#cause why would you let those rumors run for so long

[cerebraljopper]

I guess David and LA’s marriage is not on the rocks as we thought. They were at a basketball game last night looking like a happy couple. So what was reason for this drama? The rumors were starting before she unfollowed David. When she did unfollow him she basically “confirmed” that the rumors were true. She was the one who gave the tabloids what they wanted. And the tabloids ran with it. Now all of a sudden everything is peachy keen. Wtf?! I just don’t understand this situation! I don’t understand her. I don’t like her and I never will. David deserves so much better. Sorry not sorry!

[trancylovecraft]

So, I just met you today with the Cherry Blossom Kokushibo fic and, you know, I just fell in love with your writing

I've had this idea in my mind for a while and when I read your fanfic I just knew you were the perfect person to put it into words

May I request an Oneshot with Muzan Kibutsuji/Fem reader? So, I've imagined for a while a fanfic where Muzan encounters a female reader who suffers from albinism, having very pale skin, white hair and natural red eyes. Because she was born like that, people rumored her to be a demon (sensibility to sunlight and red eyes aggravated that), and that caused her to be isolated from all and unable to wed. She is from a noble family and that is why she's still alive, but that doesn't soothe the wound since her family treats her like an outcast.

Bitter with resentment, under the moonlight of the bedroom, she curses all of those who waste their health living mundane lives while she suffers in loneliness. Her nihilism, indifference and hate makes her unafraid of Muzan as, if she thinks he will devour her, she asks for him to at least kill her family too. Little does she know that Kibutsuji already knows her, and he is infatuated with her. (If he wants to wed her and turn her into a demon she ain't complaining, especially if their engagement is celebrated with a bit of family massacre)

This idea was inspired by spider lillies, moonlight and the fact that I'd like to imagine Muzan with someone who resembles him when he was a human (Narcisistic King would only date those who remind him of himself)

I apologise if this request is too long for your liking, I am not very good with words and simplifying something I am excited about!

- the banana split jane doe

(KNY) YANDERE MUZAN x ALBINO READER: The Light Side of the Moon

(DW, I gotchu girlie. Hope you enjoy this one!)

The sun's rays shone down onto the overgrown field.

The rays seemed to reflect off of every grass strand and every drop of dew fell from the rain the night before.

It was a beautiful day despite the heavy rain last night, So much so that in the early hours of the morning the village kids had left early to run around in the grass and play dirty. Of course they would, It was getting into the colder months as indicated by the chilling breeze running through the valley. The children had to make use of every wake of sunlight before the snow came in.

So out in the field there was a good group of kids in the dozens play fighting and playing tag, Not giving mind to the dirtying of their kimono's and haori's. Their laughter rang out and bounced around like they were in a cave.

"Stupid.." [F/N] muttered, A bitter resentment lacing her voice like venom as she looked out at all the kids running wild in the valley.

She sat perched under the big zelkova tree overlooking the entire valley. It's branches were large and it's leaves were enough in number to filter out any sunlight passing through it, A perfect condition for the girl.

[F/N] sat right up against the tree for support as she brushed her hair with her fingers. Her locks were pure white, So was her skin. It wasn't like the kids who had pale skin nor was her hair light like the occasional person with a story, But instead something much more extreme.

When [F/N] was born she was diagnosed with albinism. According to the doctor who delivered her, Her mother had screamed in disgust at the sight of her while her father had demanded to know who she cheated on him with.

Her father wanted to kill her, He couldn't stand to look at such a horrid child. He wanted to throw her out into the river and hope nature took its course, However, He was fortunately stopped by the mere fact that they were noble blood and had already told the village-people the birth was successful. Killing her now would only severely damage reputation. Therefore letting her live.

From that day forward she was considered bad luck.

The local folklore was that albinism was a curse from an ancestor to atone for wrongdoings done in their time. It was an omen of death, Also known as: Something to avoid.

And the locals took it to heart. Every time [F/N] would walk down the street, Every time she'd go out to the market she'd get stares, Heckled and harassed her when she walked. Suddenly the prices at the market would go up, Just for her.

It didn't help that the consequences that came with the defect definetly made it seem like a curse. Due to the complete lack of melanin anywhere the sun scorched her skin like fire, Leaving her needing to take special precaution when leaving the house. Her eyesight wasn't the best either, Though it was much better than the normal person with albinism she still did have trouble seeing at times.

The past two months didn't help her case either, With the recent mutilations of the-

A rock slammed into the side of [F/N]'s head, Making her double over onto the grass. The sound of a couple children cheering rang out from down the hill. She hissed in pain.

"Take that, Demon!" One of the boys said, Having been the one who threw the rock. [F/N] clutched the side of her head where the impact hit. She could feel the early gathering of blood start to stain her pristine kept hair.

"The fuck is wrong with you?!" [F/N] screamed.

Pushing her body back up to look at the group of kids with an absolutely furious expression. The kids stood strong however, Only taking a few meek steps towards her.

"Leave our families alone!" Another one shouted, A girl this time. Her face was angry too, Only as much as a young child's could look. The other kids who weren't involved in the group stopped playing to watch the scene.

The mutilations, Of course. They started around two months ago with the Furukawa family. It was awful, One of their elderly neighbours had picked up a rotten smell and had asked her son to go check on them. Of course they came across both the mother and the father's pieces spread across the Livingroom.

[F/N] was familiar with the two, They had often been one of the more outspoken village people about their dislike of her and a few days before had shoved her aside while she was walking around.

She knew she should of shown some kind of emotion at the news of their slaughter, But to be honest, [F/N] didn't care. If anything, She felt a small tinge of relief.

They weren't there to harass her anymore, Or make off-hand remarks. For that she was glad.

"I never touched your stupid families!" [F/N] yelled back at her. Her deep vermillion eyes were filled with disgust like she was staring down an insect she could crush under the sole of her sandals.

"Liar!" Another one of the kids stepped out from behind the small group. He wasn't one of the bigger ones, He was in fact rather scrawny with unkempt hair. But [F/N] recognised him as the Furukawa's youngest kid.

"M-My parents died because of you.." He muttered, Looking down at his shoes unable to meet [F/N]'s eyes. His hands clenched into a determined fist, His body shook with vigour.

"They were great people! You had no right to take them away from me. Just because the other adults don't see you as the demon you are doesn't mean we don't!" He yelled back at her. The other kids joined in with supportive remarks following his speech.

"One day, When I get older I'll get revenge for them. I'll get re-" A rock slammed straight into his open jaw.

The kid screamed and fell to the floor with a loud thud!

The other kids yelped and backed away from the boy, Who was coughing up teeth and blood. He writhed around on the ground groaning in pain.

[F/N] was standing up now. She had picked up the rock that was thrown at her and flung it right back at the kid. She stood there seething in a fighting stance.

"Demon? I'll show you demon!" [F/N] yelled. She swiftly grabbed another rock and hurled it straight at the girl who chose to speak out, Hitting her straight on the forehead with a sick crunch.

The previously silent kids amplified into an uproar.

Screaming echoed around in the valley as all the kids tried to get away from the ensuing fight. [F/N] kept picking up rocks from the small hill and hurling them at the group. The kids who started the fight tried to haul away the two kids who got the worst of it, Picking them up by the arms trying to drag them away from the attacks.

"DON'T YOU EVER COME NEAR ME AGAIN OR IT'LL BE YOU NEXT! I SWEAR TO THE GODS IT'LL BE YOU!" [F/N] screamed, Her voice hitting high's that could be heard from the village.

The kids had gotten a good distance away from her now but that didn't stop [F/N] from throwing more stones.

"YOU HEAR ME?! DO YOU FUCKING HEAR ME?!" She yelled after them, Raising another rock to throw.

But by the time she had finished they had all scampered away back home.

She was left standing on top of the hill, Under the shade of the big zelkova tree, Looking out over the now empty and desolate field which had such a lively energy before but now was cold and lost.

She was panting, Letting out heavy breaths of air that turned into mist in the cold climate. The rock in her hand she was about to throw lowered, Dropping it to the ground. She exhaled for a final time, Letting all the anger and rage dissolve into mild annoyance she finally relaxed.

"Dumb kids.." She huffed. Shaking her head she leaned down to pick up the thick birch handle of her parasol.

Grabbing it she extended the blue patterned canopy, Making sure it covered her form she dusted herself off. Settling the parasol handle on her shoulder she set off out into the valley, Dreading her walk back home.

☆♡☆

"That was a horrible thing you did"

[F/N]'s mother stood a few feet away from her, Circling around her like a predator yet keeping a good enough distance to test the acidic waters. [F/N] felt her teeth grind against each other and her palms get sweaty.

Of course, The kids from earlier had ran back to her house to snitch on her to her mother. Well, Not the kids but the parents of the girl and the eldest brother of the Furukawa family being rightfully angry.

[F/N] was made aware of this when she came home at the first sign of the sun setting. Her mother was perched on the large porch of their family home waiting for [F/N]'s arrival, From the first time [F/N] spotted her mother she could of mistaken smoke from coming out of her ears.

It was frustrating, While she figured her mother would find out eventually it didn't take anything away from the experience. Though, She supposed she was lucky.

Her father being a noble and very highly profiled swordsman meant he was disciplined, And it also meant he expected that from all his children. Luckily enough though he was out on a very long business trip. If he was here, [F/N] knew that she'd get more than a serious lecture.

"So what? They attacked me first, It's only karma what they got" [F/N] responded, Her voice trying to stay levelled and calm yet shook at the seams. Her mother scoffed at that.

"They're just kids, [F/N]! They don't know any better and you should have taken that into account" Her mother exclaimed incredulously, Taking a few prompted steps up towards her daughter with purpose.

"Well maybe they'd know better if they're parents were still around to teach them better, Not that its my fault like they think though, Right?" [F/N] spat, Her voice venomous and the sheer disregard for the weight of her words went through her mother like a static shock.

"How fucking dare you.." Her mother whispered, Her voice full of disbelief at her daughters words leaving her jaw agape and eyes wide.

"Well I mean, The parents were already shitty people to begin with so I suppose that whoever ripped them apart did the kids a favour-"

SLAP!

[F/N]'s monologue was cut short by the hand connecting hard to the side of her cheek. [F/N] yelped out and stumbled back trying to catch her balance.

The hit had landed roughly at the side leaving only a single burst of a painful red on her monochromatic get-up.

"Your ideology is absolutely disgusting, How bloody dare you speak about the dead like that? You don't have any right to say that about anyone, Young lady!" Her mother yelled at her, Only about a foot away from her face.

[F/N] blinked away the tears from the pain and instantly snapped back.

"I'm saying what nobody else has the guts to! Just because you're all cowards and ignorant bastards doesn't mean you get to take it out on me!" [F/N] screamed back at her mother, Getting up into her face.

"You kee-"

While speaking, Her mothers hand shot out to grab [F/N]'s shoulder but her wrist was snatched by the younger girl, Who held it with an iron grip cutting off the older woman's speech.

"Don't you dare lay another hand on me.." [F/N] hissed. Her face seemed to be etched with a wild kind of rage like a feral dog, The single action of her mother making the anger so clear to anyone who could see.

Her mother, Being a much older woman than her daughter had much more brittle bones. The grip on her wrist being sore and painful on her old skin as she tried to pull away from her daughters grasp.

Realising what she was doing [F/N] let go of her mother, Who staggered a good few feet back from her assailant.

[F/N] mumbled a small yet sour apology and marched off towards the door out of the main Livingroom.

As she opened the sliding door and stepped out she heard her mother call out back to her.

"Y-You go up to your room and stay there, Young lady. Only come down once your ready to apologise!" She heard her mothers weak voice call out to her as she shut the door.

"I know!" [F/N] replied without looking back at her.

The door finally closed to leave her in the dim hallway, The only light shone from behind the Livingroom door leaving the entire hallway almost impossible to see in. [F/N] stood still behind the door, Making no move to head to her room. She looked down at her feet to contemplate her situation.

"Really? Hitting our mother? You've reached a new kind of low, Haven't you [F/N]?" A voice called out a little way down the hall.

[F/N] jerked her head up to the source of the voice and groaned.

Her younger brother, Juro, Stood at the end of the hall seemingly just came down the stairs. His head was held high and the usual smug grin lay planted on his face as always, He had his arms folded across his chest and his entire figure radiated false superiority.

[F/N] was the oldest of the five children her parents had conceived. Juro was the second oldest by only about five years apart in birth. [F/N] supposed that the reason they had such a big gap in age was due to the looming fear of their parents producing another demon child.

Though when they did give birth to Juro and found out he was a regular child compared to their monster of an eldest, [F/N] knew how much he'd be absolutely spoiled rotten, Which matched his personality like a pair of gloves.

It gave him a rather annoying superiority complex, With all the spoiling and being the one destined to become the head of their families clan and wealth you could probably see how it got to his head.

However it didn't stop [F/N] from being distasteful in behaviour towards him, The nasty expression on her face evident of that.

"Oh get off my case, Like you really give a damn." [F/N] scoffed, Straightening out her back to reach her full height.

"Of course I 'give a damn'. It's our mother and one of the figure heads of this clan, You really should be more respectful to your elders. Why mother keeps you around elludes me" Juro replied, Making sure to drawl out every condesending syllable to its full potential.

[F/N] knew exactly why her mother and father kept her around: They couldn't get rid of her. Their original plan was to marry her off, It didn't matter if it was to a nobleman or a commoner to them. The only thing that did was getting her to leave.

Though it imploded on itself when they realised no one would take her, Both her attitude and her looks were a big enough deterrent. Great for her but bad for her parents.

"Ah, Right. Because she shows such an amazing amount of respect towards me, I honestly feel so awful about it" [F/N] gasped, Sarcasm dripped from every word and fell like acid making Juro's eyebrow twitch.

He moved forward a few steps, Sizing her up as he went.

"Well the difference is that mother has a reason to not respect you, I mean come on, It's obvious. Maybe if you do treat her with the right attitude then maybe she might start seeing you in a different way" Juro said the last part as if he was trying to contain laughter, Like he had just heard the most offensive joke in the world he just couldn't laugh at.

[F/N] felt her fists clench and tighten to bare her knuckles.

"But with such sour attitude I do suppose it would be impossible for you, Wouldn't it? Dear sister?" Juro whispered as he got up into her face. Only a couple inches away from her now he carefully eyed her down, Waiting for one single move.

[F/N]'s teeth grinded, Her tightened palms grew sweaty and itched for the offensive attack. She wanted to punch him, She wanted to attack him and wipe that disgusting, Grimy smirk off of his arrogant little face.

However, [F/N] just sighed and let her fist drop loose into straightened palms. She knew what he was doing, She wasn't going to give into his taunt. She's had enough for tonight.

"Back off, Juro." [F/N] simply warned. Turning away from his expression now filled with annoyed disappointment she headed off towards the stairwell at the end off the hallway.

As she got up the steps she heard his smug voice call after her.

"Such a lovely chat with you as always!"

☆♡☆

The sound of childlike laughter resonated throughout the house, Despite the muffled sound of it [F/N] could hear the weight of it even from behind the thick walls of her room.

The pale moonlight of the night had illuminated the unlit room and flooded the area with a subtle glow, The silk blinds danced along with the soft breeze lifting into the room.

Her bedroom was situated at the very top of the large family home, The third floor. The massive house was large and sat at the edge of the village they lived in, Overlooking the entire town yet having enough distance to be considered a private property separate from the other houses.

The house was home to three floors in total. The first was the main area home to the kitchen, Livingroom and general activities such as a drawing room, Dining hall and her fathers very own training room.

The second was housing all of the bedrooms. All of her siblings, Parents and even the guest sleeping quarters were located there. It also even held a small room for their families servants.

And finally, The third was by far the loneliest of the trio.

It was much smaller compared to the other floors and was the newest built. It only housed a single hallway and [F/N]'s own separate bedroom which made up the majority of the floor.

Usually the prospect of having an entire floor to themselves would entice and excite anyone. The privacy and spacious area would seem like a blessing.

And yes, [F/N] agreed. It was a blessing alright. She was granted privacy from the struggle that was her family, It gave her time on her own to be herself.

But she also had to admit: It had it's downsides. Another laugh sounded out from downstairs on the first floor. The movements of the hairbrush on [F/N]'s light locks halted, Just for a moment as she listened to the joyous voice of her youngest sister.

They were having dinner, It seemed. [F/N] didn't apologise and had no intention to, So she was forced to reside in her room.

She continued to comb through her hair, Feeling the tug of the movements as she listened to the laughter down below cease.

[F/N] scoffed at it and tried to take her mind away and focus on the strokes of the brush. Though she couldn't help but trail off to the infuriating scenario happening downstairs.

Since her father was away her mother was probably the one to cook the food tonight, She always did instead of the family servants, Her own personal recipe of a Sukiyaki stew pot that she made to comfort her kids while their dad was away.

Her kids.

A mother is suppose to "love" her kids unconditionally, And in that aspect she certainly did, All except when it came to her. [F/N] knew her mother had tried at least, But it came off in the way you'd treat an unwelcomed guest. Trying to give due respect yet wanting them out of your house as soon as possible.

[F/N] had figured a long time ago that it was better to be treated with ire than pity and had given up all sense of courtesy towards her mother, Continuing to this day.

A faint tug pulled in her chest as another roar of laughter came up from downstairs, They seemed to be having a good time.

[F/N] finally set down her brush onto the vanity. The small sound of the wood hitting the desk seemed so much louder in the large area of her room.

[F/N] supposed she did need to give her mother some credit, She was the one to let her have the single room at the very top of the house (Even if it was to keep her away from the rest of her family)

But the room seemed so.. Empty.

[F/N] stared into the vanity mirror, The light surface of the glass reflecting her own pale visage back at her.

She trailed a hand across her features to examine for any blemishes, Pushing back any stray strands of hair from her face and pulling them behind her ear. Staring deep into the clear colour of her cardinal rose eyes she assessed their problems, And she found none.

When times like these came about [F/N] often pondered about why people didn't like her more. She was beautiful, Stunning, Exotic even to the disgusting drunk men that passed her by on the moonlit walks.

So why even if some drunkards could see her beauty why couldn't the locals and her own family see that too instead of the cursed child from a close-to-god family?

It couldn't be her attitude, That was just a by-product of their own treatment toward her. So why? She was born this way, She couldn't change how she looked, She should of been adored.

Yet all the locals, All of her beloved family, All of the suitors that her parents had tried to ship her off to had only a single look at her before rejecting her whole.

One day, She promised herself. One day she'd get back at them, She didn't know how or when or even if she could but she knew that one day, They would regret treating her like a bug under their foot.

As her mind wandered she started to realise that maybe it wasn't the room that was empty.

A sudden knock echoed out, Crashing [F/N]'s train of thought.

[F/N] jerked her head over to the main door of her room. Getting up from the small pillow she sat on she moved quietly to the entrance. Turning the knob and opening the door she was met face to face with one of her families servants.

"Your mother has requested me to bring you your dinner" The servant said, Robotic and monotone in voice as he presented her a bowl of udon. [F/N] paused at the sight of it.

"..It's not Sukiyaki stew pot.." She mumbled.

"Correct, Ma'am" He replied in short.

[F/N] was silent as she carefully took the small bowl from his hands, She barely noticed the small bow and the closing of the door before it was entirely shut.

[F/N] examined the soggy noodles and small tempura bits in the bowl, A barely generous helping.

She 'tched at the sight but figured she was lucky enough to even get dinner in the first place.

Turning around she walked over to the other set of double doors at the end of the room, Food in one hand she pushed the door open to reveal the small balcony outside. Stepping out into the night's cool air she took a deep breath in.

The laughter was no longer audible once she shut the door, Only replaced by the sound of cicada hums and the clacking of tiles when she clambered up onto the slanted roof of the house.

[F/N] sat down on the tiles and looked out onto the sea of village houses down below, The faint lantern light from the village was warm and inviting in contrast to the inhabitants, Of whom were out doing their nightly patrol's in watch for another mutilation.

However the scene didn't interest her in the slightest, Instead it was the moon which seemed to hang over her entire world.

It glowed brighter than any lantern the village people could spark, Yet the light was never overwhelming or stung her eyes in the slightest. Instead the soft rays of moonlight had only provided comfort.

[F/N] didn't know why it brought such solace, Maybe its because it never burnt her skin like the sun did. The moon replaced it in that way, The night time became her daytime, When she felt most lively: Herself.

She often came up onto the roof to feel that way, Every time without missing a single night she'd climb up onto the roof and speak to the moon for hours like it was an old friend. Or maybe just to stare and admire the pale light of its beauty.

But to be fair, [F/N] never felt much at all.

When she did it was always a constant state of annoyance, Anger or resentment. The feeling the moon brought her was still very unfamiliar to her, But very much welcome. She barely understood anything other than the undying resentment, Maybe it was a sad existence but to be fair she barely understood sadness either.

She realised the udon in her hands was growing cold. Reaching behind her for the pair of chopsticks she noticed something else a little further ahead from them, Lying on the roof.

She raised an eyebrow and squinted her eyes to examine it closer, But they instantly shot out once she realised what it was.

It was a single bouquet of flowers, Red, Beautiful roses sprung from the carefully arranged bunch.

[F/N]'s breath hitched in her throat, Her whole body seemed to clench up at even a small sight of it. A bouquet of roses? Who could of left those here? They couldn't be for her, Could they?

She set down her bowl of udon carefully beside her, Eyeing the bouquet like it was bound to attack her yet it didn't stop her quick crawl over to its side.

Nor did it stop the almost desperate grab she made for the neck of the bunch, Pulling it close to her chest she finally noticed the small tag sticking out from the flowers reading: To [F/N] Shiratori.

She felt the concentrated joy explode inside her like bottle rockets, The absolute euphoria flooded her senses as she felt hot blood rise to her cheeks, Giving colour to them yet said no pain.

The roses were absolutely beautiful, Carefully handpicked as the petals seemed soft and fresh. She grinned wildly, They must of took great thought while preparing it.

She couldn't help but shove her face into the roses to inhale their scent, The sweet yet rich aroma circled in her mind. They truly were the best of the bunch.

But when she pulled away she noticed she had neglected a small envelope from where the bouquet was sitting before, Hiding the envelope below it.

Her lips quirked. First the roses, Now a letter? She giggled slightly, Imagining whoever it was is a real romantic.

Extracting the envelope and gently opening it's folds she pulled the paper from its cover and unfolded it to view the contents.

Dear, [F/N]. My one and only.

Ever since I saw you on this rooftop, I knew you were the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. I hope one day we will get to meet, One day in the near future.

Love, Your admirer.

It was such a simple letter, Only two simple sentences of sweet but common flatter words yet once she had finished the final word the fireworks of a foreign emotion burst inside her.

She knew it was something akin to euphoria, An exhilaration that made her blood rush to her cheeks and heat up her entire system in the cold nights air, Yet no matter how hard she tried she couldn't identify the rhapsody of song inside her.

Though she couldn't deny, It felt good. Better than she's ever felt in a very long time.

[F/N] embraced the letter with her whole body, Curling up around it to try and squeeze out more of the intoxicating feel, An addictive high.

The letter and bouquet, Whoever may have left it there, Wherever they may be, They must really really like her.

☆♡☆

The yelling of her family woke [F/N] from her peaceful slumber.

Her heavy eyelids were wrenched open as she writhed around atop the roof tiles, Bothered by the loud intrusion.

Once she finally let the light hit her pupils she realised her mistake. She was in the light, The sunlight was touching her skin.

[F/N] yelled out and instantly scuffled down off the roof, Swinging open the door she almost lunged into the safety of her house shade as she fell onto the floorboards.

Her skin burned and tinged lightly. Examining her skin she found the beginnings of a mild sunburn on her arms, The red welts fizzling up into her hands all the way to her forearms. Her light kimono doing nothing to shield her from the UV rays.

She had fallen asleep on the roof and had neglected the danger of doing so, In her panic [F/N] chided herself for her stupid mistake.

Yet outside it seemed like it was just the break of dawn, The orange to yellow hues painting the sky signalled the early hours of the morning. She was lucky that the noise woke her up in time, Otherwise her problem would be much worse.

Scrambling over to her vanity mirror to examine the full entirety of her body she gasped on sight as soon as she saw her reflection in the polished glass. Her face.

At least a good third of face was covered in red hot boils and welts, The sore burn crept up from her left cheek over to her chin, Reaching as far as her right side too.

"No.. No, No, No.. Please, No!" She yelled, [F/N]'s eyes almost popped out of her sockets with tears starting to form at the corners. She trailed her equally burnt hands across the scorch marks in disbelief at what she was seeing.

A sudden rapid pounding at her door knocked her out of her stupor.

"[F/N]! Open the door, Now!" It was her mother's voice. The alarm in her voice seemed to resonate in [F/N] to give her a grasp of their unknown situation.

"Jeez.. Hold on!" [F/N] called out towards her door, Yet she saw the handle start to turn. A spike in her adrenaline shot up.

"I'm getting dressed, Damn it!" [F/N] screamed, Her voice as hoarse as a fourty-year chain-smoker. The turning of the knob stopped as soon as she let the words leave her mouth.

"Fine, But make it quick! And make sure to put on something nice." Her mother yelled back at her, A small tint of exasperation lacing her tone yet her footsteps leaving down the hallway sounded determined in their path.

[F/N] cursed. Bullets of sweat rolled down her face and stung the burns where they lay. She had no idea what she was going to do. Rapidly sliding out drawers in her vanity to find anything of use, To no avail.

Next she went to her closet. Swinging the old wooden doors open she shifted through her different coloured kimonos. Pulling through the silk and cotton she found nothing of use except for a thickly woven navy kimono that was oversized and could cover her body nice and neatly.

Despite that there was still the issue of her face, The burn marks were so noticeable you could see them from miles away. There was nothing that could hide her scorches from the sun-

Her hand bumped up against something.

[F/N]'s temple furrowed. Reaching into the back of dark, Spacious cupboard she gripped onto the object she felt was made of straw.

With a tug and a pull she managed to haul out the hefty object, Revealing it to be her old uchikatsugi.

It was a gift from the town's doctor before he passed away from old age a few years ago, [F/N] remembered him fondly even though he was never really around.

He still did greet her with a smile and a handshake every time they met, It wouldn't be wrong to describe him as a father figure either.

Though as always, Good things didn't last. They never did.

[F/N] had no time to dwell on that last thought, Her relief was a much more appealing distraction.

The uchikatsugi, A large straw hat for noblewomen with a large silky veil to cover her face. Back when she got it, It was way too big for her to use with her small body so she stored it in her closet for a later use, [F/N] supposed she just forgot about it.

She sat the large hat down on her head, And with a little shimmying to get it properly down it fit her head like a glove to a hand.

Once she finished changing into her dark cerulean kimono, She was ready to go downstairs and see whatever it was her family was making such a ruckus about.

As she took careful strides down the creaky steps of the stairs she saw her mother impatiently tapping her foot at the bottom. [F/N], Before making herself known, Fixed up her appearance to make sure nothing was showing free.

Once she was pleased, [F/N] cleared her throat to which her mother jerked her head around to her 'daughters' direction.

"Ah, Finally. I was wondering what took you so long." Her mother remarked, Letting her folded arms drop to her sides. [F/N] huffed at the passive aggressive tone yet felt alleviation, Her clothes worked, Her mother couldn't see a thing.

"Had to find a good enough outfit for such an important event, At least from the sounds of it. Why am I up this early anyways?" [F/N] yawned, Still not quite tuned in despite her earlier shock.

"There was another one." Her mother responded quickly, Turning away.

"Another what?" [F/N] queried, Tad annoyed at her mothers elusive behaviour.

"Another mutilation, [F/N]." Her mother exasperated, Swiftly turning back to look at her with an expression that just oozed the word obviously.

[F/N] stopped, Mulling over the information.

"Alright, Okay that's bad but why does this concern me?" She asked after a moment.

Her mother shook her head to her daughters persistence.

"This is a village matter, [F/N]. Something we are apart of" Her mother explained, Treating [F/N] like a curious toddler repeatedly asking why.

"Unfortunately.." [F/N] muttered.

"Just get a move on downstairs now, Swiftly now.." Her mother said, Quickly pulling [F/N]'s shoulder and hushing her down the second set of stairs. [F/N] shrugged of her mothers firm hand, Telling her she'll go down herself.

Settling her hat comfortably onto her head she headed downstairs, Dreading future events.

☆♡☆

The early morning air was cold and fresh as it weaved through the tall houses of the village.

Usually in the mornings with the first break of dawn you could hear the chirping of the crows harking in the early crowds off to work. You could see the townsfolk head to the markets and children run about in the streets, Laughing and roughhousing with each other like siblings together.

But today was different.

The echo of crows on the village walls were silent now. The children who use to run about in the streets buck wild were now pulled close to their parents, A worried smile replacing their usual carefree faces.

[F/N] stood away back from the large crowd gathered in the centre of the village, Everyone from the village was here. The elders, The working class to the babies were summoned together in the village, All quietly chattering amongst themselves.

She observed the crowd in distain, What mundane people leading such plain lives. They They wasted their lives in the sun, Taking the warmth for granted working nine to fives and coming home to their stupid little families, Accomplishing nothing big in their lives yet they boasted of grandeur while she stood standing away from them, Suffering from the pain of her sunburn.

She huffed at the thought.

[F/N] didn't stand with her family, She only watched them as they made their way to the front of the front of the crowd of which immediately quieted down at the sight of them

[F/N]'s father was considered the head of the village and therefore took care of all the important matters.

However since he was absent it was up to her mother to take care of her husbands duties while he was away

"Hello everybody, It's good to see you all out here today." Her mother called out her opening statement. She was backed by the other four of her siblings, Juro standing especially besides her.

Despite her hello's, Nobody answered her.

"I suppose you all know why you were called here, Regarding the death of the Hagihara family." Her mother continued.

Hagihara, That rang a bell in [F/N]'s mind.

Her eyes widened in recognition, The neurons connecting in her mind as the face of the little girl she had hit with a rock entered into her head.

"If you're not already aware of what happened, Early in the morning screams were heard from their family home. On investigation they were found.. Killed inside their Livingroom.. No survivors" Her mother announced.

A few shocked gasps ran from the crowd, The chatter from before sparked up like a lighter on the fuel of information. However their talking was calmed by her mother rather loudly clearing her throat.

"Yes, Yes. I understand this is horrible information, And I know a good lot of you were close with the family and I do offer my sincerest apologies." Her mother said. Her voice filled with a genuine sympathy, Showing it by giving a few select nods towards some of the crowd.

[F/N] didn't listen to her mother however, The information was still fresh in her mind.

This information should have left a lack of feeling in [F/N]'s chest, And regarding the deaths it did.

But the coincidence of it felt like a static shock to a dead heart. First it was the Furukawa's, They were particularly nasty to [F/N]. When they fell victims to the night veiled attacks she had felt glad despite how morbid it was, They weren't there to harass her anymore.

However now it was the Hagihara's, Only yesterday did they get negatively involved with her after the rock incident and now they were dead.

No. No, It was just a coincidence.

Even though they did hold hatred against her so did all of the other villagers. If the mutilations were connected to her then the mutilations would be targeted towards more outspoken villagers, Even if it was because of the rock incident other villagers would of been targeted before her. Her family would be targeted before them.

Even so, She needed to make sure.

[F/N] was barely listening when she quickly took off away from the crowd down an alleyway. Slipping away from the group with ease as their attention was still heavily focused onto her mother, Who was still continuing on with her speech. She couldn't bare to be surrounded by such waste of flesh anymore.

She picked up pace once she realised she was far enough away, Managing to navigated the rock base of the village with proficiency and quickly coming to a stop once she stood in front of the targeted house. Luckily it was located on the other side of the village, She could make as much noise as she needed.

Once she finally stopped she could notice the broken down door almost instantly. The village houses were regularly built together so this was striking to her. The shoji door was splintered into pieces of wood and sheet, Tiny pieces.

[F/N] swallowed a lump in her throat, Realising the weight of what she was doing. But it didn't stop her from taking strides forward, Past the destroyed bits of door and into the house where she saw the real carnage.

The Livingroom was absolutely destroyed.

Walls were shook and large scratch marks decorated them like paintings. Furniture was flung about and lay toppled across the entire main room like a wild beast was let loose, A bear, A rhino. Something of that size could of done this, Yet she could tell it was entirely human design.

The room was completely in the dark, No sunlight shown through which let [F/N] take her uchikatsugi off to get a better look.

Despite all of the wreckage its the fact that the room was coloured head to toe in red, That is what sent a feeling of dread crawl up [F/N]'s back.

The blood was stained on table cloths, Floors, Wooden walls. Anything that could be stained was drenched in the now-dry ichor of red. Thankfully the bodies weren't here anymore, Most likely hauled off to get cremated.

The singe of the scent of blood itched at the tip of [F/N]'s nose as she took a few more cautious steps inside, Carefully avoiding the debris as she finally made her way into the centre of the Livingroom.

The whole place just radiated fear and destruction, So much so that it felt like a cold hand was resting on her shoulder when she looked out at the scene.

Her eyes shot up.

She jerked her whole body around and stumbled back like a shock to her system, She lost her balance and fell backwards.

"Careful there." The smooth voice belonged to a man, Who caught her once she fell backwards.

His strength was commendable as he only laid a single hand on her back to keep her supported.

[F/N] was breathing heavily, Loud gasps of air from the sheer fright the man gave her. He gently lifted her up to her feet, Making sure to steady her.

"I apologise if I gave you a fright there, I do have a habit of being a quiet walker" He explained with a courteous smile.

"Yeah.. You do.." That was all [F/N] could say, Her breath still taken away but not from the fall as she laid her eyes on the mans face.

The man was pale, Deathly pale. While [F/N] was as white as a sheet from her condition it looked like he was sickly and withering, Yet the look seemed to compliment his bone structure. His dark wavy locks shaped his face and came down to his sharp jawline, Perfectly brushed and trimmed.

However it was his eyes that struck [F/N] the most, The same ruby irises that she had harboured stared right back at her. Even through the darkness of the room she could see the vividness of the red through the suffocating black.

"..Are you alright?" He asked. [F/N] didn't even realise she was staring before he snapped her out of it.

"Yes, Yes. I'm fine, Thank you." She said, A hint of practiced resentment laced her voice. A built-up tactic to protect herself. But the suspicion was warrented however, The clean cut black suit vest with golden coloured lacing was clue enough to tell her he wasn't from here.

"What are you doing here?" She asked, Resting her hands onto her hips. Her eyes were locked onto his own, Searching for any sign of deception.

The man simply let out a breath of air.

"I'm here to this village on business reasons, I was just passing through when I saw the door broken down. I'm just here to make sure everything is alright." He explained, A light carefree tone in his voice.

"My name is Tsukihiko, I travelled here from Tokyo" Tsukihiko added after a moment.

[F/N] carefully examined his body language for any sign of him lying, Any twitch of the hand or quirk of the lips but she came up empty handed. She had no reason not to believe him.

"Okay then, Tsukihiko.." She drawled, Still cautious of him "Well since you obviously don't know, There's been a string of murders going on in this village for a long while now. You really shouldn't be in here" She said.

"May I ask why you are here then? No offense, But you don't look like an investigator or any kind of authority, Miss." Tsukihiko said yet his tone sounded near playful if it wasn't for his dignified self.

[F/N] felt her tensed shoulders deflate, He got her there.

"..None of your business" She retorted, But her previous aversion had dissolved into a weak huff. "What's an investigator suppose to look like anyways?" [F/N] mused.

"Usually not like a beautiful noblewoman such as yourself, The one's I've seen tend to be a bit more.. Lacking in that department" Tsukihiko replied, As if what he said held absolutely no weight at all.

But that wasn't true to [F/N], The words held so much weight that it squeezed down at her heart. That same, Unfamiliar euphoric feeling she felt holding the flowers kept rushing out of the compressed heart and filling her system once again.

Did he really see her beauty? Or was it a way to strengthen out a deal with a noble family's daughter? If so then the joke would be on him. But he wasn't that far off from her, They were both pale and shared the same wine-stained eyes. Maybe he did understand her beauty. The mere thought of it seemed to clench her heart tighter.

However, It was stopped by a single missed heartbeat.

The sunburn, She still had the sunburn on her skin. Her uchikatsugi still lain slack in her left hand. [F/N] felt her hands suddenly grow clammy and her lungs take in a sharp breath, A quick spike in adrenaline made her entire body freeze up.

Tsukihiko seemed to notice her realisation, Somehow understanding her sudden panic he gently rested a hand onto the girls cheek.

"I mean my words, I'm not quite fond of the sun either." Tsukihiko said, That deep voice ringing soft in the girls ear.

The hand on her cheek should of been warm, But instead of the expected body heat coming from him there was a cold chill that ran down her from his touch.

It felt nice on her sunburn, It seemed to cool down the itchy feel of heat simmering in her skin and instead made it feel like a early summer breeze. [F/N] in response seemed to soften down and lean into the cold, Only a little bit.

"Seriously? People here seem to enjoy the sun a lot, You disliking it would be a first" [F/N] mumbled absentmindedly, Her gaze trailing off to some unknown point of the room. "How'd you know I didn't like the sun anyways?"

"A good guess, I suppose. You have albinism, Correct? It's only natural to have a resentment towards the sun when it sears your skin, I have a particularly terrible condition myself so I suppose I can empathise" Tsukihiko explained.

His words brought [F/N]'s eyes back to his own, Their shared eyes meeting together. Ones searching for any kind of lie while the others looked back with only the sincerest of truth's, At least from what [F/N] could tell anyways.

She felt a sudden sense of an unrecognisable feeling.

Not like the one she had before when it felt like fireworks, But instead one that felt like a rope was tied between the two. Like a single string had suddenly appeared just from his words, A sudden connection.

Connection? That sounded right, At least she thought so.

"..I see. You don't seem to have albinism, So what's your condition anyways?" [F/N] queried. While the man was pale and had the same red eyes she had, It couldn't of been albinism. His hair was a natural noir and his skin still held a very tiny bit of melanin.

[F/N] saw his lips quirk, It wasn't noticeable, Only a quick twitch before they were back to their usual smile. It almost raised an eyebrow.

"..It's not a specific illness that has been diagnosed however the symptoms do include a rather harsh weakness to sunlight." He said.

Thats strange, [F/N] thought. Tsukihiko was only wearing a suit vest, Black dress slacks and a clean white blouse. He had no form of sun protection like [F/N]'s kimono or uchikatsugi. It was weird, And [F/N] wasn't going to let it go for a second.

"Really? Then how did you get here without something like a parasol, Or any kind of protection?" She asked, Her guard raised up once again in light of the new information.

Tsukihiko's guard followed with [F/N]'s. His shoulders stiffened up and the smile on his face seemed just a tad bit more strained than it did before.

"Well luckily due to-"

"[F/N]!" A sudden scream cut through the start of his words. [F/N] gasped, She recognised the voice of which belonged to her mother.

She cursed under her breath and rushed past the man, Her attention fully diverted from him as she set the uchikatsugi onto her head and went out of the house and into the sun.

[F/N] finally stumbled out onto the rocky street road, Only to see her mother at the end of the road angrily making her way towards her. [F/N] sucked air through her teeth, She was in trouble.

She saw Juro stand behind her, Watching their mother make their way towards [F/N] with the omnipresent smugness drenching his face.

"Told you she was here!" He called out to his mother, But she didn't look back, She was way too focused on her eldest who stood there frozen like a frightened opossum.

The heavy sounds of her mothers sandals against rock and the single strum of a biwa echoed out into the wide walls of the village. Luckily no one else was around, Probably still making their way here from being dispersed only earlier from the town meeting.

"What the hell do you think your doing, Young woman?!" Her mother yelled. Finally closing the distance between the two her mothers hand lunged for her daughters wrist, Yanking her close to her [F/N] let out a curse under her breath.

"What? Can't I check out the crime scene?" [F/N] remarked with a practiced incredulous tone. Ignorant curiosity, It wasn't the reason she came here for but her mother didn't need to know that.

Her mother looked back at her, Incredulous, Just like [F/N]'s voice. However it was mixed with contorted expression of how one might look at spoiled food, Maggots and rodents already festering and all.

"..Do you even listen to what comes out of your mouth? At any point in your life do you even think about what you're about to do?" Her mother said, Only a single pitch away from a whisper.

"Either way it wasn't why I was here, I was talking to that man over there." [F/N] said, Lazily motioning her head under the hat towards the entrance of the house. Her mother quickly strode away from her daughter, But made the move to grab her wrist and drag her along as she went towards the entrance of the house.

"Hey! Hands off me-" [F/N] yelled. Despite her mothers old bones it seemed the sheer anger made her completely apathetic to her age.

"What man? There's no one there." Her mother hissed. Pushing her daughter in front of her to get a better look at the house.

It was true. Apart from the dried carnage and the destroyed insides of the Livingroom there was no sign of life inside. No noise nor presence to be found.

[F/N] felt her heart stop inside her chest, Her breath stifled. That was impossible, The only entrance inside the house was the main door. If he had left through the main door then there would of been no doubt that he would of been spotted.

"Good gods, [F/N].." Her mother groaned, Massaging her temple to soothe her irritation.

"He was here! I swear, I don't know wher-"

"Oh just be quiet, [F/N]!" Her mother exclaimed.

Turning to face her daughter she jumped back in surprise, The look on her mothers worn face was tired and so very angry.

"I'm so done with just letting you run about and do as you please, Someone needs to give you discipline to show you how things work around here" Her mother said lowly.

Yanking [F/N] forward they took off away from the scene. [F/N] couldn't keep up with her fast pace and stumbled around as she was pulled along in her mothers grip.

They passed Juro who didn't even turn his head towards her families squabble, Only side-eyeing [F/N] as they passed.

Juro, That bastard, An Ironic insult but it was the best she could mouth at him as she was dragged by. He was the one who had alerted his mother to her absence, He had to be. Mother wouldn't care if she had wandered off, Juro on the other hand would pick out any opportunity he could to ruin her day.

As she was dragged back to their family home she cursed him out under her breath. [F/N] would've wondered why he was like this to her, But she knew that there was never a reason apart from stigma with a streak of sadism and superiority.

She'd get back at him one day. That, She swore.

☆♡☆

Loud footsteps slammed against the wooden floorboards of the house making louds creaks in their wake.

Opening and slamming the door it shook the frame of her room with the sheer force at which it hit.

As soon as it shut [F/N] pushed herself up against the door and let out a loud cry. The tears she was holding back with a fierce determination now flooded down her face without a hint of resistance.

She slowly slid down the door until it was only her, Sitting on the cold floorboards pressed up against the door, Sobbing her eyes out.

[F/N] didn't know why she was crying, Maybe it was just the broken dam of a slowly rising tide. The house of cards that finally toppled once the slightest of disruptions knocked over its foundation, Causing the entire building to fall down.

What she did know however, Is the words of which her mother had told her.

"Punishment!" "Deserve!" "Finally!"

The words her mother had used when she confiscated her parasols and uchikatsugi swarmed her like a hive of insects. The one thing that protected her from the sun, That let her feel like a normal person even if only for a single minute was taken away by her mother.

She had called it a deserving punishment, Finally giving her daughter the discipline she needed.

What would she even achieve from taking them away? To teach her a lesson, Perhaps. Maybe she had thought it would exorcise the demon that was disguised as her daughter. Even if she did think that before, After seeing the sunburn ingrained onto her skin gave her a good reminder alright.

[F/N]'s breath came out in hitches. Rapid gasps for breaths as she desperately tried to wipe away the unforgiving tears coming out of her eyes. Everyone kept asking what was wrong with her when the only thing she could ask was what was wrong with them.

She didn't choose to be like this. She didn't choose the red bloodshot eyes nor did she choose the bright white of her hair and skin, It didn't mean she was a demon. What was wrong with this world? What did she do to deserve this?

[F/N] lifted her head to wipe away the build up of fluid on her face when she caught the vivid red in the corner of her eye.

It made her breath hitch once more, But not from the pain in her lungs or the sting in her eyes.

[F/N] didn't even bother getting up, Instead favouring to hastily crawl over to her bed. Once she lifted her upper body to see what it was her eyes widened.

It was another bouquet, Just as beautiful as the last. The red petals of rose were fresh and smelt as such, Purifying the air around her and drawing her in with the sweet scent. The colour of the roses seemed to give a hot kick compared to the coldness of her abode.

It was that feeling again. Fireworks. The feeling that brought the warmth back to her, The one she could never describe.

[F/N] took the bouquet into her arms, The softness of both the petals and the trimmed stems caressed her bare skin.

Her lips twitched. The corners of her mouth turning themselves into a new smile, Feeling foreign on her face. There was no letter this time, However that didn't matter.

The bouquet said everything it needed to. She pulled it close as the last of her tears dried, Turning only into small sniffles now and then.

Maybe things weren't so awful after all.

☆♡☆

In the following months, Slowly, A routine started to form.

[F/N] wasn't allowed to go outside of her house, So she had to make do with what she had inside her room.

In the mornings she'd wake up, Make her bed and get ready for the day. Afterwards she would go downstairs to collect her breakfast and make her way back to her room.

Then in the afternoons she'd make herself busy by playing solo games of old sets in her room: Shogi, Menko or Origami, Anything to keep her occupied and keep the boredom at bay.

[F/N] knew if she just apologised and promised to her mother she'd be good she could definetly worm her way out of punishment, However she decided against it. Her pride and dignity was worth baring a stupid little punishment from her mother.

At night she would get her dinner from the kitchens and make her way up to the rooftops again, Speaking to the moon as her only social output as long as you don't count the snide comments from Juro or the single syllable answers from her mother.

For hours she'd just spout out about whatever came to mind. Her day, Frustrations and desires would all be entrusted to the celestial body, A silent promise not to tell between the two.

[F/N] thought it was funny, She'd started to believe the moon could really hear her. It felt like that too sometimes, That someone was really there to listen to her.

And finally, Careful not to make her mistake again she'd close the blinds and make her way to bed. Only to start the cycle all over again the next day.

Though sometimes the cycle would break, Sometimes she would find another bouquet. Lying on the roof or sat tidy on her bed.

Sometimes the person in question would leave a letter too. The sweet words seeming sacred as the flow of the writing went through her, Touching the very core of her heart.

She'd soak up every letter, Every little word she'd mull over for hours at a time letting that feeling coarse through her blood stream. These letters appeared about once a week, Quickly becoming the only thing she had to look forward to.

It was good, It was very good. It hit her one day, Lying in bed while rereading the latest letter for the fifth time.

Was this love?

Maybe. Before the letter had started she had dismissed the concept of it entirely, Love was just a façade. A husband and wife was suppose to love each other yet her mother and father barely spoke when they were around.

A sibling was suppose to love their other siblings unconditionally, But instead hers had shunned her and at best gave backhanded remarks. Sure, Her mother might of loved her kids but even then it was just maternal instinct.

Love was just a construct, That was her belief. It was a way to explain how things worked in a mysterious world, It didn't actually exist. No, It couldn't. At least not for her.

But when she held the soft paper in her hands and finished the last letter of the note it finally clicked, This was love. It had to be.

The undying passion written in the letters proved it, The vowing to love her always said it. It made her blush like an alcoholic intoxicated onto the feeling it gave her.

It was so addicting that she never really took care into asking herself how they got into her room or onto her roof, How they knew exactly what she liked or how she wanted it. That wasn't important.

What was important was who it was. Was it a girl or a boy? How old are they? What do they look like? What's their name? She pondered over this often and to be honest, She couldn't care less about who it was. They loved her, That's all that mattered. It was the spark of light in a dark hopeless void.

Even the rocks thrown through her balcony window, Scribbled in ink with the word "demon" couldn't take her out of her high. Nor the continuing mutilations building up a body count in town could catch her now.

Nowadays the entire family was counting down for the arrival of her father. His business trip had came to an end and now he was making his way home, Due to arrive in a week.

In a weeks time her father would be home, She dreaded the thought. So that's why she had carefully wrote a letter of her own and left it on the rooftop, A common spot for the person in question to leave their letters.

She wrote every letter with passion and folded the envelope with care, Waiting for the response she had went back to bed, Waiting for her admirer to take her away.

"When can I see you? I want to know who you are."

☆♡☆

Her letter had been answered.

The letter she had left on the roof was replaced with a letter of their own. The next day she had found it lying in the same spot, Bouquet of roses and all.

She read the words several times over, Just to make sure she was reading things right.

Midnight, Meet me outside on the pathway to the village. I'll be waiting.

Love, Your admirer.

They wanted to meet her, Her admirer wanted to meet her tonight. As soon as she read the last word she squealed like a little girl on her birthday and spun herself around the room with exhilarant joy.

She stopped dead in her tracks. She needed to get ready. Looking down at her morning kimono she realised she needed to wear her best, She couldn't go out looking like this.

The feeling of wanting to look your best while in front of someone was another new sensation, She'd been having a lot of new sensations lately. All because of her admirer. It was only right to look as good as she could.

She thought back to her experience a few months ago, That man, Tsukihiko. Maybe he was her admirer. The way he looked at her with those matching red eyes just spoke to her, It had to be him. Who else could it be?

Sifting through her closet she finally picked out a rather expensive kimono with a matching yukata. The design's laced onto the fabric were beautiful and made with care, When [F/N] looked at it she knew she had found the perfect one.

But looking in the mirror she knew her hair needed some touching up, Her makeup too.. And her nails and maybe she could find a cute hairpin? Maybe her hair needs touching up again..

By the time she was done it the sun had long set, Replacing the clear blue with a star filled winter night.

[F/N] knew she wasn't allowed out of the house, She knew when she carefully maneuvered her way down the rooftop. It never left her mind even soon as she felt her best sandals hit the ground, But nor did it ever matter to her. She was going to meet her admirer, That was much more important than her mother.

[F/N] moved hastily down the pathway from her house to the village, The letter never specified where about on the pathway they were to meet so she had just decided to walk until something happened.

She slowed down in her tracks to only a leisurely walk. The cold air hit the back of her neck and ran through her hair as she went. [F/N] felt her heart beating like a drum, The rhythm thumping at her ribcage felt like it was going to explode from her chest.

Her leisured stroll came to a stop, By now she could see the village lights and the rest of the stone-lined path. Her eyes followed it all the way back to where she was standing, No one was there. Not Tsukihiko, Not anyone.

[F/N]'s face scrunched up in confusion, She had went the entire pathway and no one was to be found. Could she be late? Looking up at the sky to see the moon dead-centre in the sky that ruled out the possibility entirely.

Then suddenly, She felt a rock hit her back.

The force pushed her over, Collapsing to the ground on her knee's.

The shock struck her like an ice-pick to the back, Causing a cold chill to wash over her. As soon as it hit her thoughts had came to a standstill, Trying to compute what just happened.

A few pairs of footsteps came running out from behind her.

[F/N] looked behind her, Eyes bloodshot and open to their limits as she finally spied the group.

"There! Told you she'd come." Juro laughed to the group of kids behind him, His friends, All carrying pouches of unknown fillings. They all looked down at [F/N], Their expressions all smiling wide and giggling along quietly to Juro.

Another feeling washed over, Anger only an aftertaste to the pain writhing around in her chest. Her arms shook as she tried to gather her Barings, However another quick jolt of pain went to her stomach. One of his friends who she recognised as the Furukawa boy had kicked her, Making her fall down again.

"Demon scum!" He exclaimed as he stepped back towards the group. [F/N] groaned in pain as she wiped away the red specks coming from her mouth.

"What.. What the fuck. The hell.. Are you doing here, Juro" [F/N] hissed, The truth of the situation going straight over her head.

"What? You don't remember? Meet me here at midnight on the pathway to the village!" He teased, The mocking tone in his voice made his group laugh. Juro looked at her straight in the eyes, The sadism shining through the dull overlay.

[F/N] stopped, Going completely still.

No, It couldn't be. Please, For the love of whatever god is up there. It can't be.

"You.. It was you?" She breathed lowly, Disbelieving eyes piercing into his. Pleading with him silently, Subconciously. Juro seemed to toss his head to the side and took a few lazy steps towards her, He had no care in the world as he stood only a foot away from his defeated sister.

"Of course it was me. I knew all about your little rooftop talks, I was the one to leave the bouquets in the first place." He announced it as if it was obvious all along, As if it was nothing but a throwaway joke in a play.

[F/N] felt her heart break.

She felt the culmination of that feeling built up over months, The growing flutter of her heart. The feeling she had even dared to consider love was shattered into a million pieces, Reduced to nothing but ashes.

This wasn't true, How could it be? It couldn't.. [F/N] felt her vision start to go blurry. She opened her dry mouth, She only had one question to ask.

"So.. For months.. You left me flowers.. Letters. All so you could bring me out here..?" She whispered. The blurryness in her eyes gathered and dripped down her face, Cold against her burning face.

"Well I mean, Not at first. In the beginning it was just a way to mess with you, It was funny for me but then.." Juro motioned over to his friends "When I told my friends about it we thought it was an opportunity we couldn't lose, Especially when you left a letter of your own." He finished.

The words devastated [F/N]. The entire world around her seemed so desolate, Like she drowning under the weight of the entire ocean unable to breathe or speak.

She didn't even flinch when Juro and his group raised their hands, The pouches full of unknown contents brought high. And when they threw it, She was glad that her tears blurred their faces.

She curled up into a ball and wished for this nightmare to be over.

☆♡☆

The dragging of slow footsteps echoed lowly in the dark hallway. The passage was dark and near lifeless as most of the house was asleep at this point, Only a few servants lay awake finishing their nightly duties.

[F/N]'s feet barely left the ground as she clutched the hot cup of tea in her hands. In the days that passed it was the only thing she subsided on except from the small bites of food she would eat during the day.

Her eyes seemed low and sunken, Like they were struggling to stay open. Along with her matted hair and chapped lips she appeared dishevelled similar to how an insomniac running on coffee would be, Though at this point that was basically what she became.

Gently pulling open the door to her bedroom [F/N] took a few short steps inside. Once she closed the door she was greeted once again by the emptiness of her room.

She let out a defeated sigh. Trotting over to her bed she set her tea down on the side table, Right before collapsing right onto the bed.

She sunk down into the mattress, Letting the temporary warmth and shelter of the blankets envelop her.

[F/N] was tired, Very tired. Right then and there she wanted to close her eyes and not wake up, Not for a long time. But she knew that no matter how hard she tried she wouldn't be able to sleep, Not as long as her mind was as conflicted as hers.

She turned over onto her back so she could stare up at the ceiling. Before all of this had happened she felt angry or annoyed, Always, There was no in-between. Maybe a splash of surprise here and there but apart from that there was no flux.

After she read the letters her palette had expanded, It felt like she was tasting a new wild variety of flavours for the first time after only eating bread for her entire life. She felt euphoric, She felt love and infatuation. It was good, It was so good.

But now after being hazed with flour and hit with rocks, Humiliated and embarrassed by Juro and his gang she just felt.. Nothing.

She wasn't angry nor was she annoyed, She's tried to feel those things, She tried to feel some sort of rage towards him but after everything she just couldn't.

Juro had even left an extra bouquet for when she got back that night, This one not of roses but instead spider lilies.

The only thing she could do was toss them out from the balcony, The flowers taking all of her anger with it.

[F/N] turned her head over to her balcony. The blinds were shut over the doors yet there was a small opening, A little crack that let moonlight filter through into the room. She could see the moon facing her through the opening, Gathering up what she had left she opened her mouth.

"Is this it..? Is this all there will ever be to my life..?" She whispered, Looking at the moon as her only friend.

She waited. She waited a good few minutes, Waiting for any kind of response from her oldest companion.

Yet nothing came. The moon just looked down on her, Just like they did, Just like they all did.

[F/N] huffed lightly, Turning away from the moon. It was stupid. She grew up to believe that the moon was always there for her, That it would always listen to her. It was her friend.

She knew how stupid that was now. The moon wasn't her friend, It couldn't listen to her. All this time she spoke to an unfeeling object, Something that couldn't understand her or provide any comfort.

"Is this all there will ever be to my life"

Her words rang out in her head. At every turn she was dejected back down into the dirt. While the healthy ran outside to live their life she was stuck at home, Unable to get a job or a husband due to her looks.

She hated them, If she had anything else left to feel it was hatred. They lived their lives free to do anything they wanted yet they wasted it on mundane jobs, Mundane lives while she was left here to fester.

[F/N] closed her eyes. Listening to the servant outside brush the hallways, She tried to use it as white noise. Something to fa-

THUMP!

[F/N] opened her eyes slowly.

The wall to her room that was shared with the hallway suddenly let out a large thump. Coincidentally the sounds of sweeping came to an abrupt stop right before the noise.

Everything was silent now, There was no noise coming from outside nor from [F/N]. Instead she just watched the door, Waiting for the next sign of life.

Another set of footsteps came, Not belonging to the servant before. These ones were heavier, Filled with purpose and stride.

She listened as they reached her door, Coming to a sudden stop in front of it. [F/N] listened half-heartedly along, Waiting for the next sound.

It came. The slow but loud creaking of the door echoed from the walls in her room. She didn't dare to look up into the dark void of the doorway, She knew what was happening. She knew what was going to happen. This was the demon who caused the villages mutilations, There was only one outcome.

The footsteps entered the room. From [F/N]'s limited vision she could only see what looked to be a mans body dressed in a suit jacket and blouse, The left arm stained with a fresh crimson. Her eyes moved up, She couldn't see his face however, The moonlight didn't reveal it.

[F/N] sighed, Maybe out of exhaustion or maybe out of relief.

"So it's you, You're the one whose been doing the mutilations I suppose.. I'm guessing you got to the servant outside right?" She drawled, Letting the syllables play out on her tongue.

The man didn't answer, He only stopped in his tracks. [F/N] could feel his eyes on her, Running over her body, Like a wolf checking to see if the fox could fit in its maws.

[F/N] didn't expect an answer, But she continued anyways.

"You're going to kill me now, Probably even before I've finished my sentence but just.. Just let me make one final request.." A sudden jolt came from inside her like the final remains of lighter fluid sparking out into the raging blizzard.

It felt like vengeance, If she was going down then she knew who was coming with her.

"I don't care if you kill me.. But when you do I want you to take my family too. I don't care how you do it but I want you to make it bloody, I want you to make sure that my father comes home to a slaughter house, I want you to make sure people remember this." She said, The liquid in the lighter drying with her words.

She closed her eyes, Waiting on her bound demise.

This was it. Her body relaxed to take in her final moments. The warmth of the blanket, The coldness of her room, The beating of her heart.

"Who said I would kill you.."

And the feeling of a hand over hers, Gripping it tight.

Her eyes opened wide at the voice, Her irises searched and landed on the mans face now illuminated by the moonlight, It was one she recognised.

"It's you.." [F/N] breathed, She looked over the mans features, Just to make sure.

"Tsukihiko" She whispered. It was him, She saw it now. It was the same suit-jacket, The same styled hair and red eyes. A gentle smile graced his face as he moved even closer than he was currently.

"Even though I may have told you so, Tsukihiko isn't my real name." He corrected. That same deep tone of voice he used all those months ago laced his voice, Resonating deep inside her.

"My name is Muzan Kibutsuji, I am the progenitor of all demons." He declared softly. The hand he had entwined with hers squeezed tighter. His hand wasn't warm, It was in fact cold to the touch but it didn't feel uncomfortable, It was instead akin to shaved ice during a heatwave.

The progenitor of all demons, This was the demon king. It raised more questions than answers but [F/N] could only ask a single one.

"Then, why won't you kill me? Why are you telling me all of this?" She whispered, Looking deep into his eyes for the answer.

He only looked back with the most sincere emotion a being like him could have.

"Because, It seems I've become infatuated with you."

The words left his lips with a finality, As if he was just as bewildered as she was looking into his eyes.

The words pierced her like a spear. [F/N] felt eyes expand and her jaw opening only a little. It was that feeling again, That same feeling, The fireworks.

"..How can I trust your words? How do I know you're not lying to me?" She asked, A small treble in her voice. How could she trust anything he said, Not when she could never trust anything anyone said to her.

"You can't trust me." Muzan finalised, Agreeing with her words. She felt disappointment start to bubble up in her before her spoke one more.

"But when I say that I have became smitten over you from the day I saw you on that roof top, When I say that I became enraptured by your beauty and charm I want you to believe that, My love." He spoke.

[F/N] was speechless, She couldn't believe what she was hearing but by the gods did she want to. Heat rose to her cheeks and she stumbled to get out a single vowel before she was pulled to her feet by Muzan.

"Everything I've been doing these past few months I've done for you, Everything. You are more than a mere human, You're someone I can call my equal" He whispered. And from his suit pocket he pulled out something that gleamed in the moonlight.

It was a ring of silver, A wedding ring. It was beautiful. A sapphire center piece for the gemstone, Crowned by the silver and another dozen gems surrounding it.

[F/N]'s breath hitched at the sight of it.

"You want me… To marry you?" She asked, The words foreign on her tongue. [F/N] still stood in disbelief, Shock, A flurry of new emotions invading her senses that made her need to conceal an excited grin.

"Yes. I see no one else worthy of being called my wife, Only you." He replied. Gentle smile still painted on his face.

The fireworks went off. In that moment, [F/N] knew the answer, One that she couldn't put into words but instead an action.

As soon as the fireworks exploded she took a step forward, Putting her lips on his and bringing Muzan into a deep kiss. Trying her best to make it as passionate as possible with her inexperience.

Muzan didn't resist, But instead seemed to expect it. He put an arm around her waist and took lead, Guiding her along.

As it happened she felt their bodies collide, His arms were wrapped around her body tightly while hers rested on his shoulders in the heat of the moment.

[F/N] barely noticed the ring slip onto her finger, A perfect fit. She could only focus on their lips mingling with each other, His fangs clashing against her bottom lip while she tried to figure out what to do with her tongue.

Muzan's hand slipped down to her neck. A single claw cutting open both his finger and a small part of [F/N]'s neck, Letting his blood mix with hers.

The motion made [F/N] pull away from Muzan, The feeling of her stomach turning interrupting her.

"What the.." She mumbled. [F/N]'s body started to shake, She felt weird. Stumbling back a few feet she was caught by Muzan, Smiling at her with that same gentle look.

He set her down onto her bed, Caressing her cheek with care.

"Rest now, Your transformation should only take a few minutes." Muzan said, Sitting beside her on the bed.

[F/N] nodded, She knew what he meant and she simply didn't care. Only smiling lazily as she let her heart circulate his blood round her system. She felt him close her eyes. And let his blood take her over completely.

☆♡☆

[F/N] followed Muzan down the hallway. Her movements were slow yet jerky at the same time, Like her entire body was numb and barely woken up.

Her mind was hazy, Like a sudden mist started to fall over her mind as soon as she woke up. Her stomach turning had turned into a sudden emptiness, A sudden hunger. She had a craving for something, She didn't know what. However all she knew is that she had to follow Muzan as he helped her down the stairs.

As soon as she reached the bottom of the stairs onto the second floor, Suddenly she caught something sweet in the air, Enticing her on.

Muzan noticed this, An almost amused smile appeared on his face.

"Go on then, I won't stop you." He said, And that was all she needed.

[F/N] took off following the scent almost feverishly, Making her way down the hallways going around turns she finally came across a door.

Her mouth watered. The scent was stronger now, Even more so as she bust open the door.

Juro woke up with a start, The noise of his door slamming open almost off the hinges made him flinch. He got up so he was now sitting on his bed. Maybe another mutilation happened, It was probably his mother informing him so.

But as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes to see his elder sister leaning against the doorway, He knew that wasn't the case.

"What the hell do you want..? You still mad about last week?" He chuckled lightly, The sleep still permeating his voice.

[F/N] stood in the doorway, Not answering. However her breathing was laboured and she stumbled about, Swaying side to side. Her head was lowered to the ground, Eyeing only the floorboards.

"What's wrong with you?" Juro raised an eyebrow at his sisters movements, It was getting annoying. Waking him up in the middle of the night and she wouldn't even tell him why.

But he suddenly froze once she lifted her head.

Her laboured breathing showed off her teeth, Sharper than normal creating new fangs protruding from her mouth. Her pupils had slimmed and turned into something similar to a cat's, And they were eyeing him like a piece of raw meat.

His sweat dropped, This wasn't normal. Slowly getting out of his bed he made sure to never take his eyes off of her, To make sure she didn't pounce.

"Listen.. [F/N]." He started, His voice shaky and carefully planned.

"I-I'm sorry for what I did.. Okay? I-I shouldn't of treated you like that.. It was wrong, I.. I'm so sorry okay?" He started. His entire form shook, His knees threatening to buckle under the weight of the situation.

She took a step forward, Making him flinch.

"I-I'm sorry! Please don-"

[F/N] lunged forward, Her body knocking into his as they fell to the floor with a thump!

Juro screamed, Loud and high pitched to make sure the rest of the house woke up as he felt [F/N]'s teeth lodge into his neck.

With a tug she pulled her mouth back. A chunk of flesh and muscle tore out from his neck, Making a spray of blood coat the room and [F/N] entirely painting her red.

Juro sobbed. His mental state reducing into that of a child's as he felt his sisters teeth tear at his flesh, Only to greedily shove the meat down her gullet, Pleased at the sweet taste she licked her lips to Juro's horror.

She tore into him, Again and again. Juro felt his limbs be pulled from their sockets and the blood burst from his arteries, Popping like candy and spraying all over the room.

He was barely conscious when the cold sweat of death wash over him.

The last thing he saw was the looming figure of his sister. His severed arm in her mouth and covered in red. Smiling at him, Wide and proud.

And the oncoming figures of the rest of his family in the doorway.

☆♡☆

Downstairs Muzan stood idly in the main room.

He waited for her, Listening intently to the noise thrashing around upstairs. He decided it was best to let [F/N] take care of it herself, She was hungry after all and as a new demon she needed her strength.

However, Muzan's attention was drawn to the main door, Which was flung open letting the cold nights air flood inside.

In the doorway was an older man. A katana around his waist and a yukata over his slayer uniform. Muzan felt the grin tug at his lips, This must of been [F/N]'s father, A slayer at that.

"..Who the hell are you and what are you doing in my house?!" He exclaimed, Yet his tone contained exhaustion, Obviously tired from a long travel.

"Who am I? I assumed you slayers would know a king when they saw one." Muzan remarked.

The mans eyes widened. The tiredness in his eyes before was now long gone and by now his sword was drawn, Pointing straight at Muzan.

"You.. Muzan Kibutsuji" He said. Despite his brave front, Muzan could see through it. He was terrified.

"There it is.." Muzan drawled, Now turning his full body over towards him. Her father made no move to attack him, Only keeping his sword at head level waiting for Muzan's next move.

"What.. What have you done with my wife, My children." Her father asked, The thought tearing through his mind, Scared of the possibilities.

Muzan entertained him, The fact that he had the guts to speak out in the first place spoke volumes.

But before he could answer, The sound of creaking steps and dragging thumps sounded out behind them, Interrupting their conversation.

The mans attention flipped over behind him. Alternating between Muzan and the unknown threat they both watched intently as the presence reached the bottom of the steps.

The mans eyes widened.

At the bottom of the stairs stood [F/N], Drenched head to toe in blood smelling of brass and iron.

But what she held in both hands, That's what made her father fall to his knees.

In both of her hands she dragged the mangled corpses of his wife and kids, [F/N]'s new strength granting her the capability to do so.

In her right held his wife, The corpse had several parts missing. Limbs, Flesh and organs all in various states of degradation.

In her left was the corpse of his second eldest. He wasn't even recognisable, Only the yukata being of any hint to his identity.

He fell to his knees, The sight seeming to defeat him entirely.

His nichirin katana fell out of his grasp, Slipping out with ease once he laid his hands on the corpses. [F/N] watched on at the scene, Gazing down at the broken mess of a man.

"What the.. No.. No this couldn't.." He choked out, Tears starting to form in his eyes and flow down his face. His wife and kids dead, He wasn't here to protect them, To do his duties as a demon slayer.

He moved his eyes up to the face of the culprit, Recognising her as his eldest disappointment of a daughter.

"You.. You monster.." He whispered, Piercing gaze going right through her like an icepick to the heart.

But [F/N] felt nothing as she looked at him, The haze from her mind lifted long ago at the first taste of her meal. This man for her entire life had been a overhanging figure, A threat to what would happen to her if she stepped out of line. His words were nothing new to her ears.

"..Do you have nothing else to call me, Or are you done?" [F/N] asked. She felt the rush of superiority come over her, She was the one in charge now. Not him.

Her father swallowed the lump in his throat. He had nothing else to say, Only choked sobs came out of his mouth.

[F/N] dropped the cadavers in her arms in favour of walking up to her father. Slowly stopping in front of him, Looking down at his weakened form.

Muzan stood only a few feet away from him, Watching over the events unfolding. He was amused at it, Watching [F/N]'s every move.

She raised her hand high, Her new claws spiking out of her fingernails ready to strike.

All these years of torment, Dejection and disgust funnelled towards her. The harassment and hate. Everything she had been through came down to this.

"Go on, My love." Muzan's voice called out, [F/N] glanced over to him "Finish this."

Muzan Kibutsuji, Her fiancée, Her stalker. He called out to her with that eternally caring voice, That same gentle smile edging her on to finish the deed.

She looked back at him and smiled.

And with a quick slash it was finished, Her father was no more.

His severed head dropped onto the tatami mat, She watched as it bounced a few times before rolling away.

Muzan appeared behind her, Wrapping his arms around her waist.

"You did such a good job, My love." He stated, Kissing the back of her head as he pulled her closer. [F/N] sunk into his hold, The coldness a comfort to her.

"T-Thanks.." She grinned, Fireworks continuing to go off. More so once he move a hand to her legs, Manoeuvring her so she was now being carried bridal style by her now fiancée, Not caring how much blood stained his blouse.

Muzan leaned down and left a small kiss on her lips, To which she returned.

"Are you ready to go now, My love?" Muzan asked.

"Always." [F/N] responded, Stars in her eyes.

Muzan smiled, Pulling her close. He looked up and with the single strum of a biwa, He disappeared into the night, Taking [F/N] with him.

Never to be seen again.

[theafterglow83]

Stray thoughts from an unhinged mind caused by a song called Robin

Since my teens, I have always been a Karlie Kloss fan. No amount of vitriol from the Swifty’s has ever strayed or strained my conviction that Karlie is on many levels, and aside from being absolutely gorgeous, a better human being than Taylor Swift.

By that I mean she seems to project a warmth and a level of kindness and humanity out into the world that is so pure and honest, when compared to Taylors, sometimes vengeful and darker persona ~as well as her being Queen Mother to one of the worlds most vindictive and exhausting cults who would gladly fillet anyone at “Mother’s “ request. Taylor (the brand) has made a career and a fortune from feeding her tales of romantic misfortune and presumed ex lovers to her hungry mob with merchandise to match.

Karlie on the other hand has a nurturing and supportive side to her and don’t let her beautiful and seductive exterior fool you for below that sultry surface she gives off a warm and fuzzy golden vibe- like a puppy. She’s sophisticated, highly intelligent, NYC chic and street smart , often silly and maturing like fine wine while somehow becoming more beautiful as she ages. She also appears to be one Hell of a good mother to those babies.

All that being said about their personalities is exactly why I believe Karlie’s sunshine is the perfect match for Taylor and her moody, broken, impulsive ,often over indulgent, midnight rain personality. Not only are they equal in status - they have a Yin Yang balance to them - Only that sunshine can dry up the rain in Taylor .

I’ll continue.

While listening to songs off of the TTPD I was stopped dead in my tracks when I came to the song, Robin. I listened three times and found a tear rolling down my right cheek. I was choked up and the tiny hairs on my arms stood up . To say I was moved would be an understatement. There was something so raw, so pure and so loving in those lyrics. I had to sit with my thoughts for a while but I feel the need to share them now among those who i consider “my people”.

The Kaylors.

Sidebar confession: Yes, I’m a Kaylor.

I firmly believe Taylor Swift, and Karlie Kloss had a long running romantic relationship. They were more than friends. They were lovers too. The level of denial it takes to doubt that is astonishing. It wasn’t just Kissgate that sealed the deal. It’s the way those two looked at each other and communicated in a secret language all their own. They were deeply in love.

I believe it all started prior to the public meet up at the VS Fashion Show and even long before the “your kitchen or mine cookie “tweet.

I believe Taylor and Karlie first met when Taylor was showing up at fashion shows that Karlie was walking in as far back as 2009. Where they had a relationship then? Probably not because they were both involved with others but the sparks were flying. Thats when the foundation was laid. The attraction was there. The seeds planted. Destiny and the Universe did the rest.

Think Love Story lyrics

“We were both young when I first saw you” which I believe Taylor wrote about Karlie and which also happens to be Karlies favorite song. I believe they had an ongoing relationship that continued on until late 2017-early 2018 and then I believe something happened and they broke up, as many long-term relationships often do. My guts tell me it was cheating and it was on Taylor’s part and the regret from that will haunt Taylor for her entire life because it caused the trajectory of their path to change.

Karlie married in 2018 yet many speculate they were still together and the unofficial story is the real trouble actually came in mid 2019.

Taylor was furious over the masters, fingers were pointing everywhere, cheating rumors flew. This entire story certainly has all the drama of a Netflix series that could easily do 8 seasons

There’s so much more to this Masters incident than the public is aware of. Also the fact that Josh’s families company ~ the Carlisle Group provided the funding to Scooter is an often overlooked storyline.

Was Taylor angry at Karlie for that but how could Karlie control that if she was even in that loop of that drama. Or~ was there more -because in any good mystery - there’s always several layers more .

What did Scooter have to leverage getting that kind of money from them to buy the masters? Being Karlie’s manager at the time perhaps he has something on her or Taylor or both of them and used it as that leverage . It’s a whole other rabbit hole that I don’t have time to visit right now but regardless Taylor is still angry about to this very day which tells me it goes way deeper and my gut feeling is that Taylor’s dad was the one involved with knowing things and not Karlie Kloss who got fed to the sharks over the situation.

So I’m going on record here saying I never believed Karlie had anything to do with Masters Heist. I believe that story was used as an explanation to explain their separation. I know there’s a whole other level of messy lore involving this and a love blackout and Trumps election and Karlie’s association with the Kushner’s but I’m going to skip over that season and move on -except to say that it was absolutely shameful the level of hate Karlie was forced to endure because of that and still her sun shinned while she was being made the villain online and much of it still continues to this day. At any point during that scandal Karlie could have spoken out but she didn’t. She quietly took one for the team.

I’m not going to pretend that I know what happened during that murky period or what is happening now - because honestly -I do not…but there have been a strange set clues and way too many “koincidences to simply chalk up to being coincidences.

It’s just a gut feeling but I also don’t believe their connection went fully went away or ever will for that matter. They are and will forever be tied together even in the times they are apart but I kinda think they reunited ( again) in early to mid 2020.

I’ve read all the theories. I’ve heard all the rumors ,I’ve been to the rabbit hole, I’ve climbed out, I’ve fallen back in, and most days now you’ll find me sitting on the edge dangling my feet still and kinda wondering. I live my life ~ they live theirs.

So am I a LSK?

No, not really, but some days …ok, maybe. You see for as much as I try to say no…there’s just this tiny string I can’t help but see so I keep my feet planted on the ground but my mind open.

By open I mean open to the possibility that Taylor and Karlie are in one of those kind of “relationships” where as hard as they try ~they just can’t seem to quit each other and they go through periods of on and off times. “pauses” is what I like to call the brakes or bumps along the way. You know that couple that’s over but they’re never really over ?

Where are they now? I have no idea.

Taylor has another year of touring and promoting and probably Travis. My money says Taylor Swift will be the halftime show at next years Super Bowl.

Karlie, along with her modeling contacts ( Carolina Herrera, Estée Lauder, Donna Karen etc ) is venturing into the business world. Along with running Kode with Klossy, she’s CEO of her newly formed media company. She bought I-D magazine and also Life magazine, which Josh also invested in , this year. She’s got a lot on her plate

Yes, Karlie is married but is she really married in the traditional sense of what we all consider marriage to be? On the surface, yes… but once again- the layers and the lore here is incredible.

What a character she’d be on that Netflix show I imagine in my head . Just give her an Emmy already.

Does she love Josh? I’m absolutely sure she does- but the real question is…is she IN love with Josh? You know- romantic love -which, I as an observer ~don’t believe she is or ever has been. You can just kinda tell and no matter how many pictures she posts the connection just isn’t there and whenever I see her with her beautiful babies (even if he’s in the photo) she gives off that “ single mother vibe “

That level of chemistry, no matter how the pictures are posed~ or the hand in hand walks are staged -the passion ~ the look in their eyes - it just isn’t there and honestly it never was.

They have always given off that bff energy and frankly ~ Karlie’s friendship with her “big brother “ Derek actually feels more real, relaxed and genuine.Then there are the gay rumors ( past and present) surrounding their entire little multiverse ~but we won’t go into them right now either. We’d be here all night.

And yes, Taylor has had her share of public relationships but have they been real? Have they had their moments? probably. Did some become more than PR for a brief period of time. Possibly She’s been linked to everyone she even walks by or talks to but somehow it all pales and fades in time. I’m sure there have been flings along the way but flings don’t fly and usually run their course in that 9 1/2 week period that flings seem to take.

If I’m being honest, as I observe from the treetops all of Taylor’s relationships and Karlies relationship with Josh, they never reach the level of the real connection and happiness that I saw between Taylor and Karlie. That’s something you just can’t fake or reproduce with another .

Whatever is going on with Travis is so cringey and sadly embarrassing.I tend to think it’s PR but if it’s real then he truly is her obnoxious karma and karma isn’t usually a good thing. But hey the moneys good. Maybe they’ll even get lavender married so she can stay in her closet and continue to throw red meat to the $wifties.

The future is yet unwritten.

All that being said, I’ll get back to my original point of this ramble and that’s a song called Robin.

So yes, I’ve heard the rumors, I’ve read the theories, I’ve seen photographs of visual evidence. Karlie Kloss was in Los Angeles during the pandemic, the same place where Taylor was in fort part of 2020. When she returned to NYC if you count the months - she was pregnant even if she didn’t look it. I also believe Karlie was there in the shadows during the Long Pond Studio recordings in Upstate NY. Jack kind of gave it away when he referenced “Joe the dog” as being who he thought Taylor was talking about when she said “ Joe and I wrote a song”

I’ve also heard the rumor that there was a ceremony between them that they tried to pass off as a ceremony between Taylor and Joe which Tree later denied that there was ever a ceremony of “any type”.

Ok buckle up because here it comes

I’ve seen the “turkey baster”( IVF ) post that Karlie made. Like who uses a turkey baster in May? What an odd thing to do unless you were signaling an IVF pregnancy situation. Regardless ~ she was extremely happy that day.

I’ve seen the cinnamon buns post ( think the expression “buns in the oven ) that Taylor made a few days later back in May 2020. She was “proud” of her cinnamon buns.

Happy & proud …hum

Is that a crazy set of coincidences? Hand on whatever holy book you set before me ~ I’d have to say “yes”

And it’s Absolutely crazy considering the fact that Levi was born a little over nine months later.

Add in the fact of how emotional Taylor got accepting her Grammy for Folklore when Arron thanked his “ wife and kids “during the acceptance speech.

For a few moments there you could feel the raw emotion in her as she nearly burst into tears andJack tried to console her. Blonde was gutted. It cut deep.

Sidebar:

Yes Aaron has a son named Robin but he’s 9 years old and other than the name cleverly used for gentle cover of the truth in case damage control is ever needed~ there is no connection to that child or a secret, no showmanship to cover it up or anything that would make Taylor react as she did. Other than his name there is no connection to the words in the song

But the fact that Levi’s birth was announced during the Grammys absolutely does connect.

So I’ll just put a pin in that and move on.

Listening to that ballad yesterday rocked my entire world . It was so soft, gentle and living. So heart wrenching that I just let my emotions flow through me as my mind wandered back gathering and processing all the previous rumors and lore I had heard along the way. It left me rattled as it tumbled through memories. Could it all have been true?

So now I’m just gonna say it out loud running the risk of being attacked and also sounding like a supermarket tabloid…here goes “could Levi be Karlie’s and Taylor’s child?”

I know it sounds crazy…secret love child but …

I’m not trying to out anyone and I want to respect the fact that a child is involved here. Honestly I had second and third thoughts about posting this but if I’m being real ~ it’s also a collective of things that have been shared openly about Taylor and Karlie here for years. Somehow the song was like a puzzle piece that snapped into place.

…those loving words ,the emotion in Taylor‘s voice as she sings about her strong heartfelt attachment to a young toddler, as she encourages him in being wild and free in his wonder years, playing with abandon and roaring at the dinosaurs~

There was real love in those words

.

.

Looking out his window over his kingdom (NYC) and speaking gibberish

She also advocates for him keeping his innocence for as long as possible and then speaks of a secret that a inner circle of people have chosen to keep from him” in sweetness” to protect him and the “showmanship” to cover up that secret that he has no idea of.

And as she watches his unabashed play in his toddler purity she prophesies there will come a time in the future when the world he faces will have harsh words for him and she reminds him that he will bounce back like he now does on his trampoline.

“ and you have no idea

Buried down deep and out of your reach

the secret we all vowed

to keep it from you in sweetness

strings tied to levers

slowed down clocks tethers

all the showman ship

to keep it from you in sweetness

way to go, tiger

I’m not crying , you are and Levi looks just like his mommy 🤍

.

Let’s keep this in the family ✌️🤍🏳️‍🌈

God I love this show .

Stay tuned for next season

[the-dumpster-fire-of-life]

TEEN PARENT HEADCANONS WITH BILL

(Hello! Sure I can! Enjoy!) Taglist!

Obviously, teens in love fool around, and apparently so do you and Bill

I don't think he understood the geabity of the situation when you first told him

He was confused at first at how hesitant and scared you seemed

He laughed, saying it was okay to tell him end the more you dragged it on I think this when he started getting nervous and scared

I think he thought you were about to break up with him or something

The best thing to do was just say you were pregnant, which you did

He fell really silent, almost scary silent as he just stared at you

It was knobs turning in his head, and he actually somehow smiled

He didn't really take in the situation and what like

"You're pregnant! We made a baby! Wait…we- we made…a baby…"

It slowly dawned on him the situation

You guys were teens, who now has a baby coming

He more panicked, was pacing back and forth, he wasn't angry at you, but more at himself for putting you in this situation

And he was worried about what the media would say, the band, your families, fans, everyone and everything

It seemed like it was all falling down in front of him and he didn't really know what to do

You finally got him to sit down, and he was able to breath

He slowly got out the words telling you it was okay, and that you could do whatever you wanted

He loves you, he supported your decision, and even if he wanted the kid, he knew it wasn't his entire decision but yours as you were the pregnant one

If you cried, he held you, if you were scared, so was he but he was by your side, which made it better

Through long and hard thinking, you came to the decision to keep the baby

I feel like Bill was relieved, and sorta scared at the same time

He wanted a family with you, he just thought it would be farther in the future, but I guess life doesn't work out like you always want it

Plus, he cheered both you guys up by making jokes, laughing and just being there

I think you guys kept off telling the band, media and anyone for a while

Until you guys were all together, everything was fine, Gustav, Tom and Bill were laughing before they noticed how you two were acting different

Tom was laughing, playfully asking what crawled up your asses before Bill just blurted it out

"(Name)'s pregnant."

Dead silence. You could hear a pin drop as all three of them stared at you, Bill and your stomach

Then questions came like rapid fire

"You're pregnant?! I'm gonna be an uncle?!"

"H-how?! When?! Why?! You let him get you pregnant?!"

"Holy shit…oh damn, you're really pregnant. Oh, oh god-"

Obviously after the shock, they were all still sorta surprised

Obviously because it was Bill and you, but obviously Georg was like

"So, what are you guys gonna do?"

And obviously, you guys told them you were keeping it

They all just nodded, sorta quiet and looking at each other before Tom stood up, walking over to Bill and leaning down to hug him

That caused a little wave of hugs and laughs going around

I think Bill actually needed those hugs as the final push of everything was gonna be okay

What you guys weren't prepared for was the media waves

As your stomach got bigger, obviously it got out

You were hounded with scandals, rumors, paparazzi, questions, angry and happy fans, threats and congratulations

Bill did his best to help keep you safe, keeping you away from the media as everything about the band was kept on hold for about half way through your second trimester

After that, if you were in the band, for a while you weren't

You would stay backstage, with hands and assistants to make sure you were okay as Bill watched you from the corner of his eye, never taking his eye off you or your growing child

Tom, Gustav and Georg were actually excited to be uncles

Having a little kid running around seemed fun and exciting now

Tom would sit by you, and if you were comfortable, put his hand on your stomach and feel his little niece or nephew kick

Sometimes he would sit in front of you and just talk, shit talking everyone and telling your stomach everything he would teach them as they got older, and to love him more than Bill

Gustav was making sure you were okay all the time, getting you stuff you needed so you didn't need to get up and do it yourself, especially as your stomach got better

Georg dubbed himself the best uncle, outdoing everyone and everything, he also served as the one who threw paparazzi off your trails

They all kept you safe, especially when people would crowd you guys or follow you

But Bill was always the best think

Throughout the entire thing he was always by your side, getting anything you needed, supporting you and never missing a thing

Especially the birth, the scariest he has ever fucking seen you

But everything made it worth it as he held your guys' kid for the first time

Admittedly and proudly, he cried, which nobody ever lets go of

He didn't want to let go of them, which stayed true for years

Nothing really changed in the band, just a kid was added to the mix

Your kid has the absolute best uncles, and grew up loved by many

You guys kept them protected from paparazzi and threats, shielding them from what you couldn't shield yourselves from growing up

They're an absolute daddy's girl or boy

Bill is their absolute go to, hiding behind his leg, in his neck or just wanting to be held

Bill was always the one to get up when they cried, saying you did enough through birth and pregnancy and to let him handle it for now

Your baby is the luckiest kid in the world

They went on interviews, answered so many questions with their adorable face and smile, sitting on your lap, or Bills lap or any of their uncles laps

Your kid went to signings, signed their own stuff to fans and always somehow grabbed a mic to say hi to you guys on stage

They even ran out a few times, jumping onto Bills or your leg, wanting to be picked up

Your kid loved you guys so much, and even if you guys were teens and raising a kid, you did a good job

Your kid was well behaved, spoke their mind, and even if they were absolutely spoiled rotten by all of you, they remained so cute and so humble, always kind to everyone

They loved seeing you guys on stage, on videos or backstage and running up to cling to you both

They especially loved seeing Bill when he walked on the runway, clapping and yelling for their dad and laughing, sitting in Tom's lap and going

"that's dad! Dada! Daddy!"

"Yeah, yeah, that's dad!"

Bill and you faced some criticism for having a kid so young, and even for your parenting style or anything concerning your kid

But your kid grew up loved, happy and healthy with every uncle, and you and Bill by their side

So, I think you guys have little to worry about

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

@billsjumbie95 @bigbootahjudy @dead-tapes @ilovebill-and-gustav @r3dheadedw0rld @kiwitsune @V4mpyboyy @novaaisstupid @billybabeskaulitz @yas-v @iischafer @dilfverz @ahswhore0 @graciegizmo3184 @sweetpuffy12 @elenacgn08

[susiephone]

Or, a crash course in checking your sources. Because we've all seen some absolutely bullshit stuff spread around the internet, and Tumblr definitely isn't immune to it.

It can be hard to sort out the fact from the rumor from the propaganda when a story is actively developing, especially one that is fast-moving and has a lot of voices coming in from all sides, but it is vitally important that you check your sources before spreading a claim.

It's easier to verify or disprove a claim about something that's purported to have happened in the past, so, admittedly, checking stuff that's purported to be happening now is a messy, confusing process. All the more reason to err on the side of caution.

I am not a journalist or professional researcher or historian or anything like that, so this is all coming from a layman who does their best to be informed. If I get anything wrong, or anyone more qualified has something they want to add, please let me know in the notes.

Why should I check my sources?

Because you should care whether you're spreading propaganda or not.

Because sometimes in the heat of the moment, when emotions are running high, it's easy to be misled.

Because every time you spread misinformation to help your own cause, even - or especially! - if that cause is righteous, it becomes a ding on your credibility, and the credibility of your cause.

Because when you don't, a journalist loses their wings. Probably. Fact-check me on that.

How do I know when to check my sources?

If you don't recognize the source, check it.

If you hear a claim and think, "Wow, that is so cartoonishly evil," or, "That's so absurd I'd think it was far fetched if it was in a movie," or, "It's weird no mainstream outlets are reporting on this," check it.

Now, a claim sounding too bizarre or evil to be real doesn't always mean it isn't--I mean, half of what I hear about George Santos sounds like an SNL sketch and it always ends up true. But check it.

If the claim sounds like something a Nazi would want you to believe, check it.

If a claim is only being spread by one or two small sources, check it.

How do I check my sources?

The following sites are great resources for fact-checking.

PolitiFact. Ranks claims on a truth-o-meter and provides context for what's true, mostly true, kinda true, and made-up.

Media Bias/Fact Check: Publishes lists of fact checks from other credible sources, and ranks media outlets on their bias and trustworthiness.

Climate Feedback: Verifies claims about science, especially climate change.

Lead Stories: Verifies claims as they develop, especially stuff spreading on social media.

Here is a list of sources Media Bias/Fact Check considers to be the least biased.

What are some red flags to search for? / What are some questions I should ask myself?

Does the claim only come from a handful of small sources?

Do all those sources only cite each other?

It bears repeating: does this claim sound especially sensational or over-the-top? I know it sounds basic, but when you're furious at somebody (be it a person or a government or a system), it can be easy to believe every horrible thing you hear about them. But just because someone is awful doesn't mean every rumor about them doing awful things is true, and you still have a responsibility to keep your criticism accurate.

Who provides funding to the source? Do they work off of grants, reader donations and subscriptions, government backing, private donors? Do they not disclose their funding at all?

Has the source been caught spreading false info before? How long ago was this? Did they issue a correction in a timely manner? Was the journalist who spread the false claim fired or otherwise reprimanded? Does it seem like it was a mistake, or was there an agenda at play? Has the source taken steps to reestablish credibility?

Who benefits from me believing this?

Okay, I did all my fact-checking, and I'm really not sure if this claim is true or not.

Then don't share it.

If more information comes out and it turns out to be true, then go ahead.

But if there's doubt, don't share it.

Okay, sure, but the claim sounds like it could be true, and-

"Could be true" and "is true" are not the same.

Fine, but the person or government it's talking about has already done so many awful things, even if this specific rumor isn't true-

DON'T. SHARE. IT.

I am going to come to your house and bite you.

Further information.

How to fact-check like a pro.

The Psychology of Fact-Checking.

What is fact-checking?

Misinformation (YouTube video)

And there we go! If anyone has anything to add, go ahead, but I will be monitoring the comments and will be blocking any nonsense.

There's enough misinformation spread by bad actors in our current media landscape. Please don't make their job any easier.

[laughhardrunfastbekindsblog]

What Needs to Be Done

Summer of Bad Batch | Week 13 | Prompt: Crashing Hard

Summary: Crosshair was so sure he made the right choice, the only choice... But now he has doubts.

POV: Crosshair

Rating: PG

(Word Count: 650)

Notes: I've been wanting to delve more into what Crosshair might have gone through in season 2 before "The Outpost," especially since I think his confession to Hunter of "I've done things. I've made mistakes" refers to far more than just the Imperial missions we saw him on. I might expand on this storyline in the future; for now, here's a short little ficlet since there's only so much Crosshair angst I can write at the moment.

"CT-9904, report to Captain Dask for your next mission."

The operation involved relocating the inhabitants of Quwan to an Imperial holding facility to await the construction of a factory on their homeworld, a factory they would man in service to the Empire. Those who did not appreciate the opportunity, those who resisted, were not given a second chance, and so the people learned very quickly not to resist. The families cried as their homes were burned to make way for the factory; the children cried as they were hustled onto ships by armed troopers. Crosshair had completed operations very similar to this before; but for some reason, this time he heard Hunter's voice echoing through his mind: Crosshair, I've seen what the Empire's doing, occupying planets and silencing anyone who stands against them. You know it's not right.

But it didn't matter what he thought was right. "Good soldiers follow orders," he thought to himself, though the words had started to grow stale. "We do what needs to be done," he repeated like a mantra, drowning out the memory of Hunter's plea.

******

He heard the rumors, whispers about an attack on Rampart's Venator, intel extracted that proved instrumental in causing Rampart's demise. The Defense Recruitment Bill was passed, but Rampart was gone. And while no one had been able to ID the infiltration team, Crosshair listened to the details of the attack, and he knew who had done it. "They were fools, they won't let themselves see the bigger picture," he told himself, ignoring the painful wrenching in his gut at the reminder of his old squad, though the traitorous thought crossed his mind that he wished he had been with them, wished he was with his brothers now.

******

"Three CTs have gone AWOL and were recently spotted in the market district," the lieutenant addressed the hand-picked squad. "You are to apprehend them. One chance to surrender, one chance only. That is all."

"Traitors," he scoffed to himself, pushing down his unease upon learning that the CTs in question had been part of his detachment during their most recent operation on Vurun. He knew nothing about them, they hadn't even spoken to him the entire mission... so why did he worry about what he might have to do? And why did wish he could have left too? Going AWOL was pointless; they were tracked down soon enough.

"Traitor," he thought again, carefully aiming as one of them tried to run, though his finger trembled on the trigger...

Cody weighed on his mind, haunted his dreams for weeks afterwards...

******

He waited outside the ship preparing to depart for Barton IV; there was no point standing any longer than he had to inside the ship with all the other clones who always ignored him. A group of unarmored clones passed by, questioning an Imperial officer about forced retirement. He knew more clones were being decommissioned, but he wasn't concerned. That wouldn't happen to him. He was useful to the Empire. He had purpose as a soldier.

And he tried not to think about the long years stretching before him, serving as a soldier until the day he died, no friends, brothers gone, all alone.

******

Mayday.

Gone.

He had served as a soldier until the day he died, had outlasted most of his friends, all his brothers gone, and the lieutenant was now ordering Crosshair to leave him... to leave him all alone.

Crosshair had believed the Empire offered him purpose.

He didn't believe it anymore.

"Lieutenant," Crosshair said, the only warning he was willing to give.

He released all his anger and doubts as he avenged Mayday, and suddenly found that this release had sapped all his strength, sapped all his belief in purpose, and he collapsed, no longer caring what happened to him.

I... It needed to be done, was his final thought as the darkness closed in around him.

@summer-of-bad-batch

[maggyme13]

Moving above the Underworld (2/?)

Ellie just moved into a new flat. Introducing herself to her downstairs neighbor with a cake she did not realize what the future held for her and him. And what had an asshole coworker to do with it?

AN: Part 2 :)

Don´t like-> Don´t Read Minors DNI

Warning:

Wordcount: Around 1.8k

Masterlist

Series-Masterlist

Part 1

„You look bored! Everything good?“, Jacky, the birthday girl and friend from her high school days shouted over the loud music currently playing at the „Wonderland“. „Yes, just tired. The last weeks were exhausting. Go dance with the others. I am going to watch the drinks.“, Ellie answered half true. She was tired, yes, but not only because of work but because her social batteries had run out earlier that evening. But being the friend she is, she does not want to ruin her friend's day by leaving. Especially not after she had reserved them a table at THE club. “The Wonderland” opened two years ago and was held in the scheme of ´Alice in Wonderland´ with crazy drinks, like the Mad-Hatter, and crazy light shows. Rumors had circled that it had been opened to be used for money laundering purposes by the local underworld. Nothing had come of it. Well, nothing else than a rise in popularity by the younger audiences and those that went thrill-seeking. Ellie did not care. The door was solid and fair, and as much as she knew had there been not one drug-induced incident since it opened. “Really? We will just be over there!”, Jacky inquired again, she also did not want to ruin her friend's evening. “Yes. Go have fun.”, she smiled, laughing when her friend tackled her into a hug before dragging the other three girls off onto the dance floor.

Sipping on her “Futterwack”- cocktail ( a fruity one with twists in its taste like the dance from the movie), Ellie let her eyes roam the crowd once in a while, watching the others dance and laugh a bit away, and keeping their drinks from being tampered with. She had almost finished her drink when an all-knowing feeling of being watched caught her attention. Only this time she found the one who caused it: A group of eight men around her age, definitely drunk as hell, were staring at her with unnerving looks on their faces. That turned wicked when they noticed her noticing them, and it did not take long for them to gather up their drinks and make their way towards where she was seated. As a female woodworker, she had muscles and against one or two drunkards she believed she might be able to defend herself (she could put her shyness away if being forced)but against eight drunkards that were all at least one head taller than her, she would never be able to stand a chance. And so she grabbed all the stirrups of the other girl's handbags and looked for a way to reach them. Safety in numbers, and the middle of the dance floor there was a possibility the men would lose interest. But it would not get that far: just when the time for her to flee came, three giants of men stepped in the path of the men, stopping them in their tracks. Security had arrived, but why? “You lot are too drunk. Grab your stuff and leave. You are done for tonight!”, one of them shouted loud enough over the music Ellie was able to hear it as well. One of the men looked like he considered arguing with the officials, but reconsidered when the two that were not speaking rolled their shoulders and tensed their muscles. The men did not even glance in her direction when they left, followed by the bouncers. “You good?”, Jacky suddenly shouted in her ear and Ellie jerked together and squeaked in surprise, “Sorry.” “Yeah, some drunks wanted to come over, but security escorted them out.”, Ellie nodded. “Well, let´s do one more round of drinks, and then off we go. I am getting tired of my old days.” “I am two years older than you.”, Ellie stated only to receive a stick-out tongue in return, “Wait until you are my age!” “Whatever Grandma!” An hour later they left for the exit, passing the entrance to the VIP area where Ellie imagined to see her neighbor. But when she looked again, he was not to be seen.

____

Two days later she saw him again at their house, she was just about to leave for a nearby bakery for some fresh bread when he entered. He had a slight bruise on his jaw and the knuckles of his hands seemed cut. “Are you alright?”, she asked worried before she could think. He grunted in response. “S-sorry didn´t mean to pry. I-I am on my way to the bakery. Do you need anything?” “Wow. What a beautiful sight to see. So much better than your ugly muck. Alejandro Martinez. Nice to have a face to the one leaving those delicious goods in the hallway.” “E-Ellie Miller. I am glad you like what I made. I- I have to go. Have a nice day.”, she blushed before hurrying out of the door as fast as possible. Though she could still hear the `You lucky bastard.´ In the following weeks, she met Alejandro a handful of times in the hallway, and always he would be flirting with her. It made Ellie uncomfortable at first but with time she got used to it. She was exhausted more than ever. Work was hell, her boss had accepted more jobs than the workshop could handle, and so everyone was in mandatory overtime. Everyone but the boss and his friend. So it did not come as a surprise that after three weeks of thirteen-hour days seven days a week, her body went on strike due to the stress and she came down with a serious case of stomach flu. Not able to keep anything down (luckily the diarrhea was almost non existent), Ellie was unable to take care of herself much less cook. Knowing she needed something warm and salty for her well-being, she ordered some hot soup with breadsticks for delivery. She must have fallen asleep not long after the call because the next thing she knew she was awoken by a loud knocking on her door. Revealing her neighbor with a takeout bag in his hands. He took in her disheveled look: Face puffy and pale, her hair in a messy bun, and her clothes baggy and crumpled. “Your delivery. The Guy was pissed no one opened when I came back from work. I paid him before he could dump it on the front steps.”, her neighbor exclaimed, handing over the bag and leaving before she could say thank you or give him back the money she owed. Not in the state to do anything, she accepted the fact he left and went on to eat the warm soup. It had calmed her stomach enough for her to be able to take a hot shower and move some stuff to her living room to build a small nest of pillows and covers (like her mother did when she was ill as a child) where she would spend the rest of the day, reading, sleeping, and throwing up. That same evening she was once again awoken from a nap by a loud knock on her door. Again it was her neighbor who stood there with a bag in his hand. However this time she did not order any delivery she could have missed. He only nodded in greeting and walked past her into the kitchen. Dumbfounded she followed him through her apartment and watched him unpack half a supermarket produce aisle. Carrots, Potatoes, Bread, Canned soup, and everything else she might need to stay alive until healthy again. “Thank you.”, Ellie croaked, hugging her hot water bottle against her chest. After one last glance to make sure she had everything she might need, he left without saying anything.

___

“Th- Thank you again for last month. You did not need to do that.”, Ellie smiled, fidgeting with the hem of her costume. She was dressed as Little Red Riding Hood (not in a slutty, but more modern way) for the Halloween party at the Wonderland Jacky had coaxed her to attend. “I am going to a Halloween party at the Wonderland with a friend.”, she told him, noticing the look he gave her. “Have a Happy Halloween!”, she wished him before leaving to meet up with her friend. “You are a lot happier than last time.”, Jacky laughed dancing in her slightly bondage-themed witch costume. “Yeah. Work is alright at the moment. And I just love Halloween.”, she smiled back dancing in her way, “Should we get another round?” “Sure thing! Let´s get a round of Jabberwocky and Red Queens.”, Jacky cheered and ran to the bar to order. “Here you go, Ladies. Your Drinks are taken care of for tonight.”, the Bartender, a card guard, stated when he placed the order in front of them. “What do you mean?”, Ellie asked suspiciously. “Your drinks are being paid for the rest of your stay with us.” “By whom?”, she continued. As a woman, accepting free drinks could send the wrong message to whoever paid them. And she really did not want the wrong person to think they owe him or her something. She got her answer when she followed the outstretched hand of the bartender with her eyes to the VIP area and was greeted by a flirty toasting Pirate. Alejandro. Relieved she knew the person who paid for them, she smiled back and toasted back with her Red Queen. “Thank you, Sir.”, she thanked the Bartender and cheered to her friend. “Sooooooooooooooooooo. Who is that? A friend. A customer? A Lover?”, Jacky immediately began peppering her with questions. “My Neighbor´s friend. Guess he says thank you for all the cake and muffins he got when I made too much and left some for my neighbor and him whenever he visits. You know I like to share what I make. And NO, I do not intend to date him. He could be my dad.” “No Kink-shaming! Well, guess I will just accept the free drinks you got us and enjoy the party with you.”, Jacky sang in a voice that clearly sounded like the debate was not over yet, “So, what about your Neighbor? Why not get him?” Not answering her friend's nagging, Ellie drank her Cocktail, one of the last she was able to remember. The next morning she woke up in her bed, with a hangover from hell and no recollection of how she got there. And despite the hangover, she did not regret the evening and fun she had with her friend. Alejandro would definitely get a whole cake just for himself one day as a thank-you. But that would have to wait until she did not feel the need to vomit by only opening her eyes.

Part 3

[gotta-pet-em-all]

[Audio begins. There are a few moments of silence, before Fluff says, “Am I interrupting something?”

“No, not really. Oh, are those pokepuffs?”

“Mm. I figured I’d bring some over for you, here.”

“What, ‘cause you’re afraid you’ll get rejected if you don’t bring food to people?” Rei asks wryly. 

“….do you want them or not. Also, fuck off, having social anxiety sucks.” Fluff definitely doesn’t sound happy about being read for filth like that. 

“Ah, sorry. My social skills have, uh. Declined.” Rei doesn’t sound especially sorry. “You’re here to ask me about Hisui, right? Are you the short blonde’s lab partner?”

“Something like that.” She doesn’t elaborate. “More about the people who came with you from Hisui.”

“Well, the other guy took a train home. I don’t know a lot about the Miss Fortune sisters; they’re a sort of found family. They… despite being from Hisui, they weren’t as suited for it as me.”

“You enjoyed being in Hisui? Why?”

“It was thrilling,” Rei says quietly. “I had a divine patron who wanted me to do research. They’d been… well, Giratina’s banishment meant Arceus was separated from the world for a long time as well. And they wanted to understand how the land was faring. So I surveyed for them. We learned about Hisui together. I never got hurt too bad; if I lost enough blood to get worried, there would be this golden light and I’d wake up in the infirmary.”

“You weren’t worried about going home?”

“I’m seventeen, you know,” Rei says wryly. “Without going into too much detail, I had a mental health scare as a kid. Bipolar, and bad. It took a while for my parents to let me go on my journey, and when I did, I felt… alienated, like the world was too small. But Hisui? It was amazing. It was a dream. I wanted to stay and help these people. Until I didn’t.”

“So, about Volo… you guys don’t get along?”

“That’s personal,” Rei says bluntly.

Fluff gives a small cough. “They broke out of quarantine rather than stay with you.”

“...we have history.”

There is a brief mental calculation of ages and likelihood of romance. “So, you guys weren’t— or, rather, you didn’t have any—”

“There was absolutely no situationship or unrequited romantic feelings going on.” Rei sighs. “Frankly, I… don’t know how to explain it. But they’ve been nothing but polite and accommodating here, so I don’t think it’s right for me to go spreading rumors that don’t matter anymore. Why do you want to know so bad, anyways?”

“I visited them, and just…” Her voice sounds a little choked up. “I was uh. Quite literally raised under a rock. Like, very deficient in vitamin D. So I had a lot of trouble adjusting to the real world. I guess I can relate?”

“Wait, what.”

“What part needs clarification here.”

“The— raised under a rock???”

“Underground cult, but I try not to tell people that when I’ve first met them because I’m trying to break the traumadumping habit, actually.” She sniffles. “Fuck, I’m going to have to wash my hoodie. Point is. Uh. Ah, where was I even going with this. Is it really that weird that I want to help? I want to believe the best in them.”

“The Miss Fortunes frequently tried to mug me, you know.”

“Yeah, you’re not special,” she mutters under her breath. Then, louder, “Sometimes people trapped in a bad place do fucked up shit to survive. Don’t they deserve redemption too?”

“Maybe. I just don’t have any interest in it. I’m not going to stop you, but I’m not going to help. I’ve done my part, and frankly, I’m a little sick of getting betrayed.” His voice is tight. “Volo likes places with history and places with shade and running water. Check the ruins and the little meadow north of the gnarled oak tree. And don’t ask me about them again. However much of their friendship was real, it’s over now. All of it.”

Recording ends.]

[cerastes]

Whatever is it that's causing Dorothy's Vision to be so delayed on global anyway?

I made a post about this that I cannot find for some reason, but long story short, they (this being Yostar) has specific dates to adhere to when it comes to slotting big events, which lead to them doing the switcheroo with Dorothy's Vision and Ideal City (in CN, Dorothy's Vision came out before Ideal City).

For nearly two years, (after W's banner, which was also delayed quite a lot), events in CN and other servers have run in pretty much the same order with a few small exceptions so big anniversary events always run in the same anniversary dates. What really sent the minecart off the rails is that Hypergryph over in CN realized that for the most majority of people, Contingency Contract is downtime: Very few players aim for higher than Risk 18, and let's be real here, the vast majority just looks up a guide to Risk 18 ASAP and then goes back to farming 1-7 for the rest of the two weeks, maybe doing the daily map. It's not even a guarantee that high-end players will try for high Risk anymore; I myself used to Max Risk, or at the very least, Risk 26, but I lost all interest because all high Risk nowadays simply devolves into 1:30 minutes of doing the map, 7 minutes of stalling the boss in place while slowly chipping them to death. Which is incredibly boring. My fellow ex-Max Risk friends feel the same way.

Why is this important? Because this led to a decision by Hypergryph: Run CC and events simultaneously. CC9 overlapped with the end of Stultifera Navis and the start of the Under Tides rerun, and CC10 ran concurrently with Ideal City. This was received positively among CN players.

Yostar did not follow suit in either occasion. Not only did this mean that they were adding two extra weeks of dead time twice after events (so a whole month of dead time CN did not have), it also set the schedule on fire with kerosene because anniversary dates are kinda inflexible, resulting in the whole mess we are dealing with here. The worst and most frustrating part is that this could've been avoided very, very easily: Yostar simply had to do as Hypergryph did in CN for the other servers. It was that simple. Unfortunately, Yostar assigned their weakest, puniest personnel to Arknight's scheduling, it seems, so now It's A Mess. There's even two distinct rumors running around that after Dossoles, they'll run Mlynar's banner, further delaying Dorothy... Or, alternatively, that they'll run Mlynar's banner after Texas the Omertosa's banner. Now those would be some real good fireworks. Dorothy isn't meta and is a new character (albeit with some existing connections on virtue of being a Rhine Lab Director and having been involved with [SPOILER]), but Mlynar very much is meta, in addition to having been in NPC jail for years now, so, well, That'd Get Pretty Ugly.

There's also another rumor that the Dorothy's Vision delays stem from them not having yet translated the Rhine Lab manga (you know the one), which does provide context for Dorothy's Vision, but I personally don't buy it.

So, basically, Dorothy's Vision should come after Dossoles theoretically, but given that Yostar time and again proves unable to do things competently, schedulingwise, Who Knows, Actually.

[accio-victuuri]

clowning: xzs xi’an food vlog edition 🌶️

you all know the drill. for cpn-loving turtles only. don’t take it too seriously.

i honestly didn’t expect another food vlog from xz. his past adlad cities had them but it slipped my mind that he did go to a xi’an this time and spent quite a bit of time there — so we’re due another episode. i’m really thankful to xz and his team for the effort they put to share with us!

a few clowning points here ⤵️⤵️⤵️

The first one is how XZ can’t seem to handle spice well anymore, like a chongqing native should. Then you have WYB whose tolerance for spicy food increased. It could be that XZ has been living in BJ for so long that his taste has changed or maybe, he is thinking of the other person in his home who does not like spicy food. This is a long running cpn in cpf circles, that their preferences changed after spending time together. You can interpret this as a sign of a romantic relationship or not — but they definitely spent a lot of time together for their tastes to change and then be the same. except for garlic cause xz can’t really deal with that lol.

case in point, both wearing clothes that are for sun protection ( bobo’s is an ad, but he wears one in his personal time too ) and eating cold skinned noodles ( liangpi ). lol. i swear they have the same aesthetic sometimes.

we always joke that xz is the art student and wyb is the sport student — but they actually have a lot of things in common if you observe them more. Another one ZZ enjoyed was a meat bun (Roujiamo) which is a popular street food, but the cpn here is back in 2021 valentines day day they ( allegedly ) spent time together in Henan. Someone even saw Lele buying a lot of the same food and people were clowning that it’s for the two to eat as well. let me live in the fantasy that when they are together, they do this food tasting thing minus the camera recording.

and what is that? some people are pointing it out but i’m pretty sure it’s not a necklace. so funny how we panic when we see some vague clue of a personal necklace with XZ. but this is NOT it. Tho i’m still curious…. what could it be? 👀 popular guess is the string of an amulet. we know how superstitious he is so it could be.

My favorite would have to be the meme/emoticon they used, because it reminded me of what CPFs usually post. I am not sure how popular this is, and i’m positive it’s not exclusive to bxgs, but thinking about xz or his team going to CPF part of the internet and becoming fond of this meme/ emoticon makes me happy. ☺️

and well, same energy as this “incident”:

The loudest CPN being talked about tho is ZZ’s wechat video account that just opened. It’s under his studio and was opened 5/17, the day their certification was completed. What a nice coincidence that this day in the lunar calendar is 3/28. ZHAN AI BO. Also 5/17 is the international day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia ( remember ZZ shared the song somewhere over the rainbow back in 2016. and it’s one of those 🌈 clues that cpfs

with all of ZZ’s “superstitions”, I feel like the day to open this new account was chosen. and it’s under his company Beijing Bamboo News Culture Media.

So if they already got certified that day, why wait for 5/18 to post. 18= Yibo. Not only that, on Wechat Video they posted at 20:05 which is 8:05. It’s not like weibo where the time stamp stays, users say it’s like IG that says “13 minutes ago..” but does not retain the specific time. So the screenshot below is the time was 20:10 and then XZS caption for the actual post was made 5 minutes ago, the time it was posted. 20:05. I’m not a wild kadian believer but this speaks to me. 😌😌😌

I’m excited for the next couple of days, cause hopefully we will get WDB 5/21. Which is still a rumor and who knows — will be a surprise drop. WYB allegedly going to an awards show 5/23 Huabiao Awards. Please make it happen. I’m looking forward to Movie Actor Yibo attending these kinds of awards show! 5/27 Chunzhen fanmeet with WYB @ Qingdao!!!! It’s been a while since he did something live! So this is a treat. && it’s the same month GG did his Molsion live/fan-meet too.

but wait wasn’t there rumors that xz will go to qingdao on the 27th too for condor heroes prep/training. lol. nothing is confirmed of course but it will be fun is they can be in the same city again for one day and not just in beijing.

-END.

[poledancingdinos]

Hostile Territory - Chapter 13

Pairing: Captain Syverson x OFC (Leah Coleman)

Word count: 3.2K

Warnings: Nothing new but references to the harassment/injuries from previous chapters

Catch up: Series Masterlist

Taglist: @amberangel112 @utterlyhopeful-fics @marantha​ @kebabgirl67 @littleone65 @omgkatinka @luclittlepond @elizabetharegina @enchantedbytomandhenry @narnianaos   @geralts-yenn @peaches1958 @avengersfan25 @sillyrabbit81 @summersong69 @identity2212 @liecastillo @lena-banena @mrsevans90 @confessionbrain-writings @eclecticfashionbookszipper @happydistraction

Masterlist

Day 175:

Leah spent the better part of three weeks on bedrest. She didn't bother protesting for the simple reason that, as much as she hated being still that long, she didn’t want to face Sy.

For the first week, the boys brought MREs to her room three times a day, but when she got sick of the prepackaged food, she made the effort to go down for chow time. She couldn’t stay very long, the noise quickly becoming too much and making her head pound, but she soaked in all the social time she could.

It was a good thing the boys always had something to catch her up on during those ten to fifteen minutes together because it kept her from glancing over at Sy. He no longer sat in his normal spot, instead having moved to a seat facing away from Leah. The only time he had dared to look at her was when Aika ran to greet her on her first day down. Once the shock wore off and he knew Aika wasn’t going to wander off, he’d turned back to his meal.

On the tenth day after the incident, Leah managed to take on a few clerical tasks and by day fourteen, she had gone back to weight training. Her bruises had still been in the late healing stages but they’d no longer caused her any discomfort. Now though, she needed to step up and prove she was fit for duty because they had a big op coming up and Leah was not going to be benched.

There were rumors around base that an army platoon was going to be assisting but Sy had not confirmed anything. He’d apparently been in a particularly sour mood since the incident but there was no telling whether that was because of what happened between the two of them or the rumored newcomers. Or so she told herself.

Leah was headed back inside after a workout and a shower when she bumped into BJ.

“You might wanna go lock up your panties.”

Leah snorted, stopping to shake out her still wet hair to let it dry in the hot sun.

“I take it that means we’ll have some guests soon?”

BJ shifted his rifle around to pull his sunglasses out of his pocket.

“Yeah, we just got confirmation that they’ll be here before sunset. We’ve been ordered to move shit around to free up a couple of rooms for ‘em.”

A wet nose nudged the back of Leah’s hand, making her look down. She immediately smiled, kneeling to ruffle the fur around Aika’s neck. She was growing so fast.

They’d started painting her green a while back. It had been Jer’s idea—well, more like a joke that Sy took seriously—to paint her camo. They were still afraid she would be shot if she ever escaped since they couldn’t give her any sort of army K9 vest and Jer thought the idea of a camo print dog was hilarious. Not that Aika would run away with how attached she was to Sy but he was equally attached to her and he was not willing to take any chances. It was a good thing the only color spray paint they had on hand was green or Jer would most certainly have gone through on his original plan.

“We could probably fit someone on the floor in my room and my top bunk is still free.”

“Shouldn’t be necessary, we’ve got it mostly figured out.”

Leah nodded, standing and patting Aika on her rump to send her back inside.

“Sy asked me how you were healing up.”

Leah whipped her head down, collecting her hair to begin forming a regulation bun. “You better have told him I was in perfect shape,” she said as she straightened. “I better not get fucking benched before the big op.”

BJ just rolled his eyes. “What I wanna know is why he didn’t just check in with you himself.”

Leah schooled her face to stay neutral as she shrugged. “I don’t know.” Maybe if she kept her cool BJ would drop that line of questioning. “He probably figures I’ll just lie and say I’m fine.” She finished smoothing her hair back and crossed her arms in front of her chest.

“So it has nothing to do with why you’ve been avoiding each other lately?”

Leah averted her gaze, chewing on her inner cheek. Shit.

“Yeah, I’ve noticed and so have the guys.” Double shit. “They think he feels guilty because he’s the one who made the call to put Hall with your team.”

Hall, the poor guy, was on thin ice with the Captain. He was basically on probation after the op and the slightest hiccup could make or break everything he’d worked for. The guys had been a little distant with him after Leah got out of medical but she’d made them promise not to let his mistake dictate how they treated him.

“I think that’s bullshit and something happened between you two.”

Leah unconsciously looked around to make sure no one was within earshot.

“I didn’t take you for the gossiping type, BJ.”

“It’s not gossiping if you go straight to the source.”

Leah glared at BJ but he just glared right back. When she refused to be the first to break, BJ wrapped a hand around Leah’s arm and pulled her around the corner away from any potential prying eyes.

“Look, if you want to sleep with the boss, that’s on you. It’s your ass on the line.” He paused, his tongue darting out to lick his lips before leaning closer to Leah.

Had it been anyone else, she might have thought he was trying to make a pass at her. He was nervous, there was something uncertain written all over his face.

“I want to think I know what kind of guy Sy is,” he said in a low voice, “but I still gotta ask…”

“I never slept with Sy, okay?” Leah hissed in a low tone. She needed him to drop the subject. Even if she trusted BJ, these kinds of things had a tendency to spread like wildfire as soon as anyone so much as the suggestion that two people were sleeping together.

BJ straightened, taking a deep breath. His expression morphed from worry to anger. “So, what then? Did he do som—”

“Why does everyone keep asking if he tried something?”

Did they all think that little of Sy? Or had she been completely wrong about him?

“Because we care, Leah!” BJ caught himself, looking over his shoulder before he continued. “We fucking care about your infuriatingly stubborn ass even if you try your goddamn hardest to drive us all away. Which, by the way, makes me even more worried that you’re trying to hide something even if I don’t want to believe he’s capable of something like that.”

Leah had the decency to feel ashamed about that. She cared about all of them too even if she tried to deny it at times. The last thing she wanted was to worry the few people who always had her back. Or lead them to believe that Sy had abused his position.

“It’s not like that, I swear,” she said so low it was almost a whisper. She didn’t want to lie to BJ, but she also didn’t really know how much she could safely admit. “He seemed to take my injuries really hard after he saw my ribs in medical. I think it drove home how much of a close call it was.”

BJ nodded, finally relaxing his stance and leaning his shoulder against the wall with a sigh. “Yeah, I saw your plates. Half an inch and it would have been going through your heart.”

That was true. Yet her heart had still been shattered that night.

“I’ll talk to him,” she promised. “He needs to know I’m not taking a back seat on that shared op. Maybe it’ll help him shake out of that mood you think he’s in.”

BJ seemed satisfied with her answer because he changed the subject, dragging Leah up to help the others get the rooms ready for their guests.

Sy hated working on a deadline. Normally, they would gather intel, devise a plan and strike when the moment was right. Now, the right moment had to come within the next twenty-five days.

He’d been informed that they were being sent an army platoon as “support”. Sy didn’t appreciate his higher ups’ way of telling him they were dissatisfied with the speed of his progress but the extra man power—and the accompanying supply truck—would be put to good use all the same.

“Are you Captain Syverson?”

Sy turned away from Aika to find a tall, lean man walking towards him with confident strides. He looked tanned, though unlike Sy, it appeared to be the natural tone of his skin rather than damage from hours upon hours in the scorching Iraqi sun. He hoped this kid had at least some field experience.

“Yessir. I’m guessin’ you’re the man in charge?”

The other officer nodded. “Lieutenant Stroubakis.” The Lieutenant, who Sy guessed was a few years younger than him, extended his hand. “The men tend to just call me LT.”

Sy could easily see why. It seemed that full titles were rarely used when last names had more than two syllables which was why nearly everyone on base called him Sy. Well, everyone except the one person he really wished would call him that.

“I hope you and your men know what y’all are gettin’ into,” Sy said by way of greeting, shaking the man’s hand more forcefully than strictly necessary. “It may be quiet out there right now but don’t make the mistake of takin’ their silence for acceptance. Our presence is barely tolerated by the locals as it is and seeing four new humvees rollin’ in is bound to stir up some shit. Y’all need to keep your heads on a swivel.”

Sensing the slight hostility in the words, the Lieutenant lifted his chin. “Then let’s talk about what it is we are here to do so that we can all get out of your hair.”

The slight tipping of Sy’s head was the only indication for the Lieutenant to follow him as he walked into the building. “From what I heard, you’re gunnin’ for a promotion.”

“Is that all they told you about why we’re here?”

It wasn’t, but it may as well have been. He didn’t want some hotshot putting his men at risk while trying to impress the higher ups. Officers made all kinds of rash or reckless decisions in the name of advancing their careers and they were rarely the ones to pay for them with their lives.

Sy paused outside his office door, turning to face the Lieutenant. “I was told that your men respect you and that ya get the job done but I tend to reserve judgment until I see for my—.”

“Niki?”

Sy immediately looked down the hall towards the source of the sweet voice he’d missed hearing in the last month.

“Oh my god, it is you!”

The young man barely had time to brace himself before a small body slammed into his chest. There was no hesitation as he wrapped his arms around Leah’s waist and pressed his nose into her hair.

“Hey, Killer,” he whispered, closing his eyes for a moment and basking in the unexpected comfort of a familiar embrace.

Leah was perched on the very tip of her toes, gripping the collar of the Lieutenant’s—Niki’s—uniform in both hands.

Sy’s entire body flushed white-hot, not so much at the nerve of the guy for indulging Leah in her arguably inappropriate behavior, but for the fact that he got to touch her the way Sy would only wished he could. She’d been avoiding him since the night in the infirmary and it was slowly killing him inside. He’d crossed a line and now Leah was uncomfortable around him. Any trust he’d managed to build was gone in a heartbeat because of his own mistake.

Sy cleared his throat, causing Leah’s eyes to shoot open as she remembered where she stood. She pulled away, taking three steps back and straightening to stand at attention, staring at a spot on the Lieutenant’s chest as she saluted him. “I mean…” She shifted her weight, her eyes flickering to the collar of the man’s jacket. “Lieutenant Stroubakis, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” She looked at Sy only long enough to give him a short greeting.

Leah kept her gaze downturned as she scurried away. She couldn’t believe that she had just jumped on another soldier in front of her commanding officer. Not just a soldier but an officer.

If anyone else had witnessed her little indiscretion, she was fucked. There was no way people would believe that she’d made it where she was on merit alone if they thought she’d slept with not one, but two different officers.

She also couldn’t get Sy’s face out of her head. He’d been furious. It would be hypocritical of him to punish her for a hug when they’d shared a kiss just under a month ago. A kiss which he initiated. A kiss so heated she’d begun to reconsider every decision she’d ever made in her life.

Leah had agonized over what to do with her life after high school. Against her father’s wishes, she’d enlisted with her only objective being to make it into Special Forces. As much as she was interested in Sy, she couldn’t act on it without risking everything.

Sy had been more than fair to her since her arrival. What would he think of her now? Would he think that she’d used Niki’s status to get ahead like Nielsen had accused her of doing with Sy? Would he assume the affinity they’d developed was just about her trying to get in his pants? Was that what led him to look so angry? Or was he angry because he was jealous?

She passed by the men from Niki’s unit, ignoring the interested stares from the newcomers.

“Aw, don’t be like that, Princess! Come greet our guests!” Of course, Connors would waste no time in sharing her lovely little nickname with them. At least the words out of his mouth hadn’t been “come blow our guests”. Suddenly, the wave of hope brought on by the sight of Niki was replaced with insurmountable dread.

Sy shut the door behind Lieutenant Stroubakis and moved around to stand behind his desk. The younger man stood stock-still with his shoulders back and eyes focused forward. His throat bobbed as he swallowed, betraying his worry regarding whatever was going to be said next.

“Is there anything I need to know about you two, Lieutenant?”

Like the reason why he had his fucking paws on Leah.

At least he’d posed it as a question and not an accusation. Look at him keeping his head on straight.

“I know her brother, Sir.”

“Cut the shit,” he barked. Okay, maybe his head wasn’t on so straight. “We both know that was not the reaction of a girl who happened to bump into one of her brother’s friends.”

Sy’s older sisters could barely remember the names of his best friends in high school. They would never have touched any of them, much less give them a hug.

“There is nothing to disclose, Sir.”

Sy dropped into his chair. “Forgive me if I’m reluctant to take you at your word.”

“Then ask her about it.” The Lieutenant’s mouth snapped shut, catching his momentary slip in composure. He didn’t want to piss off Sy by being insubordinate but there was something about the Captain’s demeanor that made Niki question his motives. “Sir, I am not going to divulge personal information about another soldier without their knowledge unless I feel like their safety or the safety of someone else is in jeopardy. My answer won’t change. You have nothing to worry about. That is, assuming your motivations for asking are related to the safety of your subordinates during my stay here and not for some personal agenda.”

The punk had balls. Sy could respect that. He could also respect that he was protecting Leah’s privacy. That was typically one of the first things you gave up when you went through basic training.

Sy carefully considered his next words, trying to convince himself as much as the young man before him. “Corporal Coleman is the only woman here at Warhorse. I don’t need a jealous ex exploding on the first hothead who catcalls her.”

Or worse, a current boyfriend.

“Why the fuck is she being catcalled at all?”

Sy rubbed his hand over his beard, letting out a deep sigh.

“Because the military is a sexist fuckin’ institution and if I write up too many of my men for what my superiors consider minor infractions they will gladly replace me with someone who will just look the other way. Or worse, someone who will get rid of the ‘problem’ at the source. I have no doubt she’s worked twice as hard as any other soldier just to get where she is, I won’t let them take it away from her. I also won’t let them get rid of her for an inappropriate relationship with a superior.”

Nikolas’ eyes widened before he looked off to the side. The muscles in his jaw clenched as he mulled over Sy’s words.

The candor of Sy’s statement was surprising. Whatever the reason, this man wanted to protect Leah. As a sign of good faith, Niki offered up some honesty of his own.

“Leah’s family to me. If you need the specifics then you can ask her directly.”

Sy took a moment to consider whether it was enough of an answer for him to drop the subject. He knew it should be, that it was just his curiosity—and maybe a little jealousy—getting the best of him, but he needed to play this smart.

“I am the only one who gives her direct orders, you make no decisions about her work and you don’t discipline any of my men for their behavior towards her.”

It was hypocritical of him to be saying those words, he knew so. He’d done his best since Leah’s arrival to walk the line between protecting her and giving her preferential treatment, but he was very aware that it was so much more complicated than that now.

“How bad is it?” Niki asked after a moment of silence.

Things were definitely better than they had once been. Nielsen and Connors didn’t try to pick fights with her anymore. They made the occasional comment but Leah didn’t really pay any attention to them. 

Sy gestured for Niki to take a seat, finally allowing him to relax a bit. Niki dropped his helmet and weapon on the table and pulled a folding chair closer to the desk.

“For the most part, she keeps ‘em in line herself.”

Niki tried to conceal his smirk but he broke, huffing a laugh. “She broke someone’s nose, didn’t she?”

Sy allowed himself to match the other man’s smile. “Is that a habit of hers?”

“Only when someone deserves it.”

Though Sy still wasn’t sure what to think of Niki, he couldn’t deny there was something to like about the man.

“Let’s get this shit planned out so we can get all our boys home safe.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Chapter 14

[paarthurnax59]

"Never to Be"

Chapter 4

Warning: violence, angst and swearing.

May 4th 2012

   It had been a few weeks since you had seen Steve at the Café. Everyday, you had been waiting to see him and watched for him at his usual spot on the café’s patio. It was a Friday, and it was also your day off. After the heartfelt conversation that you had with Katie, you decided to go for a long walk in Central Park. Walking through the lane of beautiful trees, you noticed the buds on the trees were about to bud in New York City, finally telling you that winter was over. The gentle warm breeze brushed against your body as you breathe in the flowery scent of a new spring. You reached the bridge in the middle of the park and leaned against the edges and looked down at the river streaming under the bridge. 

You mind comes to what Katie had said in the ally. About Dean and the trauma he had put you through.

“Of course. (Name), what you have experienced was abuse. Emotional and mental abuse, and not a lot of people break from that.”

It also started to make you wonder about if Dean truly was abusive to you. Her words echoed in your ears as you looked up at the sky, thinking about everything that had transpire in the past few weeks. Meeting Steve, the rumor about him wanting to go out with you, your emotional meltdown, and confessing to Katie about your past. Your never thought one man like Steve could cause this much emotion in you. Never would you even think a man like Steve would even be interested in you. Not in a million years. Steve was everything you weren’t. He was pure, clean, righteous, brave, and looked up to by everyone. Literally everyone in America is inspired by the man that defended the world from ultimate destruction form the maniac known as Red Skull. Making the most heartbreaking sacrifice so that people like you could live their lives.

But you on the other hand…were a broken, young woman trying to find her lace in the world. It certainly wasn’t going to be with the Winchesters, let alone Dean. He made that clear that he had no room in his life for you. A single tear falls to down your cheek while you coiled yourself drawing your arms close to your body. You choke out a sob as you let your mind wander to a dark place, filled with confusion and insecurity.

‘Why am I doing this to myself? Why can’t I just forget about my old life? Forget about Dean?’  You whined mentally as you tried to hold back another sob from your throat when you suddenly…

BOOM!

 An explosion was set off to the northeast of your direction, making you stop crying and turn to the horror that was arising. Out of nowhere, A large beam of blue light shot up from a distance. It looked like it was in the direction of Stark tower and soon, flying vehicles started to scatter around the city. On those vehicles looked like were monstruous creatures that were now starting to shoot at the skyscrapers in the city. Your eyes widen at the sight, feeling helpless and scared, now realizing the city was under attack. Your heart rate skyrocketed watching people run in terror in the park to get away from the explosion. Instead of running away, you stood still, frozen in your spot watching the destruction unfold. Your breathing stopped and you refused to move until a hand wrapped around your arm pulling you away. 

“Lady! What are you doing?! You need to get out of here! The city is being invaded by aliens!” Shouted one male police officer you didn’t noticed until he was pulling your arm. “We have to get out of here, miss! Now!Look up there!” He said as he pointed at the direction tried to drag you away and you almost went with him, when another explosion was set off to the west, where your apartment was. You face to turn to your home, knowing full well Katie was home doing homework. 

‘(Name), what are you doing?! Run!’  Said the voice of reason trying to get you to move before the blasts came your way.

‘I can’t leave Katie! She still at our apartment!’  You shot right back, hoping a burst of courage will arise in you to save your friend.

‘There is nothing you can do, (Name)! You aren’t strong enough! This isn’t like hunting a ghost or a demon. This is a full-scale invasion! An alien invasion! There is nothing you can do for her! You have to leave!’ The voice shouted back again. You stood still a bit longer before you made your decision. You looked at the cop that was holding your arm and looked own at his waist belt and saw his gun. With your swift movements and before the cop could even react to you, you grabbed his gun and the extra bullets.

“What are you doing!?” He shouted angerly as he saw your burning gaze staring down at him. 

“Protecting my friend!” you shouted without stopping for anything as the people ran from the explosion. You got out of the park and towards the direction of your apartment building. As you ran as fast as your feet can carry you, the voice in your head chimed in as you headed into the heart of the destruction. 

‘You aren’t going to make it, (Name)! She’s done for!’  Said the voice in a panic but all you did was just shook you head. 

‘I have to try! I can’t let another person I care about die! Not if I can help it! I won’t be able to live with myself if I ran like a coward while Katie needed me!’  You replied while still charge down the street do the very best not be hit by a speeding car and aliens shooting at people. One driver nearly hit you and shouted at you for being so insane as to run in the street. You didn’t listen nor did you care, all you were concerned about was getting to your apartment to save your best friend. You prayed to any angel that was listening that she was okay if they even cared. Reaching to yours and Katie’s apartment, you jaw dropped at the sight of seeing a big chunk of the dark red building blown off, where your apartment was.

“KATIE!!!” You screamed frantically as you ran into the building as some of the other tenants ran out in fear. You climbed up the long stairway as fast as any normal human can carry them. When you reached your floor, your legs sprinted to yours and Katie’s apartment. You saw that the door was blown off, making your heart race like rocket. As blasts and explosions went off around the city, you slowly lifted the gun with the finger on the trigger, ready to shoot if necessary. You entered your shared apartment and looked at the destruction. Nearly all the glass was broken in, the furniture was demolished, the fridge was knocked over and half of your wall was missing, exposing you to the chaos that was ensuing throughout the city. You shook your head, no longer caring about the state of the apartment. Now, you are just wanting to find your best friend and get her out of here.

“Katie. Katie!” you shouted while being on your guard knowing you could possibly be attacked at any given moment. “Katie, are you in-” you stopped when you stepped on a broken glass and looked down. It was a photo of both you and Katie that once hung on your wall. It was of you and her at Coney Island last summer. You were feeling depressed, and Katie suggested that you both go to the famous amusement park. The photo showed you two standing in front of the Farris Wheel smiling as you hugged one another, with the biggest smile on your face. It was one of the best days of your life. Your chest began to hurt as you breathe heavily, and your emotions got the better of you. as you looked at the picture and could not stop yourself from sobbing, you screamed out your friend’s name.

“KATIE!!” Heartbreak overwhelms you as you call out to your friend, hoping that she was still alive. Then, you heard a very faint cry coming from Katie’s room. 

“(Name)…I’m in my room.” You heard a weal cry in the other room and quickly ran to her room and bust open the door. Your heart shattered when you saw Katie on the floor holding her leg, wincing in pain. 

“Katie!” You practically fell to the floor, despite the broken glass and wood that scattered all over the floor. You brought yourself to her level and grabbed her shoulder and brought her into a hug. “Katie, are you okay?!” You cried holding her in your arms as more tears began to stain your cheeks. 

“No…my leg…I think it’s broken.” She winced and howled holding on to her leg and cried withering in pain. She looked at your hand and noticed that there was a gun in it. “Where did you get the gun?” She asked you between hissing in pain.

“I…took it from a cop.” You answered honestly, hoping Katie won’t upset by it. However seeing the sour look on her face, you knew you weren’t so lucky

“What?!” She shouted at you with a tint of anger.

“It was an emergency! I had to get to you!” You defended you actions, knowing full well you would never be able to sleep well at night if something happened to her.

 “(Name)…you shouldn’t have come back…You could be killed…”

“Knowing you were here? I don’t think so!” You countered as you ripped off some of the fabric of your shirt and grabbed two long pieces of wood on the floor and wrapped it around her leg. Once it was securely fastened around her leg, you turned your attention back to her. “If I help you up, do you think you can stand?” You asked with strong determination.  

“You won’t be able to carry me.” She retorted, basically trying to get you to leave her behind and save yourself, but that wasn’t going to work. All your life you have had people defending you and protecting you, look where that had gotten you. You lost all of your friends and family because you felt like you never did enough, at least in Dean’s eyes anyway. God, why even during catastrophic intergalactic invasion, you still let Dean get to you. Why in the world does that man have such a unbelievably strong hold over you? Why do you care? Why should you care? Pushing those thoughts away, you draw back your focus onto Katie. As you refused to listen to her protests, you placed her arm over your shoulders. One arm holding on to hers and the other with the cop’s gun. The blonde then looked back at you with astonishment and you back at her, as the fire grew inside you. 

“Watch me.” You gritted and hoisted her to her one good leg and stood up. “Just hop on your good leg. Keep yourself balanced and I will do the rest. Now, let’s go.” You finally say as you both slowly walked out of the apartment and to the hallway as the sound of the blasts being shot from outside.

“They’re getting closer!” Katie panicked as she was confirmed right when you hear the sound of Manhattan being pulverized by the alien army outside. You pain no mind as right now your only objective was to get Katie out of the building. The both of you reached the top of the steps and breathe heavily at the thought of what you were both going to do at this point. You looked Katie who was scared out of her mind and furled your eyebrows, knowing full well of what you needed to do. 

“Katie, I’m going to need you to hop on my back.” You said as your roommate looked at you like you were insane.

“You won’t be able to carry me, (Name)!” She shouted but once again, you refused to listen.

“Just do it!” You shouted at her, making her flinch. You know you are going to have to apologize to her later, but that will have to wait. If you both make it out of this that is. Katies then nodded and then released her arm from your shoulders and hoped behind your back. Once she got on you, she wrapped her legs around you and you started to walk down the stairs, slowly but consistently. You didn’t have time and needed to be as fast as possible before anything else happens. Katie watched you with such amazing curiosity as you didn’t faulter as you took each and every step. 

“How did you get strong?!” Katie shirked as you went down the steps with her on your back. 

“I work out. A lot!” You answered back as you remained focused on get closer to the bottom of the steps. You were halfway down when another small explosion goes outside, making the building shake and the both of you scream.

“You must leave me, (Name)! I’m done for anyway! I’m slowing you down!” She tried to convince you to leave her behind to save yourself. 

“NO, I WON’T! I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU BEHIND! IF WE DON’T MAKE IT, WE WILL DIE TOGETHER!” You shouted with so much agony and rage, that Katie didn’t even recognize you at that moment.

   “You have done so much for me, Katie! So much that if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be alive today! For taking me in, getting me a job and encouraging me to go to nursing school and build new life!” You cried your confession while Katie just silently listening to your rant, all the while you were trying so hard to not lose your balance while trying to carry her down the stairs. You continued to go down the stairs as you shouted. “Most of all, you cared about the things that I went through! You didn’t judge me or turn me away when I told you about my past! No one in my life has done that for me! No one! Not even the people that I had considered friends did that for me! You had given me a chance at life again, Katie! I am not going to let you suffer a horrible death alone if there is something that I could do about it! So shut up about me leaving you behind because that is not happening!”

   You screamed with every step until you finally reached down to the first level of your apartment building. With Katie still on your back, you ran out and got her off your, back up against the wall, before you collapse on the ground. You back roughly slide down against the red stone brick structure, breathing heavily trying to calm down your anxiety. Katie watched in horror looking at the city being attacked and turned to you.

“We can’t stay here, (Name). Those monsters that are attacking will find us.” She explained as you finally had relaxed your heart rate and you concurred with a nod. 

“I know, but we can’t get anywhere without help. I’m pretty damn sure your leg is broken, and I am too tired to carry you again.” You admitted you watched the aliens attack Manhattan. I was like watching “Independence Day”  in real life. Alien monsters shooting buildings attacking people, cars and buses on fire and buildings being blasted into rubble. A blast hits right above the both of you and some pieces of your apartment building started to fall above. “Look out!” you shouted as you pulled Katie and yourself away from the wall before the debris fell on top of you. You were now both on the sidewalk and coughing as some of the bust got into your lungs. You went to Katie who was groaning in agony and pain lying on her back. “Katie! Are you alright!?” 

“I’m…LOOK BEHIND YOU!” She screamed as you looked behind you and saw disgustingly ugly monsters. They come at both of you slowly, like a lion ready to pounce on a mouse. Your eyes turned angry as you picked up the gun your dropped to the ground and aimed at the monsters. 

“Back off! Or I will shoot!” you warned the monsters that were coming closer. “I SAID BACK OFF!” You shouted back once more, but the monsters just kept on coming closer to you. You huffed in anger and frustration, closing your eyes for one second. Your nostrils flared as you reopen them looking around the aliens closing in on you. You take the bullets you placed in your jacket pocket and loaded the gun. “Fine. Your funeral.” You muttered and then with as much control as possible, you shot as the monsters start come after you. You kept your focus and shot at them right in the head until every one of them fell to the ground dead. 

“(Name)! to your left!” She shouted again and you turn to shot at another alien that was about to pounce on you when it was climbing a car. Shooting it right in the head as it’s body fell flat on the concert paved ground. Another snarl could be heard, making the both of you turn around. Before you could shoot, a smooth deep voice hissed from behind you.

“Well, what we have here.”

 Said a very dark voice from behind you and quickly turn to see the who. You were now faced with a man dressed in strange green and gold armor, a helmet with long golden horns. Green cape draped over his body, flowing freely in the breeze. His face pale and eyes green as emeralds with hair black as a raven’s feathers sticking out from his helm. Deep down you knew this man was an enemy. You watched him as he his thin lips curved into a wicked grin as he looked at you.

“My, my, my. You have some real spirit in you, pet.” Said the creepy man as he walked closer to you and Katie. You stood closer to Katie and knelt to her, keeping her safe from this insane looking man. 

“Not a step closer, pal!” You demanded as you raised your gun to him. Aside from his apposing form, his steps ceased, in turn made him chuckled at your pathetic attempt to protect your friend. 

“Do you really think your Midgardian weapons can hurt me, little girl?” Asked the man as he twisted the large spear in his hands, walking back and forth in front of you. 

“I’m willing to find out if you try to come closer to us!” Threatening him again, you don’t lower the barrel of your gun at him. Not for one second as he was circling like a vulture. “Who are you?! What do you want?! Are you the leader of this invasion?!” You interrogated while trying to keep your breathing even as you looked up at him.

“Well, since you have insisted, my dear, I will introduce myself, seeing as you are going to be very familiar with me.” He said as he stopped moving and looked at you. “I am Loki of Asgard, your new king, and you will all kneel before me.”

Please like comment and share! Thanks for reading!

[bolton-buried]

Okay. Someone will have a way to make sense of this. Forgive the sloppy editing, but here's the footage from The Bookend.

[[OOC: As always, no real video, but you can have the video description.]]

Video description:

A woman with curly blonde hair is sitting in a room with white-bright fluorescent lighting. She looks like more shawls than woman, and people who have seen HuntingHauntings before would recognize this as Angie. A man, dripping wet in a black trench coat, is applying her makeup, mumbling to himself about how terrible of a room this will be to start in because of how much makeup Angie needs to use.

An older woman's voice comes from off-screen. "I hope you kids don't mind me leaving these books out here? My shelf in the back for Jurgen Leitner's books is covered in cobwebs, I have to put these somewhere."

As she speaks, she walks into frame. Her grey hair hangs loose and she carries a binder and two old-looking books.

Harold starts to reply. "As long as they won't disrupt filming it's-"

Angie cuts him off. "Oh, these would make wonderful props for our episode!"

"Or we could leave the-"

A woman's voice comes from off-screen, recognizable as Charlotte.

"Harold, I pressed one of the buttons on this camera, and now there's a blinking light. Is it going to explode?"

Harold looks up at the running camera, sighs, and walks over to turn it off.

Cut to:

Charlotte stands in front of a bookshelf, hair back in a tight bun and hyper-reflective bag over both shoulders.

"It's running?"

Harold's voice comes from offscreen. "Yes, it's running. Say your spiel."

"Tonight, Angie and I will be investigating the spirits rumored to reside in this library where two murders occurred recently. According to those close to the killer, he was possessed by an ancient evil in the building, and his attempt to plea insanity seems to support the idea. Let's get into it."

Harold speaks from behind the camera after a moment. "The murders were eighteen months ago, Charlotte. That's not exactly recent."

"Oh, you can just fix it in post."

"Not what that means. If you want to change the line, I need a new shot."

Cut to:

A window is open in what looks to be a basement room, letting in the sound of rain. The room is not well-lit, but not for lack of trying.

Angie sits at a table in the center, holding open a book - a large black book that the librarian was holding earlier. It's opened to the middle, and Angie is reading from it.

"Howl ye, woe worth the night! For the night is near, even the night of the Dark is near, a cloudy night, it shall be a time of us..."

As she speaks, the room gets darker and a faint buzzing noise is heard as the lights from Harold's rigs start to go out one by one. The camera footage gets grainy and distorted. Harold shouts.

"Charlotte, get away from my plugs! I don't want to redo any shots down here!"

"I'm standing over here."

"And the eclipse shall come upon-"

The footage cuts out.

Cut to:

Angie is flipping through the binder from earlier at the table in the brightly-lit room. "This Robert Kirk guy has some really interesting..." she murmurs before the camera is turned to Charlotte. She is holding a featureless book with a small brass plate on the cover.

Harold's voice comes from behind the camera.

"Okay, so you're going to - put that book back, you don't need it. We just need you to say the line while you walk towards me along the bookshelf."

"Well, I thought I could be reading it as I speak, just for-"

"Whatever. Just start. I don't want to come back here tomorrow."

Charlotte starts walking towards the camera as Harold walks away. She opens the book before she starts speaking, but freezes after a few words.

"But why did the spirits cause him to... It doesn't matter, I guess."

An emptiness seems to start slipping out of the book, like white ink spilling from the pages and making the world disappear where it touches.

"What the fuck?" The camera starts backing away from the encroaching nothingness, increasing in speed.

"We all barely exist, really. In the grand scheme of it all."

The camera runs into the rain, but the nothingness stops its approach at the first bit of rain on the sidewalk. So Harold stands and records, the video slightly distorted by rain on the lens.

Harold calls out. "Angie, are you?"

"It doesn't matter." Charlotte says, standing in view of the door. "We might as well not even be real."

"You're not real!" Angie shouts, jumping into the frame and tackling Charlotte. "I'm - I'm the only one!"

When Angie tackles Charlotte, they both tumble into the white nothingness that had replaced the ground. The book Charlotte held fell to the ground, closing on the impact, and the world was normal again. Sans the two paranormal investigators.

"What the fuck..." Harold mutters.

Cut to black.

[felixcloud6288]

Fullmetal Alchemist Chapter 30

We've had one traumatic death, yes. But what about second trauma?

Y'know how Greed said Ed was the type who doesn't mind getting beat up but will lose his cool when others get hurt?

Greed is also that type of person. This is the only time he's been furiously angry, and it's after seeing Loa and Dorchet killed in front of him.

I wonder if Bradley knew Martel was inside Al's armor before she tried to kill him. If she had kept quiet and let Alphonse quietly sneak her out, I wonder if the scene would have ended with Bradley saying something like "Before you go" and then running his sword down Al's chest.

The scene transition after Martel is killed implies Al lost consciousness from the shock. I wonder how that works though. I know falling asleep and being rendered unconscious are two different things, but I'd assume there are some overlapping characteristics that should cause Al to be unable to fall unconscious because of his condition.

I wonder if Martel's blood spilling on Al's bloodrune might have momentarily disrupted the seal and disconnected Al from his armor and if maybe Ed pulling Al's soul might have had something to do with Al not having his memories to begin.

I've got no real ideas with that. If something comes up later, I'll talk about it then.

But Al managed to reach that silhouette of his mother and that's what caused him to lose his whole body.

Bradley demands to know if Ed and Al traded any information or made any deals with Greed and threatens to kill them if they did. Considering what Bradley is, it's pretty wild he'd make that threat. He was willing to kill one of their sacrifices to ensure their plan wasn't found out. Or maybe he was intimidating them into silence.

Al being a suit of armor was probably known to the Homunculi long before this point. Greed found out because of the rumors in East City after the fight with Scar, and Lust was on the train to Resembool. Bradley asking about why Al is a suit of armor might be the first time they considered him as a sacrifice candidate though.

I'm glad Ed pointed out the inconsistency from Bradley saying he wants to find out what the military conspiracy is but then killing a bunch of people who could have been potential leads. Of course we as the readers understand it's because the conspiracy goes all the way to the top at this point.

Wouldn't it suck if you bought a house in Central and there's a window that allows one of those searchlights at Central HQ to beam into your house?

The scene with Riza is playing out like that scene with that white girl in every horror movie, right up until she pulls out a gun and shoots Barry.

I just love how she hid a gun in her grocery bag. Did she put it there after leaving or does the grocery store stock fully loaded revolvers next to the pet food? And where did that other handgun come from? She's not keeping a holster of any kind and just before this panel, she was using her right hand to hold her groceries.

Her grocery bag also had dog food so she canonically has Black Hayate at this point.

There was a missing person flyer for Yoki.

We can still see the bullet holes Danny and Maria gave Barry.

We see the military banner. It's a horned(?) dragon(?) with a winding tail.

It must suck for the people whose office windows are behind the banner.

back

Spoiler Discussion

Bido being established as not at the Devil's Nest during the raid shows how far ahead Arakawa had the story planned.

Arakawa planted a little seed here which would bloom into a major plot point dozens of chapters later. Hindsight and this scene proves she planned to have Greed return and have him betray Father a second time.

[snifflesthemouse]

This IS A LONG LONG POST

It’s Odd… one minute we have stories about HRH The Princess of Wales having issues with the King and Queen (i.e. “upstaging” the King and Queen at the Chelsea Flower Show with a “Surprise” visit). Let this author stress something…

When I see a con trick, I see a con trick. It doesn’t matter if the con is being used for good or bad… the tactics of manipulation are the same regardless of the motive. It doesn’t matter how noble your cause may be, if you are manipulating people (using [insert emotion] to gain) then you’re conning people.

Some people are uncomfortable with the idea that some of the best b.s. talking cons are actually beloved figures. People are also uncomfortable with the fact that BOTH CHARLES AND DIANA ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR HARRY. BUT ULTIMATELY, HARRY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HARRY.

So remember the conning trick I mentioned about “surprise” and “secret”? If not, go back to long ago and re-read. Just kidding, I will remind you. This mouse reminds the lovely readers with pleasure!

This author said that “surprise” anything never happens in the BRF. If that were true EVERY TIME MM said she was making a “SURPRISE VISIT” then it is also true for CATHERINE. That was a strategic move, and we see evidence in what is happening now.

What is all abuzz right now? Lady C, who someone in a higher part of the food chain than this lowly writer (a very well connected source, hello, source, I Hope you read this!) has reported to me has been suggested to support pushing a certain echo chamber for BP, (I can see how it is feasible that Lady C is well connected, but so unconnected she is protected connected. Which explains all the predictions she “made” in the book being somewhat directed). Point is, if Lady C is echoing the whispers being whispered in palace walls… Harry was the one who called divorce attorneys MONTHS AGO.

Remember when this author said what could be so valuable that Meghan would sit out the coronation, yet show up in a pap shot not with her son on his birthday but her friend Marcus Anderson, her known match-maker? It would seem like those MA MM jogging shots were sending the message that she is moving on. Then, she announces she is signed with a new agency… Then we have Harry rushing in and out to look like the doting father re the Coronation.

Then the façade of BP starts to crack. Catherine and Wills didn’t bow to Camilla. Camilla and Charles are mad at Catherine for upstaging them. ALL press pieces, not blind items. It would be smart for BP to fake its own proxy war in order to gain control of a new era and new narrative. They all know that drama is part of the survival. But mainly, it is clear Harry’s self-worth issues also stem from Charles, too.

After all, Diana DID die when he was younger. So Harry is moreso Charles relative than knowing of his mother relative like William. In other words, because Wills had more time with his mom, he has more of her personality imprints on him than Harry would. Harry has more of his father. And all the evidence shows Charles has strong sense of an inflated ego. All the way from coming out in interviews against his mother’s wishes to defend himself and Camilla, to what some would suggest is a big powergrab if you believe the tabloids.

Why would Catherine care who attended Charles’s coronation? She will have her own coronation to plan and decide. Yet these conflict pieces come out like it is meant to stir the drama back inside controllable walls.

A divorce rumor being leaked right at this time seems even more deliberate if you think about recent events, too.

This post is long, I know. Please hold out a bit more I am bringing it all together.

What if the bolt hole stories were leaked to make it look like Harry is a battered spouse trying to stay for the kids, but he has had enough of the manipulation and he is running. This whole bolt hole nonsense gives way to the next stage of the campaign. We’ve already had the kiss cam dodge, the rumors of separate lives, and now two bolt holes, Harry calling divorce lawyers, Meghan banging the body guard, and of course… that Harry wants to go back home. Then losing the security case after the car chase that was staged… oh yeah the car chase

That wasn’t that. What that was was an overexaggerated lie created to distract from something else. Con trick 101 class will teach you to put on a red rubber nose if it distracted the mark long enough to get the job done. What job are they distracting from? Where they were staying.

They didn’t want people seeing where they were staying. This is why the rumors have it that there were cancelations, even them begging for comps from hotels. Always hand open, never head down working!

How is it all related?

EVERTHING WITHIN THIS POST IS HYPOTHETICAL AND OPINION BTW

What if Charles never stopped supporting Harry because they always knew how it would end and they could use the optics to boost Charles’s and Camilla’s approval rating? Here’s how it was to go: Charles continues to secretly keep supporting Harry, even going so far as to go and flood media with pieces to save Harry’s face but drag MM. She figures it out by the time the Queen dies, and she stars separating. Charles gets his wish, as Harry is triggered by Meghan using paranoia to get Harry to trash the family openly. All the while, the plan was to have him do this up until after his book comes out. They’d need Harry and Charles to look so bad and hopeless for it to work.

Right when the whole world thinks Harry is gone forever, divorce rumors drop right around the time rumors about Catherine and Camilla beefing (which I suspect are planted fakes because why would Catherine care as she will have her own coronation). All of a sudden, a Hurting Harry Limps Back to King Chas is all over the news. Harry is back in the UK. Is it to file for divorce? There are no court cases active? Why is he home? Is the king sick? Is it the titles? All kinds of rumors will fly. You will see MM retaliation, too. That H was on drugs, abusive, etc. Whatever to make it extreme.

Finally, Camilla and Catherine work together to convince Wills and Charles to let Harry come back. She gets a ton of cash, the titles within limitation, and the “kids” are to be “kept tucked out of sight out of mind as much as possible”. Bet this was her bargaining chip at the coronation. Bet.

They are in containment mode people. They risk MM exposing Charles supporting them if the rumors are true. People would lose it if they knew Charles was still giving him money if the rumors are true (again HI, source!). But I could totally see the whole family being so cold hearted and ruthless at this point from all the drama that they would allow this divorce to play out as dirty as need be as long as Charles gets to claim the title of returing “Old Harry” back to his loving fans.

Gotta go. Sorry so long!

[angst-king]

A man by Many names pt 9

(( CW mention or rape, drinking, child abuse & neglect. Also I'm adding something (F/n) = friend's name.) Today was the day, today was the day his plans would finally come together. Dabi, toga, and he had been causing more and more casualties and chaos than usual. Eliminating some of Charge and Switch’s friends one by one, planting gossip here and there about their circumstances that circulated the internet not only in Japan but also in other places. Rumors and whispering had people glaring and acting with caution around the two pro heroes. Some suspected they killed their child and disguised this as a missing child case to cover it up or for publicity. Some think they sent their child to the commission. Some thought that the child had run away-which they weren’t wrong but Izuku couldn’t confirm nor deny that till today.

Today he would out these low lives publicly for what they had done. With some testing, he hacked into his city's stations and large outdoor TV and projected a darkened silhouette of himself on the screen. Many people on the streets and in their homes stopped what they were doing upon this sudden change.

“Pardon the interruption terrible etiquette I know but I’ve waited long enough. I’m sure many of you know about the disappearance of the child of two pro heroes Switch and Charge. I’ll save you detectives and civilians the time. Your two oh-so-lovely pro-hero couple’s child did not die, oh no they are very much so alive and well! The poor thing was so frightened when I found them all alone burned and bruised up in an alleyway! And you’ll never guess who did it! It seems like mommy and daddy dearest aren’t the loving doting parents they pretend to be!” Izuku let out a chuckle as he spoke, he sounded sarcastic and playful as if he were enjoying exposing them, and he was, he was bathing in it!

“The poor dear was shaking in their sneakers when they told me mommy and daddy kicked them out. I know it may seem hard to believe that two people in such a position of saving you pathetic civilians who smile in your faces with promises of safety would do such a thing but! I wouldn’t come with just ‘here-say’. So why not show my receipts~” Izuku said with a wide smirk displaying on the screen. Then the audio Toga had gathered from the car ride was played for many of Japan to hear. Izuku sat back as it played, even if he couldn’t see anyone’s reactions, Toga and Dabi could, they monitored the public’s reactions and texted him back everything they observed.

Many had looks of disbelief and horror on their faces, some people froze in their tracks, and some were whipping out their phones. Some of the news stations were figuring out how to shut Izuku down. But it was too late when the recording had finished Izuku let out a venomous cackle and leaned into his mic.

“What a shame, and here I thought heroes were supposed to be loving and caring! And protect others from harm! Are those two really someone you want ‘protecting’ your children? Someone who would actively encourage the rape and physical abuse of their own child!? If not, then I suggest you take action or step aside and let me handle it~” Izuku stood from his chair holding the microphone as he finished.

“Oh! And to the two shit stains you all call heroes, listen very fucking carefully. I wasn’t joking when I told you I would teach you what the feeling of fear is, and what it means to be a burden. I will make sure you understand exactly how the lil one felt when you kicked them out of your house with only some money and a backpack just so you could get laid and drink. I will make sure you feel what they felt when you let your so-called friends rape them, or when you beat them so badly they collapsed at my feet with burns and deep bruises. I will make you suffer until I think it is enough! You better start believing in a merciful god because I will not hold back!” He growled out the last line through gritted sharp teeth.

“Oh and if you’re wondering who the hell I am? You can call me ‘devour’ if you so wish~” Finally he finished and the screens all went back to their programming. He checked his phone and smiled to see Dabi and Toga’s reports and knew as time went on things would slowly start to fall apart for the heroes.

As days went by the news took Izuku’s debut and ran with it. The fact he played the recording of the pro heroes’ confessions only made things more controversial. People debated left and right about what should be done about them. The PR teams had to delete their social media due to the hate messages, but that didn’t stop angry fans from giving their expressions through hate mail

Deku reveled in their misery, every other week the news would show the couple bouncing from hotel to hotel after it had been vandalized by fans who stood in solidarity for the hidden villain’s cause. When they finally got a new house Izuku had decided to tell Toga and Dabi to leave them be for a little while.

“Lead them into a false sense of security, let the fans handle it for now, I want to see where they take it!” For now, he had to get creative with his hunting. The police and heroes patroling in the area were cracking down. Thankfully he kept his identity well hidden. Katsuki had no way to link him as any sort of villain let alone as Devour. He would be fine, everything would be fine!

Izuku could still take you out of the house since no one could really find a detailed picture of you. Most pictures your ‘parents’ had were very doctored, or low quality. Not to mention you were growing, your hair has gotten longer. So he decided to take you to the park again. Izuku couldn’t help but smile at how much you had grown since the first time he saw you. First, you were a tiny scared child who would shake and tremble at the sound of your name. Now you were smiling and playing on the playground.

As you ran around on the toysets you met someone who you hadn’t seen since you ran away.

“(F/n)?!” The small child turned to look at you their big red eyes meeting yours and you both grinned, they ran at you and hugged you tightly.

“(Y/n)!” You two were so happy to see each other again, time wasn’t an easy concept for kids so it truly felt like forever since you had seen one another.

“Where have you been!?” “I’ve been with a new dadda, my mommy and daddy weren’t being nice to me so I ran away!” Your friend looked at you in surprise and asked to meet your Dadda, so you took them by the hand and led them down to Izuku. You walked them over to the bench and called out for Izuku who looked up from his book with a smile.

“Hey (y/n) is everything okay?” He asked, You nodded grinned widely, and introduced your friend.

“I found my friend and they wanted to meet you!” Izuku looked over at the kid warmly, though as soon as he got a good look alarm bells rang in his head. Soft blond hair and bright red eyes that looked all too familiar.

“Hello lil one, what's your name?”

“I’m (F/n) Bakugou” Maybe it was just a common surname, right no way nope totally not his kid-

“Do you wanna meet my Papa?” “Su-sure” Next thing Izuku knew the small child raced off somewhere and came back dragging Katsuki Bakugou over to him by the hand. Izuku was about to have a heart attack right then and there. His head pounded in his chest, his blood was cold his eyes were wide in horror.

“Who did you- D-deku?” Both adults were staring at each other like two deers caught in the headlights.

“Dadda, you okay?” You asked him while tugging on Izuku’s hand, it took him a moment to come back down to earth but when he did he was still face to face with Katsuki. No hee wouldn’t allow him to make him feel afraid anymore, those days were long behind him. He promised himself he would never allow himself to be intimidated by him! After a long and hard deep breath, he shot the blond a subtle glare while greeting him.

“Hello, Bakugou.” That sure seemed to surprise Katsuki even more, he straightened up his stance and replied.

“H-hello, Midoriya” Izuku could tell that saying his last name left a sour taste in Katsuki’s mouth….Good! It should after the hell he put him through, he hoped it tasted horrible.

“Ooh Papa do you know (Y/n’s) dad?” Katsuki gave an unsure look and a heavy swallow as if he were swallowing his guilt.

“Y-yeah, though not very well, we used to go to school together it all.”

“Oh like how (Y/n) and I did?” “Y-yeah, kind of. Hey why don’t you two go play some more, since Midoriya and I already know each other.” Katsuki suggested, his kid nodded and took you by the hand and you both ran back to the playground together. Katsuki plopped down on the far side of the bench with a grunt, unable to keep his glances off of Izuku who put his nose back into his book.

“S-so-”

“Shut up.” Izuku hissed out annoyedly, but that didn’t stop Katsuki from talking.

“Don’t tell me what to-” “I’m reading, shut up.” “Would you stop that!” Izuku rolled his eyes got up from his seat and moved to another bench still within view of the children so he could make sure you were okay. Izuku wasn’t going to get himself involved with him, he wasn’t scared he just didn’t want to, not this soon, not like this. Not while he was internally spiraling and biting his tongue to keep himself from having panic attacks from seeing his childhood abuser. If Katsuki remembered that night before then he might ask him about it and he didn’t want to talk about it, and he wasn’t sorry either. Izuku could see the bandage on Katsuki’s wrist, he knew that was because of him. Good. There’s plenty more where that came from if he decided to fuck around again.

Now here’s praying Katsuki would keep his mouth shut and not ruin his plans.