “I do not appreciate you bringing my son into conversation in such a casual manner! You are lucky that I did not push you harder or you would be tumbling to your pitiful death-”

“My fellow comrades! Why all the arguing?” Travis stepped out from the house, looking over the cliffside for a moment and shuddering. He did not do well with heights at all and was rather angry at Masayuki for choosing this to be their base.

Abbadon glared at Richard, storming past him and then giving the same glare, with just as much venom, to Travis. “Comrades? You’re joking. I would never even consider a sick fuck like you to be an ally.” She spat, going back into the manor to escape the men and bitter cold.

Travis whistled, walking to Roper and grinning at him. “You know I should really shove you off the edge of this cliff for what you did to my men.”

Roper puffed out smoke, raising his brows and did not seem bothered by his comment in the slightest. “You’d be the second person today to inform me that you’d like to shove me off the cliff. Come up with something more original, will you? Also, get better men who can actually dodge.” A small smirk touched his lips.

Instead of being offended, the leader of Bloodroot let out a cold laugh and shook his head. “I’m actually glad you got rid of them, though I had to take care of Andrew after. He’s rotting somewhere in that one forest near Mt. Fuji… I didn’t kill him, I convinced him to do the deed himself. I know how to make a person go mad with doubt, I know how to break them and plant lies into their heads…”

“You truly are a sick fucker aren’t you?” Richard put his cigarette out and frowned. “Telling someone to kill themselves just because they aren’t up to your standards. That’s low, Travis. I can’t say much myself though, but at least I don’t get pleasure out of doing it.” He began to make his way back inside, turning around one last time. “Oh and by the way, maybe I should shove you off of the cliff. You seem to be the most deranged out of us all and will be better off dead than alive.”

-----------------

The next morning arrived with Jonathan carefully examining the outside of their rental. He did notice some activity that confirmed his suspicions of last night. It seemed a bit odd that Masayuki didn’t have any bodyguards with him and lacked henchmen yesterday. Pine knew that he had something up his sleeve for the strange absence of men. However, Katie did point out as they were walking home that two men had been following them at a short distance. They had dressed as normal civilians but acted too suspicious to actually be residents of the area. The same two men were found stalking about outside near the rental, making Jonathan uneasy. There were too many innocent people around and he didn’t want to have another blood bath like the time at The Prince Sakura, just a few weeks ago. His phone began to ring and he went inside, answering it. “Angela, we’re in a bit of a tight spot.”

“I know that already by the sound of your voice… But you’ve also got a plan haven’t you?” Angela was browsing a toy store, looking for something for her little one. It didn’t help that she couldn’t read Japanese so she was having a bit of a hard time with it.

“Yeah, but it involves us voluntarily giving ourselves up to get closer to Wisteria and take Masayuki down. I’m having Kate contact the police today to inform them of our plan and that they are going to need back up. I can’t imagine that the manor is going to be empty when we arrive.” Pine looked over his shoulder, making sure Katie wasn’t around at the moment. “We have visitors outside of our rental. Some of Wisteria henchmen. They followed us last night after I got Kate out of the situation she was in. I can’t talk for too much longer as we need to get this plan set in stone. I’ll send you a text later-” Jonathan hung up and walked over to the stairwell, only to find Katie standing there. He rubbed the back of his neck out of slight guilt, “You heard everything, didn’t you?”

The brunette nods, walking down and moving past Jonathan. “I did. I don’t know if that plan will work, Jonathan.” She turned to face him, uncertainty evident in her voice. “Masayuki has Bloodroot with him too. Who knows if Travis and his scum bags are also there. We can’t count on police interference when we don’t know how many of them there are.” She swallowed hard. This was a risky move, but in order to not shed blood this was their only option. The thought of more innocent people dying had Katie’s stomach churn. Like Pine, she did not want a repeat of The Prince Sakura; especially since there were children out and about.

“So what are we going to do then? Wait like sitting ducks? We don’t have time Kate, it’s either we call for backup and tell them we found his main base or people die.” Jonathan walked down, his brows knit together in concern. Logically, the law enforcement was more than aware of Masayuki’s crimes but had no clue of where his base was. They had enough evidence to lock him up for life already as he had been arrested a plethora of times beforehand. All they needed was the base location.

“No!” Katie shook her head and looked at her boyfriend like he was crazy. She turned her gaze away from him and sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I just-... We’ve spent so much time together that I almost forgot we had a job to do.” She admitted quietly and turned her back on Pine. “Alright. I-I’ll call the police but then what happens after that?”

“We hand ourselves over like I said. I suggest you get dressed in something you’ll be able to fight in and not just my shirt.” He walked over, giving her bare ass a smack and grinning. Jonathan did his best to lighten the grim mood, but he only received a whine of annoyance.

After about an hour long phone call, Katie and Jonathan prepared themselves for their plan. Like Pine had said earlier, Katie put on more suitable wear for fighting as it was inevitable. “They should be heading to the location now.” The brunette placed her knife on her belt loop, pulling her cardigan down over it. She let out a shaky breath, more nervous than before as this was more dangerous than anything she had previously encountered.

“Hey.” Jonathan took her shoulder gently, turning her to face him and tilting her chin up. “It’s gonna be ok, baby.” His eyes gleamed truthfully. “I won’t let anything happen to you.” He leaned in, kissing Katie deeply.

Katie kissed back just as eagerly, her arms wrapped around his neck and body pressed against his. She opened her mouth, allowing his tongue in and moaning softly.

Pine pulled away before things could get more heated, the sex would have to wait. “Come on.” He took her hand in his own, lacing his fingers with hers as he led them both out.

The brunette turned around and let go of Jonathan’s hand to lock the door. “I’ll go first.” She took a deep breath, stepping out into the street with her head held high. “Oi! Watashi ga kita, anata wa kakureru koto kara nukedasu koto ga dekimasu.” She spoke loudly and waited for the two men that had followed them to walk out. Instead of just two, around ten men walked out causing Katie to gasp and run for Pine. “Watashi o hanashite!!” She felt hands grab her and heard Jonathan yell for her. “Hanashite!!” This was not going as they had planned.

“Iiya, anata wa jōshi e no tokubetsu haitatsudesu.” One of the men holding her chuckled. “Zan’nen’na! Watashitachi wa anata ga nani o shiyou to shite ita ka o sudeni shitte imasu. Keisatsu wa ima anata o tasukeru koto ga dekimasen. Watashitachi wa sukoshi mae ni sono mondai ni taisho shimashita.” He clicked his tongue and held his phone up, showing Katie pictures of the slaughter that had been committed shortly after she had made her call.

“S-Sore muri!!” Her eyes were wide with horror as she couldn’t believe they had gotten one step ahead of them. A cry of pain brought her out of her disbelief as she looked over to see Pine being pummeled. “YAMETE!!” KARE O HANATTE OITE!!” She cried out, tears streaming down her face as she was helpless against the five men who held her still. “YAMETE!!” She begged, beginning to thrash her body. A cloth was placed over her mouth and nose as she struggled to break free and soon her body fell still and vision blacked out. Pine had been put in the same predicament as he fell victim to a chloroform rag as well. Both of them were lifted over the henchmen’s shoulders and carried out of their street. As they were being carried, blood of the innocent had once again been spilled as it stained the road. Bodies of families and on goers littered the streets every other house. An hour later, police had finally showed up, but it had already been too late; lives had been lost by the hands of Wisteria once more.

------------------

“D-Daniel-san!!” Masayuki sat up straight, shoving one of his male whores off of him as his boss made an entrance. “What a p-pleasant surprise to see you, sir! Yes, come in! Please have a seat-”

The dark haired man waved his hand and smiled, “Oh no I won’t be staying for very long. I have news that troubles me so and I believe you have the answer.” He began to walk toward Masayuki, prowling around him like a predator ready to strike. “You see, I had been told my dear sister is wandering about in the streets of this country after escaping the place I ordered her to stay put.” His golden eyes shimmered maliciously. “Why didn’t you inform me the minute she had visited, Kibutsuji? Hm? Is it because you were too busy counting your money? Fucking a whore or two? Touching my μικρό ποντίκι? Oh I’m very aware of that too and how you fancy her. I have agents everywhere, “Yakuza lord”, and unlike you they actually inform me immediately of things that do not necessarily please me.” Daniel turned around, nodding to the three bodyguards that came in with him. He watched as they exited the vicinity before turning his nefarious gaze back to Masayuki.

The leader of Wisteria ordered his whores and servants to leave, but his bodyguards to stay. “So, you have come here to taunt me? To insult my services to you?” He growled, grabbing a long, slim object from behind him.

His action did not go unnoticed and Daniel took this as a sign of betrayal. “No. I have come here to inform you of your mistakes… And that Wisteria is no longer required of it’s services. From here on out, Daphne will be taking charge of Wisteria’s business as The Tigress has proved herself recently.” The vile man grinned wickedly.

Masayuki flicked his hand forth, eyes wide with anger “ROKUDENASHI O KOROSU!!” His men flew past their leader and pulled out their Katana they had been hiding.

Daniel cracked his neck and chuckled, dodging the swings of the blades and knocking the weapons out of the henchmen's hands. “Pathetic.” He muttered, grabbing one of the swords and cleanly decapitating one of them. “Wrong choice to try and kill me!” He taunted, again moving with fluidity and disemboweling the other henchman. This left Masayuki and Daniel at a standoff.

Nostrils flared, the Yakuza lord ripped his shirt off to show his tattoos that covered his entire torso. “It will be you that dies by my blade.” He removed his katana from its sheath and drew a deep breath, focusing his energy. “BY THE BLOOD OF THE SAMURAI!!” Masayuki cried out, charging forth and clashing blades with Daniel.

“Good! I haven’t had this much fun in ages!! Finally I get to show you how truly deadly I am.” Daniel purred, putting one arm behind his back and effortlessly knocking the strikes against him back. “Come now, are you really using old Samurai techniques? This is the 21st century Masayuki! Not the age of the warrior!” Belladonna’s leader spun around, slamming his blade down upon his opponent’s wrist. To add to injury, Daniel then sliced Masayuki’s achilles tendons and hamstrings. “Tsk, I was expecting more of a challenge.” He frowned and raised his eyebrows at the screaming crime lord. His eyes shined with pure evil as he watched Masayuki lay on the floor, bleeding out. “I could give you mercy and just slit your throat here and now, but what fun would that be?” He knelt down to look him in his dying eyes. “Sayonara, failed samurai.” He chuckled softly before standing up and tossing the blade aside, walking out and leaving the former Wisteria leader to die from a dishonorable way.

“Sir, Richard Roper is on the line.” One of Daniel’s henchmen handed the leader his phone.

“Ahh yes! Roper my friend, you have my sister with you do you not?” Daniel shucked off his white suit coat as it had been stained with blood.

Richard looked down at a bound Abbadon and snorted, “Already set for you Mr. Hasapis-”

“YOU SON OF A BITCH!! I WILL HAVE YOUR FUCKING HEAD!! BOTH OF YOU!! DO YOU HEAR ME!?” Abbadon shrieked, her teeth bared. Not too long ago, she had been tricked by Roper into believing he had a way to get to her son. Angry tears ran down her pale face as she glared at Richard, she was upset with herself enough, but more so that she thought Roper may have been an ally. Abbadon truly believed that maybe Roper was perhaps willing to help her as he could relate to her situation.

“Tsk, such a filthy mouth on her. Didn’t your mother ever use soap?” Richard chuckled to himself, lighting a cigarette.

“Unfortunately, no. That is a good idea though! Perhaps we should consider cutting her tongue out if she speaks to me like that again- On second thought maybe we will cut Niko-” Daniel smiled to himself as he heard his sister wail at the threat, taking pleasure in listening to her pain. “Anyways, Wisteria has been taken care of and handed over to The Tigress over in Seoul. She has impressed me as of late with the amount of prostitutes she has pushed through. She also has managed to find time to pick up Wisteria’s slack, which further impressed me. In the meantime, I will be flying out to Korea tonight to get things settled in. I want my sister in Seoul by the morning, is this understood, Roper?”

“But of course, Mr. Hasapis, but of course.” Roper hung the phone up and then ordered his men to take a hysterical Abbadon away. “Those two should be here shortly.” He took a drag off of his partially forgotten cigarette and walked out of the room Abbadon had previously taken space in.

Just in time, two men walked in with an unconscious Katie O’Connor in one’s arms. The other man threw a half conscious Pine in front of Roper’s feet.

“Take the girl to Travis’s room and follow what he wants you to do from there.” Roper waved his hand, putting his cigarette out and shoving his hands in his pockets. “What a pity.”

Jonathan looked up, his vision spinning “You sick fuck-” he slurred. Pine was trying to get up as best as he could, but failed as he was promptly kicked in the gut by Richard.

“Oh don’t you have something else to say? I’ve heard that one once from you, come up with something better! Is your age catching up with you? It’s a bitch. Sooner or later you might have to start taking viagra-” Roper grinned at the frustrated growl from Pine.

“Shut the fuck up! Give me Kate. Please.” He begged, falling face forward and falling into a state of sleep again.

The double agent looked down at Pine, kicking his hand to see if he was faking it or not. Shrugging, he walks over to the door and picks up his suitcase. “I hope this is the last time we’ll see each other, Pine! Nighty night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite!” He gave a toothy grin to the unconscious man before walking out of the manor and making his journey back to Spain.

------------------

The lights in the room were blinding as Katie opened her eyes, covering them with her arm. She groaned and slowly sat up, rubbing her head. “Jonathan?” She croaked, her eyes shut and head now throbbing. “Baby? Jonathan?” She called out again.

“Yes? I’m not Jonathan, but I respond to baby.” Travis walked in, closing the sliding door and grinned wickedly.

Katie’s eyes shot open and her heart stopped. She began to tremble violently as Travis came into her line of sight. “No… No, please no.” The brunette girl began to hyperventilate despite the horrible throbbing of her head. “NO!! NO!!” She screamed, struggling in Travis’s hard grasp. Katie continued to scream loudly, trying her best to kick and shove her vile ex off of her. The room suddenly felt more cool as she realized then she was only wearing a robe that fell open. It was at that moment she was mounted by the man who had ruined her life for two years, and she was unable to escape.

From below, Jonathan had been thrown in the basement and bound. He woke up to the sounds of a woman screaming like she was being murdered. His heart sank as he realized it was Katie who was wailing like that. Try as he might, there was nothing that Pine could do to save her from Travis. He could only lay in the damp, darkness and listen to the woman he loved being raped violently above. Those screams that Jonathan heard that night would haunt him for the rest of his days as Cameron’s began to mix into Katie’s shrieks

[xiekeyin-lyrics]

[ENG TRANSLATION + Explanation] Shaking Chloe 谢可寅 rap lyrics for THE9 Sphinx

Written by: Shaking Translated by: xiekeyin-lyrics 

First Rap part

小老虎 跳个舞 (romanized: xiao lao hu, tiao ge wu) “Little tiger, dance” Since Keyin’s nickname is tiger, due to her name Yin is a old character referring to and representing tiger, so she’s somewhat hinting she’s the big tiger and calling the little tigers to dance. 

This is open for interpretation whether she’s saying: 1. Little tigers, let’s dance together! (aka let’s play! let’s have some fun!)  OR 2. Small tigers, dance for me (like a clown, entertain me with your dance.)

键盘声大 霹雳啪啦 从不在乎 (romanized: jian pan sheng da pi li pa la, cong bu zai hu) “the keyboard’s loud, blah blah, (i’m) never bothered.”  噼里啪啦 pi li pa la is the sound of keyboards frantically being typed on, but it can also be used when someone is rambling. the word for keyboard is 键盘. In chinese, there’s a term called 键盘侠 which means keyboard warriors - a term typically referring to people who hide behind their computers and keyboards, talking crap, spreading hate, brave with words behind their computers. Most typically this term keyboard warrior is associated with internet haters who thinks they are righteous and is brave with their cruel words. So this line basically’s like, the keyboards is loud (because many are typing furiously or someone is typing quickly and harshly), pi li pa la (imitating people rambling OR the constant ringing sounds from keyboards that typing causes), i’ve never cared or i’ve never been bothered by it. 

踏不灭 踏不灭 野兽野火 (romanized: ta bu mie, ta bu mie, ye shou ye huo) “Can’t stomp it out (x2) the beast’s wild fire.” 踏 means both stomp and step on, it means no matter how you step on / stomp on, the beast’s wild fire can’t be stomped out by you. 

The term for beast 野兽 translates to beast but in chinese, it’s a terminology referring to wild animals too. Considering Keyin’s nickname is Tiger (Shaking’s Yin is a chinese character representing Tiger, a wild animal), she’s basically saying stomps on her or stepping on her won’t diminish her wild fire (of passion)

灭 has a double meaning too. It’s usually a meaning of diminishing fires. But in another way, 灭口 is a term for killing someone, murdering someone, to silence someone through death. So this line can also mean that no matter how you stomp to kill, the beast and the fire won’t be killed / diminished. 

And the way she repeated 踏不灭 (stomping it out) twice actually delivers a vibe and impression to it. cause when people are frustrated, they tend to do things repeatedly? like if you stomp to kill something and it won’t die so you keep stomping on it a few more times? so it delivers an impression of expressing this kinda emotions from those who wanna stomp on her and her flames of passion. So this line is expressing, no matter how badly you stomp to kill / to diminish, keyin the wild beast and her flames of passion, the fire in her is never gonna die or die out. 未解的 飞跃的 你看不透我 (romanized: wei jie de, fei yue de, ni kan bu tou wo) “Those unsolved, those soaring, you can’t see through me” The ‘you can’t see through me’ basically means, keyin’s not an open book that you can easily predict. Rather than an invisibility concept, it’s more of a: you can’t see through what I have up my sleeves - i’m unpredictable, i’m unreadable, i’m mysterious and unphantomable.

Second Rap part:

Cuz I'm a queen  A simple lyric, but it’s an ongoing theme that keyin has had ever since she first started rapping. In her first self-written rap song - Shaking Non-Stop, she crowns herself the queen and this lyric shows us the amount of confidence and self-pride she still has predebut since 2018 till now.

This is a theme that resonates and comes back again in the final rap lyric of Sphinx later on.

You look at me 不屑的表情 WO  (romanized: you look at me, bu xie de biao qing woo!) “You look at me, a disdainful expression, wo!”

Oh My God 笑话 难关从没怕啦 怕啦  (romanized: omg, xiao hua, nan guan cong mei pai la pa la) “Oh my god, what a joke. Challenges? Never been afraid~” Personally I loved this line cause of how sassy it is. 

难关 can mean challenges or obstacles and it’s kinda a term you use for games obstacles or the toughest point of games that you have to go through in order to level up. 

But then she goes like, 从没怕啦怕啦 the first two characters means ‘never been’ and the way she raps 怕啦怕啦 is kinda a tone of cuteness and in a joking way kinda? it’s an attitude of a child going “hehehe its fine its fine it’s nothing!” kinda like brushing it off vibes too. So the attitude in this is like her being cute and saying, “obstacles? challenges? heheheh i’ve never ever been afraid~” and what makes it best is like, she’s implying the obstacles AS GAMEPLAY OBSTACLES AND SHE’S BRUSHING IT OFF nonchalantly while saying she has never been afraid ooo i love you keyin 

HOWEVER! Because of the lack of punctuations, the way she raps the 难关从没怕啦 怕啦 can once again mean something else if you frame it differently. If you separate 从没怕啦 怕啦 and add in a question mark at the end, it can mean i’ve never been afraid of obstacles, are YOU afraid (of me) now? (it’s just asking are you already afraid / are you now afraid? in general. but to me it’s hinting a vibe of asking those who looked at her disdainfully, are you afraid of me now? seeing my attitude?) 

this part all depends on how she wanna delivers it LOL i’m not sure how she wrote it to be cause 难关从没怕啦！ 怕啦? and 难关从没怕啦怕啦 means two different things :’) and i guess we’ll only know which does she mean when we look at her perform

Final Rap line

万箭齐发 看我的眼神杀 (romanized: wan jian qi fa, kan wo de yan shen sha) the first four words literally translates to “tens of thousands of arrows being shot collectively”. the last six words means, “look at my killing / electrifying gaze.”

Since the arrows are being shot - notice the direction of the arrows aren’t mentioned.

Therefore, there are two ways to interprete this :  1. She’s the general. Commanding her army, leading and welcoming the battle with w her charismatic gaze / gaze that shows that she is out to kill.

This is an aura and vibe of a general / a warrior. Considering earlier, keyin raps “Cause i’m a queen”, and these two lines together is SO precious because it’s a theme she started with when she first started rapping - Check out her solo performance two years ago “Shaking Non-Stop”(linked), her first rap piece that she wrote. In Shaking Non-Stop, Keyin refers to herself as the queen with lyrics like “Welcome to my kingdom, it’s shaking so dope!” and in the chorus and most of the song she implies she is the general, the soldiers all ready, waiting for her signal to charge forth full-force. 

Now in Sphinx, it feels like her theme has not changed, she grew but she kept her confidence and self-pride that she’s still a queen, she’s still a brave, smart, righteous general. The 10 words here is like a signal commanding soldiers to shoot (btw if we watch chinese historical war dramas, at the beginning of a war, the defending army would stand guard the city tall walls and begin collectively shooting when the general signals to, and when the war begins and the offensive army comes.) and her killing gaze is typically the attitude of a general ready to fight. 

2. Keyin is describing the tens of thousands of arrows being shot at her. She is still welcoming, fronting the battle with her charismatic, killing gaze. 

In this way of interpretation, Keyin’s no longer the general. Rather, she is fighting the battle alone. But she is still fearless, still out to kill those who collectively shot arrows at her - still ready to front those who gangs up against her by attacking her collectively.

Interpretation 2′s arrows would symbolise the hate and attacks towards her over the years, how haters would gang up to attack her collectively, targetting her. 

-----------

note: the italics parts in romanized are the rhymes that shaking used for her rap, which is tbh throughout all her parts that she wrote.

I’ve posted this on one of the translation videos (link) for everyone to better understand the lyrical genius shaking LOL.

Keyin’s parts may be short but she has always put in lots of effort to write smart, good lyrics and i do think it’s so important to understand her lyrics as international fans :)

[buckyscrystalqueen]

The Difference: Part 2

Pairings: Mark Sheppard x Reader

Warnings: None??? Swearing must likely…

Word Count: 5,214

Part 1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So… are you still mad at me?” Emma asked as the two of you sat in your shared office on Monday, going over and translating a ten page document from some Greek dignitary to someone in the Homeland Security office, discussing the logistics of his visit to Greece for a benefit in a few months. 

“Very much so.” You responded without hesitation.

“Oh, come on.” She sighed behind you as she turned her chair to look at your back. “He’s a really nice guy, and he’s a very understanding person. He’s worked with Ben for years, and I know Ben wouldn’t have suggested setting you two up if he wasn’t going to be good for you and the boys…”

“Em, do you two realize what you are asking here?” You snapped a little curtly as you turned around to look at her. “You’re asking some stranger to consider stepping in to my life, and my boys lives, to possibly be a father to them one day. I have four sons, Emma. Four. And one of them has Downs. That is a lifetime of responsibility that I would never, ever expect someone to do. No matter how much I like him, I can’t date him.”

“You know, you make them sound like they are a burden.”

“How dare you!”

“No, I’m not saying they’re a burden.” Your sister said quickly. “I know what you do is not easy, and I’m not knocking it. But what I’m asking is, do you have to go at it alone? Do you have to live in the basement until you can afford some shit apartment…”

“So what, you want me to just find some random Joe to take care of me? Is that it? Because I can take care of myself…”

“No, I’m not suggesting…”

“Then what are you suggesting, huh?” You demanded as you crossed your arms over your chest. “Because this is gunna turn out one of two ways. My boys and I are gunna end up getting hurt or I’m gunna feel guilty for the rest of my life that I trapped someone with four boys that aren’t his. Those are the only options here. So can you please, please just fucking drop it already? No more blind dates, no more pushing me to find someone for the boys sake. They are fine with just a mother and the family. And they will be fine, too.” With a loud huff, you spun your desk chair around and got up to go for a walk to let off some steam before you finished your task.

“Did you ever think I knew what I was getting myself into going to dinner with you?” Your stomach dropped and you turned around to see Mark, leaning against the wall beside your office door, rolling a single white rose in his fingers. He looked up and met your eyes with a small shrug. “I was in the area and wanted to see if you’d like to have an early lunch.”

“Mark…”

“See, I’ve heard stories about you.” He continued as he pushed off the wall and walked over to hand you the rose. “Like the one time you set off a bottle rocket at a funeral…”

“OK, I was like ten and the mood was kinda dark and depressing.” You justified before smelling the rose with a small smile.

“And I’ve heard about the opossum family you let loose in the barracks…”

“Again… mood was kinda dark and depressing.”

“And that tells me that you have an amazing, dry, yet slightly twisted, and sarcastic sense of humor just like I do.” You nodded your head and let him gently turn you around for lunch. “I know that you are strong willed, and fearless. I know that you are devoted to your family, and you are patient, and kind. I know you put your loved ones before yourself without batting an eye. So let me ask you this- why wouldn’t I want to date you?” You stopped walking and looked over at him and then quickly walked a few steps back when he very gently pushed you toward the wall so you were out of the way of the people walking by. “Putting your boys aside for just a moment- if they didn’t exist, would I be someone you’d consider getting to know?” You searched his brown eyes for a moment before exhaling through your nose and nodding your head. “So, don’t you think you should finally give yourself a chance to be happy?”

“But…”

“I know you think you’d be… what did you say… ‘trapping’ me.” He interrupted. “But have you ever considered that I adore children? Have you ever considered I know what I could be getting myself in to by going out with you? I can see where this could end up. I’m not naive. And if I hadn’t been OK with that in the first place, I wouldn’t have agreed to taking you to dinner, right?”

“Mark…”

“I’m gunna just say this one last thing… after that, you can either come grab lunch with me before we go back to work, or you can go back to your office, and I won’t bother you again. I do not like pineapple on my pizza. I’m also not a fan of pepperoni but I will tolerate it.”

“Oh, my God I can’t handle you.” You giggled as you shook your head.

“Am I going this way alone?” He asked with an award winning smile as he gestured over his shoulder. 

“I will go… as long as we can go to Surf City for a smoothie, and stop at the dry cleaner on the way back.”

“I think I can make that deal.” He said with a nod.

“Alright… I’ll grab my wallet just… stay here? I guess…”

“I’ll wait here.” He chuckled with a nod as he slipped his hands in the pockets of his dress slacks. You nodded and turned in your heels to walk quickly back to your office. Emma looked up at you when you crossed the threshold and you simply scowled.

“Shut up.” You barked as you set the rose down on your desk. “I hate you.”

“See you after lunch.” She giggled as she looked back at her computer to finish what she was doing before she took her lunch break.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fridays were, hands down, one of your favorite days of the week. Since you were just a contract linguist, you only had to put in 20 hours of work a week to keep your office and your job, which you usually did in eight hour shifts Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. You did switch those days up if you really needed to but for the most part, since Emma could translate Italian and Greek just like you could, your boss was OK with you only putting in three days of work. Thursdays were usually spent at doctors appointments for you, and/or your boys, which meant that Fridays, you got your babies all to yourself with rare interruptions. 

“What are you doin’?” You cooed as you sat on your bedroom floor, grinning like a Cheshire Cat at Evan, who was picking up his soft, plastic letter blocks one by one, walking them a few steps over to where you were sitting, and gently putting them in Luca’s lap. “Are you sharing? Are you sharing with your brother, baby boy? Yea.” Your oldest giggled adorably and continued what he was doing as Luca simply watched his brother from between your legs, completely mesmerized. 

You turned your head to the side to check on Thomas and Theo, who were both hyper focused on dropping plastic ball-pit balls into holes cut into a cardboard box, before toddling as fast as they could to watch the balls fall out the open end into a plastic laundry basket. You loved listening to the two of them laugh and talk to each other in nonsensical sentences, and you wished you could live in innocent moments like this forever.

“Mmm… Mmm…” Luca said between your legs as he looked up at you. You gave him a big smile and looked down at him.

“What, baby? Do you want a drink?” You asked as you signed to him, since he was a little behind the boys in his communication skills. He looked down at your hands for a moment, taking his time to connect the dots, before nodding his head and giving you the yes sign. “Alright, come here sweetheart.” You moved Evan’s blocks out of the way and stood up with a slight grunt. “Who else is thirsty? Juice break?” Your other three sons all looked over at you and instantly abandoned their current games to toddle after you toward the kitchenette. They waited with more patience than some adults you knew as you held on to Luca’s sides and used  your feet to gently push his along one step at a time like your doctor wanted you too. You cheered for him when he finally made it to the tile, and his smile lit up your whole world yet again. You lowered him down to sit on the floor as your phone started to ring in your back pocket.

“Hello?”

“Well hello, darling.” Your smile grew as you put your phone on speaker and set it on the counter.

“Well hello to you, too. Aren’t you supposed to be working?”

“Work is for chumps.” Mark chuckled as you lined up three trainer cups with straws and one with a hard plastic mouth piece on the counter. “Which is why, I am skipping out early today.”

“Ooo, what a dare devil.” You teased as you grabbed a pitcher of already mixed fruit punch Juicy Juice and water, which was the fan favorite with your boys. “Got a hot date tonight?”

“Funny you should say that. I was wondering if you had eaten lunch yet?”

“I have not.” You told him with a shake of your head as you poured. “But I have to feed my kids first, which means I actually have to put something other than my sleep shorts on to go to the grocery store to get food to actually feed my offspring like the good mama lion I am.”

“What, no gazelle in the back yard?”

“No, you’re a week to late for gazelle. Ate them all up last week… No Evan, that’s Luca’s.” You pushed your oldest’s hand out of the way, and handed the two older boys their cups.

“If you’re passing out money, I don’t blame him for trying to take it.”

“Liquid gold.” You said as you handed Theo and Thomas their cups and turned to put away the pitcher. “It’s juice time. Luca has to use a different cup and Evan is a little jerk and tries to take it.  And before you ask, I have tried giving Evan the same cup as Luca and he won’t use it. He just wants it because it’s different than his.”

“Boys will be boys.”

“Yea, you’re telling me.” You huffed as you grabbed your phone off the counter and shoved it in your bra. “I have four, remember?”

“Speaking of, do you need a hand at the grocery store?” You smirked as you picked up Luca and stepped over to your chair to sit for a moment.

“Yea, you’ll definitely be scared away after going to the store with me. I’m the crazy coupon lady with four screaming toddlers.”

“So it’s an adventure. And it gives whomever usually assists you a break.” He chuckled as you took the phone off speaker. “I’ll bring you a smoothie…”

“Oh, you drive a hard bargain, Mr. Sheppard.” You joked as you sat back in your chair and adjusted your son in your lap. After a small debate in your head as you looked at your children, you sighed and nodded. “Alright. But remember, I gave you a fair warning ahead of time. This will show you what it’s like to really date me. And yes, I know you’ve spent two weeks saying you can handle it… just wait.”

“I am going into it with an open mind, kitten. Just like I do every day.”

“OK.” You sang to him as you rocked yourself back and forth slightly. “I warned you. I’ll text you my address but call me when you get here. I live with my parents and my grandparents and trust me when I tell you, you want to come in through the back door.”

“Sounds like a plan. I will see you soon, darling.”

“Looking forward to it. Bye, sweetheart.” You admitted, honestly. You smiled and hung up the phone with a small sigh as you looked down at your son. “Shit… this is gunna be interesting.”

——

“Alright, so I’m gunna give you… the grabber.” You said as you stood in the back of your van, looking at your kids, before deciding to grab Thomas first. You unbuckled him and picked him up with a small huff, since there wasn’t enough space for you to stand up completely. “This is Thomas.”

“Got it.” Mark said as he carefully took your youngest like he was going to break.

“Never held a baby before?” You laughed as you watched him.

“This would be my first.”

“OK, first of all, you don’t hold them out like they are diseased.” You giggled as you got out of the van. “Put him on your hip like this.” He nodded his head and let you guide him so that Thomas was propped up on his hip. “See? Simple. Just don’t drop him.”

“Your vote of confidence isn’t helping here.” He joked as you moved the straps of the kids seat, that looked like a car on the back of your shopping cart, out of the way.

“Then you just set him down here facing the cart.” He nodded his head and stepped up to your side with a small smile. You took a step back and let him do all the work so he could really get a glimpse at what went on any time you took the kids out in public.

“He’s about to fight it.” You said as you crossed your arms over your chest. “Keep your hand on his chest and quickly strap him in.”

“No!” The parking lot filled with your child’s scream as Mark battled Thomas’ hands to get him buckled. Little fists went flying until you finally stepped forward and grabbed his hands.

“Stop it.” You barked as you looked him in the eye with your ‘mad face’. “No.” His face contorted into a pout and he threw himself against the back of the chair.

“You just had to give me the hard one first.” Mark laughed as he tightened the seatbelt.

“The fact that you think I would give you the hard one is actually comical.” You said, honestly as you walked over to get Luca next. “He’s second easiest. Luca is first but I couldn’t start off with the easiest first, could I?”

“That would have been the nice thing to do.” You nodded your head and stepped out of the van with your second son on your hip.

“Alright, this is Luca. He’s a little people shy until you say his name. Always be soft, and gentle with him. He’s a little slow on the take so patience is key.”

“Hi Luca.” Mark cooed as he took a step forward. “Hi.” You looked down at your baby, with a small smile just as his face lit up with the smile that could melt even the coldest heart.

“You win.” You giggled as you passed him over. “Now with him, he’ll look back at you a few times to make sure you’re still there. Just say hi, talk to him a little. He’ll look back around to explore. If he starts making an ‘Mmm’ sound, he’s calling for me. His verbal communication isn’t there yet so he knows some sign language. I have faith through.” Your companion nodded his head and went over to put Luca beside his brother as you picked up Theo from the back to go in your cart. “Alright, not fighting, please.”

“Want me to?”

“Oh no.” You said with a shake of your head as you stepped out of the car. “These two are my worst.” The moment he saw the cart, Theo started to thrash in your arms because he, like Evan, hated being confined in any sort of seat. “This is a constant fight with them. They hate being confined… quit! Just quit, damn it! Ugh, you are a monster spawn. Monster spawn!”

“I don’t even know where to offer help.”

“You can’t.” You said as you finally got the seat belt buckled. “My mom is the only person that can get them to stop. Stop it!” You snapped in Greek, which only worked for a few moments. “Yea, they speak Greek. And Italian. It’s a constant battle in my house of which language is going to be their primary language. So damn competitive… don’t you start with me.” You growled as you picked up Evan, who wasn’t quite as bad as his brother, but who was still not a peach either. You struggled a bit with his hands, which Mark ended up coming over to hold for a minute so you could get him buckled in. With a sigh, you looked up at him with a smile. “Scared yet?”

“So do you always match them up this way?” He asked as you stepped over to grab your diaper bag slash purse from between the front seats.

“No, I mix it up. Usually, I put one of the trouble makers with Luca and I push that cart. I normally come to the store with one of my aunts and a couple cousins and they are a little loud for Luca to handle. So I try to keep him with me and away from my family in public. And the boys can tell that he’s different and they already know that they have to be more gentle with him. So they tend to be more calm. I use him as a buffer. Wait, I start in the middle.” You said as you grabbed Mark’s cart before he could go to the right toward the produce section. “You start on the outside and you are guaranteed to have a blowout diaper change or two that takes forever to clean up so all the cold stuff gets room temp by the time you finish your shopping. It’s almost guaranteed.”

“Alright, so what do we have on the list?” With a small smirk, you reached into your bag for your grocery store binder and passed it back to him.

“List starts in aisle four. My aunts usually watch the boys when I go to work and they spend the day gossiping and clipping coupons since we have such a big family. And not just me. My house is pretty full, but I also have nine aunts, nine uncles, forty-three cousins, and four second cousins. Oh, and we can’t forget the twenty… two? No twenty-three cousins by marriage, and my nieces and sister and brother in-law, and me and my boys. So total, we have over a hundred mouths to feed and that’s just my local immediate and extended family. They clip a lot of coupons. But we’re not super assholes about our couponing… babe, you gotta watch him!” You said quickly as you lunged and grabbed Thomas’ hand before he could knock a display of glass spaghetti sauces. You scowled at him and tapped his hand harshly with your fingertips, which only made him laugh manically.

“Sorry, kitten. I was distracted by the hundred plus mouths thing…”

“Not your fault.” You said with a nod as you pulled your list from the binder. “This is your first time. Gotta learn some how. But with quads, you constantly have to be aware because one of them is always up to no good. Sure you’re not scared yet? We’re not even five minutes in.”

“I can handle it.” You nodded your head and huffed a laugh with a giant smile on your face.

“Alright, just remember I warned you.”

“You know, you keep saying that.” He chuckled as he moved the cart into the middle of the aisle more so that Thomas wasn’t close to the shelves. “I bet raising children is a breeze.”

“Ooo, you better be glad that we are in public and that I have boxes of pasta in my hand or I would fight you for that statement.”

“Ooo, listen to that, boys. Mummy’s getting feisty.” You laughed as you counted boxes to make sure you didn’t grab more than the coupons you had so that the store still had some left on the shelves- which, in total, would only cost you maybe three dollars for twelve boxes of pasta that would last maybe a month, maybe two with the way your growing boys were eating.

“Mummy? Could you be any more British?”

“Probably could.” He chuckled behind you as he watched you grab two big jars of sauce for the boys, and two smaller Alfredo sauces for Luca because he couldn’t handle the acidity of the tomatoes. “I do drink tea…”

“Scotch and crumpets, too?” You teased as you moved down to the buy one, get one free Mac ’n’ Cheese.

“No scotch. I’ve actually been sober for almost thirty years.” You stopped and looked over at him with your eyebrow raised.

“Wow. Shit, congratulations, sweetheart. Bet that wasn’t easy.”

“It wasn’t at first.” He sighed as he gently redirected Thomas’ hand when he tried to grab a woman’s arm as she passed by. “But it’s got much easier. I go to meetings every morning before I go into the office…”

“Wait, you wake up extra early on purpose?! Are you crazy? Go after work and sleep in!”

“I don’t need my beauty rest anymore, kitten.” He laughed. “Nothing could make my ugly mug any better.”

“Aww, well I think you’re handsome.” You cooed as you looked over at him while grabbing canned veggies and beans that were two for $1 that week, with a doubled fifty cent off coupon for each set, making them all free to you.

“Not nearly as beautiful as you, kitten.”

“I like that, by the way.” You said as you started to load his cart with cans, since you were going to have at least fifty cans. “Kitten. It’s cute. Keep count for me. I need fifty.”

“I’ve never been one for pet names but it just works for you. How long does all this last for you?”

“Well, a can of veggies or beans divided amongst the five of us works for one meal. Two, sometimes three cans a day… about a month. Pasta just shy of two. Cheese sticks, however… shit, I could buy six bags of them and they would be gone in a couple days. These monsters just inhale cheese sticks. So if you’re ever at my house and you see one of them trying to get in the fridge, they want cheese.”

“Got it. You’re at fifty.”

“Alright, next aisle.”

——

“Holy shit.” Mark said softly as he stood in your bedroom, watching you lay Evan down in his crib for a nap. “What the bloody hell just happened?”

“Parenting.” You giggled as you checked on your other, thankfully sleeping boys. You sighed and looked over at him with a giant smile. “I warned you.”

“Yes, but you should have been much more clear.” He teased as he walked over to grab one of the dirty high chair trays to help you clean them off. “Kitten, your children are horrible!”

“I told you.” You laughed with a nod. “It never stops. I get peaceful moments like once a day and then it’s sheer chaos.” You glanced over at him with a smile and traded your clean tray for his. “You’re very good with them.”

“Can I confess that I was honestly just mimicking what you did all day long.”

“I figured as much.” You sighed as you scrubbed some peanut butter off the tray. “Look, I understand if you can’t deal. I mean, I’m their own mother and I get overwhelmed…”

“You’re not getting rid of me that quickly.” He said as he came over and gently grabbed your wrist. You looked over at him as he shook his head with a smile. “I’m just a sucker for a pretty face, you know?”

“You should really save yourself.” You sighed as you handed him the clean tray in your hands and took the next one.

“Do you take a nap with them?” He asked to change the subject as he walked over to get the last tray. “I could absolutely use a nap.”

“Oh, how I wish. I have to clean up all the toys, do laundry, reorganize the pantry…”

“How about… I help you with that after a little nap? Then maybe I’ll order us all some pizza for dinner so you don’t have to worry about cooking.”

“You’re gunna have to order a special pie for Luca. He can’t eat marinara sauce.”

“I know a place that has an amazing white pizza. So let’s go take a nap because I am falling asleep just standing here.”

“OK, fine.” You sighed as you turned off the sink and set the last tray on its high chair. “But you keep your clothes on and you stay on your side of the bed. No funny stuff… I have four kids already.”

“You have my word that I will be an absolute gentleman.” You huffed and rolled your eyes as you wiped off your hands on your jeans.

“You’re just gunna be as much of a pain in my ass as them, aren’t you?”

“It’s a boy thing. It runs in our genes.”

“This is why I stay single.”

“You could always become a lesbian.” He suggested as he pulled off his shoes and scooted across the bed against the wall.

“Too much drama.” You sighed as you fell onto your mattress. “I’m good with all that.”

“Now you see where men’s issues lie… oof!” You scowled at him as you curled up under your blankets as he chuckled and rubbed his stomach where you gently hit him with the back of your hand.

“Go to sleep before I change my mind.” With another slight chuckle, you closed your eyes and almost instantly passed out. You had no idea how long you were asleep for but a deep male voice is the first thing you registered when you woke up, followed closely by a small hand on your chest. You opened your eyes slowly and looked down at Luca, who was sound asleep in front of you.

“You always gotta remember to keep the diaper up for a little longer.” Your dad, Tony, said softly in his deep, gravely voice as he stood beside Mark at the changing table. “Boys tend to pee when you first take their diaper off. And Theo is a wiggler, so I tend to try and keep a hand on his stomach so he doesn’t roll off the changing table.”

“That happens?” Mark asked him as he grabbed a wipe from the box.

“They try.” Tony chuckled with a nod. “But that’s not just these boys. All babies do that.” 

“So what do I do…?”

“I just kinda tuck it in here to keep the mess contained.” You smirked up at the two men and simply watched from your bed as Mark learned how to change his first diaper. You wondered how this situation had come about as your dad took a step back and pointed at the diaper genie on the side of the changing table. “Keep your hand there.”

“Right, right. I knew that.” Mark nodded his head and pushed the diaper in the trash can as he tried to keep Theo on the table, which was a feat in and of itself since your son was more of a thrasher over a simple wiggler. “So it goes this way?”

“Yep, but one thing that took me a second to remember- you gotta make sure you have it up enough in the back. Trust me, you will only need to go through that mistake once. Yea, that’s good there.”

“A’right, this isn’t so bad.”

“Just wait until you get a shit diaper.” Your dad laughed. “It can get worse. So much worse.”

“I don’t think you can say anything to scare him off, Papa.” You said softly so you wouldn’t wake up Luca. “I’ve been trying for two weeks and he just keeps coming around.”

“Hey, sorry. I just heard Luca whining and he was pointing to you… and then your dad came down because he heard him on the baby monitor and he didn’t want to wake you…”

“It’s OK.” You told him with a small nod as you brushed your fingertips down your son’s back. “You really think I’m gunna get mad at you for doing diaper duty? You can just put him down. He’ll wander around.”

“You got them from here?” Your dad asked as he took a step over to the stairs.

“I got it.” You said with a nod. “Thank you, Daddy.” He nodded his head and headed up the stairs to go back to work.

“I like him.” Mark said as he came over and sat down on the bed at your knees and watched Theo grab a book from the box to look at.

“My dad? He’s a good man. I love him to death but I hate that he is constantly coming down to help. It’s not his responsibility, you know? I get that he wants to help and all but still. He’s already done so much for me…”

“Are you trying to fault him for being a good grandfather?”

“That’s not what I mean.” You huffed as you propped yourself up on your hand. “I just feel bad that he feels like he needs to come down here when I take a nap when one of the boys makes even the littlest sound. That’s my job. He’s my dad, not theirs.”

“Sweetheart. You need to stop beating yourself up for getting help. That’s all you do…”

“Well shouldn’t I be the one taking care of the children I made?” You interrupted with a hiss. “I got myself into this situation, I should be the one taking care of everything, right?”

“Wrong.” Mark said as he leaned back against your legs. “Kitten, you can’t go at it alone. Period. Especially because you are half Italian and half Greek. I’ve seen My Big Fat Greek wedding and enough mob movies to know that Greek and Italian families are all up in everyone’s business…”

“Jesus, this isn’t like the fucking Godfather.” You laughed.

“You need to be nicer to me.” He teased as he sat up to pick up Theo and his book. “Or this is going to be a very tortuous courtship for you.”

“Oh, my God, you are ridiculous.”

“What do we have to read Theo? Dr. Seuss? Alright, let’s do this.” With a shake of your head, you laid back down with Luca to wait for him and your other two boys to wake up for play time.

Part 3

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ @sasuhinamonth || SasuHina Month 2019 || Day Twenty-Five: Bodyguard AU ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Uchiha Itachi ] [ SasuHina, vulgarity ] [ Verse: The World’s a Stage ] [ AO3 Link ]

“Is this really necessary?”

Lounging atop a couch - one arm over the spine, and feet hanging over the end - Sasuke gives his brother a look of annoyance.

“It’s just temporary for the fan meetup,” Itachi assures him, eyes glued to the tablet he’s perusing. As his little rockstar brother’s manager, the device is practically the center of their universe, holding data of every aspect of their schedules. “You’ve been receiving a few rather...troubling fan mail pieces, and we simply believe it to be for the better. Someone there to help keep you safe.”

“It’s not like I’m that famous,” the younger brother pouts, arms crossing.

“No, but your ratings have been climbing rather steadily. And I’d rather be safe than sorry when it comes to your safety, Sasuke. It’s just for one night while you talk to fans and sign autographs. Take pictures. That sort of thing. Is it really so bad to have someone there as an extra pair of hands, eyes, and ears?”

“Yeah, and have some burly asshole who makes me look like a punk who can’t handle his own shit,” is Sasuke’s biting rebuke.

At that, Itachi gives a wry smile. “You won’t have to worry about that.”

A brow perks, Sasuke sitting up suspiciously. “...meaning?”

“You’ll see. You’re to meet them tonight as to acquaint yourselves. Judge your ability to communicate and react to one another. Once tomorrow night is over, you’ll be free of them. Just try to be patient, Sasuke.”

Looking wholly unconvinced and now questioning what it is his brother is up to, Sasuke has little room to reply. So, what - the guy isn’t some typical brick wall people hire for bodyguards? What other type is there? Sighing, he decides to just...let the subject drop for now. It’s clear Itachi’s made up his mind, and until Sasuke can meet this guy for himself...he can’t really know what to think.

But that doesn’t mean he won’t pout about it.

Rather than meet out somewhere, the brothers remain in their shared apartment as they await the arrival of the temporary guard. Doing his best not to show his curiosity or nerves, Sasuke just grinds out video games until he hears the doorbell ring. The game pauses, listening as Itachi opens the door and greets them. He can’t hear words from here, and his brother’s soft tone barely makes it through the walls.

Until he calls Sasuke out to the belly of the apartment.

Doing his best to appear nonchalant, he stuffs hands in his pockets, moseying out and letting eyes flicker over the room for the guy.

But...he doesn’t see him. He sees Itachi, and some...woman?

“...he not here yet?”

Amusement glints in Itachi’s eyes. “Your bodyguard is here, yes.”

A blink. And then, “...you’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”

“Language, Sasuke,” Itachi chides, gesturing. “This is Hinata Hyūga. She’s a professionally trained bodyguard, and will be accompanying you to the fan meetup tomorrow.”

Sasuke’s face scrunches in disbelief. “A girl’s supposed to protect me?”

“Hinata is well-versed in several hand-to-hand arts, and is capable of protecting you. Her gender is rather irrelevant, Sasuke.” Itachi’s tone turns stern. “I would ask you to be more polite.”

“I’m rather used to it,” Hinata offers, hands folded at her front and giving a pleasant smile. “But I think, if anything, that usually works to my advantage. No one expects what I’m capable of. Which, in turn, should help you.”

Still looking unconvinced, Sasuke offers, “...how about a demonstration? Just so I can see what you are capable of.”

Her head tilts. “...I suppose I could do that. Though...I don’t really have a sparring partner.”

“Just use me. I can take it.”

Hinata hesitates a hair. “...are you...sure? I wouldn’t hurt you on purpose of course, but -?”

“No better way for me to know if it works, right?” He grins. He took a few karate classes when he was younger. And he still goes to the gym. A decent opponent, right? “C’mon, I wanna see what you’ve got.”

“Well...all right then,” she agrees, Itachi sighing heavily behind her. She takes a loose stance, letting Sasuke make the first move as they relocate to the open living room. 

Trying to find an opening, Sasuke contemplates before moving to strike her left side. Next thing he knows, his arm is effortlessly thrown upward, hands jabbing at his side faster than he can see before letting him sail on by her, untouched.

A strange tingling sensation takes over, and Sasuke struggles to stand up. “Son of a -!”

“I did warn you,” she replies, looking a hair sheepish.

Temper stoked, he manages to lurch to his feet and try again...only to be just as masterfully dodged and deflected. “The hell are you doing to me?”

“I’m striking your pressure points. It will temporarily make you unable to use certain parts of your body. It’s...a bit painful, but overall harmless, so I can incapacitate without harming.” Hardly a hair out of place, Hinata gives him another smile.

Winded, Sasuke sits back on his butt, watching her warily. He barely even saw her move! She’s fast, precise...and even if she’s tinier than him, she hardly exerted herself to lay him on the floor.

...maybe she’s not so bad, after all.

“Why don’t you go take a warm shower to ease your pressure points, Sasuke?” Itachi offers, unable to help a coy look. “I’ll get dinner going, and we can discuss tomorrow night’s plans, all right?”

“Yeah, yeah…” Doing his best to pick himself off the floor, Sasuke takes his wounded pride back to his room and adjoining washroom. Good thing nobody saw that...or he’d never live it down.

...still...pride aside, he has to admit: he’s impressed. She’s tiny, but obviously powerful in her own way. Helps that she’s cute. Guess he won’t have to worry about her standing out like some typical bodyguard would. People will probably just assume she’s support staff.

...he almost wants to see someone try something just to watch her pummel someone else. That might actually be kinda hot.

Blinking, he shakes the thought from his head. Okay...not going there. The last thing he needs is catching feelings for a woman who can kick his ass.

                                                          .oOo.

     Bodyguard!Hinata? Oh heck yeah xD I know most probably took this prompt with the roles reversed (I remember doing so myself with this prompt in a previous challenge), but I thought I'd shake things up a bit. Cuz in canon Hinata can kick any typical Joe's butt, so...why not translate that into modern?      Sasuke has become that meme of "I love a woman who can kick my ass", lmao      Anyway, that's all for today's prompt! Thanks so much for reading n_n

[lesbiansforboromir]

Messaging you bc u seem like a well of tolkien knowledge. Is sex really considered elf marriage? Does that mean aragorn is an 87 year old virgin, or do you think he had the odd affair here and there (denethor)? I mean, it would be kind of a dick move to cheat on arwen, since she gave up her immortality and everything, but 87 years is a long ass time. this is totally not a move to get aragorn/denethor headconons, btw

I’d act more modest if this wasn’t all I was qualified to do now but it’s still very sweet of you to say. ANYWAY. Ooo lets get into this one.

So, for a start, this concept comes from a section of HoME called LaCE (Laws and customs of the Eldar). Which means, right off the bat, we have to make it clear that this is not true blue tolkien approved canon. Then again, you could make that argument for most of the lore we have and LaCE is the first and only time Tolkien properly discussed sexuality and sexual customs within elves. Hence it wins a place in the overall fandom canon.

So yes in essence Tolkien says that, to elves, sex is marriage. He also says that they do it like rabbits for the first few years to get the babies out of the way but once that’s over with they lose interest, so that sex is just for babies. (He also, interestingly, says that no elves are ‘born in the wrong bodies’ or something to that effect, which means that Jrrt had some concept of ‘trans-ness’, enough that he needed to specify this, which I always find interesting but thats off topic!!) 

With all that being said, people do tend to just ignore it and have whatever fun they like, which is very valid. I am unfortunately cursed with a brain that demands I make sOMething of the canon it’s given or I just can’t get dopamine. So I do apply to it. BUT, as with everything Tolkien writes, you have to look at it not as a word of god, but as an in-universe historical text written by an in-universe author and then translated/copied/edited by in-universe historians with in-universe biases! And specifically, LaCE is written by a mortal human man and probably at least partly by a man named Aelfwine, who is from our world and literally just got lost in a storm and fell into Middle Earth and found Tol Eressea one day and decided to write a book about it. 

How well do you think a human man from the irl earth who had to be taught elvish and arrived millenia after the war of the ring could accurately understand and describe Quendi laws and customs from that time? I’ll give you a hint, not that well!

And even then, lets look at the title, it’s not ‘Biologically determined behaviour of the eldar’ it’s ‘laws and customs’ so... the general cultural attitudes, not the absolute unflinching facts of elven life. We also know canonically it’s bullshit since... Finwe literally married again after his first wife died... like he literally went to Manwe and was like pwease mistew manwe siw can I have some mowe coochie? and they just said hmmmm yes you may and I DO need to make a bigger post about how fucking wild it is that Finwe actually needed that permission and how that essentially proves my theory that a lot of these customs are Valar enforced and holdovers from Valinor so the Silvan and Avari elves wouldn’t even apply to this- ANYWAY!

That’s a longwinded way of saying I think it’s likely that Aragorn was an 87 year old virgin but it’s not a for definite thing. And, of course, I do just really love the idea of him and Denethor having this wild and angry yet passionate love affair for a hot second but that just breaks down because of all the pressures on them from Denethor’s father ect ect and they both just rebound heavily onto much stabler and more sensible women whom they can fall in love with and adore without all the damn stress. Certainly I think Denethor would be Aragorn’s only exception, he just hasn’t met someone so starkly his equal in all fields before, neither has Denethor, and that’s very potent to the both of them.

ALSO at this point this wouldn’t be cheating. Aragorn just got a crush on Arwen and decided that was that before launching himself into the wild before she’d even MET him. She had no idea who he was until he returned from Gondor and came to Lothlorien, where they officially fell in love and got engaged. After that point I think, yes, that was that for Aragorn’s sex life until he’s married to Arwen. He’s stubborn and an elf fetishist and he’s not gonna give Elrond an inch more reasoning to deny him his daughter’s hand. 

Although the like... weird tension in an AU where Denethor lives... Denethor looks older, more bent, he’s shorter than Aragorn where they used to be of a height... You can really see the struggle of the last 40 years written into his skin whilst Aragorn’s only gotten more regal, age has only made him more venerable and he still doesn’t look that old. But that potent and indomitable spark in Denethor that first drew Aragorn to him is still right there, impossible to ignore... It makes him want to slip right back into their combative and competative banter, he feels oddly young again.... Perhaps a “You shrunk, Lord Steward,” slips out without him meaning too, and Denethor just levels him with this gaze that seems to cut him in two, that strikes to the heart of him, as he answers, “You left, your majesty.” Like bOOM fucking MURDERED in your own hall, how does it fEEL to be boneless Aragorn???

... I hope some of that was what you were looking for :)